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

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin announces formation of AAPI Elder Abuse Steering Committee Policy allowing staff to take language classes at CCSF also announced

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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

Attorney General Bonta warns Californians to beware of illegitimate COVID-19 testing sites CALIFORNIA Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an alert warning Californians to beware of fake COVID-19 testing locations and websites.

With an increased demand for COVID-19 testing due to the recent spike in cases, scammers are exploiting vulnerable individuals looking to determine whether they have the COVID-19 virus.

These unverified sites pose as legitimate companies and healthcare clinics offering COVID-19 testing.

However, after receiving payment for a COVID-19 test, these fake testing sites oftentimes fail to provide their patients with their test results. These sites may also ask for a patient’s personal identifiable information with the intention of committing

White House AANHPI representatives celebrate diversity despite low approval ratings for current admin

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

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AMERICANS keep hearing that it is important to test frequently for COVID-19 at home. But just try to find an “at-home” rapid COVID test in a store and at a price that makes frequent tests affordable.

Testing, as well as mask-wearing, is an important measure if the country ever hopes to beat COVID, restore normal routines and get the economy running efficiently. To get Americans cheaper tests, the federal government now plans to have insurance companies pay for them.

The Biden administration announced Jan. 10 that every person with private insurance can get full coverage for eight rapid tests a month. You can either get one without any outof-pocket expense from retail pharmacies that are part of an insurance company’s network or buy it at any store and get reimbursed by the insurer.

Congress said private insurers must cover all COVID testing and any associated

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LEEWAY FOR UNVAXXED. Commuters board a public utility bus at the EDSA Carousel Busway Monumento station in Caloocan City on Wednesday, January 26. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated workers will only be given 30 days from January 26 to continue riding public transport under the “no vaccination, no ride” policy while Metro Manila is under Alert Level 3.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

ONE year ago, on Jan. 20, 2021, when President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala D. Harris were sworn into office, they inherited a host of national problems.

The Biden administration effectively took over the largely lackluster coronavirus response from the Trump administration, stressing the rollout of vaccines, tests, funding for the health care sector, and economic relief for a country struggling to make ends meet.

A side effect of the coronavirus response came the response to the sharp uptick in anti-Asian harassment, discrimination, and violence that percolated across the country, a trend that prompted the White House to increase efforts to stand by the Asian American

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Bongbong says he will not ask US for help in PH’s territorial dispute with China

by DAPHNE

GALVEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is running for president in the elections this May, rejected the idea of tapping the United States to help the Philippines resolve its territorial dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea. According to him, “The problem is between China and Manny Pacquiao and Mark Magsayo at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing gym.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

File photo

Photo from Instagram/@markmagnificomagsayo

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Billionaire Manny Villar to become next media Mark Magsayo: There’s tycoon after taking over ABS-CBN frequencies no next Manny Pacquiao

by MIGUEL

R. CAMUS

Inquirer.net

Filipino billionaire Manny Villar Photo from his Facebook/@Manny Villar

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Biden, Harris enter second year with mixed public opinion, lukewarm social progress

SAN FRANCISCO – District Attorney Chesa Boudin announced that on Monday, January 24, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office Victim Services Division (VSD) convened its first meeting of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Elder Abuse Steering Committee. The steering committee was formed to address the gaps in services for AAPI elderly victims – to examine the challenges with case coordination, underreporting, and to develop a standard set of best practices for providing services in a trauma-informed and culturally-appropriate manner to AAPI elderly victims.

“Elderly crime victims and survivors often experience unique challenges such as a lack of an adequate support systems, reduced

5 things you should know about ‘free’ at-home COVID tests

fraud. In the recent alert, Attorney General Bonta shares tips on how to avoid testing site scams, as well as how to search and locate legitimate, verified testing sites.

“Throughout California, fake testing sites are sprouting up to exploit families and individuals

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte once told Manuel Villar Jr. he would back the campaign supporter, billionaire, and former senator if he ran a second time for president.

Villar, the head of a powerful political and business clan, is not seeking any post in the 2022 presidential elections but through a Malacañang-supported move, he would nevertheless gain a new title, that of media tycoon.

Villar-linked Advanced Media Broadcasting System Inc., whose 25-year franchise extension was approved in 2019,

is taking over the television broadcast frequencies previously held by Lopez-led ABS-CBN Corp., according to documents from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) that were seen by the Inquirer.

The frequencies were recalled from ABSCBN after Duterte and his allies in Congress allowed the company’s franchise to expire in 2020 in a move that was decried as politically motivated.

The Inquirer received the documents on Tuesday morning, January 25 and made multiple requests for comment to the NTC, whose officials have yet to reply.

Based on the NTC documents, Advanced

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by BONG LOZADA Inquirer.net

MANILA — Mark Magsayo made it clear—he’s not the next Manny Pacquiao.

Being tagged the “next Manny” has always carried lofty expectations for any Filipino boxer and Magsayo believes that there will never be anyone who can match, let alone exceed, the mythos that Pacquiao created in the sport.

In an appearance at WBC’s Coffee Tuesdays, Magsayo said that he won’t be able to surpass what Pacquiao did but what

he can do is walk the path that the Pacman set for him and his generation.

“There’s no next Manny Pacquiao, there’s only one Manny Pacquiao and I’m following his footsteps,” said Magsayo. “He’s my idol since I was a kid, he was my hero there in the Philippines.

He’s my hero.”

Magsayo (24-0) got his careerdefining moment on Sunday, January 23 (Manila time) when he defeated Gary Russell Jr. for the WBC featherweight title via majority decision.

The Filipino’s victory ended

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January 28-february 3, 2022 • nOrCaL aSIan JOurnaL

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

From the Front Page

Attorney General Bonta warns...

PAGE 1 seeking COVID tests. It is important to recognize the signs of sham testing sites to protect both your money and personal information,” said Bonta. “I urge Californians to do their part to avoid fake testing sites by utilizing state resources, including the California Department of Public Health’s website, to find a verified COVID-19 testing site.”

Tips to avoid COVID-19 testing site scams Do your part to avoid fake COVID-19 testing sites by utilizing the following tips: • Only get tested at verified COVID-19 testing sites or through medical groups: To find a testing site near you that is verified to perform COVID-19 testing, use the California Department of Public Health’s test site search tool. You may also search for local testing sites through your county’s local public health department. You can find your county’s public health department website at COVID19.CA.GOV’s Hotlines and Local Info web page.

Also check with local medical groups to see if they offer testing services within their facility.

Should you choose to use an unaffiliated testing site, be wary of the following:

• If a provider insists on documenting your nationality or immigration status; • If a provider does not offer a notice of privacy practices, or cannot explain how it will use and share your personal data; or • If a provider insists on accessing your passport or driver’s license when you have other documents that show your insurance status.

• Identify and avoid “lookalike” websites: Fake testing sites may require you to sign up online. Beware of fake websites that purposely look identical to those belonging to well-known, trusted organizations and state agencies. Before entering personal information into an online form, always make sure that the website you are visiting is secure and does not display misspellings or unfamiliar names in the URL. • Be cautious of unsolicited calls regarding testing sites: A legitimate company or health clinic will not call, text, or email you without your permission.

If you receive an unsolicited message from an individual, do not provide the caller or sender with any personal information until you have confirmed it is coming from a legitimate source.

If you feel pressured to provide

personal information, just hang up.

If you believe that you have been scammed by a fake COVID-19 testing site, you are encouraged to report it to your local police or sheriff’s office and file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office online at oag. ca.gov/report.

Free COVID-19 test kits This month, the federal government announced the launch of a new federal resource where individuals can get free FDA-authorized athome COVID-19 test kits.

Visit COVIDtests.gov, or call 1800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-7207489) to order free COVID test kits from the federal government.

When placing an order online, you will be redirected to the United States Post Office website to fill out an order form. The form only requires you to provide your first and last name, shipping address, and an optional email.

Remember that no one from the federal government will call, text, or email you to ask for additional information to help you with your order. If someone reaches out asking for additional information such as your credit card information or Social Security number, do not respond – it is a scam. n

SWAB TEST BEFORE FLYING. Marivic Radam, an overseas Filipino worker, undergoes a swab test Monday, January 24 before going back to her job in Kuwait. OFWs need to present negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test results before boarding their flights.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

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

Date lin e USa

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 28-febRUARy 3, 2022

3

Biden, Harris enter second year with mixed... Billionaire Manny Villar to become next media...

PAGE 1

community.

On Thursday, Jan. 20, the White House Initaitve for Asian Americans Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) hosted a closed press briefing that featured Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander leaders in the Biden administration — including Harris herself — to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the inauguration and discuss the administration’s commitment to “diversity and inclusion.”

“One year ago today, the president and I were sworn in and I will speak for both of us in saying that when we took that stage and took that oath, all of you as leaders were there with us,” Harris said, addressing WHIAANHPI. “It was an oath that in many ways, we took together which is to continue with the work that has to be done to make sure that we are a government that represents all the people and that we fight for the equality of all people and the dignity of all people.”

Areas that are heavily concentrated with Asian communities, like Los Angeles County and New York City, saw steep increases in antiAsian hate crimes and hate incidents. To address these disturbing trends, the Biden administration passed a bill to improve the nation’s response to hate crime reports, increased funding toward research to better tackle bias and xenophobia against Asian Americans, and signed several memoranda related to improving civil rights practices and accessibility to resources for the multilingual Asian community.

The massive $1.9 trillion COVID relief package and the $1.2 trillion infrastructure law each helped families across the country navigate the coronavirus crisis. Biden also presided over an economic uptick: 6.4 million jobs created, rising wages and low unemployment.

“There’s still a lot of work to do, in that regard,” Harris said, regarding anti-Asian hate. “I think one of the most important things that we can all do together is to continue to speak truth, but not only to the strength of community but also to the particular needs of communities, and to do that is to understand and embrace that the diversity of our country is part of our strength.”

The Biden administration’s response to the Covid crisis emphasized the increased accessibility to vaccines, a triumph that WHIAANHPI emphasized on Thursday.

“When President Biden took office, only 2 million Americans were fully vaccinated, but today, 210 million Americans are highly protected from the most severe outcomes of COVID,” said Krystal Ka’ai, executive director of W’HIAANHPI. “There have been historic

investments made to ensure that we are tackling this crisis.

However, it’s difficult to ignore the overwhelming public disapproval of the progress (or, lack thereof) undergone

by Biden and, by extension, Harris.

A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, only 43% of Americans approve of how the administration is handling its job. The poll, released this week, also found that just 28% of Americans said they want Biden to run for re-election.

A Gallup poll in December found that 44% American approve of Harris’ job so far, a similar outcome to Biden’s rating in that same survey.

In November, an approval rating by USA Today shared that Harris’ public approval rating sat at 28%, making her one of the least vice presidents in contemporary American history — a significantly lower approval rating than that of former Vice President and driver of the Iraq War Dick Cheney in his first year in office.

The glaring disapproval rating is only punctuated by the seemingly absent Harris, who was once a driving force toward the administration’s emphasis on better racial and gender representation but had become a lukewarm answer to the social clarion call.

According to WHIAANHPI, in addition to Harris being the first Black, South Asian, and female vice president, 15% of all agency appointees within the White House are Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander which exceeds the 7% population share that the same group has across the nation. Additionally 26% of the president’s appointed officers within the Biden administration identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander, making the Biden administration one of the most diverse administrations in American history.

