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FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages
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CDC warns against travel to PH Tax season is open! for ‘very high level’ of COVID-19 Here’s how to get DATELINE USA 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. 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.
by AJPress 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
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. One treatment for COVID-19 — oral antiviral pills — is now available for free, same-day, at-home delivery through
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by gaea
YEAR OF THE TIGER. SM Mall of Asia’s Chinese New Year centerpiece is inspired by classic Chinese gardens with blooms of peonies, tall bamboos and three moon gates decorated with red lanterns which symbolize birth and renewal and wisteria flowers for long life. The main showpiece is a larger-than-life tiger fully covered in flower petals, resting in a floral bed with gold coins and ingots welcoming fortune and prosperity. ManilaTimes.net photo
Katreena Philstar.com
caBico
MANILA — The Philippines will enforce new protocols for arriving travelers, Malacañang said Friday, January 28 as the government suspended its COVID-19 risk classifications for countries and territories. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the Philippines suspended the “green-yellow-red list” system, which is used to classify countries, territories and jurisdictions based on their COVID-19 risk levels. Starting February 1, fully-vaccinated travelers will be required to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival in the Philippines, they will no longer be required to observe mandatory facility-
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Pastor Apollo endorses Marcos–Duterte tandem 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 Duterte-Carpio 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
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Biden appoints Fil-Am community leader to ‘US, Japan maritime regional role at Small Business Administration stance aligns with
Philippines interests’
by AJPress
by Pia lee-Brago
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. The region covers Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Aglipay, a second-generation 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-
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PH sets new COVID-19 rules for arriving foreign travelers
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New York City Mayor says COVID-19 cases down, vaccinations up
spreading COVID-19,” the CDC said on its website. The CDC also reminds travelers to wear wellfitting 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.
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. 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
Philstar.com
MANILA — Efforts of the United States and Japan to 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. U.S. President Joseph Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a summit video teleconference last Jan. 21, during which 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 Geri Sanchez Aglipay
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Unsplash.com photo by Ian Hutchinson
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 earth-shattering 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 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
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FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588
From The FronT Page
It’s Day 6 of COVID, and a rapid antigen test comes back positive. Stay home, say virologists. by Rae
Presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (right) and running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio face supporters in Tagum City, Davao del Norte in November last year. Photo from the Facebook page of Marcos
Pastor Apollo endorses... PAGE 1 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
Moderna vaccine...
PAGE 1 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 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
ellen Bichell KHN.org
WHAT does it mean if a person’s rapid antigen test result comes back positive after five days of isolation due to covid-19? According to the experts, that person is most likely still carrying a viral load high enough to infect others. “Anytime you’re positive by one of these rapid at-home covid tests, it means that you’ve still got a really high level of the viral protein, and most experts are interpreting that as a high level of virus present in your nasal passage,” said Matthew Binnicker, director of clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic and president of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology. The Biden administration is buying a billion rapid antigen tests to ship to American homes, aiming to address the need for increased covid testing and ease a nationwide shortage of tests. That influx of tests comes on the heels of revised federal guidelines that shortened the isolation period to five days after symptoms started or a positive test, followed by five days of masking. It’s widely known that PCR tests, the highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction tests that detect viral genetic material, can pick up “dead” virus — material not capable of replicating — and yield a positive result for weeks after recovery, even when the person being tested is no longer infectious. But virologists say that’s unlikely to be the case for the rapid antigen tests — which detect certain proteins in the virus and produce results within 30 minutes — that are headed for people’s mailboxes. The odds are very slim, outside of a laboratory setting, that someone who gets a positive result on a rapid antigen test is a noninfectious person shedding large amounts of dead virus, said Kelly Wroblewski, director of infectious disease programs for the Association of Public Health Laboratories. There are several reasons for this. First, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America, “a major advantage” of rapid antigen tests is that they are somewhat blunt tools for picking up on the virus. Therefore, a positive result tends to mean
the person has a high viral load, especially if symptoms appeared. Second, it takes a substantial amount of virus material to register as positive on an antigen test, so a person would need a high level of dead virus sitting around in their nose or throat, and usually that signals a high level of live virus, too. Third, even if someone did have a high level of dead virus hanging around, quantity alone wouldn’t be enough to trigger a positive test — viral proteins tend to lose their shape after a battle with the immune system, which can render them undetectable by antigen tests. In a laboratory setting, a rapid antigen test could detect bits of “dead” virus, said Dr. Sam Dominguez, a pediatric infectious disease doctor and the medical director of the clinical microbiology lab at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Federally funded scientists did just that to check whether rapid antigen tests would work as well on omicron as they did on other covid variants. However, Dominguez said, the odds of dead virus — and dead virus alone — triggering a positive antigen test in a human rather than a petri dish are low. Unlike scientists in a lab, the human body in attack mode isn’t trying to inactivate viruses just so. It’s trying to obliterate them, proteins and all. “RNA can last longer than the proteins,” said Wroblewski, but neither substance is known for sturdiness. Even for scientists it’s somewhat of an art to keep proteins intact after inactivating the virus. “It is not easy,” said Dr. Izabela Ragan, a veterinary scientist at Colorado State University who has branched into human virology, and who has worked for about two years on developing a vaccine against SARSCoV-2. Her work hinges on killing the virus while preserving the shape of its proteins. The confusion around how to interpret test results stems largely from this conundrum: While there is a wealth of testing options available, there is no foolproof way to gauge whether a person is actually infectious. “I wish there was,” said Binnicker. “There is no test that we have for infectiousness.” The best option is to take a patient’s sample, stick it in a dish of thriving living cells, and see what happens to the healthy cells. If there’s live virus, said Dirk Dittmer, a
