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DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022

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

Volume 32 - No.52 • 12 Pages

2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 201 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

US assistance for Typhoon Odette tops P1-billion PH thanks the US for additional $19-M assistance to Odette victims

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin, Jr. has expressed his gratitude to the United States government for its $19 million relief assistance, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines, to Typhoon Odette (internationally known as Typhoon Rai) victims. This additional assistance follows

DATELINE

the U.S. government’s earlier donation amounting to $1.2 million.

“Our American partners are now the single largest country contributor to the government’s efforts to help our communities severely impacted by the typhoon begin the process of rebuilding their homes and lives,” Secretary Locsin said at a press conference announcing the additional funding. “You are indeed our allies, partners, and friends.”

“We stand steadfast with our longstanding friend, partner, and ally in helping support communities devastated by the typhoon,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) ad interim Heather Variava.

“This additional assistance will help deliver food and hygiene supplies, and provide life-saving support to those most in need.”

According to Locsin, the U.S. had provided an initial $200,000

Former US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid remembered for impact on Nevada politics, championing Filipino WWII veterans

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Slow but steady rise in eviction filings – no ‘tsunami’ yet SINCE the federal moratorium on evictions ended in late August, court eviction filings by landlords have increased across the country, particularly in cities with the lowest local and state protections. So far, there is no sign of the “tsunami” of evictions predicted a few months ago.

The federal moratorium on evictions was issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in early September 2020 to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Many states and localities followed with tenant protections.

The U.S. saw an estimated 1.55 million fewer eviction filings than normal.

New numbers released by the Eviction Lab at Princeton University show that filings increased 20.4% across the country in the three months

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Omicron and a collapsed health care system: this is how COVID closes 2021 ALMOST two years after COVID-19 pandemic started, 270 million people have been infected with the virus and 5.3 million have died worldwide. Cases in the United States exceed 50 million, while more than 800,000 Americans have lost their lives. As the planet grapples with the deadly Delta variant, new challenges appear with the arrival of Omicron, an even more contagious strain for which the level of protection that vaccines provide is still unknown.

Experts convened by Ethnic Media Services insist that the only way out of this pandemic is vaccination with boosters, the use of masks and permanent testing. They view with concern the collapse of the health system and the lack of vaccine equity.

“Our healthcare system has been stretched to the breaking point several times during this pandemic and is poorly equipped to deal with this wave,” said Dr. Tung Nguyen, Professor of Medicine at the University of California in San Francisco.

“Many of my colleagues are leaving the

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DEVOTEES. Devotees walk on their knees towards the altar of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran Church, Parañaque City on Wednesday, December 29. They believe that their prayers will be granted by God after a ritual of kneel-walking for nine consecutive days.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

by AJPRESS

December 28 at home in Henderson, Nevada, after a NEVADA residents and “courageous, four-year battle community leaders are with pancreatic cancer.”

“Harry was a devout family remembering Harry Reid, the former U.S. Senator majority man and deeply loyal friend,” she leader who was the state’s longest- said. “We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support from so File photo shows former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid speaking at the serving member of Congress, who many over these past few years. died this week at the age of 82.

Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Gold Coast on August Reid died on Tuesday, We are especially grateful for the 21, 2014.

AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal

doctors and nurses that cared for him. Please know that meant the world to him,” Reid’s wife of 62 years, Landra Reid, said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.

Born in Searchlight, Nevada, Reid’s foray into politics began when he was elected to the state

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CDC shortens recommended COVID-19 isolation time to 5 days

by AJPRESS THE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others.

The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARSCoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.

Therefore, people who test positive should

isolate for 5 days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for 5 days to minimize the risk of infecting others.

Additionally, CDC is updating the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19. For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days.

Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not

The tandem of Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio lead the motorcade in Tagum City.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Bongbong-Sara team Filipinos face New Year with hope continues to rule surveys A MAJORITY of adult Filipinos will welcome 2022 with hope rather than fear, the fourth quarter survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed.

Respondents were asked, “Is it with hopes or with fears that you enter the coming year?”

Ninety-three percent of those polled replied that they would welcome the New Year with hope, 2% higher than in 2020.

“The difference from the 91% recorded in 2020 is not statistically significant, but both readings are below the pre-COVID-19 level of 96% in 2019,” SWS said.

Hope for the coming New Year rose in subnational areas in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon and the Visayas with 95, 93 and 90%, respectively, increasing at 5, 1 and 2%.

Meanwhile, it stayed at 93% in Mindanao.

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This sense of hope increased among elementary graduates (from 89% to 90%), junior high school graduates (from 92% to 94%) and college graduates (from 94% to 98%).

It slightly declined, however, from 91% to 89% among non-elementary graduates.

On the other hand, 7% of the respondents said they would enter the New Year in fear, the same rate as last year.

SWS conducted face-to-face interviews with 1,440 adult respondents nationwide from December 12 to 16. Results of the survey have a sampling error margin of ±2.6% for national percentages and ±5.2% for subnational percentages in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

The SWS said that the survey was noncommissioned. (ManilaTimes.net)

by BERNADETTE

E. TAMAYO

ManilaTimes.net

FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. continued to dominate presidential surveys, posting a doubledigit lead in the latest OCTA Research poll.

In a statement on Sunday, December 26, Marcos’ camp said he “pulled away” from his closest rival, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, in the survey conducted December 7 to 12.

The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard bearer polled over 54%, with Robredo was “a distant second” with 14%.

Manila Mayor Francisco

“Isko Moreno” Domagoso got 12%, Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao 10%, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson 5%, former Palace spokesman Ernie Abella at 0.02%, and labor leader Leody De Guzman at 0.001%.

Marcos had a 37-percent preference rating in the National Capital Region compared to Robredo’s seven%.

He also mounted big leads in the rest of Luzon (57%), Visayas (50%) and Mindanao (63%).

Among the respondents who picked a first choice for president, 21% said Domagoso would be their second choice if their preferred candidate

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

december 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022 • LaS VeGaS aSIan JOurnaL

From The FronT Page

Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid...

Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. and U.S. Embassy CDA Heather Variava at the joint press conference announcing additional U.S. assistance to Typhoon Odette.

Photo by Philip Adrian Fernandez/DFA

US assistance for Typhoon...

PAGE 1

immediately after the storm for emergency food and hygiene supplies and restoration of water supply and an additional $1 million earlier this week to support emergency logistical operations.

“We welcome the urgent action taken by the U.S. government in mobilizing funds and its people to support us in our time of great need,” Locsin added.

Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez echoed Locsin’s remarks.

“We deeply appreciate the generous humanitarian assistance from the US Government following the destruction and desolation left behind by Typhoon Odette,” said Ambassador Romualdez. “This relief package will definitely alleviate the plight of the typhoon’s victims, especially during this holiday season. The Philippines has benefited immensely from its long-standing partnership with the United States in the area of disaster relief, reduction, and recovery.”

The U.S. Government’s donations will go to the ongoing relief operations in areas affected

by Typhoon Odette. The additional funding will be used to provide food aid, water, sanitation, and hygiene programs (WASH), and help affected communities start rebuilding their homes.

Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos found themselves

No walls, no roof A family makes do with what was left of their home in Carcar City, south of Cebu province, four days after Typhoon ‘Odette’ hit Central Visayas.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

homeless and in need of shelter, food, and water this holiday season after Typhoon Odette struck the Philippines last December 16. Odette was the 15th typhoon that hit the Philippines this year.

To show U.S. support on behalf of the American people, CDA Variava plans to visit communities affected by Typhoon Odette and see ongoing U.S. relief activities.

The U.S., through the USAID Philippines, has actively and consistently supported the Philippines during calamities and disasters through humanitarian assistance and capacity building.

USAID works year-round to help communities in the Philippines prepare for natural disasters.

Through existing programs, USAID’s partners are transporting relief supplies,

PAGE 1 Assembly at the age of 28 and two years later became the state’s youngest lieutenant governor.

He was elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982 and won his first election in the Senate in 1998, defeating Republican John Ensign.

Reid became Senate majority leader in 2007 and was pivotal in pushing the Silver State’s caucuses to February, kicking off the presidential nominating season. Reid recognized the power of the state’s Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPIs), making an effort to court the electorate and frequently held roundtables with the community.

“The Culinary Union is proud to have called Senator Harry Reid a friend for over 50 years. Senator Reid was a true champion of working families in Nevada and he always stood in solidarity with workers,” said Geoconda Argüello-Kline, secretarytreasurer of the Culinary Union Local 226. “Knowing that we could count on his support was always a source of strength for Culinary Union members over the years. His friendship was essential as we fought to ensure that hospitality jobs in Las Vegas could be middle-class jobs with fair wages, good benefits, including free health care and a pension, and job security.”

