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NOVEMBER 5-11, 2021 Volume 14 - No. 52 • 16 Pages

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CDC endorses vaccines for children 5 to 11

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA 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

DATELINE

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 children 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.

USA

The new, equitable era of the Los Angeles River

by DONA

Z. PAZZIBUGAN Inquirer.net

A survey of 600 multiethnic residents finds that majority of LA ethnic communities support LA River revitalization

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Disqualify Bongbong Marcos, martial law victims ask Comelec

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

SINCE the dawn of civilization, rivers have played an integral role in the building and preservation of villages, cities, and empires. Rivers are a key feature and asset to nearly every major metropolis across the United States — like New York, Chicago, San Antonio, and Boston, to name a few — as symbols of sustenance and innovation.

Los Angeles, a center of innovation in many ways, does have a river, but in the

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 vaccina-

MINORS’ TURN. National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (in red polo), together with officials of the Department of Health and the Parañaque City government witness the rollout of COVID-19 vaccination for the general pediatric population at the SM Sucat in Parañaque City on Wednesday, November 3. The government targets to administer at least 15 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines before the end of November.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

MANILA — Several groups on Tuesday, November 2 asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to disqualify former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos, a defeated vice presidential candidate in 2016, from running for president in next year’s elections due to his criminal conviction in a tax case 26 years ago.

In their petition, the groups representing political detainees, and human rights and health rights advocates that opposed the Marcos dictatorship said the son and namesake of the late dictator falsely claimed in his certificate of candidacy (COC) that he was eligible to run for president “as he is plainly a convicted criminal.”

There was no immediate comment from Marcos.

Moral turpitude Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said

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California names Protest erupts vs Roque at New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy Fil-Am ‘Teacher upscale New York restaurant narrowly wins re-election of the Year’ X G

by AJP

A Filipino American science teacher in Palm Springs was named one of five California Teachers of the Year 2022.

Nichi Aviña, who teaches at Cielo Vista Charter school, won for her efforts to improve quality of life for Cielo Vista students. The San Diego City Council proclaimed Oct. 26 “Nichi Aviña Day” in her honor.

Recently, she spearheaded the creation of the school’s garden and its STEAM (Science, Technology, English, Arts, and Math) Lab,

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by

AVE REGORIO Philstar.com

A PROTEST erupted at an upscale restaurant in New York City to object to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s nomination by the Philippines to the International Law Commission over accusations that he “failed to uphold international law.”

Rallyists from Bagong Al-

yansang Makabayan – USA and its allied organizations staged a protest at Aretsky’s Patroon where Roque said he was hosting a private reception for representatives of several foreign missions in New York.

Protesters chanted “No justice, no peace, stop the killings in the Philippines!” and “Roque out of ILC!” as

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RESS

PHIL Murphy narrowly defeating his GOP opponent Jack Ciattarelli, becoming the first Democratic governor to win reelection in New Jersey since 1977, according to a projection by The Associated Press on Wednesday evening, Nov. 3.

AP said that ballots remaining to be counted included a significant number of votes from predominant-

ly Democratic Essex County, along with mail-in votes spread across other counties. Murphy has won the mail-in vote by a wide margin even in Republican leaning counties like Monmouth.

The victory provides good news for Democrats after a tough night on Tuesday, where incumbent Terry McAuliffe suffered a huge upset and lost his campaign for another term as governor to Republican Glenn

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NOVEMBER 5-11, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

by AJPress 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.

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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

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

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Mayor Isko: We’ll bring back PH to world stage

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

MANILA Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has expressed his intent to forge a better relationship with the United States if elected the next president of the Philippines.

The presidential aspirant, along with his running mate Dr. Willie Ong, met with the Filipino American community via Zoom conference on Tuesday, October 26, to further discuss their platforms of governance.

According to Domagoso, the diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and the U.S. has become “tarnished,” but assured that it can be “polished” again.

“I do believe ‘tarnished’ is the right word with regard to our diplomatic relationship, but sabi nga, pwede naman pakinangin uli. Hindi naman nawala (But as they said, it can be polished again. [The bond] didn’t vanish),” he said in response to a question from the Asian Journal.

“But there is this type of distrust or mistrust,” he added. “I think we can gain (the trust) back.”

One of Domagoso’s promises included continuing the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the U.S. “There are existing agreements, the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty) and all other trade treaties. And that includes VFA,” he said.

“In fact, I made it public already that we will continue the VFA, with regard to our military capabilities so that in the future, we will be more equipped… We’ll guard whatever is left in an archipelagic country like the Philippines, when some countries are putting muscle on us because we’ve shown weakness,” he added.

Domagoso also vowed to bring back the Philippines to the “world stage,” stressing the need to build relationships with other countries.

“We’ll bring back the Philippines to the world stage. I guarantee you that we need that. It’s not only just a commitment. We need to do it because, at the end of the day, no man is an island like our country,” he said.

He added, “We need to cooperate… build relationships and create a better impression to the world. And madali naman yun. Malalim naman ang ating relasyon sa mga bansang yun katulad ng Estados Unidos (That’s easy.

Our relationships with countries like the U.S. are deep).”

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (pictured), along with his running mate Dr. Willie Ong, held a Zoom town hall with Filipino American community members on Tuesday, October 26.

OFWs Domagoso likewise promised to help address the problems of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). One way to do it, he said, was to make sure that the embassies and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) are properly functioning.

“One of the common denominators, not only in America — the OFWs’ problem is the embassy, the POLO,” he pointed out.

“Nagkaroon tayo ng masamang habit (We developed a bad habit), the State itself. I don’t want to point fingers at somebody, whoever it is. Nangyari, naging turista yung POLO officers natin, na yung mga na-appoint… parang yung walang ka-ide-idea (What happened was our POLO officers became tourists, the ones who were appointed… seemed like they had no idea what to do),” he added.

Domagoso continued: “Sad to say, that is the general sentiment. I spoke with the Middle East and some European OFWs and yun ang isang problema nila (that’s one of their problems). So we’ll make sure that we’ll put somebody there representing the country in their embassy to really address the real situation and give attention (to their problems).”

Meanwhile, Ong noted that one of the OFWs’ problems is taking care of their relatives in the Philippines.

“When their relatives in the Philippines get sick in a hospital, they ask for hundreds of thousands of money. So unless we fix the health care system here, it’s really going to

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California names Fil-Am ‘Teacher...

PAGE 1 and she continues to be an advocate for incorporating social and emotional wellness into her classroom.

Aviña moved to the United States from the Philippines when she was 7. She worked for San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Department and completed her education at UC San Diego before becoming a teacher in Palm Springs Unified 15 years ago.

