Pilipino Express • Feb 16 2021

Volume 17 • No. 4 • February 16-28, 2021

Publication Mailing Account #41721512

Loisa Andalio

12 10 Coco Martin & Julia Montes

Enough vaccine for all Canadians by end of September Canada expects to receive 84 million doses of the PfizerBioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines by the end of September 2021 – enough to fully vaccinate every single Canadian.

The government negotiated faster deliveries of the Pfizer vaccine to receive 2.8 million more doses than originally scheduled between April and June, and 6.2 million more doses between July and September. All 40 million of its secured doses are expected by the end of September.

Canada also bought another four million doses of the Moderna vaccine on top of the 40 million already on order, which are also expected to arrive by the end See VACCINE p4

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaking at COVID-19 briefing

Travel restrictions expanded With new COVID-19 variant detections increasing in Canada, the federal government announced on February 12 further testing and quarantine requirements for international travellers arriving at Canada’s air and land ports of entry. The new measures are intended to help prevent variants of the virus from reaccelerating the pandemic and making it more difficult to contain.

See TRAVEL p4

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Hong Kong has been a valuable source for immigration to Canada for over 150 years.

Immigrants from the former British colony have added much to Canada’s economic, social, cultural and political life. Today Canada stands in support of pro-democratic forces in their opposition to the new national security laws imposed by the Chinese government in June 2020, which criminalize secession, subversion, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts. In January of this year over 55 pro-democracy figures were apprehended. The situation is deteriorating and Canada, along with the international community, has expressed its concern and announced special measures to accommodate people affected by the crackdown and uncertainty.

Effective February 8, 2021 the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) has announced the introduced of a temporary public policy for Hong Kong residents to apply for an open work permit up to three years in duration.

“The launch of the Hong Kong immigrant pathway is a historic initiative that will attract young, talented and experienced graduates who will help to drive

VACCINE...

From page 1 of September. This brings the total number of doses of the two currently approved vaccines to 84 million.

Speaking at his regular COVID-19 briefing in Ottawa on February 12, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “That is part of the reason why we can say with such confidence that everyone who wants a vaccine in Canada, will get one by the end of September. … We’ve been continuing to work every single day on getting as many doses as

TRAVEL...

From page 1 For travellers arriving in Canada by land, as of February 15, 2021, all travellers, with some exceptions, are now required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours of arrival, or a positive test taken 14 to 90 days prior to arrival. In addition, as of February 22, 2021, travellers entering

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Canada launches open work permit for recent Hong Kong graduates

Canada’s economy forward. With flexible open work permits and a fast track to permanent residency, skilled Hong Kong residents will have a unique opportunity to develop their careers and help accelerate Canada’s economic recovery,” Minister Marco Mendicino announced. “This is a landmark immigration initiative that will strengthen our economy and will deepen the ties between Canada and the people of Hong Kong.”

To be eligible you must: • Hold a valid passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or the United Kingdom to a British National Overseas (BNO); • The work permit will be issued for up to three years from the date of approval or until your passport expires; • Have graduated no more than five years from your application submission date for the open work permit with a degree from a designated post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad, or • The diploma or certificate must be for a post-secondary course of studies for a minimum of two years; • Or have graduated from an equivalent course of studies

outside Canada, which must be confirmed by an Education Credentials Assessment (ECA) from an approved credentials assessment agency in Canada.

This list includes: Comparative Education Services; International Credentials Assessment Service of Canada; World Education Services; International Qualifications Services (IQAS); and International Credential Evaluation Service; Potential work permit applicants can apply from abroad or from inside Canada. Applicants from abroad must not only have an approved open work permit but also be able to travel to Canada with a letter of introduction for your work permit, a valid job offer, and be able to start work once you complete your 14-day quarantine in Canada. For those inside Canada, you must have valid status as a visitor, student or worker, or have applied to extend your status before it expired (“implied status”), or be eligible to restore your status.

Canada is set to roll out two other pathways to permanent residency for Hong Kong residents later this year. The first will cover persons who have at least one year of work experience in Canada, and the other for recent graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions, to apply to become permanent residents directly. The ease of application submissions and flexibility is evidence of Canada’s commitment to individuals from Hong Kong, especially for those with a history of immigration to Canada.

Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience with Immigration Canada and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with Immigration Connexion International Ltd. Contact him at 204-691-1166 or 204-2270292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail. com.

possible as quickly as possible into Canadians’ arms.”

The prime minister’s assurances come after Canada’s vaccination rollout was hampered last month when Pfizer-BioNTech announced it would cut deliveries to Canada by two-thirds between January 18 and February 14 while it was upgrading production in Belgium, and Moderna had to reduce a shipment by 20 per cent because of production problems at its European facilities.

In addition to the accelerated delivery schedule of the two approved vaccines,

Health Canada regulators are reviewing other promising vaccine candidates developed

by AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson’s, Janssen, and Novavax.

Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, said 20 million doses of AstraZeneca’s vaccine that Canada ordered will be delivered in the second and third quarters of this year, pending regulatory approvals.

Although Canada has theoretically secured more vaccines per capita than any other country in the world, it ranks 47th globally in terms of

vaccines administered, according to the University of Oxfordbased Our World in Data.

Meanwhile, the Manitoba government has entered into its own agreement to purchase two million doses of a Canadian COVID-19 vaccine currently being developed by Albertabased Providence Therapeutics.

That vaccine just began its first phase of human trials in late January with 60 adult volunteers at a clinical trial site in Toronto.

It is not expected to be ready for distribution until near the end of 2021, pending regulatory approval.

Canada at the land border will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival as well as toward the end of their 14-day quarantine.

All travellers arriving in Canada by air, as of February 22, 2021, with some exceptions, will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test when they arrive before exiting the airport, and another toward the end of their 14-day quarantine period. With limited exceptions, air travellers,

will also be required to reserve, prior to departure to Canada, a three-night stay in a governmentauthorized hotel. Travellers will be able to book their governmentauthorized stay starting February 18, 2021. These new measures are in addition to existing mandatory pre-boarding and health requirements for air travellers.

At the same time on February 22, 2021, all travellers, whether arriving by land or air, will be required to submit their travel and

contact information, including a suitable quarantine plan, electronically via ArriveCAN before crossing the border or boarding a flight.

The Government of Canada continues to strongly advise Canadians to cancel or postpone any non-essential travel, including vacation plans, outside Canada.

Foreign nationals should likewise postpone or cancel travel plans to Canada. Now is not the time to travel.

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Could Canada vaccinate all Canadians against COVID-19 by the end of this year? By December 31, 2021 New Year’s Eve? It has been a little over a year since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a “public health emergency of international concern.”

Starting in December 2019 as a cluster of undiagnosed pneumonia in Wuhan, China and promptly spreading throughout the country and beyond its national borders the following month, the pandemic has since sickened over 108 million and claimed the lives of nearly two-and-a-half million citizens worldwide. (See the table from Johns Hopkins University on this page.)

The USA has remained the epicenter of the pandemic but appears headed for control under the new presidential leadership.

They still have nearly 27.5 million cases and deaths trending to half a million. President Joe Biden has made control of this public health misery top of his agenda since his inauguration. He has appointed Dr. Anthony Fauci, the world’s acknowledged pandemic expert, his chief medical adviser and delegate to the WHO, which U.S. has re-joined. The latter move also augurs well for the global aspect of COVID-19 vaccination.

Adverse events from immunization reports As we collectively champion the need for vaccination, let me share a brief summary of the reports from the Canadian Adverse Events Following Immunization Surveillance System of Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canada Vigilance Program of Health Canada: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have distributed a total of 928,200 and 517,700 doses, respectively with a total of 651 people reporting adverse events up to February 5, 2021.

• Total adverse events: 1,568; • Majority are mild to moderate; • Serious adverse event reports: 99; • 9.5 reports per 100,000 doses administered; • Occurrence of anaphylaxis was rare; • No deaths due to vaccination were seen; • No vaccine safety issue has been identified.

Global vaccination campaign The U.N. World Health Organization said recently, “In the COVID-19 vaccine race, we either win together or lose together.”

Indeed, global vaccination against COVID-19 is the universal public health goal, although we acknowledge manufacturing, accessing, delivering and injecting billions of vaccine shots into the arms of billions of

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people on planet Earth will be a herculean logistical challenge.

The Bloomberg COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Project reported recently on the following: 1. As of February 10th, Israel and the United Arab Emirates have vaccinated 68.5 doses injected for every 100 Israeli citizens) and 47 per cent of their populations, respectively.

