010722 - Northern California Edition

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Volume 21 - No. 1 • 14 Pages

T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M MU N I T Y N E WS PA P E R

Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, SAN DIEGO, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

FDA approves booster shots for children In California, redistricting 12-15 as COVID winter surge rages on by the people DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

works for the people

CALIFORNIA’S just-completed re-districting process offers a model for the rest of the United States in establishing political districts that do justice to rapidly growing racial and ethnic minorities.

At an online news briefing convened by Ethnic Media Services on Dec. 28, all four speakers – including three veteran voting rights experts and redistricting reformers – called the redistricting process transformational.

Asked which minority groups won and which lost in the map drawing, Paul Mitchell, owner of Redistricting Partners who works with dozens of governments and interested parties nationwide, said, “It’s impossible to say how did minority groups benefit without asking how did Californians benefit. California is a majority minority state.”

The final maps “were not the ones the legislature would have drawn if it could,” Mitchell added.

In most of the rest of the country, incumbent politicians’ first priority is getting themselves and their allies re-elected. They rig the redistricting process through so-called “gerrymandering”

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

THE United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Monday, Jan. 3 that it would expand eligibility for coronavirus vaccine

booster shots to allow 12- to 15-year-olds to receive third vaccine doses, a decision designed to mitigate the rapid surge as the coronavirus outbreak reaches its third year.

The expansion only applies to Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine and comes as schools begin to

A CASE of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, was confirmed at the end of November in California thanks to the state’s large-scale testing and early detection systems. This variant is a cause for concern, not a reason to panic, and public health officials are monitoring the situation.

Until we know more about the new variant, it is important to remember the four things we can do to protect ourselves and our families against COVID-19: • Get fully vaccinated and get boosted • Wear a mask in indoor public settings • Get tested if you have symptoms or may have been exposed, and • Stay home when feeling sick California and federal health officials are working around the clock to study the new variant, including how it spreads, the vaccine’s efficacy against it and impact on COVID-19 symptoms. The reality is that the longer COVID-19 remains a threat, the

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CLOSED ANEW. An outdoor carnival in Barangay Salitran 3, Dasmarinas City, Cavite is temporarily closed on Wednesday, January 5.

Funfairs/carnivals and kid amusement industries are among businesses that are not allowed to operate as the province reverted to Alert Level 3 from January 5 to 15, due to the rising number of COVID-19 infections.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

ADEL

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Tourism reported another quarantine breach.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said a female passenger from the United States did not undergo quarantine and posted about getting a massage on the day she arrived.

This was reported by an informant who personally knows the passenger. The informant gave a

INFLUENZA and COVID-19, both infectious respiratory diseases, share similar symptoms and can even be contracted by a person at the same time, making it tricky to determine the infection by symptoms alone.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), flu, which is caused by the influenza virus, and COVID19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, spread similarly via droplets and aerosols when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, sings or breathes.

People can also contract both COVID-19 and influenza by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

The United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following shared symptoms for flu and COVID-19: fever or having chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches, headache, vomiting and diarrhea and change in or loss of taste or smell (although this is more frequent with COVID-19).

However, symptoms may develop longer after

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COVID CASES UP 570% Pres. Duterte wants cops deployed in quarantine hotels to prevent skipping PH back in high-risk category

by DANIZA

FERNANDEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte proposed on Tuesday, January 4 the deployment of police officers at quarantine hotels to prevent anyone from skipping quarantine, as a Filipino woman who arrived from the U.S. did last December.

During his weekly address to the people, Duterte admitted that it would be difficult to guard individuals under quarantine.

“Much as we would like really to control, even going after these defiant people, we can’t really guard them,” he said, speaking in a mix of Filipino and English.

by KAITHREEN

“It would not be legally correct to go after the hotel owners or the managers there, whoever is attending to the needs of the people that are inside the hotel because of quarantine reasons,” Duterte said. “It has to be a government personnel or employee.”

He then asked Interior Secretary Eduardo Año if it would be possible to put two officers in two shifts in each quarantine hotel.

“Yes, sir,” Año said. “The chief Philippine National Police and I have talked about this and they’re prepared to

DOT chief: Passenger from US arrested after skipping quarantine, getting massage

by ROSETTE

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More similarities than differences between flu and COVID-19

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As we learn more about Omicron variant, COVID-19 safety basics remain important

reopen after the holiday break and the omicron variant continues to spread throughout the country.

The FDA said that its decision this week was influenced by data from Israel, which has

sworn affidavit about the quarantine breach.

“Somebody gave the name even gave pictures that on the day she arrived she even got a massage, as in she was even posting it on her Instagram stories.

She was very proud that she was skipping quarantine,” Puyat said partly in Filipino in an interview with CNN Philippines’ “The Source”.

“That person has already been caught,” she added.

Puyat said the arrested pas-

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senger just claimed she checked into a hotel but the report showed that she never checked in for quarantine. She added that the passenger went directly to her condominium.

The DOT chief has yet to respond to Philstar.com’s request for comment on the custody and whereabouts of the quarantine violator.

The DOT chief in the televised interview, however, said the details on the quarantine violator Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat

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Philstar.com file photo

CRUZ ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Health (DOH) placed the entire country under the high-risk category as COVID-19 cases grew by 222% in just two weeks.

“Nationally, we are now at high risk case classification — from low risk case classification in the previous week — showing a positive

two-week growth rate at 222% and moderate risk average daily attack rate at 1.07 cases for every 100,000 individuals,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

She explained that the National Capital Region (NCR) had the highest increase in cases with an average daily attack rate of 5.42 cases per 100,000 population.

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January 7-13, 2022 • nOrCaL aSIan JOurnaL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

From the Front Page

FDA approves booster shots...

PAGE 1

already been administering booster shots for children and found that side effects are rare among younger people. Israel’s data included information from 6,300 people aged 12 to 15 who received a booster shot at least five months after the initial second dose.

“Throughout the pandemic, as the virus that causes COVID-19 has continuously evolved, the need for the FDA to quickly adapt has meant using the best available science to make informed decisions with the health and safety of the American public in mind,” said acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock in a statement.

The FDA’s announcement was preceded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) announcement that it will shorten the waiting period for the Pfizer vaccine booster shot.

The CDC also supports administering the booster shot to children ages 5 to 11 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, a recommendation shared by the FDA. Despite the controversy surrounding the CDC’s guidance surrounding isolation periods for people who test positively for coronavirus, the agency has been pushing to get more people vaccinated and boosted.

“As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to update our recommendations to ensure the best possible protection for the American people,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, wrote in a statement.

“Following the FDA’s authorizations, today’s recommenda-

tions ensure people are able to get a boost of protection in the face of Omicron and increasing cases across the country and ensure that the most vulnerable children can get an additional dose to optimize protection against COVID-19.”

Confirmed by multiple scientific studies and trends across the country, those who are vaccinated and boosted are less likely to succumb to the more severe effects of the coronavirus.

Walensky said last week that daily case counts across the country have climbed about 60%, but hospitalizations and deaths have been relatively low, leading to the conclusion that the omicron variant may be less fatal.

According to the CDC, more than 70% of people aged 12 or older in the United States are fully vaccinated, as of Tuesday, Jan. 4. Since receiving clearance to get vaccinated in November, more children between 5 and 11 are getting vaccinated; as of Tuesday, about a quarter of all U.S. children in that age bracket have received at least one dose.

On Wednesday, Jan. 5 the CDC reported 717,765 new cases across the United States.

Additionally, the seven-day average for positive Covid cases stands at 547,613 new cases per day, according to the CDC. In comparison, the CDC reported 151,140 new cases nationwide a month before, on Dec. 3. The seven-day average then was 107,434.

The surge this week is likely due to holiday gatherings, and health regulators are expecting an increase in the following weeks due to the holiday break.

In Los Angeles County — once the most concentrated coronavirus hub last winter — officials reported 26,754 new positive cases and 27 new deaths from coronavirus on Wednesday.

While case numbers are on the rise, hospitalizations and deaths remain steady, suggesting that “vaccines remain extremely protective against the most severe outcomes from Covid infections,” the county said in a statement.

“Rate ratios are a key metric for evaluating the protection offered by vaccines. These ratios compare rates of an outcome in unvaccinated people with rates of the same outcome in fully vaccinated people; the higher the rate ratio, the more protective the vaccine is against the outcome,” the county said.

Between Dec. 15-28, the rate ratio for admission into intensive care units was 21.3, which suggests that ICU admission was 21.3 times higher for unvaccinated patients than fully vaccinated individuals.

“We are grateful to the 80% of eligible residents who have already received at least one dose of [the] vaccine – and we hope that the almost 2 million people who have yet to be vaccinated take time to talk with their health care provider to receive additional information about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines,” Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of LA County Dept. of Public Health.

“Choosing not to take the vaccine during this explosive winter surge is very risky since so many of those ill with Covid in the intensive care units at hospitals are unvaccinated, and tragically, some of these individuals will not survive.n

As we learn more about Omicron variant...