During his time in the Senate, Reid introduced bills fighting recognition and compensation for Filipinos who fought in World War II, earning him the Order of the Golden Heart Award by former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2008. “[Senator Reid was] a man with a vision for all Americans. He was a friend, a mentor and a fighter for

our Filipino Americans veterans.

He was one to make sure AAPIs had a seat at the table. We will miss him tremendously,” Gloria Caoile, Las Vegas community leader and director of civic engagement at the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, told the Asian Journal.

Among his work in subsequent years included the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009, which included a provision to provide one-time compensation to the veterans — after waiting for six decades. He also introduced the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act in 2013, which would have expedited the visa process for children of the veterans. In 2015, he cosponsored legislation to award veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal, which was signed into law by then-President Barack Obama in December 2016.

Earlier in 2016, Reid was among Senate Democrats who joined the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in announcing the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) program, which would allow veterans to apply to bring spouses, children and certain other family members to live with them in the United States.

“After facing decades of injustice and separation from their loved ones, Filipino veterans in Nevada and throughout the country finally have the opportunity to reunite with their families,” said Reid said in a 2016 statement. “The President’s executive action will help get some family members of Filipino veterans out of the familybased visa backlog, where many have waited for decades. There are more than 100,000 Filipino Americans living in Nevada, and I know how much they contribute

to our country. This program is a victory for them and Filipino Americans throughout around the country.”

Reid retired from politics in 2016, helping former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto win as his successor.

“The Nevada State Democratic Party and all Nevadans are saddened by the news of Senator Reid’s passing. In his many years of service to the State of Nevada and our nation – as a state legislator, Lieutenant Governor, member of Congress, and Senator – Harry Reid demonstrated his deep commitment to his community, his Party, and his country. Senator Reid’s work to protect and conserve Nevada’s natural resources, one of his top priorities throughout his nearly 50-year career, leaves a lasting legacy across our landscape.

His tireless work to build the Democratic Party in Nevada will benefit us for generations to come,” said Judith Whitmer, chair of the Nevada State Democratic Party.

In 2018, Reid was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, expressing his love for the sport.

His impact on the state continues to be memorialized as the Las Vegas airport was recently named the Harry Reid International Airport in 2021, formerly known as McCarran International Airport.

In a tweet on Tuesday, President Joe Biden honored Reid as a “son of Searchlight, Nevada, Harry never forgot his humble roots. A boxer, he never gave up a fight.

A great American, he looked at challenges and believed it was within our capacity to do good — to do right. May God bless Harry Reid, a dear friend and a giant of our history.” n

including enough food provided by the Philippine government to feed nearly 103,000 families.

USAID partners are also helping manage evacuation shelters, deploy mobile operations vehicles to support emergency telecommunications, and provide heavy-duty plastic sheeting to meet the shelter needs of 4,800 families.

According to USAID, the United States will continue to partner with the Philippines to respond to natural disasters and support Filipinos in their recovery efforts. Since 2010, USAID has provided more than Php17 billion ($340 million) in disaster relief and recovery aid and boosted the disaster risk reduction capacity of over 100 Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (seated center) meets with members of the Asian American Group in Las Vegas. During this tenure cities and municipalities in the as Nevada’s senator, Reid was an ally to the state’s growing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal Philippines. n

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Date lin e USa

AID FOR ‘ODETTE’ VICTIMS. South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Inchul looks on as the military personnel repack the relief assistance to Typhoon Odette victims at the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City on Wednesday, December 29. The South Korean government donated 1,500 sacks of rice and 740 hygiene kits worth P2.5 million for the communities hit by “Odette.”

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Omicron and a collapsed health care system...

PAGE 1 healthcare system and those who are staying are burnout and depressed. This matters to all of us.”

The Omicron wave has caused 120,000 cases a day, an increase of 40% compared to the last two weeks and 68,000 hospitalizations, 21% more than in the last 15 days. The projection is 200,000 cases a day in the coming months. Before the appearance of this variant originated in SouthAfrica, the risk of contracting COVID among the unvaccinated was five times higher than among those who are fully vaccinated, and the risk of death was 13 times higher.

Although to date 61% of the population is fully vaccinated, “the bad news is the effectiveness of the two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines are significantly reduced against the Omicron variant… so now we have to assess the rate of boosters,” Nguyen said.

Only 31% of people over 18 have received a booster, while that rate is 53% for people over 65.

23% of COVID cases in the United States have occurred in people under the age of 18, although hospitalizations and deaths among this population are very rare, said Roshni Mathew, Co-Medical Director of infection prevention and control at Stanford Children’s Health.

Only about 1% of the seven million pediatric COVID cases have required hospitalizations and around 660 pediatric patients

have died from the coronavirus.

“Having seen what COVID often can do in children (the so-called Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome in Children or MISC), I do think that not vaccinating is a risk not worth taking,” Mathew added.

According to Dr. Ben Neuman, Chief virologist at the Global Health Research Complex at Texas A&M University, scientists are tracking four sublineages of the Omicron variant that appear to grow at a higher rate than the Delta variant.

Neuman said that while we may not need a booster for each variant, Omicron “sticks to the cell differently” so it would be wise to have additional protection. “Don’t underestimate Omicron,” he added.

And he recommended caution with the term “fully vaccinated” because “no scientist can tell you how many doses are going to provide lifelong immunity, and that can give a false sense of security.”

Dr. Dali Fan, Davis Health Science Clinical Professor at the University of California, said that challenges with the unvaccinated persist. “Human nature is that we’re looking for certainty and safety but unfortunately, the vaccination science does not give you 100% certainty. That opens a lot of doors for misinformation”.

Fan recognizes the many myths and lies on social media that feed the fear of the vaccine.

But there are also answers that the scientific community still doesn’t have. ”What are the

consequences of vaccination in 20 years? We don’t know. So we have to listen (to people’s concerns). Sometimes arguing with them is counterproductive,” he observed.

Globally it is estimated that more than 50% of the population have received at least one dose of the vaccine, but in some third world places such as SubSaharan Africa, this figure is still in the single digits. “It is the result of a regime that I consider to be vaccine apartheid,” said Peter Maybarduk, Director of Public Citizens’ Access to Medicines group. “It is a perfect purposeful systemic inequity, not only of doses but also of consumables and raw materials by the wealthy and more powerful countries that had slowed global production (of vaccines), and of course, a refusal to share technology.”

Although COVAX, the World Health Organization’s global vaccine equity initiative, had a goal of delivering 2 billion doses to low- and middle-income countries by the end of 2021, that number will barely reach 800,000 doses.

“Poor countries are more likely to receive poor vaccines, something that is going to have serious consequences as we get deeper into the pandemic,” Maybarduk said.

“This underscores the need to equip adaptable capabilities globally that can put out large-scale vaccine manufacturing that can be adapted to variants more quickly.” (Jenny Manrique/ Ethnic Media Services)

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • december 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022

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december 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022 • LaS VeGaS aSIan JOurnaL

CDC shortens recommended COVID-19...

PAGE 1

feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure.

Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.

Isolation relates to behavior after a confirmed infection.

Isolation for 5 days followed by wearing a well-fitting mask will minimize the risk of spreading the

virus to others. Quarantine refers to the time following exposure to the virus or close contact with someone known to have COVID19. Both updates come as the Omicron variant continues to spread throughout the U.S. and reflects the current science on when and for how long a person is maximally infectious.

“The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society. CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses.

These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives.

Prevention is our best option: get

Date lin e USa

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather,” said CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

Data from South Africa and the United Kingdom demonstrate that vaccine effectiveness against infection for two doses of an mRNA vaccine is approximately 35%. A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose restores vaccine effectiveness against infection to 75%. COVID19 vaccination decreases the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. CDC strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 5 and older and boosters for everyone 16 and older. n

Slow but steady rise in eviction filings...

PAGE 1 since the moratorium ended compared to the three previous months – still well below prepandemic levels. The number of filings varies wildly depending on where you are in the nation, what local protections are in place, and how much economic and legal assistance is available to those at risk of losing their housing.

Between August 27 and November 26, for example, 11,799 eviction cases were filed in Las Vegas, Nev., at 126% of the historical average. Eviction filings exceeded 75% of pre-pandemic levels in 11 other cities, including Columbus, Tampa, Indianapolis, and Milwaukee.

Cities with more protections like New York, Albuquerque, Austin, Pittsburg and Richmond have held steady in terms of filings or fallen slightly. New York is only about 15% of historical levels, a testament to its strong protections.

“In some of the places we are looking at, there are currently limitations on whether you can file to evict when a tenant has already applied for rental assistance,” said Emily Lemmerman, a research specialist at the Eviction Lab. “That’s definitely something that could be affecting the number of filings.”

Lemmerman added that direct financial support like emergency rental assistance, income support and the Federal Child Tax Credit might be helping as well. But she made it clear that these numbers may not accurately reflect everything happening on the ground.

