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Cha-cha, federalism among PH Congress priorities in 2018 by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE revision of the 1987 Constitution and the shift from a unitary to a federal form of government are among the top priorities of the House of Representatives this 2018, according to Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. “Number one is the convening of Congress into a constituent assembly and in re-
vising the Constitution, a shift from a unitary to a federal form of government,� Alvarez told ANC’s “Headstart.� If Congress can convene by January, Alvarez said the proposed new federal charter can be submitted for referendum simultaneously with the barangay elections in May 2018. “Pag-trabahohin lang, walang imposible,
J A N U A RY 5 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 8
FIRST TRADING DAY. Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) President Ramon Monzon (third from left) rings the ceremonial bell as other PSE ofďŹ cials – Omelita Tiangco, Director Amor Iliscupidez, COO Roel Refran and Director Alejandro Yu — blow horns to mark the year’s ďŹ rst trading day. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger RaĂąada
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The Asian Journal’s yearend report
USA
DATELINE PH can get $100-M from UN for underfunded or ‘forgotten’ emergencies
The year that was 2017: A review by ASIAN JOURNAL
TEAM
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
THE Philippines is among nine countries that can avail of at least $100 million in funding from the United Nations in 2018 for underfunded or “forgottenâ€? emergencies. The funds will come from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), a voluntary fund pool that supports critical relief operations in crises around the world. During a pledging conference in New York on Dec. 8, UN Secretary General AntĂłnio Guterres said the CERF would allocate $100 million each for nine countries with “underfunded emergencies.â€? Aside from the Philippines, the other countries are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Cameroon, Mali, Eritrea, Haiti and Pakistan. Under the grant program, the CERF invites partners to identify projects that could qualify under CERF’s guidelines for underfunded emergencies. The CERF defines “underfunded emergenciesâ€? as crises that cannot be funded sufficiently by governments and appear to have been “forgotten.â€? While local nongovernment organizations cannot directly receive funds from the CERF,
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PHILIPPINES Build, Build, Build and tourism projects: PH’s golden age of infrastructure The Philippines took the headlines when it hosted the ASEAN events in 2017 and it had the opportunity to showcase the various infrastructure projects that it has undertaken as part of the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build� campaign. The administration’s economic managers continued what they started in 2016 and are looking forward to the three-year rolling infrastructure program (TRIP) of the government which has a P3.6 trillion from 2018 to 2020 which they are hoping would usher in what is touted as the golden age of infrastructure. All of these, including the upgrade of numerous facilities in the country so that more tourists are able to come and visit the variou s islands, are part of “Dutertenomics�. For 2018, funding of P1.13 trillion would be allocated for projects under TRIP which would cover infrastructure projects for transportation, water resources, sewerage and sanitation, flood management, solid waste management, maritime, social infrastructure, energy, information communications technology and others. The “Build, Build, Build� team of the Duterte administration includes Secretary Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Bases Conversion and Development Authority president Vince Dizon and NEDA chief Ernesto Pernia, among others. Together, they announced the administration’s major projects at an investment and infrastructure forum held in Manila last April.
THE year 2017 was full of surprises — both good and bad — in government, politics, social issues, world events and calamities. Both the Philippines and the United States had presidents who became controversial because of their respective leadership styles. Disasters (natural and man-made) also changed people’s lives forever, and continued to push for discussions about climate change, violence and gun control. The Asian Journal looks back at the past year’s most pressing news it has covered through this yearend review.
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit held in Manila in November last year. MalacaĂąang photo
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Palace credits Duterte for Filipinos’ optimism in 2018 PH ranks 3rd happiest country in the world
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE Filipinos’ optimism on the prospects for 2018 can be attributed to the leadership of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, MalacaĂąang said on Tuesday, January 2. While noting that Filipinos are already known for their resilient personalities, Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque said that the “changesâ€? brought by the Duterte administration caused Despite disasters, calamities and conict, positive effects to the country’s the Philippines ranked third among the ranking in the global happiness happiest countries of the world, according to index. a global polling body. In Gallup International’s Based on Gallup Internation41st annual global year-end poll, the al’s 41st annual global year-end Philippines retained the third spot with a +84 net happiness score in the top 10 happiest poll, the Philippines is the third countries of 2017. Inquirer.net photo happiest country in the world
next to Fiji and Colombia. The Philippines’ net happiness score increased by five points from +79 in 2016 to +84 in 2017. The survey also placed the Philippines as the fifth most optimistic about the country’s eco-
nomic prospects and the ninth most hopeful for 2018 prospects. Welcoming the poll results, Roque remarked the Philippines ranking high in the global hap-
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Trump’s first year in office
The Asian Journal looks back on the 45th president’s controversial first 12 months by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA/AJPress
E V E R Y president’s first year in office is important and widely observed. Meant to set the tone for the rest of his presidency, the first year often gives us a preview of how the rest White House photo of the term Pres. Donald Trump will transpire. U.S. President Donald Trump’s first year as president was nothing, if not, exhaustingly eventful. Whether he was causing a storm on Twitter or announcing new policies which shocked the nation (often simultaneously), it’s no doubt that he accomplished many of his campaign promises. Finishing off the year with a 32 percent approval rating — a historic low for any president’s first year, according to Pew Research Center — the Trump administration saw many highlights.
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january 5-11, 2018 • nOrCaL aSIan jOurnaL
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From the Front Page
Cha-cha, federalism among... PAGE A1 t kayang gawin yun (It’s not impossible if we’ll work on it. We can do it),” he added. The House speaker also expressed optimism that Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel will support the proposed shift as the latter is the president of the ruling Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party, which advocates federalism. While saying he is confident that the House supermajority will support the constituent assembly, Alvarez, however, appealed to the sense of patriotism of senators who are unsure whether to support or not the proposed amendment of the Constitution. “This is a question of patriotism kung ano ‘yung tama at kung ano ‘yung kailangan sa bayan (and what is right and what the country needs),” Alvarez said. During the same interview, Al-
varez also warned of a possible cancellation of the 2019 midterm elections as part of the anticipated transition to a federal system. Noting that the senators have different term expirations, the House speaker remarked that it is only practical to extend their terms until 2022 for a transitory period. He stressed, however, that the matter depends on the decision that will be made by the constituent assembly. “Let’s be practical. ‘Pag nagshift ka (If you shift) into a different form of government, unitary to federal, you need a transition government,” Alvarez said. He went on to say, “Yung senators kasi, ‘yung termino nila, ‘di ba hindi ‘yan sabay-sabay na nag-e-expire. May mag-e-expire sa 2019, may mag-e-expire sa 2022. In fairness, maganda siguro kung ipa-expire mo lahat sa 2022 para wala ka nang utang (The expiration of the terms of
the senators are the not the same for all. Some will expire on 2019, while some in 2022. In fairness, it is probably good to expire all on 2022 so there are no more debts).” In a statement on Wednesday, January 3, Malacañang clarified that the 2019 elections will “push through” unless the Constitution is amended prior to the midterm polls. Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque also stressed that President Rodrigo Duterte’s role as the chief executive is to “implement the Constitution and the law.” “Again, the president always looks to the Constitution as his guiding document. The Constitution sets the date for the next elections in 2019,” Roque said in a press briefing. “So unless the Constitution is amended ahead of the 2019 elections, it will have to push through,” he added. n
Artwork by Jillian Peñalosa
The Asian Journal’s yearend... PAGE A1 t As far as the Department of Tourism is concerned on the other hand, it is about getting the tourists from around the world visit the country. It also launched the Bring Home A Friend project in 2017 in order to entice more visitors as well as enticing all Filipinos to become tourism ambassadors themselves. The year began with the country on a high after hosting Miss Universe for the third time in December 2016, and it ended, quite aptly, with Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa and Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere of France visiting the Philippines last month. Along with the candidates of Canada, China, Great Britain, India, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain and the U.S., the Miss Universe titlists had a tour a tour around Rizal Park and the walled city of Intramuros and went on to visit Batanes, Bohol and Camiguin. Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said they chose the three provinces because these were not part of the destinations visited by the Miss Universe candidates during the 2016 pageant in Manila. Tourism boost: PH islands among best in the world Philippine tourism got another boost since the country was recognized yet again for having the best islands in the world by international travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler. This, despite the country’s various tourism promotion hullaballoos of the government. After all, the Philippine islands’ are just so stunning that no controversy could ever prevent tourist from coming in the country’s attractive islands. Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan were ranked as the top three best islands in the world, according to Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2017. Boracay was ranked first in the survey, while Cebu and Palawan placed second and third, respectively. The three Philippine islands bested some popular destinations such as Mallorca and Ibiza in Spain; Cayman Islands; Mauritius; Mykonos and Santorini in Greece; and Bali, Indonesia. Palawan is home to popular tourist destinations like Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Palawan’s capital Puerto Princesa is known for being the gateway for tours of the famous Underground River. One of the river’s distinguishing features, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its lower portion is subject to tidal influences. UNESCO also emphasized the role of the Underground River as habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full ‘ridge-to-reef’ ecosystem and has some of the most important rainforests in Asia. El Nido, meanwhile, is considered as the to-go place for those who want to go island- and lagoonhopping. Coron, northern part of mainland Palawan, is popular for its wreck diving spots. Boracay Island, on the other hand, is known all the world over for its unique, powdery white sand. Boracay saw its tourism spike to a record high of 1.7 million visitors, as well as numerous new developments, including a new mall which houses
Tourists enjoy the pristine waters and powdery white sand near the Station 1 grotto of Boracay beach. Boracay remained the best island in the world, based on the latest survey conducted by international travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. AJPress photo by Gemma Fabro
the island’s first cinema. Cebu on the other hand, was picked by the Department of Tourism as a model for sustainable tourism development in September 2017. The program that aims to build capacity and capability of the industry in the Philippines. The program shall strengthen Cebu’s competitiveness as a sustainable tourism model in the following areas: a) Business Tourism in Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events (BTMICE), and b) Expanding Business Tourism by integrating leisure products such as Cultural and Heritage Tourism and Eco-tourism. (Jennifer Soriano) PH hosts ASEAN Summit with Trump, Duterte meeting in person for first time Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had his first bilateral meeting with United States President Donald Trump at the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on November 13 in Manila. U.S. politicians had urged Trump to confront Duterte on the drug war, but it was unclear whether the two leaders discussed the controversial campaign during their first meeting, as Malacañang and White House gave contrasting statements. According to Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque, the issue of human rights “was not brought up” during their talk, while White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders claimed that human rights “briefly came up in the context of the Philippines’ fight against illegal drugs.” Earlier on November 8, Duterte, who’s known for issuing expletive responses to critics of his drug war, said he was prepared to tell Trump to “lay off” if he raised the issue of human rights during their bilateral meeting. Prior to their meeting, Trump hailed his “great relationship” with Duterte, saying he “really enjoyed” being in the Philippines. Both leaders also lauded the “enduring” alliance between the Philippines and the United States, which they said were “built on a strong foundation of shared values, sacrifices, and history.” With the Philippines as this year’s chair, Malacañang said it considers the country’s hosting of the 31st ASEAN Summit a “tremendous success.” During summits and sideline meetings, world leaders discussed hot topics from economic integration to security issues and territorial disputes. Among the centerpiece of the Philippines’ chairmanship include the beginning of negotiations between China and ASEAN countries for a code of conduct in the highly disputed South China Sea, as well as the signing of signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Hongkong and ASEAN countries. In his meeting with Duterte, Trump
also agreed to consider signing an FTA with the Philippines. (Dana Sioson) Duterte tops TIME’s most influential poll Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s popularity reached the whole world when Time Magazine announced that he topped the 100 most influential people poll on April 2017. In a survey where Time Magazine has asked its readers who should be included in this years’ TIME 100, an annual list of the world’s most influential people, Duterte received 5 percent of “yes” votes in the online poll, ranking well ahead of all other global political leaders. Accordingly, the Philippine president consistently topped the survey which ran from March 24 to April 16, 2017. Duterte bested the charming Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Pope Francis, Bill Gates, and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in the said survey. The four each received 3 percent of “yes” votes. United States President Donald Trump, meanwhile, only received 2 percent of the vote, same with Russia’s strongman Vladimir Putin and Germany’s Angela Merkel. There were 114 pre-determined personalities included in the survey ranging from politics to the arts and culture. Duterte’s bloody war against illegal drugs has received international attention, in addition to his widelycovered insults to various foreign leaders who goes against his way of running his country. Analysts and critics commented that the recognition was not clear if Duterte was chosen as a positive influence. (Jennifer Soriano) Duterte admin ends year with landmark tax reform The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) is the first package of the tax program envisioned by President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, which seeks to correct a number of deficiencies in the tax system to make it simpler, fairer, and more efficient. TRAIN plans to reduce personal income tax rate and increase excise taxes on petroleum products, automobiles, sugar-sweetened beverages, and tobacco. The valueadded (VAT) tax base will also be expanded in a bid to benefit small businesses. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the tax increases will provide a steady revenue stream for the government’s Build Build Build infrastructure program, which is set to reach P9 trillion over the medium term. The Senate voted 17-1 to pass the tax package on its final reading in December. Senate Bill No. 1592, the chamber’s version of the proposed law, was sponsored by Senator Juan Edgardo Angara. According to him, 60 percent of
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Trump’s first year... PAGE A1 t Here’s a recap of the 45th United States president’s first year: Tax cuts for middle class, small businesses Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, touting it as the most massive tax cut in the history of the country. The bill is said to lower taxes for middle-class Americans and will supposed bring back jobs to the U.S. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act keeps the number of individual tax brackets at seven but reduces the rates to 10, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35, and 37 percent, increases the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for singles and married couples, and roughly doubles the standard deduction. On the corporate side, the bill reduces the corporate tax rate from 35 to 21 percent and also eliminates the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, which requires individuals to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty to the IRS. “At a time when many Americans still living paycheck-to-paycheck, tax reform means more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks,” said Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R., Wis.). “Already, workers are reaping the benefits of reform as companies take steps to reward their employees and expand their businesses.” “Soon, workers will begin to see bigger paychecks as new withholding tables take effect,” he said. “Typical families of four can expect a tax cut of $2,059 next year as rates are lowered across the board. That is what this is all about: helping people earn more and keep more of what they earn.” Travel ban to make America safe again? For his major first act as president, Trump decided to tackle an oft-mentioned issue of his presidential campaign: immigration. Just days after his inauguration, Trump signed the controversial Executive Order 13769, which called for a temporary 120-day ban on all travel from nationals hailing from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia, countries which Trump said could jeopardize on the nation’s security. A subsequent version of the ban allowed those who could provide a bona fide relationship with an individual or entity in the U.S. entry into the country. Another version also included North Korea and Venezuela in the ban while eliminating Iraq and Sudan as affected countries. Closely reported by the Asian Journal this year, the travel ban went on to have a rocky year, the administration putting out three versions, all of which have been blocked by federal judges in Maryland and Hawaii for violating the Constitution and for not
providing enough evidence the ban is a necessity for national security. “To the extent that the Government might have provided additional evidence to establish that national security is now the primary purpose for the ban, it has not done so,” U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang of Hawaii wrote in October in a ruling blocking the ban. DREAMers react to rescission of DACA Despite previously promising to protect undocumented youth, the president announced the termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in September. DACA was put into law in 2012 by former President Barack Obama, and it provided temporary relief from deportation, allowed DREAMers to gain work authorization, relief from deportation and driver’s licenses. (Specific benefits vary depending on the state.) “It is reprehensible that the president is now attempting to use these young people as bargaining chips to advance his anti-immigrant agenda,” Rep Judy Chu (D-Calif.), who represents Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley area in Congress, said in the statement in November. “The White House should not play politics with the lives of our nation’s DREAMers. If the bipartisan, bicameral DREAM Act were brought to the floor today, it would have the votes to pass,” Chu asserted. “I urge my Republican colleagues to do the right thing and allow us to vote on a clean DREAM Act before Congress adjourns in December.” The announcement of DACA’s termination caused a stir across the country, especially in the immigrant communities across the country. As previously reported in the Asian Journal, Congress has agreed to push back conversations on a solution for DREAMers until January 2018, whether it’s a legislative alternative to DACA or a clean DREAM Act, which would provide a pathway to citizenship for all eligible undocumented youth. Multiple vacation days spent golfing or at Trump properties One of the many criticisms Trump faced in his first year was the number of days spent at one of his properties. During his campaign, he promised his supporters that he would spend time working and less time golfing, a point for which he criticized former President Barack Obama. “@BarackObama played golf yesterday. Now he heads to a 10 day vacation in Martha’s Vineyard. Nice work ethic,” he tweeted in 2011. Trump remarked at a campaign event in August 2016, “I’m going to be working for you. I’m not going to have time to go play
PH can get $100M from UN... PAGE A1 t they are encouraged to get involved in the process because they often serve as implementing partners. The CERF is replenished every year and Guterres said the UN General Assembly passed a resolution in 2016 increasing CERF’s annual funding target from $450 million to $1 billion due to increasing humanitarian needs globally. Protracted crises from longrunning conflicts and the impact of natural disasters are likely to continue in 2018, he said, while the impact of climate change was likely to grow and intensify. In 2017, CERF reached a re-
cord high income of $504 million through additional commitments made by donors, according to the United Nations. The fund allocated almost $130 million to help prevent famine in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen. The fund also supported relief responses such as those for Palestine refugees in Gaza, for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, and those affected by hurricanes “Irma” and “Maria” in the Caribbean. Created in 2005, the CERF is managed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Dona Z. Pazzibugan/ Inquirer.net)
Palace credits Duterte... PAGE A1 t
piness index did not come as surprise. “We Filipinos are known as a happy, resilient people. We even manage to smile amid difficulties. It is therefore not surprising that we rank high in the global happiness index,” the Palace official said. Citing the Philippines’ fastgrowing economic growth, its record-high stock trading and the record-breaking investments, as well as the liberation of Marawi City in October, Roque said such changes were “reflected in the survey numbers. “ “Hope about the country’s economic prosperity and hope about the new year can be attributed to the palpable change our people have felt under the leadership of [Duterte],” he said. “Our economy is one of the fastest growing in the region. The local stock market ended the last trading day of 2017 in an all time-high. Board of Investments-approved investments are record-breaking. The government decisively liberated Marawi,” Roque added. In a report released last November, the Philippine Statistics
Authority (PSA) announced that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) posted a “spectacular” growth of 6.9 percent for the period of July to September or the third quarter of 2017. This made the country the second fastest-growing economy in Asia next to Vietnam’s 7.46 percent, and ahead of China’s 6.8 percent. The 2017 bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) also capped off in the positive record-high territory after closing last Friday at 8,558.42 points. PSEi racked up a total of 1,717.78 points for the full year of 2017 from the end-2016 level of 6840.64. In October, the Duterte administration also declared Marawi City liberated in October after being seized by Maute terrorist group for about five months since May. “Our people have, indeed, appreciated these changes as reflected in the survey numbers. The challenge, therefore, is for us in the government to sustain the pace and momentum of our economic growth and bring it to the greatest number of our people,” Roque said. n
From the Front Page golf.” Yet, he somehow did find time to play golf. By the end of March, he had already logged 19 days at Trump-owned properties and had played golf on 11 of those days. As of December 29, 2017, Trump has spent 85 days golfing, costing at least $42,510,956 of taxpayer money, according to The Washington Post. Additionally, he has spent 35 days at his Florida resort, Mar-A-Lago, which had cost taxpayers $6.6 million by July. Remarks on white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, VA After the nation was shaken by the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 12 attended by white supremacists, members of the KKK and neo-Nazi’s, Trump failed to outrightly condemn white supremacy. Trump, days after the rally (which claimed the life of 32year-old counter protester Heather Heyer, who was purposefully hit by a white supremacist), asserted that there was “blame on both sides,” a remark that was criticized for being soft on white supremacy and the KKK. Trump falsely claimed that the people protesting the taking down of a statue of Confederate leader Robert E. Lee “were protesting very quietly.” In fact, the protesters were chanting Hitlerera anti-Semitic chants, such as “Jews will not replace us,” and “blood and soil.” Trump added that he thought that among the protesters, there are “some very fine people,” a point which angered many on both sides of the aisle. “President Donald Trump
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 5-11, 2018
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PHILIPPINE SUNRISE. Among the featured images in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA’s) Best Earth-from-Space Photos by Astronauts in 2017 is sunrise on the Philippine Sea. The gallery, which features 18 photos, shows dazzling views of our home planet from space. Photo courtesy of NASA
wanted to know the facts. Just let that sink in for a moment,” renowned journalist Anderson Cooper said on CNN on August 15. “If there is anything we already know about this president, is that he does not wait for facts to become clear before speaking. Has any president in modern history lied so fast and so frequently as this one?” Investigation into possible Russian collusion in the 2016 election What may be this generation’s Watergate, the investigation into Russian collusion, aided by the Trump campaign, dominated headlines this year. Despite Trump denying collusion, the investigation was a whirlwind. However, it was found that many individuals from the Trump team — former national security adviser Michael Flynn,
former campaign manager Paul Manafort, Manafort’s deputy Richard Gates, campaign adviser George Papadopoulos (who said he had connections that could help set up a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the campaign) — have confirmed having contacts with people tied to the Russian government during the campaign. In a tweet released in July, Trump’s son, Donald Trump, Jr., revealed that during the campaign, he corresponded with a tabloid reporter Rob Goldstone about a Kremlin-connected lawyer who claimed to have damaging information on then-Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton that would secure a Trump win. “This is obviously very high level and sensitive informa-
tion but is part of Russia and its government’s support for Mr. Trump,” an email from Goldstone said. Headed by special counsel Robert Mueller (FBI director from 2001-2013), the investigation team has heard testimonies from U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions (who had lied about inappropriate contacts with Russians during the transition period and then recused himself from the investigation as head of the Justice Department), Papadopoulos and many others connected to the allegations. The probe slated to continue with hearings from other figures in the Trump campaign, but there is still no clear answer to the central question: did Trump and his team collude with the Russian government during the presidential campaign? n
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From the Front Page
january 5-11, 2018 • nOrCaL aSIan jOurnaL
The Asian Journal’s yearend...
