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DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022 Volume 15 - No.8 • 16 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Los Angeles County expands COVID-19 testing capacity to meet holiday surge demand

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

COVID cases rise anew

by RED

MENDOZA ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Health (DoH) called on the public to remain vigilant as the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases rose slightly.

The warning also comes after the country

u PAGE 2

The US sends additional aid for ‘Odette’-hit areas

THE Los Angeles County Department of Health Services is delivering urgent expansion of the county’s free COVID-19 testing services amidst holiday demand.

Demand for COVID-19 testing is steadily increasing as County residents rush to get tested before gathering with loved ones and as a direct result of LA County’s surge in new cases.

by CHRISTIA

MARIE Inquirer.net

u PAGE 7

This aerial handout photo taken on December 17, 2021 and received from the Philippine Army on December 18 shows destroyed houses caused by Super Typhoon Rai after the storm crossed over General Luna, Siargao Island.

Handout / Philippine Army / AFP

NCR shift to Alert Level 1 seen by December David, however, told a public briefing that the increase is not driven by any variant but is due to crowds gathering to celebrate Christmas.

Another reason could be that more people

reported its fourth case of the Omicron variant, a 38-year-old American woman who arrived from New York City.

OCTA senior research fellow Dr. Guido David noted an increase in the reproduction number in the National Capital Region (NCR) in the past week, from 0.33 in early December to 0.85 as of December 23.

“LUCKY” FRUITS. Vendors arrange round fruits in their stall at the North Olympus Market in Fairview, Quezon City, in preparation for the New Year celebration on Tuesday, December 28. Many Filipinos include round fruits in their “Media Noche” (New Year’s Eve dinner) believing that this will bring good fortune.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

RAMOS

THE United States is providing an additional P50 million to aid communities affected by Typhoon Odette in the Philippines.

Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington is extending another round of assistance following the onslaught of the typhoon earlier this month.

The P50-million funding is on top of the initial assistance provided by the U.S. last Dec. 22 to support the Philippine government’s relief efforts.

The additional assistance will provide logistics support to transfer humanitarian workers and relief supplies to communities devastated

by Typhoon Odette, according to a statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Manila on

u PAGE 4

Bongbong-Sara team With no presidential pick of their own, ‘Odette’ damage continues to rule surveys Duterte party to shortlist bets to support

to agriculture nears P6 billion

MANILA — Damage to agriculture caused by Super Typhoon Odette (International name: Rai) is nearly at P6 billion and climbing, the Department of Agriculture said, adding it has been distributing assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the storm.

In a taped briefing aired on Tuesday, December 28, Agriculture Secretary William

u PAGE 2

by BERNADETTE

E. TAMAYO

ManilaTimes.net

FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. continued to dominate presidential surveys, posting a double-digit 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%,

u PAGE 4

MANILA — Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan, the political party organized around President Rodrigo Duterte, said it would submit a shortlist of presidential candidates to support in the 2022 elections after the withdrawal of their two highest-profile bets.

President Rodrigo Duterte — nominated to run for vice president before filing to

u PAGE 4

President Rodrigo Duterte

PNA file photo

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DOH says Philippines ‘well-prepared’ for omicron variant MANILA — The Philippine government is “well-prepared” to combat the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which is threatening health systems overseas, the Department of Health said on Tuesday, December 28.

The Philippines has so far detected four cases of the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant—all among international arrivals.

“Right now with this Omicron variant, I think we are well-prepared than before,” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

“What will be the most critical factor right now would be a lot of our citizens are vaccinated now compared to when we’re having the Delta variant…Right now were are preparing. Hopefully, we are able to manage this increase in the number of cases if ever Omicron enters our

Marikina residents line up to get booster shots on Monday, December 27, 2021. ManilaTimes.net photo by John Orven Verdote People with large baggages start arriving at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Parañaque City before dawn on Dec. 23, 2021 to catch their buses as they head to their respective provinces early to avoid the influx of passengers for the Christmas weekend.

The STAR / Miguel de Guzman

communities,” she added.

Early studies suggest the Omicron variant is more infectious than the already transmissible Delta variant, which caused a devastating surge in the Philippines from August to September.

The country is seeing an increase in new COVID-19 cases amid the holiday season.

Husband of Omicron case

tests positive Vergeire also reported that the husband of the country’s fourth Omicron variant case tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in isolation.

“We have already collected the sample from the husband and we’re going to subject it to genome sequencing as well,” she said.

The close contacts of the

u PAGE 7

COVID cases rise anew...

PAGE 1 had become infected because they had fallen complacent after the cases began to fall in the past few weeks.

At a DoH briefing on Monday, December 27, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that while the increase is “not yet significant,” it is still a cause for concern, especially with the threat posed by Omicron.

Vergeire also attributed the slight uptick to the higher mobility of people during the holiday season.

Based on the latest DoH data, the country remains at minimal risk, with the one-week growth rate dropping to -7 percent. But in the NCR, there was a 49-percent rise in the oneweek growth rate.

The Health department has classified the cities of San Juan, Las Piñas, Manila and Makati in Metro Manila and the provinces of Apayao, Davao de Oro and Davao del Sur as moderate risk due to the increase in cases in those areas.

Vergeire said the most recent Omicron case arrived in Manila on December 10 on a Philippine Airlines flight.

Her pre-departure reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test on December 7 turned out negative, but on December 13, she complained of throat

itchiness and colds.

She tested positive and was transferred to an isolation center on December 14. She was released after 10 days but remains under home isolation. The patient was to be retested on Tuesday, December 28, according to Vergeire.

The department is coordinating with the Department of Transportation and the Bureau of Quarantine in tracking the woman’s close contacts and fellow passengers, Vergeire said.

She also announced the DoH will stop issuing daily public case bulletins and Beat COVID-19 Situational Reports starting January 1.

In a post on its social media channels, DoH said the removal of the case bulletin and situational report was meant to “streamline public communications.”

There were 318 new COVID-19 cases reported on Monday.

Only 14,237 tests were conducted on December 25 because 26 laboratories did not submit their data and two laboratories were closed.

The positivity rate increased slightly to 2.2 percent.

The total case is 2,838,792 million, of which 2.778 million have recovered and 51,211 have died. n

‘Odette’ damage to agriculture...

PAGE 1 Dar told President Rodrigo Duterte that the typhoon that has prompted the declaration of a state of calamity in six regions in the country has also affected 61,581 farmers and fisherfolk.

Around 70,177 hectares have been damaged, which translates to a loss of around 104,561 metric tons of food, Dar said.

Damage has been estimated at P5.79 billion, with fisheries bearing the brunt at P1.8 billion in losses.

Losses in rice were at P1.7 billion while the coconut industry lost P1.5 billion to the typhoon.

He said that early warn-

ings given to farmers and fisherfolk before the typhoon hit their areas allowed them to harvest and save around P655 million in crops and produce.