The speakers on Thursday stressed vague goals of “diversity and inclusion” with Harris — who is South Asian, Black, and female — as the standard bearer after a predominantly white and male Trump administration, which, for the most part, had a dubious relationship with racial, ethnic, and gender equality and equity.

But diversity and inclusion should go beyond presenting a variety of skin colors and genders; it should mean constantly taking action on the broad and specific issues and struggles of a nation that is becoming more diverse and inclusive. The Biden administration has so far failed to forgive the mounting national student loan problem, It’s also worth noting that in her first year, Harris’ task list included tackling two hot national issues: improving the precarious situation at the U.S.-

Mexico border and enacting national voting reform — two uphill challenges decades in the making.

In early 2021, Harris’ negative public perception kickstarted with the border crisis, notoriously telling Guatamalan migrants, “Do not come. Do not come. The United States will continue to enforce our laws and secure our borders. If you come to our border, you will be turned back.”

Harris, and the Biden administration at large, suffered a blow, with many Latino American leaders, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, expressing disappointment in the once-progressive former senator.

Most notably, the Biden administration has been criticized for the too-often confusing and shifting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventing (CDC) and a shortage in testing and personal protective equipment.

(This week, after weeks of criticism, the White House announced it would make 400 million N95 masks and free athome tests available.)

“We certainly have a lot more work to do and we will do it together,” Harris said in her final remarks on Thursday.

“But we must be committed to ensuring that the ideals that we hold dear are fought for because we can sometimes think they’ll just happen, but I think we all know that also, we have stand up and be vigilant.” n

PAGE 1

Media was given a “test broadcast” permit to use the coveted Channel 2 spectrum last January 6 and provisional authority to use digital TV frequencies in Metro Manila and Mega Manila on Channel 16.

This effectively gives the Villar group control over the frequencies, a scarce public asset, while blocking future attempts by ABS-CBN to regain use of the spectrum.

It was unclear how the NTC vetted Advanced Media’s capacity to run a TV network. Before awarding the frequencies, it also did not hold the traditional public selection process or “beauty contest”.

The last time radio frequencies were awarded was during the rigorous 2018 bidding for the third telco license—which was bagged by Dito Telecommunity, a venture between Duterte campaign donor and business tycoon Dennis A. Uy and China Telecom.

The documents also showed Malacañang’s support for the move.

The NTC said the 18-month provisional authority to Advanced Media was reviewed by the Department of Justice and Office of the Executive Secretary, which issued a “no objection” on the assignment of the vacated and available frequencies last December 29.

Advanced Media will broadcast the Channel 2 frequency from the Villar Group’s Starmall shopping center along EDSA in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, the documents showed.

Moreover, the NTC said the test broadcast permit will be effective until the final shut off of analog TV, which was earlier set in 2023.

Industry player Felipe Gozon, GMA Network Inc. chair and CEO, previously shared his views that the deadline would be extended anew due to the Philippines’ low adoption of digital TV. This would also extend Advance Media’s hold over the Channel 2 frequencies.

Democracy.Net.Ph co-founder Pierre Galla said the issuance of a temporary permit can be subject

to “misuse.”

“One method of misuse is if a permit is granted whose nature is indefinite and not short in duration,” he said.

It is an anti-competitive behavior designed “to prevent any other entity [from using] the frequencies covered by the permit,” Galla told the Inquirer.

According to Forbes Magazine, Villar is the county’s richest individual with a fortune worth $7.2 billion. He owns property giant Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., broadband company Streamtech apart from water and infrastructure assets.

In September last year, the House of Representatives approved the sale and transfer of control of Advanced Media to Villar-owned Planet Cable Inc. In latest financial statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Advanced Media reported an 80 percent decline in 2020 revenues to P3.1 million while losses widened to P3.1 million from P1.82 million in 2019. It had total assets of P35.7 million. n

Bongbong says he will not ask US for help...

PAGE 1 us. If Americans come in, it’s bound to fail.”

“You’re putting the two protagonists together.

We must understand na dalawang superpower ‘yan at nasa gitna tayo, ang liit-liit natin,” he also said during an interview with Boy Abunda.

In a separate interview

over DZRH, Marcos Jr. has described the idea as a “recipe for disaster” which would result in China ceasing talks with the Philippines.

“Hindi na tayo pakikinggan ng China (China will not listen to use anymore),” he said.

The best way to resolve the dispute, he said, is for Manila to continue diplomatic talks

and come up with bilateral agreements with Beijing.

He also rejected war as an option to address the matter since the Philippines is not capable of fighting against China. “‘Wag na natin pag-usapan ‘yun [war] dahil hindi talaga option ‘yun. We must continue to engage the Chinese,” he said. n

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JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Date lin e USa

PAUNAWA SA MGA KONTRATISTA IBINIBIGAY DITO ANG PAUNAWA na ang Lungsod ng San José (“Lungsod”) ay naghahanap ng mga selyadong bid ng panukala alinsunod sa mga sumusunod.

Pangalan ng Proyekto: 9629 - ESUHSD Oak Grove Community Wi-Fi Infrastructure CDBG (“Proyekto”) Paglalarawan ng Trabaho: Ang Proyekto ay karaniwang kinapapalooban ng Pagbibigay ng Wifi sa lugar ng pagdadaluhan sa Oak Grove High School at mga nakapaligid na komunidad sa pamamagitan ng pag-install ng mga wireless radio at wifi access points papunta sa humigit-kumulang 242 poste ng ilaw sa lungsod. Ang Proyekto ay popondohan ng mga pondo ng ESUHSD. Kalkula ng Inhinyero: $1,540,800.00 PAG-FILE NG MGA BID Kailangang i-file ang lahat ng mga panukala sa Direktor ng Public Works, Lungsod ng San José, City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St., 5th Fl., San Jose, CA 95113-1905, ng o bago mag-alas 3:00 p.m. sa Huwebes, Pebrero 17, 2022.

Ang kinatawan ng Direktor ng Public Works ay magbubukas sa publiko at magdedeklara ng kabuuang bid ng bawat bidder, gamit ang Zoom virtual meeting platform, makalipas ang ilang sandali matapos ang deadline ng pagpa-file. Maaaring ma-access ng mga interesadong partido ang virtual na pagbubukas ng bid sa pamamagitan ng pagbisita sa https://www.sanjoseca.gov/CIPBids.

PAGKUHA NG MGA DOKUMENTO SA PROCUREMENT Ang Lungsod ay gumagamit ng Biddingo, isang online na bid solicitation website, upang mapadali ang pagkuha nito. Ang mga bidder ay kailangang magparehistro sa Biddingo upang lumahok sa pagkuha nito. Walang bayad ang pagpaparehistro.

Upang magparehistro, ang mga bidder ay kailangang mag-online sa https://www.biddingo.com/ sanjose. Ang procurement na ito ay nakarehistro sa ilalim ng numero ng bid at pangalan ng bid sa itaas at may mga sumusunod na commodity code classifications (s): 100305 -Konstruksyon-Iba pa 025000 -Serbisyo Elektrikal 100903 -Serbisyong Inhinyero-Elektrical 10090 -Serbisyong Inhinyero-Iba pa 077505 -Mga Street Lamp at Fixtur Ang lahat ng mga dokumento at impormasyon na napapaloob sa procurement na ito, kasama ang mga plano at detalye ng Proyekto, ay nasa website ng Biddingo sa ilalim ng numero ng bid at pangalan ng bid sa itaas. Kapag nakarehistro na, maaaring tingnan at i-download ng mga bidder ang impormasyon tungkol sa procurement na ito, kasama ang bid at mga dokumento ng kontrata, pati na rin ang pagsumite ng mga tanong na may kaugnayan sa bid at mga dokumento ng kontrata.

Kapag ang bidder ay tumingin o nag-download ng mga dokumento para sa bid na ito, ang bidder ay magiging isang “document taker.” Magpapadala ang Biddingo sa “document takers” ng abiso sa tuwing magpo-post ang Lungsod ng addendum, tutugon sa tanong at/o magbibigay ng bagong impormasyon na may kaugnayan sa procurement na ito. Ang bawat bidder ay may pananagutan sa pagpili ng tamang mga opsyon sa notipikasyon na nauugnay sa Biddingo account nito. Kasunod ng pagsusuri ng Lungsod, ang mga panukala ay ia-upload sa Biddingo.

RESPONSIBILIDAD NG BIDDER NA SURIIN ANG MGA UPDATE Kailangang suriin palagi ng mga bidder ang Biddingo upang matiyak na ang bidder ay may pinakabagong impormasyon tungkol sa procurement na ito.

KAHILINGAN PARA SA MGA IMPORMASYON Ang mga bidder ay dapat magsumite ng mga tanong o kahilingan para sa impormasyon tungkol sa anumang bahagi ng bid na ito nang nakasulat sa Lungsod sa pamamagitan ng Biddingo. Hindi tutugon ang Lungsod sa anumang komunikasyon o tanong na direktang isinumite sa kawani ng Lungsod o mga consultant ng Lungsod. Magsumite ng mga tanong sa pamamagitan ng Biddingo nang hindi lalampas sa Huwebes, Pebrero 10, 2022 sa ganap na ika-3 ng hapon.

Inaasahang nabasa at naintindihan ng lahat ng mga bidder ang “Procurement and Contract Process Integrity and Conflict of Interest,” Seksyon 7 ng Consolidated Open Government and Ethics Provision na pinagtibay noong Agosto 26, 2014, ang kumpletong kopya nito ay makikita sa https://www. sanjoseca.gov/home/showdocument?id=19565.

Ang sinumang bidder na lalabag sa patakarang ito ay sasailalim sa diskwalipikasyon. Ang mga batayan para sa diskwalipikasyon ay kinabibilangan ng pakikipag-ugnayan tungkol sa procurement na ito sa sinumang opisyal ng Lungsod o empleyado o miyembro ng evaluation team maliban sa Procurement Contact o Purchasing Officer mula sa pag-issue ng pangangalap na ito hanggang sa katapusan ng pagpoprotesta.

PAGTITIWALA SA IMPORMASYON Dapat magtiwala ang mga bidder sa impormasyong nakuha sa pamamagitan ng Biddingo lamang.

Ang mga bidder ay hindi dapat magtiwala sa anumang nakasulat o sinasabi ng Lungsod o sa mga opisyal, direktor, empleyado o ahente nito tungkol sa procurement na ito. Kung sakaling makakuha ang isang bidder ng impormasyon tungkol sa procurement na ito sa pamamagitan ng anumang paraan maliban sa Biddingo, ang Lungsod ay hindi mananagot para sa pagkakumpleto, katumpakan o pagiging nasa panahon ng huling panukalang bid.

SEGURIDAD SA BID Ang bawat bid ay dapat may kasamang cash, sertipikadong tseke, cashier’s check o bidder’s bond na hindi bababa sa 10 porsiyento ng kabuuang pinagsama-samang halaga ng bid. Ang mga tseke ay dapat nakapangalan sa Lungsod ng San José. Ang mga bond ay isasagawa ng surety na mayroong balidong sertipiko ng awtoridad na in-issue ng California Department of Insurance at dapat pangalanan ang Lungsod ng San José bilang benepisyaryo. Ang lahat ng mga bid ay dapat naka-address sa Direktor ng Public Works, Lungsod ng San José, kasama ang Numero at Pangalan ng Proyekto at nasa selyadong envelope.

