DOT says PH ready to welcome fully vaxxed foreign tourists

MANILA -- The country's tourism industry is ready to welcome fully vaccinated international travelers on February 10, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Wednesday.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the sector had been preparing for this development ever since the borders were closed in 2020.

Two years into the pandemic, she added that most tourism workers have received vaccination against the coronavirus.

"While this will be the first time the Philippines is opening its doors for foreign leisure travelers since the start of the pandemic, the tourism industry has prepared for this development for close to two years," she said in a text message. "We look forward to welcoming our foreign visitors once again especially with Metro Manila, the country's main international gateway, placed under Alert Level 2."

The official added that health and safety protocols would remain in place to prevent the transmission of the virus.

"Tourism workers have been vaccinated and the observance of health and safety protocols at every destination remains to be a priority. The DOT will be focusing its efforts on the visa-free countries under EO 408 that are identified as our key, strategic, and opportunity markets," she said. The Philippines will allow fully vaccinated international tourists from visa-free countries, beginning

February 10, provided that they present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin.

To date, a total of 157 countries enjoy visa-free entry privileges to the Philippines, including some of its top tourist markets such as South Korea,

Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States and Germany.

On the matter of preparing the destinations, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) chief-operating-officer Ma. Anthonette Velasco-Allones last Monday said the country has established 79 tourism circuits, consisting of travel-ready places in different regions.

"It is safe to say that they are ready. They are more than ready," she said, adding that the TPB is also working with the DOT-National Capital Region to "refresh" visitor arrival areas in Metro Manila.

The government is also eyeing to further streamline travel rules in destinations to make travel more convenient, especially for foreign tourists.

Tourism Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking said the DOT, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and local government units will be meeting to discuss the subject.

Optimistic

With the Philippines finally reopening its gates to leisure travelers, Velasco-Allones expressed optimism about the Philippines' tourism industry in 2022.

"Our outlook for the tourism industry in 2022 is actually quite optimistic. Imagine the first major global summit will happen in the Philippines in April," she said, referring to the World Travel and

BY ADAM BEHAR

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- In the case of Dr. Emma McDonnell, an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon with American Eye Associates, it’s in the genes. “My parents are both physicians,” she tells me over a Zoom call. “They met in medical school, where they were gross anatomy partners.”

Her father went on to become an ophthalmologist and she followed suit. “I always had that on my radar,” she says.

Dr. McDonnell specializes in adult and pediatric reconstructive and cosmetic eyelid surgery, brow and forehead lifts, facial, and orbital surgery. “It’s a combination of ophthalmology and facial plastic surgery,” she explains – essentially, plastic surgery for the eyes.

Services A group of top-tier eye specialists and surgeons, American Eye Associates recently opened a new center in National City, on Plaza Boulevard, to go with existing locations in Chula Vista, El Cajon, and El Centro.

In addition to performing eyerelated plastic surgery, the specialists and surgeons at American Eye Associates provide:

• Vision correction services (LASIK & PRK)

• Cataracts treatments

• Astigmatism Correction

• Cornea treatments

• Dry Eye

• Glaucoma

• Retinal Care

Treatment

“I mostly do everything around the eyelids and orbit,” says Dr.

McDonnell. This includes surgically repairing orbital fractures and tear drainage systems, post-skin cancer reconstruction, as well as fixing bulging eyes (often a symptom of thyroid disease) and droopy eyelids. In some cases, Dr. McDonnell may treat droopy eyelids with new, non-surgical methods, such as eye drops, or an infusion session, which she compares to “going in for an IV.”

As people age, extra skin tends to form above their eyelids, which can block their vision. Removing this extra skin from the upper eyelid is one of the most common procedures Dr. McDonnell performs. It is considered a medically necessary procedure and is usually covered by insurance.

While the typical patient for this surgery tends to be older in age (her oldest patient was 101), Dr. McDonnell has treated people of all ages, including one-day-old newborns with blocked tear ducts and children with droopy eyelids.

Benefits & Expectations

Treatments can be cosmetic or functional, or both. “When you see someone with bulging eyes going in different directions, or someone with a lazy eye, it’s just human nature to look twice,” notes the doctor, “and I think that definitely impacts people’s confidence.”

Plastic surgery of the eyes can help restore confidence and give you a fresher and more awake appearance, but a fountain of youth it is not, says Dr. McDonnell. It’s important to have realistic expectations. “Someone who’s 80 is not going to come out looking 40,” she says. Plastic surgery can alter your appearance but not transform it. “Some of my patients are initially worried they’re going to look like a different person or a different race or ethnicity. No, it just brings out the best version of you.”

