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DECEMBER 10-16, 2021 Volume 15 - No.5 • 16 Pages

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Should travelers cancel holiday flight plans?

US tightens travel measures amid omicron

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

THE coronavirus omicron variant couldn’t have come at a worse time for travelers planning to hop on planes for the holiday season.

DATELINE

The highly contagious COVID-19 variant has made its way to the United States, prompting the U.S. to implement yet another round of controversial restrictions and regulations.

Last week, the White House announced new actions to combat the omicron variant (as

well as the delta variant) this coming winter season.

Starting Monday, Dec. 6, all international travelers coming into the U.S. will now be required to test within one day of departure — previously the time frame to get tested was

USA

Is it time to change the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’?

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Pacquiao says he won’t stop giving relief, cash until campaign season begins MANILA — Amid accusations of votebuying, presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao insisted on Tuesday, December 7 he will not stop giving relief and cash to the public until the campaign season officially begins next year.

Pacquiao said that politicians should just do the same since it is the Christmas season, adding that the aid could help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Duterte accepts invite from Biden to participate in democracy summit

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

AS more indoor venues require proof of vaccination for entrance and with winter — as well as omicron, a new covid variant — looming, scientists and public health officials are debating when it will be time to change the definition of “fully vaccinated” to include a booster shot.

It’s been more than six months since

“within three days of departure” to the U.S. The one-day time frame applies to everyone, regardless of vaccination status and nationality, the White House said. Testing will be required for all travelers aged 2 years old

by DAPHNE

GALVEZ Inquirer.net

UNWAVERING FAITH. Churchgoers line up at the entrance of the Baclaran Church in Parañaque City as Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, December 8. President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017 declared December 8 as a special non-working holiday in observance of the religious occasion under Republic Act 10966. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

MANILA — Upon the invitation of United States President Joseph Biden, President Rodrigo Duterte will participate in the Summit for Democracy scheduled for Dec. 9 to 10, the Office of the President (OP) said on Tuesday, December 7.

OP said President Biden has invited heads of states and government, other government leaders, and “voices from the business and non-gov-

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PH now at minimal Meet the Filipinos who made risk classification Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’ class of 2021 for COVID-19

by KLARIZE

MANILA — The Philippines is now under “minimal risk” classification for COVID-19, the Department of Health reported Monday, December 6, following a continued decline in infections.

In a briefing, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the average daily attack rate from November 22 to December 5 was 0.67 per 100,000 individuals.

If the ADAR is less than one, the country’s classification can be lowered to minimal risk from low risk.

The Philippines also posted a -57% growth rate in cases over the last two weeks.

All regions in the country are also under minimal risk classification, except for Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region

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MEDENILLA

AJPress

THE year 2021 was a complicated year for the Filipino American community.

As Filipinos (and Asians and Asian Americans in general) continue to fight misinformation and bigotry of anti-Asian hate, communities are seeking respite and unity amid the tragedies of COVID-19.

However devastating and hopeless the year may have been for Filipinos, there were plenty of

high points and young members of the community stepping up and providing inspiration to the masses.

Every year, Forbes releases its “30 Under 30” list which honors innovators, tastemakers, and influencers under 30 years old to show that wisdom and tenacity can manifest even in younger generations.

The class of 2022 is one of the most diverse lists since the magazine began its “30 Under 30” lists 10 years ago. According to the

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Filipina housekeeper found Should travelers cancel holiday flight... dead in Las Vegas hotel room A FILIPINA hotel housekeeper was found dead in a room at Bally’s Hotel in Las Vegas on Sunday, Nov. 28.

Basilisa Tagget-Smith, 61, was found unresponsive and was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Tagget-Smith, immigrated from Bohol to the U.S. in 1987 and had worked at Bally’s for over 30 years. Her death is the second to be experienced by her family within a few months.

In March, her other son Reggie, 42, shot and killed a security guard at the Wynn Resort parking lot before turning the gun on himself.

At first police considered her death suspicious, possibly a homicide, and even released a video of a person of interest.

However, her son Lemuel Tagget, who later spoke with the police said his mother died of natural causes. She apparently had a stroke. (Inquirer.net) n

Basilisa Tagget-Smith, originally from Bohol, was found dead in a room at Bally’s Hotel where she had worked for more than thirty years.

Photo from Facebook

Duterte accepts invite from Biden...

PAGE 1 ernment sectors” to join the U.S. in “taking action to strengthen democracy.”

“President Duterte welcomes the opportunity to share the Philippine democratic experience and commitment to democratic values and nation-building at the Summit for Democracy,” the OP said in a statement.

In his invitation, Biden said the U.S. will host the event

“with humility and in the spirit of mutual learning.”

He added that together, nations will “embark on the work necessary to shape a prosperous and peaceful future built on respect for the rights and aspirations of all people.”

“We recognize and appreciate your partnership in working to build democratic and human-rights respecting societies that allow all citizens to

thrive. In a moment of significant challenge and enormous opportunity, it is more important than ever for democracies to prove that we can deliver for the needs of our people,” OP said, quoting Biden in his invitation as saying.

Biden also said he looks forward to welcoming Duterte and hearing his ideas on “how we can foster a more democratic, equitable, inclusive and sustainable world.” n

PAGE 1 and above, and it only applies to air travelers.

Foreign travelers entering the U.S. still need to be fully vaccinated in order to travel, but unvaccinated Americans and legal permanent residents are permitted to enter the U.S. with a test taken within one day of their departure to the U.S. President Joe Biden also announced that masks are required for all travelers in airports, planes, trains, and other public transit modes — again, regardless of vaccination status and nationality. This federal mandate is an extension of a previous one and applies through March 18.

The CDC warns that a person should be fully vaccinated before traveling internationally, while the World Health Organization (WHO) advises people who are not fully vaccinated, have never been infected, and have underlying health issues to postpone travel plans.

Last week, the Biden administration announced a travel ban of foreign nationals of eight countries in southern Africa: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The controversial ban came after the CDC classified these nations as “very high” for COVID-19 transmission.

U.S. citizens and LPRs who may be in those countries are permitted to return with the oneday test requirement.

These travel restrictions, and the threat of a new coronavirus variant entering new countries, put a hold on travel plans, even those who plan to travel to and from countries with no currently known cases of omicron.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday (which was when the WHO classified omicron a “variant of concern”) U.S. airlines transported about 2.4 million passengers, the most since February 2020.

Though not much is known about the variant so far, health officials and experts are urg-

ing travelers to not risk it and stay home for the holidays.

“We’ll know more in a couple weeks, but I think people should really get ready to hit the pause button [on air travel plans],” Dr. Robert Murphy, professor of infectious diseases and director of the Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University, told NPR this week.

He added that immunocompromised individuals, senior citizens, and anyone with any underlying health issues “should not be traveling anywhere.”

Murphy especially cautioned people planning to travel overseas, who are “at much higher risk than” domestic travelers.

With countries imposing their own travel restrictions, there’s a chance that travelers may find their flights canceled and themselves stranded overseas.

Following the news of omicron, the Philippines quickly imposed its own travel ban and restrictions to prevent the spread of the new variant. Along with the aforementioned southern African countries, the Philippine government added Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland — which all have reported cases of omicron — to its red list, barring travelers until Dec. 15.

The U.S. had not been included in its red list despite reporting cases of Omicron in multiple states, including California, however, travelers to the Philippines will be subjected to quarantine protocols depending on their vaccination status and COVID-19 test results.

“Border controls can be used to delay entry of the new virus and buy time, but every country and community must prepare for new surges,” Dr. Babatunde Olowokure, regional emergency director of WHO, said on Friday in a press briefing.

In the Western Pacific region, the omicron variant has been detected in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. n

Pacquiao says he won’t stop giving...

