INSIDE: DOT BARES HIGHER TOURIST INFLUX SINCE REOPENING N°.75 | Volume 17 SPRING EDITION APRIL 2022
On The Cover
Returning Home
Gerald Yambao | Pexels THE ASIAN JOURNAL’S QUARTERLY BRIEFING ON THE GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, AND PROGRESSION OF THE PHILIPPINES.
Home is where the heart is.
As for many others, going back to the Philippines has not been possible for me due to Coronavirus. After two long years, I am blessed to finally return home this month. Although the pandemic is not over, our world is embracing a new normal and learning to live with COVID. It is exciting to see that the Philippines Department of Tourism is reporting higher amounts of visitors and expecting even more tourists in the months to come. Let’s all continue to take steps to keep ourselves and our communities healthy, so we can all return home safely. Warm Regards,
Roger L. Oriel CEO & Publisher
MEDIA RELEASE BY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM PHILIPPINES
Puyat: Walk-In Booster Shots Available For Boracay Visitors
From L-R: Malay Mayor Frolibar S. Bautista, NTF Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, and Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores observes as a Boracay resident gets her COVID-19 shot during the February 11 launch of the Resbakuna sa Botika program at the Watson’s Pharmacy City Mall, Boracay Island.
BORACAY — Fully vaccinated local and foreign tourists visiting this island can walk in and have their booster shots administered by licensed pharmacists on the island, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said Friday. Puyat made the statement at the launching of the Resbakuna sa Botika program at the Watson’s Pharmacy City Mall Boracay. She was joined at the launch by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) Chief Implementer, Secretary Vince Dizon, NTF Deputy Chief Implementer and Testing Czar, Undersecretary Anthony Gerard Gonzales, Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), Aklan Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores and Malay Mayor Frolibar S. Bautista. The secretaries also proceeded to Paradise Garden Resort for the roll out of the Resbakuna KIDS program in Boracay. Puyat shared her elation with the two Resbakuna programs, which, she said, would “add another layer of protection” as more tourists are expected to visit the island in the weeks to come. “Just yesterday, the Philippines finally opened its borders to inbound leisure travel, a development we have been waiting for after nearly two years. We expect Boracay Island, our crown jewel of tourism, to once again fill up with travelers from around the world. The Resbakuna sa Botika Program will provide an added layer of protection to the island’s domestic visitors. This will impact on the tourism industry and all the Filipinos whose
livelihoods depend on tourism,” the DOT chief added. “Without a doubt, this program, which makes it even more convenient for the island’s population to gain access to life-saving vaccine, will help bring the boosted vaccination rate closer to 100 percent much faster than before,” she added. Puyat also commended the local chief executives of Aklan and Malay town for the impressive inoculation rates among Boracay’s tourism workers. Based on the Department’s data as of as of Feb. 10, a total of 17,910 or 102.51 percent of the targeted population of tourism workers on the island have received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 2,671 or 15.29 percent have been given booster shots. “This number is expected to boost the confidence of tourists in travelling to Boracay, knowing that the people who make their stay wonderful are protected,” Puyat said. In addition to the island’s already high vaccination rate, Puyat said that various inspections related to accreditation, minimum health and safety guidelines, and Safety Seal certifications are continuously being conducted by the DOT’s Boracay Field Office to prepare Boracay tourism establishments for the anticipated influx of visitors. As of Feb. 7, a total 81 accommodation establishments and one travel and tour agency/ operator in Boracay have been certified under the Safety Seal program. A total of 24 enti-
ties—including the island itself as a tourist destination – have received the Safe Travels Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The DOT chief also disclosed that a total of 12,956 rooms in 314 accredited accommodation establishments in Boracay are available for local and foreign guests alike. Puyat also disclosed that new tourism products which will soon be offered in the island “to cater to demands of tourists in this new era of travel”. These, she said, include a Boracay Biking Tour that will showcase the island’s scenic terrain; a Boracay Food Crawl, billed as a “deconstructed” experience featuring the island’s diverse cuisine; and the Boracay Wellness Workation Program for those who want to work remotely on the island. Puyat reiterated the importance of maintaining a close coordination between public and private sector, as well as regular stakeholder discussions on how the tourism on the island can be improved. “I am looking forward to our discussions on how we can further improve Boracay’s recovery. It’s always good to hear your perspective and opinions on the situation. I assure you, the DOT respectfully takes these into account whenever we formulate our policies and programs to bring forth a safer, stronger, and more inclusive tourism industry,” Puyat said.
