The Filipino Press: January 28 - February 3, 2022

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Philippines attains all-time high palay, corn harvests in 2021

MANILA -- Bigger budget, focused plans and interventions, and hardworking farmers and industry partners translate to record-breaking sectoral performance as the country’s national palay (paddy rice) and corn production hit record levels at 19.96 million metric tons (MMT) and 8.3 MMT, respectively in 2021.

“These palay and corn production levels are the highest in the country’s history under the Duterte administration. Thanks to our continued strong partnership with organized farmers’ groups, local government units (LGUs), the private sector, other institutions, and rice and corn industry stakeholders,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in a news release on Thursday.

The palay output was 3.4 percent higher than the 19.29 MMT in 2020, while corn yield was 2.2 percent better than two years ago, the feats attained despite the Covid-19 pandemic, community lockdowns and logistical bottlenecks, and adverse weather conditions, he said.

The record harvests were a result of more resources poured into both rice and corn programs, palay procurement, and irrigation services.

These include PHP15 billion for the national rice program (NRP) and rice resiliency project (RRP); PHP10 billion for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF); PHP7 billion for the National Food

The Banaue Rice Terraces (Hagdan Hagdang Palayan ng Banaue)a popular tourist spot in the Philippines, considered the "8th Wonder of the World".

The terraces were built, nurtured by native Ifugao farmers in Banaue over 2,000 years ago. Rice is staple food of Filipinos, and all over the world.

Authority (NFA); and PHP30 billion for the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). As for corn program, the DA spent P1.5B last year.

“With better technology, modern high-yielding seeds, farm machinery and equipment, training, credit and

marketing, the country’s rice and corn farmers were able to deliver record-breaking performance,” said Dionisio Alvindia, director of the DA’s Philippine Integrated Rice Program (PIRP) that oversees the NRP, RRP, and RCEF. Under the RCEF program that is

in its third year of implementation, the following are the notable achievements, said Alvindia, based on survey of farmer-participants and monitoring conducted by the DA’s Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice(sad) *For dry season 2019 and 2021,

palay seeding rate decreased by onethird or 33 percent from 96 kilograms (kg) per hectare (ha) to 64 kg/ha; *Average yield increased by 15 percent or 560 kg/ha, from 3.65 metric tons (MT) per hectare (ha) in 2019 to 4.22 mt/ha in 2021; and *Due to the reduced cost of seeds

and increased productivity, cost of production (COP) has decreased, and farmers earned additional gross income of PHP10,000/ha, at PHP19/ kg dry palay buying price.

For farmers who plant hybrid rice, they attain bigger average yields and income per hectare, DA Hybrid Program Director Frisco Malabanan said.

He said hybrid rice farmers in Nueva Ecija obtained the highest average yield at 7.6 mt/ha in dry season 2021 and 5.75 mt/ha in wet season 2021. In addition to Nueva Ecija, Malabanan said hybrid rice farming is now popular and focused in 14 other provinces: Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Cagayan Valley, Isabela, Tarlac, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Leyte, Bukidnon, Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

Since 2019, the total area planted to hybrid rice has reached 1.1 million hectares, contributing roughly 26 percent to total palay production.

Malabanan said DA-PhilRice data show that current average cost of production (COP) of palay is at PHP12/kg, and that the COP of hybrid rice ranges only from PHP7to PHP8/kg.

PH economic growth proof of strength, resilience amid crises Malacañang sees the growth of See PHILIPPINES on

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Covered California Has a Record Gold House, other API brands to usher 1.8 million Enrollees with the Jan. 31 Deadline in Year of the Tiger with campaign for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Approaching and Encourages Uninsured Filipino

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Jan. 25, 2022) – Gold House is partnering with several Asian and Pacific Islanderowned brands for its second annual Lunar New Year campaign for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to bring good fortune to St. Jude patient families and raise awareness and support for its lifesaving mission: Finding cures.

Saving children.® From February 1 through April 30, when shoppers purchase from participating brands, they will have the option to donate to St. Jude during the checkout process. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from each sale will go toward St. Jude research and treatment of childhood cancer

and other life-threatening diseases.

Pediatric cancer is a trilliondollar, multi-year problem, requiring millions of supporters coming together to solve. The public and partnerships like this one make it possible for St. Jude to save children together.

“Gold House is proud to once again partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to direct the collective power of APIfounded businesses in the Gold House community toward supporting and advancing its crucial research and treatment of cancer and other catastrophic children’s diseases,” said Mikkoh Chen, Head of Gold House Futures.

Last year St. Jude launched its six-year, $11.5 billion strategic plan – the largest in St. Jude history – to create a brighter future for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases by delivering on its promise to triple its global investments and help more of the 400,000 children with cancer around the world each year.

Thanks to generous supporters, St. Jude has pressed ahead with a vital collaboration with the World Health Organization to increase global access to pediatric cancer medicines, which will allow St. Jude to impact as many as 120,000 young cancer patients in 50 countries by 2027.

Participating brands in the Lunar New Year campaign include Covry, Dagne Dover, Duck Duck Books, Fly By Jing, Glow Recipe, Health-Ade, Neuro Gum, Nona Lim, The Qi, Sanzo, and Tochi Snacks. These companies offer a wide array of products, including food, condiments, beverages, books, eyewear, beauty and handbags.

Several of them are members of the Gold House Founder Network, a cross-industry community of promising Asian and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs and business leaders.

St. Jude patient families embody the strength and courage of the Tiger.

Among the children who are thriving after receiving treatment at St. Jude are Calvin who had an aggressive, non-cancerous brain tumor called craniopharyngioma, Max who had retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye, and Maelin-Kate who was See ST. JUDE on

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Americans to Sign Up Now

• With the final open-enrollment deadline of the year approaching on Jan. 31, a record high 1.8 million Californians have already signed up for comprehensive coverage through Covered California.

• Enrollment increased by more than 350,000 people over the past two years, with financial help from the American Rescue Plan lowering costs, and the pandemic highlighting the importance of both health insurance and addressing disparities.

• California made major progress in closing health equity gaps with Filipino American enrollment increasing by 38 percent.

• Despite these significant increases in enrollment over the past two years, the uninsured rate for Filipino Americans in California is significant at 6.4 percent, higher than the statewide average.

SACRAMENTO, CA -- With the final deadline for the current open-enrollment period quickly approaching on Jan. 31, Covered California announced that 1.8 million Californians have signed up for coverage as of Jan. 24, which is a new record high for the exchange. The total represents an increase of more than 350,000 people compared to the start of 2020, as Covered California has used the increased financial help from the American Rescue Plan to expand coverage and meet the needs of people affected by the

COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having quality coverage, and with a surge of COVID-19 infections across the state, now is the time to make sure you have health insurance,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California.

“We want to encourage anyone who is currently going without health care coverage to check out their options and sign up so they can be covered in 2022.”

More than 6 million Californians have been infected by the virus, and the state’s death total is nearing 80,000.

The California Department of Public Health projects that hospitalizations during the current COVID-19 surge will surpass last winter’s peak, while the California Hospital Association expects the increased hospitalizations and infections to last until the end of February.

In addition, a recent study found

that the average cost for a complex care COVID-19 hospitalization, in which patients required ventilation or admission into an intensive care unit, was more than $127,000 in California.

“We are all struggling to adjust to the changing nature of this pandemic,” Lee said. “Some constants, however, are that we know that we all need to get vaccinated, wear a mask, and get insurance to stay well and protect ourselves from financial disaster if we need hospital care.”