PAGE 1 He added that the would only stop giving away cash and relief once the official campaign period begins or if he was forbidden by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“Hanggat ‘di pa dumating yung time ng official campaign period, yung pagtutulong natin sa kapwa, sa taumbayan ay matagal ko nang ginagawa, noon pang 2002,” Pacquaio said.

“Magpapatuloy yan hanggang sa pagbawalan tayo ng Comelec, susunod tayo. Pero nasa puso ko na yung pagtulong mula pa noon,” he added.

Pacquiao said he only wants to help the public, saying that he cannot bring his money to the grave.

“Itago niyo ang pera niyo, kahit bilyon-bilyon pa yan, kahit trillion pa, pag namatay ka di mo naman madadala ‘yan.

Kung tumulong ka sa kapwa,

Senator Manny Pacquiao going around San Pedro, Laguna on Tuesday, December 7.

Photo courtesy of Sen. Pacquiao’s office

napakibabangan mo, napakinabangan pa ng iba.

Nakatulong ka sa kapwa,” Pacquiao said.

“Ngayon kung naiinggit sila, gawin din nila.

Lalung-lalo na yung mga nagnanakaw sa gobyerno, ibigay nila yung pera sa taumbayan, ” he added.

(By Neil Arwin Mercado/ Inquirer.net) n

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From the Front Page

Meet the Filipinos who made Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’...

PAGE 1 magazine, nearly half of the individuals listed identify as people of color and about a quarter are immigrants.

And, unsurprisingly, quite a few of the celebrants are members of the Filipino and Filipino American communities.

Olivia Rodrigo, singer/ songwriter/actor If only one name could define the pop music genre in 2021, it would be Olivia Rodrigo. The 18-year-old sensation claimed 2021 with her viral hit single “drivers license.” The award-winning torch ballad would just be the beginning of her speedy ascent, which accelerated with the May release of her debut album “SOUR,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200.

Aside from being the voice of Generation Z, Rodrigo also participated in a vaccine campaign alongside the White House to promote vaccinations among younger Americans. In the latter half of the year, the young star scooped up a bevy of awards including Best New Artist at the American Music Awards and three MTV Video Music Awards.

As if the year couldn’t get better for America’s It Girl, Rodrigo also received seven 2022 Grammy nominations.

Marianne Paguia Gonzalez, engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Lab At 29 years old, Marianne Gonzalez’s work is out of this world — literally. As a chemical engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, she has worked on several projects including an experiment designed to generate oxygen on the planet Mars.

Currently, she is working on an exploration into the possibility of microbial life on one of Jupiter’s moons.

In March, Gonzalez, who is a second-generation Filipino American, told the Asian Journal, “As a Filipina and a minority in this field, it is easy to feel like you might not belong. I would encourage any aspiring Filipina engineers to work on building their confidence.

Being a woman of color in a dominantly male field can be scary at times. As long as you remind yourself about why you’re passionate about engineering, it makes it all worth it.”

Alyssa Navarro, executive

PH now at minimal...

PAGE 1 and Zamboanga Peninsula. The four regions are under low risk classification.

The COVID-19 outbreak in the Philippines has eased, with the DOH reporting hundreds of cases in the past few days from tens of thousands in September. On Monday, it logged 543 additional infections.

Vergeire added the capacity of the national health systems was at low risk.

Currently, the entire country is under Alert Level 2. The continued easing of coronavirus curbs comes at a time when the heavily mutated Omicron variant is spreading globally.

Since the start of the pandemic, the Philippines has so far recorded over 2.83 million infections. Of the total, only 0.5% were active cases. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com) n

Several individuals of Filipino descent landed on 2022’s Forbes “30 under 30 list,” including (L-R) pop star Olivia Rodrigo, John Vincent Salcedo of Columbia Records, Tiktok star Bella Poarch, gamer Rachell Hoffstetter, NASA engineer Marianne Gonzalez, Queenly co-founder Trisha Bantigue and Walt Disney Studios executive producer Alyssa Navarro.

AJPress graphic, photos courtesy of Instagram, Forbes, AP

producer Walt Disney Studios As media and entertainment companies strive toward more diverse workforces, Alyssa Navarro of Walt Disney Studios is front and center of the cause.

Navarro, 27, specializes in minority representation and inclusion strategies for the entertainment titan and was integral in the formation of Disney Launchpad Shorts Incubator, which gives upand-coming filmmakers a platform to showcase their work on Disney+.

Writing in an Instagram post celebrating her inclusion on Forbes’ list, Navarro wrote, “Representation, diversity, equity, and inclusion is so meaningful and personal to me. The fact that Forbes has recognized this work validates my passion and dedication to continue to open doors so that more people from underrepresented backgrounds get to tell their stories on the big screen.”

John Vincent Salcedo, vice president of digital marketing at Columbia Records As Columbia Records youngest and only Filipino vice president, Salcedo has been overseeing marketing strategies for some of today’s most exciting musical acts, including Tyler, the Creator’s Billboard No. 1 album “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” and Lil Nas X’s hit singles “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby (feat. Jack Harlow).”

As a Filipino who migrated to the U.S. as a young kid, he has made it a mission to bring in more Filipinos and Filipino

Americans into the music industry. He told Myx Global earlier this year, “Filipinos have wild talent and as one of those who have been blessed with a position in one of the biggest global music labels, I hope to bridge the gap, build more connections, and bring to the spotlight our creative prowess.”

Bella Poarch, TikTok star In the pantheon of viral social media stars, Bella Poarch’s rise seemingly came out of nowhere. But once she came on to the scene, her place in the Generation Z cultural imagination was secured.

An immigrant from the Philippines who was born to Filipino parents and adopted by a white father and Filipina mother, the now-24-year-old Poarch initially enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 2015 to 2019, after her parents disapproved of her performing in a high school talent show.

In 2020 she created a TikTok account that started off as a gaming and cosplay account, but that summer, she gained a massive following from her lip-sync videos where she dons a cutesy, e-girl aesthetic. This past May, she released her first single, “Build a Bitch,” and continues to rise the ranks of Gen Z idolatry.

Trisha Bantigue, cofounder of Queenly As a Pinay, Trisha Bantigue knows the importance of pageantry in the Filipino community. But her story is unlike most Filipinas who decide to model and enter beauty pageants.

After escaping abuse as a

teenager, Bantigue leveraged her ambition for a better future through working at fast-food joints, modeling and entering pageants to earn a living. After graduating from UC Berkeley, she worked at some of Silicon Valley’s largest firms like Facebook and Google before co-founding the online marketplace Queenly with Kathy Zhou (with whom Bantigue is featured on the Forbes list) in 2017.

Queenly allows users to resell formalwear to other pageant contestants, kind of like Poshmark or Depop but specifically for pageant wear, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

“Making it to the @forbes 30 Under 30 list is a literal dream come true, and never would I have thought I’d be on a Forbes cover by age 27.

I can’t even begin to explain the overwhelming feeling of gratitude right now as it all feels so surreal (yes I’m screaming inside as I type this out),” Bantigue wrote on Instagram.

She added, “Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to create an impact onto society and with @queenlyapp, I have the opportunity to touch millions of lives. My past self would be so damn proud seeing this today.”

Rachell Hoffstetter, gaming content creator at 100 Thieves As an entertainment medium, gaming has become one of the hottest spaces over the last decade. Traditionally a male-dominated (and often misogynist) space, several women have come to the PAGE 7

Is it time to change the...

PAGE 1 many Americans finished their vaccination course against covid; statistically, their immunity is waning.

At the same time, cases of infections with the omicron variant have been reported in at least 17 states, as of Monday, December 6. Omicron is distinguished by at least 50 mutations, some of which appear to be associated with increased transmissibility.

The World Health Organization dubbed it a variant of concern on Nov. 26.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that everyone 18 and older get a covid booster shot, revising its narrower guidance that only people 50 and up “should” get a shot while younger adults could choose whether or not to do so. Scientists assume the additional shots will offer significant protection from the new variant, though they do not know for certain how much.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, during a White House press briefing Wednesday was unequivocal in advising the public. “Get boosted now,” Fauci said, adding urgency to the current federal guidance. About a quarter of U.S. adults have received additional vaccine doses.

