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DECEMBER 11-17, 2020 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 16 Pages

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c a n C o m m u n i t y N e w s pa p e r

Also published in LOS ANGELES • ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA • NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY • LAS VEGAS

USA

DATELINE

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Southern California now under regional stay-at-home order AS coronavirus cases continue to climb and ICU capacities reach critical lows, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Monday, Dec. 7 that Southern California — along with the San Joaquin Valley — is on modified lockdown per the regional stay-at-home order announced last week.

The plan originally stated that any of the five regions in the state that reach 15% or lower ICU capacity are automatically issued the stay-at-home order.

Southern California’s ICU capacity is currently at 10.9%, meaning that the counties of Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura are

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Todd Gloria sworn in as San Diego’s 37th mayor

by Joseph

Peralta AJPress

THIRTY-TWO years ago, a young Todd Gloria was a finalist in the Mayor For A Day essay contest in his hometown of San Diego.

On Thursday morning, December 10, the 42-year-old third-generation San Diegan and son

of hardworking parents who grew up in the Clairemont area, was officially sworn in as the 37th mayor of the city in an online ceremony.

Gloria, who previous to his election as San Diego mayor served in the California State Assembly, received his oath of office from California Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins.

He started his address by thanking those closest to

him, including his family, his partner, his mentors and his staff.

“I’d like to start this morning by thanking my parents, Linda and Phil, my brother Tye and his beautiful family, my incredible partner Adam, my staff both past and present, all City of San Diego employees, and

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World Bank: PH economy wto bounce back in

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by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

Rep. TJ Cox (D-Calif.)

File photo

Fil-Am Rep. TJ Cox concedes in race for California’s 21st Congressional District

REP. TJ Cox has conceded in the race for the state’s 21st Congressional District, a month after the 2020 general election.

Cox — who made history in 2018 as the first Filipino American from California elected to Congress — conceded to his challenger, Republican David Valadao on Friday, December 4 in a failed reelection bid to continue representing the district, which includes Central Valley areas of Fresno County, Kern County, Kings County, and Tulare County.

“Almost three years ago, I entered the race for California’s 21st District as an underdog.

But we out-worked our opponent and pulled

CROWDED CHURCH. Hundreds of devotees flock to Quiapo Church to attend the first Sunday Mass of the month on Sunday, December 6.

Authorities earlier announced the cancellation of the grand procession of the image of the Black Nazarene in January 2021 in light of the pandemic.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

THE World Bank expects the Philippine economy to start recovering in the next two years as the country eases quarantine restrictions, allowing more industries to resume operations.

The multilateral lender on Tuesday, December 8, forecasted the Philippines an economic growth of 5.9% in 2021, and 6.0% in 2022.

“With the steady decline in daily cases despite the gradual re-opening of industries, the risk of reversing to stricter quarantine restrictions is likely reduced,” said Rong Qian, World Bank Senior Economist.

“If the positive trend persists, the infection curve is likely to flatten in the first half of 2021, which will help pave the way for a sustainable economic recovery in 2021-2022,” she added.

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Filipina nurse administers Fil-Am groups call on first COVID-19 vaccine in UK Newsom to appoint Rob

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

A FILIPINA nurse was part of history this week as she administered the first COVID-19 vaccine outside of clinical trials to a 90-year-old woman in the United Kingdom.

National Health Service (NHS) nurse

May Parsons on Tuesday, December 8, administered the vaccine to Margaret Keenan, the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine after its clinical approval in the country.

“It’s a huge honor to be the first person in the country to deliver a COVID-19 jab

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Bonta as California’s attorney general

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

FASTFOOD CHAIN RETURNS TO MIRA MESA

WITH California Attorney General Xavier Becerra tapped to join the incoming Biden administration, several Filipino American organizations are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint Assemblymember Rob Bonta to the high office.

The impending vacancy comes as President-elect Joe Biden announced Becerra as his nominee

by AJPress for secretary of health and human POPULAR fast-food chain Jollibee has services.

Bonta — who made history as set its sights on 2021 and will add 28 stores to its North American network, 19 the first Fil-Am to serve in Caliin the United States and nine in Canada. fornia’s legislature — was among The 2021 expansion will mark Jol- the contenders for attorney genlibee’s largest ever addition to its North eral in 2017 when Kamala Harris American store network in company was elected to the U.S. Senate. history as it works towards its goal of Becerra, then a congressman representing the 34th congresamassing 300 stores by 2024.

2020 was previously the brand’s most sional district in Southern Caliaggressive year yet. Already this year, fornia, was ultimately selected by the largest fast food chain brand in former Gov. Jerry Brown.

During the 2020 November the Philippines safely and successfully u PAGE 5 election, Bonta was reelected for a fifth term to represent the

Jollibee to open 28 stores US transfers military in the US, Canada in 2021 hardware to PH u PAGE 4

THE Philippines has received an additional P1.4 billion ($29.3 million) worth of military equipment from the United States, demonstrating the longstanding and steadfast U.S. military commitment to the Philippines.

Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller on Tuesday, December 8, met with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr., announcing the recent transfer of the defense articles, including sniper and anti-IED equipment, to senior Philippine military officials.

The turnover of the defense equipment will support the modernization goals of the

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The new store in Mira Mesa stands at 3,100-square-feet and is Jollibee’s 21st store in California.

Assemblymember Rob Bonta

File photo

state’s 18th Assembly district, which covers the East Bay areas of Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro. He currently serves as the

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USA

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Report: Record hunger in the Online registration for overseas voting in 2022 PH elections begins PH as COVID-19 continues

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

AS the coronavirus pandemic persists, the Philippines is experiencing record levels of hunger, according to a recent report by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and job losses, Filipinos have started relying on food handouts to survive.

“Charities are struggling to meet the ever-growing demand for food as millions of families go hungry across the country,” the article by AFP reporter Allison Jackson said.

Rise Against Hunger, an international hunger relief organization, admitted that the Philippines is failing to provide food for its people.

“I’ve never seen hunger at this level before,” Jomar Fleras, executive director of Rise Against Hunger in the Philippines, told AFP. “If you go out there every-

body will tell you that they’re more afraid of dying from hunger than dying from COVID. They don’t care about COVID anymore,” he added.

One of the many unfortunate Filipinos who rely on charity drives every day to be able to eat is Daniel Auminto.

Auminto, 41, lost his job and then his home due to the pandemic, forcing him and his family to live on the streets and join long queues of mostly homeless people to receive a free meal from an outdoor food pantry.

“On some days, the family gets two meals from different pantries; other days, it is just one. Sometimes, they have no food at all,” the AFP noted.

Demand for food is constantly increasing, according to Father Flavie Villanueva, who runs a program in Manila where volunteers “prepare around a thousand meals of chicken, vegetables and rice that are packed into boxes and

given to the hungry.”

“We started doing this in April and began with 250 (people lining up). It increased to 400, and then 600, then 800. Three weeks ago, it was 1,000,” he was quoted saying.

Fleras, meanwhile, said food donation drives might have to feed 200,000 families this year.

A September survey from the Social Weather Stations revealed that the number of people going hungry in the Philippines has reached a record high during the pandemic.

Nearly one-third of families or 7.6 million households did not have enough food to eat at least once in the previous three months.

Of the total figure, a record 2.2 million families experienced “severe hunger.”

“For the country’s legions of poor, the pandemic is just another challenge in their lives — and not even the most serious,” the AFP said.

by AJPress

OVERSEAS Filipinos may now register to vote online for the 2022 Philippine elections.

The Philippine Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) iRehistro, which has been operational since December 1, is accepting applications for new registrants, transfer and reactivation of voter records, the change of name or correction of entries on record, and inclusion of records in the book of voters/reinstatement of name in the list of voters.

The online facility also re-

quires the applicants to provide their personal information, citizenship details, and residency data.

However, the poll body stressed that accomplishing the online form does not automatically make the applicant a registered voter.

“Take note that using this online facility only attempts to facilitate the process of accomplishment of the Application Form. It does not automatically mean approval of your application,” Comelec said in an announcement on its website.

“You still have to personally appear before the concerned

Philippine embassy or consulate together with the printed online application forms (3 copies) for QR scanning and biometrics capture to complete the filing process,” it added.

Biometrics capture may be done only at Philippine embassies and consulates during office hours.

Comelec also said that the Election Registration Board (ERB) will approve the application on the scheduled date for the next ERB hearing.

The voter registration period resumed last September 1 and will run until September 30, 2021.

Judge restores DACA, orders DHS to accept new applications

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

FOR the first time in three years, the program that has protected young undocumented immigrants from deportation will accept new applications.

Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York on Friday, December 4 ruled that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be restored to its original form, and that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security must post a public notice by Monday that it will review new applications.

The approved applications will receive work permits for two years.

This comes after the Trump administration in 2017 moved to terminate the program, but

the legality of the program has been weighed by several federal courts, including the Supreme Court this summer.

DACA, which was introduced by former President Barack Obama in 2012, granted renewable deportation protections of two years to certain young undocumented immigrants, known as “Dreamers,” who were brought to the United States illegally as children.

Aside from being able to stay in the U.S., recipients were able to work legally which allowed many to pursue higher education and other career goals. The program, however, does not offer a pathway to citizenship for the grantees.

On November 14, Garaufis ruled that the Trump administration’s rules limiting applications and renewals for DACA were invalid because Chad Wolf was not legally ap-

pointed acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Wolf in July suspended the DACA program pending DHS review, despite the U.S. Supreme Court blocking the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle the program a month before.

Around 650,000 individuals have benefitted from the DACA program.

According to Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice), an affiliation of five independent civil rights organizations, at least 16,000 DACA recipients are of Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent.

Between 2012 and 2017, at least 3,880 Filipinos were granted DACA protection, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Pfizer’s COVID vaccine may arrive in PH between Q2 to Q3 of 2021

by Krissy

Aguilar Inquirer.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines might only get a hold of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine between the second and third quarter of 2021, the country’s vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Wednesday, December 9.

Galvez said the production line of Pfizer and other leading vaccines for start of 2021 were already secured by rich countries.

“Ang nakita po natin sa Pfizer at saka sa ibang leading vaccines, dahil nga naprocure na yun, nakita natin yung productions from the first quarter and the second quarter, nakuha na po ng mga rich countries,” Galvez said in an interview over ABS-CBN Channel.

(We saw that Pfizer and other leading vaccines, since these were already procured, we saw

that its productions from the first and second quarter were already secured by rich countries.)

“Sa atin, ang natitira na lang po is middle or last portion of the second quarter and the third quarter,” he added.

(For us, we are left with the middle or last portion of the second quarter and the third quarter.)

Some 80 % of global COVID-19 vaccine supply have already been secured by rich nations, Galvez earlier said.

Even if the Philippines has a good plan on securing COVID-19 vaccines, Galvez said rich nations will still get it first since they were the ones that financed its development.

“Alam niyo po yung mga vaccines came from the first world countries. They even finance it.

Definitely, kapag po sila na-finance, sa kanila nanggaling, definitely sila po ang ang mau-

Maria Ressa

una mag roll out,” Galvez said.

(Vaccines came from the first world countries. They even finance it. Definitely, if they are the ones that financed it, it came from them, definitely they will be the first to roll out.)

“Kahit na magaling po ang plano natin, talagang kahit nauna po tayo magplano, I believe we cannot get the vaccine because it is already reserved to the origin countries,” he went on.

(Even if we have a good plan, even if we planned ahead of them, I believe we cannot get the vaccine because it is already reserved to the origin countries.)

Britain already began its vaccination program, with a 90-year-old being the first person to receive the COVID-19 vaccine of Pfizer.

Pfizer said the COVID-19 vaccine it developed showed 95 % efficacy.