“We are missing (data on) informal evictions: walk outs, utility shut offs, intimidation and tenants moving out due to landlord harassment or lack of knowledge of their rights or support availability,” she said.

In fact, housing organizers on the ground say they are seeing an increase in illegal evictions compared to when the moratorium was in effect.

“Our allies are seeing increases in tenant harassment and illegal evictions, which continued during the moratorium but seem to be increasing now,” said Francisco Dueñas, executive director of Housing Now! A California statewide housing justice advocacy coalition.

In some cities, like Dallas, Tx., advocates report that black single mothers are particularly affected by increasing evictions.

Areas with more protections but a high number of undocumented immigrants, like Los Angeles, could be seeing more incidences of harassment of tenants and illegal evictions, they added.

Aaron MacDonald, a consumer rights project attorney with Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, said that local advocates worked all throughout the pandemic to put in place strong state protections.

But state protections are not automatic. The tenant needs to file something called the ‘tenant answer’ to dispute an eviction.

“If they don’t, they will be evicted without a hearing,” MacDonald said.

In Dallas, Tx., where filings are up by 45.7%, a new Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center has now hired

two full time attorneys to represent tenants in eviction cases. The large majority are African Americans and of those, the majority are single mothers, according to attorney Mark Melton. Latinos do not ask for help as much, but he plans to hire another attorney with bilingual abilities to help that community.

“On the one hand, the Texas Supreme Court has issued an emergency order that says if a tenant has applied for rental assistance and the landlord agrees to participate in the program, the case is delayed 60 days,” Melton said in an interview. “But unlike other similar local protections, if the landlord says they won’t participate, then it is game over for the tenant.”

There are few hard data points on race and ethnicity of the latest eviction filings, but the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities and the latest U.S. Census Household Pulse data show that 28 percent of Black renters, 18 percent of Latino renters, and 20 percent of Asian renters report they are not caught up on rent, compared to 12 percent of white renters. The rate was 18 percent for American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and multiracial adults taken together.

The December relief package and the American Rescue Plan, which included over 46 billion in emergency rental assistance, are still making their way to people behind on rent, which leaves many millions of Americans vulnerable to eviction over the next few weeks and months. (Pilar Marrero/Ethnic Media Services)

GETTING READY. Philippine Navy personnel hoist the Philippine flag during a drill for the ceremony to mark Rizal Day on Thursday, December 30. The country will celebrate the national hero’s 125th death anniversary.

Manilatimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

Record number of Americans sign up for ACA health insurance

by Phil

Galewitz

and andy Miller Kaiser Health News

A RECORD 13.6 million Americans have signed up for health coverage for 2022 on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, with nearly a month remaining to enroll in most states, the Biden administration announced on Wednesday, December 22.

President Joe Biden’s top health advisers credited the increased government subsidies, which lowered out-of-pocket costs, for the surge in enrollment. They also said enhanced personal assistance and outreach helped connect more people to health insurance plans.

Some of the largest increases are in Florida, Texas, Georgia and nine other states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The previous marketplace enrollment record was 12.7 million in 2016, the final year of President Barack Obama’s administration. Enrollment largely stagnated under President Donald Trump, who cut tens of millions of dollars in funding for navigators, who help people sign up for coverage.

Open enrollment for the marketplace began Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 15.

Through Dec. 15, enrollment in Florida had soared to 2.6 million people, up from 2.1 million in the same period a year earlier.

“This is a very big deal as it means we have made a dent in the uninsured pool and we are not only insuring people but keeping people signed up,” said Jodi Ray, program director for Florida Covering Kids & Families.

Ray has used federal grants to help Floridians sign up for private coverage on the marketplace for several years. During the Trump presidency, she said, she could help only people in half the counties in the state because of funding constraints.

“You cannot overlook the impact that one-on-one assistance has in getting people through the process,” Ray said.

Enrollment has jumped more in states that have not expanded Medicaid because they have more uninsured residents than expansion states. In expansion states, people with incomes from 100% to 138% of the federal poverty level — about $12,880 and $17,770 for an individual — can enroll in Medicaid.

In states that haven’t expanded the program, they can get subsidies to enroll in private plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.

Georgia enrollment jumped to 653,990 from about 514,000 the previous year.

“That’s the most we’ve ever had enrolled,’’ said Laura Colbert, executive director of the consumer advocacy group Georgians for a Healthy Future. She said the enrollment spike helps show that Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s plan to scrap healthcare. gov and replace it with a privately run portal isn’t needed.

The Biden administration is reviewing that proposal.

“Hundreds of thousands of Georgians still opt to remain uninsured rather than shop on the federal platform,” Kemp spokesperson Katie Byrd said Wednesday. “This means that the one-size-fits-all approach by the federal government is not working for Georgia.”

The 13.6 million enrollment number includes people who used state-run marketplaces, in addition to those who enrolled through the federally run healthcare.gov portal that handles sign-ups for more than 30 states.

Texas’ enrollment rose to 1.7 million from 1.3 million.

Texas, Georgia and South Dakota each showed gains of at least 20%, said Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. None of those states has expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. In non-expansion states, “our outreach efforts have been so robust this year,’’ Brooks-LaSure told reporters during a press call. The federal government is using four times the number of navigators, or insurance counselors, to help people sign up for insurance, said Xavier Becerra, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The big driver behind the enrollment gains is new discounts

on premiums.

As part of a covid-19 relief bill passed this year, Congress increased the subsidies consumers receive when they enroll in health insurance via the marketplace. CMS said 92% of people in healthcare.gov states will get the tax credits for 2022 coverage. Becerra said that for 4 in 5 enrollees, monthly premiums cost $10 or less, which he said is “less than going to a movie.”

But conservatives chafe at the idea of higher subsidies. Brian Blase, a former Trump adviser and president of the conservative think tank Paragon Health Institute, stressed that the federal government is paying 85% of people’s monthly insurance premiums.

“People will buy something that provides them with little value if the after-subsidy price is zero or close to zero, and that’s what is generally happening here,” Blase said. “Ultimately, the big winners are the health insurance companies that are getting billions of dollars in additional government subsidies.”

Another driver of enrollment is that some people may have lost job-based coverage during the pandemic and are seeking insurance on their own.

The marketplaces also offer consumers more choices than in previous years. The average consumer now has between six and seven insurers to choose from, up from four to five in 2021, federal officials said.

This story was produced by KHN (Kaiser Health News), a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. n

Bongbong-Sara team continues to rule...

PAGE 1 drops out of the race.

The next choice was Pacquiao at 15%, followed by Marcos at 14%, Lacson at 13%, Robredo at 12%, and De Guzman at 0.14%.

The survey also showed that 63% of respondents from the A, B and C socio-economic classes wo uld vote for Marcos if the elections were held during the poll period. He also led in the Class D group with 55% and Class E bracket with 46%.

At least five% of the respondents were undecided.

“The latest results showed that Marcos will dominate the May 2022 presidential derby in all areas in the country and all social classes,” Marcos’ camp said.

The OCTA survey results “reinforced” previous polls by Social Weather Stations, Publicus, Kalye Survey, dzRH radio,

Radio Mindanao Network, and Pulse Asia showing Marcos “pulling away from the pack of other presidential hopefuls five months removed from the May 2022 elections,” it said.

The candidate said he will continue to push for a “unifying leadership,” which he said is the only way for the country to get back on its feet after the debilitating Covid pandemic.

Marcos’ running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio was also the runaway leader in OCTA’s vice presidential survey.

Duterte-Carpio had a 50% rating with her closest opponent, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto 3rd, garnering 33%.

Duterte-Carpio validated her dominance in Mindanao where she registered 71%, compared to Sotto’s 17%.

Among the socio-economic

groups, she polled 61% in the ABC Class, 41% in the D Class, and 58% in the E Class.

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan was in third place with 9%, Dr. Willie Ong with 4%, Buhay party-list Rep. Jose “Lito” Atienza with 1%, and Professor Walden Bello at 0.07%.

Among the second choices for the vice presidential bet, Sotto garnered 31%, Pangilinan 18%, Ong and DuterteCarpio with 12% each, Atienza at 5%, and Bello at 0.4%.

Marcos and Duterte-Carpio have fortified their position as the team to beat with a doubledigit lead over their rivals in the December 1-6 Pulse Asia poll.

OCTA surveyed 1,200 adults using face-to-face interviews.

The poll had a margin of error of ±3% at a 95% confidence level. n

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DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

Safety in revelry

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FEATURES

THE pandemic dampened the previous New Year’s Eve revelry. Health officials said financial constraints brought by COVID-19, mobility restrictions as well as heightened awareness of health safety issues helped bring down fireworks-related injuries between Dec. 21, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2021 by a record 85 percent from the previous New Year celebration.