2. While the United Kingdom has vaccinated 20 per cent of their residents and U.S. 15 per cent, other countries are much lower, under four per cent on average, with Canada at 2.52 per cent.

3. Globally as of February 12, over 168 million COVID-19 vaccine shots had been given across 77 countries, which have limited access to seven vaccine brands. Nine more most promising vaccines in development are being followed closely.

4. The latest global vaccination rate is 5,902,851 doses daily on average. At this rate, it will take about 5.3 years to vaccinate 75 per cent of the population with a two-dose vaccine.

5. Nearly a third of the global vaccines administered – 50.1 million doses – were in the U.S.A. 6. With the U.S. population at 331 million, it means about 15.2 vaccine doses have been administered for every 100 Americans and nearly threefourths (73 per cent) of the shots delivered had been injected into the arms.

WHO’s call to global leaders In a joint statement from UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore and WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the following message was issued on February 10.

1. UNICEF and WHO call on leaders to look beyond their borders and employ a vaccine strategy that can actually end the pandemic and limit variants.

2. Of the 128 million vaccine doses administered so far, more than three quarters of those vaccinations are in just 10 countries that account for 60 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product.

3. Almost 130 countries, with 2.5 billion people, are yet to administer a single dose.

4. This self-defeating strategy will cost lives and livelihoods, give the virus further opportunity to mutate and evade vaccines, and will undermine a global economic recovery.

5. To ensure that vaccine rollouts begin in all countries in the first 100 days of 2021, it is imperative that: a. Vaccine manufacturers allocate the limited vaccine supply equitably; step up and maximize production; and transfer technology to other manufacturers who can help scale the global supply. b. Governments that have

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Vaccination a path to pandemic’s end, but not enough Cumulative COVID-19 cases and deaths

Source: Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Tracker, February 1-12, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccinations in Canada

Number of Canadians who received at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

• 1 Saskatchewan found greater than 100% efficiency by drawing extra doses from the vials.

• 2 Quebec decided to delay second doses for 90 days in order to vaccinate more initially.

• 3 The territories lack the cold storage capability for Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine; they received the Moderna vaccine on December 28 and have since been administering them.

• 4 Data from the Bloomberg COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Project.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada and Johns Hopkins University, February 8-12, 2021 vaccinated their own health workers and populations at highest risk of severe disease share vaccines through COVAX so other countries can do the same.

Indeed, global leadership is needed to increase vaccine production and attain equitable access to vaccines. Unfortunately, two global powers – China and Russia and, until recently, the U.S. – have apparently declined to support the global effort.

Many poor countries around the world stand to suffer. Through COVAX (COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access) poverty-stricken countries would have a better chance of access to vaccines and their deployment and administration.

What are some of the adverse implications when developed countries fail to heed the need for vaccines in underdeveloped nations? – not only illness and deaths and ongoing financial hardships from lockdowns, but also increased chances for the emergence of more lethal and transmissible virus variants that are vaccine resistant. Their circulation around the world would just lead to vicious pandemic cycles and their complications.

The collateral harms to children – lost schooling, more child labourers, more child brides, increased gender inequality, greater hunger, shorter lives – cannot be excused.

We know that even Canada

had its recent struggle with earlier promised supply from foreign firms. The decision to build one or more vaccine manufacturing plants is overdue.

Overdue as well is the strategy and commitment on the part of well developed countries to help vaccine producers output more for other countries to share. This includes “openly sharing vaccine manufacturing technology, intellectual property, and knowhow through the WHO COVID-19 Technology Access Pool, temporarily waiving intellectual property barriers, and expanding voluntary contracting between manufacturers and helping build additional manufacturing bases – especially in Africa, Asia, and See PANDEMIC p7

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PANDEMIC...

From page 6 Latin America – which will be essential to meet ongoing demand for COVID-19 booster shots and future vaccines.

Where is Canada in its mass vaccination drive?

Can Canada vaccinate all her residents against COVID-19 by December 31, 2021? See the table attached to this article.

The Northwest Territories and Yukon have over a fourth of their citizens already vaccinated (28.58 per cent and 25.81 per cent, respectively), notwithstanding they started much later than the provinces. Nunavut came in third place at 15.87 per cent.

The provinces range in their inoculation rates from 1.52 per cent in Nova Scotia to 3.38 per cent in Prince Edward Island.

Path to “herd” immunity It is generally accepted that vaccinating 70 to 85 per cent of a country’s population would enable a return to normality. Dr. Anthony Fauci has reiterated often.

The concept is known as “herd,” community, or population immunity. As more people get vaccinated, they start to build a collective defence against the virus so that isolated occurrences of infection burn out instead of spreading unchecked into an outbreak. Herd immunity is achieved when enough people are protected that it begins to have a measurable effect on the speed of transmission. It could even begin well before 75 per cent of the population are fully vaccinated.

Or, it is the point when outbreaks can no longer be sustained to ripple across the country and beyond national boundaries.

Today in the U.S. the latest vaccination rate averages 1,656,452 doses daily. At this rate, it will take about eight months to cover 75 per cent of their population with a two-dose vaccine.

In contrast, Canada has administered a total of 1,213,025 doses over a period of 68 days from December 14, 2020 when the first Canadian patient received her jab, effectively yielding an average of 17,838 doses daily during this interval period. Based on this initial experience, can Canada vaccinate all her residents against COVID-19 by December 31, 2021?

Let us do the arithmetic: 1. We have vaccinated 2.52 per cent of the Canadian population of 37,894,939. That is 954,952 residents. (37,894,939 x 2.52 per cent) 2. Thus, we need to vaccinate the remaining 36,939,987 Canadians.

3. If we vaccinate at least 75 per cent of these non-vaccinated to attain herd immunity, we need to vaccinate at least 27,704,990 more. (36,939,987 x 75 per cent) 4. Since two doses are required for full vaccine efficacy, we need to do 55,409,980 injections to reach herd immunity.

5. We would need to do 181,078 injections daily for 306 days non-stop until December 31, 2021.

6. If we continue with our

PILIPINO EXPRESS current pace of 17,838 injection doses daily, we are looking at 8.5 years to reach our goal. a. This might serve as a wakeup call to public health officials and political leaders; b. With the temporary disruptions being solved soon and vaccine supply being resumed, we could expect a rebound and vaccination rates could be expected to climb. c. And Canada has made more contracts to purchase more vaccines, not to mention establishing our own manufacturing capability.

The answer is obvious. We have to move now, plan and put the resources of the nation to act in unison with our public health officials and experts. We need uninterrupted supplies of vaccines, needles, alcohol swabs, personnel, budget, vaccination sites, volunteer health corps, the health care corps of the reserve and armed Forces, if need be, mobilized; and clear lines of command and action defined.

Lauren Pelley of CBC News listed the following points she had gathered from the community: 1. build up community outreach, 2. decentralize vaccination sites, 3. combat vaccine hesitancy, 4. address education, and 5. provide information for our communities, especially new immigrants and refugees I would add governments should continue to engage more community media outlets, both print and online.

Vaccination alone is not enough Questions continue to be asked even as we pursue our mass vaccination drive. Here is a summary of what vaccine scientists and public health experts have taught us to help us better understand virus behaviour and the human host response Q1. Why should I continue with the usual pandemic precautions after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

A1. The answer is to protect

yourself, the vaccine recipient, at least for a while. A vaccine’s effectiveness takes time to build up. That is, not to get sick with COVID-19 following vaccination. With the PfizerBioNTech vaccine, protection does not start until 12 days after the first shot and it reaches 52 per cent effectiveness a few weeks later. A week after the second vaccination, the effectiveness rate hits 95 per cent.

With the Moderna vaccine, protection rate is 51 per cent two weeks after the first dose and 94 per cent two weeks after the second dose.

That is not 100 per cent for either vaccine. This means one out of every 20 people who get either vaccine could still get a moderate to severe infection. Moreover, we are presently seeing new infections from new variants of the virus and scientists are closely monitoring the developments.

Q2. Can I spread the virus to others even if I am fully vaccinated with the two doses?

A2. Vaccine scientists do not have an answer yet. The data are just now being collected.

The emergency authorizations that have allowed distribution of the two new vaccines cite only their ability to keep you from becoming severely sick with COVID-19. Public health experts advise the answer is “yes” until we get the needed scientific data and knowledge.

Q3. How can one spread a virus if he or she has been vaccinated?

A3. The COVID-19 vaccines rely on bits of genetic material or virus protein – not anything that could grow into an active virus.

The concern is about whether one might still have an asymptomatic infection despite immunization but still be able to shed the virus. Imagine you have been vaccinated and you encounter SARS-CoV-2. You are much less likely to develop symptoms, but your immune system may not fight off the virus completely.