The American Rescue Plan Is Helping Californians Get Covered and Stay Covered The record-high number of enrollees is being made possible by the American Rescue Plan, the federal response to the pandemic, which expanded the amount of financial help available to consumers. The law builds on the Affordable Care Act and work done See COVERED on

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2 • January 28, 2022 - February 3, 2022

Filipino Press

DAILY EXERCISES

Happy New Year, kababayan!

Francine is out this week but sends her love. I’m thrilled to be reunited with you all! Wow, January is almost done, and we’re already getting deep into 2022.

How are your resolutions coming along?

Still going strong, I hope! Mine included exercising daily. I know, I know…

“Getting fit” must be the #1 resolution that everyone swears to uphold. I already knew that it would be tough for me. So I had to design my exercise regimen to be fun and simple. Here are some easy tips that work for me: 1. Make it a habit! Do your exercise the same time each day. I stretch in the morning and workout at night.

2. In the AM - Right after I make my bed (another resolution I’m trying to keep), I quickly find a 10 minute morning stretch video on YouTube. There are so many! Find one that looks interesting to you, and try it.

3. In the PM - I work out, shower, then enjoy my bedtime skin care regimen.

I’ll share more about my night regimen during another article. ;) For me, daily exercises need to target key areas…arms, legs, and booty. Find some weights that are right for you. 5 lb. dumbbells are perfect for me. Don’t have dumbbells? Canned veggies or bottled water that you may find in your pantry does the trick! #kayanatinto

Follow Theresa’s daily arm workout for stronger arms in 2022.

1. For the next 3 exercises, let position 1 be your starting position—holding the dumbbells in a low, relaxed position.

Do 3 sets of 12 reps of each of the three exercises.

2. With your palms facing away from you, bend at the elbows and lift weights to your shoulders.

3. With your palms facing your body, lift the weights straight up, right underneath your chin.

4. With your palms facing forward, curl the weights up towards the front of shoulders.

For strong legs and booty, I like to follow what Pinay Personal Trainer, Jordyn Rose of @_FitWithJo has taught me. Her exercises are fun, effective, and hit my target areas!

With your right (back) foot on top of a chair, hold the weight in the right hand. Bend your supporting leg to a 90 degree angle. Do 10-12 reps and 3 sets.

Those are my daily “Go-to” exercises! Simple right? You can do it, too! Every other day, add some core workouts like crunches, knee raises, or planks. For cardio, my dogs

take me for a walk/run. :) Let’s keep it up together and stay disciplined, healthy, and strong in 2022. ‘Til next time! XO, Theresa @SDProMom 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 Filipino-American 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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$25,000. Halina na kayo at tuklasin ang kapanapanabik at posibleng pagkapanalo ng maraming beses! $5K Lucky Red Envelope na Ipamimigay Hinahayaan ng Pechanga ang mga manlalaro na maging mas maswerte sa

“Lucky Red Envelope” na promosyon ngayong Pebrero.

Mangyaring bumisita lamang ang mga miyembro See

PECHANGA on 8

Theresa Maigue Bendorf, SDPromom contributes this article with Jordyn Rose, personal trainor who regularly posts inspiring videos and post in instagram.

2022

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION YEAR OF THE TIGER

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

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Filipino Press

January 28, 2022 - February 3, 2022 • 3

4 • January 28, 2022 - February 3, 2022

Filipino Press

Vaccination key to exit pandemic -- NTF exec MANILA -- Vaccination is the key to the exit of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. an official of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 said Wednesday night.

Head of the NTF Strategic Communications sub-task group on current operations, Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor, urged anew unvaccinated Filipinos to avail of Covid-19 jabs to get enough protection against the dreaded disease.

"Muli ang panghihikayat ng pamahalaan, ang bakuna po ang sagot para malabanan po natin at tayo po ay makaalis – maka-exit tayo sa pandemyang ito (Once again, the government is encouraging you, the vaccine is the answer so we can fight and get out – exit this pandemic)," Mayor said shortly after the arrival of 1,023,750 doses of Pfizer vaccine at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 via an Air Hong Kong cargo flight.

The latest shipment is part of the government-procured jabs with funding from the World Bank.

The Philippines has so far received 216.5 million doses of different Covid-19 vaccines, both procured and donated, from various pharmaceutical companies, with 124,510,385 doses already administered nationwide.

At least 57.8 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated and 6,683,975 eligible individuals have received booster shots.

The government has urged those with complete shots to avail of booster shots for added protection.

Mayor likewise reiterated that all Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective against severe and critical symptoms of the disease and help prevent the hospitalization of coronavirus patients.

As of Wednesday, the Philippines has recorded 3,475,293 Covid-19 cases, with 3,191,219 recoveries, 230,410 active infections, and 53,664 deaths. (PNA) Gov't monitoring surges in 22 areas outside Metro Manila The government is monitoring the growth rate of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in 22 areas outside Metro Manila, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, acting presidential spokesperson, said authorities are in close coordination with the regional Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and are looking closely at the following areas: - Calabarzon - Central Luzon - Ilocos Region - Dagupan City - Cordillera Administrative Region - Baguio City - Cebu Province - Cebu City - Lapu-lapu City - Mandaue City - Iloilo Province - Iloilo City - Bacolod City - Cagayan de Oro City - Davao City - General Santos City - Ormoc City - Naga City - Western Samar - Tacloban City - Biliran - Zamboanga del Sur "What we're seeing now is while cases in Metro Manila and in fact some areas in Region 4-A and 3 are slowing down in terms of the growth rate, we're seeing higher growth

rates in those (abovementioned) areas," he said in a CNN Philippines interview.

Nograles said these areas of concern must further increase hospital bed capacities for Covid-19 patients to prevent their respective health care utilization rate (HCUR) from exceeding 70 percent.

Meanwhile, the government is beefing up telemedicine services in said areas to prepare patients who will go into home isolation should the number of cases further balloon.

"Like what happened here in NCR, we reserved the beds for severe and critical and moderate cases while mild and asymptomatic can do home isolation," Nograles said.

The official said the government is also set to announce Metro Manila's alert level for February 1 to 15 over the weekend. He said an IATF-EID meeting is scheduled for January 27.

"That would be one of the topics that we will be discussing. We'll look at what the numbers look like in terms of bed utilization rate, the average daily attack rate (ADAR), and the two-week growth rate," he said. "[P]erhaps we'll have to make a decision as far as Metro Manila is concerned over the weekend because the weekend is closer to February 1 and what we want to do is to make a decision on alert levels as closest to February 1 as possible," he said.

94% of adverse reactions among 12-to-17 y/o 'mild' About 94 percent of the adverse reactions reported among children aged 12 to 17 years old who were vaccinated against Covid-19 are mild, a health expert said Wednesday.

The government started with the Covid-19 vaccination of 12-to-17year-olds on Nov. 3, 2021.

The Department of Health (DOH) said the top three reactions to immunization recorded for this age group are vaccination site pain, headache, and dizziness.

In an online media forum, Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines Chief Mary Ann Bunyi said the government provides vaccines that are effective and safe to use especially for children.

"Ito pong Covid-19 vaccine na ipamamahagi ng ating pamahalaan ay isang oportunidad para sa inyong pamilya na maprotektahan laban sa (This Covid-19 vaccine distributed by the government is an opportunity for your families to be protected from) Covid-19," added Bunyi, who is also a member of the national immunization technical advisory group.