PAGE 1 most variants we will have to overcome. That’s why it is critical Californians get vaccinated to slow the spread of the dominant strains. Kids 5-11 are eligible for vaccines and adults who have already completed their vaccine series are able to receive booters in time for the holidays.

Based on what we do know about this emerging variant, I’m answering your questions below: How can I protect my family from this new variant?

COVID-19 safety basics continue to be important tools to help slow the spread of COVID-19. First and foremost, everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated and complete their vaccination series. Get a booster when you are eligible.

If you are sick, stay home and get tested for COVID-19. And wear a mask when it can protect you and others, especially in indoor public settings. N95 and KN95 masks offer the best protection.

Additionally, Californians are strongly encouraged to enroll in CA Notify to be informed woman who skipped quarantine quarantine protocols by leaving when they have been exposed last December — Gwyneth the Berjaya Makati Hotel to to COVID-19, or to anonymously Anne Chua — along with her attend a party in Barangay report that they’ve tested positive. parents, and five employees Poblacion, Makati.

CANotify.ca.gov makes it easy for The hotel had earlier California to quickly alert others and officials of the hotel where she was supposed to have been apologized for “failing to of possible exposure, allowing stop” Chua from skipping them to take the necessary under quarantine.

Chua breached COVID-19 quarantine. n precautions to reduce the spread

Pres. Duterte wants cops deployed in...

PAGE 1 do it.”

Meanwhile, earlier on Tuesday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Grou of the PNP filed a complaint at the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office against the

TEMPORARY CLOSURE. Devotees are kept out of the Quiapo Church on Tuesday, January 4. The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is closed until January 6 for massive disinfection.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

of COVID-19 across the state.

Will the vaccines still work against the Omicron variant?

We are still learning about the new variant, including how it spreads and infects individuals as well as how it responds to vaccines. But we do know that variants will continue to emerge as long as there are large proportions of unvaccinated people. We have to remember that COVID-19 is a virus, it wants to live as long as possible by mutating into other variants, which is why vaccination is key to stopping it and its future variants in their tracks.

Right now, we know that all three COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death associated with the main variant circulating in California: the Delta variant.

Will the tests we have in California be able to detect the Omicron variant?

The Omicron variant can be detected with PCR and antigen testing that is currently available in California. Testing is being expanded by the state at international airports, prioritizing arrivals from affected countries.

The state is monitoring for the variant’s presence through COVIDNet, the unprecedented Whole Genome Sequencing Surveillance that utilizes sequencing data to help control

the spread of COVID-19.

I have family overseas and I am worried about us and them traveling during the holiday season.

Travelers should follow guidance from the CDC. All air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before travel to the U.S. starting December 6.

Additionally, the CDC recommends testing within 3-5 days after arrival, and unvaccinated travelers should quarantine for 7 days regardless of a negative test. If COVID-19 symptoms develop, travelers should continue to isolate and get tested again.

Where can I go to get tested if I have symptoms of COVID19, or if I have been potentially exposed?

Californians can find a COVID19 testing site online at MyTurn. ca.gov or by calling (833) 4224255.

Where can families get more information about the vaccine and to make an appointment?

Visit the state’s websites at www.vaccinateall58.com or www.myturn.ca.gov for more information on the safety and effectiveness of COVID19 vaccines and to make a vaccination appointment.

(Dr. Dali Fan/Ethnic Media Services)

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 7-13, 2022

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Date lin e USa

January 7-13, 2022 • nOrCaL aSIan JOurnaL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

New data shows next several weeks critical in beating back COVID-19 surge and protecting city’s essential services Health officials urge San Franciscans to get boosted and lower their risk exposure where possible as city prioritizes protecting essential services and vulnerable populations SAN FRANCISCO — With the Omicron-fueled surge propelling the city to its highest COVID19 rates since the start of the pandemic, Mayor London Breed and Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax are urging San Franciscans to layer their defenses, including taking reasonable measures to lower their risk exposure to the virus where possible to slow transmission and keep schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, and other essential services operating. Additional city resources are being deployed, and health safety measures implemented in response to the surge to minimize the impact.

An average of 829 San Franciscans a day are contracting COVID-19 (as of December 27), which is more than double that of last winter’s peak at 373 cases per day. While 81% of San Franciscans are vaccinated, and 54% of vaccinated residents have been boosted, the highly contagious Omicron-variant is still able to spread as breakthrough infections, often asymptomatically or with mild illness. This raises the prospects that frontline workers could become infected and be temporarily unable to work, impacting the city’s delivery of essential services.

“San Franciscans have shown over and over that they know what to do to take care of each other and protect public health,” said Mayor London Breed. “We have one of the highest vaccination rates of any major city, and all of our city workers, including those on the front lines, are vaccinated against the virus. But even with all that, this new variant is putting us through some challenging times, especially as people are testing positive and required to isolate.

While this will be tough and people should take steps to protect themselves and their families, I’m confident we will be able to continue to provide the services our residents deserve, and we will get through these weeks ahead.”

While hospitalization rates as a fraction of cases are expected to be lower with Omicron, the sheer number of people getting infected means San Francisco is experiencing increased demand for hospital beds at a time when staff is also contracting the virus because of high community spread.

“The next several weeks are absolutely critical, it is within our power to limit the damage of this latest surge but we need everybody’s help,” said Director of Health, Dr. Grant Colfax. “San Francisco is in a relatively good position compared to other municipalities. Our high rates of vaccinations and boosters are doing what we need them to do, which is prevent severe illness and disease. But the Omicron variant is challenging us even more than Delta to manage this disease while keeping our economy, schools and other essential services open.

We need to quickly adapt to periods of high transmission, like right now. For the individual that

means lowering your risk exposure where possible so we can protect our critical infrastructure, and for the city that means deploying the right resources to beat back the spread of the virus.”

San Francisco’s priority right now is to protect essential services and the most vulnerable populations. In response to the surge, San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH)-affiliated sites have rapidly expanded to more than 25,000 tests a week across the city, nearly doubling capacity from three weeks ago.

SFDPH is currently conducting about half of all COIVD-19 tests in the city and is prioritizing disaster service workers and symptomatic individuals for testing. SFDPH has also ordered test kits from suppliers to support first responders and the most vulnerable, such as residents and staff of skilled nursing facilities. These will begin to arrive in weekly deliveries starting mid-January.

Some of the City’s other efforts include: • Expanded hours and additional appointments and dropins for vaccinations and boosters at SFDPH-affiliated and health systems partner sites, including mobile pop-up events at schools and focused efforts on reaching all long-term care facilities and senior housing in San Francisco.

• Coordinating with other healthcare systems across the city to support SFDPH hospital systems and to further expand testing and vaccine hours.

• Updates to San Francisco’s Safer Return Together health order requiring boosters for health care workers and in other highrisk settings, and temporarily suspending the mask exemption for limited settings like offices and gyms to lower the chance of spread among groups of vaccinated people.

• Limiting the number of visitors and requiring on-site testing at skilled nursing facilities.

• New safety protocol at homeless shelters that enable the continuation of services by grouping residents based on COVID-19 status.

With children returning to school this week after the holiday break, SFDPH reaffirms that schools have been low-risk settings with the proper safety protocols in place and that even with the certainty of additional cases, the mental health and educational impacts on students due to social isolation far outweigh the challenges of in-person learning.

Residents can do many things to protect themselves and their community and lower the level of risk exposure in households.

Consider taking additional measures during times of high transmission, such as getting vaccinated/boosted, upgrading masks, working from home if possible, or limiting time spent in crowded, indoor settings.

As of Tuesday, January 4, 186 SFPD members, including 167 sworn officers, 135 SFFD staff,

and 85 SFMTA personnel have been exposed to COVID-19 and have entered or are entering quarantine. These departments are prioritizing essential operations and establishing emergency contingency plans to minimize disruption to services.

How to stay safe: • Have everyone ages 5+ get their COVID-19 vaccine and booster if eligible.

• Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate themselves and get tested as soon as possible.

• Get tested before travel, upon return, and again 3-5 days later.

• Take advantage of quick and easy home test kits available in pharmacies and stores.

• Outside gatherings are safer than indoor gatherings. Limit the number and size of indoor gatherings.

• Take all precautions, including vaccinations, boosters, and testing when gathering with others without masks – especially with elderly or immunocompromised individuals, and anyone who is unvaccinated or not yet boosted.

• Wear a well-fitted mask indoors and in crowded settings.

To best protect yourself, wear an N95 or double mask with a cloth mask over a surgical mask to improve the seal. If possible, avoid wearing only a cloth mask during this surge.

• Unvaccinated adults should avoid travel and gatherings outside their household.

• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer often.

• Layer your defenses, and reduce your household’s risk exposure during periods of high transmission, like the current omicron surge.

What to do if you test positive for COVID: Individuals who test positive, including if they are asymptomatic, should assume they are infected with COVID-19 and take measures to get care and isolate away from others. Additionally, they should notify their healthcare provider about their positive test result and stay in contact with them during their illness. Individuals who do not have a provider or need assistance with isolation can connect with the SFDPH COVID Resource Center at (628) 217-6101.

