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PH bans entry from US, 6 more countries due to new COVID-19 variant by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FOLLOWING a recent ban on foreign travelers from the United States, the Philippines has expanded the restrictions to six more countries to prevent the transmission of a new, more infectious COVID-19 variant. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, January 6, approved the recommendation of the country’s Departments of Health and Foreign Af-

DATELINE

fairs to include Portugal, India, Finland, Norway, Jordan, and Brazil on the travel ban list. Foreign passengers who have been in any of the aforementioned countries within 14 days prior to their arrival in the Philippines cannot enter the country from January 8 to 15, 2021. However, foreign diplomats and officials from international organizations are exempt from the restriction. “Local/accredited foreign diplomats and international or-

ganizations such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations shall be exempted from quarantine protocols provided they will undergo RT-PCR test upon arrival at the airport, execute an undertaking, and observe strict 14-day quarantine,” the country’s Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) said Wednesday. Foreign dignitaries who

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PH Senate to probe govt’s vaccine campaign

USA

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

California issues new health order to ease ICU levels

AS California continues to record coronavirus infections, the state’s Department of Public Health (CDPH) on Tuesday, January 5 issued a new public health order to reduce pressure on strained hospital systems and redistribute the responsibility of medical care across the state so patients can continue to receive lifesaving care. “If we continue to see an alarming increase of COVID-19 patient admissions at hospitals statewide, some facilities may not be able to provide the critical and necessary care Californians need, whether those patients have COVID-19 or another medical condition,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “This order helps ensure that patients continue to

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi

COVID-19 protections, minimum wage raise and criminal justice reform NEW year, new laws. On Jan. 1, a flurry of new laws came into effect in California. Some of these laws were set in motion years ago and were simply on the docket, but many of these new laws reflect the unique trials and tragedies brought forth the previous year: especially, the coronavirus pandemic, the economic fallout of the pandemic, wildfires and criminal justice. The pandemic has especially influenced the new set of laws, which seek to quell outbreak surges in places like Los Angeles County, which has experienced increases of in-person gatherings and record-shattering increases in infection, hospital capacity and death due to COVID-19. Hundreds of bills were signed into law and scheduled to take effect in 2021 — such as new protections for student loan borrowers

THE Philippine Senate will continue with its inquiry into the government’s vaccination program, despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat of a “little crisis” should the senators insist on investigating the unauthorized inoculation of his security detail with an unregistered COVID-19 vaccine. However, Philippine Senate President Vicente Sotto III clarified that the Committee of

Whole’s probe would not focus on the early vaccination of members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG). He also said that the PSG members would not be invited into the hearing. “The topic of my hearing is the roadmap for the P72.5 billion for vaccines. Who in heaven’s name told (Duterte) I’m calling for the PSG? I think the president is being misled,” Sotto said Tuesday, January 5. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon pointed out that while Duterte can invoke

executive privilege to prevent the PSG from appearing in a hearing, he has no power to stop Congress from eliciting information in aid of legislation from other resource persons. “The president, in effect, is invoking executive privilege. It is a recognized power of the president. It is a valid exercise of the power of the President under EO 464, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in the case of Senate of the Philippines vs Ermita,” Drilon told Senate reporters.

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DFA sees new spike in infections among overseas Filipinos by AJPRESS

THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday, January 6 recorded five new confirmed COVID-19 cases u PAGE A4 among Filipinos abroad. The day before, the agency reported observed another spike as it logged 67 additional infections. The two-day numbers bring the total tally to 13,001, of which 3,631 are currently undergoing treatment. The agency also reported 56 new recoveries on Tuesday, January 5 and Wednesday, workplace raising the official number of recovered and

New year brings five new laws in California

BACLARAN DAY. Police officers remind churchgoers to observe safe physical distancing outside the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Parañaque City on Wednesday, January 6 as devotees attend the year’s first Wednesday Mass. Devotees visit the church every Wednesday to attend Mass and pray the novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

discharged patients to 8,446. Meanwhile, the death toll remained at 934 as no new fatalities were recorded by the DFA. “The DFA, together with its Foreign Service Posts, remains fully committed to monitoring and assisting our nationals abroad amidst this ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic,” the agency said. Overall by region, Europe – which comprises 20 countries – has recorded 1,794 Filipino cases, including 339 undergoing treatment, 1,337 recoveries and 118 deaths. The Middle East and Africa, covering 33

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Vilma Santos-Recto to refile bill seeking new ABS-CBN franchise by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

PHILIPPINE Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto on Monday, January 4, said that she will refile a bill seeking to give broadcast giant ABS-CBN a fresh 25-year franchise. “I am refiling the bill seeking for the renewal for another 25 years of the ABS-CBN franchise. I filed it the last time and I continue to believe that it is the right thing to do,” she told Inquirer.net in a text message. Santos-Recto’s statement came after Philippine Senate President Vicente Sotto III filed Senate Bill No. 1967, which seeks to give ABS-CBN a fresh legislative franchise, citing the importance of television as the main source of information for most Filipinos. Philippine Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto u PAGE A3 Inquirer.net photo u PAGE A3

90 Filipino healthcare workers in US succumb to COVID-19 by CRISTINA

ELOISA Inquirer.net

BACLIG

A STUDY by The Guardian and Kaiser Health News showed that over a third of the number of healthcare workers who died in the United States due to COVID-

19 are immigrants. Most of them were from the Philippines. Market and consumer data company Statista cited the study in a report published on Tuesday. According to data cited by

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january 8-14, 2021 • nOrCaL aSIan jOurnaL

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From the Front Page

PH bans entry from US...

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shall observe existing testing and quarantine protocols upon arrival, as well as those with medical and emergency cases, including their medical escorts, are also exempted. The six new countries joined the list of countries under the Philippines’ travel ban, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Australia, Israel, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Switzerland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Lebanon, Singapore, Sweden, South Korea, South Africa, Canada, and Spain. Filipino nationals coming from the countries covered by the travel ban are permitted to enter the Philippines, provided that they undergo a 14day quarantine regardless of a negative COVID-19 swab test result Meanwhile, travelers from countries not included in the travel ban list will be “endorsed to the Local Government Units (LGU) upon yielding negative RT-PCR results at the point of entry.” “Despite negative results, LGUs are strongly urged to ensure that travelers complete their 14-day quarantine period either at a facility or at home,” the DOH said. ‘Regularly updated’

The DOH on Tuesday, January 5, said that the list of countries included in the Philippines’ travel ban will be “regularly updated.” “The list of countries included in the travel restrictions shall be regularly updated to include countries who will officially report the detection of the variant,” the agency said. The DOH added that it will make recommendations, along with the DFA, on which countries should be included in the travel ban. A new country may be banned if its government reports the detection of the variant in its official channels, or makes an official notification to the International Health Regulations. “Unofficial reports, including those reported by media outlets, do not qualify as official sources and therefore cannot be used as basis in recommending travel restrictions from a specific country,” the DOH said. Bello: Expanding travel restrictions to OFWs being studied The IATF, meanwhile, is studying the possibility of including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the travel ban. “Right now, if the traveler is coming from the 21 countries, he will not be allowed to enter. The only exemption is if you’re

an OFW but there is a move that even OFWs will be included but it’s still being studied,” Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in a virtual forum on Monday, January 4. So far, no OFW has caught the new strain, according to Bello. “Once we find an OFW contaminated by this new COVID19 variant, this might be a factor that will move the IATF-EID to consider including them in the restriction,” he added. The labor chief also revealed that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is concerned about the shortage of quarantine facilities for OFWs. “I just had a meeting with OWWA administrator Hans Cacdac and he is apprehensive that we’ve run out of quarantine because we are repatriating at least 1,000 to a maximum of 3,500 OFWs a day,” Bello said. A total of 327,511 OFWs have been repatriated since the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs started its COVID-19 repatriation flights in 2020. Of the figure, 231,537 were land-based OFWs coming from at least 90 countries while 95,974 were seafarers from more than 150 cruise ships, oil tankers, and other bulk vessels. n

BACK TO WORK. Passengers queue at the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3) North Avenue Station in Quezon City on Monday, January 4. Many businesses and offices have resumed operations on the first working day of the year after the long holidays. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

PH Senate to probe govt’s vaccine... PAGE A1 “But to investigate in aid of legislation is also a valid exercise of legislative power. There is no preventing Congress from eliciting information in aid of legislation from other resource persons. Congress can exact information on matters that can help it craft better legislation,” he added. On Monday, January 4, Duterte warned Congress against investi-

gating the PSG, insisting that the inoculation was a matter of “selfpreservation.” “To me, it’s a matter of selfpreservation. Iyan lang (That’s all). Whatever be your objection, whatever be your criticism, para sa akin (for me), it is a matter of preservation. And I would like to call on Congress na hindi naman ako nakikiusap. Ang ano ko lang diretso na salita na (I am not making an appeal. I want to tell you straight) do not tinker with the PSG,” he said in a taped speech. ‘Shut up’ Duterte said that he is not keen on allowing PSG commander Brig. Jesus Durante III and other PSG members to attend the Congress’ hearing. “I will not elaborate on it but do not force my hand to meddle into this affair because maybe I will not, I am not so keen about allowing Durante and the rest of the PSG to testify,” he said. He added, “If they will be called to testify in Congress… then I would ask the PSG to just shut up. Do not answer. Invoke the right against self-incrimination and you will not get anything.” The President threatened the Congress that there will be a “crisis” if the Congress decides to cite the PSG in contempt and detain them. “Huwag mo silang pakialaman (Don’t interfere) because… Two things may happen: I will ask them to shut up and not to answer any question, and I’m not threatening, please do not cite them in contempt by detaining them, I will not allow it.,” Duterte said. “Pag ginawa ninyo ‘yan (If you do that), there will be a little crisis. Nasa inyo (It’s up to you). I am prepared to defend my soldiers. I will not allow them for all of their good intentions to be brutalized in a hearing,” he added. Senate’s responsibility According to Senator Francis Pangilinan, it would be the Senate’s decision whether or not to focus on the PSG’s early immunization. “What’s important to me is to ensure that the vaccine rollout should be orderly, fair, safe and effective and find out if the government is indeed prepared for it,” he said. “If the different agencies of the Executive branch are not yet ready and are going their own ways in different directions, it is the responsibility of the Senate under the Constitution to serve as a check and balance and investigate this,” the senator added.

Earlier, the Senate adopted Pangilinan’s resolution to convene into a Committee of the Whole to conduct a legislative probe into the government’s vaccination program. Senator Risa Hontiveros, for her part, stressed that it is the Senate’s duty to open an inquiry into the government’s plans. “We would be remiss in our duty if we did not pursue this…. Kung may isang branch of government na nagkukulang (If one branch of government is falling short) then the other branches, including our own in the legislature, must and I believe, will step up,” she said. FDA, NBI probes The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday, January 6 also announced that it will proceed with its probe into the PSG’s use of unregistered COVID-19 vaccines. “The president said the PSG should not attend congressional hearings. The FDA has its own set of processes on how we handle and investigate complaints and reports. We will continue the probe according to the processes laid out by FDA,” FDA Director General Enrique Domingo said in Filipino. To date, the FDA has not given any COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer that applied in the country an emergency use authorization (EUA). Likewise, the country’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it will not drop its investigation. “The focus of the NBI investigation is the alleged proliferation of unregistered anti-Covid 19 vaccines in the so-called black market and their unauthorized administration,” said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. “The agency can obtain information from various sources,” he added. NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin also said that the agency might reach out to the PSG and the military for the investigation. “If they refuse to cooperate, we will still proceed with the investigation. We will build up the case based on independent evidence,” he said. Malacañang, for its part, urged the PSG to participate in investigations by agencies in the executive branch. “Iyong mga hearings ng ehekutibo (The hearings in the executive branch) can continue and of course we expect the PSG to appear and cooperate,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said. n

DFA sees new spike in infections...

