Philippines – Page 164 – Author Carlo Carrasco

COVID-19 Crisis: DOH Secretary says bivalent vaccines are effective against Omicron FE.1

June 26, 2023June 21, 2023carlocarrasco

As the issuance of bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 is going on nationwide, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa announced that the said vaccines are effective against the newest Omicron subvariant FE.1, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines remain to be an effective tool to protect people against the recently detected Omicron subvariant FE.1, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said Wednesday.

During the rollout of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccination in the Philippines, the newly appointed chief of the Department of Health (DOH) was asked if the bivalent jabs are also effective against the FE.1, which is a sublineage of the Omicron XBB subvariant.

“Yes. Generally, because this is still Omicron and nilagay na ‘yung Omicron doon sa bivalent vaccine, meron nang cross immunity ‘yan kasi ‘yung mga antigens pareho lang even if it’s a different subvariant. Hindi mahihinto ‘yan,” Herbosa said.

(Yes. Generally, because this FE.1 is still Omicron, and the Omicron has been put in the bivalent vaccine. There is already cross immunity because the antigens are the same even if it’s a different subvariant. It won’t stop.)

The first case of FE.1 or XBB.1.18.1.1 was found in the genome sequencing conducted on May 29 to June 12, 2023, based on DOH’s latest COVID-19 biosurveillance report.

The DOH said FE.1 was added to the list of variants under monitoring by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on June 1, 2023, and was initially flagged “for its increasing global prevalence,” being detected in 35 countries so far.

The agency, however, stressed that currently available evidence for the subvariant does not suggest any differences in disease severity and/or clinical manifestations compared to the original Omicron variant.

While admitting that he is yet to familiarize with the characteristics of the FE.1, Herbosa said it may also exhibit the same symptoms as those with other Omicron subvariants.

“If you have upper respiratory symptoms [like] sipon, sore throat, ubo, ‘yan ang most common. Occasionally, kagaya sa Arcturus, meron sore eyes. Itong FE.1 I don’t know if ‘yun o pareho lang. Ma-identify dapat ng genetic studies,” he added.

(If you have upper respiratory symptoms like cold, sore throat, and cough, those are the most common symptoms. Occasionally, like Arcturus, there could be sore eyes. I don’t know if it’s the same with FE.1. It should be identified by genetic studies.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did anyone from your local community avail of the bivalent vaccine? Does your local government have bivalent vaccines already?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines achieves Top 10 finishes across contests of the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships in Japan; Philippine officials elected successfully at Asia Triathlon Congress

June 26, 2023June 25, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back my readers and sports fans! The past weekend at Gamagori, Japan, Philippine triathletes managed to land in the Top 10 categories in all four contests of 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships. Take note that the U23 and Junior races all had 750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run courses.

In the U23 Men event, Cebu-based Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) medalist Andrew Kim Remolino finished 7^th place overall with an official time of 59 minutes and 27 seconds. In the U23 Women’s contest, Raven Faith Alcoseba of Cebu Province clocked 1:06:02 finishing 9^th place.

Among the Juniors, SEA Games medalist Matthew Justine Hermosa finished 7^th among the Men with 1:01:51 while in the women’s race, the Philippines had two Top 10 finishers thanks to SEA Games medalist Kira Ellis (1:09:14) and her teammate Samantha Corpuz (1:09:31) ranking 6^th and 8^th place respectively.

Other Filipino triathletes who finished were as follows: U23 Men – Joshua Ramos 1:02:21 at 26^th place, Iñaki Lorbes 1:02:39 at 28^th place, and Juan Baniqued 1:06:21 at 34^th place. U23 Women – Erika Burgos 1:10:01 at 22^nd place. Junior Men – Dayshaun Ramos 1:05:43 at 19^th place. Junior Women – Gene Quiambao 1:10:22 at 11^th place.

The Philippine Team’s campaign at the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships in Japan is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). The Philippine team will be competing in more events overseas.

On the side, the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) announced election of Philippine officials at the Asian Triathlon Congress which goes as follows:

Asia Triathlon Executive Board: Tom Carrasco Jr. – Senior Vice President

Asia Triathlon Technical Committee: Sarita Zafra

Asia Triathlon Coaches Committee: Coach Ani De Leon – Brown

Asia Triathlon Women’s Committee: Maya Montecillo – Bono

Asia Triathlon Para Athlete Committee: Coach Anthony Lozada

Watch out for more Philippine multisport updates right here!

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

Better than Streaming: Do you have Die Hard 4K Blu-ray in your collection?

June 23, 2023June 22, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back, fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs! As you may have noticed, I am a 4K Blu-ray movie collector and I can say that I really am enjoying watching movies in 4K at the comfort of home with my Xbox Series X console as the 4K Blu-ray player.

