121721 - New York & New Jersey Edition

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!

DECEMBER 17-23, 2021 Volume 15 - No.6 • 16 Pages

133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • Tel. (212) 655-5426

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

New York imposes new indoor mask mandate

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

NEW York Gov. Kathy Hochul defended her position to impose a new mask mandate in the state to curb a surge in new COVID cases and

DATELINE

hospitalizations.

“The objective is to protect the health of New Yorkers and protect the economy,” Gov. Hochul said. “It is a short term measure. Given that we are in a different place now, we can deal with it, this has a deadline on it.”

Hochul held a press briefing on Tuesday, Dec. 14 to update residents on the state’s ongoing pandemic response efforts to combat the rising cases of coronavirus and hospitalizations across New York.

New York’s new indoor mask mandate went

USA

How LA, calling the shots on school vaccine mandates, can lead the way on COVID rules

u PAGE 7

u PAGE 2

Philippines reports first two cases of Omicron variant

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

ON March 31, 1977, as a measles epidemic swept through Los Angeles, the county health department issued an ultimatum to the parents of the county’s 1.6 million schoolchildren: Get your kids vaccinated within a month or keep them home.

The “no shots, no school” warning was a novel threat at the time. Since the 1920s — and smallpox — no major city in the United States had locked the unvaccinated out of school.

into effect on Monday, Dec. 13 and will remain in effect until January 15, 2022. Masks are required to be worn in all indoor places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement.

by GAEA

BOOSTER SHOTS. Department of Health director Gloria Balboa interacts with senior citizens waiting for their turn to get booster shots against COVID-19 during the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” at Dra. Eva Macaraeg Macapagal National Center for Geriatric Health in San Miguel, Manila on Wednesday, December 15. The administration of booster shots for senior citizens and immunocompromised persons started on November 22.

PNA photo Avito Dalan

KATREENA Philstar.com

CABICO

MANILA — The Philippines reported Wednesday, December 15, its first two cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which has been classified as being “of concern” by the World Health Organization.

The Department of Health said two imported cases of the Omicron variant were detected from the 48 samples sequenced Tuesday.

One of the cases is a returning overseas Filipino who arrived from Japan on December 1 via Philippine Airlines PR 0427. The DOH said the individual is currently asymptomatic but had colds and cough upon arrival.

The other case is a Nigerian national who arrived from Nigeria on November 30 via Oman

u PAGE 4

PH, US set more PH has attained ‘substantial Pols welcome withdrawal of Duterte, Go from 2022 polls high-level meets to population immunity’ vs strengthen alliance COVID-19 - expert

THE Philippines and the United States have discussed ways to further strengthen the alliance between the two countries with more high-level visits, meetings and defense-related activities in the first half of 2022.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday, December 13 Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. met on Saturday, December 11 with U.S. Undersecretary of State for political affairs Victoria Nuland on the sidelines of the G7 Ministerial

u PAGE 2

by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines has achieved a substantial population immunity against COVID-19 as infections and hospitalization numbers drop despite the higher mobility and the easing of movement restrictions, an expert said.

Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, an

OCTA Research fellow and a University of Santo Tomas biological sciences professor, said the Philippines is experiencing the lowest COVID-19 case numbers in 20 months, with an average of about 500 cases per day.

The country’s hospitalization numbers are also at its lowest in 20 months, with the Makati Medical Center an-

VICE presidential aspirant Sara Duterte says the filing and withdrawal of a certificate of candidacy is a personal decision.

Senators Ping Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, who are running for president, urge the public to respect the pair’s move.

In yet another rearrangement of the election landscape, President Rodrigo Duterte and his longtime aide Sen. Bong Go have officially withdrawn their candidacy for

u PAGE 4

u PAGE 4

President Rodrigo Duterte officially withdrew his candidacy for senator on Tuesday, December 14.

ManilaTimes.net photo

2

December 17-23, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Filipino Americans in New York imposes new indoor mask...

Northeast US gather in Jersey City for Leni Robredo

by Manny

PAGE 1 Hochul reported that there has been a statewide surge in case rates and COVID-19 hospitalizations across New York. She said that cases per 100,000 people are up 58% statewide since Thanksgiving and that hospitalizations per 100,000 were up 70% since Thanksgiving.

“This is a holiday surge,” Hochul said. “Our statewide case rate has gone up 58% since Thanksgiving. We don’t always have a clear picture on cases in real time, so going by per 100,000 gives us a better look, and these are not trending in the right direction. 29% increase just last week for hospitalizations, 70% now since Thanksgiving, we anticipated this. This is an alarming jump.”

Businesses and other indoor venues a choice to either require all customers to wear masks or they can implement a vaccinatedonly policy and check the vaccine status of its

Caballero

DRIVEN by a common and united desire to help make VP Leni Robredo the next president of their native country, Fil-Ams from around the East Coast trooped to this city on Sunday, Dec. 12, and joined the much-anticipated Pink Caravan For Leni.

Over 250 Pinoys rode in more than 100 cars decorated with pink Leni-Kiko posters and drove along West Side Ave. where many Filipinos live and Filipino businesses thrive. The cars were escorted by the Jersey City Police.

There was a brief program before the caravan and another program and group photo after the motorcade.

Dr. Tricia Robredo, daughter of VP Robredo who is attending a medical training in New York, attended the morning program. In her talk, Dr. Robredo em-

The Brizuela family from New Jersey brought various Filipino dishes including lugaw, pan de sal, pink puto and cupcakes to feed the volunteers who attended the caravan.

phasized the importance of next year’s elections and that there are many things at stake. She also said her mother’s fight is the fight of every Filipino inside and outside of the Philippines.

“Nagulat po ako sa suporta ng mga Pilipino dito sa New Jersey, hindi ko po inasahan. Very thankful po kami

sa suporta at pagmamahal ng mga tao,” Robredo said.

“Nakakalakas po ng loob kasi alam naman natin na dehado tayo. Mas may lakas tayo ng loob kasi alam natin na may mga kasama tayo.”

Dr. Jocelyn Robredo, sister of VP Robredo’s husband Jesse, echoed the younger

u PAGE 8

guests.

For anyone over the age of 5 to dine indoors or take part in most indoor activities, including shows and other entertainment events, proof of vaccination must be shown.

The governor also reiterated her call for residents to get their booster shots, and mentioned that 30 percent of New York residents have not been vaccinated at all, calling it “the crisis of the unvaccinated.”

“We know what to do, get vaccinated and get the booster, stay home when you’re not feeling well and don’t assume you’re protected because you’ve had one dose of vaccination,” Hochul said. “We are not where we were a year ago - we now have the tools to fight this pandemic and prevent New Yorkers from getting severely ill from COVID-19. Take the preventative measures at your disposal and make sure your loved ones do the same. We will get through this together.” n

PH, US set more high-level meets...

PAGE 1 Meetings in Liverpool, United Kingdom held from Dec. 10 to 12.

“I was very pleased with their firm assurances that the United States continues to regard the Philippines as a crucial ally in the region, and that it stands ready to support the Philippines, including against armed attacks on our armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific,” Locsin said.

On the other hand, Nuland said: “We are proud to stand with you and we are very proud to see how you stood for international law.”

During the meeting with Locsin, Nuland said they discussed ways to further support the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting is part of the two countries’ enhanced and sustained bilateral engagement in pursuit of their common national security objectives and post-pandemic recovery agenda.

Building on the series of visits by Philippine and U.S. officials this year, including the most recent Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, the DFA said the two officials discussed the next steps to strengthen relations and cooperation within the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations to address current and emerging challenges.

Locsin and Nuland also tackled preparations for the Special US-ASEAN Summit the U.S. is proposing to host in January.

“They also discussed arrangements for the Two-PlusTwo Ministerial Dialogue that was previously agreed upon

by the respective defense and foreign secretaries,” the DFA said in a statement.

Locsin congratulated the U.S. for its successful virtual hosting of the Summit for Democracy last week with the participation of President Duterte.

Recounting the messages of both Presidents Duterte and Biden at the summit, the two officials underscored the countries’ shared commitment to the protection and promotion of democratic ideals and principles and to continuing work on imperfect democracies to ensure that they benefit people, especially the poor and marginalized.

Locsin invited the U.S. to support the UN Joint Program on Human Rights, noting that its contribution would be “an expression of your support to a long-standing ally and to our shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law.”

He also expressed gratitude for the close to 20 million donated doses of Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen vaccines that the Philippines received from the U.S. through the COVAX Facility.

Philippines, France deepen ties Meanwhile, the Philippines and France have discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in the fields of defense, maritime safety and security.

Locsin and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian talked on regional and bilateral issues as they met for the first time on Saturday in Liverpool.

Both officials underscored the importance of the ASEAN-European Union cooper-

ation in addressing new and existing global concerns, including climate change and maritime security.

