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DATELINE Covered California deadline approaches as omicron surge underscores benefits of health insurance FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

DE C E MBE R 3 1 , 2 0 2 1 - J A N U A RY 6 , 2 0 2 2

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

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 SARS-CoV-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.

by CHRISTIA

MARIE Inquirer.net

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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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PREPS FOR NEW YEAR. Vendors start selling round fruits days before the New Year’s Day celebration in Barangay Salitran III, Dasmarinas City, Cavite on Tuesday, December 28. Every New Year’s eve, Filipino families place 12 fruits, representing the 12 months of the year, on their dining table for good luck.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Death toll due to Typhoon Odette climbs to 389 - NDRRMC

by CATHRINE

GONZALES Inquirer.net

MANILA — The death toll due to Typhoon Odette has reached 389, based on the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as of Monday, December 27.

This was higher than the 378 deaths reported by the agency on Sunday, December 26.

According to NDRRMC, 64 individuals are missing while 1,146 were injured.

The latest report also showed that a total of 1,074,169 families or 4,204,601 individuals in 429 cities or municipalities were affected by the typhoon, which ravaged parts of Visayas and Mindanao during its onslaught.

A total of 570,906 were displaced, composed of 314,676 inside evacuation centers and 256,230 outside evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, a total of 700,321 persons from Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) were preemptively evacuated due to the typhoon, according to the agency.

“A total of 284 cities/municipalities experienced power outage/interruption in MIMAROPA, Region 6, Region 7, Region 8, Region 9, Region 10, Region 11, CARAGA, BARMM. Power has been restored in 154 cities/municipalities,” read the NDRRMC

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Bongbong-Sara team continues to rule surveys

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 disThe tandem of Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio tant second” with 14%. lead the motorcade in Tagum City.

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US sends additional aid for ‘Odette’-hit areas

SACRAMENTO — With the rapid spread of the COVID-19 omicron variant across the state, Covered California is urging uninsured and eligible individuals to act now so that they can have comprehensive health care coverage for all of 2022. Coverage is critical to both getting needed preventive care and covering the costs of unforeseen care. The first enrollment deadline is fast approaching, and Californians need to sign up before the end of the year in order to have their health care coverage be effective on Jan. 1.

“Covered California is urging everyone who needs coverage to check out their options and sign up, before the end of the month, so they can start the New Year with protection and peace of mind,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight the fact that life can indeed change in an instant.

Omicron and a collapsed health care system: this is how COVID closes 2021

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.

ManilaTimes.net photo

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 presi-

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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 Monday.

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.

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With no presidential pick of their own, Duterte party to shortlist bets to support 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 run for senator — and Sen. Bong Go —

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December 31, 2021 - January 6, 2022 • nOrcaL aSIan JOurnaL

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From the Front Page

CDC shortens recommened...

PAGE 1

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 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 COVID-19. 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 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%. COVID-19 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

OVER 200M DOSES. The Royal Dutch Airlines plane carrying a shipment of 1,957,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine procured by the private sector arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Sunday, December 26. Based on the latest data from the National Task Force against COVID-19 as of Sunday, the country has so far received a total of 200,885,005 doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

US sends additional aid for ‘Odette’...

PAGE 1 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 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, water, hygiene, and other relief supplies to storm-affected communi-

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

ties 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 heavyduty 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

Death toll due to Typhoon Odette climbs...

PAGE 1 report.

“A total of 18 cities/ municipalities experienced water supply outage/interruption in MIMAROPA, Region 10, CARAGA. Water supply has been restored in 1 cities/municipalities,” the report added.

Some 371 cities and munici-

palities experienced interruption in telecommunications in Mimaropa, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and BARMM. Telecommunications have been fully restored in 115 cities and municipalities.

Typhoon Odette has caused more than P28 million worth

of damages in 506,404 houses; more than P16 billion worth of damages to 276 infrastructures, and; P5 billion worth of damages to agriculture.