PAGE A1 t countries, has reported 7,712 cases; of which, 2,421 are undergoing treatment, 601 deaths and 4,690 recoveries. The Asia Pacific region, which spans across 21 countries, has 2,708 cases, with 784 undergoing treatment, 1,893 recoveries, and 21 deaths. The Americas – covering 10 countries like the United States – have 787 reported cases, with 67 undergoing treatment, 526 recoveries, and 194 deaths. “To date, the Middle East and Africa remain to be the region

with the most number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, recoveries, under treatment, and fatalities among our nationals,” the DFA noted on Tuesday. “The Americas has the least numbers in all categories compared to other geographic regions, except in the total number of deaths, wherein Asia and the Pacific rank lowest with a total of only 21,” it added. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, there are a total of 479,693 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 9,321 fatalities and 448,375 recoveries. n

90 Filipino healthcare workers...

PAGE A1 t Statista, The Guardian, and Kaiser Health News found that as many as 2,921 healthcare workers died in the U.S. last year due to the virus. Out of the sum, researchers gathered information on the country of origin of 660 people. The majority or 421 cases of death among healthcare workers were individuals from the U.S. Ninety (90) immigrant healthcare

workers from the Philippines also died last year. Meanwhile, 12 deceased U.S. healthcare workers were originally from Haiti, 12 from Nigeria, and nine from Mexico. “In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially reported that 928 healthcare workers died from COVID-19 up to 17 December, a figure it admitted is likely an undercount,” Statista noted. n

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‘Last responders’ brace for surge in COVID deaths across US by Cindy Loose Kaiser Health News

INTERNET EXPANSION. A technician installs internet cables to a post near an internet satellite tower on Salvia Street at Saint Dominic Subdivision in Barangay Kaligayahan Novaliches, Fairview in Quezon City on Tuesday, January 5. The internet provider is expanding its network capacity to accommodate more subscribers. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

New year brings five new laws in... PAGE A1 t that’ll go into effect in July — but many of them won’t be enacted until later this year. Here are five of the most crucial laws that went into effect on the first day of 2021. AB 685: COVID-19 workplace protections Employers are now required by law to notify workers of potential exposures to COVID-19 in the workplace and report any outbreaks to public health officials within 48 hours of an outbreak. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many employers have opted to provide written notification of outbreaks or exposures in the workplace for ethical reasons; this law simply makes that a legal obligation. These written notifications must be detailed and be distributed to any worker who was in physical contact with the “qualifying individual” (the infected worker) within the “infectious period.” This also gives more power to Cal/OSHA to enforce pandemic safety violations and protect workers. If a workplace is found to violate pandemic protocol, Cal/OSHA has the authority to shut it down. Recent outbreaks in vulnerable areas like the Central Valley and Southern California — where ICU capacity remains at 0% — highlight the impact of employers who were slow to report workplace outbreaks. SB 1159: COVID-19 workers’ compensation Workers who contract COVID19 on the job will now more easily become eligible for workers’ compensation benefits with SB 1159, which makes it easier for COVID-19 to be classified as an occupational injury if a worker catches the virus at work. Employees who suffer illness or death from COVID-19 between July 6, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2023 may be entitled to compensation. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many Californians were allowed to work from home, but millions of Californians who are deemed “essential workers” — including health care workers, retail and restaurant workers and deliverers, for example — have had to return to the workplace. Among health care workers, there have been more than 67,000 confirmed positive cases and 250 deaths in California, as of Dec. 27. Minimum wage increase Per a law that was signed by former California Gov. Jerry Brown in 2016, employers must now pay a minimum wage of $14 per hour, a dollar increase from

last year’s hourly minimum wage. Workplaces with fewer than 26 workers are now required to pay a minimum wage of $13. The law that Brown signed in 2016 made it so that the state’s mandatory hourly minimum wage would increase every year until 2022 when it reached $15 an hour. Gov. Gavin Newsom decided to maintain the law, arguing that it could help families and individuals who work hourly jobs who have financially struggled throughout the pandemic. “Not allowing this increase to go forward will only make life harder for those Californians who have already borne a disproportionate share of the economic hardship caused by this pandemic,” Newsom said in a statement. AB 2992: Expanded work leave for crime victims Victims of crime or abuse that has caused physical or mental injury are now eligible for job-protected leave. Specifically, these new protections involve individuals who have been victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking as well as any employee whose immediate family member is deceased as a direct result of any of these crimes. AB 2992 imposes new limitations on employers from unfairly discriminating against or discharging employees who are victims of crime or abuse. With domestic abuse on the rise as families continue to be sequestered at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this new law aims to protect victims. CA State Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) authored the bill as a way to “create a safe haven for survivors who need time to recover and get to safety following traumatic crimes, without the risk of losing their job.” SB 1383: Expanded family leave California was the first state in the country to institute a paid family leave guarantee, and this law expands on that landmark legislation. SB 1383 would expand the types of situations that would be eligible if an employee at a small business needs to take time off to care for a loved one: domestic partners, grandparents and grandchildren, siblings and parents-in-law. This law also expands existing protections to businesses that employ five people or more, which opens up paid family benefits to millions more Californians — a timely expansion during a time when more people, especially women, are taking time off work to care for family members. CA Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) authored the

Vilma Santos-Recto to refile... PAGE A1 t “We need to start rebuilding our economy,” Santos-Recto said. “Through this bill, we will be creating jobs (so many people do not have jobs today) and help promote healthy competition among the networks. Most importantly, di mapagkakaila ang (one cannot deny the) far reach ng ABS-CBN in the regions during calamities,” she added. Santos-Recto expressed hope that the House Committee on Rules will “immediately act” on the counterpart measure of Sotto’s bill so that “it will hopefully be referred to the Committee on Legislative Franchises the soonest.” Under the 1987 Constitution, private bills like the granting and renewal of franchises must first be approved by the House of Representatives before the Senate can tackle it in plenary. According to Sotto, ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal has a “better chance” now with the change of House officials. “New (House) Speaker, new officers. (There) could be a bet-

ter chance,” he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Meanwhile, Santos-Recto said she is “hoping for the best.” In July 2020, the Philippine House of Representatives rejected the bills seeking to grant ABSCBN a new 25-year franchise. Voting 70 to 11, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises adopted the recommendation of its technical working group to deny the network a new franchise. Two congressmen inhibited while one abstained. ABS-CBN stopped its operations on May 5, 2020 in compliance with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC’s) cease and desist order due to the expiration of its congressional franchise. The order directed ABS-CBN to shut down its various TV and radio broadcasting stations nationwide “sent a valid Congressional Franchise as required by law.” Republic Act No. 7966, which granted the network a 25-year franchise to operate TV and radio broadcasting stations expired on May 4, 2020. n

bill that passed in 2020 and noted that for years, all employed Californian workers pay into the paid family leave program (through deductions) but many don’t take advantage of it for fear of being discharged from their jobs. According to the First 5 California Commission, 40% of California workers in 2020 were at risk of losing their jobs if they took leave to care for a newborn or a sick loved one because their employer was too small. n

FUNERAL director Kevin Spitzer has been overwhelmed with COVID-related deaths in the small city of Aberdeen, South Dakota. He and his two colleagues at the Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home have been working 12-15 hours a day, seven days a week, to keep up with the demand in the community of 26,000. The funerals are sparsely attended, which would have been unthinkable before the pandemic. “We had a funeral for a younger man one recent Saturday, and not 20 people came, because most everyone was just afraid,” he said. As COVID-19 has spread from big cities to rural communities, it has stressed not only hospitals, but also what some euphemistically call “last responders.” The crush has overwhelmed morgues, funeral homes and religious leaders, required ingenuity and even changed the rituals of honoring the dead. Officials in many smaller cities and towns learned from seeing the overflow of bodies during last spring’s first wave of COVID deaths in places such as Detroit, where nurses at Detroit Medical Center Sinai-Grace Hospital alerted the media to bodies accumulating in hospital storage rooms. They watched as New York hospitals and funeral homes marshaled refrigerated trucks to store bod-

ies. More than 600 bodies of people who died in the spring COVID surge remain in freezer trucks on the Brooklyn waterfront because officials can’t find next of kin, or relatives are also sick or unable to pay for burial. People like Dr. Robert Kurtzman, Montana’s chief medical examiner, took heed. Last spring, he worked with funeral directors and others to study the state’s morgue capacity. After looking at COVID projections, the state arranged with the Montana National Guard to have 13 refrigerated semitrucks ready to dispatch anywhere in the state. “We are already in a precarious position, and the projections present a scary proposition,” he said. “We need to be ready for worst-case scenarios.” Chad Towner, CEO of St. Joseph Health System, which has two hospitals in northern Indiana, ordered two refrigerated semitrailers in April. For a time, things were relatively quiet. But the pandemic has hit. “I told a friend who was a COVID doubter that if my wife needed a bed today, I could not arrange one. That’s the dire situation we face here,” Towner said. “All our competitors in the area are in the same boat, and we’re working together instead of competing.” Although the freezer trucks have not yet been needed, he worries that the sharp increase in cases, and those anticipated from holiday gatherings, will make last-resort measures necessary.

“We recently had four deaths in one afternoon,” said Towner. “A priest approached me to say he’d been asked to provide last rites to three patients in one hour.” Moving bodies from the hospital morgue is a slower process than usual, he said. “Morticians and funeral homes are overflowing as well. Families that are sick or quarantined at the time of the loved one’s death often can’t work with us on a transfer, meaning bodies are here longer. The entire system is stressed to the tipping point,” said Towner. Private enterprise has created a solution for smaller communities. In Bozeman, Montana, a specialty truck company has retrofitted trailers that can be pulled by an SUV or a pickup. Acela Truck Co. has already sold hundreds of the pull-behind refrigerated units created in response to the COVID pandemic. They range from 9 to 53 feet and have racks that each hold four body trays. “We’re very busy and have orders in all of the lower 48 states,” said CEO David Ronsen. Acela has partnered with Mopec, a Michigan autopsy supply company, to help sell and deliver the new product. Billings Clinic in Montana also anticipated a flood of deaths last spring by reserving a semitrailer for delivery, if needed. The clinic, which has just two morgue spaces, has dealt with 80 COVID deaths, including seven on the weekend after Thanksgiving.