Le Drian had previously stressed that the Indo-Pacific region would be a priority for France when it assumes the presidency of the European Union in 2022.

Japan reaffirms commitment In a related development, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen the strategic partnership with the Philippines.

During a phone call on Wednesday, December 8, Locsin and new Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa discussed key areas of Philippine-Japan bilateral cooperation, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, Mindanao peace process and maritime security and safety.

Locsin conveyed appreciation for Japan’s vaccine donation, emergency grant assistance, crisis response support program and loan packages that contributed greatly to the Philippines’ COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.

On the maritime issue, Hayashi expressed his strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change by force the status quo in the East and South China Seas.

Locsin said the Philippines values Japan’s statements of support for the arbitral award and for an international lawbased order in the South China Sea, adding that such formal demonstrations of support send a message of respect for outcomes of diplomatic and legal processes as well as strengthen the legal order over the seas. (Pia Lee-Brago/Philstar.com) n

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 17-23, 2021

3

4

December 17-23, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Pols welcome withdrawal of Duterte....

PAGE 1 senator and president, respectively, in the May 2022 polls.

The president filed his statement of withdrawal at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) headquarters in Manila on Tuesday afternoon, hours after Go filed his. Candidates are required to personally file the document at the Comelec.

The two men, both members of a faction of the administration’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), entered as substitute candidates on Nov. 15 and Nov. 13, respectively, under the unheard-of Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS).

Duterte’s statement of withdrawal is dated Dec. 11 and Go’s Dec. 8.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, a vice presidential candidate, said she respected the decision of her father and of Go to pull out of the elections.

Only recently, she named her father at the top of a list of senatorial aspirants that she would endorse in her team-up with presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “The filing of candidacy and withdrawal is a personal decision. We can only support that decision,” the mayor said in a statement.

‘He’s old’ Speaking in Filipino to reporters outside the Comelec, Go said he had waited for “a little time” to make his supporters understand that “my heart and mind are resisting running for president.”

“I also take pity on President Duterte.

He’s already old. My family and I don’t want to make him suffer,” Go said.

Political striptease Observers have described the tangled election race as a political striptease.

Duterte himself announced in October that he would retire from politics, but showed no sign of doing so.

Go originally filed a certificate of candidacy (COC) for vice president under the PDP-Laban. But at the president’s urging, he withdrew that COC after Mayor Duterte substituted as vice presidential candidate of the LakasCMD party.

The president, meanwhile, ended up as a substitute senatorial candidate of the PDDS after earlier saying he would

run for vice president, which would have pitted him against his daughter.

The period of substitution due to voluntary withdrawal of COC lapsed on Nov. 15.

Go announced on Nov. 30 that he would withdraw from the presidential race. But he did not make it official until the eve of the expected release of the Comelec’s final list of candidates today, Dec. 15.

However, the Comelec has rescheduled the release of the final list to January.

Pandemic, recovery, polls “The list of official candidates will not be released [on Dec. 15] as there are still a number of unresolved nuisance cases,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told reporters on Tuesday.

“We expect that the process of finalizing the list of candidates will take at least two more weeks, he said.

In Malacañang, acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said Duterte had withdrawn his senatorial candidacy in order to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and the country’s economic recovery.

“The president believes that withdrawing from the Senate race will allow him to better focus on managing our pandemic response in order to sustain the progress we have made in the country and in safely reopening the economy,” Nograles said in a statement.

According to Nograles, Duterte also thinks that backing out of the race will enable him “to concentrate on efforts to ensure transparent, impartial, orderly and peaceful elections in May.” Duterte will bow out of politics “after over four decades in public service,” Nograles said, adding that he “plans to retire from government to spend more time with his family when his term ends in June 2022.”

The president had said more than once that he would seek a seat in the Senate because he was displeased with how the chamber was conducting its investigation of cases involving executive officials.

Pharmally He complained at length about the Senate blue ribbon committee’s inquiry into the multibillion-peso contracts for pandemic supplies awarded to the undercapitalized Pharmally

Pharmaceutical Corp.

He said government officials invited to the hearings were not being given the chance to present their full explanations or were being made to wait too long to testify when they could be attending to the pandemic.

On Monday, the president ranted once more against Sen. Richard Gordon, who chairs the blue ribbon committee.

He said Gordon was among the politicians thriving on black propaganda and using the Pharmally issue for reelection.

“He keeps on talking about Pharmally and returning to the issue because of the elections. He knows that is the issue I will bring to the platform on stage when I talk, because he really does not deserve to be a senator,” Duterte said.

He reiterated that Gordon was unable to properly account for government funds as chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and should rest from politics.

‘Peace as their path’ The other presidential candidates weighed in on the latest political twist.

On Twitter, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Duterte and Go “have chosen peace as their path” by withdrawing their candidacies.

“Let’s give it to them and wish them well,” said Lacson, the Partido Reporma standard-bearer. His running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, called the two men’s decision a “wise move.”

“It takes a wise man to sacrifice something that he loves and give way to others who can serve our country better,” Sotto told reporters on Viber.

In Mati City, Davao Oriental, Sen. Manny Pacquiao urged everyone to “respect” Go’s decision, saying “he has a right to do what he believes is best for him.”

Pacquiao said he would continue Duterte’s development agenda for Mindanao even if he had criticized the latter in the past. He said Go’s withdrawal from the presidential race would benefit him. “I’m the only Mindanaoan and Visayan who is running for president.

Who else will Mindanaoans and Visayans support? One like them, of course,” he said.

—With reports from DJ Yap and Julie M. Aurelio (By Dona Z. Pazzibugan, Leila B. Salaverria/Inquirer.net) n

Philippines reports first two cases of Omicron...

PAGE 1 Air WY 843. He is also asymptomatic.

Both are isolated in a facility managed by the Bureau of Quarantine.

The DOH said it is verifying the test results and the health status of passengers who were on the same flight as the travelers found to have the Omicron variant.

Those who arrived in the country through the aforementioned flights are advised to call the DOH COVID-19 Hotlines at (02) 8942 6843 or 1555, or their respective LGUs to report their status.

The detection of Omicron comes as authorities announced the entire country will remain under Alert Level 2 until December 31.

Early studies suggest that Omicron, the heavily-mutated variant first detected by South Africa, can be resistant to vaccines and is more transmissible that the Delta variant.

The spread of Omicron globally prompted the government to tighten border controls, postpone the country’s tourism reopening, and accelerate the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

More Delta cases The department also reported the detection of 33 cases of the Delta variant.

This brought the total number of confirmed Delta variant cases to 7,919.

Of the additional cases, 14 were returning overseas Filipinos.

The rest were local cases from Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, Soccsksargen, Western Visayas, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Eastern Visayas and Davao region. — with report from Agence-France Presse n

SINOVAC JABS. Airport personnel remove the plastic cover of the palette of some of the two million doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine donated by China at the NAIA Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Tuesday, December 14. Among the officials who welcomed the arrival of the shipment were National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

PH has attained...

PAGE 1 nouncing for the first time that it has no COVID-19 patients, he added.

“But this is also interesting because we are experiencing the highest mobility in 20 months... Many of our people are moving around now, the most in 20 months since the beginning of the pandemic and the lockdown in March of 2020,” Austriaco said during a meeting of the government’s pandemic task force last Monday, December 13.

“And so what these three mean together is that it suggests that we have attained substantial population immunity from natural infections and vaccinations in the urban areas of the Philippines because the pandemic has raged and spread primarily in our cities and in our first class municipalities,” he added.

“And so the fact that the virus is struggling to find new Filipinos to infect, suggests that we have attained substantial population immunity.”

Austriaco said the Philippines’ condition is better than those of its neighbors Thailand and Malaysia, which are still recording about 5,000 new infections per day and Vietnam, which is still reporting about 15,000 new cases daily.

“Now the reason why these four different countries have experienced different pandemic curves is probably because as you can see the Philippines experienced - unlike these three other countries - substantial waves of previous variants. So... especially the Alpha, Beta variant, which struck our beloved country in March and April of this year,” Austriaco said.

“And so combining the vaccinations and the natural immunity, what you are seeing here is that many of our cities where the pandemic tends to focus are now - are now stable enough to prevent transmission,” he added.

Austriaco said Metro Manila, which has a significantly high vaccination rate, is “probably going to be robustly protected against the future surge.”

Malacañang said the public should continue to comply with health and safety protocols despite the improving pandemic situation.

“Indeed, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel but the only way we can get to the end is if we continue to carefully watch our steps; let us continue our mask-wearing, hand washing, social distancing and vaccination. Let us do this not just for ourselves but especially for our loved ones,” acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said.

Duterte: Better days ahead President Rodrigo Duterte expressed optimism that Filipinos would see “better days” ahead because of the decreasing number of infections.