PAGDEPOSITO NG MGA SEGURIDAD BILANG KAPALIT NG RETENTION Alinsunod sa mga tuntunin at kondisyon na itinakda sa Public Contracts Code Section 22300, ang kontratista ay maaaring ipamalit ang ilang partikular na mga seguridad para sa perang pinigil ng Lungsod bilang retention upang matiyak ang pagtupad ng kontratista sa ilalim ng kontrata. Ang nasabing pagpapalit ng mga seguridad bilang kapalit ng retention ay kailangang nasa kahilingan ng kontratista at sa sarili niyang gastos. Ang mga seguridad ay dapat katumbas ng halagang ilalabas sa retention.

PROYEKTONG PEDERAL Ang mga bidder ay binabalaan na ang Lungsod ay maghahanap ng pederal na reimbursement para sa mga karapat-dapat na gastos sa Proyekto, kabilang ang mga nagastos sa ilalim ng Kontratang ito. Dahil dito, kakailanganin ng Kontratista na sumunod sa lahat ng mga requirement ng pederal na itinakda sa Attachment 7, Mga Probisyon ng Pederal. Dapat basahing mabuti ng mga bidder ang mga requirement bago magsumite ng bid para sa mga Proyekto, partikular ang mga requirement na naaangkop sa panahon ng bidding upang hikayatin ang maliliit, mga minorya at negosyo ng kababaihan.

Bilang karagdagan, kakailanganin ng mga Bidder na lagdaan at isumite ang Attachment 8, ang sertipikasyon ng anti-lobbying, bilang bahagi ng kani-kanilang mga panukalang bid.

KASALUKUYANG PASAHOD AT MGA KAUGNAY NA REQUIREMENT SA LABOR Ang proyektong ito ay pinondohan ng pederal. Ang kontratista ay kinakailangang sumunod sa naaangkop na pederal na kasalukuyang pasahod, oras at mga requirement sa labor, kabilang ang mga itinakda sa Davis-Bacon Act, ang Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, at lahat ng kaugnay na gawain (sama-samang “Federal Labor, Wage and hour Requirements”).

Ang proyektong ito ay isa ring “mga gawaing pampubliko” na tinukoy sa mga Seksyon 1720 hanggang 1720.6 ng California Labor Code. Ang kontratista ay kinakailangang sumunod sa kasalukuyang pasahod, oras at mga requirement sa labor na itinakda sa California Labor Code Seksyon 1720 hanggang 1861 (sama-samang “State Wage, Hour and Labor Requirements”) hangga’t ang mga naturang requirement ay hindi sumasalungat sa Federal Wage, Hour and Labor Requirements at hangga’t ang Federal Wage, Hour and Labor Requirements ay hindi naaangkop.

Alinsunod sa naaangkop na Federal Labor, Wage and Hour Requirements, ang kontratista ay kailangang magbayad ng hindi bababa sa lokal na kasalukuyang rate ng sahod ng per diem at lokal na kasalukuyang rate para sa holiday at overtime, gaya ng tinutukoy ng Federal Department of Labor.

Sa kabila ng mga nabanggit, kung ang kasalukuyang mga requirement sa sahod ng parehong Pederal at Estado ay naglalaman ng parehong klasipikasyon ng trabaho, ang kontratista ay kailangang magbayad ng hindi bababa sa mas malaki sa dalawang (2) naaangkop na lokal na kasalukuyang rate ng sahod ng per diem para sa holiday at overtime. Ang mga kopya ng kasalukuyang rate ng sahod ng per diem at ang pangkalahatang kasalukuyang rate ng sahod para sa holiday at overtime na may bisa para sa proyektong ito ay nasa file at makikita para sa inyong pagsusuri mula sa Opisina ng Equality Assurance ng Lungsod sa 408-5358430.

Tingnan ang mga Seksyong 2-1.17 at 7-1.01a(3) ng Mga Espesyal na Probisyon, at ang laman ng kontrata, para sa partikular na Federal and State Wage, Hour and Labor Requirements na naaangkop sa kontratang ito.

MGA REQUIREMENT SA LISENSYA NG KONTRATISTA Ang lahat ng prospective na bidder ay binabalaan na ang Contractor’s State License Law ay kinokontrol ang mga usapin sa paglilisensya ng kontratista. Ang Kontratista, sa panukalang bid nito, ay kinakailangang ihayag ang uri ng lisensya, numero, at petsa ng expiration nito.

Ang mga bidder ay dapat mayroong lisensya ng kontratista ng California, klasipikasyong C-10 upang i-bid ang proyektong ito.

MGA REQUIREMENT PAGREHISTRO SA DIR NG KONTRATISTA Ang kontratista at lahat ng nakalistang subcontractor ay dapat na nakarehistro sa Departamento ng Industrial Relations alinsunod sa mga California Labor Code Seksyon 1725.5 at 1771.1. Ang Lungsod ay hindi tatanggap ng bid kung saan ang kontraktor o alinman sa mga nakalistang subcontractor ay hindi nakarehistro alinsunod sa mga Seksyon 1725.5 at 1771.1.

Tingnan ang Seksyong 2-1.17 ng Mga Espesyal na Probisyon para sa mga requirement ng “pagpaparehistro” na naaangkop sa kontrata PAGTRATONG WALANG DISKRIMINASYON/WALANG PABORITO Ang mga requirement sa Pagtratong Walang Diskriminasyon/Walang Paborito sa Chapter 4.08 ng San Jose Municipal Code ay inaaplay sa proyektong ito.

MGA REQUIREMENT SA BOND Ang atensyon ng bidder ay nakadirekta sa mga probisyon ng Mga Detalye na nag-aatas sa kontratista kung kanino iginawad ang kontrata para sa trabaho, na mag-file sa Klerk ng Lungsod sa oras na isagawa ang kontrata, ng Bond sa Pagbabayad at ng Bond para sa Matapat na Pagtupad ng Kontratista na matugunan ang lahat ng mga requirement ng Mga Detalye at inaprubahan ng Abogado ng Lungsod ng San Jose. Ang mga bond ay isasagawa ng isang surety na may balidong sertipiko ng awtoridad na in-issue ng California Department of Insurance at dapat pangalanan ang Lungsod ng San José bilang benepisyaryo. Ang Bond ng Matapat na Pagtupad ng Kontraktor ay dapat para sa 100% ng halaga ng kontrata. Ang Bond sa Pagbabayad ng Kontratista ay dapat para sa 100% ng halaga ng kontrata.

1/28/22 CNS-3548293# ASIAN JOURNAL (NORTHERN CALIF.)

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San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin announces...

PAGE 1 finances, presence of multiple and chronic diseases, decreased memory and cognitive ability, and sometimes reliance on the person inflicting harm on them,” said District Attorney Boudin. “We are committed to listening to community leaders, and experts to better understand how to best serve our elderly victims.”

The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office AAPI Elder Abuse Steering Committee is led by Interim Chief of Victim Services Kasie Lee, along with the VSD’s two dedicated Elder Abuse Program Advocates, Peter Huynh and Wesley Chu, fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin; Anni Chung, Executive Director of Self-Help for the Elderly; Alice Chiu, Executive Director of Institute on Aging; and Henry Ha, victim services case manager with the Coalition of Community Safety and Justice.

The San Francisco District Attorney Victim Services Division provides support to victims to help them navigate through the complex criminal court process – providing access to mental health San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudi www.sfdistrictattorney.org file photo services, transportation, in-court advocacy, and regular work hours. assisting with restitution when appropriate. The “According to data collected through 2019, AAPI Steering Committee creates a collaboration with city and community-based partners to ensure 42% of San Francisco residents speak a language that elderly AAPI crime victims and survivors have other than English at home. Prioritizing language their needs met before, during, and after court access prevents us from excluding large segments of our community from access to services,” said proceedings.

“I am proud to work together with Kasie’s team San District Attorney Boudin. “It is a priority of my and other AAPI Partners to improve the experiences office to promote increased accessibility; this policy of the victims, especially seniors who need a will encourage our staff to continue to develop lot of hand-holding and support,” said Chung. their language skills to better meet the needs of “Being able to receive bilingual and bicultural our victims, witnesses, and survivors.

District Attorney Boudin has prioritized the care coordination and support from members of the Steering Committee will help alleviate fear expansion of services for victims since he took and anxiety. We will make sure elderly victims of office in January 2020. Since the beginning crimes are treated with respect at every step of the of District Attorney Boudin’s term the District Attorney’s Office has expanded to include victims way.”

The formation of the AAPI Elder Abuse Steering services to all victims, secured $6 million in grant Committee is part of the District Attorney’s Office’s funding to promote accountability and victim continuing efforts to create expand victim services. healing, started a pilot program to provide funding In 2021, the DA’s Office applied for and received for small businesses that have been victims of grant funding through the California Office of property crime which has since been expanded Emergency Services to expand access to victims citywide, partnered with local business to provide as well as funding for a victim advocate to work housing and transportation to vulnerable victims, with underserved AAPI communities. Because the and implemented a policy to ensure that victims AAPI community includes numerous communities with limited English proficiency have access to that may have different needs, VSD is also working court interpreters when observing and attending towards implementing new policies and protocols in-court proceedings.

Additionally, this past year, District Attorney to reduce the marginalization and erasure that can Boudin successfully secured funding to expand the come from this broader label.

The DA’s Office also announce that last week, District Attorney Victim Services Division and hire VSD graduated its second cohort of victim an additional ten victim advocates – including eight advocates from its “Victim Services and Advocacy advocates fluent in English and another Training.” Under the leadership of Interim Chief language, two property crime victim advocates, Lee, appointed by DA Boudin in June of 2021, VSD and two clinical social workers. These ten new developed the immersive weeklong “Victim Services victim advocates were funded as part of the District and Advocacy Training” for all new advocates as Attorney’s efforts to expand victim services and well as a Victim Services Division Handbook to language access in San Francisco. The new hires standardize the process by which victim advocates include advocates fluent in Spanish, Cantonese, reach out to crime victims to keep them informed Tagalog, and Creole, while other advocates in VSD of the court matters in their case. The creation are fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, Khmu, Spanish, of the training and handbook are part of Interim Urdu and Hindi.

The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office is Chief Lee’s efforts to protect victim rights, ensure that victims are centered throughout the criminal dedicated to promoting equal rights for all victims court process and beyond, and comply with state of crime, regardless of the language they speak. laws. Last year, all advocates were trained on the This new policy ensures that the DA’s office is DA’s Office’s new language access and interpreter doing everything possible to create a space where request policy, which mandates the request of all community members will be understood and court interpreters for Limited English Proficiency able to understand the complexities of the criminal (LEP) crime victims and survivors who choose to legal system.

City College of San Francisco offers classes in attend and/or observe proceedings so that they can meaningfully weigh in at critical stages as provided nine languages, which are free to San Francisco residents – and often covered by employee unions under Marsy’s Law. Meanwhile, District Attorney Boudin also for city workers. The District Attorney hopes that announced a new policy to take effect this week this policy will be replicated throughout the city allowing staff members whose jobs involve regular to ensure that all city services are accessible to all contact with members of the public to take language San Franciscans. (SF DA’s Office Release) classes from City College of San Francisco during

Mark Magsayo: There’s no next Manny...