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COVID vaccines appear safe and Mayor Breed’s legislation providing fee effective, but key questions remain waivers and deferrals for small

businesses passes at Board of Supervisors

by Bernard

J. Wolfson California Healthline

THe recent rollout of two newly authorized COVID-19 vaccines is a bright ray of hope at the pandemic’s darkest hour. We now have a path that can lead us to happier times — even as we watch and suffer from the horrible onslaught of new infections, hospitalizations and deaths that mark the end of this regrettable year. Health care workers and nursing home residents have already begun to get shots in the first phase of the rollout. Vaccinations should start to be available to the general public sometime in the first few months of next year. The two vaccines — one developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, the other by Moderna — use the same novel genetic approach. Their development in under a year, shattering all records, is a marvel of science. It’s also a cause for concern for millions of Americans who fear the uncertainty of an unknown technology. The clinical trial data for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines show that when both shots of the dualinjection immunization are taken, three weeks to a month apart, they are about 95% effective — at least at preventing severe COVID illness. However, “a vaccine that remains in the vial is 0% effective no matter what the data show,” says Dr. Walter Orenstein, a professor of infectious diseases at the emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and associate director of the emory Vaccine Center. Hence, the imperative of persuading millions of people, across racial, cultural, religious, political and generational lines, to get immunized when a vaccine becomes available to them. A survey published this month showed 45% of respondents are taking a waitand-see approach to vaccination. Because the vaccines were developed under duress as the coronavirus exacted its deadly toll, the premium was on speed — “warp speed.” So although the number of people in the trials is as large as or larger than in previous vaccine trials, some key questions won’t be answered until millions more are vaccinated. For example, we don’t know to what extent the vaccines will keep us from transmitting or contracting the virus — though the protection from potentially fatal illness they are likely to confer is in itself something of a miracle. We don’t know whether irreversible side effects might emerge, or who is at higher risk from them. And we don’t know whether we’ll need to get vaccinated every year, every three years, or never again. These unknowns add to the challenges faced by the federal government, local health authorities, medical professionals and private sector entities as they seek to persuade people across the broadest possible swath of the population to get a vaccine. Skepticism resides in many quarters, including among African Americans, many of whom have a long-standing mistrust of the medical world; the vocal “antivaxxers”; and people of all stripes with perfectly understandable doubts. Not to mention commu-

Mayor Breed’s legislation to waive fees for small businesses struggling due to COVID-19 will provide much-needed financial relief to thousands of businesses

Doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were distributed across hospitals in Southern California in December last year, including City of Hope. Photo courtesy of City of Hope

nities with language barriers and immigrants without documents — more than 2 million strong in California — who may fear coming forward. Here are answers to some questions you might be asking yourself about the new vaccines: Q: How can I be sure they’re safe? There’s no ironclad guarantee. But the federal Food and Drug Administration, in authorizing the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, determined that their benefits outweighed their risks. The side effects observed in trial participants were common to other vaccines: pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain and chills. “Those are minor side effects, and the benefit is not dying from this disease,” says Dr. George Rutherford, a professor of epidemiology at the University of California-San Francisco. Saturday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported six cases of anaphylactic allergic reaction in the first 272,000 people who got the Pfizer vaccine outside the clinical trials. This has led the CDC to recommend that people receiving the vaccine be observed for up to 30 minutes afterward. It’s possible other unexpected adverse effects could pop up down the road. “The chances are low, but they are not zero,” says Orenstein. There’s not enough data yet to know if the vaccines pose an elevated risk to pregnant or lactating women, for example, or to immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV. And we know very little about the effects in children, who were not in the initial trials and for whom the vaccines are not authorized. Q: Why should my family and I take it? First of all, because you will protect yourselves from the possibility of severe illness or even death. Also, by getting vaccinated you will be doing your part to achieve a vaccination rate high enough to end the pandemic. Nobody knows exactly what percentage of the population needs to get inoculated for that to happen, but infectious disease experts put the number somewhere between 60% and 70% — perhaps even a little higher. Think of it as a civic duty to get your shots. Q: So, when can I get mine? It depends on your health status, age and work. In the first phase, already underway, health care workers and nursing home residents are getting vaccinated. The 40 million Moderna and Pfizer doses expected to be available by year’s end should immunize most of them.

Next in line are people 75 and older and essential workers in various public-facing jobs. They will be followed by people ages 65-74 and those under 65 with certain medical conditions that put them at high risk. enough vaccine could be available for the rest of the population by late spring, but summer or even fall is more likely. Already, some distribution bottlenecks have developed. On the bright side, two other vaccines — one from Johnson & Johnson, the other from AstraZeneca and Oxford University — could win FDA authorization early next year, significantly increasing the supply. Q: Once I’m vaccinated, can I finally stop wearing a mask and physical distancing? No. especially not early on, before a lot of people have been vaccinated. One reason for that is self-protection. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are 95% effective, but that means you still have a 5% chance of falling ill if you are exposed to someone who hasn’t been vaccinated — or who has been but is still transmitting the virus. Another reason is to protect others, since you could be the one shedding virus despite the vaccination. Q: I’ve already had COVID19, so I don’t need the vaccine, right? We don’t know for sure how long exposure to the virus protects you from reinfection. Protection probably lasts at least a few months, but public health experts say it’s a good idea to get vaccinated when your turn comes up — especially if it’s been many months since you tested positive. There’s been some talk among health officials of pushing those who’ve been infected in the last 90 days or so toward the back of the line, to ensure adequate supply for those who might be at higher risk. Q: How long before our lives get back to normal? “If everything goes well, next Thanksgiving might be near normal, and we might be getting close to that by the summer,” says Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. ”But there would have to be substantial acceptance of the vaccine and data showing the virus moving in a downward direction.” This story was produced by KHN (Kaiser Health News), which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. KHN is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. n

SF roadway condition scores a ‘good’ rating, reaching 10-year goal SAN FRANCISCO — Mayor London N. Breed on Wednesday, January 6 announced the City’s regionally tracked roadway condition score hit its 10-year goal, demonstrating the benefits of a systematically planned and executed public infrastructure investment strategy to improve the streets of San Francisco. The Pavement Condition Index, or PCI, is tracked by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the regional transportation planning and funding agency that monitors the condition of Bay Area roads. San Francisco’s PCI score for 2020 hit 75 out of 100, exceeding the regionwide average of 67. A PCI score of 75 puts the roads collectively in “good” condition, requiring mostly preventative maintenance. A score of 100 is assigned to a newly paved road. In 2011, after years of deferred maintenance of San Francisco’s street infrastructure due to declining funding, voters approved the $248 million Road Repaving and Street Safety Bond, which jumpstarted a 10-year investment strategy to increase the PCI from 64 to 75. Additional support for road resurfacing has come from the City’s General Fund, the vehicle registration fee, and the half-cent transportation sales tax to build on the progress. The City spent approximately $650 million over the past 10 years, delivering the promised street improvements on time and on budget.

Last fall, San Francisco voters approved Proposition A, the Health and Recovery General Obligation Bond, which will bring an additional $31.5 million to help augment the Public Works Street Resurfacing Program budget. “I am grateful to City leaders and San Francisco voters who 10 years ago had the foresight to plan and invest in the City’s infrastructure,” said Mayor Breed. “The Street Resurfacing Program not only makes roads safer and smoother for drivers, cyclists, transit riders, and pedestrians in neighborhoods all across San Francisco, but it generates jobs, which is particularly crucial now in our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We still have more work ahead of us to maintain our street conditions and keep improving the overall quality and safety of our roads and sidewalks, and I’m committed to ensuring our public infrastructure continues to get the attention it deserves.” Public Works maintains more than 900 miles of streets comprising some 12,900 blocks. Well-maintained streets provide safe mobility for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians and make possible the movement of goods and services. Since 2011, 600 blocks have been resurfaced on average each year. “San Francisco’s streets are critical infrastructure, used by just about everybody, every day,” said Acting Public Works Direc-

tor Alaric Degrafinried. “A decade ago, we set a PCI target of 75 to get the roads in good condition, and we reached that goal through sound planning, design and delivery. The 10-year investment paid off and now we must keep the momentum going.” The PCI assessment is based on visual surveys performed by specially trained and certified staff. each segment is evaluated based on ride quality, cracking and signs that the roadway may be breaking up in places. The Street Resurfacing Program is guided by a geographical equity lens, which ensures street improvements occur in all of San Francisco’s neighborhoods. Public Works evaluates the impacts of wear, erosion, and aging of each street, and assesses street deterioration with a rating for each of the City’s blocks. Currently, nearly two-thirds of San Francisco blocks have a rating of good or excellent. For more information, refer to Street Resurfacing Program. Public Works’ pavement strategy adheres to best industry practices by preserving streets in good condition instead of letting them deteriorate. This approach is the most cost-efficient and effective. extending the life of a block in San Francisco that is in good condition costs approximately $50,000. By comparison, the cost to completely reconstruct a block in very poor condition can run as high as $500,000. (SF Mayor’s Office Release)

SAN FRANCISCO – On Tuesday, January 5 Mayor London N. Breed’s legislation to provide $5 million in fee and tax waivers and deferrals for San Francisco businesses passed at the Board of Supervisors. The legislation, which was introduced by Mayor Breed and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, gives businesses additional time to pay certain business taxes and fees, and also fully waives some fees for a subset of small businesses that have been particularly hard-hit by COVID-19, including entertainment and nightlife venues and restaurants. “Our small businesses are critical to San Francisco’s local economy, and they’ve had to make countless sacrifices over the past year to protect their employees, their customers, and our city’s public health. New financial support from the federal government will help some, but we know it’s not enough on its own,” said Mayor Breed. “Throughout our COVID-19 response, we’ve continued to look for ways to support these businesses. This legislation is another step to ease some of the burden on businesses that are struggling to survive. On top of this fee and tax relief, we’ll continue to advocate for additional state and federal funding, and keep up our efforts to help businesses apply for funding.” “When businesses are struggling, the last thing they need are mounting bills from the City,” said Treasurer José Cisneros. “I’m grateful we can provide this much needed relief.” “COVID-19 has devastated our small businesses. Many have been stuck on a merry go round of re-openings, closures, and new restrictions, while others have been unable to operate at all since March,” said Supervisor Mandelman. “This legislation will provide more than $5 million in fee relief for some of our hardest hit businesses. This round of relief cannot be the end of the City’s efforts to support our small businesses, but it does re-affirm our commitment to creating an environment where longtime businesses can stabilize and regrow and new businesses can flourish.” Mayor Breed will work with Treasurer José Cisneros to notify businesses of the waivers and new due dates. Businesses can find information about the various fees and tax deferrals, as well as other city, state, and federal support for small businesses online at oewd.org/covid19. Businesses can also call the hotline at 415-554-6134, and employees can call the hotline at 415-7014817. Assistance is available in multiple languages.

“Our small business community is the backbone of our economy, but these local gems have been among the hardest hit during this difficult time,” said Supervisor Catherine Stefani. “We owe it to them to provide relief. Deferring fees and providing additional subsidies will be key lifelines as we continue to combat the virus.” “This legislation will immediately impact businesses in every neighborhood, many which have not found a cent of relief,” said Supervisor Gordon Mar. “As small businesses find creative ways to save jobs and serve residents, we will continue to find additional ways to support their safe reopening and the vibrancy of our corridors.” “The COVID-19 pandemic has hit our city and especially our small neighborhood businesses,” said Supervisor Shamann Walton. “The fee and tax waivers are a small step in helping our small businesses sustain through these tough times.” “I am in touch every day with small business owners asking for help. COVID has been brutal to them, and the fallout in lost jobs and vacant storefronts will be felt by all of us,” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen. “I am hopeful that the latest round of federal support will be distributed quickly and that we will see more substantial help coming from Washington soon. In the meanwhile, this package of fee and tax relief is one thing we can and must do at the local level.” Fee and Tax Relief for Businesses In October, Mayor Breed and Treasurer Cisneros announced San Francisco would waive certain fees and taxes for businesses that have been unable to open due to COVID-19 or have been otherwise significantly impacted. Included in the Mayor’s legislation, which the Board approved on the first reading today, is $5 million in fee and tax waivers for entertainment and nightlife venues and restaurants. eligible businesses will be notified by the Treasurer’s Office. The businesses that receive a waiver do not have to pay back the fees at a later date. • $2.5 million in fee and tax waivers for entertainment and nightlife venues. – The City will provide financial relief for approximately 300 businesses that have a Place of entertainment permit and that have gross receipts of less than $20 million, representing a total of approximately $2.5 million in support for these businesses. – Relief will be provided by waiving regulatory license fees and Business Registration Fees for two years, and by waiving

