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ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE w w w. a s i a n j o u r n a l . c o m

w w w. a s i a n Volume 24 - No. 52 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

.com T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

JANUARY 12-18, 2018 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

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US reiterates ‘full commitment’ to protect PH, Asia Paciﬁc by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE United States on Wednesday, January 10, reiterated its full commitment in defending the Philippines from possible foreign attacks, as it further vowed to continue to promote and protect international rights in the Asia-Pacific region. “We are fully committed to our alliance with the Philippines. There is absolutely no ambiguity about our commitment to defend the Philippines should a foreign force attack the Philippines,” U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim told GMA-7 News to Go. During the interview, Kim also reaffirmed that Washington remains “fully committed” to the Asia-Pacific region. He denied that Washington’s shift in policy and attitude toward Asia is “giving space” for China to expand and dominate the region. “There has been a lot of commentary on this but

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the U.S. is fully committed to the region. We are not going anywhere. What’s important are trade and security,” the envoy said. “I don’t think it’s accurate to say we’re retreating and giving space to China,” he added. Kim also maintained that the the role and position of the U.S. government regarding the South China Sea issue has not changed, which is to promote and protect international rights, such as freedom of navigation and freedom of flight. “This is not solely for the U.S. but good for everybody. If we don’t have freedom of navigation, we will all suffer. So we are (conducting) freedom of navigation exercises to make sure we promote those rights,” he explained. While noting that the U.S. is not a claimant in the South China Sea row, Kim stressed that Washington “care very deeply about how the dispute should be resolved.” PAGE A2

MEETING WITH CHINESE DELEGATE. President Rodrigo Duterte greets Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua as the latter accompanied the Communist Party of China Central Committee Member Meng Xiangfeng who met with the president at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, January 9. Malacañang photo by Rey Baniquet

Amb. Kim: US-PH ties to reach ‘whole new level’ in 2018 by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

IF there is one thing that United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim envisions for the new year, that would be taking the relationship between Manila and Washington to a “whole new level.” To mark Kim’s first year serving in the Philippines, the U.S. embassy released on Friday, JanuU.S. Ambassador Sung Kim, a former prosecutor, turned over more ary 5, a three-minute video where than 2,000 copies of a prosecutor’s manual and other training the envoy participated in a quick PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s first-ever na- modules to Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre. tional security strategy presents new opporPhoto courtesy of U.S. Embassy in Manila series of light questions about his tunities in furthering the alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines, according to a senior researcher at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP). In line with the Trump administration’s “America first” platform, the new National Security Strategy (NSS) — released last December — encompasses four main principles: protecting the homeland, promoting American prosperity, preserving peace through strength, and advancing American influence. by KLARIZE MEDENILLA for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) proAJPress The plan also zeros in on strategies within gram. the “Indo-Pacific” region, which Christian AMID the intense fight over the United States District Judge WilVicedo at NDCP said will have a big impact on protections of DREAMers, a federal liam Alsup of San Francisco, likely U.S and Philippines relations. judge issued a nationwide direc- halting the fierce debate since DACA u PAGE A3 tive late Tuesday night, January, was terminated by President Don9, ordering the Trump administra- ald Trump on September 5, 2017, tion to restore the Deferred Action PAGE A2 FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Opportunities for stronger US-PH alliance under Trump s ecurity strategy, analyst says

stay in the country and what his plans are. “I’m very excited, we’re going to take the U.S.-Philippines relationship to a whole new level,” Kim said when asked about what he envisions for the new year. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Kim arrived in the country in December 2016 to replace Philip Goldberg as the new U.S. ambassador to the Philippines. In the video, Kim described his one-year stay in the Philippines as “wonderful.” Adding that traveling around the country has been

among his favorite experience so far, Kim said revealed that he had never been to Palawan and wanted to see the place for himself. The U.S. envoy also answered light questions about his favorite Filipino food, desserts, and even local sports team: crispy tilapia, buko pandan, and basketball teams Ateneo and La Salle. As to what would be his advice to his 20-year-old self, Kim said cited: “Be true to yourself, be willing to try different things and of course work hard.” PAGE A4

Federal judge rules DACA must stay in place Ruling allows current DACA recipients to renew their enrollment

Filipina reportedly trafficked into forced World Bank: PH to remain as labor sues host family ‘fastest-growing’ ASEAN economy Lawsuit puts a spotlight on forced servitude, anti-trafficking advocates call for further awareness on the issue

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s first-ever national security strategy presents new opportunities in furthering the alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines, according to a senior researcher at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP). In line with the Trump administration’s “America first” platform, the new National Security Strategy (NSS) — released last December — encompasses four main principles: protecting the homeland, promoting American prosperity, preserving peace through strength, and advancing American influence. The plan also zeros in on strategies within the “Indo-Pacific” region, which Christian Vicedo at NDCP said will have a big impact on U.S and Philippines relations.

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by AJPRESS IN terms of economic growth, the World Bank (WB) expects that the Philippines will continue to outpace its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia for the next three years. In its January 2018 Global Eco-

nomic Prospects report released Wednesday, January 10, the Washington-based lender said it expects the Philippines to sustain robust economic growth even as public

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According to the World Bank report, the Philippines has been among the dynamically emerging markets in the region with its sound economic fundamentals and highly-skilled workforce. Various challenges to sustained and inclusive growth however remain. Inquirer.net photo

Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Inquirer.net photo

Marcos on not running for Senate in 2019: ‘I already won as VP’ by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, January 10 ruled out the possibility of running for a Senate seat in the 2019 midterm elections, saying he already “won” the 2016 vice presidential race. Speaking at the “Kapihan sa Manila Bay” media forum, the former senator expressed confidence that he would win his electoral protest against Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo. “Bakit ako tatakbo ng senador eh nanalo na ‘ko ng bise presidente (Why will I run for senator when I already won as vice president?)” Marcos told reporters. In a recently released survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) from December 8 to 11 last year, Marcos

ranked 7-8th in the Senate’s so-called “Magic 12” or list probable senatorial race winners. While appreciating the public’s “continued support,” Marcos maintained that he is focused on his case against Robredo, as he pointed to the importance of knowing the “real” result of the 2016 vice presidential election. “Hindi ko titigilan itong protestang ito dahil tapat ang aking paniniwala na dinaya ako noong nakaraang halalan (I will not give up on this protest because I believe that I was cheated during the last elections),” Marcos stressed. He continued, “At ipapalabas ko ang tunay na bilang ng boto nang malaman ng tao kung sino ba talaga ang pinili ng taong bayan bilang bise presidente (And I will strive to show the real count of the

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From the Front Page

Marcos on not running for Senate...

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votes so the people will know who the nation really chose as vice president).” During the same forum, Marcos accused the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) of being “unfair and unjust,” citing in particular the supposed “disturbing series of decisions” made by Supreme Court Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa.