PAGE 1

Russell’s reign with the strap that lasted for six years and 10 months.

Matching Paquiao’s collection, however, will need some work as

Magsayo will need to capture 11 more World titles across seven weight divisions.

“No one can surpass the history of Manny Pacquiao but I’m following his footsteps now,”

said Magsayo who could defend his title against Mexico’s Rey Vargas. “I’m doing my best every training, every sparring, every fight. I’ll do my best to win every fight. ■

5 things you should know about ‘free...

PAGE 1 medical services when it passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act. The haveinsurance-pay-for-it solution has been used frequently through the pandemic. Insurance companies have been told to pay for PCR tests, COVID treatments and the administration of vaccines.

(Taxpayers are paying for the cost of the vaccines themselves.) It appears to be an elegant solution for a politician because it looks free and isn’t using taxpayer money.

1. Are the tests really free?

Well, no. As many an economist will tell you, there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch. Someone has to pick up the tab. Initially, the insurance companies bear the cost. Cynthia Cox, a vice president at KFF who studies the Affordable Care Act and private insurers, said the total bill could amount to billions of dollars.

Exactly how much depends on “how easy it is to get them, and how many will be reimbursed,” she said.

2. Will the insurance company just swallow those imposed costs?

If companies draw from the time-tested insurance giants’ playbook, they’ll pass along those costs to customers. “This will put upward pressure on premiums,” said Emily Gee, vice president and coordinator for health policy at the Center for American Progress.

Major insurance companies like Cigna, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare and Aetna did not respond to requests to discuss this issue.

3. If that’s the case, why haven’t I been hit with higher premiums already?

Insurance companies had the chance last year to raise premiums but, mostly, they did not.

Why? Perhaps because

insurers have so far made so much money during the pandemic they didn’t need to. For example, the industry’s profits in 2020 increased 41% to $31 billion from $22 billion, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The NAIC said the industry has continued its “tremendous growth trend” that started before COVID emerged.

Companies will be reporting 2021 results soon.

The reason behind these profits is clear. You were paying premiums based on projections your insurance company made about how much health care consumers would use that year.

Because people stayed home, had fewer accidents, postponed surgeries and, often, avoided going to visit the doctor or the hospital, insurers paid out less.

They rebated some of their earnings back to customers, but they pocketed a lot more.

As the companies’ actuaries work on predicting 2023 expenditures, premiums could go up if they foresee more claims and expenses. Paying for millions of rapid tests is something they would include in their calculations.

4. Regardless of my premiums, will the tests cost me money directly?

It’s quite possible. If your insurance company doesn’t have an arrangement with a retailer where you can simply pick up your allotted tests, you’ll have to pay for them — at whatever price the store sets. If that’s the case, you’ll need to fill out a form to request a reimbursement from the insurance company. How many times have you lost receipts or just plain neglected to mail in for rebates on something you bought? A lot, right?

Here’s another thing: The reimbursement is set at $12 per test. If you pay $30 for a test —

and that is not unheard of — your insurer is only on the hook for $12. You eat the $18.

And by the way, people on Medicare will have to pay for their tests themselves. People who get their health care covered by Medicaid can obtain free test kits at community centers.

A few free tests are supposed to arrive at every American home via the U.S. Postal Service. And the Biden administration has activated a website where Americans can order free tests from a cache of a billion the federal government ordered.

5. Will this help bring down the costs of at-home tests and make them easier to find?

The free COVID tests are unlikely to have much immediate impact on general cost and availability. You will still need to search for them. The federal measures likely will stimulate the demand for tests, which in the short term may make them harder to find.

But the demand, and some government guarantees to manufacturers, may induce test makers to make more of them faster. The increased competition and supply theoretically could bring down the price. There is certainly room for prices to decline since the wholesale cost of the test is between $5 and $7, analysts estimate. “It’s a big step in the right direction,” Gee said.

(Damon Darlin/Kaiser Health News) This story was produced by KHN (Kaiser Health News), a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. ■

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JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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SFIO announces 2022 roadmap following successful year of acquisitions, restructuring

SMOKEFREE Innotech, Inc. (SFIO), a leading asset management company and innovation group, is pleased to share details around its pending name change to Starfleet Innotech, Inc., its ongoing transformation initiatives, and its progress towards uplisting to the Nasdaq within the next three years.

In the weeks to come, SFIO hopes to receive final confirmation on their proposed name change to Starfleet Innotech, Inc. – a company name that truly captures the team’s mission of innovating across new frontiers. It’s a step of SFIO’s team and they’re really excited about it.

When SFIO began developing their plans for a network of innovative companies working in conjunction to explore new frontiers of innovation, SFIO couldn’t help but draw inspiration from the scifi classics they grew up with. As Starfleet, the team is leading this new alliance, sharing knowledge and resources to help their businesses boldly go where none of their industries have gone before.

The name change will be a fitting start to 2022, following a big year of restructuring for SFIO. As SFIO continued to grow the global portfolio of companies throughout 2021 and embarked on a series of vertical and horizontal integrations to best consolidate their resources, resulting in a more efficient, more productive, and ultimately more profitable family of businesses operating across a shared, streamlined supply chain. Today, SFIO’s three core divisions – Food & Beverage, Real Estate, and Technology – represent a clear, coherent strategy for growth over the next three years.

The Food and Beverage (F&B) division was a consolidation of the businesses that comprised their international supply chain powering brands like the flagship enterprise, Epiphany Cafe. These consisted of firms across food, franchising, coffee, and beverage solutions. To date, they’ve established partnerships with wholesale bakeries and food commissaries; developed better supply chain management, logistics, and administrative systems; localized the franchising and license procurement strategies; and forged new distribution channels for their coffee and beverage solution products.

In consolidating these businesses under one division, SFIO’s team was able to more effectively organize their complementary resources, and focus efforts towards turning their F&B businesses into SFIO’s vehicles for entering new global markets.

This year, SFIO is exploring expansions for Epiphany Cafe across Australia, the Philippines, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Market research, feasibility studies, and financial modeling are already underway, with pilot sites across these regions currently being selected. SFIO is also in the process of shortlisting the master franchise partners and developing brand conversion strategies nuanced to these new markets.

In the Philippines, SFIO partnered with FJ Prime Management, Inc. to spearhead the growth of Epiphany Cafe in the country. Similarly, SFIO has established a partnership with Epiphany Ventures Corporation to grow their footprint across Malaysia.

As part of these plans, the team of SFIO is currently in talks with key convenience store brands in Malaysia and Australia to carry Epiphany’s signature pillowsoft donuts. As for the 5-in-1 instant coffee offering under SFIO’s Gorgeous Coffee brand, they already

received initial orders from the partner distributors across the United States and Australia, with the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines soon to follow.

To fuel this expansion, SFIO team built the Real Estate division around a series of high-yield projects, the proceeds of which will be reinvested in their future growth. SFIO ended 2021 announcing that local permits have been obtained and land development initiatives are already underway for many of their exciting and innovative township projects. In addition, they are actively exploring non-dilutive funding options for these initiatives, the details of which they will be sharing in the months to come. As SFIO begin pre-selling and staging marketing roadshows for these projects, they will be launching a new brand around SFIO’s Real Estate division to communicate the type of future-ready communities SFIO aim to create – communities that embrace the best of smart city technologies, health and wellness systems, and opportunities around medical tourism.

Finally, SFIO established a Technology division as SFIO’s key enabler, underpinning all their efforts as a conglomerate. In terms of strategy, this division will not only augment business operations, unlock innovative new revenue streams, and grow the intellectual property assets, but will also serve as SFIO’s backbone as they grow as an agile organization.

For example, as SFIO concurrently enters new markets with Epiphany Cafe, part of ensuring the sustainability of the growth is embracing new technologies to better manage the operations at scale – starting with a unified, streamlined logistics platform. With this platform, SFIO’s goal would not only be to standardize the operations of different businesses across the supply chain, but to also bring value to the franchisees, and, ultimately, their customers who will now benefit from a truly seamless, tech-powered system.

Similarly, their Technology division is hard at work on a proprietary platform to manage all the global Real Estate projects, specifically when it comes to supporting their agents’ customer engagement and sales workflows. Through the use of artificial intelligence tools, this platform will serve as the scaffolding for future tech services, housing their pipeline of real estate innovations. SFIO’s goal with this suite of tools is to eventually offer it to other developers as well, to help them showcase their real estate portfolios and augment their operations.

SFIO’s technology efforts around real estate aren’t limited to showcasing them, however, but will be fundamentally integrated into each of the developments, beginning with the big investments they’re making in pioneering community health systems. SFIO recently partnered with Fort Health Data Systems, a startup that develops health and wellness dashboards for communities-as-a-whole.

With Fort Health, they’re able to pull in individual health data points, as well as environmental data from Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled sensors to build predictive models for proactive community care. And to really take those data gathering systems to the next level, SFIO has NeuroSky, a Silicon Valley-based biosensor solution firm that develops bleeding edge hardware like brainwave monitoring headbands and smartwatches for tracking wellbeing. The company believes that integrating NeuroSky’s hardware with Fort Health’s community health platforms, then deploying those systems across the township projects will be a real gamechanger for tech-driven public health systems.

Just as SFIO intends to do with the real estate platform, this community approach to care will then be expanded and deployed to other settings, taking a blend of proprietary software and innovative hardware to health institutions, universities and workplaces around the globe. By providing the means to meaningfully gather and analyze health data, SFIO will be enabling communities to build measurable, proactive health strategies, leading to greater savings by ensuring people don’t become ill in the first place.

Finally, the most fascinating is the work the Technology division is doing with digital tokens – specifically NFTs (nonfungible tokens) – to allow the shareholders, partners, and other community stakeholders to participate more meaningfully in SFIO’s growth and operations. They’ve been studying a lot of the interesting ways grassroots communities are using decentralized technologies to structure their organizations. In designing this new system, SFIO will be taking cues from the firms experimenting with blockchain and digital tokens to build what they hope will be the new gold standard for asset management platforms.

While these technologies will serve SFIO well as they grow exponentially in the years to come, the real test of the conglomerate’s mettle will not be in its ability to innovate, but in its ability to do so collaboratively. This past year SFIO’s team has built SFIO into a truly global community, adding to their presence in New Zealand and Australia with the launch of new offices and teams across the UAE, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the U.S. – where they’ve engaged with experienced firms to help lead the marketing efforts. With such an expansive footprint, the only way to accomplish their shared mission is to establish a united front. And so, following 2021’s restructuring, SFIO has embarked on a new commitment – investing heavily in building SFIO into a truly agile ecosystem.

As an asset management company, SFIO decided to adopt the same lean-agile framework prevalent among hyper-scale tech developments firms for three reasons. First, it is the best way to ensure that as SFIO grows exponentially in the years to come,

they do so flexibly and sustainably. It is essential that they decentralize decision-making wherever possible, so as to allow each of SFIO’s global units and business divisions to champion their own growth and efficiently respond to their own needs. Second, this framework provides the means to rapidly stage new innovations within the divisions and iterate on them independently, before scaling their successes across the SFIO ecosystem-at-large. Third, this framework recognizes the vital role that talent plays in fueling growth.

