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FEBRUARY 3-9, 2022
T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER
Volume 33 - No. 5 • 12 Pages
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DATELINE Biden appoints Fil-Am community leader to regional role at Small Business Administration FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
PRESIDENT Joe Biden recently appointed a Filipina American community leader to a key regional leadership role at the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). Geri Sanchez Aglipay was named SBA regional administrator for region 5, according to the White House announcement on Thursday, January 27. The region covers Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Aglipay, a second-generation American and a daughter of a veteran, has over 20 years of experience in workforce, entrepreneurship, and economic development and is passionate about strengthening collaborative innovation across sectors and industries to create more equitable paths to financial security for small business owners and the self-employed, especially to create a level playing field for socially and economically disadvantaged communities. Prior to the SBA, she served as Director
CDC warns against travel to PH for ‘very high level’ of COVID-19 by AJPRESS THE United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning individuals against traveling to the Philippines, citing the “very high level” of COVID-19 in the country.
The CDC on Monday, January 31 updated its guidance for countries, with the Philippines listed in the Level 4 tier, the highest COVID-19 risk level. Travelers are advised to “avoid travel to the Philippines” amid the current virus surge.
TAX season officially opened Jan. 24, but early birds will have to wait for refunds until March, as the Internal Revenue Service is barred from issuing payments before Feb. 15. “It is our intent that filing is as smooth and easy as possible. We want to make certain that consumers are getting all the credits and refunds they are eligible to receive,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig, at a Jan. 28 briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services. Rettig strongly recommended filing electronically, and using direct deposit so that funds are deposited directly to a bank account. Paper returns have the greatest number of delays, he said. Refunds are usually issued 21 days after the tax return has been processed, but not before Feb. 15. Tax returns and payments are due by April 18, and the IRS is not considering extensions this year, as it did for the past
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Moderna vaccine receives full FDA authorization Full FDA authorization allows for more physician flexibility when prescribing the vaccine by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
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Tax season is open! Here’s how to get your refund quickly
Though the agency said that if individuals must travel to the country, they should ensure they are vaccinated. “Even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk for getting and
REOPEN. People flock to the Promenade Des Dasmariñas, a public urban garden in Cavite, as it has resumed operations on Tuesday, February 1, during Lunar New Year. Public parks have been allowed to reopen under Alert Level 2 but only at 70% capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and are required to abide by minimum health protocols, including temperature check upon entry, wearing of masks, and physical distancing. PNA photo by Gil Calinga
NEARLY two years after the earth-shattering coronavirus pandemic began, the Moderna COVID19 vaccine has become the second major coronavirus vaccine to be permitted for full use, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Monday, Jan. 31. Previously, the Moderna vaccine — now known as Spikevax — was made available by the FDA under emergency use authorization. The announcement made on Monday follows months of rigorous review by the agency, a standard practice for all vaccines designed for widespread inoculation. Under the Moderna vaccine’s emergency authorization use period — which began in December 2020 — the biotechnology company administered hundreds of millions of doses, according to the FDA. The coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech
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Philippines sets new COVID-19 rules for arriving travelers by GAEA
KATREENA Philstar.com
CABICO
THE Philippines is enforcing new protocols for arriving travelers as the government suspended its COVID-19 risk classifications for countries and territories. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the Philippines suspended the “greenyellow-red list” system, which is used to classify countries, territories and jurisdictions based on their COVID-19 risk levels. Starting February 1, fully-vaccinated
travelers will be required to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival in the Philippines, they will no longer be required to observe mandatory facility-based quarantine. But they will need to self-monitor for any signs or symptoms for seven days with the first day being the date of arrival and report to the local government unit of destination upon the manifestation of symptoms, if any. Nograles said fully-vaccinated travelers must have any of the following proofs of Presidential aspirtant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (elft) and running mate Davao City
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Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio face supporters in Tagum City, Davao del Norte in November last year. Photo from the Facebook page of Marcos
Dream come true: Philippines qualifies for FIFA World Cup Quiboloy endorses Bongbong by NIEL
VICTOR MASOY ManilaTimes.net
THE Philippine women’s football team on Monday, January 31 booked a ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup by outlasting Chinese Taipei in a cliffhanger penalty shootout in the quarterfinal round of the Women’s Asian Cup in India. No Philippine football team, men or women, had made it to football’s most prestigious tournament. The Filipinas, ranked 64th in the world, were on the attack early in the match, but the 39thranked Taiwanese stood their The Philippine women’s national football team celebrates after qualifying for the 2023 FIFA ground. Women’s World Cup for the first time.
Photo courtesy of the Asian Football Confederation
At the 49th minute, the Philippine team finally cracked Taiwan’s defense, as Quinley Quindoza delivered the first goal of the match from inside the box off an assist by Katrina Gillou. The Philippine advantage disappeared when Zhuo Li-Ping converted a fantastic arcing shot from way outside the box to equalize the game at the 82nd minute. Neither team was able to score during the remainder of regulation time and the extra 30-minute period, setting the stage for the shootout. The score remained tied after the first two penalty kicks as
Marcos – Sara Duterte tandem by NEIL
ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net
KINGDOM of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy endorsed on Tuesday, February 1 the pridential and vice presidential bod, respectively, of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Quiboloy made the remark as he prayed over Duterte-Carpio during the send-off ceremony for the “Mahalin Natin Ang Pilipinas Ride” national caravan from u PAGE 2 Davao City to to Ilocos Norte.
The send-off was done at the compound of Quiboloy’s church in Davao City. “Marami ang nagtatanong kung ano ang susuportahan ng Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Sabi ko, maghintay tayo sa tamang panahon. At ngayon na ang panahon para lahat sa inyo ang aning suporta. 100 percent ako ay sumusuporta sa UniTeam (A lot of people are asking which candidates the Kingdom of Jesus Christ will support. I said, let’s wait for the right time. Now is the time for to support
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february 3-9, 2022 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL
From The FronT Page
CDC warns against travel to PH...
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spreading COVID-19,” the CDC said on its website. The CDC also reminds travelers to wear well-fitting masks in indoor public spaces and follow all requirements and recommendations in the Philippines. As of January 31, the Philippines reported 190,818 active cases with 14,546 marked as new cases. The CDC uses travel health notices to alert to health threats around the world and advise on how to protect themselves, using data reported by the World Health Organization and other official sources. “If a destination does not provide data, their THN level is designated as ‘unknown’ and travelers are advised to follow
THN Level 4 recommendations,” according to the CDC website. The Philippines is among nearly 130 countries and territories listed as a Level 4 risk, including Mexico, Brazil, Singapore, Ecuador, Kosovo and Paraguay. The four-level system categories international destinations into the following levels: • Level 1 (low): travelers are advised to be fully vaccinated before traveling to the destination • Level 2 (moderate): travelers should be fully vaccinated before travel and unvaccinated travelers at high risk for severe illness are advised to avoid nonessential travel to this destination • Level 3 (high): travelers are advised to be fully vaccinated
before traveling to the destination and unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to this destination • Level 4 (very high level): avoid travel to this destination Meanwhile, as of Tuesday, February 1, the Philippines is suspending its risk classification for countries and is allowing fully vaccinated Filipinos to return without going through mandatory quarantine at a facility. By February 10, fully vaccinated foreigners from visafree countries will be allowed to enter the Philippines for tourism or business purposes. Both fully vaccinated Filipinos and foreigners will need to provide a negative RT-PCR test within 48 hours before they depart for the Philippines. n
Dream come true: Philippines qualifies... PAGE 1
Ting Chi and Wang Hsiang-huei scored for Chinese-Taipei and Sara Castañeda and Tahnai Annis connected for the Philippines. Ying-Hui Chen pushed Chinese Taipei ahead 3-2 when she scored on her penalty try. Things looked bleak for the Philippine side when Jessica Miclat’s kick was saved by Cheng Ssu-Yu. Yi-Yun Hsu’s kick then bounced off the left post, but the Philippines failed to equalize after captain Hali Long fumbled her attempt. Despite the tremendous pressure, Philippine goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel thwarted SinYun Su’s fifth kick, which would have given the Taiwanese a 4-2 edge. McDaniel then sent the ball swooshing past Cheng to even the score at 3-3. McDaniel showed her nerves of steel anew as she stopped Zhuo’s penalty kick, giving Sarina Bolden the golden chance to send the Philippines to the World Cup next year. Bolden did not disappoint, directing the ball to the left corner for the decisive goal. The team, who used to be known as the Malditas, exploded in celebration. “It’s an unbelievable
achievement of the team,” said head coach Alen Stajcic after the match. “The group is really proud of each other, but we are more proud that we can inspire the next generation of players.” It has also been a historic stint in the Women’s Asian Cup for the Filipinas. They upset Thailand, 1-0, the Philippines’ first win against the regional powerhouse in 13 matches. The Filipinas lost to Australia, 0-4, but managed to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time after they demolished Indonesia, 6-0. The Philippines will face South Korea in the semifinal round on February 3. “It hasn’t really hit me yet. It’s really surreal. I’m really proud of this team,” McDaniel said. “How we can do it for the country and be able to bring history like this and be able to create longevity for this team and be able to move forward and play a chance for us to go to the World Cup. It was just a dream a couple of months ago but now, it’s reality,” she said. Among the first to congratulate the team was Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first Olympic weightlifting champion. “Nakakaiyak naman panuorin ito (This is such a tearjerker).
