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NOVEMBER 4-10, 2021

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

Volume 32 - No. 44 • 12 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

CDC endorses vaccines for children 5 to 11

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

SIPA to honor Fil-Am community leaders with Barangay Awards TO honor the Filipino American community leaders in Los Angeles and beyond, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) will hold the virtual Barangay Awards on Friday, November 5.

The Barangay Awards is an evolution of SIPA’s annual awards event, the non-profit’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

As “barangay” is the Filipino word for “village,” the Barangay Awards will honor the spirit of community, kinship and the courageous leaders who have contributed a great deal during some incredibly challenging times, particularly this past year.

“SIPA has been around for almost 50 years, serving the Filipino American community in Historic Filipinotown and throughout Southern California. We are very aware of how challenging it is for many people in our community to simply have their basic needs met and the work it takes to support individuals and families who face hardship,” Kimmy Maniquis, executive director of SIPA, told the Asian Journal in an email.

by AJPRESS CHILDREN as young as 5 years old in the United States can now get the COVID-19 vaccine as the country further expands its vaccination campaign.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday, November 2, endorsed its advisory committee’s recommendation to administer the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to children ages 5 to 11.

“We know millions of parents are eager to get their children vaccinated and with this decision, we now have recommended that about 28 million chil-

dren receive a COVID-19 vaccine,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said.

“As a mom, I encourage parents with questions to talk to their pediatrician, school nurse or local pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their children vaccinated,” she added.

At the outset of the meeting, Walensky noted that the pandemic has had a profound social, mental health and educational impact on children.

“There are children in the second grade who have never experienced a normal school year,” she said. “Pediatric vaccination has the power to help us change all of that.”

To boost or not to boost: What is the answer?

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COVID-19 vaccine for eligible children available Nov. 10 at Southern Nevada Health District’s main location

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AS of Oct. 22, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup recommended expanding the use of a booster dose of the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for eligible populations. The CDC and Western States Workgroup had previously approved the administration of a third dose to boost immunity for vulnerable and immunocompromised groups.

The emergency use authorizations were amended to allow a booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for certain vulnerable populations, six months after completion of their initial vaccination series. Approval also was given for the use of a single booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 18 and over, two months after their single dose. Further, the two organizations cleared the way for the use of a “mix and match” of COVID-19 vaccines which would not require individuals to use the same dose as their initial series.

These approvals follow the FDA’s previous authorization of third dose booster doses for

Earlier that day, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) unanimously voted in favor of the child-sized doses of vaccine for the younger kids.

The Pfizer vaccine will be administered to children in two low doses, three weeks apart, using a smaller needle.

For his part, U.S. President Joe Biden called the decision “a turning point” in the fight against COVID-19.

“It will allow parents to end months of anxious worrying about their kids, and reduce the extent to which children spread the virus to others. It is

MINOR JABS. Around 500 teenagers accompanied by their parents wait for their turn to get their first dose of the COVID -19 vaccine at the Moises Salvador Elementary School in Sampaloc, Manila on Thursday, November 4. The national government has started to roll out the vaccination for the general pediatric population of children ages 12 to 17.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

LAS VEGAS – Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations, the Southern Nevada Health District will begin administering Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11 beginning Wednesday, November 10 at its main public health center at 280 S. Decatur, Las Vegas, NV, 89107.

The vaccine is the best way to protect children from getting COVID-19. Children may be at lower risk than adults of becoming seriously ill, but it is still possible. The vaccine is safe, effective and free. Before it was authorized for children, it was rigorously tested and the data from clinical trials was thoroughly reviewed.

In Clark County, approximately 209,000 children ages 5-11 are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. At total of 37,006 cases of COVID-19 in Clark County have been reported in children ages 5 to 17.

Children with COVID-19 can develop severe symp-

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Groups petition to cancel COC of Bongbong Marcos

by CATHRINE

GONZALES Inquirer.net

MANILA — A petition to cancel the certificate of candidacy (COC) of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for the presidency has been filed at the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The petitioners, composed of political detainees and human rights and medical organizations that opposed Marcos’ dictatorship, claim that Marcos Jr. is not eligible to run for any public office since the Quezon City Regional Trial Court convicted him in 1995 for his failure to file income tax returns.

In a statement shared by their lawyer

Theodore Te, the petitioners said that Marcos’ COC “contains multiple false material representations.” The petition was filed before the Comelec on Tuesday, November 2.

“Specifically, Marcos falsified his Certificate of Candidacy when he claimed that he was eligible to be a candidate for president of the Philippines in the 2022 national elections when in fact he is disqualified from doing so,” they said.

“Marcos is not eligible to run for any public office as he is, plainly, a convicted criminal. Marcos was convicted by the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City in a July 27 1995 Decision for his multiple

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Presidential candidate Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Vice President Leni Robredo Inquirer.net photos

Jordan Clarkson, Jalen Green make history during Jazz-Rockets face off 2022 Robredo-Pacquiao First NBA players of Filipino descent to play in same game

by AJPRESS

Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (right) faced off with Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (left) in a historic match as the first Fil-Am NBA players to play in the same game on Thursday, October 28 as the Rockets’ celebrated Filipino Heritage Night. Photo from Instagram/@jordanclarksons

THERE’S another historic moment for the books as the United States continues to celebrate October as Filipino American History Month.

This time, history was made on the basketball court as Filipino American players Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green faced off in a game between Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets on Thursday, October 28.

Dubbed Filipino Heritage Night at the Houston Rockets, the

game marked the first time two NBA players of Filipino descent shared the court.

“Just us two being here, it’s super inspirational for the youth and every Filipino American, every Filipino, anybody with Filipino blood,” Jazz guard Clarkson said in the post-game presser.

Clarkson’s grandmother hails from Pampanga, while Green’s mother is from Ilocos Sur. Clarkson described the matchup as “an amazing experience,” adding that he

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tandem a no go for Manny

by DAPHNE

GALVEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — Presidential candidate Sen. Manny Pacquiao is determined to run for the presidency in 2022, rejecting calls to withdraw his candidacy and become Vice President Leni Robredo’s running mate instead.

“Buo na ‘yung pasya ko na tuluy na tuloy ako, hindi ako umaatras sa laban. Hindi ako aatras sa aking kandidatura bilang Pangulo kasi alam ko malaki ang magagawa ko para sa ating bayan,” he said in a forum with Rotary Manila, Club

the first time he spoke before a big business group as a presidential aspirant.

(My decision is final. I will run for president. I know I will contribute significantly to the country.)

“Tunay na pagbabago ang gusto ko gawin sa ating bansa, hindi ‘yung puro pagpupulitika lang,” he added.

(I want real change for the country, not just politicking.)

He said he is seeking the public’s vote, not for his personal interest but because he wants to “help” them.

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From The FronT Page

CDC endorses vaccines for...

PAGE 1 a major step forward for our nation in our fight to defeat the virus,” he said in a statement.

“Over the last several weeks, my Administration has been working hard to be prepared for this moment: we are ready to act. We have already secured enough vaccine supply for every child in America,” he added.

Likewise, the American Academy of Pediatrics welcomed the CDC’s decision.

“Vaccinating children will protect children’s health and allow them to fully engage in

all of the activities that are so important to their health and development,” it said in a statement.

“Parents can enjoy greater peace of mind gathering with family members this winter and sending their children to school, sports and other events that were paused during the height of the pandemic,” it added.

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer vaccine for the country’s youngest age group, saying the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risk to children.

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children 5 through 11 years of age,” the agency said Friday, October 29.

“The authorization was based on the FDA’s thorough and transparent evaluation of the data that included input from independent advisory committee experts who overwhelmingly voted in favor of making the vaccine available to children in this age group,” it added. n

2022 Robredo-Pacquiao tandem a no go...

PAGE 1 “Habang nabubuhay pa ako dito sa mundo, gusto ko maging halimbawa o example o inspirasyon sa lahat ng mga tao, hindi lang sa Pilipino kundi sa buong mundo na ang Manny Pacquiao, maging inspirasyon,” he said.

(While I’m still alive, I want to be an example or be an in-

spiration not only to the Filipino people but to the whole world.)

“Dito sa pagseserbisyo, gusto ko rin gawin ‘yan na maging inspirasyon sa ating mg kababayan pagdating sa public service.

Ang public service is not a business, tulong at pagababago ang dapat sa ating bayan,” he added.

(I want to be an inspiration to Filipinos when it comes to public service. It’s not a business.

We need help and change.)

Despite being eyed by various camps to become a vicepresidential candidate, Pacquiao has earlier said he will go ahead with his presidential run in 2022. n

FIRE AFTERMATH. A firefighter looks at some parts of the house after a blaze that broke out in Barangay Quirino 2-A, Quezon City on Wednesday, November 3. Initial reports said the fire started in a two-story house on Pajo Street. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P Alfiler

To boost or not to boost: What is...

PAGE 1 individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine six months after completing their initial series.

In this FAQ, Dr. Dali Fan, a UC Davis Health Science Clinical Professor who also serves as PAGE 1 a volunteer vaccinator at California Northstate University in Elk hoped to “see more.”

“I feel like it’s an amazing Grove, California, answers some experience, something that can’t of the most commonly asked be done again because we’re the questions about boosters.

Ethnic Media Services (EMS): first. Hopefully, we see more,” he What are the benefits of getting said.

Clarkson also addressed the a booster?

Fan: COVID-19 boosters are Filipino fans who continue to meant to boost immunity that support him and Green.

“We feel the love, we feel the may have waned overtime and are the same dose of vaccine that support,” he said.

“When I step on the floor, when were given as part of the primary we step on the floor, we know we series. Booster doses of vaccines represent the country, represent are very common. They are part our people, and we go out there of most childhood and adult vaccine series to ensure a person and do what we do,” he added.

The Jazz took the victory from maintains optimal immunity the Rockets, 122-91, to stay against infection from a disease.

EMS: What is the difference undefeated.

Clarkson, the reigning Sixth between an additional dose and Man of the Year, finished with 16 a booster dose?

Fan: An additional dose is adpoints, six rebounds, and three ministered to people with modassists for Utah.

Meanwhile, Green, the second erately to severely compromised overall pick of the 2021 NBA immune systems. This additional Draft, finished with 13 points, dose of an mRNA COVID-19 three boards, three assists, a vaccine is intended to improve steal, and a block for Houston. immunocompromised people’s As part of the heritage night, fans response to their initial vaccine took home T-shirts with Green’s series At this time, CDC does not No. 0. n have a recommendation for immunocompromised people to receive both a booster dose and an additional dose. The current recommendation is for immunocompromised people to receive an additional dose 28-days after completing an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series.

