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SEPTEMBER 1-7, 2023

Volume 16 - No.45 • 16 Pages

Here’s what to know about the new COVID-19 variant BA.2.86

IF forever exists, we’d vouch for COVID-19 as tangible proof.

Just when we all thought this nightmare had ended, here comes a new “highly mutated” COVID-19 variant nicknamed “Pirola” that’s been spreading in the United States and other countries such as Denmark and Israel.

Known officially as BA.2.86, this new COVID-19 contender comes hot on the heels of “Eris.” As of Aug. 25, nine cases have been reported in the GISAID database with three from Denmark, two each from South Africa and the United

Marcos urges Filipinos to embrace heroism within

by Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, August 28 called on Filipinos to honor the efforts of unsung heroes, and recognize their capacity

to become champions within their families and communities.

In a message on National Heroes’ Day, Marcos stressed the significance of remembering the lives and deeds of lesserknown and unnamed Filipinos who have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation.

Longer airport queues, delays seen with tighter travel rules

MANILA — Opposition Sen. Risa

Hontiveros warned on Monday, August 28 of longer queues and delays at immigration counters in the country’s international airports as the Department of Justice (DOJ) stood pat on the soundness of the new travel guidelines for outbound Filipinos that would take effect on Sept. 3.

In a statement, Hontiveros said that while she commends the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for intensifying

Marcos sees non-traditional defense alliances with Europe

by Jean ManGaluz Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong”

Marcos Jr. is considering the possibility of forging defense alliances with Europe. In a meeting with United Kingdom (UK)

Secretary James Spencer Cleverly in Malacañang on Tuesday, August 29, Marcos said there is a new development in terms of security and defense.

“It is not traditional for us to look to Europe… to seek alliances and partnerships,

“From the defiance of our ancestors against the first invading forces to the diligence of our soldiers and statesmen held to see the last of them off—our unsung champions prove the heroism is not limited to the Herculean; it also includes the honest,

Gilas Pilipinas crashes out of Fiba World Cup after loss to Italy

by Denison rey DalupanG Inquirer.net

MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas turned in its most cohesive outing in the 2023 Fiba World Cup on Tuesday night, August 29, but it was not enough against an Italy side that rediscovered its lethal touch.

The host Philippines bowed to the sweetshooting Italians, 90-83, to end up winless in Group A play of the global showcase at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Jordan Clarkson had 23 points, cornerstone Dwight Ramos 14, while four more players finished with eight each in the losing stand

VP accused of spending P125 million in funds in 19 days

by Julie aurelio Inquirer.net

was set to present its P2.374 billion proposed funding for 2024.

“The OVP spent the whole P125million confidential fund given to the office in a span of just 19 days, from Dec. 13 to Dec. 31, 2022. This translates to P6,578,947.37 or almost P7 million per day,” Castro said in a statement. u

DID Vice President Sara Duterte spend P125 million on confidential expenses in just 19 days?

House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro posed this question on Monday, August 28, days before the Office of the Vice President (OVP)

BACK TO THE GRIND. Parents and students wait for the gate of President Corazon C. Aquino Elementary School in Quezon City to open on Monday, August 28, the start of Academic Year 2023-2024. The Department of Education said some 22 million kinder to senior high school students in public and private institutions returned to their classes.

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

International passengers at the immigration counter of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City. Manila International Airport Administration Bryan Co said they added immigration counters in the airport so that it now has 44 counters for faster transactions. Inquirer.net file photo

Marcos urges Filipinos to embrace...

earnest, and compassionate living that we do every day,” he said.

The chief executive also said each Filipino has the potential to become a hero of the country.

“Let us also realize our own power to become heroes for our families and communities,” Marcos said, adding this consciousness should ignite a sense of dedication among Filipinos to pursue the agenda of “creating a new Philippines that is strong, prosperous, resilient, and secure for present and future generations.”

Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio also called on Filipinos to “find the heroes within us.”

“Carve a soul that is fearless, a soul that is selfless—and forge a unity that will allow us to overcome the challenges of the present day and enable us to achieve our aspirations for our country,” she said.

Meanwhile, the president

led the commemoration of the National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. His father, a dictator, was buried there with military honors in 2016 despite protests saying he is not a hero.

The Marcos family has refused to apologize or even acknowledge the atrocities and mass looting of government coffers during

Longer airport queues, delays...

its efforts against human trafficking, such measures should not be implemented at the expense of travelers.

“I urge the [DOJ] to not take for granted the complaints of passengers who may be inconvenienced by these latest travel guidelines. The public’s concerns with the revised international travel guidelines should not be dismissed as mere ‘miscommunication,’” she said.

“We (in government) shouldn’t turn a blind eye to warnings that some of the requirements would only promote delays and are prone to exploitation by corrupt immigration officers,” Hontiveros added.

‘Communications failure’

The DOJ earlier apologized, saying there was a “communications failure” when it announced the new travel restrictions.

the various inputs from lawmakers, legal experts, and everyday Filipinos about the new predeparture guidelines,” she stressed.

Hontiveros reminded the council that the Senate, through its committees on public services and on women, children, family relations and gender equality, had drawn ample findings from previous inquiries that could aid it in crafting travel guidelines.

“The IACAT must study thoroughly how the government can effectively implement the new guidelines in a manner that is both effective and practical,” she said.

Travel documents

their patriarch’s over twodecade rule.

In a speech delivered at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Marcos honored the late Department of Migrant Workers chief Susan Ople.

“She is a perfect example of what true heroism can be. She tirelessly dedicated a better part of her life to remote the welfare of our modern heroes,” he said. n

Gilas Pilipinas crashes out of Fiba...

relegated the Gilas Pilipinas to the crossover classification round.

The Philippines will next play the bottom two teams from Group B which could either be South Sudan or regional powerhouse China.

The only consolation–for now–is that Japan, which upset Finland last Sunday, lost to Australia, 109-89, in Okinawa and will also slide into the classification round, keeping the race among Asian teams vying for a Paris

berth alive.

Simone Fontecchio led the way for the Italians with 18 points, Giampaolo Ricci chipped in 14 while Marco Spissu and Stefano Tonut 13 each, flexing their outside shooting.

The Azzurri hit 17 of their 41 triples (41 percent), a timely comeback for the World No. 10 squad who have been frosty from beyond the arc in their first two games (20 percent).

Gilas, meanwhile, was only able to convert 10 of their 29 shots from deep. n

“We will say sorry because communication regarding the revised guidelines was not done well,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said on Friday, August 25.

“We understand (the public uproar), and there was really that kind of side that came out; and I think it really is a communications failure that we did not release the 2015 guidelines … side by side with the 2023 [rules],” he added.

The DOJ is the lead agency of IACAT, with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla sitting as its chair.

Hontiveros scored the council’s supposed insistence on “dysfunctional guidelines,” which she feared could derail the government’s antitrafficking efforts.

Instead of shrugging off public criticism as stemming from a communications issue, IACAT must learn to listen to other stakeholders and their fellow policymakers, she said.

“The IACAT must take into consideration

Among the issues that Iacat needs to clarify is whether all first-time travelers must present “proof of hotel booking or accommodation.” Hontiveros also wondered how the requirement of “notarized original affidavit of support and guarantee” for sponsored travelers could be complied with without unduly burdening them.

“If these problematic requirements are not rectified, then the ‘45-second’ processing time for travelers being promised by the Bureau of Immigration will become an empty promise,” she said.

At the House of Representatives, Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas, a member of the overseas workers’ affairs committee, said that the root of human trafficking should be addressed “instead of coming up with ridiculous measures that will further add insult to the suffering of our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers).”

“We are burdening them with too many bureaucratic requirements when we should be looking at strategic solutions to address joblessness and poverty, notwithstanding the record of weak prosecution of traffickers in the country,” Brosas said in a statement. (by Melvin Gascon with a report from Julie Aurelio/Inquirer.net) n

Here’s what to know about the new...

States, and one case in Israel and the United Kingdom. The first known case in the US was reported on Aug. 3 in Michigan.