Government interventions Dar said that the department has P1 billion in a Quick Response Fund for rehabilitation of the affected areas from the national budget for 2022.

He said that the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. is already distributing P828 million in indemnification to farmers affected by the typhoon at around P12,000 per farmer.

Another P500 million

has been set aside for the Survival and Recovery Assistance Program, which will provide 20,000 farmers and fisherfolk with loans of P25,000 each.

The department also has P314 million in rice seeds, P129 million in corn seeds and P57 million in assorted vegetable seeds.

“These are already for distribution to those affected farmers,” he said.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, meanwhile, has already extended P47 million in assistance to fisherfolk, he said.

BFAR will also continue procuring materials for fishing boats. (Philstar.com) n

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From the Front Page

The US sends additional aid for ‘Odette’... With no presidential...

PAGE 1 Monday, December 27.

In partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the new funding from the USAID will provide logistics and emergency telecommunications support in typhoon-affected areas, the embassy said.

WFP will set up four emergency logistics hubs in Surigao del Norte for storing and distributing relief supplies, it added.

Under the funding, the WFP will also transport food from the Philippine government to feed tens of thousands of Filipinos and assist with re-establishing the telecommunications networks to support response efforts.

“The United States is pleased to provide this additional assistance to support the immediate needs of individuals and families in the areas hardest hit

In partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme, USAID facilitated the distribution of food packs to those affected

by Typhoon Odette and set up emergency logistics hubs in Surigao del Norte.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila

by Typhoon Odette,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava.

“This support will help ensure that food and other life-saving supplies reach communities most in need,” she added.

With the initial P10-million funding that was announced last week, USAID partner Action Against Hunger has been providing immediate food, wa-

ter, hygiene, and other relief supplies to storm-affected communities in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

The International Organization for Migration, with support from USAID, is also managing evacuation shelters in Caraga and Eastern Visayas and providing relief supplies, including heavy-duty plastic sheeting to meet the shelter needs of at least 4,800 families.

The embassy said the U.S. will continue to partner up with the Philippine government to respond to natural disasters and support the people of the Philippines in its recovery efforts.

Since 2010, the USAID has provided over P17 billion in disaster relief and recovery aid and boosted the disaster risk reduction capacity of over 100 cities and municipalities in the Philippines, the embassy noted. n

Bongbong-Sara team continues to...

PAGE 1 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 drops out of the race.

The next choice was Pac-

quiao 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

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

ManilaTimes.net photo

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 Duterte-Carpio 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 double-digit 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

PAGE 1 run for senator — and Sen. Bong Go — initially a candidate for vice president before being told to run for president instead — withdrew their certificates of candidacy earlier this month.

In a statement sent to media early Monday morning, December 27, PDDS said that it would be submitting a list of presidential candidates that the party “believes may continue the reforms initiated by the president” based on its consultations with its local candidates, leaders, and alliances.

The party already supports Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s candidacy for vice president. The president’s daughter is running alongside presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., whom President Duterte called a “weak leader” in November.

Duterte has often said however that he owes the Marcos clan for supporting his 2016 candidacy and has often expressed admiration for ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“The leadership of the party has decided to support whomever the president [endorses] if any...The party believes that this is imperative to ensure the continuity of the president’s programs to achieve the Filipino people’s aspiration towards justice, peace, and progress,” PDDS president Greco Belgica, former head of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, said.

Belgica, who is running for senator, said that consultations are ongoing while the final short list will be submitted after vetting.

“The criteria for vetting shall be loyalty to country, track record of service to the people, adherence and capability to carry on the president’s reform agenda and advocacies in fighting corruption, red tape, drugs, crimes, terrorism and to push for federalist form of government, amongst others.”

Cusi-led PDP-Laban: We will move forward Earlier, the Cusi wing of the ruling PDP-Laban said that it would “move forward” despite lacking candidates for both president and vice president.

“The party remains steadfast and is committed to [supporting and campaigning] for all its candidates,” lawyer Melvin Matibag, secretary-general of the wing of PDP-Laban that President Rodrigo Duterte leads, said in a letter to party members.

Matibag said that despite Go’s withdrawal, the party will “move forward and march on to promote plans and programs for the continuity of good governance started by President Duterte.”

A separate faction of the party is fielding Sen. Manny Pacquiao for president, though Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has since asked the Commission on Elections to determine which faction is the legitimate party.

Duterte earlier said that his decision to run under PDDS was a “political strategy,” adding that PDP-Laban’s constitution allows it to enter into alliances with other political parties to strengthen its chances of achieving victory in the elections.

“I assure the members of the PDP Laban and PDDS are one.

We campaign as one and we will work as one,” the president was quoted as saying in late November. (Franco Luna with a report from Xave Gregorio/Philstar.com) n

EASY HOT MEAL. A man walks away after buying “pares” (Filipino beef stew) from a stall in Quezon City on Monday, December 27. The vendor said most of her customers troop to the stall during the early hours of the morning. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022

OPINION

5

FEATURES

Safety in revelry

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 peer-vetted 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

Editorial

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

Philstar.com photo

struggling to survive, has made an effort to upgrade product quality to allay safety concerns and compete with imports. But more effort is needed to enforce product standards and safe fireworks use.

In the last holiday revelry, the DOH reported that 84 percent of the injuries were caused

by illegal fireworks such as piccolo and boga or improvised cannon while the rest were due to legal fireworks. 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)

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

ed by COVID-19 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 winter holidays upon us, it is more important than ever for fam-

ilies 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 PAGE 10

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

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D ateline PhiliPPines Comelec trims down

Drug war: PNP says it presidential bets to 15, VP respects human rights

to 9 in updated tentative list

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — The Commission on Elections has trimmed down its tentative list of candidates for the 2022 elections with 15 presidential and nine vice presidential aspirants.

On Friday, December 24, the Comelec issued a tentative list, cutting down the names of presidential aspirants from 97, as published on October 20, to just 15.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez has yet to reply to questions from reporters on whether the aspirants included in the tentative list will be the names to be printed on the official ballot for the 2022 polls.

For presidential bets, the Comelec listed the following in alphabetical order: • Former presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella (Independent) • Hilario Andres (Independent) • Arcega Gerald (Independent) • Leody de Guzman (Partido Lakas ng

Masa) • Isko Moreno Domagoso (Aksyon Demokratiko) • Norberto Gonzales (Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas) • Sen. Ping Lacson (Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma) • Danilo Lihaylihay (Independent) • Faisal Mangondato (Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi) • Bongbong Marcos (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) • Maria Aurora Marcos (Independent) • Jose Montemayor Jr. (Democratic Party of the Philippines) • Edgar Niez (Independent) • Sen. Manny Pacquiao (Abag Promdi) • Vice President Leni Robredo (Independent) The Comelec Second Division has yet to resolve the petition to cancel the Certificate of Candidacy of former Sen. Bongbong Marcos, who emerged as top bet in latest Pulse Asia PAGE 7

by emmanuel

tuPas

Philstar.com

MANILA — Despite allegations of abuses and misdeeds, the Philippine National Police said it continued to respect human rights in the enforcement of President Duterte’s war on drugs, with a majority of PNP officers complying with the rule of law and standard operating procedures.