As you can see, an additional dose is specifically meant for those who are “immunocompromised.” Others do NOT need an additional dose (28 days after the initial series), but they may be eligible for a booster two-to-six months after the initial series depending on the type of vaccine.

EMS: Are the boosters different than the original vaccination series?

Fan: The boosters are the exact vaccine as the original series for

Jordan Clarkson, Jalen Green make history...

Fans who attended the Rockets’ Filipino Heritage Night on Thursday, October 28 received a T-shirt representing guard Jalen Green’s No. 0.

Photo courtesy of Twitter/@HoustonRockets

these vaccines.

EMS: Does the fact that boosters are recommended mean that the vaccines are not effective?

Fan: No. COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. However, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection, especially among certain atrisk populations, against mild and moderate cases of COVID-19.

Vaccine boosters are common, as most of us have had them throughout childhood and adulthood. Whether it is measles, Hepatitis A/B or COVID-19 – boosters are great tools in our arsenals to fight disease.

EMS: Who is eligible to get a booster dose now?

Fan: A Pfizer or Moderna booster dose is recommended if you: Received your second dose at least six months ago, and Are 65 or older, or Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings, or Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions, or Age 18+ who are at increased risk due to social inequity, or Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings A Johnson & Johnson booster dose is recommended if you: Received your first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago, and Are 18 or older If you fall within the categories above, you can get your booster by going to your healthcare provider, clinics and neighborhood pharmacies. You can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255 to make an appointment or find a nearby vaccine clinic.

EMS: The CDC has recommended additional does for those over 65, people living in group homes, and the immunocompromised. How do we define who is immunocompromised and needs an additional dose?

Fan: Currently, the CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose.

This includes people who have: Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome) Advanced or untreated HIV infection Active treatment with highdose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.

EMS: The CDC has also recommended that essential workers might consider getting boosters. Is that your recommendation as well? What types of workers are particularly high-risk?

Fan: Yes, it is my recommendation as well. Examples of workers who may get Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna boosters: First responders (e.g., healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff) Education staff (e.g., teachers, support staff, daycare workers) Food and agriculture workers Manufacturing workers Corrections workers U.S. Postal Service workers Public transit workers Grocery store workers This list could be updated in the future.

EMS: Where can we get boosters? And are boosters free?

Fan: Visit the state’s websites at VaccinateAll58.com or Myturn. ca.gov to learn more about where boosters are being offered near you. Your healthcare provider or local pharmacists can also help connect you to resources. The booster is free of charge to all; no insurance or documentation is required. (By Sunita Sohrabji/ EMS Contributing Editor)

COVID-19 vaccine for eligible children...

PAGE 1

toms that result in hospitalizations, death, MIS-C and longterm complications. The Health District has reported 92 cases of MIS-C among Clark County children. There have been 266 hospitalizations of children ages 5 to 17 and four deaths in this age group. Vaccines also help to protect those who are too young to receive the vaccine. There have been 7,468 cases of COVID-19 reported in children ages 4 or younger, 149 hospitalizations, and one death.

“For parents, getting their children vaccinated is an important step towards protecting their health, the health of their families, and the health of their communities,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer. “While some parents are eager to get their children fully vaccinated and protected from COVID-19, we do realize others may have questions, and I encourage parents to speak with their health care provider to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their child vaccinated.”

COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 will be available at additional Health District sites soon. Information on availability will be posted on the website at www.SNHD.info/covid-vaccine. Pediatric vaccine at the Health District’s main public health center will be available on a walk-in basis until the appointment system is updated.

Additional COVID-19 resources and information, including testing locations, are available on the Health District website at www.snhd.info/covid. n

Groups petition to cancel COC of...

PAGE 1

failures to file income tax returns,” the petitioners added.

They noted that the Court of Appeals upheld Marcos’ conviction and no longer appealed to the Supreme Court, thereby becoming a final and unappealable conviction.

“Having been convicted by final judgment of a violation of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), Marcos is perpetually disqualified from holding any public office, to vote and to participate in any election as mandated under the NIRC,” they stressed.

Further, the petitioners also said that “the crimes for which Marcos was convicted by [the] final [judgment] are also crimes involving moral turpitude that disqualifies Marcos from being a candidate for any office under Section 12 of the Omnibus Election Code.”

Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The petition noted that the crime involves moral turpitude since, among others, Marcos and his family refuse to pay to the Filipino people roughly P203.8 billion in estate taxes, inclusive of interests, surcharge,

Inquirer.net photo

and other penalties.

As of this posting, INQUIRER. net is still seeking comment from Marcos’ camp through his chief of staff Atty. Victor Rodriguez but has yet to receive a response. n

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‘Not quite on board’: Parents proving a tough sell on COVID vax for teens

by Jenny

Gold

and Samantha younG Kaiser Health News

EVEN as the U.S. prepares to roll out a covid-19 vaccine to elementary school-aged kids, its efforts to inoculate teenagers — who have been eligible for the shot since May — continue to meet with a lackluster response.

So far, about half of kids 12 to 17 are fully vaccinated in the U.S., compared with nearly 70% of Americans 18 and older.

Pediatricians expect it will be even harder to persuade skeptical parents of younger children to get their kids inoculated. Many are concerned about the potential unknowns of a relatively new vaccine compared with the low risk of serious illness covid poses for children.

A recent poll from KFF found 27% of parents of children 5 to 11 said they plan to get them vaccinated “right away,” while 30% said they would “definitely not” get the vaccine for their 5to 11-year-olds. More than threequarters of parents of children in this age group reported they were “very” or “somewhat” concerned that not enough is known about the long-term effects of the vaccine in kids.

“I’m not quite on board with everybody getting vaccinated,” said Tara Currier, 42, a mother of four in Marysville, California, who decided not to vaccinate her three older children, ages 12, 14 and 16. She said she also plans to delay vaccinating her 10-yearold daughter.

While she is fully vaccinated herself, Currier said she won’t vaccinate her children until she can be certain the shot is “actually a protection and not something that’s going to affect their bodies later on. I don’t know that can be answered yet, because the vaccine hasn’t been seen in people for very long.”

Public health officials and leading experts have been increasingly vocal in emphasizing that while children are at lower risk of serious illness from covid, they are not at zero risk. Nearly 6.3 million children have tested positive for covid, and more than 580 have died, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

A small percentage have developed long-term symptoms.

They also stress that vaccinating

children is essential to slowing the spread of the virus in the broader population. Nationwide, more than 45 million people have been infected by SARS-CoV-2, which causes covid, and more than 745,000 have died.

The Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech covid vaccine for emergency use in children ages 12-15 in May, after approving the same shot for teens 16 and older five months earlier. On Friday, the agency authorized for emergency use a smaller dose of the vaccine for children ages 5-11, and shots are expected to be available this week following signoff by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In clearing the Pfizer vaccine for children and teens, the FDA said ongoing clinical studies show children and adolescents face greater risks from covid and its potentially devastating side effects than they do from a rare side effect of the vaccine involving inflammation of the heart reported in some young adults.

Still, California offers a lens on the challenges health officials and pediatricians face in persuading parents nationwide to embrace the new shots. The state ranks in the nation’s top quartile in overall vaccination rates, with 72% of people 12 and older vaccinated, according to the CDC. But that number masks vast disparities among the older and younger age groups.

Statewide, just 59% of kids 12 to 17 were fully vaccinated by Oct. 24. By comparison, 71% of people 18 to 49 were vaccinated by that date; 80% of residents 50 to 64; and 75% of residents 65 and older.

In addition, teen vaccination rates vary hugely by region, another microcosm of the U.S. While many of the wealthier urban and suburban counties along the California coast boast vaccination rates upward of 70% for kids 12 to 17, multiple counties in the state’s rugged north report fewer than a quarter of that age group are vaccinated.

Marin County is one of the state’s success stories. Relatively wealthy, decidedly Democratic and overwhelming white, the county had vaccinated 93% of kids 12 to 17 as of Oct. 19, according to the California

Department of Public Health.

That’s more than twice the rate of 12- to 17-year-olds vaccinated in rural Madera County in the Central Valley; and it dwarfs the 16% of kids 12-17 vaccinated in Modoc County in the state’s mountainous northeast.

When younger teenagers became eligible in the spring, public health officials in Marin County set up two mass vaccination sites with “lots of fanfare and confetti and a ribbon-cutting kind of feeling,” said county public health officer Dr. Matt Willis. Families were eager, and within 10 days, the county had vaccinated half their adolescent population.

For parents who were more hesitant, “pediatricians were crucial,” Willis said. Dr. Nelson Branco, a pediatrician in Larkspur, said his practice waited a few weeks before opening its own vaccination clinic. They checked the vaccine registry for their 4,000 12- to 17-year-old patients, identified 800 who had not been vaccinated, then sent out an email blast inviting them to one of their weekly clinics and to call with any questions.

“We found that there were lots of parents of teenagers who are very anxious for their kids to get back to more normal activities,” said Branco. “We’re seeing the same things with parents of younger kids. The question is ‘When?’ not ‘Should I?’” In a rural county like Madera, which hasn’t voted for a Democratic president since Jimmy Carter, the low vaccination rates reflect factors beyond a conservative political bent, said Dr. Nicole Webb, a pediatrician at Valley Children’s Healthcare in Madera. Rather, many residents face logistical challenges that don’t exist for Californians in the suburbs and cities, where a pharmacy or doctor’s office is a short drive or transit ride away.

“I think the tempting thing is to try to make global generalizations based on political or ideological blinds, but I think it’s actually a lot more complicated than that in a place like this,” Webb said.

Even in counties reporting high teen vaccination rates, there are pockets where pediatricians are struggling to convince wary parents. Santa Clara County has vaccinated 75% of kids 12 to PAGE 4

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Nonito Donaire title defense vs Reymart Gaballo set for December 11

by Mark

GionGco Inquirer.net

THE all-Filipino bantamweight world title fight between WBC champion Nonito Donaire and challenger Reymart Gaballo is penciled in for December 11 in Carson, California.

The bout, which will serve as the main event of a tripleheader on Showtime, was mandatory as ordered by the WBC, one of four major sanctioning bodies in professional boxing, two months ago.

Donaire won the WBC title after knocking out Frenchman Nordine Oubaali six months ago.

The win put the 38-year-old Donaire in the record books as the oldest bantamweight champion. He turns 39 on November 16.

Gaballo is undefeated at 24-0 with 20KOs but will have a lot to prove in his world title shot after

Nonito Donaire

coming off a highly questionable victory in his previous fight.

The 25-year-old Gaballo beat Emmanuel Rodriguez via split decision for the vacant WBC interim belt last December in a fight many believed to have gone

Inquirer.net file photo

in favor of the Puerto Rican.