Thus, some viruses may survive,

PAGE 7 reproduce in your body, and get expelled from your nose or mouth in a breath, cough, sneeze, shout or singing. No one can be sure yet if this actually happens or if it happens often enough that you would be emitting enough active virus to sicken someone else. This is our current state of knowledge.

Q4. Why did the government regulators not demand information on infectivity before authorizing the first two vaccines?

Q4. “In a word, time,” said Dr. Larry Corey, a virologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center at the University of Washington in Seattle.

“We wanted to get an answer quickly,” Dr. Corey said, and to do so required as simple an experimental protocol as possible.

He added: “Each of the 75,000 volunteers for the clinical trials of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines had to come into a clinic; get a test for the coronavirus; get either a vaccine or a placebo shot, return for a second shot, and come back to the clinic for testing anytime in the interim if they showed any symptoms of having caught the virus. Adding in even more coronavirus tests along the way to see if the vaccinated volunteers had picked up or were transmitting the virus would have delayed the initial results considerably. And in the midst of the deadly pandemic, speed was of the essence.”

Q5. Now that I am vaccinated, can I take my mask off in a crowded room if everyone else has also been vaccinated?

A5. Not quite yet. Remember

that the two vaccines are not 100 per cent effective, and many in the research community still advise caution. Once most people are protected and there is less virus circulating in the community, the advice and restrictions on this may ease up a bit.

Q6. What is the bottom line?

A6. With the magnitude of cases and deaths still around, and until the research on shedding has yielded some answers, health care workers who attend to COVID-19 patients really want you to continue to wear a mask, keep your distance and wash your hands, even if you’ve been vaccinated.

My advice is the same.

Continue with the public health measures and especially wear a mask until vaccine scientists have the data. Especially now that new variants of the virus have been reported in all Canadian provinces. Vaccination alone is not enough, so take the precautions.

Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., O.M., LL.D., Sc.D., M.Sc., M.D. is a retired lung specialist and professor. He graduated from the University of the Philippines and did postgraduate studies/training at Washington University and the University of Manitob. He spent a sabbatical year as a visiting professor at the University of Arizona. He spoke on the “Global Threat of Infectious Diseases” at the G-8 Science Ministers and Advisors Carnegie Group Meeting held June 13-15, 2003 in Berlin, Germany.

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The New Year is always a time of reprioritizing and refocusing on the coming year. The Lunar New Year, sometimes called “Chinese New Year,” is also a time of taking great care to prepare yourself and your house for the coming shift in energies we move from one year to another.

Many special decorative items, foods, flowers and New Year items are placed around the home to welcome prosperity and good fortune in the New Year.

However, less well known is the self-preparation that also coincides with making special meals, decorating, and cleaning.

These customs are actions designed to bring good fortune and favour to you by helping you release old personal energies and creating a clear, clean slate as you pass from one year to the next.

These customs and tips can help to reset and recharge your life here at the beginning of the Year of the Ox – or any new animal year.

1. Beautify yourself The Lunar New Year is the time to take care of yourself and your looks. In fact, most Chinese and many Asians schedule their haircuts prior to the New Year. But why stop there? Maybe try a new style or colour.

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Or make an appointment for a mani-pedi or make your own athome spa day. Check with your dermatologist for a skin treatment or other enhancement to go into the new year with a rosy glow. The idea is to look your best at the start of the year.

2. Buy new clothing It’s traditional to buy new clothes this time of year, so go through your closets and discard old, torn, stained clothes and buy new clothes. It’s also a good time to replenish your staple items like lingerie and socks. And don’t forget to put something red on your shopping list to wear on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

3. Renew friendships The start of the year is a good time for fostering loving and happy feelings by remembering others and reconnecting with friends. If you haven’t spoken to a friend in some time, pick up the phone or send them a note. Find ways to renew your relationships to improve your personal and emotional harmony.

4. Reconnect with family Make plans with family to have a meal or make a date to visit one another. Schedule visits and trips and make plans to do things together in the New Year – and get it down on the calendar. It puts the

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Ways to recharge your life for the lunar new year focus on the year head and helps reconnect with your loving feelings with the people you care for the most.

5. Settle debts All money is a form of energy.

To have plenty of cash is to have full, yang energy. Debts, and payments owed, is a type of yin energy. This can become problematic especially when you owe money.

The knowledge of your debt can draw on you and pull from other opportunities until that energetic aspect of the debt has been paid. Work to make any debts whole, paying off credit cards or loans from friends or family first.

The magnetic attraction and energetic tie are also there when someone owes you money. If someone owes you money, can you let it go and release the debt?

If you’re living without the payments your friend or family member owes you, then perhaps it’s best to forgive the debt knowing your money may never be repaid, and that you are ready to release the energetic cord tying you to the debt that’s owed you.

Put simply, it’s sometimes possible to maintain another’s indebtedness to us by our attraction to what we are owed and not being able to release it. Work to finalize any debts you owe by paying them and, if possible, releasing debts that are owed to you, not for the person who owes you, but for yourself.

6. Release your mistakes Everyone makes mistakes and while you know that, can you release your own mistakes? We often forgive others much more easily than we do ourselves. Try this simple exercise.

Cut a sheet of paper into inch wide strips. Write any regret or mistakes you made in the past year on a strip of paper. Then burn each strip, throwing the mistakes into the fire one at a time, just as you made them, letting your selfjudgment and regret burn away as the paper turns to ash

Settle debts. Debts, and payments owed, is a type of yin energy. This can become problematic especially when you owe money.

7. Release old hurts This is a time when you want to release difficult times, let go of ill will, and to offer forgiveness. In short, let bygones be bygones and begin with a clear emotional plate.

Is there someone with whom you’d like to clear the air? Sometimes you can offer an olive branch of forgiveness and re-stablish fond feelings just by making a simple phone call to put your relationship back on track. Other times, the hurts are ones that you may not be able to put behind you as easily.

A simple ritual that is effective and can help release past hurts and re-charge with a Seven Flower Ritual Bath.

Set out a bottle of water and a jar of bath salts in sunlight for a full day. Next, pick seven types of flowers, and add petals from each from into a full bath in which you

have added the sun-soaked water and bath salts.

Include flower petals that are white, blue, pink, light and dark red, yellow, and purple. You may also want to add a few drops of lavender essential oil.

The petals of seven types of flowers to represent the seven chakras and the colours represent the five elements. While the sun water helps to release old hurts, the salt draws them out and the flowers recharge your body and chakras. You’ll leave the bath feeling refreshed and re-charged, and ready for the coming year.

Kathryn Weber has over 20+ years of feng shui study, practice and professional consultation.

Her witty, no-nonsense style appeals to audiences, making her a popular speaker and radio show guest. She is often called on by media to explain feng shui in down-to-earth terms, and has been featured in Seventeen, First for Women, Faces, Conceive, Martial Arts Professional, and Natural Health magazines, and on websites around the world.

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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

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• Sarah Geronimo, madalang nang lumabas sa ASAP Natin ‘To • Gretchen Barretto, forever mistress?

• Raffy Tulfo: Idol in Action, nakakainsulto ang mababang rating • Julia Montes at Coco Martin, aamin na kaya sa kanilang relasyon?

• Kris Aquino, maninirahan na muna sa probinsiya, papasukin na rin ang Tinder App • Angel Locsin, parang lobong hinihipan • Sen. Manny Pacquiao, tatakbong pangulo sa 2022?

Dahil sa madalang na paglabas ni Sarah Geronimo sa musical variety show na ASAP Natin ‘To ay nag-aalala ang mga nagmamahal kay Mommy Divine sa sitwasyon.

Nang magpakasal kasi sina Matteo Guidicelli at Sarah ay malinaw ang kanilang pinagusapan sa pamamagitan ni Boss Vic del Rosario na namagitan sa kanila.

Iniwan ni Sarah sa kaniyang pamilya ang lahat ng kaniyang naipundar, wala siyang dinala, pero habang nagsasama na silang mag-asawa ay sa kaniya na pupunta ang anumang halagang pinagtrabahuhan niya.

Ang tanging mapupunta na lang kay Mommy Divine ay ang mga talent fee niya mula sa mga gagawin niyang proyekto sa ABSCBN. Kasama na doon ang talent

fee niya sa ASAP Natin ‘To. Tanong ng isang nakausap namin, “Paano na ‘yun? Ngayong hindi muna nagre-report si Sarah sa ASAP, wala ring nakukuhang talent fee niya si Mommy Divine?