Bunyi said children with preexisting health conditions are at higher risk for severe type of Covid-19.

Citing DOH data, she said about 396,730 cases have been recorded among 19-year-olds and below.

"Most cases have been mild, but some patients have turned into severe with critical manifestations.

Some have developed complications like multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children," she added.

To date, 58 percent of the target population for the 12 to 17 years old age group have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

The government aims to inoculate 80 percent of 12.7 million children belonging to this age group.

Local leaders crucial in addressing vax hesitancy in Muslim areas The influence and capacity of the local leaders to convince

their constituents are important to address vaccine hesitancy within Muslim communities in Mindanao, acting Presidential spokesperson, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, said Wednesday.

In a CNN Philippines interview, Nograles reiterated President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's concerns on the vaccine hesitancy among Muslim communities in Mindanao which, the President believes is “something more of religious belief.”

"In his latest Talk to the People, the President really said that the influence of local leaders is important, especially in the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) area," Nograles said.

Nograles said it really matters those local leaders would maximize their "convincing power" to increase the confidence of the public in the Covid-19 vaccination program.

"They'll have to really set an example to their constituents, they really have to drive the demand and push for a more and increased vaccination in the BARMM area," he added.

Nograles said it is important to send the message that apart from being halal-certified, Covid-19 vaccines are also used in other predominantly Muslim countries.

"We are not having problems that we see in vaccinating countries like our neighbors in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and other predominantly Muslim counties," Nograles said.

"We see no reason why it could not happen in the BARMM areas but it really takes a lot of push and drives from local leaders there," he said.

The latest data from the National Task Force against Covid-19 showed that among 17 regions nationwide, the BARMM has the least number of vaccinated individuals, with only 25.22 percent or 769,604 individuals out of its 70 percent or 3,051,196 total targeted population, are fully vaccinated and 47,081 received booster shots.

6.2 million adolescents fully vaccinated vs. COVID-19 More than 6.2 million minors aged 12 to 17 have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a health expert said Wednesday.

Dr. Mary Ann Bunyi of the Department of Health-Technical Advisory Group said this was 58.7% of the target population of 10.7 million.

Meanwhile, Bunyi said 7.6 million or 71.21% have received at least one dose.

Citing a report of the Food and Drug Administration, she said only 3.11% of the age group were reported to have experienced adverse events.

Of the adverse events, 94% were considered non-serious while 5% were considered serious.

The most commonly reported reactions were dizziness, injection site pain, pyrexia, headache, and increased blood pressure. There were two cases of myocarditis and one case of pericarditis.

“These patients have all recovered from these conditions,” she said.

Bunyi said the causality of the illness is still being investigated.

Meanwhile, she urged parents to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 11.

“Ang mga bakunang binibigay ng ating pamahalaan ay nagdaan ng masusing pagaaral. So hindi naman magbibigay ang pamahalaan ng isang bakuna na hindi ligtas at mabisa para sa mga batang ito,” she said at the DOH Kapihan.

“So kung ang hinahangad nila ay protektahan ang kanilang anak laban sa sakit na ito at maiwasan na magkaroon sila ng malalang sakit then maiging mabakunahan sila,” she added.

Hospitals see decreasing COVID-19 cases -- PCP president The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) on Thursday said hospitals are now experiencing a decrease in COVID-19 cases amid the decline in the number of new infections reported over the past few days.

“Definitely, we can feel the decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases here in the hospitals because we are seeing now less COVID-19 cases. This actually See

VACCINATION

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Filipino Press

January 28, 2022 - February 3, 2022 • 5

REVIVING THE FILIPINO SONGCATCHER ART OF MUSICAL “HARANA” (SERENADE) “Kahit na walang tanglaw, sinta Ang palad ko sa gitna ng dilim Manungaw ka Ang buhay ko’y Kusang magniningning” SAN DIEGO, CA -- “Uso pa ba ang harana?” (Is serenading still in vogue?)

In 1966, I once wallowed with my former high school classmates and friends while on Navy leave in Manila after having freshly graduated from boot camp then here in “the finest city of America.”

It was the definitive anthem of my youth – the song that everyone would sing along to – proudly on the microphone, at jukeboxes or at their forty-something uncle’s birthday party. It was a piece of work really – a musical hit that mounted Ruben Tagalog or Diomedes Maturan on the musical map in as much as the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) band was able to shed light on an art form that was fast fading away into oblivion.

“Harana” was for all intents and purposes a love letter to a withering cornerstone of the old homeland’s cultural history is the vanished tradition of serenading prevalent in old Philippines. While most Filipinos are still familiar with the custom, it is mostly that – only a passing familiarity exists. We all can hardly be blamed because there was no in depth study ever done of this once-important part of Philippine social fabric. Most of what we know came from stereotypical and romanticized versions depicted in old movies and paintings.

Certainly, the citadels of academia did not pay much attention to this courtship ritual – perhaps because they never considered it an art form and relegated it more as plebian endeavor of the popular culture.

(Just this last weekend, my wife and I were watching on TV the movie “Songcatcher” – a 2000 drama film directed by Maggie Greenwald. Infused with the twang of Appalachian mountain music and aglow with picture-postcard images of North Carolina’s rugged inland landscape, the “Songcatcher” is a

sweet, lyrical ode to rural America in the early 1900’s. The film, which stars Janet McTeer as a fearless musicologist who ventures into the wild to unearth a trove of Americana lends it the feel of a high-minded essay. Not only is its story of the discovery Appalachian mountain music and the music’s connection to an older Scotch-Irish tradition worth telling, but its exposition of that musical history is also clear.

It is in this manner that I write this particular column which is about a Filipino guitarist and his classical music.)

So, let’s try something a little unique (not to mention courageous!) and “harana” your sweetheart with this sweet love column on all about the lost Filipino art of “harana” (serenade).

Standing outside her window in the thick of the night, the young suitor declaims his intentions to the young maiden. A musical ensemble of 10 men, the “haranistas” let their love songs waft through the open windows of the barrio.

The singing guitarists continue to play the sweet melodies for 30 minutes while the young gentleman eagerly waits for her response.

Everyone in the barrio knows who the musical troubadours are and why they are there. They are the master “haranistas,” singing and playing distinct traditional Filipino love music on his behalf.

There was a time in the provinces of the Philippines when men courted women with “harana,” a three in one sentimental ritual: part serenade, part music style, and part poetic Tagalog. “Harana’s” origins reportedly go back to the 1800’s but today it is a fading memory. A new documentary, “Harana,” resurrects this lost art. It follows the footsteps and guitar strings of classically trained guitarist Florante Aguilar on a two-month trek to the provinces traveling, researching, and playing with the few remaining master “haranistas.”

“The songs were memorized and passed down through generations.

It’s already a vanishing tradition,” said “Harana” director Benito

Jesse T. Reyes

Filipino Potpourri

"HARANA": The search for the lost Filipino art of serenade Bautista of the award-winning 2006 adventure documentary film “The Gift of Barong.” “There’s a sense of urgency in the story because there are “haranistas” who are very old and dying.”

Growing up in Cavite, Aguilar heard some of the “harana” songs but didn’t value them. “To me it was just crap. I liked American music,” he says unapologetically. After graduating from the University of the Philippines College of Music, he left the Philippines to study and perform in the US, Asia, and Europe.