The controversial result left pundits skeptical of Gaballo, who may not be ripe enough just yet to share the ring with the caliber of Donaire (41-6, 27KOs), who is a four-division champion. n

SIPA to honor Fil-Am community leaders...

PAGE 1 “The challenges of this past year felt almost insurmountable for many including youth, seniors, unhoused people, frontliners, small business owners, and those in severe crisis. We want to continue to honor members of our community who demonstrate commitment to others, who challenge the status quo and help to transform our society for the better,” she added.

This year, SIPA will honor the Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California (PNASC) for the Filipino American nurses who are rigorously saving lives daily while risking their own.

Over 80 registered nurses of Filipino descent have died from the coronavirus, making up 26.4% of total RN fatalities in the United States since the beginning of the pandemic, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

The award will be presented

by Michele Josue, the Emmy Award-winning director for “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine,” director of “Happy Jail,” and film currently in production “Nurse Unseen.”

SIPA will also present the Barangay award to The Park’s Finest, a Fil-Am owned and operated LA restaurant, which launched the “Feed the

Frontliners” project, providing more than 100,000 meals to frontline workers throughout Southern California.

The award will be presented by Danny Trejo, actor, restaurateur and owner of Trejo’s Tacos and Trejo’s Cantina, as well as a collaborator with The Park’s Finest.

Internet star Bretman Rock and MTV Digital will likewise receive the Barangay Award for the “Following: Bretman Rock” series which uplifts the story and experience of Fil-Am and LGBTQIA+ influencer Bretman Rock.

Recently, Bretman made history as the first-ever openly gay man to grace the cover of Playboy magazine.

The award will be presented by Manila Luzon, International Drag Queen of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

According to Maniquis, the honorees were chosen for their contributions to the Filipino community during a year that saw a pandemic, as well as uprisings related to racial justice and a movement to respond to anti-Asian violence.

“It was important for us to honor community leaders who actively sought to address and challenge the current times.

SIPA’s indigenous values are

kawanggawa (compassionate action), damayan (engage) and pagtutulongan (help). We sought out individuals and groups of people who embodied those values especially in this past year,” she added.

The Barangay Awards will be hosted by actors Asia Jackson and Dion Basco.

In addition to the awards, SIPA will highlight its latest work HiFi Collective redevelopment project, home to the new SIPA headquarters and community center, and 62 units of affordable housing, set to open in 2022.

To continue its mission, SIPA will host a live fundraising during the awards show, in the hopes to meet or exceed its fundraising goal of $100,000. All funds raised the night of the Barangay Awards will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10,000.

Anyone interested in participating in the live fundraising event on Nov. 5 can register at www.every.org.

All proceeds support SIPA in fulfilling its mission of enriching and empowering generations of Filipino Americans.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and donations, visit sipacares.org. (Ritchel Mendiola/ AJPress)

FREE RIDE. Jeepney driver Jay Alejos, 46, waits for passengers to board the vehicle of Juan Transport Services Cooperative which provides free rides from Lagro Dulo to Novaliches Bayan in Quezon City and vice-versa on Thursday, November 4. The free ride would be until November 6.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

‘Not quite on board’: Parents proving...

PAGE 3 17, according to CDPH. But at her practice in central San Jose, Dr. Amna Khan said most of her patients are on the fence.

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center sees mostly Medi-Cal patients, and many of Khan’s patients are recent immigrants.

“In my patient population, they have a lot of reason to distrust the government and medicine in general,” Khan said. “It’s not a political statement. It’s distrust from things they’ve heard from their family or church or neighbors.”

Often, these conversations are a “difficult dance” that Khan must navigate with cultural sensitivity and help from translators.

Sometimes, she faces the minefield of parent-teen conflict, with arguments breaking out in the exam room between kids who want the vaccine and parents who refuse.

No matter where parents are raising their kids, pediatricians said, the common factor driving their decision to vaccinate — or not — is concern about their child’s safety.

Parents lining up to vaccinate their children are worried about the threat of covid. Parents hesitant about the shot are worried about possible side effects of the vaccine. Somewhere in the middle are parents unsure what to think because of the

conflicting information they have gotten from social media or friends.

Even among parents who have unquestioningly vaccinated their children for other diseases, the choice on covid isn’t an obvious one.

“Parents are now saying, ‘You know what? I don’t think this is right for my kid. I don’t think I’m going to make this decision, or at the very least I’m going to wait at least six months, maybe a year or maybe longer before I even consider this for my child,’” said Jessica Calarco, a professor of sociology at Indiana University who has been monitoring a group of moms in Indiana throughout the pandemic.

“They’ll say, ‘You know what, my kid wears masks. We wash our hands. We are responsible with play dates. And so, the vaccine just isn’t necessary because we’re doing enough, and my kid is healthy enough that they will probably be fine.’”

Doctors and public health officials say they find themselves regularly explaining to parents that covid is indeed harming kids.

“There have been more than 35 pediatric deaths in California alone, and this is more deaths than we see with flu,” Dr. Erica Pan, California’s state epidemiologist, told reporters last week. “This simply is not

an acceptable number of child deaths when such effective and safe prevention is available.”

Covid has triggered multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, a potentially lifethreatening condition in which the immune system attacks the body and impedes organ function, in more than 660 California kids since March 2020, Pan said. Six have died.

California is slated to have more than 1.2 million doses of the weaker version of the vaccine for kids 5 to 11 the first week the vaccine is approved for emergency use, Pan said.

Pediatricians will be crucial to the state’s efforts to vaccinate kids, along with clinics at school sites and door-to-door campaigns by community leaders.

In Yuba City, pediatrician Dr. Mark Sawyer tells patients, “If you want to stop hearing about covid on the radio and stop hearing about lockdowns and everything, then this is it, this is the way. Just get vaccinated.”

Phillip Reese, an assistant professor of journalism at California State UniversitySacramento, contributed to this report.

This story was produced

by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. n

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5

Pres. Duterte still no to ICC drug probe even after ‘hell freezes over’

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

Roque Jr. said that Duterte would just let the ICC proceed with its plan to investigate his PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte anti-narcotics campaign. on Thursday, November 4, inRoque, however, said, the sisted that he is never going ICC would just waste its time to face trial before the Internaand resources in investigating tional Criminal Court (ICC) over the anti-narcotics drive in the his administration’s crackdown Philippines. on illegal drugs even after “hell “So, sa kanya, bahala sila freezes over”. kung ano ang gusto nilang In his speech at an infragawin (So, for him, let them do structure project inauguration what they want),” Roque said in in Palawan, Duterte said he his earlier press briefing. accepted responsibility for the President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a “Wala namang possibility deaths of alleged drug traffick- meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on na magkakaroon ng successers and several mayors but reit- the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) ful prosecution dahil iyan po erated that he would only face a core members prior to his talk to the people ay pagsayang lamang ng oras at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in at ng resources ng ICC mismo Philippine court.

“I will never accept jurisdic- Matina, Davao City on Tuesday, November 2. (There is no possibility that Malacañang photo by Joey Dalumpines tion? Mag-ice na ang impiyerthere will be successful proseno hindi ako papayag diyan sa erated that he was willing to go cution because the ICC will just kalokohan nila. Wala man tay- to jail if needed. waste its time and resources),” “And if there’s anybody who he added. ong problema na mayroon tayong mga kasalanan. Admitted should go to the prison, it The ICC’s move to investiman ‘yan either intentionally should not be the police nor the gate Duterte’s drug war came or unintentionally (Even when PDEA. It should be me, because despite the Philippines’ cutting hell freezes over, I will not al- they were acting upon my or- of ties with the international low their foolishness. We have ders,” he said. court.

PDEA is the Philippine Drug no problems about having sins.

The Philippines formally That’s admitted, either inten- Enforcement Agency. withdrew its membership from Palace to UN on drug war: the ICC on March 17, 2019, or tionally or unintentionally. But with the drugs, that was not in- We have nothing to hide exactly a year after it revoked “Ang sinabi ko sa kanila (I the Rome Statute that created tentional),” Duterte said.

“Pero ‘yong mga drug lords told them), go out and destroy the international tribunal. na ni-raid tapos pinatay, at the apparatus of the drug syndiBensouda pushed through ‘yong mga mayors, akin ‘yan. cates,” the President added. with the preliminary examinaThe ICC’s pre-trial chamber tion into the drug campaign in Iyong mga lahat na raid na namatay na mayor, akin ‘yan gave its green light to the re- February 2018.

(However, the drug lords who quest of its former chief prosDuterte and other Philippine were raided then killed, and ecutor, Fatou Bensouda, to con- officials have repeatedly said the mayors, those are mine. All duct a full-blown investigation the ICC has no jurisdiction over raids that killed mayors, those into Duterte’s drug war. the Philippines since the Rome Duterte to prepare for his Statute was never published in are mine),” he added.

Duterte, whose six-year term ICC defense a newspaper of general circulaPalace spokesman Harry tion or the Official Gazette. n will end in June next year, reit-

NBI, PNP pact on drug war probe signed by robertzon

ramirez

Philstar.com

MANILA— The Department of Justice on Thursday, November 4, made public a copy of the memorandum of agreement signed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police to probe the government’s war on drugs and determine the possible criminal liability of PNP mem-

bers involved in anti-narcotics operations.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar and NBI officer-in-charge Eric Distor signed the agreement last Wednesday in the presence of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

Guevarra said the NBI and PNP have joined forces to probe and prosecute alleged human rights violations, particularly the deaths of drug suspects.

“As state agencies, both parties seek to ascertain the truth regarding the allegations of human rights violations and criminal liability of the police in the conduct of the government’s anti-drug operations,” the three-page agreement read.

Under case buildup by the NBI are 52 anti-narcotics operations that resulted in the deaths of 56 people. n

GRILLED FISH. Vendor Maribel Molina, 52, hands over to a motorcycle rider (right) a plastic with freshly grilled bangus (milk fish) and tilapia at her stall along Sarmiento Street, Novaliches, Quezon City on Thursday, November 4. A grilled bangus goes for P100 each and while tilapia for P60 each.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Metro Manila eases to alert level 2 - Palace

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

METRO Manila will shift to a more relaxed alert level status starting on Friday, November 5, Malacañang has announced.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), during a meeting on Thursday, approved the recommendation to downgrade the National Capital Region (NCR) from Alert Level 3 to 2 from November 5 to November 21.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, approved the de-escalation of the National Capital Region to Alert Level 2. This shall take effect beginning tomorrow, Nov. 5, 2021 until Nov. 21, 2021,” Roque said in a statement.

The private sector has been calling for a shift in the second half of November to alert level 2, which will allow business establishments to operate up to half of their indoor capacity and 70 percent outdoors.