Photo from Twitter/@mariaressa

Maria Ressa lands on 2020 Bloomberg 50 list

by AJPress RAPPLER co-founder and veteran journalist Maria Ressa is among 2020’s Bloomberg 50, an annual list of influential leaders, icons, and innovators who helped define the year.

She is only the second Filipino to land on the list, following Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corp., who was honored in last year’s line-up.

Ressa, a vocal critic of the administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, was convicted of cyber libel this past June for a 2012 Rappler article about a businessman, sentencing her to a penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months to six years.

“In June a judge ruled on the charge, which can be initiated when a party who believes he’s

been defamed requests a prosecution. The ask had come from businessman Wilfredo Keng, who said Rappler defamed him when the online news site cited a report about his alleged links to drug smuggling in a story,” read Ressa’s profile on the Bloomberg website.

Ressa, for her part, said the verdict was “not unexpected,” and vowed to continue fighting.

“Freedom of the press is the foundation of every single right you have as a Filipino citizen. If we can’t hold power to account, we can’t do anything,” she said in a press conference following the verdict.

Bloomberg lauded the Rappler CEO for her unflinching journalism, which included investigations of alleged police abuses in the president’s anti-drug efforts.

“She’s carried on despite what journalism advocates say is a

campaign of official intimidation, including a tax evasion case and a claim by regulators that financial support Rappler received violated a ban on foreign ownership of media,” it said.

“Free on bail, she’s fighting all those allegations — and still publishing,” it added.

Ressa, who was among TIME’s 2018 “Persons of the Year,” was recently honored with the international 2020 John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award by the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Aside from her, Bloomberg also honored Billie Eilish, singer-songwriter; Bong Joon-ho, director of Oscar-winning film “Parasite;” Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix; Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; and Tsai Ing-Wen, president of Taiwan.

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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From The Front Page

Fil-Am Rep. TJ Cox concedes in race for... Todd Gloria sworn in as San Diego’s 37th...

PAGE 1 t off the most stunning upset in Central Valley history,” Cox said in a statement. “Unfortunately, this year due to the coronavirus, we weren’t able to engage in door-to-door personal canvassing and the election results reflected that.”

Valadao, then the incumbent congressman whom Cox narrowly beat in 2018, received 85,298 (50.45%) votes this time around compared to Cox’s 84,406 (49.55%) votes, according to the Nov. 30 vote count from the Kern County Elections Office.

Despite the lack of in-person campaigning during this cycle, Cox said he was “proud of the campaign we’ve run” that did not

“engage in gutter politics.”

“We took our message directly to the people, many of whom never knew they could have a strong voice in their federal government. I never forgot that I work for them,” he said.

He urged Valadao to be a “strong advocate” for the Central Valley in the nation’s capital.

“I hope Mr. Valadao goes back to Washington humbled by his 2018 loss and has learned he can’t discount communities like Arvin, Lamont, and Mendota, places that went without visits from their congressional representative for years. I hope he will indeed deliver results for the Central Valley, which desperately needs a strong advocate in

Washington,” Cox said.

Prior to his one term in Congress, Cox — who was born in Walnut Creek, California to a Filipina mother and Chinese father — was a licensed engineer and small business owner who developed rural health clinics and community centers in the Central Valley.

Gina Ortiz Jones, a Filipina American U.S. Army veteran, was unsuccessful in her second bid for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District.

Currently, the only member of the U.S. Congress of Filipino descent is Rep. Bobby Scott, a Democrat from Virginia, who sailed to reelection with 67% of the vote. (AJPress)

PAGE 1 all the people who mentored me and supported me over the years, most especially Congresswoman Susan Davis, my friend Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins and of course our trailblazer who broke San Diego’s rainbow ceiling, State Senator Christine Kehoe. Thank you all so very much,” Mayor Gloria stated.

He then addressed city residents and described his excitement at assuming the mantle of leading the city while acknowledging his beginnings.

“My fellow San Diegans, it is with pride that I stand before you today as the 37th mayor of our city. I’m humbled by our support, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I am hopeful about the future of our city. Today is more than an inauguration day for me, our city attorney and our new Miller’s visit followed the No- councilmembers. Today is the vember 25 visit of U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett, as well as U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien’s November 22-23 visit, during which he PAGE 1 t announced P868 million ($18 assistant majority leader, and sits million) in supplementary mili- on several committees, including tary equipment and training for appropriations and health. the AFP. With possible picks circulat“The Philippines is by far the ing for the Golden State’s next largest recipient of U.S. military top lawyer, several Fil-Am orgaassistance in the Indo-Pacific re- nizations are gathering support gion,” noted the U.S. Embassy in to show Newsom why he should Manila. consider the 48-year-old Fil-Am “Since 2015, the United States lawmaker. has delivered more than P33 The National Filipino Ameribillion ($650 million) worth of can Lawyers Association, along planes, ships, armored vehicles, with six Fil-Am affiliate organizasmall arms, and other military tions in California, sent a letter to equipment to the Philippines, Newsom this week, recognizing while training side-by-side with that the attorney general would our Filipino allies,” it added. be facing pressing challenges of (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress) today — including the COVID-19 pandemic, civil rights movement against systemic racism and the rise in hate crimes, including against the Asian American and ters that hit the country while Pacific Islander (AAPI) commuwe are battling the pandemic nity.

Amid the protests over the highlights the importance of mainstreaming disaster risk summer, Bonta introduced a reduction and climate change bill to classify racially motivated adaptation into policy and 911 calls as hate crimes. He also planning,” said Ndiame Diop, authored a 2019 bill, which was World Bank Country Director signed into law by Newsom, to for Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand phase out the use of all private, for-profit prisons, including both and the Philippines.

“While the Philippines is fi- prisons and immigration detennancially resilient, stronger co- tion facilities, in California.

In October, he announced a ordination, execution and implementation will help further plan to introduce legislation that will require elected prosecutors u PAGE 7 to recuse themselves from the

US transfers military hardware to...

PAGE 1 t Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The new equipment will strengthen the AFP’s joint precision strike, sniper, riverine, and counter-improvised explosive device capabilities.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to visit the Philippines, the United States’ oldest treaty ally in Asia. It was an honor to meet with Secretary Lorenzana and Secretary Loscin to discuss deepening our alliance and supporting a free and open South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region,” Miller said.

During the meeting, Miller stressed the importance of the U.S.-Philippine alliance to national and regional security, and discussed opportunities for greater bilateral security cooperation to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

He likewise highlighted the more than P1.1 billion ($23.4 million) in U.S. COVID-19 assistance and disaster relief for recent typhoon victims, as well as ongoing U.S. support for Philippine counterterrorism and maritime security efforts.

“We are grateful for the support provided by the United States as we continuously work on the enhancement of the Philippines’ defense capabilities,” said Lorenzana.

“The modernization of the AFP will ultimately allow us to respond more effectively to both traditional and non-traditional security threats to our maritime nation. Our government expresses our deep appreciation for the US government’s assistance in protecting our borders from external threats,” he added.

Additional 2.7 million poor Filipinos The World Bank forecasted that the economy would contract even deeper at 8.1% in 2020, a revision from its -6.9% forecast last October.

This is due to several “shocks” like the COVID-19 pandemic as well as Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses which battered parts of the Philippines between October and November.

“The series of natural disas-

day that marks a new chapter in San Diego’s history. Today is the day that we start building a San Diego that truly is for all of us,” the University of San Diego alum said.

“As a kid growing up in Claire-

mont, I didn’t see people who looked like me leading practically anything, let alone the eighth largest city in the United States.

But today I stand in front of you as the first person of color and

u PAGE 7

Fil-Am groups call on Newsom to appoint...

World Bank: PH economy to bounce...

PAGE 1 t The World Bank noted that government spending for infrastructure projects next year would help ensure a stable economic footing as the programs would create and provide job opportunities.

“Regaining momentum on the public infrastructure program will support economic recovery and increase growth potential which might have been negatively affected by the pandemic,” Qian said.

Todd Gloria, a son of hardworking parents from the Clairemont area, was officially sworn in as the 37th mayor of San Diego in an online ceremony held Thursday morning, December 10. “San Diego is a unique place, with incredible people where anything is possible. It is the birthplace of California and a bridge between two nations. It’s the home of artistic creativity, ground-breaking innovation and research that changes the world. It’s the place where the son of a hotel maid and a gardener, a Native American/Filipino/Puerto Rican/Dutch gay guy has just be- come your mayor,” he said in his speech.

investigation and prosecution of law enforcement misconduct if they accept financial contributions from law enforcement unions.

“While the AAPI community celebrates Harris’ election as the first American of Asian and Black descent to serve as Vice President of the United States, California will be losing one of its highest-ranking AAPI statewide officials when Harris vacates her U.S. Senate seat. We submit that it is, therefore, critical for Governor Newsom to consider an AAPI candidate for a similarly high-ranking statewide office,” NFALA’s letter said. (AAPIs make up around 15% of California’s population, with the Fil-Am population among the largest.)

Bonta, who was born in Quezon City, Philippines, immigrated with his family to California’s Central Valley, where his parents worked for the United Farm Workers of America, organizing Filipino and Mexican American workers. In previous interviews, this upbringing shaped his decision to pursue a career in law and public service.

He obtained a law degree from Yale Law School and clerked for Judge Alvin W. Thompson of the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut before moving to San Francisco law

firm Keker & Van Nest. Prior to his election to the state Assembly in 2012, Bonta was San Francisco’s deputy city attorney for nearly a decade and served one term on the Alameda City Council.

KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress similarly threw their support.

“He has distinguished himself as a groundbreaking and effective legislator, leader, and strong community advocate, especially for California’s most vulnerable populations,” Mary Tablante, national co-chair of the Washington, DC-based group, said in a statement.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma also publicized her endorsement, saying Bonta would be “an exemplary choice to protect and serve the people and interests of California.”

Other candidates floating around for attorney general include Rep. Eric Swalwell, Rep. Adam Schiff, Assemblyman David Chiu and Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez.

The governor is also tasked with naming someone to take over Vice President-elect Harris’ Senate seat. Secretary of State Alex Padilla is rumored to be a top contender for the latter so should that appointment happen, Newsom would have yet another seat to fill.

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Dateline Philippines

Donaire withdraws from title fight after testing positive for COVID-19

by Niel

Victor C. Masoy

ManilaTimes.net

NONITO Donaire Jr. withdrew from his fight against Emmanuel Rodriguez after testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as reported by BoxingScene.com on Wednesday, December 9.

The Filipino Flash with a record of 40 wins against six losses and the Puerto Rican Rodriguez (19-1) were supposed to fight for the World Boxing Council bantamweight title in the main event of Showtime’s triple-header at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut on December 19.

Nonito Donaire Jr. Donaire, 38, was originally

Photo from Instagram/@nonitodonaire

scheduled to fight title holder Nordine Oubaali in November but the French also tested positive for COVID-19 and pulled out of the bout.

The cancellation led Showtime to replace Oubaali with Rodriguez.

With Donaire out, BoxingScene.com also reported that another Filipino — Reymart Gaballo — is being considered to fight Rodriguez in the main event.

The 24-year-old Gaballo, who holds a perfect record of 23-0 with 20 KOs, was originally scheduled to face Chile’s Jose Velasquez (28-6-2, 19 KOs) in the opener of Showtime’s tripleheader.

Jollibee to open 28 stores in...

PAGE 1 t opened 12 stores across North America amid the pandemic.

Jollibee opened its 21st store in California on Thursday, Dec. 3, located at 8436 Mira Mesa Boulevard in San Diego. The new store marks the brand’s return to Mira Mesa and a concerted effort to build up its store network in the San Diego area which is home to a sizable Filipino community. There is an existing store in National City and the previous Mira Mesa store operated from 2007 to 2013.