An accomplished musician, he had no intention of returning to the Philippines, until his father passed away in 1999. During his father’s wake, his hometown reunion transformed him. After a 13-year absence, he reconnected with his country.

“I realized for the first time how beautiful the music is and yet for the longest time I ignored them. Why am I playing music of European men who are dead when I have

this fantastic music in front of me?

I made it a mission in my life to champion this,” said Aguilar.

“Harana” is influenced by the style and flavor of Spanish music.

Yet its evolution incorporated precolonial courtship rituals.

“We made “harana” our very own and nobody else does this the way we do – the music, the protocol, the setting, the language, and how it shaped the social system of old Philippines,” he added.

Aguilar met “Harana” producer, Fides Enriquez, by accident. She saw one of his “harana” performances and was hooked. “This guy is not from here. He is not stateside. At the time, I was doing research about vanishing Philippine traditions,” said Fides.

Searching for the film’s director was a no-brainer. Impressed with Bautista’s “The Gift of Barong,” Enriquez knew he was their man.

Bautista fell in love with the concept on their first meeting. “Oh, my God!” he exclaimed. “This project

is worth telling not only to Filipinos but to the world,” he added.

They sealed their partnership on May 2008. Six months later, they departed San Francisco in search of the masters.

From Quezon Province and Vigan, Ilocos Sur to Marangondon, Cavite they found three out of 12 “haranistas” who qualified as true masters.

“A true “haranista” would know all the old songs. They have a very high level of musicianship. Many are self-taught or taught by their parents. The locals also identify them as master “haranista” – another sign of this rare artist,” said Aguilar.

Although popular in their own right, most “haranistas” never left their home towns and had not sung in decades. “They used to sing seven to ten “haranas” a night at different places. Then it started to become infrequent. One “haranista” said his last true serenade was about 15 years ago and then he stopped playing. Now they just sing while they farm,” said Enriquez.

Their singing is genuine and passionate. “They’re not showy.

They sing from their heart,” explained Aguilar.

Besides research, the film tested the power of “harana.” “There was a man who wanted to serenade a woman for several years and she didn’t know he was her admirer.

He’s painfully shy. You’ll see in the film what happens. It was the most beautiful music of these lonely love songs,” said Enriquez.

“Harana” also transformed many hardened hearts. Bautista passionately describes a scene where the “haranistas” performed in a crime-ridden community of “gang bangers, drug dealers, and

prostitutes – a very volatile and dangerous place. But for one night, they were able to inhale a beautiful experience through music and found humanity.”

“Nagsusumamo ang puso ko, Paraluman Nakikiusap sa iyong pagmamahal Hindi man mo man pinapansin ang Panabitan Pagibig ko’y ikaw pa rin Kailan pa man” But the nagging question still remains – can “harana” be restored to its former glory or is it doomed to vanish silently into the night forever?

So, perhaps you are now asking the proverbial $64,000 question what happened to “harana”?

I say – like many older cultural traditions that disappear over time, “harana” has become something found on in movies scenes, not real life.

But what would “harana” look like in today’s modern society? Can it be brought back as an important part of Filipino culture?

What do you think?

Should older cultural traditions be brought back and preserved, or does each generation create its own beloved traditions?

And does “harana” have its place in America? Would itstill hold the same meaning as it back then in the Philippines? Would Filipino Americans find an attraction to “harana” more than just a mere glimpse of the past?

I say there’s only one way to find out … hahahaha!

“Harana” your sweetheart tonight (or any day, for that matter!) or next Valentine’s Day!

Illiberal democracy needs a strong and experienced leader, Part 10 “The tide rises, the tide falls. The twilight darkens, the curlew calls.”

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow In the mid-21st century, Latin America experienced what it called a “Marea Rosa” or “Pink Tide,” the wave of “new” left-leaning and progressive governments that have taken power in the region. From Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, Bolivia’s Evo Morales, to Peru’s Alan Garcia; they rode an angry tide of social activism against neoliberalism and dictatorship.

A common thread among them was widespread anger at the deep societal inequities brought about by capitalism and American political meddling. While there were unique instances of how one leftist candidate won over institutional or rightist candidates, poverty was a driving force that brought labor leaders, peasants, and disgruntled citizens to pour onto the streets triggered by rising prices, poor wages, and corruption in government.

In the Philippines, Vice President Maria Leonora “Leni” Robredo is trying to seize on such a phenomenon by embarking on her own “pink tide” crusade by literally

embracing the color pink during the launching of her candidacy in October on Cancer Awareness Month. She is trying to harness a volunteer group nationwide hoping it will carry the day, but Philippine politics is very expensive and without such funding will make the impact of her volunteer force marginal.

While she ditched the Liberal Party and is running as an independent, Robredo is banking on the support of the much hated “Dilawans” (Yellows) traditional power brokers – the Catholic Church, the oligarchy, and traditional politicians of the Liberal Party. Her campaign, with the blessings of the Catholic Church, is promoting her as a Cory Aquino 2.0 version capable of creating “Leni Miracles.”

Her running mate, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, is the president of the Liberal Party (LP). Her campaign manager is former LP senator Bam Aquino while her senatorial line up is a mix of Liberal Party stalwarts, traditional politicians as guest candidates including the addition of a Magdalo rebel, Antonio Trillanes. The twelfth spot could go

to a Leftist. The “Pinklawans” as they are derisively branded now, is running as the “true” opposition, a dig at the other candidates from the opposition.

Prior to affirming her candidacy, Robredo tried to convince the other presidential candidates to form a unity ticket but it fizzled out because she wanted everybody to unite behind her candidacy late in the game when everybody rode their horses already. Manila mayor Isko Moreno revealed that the reason he did not want to be part of it is Robredo’s avowed divisive antiMarcos and anti-Duterte mantra as reason for running. Moreno wants to unify Filipinos but can’t unify with the opposition.

Now completing her tenure, VP Robredo is still calling herself an “accidental” candidate to give the impression that she was “forced” or “thrusted” into running which really doesn’t sell well because being an incumbent, Robredo was already the presumptive opposition candidate.

But her dilly-dallying allowed some LP stalwarts to jump ship. Her “unity” message is falling flat too because she is a very divisive figure and therefore, lacks credibility.

She claims to have a track record of public service but it is a mirage because her resume doesn’t really add up to be considered as an executive track record for the presidency. She served one term as a

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representative for the Third District of Camarines Sur but nothing stood out from her term. As the vice president, she could have earned some executive experience being a step away from the presidency but she didn’t because of the choices she made going after the Duterte administration.

Consequently, she found herself unwelcome in the inner sanctum of the executive decision making process and denied her of such valuable experience. As VP, she embarked on advocacy projects or undertakings in the name of her office that provided shortterm benefits to certain groups or constituencies but nothing really in the form of policy decisions.

Duterte signed several landmark or significant laws like Universal Healthcare, free college education, extending maternity leave, and other liberal ideas that is supposedly the staple of the Liberal Party but Robredo’s name as an advocate was not there.

As a matter of fact, VP Robredo’s tenure was never known for working with legislators to pass a bill that is near and dear to her heart. Legislating is not her cup of tea, she said so herself in one of her interviews. She brags of a solid Bicol behind her candidacy but her tenure as a congresswoman and vice president never really produced any significant projects for Bicol even

when the late president Benigno Aquino III was at the helm. She got a lot of press coverage for the “Bicol Express” route from Manila to Bicol but nothing really concrete came out of it.