But what caught the scientists’ attention is its unusual mutation lineup; it has a genetic makeup with more than 30 mutations compared with parent strain BA.2.

“The critical thing about this variant is that it has a whole host of mutations compared to some of the Omicron variants that emerged about two years ago,” Dr. Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at Johns Hopkins University, shared with Today.

Will our COVID-19 shots stand strong?

This new COVID-19 variant might be strong enough even for those who’ve had COVID-19 or a jab. The CDC shared in its BA.2.86 risk

assessment that it could be sneakier in causing infections among those who have either contracted COVID-19 and been vaccinated.

While an updated COVID-19 booster is already in the works to combat BA.2.86, the U.S. FDA might only give the green light by the end of the month.

New COVID-19 variant symptoms to watch out for

With only a few reported cases, it’s still uncertain what this brings to the table. However, according to Dr. Pekosz, “there’s no data on symptoms associated with infection because the case numbers are just too small.”

These are however the most common symptoms associated with other COVID-19 variants:

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Altered sense of smell and taste

While the updated boosters have yet to be rolled out, it’s better to not let your guard down. As the CDC suggests, prevention and precautionary measures still work against any COVID-19 variant. Here are the guidelines to follow according to the health agency:

• Wear a mask

• Keep your distance from crowded places

• Stay away from sick people or when someone is sneezing or coughing

• Wash your hands well and often

While there’s no reason to panic, being cautious and maintaining a healthy immune system are good safeguards. After all, who wants to go through the doom of another cabin fever?

(Mary Villegas/Inquirer.net)

REMEMBERING HEROES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday , August 28. This year’s National Heroes Day carries the theme “Karangalan. Katungkulan. Kabayanihan.” PNA photo by Rey Baniquet

Gilas defenders try to stop Italy’s main man Simone Fontecchio in their Fiba World Cup match. Inquirer.net photo by Marlon Cueto

Marcos sees...

especially when it comes to security and defense,” the Philippine leader told Cleverly.

“But that seems to be the evolution of geopolitics these days, so it is a welcome evolution in my view,” he said.

While Marcos did not give details on these new military initiatives, his administration has repeatedly asserted Philippines’ sovereignty over West Philippine Sea.

For his part, Cleverly said after meeting Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, he realized that UK and Philippines share many similar interests.

“Comparing notes on our two countries’ various positions on things, it was really a kind of an audit of two countries that are, I think instinctively, very much like-minded, with very, very similar attitudes to world affairs, and very similar appetites to try and make the most of the bilateral relationship, as well as the UK’s focus on Southeast Asia,” Cleverly told the chief executive. n

VP accused of spending P125 million...

She cited a special allotment release order (Saro) issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Dec. 13, 2022, pertaining to confidential expenses.

The 2022 SaroBMB-C-22-0012004 for the OVP was in the amount of P221,424 “to cover financial assistance/subsidy and confidential fund.”

The Saro indicated that the Office of the President approved the release on Nov. 28, 2022.

Confidential expenses

Castro also pointed to the Commission on Audit’s (COA) 2022 audit report on the OVP, which said this amount was composed of P125 million in confidential expenses and P96.424 million for medical assistance.”

In the OVP’s statement of appropriations, allotments, obligations, disbursements, and balances (SAAODB) as of the end of 2022, the OVP told the COA that it obligated and disbursed P155 million, with P66.424 million as the remaining unobligated allotment.

In the OVP’s SAAODB as of June 30, 2023, the P66.424 million was also reported under “contingent fund: financial assistance/subsidyothers.”

“This implies that P125 million in confidential funds was already spent by Dec. 31, 2022, along with P30 million of the financial assistance, for a total of P155 million,” Castro said.

She said guidelines on the use of confidential funds limit the expenses to “surveillancerelated activities such as

purchase of information, rental of transport vehicles, rental and maintenance of safehouses, purchase or rental of supplies, material and equipment, payment of rewards to informers, and uncovering or prevention of certain illegal activities.”

No congressional authorization

The OVP is a civilian agency with no national defense or law enforcement function.

“We are curious as to how the OVP spent a huge amount

in a short amount of time … How did they spend this big amount, which should not be considered confidential funds? It should not be kept secret because the OVP did not get congressional authorization for this in 2022,” Castro said.

Last week, the Makabayan solon flagged the OVP’s P125 million in confidential expenses for 2022 despite not having any appropriation for it in the 2022 General Appropriations Act.

She warned that the OVP may be held liable for violating provisions of the Constitution and the Revised Penal Code that require expenses to have corresponding appropriations in the national budget.

Castro pressed Duterte to explain how she incurred the expenses and called on the DBM and the Office of the President to explain the release of the funds.

She said the three-member bloc was mulling the filing of an impeachment complaint against Duterte but said it would wait for COA’s findings on the P125-million confidential expenses first. n

Vice President Sara Duterte and House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro. Inquirer.net file photos

PARAPHERNALIA. Campaign t-shirts and other election merchandise are on display outside the Commission on Elections-Davao City office on Tuesday, August 29. The poll body said the campaign period for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections should be on Oct. 19 to 28 only. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Timing and cost of new vaccines vary by virus and health insurance status

by Julie Appleby KFF Health News

AS summer edges toward fall, thoughts turn to, well, vaccines.

Yes, inevitably, it’s time to think about the usual suspects — influenza and COVID-19 shots — but also the new kid in town: recently approved vaccines for RSV, short for respiratory syncytial virus.

But who should get the various vaccines, and when?

“For the eligible populations, all three shots are highly recommended,” said Georges Benjamin, a physician and the executive director of the American Public Health Association.

Still, there’s no need to get them all at the same time, and there are reasons to wait a bit for two of them. Some people may also face cost issues. Let’s break this down.

What’s the Price?

It depends on the vaccine — and on your insurance coverage.

For COVID shots, including the updated ones expected to be available this fall, most people will still be able to get the vaccines for free. People became accustomed to that no-cost availability during the pandemic, but the federal government stopped picking up the entire tab with the end of the public health emergency this spring.

Now the actual cost of the vaccine, which manufacturers said could be far higher than what the government paid during the pandemic, will be borne by private insurers and Medicare and Medicaid. For people without insurance, the Biden administration set up the Bridge Access Program, which will make free vaccines available this fall through community health centers and state health departments.

Eventually, retail pharmacies may also participate.

Pfizer and Moderna, two of the companies producing updated covid vaccines, previously suggested they would charge $110 to $130 per dose, and plan to offer programs for people who cannot afford the vaccines. In July, the Biden administration urged both makers to set a “reasonable” rate for the updated versions. Another company, Novavax, has said it will also have an updated vaccine for the U.S. market. It is still unclear how prices will shake out. In a recent Moderna earnings call, company officials indicated they are negotiating contracts with payers but did not give per-dose figures. The company expects covid vaccine sales worldwide to tally $6 billion to $8 billion this year.

The Affordable Care Act says patients don’t have to pay for certain preventive care, including some vaccines. That means flu shots are offered at no cost to people with insurance, including those on Medicare and Medicaid. Those without insurance may be able to land a free or low-cost shot from some health centers and state health departments. The cost of the flu vaccine depends on the type of shot and the pharmacy or medical outlet providing it but can range from $20 to more than $70.

Similar rules apply to the new RSV vaccines, which may carry a price tag between $180 and $295 a shot. Because they are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, they are covered for people with private insurance without a copay. The Inflation Reduction Act did the same for Medicare beneficiaries and provided incentives for states to follow suit with Medicaid. Still, Medicare beneficiaries should note that the RSV vaccine is covered under Part D of the program, so those who have not signed up for the drug benefit may have to pay out-of-pocket.

It may take a while for insurers to list the RSV vaccine on their formularies, so patients are advised to check their health plans before making an appointment.

The uninsured, however, will need to turn to low-cost clinics or health departments, although those programs may vary.

Such lack of access “means we will have another health disparity for people who can’t afford it,” said Benjamin, of the public health association.