Payroll expense Taxes for 2020. – Businesses that already paid these taxes and fees will receive an automatic refund. Businesses will still be required to file all applicable business tax returns. • $2.5 million in fee and tax waivers for restaurants. – The City will provide financial relief for approximately 1,500 businesses with a Restaurant permit and that have gross receipts of less than $750,000. – Relief will be provided by waiving the previously deferred regulatory license and Business Registration Fees due on March 1, 2021, and by waiving Payroll expense Taxes for 2020. – Businesses that already paid these taxes and fees will receive an automatic refund. Businesses will still be required to file all applicable business tax returns. More Time to Pay Fees and Taxes early in the City’s response to COVID-19, Mayor Breed and Treasurer Cisneros announced a series of fee and tax deferrals to ease some of the financial burden on San Francisco businesses. Given the pandemic’s continued impact on businesses, Mayor Breed introduced legislation to further extend the deadlines of business registration fees and other fees. Now that the Board of Supervisors has approved the legislation, the following deadline extensions will go into effect: • extension of deadline for the Business Registration Fees. The fees, which were originally due on May 31, 2020 will now be due on April 30, 2021. – This deadline extension will affect approximately 100,000 businesses, and represents a deferral of $46 million in revenue for the City. • extension of deadline for the Unified License Fees, which include charges from City departments to restaurants and food businesses, bars, convenience stores, many small retailers, hotels, tour operators, and other businesses. – The unified license fees for the 2020 calendar year, which were originally due on March 30, 2020, will now be due on November 1, 2021. The unified license fees for 2021 will also be due on November 1, 2021, giving businesses an additional seven months to pay. – These deferrals will give approximately 19,000 businesses additional time to pay roughly $16 million in fees. – Approximately 20% of businesses have not yet paid their 2020 Unified License Fee. For these 3,800 businesses, this represents $2.2 million in fees that they will now have more time to

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‘Last responders’ brace for surge in... PAGE A3 t Chief Nursing Officer Laurie Smith said the hospital is at capacity, despite adding beds by converting office space and building an addition. The hospital, which currently has 335 beds, so far has handled the additional deaths through what she calls a “sad partnership” with funeral homes, which have been quickly picking up bodies the hospital

cannot store. The hospital does its best to allow relatives to say goodbye, but that often involves family members standing at an interior window outside the patient’s room, using a computer tablet to communicate their last words. That is just one way in which the rituals of grieving have changed during the COVID pandemic. Typical congregational hymns

are pretty much gone, as are choirs. “We are using mostly recordings, sometimes a soloist,” said Spitzer. This story was produced by KHN (Kaiser Health News), which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. KHN is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. n

California issues new health order... PAGE A1 t

receive appropriate medical services by better distributing available resources across the state to prevent overwhelming specific hospitals, counties and regions. As we continue to see the effects of holiday travel and gatherings in our emergency rooms and ICUs, we cannot underscore enough how critically important it is for Californians to stay home, wear masks and avoid getting together with people outside their immediate households to slow this alarming surge of hospitalizations.” COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased 17% in the past two weeks, while COVID-19 ICU admissions have increased 21% in the same time. Many California hospitals are experiencing significant strains on their ability to provide adequate medical care to their communities, and the responsibility of care must be shared across the state to ensure adequate health care resources. To preserve services for the sickest patients, the public health order requires some non-essential and non-life-threatening surgeries to be delayed in counties with 10% or less of ICU capacity under the Regional Stay at Home Order where the regional ICU

capacity is at 0%. examples of procedures that may be delayed include carpal tunnel release and non-urgent spine surgeries. Surgeries for patients who have serious and urgent medical conditions will continue. examples of procedures that will continue include serious cancer removal and necessary heart surgeries. The order will remain in effect for at least three weeks and will continue until rescinded. To ensure a better distribution of patients across the state’s hospital system, the order requires hospitals statewide to accept patient transfers from facilities that have implemented contingency or crisis care guidelines as long as those transfers can be done capably and safely. On December 28, 2020, CDPH provided guidance to health care facilities on implementing the Crisis Care Continuum Guidelines issued in June 2020. With the current surge in the pandemic, many hospitals are stretched to capacity, and the guidelines support facilities that are adapting their operations and space, including staff and other resources, to handle the surge as best as possible. The following counties are impacted by Tuesday’s order: San

Joaquin Valley — Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Stanislaus; and Southern California — Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego. “When hospitals are overwhelmed and overflowing, they are no longer able to provide the traditional standards of care we expect, but if health care resources are available elsewhere, we should ensure Californians can receive appropriate care,” said Dr. Aragón. “We must ensure our entire health care system does everything it can to prevent our hospitals from shifting to crisis care standards for people who are seriously ill with COVID-19 or other critical medical conditions. California is committed to an equitable California for All approach to health care access and standards of care.” The Bay Area region’s ICU capacity remains at 5.9%, and the stay-at-home order is likely to extend beyond January 8. The state on Tuesday recorded 29,892 new infections, bringing the total to 2,482,226. Meanwhile, 459 additional deaths were reported for a total of 27,462 fatalities. (AJPress)

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Makati City Prosecutor releases 3 suspects in death of Filipina flight attendant by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THREE suspects linked in the controversial death of Filipina flight attendant Christine Dacera were released on Wednesday, January 6, following the order of the Makati City prosecutor’s office. “After a thorough evaluation of the facts and evidence presented during inquest proceedings, the Office of the City Prosecutor, Makati City resolved to refer the case for further investigation and to release the arrested persons from detention,” said Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento in a statement. John Pascual Dela Serna III, Rommel Galido, and John Paul Halili, who were arrested on Monday, January 4, left detention at the Makati City police department upon order. Malcontento said further investigation is needed to determine the following: 1. Whether Christine Angelica F. Dacera was raped and/or killed, and if yes, the identities of the persons responsible therefor, and; 2. Whether the death was by reason or on the occasion of rape or for other reasons – the actual cause of death. Dacera, 23, was found unconscious in an empty bathtub of a hotel in Makati City on January 1 after a New Year’s Eve party with friends. She was rushed to Makati Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier filed a provisional charge of rape with homicide against the arrested suspects due to the bruises, lacerations, and fluids found on Dacera’s body. However, the Makati prosecutor’s office pointed out that there was not enough evidence to establish if Dacera was sexually assaulted or raped. “After a thorough examination of the evidence presented on inquest, this Office finds that there are certain matters that need to be clarified to determine the participation and culpability of each respondent for the alleged rape and killing of [Dacera],” the resolution read.

Christine Dacera Photo from Instagram_@xtinedacera

“At this point, the pieces of evidence so far submitted are insufficient to establish that she was sexually assaulted or raped. And, if sexual assault/rape was committed, who is/are the person/s responsible?” it added. The Makati prosecutor’s office also noted that Dacera’s cause of death remains unclear. An initial autopsy report said the cause of death was a ruptured aortic aneurysm, which may be caused by several factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infection, or sudden traumatic injury. “No evidence medically or scientifically was presented to prove that the cause of death or the rupture of aortic aneurysm was by reason of the alleged rape,” the prosecution said. At large The Prosecutor General also said the complaint against eight other suspects linked in the case, and who are still at large, will be under further investigation: Gregorio Angelo de Guzman, Clark Jezreel Rapinan, Valentine Rosales, Mark Anthony Rosales, Rey Englis, Louie de Lima, Jammyr Cunanan, and a certain Ed Madrid. The investigation will be conducted on January 13. PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sina, for his part, gave the suspects at large 72 hours to surrender, threatening to “hunt them down.” Earlier, the police considered the case as “solved” as they have identified the “suspects” in

Dacera’s death. Violation of due process Several groups demanded the PNP to be thorough and transparent after it said Dacera’s case was already “solved” despite incomplete information on the case. “By concluding that a case is already solved without providing clear evidence and being able to take into custody all persons of interest is a gross violation of due process and is a further injustice to Christine’s death,” said Kasama Ka sa Paglikha ng Arte at Literatura Para sa Bayan (KALikha). According to the group, it is the PNP’s burden “to prove the facts of the case and be held accountable for prematurely releasing a report that is incomplete and inconclusive.” “We demand the PNP to be sensitive and give respect to the grieving family as they handle and release further information regarding the case,” KALikha said. University of the Philippines Los Baños Babaylan likewise demanded for a thorough investigation of the case. “Ang kasong ito ay hindi dapat tuldukan at markahan bilang isang ‘solved’ case hanggat hindi pa natatapos ang proseso ng imbestigasyon at hindi pa napatutunayan ang mga tunay na nasa likod ng krimen (This case should not be closed and marked as a “solved” case until the process of the investigation is not over and the truth behind the crime is not uncovered),” the group said in a statement. Meanwhile, a Palace official urged the public to wait for results of the investigation before making assumptions. “Since the investigation on Christine’s death is on-going, we advise those who are concerned with the case to reserve their judgements until all the facts are in,” said Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo. “Should there be evidence that a crime was committed, then this administration assures that the offenders thereof, regardless of who they are, will be dealt with in accordance with law that justice may be served,” he added. n

SWAB TEST. A Manila resident undergoes a swab test at the San Andres facility on Tuesday, January 5. The city government recently announced that it would require residents returning from vacation during the Christmas season in the provinces to be tested before they could go back to their homes. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

1 in 4 Metro Manila residents willing to get vaccine by Red

Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

ONLY 1 in 4 people in Metro Manila is willing to get vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine if it becomes available this year, according to a survey done by the team who tracks the country’s COVID-19 numbers. In its maiden Tugon ng Masa (Answer of the People), an independent, noncommissioned and self-funded survey, the Octa Research Group said 25% of those surveyed are willing to get the vaccine. On the other hand, 28% of respondents said they will not get themselves vaccinated, while 47% are undecided. Octa Research Fellow Professor Ranjit Rye said the low number of respondents who are willing to be vaccinated, coupled by the high number of respondents who are unsure,

was due to lack of information dissemination by the government regarding the COVID-19 vaccination program. “You have to understand that the deployment of the vaccine will not reach the regular common Tao (person) until the latter part of this year. As early as now, we should have a massive information drive to emphasize the importance of the vaccine,” Rye told The Manila Times in a phone interview. The deployment of the vaccines will be crucial in the country’s long-term fight against COVID-19, but some people are not knowledgeable and uncertain about vaccines. Rye added that the government should start its information drive in the National Capital Region (NCR). “If we can manage the epidemic in the NCR, we can manage the epidemic in the whole country,” he said.

Vaccine costs are also a factor in the uncertainty of people, especially in the D and E economic classes, said Rye. He said people will get more confident of vaccinating themselves if they are certain of the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and its cost. “They must ensure that the vaccine that they will procure is, in the first place, safe and effective, if this is not so, people will lack trust and confidence in the vaccine program,” Rye said. Meanwhile, most residents in Metro Manila approve of the government’s COVID-19 response at 81%. Only 6% of those surveyed are dissatisfied with the government’s response, while 12% are unsure. The survey was conducted from December 9 to 13 among 600 respondents aged 18 and above. It had a sampling error of plus-minus 4%. n

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JANUARY 8-14, 2021 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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FeatURes

OPiniOn

A festering problem

WITH repeated emphasis on the presumption of innocence, President Duterte finally decided to publicly identify the members of the House of Representatives implicated in corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways. eight incumbent congressmen and a former lawmaker were identified in a report prepared by the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission, which conducted a probe on corruption in the DPWH. The department had merited special mention by President Duterte himself for investigation. PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica has explained that the lawmakers were not the subjects of the probe, since Congress is outside the PACC mandate. But the names of the congressmen surfaced in the course of the probe, Belgica said. The President, who initially refused to name the lawmakers in the PACC report, said they were linked to various anomalies including kickbacks ranging from 10 to 25%, bid rigging and influence peddling. Such stories have in fact surfaced in the DPWH through several administrations. While the department has its share of rotten eggs, some DPWH officials in the past have lamented that

lawmakers also promoted corruption in the department. even contractors that did not meet DPWH criteria were awarded projects due to pressure from lawmakers, the officials said. It’s the public that suffers the consequences. Studies conducted by groups including the World Bank have shown that road projects are among the biggest sources of corruption around the globe. And the cost of corruption is usually passed on to the end users, who suffer from substandard roads. All the congressmen named in the PACC report have denied the allegations. The Department of Justice has stepped into the probe. The Office of the Ombudsman, champion of opaqueness in government, might be interested in pursuing its own probe. These stories have been swirling around the DPWH and Congress for years. A presidential body has unearthed leads. It’s time to find out the truth. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Georgia on my mind: Why this special Senate runoff election matters to effect change in America