virologist at the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, “then the cells would die, just like the lung cells in your body would die.” But the finicky process takes about three days and can be done only in labs cleared to handle such pathogens, rendering it impractical. Instead, the most widely available tests rely on totally different methods. They fall into two categories, typically called molecular tests and antigen tests. Molecular tests, including PCR, look for specific bits of the virus’s RNA. With the exception of a few over-the-counter options, the tests are processed in a lab. They are capable of detecting tiny bits and pieces of the virus’s genetic material by copying whatever is floating around in a person’s sample over and over, amplifying it “a million- to a trillion-fold,” said Dr. Marie Louise Landry, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Yale New Haven Hospital. That’s why, she explained, “PCR can detect very low levels of viral RNA for weeks and even months after infection, when a patient is no longer infectious.” Rapid antigen tests, on the other hand, look for viral proteins rather than the virus’s genetic material. Many of them look for nucleocapsid or “N” proteins, which are abundant in infected cells and form a protective capsule around the virus’s genetic material. Unlike molecular tests, rapid antigen tests work only with what’s available — no copying or amplifying involved. These tests drag a person’s sample across a special piece of paper that contains a fence of antibodies designed to grab onto the virus’s N proteins. If enough proteins snag on the fence, a visible line of color will appear. “Even single molecules can turn a PCR positive,” said Dr. Michael Mina, an epidemiologist who has been a vocal supporter of rapid testing throughout the pandemic and is now chief science officer for the health care company eMed. But, he added, it takes “about 100,000-1,000,000 molecules to turn the rapid antigen test positive.” But what about the official recommendation that people with covid should isolate for five days at home — followed by five days of
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CDC warns against travel to PH for ‘very high level’ of... PAGE 1 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
PH sets new COVID-19 rules for arriving foreign travelers... PAGE 1 based quarantine. But they will need to self-monitor for any signs or symptoms for seven days with the first day being the date of arrival and report to the local government unit of destination upon the manifestation of symptoms, if any. Nograles said fully-vaccinated travelers must have any of the following proofs of vaccination against COVID-19: • World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis • VaxCertPH • National or state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF Meanwhile, unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers will need to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. They will also be required to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test taken on the
fifth day. Then, they will undergo home quarantine until the 14th day, with the date of arrival being the first day. The government tasked local government units and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams to monitor arriving passengers undergoing home quarantine. For children below 12 years old who cannot be vaccinated, they will follow the quarantine protocol applied to the parent or guardian traveling with them. Nograles added those who are currently undergoing quarantine as of February 1 may avail of the aforementioned testing and quarantine protocols. The new COVID-19 travel protocols were based on the recommendations of the Task Force on COVID-19 New Variants and SubTechnical Working Group on Data Analytics. Entry of fully-vaccinated foreigners Nograles also announced that fullyvaccinated nationals of non-visa required countries will be allowed to enter the Philippines starting February 10. “Remember we were supposed to do this
nung December 1 pa and then we suspended it. And then now we’re implementing it again,” he said. Fully-vaccinated foreign nationals must have passport valid for at least six months at the time of arrival, and with return or outbound ticket to their country of origin or next country of destination. The must have any of the following proofs of vaccination against COVID-19: • World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis • VaxCertPH • National or state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF According to Nograles, minors are exempted from the requirement of being fully-vaccinated and providing proof of immunization prior to boarding. Fully-vaccinated foreigners will not be included in the arrival quota set by the Department of Transportation and its OneStop-Shop. n
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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022
Tax season is open! Here’s how to get... PAGE 1 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-doyour-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-preparation-forqualifying-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 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 most-prolific IRS scams at https://irs.gov/newsroom/dirtydozen 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
‘US, Japan maritime stance aligns with... PAGE 1 Arbitral 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 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 brand-new 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
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Jonas Sultan celebrates after defeating Sharone Carter during their bout at Dignity Health Sports Park on August 14, 2021 in Carson, California. Photo by Michael Owens / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP
Jonas Sultan back in US for training camp, eyes title shot by Mark
GionGco Inquirer.net
MANILA — Filipino bantam weight prospect Jonas Sultan is back for a training camp in the United States as he eyes a crack at a world title. Sultan (18-5, 11KOs) left for the US on Saturday night, January 29 after spending his vacation with his family. “I’ve been training since December, it didn’t stop even when my wife gave birth because I know I have to be ready anytime I’m given a chance for the world title,” said Sultan, who is ranked No. 4 by the World Boxing Organization and seventh by the World Boxing Association in the 118-pound division, in Filipino. The 30-year-old Zamboanga City native made his case for a title shot after upsetting the previously unbeaten Carlos Caraballo of Puerto Rico last October at Madison Square Garden in New York. Sultan won by unanimous decision to claim the WBO
WBO Oriental bantamweight champion Jonas Sultan at the NAIA Airport as he waits for his flight to the United States Saturday. Jonas Sultan Photo
Intercontinental belt. Two of the three bantamweight titleholders are Filipinos with Nonito Donaire and John Riel Casimero holding the WBC and WBO belts, respectively. If given a choice, Sultan prefers a shot at top pound-forpound fighter Naoya Inoue, who owns the IBF and WBA (Super) titles.