To accomplish all this, SFIO has gathered a worldclass team of professionals tasked with spearheading SFIO’s various initiatives. Transforming their corporate framework is no small task and will require a strong community, united by a culture of collaborative innovation. Just this month, SFIO established a new communication team, whose role will be to both shape a clear and consistent external messaging strategy as SFIO operates in concert with their many stakeholders, and to organize many corporate teams around their shared goals, supporting each and every one of SFIO’s units, and establishing the channels they need to collaborate freely.

That collaborative, transparent culture extends beyond their business units, encompassing the entire corporate community. Beginning this month, they will be facilitating regular video conferencing calls with their key investors and partners to keep the stakeholders abreast on their activities. In each of these monthly sessions, they will be introducing new initiatives, sharing important updates, and calling for they shareholders and investors’ feedback – all of which reflect the stance that each member of the SFIO community plays a vital role in SFIO’s growth.

Further, SFIO has been curating the growth of the top-level leadership to guide their expansion, led by the appointment of additional non-voting advisory board members. A series of appointments to leadership: Jonathan Petalver, Roger Oriel, and Michael Venezuela. These leaders have been crucial to helping SFIO achieve corporate excellence in these early stages, and they will continue to play even more vital roles as SFIO expands. Joining now on board, Jeths Lacson, the chairman of SFIO, is excited to announce Jose Gerardo Noble, Stanley Yang, and Vince Caruso, as its global leaders in real estate development, technology, and marketing.

In the coming weeks, SFIO will be sharing more information on their progress towards developing the audited financials of each of their subsidiaries; introducing a new class of preferred shares to be used in securing strategic partners, hiring key officers, and closing new acquisitions; and placing SFIO on the OTCQB Venture Market, as a stepping stone towards their larger goal of uplisting to the Nasdaq.

The CEO and chairman of SFIO, Jeths Lacson ,would like to outline the strategies they will be employing as SFIO embarks on an ambitious mission of growth and transformation. They have a world-class team assembled to make this happen. But to achieve their goal of uplisting in the next three years, they will need a united front – not only among their global teams and divisions, but across all stakeholders in the community. With the shareholders and valued business partners’ continued support, they will accomplish SFIO’s mission to boldly go where no conglomerate has gone before. (Advertising Supplement)

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Pacquiao ready for presidential debates

by BernaDette

tamayo ManilaTimes.net

SEN. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao said he is ready to attend all presidential debates and media forums provided that these are mainstream and are proven to be nonpartisan.

“I am ready to face any debates or forums,” Pacquiao said on Monday, January 24, in Filipino and English.

The Promdi standard-bearer noted that there were also some fly-by-night entities and known “political mercenaries” posing as media practitioners who wanted to put him in the “hot seat.” “Kailangan may (We must also have) standards din naman tayo. It is just a waste of time,” FITNESS FIRST. A group of women dances their way to good health at the Don Alejandro Roces Sr. monument and park at the intersection of Don Pacquiao said in a statement.

A. Roces and Mother Ignacia Avenues in Quezon City on Tuesday, January 25. Health authorities recommend daily exercise at least 30 minutes Attending public debates and a day to increase the body’s resistance against illnesses.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao

public forums is both an obligation of candidates to the people, the senator said.

Pacquiao said these forums allow candidates “to amplify

ManilaTimes.net file photo

their visions and their platforms of government.” He said this is also a venue for candidates to show to the people what they have done for the country. n

Makati court sets preliminary hearing for ‘Poblacion Girl’ Comelec printing of ballots for May polls hits snag by maila

ager Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Makati City prosecutor’s office has set next month the preliminary investigation of the charges filed against Gwyneth Ann Chua, infamously known as “Poblacion Girl,” for the breach of quarantine protocols at the Berjaya Makati hotel last month.

Col. Randy Glenn Silvio, who

heads the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group National Capital Region field office, said the prosecutor handling the case has scheduled the preliminary investigation on Feb. 7 and Feb. 14 at around 9 a.m.

Chua and eight others were charged for violating Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

The other respondents are Chua’s parents, Allan Chua and Gemma Leonardo-Chua; her boyfriend Rico Atienza and five employees of Berjaya Hotel.

Chua has kept quiet about the incident wherein she left the hotel even if she was supposed to be on quarantine.

She had dinner and attended a party in a restaurant and restobar in Barangay Poblacion. She later tested positive for COVID-19. n

Election fact-checking initiative launched

by Janvic

mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — Twenty-two media organizations, academic institutions and civil society groups have re-launched an expanded fact-checking coalition to combat disinformation in the 2022 elections.

First launched in 2019, Tsek.ph is a pioneering collaborative factchecking coalition that brought together the academe, media and civil society to address the spread of election-related disinformation.

Fact-checks cover claims on platforms and campaign promises of candidates; election-related statements and remarks made by candidates, personalities, government agencies and other entities; and election-related posts on social media, blogs and other platforms.

“Initiatives like Tsek.ph are vital and necessary,” said University of the Philippines (UP) vice president for public affairs Elena Pernia. “Especially now, when an enlightened Filipino citizenry is key to our elections so that we are correctly informed about who and what the candidates running for national and local positions stand for,” she said.

Baybars Orsek, director of the International Fact-Checking Network at Poynter, lauded the revival of Tsek.ph in his keynote speech during the launch on Monday, January 24.

“Tsek.ph is one of the most significant efforts in the world that has been carrying out these activities in such a collaborative way and it has inspired so many collaborative initiatives among other fact checkers,” he said.

The revitalized alliance includes media organizations ABSCBN, Baguio Chronicle, dzUP, FYT, Interaksyon, MindaNews, PhilStar Global, Philippine Press Institute (PPI), Press One, Probe and VERA Files, as well as civil society groups Akademiya at Bayan Kontra Disimpormasyon at Dayaan (ABKD), BarangayHub, Fact Check Philippines and the

First launched in 2019, Tsek.ph is a pioneering collaborative fact-checking coalition that brought together the academe, media and civil society to address the spread of electionrelated disinformation.

Philstar.com photo

Philippine Association for Media and Information Literacy.

Its academic partners are the Asian Center for Journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Trinity University of Asia Communication Department, UP Los Baños, UP Department of Journalism’s Fact-Check Patrol and FactRakers and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Journalism Program.

“We at the Philippine Press Institute, also known as the national association of newspapers, support a stronger Tsek.ph. Just as we commit to our own mandate as an organization, we bind ourselves to the noble and ennobling intentions and ideals of fact-checking,” said PPI executive director Ariel Sebellino.

“Today more than ever, we should all unite to free ourselves from the bondage of infodemic.

One big check for Tsek.ph,” he added in English and Filipino.

Ging Reyes, head of ABS-CBN’s Integrated News and Current Affairs division, commended the group’s efforts in uniting factchecking partners, acknowledging the crucial role that journalism plays in society.

“This is an inherent part of our responsibility as journalists: to hold those in power accountable, and to protect a vibrant democracy where people can make decisions freely based on correct information,” she said.

Camille Diola, editor of digital news outlets Philstar.com and Interaksyon, underscored how despite perceived competition

among them, all partners are united by the mission of the coalition.

“So it is only right, and it is a necessity, that we set our differences aside and work in concert through Tsek.ph,” she said.

Meanwhile, Carol Arguillas, editor of MindaNews – a Mindanao-based online newspaper and Tsek.ph media partner since 2019 – shared the organization’s commitment to “this collective endeavor and collective commitment to provide the public with accurate information.”

Felipe Salvosa II, program coordinator of the UST Journalism Program, also highlighted the role of academic institutions in addressing disinformation.

“As journalists and journalism educators, our first obligation is to the truth. And this aligns with our official university motto: veritas in caritate – truth in charity.

Truth, addressing the problem of disinformation, fighting fake news, is our obligation to one another,” he said.

Also joining the launch was ABKD convenor Francisco Guiang, who expressed the group’s commitment to the network’s mandate to “conduct fact checking, hold webinars about disinformation and fake news, conduct education seminars and join the kontra-daya efforts in the upcoming elections.”

Tsek.ph is supported by the UP System, Google News Initiative, UP Journalism Department and the UP College of Mass Communication Foundation.n

by William

Depasupil ManilaTimes.net

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is ready to stop the ongoing printing of ballots for the coming polls if the Supreme Court would order it following the non-inclusion of at least three candidates who were declared as nuisance but were able to secure a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the high court.

“If there’s a ruling from [the Supreme Court], of course. The Comelec stands ready to abide by a lawful ruling of the SC,” said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez on Tuesday, January 25 in a virtual press briefing, after he acknowledged that there were three candidates for senators who did not make it on the official ballot face released by the Commission.

Jimenez said that the TROs were issued at a time when the Comelec had finished serializing the ballots or placing the serial numbers on the ballots, which prompted the Commission to proceed with the printing of ballots.

“By that time the ballot [serialization] has already been completed. We’re ready to go so we started printing because by the time the rule came out, we had already prepared the ballot and couldn’t do anything but print the

ballot,” he added.

Jimenez said that the aggrieved candidates may file a petition before the Supreme Court against the Comelec even as he stressed that the non-inclusion of said candidates in the ballot face was not a defiance of the TRO. “The Supreme Court did not tell us not to print. I don’t think it’s defiance. Comelec, being aware of its timeline and limitations, decided to go with the printing,” Jimenez said.

“I don’t know what to say except that we are following a process laid out long before it happened and ultimately look at what’s necessary for the elections. There are remedies available; I encourage them to avail,” he added.

The three candidates who were able to secure TROs against the Comelec were vice presidential candidate Wilson Amad, Senate hopeful Norman Marquez and party-list organization Juan-Pinagkaisang Ordinaryong Mamamayan Para Yumabong (Juan Pinoy).

The Comelec released on Tuesday the official ballot face which contains the names of the candidates vying for president, vice president, senator and party-list group.

It contained 10 presidential and nine vice-presidential can-

didates, 64 Senate hopefuls and 178 party-list groups.

The Comelec needed to print a total of 67,442,714 ballots by April 21.

Director Helen Aguila Flores, vice chairman of the Comelec printing committee, explained that they have three working printing machines and one reserve for contingencies.

Flores said that the scheduled printing of ballots includes a twoweek buffer for any fortuitous events.

“In our updated timeline, we will print the last set April 12 [to April 21] for the NCR (National Capital Region). This is a very modest timeline already that includes a buffer for contingency [that the Covid pandemic may bring],” she added.

“We are foreseeing that there is a contingency plan to come up with a reserved pool of workers [who will take over] if people get infected,” she further said.

At stake in the next year’s polls are 18,100 positions — one each for president and vice president; senators, 12; party-list groups, 63; members of the House of Representatives, 253; governor, 81,; vice-governor, 81; Sangguniang Panlalawigan, 782; mayor, 1,634; vice mayor, 1,634; and Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan, 13,558. n

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FeatURes

Public disclosure

HOURS after saying he would not make public his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth if it will be used by his political opponents, presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shifted gears last Monday, January 24 and said he would be “perfectly willing” to release his SALN if he wins.

Unresolved questions about his family’s enormous wealth continue to hound Marcos, so it was unsurprising that the SALN controversy has been revived in the course of his campaign for the nation’s highest office. He initially cited the ouster of Renato Corona as chief justice as an example of the use of the SALN issue for political purposes.