The Daraga International Airport that began during Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s term laid idle for 10 years until Duterte got it completed.

Congressman Joey Salceda was the main proponent of the project along with other big ticket projects in Albay. Robredo’s home turf of Camarines Sur benefited from several infra projects courtesy of Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program that eclipsed several president’s infra spending.

Robredo’s wish for a “pink tide” is one election too late because that train left the station already when it elected Rodrigo Roa Duterte in 2016. Duterte was a protest vote for the same reasons why left-leaning and progressives swept many Latin American elections. Filipinos showed their disdain for the elitist and the wealthy by electing a lowly Davao City mayor over more highly educated or traditional politicians with established track records.

The very criticism that Robredo laid on Duterte’s doorstep on the extrajudicial killings were the kind of strong leadership Filipinos were looking for, fed up with graft and corruption in government, government inefficiency, extreme

poverty while the rich were flaunting their wealth, and widespread drug problem in the country. The images of a long line of drug addicts filling up jails and penitentiaries provided a visual of how severe the country’s illegal drug problem was during the Aquino presidency and rumors of narco-politics influencing his administration. Exhibit A is Sen. Leila de Lima, Aquino’s former Justice Secretary, is still in jail for drug related charges.

Robredo is clearly not a progressive or a true blooded liberal.

She’s not a strong leader either.

Her constant cries of human rights violations questions her ability to implement draconian measures during the pandemic. Her Team Leni senatorial slate lost miserably during the 2019 election.

Duterte’s social reforms are clearly working given his popularity. The very elements that the “Pink Tide” candidates of Latin America rode on are missing in the Philippines. No mass demonstrations, no labor unrest, no corruption rivaling those exposed during the Aquino administration have bubbled up. The only hate and discontent are those coming from the elites and the oligarchs who view the South China Sea issue with China and Duterte’s belligerence towards the United States as two most important issues driving Robredo’s campaign.

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VACCINATION

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gives us some breathing space so we can also attend to the other nonCOVID cases,” PCP president Dr. Maricar Limpin said.

She added the health workers who got infected with the virus have also recovered and gone back to work, thus giving them more personnel in hospitals.

OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David noted on Wednesday that the reproduction number in the National Capital Region (NCR) went down to 0.63, while some areas in the region have improved to “moderate risk”.

Due to this, the COVID-19 cases in the NCR may drop to less than 500 on February 14.

David confirmed the downward trend of new COVID-19 cases and active cases in the NCR on Tuesday.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III also said that the new daily COVID-19 infections in Metro Manila may have already peaked.

The Philippines on Wednesday registered 15,789 new COVID-19 cases bringing the nationwide tally to 3,475,293.

Limpin however said that this number might not be “truly reflective” of the real COVID-19 cases in the country due to lack of testing.

“Many of the people are not being tested. I still believe that the number is still quite high,” she said.

“I think this high number will continue up to the first week of

February and probably, we’re projecting that we might reach the previous level prior to the Omicron surge by maybe last week of February,” she added.

She then urged the government not to ease the Alert Level status in the country yet as “it is not the right time to do it.” She said they are expecting that the cases may still be high in the first week of February, thus the downgrading may be possible by the second week of the month.

She added that the most important resources that hospitals are currently needing are those for supportive treatment such as paracetamol and cough preparation medicines.

5 to 11 age group vaccination Further, Limpin encouraged parents to help protect their young children against the viral disease by allowing them to get the jabs during the inoculation of aged 5 to 11 that is set to begin in February.

“I hope you remember that you need to take care of the children and part of taking care of the children is ensuring that they will be protected from this COVID infection,” she said.

National Task Force Against COVID-19 medical adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa said Tuesday that the vaccination against COVID-19 of children aged 5 to 11 years old will initially start in the National Capital Region.

He said that around 780,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine for children will arrive on January

31 and will be followed by more deliveries in the following days.

Around 7 million children are under this age group.

Herbosa said the first tranche of the vaccination drive for children aged 5 to 11 will prioritize those with comorbidities or with coexisting health conditions.

“Actually we will start with these people who have comorbidities or associated illness because these are the children that are at high risk to be hospitalized or may even die if they catch the COVID-19,” he said.

Their pediatricians or doctors are then required to certify that they are allowing them to get the jabs if they see no problems with their patients getting vaccinated against COVID-19 despite their condition.

NCR reproduction number down to 0.91, downward trend confirmed -- OCTA The reproduction number in the National Capital Region has went down to 0.91, which OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said was a confirmation of the downward trend not just in new COVID-19 cases but in active cases as well.

In a tweet on Monday night, David noted that the decrease of less than 1, recorded on January 21, 2022, was the first time since December 23, 2021.

The reproduction number refers to the number of people infected by one case. A reproduction number below 1 indicates that the transmission of the virus is slowing down.

David said that the reproduction

number in NCR went up to 6 on January 2.

“While this is good news and confirms a downward trend not just in new cases but also in active cases, we have to continue [to] follow health protocols to prevent a reversal of the trend,” he said.

The decrease below 1 is correlated with the “decrease in active cases, rather than a decrease in new cases,” he emphasized.

“This means that active cases may still increase even as new cases have started to decrease, because active cases are a cumulative lf new cases less recoveries and deaths,” he added.

David also explained that he has been using a time varying reproduction number Rt since 2020 to model the effects of controls and interventions on the transmission of the COVID-19.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday also said that the classification of Philippines and Metro Manila was downgraded to "high risk" from critical risk for COVID-19 but the average daily attack rate (ADAR) remains high.

He noted that the two week growth rate in Metro Manila went down from 7,225% to 65% but its ADAR is at 85.46%.

NCR Plus areas are showing case decline while cases in the rest of Luzon areas are plateauing, Duque added.

On Monday, January 24, the Philippines reported 24,938 new COVID-19 cases, raising the active tally to 262,997.(MNS)

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January 28, 2022 - February 3, 2022 • 7

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STAY SAFE EVERYONE WEAR YOUR MASK

8 • January 28, 2022 - February 3, 2022

PECHANGA

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ng Club sa lugar ng Promosyon kada Martes sa Pebrero mula 12pm-10pm sa pagkakataong manalo ng hanggang $5,000 sa EasyPlay!

Lunar New Year Luck Lion Dance Sa pagdiriwang ng Lunar New Year, ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay magtatalaga ng napakahusay na Lucky Lion Dancer na Pagtatanghal sa Pebrero 5th. Simula alas-3pm, ang “Lion Dance Team”, na simbolo ng pagiging masagana at maiging swerte, ay mag uumpisa sa entrada sa kanluran, at iikot sa loob ng palapag ng casino.

Ang Lahat ay may pagkakataong makakuha ng Red Packets na ibibigay sa Lion Dancers upang ipagdasal para sa Mapagbunying New Year.

Eksklusibong mga Pagkain at Inuming Espesyal Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay inaanyayahan ang mga bisita na magpaunang reserba ng mga lamesa para sa Pampamilyang Kainang Espesyal o Tanghaliang Pang-negosyo upang magalak sa eksklusibong “Lucky” Lunar New Year Dining and Drink Specials na maiging pinaghandaan ng mga nagluluto ng Bamboo, Blazing Noodles at Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar. Malasang timpla na ginawa ng Umi Chef na si Kiyo Ikeda, ang Lobster Three Ways ($98), Sticky Rice, Stuffed Chicken ($55) at ang Eel Lotus ($42) ay

tiyak na maghahatid sa inyo ng bagong lebel na mararanasan sa kainan.