“I want Inoue because I don’t want two Filipinos fighting for the world title. But I am ready for whatever fight will be good,” said Sultan, who will also serve as one of Jerwin Ancajas’ sparring partners. Ancajas is scheduled to defend his IBF crown against Fernando Martinez of Argentina on February 22 in Las Vegas. n
Biden appoints Fil-Am community... PAGE 1 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. n
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FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588
City of San Diego invites residents to engage in infrastructure process Virtual events planned all month to help community members get involved in project planning
SAN DIEGO – How does the city decide to build a park, library or fix our roads? How can you advocate for needs in your neighborhood? This month, the City of San Diego is inviting residents to participate in a series of virtual community events focused on engaging San Diegans in the infrastructure planning process. “These events are part of our efforts to ensure all communities have a voice in how we prioritize improvements and enhancements to our parks, libraries and other public facilities,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “This will help ensure we effectively invest in all of our city’s neighborhoods.” The City’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP) provides for the planning,
of all San Diego neighborhoods. Public input helps identify new needs in each community, which are ranked and prioritized with other previously identified infrastructure needs throughout the City. The prioritized needs are implemented as CIP projects, often over multiple years based on competing demands, legally mandated requirements and available funding and resources. The first of several virtual events will be held this week, with additional opportunities occurring throughout February. City Councilmembers and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria City staff will present helpful File photo/www.sandiego.gov information focused on each financing and construction of community and take questions new or upgraded City facilities from participants. – including parks, fire stations • Council District 5 with and libraries – that ensure the Councilmember Marni health, safety and quality of life u PAGE 5
SFIO adopts new corporate name ‘Starfleet Innotech, Inc.’ 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 high-growth 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 hypergrowth 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)
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
New York City Mayor says COVID-19 cases... PAGE 1 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 highrisk New Yorkers out of the hospital so we can immediately free up critical resources.” (AJPress) n
It’s Day 6 of COVID, and a rapid antigen... PAGE 2 masking? Data from the world of sports, where resources and testing methods abound, offer a glimpse into how variable that period of infectiousness might be. A preliminary study of NBA players and employees found that among 70 people infected with omicron, by Day 5 after their first positive test about 40% of them were still likely infectious. “What we’re recommending is that between Days 5 and 10, you can take an antigen test. If it’s positive, you stay in isolation till
Day 10,” said Binnicker. CDC public affairs specialist Jasmine Reed said the best approach is to use an antigen test toward the end of the five-day isolation period if the person’s symptoms have improved. “If your test result is positive, you should continue to isolate until Day 10,” she said. Wroblewski said an important gauge of contagiousness is the simplest: how someone is feeling. “If you have a high fever and a cough, don’t go see people. I feel like we somehow forgot that
part,” she said. “Let’s not put so much emphasis on the test and the technology that we forget basic infection control practices: that if you’re sick, stay home.” 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. n
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Dateline PhiliPPines
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Philippines, US strengthen ties to improve agriculture sector 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 DA-Disaster 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 duty-free treatment for products coming from beneficiary countries. Dar also invited US 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
IMF retains growth outlook on Philippines despite Omicron onslaught by raMon
royandoyan Philstar.com
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
‘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
Pope Francis appoints Filipino priest as envoy to Rwanda 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 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
City of San Diego invites residents... 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
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
u PAGE 7
PAGE 4 von Wilpert Thursday, Feb. 3, from 6 – 7 p.m. To register, visit sandiego.gov/ PrioritizingCIP1. • Council District 9 with Council President Sean Elo-Rivera – Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 6 – 7 p.m. To register, visit sandiego.gov/ PrioritizingCIP2. • Council District 1 with
Councilmember Joe LaCava – Wednesday, Feb. 16, from 6 – 7 p.m. To register, visit sandiego. gov/PrioritizingCIP3. • Council District 4 with Council President Pro Tem Monica Montgomery Steppe – Thursday, Feb. 17, from 6 – 7 p.m. To register, visit sandiego. gov/PrioritizingCIP4. Residents are encouraged to participate in the event within
their Council District but are welcome to join any of the meetings. To register, click the link for the Zoom webinar on the selected date. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Additional community meetings are planned for the coming weeks. For more information, visit sandiego.gov/ community-talks. (City of San Diego Release) n
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FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL
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OpiniOn
Features
Back to the bottom
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 accompanied by greater effort to improve public health care capacities. COVID-19 has highlighted the weaknesses of the health care system. The country does not need the resilience index to see where improvements are urgently needed. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Accomplice