The new store, which stands at 3,100-square-feet offers an outdoor patio and a drive-thru window. It is located in the area’s biggest retail hub, near Mira Mesa Mall and in close proximity to the University of California San Diego, the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Scripps Memorial Hospital.

Before year’s end, Jollibee will open four new stores, led by openings in San Antonio, Texas, the brand’s third Houston-area store on Westheimer Road and first store in Delano, California, and a store on downtown Toronto’s historic Yonge Street, an area often referred to as the ‘Times Square

of Toronto’ as it is a major retail hub with heavy pedestrian traffic.

In total, these December openings will bring Jollibee’s count to 17 new stores this year.

Though the pandemic has delivered challenges across the restaurant industry, Jollibee has been able to persevere by focusing on off-premise channels apart from dine-in. At the onset of the pandemic, the brand encouraged its customers to experience the joy of Jollibee from the comfort and safety of their own homes via call ahead pick-up, take-out and drive-thru. By April, Jollibee announced the launch of its nationwide delivery service via DoorDash.

“We have remained nimble and optimistic which has led Jollibee to defy expectations amidst an extremely difficult year and experience double-digit sales growth across North America,” said Maribeth Dela Cruz, President of Jollibee Group North America, Philippine Brands.

“Make no mistake though, we would not be weathering these hard times without the support of our customers.

They’ve showed up for us and now we want to show up for them. This month we will be opening long-awaited stores across Texas, California, and Ontario, Canada. We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support we’ve received from across these regions and are thrilled to deliver a small spark of joy as we enter the holiday season.”

Texas plays a key role in Jollibee’s U.S. expansion strategy. Opening its first location in San Antonio, the second largest city in the state, represents a major milestone for the brand and is a sign of Jollibee’s continued growth in the U.S. Located at 5033 NW Loop 410, this also marks Jollibee’s first store in south central Texas as the brand has three other stores across the greater Houston area.

To provide a safe environment for customers and store team members in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dining rooms of all of these stores will remain closed until further notice. Each store will offer a mix of alternative channels for receiving food, including call ahead and pickup, take-out, drive-thru and delivery services.

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Arrests mar commemoration of International Human Rights Day

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA— Six trade union organizers and a journalist were arrested on Thursday, December 10 as the world commemorated International Human Rights Day. Human rights advocates and progressive groups in the morning of December 10 marched to Mendiola to commemorate the International Human Rights Day as they called for accountability for alleged violations.

Protests were also held on Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City on Thursday, The Freeman reported.

In a press release on Thursday afternoon, the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said the arrests were part of “intensifying police operations against loose firearms and

criminal gangs,” saying search warrants were implemented simultaneously in Quezon City, Manila, and Mandaluyong City around 2 a.m. on Thursday.

Trade union organizers arrested in Quezon City, Manila Defend Jobs Philippines reported that Dennise Velasco was arrested at around 3:00 a.m. in his house in Quezon City.

The group said members of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group “raided” their residence, based on a search warrant issued by Quezon City trial court executive judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert. According to the CIDG, the other warrants served in the raids were issued by the same judge.

Villavert is the same judge who issued search warrants that resulted in arrests of dozens of

activists in Negros and Manila in 2019.

“We slam the planting of fake [evidence] such as firearms and explosives on Velasco’s possession as evidence,” Defend Jobs Philippines said in a statement.

It added that the arrest followed reported surveillance of their office on the night of December 3.

The group also said Velasco has been active in their campaign against contractualization and various labor disputes. The arrested trade union organizer also served as lead initiators in disaster relief efforts for typhoon victims in Metro Manila.

CIDG said their arresting team seized a grenade, a rifle, a pistol, and bullets in the raid along with “assorted suspected subversive documents.”

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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Opinion

Body cameras vs abuse

Features Philstar.com photo

IN 2017, surveillance camera footage belied the police version of the killing of 17-year-old student Kian de los Santos in Caloocan City. The video footage together with eyewitness accounts led to the conviction of the policemen who summarily executed De los Santos as he knelt on the ground and pleaded for his life.

That was one of the rare cases in the brutal drug war wherein the three executioners were not only caught but also convicted and sent to prison for life. Justice came swiftly mostly because of the evidence on video, corroborated by the eyewitnesses.

De los Santos’ execution did not put an end to the killings in the war on drugs, but it led to proposals to use body cameras so anti-drug operations would be properly documented and abuse of police power prevented.

In September this year, about 2,600 body cameras arrived for use by the Philippine National Police. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, tasked by law to lead the campaign against illegal drugs, has also procured its own body cameras.

The cameras can be used not only for the drug war but also for other police operations against criminality. Law enforcers themselves will find body cameras useful in belying accusations of sus-

pects about planting of evidence and unlawful arrest. Body cameras are useful particularly in areas where there are no closed-circuit television cameras – and there are still many places all over the country without CCTV. Video footage used as evidence will also speed up adjudication of cases, so law enforcers will see the fruits of their work paying off.

A bill is pending at the Senate, requiring the use of body cameras in police operations and their activation particularly when lives are at risk. Recordings must be retained for six months before deletion, unless these are needed as documentary evidence. The proposed Body Camera Act includes provisions to protect the privacy of crime victims, people in their homes, and informants.

Law enforcement agencies need not wait for the passage of the law to start using body cameras.

Enactment of the law, however, can enhance the utilization of the devices. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Readers weigh in: Should Biden pardon Trump to unify the country? Could Trump pardon himself and his children?

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel Santos-ReJOE BIDEN has officially secured enough electors to become president. He accrued more than 270 electors when California certified its presidential election on Friday, December 4, and appointed 55 electors pledged to vote for Biden, officially handing him the Electoral College majority needed to win the White House. Biden now has 279 electors, which is over the 270 threshold for victory.

As the Associated Press reported, “The electors named Friday will meet Dec. 14, along with counterparts in each state, to formally vote for the next president. Most states have laws binding their electors to the winner of the popular vote in their state, measures that were upheld by a Supreme Court decision this year. There have been no suggestions that any of Biden’s pledged electors would contemplate not voting for him.”

As all election processes and results lead the way to Biden’s inauguration as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021, the issue of PARDON has been talked about in the news and on social media.

This is especially relevant in light of all the charges Trump

could be facing after his term due to his reported abuse of the power, resources, and public trust accorded to him by the Office of the President.

This is not even including other charges against him that are already in court, but he could not be indicted because of the Department of Justice memo that prohibits deposing a sitting president.

This is in part fueled by Trump’s tweets in 2018 claiming he can pardon himself, contrary to the law.

Trump was also reportedly in talks with his advisers about granting preemptive pardons to his children Don Jr., Eric, Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, a White House senior adviser.

Last week, I wrote an article about what the law says about presidential pardons and clemency, as well as other legal perspectives pertaining to Trump pardoning himself and his children.

Some Trump supporters have been opining that Biden as president should consider pardoning Trump like what President Gerard Ford did to his predecessor Richard Nixon. They contend it could help heal and unify our divided nation.

Of course, Biden already stat-

ed his definitive stand on this issue. In a town hall meeting during the presidential campaign, Biden already gave a firm answer to this very question. He pledged that he would not use his new executive powers to pardon President Donald Trump of any potential crimes.

“We never saw anything like the prostitution of [the presidency] like we see it today,” Biden said. “What’s going on is an absolute travesty. A travesty of justice.”

Filipinos in America who read the article posted their comments on social media. Here are some of them: “Absolutely NO PARDON. Trump should be made an example of how a president should NEVER be and how his destructive actions should NEVER be repeated by any future president. Pardoning him is sending the wrong messages.

Lock him up and throw away the key. Any president in the future shall shudder at the thought of abusing power.” - Lee Leon “Ask this question on January 20th.” - Karen Kay Kelly “I will regret that I voted for Biden if he does that!” -Manolo Patoot “What would VP Biden pardon Trump for if the former

Wanted: A perfect president Street Talk Greg B. MacaTWO years before the end of the six-year term of President Rodrigo Duterte, social media networks have been ablaze with criticisms of Philippine presidential wannabes that people don’t like.

And, in the U.S., a few weeks before President-elect Joe Biden assumes office, Trump fanatics are grieving over the loss of their “greatest president since Lincoln,” while spouting dire warnings about the oncoming Biden tenure. Of course, the Biden-ites are eager to experience a period of civility after four years of President Donald Trump’s chaotic and divisive tenure. They expect relief in Biden’s centrist policies while the progressives in his party are said to be planning to see their liberal agenda eventually implemented.

Exactly what does “progressive” and “liberal” mean? Socialism? Free health care, education and other benefits paid for by the tycoons but not by “average” or

“middle income” Americans? Of course, businessmen — not just tycoons — don’t relish the idea of carrying the weight of a welfare society. They are asking: where do these pseudo-socialists draw the line?

The other day, someone told me that in the U.S., those earning $400,000 a year are now merely middle income. So what does make of retirees making less than $2,000 a month from Social Security? And how about those unable to feed their families and pay the rent on their hovels?

In the Philippines, the self-appointed soothsayers and social media kibitzers dislike outgoing President Duterte for being “what he is and what he is not.”

Fill in the blanks.

They have also expressed dismay over the reported presidential ambitions of Manny Pacquiao. Why? Because, fill in the blanks.

They also think Sen. Bong Go should go to (fill in the blanks) instead of aspiring for Malacanang.

Why? Because he is allegedly a Duterte Mini-Me. As many kibitzers don’t relish the idea of a President Sara Duterte (anooo?? Duterte na naman???).

They think she will be as prone to violence as her father. In such

a case, they would prefer Sen. Ping Lacson?

Or maybe, they would like Ronnie Poe resurrected in Sen. President Tito Sotto? Or would they rather have former President Fidel Ramos? Or Erap Estrada? Or Imelda Marcos? Or Bongbong?

Everyone I have asked has only been able to describe the things they dislike in a presidential wannabe. But no one has been able to adequately describe the “ideal” president.

Following is a Facebook exchange between me and a friend who was one of the finest account management persons to come out of Philippine advertising. He was also a former president of a telecommunications company and a former senior executive of a multinational firm. In sum, a pretty intelligent and knowledgeable individual.

My post read (loosely translated from the original Tagalog): “With due respect to my friends, what are the qualities of an ideal president? Brilliant like Marcos?

A great speaker like Ninoy Aquino? Wealthy like Mar Roxas? A widow like Cory? A bachelor like Noynoy? Honest like RM? Disciplined like Ramos? An economist like Gloria? A sports icon and wealthy from personal efforts like Pacquiao? Excellent in English

takes office as president? All accusations on Trump were unfounded. The question is: would he be able to pardon his son since he could not pardon himself. Biden’s only recourse would be to resign snd the VP becomes President who, in return, pardons him as Ford did to Nixon. Remains to be seen!!!” Evelyn Andamo “How will a Biden pardon for Trump unify the country?

His supporters will only accept Trump’s return to power, nothing less. A united United States of America, redundant and funny as it sounds is not going to happen soon (if at all) as long as Trump is around.” - Alex Aison “I think we will still be divided even if he pardons him.

It will encourage others to become as reckless as Trump because they will count on a pardon after all the destruction they create. Trump should be subjected to the consequences of his actions according to law.

He is what he is now, because growing up, he was always shielded from the consequences of his actions. Pardoning him will create many more Trumps in future generations.”

-Angela Vergel de Dios “Thank you for this article.

Saved me from doing my own

research. I don’t think anyone in this group wants Biden to pardon Trump. But, like you said, if trump wants a pardon, he has to admit he did something wrong.

He will never admit that he did something wrong.” -Grace Bustamante “Trump should not pardon Biden for stealing the election!