More information about what to do if you test positive at https:// www.sfdph.org/dph/COVID-19/ Isolation-and-Quarantine.asp.

Other COVID-19 resources: • Isolation and Quarantine guidelines can be found here: https://www.sfdph.org/dph/ COVID-19/Isolation-and-Quarantine.asp • For a list of testing sites in San Francisco, go to: sf.gov/gettested • For a list of vaccination and booster sites in San Francisco, go to: sf.gov/getvaccinated • More SF COVID data can be found here: sf.gov/resource/2021/ covid-19-data-and-reports.

(SF Mayor’s Office Release)

DOT chief: Passenger from US arrested...

PAGE 1

have already been submitted to the Bureau of Quarantine and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

“I leave it up to them,” she said.

‘Poblacion incident’ The latest quarantine breach came after a woman, identified as Gwyneth Anne Chua, was able to skip isolation at a hotel in Makati to party and then eventually tested positive for COVID-19. Chua also arrived from the U.S. Berjaya Makati Hotel, the hotel under probe for the quarantine breach, said sorry “for failing to stop the guest from jumping her quarantine.”

The DOT earlier served a Notice to Explain directing the establishment to submit its response to the allegations within the three days.

Puyat said she already read the press release of the Makati hotel but had yet to receive a formal reply from the establishment.

Under the country’s quarantine rules, passengers who arrived from countries and territories under the Yellow list such as the U.S. are required to undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day, with the date of arrival being the first day.

“Regardless of a negative result, they shall be required to undergo

home quarantine up to the 14th day from the date of arrival,” the Department of Health said.

Meanwhile, quarantine facilities such as hotels that would break the health and safety protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases may be penalized.

“Failure to comply with the health and safety protocols of the DOT, the DOH, or the IATF-EID may lead to criminal penalties of fines and/or imprisonment, and administrative penalties such as suspension or revocation of accreditation depending on the gravity of the offense,” the DOT said in a previous statement. n

More similarities than differences...

PAGE 1 infection for those with COVID19 than those who have flu, the CDC said.

A person with COVID-19 typically shows symptoms five days after being infected, while a person with flu can experience symptoms one to four days after infection.

Those with COVID-19 can also be contagious for a longer time than people with flu, who are contagious for only about a day before they show symptoms.

Health experts from the WHO had said that some may have few symptoms for flu or COVID-19 depending on one’s immunity level.

The Johns Hopkins University, meanwhile, said both illnesses can be asymptomatic and symptoms may range from mild to fatal. Flu and COVID-19 may

also lead to pneumonia.

Cooler weather and lower humidity are also key factors in the spread of viruses, the US National Institutes of Health said in its January 2022 newsletter. It quoted health experts who said cold and flu viruses survive better and become more transmissible during winter.

Likewise, health experts had said that preventive measures are similar for the two diseases, namely washing of hands, wearing of masks, maintaining physical distancing and staying in well-ventilated areas.

A preliminary study in The University of Hong Kong (HKU) showed that Omicron thrives in airways, where it multiplies itself 70 times more quickly, compared to the Delta variant.

Omicron, however, replicates 10 times more slowly in lung

tissues, which might contribute to less severe illness. But the peer review for the formal report of the study has yet to be completed.

In the Philippines, influenzalike illnesses increased by 30 percent last year. From Jan. 1 to Nov. 13, there were 71,708 influenza-like cases, up from 55,331 cases recorded during the same period in 2020, based on a surveillance report of the Department of Health.

Davao region had the most number of cases in the same period with 16,013, followed

by Northern Mindanao (10,168) and Central Visayas (8,773).

Deaths due to influenza-like illnesses also rose to 831 from Jan. 1 to Nov. 13 last year, up from 577 deaths registered in the same period in 2020.

(Inquirer.net)

DEFENSE AND ARMED FORCES ATTACHÉ COL. AMADO V. DELA PAZ, (PAF, MNSA) CALLS ON PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL NEIL FRANK FERRER. Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the United States Col. Amado V. Dela Paz, (PAF, MNSA) called on the Philippine Consul General to San Francisco Neil Frank Ferrer and discussed developments on Philippine-U.S. defense and security cooperation last December 20, 2021. Top photo shows ConGen Ferrer with Col. Dela Paz; bottom photo shows (from left) Vice Consul Adrian Audrey Baccay, Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, ConGen Neil Ferrer, DAFA Col. Dela Paz, Mrs. Theresa Dela Paz, and Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano during Col. Dela Paz’s visit.

Photos courtesy of SF PCG

PH back in high-risk...

PAGE 1 Vergeire said that average daily cases significantly increased by 570%, which was seven times higher than in the previous weeks.

The national positivity rate has reached 10.8 percent, while NCR has a positivity rate of 19.4%.

“An increase in the number of individuals testing positive, as well as positivity rate, were seen across all regions. All regions, except for NCR, showed a decline in the number of samples tested in the recent week compared to the previous week,” she added.

Health care utilization rates in national and regional levels were low, after the DOH alerted hospitals and local government units to prepare for the possible increase in cases.

Meanwhile, Health Undersecretary and Treatment Czar Leopoldo Vega warned that Omicron could become the dominant variant in the next three to four weeks.

“I think in about three to four weeks, as predicted, the Omicron will be dominant in terms of 50 to 90% of the cases, overtaking the Delta variant. But the Delta variant is still around with us,” he said in an interview with ANC. He noted that studies on the Omicron variant showed that it only brought mild symptoms.

However, he warned that the huge number of cases that could be caused by the Omicron variant could overwhelm hospitals.

Vega urged the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Vaccines prevent severe cases [of the virus] and even death. Definitely, all of these vaccines would wane in terms of the neutralizing antibodies for Omicron, but they can prevent serious disease and death,” he said.

On Monday, January 3, the DOH reported 4,084 new cases of

COVID-19, pushing the total number of infections to 2,855,819 with 24,992 active cases.

Majority of the active cases were either asymptomatic or mild.

Hospital bed utilization increased in Metro Manila to 29% occupancy for intensive care unit beds, 27% for isolation beds, and 30% for ward beds. At the national level, they were at 23% each for ICU and isolation beds and 16% forward beds.

Vergeire reminded the public to follow health protocols.

She also advised against visiting the three Cs — close spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings — where the virus could easily spread. “[DoH] would like to remind all our citizens that if you experience symptoms, please isolate at once and have yourself tested — it is better to test and be sure,” she added.

Vergeire said that PhilHealth now offers free Covid testing.

Stay home Malacañang on Monday urged the public to stay indoors unless they have to do essential business outside.

Cabinet Secretary and acting Presidential spokesman Karlo Alexei Nograles particularly addressed the call to those who “are not feeling well” and are exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

“Ang panawagan namin sa lahat (our appeal to everyone), when you feel something is not right, ‘wag ka nang lumabas (don’t go out anymore). Isolate then treat it as if you have Covid,” Nograles said in an interview with ANC’s Headstart.

“Any symptoms... Mag-isolate ka muna, ‘wag ka munang magreport sa work, magpa-test ka agad (Isolate first, don’t report to work, get tested immediately). Try

to protect your families, those in the community, your workplaces,” he added.

Alert Level 3 means limited mobility anew especially for minors and senior citizens.

Officials of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will meet on Tuesday, January 4, to discuss the restrictions to be applied in areas under Alert Level 3.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Monday that unvaccinated people will not be allowed outside.

MMDA Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said in a virtual press briefing that Metro mayors unanimously agreed to pass ordinances that will restrict the movement and activities of unvaccinated people.

Abalos said unvaccinated people should stay at home. They will only be allowed out to buy food, water and medicine.

They will also not be allowed in restaurants, malls, hotels, event venues and sports and country clubs. They will also not be allowed to take public transportation.

“This is like [Enhanced Community Quarantine] but only for the unvaccinated, and for their own protection,” Abalos said.

“It will be hard for us to go into lockdown again. We must learn how to live with the [Omicron] variant,” he added.

Individual outdoor exercises may be allowed for unvaccinated people but it should be limited to “within the general area of residence.”

Those who have to report to work will have to take RT-PCR tests every two weeks at their own expense. They must also present a negative COVID-19 test result. n

In California, redistricting by the people...

PAGE 1 that “packs” political districts to boost their supporters or “cracks” them to divide their opponents.

But prior to the 2010 Census, California became the first state — and still one of just a handful — where the redistricting process is instead conducted by private citizens. Such commissions in other states operate under rules different from California’s.

Russell Yee, one of five Republicans serving with four independents and five Democrats on California’s 14-member commission, described the process as “the most participatory, open-access redistricting effort in the nation, and probably in all history.”

He was one of 2,000 people to apply to serve on the redistricting panel, charged with drawing new, equally populated districts for the state’s 53 U.S. Congressional seats, 80 state Assembly seats, 40 state Senate seats, and four Board of Equalization seats to represent the state’s nearly 40 million people.