PAGE A2 t the incremental revenues will go to infrastructure programs, 27 percent will be allocated to social protection programs including the unconditional cash transfer to the poorest 10 million Filipino families and health, nutrition, and anti-hunger programs, while 13 percent will be allocated to military modernization programs. The TRAIN bill, implemented on January 1, 2018, is expected to generate P130 billion. (Ritchel Mendiola) PH’s EJKs, drug war continue Despite outcry and condemnation from within the Philippines and around the world, the Duterte administration claimed that its campaign against illegal drugs was “hugely successful” in 2017. In its yearend report, Malacañang said authorities conducted 79,193 anti-drug operations and were able to arrest 118,287 individuals as of November 27, 2017. It also recorded a total of 3,967 “drug personalities” who died in antidrug operations during the same period. On the other hand, human rights groups, such as Amnesty International (AI) and Human Rights Watch (HRW), have repeatedly condemned Duterte’s “brutal” drug war, citing deaths of around 12,000 individuals, including children. According to AI, more than 50 children have died in “a wave of unlawful killings” in the Philippines. Critics, even Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo herself, claimed the existence of extrajudicial killings in the country despite the repeated denial of the Philippine National Police (PNP). In October, Duterte ordered the PNP out of the drug war amid public protest over alleged police abuses and killings of suspects—including teenagers like 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos, who was killed during a drug war operation in Caloocan City. Police claimed that Delos Santos violently resisted arrest, but witnesses and forensic reports stated otherwise. During the first week of December, the president, however, brought the PNP back in his drug war. Duterte’s drug war earned him the 2017’s “Person of the Year” title, an annual recognition given by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) to an individual who “has done the most in the world to advance organized criminal activity and corruption.” “While [Duterte] is not your typical corrupt leader, he has empowered corruption in an innovative way. His death squads have allegedly focused on criminals but, in fact, are less discriminating,” Drew Sullivan, editor for OCCRP and one of the judges for selection, wrote. (Dana Sioson) Martial law declared in Mindanao amid Marawi crisis Under Proclamation No. 216, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law and suspended the writ of habeas corpus in the entire Mindanao on May 23, 2017 after the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute terrorist group launched a brazen attack on Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Duterte’s 60-day proclamation was originally set to expire in June 22, but Congress first extended it until the end of 2017. The fighting between terrorists and government forces lasted for five months, resulting to deaths of at least 847 rebels, 163 government troopers and 47 civilians. On October 16, the Defense Department confirmed the deaths of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute group leader Omar Maute. The government declared Marawi crisis over in October 23, and has since shifted its focus in rehabilitating the war-torn city. Despite announcing the city’s liberation from the Maute rebels, Duterte asked for another martial law extension in Mindanao for
the “total eradication” of terrorist groups and their supporters. On December 13, Congress approved the Duterte’s bid to retain martial law until December 31, 2018—a move questioned by opposition lawmakers. On December 27, the House of Representatives’ socalled “Magnificent Seven” filed a petition challenging the constitutionality of the second martial law extension, saying there is there is “no actual rebellion” in Mindanao. (Dana Sioson) Dengvaxia vaccine controversy A dengue vaccine intended to protect thousands of children from the disease may have put all their lives at risk. The Philippines was the first Asian country to approve the sale of the world’s first-ever dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, manufactured by French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur. A whopping P3.5 billion was allocated by the government to buy vaccines that will be administered to 9-year-old students in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon. The school-based immunization program led by then-Health Secretary Janette Garin was launched in April 2016, under the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III, despite the risks it could pose to Filipinos since studies on its safety were still being conducted that time, causing health experts to raise concerns. Around 800,000 children have been immunized ever since. Issues about the vaccine’s efficacy, safety, cost-efficacy, and alleged anomalies during the procurement process have surfaced from then. On November 29, 2017, Sanofi Pasteur issued a warning against its own vaccine, which is a huge blow to the vaccination program in the country as it is already more than a year into implementation. Sanofi claimed that new analysis of six years worth of data revealed Dengvaxia could lead to more cases of severe disease when administered to a person who has never been infected. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III suspended the program, saying the DOH will closely monitor the health of all the immunized children in the next five years. Meanwhile, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee began its probe into the dengue vaccine controversy. Aquino, Garin, former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, and former Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. now face graft charges over the dengue vaccine program implemented during their term. (Ritchel Mendiola) Marcos’ protest against vice presidential race results gains ground On the eve of Vice President Leni Robredo’s oath-taking in June 2016, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. claimed that there had been massive cheating in the polls and claimed that the vice presidency was taken from him. This led to Marcos filing an election protest versus Robredo before the Supreme Court (SC) sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), wherein he contested that the results in 27 cities and provinces, covering 39,221 clustered precincts which were composed of 132,446 established precincts. Robredo, meanwhile, filed a counter-protest, asking the SC to junk Marcos’ protest since the change in the hash code did not affect the election results. Her camp also argued that Marcos’ camp did not specify how the alleged cheating occurred in the first place, failing to show evidence of cheating in the Mindanao provinces where he wanted the votes nullified. On January 2017, Marcos’ lawyer urged the PET to move forward with the election protest, setting a preliminary conference wherein issues will be simplified. Marcos’ protest was declared sufficient in form and substance then, on February 2017, and the PET denied Robredo’s appeal to junk
the protest. Due to this, Robredo filed a motion for reconsideration on her denied appeal, which Marcos’ camp claimed was a way to delay the proceedings. A fee of P66 million for Marcos and P15.43 million for Robredo were ordered as service fees for the contested precincts, which both paid before their respective deadlines. Marcos’ preliminary conference was reset on July 11, 2017 and on the same day, the PET ordered the creation of a panel of commissioners over the matters of the case. Marcos submitted 8,000 names in his list of proposed witnesses of alleged electoral fraud in the three ARMM provinces. The decryption and printing of the ballot images for Marcos’ three pilot provinces of Camarines Sur, Iloilo, and Negros Oriental began on October 23 but was deferred by PET on November 7. The recount of votes will begin on February 2018. (Ritchel Mendiola) The year of impeachment: Bautista, Sereno and Morales Three top officials of the country, who were appointees of former President Benigno Aquino III, were subjected to impeachment claims almost simultaneously. In late August 2017, three legislators endorsed an impeachment complaint against Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista for the betrayal of public trust and the culpable violation of the Constitution over allegations of ill-gotten wealth. The complaints were sacked right away for being insufficient in either form or substance. However, the House of Representatives overruled the committee’s decision, impeaching Bautista just before Congress took a break in October. On August 30, lawyer Lorenzo Gadon filed an impeachment case against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, accusing the latter of culpable violations of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust and other high crimes. This was endorsed by 25 legislators of the House. Sereno, who decried the decision of the House Justice Committee to disallow her lawyers the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses against her, opted not to attend the impeachment hearings. The committee has found sufficiency in form and substance and in grounds the impeachment complaint against Sereno and is now determining the existence of probable cause and decide whether or not to file the case in the Senate. Hearings will resume on January 15, 2018, with more justices expected to testify. Just before the sessions for the year ended, Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) filed an impeachment against Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. However, since the complaint failed to get an endorsement from any members of Congress, it was not considered filed but was merely received and noted by the House of Representatives’ secretary general. Morales, who is set to retire in July 2018, has earlier said that she is not worried about any impeachment complaint. (Jennifer Soriano)
United StateS How the Internet changed in 2017 The Internet was put to good use in 2017, providing a platform for movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo to continue spreading. But in the background, the battle to preserve a free and open Internet was also taking place. The year 2017 began with a warning when former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Tom Wheeler said in his January 13 farewell speech at the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C. that the U.S. was at a fork in the road — one split between keeping net neutrality regulations and repealing them. “One path leads forward; the other leads back to re-litigating solutions that are demonstrably work-
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ing,” said Wheeler. “It is time to keep moving forward. This is not the time to retreat and take things away.” By the year’s end on December 14, a path was chosen as the fight to maintain net neutrality was thwarted by a 3-2 party line vote led by current FCC chairman and former Verizon lawyer, Ajit Pai, whose main argument was that the regulations were hurting broadband infrastructure by stifling Internet Service Providers (ISP), thus preventing them from growing. But advocates for net neutrality continued to fight until the end, maintaining that repealing the protections meant an end to a free and open Internet. These arguments were backed by leading figures and Internet pioneers like Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. A few days before the FCC’s vote, Internet founding fathers Vint Cerf and Tim Berners-Lee joined others in a letter to Congress calling the plan to repeal it an “imminent threat to the internet we worked so hard to create.” As we enter 2018, the fight seems far from over with possible actions from Congress, states, and pro-net neutrality groups. As for ISPs, any movements are sure to be watched closely. (Rae Ann Varona) A year of wind, water, and fire Nature tested the American people’s resilience as the U.S. experienced an uptick in major natural disasters. As 2017 ended, firefighters in California gained ground of the Thomas Fire, which had been burning continuously through Santa Barbara and Ventura counties since December 4, making it the single largest wildfire in modern state history. By New Year’s weekend, it was 88 percent contained, but had destroyed over 281,000 acres of land and at least 1,063 structures. One firefighter and one civilian died. In October, major fires took ground in the Napa, Sonoma, and Yuba counties, killing 42 people, including 50-year-old Teresa Santos, a Fil-Am caregiver who refused to leave 90-year-old Sally Lewis of Napa. Santa Rosa’s Ashley Padilla, 18, and her family packed their cars with documents, family albums, heirlooms, and their dog Pogi before fleeing Coffey Park which the Fil-Am family called home since 1989. “We saw everyone on our street just hurrying up to get the hell out so we decided that we probably should too,” Padilla, told the Asian Journal. But before the fire, came the rain as southwest Florida was hit by Hurricane Irma in September, and the Houston metropolitan area was deluged by Hurricane Harvey late August. Attaining category 4 intensity, Harvey became the most powerful storm to hit the U.S. since Katrina in 2005. The death toll reached 63, and the damage equated to nearly $200 billion making it the costliest on record. But as devastating as the calamities were, people continued to push through. Google revealed that questions of “how” to do things were searched more than ever and included questions of how wildfires and hurricanes start, how to board up a window, how to calm a dog during a storm, and how to help victims. (Rae Ann Varona) Health care in America 2017 was a particularly challenging year in the health care industry and experts feel that it will remain as such in 2018, filled with change and uncertainty. As the year closed a few days ago, Washington exerted repeated efforts to repeal and replace the federal Affordable Care Act. And while Donald Trump and the Republican-led Congress were not successful in repealing ACA, industry watchers are convinced that Washington is not done in its
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160 efforts to weaken and replace ACA. The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, allowed millions of Americans to gain access to insurance coverage but many in Washington believe that the cost of running it is too high. (Momar G. Visaya) Trump’s transgender ban in the military Despite major efforts by the Trump administration to ban transgender people in the military, the Pentagon announced that transgender people will be allowed for the first time to enlist in the U.S. military starting on Monday, January 1, 2018 as ordered by federal courts, this after President Donald Trump’s administration decided not to appeal rulings that blocked his transgender ban. With a tweet, Trump last July announced that “transgender individuals” should not be allowed to serve in “any capacity” in the U.S. military. “After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow…,” he wrote on Twitter. A couple of federal appeals courts have rejected the administration’s request to put on hold orders by lower court judges requiring the military to begin accepting transgender recruits on Jan. 1, 2018. (Momar G. Visaya) Las Vegas shooting On the night of October 1, 2017, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock opened fire on a crowd of concertgoers at the Route 91 Harvest music festival on the Las Vegas Strip. Paddock fired more than 1,100 rounds from his suite on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel, leaving 58 people dead and 546 injured. An hour after his last shot into the crowd, he was found dead in his room from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Paddock’s motive is still unknown, and one of the persons of interest during the investigation was his Filipina girlfriend, Marilou Danley. Although Danley was out of the country at the time of the shooting, questions about her involvement were raised when it was found out that Paddock wired her money while she was in the Philippines. The incident is now considered at the deadliest mass shooting committed by an individual in the United States. It also has reignited the debate about gun laws in the country, with focus on bump fire stock regulations. (Malou L. Bledsoe) WWII Filipino vets honored with Congressional Medal of Honor After a long wait, Filipino veterans of World War II were honored in a bipartisan and bicameral Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on Capitol Hill on October 25, 2017 in recognition of their dedicated service during the war. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor the United States can bestow. About 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers served and fought for the United States and the Philippines to topple Axis powers during World War II. In July of 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called all organized military forces of the Philippines into the service of the United States. Their bravery, heroism, and dedication played an integral part in leading Allied powers to victory over Nazi and fascist forces. They were promised U.S. citizenship and health and pension benefits. In February 1946, the U.S. Congress passed the Rescission Act of 1946, which stripped Filipino soldiers the benefits promised by President Roosevelt. The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) spearheaded the national campaign to secure the Congressional Gold Medal for these Veterans. FilVetRep is also the officially-designated liaison to the U.S. Mint, which handles the design and minting of the Congressional Gold Medal. The ceremony is a result of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and
Senator Mazie Hirono’s (D-HI) bill that was signed into law by former President Barack Obama. (Malou L. Bledsoe) #MeToo: Personal stories of sexual harassment, assault come to light TIME Magazine named “The Silent Breakers” as its 2017 Person of the Year, recognizing the women and men who broke their silence with stories of sexual assault and harassment. “This reckoning appears to have sprung up overnight. But it has actually been simmering for years, decades, centuries. Women have had it with bosses and co-workers who not only cross boundaries but don’t even seem to know that boundaries exist. They’ve had it with the fear of retaliation, of being blackballed, of being fired from a job they can’t afford to lose. They’ve had it with the code of going along to get along. They’ve had it with men who use their power to take what they want from women. These silence breakers have started a revolution of refusal, gathering strength by the day, and in the past two months alone, their collective anger has spurred immediate and shocking results: nearly every day, CEOs have been fired, moguls toppled, icons disgraced. In some cases, criminal charges have been brought,” the magazine said. In early October, the New York Times published an exposé on Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein that detailed how he exhibited a pattern of sexual harassment for nearly three decades that was swept under the rug and paid out at least eight settlements. Some of his accusers included actresses like Ashley Judd, Rose McGowan, and Filipina-Italian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez. Days later, Weinstein was fired by the board of his company, The Weinstein Company. (Other actresses such as Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Salma Hayek have since shared their harassment encounters with Weinstein.) The hashtag #MeToo, first started by activist Tarana Burke a decade ago, quickly spread across social media with individuals simply using the two words to come forward with their experiences. By early November (about two weeks after the online movement went viral), Twitter reported that over 1.7 million female and male users used the hashtag in 85 countries. Since October, many victims have come forward about their experiences with other high-profile men, including Charlie Rose, Matt Lauer, Russell Simmons, Louis C.K., Kevin Spacey, and Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota. (Broadcaster Leeann Tweeden, who is half Filipina-American from her mother’s side, wrote an essay in which she accused Franken of groping her in 2006.) “To me, 2018 will be all about processing #MeToo. The next step in the movement will be helping women navigate what happens after they disclose an experience,” Burke wrote in Glamour Magazine. On Monday, January 1, 2018, 300 prominent actresses and female agents, writers, directors, producers and entertainment executives — such as America Ferrera, Ashley Judd, Reese Witherspoon, Shonda Rhimes, and Eva Longoria — announced “Time’s Up,” a movement that pledges to fight harassment in Hollywood as well as other workplaces across the U.S. “The struggle for women to break in, to rise up the ranks and to simply be heard and acknowledged in male-dominated workplaces must end; time’s up on this impenetrable monopoly,” the group’s letter said. The initiative’s program includes a $13 million legal defense fund, administered by the National Women’s Law center, for sexual harassment survivors, especially those in low-wage jobs, to get legal representation. It is also encouraging women walking the red carpet at the Golden Globes on Sunday to raise awareness by dressing in black. (Christina M. Oriel)
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 5-11, 2018
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
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Philippines population to hit 107 million in 2018 by SHEILA
CRISOSTOMO Philstar.com
Citing projections by the Philippine Statistics Authority based on the latest census in 2015, PopCom MANILA — From 105.53 mil- executive director Juan Antonio lion last year, the country’s popu- Perez III said the population was lation will rise to 107.19 million estimated to grow to 107,190,081 by the end of 2018, the Commis- by Dec. 31 from 105,377,586 in sion on Population (PopCom) said 2017. on Tuesday, January 2. Perez said the increase would
be boosted by some 1.8 million babies expected to be born this year, representing a growth rate of 1.69 percent. “That means we will be adding 4,953 Filipinos per day, or 206 every hour in 2018,” he told The Star. Contraceptives According to Perez, the lifting of the temporary restraining order of the Supreme Court on contraceptives will not have a direct impact on the population this year. “The direct impact will be on the availability of almost 400,000 implants for the program. The other effect will be on the procurement of pills, now deficient or out of stock but will not happen until next year,” he said. Perez said the implants can take the place of some pills whose licenses have expired and are not yet available for the family planning program. “That’s what we’re pushing Citing projections by the Philippine Statistics Authority based on the latest census in 2015, now — that they be used before PopCom executive director Juan Antonio Perez III said the population was estimated to grow they expire — late this year to to 107,190,081 by Dec. 31 from 105,377,586 in 2017. Philstar.com photo early 2019,” he said. ■
‘Duterte’s TRAIN bound for Supreme Court’ by DELON
PORCALLA
Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — Leftleaning opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, January 2 vowed to bring President Duterte’s Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law before the Supreme Court, saying it is anti-poor. “We will challenge the legality of this runaway TRAIN as it was railroaded in the House without the required quorum and distribution of approved copies to the members,” Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate of party-list Bayan Muna disclosed. On behalf of the seven-man Makabayan bloc, Zarate said they are “carefully studying” the filing of a case to stop the TRAIN implementation, which they claimed would “hit 15.2 million poor families the hardest.” He branded the tax reform package as a “price shock” that would hit the poor hardest because that sector would have to shell out more money than gain
higher take-home pay. “A majority of our poor people will suffer more and would be mired further into poverty with the expected spike in the prices of major basic commodities and services beginning this month,” Zarate said in a statement. The new tax reform law is expected to increase the prices of gasoline by P2.97 per liter, diesel by P2.80 per liter and kerosene by P3.36 per liter. “These would have a severe domino effect on the prices of other products and services, which is further aggravated by the VAT increases on these products themselves,” Zarate pointed out. He believes the effect of this “price shock can be crippling to the 15.2 million poor families and even to the whole economy.” The lawmaker cited a statement made by IBON Foundation, a leftist think tank, which lauded income tax cuts for deserving workers but questioned the government claim on the number of Filipinos that will benefit from the TRAIN law.