MEDIA RELEASE BY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM PHILIPPINES
DOT Bares Higher Tourist Influx Since Reopening
MANILA - The Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed increased tourist arrivals in the first ten days following the move to reopen the country’s borders to such on 10 February 2022.
“We at the DOT continue to be optimistic that this trend will be sustained and will support, not only the tourism industry but also, the recovery and growth of our economy,” she added.
Data from One Health Pass (OHP) showed a total of 21,974 inbound tourist arrivals in different airports across the country. These are composed of 10,074 Balikbayans and 11,900 foreign tourists who arrived from 10 to 19 February 2022.
*Tourists from the United States of America (USA) make up the largest chunk of foreign tourists during the ten-day period with 5,516 arrivals; this is followed by 1,366 from Canada; 918 from United Kingdom; 891 from Australia; 859 from South Korea; 572 from Vietnam; 459 from Japan; and 447 from Germany.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat expressed her optimism with the latest figures, noting her optimism for much better outcome in the succeeding months. “The recent influx of tourists reflect foreign tourists’ enthusiasm towards visiting our country, which in turn will accelerate the revival of our tourism industry,” Puyat stressed.
Puyat also disclosed that the COVID-19 vaccine certificates of Egypt, Maldives, Palau, Albania, Estonia, Greece, Malta, and Uruguay shall also be accepted as proofs of vaccination required upon entry to the Philippines. The 8 countries were in addition to the previously approved 12 countries based on Inter-Agency
Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 162. For a full list of countries whose national vaccination certificated the Philippines recognizes so far, visit https://visitor.tourism.gov. ph/vaxcert/ Meanwhile, as of 18 February 2022, a total of 325,271 individuals or 93% of the Department’s nationwide target of 354,309 tourism workers have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Of this, 19.26% have already received their booster shots. “The health and safety of both visitors and hosts remain our biggest priority as we open our borders to fully vaccinated tourists. This reopening is made possible by the high vaccination and booster rate of workers in tourism-related industries,” Puyat said.
CN Officers celebrates 2021 Veterans Day at Triton College by giving blankets to the Veterans
In the Philippines where she started her professional career, Dr. Lee’s exposure is
Chicago, Illinois — It has been many years of success for Chicago Nightingales (CN) since its inception in 2013. This group boasts of a proven track record of serving Filipinos back in the Philippines, and the Filipino American community here in Chicago. Some of its notable projects include medical missions, disaster-relief donations, veterans awareness, covid-19 education and many others. This past two years, CN had accomplished a variety of education-related activities. They have partnered with the American Cancer Society and the Girl Scouts and Friends. CN celebrated the Breast Cancer Awareness month by making hand-made bracelets, ribbons, and educational brochures that were distributed to various organizations and offices such as the Japanese Consulate of Chicago, Jesse Brown VA, Edward Hines VA , Chicago Fire Academy, Cook County Commissioner 2nd
District, Veterans Center, VFW Post 5979, Mission Barbeque, and Amita Health RMC. Other educational activities of CN included Covid 19 awareness, prevention of skin cancer, diabetes prevention and food safety. Although the pandemic had slowed down the face to face activities of CN, its membership had been very creative in organizing fundraising projects. These include Christmas caroling at various residences, annual picnic and polka dot party. Other activities include volunteering at the Northern IL Food Bank and Feed My Starving Children. All of these activities are aimed at fostering friendship and increasing membership. Currently heading Chicago Nightingales is Rosemarie San Diego. She is fondly called, Rose, in the FilAm community. As a registered nurse, she works at Amita Health in Chicago. She completed her nursing degree from the University of Illinois. Rose has a wide range of nursing roles in her nursing career – from geriatrics,
neurology, medical-surgical, and progressive and rehab nursing. Rose is proud of his only son, Jordan, who is based in Arizona and currently works as Doctor in Physical Therapy. Rose shares her success as an accomplished leader in CN with the group’s officers and members of the board: Lourdes Shah, Mila Machado, Anna Esquivel, Cora Silva-Odes, Ethel Acabal Kaestner, Sania Mangoba, Cristeto Granada, Merly Baingan, Betty Bayona, Maria Nerissa Borromeo, Sally Train, Auora Flores, Gloria Gagni, Nizza Morillo, Joy Ranchero, Paul Gerald Zurbano, Phoebe Doruelo, Marell Hazel A. Garcia, Gemma Esmalla Kosanam, and Cornelio Obordo. She says, “Always stay humble and kind, give with your heart and love your family everyday.” Please visit to learn more about Chicago Nightingales at ChicagoNightingales.org.