There were 340 fireworks-related injuries reported in the New Year revelry before COVID-19 hit the country. The number fell to a record low 49 for the same period in the last revelry as authorities also ramped up the campaign to discourage the use of firecrackers.

SARS-CoV-2 was still rampaging across the globe last Christmas, however, with the first peervetted COVID vaccine, made by Pfizer-BioNTech, just starting to be administered in the United Kingdom. Vaccination in the Philippines went off to a slow start only in March, as the Alpha and Delta variants fueled a deadly summer surge.

This Christmas, with about 43 percent of the population now fully vaccinated and the booster program underway, new COVID cases have fallen, allowing restrictions to be eased and more economic activities to resume. Families and friends separated by lockdowns for nearly two years were able to reunite and share Christmas meals.

With people able to celebrate the holidays, the

New Year revelry is expected to be livelier this year. Health officials are reminding everyone to stick to safe merrymaking as they note an increase in firecracker-related injuries in the run-up to New Year’s Eve compared to last year.

As of Monday morning, December 27, the Department of Health had recorded 19 firecracker-related injuries. While the number is still 67 percent lower than the five-year average of 58 cases from 2015 to 2019, the DOH says the 19 injuries are 58 percent higher than the cases recorded last year.

Production, sale and use of fireworks are regulated by law and by an executive order signed by President Duterte in June 2017. The fireworks industry, centered in Bulacan and struggling to survive, has made an effort to upgrade product quality to allay safety concerns In the last holiday revelry, the DOH reported that and compete with imports. But more effort is 84 percent of the injuries were caused by illegal needed to enforce product standards and safe fireworks such as piccolo and boga or improvised fireworks use. cannon while the rest were due to legal fireworks.

Editorial

Vaccines for children ages 5-11 available – Get them vaccinated and keep them safe

Commentary DR. JAY YEH

MEDICAL DIRECTOR, PEDIATRIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY LABORATORY, UC DAVIS HEALTH LAST month, COVID-19 vaccines became available for 5- to 11-year-olds, and that could not have come at a better time. With new variants like Delta and Omicron, health experts know that COVID-19 has not gone away.

Protecting our children against the virus should be every parent’s top priority, especially with the winter holidays upon us.

As a pediatric cardiologist and the medical director of the pediatric echocardiography lab at UC Davis Health, I am seeing patients impacted by COVID19 regularly. Healthy children are getting sick, and many of the children I see are suffering from heart-related complications from COVID-19. COVID-19 is the 8th leading cause of death for children ages 5-11, and with vaccines now available for this age group, I urge all parents and caregivers to get their children vaccinated.

I am proud to see that California has already administered more than 400,000 doses of the vaccine to 5-11-year-olds, but our work is not done. With the

Postscript

FEDERICO PASCUAL JR. AS the year 2021 that is about to end has not been easy for most of us, we pray for discernment as we prepare to elect on May 9, 2022 a new president, a vice president, a dozen senators, a full House of Representatives, among other officials.

The campaign starts Feb. 8, but there is already partisan excitement leading to May 9 when the nation decides if it must remain in the hands of inept and corrupt nominees of political dynasties or elect reformists attuned to true public service.

The latest survey of Pulse Asia shows ex-senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ahead in the presidential race, getting 53 percent of the 2,400 respondents against the 20 percent of Vice President Leni Robredo.

This is the first time that anyone had garnered a majority.

If the son of the former dictator maintains his wide lead, he would be able to recapture the presidential palace that his family abandoned in 1986 as they fled in panic to Hawaii at the height of the People Power Revolt.

But a statistical detail cautions

Philstar.com photo

The fireworks industry itself should want to bring down injuries and even achieve zero cases. Ringing in the New Year need not start with a harmful explosion. (Philstar.com)

winter holidays upon us, it is more important than ever for families to protect their children. The vaccine not only protects them, but also the people around them—siblings, parents, grandparents, schoolmates and teachers—helping to keep everyone healthy and well.

I get questions from parents about vaccinating their young children, and I understand their concerns. The vaccine is safe.

Children receive a lower dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as authorized by the FDA. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that all children ages 5-11 get vaccinated as soon as possible. The lower-dose PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective on children in clinical trials, and getting your child vaccinated is the best defense against COVID-19 and its variants.

Below are answers to frequent questions I get asked about the vaccine. I hope these answers help parents make the decision to protect their children and get them vaccinated.

Are the vaccines safe for children?

Comprehensive clinical trials in more than 4,500 children ages 5-11 demonstrate that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in this age group, resulting in a strong antibody response in children who received the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine was found to be safe for children ages 5-11, with only mild side effects like fatigue, fever, and headache. The nation’s immunization experts have analyzed all the reports concerning any possible serious side effects following a COVID-19 vaccine.

Serious side effects are rare — and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any risk.

Additionally, the risk of getting extremely sick from COVID-19 and suffering long-term effects are high in unvaccinated people, which is why getting vaccinated is so critically important. The science and data – now inclusive of younger children – continue to reinforce that these free, safe vaccines will help kids fend off the worst outcomes of this highly contagious virus.

Should parents be con-

cerned about whether the vaccine may affect their children’s health or reproductive organs?

There is no evidence that suggests any vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, cause female or male infertility. There is no reason to suspect the vaccine’s ingredients can harm youth development. No concerns regarding growth and development have been identified in clinical trials in children ages 5-11, nor have any been raised in ongoing trials with children as young as six months. COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. The ingredients in the mRNA vaccine never enter the nucleus of a cell, which is where our DNA is kept.

If my child already tested positive for COVID and has recovered, do they still need to receive the vaccine?

Yes, doctors and scientists recommend that children and adolescents ages five and older get the vaccine, even if they have had COVID-19. We do not know how long someone is protected from getting sick again

after recovering from the virus, and we do not know whether the immunity developed against one strain provides enough protection against new variants. We do know that getting vaccinated is the best way to be protected against COVID-19.

Is it safe for my child to get the COVID vaccine and the annual flu shot at the same time?

Yes, it is safe to receive both your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines work toward keeping us safe from disease. Slowing the spread of the flu this year will be important to protect families and loved ones, especially around the holidays.

Overall, I remind my patients that vaccinations have safely been administered to millions of adolescents. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is what has allowed kids ages 12-17 to return safely to school, to rejoin sports teams, drama clubs, and other activities – programs that enrich their lives and help them grow into healthy adults.

Our younger children deserve the same opportunities. Above

all, the most important thing we can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and be vigilant around those unable or not yet eligible to get vaccinated.

I have vaccinated my children.

Please do the same for yours.

If you have more questions, I encourage you to contact your pediatrician. To get your child vaccinated, it’s easy. You can go to MyTurn.ca.gov or call the hotline, which offers information in more than 200 languages, at 833-422-4255, to find a vaccination site near you. *** 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.

*** Dr. Yeh is a board-certified pediatric cardiologist with advanced training in echocardiography. He specializes in diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired heart disease. He cares for a wide spectrum of patients ranging from newborns to adults with congenital heart disease. He has special clinical interest in pre-operative and post-operative care for congenital heart defects.

It’s a BBM-Robredo showdown in 2022 that it may not be that easy for Marcos to sweep the 2022 election, even if he and Robredo generally maintain their early campaign momentum.

Robredo sprung to second place to Marcos after leaping to a 20-percent share from her 8 percent in the previous September survey, where her scores across regions and economic classes ranged from 8 to 12 percent. In this last survey of Dec. 6-11, her range across classes improved to 10 to 25 percent.

Robredo’s regional percentages have shot up since September in the National Capital Region (14 from 10 percent), Balance Luzon (24 from 8 percent), Visayas (25 from 10 percent) and Mindanao (10 from 4 percent).

Across classes, her standing also improved: ABC (24 from 8 percent), D (19 from 8 percent) and E (21 from 11 percent). * * * Robredo’s spokesman Barry Gutierrez said her big jump is a “definitive affirmation of the energy and momentum of the people’s campaign that emerged” after she declared her candidacy.

Like other observers, he said the 2022 elections loom as a showdown between Robredo and Marcos, who dueled in

2016 for the vice presidency.

Their fight, triggered by Marcos’ protest, went all the way to the Supreme Court that sat as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, which resolved it in favor of Robredo.

“We are confident that in the next four months, VP Leni’s consistent, hands-on leadership and the enthusiastic efforts of our volunteers, will continue to broaden and increase her support,” he said.

Some of the factors that may have influenced respondents in the survey were the decision of some presumed aspirants not to run for president. In September, Pulse Asia listed Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Sen. Grace Poe and Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano as possible presidential bets.

Among the top news current during the survey was President Duterte’s saying that Marcos was a weak leader and that an unnamed presidential aspirant was a cocaine user. Also, several petitions had been filed with the Commission on Elections for Marcos’ disqualification.

