The Filipino Press: January 21-27, 2022

make and enjoy tinola recipe chef francine's recipe

EMPOWERMENT | P2

kakayanin natin ito

SUPER KABALIKAT SAVINGS

bakuna PARA PROTEKSYON

COME AND ENJOY YOUR WEEKLY SAVINGS

vaccines . gov | P3

FOOD| P12

San Diego’s No. 1 Source of News & Information for the Filipino Community • An Award-Winning Newspaper Since 1986 January 21, 2022 - January 27, 2022

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PH has enough funds for this year's Covid-19 vax program

MANILA, Jan 21 (Mabuhay) -- The government has allocated enough funds for vaccines and auxiliary supplies needed for this year's national Covid-19 immunization program, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the chief implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19, said on Thursday.

"Ang programa natin ngayon taong, ang gobyerno parin ang gagastos (The government will still spend for our vaccination program this year)," Galvez, also the vaccine czar, said at the sidelines during the ceremonial rollout of the "Resbakuna sa Botika" program in Pasig City.

Galvez noted that Covid-19 vaccines acquiring only emergency use authorization (EUA) are still not available to the commercial market.

"We are talking to the manufacturers, they have no plan yet for this year, but definitely-maybe after six months, they can change their strategy for commercialization," he said.

Galvez said only the PfizerBioNTech jab is available for commercialization within the United States.

"I believed also other companies will [soon] ask for a commercialization rate," he said.

Galvez noted the government will still follow the centralized

QUEUE FOR JABS. Quezon City residents and workers wait for their turn for booster shots at the Quezon Memorial Circle recently. The Department of Health allows the administration of booster jabs three months after the second primary dose and two months after the single-shot Janssen vaccine.

(MNS photo) procurement of Covid-19 vaccines and auxiliary supplies this year.

"We allocated PHP45 billion for our multi-lateral loans and

also PHP2.76 billion for the Department of Health GAA (general appropriations act) fund, so wala tayo problema (we don't have

problems)," he said.

The Philippines has currently stored at least 100 million doses in various storage areas, with more

vaccines expected to arrive within this quarter.

Galvez earlier said the 100 million jabs are “enough to cover 28 to 30

million unvaccinated individuals and 25 million individuals needing booster doses."

The government also projected 90 million fully inoculated Filipinos

by June, with more than 71.16 million adult Filipinos are expected to have received booster vaccine doses against Covid-19 by the end of the third quarter this year.

PH to focus on Pfizer, Moderna for pediatric vaccination The government will prioritize the use of Pfizer and Moderna brands of Covid-19 vaccines for the country's pediatric vaccination program, National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said Thursday.

"We have decided na yung other vaccine lang like yung Moderna and Pfizer iko-concentrate namin yun sa tinatawag nating (We have decided that the other vaccines such as Moderna and Pfizer will be concentrated to the) pediatric vaccination, considering that it will also be used as boosters for 12 to 17 years old," Galvez, also the vaccine czar, said at the sidelines of the ceremonial rollout of the government's "Resbakuna sa Botika" program in Pasig City.

Galvez said the government expects the increase of vaccine See VAX PROGRAM on

7

Boost Your Health in the New Year: US Congressional Gold Medals for Filipino Four Reasons to Get a COVID-19 WW II Veterans & Families Vaccine Booster

By Joe Garbanzos

By the We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign

January is a month when Americans are making New Year’s resolutions that often include pledges to take steps for better health. The new year is also a great time to wish good health on others and yourself, and COVID vaccines and boosters can go a long way to making the new year healthy for everyone.

Here are the top reasons to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster early in 2022: Boosters provide increased protection over time and against new variants. COVID-19 vaccines continue to work very well at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death. A booster shot is another dose that

boosts—as the name suggests— immunity to the virus as time passes, and it offers additional protection against variants like Delta and Omicron. Vaccinated people who have also had a booster are less likely to get sick; but if they do catch the virus, the illness is usually less severe, even with the variants. Everyone ages 12 and up should get a booster.

Viruses tend to spread more quickly in winter months. As the temperature drops, people tend to spend more time inside. Crowded indoor spaces are perfect places for COVID and other viruses to spread, even sometimes among people who are fully vaccinated.

In addition to masking in public

indoor spaces, make sure you get a booster on the CDC-recommended schedule.

Limiting the spread of COVID-19 through boosters can help control the pandemic. The more a virus spreads, the more likely it is to mutate, increasing the chances of the development of more contagious and dangerous variants. As more people get COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, the spread of the virus will be limited, reducing the chance of new variants emerging. Fully vaccinated people continue to be protected against severe illness, See BOOSTER on

7

SAN DIEGO, CA. A virtual ceremony honoring Filipino World War II veterans is planned on Jan. 22, 2022, at 1PM (PST). Twelve families representing their veterans, now deceased, will receive replica of the US Congressional Gold Medal and Public Law 114-265 Certificate from the US Congress which will be presented by Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, (US Army, Ret.).

The virtual event is generously supported by AARP-CA, Filipino Press, Council of Philippines American Organizations (COPAO), JoAnn Fields and number of Filipino-American community based organizations in the San Diego area.

The veteran-honorees on Jan. 22nd are as follows: Jose Velasco; Rodolfo Papa Largosa Sr.; Raymundo Licerio; John Layson; Victor Marasigan; Cezar Nava; Romulado Ignacio; Victorino Dagdagan; Bienvenido Hernandez; Jose G. Jazmin; Antonio Faustino and Eulogio C. Ramos. Receiving the honors are family members and next of kins from San Diego, Imperial County, Los Angeles County and Hawaii.

These twelve veterans belong to a generation of soldiers whose service and sacrifice were finally recognized by the U.S. with the passage of the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015. The Act became law now known as Public Law114-265. The legislation was introduced and sponsored by Sen. Hirono Mazie, K. (D-Hawaii).

Program/Event information:

Saturday, January 22, 2022 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM PST Livestream of the presentation will be available on AARP CA's YouTube: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=2BxZn9G-_II and available for the public, friends and extended family to view the online ceremony.

Deep Gratitude The US Congressional Gold Medal recognition was long overdue and a little-known injustice finally rectified. These veterans served not seeking any rewards or recognition; they sacrificed because of honor and duty. It took a long time for the US government to make an official recognition; many did not even get the benefits they were promised, and to the end they remained loyal and true soldiers.

“We secured the Congressional Gold Medal to honor our veterans and demonstrate our deepest gratitude for their supreme sacrifice,” said FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret).

“It’s for our veterans and they deserve to have a memorable event.”

The Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) is one of the highest civilian

awards bestowed by the United States for persons or groups who have performed an achievement that have an impact on American history and culture.

In particular, this award is a public expression of the U.S. Congress’ gratitude on behalf of the nation for the distinguished contributions of 260,000 Filipino soldiers and guerrillas during World War II in the Philippines.

Virtual Program The event was changed from InPerson to a virtual event due to the Covid-Omicron virus breakthrough.

The families had to adjust to a virtual world; pivoting from a traditional In-person to a Zoom event.

The AARP-CA and FilVET teams have organized a virtual celebration that is fitting the extraordinary services and uncelebrated sacrifices of these veterans and their families.

They have not been forgotten.

Each family will be sharing their story on a video segment and will memorialized for posterity on YouTube and streamed on Facebook.

The public is invited to join online and watch the program in the safety See GOLD MEDALS on

8

2 • January 21, 2022 - January 27, 2022

Filipino Press

Tinola Recipe

Hi, friends! Can you believe we’re already nearly done with January 2022?! I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.