She was named a Riverside County Teacher of the Year in May. (Inquirer.net) n

Nichi Aviña teaches science at Cielo Vista Charter school in Palm Springs, California.

Photo by Nichi Aviña/Facebook

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From the Front Page

PH mulls over total lifting of face shield requirement

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE Philippines is considering lifting its mandatory use of face shields in crowded areas.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday, November 2, said that the decline in COVID-19 infection rates might persuade the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to drop the face shield requirement.

“I can confirm po na habang bumababa ang mga numero, eh pinag-uusapan na rin po kung ipagpapatuloy pa ang pagsusuot ng face shields (I can confirm that while the number of infections continue to decline, we are discussing whether it is still necessary to wear face shields),” he said in an online press briefing.

“So, tama po kayo da-

hil bumababa ang numero, marami nang kumbaga nagsasabi sa IATF na baka dapat itigil na rin ang pagsusuot ng face shields (You are right because the numbers are dropping, many people are telling the IATF that maybe it is time to stop the use of face shields),” he added.

However, Roque advised the public to continue wearing face shields until a final decision has been made.

“Pero, wala pa pong desisyon. So, suot pa rin po tayo ng face shields (But, we have no decision yet.

So, let us still wear face shields),” he said.

“Nililinaw ko lang po, bagamat dumadami ang sumusuporta sa hindi na paggamit ng face shields dahil bumababa ang numero, sa ngayon po, isuot pa rin po natin ang face shields (I’m just clarifying, while many support not us-

ing face shields because of declining numbers, for now, we have to wear face shields),” the spokesman added.

In September this year, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte limited the use of face shields in places that fall under the “3Cs” category: crowded, closed, and close contact.

“Pwede na tanggalin sa labas (You no longer need to use that outside). No more face shields outside.

Ang limitasyon, ang face shield gamitin mo [sa] three ‘Cs.’ Iyang tatlo na iyan, face shield is a must pa rin. Iyan ang recommendation (The limitation is the use of a face shield in three ‘Cs.’ Face shield is still a must in those three.

That’s the recommendation),” the chief executive said.

The IATF first issued the use of face shields outdoors in December last year.

In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that they would look into the country’s experience in requiring the use of face shields.

“It’s interesting that we have also been able to sort of delay the speed at which the Delta variant is spreading and we don’t know whether the face shields are a contributory factor. So, while we are understanding all of these issues, it’s best to look for evidence and make decisions based on that,” said WHO representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe.

The Philippines is the only country in the world that requires using face shields in addition to masks.

To date, there are a total of 2,792,656 COVID-19 cases in the country, with 43,404 fatalities and 2,708,466 recoveries. n

CDC endorses vaccines for children 5 to 11...

PAGE 1 tion has the power to help us change all of that.”

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 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

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy...

PAGE 1 Youngkin.

Both campaigns in New Jersey did not declare victory on election night as the candidates were largely neck and neck as results rolled in and were separated by less than one percentage point, making the race still too close to call by early Wednesday.

Murphy apologized to his supporters in Asbury Park shortly after midnight.

“We’re all sorry that tonight cannot yet be the celebration we wanted it to

be. But when every vote is counted — and every vote will be counted — we hope to have a celebration,” he said.

Former State Assembly member Ciattarelli on the other hand spoke to his supporters in Bridgewater. “I wanted to come out here tonight because I prepared one hell of a victory speech.

I wanted to come out here tonight because we won. But I’m here to tell you that we’re winning,” he told supporters.

Stami Williams, Ciattarelli’s cam-

paign spokesperson, posted on Twitter that the call for Murphy’s victory was “irresponsible” given the tightness of the race and the outstanding ballots to be counted.

According to the AP, Murphy had won 50% of the vote, with Ciattarelli at 49.2%, and about 19,300 votes separated the two candidates, with 98% of precincts reporting.

President Biden overwhelmingly won in New Jersey in 2020, defeating Donald Trump by almost 16 points. n

Also filing his COC for president is former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who has yet to name his running mate. Inquirer File photo by Grig C. Montergrande

Disqualify Bongbong...

PAGE 1 that under the law, a person must be convicted of a crime involving “moral turpitude,” or for an offense where the penalty is at least 18 months in jail to be disqualified.

“He doesn’t meet this criteria. Right now there is no clear case for disqualification,” he told One News television.

Marcos was convicted by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 105 on July 27, 1995, for failure to file income tax returns and pay income taxes from 1982 to 1985. He was sentenced to serve a total of seven years in prison and ordered to pay a fine for several counts of violation of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).

Marcos appealed to the Court of Appeals (CA), which ruled on Oct. 31, 1997, to uphold the conviction but modified the penalty by deleting the prison term and merely imposing a fine.

“While it was improper for the Court of Appeals to disregard the penalty of imprisonment in the conviction of Marcos Jr., the absence of any appeal only affirms the incontestable fact that Marcos Jr. is a convicted criminal,” the petitioners told the Comelec.

Since he withdrew his appeal to the Supreme Court of the appellate court’s decision, his conviction became final.

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

They said the crimes for which Marcos was convicted by a final judgment are considered crimes involving moral turpitude, another ground to disqualify him from being a candidate for any office under Section 12 of the Omnibus Election Code.

The petitioners said that the crime involved moral turpitude “since, among others, Marcos and his family refused and continues to refuse to pay to the Filipino people roughly P203.8 billion in estate taxes, inclusive of interests, surcharge and other penalties.”

Petitioners This was the amount in unpaid taxes due on the estate of the dictator who died in exile on Sept. 29, 1989, three years after the Marcoses were driven out of Malacañang by the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, according to the petitioners.

They said that under Section 252 of the 1977 NIRC (now Section 253) “the mere fact that Marcos Jr. was convicted of violating the NIRC perpetually disqualifies him from holding any public office, to vote and to participate in any election.”

“The conviction of Marcos Jr. in the tax evasion cases carries the mandatory penalty of imprisonment of more than 18 months as imposed by law, disqualifying him under the Omnibus Election Code from running for any public office,” they added.

The petition was filed by Fr. Christian Buenafe, who is cochair of the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines; Fides Lim, chair of Kapatid-Families and Friends of Political Prisoners; Ma. Edeliza Hernandez, executive director of Medical Action Group; Celia Sevilla, secretary-general of Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance; Roland Vibal, a member of the council of leaders of the Philippine Alliance of Human PAGE 7

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OPINION

5

FeATUres

Don’t forget climate change

Philstar.com photo

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

Editorial

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ 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

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)

Facing death will make you look at life differently 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.