This was the PNP’s assessment of its performance in 2021, a year when police officers continued to face another challenge: implementing COVID-19 protocols.

Critics have described Duterte’s term of office as a period of “rampant extrajudicial killings and a climate of impunity” in his crackdown on illegal drugs.

PNP spokesman Col. Rod-

erick Augustus Alba, however, said most police officers respect the basic rights of drug suspects.

Alba said critics of the Duterte administration are entitled to their own opinion and perception, but he maintained that the facts would bear them out.

“The PNP, as an organization, always follows the rule

Philstar.com file photo

of law,” he said in an interview.

The PNP has opted to take criticism in stride, saying it would focus on carrying out the President’s directive to rid the country of illegal drugs.

“We will not be affected kung ano man ‘yung binabato sa aming criticism. It will PAGE 7

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022

Los Angeles County expands...

PAGE 1 The expansion of access to COVID-19 testing includes the relaunching of the Holiday Home Test Collection Program with new guidelines to reach more people and make it easier to get tested.

“LA County residents are doing right by getting tested as a precaution before gathering, if they have been exposed and at the first sign of symptoms,” said Dr. Christina Ghaly, Director of Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.

“Getting tested and isolating as needed plays a vital role in our collective fight against the current Holiday surge, we encourage anyone – including those who are vaccinated – to get tested if they believe they have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms.

We will continue to closely monitor testing needs and adjust capacity as needed in the coming weeks.”

All services are free and can be accessed at https://COVID19.lacounty.gov/testing/ Capacity expansion includes: • Extended hours of operation at sites across Los Angeles County • Additional week and weekend dates • Additional mobile testing units in hardhit areas • Relaunch of Holiday Home Test Collection Program with new guidelines to reach more people and make it easier to get tested. The link is here: https://COVID19.lacounty.gov/ hometest Any LA County resident who is symptomatic or believes they were exposed to COVID-19 can order a home testing kit.

Home testing kits require swab collection to be mailed back for PCR test result.

LA County COVID-19 testing services are available at no out-of-pocket cost and can be accessed by anyone regardless of insurance or immigration status. n

Vaccines for children...

PAGE 5 ages 5-11 get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The lower-dose Pfizer-BioNTech 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 concerned 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.

DOH says Philippines...

PAGE 2 couple at home are also isolated.

The couple arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on December 10

from the United States.

“Both wife and husband were tested on the same day and isolated upon release of positive result.

After a 10-day isolation,

7

both were discharged asymptomatic. They will be retested based on existing protocols,” Vergeire told reporters. — Gaea Katreena Cabico (Philstar.com) n

Comelec trims down...

PAGE 6 pre-elections polls. Both parties already submitted their respective memoranda or their final bid.

Marcos is still facing a slew of disqualification suits, which may take longer to resolve. Summonses have already been sent to his legal team on four of the petitions.

The list also does not show Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go who withdrew his COC, and retired military Gen. Antonio Parlade, the controversial former officer of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Parlade sought to substitute for the presidential bet Antonio Vales, for Katipunan ng Demokratikong Pilipino, however the Comelec document showed that the latter is running as an independent candidate.

Meanwhile, for vice presidential candidates, the Comelec listed nine names.

They are: • Lito Atienza (Abag Promdi) • Walden Bello (Partido Lakas ng Masa) • Rizalito David (Democratic Party of the Philippines) • Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte (Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats) • Manny Lopez (Workers and Peasants

Party) • Dr. Willie Ong (Aksyon Demokratiko) • Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan (Liberal Party) • Carlos Serapio (Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi) • Senate President Tito Sotto (Nationalist People’s Coalition) The list already reflects the name of Duterte-Carpio who substituted for LakasCMD’s Lyle Uy in November.

For potential senatorial candidates, the Comelec has 70 names.

The list already excluded the name of President Rodrigo Duterte who withdrew his senatorial bid on December 14.

The Comelec said that the Tentative List of Aspirants/Candidates for the coming polls “are based on the initial evaluation of the Certificates of Nomination, Certificates of Candidacy and Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance.”

“Consequently, the contents of the list, particularly the names of the aspirants/ candidates, political parties, as well as the name to appear on the ballot are subject to change as a result of any further evaluation and/or resolution of the Commission En Bac in relation thereto,” it added. n

Drug war: PNP says it...

PAGE 6 not affect us because ang tinitingnan kasi namin hindi lang ‘yung current generation,” Alba said.

Data from the government’s Real Numbers PH platform showed that 204 drug suspects have been killed in alleged shootouts with police since January 2020.

Since the community quarantine was imposed in March last year, anti-narcotics agents have killed at least 560 suspected drug offenders in alleged gunfights.

The same data showed that 42,621 drug suspects have been arrested by police since January, and 80,605 since the community quarantine started last year.

Duterte’s crackdown on drugs has resulted in the deaths of 6,215 drug suspects in reported shootouts with police. A total of 315,635 drug suspects have been arrested since June 2016.

Alba said the drug war has benefited the country as crimes dropped during Duterte’s term.

From around three mil-

lion crime incidents recorded from 2010 to 2015, the number dropped to 1.3 million from 2016 to 2021, a decrease of 56 percent.

Alba said the improving peace and order situation proved that the war on drugs has been successful.

“That’s the legacy on the part of the PNP na masasabi namin, that we are winning the campaign against illegal drugs,” he said.

For police officers who violated human rights and committed other abuses, the PNP said these rogue lawmen would be punished after an investigation.

Since 2016, at least 5,000 police personnel have been dismissed from the service after taking advantage of the government’s drug war for their own gains and other offenses.

The PNP was hit by controversies in 2021, including the shootout between Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) personnel along Commonwealth Avenue on Feb. 24.

The incident soured the

relationship between the law enforcement agencies.

Members of the QCPD and PDEA figured in another standoff on May 14, but there were no casualties.

Asked about the relationship between the two law enforcement agencies, PDEA spokesman Derrick Carreon said both sides have put the issue of the Quezon City shootout behind them.

“While that was an unfortunate incident, the issue has been put to rest by virtue of the findings of the Department of Justice,” Carreon said in an interview.

To prevent misencounters and similar incidents from happening in the future, the PDEA and PNP have crafted revised guidelines for anti-narcotics operations.

Both leaders of the two law enforcement agencies, PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva and PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos, are members of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1988.

Carlos is also familiar with the PDEA, being one of the agency’s pioneering officers.