The Long View Manuel l. Quezon III A YEAR ago this week, as I was getting a rare pandemic haircut, the chatty barber recounted stories by other clients of his from, he said, “the north.” The northerners, he said, told him “entire mountains” had been flattened, their earth destined to be landfill used by the Chinese in the Spratlys. The northerners, the barber added, were complaining of flooding where once there hadn’t been floods. I thought of what that barber said as we were wrapping up the recording of the first episode of “Proyekto Pilipino” (a weekly podcast series on civics) that hopes to inspire discussion on elections. Not in the usual context of partisanship but rather, in the light of being involved citizens. In each “Proyekto Pilipino” episode, it’s Leloy Claudio’s task to share a reflection on the topic of the week. In his kickoff reflection, he suggested that being Filipino can’t rely on race or religion as its basis;
instead, it should be a shared commitment to the project of having a Filipino Nation. Last Jan. 31 happened to be the birth anniversary of Salvador Araneta, one of four figures about whom Leloy has recently written a book. Araneta, to borrow the Indian writer Ramachandra Guha’s words, was one of those who paid “close attention to the promotion of institutions of civil society such as the law courts and universities, and to the fostering of rule-bound procedures within them.” Summing up their lives, it might be said of individuals like Araneta, as Leloy himself said of Guha, that they had “an image of the postcolony comfortable with modernity.” Which brings me to a term Araneta used: the “tripod of civilization,” meaning the soil, water, and forests. In his time Araneta had advocated policies that would Filipinize credit and maintain Filipino control over our economy and resources. His economic thinking spilled over into not just political, but educational advocacy, on the principle that Filipinos would be more able to protect
their national interests if they opinion is hostile to any policy shrill against presidents but viewed things from a national that ignores our interests in the there is willful ignorance when perspective. It would make it West Philippine Sea and even it comes to the multiple means more difficult, at the very least, beyond; but what neither the by which so many palms must be greased and for Filipino profits tidily officials and other leaders Think of the process of leveling a mountain, pocketed away. of to sidestep, and the many accomplices it requires, as theThink process discount, or leveling disregard, it happens, slowly. By now everyone has of a mountain, the national forgotten how the late Gina Lopez vowed to and the many interest. omplices Araneta’s get to the bottom of similar allegations back ait c crequires, as contemporary, happens, Carlos P. in 2016, or how the Senate was rebuffed it slowly. By Romulo, once in 2020 when it asked the government to now everyone observed that as forgotten far as presidents terminate deals with firms associated with has how the late are concerned, Gina Lopez what Filipinos reclamation in the Spratlys. Could any vowed to get want is someone of our presidential candidates—or even to the bottom who will make of similar decisions for senatorial ones since they are expected allegations them. I’ve long back in 2016, or thought one to demonstrate a national perspective— how the Senate reason for this actually get away with suggesting that if was rebuffed is it excuses in 2020 when o r d i n a r y c i t i z e n s any of our perennial problems are going to it asked the government from taking be solved, it must include the citizenry? to terminate responsibility deals with firms both for their decisions and those made in press nor the polls tell us, is associated with reclamation in their name by those claiming the ease with which mountains the Spratlys. Could any of our candidates—or to serve. We are told, and the are leveled, or sand is hauled presidential surveys prove, that public away. We can thunder and even senatorial ones since they
are expected to demonstrate a national perspective—actually get away with suggesting that if any of our perennial problems are going to be solved, it must include the citizenry? What if the citizenry itself asks those campaigning to be president, or senator, what they would do, in cases where public opinion is strong, but the actual behavior of the citizenry, is weak? At the very least we might know more about the kinds of decisions the candidates are willing to make. Proyekto Pilipino, a weekly podcast on civics to contextualize the choices we will be making in May, is led by Fr. Tito Caluag, with myself, Leloy Claudio, and Carlo Santiago, begins on Feb. 3. You can catch it on SkyCable, and on JeepneyTV, or the Conscience Collective on YouTube. Join us! *** 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: mlquezon3@gmail.com; Twitter: @ mlq3
Major global challenges ahead
Babe’s Eye View BaBe RoMualdez 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 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 California-based 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. 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 internet-based 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 “statesponsored” 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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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022
‘PH ready to move on from pandemic’ PRESIDENTIAL Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Maria “Joey” Concepcion III hailed the decision of the government’s pandemic task force to scrap travel restrictions for foreign nationals entering the country for business and tourism and the easing of quarantine and testing protocols for inbound travelers, saying this is a sign that the country is ready to “move on” from the pandemic. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) last week ruled to suspend the Red, Yellow and Green list classification countries, scrap mandatory facilitybased quarantine for arriving passengers and allow the entry of travelers from non-visa required nations for business and tourism. “Nagpapasalamat kami sa (We thank the) IATF for heeding the call of the private sector. Ang nakikita namin (the way we see it), we are now starting to move on. ‘Yun ang pinakaimportante (that’s important),” Concepcion
said during Monday’s “Laging Handa” public briefing. The official expressed hope the government will soon consider completely phasing out the alert levels in Metro Manila and around the country and instead put in place a “pandemic exit strategy” to further spur the country’s economic recovery. “Mag-meeting kami ng IATF kasama namin ‘yung lahat ng grupo ng (we will meet with the IATF and all the groups from the) private sector, restaurants in the coming three weeks,” noted the Go Negosyo founder. “We will craft a plan on how each sector can develop their exit plan. The idea is to reach a point wherein there are no more alert levels. We will develop a standard protocol,” he added. If all goes well, Concepcion said it is likely that Metro Manila and other areas where COVID-19 cases are steadily on the decline may be placed under Alert Level 1, which will allow business establishments to operate on increased capacity.