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 frontlin-

ers 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 parties, 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, com-

passion 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 PAGE 10

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines CA OKs Maria Ressa US travel

by EvElyn

Macairan Philstar.com

MANILA — The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has failed to stop Nobel Peace Prize winner and Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa’s travel abroad after the Court of Appeals (CA) granted her request to attend a series of lectures at the Harvard University and visit her parents in the United States.

Ressa left for the U.S. on Sunday, October 31, according to her news agency.

In a six-page resolution dated Oct. 29, the appellate court’s Eighth Division denied the OSG’s motion for reconsideration and granted Ressa’s petition to travel to the U.S. The resolution was penned by Justice Geraldine Fiel-Macaraig.

The CA allowed Ressa to travel to Boston from Oct. 31 to Dec. 2 to attend a 30-day program at the Harvard Kennedy School.

The CA, which is hearing

Rappler CEO Maria Ressa inside the National Bureau of Investigation in Manila on Thursday, February 14, 2019.

Philstar photo by Kriszjohn Rosales

Ressa’s appeal to her cyber libel conviction, noted that in the invitation letter sent to the journalist, the Harvard program requires her physical presence.

While in the U.S., she will also celebrate Thanksgiving in Florida with her parents, whom she had not seen for two years.

The appeals court granted her request to travel because in sum, “the OSG failed to present compelling reasons to

warrant a reconsideration of the Oct. 18 resolution. Thus, granting of Ressa’s fifth urgent motion to travel abroad stands.”

The appellate court said Ressa was able to prove that her travel was urgent and necessary and that she is not a flight risk.

The CA promulgated its decision more than a week after the journalist was named one of the two winners of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. n

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 about the programs and activities that can be implemented to help Philippine tourism bounce back in 2022.

The main focus of the programs is for the Balikbayans, which is the biggest market from North America. This collaborative effort hopes to encourage more of our Balikbayans to go home and explore different destinations in the country.

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Protest erupts vs Roque... The new, equitable era of the Los Angeles River...

PAGE 1 heard in a Facebook Live video by Bayan – USA. “Harry Roque is a war criminal! He has no place joining the International Law Commission! We abhor everyone inside at the UN to dismiss his candidacy!” said one protester.

Another protester said, “He has failed to uphold international law! He has justified the killings of Filipino women!”

As they were blocked entry into the dining area, protesters shouted, “How dare you protect a war criminal!” and proceeded to chant, “Shame!”

In a statement following the protest, Roque condemned the protesters for supposedly trying to “cause harm to innocent people.”

“The militant groups were not content to peacefully rally outside the restaurant, they charged upstairs, in the process injuring two elderly waiters, and causing damage to property,” he claimed.

He also claimed that the protesters ordered food and drinks from the restaurant but did not pay for them.

Bayan – USA denied Roque’s allegations, saying that he is just attempting to divert attention from the key issues they raised. They added that at least three protesters were injured by his security staff as they were “violently pushed down the stairs.”

“Protesters raised legitimate opposition to his candidacy in the ILC especially given his role in Duterte’s

crimes, and Harry Roque, as presidential spokesperson and vying for a spot in the UN International Law Commission, must be held accountable for these crimes,” the group said.

Objections to Roque A number of groups in the Philippines have voiced out their objection to Roque’s bid for a seat at the ILC, a United Nations expert panel that develops and codifies international law.

The ILC was instrumental in the creation of the International Criminal Court, which Roque has repeatedly tried to discredit amid its prosecutor’s ongoing investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed under the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs.”

Among the groups that have either signalled their opposition or have written to the ILC to object to Roque getting a seat at the commission are the Free Legal Assistance Group, the National Union of People’s Lawyers and the executive committee of the University of the Philippines.

Roque has dismissed opposition to his nomination as “bereft of legal merit.”

According to the ILC’s website, members serve in their individual capacity and not as representatives of their governments.

It also states that “[m]embers of the Commission are paid travel expenses and receive a special allowance in accordance with article 1348 of the Commission’s statute.” n

Disqualify Bongbong...

PAGE 4 Rights Advocates; and Josephine Lascano, executive director of Balay Rehabilitation Center Inc. Since the Marcos family’s return from exile in 1992, Marcos has run for and has been elected to various posts.

He was elected representative of Ilocos Norte’s second district from 1992 to 1995. He was Ilocos Norte governor from 1998 to 2007.

In 2007, he was again elected as Ilocos Norte representative.

Carpio column In 2010, he was elected senator. In 2016, he lost the vice presidential race to Leni Robredo, who is now running for President.

The Supreme Court grant-

ed his motion to withdraw his appeal in 2001 and since the solicitor general did not file his own appeal, the decision of the CA became final and executory.

In his Oct. 28 column in the Inquirer, retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio discussed the tax case and said that “Marcos Jr. cannot now be disqualified on the ground that he was sentenced to imprisonment for more than 18 months because there is no such sentence by the CA.” “However, a case can be made out that the repeated failure to file income tax returns from 1982 to 1985 amounts to moral turpitude,” Carpio said.

—with a report from Inquirer research n

PAGE 1 context of the great rivers of the United States, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Throughout the years, the Los Angeles River — which spans 51 miles from Canoga Park all the way to Long Beach — has gone through wavering periods of drought brought on by the growing threat of climate change.

But more importantly, it has been a site of plain neglect by the cities that border the river, which holds a lot of potential for neighborhoods closest to it.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the county — along with multiple municipal jurisdictions and environmental preservation agencies — has for the last couple of decades begun developing plans to restore the LA River.

According to the “LA River Master Plan,” which was released by LA County earlier this year, more than 1 million people across the county live within one mile of the river, making it an essential part of the landscape of not only LA City but the county at large.

The 480-page plan details more than 200 potential environmental and urban planning project sites that promise: local job creation; targeted efforts “that assist in mitigating future disasters such as flooding, drought, and extreme heat”; and initiatives to combat homelessness across the river while addressing displacement and gentrification.

Poor maintenance and carelessness on the part of residents and local governments are a major culprit of the river’s tragic state, but changes in the climate have also exacerbated conditions along the river’s vast stretch.

But that is starting to change, and the county says that the LA River Master Plan, which will span the next several decades, will be an essential blueprint for the river’s long-overdue restoration — and according to a recent survey of Angelenos, residents are all in.

In July, StudyLA — a research organization based at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) that strives for more equitable research-based advocacy for the greater LA area — conducted its 2021 Los Angeles River Survey, a 600-person study that sought to gauge residents’ attitudes and opinions regarding the LA River.