“While Filipino families certainly deserve income tax cuts to cope with rising costs of living, it is misleading to claim that 6.8 million Filipinos will benefit from TRAIN as this figure includes millions of minimum wage earners already exempted by law,” Zarate said. Meanwhile, Sen. Sonny Angara said the government should use some of the revenues raised from the new tax reform law to fix the country’s transportation system, particularly the Metro Rail Transit-3. Angara, who chairs the Senate committee on ways and means, expressed alarm over reports that the MRT-3 broke down more than 500 times in 2017, forcing thousands of passengers to disembark. He said RA 10963 “should fix our trains.” “It’s an injustice that thousands of passengers are adversely affected because of decrepit services from the MRT and LRT. The government must make sure the taxes collected will go to programs that benefit Filipinos,” Angara said in a statement.
QUIAPO PROCESSION. Thousands of Black Nazarene devotees attend the thanksgiving procession in Quiapo, Manila on Sunday, December 31. A radio report said dozens were hurt in the procession which lasted for more than eight hours. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
10 justices set to testify vs Sereno by JOMAR
CANLAS ManilaTimes.net
A TOTAL of 10 associate justices of the Supreme Court are expected to testify against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno during the impeachment hearings at the House of Representatives. According to well-placed sources of The Manila Times inside the high court, six magistrates were expecting to be invited as resource persons to talk about the falsification, anomalies and other irregularities allegedly committed by Sereno. This will be aside from three incumbent magistrates who have testified before the House Committee on Justice, namely: Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Noel Tijam and Francis Jardeleza. Retired justice Arturo Brion has also appeared before the House committee. The Manila Times source said the justices lined up for invitation in Congress are Antonio Carpio, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano del Castillo, Andres Reyes and Samuel Martires. Including the retired Brion who has testified against Sereno, nine incumbent magistrates have
testified or will testify against the chief justice. Carpio has been issued an invitation. He has written a letter to House Committee on Justice Chairman and Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali to ask for particulars as to the content of his testimony. Other justices have also received invitations from the House committee but there was no specific purpose stated. The Times source said some of them have already anticipated the contents of their respective testimonies on the basis of their participation in cases cited in the impeachment complaint against Sereno. The source said Carpio and Bersamin would be called to testify as to the truthfulness of the raffle of the case of the Maute group, since the two magistrates were members of the raffle committee for cases tackled en banc or by the full court. Carpio, the most senior magistrate of the high court, could also shed light on the appointment made by Sereno of an information technology (IT) consultant who was paid P250,000 a month or P1.5-million for a six-month, renewable contract.
This issue was one of the charges raised against Sereno, who is accused by lawyer Lorenzo Gadon of betrayal of public trust for entering into the contract without public bidding and approval of the en banc. The magistrates, during their en banc deliberations, ordered the Office of the Court Attorney to study the case of IT consultant Helen Perez-Macasaet. The high court wanted to know the legality of Macasaet’s appointment which was raised by de Castro before the en banc. Real ponente Tijam has already testified that he was the real ponente of the case involving the transfer of venue of the Maute cases, from Marawi City to Cagayan de Oro and later on to Taguig Regional Trial Court (RTC). Sereno alegedly “stole” the case from him despite the fact that Tijam was the member in charge. As for Peralta, the source said he could shed light into the issue of the psychiatric exam that Sereno supposedly flunked when she applied for chief justice in 2012. Peralta was the acting chairPAGE A7
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JANUARY 5-11, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
OPINION
Reason to hope
FEATURES
As in previous years, Filipinos are greeting the new year with high hopes. Since the Social Weather Stations Inc. began polling hopefulness on the eve of a new year, the number has always been in the 90s. The latest survey has been no different, with 96 percent greeting 2018 with hope rather than fear, according to the SWS poll taken nationwide from Dec. 8 to 16. The SWS described it as an all-time high since the pollster first asked the question in 2000, although it was just a notch above the previous high of 95 percent, recorded in 2002, 2011 and 2016. Filipinos are generally optimistic and resilient amid adversity, managing to be cheerful even when surrounded by death and destruction. And optimism is heightened in the changing of the year. People will need a lot of optimism and resilience in facing the challenges of the year ahead. The tax reform package, although cutting income taxes, is expected to trigger inflation as hefty excise taxes are slapped on petroleum products including diesel, the fuel of most public utility vehicles, and cooking gas.
In Metro Manila, authorities have warned of worse traffic until the end of President Duterte’s term as vital public works projects get underway, with little hope in sight for an improvement in the light railway services. Economic figures were rosy in 2017, but the main challenge remains: making the benefits of growth trickle down to the grassroots. Inclusive growth is impossible in a nation where many laws and rules are designed to give enormous advantage to a miniscule fraction of the population. But reforms are always possible to make growth equitable. With sustained growth and strong macroeconomic fundamentals, life could be better in the coming year, especially if combined with good governance. Even in times of misfortune, Filipinos live with the certainty that the darkest night always gives way to light. The best government works to give the public reason to be hopeful that things will be better. May you all enjoy the blessings of the New Year! (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Kababayans react to Fil-Am leaders’ challenge to President Rodrigo Duterte FILIPINO-AMERICAN human rights advocates and community The Fil-Am leaders wrote a letter to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte citing Perspective their concerns about the growing number of deaths in the hands of law enforcers in Duterte’s bloody war on drugs. They cited Amnesty Interna- GEL SANTOS-RELOS tional, which recently published reports about “the extrajudicial killings of over 7,000 persons suspected of dealing in illegal drugs or being simply drug addicts since you took office, with a third of these credibly attributed to actions by the PNP and/or state actors.” The letter also noted the “U.S. Department of State’s 2017 Human Rights Report also stated that ‘police and unknown vigilantes have killed more than 6,000 suspected drug dealers and users’ in the Philippines between July and December 2016, a period during which extrajudicial killings ‘increased sharply’ and allegedly undertaken by vigilantes, security forces, and insurgents.” The Fil-Am leaders’ letter asked Duterte: • To condemn all extrajudicial executions and other unlawful killings and call on law enforcement officials to abide strictly by international law and standards on the use of force; • To ensure prompt, independent and impartial investigations into all reports of use of lethal force by the police, extrajudicial executions, and other unlawful killings; • To ensure that those responsible are brought to justice through a fair trial process; • To provide programs to rehabilitate drug addicts which is a proven way to stem illegal drug trafficking and usage. ANOTHER group of Fil-Am community leaders — U.S. Pinoys for Real Change in the Philippines (USPRCP) — responded and requested to present their perspective on the issue. From Atty. Arnedo Valera, chairman of the USPRCP: “These human right groups continue to mis-
Sketches
ANA MARIE PAMINTUAN WITH hundreds of people dead from landslides, floods and a shopping mall fire in the final days of the year, and tens of thousands of children vaccinated against dengue facing an uncertain fate, looking on the bright side on the eve of a new year becomes tougher. It’s the season of cheer, however, so let’s dwell on the positive, and some of the year’s winners. One success during the year was the nation’s hosting of the summit and related meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Fortuitously, the country got the revolving ASEAN chair on the 50th anniversary of the grouping, during which the “Visit ASEAN” tourism campaign was also launched. Like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in 2015, the ASEAN leaders’ gathering and summits with
characterize the Philippine drug war. Once again, there [are] no state-sanctioned killings in this drug war. The concept of EJKs has been abused by political propagandist and enemies of this administration and the negative campaign continues to be reechoed by human rights groups in the U.S. These are the real numbers: 1. There are 79,193 Anti-drug operations conducted from July 1, 2016 to November 27, 2017; 2. More than 118,000 drug personalities have been arrested from July 1, 2016, November 27, 2017. 3. There are now more than 1.3 million drug addicts and surrenderees from July 1, 2016 to July 26, 2017; AS of September 2017, more than 16,000 drug dependents are undergoing DOH drug rehabilitation programs. More than 2,200 drug dependents have already completed DOH drug rehabilitation program 2, 236 drug dependents already completed DOH drug rehabilitation program and more than 14,000 drug surrenderees received livelihood and skills training by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. 4. 3,967 drug personalities who died in antidrug operations from July 1, 2016 to November 27, 2017; 5. More than 16,000 Homicide cases under investigation from July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017 6. More than 4,700 barangays declared drug-free as of November 27, 2017. P18.92 billion value of seized illegal drugs including drug paraphernalia from July 1, 2016 to November, 27, 2017; Source (PDEA, PNP, NBI and the Bureau of Customs) Similar to the U.S., the drug problem in the Philippines is an epidemic where a strict law enforcement policy and rehabilitation/treatment policies
Winners of 2017
dialogue partners were held in Metro Manila. Compared with the APEC summit, however, the traffic management for ASEAN was infinitely better, with inconveniences to ordinary folks more bearable. Intramuros wasn’t shut down for a night and a day for a ladies’ lunch. Even President Duterte was on his best behavior, reading prepared speeches with hardly any rambling digressions, wearing suit and tie. He played the gracious host and held back his acid tongue even when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dared to raise human rights concerns with him — and blabbed about it to the press. Only when all the foreign guests had returned home did Duterte say he considered Trudeau’s comments an insult. Still, Duterte restrained himself from letting loose his favorite expletives against his Canadian counterpart. Hitting it off with U.S. President Donald Trump probably helped put Duterte in a friendly mood toward everybody dur-
ing the summit. Say what you will about Trump; those who were despairing over the icy relations between the treaty allies were elated when Duterte (on orders, he said, of Trump) crooned “you are the light” at the ASEAN gala dinner. Those who believe that bilateral ties and alliances transcend individual presidents surely consider that moment one of the year’s positives — certainly an improvement over the profanities Duterte heaped on Barack Obama and the previous U.S. ambassador to Manila. U.S. diplomats say bilateral ties are back on track. The Philippines will get another major chance to showcase its best to the world, after the country won the bid to co-host the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023 together with Japan and Indonesia. Duterte remained a big winner in 2017, even if his survey ratings have started sliding. Despite being forced to pull out his cops from the drug war, despite his declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao, and despite seeing his eldest
must be combined to save the country from becoming a narco-state and ensure hope for the future of the young generation. “Lumping and attributing more than 9 to 10,000 nationwide killings, homicide, murders into one category and branding them as extra-judicial killings perpetrated by the government, its police and military, is not only unfounded and baseless but shows ignorance of basic human rights law. The Philippines is facing two drug wars. First, the war between the government vs. drug lords, drug cartels, low-level drug offenders, police scalawags and corrupt politicians engaged in drug trafficking. These are the drug-related legitimate operations that have caused more than 3,000 deaths. The second war is the war between and among drug carters vs. drug cartel, drug lords, police scalawags vigilantes and corrupt politicians which have caused thousands of undetermined deaths and remains under active investigation. These non-state actors, even prior to President Duterte’s assumption of office, have been killing and eliminating each other by the thousands to silence and or cover up and protect their multi-billion international drug trade. When you blame the president, our police and our military for all the killings nationwide, you are not only unfairly presuming that our government and police are all killers who are out there with orders to kill anyone involved in drugs but you are also destroying the basic notion of accountability of non-state actors in the second face of the current Philippine drug war. That is why, it is in the height of political hypocrisy for a U.S. congressional committee to conduct a hearing of a sovereign country whose political leader is enjoying more than 82 percent popularity and has adopted a bold, decisive and strict enforcement of its domestic laws to combat and eradicate the drug problem nationwide under the rule of law and within the role of law. In our own backyard, it is important to underscore what U.S Atty. General Jeff Sessions said in son and son-in-law implicated in the smuggling of shabu valued at P6.4 billion through the Manila customs port, Duterte’s approval ratings remain high enough to get the needed support for his legislative agenda and project priorities. His success should redound to the nation’s success. And speaking of martial law, the denouement of the Marawi siege was one of the year’s high points. Isnilon Hapilon, “emir” of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia, was killed by government forces, together with the Maute brothers. Nearly half of Omar Maute’s head was blown off. Their father Cayamora Maute died in jail while their mother Ominta Romato, accused of acting as her sons’ finance and logistics officer, is behind bars. *** Another winner in 2017 was the enforcer of martial law. Human rights complaints have been filed against the Armed Forces of the Philippines in connection with the Marawi siege. But the complaints have so far failed to shake the heroic image of the AFP in the battle to liberate the Islamic city from the Mautes and Abu
his address to the assembly of the Drug Abuse Assistance Resistance Education (DARE), last July 11, 2017 as follows: ‘Drug abuse has become an epidemic in our country today. In 2016, it has claimed more than 62,000 lives lost to drug overdose (1,200 lives lost every week) He noted that drug abuse is not only a concern about treatment but law enforcement prevention. He also acknowledges that drug trafficking is an inherently violent business, where there is a need for a strict enforcement policy, which the U.S. currently lacks.’ The United States has been engaged in the drug war for the last decades. In Latin America, it adopted a policy of prohibition of targeting, manufacturers, suppliers, drug cartels and corrupt police, politicians including heads of states involved in massive drug trafficking conspiracy. The U.S. has 3 trillion dollars budget every year. Almost 2 billion dollars every month. In Mexico alone, it has caused more than 185,000 killings in so-called legitimate drug war operations. Last June 2017, Mexico has 2,000 deaths in drug-related police legitimate operations. Nobody, including these human rights groups you are mentioning, is raising the issue of extrajudicial killings. If you want to help the Philippine government, and our nation and build a stronger generation of the young, then you must support the Philippine drug war, to say the least and at the same exercise your right to demand accountability and give your constructive criticisms to strengthen our law enforcement agencies and not to weaken them simply because you do not like President Duterte. Otherwise, you are becoming alter-egos of the political opposition and unwittingly becoming an enabler for the drug cartels, drug lords, police scalawags, vigilantes and corrupt politicians.” *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos
Sayyaf. That image has helped mute protests against the one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao. The Supreme Court might strike down the extension, if the justices aren’t spooked by the specter of impeachment dangled by the super majority in the House of Representatives. The administration is also seen as a winner in the impeachment and resignation of Andy Bautista as chairman of the Commission on Elections. The Palace rubberstamp House of Representatives is also certain to impeach Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno; the congressmen are just going through the motions of being fair. Sereno’s final fate will be one of the big stories in the coming year. *** There were several pieces of good news on the economic front in 2017. The stock market closed the year at a record high while Fitch Ratings raised the country’s credit rating by one notch to a “stable” outlook a few weeks ago. In 2017, the Philippines was one of the best performing economies in the region.
The year also started on a happy note, with the country’s hosting of the Miss Universe pageant. Few people expected Miss Philippines to win; host country contestants rarely do. And pushing tourism takes so much more than hosting beauty contests. But at least the pageant, like the ASEAN summit, was generally glitch-free. Other positive developments: the nationwide ban on smoking went into effect, and an executive order was issued to implement the reproductive health program. The year will open with the excise tax on fuel products going into effect and triggering a round of consumer price increases. But I will look on the bright side at the start of the year and consider the reduction in my income tax. Inflation will eat up the gains from the higher take-home pay, but the price increases are still some time away. Until then, I — and all the others from whose earnings tax is automatically withheld — can afford to feel a bit richer as we welcome 2018. A happy, prosperous New Year to everyone! (Philstar. com)
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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Dateline PhiliPPines
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 5-11, 2018
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3 children fall sick after dengue shot by Jefferson
AntipordA Manilatimes.net
THREE children who landed in hospital weeks after they were inoculated with Dengvaxia are under observation after showing symptoms of dengue, the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) said on Monday, January 1. According to Dante Jimenez, founding chairman of the VACC, the three children, aged 11, 14 and 16, were rushed to the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) Sunday (December 31) after they showed dengue symptoms. Two of the victims (11-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy) were from barangay (village) 199, zone 20, Rivera Village, Pasay City. They received the anti-dengue vaccine late last year. The 11-year-old, based on the information received by the VACC, completed all three Dengvaxia shots. On and off, she complained of having abdominal pains. She was recommended for admission, but her family decided to bring her home, vowing to return to the hospital if the pain persisted. As for the 16-year-old Dengvax-
NEW YEAR BONDING. Hundreds of people gathered at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on Monday, January 1 to welcome the new year. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
De Lima: ‘Duterte dictatorship is coming’ by Audrey
MorAllo
Philstar.com
MANILA — Filipinos should expect 2018 to be the year when the country’s constitutional democracy is replaced with “constitutional authoritarianism� as President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies continue to lay the groundwork for an eventual dictatorship, Sen. Leila De Lima said on Tuesday, January 2. According to the detained senator, Duterte and Congress seemed to be taking the path that the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos treaded when he legitimized his dictatorship in 1972 through a new Constitution. He said that the president seemed to be bent on keeping his allies and himself in power indefinitely and beyond the present constitutional limits. “I would like to be optimistic about the new year. But I cannot, since 2018 appears to be the year when our constitutional democracy is replaced with constitutional authoritarianism, a throwback to 1972 when Ferdinand Marcos legitimized dictatorship in the Philippines through a new constitution,� De Lima said in another of her handwritten notes from her detention in Camp Crame where she is currently detained on drug-related charges she claimed were trumped up. De Lima enumerated some of Duterte’s actions that she said pointed to his “authoritarian project.�
Part of the plan to establish this dictatorial government was the moves to impeach Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales, according to De Lima, who has been critical of Duterte since he was Davao City mayor. “The weakening of the independent institutions of our system of checks and balance always precedes the coming of a dictatorship,� she said. Sereno is facing the specter of a full-blown Senate impeachment trial after lawyer Lorenzo Gadon accused her of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution in several of her acts since she became chief magistrate in 2012. The chief justice has denied all the allegations against her. Morales meanwhile has been threatened with an impeachment case, but none has so far progressed at the House of Representatives. De Lima said that Mindanao was being experimented on with the extension of martial law until the end of 2018 despite the defeat of Islamic State-inspired Maute group. She said that this could be used as basis for a nationwide martial law despite the absence of invasion or rebellion. “At the same time, despite martial law and the constitutional authoritarianism project, revolutionary government continues to be floated as an option, and an open invitation remains for
10 justices set to testify... PAGE A5 man of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) when Sereno applied. A The Manila Times report later exposed the 11-page confidential psychiatric report where Sereno was said to have notched a failing grade of “4.� “Dramatic and emotional, she appears energetic and all smiles and agreeable, but with religious preoccupation in almost all significant aspects of her life. She projects a happy mood but has depressive markers, too. There is a strong tendency to make decisions based on current mood thus, outcome is highly subjective and self-righteous,� the report stated.