As promised, I’m serving up a different requested recipe every week.

Each one is quick, tasty, and distinctly Pinoy. I’ve made sure each one is simplified for all cooking levels while staying super delicious!

I’ve posted video tutorials for each of my recipes. You can easily find them on Facebook. Follow “Francine Maigue.” You can also find them on Instagram. Follow “francine_filipina.”

Drop me photos, comments, and messages to let me know how your attempts went and what dishes you’d like to see me post next!

This week, I’m sharing my recipe for tinola. It’s a soup that is delicious and nutritious. Tinola is great throughout the year, especially during cold and flu season. Tinola is what I call comfort in a bowl…or mug. I’m

salivating just thinking about it…Let’s go! #kayanatinto TINOLA Ingredients 2 tsp. Canola (or Vegetable) Oil 3 Garlic Cloves, minced 1.5 in. Ginger, sliced ½ Cup Onion, sliced into rainbows 5 Chicken Thighs 1 bunch Celery Tops 1 Chili, whole 2 Chayotes, sliced into bite-sized pieces *Papaya can be substituted for Chayote. (Zucchini and Potatoes are options as well.)

4 Cups of Spinach (Cabbage and Kale can be substituted.) ½ tsp. Ground Black Pepper 1.5 tsp. Patis (fish sauce) 6 Cups Water 1 tsp. Chicken Bouillon **Adjust amount of pepper and salt products (patis, chicken bouillon) to your taste.

Directions 1.

Add onions, garlic, and ginger to warm oil.

2.

When they become very aromatic (not brown), add your chicken.

3.

Season with black pepper and patis.

4.

When your chicken begins to become golden brown, flip them to the

TINOLA, A GREAT COMFORT FOOD

other side.

5.

Add 4 of your 6 cups of water.

Gently stir and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any ingredients that may have stuck to the bottom. Then add your remaining 2 cups of water.

6.

Cover and allow to come to a boil.

7.

Add celery tops and chili.

Cover and allow to return to a boil.

8.

Add your bouillon and chayote (or, my fave, papaya!)

9.

Once your chicken is fully cooked (Internal temperature of 165 degrees!), give your tinola a taste. If all is to your liking, add your spinach.

Cover and turn off your heat.

10. Serve on its own or atop rice.

Enjoy!

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 Filipino-American 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.

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COVID-19 Q&A With Dr. Kimberly Chang Get the Facts About COVID-19 OAKLAND, CA -- With COVID-19 cases reaching record highs due to the highly contagious Omicron variant, state officials are encouraging Californians to review the basics when it comes to protecting against and preventing the spread of this deadly disease.

To answer the many questions on our minds – What should I do if I test positive? How effective are the vaccines against this new variant?

Do I still need to wear a mask? – Dr. Kimberly Chang of Asian Health Services is here to provide some answers.

Q: What should I do if I test positive?

Dr. Chang: If you test positive, whether you have symptoms or not, you should isolate until you feel better, and it is recommended to test negative before resuming day to day activities.

You should sleep and stay in a separate room from those not infected and use a separate bathroom if you can. Wear a mask around others, even at home.

And the people you live with should wear masks at home too. Get a test on day 5 or later. If you test negative, you may end isolation. If you are still positive or if you still have symptoms, continue to isolate until day 10. After you recover, wear a mask around others for 5 days and continue wearing a mask in indoor public spaces.

Q: It seems like the rules for

isolation and quarantine have changed? How do I know what to do?

Dr. Chang: The California Department of Public Health website lists the current rules for isolation and quarantine. You can also visit the website for your county department of public health.

Q: What should I do if I come into close contact to someone who tests positive?

Dr. Chang: If you find out that you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should quarantine for 5 days. Count from the day you found out you were exposed. If you are fully vaccinated, including a booster shot if eligible, you can skip quarantine if you are symptom free. But still test on day 5, and mask for 10 days. For those that are not fully vaccinated, wear a mask around others, even at home. Test on day 5, and you can end your quarantine at that point if you test negative. After your quarantine is over, wear a mask See

DR CHANG on 8

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Filipino Press

January 21, 2022 - January 27, 2022 • 3

4 • January 21, 2022 - January 27, 2022

Filipino Press

PH studying best booster shot for Sinopharm vaccinees MANILA -- The Philippine government is still waiting for data to recommend the best booster shots for individuals who have received Sinopharm coronavirus vaccine as initial doses, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, acting presidential spokesperson, noted that there is no adequate information yet from the vaccine's manufacturers as to what brands can be used as booster doses for those who got the Chinese-made vaccine as their primary dose series.

Even the Department of Health admitted that there is no data available elsewhere "abroad and in the country and even from Sinopharm" regarding this matter.

Despite this, discussions between the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) and manufacturers are ongoing, Nograles said.

"Tuloy-tuloy ang pakikipagugnayan at pakikipag-usap at paghingi natin ng additional data and information from the manufacturers ng Sinopharm para sa lalong madaling panahon ay makakapagbigay na ng abiso ang ating NVOC kung ano ung pinakamainam na booster shots para sa mga nakapag-kumpleto na ng two doses ng Sinopharm (Our discussion with the manufacturers are continuous so that we can provide recommendation as to the appropriate booster shots for those who got it as first two doses)," he said in a One Balita interview.

President Rodrigo Duterte had received Sinopharm as his booster dose, the same brand of vaccine he got for his primary series.

He did not experience any adverse effects but Nograles reiterated that the decision was made following the advice of Duterte's physician.

"Wala naman pong masamang epektong naidulot sapagkat alam namin, again, itong mga bakuna ni Pangulong Duterte ay something between him and his personal physician (As far as we know no adverse effect has been reported, again, the vaccines of President Duterte are something that is between him and his personal physician)," he said.

Pope Francis donates P5-M to 'Odette' victims Pope Francis has donated around 100,000 euros (around PHP5 million) as initial financial assistance for the victims of Typhoon Odette.

Church-run Radio Veritas reported on Wednesday that the Holy Father, through the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and in collaboration with the Apostolic Nunciature in the Philippines, allocated the financial aid for the rehabilitation of damaged homes and churches in provinces severely damaged by the disaster.

The gesture is an expression of the Pope's solidarity with typhoon victims.

"It is intended to be an immediate expression of the Holy Father's sentiment of spiritual closeness and paternal encouragement towards the people and territories affected," the Vatican said in a statement.

During his Angelus last December 19, the Pope immediately extended prayers for the victims of the disaster caused by the typhoon.

At present, the social arms of the church, including Caritas Philippines and Caritas Manila, are conducting relief, rehabilitation, and

reconstruction in the ten dioceses that were severely damaged.

Caritas Manila has distributed up to PHP20 million in cash assistance to the affected areas.

These are the Dioceses of Surigao, Tagbilaran, and Talibon in Bohol, Maasin, Cebu, Kabankalan and Dumaguete in Negros provinces, Taytay and Puerto Princesa in Palawan and the Archdiocese of Cagayan De Oro. On the other hand, Caritas Philippines, headed by national director Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, continues to visit affected areas to personally extend financial assistance and determine the extent of the damage from the recent calamity.

3rd nat'l vax days possible if PH misses 77M target before April A third edition of the national vaccination days is another strategy the Philippine government is looking at in case it misses its target to fully vaccinate 77 million people before April.

Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Wednesday noted that the government would also have to see the output of its current "vaccination demand generation" efforts. "[I]f we see the need, halimbawa matatapos na ang first quarter ng 2022 at hindi pa nararating 'yong 77 million (for example we haven't reached the targeted 77 million before the first quarter of 2022 ends) then perhaps it's one of the strategies na i-co-consider natin (that we would consider)," he said in a television interview.