YEAR OF THE TIGER. SM Mall of Asia’s Chinese New Year centerpiece is inspired by classic Chinese gardens with blooms of peonies, tall bamboos and three moon gates decorated with red lanterns which symbolize birth and renewal and wisteria flowers for long life. The main showpiece is a larger-than-life tiger fully covered in flower petals, resting in a floral bed with gold coins and ingots welcoming fortune and prosperity. ManilaTimes.net photo
Tax season is open! Here’s how to get your...
Congratulations to the Philippine women’s national football team. Bound to the World Cup,” Diaz posted on Instagram on PAGE 1 Monday. “It’s amazing and it’s two years during the height of something to be proud of. It’s the Covid-19 pandemic. For those hoping to avoid really tears-inducing to see the athletes’ joy after (the World costly online tax filing portals, Cup clinching) goal. I felt their the IRS recommends using the love for the sport and I know free file program at: https:// they gave their best; and the www.irs.gov/filing/free-filereaction of their coaches,” she do-your-federal-taxes-for-free. The service is available to those added. “Priceless. Thank you for with Adjusted Gross Incomes of the good news. Thank you for under $73,000. For those lacking broadband bringing pride to our country,” access, the IRS offers another Diaz said. Malacañang on Monday service: the Volunteer Income lauded the Philippine team for Tax Assistance program, also known as VITA. The service is its history-making feat. “Gumawa ng kasaysayan sa available to those who earn less larangan ng palakasan ang ating than $58,000 annually, seniors Philippine women’s football or people with disabilities, and team (Our Philippine women’s people with limited English football team made history in the skills. Services are offered in 350 field of sports). Congratulations languages, either by phone or on clinching the country’s first by going into a local IRS office. FIFA World Cup berth,” Cabinet Several VITA sites are located Secretary and acting spokesman at community centers. https:// Karlo Alexei Nograles said in his www.irs.gov/individuals/freetax-return-preparation-forvirtual presser. “Iba talaga ang galing ng qualifying-taxpayers Rettig advised those availing Pinay (The excellence of the Filipina is truly one of a kind),” of free services to only use sites from irs.gov, to avoid scams. Nograles said. Ken Corbin, Wage The FIFA Women’s World Cup Investment Division 2023 will be jointly hosted by and Commissioner and Chief Australia and New Zealand. n
Taxpayer Experience Officer at the IRS, noted at the briefing that multiple changes have been made to the Earned Income Tax Credit program, allowing more people to avail of its benefits. For families without children, the benefit has almost tripled from a maximum of $529 for the 2020 tax season, to $1502 this year. The credit has also been raised for families with children; one qualifying child allows for a maximum credit of $3,733, provided that household income is under $43,492. two qualifying children allow for a maximum of $6,164, provided household income is under $49, 399. Families with three or more children with an annual income below $53,000 can receive a maximum credit of $6,935. The minimum age to qualify for EITC has been lowered from 25 to 18, said Corbin, adding that minors who have aged out of foster care or experiencing homelessness can now also qualify for the credit. People who have investment income under $10,000 and meet the household income guidelines may also qualify for
EITC this year, said Corbin. He noted that the Economic Impact Payments sent out last year to individuals earning less than $72,000 are not considered taxable income, but must nonetheless be reported on your tax return. Both Rettig and Corbin noted the large number of scams, stemming from people who represented themselves as IRS agents. “The IRS will not call you by phone without a notice in advance. Don’t accept a text, a call, especially if they ask for bank info or to pay with a gift card. That is a scam,” cautioned Corbin. Consumers can read about the most-prolific IRS scams at https://irs.gov/newsroom/dirtydozen Corbin said the agency defines its success when “we meet our taxpayers in the communities where they live and to expand options and choices.” To meet that goal, the IRS is hiring, especially those who speak a language other than English. Job seekers can search for open positions at the agency usajobs.gov. (Ethnic Medica Services)
Dateline USa
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Philippines sets new COVID-19 rules for... PAGE 1 vaccination against COVID-19: • World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis • VaxCertPH • National or state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF Meanwhile, unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers will need to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. They will also be required to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day. Then, they will undergo home quarantine until the 14th day, with the date of arrival being the first day. The government tasked local government units and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams to monitor arriving
passengers undergoing home quarantine. For children below 12 years old who cannot be vaccinated, they will follow the quarantine protocol applied to the parent or guardian traveling with them. Nograles added those who are currently undergoing quarantine as of February 1 may avail of the aforementioned testing and quarantine protocols. The new COVID-19 travel protocols were based on the recommendations of the Task Force on COVID-19 New Variants and Sub-Technical Working Group on Data Analytics. Entry of fully-vaccinated foreigners Nograles also announced that fully-vaccinated nationals of nonvisa required countries will be allowed to enter the Philippines starting February 10. “Remember we were supposed to do this nung December 1 pa and then we suspended it. And then now we’re implementing it again,” he said.
F u l l y - v a c c i n a t e d f o re i g n nationals must have passport valid for at least six months at the time of arrival, and with return or outbound ticket to their country of origin or next country of destination. The must have any of the following proofs of vaccination against COVID-19: • World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis • VaxCertPH • National or state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF According to Nograles, minors are exempted from the requirement of being fullyvaccinated and providing proof of immunization prior to boarding. Fully-vaccinated foreigners will not be included in the arrival quota set by the Department of Transportation and its One-StopShop. n
Moderna vaccine receives full FDA...
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received full approval last August, which was granted after months of review. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that more than 204 million doses of the Moderna vaccine have been administered across the U.S. so far with almost 75 million people across the nation having been fully vaccinated with it. The CDC is expected to meet on Friday, Feb. 4 to review the FDA’s approval and vote whether or not to endorse it. The FDA’s approval on Monday also allows Moderna to officially market the name Spikevax as well as increase flexibility to physicians to prescribe the vaccine; under emergency use authorization, specifics on how vaccines are administered are more restrictive than when they’re granted full FDA approval. In a statement, FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said that while the Moderna vaccine has become a popular option for Americans, “[full] FDA approval of this vaccine may instill additional confidence in making the decision to get vaccinated.” As reported in the Asian Journal, fully vaccinated individuals became eligible this
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 3-9, 2022
Fil-Chinese psychologist named president of California State University Channel Islands
THE California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Richard Yao, Ph.D., to serve as the fourth president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI). Yao, who identifies as a Chinese Filipino American,currently serves as interim president of CSUCI, a role he has held since January 2021. “This is such an exciting time at CSUCI, especially as we approach our 20th year. Our university is primed for growth as we continue to increase graduation rates and confer more high-quality degrees that enrich the lives of the residents and the communities throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties,” said Yao. “I am so thankful for the dedication and expertise of our faculty and staff, who are continually striving to improve the success of our talented students. I look forward to working collaboratively with our faculty, staff, students, and community partners in leading CSUCI into our third decade.” “During his time at CSUCI and throughout his career, Dr. Yao has been a champion of
improving access and success for students coming from diverse backgrounds,” said CSU Trustee Wenda Fong, chair of the CSUCI search committee. “He is an innovative leader whose vision and experience make him the ideal candidate to lead CSUCI to even greater heights.” Yao first joined CSUCI after he was appointed to the position of vice president for student affairs in 2018. In that role he led campus functions including Campus Life; Housing & Residential Education; Student Affairs Assessment, Data and Evaluation; Retention, Outreach and Inclusive Student Services; and Associated Students, Inc. Yao is a licensed clinical psychologist who came to CSUCI from Nevada State College where he was the founding Dean of Students and the chief student affairs officer. He previously served as a senior lecturer in psychology for eight years before his transition into student affairs. He had also served as Chair of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Student Affairs Council,
Richard Yao, Ph.D.