The two psychiatrists who tested Sereno were Dulce Lizza Sahagun-Reyes and Genuina Ranoy. Expensive car As for del Castillo, the source said he would be asked to testify on the acquisition of Sereno of a luxury vehicle – a Toyota Land Cruiser. Del Castillo wrote the March 28, 2017 en banc resolution that allowed Sereno to procure a luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) upon the recommendation of the court’s Bids and Awards Committee. It cost P5.1 million. In the case of Martires, the source said he would be called to testify on the late release of
the military to support Duterte as the absolute power in this socalled revolution,� De Lima said, weeks after the Senate and the House, dominated by Duterte allies, approved the government’s request for a one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao. The president has said that a nationwide martial law is “on the table� if the survival of the republic was already at stake. The opposition senator also slammed Duterte for his attack on the remaining free and critical press in the country and his supporters’ propaganda “laced with fake news and political poison� on social media. She also blasted Duterte’s appointment of former Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon to the Office of Civil Defense, Sandra Cam to the Philippine Charities Sweepstakes Office and other individuals to key government posts despite being implicated in irregularities. “All these indicate the regime’s bravura that it will never be held accountable because it intends to be in power forever. To assure this, Duterte and his lackeys are preparing to replace our democratic system with an authoritarian one� De Lima said. She also called on Filipinos to act and prevent this plan from happening. “Let us all move and act to make this year a happy new year, and a sad year for the forces of evil that still rule over our land,� she said.
ia recipient, initial diagnosis found that he has viral exanthem (tigdas hangin) and rashes were observed on his face and body. It was learned that he received the first dose of Dengvaxia in October 2017. The third patient, a 14-yearold boy, was given two doses of the vaccine also in October. Initial diagnosis found that he has Pott’s disease (tuberculosis of the spine). He started complaining of severe back pain after receiving the Dengvaxia shots. He had been unable to stand or walk since last year. The patient was transferred to the PCMC after he was denied admission at the Philippine General Hospital. According to Jimenez, a doctor said the two male patients should not have been given Dengvaxia because they are not included in the target population of 9-year-old Grade 4 students. The Department of Health (DOH) during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino 3rd launched the school-based anti-dengue vaccination program in April 2016. The program only covered 9-year-old public school students in the National Capital
Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon). Since the program was launched, about 850,000 school children have been inoculated with the world’s first-ever dengue vaccine created by pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur. In November 2017, Sanofi issued a statement admitting that Dengvaxia could increase risk of hospitalization for dengue and severe dengue on individuals who have not been previously infected by the disease. The VACC and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) are currently providing free legal support to the families of two children who died months after being inoculated with Dengvaxia. Jimenez called on Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd to act on the VACC’s letter asking for the list of children who received the vaccine. Jimenez explained that they are asking for the list of children who have not been infected by dengue but have been vaccinated with Dengvaxia. He said they want to provide assistance to the children and monitor them because of the health risk posed by the vaccine.
New Below Market Rate (BMR) Condos for Sale at Stage 1075 in Mid-Market! DĹ?ĚͲDÄ‚ĆŒĹŹÄžĆš Ĺ?Ć? ĨĂĆ?Ćš Ä?ÄžÄ?ŽžĹ?ĹśĹ? ƚŚĞ Ć‰ÄžĆŒÄ¨ÄžÄ?Ćš ĆľĆŒÄ?Ä‚Ĺś ƉĂÄ?ĹŹÄ‚Ĺ?ÄžÍśĆ‰ĆŒÄ‚Ä?Ć&#x;Ä?Ä‚ĹŻÍ• Ä‚Ä?ƾŜĚĂŜƚ ĂŜĚ Ä‚ĹŻĹ?ǀĞ͘ EŽƚ Ć?ĆľĆŒĆ‰ĆŒĹ?Ć?Ĺ?ĹśĹ?ůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Ä‚ĆŒÄžÄ‚ Ä?ŽĂĆ?ĆšĆ? Ä‚ tÄ‚ĹŻĹŹ ^Ä?Ĺ˝ĆŒÄž ŽĨ ϾϾ͕ Ä‚ Ĺ?ĹŹÄž ^Ä?Ĺ˝ĆŒÄž ŽĨ ϾϾ ĂŜĚ Ä‚ dĆŒÄ‚ĹśĆ?Ĺ?Ćš ^Ä?Ĺ˝ĆŒÄž ŽĨ Ä‚ perfect 100! ĹľĹ?dž ŽĨ ĎĎ Ć?ƚƾĚĹ?Ĺ˝Ć?Í• ŽŜĞͲÄ?ÄžÄšĆŒĹ˝Ĺ˝ĹľĆ? ĂŜĚ ĆšÇ Ĺ˝Í˛Ä?ÄžÄšĆŒĹ˝Ĺ˝ĹľĆ? DZ Ĺ˝Ç ĹśÄžĆŒĆ?ĹšĹ?Ɖ ƾŜĹ?ĆšĆ? ĂǀĂĹ?ĹŻÄ‚Ä?ĹŻÄž Ä‚Ćš ĎϏϳϹ DÄ‚ĆŒĹŹÄžĆš ^ĆšĆŒÄžÄžĆšÍ˜ ΨώϰϏ͕ϰϾϾ Ͳ ΨϯĎϯ͕ϳϾϯ Ç Ĺ?ƚŚŽƾƚ Ć‰Ä‚ĆŒĹŹĹ?ĹśĹ? ƚŽ Î¨ĎŽĎ´ĎľÍ•ĎŻĎŽĎ Í˛ ΨϯϳĎ͕ϯϳϏ Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ Ć‰Ä‚ĆŒĹŹĹ?ĹśĹ?͘ ƉƉůĹ?Ä?ĂŜƚĆ? žƾĆ?Ćš Ä?Äž ÄŽĆŒĆ?ƚͲĆ&#x;žĞ ŚŽžĞÄ?ĆľÇ‡ÄžĆŒĆ? ĂŜĚ Ä?ĂŜŜŽƚ ĞdžÄ?ĞĞĚ ƚŚĞ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĹŻĹŻĹ˝Ç Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ŽžĞ͗
100% of Median Income KŜĞ Ć‰ÄžĆŒĆ?ŽŜ Ͳ ΨϴϏ͕ϳϏϏ͖ ĎŽ Ć‰ÄžĆŒĆ?ŽŜĆ? Ͳ ΨϾώ͕ώϹϏ͖ ĎŻ Ć‰ÄžĆŒĆ?ŽŜĆ? Ͳ ΨĎϏϯ͕ϳϹϏ͖ Ď° Ć‰ÄžĆŒĆ?ŽŜĆ? Ͳ ΨĎĎϹ͕ϯϏϏ ĞƚÄ?͘ KƉĞŜ ŚŽƾĆ?Äž ĚĂƚĞĆ?Í— :Ä‚ĹśÍ˜ ĎĎŹÍ• ϯͲϹƉž͖ :Ä‚ĹśÍ˜ ĎŽĎ°Í• ϰͲϲƉž͖ :Ä‚ĹśÍ˜ ώϳ͕ ϯͲϹƉž ƉƉůĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ? ĚƾĞ Ä?LJ ϹƉž ŽŜ &ÄžÄ?͘ ĎĎŽÍ• ĎŽĎŹĎĎ´ ƚŽ ĎϏϳϹ DÄ‚ĆŒĹŹÄžĆš ^ƚ͕ ^Ä‚Ĺś &ĆŒÄ‚ĹśÄ?Ĺ?Ć?Ä?Ž͕ ϾϰĎĎŹĎŻÍ˜ WůĞĂĆ?Äž Ä?ŽŜƚĂÄ?Ćš Ĺ?ŜĨŽΛĆ?ƚĂĹ?ÄžĎϏϳϹ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä‚Ĺś ĂƉƉůĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ ĂŜĚ ĹľĹ˝ĆŒÄž Ĺ?ĹśÄ¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄ‚Ć&#x;Ĺ˝ĹśÍ˜ Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ Ď°ĎĎąÍ˜ĎąĎŻĎŻÍ˜ĎŹĎ°ĎŻĎą Ĺ˝ĆŒ ÄšĹ˝Ç ĹśĹŻĹ˝Ä‚Äš ĂƉƉůĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ä‚Ćš Ć?ƚĂĹ?ÄžĎĎŹĎłĎąÍ˜Ä?Žž͏Ä?ĹľĆŒ hĹśĹ?ĆšĆ? ĂǀĂĹ?ĹŻÄ‚Ä?ĹŻÄž ĆšĹšĆŒĹ˝ĆľĹ?Ĺš ƚŚĞ ^Ä‚Ĺś &ĆŒÄ‚ĹśÄ?Ĺ?Ć?Ä?Ĺ˝ DÄ‚Ç‡Ĺ˝ĆŒÍ›Ć? KĸÄ?Äž ŽĨ ,ŽƾĆ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĂŜĚ ŽžžƾŜĹ?ƚLJ ĞǀĞůŽƉžĞŜƚ ĂŜĚ Ä‚ĆŒÄž Ć?ĆľÄ?ĹŠÄžÄ?Ćš ƚŽ žŽŜĹ?ĆšĹ˝ĆŒĹ?ĹśĹ? ĂŜĚ Ĺ˝ĆšĹšÄžĆŒ ĆŒÄžĆ?ĆšĆŒĹ?Ä?Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ?͘ sĹ?Ć?Ĺ?Ćš www.sfmohcd.org for program Ĺ?ĹśÄ¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄ‚Ć&#x;Ĺ˝ĹśÍ˜
benefits of the spouses of the justices who had passed away. Martires is in charge of the matter. The 94-year old Dolores Colayco, widow of retired Court of Appeals justice Jose Colayco, died without receiving survivorship benefits that she had long asked from the high court. Sereno formed two technical working groups, causing delays in the release of funds. As for Reyes, The Times source said he would be called to testify on the case of the “Ilocos 6� provincial government employees detained at the House of Representatives. Sereno allegedly meddled in the case by going to the Court of Appeals herself.
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january 5-11, 2018 • nOrCaL aSIan jOurnaL
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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal
Your Immigration Solution NaNcy Miller THE year has gone quickly and much of the news for immigrants has been harsh. Non-citizens, and their families, are understandably facing the coming year with trepidation. But, we are a country of laws and the laws that provide avenues for relief for immigrants still exists. Some laws may change so those who are eligible for benefits for themselves or family members are advised to apply for them now. Here are a few possibilities. The provisional waiver program is one of the most powerful tools for fixing previously unfixable immigration situations. Before this program came into place, persons who entered the country without inspection or as crewmen, or as fiancĂŠs but did not marry the fiancĂŠ petitioner faced an untenable choice. They could remain here without papers, even if they had options to become legal or they could leave the country and consular process while applying for an unlawful presence waiver of the 10-year bar. The process could take 6 months or more and there was no guarantee the waiver application would be approved. Under the provisional waiver program, the applicant applies and stays in the U.S. until the waiver is approved. The program has been rumored as a target of the Trump Administration and could be on the chopping block in the future. While immigration law deadlines are important and it cannot be stressed strongly enough that those deadlines should be complied with, an opportunity is not always lost when a deadline has been missed. For example, people who get green cards on the basis of their recent marriage to a U.S. citizen receive a conditional resident card that expires in two years. They must apply to “remove the conditionsâ€? before the card expires and if this is not done the conditional resident is subject to removal from the
Resolve to solve your immigration problem in 2018
United States. In a recent case, however, RMZD attorneys were able to shepherd to a successful conclusion the application for a client whose conditional residence expired over a decade ago, proving that she married her now-deceased husband in good faith and merits permanent resident status. This client’s brandnew green card shows she has been a permanent resident since 2002—the date she became a conditional resident—which means she is eligible to apply for naturalization right away. Her journey to the verge of citizenship shows that it pays to consult a knowledgeable immigration attorney. Not every old case can be brought back to life, but doing nothing could be the worst mistake you ever make. It is true that an outstanding order of deportation makes obtaining a green card in the U.S. virtually impossible. But what if you could lawfully get rid of your deportation order? Believe it or not, that is indeed possible for many people. There are many people who have viable paths to a green card, but do not take any action because they mistakenly believe that nothing can be done since they have deportation orders. That is just not true! Yes, the deportation order is an obstacle, but it may very well be possible to overcome this obstacle and be granted permanent resident status. Talk to an immigration attorney today about a “motion to reopen� in your case. Criminal convictions can seriously jeopardize a non-citizen’s ability to remain lawfully in the United States but even here, there is hope. Waivers for grounds of inadmissibility or removability can result in an alien being able to obtain or retain their green card. They may even be eligible for citizenship. Positive changes have come down from appellate courts in recent years. Additionally, changes in California law
have allowed those convicted of crimes to apply for post-conviction relief that, if granted, neutralizes the negative effects of the conviction. As a result, even those who have previously been told there is no hope may have hope. That is one good reason to check in with an experienced “crimmigration� lawyer to see if the changes benefit you. In 2017, USCIS raised the bar for nonimmigrant workers such as H-1Bs and L-1As through heightened scrutiny over these petitions. Boilerplate Request for Evidence notices were routinely issued even on thoroughly prepared petitions. Small companies continued to face increasing difficulty when sponsoring their foreign workers. (Remember, an executive or manager from overseas companies coming to the U.S. to establish a small subsidiary would be eligible for a new office L-1A visa.) For 2018, business people with immigration needs are strongly recommended to consult with an experienced attorney to evaluate their options given the lengthy waiting time for EB5 category and the toughening up of US’s immigration policies. The United States is still the land of opportunity; make that opportunity yours in 2018! From our family to yours – Happy New Year. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com website: www.rreeves.com
“The OIMB has issued an advisory to petroleum products stakeholders not to levy new excise trax rates on old stocks, considering that excise taxes are levied upon importation and not at the point of sale to the consumers,� DOE Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III said. File photo by Phiulstar by Danessa
rIvera Philstar.com
(OIMB) and in coordination with the Department of Finance (DOF), said the new excise tax rates do not apply to the old stocks of petroleum products and therefore should not be charged by retailers to consumers. “The OIMB has issued an advisory to petroleum products stakeholders not to levy new excise trax rates on old stocks, considering that excise taxes are levied upon importation and not at the point of sale to the consumers,� DOE Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III said. He said the public should be
OIL firms should not charge consumers the higher fuel excise tax yet as the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a clarification after motorists drove in hordes to gas stations amid confusion over the implementation of the new tax law. However, an increase in pump prices is expected following an uptrend in the international market. The DOE, through the Oil Industry Management Bureau
vigilant and report any violation to info@doe.gov.ph or to the Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office at 479-2900 loc. 329. The implementation of excise tax and value added tax (VAT) for petroleum products under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law took effect Monday, January 1. Under the signed TRAIN, gasoline will have a higher excise tax from P4.35 per liter to P7 per liter while new tax rates of P2.50 per liter will be imposed on diesel, P3 per liter on kerosene and
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More casinos to rise outside of entertainment city by IrIs
Gonzales Philstar.com
MORE casinos are expected to rise outside of the Entertainment City in ParaĂąaque as more and more investors bet big on gambling on the back *** The analysis and suggestions offered in of the country’s loose regulations on the industry. Despite the proliferation of several casithis column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for nos around the country, the market isn’t satuthe personalized representation that is rated yet and has room to grow, an expert said. “We think penetration is low and will continue essential to every case. to grow,â€? said gaming analyst Alex Poon, vice (Advertising Supplement) president of Morgan Stanley Research, in an email
Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lima, Peru and Machu Picchu 0D\ WR 0D\ would go to pick it up himself. That was the news May 21 (Monday - Day 1) Los Angeles/Buenos Aires, Argentina (LA 601 agent Bergoglio phoned when he was elected as the Pope to cancel Newspaper delivery. LAXLIM 2130 -0750) Finally we will visit San Ignacio de Loyola church, the first adobe church and the most ancient one in May 22 (Tuesday - Day 2) Buenos Aires, it was built by the Jesuits in 1675 and Buenos Aires (LA 7901 0931 1556) Meet our tour escort, panoramic tours on the way to a declared Historic Monument in 1942. He assumed the position of Superior in this Order until he was elected restaurant for Lunch, at EL Porteno Restaurant, located overlooking the river in Puerto Madero then as the Pope. to Hotel. (D) Tango Show with dinner this evening. May 24 (Thursday - Day 4) Buenos Aires/Lujan Visit the Basilica of Lujan with Lunch Private Services May 23 (Wednesday – Day 3) Buenos Aires Half day city tour of Buenos Aires, will give us an idea with English Speaking Guide - Full Day (8hs 120 kms) about the Demographic,Architectural and Historic Depart from hotel toward the city of Lujan, situated 68 km. from the city of Buenos Aires. This locality, characterisitics of Buenos Aires. Sightseeing includes the Principal spots of the City, considered sacred, developed around the Sanctuary Like Plaza De Mayo,La Rosada,The Cathedral,Avenue of the Virgin of Lujan, and always a center of 9 of July, Theater Colon, Obelisco, National Congress, pilgrimages. Each year in October, there takes The Neighborhood of “La Boca� with its traditional and place an important pilgrimage of the young in the colorful “Ciminito Street�,Plaza San Martin, Recoleta direction of the monumental church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan, which faces the Plaza Belgrano. Cemetery And the Gardens of Palermo. Afternoon tours recreates the life and work of Pope The actual cathedral, with gothic lines, began Francis,during this tour we will discover the real Jorge construction in 1889 but was concluded in 1937. Mario Bergoglio also known as Pope Francis. He has It’s an impressive architectural example as much always been focused on the simplicity of his way of for its facade as for its interior design. Aside from living .He was born in 1936 in the middle or lower appreciating the majestic cathedral, during the tour class neighborhood like Flores, son of italian worker, expect to visit the Historic Colonial Museum, located in the old church that contains a valuable collection his father was a railroader, a humble man. Our first stop is at the neo classical San Jose De of arms and uniforms, objects of art history, colonial Flores Church, where he used to pray as a teenager. silversmithing, indigineous and gaucho arts and the Nearby this Church we can find the house where the Museum of Transport that presents a vast collection of Pope and four siblings grew up with their Parents, carriages, airplanes and the first steam locomotive of the country, named “La Portena.� During the course Regina Maria Sivori and Mario Bergoglio. In this area we will also admire Maria Auxiliadora of the visit, there will be lunch at a local restaurant. Basilica and San Carlos Borromeo Church where the In the afternoon begin the return toward the city of Pope was baptized Christmas of 1936, here you can Buenos Aires and finally the hotel. (B,L,D) appreciate the font. In the 70th Anniversary of his baptism, the church hung a frame with the copy of May 25 (Friday - Day 5) AM departure Buenos the record of the parish book, where you can see his Aires to Lima, Peru (2428 EZELIM 0750 1050) sacramental record (you will be able to see it during Arrive in Lima. A transportation Service with a guide the evening mass). A curious thing about this church will pick us up from the airport and transfer us to is that Carlos Gardel frequented this church and was our Hotel Lunch, will be in a local restaurant, try the part of the choir at the beginning of the 20th century, delicious Pollo a la Brasa. After Lunch will start the tour en route to downtown. you can see a memorial plaque. The Image of Maria Auxiliadora is also important, for We will first go to the Birth house of San Martin De San Lorenzo because Lorenzo Massa was inspired Porres, currently an institution of Social Assistance to by the blue cape of the Virgin to design the team´s the underprivileged that bears his name. t-shirt. This t-shirt was worn by Los Forzosos del There is a small Museum dedicated to St Martin, the Almagro, the first name the team received. These chapel located in the room where he was born and colors have identified the club through history. Then then the dining room, where lunch is served free to the elderly.If you wish to bring any donations, it will be we continue to San Antonio Church. Heading downtown, the tour passes by the Jesuit very appreciated and welcome. College of El Salvador, where Bergoglio taught We will visit the Saint Rose of Lima Church. Visit Santo literature and psychology in the 1960s, and Salvador Domingo Convent ,where the first Peruvian Saints are University which he later oversaw. We will also pass Buried: Saint Martin De Porres and Saint Rose of by Santa Catalina church, which was the first women Lima. Dinner then return to the hotel. Monastery in Buenos Aires City and one of oldest and May 26 (Saturday - Day 6) Lima Fly to Cusco most prestigious convent. The tour ends at Plaza de Mayo where we will walk (LA 2043 LIMCUZ 1455-1612) around the area and see Buenos Aires Archbishopric After breakfast, guided tour of both the colonial and where Bergoglio lived until he was elected pope, the modern sections of Lima, City of Kings�. Colonial Metropolitan Cathedral, which looks more like a Lima includes a visit to the Main Square, located in the classical Greek temple than a typical Catholic church. heart of downtown to view the Government Palace, There, Bergoglio eventually presided as the City’s the Town Hall, The “Desamparados� Train Station ,the archbishop. Inside the imposing building there is the old streets with their vice royal mansions and Moorish tomb of the South American independence hero Jose style balconies, the Bishop Palace with its beautiful de San Martin. A new Museum will be set up in one of balconies and the Cathedral of Lima. (Its outstanding the halls to the left of the central nave of the temple, features are the choir stalls, the Churrigueresque the name will be “Jorge M. Bergoglio Cardinal� .The Chapel of the Immaculate, the main altar and a Christ exhibit will include personal and liturgical objects that made of carved ivory). Then walk towards the Aliaga he used during the archbishopric, like ornaments, House – viceregal house delivered by Francisco cassocks and a pastoral staff that the bishops wear Pizarro to one of his captains (Jeronimo de Aliaga) as a representation of their pastoral function. Here you when the city was established – a jewel of colonial will also find the ring that identified him as a cardinal, architecture currently inhabited by family members. Continue your tour by visiting San Francisco with he decided to give it away to the Cathedral. Then we will pass by Roverano Passage, the first one its convent (considered to be the most important in the City and where we find Romano Hairdresser’s, religious monument of Lima, built in 1542 in Baroque the one that the pope frequented during 20 years. A style and consecrated in 1673) and the museum short distance away we find the news agent’s where of colonial art, cloisters and catabumbs. Your drive he daily bought the newspaper, and on Sundays he through Lima will pass by several Colonial squares,
Fuel price hike not yet due to TRAIN