According to NDRRMC, a total of 334 cities and municipalities in Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga had declared a state of calamity. n

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Board of Supervisors approves Mayor’s state of emergency declaration in the Tenderloin

Approved declaration allows the city to waive bureaucratic hurdles to quickly implement crucial parts of the Mayor’s Tenderloin Emergency Intervention Plan SAN FRANCISCO — The Board of Supervisors voted on Friday, December 24 to approve Mayor London Breed’s State of Emergency Declaration in the Tenderloin, officially allowing the city to waive certain laws to quickly address the crisis of people dying of drug overdoses on the streets of the neighborhood as part of the Mayor’s Tenderloin Emergency Intervention Plan.

Similar to the city’s COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency, this action will eliminate bureaucratic barriers, allowing the city to quickly implement public health solutions relating to the health and safety of the people in the Tenderloin. The overdose problem has worsened, particularly over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the recent rapidly deteriorating conditions in the Tenderloin caused by the opioid crisis put the lives of San Franciscans in serious risk.

“The Tenderloin needs change, and that requires us to do things different,” said Mayor Breed. We showed during COVID that when we’re able to use an Emergency Declaration to cut through the bureaucracy and barriers that get in the way of decisive action, we can get things done and make real, tangible progress. It will take that same focus and coordination in the Tenderloin to make a meaningful change to this neighborhood that has been held back for too long. I want to thank the members of the

Board that voted to support this urgent response and who understand that he people who live in the Tenderloin deserve better and the people suffering on our streets deserve better.”

The Emergency Declaration allows the city to expedite the implementation of emergency programs like waiving rules around contract procurement and waiving zoning and planning codes to quickly open a temporary linkage site where people with substance use issues can receive behavioral health services and get off the street. The Emergency Declaration will apply to actions taken within the boundaries of the Tenderloin Police District. Additionally, the Order will be amended to waive certain laws around hiring, which allows for the expedited hiring of 200 behavioral health clinicians to fill current vacancies.

“In an emergency, people need resources immediately not months from now. An emergency declaration allows San Francisco to cut through the red tape and obtain the contracts, resources and personnel to address the crisis conditions in the Tenderloin,” said Mary Ellen Carroll, Executive Director, San Francisco Department of Emergency Management. “We only have to look at our COVID response to see how an emergency declaration allowed us to quickly lease hotels, hire critical staff and establish testing and vaccine sites.

Today’s action will expedite the

Bongbong-Sara team continues...

PAGE 1 dent, 21% said Domagoso would be their second choice if their preferred candidate 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 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 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

opening of a linkage center and other essential resources.”

“Overdose deaths are a public health crisis in the Tenderloin neighborhood that requires an urgent and compassionate response,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health. “San Francisco has shown what we can achieve when we come together for a common public health goal. At the Department of Public Health, we have evidence-based health tools to support people with mental health and substance use disorders. These tools save lives and support our residents on their path to wellness and recovery. The Emergency Declaration provides us with a critical opportunity to greatly expand our services and connect many more people to resources, care, treatment, and safety.”

“We are grateful that the city and the Mayor will now have the tools needed to address the public health emergency in the Tenderloin,” said Simon Bertrang, Executive Director, Tenderloin Community Benefit District. “We saw that this kind of response – led by the Department of Emergency Management – has worked to guide San Francisco through the pandemic, and now people who live and work in the Tenderloin can expect some relief from the crisis that has taken over their sidewalks.” (SF Mayor’s Office Release)

ALMOST DONE. Workers put finishing touches to the renovated Manila Zoo. The city government held its soft opening on Thursday, December 30.

ManilaTimes.net photo by John Ryan Baldemor

With no presidential pick of their own...

PAGE 1 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 re-

cord 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. (Franco Luna with a report from Xave Gregorio/Philstar.com)

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Omicron and a collapsed health care...

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)

Covered California deadline approaches...

PAGE 1

With the omicron variant surging across the state, every Californian should be sure to have coverage and take the needed steps to stay healthy and safe.”

Californians who sign up by Dec. 31, and pay their first bill, will have their coverage take effect on Jan. 1.