‘Yun ang kasunduan nila, di ba? Ang TF ni Sarah sa mga shows na gagawin niya sa ABS-CBN, e, kay Mommy Divine ‘yun!” tanong-opinyon ng aming kausap.

Oo nga naman. May punto ang tanong na tinanggap namin.

Habang hindi lumalabas si Sarah sa ASAP ay wala nga namang matatanggap si Mommy Divine.

Pero siguradong hindi naman ‘yun sinasadya ni Sarah. Maaaring may makatwirang dahilan ang hindi muna niya pagre-report sa programa. Isang araw ay siguradong babalik na rin siya sa See CRISTY p11

Gretchen Barretto

Photo Credit: The Old Grove Kuya Rey Photography

Sarah Geronimo & Matteo Guidicelli

Angel Locsin

Raffy Tulfo

Josh, Kris & Bimby Aquino

Celebrate love and friendship in Hello Stranger: The Movie ABS-CBN’s new generation of stars, Tony Labrusca and JC Alcantara, are saying “hello” again to the world as their mostwatched Filipino Boys Love (BL) series Hello Stranger, now a movie, is seen worldwide via iWantTFC, TFC IPTV Pay-Per-View.

Just in time for the love month, Hello Stranger: The Movie, which is the first BL Movie Valentine offering of ABS-CBN Films and Black Sheep, celebrates the love for family, friends, a stranger, and individuality, with Tony portraying again his role as Xavier and JC as Mico.

In the film, Xavier and Mico join a writing camp, where they get to know each other more. But with their friends and other people around them twist and turn them in different directions, will they be strangers no more or strangers again?

Hello Stranger: The Movie is produced by ABS-CBN Films’ Black Sheep and distributed

by Cinexpress. Catch it worldwide via iWantTFC, TFC IPTV Pay-Per-View.

Tony Labrusca & JC Alcantara

The cast of Hello Stranger: The Movie

Senator Manny Pacquiao

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2021

CRISTY...

From page 10 musical variety show *** Forever mistress ang tawag ng mga kababayan natin kay Gretchen Barretto. Sa dalawampu’t pitong taon ng relasyon nila ng businessman na

PILIPINO EXPRESS si Tony “Boy” Cojuangco ay hindi pa rin siya pinakakasalan nito. Maraming nag-aabang pero noon pa man ay lutang na ang balitang hindi ibibigay ng misis ng negosyante na si Denise Yabut Cojuangco ang kumpletong kaligayahan at titulo sa aktres.

‘Yun ang dahilan kung See CRISTY p14

Coco Martin & Julia Montes

PAGE 11

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

PAGE 12

PILIPINO EXPRESS

Feel the love with LoiNie, Kathniel, LizQuen, JaDine, and more This Valentine month, Filipinos can celebrate different kinds of love while staying at home by binge-watching romantic movies, teleseryes, and originals with their loved ones on iWantTFC. Feel the ‘kilig’ with Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte in their first iWantTFC original series about stepsiblings who unexpectedly fall in love in Unloving U, now streaming worldwide.

See LOVE p13

Ian Veneracion, Jodi Sta. Maria & Richard Yap

Janine excited for upcoming projects as a Kapamilya Award-winning actress and newly minted Kapamilya Janine Gutierrez praised ABS-CBN for continuing to produce topquality programs despite its many challenges and said it was one of the reasons she arrived at the “personal decision” to ultimately transfer to ABS-CBN. “ABS-CBN will always be ABS-CBN. Personally, I’m amazed at how, despite the situation, ABS-CBN comes up with so much quality content, at syempre, ang mga Kapamilya hindi bumibitaw. Everything is also digital. The opportunities are limitless,” shared Janine during See JANINE p13

Have more fun on Sunday nights as you watch the newest and all-original comedy game show Game of the Gens’ (GOTG) on GMA News TV. Hosted by award-winning comedian Sef Cadayona and highly talented athlete and actor Andre Paras, GOTG will surely bring unlimited good vibes as it raises the bar to a whole new level of entertainment experience for all generations.

Sef, who is known for his comedic prowess, is excited to bring their own unique spin to the show. “It’s different because all questions will come from different eras of pop culture that at times, some younger generations don’t even know existed. The See GAME p13

Sef Cadayona & Andre Paras

Loisa and Ronnie push the bounds of forbidden love in Unloving U Real-life couple Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte find themselves falling in love but doomed to stay apart as they play stepsiblings in iWantTFC’s special Valentine treat and LoiNie’s first original series titled Unloving U, which begins streaming this February.

Having to live under one roof after their parents’ marriage, Fiona (Loisa) and Alfie (Ronnie) are forced to learn how to live together as stepsiblings. With completely different personalities, See UNLOVING U p13

Loisa Andalio & Ronnie Alonte

Tawag ng Tanghalan begins fifth year on It’s Showtime The search for the best singers in the country continues as Tawag ng Tanghalan welcomes its fifth year with exciting new mechanics that will test its contenders beginning this month on It’s Showtime.

Contestants will have to be ready to belt out their songs as the new season gets more competitive with four contestants taking the stage every Monday to try and earn the top two spots or “spotlight” in order to avoid elimination and advance to the next day.

Two new singers will also be entering the competition from Tuesdays to Fridays to face off in See TAWAG p13

Janine Gutierrez

Game of the Gens brings happier Sunday nights on GMA News TV

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2021

JM Yosures

Glaiza de Castro looking forward to more years as a Kapuso The blessings just keep on coming for award-winning Kapuso actress Glaiza de Castro. After being engaged recently, Glaiza renewed her ties with GMA Network after signing another exclusive contract with the Network, February 8.

Glaiza expressed her gratitude for the Network as it continues to give her meaningful projects that inspire fans and viewers, “Being part of the shows that have brought joy, inspiration, social and cultural awareness is what makes me feel proud as a Kapuso.”

See GLAIZA p13

Glaiza De Castro

Ken Chan signs anew with GMA Network Versatile actor and leading man Ken Chan remains a fullpledged Kapuso as he renewed his exclusive contract with GMA Network, February 8.

Ken expressed his gratitude to the Network for trusting in his acting competence and for taking care of him since he entered show business.

“Yung matawag ka pa lang na “Kapuso” ay sobrang sarap na sa pakiramdam. Hindi madali ang mga pinagdaanan ko para makapasok sa showbiz industry pero binigyan ako ng See KEN p13

Ken Chan

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2021

LOVE...

From page 12 Viewers can also watch on iWantTFC the highly anticipated boys’ love (BL) movie headlined

by Tony Labrusca and JC Alcantara, Hello Stranger, which will explore the continuation of Xavier and Mico’s love story.

Those who are looking for more BL stories can also turn to the newly launched A Tale of Thousand Stars, one of several Thai series that are available exclusively in the Philippines for free.

Before love month ends, Pinoy fans will be able to stream Taiwanese star Jerry Yan’s new romantic comedy fantasy series Count Your Lucky Stars, with two episodes dropping daily starting February 22 until March 10.

Viewers can also learn about love and find laughter in another iWantTFC original, Hoy, Love You! starring Joross Gamboa and Roxanne Guinoo-Yap, and learn important relationship lessons from Iza Calzado and James Blake’s May-December love affair in Loving Emily.

Fans can also fall in love once more and binge-watch their favorite loveteams’ hit movies such as KathNiel’s The Hows of Us, LizQuen’s Alone Together, JaDine’s Never Not Love You, as well as complete episodes of their teleseryes Got to Believe, Dolce Amore, and On the Wings of Love.

Lovebirds who are into throwback classics can also watch Gimik: The Reunion and FLAMES the Movie, as well as The Achy Breaky Hearts, Dear Other Self, and Three Words to Forever.

Begin your romantic movie marathon at home by watching these movies and shows on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) or on iwanttfc.com. For inquiries and concerns about the service, users can also send a message on iWant TFC’s Facebook page or e-mail support@iwanttfc.com.

UNLOVING U...

From page 12 the two are disgusted with each other as Fiona vents to her father (Ariel Rivera) how she cannot stand Alfie’s snobbish personality.

Alfie, on the other hand, bares his feelings to his mom (Gelli de Belen) about how he wants Fiona out of the house.

Fiona’s constant bickering with Alfie, however, leads her to secretly fall in love with him as their interest in music also allows them to grow closer and develop a deep bond.

Knowing she can never be in a romantic relationship with Alfie, who also has a girlfriend, Fiona begins the process of unloving him.

Will Fiona be able to ignore her love for Alfie? How will her love for him affect their relationship with their parents?

Unloving U is directed by Easy Ferrer and also includes members of The Squad Plus, Sam Cruz, KD Estrada, and Anji Salvacion.