“The definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ has not changed.

That’s, you know, after your second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, after your single dose of a Johnson & Johnson vaccine,” said the CDC’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, during Tuesday’s White House briefing on covid. “We are absolutely encouraging those who are eligible for a boost six months

after those mRNA doses to get your boost. But we are not changing the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ right now.” A booster is recommended two months after receiving the J&J shot.

But that, she noted, could change: “As that science evolves, we will look at whether we need to update our definition of ‘fully vaccinated.’”

Still, the Democratic governors of Connecticut and New Mexico are sending a different signal in their states, as are some countries — such as Israel, which arguably has been the most aggressive nation in its approach. Some scientists point out that many vaccines involve three doses over six months for robust long-term protection, such as the shot against hepatitis. So “fully vaccinated” may need to include shot No. 3 to be considered a full course.

“In my view, if you were vaccinated more than six months ago, you’re not fully vaccinated,” Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said Nov. 18 during a press briefing.

He was encouraging everyone to get boosted at that time, even before the federal government authorized extra shots for everyone.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham had a similar response in mid-November, saying she defined “fully vaccinated” as receiving three shots of the mRNA type. She also opened up booster eligibility to all of her state residents before the CDC and Food and Drug Administration did.

What do the varying views on the evolving science mean for vaccine requirements imposed on travelers, PAGE 7

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OPINION

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FEATURES

Corruption and the pandemic A RECENT forum highlighted how corruption is exacerbating the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The problem has also been tackled by the World Justice Project. In a report earlier this year, the WPJ observed that the rapid mobilization of massive resources to respond to the public health crisis, combined with the suspension of corruption prevention and enforcement mechanisms during an emergency, have opened vast opportunities for graft.

Apart from eroding public trust in the government – as we are now seeing amid the multibillion-peso Pharmally Pharmaceutical scandal – corruption leads to waste of supplies and resources and compromises the pandemic response, the WPJ pointed out.

It stressed that in the pandemic response, speed need not come at the expense of public accountability. The WPJ suggests that easing public procurement mechanisms must be limited to what is necessary to meet immediate needs. Procurements must always be subject to official audit and vetting of suppliers for competence and potential conflict of interest.

To promote transparency in pandemic pro-

curements, the WPJ recommends that all government contracts forged under special emergency procedures should be published for open scrutiny.

In the Philippines, people have faced the spectacle of suppliers preferring to languish in the overcrowded Pasay City jail rather than submit official records of their pandemic supply deliveries to the government.

Similar approaches should be applied to the distribution of pandemic emergency stimulus packages and aid programs for households and businesses, according to the WPJ. Best practices and guidance in this area have been laid out by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, based on standards

Editorial

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ UNDOUBTEDLY, the new coronavirus Omicron variant has caused widespread concern because it shows multiple mutations, with early evidence indicating that it may have increased transmissibility compared to the Delta variant. But there is still a lot to be scientifically discovered and known about this

Philstar.com photo

set in the UN Convention Against Corruption.

From the start of the pandemic last year, a Europol bulletin had already warned about the risks of fraud, cybercrime, criminal profiteering and money laundering as countries scramble to source badly needed medical

supplies. Corruption, however, need not be inevitable, according to the WPJ; it is possible to develop strong integrity cultures as well as implement global norms against corruption in the course of the long-term pandemic recovery. (Philstar.com)

Omicron variant: mRNA vaccine technology has the edge

new variant, and scientists here in the United States are working 24/7 to get the right answers. We were told by the White House that we should know within the next 10 days the results regarding its virality, and whether it can evade vaccines and cause severe illness.

The World Health Organization has confirmed Omicron infections in 23 countries that include the United States, with border closures once again imposed to pre-

vent community transmission. But as President Biden had stressed, this should not be a cause for panic. While it’s possible that Omicron may have “immune escape” potential or the capacity to evade immunity from prior infection – scientists believe vaccines still continue to provide “a good degree of protection” and will at least slow down the spread of the variant and prevent severe illness.

According to Professor

Salim Abdool Karim, a South African epidemiologist who wrote the article “Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant: a new chapter in the COVID-19 pandemic” published in The Lancet, while there is very early evidence of increased transmissibility and reinfection among those who have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19, people should not “make too much of the early data.”

In our regular interactions PAGE 10

Unsplash.com photo by Spencer Davis

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

No Omicron case detected in PH

by Red

Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

NO case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected in the Philippines, the Department of Health said on Monday, December 6.

It said that out of the 629 samples tested, nearly 91 percent, or 571 samples, contained the Delta variant.

The others were the Beta and Alpha variants.

Meanwhile, out of the 253 passengers who arrived from South Africa from November 15-29, 80 had been located. Four were re-tested but were found negative of the Omicron variant.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that of the 80 who had been located, 71 are under facility quarantine, four are on home quarantine, and five have been discharged after completing the required quarantine period.

Vergeire said that studies

A resident walks past signages promoting health safety protocols in Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City on Sunday, December 5, 2021. Photo by Enrique Agcaoili

regarding possible transmissibility of Omicron are ongoing.

“Mahirap gumawa ng (It is hard to create a) study comparing these variants with other studies existing across the globe, but still they are doing their studies and in one to two weeks, maybe we can get more in-

formation on this,” Vergeire said during her regular briefing.

Despite the threat of Omicron, the country remains under minimal risk classification, with a two-week average daily attack rate of -57 percent and an average daily attack rate of 0.67 cases per 100,000 population. n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 10-16, 2021

Marcos paid taxes, documents show

by Jomar

Canlas ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. settled his tax dues in compliance with a 1995 court ruling, documents issued by the Supreme Court and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said.

The documents, copies of which were obtained by The Manila Times, bolster the argument that there is no legal impediment to the presidential candidacy of Marcos.

The standard bearer of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas is facing several petitions before the Commission on Elections seeking to cancel his certificate of candidacy.

One of the petitions contend that he is not qualified to run for president because he was convicted by a Quezon City court for tax evasion after he did not file income tax returns from 1982 to 1985.

Marcos brought the case before the Court of Appeals which in October 1997 cleared him of tax evasion charges, ruling that he was not given due notice of the tax assessment.

The court, however, sustained Marcos’ conviction for not filing his tax returns and fined him P36,000.

Marcos wanted to appeal the conviction and had asked the Supreme Court for an extension to file a petition for certiorari. He eventually withdrew the petition and opted to settle his tax liabilities which ran up to P67,137.27.

An official receipt issued by the Land Bank of the Philippines with receipt number 10622824, dated Dec. 27, 2001, showed that Marcos paid the sum in full.

Copies of BIR payment forms numbered 0605 and 1904 confirmed that payment was

made.

In a separate document, then Supreme Court Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief of the Judicial Records Office Teresita Dimaisip sent a copy of the entry of judgment to the camp of Marcos, Court of Appeals, and the Solicitor General in connection with the former senator’s case in December 2001.

“This is to certify that on Aug. 8, 2001, a resolution rendered in the above-entitled case was filed in this office...” the entry of judgment read.

Dimaisip sent the copies on Nov. 5, 2001.

She also certified that the resolution has “become final and executory [on Aug. 31, 2001] and is hereby recorded in the Book of Entries of Judgments.”

On Sunday, December 5, Marcos said this will be the key to the country’s progress after the pandemic.

He cited his recent trip to Cebu with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio where they were greeted by thousands of supporters. He said that it gave him “hope that the unity being shown by the people will usher the country to a brighter future.”

Marcos said his latest visit to Cebu gave him the opportunity to meet the members and officials of the League of Municipalities during their regional planning conference in Region 7 who voiced their support for his tandem with Duterte-Carpio.