Metro Manila is currently under alert level 3 until November 15, wherein business establishments can operate at 30-percent indoor capacity for fully vaccinated customers and half of their capacity outdoors.

Meanwhile, Roque said the IATF also approved the recommendation of the sub-Technical Working Group on Data Analytics to base the alert level assignments on data that is nearest to the implementation date.

“Starting Dec. 1, 2021, alert level assignments shall be determined at every 15th and 30th of the month,” Roque said.

“Escalations, on the other hand, may be done at any time in the middle of the implementation period as warranted while de-escalations can only be done at the end of the two-week assessment period,” he added.

Roque said the IATF likewise directed the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF), together with the Regional Task Forces and Regional IATFs, to provide weekly feedback on the progress and implementation on all areas identified for Alert

Level System roll-out to the IATF. Also, Roque said that the IATF amended the Guidelines on the Implementation of Alert Level System for Covid-19 Response in Pilot Areas to clarify the allowed movement of persons under varying alert levels.

“To measure the success of the implementation of the NTF-approved Phase 4 of the National Action Plan Against Covid-19 (NAP Phase 4), the following recovery indices shall be used, namely, for Infection Management, the indices are the number of severe and critical cases per month, time gap from detection to isolation, and tests per case; for Vaccine Rollout, the indices are the total vaccines administered per capita, new vaccine doses administered per capita, and fully vaccinated individuals; and finally, for Socio-Economic Recovery, the indices are the Purchasing Managers’ Index by IHS Markit, google mobility to retail and recreation, and number of commercial airline passengers,” he said. n

6

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OPINION

Don’t forget climate change

FEATURES

LONG after the COVID-19 pandemic is over, the planet will continue to grapple with the existential threats posed by climate change.

The COVID health crisis unavoidably relegated global warming to the backseat. COP 26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Glasgow, Scotland from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12, hopes to get global warming back on the agenda of governments even as they grapple with a still raging killer pandemic.

Debates on measures to reduce global warming have always been contentious.

COP26 hopes to secure commitments from participants for ambitious emission reduction targets by 2030.

While there is little argument over the need to stop deforestation, there is pushback on timetables set for the phase-out of coal, which is a cheap source of energy for developing states. Advanced economies are being urged to do more in reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Switching to electric vehicles and increasing investments in renewables are also meeting resistance from

those who balk at the initial high investment that is required.

COP26 is hoping to get countries to work together to protect and restore ecosystems as well as build defenses, warning systems, and resilient infrastructure and agriculture. Developed countries have committed to mobilize at least $100 billion in climate finance annually by 2020. COVID-19 has surely affected this commitment, but it must be put back on track.

The Philippines, identified as one of the countries most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, has a large stake in seeing the COP commitments carried out.

The country itself must do its own homework in attaining the climate change conference objectives. Every country and every person on the planet has a role to play in confronting climate change, even in the middle of a deadly pandemic. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS COVID-19 has sure disrupted life as we know it for almost two years now. One of the things we miss is our freedom of navigation.

For many of us, the pandemic has deprived us of the precious time to be with our family again in the Philippines or elsewhere around the world.

Those who are approaching retirement or are already retired have lost precious time we could never take back. Some have been working so hard all their lives, working two jobs, tirelessly providing for their family’s needs, thinking they would just travel and earn their hard earned money upon retirement, or when all the kids are married, or when the grandkids do not need their lolo or their lola to take care of them as their own parents are both working. Unfortunately for some, that day would never come because of mobility challenges, chronic illness, or even death.

And so for those who have been planning to travel — CARPE DIEM! Seize the day! Seize the moment.

But do it the wise and safe way.

Thankfully for me and my husband and many others, we are now in the position to travel again because we are fully vaccinated.

Most countries only allow travelers/tourists into their borders if they can prove they have been inoculated with the full doses of

Some tips to remember when we travel again amid the coronavirus pandemic COVID-19 shots approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the country and/or union it belongs to. Having gotten the booster shot would help even better.

However, different countries have their own safety requirements we should be aware of, and I say this for our own safety as well because as travelers, we have to make sure the countries we are planning to visit have diminishing COVID-19 infection and death rate, a high vaccination rate, and a strict public safety policy like mask mandate and social distancing, requiring proof of full vaccination before being allowed admission to public gathering especially in enclosed spaces.

Also take note of the fact that countries change their requirements when it comes to accepting tourists/travelers. Some still require a negative covid test result taken no more than 72 hours before your departure for PCR tests, or no more than 48 hours for rapid antigen test.

But then again, you have to make sure which kind of test is required — is it PCR or antigen? Verify. If in doubt, take the PCR test. While the antigen test is cheaper and the results come out faster, the PCR test is a more reliable test and countries may change their rules while you are just about to check in for your flight or to land in the country you

MORE than a year and a half since the COVID-19 outbreak, five million people all around the world have gone from this earth – perhaps even more – due to other illnesses such as heart disease and stroke which are among the leading causes of death. Not since more than a century ago has the world seen such a high death toll due to a pandemic.

The magnitude of the coronavirus pandemic can be seen in heartbreaking images such as medical frontliners sitting tired and helpless in hospital corridors as they continue the battle against an unseen enemy, patients breathing through ventilators, hospital emergency rooms crammed with patients waiting to be admitted, families weeping at the passing of loved ones. So many photos also shocked the world, like the bodies lined up before cremation in India, coffins inside a church in Italy and mass graves in Brazil.

look for a testing site to get our negative test results with our luggage in tow, sweating profusely as we ran, got Lyft to the testing site, and back to the airport and made it to the check-in counter in the nick of time. By the grace of God, our flight was delayed and so we made it to board our flight!

That brings me to a very important point: QUARANTINE! Even if you make it to your flight, you may be required to quarantine depending on the changing rules and requirements of the country you are visiting, even if you are just transiting. Without a negative covid result for example, your choices if ever you made it to London Heathrow Airport was to go back home to the U.S. (which also requires a negative PCR test result even from U.S. citizens), or, go on quarantine for a week in a designated quarantine place in London, take covid test on the 5th day and then wait for a negative result before you are allowed to board the plane to your destination.

So research on the quarantine requirements of the countries you are visiting. That is what is frustrating about traveling back to the Philippines. Last year, U.S. citizens were allowed into the border so long as you check in a DOHapproved hotel to quarantine for a day or two while waiting for the negative result of the COVID-19 test that had to be taken in the airport in the Philippines. Once you

get the negative result, then you are free to visit with your family. If the result would be positive, you need to qarantine for two more weeks and take another COVID test to present a negative result Then the rules changed in the last quarter of 2020 in the Philippines when U.S. citizens needed to quarantine for 14 days and then take COVID test and wait for the negative result because the U.S. was classified as being in the “red” list.

Just this October, the U.S. has been reclassified to be in the “yellow”list but, short of being in the “green” list, we are still required to quarantine for one week, take the covid test on the 5th day, then be on a home quarantine for another week to monitor our health. This means being in a hotel for another week if we do not have your own home, lest in principle, we may potentially spread the virus around. So ask yourself – do you have the luxury of time and resources to quarantine?

Yes we know there is always some stress and delays that goes with traveling but brace your self with a lot of patience, faith and good cheer because there are even more stressors when traveling in the age of the coronavirus pandemic.

To minimize the stressors, get all of these safety requirements taken care of before you fly.

Download app of the airline or the country or a third party app like Verifly on your phone so you can upload all your documents — vaccination certificate, negative covid test result, and all your personal travel information including locator form when required.

On top of this, PRINT out all your personal and health documents because they will ask for the proof of what you uploaded online. This smoothens and hastens the check-in process our of your departure airport and into the country/countries you are visiting instead of you scrolling and rummaging through your phone that may conk out anytime!

Hope this helps. Let this not daunt you from traveling. We just have to be prepared from our end and leave everything to God to do the rest.

SAFE TRAVELS, everyone! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community.

You may contact her through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

Facing death will make you look at life differently

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ

are visiting.

Also, verify if you need to present a negative PCR/antigen test for each of the countries you are visiting, even if you are just transiting or doing a layover. This is an important lesson learned the hard way when my husband and I traveled to Spain mid-September for our Camino de Santiago pilgrimage via British Airways in our trans-Atlantic flights and Iberia Airways for our flights within Europe.

Iberia’s only requirement then was for tourists to present proof of vaccination and of course, a declaration that you are not feeling sick and that you have not been exposed to people infected

by COVID-19. Meanwhile, my understanding based on past readings was that if you are only transiting and not really entering the border of the country as your layover for a short period of time and you immediately proceed to gate for your connecting flight, then you do not need to get and present a negative PCR test.

When we were in SFO with our boarding pass we got online, dropping our luggage for checkin, the British Airways staff asked for our negative COVID-19 test results! Of course I countered with “we are only transiting, not entering UK border,” even showing them a print out of what I got from the internet.

Long story short, we needed to

Rich or poor, this virus does not discriminate – affecting everyone regardless of age, race, gender, wealth, social status, culture or religion.

To say that the COVID-19 pandemic has upended lives and caused untold anguish and suffering would be an understatement. People have lost jobs, businesses have gone under and the toll on mental and emotional health has been great due to many reasons.

Last year, a couple from Denver started a howling ritual outside their home every 8 p.m. to ease the pain of isolation – and this spread not only among their neighbors and the state of Colorado but also in California, New York and Georgia. People also howled to show their gratitude to health workers and other frontliners thick in the fight against COVID-19.

The struggle is real, with people trying their best to financially survive, coping with the frustration that comes along due to the inability to do things people may have taken for granted: going out for a walk, attending birthday par-

ties, eating with friends in a restaurant, traveling to a favorite spot. Some even admitted to me that opening social media has become stressful because they keep seeing posts about friends or relatives getting sick or dying.

Tomorrow is Nov. 1, the day we remember the dead – but all of us are staring at the face of death knowing that all of us can be vulnerable to the coronavirus or any other illness that may come along. Yet this time of great loss is also teaching us what life is really all about, making us reflect on the things that matter most. One realization is that material wealth is not the be all and end all – what’s more important than anything else is your relationship with your family and loved ones, because you never know when your number will be called by God. The worst of times have also allowed us to see the best in people, with kindness, compassion and generosity coming to the fore. We have seen it in the community pantries that provide items for free – from

rice to eggs, milk, vegetables, canned goods, etc. that anybody who needs to tide his hunger over can get from.

We are also seeing a great sense of solidarity among nations, helping other countries struggling to keep the pandemic under control by donating protective equipment, hospital beds and most of all, life-saving vaccines. We have to admit that the United States has been extremely generous, having distributed over 200 million vaccines to more than 100 countries with large volumes going to lower-income nations. The U.S. has committed to donate more than one billion vaccines and perhaps even more – proving that it is indeed the world’s best arsenal of vaccines.

