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Gabby assures daughter KC: ‘I will always be here for you’ VOL. XXIX NO. 6

February 8 - 14, 2020

‘Zero local transmission’ of 2019-nCoV in Philippines: DOH MANILA — There is ‘zero local transmission’ of the novel coronavirus (2019nCoV) in the country, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Monday. The two confirmed cases of n-CoV in the country both involve Chinese nationals. The second case involving a 44-year-old man died on Duque Saturday. "It is very clear and I categorically state that the two are imported cases and the one who died is a statistics for China, not for us," Duque said in a press briefing. As of noon Monday, the DOH reported that there are a total of 80 patients under investigation (PUIs) for the 2019-nCoV Acute Respiratory Disease (ARD). Of the 80 PUIs, 67 are currently ad‘ZERO

CORONA VIRUS SCARE LOOMS OVER LA’S CHINATOWN NEW YEAR PARADE By ABNER GALINO

THE 121st Golden Dragon Parade in Chinatown went ahead as scheduled, with no other than Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti at its helm, despite a diminished crowd that was apparently scared by the spread of the deadly new coronavirus elsewhere.

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GOBAL NEWS 2019 nCoV Latest Updates

DoH monitors 80 patients 10 British scientist makes breakthrough in race for coronavirus vaccine —Sky 10  First confirmed nCoV case in Philippines now tests negative — DOH 10  538 Filipinos onboard quarantined Japanese cruise ship 9  Newly-born baby tests positive for coronavirus 9  

Sections HEALTH & FAMILY. Fighting coronavirus with proper hygiene 15  TOURISM. Visit Calabarzon’s finest romantic spots 11  DELISH. Steak 101: How meat-cutters prepare the ‘perfect cut’ 16  ENTERTAINMENT. James Reid on ex-girlfriend Nadine: ‘I still love her’ 20 

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FELLOW FILIPINO-AMERICANS

One of the many colorful Dragons that took part in the 121st Golden Dragon Parade in Los Angeles’ Chinatown. Photo by BOBBY CRISOSTOMO

2019-nCoV+ Filipino in Japan 'responding positively' to treatment MANIL A — The Filipino who tested positive for the 2019 -novel coronav ir us acute respiratory disease (2019-nCov ARD) in Japan is "responding positively" to treatment, a ranking diplomat at the Philippine embas-

sy in Tokyo reported Friday. "The information we have is that the Filipino is responding positively to the treatment. We are in touch with the hospital to get more updates," Deputy Chief of Mission Robespierre Bolivar

said in a text message. The Filipino was among the 10 persons on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship who initially tested positive for 2019-nCov ARD. The number has climbed to 61 on February 7 after the 2019-nCoV+

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“We are doing everything we can to protect this city, and this country. But flu is the bigger threat right now than the coronavirus,” Garcetti told mediamen before boarding a vintage American pickup truck. The mayor also called the annual Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown as among the most colorful and unifying event in the city of Los Angeles. “Look everyone is here,” Garcetti added, mentioning the presence of Filipinos and other ethnic communities that include Cambodians, Thais, Vietnamese, Japanese and Mexicans. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles, the parade’s organizer, has acknowledged that this year’s Lunar celebration in ChinaCORONA

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My life is filled with inspiring accomplishments for the new generation. I am the only candidate mentoring students, helping people including the homeless community, round the year. Comparatively, my opponent Brad Sherman is a warmonger and war profiteer. Brad has blood stained hands from Iraq. Sherman is corrupt and repeatedly taken illegal money from "Allied Wallet", and others recently indicted by Department of Justice. Brad also kept silent upon complaints of sexual misconduct of women in his office by his chief of staff. Brad Sherman has failed all pressing issues including immigration process for families waiting since long in line to see their loved ones. You can count on me. I will solve this crisis immediately upon getting into office. I will urgently address Immigration, Employment, Homelessness, Women’s rights, Santa Susana Radiation, Medicare-forAll, Student Debt relief, Housing & Foreign Policy. I am a fighter for the people, I fought corruption and election fraud in 2018 all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. New vote machines designed for 2020 have admitted flaws. Please Vote by Mail. If voting at booth,ask for a full paper ballot to be marked by hand. Whether voting by mail or at the booth take a photo of your ballot, as proof. Defeat election fraud and make your vote count. Brad wasted years of our life, ignored issues, including VOTE FEB 22-MAR 3 nuclear contamination harming in our district for over 50 years. Every day of your life matters. I stand WWW.RAJIRABFORCONGRESS.COM on merits, I am an aviator, an educator and a humanitarian. Please come and visit me in my office. Your vote for me will change your life for the better. I thank you for your vote and your support. @RajiRab2020 DEMOCRAT

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NARARAPAT LANG NA KABILANG KA!

PADATING NA ANG CENSUS SA PANAHON NG TAGSIBOL Simula sa kalagitnaan ng Marso, sasagot tayo ng siyam na madadaling mga tanong upang makatulong na maipaalam kung paano gugugulin ang pera sa ating mga komunidad sa susunod na sampung taon. Lahat ng mga sagot ay protektado at mananatiling lihim.

Para sa karagdagang kaalaman, tumungo sa CaliforniaCensus.org.

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PCG-LA starts search for 2020 Pres’l awards for overseas Filipinos THE Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles recently announced that it will start accepting nominations for the 2020 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO). Completed nomination forms and supporting documents must be submitted through the Consulate General on or before June 5, 2020 for transmittal to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). The presidential awards, spearheaded by the CFO, is a biennial search to honor and recognize overseas Filipinos and organizations who contribute to the interests of the Filipino diaspora, or have exceptionally distinguished themselves in their work. Since its inception in 1991, the PAFIOO has been bestowed upon 485 individuals and organizations overseas in about 52 countries and territories. It highlights the time-honored convergence of pakikipagkapwa, pagtutulungan and pagkakaisa.

Davao Association USA (DAUSA) to hold early Valentine’s Day event DAVAEONOS all over California are especially invited to come on February 8, from 11 a.m to 5 p.m., at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) building at 1740 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, to celebrate the day of the hearts. An on-the-spot search for the DAUSA King and Queen will be the highlight of the occasion. Past DAUSA president Jimmy Villanueva will be this year’s host and there will be prizes to be given away through raﬄes during breaks on the day’s program. Emmalice Silverio, committee coordinator, said they expect Davaoenos to come from distant places in the state of California thus they decided to start the event early. The pre-Valentine celebration committee were composed of DAUSA vice president Helen Alegado and board

member Elsa Gillham, entertainment chair Nanette Rosadia, games and raﬄe chair Minda Rosales – assisted by Rose Villanueva, Zeny Angeles, Au Quimpo, Lu Daph and Tony Rosales; reception headed by Alegado, Grace Luna and Esmeralda Saligan, physical arrangements by incoming president Jun Gonong and Arnold Tesoro. Prominent Davaoenos participating include Elsa Gillham (past governor of Rotary Club) and Evelyn Magno (president Rizal Memorial Colleges). Mary Jane Tesoro, outgoing DAUSA president, will be turning over a gregarious and enterprising organization of Davaeonos to Jun Gonong. Tesoro’s two-year term showed her passion to uplift Filipinos in the USA and bring Filipino culture and art to the Filipino American community.

The four award categories are: 1. Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award – conferred on Filipino individuals or organizations for their exceptional or significant contributionsto progress and development in the Philippines; 2. Banaag Award – conferred on Filipino individuals or organizations for their contributions that have significantly benefitted a sector of the diaspora or advanced the cause and interest of overseas Filipino communities; 3. Pamana ng Pilipino Award – conferred on overseas Filipino individuals, who in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession; 4. Kaanib ng Bayan Award – conferred on foreign nationals (natural-born) and organizations for their exceptional or significant contributions to Philippine progress, or in advancing the cause or promoting the interests of overseas Filipino communities. For more information visit: www.presidentialawards.cfo. gov.ph or go to Facebook.com/gawadpangulo/

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FYLPRO ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP FOR 2020 The new Filipino Young Leaders who will lead the work to empower and increase representation for Filipino-American communities in 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), a joint initiative with the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Ayala Foundation, Inc., is pleased to announce its 2020 - 2021 Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Executive Committee: The Honorable Joshua Ang Price ‘18, President (Little Rock, AR) Louella Cabalona ’12, Vice President (Chicago, IL) Major Charlynne McGinnis ‘18, Secretary (Honolulu, HI) Melissa Palma, MD, ’18, Treasurer (Chicago, IL) Board of Directors: Darell Artates, Ex-Officio (Washington, D.C.) JR Calanoc ‘12, Immediate Past President (San Francisco, CA) Jen Coliflores, Esq., ’15 (Boston, MA) Krystle Canare ’19 (Washington, D.C.) Tony DelaRosa ’18 (Miami, FL) JP Ferrer ’14 (Chicago, IL) Donny Feliciano Rojo ’16 (San Francisco, CA) Lakhi Siap ’15, Immersion Program Co-Chair (Chicago, IL) Leezel Tanglao ’19 (New York City, NY) The new leadership will assume their roles effective 5 February, 2020, taking the helm of the nonprofit FYLPRO to fulfill its mission to identify young Filipino-American leaders and reconnect them with their cultural heritage and history; provide professional development to empower them to positively impact their communities; and give them the tools and networks to nurture and grow Philippines-US relations in the areas of government, business, and philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives. “It is truly wonderful to see young Filipino leaders continue to embody the spirit and pride of being a Filipino here in the United States. The future is bright for FYLPRO and the communities they are a part of”, said Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez in a statement. “I am extremely proud of FYLPRO's achievements in 2019,” said outgoing President JR Calanoc. “As the organization quickly nears 100+ delegates, it is even more critical to engage alumni, strengthen operations, fundraise, and improve on the immersion program. Having had the opportunity to work with the incoming leadership last year, I feel confident that they will lead FYLPRO to new heights.”

Incoming FYLPRO President, The Honorable Joshua Ang Price, is the fi rst Filipino American (and first Asian American) Election Commissioner for Pulaski County, Arkansas – the most populous county in the state with 400,000 residents and home to its capital city of Little Rock. He is the only elected official of Filipino-American heritage in the state of Arkansas and one of only three AAPI elected officials in the state. He is joined by Vice President Louella Cabalona, an artist, lead singer of SamaSama Project and Senior Manager for Analytics at Blue Cross Blue Shield who was a member of the very first batch of FYLPRO

delegates. US Air Force Major Charlynne McGinnis, a decorated officer with extensive experience in the Asia-Pacific region; and Dr. Melissa Palma, a physician who passionately works to advance public health in underserved populations will serve their second terms as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. The members of the Board of Directors are comprised of FYLPRO alumni from across the nation in multiple industries including business, banking, nonprofits, education, journalism and law. Along with representatives from the Philippine Embassy and Ayala Foundation, Inc., this body will advise and support the executive committee during their terms in office. Incoming President Joshua Ang Price states, “FYLPRO has grown tremendously in this past year under JR Calanoc's leadership, and I am honored to serve as the president this year and work with our 84 alumni to empower our communities as we recognize the longstanding friendship between Filipinos and Americans. There are currently over 4 million Filipino-Americans in our nation, and one of FYLPRO’s main goals this year is to make sure our communities are properly represented by encouraging them to participate in the US Census and register to vote in the upcoming 2020 Elections. I know that with this outstanding team at the helm of FYLPRO, the sky is the limit in how we can positively impact our Filipino communities here in the U.S. and in the Philippines.” “To lead this outstanding group of Filipino American Leaders is a great honor and privilege, and I thank my fellow FYLPRO alumni for their trust,” said 2020 Vice President Louella Cabalona. “I've seen the growth of this organization over the past eight years and am excited to use my purpose, experience and puso(heart) to work with our leadership to further FYLPRO's mission and maximize our impact in the Filipino and Filipino-American communities we serve.” Established in 2012 by the Philippine Embassy in the United States in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI), FYLPRO annually identifies outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide them invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to a distinguished network captains of industry and government. For more information, please visit www.fylpro.org.

Kathleen Weinstein, who lives in Pine Mountain Club, an unincorporated community in the Los Padres National Forest, in Kern County. After attending a Bakersfield strategy session organized by Ethnic Media Services about the 2020 Census, she agreed to share some of her thoughts on the difficulties the government will face in its efforts to accurately count who is in that community and what their needs and circumstances really are.