COVID-19 hospitalizations in California average $127,000 for complex care A national nonprofit group recently analyzed claims data across the country and examined cases of COVID-19 in which patients were admitted to the hospital and required ventilation or ad- to occur among the unvaccinated. mission to the intensive care unit FAIR Health, which manages (ICU), which is much more likely the nation’s largest database of privately billed health insurance claims, found that the average cost for a complex care COVID-19 hospitalization was $127,281 in California.

In cases where a patient needed to be hospitalized, but did not require ventilation or admission to the ICU, the average cost in California was $42,674, which is virtually identical to the average costs for Covered California enrollees who are admitted to hospitals for all reasons.[1] Finally, for patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and received only outpatient care — which is much more likely for people who have been vaccinated and received their booster shot — the average cost in California was $1,334. For those with insurance, only a small fraction is paid out-of-pocket by the consumer.

“No one wants to end up in an emergency room or hospital for COVID-19 or any other reason, but if you do, a quality health insurance plan through Covered California can save you tens of thousands of dollars,” Lee said.

“In addition, having health insurance means you are more likely to get preventive care and regular treatment for chronic conditions, which helps keep you out of the hospital in the first place.”

Significant savings for more than 1 million uninsured Californians Signing up for quality coverage is more affordable — for more people — than ever before thanks to the increased subsidies provided under the federal American Rescue Plan that took effect earlier this year.

An estimated 1.1 million Californians are uninsured and eligible for financial help. The vast majority of the uninsured, more than 940,000 people, are able to get coverage through either Covered California or Medi-Cal at no cost.

Californians who do not qualify for a $0 premium will still likely see significant savings through the increased financial help available due to the American Rescue Plan. Right now, more than half of Covered California enrollees are paying less than $10 per month, and 75 percent are paying less than $100 for their brand-name health plan.

“Many of the people who are uninsured right now do not know they are eligible for financial assistance, or they have not checked recently to see how affordable quality coverage can be,” Lee said. “Do not wait until the last minute, or let the Dec. 31 deadline pass, without checking your options.”

In addition, the American Rescue Plan provides financial help to many middle-income families.

These middle-income families who earn more than $106,000 a year, and were previously ineligible for federal assistance, are now saving an average of nearly $800 a month on their health insurance premiums.

The financial help for middleincome consumers can also benefit those who are currently insured directly through a health insurance company. An estimated 260,000 Californians have direct coverage and can switch to Covered California, and potentially get the same health plan, and save hundreds of dollars per month.

“Visit CoveredCA.com, where you can see the health plans available in your area and how much you can save on the coverage you’re already paying for,” Lee said.

Consumers can easily check out their eligibility and options at CoveredCA.com Those interested in applying for coverage can explore their options — and find out whether they are eligible for financial help — in just a few minutes by using the Shop and Compare Tool at CoveredCA.com. All they need to do is enter their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage to find out which plans are available in their area.

In addition to signing up consumers through its website, Covered California also partners with certified and licensed enrollers who provide free and confidential help throughout the state. Covered California works with more than 11,000 Licensed Insurance Agents, who have established more than 500 storefronts in communities across California.

These storefronts feature Covered California signs and logos and provide consumers with a local point of contact to answer questions and help them enroll in a health plan that best fits their needs, whether through Covered California or Medi-Cal, depending on their eligibility. Consumers can visit https://www.coveredca.com/ support/contact-us/ and search for the agent nearest them.

Consumers can also call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 and get information or enroll by phone.

Signing up for a health plan will also help Californians avoid being subjected to the state individual mandate. Consumers who can afford health care coverage but choose to go without could pay a penalty when they file their state taxes in 2023. The penalty is administered by California’s Franchise Tax Board, and could be as much as $2,400 for a family of four.

Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31 Covered California’s open-enrollment period runs through Jan. 31, 2022 — unlike the federal deadline, which is Jan. 15 for states that use healthcare.gov.

Consumers who sign up after Dec. 31 will have their coverage start on Feb. 1.