a group comprised of vice presidents of student affairs and other high-level administrators from across the state. Yao earned a bachelor’s in Psychology and a master’s in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University, and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara. Yao will immediately assume the campus presidency. n
Quiboloy endorses Bongbong Marcos – Sara... PAGE 1 the UniTeam),” Quiboloy said, referring to the Marcos-DuterteCarpio tandem. “Sinasabi ko na sa inyo, itong team na ito will have a landslide win sa darating na eleksyon. Ako ay nananalangin na tayong lahat ay sumama sa UniTeam (I am
telling you, this team will score a landslide victory in the coming elections. I am praying that we all join the UniTeam),” he added. Quiboloy, who was recently indicted in the United States for sex–trafficking charges, is a close ally of the Duterte family. Quiboloy is the spiritual adviser
of President Rodrigo Duterte. A c c o r d i n g t o A t t y. V i c Rodriguez, the spokesperson of Marcos Jr., the tandem will hold its proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on February 8—the official start of the campaign period for national candidates.
Biden appoints Fil-Am community leader to... Unsplash.com photo by Ian Hutchinson
past fall to receive Moderna booster shots, which are designed to “boost” immunity against disease and infection. The CDC now considers three doses of the vaccine (two full doses and one booster) in order to be “up to date” in a vaccine regimen. The move to announce full FDA authorization formalizes the agency’s confidence in the vaccine, a move that could influence more Americans to get vaccinated against the
coronavirus. Currently, more than 539 vaccine doses (from all available brands) have been administered across the country, with more than 211 million fully vaccinated — 64.1% of the entire population. California continues to have the most vaccine doses administered per capita with more than 69 million doses given and 27.3 million people fully vaccinated, making 69.1% of the state fully vaccinated. n Geri Sanchez Aglipay
PAGE 1 of the Midwest Region and National Manager of Women’s Entrepreneurship for Small Business Majority, where she expanded and directed the organization’s strategic education programs, policy, research, and financial development efforts in the Midwest and oversaw women’s entrepreneurship nationwide to address disparities. Aglipay has served as commissioner of the Cook County Commission for Social Innovation; co-chair of Racial Wealth Gap Committee of
Financial Inclusion for All Illinois; and on the advisory council of HHS NIOSH Center of Excellence UIC Center for Healthy Work. She is a graduate of Bradley University. In addition to Aglipay, Biden appointed Vercie Lark for SBA Regional Administrator of Region 7, which serves Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. The president also named several individuals to regional leadership roles at the Department of Agriculture, covering Florida, Kansas, New Jersey, Washington and Wyoming. (AJPress)
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Pope Francis appoints Filipino priest as envoy to Rwanda by John
Eric MEndoza Inquirer.net
MANILA — Pope Francis has named a Filipino priest as an apostolic nuncio to Rwanda, a landlocked country in east Africa, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The CBCP said the appointment of Monsignor Arnaldo Catalan as an apostolic nuncio was made public by the Holy See Press Office on Monday, January 31. An apostolic nuncio is an
ecclesiastical diplomat who serves as an envoy or a permanent diplomatic representative of the Holy See — the government of the Catholic Church — to a state or international organization. “In appointing Catalan as a Vatican envoy, the pope also elevated him to the titular See of Apollonia, with the dignity of Archbishop,” the CBCP said in a report on Monday. Catalan replaced Poland’s Archbishop Andrzej Józwowicz who was transferred to Iran in June 2021, the CBCP added. Before his current post,
Catalan served as the chargé d’affaires — or a diplomatic official who assumes a post of an ambassador — of the Apostolic Nunciature in China since 2019. The 55-year-old priest also joined the Holy See Diplomatic Service in July 2001, serving in the Apostolic Nunciatures in Zambia, Kuwait, Mexico, Honduras, Turkey, India, Argentina, Canada, and the Philippines. Catalan, who is also a priest of the Archdiocese of Manila, was ordained to priesthood in March 1994. n
BI ready for Philippines reopening to foreigners by robErtzon
raMirEz
Philstar.com
MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is ready for the influx of international passengers after the government scrapped facility-based quarantine for fully vaccinated foreigners starting Feb. 10. “We have the manpower to address this projected increase in passenger volume at our airports,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said on Monday, January 31. He said 401 immigration per-
sonnel, most of them assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), have returned to work after they recovered from COVID-19. Morente said they would continue to operate at full capacity at various airports. He said the BI formed a reserve team of immigration officers to assist their frontliners at the airport if the need arises. NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3, which are serving more than 40 foreign airlines, have daily quotas of only 3,000 international passengers.
The Clark International Airport is requesting the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to increase its daily international passenger quota from 800 to 1,200. The national pandemic task force reduced international tourist arrivals at Clark due to the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Aside from Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia, Clark airport services Jin Air, Jetstar, Jeju Air, Scoot, Emirates Air and Qatar Airways. n
Senate clears bill declaring National Press Freedom Day every August 30 by angElica
Y. Yang
Philstar.com
MANILA — The Senate wants the state to recognize August 30 of every year as National Press Freedom Day in honor of Filipino journalist Marcelo H. del Pilar, after majority of its members passed the bill on its third and final reading on Monday, January 31. “Senate Bill (SB) No. 670 was approved with 19 affirmative votes, no negative vote and no abstention,” the Senate’s information office said in a statement. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Francis Tolentino, was introduced to honor Del Pilar,
who was born on Aug. 30, 1965. Del Pilar, who used the pen name “Plaridel”, is known as the Great Propagandist and Father of Philippine Journalism. The proposed bill calls for National Press Freedom Day to be a working holiday which allows the public to “engage and participate in any related activity to be conducted in the premises of their respective offices or establishments.” The measure also directs the Education department, including the Commission on Higher Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to organize awareness activities in highlighting the
importance of the press. Former President Diosdado Macapagal declared August 30 a special public holiday in Bulacan, where Del Pilar was born, so that locals can celebrate his birthday. The Philippines slid down two notches to 138th place out of 180 countries in last year’s World’s Press Freedom Index of the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontières, RSF), after the media watchdog pointed out that the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act gave the government powers to prosecute any reporter or news organization publishing a report that displeases the Duterte government.”n
Pharmally execs face estafa raps by Ma.