In Metro Manila, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso led Robredo 17-14 percent. He also scored close to her among the poorest voters with 14 percent in Class E to Robredo’s 21 percent.

“Should their original pick for president end up not pursuing his/her candidacy, 23 percent of those with a first choice for the post would instead vote for Domagoso,” Pulse Asia said.

Sharing second place in terms of second-choice voting figures were Lacson (17 percent) and Robredo (14 percent), while in third place were Pacquiao (11 percent) and Marcos (11 percent). * * * The Comelec has ordered Marcos to answer the disqualification cases filed by martial law survivors led by Bonifacio Ilagan, Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party and Abubakar Mangelen, who claims to be the chair of the Partido Federal ng Filipinos that fielded Marcos. Preliminary conferences for the cases are set for Jan. 7, 2022.

The poll body has received memoranda filed by Marcos and the petitioners to cancel his certificate of candidacy or declare him not qualified to run for president.

Marcos through his lawyers, led by Martial Law-era solicitor general Estelito Mendoza, has pointed out that he was able to file his COC numerous times in various elections and his eligibility was never questioned.

He said the Supreme Court has the exclusive jurisdiction

Bongbong Marcos and VP Leni Robredo

to decide on qualifications of presidential bets. For a misrepresentation to be material – the sole issue – it must pertain to the candidate’s eligibility for public office, he said, adding that there must be “a prior authoritative finding” of Marcos’ ineligibility, which is not the case presented by the petitioners.

Marcos’ submission also mentioned a point of defense put forward by the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas in an answerin-intervention that was not allowed by the Comelec. He said that the 1977 National Internal Revenue Code did not impose “perpetual disqualification” as a penalty.

This was part of PD 1994 that took effect on Jan. 1, 1986, he

Inquirer.net file photos

said, under which the mandatory filing of Income Tax Returns for the years of 1982 to 1984 already lapsed before PD 1994 took effect. Applying it would give the law an ex post facto effect, which is unconstitutional.

For the filing for the year 1985, Marcos said he was already out of government and forced to leave the country.

(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.

*** NB: All Postscripts are also archived at ManilaMail.com. Author is on Twitter as @ FDPascual. Email: fdp333@yahoo.com

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

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The benefits of HONEY High in minerals and vitamins, honey is a popular sugar alternative. As an antioxidant rich food, honey is believed to potentially help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The special antibacterial and antiseptic properties of honey are widely regarded for their ability to neutralise the effect of a varied range of bacterial and yeast pathogens. Studies have also shown that honey can support intestinal health as well as being effective in enhancing Prebiotic Powerhouse Honey powders are an innovative sugar alternative for sweetening foods and beverages. Known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, honey has been used for health related purposes for many years. The breadth of research on honey, particularly Manuka, has highlighted their high antioxidant levels, effective at fighting free-radical damage. Not only that, honey is known to be an effective prebiotic, improving the number and health of beneficial gut bacteria.

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Proprietary drying technology is utilized to convert the honey to powder. This innovative method ensures that each honey retains its distinctive flavour along with its beneficial health qualities, in a convenient and versatile powder format.

honey powder is the perfect dry mix ingredient. It makes for an exceptional sweetener and flavour enhancer in powder mixes including dry smoothie and backing blends, meat rubs, toasted nut snacks, cereals and muesli coatings. Not to mention it can intensify the taste and nutrient profile of a plethora of deserts and healthy snacks.

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Back in the 11th century, honey was very highly regarded in Germany. Even their world-famous beer was sweetened with nectar. In fact, honey was so prized, that feudal lords demanded payment to be made by their subjects in beeswax and honey.

Oligosaccharides are complex sugars that can be found in honey. The body digests only a portion of these sugars, with the undigested portion playing an important role in gut health. These act as an effective prebiotic – food for friendly gut bacteria that support intestinal health and all-around well-being.

As harmful bacteria often found in the bowel cannot feed off these undigested sugars, it instead allows and stimulates the growth of beneficial probiotic microflora. As honey is rich in these prebiotic sugars, it is reported to help improve digestion as well as promote healthier cholesterol levels.

Antibacterial Support

Honey’s antibacterial properties are mostly due to an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, a known antiseptic. It is this attribute that makes honey, particularly Manuka, an excellent treatment for yeast and bacterial infections. However, nonperoxide versions of honey have also shown incredible antibacterial abilities, as the low pH inhibits microorganism growth. Studies have shown that around 60 pathogens are sensitive to honey’s antimicrobial qualities, including E. coli and Strep. faecalis. These strains of bacteria are often found to be at the root of many urinary tract infections, and diluted honey has been identified as a potential treatment.

Antioxidant-Rich

It is well-known that honey is rich in antioxidants, with the HoneyDew variety containing more of these beneficial properties in comparison to many other kinds of honey. Studies have also shown that regular consumption of honey can indeed raise the levels of antioxidants found in the blood. Polyphenols are believed to lower the risk of many diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Research published in 2004 showed that there was a direct correlation between honey consumption and polyphenol levels in blood plasma, as tested from 25 participants over 29 days.

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Honey’s sugar-like taste makes it a healthier alternative to many commonly used sweeteners. However, a recent study has indicated that honey can also boost energy levels over a more sustained period of time compared to those often found in sports performance foods and beverages.

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(Advertising Supplement)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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december 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022 • LaS VeGaS aSIan JOurnaL

Hidilyn Diaz’s golden lift banners top 10 PH sports moments of 2021

by Bong Lozada Inquirer.net

MANILA — Filipino athletes made sure that 2021 would be remembered as one of the best years in sports, and they did it mainly in the world stage.

The year featured the best Olympic campaign for the country, young stars making their names in the international stage, and older personalities claiming titles that could’ve otherwise left their grasps.

There was also the departure of an icon, who is described as one of the best to ever do it.

Here are Inquirer Sports’ top 10 sports stories of the year.

It wasn’t the perfect ending but it was a conclusion nonetheless.

Manny Pacquiao, considered as one of the greatest boxers of all time, bid farewell to the sport that was his home for 26 years.

His final match, however, wasn’t the perfect exit as he lost via unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas with the Cuban taking ownership of the WBA welterweight Super championship.

Pacquiao, despite retiring on a loss, has a career as unparalleled as his charisma having won World titles across eight divisions, being the only boxer to

Hidilyn Diaz

League when he signed for the Adelaide 36ers for the 2021-22 season.

Jack Danielle Animam then took her talents to Europe when she signed for ŽKK Radnicki Kragujevac in the Women’s Serbian League while Mylene Paat found herself with Nakhon Ratchasima Women’s Volleyball Club in the Thailand League. Players Jordan Heading and Jayson Brickman are also playing in the Taiwan T1 League.

8. Alex Eala continues to serve Alex Eala had a stellar year in 2021 as she won a Junior Grand Slam, an ITF Circuit singles title, and two ITF Junior championships.

The 16-year-old collected her second Junior Grand Slam win in 2021 when she and partner Oksana Selekhmeteva captured the doubles title in the 2021 French Open beating Maria Bondarenko and Amarissa Kiara Tóth, 6-0, 75, in June.

Eala couldn’t have started the year any better as she came back from a first-set loss and take down Yvonne Cavallé Reimers, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, in the ITF Manacor Circuit finals in January.

She then claimed both the singles and doubles titles in the ITF Milan Juniors championship in July.

Eala beat Nikola Bartunkova 63, 6-3, in the singles tournament and she paired up with Madison Sieg for the doubles title to score a difficult 6-4, 4-6, (13-11) win over Lucija Ciric Bagaric and Sofia Coustoulas.

7. Carlo Biado is right on cue For 44 years, the US Open Pool Championship only had the magical Efren “Bata” Reyes as its lone Filipino champion then Carlo Biado came knocking and joined the Philippine legend in the exclusive club this year.

Biado broke a 27-year wait for the Philippines to once again see its cue artist reach the pinnacle of the 9-ball landscape.

The 38-year-old also had a flair for the dramatic as he came back from a five-rack deficit, 8-3, and stun Singapore Aloysius Yapp, 13-8, in the final in Atlantic City.

Barely a couple of months after his US Open win in September, Biado collected the Abu Dhabi 9-Ball Championship when he dominated fellow Filipino Jordan Banares, 13-6, in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

6. EJ Obiena becomes Asia’s elite EJ Obiena may have failed in his bid for Olympic glory, but he Inquirer.net photo made up for that setback in spec-

hold a championship in four decades, and becoming the oldest welterweight champion in history at the age of 40.

The year also marked the sudden influx of Filipino talents in leagues abroad, most especially in Japan as both the B.League and the V.League.

Jaja Santiago remains as a towering presence for the Saitama Ageo Medics in the women’s division of the V.League as well as Bryan Bagunas for Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler in the men’s division while Marck Espejo returned to Japan to sign for FC Tokyo.