During our engagements with officials here in the U.S., my messaging is that they are blessed because their country is generous, helping people and saving lives all over the world through their vaccine donations.

There is absolutely no doubt that any act of generosity will

come back a hundredfold, perhaps not necessarily in terms of material wealth but in some other form like peace of mind, health and perhaps true happiness. That, in the end, is what a true and meaningful life should be.

ASEAN economic rebound UK-based IHS Markit expects positive growth for the ASEAN region in 2022, with the Philippines projected to post the strongest growth at around 7.2 percent. This is a very encouraging piece of good news because our main focus is on economic recovery to help businesses recover and create jobs for people. According to IHS Markit, ASEAN will be one of the three main growth engines of Asia Pacific over the next decade, along with China and India.

We’re also glad to hear that the Asian Development Bank has reaffirmed its support for ASEAN’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that such recovery will be strong and lasting.

Filipinos are very encouraged by positive developments

in the country such as the continued downtrend in the number of new infections, due in large part to the vaccination rollout. To date, the Philippines has secured over 100 million total vaccine doses since the first batch arrived in February.

According to NEDA Secretary Karl Chua, Philippine economic growth has begun to recover in the first three quarters this year, and if Metro Manila’s current Alert Level 3 is downgraded to Level 2, the economy stands to gain at least P3.6 billion a week – which would obviously reduce unemployment. He also stressed the importance of accelerating the vaccination rollout as well as the safe reopening of the economy while strictly adhering to health protocols to ensure strong recovery in 2022.

(Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

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

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7

SFIO: A new age company addressing the ‘new normal’ needs THE COVID-19 pandemic has turned out to be one of major events that we all have witnessed together. Everyone had different approaches to deal with the crisis which led to the situation of lockdown.

And then the process of vaccination was initiated along with several new norms of social distancing and remote working to counter the crisis.

The majority of industries went under deep distress on how to handle the pandemic.

Thus, there was a beginning of new normal where the business had to adapt to changes such as remote working and rapid digitalization. Alongside, companies had to face a challenging situation to establish a new model of managing remote working. This was the same time when several companies began restructuring and remobilizing the business.

As a market leader, SFIO saw the opportunity to restructure its business model to suit the new behaviors and needs of its loyal customers in the market.

Expressing his views, Jeths De Jesus Lacson, Chairman and CEO of SFIO says, “We are introducing new models that are suitable for the new normal and may disrupt the traditional way of doing business.”

Identifying Capabilities Incepted in 2021, SFIO is in the progress of renaming to Starfleet Innotech, Inc. The story of SFIO began with its pilot proj-

ect, the Epiphany Cafe brand.

Epiphany Cafe brand is a franchise business in New Zealand which the founders started from scratch. The founders of Epiphany Cafe are the same founders of SFIO. The leadership has identified capabilities that will enable Epiphany Cafe to be successful in the global market. This has helped them to integrate into the Epiphany Cafe model through the strategic acquisitions of the partner companies within SFIO. The mission of Epiphany Cafe in providing diverse opportunities to people has carried on in SFIO. The experience at Epiphany Café helped the founders to lay a stronger foundation at SFIO. It assisted the company to innovate and understand the demands of today’s customers.

To sustain in this challenging environment, it is important to constantly evolve with the demands of the market. The Technology and Software division of SFIO works closely with the Franchise and Food Manufacturing divisions as it develops business solution applications focused on Small and Medium-Sized (SME’s) businesses which will make the business operations seamless through the use of AI technology and Data Analytics.

SMART-FREEZE Technology The inclusion of advanced technology allows the food manufacturing division of SFIO to

develop the SMART FREEZE Technology. It enables the product to be frozen for up to 3-6 months. Once thawed within an hour at an ambient temperature, the products like donuts are with ‘fresh like quality in terms of appearance, texture, and taste.’ This tech addresses the end-of-day wastage on-site and could eliminate the “limiting” factor to expand a brand in a given region or country. A central commissary can meet the demand of the entire region or country.

SMART-FREEZE has enabled the traditional franchise business to become a diversified model where micro-business concepts can be integrated into. Business operations in these companies are on-site to make the products are no longer required. The four-core product model (Donuts, Coffee, Cakes, Bread) of Epiphany Cafe provides a value proposition not only to the business partners such as franchisees but also to customers who are looking for premium quality products in one store.

Identifying and analyzing the gaps The nature of the business environment is such that no one can avoid challenging situations, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, a franchise start-up business has to encounter other challenges which include maintaining a good profit for its business partners (i.e., Franchisees) without compromising on the product quality and branding. A franchise business is affected by several key aspects such as branding, product quality, and profitability which makes it successful to expand a brand on a global level.

SFIO has experience from its Epiphany Café business which helped the company to identify the root causes and develop the necessary technology.

Moreover, the company has updated its business models to suit the needs of the customers and ensure the stability of the business. SFIO understands the importance of staying in the business for the long run.

To maintain its success in the coming years, the company

has been studying detailed industry and market analysis.

This has helped to identify and analyze the gap where it needs to be the focus.

“We have considered the customer behaviors 10 years ago and predicted their behaviors in the next 10 years. This has provided insights as to how we should structure and position our business,” says Jeths.

A leader with a positive mindset Since the beginning of his career, Jeths has been an influential leader with ample years of experience backing his leadership skills. He is also the co-founder of Epiphany Cafe, Ardent Bakers, Gorgeous Coffee, and A+ Electrical. Furthermore, he is a Chartered Professional Electrical Engineer and a Certified Asset Management Assessor with over 15 years of professional experience in different industries. His expertise is in Asset Management and Business Development.

While expressing his views on how important a leader’s mindset is on the success of the company, he states, “Absolutely! While leaders only represent the entire organization, leadership influences culture, culture drives behaviors within the organization which yields results. Leaders provide the direction where the company is heading and at the same time, paint the vision in such a way that everyone will be on board.

Ultimately, leaders need to ‘build leaders’ within the organization as part of the succession plan to ensure stability and ‘consistency of culture’.”

Empowering small and medium enterprises As aforementioned, COVID-19 has definitely changed the market landscape and behaviors of the customers in the majority of the industries. Jeths and his team at SFIO have structured and positioned their businesses within the company to address the current challenges and needs.

In the retail industry including Food and Beverage, the key focus is empowering small and medium enterprises. Hence, its business models are upgraded to enable SMEs through its diversified and multi-layered

business model which will bring in the “Shared ownership model” into these types of businesses.“One key area in the business that COVID has taught us so far is in terms of collaboration even with our competitors. In the past, this was seen as ‘threats’ to a business not until COVID happened where businesses have worked or collaborated together not only to survive but more importantly to adapt to the new playing field in the market,” says Jeths.

A very detailed roadmap for the future With a positive outlook and under strong leadership, the company is optimistic about the coming years. SFIO is introducing a disruptive innovation in the market where it can

do a hypergrowth expansion enabled by its SMART FREEZE Technology and the diversified business model. Utilizing the shared-ownership model, the company has also a very detailed roadmap in line with its strategic global expansion in Australia, Asia, and the U.S. in the next 3 to 5 years. The key to this is ‘speed’ with high ‘precision’ in terms of project execution of the detailed plan. SFIO will be launching its global fundraising and marketing campaign from August 2021. Jeths encourages everyone to consider becoming part of SFIO by way of investing in SFIO through its authorized brokers or becoming one of its business partners in the businesses.

(Advertising Supplement)

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November 4, 2021

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LifestyLe • Consumer Guide • Community • MARketpLAce

How Rose Cuison-Villazor blazed the trail as first Filipina American dean of a US law school by

WHEN Rose Cuison-Villazor was announced as the Co-Dean of Rutgers Law School in Newark early this summer, she became the first Asian-American woman Dean at Rutgers Law School and the first Filipina American Dean of a US law school.

“I’m proud, and I’m grateful for this, for the chance to lead, and I would not be where I am today without the help of many other mentors and friends who supported me along the way,” Villazor told the Asian Journal.

“I’m extremely grateful to be in this position and excited to continue leading despite the challenges of the pandemic. This is a position that I hold dear to my heart, and I look forward to continuing to do.”

An expert in immigration and citizenship law, Villazor has served as the Vice Dean of Rutgers Law School in Newark since July 2019. She also is the founding Director of the Center for Immigration Law, Policy and Justice.

Rutgers-Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor said that as vice dean, Villazor “proved herself to be a remarkably quick study and exceptionally talented organizational leader, mastering the breadth and depth of administrative responsibilities while remaining an extraordinarily productive scholar, teacher, and mentor.”

“She is perfectly positioned to carry forward the law school’s legacy of providing an excellent and inclusive academic environment that is rooted in social justice,” Cantor added.

A nationally-regarded legal scholar with an active record in social justice issues and the areas of immigration, citizenship, property law, and race and the law, Villazor has published in top legal journals including the California Law Review, Columbia Law Review, Michigan Law Review, and NYU Law Review, among others.

MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

She is the founder of the Rutgers Center for Immigration Law, Policy and Justice and a frequent public speaker who has appeared on CNN and has offered commentary for several news outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, LA Times, and The Atlantic.

“It’s an opportunity to be a leader. This time of major challenges also presents opportunities to shape the law school, towards a vision of inclusivity and being welcoming to many different groups of people who don’t have access to legal education,” she explained.

She wants to leave with a vision of being inclusive and creating a pipeline to law school so that more people who didn’t have access to law school before could become lawyers and represent immigrants, marginalized individuals, or work in big law firms and become judges or politicians.

“So my role as a dean, for me personally is an opportunity to be visible and to show other people who look like me that they can also be in this position, and have a seat at the table to make some changes,” she added.

Nurturing Her Dream “I must have been a senior in high school when there was a career day. And on this career day, there was a woman lawyer who came and I thought, ‘Oh, maybe I could be a lawyer’,” she recalled. “My parents are immigrants, and they had like many immigrants had experienced racism and exploitation in the workplace. So I knew that that was wrong, and I felt that maybe becoming a lawyer is the path I should take.”

When she went to college, Villazor studied political science and from there, she began thinking that law could be a path for her. She ended up going to law school at American University in Washington, DC and eventually

became the first lawyer on both sides of the family.

She practiced law for four years in New York City, and as a civil rights lawyer, she represented immigrants who were experiencing discrimination in healthcare and access to hospitals to clinics because they didn’t speak English well, or because they’re undocumented.

Villazor then got a fellowship to work at Columbia Law School and that is where she made the transition to academia, From 2004 to 2006, she was researched and wrote about immigration law and human rights.