Robredo won the vice presidential race with just 263,473 more votes than Marcos. The latter accused her of benefiting from “massive electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities” during the vice presidential election in 2016. Marcos’ electoral protest was raffled off to Caguioa, who is just one of the members of the SC, sitting as the electoral tribunal. “It’s become very obvious that

the strategy has been to delay, delay, and delay. Mukhang hindi na fair ang treatment sakin sa PET (Looks like PET is no longer treating me fairly),” Marcos said. “There has been a disturbing series of decisions made by Justice (Benjamin) Caguioa that were clearly unfair and unjust,” he added. Among several PET rulings — which the former senator claimed were unfair include the tribunal’s order asking him P36 million out of his P66.2 million protest fee on April 14, 2017 — fell on Good Friday when most banks were closed for the Holy Week. It can be recalled, however, that PET immediately moved first installment deadline on the next working day, which is on April 17, 2017. Marcos also criticized PET for delaying the deadline of Robredo’s P8 million initial counterprotest fee from the original April 17, 2017 to May 2 of the same year because she “couldn’t pay on time.” ‘Too presumptuous’ In a statement, Robredo’s camp chided Marcos for being “too presumptuous” in claiming that he already won the vice presidency. “It was too presumptuous for Mr. Ferdinand Marcos (Jr.) to claim that he already ‘won the vice presidency’ or he is just dreaming,” said lawyer Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s lead counsel. “Mr. Marcos is merely trying to preempt the coming results of the recount of ballots where his ridiculous and frivolous claim of massive election cheating will be proven false and a mere imagined victory, which is the usual reaction of an election loser who cannot accept defeat in good grace,” Macalintal added. Robredo’s camp also stressed that she was already proclaimed winner by Congress, further nothing that “no one has ever won in a recount of automated ballots” based on past recount of ballots. “For the results of the recount will just tally with the results generated by the vote counting machines from the automated election system, which Marcos himself admitted to be credible and for which his first cause of action questioning the system was dismissed by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET),” Macalintal said. n

PAY HIKE. An estimated 76,000 policemen are set to get a 100-percent hike in monthly base pay after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Joint Resolution 01 increasing the salaries of military and uniformed personnel. Higher ranks will enjoy an average increase of 58.70 percent. ManilaTimes.net photo

US reiterates ‘full commitment... PAGE A1 The U.S. envoy went on to say, “The dispute should be resolved peacefully and should be done according to international law and practices.”

“So this is why we have efforts to come out with a strong set of principles, code of conduct to govern how we settle this dispute,” he continued. Right now, Kim said the chal-

lenge for the U.S. government is how to “work with a growing expanding China so that the whole region can benefit from a constructive partnership with China.” n

Federal judge rules DACA must... PAGE A1

challenged the administration’s stance that DACA was illegally implemented. In 2012, former President Barack Obama signed an executive order instituting DACA, which has provided work authorization, protection from deportation and other benefits to undocumented youth who came to the U.S. illegally as children. Calling the rescission of DACA “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion and otherwise not in accordance with the law,” Alsup noted that the sudden termination of the program “deprived DACA recipients of constitutionally-protected property and liberty interests without due process of law.” The breakthrough ruling comes after major moves have been made on Capitol Hill on Sunday, January 7, where a bipartisan pair of Congress members unveiled

a bill that would provide a legislative solution for DACA — the program was temporary and only valid for two years with an option to renew. The bill introduced by Reps. Will Hurd (R-Texas) and Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) would offer eligible DREAMers the ability to apply for a green card and — after years of conditional residency — a pathway to citizenship, given they meet the requirements, including a background check and proof of work, education and/or military service. On Tuesday, Trump pledged his support for a “clean DACA bill” provided it included strengthening the U.S.-Mexico border — in other words, his controversial, long-awaited border wall. “You folks are going to have to come up with a solution,” Trump told 25 lawmakers in a negotiation at the White House on Tues-

day. “A clean DACA bill to me is to take care of the 800,000 people. We take care of that, and we also take care of security. And then we can go to comprehensive [immigration reform] later on.” At a meeting at Camp David on Saturday, January 6, Trump said, “We all want DACA to happen, but we also want great security for our country.” Alsup’s ruling was welcomed as a triumph for DACA advocates who condemned the president’s termination of the program, including many Democratic lawmakers. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) said that the ruling was “further evidence that the Trump Administration’s decision to pull the rug out from under these young people by ending DACA was not only immoral, but illegal.” U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (DPAGE A4

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US provides additional P330-M aid for Marawi by PatRicia LouRdes Philstar.com

ViRay

FOLLOWInG its initial P730 million assistance for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, the U.S. government has announced an additional P330 million fund for the war-torn city. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development or USAID, Washington now has a total of over P1 billion worth of contribution to the recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi and surrounding areas. “This new funding will support some of the most vulnerable populations affected by the conflict,” U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim said. The additional funding would provide opportunities for the youth of Marawi to enhance their livelihood skills and assist

strengthen vulnerable populations within their communities. “The United States is deeply committed to supporting our friend and ally in long-term recovery efforts to ensure a brighter and more peaceful future for the people of Mindanao,” Kim added. The initial assistance of USAID involves restoring water access and distributing desks for schools in affected areas. The U.S. agency has also been providing health clinics in Marawi and surrounding areas to counter tuberculosis and support maternal, newborn and child health needs. The USAID will continue to provide public services, such as water and electricity. Part of the assistance also includes working with communities to promote community dialogue and im-

prove health and education systems, according to a release from the U.S. Embassy. “To help fortify the area’s longer-term stabilization and rehabilitation, USAID will offer skills training and psychosocial counseling for youth, and promote community alternatives to violent extremism,” the U.S. Embassy said. During his visit to Manila last november, U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated President Rodrigo Duterte on the liberation of Marawi from ISISinspired terror groups. In their meeting, the Philippine leader expressed gratitude to his American counterpart for the more than $1 billion foreign assistance that the U.S. had provided to the Philippines for the past eight years. n

Top Rank hypes Ancajas TOP Rank Inc., one of the biggest boxing promotional companies, has started marketing its newest fighter, reigning IBF junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas. In a Twitter post, Top Rank shared a short video clip of Ancajas’ highlights in an effort to drum up interest in the Filipino’s upcoming fight against Mexico’s Israel Gonzalez. Ancajas, a protégé of Manny Pacquiao, will make his U.S. debut against Gonzalez on February 3 in Corpus Christi, Texas. It will be his first fight under Top Rank. (Philstar.com)

Koreatown Island Pacific destroyed in fire by Rae

AJPress

building’s roof. Humphrey said the structure lasted for about an hour and 45 minutes, and was put down before it was able to destroy the other 10 stores in the L-shaped Koreatown strip mall. The supermarket shares the strip mall with business like Kowloon Dimsum and Banco de Oro (BDO) remit. A total of 104 Los Angeles firefighters were dispatched under the command of Assistant Chief Roy Harvey. no injuries have been reported as of this writing, and fire loss to

the Filipino supermarket is still being tabulated. The cause of the fire also remains under active investigation of this writing. Wednesday’s fire is the second of three structure fires to happen within a two mile radius in the past two weeks. Another fire was reported that morning at 3:16 a.m. on the 1700 block S. new Hampshire Avenue with one civilian fatality. Just last week, a structure fire a mile away resulted in the death of a 74-yearold man who was found inside his senior-living apartment unit. n

World Bank: PH to remain as ‘fastest-growing...

Opportunities for stronger US-PH alliance...