You are disgusting for being biased. Not all Asians support your hypocrisy.” -Josie Robb “With all the anger, confusion and division he started in America...He deserves to be punished and feel the pain we suffered.”

-Vilma Camaya “Why should Biden pardon Trump? In fact, the DOJ should prosecute Trump for his crimes.” - Malou de Asis “Justice, law and order cannot be sacrificed for the sake of unity. If Trump, his family and cult members broke the laws, they should all be persecuted and punished. No one is above the law. - Rogelio G. Sion “If Biden pardons the POS traitor then Biden becomes complicit in the crimes.” - Peter Cabal “A pardon will be a stupid move and a betrayal of the voters who voted to oust Trump.”

-Jet Guerrero “Anybody in their right sense

knows inside them that TRUMP is as delusional as it gets! This is an awful period of our generation and things should be done RIGHT....what is going on!?!?!?

Nobody seems to be doing anything about this President!?!?!?

I am quite shock[ed] that the people...the Republicans just let him still do what he please[s]... nobody to stand up against his lunatic behavior... Where is the hero against all [these] misfit character[s]... I thought at one time... there was one guy!?!?!?”

- Mary Rose Amistad “Truth Prevails...Justice Prevails...No one can defy the Constitution. No one can be above the Law. God Bless America” Joy Carpio ***

like Manglapus? A successful businessman like Danding? Business tycoons like Pangilinan or the Zobels? Tough like Duterte?

A martyr like Rizal? Courageous like Bonifacio? A rebel like Aguinaldo? A good actor like Erap? Or all of the above? Next question: Has there ever been a politician who did not make money in office? Who among those currently in office can lead the Philippines?

Has that person been born? Or is that person dead?”

My friend’s response was a non-answer: “You keep changing presidents until you find the perfect one. Like water will get you drunk as long as you keep drinking until it does. Hehe. Actually no president is perfect that’s why we limit their tenure. In our case, 6 years no reelection. However, some of them want to stay longer. While not perfect, they don’t want to leave and also want to pass on the position to their children.”

Another friend offered an analogy: “Choosing an ideal president is like choosing a wife or husband. You take a chance that WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get). Some are lucky. Others wake up feeling miserable on the morning after the night before. Like a hangover after a New Year’s party.”

INDEED, there has to be a better way to choose a president or a partner-for-life. The English

poet Rudyard Kipling wrote, “If,” a piece that could provide some guidance: “If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise; If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with triumph and disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to broken, And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools; If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitchand-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”; If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings—nor lose the common touch; If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you; If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run— Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Of course, Rudyard Kipling was hardly an ideal human being himself. He was a jingoist and an imperialist. He also wrote the miscegenistic lines, “East is east and west is west and neither the twain shall meet.” ***

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

***

Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

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.

***

gregmacabenta@hotmail.com

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

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 11-17, 2020

Filipina nurse administers first...

BROOMSTICKS. A vendor sells various types of brooms on the sidewalk along Scout Reyes Street in Barangay Roxas District, Quezon City on Thursday, December 10. The cost of a broomstick ranges from P50 to P220.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Todd Gloria sworn in as...

PAGE 4 t LGBTQ person to ascend to our city’s highest office,” he continued.

“This is a testament to what we all know: San Diego is a unique place, with incredible people where anything is possible. It is the birthplace of California and a bridge between two nations. It’s the home of artistic creativity, ground-breaking innovation and research that changes the world.

It’s the place where the son of a hotel maid and a gardener, a Native American/Filipino/Puerto Rican/Dutch gay guy has just become your mayor,” Mayor Gloria further said.

The newly-installed mayor also laid out his plan for his administration’s first 100 days where they will tackle major issues faced by San Diego.

“Over the next 100 days we will dispense with the small issues that past leaders have struggled to resolve so that we can focus on the biggest problems facing our city. We will be rolling out an aggressive strategy to address the worsening public health crisis in COVID-19, the economic crisis that is impacting San Diego’s families, small businesses and our city budget, the housing and homelessness crisis that has become even more dire.

“My team and I are moving swiftly and decisively to protect our most vulnerable. And we’ll do it with the long-term goal of building a more resilient city in the process. Not enough to get things back to normal – normal wasn’t and won’t be good enough.

“If we dream big, work together and believe in San Diego we can accomplish anything. We will change the narrative, not just for the privileged few but for everyone, especially those who have traditionally felt unheard.

“We will recover and build back, better and stronger from COVID-19. We will stand up for workers and create good-paying local jobs and bring neighborhood improvement to all corners of our city. We will center racial justice and equity not just in public safety, but in everything we do, recognizing that Black Lives Matter. And we will fully and faithfully implement our crime and action plan to ensure that the city that we love is here for generations to come,” Mayor Gloria elaborated.

A former San Diego city councilmember, Mayor Gloria said this is the dawn of a new era where San Diego can reach new heights.

“It’s time for us to dare to be a truly great city. A city where your zip code doesn’t determine your destiny. A city that embraces what makes us unique and celebrates who we are. A city that tackles major challenges head-on and doesn’t let distractions get in the way. No more San Diego specials. San Diego is a big city.

It’s time that we acted like it,” he said.

To end his address, Mayor Gloria reiterated his pride to be Mayor of San Diego and what he hopes can be achieved during his tenure.

“I believe in us, San Diego. I know who we are and who we can be. I’m so proud to be the mayor of this great city, but I’m even more excited about what we can accomplish together. Because together, I know, we will build a San Diego for all of us.

Thank you,” he said.

Outgoing Mayor Kevin Faulconer, in his farewell speech, asked San Diegans to support the newly-elected Mayor and other elected officials while expressing confidence in Gloria’s abilities.

“To my fellow San Diegans,

please join me in lending our public employees and our Mayor, our city attorney and our city council our support, our prayers and our trust,” he said. “Our new mayor, Todd Gloria, is a colleague and a friend. And he knows, like I do, that the work of our city is never done. And I know that he has what it takes to overcome today’s challenges and keep San Diego leading well into the future.”

Among the things Faulconer cited as his accomplishments include keeping the city’s financing strong (healthy reserves, balanced budgets) and leading the fight for LGBTQ equality. He also cited a few firsts for San Diego during his time, including San Diego as the first big city in the U.S. to move to 100% renewable energy, the largest city in America to switch to community choice energy and the only big city in America to repair over half of its streets in record time.

Faulconer said that he will “remain passionate with our relationship with Mexico, about sharing our story of bi-national success with the world” and that he will continue to work with the San Diegans to improve the city and the community.

In the week prior to the oath-taking, Mayor Gloria had announced appointments to his administration. Among the Filipino-Americans joining the staff of Mayor Gloria are Michaela Valk, director of community engagement; Matt Yagyagan, deputy director of policy; Jen Lebron, communications director; and Michelle Porras, scheduler.

In announcing the appointments, then Mayor-elect Gloria said, “At a time when people are especially looking to government for leadership, this group of talented, hard-working and dedicated professionals will help me move our city forward #ForAllofUs. Join me in thanking them for stepping up to serve the people of San Diego.”

PAGE 1 t to a patient,” Parsons said in a statement released by NHS. “I’m just glad that I’m able to play a part in this historic day.

The last few months have been tough for all of us working in the NHS, but now it feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she added.

Following Keenan, an 81-year-old man named William Shakespeare was the second individual to receive the vaccine.

In an interview with “Good Morning Britain,” the Filipina nurse said she was proud to participate in a step toward curbing COVID-19.

“I’m really glad to be telling all the Filipinos in the country and in the world that we can make a difference,” Parsons said, continuing “...It’s a historical event for Filipinos all across the globe, making sure we are proud of what we’ve achieved…and the care that we give. I’m very proud to say to everyone that I’m a British-Filipino today, making history.”

“I’m very proud to say to everyone that I’m a British-Filipino today, making history,” she added.

Parsons, a Filipina migrant, has been working in the UK’s NHS for the past 24 years now.

She inoculated the vaccine

to Keenan at a local hospital in Coventry.

Keenan, for her part, expressed her gratitude for the Filipina nurse as well as the NHS staff for their service.

“I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against COVID-19. It’s the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year after being on my own for most of the year,” she said in a separate statement released by the NHS. “I can’t thank May and the NHS staff enough who have looked after me tremendously, and my advice to anyone offered the vaccine is to take it – if I can have it at 90, then you can have it too!” added Keenan.

In a tweet, British Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau Daniel Pruce called the event a “fantastic moment.”

“A fantastic moment! And great to see that the vaccine is administered by Nurse May Parsons from the Philippines – one of the many thousands of Filipino healthcare workers making such an enormous contribution to the #NHS,” he wrote.

The UK is the first country to start a mass vaccination

7

campaign in the world. It has secured 40 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine after clinical trials showed an efficacy rate of 94% against SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is moving ahead with its process to determine whether to provide emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s vaccine.

On Tuesday, the FDA announced that its review found the vaccine to be safe and effective after one dose.

According to Dr. Greg Poland, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group in Rochester, Minnesota, he could “see absolutely no reason why this emergency use authorization would not be granted.”

If granted the EUA, the first round of vaccine rollout in the U.S. is expected to be distributed within days.

The Philippines, on the other hand, is waiting for a number of vaccines to be evaluated by the country’s FDA for use in the country. It recently signed a tripartite agreement for two million doses of AstraZeneca’s vaccine with the help of the private sector, and plans to acquire 20 million more doses using public money.

World Bank: PH economy to bounce...

PAGE 4 t improve social and physical resilience to frequent shocks,” Diop added.

The contraction is expected to increase poverty in the country, according to the World Bank.

“The expected growth contraction in 2020 is likely to increase poverty in the short term, resulting in an additional 2.7 million poor people in 2020,” Qian said, basing the poverty line on a $3.2 or roughly 150 daily per capita income for middle-income countries.

“The poor and vulnerable, are especially likely to experience significant welfare losses, given their limited capacity to manage risks,” she further said.

The multilateral lender also pointed out that private consumption, which accounts for two-thirds of the country’s economy, also declined at a

record pace due to high unemployment and falling incomes.

“While addressing the pandemic, the country needs to sustain focus on the structural reform agenda,” Qian stressed.

“Speeding up reforms that improve the business environment, foster competition, and strengthen resilience against natural disasters will support the economic recovery and boost productivity growth in the long term,” she added.

‘Do better’ Malacañang, for its part, vowed to do better in 2021 following the World Bank’s latest projection.

“Siyempre po nalulungkot tayo diyan dahil ibig sabihin mas marami maghihirap sa pagbagal ng ating pag-unlad.

Pero iyan naman po ay naging resulta ng pandemya at ng mga sigalot na sunod-sunod na dumaan sa ating bansa (Of course, we are sad because it means

more people will suffer due to our slow growth. But it is the result of the pandemic and the series of disruptions that hit the country),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday.

“Kaya po natin ito, babangon tayo (We can do it, we will recover) we will do better in 2021,” he added.

The spokesman reminded the public to follow the minimum health protocols placed to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

“And pagdating po sa pandemya, kaya po natin ito, sundin lang natin ang sinasabi ng Presidente: Mask, Hugas, Iwas. Pag-ingatan ang buhay para sa hanapbuhay (And when it comes to pandemic, we will overcome this, just follow what the President said: wear face mask, wash hands, physical distancing. Protect life for work),” said Roque.

8

DECEMBER 11-17, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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Southern California now under regional...

PAGE 1 t currently under the modified stay-at-home order.

San Joaquin Valley — which includes Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne — currently has an ICU capacity at 6.3%.

The state’s overall remaining ICU capacity, however, has dropped to 14%.