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS “GeORGIA…Georgia on my mind”…must have been the soundtrack of Tuesday, January 6, 2021 as American voters in this state have once again cast their solemn vote through ballots — either through mail-in or in-person at polling stations throughout the state. WHY again, you’d ask, especially when President-elect Joe Biden is constitutionally bound to be sworn into office as the 46th president of the United States by noontime of January 20, 2021, after his historic win to be the candidate for President who has won the biggest number of popular votes in American history? This is true as well for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris — the first woman, and the first person of color to hold the second highest position in the executive Department — who could possibly be the first woman president in the future. This is how The Washington Post explained it: Ever since Trump lost to President-elect Biden, he has made repeated and false claims that widespread voter fraud cost him the presidency. Yet almost every single legal challenge filed on his

behalf has been rejected by the courts, including the Supreme Court. His own attorney general said there was no evidence of widespread fraud. Trump can count on about a dozen conservative senators, as well as scores of House Republicans, to press his case by objecting to the certification of results from some crucial battleground states. Democrats, however, control the House, and are certain to reject any effort to overturn the outcome. Additionally, many Senate Republicans oppose the pro-Trump efforts. That all but guarantees that after hours of debate, Congress will certify President-elect Biden’s victory, clearing the path for his inauguration Jan. 20. Why does Georgia’s Senate runoff matter? Georgia is on our mind NOT because it will give the outgoing President Donald J. Trump four more years as president to further shield him from all the legal woes he would be facing for all the alleged and reported criminal, civil, and political transgressions he has committed. No. Justice will prevail and he will be held accountable for all that he did and did not do according to

the oath he took as president. Whatever the outcome of this special election will NOT affect the certification of electoral College results by Congress, no matter how hard the propaganda machinery has been trying to make supporters believe that the election victory was “stolen” from Trump. Georgia is on our mind because the results of this special election will determine if the leadership of the Senate will go blue — ejecting Republican Mitch McConnell from his post as Senate Majority Leader and paving the way for a Chuck Schumer leadership. Last November 3, none of the Senatorial candidates in Georgia garnered more than 50% of the vote. This forced dueling runoff races between the top two vote-getters in each contest, the Post reported. So the American voters in Georgia will be casting their most consequential decision that will determine if Presidentelect Joe Biden will be able to smoothly put into action the changes he campaigned on to “restore the soul of America” and “build back better” from the rubbles and ashes of the failed Trump leadership.

Hello Garci Trump-style

Street Talk

“I...am...sor..ry…”

GREG B. MACABENTA WITH these words of contrition, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hoped to cleanse her presidency of the grave sin of “influencing” the 2004 Philippine election, which she had just pulled from under the feet of Tagalog movie action king, Fernando Poe Jr. Arroyo had just emerged victorious in a bruising contest for her first full-fledged presidential term, having served the balance of the aborted tenure of another film star, President Joseph “erap” estrada. estrada had been forced out of office through the combined efforts of the Philippine Congress, the Supreme Court, the military, civil society and his then-VicePresident Arroyo. According to political pundits, it was the pseudo-Constitutional equivalent of a shotgun wedding. In a protest march reminiscent of the 1986 People Power dethronement of President Ferdinand Marcos, the military and civil society forced estrada to “resign” the presidency. This was after an attempt by Congress to impeach him was suddenly discontinued without the requisite Senate trial and verdict of guilt. estrada was,

in effect, simply told to “cut and cut clean” like Marcos. Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. then swore in Arroyo as president on the grounds that estrada had “resigned.” Actually, like Marcos, estrada was threatened with forcible eviction, so he felt compelled to leave Malacañang. At any rate, because Arroyo only served the balance of estrada’s term that technically allowed her to run for a full term of six years. However, her election became questionable because of allegations of corruption. In fact, Arroyo stated at one point that she had no intention to run. However, she eventually changed her mind — and that was how she was pitted against another film star, FPJ. In a country that has always had difficulty telling the difference between reel and real heroes, Poe was expected to win handily. Obviously, not wanting to take any chances, Arroyo placed a call to an official of the Commission on elections (COMeLeC), Virgilio Garcillano, nicknamed, Garci. And thus, did “Hello Garci…” become part of Philippine political lore. Arroyo insisted that it was a

perfectly legitimate call. She just wanted to have a sense of where the election was heading. Of course, in the course of the “legitimate” conversation, she also suggested that Garci should ensure a million-vote victory for her. And Garci agreed. What’s more, Garci delivered. Thus was coined the term, “Garcified” and “Garcification.” The trouble was, somebody in Malacañang recorded the conversation. The recording was subsequently leaked to the media and the political opposition in the Lower House moved to impeach Arroyo. Of course, Americans are familiar with what happens to an impeachment proceeding against a president who has control of the Senate. Those who don’t know about the failed attempt to dislodge Donald Trump from the White House must have been asleep like Ichabod Crane in Washington Irving’s short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” It was also a “perfectly legitimate” phone call to Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine (rhymes with Ichabod Crane), that got Trump into trouble. Trump wanted Zelensky to make a public statement that

Avid Trump supporter Republican David Perdue seeks a second term in office and is challenged by Democrat Jon Ossoff. Separately, the Post reported that appointed GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler is running against Democrat Raphael Warnock to complete the remainder of retired Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson’s term. What results are needed by both sides of the aisle to win? The Post explained: “Republicans need to win only one of the races to secure a narrow 51-49 majority. But if Democrats take both seats, the Senate would be divided 50-50, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris poised to cast tie-breaking votes once she takes office and assumes her duties as the Senate’s presiding officer.” The Post further reported that the results of the elections will not change the “calculus in Congress when it comes to the electoral College certification process.” This is because pursuant to quirks in Georgia election law, Perdue won’t be able to cast a vote Wednesday even if he wins. “Perdue’s contest went to a Jan. 5 runoff that is being held after his term ended, he

is not a senator right now. If he wins, he can retake his seat after the results of his election are certified later this month and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issues a certificate stating he won. Loeffler, on the other hand, is still a senator. Her appointment by Kemp remains in effect until the winner of the election is sworn in,” the Post explained. In the days leading up to the January 5 election, the New York Times reported that about 3.1 million people have already voted in the run-off races, and this accounts for almost 40% of all registered voters in the state. The Times reported that based on early voting data, the races are very competitive, meaning the state that used to be “red” may have already evolved to be purple, and even blue, with the Democrats having an even bigger share of the early voting electorate compared to their share in the November general elections. The question now is: Will the Republicans be more compelled and motivated to vote in person to beat the fire and enthusiasm of Democratic voters lead by Stacey Abrams who has been turning the tide in Georgia by mobilizing people of color to

vote? Despite the desperate efforts from Trump’s Republican minions in Congress who “pledged to undo Democrat Joe Biden’s victory by mounting a challenge to the election results during a joint session of Congress,” they will not be successful in subverting the will of the American people who decisively fired Trump and elected Biden to be president of the United States in the next four years. HAPPY NeW YeAR! May 2021 clear the path toward new hope and new beginnings to fulfill our shared goals of healing and unity for the greater good of the American people. ***

the government of Ukraine was investigating allegations of corruption against Hunter Biden, the son of former Vice-President Joe Biden, apparently to dissuade Biden from challenging Trump’s reelection bid. This was an impeachable offense and the U.S. Democrats who had just regained control of the House of Representatives filed impeachment charges against Trump. Unlike Arroyo, Trump was impeached but was, expectedly, acquitted by the Republicancontrolled Senate. In the case of Arroyo, she controlled both Houses of Congress and the attempt to impeach her did not prosper. At the outset, Arroyo was rattled enough to actually go on national television to express remorse for what she had done. But as it became clearer and clearer that the impeachment threat was headed nowhere, she dug in her heels and in the classic tradition of Philippine politics, she went on to serve a full six years. But at least, Arroyo said, “I... am...sor...ry!” Which is more than anyone can expect from Donald Trump. And Arroyo did it only once. Or, at least, she was exposed only once. Trump’s version of “Hello Garci” was first exposed when he called up the President of Ukraine. And like the proverbial dog who returns to his vomit,

Trump made another questionable phone call again. And he has been exposed again - with an audio recording, no less. A virtual “smoking gun,” in the words of the Washington Post’s Carl Bernstein, recalling the White House audio recordings in the Watergate scandal that forced President Richard Nixon to resign. Last week, still unwilling to accept the prospect of vacating the White House on January 20, Trump called up, Brad Raffensperger, the Secretary of State of Georgia, a fellow Republican, and suggested — and then demanded — that 11,800 votes be produced to overturn Joe Biden’s victory in the hitherto Republican-leaning State. Fortunately, Raffensperger is one Republican with both cojones and integrity. Over Trump’s insistence that the election in Georgia had been “rigged” the Secretary of State denied that it was — in fact, the results had been counted and recounted two more times, with Biden’s victory being confirmed in each case. Trump even threatened Raffensperger, warning that the latter could get into trouble for not complying with Trump’s demand. But the Secretary of State held his ground. This scandal is still developing. By the time this piece sees print, the Senate runoff elections in Georgia will have been held and the winners — whether the

Republican incumbent Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler or their Democratic challengers Jon Ossooff and Raphael Warnock — will have changed the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. It will have shifted to the Democrats or will have remained in Republican hands. How Trump’s version of “Hello Garci” will affect the Senate runoff is anybody’s guess. What is certain however is that Trump will never say, “I... am...sor...ry…” Note that the results of the Georgia runoff elections are different from the chaos — and possible violence — that Trump will have incited on January 6, when the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, as President and Vice-President, will have been confirmed by a joint session of Congress. I shudder to think of what could happen, with fanatical Trump supporters clashing with the police and anti-Trump marchers in Washington DC. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to kill Americans by the thousands every day. It has not been a good start for the New Year. ***

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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PhilHealth owes Red Cross P1 billion Mayor Breed’s legislation providing fee... by John

eriC MenDoza ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) owes the Philippine Red Cross almost P1 billion in coronavirus swab tests, the humanitarian organization’s chairman said on Monday, January 4. Red Cross Chairman Sen. Richard Gordon urged the state insurer to pay the outstanding balance on

time to prevent another suspension of state-funded swab tests. “We’re biting our nails in hopes that they settle their dues before this becomes a ‘part two’ of the issue,” Gordon said in a tweet, referring to Red Cross’ decision to stop the tests in October last year after PhilHealth’s debt reached nearly P931 million. The tests resumed shortly after Philhealth made a partial

payment. Gordon said the state insurer should pay at least P500 million “right away.” PhilHealth was supposed to pay Red Cross “every three days,” but its last payment was on December 29. The Red Cross has done 1.6 million swab tests, many of them on overseas Filipino workers and medical frontliners, Gordon said. n

SC stops govt from collecting more taxes from POGOs January 5. The high court en banc issued a Temporary Restraining THE Supreme Court (SC) Order (TRO) against the implestopped the implementation mentation of Sections 11F and of the Bayanihan Law 2 which G of Republic Act 11494 and covers additional taxes for Phil- Bureau of Internal Revenue ippine Offshore Gaming Opera- Regulation 30-20 and Revenue tions (POGO), sources privy to Memorandum Circular 102-17 the ruling but are not autho- and Revenue Memorandum Cirrized to talk to the media told cular 078-18. Only Associate Justice Marvic The Manila Times on Tuesday, by JoMar

Canlas ManilaTimes.net

Leonen dissented. The high court said the stay order was issued to avoid “grave and irreparable injury” to the rights of POGO operators who filed a Petition for Certiorari against the contested provisions, which are measures to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) by raising more funds and collecting more taxes from POGOs. n