Si Chef Marie Surakul sa Bamboo ay naghahain ng Steamed Whole Fish ($98) na nangangahulugan ng karagdagang prosperidad at LongLife Noodles na may Beef Tenderloin ($38). Sinabi pa nito na ang noodle ay simbolo ng kaligayahan at kahabaan ng buhay, at ang mga bisita ay makakaranas ng agad na kaligayahan habang kumakain ng Lunar New Year na mga espesyalidad.

Ang Blazing Noodles, na malapit lang sa hotel lobby, ay maghahanda ng walong putaheng tradisyunal na espesyalidad ng Asians para sa okasyon. Mula Fried Red Snapper hanggang Stir-fry Lamb Meat na may Spicy XO Sauce, ang mga espesyal na pagkaing ito ay may presyo mula $22 hanggang $92.

Amg nga espesyalidad na pagkain sa Blazing Noodles, Bamboo at Umi ay maaaring matikman mula Enero 28 hanggang Peb. 13. Inirerekomenda ang pag reserba sa Umi & Oyster Bar at mangyaring bumisita sa www.

Pechanga.com/eat o sa pagtawag sa (951) 770-8504.

Higit sa Lahat, ang ekspertong mixologists ng Pechanga ay lumikha ng 5 Old Fashioned Cocktail para sa Lunar New Year. Kada spices nito ay nagre-representa ng limang mga elemento: wood, fire, earth, water at metal, kung saan simbolo ang mga ito ng habambuhay na swerte at kasaganaan. Ang mga bisita ay

Filipino Press maaaring humimpil sa Acorn, Corner o Round Bars mula Enero 28 hanggang Peb. 13 upang matikman ang mga espesyal na cocktails sa halagang $12.75 lamang.

Pag-aaring Dekorasyon sa Lunar New Year Ang Lunar New Year ay simbolo ng panibagong umpisa ng bagong taon, ang bagong simulain. Sa pagdiriwang sa selebrasyong ito, ang Pechanga, simula Enero 17, 2022, ay mag-aayos ng kabuuang pagaari nito na may tradisyunal na mga elemento sa bagong taon, kagaya ng matingkad na pulang parol, pinagiging oriental-style na garden bridge, napakagandang namumulaklak na peach blossoms, tradisyunal na calligraphy spring couplets at iba pa.

Sa kabuuang palapag, maaari niyong matagpuan ang di mabibilang na photo-op spots para sa inyong selfies o litratong pampamilya, at makunan ang nakamamanghang mga palamuti ng Lunar New Year na mga dekorasyon.

Sa iba pang impormasyon sa mga kaganapan at promosyon sa Pechanga, mangyaring tumawag sa (877) 7112946 o bumisita sa aming website pechanga.com Kinakailangang 21-anyos upang sumali sa mga promosyon.

Halina na kayo at magalak sa fourdiamond rated service ng Pechanga na may kaalwanan sa pag-iisip, at upang alamin pa ang patungkol sa kalusugan at mga alituntunin sa pag-iingat na See

PECHANGA on 10

COVERED

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in California, where Gov. Newsom and the Legislature established a state subsidy program that provided more financial help and — for the first time — extended it to middleincome consumers. Due to the American Rescue Plan, two-thirds of Covered California enrollees are eligible to get coverage from a brand-name plan for 2022 for $10 or less per month. In addition, financial help for middle-income consumers is lowering many of their premiums by hundreds of dollars every month.

“California paved the way for the American Rescue Plan, and the increased financial help is allowing more people to get covered and stay covered,” Lee said. “That’s critical because a quality health plan through Covered California gives you access to needed primary care or mental health services, and protects you from a six-figure hospital bill if you get sick or injured.”

The Historic Reduction of the Uninsured Rate in California California has reduced its uninsured rate by more than any other state in the nation since 2014, when coverage first became available through the Affordable Care Act. The decrease has benefited every major ethnic group in the state and been driven by the state’s expansion of MediCal and the enrollment in Covered California. Between 2013 and 2020, AANHPI uninsured rates have dropped by nearly 60 percent and the uninsured rate among California Latinos has been cut by more than half.

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, Covered California has played a critical role in expanding coverage to reduce the uninsured rate even further. Covered California established specialenrollment periods to help people get insured and benefit from the new financial help included in the American Rescue Plan.

As a result, Covered California has seen significant increases in enrollment Asian segments, including among Filipino (38%), Asian Indian (33%), Chinese (23%), Korean (11 percent), and Vietnamese (5 percent).

“When the pandemic started, Covered California opened its doors to everyone eligible to make sure they had access to the health care coverage they needed,” Lee said. “We have seen dramatic enrollment increases across the board — including in our communities of color — but we know there is more work to do.”

The Open-Enrollment Deadline Is Quickly Approaching Covered California joined AANHPI health care and health policy advocates to urge people to enroll before the final openenrollment deadline. Despite the dramatic expansion of health care coverage for nearly all AANHPI communities in California, significant disparities remain.

Dr. Ninez Ponce, director at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, a professor at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and the Principal Investigator for the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), has been tracking the progress made in health insurance coverage for over two decades. Dr. Ponce spoke about the health insurance and health care disparities in the AANHPI communities.

“Looking at the population under age 65, AANHPIs have the

st. jude

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diagnosed with a rare blood disease called Fanconi anemia. A limitededition Tiger plush toy named after St. Jude patient Maelin-Kate is available via the St. Jude Gift Shop.

For additional campaign info, visit stjude.org/lunarnewyear.

About Lunar New Year Lunar New Year is celebrated by billions of people around the world.

The holiday begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar.

Loved ones gather to usher out the old year and welcome the new with celebratory feasts and the traditional exchange of monetary gifts in red envelopes to children. The Year of the Tiger commences on February 1.

About St. Jude Children’s

Table 1: Increase in Enrollment Among Asian Subsegments

second-highest uninsured rate in the state, after Latinos,” said Ponce. “But within this average, there are differences across Asian subgroups. In 2020, the uninsured rate for Filipino Americans in California is at 6.4 percent, higher than the AANHPI statewide average of 5.8 percent. Prior to the American Rescue Plan, top reasons for not having insurance include some confusion on how to get insurance as well as concerns about cost, not being eligible or being dropped from coverage from their jobs.”

Asian Health Services has provided health care, advocacy and social services for the Bay Area community since 1974, and has been a partner for Covered California enrolling nearly 4,000 Californians since the first open enrollment. CEO Julia Liou spoke about the importance of being insured.

“Access to the highest quality and affordable health care in language and culture is essential for the health and well-being of our families and communities, especially during this historical time.” said Liou. “Preventive care, including regular doctor visits and screenings that can detect and treat serious illnesses – all which are part of Covered California plans – is key to protecting your family’s health and preventing financial hardship from unexpected medical bills. Connect with your local community health center today to help you find out what you are

eligible for in care.”

Covered California’s openenrollment period runs through Jan. 31 — unlike the federal deadline, which ended on Jan. 15 for states that use healthcare.gov.

Consumers who sign up by Jan. 31 will have their coverage start on Feb. 1.

Consumers Can Easily Check Out Their Eligibility and Options at CoveredCA.com Those interested in applying for coverage can explore their options — and find out whether they are eligible for financial help — in just a few minutes by using the Shop and Compare Tool at CoveredCA. com. All they need to do is enter their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage to find out which plans are available in their area.