PAGE A1 “The U.S.-Philippines alliance will be significantly influenced by Washington’s security interests and priorities in the IndoPacific region,” said Vicedo in his commentary published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ (CSIS), a bipartisan and nonprofit policy research organization. Trump used the Indo-Pacific term during his 2017 Asia tour in reference to countries spanning from China down to Australia, including the Philippines which the nSS called one of the U.S.’ important allies in Southeast Asia, along with Thailand. Vicedo cited three of the strategy’s regional security issues as having the possibility of developing security engagements between the U.S. and its allies. The plan asserts that China’s building of artificial islands and military facilities in the South China Sea “endanger the free flow of trade, threaten the sovereignty of other nations, and undermine regional stability.” China and the Philippines have long argued over the South China Sea. Most recently, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Philippines intends to hold a diplomatic protest against China for breaking its promise to not militarize artificial islands in the area, as reported by Reuters. The plan also calls out north Korea’s recent nuclear provocations in saying that Pyongyang is “rapidly accelerating its cyber, nuclear, and ballistic missile programs,” and warns that “jihadist terrorists are likely to

Cause of Wednesday fire undetermined

ann VaRona

An Island Pacific Supermarket in the Los Angeles Koreatown neighborhood has been destroyed after going up in flames just past midnight. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) received 9-1-1 calls from passersby starting at 12:30 a.m. early Wednesday morning, Reigning IBF junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas Inquirer.net photo January 10, according to LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey. Firefighters arrived at the Island Pacific Seafood Market at 229 S. Vermont Avenue to find the fire terrorists are likely to return to rorist attack similar to the Marawi was burning through the one story their home countries” to plan at- Siege,” said Vicedo. This, along with the nSS’ urge tacks against the U.S. and its alfor allies to modernize and imlies. Vicedo pointed to the nSS’ prove military operations, give a priority political, economic, and stronger case for alliance oppor- PAGE A1 military/security actions, which tunities, he added. investments are seen to be slowVicedo made reference to the ing down. he said “presupposes a U.S. security commitment to allies and future formation of the Philip“The Philippines will continue pine’s Government Arsenal De- to be the fastest-growing economy partners.” In detailing efforts within the fense Industry Estate, which will in the Association of Southeast Indo-Pacific region, the priorities act as an economic zone for lo- Asian nations (ASEAn), despite of the nSS include working with cal and foreign investors seeking some stabilization of investment allies to achieve denuclearization to work with manufacturers in growth,” WB stated in its report. on the Korean Peninsula, encour- supplying the country’s military The WB projected the Philipaging free and open seaways, needs. pines’ gross domestic product The plan also looks to give (GDP) to grow by 6.7 percent in strengthening military relations, and addressing growing terror- companies incentives for invest- 2018 and 2019, before moderating ist threats with Southeast Asian ing in developing countries. to 6.5 percent in 2020. With Philippine-U.S. relations partners through law enforceOn average, the WB expects ment, defense, and intelligence dating back to the late 19th cen- the country’s GDP to grow by 6.6 tury, the leaders of the two coun- percent from 2018 to 2020. cooperation improvements. “As a result, while Trump’s tries seemed to hit it off last year nSS reiterates transactional despite a number of rocky moprinciples of economic reciproc- ments. Following Duterte and Trump’s ity and burden-sharing in confronting common threats, the first ever bilateral meeting in nopossibility of a diminishing U.S. vember 2017 on the sidelines of security commitment to the Phil- the 31st Association of Southeast ippines seems unlikely, “ Vicedo Asian national Summit, Trump said they had a “great relationreckoned. The security strategy presents ship” and that he “really enjoyed” new opportunities to strengthen being in the Philippines.. The two leaders released a the U.S. and Philippine alliance, first through its promotion of in- joint statement following the bicreased cooperation between the lateral meeting, as did the U.S. U.S., Japan, Australia, and India and Philippine Senior Defense — all of which the Philippines has and Foreign Affair Officials at the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue defense and security ties with. “Indeed, linking U.S. allies and 2017. “The complementarity and oppartners may provide a strategic advantage for the U.S.-Philip- portunities offered by President pines alliances in addressing Trump’s national Security Stratfuture traditional and nontradi- egy may re-energize security tional security concerns such as engagements between the two a more assertive China in the countries,” Vicedo concluded. South China Sea or a major ter- (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

Filipina reportedly trafficked into forced... PAGE A1 “The U.S.-Philippines alliance will be significantly influenced by Washington’s security interests and priorities in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Vicedo in his commentary published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ (CSIS), a bipartisan and nonprofit policy research organization. Trump used the Indo-Pacific term during his 2017 Asia tour in reference to countries spanning from China down to Australia, including the Philippines which the nSS called one of the U.S.’ important allies in Southeast Asia, along with Thailand. Vicedo cited three of the strategy’s regional security issues as having the possibility of developing security engagements between the U.S. and its allies. The plan asserts that China’s building of artificial islands and military facilities in the South China Sea “endanger the free flow of trade, threaten the sovereignty of other nations, and undermine regional stability.” China and the Philippines have long argued over the South China Sea. Most recently, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Philippines intends to hold a diplomatic protest against China for breaking its promise to not militarize artificial islands in the area, as reported by Reuters. The plan also calls out north Korea’s recent nuclear provocations in saying that Pyongyang is “rapidly accelerating its cyber, nuclear, and ballistic missile programs,” and warns that “jihadist

GRIM REMINDER. Malacañang on Thursday, January 11, downplayed the potential backlash from the Japanese government over the controversial comfort woman statue erected along Roxas Boulevard. “I don’t think it is really a diplomatic issue. Our ties with Japan remain very strong. We have every reason to be optimistic that bilateral relations with Japan will become even stronger,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said. According to reports, Japanese Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Seiko Noda on Tuesday told Duterte that “it’s regrettable for this kind of statue to suddenly appear” during their meeting in Manila. The seven-foot bronze statue, unveiled last December 8, was installed in remembrance of around 1,000 women sexually abused by Japanese soldiers during World War II. Philstar.com photo

return to their home countries” to plan attacks against the U.S. and its allies. Vicedo pointed to the nSS’ priority political, economic, and military/security actions, which he said “presupposes a U.S. security commitment to allies and partners.” In detailing efforts within the Indo-Pacific region, the priorities of the nSS include working with allies to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, encouraging free and open seaways, strengthening military relations, and addressing growing terrorist threats with Southeast Asian partners through law enforcement, defense, and intelligence cooperation improvements. “As a result, while Trump’s nSS reiterates transactional principles of economic reciprocity and burden-sharing in confronting common threats, the possibility of a diminishing U.S. security commitment to the Philippines seems unlikely, “ Vicedo reckoned. The security strategy presents new opportunities to strengthen the U.S. and Philippine alliance, first through its promotion of increased cooperation between the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India — all of which the Philippines has defense and security ties with. “Indeed, linking U.S. allies and partners may provide a strategic advantage for the U.S.-Philippines alliances in addressing future traditional and nontraditional security concerns such as a more assertive China in the South China Sea or a ma-

jor terrorist attack similar to the Marawi Siege,” said Vicedo. This, along with the nSS’ urge for allies to modernize and improve military operations, give a stronger case for alliance opportunities, he added. Vicedo made reference to the future formation of the Philippine’s Government Arsenal Defense Industry Estate, which will act as an economic zone for local and foreign investors seeking to work with manufacturers in supplying the country’s military needs. The plan also looks to give companies incentives for investing in developing countries. With Philippine-U.S. relations dating back to the late 19th century, the leaders of the two countries seemed to hit it off last year despite a number of rocky moments. Following Duterte and Trump’s first ever bilateral meeting in november 2017 on the sidelines of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian national Summit, Trump said they had a “great relationship” and that he “really enjoyed” being in the Philippines.. The two leaders released a joint statement following the bilateral meeting, as did the U.S. and Philippine Senior Defense and Foreign Affair Officials at the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue 2017. “The complementarity and opportunities offered by President Trump’s national Security Strategy may re-energize security engagements between the two countries,” Vicedo concluded. (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