Rural communities pose special challenges for 2020 census By KATHLEEN WEINSTEIN | As told to Ethnic Media Services

PINE Mountain Club, in the Los Padres National Forest in unincorporated Kern County, is beautiful. The air is clear, the stars are bright and you know your neighbors. More people are relocating to Kern County in the center of California for its lower rents and mortgages and to escape city life. If financially sound, rural living is paradise. But if declining finances push you into rural living, life can be tough. Demographics are shifting. The rural poor can't be undercounted this time. Census takers have to look outside the boxes on the forms. Many live here only part-time. Jobs are in the cities, but affordable housing is in the mountains. Workers split their time between the two, but must pick one as their legal address, though they may receive goods and services from two counties. Can they be split-counted? I recently met a couple who live here in Pine Mountain Club but on Mondays, the husband takes the train to Dana Point where he works and lives on a boat. He returns on Friday after spending money in Orange County all week. Kern could use that tax revenue and would if it had jobs. The federal government plan for collecting census data next year is to rely for the first time on online responses to its 10-question form. This may add a new challenge to the task of counting people who live almost off the grid. Cell phone service came to our area about 10 years ago and there are spots still without cell service. Large commercial servers don't adequately serve rural communities because there are not enough customers and local Internet is often down due to just plain inadequate service.

Those who can afford it have reliable cell phone service and even high-speed Internet, but they pay a price for it. Many, however, can’t afford reliable electronic communication. Information about the census may not get out to them. The census plans to first try to identify where people are living, then send mailers instructing them how to fill out their census forms online and then, if no response arrives, try sending forms out in the mail and, as a last resort, dispatch an enumerator in person to try to collect census data. The lack of population density works against traditional, non-digital outreach such as broadcast public service announcements, billboards or advertising on the sides of buses. There is none of that here. Our local weekly paper is good at getting things out, but people have to read it. A lot of people on the mountain don’t read the paper. Those are just the underlying challenges. Then there are the communities themselves, with people who intentionally make little or no contact with the world. They used to be called hermits. Now it's called “living off the grid.” They choose to be isolated. They may not even have a physical address, let alone an electronic one. They probably don't want to be counted. How do you gain their trust? I met a homeless woman last month. She was living in the Motel 6 with her cat and dog. She wanted to work but couldn’t get hired on the mountain. She was paranoid about anyone knowing her situation, which made it difficult to help her. We need universal mental health care! Isolated families often home-school their children. How can we ensure these children are counted? Schools in some communities are doing census CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Saturday-Friday | February 8 - 14, 2020

THE UNEXAMINED LIFE

rue story: In December 1994, as my annual practice, I would write in my journal for the things I am praying for in the coming year. That year in November 1995, due to some family crisis, I went to Australia where my family and l lived for three years. When we went back to the Philippines after three years, I found my old journal and was surprised to read that I actually prayed to go to Australia and my target date was November 1995. Coincidence, some would say. I have several other true stories of how things I wrote down as a goal and completely forgot about, would come true. The habit of writing down my goals became more ingrained when I joined the insurance industry in the Philippines. Every year, the company would sponsor a weekend seminar, usually somewhere away from the office, for us to work on our individual plans. After sixteen years in the industry, planning became a way of life. I am someone who plans everything. At least, most things. Being a single mom for a long time taught me this discipline.

Community I can’t leave things to chance. I planned from the major things to the smallest details. From life insurance policies, annual vacations to the weekly menu that the maids would prepare. My husband and my kids always tell me, “You always get what you want” And I always tell them - It is because I know what I want. It is because I plan and think of how to get what I want. It is because I actually write what I want. It always baﬄes me why people live their life unplanned. Life is too short. We only get one shot in life. We miss so many opportunities when we don’t know what we want. If planning is not something you usually do, try it, even once. Stop now and schedule a day. You need at least one day to do this. Maybe you’ll say – “One day?? I don’t have this!” Isn’t your life worth examining even for one day? It is a fact that people spend months or even a year to plan their wedding or a vacation but won’t spend a day to examine their lives. Go somewhere you can be quiet and uninterrupted. Examine your life. And ask yourself these questions: What are the important areas of my life? Family, Finances, Career, Spiritual What makes you unhappy about these areas? What you don’t like is always a good place to start. How do you want these areas to look ? Are you happy with the current situation of your family? What can be changed? Is there a way to measure this? Is there a cost involved. What is your time frame?

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ANG PAUNAWA AY IBINIBIGAY SA PAMAMAGITAN NITO na ang mga sumusunod na tao ay iminungkahi para sa mga katungkulang itinakdang punuan sa Pangkalahatang Halalang Munisipal na gaganapin sa Lunsod ng Norwalk sa Martes, Marso 3, 2020. Para Miyembro ng Konseho ng Lunsod (Bumoto ng hindi hihigit sa Tatlo) Rick Ramirez Margarita Rios Harvey Cardenas Richard LeGaspi Ana Valencia Luigi Vernola Pebrero 7, 2020

Theresa Devoy Klerk ng Lunsod

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Most of the time, some things can be addressed numerically. Are you making the kind of money that makes your family comfortable? How much do you need and what can you do to improve? Sometimes, just knowing this is enough. Planning gives us clarity. When we don’t know what we want, we settle for whatever comes our way. When we have no direction, the options open make no difference, we settle for the easiest ones. Planning allows us to accomplish more and therefore maximize our talents and opportunities. Planning lowers our stress on decision making. If your priority is time with your family, you know that a six-figure salary won’t make you happy, if it means late nights and working on the weekend. However, if your priority is getting out of debt, late nights and weekend work won’t hurt because you know you are building towards your goal. I think some people are actually afraid to sit down and examine their lives because they do not like what they see or feel. What they don’t realize is that even an hour or two of planning and evaluating their life can save them years of wandering aimlessly. The bible says, “A prudent man considers his steps”. Planning is prudency. Living an unexamined life is carelessness. It is a disservice to the precious gift called life. LEAH DUDGEON is the Client Relationship Manager of GULDJIAN FASEL LAW Car Accident Attorneys. If you’ve been in a car accident and need help, tawag lang po kayo: (714)5198214.

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THE WOMEN’S DIPLOMATIC SERIES’ (WDS) TALKS ‘CULTURE, CONVERSATION, AND CAREER’ WITH AMBASSADOR ROMUALDEZ WASHINGTON, D.C. – “Look at the country (the Philippines) as an independent nation who is a friend to all the countries of the world”, said Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez as he described the foreign policy of the Philippines before an audience of the Women’s AMBASSADOR Jose Manuel G. Romualdez with WDS President Laura Diplomatic Series Elsey engaging with an attendee after the event during “An Evening of Culture, Conversations, and Career” held at the Carlos P. Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on 5 February 2020. The Ambassador highlighted the “big picture” of Philippines-US relations, which have yielded mutual benefits for Filipinos and Americans in the security, economic, socio-cultural, and environmental fields, for WDS Young Professionals Group Chairwoman Jenna Russo over seventy years. poses for a picture with Ambassador Romualdez

FABAG celebrates Chinese New Year

MEMBERS and officers of the Filipino American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG) recently held a celebration to welcome the Chinese Lunar year and as well as help in drumbeating for the 2020 Census. The Census 2020 briefing was conducted by community coordinator Eric Lachica. In photo are FABAG officers and members Joy Quiza, Jo Solomonson, Ruby DeVera, Nini Maldonado, Cora Aragon Soriano, Delia Green, Edith Fuentes, Nelly Costanios and May Mallari. Glendale Councilmember Paula Devine graced the event.

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On a lighter note, A mbassador Romualdez also cited his personal story of how his life as a Filipino diplomat

came about, as well as his close connections with the people and institutions in the United States. The evening ended with the ceremonial turnover of the WDS’ donation to the Philippine Red Cross Batangas Chapter to aid relief efforts following the Taal volcano eruption. The Ambassador received the certificate of donation from Filipino-American WDS member Maria Olsen. The Women’s Diplomatic Series is a non-profit organization consisting of women interested in foreign affairs and international tourism. It holds small conferences and gatherings in AMBASSADOR Romualdez accepts the certificate of the collaboration with the foreign WDS’ donation to Taal relief efforts from WDS member diplomatic community inWashington, D.C. Maria Olsen

Los Angeles, London team up transpo innovation Mayor Eric Garcetti and London Mayor Sadiq Khan today announced a historic agreement to make London and Los Angeles ‘Innovator Cities’ — enabling greater collaboration to take on critical transportation issues confronting cities around the world. “Los Angeles is ready to test-drive new ideas, inventions, and innovations on our streets right now,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Our partnership with London is about putting the best concepts in the world onto our local roads and railways, taking steps together to reduce traffic, cut carbon emissions, and build resilient cities for the future.” "London and Los Angeles are two of the world's boldest and most innovative cities, so it makes perfect sense for us to join forces with the aim of addressing some of the biggest transport challenges facing us today,” said Mayor Sadiq Khan. “Working together enables us to share best practice, promote new ideas, and find pioneering solutions that could be replicated in other cities around the globe." Los Angeles and London are thriving global cities — and the success and growth of both have led to shared transportation challenges in need of creative answers, on everything from congestion and air pollution to safety issues. This pioneering agreement will enable the cities to work together to identify where similar problems exist and ensure that solutions developed in either city can work elsewhere in the world. This partnership will also give companies the opportunity to take part in “start-up exchanges,” where start-ups can pitch their ideas in both London and L.A. — and enable both cities to tap into the best possible concepts available. The collaboration taps into the growing transportation innovation ecosystem in Los Angeles, where the recent launch of Urban Movement Labs is providing private sector and community innovators with opportunities to test solutions in real urban conditions

in Los Angeles. Los Angeles and London hope to expand the ‘Innovator Cities’ network in the months and years ahead, allowing even more communities across the globe to benefit from the best ideas in the marketplace. The approach will be piloted through the London FreightLab Innovation Challenge. London FreightLab is calling for the best innovators in the UK to come up with ideas to make freight in London safer, cleaner, and more efficient. Through the new agreement, the winning innovators could be given the opportunity to pitch their solution to the City of Los Angeles and test their proposals in a completely new market. “We are pleased to exchange strategies with the great city of London to support innovative solutions to urban freight challenges,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “We are testing more than a dozen zero and near-zero emissions projects to further reduce emissions. We look forward to sharing best practices and await the results of the London FreightLab Innovation Challenge.” “London and Los Angeles are very different cities, but have a number of grand challenges in common, as well as a desire to partner with the best market innovators from start-ups to corporates to help solve them,” said Michael Hurwitz, TfL’s Director of Transport Innovation. “By working together we want to promote ideas that have the potential to scale to cities across the world. FreightLab is our first pilot for collaboration and we encourage as many companies as possible to consider taking part.” Applications are open to everybody and full details are available at tech.london/ challenges/tackling-congestion. The deadline for applying to the London FreightLab Innovation Challenge is February 5, 2020 at 12 p.m.

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JUST TOO HAPPY TO BE IN A “SELFIE”. Filipino American photographers Rick Gavino and Nikki Arriola got more than they expected while trying to get Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti into their selfie. The LA mayor gamely took the cellphone and took the shot himself --- to the delight of the veteran photographers. The incident happened in front of the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles last week. The LA mayor came out of the stadium to offer prayers and flowers to an impromptu altar that the fans have created there to honor NBA legend.

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San Francisco Department of Public Health issues NCoV prevention and control bulletin

he San Francisco Department of Public Health is working closely with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to closely monitor novel coronavirus. Responding to outbreaks like this one is what the CDC, CDPH, and Public Health Departments do best. We are working closely with our public health partners, health care providers and community partners to take action to prevent the spread of disease and protect the public’s health. Novel coronavirus is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect against novel coronavirus. Has anyone in the United States gotten infected? Yes. The first novel coronavirus infection was reported on January 21, 2020. CDC is tracking the number of infections in the United States; all infections have been in people who had traveled from Hubei Province or was living in the same house as someone who was infected while traveling in Hubei Province. Information on the current U.S. case count of Novel Coronavirus infections can viewed on the CDC website. How does the virus spread? This virus seems able to spread from person-to-person, when someone who is sick with the novel coronavirus is in close contact with another person. For example, the virus can be passed when someone with novel coronavirus coughs or sneezes. We expect to learn more about how novel coronavirus spreads. What are the symptoms of novel coronavirus? People infected with novel coronavirus have reported illnesses that have ranged from people

being mildly sick to people being severely ill, requiring hospitalization. Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath. What if I recently traveled to China and I am sick? If you were in China within the past 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or shortness of breath, seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office, clinic, or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms so that they can prepare for your visit. What is the treatment if someone gets sick with novel coronavirus? The treatment right now is to take care of the symptoms. There is no specific treatment for novel coronavirus. Patients who are confirmed to have novel coronavirus will be cared for by health care professionals, working closely with the Department of Public Health. How are passengers from China being screened at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)? All incoming flights to SFO from China are screened by the CDC. If people come off a plane with symptoms, the CDC will follow their protocols and work directly with pre-identified hospitals and the county health department according to disease prevention and containment procedures. SFO is located in San Mateo County. The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) is ready for any patients that may be arriving to SFO and require care in San Francisco. SFDPH is in close touch with the CDC throughout all aspects of testing and treatment. For more nCoV updates, you can visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s Communicable Disease Website at: https://www.sfcdcp.org/novelcoronavirus

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The risk from nCoV 2019 to spread in LA County residents is deemed to be low at this time — LACDPH

he Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is cooperating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to recent reports of a novel (new) coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others that circulate mostly among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Common symptoms in an infected person include a fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Since December 2019, Chinese authorities identified thousands human infections, resulting in dozens of deaths, associated with this novel (new) coronavirus in an outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. In addition, novel coronavirus infections have been confirmed in numerous travelers who traveled to or came from Wuhan City, including 11 travelers in the United States located in Arizona, Washington State, Chicago, Orange County and Los Angeles County. Despite this case in Los Angeles County, there is no immediate threat to the general public, no special precautions are required, and people should not be exclud-

ed from activities based on their race, country of origin, or recent travel if they do not have symptoms of respiratory illness. Los Angeles County residents, students, workers, and visitors should continue to engage in their regular activities and practice good public health hygiene as this is the height of flu season across the County. While there is much more to learn about the severity and other features associated with this novel coronavirus, and investigations are ongoing in China, based on current information, the risk from the novel coronavirus 2019 to spread in Los Angeles County residents is deemed to be low at this time.