“We continue to see downward trend of the positivity rate, now only less than two percent. This means that for every 100 persons tested for COVID-19, only a maximum of two people turned out to be positive,” the President said during a pre-recorded public address.

PAGE 7

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 17-23, 2021

OPINION

5

FEATURES

Overcoming Omicron IN less than a week, the new COVID-19 variant Omicron has grown into a global menace, with country after country sealing its borders to block its advance.

The speed with which Omicron has spread is astonishing. First detected in South Africa, it sneaked into neighboring countries Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.

Since then, Omicron cases have been reported in Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and several other places that are far from the African continent.

The new variant takes center stage at a time when many countries felt it was safe enough to relax the coronavirus restrictions that had choked economies and disrupted millions of lives. Falling COVID-19 figures and stepped-up vaccination efforts helped build up their confidence.

Leading virus scientists, however, have been reminding us that COVID-19 is far from conquered, and that like any organism, it has built-in mechanisms for survival. One of them is mutation.

In the right environment, the coronavirus could reconfigure itself to make it more difficult for antibodies to detect. By creating new masks, the virus could even make itself invisible to present-day vaccines..

The World Health Organization (WHO) agreed that travel bans were a knee-jerk

reaction that was not science-based. The agency said it needs time to know more about the variant and recommend ways to handle it.

Many countries, the Philippines included, have taken the view that it is better to enforce a travel ban while waiting for the WHO to release its findings on Omicron.

We believe that is the right course to take.

Prompt action is needed in dealing with a threat like Omicron.

Quick response Delays in the past in setting up point-of-arrival controls allowed coronavirus variants to infiltrate the Philippines. Early this year, the government hedged before restricting travel from India, where Delta was on a rampage.

We paid a high price for that delay.

The government must be commended for its quick response this time. It has banned foreign travelers from countries where the variant has been detected or where infections have sharply risen.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has, as of Monday, not announced tighter quarantine restrictions for arrivals from Hong Kong. The issue must be cleared up soon.

Editorial

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ ONE must admit, President Biden’s call for a summit of democracy was a courageous and challenging move that

ManilaTimes.net photo

Government officials assure that the country is prepared to counter an Omicron-driven surge. Local government units have been directed to keep a sharp eye out for any clustering of cases, and to get ready to do more aggressive contact tracing.

One of the most effective ways to deny Omicron a foothold here is to rev up mass inoculation efforts. The three-day vaccination blitz that began last Monday could not have come at a better time. We have stockpiled enough doses to last until the end of the year.

We only need to see to it that the doses are

delivered and administered.

There is also a proposal to make the wearing of face shields mandatory again, as added protection against Omicron which is said to be much more contagious than Delta.

Quarantine alert levels may have to be readjusted.

Omicron could derail efforts to turn around the economy and lift the people from the ennui brought about by a series of lockdowns.

We cannot let that happen. We must be primed to confront the threat it presents.

(ManilaTimes.net)

Democracy: A work in progress one can only admire. The US President was very emphatic about strengthening democracy not only in the United States but the world over, believing that committing to democratic principles and practices is critical in meeting the challenges and the threats

to democracy at this time.

In his speech during the opening of the first ever virtual “Summit for Democracy” with over 100 world leaders as well as members of civil society and the private sector participating, President Biden talked about the de-

cline of global freedom in the last 15 years, with democratic countries including the United States experiencing some form of decline in at least one aspect of their democracy in the last 10 years, according to the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral

Assistance.

“In the face of sustained and alarming challenges to democracy, universal human rights and – all around the world, democracy needs champions,” he said, admitting that even for a country like the United States, renew-

ing democracy and strengthening democratic institutions “requires constant effort,” and that democracy does not happen by accident but has to be renewed with each generation.

“Democracies are not all PAGE 10

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

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

New York and New Jersey: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858

With offices in Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor and Editor-in-Chief New York/New Jersey Asian Journal

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an a greement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

6

December 17-23, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

D ateline PhiliPPines Filipino NGO wins UNESCO Department of Migrant

prize for Media and Workers bill passed, hailed Information Literacy advocacy

by CeCille

Suerte Philstar.com

MANILA — UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy Alliance has awarded Manila-based Out of the Box Literacy Initiative first prize in the 2021 Global Media and Information Literacy Awards for its projects for media literacy and against disinformation.

According to a press release, the Global MIL Awards recognize educators, librarians, artists, activists, policymakers, NGOs and other individuals and groups that are “integrating MIL in an innovative way in their work and related activities.”

OOTB, which has been operating since 2014, is the first Filipino organization to win the prize since the Global MIL Awards were launched

Among Out of the Box’s projects is a set of resources to help students cope with the infodemic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philstar.com photo

in 2015.

Among its recent projects are the #IWASFAKE Remote Learning Resources that were released to address the infodemic and the shift

to online learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These modules can be accessed for free on their website.

PAGE 8

Felipe

MANILA — The Senate Tuesday, December 14 unanimously approved on the third and final reading a bill that calls for the creation of a department tasked with addressing the needs and concerns of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who remit P3 million every minute.

Voting 20-0-0, senators passed Senate Bill 2234, or the proposed Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act. Sen. Joel Villanueva, one of the bill’s proponents, said the department would serve as the “go-to agency” for all OFWs’ concerns, including recruitment, red tape, regulation, emergency response, repatriation and reintegration.

Sen. Bong Go, also a main proponent of the measure, congratulated and thanked Villanueva for pushing for the passage of the measure.

“Our sponsor is really determined to provide our OFWs with their own department. I know what our sponsor went

through from talking to various agencies and OFW groups to reconciling different versions of the bills,” Go said in his manifestation.

“On my part, I can just pass it on and give it as a gift to them – to our OFWs, to migrant workers – this Christmas,” Go added.

Go also thanked all of his senatorcolleagues for their support of the measure, especially Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon for his assistance and scrutiny to improve the measure with the goal of providing better services to OFWs. He noted that the Department of Migrant Workers is his and President Duterte’s priority. “Our OFWs are close to the President’s heart. In fact, just recently, President Duterte issued Executive Order 154 to ensure the establishment and operations of an OFW hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga.”

“Mr. President, we know the situation our OFWs are going through. Sadness cannot be paid for, especially when you are away from your loved ones just to provide for the family’s expenses and give your children a better future. In fact, many of our OFWs PAGE 10

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 17-23, 2021

Duterte orders DILG: Prepare drug war report

by Alexis

RomeRo

Philstar.com

MANILA — President Duterte has ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to prepare a report on the war on drugs even as he maintained that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction over the case.

During a meeting of the government’s pandemic task force on Monday, December 13, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said antinarcotics operations against suspected drug traffickers continued despite the pandemic.

Año said a total of 940 stings were conducted from Dec. 5 to 11, which resulted in the arrest of 1,253 suspects and confiscation of about P72.87 million worth of drugs.

Duterte asked Año if the government could make an inventory of drugs seized during his presidency.

“It’s intended to apprise the human rights advocates. Maybe when the time comes, we can show to the ICC the reasons why we

are not, why I am not going to bow down to their jurisdiction, because they would see the enormity of the problem of shabu in the country,” the President said.

Año vowed to produce the drug war report.

Police have confiscated an estimated P79 billion to P80 billion worth of shabu, according to Año.

“I will come up with a detailed report in our next meeting, Mr. President,” the DILG chief said.

More than 6,000 people have died since Duterte launched the war on drugs, which according to human rights advocates has encouraged extrajudicial killings and other abuses.

An ICC pre-trial chamber has allowed an investigation into the deaths linked to the drug war, but the Duterte administration maintained that the tribunal has no jurisdiction over the issue.

Officials argued that the Rome Statute, which formed the ICC, did not satisfy PAGE 10

PH has attained ‘substantial...

PAGE 4 “Better days ahead because since December 1, we have been on average of 500 to 600 and the number of active cases continues to go down. I’m talking about the COVID,” he added.

Duterte also cited a Goldman Sachs report stating that the Philippines is expected to be a strong economy in Southeast Asia by 2022.

“Well, that remains to be seen. We still have to worry about the coming Omicron and how it would impact on the population of the Philippines. But the confidence, at least, is there and the analyst believed that the gross domestic product, GDP, could hit more than seven percent.

I hope...This will be a good Christmas for everybody,” he added.

Duterte expressed hope that the Omicron variant won’t enter the Philippines even as he assured the public that the government is capable of handling the health risk.

“I hope that everything will be for the good of everybody and I am very happy that it (number of infections) is decreasing... That’s a miracle because other countries are still reeling from the effect, it seems that they have a problem with Omicron,” the President said.

“We are not hoping for the best but we pray to God that it will not come to our shores. But if ever it comes,

we can cope with it just as we did with COVID-19,” he added.

‘No need to panic’ Austriaco said preliminary data from South Africa suggest that the Omicron wave is three times higher than the Delta wave, which means that it is more transmissible among vaccinated individuals.