The forecasts, however, were below the government’s target range of 7-8 percent annual GDP growth from 2018 to 2022. Last month, the WB has upgraded its 2017 growth projection for the Philippines as part of its “quarterly forecast exercise to reflect recent economic trends.” From the previous estimate of 6.6 percent, the WB raised its 2017 economic growth forecast for the Philippines to a stronger 6.7 percent. “If investment growth accelerates faster along with increased spending in public infrastructure,

economic expansion can be even higher in 2017 and 2018 and exceed the current projection of 6.7 percent,” said Birgit Hansl, WB Lead Economist for the Philippines. The Philippines posted a 6.9 percent GDP growth for in the third quarter of 2017, which was higher than the 6.5 percent growth in the second quarter of 2017, and of the 6.4 percent posted in the first quarter. The government is slated to release the country’s 2017 fourthquarter and full-year GDP performance on January 25. n

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2 Americans arrive to conduct third-party probe of Davao mall fire by Frinston Lim, Judy

Quiros & mart sambaLud Inquirer.net

Conde Nast Traveler magazine included Cebu in its list of “10 Warm Places We’d Rather Be Right Now,” which featured warm-temperature destinations that editors of the magazine are dreaming about during the winter season. Philstar.com photo

Cebu waters unbeatable — travel mag by Catherine

taLavera Philstar.com

CEBU continues to be on the radar of foreign travelers as an international travel magazine has cited Cebu for its clear waters and warm climate. Conde Nast Traveler magazine included Cebu in its list of “10 Warm Places We’d Rather Be Right Now,” which featured warm-temperature destinations that editors of the magazine are dreaming about during the winter season. “I’d rather be wading through the clear Philippine Sea as schools of brightly colored tropical fish

swim around me,” Conde Nast Traveler senior editor Erin Florio said. “I’ve snorkeled all over the world; even knee-deep, the waters off the coast of Cebu can’t be beat,” Florio added. Cebu is joined by other warmtemperature destinations like Buzios in Brazil, Chiang Mai in Thailand and Karpathos in Greece, among others. Last October, readers of the international travel magazine voted Cebu and the Visayan islands as the second best island in the world in 2017. “Not as wild as Phuket in Thailand, Cebu City is more personal,

with plenty of up-and-coming restaurants and shopping,” Conde Nast Traveler earlier reported. Boracay and Palawan also secured the first and third spot on the best islands in the world list. The Philippines has been receiving continued interest from international tourists in recent years for the country’s beaches. Just last week, Travel+Leisure included five Philippine beaches on the list of 365 beaches to visit in 2018. Among these are the Seven Comandos Beach, Payong-Payong Beach, Hidden Beach and Linapacan islands, all in Palawan. The white beach in Boracay was also included in the list. n

TWO Americans hired by the management of NCCC Mall have arrived here for the conduct of an independent investigation into the Dec. 23 fire that killed 38 people. Senior Supt. Jerry Candido, the spokesman of the Interagency Anti-Arson Task Force (IAATF), said the two American investigators from Washington, DC, had paid him a courtesy call and informed him of their interest to coordinate with local fire authorities during their probe. “They are hired by the NCCC as third-party investigators, so we assigned someone to assist them,” Candido told reporters here on Tuesday, January 9. He said the NCCC management had wanted a third-party probe of the incident. Candido said the American fire investigators could start their work as soon as possible. Earlier, Candido said the IAATF had found several violations on the part of NCCC Mall and Survey Sampling International (SSI), which had contributed to the tragedy. These included compliance with safety rules on fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire exits. The NCCC management denied it had committed violations, maintaining that the four-storey mall in Barangay Ma-a had been certified as fire safety compliant.

“We wish to stress though that the mall had passed through all the needed safety examinations and was certified by authorities as being safe to operate and serve the public,” Thea Padua, NCCC spokesperson, said in a statement. “This stringent certification process included passing requirements for the adequate provision of such public safety systems as fire alarms and sprinklers, fre exits and emergency procedures including fire drills,” she added. Candido said they were looking at the fire safety compliance documents issued to the mall and SSI. Criminal indictments over the tragedy could include retired local fire officials, he added. But he clarified that they had not established as of yet who should be held liable for the fire that also cost P1.6 billion in property damage. “We are giving ourselves two weeks [to wrap up the investigation],” Candido told the Inquirer by phone on Monday, January 8. But he said the timetable could be shortened if documents and other pieces of evidence that they had been gathering would be sufficient to determine liabilities and for the filing of criminal charges against those found to be responsible for the tragedy. As this developed, the association of business process outsourcing companies in the

city said it would evaluate emergency procedures in all BPO work places in the wake of the tragedy. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Davao President Samuel Matunog said the evaluation would be based on the result of the IAATF investigation. “When the result of the investigation is known, we will call the association (into a meeting), we will gather together, sit down and review our emergency procedures,” Matunog said. Currently, BPOs here implement three levels of warning in cases of emergency. Level 1 means operations will be restored in two to four hours. Level 2 means operations will be restored within eight hours. Level 3 means operations will only be restored after eight hours. Matunog said ICT-Davao would also make an appeal to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to reconsider its order suspending operations of SSI in Davao. “Our appeal to PEZA is to look at it [suspension[ again,” Matunog said. “We have the obligation to take care of the remaining workers. The remaining 480 workers could still earn about P900 million income [for SSI] and P97 million in compensation per year. That’s substantial if totally lost.” He said ICT-Davao was planning to help SSI rebound in an alternative location. n

Amb. Kim: US-PH ties to...

PAGE A1 In a separate television interview on Tuesday, January 9, Kim said that for the year 2017, the U.S.-PH alliance mainly focused on the Marawi City crisis. In May last year, Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute terrorists occupied the city, sparking an armed conflict that lasted for five months. “As you know, I passed my first year mark just recently… and in terms of what we’ve focused on, I think obviously the Marawi situation was of great importance to the alliance. And I think we’ve played a very important role in supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” he told

GMA News’ News To Go. Kim also announced that the U.S. government has allocated an additional $6 million on top of the $20 million earlier pledged for the rehabilitation efforts in war-torn Marawi City. “I am happy to announce today that we are allocating $6 million to help the most vulnerable population in Marawi. We’re talking about young children [and the] elderly,” the envoy said. “We’re coming up with some programs that are really focused on their needs, such as vocational training, and other educational-related programs,” he added. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

Federal judge rules DACA must...