The first three-day massive vaccination drive from November 29 to December 3 last year was hailed as a success, wherein about 9.9 million people received the life-saving coronavirus shots.

More than 7.4 million doses, meanwhile, were administered during its second run from December 15 to 17 despite the challenges posed by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

Nograles said the national government is determined to reach the 77 million target of complete doses before the elections, hopefully, by end of March.

"This is what we are pushing, to reach 77 million, if not by the end of the first quarter of 2022 at least before the May election, our target is to fully vaccinate the adult population," he said in Filipino.

As of January 18, the country has administered 120.6 million doses and fully vaccinated over 56 million people.

The average daily dose in the last seven days is currently pegged at 762,526, according to the Department of Health's Covid-19 Vaccination Dashboard.

Among the fully vaccinated, a total of 5,362,518 have received their booster shots.

COVID-19 vax drive in pharmacies to administer 100 doses per site daily —gov't adviser Pharmacies that will conduct COVID-19 vaccination will offer up to 100 doses per day each during the pilot run of the “Resbakuna sa mga Botika” in Metro Manila, an adviser to the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 said Thursday. advertisement Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, NTF medical adviser

Dr. Ted Herbosa said the allocation would be increased if many people would avail of the vaccination program.

“About 100 sa bawat site. Yun po muna ang doses of vaccines na ibibigay, 50 to 100 [About 100 in every site. Only 50 to 100 vaccine doses will be given for now],” he said.

The government is set to roll out COVID-19 vaccines in seven pharmacies in Metro Manila on Thursday and Friday to allow them to administer the shots amid the COVID-19 surge in the country.

According to Herbosa, only four pharmacies would open the vaccination this Thursday while the other three would open on Friday.

He said only booster shots would be given in the weeklong pilot run.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier said the following pharmacies and clinics in Metro Manila will be participating in this initiative: Mercury Drug in Pres. Quirino Avenue, Malate, Manila Southstar Drug in Marikina Watsons in SM Supercenter Pasig Generika Drugstore in Signal 1, Taguig The Generics Pharmacy in Edison St. Sun Valley, Parañaque QualiMed Clinic in McKinley Road, Makati Healthway in Manila According to the NTF, all individuals aged 18 and above, aside from senior citizens and individuals with comorbidities, can get their COVID-19 vaccine through the program.

Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon on Wednesday said walkins are allowed but they will still need to register online once at the pharmacies.

“Ang aming plano ay araw-araw po once na magsimula ang isang botika ay tuloy-tuloy na yan. Arawaraw at tuloy-tuloy ang pag supply ng gobyerno,” Dizon said.

(Our plan is that once a pharmacy starts, it will continue. The government will continuously supply them with vaccines.)

As of January 16, the NTF said a total of 55,195,486 Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Philippines detects 492 new Omicron cases, total at 535 The Philippines on Wednesday detected 492 additional cases of the more transmissible Omicron coronavirus variant, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the country to 535.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), 332 of the new cases are local and 160 are returning overseas Filipinos.

The DOH said 227 have indicated addresses in the National Capital Region, 76 in Calabarzon, 11 cases in Central Luzon, and five in Central Visayas.

There are also two cases each from the Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and the Cordillera Administrative Region, and one each from the Ilocos Region, Mimaropa, and the Bangsamoro Region.

Based on the case list, the DOH said three cases are still active, two cases have died, and 20 cases are still being verified.

The latest run sequenced 714 samples. (MNS)

KIDS' VAX. Parents accompany their children who are scheduled to be inoculated with the first dose of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the De La Salle University-Dasmariñas campus in Cavite on Wednesday (Jan. 19, 2022). The government targets to expand the inoculation drive to kids 5 to 11 years old by February. (MNS photo)

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Maxene Magalona shares self-healing journey; lauds other ‘self-healers’ MANILA -- Actress Maxene Magalona penned yet another inspiring message for people who have mental health issues, praising them for continuing to fight every day.

Magalona took to Instagram to raise a toast for the brave souls who, according to her, have remained showing up despite their life problems.

“Everyone is going through something and what we need to do is learn how to hold space for each other so that we can help each other heal. I feel for those who are dealing with a mental health condition because it really isn’t easy to struggle with internal disturbances on a daily basis,” she said.

She went on to defend people who are constantly battling inner demons, explaining how challenging it is to deal with responsibilities while handling past traumas.

“What people who do not have a mental health condition find hard to understand is that it is a constant battle to come face to face with your inner demons while having to deal with life’s responsibilities,” Magalona said.

“It is not easy to feel unsafe in your own body due to past traumas and have to be okay to be able to handle everyday tasks.”

According to the actress, she found ways to deal with her condition to prevent it from controlling her life.

“There was no way that I was going

to allow this “problem” to take control of my life and make me miserable.

Misery loves company and I know it was just the devil trying to bring me down,” she quipped.

Magalona embarked on a selfhealing journey where she read selfhelp books, went to therapy, practiced yoga and meditation regularly, and developed a solid relationship with God. While she acknowledged its difficulty, she also gave credit to herself for putting effort and hard work to heal and better herself.

“I know the kind of pain that I choose to face and feel and not run away from. This makes me stand tall and proud of the strong and brave soul that I have become,” Magalona said.

Magalona, then, had a shoutout to fellow self-healers and jokingly teased them to have a drink to help them ease the pain.

“If you want to have a drink or two to be able to alleviate any pain you may be feeling, please go ahead and do so.

I understand how stressful these times can be so I know how fun it is to drink our troubles away,” she said.

“But before you do, make sure that you have already released negative energy so that you won’t suppress it and turn it into even more stored pain.

Cheers!”

Just recently, Magalona made headlines after eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice that she is not following her husband Rob Mananquil anymore on Instagram, fanning speculations about a possible problem on their relationship.

The “Viral Scandal” cast also went for a vacation in Boracay solo, musing about silence and solitude which she considered remedies for those who are struggling with anxiety and depression.

Before 2021 ended, Magalona also advised the public that it is not polite to ask people about their personal lives, especially if you do not know each other personally.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Magalona addressed some people who have been asking about her personal life on social media.

“Even if you DO know them, you should give them space and wait for them to open up to you instead of prying and wanting to invade their privacy,” the actress said. (MNS)

Crossword Puzzle

by Kristal May Lacsa

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Filipino Press

FOREIGNERS LOVE THE PHILIPPINES AS HOME SWEET HOME “I have never experienced before what I got to experience in the Philippines. I have never met such kind, giving, friendly, hard-working, outgoing, proud and happy people.

I have never experienced a culture like the Philippines; a culture that every single day inspires me, and that I look up to. It is a place where the natural environment is unbelievably beautiful.

The waterfalls, beaches, mountains, rivers…I could go on and on about it. But what really inspire me about the Philippines is its people. I’m happy for being a part of a culture where family is not the only family, but friends and even strangers are family. Where smiling is genuine, giving is natural and sharing is part of everyday life – a culture that goes through a lot of really tough times and suffering, but still shares a great big smile.”

Kyle “Kulas” Jennermann #BecomingFilipino SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Greetings!

We, Filipino-Americans usually talk about news of international personalities like Jessica Sanchez, Bruno Mars, Apl de Ap, Darren Criss, Rob Schneider, Dave Bautista and Olivia Rodrigo that has Filipino roots but this time – I say – why not talk about stories of individuals of 100% foreign blood but have a heart of a Filipino.