Covered California’s online enrollment portal and certified enrollers will also help people find out whether they are eligible for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal enrollment is available year-round, and the coverage will begin the day after a person signs up. In addition, people can apply for Medi-Cal online or by picking up an application at one of the many county resource centers throughout the region.

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies.

Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers.

It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA. com.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DeCembeR 31, 2021 - JANUARy 6, 2022

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Comelec trims down presidential bets to 15, VP to 9 in updated tentative list 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 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 Lakas-CMD’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. (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar.com)

PH detects 4th omicron variant case

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — The Philippines has detected its fourth case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in a traveler who arrived from the United States, the Department of Health said on Monday, December 27.

The 38-year-old woman arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on December 10 via Philippine Airlines PR127, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

Vergeire said the patient had throat itchiness and colds by December 13. She was discharged from a government facility on December 24 after 10 days in isolation.

Currently, the individual is asymptomatic and isolated at home. She is rescheduled to be re-tested.

“The detection of Omicon cases remains to be among international arrivals. Its entry is inevitable and we want to further delay its entry to ensure that lo-

cal health systems are ready,” Vergeire said.

The heavily-mutated Omicron variant has been classified as being “of concern” by the World Health Organization.

Early studies suggest that Omicron is more infectious than the already transmissible Delta variant.

In the Philippines, the Delta variant remains the most common, accounting for 42.43% of the 19,922 samples with lineage. n

Pacquiao calls for 50-year disaster resiliency master plan

by CeCille

suerte Felipe, emmanuel tupas Philstar.com

MANILA — If he wins in the May 2022 presidential elections, presidential aspirant and Sen. Manny Pacquaio said he will immediately ask Congress to pass a law creating a 50-year infrastructure master plan which must be funded and implemented by every administration.

Pacquiao said the country’s lack of a disaster resiliency master plan has turned government actions into a hodgepodge of reactionary responses with no real long-term strategy on how to minimize the loss of lives and reduce damage to infrastructure.

“This infrastructure master plan should not just focus on the construction of roads, bridges, railways, subways, airports and seaports, but should also focus on improving our country’s disaster preparedness and resiliency,” said Pacquiao.

“This could include the construction of disaster-resilient housing for those who still live in danger zones,” he added.

Pacquiao said that while no amount of preparation can stop powerful typhoons like Odette, or earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the government should be able to quickly restore power and telecommunications. It should also have a faster and more efficient delivery system of essential aid such as food and water.

“Our system is like this every

year. We only always do relief and rescue. The power goes out for almost a week and communication is also affected. This happens year after year as if we’ve learned nothing,” Pacquiao said.

“Ever since, the Philippines has always been hit by typhoons and we are within the Pacific Ring of Fire. We need a long-term master plan in order to prepare for disasters,” he added.

Pacquaio is also calling for the construction of earthquake and typhoon-proof multipurpose domes in disaster-prone areas so that they can be used as evacuation sites during calamities. These facilities should have their own source of water and be readily equipped with heavyduty warehouses to stock food, medicines, reusable blankets and other essentials.

He said that these multipurpose centers should be domeshaped because they can better withstand strong winds and should be able to accommodate at least 20,000 at a time without any problem.

“When there are no calamities, we can use them as cultural or sports centers. When there is an evacuation, people can run here and be given help immediately because everything is complete.

Even water will not be a problem because the pools can be made for storage,” Pacquiao said.

He said the development of effective flood control systems, underground cabling for power and telecommunications, satellite

programs not only for communications but also for weather and ecology research and the construction of deployable power barges, which can be used to restore power, can also be included in the 50-year infrastructure masterplan.

“We will employ the best architects, engineers and scientists to create this master plan. We will ask Congress to pass a law that would compel all administrations to fund and implement as scheduled all projects that were laid down in this master plan. That is why our country is not progressing because each administration has its own agenda. We need to have a single and clear long-term development plan if we really want our country to prosper,” the senator explained.

He admitted that while it takes several administrations before the master plan is fully implemented, at least future generations already have something to look forward to in their future.

