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FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022 Volume 15 - No.13 • 16 Pages

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New York City Mayor says COVID-19 DATELINE USA Tax season is open! cases down, vaccinations up Here’s how to get FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

your refund quickly

TAX season officially opened Jan. 24, but early birds will have to wait for refunds until March, as the Internal Revenue Service is barred from issuing payments before Feb. 15.

“It is our intent that filing is as smooth and easy as possible. We want to make certain that consumers are getting all the credits and refunds they are eligible to receive,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig, at a Jan. 28 briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services.

by AJPress

NEW York City Mayor Eric Adams announced early this week some good news in the city’s fight against COVID-19.

The mayor said that these multiple milestones include a massive decrease in

COVID-19 cases, a landmark milestone met in vaccination rates, and free at-home delivery options of COVID-19 treatments.

COVID-19 cases are down over 80 percent since early January, and more than 75 percent of all New Yorkers are now fully vaccinated, more than 11 percent ahead of the national average.

City health officials joined Mayor Adams at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx to make clear that New Yorkers are winning in the fight against COVID-19, and encouraged them to take advantage of available options to reduce transmission rates and help them quickly recover from COVID-19.

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CDC warns against travel to PH for ‘very high level’ of COVID-19

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by AJPress

FAMILY BONDING. A father and his two kids walk inside the Promenade Des Dasmariñas public park in Dasmarinas City, Cavite during the reopening on Tuesday, February 1. Authorities are urging parents to bring children to open areas such as parks instead of malls to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, as the government has yet to roll out the jabs for the younger population.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Biden appoints Fil-Am ‘US, Japan maritime stance aligns with Philippines interests’ community leader to U.S. President Joseph P l -B Biden and Japanese Prime regional role at Small Minister Fumio Kishida held a MANILA — Efforts of the summit video teleconference Business Administration United States and Japan to last Jan. 21, during which Geri Sanchez Aglipay

by

PRESIDENT Joe Biden recently appointed a Filipina American community leader to a key regional leadership role at the United States Small Business Administration (SBA).

Geri Sanchez Aglipay was named SBA regional administrator for region 5, according to the White House announcement on Thursday, January 27.

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ia ee rago Philstar.com

oppose China’s attempts to advance its illegal claims in the South China Sea are aligned with the interest of the Philippines to preserve sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines’ former top diplomat said.

they agreed, among others, to oppose China’s attempts to change the status quo in the South China Sea and its use of economic coercion to achieve its ends.

Both the U.S. and Japan invoked the 2016 Arbitral

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THE United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning individuals against traveling to the Philippines, citing the “very high level” of COVID-19 in the country.

The CDC on Monday, January 31 updated its guidance for countries, with the Philippines listed in the Level 4 tier, the highest COVID-19 risk level.

Travelers are advised to “avoid travel to the Philippines” amid the current virus surge.

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Moderna vaccine receives full FDA authorization Full FDA authorization allows for more physician flexibility when prescribing the vaccine

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

Nearly two years after the earthshattering coronavirus pandemic began, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has become the second major coronavirus vaccine to be permitted for full use, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

announced on Monday, Jan. 31.

Previously, the Moderna vaccine — now known as Spikevax — was made available by the FDA under emergency use authorization. The announcement made on Monday follows months of rigorous review by the agency, a standard practice for all vaccines designed for widespread

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Dream come true: Philippines qualifies for FIFA World Cup

by Niel

Victor Masoy ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine women’s football team on Monday, January 31 booked a ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup by outlasting Chinese Taipei in a cliffhanger penalty shootout in the quarterfinal round of the Women’s Asian Cup in India.

No Philippine football team, men or women, had made it to football’s most prestigious tournament.

The Filipinas, ranked 64th in the world, were on the attack early in the match, but the 39th-ranked Taiwanese stood their ground.

At the 49th minute, the Philippine team finally cracked Taiwan’s defense, as Quinley Quindoza delivered the first goal of the match from inside the box off an assist by Katrina Gillou.

The Philippine advantage disappeared when Zhuo LiPing converted a fantastic arcing shot from way outside the box to equalize the game

AGAINST. Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines (LLP) and Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) hold a picket rally against House Bill 10576 and Senate Bill 179, or the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act, in front of the Philippine Senate in Pasay City on Monday, Jan. 31. The anti-communist groups called for a strong and loud voice against the proposed measure which they said can be used by the groups known as fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front to pursue their anti-government agenda.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

The Philippine women’s national football team celebrates after qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time.

Photo courtesy of the Asian Football Confederation

at the 82nd minute.

Neither team was able to score during the remainder of regulation time and the extra 30-minute period, setting the stage for the shootout.

The score remained tied after the first two penalty kicks as Ting Chi and Wang

Hsiang-huei scored for Chinese-Taipei and Sara Castañeda and Tahnai Annis connected for the Philippines.

Ying-Hui Chen pushed Chinese Taipei ahead 3-2 when she scored on her penalty try.

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New York City Mayor says COVID-19 cases...

PAGE 1 One treatment for COVID-19 — oral antiviral pills — is now available for free, same-day, at-home delivery through the Health Department’s pharmacy partner, Alto Pharmacy. Both oral antiviral pills and monoclonal antibodies have been proven to be effective at reducing severe outcomes, like hospitalization and death, and are available for those who test positive for COVID-19 and have mild to moderate symptoms.

“Not only is New York City winning in the fight against COVID-19, but we are bringing even more help right to New Yorkers’ front doors to continue beating this pandemic,” said Mayor Adams. “We’ve not only decreased the amount of cases by more than 80 percent since early January, but hit a new milestone with 75 percent of all New Yorkers fully vaccinated — way ahead of the national average.”

“We’re offering high-risk New Yorkers, free, at-home delivery of COVID-19 antiviral pills to prevent serious illness and keep people out of the hospital. I urge all eligible New Yorkers to take advantage of this service, and for every New Yorker to stay up to date with their vaccines and boosters.

This is about saving lives and getting our city moving again,” Adams added.

Treatment is most effective when started soon after symptom onset, so the Health Department recommends that New Yorkers get tested right away if they feel sick.

Due to limited supply of both monoclonal antibody treatments and antiviral pills, these treatments are prioritized for those who have tested positive and are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

New Yorkers who test positive should contact their doctor or call 212-COVID19 to be connected to care and to discuss treatment options available to them.

“We must continue to do all we can to prevent needless suffering and death caused

by COVID-19,” said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “These treatments — combined with high-quality masks, vaccination, testing, and our other public health precautions — help us to defang the virus and keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.”

“Our city’s public health care system is seeing a decline in COVID-19 hospital admissions, but we are still very busy treating severely ill patients,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “Free, at-home delivery of these antiviral pills will keep high-risk New Yorkers out of the hospital so we can immediately free up critical resources.” n

Biden appoints Fil-Am community...

PAGE 1 The region covers Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Aglipay, a secondgeneration American and a daughter of a veteran, has over 20 years of experience in workforce, entrepreneurship, and economic development and is passionate about strengthening collaborative innovation across sectors and industries to create more equitable paths to financial security for small business owners and the self-employed, especially to create a level playing field for socially and economically

disadvantaged communities.

Prior to the SBA, she served as Director of the Midwest Region and National Manager of Women’s Entrepreneurship for Small Business Majority, where she expanded and directed the organization’s strategic education programs, policy, research, and financial development efforts in the Midwest and oversaw women’s entrepreneurship nationwide to address disparities.

Aglipay has served as commissioner of the Cook County Commission for Social Innovation; co-chair of Racial Wealth Gap Committee

of Financial Inclusion for All Illinois; and on the advisory council of HHS NIOSH Center of Excellence UIC Center for Healthy Work.

She is a graduate of Bradley University.

In addition to Aglipay, Biden appointed Vercie Lark for SBA Regional Administrator of Region 7, which serves Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

The president also named several individuals to regional leadership roles at the Department of Agriculture, covering Florida, Kansas, New Jersey, Washington and Wyoming.

(AJPress) n

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From the Front Page

Moderna vaccine receives full FDA... CDC warns against...