Luckily, most of those seeking the shot are likely to be on Medicare, which

Sarina Bolden throws first pitch at SF Giants game

by JonAs TerrAdop Inquirer.net

PHILIPPINE women’s football team star striker Sarina Bolden threw out the ceremonial first pitch before a Major League Baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds.

Bolden got the honor at the Giants home ballpark, Oracle Park, on Monday, August 28 as part of the team’s Filipino Heritage Night. The 26-year-old was born in nearby Santa Clara to an American father and a Filipina mother.

The player responsible for scoring the country’s first goal in the Fifa Women’s World Cup walked to the mound wearing a cream white No. 7 Giants jersey with her name inscribed before making a right-handed throw.

San Francisco went on to win, 4-1, to go 68-63 on the season while Cincinnati fell to 68-65.

Her appearance came a month after the Filipinas completed their maiden appearance in women’s football’s biggest stage, falling a win short of advancing to the round-of-16.

It was against co-host New Zealand where Bolden fired a header in the 24th minute that eventually gave the Philippines a historic 1-0 victory at Wellington’s Regional Stadium.

The Filipino Heritage Night is an annual fixture in the Giants season to honor Filipinos living in the Bay Area. n

Alex Eala rises to career-best No. 195 in WTA rankings

by lAnce AgcAoili Inquirer.net

MANILA — Alex Eala earned her career-best ranking in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles.

The 18-year-old Filipino reached the Top 200 as she improved to WTA Rank No. 195.

Eala soared 22 spots from being No. 217 last week. She surpassed her previous career-best ranking of No.214 last year.

The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate ruled the W25

Roehampton tournament in Great Britain.

Eala finished second in the W25 Aldershot also in Great Britain, where she lost to Aussie Destanee Aiava in the final, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6.

Eala has four International Tennis Federation (ITF) titles including the W25 Yecla in Spain two months ago.

Eala will compete in the Asian Games starting on September 23 in Hangzhou, China. n

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala

Photo from Alex Eala’s Facebook

People became accustomed to that no-cost availability during the pandemic, but the federal government stopped picking up the entire tab with the end of the public health emergency this spring. Pexels.com photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

Filipinas’ Sarina Bolden

Photo from Instagram/oraclepark

FIRST DAY HIGH. A teacher and her students stride toward their classroom at Justo Lukban Elementary School in Manila during the first day of Academic Year 2023-2024 on Tuesday, August 29. The Department of Education said about 20 million public and private kindergarten, elementary and high school learners returned to their schools, with the number expected to increase in the coming days. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Features OpiniOn Deadly contests

There must be so much at stake in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections or BSKE that people are committing murder to eliminate candidates.

On the first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the BSKE on August 28, Alex Repato was shot dead in front of his house in Libon town, Albay. Just hours earlier, Repato had filed his COC for reelection as barangay captain of San Jose. Days before his death, barangay councilor Reliosa Mata of Nagpo also in Libon along with her husband Alfredo were shot dead on their way home.

Editorial

Over in the Cotabato town of Midsayap, Haron Dimalanes was shot before noon on Tuesday, August 29 in a parking area outside the Comelec office, within the town hall compound, where he was set to file his COC for barangay captain of Malingao, in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Dimalanes died in a hospital. His companion, Javier Samad Kambiyong, was

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

ARRIVING in Manila

earlier this week for consultations, we have been deluged with a series of interviews from the local media in relation to a smear campaign launched against some of our colleagues in government, including myself and other Filipino diplomats, with the use of cyberspace.

injured.

Even former barangay officials have been targeted.

On July 30 this year, Anwar Ebrahim Salem and his 21-year-old son Anwar Jr. were murdered in an ambush in Matalam, North Cotabato. The elder Salem was the former chairman of Barangay Arakan who served as president of the local Association of Barangay Captains. Police said his murder might not have been connected to the upcoming BSKE because Salem had said he did not intend to run in the elections. But the killing could be related to his former work as a barangay captain.

Police said that from Jan. 1 to July 31 this year, there had been 340 deadly gun attacks in the autonomous region, with over 20 targeting elected government officials. That translates to a daily average of 1.6 murders or homicides.

All elections in this country are tainted with deadly armed violence. But the level of violence tends to be higher in local races, and those for the BSK are no exception. The ease of obtaining guns all over the country along with an ever growing list of

unsolved murders emboldens people to resort to assassinations as the ultimate way of eliminating political rivals. With another electoral exercise approaching, authorities should put an end to this impunity. (Philstar. com)

Philippines’ cybersecurity in real and present danger

There is absolutely no doubt that there is a strong concerted effort to drive a wedge between the Philippines and its close allies like the United States to undermine our position and derail our efforts in upholding our territorial integrity and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. They’re using all kinds of inane tactics, like fake memos purportedly coming from the Department of Foreign Affairs where I am supposedly being recalled

from Washington, or another ridiculous rumor of being reassigned to Beijing. They’re engaging in disinformation using fake emails and instant messaging apps. Some have also been creating fake accounts on Facebook and X (Twitter), with many of us being targeted.

Emails, smartphones and other communication systems are already severely compromised because of malware embedded in links

PAGE 10

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

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Data from global cybersecurity company Kaspersky revealed that the Philippines ranked Number 2 among countries most attacked by web threats in 2022. Philstar.com file photo

Dateline PhiliPPines

Teachers lament worsening education system

by JanviC Mateo, Sheila CriSoStoMo Philstar.com

MANILA — The country’s education system has worsened under the present administration, teachers’ organizations lamented on Tuesday, August 29.

Members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) held an early morning protest along Mendiola to call out the government for its failure to address the shortages and what it described as the “worsening education crisis.”

Teachers scored Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte’s recent order to leave classroom walls bare, saying instructional aids help students in the learning process.

They also questioned the proposed confidential funds for the Department of Education (DepEd).

“We need higher education budget, more classrooms, teachers, education support personnel, functional facilities and sufficient instructional and learning materials. We need to increase teachers’ basic pay to decent and living salaries. We do not need confidential and intelligence funds at all,” ACT chairman Vladimer Quetua said.

For the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), the dire situation of teachers has remained the same for decades.

“There may be changes to the curriculum or even to the physical condition of our classrooms and schools, but the condition of the teachers is the most important and should be given priority. Our teachers are still overburdened with redundant clerical work that gets worse every day. Class sizes can reach as high as 50 to 55, and yet we expect our teachers to teach better,” TDC chairman Benjo Basas said in a separate statement.

The group challenged President Marcos to fulfill his campaign promise to increase the salary of public school teachers.

“As a senator, he was consistent in filing a bill to

Senate OKs bill on welfare, protection of caregivers

by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Senate on Tuesday, August 29 approved Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2019, otherwise known as the Caregivers’ Welfare Act.

With 21 affirmative votes, zero negative, and zero abstentions, SBN 2019 was approved on third and final reading during a plenary session.

The measure secures caregivers’ rights from implementation of decent employment and income policies to protect them from abuse, harassment, violence, and economic exploitation.

• Wages shall be paid on time directly to the caregiver to whom they are due once every two weeks or twice a month at intervals not exceeding 16 days.

• A caregiver who has rendered at least one month of service is entitled to a thirteenth month pay which shall not be less than onetwelfth of his or her total basic salary earned in a calendar year.

• Employers shall also provide the caregiver with a copy of the pay slip containing the amount paid in cash every pay day, and indicating all deductions made, if any.

pay during the 15th and 16th Congress. Now that he is President, he has all the power and influence he needs to make it happen and not just keep it as a campaign promise,” Basas said.

“Children’s welfare is always at the center of discussions whenever the classes open, that’s understood. But this time, those in authority should also consider the welfare of teachers and give it the attention it highly deserves. How could we safeguard the well-being of these children if their teachers’ welfare is uncertain?” he added.

Hiring program

As classes in public schools opened on Tuesday, a lawmaker called for the “urgent hiring” of teachers and education support personnel.

ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro made a round of some public schools and observed the “glaring lack of teachers and education support personnel.”

Castro said there is also an “urgent need” for additional personnel such as nurses and guidance counselors.

“The lack of teachers and education support personnel is a critical issue that needs to be addressed immediately. It directly affects the quality of education and support services that our students receive,” she added.

The lawmaker stressed that students could not be expected to “thrive and succeed without sufficient

personnel to guide and support their learning journey.”

It is also important to have an adequate number of teachers to ensure “manageable class sizes and effective instruction,” according to Castro.

She also pointed out the need for more nurses and guidance counselors to provide the necessary health and emotional support to students.

“Our students deserve to have a conducive learning environment, and this includes having enough teachers and support personnel to cater to their needs,” she said.

Castro has called on the DepEd to urgently address the shortage of teachers and education support personnel by implementing a “comprehensive hiring program.”

“We need a systematic and strategic approach to address the lack of teachers and education support personnel in our public schools. It is high time that we prioritize the needs of our students and invest in their future,” she maintained.

‘Innovation solutions’

Amid all these concerns, Duterte sees a different approach to address the perennial problems in the country’s basic education system.

Speaking at Kaluangan I Primary School in Asturias, Cebu on Tuesday, the Vice President said the DepEd under the second Marcos

SB 2019 states that a caregiver’s working hours shall be based on the employment contract signed by the parties and in accordance with the labor laws, rules and regulations.

The measure likewise indicates that the minimum wage of a caregiver shall not be less than the applicable minimum wage in the region.

Among the recommendations included in the measure are the following:

• A caregiver who has rendered at least one year of service shall be entitled to an annual service incentive leave of at least five days with pay.

• A caregiver shall be covered by the Social Security System (SSS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG, and shall be entitled to all the benefits in accordance with the pertinent provisions provided by law.

• The employer shall also provide for the basic necessities of the caregiver, such as

Students of Aurora Aquino Elementary School in Malate, Manila actively participate during their first day of classes on August 29, 2023. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

raise teacher

QCPD chief resigns amid backlash over presscon with ex-cop in road rage incident

MANILA — The director of the Quezon City Police District resigned from his post Wednesday, August 30 following criticism for a press conference he conducted with a guntoting former policeman who was involved in a road rage incident.

Teachers lament worsening education...

administration is pursuing two tracks in addressing problems such as the shortage of teachers and classrooms.

“Since time immemorial, we saw that we approach our problems using the same solutions,” she said in English and Filipino.

“We have a problem with teachers, so we hire more teachers, we look for more teachers. And yet, we still cannot address our needs for teachers,” she added.

The two-track approach, she said, would introduce “innovative” solutions on top of the more traditional approaches that have been adopted by previous administrations.

For instance, in the case of teacher and classroom shortages, Duterte reiterated her previous proposal of institutionalizing blended learning.

“We can easily solve the shortages in classrooms, teachers and congestion in our classrooms with the blended learning program,” she said.

“We hope to be able to institute and implement reforms during the administration of President Marcos, and we hope that there will be improvements in the performance of our learners,” she added.

The Vice President visited the Cebu school for the opening of classes. She led the inauguration of the new building for what DepEd described as a “lastmile” school or those in the farthest

communities in the country.

Duterte likewise cited the rise of artificial intelligence, which she said could change how the education system would look like in the future.

The DepEd has yet to release the implementation guidelines for the institutionalized blended learning, with the latest policy mandating that face-to-face classes shall remain the primary learning delivery modality in all schools as it is “crucial role in enabling in-depth and real-time teacher-learner interaction.”

Officials earlier said the new curriculum, which will be piloted in select schools this school year, may be adopted to blended learning modality if necessary, but its initial rollout will focus on face-to-face setup.

It was Duterte who mandated the full implementation of face-to-face classes last school year, after two years of blended learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, she cited the learning losses and the need to improve student performance.

Private schools are still allowed to implement blended or full online learning. Public schools need to obtain permission from the DepEd before they can utilize blended learning modality to address congestion.

Orderly, peaceful

The DepEd has not reported any untoward incident related to the opening of classes.

In Metro Manila, DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas visited the 14 public schools that are at the center of the feud between the local governments of Makati and Taguig.

Bringas said the opening of classes in the said schools were orderly and peaceful.

The DepEd reported that as of 9 a.m. on Tuesday, 22,917,725 students are enrolled in public and private kindergarten, elementary and high schools.

While lower than last school year’s 28.8 million, education officials said they expect the number to increase in the coming days, noting that there are always late enrollees every school year. Bringas also noted class suspensions in areas experiencing heavy rainfall due to Typhoon Goring and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

To address congestion, particularly in Metro Manila, he confirmed that there are schools that would implement blended learning and as many as three shifts.

Echoing Duterte, Bringas said they looking into the problem of shortage of facilities, saying they are going to “redefine” learning spaces, in reference to the plan to institutionalize blended learning and alternative delivery modes. Learning, he said, is no longer limited to the four walls of the classroom. (With reports from Ramon Efren Lazaro, Emmanuel Tupas, Artemio Dumlao)

Retired policeman Willie Gonzales is seen in images taken from video drawing a gun on a cyclist and striking him on the head during a traffic altercation near the Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City on Aug. 8. Lower right photo shows Gonzales and Quezon City Police District chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III (left) holding a press conference at Camp Karingal on Wednesday, August 30, with the pistol Gonzales used in the incident in the foreground. Photo by Michael Varcas

PAGE 10

Brig. General Nicolas Torre III told his superiors he was

that can steal user details. Once details are stolen, cybercriminals use apps that create fake chats or conversations complete with a screen shot, which they can spread through social media sites and platforms.

Even popular messaging apps like Viber may not be as secure as we think. According to some reports, cybercriminals can access Viber accounts on your phone or PC and install spyware that can monitor calls and messages, and see your conversation history. Worse, they can actually make calls and send messages that supposedly came from you.

I have long accepted the fact that when one holds a government position or is in some measure a “high profile” personality – one will definitely be targeted for hatchet jobs, which unfortunately simply comes with the job. I was warned many months ago by intelligence agencies whom we work with in Washington, D.C. that pro-China groups “will go after [me]” – with the heightened attacks triggered by the president’s successful visit to Washington and the approval of four additional bases accessible to U.S. armed forces under the 2015 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

But what many others and I are extremely concerned about is the fact that our cybersecurity is currently severely compromised. So many of our government agencies are already penetrated. This is really far more serious than one can imagine – cyber spies can clearly undermine the country’s economic and national security. They can do this easily by spreading false information and propagating fake stories –picking up bits and pieces of information and manipulating them in such a way that they become believable.

Early this year, for instance, a fake memo circulated through Facebook about the Philippine National Police supposedly going on heightened alert due to the purported mass resignation of Defense personnel and a destabilization plot within the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The scary part is that it looked authentic.

A report from Singapore cybersecurity company Group-IB also revealed that a hacker group identified as Dark Pink has been focusing its attacks on the government and military agencies of Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Dark Pink has been stealing data since 2021 through phishing emails – like a letter supposedly from a job applicant or inquiring about internships, with attached documents (presumably credentials) that would activate malware when downloaded.

Data from global cybersecurity company Kaspersky revealed that the Philippines ranked Number 2 among countries most

attacked by web threats in 2022. According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), there have been over 3,000 high-level cyberattacks monitored from 2020 to 2022, with 60 percent of those directed at government institutions. In fact, the DICT has admitted that the “increased vulnerability of our nation’s digital landscape” makes it “crucial to protect the country’s critical infrastructure.”

The United States of course is a major target of cyberattacks that seek to inflict economic damage, like what happened to Colonial Pipeline – a major pipeline system that supplies refined gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from the U.S. Gulf Coast to the U.S. East Coast – that was attacked by a Russian cybercriminal group known as DarkSide.

Colonial went offline for several days, resulting in supply shortages, disrupting airline operations, causing fuel prices to skyrocket and triggering a nationwide state of emergency.