rEina tolEntino ManilaTimes.net
THE House of Representatives’ Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability has recommended that six people, including former and current officials of Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., be charged with syndicated estafa before the Department of Justice in connection with the questionable government purchase in 2020 of medical goods for its pandemic response. The committee had concluded its investigation of the anomalous procurement. Among those the committee wants to be charged were Linconn Ong and Mohit Dargani, both of whom are Pharmally officials. “We respect the findings of the House committee and look forward to whatever action the appropriate government offices may take in relation to the recommendations of the committee. We are confident that, given a full and fair hearing with all constitutional safeguards freely at hand, the evidence we will present will result in the complete exoneration of my
clients,” Ferdinand Topacio, the lawyer for Ong and Dargani, said in a statement on Monday. Others recommended to be charged were Huang Tzu Yen, Twinkle Dargani, Justine Garado and former Pharmally employee Krizle Grace Mago. DIWA Party-list Rep. Michael Aglipay, the committee’s chairman, said on Monday that because of “insufficiency of evidence,” the committee did not recommend charges against former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang and former Budget undersecretary and former Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) officer in charge Lloyd Lao. Aglipay said the committee also recommended the abolition of the PS-DBM “in order to streamline government functions and services.” The PS-DBM, he said, “has outlived its purpose considering that all agencies now have their own procurement department and” bids and awards committee. “In connection with emergency procurements, the committee strongly recommends
that the Office of the President and its attached agencies like DBM, PS-DBM and GPPB consider institutionalizing standard requirements that can better gauge a supplier’s legal, financial and technical capacities,” he said. GPPB is the Government Procurement Policy Board. The report of the House committee has yet to reach plenary. Aglipay said the panel “found that there was no overpricing in the purchase of materials, supplies and equipment by” the PS-DBM on behalf of the Department of Health. “The procedure on emergency procurement pursuant to Bayanihan Act One” that PS-DBM undertook “was consistent with applicable rules and regulations. There was nothing irregular nor illegal in the procedure applied by PSDBM,” he said. However, Aglipay said the committee found that requirements “imposed by GPPB on suppliers under the emergency procurement of the Bayanihan Act One” were “extremely deficient in genuinely evaluating the capacity of a supplier.” n
In this file photo, Pharmally executives Mohit Dargani (left) and Linconn Ong (right) being escorted by security detail from the Senate of the Philippines as they are being brought to the Pasay City Jail in Pasay City last November 29. ManilaTimes.net photo by Enrique Agcaoili
AGAINST. Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines (LLP) and Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) hold a picket rally against House Bill 10576 and Senate Bill 179, or the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act, in front of the Philippine Senate in Pasay City on Monday, Jan. 31. The anti-communist groups called for a strong and loud voice against the proposed measure which they said can be used by the groups known as fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front to pursue their anti-government agenda. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.
Huge volumes of COVID-19 medical waste threaten health DISCARDED syringes, used test kits, and old vaccine bottles from the COVID-19 pandemic have piled up to create tens of thousands of metric tons of medical waste, threatening human health and the environment, a World Health Organization report said on Tuesday, February 1. The material potentially exposes health workers to burns, needle-stick injuries, and disease-causing germs, the report said. “We found that COVID-19 has increased healthcare waste loads in facilities to up to 10 times,” Maggie Montgomery, a WHO technical officer, told Genevabased journalists. She said the biggest risk for affected communities was air pollution caused by burning waste at insufficiently high temperatures leading to the release of carcinogens. The report calls for reform and investment including the reduc-
tion in the use of packaging that has caused a rush for plastic and the use of protective gear made from reusable and recyclable materials. The WHO report estimates that some 87,000 metric tons of personal protective equipment (PPE), or the equivalent of the weight of several hundred blue whales, have been ordered via a UN portal up until Nov. 2021 — most of which is thought to have ended up as waste. The report also mentions some 140 million test kits with a potential to generate 2,600 tonnes of mostly plastic trash and enough chemical waste to fill one-third of an Olympic swimming pool. In addition, it estimates that some 8 billion vaccine doses administered globally have produced an additional 144,000 tonnes of waste in the form of glass vials, syringes, needles, and safety boxes. Too many moonsuits
Montgomery said a misperception about the rates of COVID-19 infection from surfaces was to blame for what she called the “overuse” of protective gear, particularly gloves. “We’ve all seen photos of the moonsuits, we’ve all seen photos of people vaccinating with gloves,” she said. “Certainly across the board… people are wearing excessive PPE,” she added. The WHO report did not name specific examples of where the most egregious build-ups occurred but referred to challenges such as the limited waste treatment and disposal in rural India as well as large volumes of fecal sludge from quarantine facilities in Madagascar. Even before the pandemic, around a third of healthcare facilities were not equipped to handle existing waste loads, the WHO said. That was as high as 60% in poor countries, it said. n
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http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
FEBRUARY 3-9, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
Back to the bottom
FEATURES
AFTER edging up by three spots last December, the Philippines sank back to the bottom of the COVID-19 Resilience Ranking this January, for the third time in five months. The ranking, drawn up by media and data company Bloomberg, again rated the Philippines as the worst place to be during the pandemic among the world’s 53 largest economies. The slide back to the bottom was due to the return to Alert Level 3 in the National Capital Region and several other areas following a renewed surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant. Explaining the Philippines’ return to the bottom spot, Bloomberg also said in its report: “Difficulties administering vaccines in remote areas continue to be a vulnerability as the country sees an Omicron surge worse than other Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.” The resiliency rankings are based on the number of COVID cases and deaths, vaccine coverage, lockdown severity, universal health care coverage, community mobility and human development index. While the Philippines managed to emerge last year from deep recession in 2020, its worst
economic performance since World War II, the quality of the pandemic response has led many analysts to describe the country as the regional laggard in recovery. The response has been hampered by insufficient COVID testing, disastrous contact tracing, and a health infrastructure that has been inadequate even before the pandemic. Coming from a low base amid the 9.5 percent gross domestic product contraction in 2020, GDP grew by 5.6 percent last year. The government says this is the best proof of the country’s resilience. Economic growth from a low base, however, must be accompanied by greater effort to improve public health care capacities. COVID19 has highlighted the weaknesses of the health care system. The country does not need the resilience index to see where improvements are urgently needed. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Filter out the noise: Watch ‘PANATA SA BAYAN: The 2022 Presidential Candidates Forum’
The Fil-Am Perspective
February 3 at 5 pm PST/ Feb 4 at 9 am PHL Time
GEL SANTOS-RELOS STOP whatever it is you are doing on February 3, Thursday at 5 pm PST and watch “PANATA SA BAYAN: The 2022 Presidential Candidates Forum” to know who can and will possibly be the next President of the Philippines. This is especially important if you are a dual citizen like this author, and/or you have family in the Philippines whose lives will be very much affected by this very consequential election happening on May 9, 2022. This first Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) forum, simulcast over 300 member stations of the KBP, will give you the chance to get to know six Presidential candidates: Vice President and Former Representative Atty. Leni Robredo, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Former Senator and Ilocos Norte Governor Bongbong Marcos, Former Senator and PNP Chief Panfilo Lacson, Representative and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and unionist/labor rights activist Ka Leody de Guzman. With the highly divided nation in the age of social media and fake news, a lot of us do not really have the opportunity to earnestly get to know these candidates
who are applying for the position of President of the Philippines — the most powerful position in the nation accorded with public trust. Who will be the true tried and tested leader and public servant who deserve our trust and our vote? The future of our Motherland in the next six years and even thereafter depends on this election because votes have consequences not only in the near six years but even beyond that. The results will have tremendous effect on the lives, health, safety, education, opportunities, and values system of people, not only of this generation but of the succeeding ones. The May 9, 2022 elections will also define who we are as a nation and as a people because we make a decision based on our values, we pick the candidate who shares the same values. We elect the next President and Commanderin-Chief of the Philippines based on what we know about them — their qualifications, their personality, their character, their achievements, their vision, and the programs and initiatives they will put forward to help our lives become better and our democracy stronger.
THERE has been a rapid increase of cybercriminals hacking the online accounts of depositors from major Philippine banks. So far, there have also been a number of arrests. However, many continue to be apprehensive because hacking syndicates keep developing new and more sophisticated ways to launch cyberattacks. According to the Bankers Association of the Philippines, more than P1 billion was lost last year due to cyber fraud, with the criminals using emails, text messages and even social media to dupe people into disclosing sensitive data or personal information to hack credit cards, debit cards and the like. But more than individual credit card holders or depositors, cyber criminals are focusing their attacks on private businesses and government institutions. Earlier this month, a news report claimed that the servers of the Commission on Elections had been hacked, with the usernames and PINs of vote counting machines
This forum will be the first time we will see them all together in one platform, unfiltered, unscripted, unedited. We will listen to how they answer to the hard questions we hope the moderators and panelists will ask all off them, and we will pay attention to the content and substance of their responses, as well as on their demeanor and attitude as they present their positions to the Filipino people. This will be the first of the series of debates for both President and Vice-President in the near future, leading up to election day. The 2022 Presidential Candidates Forum will be moderated by Rico Hizon of CNN Philippines and Karen Davila of ABS-CBN. Panelists include: Elmer Acol of Bombo Radyo; Roby Alampay of One News; Dan Andrew Cura of Far East Broadcasting Company; and Ed Lingao of TV-5. Make an informed decision. Watch this forum and subsequent debates before casting your sacred vote as a responsible and conscientious citizen of the Philippines. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily
Vice President Leni Robredo
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno
Former Senator Bongbong Marcos
Former Senator Ping Lacson
Senator Manny Pacquiao
reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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
Labor rights activist Leody de Guzman Philstar.com file photos
*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public
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.