In addition to signing up consumers through its website, Covered California also partners with certified and licensed enrollers who provide free and confidential help throughout the state. Covered California works with more than 11,000 Licensed Insurance Agents, who have established more than 500 storefronts in communities across California. Consumers can visit https://www.coveredca.com/ support/contact-us/ and search for the agent nearest them.

Consumers can also call Covered California at (800) 3001506 in English or (800) 983-8816 in Tagalog and get information or enroll by phone.

Covered California’s online enrollment portal and certified enrollers will also help people find out whether they are eligible for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal enrollment is available year-round, and the coverage will begin the day after a person signs up. In addition, people can apply for Medi-Cal online or by picking up an application at one of the many county resource centers throughout the region.

About Covered California Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

Research Hospital ® St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children.

Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Because of generous

donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

About Gold House Gold House is the leading API changemaker community, fighting together for socioeconomic equity.

We transform the public narrative through innovative programs that champion authentic API representation and accelerate API success. To learn more, visit www.goldhouse.org or follow @ GoldHouseCo on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Julia Liou

Dr Alice Chen

Wendy Lu

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January 28, 2022 - February 3, 2022 • 9

National City 16 Weeks of STEAM NATIONAL CITY, CA -- Tuesday, February 1, 2022 will be the launch date for the second iteration of the National City 16 Weeks of STEAM Initiative. STEAM is a hands-on approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts an Mathematics as ways to guide student inquiry and critical thinking.The theme is “Engineering for the People and the Planet” and will place an emphasis on engineering, real-world math, computational thinking, maker spaces, coding and robotics.

This initiative offers self-paced family activities, live workshops, interactive, virtual opportunities to connect with STEAM professionals, and opportunities to check-out STEAM

kits from the National City Public Library.

In addition, National City 16 Weeks of STEAM will host in-person community events throughout National City where hands-on family activities will take place. This program is free and open to all families and information is geared to students in grades K-8.

To participate or to learn more, visit the website:https:// nc16weeksofsteam.org or our Instagram @nc16weeksofsteam . The initiative will close on May 28, 2022.

The National City 16 Weeks of STEAM Initiative has the goal of launching annually and scaling efforts to also include high school school students in future years.

About the National City STEAM Collaborative National City 16 Weeks of STEAM was made possible by the National City STEAM Collaborative, a network of many partners coming together to support a vision for science, technology, engineering, and math for National City families in mind.

In 2021, the National City STEAM Collaborative launched its pilot iteration of National City 16 Weeks of STEAM with a focus on increasing family engagement for K-8 families.

Please visit the National City 16 Weeks of STEAM website for more information on how to participate and get involved: https://nc16weeksofsteam.org

“There is a mistaken notion among some that to own a paper is to have a license to clobber one’s enemies and attack people we don’t like. A newspaper is an information tool to reach a large number of people at a given time.

A newspaper should inform, educate, entertain and provide viewpoints that could give us the means to make intelligent decisions for ourselves and others.” — Ernie Flores Jr., founding editor and publisher Mailing Address: 600 E. 8th St. Ste. 3, NationaI City, CA 91950 • E-mail: filpress@aol.com Office: 600 E. 8th St. Ste. 3, National City, CA 91950 • Telephone: (619) 434-1720 • Fax: (619) 399-5311 Website: www.thefilipinopress.com • E-mail: filpressads@aol.com for ads • E-mail: filpress@aol.com for editorial

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

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Spiritual Life Dance and Spirituality I am an advocate of dancing as a means of promoting physical, social, mental and spiritual health . I love to dance and I often reflect on the benefits I get out of dancing. In my own experience, dancing relieves stress, increases self-esteem, relaxes the muscles, and makes you feel good about yourself. I guess others have the same experience as I have. There are places where you can check for different dance opportunities.

Some are outdoors and some are indoors. Try to get yourself protected and others by making sure you have your mask and wear it. Prior to the Covid-19 , the following dance activities are happening like with seniors at Tooma Park every morning from Monday to Friday, at the PAVA Hall every Friday, at the Kimball Senior Center every fourth Saturday of the month, the popular KP Hall every Sunday, and the Mira Mesa Senior Center managed by the Filipino American Senior Citizens Association (FASCA) and other places where the young at heart go for dancing.There is even a group that dances every Thursday in Eastlake .

Everyone seem to be happy

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

and contented. Perhaps this is the reason why the FilAm community is not bothered by mental health problems among the elderly. They just dance their blues away!

There are people in our community who are short sighted and could not see the big picture.

When we come together to a social event, our motive should go beyond eating good food or being with friends. We are there to build or strengthen good relationships, to maintain good health and to promote peace and unity in our community.

Someone asked me, "What does dance got to do with spirituality?

A dance professional responded to this question by pointing out that "

Dance is an expression of joyous spirituality, an experience of pure bliss. When we dance, we embody that greater spirit inside ourselves.

There is a connection between mental, physical and spiritual dimensions and dance has a transformative power of renewing and rebuilding that bond."

As we continue on with our lives, let us reflect on what we are doing to keep ourselves physically, emotionally and mentally fit.

If you are sedentary, move and stretch your muscles and join the Zumba craze or just dance as if no one is watching. Keep fit and stay healthy continually in 2022 and beyond. Your mind, body and soul will love you for it.

Faith should never be dependent on results

That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon possessed ... and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. (Mark 1:32 & 34a)

This sentence tucked in Mark is easy to overlook. Perhaps I saw it because I'd just helped prepare and serve a dinner to the families whose children were in the hospital. In the span of an hour I saw a mother who had lost her baby and another whose child had been miraculously brought back to life after over an hour of CPR. Both were believers.

This passage states all were brought to Jesus and many were healed. Not all, but many. Why? Were some more worthy than others? Did some not have enough faith? Were there unconfessed sins that blocked the healing power? Many who have had a loved one suffer and have not had their prayers of healing answered have asked similar questions.

They are tough questions, but never let them be faith-destroying ones.

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From Whom All Blessings Flow Faith should never be dependent on results. We cannot see the future or the mind of God. Faith tells us that, no matter what, our Lord is always in us and beside us to give us comfort, strength and peace. In the Epistles, Paul, Peter and others never prayed to be out of their situations.

Instead, they prayed for God to see them through it. And He was faithful to do so. He still is. Healing is not always in the physical realm. This temporal home and body only lasts in a blink of an eye in comparison to the eternity of no sorrow and pain that awaits the believer.

Jesus didn't come as a king, but as a helpless infant (Luke 2).

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and perfectly human at the same time (John 1:14), he lived his life as a humble laborer. After he began his ministry, he demonstrated humble service to others in the miracles he performed, as well as in his instruction to his disciples.

When the time came for him to die, he submitted to his Father's divine will (Mark 14:36). And now, seated in power at the right hand of God, he intercedes on our behalf (Acts 5:29-32). As the perfect model for godly leadership, Jesus set the perfect example of humility. Ask God to help you follow Jesus' example as you seek to demonstrate the kind of humility that will cause others to see Jesus in you. <(((>< Resort Casino ay namamarali ng destinasyon na tumutugon at humihigit pa sa pangangailangan ng mga bisita at komunidad. Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay pag-aari at pinamamahalaan ng Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians.

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A Prosperous New Year to Everyone!!!

Stay Safe and Take Care of Your Self, Your Loved Ones and Our Community

Greetings in the Lord!