He said that the “historic joining of forces of the BBM-Sara UniTeam supporters signaled the country’s triumph over the challenges brought about by the pandemic.”

“Only together as a unified nation shall Filipinos be victorious during and after the pandemic,” Marcos said in a statement on Sunday. n

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END TERRORISM. Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines and Liga Independencia Pilipinas rally outside the Supreme Court along Padre Faura St., Manila City on Tuesday, December 7. The groups have been supporting the thrust of the government to end the 52-year insurgency in the country with the aid of the Anti-Terrorism Act. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Meet the Filipinos who made...

PAGE 4 fore to establish a more diverse gaming community.

Rachell “Valkyrae” Hofstetter is quite possibly the most influential female game streamer in the gaming world with more than 3 million subscribers on YouTube and Instagram, each. In 2020, she was named

Content Creator of the Year at The Game Awards and joined 100 Thieves, a top gaming and esports organization.

Reacting to her placement on the Forbes list, she wrote on Twitter, “I MADE THE FORBES 30 under 30 LIST!!!!!!!!!! I’m honored.. this was one of my goals and i can’t believe it actually happened.. wow” n

Is it time to change the definition of...

Ferdinand Alexander ‘Sandro’ Marcos (holding mike on stage) drew crowds when he represented his father, former senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., and vice presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio at a rally in Valencia City in Bukidnon on Sunday, Dec. 5.

ManilaTimes.net photo

IATF, high court sued over mandatory jabs A CLERK of court in Las Piñas City filed a complaint against the Supreme Court and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in connection with the implementation of the mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 for onsite

workers in areas where there is an ample supply of vaccines.

In a 70-page petition for declaratory relief (with urgent application for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction), Kathryn Joy Hautea-Nuñez,

clerk of court of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 198 in Las Piñas City, asked the Manila Regional Trial Court to declare as void IATF’s recent resolution on mandatory vaccination.

Named respondents were the IATF-EID, the Supreme PAGE 10

PAGE 4 or by schools or workplaces?

And what about businesses that have required patrons to provide proof of vaccination?

Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania, said the CDC’s stronger recommendation for everyone to get boosted signals to him that a booster is now part of the vaccine regimen. Yet Offit, who is also a member of the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee, wrote a joint op-ed this week in which he and two other scientists argued that boosters were not yet needed for everyone and that healthy young people should wait to see whether an omicron-specific booster might be needed.

“I think when the CDC said they are recommending a third dose, they just made the statement that this is a three-dose vaccine series,” Offit told KHN. “And, frankly, I think it’s going to throw a wrench into mandates.”

Yet to be determined is whether restaurants or other places of business will look more closely at vaccine cards for the booster.

Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, said it’s too early to say. “For now, businesses should stay focused on current guidelines,” he said.

Dr. Marc Siegel, an associate professor of medicine at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, said the question of whether you are fully vaccinated with just two doses or need a booster is a question of semantics. Covid immunity level is the more important issue.

Siegel said he thinks more suitable terminology would be to call someone “appropriately” or “adequately” vaccinated against covid rather than “fully” vaccinated, since it’s possible that more boosters could be needed in the future — making “full vaccination” a mov-

ing target.

But, as with so many aspects of the pandemic, ambiguity prevails — both in federal guidance on the definition of “fully vaccinated” and in entrance policies, which vary by state, school and business.

Right now, businesses don’t appear to be checking for boosters, but that could change. So, it may be wise to first check the requirements — lest patrons present a twoshot vaccine passport, only to be turned away as inadequately protected. (Victoria Knight/Kaiser Health News) This story was produced by KHN (Kaiser Health News), a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues.

Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. n

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December 10-16, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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SFIO, NeuroSky sign $15-M partnership to bring biotech wearables to global markets

STARFLEET Innotech, Inc. (Smokefree Innotec, Inc.) and biotech company NeuroSky signed an agreement earlier this month, awarding the asset management company distribution rights of NeuroSky’s state-of-the-art health and wellness monitoring devices. As part of SFIO’s broad campaign to build synergies across their core investment areas, the company plans to sell an initial batch of at least 100,000 wearables through partners in health, construction, education, and other related industries.

NeuroSky is a Silicon Valley-based, private biotech company that specializes in electronic wearables such as watches, wrist bands, and headsets. Depending on the device, features include vital sign monitoring, symptom tracking for conditions such as viral infections, and brainwave tracking to help enhance one’s learning abilities.

The agreement grants SFIO exclusive rights to sell NeuroSky products in New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.

SFIO also has non-exclusive distribution rights in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and other countries yet to be determined.

Tapping their partners across health, construction, education, and similar industries, SFIO intends to position these

wearables as a quantitative way to ensure community health in a post-pandemic world, focusing on the communities that have proven to be most vulnerable to communicable diseases.

As an initial project, SFIO will be rolling out these devices to retirement villages, where residents will be able to both monitor their wellbeing and automatically alert medical staff and loved ones with SOS notifications in case of health emergencies picked up by the wearables.

Educators and researchers will also benefit from NeuroSky’s brainwave monitoring technologies. While initially designed to facilitate more data-driven meditation practices, these head-mounted wearables have scientifically proven use cases in improving performance in the classroom as well.

For the first 18 months, SFIO aims to sell at least 100,000 units of NeuroSky’s wearables, including their flagship BioSense HR watch. SFIO expects this venture to generate $10 to $15 million in revenue.

In addition to selling to enterprise partners, SFIO will also be making these devices available to interested buyers through e-commerce platforms like Amazon, and other commercial channels

via sub-distributors.

Beyond distribution, SFIO has larger plans to launch its own brand of health tracking wearables, with their in-house software development teams working alongside NeuroSky’s product designers

and engineers.

These new products will be manufactured by NeuroSky and will fall under a new “white label” brand currently being developed by SFIO.

(Advertising Supplement)

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December 10-16, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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Reelectionist NCR mayors still top poll choices – survey

by Janvic

Mateo

Philstar.com

‘PABAON’. These young beneficiaries of the “Balik Probinsya” program receive tablets for their blended learning classes before their send-off at the BP2 Depot in Quezon City Monday, December 5. The family also received cash that would help them start life anew in the province.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Omicron variant: mRNA vaccine...

PAGE 5 with Moderna and Pfizer – both of which have developed COVID-19 vaccines using the mRNA (messenger RNA) technology – it is apparent that both companies have been very proactive, reviewing and assessing the efficacy of their vaccines and developing booster shots that would target mutations from new variants such as Omicron.

There is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the superiority of mRNA technology through the COVID-19 vaccines that have proven to be the most effective, providing very high levels of protection. Scientists such as Yale University professor of immunology, epidemiology and molecular, cellular and developmental biology Akiko Iwasaki point to the relative ease and speed with which companies can develop “very, very good vaccines” using mRNA technology as it only took Moderna several weeks to develop its COVID-19 vaccine and make it ready for testing and clinical trials, compared to traditional approaches that take so much longer for vaccines to be developed.

The beauty of mRNA technology, many scientists all over the world agree, is that the time needed to create boosters that would target specific variants is shortened, because existing vaccines can be tweaked or adjusted to produce variant-specific shots within several weeks. It’s pretty much like upgrading cellphones or smart gadgets though software downloads to make them responsive to the changing needs of users. Many agree – mRNA technology is the solution to lead the world out of this pandemic.

BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin, whose company developed the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with Pfizer, said they are working on an upgraded version of their current vaccine quickly in response to Omicron, and is confident that people will still have substantial protection against severe disease caused by the new variant. “The only thing that worries me at the moment is the fact that there are people who have not been vaccinated at all,” Sahin said.

Pfizer and BioNTech have assured that actions have been taken “months ago to be able to adapt the mRNA vaccine within six weeks and ship initial batches within 100 days in the event of an escape variant.”