FOR LA RESIDENTS, please visit http://publichealth. lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/

NY Dept of Public Health

Governor Cuomo Issues Update on Novel Coronavirus and Announces New Hotline Staffed by State Health Department Experts

overnor Andrew M. Cuomo on Sunday announced an update on the status of testing for the novel coronavirus in New York State. As of February 2, samples from 12 New Yorkers have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing. Of those, 11 have come back negative. One sample, from New York City, is awaiting results from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in New York State. Additionally, today the Governor announced New Yorkers can call a hotline at 1-888-364-3065 where Department of Health experts will be available to answer questions regarding the Novel Coronavirus. The Department of Health has created a dedicated website as a resource for New Yorkers. "In situations like this, we take every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of New Yorkers," Governor Cuomo said. "At the same time, perspective is key and I want to remind people that New York currently has zero confirmed cases of this virus. We want all New Yorkers to know that the State and its agencies and authorities are on top of this situation and we will continue doing everything we can to keep people safe." The Department of Health continues to provide preparedness guidance to New York's health care facilities and local health departments and are working closely with the Port Authority of New

viruses, including: • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Stay home when you are sick. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the York and New Jersey to adhere to CDCtissue in the trash. led airport entry protocols for travelers arriving from China -- which will take effect Sunday evening. New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "We are working hand in glove with our federal, state and local partners, as well as healthcare providers all over the state to ensure the health of New Yorkers. Bottom line, as this public health response evolves, we continue to be prepared." Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton said, "The Port Authority is working closely with federal, state and local partners to implement the mandated screening of international passengers. Protecting the public health and ensuring the smooth operation of our airports is our number one priority and we are taking all appropriate steps to do that." Symptoms of the novel coronavirus may include: Cough, Sore throat, Fever. While there is currently no vaccine for this novel coronavirus, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to the sea read should call ahead to their healthcare provider before presenting for treatment. New Yorkers Can Call 1-888-3643065 with Questions or Concerns About Travel and Symptoms (State Health Department Website NY.Gov/Coronavirus - Provides Coronavirus Updates for New Yorkers and Guidance for Healthcare Providers) (Source: governor.ny.gov)

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CORONA... FROM PAGE 1 town drew a lesser number of people. Last year’s crowd estimate ran to more than 100,000 people. Bobby Crisostomo, a veteran Los Angeles-based photographer, also noticed the difference between last year and this year’s crowd. “Siksikan ang mga tao sa bangketa nung isang taon. Pero ngayon, maluwag na maluwag,” Crisostomo added. Earlier, the City of Alhambra which has been known for a grandiose Chinese New Year celebration, has called off its scheduled Lunar festivities. In Los Angeles, the parade started at 1 p.m. at the corner of Hill and Ord streets. More than 300 parade participants marched through Hill Street, made a right on Bernard Street, made another right on Broadway and ended at the world-renowned Chinatown Gateway Monument at Cesar Chavez Avenue. There were marching band performances and firecrackers explosions as the parade reached its endpoint. Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell was the grand marshal. He was LOS ANGELES Mayor Eric Garcetti exchanges shares joined in the parade by honorary grand a light moment with members of the media. marshals are Rep. Judy Chu, D-PasadePhoto by BOBBY CRISOSTOMO na; Assemblyman Ed Chau, D-Monterey Park; and Peter Ng, Chinatown Service Center executive director. There were also contingents from the Chinese consulate and from the de facto Taiwan consulate. In a related development, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles clarified to Filipinos and Filipino Americans, particularly in the City of Carson, that a press release that supposedly came from the LA County Department of Health warning about a supposed coronavirus outbreak was a hoax. The sa id pre ss relea se claimed “dozens of patients were admitted at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Carson who tested positive for novel Coronavirus.” The hoax report was dated January 30. President Rodrigo Duterte A CONTINGENT of Filipino Americans pose with their has approved a ban on all foreign Vietnamese counterparts during a selfie moment during nationals flying into the Philipthe parade. Photo by TONY GARCIA pines while coming from China.

A GROUP of beauty queens dressed in Thai traditional costumes. Photo by BOBBY CRISOSTOMO

A GROUP of Chinese American youngsters march in front of the Year of the Rat ﬂoat. Photo by KATIE ORTIZ

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NEWLY-BORN BABY TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS THE epidemic-hit Wuhan City, China, reported yet another victim of coronavirus or nCoV. This time though, it is a newly-born baby who tests positive just 30 hours after being born. The baby is the youngest person recorded to have been infected by nCoV, Chinese state media reported Wednesday. According to CCTV experts, it maybe a case of “vertical transmission,” meaning the virus may have been passed from mother to child during pregnancy, during birth, or after a baby is born. The virus has killed nearly 500 people and put almost 3000 victims in critical condition since it was reported in December 2019. AFP has reported that the mother has tested positive for nCoV before giving birth.

538 Filipinos onboard quarantined Japanese cruise ship MANILA — A luxury cruise ship quarantined near Yokohama, Japan, after its passengers were exposed to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has 538 Filipinos onboard, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday, February 5. The Japanese government quarantined the Diamond Princess cruise ship after an 80-year-old passenger who departed from Hong Kong tested positive for 2019-nCoV. The ship, carrying some 3,700 passengers, was prevented from sailing and is anchored off a pier in the Kanagawa Prefecture capital. The Japanese Health Ministry said 10 individuals were later found to be infected, including 9 passengers and a crew member. All would be transferred to a health care facility for treatment. Carnival Japan Incorporated, operator of the Diamond Princess, said the 10 infected include 3 Japanese, 3

Chinese, 2 Australians, an American, and a Filipino. The DFA confirmed a Filipino was indeed among those who tested positive for the novel coronavirus. This marked the first confirmed case of 2019-nCoV in a Filipino. The DFA gave assurances that the Philippine embassy in Tokyo is in "constant communication" with the remaining Filipinos on the ship. The agency added that it is closely coordinating with Japanese authorities to provide all possible assistance to the Filipinos. "The Philippine embassy in Tokyo is closely and actively monitoring the welfare of Filipinos onboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which is currently docked off the port of Yokohama, Japan, under a quarantine implemented by the Japanese government," the DFA said. As of Wednesday morning, the novel coronavirus has killed 492 people and

infected over 23,000 people across 25 countries. The World Health Organization declared a global health emergency over the outbreak, which has prompted countries such as the Philippines and the United States to impose strict travel restrictions. (Rappler. com)

'DIAMOND PRINCESS' CRUISE SHIP

Facility Caregivers: Are you paid at least $456 a day when working a 24-hour shift? Caregivers working in Residential Care Facilities provide an important service to elderly and disabled individuals, as well as their families. These caregivers often work up to 24 hours per day, providing necessary care and supervision to ensure the health and safety of each facility resident. However, many facility caregivers are grossly underpaid for the services they provide. Fortunately, California law protects caregivers who work in licensed Residential Care Facilities from wage theft. Specifically, all facility caregivers are entitled to receive at least minimum wage for every hour they work, including all hours they are required to be present at the facility. The current minimum wage rate in California is $12.00 per hour for employers with 25 employees or less, and $13.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees. Additionally, with some exceptions, facility caregivers are also entitled to overtime compensation for all hours worked in excess of 8 per day or 40 per week, and double time compensation for all hours worked in excess of 12 per day. In light of these requirements, facility caregivers who work 24-hour shifts must be paid at least $456 per day to comply with California’s minimum wage laws. That includes 8 hours of pay at the minimum wage rate of $12.00/ hour ($96), four hours of pay at the overtime rate of $18.00/hour ($72), and 12 hours of pay at the double time rate of $24/hour ($288). In lieu of paying overtime and double time wages, many employers pay facility caregivers a fixed salary, regardless of the actual number of hours they work each day. However, paying an employee a daily, weekly or monthly salary does not disqualify that employee from the minimum wage or overtime compensation requirements. In actuality, under California law, payment of a fixed salary to a non-exempt employee only compensates that employee for their regular, non-overtime hours worked. This means that a non-exempt facility caregiver who receives a fixed salary has probably not been compensated for any hours he or she worked in excess of 8 per day or 40

per week. Furthermore, those uncompensated hours are considered overtime and double time hours, compensable at a rate one-and-one half times or two times the facility caregiver’s regular rate of pay. If you are a facility caregiver receiving a fixed salary for working 24-hour shifts, you may have a substantial unpaid overtime claim. For purposes of illustration, below is an example of how wage and hour claims are calculated for facility caregivers under California law: Tony is a facility caregiver. He works 24 hours per day and is not allowed to leave the care facility at any time during his scheduled shifts. Tony’s employer also requires him to sleep in the facility at night and the residents frequently wake him asking for assistance. Tony receives a daily salary of $100 each day he works. This makes Tony’s regular rate of pay $12.50 per hour ($100/8 hours per day). Subject to that calculation, Tony’s overtime rate is $18.75 per hour and his double-time rate is $25 per hour, respectively. Because Tony’s daily salary of $100 does not compensate him for any overtime hours worked, Tony’s employer owes him $375.00 per day in unpaid wages: 4 overtime hours x $18.75 (Tony’s overtime rate), plus 12 double time hours x $25.00 (Tony’s double time rate). If Tony works 5 days per week, he is owed $1,875 per week, which equals $97,500 each year he works. If Tony brings a claim against his employer for these unpaid wages, he can seek unpaid wages going back three to four years, along with interest, attorney’s fees and costs, liquidated damages and penalties. Caregivers work hard to provide support and assistance to our loved ones, and they should be paid in accordance with California law for their invaluable services. If you are a caregiver working in licensed Residential Care Facility and you are not being paid according to California law, we would like to help. Please contact our firm at (818)807-4168 for a free and confidential consultation. We love helping caregivers get the overtime compensation that they deserve.

This article is an attorney advertisement written by Lauren J. Peterson, employment law attorney at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson in Woodland Hills. Our examples are of a general nature and are not a guarantee regarding the outcome of your individual matter. The law firm focuses on caregiver rights. Please call us at (818) 807-4168 for a free and confidential consultation. Or visit us at www.caregiverovertime. com to learn more about caregiver overtime law. We offer a 24-hour chat line on our website.

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DoH monitors 80 patients THE number of patients suspected to have been infected by the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) more than doubled in just two days, the Department of Health (DoH) said on Monday. Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd said the department was monitoring 80 patients suspected to be carrying the deadly virus. These patients under investigation (PUIs) are being observed in various hospitals. On Saturday, there were only 36 PUIs. “This substantial increase in

the number of PUIs is due to the strengthened surveillance system and contact tracing of the Epidemiology Bureau,” Duque told reporters. Fercito Avelino, head of the Health department’s Epidemiology Bureau, said officials have traced 74 persons who sat near the Chinese couple who had been confirmed to be carrying the virus. The man died on Saturday. Avelino added that eight persons who came in contact with the infected couple developed cough and colds, symptoms of the respiratory disease.