Thirdy Ravena, who plays for the San-En NeoPhoenix since 2020, got to play against his brother Kiefer, who signed for the Shiga Lakestars, in the B.League with other Filipinos Bobby Ray Parks Jr. (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins), Dwight Ramos (Toyama Grouses), Kobe Paras (Niigata Albirex BB), Javi Gomez de Liaño (Ibaraki Robots), Matthew Aquino (Shinshu Brave Warriors), Juan Gomez de Liaño (Earthfriends Tokyo Z), and Kemark Cariño (Aomori Wat’s) also joining Japanese clubs.

Gilas center Kai Sotto then became the first Filipino player to enter the National Basketball

Philippine Boxing team after arriving in the Philippines fresh off their Tokyo Olympics conquest.

tacular fashion as he became the Asian record-holder in pole vaulting.

The 26-year-old cleared 5.93 meters in the 17th Golden Roof Challenge in Austria shattering Igor Poptapovich’s 23-year record of 5.92m in September.

Just a month before his continental mark, Obiena vaulted over 5.91, which, at the time, was his personal and national best.

Obiena, who ranks no.6 in the world, managed to qualify for the Olympic finals in Tokyo but finished 11th in the medal round.

5. Donaire continues to shut down Father Time He may be getting up there in age but Nonito Donaire isn’t close to stopping and 2021 saw him rise to a form reminiscent of his run in 2012 when he was named Fighter of the Year.

Donaire, who didn’t step inside the ring in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pulled off two vintage performances in 2021 when he wrested the WBC bantamweight title from Nordine Oubaali in May. The 39-year-old had his first successful defense of his newlywon strap when he knocked out fellow Filipino Reymart Gaballo in the fourth, the same frame Oubaali got stopped.

Donaire, who was 38 when he beat Oubaali, also became the oldest fighter to win a World title in the bantamweight division.

4. Yuka Saso makes history Star golfer Yuka Saso made history as the first Filipino to win the prestigious US Women’s Open this year.

She beat Japan’s Nasa Hataoka in a three-hole playoff a mere couple of weeks before her 20th birthday on June 20, making her the youngest winner of the tournament at exactly 19 years, 11 months, 17 days, tying with Park

In-bee.

Saso, who announced in November that she will be switching nationalities to Japanese, also represented the Philippines in the Tokyo Olympics where she missed out on the medal as she finished ninth—after ending round 1 at 47th—despite a furious comeback in the final two rounds.

3. Carlos Yulo stays a World Champion Carlos Yulo had a glorious redemption arc after the Tokyo Olympics as he captured the men’s vault gold medal in the 2021 FIG Artistic World Gymnastics Championships to stay a world champion.

Despite failing to defend his floor title crown, Yulo chalked up a 14.916 in a stunning showing to top the the men’s vault final while also collecting a silver medal in the men’s parallel bars with a 15.300 score.

The 21-year-old, who was considered as one of the country’s best bets for a medal in Tokyo, finished fourth in the men’s vault in the Olympics–the closest he got to the podium.

2. Boxers become the most successful team in Tokyo Boxing was already the Philippines’ best sport in the Olympics having amassed five medals from 1932 to 1996, and the 2021 crew added three more.

Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial each had their inspiring runs in Tokyo as the country’s boxers remain the standard for Olympic glory among Philippine sports.

Petecio became the country’s first female boxer to step into a podium after battering Lin You Ting, Yeni Arias, and Irma Testa to set up the gold medal match against Japan’s Irie Sena in the featherweight division—a match

Photo from PSC

she eventually lost.

Paalam also claimed his silver after decisive victories against Mohamed Flissi, reigning champion Shakhobidin Zoirov, and Tanaka Ryomei, but he eventually lost steam against Galal Yafai in the flyweight finals.

Marcial, meanwhile, collected the bronze after suffering a semifinal loss against Oleksandr Khyzhniak but he had the most spectacular run of any Filipino boxer as he knocked out Younes Nemouchi and Arman Darchinyan in the middleweight division.

1. Hidilyn Diaz is the golden girl It was the lift that carried a nation’s sporting dreams.

What better way to wrap up a list of a country’s sporting achievements than the best medal in all of sports.

Hidilyn Diaz was the personification of a grueling road to Olympic glory as she slowly went from afterthought to becoming the Philippines’ greatest Olympian.

Ending a near-century wait for the country, Diaz successfully lifted 224 kilograms to claim the women’s 55 kg gold medal–an accolade she had worked for most of her life.

From an 11th place finish in the 2008 Beijng Games to not even finishing in the 2012 London Games, Diaz burst into the public consciousness when she secured the silver in the 2016 Rio Games.

Her mental and physical masterpiece in Tokyo eventually immortalized her as her lift was ahead by one kilogram over silver medalist Liao Qiuyun of China.

The Olympic channel’s “denies China the gold!” commentary was just the perfect broadcast cry to Diaz’s greatest ever lift. n

BI deports over 3,000 illegal aliens in 2021 Wiretapping case vs Hontiveros a by zacarian

Sarao

Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday, December 29 said more than 3,000 illegal foreigners were deported from the Philippines in 2021, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on the data provided by the BI’s Deportation and Implementation Unit (DIU), a total of 3,142 undesirable for-

eigners were deported from January to November 2021.

The majority of the foreigners or 2,875 were Chinese nationals, while 90 were Koreans, 81 were Vietnamese, 27 were Japanese, and 19 were Americans.

According to BI-DIU head Atty. Victor Andrew Siriban, the BI also deported 3,219 aliens in 2020, many of which have been arrested for being fugitives from justice, undesir-

able, or were overstaying.

Meanwhile, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said that despite the pandemic, the BI will continue to deport aliens who have violated the Philippine Immigration Act. “The pandemic will not be a hindrance in cleansing our country of these illegal aliens,” said Morente.

“Foreigners who blatantly violate our laws will be deported and blacklisted,” he added. n

DENR reopens dolomite beach by rhodina

ViLLanueVa Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reopened the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach to visitors for two days, starting on Tuesday, December 28.

The artificial white sand beach will be closed for the New Year and open again on Jan. 4, 2022.

Those interested in visiting the beach should first register online

with the DENR Manila Bay Dolomite Beach Appointment System (http://denrncrys.online), according to DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones.

Those who register will then receive a reply confirming their appointment to visit the beach.

“In that way, overcrowding (on) the beach will be avoided,” Leones said.

The DENR also reminded tourists that children 11 years old and below cannot be admitted to the

beach, which will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Visitors need to wear a face mask and observe physical distancing. Vaccination cards will also be checked at the entrance.

Pets, food, drinks and littering are not allowed at the beach.

The beach was last opened to the public on Oct. 16. The DENR closed the beach on Oct. 24 after authorities failed to control the influx of more than 121,000 visitors to the site. n

harassment suit – opposition senators MANILA — Two members of the Senate minority this week condemned the indictment of Sen. Risa Hontiveros for a yearsold wiretapping complaint that they said was a “harassment suit” filed against her by former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre.

“We stand in solidarity with Sen. Risa Hontiveros as she faces the wire-tapping case resurrected after years in slumber,” Sen. Francis Pangilinan, a candidate for vice president, said in a statement written partially in Filipino. “Resurrecting this case is obviously harassment.”

“The case should have been dismissed right away. No wire was tapped,” he added, emphasizing that the messages of Aguirre urging former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto Paras to expedite legal action against Hontiveros were captured by media photographers during a Senate hearing on the death of Kian delos Santos.

The senator called Aguirre out on the matter during a privilege speech delivered on the Senate floor. Pangilinan, a lawyer,

said this means that Hontiveros is covered by legislative immunity.

These same arguments were made by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, a former justice secretary, when Aguirre first threatened to file a wiretapping complaint against Hontiveros in 2017.

Hontiveros posted bail on Tuesday, paying P36,000 at the Pasay City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 46, according to a document released by her office. In a statement, she called the case “meaningless and baseless,” adding that she was “determined to fight this harassment.”

De Lima: Cases filed vs. Hontiveros a ‘desperate attempt to malign’ her Meanwhile, detained Sen. Leila de Lima, who is running for reelection, questioned the timing of Hontiveros’ indictment, saying the move “reeks of desperation.”

“Expect Duterte’s favorite attack dogs to become more rabid as his reign of terror nears its end,” she said in a statement

written partially in Filipino. “After [Hontiveros] was charged by Pharmally for bravely investigating their anomalous contracts with the government, this wiretapping case is revived.”

Hontiveros is also seeking reelection in 2022.

De Lima, also a former justice secretary, maintained that Hontiveros did not violate the law by reading Aguirre’s text messages, which were already visible due to the large font on his phone captured in photographs.