“Let’s stop this mindset of our leaders who are each vying for credit for their achievements and when the previous administration is not on their side, the program will not continue even if it is good. This master plan of ours will be made up of real experts and not politicians. This will be beyond partisan politics,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao is currently in General Santos City where he spent Christmas with his family. n

Most Filipinos not attending in-person gatherings – SWS

by JanviC

mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — Despite eased quarantine restrictions this month, majority of Filipinos are still not inclined to attend in-person gatherings during the Christmas season, a survey conducted

by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.

The survey, conducted from Dec. 12 to 16 with the results released on Friday, December 24, showed that 51% of the respondents do not plan on attending in-person gatherings with family and friends from other homes.

Some 46% said they would be doing so, while the other three% were undecided or did not re-

spond to the question.

A large majority of 84% also said they will not travel to visit their family and friends this Christmas, while only 13% said they will be doing so. The remaining three% said they do not know or refused to answer the question.

The same survey showed 65% of adult Filipinos expect a happy Christmas this year, up from the record low 50% last year.

Despite the increase, the number of Filipinos expecting a happy Christmas this 2021 is still lower than the 79% obtained in 2019 prior to the pandemic.

Some 42% of the respondents said that Christmas is not as happy now compared to pre-

pandemic times, with only 26% saying it is happier now than before.

The remaining 25% said it was the same as prior to the pandemic.

According to SWS, expectation of a happy Christmas is higher among those attending in-person gatherings and those traveling to visit their family or friends during the holidays.

Those who consider Christmas to be happier now than during pre-pandemic times are also higher among those attending in-person gatherings and those traveling, it added.

The survey had 1,440 respondents and a margin of error of +/2.6% for national%ages. n

SCREENING. Dr. Marilou R. Espiritu (right), Department of Health-Calabarzon Regional Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Cluster Head, interviews a recipient before allowing him to get the Pfizer booster shot against CovID-19 during the vaccination activity at the DoH regional office in Quirino Memorial Medical Center Compound in Project 4, Quezon City on Monday, December 27. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to shorten the interval for the administration of booster doses to adults at least three months after the second dose of a primary two-dose vaccine or at least two months after the primary single-dose vaccine is given.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Duterte assures Odette-hit areas: All gov’t assets will be used to provide aid by alexis

romero Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered security forces to use all government resources to provide relief and to rehabilitate areas ravaged by Typhoon Odette.

Speaking to local chief executives of Cebu last Thursday, December 23, Duterte said the government is ready to provide money to typhoon-struck areas and assured them that agencies are ready to address their concerns.

“When I came here, I also called for a meeting with all the generals of the Army, Navy, police, and the Air Force. I told them to utilize all government resources to meet the challenges brought by the problem that we are facing now. It’s a big problem. So they came here and I gave my directives,” Duterte said.

Dutetre said he would inform the Coast Guard about the mayors’ request for a seacraft to reach typhoon survivors.

“I’ve instructed them to bring all their small ships here so that it can be used for the distribution

of relief goods especially in areas that cannot be accessed by vehicles,” the president said.

During the meeting, mayors said their constituents need food and access to clean water and electricity.

“Many electric posts were toppled. And if those electric posts aren’t put back up, it will take a long time to restore the power.

The longer we go without power, the longer time we don’t have water. If we don’t have water supply, fuel will continue to be a problem,” Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said.

Duterte gave assurance that Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi would take care of the damaged electric posts. He said he would ask Cusi to fly to Cebu to handle the problem.

The president also promised to inform Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu about the oil spill in Lapu-Lapu City. Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan said 42 vessels ran aground in mainland Lapu-Lapu City and the ships haven’t been pulled out. Two other ships had completely sunk and are causing the oil spill, the

mayor added.

One of the vessels sank in the tourist spot Punta Engaño, threatening the livelihood of its residents. According to Chan, the Coast Guard has located the oil spill, and its personnel are working from a passenger ship.

Duterte reiterated that the National Housing Authority would provide P100-million worth of housing materials for each typhoon-hit province. He added that the military and the police would maintain peace and order to ensure discipline and to allow state workers to perform their functions.