It only took one random act of goodwill, a smile and the positivity that Filipinos have to convince some foreigners that they have found a new home in the Philippines.

Four non-Filipinos in a very popular online video of local fast food chain Jollibee which has about 270,000 views (so far as of press time) on You Tube share with us https://youtu.be/VSN8yQI2AHE “Bakit ang sarap maging Pilipino?”/ why is it so great to be a Filipino?”

Marcus Davis, an American

singer, lauded the Filipinos’ spirit of volunteerism and reaching out “even if no one asked for it.”

When he first arrived in the Philippines, he never thought that a complete stranger will be there to help him out. He was touched by the “bayanihan” ideals of Filipinos who are willing to reach out to those who are in need even if the only thing they can offer is the sole stuff that was left of him or her.

“When I arrived in the airport, I was a bit lost. Someone saw me and walked up to me and offered me to use their cellphone. While I was calling, he (the Filipino) actually went and got me a drink,” Davis said.

“I think that was one of my fondest memories because I’ve never showed up in a country and someone just walked up and offered to help you like that,” he added.

It so inspired Marcus that it made him a true blue Filipino not only by heart but a citizen in terms of naturalization papers!

When we talk about love, Filipinos will always be that romantic person trying to pursue their love no matter how hard the challenges they will encounter or endure. And one of the lucky recipients of that Filipino love is a beautiful lady from Russia.

Anna Rabstun-Baylosis, a Russian singer who now lives in our old homeland, said she finds her Filipino husband Eric very sweet, loving and caring.

At first she never thought that the love that her Filipino husband has for her will last long because of the distance between them. But she was truly amazed with all the efforts of her husband’s willingness to do anything for her and closing the gap and making her finally part of his family.

“It’s so personal here in the Philippines. There is no handshake,

there’s kissing and hugging. You really feel taken care of,” she shared.

Hospitality is what Shu Wang experienced when she first visited the Philippines. Just like Marcus she, too was lost and don’t know what to do. But for her, Filipinos will always extend their hands in

FILIPINOS WELCOME EVERYBODY WITH OPEN ARMS: This impression is clearly an edge and that's how hospitable they are! Filipinos don't discriminate but extend their right hands of friendship even if they're not related at all.

RIDICULOUSLY GOOD PEOPLE: May it be to locals or foreigners Filipinos are warm-hearted folk. They are caring, respectful, hardworking and full of possibilities even in hard times.

LIVING WITH THE PLAGUE Remember when being afflicted with cancer was a virtual death sentence? And remember when HIV was considered by born-again Christians as God's’ punishment for the sinfulness of mankind?

Well, the Big C is still considered a fast track to the cemetery, although, just as a death sentence can be commuted, the remission of cancer has become possible with medical developments. On the other hand, HIV has now become more acceptable in polite company, even as HIV-afflicted folks like basketball star, Magic Johnson, continue to live seemingly normal lives.

About a century ago, the flu claimed the lives of millions, across the world. Today, it is considered as just another respiratory illness for which one can get a free vaccination on a walk-in basis.

Yet, according to the Center for Disease Control, the flu resulted in 9 million to 41 million illnesses, 140,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 to 52,000 deaths annually between 2010 and 2020 in the US. This number of fatalities most certainly cannot be taken lightly.

That is about the same number of

US deaths in the Vietnam war.

Yet we have learned to take the flu virus in stride -,at least not with as much horror as our attitude towards Coronavirus.

Indeed, in today’s scientifically advanced environment, there are still many ailments that are virtual life sentences - if not death sentences – due to lack of a cure.

Parkinson’s disease (which has caught up with me) is one of them.

But the world is not terrorized by them the way COVID-19 does.

Prostate cancer is another deadly illness, although it is is said to develop over such an extended period that the Grim Reaper could find another excuse to harvest you (unless you live to the ripe old age of 93, like my two elder brothers who both succumbed to the Big P).

I myself had to undergo treatment for prostate cancer, but I don’t lose sleep over it.

So now comes COVID-19 and its variants so far (only God knows how many more will develop in the future). Mercifully, effective vaccines have been developed and therapies are underway to blunt the severity of the virus and in more and more instances, these have resulted in a cure.

The current Omicron variant, while much more transmissible is reportedly less severe and more easily curable, if one has been vaccinated.

Hopefully, if there are other variants of COVID-19 down the road, the pharmaceutical companies will have a cure for them before they have a chance to spread.

In the meantime, our lives must go on, people have to earn a living, businesses must operate, children must get an education and schools must give it to them – under whatever conditions may be possible. Out in the open field.

Under a tree. Inside a nipa hut or a log cabin.

When I was in the grades in Tacloban in Leyte, I walked every day to school. As a third year high school student in Manila, I walked from Sampaloc to Roxas Homesite in Quezon City to be able to use my daily ten-centavo bus allowance (five centavos each way) for recess time snacks.

Yet that was infinitely easier than what my wife had to undergo as a grade school barrio kid in Albay. She and her friends would walk across ricefieds, ford rivers,

Guanzon denies delaying release of ruling on Marcos DQ cases MANILA, Jan 20 (Mabuhay) -- An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday shrugged off claims that they are delaying the resolution of the disqualification cases against presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., to allegedly favor one party.

“So it is not correct to say that we are delaying in order to favor one party,” said First Division Presiding Commissioner Rowena Guanzon in a Facebook live video.

At the same time, she added that the cases filed against the former senator which are pending before the First and Second Divisions have different grounds.

“The case that was filed in the second division, the only issue is whether Marcos Jr. made a false statement or false material

representation. The case we are handling, those are disqualification cases, the cancellation of the certificate of candidacy has different grounds, they have different disqualification grounds according to the law,” she added.

Guanzon said in case the respondent has been disqualified, he can be substituted.

“He can be substituted as long as the substitute belongs to the same party and has the same last name.

They do not have to be related as long as they have the same last name and the same political party. The cancellation of COC, no substitution, in disqualification there is substitution before noon of May 9, 2022 provided that they belong to the same political party and surname,” she added.

Guanzon, however, said the

friendship and to those who are in need. Now, after more than a decade of staying in the islands she truly finds home with her Filipino friends that she now calls her family.

Bryan Gallinger, another American businessman in Manila, said that he had only one thing in mind when he first arrived in the

rulings of the division are still appealable to the Commission en banc.

Earlier, Guanzon said the ruling on the disqualification cases filed

by Bonifacio Ilagan and others, Akbayan party, and Abubakar Mangelen is set to be out by the middle of January.

However, Comelec Education and Information Department director Elaiza David on Monday said the draft of the decision is not ready yet as some staff members of one of the commissioners handling the case contracted coronavirus.

On Monday, the poll body's Second Division denied the petition filed by Fr. Christian Buenafe, among others to cancel the COC of Marcos for lack of merit. (MNS)

hop and skip over muddy streams to make it to school. Every day.

On the other hand, in Maryland where our children went to school,, a school bus would fetch our children and bring them home.

And in Manila, children can walk to school or take a tricycle, jeepney or bus – or if the families are well off, their cars can take them.

We understand that Abraham Lincoln read his books by candle light in a log cabin.

Back in the wild and wooley Neanderthal days, men would risk encountering dinosaurs snd other wild beasts, as well as clubwielding fellow cave dwellers, to hunt for their provisions. None of these life-threatening factors stopped them from living their lives.

In sum, a deadly virus should not be allowed to bring our lives to a standstill. We must go on with our lives, albeit with necessary inconveniences like masks, social distancing, and vaccinations. And we must learn to survive in the face of the threat to our lives.