Major global challenges ahead
Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ
Philstar.com photo
allegedly downloaded, raising concerns that the outcome of the May 2022 elections could be compromised. During an inquiry last Friday by the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Automated Election System, Department of Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) executive director Cezar Mancao – a recent visitor here in Washington, DC – said their preliminary investigation showed that the Comelec servers have not been hacked because they were offline when the supposed attack happened, but raised the possibility that the system of Comelec contractor, Smartmatic, may have been compromised. Experts warned that cyber criminals are getting more creative and sophisticated in their tactics, increasing their reach across industries. According to a Californiabased cybersecurity research company, the annual cost of global cybercrimes is projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. Aside from the use of social media to target victims, one particular trend that everyone
should watch out for is the rise in ransomware attacks. Simply put, a ransomware attack involves the use of malware (malicious software) to gain access to a computer system, which would then become inaccessible unless the victim pays a ransom. Sometimes, hackers also threaten to leak sensitive information unless payment is made. While there are instances when a hacking attempt fails, the damage to a system may still be costly. This is what happened to the Defence Academy of the UK (a school for diplomats and British personnel from the Armed Forces, the Civil Service and other government departments) that was targeted by hackers in March last year. Although the hackers did not succeed, the damage was still significant due to the time that had to be spent in repairing the damage to the system and restoring the network. Just very recently, Canada’s Foreign Ministry was also targeted by hackers, resulting in the disruption of internetbased services and downtime in some internal systems, preventing diplomats from accessing some online services.
The attack came just a few days after Canadian officials issued a warning for the public to be vigilant in the face of cyber threats including “statesponsored” cyberattacks. A few days ago, the domestic intelligence agency of Germany disclosed that a Chinese hacking group known as APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) 27 has started attacks against German companies, particularly those involved in technology and the pharmaceutical industry. Active since 2010, APT 27 has been targeting critical sectors and foreign embassies to collect information pertaining to government, defense and technology sectors, according to German officials. The United States of course is one of the biggest targets of these cybercriminals. Last year, hackers targeted oil companies, among them Colonial Pipeline Company, the biggest pipeline system in the US for refined oil products. The attack caused such panic that the company officials decided to shut down the 5,500-mile pipeline system – the first time ever in its 57-year history – effectively cutting off the supply of gasoline and other fuels to the
East Coast, causing shortages, higher prices and long lines at gasoline stations. According to investigators, the hackers, who were affiliated with Russian cybercrime group DarkSide, were able to obtain a password from a private network account used by employees to remotely access Colonial’s computer network. The company paid a $4.4million ransom, although the FBI was able to recover $2.3 million of the ransom money. The FBI also said that Eastern European cybercriminals have been trying to hack US companies engaged in the transportation, defense and insurance industries by sending fake letters containing a USB stick loaded with malicious software that, if inserted into a computer, could steal information or access a company’s network. As the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2022 report noted, the pandemic has demonstrated the interconnectivity of businesses, and how digitalization has exposed the global population to a new trajectory of cyber threats and attacks. The experience of such companies
as Colonial Pipeline clearly shows that an attack on one can have a domino effect on others. No less than US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas had said that they “consider ransomware to be one of the gravest threats in the cybersecurity domain that we in the United States and, quite frankly, the world is vulnerable to.” There is absolutely no doubt we need to support the CICC team of USec Mancao and increase their yearly budget (which was a meager P11 million) if we are to strengthen our anti-cybercrime efforts and capacitate the agency in performing its mandate as lead agency in coming up with effective measures to “prevent and suppress increasing future cybercrime activities” that will surely pose the greatest threat not only to private businesses but our national security as well. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
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Dateline PhiliPPines
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 3-9, 2022
Duterte prays for a ‘better’ 2022 for Filipinos by Helen
Flores Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte prayed for a “better” 2022 for Filipinos, as the nation celebrated the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, February 1. In his message, the President said he hopes the year of the Water Tiger would bring Filipinos good fortune and renewed strength, as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and “other challenges that have tested our mettle as a nation.” “Through our courage, faith and determination, we have become more resilient and capable (of building) back better,” he said. “It is my fervent prayer that 2022 will be a better year for all of us, in terms of wealth, health, relationships and progress,” Duterte said.
He also urged Filipinos to continue to demonstrate the ideals of bayanihan (volunteerism) and malasakit (compassion), especially to those who are most in need. “Let us all look forward to more opportunities for growth and prosperity in the New Year and become instruments of peace, harmony and generosity to all,” Duterte said. The President, through Proclamation 1236, has declared Feb. 1, 2022 as a special nonworking day to commemorate Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year is “one of the most revered and festive events celebrated, not only in China but also in the Philippines,” the proclamation read. Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday joined the FilipinoChinese community in celebrating
the Lunar New Year. Robredo said the message of the new year remains the same even if the celebration is different due to the continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Despite all the challenges, there is always hope, we can always start again. Whatever obstacle we face, we can overcome this not individually, not amid hostility, but by working together and being there for each other,” she said in Filipino. “Thank you for the trust, support and solidarity with our dreams for our country. I wish you all a happy, peaceful, and prosperous year ahead,” the Vice President said. The local government of Manila prohibited the holding of public events celebrating Chinese New Year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. n
Former gov’t officials back Robredo presidential bid by Ma.
reina TolenTino ManilaTimes.net
FORMER government officials, including members of the late president Benigno Aquino III Cabinet, support Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo’s presidential bid. “We are former Cabinet members, senior government officials, former chiefs of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,
retired Ambassadors, and career civil servants who served under various administrations, most particularly that of President Benigno S. Aquino 3rd,” they said in a joint statement dated February 1. “We believe that the best candidate who embodies these aspirations is a true leader who brings with her a solid track record of serving the public; one who possesses all the qualities
of an ideal Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces,” they said. “We commit ourselves fully to Vice President Leni Robredo’s bid for the presidency to lead the Philippines on an upward path of recovery and greatness. We thus enjoin the Filipino people to give our country the leader that we all deserve”, they said. The joint statement has 95 signatories. n
while Pacquiao claimed that the Mayor had corruption issues. “One, I did not watch the Vice President’s interview. So I don’t know if she aids something like that, and I wish her good luck,” Moreno said. “With regard to Senator Manny Pacquiao, we would like to thank Senator Pacquiao for giving us such honor and pride to the world of boxing. And yung dangal na naibigay sa atin ay hindi natin makakalimutan yon, so maraming salamat sa karangalang ibinigay sa atin ni Senator Pacquiao sa mundo ng boxing,” he added. (About Senator Manny Pacquiao, we would like to thank Senator Pacquiao for giving us such honor and pride in the world of boxing. And the pride that he has given us, we will nev-
er forget that, so thank you very much for the glory that Senator Pacquiao has given us in the world of boxing.) After the interviews with Abunda, Robredo’s answers gained controversy after she launched criticisms of the other aspirants — calling former senator Bongbong Marcos a liar and an absentee during tough situations, Senator Panfilo Lacson a person who talks a lot but has no on-the-ground action, and saying that good attitude may not be enough for Senator Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao, on the other hand said that aside from Moreno, Marcos also had corruption issues. Meanwhile, the boxerturned-senator said he does not know why Robredo and Lacson should not get votes. n
Corrupt, vague stand? Isko ignores criticisms and offers kind words to Robredo, Pacquiao instead by Gabriel
Pabico Inquirer.net
lalu
MANILA — Instead of engaging in a new word war with Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Manny Pacquiao — fellow presidential aspirants in the 2022 polls — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno offered kind words to both officials despite their scathing accusations against him. In a press conference after he delivered his 10-point economic agenda on Monday, January 31, Moreno was asked about the recent comments of Robredo and Pacquiao about him during an interview with talk show host Boy Abunda, where aspirants were asked why people should not vote for other candidates. Robredo said that Moreno sometimes has no clear stand,
BACK TO LEVEL 2. Passengers show their vaccination cards before entering the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange on Monday, Jan. 3). The “no vaccination, no ride” policy in Metro Manila will be lifted Tuesday, February 1 as the quarantine classification will be lowered to Alert Level 2. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.