When it comes to watching my favorite movies with the best possible video and audio qualities, I always had a grand time replaying Total Recall (1990) on 4K Blu-ray, and I can say the same with replaying the greatest Hollywood action movie ever made – Die Hard (1988)!

*This is my copy of Die Hard 4K Blu-ray.*

Back in 2021, I bought myself the 4K Blu-ray copy of Die Hard even though I already have the Blu-ray (1080p) copy. I simply wanted the best possible visuals and home entertainment experience of the classic movie that starred Bruce Willis and was directed by John McTiernan. In my life, I was fortunate to watch Die Hard in the local cinema here in the Philippines way back in 1988 and it was indeed the most thrilling in-theater experience I had as the film drew lots of reactions from all the moviegoers around me (note: this includes a standing ovation during the final conflict between John McClane and Hans Gruber) and its presentation turned out great. Simply put, Die Hard is one of my favorite movies all of time and the greatest Hollywood action movie of all.

As for Die Hard 4K Blu-ray itself, it came with the 4K Blu-ray disc, the Blu-ray disc and the digital code. I bought it online with a huge discount. Oh yes, the visuals were in native 4K resolution which I always preferred.

To put things in perspective, posted below are the technical details of Die Hard 4K Blu-ray as displayed on its Blu-ray.com page.

Video

Codec: HEVC / H.265 (49.50 Mbps)

Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)

HDR: HDR10

Aspect ratio: 2.39:1

Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1

Audio

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)

Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1

French: DTS 5.1

Spanish: DTS 5.1

German: DTS 5.1

Italian: DTS 5.1

Czech: Dolby Digital 2.0

Polish: Dolby Digital 5.1

Japanese: DTS 5.1

Subtitles – English SDH, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Cantonese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Mandarin (Traditional), Norwegian, Polish, Swedish

Discs – 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray Disc, Two-disc set (1 BD-66, 1 BD-50)

Digital – Digital copy expired, Movies Anywhere

Packaging – Slipcover in original pressing

Playback – 4K Blu-ray: Region free, 2K Blu-ray: Region A

*The Blu-ray disc, the 4K Blu-ray disc and the paper for the digital copy.*

In my experience watching Die Hard on 4K Blu-ray disc, I noticed there were indeed visual improvements here and there. The film was remastered in 4K and it maintained the cinematic look precisely while it had assorted visual upgrades along the way. There was also a noticeable noise reduction on moments of intense brightness, particularly the explosions (note: they are longer overly bright and their precise colors and shapes became visible) and the fluorescent lights. I also enjoyed how the colors were improved and with the improvements on clarity, the tiny visuals details that were not visible on other formats became visible in 4K.

In connection to the improved visuals, watching Bruce Willis looking so much younger and with a full head of hair turned out to be unique part of the viewing experience. Oh yes, Alan Rickman as Gruber in a fancy looking suit looks better than ever in 4K!

Indeed, watching Die Hard 4K Blu-ray is the best and definitive way to enjoy the 1988 action classic at home. Don’t settle for streaming nor the 1080p Blu-ray nor DVD. Die Hard 4K Blu-ray is the best! If you don’t have it yet in your 4K Blu-ray collection, go for Die Hard 4K Blu-ray while it is still available and currently discounted!

In case you have made up your mind, you can order a copy of Die Hard 4K Blu-ray right now by clicking https://www.amazon.com/Die-Hard-4K-Blu-ray/dp/B07BF2SPZ3?tag=bluray-051-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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Philippines wins gold and silver medals across varied categories at the Powerman Malaysia 2023 Duathlon

June 23, 2023June 21, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back my readers and sports fans! The Philippines achieved victories in specific categories during the recent Powerman Malaysia 2023 Duathlon according to a Manila Bulletin sports news report reflecting the official race results published. The Filipino duathlete who won the silver medal in the Elite Men’s race was John Chicano who previously won medals in the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin sports article. Some parts in boldface…

Merry Joy Trupa and John Chicano became the best performing Filipino athletes in the elite division of the recent Powerman Malaysia 2023 Duathlon race after clinching the gold and silver medals, respectively, held in Putrajaya.

Trupa ruled the women’s elite by a hairline by clocking 3 hours, 13 minutes and 34 seconds, beating teammate Rhia Stawicki (3:13:35) by one second. Yon Man Yun crossed the finish line six minutes later to grab the bronze in 3:19:16.

Reigning Southeast Asian Games champion Chicano, for his part, continued his strong showing in international tournaments with a silver-medal finish in the men’s side, timing 2:44:00 to settle behind eventual gold medalist Malo Moysan of France.

Moysan, a French Grand Prix and Spain Open Duathlon titlist, lived up to his billing and timed 2:40:45 for the gold medal.