An analysis of California’s new maps by MALDEF, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, found that the number of districts where the majority of the voting-age population is Latino grew from 10 to now 16 for the 53 Congressional seats, from 17 to 22 in the state Assembly, and from seven to 10 in the state Senate.

“On behalf of MALDEF,” said Thomas Saenz, its president and general counsel, “I have to say that the commission did a terrific job in complying with the Voting Rights Act in drawing maps — not a perfect job, but as good as you can expect.”

Since the 2010 Census, California’s Latino population has grown by 11.2% — 69% of all population growth in the state and 70% of the growth of voting-age citizens – and is now 27% of the state’s voting population. All other ethnicities combined grew at a 3.1% rate as the state population grew by 6.1% overall.

Asian Americans are California’s fastest-growing ethnic minority, Census data found, though still fewer and less widely dispersed as compared to the Latino population. In three of the new U.S. Congressional district maps, the voting age population is more than a third Asian American, Mitchell said.

Mitchell said the Commission worked to maintain the ability of California’s Black population – now at 7% statewide — to choose its representatives even as it has tended to disperse across the state.

The Commission, for example, drew a Northern California district spanning Richmond and Vallejo that has an approximately 25% Black population.

Yee said the commission fielded and honored tribal requests both to maintain or separate various tribal territories.

Jonathan Mehta Stein, executive director of California Common Cause, described how the commission held hundreds of public meetings, with translators for public testimony and materials printed in 13 different languages, and hosted 23 commission meetings that heard almost 200 presentations from a wide range of stakeholders, including the Black Redistricting Hub, the Dolores Huerta Foundation, Asian Americans Advancing Justice and many others.

Outreach also took the form of ads, town hall meetings, roundtables, and more, ultimately eliciting 32,000 written public comments and 3,900 verbal ones.

Other efforts yielded 1,300 forms returned from state and federal jails and prisons, Stein said.

The commission detailed its processes on its wedrawthelines. ca.gov website in a 221-page report on Dec. 26.

“Community input actually did influence us, all the time and throughout the process,” Yee recalled. “Ordinary citizens’ stories absolutely had an influence on us, absolutely did affect how the lines were drawn.”

Yee also highlighted the important role of Kathay Feng of Common Cause in advocating for a citizen’s commission in the first place, an effort Common Cause continues to propel nationwide.

The panelists emphasized that although California is notoriously “blue,” ensuring that any given district includes a certain community does not guarantee specific outcomes.

To “perform,” that is, make their voices heard, people still have to be eligible to vote, choose to register and vote, and often also form coalitions. No community’s political loyalty is assured.

“Recognizing and honoring diversity does not necessarily advantage Democrats,” Mitchell stated.

“The test in elections is, when they’re campaigning, are they trying to earn those votes?

When they’re in office, are they responsive to those individuals?

Because that’s ultimately what the framework of districts is trying to establish.” (Mark Hedin/Ethnic Media Services)

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January 7-13, 2022 • nOrCaL aSIan JOurnaL

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The benefits of HONEY High in minerals and vitamins, honey is a popular sugar alternative. As an antioxidant rich food, honey is believed to potentially help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The special antibacterial and antiseptic properties of honey are widely regarded for their ability to neutralise the effect of a varied range of bacterial and yeast pathogens. Studies have also shown that honey can support intestinal health as well as being effective in enhancing Prebiotic Powerhouse Honey powders are an innovative sugar alternative for sweetening foods and beverages. Known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, honey has been used for health related purposes for many years. The breadth of research on honey, particularly Manuka, has highlighted their high antioxidant levels, effective at fighting free-radical damage. Not only that, honey is known to be an effective prebiotic, improving the number and health of beneficial gut bacteria.

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Proprietary drying technology is utilized to convert the honey to powder. This innovative method ensures that each honey retains its distinctive flavour along with its beneficial health qualities, in a convenient and versatile powder format.

honey powder is the perfect dry mix ingredient. It makes for an exceptional sweetener and flavour enhancer in powder mixes including dry smoothie and backing blends, meat rubs, toasted nut snacks, cereals and muesli coatings. Not to mention it can intensify the taste and nutrient profile of a plethora of deserts and healthy snacks.

In addition to flavour, our honey powders offer some health benefits and provide a source of proteins, vitamins and minerals.

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Back in the 11th century, honey was very highly regarded in Germany. Even their world-famous beer was sweetened with nectar. In fact, honey was so prized, that feudal lords demanded payment to be made by their subjects in beeswax and honey.

Oligosaccharides are complex sugars that can be found in honey. The body digests only a portion of these sugars, with the undigested portion playing an important role in gut health. These act as an effective prebiotic – food for friendly gut bacteria that support intestinal health and all-around well-being.

As harmful bacteria often found in the bowel cannot feed off these undigested sugars, it instead allows and stimulates the growth of beneficial probiotic microflora. As honey is rich in these prebiotic sugars, it is reported to help improve digestion as well as promote healthier cholesterol levels.

Antibacterial Support

Honey’s antibacterial properties are mostly due to an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, a known antiseptic. It is this attribute that makes honey, particularly Manuka, an excellent treatment for yeast and bacterial infections. However, nonperoxide versions of honey have also shown incredible antibacterial abilities, as the low pH inhibits microorganism growth. Studies have shown that around 60 pathogens are sensitive to honey’s antimicrobial qualities, including E. coli and Strep. faecalis. These strains of bacteria are often found to be at the root of many urinary tract infections, and diluted honey has been identified as a potential treatment.

Antioxidant-Rich

It is well-known that honey is rich in antioxidants, with the HoneyDew variety containing more of these beneficial properties in comparison to many other kinds of honey. Studies have also shown that regular consumption of honey can indeed raise the levels of antioxidants found in the blood. Polyphenols are believed to lower the risk of many diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Research published in 2004 showed that there was a direct correlation between honey consumption and polyphenol levels in blood plasma, as tested from 25 participants over 29 days.

Sports Performance Boosting

Honey’s sugar-like taste makes it a healthier alternative to many commonly used sweeteners. However, a recent study has indicated that honey can also boost energy levels over a more sustained period of time compared to those often found in sports performance foods and beverages.

The researchers tested the efficacy of honey compared to other commonly used sweeteners with promising results. Honey performed just as well as a popular preworkout gel without big spikes in blood sugar and insulin. Most impressively, powdered honey blended protein shake was the only one out of four, which included sucrose, maltodextrin and a placebo, to sustain blood sugar levels over a 2-hour post-exercise period. A final cycling trial showed that honey increased the power and speed of performing athletes significantly compared to the placebo and was just as effective as dextrose.

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Dept. of Migrant Workers to streamline services for OFWs

FOR SAFETY. The “Promenade Des Dasmariñas”, a public park by the riverside on Mangubat Avenue at the City of Dasmariñas, is temporarily closed as seen on Tuesday, January 4 to prevent people from converging in the area. It has been closed as a safety measure against the spread of COVID-19, even as the province of Cavite is placed under Alert Level 3 from Jan. 5 to Jan. 15 due to rising number of infections.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

CHR to press on with rights education despite vetoed creation of Human Rights Institute

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — The Commission of Human Rights said it is “saddened” by President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to veto the establishment of the Human Rights Institute, but vowed it will continue to make human rights education accessible to people.

Duterte rejected a provision in Republic Act 11639 or the General Appropriations Act of 2022 that establishes the HRI, a flagship program of the CHR. The president said no “appropriation is provided for the purpose,” meaning there is no funding set aside for it.

In a statment on Tuesday, January 4, CHR Commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit maintained the item appropriation is for the discharge of the agency’s constitutional mandate.

“The establishment of a Human Rights Institute is a longtime vision of previous and present commissions in ensuring crucial human rights education is made accessible to the people and for government personnel to better understand their role as primary duty-bearers in fulfilling human rights obligations to faithfully comply with human rights standards and principles,” GomezDumpit said.

“The HRI was envisioned to

fight against revisionism and provide a gateway for robust human rights education programs with other government institutions,” she added.

Duterte’s term—which will end on June 30—has been characterized by extrajudicial executions, rise in the climate of impunity, and deteriorating human rights situation, observers said.

The president has repeatedly said that he does not care about human rights although the government maintains that it is aware of its obligations to uphold and promote human rights.

Relevance in addressing world’s problems During the institute’s launch last month, Gomez-Dumpit stressed the need to study human rights, which is relevant in addressing impunity, climate change, inequality, and other modern-day challenges.

HRI offers general, special and professional courses online, which can be availed by law enforcers, jail personnel, judges, and prosecutors. It will also offer webinars, learning modules, and specialized courses on human rights.

“The institute will not cause additional burden to the government as this will be undertaken with existing resources of the commission while harness-

ing its potential for collaboration and partnerships with other institutions and organizations to further support it,” GomezDumpit said.

Despite the “disheartening” veto, the CHR will press on, the commissioner vowed.

“We shall continue to pound the walls of impunity to convey the message of human rights straight and across to our people. We are fully committed to continuously engage government and encourage them to do better as we work towards educating the people about human rights and promoting human rights of all,” Gomez-Dumpit said.