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December 31, 2021 - january 6, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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SFIO leadership team: ordinary people with exceptional dedication, passion

SFIO is an asset management company focused on innovation through disruptive collaborations across its three key industries: Food and Beverage (F&B), Real Estate, and Technology. With a strong presence across New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines, as well as a roadmap for further global expansion, SFIO makes strategic investments in high-growth businesses, building synergies across its diverse portfolio to provide maximum shareholder value.

Guided by tradition, driven by innovation, and enabled by collaboration — SFIO is on a hyper-growth path to build a thriving business ecosystem, with plans to uplist onto a major stock exchange in the near future.

It is a company full of potential and it recently released the composition of its leadership team. These are ordinary people with extraordinary passion & dedication, leading SFIO as it navigates its ambitious roadmap.

Here’s a glimpse at the leadership team who will be guiding SFIO and helping concretize its plans: • Jeths D. Lacson, CPEng, CAMA – Chairman and CEO of SFIO Jeths is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Starfleet Innotech, Inc. He is also the Co-Founder of Epiphany Café, Ardent Bakers, Gorgeous Coffee and A+ Electrical.

Furthermore, Jeths is a Chartered Professional Electrical Engineer and Certified Asset Management Assessor for ISO 55001, with over 15 years of professional and leadership experience in different industries.

Jeths graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Mapua University in the Philippines. His expertise is in Asset Management and Business Development. Jeths was formerly PAGE 10

Mark G. Epifanio Jeths D. Lacson

Michael Luis Venezuela Richard Agluba

Jorge Gabin Chito Galvez

Richard Prodigalidad Elvin Alcala

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December 31, 2021 - january 6, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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SFIO leadership team: ordinary people with exceptional...

PAGE 9 one of the lead technical consultants in setting up a Polytechnic University in Saudi Arabia for the Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC) in New Zealand. He was also responsible for leading a team that manages the multi-million operational and capital expenditures of an electricity distribution company in Hamilton, New Zealand.

• Mark G. Epifanio, CPEng – Chief Operations Officer of SFIO Mark is the Chief Operations Officer of SFIO. He oversees day-to-day operations to support the growth and add to the bottom line of the organization. He focuses on strategic planning and goal-setting and directs the operations of the company in support of the company’s goals.

He also co-founded Epiphany Cafe, Ardent Bakers, Gorgeous Coffee, and A+ Electrical.

Mark has over 16 years of combined industry experience from business development, franchising, distribution, and food manufacturing. Mark was formerly managing the business development of ethical products within the pharmaceutical industry. Mark graduated with a Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao, Philippines in 2002. Mark is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and APEC Engineer in Australia with areas of expertise in Leadership and Management and Asset Management.

Mark is currently a Director of Epiphany Café and AIG. His ability to generate strategic partnerships and spearhead the growth and development of the company led the Board of Directors to the conclusion that he should serve as Chief Operations Officer. His expertise is in Asset Management and Business Development.

• Richard Agluba – Chief Secretary of SFIO Richard is the Secretary of SFIO. He is responsible for the efficient administration of the company and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and implementing decisions made by the Board of Directors. Richard has over 20 years of experience in Electrical Design and Project Engineering with a demonstrated history of working in the Electrical Utility, Oil and Gas industry, Residential, Commercial & Industrial environment. Richard has been involved in multi-million-dollar projects in Saudi Arabia where he was in charge of Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation equipment ordering, Factory testing, Installation and Commissioning support which he handles a group of Electrical Engineers, Technicians and Electricians. He has also handled the design of Substations and Project Engineering of a multi-million-dollar Electrical Substation upgrading project in New Zealand.

Richard graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Manuel L. Quezon University and a diploma in Electrical Engineering from the University of Saint Louis, both in the Philippines. Richard is also a member of Engineering New Zealand (MEngNZ) and a registered Electrician under the Electrical Workers Registration Board, New Zealand.

Richard is a current Director of A+ Electrical and AIG. His various exposures in different companies have led the Board of Directors to the conclusion that he should serve as the chief secretary of the company.

• Michael Luis Venezuela, CPA – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SFIO Michael is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SFIO. He is a fully Certified Practicing

Jonathan Petalver

Accountant (CPA) in Australia, and managing director of a CPA public practice firm called MLV Accounting Pty Ltd,. He is also a registered SMSF Auditor and a registered tax agent in Australia.

Michael finished with a double degree of BS Business Administration and Accountancy from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City in 1991. He passed the CPA board exams in Manila in November 1991 and became a member of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) in the same year. Michael worked as an audit staff at SGV & Co (Ernst & Young Manila) and started several businesses in the Philippines.

Michael migrated to Australia in 2002 and became a fully qualified member of CPA Australia. He worked in several suburban accounting firms and eventually started MLV Accounting, a Melbourne-based CPA public practice that has grown by 20-30% annually since 2013. Presently, his accounting firm has 4,000 to 5,000 clients across Australia, serving clients of diverse multicultural backgrounds and businesses.

DIVISIOnAL MAnAGERS • Chito Galvez – Franchise Business Division Chito Galvez has over 35 years of experience in franchise business development, retail site expansion, sales building, customer service, negotiations, and business relationship building. He held senior management positions in renowned companies in Asia such as SM Prime Holdings, Chowking Food Corporation, and Jollibee Food Corporation and has extensive experiences gained from working in several countries which include the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, India, and New Zealand.

• Jorge Gabin – Coffee Business Division Jorge Gabin has over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, as well as factory, operations, supply chain, management, logistics, and coffee roasting. He has extensive experience in food production, wine and spirits, and animal pharmaceuticals. Jorge led the team at Universal Robina Corporation (URCPhilippines) towards the plant’s certification to ISO9002, GMP and Halal. He is also the current director of Gorgeous Coffee Co. in New Zealand.

• Elvin Alcala – Property Development Division Elvin has over 25 years of experience in master planning, architectural design, interior design, and property development.

He led numerous architectural firms in several Residential, Commercial, Public and Urban, Industrial and Institutional development projects. His collective professional experience includes stints in Singapore, the Philippines,

Roger Oriel

and New Zealand.

• Richard Prodigalidad – Software & Technology Division Richard Prodigalidad is the CEO at LEENTech Network Solutions Inc., managing an IT-BPO company based in the Philippines and a Co-Founder of several tech startups in the Philippines with over 15 years of experience in consulting, developing, managing and deploying software applications, turnkey websites, e-Commerce, internet portals, CMS Development, Online Business Solutions projects, Security Auditing and Internet Consulting. His collective experience include Technical Research & Business development, Cloud Computing, Offshore Service Management, Web Marketing & CMS Solutions, Server Administration, Remote Monitoring & Penetration Testing and Advanced Computer Troubleshooting.

Richard has the ability to facilitate seminars, symposiums, and speeches in web design, security solutions, and ethical hacking related topics, and has a strong background in leading, developing, and executing ISO (International Organization for Standardization).