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.
“That’s the objective of the private sector and hopefully that can be done by April,” the official said. From there, the next goal will be to bring students back into classrooms. Concepcion said that with the rollout of the pediatric vaccination, the private sector will urge the IATF to open schools for face-to-face classes “provided that both students and teachers are already fully vaccinated.” “We are finally starting to move on and hopefully, this move will help our economy,” he said. He added that the next priority must be to bring students back in classrooms as long as they come from households with 100-percent vaccination rate or with no unvaccinated senior citizens in the house. “Vaccinated kids belonging to 70 percent vaccinated households or no unvaccinated senior citizens in the house and living in areas with 80 percent of the population vaccinated can also attend face-to-face classes,” Concepcion said. He allayed concerns on students and teachers being infected, saying the mask mandate should be strictly implemented. Concepcion stressed that bringing students back to schools is part of the change in mindset about living with the viral disease. “The country cannot afford a long-term effect of less than ideal quality of education due to the online learning modality being implemented by the Education department,” he said. (ManilaTimes.net) n
IMF retains growth outlook on... PAGE 5 of 2022, as vaccination proceeds further, policy measures remain appropriately supportive, and private sector confidence improves,” he added. 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
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LEGAL SERVICES Advertisement for Bids
SD#0100
Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will receive “ELECTRONIC-ONLY” bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: FURNISH AND INSTALL FENCING AND SINGLE POINT OF ENTRY AT MULTIPLE SITES GROUP I AND GROUP L A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 2 days and is scheduled to begin Day 1 at 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022, outside the main office of Audobon Elementary School, 8111 San Vicente St, San Diego, CA 92114. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Freese Elementary School, 8140 Greenlawn Dr, San Diego, CA 92114. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Nye Elementary School, 981 Valencia Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92114. Day 2 is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022, outside the main office of Pershing Middle School, 8204 San Carlos Dr, San Diego, CA 92119. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Kumeyaay Elementary School, 6475 Antigua Blvd, San Diego, CA 92124. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Juarez Elementary School, 2633 Melbourne Dr, San Diego, CA 92123. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Angier Elementary School, 8450 Hurlbut St, San Diego, CA 92123. COVID-19 SITE WALK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WILL BE ENFORCED Please refer to Planwell (www.crispimg.com, click on PlanWell, Public Planroom, search SDUSD and project bid number CC22-0741-52) or The Daily Transcript Publication for the complete Advertisement for Bids which includes Site Walk Safety Precautions AND preregistration information. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on March 3, 2022. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43764 then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC22-0741-52 Furnish and Install Fencing and Single Point of Entry at Multiple Sites Group I and Group L. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration”. The project estimate is between $1.5 million and $1.8 million. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Andrea O’Hara, M.A. Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Officer Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CC22-0741-52
LEGAL SERVICES CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00001282-CU-PT-CTL
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Javeed Wafa; Soraya Javeed on behalf of minor children filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. FNU Hela to Hela Javeed b. FNU Yalda to Yalda Javeed THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 02/24/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JAN 12, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna A. Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 852 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.
AJSD 852
CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00001679-CU-PT-CTL
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Bibianna Alexa Saldivar filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Bibianna Alexa Saldivar to Bibianna Alexa Saldivar-Mongé THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/01/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JAN 14, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 854 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.
AJSD #854
CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00001895-CU-PT-CTL
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Omar Alexandro Eli Torres Lombrozo filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Omar Alexandro Torres Lombrozo to Alex Lombrozo. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/02/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JAN. 22, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 858 01/21. 01/28, 02/04, 02/11/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.
AJSD #858
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000119
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028584
JV Scooters LLC located at 1512 La Playa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109. Registrant: JV Scooters LLC, 1512 La Playa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/04/2022. Signature Joao Vitor Lagoa Bovino. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/04/2022. AJ 849 01/14, 01/21, 01/28, and 02/04/2022.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001322 Rath’s Corner located at 2417 E. Plaza Blvd., National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Rath Sy, 2929 Alta Drive, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 11/10/2020. Signature Rath Sy. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/18/2022. AJ 855 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000854
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000074
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001732
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000575
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001849
AJSD 849
KT CAB located at 4105 Georgia St., #204, San Diego, CA 92103. Registrant: Teshome Gudeta Senbete, 4105 Georgia St., #204, San Diego, CA 92103. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/12/2022. Signature Teshome Gudeta Senbete. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/12/2022. AJ 853 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, 02/11/2022.