Each participant took part in a 15-minute telephone poll — which was conducted in four different languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Korean — which found that 91% of Angelenos support revitalization efforts of the region’s most prominent water passage.

And, after a long period of shelter-inhome and social distancing, community leaders agree that the LA River has lots

of potential to be a source of prosperity for Angelenos.

“When we started thinking and reimagining what a post-pandemic city is going to look like, the river should be upfront,” Fernando Guerra of LMU said at a Sept. 10 press briefing releasing the survey results. “We need to be outside [and] we need to have activities in the urban space, and thinking of a revitalized river is a great support for this effort.”

During the telephone survey, many questions were fielded to participants, including, “What comes to mind when you think of the Los Angeles River?”

StudyLA created a word cloud of the most commonly spoken words during these telephone calls, and by far, the most prominent word was “dirty,” which presented a complicated issue.

“If you don’t think it’s worthy, you’re not going to invest. If you don’t invest, it will never be worthy. I think this is what that word speaks to me: that we have to have some initial investment to try to get people to understand the potential of this resource,” Guerra shared.

As written about in the Asian Journal, the history of the LA River goes back centuries. The river was a primary source of fresh water for indigenous Americans and wildlife and provided plenty of fish, including the now-endangered steelhead trout.

After colonists began settling in the area and the county started to transform into its current manifestation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encased the river in a deep concrete trench following an intense rainfall in 1938 that caused flooding across the county.

These concrete trenches allowed for more pedestrian and recreational use, but Angelenos agree that the river could provide more in terms of multipurpose functionality.

The StudyLA poll found that many Angelenos supported more bicycle and pedestrian lanes as well as parks and recreational areas — the LA River Master Plan details a massive transformation of 32 miles of concrete-lined river to public green spaces.

Among poll participants, 82% support creating habitats for flora and fauna and 79% said that flood control is also a priority.

About 64% of Angelenos believe that the river could be a tourist attraction, which has been a goal since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified the LA River as a navigable waterway.

“What has been a singular purpose [in revitalization efforts] is to get water out quickly because of atmospheric flooding,” said Sarah Rascon, environmental equity

officer of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. “But with this renewed focus, we realize that you can do so much more. The water quality is tested three times a week now, [and] there is recreation for everyone,” she added.

Notably, 76% of survey respondents said that any efforts to revitalize the river should not displace local communities and feed into the growing concern over gentrification.

In order to benefit “those who live along the [LA river] corridor, we have to tackle several issues,” said Mark Stanley, executive officer of the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. “How do you look at encampment issues, how do you look at housing, how to integrate that into the open space, how do you look at the communities that want to create greater economic development, without creating displacement and gentrification?”

Gentrification has already impacted communities along the river, particularly the neighborhoods near Frogtown, Chinatown, Cypress Park, and Eagle Rock. At the Sept. 10 press conference, community advocates, like Damon Nagami — senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council — noted that any and all river restoration projects must have these communities of color in mind.

“There are opportunities here for equitable community development, he said. “But we have to be intentional and build those policies.”

“It could be a resource for all of L.A. County, not just those that are by the river,” says Guerra of the L.A. River. “I certainly didn’t expect that, but it’s one of the major findings— how much support for investing in the river goes way beyond the neighborhoods by the river.”

However, although support for the river is overwhelmingly positive, only 48% support a tax increase to fund the revitalization effort.

But the State of California announced on Sept. 29 that it would commit to $15 million to fund two upcoming key restoration projects: $10 million toward the completion of the Glendale-LA River pedestrian and $5 million toward bicycle bridge and the creation of an undercrossing path along the North Atwater East Bank.

The latter, once completed, will allow pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians to easily access parks, horse facilities, neighborhoods and businesses — integrating the river into the everyday lives of Angelenos.

“To be a great city, we need a great river,” Guerra said. “I think that Angelenos are coming around to that perspective. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Jordan Clarkson, Jalen Green face off in...

PAGE 2 Clarkson described the matchup as “an amazing experience,” adding that he hoped to “see more.”

“I feel like it’s an amazing experience, something that can’t be done again because we’re the first. Hopefully, we

see more,” he said.

Clarkson also addressed the Filipino fans who continue to support him and Green.

“We feel the love, we feel the support,” he said.

“When I step on the floor, when we step on the floor, we know we represent the coun-

try, represent our people, and we go out there and do what we do,” he added.

The Jazz took the victory from the Rockets, 122-91, to stay undefeated.

Clarkson, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, finished with 16 points, six rebounds, and

three assists for Utah.

Meanwhile, Green, the second overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, finished with 13 points, three boards, three assists, a steal, and a block for Houston. As part of the heritage night, fans took home T-shirts with Green’s No. 0. n

8

NOVEMBER 5-11, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Big Lou’s Donuts clinches multiple multimillion-dollar Australia-wide supply contracts, including with Metcash, FoodWorks and Foodland THE Australian-founded Big Lou’s Donuts, which specializes in producing a wide range of commercial donuts for retail, wholesale, events and corporate markets since 2008, recently sealed several deals with national wholesale distribution heavyweights, including Metcash, FoodWorks and Foodland.

The new supply contracts are poised to more than double the company’s current annual revenue of approximately US$2.5M. An estimated US$1.3M alone will come from the contract with wholesale distribution and marketing company, Metcash, while an estimated US$0.75M will be from the contracts with Australian supermarket chains, FoodWorks and Foodland.

The remaining extra revenue is to be generated through the supply of commercial donuts to retail stores in petrol service stations, such as Caltex, BP and APCO, as well as food trucks across Australia, including 40 vans in New South Wales via Munch Express and a potential 140 trucks in five states via Tasty Trucks.

The contracts were clinched following the new ownership of Big Lou’s Donuts

by Smokefree Innotec (SFIO), an asset management company that now also owns the New Zealand-based Epiphany Café Franchise Group.

Both donut brands look to increase their

market share in Australia. Commercial donuts produced by Big Lou’s Donuts are ideal for groceries and supermarkets while Epiphany Café’s pillow-soft donuts are more suited for the upper market that entails cafés and restaurants.

“We plan to expedite the expansion plan of Epiphany Café in Australia by utilizing Big Lou’s Donuts as the central commissary to supply all Epiphany Café outlets in Australia. This is made possible by our Smart Freeze Technology, a frozen

technology that prolongs the product shelflife up to six months while maintaining the quality of pillow-soft donuts and premium cakes. Also, Big Lou’s Donuts’ factory is able to produce more than 9,000 donuts per hour. Such productivity is sure to make our products more competitive in the market,” says Jeths Lacson, CEO and Chairman of SFIO. Another feature that will set Big Lou’s Donuts apart is its own proprietary vegan donut formulation, which maintains a

donut’s light and fluffy textures despite the lack of dairy and egg. The vegan donut will also include a vegan chocolate hazelnut spread custom made by Big Lou’s Donuts.