First confirmed nCoV case in Philippines now tests negative — DOH MANILA — The country’s first confirmed case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease is recovering and recently tested negative for the disease, according to the Department of Health. “The patient is still stable. No symptoms. Our reports indicate that the last test niya done on...February 6, I think 'yung latest niya was negative already,” Health Department spokesperson Eric Domingo said in a Friday afternoon press briefing. (Our reports indicate that her last test done on...February 6, I think that the latest was negative already.) The health official clarified, however, that the patient is still classified as a confirmed case. “But we already sent sample for the second test kasi we need two consecutive tests to be negative before we discharge the patient.” The said patient is a 38-year-old Chinese woman who arrived in the Philippines on January 21 from Wuhan, the ground zero of the newly discovered strain of coronavirus. Initially found to be asymptomatic or displaying no symptoms, the infected woman only sought medical attention on January 25, visiting Cebu and Dumaguete before being admitted. The carrier’s partner, a 44-year-old male, is the first fatality recorded in the Philippines and the first nCoV death among 24 countries outside of China. Since then, health authorities have been attempting to trace all the passengers who were seated near the couple when they boarded planes and are at risk of contractive the virus. (Philstar.com)

All those who had contact with the couple were told to undergo home quarantine for 14 days. On Sunday, the Health department confirmed the death of the 44-year-old man, the country’s second confirmed case of nCoV. The man was the travel companion of the 38- yearold woman who became the country’s first case of nCoV. The couple traveled to Cebu City and Dumaguete City days before seeking treatment. The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) reported that 30 PUIs tested

negative for nCoV. The RITM said 10 patients had been discharged from hospital, but were under strict monitoring. “’Yung mga pinauwi po na sampu sila ay na-clear na, although sila ay pinapayuhan namin na maging conscious sa kanilang kalusugan, base sa kanilang laboratoryo sila ay negatibo sa nCoV (The ten people who were sent home have been cleared, although we advised them to be conscious of their health, based on their laboratory results, they are negative of nCoV),” Avelino said. (manilatimes.net)

Coronavirus whistleblower doctor dies LI WENLIANG, the doctor who released an early warning about the coronavirus outbreak after seven people in the hospital in Wuhan City in Hubei province, China, he worked for were infected, dies of the same disease. It was reported that Li contacted the disease around late December 2019. On January 1, he underwent testing for nCoV but the results were negative. It was only on January 31 that the disease manifested its symptoms and Li, this time, tested positive.

Li died early Friday according to Wuhan Central Hospital in a post on China’s popular twitter-like Weibo platform. The post said Li died while attending to an infected patient. According to a report by AFP, Li’s death was confusing. It was reported that he died on Thursday then he was alive again. Officially on Friday, Chinese media announced that Li died after contacting the virus while treating a patient.

Duterte orders VFA notice of termination sent to US gov’t – Palace

MANILA - The 2019 Novel Coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) may become less infective when the weather gets warmer, a former health secretary said Friday. "It will probably be affected by the season. As the weather gets better, warmer, then the virus is probably going to be a little less infective," Dr. Esperanza Cabral told ANC's "Early Edition." An international health expert, in a report on US website Vox, described coronaviruses as "winter viruses." "When the weather is warm and moist, these viruses don’t spread as well as when the weather is cold and dry," said Dr. Tony Fauci, head of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), according to the World Health Organization. The 2019-nCoV ARD, which originated from a market in the Chinese city of Wuhan that sells exotic animals, is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. As coronavirus infections continue to rise, Cabral, who served as health chief during the term of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said the outbreak may last for a few months. "As a matter of fact, the number of cases reported doubles every week. So if this continues by the end of February, we will be looking at 400,000 [infection] cases and 800 deaths from coronavirus in China," she said. As of Friday, the novel coronavirus has claimed at least 636 lives and infected more than 30,000 others in China as of Friday. China virus death toll hits 636, more than 30,000 infections The Philippines, which experiences a "hot dry season" that starts from March to May, has also recorded 3 confirmed cases, including 1 death, all Chinese travelers from Wuhan. The health department is also monitoring 178 people for possible infection, including 147 who were admitted in hospitals.

‘ZERO... FROM PAGE 1

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte made good on his earlier threat to end the Visiting Forces Agreement on Friday night by ordering a notice of termination sent to the US government. "President Duterte is instructing Executive Secretary [Salvador] Medialdea to tell Foreign Affairs Secretary [Teodoro] Locsin to send the notice of termination to the US government," said Presidential Salvador Panelo. "President Duterte is also scheduled to talk with President Trump anytime. The agenda is not clear. [It’s] not clear who initiated the impending talk. I’ll ask him [Duterte]," added the President's spokesperson.

Duterte earlier said he would terminate the VFA if the US would not restore the canceled visa of Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, one of his closest allies. Ratified by the Philippine Senate in 1999, the VFA allowed US troops to train and advise the Philippine military in disaster response and anti-terrorist operations, but banned US forces from participating in combat operations. Philippines begins process of terminating VFA with US –Palace The VFA would be deemed terminated upon a party's written notice of its intention to end the agreement, which becomes effective after 180 days from such notification. (GMA News)

the ship has tested positive for the virus, and is now in hospital undergoing treatment," the DFA said in a statement. The Japanese Health Ministry confirmed in a press conference on Friday that all 273 suspected cases on board the ship have already been tested.

The Ministry also said the ship would remain under the mandatory 14-day quarantine period until February 19. The embassy continues to work with both the Philippine and Japanese government agencies to provide assistance to all Filipinos on board the cruise ship. (PNA)

2019-NCOV+... FROM PAGE 1 Japanese Ministry of Health confirmed another group of 41 persons inside the ship was infected by the virus. The new cases include 21 Japanese nationals and 20 foreigners. None of them was Filipino. "As of this time, only one Filipino on board

Ex-health chief: New coronavirus may become less infective in warmer weather

(ABS-CBN News)

British scientist makes breakthrough in race for coronavirus vaccine —Sky LONDON — A leading British scientist has made a significant breakthrough in the race for a coronavirus vaccine by reducing a part of the normal development time from "two to three years to just 14 days," Sky news reported. advertisement Robin Shattock, head of mucosal infection and immunity at Imperial College London, said he is now at the stage to start testing the vaccine on animals as early as next week with human studies in the summer if enough funding is secured, Sky said. "Conventional approaches usually take at least two to three years before you even get to the clinic," he told Sky. "And we've gone from that sequence to generating a candidate in the laboratory in 14 days." The vaccine will be too late for this current outbreak but it will be crucial if there is another one, Sky said. (Reuters/GMA News)

Saturday-Friday | February 8- 14, 2020

mitted and isolated, while 10 have been discharged under strict monitoring. Earlier, the DOH also reported one PUI mortality with a negative result and two confirmed cases with one mortality. “This substantial increase in the number of PUIs is due to the strengthened surveillance system and contact tracing of the Epidemiology Bureau. We have also expanded the PUI category coverage to the whole of China, following the recent imposition of travel ban to the mainland China, including Hong Kong and Macau,” Duque said. He added that the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine has also confirmed that 30 PUIs tested negative of the virus and 48 results are pending. "The Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases is set to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte this afternoon, together with other government agencies and resource persons like experts on infectious diseases for adults and children, to discuss developments and next steps on the management of 2019-nCoV ARD in the country," he said. As for the quarantine facility dedicated for repatriated Filipinos from China, Duque said that Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija is not yet the final choice of the task force. "There's also an island being considered for quarantine facility. We are going to present the options we had during the task force meeting to President Duterte tonight to give us the guidance and we need to prepare everyone, especially the communities where the quarantine facility will be situated," Duque said. (PNA)

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TOURISM

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Where to spend Valentine’s?

Visit Calabarzon’s finest romantic spots

lanning to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved ones outside the metropolis? Spend V-Day enjoying nature’s beauty just a few hours away from the city -- in the beautiful provinces of Rizal and Laguna in Calabarzon region.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is pitching for these two tourist destinations south of Luzon since their proximity to Metro Manila make them an ideal weekend getaway. These places are definitely a must-go as they offer nature's finest.

the roots," Neri said in an interview. Two years ago, when he participated in an exhibit in Chicago, Neri had a sudden realization and saw his reﬂection of someone who has something that's missing. "[I realized] we need to use visual art to achieve an awaken-

Tara Lets Anywhere

Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens and Spa (Antipolo, Rizal) Rizal Wind Farm (Pililla, Rizal)

Cloud 9 (Antipolo, Rizal)

Rizanoia

It’s me Bluedreamer!

Solitary Wandere

the best view of the whole Rizal. According to the staff, guests can sometimes even witness a sea of clouds in their villa area.

Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens and Spa (Antipolo, Rizal)

With all the classic telltale of one's love to their matriarchs, a likely Taj Mahal of India, Shah Jahan's tribute to her wife Mumtaz Mahal, or the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar II's gift for his wife Queen Amytis, the Philippines also offers such poetic place in Antipolo — the Luljetta's Hanging Gardens and Spa. According to Ramon Maningas, managing director of the resort, the place was named after her mother Lolita. Part of the 8-hectare land of Loreland Farms, Luljetta's occupies three hectares of its cliff-side, a strategic location that offers guests a scenic view of the Sierra Madre range and Manila skyline at night. Most visitors who come in are couples, family, and foreign tourists. It offers "the whole of the Philippines," says Maningas since all woods and furniture they feature come from different regions of the country. Their day tour, which interestingly provides guests with free use of batik clothing to experience Asia, starts at PHP1,150, inclusive of use of locker, sauna, hydro massage pool, infinity pool, meditation lounges, towel, and snacks of Antipolo's best suman (sticky rice).

Cloud 9 (Antipolo, Rizal)

Still within Antipolo is Cloud 9, a "sky resort" that offers a 360-degree view of Metro Manila, Laguna de Bay, Mountains of Sierra Madre, and Rizal province. The vine-filled place is a perfect spot for couples who would love the idea of having their Valentine's pictorial within the skies of Rizal, or for anyone who doesn't dismiss having a bit of a challenge before the reward. The best way to hike the 360-degree viewdeck is through their hanging bridge but for those who are scared of heights, entrance below the deck is allowed. Love locks are not encouraged at the 360-degree viewdeck but with several padlocks penned with couple names hanged by the tower's safety grills, you could imagine yourself in one of those cute Korean dramas filmed in the popular romantic Namsan Seoul Tower. Below the deck is the art studio of Othoniel Neri, Cloud 9's resident artist and part of the team that created “Tagaligtas 44,” an acrylic on oil painting dedicated to 44 Special Action Force commandos killed in the Mamasapano clash. In his studio with backdrop of his witty and pun-filled works of art are deep-rooted explanations of the society's current status. A side-trip inside would give you a glimpse of attitudes such as the manana habit, ningas cogon and colonial mentality objectified through his canvass. "Back then my style is anchored on positives, then I realized, luxury and comfort are just sugarcoat, we need to dig deeper until

Rizal Wind Farm (Pililla, Rizal)

Travelling to Calabarzon, Rizal and Laguna area, one will not miss what seemed like a scene lifted from Bangui, Ilocos Norte, South Luzon's very own windmills. The Rizal Wind Farm is located in Barangay Halayhayin, Pililla, Rizal and is the first Luzon-based windfarm outside Ilocos. According to Alternergy, the giant fans account to 27 in total covering the whole municipality of Pililla. By the highway, its picturesque lineup can already be captured in photos but for those who want to see the turbines up close, Alternergy welcomes all tourists at their visitor center. The lounge often serves as a stopover for tourists visiting Laguna. Sulyap Gallery Cafe and Restaurant (San Pablo, Laguna) ing," he said. Indeed, there is more to his gallery, a figurative and artistic social realist exploration one must not miss while i n A nt ip olo. Also, there is a n i nt e r e s ti n g i mp a s t o he is working on titled "The Marriage of a Bulldog and a Shitzhu," an art he said may soon give birth to one or more canvasses featuring their offsprings.

Haranah Eco Park (Tanay, Rizal)

Given the so many activities you can avail from just the two destinations alone, the continuation of your Calabarzon visit is best paused in Haranah Eco Park seated within Tanay's very own balcony. The spacious park overlooks Laguna de Bay and the Sierra Madre range but at nighttime, Haranah will provide you a front row seat to see a crisp view of the constellations. One way to enjoy the park is usually with an overnight stay, availing the management's signature activity, their "sleeping under the stars." Upon reservation, visitors are given the opportunity to camp at ease. A plus point is that they provide the tents and foams so you don't have to bring one. But the best part of Haranah Eco Park is their accommodating staff, which will make you feel at home while still in the zone of having your "away from the city" vibes. Chef Romy Furio's clean and simple tasting basil and tomato pasta is also a gem after your

Sulyap.info

trip getting to their 16.2-hectare property.