She became a law professor and her first teaching appointment was at Southern Methodist University School of Law in Dallas, Texas before moving to Hofstra Law School in Long Island. After three years, she moved to the University of California at Davis and stayed there for seven years.

In 2018, she joined Rutgers Law School and was appointed the Vice Dean in 2019. Last July 1, she officially became Co-Dean.

With her position as dean, Villazor hopes to be an inspiration to others.

She also wants to encourage more Filipinos, more Filipino Americans to go to law school and consider becoming law professors and becoming law school deans, administrators after graduation. According to her, it is important to go to law school, even if you don’t want to become a lawyer because it’s a study that helps you to be a critical thinker.

“It allows you the opportunity to eventually represent people who need your help with their liberty rights, with their houses, businesses and so it’s a great opportunity. It’s a great job and a career that that many Filipinos to this day are not really as invested in unlike, let’s say the medical

Rose Cuison-Villazor broke the proverbial glass ceiling when she took her post as Co-Dean of Rutgers Law School.

fields,” she explained.

Co-editor of two books, The 1965 Immigration Act: Legislating a New America (with Jack Chin) and Loving v. Virginia in a “Post-Racial World”: Rethinking Race, Sex, and Marriage (with Kevin Maillard) published by Cambridge University Press, Villazor is also co-author of leading casebooks on immigration, race and property law.

She has testified before Congress and the California and New Jersey state legislatures. In 2011, she received the Association of American Law School’s Derrick Bell Award.

Critical Race Theory Professor Villazor teaches, researches, and writes in the areas of immigration and citizenship law, property law, Asian Americans and the law, equal protection law, Immigration Law, Estates in Land and Future Interests, and Critical Race Theory, Her research agenda explores legal structures and systems that determine membership and sense of belonging in the United States.

She has taught critical race theory many times since she began teaching in 2006.

“We know that there are racial inequities, what are we going to do about it. Critical Race Theory asks those questions. We’re critiquing the law by taking a step back and say ‘Well, who passed these laws?

What were they thinking at the time? And then what impact did it have when they passed these laws,” she explained. “And we can see through CRT that the law has not been neutral, the law has led to the subordination of people of color, of women, of immigrants, and then the next question is what do we do about it?”

However, due to misinformation, disinformation, and the proliferation of fake news, the concept of critical race theory became highly politicized.

When she sees in the news these parents who are protesting outside of school boards saying ‘don’t teach CRT to my children,’ she is in disbelief.

“First I was thinking, are they even teaching that, because that’s great if they are. And if they are teaching that, then that’s just wonderful because the history of the United States is not some glorious history as we know it,” she said. “The Philippines was colonized, Filipinos were denied citizenship, nobody knows it and critical race theory unearthed all that and says this is part of our history, and it’s important for our children to know it, or that to be taught in college and law school.”

Giving Back “I never thought I would become a dean, I just wanted to be a law professor. I also didn’t think I could become a law professor but I had mentors in law school,” she shared. “I’m an immigrant, and it’s not easy to be an immigrant, anywhere, particularly in the

Dean Rose Cuison-Villazor with a couple of her favorite books: Critical Race Theory and Little Manila is in the Heart by Dr. Dawn Mabalon.

AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

United States so in seeing from my own personal experience, my parents and other people around me, I’ve seen the role of law in shaping, all of those experiences.”

She is thankful to everyone who gave her a chance and opened doors for her. Without the women law professors, she wouldn’t have thought about pursuing what would become her vocation, and they gave her that impetus, served as her references, and then helped her to get the Human Rights fellowship at Columbia.

At Columbia, she had other mentors who then vouched for her and helped her to get her first teaching job.

“And so I think my path shows that it really does take a village to believe in you to help you and to lead, to help get you someplace.

My goal now, I’m committed to helping college and high school students who think about becoming a lawyer. It’s my way of giving back,” she said.

“I would not be where I am

today without my family. My husband is also a lawyer and so he and I have to make sure that we support each other’s careers,” she added.

Aside from the deanship. Professor Villazor is also busy with her current research projects which examine the extent to which states, cities, churches, and non-state actors such as universities and churches provide “sanctuary” to undocumented immigrants and refugees.

She is also working on two book projects: one on Asian Pacific Americans and the Law (forthcoming at NYU Press) and the other on Property Law and Race (forthcoming at Carolina Academic Press).

To de-stress, she gets together with friends who are not lawyers, because “it’s just fun to be able to hang out with others and not talk about the law”. She sometimes plays the ukulele. And of course, the occasional karaoke.

“I mean, you know, how could you not do karaoke?” she said. n

Fil-Am star Olivia Rodrigo leads American Music Awards nominations by

aJPress

FILIPINA American singer Olivia Rodrigo has scored the most nominations at the 2021 American Music Awards, the world’s largest fan-voted awards show.

The 18-year-old star of “The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” on Thursday, October 28, got seven nods including Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, and Favorite Female Pop Artist.

Her debut album “Sour” got nominated for Favorite Pop Album while her hit song “drivers license” was up for Favorite Trending Song and Favorite Music Video.

Rodrigo is a first-time nominee competing against fan favorites like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Drake.

Fellow Fil-Am singer Bruno Mars, who is part of Silk Sonic along with Anderson .Paak, was

nominated for Favorite Pop Duo/Group. Their song “Leave the Door Open” scored nominations for Favorite R&B Song and Favorite Music Video.

Meanwhile, Fil-Am rapper Saweetie got nominated for Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist.

Canadian R&B singer The Weeknd followed Rodrigo with six nominations, including Artist of the Year, Favorite Male Pop Artist, and Favorite Male R&B Artist.

Doja Cat, reggaeton star Bad Bunny, and R&B singer Giveon received five nods each.

The nominations are based on performances on the Billboard music charts, streaming and album sales, radio play and social media engagement. The measurements were tracked by Billboard and its data partner MRC Data, and covered the time period September 25, 2020, through Sept. 23, 2021.

The AMAs will take place on November 21 at Olivia Rodrigo the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Photo from Instagram/@oliviarodrigo

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Dominic on working under lock-in Andrea’s true measure of success and far away from family

by Boy

ABundA Philstar.com

by Alex

BrosAs Inquirer.net

IF there is one person Dominic Ochoa is extremely grateful for, it is his wife Denise Go-Ochoa who took care of their son Sandro while he was in a lock-in taping for the TV series “Huwag Kang Mangamba.”

“Siyempre, sa bagong sistema ng trabaho natin ngayon, 20-plus days ka or almost three weeks na wala sa bahay, ang tawag nga namin sa isa’t isa ay para kaming mga OFW, bumabalik kami after

Dominic Ochoa

a month to our family,” Ochoa said during the Oct. 25 online press conference for the said show’s upcoming finale.

(Of course, in our new system of work now, you’re out of the house for 20-plus days or three weeks; we call each other OFWs, we return to our families after a month.)

Ochoa says it all depends on their health if they can immediately come back to their family.

“Depende ‘yon. Kung walang casualty, makakayakap ka agad pag-uwi mo. Pero kapag may ca-

sualty, eh, meron ka pang panahon para mag-isolate pa ng mga katorse araw so napakahirap,” he said.

(It depends. If there is no casualty, you can hug them immediately when you return home.

But if there’s a casualty, you have time to isolate for fourteen days, so it’s hard.)

This is why Ochoa thanks his wife for taking care of their son while he’s out for work.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa aking maybahay na nagtitiyaga sa aking mabait na anak,” he said.

(I thank my wife who works hard on taking care of our child.)

More than being thankful to his wife, the actor is also grateful to his coworkers.

“Nagpapasalamat din ako actually sa aking mga coworkers, mga cast members… dahil meron din silang parte sa pagpapalaki ng anak ko. Napagsasabihan ko sila sa mga sitwasyon ko at naia-apply naming ‘yun while I am out of town or out of the house,” he said.

(I also actually thank my coworkers, fellow cast members… because they also played a part in raising my child. I am able to tell them about my situation and I apply [their feedback] while I am out of town or out of the house.)

ANDREA Brillantes has bloomed into a beautiful and self-assured young woman. At 18, she has starred in top-rating series like Huwag Kang Mangamba and Kadenang Ginto. She was candid during our conversation in The Interviewer Presents of Batalk Channel (Boy Abunda Talk Channel) on YouTube.

Andrea recently tested positive for COVID-19 but she is now doing well. Andrea revealed that it was difficult mentally because she has insomnia and anxiety.

“Sa araw, sobrang kaya ko naman. I just read books. It’s difficult at night because I have insomnia. I could not sleep. Takot po akong mag-isa kasi lapitin ako ng multo.”

Blythe (Andrea’s real name) has already sought professional help to treat her insomnia. Her family was worried about her being alone but the young actress said it was only in isolation that she was able to have her own quiet time.

Some netizens misunderstood her when she recently talked about newcomers in showbiz.

Andrea pointed out that it was her mindset when she was in her early teens and that it was taken out of context.

Photo from Instagram/@domochoa “I was surprised because I received a lot of bad criticisms,” said she. “First of all, it was normal for me. It was a normal pain for me and other artists as well. Kaya ko iyon nasasabi kasi ang dami kong nakaka-kwentuhan. They can relate but I’m (But as I always say, I’m already not saying that just to justify my in the point of my life where I value statement. I don’t understand more the relationships I already because I didn’t say that newestablished. One can always earn comers do not deserve success. the money. But that’s not my main I didn’t invalidate their success, goal in this line of work.) talent, and craft. All I said was The actor explained that it would masakit siya para sa akin kasi be hard to start building new work masakit naman talaga, na ang relationships again. He added tagal tagal kong naghihintay that his other plan is to become and I was not getting there. But a business tycoon. Lastly, he beof course, that’s a thing of my lieves his fellow Kapamilyas need past now.” him, considering that a lot of their Meanwhile, her loveteam with former colleagues have already Seth Fedelin is one of the hottransferred to other networks. But test showbiz pairings today. The he stressed that their reasons for loveteam, fondly called Sethleaving ABS-CBN are valid and Drea, will topbill the upcoming that he respects their decision. series Saying Goodbye. Andrea In his MMK episode this SatEnchong Dee has nothing but praises for Seth. urday, Nov. 6, Dee plays Edwin Photo from Instagram/@mr_enchongdee “Nalabas niya iyong Blythe. NaPranada who grows up finding value in his mother’s praises for tricking people and selling drugs. labas niya iyong ugali ko when I his siblings every time they bring He then reforms and becomes a was not yet an artist that somefood and money to their family. At renowned cosmetic tattooist, giv- how I have forgotten. Nabalik first, he tries to earn money by col- ing free service for people suffer- niya iyong dating ako.”