The official soundtrack of the series, meanwhile, is now

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

available on all online music streaming platforms and contains songs performed by Loisa, Sam, KD, and Anji such as Kaya Pala, Saves It,” and Keeps on Coming Back.

The six-episode series begins streaming for standard and premium subscribers worldwide on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) or on iwanttfc.com this month, with daily episodes. For the complete list of compatible devices, sign in instructions, and account activation, visit https:// iwanttfc.com/help#tfc-on-smarttv.

JANINE...

From page 12 her first media conference as an ABS-CBN talent, February 2.

“I really wanted to grab this opportunity and make new projects, be part of new stories, work with new people. Kahit ano pa man ang sitwasyon, masaya ako na nandito ako sa ABSCBN,” she added.

One of her first projects as a Kapamilya is ASAP Natin ‘To, the country’s longest-running musical variety show, where she was welcomed by fellow artists just after she signed a contract with ABS-CBN in January.

She also shared in the same media conference that she will be doing a teleserye and a movie under Star Cinema.

“I’m so happy to be here and to be given the opportunity to be a Kapamilya. I’m excited to get to know all of our Kapamilya, and our Kapamilya abroad,” she said.

While still mum on the details of her upcoming projects, Janine said she idolizes a lot of ABSCBN stars and hopes to work with them, such as Anne Curtis, Angelica Panganiban, Angel Locsin, Jodi Sta. Maria, Iza Calzado, and Liza Soberano.

“So many women I look up to with so many good projects.

Their teleseryes are so good and at the same time they are able to do great movies. They have had successful careers. I look up to so many stars here,” shared Janine.

Aside from them, Janine also wants to work with male Kapamilya stars such as Paulo Avelino, Enchong Dee, Jericho Rosales, JC Santos, Carlo Aquino, and Gerald Anderson.

For updates, visit www.abscbn.com/newsroom.

TAWAG...

From page 12 the first round. Whoever receives the highest score from the judges will then advance to the second round and face the two spotlight holders in a three-way battle.

The two remaining spotlight holders at the end of Friday’s episode will then have to impress the judges come Saturday as they battle each other in two rounds in order to be crowned as the weekly winner.

The competition will also be awarding P10,000 each to the two contestants with the highest scores for the day, while the singers still

have to be on their toes as they can automatically be eliminated by the gong component.

Watch the brand-new season of Tawag ng Tanghalan on It’s Showtime on Kapamilya Online Live daily on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.Viewers outside of the Philippines can also catch it on The Filipino Channel on cable and IPTV.

GAME...

From page 12 audience and the players can look forward to the fun and the energy of the show since we’re merging different generations of people together. We have great guests and contestants who will do their best to outwit one another,” he said.

Meanwhile, Andre expressed his enthusiasm to be hosting the game show with Sef. He shared, “I was shocked when they told me because I had no idea I’d be one of the hosts they would consider.

But I will do what I can to make everyone happy and proud. Also, working with Sef doesn’t feel like work. It feels like I’m hanging out with my big brother and having a great time with our guests.”

Joining them in bringing topnotch entertainment in GOTG as the Gen Dolls are Mariko, Crissy, and Mariel of former Britain’s Got Talent top act The Miss Tres.

The highly-anticipated program fuses singing, dancing, and playing games by engaging two teams against each other in three rounds namely, Tough Pick, Match Better, and List Mo Na ‘Yan. Each team is composed

of two pairs from different generations – Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Questions and topics will vary from music, dance, entertainment, fashion, and trends from the different generations that are all relatable to the young and multigenerational. The winning pair will take home the jackpot prize of P300,000.

Don’t miss the fun on Game of the Gens directed by Rico Gutierrez on GMA News TV. Viewers abroad can also catch the show beginning February 17 on GMA Life TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmanetwork. com/international.

GLAIZA...

From page 12 Aside from being a mainstay in the weekend variety show AllOut Sundays, Glaiza is gearing up for her role in the upcoming GMA series Nagbabagang Luha, which is a remake of the 1998 film topbilled by Lorna Tolentino, Alice Dixson, Richard Gomez, and Gabby Concepcion.

“I feel honoured to be chosen to reprise the role of Lorna Tolentino because she is one of the veteran actors I really look up to. She gives every role not only justice but truth and that’s always been my objective ever since. I’m looking forward to working with my co-actors, especially Gina Alajar, who was my first mentor in acting,” said Glaiza.

GMA Network management is ready to provide Glaiza the platform to continue showing her many talents that the Filpino

PAGE 13 audience have loved and supported through the years.

For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com. (30)

KEN...

From page 12

pagkakataon ng GMA para buuin ang mga pangarap ko bilang isang aktor. Proud akong sabihin na dahil sa GMA, nakagawa ako ng mga teleseryeng may mga kakaibang istorya at maraming tao ang sumaya at na-inspire.

Talagang minahal nila yung mga proyektong ginawa ko.” he said.

As a host and a performer, Ken has dabbled in various projects that made him a mainstay in various television shows. With his irresistible charm and wide acting range, Ken continues to capture the hearts of his audience.

Currently, Ken is one of the mainstays of the musicalvariety-comedy program All-Out Sundays. He is also set to headline the upcoming drama series Ang Dalawang Ikaw where his character will tackle Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

“Masasabi kong isa ito sa pinakamahirap ng character o role na naibigay sa akin ng GMA 7. Sabi ko nga, napaka-blessed ko talaga dahil nabibiyayaan ako ng mga proyektong may advocacy. Sobrang challenging niyang gawin kasi hindi lang isang tao ang ginagampanan ko dito kundi dalawa at hindi natin alam dahil baka mayroon pang ibang katauhang lalabas. Sa arawaraw na ginagawa namin ang mga eksena, sobra pa rin yung See KEN p14

PAGE 14

KEN...

From page 13

kaba ko dahil talagang mabibigat at madugo ang fight scenes,” quipped Ken. His fans should also look forward to his movie with Rita Daniela titled Huling Ulan Sa Tag-araw and the fourth season of the all-original musical competition The Clash where he is one of the Journey hosts.

Aside from these projects, the Kapuso star has now also ventured into business. He shared, “Yung blessings na binibigay sa akin ng Panginoon, ayaw kong sayangin dahil alam niyang marami akong mga taong matutulungan through my businesses. Naaalala ko noong mga 10 years old ako, sabi ko sa sarili ko na balang araw magkakaroon din ako ng sarili kong gasoline station. Nagdilanganghel nga siguro talaga ako dahil I am very proud to say na naabot ko ‘yung pangarap ko na magkaroon ng sariling gasolinahan. At bilang mahilig ako at ang buong family namin sa mga pagkain, na-inspire ako ng magtayo ng sarili kong restaurant na malapit na malapit nang magbukas, ang “Made In Wok.” GMA Network will continue to provide good projects for Ken that will further his career and stature in the entertainment scene.

Viewers abroad can continue watching Ken Chan on All-Out Sundays and catch his upcoming show Ang Dalawang Ikaw on GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.

CRISTY...

From page 11 bakit tinatawag si Gretchen na habambuhay na lang na kabit.

Masakit sa pandinig ‘yun pero tinatawanan lang ng aktres ang komento ng marami.

Sabi siguro ni Gretchen, halos tatlong dekada na ang relasyon nila ni Tony Boy, matibay na ang pundasyon ng kanilang

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

pagmamahalan kaya ano pa ang saysay ng dokumento ng kasal?

Hindi biro ang dalawampu’t pitong taon, kumpara sa maraming relasyon sa showbiz na hindi pa man nakakapangalahati ng relasyon nila ni Tony Boy ay nagkakahiwalay na. Siguro’y naging kampante na nga si Gretchen sa kaniyang posisyon ngayon.

Mas maganda nga sana kung magpapakasal sila, pero kung mayroon namang mga humaharang para maganap ‘yun ay walang ibang pamimilian si Gretchen. Tama lang ang tawag sa kaniya bilang forever mistress.

Pero maraming sumasaludo sa negosyante. May kakambal na pagtataka rin ang paghanga, dahil ilang beses nang naugnay sa ibang personalidad ang aktres pero matibay pa rin ang relasyon nila.

Pero sino ba naman tayo para humusga? Mismong ang businessman na ang nagsabi na ang dahilan kung bakit sila nagtagal ay dahil “The mama is always right,” may maihihirit pa ba ang kahit sino? *** Isang napakalaking insulto para sa mga tagasuporta ng palabang news anchor na si Raffy Tulfo ang mababang rating ng kaniyang programang Raffy Tulfo: Idol In Action sa TV5.

Kung ano ang ginagawang basehan ng mga kumpanyang naglalabas ng rating ng mga programa sa telebisyon ay isang napakalaking tandang-pananong para sa mapusong broadcaster.