Today I came upon an online article by Linda Gaudino with the headline: “When will COVID-19 Pandemic become Endemic?” .According to the article, ”The changeover for an infectious disease from a pandemic to an endemic occurs when the virus

January 21, 2022 - January 27, 2022 • 5

Jesse T. Reyes

Filipino Potpourri

country – business enterprise.

He wanted to build a company in the old homeland but instead of the employer of the company he wanted to have – he became instead a volunteer worker for an organization that protects children from violence.

He discovered the concept of “bayanihan” just like Marcus but this time Bryan is part of that process reaching out to others who are in need.

However, after “falling in love” with the positivity of the Filipinos, he decided to stay. “I can honestly say that I’m a better person by living here in the Philippines,” he admitted.

Shu Wang, and 16-year resident of the Philippines says “Filipinos are always there to help. Before I used to be alone, but my friends are now my family.”

Most netizens who commented were touched by the glowing words the foreigners had for the Filipinos.

We saw how Filipinos reach out to one another from the times of calamity, neighbors helping neighbors or simply extending their hands in times of emergency and when help is needed the most.

This is really what we can call “bayanihan” – heroism in small ways but provides a big impact to other people’s lives.

And aside from that, I say Filipinos will always find ways to smile and have brighter faces even when they confront all the hardships in life but always believing that they will soon have their triumphs over

it all.

“Indeed, other nationalities and cultures are generally hospitable as well but ours is arguably on a league its own. Ask any foreigner who’s recently experienced a Filipino’s warmth and wholehearted graciousness. Filipinos are known to have this very admirable characteristic. Filipinos love to help others. We smile and go out of our way to go the extra smile even for people whom we consider to be strangers. We love to please others even when we are inconvenienced by it,” commented a “kababayan.”

“I lived and worked in the Philippines for a year. But when I had to return to the US- I felt I was leaving home behind rather than going home. The Philippines was the first place that ever really felt like home to me and I have been many places. Friendships feel like family, and the people for the greater part were warm, generous and helpful. My dream is to return and to spend the rest of my days there,” one David Robinson confessed.

“Despite the Philippines shortcomings, I keep coming back because of the authenticity and friendliness of the people,” noted another foreigner by name of Bill Sanders.

Seeing the stories above of Marcus, Ana, Shu and Bryan – it absolutely is an inspiration that made us each day as we can genuinely impart in our everyday lives that “Sarap Maging Pilipino” (It’s great to be a Filipino!)

Mabuhay!!

Greg B. Macabenta

Street Talk

is found regularly in a particular area or among people. The key difference in an endemic condition is that the virus is more manageable with greater population immunity.

“The common cold and flu are examples of endemic viral infections that are frequently encountered by the public. Medical Director for Infection Prevention at the Mount Sinai Health System, Dr. Bernard Camins, believes the Sars-Cov-2 virus will eventually become endemic over time.”

The article became more and more complex for a layman like me to understand, as assorted medical and scientific experts hypothesized and gave educated guesses on what could happen next.

At any rate, based on my takeaway from the scholarly discussion, plus my own pragmatic

outlook, this is what I think: The virus may not be dispearing soon – a harsh reality we must accept. Like cancer, HIV and other diseases or plagues, the virus may be kept under control up to a certain extent, but its variants will be there to threaten us. Thus, we must learn to live with and adjust to the inconveniences and perils posed by this Pandemic and others that the Good Lord might test us with. But we must not lose hope because God is infinitely merciful.

As the poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley put it in ”Ode To The West Wind”: ”Oh wind, if when winter comes, can spring be far behind?”

Email Greg Macabenta at gregmacabenta@hotmail.com

Eleksyon 2022 bets not required to attend Comelec debates — Jimenez MANILA, Jan 18 (Mabuhay) -Candidates for president and vice president are not required to attend the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) debates, which are due to begin next month, the poll body said Tuesday.

In a television interview, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez explained that the law does not require candidates' participation in public debates, and that the Comelec cannot oblige the candidates to show up.

However, candidates often participate in this kind of public forum due to "massive airtime," he said.

“Under the law, participation in debates [is] not mandatory. Wala tayong choice (We have no choice).

We cannot force them to join the debate.

However, historically speaking, when the debate has been

organized by the Comelec, or if the Comelec has taken a lead role in organizing the debates, the candidates do come,” he said.

“They don’t have to, but they do come, because it is a massive airtime.

And they do get massive coverage that they could not normally get otherwise without paying, or without running afoul of the time limits for broadcast advertising. So ultimately, the coverage, the exposure, that tips the balance for candidates,” he added.

In another television interview, Jimenez said the Comelec is planning to conduct one public debate per month for presidential and vice presidential candidates starting in February until April.

With the finalization of Eleksyon 2022 candidates, Jimenez said they will start the signing of memoranda of understanding (MOU) with each

candidate so they can agree on the rules of the debates.

“It is good that we have the final list of candidates now and we will begin the process of negotiating with the candidates. We have to secure a memorandum of understanding with them so that they will agree to the rules of the debate,” he said.

“We hope to stage the debates starting February then we will have one set of debates per month— February, March, April. We will have back-to-back debates, presidential and vice presidential debates, one after the other,” he added.

The campaign period for candidates for national posts starts on February 8. The campaign period for local candidates, on the other hand, begins on March 25.

The 2022 national and local elections are on May 9. (MNS)

6 • January 21, 2022 - January 27, 2022

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Many SDCCD Classes to Begin Spring Semester Online The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) has announced it will begin many inperson classes in an online format for the first three weeks of the spring semester. The semester begins January 31 at San Diego City College, Mesa College, and Miramar College and February 2 at the College of Continuing Education.

The decision will only affect classes at the colleges which can be temporarily transitioned to online.

Specific information on individual courses will be provided by each college.

In addition, the district announced it would extend its remote operations for most employees until February 22.

The district had planned for employees to return to work full-time on January 3 but previously announced a delay to counter the rapid spread of COVID-19 in San Diego County. Many employees will now return to working on-site three days per week from February 22 to March 4 and then return full-time starting March 7.

In an email to the district’s 4,500 employees sent earlier today, Vice

Chancellor of Human Resources Gregory Smith emphasized the importance of remaining flexible during the pandemic.

“While there are positive signs we are approaching the peak of the spread of the omicron variant in our region and this will be the final delay in our timeline for the spring semester, our flexibility remains a critical component in continuing to serve our communities during the pandemic. Thank you for your continued caution and efforts to keep your families and communities safe.”

Meanwhile, registration is continuing for the spring semester with classes scheduled to be offered in-person, hybrid, and online. For students who need more flexibility, many classes have late start dates throughout the term. Class information is available at http://classschedule.sdccd.edu/ with new class sections are added weekly to accommodate student demand.

Face coverings will be required for everyone at indoor locations, and students will be required to be vaccinated before they can enroll in

in-person classes.

To assist those with financial need, emergency funding and support services, such as relief grants and laptops, are available.

Collectively, the district’s colleges have distributed over $20 million in direct aid. Students are encouraged to apply when they register for classes.

As one of the largest of California’s 73 community college districts, the San Diego Community College District serves approximately 100,000 students annually through three two-year colleges and the San Diego College of Continuing Education. San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Miramar College, offer associate degrees and certificates in occupational programs that prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and entry-level jobs. Mesa College also offers a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management. The San Diego College of Continuing Education offers noncredit adult education at seven campuses throughout San Diego.

Prayer to Saint Expedite May the intercession of the glorious martyr , St Expedite, recommend us, O my God, to Thy goodness, in order that his protection may obtain for us what our own merits are powerless to do.