Ten Cents to Heaven (Tanay, Rizal)

As far as all de s t i n at ion s included here are concerned, the Ten Cents to Heaven Leisure Park offers the most adventurous activiThe Maarte Tourist ties part of the media delegation had experienced. The daunting two-way zipline that traverses through the park's vast land is definitely a must try, perfect for both zipline junkies or beginners at that. The trip through the longest line, which is over 1 km takes less than a minute from point A to point B. Guests have the option to take a shuttle back to the base camp or suspend for another zipline ride all the way to their hanging bridge. Compared to the Cloud 9 Hanging Bridge made up mostly of steel, the version of Ten Cents differs with the materials used for its "ﬂooring" which is made up of wood planks. The latter's walk through the woods though is less intimidating than the one in Antipolo. The adventure doesn't end with the long hanging bridge walk. The next stop back to the base (if you didn't ride the shuttle) is rappelling, wall climbing, and free fall course. For someone that has not tried rappelling 60 feet all the way down at all, I can say that the experience is worth all the pre-climb jitters. Aside from their adrenalin-pumping activities, Ten Cents is at par with resorts having

Sulyap Gallery Cafe and Restaurant (San Pablo, Laguna)

A romantic dinner inside old houses with your significant other is also one good way to spend Valentine's Day this year. Sulyap Gallery in San Pablo, Laguna houses five heritage mansions turned into hotel rooms and restaurant. Within the Sulyap property, a previous school building now features the owners' vast collection of antique furniture and vintage wines. This Valentine's Day, Sulyap is offering a special dining experience to couples who want to be serenaded and relive "delightful love and romance with a buffet and music by Playback Band." Among the menu are the Lengua en Crema Blanca, Chicken Barbeque, Gambas Ajillo with Mushroom Buttons, Beef Salpicao and Spanish Tomato en Pasta con Chorizo. To those who wanted to make their day extra special, Sulyap also offers special arrangement for couples who opt to eat in a more private space away from the crowd.

Lotus Pod Bed and Breakfast (Bay, Laguna)

The last stop of our Calabarzon emerging tourist hotspots tour timed specially for the love month of February was in Lotus Pod Bed and Breakfast tucked in Brgy. Puypuy, Bay, Laguna. The Balinese-inspired sanctuary named after the pod or seed of the lotus ﬂower has a meaningful explanation why it was named Lotus Pod. Like how each seeds can become another lotus plant, the management says their 3-hectare property also offers opportunities to its guests to do fun stuff as there are seeds in that pod. Indeed there are, and majority of them are relaxing ones. Aside from dozing off in the casitas with its own hot springs, guests can laze around their huge nipa hut spa lounge. According to the management, there are at least eight casitas or villas in Lotus Pod, enough to accommodate guests without overcrowding. (PNA)

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Masbate

ilipinos may not know much about Masbate, but this province in the Bicol Region occupies a conspicuous space on the Philippine map – right at the heart of the archipelago. Surrounded by the Burias and Ticao Pass on the North, the San Bernardino Strait on the East, the Visayan Seas on the South, and the Sibuyan Sea on the West, Masbate is blessed with bountiful marine resources, as well as stretches of beaches and coral reefs. Composed of one city (Masbate City) and 20 municipalities, the province’s hilly landscape is also perfect pasturelands for cattle and other livestock, thus Masbate is dubbed the Cattle Capital of the Philippines with its ranches supplying a huge part of the country’s cattle supply for several decades now. There are also coconut plantations all over the province as copra is a major source of livelihood for Masbateños. Those who want to visit Masbate may book a ﬂight to one of two domestic airlines that ply the route daily. Once in Masbate City’s airport, visitors will be amazed with how clear the skies are because of the absence of air pollution – no smoke-belching vehicles causing traffic and no industrial smokestacks spewing chemicals. Tourists will also be impressed by how clean Masbate’s coastlines are. Ample accommodations near the airport can be found in Masbate City, most of which have a magnificent view of the Masbate Pass. Accommodations are also available in other beach resorts that dot neighboring municipalities. A good way to start one’s itinerary is to experience the city’s pristine nature at the 21-hectare Pawa Mangrove Ecosystem and Wildlife Park, which is known for its 300-hectare dense natural mangroves and as a perfect site for bird watching, fishing, and

a family picnic. It is also popular for its 1.3-kilometer boardwalk or wooden bridge

Bulalo ala

Masbateño

another marine sanctuary – the Buntod Reef Sanctuary that is made distinct by a 250-hectare white sandbar between the seawaters of Barangay Nursery and Barangay Tugbo also in Masbate City. Marvel at the sanctuary’s white sand, pristine waters, and rows of mangroves at the sandbar’s base. Dive deep into its unique hot and cold waters to see diverse marine life forms including hard and soft corals, coral breams, parrot fish, snappers, goat fish and, sometimes, green sea turtles. Buntod is ranked second after Bugsayon as one of the Sinigang with batuan most climate change resistant reefs in this side of the

that makes a trek to the park more enjoyable. The 50-hectare Bugsayon Marine Sanctuary in Barangay B. Titong, Masbate City is also a must -see for eco-tourists. Colorful and live corals and different fishes and other aquatic species greet snorkelers and scuba divers in Bugsayon. The reef was even ranked by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as the topmost resilient to climate change in Central Philippines. Head to the pier and ride a motorboat to

Pagdayao festival

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archipelago, making Masbate City a model place as far as preserving rich marine ecosystems is concerned. Thriving marine ecosystems can also be found in Ticao Island and Monreal. There is also the Tacdogan Reef in the municipality of San Jacinto – one of only two areas where the manta rays abound. A 60-hectare shoal of rock formation, the area is where these mantas come to feed. The province is also known for its countless white sand beaches that have remained uncrowded and unspoiled. It is indeed a wonder, if not a blessing, that tourists do not come here in droves. Some of the province’s white sand beaches include the Sombrero Island and Tinalisayan beach in San Pascual, Burias Island, the Palani Beach in Balud, the San Isidro and the Puting-Baybay beaches in Claveria, the Aroroy and the Colara beaches in Aroroy, the Magcaraguit Beach in Dimasalang, the Alta Mar beach in San Jacinto, and the Halea beach in San Miguel Island, and Manokmanok Island in Esperanza. This place is not only Cattle Country, it is White Sand Beach country. There are also the beautiful rock formations in Animasola Island in Claveria, the Lahong Cave in San Fernando, the Batuan Cave in Ticao, the Gato Cave in Aroroy, the Bat Ongan cave in Mandaon and the Lobster cave in Jamorawon Island. Rock formations that serve as natural diving boards can be found in Borobangcaso Island in Monreal, Balangingi in Pio V Corpuz, Nagarao in Placer, and Talisay in San Fernando. There are also waterfalls in various locations within the province like the Catandayagan Falls in Danao, San Jacinto, the most beautiful in the province and the only one that falls directly to the sea. A trip to Masbate also combines discovery with food tripping. Their sinigang has a unique ingredient called batuan that gives off a delicious sour taste. Bulalo ala Masbateño

is also a must-try. And of course, seafoods and coconut-based fares are gastronomic superstars as well. The city’s native candy, the delectably sweet carmelado candies are made from carabao’s milk. A trip to Masbate will never be complete without visiting the cattle ranches in different parts of the province like in the municipalities of Balud and Milagros. The expanses of pasturelands that are commonly in hundreds of hectares to thousand-or-so hectares are as far as your eyes can see. Some ranches like the Sese Brahmans Ranch in Balud will even teach one the basics of livestock handling including cracking the bullwhip and horseback riding. The best way to end every trip is to visit the local church. Masses may be heard at the Masbate Cathedral adjacent to the diocese-run school, the Liceo de Masbate. Every September, Liceo leads the celebration of the interschool Galleon Festival. Masbate is the only province in the country that celebrates the Galleon Festival in honor of the Spaniards who brought Christianity in the Philippines. Note that historians have traced the start of the Christianization of the Bicol Region in Masbate when Spanish came in 1569. Noteworthy as well is that, at the height of the Galleon Trade, the Mobo town of Masbate contributed premium lumber for the building of galleons, making it the center of trade in the province. Other religious and thanksgiving festivals in the province include the Himag-Ulaw Festival, the Pagdayao Festival, the Lapay Bantigue Dance Festival, the Kasadyaan sa Dagat festival and the Bantigue Feast. Proof that Masbateños have not only preserved their natural wonders, but have also upheld their religious traditions as well. Who would have thought that the less talked about tourism offerings of Masbate could fi ll up one’s itinerary just like that, while still leaving numerous places that are waiting to be explored. (mod.com.ph)

Saturday-Friday | February 8 - 14, 2020

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CANYONEERING IN SOUTHERN CEBU

HOW TO GET THERE: By Air

The Dumaguete City airport is the only major airport in Negros Oriental serving daily domestic ﬂights to and from Manila with the two airline companies (Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific). Its facilities are for all weather conditions. The province has two private airports, one located in Tolong, Sta. Catalina and the other in Pamplona Estate in Pamplona. Another private airport is soon to be constructed in Bayawan City.

ump into adventure and release your inner adrenaline junkie. Take a leap from small waterfalls, navigate river rapids, and free ﬂoat through river canyons. Canyoneering in Southern Cebu beckons the adventurer by heart as its thrilling leaps and river rush will excite and intimidate you at the same time. Most of the taxis in the island are metered. The fare starts at 40 pesos and an additional 13.50 would be charged for every 2 kilometers. One must be cautious of drivers who refuse to use their meters or collect fare that exceeds the amount indicated on the meter. Whenever you encounter taxi drivers who refuse to use the meter or deliberately go to the wrong direction, the best thing to do is to embark from the taxi and ﬂag down another cab. Dont forget to take the taxi driver's name or the taxi's plate number and report it

to the Land Transport Office (LTO). W hene ver p o s sible , do not take private taxis. These drivers usually have the tendency of taking advantage of tourists by charging them five to ten times more than the regular rate. Taking private taxis is advisable only when you are going on a long trip and you would want to negotiate for a fixed cost. As you can see, whatever mode of transportation you choose, there is an assurance that you will be reaching your destination.

By Sea

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Port Management (PMO-Dumaguete) has assumed jurisdiction over all government and private ports in the province since 2002. The government ports handle both passenger and cargo traffic while the private ports are generally utilized for shipment of cargoes. The Dumaguete Seaport is a major link to Mindanao traffic and is part of the “Strong Republic Nautical Highway” route. The Guihulngan Port caters mainly to small vessels ferrying passengers between Guihulngan and Tangil, Damanjug, Cebu. Port facilities include an L-type 6 meter wide by 55 meter long reinforced finger pier and a bothering area of 99 meters with six cleats mooring factures. Two shipping lines also operate in this port, the Rodriguez Shipping and Pages Shipping.

(philippines.travel)

Local Specialties

By Land

TORTA

A local favorite, torta from Argai is a cake made with fermented coconut (tuba), eggs, flour and margarine. One has the option to have it topped with cheese or raisins.

Various modes of transport abound in Negros Oriental. The motorcab, locally known as pedicab is the primary means of transportation within the city. There are few taxis in the city which are usually paid on per trip basis. Buses and vehicles-for-hire are also available to reach neighboring towns outside Dumaguete.

GUITARS

LECHON

Cebu’s lechon is considered to be the best tasting lechon in the country. Lechon or roasted pig is served with plum or other sauces, vinegar, or with other seasons or condiments.

Maribago, District, Lapu-Lapu City. One can actually see how guitars are made. It is amazing, however, to note that while the occupation of the people is in the Mactan District, the raw materials used have to be shipped from Mindanao and nowhere on the island can be found such materials.