The unique formulation took nearly 12 months to develop and the vegan donuts were recently launched on 27 September 2021 at Coles Supermarkets, an existing distributor of Big Lou’s Donuts.

Visit the official SFIO website (http://www. starfleetinnotech.com) to find out more.

(Advertising Supplement)

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 5-11, 2021

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NOVEMBER 5-11, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Inday Sara to supporters: Caravan unnecessary, let’s save on fuel

by Neil

ArwiN MercAdo Inquirer.net

MANILA — Davao City Mayor Inday Sara DuterteCarpio called on her supporters organizing a caravan urging her to run for president to forego the event, saying their efforts would be better spent on “something more productive.”

Duterte-Carpio is referring to the Sara All Philippines 2022 Caravan that will be conducted in various areas in the country such as Cotabato City, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Leyte, Samar, Legazpi, Naga, Lucena, Batangas, and Manila, among others.

“I am respectfully appealing to the organizers of

Sara All Philippines 2022 to forego the planned Cotabato to Manila caravan from [November] 4 to [November] 15,” Duterte-Carpio said in a Facebook post.

“In the times of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is extremely unwise to move around the country. I am urging the organizers and the supporters to translate your expression of support into something productive and relevant to society,” she added.

Duterte-Carpio said her supporters can use their resources “to buy food to feed the hungry and the poor and to conduct other activities that benefit those who have less in life and the

underprivileged.”

“Let us not unnecessarily contribute to global warming.

Let us save on fuel,” DuterteCarpio said.

“Your overwhelming support and trust in me are not being unnoticed. They are deeply appreciated. But then again, the caravan is not necessary because a decision was already made public as early as September 10 not to run for President,” she added.

Duterte-Carpio earlier filed a COC for reelection as Davao City mayor for the third and final time. However, some supporters are still pushing her to vie for presidency amid the looming November 15 deadline for the substitution of candidates. n

PH Q3 growth likely at 3.8% — ING Bank

by MAyveliN

U. cArAbAllo ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine economic growth likely slowed in the third quarter of the year due to the country’s still weak consumer demand, according to an ING Bank Manila analyst.

Following the 11.8 percent year-on-year rise in the second quarter, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa said in a commentary released on Tuesday, November 2 that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth may have stayed positive in July-September 2021, likely posting a moderated 3.8 percent year-on-year expansion.

He added that economic activity may have increased by 0.7 percent quarter on quarter, coming back from a quarter-on-quarter decrease in the second quarter.

“Third quarter GDP quarterly growth will manage to eke out a modest 0.7 percent expansion,” Mapa continued, “but gains will likely be subdued given several factors.”

He said inflation is the bane of household consumption, eroding purchasing power that is already constrained by a difficult job market, and that price increases in the third quarter accelerated more than in the second, implying that consumption may not be able to pick up as

much as anticipated.

Second, the average Purchasing Managers’ Index for the third quarter went below the average for the second quarter, as overall output declined for the seventh consecutive month and staffing is on the decline, Mapa added.

Finally, despite identical levels of quarantine being applied in the second and third quarters, Mapa stressed that the the Delta variant of the coronavirus disease 2019 was commonly regarded to be the more transmissible of the two, a feature that may have caused Filipinos to stay at home or avoid unnecessary outings to the mall or market. n

Mayor Isko: We’ll bring...

PAGE 2 drain the resources of the overseas Filipino workers,” he explained.

To put a stop to that, Ong reiterated the need to provide a good healthcare system in the Philippines.

“We really need (the OFWs) to boost the economy, community development, but of course we’re worried about brain drain and the psychosocial cost,” he said. “So if we provide good healthcare, jobs, and housing and education here, I think it could help alleviate the stress and pain suffered by our overseas Filipino workers.”

Travel restrictions As for the Fil-Ams who want to visit the Philippines, Ong assured that he and Domagoso would ease the international travel restrictions.

The vice presidential candidate noted that the reason for the travel bans was because Filipinos are “worried” about foreigners “bringing diseases” to the Philippines.

“We need tourists, especially our Fil-Ams relatives. We’ll make it easier. Sometimes they have too much restrictions, like Filipinos are always worried about foreigners bringing diseases to the Philippines,” Ong told the Asian Journal.

“I think you are fully vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson. So why should we prohibit you from coming here,” he added. “Maybe it’s a shorter quarantine.

We will see if it’s five days, 10 days.”

Domagoso and Ong are running under Aksyon Demokratiko. The Philippine 2022 national elections will be held on May 9, 2022. n

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

‘I wouldn’t be president if I’m corrupt’ - Duterte by ritchel

MeNdiolA AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte has lashed out at two senators investigating the alleged anomalies in the government’s procurement of COVID-19 medical supplies, maintaining that corruption is not in his governance.

In his taped public address on Wednesday, November 3, the Chief Executive called out Sens. Franklin Drilon and Richard Gordon, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, saying he was not corrupt “like them.”

“Alam mo, sa totoo lang Gordon pati Drilon, hindi ako aabot sa presidency from my mayorship to the presidency kung corrupt ako kagaya ninyo, kung tumatanggap ako ng mga campaign funds diyan sa mga tao na alam ninyo na gumagawa ng kalokohan kasama yung mga miyembro ng Congress (You know, Gordon and Drilon, I will not reach the presidency from being a mayor if I am corrupt like you, if I am accepting campaign funds from erring individuals including members of the Congress),” said Duterte.

“Kayo diyan ang mayroong butas. Wala kayong makuha sa amin. (You have a loophole.

You will not get anything from us),” he added. “It’s not in my system about corruption and money.”

Further, Duterte said that he had to accept criticisms as a public official.

“As a public official I would have to accept the criticism,” he said.

“Pero kung yung sinasabi niyo, ako yung abugado, lumang tugtugin na yan.

Alam mo sa totoo lang, sabi ko, I would not be President Duterte kung corrupt ako kagaya ninyo (But if you’re saying that I’m lawyering for people, that’s already an old tune. Like what I said, I would not be President Duterte if I were corrupt like you),” he added.

Duterte also reiterated that he doesn’t care about what would happen to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. and its executives during the Senate investigation.

“Wala akong pakilaam diyan sa Pharmally na ‘yan.

Gusut-gusutin man nila yan ng isang taong hearing okay lang (I don’t care about Pharmally. They can extend hearings to as long as a year, it’s okay),” he said.