New President Aims For Stronger UPAAA Dr. Jose M. David, Jr. MD announces major initiatives BY RYAN TEJERO
Albany, New York —
much stronger UPAAA. Dr. David vows to continue building on the Twenty-eight board of directors success of his predecessors, and join the University of the Philprevious board of directors, but ippines Alumni Association in is ready to point bigger goals for America (UPAAA), Inc. to serve the alumni group. He said, “I am the years 2022 and 2023. The new excited to share our 3 goals which board of directors were elected are to: sign up 1,000 new memfrom various states across Amerbers; welcome 10 new UPAAA ica. UPAAA is a broad-based, chapters and chapter partners into all-volunteer organization of UP the UPAAA family, and give back alumni. Its mission is to work with to make a lasting impact by raising UP alumni, UP alumni groups, a goal of $100K under my term, professional organizations, frater- and $1M over the next 5 years.” nities, sororities and social clubs on meaningful projects that bene- Over the last year and a half, fit UP alumni, the UP system, and UPAAA had seen an exponenthose in the communities where tial growth in membership. This they live. Since 1981, UPAAA has dramatic increase prompted the worked with all 8 UP constituent group to initiate projects that put universities, and raised more than more value to becoming a UPA$250,000 benefitting many UP AA member. Every new member students, and their families. gets the opportunity to make their personal statements on why they From New York, Dr. Jose David’s joined UPAAA, which in turn new leadership will push for a are published in various online
and social media platforms of the organization. New member Luisa Gillian Angeles from New Jersey shared her thoughts of joining UPAAA this year. Luisa is a Senior Scientist at Merck, NJ. She finished BS in Chemistry from UP Diliman. She said “I joined UPAAA to network with fellow UP alumni, give back and help current students and stay connected with the UP community.” Only in the first quarter of the year, UPAAA’s calendar of activities are already beefing up with opportunities for networking and fellowship both online and in-person. UPAAA aims at mounting initiatives that encourage increased member engagement and recruitment. The first Webinar on Creating Financial Security in 2022 Elizabeth Reyes was a huge success. It will be followed by another important webinar by
renowned expert Emmanuel Pormillos on Tailings, The Environment and You which is scheduled to discuss the impact of mining wastes on the environment and mankind – and what will be an inspiring presentation by Jonathan Yabut, the proud Filipino winner of The Apprentice Asia. This new term is definitely an exciting time in the history of UPAAA. As part of its expansion efforts, UPAAA is currently working to seal additional partnership with other UPAA alumni across the country. The first chapter that became an official UPAAA Chapter was UPAA Arizona. Other local UPAA chapters that have been supportive of UPAAA include UPAA San Diego, UPAA Houston, UPAA New Jersey, UPAA Nevada and UPAA San Francisco. Chapter partnership is important to the organization to help main-
tain an excellent fiscal health.
of UPAAA’s first 40 years.”