PAGE 1 inoculation.

Under the Moderna vaccine’s emergency authorization use period — which began in December 2020 — the biotechnology company administered hundreds of millions of doses, according to the FDA. The coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech received full approval last August, which was granted after months of review.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that more than 204 million doses of the Moderna vaccine have been administered across the U.S. so far with almost 75 million people across the nation having been fully vaccinated with it.

The CDC is expected to meet on Friday, Feb. 4 to review the FDA’s approval and vote whether or not to endorse it. The FDA’s approval also allows Moderna to officially market

Unsplash.com photo by Ian Hutchinson

the name Spikevax as well as increase flexibility to physicians to prescribe the vaccine; under emergency use authorization, specifics on how vaccines are administered are more restrictive than when they’re granted full FDA approval.

In a statement, FDA Commissioner Janet

Woodcock said that while the Moderna vaccine has become a popular option for Americans, “[full] FDA approval of this vaccine may instill additional confidence in making the decision to get vaccinated.”

As reported in the Asian Journal, fully vaccinated individuals became eligible

this past fall to receive Moderna booster shots, which are designed to “boost” immunity against disease and infection. The CDC now considers three doses of the vaccine (two full doses and one booster) in order to be “up to date” in a vaccine regimen.

The move to announce full FDA authorization formalizes the agency’s confidence in the vaccine, a move that could influence more Americans to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. Currently, more than 539 vaccine doses (from all available brands) have been administered across the country, with more than 211 million fully vaccinated — 64.1% of the entire population.

California continues to have the most vaccine doses administered per capita with more than 69 million doses given and 27.3 million people fully vaccinated, making 69.1% of the state fully vaccinated. n

‘US, Japan maritime stance aligns with PH...

PAGE 1 Ruling against China’s illegal claims in the South China Sea. “As such, our country should undertake more concrete steps to enforce the 2016 Arbitral Ruling by solidifying the support of the international community,” former foreign affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a statement.

While the U.S. and Japan are not coastal states in the South China Sea, Del Rosario noted that “they have a real

and tangible interest in preserving the Rule of Law in the region.”

“International law grants all nations of the world, including the U.S. and Japan, freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea – which is critical for global economic trade and maintaining peace and security in the region,” he added.

The international law that applies in the South China Sea is embodied in the United Nations Convention on the

President Joe Biden speaks about foreign policy at the State Department in Washington, DC, on February 4, 2021.

Photo by Saul Loeb / AFP

Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and, specifically, the 2016 Arbitral Ruling won by the Philippines against China in The Hague.

P29 billion for AFP modernization A total of P29 billion has been earmarked for this year’s modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) amid incursions committed by China in the West Philippine Sea. Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, chairman of the strategic intelligence committee of the House of Representatives, said the “fresh funding” for acquisition projects is higher

by P2 billion, or 7.6 percent, from the P27 billion the AFP received in 2021.

“The bulk of the new money would enable the Department of National Defense to make the initial payment for the procurement of 32 additional S-70i Black Hawk helicopters worth P32 billion,” Pimentel said.

He said the combat utility choppers from Polish aerospace manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. would be “delivered in batches between 2023 and 2026.”

Pimentel also disclosed that

in December 2021, the DND made the down payment for the acquisition of two brandnew 116-meter corvettes worth P28 billion from South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. At the same time, the administration lawmaker said the DND is also expected to finalize this year the procurement of six 83-meter offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) worth P30 billion from Australian defense contractor Austal Ltd. Pimentel said he was glad that while super typhoon Odette devastated provinces in Mindanao and Visayas in December 2021, it also “clearly demonstrated the growing importance” of AFP’s naval and air assets in disaster relief operations.

Global risk agencies have tagged the Philippines as one of the world’s most disasterprone countries, being at the center of a typhoon belt and inside the Pacific Ring of Fire frequented by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Pimentel cited the crucial role played by Philippine Navy vessels and Philippine Air Force planes in mobilizing disaster relief workers, equipment and supplies in the aftermath of Odette. n

PAGE 1 Though the agency said that if individuals must travel to the country, they should ensure they are vaccinated.

“Even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19,” the CDC said on its website.

The CDC also reminds travelers to wear well-fitting masks in indoor public spaces and follow all requirements and recommendations in the Philippines.

As of January 31, the Philippines reported 190,818 active cases with 14,546 marked as new cases.

The CDC uses travel health notices to alert to health threats around the world and advise on how to protect themselves, using data reported by the World Health Organization and other official sources.

“If a destination does not provide data, their THN level is designated as ‘unknown’ and travelers are advised to follow THN Level 4 recommendations,” according to the CDC website.

The Philippines is among nearly 130 countries and territories listed as a Level 4 risk, including Mexico, Brazil, Singapore, Ecuador, Kosovo and Paraguay.

The four-level system categories international destinations into the following levels: • Level 1 (low): travelers are advised to be fully vaccinated before traveling to the destination • Level 2 (moderate): travelers should be fully vaccinated before travel and unvaccinated travelers at high risk for severe illness are advised to avoid nonessential travel to this destination • Level 3 (high): travelers are advised to be fully vaccinated before traveling to the destination and unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to this destination • Level 4 (very high level): avoid travel to this destination Meanwhile, as of Tuesday, February 1, the Philippines is suspending its risk classification for countries and is allowing fully vaccinated Filipinos to return without going through mandatory quarantine at a facility.

By February 10, fully vaccinated foreigners from visa-free countries will be allowed to enter the Philippines for tourism or business purposes.

Both fully vaccinated Filipinos and foreigners will need to provide a negative RT-PCR test within 48 hours before they depart for the Philippines. n

Tax season is open...

PAGE 1 Rettig strongly recommended filing electronically, and using direct deposit so that funds are deposited directly to a bank account. Paper returns have the greatest number of delays, he said. Refunds are usually issued 21 days after the tax return has been processed, but not before Feb. 15.

Tax returns and payments are due by April 18, and the IRS is not considering extensions this year, as it did for the past two years during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those hoping to avoid costly online tax filing portals, the IRS recommends using the free file program at: https:// www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free.

The service is available to those with Adjusted Gross Incomes of under $73,000.

For those lacking broadband access, the IRS offers another service: the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, also known as VITA. The service is available to those who earn less than $58,000 annually, seniors or people with disabilities, and people with limited English skills. Services are offered in 350 languages, either by phone or by going into a local IRS office. Several VITA sites are located at community centers. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparationfor-qualifying-taxpayers Rettig advised those availing of free services to only use sites from irs.gov, to avoid scams.

Ken Corbin, Wage and Investment Division Commissioner and Chief Taxpayer Experience Officer at the IRS, noted at PAGE 7

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OpiniOn

Features

Back to the bottom

5

AFTER edging up by three spots last December, the Philippines sank back to the bottom of the COVID-19 Resilience Ranking in January, for the third time in five months. The ranking, drawn up by media and data company Bloomberg, again rated the Philippines as the worst place to be during the pandemic among the world’s 53 largest economies.

The slide back to the bottom was due to the return to Alert Level 3 in the National Capital Region and several other areas following a renewed surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant.

Explaining the Philippines’ return to the bottom spot, Bloomberg also said in its report: “Difficulties administering vaccines in remote areas continue to be a vulnerability as the country sees an Omicron surge worse than other Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.”

The resiliency rankings are based on the number of COVID cases and deaths, vaccine coverage, lockdown severity, universal health care coverage, community mobility and human development index.

While the Philippines managed to emerge last year from deep recession in 2020, its worst economic performance since World War II, the quality of the pandemic response has led many analysts to describe the country as the regional laggard in recovery. The response has been hampered by insufficient COVID testing, disastrous contact tracing, and a health infrastructure that has been inadequate even before the pandemic.

Coming from a low base amid the 9.5 percent gross domestic product contraction in 2020, GDP grew by 5.6 percent last year. The government says this is the best proof of the country’s resilience. Economic growth from a low base, however, must be

Editorial

THERE has been a rapid increase of cybercriminals hacking the online accounts of depositors from major Philippine banks.