“Huwag lang yung mga empleyado sa Executive

Department, kagaya ng Cabinet members na pinapapapunta dun, paupuin at hindi naman tatawagin, tapos pag tatawagin, bastusin (Just don’t involve employees of the executive department, like Cabinet members you summon, just for them to sit down, and when asked to speak, you disrespect them),” he added.

Last month, Duterte issued a memo forbidding officials and employees of the executive branch from attending the Senate Blue Ribbon’s hearings into the government’s COVID-19 pandemic spending.

He also pointed out that the Commission on Audit’s (COA) findings saw no instance of overpricing in the medical supply deals, adding that procurement rules under the Bayanihan law were properly followed.

During the Senate hearings, it was found that Pharmally reportedly bagged a total of P8.7 billion worth of contracts funded by Duterte’s Bayanihan 1 and 2 laws, despite having only P625,000 in paid-up capital.

In addition, the company’s owner, Huang Tzu Yen, supposedly has ties with Chinese businessman Michael Yang, a former economic adviser of Duterte. n

Facing death will make you...

PAGE 5 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 ex-

pects 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

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 5-11, 2021

COMMUNITY Journal

11

Why is my case taking so long at USCIS? Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ IT can be extremely frustrating about how long USCIS takes to process petitions, extensions, work authorizations, adjustment of status, and applications. For example, at the California service Center: • It can take up to 32 months for USCIS to process an “immediate relative” (IR) petition by a U.S. citizen of their spouse, parent, or minor child.

• It can take up to 72 months for USCIS to process

a petition for unmarried son or daughter over 21 years of age (F2B), • And 139 months to process a petition for a married child (F3). That’s almost 11 years, just to get the petition approved.

• Employment based petitions at some Service Centers can take up to a year.

• Some non-immigrant change of status applications can take almost 2 years to process. For example, if person wants to change to student status, the California Service Center could take between 15 to 20 months. Good luck if you’re changing from visitor to student.

What’s going on? Why is it taking so long? What can be done by petitioners, benefi-

ciaries, and applicants who are eligible for various immigration benefits, but it is taking so long to get USCIS to approve their case?

The American Immigration Lawyers Association, or AILA, put out a flyer explaining some of the problems or issues that are going on. For example, in 2014, an average case took about five months to process. But in 2020 the average processing time was at least nine months. Those delays can have a severe impact on businesses, families being separated, and jeopardize lives.

Employment based cases, naturalization, travel documents or advance parole, and employment authorizaPAGE 12

NIECE PETITIONS HER AUNT AS HOUSEKEEPER THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Many people believe the only way to bring relatives to the U.S. is through a family petition. This is not true. Family can petition other family members through an employment-based visa, which can be much faster and is perfectly legal. This is exactly what Ana (center) did when she petitioned her aunt Susan (left) as her housekeeper, through the help of Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right). Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, November 7 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

12

NOVEMBER 5-11, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart 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

Info capsules

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, 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 high-fiber 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 PAGE 13

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Fil-Am star Olivia Rodrigo leads American Music Awards nominations

by AJPress

Olivia Rodrigo

Photo from Instagram/oliviarodrigo

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 PAGE 15

Why is my case taking...

PAGE 11 tions are also experiencing delays. Between 2017 and 2019 USCIS’s processing times for all petitions and application forms increased by 37%. And what is more frustrating is that even though there is a dramatic increase in processing times, USCIS experienced at least a 10% drop in cases they received between 2017 and 2019. In other words, even though fewer cases were being filed, the processing times increased.

Also, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to these delays. This was caused by inefficient processing, understaffing, and various changes in policy due to COVID-19.

Also, during the Trump Administration, USCIS created many new policies designed to actually restrict or delay cases. For example, USCIS was denying cases if any spaces were left blank. Also, when considering an extension, let’s say of H-1B visa, USCIS officers were required to conduct an in-depth review of the previous approval, rather than accepting the original approval as being done correctly.

Some immigration benefits, such as work authorizations, require the person to be fingerprinted. But the fingerprinting facilities were closed during the pandemic. USCIS also closed its offices in March 2020 for several months for interviews and biometrics, creating an additional backlog. Now, with offices reopening, and officers coming back to work, we hope that USCIS can reduce the backlog and cut down on processing times.

In some very rare cases, a person may be eligible for expedited processing, but that is very rare. Meanwhile, here are tips you can do that can help speed up your case: • File your application as soon as possible, versus waiting until the last minute or when your status is about to expire. Many applications, renewals, or extensions can be submitted up to 180 days before expiration.

• Make sure all your forms are filled out correctly, are complete, and the required evidence and documents are submitted. This could cut down on USCIS having to serve requests for evidence.

• Monitor your case and processing times,

to see if your case is actually outside or past the posted processing time. If it is, it is possible to make inquiries or follow-ups with USCIS. Ordinarily, you cannot make follow-ups or inquiries if the case is still within the posted processing times.

• Notify USCIS of any changes in circumstances, especially any change of address.

You don’t want USCIS mailing a request for evidence to your old address and you never receive it, which could result in the case being denied because of “abandonment.”

I know the Biden administration campaigned on a platform of being pro-immigration, and vowed to change USCIS’s harsh approach taken during the Trump administration. But these delays are causing damage, suffering, and separation for so many people.

I know what I’ve said is not good news or encouraging, but I will continue posting articles, as well as videos on my You Tube channel, US Immigration TV, which I hope you will find informative and helpful. So, please make sure to like, share, and subscribe to my channel. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 40 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different, and results may depend on the facts of the particular case.

The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw, YouTube: US Immigration TV and Instagram.com/gurfinkellaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

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Why Jak considers ‘Never Say Info capsules...

Goodbye’ his ‘all in or go home’ project

By AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

“NEVER Say Goodbye,” the second and ongoing installment of afternoon drama anthology “Stories from the Heart,” could very well be Jak Roberto’s heaviest project yet. And this time, he hopes that it’s his acting – and not his abs – that gets the viewers’ attention.

“Sana mapansin na po [‘yung acting]; ‘di na ‘yung abs! Anyway, I don’t have a lot of topless scenes here!” he said, laughing, at a recent virtual conference for the said GMA 7 show.

In “Never Say Goodbye,” which runs until Nov. 19, Jak plays Bruce, a nurse seeking greener pastures in the United States. His girlfriend, Joyce (Klea Pineda), is also a nurse, and vowed that she would follow him and work on their goals together.

However, Joyce ends up finding a job she loves in the Philippines and forgoes her plan to work abroad.