Newsom described the new order as an “emergency brake” to curb the exponential spread of the virus in California where ICU capacity is dire. The order is to remain in effect for the next three weeks, and regions will be able to lift the order on Dec. 28 if the ICU capacity projections for January are above or equal 15%.

“This is the most challenging moment since the beginning of the pandemic,” Newsom said. “If there was ever any time to put aside your doubt, to put aside your skepticism, to put aside your cynicism, to put aside your ideology [and] to put aside any consideration accept this: Lives are in the balance. Lives will be lost unless we do more than we’ve ever done.”

What does this stay-at-home order mean?

With the issuance of the order to Southern California this week, all bars, wineries, nail salons, hair salons and barbershops and other personal care services are to close. Restaurants can remain open only for takeout and deliv-

ery; indoor and outdoor dining options, which is believed to be a major source for superspreading, are shut down.

Another source of the super spread, large gatherings and parties with people from different households, is also being more closely monitored with this new order.

Unlike the first stay-at-home order issued in March, this new order states that retail stores are allowed to be open at 20% capacity. In his remarks last week announcing the new order, Newsom recognized that the first stay-at-home order unfairly favored big box retailers, which were allowed to stay open with little restrictions compared to small businesses.

Non-essential travel is “temporarily restricted statewide” and hotels and motels are now only allowed for guests traveling for an “essential reason,” including for work, school or a family emergency.

Regarding the enforcement of these rules, Sacramento is largely leaving those decisions to local authorities, but Newsom emphasized that uncooperative counties would see consequences.

“If you’re unwilling to adopt the protocols to support the mitigation and the reduction of the spread of this disease, we’re happy to redirect those dollars to counties that feel differently,” Newsom added.

LA County Sheriff Alex Villan-

LEGAL NOTICE

ueva confirmed last week that the LA County Sheriff Department will target “super spreader events, where people are congregating and there’s no social distancing [and] no mask-wearing.”

Villanueva’s remark comes a week after Los Angeles instituted its own local stay-at-home order that prohibits large gatherings.

On Saturday, Dec. 5 the LASD arrested 158 people at a party in Palmdale, a “super spreader for COVID” that officers said had more than 100 maskless people packed inside the house.

Looking back and moving forward This year has been marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the various stay-at-home (or, shelter-in-place) orders that governments have triggered to try to mitigate viral transmission. In turn, this has resulted in extreme economic downturn as businesses suffered, tens of thousands of workers laid off and millions of residents frustrated at stringent rules limiting access to public life.

California previously operated on a color-coded tiered plan. Counties that successfully reduced viral transmission (through a series of measures, like 7-day averages, hospital bed availability, and daily case and death rates) were allowed to advance to less restrictive tiers on the plan.

However, as soon as businesses began offering in-store services and restaurants began expanding its inside dining options, positive COVID-19 cases and deaths mounted. LA County, one of the worst counties in terms of COVID-19 minimization, continues to break daily records as the holiday season threatens to double the current counts.

Most notably, LA County set new records for coronavirus hospitalizations every day of December so far.

The new regional stay-at-home order, in fact, was a response to the lack of compliance among Southern Californians who have been ignoring social distancing and public health protocol regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Places like Pasadena and Orange County continue to defy the public health guidelines limiting restaurant and personal services, risking potential viral increases among its communities as the annual flu season looms.

OVERLOADED. Two commuters ride on the estribo (rear) of the passenger jeepney speeding along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City on a rainy Thursday, December 10. Passenger jeepneys may not exceed half of their regular seating capacities under a new government regulation amid the pandemic.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Arrests mar commemoration...

PAGE 5 t Also arrested, according to the CIDG press release, were Mark Ryan Cruz, Romina Astudillo, Jaymie Gregorio and Joel Demate. They said police recovered grenades, guns and bullets in searches of their residences in Quezon City and in Manila.

Rights group Karapatan, in a statement on Thursday evening, said they are also trade union organizers and called the arrests “a full mockery of International Human Rights Day.” Journalist arrested in Mandaluyong City Just hours later, journalist and Manila Today editor Lady Ann Salem was reported arrested by the police in her residence in Mandaluyong.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said that police have yet to release details on charges against Salem.

The journalists’ group said Salem is the communications officer of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television. IAWRT was the first

CASE NUMBER:

37-2020-00041864-CU-PT-CTL

CASE NUMBER: 37-2020-00035487-CU-PT-CTL

CASE NUMBER: 37-2020-00040018-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner SAM PUTRUS, NADWA ALJAMEEL filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: REGINA ALKASS TOBIYA to REGINA PUTRUS. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 12/28/2020 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: SEP 25, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 677 NOV 27, DEC 04, 11, 18, 2020

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner NAKEIL DE’SHAUNNE WILLIAMS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: NAKEIL DE’SHAUNNE WILLIAMS to SEVENTH NOVEMBER WILLIAMS. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted.

If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 12/30/2020 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: NOV. 17, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 678 NOV 27, DEC 04, 11, 18, 2020

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner EVAN ALKASS TOBIYA / RENAN KARO filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: KAMIYA ALKASS TOBIYA to KAMILYA E PUTRUS. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 01/19/2021 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: NOV. 19, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 680 DEC. 04, 11, 18, 25/202

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner ROSITA MARIA RODRIGUEZ filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: ROSITA MARIA RODRIGUEZ to ROSA MARIA COTA. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted.

If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 01/12/2021 Tine: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: NOV. 25, 2020 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 681 DEC. 11, 18, 25, 2020, JAN. 01, 2021

AJSD 678

AJSD 680

AJSD 681

AJSD 677

Law) and RA 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives) are being readied for filing against the arrested persons,” police said.

Karapatan, which documents alleged human rights violations, said the charges against the seven were fabricated and that the arrests “follow a clear modus operandi ever since the series of police raids and mass arrests in Negros and Manila in October and November last year.”

It added that the raids are part of a crackdown on dissent that it said has included trumped-up charges, planted evidence “or worse, cold-blooded rub-out operations disguised as another ‘nanlaban’ case.”

Karapatan added that complaints against the seven “will be predictably used by the rabid red-taggers in the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict as so-called proof to discredit and vilify activists as ‘criminals’ and ‘terrorists’ — and we assert that these are nothing more than cheap propaganda tactics.”

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

CASE NUMBER:

37-2020-00033882-CU-PT-CTL

to issue an alert on Salem’s arrest.

Manila Today is a member of alternative media network AlterMidya and hosts a chapter of NUJP. An official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict recently alleged AlterMidya and its member organizations are part of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ National Propaganda Bureau — an accusation denied by the group and condemned by journalists’ groups.

CIDG said in its press release that police officers recovered four grenades, four pistols, and bullets in the raid on Salem’s residence, where Rodrigo Esparago was also arrested. Police did not give further details on Esparago but identified Salem as a journalist.

Karapatan identified Esparago as a trade union organizer as well.

“Cases for violations of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9019363

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2020-9019746

RATH’S CORNER located at 2929 ALTA DRIVE, NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950.

Registrant: RATH SY, 2929 ALTA DRIVE, NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950.

This business is conducted

by INDIVIDUAL. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 11/10/2020.

Signature RATH SY. Statement filed with Recorder/ County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/21/2020. AJ 679 12/04, 11, 18, 25/2020.

LAGI CONSTRUCTION located at 3742 HARDING AVENUE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92113.

Registrant: BAC TRAN, 3742 HARDING AVENUE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92113.

This business is conducted

by INDIVIDUAL. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/17/2003. Signature BAC TRAN. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/03/2020. AJ682 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2020, AND 01/01/2021.

AJSD 679

EMPLOYMENT

AJSD 682

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 11-17, 2020

SEAFOOD CITY FPFC

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SAN DIEGO

DECEMBER 11-17, 2020 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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Food and beverage gifts from Fil-Am businesses that deliver tasting experiences at home

by Christina

T

M. Oriel / AJPress

HOUGH the past year has been challenging, the holiday season is an opportunity to show support for small Filipino American businesses and restaurants in the community, as well as to deliver some joy to family, friends, coworkers and others on your shopping list. Purchasing a gift card to your favorite Fil-Am restaurant, which likely has had to minimize operations to takeout and delivery due to stay at home orders, will go a long way in helping keep it afloat, while giving someone on your list a dining experience to enjoy from their homes.

Aside from a prepared meal, several Fil-Am chefs, restaurants and shops are offering edible holiday treats and sets that go beyond the traditional gift basket, and are available regionally or can be shipped nationwide. Here are 12 options to choose from as gathered by the Asian Journal editorial team.

Food-themed gift boxes celebrating Filipino/a artisans Filipina American sisters Michele and Anna-Marie Josue introduced Para Sa’Yo (“For You” in Tagalog), an online shop selling curated gift sets featuring Filipino/a artists and businesses for anyone on your list. For the nostalgic, the So Filipino ($50) box features staples Fil-Am kids grew up with like Sky Flakes and Jufran banana ketchup. The box also comes with a Vicks Vaporub!

For those who start their day with a cup of joe, the But First Kape ($110) set features a pair of porcelain mugs, handwoven abaca coasters, and smallbatch, single-origin Philippine light roast Arabica Coffee from Asukar. Sets come with an added greeting card of your choice and can be viewed at shopparasayo.com.

Open up a taste of the Philippines The Filipino Food Movement has rolled out a collection of some of the best Filipino food products that you can share with your loved ones this holiday season. The “Patikim” boxes come in three types: The Pearl Edition ($160), Gold Edition ($85), and Silver Edition ($60) with an array of items from signature sauces from San Francisco-based restaurant The Sarap Shop to chocolate bars from Oodaalolly, which uses Philippine cacao.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga project, an initiative to end the hunger of Filipino children, and the FFM’s projects for the year.

The boxes can be purchased at filipinofoodmovement.org/.

Satisfy wanderlust with travel-inspired ice cream flavors In time for the holidays, SoCal-based Wanderlust Creamery is now shipping pints of their travel-inspired ice cream nationwide. For the ice cream aficionado and jetsetter

Some small gift options from Fil-Am businesses Santos Candles, Lu France Interiors, Kaya Essentials, FWD Floss and MAAARI.

Gifts that showcase Filipino/Fil-Am artisanship by

Twelve food and beverage gift options from Fil-Am businesses promise to pack in rich Filipino sweet and savory flavors.

grounded at home, the over a dozen pint flavor options — from Australian Pavola to Sakura — will transport them on an international palette journey starting at $12 a pop.

To get into the holiday spirit, the shop has also introduced seasonal flavors like Christmas Cookies & Sea Salt Cream, Food For the Gods, and Christmas in Tokyo (bittersweet uji matcha ice cream with housemade strawberry “kit kats”).

Can’t decide on the individual flavors? The Pilipino Pint Pack comes with five pints inspired by favorite Filipino desserts like brazo de mercedes and sapin sapin. Or there’s the Asian Jet Set pack with six pints that transport you through the continent from the Sticky Rice and Mango to Ube Malted Crunch.

Orders, which require a minimum purchase of four pints and arrive at the recipient in an insulated shipping box with dry ice, can be placed at shop. wanderlust.com.

Self-care in beverage form 2020 has been tough on everyone and more than ever, folks are seeking ways to practice self-care safely and conveniently at home. Enter Droplet, a Pinay-founded line of sparkling beverages with real fruit and adaptogens, non-toxic substances derived from plants that help one’s body

adapt and regulate the natural ability to respond to stressors. The “drop” in the brand’s name pays homage to Dalikamata, a clairvoyant and health goddess in Visayan pantheon, who was depicted with thousands of eyes on her body and whose tears would form morning dew drops. According to the legend, drinking the drops had healing effects, such as relieving eye problems. The new beverage company offers the “Next Level You Wellness Kit” ($20, shipping included), a starter set of Droplet’s three flavors: Pretty Balanced (passion fruit, cacao, vanilla bean and rhodiola) for anti-anxiety, energy boasting and skin-hydrating effects; Pretty Balanced (white peach, lemon verbena, moringa and ashwagandha), the go-to for a stress balancer and digestive aid; and Pretty Bright (yuzu, ginger and reishi mushroom) for a reset and mood enhancer.