Gender responsive restrooms also vetoed The commission also expressed disappointment with the veto of the transportation department’s Gender Responsive Restroom Program.

“This appropriations item sought to address a specific gender and human rights issue—it was meant to recognize diversity of DOTr clients and ensure safe access to essential facilities without discrimination,” Gomez-Dumpit said.

“Efforts showing commitment to gender equality and non-discrimination deserve support through the provision of sufficient resources.” n

MANILA – A lawmaker on Tuesday, January 4, said the new department dedicated to serving migrant Filipinos will streamline and speed up services for the country’s overseas workers, especially those in distress.

Camarines Sur Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the newly signed law creating the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) would help better track Filipinos abroad, especially those in distress, as it provides for information system that will serve as a database for all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

He noted that OFWs would no longer have to go from one government office to another to provide for their needs, highlighting that the new department would regulate overseas employment and the reintegration of Filipino

workers.

“Government must make a much better effort in providing assistance and protection to OFWs, from recruitment to overseas employment, more so now with (the) upward trend in remittances as economies hiring migrant workers have started to recover from Covid-19 and are rehiring again,” he said.

He said OFW remittances have helped keep the economy afloat during the height of the pandemic and will continue to boost ongoing efforts to recover from this global health crisis.

Citing the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Villafuerte said personal remittances from overseas Filipinos rose by 4.8 percent to USD2.889 billion from USD2.756 billion in the same month last year as of August 2021.

“We owe it to our over 10 million modern-day Filipino heroes, who have helped keep our economy afloat amid all external and domestic challenges, to have a line Department in charge of protecting and advancing their interests, in keeping with the commitment to them of President Duterte,” Villafuerte said.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed before the end of 2021 the law creating the DMW, which will absorb the functions of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and will be tasked to protect the rights of migrant workers.

The DWM is expected to benefit an estimated 2.2 million Filipinos abroad, based on the 2019 Survey on Overseas Filipinos released in 2020 by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

(Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA)

Court throws out case questioning mandatory jabs

by Jomar

Canlas ManilaTimes.net

THE Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) has denied a court clerk’s petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the implementation of a measure requiring court personnel to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

In a 21-page order dated January 3, Judge Rosalyn Mislos-Loja of Branch 41 denied Las Piñas RTC Clerk of Court Kathryn Joy Hautea-Nuñez’s application for a TRO as well as her motion for reconsideration on a court order dated Dec. 13, 2021.

Mislos-Loja earlier granted a petition to drop Maria Cunanan, chief administrative officer of the Supreme Court Office of Administrative Affairs and Judge Cristina Bersamin-Embuscado of Branch 198 as nominal respondents to the case.

Bersamin-Embuscado is Hautea-Nuñez’s immediate supervisor.

The suit stemmed from the petition for declaratory relief

with urgent application for the issuance of a TRO and/or a writ of preliminary injunction) filed

by Hautea-Nuñez before the Manila RTC. Hautea-Nuñez questioned the implementation of the mandatory vaccination for onsite workers in areas where there is an ample supply of vaccines.

She also asked the tribunal to enjoin Cunanan and BersaminEmbuscado from implementing the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) resolution.

The IATF resolution provides that employees who refuse to be immunized cannot be terminated, but they must undergo regular RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) testing or antigen tests at their own expense.

It also mandated that establishments can refuse entry and deny service to unvaccinated individuals, or those partially vaccinated despite being eligible for vaccination.

Thus, in her petition, HauteaNuñez argued that there is no

administrative remedy available to her considering that the official pronouncement sought to be enjoined and subsequently voided is of general application and not subject to any grievance mechanism.

Hautea-Nuñez further claimed that the IATF order placed her under pressure because other vaccinated court personnel tried to encourage her to receive vaccine shots.

After allegedly weighing the information on the vaccines being used and the other means available to prevent the spread and severity of Covid-19 infections, Hautea-Nuñez admitted that she is hesitant to get a jab because she came to the personal conclusion that vaccination is not for her and her family.

In junking her appeal, the court held that “the petitioner’s resolve to seek the reinstatement of both the OAS-SC and Hon. Bersamin-Embuscado as nominal respondents is baseless.” n

Bible seminar on ‘what Jesus told is achieved in today’s world’ AMID a global decline in the religious population, a clear explanation of the Bible has drawn more than 140,000 believers to the church and the attention of millions.

“Shincheonji Online Seminar: Testimony on the Parables of the Secrets of Heaven and Their True Meanings” is held by Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. This round of seminars focusing on understanding parables written in the Bible in the New Testament will be held on Youtube, to be live-streamed every Sunday and Wednesday at 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) from January 2 to March 27.

Church of Jesus said that 1,200 global church leaders in 57 countries have signed MOUs with the church to boost international cooperation and exchanges for educational support.

As for the signing, Pastor Jerry Hagerman of Wayside Mission Church in Virginia, said, “I want to be able to grow in the Word and I want to teach our congregation... and help bring them from death to life. I want to be one with God’s kingdom and have open communication.”

In a recent report in December of 2021 from Pew Research Center’s National Public Opinion Reference Surveys, 3 out of 10 adults in the United States are now religiously unaffiliated.

The most affected in the fall in

VACCINATE

the religious population is the Protestant among Christian denominations that has shown steady decrease from 52% in 2007 to 40% in 2021.

This trend is also reflected by another investigation from Lifeway Research in Nashville that says most Americans consider Jesus as a historical fact but religiously have no biblical knowledge about why he came.

According to the report, only 9% of the 1,005 respondents knew that His mission was to give open words (fulfillment) of

the Old Testament.

On the other side of the globe, an increasing number of people are affiliated with religion. Contrary to the decrease in traditional denominations, over 140,000 people have joined the Shincheonji Church of Jesus after the Bible education course since 2019 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic.

An official of Shincheonji Church of Jesus said, “Across the world, more and more people are experiencing diseases, disasters, and hardships due to COVID-19, thinking deeply about the meaning of life and suffering. Religion must be able to provide answers to these people. In the religious world where face-to-face activities are limited, education should reach out to every individual in local communities.”

“What the Shincheonji Church appeals to people is the clear explanation of Jesus’ mission in the New Testament,” he continued.

(You can watch the seminar by searching “Shincheonji Online Seminar: Testimony on the Parables of the Secrets of Heaven and Their True Meanings” on YouTube or through the link https://www.youtube.com/c/ ShincheonjiChurchofJesus.)

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OPiniOn

FeatURes

Tracing, testing urgently needed HERE we go again, forced to tighten public health safety restrictions as the latest COVID variant of concern threatens lives and economic recovery.

After nearly two years, everyone should be familiar with the drill by now. And authorities should know the weaknesses in the pandemic response that still wait to be addressed, starting with contact tracing and testing.

The government never fully dealt with the weakness of contact tracing capability, leaving the task largely to local government units while hoping that vaccination would make up for the inadequacy. Only international travelers have been properly documented for contact tracing. The StaySafe.PH tracing app is a national embarrassment and LGUs have yet to fully link their respective tracing apps to a central database.

Contact tracing will be critical if the government wants to contain what is said to be the most transmissible variant yet of SARS-CoV-2. At the same time, timely testing must be made more affordable and accessible. Even when showing possible symptoms of COVID and the potential to spread the disease to the entire household, the cost of a reliable RT-PCR test – the cheapest being P1,500 for a saliva test – discourages many people from getting tested.

Some LGUs with small populations have offered

free testing to residents in low-income communities. Even those who are not extremely poor, however, but have lost their livelihoods due to the pandemic will be deterred by the cost of testing. If they get infected, the absence of contact tracing will raise their risk of spreading the virus.

On Monday, January 3, the first working day of the year, the Department of Health reported that the entire country was back to “high risk” for COVID. At the same time, the DOH said people should behave as if there is now community transmission of the Omicron variant, said to be several times more infectious than the virulent Delta.

The DOH is basing its warning on the leap in new infections. Within a span of one week, cases nationwide have surged from just 318 on Dec. 27 to 4,600 by Jan. 2. Monday’s cases were at 4,084, the stricter Alert Level 3 also began Monday. with no reports from 21 laboratories.

In Metro Manila, epicenter of the contagion Restricting mobility and vaccination are not since the onset of the pandemic in the country, enough. From the start, efficient contact tracing

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

and aggressive testing have been shown to be effective in containing a surge. They will be indispensable in fighting Omicron. (Philstar.com)

Irresponsible travelers

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ THERE is absolutely no doubt that the highly contagious Omicron is now raging quickly all over the world, with countries in Europe as well as the United States and Australia reporting record-high cases of infection this week. To manage and control the transmission of this virus to the extent possible, strict health protocols need to be implemented. Clearly, the number one health protocol is to quarantine travelers from abroad.

In the United States, a staggering 580,000 cases were reported last Thursday, Dec. 30, and experts have already warned of an “Omicron blizzard” as cases of infection continue to rise dramatically, averaging 290,000 daily during the week.