The fact is, highly sophisticated technology can now enable cybercriminals to reach for targets anywhere in the world. They can remotely access computers, turn off electricity, shut off communications facilities, disrupt airport operations – and you won’t even know where these attacks are coming from.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and other government offices have been severely compromised, confirmed to us by intelligence experts locally and in Washington, D.C.

But all is not lost. The president himself is very much aware of the need to “shore up our defenses when it comes to cybersecurity”

– and to this end, a National Plan on Cybersecurity has been drawn up by the DICT, underscoring that external security threats such as cybersecurity warfare need to be addressed. We have several international experts coming to assess our cybersecurity and a plan will be put in place to secure our cyberspace.

As ICT Secretary Ivan Uy had explained, in today’s warfare, the “first attack is not done with a bullet or a missile. It’s done in cyberspace,” adding that “cybersecurity should have an extremely dominant role” because unlike physical attacks where damage is limited to a physical target like a building or facility, a cyberattack can shut down an entire country’s financial system or energy infrastructure. The damage would be unimaginable. (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.

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

QCPD chief resigns amid backlash...

resigning as the head of the QCPD, The STAR reported.

In an interview with DWPM’s Teleradyo Serbisyo Wednesday morning, Torre said he is “seriously considering getting out of Quezon City to give way to an impartial investigation.”

Torre was criticized for allowing dismissed cop

Wilfredo Gonzales to speak at a press conference at Camp Karingal Sunday afternoon. Gonzales was caught on video assaulting a cyclist and threatening the biker by drawing his firearm.

“I really regret that press conference. I really apologize to the Filipino people for those actions,” Torre said. He earlier

three adequate meals a day and appropriate rest and medical assistance in the form of first-aid medicines, in case of illness and injuries sustained during service without loss of benefits.

• A caregiver must also be able to terminate employment relationship an anytime for any of the following reasons: verbal and emotional abuse, inhumane treatment, commission of

a crime or offense against the caregiver by the client, and if any member of the household, employer or his/ her representative has any disease prejudicial to the health of the caregiver.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who also sits as the chairperson of the Senate’s committee on labor, employment and human resources development, said the Senate has united to approve the measure.

“This is an important and special opportunity for your servant. We have passed a bill that will provide protection to a vulnerable but vigorous sector of our society. Just like the Caregiver Law that we celebrated the tenth anniversary of today, we hope that this is a step for the continued development and improvement of the condition of our caregivers,” said Estrada. n

Timing and cost of new...

will cover it, he said. “But if you are 60 to 65 and not yet on Medicare, you might have some challenges.”

RSV Vaccines

The newest of the vaccines target RSV, a common respiratory illness. The season for RSV infections usually begins in the fall and lasts into the spring, potentially peaking in January and February.

The CDC estimates that 60,000 to 160,000 people 65 and older are hospitalized because of RSV annually, with approximately 6,000 to 10,000 deaths among that age group. Infants and older adults are most at risk.

Risk factors for having a more severe case include increased age, but also underlying conditions like lung diseases, cardiovascular problems like congestive heart failure, diabetes, and kidney and liver disorders, and being immunocompromised. The illness can also aggravate existing conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The two new vaccines have been approved for older adults, with the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel saying people 60 or older should be able to get one of them if they and their doctor or other medical provider agree it would be a good precaution.

other shots when received concurrently, he said.

The effectiveness of the RSV vaccines in preventing severe disease is expected to remain high through this year’s RSV season, and they may also provide some protection the following year, based on information from the clinical trials.

In early August a new monoclonal antibody, which contains lab-made antibodies against RSV, was approved for infants under 8 months and certain other young children, and it should be available soon. The shot is similar to a vaccine, but it works faster because it supplies the antibodies itself rather than spurring a baby’s immune system to produce them. Among children under 5, RSV causes 58,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations and 100 to 300 deaths each year, according to the CDC. On Monday, the FDA approved Pfizer’s RSV vaccine to be given during pregnancy to convey protection to infants after they are born until they are 6 months old. It isn’t yet known when the vaccine will become available or the specific recommendations the CDC will make about who should get it.

One reason is that updated covid shots awaiting approval are formulated to work against strains more commonly circulating now, known as the XBB lineage. The boosters will not directly target the new “Eris” variant currently rising in the U.S., though Eris is considered a descendant of XBB.

If approved, the updated vaccines are expected to become available around late September.

When to get vaccinated can be confusing, with the seasonality of the illnesses varying a bit. Flu season usually starts in late fall and runs into spring. We have fewer years’ data on covid, but it appears to vary with the seasons, too, with upticks in winter when people gather inside, but also during hot summer months, when people are more likely to seek air-conditioned indoor venues.

With the updated covid vaccines expected in the next couple of months, patients should be able to get a covid vaccination and an influenza shot at the same time, said Schaffner.

“We have good info they don’t interact,” he said.

said that he arranged a press conference to give journalists an opportunity to talk with Gonzales.

The QCPD earlier filed a complaint of alarm and scandal against Gonzales for the incident, which happened along Quezon Avenue last August 8. with report from The STAR/Manny Tupas (Philstar.com) n

If you fall into those categories, don’t wait too long, said William Schaffner, a physician and professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University. “That’s one you can do and get out of the way right now.”

Those who get one of the new RSV vaccines now should take a brief pause of at least two weeks before getting any other vaccination because there isn’t much data on whether they interact with

As with any drug or vaccine, side effects are possible with any of the new shots, including pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and some other, rarer side effects.

“It’s always good to sit down and talk with your doctor. They know your medical history,” said Mahdee Sobhanie, an infectious diseases physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Covid and Influenza Vaccines

Both covid and flu shots are worth getting, but it might be a good idea to wait a little bit.

The influenza vaccine is designed to last through the season, but effectiveness can wane. For that reason, even though you might start seeing ads in August, many experts suggest waiting until the end of September or early October to get a flu shot.

“If you get it too early, it might not cover you too well toward the end of the season,” Schaffner said.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Success story: A life was saved on Citizen Pinoy, this Sunday

A FILIPINA frontliner from Florida, Janice, was diagnosed with myelofibrosis – bone marrow cancer. She had already been receiving several treatments, including blood transfusions and medications, but none of these had worked. She was in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant. Her sister, Jerrimee, who lives in the

MANILA — It looks like Vice Ganda took a swipe at Toni Gonzaga after he was named as Shopee’s new brand ambassador.

In his Twitter account, Vice asked his followers if they already reinstalled the online shopping app.

“Nakapag reinstall na ba

Philippines, is a perfect match. Being a blood relative donor also meant that the chances for success would be greater.

Unfortunately, the U.S. Embassy denied Jerrimee’s application for a medical visa. Time was of the essence, and desperate to find help,

na ba

lahat? Happy Sunday!” Vice wrote with three orange heart emojis.

It can be recalled that the e-commerce site received backlash after tapping Toni Gonzaga as their endorser last year.

Social media users said that they will not use the app again

Vice

and that they uninstalled it in their phones.

Vice was recently introduced as the site’s newest brand ambassador. The multitalented comedy icon will serve as the face of the brand’s campaigns and community initiatives.

SEE HOW A LIFE WAS SAVED ON AN ENCORE SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY!

Janice (bottom photo) was diagnosed with myelofibrosis and was in desperate need of a critically urgent stem cell transplant. Her sister, Jerrimee (top photo, center), who is in Cavite in the Philippines, is the perfect match. However, the U.S. Embassy refused her application for a medical visa. Desperate, Janice’s husband, Jeff, took to Facebook and was posting and pleading in hopes that the U.S. Embassy would see the urgency and grant Jerrimee her visa. The pleas on social media reached leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (top photo, right), who was able to file for Humanitarian Parole and had the process expedited. Watch this lifesaving success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, September 3 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/ Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

‘Nakapagre-install

lahat?’