“The entire idea behind Droplet was our own roots as Filipina Americans and our experiences with herbal medicine,” Celeste Perez, founder and CEO of Droplet, said in an interview with the Asian Journal. The set can be purchased through drinkdroplet.com.

Enjoy a round of sparkling craft cocktails safely at home Meeting up with friends and

partaking in a round (or multiple) of drinks at a bar is an experience that will have to wait until after it’s safe to go out again. But that doesn’t mean you can’t distantly imbibe a flavorful cocktail and reminisce on nightlife from the comfort of your home. Los Angeles-based Vervet has four canned cocktails in a can full of ingredients local to the region and concocted with the city’s diversity in mind, including of course, the Filipino community. Not to miss is the Tiki Tea — a nod to the city’s Filipino bartenders and Tiki culture — with prickly pear vodka, oolong tea, lime, allspice, ginger, clove and vanilla.

“People are home, but they still want to drink well...It’s nice to crack open a bottle of wine or beer, but it’s really such a limited experience and we want to bring something complex and that tastes like it was made in front of you,” Alex Rosenblum, who is half Filipino and one of the Vervet co-founders, told the Asian Journal. The cocktails, which start at $5.99 a can, be purchased at select stores in the Los Angeles area or can be delivered/shipped to your gift recipient online at drinkvervet. com.

Artisanal chocolates that

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AJPress

CONTINUING on the theme to support local and small ventures, here are several one-of-a-kind gift ideas that highlight Filipino/a talent — from scented candles to unique jewelry pieces.

Statement jewelry handmade by Filipina artisans If you’re looking to gift a jewelry piece for someone on your list, check out MA A ARI, a “uniquely Filipina” modern accessories and home goods brand that pays homage to traditional design and cultural practices.

The line’s Onyx Lunar Drops are earrings that serve as protection against negative energy and help guide intuition, and use ethically-mined metal and sustainably-sourced earth stones.

Or the Sebu Ring, “a contiguous spiral ring that represents refuge and security,” made by T’boli artisans using upcycled brass and metal scraps. Most items are made to order and can be purchased at maaari.co.

Sustainable, handmade candles and home decor Launched during the pandemic, Lu France Interiors (lufranceinteriors.com) is a Pinay-founded e-commerce site that curates sustainable and handmade home decor pieces that pay homage to the skills, traditions and artistry of artisans from the Philippines and beyond.

Starting at $25, the site offers soy candles in various scents from bamboo coconut to sampaguita that would be elegant stocking stuffers.

Other gift ideas on the site include a set of kahoy (wood) round dishes and silk charmeuses — which can be used as a scarf, tapestry or wall art — naturally dyed by the site’s founder, France, in San Diego.

An array of scents to destress Lighting a candle is an effortless pleasure to unwind after a long day. With scents ranging from jasmine and

orange blossom to grapefruit and mangosteen, Los Angeles-based Santos Candles’ products (starting at $21.99) will help create a relaxing ambiance and fill your space with alluring aromas. For holiday-specific gifts, the online shop has introduced scents like Frosted Juniper (“reminiscent of a fresh morning after snowfall”) and Under the Mistletoe (“a simple reminder of classic holiday traditions and festivities”). Candles can be shipped nationwide.

Self-care stocking stuffers Looking for stocking stuffers for anyone on your list? Kaya Essentials, a Pinay-founded organic coconut skincare line, has small, yet impactful products from calamansi lip balms to charcoal salt milk baths. The site (kayaessentials.com) has also partnered with various Filipino artisans that produce goods like Rags2Riches’ face masks (using fabrics sourced from indigenous communities) and parol ornaments featuring upcycled fabric. Every purchase made through Kaya Essentials provides a school meal for a child in the U.S. through No Kid Hungry and in the Philippines through Gawad Kalinga.

Eco-friendly dental hygiene Floss may seem like a mundane gift, but it can be a tiny reminder to the recipient to take time out of their day for some dental care beyond brushing. FWD Floss is a new Fil-Am business that uses activated charcoal for enhanced cleansing, and is packaged with earth friendly recyclable materials to reduce single plastic waste. Starting at $5.99 per pack, the f loss can be purchased at fwdf loss.com. Five percent of each purchase is donated to non-profit organizations that provide dental care for those in need.

Barbie wants the power to stop stress and anxiety

by Alex

Brosas Inquirer.net

WITH the pandemic, life has changed for young star Barbie Imperial. From a fun-loving gal, she has become stressed.

Given that, Imperial wants to have the power to put a stop to stress and anxiety.

“Gusto kong matanggal iyong anxiety and stress ng mga tao ngayon (I want to take away the anxiety and stress that people have now),” she articulated when asked what kind of power she wants to have during the online conference for “Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim Ng Bandanang Itim.”

Imperial recalled how happy she was before the pandemic.

“Sobrang masayahin po ako before pandemic happened.

Siguro din po dahil ang tagal na naka-lockdown, nag-stay lang ako sa bahay ko. May mga days na nai-stress po ako na walang dahilan. Siguro dahil po nasa loob lang ako ng bahay at hindi ko na po nagagawa iyong mga bagay na nakasanayan ko like lumabas at magtrabaho,” she said.

(I was a very happy person

Jameson Blake and Joao Constancia

ABS-CBN photos

Jameson & Joao find roles in ‘Lockdown Romance’ relatable

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

Barbie Imperial

before the pandemic happened.

Maybe it’s because of the long lockdown, that I was just staying at home. There are days when I got stressed over nothing.

Maybe it’s because I am always at home and I don’t get to do things I used to like going out

NO second thought at all when Jameson Blake and Joao Constancia were offered Star Photo from Instagram/@msbarbieimperial Cinema’s My Lockdown Romance (MLR), yet another adand working.)

Leaving home is such a sad dition to the growing number of BL (Boys’ Love) series that situation for Imperial.

“Nakakalungkot po kasi si- have given birth to a new breed yempre kailangan naming of talents who are not, as Funmagtrabaho, malayo kami sa fare once pointed out, homopamilya namin at para safe phobic. Well, times are uncertain and jobs are hard to come

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by so why be choosy? But still, some actors are allergic to such roles lest they be, uhm, “branded.”

Directed by Bobby Bonifacio Jr., MLR is the story of two friends reconnecting during the pandemic. Jameson plays Tom Amorado and Joao plays Kendrick Villaverde. The pandemic brings the two back together again.

A product of PBB (Pinoy Big Brother), Jameson has done impressive work in ABS-CBN

shows (Ngayon at Kailanman, MMK, etc.) and films (2 Cool 2 Be Forgotten; Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wifi; Hello, Love, Goodbye; etc.). Joao is a member of BoybandPH and like Jameson, he is in the cast of the forthcoming Star Cinema film Four Sisters Before the Wedding.

“The story is very relatable and I find it interesting,” said Jameson of My Lockdown Romance. “It has a spice of love story that I find very exciting.”

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COVID, Ghrelin, orgasm...

Health@Heart Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, COVID-19 news: As of December 8, 2020, 12:48 GMT, worldwide, there were 68,057,474 cases with 1,553,408 deaths; USA, 15,371,268, with 290,649 deaths; and The Philippines, 442,785, with 8,670 deaths.

In the USA, 42 States showed continued rise in COVID-19 cases. Only 8 appear (Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Mexico, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming) more stable. Officials across the USA “are rolling out a patchwork of restrictions on mask and social distancing…

Restrictions are ramping up in many areas as cases surge nationwide. Health officials warn that easing restrictions too soon could bring new outbreaks, but many states forged ahead.” Let’s be wise, disciplined, and complaint to shorten this pandemic. It is, after all, ONLY in “(We) The People”’s hands.

The genetically altered yellow fever vaccine (proven effective against yellow fever for 80 years, among 500 million worldwide who developed life-long immunity) was highly effective in animals, reports NATURE journal. If it passes clinical trials, the new single-shot vaccine would have some advantages over other SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, like those of Pfizer-BioNTech’s 2 shot (one month apart) vaccine. The Pfizer-B vaccine has been distributed last Monday for all first responders and seniors and other vulnerable persons first, then for the public starting early next year. This inspires hope among peoples around the world.

The Community Healthcare System hospitals in Northwest Indiana are using “a new antibody therapy treatment called Bamlanivimab to treat COVID-19 and reduce its symptoms.” This monoclonal antibody treatment is given as an hour-long intravenous infusion to patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms who

are at higher risk for related complications. The U.S. FDA has issued “emergency use authorization for the yet-tobe-approved medication, because use of this drug showed “a decrease in viral loads and reduced rates of symptoms and hospitalization.” Further research and clinical trials are required to insure its effectiveness and safety. Other drugs for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 are in the pipeline.

What controls the urge to eat?

While there are other hormones involved, there are two main ones, which signal the brain when we are hungry or full. The hunger hormone is Ghrelin, which is secreted by our guts (stomach and intestines). When its level goes up, we feel hungry and have the urge to eat. The level of Ghrelin goes up when we get less sleep or not enough sleep.

This is the reason why those who are trying to lose weight should get adequate amount (about 8 hours) of sleep. An imbalance meal and stress also elevate the Ghrelin level.

Food deprivation obviously increases the Ghrelin level, hence it is better to keep the level of this hormone on an even keel and not fluctuate too much by eating regularly (or even more than 3 times a day) but at a controlled total calorie ceiling, to maintain health and body weight. So, starving oneself is not a good way to lose weight, since this will lead to a Ghrelin “boomerang” in the latter part of the day.

The satiety or “counter” hormone, which is called Leptin, signals the brain when to stop eating. It controls the appetite.

This “satiety hormone” is produced by fat cells in the body.

When a person loses weight, the leptin level in the blood stream also goes down. As a result, there is less signal to the brain for the individual to stop eating, resulting in a “rebound” weight gain. The best strategy in losing and maintaining a desired weight level is to lose in a slow and steady pace, about one to two pounds a week, and not more. In this manner, there will still be an effective level of leptin in the body to control the urge to eat.

Does sun exposure make the skin age faster?

Features

Yes, constant exposure to the sun makes the skin age prematurely, especially on the face. This is called dermatoheliosis or extrinsic aging. The skin changes may appear like those seen among patients after undergoing radiation therapy for cancer for a period of time. This condition is seen more commonly among North American and European people who love to bathe in the sun. Asian women have been noted to have younger-looking skin because they use umbrellas and hats a lot to protect their face from the direct sunlight, even on the beaches. And they are really the wiser and the healthier for that, because this practice also reduces the incidence of ultraviolet-induced skin cancers among Asian women compared to their American and European counterpart.

Is camote tops “cure” for dengue?

The internet abounds with claims that camote (sweet potato) tops extract “is effective in preventing or in curing dengue….because they are excellent sources of antioxidative compounds, mainly polyphenolics, which may protect the human body from oxidative stress that is associated with many diseases including cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and that it boosts the immune system.” To put things in their proper perspective, there has been no original scientific research, much less randomized, double-blind, clinical studies to support this claim. Indeed, it would be terrific if this were true. Hopefully, future investigations in the laboratory and in human will prove this to be so.

In the meantime, for the safety of the patient, most of them children, it is best to rely on the currently proven and accepted medical therapy, rather than abandoning this scientific treatment and dangerously gambling on camote top extracts.

Does frequent orgasm prolong life?