One good news is that recent studies on laboratory animals and human tissues indicate that compared to earlier variants, Omicron causes milder illness because it largely attacks the upper respiratory tract – the

nostrils, throat and larynx – and causes less severe damage to the lungs, most especially for those triple vaccinated.

However, the speed at which it spreads still makes it dangerous in overwhelming hospitals and may cause deaths, especially to unvaccinated individuals.

A study conducted in South Africa, specifically on the city of Tshwane which was described by researchers as the “global epicenter” of the Omicron surge, showed that the peak has passed roughly one month after a surge in cases, with milder illness and no corresponding jump in hospitalizations and deaths. But this is likely due to high levels of prior infection and vaccination coverage, since about two thirds of the people in Tshwane already had some form of immunity from COVID19 either through vaccination or prior infection.

Yet there is still so much that we don’t know about Omicron so we have to be cautious.

Even if studies indicate that it is milder, particularly for those who received mRNA vaccines, it is still the responsibility of every single person – especially those

who remain unvaccinated – to take precautions because they could actually be the carrier of a lethal weapon.

Ultimately, no one will argue that it is our responsibility to make sure we do not contribute to the spread of COVID-19, even if in places like the US, freedom and choice are preeminent.

Some countries are imposing masking and vaccination mandates, limiting the choices of people: either you get vaccinated or risk isolation because you could potentially kill another person if you pass on the virus. Aside from the elderly and people with co-morbidities, younger individuals have also become susceptible, with reports confirming that younger people are getting hospitalized due to Omicron.

In the Philippines, the Omicron variant is already spreading with new cases spiking to 2,961 last Friday, Dec. 31 – the highest in almost two months, with the positivity rate recorded at 10.3 percent which is way above the five percent standard set by the WHO. Local cases of Omicron infection have

also been confirmed in Metro Manila, which was to be placed under the stricter Alert Level 3 starting Wednesday, Jan. 5.

The report about this particular individual who flouted mandatory hotel quarantine protocols and even went partying despite knowing she may be carrying the virus is really the height of irresponsibility. This person arrived from the United States and after checking in at a quarantine hotel on Dec. 22, had dinner with some friends the next day and even went partying at a bar in Makati later that night. On the fifth day since her arrival, she tested positive for COVID-19.

After an initial denial, the woman admitted that she violated quarantine protocols, said Tourism Secretary Berna Puyat, who also disclosed that the hotel is now under investigation and was issued a show cause order to explain why the person was able to leave the hotel when she was supposed to be in isolation.

Reports say at least 15 people who came into close contact with the violator have tested

positive for COVID-19.

The bar where the individual went partying also expressed its dismay and disappointment at the turn of events, with the health and safety of the guests and staff already compromised because many have been infected.

“For the past two years under this pandemic, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that our venue is a safe place for our customers to have a good time without fear of contracting the virus,” the bar said in a statement.

The establishment had no idea that the woman came from abroad as she was with a group that had prior reservation. She showed proof of vaccination, had her temperature taken and even filled a health declaration form. As a consequence, the bar decided to close for the meantime, with the rest of the staff undergoing testing and strict isolation for the next few weeks.

Aside from potentially passing on the virus which could prove fatal to high-risk individuals, this irresponsible behavior of one individual

could also kill businesses that are crucial to the country’s economic recovery.

People should not forget that more than ever this pandemic continues to be lethal. More than five million people all over the world have died, with over 286 million infected and counting – which means their families have also suffered and may be continuing to suffer through this pandemic. Add to that the trillions of dollars in terms of global economic losses.

All of us may have different political beliefs or “colors” but at the end of the day, we all live on the same planet and only have one country. As true Filipinos, we should think of doing good to our fellow citizens and act responsibly. I pray the New Year will bring a renewed spirit of hope in our country. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

The promise of 2022

Glimpses

JOSE MA. MONTELIBANO IN most cases, an ending year simply ushers in a new year in a chronological manner. Of course, the change in numbers from one year to another remains important because many things in life, especially history, are documented numerically. But some new years are beyond symbolic, beyond numeric. They really are new because they carry with them a new energy, a new spirit.

2022 is one such year. The pandemic is morphing into a new variant, Omicron, milder, it seems, but many times more infectious. There are lessons from Great Britain and other European countries now undergoing new surges despite their highly vaccinated populations. 2022 will not just be about more vaccinations but booster shots, and maybe fourth shots.

The new normal is not any clearer two years down the road with COVID-19. In fact, it is only COVID-19 that is sure about what its future is. At no time during its inception did COVID-19 waver from its nature, from its capacity to infect and to mutate. New normal can only come after eliminating COVID-19 or learning how to live with it in a humanly productive way.

For the Philippines, what is differently new? The pandemic may be changing form but that is not new. What may be uniquely challenging is adapting to active life outside the home despite high levels of COVID. It is not only the fact that there will be no hundreds of billions anymore of subsidies left but that the economy cannot survive more paralysis and bankruptcies. It may be that circumstances will force government to avoid lockdowns so businesses can stay open, and people allowed to work and earn.

The early highlight, though, of 2022 is the campaign and elections that have already captured so much attention among Filipinos. The changing of the guards, so to speak, causes unusual excitement and apprehension. Saying goodbye to a visibly tired and ailing Duterte gives hope to a healthier and younger replacement – and Filipinos deserve a fully active and creative president in one of our worst moments.

At the same time, old faces of power hardly ever want to willingly cede away power and the control of awesome resources. Now increasingly known among their detractors as the Gang of Four, in reference to the old Gang of Four of China after Mao’s death, the MarcosDuterte-Estrada-Arroyo alli-

ance pits powerful, traditional powers against democracy and transparency advocates. While each past president did say they were for democracy, they did try their creative ways to seek legal means to circumvent the oneterm condition of the Constitution. Except Estrada for obvious reasons.

Change advocates will challenge established institutions that are known to controlling everybody else. It is not power that is challenged because power will always exist. Rather, it is power that is controlling in both intent and application. In other words, it is dictatorial power versus enabling power. Naturally, dictatorial power is established. It has long been the dominant force of Philippine society.

The new wave of consciousness, however, is characterized by its distaste of how traditional power had dominated society and seeks to find its own expression of independence. This young and fresh mindset does not often confront traditional power but refuses to blindly kowtow to it. Moreover, the spirit of innovation and radical expression finds ways to do its own thing in its own way.

In its desperate attempt to perpetuate power in its old form, traditional, controlling power, using the great wealth it amassed in the domineering exercise of

power and authority, has a great edge over its opponents. But the current of life does not presently favor the deliberate extension of what is obsolete.

It is like cryptocurrency, one of the most creative rebellions against established dictatorial power in the financial world.

Central banks all over the world have not managed to kill or abort it. Rather, it is cryptocurrency that has increased its variations and is forcing financial institutions to adapt. Slowly, maybe, but steadily.

In politics, the change will not come easily except possibly on the surface. Since there is no party system that works beyond the name and the primary personalities who control all of them, there is nothing that needs to be dismantled. But the value system driving politics in the Philippines will be confronted with a thirst for something else, something new, something young.

That is the promise of 2022.

While it matters, the victory or defeat of old or new forces will not stop the unstoppable march of evolution. If Marcos wins, it will mean that the old way has found temporary players to represent itself. But Marcos will never sit comfortably as president unless he junks what evolution asks – which he will resist so he can try to alter the legacy his

Pexels.com photo by cottonbro

father left behind.

If Leni Robredo wins, however, change will have found a willing and committed partner.

That does not spell success as dismantling something old and decrepit will not be smooth. How many children and grandchildren have tried to wrest power away from older generations yet encountered hell while trying.

Her political will and moral code will be severely tested, even and especially if she will be in the right.

The 36-year period from 1986 to 2022 may seem like forever to many, but to life, it is but a wink. Change has not come as expected because the needed work by the citizens, and not just by the powers-that-be, has been minimal. Filipinos must awaken to the fact that they are their final

saviors and not the politicians.

The needed leader of the Filipino people must then be a powerful inspiration, motivator, and determined enabler. That is the parent that the younger generations need to become the engine of growth and the future.

COVID-19. A weakened economy. A divided people. Poverty.

Hunger. Drugs. Corruption.

Against these is the promise of 2022, a promise of even more difficult times lies ahead. At the same, a silver lining is there, an opportunity will be placed in our hands in the new year. (Inquirer. net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Friday, January 7, 2022

INSIDE >>> L I F E S T Y L E • C O N S U M E R G U I D E • C O M M U N I T Y • M A R K E T P L A C E

Filipino cartoonist Manix Abrera explains first ‘Batman’ DC Comics book cover

By Deni

aFiniDaD-bernarDo Philstar.com

FILIPINO cartoonist Manix Abrera shared his experience in creating his first ever DC Comics cover for “Batman: The Knight” #1 issue.

In a recent interview with ANC, the book author known for his Kikomachine Comix comic strip explained the concept behind DC’s new “Batman” comic book cover.

According to him, DC discovered him when comic book retailer Comic Odyssey and artists’ collective Next Comic Art collaborated and pitched to DC if he could propose his version of the “Batman” cover.