Group tells gov’t to address ‘learning crisis’ in Philippines by Christian

Deiparine Philstar.com

MANILA — A non-government organization on Tuesday, January 5 sought for solutions to what they said has become a “learning crisis” in the country following students’ dismal showing in recent international assessments. Filipino learners had ranked the least out of students in 58 countries in both Mathematics and Science per a study, which was released in 2020. Prior to this, findings by the Programme for International Student Asessment in 2019 also showed students in the country at the bottom in reading comprehension among 79 nations. The Philippine Business for Education in a statement these results would stand to “worsen the learning losses” in the country along with challenges within the sector as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. “If the success of a society is measured by how well it invests in its children, then the Philippines is failing,” the group said. “We are now at the eleventh hour and we are sounding the

alarm.” Some 25 million Filipino students opted to enroll this year under the distance learning setup by the education department, an enrollment figure that saw two million students skipping school from the 27 million recorded in 2019. Difficulties have continued to hound the online classes which groups had earlier called on the postpone, ranging from students left without gadgets or access to internet to errors in printed materials for those without the means. PBEd added that to date, there seems to be no “clear plan” on how students could return to schools, after the Duterte administration nixed its own approval of a pilot study for resuming in-person learning. The education department in its report to the Cabinet had outlined steps to prevent the transmission of the deadly virus in schools, such as reducing class sizes to between 15 to 20 and following staggered schedules. Schools would also be tasked to disinfect on a regular basis, apart from clinics being up-

PAGE A4 t pay. – For businesses that have paid their 2020 Unified License Fee, they will now have additional time to pay their 2021 fee. • Extension of the deadline for Annual Business Taxes. The taxes for the 2020 calendar year will now be due on April 30, 2021, instead of on March 1, 2021. – This deadline extension will give approximately 20,000 businesses additional time to pay their 2020 payroll expense tax, gross receipts tax, commercial rents tax, and homelessness gross receipts tax. “The recent opening of new state and federal financial resources could not come soon enough for all of our small businesses and restaurants struggling around the clock to make ends meet,” said Joaquín Torres, Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “To support them in accessing these critical dollars, we’re tracking developments with the new relief programs in real-time and doing ongoing outreach across every sector of the economy to ensure busi-

nesses and workers get the most up-to-date information possible. We’re also providing technical services to help businesses and workers prepare the necessary information and paperwork in advance, so that they can apply right away when the applications become live. For information or to connect, businesses and workers can always call our hotlines and check our webpage, or work with one of our partner small business services organizations that can also assist in different languages.” “The Board’s approval of Mayor Breed’s legislation offers real reprieve to small businesses,” said Cyn Wang, San Francisco Entertainment Commissioner. “Nightlife, entertainment, and arts are vital parts of San Francisco’s vibrant culture and contribute greatly to our economy – and they are in existential crisis. This initiative offers immediate relief from paying local fees and taxes at a time when they are earning little to no revenue, giving them and other small businesses a fighting chance to survive.” “We appreciate the efforts

A

by the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors to continue to find money in the budget to provide desperately needed financial relief to our restaurant industry,” said Laurie Thomas, Executive Director, Golden Gate Restaurant Association. “The forgiveness of business license fees and payroll taxes due for 2020 is a good step to help out those smaller restaurants who are most in need. We continue to ask the Federal Government and the State of California to find more relief funds for all restaurants and our suffering workers.” “The San Francisco Venue Coalition is grateful for the acknowledgement of our industry by City leaders with these fee and tax waivers,” said Rob Ready, Co-Owner & Artistic Director of PianoFight. “This pandemic has decimated our industry; first to close, last to reopen, zero revenue and all the overhead costs. While there is more work to be done this is a promising step in the right direction to ensure that venues will be around to help San Francisco recover, both economically and emotionally.” (SF Mayor’s Office Release) n

graded for better health service to students, teachers and staff. The group said Congress should pass a joint resolution in the Senate that would convene an education commission to “draw up urgent, decisive, and targeted reforms in our education system.” “Its recommendations must urgently stem the learning crisis by targeting early-age and grade nutrition, equitable access, increased resources for education, localized and shared accountability, and data-driven learning policies,” PBEd said. They added: “Government must take the lead in building an education system that Filipino learners deserve — one that realizes their full potential.” The second quarter of the ongoing school year began on Monday, January 4, but it remains unclear as to the fate of allowing face-to-face classes despite the administration conceding that the said setup is far from ideal. DepEd has since said that it will carry out reforms to improve learning in the country and for students to fare better in global education studies. n

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january 8-14, 2021 • nOrCaL aSIan jOurnaL

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THE ASIAN JOURNAL

MAGAZINE

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N O R T H E R N

C A L I F O R N I A

Friday, January 8, 2021

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

Court upholds Trump’s ‘public charge’ proclamation requiring healthcare coverage down a nationwide injunction by a lower District Court, ruling that Pres. Trump’s proclamation banning the issuance of immigrant visas to those who cannot obtain private insurance or demonstrate the funds to self-insure, was lawATTY. MICHAEL ful. This means that before an GURFINKEL, ESQ immigrant visa can be issued, the ON December 31, 2020, the 9th person must either obtain private Circuit Court of Appeals struck insurance or show they have

Immigration Corner

enough money to pay for care. The reasoning for the proclamation was that having uninsured immigrants come to the U.S. burdens our healthcare system. By way of background, on October 4, 2019, Pres. Trump issued a proclamation requiring people immigrating from outside the U.S. to demonstrate either (1) PAGE B3

Year in review: Revisiting the SF Magazine stories of 2020 BY

aJpress

HAPPY New Year! With a fresh start in front of us, it’s customary to reflect on what the past 365 days were like. But, how would one even begin to describe 2020, especially the events that unfolded and defined the year? Let’s see: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on vulnerable communities like the Filipino American community; the introduction of two vaccines against the virus; the United States’ continued fight for racial equity; the November general election; the decennial census and the court rulings that followed; deaths of numerous high-profile individuals; championships for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers; wildfires in Northern California…among many other headlines. Following tradition, the Asian Journal editorial team dedicates the first issue of the year reflecting on the SF Magazine stories from 2020. Each week,

the SF Magazine features long-form stories of Filipino Americans who continue to break barriers in their respective career fields, as well as highlighting the Fil-Am experience living in America and the social issues the community faces. The 52 features published covered ways families have celebrated major holidays while staying safely at home, how business owners in Los Angeles County have coped with the ever-changing restrictions related to the pandemic and the summer of protests for racial justice, new books by Fil-Am authors, and more. It’s always difficult to narrow down the best features — as each one is compelling — we remember several stories that have been widely shared and discussed. To read these selected features & other stories in their entirety, visit: https://www. asianjournal.com/category/magazines/somethingfilipino-magazine/.

Social justice, activism and allyship: Filipino American History Month kicks off with calls to engage politically, culturally and socially

LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL ANSWERS YOUR IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS VIA ZOOM ON CITIZEN PINOY – SOCIAL DISTANCING STYLE. Citizen Pinoy continues its public service by providing relevant information and updates on immigration. In this episode, Atty. Gurfinkel answers questions from Kapamilya in New Jersey, Alaska, California, and the Philippines. Are there any new requirements that could affect the petition of a person who arrived in the U.S. on a tourist visa, but married a U.S. citizen? A son petitioned by his mother is now preparing for his Embassy interview. On a business trip to the U.S., he made a side visit to his brother in Canada, and was denied re-entry to the U.S. Would that affect his mother’s petition? Answers to these and more on the encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot – Social Distancing Style” this Sunday, January 10 at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers). (Advertising Supplement)

For Fil-Am History Month 2020, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) dedicated October around the community’s history and fight toward social justice. Though commemorating Fil-Ams’ participation over the years, the theme resonated in particular as younger generations over the summer marched in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as spoke up against the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. “We choose this theme to highlight the myriad ways Filipino Americans have participated in social justice movements, including but not limited to, the United Farmworkers Movement, Filipino Americans joined a Black Lives Matter protest in Chicago in June 2020. Photo courtesy of @hazelsunday/Instagram the fight for Ethnic Studies, Hawaii Sugar Plantation strikes, Anti-Martial Law Movements ganization said. PAGE B2 Washington Yakima strikes, and across multiple decades,” the or-

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January 8-14, 2021 • nOrCaL aSIan JOurnaL

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Year in review: Revisiting the SF Magazine stories of 2020

PAGE B1 Utility boxes depicting Filipino Abakada alphabet pop up in SF’s SOMA neighborhood Those walking down Folsom and Howard streets in San Francisco’s South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood can get a brief lesson in the Abakada alphabet, which was once taught as part of the Philippine national language. Unveiled during Fil-Am History Month, the “We Live Here” project features 10 utility boxes — designed by Bay Area multimedia artist Mel Vera Cruz — depicting letters from the alphabet. The project, which comes after years of advocacy from South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN), aims to teach the community about the alphabet, as well as to amplify the work of FEC Galing Bata, an after school program of the Bessie Carmichael School PreK-8/the Filipino Education Center. “The idea was to communicate Utility boxes in the SOMA neighborhood seek to teach residents about the abakada alphabet Photos courtesy of SOMCAN a collective spirit and empower those while they’re walking around the neighborhood and are proud,’” Vera Cruz said. “It’s and continue to share our history they can say, ‘We are here, we our time to promote our culture in SOMA.”

Parol-making with Lola: Disney launches Filipino-themed Christmas video Fall/winter 2020 was a moment for lola (grandmother) representation with “Blue’s Clues & You!” introducing Josh’s grandma and making bibingka. In November, Disney launched its first-ever Christmas advertisement, a threeminute animated short featuring the Filipino tradition of parolmaking as part of its 2020 festive campaign “From Our Family To Yours.” The heartwarming and tear-jerking animated short is inspired by the themes of traditions, family togetherness, and nostalgia. It introduces two new characters: Lola (grandmother) and her granddaughter, alongside Mickey Mouse, a beloved toy that was gifted to Lola as a young child by her father in 1940. The advert was created by Disney EMEA’s in-house creative team, led by Angela Affinita, di-

A still from Disney’s Christmas advertisement for “From Our Family to Yours” campaign.

rector of brand marketing and creative, in partnership with Flux Animation Studios. “The ad for me is such a great reflection of the bonds between families. We all have unique traditions, especially at Christmas,

so being able to draw on my own experience with my Filipina grandmother and the making of star lanterns to bring a level of authentic creativity is pretty special,” Affinita said in an interview with The Drum.