churches and mansions, and then you will continue to the Modern Districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, for a glimpse of life in this huge city, as well as its beautiful parks, modern buildings and great ocean views. After lunch transfer to the Airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening you will be transferred to local restaurant for Dinner show. Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn – Superior Room Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner May 27 (Sunday - Day 7) Lima - Cusco (Pls Schedule Sunday Mass) Early morning, transfer to Sunday Mass. Rest of the morning Free time. Take the remainder of the morning to nap or relax as you adjust to Cusco high altitude. In the afternoon your guided tour of the Inca Royal City of Cusco starts in the very impressionable Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by a beautiful stone arcade. In the Plaza is the Cathedral, with outside façade in Renaissance style is in contrast to its Baroque and plateresque style of its interiors. The Convent of Santo Domingo was built above the most important Inca Temple, the Temple of the Sun, or Koricancha. Near the City of Cusco, you will visit the Inca Fortress Sacsayhuaman, made up of three gigantic terraces, superimposed in a zigzag form. Qenqo, was a religious centre formed by a singular flowering of calcareous rock. It has underground galleries and a semicircular amphitheater with a series of stone seats. Nearby is a Tambomachay, well known as Baths of the Incas, a place dedicated to the cult of the water, formed by aqueducts, channels. Stop at Pisac Market for a display of colorful native craftsmanship, enjoy Lunch in Urubamba and head for temple of the sun. Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn – Superior Room Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner May 28 (Sunday - Day 8) Cusco - Sacred Valley Your tour will start en route to the Sacred Valley, Where you will visit Awanakancha, a farm of South America camelids and showroom of textiles, where local families show the entire traditional process of weaving and making garments. You will then visit the Pisac citadel, a town shaped as a partridge, which is known for two reasons: for the craft market established between colonial buildings and for housing one of the most impressive complex of agricultural terraces of the valley. The market has scores of stands that exhibit and sell products manufactured by the residents of the area. You will then have lunch at the agreed restaurant and will arrive in Ollantaytambo, a typical example of the urban planning of the Incas, whose residents still live in accordance with their old traditions. Pachacutec (1438-1471) conquered the town, destroyed it and built a new one, absorbing it as part of his empire. The Ollantaytambo fortress is a huge archaeological complex which, although it bears the name of fortress, it was actually a tambo, a leisure city used to accommodate the delegations that traveled long distances. Without a doubt, it is one of the most monumental works of the Inca Empire. Accommodation at Casa Andina Private Collection Urubamba – Superior room. Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch *Important – Tonight, please pack an overnight bag for your journey to Machu Picchu. Due to luggage restrictions aboard the trains to/from Machu Picchu, passengers may only take 1 small bag weighing no more than 5 kg (11 lbs.). The rest of your luggage will be taken to Cusco city and will be stored at your selected hotel. You will retrieve your luggage on May 30
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Marian Pilgrimage France, Spain & Portugal
6HSW WR 6HSW ĹĄ 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5HY -RKQ 'X\ 1JX\HQ the sisters of charity of Nevers. St Gildard convent Sept 8 - (Saturday - Day 1) USA/PARIS Transatlantic flight from USA to Paris (CDG )Meals is her final resting place. After she was blessed with the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, serve on board. St. Bernadette retired in Nevers. She received her religious habit in 1866. Continue to Paray-Le-Monial Sept 9 - (Sunday - Day 2) Paris (CDG) Arrived Paris CDG, Then after we clear immigration for Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) and collect our Luggage,. you will proceed to your hotel and have mass and dinner. Overnight in Paris. Sept 13 - (Thursday - Day 6) Paray-Le-Monial (D) After Breakfast, you will tour Paray-Le-Monial. Your first stop is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Sept 10 - (Monday - Day 3) Paris Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations here you will celebrate Holy Eucharist. Then you will in the world, also known as the City of Light. Full day tour and admire the Romanesque basilica and see touring with local guide, including visit of the Eiffel the Chapel of Apparitions. After the Basilica, you will tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Basilica of Sacre proceed to the Monastere e la Visitation. Visit the Coeur, The chapel of the Miraculous Medal in Rue de reliquary of Saint Margaret Mary of Alocoque at the Bac is the site of Marian Apparitions and contain the Chapel of Visitation. Still to see and visit after lunch reliquaries of St. Catherine Laboure and St. Louise De is the Park of the Chaplain and the Chapel of St. Marillac. The shrine of St. Vincent the Paul is within Colombiere. Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) walking distance, a few blocks from Rue De Bac, visit the chapel which houses the relic of St. Vincent the Sept 14 - (Friday - Day 7) Paray-Le-Monial / Lourdes Paul. Overnight in Paris (BB/D) After breakfast you will continue your pilgrimage to Lourdes. Lourdes, celebrating 160 Years of Sept 11 - (Tuesday - Day 4) Paris/Lisieux After breakfast, Full day in Lisieux, home of St apparitions of Blessed Virgin to Bernadette. Still one Therese, who at age 15, entered the convent and of the great pilgrimages shrines in the world, visited became Carmelite nun, she took the religious name by thousands of pilgrim’s. Arrive in Lourdes in the of St Therese of the child Jesus and the Holy face. late afternoon, orientation to the shrines and spends The spirituality of her little ways was not about some time in the sanctuary. Dinner & overnight. extraordinary things, but rather about doing simple (BB, D) things of life well and with extraordinary love. She believed and taught that “Everything is Graceâ€?, God’s Sept 15 - (Saturday - Day 8) face and presence could be experienced in every Lourdes person and situation of our lives, if we just attend You will have early morning bath at the healing water with love and expectancy. She died at the age of 24 of Lourdes. Then return to the hotel for breakfast. believing that her life was really the beginning for There after attend Holy Mass at the Grotto. continue God, promising to spend her heaven doing good on the day with a walking tour of the shrines and earth, her promisedâ€? shower of Rosesâ€? began and places associated with the life of St. Bernadette. have become a torrent in the church ever since. Spend some time meditating on the passion of our Return to Paris, Dinner in a restaurant near the hotel. Lord through more than life size exotic way of the sacrament and prayers. Afternoon will be free time for Overnight in Lisieux (BB, D) private devotion. Dinner/overnight (BB, D) Sept 12 - (Wednesday - Day 5) Sept 16 - (Sunday - Day 9) Lisieux / Nevers / Paray-Le-Monial After Breakfast, Continue your drive to the Lourdes / Zaragoza picturesque Loire valley to Nevers, visit the convent After Breakfast, you’ll continue your drive towards of St. Gillard, where St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body Zaragoza, Spain. Visit the shrines of Our Lady of miraculously preserved since her death in 1879. Pillar, the 2nd most popular pilgrimages sites in At the conclusion of the eighteen apparitions of Spain. See the Magnificent altar in the Basilica, built the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, St. Bernadette lived on site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to for 12 years as a member of the congregation of the apostles St. James, before her assumption into May 29 (Tuesday - Day 9) Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu After Breakfast Board the Vistadome train and travel through the sacred Valley of the Incas on the way to Aguas Calientes, then Hop on the Bus headed to the Citadel, explore Machu Picchu with a Guided tour and admire the seven Wonders of the World, enjoy exploring the sites. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu’s Aguas Calientes Station, you’ll meet your guide and will take a 30-minute shuttle-bus ride to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incasâ€?. The ruins are located in a lush jungle and are believed to have been built in the mid-15th century by Inca Pachacutec. Lost in history, it was not discovered until 1911 by the merican explorer Hiram Bingham. Enjoy a guided tour of the fabled ruins. Now Recognized as a member of the new 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a marvelous and famous citadel which combines the visual and spiritual force of magnificent natural scenery with the natural diversity of a historic sanctuary. Machu Picchu is recognized as a Cultural and Natural Patrimony of the World which rises to an altitude of 7,900 feet above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). It lies within the spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of nearby jungle and the rugged landscape. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu Mountain in two separate areas – agricultural and
urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings, canalizations) and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares, royal houses). Although the constructions show different levels of architecture, the religious buildings exhibits a high degree of perfection. The construction was generally in stone and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with ichu or straw. The walls lean slightly inward to protect against earthquakes. Later, board the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Overnight at Casa Sel Sol boutique Hotel – Standard room. Meals include: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner.
heaven. Dinner/overnight Zaragoza (BB, D) Sept 17 - (Monday - Day 10) Zaragoza / Salamanca After breakfast you will embark on a trip to Salamanca. You will have a short stop and panoramic tour of Avila. Upon arrival in Salamanca, you will visit the Old Cathedral and tour the city. Dinner /overnight Salamanca (BB, D) Sept 18 - (Tuesday - Day 11) Salamanca / Fatima After Breakfast, you will spend the first half of the day touring Salamanca. You will visit the new cathedral with a short stop at Plaza Mayor for lunch. After lunch you will continue to Fatima, the famous Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Upon arrival you will have a short orientation tour of the Sanctuary. Attend the nightly Candlelight procession at the Shrine. Dinner and Overnight Fatima (BB, D) Sept 19 - (Wednesday - Day 12) Fatima Breakfast, then Visit the Museum dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by Mass at the Apparitions chapel, Full day Guided tours includes the Shrines ground, visit of the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta in the Basilica, In Aljustrel and Valinhos, you see the two homes of the shepherds, site of Our Lady’s fourth apparitions. Stop at the Parish church where the seers were baptized, and the cemetery where Francisco and Jacinta were once buried. You will do the station of the Cross. We encourage everyone to spend some time in the Blessed Sacrament, which is open every day. Dinner/ overnight Fåtima. (BB, D) Sept 20 - (Thursday - Day 13) Fatima / Lisbon After breakfast ,you will proceed to Lisbon with stops at Santarem to visit the church of the Holy Miracle containing the Glorious 13th century Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem .Then you will do a panoramic city tour of Lisbon, with a visit to the Basilica of St Anthony de Padua, St Jeronimo’s Monastery and the famous Belem Tower. Dinner/Overnight Lisbon (BB, D) Sept 21 - (Friday) Early AM transfer to Lisbon Airport for flight home to USA Full of wonderful memories of Our Pilgrimage
meters in the middle, on which they placed two large wooden boards. Thus, the Incas could isolate the city and protect themselves by removing them. Later take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, head to the train station and board the Vistadome train Ollantaytambo station. On arrival, you will be transferred to your selected hotel in Cusco city. Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn – Superior Room Meals included: Breakfast, dinner at the hotel *Important – The visits to Huayna Picchu have a restricted access to 400 passengers per day – 200 at 7:00 a.m. and 200 at 10:00 a.m. This entrance is subject to availability and the guests have to choose and inform their preferred scheduled with time in advance. Guests’ information such as complete May 30 (Wednesday - Day 10) Machu Picchu name, passport number, nationality, date of birth and pre payment are required to purchase the to Cusco After having breakfast today, you will meet your guide entrance fee. Entrance fees to Huayana Picchu and at the lobby of the hotel and will enjoy a second visit Machu Picchu are non refundable/non endorsable. to Machu Picchu. You may climb the Wayna Picchu (entrance fee May 31, 2018 (Thursday - Day 11) End of the included), which means “Young Mountain� as opposed tour, flight schedule as below to Machu Picchu. Its ascent takes approximately an 6:10 am Transfer to airport to board your flight to Lima hour and its top attraction is the “Temple of the Moon�, Cusco - Lima- Lax (LA2054 CUZLIM 0840 1010) a complex of underground constructions probably Upon arrival, connect with your international flight used for the elite. You may finally go to the Inca Bridge, LAX ( LA600 LIMLAX 1220 1900) an amazing stone construction which served to enter Welcome Back home to USA or exit the citadel that has an empty space of several
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COMMUNITY JOURNAL
JANUARY 5-11, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
Criminal convictions and immigration law
The CTV Files ATTY. LILLI B. BACULI WHAT makes a non-citizen deportable? An alien or noncitizen, including a lawful permanent resident (“green card” holder) is deportable for having a conviction relating to controlled substances. Title 8 U.S.C. Section 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) states: “Any alien who at any time after admission has been convicted of a violation of . . . any law or regulation of a State, the United States, or a foreign country relating to a controlled substance (as defined in section 802 of Title 21), other than a single offense involving possession for one’s own use of 30 grams or less of marijuana, is deportable. What counts as a “conviction” for immigration purposes? “The term “conviction” means, with respect to an alien, a formal judgment of guilt of the alien entered by a court or, if adjudication of guilt has been withheld, where – (i) a judge or jury has found the alien guilty or the
alien has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or has admitted sufficient facts to warrant a finding of guilt, and (ii) the judge has ordered some form of punishment, penalty, or restraint on the alien’s liberty to be imposed, including fine, court costs or probation. Immigration consequences of a drug conviction. A non-citizen alien will still have a drug conviction for immigration purposes even after a dismissal of his/her charges following completion of a drug diversion program or a DEJ. As such, a permanent resident/green card holder who is deportable can be stripped of his or her lawful status and permanently removed (deported) from the United States. A lawful permanent resident who agrees to plead guilty in exchange for probation or entry in a diversion program or a DEJ, even after dismissal of charges under PC 1000.3, will have a conviction and will be automatically deportable and inadmissible. Worse, since this will be considered a drug conviction, the green
cardholder will also be subject to mandatory immigration detention without bond. California residents often are detained in federal prisons in isolated areas in Arizona or Texas, far from family or counsel. This is because a diversion program or a DEJ is a conviction for immigration purposes in that there is a plea and some form of punishment and restraint. Thus, although California considers there to be no conviction if the court dismisses the charges based on the defendant completing DEJ requirements, the conviction still stands under immigration laws. To eliminate a conviction for immigration purposes, the plea must be withdrawn for cause, due to a legal defect in the underlying case. The Kelly Memorandum of February 20, 2017. On February 20, 2017, the Department of Homeland (DHS) Security Secretary John Kelly issued a new policy memorandum, announcing that DHS will no longer exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential
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http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
Mindfulness as virtue
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
“Be present. It is the only thing that matters.” –Way of the Peaceful Warrior
MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA THESE are the best of times. These are the worst of times. Charles Dickens could have said these words just as fittingly to apply to this tech crazy world we live in today. There are far too many distractions emanating from tech wizardry that derail us from being mindful — that glorious state of mind which allows us to fully live joyfully while recognizing and appreciating the present moment. Mindfulness is a skill borne of discipline. It is the mental and deeply spiritual process of laser focusing one’s energy and full attention to the sensations and experiences happening right now. This skill effectively places all other concerns in the back burner while fully engaged in the moment. Mindfulness has become a highly valued skill in today’s extremely distracting world seemingly spinning at warp speed. It is essentially a mental skill that can be honed and developed by consciously tuning out all distractions through the discipline of regular prayer and meditation. It is the finely honed craft of just being yourself in the moment, without the baggage of the past or the anxieties of the future. It is considering the present moment as a gift to be relished and enjoyed fully. Do you feel incomplete, naked, inept and insecure when
Health@Heart
Food contamination
PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS
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because of the potent power it helps wield over us? Certainly not. It would be a big mistake to blame technology for our present woes. Just like fire and electricity and practically all of man’s tools and inventions through the ages, technology is a double-edged sword. It can enhance human life or it can destroy just as well. The fault, dear tech user, is not in our stars but in ourselves. It is how we define our relationship with technology and use it in our daily lives. We can be the boss of it. Or if we lose control, we can let ourselves be obsessed by it. It can wreak havoc on our souls, our persona and ultimately our lives. How do we know if technology has us wrapped around its little keypads? It is easy enough to self-diagnose this condition. When we are no longer mindful of our present conditions and depend on technology overly much to do the thinking for us, then we are truly in deep doodoo. People have become so preoccupied and distracted by the mind boggling possibilities presented by multitasking that is engendered by a tech-enhanced way of life, that they tend to forget what is important and what truly matters. How badly can it get? There are horror stories of mindless idiocy. Countless car accidents
you are not tethered electronically to your cellphone or your computer? Do you feel less of a person? Take heart. You are not alone. There are billions of us in this increasingly wired world. The advances in communication technology have created a world where we can send and receive information at breakneck speed. The thoughts, the images of anyone, from kings to paupers, from the most profound to the most profane, from the wisest to the most foolish, from the most beautiful to the most horrific, once formed, can be transmitted to billions of people around the electronically wired community. Just like the common cold, thoughts and images “go viral…” The power of a message is now measured by the number of tweets, hits and views it gets. Many are choosing to live in virtual reality rather than in the real world believing they can safely hide behind a cloak of anonymity. Disabuse yourself of the idea. No one remains anonymous for long. No one in the internet is sacrosanct. These thoughts and images go around fast just like the weather patterns that change and swirl around the globe. And just like the weather, our cultural world is being shaped by our collective thoughts within the structure and framework of the technologically wired environment we live in today. Do we then damn technology
WHAT is food poisoning? Food poisoning is a variety of illnesses caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, toxins or chemicals. This is more common during holidays and summertime. The symptoms usually include diarrhea, abdominal pains and vomiting. The diarrhea and vomiting could be so severe as to cause extreme dehydration, which, if untreated and unabated, could be fatal. How does bacterial contamination occur? Raw food may have bacteria in it or may be contaminated by unsanitary handling. These bacteria then grow and multiply, and when the “infected” food is eaten, the growth and multiplication of the bacteria continue in the stomach or bowel, producing symptoms of food poisoning. This leads to abdominal pains, diarrhea and vomiting, which are part of the body’s defensive ways of getting rid of the offending bacteria. The most common bacteria causing food poisoning is Listeria Salmonella, usually from poultry or infected eggs, specifically duck eggs), Clostridia (contamination by dirt or flies), and Shigella and Escherichia coli (fecal contamination of food and/or water). What about toxins? Food that is kept in a warm place, or improperly preserved, can produce chemicals called
toxins. One of the commonest is the Staphylococci toxin from Staphylococci bacteria that can be transmitted by a careless food handler with a boil or infected wound full of the Staph bacteria. Botulism (due to Clostridium Botulinum), from badly tinned or bottled food, is not very common but can be fatal. When the contaminated food is ingested, severe gastrointestinal symptoms may occur. What chemical poisons are found in food? There are some common food items that contain natural chemical poisons. Some fungi are very poisonous even when eaten in tiny quantities, causing irregular heartbeat, coma or even death. The green areas on potatoes which have been exposed to the light, uncooked kidney beans, some nuts, etc., contain poisonous chemicals, which can cause symptoms of food poisoning if inadequately cooked. Not properly washing fruits and vegetables that are contaminated with pesticides can also cause food poisoning. Some mushrooms are poisonous and not edible. What bacteria grows on cooked rice? Bacillus cereus thrives and multiples in cooked rice and can cause food poisoning. The bacteria produces chemical toxin which is very resistant and not destroyed even by high temperatures. The best way to prevent this is by refrigerating left over rice, which should be consumed within 48 hours. The symptoms of food poisoning usually start
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fairly suddenly with abdominal pains, frequently cramping in nature and soon followed by diarrhea. The pains can be persistent for a few days and become worst before an episode of diarrhea or vomiting. Throwing up may cease after a few hours but the diarrhea may continue for days. If the illness is due to bacterial contamination, the symptoms appear about 12-24 hours after ingestion, but if it is due to toxins, the onset of symptoms comes rapidly, usually within minutes after eating the contaminated food. Severe botulism begins after about 12 hours with vomiting, abdominal cramps, and may culminate in paralysis and coma. Is food poisoning dangerous? Obviously, yes, as discussed above. In young children and among the elderly, dehydration is the main danger. Vomiting and diarrhea can result in a rapid loss of body fluids and electrolytes. This can disrupt the very delicate chemical balance in the body and, if not treated early, can lead to coma and even death. Botulinum and Staph toxins are in themselves dangerous, and the poisoning can be fatal, if not managed in a timely and proper fashion. How do we prevent food poisoning? Good environmental and personal hygiene, proper food preparation, handling and storage, avoidance of questionable food (fruit or potato salad and
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Business News