“What you can see is that the preliminary data suggests that ten times more unvaccinated individuals are being hospitalized as compared to vaccinated individuals. This is incredibly hopeful especially since as I highlighted before, because of the NCR (National Capital Region) plus eight strategy, our cities and first class municipalities, which is the target for Omicron when it arrives in the Philippines, are highly vaccinated,” the expert said.

Austriaco said despite the number of COVID-19 positives, the Omicron hospitalizations are quite low.

“So there are three important questions that the scientists of the world are waiting for: Is the Omicron variant more transmissible?

It is likely that it is more transmissible. Is the Omicron variant more immune evasive? Probably. The initial data seems to look like that,” he said.

“Is the Omicron variant more deadly? And this is the good news po, it’s probably less deadly than Delta. “

Austiraco said Filipinos can still celebrate Christmas but should prepare for be careful to avoid catching the virus.

“First, there is no need to panic. Let us celebrate Christmas. This is the best time in 20 months for the entire country,” Austriaco said.

“And so this is not the time to panic. It is the time to be careful. We have to prepare.

But we also have to celebrate especially since this is Christmas. We must prepare the hospital infrastructure and increase healthcare workers staffing capacity. Because in the Alpha and Delta surges it was clear that we had nursing shortages, especially in the NCR,” he added.

Austriaco cited the need to continue the vaccination drive to build and maintain population “We must increase the population immunity around our international gateways.

Omicron will enter through an airport most likely. And so what we have to do is we have to build a wall of vaccinated Filipinos around these airports. Because once Omicron arrives, it will try to spread into the Filipino population,” he said.

“And if the Filipinos around the airports...are heavily vaccinated, then it doesn’t matter if there is an OFW (overseas Filipino worker) who returns home.

Because even if this person is able to enter the community, the virus will struggle.”

7

HONORING AN ARTIST. Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines carry the urn containing the ashes of the late National Artist for Theater, Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio, for transfer to a funeral caisson at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Saturday, December 11. Bonifacio died on Dec. 29, 2020 at the age of 90.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

How LA, calling the shots on school...

PAGE 1 The threat — voiced most audibly by Dr. Shirley Fannin, whom the Los Angeles Times described as “the energetic, no-nonsense physician” in charge of communicable disease control — brought results. About 40,000 county schoolkids were excluded — sent home or forced to sit in the school auditorium all day. Within a week most had been vaccinated.

The epidemic, which had killed two children, caused brain damage in five and left scores hospitalized with pneumonia, fizzled out.

By demonstrating that the public would acquiesce with rigorous enforcement of school vaccine mandates, the L.A. school system had a powerful influence on the country. President Jimmy Carter launched a national initiative to get measles and other recommended vaccines to all American children. Federal health officials twisted arms, shaming reluctant states, one by one, into tightening their vaccination rules. By 1981, 95% of U.S. schoolchildren had received the recommended vaccines. Over the next two decades, the U.S. nearly eliminated diseases like polio, rubella, measles and tetanus.

The Los Angeles Unified School District announced in September that it would exclude schoolkids 12 and older from campus on Jan. 10 unless they were vaccinated against COVID-19. On Friday, however, the district decided to suspend the enforcement until next fall, according to school board member Jackie Goldberg. About 28,000 kids — roughly 14% — had yet to show proof of vaccination, she said. To provide those children with teachers for online learning would have deprived vaccinated kids at some schools of proper instruction, and “that wouldn’t have been fair.”

Goldberg, who grew up in the Inglewood section of Los Angeles, is troubled by vaccine hesitancy. She remembers the 1977 measles outbreak: “We were terrified. Kids were dying,” she said. At the time, many Angelenos had no health care, and the county’s free vaccination clinics were seen more as a gift than as what some consider them today — an imposition.

Before then, vaccination rates were low in Los Angeles for two reasons: Lower-income people couldn’t afford or get access to vaccines, and many people were indifferent to the risks of measles, considering the disease a normal part of childhood since most children suffered no permanent effects. Some people were opposed to vaccines in general, but

“they were thought to be kooks, and there were so few of them,” said Dr. Peter Krause, a Yale University epidemiologist who worked on an outbreak of measles at the UCLA campus in 1977. Well into the 1990s, only about 0.5% of children in California were exempted from the vaccine requirements because their parents opposed or mistrusted vaccination.

What was different then? No social media, of course. And partisan politics played no role in vaccination rates. Dr. James Cherry, 91, who has taught in UCLA’s pediatric infectious diseases department since 1973, can’t recall meeting any anti-vaccine Republicans during the 1977 pandemic. He finds it remarkable to hear Govs. Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida fighting mandates aimed at stopping a virus that has killed more than 790,000 Americans.

“The thing just blows the mind,” he told me.

“Measles was bad, bad for a lot of reasons, but COVID is a hell of a lot worse. And we could prevent virtually all deaths by vaccination.”

Today, the clever use of social media by anti-vaccine activists has revealed the vulnerability of the vaccination effort. Public health departments are understaffed and overwhelmed by work and attacks of vitriol and violence. And fighting endemic infectious diseases has never been easy.

But now, the politics seem even messier than the disease, let alone the vaccines. Battles over COVID vaccination mandates could ripple outward to threaten vaccine mandates long in place for diseases that are still deadly at worst, and costly nuisances at best.

Refusing mask and vaccine mandates has become integral to many Americans’ identity, creating a base to which GOP politicians have responded.

Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), who fought for state laws to close loopholes that people opposed to vaccines used to avoid vaccinations against childhood diseases, is still hopeful reality will win out. But the process may look less like public consensus than an angry majority turning on anti-science rebels.

“People are going to get frustrated, tired of the persistence of these diseases, and there will be more general public pressure for mandates,” he said. “The question is, ‘How many people will die in the process?’” (Arthur Allen/Kaiser Health News) This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. n

8

December 17-23, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Filipino Americans in Northeast US...

DAY OUT. Teenagers hang out at Neopolitan Business Park in Fairview, Quezon City on Monday, December 13. The park has a cycling oval and is popular for other fitness activities for those who opt for outdoor setting instead of crowded malls.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

Filipino NGO wins...

PAGE 2 “’Iwas’ in #IWASFAKE stands for the four key habits against disinformation: Ikalma ang sarili (Pause and calm down); Wag basta maniniwala (Be skeptical); Alamin ang source at konteksto ng impormasyon (Check the source and context of the information); and, Salain bago i-share at sitahin ang nagkakalat ng mali (Filter what you share and call out disinformation),” OOTB says in the release.

OOTB has also produced the #MIL4Democracy Handbook that contains 18 lesson plans meant to teach young Filipinos about their rights and duties as digital citizens, the organization said.

The organization currently co-runs — with Mano Amiga Philippines and Meta (formerly Facebook) — the Youth Leaders Incubator, a mentorship program for Filipino youth advocacy organizations.

The spread of misinformation and disinformation — seen as a factor in the coming 2022 elections — has prompted initiatives on fact-checking as well as on media and information literacy to promote critical thinking and a better appreciation of democratic institutions. (Philstar.com) n

PAGE 2 Robredo’s gratitude. She has been based in the United States since 1982 and currently lives in Pennsylvania.

“I was so overwhelmed but very thankful. This is so heartwarming,” Dr. Robredo said. “The motivation here is about working for what’s good for the country. It is not just a mission, now it is a movement.”

During the program after

the caravan, Loida Nicolas Lewis, Jersey City FilAm Councilman Rolando Lavarro, Jr., and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea delivered speeches.

Many participants brought food for sharing. Some brought “lugaw ni Leni” while others brought pink puto and cupcakes.

“Mahal namin si Leni, mahal namin ang Pilipinas,” said Noemi Brizuela, whose

family brought in a variety of dishes to serve the volunteers who joined the caravan. “We are supporting her not because she is the underdog. We are supporting her because it is the right thing to do.”

Aside from New Jersey and New York, It was learned that some caravan participants came from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia Beach. n

Dr. Jocelyn Robredo, VP Leni Robredo’s sister-in-law

Hundreds of Filipino Americans in Northeast USA trooped to Lincoln Park in Jersey City on Sunday, December 12 for the Pink Caravan for Leni organized by a team of volunteers led by Nilda Gonzales-Chan and Jujo Cunol. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

Dr. Tricia Robredo, VP Leni Robredo’s daughter

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 17-23, 2021

9

SFIO closes $5M series of global distribution partnerships for premium beverages and New Zealand Manuka honey GLOBAL asset management company Starfleet Innotech, Inc. (OTC: SFIO-Smokefree Innotec, Inc.) entered into a partnership last month with food ingredients supplier Annapolis Co., Ltd., granting SFIO distribution rights over a suite of products under their premium beverage solutions brand LongBeach. This is the latest in a series of agreements the asset company has signed, following a similar arrangement with SFIO’s New Zealand-based subsidiary Gorgeous Coffee Co. Altogether, these partnerships are projected to launch SFIO towards their $100 million revenue target by the end of 2022.