Corona, however, was found guilty of lying in his SALN based on his own admission about his undeclared dollar accounts, before an impeachment court presided over by the Senate president at the time, Juan Ponce Enrile, who is a Marcos ally and opponent of then president Noynoy Aquino.

Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, requires the filing of the SALN within 30 days upon assumption of office, and every year thereafter. The law, which stresses that public office is

a public trust, states that “the public has the right to know” the “assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests” of government officials and employees “including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.”

The public disclosure can sometimes be a farce, with the help of topnotch accountants. In previous Congresses, Marcos’ mother Imelda had emerged as the poorest member of the House of Representatives, based on her SALN. Still, in the interest of public accountability, transparency and good governance, the nation’s highest officials should release their SALNs to the public, even without mass media invoking freedom of information and seeking the public disclosure.

It’s called leadership by example, and the public should remember the persons showing this quality as they apply for high office. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Election red flag: Resistance to transparency, accountability of candidates seeking public office

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS TO hold public office is one of the most sacred privileges a citizen can ever have because along with it comes the opportunity to affect change for the greater good.

This is especially true for those running or are appointed for local or national posts because such positions of power, especially that of the Office of the President, are accorded and entrusted with public trust.

After all, citizens pay taxes to fund the government and its operations, programs and services in faith and in trust that our public servants are working for our interest. We, the People, are their “boss.” These public officials work for us, and not the other way around.

Working for the government does not give an employee a hefty salary so it is not the job one would want if he/she aspires to be rich. However, we have heard how some people had been willing to kill other people just to hold a position in government — from the top post to the “baranggay tanod.”

We also wonder how with a meager salary, some government officials and employees have been able to acquire wealth and live extravagant lifestyles. We have seen families holding public

office together in the legislative and executive branches of government in both local and national offices, clinging to these positions in a merry-goround dance, generations after generations.

“Corruption is a cancer within the body of societies—a disease that eats at public trust and the ability of governments to deliver for their citizens. The deleterious effects of corruption impact nearly all aspects of society. It exacerbates social, political, and economic inequality and polarization; impedes the ability of states to respond to public health crises or to deliver quality education; degrades the business environment and economic opportunity; drives conflict; and undermines faith in government.

Those that abuse positions of power for private gain steal not just material wealth, but human dignity and welfare,” the White House official page states.

This truth is very palpable in the Philippines. Elections after elections we hear campaign promises about fighting against and abolishing corruption, but the promises remain to be empty rhetoric of many sweettalking scheming politicians who fear and therefore tactically workaround and game the system to avoid two important requirements of these sacred

positions of public trust in government: transparency and accountability.

Transparency means to be open and proactive in disclosing everything that is material and important to how the public official will conduct himself and make decisions while in office, and this starts the moment he/ she has signified and formalized intent to run for office or accept an appointment to serve in government.

This is the sacred resume a candidate presents to the people on his qualifications and personal information why we, the people, should entrust with him the position of power to work for our greater good.

The public official is expected to be proactive in his/her disclosure about his personal, social, economic ties; his/her assets, liabilities and net worth; about his/her clean record involving crimes and moral and ethical turpitude; about principles, visions, and platform to make our lives better, and our democracy stronger.

Campaigns are free to present their candidates in the best possible light to convince the electorate they are best suited for the position. That is their public relations function. But all these this need to be checked, examined, questioned, and

explained as required by the principle of transparency.

Political appointees are vetted, their past dug up, and they are subject to hearings which are like “cross examinations” about their fitness to be in office before they are confirmed pursuant to the rule of law.

For elected officials, part of the process by which the citizenry can make a more informed decision in hiring or rejecting a candidate for office is by thorough research, investigation and the job interview, which take the form of debates, interviews, panel discussions, town hall meetings, etc., done by the fourth estate — the free, independent press in a democracy.

A candidate applying for the job, therefore, should be ready, willing and able to go through this rigorous process of job application because no one is entitled to the job. He/she could not cherry-pick who should conduct the interview and face only those who accept his claims as gospel truth. That would be PR. A true, honest, trustworthy candidate should be ready, willing and able to face the press who are like hungry hyenas ready to devour him/her until all his skeletons are revealed with hard, mean, incisive questions.

That is the role of the press in

a democracy because this will serve the public better in their sacred decision-making process of choosing the right and deserving public servant.

This is also a pre-cursor to how a candidate, when elected in office, will be transparent in his/her actions as an elected public servant. Government information, government records, transactions, dealings should be made available to the public, whether proactively and/ or when asked.

Former President Barack Obama wrote a Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and their Agencies” and part of it read: “We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration.

Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government. Government should be transparent. Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing. Information maintained by the Federal Government is a national asset.”

When do we demand transparency, which promotes accountability from our own public officials in the Philippines?

This is not “paninira” or putting

the government down. In fact, it is our sacred obligation to keep our government officials transparent and accountable in all their actions because that will push them to serve us better and strengthen our democracy.

Systemic corruption has been perpetuated in government not just by those in power, but by the voters who, knowingly or unknowingly, have been condoning, approving, and even nurturing this very chronic social ill that has been keeping the Philippines a “third world” country. This coming election, don’t turn a blind eye to the red flags. Demand transparency and accountability from all candidates, especially from those running to be president of the Philippines. *** 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.

*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.

Major global challenges ahead

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ WHILE people are seeing a spark of hope that the COVID-19 situation will eventually transition from pandemic to endemic, what is really worrisome now, especially for the U.S. and its friends and allies, is the escalating tension in Ukraine, with the buildup of Russian troops over the border now estimated at 100,000.

The encouraging news is the decline in the number of Omicron infections worldwide. In the United States, cases are also going down in places such as New York, California, Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania and several other states, indicative that the surge is peaking, according to experts. But while the situation is becoming less grim, people should not be complacent and should maintain masking and health protocols.

In the Philippines, the number of cases is decreasing particularly in Metro Manila, with the one-week growth rate falling to -20 percent, according to OCTA Research, noting that the downward trend

is similar to the pattern seen in South Africa where a rapid surge was followed by a “dramatic decrease in infections.” Daily cases in the National Capital Region could go down to 1,000 in mid-February, and possibly less than 500 daily infections by the end of February, OCTA also said.

But the world will be coming out of this pandemic with new challenges not only economically but politically as well. U.S. intelligence sources are convinced Russian president Vladimir Putin will use the troops to move into Ukraine, a strategically important nation for NATO and the United States.

State Secretary Antony Blinken has decried the Russian troop buildup, saying there was “no provocation, no reason” for such action and raised the possibility that Russia could attack Ukraine “on very short notice,” warning of tough sanctions if that happens.

“We know that there are plans in place to increase that force even more on very short notice,” Secretary Blinken said in a press conference.

Reports that Russia is also moving troops and military

hardware to Belarus – with plans to conduct military drills in February dubbed as “Allied Resolve” – has fueled the tension even further. Lithuania, which shares a border with Belarus, has expressed concern about the presence of Russian troops.

“In the current situation, we consider the entry of Russian military forces into Belarus not only as a destabilizing factor of the security situation, but also as an even greater threat to Lithuania,” Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said.

Both the UK and Canada are also showing support for Ukraine.

The UK has sent antitank weapons and British personnel to provide training, while Canada has warned about severe sanctions and also deployed special forces.

Russia has denied allegations that it is looking for an excuse to invade Ukraine. Security experts believe that such course of action would be costly – economically and otherwise – for Russia, and would be damaging to the political standing of Vladimir Putin.

However, they also acknowledge the risk of war if talks between the U.S. and Russia will fail to ease

tensions. Ukrainians meanwhile have expressed their readiness to defend their nation from any attempt at invasion, saying they will fight to the end.

North Korea’s recent firing of suspected ballistic missiles is also another cause of tension, aggravated by a statement from North Korean state media KCNA that the “hostile policy and military threat by the U.S. have reached a danger line that cannot be overlooked anymore,” thus the need to prepare for “a longterm confrontation.”

Japan has issued a condemnation, with Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi saying that the “repeated launching of North Korea’s ballistic missiles is a grave problem for the international community, including Japan.”

And while the missile launches did not pose an immediate threat to the U.S. and its allies, these highlight the destabilizing impact of North Korea’s illicit weapons program, said the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Aside from North Korea and Ukraine, the virtual meeting between President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio

Kishida on Friday, January 21 also tackled China’s increasing aggressiveness and how they can work together to preserve stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Last Wednesday, January 19 Chinese military fighter jets entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone in yet another act of intrusion. In his congressional testimony last year, then-Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Philip Davidson said China could attempt to take control over Taiwan within six years, observing that China’s military capability has evolved throughout the 21st century.

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah also warned about China’s new strategy in advancing its territorial claims.

Instead of the nine-dash-line – which was rejected by the Permanent Court of Arbitration as having no legal basis – China is now using the “four sha” (four sands archipelagos, referring to disputed island groups which China has named as Dongsha, Xisha, Zhongsha and Nansha) to justify its claims of sovereignty over the South China Sea. A 47-page report released

by the U.S. State Department outlines the “unlawful” maritime claims of China which “gravely undermine the rule of law in the oceans and numerous universally recognized provisions of international law reflected in the Convention,” the report said.

Countries in the Asia Pacific, especially ASEAN membernations, will need to be unified in their stand because clearly, any escalation will only make it difficult for nations to recover from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy.

President Biden has already sent out formal letter invitations to all the ASEAN leaders for a faceto-face summit in Washington within the next couple of months. The summit is expected to cover a wide range of issues about post-pandemic economic cooperation and security in the region. (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 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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THE ASIAN JOURNAL

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Friday, January 28, 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

THIS FAMILY NOW NEEDS A “BIGGER RICE COOKER” AFTER DAUGHTER AND HER FIVE CHILDREN GOT THEIR IMMIGRANT VISAS, THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Almita (left) was petitioned as single by her father in 1997, but because she married her boyfriend, she had to be re-petitioned in 2001. Unfortunately, Almita’s father died before she could get her visa. Her previous lawyer sent a one-page letter seeking Humanitarian Revalidation, but USCIS revoked the petition. It seemed her dreams of immigrating to the U.S. were “dead.” Almita’s sisters, Evelyn (2nd from left), Mimi (3rd from left) and their mother consulted with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) who filed a new humanitarian revalidation request and was able to get it approved. Almita and her five children had their visas issued and immigrated to the U.S. in November 2021. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, January 30 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

Visas issued despite petitioner’s death this Sunday on Citizen Pinoy ALMITA’S father petitioned her in 2001. However, before her visa was issued, her father died on Christmas Eve of 2014. This resulted in the petition being “revoked.”

Her previous lawyer suggested that the family lie about the petitioner’s death, pretending he was alive, and continue pursuing the case. However, Almita’s mother did not want to lie. They discussed Humanitarian Revalidation but were informed by the lawyer that he did not handle such cases.

However, the lawyer sent a single-page letter to the National Visa Center (NVC) seeking Humanitarian Revalidation. Due to delays and missing documents from the previous lawyer, the USCIS

eventually officially revoked the petition.