‘PH ready to move on from pandemic’ PRESIDENTIAL Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Maria “Joey” Concepcion III hailed the decision of the government’s pandemic task force to scrap travel restrictions for foreign nationals entering the country for business and tourism and the easing of quarantine and testing protocols for inbound travelers, saying this is a sign that the country is ready to “move on” from the pandemic. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) last week ruled to suspend the Red, Yellow and Green list classification countries, scrap mandatory facility-based quarantine for arriving passengers and allow the entry of travelers from non-visa required nations for business and tourism. “Nagpapasalamat kami sa (We thank the) IATF for heeding the call of the private sector. Ang nakikita namin (the way we see it), we are now starting to move on. ‘Yun ang pinakaimportante (that’s important),” Concepcion said during Monday’s “Laging Handa” public briefing. The official expressed hope the government will soon consider completely phasing out the alert levels in Metro Manila
and around the country and instead put in place a “pandemic exit strategy” to further spur the country’s economic recovery. “Mag-meeting kami ng IATF kasama namin ‘yung lahat ng grupo ng (we will meet with the IATF and all the groups from the) private sector, restaurants in the coming three weeks,” noted the Go Negosyo founder. “We will craft a plan on how each sector can develop their exit plan. The idea is to reach a point wherein there are no more alert levels. We will develop a standard protocol,” he added. If all goes well, Concepcion said it is likely that Metro Manila and other areas where COVID-19 cases are steadily on the decline may be placed under Alert Level 1, which will allow business establishments to operate on increased capacity. “That’s the objective of the private sector and hopefully that can be done by April,” the official said. From there, the next goal will be to bring students back into classrooms. Concepcion said that with the rollout of the pediatric vaccination, the private sector will urge the IATF to open schools for face-to-face classes “provided
that both students and teachers are already fully vaccinated.” “We are finally starting to move on and hopefully, this move will help our economy,” he said. He added that the next priority must be to bring students back in classrooms as long as they come from households with 100-percent vaccination rate or with no unvaccinated senior citizens in the house. “Vaccinated kids belonging to 70 percent vaccinated households or no unvaccinated senior citizens in the house and living in areas with 80 percent of the population vaccinated can also attend face-to-face classes,” Concepcion said. He allayed concerns on students and teachers being infected, saying the mask mandate should be strictly implemented. Concepcion stressed that bringing students back to schools is part of the change in mindset about living with the viral disease. “The country cannot afford a long-term effect of less than ideal quality of education due to the online learning modality being implemented by the Education department,” he said. (ManilaTimes.net)
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Lunar New Year 2022: How to usher in the Year of the Tiger by AJPress HAPPY Lunar New Year! Welcome the Year of the Water Tiger! Unlike the fixed new year of the Gregorian calendar commonly celebrated on January 1st, the date of the Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year) varies, determined by the appearance of the new moon — which is why it’s called the Lunar New Year, as it’s based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar. The Lunar New Year usually falls sometime between January 21 and February 20. The Year of the Water Tiger began on February 1 and lasts until January 21, 2023. During the Lunar New Year celebration, people across the globe greet with either Gong Xi Fa Cai, which means “you attain greater wealth,” or Kung Hei Fat Choi, which means “congratulations and be prosperous.” The 12 zodiac animals are, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger, “which indicates a prosperous year due to the Tiger’s auspicious signs (strength, exorcising evils and braveness),” according to ChinaHighlights.com. 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, and 1938 are regarded as Tiger years. Tigers are known as natural born leaders who are courageous, assertive and stubborn, yet generous. Similar to the January 1st new year, there are several traditions and rituals observed during the Lunar New Year, including: Dragon and lion dances In the Philippines, Filipinos who celebrate the holiday typically flock to Binondo in Manila, which is considered the oldest Chinatown in the world. They crowd the streets of Chinatown to watch
the Parades of Dragons and Lions, a colorful and dynamic performance accompanied by the loud banging of drums and cymbals. The dragon, in China, is believed to represent great power, auspiciousness, and strength. Meanwhile, the lion represents safety and luck. Wearing and gifting red The color red is prevalent during the festivities as it is a special color in Chinese culture, signifying energy, happiness, and good luck. Most people wear red clothing as it represents vitality as well as strength. Elders also hand out Ang Pao (Red envelopes) to children. These envelopes contain money, and giving them is believed to bring good luck and long life to both the giver and receiver. Symbolic dishes Families also gather to have their New Year’s Eve dinner where they usually serve tikoy (year cake), which is made from sticky rice and symbolizes unity among family members; pancit/noodles, for long life and represent the eater’s life; and fish and dumplings, which are believed to signify good fortune. Fireworks The Lunar New Year won’t be complete without setting off fireworks and firecrackers or generally just making noise as it is supposed to drive away bad spirits, bad luck, and the mythical beast called Nian. Filipinos commonly use horns and cooking pots to create noise. 12 round fruits Families also prepare 12 different round fruits as they are believed to bring luck and fortune to them. The New Year’s Eve dinner is perhaps the most important dinner for families — that’s why it’s necessary for all the members of the family to be present for it.
AJPress illustration by Jillian Peñalosa
Catriona Gray, other Pinay beauty Eugene recalls humble acting beginnings under renowned directors queens mourn Cheslie Kryst’s passing by Marane
by Boy
aBunda Philstar.com
I LOVE Eugene Domingo onscreen, onstage and in life. She was recently seen in the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, Big Night, topbilled by Christian Bables. But before Eugene became one of local cinema’s acting gems, she was a theater stalwart who worked with well-renowned directors like Tony Mabesa, Behn Cervantes and Ishmael Bernal. Eugene, also known as Uge, intimated that her first acting exposure before the camera in 1994 was with the brilliant Bernal in the movie titled Divided by 2 with Charo Santos. It was produced by the UP Film Center. “It was the most significant to me up to this day,” said Uge as she began reminiscing about her early years in acting during our conversation on my podcast, Who Are You When No One’s Watching?. “Probably, I was 19 then at virgin pa (laughs). Wala pa akong experience na umaarte sa kamera and Charo Santos (now Charo Santos-Concio) was, of course, already Charo Santos. “If you’re aware of Filipino films, then you’re very aware of Ishmael Bernal. Ang role ko ay katulong na mag-bibigay ng sulat sa aking amo, kay Charo Santos. Galing sa labas, ibibigay ko sa kanya na may mga dialogue
EMPLOYMENT
a. Plaza
Philstar.com
Eugene Domingo
akong masasaya, pa-biba,” she continued. According to her, she memorized her lines, put on her makeup and wore a floral duster. Then, the actress was presented to Ishmael who, after examining her look, said, “You change. Erase your makeup, change your hair.”
GMA photo
“Tanggalin ko daw yung Spraynet, palitan ko yung damit, tapos sabi change again. Palit ako, darker shade. Galing ako sa pink, red, blue — napunta ako sa brown. Yung buhok ko gulogulo. Inayos ko buong umaga yung makeup ko, nawala at dinungisan pa ko kasi kailangan madungis.”
EMPLOYMENT
FILIPINA beauty queens Catriona Gray and Pia Wurtzbach paid tribute to the late Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst, who passed away on Sunday, January 30. Miss Universe 2018 mourned the death of her co-beauty queen, posting a photo of herself with Cheslie. Gray captioned her post, “Ches… I can’t believe the news. Rest in peace angel. The world will miss your light.” Catriona then urged the public to reach out to their friends and loved ones who are in need of mental health support, “Let’s reach out to friends and loved ones. These continue to be isolating times, mental health is so important, let’s not downplay its importance in the lives of every individual.” The two were reportedly close because they were together for a while at the official New York residence of the Miss Universe Organization, when Gray won the Miss Universe 2018 title while Kryst won the Miss USA 2019 title, respectively. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach also expressed her sadness on her Instagram page, “So sorry, Cheslie… you were so kind. Thank you. You’re an inspiration & loved by so many. Rest in peace Cheslie.”