Amen.

We supplicate Thee, Lord , to inspire

by Thy grace all our thoughts and actions, that thou being their principle, we may, by the intercession of St. Expedite, be conducted with courage, fidelity and promptitude, at the time proper and favorable, and come to a good and happy end, through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Amen St Expedite, honored by the gratitude of those who have invoked thee at the last hour and for pressing cases, we pray thee to obtain from the all powerful goodness of God, by the intercession of Mary Immaculate, (today or such

STAY SAFE EVERYONE WASH HANDS OFTEN

a day) the grace we solicit with all submission to the DivineWill Amen

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Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

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hospitalization, and death.

Boosters provide extra protection from cases that can lead to wider spread of the virus and the development of future variants.

The best way to control COVID-19 and prevent variants is for more vaccinated people to get boosters.

Boosters are easy to get and available to all vaccinated people age 12 or older. Just like the vaccines, booster shots are available at no cost to anyone living in the U.S. Anyone who got the

Pfizer or Moderna vaccine should get a booster in five months, and those vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster two months after initial vaccination. Vaccinated adults 18 years and older may choose any available vaccine as a booster, regardless of the type or brand of vaccine received previously; only the Pfizer vaccine is available as a booster for those ages 12 to 17.

Boosters are safe and easy to get and are a great first step to a healthy 2022. For more information and to find a vaccine, visit www.vaccines.gov.

1

demand for pediatric vaccination as they will soon start vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 years old.

"We really have constraints with other [brand] of vaccines, considering that the other vaccines can only be used for primary series," Galvez said. "We only have two vaccines that can be used for 12 to 17 years old while only one vaccine brand for 5 to 11 years old."

The government is also waiting for the emergency use authorization (EUA) of Covid-19 jab for zero to four years old.

"As of this moment nakikita namin na tataas ang requirement ng (we see an increasing requirement for) pediatric vaccination because starting already the 5-11 and later pagkanagkaroon na ng EUA ang 0-4,

we will start it again so nakikita natin malaki ang requirement natin (we see that we have a greater requirement)," Galvez said.

The government is mulling to acquire more than 60 million formulated or lower-dosed Covid-19 jabs to be administered, as primary series and booster shots, to a much younger population.

The country, Galvez said, will be needing 12 million doses for 12 to 17 years old age bracket, over 15.56 million for 5 to 11 years old as well as 11.11 million doses for infants and toddlers or 0-4 population.

Galvez earlier said some 780,000 lower-dosed Pfizer vaccines for the youngest age group so far are expected to arrive by end of January, followed by 1,632,000 doses in February.

He added Sinovac Biotech Ltd.'s EUA application for 3 to 17-yearolds now underway. (MNS)

STAY SAFE EVERYONE WEAR YOUR MASK

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Spiritual Life Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. Many of us are familiar with the name, Martin Luther King, Jr. Buildings are named after him. A highway is named after him. And President Ronald Reagan through Public Law 98-144, declared the third Monday of each year as a public holiday in honor of the “Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. When I arrived in San Diego in 1992, I became curious about the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. I’ve read stories about him as an uncompromising champion of nonviolence although he was often the victim of violence. It was a shameful act of violence that cut short his life before his 40th birthday.

It was when I was invited by a friend, the late Edith Ming, Past President of the World F together ,ederation of Methodist Women, to visit her in Atlanta, Georgia that I got a deeper understanding of Martin Luther King, Jr. Edith took me to the Center for NonViolent Social Change and there I saw a wide collection of videos, tapes, books and brochures about the life and times of this great man.

It was during that visit when my perspective about racial injustice changed and my attitude towards African Americans became more positive.

I was awed by his speech, entitled, “I Have A Dream” for it is also my dream for my own children and grandchildren. Here is an excerpt: “I say to you today, my friends, so even though we

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ”We hold these truths to be selfevident; that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream that one day, “every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plains, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of

despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood, With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day And this will be the day. This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning, “My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty. Of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrim’s pride.

From every mountain side, let freedom ring.”

My prayer: God Almighty, grant us the capacity to learn from the experiences of others and to appreciate their invaluable contribution to the life of freedom and democracy that we enjoy in this country. May we be able to value the sacrifices of others that we may live in peace and harmony with our neighbors. Amen.

Be doers of God's word I don't know much about satanism or satanists. My only personal contact with an alleged satanic cult came years ago now when I turned a teenaged runaway who claimed to have been exploited by satanists over to the police and human services authorities for investigation and protection.

Frankly, I've always been a bit skeptical that many people were "true believers" in the cult's claims and antics. Most of the public statements and exhibitions seemed more attention-seeking than serious, more like some rebellious adolescent antic than a sinister escapade. This may be just one more.

A woman, 19, is accused of murdering a man last November that she met on Craigslist, seduced under the pretense of having sex with him, and then killed. She seems to be in real trouble on that one. But her claims of having killed at least 22 others over the past six years is being treated with skepticism. Her version is that she was sexually abused as a child, joined a satanic cult at 13, and killed her first victim as her group's leader assisted her in pulling the trigger. As recently as last Friday, one investigator said that her claims could be "the real deal." In the case for which she has been arrested and charged, she and her husband of three weeks are accused of luring a 42-year-old man with the promise of sex in order to share a thrill killing. Talk about a "bonding experience"!

Here's the part that caught my eye. And here is what makes me

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around others for another 5 days.

Q. Did people who need to quarantine do something wrong?

Dr. Chang: People who are quarantining are actually doing the RIGHT thing to protect others from potential infection. The pandemic impacts everyone in different ways, and people who need to quarantine should not feel guilty or stressed.

They are following health guidance.

Finishing any required quarantine is simply the responsible thing to do to help our families and community by

Danny Hernaez

From Whom All Blessings Flow think there might be something in common between some Christians and some satanists.

Keep reading, and see what you think. USA Today found a "spokesman" for satanists to respond to those early claims of some really grim evils reported to have been performed by a satanist who takes the devil seriously. His reply was essentially this: We satanists are just creative people who are experimenting with individuality and selfawareness, but we don't really take all that "evil" stuff seriously.

Well, I happen to know lots of Christians who go at Christianity - if you can call it that - with about the same degree of seriousness. They're "church members" but are shocked that anybody expects them to "walk the talk" of their Christian professions by a distinctive life.

I am sure satanists give lip service to defying authority, taking what they want, doing as they choose, and getting even with anybody who dares get in their way. Most are probably like the fellow who admitted they're not really such bad apples, that people shouldn't expect them to live out their tough talk. It's preventing the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone you know needs help to cope with the stress associated with COVID-19, the State of California offers resources for emotional support and well-being.

One of my employees was identified as a close contact to a positive person.

What can I do?

Dr. Chang: The good news is that if your employee is vaccinated and boosted or recently vaccinated, they can skip quarantine as long as they remain asymptomatic. This is just another benefit of getting vaccinated and boosted when you are eligible.

If they are not yet vaccinated, they should follow the rules for quarantine

insincere and fake. Just so much hot air. Why, it's just plain old hypocrisy! "We don't even believe in the devil," the cult spokesman said. "Most satanists don't."

If you are a Christian, please join those of who would like to be both factually and functionally different from satanists. Because we confess Christ, it is not unreasonable for people to expect us to take him seriously. To walk our talk.

This much is sure: Claims without actions don't fool anybody. It could even make people wonder if one really believes in Christ at all. So take note of what the Spirit reminds each of us: Be doers of God's word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves (James 1:22).