So far, there have also been a number of arrests.

However, many continue to be apprehensive because hacking syndicates keep developing new and more sophisticated ways

care system. The country does not need the resilience index to see where improvements are urgently needed. (Philstar.com)

Major global challenges ahead

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez

Philstar.com photo

accompanied by greater effort to improve public health care capacities. COVID-19 has highlighted the weaknesses of the health

to launch cyberattacks.

According to the Bankers Association of the Philippines, more than P1 billion was lost last year due to cyber fraud, with the criminals using emails, text messages and even social media to dupe people into disclosing sensitive data or personal information to hack credit cards, debit cards and the like.

But more than individual credit card holders or depositors, cyber criminals are focusing their attacks

on private businesses and government institutions.

Earlier this month, a news report claimed that the servers of the Commission on Elections had been hacked, with the usernames and PINs of vote counting machines allegedly downloaded, raising concerns that the outcome of the May 2022 elections could be compromised.

During an inquiry last Friday, January 28 by the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the

Automated Election System, Department of Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) executive director Cezar Mancao – a recent visitor here in Washington, DC – said their preliminary investigation showed that the Comelec servers have not been hacked because they were offline when the supposed attack happened, but raised the

possibility that the system of Comelec contractor, Smartmatic, may have been compromised.

Experts warned that cyber criminals are getting more creative and sophisticated in their tactics, increasing their reach across industries.

According to a Californiabased cybersecurity research company, the annual cost of global cybercrimes is projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. Aside from the use

of social media to target victims, one particular trend that everyone should watch out for is the rise in ransomware attacks. Simply put, a ransomware attack involves the use of malware (malicious software) to gain access to a computer system, which would then become inaccessible unless the victim pays a ransom.

Sometimes, hackers also threaten to leak sensitive information unless payment is made.

PAGE 10

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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Dateline PhiliPPines

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Philippines, US strengthen ties Pope Francis appoints Filipino to improve agriculture sector priest as envoy to Rwanda by cathErinE

talavEra

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines and the United States have affirmed their intention to work together to improve the country’s agriculture sector, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) In a statement on Thursday, January 27, the DA said Agriculture Secretary William Dar recently met with United States Charge d’Affaires Heather Variava.

“During the virtual meeting, Dar briefly shared to CDA Variava the four pillars of the reform agenda to consolidate, modernize, and industrialize the Philippine agriculture sector including initiatives for livestock, dairy, fisheries, among others,”the DA said.

DA also highlighted the DA’s ongoing actions to address the challenges brought by the pandemic, such as the enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program.

The program facilitates the selling of major agricultural goods at reasonable prices to the consuming public through partnerships with local government units and the private sector.

Dar emphasized the urgent need to mobilize necessary resources to undertake critical measures to address the spread of African swine fever (ASF) such as leveling-up existing diagnostic laboratories while stressing the importance of research in the livestock industry.

“Citing damages of Typhoon Odette to the local

agri-fishery sector, Dar cited the need for assistance to affected farmers and fishers,”the DA said.

Figures from the DADisaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center showed that damage to agriculture caused by Typhoon Odette reached P13.4 billion.

Meanwhile, Dar also encouraged the renewal of the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for the Philippines as it helps the Philippines attract investments, create new industries and new jobs and encourage supply chain resiliency.

The US GSP allowed dutyfree treatment for products coming from beneficiary countries.

Dar also invited US PAGE 8

by John

Eric MEndoza Inquirer.net

MANILA — Pope Francis has named a Filipino priest as an apostolic nuncio to Rwanda, a landlocked country in east Africa, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

The CBCP said the appointment of

Pope Francis waves from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square, during the weekly Angelus prayer followed by the recitation of the Regina Coeli on May 16, 2021 in The Vatican.

AFP photo

Monsignor Arnaldo Catalan as an apostolic nuncio was made public by the Holy See Press Office on Monday, January 31.

An apostolic nuncio is an ecclesiastical diplomat who serves as an envoy or a permanent diplomatic representative of the Holy See — the government of the Catholic Church — to a state or international organization.

“In appointing Catalan as a Vatican envoy, the pope also elevated him to the titular See of Apollonia, with the dignity of Archbishop,” the CBCP said in a report.

Catalan replaced Poland’s Archbishop Andrzej Józwowicz who was transferred to Iran in June 2021, the CBCP added.

Before his current post, Catalan served as the chargé d’affaires — or a diplomatic official who assumes a post of an ambassador — of the Apostolic Nunciature in China since 2019.

The 55-year-old priest also joined the Holy See Diplomatic Service in July 2001, serving in the Apostolic Nunciatures in Zambia, Kuwait, Mexico, Honduras, Turkey, India, Argentina, Canada, and the Philippines.

Catalan, who is also a priest of the Archdiocese of Manila, was ordained to priesthood in March 1994. n

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IMF retains growth outlook on Philippines despite Omicron onslaught

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by Ramon

Royandoyan Philstar.com

BACK TO LEVEL 2. Passengers show their vaccination cards before entering the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange on Monday, Jan. 3). The “no vaccination, no ride” policy in Metro Manila will be lifted Tuesday, February 1 as the quarantine classification will be lowered to Alert Level 2. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

Dream come true...

PAGE 2 Things looked bleak for the Philippine side when Jessica Miclat’s kick was saved by Cheng Ssu-Yu. Yi-Yun Hsu’s kick then bounced off the left post, but the Philippines failed to equalize after captain Hali Long fumbled her attempt.

Despite the tremendous pressure, Philippine goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel thwarted Sin-Yun Su’s fifth kick, which would have given the Taiwanese a 4-2 edge.

McDaniel then sent the ball swooshing past Cheng to even the score at 3-3.

McDaniel showed her nerves of steel anew as she stopped Zhuo’s penalty kick, giving Sarina Bolden the golden chance to send the Philippines to the World Cup next year.

Bolden did not disappoint, directing the ball to the left corner for the decisive goal.

The team, who used to be known as the Malditas, exploded in celebration.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement of the team,” said head coach Alen Stajcic after the match. “The group is really proud of each other, but we are more proud that we can inspire the next generation of players.”

It has also been a historic stint in the Women’s Asian Cup for the Filipinas. They upset Thailand, 1-0, the Philippines’ first win against the regional powerhouse in 13 matches.

The Filipinas lost to Australia, 0-4, but managed to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time after they demolished Indonesia, 6-0.

The Philippines will face South Korea in the semifinal round on February 3.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet. It’s really surreal. I’m really proud of this team,” McDaniel said.

“How we can do it for the country and be able to bring history like this and be able to create longevity for this team and be able to move forward and play a chance for us to go to the World Cup. It was just a dream a couple of months ago but now, it’s reality,” she said.

Among the first to congratulate the team was Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first Olympic weightlifting champion.

“Nakakaiyak naman panuorin ito (This is such a tearjerker).

Congratulations to the Philippine women’s national football team. Bound to the World Cup,” Diaz posted on Instagram.

“It’s amazing and it’s something to be proud of. It’s really tears-inducing to see the athletes’ joy after (the World Cup clinching) goal. I felt their love for the sport and I know they gave their best; and the reaction of their coaches,” she added.

“Priceless. Thank you for the good news. Thank you for bringing pride to our country,” Diaz said.

Malacañang lauded the Philippine team for its historymaking feat.

“Gumawa ng kasaysayan sa larangan ng palakasan ang ating Philippine women’s football team (Our Philippine women’s football team made history in the field of sports).

Congratulations on clinching the country’s first FIFA World Cup berth,” Cabinet Secretary and acting spokesman Karlo Alexei Nograles said in his virtual presser.

“Iba talaga ang galing ng Pinay (The excellence of the Filipina is truly one of a kind),” Nograles said.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will be jointly hosted

by Australia and New Zealand. n

MANILA — The International Monetary Fund retained its growth forecast for the Philippines for this year, citing disruptions caused by the Omicron variant that are nevertheless expected to fade.

The Washington-based lender expects the domestic economy to grow 6.3% this year, unchanged from its projection back in October last year, Ragnar Gudmundsson, IMF resident representative to the Philippines, said. This forecast was factored in IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook report released on Tuesday night, Feb. 1.