In his recent president’s message to the UP alumni community, Dr. David said, “To those of you who have been with UPAAA since the beginning, or for many years, you have our gratitude for laying down a solid foundation. And we hope that you will continue to support UPAAA. To those of you who have joined UPAAA in the last year and a half, thank you. You have brought new energy, and excitement to UPAAA. We look forward to harnessing these to propel UPAAA forward. To those of you who have been thinking of joining UPAAA, I would like to invite you to join us now. Join us as individual members. Join us as a new chapter. Join us in working toward our goals of 1,000 new members, 10 new chapters and $1M in funds raised. Join us in building on the legacy, and the accomplishments
Like any non-profit organization, UPAAA recognizes the many challenges in the next two years and beyond. These challenges include increased engagement, finding the right members and organizing both internal and external processes. Dr. David believes that the members of the board of directors are strongly dedicated and committed. He also believes that each one has a unique skill set that would collectively contribute in accomplishing the goals of the organization. Dr. David had expressed his confidence on the leaders and volunteers within UPAAA. He said that “Our goals are ambitious, but I believe that through our collective efforts and commitment; through our shared values of excellence in leadership, integrity, honor and compassion, we can achieve these goals.”
FEATURE
Dr. Lee Dedicatoria, PhD In the Philippines where she started her professional career, Dr. Lee’s exposure is on small business lending and training. She held various positions at the Land Bank of the Philippines, before she had her early retirement as Bank Executive Officer. Her journey in micro-enterprise development and small business lending continued when she worked as Branch Operations Manager of TSPI Development Corporation, a non-profit microfinance organization; Branch Operations Manager of Active Lending Group, now Active Alliance Finance Corporation, a small business lender; and President of Livelihood Integration for Development of Society (LIDS), a micro-finance start-up providing microenterprise training and lending. Dr. Lee likewise had a brief stint as Consultant at the
Technology and Livelihood Training Center (TLRC), under the Office of the President of the Philippines.
and strong educational qualification reinforces the more than 30 years of working experience.
Dr. Lee has over 30 years of experience and exposure at various industries, at different levels of organization: as an educator, entrepreneur, strategist, investor, resource speaker, trainer and institution builder to star-ups, and small business organizations, corporations and educational institutions; management experience as President, Manager and Executive Officer, handling a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to development and management of programs, people, as well as organizations; strategy consulting to provide strategic direction to organizations. Exposure to a diversified culture
As President of a non-profit organization Livelihood Integration for Development of Society in the Philippines, Dr. Lee has developed, implemented and funded programs intended for the growth and development of micro-enterprises consisting of over 500 micro-entrepreneurs. As a Bank Executive Officer of one of the largest universal banks in the Philippines, Dr. Lee provided technical review for project feasibility studies submitted by the bank’s Lending Centers consisting of Land Bank branches for their clients applying for business loans. As Project Development Officer of Land Bank’s Cooperative Development Assis-
tance Group, Dr. Lee implemented innovative organizational strengthening / capacity building programs for entrepreneurs/cooperatives and local non-governmental organizations funded by international and local donor agencies, such as: Japan International Cooperation Agency ( JICA), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), as well as the Social Action Centers of different archdiocese in Southern Luzon, Philippines.
companies and mortgage brokers in California. Throughout her career in real estate, she invested in several real estate properties in California, Nevada and Georgia. She also served the real estate needs of first-time home buyers as well as other real estate investors.