Here are excerpts from the inlecting garbage. Soon he resorts to ing from alopecia. (Inquirer.net)

Enchong reveals being offered to switch networks, chose to remain a Kapamilya

NOW it can be told. Actor Enchong Dee has been offered to switch to another network but he chose to remain a Kapamilya, and for good reasons.

Dee made the revelation during the online press conference for the 30th anniversary episodes of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” yesterday, Nov. 3, where he cited several reasons for turning down the offer.

“Meron (There was), even prior to the pandemic, prior to the shutdown,” Dee said when asked if there had been an offer for him to sign up with another network amid the ABS-CBN shutdown last year by the government.

“Pero ang lagi kong sinasabi, nasa punto ako ng buhay ko na kung ano ‘yung na-establish kong relationship…mas importante kasi sa akin ‘yun, eh. ‘Yung pera, kikitain mo ‘yan. Hindi kasi ito ang main goal ko sa trabahong ito,” he said.

Andrea Brillantes

terview: What else are you discovering about yourself?

“It’s mind over matter. I realized that I must never think about my fears. Kapag di ako makatulog, lagi ko lang iniiisip na, ‘No one’s gonna hurt you, Blythe.’

I’m the only one who’s thinking that someone will harm me. If I don’t think, for example, about someone entering the door or there’s a ghost, it doesn’t exist.

It only exists when I think about it too much.”

If Seth courts you, will you say yes to him?

“Kung sasagutin ko man po siguro after five years pa po kami aamin. I can’t answer that yet.”

At this point, you have no label but you’re the closest friends, will you allow Seth to court other girls?

“Ayaw ko kasi ang commitment, dapat talagang commitment iyan. You can’t commit to two people. Dapat sa isa lang.”

So you have committed to each other.

“May usapan na. May usapan kami na magtutulungan kami parehas. We both have goals.

Parehas kami na gusto namin na sana kasama ang isa’t isa na marating iyong goal namin.”

What do you think is the true measure of success?

“When you are already contented. Pangarap ko lang magkaroon ng bahay and for me, it’s a success. I’m still longing for more. Gusto ko pang makabili ng lupa. For me, para masabi mo na successful ka is when you are already contented and you are not asking for anything more. If you take a look at your achievements, okay na. I’m done. I’m good.”

Photo from Instagram/@blythe

Aside from your family, who inspires you?

“Si Naruto. My fans inspire me so much and they keep me going every day. But my core is really Naruto because he’s there for me. He grew up alone without his parents. Lumaki siya na ayaw sa kanya ng tao. Iniiwasan siya ng lahat ng tao. I felt that way before I became an artist.

But Naruto remains positive.

He could be a villain with all the things that happened in his life but he became a Hokage (literally means fire shadow). Lagi ko lang iniisip na kapag kaya ni Naruto, kaya ko. For me, it doesn’t really matter where you get your inspiration or strength as long as you have someone or something that gives you strength and inspiration to keep you going every day. That’s important.”

You’re a blooming woman.

How exciting is that?

“When I was turning 18, I was not excited at all because for some, 18 is the legal age to go out, to drink. I am an introvert.

For me, being 18 is a responsibility kasi doon na mag-sisimula talaga ang pagiging mag-isa.

I am more excited in adulting.

Simple joys na mag-isa akong nag-wi-withdraw. Right now, I don’t feel blooming yet as a woman but I see myself maturing.”

Complete the sentence, I am Blythe and… And then after you say who you are, I am Andrea and…

“I am Blythe and I’m just a normal teenager who keeps on working hard to give myself and my family a better life and the life I’ve dreamt of having. I am Andrea and no matter how rough the road gets, I will make a path for myself.”

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November 4-10, 2021 • LAS veGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

Fe atu re s Health @Heart

Top individual income tax rates

Tax Tips

Biden tax plan series

• $523,600 for those filing using head of household status.

Proposed Tax Changes: The proposed top marginal Victor Sy, tax rate will increase back to MBA, cPA (retired) 39.6%.

This higher rate would apply to CURRENT Tax Law: those with incomes above: The current highest marginal • $452,700 for individual tax income tax rate is 37%. filers This applies to taxpayers with • $509,300 for married couples incomes above: filing a joint return • $523,600 for individual tax • $254,650 for married couples filers filing separately • $628,300 for married couples • $481,000 for those filing usfiling a joint return ing head of household status.

• $314,500 for married couples Pouring salt to injury, there’s filing separately a Net Investment Income Tax

of 3.8% to pay for Obamacare.

Ouch!. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV – Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation. *** He retired after 50 years of defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He published a book on “How to Avoid or Survive IRS Audits” that’s available at Amazon. Readers may email tax questions to vicsy@live.com.

MEETING ON PH TOURISM PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES. The Philippine Consul General in San Francisco, Hon. Neil Ferrer, together with his wife, Miriam Ferrer, met with Rajah Tours Owner Dading Clemente, Tourism Attaché Soleil Tropicales, Philippine Airlines Manager Dell Merano, and Asian Journal’s Roger Oriel to discuss on the programs and activities that can be implemented to help Philippine tourism bounce back in 2022. The main focus of the programs is the balikbayan sector, which is the biggest market in North America. The collaborative effort hopes to encourage more balikbayans to go home and explore the different destinations in the Philippines.

Contributed photo

Seth on the power of the youth: We can’t just depend on adults YOUNG actor Seth Fedelin has observed that his fellow youth have become more and more active on social media, speaking up and making their presence truly felt. Fedelin thus feels that the youth finally have a say on matters that concern them.

“Ang napapansin ko sa Gen Z, talagang mas active sila sa social media. ‘Yung mga opinion nila, ‘yung sinasabi nila, ‘yung mga kabataan, ang dami nilang imik, ang dami nilang say kasi nakikita na nila ang nangyayari. May paki na sila, may paki na kami,” he said during the online press conference for the series “Huwag Kang Mangamba,” on Thursday, Oct. 25.

(What I notice with Gen Z is they really are more active in social media. Their opinions, the youth, they got a lot to say because they can already see what’s happening. They care. We care.)

The show, meanwhile, is now on its last two weeks and will continue to air its remaining finale episodes via Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, TFC, Kapamilya Online Live, iWant TFC, WeTV and iFlix.

“Kaya natin ito. Tulungan natin. Hindi lang matatanda ang dapat nating asahan. May mga kaya tayong mga bagay na ‘pag nagsama-sama tayo ay mababago natin,” Fedelin added. (We can do this.

Let’s help. We cannot just depend on adults. There are things which, if we all work as one, we can change.)

Playing Pio Estopacio in the inspirational series, Fedelin believes there are many lessons that can be learned from the show.

“Ang masasabi ko lang, ang napulot kong aral sa ‘Huwag Kang Mangamba,’ siguro may mga bagay na matatanda ang puwedeng gumawa pero meron ding bagay na kaya ring gawin ng mga kabataan,”

EMPLOYMENT

PhiliP S. chuA, Md, FAcS, FPcS CAN post-open heart surgery patients have sex?

In general, yes, after full recovery, which is usually after a period of two to 3 months, depending on the severity of illness, the extent of surgery, and the individual stamina or tolerance. The aim of open heart surgery is to bring the person back to the normal stream of life as much as possible. The recommendation is for the patient to be the passive partner (lying flat) during the lovemaking, minimizing heavy exertion. Some may even be benefited by taking a nitroglycerine pill under the tongue before the act. It is most prudent for the person who had surgery, whether of the heart or of other organs, to consult with the attending physician or surgeon for advice on this and other related matters, including the indication, safety and risk in the use of Viagra as an aid for male erectile dysfunction unless you are on nitroglycerin. Those on any form of nitroglycerine pills MUST NOT take Viagra, because the combination of these two drugs could lead to fatal consequences.

Is it safe to warm breast milk in a microwave oven?

No, it is not safe to warm breast milk in a microwave oven. Collected breast milk should never be warmed in a microwave oven because it destroys many important natural protective elements in breast milk that is beneficial to the infant. As a matter of fact, even milk formulas in cans or bottle should never be warmed in a microwave oven. In both instances, the milk, and the bottle itself, can be too hot for the baby and could result in burns, and the bottles can also explode. Many times, the bottle may feel cold but the milk inside can be too hot for the baby.

The best way to warm or take the chill out of milk is by soaking the bottle of milk (formula or breast milk) in warm (NOT BOILING) water. Swirl the bottled breast milk a few times to mix it well. Before feeding the baby, let a few drops of milk land on your wrist to check the temperature. If it is not too hot for your skin, then it is probably just right for the infant. It is always better to err on the cooler side.

Some babies may even prefer milk at room-temperature or cool (not cold) milk. And they will usually let you know in not so many words.

Why is improperly cooked pork dangerous?

Poorly cooked or insufficiently barbequed pork (or any meat, for that matter) is dangerous to health because of the infection or infestation with parasites that they can cause. Improperly cooked pork, for instance, can lead to a parasitic disease known as Trichinosis,

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Info capsules caused by a round worm called Trichinella spiralis. The larvae are killed by high temperature. If the pork is undercooked, the larvae survive, and when ingested, the digestive juices dissolve the cyst capsule and liberate the larvae in the intestine where they grow to maturity, ready to travel and invade the muscles of the eyelids, the heart, and other muscles in the body. This causes pain, fever, profuse sweating, chills, swelling of tissues, hemorrhages in the retina of the eyes, extreme photophobia (sensitivity to light). All these happen after an incubation period of 7 to 14 days, from the time of ingestion. Mortality is less than 5%.

Most patients recover fully with treatment. This disease is 100% preventable, so we do not have any excuse to catch it at all.

How can we live longer?

While waiting for the discovery of the fountain of youth, here are some tips on healthy activities that could add years to your life: abstinence from smoking adds 1.3 years; vegetarian diet (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grain), 2.4 years; eating nuts five times a week, 2.9 years; healthy weight, 1.5 years; vigorous exercise 3 times a week, 2.1 years. All these good habits alone can add up to more than 10 years to your life, according to studies conducted by health experts at Loma Linda University in California. This is one of the many scientific investigations that support the same conclusions. Noteworthy too is the fact that persons with high blood pressure and/or diabetes mellitus AND normal total cholesterol level (not higher than 150) do a lot better and have lesser hardening of the arteries, compared to those individuals with high blood pressure and/or diabetes whose total cholesterol is high. Staying away from red meat and concentrating on fish, vegetables, fruits, a highfiber diet and following the other tips listed above, do, indeed, pay great dividends in terms of health and longevity.

How can we beat a hangover?

Taking a couple of spoonfuls of honey, before or after drinking, may aid in preventing a hangover, according to research from the U.S. National Headache Foundation. Headache experts say that the fructose in honey speeds up alcohol metabolism and its effects on our body dissipate more rapidly. Tomato juice also has a lot of fructose in it, the reason why Bloody Mary (the virgin type) is considered a treatment for hangover the morning after. Obviously, tomato juice may also be taken before and/or after imbibing alcoholic beverages to minimize hangover symptoms.