Halos dalawampung milyon na ang kaniyang followers sa You Tube. Milyun-milyon din ang sumusubaybay sa kaniya sa Facebook. Ang kaniyang live viewers tuwing tanghali ay ilampung libo rin.

Iba pa ang mataas niyang suporta sa TV5, sa Cignal One PH, pero bakit kapag lumalabas na ang rating ng magkakatapatang programa ay napakababa ng kaniyang numero?

Hindi para sa kaniya ang inilalabas na sentimyento ni Raffy

Tulfo. Nalulungkot siya para sa ating mga kababayan na talagang sumusubaybay sa kaniyang Raffy Tulfo: Idol In Action, sumbungan ng bayan ngayon ang walang inuurungang broadcaster.

‘Yung effort na ginagawa ng mga kababayan natin, ‘yung panahong ibinibigay ng mga ito sa kaniya, hinahanap ‘yun ni Raffy Tulfo.

Ano raw ba ang ginagawang barometro sa pagbibigay ng rating? Hindi ba ‘yun idinadaan sa bilang ng mga tagasuporta?

Kung ‘yun ang paraan ay isa lang ang malinaw; dapat ay mataas na porsyento ang nakukuha ng kaniyang programa. ’Di, dapat ay nasa unang puwesto ang Raffy Tulfo: Idol In Action.

Pero bakit nasa ilalim ‘yun ng labanan sa rating? *** Ang gagaling talaga ng mga tagasuporta ng mga artista.

Mahuhusay silang mag-oneplus-one. Hindi na nila kailangan ng anumang gadget para lang matukoy ang anumang gusto nilang diskubrehin.

Masasaya ngayon ang mga tagahanga nina Coco Martin at Julia Montes. Sa mga retrato kasing ipino-post ni Julia sa kaniyang account ay nakakita ang mga fans ng pag-asang walang katotohanan ang matagal nang umiikot na balita na hiwalay na sila.

Pinagtagpi-tagpi nila ang mga ebidensiya na matagal nang nagli-live-in sina Coco at Julia sa pamamagitan lang ng mga inilalabas nilang larawan.

Ang malawak na garden sa mansiyon ni Coco ay minsan nang nakita sa TV habang nagdidilig siya ng mayayabong niyang halaman.

‘Yun din ang lokasyon nang i-post ni Julia ang kaniyang retrato.

Minarkahan pa ng mga fans ang malaking bato sa garden. Sa garden nga raw ‘yun ng mansiyon ni Coco.

Ganoon katinding magimbestiga ang mga fans. Ni hindi pa nga umaamin ang kanilang

mga idolo tungkol sa kanilang relasyon, live-in na agad ang opinyon ng mga tagasuporta kina Coco at Julia.

Tanong ng isang netizen, “Kailan naman kaya sila aamin na may anak na sila? 2019 pa lumabas ang balitang nanganak si Julia na si Coco ang ama, pero 2021 na ngayon, aamin na nga kaya sila?”

‘Yun ang tanong ng buong bayan ngayon. Una ay kung aamin na ba silang matagal nang magkarelasyon? Ikalawa, totoo bang mayroon na silang anak? Haharapin na ba nila ang kuwentong mayroon na silang baby na ayaw mamatay-matay?

Hanggang sa pag-iipon lang naman ng mga ebidensiya ang magagawa ng kanilang mga tagasuporta pero ang desisyon ay nakina Coco at Julia Montes pa rin kung aamin na nga ba sila.

May malalim na dahilan ang hindi nila pagharap sa katotohanan, kung totoo ngang mayroon na silang anak. Sa buhay ng mga artista ay napakahalaga ng kapribaduhan.

Walang katapat na kahit magkano ‘yun. *** Bigla naming naalala si Ali Sotto nang ipahayag ni Kris Aquino na sa probinsiya na sila maninirahan muna ng kaniyang bunsong si Bimby.

Matagal nang naghahanap ng bahay na mabibili-mauupahan si Kris na malapit lang sa dagat.

Beachfront house ang hinahanap niya.

Makagaganda kasi ‘yun sa kaniyang kundisyon, ang autoimmune disease niya, lalo na ngayong pandemya. Kailangan niya talagang lumayo sa mapolusyong lunsod.

Si Bimby lang ang makakasama niya dahil niyakap na ng kaniyang panganay na si Joshua ang buhay sa Hacienda Luisita sa Tarlac.

Ang dating pangulong Noynoy ang kasama doon ni Josh. Sila na talaga ang sanggang-dikit. Sila ang palaging magkalaro sa computer games. Dadalaw-dalawin na lang

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2021 ito ni Kris.

Ganoon ang buhay na gusto ng mga artista. Napakasarap nga namang mabuhay na walang mga matang nakasunod sa kanila. Mayroon man dahil hindi maiiwasan ay kanilang-kanila pa rin ang kapaligiran.

Maraming naiinggit sa buhay ni Andi Eigenmann na mas piniling mamuhay sa Siargao. Ito ang namamalengke, naglilinis at nag-aalaga ng kaniyang mga anak.

Hindi naman natin maaasahang mamamalengke rin si Kris. Siyempre’y bitbit din nila ni Bimby ang kanilang mga kasambahay sa probinsiya.

Pahinga lang talaga ang hanap ni Kris.

Siguradong magpapakasarap sila sa paliligo sa dagat.

Napakahilig sa tubig ng kaniyang mga anak, at mapapadalas na ang pagpo-post ni Kris sa IG niya dahil mayroon siyang sobrasobrang panahon sa paninirahan pansamantala sa probinsiya.

Ganoon ang peg ni Tom Cruise. Mayroon itong mansiyon sa lunsod pero mas gusto nitong manirahan sa bundok. Doon lang daw nito natitikman ang tunay na buhay dahil kaniyang-kaniya lang ang mundo.

Mainspirasyon ang pamumuhay ng sikat na Hollywood actor sa kabundukan.

Walang TV, walang kahit ano, pati ang kaniyang pagluluto ay sa pamamagitan ng mga bato at kahoy.

“This is life. There’s nothing compared to communing with nature,” masayang paglalarawan pa ng sikat na Hollywood actor habang hawak ang isang buong manok na iniluto nito sa loob ng isang timba. *** Gising na gising na naman ang mga bashers ni Kris Aquino.

Nakasilip na naman ng butas na masisilip ang mga ito para husgahan ang aktres-TV host.

Nagpaalam kasi si Kris kay Bimby na papasukin na niya ang Tinder app. Pumayag naman ang kaniyang bunso. Agaran na siyang tinawag na desperada ng kaniyang mga bashers dahil sa ganoong paraan na raw siya maghahanap ng karelasyon.

Bukas ay singkuwenta anyos na si Kris. Sa kulturang Pinoy ay nasa edad na siya ng naghahabol ng huling biyahe. Mahigit na isang dekada na rin kasi siyang walang boyfriend.

May mga palutang noon na naging magkarelasyon sila ni Mayor Herbert Bautista, pero si Kris lang naman ang nagbibigay ng ganoong insinwasyon. Walang anumang kumpirmasyong nanggaling sa aktor-pulitiko.

Pagkatapos ng relasyon nila ni James Yap ay wala nang naugnay kay Kris. Maraming kuwentokuwento, pero wala namang nagtuloy-nagkatotoo.

Hindi puwedeng husgahan si Kris bilang desperada. Hindi pa naman nagsasarado ang pintuan ng pakikipagrelasyon para sa kaniya. Takdang panahon lang ang kailangan niyang hintayin.

Ang hindi lang nakaganda sa kaniyang pakikipagrelasyon ay hindi maganda ang kanilang See CRISTY p15

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2021

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 15

Creating Health Chiropractic The Manitoba government has shown its support to both the Chiropractic profession and Massage Therapists by allowing us to stay open for the needs of our patients.

Our patients need our help.

Due to high levels of stress, poor ergonomics from working at home, challenged fitness levels due to reduced recreation options, our patients are sore, tight and expressing all kinds of nerve system irritations.

We are masked, social

CRISTY...

From page 14 paghihiwalay.

Palaging nagkakaroon ng kontrobersiya.

Kay Kris nagmumula ang mga kuwento.

Kapag ganoon ang palaging nagaganap ay matatakot talaga ang mga kalalakihan. Kahit gustunggusto na siyang makarelasyon ay magdadalawang-isip.

Bekengenemen. *** Kaarawan ni Kris Aquino noong February 14. Singkuwenta anyos na ang aktres-TV host.

At kapag malapit na ang ating kaarawan, kapaniwalaan nang malapit tayo sa disgrasya, tulad ng nangyari kay Kris.