No final solution to PH traffic congestion by REICELENE JOY IGNACIO ManilaTimes.net
EVERYONE will just have to grin and bear it as the country´s horrendous traffic, especially in Metro Manila, can only be reduced and not eliminated. This is the grim observation of Thomas Orbos, Transportation undersecretary and concurrent manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), despite a host of planned and ongoing infrastructure projects nationwide. “Traffic cannot be resolved as we want it to be resolved,” he told The Manila Times, “but what we are pushing is for it to be reduced.” Interagency effort In an effort to reduce traffic congestion, the government formed an inter-agency council for traffic called the i-ACT that “has gone beyond Metro Manila,” Orbos said. “We have seen that traffic in Metro Manila is not caused by Metro Manila alone, but also by nearby cities and provinces like Cavite, Laguna and Bulacan. These places are also affected by traffic.” Consisting of representatives from the Transportation department, MMDA, Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group, Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board, and the Land Transportation Office, i-ACT is also complemented by a government´s partnership with Singapore, which is aimed
File photo by Manila Times
to come up with an intelligent transportation system for Metro Manila. “We are fortunate to have an agreement with the Singapore government,” Orbos said. “Part of the ones we consider is the congestion pricing, which charges motorists when they use certain roads during peak hours on a pay-as-you-go basis.” He also said that the Transportation department was likewise eyeing to deploy i-ACT personnel to Cebu early next year. “There is a budget allocated in the General Appropriations Act of 2017,” he stressed. “However, moving forward, instead of asking for a regular budget, agencies have to allow their own budget to con-
tribute to i-ACT. It would not be that expensive. It would be more on gasoline and transportation allowances.” The private sector, meanwhile, is being urged to consider investing in intelligent transport systems, to help alleviate traffic congestion in the Philippines. “A lot of intelligent transport systems can be applied in our cities, whether in land, in air, in maritime,” Jose Regin Regidor, former director of the National Center of Transportation Studies, at the University of the Philippines – Diliman, said in a recent forum. “It requires a lot of technology that are already becoming cheaper and where
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COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Citizen Pinoy is honored at the Migration Advocacy and Media Awards for advocating the cause of Filipinos overseas TFC’s weekly program and “passport to immigration information,” “Citizen Pinoy,” won the Television Journalism Award – Best Regular TV Program Category in the 2017 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards this past December. Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, leading U.S. immigration attorney and host of “Citizen Pinoy,” expressed his gratitude during the awards ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila, Philippines during International Migrants Day, December 18, 2017. Atty. Gurfinkel said that he is “really humbled and honored about the award because it represents the recognition of the Filipino Overseas Worker and the sacrifices they have made, especially those in America where they leave their families behind, wondering if or when they will ever see their families again.” “Citizen Pinoy (CP)” is a weekly program that airs on ABS-CBN International’s TFC. The show specializes in helping the Filipino community deal with immigration issues and legal problems in North America. Atty. Gurfinkel further expounds that the goal of CP is to explain about (immigration) procedures, featuring success stories, to give Filipinos pag-asa (hope). Every success story of “Citizen Pinoy” is filled with heart-wrenching and heart-warming stories of separation, sacrifice and salvation. Other episodes take on the Q & A format to better answer the concerns of viewers. The MAM Awards was conceived in 2011 by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) to honor December as the Month of Overseas Filipinos, and to celebrate International Migrants Day in the Philippines every December 18. The panel of judges for the MAM Awards is
headed by CFO Interim OIC Maria Regina Angela Galias, with members from the different migration and media institutions, which include Philippine Migrants Rights Watch, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Presidential Communications Operations Office, Philippine Information Agency, Film Development Council of the Philippines, and National Press Club of the Philippines. Galias shared: “Media has become a very strong force in society right now. So, we’re happy that through the MAM awards we are able to locate and find out about the advocacies of media outside the Philippines – to really share the good news of what’s happening outside and not only bad news about OFs. Let’s change the narrative of migration.” The CFO selected 10 winners from among entries submitted from around the world, each telling stories that advocate for the rights of the overseas Filipino, across various media platforms. Galias said she appreciates how the entries from around the world depict stories of empowerment. “I like how the various entries show how our overseas Filipinos are able to contribute and help their fellowmen wherever they are. And then there are people like Atty. Gurfinkel, who may not be Filipino by blood, but are willing to help Filipinos through their own advocacies.” Atty. Gurfinkel happily expressed, “this is such a wonderful job I have because what I do brings families together and helps the people achieve their American dream.” “Citizen Pinoy” airs nationwide in the U.S. and Canada on TFC on Sundays at 6:15 p.m. (PST) with replays the following Sundays at 2 a.m. (PST). The program also airs in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. ■
ABS-CBN International/The Filipino Channel’s (TFC) weekly program, “Citizen Pinoy,” hosted by leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, won for Best Regular TV Show on Migration at the 2017 Migration Advocacy and Media Awards. Photo courtesy of Sam Simbulan
Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ PRESIDENT Trump wants to eliminate “chain migration,” which allows people to petition extended family members, such as brothers and sisters, married children, adult (over 21) children, and even parents. The only family-based petitions that would remain would be for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens or green card holders. The president further wants to replace our current immigration system with a merit-based system, that prioritizes skills and economic contributions over family connections. In other words, the president wants to cut back on family petitions, and focus more on a point system for skilled employment-based green cards. Right now, these are only proposals, and not yet law. However, if a person can file these family-based petitions, they should seriously consider doing so while it is still possible. I fully realize that some petitions, such as brothers and sisters of
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 5-11, 2018
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Filing family petitions before Trump ends “Chain Migration” U.S. citizens, can take up to 30 years. Other family-based petitions can take 10 or more years. But it is possible the waiting time could be shorter eventually, and if you don’t file the petitions while you’re able to, and if these proposals become law, you will lose the opportunity to do so in the future. The same consideration should be given in connection with unskilled jobs, such as caregivers, as President Trump believes low-skilled immigration has suppressed wages of U.S. workers, fueled unemployment, and has strained federal resources. Again, if there is an opportunity to petition a caregiver, or be petitioned as a caregiver, a person should seriously consider that while it is still available. I know times are tough and pathways to legalization are becoming more difficult. That is why you should consult with an attorney, who can advise you of possible avenues and options available to you, while they still
exist, and before Pres. Trump eliminates them. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
FRAUD WAIVER DENIAL TURNED AROUND TO APPROVAL WITH NO FRAUD WAIVER REQUIRED, ON THIS SUNDAY’S ‘CITIZEN PINOY!’ Wilma entered the U.S. on a C-1 “transit” visa, on her way to work in Guantanamo, Cuba. She remained in the U.S., married a U.S. citizen, and filed for adjustment of status. A “consultant” gave her hope and said he would take care of Wilma’s papers. Unfortunately, the consultant altered Wilma’s documents and put down false information (that she entered on a visitor’s visa), to cover up that she actually entered on a C-1 transit visa. Her case ended up being denied because of fraud! Wilma then consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, who took over the case, and filed an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Washington, DC. Atty Gurfinkel convinced them that Wilma committed no fraud, and was eligible for a green card, despite her entry on a transit visa. Watch how Atty. Gurfinkel’s determination won the day for Wilma, when her name was cleared, and she got her green card with no fraud waiver required, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
Criminal convictions and...
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This is “Citizen Pinoy’s” second win. The show won its first Best Regular TV Program on Migration award in 2011.
enforcement. Pursuant to the Kelly Memorandum of February 20, 2017, noncitizens are removable if they – (i) have been convicted of any criminal offense; (ii) have been charged with any criminal offense that has not been resolved; (iii) have engaged in fraud or willful misrepresentation in connection with any official matter before a governmental agency; (iv) have abused any program related to receipt of public benefits; (v) are subject to a final order of removal but have not complied with their legal obligation to depart the U.S.; (vi) in the judgment of an immigration officer, otherwise pose a risk to public safety or national security. Negative Consequences of
Criminal Conviction. The Record of Conviction details an individual’s criminal history. More importantly, the relief(s) available to an individual facing deportation will depend largely on that individual’s record of conviction. Thus, even “just a misdemeanor” can make a non-citizen deportable, even if that person is a long-time green card holder and has lived in the United States for 20 years. Therefore, it is very important to understand that before taking a plea deal, consult with a deportation defense attorney. No two cases are exactly the same. Consult with an experienced and competent immigration attorney immediately, and more importantly prior to filing any applications with the USCIS, or prior to pleading to anything
Calendar of Events across
The board of judges including Philippine Migrants’ Rights Watch President Carmelita Nuqui (center) and Commission on Filipinos Overseas OIC Ma. Regina Galias (right) award leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (2nd from right), “Citizen Pinoy’s” second win from the CFO Migration Advocacy and Media Awards.
in any court, in order to explore their options and possible legal ramifications that they might be facing. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 4958088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys. com. For general information visit www. chuatinsayvega.com. (Advertising Supplement)
America
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Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague celebration in Los Angeles The Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Friday, January 12 at 7 p.m. The history of the Infant Jesus of Prague started in the 17th century when a statue of the Infant Jesus was brought into Bohemia (now Czech Republic) and eventually was given to the Discalced Carmelites in Prague. Since then, the statue has remained in Prague and has drawn many devotees worldwide to go and honor the Holy Child. Many graces, blessings, favors and miraculous healings have been received by many who petitioned before the Infant Jesus. You are invited to a Special Mass Celebration of the Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels with Bishop Joseph V. Brennan as main celebrant. The special celebration features the relic of the holy robes that the Infant Jesus wears at the shrine in Prague, Czech Republic and it is brought to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for the third time by the Holy Trinity Ministry. Now that the Divine Child of Prague comes to touch our hearts, participants have the unique and holy opportunity to touch his holy robe. Bring your Infant Jesus Statue to touch the Holy Robe of the Infant Jesus of Prague. Philippine Migrants’ Rights Watch President Carmelita Nuqui (left) and Commission on Filipinos Overseas Officer in Charge (OIC) Ma. Regina Galias (right) award TFC representatives (from left to right) Segment Head for ABS-CBN Asia Pacific Eric Martin Santos; “Citizen Pinoy” host Atty. Michael Gurfinkel and campaign TV commercial “Papa’s Boy” producer Francis Bryan Lua for their back-to-back wins.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
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Business news
No final solution to PH traffic...
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the private sector could help in a lot.” He also pointed out the lack of railway projects that are important to facilitate the movement of goods. The Transportation department has already announced that construction of the NSRP, or North South Railway Project, would start by 2019. Also known as the PNR South Long Haul, NSRP is a 653-kilometer railway project that will run from Manila to Batangas, Laguna, Bico, and Sorsogon. It is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2022. “If we can get to Los Baños from Manila in 45 minutes, that means that every town between Manila and Los Baños becomes more attractive to live in, because you can just use the train to travel,” Transportation Assistant Secretary for Rails Timothy Batan said in an interview. He added that the availability of train will reduce car usage and would help lessen traffic problem in the region. Infra projects pushed The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, in the meantime, said there were projects in the pipeline that would help solve
the traffic problem in the metropolis. “Undergoing construction are the Skyway Stage 3 and the Metro Rail Transit-7,” said Ferdinand Pecson, the center’s executive director. “The NLEX-SLEX connector is also on its stages of pre-construction.” Pecson also noted unsolicted proposals for the East-West Rail Project (EWRP) that would connect Diliman, in Quezon City to España Blvd. in Manila, and the New Manila Airport, which is seen to be an alternative or a replacement for the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). While the EWRP has not yet been approved by the National Economic and Development Authority, he said that this was already being considered at the Investment Coordination Committee level. The removal or transfer of an airport from the metropolis, meanwhile, is being considered by some urban planners and experts as this has been done in other countries. The Japan International Cooperation Agency, for instance, said that NAIA must be replaced by a new facility, preferrably in Sangley, Cavite. The international think tank CAPA Aviation Center, however, had
to The STAR. An industry player, meanwhile, agreed there is room to grow as long as it is outside the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor’s) Entertainment City in Parañaque. “As long as they build it outside Entertainment City, it is okay. But here, it is already enough,” said an industry player who owns and operates one of four licensed integrated casino resorts in the 100-hectare gaming hub. Duterte’s pivot to China has paved the way for more Mainland Chinese players visiting the country, promising rosy prospects for the gaming sector, the same source said. As it is now, casinos are sprawling outside Metro Manila. For one, Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd., the world famous Macau-based casino operator, and Leisure and Resorts World Corp. (LRWC) are building a world-class beach resort and casino in Boracay Island in Panay. LRWC is the listed gaming
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company founded by Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez. The joint venture is pouring in $300- to $500-million for the project which has no definite timetable yet. Businessman Dennis Uy, founder of Davao-based Phoenix Petroleum and a known ally of Duterte, is also building LapuLapu Leisure Mactan, a $341 million integrated casino resort in Cebu, the first of its kind outside Metro Manila. Uy is also looking to expand his presence in the casino sector, industry sources said. Raymundo Martin Escalona, director for special projects of Udenna, said Lapu-Lapu would be the “best casino” in Cebu, designed by no less than architect Paul Steelman, designer of The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, The Sands in Macau and the Entertainment City’s Solaire Resort. Meanwhile, MJC Investments Corp., a joint venture between the Reynos’ Manila Jockey Club and a group of Hong Kong strategic investors, also formally opened Winford Hotel & Casino,
Mindfulness as virtue... for long stretches of time without having to check your phone or your computer for messages that you feel compelled to respond to ASAP. As I have said in another article championing the cause of living mindfully in the moment, “Log off and enjoy your hot chocolate.” Unless your work involves saving lives, taking a vacation from technology may prove to offer a higher quality of life by getting back to a state of mindfulness. Eventually, as we learn to synch and balance our lives with our tech tools, they will be obedient dogs serving us as their master. Think of the perks. We get to appreciate the present mo-
ment and appreciate and deeply love the people we are with right then and there. We get to “Carpe Diem” and experience joy in real time. We get to open our eyes and our hearts to the beauty and infinite majesty of just breathing and knowing LIFE IS GOOD– so good you can feel it in your bones. Best of all, we get to reserve the eminent right to remain essentially human — ever mindful that we are created in God’s own image and likeness. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
rhea and vomiting, which could be life threatening. Young children and the elderly can become very ill fast, since they succumb rapidly to dehydration, so medical consultation, or even hospitalization, may be needed early. Antibiotics may be given where indicated to clear up the infection, but as a rule they are usually not used because they may sometimes worsen the condition. Fortunately, most of the food poisoning cases respond well to fluid replacement. Possible botulism patients should be hospitalized without delay. The stomach may be pumped out and botulism anti-toxin given to counteract paralysis. Those who are very ill may need ventilator support in the ICU. An antidote may be needed for fungal food poisoning. All the evaluation and decision on the management are best handled by the attending physi-
cian. After surviving the acute stage, the patient is expected to recover fully with excellent prognosis. However, just like most other illnesses, food poisoning is best prevented. In majority of situations, this is within our power.
said the NAIA should only be PAGE CJ2 t upgraded and not privatized, dis- borne of texting while driving, couraging the construction of a are a testament to the tragic loss of mindfulness and by extennew airport. San Miguel Corp has already sion, common sense, among us been granted original proponent earthlings. Witness the number of news status for the construction of an airport in Bulacan. Transpor- items about overly busy, distation Undersecretary Manuel tracted working parents who Tamayo, however, has said that forget that they have babies Sangley would be a more ad- strapped in car seats in the back vantageous location. “In terms of their cars leaving them to die of proximity, assuming that the in the heat of the sun. It is a sad intention is to close down the commentary that while we have existing NAIA, Sangley is defi- all the technological aids at our nitely at an advantage because disposal to make our lives betof its distance, but it is going to ter, we fail to use them approbe more expensive because you priately. How do we detox? Try going would have to reclaim,” he qualified. Transportation Secretary tech free at designated times or Arthur Tugade has also said he was open to the idea of building an airport in Sangley. Seven private firms, meanwhile, have just announced plans PAGE CJ2 t to form a consortium that will bid dishes sautéed with tomato that to rehabilitate and modernize have been exposed for more NAIA. “If it is awarded to a pri- than an hour at a party or picnic vate corporation, the concession under hot weather, mussels and would be so long—25 years or up other shelled foods that remain to 50 years—depending on the closed after cooking, poultry or investments involved,” Tamayo meats (hamburgers, etc) that are noted. This was echoed by Pec- not thoroughly cooked, and can son, who also said “the conces- goods that are of questionable sion period needed to recover freshness, that are “expired,” or the project [cost]is quite long.” n with bulging top, are some basic preventive measures that can be taken to prevent food poisoning. The prudent practice and common sense dictum is “if in doubt, a hotel, gaming and entertain- discard.” What is the mainstay of therment project within Manila’s Chinatown in Sta. Cruz, Manila. apy? This depends on the cause Enrique Razon’s Solaire is also building a P20-billion resort in of the food poisoning: bacteria, Quezon City, his second casino toxin or chemical. But basically, oral and/or intravenous fluid reafter the Entertainment City. Over in the north, the Ca- placement is the key to prevent gayan Economic Zone Authority further dehydration from fluid (CEZA), operator of the freeport and electrolyte loss from diarzone in Cagayan, said there would also be integrated gaming resorts in the area. CEZA administrator and CEO Secretary Raul Lambino said PAGE CJ1 t First Cagayan Leisure and Resort P2.50 per liter on auto liquefied Corp. (FCLRC) and the North petroleum gas (LPG). Cagayan Gaming and AmuseFor VAT, the new rates under ment Corp. (NCGAC), would en- the TRAIN applicable to consure that only legitimate gaming sumers also become effective on companies would operate at the Jan. 1, 2018. economic zone. But last week’s international In all, gaming operators oil trading may affect the doaround the globe are looking for mestic prices of gasoline, diesel new markets and many are set- and kerosene, the DOE said. ting their sights on the PhilipAdjustments on petroleum pines given its loose regulation products are implemented every and growing young population. Tuesday of the week. Morgan Stanley’s Poon said The agency estimates that Duterte’s pivot to China has also gasoline prices may increase by led to better ties with China and around P0.15 per liter, diesel by has translated to more Chinese around P0.60 per liter and kerovisitor arrivals.n sene by around P0.55 per liter.