Fil-Am filmmaker Isabel Sandoval on ‘Lingua Franca,’ cinematic authenticity and the art of subtlety

“Lingua Franca,” the third film from Filipina American filmmakPinay scientist and rapper Ruby Ibarra’s 2020 mission: Help develop a COVID vaccine, release a er Isabel Sandoval, is an austere portrait of the kinds of love stories sophomore album Under the pandemic, Filipina that are so authentic and specific American rapper Ruby Ibarra’s that couldn’t have come from performances have been strictly any other filmmaker. Though the virtual. But 2020 has put an em- film, which was released in Auphasis on her 9-5 job as a sci- gust on Netflix, centers a trans entist at a biotech company in Filipina in a green card crisis, the Bay Area, where she’s been it’s not a “trans issue film” nor is involved in the quality control of it a “Filipino film” or even a film COVID-19 test kits and research that overlays the overall current immigration crisis into its thesis. around a vaccine. “We have to establish what is “There’s still a lot of things that distinct and unique about our Sandoval stars as Olivia, a Filipina trans woman, in “Lingua Franca,” which premiered on we don’t know about this disease, voice and our worth because Netflix on August 26, 2020. but again, it comes with time and it’s so easy to get pigeonholed for someone like me,” she said. expectations about you and the research,” Ibarra said. “But what gives me hope and optimism is or to be put in a box especially “There will always be several community you belong to…” By day, Ruby Ibarra is a scientist at a biotech company in the Bay Area. Currently, her work that there is a lot of work being Fil-Am makeup guru Patrick Starrr on defying beauty standards and debunking misconceptions revolves around COVID-19 tests and the development of a vaccine. After work and on weekends, done, not just by my own com- about being an ‘influencer’ pany, but multiple labs and comIbarra would perform as a rapper. These days, her performances are virtual. When Patrick Starrr, born PatPhotos courtesy of Ruby Ibarra and Tojo Andrianarivo panies across the world.” rick Simondac, wasn’t given a Fil-Am restaurants band together to feed SF’s front-liners, low-income families shift at a MAC Cosmetics store he was working at in Orlando, In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Filipino Americans around Florida, he turned to YouTube the country — particularly small business owners and those in the and uploaded his first tutorial health care field — are trying to navigate how to survive on a daiwalking viewers through his daily ly basis. To address some of the local San Francisco community’s makeup routine. To date, Starrr pressing issues, non-profit economic development and arts organihas become a leading beauty zation Kultivate Labs last April unveiled #FilipinosFeedTheFrontlines guru in the online space, amassto provide meals for health care workers and scientists and Filipino ing over 4.4 million followers on seniors and low-income families in the South of Market (SOMA) the video hosting platform and neighborhood. The campaign also worked to help stabilize 10 Fil-Am 4.6 million on Instagram. On top restaurants in the city. of his collaborations with major “Filipinos believe in ‘Kapwa,’ the idea of interconnectedness and brands, Starrr launched his own shared empathy. We’re always finding ways to help others,” said Desi beauty line called ONE/SIZE. Danganan, Kultivate Labs’ executive director. “#FilipinosFeedTheThe brand’s moniker comes from Frontlines is our way of connecting the dots in our community, from Starrr’s mission of inclusivity and Starrr has collaborated with major brands, including most recently, with Jack Daniel’s the heroic efforts of our healthcare workers to the most vulnerable body positivity and his mantra of Tennessee Fire for its Pride Month “Drag Queen Mukbang” series. of society like our seniors to our Filipino businesses that are on the Photo courtesy of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire “makeup is a one size fits all.” brink of collapse.” “I’m very proud to have community and represent them well,” he said. The effort raised $149,232, and has since expanded to provide The Sarap Shop preps to-go boxes for delivery. Photos courtesy of The Sarap Shop sparked a change in the Filipino in the beauty community as meals in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown. PAGE B3

celebrity world

Beauty queen Ariella Arida makes film debut in MMFF entry

By Ferdie Villar ARIELLA Arida, the 2013 Miss Universe Philippines titleholder who eventually placed third runner up in the Miss Universe competition, describes her film debut as “scary and exciting.” She is one of many players in the film “Coming Home,” which was recently screened in the Metro Manila Film Festival 2020. Ariella, who has guested on a few television shows after her pageant days, took on the added challenge of playing the mistress’ role in the family drama, never mind the fact that she was already nervous about this being

her debut movie. “It’s my first ever movie. It was so nerve-wracking because it was a new environment for me. I didn’t know how the production is and how things are done behind the scenes. I wasn’t sure if it was the same as doing a television show, which I have tried in the past,” Arida told the Inquirer. net in an interview. She added: “I had to play someone who’s had a hand in breaking a family. I had to find a way to put myself in the character’s place.” In “Coming Home,” Ariella

2013 Miss Universe Philippines winner Ariella Arida makes her film debut in the family drama “Coming Home” that was shown in the Metro Manila Film Festival recently. Instagram photo (@araarida)

plays Mercy, a nurse and breadwinner who starts a romantic relationship with an overseas worker (Benny, played by Jinggoy Estrada). Benny leaves his wife (Salve, played by Sylvia Sanchez) and children subsequently. When Benny figures in an accident which leaves him wheelchair-bound, Mercy returns Benny to his martyr wife, who takes him in and helps him recover much to the chagrin of most of her children. Aside from watching films that Ray Benitez Satorre (left, standing) is shown congratulating Ferdie Villar (seated) during the had mistress characters, Ariella Feast of Padre Jesus Nazareno recently. Also in photo is San Francisco devotee Violet Orence. Photo by Rey Guarin tried her best to internalize her character and imbibe the story itself, Mercy and her character’s

Rev. Fr. Abraham Alonzo (left), spiritual counselor of ANX Hospice in Daly City, officiated the Holy Mass for the Miraculous Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno owned by beauty impresario Ferdie Villar, recently. He is shown in photo with Daly City devotee Shirley Ordoveza. Photo by Rey Guarin

motivations to prepare for the movie. “And since this is my first ever movie, I really wanted to do my job correctly. I tried to follow the instructions of our director (Adolf Alix Jr.) as best as I could,” she related in the same interview. A Chemistry graduate from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Ariella never thought that she would be joining pageants when she got older and that she would even become an actress. “These things really weren’t in my plans. They just sort of happened. And luckily, enough things have been working out. Pageants opened a lot of oppor-

Daly City community leaders Lambert and Dorie Paniza and friends Gloria Roberts and Ofelia Ricio attend the Feast of the Black Nazarene at the Villar residence recently. Photo by Rey Guarin

Actress/fashionista/philanthropist Heart Evangelista will star in a new teleserye featuring all her loves, including fashion and her province Sorsogon. Instagram photo (@iamhearte)

tunities for me,” she revealed. “I was really scared. The first few times I tried acting, I was convinced that it wasn’t for me. I had a difficult time adjusting in the industry.” However, as she got more comfortable, things began to look different for her. “After working with different people, I realized it was actually fun. Getting the job done feels good. I didn’t expect to receive more offers,” she said. As for “Coming Home,” she considers sharing the screen with showbiz veterans the reward for taking on the role of Mercy. “I was looking forward to working with seasoned actors. I tried to keep that in mind,” Ariella stated. *** Heart Evangelista, who is rumored to be one of the actresses being considered for the role of Colette Bing in the sequel to the hit film “Crazy Rich Asians,” will return to television via a new television series entitled “I Left My Heart in Sorsogon,” The wife of Sorsogon Governor Francis (Chiz) Escudero will essay the role of “a young woman whose status as a fashion socialite is shaken up after returning to her hometown, rediscovering her roots, and rekindling her love for family, community, and an exflame,” according to an article in The Philippine Star.

Heart, who is a fashionista, has teased in her social media that the show will feature all of what she loves – from fashion to the place that she now calls home, Sorsogon. “Yes for my upcoming teleserye — I left my Heart in Sorsogon — you will see a lot of fashion [heart emoji] and a whole lot of Sorsogon!#mahalkongsorsogon, ” Heart posted in a tweet. She also gave a glimpse of what the teleserye will feature when responding to a fan. “I Left my Heart in Sorgoson will be a teleserye [heart emoji] with a lot of Chanel [smiling face with 3 hearts emoji] [clinking glasses],” Heart tweeted. It remains to be seen whether the rumors will become true of Heart’s participation in “China Rich Girlfriend.” It is worth noting that author Kevin Kwan is a good friend of Heart and Kwan himself has said in interviews that he looks forward to working with Heart in one of his movies. Actually, it was Kwan who ignited the rumors once again of Heart’s possible participation in the sequel when he shared the article published in Vogue of Heart rumored to be in the running for the Colette Bing role. The article also mentioned actresses Hannah Quinlivan and Lana Condor as other possibilities for the Bing character.

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 8-14, 2021

Year in review: Revisiting the Court upholds Trump’s ‘public charge’... SF Magazine stories of 2020

PAGE B1 they will acquire healthcare coverage within 30 days of entry; or (2) have the ability to pay for reaPAGE B2 sonably foreseeable healthcare Pinay co-founded wellness center offers free virtual classes for communities of color in San Fran- expenses. cisco and beyond Trump had maintained that intending immigrants who lacked Coronavirus lockdowns, onapproved healthcare insurance going protests and navigating or the financial resources to pay working from home and online for their medical costs, would school, on top of everyday rebe a burden on U.S. taxpayers sponsibilities, can all take a toll and our healthcare system, eson one’s mental health and wellpecially those using hospitals’ being. emergency rooms for a variety of To offer some relief, Comnon-emergency conditions, causmunity Well, a San Franciscoing overcrowding and delays for based health and wellness center those who truly need emergency founded by a group of Filipina services. Allowing thousands of and Latina women in 2015, has aliens to immigrate who could not demonstrate their ability to pay for their health care costs just made the problem worse. A lawsuit was filed, and a lower District Court issued an injuncCommunity Well is a health and wellness center in the Excelsior District of San Francisco that tion, halting this proclamation offers services and workshops from movement classes to maternal health. Since the city’s from taking effect. But the Ninth shelter-in-place, the center has moved its classes online. Circuit upheld the president’s been offering free virtual classes for the Filipino American commu- authority to issue this proclamanity and other communities of color in the city and even elsewhere. tion, stating that, “We conclude “Our philosophy around it is that health is a whole human experi- that the Proclamation was within ence,” co-founder Jennifer Navarro-Marroquin, a licensed financial the President’s statutory authorprofessional and holistic practitioner said. “Access to high-quality ity and therefore reverse the disJennifer Navarro-Marroquin, co-founder and information is very important and it’s also important for us to un- trict court’s order enjoining the events coordinator & program director of derstand the barriers emotionally that keep us from making these Proclamation’s implementation.” Community Well What this will mean is that, healthy choices.” ‘Superstore’ actor Nico Santos on queer Filipino roles: ‘I don’t feel like I’m being pigeonholed at all’ Since 2015, 41-year-old actor Nico Santos has portrayed Mateo Liwanag, a gay, undocumented Filipino sales associate on NBC’s “Superstore.” Though it’s a comedy, “Superstore,” now entering its sixth and final season, tackles the serious issues of the moment, whether it’s Mateo’s immigration status, the rights of workers at the big-box store, equal pay or the environmental impact of shopping. Whatever future projects come Santos’ way, he is not afraid of being typecast as a queer Asian man and getting those parts. “It’s so hard to work in this industry period and it’s so hard to reach this level of work. For me, I don’t feel like I’m being pigeonholed at all. I’m actually only interested in playing parts that look like me, that speak like me, and that speak to my experience. I don’t feel like I’m being stifled as an actor by not exploring ‘other types of characters,’” Santos as Mateo, a gay, undocumented Filipino store associate who is sassy and overly competitive. he said. Photo by Evans Vestal Ward/NBC weren’t too palatable for longterm use. So together with fellow Entrepinay, Adrienne Borlongan — a food scientist and the co-founder of artisanal ice cream shop Wanderlust Creamery — Perez unveiled Droplet, a line of sparkling functional beverages that are enhanced with adaptogens and

recommend that you seek the assistance of an attorney, who can help you navigate your way through these new requirements and greatly increase your chances for success. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 40 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw, Twitter @GurfinkelLaw and YouTube: US Immigration TV Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Arnel shares his journey out of depression, anxiety By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

Self-care in each sip: Pinay-founded Droplet enters the wellness industry with functional beverages After a wake-up call to slow down, Filipina American entrepreneur Celeste Perez turned to adaptogens, non-toxic substances derived from plants that help one’s body adapt and regulate the natural ability to respond to stressors. Though, the available adaptogen products on the market, she said,

in addition to all other “public charge” requirements, most people seeking an immigrant visa from outside the US will need to show they can obtain private health insurance or have enough money to pay for their health care expenses, and will not rely on taxpayers to pay for their medical expenses and care. If they cannot do so, a consul could refuse to issue their visa. The Proclamation does list several healthcare plans that would qualify as “approved health insurance,” including an employer-sponsored plan, and unsubsidized health plan offered in the individual market within a state, a catastrophic plan, a family member’s plan, a medical plan under the Medicare program, or any other health plan that provides adequate coverage for medical care as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. It remains to be seen how this proclamation will be implemented and applied at the Embassies, and we will continue to monitor this developing situation and keep you informed. But with all of these rapid changes to immigration law, policies, and requirements, I would

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superfoods. “The entire idea behind Droplet was our own roots as Filipina Americans and our experiences with herbal medicine,” Perez said. “There is no appropriation here. We are just shining a light on what it is that we’ve done and hoping that it uplifts our community also.” Arnel Pineda

INTERNATIONAL singer Arnel Pineda has an advice for people who are suffering from anxiety and depression during the pandemic. In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com, Arnel admitted that he also suffered from anxiety and depression in the past. “I think they shouldn’t stop working, you know, they should keep on trying. Don’t stop believing. I think they need to have someone who’s telling them that only them that can tell that it’s over,” he advised those facing the same ordeal. “I went through a lot of depression and anxiety, too. All I do is work. Just keep on working. I just keep on trying to better myself. Once you fulfilled something, I think it eases out depression and anxiety. We just got to stay positive and (be surrounded by) a lot of people who can help you or support you and compliment all your aspirations in life,” he added. Overall, he said he wishes “for the world and the people who got affected by this pandemic to heal.” He said that his Christmas song, “This Christmas,” was about the people who are willing to help the unfortunate during these tough times. “This is about people who are willing to be Santa to someone helpless, to the one who needs it the most, the hope that we could give to them, the freedom that we could give to them. Because this pandemic, we all grieve and (are) paranoid, buti na lang may mga frontliners who Photo from Instagram/@arnelpineda2007 are still doing the work for us, protecting us.”