Moderna, on the other hand, said their booster shot will be ready by March next year. Aside from an Omicron-specific booster candidate, the company is also working on “multi-valent” booster candidates to anticipate mutations from the Omicron variant as well as the Beta and Delta strains. The company is also reviewing the efficacy of 100 micrograms of vaccine as a booster for the Omicron variant as opposed to the current booster of 50 micrograms. According to the company, they can advance the booster candidates to clinical testing within 60 to 90 days.

The real good news is coming from Pfizer.

The company submitted its application this month to the FDA to authorize their pill, Paxlovid, for emergency use. The company says the pill reduces serious illness, hospitalization and death by 89 percent. Pfizer is very confident that this oral drug can work for all known mutations including Omicron, and is continuously working on other drugs just in case there is resistance to the drug down the line. Psychologically for all of us, this is absolutely good news.

What is important, however, is that this new variant still underscores the need for vaccination to protect people from severe illness and even death, and at the same time, lessen the chances of the coronavirus to spread and mutate into more virulent and threatening variants. The ramping up of our vaccination rollout in the Philippines, registering one of the highest single-day jabs worldwide with over 2.7 million people vaccinated last Nov. 29, is wonderful news, too.

The best tool to fight COVID-19 is still the vaccines, and those who have been vaccinated and had their booster shots are better poised to get back to life that is as close to “normal” as we can get prior to the pandemic. Those who continue to refuse getting vaccinated are practically playing Russian roulette – endangering other people’s lives, including themselves. (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

MANILA — Most Metro Manila mayors running for reelection remain the most preferred candidates in the latest survey by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD).

The survey, conducted from Nov. 16 to 24 with the results released Tuesday, December 7 also showed incumbent congressmen running for top local posts as among the frontrunners in their respective races.

In Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte is leading with 62% of support among survey respondents, compared to 30% obtained by her closest rival, Anakalusugan Party-List Rep. Mike Defensor.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto obtained the support of

67% of voters surveyed in their city, compared to the 32% who said they support Vice Mayor Iyo Bernardo.

Meanwhile, Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro has widened his lead against former mayor and Rep. Bayani Fernando, 48% against 41%.

Other incumbent Metro Manila mayors who are leading in their respective races were Makati Mayor Abby Binay at 88%; Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar, 85%; Pateros Mayor Ike Ponce III, 82%; Pasay Mayor Emi-Calixto Rubiano, 80% and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora with 75%.

Some lawmakers also emerged as the most preferred candidates in their respective mayoralty races.

They include Valenzuela Rep. Weslie Gatchalian at 85%; Navotas Rep. Rey

In this file photo, Metro Manila mayors, along with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Department of the Interior and Local Government officials, gather for a meeting of the Metro Manila Council at the MMDA headquarters.

The STAR / Boy Santos, File photo

Tiangco, 77% and Parañaque Rep. Eric Olivarez with 65%.

Caloocan Rep. Dale Malapitan, at 71%, is leading against Rep. Edgar Erice at 28%; while former mayor and Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano is leading by 63% against former representative Arnel Cerafica who got 31% in the survey.

Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon obtained 62% of support, compared to his closest rival Red Marinas with 29%.

In Manila, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna is leading with 48% against former representative Amado Bagatsing with 31% and Alex Lopez with 14%.

Former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. is also leading the race in Mandaluyong City with 84% of support among respondents in their city.

In Malabon, Councilor Enzo Oreta – brother of outgoing Mayor Antolin Oreta – is trailing former vice mayor Jeannie Sandoval with 40% and 48%, respectively.

According to RPMD, the survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of respondents selected through random sampling.

There were 1,500 respondents in Quezon City; 1,000 in Manila and Caloocan and 850 in other cities. It has a margin of error ranging from +/- 2.53% to 3.36%, depending on the sample size. n

IATF, high court sued...

PAGE 7 Court represented by deputy clerk of court and chief administrative officer Atty. Maria Carina Cunanan and her immediate superior, Judge Pia Cristina Bersamin-Embuscado, presiding judge of the Las Piñas RTC Branch 198.

Hautea-Nuñez asked the court to “enjoin the [OAS of the Supreme Court and Bersamin-Embuscado] from adopting and implementing [the IATF resolution].”

Under the IATF directive, employees who refuse to be immunized cannot be terminated, but they must undergo regular RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) testing or antigen tests at their own expense.

The government has earlier announced that mandatory inoculation is meant “to in-

crease demand for COVID-19 vaccination.”

Establishments can also refuse entry and deny service to unvaccinated individuals, or those partially vaccinated despite being eligible for vaccination.

Local governments were strongly enjoined to issue orders or ordinances providing incentives for fully vaccinated individuals and for business establishments to require proof of inoculation.

Workers to be vaccinated during work hours will not be considered absent as long as they present proof of a confirmed vaccination date.

A medical clearance issued by a government health office, or birth certificate, will be sufficient and valid proof of ineligibility for vaccination.

The petitioner claimed

that there is no administrative remedy available to her “considering that the official pronouncement sought to be enjoined and subsequently voided is of general application and not subject to any grievance mechanism.”

Hautea-Nuñez said that the IATF resolution placed her under pressure because “the other vaccinated court employees tried to encourage [her] to be vaccinated.”

She explained that she is hesitant to get a jab because, “after weighing the information on the vaccines being used and the other means available to prevent the spread and severity of the COVID-19 infection, she came to the personal conclusion that vaccination is not for her and her family.” (By Jomar Canlas /ManilaTimes. net) n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 10-16, 2021

COMMUNITY Journal

11

New developments on embassy interviews Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ THE Department of State (DOS) recently announced a change in policy concerning scheduling of immigrant visa interviews. Previously, immigrant visa interviews were scheduled using a tiered approach to triage immigrant visa applications. The tiers, or order of priority were: Tier 1: immediate relative adoption visas, age out cases, special immigrant visas, and emergency cases; Tier 2: immediate relative

visas (spouse or child of U.S. citizen), fiancées and returning residents; Tier 3: all other familybased petitions; and Tier 4: all other immigrant visas including employment cases.

Under the new policy, embassies no longer have to follow this tiered approach, but instead can use their own discretion or judgment on how to schedule immigrant visa interviews: “Embassies and consulates have broad discretion to determine how to prioritize visa appointments among the range of visa classes as safely as possible, subject to local conditions and restrictions.”

What this means is embassies no longer have to

follow a rigid, tiered approach in scheduling interviews.

Instead, if their calendar allows, they can schedule employment or other familybased cases, without worrying about prioritizing immediate relative cases.

I think this is a great idea, because embassies are in a much better position to gauge their own local conditions in terms of COVID restrictions, staffing, lockdowns, etc.

Scheduling of immigrant visa interviews could be compared to reservations on an airplane, where the gate agent is in the best position to figure out seating arrangements on the aircraft, and if there’s a cancellation, to fill the seat with someone on the standby PAGE 12

BANNED FOR LIFE NO MORE THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Joyce (center) petitioned her fiancé, Ronald (left), in 2006.

However, while the K-1 petition was approved in 2007, his visa was denied due to Ronald’s admitting to drug use to the doctors at St. Luke’s. He was then banned for life from entering the U.S. In 2011, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to convince the U.S. Embassy in Manila to change their policy, and they agreed they would not ban people for life if the only “evidence” is the person admitting drug use to the doctors at St. Luke’s. In 2016, MJG was able to clear Ronald’s name, and Ronald’s immigrant visa was issued. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, December 12 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

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December 10-16, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Cruelty to our planet

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS IT does not take an Einstein to understand that clean air, pure water, and unpolluted environment are conducive to health and longevity.

In certain parts of the world, like in the serene Okinawa to the verdant valleys of Ecuador to the unspoiled hills of the Himalayas, a significant number of people normally live to a hundred. A common denominator among these centenarians is an environment that is nature’s best, untainted by the toxic byproducts of the advances in technology in this modern world of ours.