The president ended the meeting by thanking the people of Cebu for helping him win during the 2016 elections.

“So in about four months’ time, six months, I’ll leave Malacañang... It makes me want to cry but - so many people voted for me in Cebu. That added six million to my votes. Cebu helped me win. So I owe you a huge debt of gratitude. If I don’t get to pay it, maybe my children will,” he said. n

8

DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

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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 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

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

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

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 ASIAN JOURNAL

MAGAZINE

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N O R T H E R N

C A L I F O R N I A

Friday, December 31, 2021

INSIDE >>> L I F E S T Y L E • C O N S U M E R G U I D E • C O M M U N I T Y • M A R K E T P L A C E 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.

Did you marry a non-Filipino?

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

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

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 ABS-CBN, 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 grandPAGE 10

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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Fe atu re s

Christian Bables wins best actor at MMFF, ‘Big Night’ wins best picture

celebrityworld that it was fiesta day for the barangay. I don’t know if it’s true, but the body was mistaken for a lechon.”

“I don’t know the veracity of the story but just to hear them laughing about it, I thought to myself, ‘Have we arrived at this point where we are numb to what is happening around us?’

And I thought, you know, comedy would be the perfect lens for us to see how we have become numb to these kinds of experiences,” he continued.

“It is funny, but I hope in the end we feel that who we are laughing at is only ourselves,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bables, in a lengthy acceptance speech, offered his award to EJK victims who do not have the voice or strength to fight for their rights.

Even if he could not express it through words, Bables said, “Let me fight with you through my art.”

Aside from thanking director Lana and Perci Intalan, the actor also said he wanted to share his award with fellow nominees Daniel Padilla and Dingdong Dantes.

Industry stalwart Charo Santos, meanwhile, won the best actress award for her performance in the film “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon,” according to Inquirer.

Director Jun Robles Lana was working on another film when the idea for “Big Night” popped in his mind. inquirer.net file photo

Hannah Arnold, Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 winner, will celebrate her birthday on Friday, January 21, 2022.

Photo from Instagram/@arnoldhan_

“Big Night” actor Christian Bables receives his best actor trophy at the recent MMFF 2021 “Gabi ng Parangal.”

Photo from Instagram/@christiaaan06

Actress and “Maalaala Mo Kaya” host Charo Santos was pleasantly surprised with her best actress win for “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” at the recent MMFF 2021 “Gabi ng Parangal.”

Photo from Instagram/@charosantos

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Filipino traditions to welcome the new year by

By Ferdie Villar IT was a fruitful night for “Big Night,” as it won a bevy of awards at the recent Metro Manila Film Festival 2021’s Gabi ng Parangal.

The Jun Robles Lana-directed film won best picture, best director (Lana), best screenplay (Lana) best actor (Christian Bables), best supporting actor (John Arcilla), best cinematography (Carlo Canlas Mendoza), best musical score (Teresa Barrozo) and Gender Sensitivity Award, per an article from PEP.ph.

In a nutshell, “Big Night” is the story of a gay beautician named Dharna who learns that his name has been included in a watchlist of drug users/drug pushers. In the midst of preparing a costume for his boyfriend who works at a gay bar who will again have a big night, Dharna flies all over town to ask for assistance from several people on how to clear his name from the list.

According to director Lana, the idea of “Big Night” came to him as he was shooting another film. He overheard a group of talents talking and laughing about an EJK (extra judicial killing) in a barangay where a body was discovered. The person was covered only by cardboard.

“The reason they were laughing,” the director related, “was

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DeCembeR 31, 2021 - JANUARy 6, 2022

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 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 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 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.

net.

Describing her win as a “very pleasant surprise,” Charo said she considers it a privilege to star in a film about those who were affected by super typhoon Yolanda several years ago.

“To MMFF, this is a very pleasant surprise in a challenging year where I have been in a roller coaster of emotions,” she said.

“I would like to dedicate this to all Taclobeños. I had the privilege to share your story around the world in my own little way.