Manix admitted that DC’s style is far from his usual “goofy” style, so he hesitated that DC would not approve of his pitches.

“Unang una, out of my comfort zone ‘yan kasi sanay ako sa cartoons eh tsaka sa comic strips so nag-collaborate kasi saktong sakto ‘yung Comic Odyssey and ‘yung Next Comic Art. Nag-pitch sila sa DC kung pwede akong gumawa ng variant cover for ‘Batman: The Knight.’ Tapos kinakabahan din ako nu’n n’ung sinabi nila sa’kin kasi dapat maapprove ng DC ‘yung style ko, ‘yung draft nu’n.”

How delightful Manix was when DC’s editor approved his drawings.

“So nu’ng na-approve ng editor nila, so ‘yun, ang saya-saya ko kasi bagong bago ‘to for me kasi superhero comics eh. Hindi ito ‘yung usual na ginagawa kong drawings.”

According to the Filipino artist, the new comic book zeroes in on Bruce Wayne’s journey as the Bat-

Filipino cartoonist Manix Abrera of Kikomachine Comix fame showing his ‘Trese Vol 3’ version (left); his ever DC Comics cover for “Batman: The Knight” #1 issue (right).

Photo from Instagram/@manix_abrera

man and return to Gotham City.

“Inisip ko, bagay na bagay dito ‘yung metaphor ng ‘The Alchemist,’ ‘yung papano nila (matratransform) ‘yung base metal into gold. Iniisip ko, bagay na bagay ‘tong parang story ni Batman eh.

Ginawa kong symbolism d’un sa drawing, paakyat si young Bruce Wayne sa temple tapos me stages of grief dahil sa parents n’ya tapos kung papano s’ya naging Batman.”

Although DC’s style is not his usual fare, he was still able to inject his signature style of incorporating occult elements.

“Kasi mayroon akong style sa comics ko na mahilig ako sa mga occult, mahilig ako sa mga magicmagic. Lagi kong hinahalo ‘yun sa cartoons eh kasi parang magkaibang area sila tapos ang sayasaya kapag naghalo. So ‘yun ang ginawa kong style sa Batman.”

Manix, however, clarified that he did not actually deviate much from his “Kikomachine” techniques in creating “Batman.”

“Actually, hindi ko ga’no bi-

nago ‘yung style ko kasi nu’ng gumagawa na ‘ko ng mga superhero artworks, talagang nilabas ko kung pa’no ako mag-drawing ng Kikomachine Comix. Nagkataon na lang na superheroes ‘yung main na focus tapos inisip ko, bahala na kung magustuhan nila.

Kung hindi, hindi. Masaya naman ako d’un sa ginawa ko. Tapos tsumamba na lang na nagustuhan nila ‘yung gan’ung pag-agaw ng styles kasi for me ibang-iba s’ya eh, ‘yung cartooning na style sa mayroong superheroes.”

In an Instagram post, Abrera exclaimed that the project with DC was “super exciting.”

“To say we are super proud is an understatement. This is THE FIRST DC Comics Cover of @manix_abrera and we are absolutely thrilled!” he added.

“Batman: The Knight” was written by Chip Zdarsky and illustrated by Carmine Di Giandeomenico and will be available for pre-order soon exclusively at Sanctum Sanctorum and Comic Odyssey comics stores.

GREEN CARD ACQUIRED AFTER BEING TNT FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS, THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Marie was petitioned as single by her father in the ‘90s, but she got married in 1998, revoking her father’s petition. The marriage did not last, and in 2002, Marie and her three children went to the U.S. as tourists. Since then, they had been overstaying and living in fear. Marie’s mother, a green card holder, petitioned her daughter this time. Marie had consulted with four attorneys who all told her she had to go back to the Philippines once her priority date becomes current. Marie refused to go back to the motherland for fear that she might not be able to return to the U.S. She consulted with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel who was able to find a way for Marie to remain in the U.S. and be interviewed here, and eventually get her green card in October 2021. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, January 9 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

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Told she must leave, Marie was able to receive her green card in US! IN 2002, Marie and her three children visited the U.S. as tourists. They planned to visit family and then return home to the Philippines. However, Marie later decided to remain and became out of status.

In 2009, Marie’s mother, a green card holder, petitioned Marie in the F2B category.

When the priority date on her petition became current, she consulted with at least four attorneys, all of whom told her that because she was out of status, she had to

go back to the Philippines to apply for her immigrant visa.

But Marie did not want to go back because she was worried about the uncertainty of applying in the Philippines, and that she might not be able to return to the U.S. She finally decided to consult with the “Attorney of Last Hope,” Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who was able to find a way for Marie to apply for a green card (adjust status) in the U.S. After retaining Attorney Gurfin-

kel, Marie got her green card in October 2021 in the U.S., and can now get healthcare, find a better job, and enjoy the other benefits of being a green card holder.

Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, January 9 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo.

Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download free app.

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celebrityworld

By Ferdie Villar WHEN “Mano Po” comes to mind, one can easily remember the films produced by Regal Entertainment which was often shown during the annual December Manila film festival. The first film came out in 2002 produced

by Regal Films matriarch Lily Monteverde.

There’s a new television series airing on GMA Network that continues the engaging themes brought about by the films – “Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune.”

The series is headed by Boots Anson-Roa, who shares screen time with industry veterans Maricel Laxa and Sunshine Cruz, as well as a host of upcoming actors and actresses including Barbie Forteza, Nikki Co, Darwin Yu, Rob Gomez, David Licauco, Dustin Yu and Casie Banks.

Sunshine is definitely happy to be in this TV adaptation of the popular movie series.

“This is a dream come true to

me,” Sunshine said in an article featured in the Philippine Star.

“Before I would just wath it. I was always wondering, ‘Why don’t I get an offer to be a part of this movie?’”

She had no qualms about the demands of the role, including shortening her mane.

“So, when they asked me that I needed to cut my hair, even though I have had long hair since I started acting, I told them with no hesitation, ‘Sure, if it’s needed for that kind of hairstyle, I am game.’ That’s how excited I am,” Sunshine recalled.

“To be able to work with my ninang Boots Anson-Roa, Ms. Maricel Laxa and these other fine young actors, it is really a blessing and an honor for me,” she added.

On the other hand, Maricel Laxa feels that his is kind of a homecoming for her.

“I started in GMA,” she said.

“And then, when I was seen by Mother Lily in GMA Supershow,

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‘Mano Po’ series brings mix of veterans, upcoming actors together that’s when she asked me and invited me to be a part of Regal Films. So, it’s like returning to the good memories of my beginnings.

The award-winning actress added, “Having the chance to work with her (referring to Boots Anton-Roa) made me realize, ‘Wow, I want to be that.’ She inspired me again. I told myself, ‘I never realized I’ll be back, but I’m here and I wanna be just like her.’”

Of the young stars given the opportunity to become a part of the “Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune,” Barbie Forteza said she could not believe her good fortune on landing a role on a beloved series.

“I was speechless,” Barbie shared when her latest assignment was revealed to her. “We all know how popular the movies were and how ‘Mano Po’ became an integral part of the movie industry. To be a part of this now that it is in on television, I’m very proud and very honored.”

Actors David Licauco and Nikki Co revealed they feel pressure to do well but are up to the challenge and will do their best.

“Actually, in every teleserye there’s always pressure, just like in my last one (Heartful Café),

which was also my first-ever lead in a teleserye. But with the pressure, I try to improve myself and my performance at work. When there’s pressure I feel that it’s the time you do better,” Licauco explained, as he added that he found his character Anton a bit challenging as he is preoccupied with family problems.

Co, meanwhile, had to draw on a lot as his character Jameson is not even close to what he is in real life. “That was a challenge to me. I had to really prepare… grabe yung extent ng kasamaan ni Jameson. And then working with veteran actors, they were really welcoming. So, we created chemistry together,” he stated.

According to series director Ian Loreños, the series posed quite a difference as opposed to doing it as a movie.

“Doing a serye is definitely different from doing a film. We tried to squeeze in everything we could push – in terms of quality, acting and story – to the small screen so Sunshine Cruz, sporting a shorter hairdo for the “Mano Po” TV series, is excited at the prospect that a wider audience could ap- of acting opposite godmother Boots Anson-Roa. Photo from Instagram/@sunshinecruz718 preciate ‘Mano Po’,” he said.

The pilot episode of “Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune” aired on Monday, January 3, and was reported to have trended nationwide on social media.

Alden Richards, one of the most popular and successful actors in Philippine showbiz, turned 30 last Sunday, January 2. The actor/singer/TV host and entrepreneur has been dubbed as Beauty queen Katarina Rodriguez, who is involved in many fundraisers and donation drives for typhoon victims in Siargao, has made an appeal to people to donate appropriate clothing Asia’s Multimedia Star after having won the 2019 Seoul International Drama Award.

Photo from Instagram/@katarinarodri Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02 to calamity victims.

Maricel Laxa feels that “Mano Po” is a homecoming to her, having started in GMA Network in the 1980s. She says of her character, Valerie: You will love to hate her.