Naaawang-naiinis na komento ng isang kakuwentuhan namin, “Kasi naman, katali-talino niyang tao, pero kung anu-ano ang pinaniniwalaan niya! Maglagay ba naman siya ng uncut rose quartz sa bathtub niya, natural, matalim ‘yun!

“Napakanipis pa naman ng balat niya. Kaunting gasgas lang, nagkakasugat na siya. Ano tuloy ang napala niya?” komento ng aming kausap.

May punto naman ito, sobra nga ang paniniwala ni Kris Aquino sa kung anu-anong paraan ng paggamot sa kaniyang mga nararamdaman, samantalang marami naman siyang doktor.

Mayroon siyang malaking parang Christmas tree noon sa kaniyang sala. Ang mga nakasabit doon ay retrato ng mga taong may mahalagang papel na ginagampanan sa kaniyang buhay at career.

Mga larawan niya ‘yun kasama ang mga ehekutibo ng ABSCBN, ng mga itinuturing niyang bestfriends, pero nagkaroon ba ‘yun ng positibong resulta sa kaniya?

Pinagsaraduhan siya ng mga pintuan, bintana at pati bubong ng ABS-CBN. Nagkaroon sila ng problema ng mga kaibigan niya. Iilan na lang ang natitirang nakakaalala sa kaniya ngayon, kaya hindi naging epektibo ang sinunod niya sa feng shui na Christmas tree.

Tama na ang sobrang paniniwala sa palakang may kagat na pera, sa pusang kaway nang kaway para diumano lumapit ang patung-patong na suwerte.

distancing as much as possible and cleaning consistently to ensure your safety. You will be asked screening questions upon booking, but this is to keep every one safe.

Our team is here for you!

Dr. Crystal Paculan and Dr. Gerald Tole Call us at 204-253-1900 Creating Health Chiropractic 100-600 St. Anne’s Road Winnipeg, Manitoba

Happy birthday, Kris! *** Dahil sa kaniyang programang Iba ‘Yan ay naimpluwensiyahan na si Angel Locsin ng buhay sa kabukiran. Marami siyang naiinterbyung magsasaka, naghahalaman at nag-aalaga ng mga hayop. Nag-iikot siya sa buong bansa, kaya siguro pangarap niyang bumili ng lupa ngayon para gawin niyang farm.

Pero hindi pangkomersiyal ang plano niya. Mag-aalaga siya ng mga hayop para lang sa kanilang mga pangangailangan. Ngayon pa lang ay nag-aaral na siya tungkol sa pagmamanukan.

Walang kasingsarap ang buhay sa bukid. Paggising mo pa lang ay maganda na ang mundo mo. Hahampasin ka ng sariwang hangin. Mabango ang paligid lalo na kapag namumulaklak na ang palayan.

Ang nakakatuwa pa ay papangalanan niya ang mga alaga niyang manok. Gagawin niyang parang mga aso. Puro pangalan ng mga kaibigan niya ang ibibigay niya sa mga manok.

Sa haba na ng panahon ng pagharap sa mga camera, pagpi-pictorial, pagso-show at interbyuhan ay kitang-kita na ang kasabikan ng mga artista sa pribadong buhay.

Si Coco Martin nga, inupahan nito ang katabing lote ng kaniyang mansiyon, ginawang gulayan.

Nakita na namin ‘yun, kumanta ka ng Bahay-Kubo at kumpleto sa pananim na gulay ang action star.

Mayayabong ang kaniyang mga pananim.

Si Andi Eigenmann ay maligaya na ngayon sa buhayprobinsiya. Lumayo na ito sa ingay at kontrobersiya. Hindi mababayaran nang kahit magkano ang kaligayahan ngayon ng aktres.

Tama ang desisyon ni Angel Locsin. Panahon na para paghandaan niya ang kinabukasan nila ng mapapangasawa niyang si Neil Arce. Kailangang mayroon silang nauuwiang farm kapag ang stress nila sa lunsod ay hanggang leeg na.

May madyik ang kalikasan na kahit mga doktor ay hindi kayang ipaliwanag. May kaligayahang ibinibigay ang buhay sa kabukiran na hindi natin ipagpapalit sa anuman. *** Tinawagan kami ng isang

kilalang direktor kahapon nang umaga. Nag-aalala ito para kay Angel Locsin. Kailangan na raw sigurong magpa-executive checkup ang aktres.

Sabi ni direk, “Nasusubaybayan ko ang mga activities ni Angel, walang nakaliligtas sa akin. Pero ramdam ko na araw-araw, e, para siyang lobong hinihipan!

“Sobrang palaki na siya nang palaki! Nababasa ko ang mga bashing sa kaniya sa social media.

She should not take it against the bashers. Pakinggan niya dapat ang mga namimintas sa kaniya.

“This is no joke! Ako man ang magdirek sa kaniya sa Iba ‘Yan, e, wala rin akong milagrong magagawa! Director ako, tama,

pero hindi ako magician.

“Alangan namang bigyan na lang siya ng extreme closeup palagi, hindi puwede ‘yun!

Si Angel dapat ang gumawa ng paraan para hindi magtuluy-tuloy ang paglobo niya!

“More than anything, e, nagaalala ako para sa health niya.

Obese na siya. If Sharon Cuneta na mas malapad pa than her before, e, nagkaroon ng discipline, she can also do it dahil mas bata siya!” nag-aalalang komento ni Direk.

Ang panglaban ng aktres ay ang ganda ng kaniyang mukha.

Hindi na pinapansin ang sobrang bigat ng kaniyang timbang. Tutal naman ay bawing-bawi ‘yun ng kaniyang kagandahan.

Pero pinakamahalaga nga ang kalusugan. Napakalapit sa pagkakasakit ng mga sobra-sobra ang timbang. ‘Yun ang ipinagaalala ng mga kababayan natin para kay Angel.

Sa pinakahuling larawan niyang lumabas na nakabulaklakin siyang bestido ay parang namalikmata ang isang kaibigan namin. Kundi pa nito binigyan ng close-up ang retrato ay pinagkamalan nitong sina Karla Estrada at Rosanna Roces si Angel.

“Ngayon ko lang siya napagkamalang iba. Ibig sabihin, malaking-malaki na nga si Angel Locsin sa tingin ko,” sabi ng See CRISTY p18

PAGE 16

OUR HEALTH PILIPINO EXPRESS

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2021

Common questions about COVID-19 vaccinations answered Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool, along with wearing a cloth mask, socially distancing and good hand hygiene, to help stop the ongoing pandemic. As wide-scale vaccination efforts continue, many people have questions about the vaccines. Mayo Clinic’s Vaccination and Distribution Workgroup has answered some of the most common questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

If I am vaccinated and develop side effects, should I get tested?

While many people do not have reactions after vaccination, it is normal if you do. It does not mean you have the COVID-19 infection. If you have a reaction, take some time to rest and allow your body to recover.

These reactions should not keep you from going to work or doing other activities. However, stay home if you have a fever. It is not necessary to have a COVID-19 test or to quarantine.

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

For the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, you may experience some mild side effects, primarily injection site pain, fatigue, and chills. These symptoms got better without medical care, and usually within 24 to 48 hours.

Second doses of the Pfizer/ BioNTech and Moderna vaccines should still be given, even if you had one of these reactions after the first dose.

Is it safe to use feverreducing pain medications like acetaminophen before or after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

Whether you’re receiving your first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, do not take fever reducing and pain medications such as Tylenol, Feverall, and ibuprofen before being vaccinated just to prevent reactions that haven’t yet happened. Doing so may dampen your immune response. If you do have a moderate headache or body ache as a reaction to being vaccinated for COVID-19, you can take such medications as needed to treat that pain.

Should I delay my COVID-19 vaccine if I am scheduled for surgery?

There is no need to postpone being vaccinated for COVID-19 until after your surgery. Any side effects, such as fever, that may occur from being vaccinated for COVID-19 the vaccine would resolve within seven days. Most side effects resolve within three days.

Mayo does not recommend that you schedule your vaccination for COVID-19 within a few days of your surgery, especially the second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines for COVID-19.

About 15 per cent of people will experience a fever after the second dose of these vaccines. For the first dose, less than one per cent will experience a fever.

If you check in on the day

of surgery and you have a fever, you may need to reschedule your surgery. A fever immediately after surgery raises concerns about a surgical wound infection, so it’s ideal if you can allow a week between being vaccinated for COVD-19 and surgery, especially for the second dose.

Can someone who is vaccinated still transmit the COVID-19 virus?