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray with the late Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst
Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, who was Cheslie’s batchmate during the 68th Miss Universe pageant held in Georgia, USA last December 8, 2019, also mourned the death of Kryst. Ganados posted on social media, “Woke up to the saddest news! I can’t believe I’ll never see you again. You will be missed
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and the light you shone so bright. Heaven has gained another angel. Gone too soon!” If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts or tendencies, please know you can talk it out and reach out to someone at Manila’s Suicides Crisis Lines, with landline number (02) 8893-7603 and Globe number 0917-8001123.
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Maris shares ‘Darna’ audition experience by Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
Hope After the Rain
An Operation Walang Iwanan: Typhoon Rai/ Odette Update LAST December 17, 2021, Gawad Kalinga Philippines (GK) activated Operation Walang Iwanan: Typhoon Rai: Odette (local name) in response to the calamity that struck thousands of Filipino families residing in Visayas and Mindanao. In the wake of such massive and widespread destruction reminiscent of the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan, GK wasted no time in rallying generous donors from all over the world to help our kababayans get back on their feet. Calls for donations rang on the ground and online, and those who possess selfless hearts readily answered. It was through their generosity that GK was able to provide assistance in the form of food packs, relief packs containing sleeping mats, hygiene kits, and protective covers, and funds for roof repairs/replacements to those who are in need. A month after Operation Walang Iwanan: Typhoon Odette began, GK USA has remitted almost $85,000 and scheduled to send an additional $110,000 to GK Philippines to support its relief efforts. To date, GK has distributed more than 16,000 food packs to affected provinces, including Cebu, Negros Occidental, Su-
KAPAMILYA actress Maris Racal revealed that she auditioned for the Darna role that eventually went to Jane de Leon. In a report by PEP.ph, Maris said that the experience was fun. “Lahat naman yata dumaan, parang pina-try. Oo, nag-try din ako. Nag-try din ako magsuot ng costume. It was fun, grabe. Super dami namin noon,” she said. Maris said that she really dreams of playing a superheroine role because of her love for Marvel. “Dream ko rin talaga magkaroon ng superhero movie. Kakanood ko ito ng Marvel. Gusto ko na tuloy na may superpower,” she said. She noted that even though she not bag the role, she’s happy for Jane. “Na-enjoy ko siya kasi exciting ‘yung fact na nag-a-audition ka for Darna, and ‘yung lines, ‘yung rush niya. Masayang experience naman siya. ‘Yung mga ganu’ng moments, dapat happy ka lang or chill ka lang. Gawin mo lang kung ano ‘yung pinapagawa nila,” she said. Maris Racal
Photo courtesy of Sony Philippines
SFIO adopts new corporate name ‘Starfleet Innotech, Inc.’ rigao del Norte, Leyte, and Bohol through the help and dedication of volunteers, donors, and mission friends like GK USA. GK reached as far as Palawan, crossing seas and mountains to deliver food packs, drinking water, sacks of rice, and clothing to Dumaran and the island town of Araceli, which were among the hardest-hit areas in the province. While GK has made significant progress in its mission to uplift those who have been severely affected by the devastating storm, the bayanihan is not yet over. GK USA stands by Gawad Kalinga Philippines as it moves towards the next phase of rehabilitation.
The Philippines has an average of 20 typhoons every year. Supporting GK USA’s Disaster Relief/Preparedness Fund allows us to respond quickly when natural calamities strike. A donation of $15 provides a family with emergency relief packs containing food, water, first aid/hygiene kits, mats and other basic needs as communities struggle with no electricity and no communications. $595 can help restore homes, reinforcing roofs and windows to grant them the safety and security that they deserve. Help GK USA intensify the light of hope that the new year brings by donating today. Visit https://gkusa.org for more information.
STA R F L E E T Innotech, Inc. announced the formal change of its corporate name, replacing its previous name “Smokefree Innotec, Inc.” The new identity reflects the conglomerate’s ambitious new direction as a global asset management company. “This is an important moment in our history as a company,” said Jeths Lacson, chairman and chief executive officer of SFIO. “When we began developing our plans for a network of innovative companies working in conjunction to explore new frontiers of innovation, we couldn’t help but draw inspiration from the sci-fi classics we grew up with. As Starfleet, we’re leading this new alliance, sharing knowledge and resources to help our businesses go where none of their industries have gone before.” SFIO is focused on innovation through disruptive col-
laborations across its three key industries: Food and Beverage (F&B), Real Estate, and Technology. With a strong presence across New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines — as well as new offices in the United States and United Arab Emirates — the company invests in high-growth businesses, supporting them through partnerships and opportunities, before leveraging their international presence to help them scale exponentially.
G u i d e d b y t ra d i t i o n , driven by innovation, and enabled by collaboration — SFIO says they are on a hyper-growth path towards building a thriving global business ecosystem. “This past y e a r, w e ’ v e gathered a formidable roster of technologists, strategists, communicators, and leaders to drive Starfleet Innotech, Inc. into the future,” Lacson said. “Armed with what I believe is a truly interstellar team, our goal is to kick our businesses across the F&B and Real Estate industries into warp speed.” Over the next three years, SFIO plans to elevate their portfolio on the global market and pioneer new technologies, with the goal of uplisting to a major stock exchange by 2024. (Advertising Supplement)
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february 3-9, 2022 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL
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Cost of Forming Nevada LLC of Managers or Managing Members. annual costs $350: 1. $200 Renew business license 2. $150 annual list of managers & members. Victor Sy, Other costs: MBA, cPA (retired) 1. City business license depends on what City. InItIal costs $425: 2. Registered agent $0 to $125 1. $75 for the articles of per year (not required), good if Organization you want to keep your address 2. $200 for the State Business off public records. license *** 3. $150 for the Initial list
Tax Tips
Health @Heart PhiliP S. chuA, Md, FAcS, FPcS tHe subvariant of Omicron, Ba.2, nicknamed “Stealth Omicron,” is 1.5 times more rapidly transmissible than Omicron. From the original SaRS-CoV2 corona virus that originated in Wuhan, China, the virus had mutated to the Delta variant, to Omicron, DeltaCron (now determined to be insignificant or an error) to the new subvariant “Stealth Omicron,” first detected in early December 2021 and now in 49 countries, foremost in India, Denmark, South africa, and the United Kingdom. While the Omicron underwent 50 mutations, the Stealth Omicron had 90 mutations, mostly in the bodies of unvaccinated individuals. there are more than 100 cases in the U.S. in at least 20 states. this new sub-strain appears not to be any more dangerous than Omicron, which itself is highly transmissible and milder (not MIlD) compared to the Delta variant. the two shots plus a booster do not totally prevent acquiring the Ba.2 strain but are effective in minimizing the severity, hospitalization, and death from both the Omicron and its new subvariant Ba.2. the unvaccinated are mostly the ones who are sitting ducks for Omicron and the Ba.2 subvariant. When all the unvaccinated get infected (hopefully with Omicron, which would be milder), they would get some natural immunity, but not against newer variants in the future. those vaccinated persons who get infected will acquire a super “hybrid” immunity, more protective than vaccines alone or infection alone. 590,000 cases, 2600 deaths there were 2600 deaths last Friday (January 28) alone, as the number of cases reach an average of around 590,000 a day in the United States, down from 800,000 two weeks before. the hospitalizations and deaths were down, compared to the Delta period. But the daily cases are massively higher. In the meantime, more than 10 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered worldwide, albeit gaps remain for third World countries. In the United States, about 63.1 percent of the population has been vaccinated, and only 26.1 percent have had the booster shot. Israel leads the world, with more than 84 percent of people ages 70 and older having received at least the two shots, which resulted in a rapid decline of COVID-19 cases, with a similar result in dozens of other countries. there is no more question about the efficacy and safety of the vaccines. there are 35 COVID-19 vaccines under clinical trials. European vax mandate there are still at least 50 mil-
Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV – Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation. *** He retired after 50 years of defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He published a book on “How to Avoid or Survive IRS Audits” that’s available at Amazon. Readers may email tax questions to vicsy@live.com.