If realized, this year’s gross domestic product growth would be better than 4.6% expansion that the IMF projected for 2021.

The Philippine Statistics Authority was to release the official GDP data for 2021 on Thursday morning, February 3.

“The Philippine economy is still projected to grow at 6.3% in 2022. This is because the carryover from the upward growth revision in 2021 is expected to be canceled out by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant and new quarantine measures in the first quarter of 2022,” Gudmundsson said in an e-mail.

“Strong growth is nevertheless expected during the remainder of 2022, as vaccination proceeds further, policy measures remain appropriately supportive, and private sector confidence improves,” he added.

Members of the InterAgency Council for Traffic check vaccination cards of commuters at the EDSA Carousel Busway Monumento Station in Quezon City as they continue to strictly implement the “no vaccination, no ride” policy of the Department of Transportation on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.

The STAR / Miguel de Guzman

The fund’s concerns over the economic impact of Omicron variant is highlighted in its bleaker outlook for the global economy. The crisis lender cut its world GDP forecast for 2022 to 4.4%, half a point lower than the October estimate, due to the “impediments” caused by the latest outbreak, although those are expected to begin to fade in the second quarter of the year.

“The global economy enters 2022 in a weaker position than previously expected,” the IMF said in

the quarterly update, adding that “the emergence of the Omicron variant in late November threatens to set back this tentative path to recovery.”

The outlook remains beset by risks, including geopolitical tensions and a wave of price increases hitting consumers and businesses that is expected to last longer than previously expected.

At home, latest government data showed the economy eked out a 6.9% growth (revised downwards) in the third quarter of last

year despite the onslaught of Delta variant at the time. This was after the government changed its pandemic strategy by replacing draconian lockdowns with “granular” ones that only restrict mobility in areas with high infection rates.

That better-than-expected GDP performance convinced economic managers to hike the government’s growth target for 2021 to 5-5.5%.

The Philippine government forecasts the economy to grow 7-9% for 2022 and 6-7% by 2023 and 2024. — with AFP n

Tax season is open! Here’s how to get your refund...

PAGE 4 the briefing that multiple changes have been made to the Earned Income Tax Credit program, allowing more people to avail of its benefits. For families without children, the benefit has almost tripled from a maximum of $529 for the 2020 tax season, to $1502 this year.

The credit has also been raised for families with children; one qualifying child allows for a maximum credit of $3,733, provided that household income is under $43,492. two qualifying children allow for a maximum of $6,164, provided household income is under $49, 399.

Families with three or more children with an annual income below $53,000 can receive a maximum credit of

$6,935.

The minimum age to qualify for EITC has been lowered from 25 to 18, said Corbin, adding that minors who have aged out of foster care or experiencing homelessness can now also qualify for the credit.

People who have investment income under $10,000 and meet the household income guidelines may also qualify for EITC this year, said Corbin.

He noted that the Economic Impact Payments sent out last year to individuals earning less than $72,000 are not considered taxable income, but must nonetheless be reported on your tax return.

Both Rettig and Corbin noted the large number of scams, stemming from

people who represented themselves as IRS agents. “The IRS will not call you by phone without a notice in advance.

Don’t accept a text, a call, especially if they ask for bank info or to pay with a gift card. That is a scam,” cautioned Corbin.

Consumers can read about the mostprolific IRS scams at https://irs.gov/ newsroom/dirty-dozen Corbin said the agency defines its success when “we meet our taxpayers in the communities where they live and to expand options and choices.”

To meet that goal, the IRS is hiring, especially those who speak a language other than English. Job seekers can search for open positions at the agency usajobs.gov. (Ethnic Medica Services)n

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FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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BI ready for Philippines Quiboloy endorses reopening to foreigners Marcos–Duterte tandem

by robertzoN

rAMirez

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is ready for the influx of international passengers after the government scrapped facility-based quarantine for fully vaccinated foreigners starting Feb. 10.

“We have the manpower to address this projected increase in passenger volume at our airports,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said on Monday, January 31.

He said 401 immigration personnel, most of them as-

signed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), have returned to work after they recovered from COVID-19.

Morente said they would continue to operate at full capacity at various airports.

He said the BI formed a reserve team of immigration officers to assist their frontliners at the airport if the need arises.

NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3, which are serving more than 40 foreign airlines, have daily quotas of only 3,000 international passengers.

The Clark International Airport is requesting the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to increase its daily international passenger quota from 800 to 1,200.

The national pandemic task force reduced international tourist arrivals at Clark due to the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Aside from Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia, Clark airport services Jin Air, Jetstar, Jeju Air, Scoot, Emirates Air and Qatar Airways. n

Duterte prays for a ‘better’ 2022 for Filipinos

by HeleN

Flores Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte prayed for a “better” 2022 for Filipinos, as the nation celebrated the

Lunar New Year on Tuesday, February 1.

In his message, the President said he hopes the year of the Water Tiger would bring Filipinos good fortune and renewed strength, as

the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and “other challenges that have tested our mettle as a nation.”

“Through our courage, PAGE 10

by Neil

ArwiN MercAdo Inquirer.net

MANILA — Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy endorsed on Tuesday, February 1 the presidential and vice presidential bid, respectively of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte -Carpio.

Quiboloy made the remark as he prayed over DuterteCarpio during the send-off ceremony for the “Mahalin Natin Ang Pilipinas Ride” national caravan from Davao City to to Ilocos Norte.

The send-off was done at the compound of Quiboloy’s church in Davao City.

“Marami ang nagtatanong

kung ano ang susuportahan ng Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Sabi ko, maghintay tayo sa tamang panahon. At ngayon na ang panahon para lahat sa inyo ang aning suporta. 100 percent ako ay sumusuporta sa UniTeam,” Quiboloy said, referring to the Marcos-Duterte-Carpio tandem.

(A lot of people are asking which candidates the Kingdom of Jesus Christ will support. I said, let’s wait for the right time. Now is the time for to support the UniTeam.)

“Sinasabi ko na sa inyo, itong team na ito will have a landslide win sa darating na eleksyon.

Ako ay nananalangin na tayong lahat ay sumama sa

UniTeam,” he added.

(I am telling you, this team will score a landslide victory in the coming elections. I am praying that we all join the UniTeam.)

Quiboloy, who was recently indicted in the United States for sex– trafficking charges, is a close ally of the Duterte family.

Quiboloy is the spiritual adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to Atty. Vic Rodriguez, the spokesperson of Marcos Jr., the tandem will hold its proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on February 8—the official start of the campaign period for national candidates. n

Philippine, US strengthen ties...

PAGE 6 investors into the industries such as coco chips, coco board manufacturing as well as seafood processing and

canning.

“With a number of agricultural partnerships between the two countries, Variava affirmed that US

programs are in place to support and complement the Philippines’ undertakings in the agriculture sector,”the DA said. n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022

9

SFIO adopts new corporate name ‘Starfleet Innotech, Inc.’

VIOLATION. The campaign period has yet to start but candidates’ posters are already seen all over the Don Antonio footbridge along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Tuesday, Feb. 1. Under the law, campaign materials are allowed only in designated common poster areas.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

STARFLEET Innotech, Inc. announced the formal change of its corporate name, replacing its previous name “Smokefree Innotec, Inc.” The new identity reflects the conglomerate’s ambitious new direction as a global asset management company.

“This is an important moment in our history as a company,” said Jeths Lacson, chairman and chief executive officer of SFIO. “When we began developing our plans for a network of innovative companies working in conjunction to explore new frontiers of innovation, we couldn’t help but draw inspiration from the sci-fi classics we grew up with. As Starfleet, we’re leading this new alliance, sharing knowledge and resources to help our businesses go where none of their industries have gone before.”

SFIO is focused on innovation through disruptive collaborations across its three key industries: Food and Beverage (F&B), Real Estate, and Technology. With a strong presence across New Zealand, Australia, and

the Philippines — as well as new offices in the United States and United Arab Emirates — the company invests in highgrowth businesses, supporting them through partnerships and opportunities, before leveraging their international presence to help them scale exponentially.