“What should not be forgotten is that this harassment suit against Sen. Risa stemmed from the Senate inquiry into the death of Kian delos Santos, who was murdered by cops in connection with the so-called ‘War on Drugs’ of this administration,” the detained senator stressed.

“So it is somehow par for the course for this administration to do this to a champion of a child-victim of murder as we celebrate the day of Los Niños Inocentes (Feast of the Holy Innocents).” (Bella Perez-Rubio/ Philstar.com)

DOH identifies 22 close contacts of country’s 4th Omicron COVID-19 case by zacarian

Sarao

Inquirer.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, December 29 said that it has identified 22 close contacts of the 4th person to test positive for the Omicron COVID19 variant of concern.

The DOH said the identified close contacts were aboard Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR 127 with the woman who tested positive for the said variant “The DOH is currently verifyPhilstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

ing the test results of all close contacts and have coordinated with the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units to verify the health status of these cases,” the DOH said.

The close contacts also include the patient’s husband, who also tested positive for the COVID-19, and whose sample is set for genome sequencing to determine if he also has the Omicron variant.

The fourth case of the Omicron variant is a 38-year-old female traveler from the United States who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino

International Airport (Naia) on December 10 via PAL flight PR 127.

The woman was then quarantined upon arrival in the country, but on December 13, the patient experienced throat itchiness and colds.

Her specimen was then collected on December 14 and her positive COVID-19 test result was released on December 15.

The woman was discharged asymptomatic from an isolation facility after a 10-day quarantine on December 24 and underwent home isolation. n

Fe atu re s

Las vegas ASIAN JOURNAL

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December 30, 20219

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • december 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022

VEGAS&STYLE Journal

inside

LifestyLe • Consumer Guide • Community • MARketpLAce

Filipino traditions to welcome the new year by

Ritchel Mendiola/aJPRess

THE New Year has always been a countrywide celebration that is nothing short of fun, dynamic, and loud. Filipinos love to welcome the new year with as much fanfare as they can, partaking in traditions they believe will help in making the new year better, happier, and more bountiful for them. Here are some of those traditions: 1. Eating media noche Filipinos love eating — but more than that, they love eating together with their families. New Year’s eve gives them that opportunity to celebrate, complete with an impressive spread to welcome the incoming year.

Roughly translated as “midnight,” Media Noche is a Filipino custom where family members, their relatives, and friends all gather together to eat and drink.

The menu differs for every family but there will always be some food that remains a staple in

every household such as pancit (long noodles), which represent good health and long life; and sticky rice, which represents tighter family bonds.

2.

Having circles/round shapes everywhere Filipinos and Chinese alike believe the round shape is a symbol of prosperity, so it’s common to see circles during New Year’s Eve. More often than not, you’ll see 12 round fruits displayed on the dining table (one fruit per month for a prosperous year) or people wearing polka-dotted

clothes.

3. Jumping when the clock strikes 12 The most popular tradition that Filipino adults and kids do as soon as the clock strikes January 1. Jumping as high as you can is believed to be a way to help you grow taller in the new year — there’s no scientific explanation to support this belief, but it’s fun and exhilarating to do anyway.

4. Opening doors and keeping all the lights on When the new year arrives, Filipinos would open all the

Reward in uncertainty: Ben’s realization while living in a pandemic by allan

PolicaRPio Inquirer.net

BENJAMIN Alves can be meticulous on the set; he makes sure he knows what he needs to do, when to do it and how to do it. But if there’s anything he has realized while living amid a pandemic, it’s being more relaxed or acknowledging the fact that some things are just out of our control.

And he hopes to continue adopting this mindset in 2022.

“It’s healthy thinking about changes you can do to improve yourself. For next year, my resolution is to just go with the flow.

During tapings, I want to know the breakdown—what I’m supposed to shoot at what time,” he said in a virtual conference for his recent contract renewal with GMA Artist Center.

“Now, I’m getting more relaxed. If I’m told there’s going to be a bit of delay or they’re going to shoot something else, it’s OK. I no longer get rattled or nervous.

You can try to control things, but life will throw something else at you,” he added. “Sometimes, there’s reward in uncertainty.”

Recharged Same goes when it comes to projects and job offers. In the first quarter of 2022, Ben will star in the courtroom drama “Artikulo 247” with Rhian Ramos and Mark Herras. He’s also in talks for two movies later that year. “I hope all these come into fruition. But I’m getting used to going with the flow and enjoying the ride. In any case, I’m blessed to be in this position,” he said.

The 32-year-old artist is currently on a break and expects to reenter—recharged—to the taping bubble of “Artikulo 247” in the first week of January. “We were blessed to have at least a month to be with our families during the holiday season. I’m glad I get to spend time with loved ones. And then, we go back to work,” he said.

New Year’s Eve gives families that opportunity to celebrate, complete with an impressive spread to welcome the incoming year.

AJPress Illustration by Kendrick Tan

doors in their houses to allow good energy and good fortune to come in, and turn on all the lights to welcome a brighter year.

5. Making loud noises to drive

As its title suggests, the upcoming drama series tackles controversial Article 247 of The Revised Penal Code, which states that a legally married person who catches his spouse having sexual intercourse with another person may be exempt from punishment, should he or she inflict physical harm on them.

“I’m excited that this controversial law will be given a show,” said Ben, who plays Noah Borromeo, an assailant who manages to get away because of Article 247. “It’s a heavy character …

He has a drug dependency. And just when he was about to turn his life around, another incident pushed him back.”

Deeper respect This role was a surprise to him, Ben admitted, because he thought the creative team would make him play a lawyer.

“I assumed I was going to play a lawyer, but I ended up doing a heavy, troubled character … But the network sees something different in me. It’s a challenge for

Photo from Instagram/@benxalves

me, but I’m excited to show a different side of me,” he said.

The show has him working with Rhian as an onscreen pair for the first time. “I loved doing scenes with her. I love her eyes—I get to draw a lot of emotions from them. We can do ad libs, so no two takes are exactly the same … We have that playfulness,” he said.

Ben is also reunited with Mark, whom he last worked with in the 2013 fantasy series, “Unforgettable.” “Despite not being able to see each other for a long time, the bond was still there when we got on the set. I worked with him eight years ago. But the bond you create with your coworkers doesn’t go away,” he said.

Projects like “Artikulo 247,” Ben said, keeps him on his toes as an actor. “I love challenges because it’s hard being complacent. Being signed [with a network] doesn’t mean OK ka na.

With maturity comes a deeper respect for the job and craft,” he said.

Marrying is the best decision ever, says Kris by alex

bRosas Inquirer.net

IT’S only been three months since she got married to her longtime boyfriend, business man Perry Choi, but Bernal officially got married last Sept. 25 at the St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish in Makati.

She recalled the three months that has passed of them being husband and wife in her Instagram page last Sunday, Dec. 26.

“I know it’s not a big deal and it’s only three months that we’ve been together, but it’s still something to celebrate plus it’s Christmas which makes it more special,” she said.

Although it has just been three months, Bernal Kris Bernal with husband Perry Choi Photo from Instagram/@krisbernal has already experienced love in many forms from stubborn).

Choi.

She then shared a realization.

“How is it that we are only together for three “[Getting] married to my now husband has months but you are already giving me so much love and care? Know that I appreciate everything been the best decision I have ever made,” she dethat you have done from the beginning until today. clared.

“I love you so much, Perry Choi. I don’t like seeKnow that I loved every second of the times that I’ve had with you, and I can only hope that you did ing you upset. Tell me what I can do better,” Bertoo,” she said. “Kahit madalas matigas ulo ko at nal addressed her husband. ” I love you too much pasaway.” (Despite me being often a hardhead and not to figure this out.”

loud sounds would scare off evil spirits that bring bad luck. Aside from this, Filipinos usually play loud music in the open, and use horns or toy instruments to produce ear-piercing noises.

Julius Babao to leave ABS-CBN by aRic John

sy cua ManilaTimes.net

AFTER nearly 30 years with television giant ABS-CBN, long time news anchor Julius Babao is leaving the network, his colleague Karen Davila confirmed on her social media posts on Wednesday, December 29.

“So you can imagine, I’m feeling nostalgic anchoring with Julius on his last week with

Benjamin Alves

off evil spirits Firework displays are a common sight in every country when they welcome the new year, but in the Philippines, fireworks light up the sky because it is believed

ABS-CBN,” Davila wrote.

Davila and Babao were co-anchors on the network’s flagship news bulletin TV Patrol and later in its defunct late night newscast Bandila.

Babao’s departure from the network was hinted as early as last week when TV Patrol segment anchor Marc Logan posted a Facebook status wishing Babao all the best.

It was not clear where Babao

will be moving but speculations are rife that he will transfer to TV5, to replace senatorial aspirant Raffy Tulfo as the anchor to their main newscast, Frontline Pilipinas, alongside former ABS-CBN anchor Cheryl Cosim.