Stealth Omicron lion people in the United States refusing to get vaccinated, in spite of the more than 10 billion doses administered around the world proving how safe the vaccines are. the virus will continue to replicate and mutate in the bodies of people, mostly in the unvaccinated, which will super-spread new strains they produce in their bodies to people around them. and the cycle will continue viciously. Without a warm body host, the virus will instantly self-destruct and the pandemic will come to a halt. Knowing this and with the massive surges of COVID-19 in his country, French President emmanuel Macron, vowed to “piss-off” the unvaccinated to make life uncomfortable for them by restricting their access to restaurants, stores, theaters, and other public areas, in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 and end the pandemic soonest. Macron is running for reelection in april 2022, and these words and actions clearly show his great leadership, wisdom, and courage in protecting his nation and people, even at the peril of his own career and personal safety. Mandatory vaccinations (national lockdown for the unvaccinated) are also being introduced in several european countries, with austria leading the way for over 15 countries also planning compulsory vaccinations for their citizens starting this February. these actions are an acknowledgment that faithful application of science (epidemiology) in its purest sense, not politics, is what will destroy killer viruses and end the pandemic. I applaud President Macron and the leaders of the european countries for their Solomonic decision. In the United States, political correctness and people’s wrong interpretation of what civil liberties and freedom mean as guaranteed by the First amendment is enabling the rapid spread of viruses. those who refuse the vaccines, claiming their right to refuse and do what they want (freedom to mingle with the public and spread the virus to others), under the United States Constitution, are obviously misinterpreting the First amendment rights. as I have posted before, while they have the right to refuse the vaccines, risk, or kill themselves, they do not have the right to spread the virus and kill others, albeit unintentionally. national safety and well-being supersede and prevail over individual freedom and liberty. epidemiologically speaking, the unvaccinated should be separated from those vaccinated to protect the latter from getting infected with newer strains – just like in any infectious disease section of a hospital, where patients with infectious diseases are segregated from others to prevent the spread of the disease and
where sterile instruments are separated and protected from contaminated ones. It’s simply common sense. So, if those who refuse the vaccines stay home and not spread the virus to others, then their exercise of the freedom to refuse would be well within their rights under the Constitution. Army’s Pan Vax Since future strains of the COVID-19 virus (SaRS-CoV2) are expected because of the enormous number of people refusing the vaccines, the military is now developing a pan-corona vaccine that would be effective against the various current strains and future variants of the SaRS-CoV2 virus. So far, we have alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron, and Stealth Omicron. the latest super surges raised the probability of the need for a 2nd booster (4th shot). a variant-specific vaccine has been developed. the military pan-vax would be ideal. the trial has just completed its first phase showing excellent results. a universal “all-covered” vaccine is certainly welcome. Since this pandemic is most likely to remain as “endemic” in the United States, perhaps the pan-vax could also incorporate the flu vaccine, so people would only need one shot a year to protect against all these various viruses. Stats updates as of 3:25 PM (CSt), tuesday, February 1, 2022, there were 380,955,461 cases of COVID19 worldwide with 5,699,065 deaths; 76,351,647 cases in the U.S. and 912,460 deaths; and 3,569,665 cases and 54,054 deaths in the Philippines. although Omicron is milder, it could still kill. We must continue to use a facemask that covers both our nose and mouth, preferably nIOSH-approved n95 masks, and do social distancing in public. Kn95 and regular cloth masks have larger pores and are not as protective. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, 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
It’s a boy for Angeline Quinto SInGeR angeline Quinto on Monday, January 31 revealed she is pregnant with a baby boy at a gender reveal party with Vice Ganda. the event was organized by comedian and talk show host Vice Ganda, and premiered on their Youtube channel on Monday. “ItS a BOY!!! Sa wakas ma isshare ko na rin sa inyong lahat ang gender ng aking baby (finally, I can share the gender of my baby with you all),” Quinto later posted through her Instagram. S h e t h e n e x p re s s e d h e r excitement and joy in starting her new journey as a mother. the singer and actress first shared the news of her pregnancy in an interview with Boy abunda on December 10. While angeline has yet to reveal the identity of that baby’s non-showbiz father, she recently shared that her baby is due in april 2022. the singer-actress also just recently celebrated her 10th showbiz anniversary in 2021. Angeline Quinto
Photo from Instagram/@loveangelinequinto
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Legendary actor Val Castelo passes away at the age of 89 October 18, 1932 – January 20, 2022 ValentIn antonio Ballesteros Castelo passed away in peace and joined our lord and Savior Jesus Christ on thursday, January 20, 2022, in Henderson, nevada. Born on October 18, 1932, in Cabanatuan, nueva ecija, Philippines, Val was the son of the Honorable Oscar tombo Castelo, former Secretary of Justice and Secretary of national Defense, and Pura Ballesteros Castelo. Val grew up in Quezon City and later attended letran College in Manila. In 1955, he pursued a career in entertainment and signed with lVn Pictures. Val appeared in his first movie, Ikaw Kasi, with nida Blanca and nestor de Villa. In 1957, he was given a leading role in the movie, Conde de amor, alongside nita Javier, followed by Hiwaga ng Pag-ibig, co-starring lita Gutierrez. He continued acting for the next decade, becoming one of lVn Pictures’ leading matinee idols on the silver screen. Val also had regular appearances on national television and performed in theatre at Manila Grand Opera House. In addition to film, stage, and television, he did celebrity endorsements for Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and San Miguel Beer. In 1966, he shot his last major role, Palos: Counterspy, co-starring his dear friend, Bernard Bonnin, and Helen Gamboa Sotto, the wife of his cousin, Vicente “tito” Castelo Sotto III, now Senate President of the Philippines. In 1967, he moved his family to the United States to pursue “the american dream” by providing better opportunities for his children. In Cerritos, California, Val dedicated his life to raising them. and for the next two decades of steadfast commitment, he pivoted his career to working in distribution at Purex Corporation, ultimately enjoying early retirement. In his later years, Val performed at the Shrine auditorium in los angeles, alongside his nephew, anthony Castelo. During visits to the Philippines, he had guest appearances on television, including a cameo role in his last film, the 1994 movie, tunay na Magkaibigan, Walang Iwanan…Peksman!, with his cousin, Vic Sotto. His favorite pastimes included
singing, playing the guitar, and piano. Val had an inborn talent for music and could play an instrument by ear. He loved to entertain and could mesmerize an audience with his beautiful voice. Val also had a comedic side and enjoyed amusing everyone, including his grandchildren. a naturally gifted artist, he was fond of sketching and hand-carving wood. He was also an excellent cook, preparing
the most delicious dishes from scratch. above all else, he was a man of strong faith and will always be remembered for his compassion towards people in need. Val is survived by his loving wife, leila Ilaga Castelo; his five children, Valentin R. Castelo, Valerie C. alexander (David), Valmarie Castelo, Valdoni Castelo, Valeska C. Pawlak (timothy); dedicated mother of his children, esperanza Castelo; his six grandchildren, Valentina Shirley, anastasha andres, Jazmin Plemon, Blake Peetz, Peter Dickinson, Brooke Peetz; his seven greatgrandchildren, Zachary Marlowe, Christina Marlowe, Jessica Marlowe, James Mickelson, Paisley Plemon, liam leahy, Hudson Plemon; his beloved sister, Ramona C. Canlas, and brother, Carlo Castelo. Val was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Milo Castelo, Oscar Castelo, and noel Castelo.
The Fourever Fab plus Sixtiesmamia show opened January 28 at South Point Casino Showroom Las Vegas. The sold out crowd was singing along with Beatles songs, sixties bubble gum tunes of Nancy SInatra, CIlla Black and Dusty Springfield. The colorful band added music of The Rolling Stones, Monkeys and the Beach Boys. Two members of the band are local guys rom Henderson. Photos by Raoul Gatchalian
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