Guided by tradition, driven by innovation, and enabled by collaboration — SFIO says they are on a hyper-growth path towards building a thriving global business ecosystem.

“This past year, we’ve gathered a formidable roster of technologists, strategists, communicators, and leaders to drive Starfleet Innotech, Inc. into the future,” Lacson said.

“Armed with what I believe is a truly interstellar team, our goal is to kick our businesses across the F&B and Real Estate industries into warp speed.”

Over the next three years, SFIO plans to elevate their portfolio on the global market and pioneer new technologies, with the goal of uplisting to a major stock exchange by 2024.

(Advertising Supplement)

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FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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Pharmally execs face estafa raps

by Ma.

Reina TolenTino ManilaTimes.net

THE House of Representatives’ Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability has recommended that six people, including former and current officials of Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., be charged with syndicated estafa before the Department of Justice in connection with the questionable government purchase in 2020 of medical goods for its pandemic response.

The committee had concluded its investigation of the anomalous procurement.

Among those the committee wants to be charged were Linconn Ong and Mohit Dargani, both of whom are Pharmally officials.

“We respect the findings of the House committee and look forward to whatever action the appropriate government offices may take in

relation to the recommendations of the committee.

We are confident that, given a full and fair hearing with all constitutional safeguards freely at hand, the evidence we will present will result in the complete exoneration of my clients,” Ferdinand Topacio, the lawyer for Ong and Dargani, said in a statement on Monday, January 31.

Others recommended to be charged were Huang Tzu Yen, Twinkle Dargani, Justine Garado and former Pharmally employee Krizle Grace Mago.

DIWA Party-list Rep. Michael Aglipay, the committee’s chairman, said that because of “insufficiency of evidence,” the committee did not recommend charges against former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang and former Budget undersecretary and former Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) officer in

In this file photo, Pharmally executives Mohit Dargani (left) and Linconn Ong (right) being escorted by security detail from the Senate of the Philippines as they are being brought to the Pasay City Jail in Pasay City last November 29.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Enrique Agcaoili

charge Lloyd Lao. Aglipay said the committee also recommended the abolition of the PS-DBM “in order to streamline government functions and services.”

The PS-DBM, he said, “has outlived its purpose considering that all agencies now have their own procurement department and” bids and awards committee.

“In connection with emergency procurements, the committee strongly recommends that the Office of the President and its attached agencies like DBM, PS-DBM and GPPB consider institutionalizing standard requirements that can better gauge a supplier’s legal, financial and technical capacities,” he said.

GPPB is the Government Procurement Policy Board.

The report of the House committee has yet to reach plenary.

Aglipay said the panel “found that there was no overpricing in the purchase of materials, supplies and equipment by” the PS-DBM on behalf of the Department of Health.

“The procedure on emergency procurement pursuant to Bayanihan Act One” that PS-DBM undertook “was consistent with applicable rules and regulations. There was nothing irregular nor illegal in the procedure applied by PS-DBM,” he said.

However, Aglipay said the committee found that requirements “imposed by GPPB on suppliers under the emergency procurement of the Bayanihan Act One” were “extremely deficient in genuinely evaluating the capacity of a supplier.” n

Duterte prays for a ‘better’...

PAGE 8 faith and determination, we have become more resilient and capable (of building) back better,” he said.

“It is my fervent prayer that 2022 will be a better year for all of us, in terms of wealth, health, relationships and progress,” Duterte said.

He also urged Filipinos to continue to demonstrate the ideals of bayanihan (volunteerism) and malasakit (compassion), especially to those who are most in need.

“Let us all look forward to more opportunities for growth and prosperity in the New Year and become instruments of peace, harmony and generosity to

all,” Duterte said.

The President, through Proclamation 1236, has declared Feb. 1, 2022 as a special non-working day to commemorate Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year is “one of the most revered and festive events celebrated, not only in China but also in the Philippines,” the proclamation read.

Vice President Leni Robredo joined the FilipinoChinese community in celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Robredo said the message of the new year remains the same even if the celebration is different due to the continuing threat of the

COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite all the challenges, there is always hope, we can always start again.

Whatever obstacle we face, we can overcome this not individually, not amid hostility, but by working together and being there for each other,” she said in Filipino.

“Thank you for the trust, support and solidarity with our dreams for our country. I wish you all a happy, peaceful, and prosperous year ahead,” the Vice President said.

The local government of Manila prohibited the holding of public events celebrating Chinese New Year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. n

‘TIKOY’ TIME. Customers flock to a store along Ongpin St. in Binondo, Manila to buy tikoy, the glutinous rice cake that is commonly served during Chinese New Year, on Monday, Jan. 31. The Chinese New Year of the Water Tiger begins February 1.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Major global challenges...

PAGE 5 While there are instances when a hacking attempt fails, the damage to a system may still be costly. This is what happened to the Defence Academy of the UK (a school for diplomats and British personnel from the Armed Forces, the Civil Service and other government departments) that was targeted by hackers in March last year.

Although the hackers did not succeed, the damage was still significant due to the time that had to be spent in repairing the damage to the system and restoring the network.

Just very recently, Canada’s Foreign Ministry was also targeted by hackers, resulting in the disruption of internetbased services and downtime in some internal systems, preventing diplomats from accessing some online services. The attack came just a few days after Canadian officials issued a warning for the public to be vigilant in the face of cyber threats including “state-sponsored” cyberattacks.

A few days ago, the domestic intelligence agency of Germany disclosed that a Chinese hacking group known as APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) 27 has started attacks against German companies, particularly those involved in technology and the pharmaceutical industry. Active since 2010, APT 27 has been targeting critical sectors and foreign embassies to collect information pertaining to government, defense and technology sectors, according to German officials.

The United States of course is one of the biggest targets of these cybercriminals.

Last year, hackers targeted oil companies, among them Colonial Pipeline Company, the biggest pipeline system in the US for refined oil products. The attack caused such panic that the company officials decided to shut down the 5,500-mile pipeline system – the first time ever in its 57-year history – effectively cutting off the supply of gasoline and other fuels to the East Coast, causing shortages, higher prices and long lines at gasoline stations.

According to investigators, the hackers, who were affiliated with Russian

cybercrime group DarkSide, were able to obtain a password from a private network account used by employees to remotely access Colonial’s computer network. The company paid a $4.4-million ransom, although the FBI was able to recover $2.3 million of the ransom money.

The FBI also said that Eastern European cybercriminals have been trying to hack US companies engaged in the transportation, defense and insurance industries by sending fake letters containing a USB stick loaded with malicious software that, if inserted into a computer, could steal information or access a company’s network.

As the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2022 report noted, the pandemic has demonstrated the interconnectivity of businesses, and how digitalization has exposed the global population to a new trajectory of cyber threats and attacks. The experience of such companies as Colonial Pipeline clearly shows that an attack on one can have a domino effect on others. No less than US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas had said that they “consider ransomware to be one of the gravest threats in the cybersecurity domain that we in the United States and, quite frankly, the world is vulnerable to.”

There is absolutely no doubt we need to support the CICC team of USec Mancao and increase their yearly budget (which was a meager P11 million) if we are to strengthen our anti-cybercrime efforts and capacitate the agency in performing its mandate as lead agency in coming up with effective measures to “prevent and suppress increasing future cybercrime activities” that will surely pose the greatest threat not only to private businesses but our national security as well. (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

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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Petition denied at embassy due to fraud for jumping ship on an all-new Citizen Pinoy this Sunday LEADING U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel provides the latest immigration developments, as featured on his YouTube channel: US Immigration TV. On Sunday, February 6, he also features another success story that is inspiring and hopeful.

Jun was a crewman who jumped ship and overstayed a few months in the U.S. in 2002. He returned to the Philippines in 2003, and in 2007, his mother petitioned him as single.

After almost 16 years of waiting, Jun was finally scheduled for his interview at the U.S. Embassy.

Unfortunately, he was denied due to fraud.

Distraught and desperate to get Jun to the U.S., his sister and their mother went to leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel to seek his help.

The Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to file a fraud waiver, which was approved, and Jun was issued his immigrant visa, allowing him to rejoin his family in the U.S. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, February 6 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET thru select Cable/ Satellite providers). Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the app for free.

(Advertising Supplement)

FRAUD WAIVER AND THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN U.S. IMMIGRATION THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Jun (right) was a crewman who jumped ship in 2002. He overstayed in the U.S. for several months, before returning to the Philippines in 2003. In 2007, his mother petitioned him as a single child. Finally, after many years of waiting, Jun was interviewed at the U.S. Embassy, but he was denied due to fraud. Jun’s sister (3rd from left) and his mother (2nd from left) consulted with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (2nd from right), who was able to file a fraud waiver, which was approved. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, February 6 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)

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FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS THE subvariant of Omicron, BA.2, nicknamed “Stealth Omicron,” is 1.5 times more rapidly transmissible than Omicron. From the original SARS-CoV2 corona virus that originated in Wuhan, China, the virus had mutated to the Delta variant, to Omicron, DeltaCron (now determined to be insignificant or an error) to the new subvariant “Stealth Omicron,” first detected in early December 2021 and now in 49 countries, foremost in India, Denmark, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. While the Omicron underwent 50 mutations, the Stealth Omicron had 90 mutations, mostly in the bodies of unvaccinated individuals.

There are more than 100 cases in the U.S. in at least 20 states. This new substrain appears not to be any more dangerous than Omicron, which itself is highly transmissible and milder (not MILD) compared to the Delta variant.

The two shots plus a booster do not totally prevent acquiring the BA.2 strain but are effective in minimizing the severity, hospitalization, and death from both the Omicron and its new subvariant BA.2. The unvaccinated are mostly the ones who are sitting ducks for Omicron and the BA.2 subvariant.

When all the unvaccinated get infected (hopefully with Omicron, which would be milder), they would get some natural immunity, but not against newer variants in the future. Those vaccinated persons who get infected will acquire a super “hybrid” immunity, more protective than vaccines alone or infection alone.

590,000 cases, 2600 deaths There were 2600 deaths last Friday (January 28) alone, as the number of cases reach an average of around 590,000 a day in the United States, down from 800,000 two weeks before. The hospitalizations and deaths were down, compared to the Delta period. But the daily cases are massively higher. In the meantime, more than 10 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered worldwide, albeit gaps remain for Third World countries. In the United States, about 63.1 percent of the

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Stealth Omicron Claudine-Mark Anthony population has been vaccinated, and only 26.1 percent have had the booster shot.

Israel leads the world, with more than 84 percent of people ages 70 and older having received at least the two shots, which resulted in a rapid decline of COVID-19 cases, with a similar result in dozens of other countries.

There is no more question about the efficacy and safety of the vaccines. There are 35 COVID-19 vaccines under clinical trials.

European vax mandate There are still at least 50 million people in the United States refusing to get vaccinated, in spite of the more than 10 billion doses administered around the world proving how safe the vaccines are. The virus will continue to replicate and mutate in the bodies of people, mostly in the unvaccinated, which will super-spread new strains they produce in their bodies to people around them.

And the cycle will continue viciously. Without a warm body host, the virus will instantly self-destruct and the pandemic will come to a halt.

Knowing this and with the massive surges of COVID-19 in his country, French President Emmanuel Macron, vowed to “piss-off” the unvaccinated to make life uncomfortable for them by restricting their access to restaurants, stores, theaters, and other public areas, in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 and end the pandemic soonest.

Macron is running for re-election in April 2022, and these words and actions clearly show his great leadership, wisdom, and courage in protecting his nation and people, even at the peril of his own career and personal safety.

Mandatory vaccinations (national lockdown for the unvaccinated) are also being introduced in several European countries, with Austria leading the way for over 15 countries also planning compulsory vaccinations for their citizens starting this February. These actions are an acknowledgment that faithful application of science (epidemiology) in its purest sense, not politics, is what will destroy killer viruses and end the pandemic.

I applaud President Macron and the leaders of the European countries for their Solomonic decision. In the United States, political correctness and people’s wrong

interpretation of what civil liberties and freedom mean as guaranteed by the First Amendment is enabling the rapid spread of viruses.

Those who refuse the vaccines, claiming their right to refuse and do what they want (freedom to mingle with the public and spread the virus to others), under the United States Constitution, are obviously misinterpreting the First Amendment rights.

As I have posted before, while they have the right to refuse the vaccines, risk, or kill themselves, they do not have the right to spread the virus and kill others, albeit unintentionally. National safety and well-being supersede and prevail over individual freedom and liberty.

Epidemiologically speaking, the unvaccinated should be separated from those vaccinated to protect the latter from getting infected with newer strains – just like in any infectious disease section of a hospital, where patients with infectious diseases are segregated from others to prevent the spread of the disease and where sterile instruments are separated and protected from contaminated ones. It’s simply common sense.

So, if those who refuse the vaccines stay home and not spread the virus to others, then their exercise of the freedom to refuse would be well within their rights under the Constitution.

Army’s Pan Vax Since future strains of the COVID-19 virus (SARSCoV2) are expected because of the enormous number of people refusing the vaccines, the military is now developing a pan-corona vaccine that would be effective against the various current strains and future variants of the SARS-CoV2 virus. So far, we have Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron, and Stealth Omicron. The latest super surges raised the probability of the need for a 2nd booster (4th shot). A variant-specific vaccine has been developed.

The military pan-vax would be ideal. The trial has just completed its first phase showing excellent results. A universal “all-covered” vaccine is certainly welcome.

Since this pandemic is most likely to remain as “endemic” in the United States, perhaps the pan-vax could also incorporate the flu vaccine, so people would only need one shot a year to protect against all these various viruses.

Stats updates

chemistry just like before

By Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

TWENTY-FIVE years since they parted ways, Claudine Barretto and Mark Anthony Fernandez — one of the hottest love teams of the ‘90s — are reunited onscreen for the Vivamax drama-mystery film, “Deception.”

It can be remembered that the former young stars, developed deep affection for each other while doing the 1995 films “Pare Ko” and “Mangarap Ka.” Now in their 40s, Fernandez and Barretto could not be more excited to work together again after several attempts of a reunion project.

“Matagal na ang planong reunion namin ni Mark but we can’t find the right material.

Hanggang sa heto, nakahanap ng magandang script through direk Joel Lamangan.

Natagalan but it turns out this is the best project for us kasi it’s beyond the rom-com genre. It’s a dramatic suspense-thriller, a

‘Deception’ is also Claudine Barretto’s movie comeback after a six-year hiatus.

In the film, Mark Anthony Fernandez plays Jericho, a stunt double, who fell in love with famous actress, Rose (Barretto).

Photos courtesy of Viva Films

As of 3:25 PM (CST), Tuesday, February 1, 2022, there were 380,955,461 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with 5,699,065 deaths; 76,351,647 cases in the U.S. and 912,460 deaths; and 3,569,665 cases and 54,054 deaths in the Philippines.

Although Omicron is milder, it could still kill. We must continue to use a facemask that covers both our nose and mouth, preferably NIOSH-approved N95 masks, and do social distancing in public. KN95 and regular cloth masks have larger pores and

commentary about the justice system in our country,” Barretto, who also marks her movie comeback after a six-year hiatus, explained in a virtual conference.

“Timely din yung script. Kasi kung nagawa namin ito earlier, malamang hindi ito yung script. Dito may suspense, drama, at kikilitiin ka pa ng kaunti sa funny bone mo eh. Talagang pagsisisihan ko kung hindi ito yung script na ginampanan namin,” Fernandez added.

Both veteran stars have nothing but praises for each other, complimenting their partner’s improved acting skills and work ethic.

Barretto shared, “Na-expect ko na magaling si Mark. Matagal nang alam ng tao ‘yon pero lalo na ngayon, nagulat ako na sobrang gumaling talaga si Mark. Parang nagmature siya tapos binibigay niya lahat ng mga requirements ni direk Joel.”