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China's coronavirus DID come from bats: Scientists reveal the virus is 96% identical to one found in the animals and is almost the same as SARS as global death toll hits 362

The authors performed genome sePICTURES emerging on Twitter shows quencing on awith sample of Bats fluidare taken from soup cooked a bat. used in his lung. traditional Chinese medicine to 'treat' They identified novel viruscoughing, and found a series of illness,a including that the viral genome shared perbeen cent malaria and gonorrhea. Bats89.1 have similarity with coronaviruses confirmed as theSARS-like most likely source of the from bats. infection But the say itofiscoronavirus not possible Bats areresearchers likely the cause to conclude fromscientists the analysis a single from China after findofthe virus patient that this coronavirus is the in cause is 96 percent identical to one found the of the current outbreak. animals. Despite extensive treatment efforts, the The virus, which has killed 362 people patient hadbelieved respiratory failure and his conso far, was to have transferred to dition did not improve after days of humans from an animal, butthree identifying treatment. which one has been challenging. Ian Jones, of virology at UniNow, usingprofessor samples from seven patients versity of Reading, said: 'These twoby scienwith severe pneumonia caused the tific papers provide formal coronavirus, scientiststhe have foundevidence striking for what is already widely known. similarities to coronavirus found in bats. '2019-nCoV a bat virus, The DNA is is also 79.5 perand centSARS-CoV, identical which caused anSARS epidemic in 2002/3,which is the with the deadly coronavirus, closest relative seen in people. suggests vaccines for previously the now non-existent 'Most encouragingly this indivirus may help with thisthough, epidemic. cates thatcases treatments and vaccines develGlobal have risen above 17,450, oped for SARS work forcases the Wuhan higher than theshould total recorded of the virus.'virus that killed some 800 people in SARS Dr and Skinner 2002 2003.added: 'Together, these papers describescientists the first steps in understandAlthough stress the animal ing the of evolutionary and epidemiological source the recent outbreak in China is origins WHCV/2019-nCoV. yet to beofofficially declared, experts have 'The speed of their appearance attestsin to confirmed a wholesale animal market the rapid pace and extent of scientific and Wuhan city is to blame. technological globally - but not A menagerieprogress, of live animals including least inrats China, the SARS koalas, andsince wolf pups were epidemic available in the 2002-3. at Huanan Seafood Market in central 'They-confirm some of the early suspiWuhan the outbreak's epicentre. cions, discount others and, typically, While most research has pointedraise toeven more many University are already wards bats,questions researchthat at Peking trying to answer - but those answers implicated snakes as the most likely need 'resmore information, which may notvirus. be forthervoir' of the rapidly spreading coming for several years.' The Huanan market was a hotspot with Some of the patients' locals, who could chooseantibodies, to buy theirwhich meat fight disease, were by Zheng-Li Shi 'warm' meaning it shown had been slaughtered andmoment colleagues to have the potential to just prior. neutralize theSkinner, virus. reader in virology Dr Michael And the College research suggests that a preat Imperial London, said: 'The disviouslydefinitely identifiedplaces horsethe antibody against covery origin of nCoV SARS neutralizes the virus. in batsalso in China. However, whether or not these cross-re'We still do not know whether another act withserved the current needs to be conspecies as anstrain intermediate host to firmed using serum from humans who amplify the virus, and possibly even to have recovered from SARS. bring it to the market, nor what species Ashost scientists racebeen. to find a vaccine, that might have which mayhigh takelevel years, the epidemic's of'But the of sequence similarficial death toll soared overnight 57 to ity between nCoV and TG13 is notbyreally 361 cases inwith China. One has also compatible some of person the more exotic

The authors performed genome sequencing on a sample of fluid taken from his lung. They identified a novel virus and found that the viral genome shared 89.1 per cent similarity with SARS-like coronaviruses from bats. But the researchers say it is not possible to conclude from the analysis of a single patient that this coronavirus is the cause of the current outbreak. Despite extensive treatment efforts, the patient had respiratory failure and his condition did not improve after three days of treatment. Ian Jones, professor of virology at University of Reading, said: 'These two scientific papers provide the formal evidence for what is already widely known. '2019-nCoV is a bat virus, and SARS-CoV, which caused an epidemic in 2002/3, is the closest relative seen previously in people. 'Most encouragingly though, this indicates that treatments and vaccines developed for SARS should work for the Wuhan virus.' Dr Skinner added: 'Together, these papers describe the first steps in understanding the evolutionary and epidemiological origins of WHCV/2019-nCoV. 'The speed of their appearance attests to the rapid pace and extent of scientific and technological progress, globally - but not least in China, since the SARS epidemic in 2002-3. 'They confirm some of the early suspicions, discount others and, typically, raise even more questions that many are already trying to answer - but those answers need more information, which may not be forthcoming for several years.' Some of the patients' antibodies, which fight disease, were shown by Zheng-Li Shi and colleagues to have the potential to neutralize the virus. And the research suggests that a previously identified horse antibody against SARS also neutralizes the virus. However, whether or not these cross-react with the current strain needs to be confirmed using serum from humans who have recovered from SARS. As scientists race to find a vaccine, which may take years, the epidemic's official death toll soared overnight by 57 to 361 cases in China. One person has also

hosts that were considered earlier in the epidemic.' Zheng-Li Shi, a virologist and researcher at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and colleagues, analysed samples of seven people with what's been dubbed '2019-nCoV'. Six of those included were workers at the market in Wuhan, where cases were first reported in December. The team found that full-length genome sequences - which determined the DNA of the virus - from five of the patients, were almost 100 per cent identical to each other. They compared it with TG13, a coronavirus in bats, and found the virus sequence is 96 per cent identical at the whole-genome level to a bat coronavirus. This evidence suggests bats are a probable source of this coronavirus, according to the publication in the journal Nature. This jump between species is rare and makes the virus zoonotic — capable of infecting different species. Bats are unaffected by the pathogens in their bloodstreams but people have no protection to the viruses as they are foreign to human systems. died in theimmune Philippines. And onceauthorities in humans,reported it can then be easChinese 2,829 new ily passed person-to-person through cases overfrom the last 24 hours, taking infeccoughs sneezes. tions toor above 17,450 worldwide. Zheng-Li Shi and the colleagues also found Within a month, never-seen-before the new coronavirus per cent coronavirus strain hasshared spread79.5 at an alarmsequence identity with SARS, and it enters ing rate. It has reached 23 countries inthe bodythe through sameand route - via a cluding UK, US,the Canada Australia. cell receptor called ACE2. Developments forced The World Health This suggeststo there are some genetic difOrganization declare a public health ferences between thedue novel coronavirus emergency last week to high concerns and structures are similar. the SARS, virus but willtheir spread to countries with A test health developed by the researchers was weaker systems. able to detect 2019-nCoV in oral swab samEleven British nationals returned from ples. But later China onsamples Sundaytaken night about as part10ofdays the Govdid not have a positive result. ernment's rescue programme. This suggests the most likely route of The Foreign Office started pulling diptransmission is through thefrom airways. lomats and their families the disHowever, the authors say other routes ease-hit region last Friday. Around 150 may be and possible, and more patient is people 50 others, mainly from data the EU needed investigate transmission and 20 to from Spain, arrived at RAFroutes. Brize In a separate study also published Norton, in Oxfordshire, on January 31. in Nature today, Yong-Zhen Zhang colBut some 30,000 Brits are still and trapped leagues Fudan Shanghai, in Chinaat and have University, reportedly been told to looked at a 41-year-old male market worker make their own way home. admitted to a hospital in Wuhan on DeThe highly contagious infection can cember 26 a2019. spread via simple cough, sneeze or handHe had of resshake andexperienced the virus cansymptoms live on inanimate piratory illness, including objects such as door handles.fever, chest tightness(Sam and aBlanchard/MAILONLINE) cough.

died in the Philippines. Chinese authorities reported 2,829 new cases over the last 24 hours, taking infections to above 17,450 worldwide. Within a month, the never-seen-before coronavirus strain has spread at an alarming rate. It has reached 23 countries including the UK, US, Canada and Australia. Developments forced The World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency last week due to high concerns the virus will spread to countries with weaker health systems. Eleven British nationals returned from China on Sunday night as part of the Government's rescue programme. The Foreign Office started pulling diplomats and their families from the disease-hit region last Friday. Around 150 people and 50 others, mainly from the EU and 20 from Spain, arrived at RAF Brize Norton, in Oxfordshire, on January 31. But some 30,000 Brits are still trapped in China and have reportedly been told to make their own way home. The highly contagious infection can spread via a simple cough, sneeze or handshake and the virus can live on inanimate objects such as door handles. (Sam Blanchard/MAILONLINE)

Fighting coronavirus with proper hygiene

NEWS about the only by very close novel coronav icontact such as rus (also known hugging, kissing, a s 2019 n- C ov) or sharing eating continues to send utensils,” said Dr. many into panic, David Heymann, so much so that chairperson of a WHO committee the last time I was that is gathering in a grocery store, the entire shelf of data on the virus. Instead of hoarding face masks, experts rubbing a lcohol A good new s, suggest regular and proper handwashing. was cleaned out, however, came from save for a few bottles of “alcologne” with Japan over the weekend, with the Naquestionable efficacy. tional Institute of Infectious Diseases And don’t even get me started on face saying it has succeeded in cultivating mask hoarding. and isolating the virus from an infected As of Feb. 3, the Philippines has two person. The isolated virus will be used confirmed cases of n-CoV, both came to develop a vaccine and drug for the from Wuhan, with one of them, a 44-year- coronavirus, as well as a test kit for quick old, reported dead after developing “se- diagnosis. vere pneumonia.” The first death due Many experts assert there’s no reason to novel coronavirus outside of China. to panic or hoard face mask. The Depart“In his last few days, the patient was ment of Health on Jan. 31 called on to stable and showed signs of improvement. the public to stop hoarding face masks However, the condition of the patient as shortage of supply will affect health deteriorated within the last 24 hours, workers and those who really need them. resulting in his demise,” said Health Instead, the Health department recSecretary Francisco Duque III. ommends easy-to-follow ways to prevent Hours before the announcement, the contracting the virus such as regular and government has temporarily banned proper handwashing, covering mouth non-Filipino travelers arriving from and nose when coughing or sneezing, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Ma- avoiding close contact with people who cau. are experiencing fever and cold or fluCurrently, the virus has spread in 26 like symptoms, cooking meat and eggs countries and infected over 17,300. The thoroughly, and avoiding unprotected World Health Organization last week contact with live wild and farm animals. declared coronavirus a global health When washing hands, it’s better to emergency as the outbreak continues use germicidal soap and warm water. A to spread outside of China. germicidal soap contains antimicrobial The virus is believed to have originated ingredients that fight bacteria and fungi, in the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Mar- which can cause a range of illnesses from ket in Wuhan, China, about 650 miles skin infections to pneumonia. south of Beijing and home to more than Use 70 percent rubbing alcohol if soap 11 million people. As number of con- and water are not available. firmed cases in China and abroad conThe DOH also advises to eat healthy tinues to increase, authorities hypothe- food, such as malunggay, and drink lots size that human-to-human transmission of water. Get enough rest and exercise. is possible. Vitamin C also helps in strengthening “The virus initially appeared to spread the immune system. (Manila Standard)

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RECIPES / MEAL IDEAS / COOKING GUIDES

Steak 101: How meat-cutters prepare the ‘perfect cut’

t is non-arguable that good meat grade and right seasoning make a steak great but a great steak also starts with a perfect cut.

At restaurants, chefs are always recognized for their dishes but we rarely recognize the importance of the role of a meat-cutter. A meat-cutter has to be skilled and precise in the way he hand-cuts the meat and ensure the steak’s best quality and ﬂavor. “Sabi nga, ‘yung chef is more about the science of cooking. For a steak, it will take a good steak and a good cut to have a legendary steak,” Cyril Reyes, director for operation of Texas Roadhouse told Philstar.com. Reyes said that apart from cooks, meat-cutters should be recognized for being behind the good steaks because their work is not just about cutting and their skills have a huge effect on the quality of steak. “Steak is different from just butchering poultries and pork products,” he noted. Other butchers use machines for slicing frozen meat while meat cutters at the restaurant use knives and carving tools “to skillfully hand-cut each fresh primal and turn them into steaks." They are also trained to make the best marbling to give steak its right ﬂavor. Reyes cited that meat-cutters take a lot in consideration including the yielding, the right thickness, length, width and process.

The making of a meat-cutter

Take it from Joel Herher, a 37-year-old local meat-cutting champion at Texas Roadhouse who recently represented the Philippines at the first Regional Meat Cutter Challenge in Taipei, Taiwan.

According to Reyes, Herher underwent around three to four months of training to check the consistency and accuracy of his meat-cutting skills. Herher, roadie or a meat-cutter in Texas Roadhouse parlance, trained the precision of his work in a meat room at a chilly temperature that drops all the way to 1 degree Celsius. He had to train under

a freezing temperature since the meat-cutting competition was held at an ice-skating rink. The Filipino representative’s humble beginnings went all the way back in 2008 when he served as a butcher of a local meat shop and was designated in several supermarkets around Metro Manila Prior to his meat-cutting career at Texas Roadhouse, he spent five years as a butcher for a big catering company in Qatar then decided to return to the country and joined The Bistro Group in 2007. “I started as an all-around butcher for all the concepts before I was recommended to exclusively work for Texas Roadhouse where I studied the specifications and technicalities of steak-cutting. I was amazed because of all the new things I learned,” Herher was quoted as saying. Herher shared his butcher-stint gained him knowledge on how to cut various meat. “From the short loin, we cut our T-bones, top loins, tenderloins and the porterhouse steaks,” he said. The award-winning meatcutter said it was at Texas Roadhouse when he further honed his meat-cutting skills.