The answer appears to be yes. A study conducted in 1997 and published in the British Medical Journal, involving 918 men aged 45 to 59, who were followed up for ten years, revealed that “those

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Food and beverage gifts from...

PAGE 10t taste as beautiful as they look Giving chocolate as a gift is never a bad idea, but instead of the usual big-name brands, turn to a small batch purveyor that molds and designs each piece by hand. Romeo Chocolates, based in Long Beach, California, offers nationwide shipping on perfectly boxed and wrapped gift sets featuring its truffles with a flavor range from Tanduay rum to Calamansi Mojito. Have someone on your list who considers chocolate a main food group?

The shop offers a subscription gift box starting at $48 with a mix of fine chocolates and local fine goods each month. Orders can be placed at Romeochocolates.com.

Spread kindness with an assorted box of cookies In the midst of the pandemic, we saw dozens of examples of Fil-Ams starting businesses from home, whether it’s mask-making or desserts with Filipino flavors. Young Filipina Americans Malia and Kailani started Conscious Kid Cookies from their own kitchen to “change the world through sharing kindness through cookies.” Now their venture operates out of a commercial kitchen, and cookies can be shipped nationwide by ordering at consciouskidscookies. com. Cookie flavors range from the classic chocolate chip to Filipino-inspired like pandan, and can be purchased individually or in boxes by the dozen, starting at $36. Ten percent of the proceeds benefit No Kids Hungry.

Cook a full Filipino dish with sauces from a jar For the individual who wants to make classic Filipino dishes while in a time crunch, a new Fil-Am business is making it easier with a line of bottled simmer sauces. Fila Manila’s Variety Pack ($29) features three sauces — Adobo, Kare Kare, and Caldereta — which are gluten-free and have no added sugar or artificial colors. All the home chef has to do is add water, protein and veggies of choice and the jar of sauce and simmer until cooked. Orders ship free nationwide at filamanila.com.

A surprise to satisfy Pinoy snack cravings while giving back

Recreate the pasalubong experience by sending a box of beloved snacks and ingredients to someone who needs to satisfy their appetite for Pinoy flavors. E-commerce site Filiflavors.com offers the “sopresa” (surprise) box filled with sweet and savory items. For a limited offer, use the code PR10OFF until 12/18/2020 to receive 10% off your Filiflavors order.

Additionally, for the holiday season, a free pack of Filipino Spaghetti Sauce will be included in your order.

“Filiflavors aims to provide you with the most convenient and delightful experience to get a taste of what the Philippines has to offer,” said Bianca Trinidad, Filiflavors founder and owner. A percentage of each sale is donated to San Francisco-based nonprofit Support for Families of Children with Disabilities.

Insta-worthy pancakes for Christmas morning Noche Buena on Christmas Eve is considered the staple feast in Filipino tradition, featuring a feast from ham to rice-based desserts. But what about for Christmas morning after opening gifts? Though Ninong’s Cafe in Northridge, CA closed its doors recently, their photogenic ube pancakes can be made at home with the Breakfast Regalo ($48.50) in partnership with Bakersfield’s Umaga Coffee. The set comes

with a 12 oz bag of Single Sourced Bokod Arabica Medium Dark Roast (either beans or grounds); the pancake mix, which only requires water to cook; two jars of Ninong’s Ube Cookie Butter which would pair perfectly with the pancake stack or on anything else; and a Maligayang Pasko greeting card from Manila Oriental. The special can be purchased at umagacoffee.com.

Butters for pan de sal and more For those who want to get creative with what to put inside of a pan de sal, Chef Barb Batiste of Big Boi offers a Filipino Butter Jar Sampler ($40), which comes in a set of three butters — Ube, Ensaymada, and Buko Pandan. Slather them on pancakes, waffles, and anything else you can think of. Orders for nationwide shipping can be placed at www.shopbigboi.com/.

Lumpia delivered to your door Those in the greater Los Angeles/Orange County area can fry Petite Peso’s lumpia and enjoy them from the comfort of their homes. The Downtown LA-based restaurant is offering frozen lumpia, either pork or impossible meat straight to the gift recipient’s door in the Southern California region starting at 25 pieces for $20.

Orders can be placed at pesogoods.com.

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7 Filipino stars join Forbes Kris seeks growth, new environment Asia’s Top 100 Digital List

by Allan

Policarpio Inquirer.net

by Cristina

Eloisa Baclig

Inquirer.net

SEVEN of the most popular names in the country’s entertainment industry were included in this year’s Forbes 100 list of Asia-Pacific’s most influential celebrities on social media.

Forbes Asia on Tuesday, December 8 released its 100 Digital Stars list which features singers, bands, film, and TV stars with huge social media influence.

Forbes Asia also noted that the list included celebrities who “have also used their influence to support worthy causes, especially those with a Covid-19 focus.”

Among the notable stars mentioned in the list were Angel Locsin, Marian Rivera-Dantes, Kim Chiu, Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, Kathryn Bernardo, and Sarah Geronimo.

One of the most familiar faces in the list was Locsin, who also landed in Forbes Asia‘s “Heroes of Philanthropy” list last year. In a statement, Forbes cited Locsin’s COVID-19 initiative which raised a total of P11.3 million and aided 135 hospitals.

Meanwhile, 36-year-old actress and mother Marian Rivera-Dantes was acknowledged by Forbes for her large social media following. She was described as the Philippines’ most popular celebrity on Facebook, with a total of 23 million followers.

Actress Kim Chiu grabbed a spot on the list after she turned her viral “Bawal Lumabas” gaffe into a new single. The Classroom Song became an instant hit and has over nine million Youtube views. Chiu also used the opportunity to raise money for pandemic relief.

Popstar royalty Sarah Geronimo, like Locsin and Chiu, also raised roughly $5 million during a COVID-19 benefit concert.

Dubbed by Forbes as “Philippines’ most popular Instagram celebrity,” Anne Curtis joined her fellow celebrities in the list. Curtis currently has almost 16 million followers online and endorsement deals with popular brands such as Jollibee, Louis Vuitton, and Pantene.

Actress Kathryn Bernardo and comedian and TV show host Vice Ganda were also listed for their notable achievements in the industry.

AFTER 13 years as an exclusive GMA 7 artist, Kris Bernal is now a freelancer under Cornerstone Entertainment—a move that she believes will satisfy her longing to “explore” and “grow in a new environment.”

“I’m not getting younger.

So, this is a good time for me to work with others, not just for personal growth, but also for my career. I thought hard about it and decided to look for a different management,” Kris told the Inquirer in a recent virtual Angel Locsin Anne Curtis Photo from Instagram/@therealangellocsin Photo from Instagram/@annecurtissmith conference.

The expiration of Kris’ contracts with the Kapuso network and its talent management arm, GMA Artist Center, happened in an inopportune moment— last March, at the onset of COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdowns.

The industry was about to come to a standstill, and her then home network reportedly couldn’t guarantee her anything at the time. That was when Kris started weighing her options. “I got sad because I was an excluKathryn Bernardo Marian Rivera sive artist for such a long time.

Photo from Instagram/@bernardokathryn Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera But if you think about it, given the situation, you can’t really ask for more,” she pointed out.

But despite the turn of events, Kris, who entered the biz after winning the fourth season of the reality talent search “Starstruck” in 2007, had only good words for GMA 7, which she will always be grateful to.

“I will always look back at my journey with them. I have never felt that I was neglected. I was always given lead roles in Sarah Geronimo Vice Ganda soaps,” said Kris, who was last

Photo from Instagram/@justsarahg

Photo from Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin

Kris Bernal

seen in the drama-horror series “Hanggang sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko.” “They took care of me, and I didn’t have any problems with them.”

Kris’ exit was “clean,” she said, and that she still talks to her former bosses. “Every guesting and appearance I book now, I still inform them. I do it out of respect for my home network.”

The 31-year-old actress would gladly re-sign with GMA 7 if, someday and somehow, she gets offered a new network contract.

Kris is currently taping for the upcoming TV5 soap “Ate ng Ate Ko.” She also recently concluded shooting an episode of the GMA 7 drama anthology

Photo from Instagram/@krisbernal

“Tadhana.”

Looking for a new management was a long process, she related—one of the toughest decisions she has made. She eventually went for Cornerstone Entertainment, because her goals aligned with the plans they had for her.

“One of the things we discussed was about doing more movies. I have been known more as a television actor. But this time, I also want to do movies. I would love to have magazine covers and endorsements,” she said. “[In terms of acting, I want to be known as someone reliable, someone who can do whatever role you give her. That’s what

u PAGE 14

Jameson & Joao find roles in...

Kim Chiu

“The inaugural Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list couldn’t have come at a more relevant time. Artists rely on social media platforms to connect and communicate with fans, especially in the absence of live entertainment due to Covid-19 restrictions around

Photo from Instagram/@chinitaprincess

the region,” Forbes Asia’s editor Rana Wehbe Watson said in a statement.

“The 100 celebrities highlighted on the list range in age from 20 to 78, proving that social media influence is a cross-generational phenomenon,” Watson added.

PAGE 10t “I was upbeat after I read the script because the story is very nice, sobrang nakaka-relate,” agreed Joao. “The story has a light-hearted tone. It brings back a lot of memories because I did the same thing with my friend during the lockdown...I mean, reconnect with him. I was very happy after reading the script.”

Jameson (who spent 10 years of schooling in Hong Kong where his mom worked and married a British) described Tom as “kind of introvert, a homebody,” a trait that resonates with him.

“He likes to go by the rules,” added Jameson, “especially during the pandemic. He is not expressive with his feelings, although he’s not totally very private since he likes to open up on social media. Pero in terms of feeling about someone, he’s not as vocal. I can identify with him in his being soft, sort of being quiet. I’m pretty much like that. I could easily relate to his personality.”

It was easy for them to “get lost” in the roles for which they had auditioned.

Jameson: “I didn’t do much internalizing. When (in doubt), I simply asked direk Bobby in terms of understanding the character, how he is, how he (Tom) is in front of Kendrick. I have gay friends and I picked something from them but not

really how they talked but only little nuances and how they were with people. I studied the script carefully.”

Joao: “Part of the internalization was done during the audition. But all I did was embrace the character. It was easy for me to be in-character because, like Kendrick, I am happy-golucky, I am super-friendly. I am like that in real life, so I didn’t have a hard time embracing him.”

And they had no pegs.

Jameson: “I kind of drew inspiration from a movie that I watched. It’s called Call Me By Your Name. I was impressed by how the actors pulled off their characters. The film gave me some motivation on how to portray my character.”

Joao: “I’ve seen a few clips from other BL series but I didn’t use them as pegs because every character naman is different, you know, depending on the story. I didn’t want to have somebody to follow or to be like. I want my portrayal to be fresh, to be raw.”

Jameson’s character is not as daring as Joao’s character.

“Tom is somewhat reserved, especially in front of Kendrick,” said Jameson.

According to Joao, he can be daring.

“I’m game for anything as long as it is along the storyline,” he qualified. “Kung hindi naman po kailangan, huwag

na lang natin gawin. What’s important is for any actor to do his scenes well. Kissing scene (even with another actor)? That’s not a problem. It’s our duty as actors to portray a character to bring the story to life.”

Thankfully, neither of them has a girlfriend to worry about.

“I am single,” stressed Jameson.

“If I had a girlfriend,” assured Joao, “I’m sure matutuwa siya sa series, and everybody for that matter, including members of the LGBT community.

Our society has become more accepting, more understanding, so if I had a girlfriend, she would be excited to watch MLR.” Asked if it’s possible for them to fall in love with another guy, Jameson and Joao minced no words.

Jameson: “Personally, I don’t think it is possible for me to fall for another guy. Maybe I would love him as a friend but not romantically. The farthest I would go perhaps is give him a brotherly hug but not in terms of sexual.”