Motivation

What motivates Dr. McDonnell, at the end of the day, is the opportunity she has as a surgeon to improve her patients’ quality of life and bring a smile to their face. While Dr. McDonnell has also worked on the academic or theoretical side of medicine – conducting research, writing papers, and publishing them in medical journals read by her peers –it’s the human, face-to-face part of her job that really appeals to her.

This point was underscored during the height of the pandemic, when she was seeing significantly fewer patients. “It was a lot less fulfilling,” she concedes.

Training & Education

All of the specialists affiliated with American Eye Associates graduated from elite medical schools and received training at the best institutions—and Dr. McDonnell is no exception. She attended the University of Southern California,

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- Experts in the fields of landlord and tenant rights will share their best practices and tips regarding residential housing issues, including eviction. The free event is scheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at COPAO, 832 E Ave, National City, CA 91950. The event is hosted by Pag-asa Law Clinic, a 501(c)(3) non-profit group founded in 2019.

With over 200,000 Filipinos in San Diego County, Pag-asa Law Clinic is the first Filipino-based Law Clinic serving Filipinos regardless of legal status and the greater community in Southern California. The clinic provides pro bono (free) or low-cost legal services in the areas of immigration, naturalization, temporary restraining orders, and unlawful detainers.

“We want the Filipino community in San Diego to know that Pag-asa Law Clinic is here as a resource for them. We are here to help you navigate complicated legal problems and get you the access to justice that you deserve.” said Diana Laranang, President of Pag-asa Law Clinic. Pag-asa Law Clinic recognized the challenges for the Filipino community to access lawyers. “It’s not easy asking for help with personal legal issues. Pag-asa Law Clinic wants to make the legal process as easy as possible while providing the help our community needs,” said Bessie Samson, Attorney and Director of Pag-asa Law Clinic.

During the panel event, experts in the fields of landlord and tenant rights will share their insight on local city and county ordinances that may affect eviction. They will also discuss best practices for landlords and tenants, and available resources. The experts include Heather Carmody, Attorney at San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc.; Femie Cupit, President of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce – North San Diego, landlord and property manager; Ramesses Surban, Attorney at Legal Aid Society; and Aaron Giron, Attorney at Pag-asa Law Clinic. The panel will be moderated by Valerie Garcia Hong, Attorney at Garcia Hong Law.

The State of California’s temporary ban on evictions for nonpayment of rent related to the COVID-19 pandemic expired on September 30, 2021. The state’s emergency law generally protected tenants from eviction for nonpayment of rent due between March 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021, if that nonpayment is the result of a hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the tenant has paid any required portion of the rent.

According to a survey conducted by the National Equity Atlas, 5,883,000 households are behind in rent across the country as of January 2022. That same survey found that communities of color, including Asians, were disproportionately rent burdened and economically insecure in 2019 due to the pandemic.

Pag-asa Law Clinic is run by volunteer attorneys and law student interns. The volunteer attorneys have also helped Filipinos with complicated naturalization and immigration services. “Pag-asa Law Clinic is ‘of the people, for the people.’ Our volunteers are actual members of the community who understand and relate to the legal issues Filipinos can face. We believe it is our responsibility to give back to our community,” said Samson.

The event is free and open to the public. A Zoom link for those who would like to attend remotely will be available upon registration. Light refreshments and continental breakfast will be provided.

Pag-asa Legal was formed in 2019. With over 200,000 Filipinos in San Diego County, Pag-asa Law Clinic is the first Filipino-based Law Clinic serving Filipinos regardless of legal status and the greater community in Southern California. The clinic provides pro bono (free) or low-cost legal services in the areas of immigration, naturalization, temporary restraining orders, and unlawful detainers. The clinic is funded from private donations and grants. Learn more at www.pagasalawclinic.org

HAPPY

VALENTINE’S DAY, DEAR FRIENDS!

We’ve all had a quite a year. I wish you all lots of love and care and hope that you are giving yourself lots of grace, as we continue through these “still interesting” times. Please stay safe, stay vigilant, and remember that, no matter what, you’re not alone in all of this.

#KayaNatinto

Like everything else, our Valentine’s Day celebration will look and feel different this year. Whether in a pandemic or not, I feel strongly that Valentine’s Day gifts and celebrations don’t need to be expensive to be fun, special and pampering in nature. This week, I’m sharing a super affordable, super simple, super fun treat you can make and enjoy with your Valentine no matter their age or skill level, your relationship, etc.…You can even do this over Zoom, FaceTime, Viber, etc., to stay safely distanced but connect over a yummy treat.