)ROORZ XV RQ

PAGE A1 Calif.), a longtime immigrant rights advocate, praised the federal court’s ruling but urged the passage of the Dream Act, which would provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth. “A California judge rightfully recognized that Trump was ‘arbitrary’ and ‘capricious’ in terminating DACA. There was no reason for Trump to end the program other than to sow mayhem in immigrant communities across the country,” Gomez said in a statement released on Wednesday, January 10. “But this ruling does not provide DREAMers with the certainty they need. DREAMers deserve peace of mind, not the sickening instability that Trump has purposely inflicted. With Trump already hinting at an appeal, we need to keep the pressure up — and pass the Dream Act now.” Current DACA recipients will be able to renew enrollment When the Trump administration announced it was terminating DACA, it noted that it was no longer accepting new applications as of September 5, 2017, and recipients whose permits expired after March 5, 2018, were not permitted to apply for renewal. Moreover, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had set a deadline, October 5, 2017, for anyone whose work permit was going to expire after March 5 — due to U.S. Postal Service delays, roughly 22,000 DACA recipients missed this deadline, which the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services deemed “narrow.” Though the ruling doesn’t allow people who applied for DACA before the administration stopped accepting applications on September 5, current DACA recipients are able to renew their enrollment. However, the government could

still prevent DACA recipients from returning to the U.S. if they leave the country. It remains to be seen how this affects legislation, but Alsup’s order puts a strain on the Trump administration, which is likely headed for a major legal battle, not unlike the intense back and forth between the courts and the Trump administration regarding the travel bans last year. Economic impact of DACA In five years, the program has more than 800,000 enrollees, many of whom reported back greater career and education opportunities that were otherwise inaccessible. The termination of DACA in September orchestrated an outcry from immigrant rights activists as well as economic experts who emphasized the program’s positive economic impact, and the newfound permittance to work has opened up economic opportunities for the country as well as the beneficiaries and their families. An August 2017 study by the Center for American Progress (CAP) found that 91.4 percent of DACA recipients were currently employed whereas, before DACA, 56 percent were not able to work. “So when I think about the data and what it all points to, it makes clear that DACA works, that DACA not only improves the lives of individual recipients and their families, but positively affects the American economy and society,” Tom Wong, associate professor of political science at UC San Diego, said in a press call on Thursday, September 7. The libertarian-leaning Cato Institution reported in January 2017 that terminating DACA — which would mean deporting those enrolled — would cost the federal government $60 billion and diminish economic growth by $280 billion over the next 10 years. n

TRASLACION AFTERMATH. Personnel of the city of Manila’s public service division collect trash during a massive clean-up drive a day after the procession of the Black Nazarene. ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo

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D ateline PhiliPPines PH’s bond with China getting stronger, says Duterte by AJPress

THE bond between the Philippines and China is improving every day, said President Rodrigo Duterte during a meeting with the delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC) led by the close staff of China President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, January 9. In a Palace press statement, the president reiterated, “Our desire and wish of the Filipino people that we make our bond stronger’.” According to Malacañang, CPC Central Committee member Meng Xiangfeng and three other CPC leaders held discussions with Duterte. Accompanying them were Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua and Chinese Embassy counselor Sun Yi. The other delegation members were Yuan Zhibing, director general of Bureau One International Department of the CPC; Lin Zhi, division chief, Personnel Bureau, CPC; and Du Dingding, division chief, Bureau One International Department. The CPC members were invited by the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), which was represented at the meeting by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, the party president, and Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, the party’s vice chair. PH still trusts China

When asked to comment over the reported airbase with military facilities and hospital that China built in the Kagitingan Reef (also known as Fiery Cross Reef), Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Tuesday that the Philippines was still relying on China’s good faith that the Chinese government would not undertake new reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea. “When we say we are relying on China’s good faith, it is because China has committed not to embark on new reclamations,” Roque said during Palace briefing. Roque further explained that China has already reclaimed Kagitingan and is the subject of the arbitral tribunal’s decision that the island is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. “So when we invoke the good faith of China, it is against making further reclamations and not making further works on islands that it had already reclaimed,” Roque said. “So I hope that is very clear. So the good faith we’re relying on is the commitment of China not to embark on new reclamations,” he added. Roque, however, affirmed the statement of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who said that the Philippines would file a diplomatic protest against China if they had indeed built an airbase with

military facilities in Kagitingan Island. “Of course, that’s the proper remedy ‘no. But that’s something that the Department of Foreign Affairs will have to address,” Roque said. Roque said if China would militarize the island, it would be a “further threat to peace and security in the area.” “But the point is, has there been a breach of Chinese commitment not to reclaim any new islands or shoals in the area? For as long as there is none, then we continue to respect that they are true to their commitment not to do so,” he explained. Roque also said, “From the very beginning China, we knew, was militarizing the area by reclaiming these areas and by using them as military bases. “So the fact that they are actually using it now as military bases, as far as I’m concerned, is not new, new. It’s not news. Because we’ve always been against the militarization of the area. But the good faith commitment is not to reclaim new islands. I hope that’s very clear,” he added. Since Duterte assumed office in 2016, he has maintained a friendly stance with China to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations. Duterte resolved to have a bilateral dialogue with China over the long-standing maritime dispute over conflicting claims onparts of the South China Sea. n

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

MORE Filipinos are optimistic that their lives and the country’s economy will get better this year, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. Based on results of the noncommissioned poll conducted from December 8 to 16 last year, 49 percent of Filipinos expect that their personal quality of life will improve in the next 12 months, while only 3 percent expect it to get worse. This results in a “record-high” Net Personal Optimism score of +46, which is classified by SWS as “excellent.” The figure is also four points higher than the previous +42 in the September 2017 survey. According to SWS, the country’s December 2017 Net Personal Optimism likewise matches the record-high level that was

Most Filipinos rate Duterte as a better president compared to Aquino Aquino was better than Duterte. The remaining 22 percent said the two leaders had the same A MAJORITY of Filipinos be- performance. lieve that Philippine President Duterte’s approval rating was Rodrigo Duterte is “better” the highest in Mindanao at 86 than former President Benigno percent, followed by in Metro “Noynoy” Aquino III, accord- Manila at 73 percent, in Visayas ing to a Social Weather Station at 64 percent, and in balance (SWS) survey result reported by Luzon at 63 percent. Aquino, on radio network DZBB on Monday, the other hand, got the highest January 8. approval in Metro Manila at 10 As stated in the report, 70 per- percent. cent of Filipinos said that Duterte In the survey, respondents has performed better than his were asked the question: “Kung predecessor, while 8 percent said ikukumpara ang pag-ganap ni

by AJPress

Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa kanyang tungkulin mula Hulyo 2016 sa pagkaganap ni dating pangulong Aquino mula Hulyo 2010 hanggang Hulyo 2016, masasabi n’yo ba na PRRD is better, the same, PNoy is better (Comparing the performance of President Rodrigo Duterte from July 2016 to former President Aquino’s from July 2010 to July 2016, would you say PRRD is better, the same, [or] PNoy is better)?” The report also found that 69 PAGE A7