Moysan and Chicano were head-to-head in the first run leg with the Filipino trailing only by mere seconds before the French duathlete gained a comfortable four-minute lead in the bike leg and never slowed down.

It was a 2-3 finish for Team PH after Maynard Pecson clinched the bronze with 2:49:17.

Meanwhile, other Filipino podium finishers include Jena Valdez, who won the gold in short distance female (15-17), and silver winners Aidanreed Mercado (short male 18-29) and Sophia Capistrano (short female 18-39).

Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine team is competing in more events overseas. As I write this, there is a Philippine delegation set to compete in the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships in Japan. Watch out for more Philippine multisport updates right here!

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Parañaque abortion clinic raided and seven suspects arrested!

June 22, 2023June 20, 2023carlocarrasco

There is no denying the fact that abortion is definitely wicked as it is the murder of the unborn child. Very shockingly, a secretive abortion clinic in Parañaque City was uncovered and raided by elements of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) resulting in seven suspects – almost all were Chinese nationals – arrested for their involvement, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Inquirer news report. Some parts in boldface…

Six Chinese nationals and one Filipino were arrested by police for allegedly conducting abortion procedures and selling abortion drugs in Parañaque City, said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday.

According to the NCRPO’s police report, the seven were arrested in Tambo, Parañaque City, after weeks of surveillance.

NCRPO said the arrest stemmed from an informant alerting the police of the sale of medications used in abortion and their purported performance of abortion procedures.

Arresting officers seized one package of 25 milligrams (mg) of mifepristone tablets, one box of 100 mg cefixime dispersible tablets, and one pack of Golden Throat Lozenge and metronidazole tablets.

The suspects are now in the custody of NCRPO to undergo investigation. They will be charged with the illegal practice of medicine contained in the Republic Act (RA) 2382 or the Medical Act of 1959 and violation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act also known as RA 3720.

Meanwhile, GMA Network released their own news video about the same raid which you can watch below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be even more secretive abortion clinics operating elsewhere within Parañaque City? Did you notice the presence of abortion-related drugs circulating within your local community? Who do you think is the mastermind behind the raided abortion clinic?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Accountancy exam passers meet with Las Piñas City Mayor and Vice Mayor at City Hall

June 21, 2023June 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Las Piñas, eleven scholars of Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College Las Piñas (DFCAM-CLP) who passed the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examinations (CPALE) visited City Hall and met with the Mayor and Vice Mayor, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Eleven scholars of Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College Las Piñas (DFCAM-CLP) who passed the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examinations (CPALE) paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

The new accountants expressed their appreciation to the city officials for the support and opportunities provided to them by DFCAM-CLP.

During her meeting with the scholars, Aguilar lauded the students for their stellar performance, emphasizing the importance of education and hard work in achieving personal and professional goals.

She assured the scholars of the city’s continuous support in their pursuit of higher education and encouraged them to become catalysts of positive change in their respective communities. The mayor said that the 11 outstanding scholars passed the highly competitive May 2023 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Examinations.

Aguilar said the college’s remarkable achievement placed it in the 10th place among the top 20 performing schools nationwide, with an impressive 50% passing rate, surpassing the national passing rate of 30.36%.

She said the students’ outstanding performance further solidified the school’s commitment to providing quality education and producing highly skilled graduates in the field of accounting.

The mayor added that the commendable overall ranking, the college also secured the 9th spot among schools with first-time takers.

Aguilar added that the accomplishment highlights the effectiveness of the institution’s comprehensive curriculum and the scholars’ ability to excel even in their first attempt at the CPA licensure examinations.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you happy that the DFCAM-LP continues to have competitive scholars who excelled in CPALE?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Two house helpers admit killing elderly woman in Parañaque City and withdrawing her money via ATM

June 20, 2023June 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Two house helpers tearfully admitted to the National of Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that they are responsible for the slaying of an elderly woman in Parañaque City and even used her ATM card to withdraw her funds, according to a Manila Standard news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Standard news report. Some parts in boldface…

Two domestic helpers have admitted to killing an 86-year-old woman in Paranaque City — the sister of a public relations practitioner — last May 4 and taking her ATM card to get her money, then framing another house helper for the crime.

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation filed charges of robbery with homicide against the two suspects, named “Ken” and “Juliet”, after they owned up to the killing of Noemi Dacuycuy.

A month after leaving their employer bloodied and lifeless at her home, the two were caught on CCTV video withdrawing money from a bank using the victim’s ATM card. They later pointed to their fellow helper, a man, as the suspect to the Paranaque police.

But invited for questioning by the NBI after the video was discovered, the suspects admitted tearfully to the slaying, then agreed to reenact the crime for investigators.

Authorities also learned that the two suspects had stolen jewelry and other items from the suspect before, but had forgiven them for it.