On which Fernandez humbly said in return, “Ang gustung-gusto ko [sa kanya], naging independent woman siya. Inspiring si ‘Boss Clau’ pagkatrabaho. Through time, nag-bloom siya bilang lady, naging tunay na babae siya, at napaka-loving mom niya bukod sa superstar natin siya.”

“Deception” tells the story of Rose (Barretto) a famous actress, and Jericho (Fernandez) a stunt double, who fell in love and got married. As they start their own family, they are blessed with a son and named him Thomas.

From the looks of it, they had a perfect life. But their promising future came crashing down when Rose was convicted for killing her husband and sentenced to ten-year imprisonment. With Rose in prison and Jericho’s death, their son was taken to an orphanage and learned to live without his parents.

As Rose’s time in prison ends, she tries to start her life anew, among them is finding and reconnecting with his estranged son, who is now a teenager. But her troubled past starts to catch up and reveals all the lies that go with it.

She also soon finds out why her almost perfect life went crumbling down.

Director Lamangan commended the returning stars for their acting chops. He also noted how their chemistry easily translated onscreen.

“Silang dalawa, kahit hindi mo gawin, meron silang chemistry. Mahusay ang kanilang tambalan. Napatunayan na naman nilang muli sa kanilang muling pagtatambal na hindi nag-iba ang kanilang kategorya bilang mahuhusay na aktor at aktres,” Lamangan shared.

are not as protective. *** 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, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

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Catriona Gray, other Pinay beauty Morissette & Dave’s love queens mourn Cheslie Kryst’s passing story: From rooftop dates to secret wedding

By Marane

a. PLaza

Philstar.com

FILIPINA beauty queens Catriona Gray and Pia Wurtzbach paid tribute to the late Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst, who passed away on Sunday, January 30.

Miss Universe 2018 mourned the death of her co-beauty queen, posting a photo of herself with Cheslie.

Gray captioned her post, “Ches… I can’t believe the news. Rest in peace angel.

The world will miss your light.”

Catriona then urged the public to reach out to their friends and loved ones who are in need of mental health support, “Let’s reach out to friends and loved ones. These continue to be isolating times, mental health is so important, let’s not downplay its importance in the lives of every individual.”

The two were reportedly close because they were together for a while at the

EMPLOYMENT

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray with the late Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst

official New York residence of the Miss Universe Organization, when Gray won the Miss Universe

2018 title while Kryst won the Miss USA 2019 title, respectively.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia

SERVICES

Wurtzbach also expressed her sadness on her Instagram page, “So sorry, Cheslie… you were so kind. Thank you. You’re an inspiration & loved by so many. Rest in peace Cheslie.”

Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, who was Cheslie’s batchmate during the 68th Miss Universe pageant held in Georgia, USA last December 8, 2019, also mourned the death of Kryst.

Ganados posted on social media, “Woke up to the saddest news! I can’t believe i’ll never see you again. You will be missed and the light you shone so bright. Heaven has gained another angel.

Gone too soon!”

If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts or tendencies, please know you can talk it out and reach out to someone at Manila’s Suicides Crisis Lines, with landline number (02) 8893-7603 and Globe number 09178001123. n

By Leah

C. SaLterio Philstar.com

ASIA’S Phoenix Morissette Amon was a blushing and beautiful June bride.

The Morissette-Dave Lamar wedding, which they managed to keep away from the prying eyes of the public and more so, from the steadily-curious and inquisitive entertainment press, happened last June 28 at the Netherlands-inspired Old Grove Farmstead in Lipa, Batangas.

The couple’s 15-minute “wedding film” uploaded on YouTube includes footage from the wedding, the original songs they collaborated on, recorded and will release together starting with their duet of Up and Away, as well as interesting anecdotes about their romance.

Morissette started by asking questions to Dave. “Bowby, you have a question? Parang kinakabahan ka,” she told him and they both broke into laughter. Bowby is apparently her term of endearment with Dave.

“Kinakabahan nga ako,” he smilingly admitted.

“Chill. I’m going to be nice. What made you realize I was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with?”

Morissette asked Dave.

“Ang intense ng tanong,” he readily commented, but nonetheless gave his honest answer, as the second track, True North, played on.

“I think it was the kind of friendship that we developed after The Voice,” Dave disclosed. “Like going to the States and conversing with you in that way. You were one of the people who would respond and hold a conversation with me.”

PAGE 15

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LUNAR NEW YEAR 2022: How to usher in the Year of the Tiger H

by AJPress

APPY Lunar New Year!

Welcome the Year of the Water Tiger!

Unlike the fixed new year of the Gregorian calendar commonly celebrated on January 1st, the date of the Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year) varies, determined by the appearance of the new moon — which is why it’s called the Lunar New Year, as it’s based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar.

The Lunar New Year usually falls sometime between January 21 and February 20. The Year of the Water Tiger began on February 1 and lasts until January 21, 2023.

During the Lunar New Year celebration, people across the globe greet with either Gong Xi Fa Cai, which means “you attain greater wealth,” or Kung Hei Fat Choi, which means “congratulations and be prosperous.”

The 12 zodiac animals are, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger, “which indicates a prosperous year due to the Tiger’s auspicious signs (strength, exorcising evils and braveness),” according to ChinaHighlights.com.

2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, and 1938 are regarded as Tiger years. Tigers are known as natural born leaders who are courageous, assertive and stubborn, yet generous.

Similar to the January 1st new year, there

are several traditions and rituals observed during the Lunar New Year, including: Dragon and lion dances In the Philippines, Filipinos who celebrate the holiday typically flock to Binondo in Manila, which is considered the oldest Chinatown in the world. They crowd the streets of Chinatown to watch the Parades of Dragons and Lions, a colorful and dynamic performance accompanied by the loud banging of drums and cymbals. The dragon, in China, is believed to represent great power, auspiciousness, and strength.

Meanwhile, the lion represents safety and luck.

Wearing and gifting red The color red is prevalent during the festivities as it is a special color in Chinese culture, signifying energy, happiness, and good luck. Most people wear red clothing as it represents vitality as well as strength.

Elders also hand out Ang Pao (Red envelopes) to children. These envelopes contain money, and giving them is believed to bring good luck and long life to both the giver and receiver.

Symbolic dishes Families also gather to have their New Year’s Eve dinner where they usually serve tikoy (year cake), which is made from sticky rice and symbolizes unity among family members; pancit/noodles, for long life and represent the eater’s life; and

AJPress illustration by Jillian Peñalosa

fish and dumplings, which are believed to signify good fortune.

Fireworks The Lunar New Year won’t be complete without setting off fireworks and firecrackers or generally just making noise as it is supposed to drive away bad spirits, bad luck, and the mythical beast called Nian. Filipinos commonly use horns and

cooking pots to create noise.

12 round fruits Families also prepare 12 different round fruits as they are believed to bring luck and fortune to them. The New Year’s Eve dinner is perhaps the most important dinner for families — that’s why it’s necessary for all the members of the family to be present for it. n

How Rob caught the acting bug By

Jerry Donato Philstar.com

Rob Gomez

GMA photo

ROB Gomez has the makings of a leading man or a versatile actor. His characters Joseph Chan in Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune on GMA 7 and Raf in A Girl + A Guy on Netfl ix would give one a glimpse into this young man’s showbiz future.

His entry into the entertainment world is not surprising since Rob belongs to the Ejercito- Estrada showbiz clan. He has proven again that acting runs in the family. Rob is among the new talents to watch out for that the local tinseltown has welcomed into its fold.

“First of all, I’m thankful for the genes and that’s a factor,” said Rob of him

heeding the call to entertain people in a one-on-one with The Philippine STAR. “I’ve watched them (my family), all of them, they’ve been an inspiration (for me) to (pursue) this kind of dream right now.”

The 23-year-old bachelor is the son of former George Estregan, and former President Erap Estrada, and nephew of Gary Estrada. Rob

is the spitting image of his uncle Gary.

He caught the showbiz bug back in high school but described his interest in it then as “small” and “it wasn’t clicking” for Rob was preoccupied by his love for a number of things.