• Jonathan Petalver –Fundraising Coach Jonathan Petalver is the CEO and Cofounder of the Global Academy, headquartered in New Zealand, with offices in New York, Melbourne, Dubai, and Manila. He has designed and developed programs for more than 25 years. In addition, he has conducted and facilitated masterclass programs in entrepreneurship and business leadership across Asia, the Middle East, North America and Europe. Coach Petalver is actively doing coaching programs and pursuing his PhD in Business Leadership.

Coach Jonathan will lead the strategic Business Education Roadshows for SFIO. • Roger Oriel – Member, Advisory Board Roger Oriel is a businessman, investor and leader. His breadth of knowledge and experience is tied to scaling and leading companies in numerous industries. Since 1991, he has served as the Publisher and CEO of Asian Journal Publications Inc., one of the largest Asian multimedia companies in the United States with a focus on the Filipino American community. He is the Chairman of the Board of Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development, the developer of Lombard by the Bay in Montemaria, Batangas City, Philippines. Roger is the Chairman of the Board of Napa Valley Distribution, Inc., a distribution company for Montemaria Cellars and House of Pacquiao, a private label wine brand. Most recently, Roger became a Board of Directors for BayaniPay, a Los Angelesbased fintech innovator providing cross border financial services to millions of Filipinos to

Jose Gerardo Noble

bridge the gap for Filipinos in the U.S. and the Philippines. He’s also the Chairman of the Board of Trending Entertainment, Inc., a Hybrid immersive and digitally interactive Streaming and Entertainment Company that offers platforms for all things trending to appeal to a wider variety of audiences.

• Jose Gerardo noble – Member, Advisory Board Jose, or “Jinggoy,” has more than 25 years of business experience from various industries, including banking and stock brokering. A graduate of De La Salle University with a degree in BS Legal Management, Jinggoy began his career with Far East Bank and Trust Co. before working as an Investment Analyst with Pryce Securities Inc. for 5 years.

However, it is in the real estate business where he spent the majority of his time working only for the largest developers (Ayala and SM) while earning several awards during that span. He is a licensed real estate broker and is currently the Deputy Sales Head of SM Development Corporation, managing between 400 to 500 of the company’s organic sellers. Under his leadership, the team has delivered an annual average of P30B ($600M) in sales for SMDC for the past two years.

Jinggoy is also an experienced entrepreneur and restaurateur dating back to 2012 when he opened up his first franchise – Hap Chan Tea House in the Mall of Asia Complex. Since then, he has opened up five more branches, while also venturing into another franchise called Mesa-Modern Filipino Cuisine that has three branches to date. To complement his businesses, Jinggoy co-founded FJ Prime Management Inc., a service management company, back in 2016. FJPMI currently handles four restaurants and has consulted for business owners who have opened restaurants in the Philippines.

FJPMI also recently partnered with the Mercato Group of entrepreneur RJ Ledesma to open its very first cloud kitchen in Makati City. As both an entrepreneur and real estate professional, Jinggoy currently manages a property portfolio of rental units in BGC, Makati and the Bay City area. A businessman, investor and sales leader, Jinggoy is first and foremost a husband and a father.

SFIO has put in place a team of capable and knowledgeable professionals to support the expansion of the company. The capability of the team will be an asset of SFIO by providing multiple business opportunities with hypergrowth potential and a high level of stability and viability. With that being said, SFIO has a powerful business team to form more lucrative solutions and products at the forefront of innovation that will suit the needs of their customers.

(Advertising Supplement)

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022

COMMUNITY Journal

Did you marry a non-Filipino?

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ WHEN a person is petitioned by a family member or employer, they are ordinarily processed for their immigrant visa or green card based on the priority dates of their country of birth, not their current country of citizenship/ nationality. Therefore, if a person was born in the Philippines, but is now a citizen of another country, such as New Zealand, Australia, etc., they are still subject to the priority dates for the Philippines, where the waiting time is typically

much longer than most other countries.

However, there is an exception to this rule: if a Filipino married someone who was born in a different country, the Filipino can use or apply the priority dates of their derivative spouse’s country to their petition.

This could result in saving many years of waiting time.

In fact, my office was able to successfully accomplish this on several occasions.

For example, I had a case where two Filipino brothers were petitioned by their U.S. citizen parent in the F-3 category (married children of U.S. citizen). One brother was married to a Filipina, and the other was married to a woman born in Vietnam.

It turns out that the priority dates (or waiting times) for Vietnam are at least 10

or more years faster than the priority dates for the Philippines.

For the brother who was married to the Vietnamese wife, the priority dates in the F-3 category for married children were already “current,” while there were still many years left for the F-3 priority dates for the Philippines. We were able to utilize Vietnam’s priority dates for that brother, and he and his family were able to immediately immigrate, while the other brother still had to wait many years.

If you are under petition and married to someone who was born in a country other than the Philippines, you may want to consult with an attorney to see whether you may utilize the faster priority dates of your PAGE 12

11

CATCH AN ENCORE EPISODE OF PART 2 OF CITIZEN PINOY’S VERY FIRST VIRTUAL Q&A ON U.S. IMMIGRATION – AXG: ABUNDA AND GURFINKEL. Asia’s King of Talk, Boy Abunda, and U.S. immigration attorney, Michael J. Gurfinkel, lead the discussion in the first virtual forum where Atty. Gurfinkel provides answers and relevant information to viewers’ immigration questions.

Nico, from Quezon City, Philippines, would like to know if the name difference on his passport and his birth certificate will be an issue when he goes to the U.S. Embassy for his interview. Angel wants to know if she needs to return to the Philippines for her U.S. Embassy interview. She fears that if she leaves the U.S., she might be banned from returning since she is currently out-of-status. These questions and more from the “rapid consultations” will be answered in this encore episode of Part 2 of “Citizen Pinoy presents AXG: Abunda and Gurfinkel,” this Sunday, January 2 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

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December 31, 2021 - january 6, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Queries from you

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 effective 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 socalled 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 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

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

Kathryn saves Alora’s lonely Christmas by inviting her over

KATHRYN Bernardo invited her “The House Arrest of Us” co-star Alora Sasam over for Christmas after finding out she was going to spend it alone.

Bernardo insisted that Sasam come over to spend Christmas with Bernardo’s family, as per Sasam’s Instagram page on Sunday, Dec. 26.

“I was okay being alone on Christmas day.

Pero sabi niya wag,” she stated. “[Kathryn’s] My Christmas savior. Thank you mami! Love you. Regalo mo na sa akin presence mo at ng family mo. Tsaka yung sopas ni Kuya Marco.”

(I was okay being alone on Christmas day, but she told me I shouldn’t be. [Kathryn’s] my Christmas savior. Thank you sis! Love you.

Bea Alonzo

Photo from Instagram/@beaalonzo

Your gift to me is your presence and your family’s, and Kuya Marco’s soup.)

The actress, who played “Yaya Marie” to Bernardo’s “Queencess,” then gave her followers a glimpse of her night with Bernardo’s family, who wore matching green apparel to celebrate the Christmas season, in a separate post also on her Instagram page.