Ganda asks after replacing Toni Gonzaga as endorser

FAFI marks 11 years of serving the Filipino community

A BURST of stars led by awardwinning actor Cesar Montano will light up the biggest annual indoor Filipino event on the east coast on Saturday, August 19 in Court A of New Jersey’s American Dream Mall. “Singer-actress

Tuesday Vargas and the cast of HatidSaya led by film and TV icon Cesar Montano will make Fiesta In America’s 26th Anniversary edition a festival to remember for years,” predicts Ogie Afable, Producer of the cultural show. “The high point of the full-day festivities that start at 10am will be a concert that combines the musical and comedic talents of Filipino entertainers past and present, punctuated by multicultural folk dance troupes as well as rousing Latino dance bands.” Entrance is free, portending another Fiesta In America blockbuster at American Dream.

Famed for portraying the Philippine national hero in the film Jose Rizal (1998), Cesar Montano has won numerous acting awards for his roles in Panaghoy sa Suba (“The Call of the River”), José Rizal, Muro Ami (“Reef Hunters”) and Bagong Buwan (“New Moon”). His first solo music album, Subok Lang (“Just Try”), released by Star Records, has been certified Platinum. Montano has also leveraged his celebrity status to promote Philippine

Health@Heart

THE COVID-19 pandemic is obviously not done with us – clearly far from over, as it continues to mutate to new variants. The unvaccinated and those who had lowered their guards are more prone to get infected these days.

People who were fully vaccinated, with two booster shots of the bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 and still got infected recently, are wondering why. Were the vaccines not effective?

Actually, there is nothing wrong with the vaccines. The vaccines saved billions of lives around the world during this pandemic. New strains need new vaccines!

Each strain differs

The answer is not complex; it is really simple. An analogy: If a person has been vaccinated for shingles and developed tetanus (a disease he was not vaccinated for), it is easy to understand why.

The vaccine for shingles protects against shingles not tetanus, a distinctly different

tourism as a former Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board. Tuesday Vargas, on the other hand, is a gifted comic, actress and singer famed for her recurring role as a resident judge of TV5’s highly-rated Talentadong Pinoy talent show, as well as for memorable performances in films including Gulong Ng Palad and LSS (Last Song Syndrome) for which she won Best Supporting Actress Award at the Third Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino in 2019.

The Hatid Saya contingent sponsored by the Elite Club Pinoy, a leading group of Philippine franchisers, will not only present Cesar Montano as its banner performer, but will also feature the contrasting showmanship of actor Jay Manalo and stand-up comic Boobsie Wonderland. Jay Manalo’s recent silver screen triumps include Bayaran, Ang Huling Birhen Sa Lupa, Prosti as well as the comedies I Will Survive and Ako, Legal Wife. On TV, Manalo was a mainstay of top-rated soap operas Pangako Sa ‘Yo on ABS-CBN and Kung Mawawala Ka on GMA Network. His counterpart, Boobsie Wonderland, joked her way to fame at the Comedy Bar, Celebrity Bluff and Eat Bulaga on GMA Network, on the variety show Sunday PinaSaya, and at a recent

Araneta Center concert, Panahon Ng May Tama.

“Beyond the star-studded concert,” says Nanding Mendez, Fiesta In America’s President and CEO, “our 2023 edition will present Filipino cultural touchstones including a sparkling santacruzan procession in Court A and a Holy Mass, franchising opportunities and other business investments in the Philippines led by the Elite Club Pinoy, Ilocos Norte and Capiz as Featured Destinations, hundreds of native products on exhibit, a Street Food Fiesta, and so much more.”

Fiesta In America’s companion-gala, the People’s Ball, will publicly unveil the 2023 Empowerment Awardees on Sunday, August 13 at the Marriott Liberty International Airport Hotel in Newark, New Jersey beginning at 12noon. Guests will be able to hobnob with the crème of the Fil-am community while enjoying a sumptuous gala luncheon, live entertainment by The Everly Set of Sean Altman and Jack Skuller, and ballroom dancing.

To sponsor, exhibit, advertise or attend Fiesta In America and the People’s Ball, call 212-682-6610 or email info@fiestainameica.com. Other event details are available at www. fiestainamerica.com. n

COVID resurges!

disease. There is a separate vaccine for tetanus.

Since COVID-19 viruses come in various strains, I suggested in this column in 2020 for people to consider each strain or variant as a “different illness, different disease entity, which requires a different vaccine.” The original vaccines did not cover Omicron. Hence the massive Omicron cases that followed. When the bivalent vaccines (the boosters) were developed, which protect against Omicron and its subvariants also, the pandemic ebbed, and everybody relaxed, thinking the pandemic was over. Those who completed their 4 shots, including the two boosters, are protected against Omicron and their subvariants…but not guaranteed for future new strains.

EG.5 and FL 1.5.1

Then recently comes this summer, EG.5, informally nicknamed Eris (after the Greek goddess of strife and discord), a result of mutation, as expected. Cases went up once more and hospitalization increased. It is now a dominant strain the United States. Eris seems

Success story: A life...

PAGE 11

Janice’s family posted their appeal on social media.

Their story was brought to the attention of Citizen Pinoy head writer, Mouse Munoz, who in turn referred the situation to leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel.

Atty. Gurfinkel filed for Humanitarian Parole and requested for expedited processing since the situation is a matter of life and death. After persistent and numerous follow-ups, Jerrimee’s humanitarian parole visa was approved, and she was able to enter

the U.S., underwent tests, and donated her bone marrow to her sister.

Janice’s cancer is now in remission, and her doctors expect her blood levels to be back to normal within the year. A life has been saved. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, September 3 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

to be more transmissible than the XBB.1.16 Omicron subvariant, but not more severe. At the end of August 2023, Eris was responsible for 20.6 percent of cases, compared to the many other various strains circulating in the U.S. From July to August 2023, there were 15,067 hospitalized for COVID-19 in the United States. The next one is FL 1.5.1 (or, Fornax) which surged and accounted for 13.3 of all cases. The booster shots people received will be effective for both the EG.5 and FL 1.5.1.

BA.2.86

But then, comes “Pirola” (nickname of BA.2.86), with the greatest evolutionary leap thus far, which made itself prominent in August 2023, as a highly mutated variant, spreading in multiple countries around the world and in at least 3 different states in the U.S. The medical community is racing to study this new strain with great concern. New vaccines to protect people from BA.2.86 are now being developed, to come out in September this year.

If anyone, especially those who just returned from a

travel abroad, get infected with this new strain, it does not mean the two boosters they received were useless or ineffective. And no more “why?” question. BA.2.86, while also COVID-19, is what I termed “a different disease entity” (a term I coined just to make the issue easier for my readers to understand). But BA.2.86 so far does not appear to be as deadly as the original COVID-19 virus from Wuhan, China, and the Delta variant, especially for those who are fully vaccinated with two boosters.

Masking/distancing

While masking and distancing are not required, wisdom and prudence dictate that it is best to mask-up and keep the usual 6-foot distance in the presence of someone who is coughing or sick-looking or someone who tested positive for COVID-19, even a family member, and especially for those immunosuppressed or seniors (or younger people) with several health issues. Health is wealth. It is safer to be pre-emptive and proactive against these “invisible” treacherous enemies 600

na ba...

PAGE 11

This 9.9 Super Shopping Day on September 9, the app’s users can expect entertaining content from the “It’s Showtime” host as he stars in a livestream and its new TV commercial.

During the launch of the Super Shopping Day, the e-commerce platform also announced a

groundbreaking partnership with the League of Provinces of the Philippines. This strategic collaboration aims to support and accelerate the digital transformation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country, driving economic growth and inclusivity.

(By Jan Milo Severo/Philstar.com) n

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

Janice, a frontliner from Florida who dedicated her life to saving others, now needed a life-saving bone marrow transplant for herself.

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel (left) was able to acquire a Humanitarian Parole visa for Jerrimee (3rd from left) so she can donate her bone marrow to her sister, Janice.

Vice Ganda as Shopee ambassador Philstar.com / Jan Milo Severo

‘Nakapagre-install

Festival targets surpassed, says Fiesta In America CEO

By Len ManansaLa

FORECASTS of over 10,000 attendees and 30 percent more exhibitors than last year were met and even exceeded, Nanding Mendez, President and CEO of Fiesta In America, announced after the festival.