With this latest partnership, Thailand’s leading premium ingredients supplier for beverages and bakeries, Annapolis Co., Ltd., will see its LongBeach brand premium purees, syrups, sauces, powders, and teas sold across SFIO’s sprawling food service network in Australia and New Zealand.

According to the latest data from Statista, despite the ongoing pandemic, Australia and New Zealand’s cafes, restaurants, and takeaway food services together present a roughly $36 billion market, which is expected to grow steadily over the next few years. Beginning January 2022, SFIO will be the sole distrib-

utor of LongBeach products across these two markets’ thriving food service industries. The company expects this deal alone to bring in up to $5 million in additional revenue for SFIO’s food and beverage division.

Earlier this year, SFIO established a global expansion roadmap for their fully-owned subsidiary Gorgeous Coffee Co. that would see New Zealand Manuka honey and a premium health brand of 5-in-1 Instant Coffee reaching U.S. shelves as early as next year.

New Zealand’s Manuka honey, considered the best in the world, is a highly valued, energy-boosting superfood boasting a distinct earthy flavor and health benefits such as antioxidants, probiotics,

and antibacterial support. The honey is graded according to a global potency scale called the Unique Manuka Factor, or UMF. Come January 2022, SFIO will be distributing Manuka honey variants, including UMF 5+, UMF 10+, UMF 15+, and UMF 20+.

Revenues from this arrangement are expected to reach $1 million by the end of 2022. Samples of the Manuka honey products have already been shipped to the United States and parts of the United Arab Emirates, with SFIO currently working on sending more to other countries across Asia.

Similarly, Gorgeous Coffee Co.’s 5-in-1 Instant Coffee will be exported across the United States, Australia, and Asia, including the

United Arab Emirates. The product is a healthful mix of premium Arabica coffee, Manuka honey, barley grass, non-dairy MCT creamer, and Stevia. In addition to the benefits of Manuka honey, the instant coffee mix claims to aid in digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity thanks to its barley components. Followers of the popular keto diet will also appreciate the instant coffee’s MCT creamer, an easy-to-digest alternative to traditional dairy.

The instant coffee product is expected to bring in at least $2 million in additional revenue for SFIO. Samples have already been sent to potential partners in the United States.

These partnerships play into the asset management company’s longterm ecosystem strategy, which prioritizes high-value synergies across its growing portfolio of companies.

Leveraging the expanding footprint of its food and beverage businesses, including flagship franchise business Epiphany Cafe, these products will be rapidly stocking shelves across the globe as early as the first quarter of next year.

(Advertising Supplement)

10

December 17-23, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Omicron variant: mRNA vaccine...

PAGE 5 the same,” the US president acknowledged.

“We don’t agree on everything, all of us in this meeting today. But the choices we make together are going to define, in my view, the course of our shared future for generations to come,” he continued, vowing that the US will “lead by example…” investing in democracy and supporting its partners around the world at the same time.

As Secretary of State Antony Blinken pointed out in an op-ed published in USA Today last Wednesday, “Strengthening democracy can’t be a solo endeavor that countries do in isolation. It must be approached as a global mission – governments, civil societies, private sectors and citizens working together across borders, languages and cultures – everyone committed to inaugurating a new era of rising freedom and stronger human rights protections around the world.”

Acknowledging that “democracy can at times be fragile,” President Biden also pointed out that democracy is inherently resilient and capable of self-correction and self-improvement. After all, there is no such thing as a perfect democracy, or even a perfect constitution for that matter – not even the Constitution of the United States which has been amended 27 times to make it more attuned to the need of the times.

In her book “Democracy: Stories from the Long Road to Freedom” published in May 2017, former State Secretary Condoleezza Rice highlighted the need for the US to continue being active in promoting, strengthening and spreading democracy all over the world.

Her focus on promoting democracy is not really surprising, considering that she served as National Security Adviser and then State Secretary during the term of George Bush Jr., who had pledged to strengthen democracy and help emerging democracies build institutions that would sustain freedom and liberty. In his second inaugural address in January 2005, Bush Jr. said, “The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in the world.”

Admittedly, defining democracy is not as simple as describing it as the control of the majority in an organization, or that it is a system of government where people have the authority to decide through elected representatives. But there are certain parameters, such as the con-

duct of periodic and free elections, an independent judiciary, freedom of the press, exercise of free speech, freedom of religion.

In her book, Rice wrote, “The paradox of democracy is that its stability is born of its openness to upheaval through elections, legislation and social action. Disruption is built into the fabric of democracy.”

As a young democracy, the Philippines has gone through many challenges, upheavals even. We must admit our own Constitution also needs substantial changes to make it more responsive to the changing times. Critics say it was crafted hastily and essentially not thought out well. That is why those who claim that democracy is nonexistent in the Philippines and that dissent as well as freedom of the press is suppressed – even so far as claiming that the country is under a reign of terror and mass murder – are definitely exaggerating. The fact that these groups can speak their minds and continue to criticize the government prove that democracy is very much alive in the Philippines.

This reminds me of the time in 2014 when Condoleezza Rice was giving a speech at Norwich University when several protesters heckled and interrupted her. As the protesters were peacefully escorted out of the building, Rice remarked, “Democracy is noisy.”

In fact, in 2005 when she was State Secretary and speaking at a place in San Francisco, California that was described as “hostile territory” with protesters outside the venue, three members of the audience put on black hooded robes and stretched their arms, chanting, “Stop the torture, stop the killing, US out of Iraq.” Maintaining her composure, Rice gestured to the protesters, saying, “It’s a wonderful thing that people are able to speak their minds in our democracy. In Baghdad, Kabul and soon in Beirut, they, too, will be able to speak their minds.”

As President Biden stated on the International Day of Democracy, “No democracy is perfect, and no democracy is ever final. Every gain made, every barrier broken, is the result of determined, unceasing work.”

Democracy is never static – it’s a continuing work in progress. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

Department of Migrant...

PAGE 6 have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. They came home to our country, they lost their jobs and they had a hard time,” Go said in his manifestation.

“They have a problem

with how to feed their family.

In recent months and years, many OFWs have come to our office for help. Some are imprisoned for murder, some are abused by their employers. Hopefully, with the establishment of this

department, they can return to normal life,” Go added.

Go said OFWs have long considered OFWs to be modern-day heroes because of their great contribution to the economy and community. n

Duterte orders DILG...

PAGE 7 publication requirements and therefore did not take effect in the Philippines.

The government has asked ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan to suspend the probe, saying actions are being undertaken to look

into the drug war deaths.

The ICC has suspended the probe, but requested the Philippine government to provide information about its investigation.

In his previous speeches, Duterte insisted that he would not face trial before the ICC. n

SHOE DOCTOR. John Angeles (left) repairs rubber shoes at a sidewalk along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Monday, December 13. captionAngeles said hand-sewn pairs are stronger than those repaired using machines. PNA photo by Ben Briones

South China Sea Code of Conduct negotiations ‘went nowhere,’ Locsin admits

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — Negotiations for a binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea “went nowhere,” even with the Philippines as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. admitted on Tuesday, December 14.

In a statement he delivered during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-G7 Foreign and Development Ministers Meeting in Liverpool, United Kingdom, Locsin said he opposed “the exclusion of any outside power from the South China Sea.” China claimed that the progress in the COC consulta-

tions showed that Beijing and ASEAN countries have the capability, wisdom and willingness to reach consensus and formulate regional rules, and any external interference like the United States should be excluded as it is “not a party to the South China Sea issue.”

In 2016, an international tribunal ruled against Chinese claims, backing a case brought by the Philippines, but Beijing said it would not honor the ruling.

China’s more aggressive approach to its unlawful claims in the South China Sea has directly challenged the global rules-based order.

The Philippines opposed efforts to block foreign powers, particularly the US, from having access to the South China Sea under a COC being

crafted by China and ASEAN. “These worrying developments underscore the urgency and importance of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. The Philippines, in its role as then Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, is proud to have helped lead the process and build consensus,” Locsin said.

“But negotiations for the Code of Conduct, even in our watch, went nowhere. I opposed the exclusion of any outside power from the South China Sea. That would create a semi-legal sphere of influence repugnant to the comity of all nations,” he added.

The country’s top diplomat also aired concern over recent incidents in South China Sea. n

Senators say postponing polls unconstitutional

by Christina

Marie raMos

Inquirer.net

MANILA — Several senators on Monday, December 13 tagged as “unconstitutional” a petition urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to postpone the 2022 polls.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III warned that postponing the elections will create a “vacuum in the government.”