AJSD 853
CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00002739-CU-PT-CTL
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Keila Gaxiola Lucero filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Keila Gaxiola Lucero to Keila Gaxiola Hernandez. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/10/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JAN 24, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 864 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, and 02/18/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.
AJSD #864
AJSD 855
El Dorado Apartments located at 309 Richmar Ave., Ste#100, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant: Barry Cottle, 14211 Yorba St., Ste 200, Tustin, CA 92780. This business is conducted by Limited Partnership. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 06/01/2021. Signature Barry Cottle. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/03/2022. AJ 856 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022. AJSD 856
a. Rebeldemigods located at 665 12th St., Unit 1, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. b. Shado Radio located at 665 12th St., Unit 1, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. Registrant: Rebeldemigods, 665 12th St., Unit 1, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 12/16/2021. Signature Erick Garcia. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/10/2022. AJ 857 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022. AJSD 857
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028413
Bad & Boujee Beauty located at 333 Highland Ave., #C, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Bernardo Macias, 1436 S. 40th St., #225, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Bernardo Macias. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/28/2021. AJ 859 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022. AJSD 859
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028709
Sunshine’s Cleaning located at 777 Ada St., Unit S, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: Mirna Salcido, 777 Ada St., Unit S, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/22/2020. Signature Mirna Salcido. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/30/2021. AJ 860 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022. AJSD 860
Mystic Grill Of San Diego located at 857 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101. Registrant: Best Of San Diego Inc., 857 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Ammar Farah. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/29/2021. AJ 861 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022.
AJSD 861
a. CRISPR QC INC. located at 8969 Kenamar Dr., Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92121. b. CRISPR QC located at 8969 Kenamar Dr., Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92121. Registrant: CRISPR QC INC., 8969 Kenamar Dr., Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92121. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 11/10/2021. Signature Ross Bundy. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/21/2022. AJ 862 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, and 02/18/2022. AJSD 862
Hans Strom Inc. located at 675 G Street, San Diego, CA 92101. Registrant: Hans Strom Inc., 675 G Street, San Diego, CA 92101. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 10/01/2001. Signature: Hans Strom. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/24/2022. AJ 863 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, and 02/18/2022. AJSD 863
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000031
Mahal Skin located at 438 Camino Del Rio South #211, San Diego, CA 92108. Registrant: Micah Espinoza, 1074 Alta Crest Street, San Bernardino, CA 92407. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Micah Espinoza. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/03/2022. AJ 865 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, and 02/18/2022.
AJSD 865
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001647
K.S. Spin Cycle Coin Laundry located at 1355 Broadway Suite N-S, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: Soon K. Kim, 6204 Bernadette Ln., San Diego, CA 92120. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/04/2004. Signature Soon K. Kim. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/20/2022. AJ 866 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, and 02/18/2022.
AJSD 866
SAN DIEGO
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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022
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LUNAR NEW YEAR 2022: How to usher in the Year of the Tiger by AJPress
Lunar New Year! Welcome the Year of the Water Tiger! HAPPY
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 fish and dumplings, which are drive away bad spirits, bad luck, and the mythical believed to signify good fortune. beast called Nian. Filipinos commonly use horns Fireworks The Lunar New Year won’t be complete and cooking pots to create noise. 12 round fruits without setting off fireworks and firecrackers or Families also prepare 12 different round fruits generally just making noise as it is supposed to
City of San Diego Public Library celebrates Black History Month
Upcoming events include creative works contest, virtual and in-person programs for all ages SAN DIEGO – This month the San Diego Public Library (SDPL) is celebrating the history and achievements of Black Americans with a full schedule of programs and events at several library locations and online. The library’s Black History Month programming includes a creative works contest for school-aged students, author talks, virtual and in-person storytimes for children, take-home craft kits and recommended readings. “We’re inviting our patrons and all San Diegans to learn about the history, achievements and stories of Black Americans,” said Library Director Misty Jones. “Whether it’s attending a thought-provoking author talk, creating a piece of art that celebrates Black history or picking up a recommended read, there are many ways to explore the contributions Black Americans have made throughout history.” As part of the celebration, SDPL is holding a creative works contest for young people. Students in grades four through 12 are encouraged to showcase their talent and creativity by submitting an essay, poem, song, artwork or other creative
How to tell if someone is using your identity