In 2007, during the real estate downturn in the US, Dr. Lee channeled her time and resources to explore real estate trends in Asia. She participated in business mission to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, attended Cityscape Asia in SingaDr. Lee managed and trained pore; explored real estate hundreds of entrepreneurs in their markets in Dubai, Malaysia and capacity building Thailand. She also started a small programs, designed, developed, trading activity in and implemented capacity builddowntown Los Angeles as a ing training programs for jewelry entrepreneur, buying and bank clients; and reviewed and selling broken and analyzed project feasibility studies unwanted gold jewelries, diasubmitted by small to monds and silver accessories medium-sized businesses. where she developed her skill in evaluating the clarity of diaAs the daughter of a US Navy vet- monds. eran, the family decided to move to the US in the ‘90s. Dr. Lee Dedicatoria likewise In 2000, she received her Califor- pursued a PhD degree in Managenia real estate license and started ment and graduated with her career as a real a Distinction in Dissertation in estate entrepreneur & investor 2012 at the International Acade- buying, selling and managing my of Management and residential real estate Economics. After graduation, she properties in the US. In 2002 at ventured into the field of higher the height of her real estate career, education management Dr. Lee received consulting. Known as Dr. Lee in an invitation from the White higher education, she held posiHouse to attend a state dinner for tions as Dean and Chief the President of the United Academic Officer, Program DirecStates. tor and MBA Professor. Dr. Lee started as the MBA As a California-licensed Realtor Program Director and Professor since 2000, Dr. Lee has worked with just 1 student. She was prowith several real estate moted as the Chief
Academic Officer and Dean of California Trinity University (CTU) now California Trinity School of Business. Dr Lee was responsible for the overall administration; coordination and development of academic policies, programs and curriculum; and development of systems and procedure to sustain its operation on a continuing basis. Dr Lee provided strategic direction that enhanced the value and reputation of the university to revitalize the MBA program and renew the university’s license to operate as an educational institution. As Chief Academic Officer, CTU’s student population grew from one (1) MBA student to several hundreds to date. She was responsible for the 1st batch of MBA and Associate Degree Graduation at CTU’s 8th Commencement on June 14, 2016. Dr. Lee also started her company, Dynasty Exchange LLC in 2010. Dynasty Exchange LLC., is parent to independent brands that caters to the following core competencies: higher education management consulting; start-up investing; event planning and production. Dynasty Exchange brands include but not limited to interEdx, World Eco- Brands, Royal Blue Staffing, Dynasty Ventures. Dr. Lee Dedicatoria also founded I-CARES.ORG, a 501(3) non-profit educational research organization in 2018. ICARES.Org, in partnership with interEdx, organized and hosted the inaugural World Education Summit on Sustainability
and Transformation in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2019 (www.worldsummit.info). The World Eco Brands Expo (www.worldecobrands.com) was to be held in 2020, however, due to the pandemic, it will be held on 2022. In summary Dr. Lee’s core competencies and expertise are in the areas of: Micro and Small Business Consultant As a micro-enterprise development practitioner and small business consultant, Dr. Lee conceptualized, developed and implemented lending programs and capacity-building programs for micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses. Dr. Lee also provided technical review and evaluation of project feasibility studies for business clients applying for business loans.
Higher Education Management Consultant Higher education consulting and management services in the establishment of privatelyowned schools, colleges and universities and specialized in institutional start-up, packaging of application to operate as an educational institution and ongoing compliance services. Dr. Lee is currently working with a European company to build a university in California. Event Management and Production Conceptualized and produced themed events. We produced events since 2016: from small-sized learning events such as seminars, workshops to international events. In 2019, interEdx hosted and produced the World Education Summit on Sustainability and Transformation and the
Eco-Couture Fashion Show. interEdx will also host the Lend with Love Summit and the Power of Strings Concert on June 4, 2022 at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. The Lend with Love Summit is a business matching event and gathering of entrepreneurs, business leaders, lenders, and investors. The Lend with Love Summit will be followed by the Power of Strings Concert in the evening. For more information, email admin@interedx.com call or text at (424) 2568761. Strategic Goals and Vision With her passion for real estate and her expertise in education management and program development, Dr. Lee’s goal is to build schools where there is a need. To contact Lee, drlee@i-cares.org
The New Minstrels REMIX Releases ‘SMILE’ Single
ARTICLE BY: EMS BOLAÑOS; EILEEN DOLINA- NOVAK; DAVID NOVAK (CONTRIBUTORS)
The New Minstrels REMIX continues to prove that music revival never goes out of style.