Peanut Butter & Chocolate

Covered Bananas

*If you or a loved one has an allergy, feel free to omit or substitute ingredients as necessary.

What you’ll need:

• Peanut Butter

• Bananas

• Chocolate Chips (I prefer the minis.)

• Milk or heavy cream

• Blueberries

• Toothpicks

Instructions:

• Peel and slice bananas (I refrigerate mine overnight, so they hold their shape well.)

• Microwave peanut butter for 30 seconds.

• Using two forks, dip and coat your banana slices in the peanut butter, gently shaking off the excess.

• Place platter of peanut buttercoated bananas in the freezer for 10 minutes.

• Add a splash of milk or heavy cream to your chocolate chips and melt in the microwave for 30 seconds and mix.

• Using two forks, dip your hardened peanut butter-coated bananas in the melted chocolate, gently shaking off the excess.

• Place platter of chocolate & peanut butter-coated bananas in the freezer for one hour.

• Skewer bananas and blueberries on toothpicks.

• If you’d like, further decorate

Local Fil-Am Rapper HEADBAND ANDY Gears Up For His Sold-Out Show

by drizzling melted peanut butter and sprinkling with mini chocolate chips or your choice of sprinkles.

ENJOY!! XOXO, Francine

Exclusively here in The Filipino Press--Follow Francine Maigue’s adventures as she represents our region with grace and honor as one of the "100 Most Influential Filipinas in the World" and the "Global Face of Pinay Power," as named by the Filipina Women's Network. Francine is the FilipinoAmerican History Achievement Award Winner in Humanitarianism, Arts, and Community Service and an Outstanding Filipino American Young Leaders Awardee as selected by His Excellency Ambassador Cuisia and the Philippine Consuls.

Originally from Cavite City, Philippines and raised in Chula Vista, Francine Maigue received her master’s degree from Harvard University and bachelor’s degree from UCLA. Francine is the District Director for California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez. She is the Immediate Past President of the FilipinoAmerican Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County, Board Member for the Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Foundation and Los Chabacanos of Cavite City, and is a former Miss Philippines of San Diego. Got an organization, business, or event Francine should know about? Email: thepamperedpinay@yahoo.com.

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Popular rapper Headband Andy was invited to perform and is on the bill for an awesome night of music and entertainment at Music Box on February 8, 2022.

The Fil-Am artist dove into the industry less than a year ago and hasn’t looked back. He has gained a loyal following nationally and internationally and his popularity is skyrocketing. The numbers prove it - 70K followers on socials, 138K monthly listeners on Spotify, close to 5 million streams across all platforms and now, a sold-out show in his hometown of San Diego.

“I’ve been playing the guitar since I was seven and I started rapping for fun,” said HBA. “I’ve only had two other performances but they’ve set me up for my show at Music Box. I can’t wait to meet some of my friends!” By friends, he means his loyal fans, some of whom are flying in from other states to attend the show. The two previous performances he mentioned were private parties for comedy superstar Cedric The Entertainer and baseball legend and World Series champion graduating summa cum laude, earning her bachelor of arts. After that, she attended medical school at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, one of the best in the nation. Dr. McDonnell completed her residency in ophthalmology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and fellowship in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery and neuro-ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute at John Hopkins Hospital.

David Justice. An exciting collaboration he just completed is with Billboard Charting Music Producer and Sound Designer Polo Boy Shawty, the rap genius who has produced tracks for rap stars Famous Dex and Playboi Carti, to name a few.

Headband Andy has also caught the attention of music producers from across the pond and even more impressively, has been offered contracts by two indie labels. “I’m talking to a producer in the UK who wants to collab. And we’re looking at these contracts and getting advice on them,” he shared. Meanwhile, he has his sights on his upcoming set at Music Box on February 8th. He is sharing the stage with other San Diego acts - Tunewave, We The Commas and Ken Can Fly. Doors open at 7PM. Headband Andy is a graduate of the University of San Diego and is repped by RFM Int’l. Located in Little Italy, Music Box requires all patrons, staff, and performers to provide full vaccination verification OR a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within 48 hours prior to entry.

Originally from Southern California, Dr. McDonnell enjoys being outdoors – running, paddle boarding, or reading – when she’s not doing surgery.

For a limited time, Dr. Emma McDonnell is accepting new patients. Contact American Eye Associates today at (619) 425-7755 to schedule an appointment.

American Eye Associates

1520 East Plaza Blvd., National City, CA 91950 619.425.7755 www.americaneyeassociates.com

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