However, these findings may still be affected by trading activities last Friday, December 29. During last week’s trading, DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said the OIMB’s monitoring noted that oil prices have soared to twoand-a-half year highs as a result of an explosion on a crude pipeline in Libya, coupled with the voluntary supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). With the explosion in Es Sider port pipeline, Libya saw a 90,000 barrel per day drop in crude oil production. This has further put pressure
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SERVICES
Food contamination...
More casinos to rise outside...
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*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com (Advertising Supplement)
Fuel price hike not yet due... on production after a North Sea pipeline went on outage in the previous week. Higher oil prices were also supported by the strong demand for crude imports in China and increased US refining activity that drew more crude from inventories, which decreased six million barrels for the week ending Dec. 22, DOE monitoring showed. The DOE stringently monitors oil trading in the international market and analyzes its effects on the domestic prices of petroleum products as mandated by the Oil Deregulation Law of 1998.n
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JANUARY 5-11, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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Friday, January 5, 2018
SF2
cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 5, 2018
A
SF Magazine’S top 10 coverS For 2017
look bAck At Filipino newsmAkers, successes And heritAge
tHe year 2017 was an interesting and exciting year for Filipinos and Filipinoamericans alike. apart from the negativity we read and hear in the media, there are
stories that celebrate Filipino heritage and culture. Here are some of the top stories that made it to the cover of SF Magazine in the past year:
Fil-Am tattoo artist Niño Lapid on his craft and meeting GSW’s Steph Curry
right after the golden State Warriors’ (gSW) win 1st Cinematografo International Film Festival at the nBa championship, artist niño Lapid name imthe first cinematografo mediately came out in the international Film Festival news. this was because his (ciFF) opened from nov. 9 to art made it to the gSW’s star 12 in San Francisco, a project player Steph curry’s arm. of aBS-cBn international. the right after gSW’s win, festival is named after “cinSteph and his whole famematografo,” which was the ily celebrated by holding a first movie theater in the philiptattoo party at his home, all pines that opened in 1897. done by niño. cinematografo internationa tattoo artist for zebra al Film Festival, whose executattoo and Body piercing tive Director is John-D Lazatin in Walnut creek, in the Bay and Festival Director is Miguel area for seven years now, Sevilla, will feature full-length niño explained that he enfilms, shorts and documentajoys working with his bosses ries, aside from industry panels A scene from the FIlipino film ‘Outrun’. Moe and Siobhan Delfani. that Lazatin and Sevilla hope He also shared that being in San Francisco where the few” who are able to give this will bring exciting interaction able to ink curry and his sights, sounds, smell, textures chance to Filipino and Filipino among artists, filmmakers and family was “destiny.” and tastes form an energizing american filmmakers. the audiences. “We had that call in the cultural, multidimensional kaleiaccording to Lazatin, who in creating the ciFF, Lazatin afternoon and the next thing doscope. to reflect that living is aBS-cBn global Head of said that his main objective diversity, the film selection and you know it, we were there,” Film Distribution theatricals was to give Filipino filmmakers he said in an interview with content creators were comand north america producand artists the opportunity to the Asian Journal. tion, “the ciFF is your first date bined to yield a flavorful, tasty have their works showcased in “[My] initial reaction was i cinematic mix with enough with the Filipino storyteller. the international stage. While was shocked…jaw dropped, harm, intrigue and mystery and where best to have this claiming to not be the first to open mouth…eyes wide so moviegoers end up with a first date but in the city that do this, Lazatin said that, “it open. i had butterflies in my unique experience.” breathes diversity – right here feels good to be among the stomach on the way to their
‘The Girl Who Sees’: Fil-Ams design new video game on Filipino culture & mythology a group of Fil-ams are seeking to change the lack of Filipino representation in the international gaming industry with the creation of “the girl Who Sees,” a fantasy video game that is based on Filipino culture and mythology. Set during the Japanese occupation of the philippines during World War ii, “the girl Who Sees” is a 2D point-andclick adventure role-playing game (rpg) that follows Quina Laban (the tagalog word for fight), a young Filipina girl living in a fishing village. She encounters mythological creatures, like a duwende (dwarf) or kapre (tree giant), and embarks on quests, such as translating a mysterious ancient scroll. With the scroll, Quina hopes to uncover “this secret [to] explain why she suddenly
gains the power to see tagalog words everywhere she turns,” according to the game’s creator and project lead, pattie Umali. Umali shared that “the girl Who Sees” looks to make strides as the first game of its kind catering to the Filipino diaspora — including the first internationally-released, kidfriendly adventure game about ancient philippine mythology and the first game in the United States to focus on Filipino culture. the idea of the game first came about sometime in 2016 when Umali was pursuing a master’s degree in international and intercultural communication at american University in Washington, Dc and had taken some courses at the game Lab. Later that year, she participated in the global game Jam,
house,” niño shared. “it was mixed emotions — excited and nervous at the same time. But it was an amazing experience.” it was indeed a surreal experience for niño, sharing that the curry family were enjoying their win, dancing and just having a great time while he was doing their tattoos. “the attention i got was from all over the world which is very insane,” he said. “people are hitting me up on Facebook and instagram.” not that he hasn’t known
“The Girl Who Sees” is a 2D point-and-click adventure role-playing game (RPG) that follows Quina Laban (the Tagalog word for fight), a young Filipina girl living in a fishing village.
where she met cherisse Datu and nathan Hahn, who are both now part of the design and development team of “the girl Who Sees.” though the target audience is 10 to 30 years old, the team says it can transcend generations and age groups — kids can play it with their parents and other older relatives and start conversations their own stories— and cater to those who don’t have much experience playing video games.
Fil-Am footwear pioneer Rich ‘One’ Cofinco: Keeping the vision pursuing the arts is risky business, but Filipino-american artist, designer, and all-around creative, rich “one” cofinco made it his business and has been holding it down for over ten years. From his beginnings as a respected street artist, to building a name in the footwear industry, cofinco has proven to be an unstoppable, freewheeling creative. already famous for his street art and being the founder of graffiti crew no art remains after (naSa) — which to this day remains legendary among street art followers — cofinco found himself landing commercial jobs in the action sports industry due to his dynamic art style. it was during his early days working at skate and street style company vision Street Wear that cofinco was challenged to transfer his talents onto products like t-shirts and skateboards, and
Right after a champion win, Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry hosted a tattoo party, which was done by Niño Lapid.
Rich “One” Cofinco eventually onto snowboard boots and skate shoes. business partner nate “res” cofinco decided again Harvey created their current to disrupt the footwear company, as Seen in the Fuindustry. in 2002, he and ture, or aSiF. longtime friend robert nand, “Your blueprint is your sole founded creative recreation, a — no pun intended — of your company with plans of mergshoe,” said cofinco to a laughing the gap between casual ing audience. and formal footwear. as a big part of cofinco’s the company’s shoes quick- artistic “sole/soul” revolves ly gained attention from celeb- around utility, it is of course rities including Justin timberevident in his new brand. the lake, alec Baldwin, robert difference lies in when the Downey Jr., and ryan Seacrest, products would be useful. among many others, and were With aSiF, cofinco still featured in magazines like gQ, wanted to create utilitarian Marie claire, Men’s Health, products, but ones that would and Men’s vogue. still serve its wearers well way in 2014, cofinco and into the future.
Chef Charleen Caabay on winning ‘Chopped’ and bringing Filipino food mainstream When charleen caabay learned she earned a coveted spot on the Food network’s “chopped,” she knew she had a great opportunity to showcase her talents. the vivacious owner of Kainbigan, one of the Bay area’s most-loved Filipino restaurants, has sprung as an up-and-coming leader in Filipino-american cuisine, and her appearance on the “new Year’s Bash” episode of the cooking competition show — which aired in late December — is likely to bring in a whole new wave of fans. “My goals were to inspire anyone who was going to watch the show,” caabay, 37, told the asian Journal. “it’s not often that women that are in business have the opportunity to really shine. i just wanted to show them who i was.” caabay knew she was going against formallytrained, renowned chefs, some of which worked in Michelin-star restaurants. But she didn’t let that break her spirit. Utilizing only techniques she learned growing up, caabay has never had any formal training in culinary arts, and she doesn’t see the need. “each round, all i could do was pray,” she said.
Chef Charleen Caabay aims to bring Filipino food to the mainstream. the decision to draw Filipino inspiration in her dishes each round was a no-brainer. “this is my culture, this is my heritage. i’m Filipino, so you’re going to taste some Filipino,” she added with a laugh. Her teenage years were when caabay’s love for cooking really flourished. inspired by her mother’s and grandmother’s cooking, it seemed like she was on the path to delving into a culinary career. as the tech world was booming, caabay saw herself working in information technology (it), attending Devry University right after high school. after being laid off from job after job and realizing the 9-5 work day wasn’t for her, she sought a different direction and went back to her real passion: cooking.
Margot Bautista Henry, CEO and Founder of Matina While working in the banking industry for years, Matina ceo and Founder Margot Bautista Henry found herself looking to replenish her wardrobe. She sought to support Filipinomade, or designed clothes she could wear to work, but somehow her search in the United States fell short. “My searches would always come up with Filipiniana clothing, terno, or any variety of the Filipino national garb or costume — which, of course, i could not (would not!) wear to my corporate job,” Margot shared. “i recognize[d] that i must not be the only one that has search for this,
being that i am not the first, nor the only, first-gen Filipino immigrant that has probably had the same yearning.” the desire to express her Filipino pride and own personal style and journey was the start of Matina, an online store that sells clothing and accessories designed by Filipino designers. Matina is one of the fastest-growing U.S. based online stored featuring world-class apparel by Filipino designers, curated for life in the U.S. and beyond. opened in august 2016, the online store has doubled its sales each month
a lot about being with celebrities as he has tattooed some nFL players like the oakland raiders in the past, as well as other local Bay area personalities. He admits, however, that by far, “curry is up there.” However, niño doesn’t put all that attention in his head. What is important to him is to continue honing his craft. “it was like 15 minutes of fame,” he said. “Learning the craft, it’s a never-ending process. You always try to better yourself…stay hungry.” Happy to have made the Filipinos proud, niño also believes that we should all stay connected. “We all gathered to celebrate the Warriors victory despite our differences. Filipinos are like the Warriors team,” he shared. “We have a sense of community that drives us to stay connected. We are Filipinos — let’s love one another.”
— with the exception last March wherein they have outdone their best month five times over. “Matina features designers that are Filipino. their work may or may not be Filipino-inspired. i think this is an important distinction because we are not positioning ourselves as a store selling Filipinothemed items, rather we are a Filipino brand, seeking to fulfill the need of the Filipino-american to be able to wear world-class and high quality apparel that has a little piece of home with them that they can show off and be proud of,” Margot Matina CEO & Founder Margot Bautista Henry with her son, Charlie. explained.
She shifted her career into a culinary nomad, creating makeshift kitchens, selling her food on the street and catering in clubs and for private clients. as she began holding steady clients and garnered a following, she opened up a pop-up restaurant in 2012, creating her signature Filipino comfort dishes. caabay encourages all aspiring Filipino chefs and restaurateurs to never give up and to be proud of Filipino culture and cuisine. “Keep pushing, be confident in our cuisine, present it well and present from inside and where you’re from,” she said. “Don’t let anybody else tell you how this adobo should be made, just trust in what you’re making. it’s part of you. continue to go strong because our cuisine is dope and hella good!”
entertainment SF3
A look bAck At Filipino... From Page SF2
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – January 5, 2018
Glitzy celebrations and tragic losses in showbiz by Christina
alpad ManilaTimes.net
Mia Malvar
Mia Alvar’s debut collection ‘In The Country’ focuses on the Filipino diaspora mia Alvar’s debut collection “In The Country” was ten years in the making but the wait was pretty much worth it. New York Times has called her stories remarkable while New York magazine said her debut collection is so well-drawn and plot-rich. Publishers Weekly gave a glowing review and said that the book is stunning and NPr called her book inspired, and yes, remarkable. The book won the 2016 PEN/robert W. Bingham Prize for debut fiction which honors an exceptionally talented fiction writer whose work—a first novel or collection of short stories—represents distinguished literary achievement and suggests great promise of a second work of literary fiction. And with the award was a $25,000 cash prize for the winner to pursue a subsequent work of fiction. “I found out that I won during the actual awarding ceremonies, they wanted to keep it exciting. We didn’t know who was going to win. I prepared a little speech, just in case, because I am terrible at speaking off the cuff,” mia told the Asian Journal in an interview. “It was a great night for Pinoy writers in general, there were several of us who won that night.” “In the Country” is an engaging and engrossing collection of nine stories, each of them sharing bits and pieces of Filipino culture and history. Her stories are character-driven and are all well-crafted and polished.
“Top Shef’s” SHeldon Simeon
These are stories from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Boston and New York in the United States, three of the many countries where Filipinos in the global diaspora call second home. The protagonists are compelling and complex. “Diaspora is a central part of my family’s experience as it is in many Filipino families’ experience,” mia shared. overseas Filipino Workers or oFWs have become the new breed of Filipino heroes since they are the ones who work and toil hard abroad, away from their families for extended periods of time. They remit their hard-earned income to their families back home not just for investments for the future but more for their day to day subsistence. “I think there are a lot of stories in the Philippines about the heroic sacrifices of the oFWs, and these of course are great, significant sacrifices,” mia said. “In my book, I was more interested in exploring oFWs and immigrant communities as human beings and their flaws and weaknesses as well as their heroic moments.” It is in the book’s characters, their fears, struggles and successes that remind readers that their stories are universal. And that is also one thing that mia would like for more people to understand. It has been said that there is a dearth of Filipino authors in America writing about the immigrant experience here. “We’ve been working,
From the rise of Donald Trump, the North Korean missile testing and mass shootings to the battle of marawi, Asean and miss Universe hostings in the local setting, the year 2017 lived up to the characteristics of its Chinese zodiac sign as the rooster cackled with the biggest events and controversies worldwide. The entertainment world was no exception to the extremes some people for generapredicted to take place in 2017. tions, what there is a lack of January in fact saw a major is the right level of visibility kickoff at the oscars when “La La and access for these books Land” was mistakenly announced and the authors. A lot of as the year’s Best Picture winner people just don’t know the instead of “moonlight” signaling names of Filipino authors. a colorful year in showbizlandia. Even Filipino-Americans Shortly after came the news sometimes are not that of couples going to “Splitsville” exposed to books about in Hollywood, the most notable characters and families like of which were actors Chris Pratt theirs,” she explained. and Anna Farris whom the world Top Chef’s Sheldon expected to last together for a Simeon on finding his voice long time. and cooking with his heart Still over in “La La Land,” the A consistent favorite dur- most shocking news of the year ing the first season of “Top carried the hashtag #meToo on Chef,” Fil-Am chef Sheldon social media, which turned into a Simeon shared that when movement that unmasked the alhe went back to be part leged sexual misconducts of film of the show’s 10th season, producer and executive Harvey there was only one thing he Weinstein. Later, alleged victims wanted: to be called ’Top of reputable anchorman matt Chef.’ Lauer, director roman Polanski The Hawaii-born Pinoy and actor Kevin Spacey, among a chef said, “I showed my long list of other artists, stepped feelings during the whole forward to tell their own stories season and in the end, I am of sexual harassment. a winner because I got to And as always, what hapbe myself and I was able to pened in the U.S. trickled down share a lot of my culture. It to this part of the world as social would have been nice to be media also became a tool for called top chef…” young women to expose how Sheldon was still the fan members of several independent favorite and won $10,000 bands in the music scene have for it. In a similar three-way made inappropriate moves tobattle for the finale, he was ward female fans. Jensen and the unfortunately eliminated. Flips and Sud were two of those The same spot where he was bands who have since been four years earlier. dropped from their scheduled For him, it was about performances. finding his voice and stayThat is not to say, however, ing true to his culture, one that showbiz has not had its fair among many life lessons he share of good news in 2017. learned from joining “Top The royal Family, considChef” earlier. ered celebrities with their huge “Season 10 was not only international following, was once a lesson of ‘Top Chef’ in again big in the news with the general but in life, don’t be announcement of the Duchess someone that you’re not. of Cambridge Kate middleton’s For me, Hawaii is so unique. third child by Prince William Being Filipino in America is over the summer, and just Continued on Page SF5 before Christmas, Prince Harry’s
Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho
Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff
engagement to American actress meghan markle. other couples who also announced their engagements include singer megan Trainor and boyfriend-actor Daryl Sabara and “Game of Thrones” stars Kit Harrington and rose Leslie, just to name a few. But of course, the Philippines does engagements, weddings, births and baptism bigger and better these days with this look back by The Sunday Times Magazine on the year’s most talked about celebrations, while also paying tribute to the industry’s losses in 2017. Weddings Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho Luxury was certainly the theme of celebrity doctors Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho in Paris,
Ai Ai de las Alas and Gerald Sibayan
France no less, dubbed the City of Love. The night before their big day on September 3, the couple, who already had a civil wedding in manila, held a welcome dinner for celebrity guests aboard a 70-meter cruise ship that sailed along the river Seine. The following day, Belo looked every bit regal in her blush michael Cinco bridal gown when she exchanged “I do’s” with her much younger groom at the American Church of Paris. Among the star-studded guests who flew from manila were Piolo Pascual, Derek ramsay, Alden richards, richard Gomez, Lucy Torres, Dingdong Dantes, marian rivera and Lovi Poe. Continued on Page SF4
celebrityworld
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 5, 2018
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar
Filipino celebrities who said goodbye to us in 2017
THERE were many memorable moments in Philippine showbiz last year — marriages, births and engagements — but there were sad goodbyes as well. Here are some of the celebrities who said goodbye to us in 2017: Isabel Granada, actress Fans, friends and family alike were saddened and shocked about the passing of actress Isabel Granada, as she was only 41 years old. On November 4, Isabel died in Doha, Qatar after suffering a brain aneurysm while doing a promotional tour. Considered as a “veteran” in showbiz, she started her career at an early age and was part of the youthoriented show, “That Entertainment during her teens. Isabel was also a licensed pilot, with an aeronautical engineering degree and had served as reservist Airwoman, 2nd Class Sergeant in the Philippine Air Force from 2001 to 2003. Franco Hernandez, aka Hashtag Franco A member of the all-male group Hashtags, Franco met his untimely death in a drowning accident in Davao Occidental in
November. Franco was with his girlfriend Janica Nam Floresca, fellow Hashtags member Tom Doromal and his girlfriend, another male companion, and two boatmen at the time of the accident. Romeo Vasquez, actor A matinee idol and leading man of famous actresses like Amalia Fuentes (who is his ex-wife), Susan Roces, Barbara Perez and Vilma Santos; Romeo passed away in Los Angeles, California, after suffering a stroke while fighting liver cancer. He was the father of the late Liezl Martinez with his ex-wife, Amalia who once held the title Queen of Philippine Cinema. Among his movies included “Maruja” (1967), “Gaano Kita Kamahal” (1968), “Nagaapoy Na Damdamin” (1976), Actress Isabel Granada passed away on November 4 after suffering a brain aneurysm in Doha, Qatar. She “Dalawang Pugad Isang Ibon” was only 41 years old. (1977), “Bakit Kailangan Kita?” (1978), and “Swing It... Baby!” (1978). Alfie Lorenzo, talent manager and entertainment columnist In August, veteran talent manager and entertainment
Jeric Gonzales is the newest star in GMA 7’s teleserye, “Kambal, Karibal” with Miguel Tanfelix.