The Dacuycuy family also asked the police to free the framed house helper, which the NBI said they would coordinate with the local authorities.

Meanwhile, GMA Network mentioned BF Homes Parañaque as the residence of the victim in their news video which you can watch below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Does this tragedy and crime news make you worried about domestic helpers in your home turning against you?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippine triathletes all set for the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships in Japan

June 19, 2023June 19, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back my readers and sports fans! Eleven members of the Philippine triathlon team will be competing in the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships in Gamagori, Japan in a few days from now, according to a sports news release published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Among the members are those who won medals in the recent Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) will send 11 athletes to Japan for the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships that will be held in Gamagori on June 22 to 26.

The event distance in the U23/Junior (Sprint) will be 750m (swim), 20km (bike), and 5km (run) while in the U23/Junior Mixed Relay (Super Sprint), it will be 280m (swim), 7.2km (bike), and 2km (run).

Cebu City’s Andrew Kim Remolino and Faith Raven Alcoseba, Iñaki Emil Lorbes, Juan Francisco Baniqued, and Joshua Alexander Ramos will compete in the U-23 division while Erika Nicole Burgos, Gene Heart Quiambao, Kira Ellis, Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz, Dayshaun Karl Ramos, and Matthew Justine Hermosa, who is also from Cebu, are entered in the Junior division.

The athletes will be accompanied by coaches Ani de Leon-Brown, Louann Ramos, and Cebuano Roland Remolino, as well as TRAP secretary general Ramon Marchan, when they leave on June 21.

“We are sending our next-generation triathletes to the Asian Championships, as part of our long-term program to maximize exposure in world-class competitions and high-performance training camps for our high-potential triathletes. Their performances in these events will likewise be a basis for selection to the Asian Games in Hangzhou (China) in September plus the results of the recent SEA (Southeast) Games in Cambodia,” TRAP president Tom Carrasco said in an interview on Saturday.

Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine triathlon team is off to competing in more events overseas now that the 32nd SEA Games are over. Watch out for more Philippine multisport updates right here!

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Man with grenade and replica gun arrested in Parañaque City

June 16, 2023June 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, police officers arrested a man for the illegal possession of an explosive and a replica gun, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

A 48-year-old man was arrested by members of the Parañaque Police Station Intelligence Section (SIS) for illegal possession of an explosive and a firearm during anti-criminality operations on Tuesday, June 13.

Col. Renato Ocampo, city police chief, identified the suspect as Abdul Sallam Silongam, also known as Hakim, 48.

Ocampo said Hakim was arrested at around 8:39 p.m. on Old Sucat Road in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

Confiscated from the suspect was one replica of .45-caliber pistol with magazine and a hand grenade. Ocampo said the suspect was detained at the police custodial facility after his arrest.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think more loose explosives and firearms (both genuine and replicas) are still out there?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Bivalent vaccines being distributed

June 15, 2023June 14, 2023carlocarrasco

The bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 are being distributed in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other regions here in the Philippines, according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Specifically, the patients who are qualified to receive the shots are the elderly, individuals with co-morbidity, and health care workers.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Health (DOH) has begun distributing the 390,000 bivalent coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines donated by the Lithuanian government.

“As we speak, I think they have already been redistributed to the different region(al offices) of the Department of Health,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a Palace press briefing on Tuesday.

Herbosa noted that most of the jabs went to the National Capital Region while the rest were distributed to the other regions.

The elderly, individuals with co-morbidity, and health care workers will be prioritized in the administration of the bivalent vaccines as booster shots.

The prioritized population must be vaccinated immediately as the bivalent doses only have a six-month shelf-life upon delivery.

“So, kapag binili mo iyan (if you buy them) out of the shelf, like this one, this donation, they end on November 23, that’s the expiry date,” he said.

Although the World Health Organization has already declared an end to Covid-19 as a public health emergency, Herbosa emphasized that the public must not be complacent in its fight against the virus and get vaccinated or receive booster shots.

He explained that getting infected could still lead to death, especially among individuals with co-morbidity.

Acknowledging that the donated doses are not enough, he said the DOH is negotiating to acquire more donations and considering procurement of additional jabs.

However, there are “snags and issues,” which may slow down the procurement process, he said.

“So, the issue of the vaccine is in terms of the EUA (emergency use authorization). So, to procure it, kailangan ma-i-rehistro sa ating (they have to be registered with the) FDA (Food and Drug Administration). But, we are trying hard to get all these bivalent (vaccines),” he said.

Earlier, the DOH reported that 1.002 million doses of Pfizer’s bivalent jabs from the COVAX Facility would arrive in March.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you qualified to receive a third booster shot? Has your local government been distributing the bivalent vaccines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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