God knows that you can stand that trial; He would not give it to you if you could not. It is His trust in you that explains the trials of life, however bitter they may be. God knows our strength, and He measures it to the last inch; and a trial was never given to any man that was greater than that man's strength, through God, to bear it. <(((>< listed above.

What is the best way to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to avoid serious illness?

Dr. Chang: All Californians, regardless of vaccination status, should follow the 5 key safety basics to protect ourselves and each other: 1.

Get vaccinated and boosted as soon as eligible. Go to MyTurn.ca.gov to check schedule your appointment today. Individuals 12+ who received the Pfizer vaccine and individuals 18+ who received the Moderna vaccine are eligible for a booster five months after their initial full series was completed.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients are encouraged to get boosted two

Greetings in the Lord!

We are now in the ordinary season of the liturgical year. Last Sunday our Gospel reading focused on the first miracle of Jesus which he performed at Cana in Galilee during a wedding. This miracle of transforming water into wine during a marriage feast – as we reflected last Sunday – brought about the beginning of the proclamation of the Kingdom of God, according to the Gospel of St. John, as well as elevated the human institution of marriage into a sacrament. By sacrament, we understand it as the presence of God in the midst of human affairs and as an instrument of man’s salvation and participation in the divine life of God himself.

Today’s gospel marks the beginning of the proclamation of the Kingdom of God by Jesus, according to the gospel of St. Luke.

This gospel narrative has the same purpose that St. John and St. Mark as well as St. Matthew had: in order that we would be we “realize the certainty of the teachings that [we] have received.”

St. Mark mentioned in the first verses of his gospel narrative that Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God whose message was conversion and faith in the good news.

St. John is the gospel reading of last Sunday proclaimed this same message of the inauguration of the Kingdom by doing a miracle that was laden with meaningful significance: water signifying life and wine signifying eternal life in the kingdom of God. In the gospel

that we have just heard today we see Jesus proclaiming the inauguration of the Kingdom of God by preaching about the fulfilment of the promise made to the Israelites by the prophet Isaiah himself. This proclamation affirms that the Kingdom of God indeed is being inaugurated in Jesus Christ himself who said that “the Spirit of God is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” St. Mark’s proclamation is the summary of the gospel’s message: faith and repentance; St. John’s proclamation is laden with signs and wonders and St. Luke’s proclamation is preaching about the fulfilment of the pronouncements of liberation, vision for those who cannot see and option for the welfare of poor. Indeed these summarize the message of the Gospel that Jesus preached according to the four evangelists, Matthew, Luke, Mark and John.

Truly the four gospels have so much to tell us about God, about his plans for man, his love for man, and mysterious will that all men be able to know that in spite of man’s infidelities, sinfulness, broken promises, He loves us so much so as to send His only begotten Son who willingly gave his life on the Cross for our salvation.

This gospel message that that will repeatedly be proclaimed in the daily readings and Sunday masses that we are enjoined by the Church to attend with devotion urges us to believe in Jesus for only through Him, in Him and with Him, would we be able to understand the message of salvation.

At the beginning of this ordinary season of the liturgical calendar, after the celebration of the season of Christmas, I mentioned in my masses how important it is to read, study and pray over the messages of the Scriptures. In the past, Catholics were not expected to read and know about the passages of Scriptures, but now we are encouraged to know more deeply Scriptures for as St. Jerome has mentioned in the past, “ignorance of the bible is ignorance of Christ.”

Therefore, let us begin to have bibles in our homes, used them by reading them, praying over them as a family and knowing the messages that God would ask us to know and do daily in our lives and faithful followers of Jesus and active members of His Church.

of their homes at their living rooms.

The Brave History On July 26, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt called upon all organized military forces of the Philippines into the service of the United States under the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East. When Pearl Harbor and Manila were attacked on Dec. 7, 1941, these soldiers were brought into direct combat as the U.S. officially entered World War II. During the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, U.S. and Filipino soldiers fought together in many battles across the Philippine islands, including the battles in Bataan, Corrigedor, Luzon and Leyte.

During the Battle of Corregidor, American forces ultimately surrendered to the Japanese.

These soldiers were taken as prisoners of war and were forced

to endure the infamous Bataan Death March. Between 60,000 – 80,000 Filipinos and Americans marched approximately 65 miles through the jungles to confinement camps throughout the Philippines.

They were deprived of food, water and medical attention and many were killed on the spot if they stopped to rest. During the march, approximately 10,000 men died. Of these men, 1,000 were American and 9,000 were Filipino.

Despite the Japanese occupation, the Filipinos organized guerillas in resistance and vowed to fight against the Japanese. They formulated plans to assist the return of American forces to the islands. They gathered important intelligence information and smuggled it out to the U.S. Army, a process that sometimes took months. By the end of that war, more than 260,000 individuals fought in the resistance movement.

The bravery, heroism and dedication of the Filipino Veterans

played an integral part of leading Allied powers to victory in the Pacific. After the war, President Harry Truman signed laws that stripped away many promises of benefits and citizenship for Filipino Veterans.

ABOUT THE FILIPINO VETERANS RECOGNITION AND EDUCATION PROJECT The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project is a nonpartisan, community-based, all-volunteer nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise awareness through academic research and public information for, and obtain national recognition of Filipino and Filipino-American World War II soldiers in the United States and the Philippines for their wartime service to the U.S. and the Philippines from July 1941 to December 1946, It was organized as a nonstock, nonprofit corporation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity under IRS regulations.

months after their first vaccination.

2.

Wear a mask to help protect yourself and others. Along with vaccination, it is one of our strongest tools to stop the spread and protect others from severe illness. An N95, KN95 or KF94 mask provides the highest level of protection from COVID-19, a surgical mask provides good protection, and a cloth mask should be worn with a surgical mask on top.

3.

Stay home if you are sick and get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

4.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

5.

Watch your distance in crowds, especially around our youngest children who are not yet vaccinated, those at risk and those unable to get the vaccine. Californians can go to www.COVID19.ca.gov for more information on COVID-19 and the latest public health guidelines.

For more about COVID-19, including guidance on masking and testing, visit covid19.ca.gov.

To schedule an appointment for a vaccination or a booster, visit MyTurn. ca.gov, or call 1-833-422-4255.

Support is available in 200+ languages.

About the Author Kimberly S.G. Chang, MD, MPH, is a Family Physician at Asian Health

Services (AHS) in Oakland, California.

In 2015, Dr. Chang completed the Commonwealth Fund Minority Health Policy Fellowship at Harvard, examining the role of federally qualified health centers in addressing human trafficking. Previously, Dr. Chang was the inaugural Clinic Director at AHS’ Frank Kiang Medical Center and provided care for many commercially sexually exploited children. She was elected as the Vice Speaker of the House on the Executive Board of Directors for the National Association of Community Health Centers in 2018 and appointed to the American Public Health Association Committee on Women’s Rights.