She thanked the Bernardo family for welcoming her into their home, again joking about how delicious the food was when she came over.

“Thank you Bernardos for opening your home to me (especially your kitchen) on Christmas day. Sayang di ako nakapagdala ng tupperware,” Sasam stated. “Ang simple pero saya niyo po ka bonding! Wishing you all good health always. [Nagmamahal], Ang inyong Christmas ampon.”

(Too bad I wasn’t able to bring any Tupperware. The celebration was simple but you guys were so fun to be with! Wishing you all good health always. Love, your adopted child for Christmas.)

Sasam also wished the Bernardos a Merry Christmas and believed that good karma is coming their family’s way because of their kind gesture, as per a third post also on Sasam’s Instagram page.

“The House Arrest of Us” is a digital series that premiered via KTX last year. It starred real-life couple Bernardo and Daniel Padilla as its two leads. They were joined by Sasam, Ruffa Gutierrez, Herbert Bautista, Dennis Padilla and Arlene Muhlach, among others.

(By Sam Mayoralgo/Inquirer.net) n

Did you marry a non-Filipino...

PAGE 11 spouse’s country, so you can immigrate to the U.S. years ahead of the priority dates for the Philippines. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 40 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different, and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular 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

case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

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.

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Enzo is ready to settle down with Michelle

By Charmie Joy

Pagulong Philstar.com

ENZO Pineda: ‘Kami naman ni Michelle, alam naman namin yan na we wouldn’t be with each other if we don’t see ourselves in the long run. Right now, Michelle is still young, she has dreams that she wants to achieve. To be honest, ako naman anytime game ako (to settle down).’

Enzo Pineda is a picture of a man in love.

As he sat down with The STAR in an exclusive interview after he was named Best Supporting Actor at the 69th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS) last Dec. 12 for the film He Who Is Without Sin, he confessed he is ready to settle down with girlfriend Michelle Vito.

He “definitely” considered his relationship with Michelle as the most serious one, “Kami naman ni Michelle alam naman namin yan na we wouldn’t be with each other if we don’t see ourselves in the long run. Right now, Michelle is still young, may mga dreams pa siya na gustong i-achieve. To be honest, ako naman anytime ako game ako (to settle down),” said the 31-year-old actor.

He added, “But, of course, ang importante pa rin yung tamang moment.

Hindi naman pwede porke’t game, game (right away), ‘di ‘ba.

Dapat pinagiisipan yan ng mabuti. Pero ang importante solid yung relationship namin. I’m just really grateful to have Michelle talaga.

Sana ganun din siya sa akin.

Naks!”

Well, it seems like Mi-

The couple will celebrate their second anniversary in February next year.

Photo from Instagram/@its_enzopineda

chelle, 24, feels the same as she expressed through social media how proud she is for her “mahal.”

Enzo admitted Michelle is a proud girlfriend. “Nakaka-touch actually. Mas natutuwa pa nga ako na sobrang happy ng mga tao, ng mga mahal ko sa buhay. I think yun yung parang happier moments for me in winning this award. Hindi lang dahil nanalo ako pero yung nakikita ko yung mga tao sa paligid ko na masaya para sa akin.

Actually, yun talaga yung nakakataba ng puso.”

“Kami naman ayaw naman namin ng issue or anything,” said Enzo when The STAR pointed out the happy and positive vibes they share on social media as a couple.

“Or kung may problema man kami, we like to settle this privately as mature adults. To be honest, wala naman kaming problema.”

But, “Minsan lang na tampuhan namin na maaga akong nakakatulog or nakakatulog ako. Yun lang naman,

the usual things, si Michelle kasi nocturnal siya. So, medyo late natutulog. Minsan hindi ako nakaka-catch up kasi maaga akong gumigising. Yun lang naman, mga small problems lang.”

The pair will be celebrating their second anniversary next year in February. Enzo looked back on how their “pandemic relationship” blossomed: “Naging kami nung February, bago mag-lockdown.

After that, hindi na kami nagkita for six months. Buti naging kami muna (before lockdown).”

Good thing, they decided to be in a relationship early on. “Kasi kung nagsimula ang pandemic, ang hirap naman na wala kang kausap.

Wala kang… sorry, kung wala kang love life,” shared Enzo.

“Parang ang sarap din naman na you have somebody to count on. At least hindi malamig ang lockdown, ‘di ‘ba,” he furthered.

Meanwhile, direk Jason Paul Laxamana’s He Who Is Without Sin (released

last year) is about Martin, a broadcast journalist student who idolizes Lawrence (played by Enzo), a famous TV reporter. Dark secrets and ugly truths unfold after the two meet in the psychological drama.

In his Instagram, Enzo expressed his gratitude to FAMAS for believing in his talent. “My heart is filled with joy and gratitude. After 12 years in the industry, I finally have my first acting award,” he said.

“No man is an island. I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for the people who supported me since day one.

First, I would like to thank God for He has blessed my life in so many ways. All the glory goes to him,” he continued.

He also thanked his family and Michelle, “Thank you for being there in my highs and lows. The love you guys give me is unparalleled. You are the five people in my life that I want to be the most proud of me.”

Enzo cited GMA 7 for the opportunity in the reality talent show StarStruck, where he won as a finalist in the fifth season in 2009, his current network ABS-CBN, and all the people who helped and supported his career.

“Last but not the least, this award is for all the dreamers out there fighting for their dreams. Don’t let the pandemic or any kind of challenge stop you from achieving your dreams. Your dreams are valid. If you put in the time, effort, dedication, faith, and prayers, anything is possible. Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino,” he concluded. n

What true beauty means for Julia By alex

BroSaS Inquirer.net

WHEN asked to rate her “pagkakikay,” Julia Barretto gave herself a perfect 10, “10 na lang. ‘Yun din naman ang sasabihin ng mga bashers eh. Maarte ako eh,” said the 24-yearold actress.

She shared how she maintains her glowing skin, some skincare routine and what real beauty means.

In a brief answer, she told The Star her definition of true beauty, which is “embracing who you are and being proud of it.”

“There’s always one kind of you, one kind of me. Wala tayong magiging kaparehas sa buong mundo and I feel that that’s what makes us all unique in our own way, makes our own

identity,” she said on the importance of embracing the looks that one has.

She added, “And I feel that everybody is beautiful in their own way… It’s just a (matter of) perspective on how you see yourself and how you see others.

I believe everybody is beautiful in their own way, of course.”

However, Julia admitted that she, too, has an insecurity in terms of her physical appearance and that is her height. She wished she was taller like her younger sister Claudia. But as time goes and as she matures, she has totally embraced her imperfection.

Growing up and transitioning into womanhood, Julia granted that it’s very human nature to feel self-doubt but she got past that stage and learned to practice self-acceptance.