“I was a football player, that was really my main focus,” recalled he. “I love sports, (goingto the) gym

and working out. I love (playing) basketball and tennis, swimming, horse riding, everything under the sun I love.”

Rob had a taste of being in the limelight by appearing in the late-night variety talk show, Walang Tulugan, and acting in an episode for TV5’s Pidol’s Wonderland.

“My mom wasn’t very supportive at first. (She) wasn’t pushing it,” said he, who got words of PAGE 15

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It’s a boy for Angeline Quinto SINGER Angeline Quinto on Monday, January 31 revealed she is pregnant with a baby boy at a gender reveal party with Vice Ganda.

The event was organized by comedian and talk show host Vice Ganda, and premiered on their YouTube channel on Monday.

“ITS A BOY!!! Sa wakas ma i- sshare ko na rin sa inyong lahat ang gender ng aking baby (finally, I can share the gender of my baby with you all),” Quinto later posted through her Instagram.

She then expressed her excitement and joy in starting her new journey as a mother.

The singer and actress first shared the news of her pregnancy in an interview with Boy Abunda on December 10.

While Angeline has yet to reveal the identity of that baby’s non-showbiz father, she recently shared that her baby is due in April 2022.

The singer-actress also just recently celebrated her 10th showbiz anniversary in 2021. (Inquirer.net) n

Angeline Quinto

Photo from Instagram/@loveangelinequinto

How Rob caught the...

Newlyweds Morisette Amon and Dave Lamar

Photo from Instagram/@itsmorisette

Morissette & Dave’s love story...

PAGE 13 Both Morissette and Dave became contestants on ABS-CBN’s The Voice Philippines in 2013 and they were under Team Sarah Geronimo.

“What people don’t know, I’ve known you even before The Voice,” she disclosed. “We met on TV5 back in 2011. We were not super close, but we did a cover (Before It Explodes) and then we lost touch.

“When you told me you got into the Blind Auditions (for The Voice), we got into the same team. I was just thrilled that you were there. I felt comfortable I was with someone I already knew. Out of everyone there.”

Even when Dave was in the US and they were on different time zones, the two still kept in touch. “When I’d have problems or just everything I was going through in life, I wasn’t that kind of person who would really share to anyone,” Morissette shared.

Early on in their relationship, Morissette and Dave had “rooftop dates,” since she was hardly allowed to go out. So, the times he came to Manila for a visit, they would always meet on the rooftop.

“It has not been an easy ride,” Dave allowed. “Just everything that we’ve done with the music and being able to finally write together and do all those things na dati pinag-uusapan lang natin.”

For her part, Morissette thinks it’s so easy for her to say she wouldn’t be where she is right now if it weren’t for her Bowby. “You’re really the person who helped me grow,” Morissette revealed. “You challenged me and brought me out of my comfort zone.

You were able to lead me to the best life and that’s a life with Jesus.”

Dave told her, “What I love is you complement me in my weaknesses and I complement you in your weaknesses and we challenge each other in many different ways. I’m just so blessed to have you in my life and I’m excited to have you for the rest

of my life.”

Morissette assured Dave: “We’re gonna be making each other kulit and reklamo, but we’ll get by. Thank you, Bowby. I love you.”

There was a drizzle on the day they exchanged “I do’s.” Only the closest friends, family and loved ones of Morissette and Dave were present in the June 28 wedding. Her Stages manager, David Cosico, as well as her mentor, Audie Gemora, Moira de la Torre and hubby Jason Marvin, singer-actor Tim Pavino were among the guests.

“If there’s one thing I can really describe our story, everything was definitely God’s plan,” Morissette attested.

“It has been an amazing journey,” Dave granted. “So many ups and downs. So many moments to just really look back on. Hindi ka talaga makakapag-yabang. Ang masasabi mo lang, ‘God brought us here.’ It was only because of God why we are here.”

Dave acknowledged Morissette literally had to give up everything. “And I don’t take that for granted.”

Luna, a song they both rendered in Morissette’s recent Phoenix concert, which will have a repeat on Feb. 5, was also played in the wedding film.

“I vow to be the music to your lyrics, the rhythm to your blues, the cream to your coffee, the peanut to your butter, the fire to your ember, the sun to your sky, the stars to your moon, the smile to your tear. And finally, I vow to always be your best friend, your safe place, your home. Finally, this day has come that I can officially call myself your wife.”

The suit and gown by the couple were by Michael Leyva. The images are by Nice Print Photo and the video is by Treehouse Story.

The latest project of the couple is a musical collaboration, a four-track EP (extended play) that included the original songs they performed in the wedding video. They are releasing the songs under the artist name, From the Sea. n

PAGE 14 encouragement from people he would randomly meet like managers of his cousins, aunts and uncles. After testing the showbiz waters, Rob eventually concentrated on his studies. After all, opportunities to launch his career were few and far between. “The pandemic came, I wanted to try something new and I always wanted to improve myself and then, the opportunity came,” shared Rob, who enjoys watching the works of his family on the small and big screen and has given showbiz another try. His reentry was via the Erik Matti fi lm, A Girl + A Guy, which explores the relationships and intimacy of today’s young people.

“I was really taken care of, everything was explained carefully,” said Rob of working on the movie set.

“My mom was scared at first. But I told her that I was gonna be extra careful, ‘You know the director, he’s very respected…’ I gave my yes (because) I wanted to do it.

I had fun.”

Finally, the young actor was able to fi nd a stepping stone to jumpstart a showbiz career. He bared to all his talent. After that, Rob was also seen in Regal Studio Presents: Bro B4 Rose, with Jeric Gonzales and Kim Domingo.

“She always tries to criticize me in a good way, so I can improve. She’s very supportive,” answered Rob when asked about pieces of advice that mom Kate

and uncle Gary have given him. “He’s really a good guy. I look up to him so much. He’s a great guy. (For instance, with my movie,) his comment was very technical, yung paglakad ko, pagtayo, pagsalita, pagtingin… Dapat mag-mukha kang leading man… kailangan maayos mong makita yung mga camera mo. Sobrang bait na tao, sobrang respetado siya ng mga tao, lahat ng nakasama niya. Sana maging ganun po ako one day (I wish to be like him one day).”

Weeknights, viewers get to see Rob’s talent as Joseph, the illegitimate eldest son in Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune. He holds his own in light and dramatic scenes with seasoned a tresses like Sunshine Cruz, Boots AnsonRoa and Barbie Forteza.

“For this role, I learned that you really have to talk to the director. Of course, it’s his eye on the screen, something I (also) learned from direk Erik,” said Rob. “Since I’m working with direk Ian (Loreños), it’s his perspective. He is very kind and very approachable.”

With that, the actor is comfortable asking the Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune director such questions as “How do I do this? How do you want it? How do you see it?

If someone else suggests (something), I’ll try to input it somehow,” said Rob. During this paper’s interview, Rob shared that they were in the second half of the show’s lock-in taping.

This new normal way of

putting a narrative together has allowed actors like him to be one with their characters.

“Joseph and my character (Raf) in the movie are so diff erent,” refl ected he. “(After,) I want to do something in between, something above, something below naman, maybe an action fi lm, maybe something more interesting, anything actually. If they give me the best opportunities, I will try to give them the best results.” As far as the status of Joseph in the Chan family and business is concerned, Rob shared, “He has an arc.

This is the good boy, right?

There are a lot of surprises, I wanna break hearts with my character… sana main love sila with Joseph… hindi siya api. You’re always bad in someone else’s eyes and you’re good in someone else’s eyes.” Has he spilled the beans about an unexpected turn in his character’s personality?

Well, it’s something viewers should look forward to in the forthcoming episodes.

For now, Rob will enjoy every bit of acting and is sold to the idea that it is “like the extension of my creativity,” shared he. “I think it is such an art. There’s so much craft in making, producing a serye or a movie… para kaming pelikula na nasa telebisyon.”

The freewheeling conversation with Rob was punctuated by him, giving his two cents’ worth on a career in acting. “It’s all about timing and God’s will,” said he. (Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune airs on GMA Telebabad.) n

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