I hope this also serves as an inspiration to our fellow Filipinos who were affected by typhoon Odette,” she added.

Santos was not able to attend the MMFF’s awards night due to personal matters, although she extended her congratulations to fellow film stars Daniel Padilla and Rans Rifol who were honored with the special jury prize and best supporting actress award, respectively.

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 PAGE 12

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Fe atu re s

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Christian Bables wins best actor at MMFF...

PAGE 11

Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, or “DonBelle”

Photo from Instagram/@donny

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

by Marinel

Cruz

Inquirer.net

“COMMUNICATION is the thing that makes us work,” said Donny Pangilinan of the secret as to why “DonBelle,” his onscreen 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,

EMPLOYMENT

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 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.

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“Kun Maupay Man It Panahon,” a film which tackles the story of a mother and son dealing with the aftermath of the super typhoon that hit Tacloban and nearby provinces eight years ago, is directed by Carlo Francisco Manatad. It won a special award at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland last August.

Here’s the full list of winners at the recent MMFF “Gabi ng Parangal”: • Best Picture: “Big Night!”

• Second Best Picture: “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” • Third Best Picture: “A Hard Day” • Best Director: Jun Robles Lana, “Big Night!”

• MMFF Jury Prize Award: Daniel Padilla, “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” • Best Actress in a Leading Role: Charo Santos, “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” • Best Actor in a Leading Role: Christian Bables, “Big Night!”

• Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Rans Rifol, “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” • Best Actor in a Supporting Role: John Arcilla, “Big Night!”

• Best Screenplay: Jun Robles Lana, “Big Night!”

• Gatpuno Antonio J Villegas Cultural Award: “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” • Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda Memorial Award: Rosa Rosal • Natatanging Gawad MMFF: Chairman Danny Lim and Bienvenido Lumbera

Marilen Bernardo (left), a Fiesta Filipina beauty queen, celebrated her birthday last Tuesday, December 21. She is shown in photo above with photographer Ray Guarin.

• MMFF Creator Jury’s Choice Award: “Kandado” • Gender Sensitivity Award: “Big Night!”

• Best Cinematography: Carlo Canlas Mendoza, “Big Night!”

• Best Editing: Lawrence Fajardo, “A Hard Day” • Best Production Design: Juan Manuel Alcazaren, “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” • Best Visual Effects: Mofac Creative Works, Hue Media Quantum Post, Ogie Tiglao, “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” • Best Original Theme Song: “Umulan Man O Umaraw,” “Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw” • Best Musical Score: Teresa Barrozo, “Big Night!”

• Best Sound: Albert Michael Idioma, “A Hard Day”

Joseph Cabrera, son of Daly City community leaders Manny and Joy Cabrera, celebrates his birthday on Saturday, January 1, 2022.

• Best Float: “Huwag Kang Lalabas”.

Seth’s sweetest hello and saddest...

PAGE 11 father, 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 “Saying 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 “Hu-

ang ang sabi namin, kung meron mang dadating 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 Seth Fedelin namin. Lagi kaming nag-uusap Photo from Instagram/@iamsethfedelin kung paano. Lagi kaming nagwag Kang Mangamba” ay nag- tutulungan,” he said. (We really uusap na kami (ni Andrea) ‘Ano prepared for it. We always talk kaya ang susunod natin?’ Kasi about how to do it. We always hindi pa po namin alam. Talag- help each other.)

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 6, 2022

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 D. Lacson

Mark G. Epifanio

Richard Agluba

Michael Luis Venezuela

Chito Galvez

Jorge Gabin

Elvin Alcala

Richard Prodigalidad

Jonathan Petalver

Roger Oriel

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Jeths is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Starfleet Innotech, Inc. He is also the CoFounder 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 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 goalsetting and directs the operations of the company in support of the company’s goals. He also cofounded 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 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 Melbournebased 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 (URC-Philippines) 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, 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 Co-founder 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 Angeles-based fintech innovator providing cross border financial services to millions of Filipinos to 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 Dep-

Jose Gerardo Noble

uty 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 hyper-growth 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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