The New Minstrels REMIX brings together 5 Generations of the Philippines’ most celebrated musical group. GOV With the announcement of their Entertainment produces their latest single ‘SMILE’ after renew ‘SMILE’ single and, as with leasing their first, The New Min- their previous single, features strels (TNM) remake single, artists from different TNM ‘Hahabol-Habol, ‘ last January Generations, including Ernie 7, the group recently launched Mercado (Gen2), Zoe Zuniga their unique take on yet another (Gen3), Bobit Pablo (Gen5), nostalgic song. Dingdong Fernando (Gen5), Jessica Cabasal (Gen2), Jaramie ‘SMILE’ was written by esZuniga (Gen3), Angie Wilteemed composer Butch Monson (Gen4) and Jinky Somera serrat in 1979; popularised by (Gen5). Edward Mitra is givthe 2nd Generation of The New ing the revived ‘SMILE’ a new Minstrels, it was arguably the sound, a new breed of talented most requested of their songs musical arrangers. Music Dion the radio and in concert. rector Ernie Magtuto of Gen5 The track’s timeless melody and provided that distinct vocal infectious joy remain as captiharmony TNM is known. vating as ever. Some things in music are time-
less, and few musicians recognize that more than The New Minstrels REMIX. Just as artists worldwide, the challenge for the group is how to create when faced with unprecedented restrictions and obstacles. Yet while their songs have been around for decades, TMN Remix’s members continued to adapt to the times, collaborating across borders and against the odds. The group relishes creating music, recording songs, and reliving TNM’s music as their legacy— the perfect motivation. With shared goals, the process is precise. TNM REMIX members have been convening weekly to organize the mother of all reunions, all the while juggling their personal lives as they navigate through a global pandem-
ic. As most are working from home, the creative process had to adapt, with an instrumental and vocal arrangement, learning the music is done by each band member at home. And while the approach is remote, the spirit of collaboration is kept alive through their regular creative catch-up sessions.
shine through their online collaboration. With the release of ‘SMILE,’ this trust has proved the group’s unflappable ability to create iconic tunes.
The pragmatic way ‘SMILE’ brought an entirely new set of challenges for the members of TMN REMIX. Gone is the safety of the studio, the reasThe best songs tell a story, and to surance of the band. Closets do so in such a big group, shared are now vocal booths, with energy must be achieved. It’s takes having to be meticulousno small feat to hear so many ly planned around unexpected voices from across the world birds chirping and passing sing in unison, to feel the presirens. Post-it notes adorn bedcise dynamics and rhythm. This room doors displaying, “QUIsense of effortless harmony and ET, I’M RECORDING!” Just flow is usually discovered in because it’s possible to record person in the studio. Without studio-quality vocals just about this real-life connection to lean anywhere nowadays doesn’t on, TMN REMIX has to com- necessarily mean it’s easy. But it pletely step out of their comfort works, and TMN REMIX has zone, trusting their talent will done more than make it work.
They’ve made some of their best music yet. These stories behind their music give us a glimpse of The New Minstrels REMIX’s passion and commitment to their craft. It communicates just how much love they put into music. Seasons change, and the art of music evolves. Yet the group, composed of 5 Generations, continues to serenade us with the TNM music that has always enchanted our hearts through time. The New Minstrels REMIX presents ‘SMILE’ for fresh ears and full hearts. Catch the newly released single ‘SMILE’ on all digital platforms.
First Sto. Niño Festival of the Diocese of Joliet BY RYAN TEJERO Joliet, Illinois — It was truly a special gathering for the many parishioners of the Diocese of Joliet who gathered last month to celebrate the Feast of Senyor Sto. Niño. The celebration also highlighted the Filipino celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. In the Philippines, the Feast of Sto. Nino is held every third Sunday of January to honor the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). In Cebu, they call the celebration Sinulog and in Iloilo, they call it Dinagyang. This feative celebrations is characterized mainly by street dancing, chanting and typically with artistic display of costumes with a script of performances that tells the story of the Filipinos transition and acceptance of Christianity. At the Diocese of Joliet, a special mass was offered to honor Sto.Niño. This event was held at the St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Naperville, IL on January 23, 2022. Officiating the dedicated mass were Fr. Mario Quejadas with Fr. Sunny, Fr. Dindo, and Fr. Cer a, co-officiating. The Sto. Niño devotees brought their own personal Sto Nino images and weee later blessed with prayers and Holy Water after the mass. Following the ceremony was a parade of FilAm youth in Dinagyang costumes performing the traditional street dance. The beating of the drums in the background, the dance footsteps and the chanting of Viva Senyor Sto. Niño echoed everywhere in the church. There was no winter snow stopping the Filipino’s crave for honoring a celebration of faith and community building!
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