Fiesta In America’s 26th annual edition was held before a predominantly Fil-Am audience nearly the whole day Saturday, August 19 in Court A of American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The secret sauce behind the event’s success is no mystery at all, Mendez noted. “The right blend of star power and local talents, diverse exhibitors, free admission, expansive social media promotion and the staunch support of American Dream (the second-largest mall in the U.S.) ensured a largerthan-predicted attendance, sponsor and exhibitor roster.”

Balance between live entertainment and the promotion of Philippine

culture was the underlying theme, according to attendees interviewed. “We were thrilled by the comedy and musical routines of Tuesday

Vargas and Rachel Alejandro, especially Rachel’s Zoomba on-stage with members of the audience,” said Wena Marasigan Garcia of

Flushing, Queens who came with a friend. Musicians from New York and New Jersey matched the two Philippinesbased marquee stars’ energy

song-for-song. “I especially enjoyed the Journey-like numbers of the Arato Brothers, the rock ‘n roll hits sung by the Band of Brothers,

and the wonderful ethnic dances that highlighted the cultures of the Ifugaos and Cebuanos,” remarked Lennie Medina, who came with her husband all the way from Virginia Beach, VA.

On the business side, exhibitors gave Fiesta In America high marks for the all-day opportunity to engage with thousands of Fil-Am as well as nonFilipino consumers.

According to Xavier Ruiz, Ilocos Norte’s Officer In Charge for Tourism, woven textiles and other native products brought by the provincial group representing Governor Matthew Manotoc nearly sold out not even half-way through the event. Ilocos Norte was the event’s Featured Destination in keeping with the organizers’ commitment to promote Philippine tourism.

In his official message, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Romualdez stated that the

Thousands of Fil-Ams in attendance at Fiesta In America 2023 in Court A of American Dream Mall Photos by Boyet Loverita

Nanding Mendez, President & CEO with beloved Dr. Laura Garcia with Consul General and Mrs. Senen Mangalile

US Open Fan Week: NYC’s best-kept secret achieves historic turnout

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, Opening Day attract record crowds as well

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

THE USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center witnessed an unprecedented surge of enthusiasm during the 2023 US Open Fan Week, as over 150,000 fervent fans thronged the gates to revel in the blend of tennis and entertainment on offer. This remarkable turnout shattered all previous records, marking a new milestone in the history of the event.

The best thing about these events leading up to the main draw of the U.S. Open? They’re free.

Spanning six vibrant days, the Fan Week hosted an impressive 157,985 spectators, eclipsing the prior high attendance of 111,924 achieved just last year. This surge reflects a remarkable 41% increase in overall attendance compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing popularity of the U.S. Open Fan Week.

One standout day was the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, which triumphantly etched its name in the record books with an astounding attendance of 40,868, surpassing the previous year’s record of 35,525.

The U.S. Open Fan Week ensured that fans could bask in the festivities without any financial barriers, offering free access to the U.S. Open grounds during the Qualifying Tournament. Additionally, an array of captivating events unfolded, including the exhibition match “Stars of the Open,” featuring tennis legends. This charitable match, aimed at aiding humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, raised over $300,000.

Fan Week also offers an exclusive opportunity for fans to witness their favorite players in practice sessions, engaging panels, and

interactive events.

Culinary aficionados were treated to the delectable “Flavors of the Open,” a mouth-watering food-tasting event that showcased the tournament’s gourmet cuisine. Musical rhythms filled the air with the resonating notes of the “Sounds of the Open,” a captivating free concert featuring the Latin Grammywinning sensation Sebastián Yatra. The youthful spirit of tennis found its expression

as well, with the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day captivating the hearts of young tennis enthusiasts.

In a laudable effort to foster grassroots tennis, more than 12,000 Wilson-branded youth tennis racquets were generously distributed to fans throughout the six days. This initiative spreads the joy of the sport to its youngest fans.

The opening day of the 2023 U.S. Open on Monday, August 28 set the stage for a record-breaking start, with

an impressive 72,957 fans attending the event. This includes 42,528 attendees for the day session and 30,429 for the night session, making it a historic day for tennis enthusiasts. The record-breaking attendance not only reflects the event’s allure but also underscores the enduring charm of the sport and the captivating experiences it offers.

Among these experiences is dining, which is essential to every sporting event.

A Star-Studded Culinary Lineup

From premium dining experiences curated by worldrenowned chefs to quick bites perfect for enjoying between matches, the culinary options cater to every taste and preference.

One of the culinary icons making his debut this year is James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi, known for his newest restaurant, Tatiana, located at New York City’s Lincoln Center. Onwuachi will add four dishes to this year’s Aces menu.

“It feels amazing to be here and to be able to cook for so many people. We have a lot of people coming out. So this is pretty incredible,” Chef Kwame told the Asian Journal, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the gastronomic offerings.

Among the players with Filipino roots playing at this year’s US Open are Canada’s Leylah Fernandez and Australia’s Jason Kubler. Both lost their first round matches on Tuesday, August 29. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

The US Open unveiled the star-studded lineup of chefs participating this year. Among those who are making their debut this year are making their US Open debut are chef Melba Wilson of the Harlem, N.Y.-based restaurant Melba’s, chef Kwame Onwuachi of Tatiana’s, and chef James Kent of the Michelin-starred restaurant Crown Shy. They join chefs who are returning such as chefs Alex Guarnaschelli, David Burke, Morimoto, Josh Capon, among others.

Chef Kwame Onwuachi

There is a variety of choices for every palate - from pizza to tacos to sushi and seafood apart from the host of cocktails and desserts to choose from, such as ice cream from Van Leeuwen, which created a first-ever US Open exclusive flavor: Honeycomb Fudge Slam, which is sweet cream ice cream with gooey honeycomb candy pieces and swirls of fudge.

Chef Masaharu Morimoto

Festival targets...

Embassy “appreciates the Filipino community’s efforts in maintaining Fiesta in America as a central and prominent platform for showcasing the richness of Philippine culture, tradition, history, and heritage.” New Yorkbased Consul General Senen Mangalile, on the other hand, noted that visitors to Fiesta In America will “definitely enjoy the extravaganza of Filipino culture which would include, among others, music, art, food, Philippine products, as well as sharing with the public our travel attractions and other reasons to show why visitors fall in love with the Philippines.”

American dignitaries who attended the opening ceremonies, including New York Assembly-member Steven Raga, Hudson County (NJ) Commissioner Bill O’Dea and Bergen County (NJ) Executive James Tedesco III extolled the festival’s ability to bring thousands of Filipino Americans together in the spirit of community cohesion.

Prominent individuals who lent their support to this event include: Roger Oriel of Asian Journal, Joseph Francia of GMA, Susan del Mundo, former NYC Tourism Attaché, Nestor Cuartero of Manila Bulletin, Cristina Pastor of Fil-Am Magazine, Marivir Montebon of OSM Online Magazine, Don Tagala of TFC, Carol Tanjutco of Inquirer.net, Richie Rillera of Philippine Daily Mirror, Freddy Burke, president of Catholic Action of Mary, Helen CastilloBongon of PAFCOM, Ludi Hughes, President/CEO of FAFI, Sahlee Manongdo of PNANJ, Catalina Suerte & Ronie Mataquel of UniFFied, Marina Cudala, Jaime Camacho, Jr., Yoli del Mundo and FIA Grand Marshal Senen Cabalfin of Executive Home Care/Mobility & Motion/ Construction.