GOLD MEDALS

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Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

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Founding Editor and Publisher ERNIE FLORES JR. Editor-In-Chief SUSAN DELOS SANTOS Marketing and Sales info@thefilipinopress.com Graphics and Design A2 Studio Graphics Filipino graphics

Contributing writers joe garbanzos FE SELIGMAN ALICIA deleon-torres Cartoonist jesse t. reyes Community Outreach Ruby Chiong armi guzman JOANN FIELDS

Columnists AURORA S. CUDAL Danny hernaez francine maigue GREG B. MACABENTA JESSE T. REYES al villamora Photographer Zeny PLY Circulation ELY HERNANDEZ

The Filipino Press is published every Saturday. We welcome news, features, editorials, opinions and photos. Please e-mail them to: editor@ filipinopress.com. Photos must be accompanied by self-addressed, postage-paid envelope to be returned. We reserve the right to edit materials. Views and opinions by our writers, contributors does not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, management and staff of the Filipino Press. © 2011 Filipino Press

10 • January 21, 2022 - January 27, 2022

Filipino Press

OBITUARY James Francis Ply January 21, 1936 – January 12, 2022 James Francis “Jim” Ply, 85, of San Diego, CA passed away with his beloved wife, Zenaida Estoque Ply at his side on January 12, 2022 at a local hospital. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 starting at 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the Galley at the Marina located at 550 Marina Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Jim’s storied life and career started in Akron, Ohio where he was born to Frank & Lucille (Forbes) Ply. While a child, the family moved to Los Angeles. He attended Downey High School and graduated in 1953. He completed his Associate of Science in Electronics degree at Fullerton Junior College. He received his Bachelor of Science in Management Science degree from California State University, LA. He was one of the graduates of the charter class of the Executive MBA Program at the San Diego State University.

Jim served in the United States Navy as an Electronic Technician First Class and was a member of the Navy’s Antarctica support team. He was stationed at the Naval Air Facility in McMurdo Sound Station for the Antarctica Operation Deep Freeze III Wintering-Over from 1957 -1958. He later worked as a research engineer and quality assurance supervisor at Rockwell International/North American Aviation Space Division’s Manufacturing Quality Assurance Laboratories for the Apollo program in the 60’s and 70’s. He worked as Management Information Services Director for Cal State LA Foundation, Southwestern University School of Law and Southwestern Community College in Chula Vista. He then worked as Executive Director for Technology Specialists Inc., assigned first at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Florida and then as CIO at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. Jim later established his own company, Salty Dog, Inc., and worked for several years as a project manager and consultant,

implementing administrative software systems for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Even after his retirement, he continued to work fulltime, sometimes as an employee and sometimes as a contractor or consultant.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Jim was a very active volunteer at the Downey YMCA. He took the White Rag, committing to lifelong service. His legacy of stories told during campouts, backpack trips and sports seasons lives on today to the children of the children who heard them. He served as a board member of the Downey YMCA for more than ten years and was Chairman for three years. He worked with several youth programs as a leader and program developer. He also served as a member of the Personnel Advisory Board for the City of Downey working with police, fire, and public employees’ associations. He was a member of the Academy Screening Committee for Congressman Del Clawson helping select young men and women for appointment to the U.S. Military Academies. He had been active with U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary since 2001. He volunteered as the Treasurer for the Mercedes Hills Homeowners’ Association for years.

His passion for sailing made him

join the US Navy, and he later bought and lived in his own boats. He joined and became an active member of several Yacht Clubs including the Oakland Yacht Club and the Chula Vista Yacht Club where he served as Rear Commodore in 2008, as Vice Commodore in 2009, as Commodore in 2010 and as Treasurer in for several years.

Jim loved and enjoyed going to the Galley at the Marina and making a lot of friends, so much so that he was called “The Mayor of the Galley”.

According to Gary Seiler, one of his best friends “He brought so much love, friendship and joy to those of us who are like a family at the Galley at the Marina”. Steve then chimed in that “just won’t be the same without him”.

Jim is survived by his wife, Zeny, (an active community volunteer and member of the San Diego Executive Lions Club, Silayan Filipina, AARP, University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Diego where she served in different positions including being the president in 2011. She is currently the Vice President for the Southwest Region of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America. They just celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary on January 1, 2022); his sister, Margaret Strader (Texas); his son, Jim (California), son, Kevin and wife, Lynda of Dayton, Nevada, and his grandchildren, namely, Jaime (California), Brian and wife Ariel (California), Timothy and wife Mikayla (Texas), Deborah and boyfriend, Shawn (Northern Nevada); Benjamin and wife Caitlyn (Arizona); Jonathan and Eliza (Texas); Rachel (Northern Nevada; along with his six great grandchildren: Esther, Ruth, Benjamin Jr., Jackson, Remington and Sarah.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations for scholarships/stipends to the needy, James and Zenaida Estoque Ply Scholarship Fund and mail to 1138 Camino Donaire, San Diego Ca 92154.

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CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM PROPOSES UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE, INCLUDING UNDOCUMENTED

coverage would be rolled out by the end of 2022.

Currently, Medi-Cal covers all low-income children and young adults under the age of 26, regardless of immigration status. Last year, the state expanded Medi-Cal eligibility to low-income undocumented adults over the age of 50. The new proposal would expand Medi-Cal coverage to low-income people between the ages of 26-49, regardless of immigration status, Newsom addressed the concerns of critics who fear an increase in state taxes. “We already have universal health care, but it is at the back end and called the emergency room. It’s costing you a bundle, with all of us paying higher premiums.”

“Why not have access to preventive

care at a much lower cost?” he queried, expressing his hope that other states would follow his lead to extend coverage to the nation’s 10.5 million undocumented residents.

The California Taxpayers Association raised its objections to the proposal Jan. 7, before the plan was formally announced, noting that taxes would be increased on businesses and individuals earning more than $149,000 annually. California state Assembly members Ash Kalra and Alex Lee, both Democrats who represent portions of the Silicon Valley, have introduced ACA 11, which would raise an estimated $200 million annually to support universal health care in the state.

“This measure would add to the cost of living in California and lead to job losses, without any guarantee that the billions in new taxes would benefit anyone,” said CalTax President Robert Gutierrez in a press statement.

“Taxpayers want and deserve quality healthcare services, but there is no guarantee that a government-run healthcare system will deliver better care for Californians at an affordable price.”

Kalra defended his bill in a press statement: “Those that profit off the immoral status quo may not like it, but I am confident that the vast majority of working and retired Californians will see the benefit of significant costsavings as we remove debilitating insurance costs, out-of-reach prescription drugs and arbitrarily high hospital fees.”

(DESRON) 7, are on a rotational deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-

response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan M. Breeden)

By Sunita Sohrabji/EMS

LOS ANGELES, CA -- California Governor Gavin Newsom Jan. 11 announced his plan for universal healthcare, which would extend coverage to the state’s 1.1 million undocumented residents.

If approved, California would be the first state in the nation to provide universal health care.

Speaking at the Clinica Sierra Vista’s Lamont Center in Kern County, an agricultural region which serves as home to roughly 70,000 undocumented people, Newsom laid out his plan for universal access throughout the state, regardless of preexisting conditions, ability to pay, or immigration status. Long-time labor activist Dolores Huerta and California state Assemblyman Rudy Salas took the mic to commend the governor on his proposal.

“This is a historic moment,” said Huerta.

“Thank you, Governor Newsom for including all undocumented people in your budget. California is the first state in the nation to finally recognize our immigrants and their contributions,” she said, expressing her confidence that the state Legislature would pass the budget.

The $614 million proposal is part of the 2022-23 state budget known as the California Blueprint, which the governor unveiled a day earlier. The budget must be approved by the state Legislature; Newsom said he expects to see the finished package on his desk by May. If approved, expanded

San Diego native conducts maintenance aboard USS Charleston

Electronics Technician 1st Class Thomas Caswell, from San Diego, assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16), assists in conducting maintenance on a UAV Automatic Recovery System aboard USS Charleston (LCS 18). Tulsa and Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron

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Filipino Press

January 21, 2022 - January 27, 2022 • 11

12 • January 21, 2022 - January 27, 2022

Filipino Press

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