Today, man, in most parts of the earth, especially in well-developed cities, is no longer living in harmony with nature. He has been hostile to his environment, gradually killing it with poisonous gases and deadly chemicals from our factories and toxic smoke from our vehicles that pollute the air and deplete the ozone layer which shields and protects us from dangerous solar radiation. Irresponsible massive deforestation, obviously for financial gains and disregarding the law of nature, has caused widespread flooding and mudslides that kill thousands every year. Individually, we use countless noxious chemicals at home for cleaning which eventually end up in rivers and oceans that destroy bodies of water

and their priceless inhabitants and contaminate our drinking water. And there are other human activities, some criminal like arson-causing forest fires, that negatively alter the “homeostasis” in our world, as well as the equilibrium in our environment and in our own selves.

These unwise and negligent human behaviors against Planet Earth and Mother Nature for centuries have boomeranged, causing untold calamities worldwide in the form of human diseases and destruction of our physical milieu, not to mention their immeasurable adverse effects on the human psyche around the globe.

Our immune system as a species, for one, has been negatively impacted. Various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, diseases of the heart, lungs, and various other organs, and some unexplained ailments, have increased, especially in the last century or so. Our misadventures are now haunting us and our children.

While the governments of the world are trying to remedy this dire global “climate change,” it behooves us, earthlings, to do our daily share in showing more respect and love for our environment. After all, Planet Earth is the only home we’ve got today. And destroying it is like helping detonate a bomb on board a plane we are in.

Organic is healthier Most of the produce and products on the market today are “contaminated” with some type of chemicals used

in fertilizing them, protecting them, making them more appealing, preserving them, or enriching them. Let’s opt for organic foods, vegetables, meat products, fruits, etc. that are raised and produced without pesticides, herbicides, hormones, antibiotics, preservatives and coloring.

We must also avoid processed foods, which increase our risk for cancer.

Versatile plastic wares abound in the world, many of them releasing vinyl chloride and other toxic gases, or phthalates, which are cancer and birth defect-causing agents, and which are also harmful to the lungs and liver. Surprisingly, unbeknownst to most of us, some plastics are also used in chewing gum, cosmetics, carpeting, mattresses, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, polyester clothing, and tissue paper. The use of glass containers, natural fiber clothing, personal care-cosmetic products made with natural ingredients, wooden toys for kids, etc. and staying away from aluminum cookware to prevent aluminum poisoning, are the healthier ways to go.

All white paper products are bleached with chemicals that leave behind residues of cancer-causing dioxin, which are likewise found in lunch bags, coffee filters, diapers, paper towels, napkins, tissue, and toilet paper. Dioxin, like other harmful chemicals, enters the soil and eventually contaminates groundwater.

The use of organic household cleaners, otherwise known as “Green Your Clean PAGE 12

New developments...

PAGE 11 list. Similarly, as local conditions change, and more interview slots open up, and more staff returns to the embassies to take on a bigger caseload, the local embassies are better equipped to do the discretionary scheduling.

While this is good news, it would be great news if the existing backlog could be cleared as soon as possible so that people who have been patiently waiting for years can finally have their visas issued.

If your case has been “documentarily qualified” with the NVC, or you had already been interviewed at the embassy, but nothing has been happening with your case, you may want to consult with an attorney, to make sure your case is still on track, versus forgotten or fallen through the cracks. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 40 years and is licensed, and an active member of the

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New Jersey Filipinos to hold ‘Pink Caravan for Leni’ on Dec. 12

By Manuel

Caballero

JERSEY CITY, NJ – Filipinos in the State of New Jersey, home to over 100,000 Filipinos, according to the latest US census, are getting excited as they prepare to hold a Pink Caravan For Vice President Leni Robredo in Jersey City on Dec. 12, 2021.

Robredo is running for president of the Philippines in its May 2022 elections.

It is being organized by Robredo supporters under the United Filipinos of North America USA-New Jersey and 1SAMBAYAN USA-NJ Chapter.

Two Bicolano organizations in NJ are actively supporting the ‘Pink Caravan for Leni’.

According to Edwin Josue, Loida Nicolas Lewis, originally from Sorsogon and known for her long-time involvement in Fil Am community activities, will attend

Vice President Leni Robredo Contributed photo

the pro-Leni event. Lewis is co-founder of Global Filipinos For Leni (GFFL) with members from over 30 countries.

Bea gets out of her comfort zone

BEA Alonzo considers 2021 as a year of changes and of growth. People not only saw her transfer to GMA Network from her former mother network of more than two decades; they also saw her become more confident and open to conquering new challenges.

This is what makes her the perfect Tanduay Calendar Girl for 2022, as the brand wanted someone who is brave enough to try new things and undergo change for growth.

“She is the Tanduay Calendar Girl we need during these uncertain times. Someone who will remind us that change can be a good thing, but you have to be strong as you breeze through these changes. No stress, just be calm and collected, so you can emerge beautifully out of every situation you are in,” said said Marc Ngo, Tanduay Senior Brand Manager

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)

Jillian Robredo, daughter of VP Leni who is studying for a college degree in New York was invited to attend.

Anyone who wishes to join the Caravan may proceed to Lincoln Park by Duncan Avenue side starting at 8:00 A.M on Dec. 12. Caravan starts at 10:00 A.M. There will be group photo op and registration for the unregistered participants before the start. Fellowship will follow at same park at the end of motorcade.

Those who will join may bring food. They are requested to wear pink and decorate their cars with pink, but not with balloons (balloons are not allowed in Jersey City public activities like motorcades).

According to Google, weather forecast in Jersey City on Dec 12, day of ‘Pink Caravan for Leni,’ will be sunny, high of 45 deg., low of 33 deg. n

Bea Alonzo

Photo from Instagram/@beaalonzo

and International Business Development Manager.

The theme for Bea’s Tanduay Calendar Girl shoot is La Dolce Vita. While she was briefed about the theme, the talented actress was given the freedom to interpret it with direction from the creative team.

“I was really nervous at first because it was my first time to do a sexy photo shoot,” Alonzo confessed.

Nevertheless, Alonzo was more than excited to become part of the elite circle of women who became Tanduay Calendar Girls.

“Each of them are not only beautiful, but have many admirable attributes as well.

They’re strong, independent, and talented,” she said.

Previous Tanduay Calendar Girls include Heart Evangelista, KC Concepcion, Ellen Adarna, Barbie Imperial, and 2021’s Ivana Alawi, among others.

Asked how she felt when she learned that she was chosen to represent the brand for the coming year, Alonzo said that she was surprised at first and ecstatic the next.

“I couldn’t believe it! Tanduay is an iconic brand that is known all over the world and has received so many international awards.

To be the Tanduay calendar girl is a huge honor,” Alonzo said.

Alonzo herself has numerous awards to her name. In 2019, she was declared the “Leading Lady of the Century” by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

She also has several Best Actress awards for movies and TV, and has been a recipient of a Box Office Queen award and a Phenomenal Box Office Star award.

As for her movie and TV projects for the coming year, fans can look forward to her first primetime teleserye as a Kapuso, and a movie with brand ambassador Alden Richards,

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 10-16, 2021

Barbie on relationship with Diego: ‘We chose to be strong’

By Boy

ABundA

Philstar.com

LOVE, for all we know, is not enough to make a relationship last. A healthy relationship requires more than pure emotion especially when the going gets tough.

What do you do? Do you turn your back and walk away, or do you fight for the one you love?

Barbie Imperial is firm with her words and, certainly, she has all the rights to keep her relationship with Diego Loyzaga on the right track.

It was only recently when something awry came up that landed their names in showbiz news headlines.

The 23-year-old Kapamilya actress recently guested on Kumu’s The Best Talk and poured her emotions regarding the issue that linked her and Diego to it. She assured the controversy didn’t ruin their relationship but it all the more made them stronger.