Is oregano an antibiotic?

Technically, no, oregano, our friendly spice on the kitchen shelf, is not an antibiotic. Not on the drugstore shelf yet anyway. It has

recently been found to be a very potent antioxidant, more powerful than many fruits and vegetables. Oregano oil has also been found to kill dangerous, and some drug-resistant, bacteria, including staphylococcus. Researchers from Georgetown University discovered that a minute amount of oregano oil diluted with olive oil prevented bacterial growth, just like some potent and expensive antibiotics.

I won’t be surprised if sometime soon a pharmaceutical company comes up with a new antibiotic called “Oregacillin” or something.

Can a nearly frozen person be revived?

According to studies at the University of Pittsburgh, physicians may soon be able to bring people back to life after they have been nearly frozen. Investigators found that by rapidly flushing the blood vessels of experimental animals with ice cold salt solution, they can lower the body temperature of the animals to a nearly frozen state (50 degrees F), stop the heart from beating, and then revive the animals after two hours of suspended animation or hibernation.

One immediate application of this in the near future is the ability to freeze severely injured accident victims at the scene, to suspend the progress of injuries, bleeding, swelling, etc., stabilizing the patient’s condition, and allowing for a safer transport of the patient to a medical center for proper resuscitation and definitive treatment.

When the technique is perfected for a safe extended frozen animation, it may be possible for us to freeze a person ill with a disease with no known cure at the present (cancer, etc.), and revive them for treatment when the cure for the disease is available in the future, say 50 years or longer down the line. Science fiction? Today, yes.

But I have no doubt this will come to fruition in the future. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua. com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

Ciara, Danica share how cousins are best sister

Seth Fedelin

Photo from Instagram/@iamsethfedelin

he said.

(All that I can say is, the lesson I learned from “Huwag Kang Mangamba” is that maybe there are things that only the elders can do, but there are things which the young can do.)

He noted that in the series, the young made steps to put in order the town, the faith of the people in a God and about who “Bro” is.

“Kumbaga, kaya naming kumilos sa paraan na kaya namin,” he added. “Hindi na kailangan ng magulang, hindi na kailangan ng matatanda.”

(We can move in ways we’re capable of. We didn’t need parents, we didn’t need elders.)

EMPLOYMENT

CELEBRITY cousins Ciara and Danica Sotto shared how cousins are best sisters.

During the last SIS Session with Physiogel on Facebook, Ciara described Danica as soft and gentle.

“It takes strength to be soft, gentle and kind — that’s Danica for me,” Ciara said.

“Even when things are chaotic, she remains kind and always gives the other party the benefit of the doubt,” she added.

Danica, meanwhile, said how her “ate” inspired her.

“Ciara is literally strong. You can see her perform difficult pole poses with so much ease.

But beneath that strong body is a woman full of grace,” Danica said.

Just like real sisters, sharing keeps their relationship strong – whether stories, secrets, or even their passions. This time, Ciara shared her love for working out by teaching Danica her favorite fitness routine. These two are different in many ways, but they share the same power: strength in softness.

Self-care is also one of the passions these sisters share. Ciara reveals that they recommend skincare

Celebrity cousins Danica and Ciara Sotto Photo from Instagram/@pinaypole

stuff to each other because of their sensitive skin.

“When we both discovered Physiogel’s Daily Moisture Therapy Range, our self-care routine just got better. We both want healthy skin, so it’s the perfect addition to our routine” Ciara said.

“Physiogel’s Daily Moisture Therapy Range also helps address some of my skin issues. It strengthens and also softens my skin,” Danica added. (Philstar. com)

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Lee-Ganancial nuptials Vilma at 68: ‘I try to be the best version of myself’ Chriselle Niña Ty Ganancial and Joemarie Gañaca Ganancial were married last October 30 at the Little Church of the West. The bride and groom both attended the Georgia International Academy in Iloilo City. The couple would like to thank family and friends for making their wedding a day to remember forever.

Groom’s parents: Oscar and Connie Nooris Bride’s parents: Chris and Roselle Lee Grandparents of Groom: Ruperto and Bienvinida Ganancial Grandparents of Bride: Wilfredo and Rose Ty Hometown of groom: Guimaras Island, Philippines Hometown of bride: Las Vegas, NV (Iloilo City in Philippines) Groom’s current town: Temecula, CA Bride’s current town: Las Vegas, NV Wedding venue: Little Church of the West Wedding date: 10/30/2021

by BaBy Jimenez Philstar.com

SHE’S tested. Verified. Six decades of royal entertainment reign with an extended rapt audience to her political career. And of course, her rabid devotees want to know how the dearlycherished Ate Vi celebrated her 68th birthday on Nov. 3.

To me, this query evokes a vivid scene from a few years after she did her first film then as a child actress (at nine), Trudis Liit. Was she 12 or 13 when I sat there watching her play?

“31, 32, 33…” she counted as she kicked an inflated paper balloon sipa-style and at the count of 34, her chewing gum burst big on her face and she stopped.

“Ay! Dead na!” she picked the ball and sat across from me, happily smiling and saying sorry she made me wait for my (first) interview with her. Indeed, a picture of pure unadulterated mirth and innocence, how could I imagine her later as Burlesk Queen?

Now, she’s my Facebook friend reacting to my posts as I follow her, too, and at times we chat via messenger. She still addresses me as ‘Te Baby. On my lens, she’s so candid and transparent.

Let’s talk about favorites, I tell her.

“Sundays! I love Sundays! On a Sunday, my home is my favorite corner of the world! It means family and love. It is family day!!!

Kwentuhan, kulitan and sharing mga stories tungkol sa nangyari that week! Family bonding! Yun ang kinalakihan ko at ganyan din kami sa immediate family ko!”

Your happiest times?

“I am happiest pag na-alala ko... yung fun and good times I had when Mama and Papa were still around, and my sisters Tess and Winnie were still living in Manila. You know very well that I belong to a very close-knit family so these moments, while always fondly remembered, are terribly missed. Yun ang kinalakihan ko at ganyan din kami sa immediate family ko.”

You cook?

“Pag Sunday, we usually order food… minsan Korean or Chinese… Basta yung ibang panglasa. Pag special day, birthday or holidays, ako ang Queen for a day sa kitchen… I usually make meal in one… baked pasta yan!!!

Mama taught us how to make arroz a la cubana, favorite naming… lahat kami!!!”

When do you get depressed?

“I feel sad naman when a member of my family gets sick.

I get over-the-top stressed. I hate hospitals.”

Your best memories?

“When the family is complete.

When I became a mother. Motherhood completed me as a woman. When I was a child actress, I enjoyed playing on the set.

Shoots were not work to me. Enjoy na enjoy ako kasi parang laro lang yung trabaho, pag-aarte sa akin.”

Your preference — acting or politics?

“It is hard to choose because both give me a sense of happiness and fulfillment. Utang na loob ko sa entertainment industry what I am today. Dito ako nagsimula at nakilala bilang isang Ate Vi. I was molded into the person and actress known as Vilma Santos not only by the people whom I met and worked with but also by the numerous trials and challenges which came my way. Sa larangan ng politika, priceless ang trust na binigay at kasalukuyan pa rin binibigay ng mga tao, mga fans at mga Vilmanians sa akin for my service for the past 23 years. Ang pagkatiwalaan ng tao ay nakakataba ng puso. It feels good to know that you have made a difference in people’s lives.

“I am most grateful for the gift of a supportive and loving family, a successful showbiz career which has spanned almost six decades, and a career in public service which has given me the opportunity to serve the people of Batangas. It is a tremendous blessing na mahalin ng tao, suportahan ka’t pagkatiwalaan. And for all of these, I am extremely thankful.”

You have practically everything in your life. Is there something else that you want to do or prove?

“Wala na akong mahihingi pa. What I always pray for daily is for the Lord to continue guiding me every day in making good decisions for my family and the constituency I serve. It gives me satisfaction when someone thinks of me and considers me in their thoughts. I hope that one day I will be able to give back to those who’ve helped me along the way.

“One thing which I want to do someday is to direct a movie.

Matagal ko na pinapangarap ‘to. I hope to be given a chance to fulfill this dream one of these days.”

If you could relive your life,

Vilma Santos

what would you do differently?

“Wala akong gustong baguhin.

I do not want to dwell on regrets and what ifs. All the pain, obstacles, trials and challenges in my life have taught me to become the woman, wife, mother, actress and public servant that I am.

“I’ve had joyous, victorious moments, achievements and periods of tranquility, along with blunders, errors, setbacks. I have accepted all the cards that I was dealt. Hindi naman lahat black jack.”

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you wake up?

“To thank the Lord for a brandnew day and thank Him for his continued protection of my family, my loved ones and myself.

Health is precious. And then I tell myself ‘Vilma, it is great to be alive.’”

And what are your thoughts before going to bed?

“That there is so much to thank the Lord. There are varied stressors that come and go in our daily lives. He’s there to steer our spirit to a happier and positive direction. I keep praying for the decline of COVID cases in our country — this life-threatening virus has taken away too many loved ones.”

What is your greatest fear?

“Being alone. Ayokong magisa. Getting sick. Or when a loved one gets ill.”

In more ways than one, are you always confident that you are above it all?

“I feel confident in any situation — when my conscience is

Philstar.com photo

clear and I know that I have nothing to hide. Basta alam mo na totoo ka at totoo sinasabi mo… no worry! Go lang!

“I never feel that I am ‘above it all.’ I always exert best efforts and strive for perfection because I owe it to the people to give them good service, and to my audience, to give them a good performance. I try to be a better version — if not the best — of myself.

“Wala namang tao… who could be ‘above it all’!!! No such thing as perfection. There will always be someone out there better than we are.”

Define Vilma.

“Vilma is a God-fearing, hardworking, driven, passionate, funny and makulit woman, whose life experiences have helped mold her into the strong person that she is now. Through the years, she has tried her best to cultivate an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ dahil naniniwala siya na pag nagkaroon ng mindset of thankfulness and appreciation ang isang tao, nakakatulong ito sa pagpawi ng pakiramdan ng galit at negatibong pag-iisip. And what better way is there to reciprocate the kindness and trust people give you but to say these two words — THANK YOU — with utmost sincerity.”

Then she asks me on a personal level, “When will you come and visit? Sana now na.”

“Puede!” I gamely respond.

“Teka… Ding, ang bato. DARNAAAAAAA!!!”

I hear Ate Vi’s ringing laughter.

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november 4-10, 2021 • LAS veGAS ASIAn JoUrnAL

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