What it takes to prepare a legendary steak

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He said that steaks at this restaurant are legendary because they are meticulously defined, grilled to perfection, according to guests’ preferences. Reyes, who was with Herher throughout his training highlighted the importance of yielding, citing that every cut must have precise measurements. They shared that at Texas Roadhouse, rib eye should be portioned as 10oz, 12oz, and 16oz; while the bonein cuts are pegged at 22oz. Sirloins (which are used in beef stews and steak rice) should be either at 6oz, 8oz, and 11oz while New York Strips should come in 8oz and 16oz only. “Furthermore, meatcutters are required to cut a slab of of Ribe Eye (at 10z, for instance) into 18 portions, trimmings and wastage minimized,” the restaurant management said. The meat transformations are cut in accordance with the criteria of the Texas Roadhouse branches around the world, according to the management. It added that “important meat needs to be thawed for three to five days before we can actually clean fat trimmings and cut them accurately into specific steaks.”

Cutting challenge

Texas Roadhouse USA started the annual Meat Cutting Challenge more than a decade ago. Branches in each country hold local competitions to determine the winner who will compete in the regional championship. Champion butchers then advance to the international cut-off for a chance to win the grand prize of $20,000 and the coveted “Meat Cutter of the Year” award. Herher said he was nervous during the competition but he managed to represent the Philippines with pride by just simply focusing on the challenge. “First time ko sumali, may konting kaba pero focus lang (It's my first time to join a competition. I felt a bit nervous but just focused),” he said. During the competition, each participant received approximately 40 pounds of beef to cut— sirloin, filet and rib-eye. Their challenge was to cut meat into as many steaks as possible within an hour in a chilly 35 Celsius arena armed with their trusted knives and carving tools The contestants are judged on the quality and precision of all the steaks in terms of length, width and height. They are also judged on quality, yield and speed. Whoever yields the most steaks with the highest quality cut in the least amount of time and the least wastage wins. “It was Mark Stephen himself, Texas Roadhouse’s International Director For Operations, who told us that the restaurant’s meat-cutters are the most important workers of the company. That felt good. I now have a special regard for myself, my fellow butchers here, and the vital role we play at Texas Roadhouse. I need to focus and always try to give all customers the perfect cut,” Herher concluded. (Philstar.com)

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Can I qualify for a green card despite the Petitioner's Death? Consider this common factual situation. You are over 21 years old and your US citizen parent petitions you while you are inside the United States. Since this is a preference category, you have to wait many years for your priority date to be current. As the years go by, your petitioning parent dies which in turn revokes the petition. Can you still apply for your green card when your priority date becomes current? Under Section 204(l) of the immigration and nationality act, you may apply for a green card despite the death of the petitioner once your priority date becomes current as long as 1) you were in the United States at the time of the Petitioner's death, and 2) you continuously resided in the United States until the present time when you apply for adjustment of status. This provision does not apply to beneficiaries that are outside the United States. This provision also applies to both approved and pending Petitions. This avenue is available to all family based petitions as outlined in INA section 204(l)(2). This includes 1)immediate relative petitions and 2)preference family petitions such as unmarried sons and daughters of us citizens, spouses and unmarried sons and daughters of lpr, married sons and daughters of us citizens, and brothers and sisters of us citizens. Derivative beneficiaries of pending or approved employment- based immigrant visa petitions are also covered by this section. This includes the spouse and unmarried children under age 21 of an individual who was sponsored under the employment-based category. If you fail to meet the requirements of INA 204(l) because you did not continously reside in the US since the death of the Petitioner, you may still try to reinstate the Petition under 8 CFR Sec. 205.1(a)(3) Humanitarian Reinstatement. The DHS (Dept. of Homeland Security) may exercise discretion “for humanitarian reasons” to reinstate the

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for data on how many people live where they do. That data can help determine what those needs and priorities are, and allocating government resources is largely based on that data. Transportation is a serious concern in rural communities. Public transit exists, but accessing it is more difficult outside of cities. One has to get to where it is and then back home. Gas, tires and auto maintenance may come before (other) essentials. Rural roads are often unpaved, not only making it difficult to get in and out, but putting more wear and tear on vehicles. The condition of those roads is dependent on census-directed government spending allocations, and road maintenance impacts the community in myriad ways. For instance, local ambulances may not be able to reach a home due to road conditions. Health care standards differ, too, in ways far beyond an ambulance's difficulties in responding to an emergency. Our local village health clinic closed in April due to financial concerns. They would see anyone and even made house calls on occasion. There's a clinic 17 miles away in Lebec, but it requires an

appointment and insurance. Urgent care is an hour away or more. For regular health care, it's off to the city. Since health care in rural areas is scarce and public transportation generally poor, the mentally ill are not getting proper treatment. When their health reaches a breaking point, they become “criminals.” Emergency mental health care in rural communities is the SWAT team from the city. Firemen/paramedic services via 911 in Kern County are limited. In Pine Mountain Club, voters agreed to extra taxes to pay for fire department-provided paramedic services. But less than 5 miles away, in Frazier Park, there are no such accommodations. When you choose to live rurally, you recognize that there will be some downsides to being far from goods and services. Besides the obvious obstacles to accurately counting the population -- fear and apathy -- in unincorporated rural areas you can add isolation. Getting a full, accurate tally of who's living off the grid and nearby will be no simple task in 2020 yet their needs must be included in all the decisions that derive from census data that can benefit their communities.

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Since 1971, historical mortgage rates for 30-year fixed loans have hit historic highs and lows due to various factors. Using data from Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), we’ll do a deep dive into what’s driven historical mortgage rate movements over time, and how they affect buying or refinancing a home. Historical mortgage rates: 1971 to 2020, refinancing boom is back. In 1971, the same year when Freddie Mac started surveying lenders, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages hovered between 7.29% to 7.73%. The annual average rate of inflation began rising in 1974 and continued through 1981 to a rate of 9.5%. As a result, lenders increased rates to keep up with unchecked inflation, leading to mortgage rate volatility for borrowers. The Federal Reserve combated inflation by increasing the federal funds rate, an overnight benchmark rate that banks charge each other. Continued hikes in the fed funds rate pushed 30-year fixed mortgage rates to an all-time high of 18.63% in 1981. Eventually, the Fed’s strategy paid off, and inflation fell back to normal historical levels by October 1982. Home mortgage rates remained in the single-digits for much of the next two decades. The mortgage rates trend continued to decline until rates dropped to 3.31% in November 2012 — the lowest level in the history of mortgage rates. To put it into perspective, the monthly payment for a $100,000 loan at the historical peak rate of 18.63% in 1981 was $1,558.58, com-

to repay your creditors with lower monthly debt payments over a 3-5 year period. Either way, the goal is to help you recover financially and help you start a new life free from the burden of excessive debt. Briefly, Chapter 7 allows you to cancel or discharge your debts but in return, you must give up whatever non-exempt assets you may have. The good news is that most people don’t have much and whatever little they have, they are often protected by the exemption laws in bankruptcy. So it is a misconception that “once you file bankruptcy, you will automatically lose everything.” The truth is that most people keep everything they have (homes, cars, bank accounts, retirement plans, etc) and they lose nothing at all. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can evaluate your case and help you plan so that you can maximize your exemptions and claim the full benefits allowed by law. Chapter 13, on the other hand, is a debt reorganization or debt consolidation plan. The court requires you to submit all your income information as well as a monthly budget to assess your ability to pay. Your Chapter 13 plan payments will be based on the surplus income as determined by the Court. Chapter 13 allows you to keep valuable property such as your home or car (although you were behind on your mortgage and car payments at the time of filing) and will stop foreclosure and repossession immediately on the day your case is filed. Credit card debts are included in your monthly payment under Chapter 13 and, in most cases, they can be significantly reduced or even totally eliminated. The only way to know if bankruptcy is right for your situation is to consult with a professional who has the knowledge and experience to advise you regarding your options under bankruptcy law. For a free office consultation, please call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos, and Valencia. (None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772).

Conserving now and preparing for this Corona Virus to get worse would be a smart idea, everyone should be aware of their surroundings and go see your doctor for any minor illness. Take advantage of these low rates, I believe your savings will be worth the extra effort you put in to refinance.; Call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group for your mortgage refinancing needs. Thanks so much for your inquiries. Call Ken 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

pared to $438.51 at the historical low rate of 3.31% in 2012. This year, interest rates are expected to stay around 3.8%, according to Freddie Mac. This is good news for consumers as home prices continue to rise. Refinancing and saving a few hundred dollars is on everyone’s mind today. Borrowers that had just refinance their loan to a 3.875% now might possibly be able to get a rate as low as 3.375 without paying any closing cost with the right loan requirements. Please call us immediately to evaluate your savings. Call now. The Federal Reserve policy maker might not have a choice on raising interest rates this year due to the many factors that is signaling that we still have a delicate job and income growth and the economy is still on egg shells and too sensitive to a rate hike. Growth data will be revised and Fed policy makers will get two more employment reports before the next meeting, monetary policy makers said Monday in a Bloomberg Television interview in Beijing. That the Dallas reserve bank’s 2020 growth forecast will still probably call for an expansion of just less than 2 percent. The Asian Corona Virus without an immediate containment will cause a significant global effect in the financial markets and this might be the reason for a recession that no one expected. We don’t see it here in the US much but all over Asia, this Virus is scaring people. Hopefully they find a cure and control the spread for all our sake.

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James Reid on ex-girlfriend Nadine: 'I still love her' MANILA – For the first time, James Reid has Reid her “security blanket.” spoken up about Nadine Lustre more than two “He’s the first person to come and rescue… weeks since they confirmed their separation I’ve learned so much from him. I’m always through a joint statement. going to be thankful that In an interview with fashthat guy came into my life, ion magazine Mega Man for no matter what happens,” its February 2020 issue, Reid she said. was quoted to have said he is Reid and Lustre had their not sure “who I am without showbiz breakthrough in Nadine yet.” 2014 v ia the big-screen “We’ve been in a love team romcom “Diary ng Panget,” for so long. And that’s been my launching one of the biggest whole life. I can’t even begin love teams among their conto think of who I am or what temporaries. I’m supposed to be outside of Both Viva artists at the that love team, which is scary. time, they successf ully And that’s why I said I got a lot transitioned to television as of figuring out to do,” he said. contract stars of ABS-CBN, But as far as aspirations go, where they starred in backReid said he would like to get to-back drama series, “On the to know himself better and beWings of Love” in 2015 and come more independent. “Till I Met You” in 2016. Nadine Lustre “People might say I’m a bit When they started filming heartless. I don’t want it to seem like me want- the latter, their onscreen romance had already ing to know who I am without Nadine is the bled into real life. That romantic milestone unonly reason. There are too many to point out, folded in February 2016, when Reid declared but that’s all I’m able to share without going his love for Lustre at the close of their joint into depth,” he explained. concert at the Araneta Coliseum. “I still love her. It’s just my perspective on While they are no longer together, Lustre love has broadened,” Reid added. previously told ABS-CBN News that she and Meanwhile, in a separate interview also with Reid continue to have a good relationship deMega magazine, Lustre said she considers spite their breakup.

Alden Richards eyes director’s chair

lden Richards is the exact deﬁnition of a breakthrough artist. Growing up, he wanted to be a pilot but his mother urged him to pursue acting instead. After his mother died, he decided to fulfill his mother’s wishes for him to support his family fi nancially and eventually decided to join various male pageants in Laguna then worked as a part-time commercial model in 2010. After doing modeling stints, bearing his real name Richard Faulkerson Jr., he auditioned and landed a role for his first afternoon soap, “Alakdana” in 2011. He showcased undeniable acting skills both in television and fi lm, the reason why he was predicted that he would be the next big star of GMA Network. And so he did not disappoint. With numbers of onscreen starrers and musical career, added to that the success of the much-talked about phenomenal love team AlDub with Maine Mendoza, Richards was able to triumph on what his mother wanted him to achieve — to be regarded as one of the country’s best actors.

with Kathryn Bernardo, also a big star from the rival television network. Richards celebrates his 10th year in the biz this year, and as humble as he is, he is on his way in doubling up his efforts for the craft that he loves so much to do. “Last year sobrang daming dumating na blessings and opportunities sa akin. Hindi po nawala yun. I mean, I have very good people behind me to give me advice kung ano yung mga magandang kunin at mga dapat hindi muna kunin for now,” Richards told members of the press during his contract signing as brand ambassador of Embassy Whiskey. “Ang daming learnings po ng 2019. Siyempre hardships, mga trials pero what keeps me going is the people

A full decade in showbiz

The year 2015 saw him rise in popularity on a different level due to the AlDub fame. But 2019 is by far considered his best year in showbiz for his portrayal of Ethan Del Rosario in “Hello, Love, Goodbye” — unquestionably the highest grossing Filipino film of all time, where he was paired

ALDEN RICHARDS

James Reid “We are good. That’s all everyone needs to know. I think the social media kasi just blew it out of proportion. Talagang medyo naging OA lang, but we are super good,” she said. She even expressed willingness to work with her ex-boyfriend in the future. “Of course. Maybe in the future.