“Unconstitutional. There will be a vacuum in the [government],” Sotto, a vice presidential aspirant, said in a message to reporters.

“There is no provision in the Constitution that will allow a holdover for national officials except for 12 members of the Senate,” he added.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, who is seeking the presiden-

cy with Sotto as his running mate, had the same view.

“They should read the Constitution. Even the prayer in the petition to extend the term of [President Rodrigo Duterte] in a holdover capacity is outright unconstitutional,” Lacson said.

Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva said the pandemic should not be used as an excuse to deny the Filipino people of their constitutional right to vote.

“Our people’s right to vote is enshrined in the Constitution. The pandemic cannot be used as an excuse to deny our people that right,” said Villanueva, a reelectionist senator.

“Other countries like Peru were able to have national elections during the pandemic. We should be able to do

the same,” he added.

Earlier, a group called Coalition for Life and Democracy reportedly filed a petition asking the Comelec to defer the May 2022 polls to 2025 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a press conference Monday, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez noted that the group actually intended to call for the postponement of the polls only until 2023 and that 2025 was a typographical error.

Nonetheless, Jimenez said postponing the elections would be unconstitutional, adding that the petition “seems unlikely to prosper.”

The 2022 elections are set on May 9. Campaign period for national and local positions will start on February 8 and March 25, respectively. n

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 17-23, 2021

COMMUNITY Journal

11

No interview required Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ON December 13, 2021 the Department of State (DOS) published a temporary final rule (TFR) allowing consular officers the flexibility or discretion to waive the personal appearance (or interview) of certain repeat immigrant visa applicants: (a) who were previously approved for an immigrant visa in the same classification and on the same basis as their current application; and (b) the previous visa was issued on or after August 4, 2019, but it was not used or expired.

By law, every immigrant visa applicant must submit an application, which must be signed in the presence of a consular officer and verified under oath. This means every immigrant visa applicant must have an in-person interview with a consular officer.

Many people applied for their immigrant visa, appeared for their interview, and their immigrant visa was issued, which was valid for six months. But then the COVID-19 pandemic hit with various lockdowns, travel restrictions, etc. As a result, they did not travel to the U.S. within the validity period of that immigrant visa and the visa expired, or it was lost or mutilated, etc.

Under these circumstances, they would have to apply for a new (or

renewed) visa.

Another immigrant visa interview would be an inconvenience to the visa applicant, who may have to travel a long distance. It would also unnecessarily increase the embassy’s workload and create further backlogs for interviews.

This TFR provides that a new interview may not necessarily be required. To qualify for this discretionary in-person waiver, an applicant must: 1. Have been issued a U.S. immigrant visa on or after August 4, 2019; 2. Seek an immigrant visa in the same classification and pursuant to the same approved petition as the previously issued immigrant visa; 3. Qualify for an immigrant PAGE 12

FAMILY PETITIONING FAMILY FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARD. Many people believe the only way to bring a family member to the U.S. is through a family petition. Auntie Eva started as a caregiver when she first set foot on American soil. Through the years, she was able to put up her own six-bed facility, but desperately needed help. Eva’s niece, Russell, just finished her nursing courses back in the Philippines. While watching an episode of Citizen Pinoy, Eva learned a valuable lesson: family members in the U.S. who have businesses that are financially stable can legally petition relatives for an employment-based green card (PERM/labor certification). Watch this informative episode on how Atty. Gurfinkel’s office was able to complete all the necessary requirements, and help Tita Eva get the much-needed help for her facility (and a green card for her family member) on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, December 19 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/ Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

12

December 17-23, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Viagra for Alzheimer’s? A powerful performance

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS SILDENAFIL Citrate, popularly known as Viagra, was originally developed to treat angina because it dilates arteries. However, the beneficial effect for angina was not impressive and researchers discovered that the side-effect of Viagra (penile erection) instead was more effective for male erectile dysfunction.

My very first article on Viagra on June 18, 1998, after the US-FDA approved Sildenafil Citrate on March 27, 1998, was about the “giant blue” miracle pill from Pfizer.

On top of this wonderful discovery, which has saved a lot of relationships, Sildenafil was also found effective in controlling pulmonary arterial hypertension, even in infants, and good therapy for altitude sickness in humans and jetlag in hamsters. Recent studies with a 6-year follow-up show Sildenafil reduces the risk for Alzheimer’s by an impressive 69 percent.

For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, Sildenafil stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which activates an enzyme that relaxes the muscles, arteries, and veins of the penis, allowing the flow of more blood to engorge the penis and keep it erect for successful penetration.

There is a warning, though: Viagra should not be taken when one is on any nitrate (coronary dilator) medications for angina, like nitroglycerine, Peritrate, Imdur, Isordil, Nitrobid, etc.

The combination causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and shock.

Sildenafil is a prescription drug and should be used only under a physician’s direction.

This initial observation on Viagra’s beneficial role in reducing the risk for Alzheimer’s Disease will require multiple large independent worldwide evidence-based randomized clinical studies for confirmation before the therapy could be accepted as a standard of care.

Stroke prevention

Around three million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm ailment, causing irregular heartbeat. This condition increases the chance of blood clots forming in the left atrium of the heart, pieces of which could travel upwards to block an artery in the brain and cause stroke. Afib is responsible for 15-20 and percent of all strokes and also elevates the risk for heart failure.

To minimize blood clot formation, patients take warfarin blood thinners.

Unfortunately, a significant number of them develop severe bleeding as a sideeffect. Today, there is a non-drug alternative, the Watchman device.

On March 13, 2015, the US-FDA approved the Watchman device (Boston Scientific Corporation) for Non-Valvular atrial fibrillation, and on March 24, 2015, the first 4 patients with NV-AFib received the first implants of the Watchman at two heart centers in Los Angeles.

The Watchman is a device the size of a quarter, shaped like a parachute.

It is introduced through a catheter inserted in a vein in the groin and directed to the left atrium, guided by a video monitor, and deployed (open the parachute) to close the left atrial appendage to prevent blood clots from leaving that chamber and traveling to the brain.

Over 150,000 patients with NV-aFib have received the Watchman implant and no longer take blood thinners. It is a one-time minimally invasive strokepreventing procedure that is life-changing.

Stealth Omicron The Omicron variant from South Africa is now practically in the entire United States. It appears to be more rapidly transmissible but “not more” deadly than Delta.

But it is too early to tell for sure. Omicron itself is reported to have a stealth version, which is much harder to detect. The unvaccinated are evidently the target of all strains of the virus, especially the Delta variant, which is more than 99.9 percent the cause of current surges in COVID-19 infections.

There were almost 835,000 cases in the U.S. last week alone, a 40

percent increase the past 2 weeks, and 1100 deaths a day! Those vaccinated, especially those who had the booster shot, are dozen times better protected, even from Omicron, compared to those who are not vaccinated.

After the booster, breakthrough infection is still possible, albeit the chances are very low. Those 16 and over are now eligible to get the booster. After six months of the booster, I predict that a 4th shot might be needed, amidst (mostly the unvaccinated) carriers/ transmitters of newer variants, and an annual shot might be the norm, like the yearly flu shots.

As of Thursday, December 9, 200,717,389 people in the United States have been fully vaccinated, representing only 60.5 percent of the population.

This is still far from the 90 percent needed before the country could develop herd immunity, especially with newer strains coming out.

It is a shame that the United States, a world leader with state-of-theart education, science, and epidemiology and all the vaccines at its disposal, is lagging by default behind 50 other countries, many of which have more than 80 percent of their population vaccinated.

We have a time-proven standard epidemiologic protocol to manage and end this pandemic soonest, which the government refuses to employ resulting in thousands of preventable deaths. Is this the price we are paying for some people’s abuse of their civil rights, the freedom to refuse (hurting others), and our scienceincompetent and spineless government leaders’ political correctness? Is this not gross negligence and dereliction of duty on the part of our leaders?

The sad reality is that almost 40 percent of Americans are not fully vaccinated yet, including the 20 percent who remain refusing the shot. These individuals are serving as massive human reservoirs (hosts) for the COVID-19 viruses, enabling them to replicate and mutate to more variants, spreading the viruses exponentially to others. As we have stated before, without a host (when PAGE 15

and triumphant Top 5 Miss Universe finish

By Christina

alpad ManilaTimes.net

BEATRICE Luigi Gomez may not have won the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown at the pageant’s 70th coronation night in Eilat, Israel but she is considered a triumph for this pageant-loving nation just the same. For not only did the Cebuana beauty land a triumphant Top 5 finish amid very tough competition this year but she gave the Philippines its best standing in the contest since Catriona Gray won the crown in 2018.

Gomez was a stunner from the onset but shined even brighter when host Steve Harvey called her to the Top 15 circle and asked after her tattoo.