Photo from Instagram/@mommymaricel

“Mano Po” co-star David Licauco feels the pressure to perform well on every project, and feels that it is that pressure which makes you do better.

Photo from Instagram/@davidlicauco

*** Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez has issued an appeal to people who are donating used clothes to the victims of Typhoon Odette.

“Don’t donate clothes you won’t even wear. Just because they don’t have anything does not mean they deserve the trash of other people,” Rodriguez said in an Instagram post on Tuesday, January 4, as reported by various news outlets.

“Sorry but some of the donations we received were so dirty or had many holes in them. If there are holes in your clothes, do not donate them,” she added.

The beauty queen also discour-

aged people from donating dirty undergarments.

“Also, don’t donate your dirty panty or dirty underwear… If it’s not wearable (essential) clothes, don’t send it. Please donate appropriate clothing!!!,” the post continued.

Rodriguez considers Siargao, which was devastated by the super typhoon, to be her second home. She had come to love the place when she was caught up in community quarantine in March of 2021.

The beauty queen is supporting various fundraisers and donation drives for typhoon victims in Siargao.

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Health @Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS IF there is such a thing as “the best time to get COVID-19 infection,” it could be now with the Omicron variant, which appears (so far) to be milder although super contagious, especially for the unvaccinated. If those who have refused the vaccines are hoping to get natural immunity instead, Omicron could be their saving grace as it is less damaging to the lungs, compared to the original strains and the Delta variant. For those unvaccinated who have health issues, Omicron infection can still be more dangerous, riskier than getting the vaccines.

When those with the booster get infected, they would have 2-tiered immunity: protection provided by the vaccines, and another from natural immunity. The latter is less stable and shorter-lasting and not as reliable as immunity conferred by the vaccines.

If at least 80 percent of those (60 million) who refuse vaccination get infected now, they would develop some natural immunity, which might help the country inch toward herd immunity in a few months. It would be much faster if they got vaccinated instead.

Omicron (thank God) is now the predominant strain, representing 95 percent of all COVID-19 cases, with infections one million on Monday, January 3 alone, although with fewer hospitalizations and deaths compared to Delta.

The first death from Omicron was reported Monday in Harris County, Texas – a 50-year-old male, who was unvaccinated and got the infection. For the unvaccinated, the complications are much worse, especially among those with health issues. Had this man been vaccinated, he could have survived the infection.

The risks and complications among those protected by the booster when infected with Omicron are markedly milder.

A trenchant, ironic blessing, perhaps.

News roundup In the Philippines, there have been 2,861,119 COVID-19 cases, with 51,604 deaths as of January 4, 2022. More than 100 million vaccines have been administered to a total population of 111,763,229.

To get the Pfizer vaccines, people have to pay $100 per shot, while all the shots, including the booster, are free in the United States. *** According to a study from one South African hospital published on Tuesday, January 4, patient deaths from Omicron averaged 4.5%, compared to 21.3% from previous waves. About 45% of patients with Omicron required supplemental oxygen, while 99% of patients from previous COVID-19 waves needed breathing

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Omicron: A ‘blessing’? assistance. The average length of stay for Omicron patients was 4 days -- less than half the average for other strains. *** Researchers from the University of Cape Town reported that saliva samples yielded more accurate results in PCR analyses when Omicron was involved compared with nasal swabs. When patients carried the Delta variant, on the other hand, nasal swabs were more accurate. *** HHS announced that Roche and Siemens have two new rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 on the market. If COVID-19 infection is suspected, the best is to get tested. *** As of Tuesday, January 4, there were 293,264,764 cases and 5,468,191 deaths worldwide, and 57,131,187 cases with 848,885 deaths in the U.S. Last week, there were almost half a million cases, mostly Omicron, in one day. *** With another day of record-breaking infections in France, Paris is implementing mandatory masking, according to the Associated Press. India is bracing for its third coronavirus wave, as many people have stopped wearing masks and are back to large gatherings, according to CNN. *** With Omicron, the greatest concentration of the viral load is found in the mouth and throat. Gargling 3 times a day with a mouthwash that contains stabilized chlorine dioxide (like TheraBreath, OraCare, CloSys, and DioxRinse) might help reduce this load and minimize symptoms even. *** There are two new (home) pills for COVID-19. One is from Pfizer (Paxlovid), for ages 12 and older, that can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death by 90 percent (the other, molnupiravir, is from Merck) if taken in the early stage of the infection, and for those family members exposed to the patient. Merck’s pills reduce the risk by only 30-50 percent. *** New randomized trial: Fluvoxamine (100 mg, 3 times a day) given to nonhospitalized patients within 7 days after COVID-19 infection was shown to reduce clinical deterioration (shortness of breath and oxygen use) at 15 days, according to the Wall Street Journal. *** Studies are being conducted to find out if the preliminary finding that sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is beneficial to Alzheimer’s patients is universally valid. Viagra, besides being very effective for erectile dysfunction in men, has been a therapy for pulmonary hypertension, even among infants. *** The FDA expanded the emergency use

authorization (EUA) of the monoclonal antibody cocktail bamlanivimab-etesevimab to include even younger pediatric patients, as well as newborns at high risk of progression to severe COVID. The FDA also says booster 5 months after the second shots may now be given to 12 and older. *** Patients on low-salt diet and replacing salt with potassium chloride (salt substitute) show these two regimens to be synergistic in reducing blood pressure more effectively, compared to those only on low-salt diet. The potassium chloride salt substitute appears to be beneficial.

The combined regimen reduces the risk for stroke, cardiovascular events, and deaths, as shown by a new landmark (5-year) study on 21,000 people in rural China. *** Studies have shown that the risk of death from people’s reaction to the vaccines is 0.0018 percent (a tiny fraction of 1 percent), compared to the 20-30 percent risk of death from COVID-19.

Majority of those deaths, according to an intensive review, were not caused by the vaccines themselves but the predisposition of the people to blood clots and others with health issues. *** In nearly every instance, COVID vaccine mandates are holding up in court, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Indeed, national safety and welfare should take precedence and prevail over individual rights and freedom, the misuse and abuse of which, like the freedom to refuse the COVID-19 vaccines, has led to massive viral spread by the unvaccinated, more than three-fourths of a million preventable deaths and economic disaster in the United States.

May 2022 be the beginning of a brighter future for all nations and all peoples of the world! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and antigraft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

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Jay Manalo

Inquirer.net photo

30 years in the biz, Jay shares secret of his staying power

by AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

WHILE his days of going full-on sexy in movies are well past him, Jay Manalo said he’s thankful to the supporters who still think he’s desirable at the age of 48.

But now that he’s back with Viva Entertainment, which launched his career in 1994, Jay jested he may have to start taking extra care of his looks again, so he can keep up with the company’s new breed of sexy actors and actresses.

“Since I’m with Viva again, baka magpabata ulit, so we don’t get left behind by the new ones!” he said in a recent virtual conference for the sexy action flick “Hugas,” which will be available for streaming on the online content platform Vivamax on Jan. 14.

The movie had Jay working with Sean de Guzman, who recently starred in a couple of Viva’s sexy online films. He couldn’t help but see a little bit of himself in the young actor.

“When I was starting out in Viva, they couldn’t quite decide where to put me at first. I was put in action films, and then in sexy ones, much like what’s happening to Sean now. I was given daring roles and I was asked if I thought I could do it. I recall telling them, ‘Wala namang problema dun.

Pinanganak naman tayong lahat na nakahubad.’”

Guiding newbies When working with newbies, Jay tries his best to guide them—the same way his seniors guided them when he was just starting out. “It’s as if I’m looking at myself in the mirror when I work with them. Back in the day, there were veterans, or those who started ahead of me,

SERVICES

who gave me advice on what to do in our scenes, what approach was needed,” he related.

“That’s why I look after the younger ones and see if there’s anything I can help them with,” he added.

And when his less experienced coactors make mistakes, Jay makes them feel that it’s nothing to be ashamed of. “Umaalalay ako.

We shouldn’t judge them, because that’s how we were at some point in our careers,” Jay pointed out.

“We have to help them to make the film better.”

In “Hugas,” Jay plays Boss Dencio, a syndicate leader who hires Al (Sean) for his skills as a hitman. Also part of the gang is Liezl (AJ Raval), a young girl who serves as an accessory to Boss Dencio’s operation. Liezl and Al fall in love and marry each other.

Hoping to start their lives anew, the couple plans to break free from the syndicate. But Boss Dencio wouldn’t just let them get away.

‘No place like home’ Jay added that he didn’t hesitate when Viva offered him a contract to return to its stable of stars. “I have worked with various production outfits, but as they say there’s no place like home.”

After almost 30 years in show biz, Jay remains in-demand in movies and television, where he’s able to hop from one network to another.

His secret? Just do your job and don’t ever think you’re better than anyone, Jay said.

“We’re all equal on the set.

Magtulungan at makisama, not just with your costars and director, but with everyone,” he said.

“We give our all in whatever project is given to us, so they end up getting us again.”

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