Supreme Court to hold oral arguments on martial law extension by AJPress THE Supreme Court (SC) is set to hold oral arguments on the consolidated petitions challenging Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao. During the deliberations of the court en banc on Wednesday, January 10, the high court has decided to tackle two petitions next week on January 16 and 17. The high court also said that it has ordered the Office of the Solicitor general (OSg), which will represent the respondents led by Duterte in the hearings, to comment on the second petition filed by filed by human rights advocates and cause-oriented groups represented by the National union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NuPL) not later than January 13. The other petition was filed by the so-called “Magnificent Seven” of the House of Representatives, led by Albay Representative Edcel Lagman. Other members of the bloc include Akbayan Representative Tom Villarin, Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat, Jr., Magdalo Rep. gary Alejano, Capiz 1st District Rep. Emmanuel A. Billones, and Northern Samar Rep. Raul Daza. Last month, Congress extended

CLASS ACT. Teacher Maybeth Ferrer holds class at Araullo High School on UN Avenue in Manila. Ferrer and other public school teachers are hoping for a pay increase after salary hikes were implemented for soldiers and police. However, BUDGET Secretary Benjamin Diokno rejected calls to increase the salary of public school teachers, saying it was not among the priorities of the government. ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo

Jinggoy Estrada says he’s still ‘inclined to serve people on a national level’ by Dana

SioSon AJPress

ALTHOugH he did not confirm if he would run for a Senate position in 2019, former Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada has dropped some hints that running for a national post is possible. “I haven’t decided yet eh, pero siyempre nandun pa rin ’yung incllination natin to serve our people on a national level (but of course there is still the inclination to serve our people on a national level),” Estrada told reporters in an interview on Monday, January 8. Estrada, who is currently out Former Senator Jinggoy Estrada Inquirer.net photo on bail, is facing plunder and graft charges before the San- cumbent Manila Mayor Joseph diganbayan for allegedly misus- Estrada, who was later found ing and pocketing P183-million guilty in 2007. priority development assistance “If you remember when I first (PDAF) funds from 2004 to 2010 ran in 2004, I still had an outwhen he was still a senator. standing case, a pending case But should he decide to seek a together with my father, a plunseat in the Senate or any other gov- der case in 2004, and eventuernment post, Estrada expressed ally I was acquitted,” the former confidence that the current charg- senator recalled. es against him will barely affect his He then stressed, “The PDAF chances of winning. case will not affect my run in the He then cited the instance Senate, if I decide to run.” when he was still elected as a For now, Estrada said he plans According to a recent poll, 49 percent of Filipinos expect that their personal quality of life senator in 2004 despite facing to “[go] around the country to will improve in the next 12 months, while only 3 percent expect it to get worse. a plunder case alongside his thank the people for their unInquirer.net photo father, former president and in- wavering support” to him. first achieved in June 2016 when with a steady score in the ViPhilippine President Rodrigo sayas, and a decline in Metro Manila, from September 2017 Duterte assumed office. “The four-point rise in Net to December 2017,” SWS said Personal Optimism nationwide in a media release on Tuesday, was due to increases in Balance January 9. Luzon and Mindanao, combined PAGE A7

Poll: More Filipinos expect better life, economy in 2018

A new group of petitioners tells the Supreme Court that the extension of martial law in Mindanao is intended not against rebels but critics of President Rodrigo Duterte. Inquirer.net photo

anew Duterte’s martial law proclamation and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao until December 31, 2018 for the “total eradication” of Islamic State (IS)-inspired terrorists and communists rebels in the area. Duterte first placed Mindanao under military rule following the attack of Maute rebels in Marawi City on May 23. The president’s 60-day proclamation was initially set to expire last July 22 but was then extended by Congress until December 31 of this year. Petitioners, however, argued that there is no current actual rebellion in Mindanao. “Threats of violence and terrorism by remnants of vanquished terrorist groups do not constitute a constitutional basis for exten-

sion of martial law because ‘imminent danger’ has been deleted as a ground for imposing martial law under the 1987 Constitution,” the opposition bloc’s petition read. They also expressed fear that that a second extension it may lead to “extensions in perpetuity.” NuPL Chairman Neri Colmenares, on the other hand, further pointed out that the “government is functioning in Davao City and the entire country.” “This is a violation of the Constitution which only allows the imposition of martial law when there is actual rebellion and when the operations of civilian government are substantially impaired that public safety should be preserved,” Colmenares said. n

He also said that he has not yet spoken to his half-brother, current Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito about their political plans for 2019. In a previous television interview, Ejercito said there can only be one Estrada in the Senate in 2019. In survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) from December 8 to 11 last year, both Estrada and Ejercito were included in the Senate’s so-called “Magic 12” or list probable senatorial race winners. Estrada tied at 7th to 8th spot with former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.; while Ejercito also tied at the 10th to 12th spot with returning Senator Lito Lapid and media personality Erwin Tulfo. Topping the pre-election survey for the 2019 Senate race was Senator grace Poe. She was followed by Senators Cynthia Villar, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and Nancy Binay. Meanwhile, former Senator Pia Cayetano landed on the 5th spot, while re-electionist Edgardo “Sonny” Angara Jr. was 6th. Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also made it on the list, ranking 9th. n

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JANUARY 12-18, 2018 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

A new battle for DILG chief

FEATURES

AS promised, President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Armed Forces chief Eduardo Año as head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). He will serve as officer-in-charge, raising criticism that it goes around the law barring the appointment of military officers from being named to a civilian post within a year after retiring from the service. This practice cannot be institutionalized. This issue aside, the appointment has raised expectations that Año can have a positive impact on the DILG, after he led the military in ending the Marawi siege and neutralizing top Maute terrorists. Año replaces Catalino Cuy, who also served as OIC in the department after Ismael Sueno was sacked as DILG secretary on allegations of corruption. The DILG has supervision over the Philippine National Police, which has rejoined the war on drugs that is now led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, as provided by law. In accepting his new post, Año is reportedly giving priority to the fight against illegal drugs as well as corruption in the agencies now under his jurisdiction. In battling the Mautes in Marawi, the military under Año managed to make martial law in Mind-

anao generally acceptable to the nation. This was no simple feat, considering the nation’s unfortunate experience with martial law. Año might yet achieve the same feat in the PNP’s operations against illegal drugs. Fighting corruption involves plugging opportunities for graft. Red tape is deliberately designed into systems and processes to encourage the payment of grease money. Año must review how red tape can be cut not only in the PNP and his department but also in local government units. With full support from President Duterte, he should be able to work with the elected politicians who head the LGUs in cutting red tape and curbing corruption. These are all formidable challenges, but perhaps the man who led government forces in retaking Marawi can make a difference. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS OPRAH WINFREY delivered a powerful, empowering and inspiring speech after she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award during the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, January 7. It is an honorary Golden Globe Award bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.” Since the first time this award was given in 1952, it is only this year when this recognition was bestowed upon a black woman — and that is Oprah. In her speech, Oprah talked about what inspired her to be the woman she is now — amid poverty, racism, prejudice, abuses of people in power. “THEIR TIME IS UP!”… “A new day is on the horizon,” Oprah