TAKING steps to protect your personal information can help you minimize the risks of identity theft. But what if a thief gets your information anyway? Here are some of the ways thieves might use your stolen information and signs you can look out for from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): • An identity thief could use your information to get credit or service in your name. How to spot it: Get your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review it for accounts you didn’t open or inquiries you don’t recognize. A new credit card, a personal loan, or a car loan will appear as a new account. A new cell phone plan or utility service — like water, gas, or electric — will show up as an inquiry. • An identity thief could use your credit card or take money out of your bank account. How to spot it: Check your credit card or bank statement when you get it. Look for purchases or withdrawals you didn’t make. Bonus advice: Sign up to get text or email alerts from your credit card or bank whenever there’s a new transaction. This could help you spot unauthorized or fraudulent activity on your
account. • An identity thief could steal your tax refund or use your Social Security number to work. How to spot it: A notice from the IRS that there’s more than one tax return filed in your name could be a sign of tax identity theft. So could a notice that you have income from an employer you don’t work for. • An identity thief could use your health insurance to get medical care. How to spot it: Review your medical bills and Explanation of Benefits statements for services you didn’t get. They could be a sign of medical identity theft. • An identity thief could use your information to file a claim for unemployment benefits. How to spot it: A notice from your state unemployment office or employer about unemployment benefits that you didn’t apply for could be a sign of fraud. If you discover any signs that someone is misusing your personal information, find out what to do at IdentityTheft.gov. (Alvaro Puig/Consumer Education Specialist, Division of Consumer and Business Education) n
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
Catriona Gray, other Pinay beauty queens mourn Cheslie Kryst’s passing by Marane
a. Plaza
Philstar.com
FILIPINA beauty queens Catriona Gray and Pia Wurtzbach work that represents a Black historical figure or paid tribute to the late Miss events in Black American history. Every student USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst, who who enters will receive a gift. SDPL will also host an in-person event with Heather McGhee, author of “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together.” The event is a collaboration with the University of San Diego. The author will discuss the ramifications of racism, the ripple effect it has for everyone in society and how people can achieve great things by working together. Here are details of the event with author McGhee: The Sum of Us – An Evening with Heather McGhee. Monday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m. Event hosted at San Diego Central Library and via live stream. To register for the author event and for more information on the library’s Black History Month program and recommended reading, visit the SDPL Black History Month web page.
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AJPress illustration by Jillian Peñalosa
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
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FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588
McDonald’s USA, fashion trailblazer Humberto Leon reimagine Lunar New Year traditions through metaverse experience for fans
The Golden Arches introduces a first ever cross-media collaboration, ‘McDonald’s Hall of Zodiacs: 2022 Lunar New Year by Humberto Leon,’ to include red envelopes at select restaurants and national TV spot CHICAGO – To ring in Lunar New Year with style and innovation, McDonald’s has teamed up with Humberto Leon, co-founder of fashion brand Opening Ceremony, to create a one-of-a-kind collection of zodiac animal designs. Focused on the Year of the Tiger and its courageous and fearless qualities, the “McDonald’s Hall of Zodiacs: 2022 Lunar New Year with Humberto Leon,” is an immersive and interactive experience for fans that is set in the metaverse. As a Chinese-Peruvian American, Leon’s creative vision is largely shaped by his cross-cultural identity and passion to serve and celebrate his diverse background. “Lunar New Year is not only a time to celebrate with family and friends, but also gives us Asian Americans the perfect opportunity to share our cultural heritage with people throughout the various communities we call home,” said Leon. “Partnering with McDonald’s means a lot to me because it’s a brand that has always been committed to embracing and celebrating the universality of all cultures, helping me see myself in the brand and in the world. Kicking off Lunar New Year with McDonald’s in a way that underscores the creativity and innovation of the Asian American community, makes me proud to offer a true expression of my identity and the influences that have shaped it, to which I know many will relate.” Experience the Hall of Zodiacs As a first in the U.S., McDonald’s is sending fans to a new place for their Lunar New Year celebrations. Starting today until Feb. 15, fans can enter the life-like exhibit on virtual reality social platforms, AltspaceVR and Spatial, to experience the elegant McDonald’s gallery hosting Leon’s work. While there, fans can take in Leon’s zodiacs and receive horoscope readings that give foresight into their year ahead, based on birth year and zodiac animal. And feng shui expert and popular content creator Cliff Tan’s interior design direction takes it up a notch to give the feel-good space balanced energy. The exhibit can also be enjoyed via mobile and desktop, with additional info and instructions on how to access it at McDHallOfZodiacs. com. McDonald’s worked in tandem with multicultural ad agency, IW Group, to bring this campaign to life. “We’re excited to reach our fans in a meaningful way that captures the essence of the Year of Tiger showcasing bravery, strength and confidence through art, while leveraging a digital experience that meets them in spaces they enjoy,” said Elizabeth Campbell, McDonald’s Senior Director of Cultural Engagement. “Bringing on Humberto Leon, a trailblazer who uses the world around him to influence his work