“We’re okay, Tito Boy,”

EMPLOYMENT

Barbie Imperial with boyfriend Diego Loyzaga Photo from Instagram/@msbarbieimperial

said Barbie before she proceeded to tell her side of the story. “We talked about the issues and it’s clear that we’ve become stronger.

Kasi dalawang bagay lang ‘yun — pwedeng sirain kami ng nangyari o mas maging strong kami. We chose to be strong. It’s tough because this is the first time that the man I love is also accepted by people. Dati kasi ang

daming nagagalit, palaging may say yung mga tao at ito yung first time kay Diego maraming masaya.”

She was understandably in anger and pain caused by nasty rumors. “Nung una gigil na gigil ako na gusto ko hanapin yung number n’ya.”

Barbie was referring to Xian Gaza who posted a blind item about a social media couple who broke

up because of a “Star Magic artist.” It went viral after netizens began the guessing game, naming the social media couple as Wil Dasovich and Alodia Gosiengfiao, and Barbie as the “Star Magic artist.”

Instead of confronting Xian, Barbie had chosen to say a prayer “because I know that’s what he wanted to happen (confrontation).

So, hindi ko ‘yun ibibigay sa kanya. Alam namin ni Diego na wala kaming ginagawang masama. Masaya kaming magkasama kaya bakit pa namin pagtutuunan ng pansin yung tao na naninira sa amin.”

Barbie believed their relationship was put to the test. “Sa isang taon namin ni Diego, wala kaming naging pagsubok na ganun kalalim.”

Another post from Xian mentioned that Diego visited AJ Raval in Pampanga while Barbie was waiting for him in Manila. Barbie said PAGE 15

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Amy Perez

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Photo from Instagram/@amypcastillo

Amy gives useful tips on how to build ‘a habit of praise’

FOR life to be lighter, veteran TV host Amy Perez believes there is a need for people to have a “healthy dose of gratitude.”

Perez believes there should always be a moment of being thankful for life’s many gifts, as per her

SERVICES

Instagram page, where she shared a Bible passage (James 1:17) which says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”

“Are you needing a boost of joy and strength for your day? Try adding a healthy PAGE 15

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people events arts culture entertainment

Kevin Nadal breaks barriers, named Distinguished Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice

by MOMAR

Kevin Nadal is the first Asian American faculty member at John Jay College to be named Distinguished Professor.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

Heartbound U Cards

Pinat Candles

Pinat is a business that was born during the pandemic.

Elfie Lim started the company in 2020, as being unable to connect with people during the pandemic was beginning to take its toll. Lim loves candles and through Pinat, she is able to come up with high quality home products such as candles, diffusers, and wax melts. Her soy wax candles are made of premium wax made from 100% U.S. grown soy. (https://www.pinatnj.com/)

starring Conrad Ricamora

The How to Get Away With Murder alum is returning to the stage in January to take over the role of Seymour in the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors. Ricamora will replace current star Jeremy Jordan, The Fil-Am actor earned two Grammy nominations for the original cast recordings of the Lincoln Center revival of The King and I and The Public Theater production of Soft Power. Ricamora also starred in the award-winning Here Lies Love where he played the role of Sen. Benigno”Ninoy” Aquino. (http://westsidetheatre.com/ covid-19/)

“It means so much to me and it feels really overwhelming just because I felt the response. It feels way bigger than me.

It feels way bigger than anything I have accomplished,” Dr. Nadal told the Asian Journal.

That the announcement happened on Larry Itliong Day was not lost on him.

“It meant that you know, all of the Filipinos who have been in this country many of them have experienced violence PAGE 15

Noche Buena Box

Heartbound U Designs is a small business that celebrates Filipino culture with their unique Christmas, birthday and thank you cards. Part of the proceeds will benefit an orphanage in the Philippines and FCDC, a Fil-Am non profit organization in Toms River, NJ. (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartboundU)

Ticket to Little Shop of Horrors

G. VISAYA / AJPress

JOHN Jay College of Criminal Justice Professor Kevin Nadal is known in the Filipino American community as an educator, psychology expert, community organizer, historian, and supporter of the arts, among many other things.

The City University of New York recently named Dr. Nadal to the title of Distinguished Professor in recognition of his exceptional contributions to scholarship and the public discourse, becoming the first Asian American faculty member at John Jay College to hold the title.

Six small Fil-Am-owned businesses gathered to make this box that contains desserts highlighting both modern and traditional Filipino flavors. The box includes Buko Pandan Flan Cake from EuneCakes, silvans from Purple Dough, classic bibingka from Kabisera NYC, ensaymada from Whisk Pastry NYC, mochi-filled cookies in ube, matcha and gingerbread from The Boiis Co and the OG ube + buck pandas halo-halo from FilRo.

by Flip Eats

Chef Joel Javier began making Liquid Gold as a garlic side condiment for the Kamayan Pop-up dinners they used to hold prepandemic. Their guests fell in love with it and as such, Liquid Gold was born. What’s in the flavor bomb in a jar? Simple. House-made garlic oil, garlic crisps, and various spices. (http://www.flipeats.com/ products)

Likha Planters and Baskets

Lady M

Mille Crêpes If you were lucky enough, you were able to taste Lady M’s Purple Yam “Ube” Mille Crêpes last month.

It began as a seasonal cake the company created with Mid-Autumn Festival in mind. Due to popular demand however, they extended the availability of this cake through the end of November.

Lady M aims to launch new cakes every month as they continuously innovate their menu based on the availability of seasonal ingredients and flavors in high demand. Some cakes are only available in our boutiques because they are too fragile to ship nationwide. “We look at popular flavors around the world and take customer feedback into consideration when creating a new cake recipe,” a Lady M rep told the Asian Journal. “Our Purple Yam Mille Crepes are a great example of this process coming to life - Purple Yam and Ube were flavors highly requested from our customers, and our Executive Pastry Chef, Chef Manami Narita, ensured that the key ingredient (Purple Yam) was at the forefront of every single layer of the cake. Quality ingredients, taste, and presentation are all equally key to Lady M’s process.”

Liquid Gold

Daniel Corpuz Chocolates A young Fil-Am decided to build his own chocolate brand in the middle of the global pandemic. He called his namesake business Daniel Corpuz Chocolatier and showcased his creations on Instagram, which led to producers scouting him and his chocolate work ultimately landed him an opportunity to be on the Netflix show ‘School of Chocolate’ with Chef Amaury Guichon. Catch him and his ‘Holiday Box’ of bon bons at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.

Also at the Columbus Circe Holiday Market is Likha, a brand selling handcrafted sustainable goods such as planters and abaca baskets. Each purchase goes towards supporting and empowering their partner artisans in the Philippines, who hand craft each of the planters using sustainable coconut coir fiber. (https://shoplikha.com/)

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 10-16, 2021

Kevin Nadal breaks barriers...

PAGE 14 and racism, discrimination, and, you know, some even brutalized and killed. That there was this moment of joy and victory, and it feels way bigger than me and I’m just so happy that it happened during Filipino American History Month,” he added.

Nadal started at CUNY in 2004 at LaGuardia Community College where he was an instructor teaching education classes.

Two years later, he started as an adjunct at John Jay College, and then he became a full-time faculty member in 2008 in the psychology department.

He is now the tenth current Distinguished Professor at John Jay, the second person of color and the youngest to be afforded the distinction.

“We are so proud of Kevin Nadal for being John Jay’s first Asian American Distinguished Professor, but more importantly, for giving voice to underrepresented lived experiences and helping build a stronger foundation for the academic success of our students and for all current and future BIPOC professors,” said John Jay College President Karol V. Mason.

Dr. Nadal, who is also a professor with the CUNY Graduate Center, has compiled a robust body of scholarship focused, in part, on microaggressions, with additional scholarship centered on Filipino and Asian Americans and LGBTQ people of color.