Today is the fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Last Sunday we mentioned in my reflections the need for each one of us to have, read, study and pray over the Scripture for as St. Jerome said in the past “ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Jesus.”

This is a reality that is so urgently demanded of us Catholics today.

Many of us know about Jesus from stories told about him by our friends and sometimes old members of the family. Oftentimes the knowledge that we have about Jesus come from stories that often make us know only a part of the life of Jesus if not stories that would lead us to know him but fear him and not love him in order to follow him as our Master and Savior.

Hence, oftentimes we do practice the faith in God in accordance to the knowledge that we have of the Jesus that is told to us, but not the Jesus who revealed himself in the Gospels and taught by the Church in the doctrines that she has been handed over for many years.

Our gospel story this Sunday tells us of how Jesus has proclaimed the kingdom of God and thus revealed himself through signs and wonders, miracles and his preaching ministry in the many towns and villages outside his own native town of Nazareth. In those places he was hailed as a wonder worker, a very eloquent preacher and the prophet that had been expected to bring the good news of salvation to the long expectant people of Israel for the Messiah that would bring them liberation. He was a real success in

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the Philippine economy as proof of the country's strength and resilience amid facing various challenges, acting presidential spokesperson, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, said Thursday.

The latest data from Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the Philippine economy expanded by 5.6 percent after recording 7.7 percent growth in the fourth quarter, despite struggling with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and natural disasters such as typhoons.

"We commend our Economic Team for deftly managing the economy through these turbulent times, and thank our people for their sacrifices, hard work, and faith in the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during this challenging period," Nograles said in a statement.

Based on the report, the country's annual performance slightly exceeded the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s target range of 5 percent to 5.5 percent, with a full-year 2021 gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 5.6 percent.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) likewise said the GDP growth was achieved in the last three months of last year despite the impact of Typhoon Odette which reduced fullyear growth by an estimated 0.05 percentage points.

Nograles said the government will continue to pursue policies and reforms to rebuild a stronger economy and provide Filipinos a "safe, healthy and comfortable life."

Nograles reiterated the call to the

the eyes of so many who followed him from village to village, listening to his words, watching him heal the sick, raising the dead and expelling demons. This he also tried to do in his own native town of Nazareth: teaching, preaching, healing and expelling demons. However, unlike the people from the other towns of Galilee, his own townsfolk reacted differently. “They drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which the town had been built, to hurl him headlong.

But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away.” This is ironic – the very people who knew him would not listen to his words and believe in his message. They even wanted to kill him! However, this reaction of his own people is also based on the experience of the people of Israel, who in the past has not accepted the true prophets sent to them by God. In fact Jesus himself said that “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.” This experience has led me to reflect more deeply the reason why the people who knew him from

childhood would not accept his message and even intended to kill him.

There are some factors that I have come to realize as the reasons for such reactions to Jesus by his people of his own town. The first is the fact that they have been too familiar to him, having known his family and witnessed his own growth and development as a person in Nazareth. The second is the fact that the people could not accept his revelations because they did not know his real personality as the one sent by God the Father himself. They could not comprehend the meaning of his preaching, his teaching, his healing and his miracles simply because they were awed by such mighty deeds and could not accept them to be done by a man they knew, a man they would not believe to be given such wonderful gifts. These two factors, I also believe, are the reasons why they could not finally have faith and trust in Jesus. Faith and trust in Him that were lacking in his townmates brought them to react negatively towards Jesus.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s Gospel message urges us to believe in Jesus and trust him.

This faith in Jesus, however, should come from our sound understanding of his teaching, thorough knowledge of his person and acceptance of his ministry. These would make us become true believers and followers of Jesus Christ and true disciples and also ministers that would continue to do his mission in the world today.

passage of amendments to the Public Service Act noting that it "would open key sectors to foreign investments, subject to safeguards."

Nograles said the Philippine Innovation Act should be implemented to further improve people's productivity.

Philippine economy to surpass pre-pandemic growth levels in 2022 —NEDA’s Chua The Philippine economy will grow faster than its pre-COVID-19 pandemic level this year after the country saw a faster-than-expected growth in the last quarter of 2021, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said Thursday.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the economy as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) —the total value of goods and services produced in a specific period— grew 7.7% in the last three months of last year, faster than the downwardly revised 6.9% in the third quarter of 2021.

This is also a reversal from the 8.3% contraction recorded in the fourth quarter of 2020. The latest GDP print is also faster than expected, both by the government and the private sector.

The fourth quarter figures brought the full-year 2021 growth at 5.6%, a recovery from the record-low -9.6% in 2020, but slower than the 6.1% recorded in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The full-year growth rate surpassed the government’s upwardly revised target for 2021 of 5% to 5.5%.

“We are very close to prepandemic levels at the end of 2021. If you look at the nominal levels, we are just a few hundred billions short so we are going to fully surpass it [pre-

pandemic levels] in 2022,” said Chua, who heads the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

For his part, PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said the country’s GDP, in peso terms, stood at P19.387 trillion compared to pre-pandemic or fullyear 2019 level at P19.518 trillion.

“If we compare 2021 versus 2019 current prices, we are down by about P131 billion or estimated 0.7%,” Mapa said.

With this, Chua said that “by the end of 2021 we are almost hitting prepandemic level… so we will surely hit it in the first quarter [of 2022].”

The NEDA chief, however, said the main risk for this year are any unknown variants of the coronavirus.

“Other than that, there are no surprises. Other risks that we are aware of and addressing are inflation (oil and food),” Chua said.

The country’s chief economist said that the social protection programs such as subsidies to public utility vehicle drivers and operators as well as providing more support to farmers will mitigate the risk of oil and food inflation.

Nonetheless, Chua said the Philippines’ 2021 growth is higher than other regional economics, except Singapore.

“Singapore 7.5%, Vietnam 2.6%, the rest of ASEAN countries estimate is from 1% to 4%,” he said.

“That gives us a boost. We can accelerate growth with the pending policy reforms like to PSA (Public Service Act), RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), innovation law implementation and livestock bill, BBB (Build, Build, Build), among others,” he added. (MNS)

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

www.thefilipinopress.com

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Filipino Press

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Morissette wanted to quit singing after losing in 'The Voice' MANILA -- Now it can be told: When Morissette lost in “The Voice Philippines” in 2013, she told her mom she no longer wanted to sing.

“Ayoko muna at that time,” she said.

Fortunately that was short-lived.

She eventually realized that singing was what she really loved to do.

“I never won any of the singing contests and reality searches I joined in,” Morisette disclosed. “But I love what I’m doing. Gusto ko ang ginagawa ko. I’m here, naka-abot na

ng 10 years. Patuloy lang ako.”

Even when she joined Himig Handog in 2014 and competed with Francis Louis “Kiko” Salazar’s ballad, “Akin Ka Na Lang,” Morisette merely landed as one of the finalists.

“Being able to sing, I’m just really grateful they trusted me,” she said.

“Akin Ka Na Lang didn’t win ‘Himig Handog,’ but I have a song that people kind of associate with.”

Looking back on her first decade, Morisette realized all her successes really didn’t happen overnight. “It takes

so much work, a lot of falling down, a lot of getting up,” she acknowledged.

“There’s also the pressure. I like to embody someone who doesn’t give up.”

As part of her celebration of 10 years in the music industry, Morisette held her first digital concert, “Phoenix,” last January 23 and 24.

This February, Morisette will be in the US with shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego. She is set to perform in casinos and is slated to stay until April. (MNS)

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