“I fully accepted my flaws and my

shortcomings and the things that are good about me (as well). Because siyempre you can’t always acknowledge your flaws, ‘di ba. You also have to acknowledge the things that you like about yourself or what you think is nice about yourself. You got to have that balance,” she remarked.

The bottom line is “the first step (of overcoming your physical insecurities) is always acceptance,” explained Julia.

“Once you’ve accepted everything that you have and do not have, then life would be so smooth and just easy from there.”

For those girls who have lost their self-confidence, the Viva talent advised them to “find that one thing that you strive in and (are) good at that will make you feel fulfilled.”

PAGE 15

Sheryn Regis

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Photo from Instagram/@sherynregis

Sheryn on coming out as lesbian to ex-partner, daughter: ‘I’m living a lie’

By Sam

mayoralgo Inquirer.net

SHERYN Regis continues to speak her truth: she is a lesbian and she is accepted by both her ex-partner and child.

The singer recounted the separate moments she revealed her sexuality to her ex, Earl Echiverri who she calls Tito Earl, and daughter, Sweety, in an exclusive interview with Ogie Diaz on his YouTube channel on Sunday, Dec. 26.

“Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Tito Earl, I am a lesbian,” Regis said. “I’m living a lie. Not just to you, not just to the family, a lie sa sarili ko rin. Kasi dine-deny ko eh, di ko siya pinagbigyan, kaya siguro ako nagka depression, nagkasakit ako [with thyroid cancer], sinubok ako ng buhay. Kaya parang feeling ko, ‘Bakit hindi ko sabihin kay [Tito Earl]?’

Baka, bukas, wala na ako, di ko pa rin ma-fulfill yung gusto ko, na sabihin kung ano talaga ako.”

(I told him, “Tito Earl, I am a lesbian… I’m living a lie.

Not just to you, not just to the family, but a lie to myself too,” because I’ve been denying my sexuality. I have not allowed it to manifest, which is probably why I had depression and why I got sick [with thyroid cancer]. Life has challenged me, so I thought, “Why shouldn’t I tell my husband?” I might not be here tomorrow anymore to tell him the truth about who I really am.)

She added that her relationship with Echiverri has never been traditional, since she focused on her career more than on their family. Regis even went as far as saying she was “selfish.”

“I became selfish in a way na hindi ako naging asawa,

pero naging nanay ako,” the “Search for the Star in a Million” contestant said in the interview. “Kailangan ma-divert attention ko dahil gusto kong madeny na ganito ako.

(I became selfish in a way, because I wasn’t a wife [to Echiverri], but I was a mother [to Sweety]. I had to divert my attention away from my sexuality because I did not want to accept who I was.)

Regis then said that Echiverri accepted her after she came out and that she stills talks to him everyday. The two remain married, as appealed by their daughter who lives in the United States with Echiverri. “‘Oh well, I knew it mommy, but it doesn’t make you less of a person, it doesn’t make you less of a mom,’” Regis recalled her daughter saying when she came out, as per the same interview. “‘Wag mo muna divorce si daddy,’ that’s what she asked. ‘I don’t want to be a child without a mom and a dad na magkasama.’” (“Don’t divorce daddy yet,” that’s what she asked. “I don’t want to be a child without a mom and a dad together.”)

The singer then happily shared that Echiverri and Sweety remain supportive of her and her girlfriend, YouTuber Mel de Guia. She even said that Echiverri talks to de Guia all the time.

The singer gained stardom after joining the “Search for the Star in a Million” singing contest on ABS-CBN, where she placed second behind Erik Santos. She has been the voice behind several teleserye theme songs since, including “Gulong ng Palad” and “Maria Flordeluna.” This year, she released her first original song, “Tulad ng Dati,” after a decade of being away from the Philippines. n

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Filipino traditions to welcome the new year

by RitChel

MenDiOla/ AJPress

HE New Year has always been a countrywide celebration that T 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 remain a staple in every household such as pancit (long noodles), which represent good health and long life; and sticky rice, which represent 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

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

the 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 off evil spirits Firework displays are a common sight in every country

AJPress Illustration by Kendrick Tan

when they welcome the new year, but in the Philippines, fireworks light up the sky because it is believed 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. ■

The secret of ‘DonBelle’ love team’s rising popularity By marinel

CruZ

Inquirer.net

Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, or “DonBelle” Photo from Instagram/@donny

“COMMUNICATION is the thing that makes us work,” said Donny Pangilinan of the secret as to why “DonBelle,” his on-screen partnership with Belle Mariano, is currently among the most popular in local show biz.

“We’re always open and honest. We’re really straightforward with one another especially when it comes to what we need to do for work on- and off-screen.

If there’s something that we want to talk about, we really tell each other. We just don’t hide things from each other. We learned early on that we have to be honest, know where each one is coming from,” explained Donny during a virtual media gathering to promote DonBelle’s first movie, the romantic drama “Love is Color Blind.”

‘Love is Color Blind’ The two first worked together in Chad Vidanes’ hit digital series “He’s Into

Her.” For this film by Jose Leo Datuin Garcia, they play best friends Ino (Donny) and Cara (Belle), who gets reunited when the latter returns from a study trip in Hong Kong.

While Cara is away, Ino figured in a car accident that killed his mom and left him color blind. As a visual artist, his condition caused him to struggle in getting on with life.

As Ino gives painting another try, he meets the gallery curator, Iris (Angelina

Cruz), in whom he starts seeing the color red again.

Their gradual closeness leaves Cara heartbroken, pushing her to fight for Ino’s love.

Meanwhile, Ino struggles to get past grief and the trauma of the accident, which also stands in the way of him opening up to love once more.

“Every time there’s a new project, who wouldn’t want it to be successful? Who wouldn’t want it to be shown around the world? It’s very PAGE 15

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Seth’s sweetest hello and saddest goodbye

By Alex

BrosAs Inquirer.net

HE may still be young but actor Seth Fedelin has already experienced some of the sweetest and saddest things in life.

As a former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate, he considers himself lucky to be in showbiz.

“My sweetest hello, siguro ‘yung pagpasok ko sa ABS, ‘yung pag-hello ko sa buong Kapamilya,” he said during the online press conference for “Saying Goodbye,” Dec. 20. It is a series which pairs him again with Andrea Brillantes and comes right on the heels of “Huwag Kang Mangamba,” an inspirational series.

(My sweetest hello is perhaps when I entered ABSCBN, when I said hello to the whole Kapamilya.)

But life’s not always a walk in the park and Fedelin acknowledged that he’s gone through the saddest phases in his life, such as when his grandpa died. “‘Yung saddest goodbye ko naman,’yung sa lolo ko po kasi noong pandemic lang siya sumakabilang-buhay. Si lolo ko kasi, sobrang lapit ko siya. Sabi ko sa kanya noong nawala na siya, sabi ko, ‘pahinga ka na ‘lo.

Ako na ang bahala dito,’” he said.

(My saddest goodbye is with my grandfather because he died during the pandemic. My grandfather, I was very close to him. I told him when he left, I said, “Please rest now, grandpa.