Joao: “Yes, it’s possible for me to fall in love with another guy but not in a romantic way. I have a lot of guy friends, gay friends, women, ladies, all kinds of friends. And I love them all. Like Jameson, I love my gay friends in a brotherly way but not romantically.”

Barbie wants the power...

PAGE 10t sila, iiwan na lang namin sila sa mga tahanan namin,” she said.

(It is sad because we need to work, we are far from our families and to be safe, we leave them at home.)

“Kahit bumalik po kami ng bahay, hindi pa rin naming puwede silang makasama kasi baka may dala kaming sakit sa kanila,” she added.

(Even when we go home, we can’t be with them because we might have the virus.)

With that, she reiterated her wish to have the power to stop stress and anxiety.

“Kung magkakaroon ako ng superpower pa aside from mawala ang COVID-19, sana may power ako na matanggal iyong stress at anxiety ng lahat

ng tao na nakaka-experience kung ano rin ang na-experience ko,” she said.

(If I would have a superpower, aside from stopping COVID-19, I hope I have the power to remove the stress and anxiety of people who have experienced what I went through.)

Imperial is a first-timer in doing comedy and she relished the experience on “Mang Kepweng,” although she was surprised during instances when improvisation and ad-libs were utilized during actual takes.

“Ang dami pong eksena na sobrang nagugulat talaga ako kasi iyong na-rehearse namin ay iba doon sa take mismo.

Sobrang tawang-tawa po ako; hindi ko mapigilan iyong tawa ko kasi ang galing talaga ng

mga binibitiwan nilang jokes,” she noted. “Hindi lang po si Vhong (Navarro), lahat ng cast ng Mang Kepweng ay sobrang galing nilang magbitaw ng mga linya.”

(There were so many scenes where I got so surprised because the actual take turned out different from what we rehearsed. I was laughing so hard; I could not contain my laughter because they were so good at cracking jokes. Not just Vhong (Navarro), all the cast members of Mang Kepweng were good at throwing lines.)

“Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim” will be released on Upstream, where the virtual Metro Manila Film Festival is taking place, starting on Dec. 25.

COVID, Ghrelin, orgasm...

PAGE 11t who ejaculated less than once a month were twice as likely to die during the study than men who had orgasm at least twice a week.” In another report, sex was found to have some degree of protection from prostate cancer, all other lifestyle factors being equal. Sex also reduces stress and produces endogenous secretion of “happy hormones” in our body, which lessen depression and even strengthens the immune system. The more you know about the human body and its

mind-boggling intricate physiology, the more you marvel at its creation and “complicatedly simple perfection,” which, to date, no man-made machine, no matter how sophisticated, can equal or even come close to. *** 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 and FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

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Community

Holiday cheer arrives at McDonald’s as fans can enjoy the favorite menu items of Santa Claus, the Grinch, and more

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 11-17, 2020

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Recipe Corner

From Dec.14 through Dec. 24, the Golden Arches will offer daily deals from iconic holiday characters through the McDonald’s App

CHICAGO – This year, goodies won’t just be found tucked under the tree. McDonald’s is tapping its elves to offer delicious daily inapp deals that feature the festive favorites of classic holiday characters – including the McFlurry that Frosty the Snowman just melts over and the syrupy Hotcakes for which Buddy the Elf goes gaga.

Starting Dec. 14, each day, McDonald’s will feature a different character and give away* the menu item they crave, exclusively through the App with a $1 minimum purchase. The daily deals will conclude on Dec. 24 with a certain jolly someone’s most treasured treat, free softbaked Chocolate Chip Cookies (glass of milk not included).

“After a year like 2020, I think we could all use some extra cheer this season,” said McDonald’s U.S. Chief Marketing Officer, Morgan Flatley. “What better way to celebrate and get into the holiday spirit than with free McDonald’s menu favorites for everyone including Rudolph, the Abominable Snow Monster and yes, even Scrooge.”

Following the launch of celebrity signature orders at restaurants in September and October, these beloved holiday characters are the latest icons to be paired with favorite menu items featured at participating restaurants nationwide. Additional daily inapp deals will celebrate characters from classic holiday movies like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Gremlins, and Die Hard (yes, Die Hard is a holiday movie).

Aside from the free Chocolate Chip Cookies, all offers require a minimum $1 purchase in the App and will be activated through Mobile Order and Pay. To access the

Pancit Canton (Serves 10-12)

PANCIT is the general name of Filipino noodle dishes. And when “Canton” is added to it, it conjures yellowish noodles that hint of eggs added when making it. Ingredients added vary from kitchen to kitchen, according to availability and flavor preference.

daily deals, simply download the McDonald’s App and visit the deals section to add to your order. Everyone can get in on the treats this holiday season – it truly is a Festivus

for the rest of us! *At participating McDonald’s. Valid 1x/day with $1 min. purchase (excl. tax) from Dec 14-24. See app for details.

(Advertising Supplement)

Ingredients: 2 tbsp Crisco vegetable oil 1 small onion chopped 2 garlic cloves minced 100 g pork loin, sliced thinly 100 g Shrimp 1 cup of each carrot green beans and cabbage, sliced thinly 1 pack PAMANA Black Fungus 2 tbsp of PAMANA Soy Sauce 3 tbsp of Kikkoman Oyster Sauce Red ½ pack of PAMANA Pancit Canton 2 tsp of PAMANA Mix Canton 2 green onions sliced Calamansi (optional) Directions 1. In a deep pan or a wok heat vegetable oil over medium heat, then add onion, garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add pork, a pinch of salt and stir

fry until pork is cooked for about 5 minutes.

2. Add PAMANA Black Fungus, carrots, green beans and cabbage, soy sauce and shrimp, stir to combine and cook on medium-high heat for 7 minutes stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.

3. While your vegetables are cooking, prepare the PAMANA Pancit Canton according to package directions.

They take 4 minutes on average.

4. Drain the noodles and add to the pan, toss everything together, taste and add an additional tablespoon of soy sauce and a PAMANA Mix Canton.

Sprinkle with sliced green onions.

5. Serve with calamansi.

This recipe is provided courtesy of Seafood City. Visit their Facebook Page or http://www.seafoodcity.com for more recipes. If you have any recipes that you would like to share with Asian Journal readers, please send email to editor@asianjournalinc. com or info@asianjournalinc.com, and include a photo of your dish.

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COVID-19 vaccines are in Charter commits to invest $1M in the pipeline, scammers NAAC to provide small business loans in underserved CA communities won’t be far behind

REPORTS about the release of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of the year are promising, but plans for distribution are still being worked out.

Here’s what we know right now: Two vaccine manufacturers (Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna) have submitted applications for Emergency Use Authorization to the Food and Drug Administration(FDA).

The FDA could complete its review of these applications by the third or fourth week of December 2020. Additional vaccine manufacturers are expected to apply for FDA authorization in 2021. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an independent group of experts convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has already recommended that health care workers and residents of longterm care facilities should receive the first available doses.

As additional data is available, more vaccines are authorized by the FDA, and vaccine production increases, ACIP will continue to update its recommendations.

Once the FDA authorizes one or more vaccines from pharmaceutical manufacturers, vaccines will be distributed to federal- and state-approved locations. For most people living in the U.S., states and territories will make the final decisions on who will get the vaccines and when. States are also working on their own specific vaccination plans.

You may want to check with your state for specific information regarding distribution plans in your state. More information on where and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine will be available once vaccines are authorized and/or being shipped out.

While we wait for a timeline and more information, there’s no doubt scammers will be scheming. Here’s what you need to know to avoid a vaccine-related scam: • You likely will not need to pay anything out of pocket to get the vaccine during this public health emergency.

The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers of possible scams related to the release of COVID-19 vaccines.

Image capture from www.ftc.gov

• You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.

• You can’t pay to get early access to the vaccine.

• No one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a private insurance company, will call you asking for your Social Security number or your credit card or bank account information to sign you up to get the vaccine.

• Beware of providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus. Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.

If you get a call, text, email — or even someone knocking on your door — claiming they can get you early access to the vaccine, STOP. That’s a scam.

Don’t pay for a promise of vac-

cine access or share personal information. Instead, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc. gov or file a complaint with your state or territory attorney general through consumerresources.org, the consumer website of the National Association of Attorneys General.

Stay connected to stay informed. Subscribe to consumer alerts from the Federal Trade Commission at https:// publ ic .govdel i ver y.com /ac cou nt s / USF TCCONSU M E R / subscriber/new?topic_id= USFTCCONSUMER _8.

When you do, you’ll get updates delivered right to your email inbox. You may also want to check your state or territory attorney general’s website for consumer alerts and other helpful information.

(Colleen Tressler/Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC)

STAMFORD – Charter Communications, Inc. on Wednesday, December 9 announced that the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund (Loan Fund) has committed to invest $1 million in the National Asian American Coalition (NAAC) Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), which will provide low-interest loans to small businesses in Charter’s California service area. This marks the latest investment made by Charter as part of its $20 million commitment to support small businesses whose goods and services help meet core needs in financially underserved communities within its 41-state footprint.

“Charter is an important part of every community we serve and we are invested in the continued success of those communities across our footprint,” said Jeff Buller, Charter’s Vice President overseeing the Loan Fund. “Small business ownership and growth are fundamental to developing and sustaining the economic strength of our communities. Our investment in the NAAC and in other CDFIs supports small businesses by providing access to much-needed low-interest capital.”

The NAAC is a leading national Asian American nonprofit organization advocating for greater economic opportunities for individuals and businesses in underserved communities.

NAAC’s CDFI offers California small businesses working capital to help owners restore, maintain, build or grow their business.

“There are countless families

and small business owners under pressure from the financial burdens caused by the unprecedented pandemic restrictions,” said Faith Bautista, President and CEO of the National Asian American Coalition. “Charter’s investment in California’s disadvantaged neighborhoods is happening at a critical time in our history and will be a part of the stories of how some of these small businesses came back.”

In addition to the loans, each CDFI receives a grant to fund technical assistance programs and professional training for small businesses to help establish sound business practices necessary for long-term growth and continuity. Some of these grants have recently been earmarked to support businesses impacted by COVID-19.

The Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund previously announced $1 million investments in Pursuit Community Finance in New York, PeopleFund in Texas, the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) in Ohio, and Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp (WWBIC), $3 million in the National Urban Leagues’ Urban Empowerment Fund (UEF), and an additional $3 million in low-interest loans directly to CDFIs in partnership with and as directed by the National Action Network (NAN).

In the coming months, the Loan Fund expects to invest an additional $5 million in CDFIs in states served by the company including Florida, North Carolina, and Missouri.

Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivi-

ty company and cable operator serving more than 30 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.

For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.

The National Asian American Coalition is a HUD-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit housing counseling organization and a US Department of the Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (“CDFI”). Since its inception in 2004, the NAAC has advocated for and has provided essential services such as housing counseling, microlending, and alternative financing to Asian Americans and other minority and low-income communities. For more information visit naac. org. (Charter Communications Release)

Kris seeks growth, new environment...

PAGE 12t I want to establish for my career… and maybe win acting awards,” she said.

While acting and drama will always be her comfort zone, Kris jested that she may be compelled to explore singing or dancing since a lot of her fellow artists at Cornerstone, like

KZ Tandingan, Angeline Quinto and Yeng Constantino, are singers and performers.

Kris got engaged to her businessman boyfriend, Perry Choi last February. Will her recent career decisions affect their wedding plans? The wedding can wait, but work opportunities don’t always come when

you want them, the couple agreed.

“Of course, the wedding will push through. But I still want to work and there are things I want to achieve. And he said, just go for it. He knows how passionate I am with my craft,” she related. “He’s very supportive of me.”

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SEAFOOD CITY FPFC