“The tattoo that you’re talking about is the one that I’m wearing on my sleeve. It actually means rebirth and new beginnings. So this is a cherry blossom, I got it on my 23rd birthday and I got it to celebrate my womanhood.”

During the swimsuit competition, Gomez was

A Filipina goddess indeed.

the picture perfect lady in a modest red one-piece. Her confident walk and sweet smile earned her a spot in the Top 10.

The 26-year-old then wowed the crowd with her ethereal gold gown by Francis Libiran, looking every bit a winner. She was a shoo-in to the Top 5.

While getting the short end of the stick with a highly political and controversial question, Gomez, who was last to draw a card among her

Photo from Instagram/@francislibiran

fellow finalists, nonetheless delivered a well-formed and clearly justified answer regarding her opinion on the need for vaccine passports.

All in all, Beatrice Luigi Gomez delivered a powerful performance in the competition of her young life, and with the grace, eloquence and quiet dignity she showed, this Filipina — just liker gown — is sure to have a dazzling future ahead.

Salamat at mabuhay ka Bea Gomez! n

No interview required...

PAGE 11 visa in the same classification, or another classification as a result of automatic conversion due to the death or naturalization of the petitioner; and 4. Have no changed circumstances that could affect the applicant’s eligibility for the visa. For example, if a person was petitioned as “single” by their immigrant parent, but they married, they would no longer be eligible for the visa.

Depending on the circumstances, a repeat immigrant visa applicant may be required to submit a new Form DS-260/DS-230, in which case the applicant must also submit the required supporting documents and pay a new fee. It would seem likely the person may also be required to submit to a new medical exam or police clearance.

I know there have been many cases where a person was interviewed and their immigrant visa was issued. But because the COVID-19 pandemic struck, many could not travel to the U.S. or were reluctant to do so.

As a result, their immigrant visa expired.

Under this guidance, the person must still submit another immigrant visa application, to have another/new immigrant visa issued.

However, since they had already been interviewed in connection with their previous application, they may no longer be required to appear again at the U.S. Embassy for another in-person interview.

If this situation applies to you and your

initial immigrant visa expired, you may want to consult with an attorney, who can evaluate your situation and perhaps help move your case forward so that if you’re prepared to immigrate to the U.S. and you meet the eligibility requirements for waiver of interview, the attorney can also assist in having a new visa issued. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 40 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 17-23, 2021

Barbie returns to her ‘first love’

By AllAn

PolicArPio

Inquirer.net

AFTER almost five years of doing romantic comedy projects, Barbie Forteza will begin her 2022 working on a heavy drama series—a return to her “first love.”

“The last time I did a heavy drama series was ‘The Half Sisters,’ which lasted one-and-a-half years and ended in 2016. So, the idea of doing the thing I love most once again has me feeling butterflies in my stomach. Heavy drama is my first love. Nakakakilig,” she told the Inquirer in a virtual conference for her contract renewal with GMA Artist Center. Barbie revealed that her locked-in taping for the “Mano Po: Legacy”—a television adaptation of the popular movie franchise of the same title—has already started this month. “My Christmas will be merry,” she said, laughing. “This show is going to be my first blessing for next year.”

Barbie also hopes that 2022 will give her more opportunities to explore

EMPLOYMENT

Barbie Forteza Photo from Instagram/@barbaraforteza

other genres and take on roles she hasn’t tried before.

“I want to be braver in terms of choosing roles—but not to the point of changing who I am. After all, the reason my fans and the network

liked me was because I was true to who I am… that’s also going to help me last longer in the industry,” she said. The awardwinning artist’s outing on “Wish Ko Lang” earlier this month could very well have been a sign of things to come for Barbie. Titled “Ang Tatlong Katauhan ni Sunshine,” the episode had her playing a young woman with dissociative identity—a condition triggered by traumatic experiences she had with her abusive father.

“I often say that I want to do something like that. But once the role was given to me, I realized that it really is very difficult. The challenge there is that you may end up doing the characters as if they’re triplets. The role is only one person with three different personas,” she pointed out. “Luckily, we had the guidance of a psychiatrist while working on [it].”

Barbie started out with GMA 7 as a child star and has been with the network for more than 10 years.

“There are so many new

actors coming in these days. So, getting to stay here is such a wonderful gift. It’s as if they’re telling me that they value my work, and that they still want to continue working with me longer,” she said.

“They also never failed to show their love for me amid the pandemic. The moment work and productions were allowed — even in limited capacities — they gave projects right away,” she added. Making her contract signing more emotional was the video messages sent by her usually private family members. “I thought it would just be a montage of my past projects. But they were video messages from my sister in Chicago and my newborn niece,” she said.

Looking back at 2021, Barbie can safely say that it was a much better year than the last.

“The restrictions have eased. There are now more opportunities for work both outside and from home.

I’m now fully vaccinated, which makes me feel safer at work,” she said. n

ONLINE STORE

Angeline Quinto

13

Photo from Instagram/@loveangelinequinto

Angeline confirms she’s pregnant with non-showbiz boyfriend

KAPAMILYA singer Angeline Quinto confirmed she’s five months pregnant with her non-showbiz boyfriend.

In her interview with Boy Abunda, Angeline was asked about her Instagram post “New Life, Chapter One.”

SERVICES

“Kaya ko na-post iyon dahil kay Mama Bob,” Angeline said, referring to the first death anniversary of her late mother Sylvia Quinto.

“At pangalawa, kasi magiging nanay na rin ako,” PAGE 15

14

14

December 17-23, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

• (212) N E W http://www.asianjournal.com YO R K / N E W J E R S EY 655-5426 D EC E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 2 1

people events arts culture entertainment

Daniel Corpuz finds the sweet scent of success after ‘School of Chocolate’

by MOMaR

G. VisaYa / AJPress

IKE many others in the food and hospitality industry, Filipino American Daniel Joseph Corpuz lost his job as L the global pandemic began to wreak havoc last year.

“Inisip ko kung ano ang puwede kong gawin, I can’t do nothing here at home,” the chocolatier and pastry chef told the Asian Journal.

Corpuz played a lot with chocolate to further hone and practice his knowledge and he posted his stuff on social media. Because of his business and chocolate background, he toyed with the idea of selling his chocolate creations, and thus began his chocolate brand.

He did a couple of popups in the city, including one at Kabisera, a Filipinoowned cafe on the Lower East Side.

Then Netfl ix found him.

They liked his story and they decided to have him on the show called ‘School of Chocolate’.

Corpuz described this experience as amazing, one that truly made him realize what he wanted to do in life.

“We made a thousand and one things I would

Daniel Corpuz at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market in New York City AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

have never thought we would make. From our feet tall sculptures, sculpting things, and just meeting chef Amaury,” he shared.

“He’s such an icon in pastry that when we fi nally met him, I was so excited.

And it’s defi nitely opened a

Daniel on his ’School of Chocolate’ mentor Chef Amaury Guicon: “Chef Amaury is an idol in pastry. He’s not a household name but maybe now he is. He is well known in the world of pastry and to have learned from him, to have met him, he was just so genuine,” he said.

Photo courtesy of @danielcorpuzchocolatier

thousand doors for me after the show.”

He is referring to the French pastry chef Amaury Guichon, a renowned chocolatier who is their instructor on the show.

Corpuz was one of eight pastry and chocolate professionals competing for the grand prize of $100,000 and a chance to teach at Guichon’s pastry academy in Las Vegas.

The series premiered on Netfl ix last Nov. 26.

Young and Eager Now 23 years old, Corpuz was the youngest student on the show. Born and raised in New York, he turned 22 as they fi lmed the series in Los Angeles late last year.

“Clearly, everyone who was there, they were seasoned vets. And there was defi nitely this part of

Being the only Filipino American on the show gave Corpuz a chance to represent his culture, something that he did on the first episode. On his social media account, he shows his creations including these bonbons that showcased the colors of the Philippine flag. Photo courtesy of @danielcorpuzchocolatier

me that was like, ‘Oh man, will I be able to compete?

Will I be able to deliver the same product?’” he said.

As doubt got in his head, he had to dig deep for inspiration and fi nd the reason why he was there in the fi rst place.

“I think after the fi rst episode, that’s when I was like, ‘I’m here for a reason.’

And clearly, I have proven to the Netfl ix people that I was not this random person who just makes stuff and seeing what I produced and seeing what everyone else produced, I was able to do it. Okay, I’m here, and I’m happy to be here,” he added.

When he saw the rest of the class, he also realized that he was the only Filipino and he thought it PAGE 15

Daniel had only one choice of school and it was the Culinary Institute of America. “It gave me that foundation to make what I make now, but it has also given me a platform and network since so many people in the food industry come from CIA. So like even if I don’t know them or haven’t met them, if I just say CIA, most people already have an idea of what you can produce, who you are and what your work ethic is.,” he told the Asian Journal.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

Daniel on his biggest learning as a business owner so far: The one thing that I’ve learned from this business alone is that though I’d love to do everything myself, I can’t do myself. So I am going to be looking for people I trust, people I can teach and people who are open minded and people who can also tell me when I’m wrong.