Mom refused to give up and insisted on getting the “Attorney-of-Last-Hope,” Michael J. Gurfinkel, who was able to submit a new humanitarian revalidation request that was approved. Almita and her five children were able to get their immigrant visas and arrived in the U.S. in November 2021.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, January 30 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

LUCKY DRAW WINNERS PICKED. 99 Ranch Market officials led by Director of Marketing and Promotions Teddy Chow held a drawing to pick out the 30 winners for their Grand Opening Lucky Draw last January 14 at the Fremont location (46551 Mission Blvd.). From the pool of 30 winners, 99 Ranch will pick out winners for the top prizes on Friday, February 5. Winners have been contacted by 99 Ranch Market officials for the grand prizes drawing. Top prizes for the Lucky Draw include iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple Earbuds, among others. Top photo shows Teddy Chow announcing the name of one of the 30 winners as a guest picks out another winner from the box of submitted entries. Bottom photo shows Mr. Chow at the newly-opened Piju Social Hour bar inside the 99 Ranch Fremont food plaza where customers can enjoy their favorite beverages while watching their favorite sports teams in action or socialize with friends and family after work hours.

(Advertising Supplement)

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celebrityworld

By Ferdie Villar MULTI-AWARDED actress Maricel Soriano is set to co-star in a Hollywood film “Re-Live: A Tale of an American Island Cheerleader” that will begin shooting late this year in Guam and Hawaii.

According to PEP.ph, Maricel was the first choice of coscriptwriter and co-lead star Rain Valdez and her team to star as her mom Thelma in the movie.

“Re-Live” is a trans-led romantic-comedy movie starring Rachel Leyco and Rain Valdez. The movie centers on a transgender movie star Rowena who goes back to her home in Guam for her high school reunion’s “do-over week.”

According to a Facebook post, per PEP.ph, Rain said in part: “We have a mom! Philippines Legendary ‘Diamond Star’ Maricel Soriano just signed on to be in my movie playing my mom! She was always our first choice and my mom and I would watch all her movies growing up. I remember saying to my team very early on, ‘We need somebody like…Maricel Soriano’. And a year later, here we are! I am completely besides myself with excitement and

happy tears.”

In a statement released by both Rain and Rachel, they said: “Having a legendary Filipino actress like Maricel Soriano strengthens our commitment to telling our stories from our authentic experiences and for our Filipino diaspora. Now more than ever, this empowers us to further highlight our communities at a time when visibility must be taken to new heights to fight against the rise of anti-trans and anti-Asian violence.” *** Zanjoe Marudo is currently starring in the Philippine version of the hit British series “Doctor Foster” entitled “The Broken Marriage Vow” where he plays David, the abusive, cheating husband of the main character.

According to Marudo via an article in the Philippine Star, playing such a character has had an impact on him.

“I think the greatest impact that I have felt playing David is how he has affected his child Gio (played by young actor Zaijian Jaranilla),” he shared at a recent presscon for the show.

“David does not think at first of the consequences of his actions.

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Diamond Star Maricel Soriano to feature in international film He thinks he can fix everything, he assumes that he can do everything that he wants, that he can control everything. But the trauma on his child, it’s there already. The child’s direction in life will change, his child’s dreams and goals will change.

And that is the most traumatic thing that can happen,” Zanjoe continued.

“As the child is growing up with that kind of trauma, his life will change. That is why men should think before they cheat on their wives… what kind of effect that will have on their child or children,” the actor stated.

Marudo also told reporters that playing the role has taken a toll on him as he cannot believe someone can do something so cruel in real life. He revealed that it was traumatizing to him physically hitting his on-screen wife, played by Jodi Sta. Maria (Dr. Jill Lustre).

“We shot the scene at night.

The morning after, I woke up feeling as if I was still in that scene. Jodi told me it was like that for her, too. I was still trembling. It was actually kind of traumatic,” Marudo narrated.

“The Broken Marriage Vow” is produced by ABS-CBN. Aside from Marudo, Sta. Maria and Jaranilla, the series also features Sue Ramirez, Jane Oineza, Joem Bascon, Arthur Acuña, Rachel Alejandro, Angeli

GMA Network star Bea Alonzo is in no hurry to get married. “It’s not a race after all. I believe we all have our own timeline,” she explained while answering fans’ questions on Instagram recently.

Photo from Instagram/@beaalonzo Diamond Star Maricel Soriano is set to star in an international feature to be shot later this Photo from Instagram/@officialmaricelsoriano

Bayani, Ketchup Eusebio, Bianca year in Guam and Hawaii.

Manalo, Empress Schuck, Malou Crisologo, and Franco Laurel, among many others. *** Bea Alonzo is not in a hurry to settle down and have kids.

This was apparent when she answered her fans’ questions on her Instagram page recently, per an article in Inquirer.net.

Asked by a fan when she will get married and have kids

Actor/model Zanjoe Marudo recently revealed that playing his character David in his newest series “The Broken Marriage Vow” has had an impact on him.

Photo from Instagram/@onlyzanjoemarudo

Jett Navarro, known as one of the best-dressed Filipinas here in San Francisco, celebrated her birthday on Monday, Joseph Cabrera, a youth leader in Daly City, celebrated his 15th birthday recently. He is the son of SamTrans executive Manny January 24 with her family. Jett and husband Gil Navarro Cabrera and wife Joy Cabrera. The celebrant is shown in photo above receiving Holy Communion from Rev. Fr. Abraham Alonzo head Club Royale, one of the many Filipino American during the recent Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno feast celebration at the Villar residence in South San Francisco. organizations in the Bay Area.

PCGSF encourages applicants to join internship program THE Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco is inviting members of Filipino American communities in the U.S. Pacific Northwest to join the IMPACT! Filipino-American Internship Program for Summer 2022.

The IMPACT! Program is a nine-week professional development program by the U.S.-Asian Institute (USAI), which allows young Filipino American adults to experience a first-hand look at the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., engage civically with government and political leaders, and reflect on the role they, as future leaders, might play in strengthening Philippine-U.S. relations.

The internship will run from

June 6 to August 5, 2022. The program includes: • eight-week internship at a prominent Washington, D.C. organization; • one-on-one mentorship from a member of the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FLYPRO); • participation in workshops, networking opportunities, and social/cultural activities; and • stipend of $1,000 or $2,000, depending on whether the participant will be joining in person or virtually.

The internship program, which has the support of the Philippine Embassy and Consulates in the U.S., was launched by the USAI to empower future Filipino American leaders. It aims

to inspire, motivate, and prepare the youth to contribute to civic transformation. The program is designed to uplift and equip future leaders with the knowledge they will need in furthering their careers. Young members of Filipino American Communities in the U.S. Pacific Northwest are highly encouraged to send their applications, and take advantage of this rare opportunity to serve and lead.

Interested candidates may apply via this link (http://bit.ly/ 3zWnIUr) until January 30, 2022.

Additional information about the internship program is available on the USAI website (https:// www.usasiainstitute.org/impactprogram). (PCGSF Release)

Ylona Garcia moves to US for music career

By Nathalie

tomada Philstar.com

AFTER five years, Ylona Garcia left the country in 2020 to return to her hometown in Australia.

The move back home might have led some fans to think the 19-year-old singer-songwriter was opting out of a career in showbiz. At one point, the former Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) first runner-up went viral over photos of herself taking on a job at a popular fast food chain.

But contrary perhaps to the perception of some, she wasn’t leaving the industry behind, let alone quitting on her music goals.

In a recent interview with the press, Ylona disclosed she has since relocated to Los Angeles in the U.S. and “I am staying here for good.”

She told The STAR: “The reason why I moved to the U.S. is because I want to start my career. Well, it’s always been my goal ever since I was young.

Somehow, a part of me knew that I’d always end up here.

Only because it was my goal. It’s always been a dream of mine.”

Ylona said the decision to base herself in L.A. happened even before she signed up with Paradise Rising — the sister label of the U.S.-headquartered pan-Asian media company 88rising — which is dedicated to establishing and promoting Filipino artists globally and in partnership with Globe.

“I went to Los Angeles quite

2022 is off to a good start for the Filipino-Australian singer-songwriter. Ylona just released her first single for the new year, Entertain Me, under Paradise Rising/88rising Music.

Photo from Instagram/@ylona

a few times and started creating songs, then started meeting a lot of cool people. And then, I ended up signing with 88rising,” shared Ylona who under her new label was able to drop two singles last year — All That and Don’t Go Changing.

Before 2021 closed out, she was included in the artist lineup at 88rising’s annual Asian music music festival, Head in the Clouds, in California, joining the likes of Fil-Am rap star Saweetie and Korean-American musician Japanese Breakfast.

2022 is off to a good start for the Fil-Aussie artist. When The STAR had the chance to catch

up with Ylona, she just released her first single for the new year, Entertain Me, still under Paradise Rising/88rising Music.

Produced by DNA and written

by Ylona herself together with David Musumeci and Antonio Egizii, Entertain Me is an anthemic synth-pop number about girl power. With a soaring backbeat and a chorus that could send you looking for a dancefloor, Ylona sings about asserting independence and taking control over her life.

Most noteworthy about this single is that its release coincided with the launch of PAGE 13

like other stars in showbiz like Marian Rivera, Anne Curtis and Jennylyn Mercado, Alonzo jokingly replied, “Is there a taxi?

I am not in a hurry. I’d like to take my time.”

The actress also made it clear that she will stick to her own pace and not be pressured into matrimony.

“It’s not a race after all. I believe we all have our own timeline,” she explained.

Bea is currently in a

relationship with actor-model Dominic Roque.

When asked by a fan what she likes most about her new beau, Bea answered: “The way he loves me, the way he takes care of me. It feels good to be taken care of.”

Alonzo, who signed with GMA last year, is reportedly starring in a new drama series with Alden Richards for the Kapuso network that is adapted from a very popular Korean drama series.

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January 28-february 3, 2022 • nOrCaL aSIan JOurnaL

Co m m u n ity Jo u rn al Health @Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS COCONUT oil, touted to be a healthy oil and a “superfood” is a “pure poison” according to some Dutch researchers, claiming there are no studies to prove it does your body better than other edible oils.

We have been warning the public about the danger of coconut oil since the early 80s as false claims flooded the market, together with various forms of coconut products, including virgin coconut oil.

The American Heart Association published a report a couple of years ago warning about the dangers of eating too many unhealthy, saturated fats, was a big blow against coconut oil, which is listed and characterized as one of the “unhealthy fats,” which raises LDL (bad) cholesterol levels “more than any other liquid fat.”

The report further stated: “From a structural perspective, coconut oil is about 90 percent saturated fat (which is why it stays solid at room temperature). According to Harvard’s Walter Willett, that’s a far higher percentage than butter, at 64 percent, as well as beef fat and lard, both at 40 percent.”

Olive and avocado fruits and oils are healthy food items.

Coconut oil is known to be good for the hair, and perhaps for the skin, but falsely marketed as a “superfood.”

As always, caveat emptor!

Fecal transplant One of the most recent popular topics in medical science is the microbiome, especially of the gastrointestinal tract. Microbiome, as the term suggests, concerns the microscopic life environment in and on our body. The gut microbiome (microbes in our intestinal tract) influences our metabolism, immunity, and mediator of resistance to some infections. There are good and bad microbes (trillions) on our skin and in our body, like the gut. The balance of their coexistence with us and our body determines our health and wellbeing. Our body needs both types of microbes, in harmony and in balance, for good health.