Fiesta in America extends its gratitude to the sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers who participated in the 2023 event – Alere Healthcare, Alveo Land, American Dream, Asian Journal Publications, Ayala Land International Sales, Inc., BayaniPay, Caring Partners, Charles Victor Entertainment, CMS, Coke, Damayang Filipino Movement Inc., Delicacies by Sheree, Department of Tourism- Philippines, Eastern Gems Corp, Elite Club, EVA Air, Executive Home Care, Fastr, Fasttrack Access Travel & Tours

Inc, Filipino Homes, Fogo De Chao, Freedom Equity Group, GCash, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA LifeTV, GMA NewsTV, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, IAM Worldwide IBC NY INC., Ilocano American Association, Inc. (IAAI), JCI, Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry- New Jersey, KultureKo, LatinoAmerican Chamber of Commerce- Essex County, Lena’s Gifts, MabuhayHR, Mobility & Motion, Mobility Construction, Mobility Special Home Care, Okada, Parol/Pinoy of America, Pangpamilya/ Algar, Philippine Airlines, PhilWeddings/ Zoombox Videos/ Event Management, Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey, Philippine National Bank, Premier Home Health Care Services, Inc, Province of Bulacan, Province of Ilocos Sur, Provincial Government of Capiz, Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, Provincial Government of La Union, Queens Project Entertainment, RJP Venture, Robinsons Land Corporation/ RLC, Sanzo, Sendwave, Shangri- La The Fort Manila, Supreme Health Systems, LLC/Saladmaster, TIEZA, UNIFFIED, Villas Vitalis, Vista Land International and Weee!

The Street Food Fiesta, a new and equally successful addition that complemented the indoor festival, was held outdoors within a stone’s throw of American Dream’s Court A. Food trucks and stalls touted a wide array of multicultural dishes, further reinforcing Fiesta In America’s standing as a cornucopia of entertainment, product, service and culinary delights.

“The resounding success of this year’s event has strengthened our resolve to continue improving Fiesta In America as the east coast’s prime indoor platform to promote Filipino culture among Fil-Am and multicultural audiences,” Nanding Mendez remarked at a post-festival fête in his Times Square residence in honor of sponsors and exhibitors.

For sponsor, exhibitor and advertiser reservations in advance of Fiesta In America 2024, please call 212-682-6610, email info@ fiestainamerica. com or follow www. fiestainamerica. com for festival updates.

(Advertising Supplement)

US Open Fan Week: NYC’s best-kept...

On his recently opened Tatiana at the Lincoln Center, Chef Kwame has this to say, “It’s been great. It’s been really great. You know, I’m from New York. So having a restaurant in New York is the dream for many chefs, but as a New Yorker, it feels right.”

This Top Chef star believes that the city’s restaurant scene lever left but it still faces some issues, “Probably labor you know, it takes a lot to put on the restaurant, and that’s probably where we spend a lot of our money trying to figure out the balance between that and not diminishing the guest experiences is and will always be a challenge,” said Chef Kwame, who grew up watching Venus and Serena Williams at the U.S. Open so this is special for him.

Chef Kwame’s creative prowess shines through in his creation of a black bean hummus for Aces, a key culinary spot and the preeminent seafood stop at the U.S. Open. He explains his choice, saying, “I think it’s something that you know could feed a lot of people and remain its true identity at the same time.” The culinary maestro’s commitment to both flavor and accessibility is evident, reflecting the ethos of the U.S. Open’s dining experience.

Also making their U.S. Open debut are chef Melba Wilson of the Harlem, N.Y.based restaurant Melba’s and chef James Kent of the Michelin-starred restaurant Crown Shy.

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Returning fan favorites also take the stage, including Chef Alex Guarnaschelli’s restaurant, Fare by Alex Guarnaschelli. With delectable offerings like watermelon & feta salad and cavatappi pasta with yellow tomato sauce, Chef Guarnaschelli’s creations are back to delight for the third consecutive year. Chef David Burke’s CubanAmerican fusion eatery, Mojito by David Burke, and Chef Josh Capon’s Fly Fish are also making a triumphant return, times smaller than a grain of salt.

If you test positive

If one is exposed to COVID-19, wait at least 5 full days after exposure before doing the test. Anyone testing positive with the rapid antigen home test kit, should notify his/her physician for consultation, especially if seniors. The physician will consider if Paxlovid is indicated (must be taken within 5 days from the first symptom, not later), and if antibiotic is needed. If the test is negative, and the person is having cough or malaise, the best is to repeat the antigen test (Blow the nose hard, but wipe only the outside of the nose, not inside, and twirl the nasal foam tipped-stick applicator deep, five times or more, in both nostrils,

BY THE NUMBERS

The US Open will serve approximately:

• 1,200,000 melon balls

• 90,000 pounds of beef

• 7.5 tons of crab, shrimp and lobster

• 400,000 individual berries

• 225,000 hamburgers and hot dogs

• 85,000 pounds of poultry

• 12.5 tons of lettuce

• 66,000 bananas

• 35,000 pounds of tomatoes

• 7,000 specialty tennis ball cookies

featuring dishes like lobster rolls, tuna poke, ceviche, and oysters.

“Come for the food, stay for the tennis,” Capon said at the launch.

Chef David Burke has been a staple at the U.S. Open with his Mojito by David Burke and he keeps on returning because “I enjoy it. I think it’s good for my staff to get involved with something like this and the U.S. Open is very much part of New York City.”

He believes that New York City’s restaurant scene is back, “I think the city has kind of come back strong,” he said adding that the city just had “one of the best restaurant weeks we’ve ever had, it just ended a week ago.”

Also featured at this year’s grand slam with both new options and returning popular dishes include King Souvlaki, The Migrant Kitchen, Side Piece Chicken, Champions by Benjamin Steakhouse,

and follow the instruction in the test kit.). If still in doubt, take the PCR test, which will provide a more reliable result, but is expensive.

Laugh for health

Most of us know that laughter is a “good medicine,” but do not know why and how. New studies reveal that even after only 12 weeks of laughter therapy, where a group of subjects watched two different hour-long comedies on TV each week, results showed a 10 percent improvement in oxygen delivery to the cardiovascular system, among others, and increased the functional capacity of the cardiovascular system.

Blood tests also showed that there was a reduction in the inflammatory biomarkers, the lower, the better for our body. A different study has revealed

Pat LaFrieda Meat Co., San Matteo NYC, Hill Country BBQ, Korilla BBQ and Poke Yachty, Fuku, Nourish Spot, Taqueria Nixtamal, Eataly, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and Crabby Shack.

Whether you’re an avid tennis fan or a food enthusiast, the 2023 U.S. Open promises an unforgettable experience that caters to your passion for both the game and exceptional cuisine. As the event happens in the next fortnight, get ready to savor the flavors, relish the matches, and create memories with friends and loved ones to last a lifetime.

Filipinos at the U.S. Open

We scoured the player lineup this year and found some new and returning players who are part-Filipino.

Leylah Fernandez of Canada and Jason Kubler of Canada both had their first-round matches on Day 2.

Fernandez lost a tight, three-setter to the 22nd-ranked Ekaterina Alexandrova. She had her Cinderella run in 2019, reaching the finals but eventually bowing to fellow teen and eventual champion Emma Raducanu. She will play doubles this week with Taylor Townsend.

Kubler on the other hand crashed out and retired on the second set against Matteo Arnaldi of Italy. Early this year, Kubler and his compatriot Rinky Hijikata won the Australian Open men’s doubles. Doubles specialist Sabrina Santamaria is set to play this week, along with Carson Tanguilig. Desirae Krawczyk is set to play both mixed and women’s doubles with partners Neal Skupski and Demi Schuurs, respectively.

Previously a regular at the U.S. Open, Treat Huey announced his retirement this year and was honored earlier this month at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington. He represented the Philippines in various international competitions, including the Davis Cup, and was responsible for bringing the country several medals in the Southeast Asian Games starting in 2009. n

that even the physical act of laughing alone, even without hearing anything funny, even when alone in a room, was healthy and relaxing.

If you see me on the street laughing loudly (without any earbuds), don’t report me to the mental asylum; I am just trying to lower my inflammatory biomarkers and improve my blood oxygen delivery system.

Try laughter therapy. A smile on your face also makes you look handsomer/prettier and younger.

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The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best

ally when it comes to your health.

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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.

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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.