But right now kasi, the goal talaga is to work on other stuff separately. We’ll see. Baka naman in the future, mangyari ulit iyan. But yeah, I am super open. It’s going to be a reunion teleserye for the both of us,” she said. Reid and Lustre would have marked their fourth year as a couple this month. (ABS-CBN News)

who’s behind my back — my supporters, my fans, family and of course, the people who encourage me that I can do more and be better with the craft that I am doing now,” he continued. “For 2020, sana ganun pa rin. I’m not expecting anything pero I will work hard this year, harder than I did in 2019,” Richards added. From a charming teenager when he entered the industry, Richards was seen by many viewers grow up into a full-ﬂedged leading man. Now 28, he said he is not closing any doors to take up more mature roles any time soon. “Not necessarily naman na you’ll be doing mature roles or different roles doesn’t mean hindi mo na puwedeng gampanan yung roles na nagampanan mo nung nagsisimula ka,” he pointed out. “So I’m not closing doors, I’m still going to do roles na nakasanayan sa akin makita on TV. Pero I’m opening doors to other experiences as well. So kung may offer na maganda naman yung material yet medyo malaki ang demand to be more mature in a role, siyempre I would consider it,” the actor noted.

Directing a consideration

With his success in acting — and also hosting — many are wondering what other careers he still wanted to pursue besides what he is comfortable doing. “I [still] want to be a pilot. It has always been my dream. But now since my field of work is acting, I’m looking into the possibility of directing too,” he averred. “I’ve lived my 10 years in showbiz acting, doing my job in front of the camera. So I think it’s a very interesting angle also to do things behind the camera — how is it working with an actor, with your staff and a team. It’s like how the writer writes the story, visualizes and creates the concept of the story, but then it’s the director that gives life to the story along with the actors,” he further explained. “So parang nai-imagine ko minsan na ako yung nagse-set up, I call the shots, I motivate actors kasi I’m so in love with the craft, I’m so in love with acting and I want to share it with a lot of people, yung mga tao na really wanted to do acting as well. So parang mabibigyan ako ng authority to coach someone if I’m a director and not a co-actor. Kasi I don’t usually give instructions to people especially kapag we’re on the same level as actor to actor. But if you’re a director, that’s a different story. If you’re a director, conversation-wise, you can give pointers and advice to them. So baka naman pilot-director,” he continued. Richards said he is also open to the possibility of learning how to write scripts. “I’m more on making concepts for films and shows, pero pagdating sa linyahan, medyo inaaral ko pa siyang mabuti. But with the projects that I’ve done in the past 10 years, sometimes there are directors that I’ve worked with who give authority to the actor to revise the lines. Kasi napakaganda po pag meron tayong mga katrabaho na ganun, that somehow he feels entitled to the role. “The job we’re doing kasi, siyempre iba yung pag ikaw yung actor, yung character mo mas kilala mo at masarap mabigyan ng permission to do such things when it comes to creative collaboration. So, soon baka scriptwriting din,” the debonair Alden Richards enthused. (manilatimes.net)

Entertainment STING’s "The Last Ship," a thrilling and powerful story on a community's shipbuilding resilience

Saturday-Friday | February 8 - 14, 2020

his writer has long been a fan of singer Sting's songs. So, when a sorority sister, Sonia Madsen called and asked if she can ﬁnd a good day and time for us to see "The Last Ship, The Musical," at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, we immediately booked the ticket to see it. The musical "The Last Ship," was apparently re-written. It’s about a story of Gideon Fletcher (Oliver Savile), a prodigal son returning home after 17 years at sea only to find the local shipyard his town was built on, was going out of business and Meg, (Frances McNamee), the love he left behind, has moved on. Tensions ﬂared and picket lines were drawn as foreman, Jackie White (Sting) rallies the workers to take over the shipyard and build one last ship before they give up their livelihood, Overall, the "thrilling" musicale presents powerful human elements in that it is set in a small town (Wallsend, where Sting was born), and the community bands together to save their shipbuilding business as well as their way of life. It is a love story, a tale of family and friendship, as well as a homage to the shipbuilding community where Sting grew up. It features a Tony-nominated original music and lyrics by Sting including some of his popular songs such as: "Island of Souls," "All This Time" and "When we Dance." Since its debut on Broadway in

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White." The rest of the British cast includes: Marc Akintolarin, Joe Caffrey, Matt Corner, Susan Fay, Orla Gormley, Annie Grace, Sean Kearns, Oliver Kearney, David Muscat, Tom Parsons, Joseph Peacock, Sophie Reid, Hannah Richardson and Jade Sophia Vertannes. If you're a fan of Sting and a theatre fan, as well, you have another week to catch 'The Last Ship" at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles until February 16, 2020. Please log on to ahmansontheatre.org for showtime schedules or call: 213/972-4400.

FRANCES McNamee and Oliver Savile in THE LAST SHIP

Gabby assures daughter KC: ‘I will always be here for you’

MANILA—"I will always be here for you. I love you my baby." It's a seemingly simple message from Gabby Concepcion to her daughter, KC Concepcion, especially since they had just gone out on a date — the first time they were spotted together in a while. But the Instagram post, a collage of sweet photos matched with equally saccharine quotes about love, is a curiosity to showbiz sleuths given KC's apparent tiff with her mother, Sharon Cuneta. It is still anyone's guess as to what really happened between Cuneta and KC, stemming from the latter's decision to miss her mom's birthday

celebration on "ASAP Natin 'To" last month. Cuneta has already made it clear that she does not want to talk about it, just hinting to her followers that their latest problem goes deeper than KC's absence on the Sunday variety show. Gabby made his post a day after KC had shared that they had gone out for dinner. Their date came nearly a month after Cuneta had told her eldest, in an open letter, just how much she misses her. She also asked her to not distance herself from their family, reminding her that she will always just be there for her. (ABS-CBN News)

2 01 4 , " T h e Last Ship" was re-written and d i re c te d by Lorne Campbell. The original story was w ritten by John L ogan and Brian Yorkey, .It stars the Grammy-Award winner Sting, Frances McNamee, Oliver Sav ille, and Jackie Morri- PHOTO in front of musicale's poster, Sonia Madsen son as "Peggy (left), yours truly (right).

22 20

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Health scare messes up sports events MANILA — The 10th ASEAN Para Games will be postponed for the second straight time due to the new coronavirus scare. The Philippine Sports Commission has recommended to the Philippine Paralympic Committee, the group tasked to organize the Para Games, to ask the ASEAN Paralympics Federation to reschedule the biennial event to another date due to the deadly outbreak. Also being called off are the national sports summit set in Manila late this month, the Philippine National Games slated also in Manila in May as well as all its children’s games nationwide. “I was in conversation with my immediate superior, the President, and was advised to make the necessary moves to prevent the virus from spreading so we are postponing the PNG, the national summit and all our children’s games,” said PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez in yesterday’s presser at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. “We also have a board resolution advising the ASEAN Para Games to possibly postpone it also for the safety and security of everyone,” he added. PPC president Michael Barredo and Ramirez, in fact, are flying to Thailand today to to talk to the ASEAN Paralympics Federation top officials. This is the second time the Para Games was reset after it was moved from January to next month in Clark. “We will explain to them the situation and hopefully find a solution, maybe reschedule it in May or June,” said Barredo. T he outbrea k had a l ready prompted the postponement of some international events like the Asia Ocenia Olympic boxing qualifier, which was moved from this month in Wuhan, China to next month in Amman, Jordan. There is also a chance taekwondo’s Olympic qualifier in Wuxi, China in April will be transferred to another country. Ot her internationa l events called off were women’s football’s Olympic qualifier in Nanjing, women’s basketball’s Olympic qualifier in Foshan, the Asian Indoor Athletics Championship in Hangzhou and cycling’s Tour of Hainan. The Palarong Pambansa, meanwhile, will push through as scheduled in May in Marikina. The Badminton Asia Tea m Championships set next week at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum has yet to announce if it will continue or not even as teams from China and Hong Kong are set to participate. Duterte had already ordered a total ban of all flights coming from mainland China as well as Hong Kong and Macau. Olympic hopefuls Hidilyn Diaz and Kristel Macrohon of weightlifting were also affected by the f light ban as they moved their training originally set in China to another venue. Diaz, a 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist, will train in Malaysia while Macrohon will f ly to the United States instead. “It will really be up to their National Sports Associations, but we have encouraged them to train elsewhere,” said Ramirez. (The Philippine Star

Sports

Saturday-Friday | February 8 - 14, 2020

Kansas City wins 1st Super Bowl title in 50 years ANKARA — The Kansas City Chiefs overcame a 10-point deficit to beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 Sunday in Super Bowl LIV, securing their first National Football League (NFL) title in 50 years. The Chiefs' explosive offense started the game fast at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida and Kansas City led the first quarter 7-3 thanks to their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who scored a rushing touchdown with less than a minute remaining on the clock. At the beginning of the second quarter, 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo made an interception under pressure,

turning the ball to Kansas City, who ended their drive with a field goal, taking the score to 10-3. But San Francisco responded quickly with a drive that included passing and running plays to tie the game. The first half ended 10-10 -- only the fourth time in history that a Super Bowl ended the first half with a tie score. The second half started with the 49ers receiving the ball, ending their drive with a field goal and taking the score to 13-10. In the next drive, San Francisco’s tough defense forced Kansas City to an interception which led to a 49ers drive with a

touchdown, extending their lead to 20-10. Although Mahomes made a second interception that led to a drive by the 49ers without a score, he managed to carry the Chiefs from an unanswered 17 points to a touchdown with 6:13 remaining in the fourth quarter to close the deficit at 20-17. After the 49ers failed to get a first down in their possession, the Chiefs gained momentum and scored another touchdown to take the lead 24-20 with 2:44 remaining in the game. San Francisco failed yet again to gain yards in the final two minutes of the last quarter and the Chiefs scored a running touchdown with 1:12 remaining to seal the win with 31-20. The victory marked the first Super Bowl title for Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, 61, who had 221 wins in the NFL prior to Sunday's game without a Lombardi trophy. "Nobody deserves this trophy more than Andy Reid," Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Knobel Hunt said during the Vince Lombardi trophy presentation. "Hey, how about those Chiefs?" Reid said, adding "this is a beautiful thing” after receiving the trophy. Mahomes, who became the third youngest MVP in a Super Bowl, said "we never gave up" about the great comeback. (Anadolu)

Alab Pilipinas trounces Singapore Slingers in OT thriller STA. ROSA, LAGUNA — Alab Pilipinas came alive late in the overtime period to repulse Singapore Slingers, 86-77, in their Asean Basketball League match-up at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex here on Sunday night. Losing a 16-point third-quarter lead, Alab finished the game strong, closing the overtime period on a 13-2 run to pull away for good. Nick King finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one steal to lead Alab, who is now at 8-4, a half-game behind Mono Vampire for the top spot in the team standings. Jason Brickman added 16 points, four rebounds, five steals, and two steals, while Sam Deguara grabbed 20 rebounds along with eight points, three assists, and one steal. Leon Kwek finished with 19 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Singapore, which fell to 5-6. In the first game, Formosa Dreamers finished a back-to-back schedule with an 89-80 win over Saigon Heat at the Changhua County Stadium in Taiwan. A day after beating the Kuala Lumpur Dragons, the Dreamers did the same to the Heat thanks to a solid second half that saw the home side outscoring its visitor, 26-12, in the third quarter and 8-1 in the end after the latter still put up a good

PAGEONE.ph fight for most of the fourth quarter. Anthony Tucker fired 30 points with four rebounds, five assists, and one steal for Formosa, which moved up to 8-6, a half-game behind Fubon for third place in the standings. Jerran Young added 19 points, 19 rebounds, six assists, five steals, and two blocks. Sam Thompson made 27 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block, while Tyshawn Taylor contributed 22 markers, 10 boards, five dimes, and one block for Saigon, which fell to 2-8. (PNA)

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