The distance tests their

EMPLOYMENT

Jak Roberto

relationship and eventually drives them apart. Years later, Bruce – now married to a Filipino green card holder named Victoria (Lauren Young) – learns that Joyce is terminally ill with breast

Photo from Instagram/@jakroberto

cancer. And in Bruce’s desire to help her go through the ordeal, old feelings suddenly creep up.

Initial worries “I was scared because I wasn’t sure if I would be able

PERSONAL

to pull it off. Although I have tried heavy dramas in the past, a lot of them were short, two-day shoot projects, like a ‘Magpakailanman’ episode – not a full series like this one,” he pointed out.

But despite his initial worries, he took on the challenge, believing that the show could be a good platform to improve his craft.

“It has been my goal for a long time to prove my acting skills in drama because, most of the time, I’m given romantic comedies and gag shows,” he said.

It was an “all in or go home” type of project, he added. “If I don’t do it now, I don’t know when I will be given another chance. But I’m lucky to have been offered this one. This is one of the shows I’m most proud of,” he said.

Being guided by his director, Paul Sta. Ana, he said, was an instructive experience and a dream come true. “I have been a big fan of his because of his film ‘Oros.’ I was so excited and PAGE 15

PAGE 12 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.

SERVICES

*** 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 Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

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people events arts culture entertainment

KINILAW WITH CHENIN BLANC, SPARKLING WINE WITH SISIG, SYRAH WITH LECHON:

Pairing Filipino dishes with wine, according to Jhonel Faelnar, Award-Winning Filipino Sommelier

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA / AJPress

OR someone who had almost zero knowledge about wine almost a decade ago, Jhonel Faelnar has gone a long way. Today, he is the award-winning wine F director at Atomix, a Korean tasting menu restaurant in New York City with two Michelin stars.

His impressive work at Atomix has earned him recognition as one of Wine Enthusiast’s “40 Under 40 Tastemakers” in 2020 and one of Wine & Spirits’ “Best New Sommeliers” in 2018.

He was one of the youngest sommeliers named by Wine & Spirits as the Best New Sommelier of New York.

Atomix and Atoboy are from the husband and wife team of Chef Junghyun Park and Ellia Park. It was always their dream to kickstart a life and restaurants here in New York City.

Atoboy is more of a casual fine dining scene where the food was originally a take on the Korean banchan culture (small plates which are meant to be shared) but has now morphed into a mini tasting menu.

Atomix on the other hand has become a fine dining destination, an experience waiting to happen. Currently, their tasting menu inspired by Korean traditions and technique offers nine courses plus two snacks.

Reservations are definitely a must, that is if you can get them.

Last month, it became one of three New York City restaurants on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards for 2021, joining Cosme and

Asked about his dreams, Faelnar told the Asian Journal: I would love to travel more, I would love to visit the different wine regions. I mentioned Manila earlier so I think doing something that’s food and wine related would be an amazing thing as well, especially since Manila is such an exciting place right now for food and wine.

Le Bernardin. There are only six restaurants in the United States which made it to this year’s list.

“So when you come here it’s really an experience from the space, the food, you know, there’s no choice when it comes to the food and so beverage comes into play quite a bit because that’s how your experience can differ from one dish to the next or from one table to the next depending on what you’re having for the night, whether it’s your beer, tea, cocktails or of course, the wine pairing of the wines

that we have,” Faelnar shared.

He acts as both sommelier and wine director, curating the wine programs at both locations. His goal is to be able to offer a program that’s “approachable as it is, hopefully, complex and something that can kind of attack the different points of interest for different groups” that are visiting Atoboy and Atomix.

“You have to want to do it,” he replied when asked what it took for him to be a sommelier. For him, being a sommelier means not

just being a hospitality professional but having to dive deep into the world of wine, in general.

“If you’re the kind of person who wants to learn more, who wants to put themselves in sometimes uncomfortable situations or you don’t know how to pronounce something, you don’t know how to describe something but you want to learn about it, you want to taste this ingredient or taste a different dish, then this is for you,” he added.

Filipino Food + Wine There’s a misconception that Filipino dishes are not wine pairable, something that as a wine professional, Faelnar disagrees with.

And to convince the naysayers, he says the easiest way probably to do it is to have that wine when eating a Filipino meal.

“It would be great if we’re having this discussion over Filipino food, because then you can just put a glass or something in front of them and be like, ‘Yeah, taste this,’ he said. “But it’s all trial and error, I think we just haven’t tried enough, and I think maybe we haven’t purposefully tried to pair both food with wine, in general.

I mean, a lot of people are PAGE 15

Faelnar’s favorite wines come from some wine regions, like Germany (Riesling is definitely there) and also Wachau wine region in Austria, “Those are wines that I just can’t live without, they are so good, they’re so fresh. I think they pair with a lot of different ingredients. Also Burgundy in France, so Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These wines are kind of like comfort wines for me at this point in time, it’s something I naturally gravitate towards,” he shared.

Jhonel Faelnar shares a light moment with colleagues Jinah Rhee and Ellia Park at Atomix.

AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

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McCoy says daughter with Elisse Pairing Filipino dishes with wine... helped them continue relationship

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

DAYS after revealing that they are now have a daughter, Kapamilya actor McCoy de Leon penned a letter for his girlfriend Elisse Joson and daughter Felize.

In his Instagram account, McCoy said that their daughter Felize is not only a gift from God but also a hope to him and Elisse to continue their relationship.

“Binigay ka ng Diyos hindi lang isang regalo, binigay ka rin niya dahil binigyan mo kami ng pag-asa ng nanay mo. Nagtuloy-tuloy ang pagsasamahan namin dahil sa’yo, kasi alam naming ikaw ang magiging da-

hilan kaya kami nabubuhay sa mundong ito,” McCoy said.

“Walang hanggang kasiyahan ang binibigay mo sa amin. Simula nung nakita namin hanggang ngayon.

Bawat ngiti mo nawawala lahat ng pangangamba namin. Aamin ko natatakot ako sa minsang magulong mundong ito, pero kahit anong mangyari poprotektahan kita hanggat buhay ako. Mamahalin kita nang higit pa sa sarili ko. At ngayon masayang masaya kami ng nanay mo na ipagmalaki ka sa buong mundo,” he added.

He also thanked Elisse for keep holding on despite the challenges they had face.

Celebrity couple McCoy de Leon and Elisse Joson with daughter Felize

“Para naman sa ina ng anak ko, maaring marami tayong pinagdaan simula noon hanggang nandito pa rin tayo. Nagmamahalan ng lubos, sumusugal sa lahat ng maaring mangyari at tinaggap ang bawat isa lalo na ako...kaya salamat Elisse ko,” he said.