It has been reported that the “distinct and essential organ within the human body, the gut microbiome contains an esti-

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Coconut oil: ‘Poison’? mated 500-1000 species and 100 trillion organisms, encoding 100fold more unique genes than our own genome.”

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, for one, is caused by a disturbance in the balance of the microbiome milieu when the drug kills both types (good and bad) of bacteria in the body. The condition leads to Clostridium difficile infection, which has doubled in incidence in the U.S. alone from 1996 to 2003. In 2010, it was estimated to be half a million a year, resulting in 20,000 deaths a year.

To reestablish the original balance of gut microbiome, Fecal Microbiome Transplantation (screened donor human stools given to the patient) has been found effective in the management of C. difficile infection, which has saved countless lives.

The donor feces, blenderized and filtered, is introduced by enema or colonoscopy into the patient’s colon, aimed at providing the gut a normal flora of stool bacteria.

FMT has been found to be very effective.

Stools, after all, are not a total waste.

NIOSH-N95 mask The government is providing free masks for all soon, a mitigating PPE that should have been distributed two years ago, followed by a federal mandate for vaccination for all when the vaccine first came out on December 11, 2020. Those two strategies would have ended COVID-19 in the U.S. before 2022. Mutations gave us Delta, Omicron, Deltacron and now a subvariant of Omicron, BA.2 virus, an even more rapidly transmissible strain (first found in Denmark late December 2021 and now 30,000 new cases per day, the 45-percent predominant strain in Denmark), nicknamed “Stealth Omicron.”

With the massive surges of these new variants, we can expect the virus to be all around us, on us (especially among the unvaccinated), flying in the air, and dropping on the floor. Talking, breathing, sneezing, and coughing (without a mask) spews out the virus and transmits the virus to people around. Sneezing and coughing shoot the virus into a trajectory of 16.5 meters per second. Certainly beyond 6 feet.

The more reason to mask-up, perhaps doubly, or with a gaiter or a face shield on top of the mask. One can never be too care-

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ful in the presence of this stealth enemy. Even to a silly degree of protection.

The size of COVID-19 (SARSCoV2) virus is 0.1-0.5 micron, 600 times smaller than a grain of salt, 150 times smaller than pollen, 25 times smaller than dust, 20 times smaller than bacteria.

The mask we need should have pores smaller than 0.1 micron to really prevent the virus from going through our mask and entering our nose and mouth. Unfortunately, such a mask does not exist (yet).

Cloth masks, using 100 percent cotton, found to be the best material among dozens of common fabrics, still has about 100 micron-size pores, which would allow (accommodate) 1000 viruses in one pore alone, making it a poor filter for COVID-19 viruses.

The NIOSH-approved N95 mask filters up to 0.3 micron.

During a high velocity cough, even N95 masks filters only 53 percent of small particles. But reducing the viral load is always beneficial. Even 100 percent cotton, when made into a 3- to 5layer mask, is still helpful, better than no mask at all.

NIOSH-N95 mask is still the best (when worn properly covering the nose also), compared to all the other masks, even expensive high-end and designer masks.

The N95 could be doubled or reinforced with a gaiter or a face shield to maximize protection.

Frequent handwashing, social distancing, avoiding crowds, and staying home except for essential travel are still the best weapons we have against the virus, which has so far killed more 5.6 million worldwide, greater than 890,000 in the U.S., and almost 53.6 thousand in the Philippines.

Cancer and diet Diets high in red meat, processed foods, and low in vegetables, fruits, and nuts are well-known causes of cancers in general. High saturated animal fats and burnt meat (barbeques) are believed to increase the risk of pancreatic and colon cancers.

Recent studies show the impact of diet on cervical cancer. Eating a variety of natural fresh whole food items (unprocessed, no preservatives, no additives), minimum red meats (twice or once a week), and a lot of green leafy vegetables and other colored veggies, nuts, and fruits lowers the risk for cervical malignancy and other forms of cancer. In the PAGE 13

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Enchong on how to make use of self-doubt

by Marinel

Cruz

Inquirer.net

‘The hash brown goes where?!’ For the first time ever, McDonald’s® USA officially introduces fan-inspired hacks to menus Four ‘hacked’ menu items will be available for customers to order by name, assemble and enjoy at participating restaurants nationwide starting Jan. 31 CHICAGO – Hacks this delicious deserve a spot on the menu (at least, for a limited time). From putting a crispy Hash Brown in between their Sausage McMuffin® with Egg, to adding Chicken McNuggets® to their favorite sandwich, our fans are always coming up with different ways to make a McDonald’s meal uniquely their own. That’s why, for the first time ever, we’re spotlighting their creativity by officially debuting four fan-favorite creations on menus across the country for a limited time.

Starting Jan. 31, customers can visit their local participating McDonald’s or go on McDonald’s App to order the custom ‘Menu Hacks’ by name and receive all the delicious menu items needed to build them by hand (because that’s half the fun)!

So, which of the many mashups seen on social were chosen as the lucky four for our menu?

To help introduce these craveable combos, we asked a few self-identified ‘menu hack masters’ to share the deets on their favorites: The Hash Brown McMuffin®* “I’ve been saying for years that the Hash Brown goes inside of the Sausage McMuffin with Egg … that extra little crispy bite is the real breakfast cheat code.”

– Sarah Sandlin (@sarahmargaretsandlin) The Crunchy Double “It’s simple, yet so tasty...

Chicken McNuggets topped with a Double Cheeseburger, then drizzled with Tangy Barbeque Sauce. Order it now and thank

me later.” - Greg Simms (@ grubwithgreg) The Land, Air & Sea “A McChicken**, stacked on a Big Mac, stacked on a Filet-OFish… it’s the flavor I never knew I needed, until I needed it. Go big baby!” - Julian Broadway (@julianbroadway) The Surf + Turf “Sometimes I’m craving the flaky crunch of a Filet-O-Fish, sometimes I want the juiciness of a Double Cheeseburger, and sometimes I want both. So why choose?” - PJ Mattingly (@heavyhands94).

If you want more pro tips from these customers, check out our new TV commercials premiering nationwide on Jan. 31.

“From Hip-Hop icons to Christmas queens, everyone has a unique go-to McDonald’s order, including our everyday customers. This campaign shows that it has never been ‘our menu’ — the menu belongs to our fans,” said Jennifer Healan, Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Brand Content and Engagement for McDonald’s USA. “We’re excited to celebrate them in a bigger way than ever before by putting their delicious hacks – as seen on social media – on our menus. I personally can’t wait for our fans to try my favorite hack, the Hash Brown McMuffin. IYKYK.” The Hash Brown McMuffin, the Crunchy Double and the Land, Air & Sea are available at participating restaurants nationwide via carry-out, at the Drive Thru, on the McDonald’s App or through McDelivery. The Surf + Turf is available to order exclu-

Ylona Garcia moves to US...

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a new playable character in Riot Games’ wildly-popular video game, Valorant. The new character is named Neon, who in teasers has been described as hailing from Manila, speaks Tagalog and is one of the youngest agents “who can outpace the rest of the roster, shocking the competition, and sliding straight into the fight.”

Meanwhile, the music video for Entertain Me now has two million views following its YouTube premiere last Jan. 11.

Ylona said of the music video and the collab with Valorant: “It was nice to put myself and be like in a sort of character when I performed Entertain Me. When I made that song, I felt really, really cool. And Valorant thought that would be a great match to Neon. So, I felt very, very honored by that. But Neon is very cool. Very opposite to how I feel about myself sometimes, but it’s okay. She’s somebody that I want to be.”

Here are more excerpts from the virtual chat with Ylona.

On starting a music career in the U.S.: “First of all, starting from scratch feels, at times, difficult, but at the same time, it feels really, really nice. Because this is something that I’ve always wanted ever since I was younger. So I feel very, very happy with where I am now.

“I don’t think there was ever a moment where I wanted to stop pursuing music but, you know, I don’t think moving to any country would ever stop that…

During the lockdown, I worked in McDonald’s, that was more of something that I have always wanted to do. And I decided, you know what, let’s do it while I have time, okay, but I never wanted to stop the music.”

On the inspiration and message behind entertain me: “So, this song was created during lockdown back in Australia. To be specific, it was created last 2021, Feb. 10 at 7:54 p.m. Basically, I was blessed with a chance to be able

to catch up with my childhood friends in Sydney, Australia.

And in catching up with them, we were sharing stories. And I found one thing in common about each of the stories, which was basically feeling like you’re not given a chance, you know? I was still 18, and that age — you know, we’re all the same age — it just felt like a time where we were supposed to be an adult, feeling independent, feeling strong, but we didn’t feel like that at all. Which is really, really, really sad. Therefore, I ended up writing the song Entertain Me. It’s about a person who basically plays by their own rules.

“My expectations back then when I was making the song was just to create an overall character with the essence of just being absolutely confident, 100 percent, with yourself. I mean like, it’s something that I absolutely aspire to, and I hope that it comforts me, kind of reminds me every day to be vocal about how I feel, to be confident with who I am. I hope that people across the globe will be able to get that message.”

On how she got into songwriting: “I think this was during my stay at the PBB house (in 2015).

Yeah, because I wrote the song Win The Fight there, one of the first songs that I’ve ever written.

And then, I also wrote My Name is Ylona Garcia album (2016). I wrote quite a few songs and it was just, honestly, out of boredom. But it was a lot of fun.

So, that’s when I kind of realize that this could actually be a lot of fun, to the point where I can actually pursue this as a career.

And it can still be fun.”

On what’s next for Ylona: “That is an interesting question. Well, my goals would be to get into acting, so I guess that’s what’s next for Ylona Garcia. Also to put out an album.

To also give my family a house.

I have promised them one ever since I started my whole career in the Philippines. That was one of my goals.”

sively on the McDonald’s App and via McDelivery.

Fans are encouraged to share their favorite builds on social media and tag @McDonalds with the hashtag #McDonaldsHacks.

Happy (menu) hacking! *Available only during breakfast hours. **Served with a Hot ‘n Spicy McChicken sandwich at select restaurants. (Advertising Supplement)

EXPERIENCING self-doubt helps you become a better actor, according to Enchong Dee. “You have two ways to make use of it: One is to allow self-doubt to guide your life decisions. If you keep thinking, ‘I’m not enough; I’m not worthy,’ then at some point you will not be able to go on anymore.”

The 33-year-old added: “The other way is for you to use that self-doubt to better yourself. I’m thankful that I have people around me who constantly hold me during times when I feel too weak, when I feel I lack enough strength to go on.

“What being in this business for 15 years has taught me is that I can’t keep showing people that I’m happy, that I’m always feeling positive. It’s because I also experience low moments,” said Enchong, who recently took a leave of absence from show biz work.

“What I’m doing now is helping myself to recharge, to recover. I need it. I also need to make a decision everyday to keep on going,” said the actor, who has since returned to Naga City, his hometown.

Enchong Dee

Photo from Instagram/@mr_enchongdee

Coconut oil: ‘Poison’?

PAGE 12 Philippines, about 5,000 cases of cervical cancer (caused by Human Papilloma Virus) are detected each year, making it the second most common cancer in women. The vaccine, Gardasil, which prevents cervical cancer almost 100 percent, when given to young boys and girls in grammar school before they become sexually active, is a miracle drug all parents should welcome.

*** 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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January 28-february 3, 2022 • nOrCaL aSIan JOurnaL

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