“As a queer Filipino American child of immigrants, I would have never imagined that something like this would be a possibility for someone like me,” said Nadal. “It feels serendipitous that it happened during Filipino American History Month.

The earliest Filipino migrants faced violent discrimination and worked in fields and canneries - in horrible conditions and for mere pennies a day. This promotion is for them and for all my ancestors who came before me. I would not be here without them.”

Most of CUNY’s distinguished professors are older and over 60 years old, most are white, and many are men.

“You know, it’s an elite group. These are folks who are at the top of their field have sometimes up to, you know, dozens of books,

hundreds of publications, and there’s a reason why that title is distinguished because they really have done significant amounts of work to get to where they are,” Nadal shared.

“I’m very proud of being able to say I deserve to be here because I have worked hard. I’ve written up to 12 books now and hundreds of articles and have done a lot of things to get me here,” he added. “But I also know that I’m a lucky one, that there are still so many other people who are brilliant and talented but maybe just haven’t had those opportunities yet, and I might be the first Filipino Distinguished Professor at CUNY but I certainly hope I’m not the last.”

Since the publication of one of his first articles on microaggressions, the literature on the issue has grown to thousands of articles and tens of thousands of media articles.

Microaggressions are the subtle ways that biases and prejudices are communicated in interactions. Through his work, Nadal is shedding light on such actions and giving voice to communities that are otherwise invisible in the academic literature, while examining the construct through a rigorous scientific lens.

“When people, Asian people in general, Filipino people specifically, when we navigate the streets, it’s no longer that we have to think about just microaggressions and smaller forms of discrimination, but we also have to think about overt violence and being attacked or experiencing hate crimes,” he shared. “And that’s a lot you know, and I think it’s something that we all managed to do without thinking about it but what is the cost of that of our psyches? To have to always be vigilant and hyper-aware that there might potentially be a hate crime around the corner.”

Dr. Nadal, who received his Ph.D. just 13 years ago in 2008, has published nine books, with three more in press/in progress and more than 100 articles and chapters. His authored books include Filipino American Psychology: A Handbook of Theory, Research and Clinical Practice (John Wiley & Sons, 2011), Microaggressions and Traumatic Stress (APA, 2018), and Queering Law and Order: LGBTQ Communities

and the Criminal Justice System (Lexington Books, 2020). He has delivered more than 42 keynote and invited lectures to date, and has been awarded more than $240K in research and programming grants since coming to John Jay and CUNY. “Dr. Nadal’s exceptional scholarship and contributions to the field of Psychology make him an ideal recipient for the title of CUNY Distinguished Professor at CUNY,” said John Jay College Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Yi Li. “We at John Jay College congratulate him on this honor and are looking forward for his continuous contributions in the years to come.”

Nadal mentioned that when he was already a grown adult when he knew he wanted to be a professor and it took a Latina mentor to pique his interest. Dr. Jeanett Castellanos one day pulled him aside after class and asked if he ever thought about going to graduate school.

“And I said, ‘What’s graduate school?’ I didn’t know what that was. We’re Filipino. We do medical school, nursing school. And so that’s where it started,” he shared. “It really took mentorship, it took watching people who I admired to do this and also encouraged me to be a professor myself, that I realized I do enjoy teaching, writing, and research.”

He hopes that more Filipino Americans would consider a career in the academe and pursue graduate work and get their doctorates.

Nadal is a past President of the Asian American Psychological Association, the oldest Asian American mental health organization in the country (and only one of four major national ethnic minority psychological associations), co-founder and an Executive Committee member of the LGBTQ Scholars of Color Network, and an elected Trustee for the Filipino American National Historical Society (2010-present). He also has served as an editor for several journals, including The Journal of Counseling Psychology, Asian American Journal of Psychology, and The Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. n

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Barbie on relationship...

PAGE 13 there was no truth to that. Diego is not a womanizer, she stressed, as opposed to what Xian had insinuated.

According to her, the videos released

by Xian were from tapings. Diego and AJ worked together in Death of a Girlfriend.

The latter was then the girlfriend of Barbie’s bestfriend Axel Torres.

“Never sila na nagkaroon ng thing na seryoso talaga,” said Barbie pertaining to Diego and AJ. “One more thing, about AJ, for me, if wala kang kinalaman or alam mo naman na hindi

ka kabit ni Diego, magsalita ka.

“So, parang for me, bakit parang gusto mo na nangyayari ito lahat, na nagka-thing kayo ni Diego?” she went on.

Barbie also heard that AJ and Xian are friends “that they really talk about… she feeds him mga info, ng mga chismis. So, parang sa akin, ‘O, gusto mo pala ito,’” added Barbie who revealed that she and AJ were friends before.

Perhaps, every couple goes through a rough patch that could deepen or damage the relationship. But Barbie and Diego’s love for each other keeps them together. n

Amy gives useful tips on how to...

PAGE 13 dose of gratitude to your routine. Include a time of praise and worship as you exercise; post five things you’re thankful for on social media, your bathroom mirror, or your household white board; or share what you most appreciate from your day over dinner with someone you love,” she advised, noting that “the method doesn’t matter as much as establishing the habit — a habit of praise.”

For Perez, “God’s gifts don’t need fancy packaging to qualify for gratitude” because she believes these can come in the form of “small surprises and simple pleasures.” She cited examples such as getting a hug from one’s child, a fellow driver letting you pass during commute, trying on a new shade of lipstick, or having chocolates after a meal.

“A thankful heart can’t help but mine deeper

and deeper for the gems that are within each new day. Likewise, a grateful mind keeps looking higher and higher, above life’s difficulties or frustrations, to the One who is above it all,” she stressed.

Lastly, Perez also believes that one can be thankful even for the “worst days” as well, because she said people can trust God to see the bigger picture and has better plans for everyone.

(By Alex Brosas/Inquirer.

Cruelty to our planet...

PAGE 12 Routine,” is the safer and healthier alternative. An effective and safer cleanser, for instance, is diluted vinegar for use in the kitchen and bathroom tiles, mirrors, and even in carpets to inhibit mildew and bacteria. For hand sanitizer against viruses, alcohol (must be 75 percent or higher) is effective, but frequent handwashing with soap is still the safest. For COVID-19, social distancing is beneficial, and vaccination is a must to prevent getting infected with this killer virus with its Delta variant, and now, the new South African Omicron strain, which experts are closely monitoring.

Our obligation The corporate world, our community, and we, as individuals, have the moral duty and responsibility as members of society to protect and preserve our planet and Mother Nature for our survival and the survival of our family and all our fellow human beings traveling with us in this journey on Planet Earth. We, as a species, our genus, our race, will only survive if we all endeavor together to save Mother Earth. We do not have any other option. If we don’t stop poisoning and destroying our only home where we are all trapped, the end of man is not far behind. I pray that reality catches up with our race sooner than later while there is still time.

The basic principle in all this is for us, the inhabitants of Planet Earth, to be responsible and be good to our environment by not contaminating our natural habitat with poisons in whatever form, and to allow Mother Nature to flourish at its best. We each can start this education, positive awareness, behavioral modification, compassion, and responsible practices in our own homes and community.

The purer the air we breathe in, the cleaner

the water we drink, the more unadulterated food we eat, the more robust the ozone layer is, and the healthier our lifestyle is, the more wonderful our world will be, not only for us and our loved ones, but for humankind as a whole and for all the future generations to come.

Before the year 2021 ends, in the midst of this deadly COVID-19 pandemic which has so far killed 5.3 million, let’s be wiser and kinder to ourselves. Let us protect ourselves and others around us by wearing a mask and doing social distancing in public. More importantly, let us all get vaccinated. More than 4.5 billion people have been safely vaccinated around the world, with more than 230 million of them in the United States. It is really a matter of life and death. *** 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: philipSchua.com, FUN8888.com, Today, SPSAtoday.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

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December 10-16, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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