McCoy also vowed to love Elisse and Felize for the rest of his life.

“At sa aking mag-ina, Hindi man ako perpekto bilang ama o asawa pero gagawin kong perpekto ang pagmamahal ko para sa inyo. Pinangako ko sa Diyos ito at mangangako hanggang sa huli. Mahal na mahal na mahal ko kayo Elisse at Felize,” he said. n

Photo from Instagram/@mccoydeleon

Fil-Am star Olivia Rodrigo leads...

PAGE 12 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 the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. n

Why Jak considers ‘Never...

PAGE 13 kilig to work with him, but I didn’t want to be obvious,” Jak said, adding that the locked-in taping setup was conducive to his preparation.

“I haven’t acted a lot in the last two years because of the pandemic, so I had to refresh myself with workshops and by watching films … to help me open my senses and create characters. Being in a bubble helped, because everything is streamlined, focused,” the 27-year-old Kapuso talent said.

Supportive Jak’s girlfriend, award-winning actress

Barbie Forteza, has been nothing but supportive of his pursuit for growth. “Wherever I appear—even if it’s just a brief role—Madam always supports me. She posts about it and she congratulates me. That’s how she is all the time when it comes to my projects,” he said.

Barbie also doesn’t mind Jak doing kissing scenes with other actresses. “Sometimes, I wonder if she doesn’t get jealous. I ask her if she’s really OK with me doing kissing scenes.

I’m willing to avoid them if she’s not. But as an artist herself, she understands the nature of our work,” he said. n

PAGE 14 doing it I’m sure and a lot of them are successful, they’re just not necessarily maybe sharing it online or whatnot.”

“I think it’s all about experimenting and having fun.

And if something doesn’t taste good. Just don’t drink it. You know, that’s the worst that could happen. But the best thing that could happen is you could discover something that’s like, amazing with the food that we have,” he explained.

Based on his experience matching Korean flavor profiles with wine, he was met early on with doubt and questions about whether Korean food pairs well with wine.

His success at Atoboy and Atomix speaks volumes and it has silenced critics so far.

“That all came from, honestly, drinking wine at Atoboy, and knowing that it does work really well or drinking wine in K-Town with Korean BBQ. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be the most mind-blowing pairing,” he shared. “When you’re putting an ingredient on your palate with a piece of food, it’s going to change.

And so what that brings about is just your neurons are firing, you’re tasting different things.”

On his own and in the company of friends while eating Filipino food, Faelnar has made mental notes about the combinations that worked for him.

“More acid-driven food like our version of crudo or kinilaw, that could be something that you can pair with a leaner wine like Chenin Blanc from Loire Valley; sparkling wine and or champagne with sisig, and I think that’s such an easy thing, a light red maybe even an earthy burgundy, maybe even a fancy burgundy, to go along with adobo, you know, those things are almost so easy that you almost don’t even have to think about it,” he said.

“Syrah with a bit of lechon, it’s almost like cracking a little bit of black pepper over your lechon. So that’s something that can be amazing, especially with laing as well, a little bit of white burgundy, a little bit of Chardonnay, something lean and crisp and has a lot of texture. I think it works well with the flavors of coconut and the taro leaf. It’s one of my favorite dishes, especially with a bit of spice I think

that works so well,” Faelnar added.

Sommelier Journey A Management Engineering graduate, Faelnar moved to Japan for a year and a half and felt he wasn’t quite ready to return home to Manila. After less than a week in the homeland, he flew to New York.

Faelnar’s sommelier story began when he moved to the Big Apple in 2013. Back then, he was shifting careers and just wanted to explore what was out here in New York in terms of the food and wine scene.

At this point, he didn’t know anything about wine yet and that somehow excited him. Everywhere he looked in the city, whether he was just walking on the street or meeting people in restaurants, he felt the city’s wine culture. He immediately felt the challenge because there was so much to learn about it, everything from verbiage to the language to the different wine regions.

“It was almost an impossible task to learn all about them. So that was something that really piqued my interest,” he reminisced. “About a few months after I moved to New York, I started pursuing wine in earnest, and then fast forward, years of working as a sommelier, with my first job back in 2014.”

He enrolled in the International Culinary Center’s intensive sommelier program and after graduation in 2014, One Five Hospitality hired him to be a sommelier at The Fourth American Brasserie and Botequim in Union Square. Then he became a somm at The NoMad, which boasted one of the best beverage programs in the city.

It was around this time when he met Ellia Park a couple of years before she and her husband opened up Atoboy. He joined the team in 2018 to help open up Atomix.

Wine Pairing As wine director, Faelnar creates and designs wine pairings for chef Junghyun “JP” Park’s award-winning tasting menu.

“I always look towards the food first, I feel like that’s our job as sommeliers is to make sure that we highlight the flavors of the food regardless of what cuisine, it is or what cuisine it is based out of, whether it’s French, Korean, Filipino,” Faelnar said. “Wines are so fun to play around with, and also to

drink, obviously, especially when you’re with a group of people that you want to be with.

For him, it’s all about creativity, listening to the food and the flavors, and listening to the chef. What is the most important part of this dish that the chef wants to highlight, and what can he do with the beverage side of things to help achieve that, whether it’s wine, beer, tea, or traditional Korean beverages sort of like soju.

Faelnar believes that the pairings give another dimension to the experience of the diners.

“The dishes are amazing in and of themselves but I treat the beverage almost like as another ingredient, which can be very scary, because you know if the ingredient is wrong, then you can ruin a perfectly delicious course with the wrong wine.

So that’s a very important thing for me to make sure that it adds to the experience rather than takes away,” he added.

Faelnar describes the Atomix wine list as “a nice mix of classic and also some eclectic selections, an amalgamation of the different experiences” he encountered over the eight years he has spent in New York City so far.

Since the food is seafood and vegetable-driven, the wine list focuses on white wines, not just from big countries like France or Germany but a small selection of the wines from everywhere and a strong selection of sparkling wines as well, because why not, as the somm says, “Everybody loves a good bubbly.”

And every now and then they’ll source some rare wines out there, ones with a bit of age that he thinks carry well especially with fermented flavors that they have in-house.

The challenge now comes within, as in how do they keep their wine program dynamic and ever-evolving and not just resting on the laurels of their success over the past few years.

“How do we incorporate new things into the menu that we haven’t had before beverage-wise, how do we push the cocktail program forward, how do we add more beers to the selections that we have? It’s not just about adding or subtracting but you know it has to be a purposeful thing that we introduce,” he said. n

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