His wife, Christine Bersola-Babao, is already with the network.

Known as the Action Man, Babao has been with ABS-CBN PAGE 10

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december 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022 • LaS VeGaS aSIan JOurnaL

Tax Tips Victor Sy, MBA, cPA (retired) Can creditors go after my business?

• Yes, creditors can go after your business - but only after business assets (business bank accounts, equipment).

• But they cannot go after your personal assets (personal bank accounts, appliances, home).

Who is liable for LLC debt?

• The LLC, not you personally.

What are nevada LLC mem-

Q&A for Nevada LLCs bers liable for?

• Nevada state law does not create liabilities for you as members or managers of LLC. Can LLC members be liable for LLC debt?

• No, members (owners) are not liable for Nevada LLC debts.

• LLC is separate from its owners.

• Business assets are owned by the LLC, business debts are owed by that entity.

• If members contributed assets to LLC, creditors can seize those assets.

• Nevada lures businesses by outdoing Delaware in shielding

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

Vilma ‘happy’ for ex-husband Edu, Cherry Pie

IN a vlog titled “Luis Listens to Momski’s Revelations” posted on his YouTube channel on Monday, Luis Manzano asked his mother, Vilma Santos-Recto about her reactions to ex-husband and Luis’ father, Edu Manzano’s relationship with Cherry Pie Picache.

“Ang dami-daming tumatawag sa kin, nag-i-interview, hindi ko sinasagot. Ayokong mangialam sa issue na yan, anak (A lot of people have been calling me, wanting an interview, I am not responding. I don’t want to talk about that issue, son),” Santos shared.

“What’s important I guess is, pwede ko lang i-share (what I can share is) I’m happy. I’m happy,” the actress and politician expressed.

“You know naman si Eduardo, your dad, and Pie is a very close friend of mine. At this point in time ng buhay natin, ang pinaka importante lang is nandiyan ang respeto

at pagmamahal (in our lives, what is important is love and respect).

So I wish them all the best.”

Luis then invited his viewers to watch out for his vlog with his father and Picache.

Santos married Edu secretly in the United States when she was shooting a movie in 1980. They had Luis in 1981, but the couple separated in 1985.

Santos has been married to Ralph Recto since 1992. They have a son named Ryan. They are known to have a loving modern family setup, with Luis close to his parents, stepparents, and half siblings.

Meanwhile, Edu confirmed his relationship with Picache in November. They are currently part of the primetime series “Marry Me, Marry You,” as the estranged parents of Andrei, played by Paulo Avelino.

Vilma Santos

ABS-CBN photo

The couple recently went on vacation in the United States together. Besides Luis, Picache’s son Nio Tria, with former partner Gary Tria, openly supports his mother’s new relationship. (Nika Roque /ManilaTimes.net)

Fe atu re s Health @Heart PhiliP S. chuA, Md, FAcS, FPcS IS Omicron deadly?

There were almost 230,000 COVID-19 cases last Monday, December 27 and more than 80 percent of them Omicron. There were 823 new deaths that day, 836,605 total deaths (almost 73.8 million total cases) in the United States since the pandemic started. Omicron is more severely contagious and appears (NOT for certain yet) to be less deadly. The unvaccinated are at the gravest risk, like walking without a helmet and a vest amidst flying bullets in a war zone. The vaccine, mask, and distancing, personal hygiene are our best weapons against this killer virus.

What causes palpitation?

Palpitation (pounding heartbeat, harder and faster than normal) could be due to extrinsic causes like ingestion of a stimulant (coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolates, some medications, etc.) and/or cigarette smoking, or due to an intrinsic causes like coronary or heart valve diseases.

The person feels the heart thumping in the chest that could lead to some degree of discomfort and anxiety. When this happens regularly, in spite of abstinence from the extrinsic causes listed above, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

Do cellphone shields work?

No, the so-called “radiation shields” for cell phones do not work, and therefore are not effec-

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Queries from you tive in protecting the user from radiation, reports the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S. If anything at all, this shield “lulls” the user to complacency and, thus, the user is subjected to more prolonged radiation exposure due to a false sense of security. While the association between cell phone use and some type of brain tumors is still unclear, it is best to avoid and minimize any type of radiation exposure from whatever source.

To reduce radiation exposure from cell phones, we recommend the use one of hands-free devices that now commercially available. are body moisturizing lotions safe?

Yes, in general, hand and body lotions in the market are safe.

The frequent (two or more times a day) use of hand and body lotion is recommended because our skin needs moisture to keep it comfortable, healthy, and looking as young as possible. Caution: Some people may be allergic to some of these commercially available skin moisturizers.

What is cardioversion?

Cardioversion, as the term suggests, means converting the heart rhythm from an abnormal one to a so-called normal and regular sinus rhythm, either by medications or by electrical “zapping.” The term is most often used to imply electrical cardioversion. The two paddles (“zappers”), held one in each hand of the cardioverting personnel (a physician, a nurse or a medical technician) are applied on the mid-chest of the patient and the heart is “electrically shocked” to a normal rhythm or to a safer, more benign form of irregularity. In some persons with heart disease, it may not be possible to convert the rhythm to a perfect sinus rhythm. In these cases, the goal is to convert the rhythm to an acceptable more benign rhythm.

Can trauma to the breasts cause cancer?

Repeated trauma to the breast has been implicated as a possible etiology in the formation of cancer of the breast among women.

This could be in the form of biting, pinching, squeezing or rough manual manipulation. The breasts must be handled with care and tenderness. Consult your physician if you are concerned about something in your breast.

Does diabetes cause blindness?

Most definitely, especially among persons whose diabetes is untreated, poorly treated or simply brittle and hard to treat.

The blindness is due to what is termed diabetic retinopathy. A significant number of blindness in the world today is caused by diabetes. Once the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is confirmed, prompt and appropriate therapy should be instituted. A diabetic should be disciplined and follow the prescribed diet and medications if the complications of the disease, like blindness, leg gangrene, etc., are to be prevented.

Is hydrogen peroxide gargle safe?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is for gurgling, but ask your dentist first since he/she knows your dental condition better and can advise you accordingly. Hydrogen peroxide, together with sodium fluoride and other common ingredients (like triclosan) in toothpaste, help prevent tooth decay, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), tartar/plaque formation, and halitosis (bad breath). Hydrogen peroxide is a substance that is incorporated in

DZMM’s Julius Babao

many toothpaste preparations.

Baking soda is another.

Do skin whiteners work?

There are a few popular preparations of skin (“bleach”) whiteners available in the market today which are effective and safe. The basic ingredient is 4% hydroquinone. The original use of it was to make skin blemishes (chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigenes and other areas of melanin hyperpigmentation) disappear, but today cosmetologists, many dermatologists and some plastic surgeons, recommend it for the entire face as a “bleaching agent” to whiten the complexion. Those using this should stay away from sunlight to prevent skin burns. Before applying skin whitener, one must consult with his/her physician first because of potential allergy, side effects and possible complications of this cream.

Can loud music lead to deafness?

Yes, and not only music. Prolonged or repeated exposure to any type of very loud noise or sound can cause damage to the auditory nerve damage, which could lead to varying degrees of hearing impairment, and even to permanent deafness. Headset users should set the volume of sound to a safe level. A simple way to do this is to turn the volume down until you can barely hear it, then gradually increasing the loudness (and adjusting the treble and the base if possible) to a comfortable level.

Does surgery make cancer spread?

No, this is a myth. Doing surgery or “opening the patient up” does not cause metastasis (spread) of the cancer. In general, cancer proliferates rapidly to invade surrounding tissues and distant organs. The misconception resulted from the refusal of patients suspected or confirmed to have cancer to be operated on early when first advised, and delayed the surgery so much that the malignant tumor had already spread beyond help before they acceded to have the operation. So, when the surgeons operated on them that late, invariably the cancer had already spread all over.

When the patients soon expired, people blamed the surgery as the cause of the spread. Today, almost everybody knows that prompt detection and the treatment of cancer gives the best chance for a cure for majority of patients with malignancy.

A blessed, safe, and joyous New Year to all nations and men of goodwill! *** 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: philipSchua.com, Today.

SPSAtpoday.com, FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

ABS-CBN photo

Julius Babao to leave...

PAGE 9 since 1993. He was among the hosts of the former morning shows Alas Singko Y Medya and Magandang Umaga Bayan.

He was also the host of current affairs programs XXX and Mission Possible.

On radio station DZMM, Babao had a weekend morning

show that he used to anchor with his wife called Magandang Morning. On TeleRadyo, he currently anchors the weekday public service program Lingkod Kapamilya with current TV Patrol anchor Bernadette Sembrano and the weekend morning newscast TeleRadyo Balita with reporter and TV Patrol weekend anchor Zen Hernandez.

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