and others, is what makes this a next-level moment for McDonald’s. We’re honored to celebrate this Lunar New Year through his art expressions and hope our fans will enjoy this very cool and celebratory experience with us.” Honor Lunar New Year traditions As part of the cross-media collaboration, McDonald’s and Leon also produced a TV spot that features the designer’s reflections on beloved traditions for Lunar New Year while also speaking to his diverse identity. The spot, which you can watch at https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUteGm5dv8k, aired nationwide starting Monday, January 31 on Asian news channels in English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. Share good luck and prosperity And it wouldn’t be Lunar New Year without stunning red envelopes! Traditionally filled with money and given out to symbolize prosperity, these red envelopes designed exclusively for McDonald’s customers will feature Leon’s Year of the Tiger design. Customers who visit participating restaurants will receive a packet of two red envelopes that can be given to friends and family to honor the tradition of sharing good fortune. The participating restaurants are in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta starting on Feb. 1, and available while supplies last: • 9852 Westminster Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92844 • 7503 Garvey Ave, Rosemead, CA 91770 • 255 Winston Dr, San Francisco, CA 94132 • 1150 S De Anza Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129 • 1125 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Suwanee, GA 30024 • 40-18 Main St, Queens, NY 11354 • 8435 N Beltline Road, Irving, TX 75063 • 1460 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX 77479 This Lunar New Year celebration represents a longstanding commitment to the Asian American community, which
includes celebrating meaningful cultural moments, such as last year’s Lunar New Year partnership with leading global Asian artist collective, 88rising and distributing custom red envelopes during San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival in 2020. The Golden Arches commitment extends to education as well, as it feeds and fosters the communities it serves. Through programs like the McDonald’s APA Next platform, which includes an annual scholarship for Asian Pacific Islander American students in financial need and a partnership with self-care app Shine, the brand strives to support students in and out of the classroom. McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent business owners. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. Meanwhile, Humberto Leon is the cofounder of Opening Ceremony, a cult fashion brand that launched in 2002, first as a retail destination in New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, and then as an eponymous label of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories. From 2011 to 2019, Leon served as the co-creative director of the French fashion house KENZO. As the campaign for the release of his Fall/Winter 2018 collection at KENZO, Leon wrote and directed his first film, The Everything, starring Milla Jovovich, Alexandra Shipps, Kodi Smit McFee, and Leo Reilly. In 2020, Leon opened his first restaurant in Eagle Rock, California. CHIFA has received the prestigious Bib Gourmand Award by the MICHELIN Guide and earned a coveted spot on Condé Nast’s “The Best New Restaurants in the World” and the Los Angeles Times “101 Best Restaurants” lists for 2021. n
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray with the late Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray
Catriona Gray, other...
PAGE 9 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 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 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 0917-8001123. n
City of San Diego Public... PAGE 9 With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning. As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people. Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at www.sandiegolibrary.org. (SDPL Release) n
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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022
PECHANGA RESORT CASINO WISHES EVERYONE A PROSPEROUS YEAR OF THE TIGER!
Come celebrate the Lunar New Year with our exclusive dining and drinks specials PECHANGA Resort Casino welcome guests to reserve tables for Family Dinner or Business Lunch to enjoy exclusive “Lucky” Lunar New Year Dining and Drink Specials that have been meticulously prepared by the chefs of Bamboo, Blazing Noodles and Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar. Tastily made by Umi Chef Kiyo Ikeda, the Lobster Three Ways ($98), Sticky Rice Stuffed Chicken ($58) and the Eel Lotus Wrap ($42) will certainly bring you to a new level of dining experience. Chef Marie Surakul at Bamboo serves Steamed Whole Fish ($98) which means an increase in prosperity and Long-Life Noodles with Beef Tenderloin ($38). She points out that noodle is a symbol of happiness and longevity, and guests will experience instant happiness while eating these Lunar New Year specialties. Blazing Noodles, just off the Pechanga hotel lobby, dishes up eight traditional Asian specialties for the occasion. From Fried Red Snapper to Stir-fry Lamb Meat with Spicy XO Sauce, these special dishes’ prices range from $22 to $92. The dining specialties in Blazing Noodles, Bamboo and Umi will be available from Jan. 28 through Feb. 13. Reservations are recommended at Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar and can be made by visiting www.Pechanga.com/eat or calling (951) 770-8504. Above all, Pechanga’s expert mixologists created a 5 Spice Old
Fashioned Cocktail for the Lunar New Year. Each spices represent one of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, water, and metal, which is symbolic for an everlasting luck and fortune. Guests can stop by the Acorn, Corner or Round Bars from Jan. 28 to Feb. 13 for a taste of this specialty cocktail for just $12.75. Lunar New Year property décors The Lunar New Year symbolizes the fresh start of a new year, a new beginning. In celebration of this festival, Pechanga, starting from January 17, 2022, will decorate the entire property
with traditional new year elements, such as bright red lanterns, refined oriental-style garden bridge, beautifully bloomed peach blossoms, traditional calligraphy spring couplets and more. Throughout the floor, you will be able to find countless photo-op spots for your selfies or a family portrait, while capturing the stunningly displayed Lunar New Year decorations. For more information on Pechanga events and promotions, please call (877) 711-2946 or visit our website Pechanga. com. Must be at least 21 years of age to participate in promotions. Come enjoy Pechanga’s four diamond-rated service with a peace of mind, and to learn more about the health and safety measures that have been implemented, please visit pechanga.com/covid. Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/ casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Pechanga offers more than 5,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga. com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @ PechangaCasino.. (Advertising Supplement)
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FEBRUARY 4-10, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL
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