GMA 7’s Primetime Queen Marian Rivera is the lead actress of the network’s newest series, “Ay Man.”
South San Francisco Filipino businessman Marc Garvida is the new Hotel Banquet Service Manager of Holiday Inn Hotel on Pine Street in San Francisco.
Actor, director, writer and teacher Soxie Topacio passed away on July 21 at the age of 65.
columnist Alfie Lorenzo died at age 78 after a heart attack. He was handling the career of actress Judy Ann Santos for almost 30 years, until they separated paths in August 2016. Alfie’s former talents included Ruffa Gutierrez, Sunshine Cruz, Karla Estrada, Jackie Forster, Edgar Mande, Lito Pimentel, Rey ‘PJ’ Abellana, and Jeffrey Santos. Zeny Zabala, actress A popular kontrabida in films, Zeny Zabala passed away on on August 8 from kidney failure. She was 80. She started her career in the mid-1950s and would become known throughout her acting career as a villainess beyond compare. She was the kontrabida to lead actresses Lolita Rodriguez in Binibining Kalog (1955); Gloria Romero in Ikaw Ang Aking Buhay; Rita Gomez in Talipandas (1958), and Susan Roces in Dance-OMulti-award winning actor Al Tantay is back in circulation via GMA 7’s series, “Ay Man.” Al portrays Rama (1963). She remained active in the father of Primetime Queen Marian Rivera.
Talent manager and entertainment columnist Cornelia “Angge” Lee passed away on March 2 at the age of 70.
showbiz until the 1990s. Other celebrities who passed away in 2017 were: • Film critic and entertainment columnist Mario Hernando (September 5) • Broadcast journalist Joe Taruc (September 30) • CNN Philippines news anchor Amelyn Veloso (August 24) • Composer Willy Cruz (April 17) • Actor, film director and former Quezon City Councilor Butch Bautista (February 12 • Actor and stunt director Baldo Marro (October 22) • Veteran actor Chinggoy Alonzo (October 15) • Director Emmanuel “Maning” Borlaza (October 12) • Film director and stage actor Soxie Topacio (July 21) • Veteran journalist Tony Calvento (October 9) • Former actress and producer Donna Villa (January 17) • Talent manager and radio commentator Cornelia “Angge” Lee (March 2)
New Year, new you with Solenn Heussaff Alden Richards: No regrets in 2017 by Deni
Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com
THE most common New Year’s resolution, according to a British publication, is usually health-related. Giving up a vice, taking care more of one’s self and having a better work-life balance are among the top promises people make at the start of every year, British media outfit The Sun said in a report published on January 1. For those whose New Year’s resolution is to become a better version of themselves, singer, actress, TV host and entrepreneur Solenn Heussaff Photo from Instagram/@solenn Solenn Heussaff gave tips on how in life I could ever ask for! Hurry and come back home so we can to be fit like her. celebrate.” “Easy lang!” Solenn said on She told her husband, she how she achieved her curves and does not need “to add a dot on abs. the wifezilla owes Nico list be“Walang carbs, no junk food, no soft drinks, exercise every day. cause of the time difference.” Nico also proudly shared that ‘Yun lang!” the star told Philstar. though he and Solenn did not com. According to her, she was able spend the holidays together this year, since marrying Solenn, he to achieve her abdominal cuts by alternating boxing, yoga, CrossFit has been following Filipino traditions like “Monito Monita” and and weight training every day. “Simbang Gabi,” which he still Last December 30, Solenn finds hard to pronounce. and husband Nico Bolzico celSolenn leads New Year ebrated their second wedding countdown anniversary. Nicolo said in his The day after their wedding Instagram account that Solenn forgot about their anniversary, but anniversary, on December 31, Solenn led the New Year countdown he understands. He said he will at the newly opened Cove in just note it down in his “Wifezilla Okada Manila, Pasay City. owes Nico” list. Solenn’s “Taste Buddies” coSolenn answered Nico’s post, host, Rhian Ramos, spearheaded saying: “You are the best partner
the countdown at The Fountain together with Sam YG. During the countdown, Solenn asked the audience what their New Year’s resolutions are. The event’s host, Rico Robles, said that his is to include a onemillion-U.S.-dollar Orange County Choppers (OCC) motorbike on his bucket list. But according to Solenn, a New Year’s resolution should be “realistic.” Also during the countdown, Solenn got the chance to ride the custom-built Cove Chopper, the US$1-million long and low motorcycle that has several “Cove” attributes found throughout. The wheels are designed to mirror the giant dome structure found at Cove. The detailed paint scheme reflects the strength and simplicity of the dome of the new party place. On January 1, Nico and Solenn greeted their fans a Happy New Year. Solenn said during the countdown that 2017 was a good year for her. Nico echoed this, saying in an Instagram post that “2017 was epic!” In the post, Nico said that this year, “It is time to get a real sibling for Patato!” He has been referring to himself as Potato. He, however, clarified that his “#wifezilla is NOT pregnant!” If for others, the New Year’s resolution is to become as fit as Solenn and Nico, is the couple’s resolution to have a baby this year?
Glitzy celebrations and tragic losses... From Page SF3 Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff Like their closest friends Drs. Vicki and Hayden Kho, A-list celebrity Anne Curtis and restaurateur-host Erwan Heussaff had a destination wedding way outside the country in Queenstown, New Zealand on November 12. Their family and closest friends—many of them show business personalities such as the bride’s sister Jasmine Curtis, the groom’s sister Solenn Heussaff, Chesca Garcia, Karylle Tatlonghari, Georgina Wilson, Isabel Daza, Angel Locsin and Vice Ganda, among many others—witnessed the long-time couple’s big day. The couple have been dating since 2010 and were engaged in December 2016. More weddings
Ai Ai de las Alas and Gerald Sibayan It may be her third marriage but Comedy Queen Ai Ai de las Alas vowed that her union to boyfriend Gerald Sibayan would be her last and “forever.” The 53-year-old comedienne married her boyfriend of four years, Sibayan, 23, on December 12 at the Christ the King Parish in Quezon City. She looked every bit the princess she longed to be on her wedding day in her Frederick Peralta gown, a gift from her close friend, actress Marian Rivera. The de las Alas-Sibayan nuptials had a star-studded entourage led by Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Alden Richards, OPM icons Ogie Alcasid and wife Regine Velasquez, Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual. Love was definitely in the air all year with the following
celebrity weddings: Camille Prats and VJ Yambao on January 7 at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort in Batangas; Rochelle Pangilinan and Arthur Solinap on August 8 in Tagaytay; Chynna Ortaleza and Kean Cipriano on November 7 in Quezon City; and Pancho Magno and Max Collins at the Manila Marriott Hotel on December 11. Births There is no shortage of star power in the birthing department what with celebrities welcoming their little bundle of joy this year. “Eat Bulaga!” host Pia Guanio gave birth to her second daughter, Brooklyn, with husband Steve Mago on May 29. “Encantadia” actress Kylie Padilla gave birth to Alas Joaquin, her first child with actor Aljur Abrenica on August 4. Actress Maricar de Mesa,
by Ricky Lo
and other relatives). “Travel refreshes the mind and the body,” noted Gigi. And A CAPRICORN according to Alden agreed. “You come back the western horoscope, Alden fully recharged,” he said. Richards turned 26 on Tuesday, The vacation (Dec. 19 to 27) Jan. 2, Year of the Dog, which gave Alden a chance to bond marks him as a Metal Sheep. with family. According to the Chinese “It’s my first time to spend lunar calendar, Metal Sheep are time out of the country with my kind and ambitious, having an family,” related Alden.“Nakakairon fist in a velvet glove, and full relax. Iba ang feeling na kasama of responsibility. When doing mo ang pamilya mo. Sometimes everything, they like to do it in a systematic way and have the abil- when I go abroad for a show or ity to establish their own business for promo, I would stay a few days behind to unwind. Pero iba kapag or career. Advantages for them also include sticking to principles pamilya ang kasama mo.” Alden plans to invest more in and acting in good faith. Howevbusiness (“Off the record muna,” er, they sometimes are stubborn and inflexible. Therefore, they are reminded Gigi) in 2018 which promises to be as busy as, if not fit to specialize in a specific technique and could obtain outstand- far busier than 2017 when, aside from his regular shows (“Eat, ing achievements. Bulaga!” and “Sunday Pinasaya”), The description perfectly fits he did two docu-dramas (about Alden who looks back at 2017, Martial Law and Marawi) and the the Year of the Rooster, with apsoap “Destined To Be Yours” with proval. Maine Mendoza with whom he Asked how he would rate might do another movie (after his career on a scale of 1 to 10, their 2016 starrer “Imagine You Alden broke into a wide smile, & Me”) also to be produced by dimples digging deep into both Tony Tuviera (“Tuloy ‘yon,” he told his cheeks. movie writers during a Christmas “I give myself a Perfect 10,” he said. “I’m very happy with how lunch). Not many people know things turned out last year.” that Alden has been supporting Gigi Lara-Santiago, who several charity projects which he handles the GMA Artist Center keeps under wraps. of which Alden is one of the 200 “That’s why he makes it a talents, volunteered the informapoint not to attend during those tion that Alden would renew his contract with dozens of endorse- projects’ activities,” shared Gigi. “Secret projects,” said ments, among other prospects for 2018. Alden recently flew back Alden. “If I go, siempre they will photograph me and the projects from a much-deserved nine-day wouldn’t be secret anymore.” vacation in Japan with eight “It’s enough that he is helping members of his family (including those in need,” added Gigi. his dad, grandparents, siblings Philstar.com
meanwhile, gave birth to baby girl Alianna Sky on July 17. Camille Prats and husband John Yambao welcomed their daughter, Nala Camille on September 22, following their January wedding. On November 6, comedian Vic Sotto announced the birth of his and wife Pauleen Luna’s first child, baby Talitha Maria. For singer/host/actress Nikki Gil and husband BJ Albert, Christmas came early as they welcomed baby Finn on November 20. Finally, on December 22, Kaye Abad welcomed her son Joaquin the same day her husband Paul Jake Castillo celebrated his birthday. Farewells Gil Portes, 71
The award-winning director was found dead in Quezon City on May 24. Considered the country’s “original indie director,” Gil Portes directed critically acclaimed films such as “Saranggola,” “Gatas sa Dibdib ng Kaaway,” and “Mga Munting Tinig.” Soxie Topacio, 65 The veteran film, theater and movie actor and director passed away on July 21 after succumbing to cancer. Topacio is best remembered in directing the highly acclaimed drama-comedy film “Ded na si Lolo” in 2009. Chinggoy Alonso, 67 Thespian actor Chinggoy Alonzo passed away on October 15 after his battle with colon cancer. The actor enjoyed a stellar career on stage, television and
Alden Richards
Philstar.com photo
No regrets, or anything that he missed doing in 2017? “None,” assured Alden. “I did my best and I promise to do better. If you continuously look for something that is not there, the unhappiness will always be there. I’m contented with what I have. Whatever I will have is more than a blessing.” And how would he rate his lovelife on a scale of 1 to 10? As usual, Alden is mum on the matter. The Metal Sheep are usually gooey over their love. They like to deal with the love relations sloppily. When meeting crisis for their love, they are difficult to make a decision. If they cherish their precious feelings, they try their best to maintain them. Otherwise, they end the relationship as early as possible. So what was the best lesson that he learned in 2017? “No matter how hard life deals with you, just keep going. As long as you’re doing good, nothing bad will happen to you.” Yes, it’s called Good Karma. the movies. Isabel Granada, 41 The ‘80s and ‘90s darling died on November 4 in Qatar. Prior to her death, Isabel Granada—who started her career in “That’s Entertainment” —had been comatose after suffering cardiac arrest on October 25. It was later revealed that the actress suffered brain aneurysm. Franco Hernandez of Hashtag, 26 ABS-CBN’s Hashtags member Franco Hernandez died from drowning in Davao Occidental on November 11. The 26-yearold dancer—a member of the all-male group appearing on “It’s Showtime”—was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital of a nearby town where the accident took place.
features The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 5, 2018
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Philippine representative LIKHA Pilipino Folk Ensemble, performed dances from the T’boli and Mandayan tribes at the 39th San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival (SFEDF).
A look bAck At Filipino... From Page SF3
so unique. Let’s celebrate that. Let’s be proud about our culture. That was what I wanted to do in the show, just be myself,” he shared proudly. Thus he cooked with his heart out and served Filipino dishes and Filipino ingredients whenever the opportunity presented itself. When he won the right to cook at the Beard House, the judges heaped praises on the dish he served – home-made chow fun noodle made with Carolina gold rice topped with pork belly, pea shoot salad and annatto seed jus – and the components and techniques he used to come up with the dish. “Being humble is great but at some point, you will take your place amongst some of America’s greatest chefs,” Tom Colicchio declared, anointing Sheldon as the next great American chef. “I am still processing it,” Sheldon told us about the unexpected accolade. “He messaged me a few nights ago, directly following my elimination. To be able to call chef Tom a mentor, and now a friend, is amazing. I have utmost respect for him. It is a win for our culture. My grandparents worked so hard and took the sacrifice coming over from the Philippines with nothing but the clothes on their backs,” he added. Sheldon is undoubtedly inspired by the perseverance and hard work of his grandparents who came from Ilocos Norte to Hawaii to become plantation workers, and the way they made something for themselves given this opportunity. “I am cut from that same cloth and to celebrate that on national television is
amazing and to have that recognized by chef Tom is great and beautiful,” he said. 2017 SF Ethnic Dance Festival: Celebrating diversity through music and dance The 39th San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival (SFEDF) is the largest and most comprehensive world dance and music event of its kind in the United States. Last year, there were 24 Bay Area-based world dance and music groups, with six groups making their festival debut. The season also featured five world premieres. Philippine representative LIKHA Pilipino Folk Ensemble, performed dances from the T’boli and Mandayan tribes. Continuing with its goal to promote global dance, music and the arts; the SFEDF has effectively celebrated the country’s diverse inclusiveness. It also has created an epicenter for dance from over 100 unique world cultures, resulting in the most vibrant dance community in the world. Over the years, the festival performances have featured over 26,000 artists. “The annual San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival is a beacon both nationally and internationally for inspiring cross-cultural experiences by local artists sustaining the world’s artist legacy,” explains the Festival’s Executive Director Julie Mushet. “The San Francisco Bay Area is a vibrant and innovative crossroads for intangible world cultural traditions in one of the country’s most diverse locales, and we are thrilled to broaden the perspective of great dance and music on the Opera House stage, home of some of the world’s most prominent and enduring forms of performing arts.”
Keeping the history and legacy of World War II in the Philippines alive In its goal to continue educating people — both young and old, Filipinos and Americans — about World War II in the Philippines, Bataan Legacy Historical Society (BLHS), Memorare Manila 1945 and the Yuchengco Philippine Studies Program of the University of San Francisco presented the Third Conference on WWII in the Philippines in September 9, 2017 from at the University of San Francisco’s McLaren Conference Center. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war against Japan after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 8, 1941, the ravages of war did not reach the continental United States. Instead, the war was fought in the Philippines, its colony from 1898 to 1946, where thousands of Filipino and American soldiers died and approximately one million civilians perished. In many ways, it is just as important if not even more significant than Pearl Harbor. But because of the stigma of defeat, this event is not commemorated in the United States nor is it taught in schools. The Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 is only remembered today as the largest single surrender in U.S. military history. What is not remembered is its greater significance. The U.S. Army Forces of the Far East (consisted of 12,000 Philippine Scouts, 19,000 Americans and 118,000 Philippine Commonwealth troops) were able to disrupt the timetable of the Imperial Japanese Army and prevented them from reaching Australia. Without Bataan, the war would have lasted much longer or worse, our political landscape today
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could even be different. And yet today, the Filipino soldiers’ role during WWII and the suffering of the entire Filipino nation are not mentioned in U.S. history books. Furthermore, five months after the war ended, President Truman signed the First Surplus Rescission Act in February 1946, which deemed the service of the Filipino soldiers as not fulltime, thereby disqualifying them from receiving their rightful benefits. Many have died without receiving their benefits. A handful are still waiting. There are only a few of them left and with each passing goes a piece of this history. Once they are all gone, this seminal point in history will be forever lost. But on July 14, 2016, this
Bataan Legacy Historical Society (BLHS), aims to continue educating people — both young and old, Filipinos and Americans — about World War II in the Philippines.
mostly forgotten part of U.S. history was brought back to life when the California State Board of Education approved the inclusion of World War II in the Philippines in the revised history curriculum framework for the state. In 2014, BLHS started working with the Instruc-
tional Quality Commission of the California Department of Education to implement AB199. With the support of State Superintendent Tom Torlakson, BLHS was able to expand the scope of the proposed curriculum framework to include World War II in the Philippines.
ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
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