I will take care of things here.)

Meanwhile, Fedelin admits having experienced pressure while doing “Say-

Seth Fedelin

Photo from Instagram/@iamsethfedelin

ing Goodbye.”

“Talagang nakaka-pressure dahil ‘yun nga po, unang ilalabas na iQiyi na Filipino series. Sabi namin, kailangan may mapatunayan tayo dito,” he said.

(It really pressures because this is the first Filipino series to be shown by iQiyi. We said, we need to prove something here.)

To prepare for his role, that of a gravely ill guy named Ricky, Fedelin watched some movies, as advised by his leading lady Andrea Brillantes.

“Bago pa ang “Saying Goodbye,” nu’ng patapos na ang “Huwag Kang Mangamba” ay nag-uusap na kami (ni Andrea) ‘Ano kaya ang susunod natin?’ Kasi hindi pa po namin alam.

Talagang ang sabi namin, kung meron mang dadat-

ing na bagong blessing ay talagang kailangan naming seryosohin.”

(Before “Saying Goodbye,” when “Huwag Kang Mangamba” was about to end, we talked and asked, “What’s our next project?”

Because we still didn’t know yet. We really said that if there would be a new blessing coming, we need to take it seriously.)

When the love team finally learned about “Saying Goodbye,” Andrea told him about the movies he needs to watch so he can play his role effectively.

“Talagang pinaghandaan po namin. Lagi kaming nag-uusap kung paano.

Lagi kaming nagtutulungan,” he said. (We really prepared for it. We always talk about how to do it. We always help each other.) n

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What true beauty means...

PAGE 13 In her case, she shared that launching the online women’s accessories brand The Juju Club boosted her self-esteem. “I saw how well it was received and accepted by people. I gained enough confidence from it because nakita ko na kaya ko pala.

Sometimes, you gotta make that conscious effort to really look for that ‘thing.’”

Aside from it, Julia realized that she can handle that “sense of independence,” having “to take care of all the grown-up stuff” all by herself living alone for two years.

“Ngayon ko lang na-value yung pera, time and energy na binibigay ko. Ngayon, P200 or P500 ang mahal na sa akin ‘yun. Kasi na-vavalue ko na siya. Because nakikita ko na yung bills ko, ako na yung nagbabayad, hindi na si Mommy,” said Julia and added that she is eyeing some investments besides The Juju Club.

She is really working hard for the future. “To get to a comfortable state and sana by that time, magkaroon tayo ng family. We just want our kids in the future to be comfortable and us to be comfortable.”

Julia Barretto

When she was younger, Julia revealed she lived a luxurious lifestyle — she would buy new shoes and bags every two weeks. But now, she is learning how to be frugal. She bought an expensive watch only after two years and as a Christmas gift to herself.

Nevertheless, her reminder to girls who have insecurities about their physical appearance is, “At some point, girls, in our lives, we have to really just learn to accept these.

And let go of the things that we cannot control because (if not) it will lead us to frustration and anger.

I really pray that you guys get to a point where you just learn to love it and you learn to find ways to embrace it.”

“Like me, you just make certain adjustments and you just kind of forget the things that you don’t really like about yourself — sa pananamit, how you carry and style yourself, paano ka umanggulo sa camera.

There are always ways. I hope you get to a point in your life na ma-accept and ma-embrace mo yan. Later on, that will be your greatest strength I promise you,” she

Photo from Instgram/@juliabarretto

continued.

To ward off negative vibes and beat stress, she would think of her blessings and take the time to shut off. “Every time na medyo napapagod na ako or (I) feel stressed or minsan yung energy na binibigay sa akin is medyo bad or negative, I really take the time to shut off. Shut down and have a moment for myself. And really count the things that I should be grateful for,” admitted Julia.

“Hindi ko pinapayagan na mangibabaw ang stress and negativity because again, hindi nakakaganda at hindi nakaka-Miracle White (laughs).

Always count your blessings and focus on the good things that’s happening in your life, especially now na hindi natin alam kung anong mangyayari mamaya at kung anong mangyayari bukas, so as much as possible I just want to enjoy what I have and the people around me,” she declared.

Meanwhile, Julia’s beauty rituals include using body scrub once or twice a week, Miracle White supplement twice a day, and of course, “always wash your face and moisturize.”

She also felt very blessed this year, having done two series and two movies and some endorsements.

In fact, Julia just finished doing the lock-in taping for the film Expensive Candy, opposite Carlo Aquino. The former plays Candy, a sex worker and the latter is a school teacher. He falls in love with her and that’s where the love story begins and revolves around. She is excited for everyone to see the movie because, “It’s nothing that I’ve ever done before and I’d like to believe it’s a coming-of-age film.” n

The secret of ‘DonBelle’ love team’s rising popularity...

PAGE 14 much a blessing to us every time people help us spread the word that we have a new movie or series out,” Donny said.

The actor was referring to the time when supporters surprised DonBelle on their second anniversary by breaking the news of their first film together via several electronic billboards in New York, South Korea, Dubai and Switzerland.

“When friends and family send us messages to say they liked our movie, that’s happiness for us. Of course, we cant take all the credit. We have the scriptwriters and the director to thank for because we all went through this journey together. We thank

them for creating such a wonderful story for people to relate with,” he pointed out.

As to what else they discovered about each other while working on the film, Donny said: “Every day that I get to spend time with Belle, I learn more stuff about her. Of course in ‘Love is Color Blind,’ we tackled characters that are completely different from our past roles in ‘He’s Into Her.’ Sobrang layo. By seeing her go through Cara’s journey everyday, I feel more inspired and motivated.

I’m just glad we get to be here to support one another, and just go through this journey together.”

Meanwhile, Belle told Donny: “I know how complex a character Ino is. Here, I saw how

good an actor you are because you were able to portray him well. Everyday that I get to observe you, I get more amazed.”

Heartwarming She added: “We’re just really proud of what we did on this project. We still remember vividly our journey with the whole production. That’s why when we saw the whole movie for the first time, we recalled the moments while shooting them and then laughed at the memory. For me, the most heartwarming reaction I got from the audience was that they said they never saw Belle while watching Cara.”

She then said she doesn’t think she would be as effective in portraying Cara without

Donny playing Ino so well. “I know how hard it was for you but you were able to pull it off, and I think no one can pull if off like you did.”

As to what they learned about love while working on the movie, Belle said: “My biggest realization while playing Cara was that one has to prioritize self-worth. It’s important to find self-love first before looking for love in others, because no one will love you if you can’t love yourself.”

Donny agreed by saying: “Yes, you also can’t love others if you can’t love yourself.”

“Love is Color Blind” also features Jeremiah Lisbo, John Lapus, Hyubs Azarcon, Donna Cariaga, Ariel Rivera, Arabella Davao, Lloyd Samartino, Ryan Bang and Eula Valdes. n

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