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FI the lat For Droplet’s three flavors: Pretty Bright, Pretty Happy and Pretty Balanced. Photo courtesy of Droplet

Filip+Inna and Zacarias 1925: tional craftsmanship alive FOR many Filipinos globally, one way to proudly show their heritage is by wearing it on their sleeves, literally. This is the mission of Pinay designers like Lenora “Len” Luisa Cabili, who has been promoting Philippine culture through her international women’s clothing brand Filip+Inna.  Cabili held a trunk show in San Francisco showcasing pieces based on her childhood growing up near and learning about the indigenous groups and dancing for the Bayanihan Dance Company.  “Having that background and my love for fashion, I thought of integrating both,” Cabili said. “Also, I was well aware of the diversity of our culture and so I really wanted to make something different, something that would showcase the artisans around the Philippines.” Also featured at the Workshop Residence was Zacarias 1925, a line of hand-woven bags and home accessories by creative director Rita Nazareno. The line, named after Nazareno’s grandfather who was an architect, also carries on the legacy of her grandmother who started S.C. Vizcarra in 1925. The pieces are

Droplet team: Talia Jafarkhani, general manager; Michelle Nuccio, founding member; Celeste Perez, co-founder and CEO; Adrienne Borlongan, co-founder and lead food scientist; and Connie Kuo, advisor. Photo by Alec Perez

How Filipina designers defy fast fashion demands and keep tradi-

Len Cabili of Filip+Inna shows off the beadwork done by the Tagakaolo tribe in a traditional blouse.

also made at the same workshop. While S.C. Vizcarra’s hand-woven bags are more traditional and linear, Nazareno draws on her global travels and inspiration from art, architecture and cinema. One of Zacarias 1925’s iconic bags is modeled after the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. Another special collection called Zacarapata — made in collaboration with street artist Garapata — is a commentary of the global

infestation of commercialization. “It’s a more contemporary thrust on the very traditional craft of hand-weaving. I use a variety of materials and a combination of materials from wicker, leather, microfiber, canvas, and even nylon ropes we’ve done. I look at things that interest me,” Nazareno said. “It’s fantastic for men and women, and somewhere in between…I do enjoy androgyny.” PAGE B4

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Len Cabili of Filip+Inna shows off the beadwork done by the Tagakaolo tribe in a traditional blouse. Filip+Inna clothes, tapestry, purses and other items are on display in a table and clothes rack at a recent trunk show at the Workshop Residence in the Dogpatch area of San Francisco. AJPress photos by Joseph L. Peralta

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January 8-14, 2021 • nOrCaL aSIan JOurnaL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS IN this information age and era of rapid telecommunication and split-second transmission, data, truths, and facts are disseminated with lightning speed to do business, social contact, educate, and entertain, but, unfortunately, so are myths, fake news, and falsehood, which could instantly misinform, confuse and put people’s health and life in jeopardy. With the advent of the PfizerBioNTech and Moderna anti-COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, which is a light at the end of the long tunnel in this pandemic, hope smiles at humanity because this symbolizes the beginning of the end of this deadly global disaster that has infected almost 86.5 million and killed about 2 million people around the world; nearly 21.5 million cases and almost 365,000 deaths in the United States; and nearly 480,000 infected and around 9400 deaths in The Philippines. Here are some harmful myths circulating around the internet and in the social media we want to correct before they hurt and kill people. I appeal to all readers to eblast only facts and truths to counter fake news and falsehood. This is our obligation to ourselves and to our fellowmen. The vaccines for COVID-19 are dangerous Not true. These vaccines have been proven safe and effective. People are actually now feeling more secure about the safety of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines against COVID-19 after seeing healthcare front-liners, government officials, celebrities, and seniors getting either shot, without serious side-effects. The social media claim that Tennessee nurse Tiffany Dover died after getting the vaccine was fake news; she is alive and working. The CDC advises people with a history of “immediate allergic reactions” to anything in the past should NOT get these vaccines, without consultation with an allergist-immunologist first. More than 13 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in 30 countries; 4.7 million persons in the United States have received the shot since the vaccination started here on December 14, 2020. People now know that vaccines are safer than COVID-19, which has killed millions, and are eager

COVID-19 vaccine myths to get their shot for protection and peace of mind. These vaccines were rushed and are unsafe False. The reason why these vaccines were developed so fast was not because short-cuts were taken, but because of the new discovery and application of a more advanced, more efficient, and speedier techno-scientific process (using mRNA) in vaccine development, the first time ever it was utilized. These new mRNA vaccines do not alter the recipient’s DNA. President Trump also helped in facilitating the efforts of these and other vaccine companies. In the past, it took several years or even decades to come up with vaccines. Henceforth, the world will witness faster vaccine development in the future for other ailments. One can get COVID-19 from the vaccine Not true. There is no virus in the vaccine, unlike in some vaccines of yesteryears. These two available mRNA vaccines today work by providing the genetic code for our body cells to manufacture proteins, which cause our body to launch an immune response against the virus, enabling the individual to develop immunity. So, these new vaccines cannot cause COVID-19 or any disease. It does not cause infertility either. Pregnant women with COVID-19 might even prevent a miscarriage or premature labor with the vaccine, so vaccination is recommended to ALL pregnant women. These vaccines can cause long term ill-effects No. There is no evidence, even in the studies and clinical trials and among those vaccinated, that these mRNA vaccines can lead to long term side-effects. The only complication observed is mild allergic reaction (immediately severe in rare cases) which happens within 15 minutes or an hour after vaccination, the reason post-vaccinated individuals are observed for 15 minutes to an hour before being discharged. The common side-effects can include pain around the needle-entry site, headache, tiredness, fever, and chills, varying in different persons. These reactions are a good indication that the body is responding and creating antibodies against the SARS-CoV2 virus, including the new variant from the United Kingdom. Instant protection after the shot Wrong. With the widely publicized efficacy of 90 to 95 percent for each vaccine, as shown

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by their respective studies and three-stage clinical trials, people may have the impression that after receiving the shot, they are instantly protected, immune within seconds/minutes from getting infected with the SARS-CoV2 virus of COVID-19. Not true! There were cases reported where individuals, five or so many days after receiving the vaccines, still got infected with COVID-19. It takes about 3-4 weeks for the vaccine to provide 52 percent (partial) immunity, and about another couple of months to achieve 9095 percent protection. The claim that two half doses will confer the same full immunity was not part of the original studies and trials on 80,000 subjects, and is therefore questionable. As time goes by, we will learn more about the virus and the efficacy, duration of protection from the mRNA vaccines, and if we will need annual shots, like the flu vaccines. People with health issues should not get the vaccine False. As a matter of fact, those with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, etc., should get the vaccine because they are high risk for COVID-19, especially seniors, who have the highest COVID-19 mortality. The same is true with those with compromised immune system (those with autoimmune disease, cancer patients undergoing treatments, etc.). After the healthcare front-liners, seniors, and these persons are the next priority for vaccination. After getting infected, no vaccine is needed Not true. Studies show the protective value of the vaccine is better than the immunity from having COVID-19, so the CDC recommends vaccination also for those who had COVID-19 for greater protection. After getting the shot, no PPE are needed False. After receiving the vaccine, Personal Protective Equipment are still needed, as explained earlier. We must continue to use facemasks (more effective N95 masks, if available) when in public, do social distancing, and do frequent handwashing. As I stated above, there were people who got infected several days after getting the shot, because immunity takes weeks/months to develop antibodies to protect the person. My precautionary recommendation is, after vaccination, behave as if you never got the shot, and continue to protect yourself and others following the same standard COVID-19 Guidelines, until herd

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Year in review: Revisiting the SF Magazine stories of 2020

PAGE B3

‘Blue’s Clues and You!’ host Josh Dela Cruz on figuring out clues and sharing Filipino culture with a new generation When stage actor Josh Dela Cruz was announced as the new host for the “Blue’s Clues” reboot, a wave of nostalgia kicked in for kids who grew up watching Nickelodeon in the ‘90s. On top of that, the new generation of Fil-Am would see someone who resembles them on screen. A moment of pride came at the start of season two, in particular, when Josh got to introduce viewers to Filipino culture and another family member, a lola (a grandmother played by veteran Filipina-Canadian actress and singer Carolyn Fe). “Growing up, I never saw anyone on screen that I connected with,” Dela Cruz said. “I never saw myself reflected in a positive way — it was either the foreigner, the villain, or the joke. I get to be myself. I’m just Josh and I also am Filipino.”

Josh Dela Cruz stars as “Josh” in the Nickelodeon reboot, “Blue’s Clues and You!” featuring Blue and her band of friends. Photo courtesy of Nickelodeon

Historic Filipina-owned Bay Area restaurant reopens for business Located along Bayshore Boulevard in Brisbane, California is a restaurant with a 162-year history that includes surviving the 1906 earthquake, the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak and the Great Depression in the 30s. 7 Mile House has been owned by Filipina American Vanessa Garcia since 2004, becoming a bustling popular dining and entertainment venue known for its comfort dishes, including siz- Mile House re-opens for take-out and delivery service in April last year. zling sisig, a pulled pork adobo first. However, inspired by the ety, I cannot help but think of 7 sandwich, and fish and chips resilience of the owners before Mile’s 162-year-old past,” Gardipped in San Miguel beer. Fol- her, she re-opened the restau- cia said, adding “I know little of lowing the Bay Area’s shelter in rant for take-out and delivery on their struggles, but I do know place orders, Garcia temporarily Wednesday, April 29, 2020. one thing: that 7 Mile House is a closed 7 Mile House, putting the “But as I scramble to find our story of resilience and that’s not health of employees and families place in this virus-plagued soci- about to end now.” New cookbook features 100 classic Filipino recipes for beginners

Roline Casper holds up a copy of her new book, “The Easy Filipino Cookbook: 100 Classics Made Simple,” which was released on March 24. Photo courtesy of Roline’s Uniquely Filipino

immunity is established and stable. The scientific community and government will surely advise the public when “freedom” day arrives. We are all anxiously looking forward to that historic liberation with bated breath (literally) under our facemask. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of

For those looking to finally master some Filipino dishes while staying safely at home, a cookbook with the premise of “easy” savory and sweet recipes can help with that goal. “The Easy Filipino Cookbook: 100 Classics Made Simple” — released on March 24, 2020 by Rockridge Press — comes from Roline Casper, a Pinay chef who owns Roline’s Uniquely Filipino in Vacaville, California. “It is meant for the second generation of Filipino Americans who want to learn how to make the dishes they grew up eating [and] people who don’t really know our food but are curious,” Casper said. “What inspired me was being able to share our culture through this love of food and eating.”

the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition

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well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua. com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

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