Breakthrough ELFREN S. CRUZ SENATORIAL elections have always been a major topic of discussion and speculation. This year, the candidates for the 2019 senatorial elections will be finalized. There are already surveys on the most probable winners and speculation on who will be running. One of the reasons that there is so much interest in senatorial elections is the perception that the Senate is a major route to the Presidency. But is this really true? In the post Marcos martial law regime, there have been six democratically elected presidents. Three did not serve in the Senate — Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Rodrigo Duterte. Three served in the Senate — Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo, Noynoy Aquino. However, two of them — Estrada and Arroyo — became president right after winning the vice presidency. Only Noynoy Aquino went directly from the Senate to the presidency. It is true that being a senator gives a political personality national exposure. But it would seem that being a senator is not enough credentials for a person to win the presidency in the modern political era. The shift toward federalism will also be a major development in the Philippine political environment. The election of state or regional governors will provide another route to the presidency. We can learn lessons from the

Philstar.com photo

Oprah for president in 2020? Not too fast! said so empathically that made a lot of viewers tear up, this writer included, thinking this is the kind of speech we want our children and grandchildren to hear. As Oprah was delivering her speech, people were already making social media burn with their “Oprah for President 2020” posts and this has continued to be the hot topic even in homes, schools, offices, television and radio talk shows and newscasts, even after the Golden Globe Awards’ lights went off. President Donald Trump even chimed in, saying he likes Oprah a lot, but does not think she will run. However, in the event she does, Trump said he will beat her. But not too fast. I myself love Oprah a lot. She has a very colorful and compelling life narrative that speaks volume about this woman’s strength, grit, determination,

focus, intelligence, hard work, empathy, compassion, and love for humanity. Her success story from her humble beginnings to being the successful media mogul she is now has inspired a lot of people. We have seen her rise higher and higher, witnessed her personal struggles on her way up, and felt she is just like every one of us. Throughout her work on television, she has lifted the lives of millions of people who have watched and listened to her, and her Golden Globe speech was to me, her most shining moment that cast light to so many people during these challenging years in our nation’s history. BUT beyond her powerful words and inspiring life, we have yet to know more about Oprah Winfrey before we could make the informed decision if she would be a good president, commander-in-chief of this na-

tion. I am not saying she is NOT qualified. I think she passes the “content of character” test, but what about other leadership and knowledge and vision requirements of a good president? How much does she know about governing, history, current events, international relations? What is her vision for America? What will be her platform to address domestic issues and financial challenges? How will her foreign policies look like? I really want to know. In the meantime, let us digest and fully assimilate all the great things she spoke about in her speech. My favorite parts: “I want to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. We know the press is under siege these days. We also know it’s the insatiable dedication to uncovering the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye to

corruption and to injustice. To—to tyrants and victims, and secrets and lies. I want to say that I value the press more than ever before as we try to navigate these complicated times, which brings me to this: what I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. And I’m especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories. Each of us in this room are celebrated because of the stories that we tell, and this year we became the story.” “In my career, what I’ve always tried my best to do, whether on television or through film, is to say something about how men and women really behave. To say how we experience shame, how we love and how we rage, how we fail, how we retreat, persevere, and how we overcome. I’ve inter-

viewed and portrayed people who’ve withstood some of the ugliest things life can throw at you, but the one quality all of them seem to share is an ability to maintain hope for a brighter morning, even during our darkest nights. So I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon! And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again.” *** 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

PH Senate elections American political system which is presidential and federal. In the post Eisenhower period, there have been nine American presidents. Three of them served in the U.S. Senate — John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson. Richard Nixon. Four of them became president after becoming state governors — Jimmy Carter of Georgia, Ronald Reagan of California, Bill Clinton of Arkansas and George Bush Jr. of Texas. George Bush Sr. ran for the Senate and lost. He became Reagan’s vice-president and won the presidency after Reagan. Donald Trump is the political outlier who became president without holding any previous elective or appointive government office. In the history of the Philippine Senate, none of the Senators I most admire and respect ever became presidents. My personal list includes Claro M. Recto, Lorenzo Tañada, Jose W. Diokno, Raul Manglapus, Ninoy Aquino, Joker Arroyo and Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. I always thought they would have become great presidents. But the fact that they never became presidents has not diminished their influence on Philippine history. In fact, they have had more impact on our country than most of our previous presidents. Fifty years from now, I wonder how many of the senators today will still be remembered as having contributed to their country’s progress. Perhaps now is a good time to look back at the members of the Philippine Senate 50 years ago and how many have left any lasting legacy. The Senate leadership of the 1954-1957 Senate were Eulogio Rodriguez, Senate President;

Manuel Briones, President Pro Tempore, Cipriano Primicias, Majority Floor Leader. The members of the Third Congress were elected in 1953 and 1955. The list includes the following names: Democrito Alonzo, Tomas Cabili, Manuel Cuenco, Francisco Delgado, Ruperto Kangleon, Jose Laurel Sr., Oscar Ledesma, Jose Locsin, Fernando Lopez, Alejo Mabanag, Pacital Madrigal Gonzalez, Enrique Magalona, Quintin Paredes, Emmanuel Pelaez, Macario Peralta, Gil Puyat, Claro Recto, Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Decoroso Rosales, Pedro Sabido, Lorenzo Sumulong, Lorenzo Tanada, Jose Zulueta. Perhaps our senators will stop focusing on becoming the next president and realize that they can use their position to leave a lasting legacy equal justice and equal opportunity for all Filipinos. 2018 overview For those interested in international geopolitics, Stratfor is a good site for quick assessments and analysis. In their 2018 annual forecast, they identified five major factors to watch this year — North Korea, U.S. Trade Policy, Oil Industry, Iran, and ChinaRussia collaboration. North Korea’s demonstration of a viable nuclear deterrent this year will give rise to a new and more unstable era of containment. The threat of war on the Korean peninsula cannot be ruled out but a preventive strike against North Korea will cost millions of lives and plunge the global economy into a recession or even a depression. The White House will forge ahead with an aggressive agenda that will target China, Mexico,

Infographic courtesy of Social Weather Stations

South Korea and Japan. I personally think that a global trade war is about to begin and countries all over the world will begin to adopt nationalist, protectionist trade and investment policies. The United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia will close ranks against Iran. This means that proxy battles will intensify all over the Middle East. Russia will exploit these mounting tensions to expand its influence in the Middle East at the expense of the United States. Major oil producers hope to stay on track to rebalance the

global oil market. Saudi Arabia and Russia may be able to work together to counteract an expected uptick in U.S. shale oil output. Deepening collaboration between China and Russia will pose a strategic threat to the United States, spurring Washington to try and check the budding partnership by reinforcing its own allies in the Eurasian heartland. The fluidity of alignments among great powers will increasingly define the international system as Moscow and Beijing balance against each other, just as many U.S. allies hedge their relation-

ships with Washington. Amidst all these gloomy predictions we can only look for hope from people like Pope Francis who has constantly been the voice for peace and sanity in this world. I still remember his message last year: “Peace is the only direction of human progress — and not the tensions caused by ambitious nationalisms, nor conquests by violence nor repressions which serve as mainstay for a false civil order.” I wish everyone a Happy and Peaceful New Year. (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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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 12-18, 2018