It’s not yet known whether a person who is vaccinated for COVID-19 can get an asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and spread that infection to another person.

Those vaccinated for COVID-19 must practice the same safety precautions as those who are not vaccinated for COVID-19.

This includes wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and washing their hands frequently.

What is known is that COVID-19 vaccines are 95 per cent effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection.

Were COVID-19 vaccines developed using fetal tissue?

Neither the Pfizer/BioNTech nor Moderna vaccines for COVID-19 contain fetal cells, and fetal cells were not used in their development or production.

In two animal studies, researchers performed laboratory testing of the vaccines using historically harvested fetal cell lines. However, both animal studies were conducted after these

vaccines were already in phase 3 clinical trials.

Should I delay getting COVID-19 vaccine if I’ve received another type of vaccine recently?

Mayo Clinic experts suggest that you consider delaying your vaccination for COVID-19 if you’ve received another vaccine within the past 14 days. You also should wait a couple of weeks after being vaccinated for COVID-19 to receive a different vaccine, like the flu vaccine.

While there is no reason to believe that one vaccine will interfere with another, when

COVID-19 vaccines were being studied, research volunteers did not receive vaccines at the same time or within two to four weeks of being vaccinated for COVID-19. If you have a reaction after being vaccinated, separating vaccinations helps to correctly identify which vaccine may have been responsible.

Mayo Clinic experts have no concerns with the safety or effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines for those who choose to be vaccinated for COVID-19 despite a recent vaccination.

Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network

you moving, even if it’s in small increments,” adds Dr. Pollak. For instance, parking farther away from the grocery store entrance or taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator can count toward your fitness goals.

But don’t fret if you miss a day here or there. “There are going to be periods in your week and in your month when that’s not possible. So, cut yourself some slack. And then just start fresh the next week.”

Lighten your load Stress can be a trigger for many people, which can increase your

blood pressure and lead to other unhealthy habits, such as smoking, difficulty sleeping and overeating.

Dr. Pollak recommends making mindfulness a part of your daily routine as well as activities to help you relax. “It can be challenging but try to reduce your stress and anxiety. Stop smoking. Consider massage or yoga, or meditation.

Make a cup of tea and curl up with a good book. Be thoughtful about the choices you make daily because your heart will thank you.”

– Cynthia Weiss. Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network

Five tips to love your heart Heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S., with over 655,000 dying annually, according to the American Heart Association. In an ongoing effort to raise awareness around heart health and help prevent heart disease, February is recognized as Heart Month.

Dr. Amy Pollak, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, says it’s a great time to show yourself some love and offers her top five tips to keep your heart – and your body – in shape.

Know your numbers Aiming to maintain a healthy weight is important, but it is important to be aware of other numbers, especially your blood pressure.

“While many of us know what we weigh, we may not be as aware of things like our blood pressure or cholesterol, which can significantly increase our risk for heart attack or stroke,” says Dr. Pollak.

She says you should check your blood pressure two to three times a week. “You don’t know if it’s high or if it’s at goal, unless you’re checking it.”

Feed your heart Research shows consuming food high in sugar, salt and saturated fat can increase the risk for heart disease. But it’s often difficult to change your eating habits.

Dr. Pollak says embracing a Mediterranean diet is the way to go: • Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables. Besides being low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, fruits and vegetables are full of important vitamins and minerals.

• Use olive oil when you cook or in salads instead of mayonnaise or other rich condiments.

• Eat at least one serving of fish per week. Mayo Clinic’s

website and the American Heart Association’s website feature many recipes.

• Cut the salt – and the sugar.

As good as it tastes, Dr. Pollak says too much sodium can cause high blood pressure. Avoid processed foods, and stock up on a variety of herbs and spices to use in your cooking.

A diet that is low sugar is important, too. Monitoring your blood sugar levels is especially important if you have diabetes.

Move more “Keep your heart healthy by getting active,” says Dr. Pollak.

American Heart Association guidelines recommend 150 minutes a week of moderateintensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity. “Ideally, the goal would be five times a week, but it’s important to find something – anything – you love to do that gets

What to do if you have any Covid-19 symptoms Anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 should self-isolate and visit www. manitoba.ca/covid19/ to use the online screening tool, or call Health Links–Info Santé at 204788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888315-9257 for health guidance on how to seek testing.

Symptoms may include: • Cough • Headache • Fever/ chills • Muscle aches • Sore throat/ hoarse voice • Shortness of breath/ breathing difficulties • Loss of taste or smell

• Vomiting, or diarrhea for more than 24 hours • Poor feeding if an infant • Runny nose • Fatigue • Nausea or loss of appetite • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) • Skin rash of unknown cause

While many people will develop only mild symptoms, some groups appear to be more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Those at higher risk typically develop more serious, even fatal, symptoms such as pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and kidney failure.

High risk groups include those: • 60 years of age and older • living with chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart, renal or chronic lung conditions) • with weakened immune systems (e.g. cancer) Symptoms of COVID-19 or other coronaviruses may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus.

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2021

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 17

EH KASI, PINOY!

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

KROSWORD

NO. 363

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

PAHALANG 1. Pebrero ang buwan nito 8. B_____, kuripot 9. Parokyano 11. Siyudad sa Bicol 12. Talino 14. Pamaypay 16. Ikatlong nota 17. Nawaglit 18. Depekto 20. Joel ______, dating artista 21. Pakay 22. ___ Tok 23. Kakambal ng kanin 27. Tagapagpagunita 30. Uri ng bubong 31. Tanod 32. Pananong 33. Sinauna 34. Nangangatal PABABA 1. Responsabilidad 2. Paligid ng lungsod 3. Yayari 4. Itakas 6. Iduwal 7. Ligalig

10. Panghalip 13. Lula 15. Sinulid 16. Pagkakaroon 18. Matapik 19. Kumpas 21. Likha 22. Hawak 24. Biyuleta 25. Maalat na butil 26. Unlapi 28. ’di kanila 29. Tuwi-tuwina

SAGOT SA NO. 362

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2021

CRISTY...

From page 15 aming kausap.

*** Isang source na hindi nanununog at nangunguryente ang nagbulong sa amin na sigurado na ang pagtakbo sa panguluhan sa 2022 ni Senador Manny Pacquiao.

Ang unang lumabas na balita ay si Pacman ang makaka-tandem ni Mayor Sarah Duterte, pero biglang nagbago ang ihip ng hangin. Ang Pambansang Kamao na pala ang tatakbong pangulo.

Siguradong makakatikim ng bashing ang senador-boksingero kapag pumutok na ang kaniyang plano. Sa tindi ng teknolohiya ngayon ay tiyak na manginginain ng bashing si Pacman mula umaga hanggang hatinggabi. Panigurado na ‘yun.

Tanong ng isang kaibigan namin, “Parang napakalaking paglundag naman yata ang ambisyon ni Senator Pacquiao.

Sana, makapagserbisyo pa muna siya bilang senador, hindi ganiyan na tatakbo na siyang presidente!

“Hindi naman boxing arena ang election na anytime niyang gustong lumaban, mag-eensayo lang siya, tapos, boksing na!

Mukhang mali ang decision niya!

Magpahinog naman muna sana siya!” komento ng aming kausap.

Totoong marami pang bigas na dapat isaing at kainin ang Pambansang Kamao sa mundo ng pulitika. Sa sukatan ng ating mga kababayan ay kulang na kulang pa siya.

Iba ang kinagisnan niyang mundo ng boksing sa pulitika.

Hindi ito palakasan ng suntok.

Kapasidad sa larangan ng batas ang barometro sa serbisyopubliko.

Pero heto na naman ang papel na ginagampanan ng destiny sa ating buhay. Paano nga naman kung nang ipanganak si Pacman ay nakaguhit na sa kaniyang palad ang pagiging pangulo?

Sino ba ang mag-aakala na ang dating nagtitinda ng pandesal sa GenSan ay magiging sikat na boksingero pala sa buong mundo at sino rin ang mag-iisip na ihahatid pala siya ng kasikatan niyang ‘yun sa Senado?

Kung hindi na magpapalit ng desisyon si Senador Manny Pacquiao sa pagtakbong pangulo ay kailangan na niyang ihanda ang kaniyang sarili sa mga pamatay na suntok ng kaniyang mga makakatunggali sa posisyon.

Titilad-tilarin siya. Susukatin ang kaniyang katalinuhan. Ang entablado ng pulitika ay hindi parang boxing arena na oras na bumagsak na ang kaniyang kalaban ay iaangat na ang kanan niyang kamay at susuutan na siya ng championship belt.

Nanang kupo!

– CSF

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2021

PILIPINO EXPRESS

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2021