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 17-23, 2021

15

Daniel Corpuz finds the... Having a famous last name PAGE 14 was a great opportunity to show them his heritage.

He wanted to represent in one way or another, flavor-wise or design-wise.

For their first challenge, the students were asked to make their own mold. It was something that Corpuz had done before so he thought he would go with a brown coffee bag because he is such a coffee fiend.

“I wanted the [Philippine] map to be a little more precise, but at some point, I was like, I have to let it be and clearly people understood what the map looked like,” he said laughing.

He is thankful that the producers took a chance on him. Getting chef Amaury as a mentor and learning life lessons from him was something he is grateful for.

Aside from the cool tips and tricks he learned and added to his arsenal, Corpuz said that he took to heart what chef Amaury told him about being humble and how he should never stop learning.

“I know that I will never be the best of the best because there’s always something to add to what I do. Technically and clearly, the other chefs showed more pastry skills and so that’s something I was working on more of,” he said.

Nurturing His Love for Chocolate Corpuz earned his Associate’s Degree in Baking and a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Business Administration in 2019 from the Culinary Institute of America in upstate New York, the training ground of many chefs who have made their names in the industry.

“It’s so unFilipino to not go to a traditional field. I feel so fortunate that my parents didn’t squash my dream. Sinuportahan nila talaga ako, whether it was washing dishes or cleaning up after my messes,” he said laughing.

CIA was his only choice of school. He knew that armed with a CIA degree, he could start dreaming about starting his own business.

At CIA, he learned the fundamentals and in the end, it was up to the students to choose what they’d like to do. And for him,

it was chocolate.

“I love the taste of chocolate, love the smell of chocolate,” Corpuz said as he showed us cacao from Davao City.

“Working with it is different, unlike cake decorating or sugar blowing.”

Corpuz’s chocolate business is Filipinoand Asian-inspired or influenced. He has the classic flavors as well but he also wants to highlight inspired flavors such as ube, pandan, and muscovado.

“Most people don’t know what Filipino desserts are, what Filipino sweet flavors are so to be able to have the platform now to share what we have to offer is super fun,” he shared.

The last time he was in the Philippines was back in 2009. He is looking forward to going back someday to meet his friends and the cacao farmers he partnered with in Davao.

The global reach of Netflix as a platform has led to Corpuz receiving messages every day from viewers from the Philippines and Filipinos from around the world.

“It has been such a whirlwind and I’m so thankful for the support,” he said.

His booth at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market has been busy with shoppers and onlookers chatting him up and getting their selfies as soon as they recognized who he was. On the day of our interview, we even met a few tourists from out of state who trekked to the market when they found out about the pop-up through Corpuz’s Instagram post.

As demand for his chocolates rises, Corpuz is looking at investing in more equipment and potentially hiring more people to help him make his delicate treats.

Starting the brand from a very small kitchen in their Staten Island apartment, Corpuz is setting his sights higher. He wants a Daniel Corpuz Chocolatier brickand-mortar shop someday.

Armed with his tenacity and confidence, tempered with the right blend of humility and chutzpah, we’re hopeful that Daniel Corpuz will be opening the doors of his own chocolate shop sooner than he’d expect. n

Viagra for Alzheimer’s...

PAGE 12 everyone is vaccinated), the virus will selfdestruct. Scientifically, the unvaccinated, which are hosts keeping the virus active, is the reason why this pandemic will linger, and cause more deaths and devastation.

More than 8.47 billion COVID shots have been given worldwide proving the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. To prefer COVID-19 infection over the vaccines to acquire immunity does not make any sense, practically a suicidal choice.

COVID-19 has so far killed almost 5.4 million people around the world, nearly 818,000 in the United States, and more than 50,000 in the Philippines. It behooves all of us to get fully vaccinated, continue to use our facemask, do social distancing and avoid crowds, even if we already had the booster shot.

We must deal with these killer viruses with humility and not with recklessness, carelessness, or arrogance. Our life is too precious to gamble with.

*** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/ author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States.

Websites: FUN8888.com, TODAY.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

a double-edged sword for newbie Jolo Estrada

By AllAn

PolicArPio

Inquirer.net

DESPITE the political rivalry of their elders, Jolo Estrada said there was no awkwardness between him and Joaquin Domagoso on the set of a recent TV project.

“There were no issues. Sa parents ko, OK naman. That’s part of the industry—you work with different people. And I’m willing to work with anyone,” the aspiring actor said in a recent Zoom group interview to promote “Ethan’s Return,” this afternoon’s episode of GMA 7’s weekly anthology, “Regal Studio Presents.”

Jolo’s grandfather is former president Joseph Estrada, who was unseated by Joaquin’s father, Isko Moreno, as Mayor of Manila in the 2019 elections. This newbie is the son of Jinggoy Estrada.

“At first, he wasn’t aware that I’m [Erap’s] grandson. During a break from taping, I told him that I know his father who’s a very nice guy. He was like, ‘How do know my dad?’

Then, a coactor said Erap’s my grandfather.

That was when he realized that our families have a history,” he related.

Jolo Estrada

Photo from Instagram/@jolo

Working together But whatever happened between their elders clearly hasn’t rubbed off on Jolo and Joaquin. “JD (Joaquin’s nickname) is easy to work with. Sobrang bait,” Jolo said.

“Ethan’s Return,” which airs this afternoon, will be Jolo’s TV debut. In the drama-fantasy episode, Jolo plays Clark, a man whose dreams get shattered, after the mysterious return of his fiancee Grace’s (Thea Tolentino) childhood sweetheart Ethan, who had died in an accident 10 years ago.

“I’ve always wanted to act, but didn’t have the opportunity. But one day, my manager, Leo Domingo, told me that there was an opening. It may be my last chance, because I’m not getting any younger,” said the 26-year-old newcomer, who took workshops to help him in his foray into acting.

“What I’ve learned from the workshops is that you have to find experience and reach into your heart to find something you can draw upon,” he said. “When I get my script, I lock myself up in the bathroom and act out the scene.”

No pressure But he’s starting to get the hang of it, slowly but surely. “I’ve had some guest appearances in the past, but this is the first proper series I did where I would actually get to see myself act. I’m nervous,” he said.

Does he feel pressure from the fact that he’s part of a famous show biz and political clan? “There’s no pressure from the family.

They just tell me to do my best. But I pressure myself to be good,” said Jolo, who also dreams of becoming a host.

It helps that his uncle, Jake Ejercito, is also on the same boat. “He’s still new to acting but he has had more experience than me.

We get to talk about work and he gives me tips,” he said.

Their famous last name can be a doubleedged sword. “It’s a blessing because we come from a family who’s known in show biz. The downside is that people watch your every move and the expectations are high,” he said. n

Angeline confirms she’s pregnant...

PAGE 13 she added. he singer said that after her mom died, she started to question the purpose of her life. The answer later came when she discovered she was pregnant.

“Simula nang mawala ang Mama Bob, hindi ko na alam kung para saan ako. Ano nang purpose ko sa buhay?

Ano nang misyon ko sa buhay? Iyan ang lagi kong dinadasal. ‘Lord, ituro Niyo naman sa akin, para saan na po ako ngayon,’” she said.

“Kasi nararamdaman ko, kahit may trabaho ako, hindi ako masaya. Totoo, hindi ako masaya. September noong nalaman ko na buntis ako,”

she added.

Angeline said she’s excited for the new chapter of her life.

“Ngayon lang ako naging excited nang ganito sa buhay ko. Siyempre hindi naman mawawala sa mga iniiisip ko kung paano bang maging nanay. Parang hindi na ako mahihirapan kasi ang daming mga nanay na malapit sa akin, at unanguna, napalaki naman ako nang maayos ng Mama Bob,” she said.

“Ako, I’m sure, magiging mabuting nanay din ako sa anak ko. Iyon ‘yung habang buhay kong babaunin, e, lahat ng mga naiwan sa akin ng Mama Bob. Hindi

na ‘yung materyal na bagay.

Ang akin, ‘yung mababaon ko talaga hanggang pagtanda ko, ‘yung mga natutunan ko kay Mama,” she added.

When asked about the father of her baby, Angeline said she met her nonshowbiz because of a friend.

“Nakilala ko siya dahil kaibigan siya ng boyfriend ng kaibigan ko sa Sampaloc, Manila.

Non-showbiz,” she said.

“Nagkita kami isang beses, hanggang sa nagkaroon ng communication. Nagtuloytuloy. Ngayon, mag-iisang taon mahigit na kami,” she said. (By Jan Milo Severo/ Philstar.com) n

16

December 17-23, 2021 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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