Robredo’s ratings good; Pimentel hits record high by ian

SEIZED. A drug-sniffing dog checks smuggled rice found on a cargo ship intercepted off Zamboanga Sibugay. At least 18 crewmembers were arrested for failing to present any document. The PCG escorted the cargo ship to the Zamboanga port for further investigation. Philstar.com photo

Carpio declines invite to Sereno impeachment hearing by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Francis Jardeleza and Noel Tijam, and retired Associate Justice Arturo Brion. According to the House panel, the following justices have manifested their willingness to appear before the panel: Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano del Castillo, Samuel Martires and Andres Reyes Jr. The House of Representatives Committee on Justice is set to resume its hearing on Monday, January 15. n

Patag

MANILA — Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio will not attend the House of Representatives impeachment hearing against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. In a statement sent to reporters on Thursday, January 11, Carpio said that he wrote a letter to the House panel to decline the invitation to testify as he has “no personal knowledge of the matters the committee mentioned in its reply to me.” In an earlier Star report, Carpio was said to have been invited to testify on an alleged anomaly in the hiring of IT consultant Helen Perez-Macasaet for the Office of Chief Justice. It was also earlier reported that a fact-finding report was submitted to the SC recommending the voiding of Macasaet’s P10-million contract due to “lapses in the procurement process.” Carpio, who has been on the

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio Philstar.ccom photo

Supreme Court the longest, ordered the probe into the matter. Lawyer Larry Gadon has claimed that Sereno committed betrayal of public trust when she hired Macasaet by her “willful failure to procure the services of an ICT consultant in accordance with law and public policy.” Other justices who have appeared before the House panel are

Poll: More Filipinos expect better...

PAGE A5 In Balance Luzon, the Net Personal Optimism rose from “very high” +39 in September to “excellent” +45 in December; while in Mindanao, it rose from +46 in September to +50 in December, staying under “excellent” category. The Net Personal Optimism in the Visayas also remained at “very high” +39 from September to December. In Metro Manila, it went down by 3 points from +52 in September to +49 in December but stayed under “excellent” category. The survey results also showed that the Net Personal Optimism remains “excellent” in classes ABC and D, and “very high” in class E. “Net Personal Optimism stayed excellent in class ABC, up by 6 points from +53 in September 2017 to +59 (correctly rounded) in December 2017. It stayed excellent in class D, or the masa, up by 5 points from +42 in September to +47 in December,” SWS said. In class E, however, it went down by 5 points from +38 in September to +33 (correctly rounded) in December. The same survey also showed that 52 percent of Filipinos are optimistic that the country’s economy will “get better” this year while only nine percent feel that it would “deteriorate,” re-

sulting to a Net Optimism about the Economy score of “excellent” +42. The latest figure is 12 points higher than the excellent +30 in September 2017, and the highest since the excellent +43 in December 2016. “The 12-point rise in national Net Optimism about the Economy was due to increases in all areas,” SWS said. Results showed Net Optimism about the Economy also stayed “excellent” in all areas. In Mindanao, the Net Optimism about the Economy went up by 10 points from +51 in September 2017 to +61 in December 2017; while in the Visayas, it went up by six points from +24 in September to +30 in December. It also rose by 17 points in Balance Luzon from +23 in September to +40 in December, and in Metro Manila by 6 points from +30 in September to +36 in December. Net Optimism about the economy likewise stayed “excellent” in all classes. In class D, it went up by 13 points from +30 in September to +43 in December; while in class E by 9 points from +32 in September to +41 in December. In class ABC, however, the figure went down by 2 points from +33 in September to +31 in December. n

Most Filipinos rate Duterte...

PAGE A5 percent of Filipinos believe that Duterte’s actions are appropriate for his position as president, while 18 percent of those surveyed said Duterte’s actions were inappropriate. 13 percent were undecided. The SWS poll was reportedly conducted from December 8 to 16 last year. In a comment, Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque remarked that the survey result “confirms already what we already know as a fact.” Still most ‘approved, trusted’ In a separate survey conducted by Pulse Asia last month, Duterte remains the most “approved” and most “trusted” among the top five government officials in the Philippines. Based on the poll result, which was released over the weekend, Duterte received an approval rating of 80 percent and trust rating of 82 percent. The figures barely changed from his previous 80 percent approval and 80 percent trust ratings in September last year. In the latest poll, Duterte received the highest approval and trust ratings in Mindanao at 93 percent and 94 percent respectively. The president also enjoyed a majority of approval in Visayas

at 86 percent, in Metro Manila at 79 percent, and in balance Luzon at 72 percent. He likewise got high trust ratings in Visayas at 86 percent, Metro Manila at 79 percent, and balance Luzon at 74 percent. Duterte’s overall approval and trust ratings were also higher than of Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo’s approval rating of 59 percent and a trust rating of 58 percent. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, on the other hand, got 57 percent approval rating and 53 percent trust rating, while House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez had an approval rating of 42 and a trust rating of 37 percent. Lauding the Duterte’s high ratings, Roque said the survey result only “showed that our people are aware of and recognizes significant strides the president undertook in his one year and a half in office.” The Palace official also assured that Duterte “will continue to discharge his duties with nation’s interest foremost in his mind.” He also called on the public “to put this appreciation into action by standing as one and helping the government as we continue to address the problem of poverty, illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.” n

nicolas cigaral Philstar.com

MANILA — Public satisfaction with Vice President Leni Robredo remained “good” in the last quarter of the year while that of Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III hit a new personal record-high, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’s rating rose from neutral to moderate, while Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s score was a neutral +6, her lowest net satisfaction rating since December 2015. Robredo’s net satisfaction rating stayed good at +42 (63 percent satisfied, 21 dissatisfied) in December, up by a point from +41 (62 percent satisfied, 21 percent dissatisfied) last September. Her rating stayed good in Mindanao at +47, up by 16 points from +31. It stayed very good in the Visayas at +55 in December, although down by five points from +60 in September. In balance Luzon, Robredo’s rating stayed good at +42. In Metro Manila, it remained moderate at +15, despite dropping by eight points from +23 in the previous quarter. Improvements in her net satisfaction rating between September and December occurred among class ABCs (from moderate +24 to good +32), among those 55 years old and above (from good +40 to very good +52) and among college graduates (moderate +17 to very good +30). Robredo’s rating, however, dropped among class E (from very good +50 to good +45), among

Vice President Leni Robredo

Senate President Koko Pimentel Philstar.com photos

18-24 year olds (from good +36 to moderate +29) and among elementary school graduates (from very good +55 to good +45). Pimentel, meanwhile, posted a new personal record-high of +49 (62 percent satisfied, 13 percent dissatisfied) in December, up from his previous personal record of +46 (60 percent satisfied, 14 percent dissatisfied) in September. The increase in Pimentel’s net satisfaction rating was due to increases of 16 points in Mindanao, five points in Metro Manila and five points in the Visayas, combined with a six-point decrease in balance Luzon. His net satisfaction rating rose by one grade, from good to very good in Mindanao at +61, up by 16 points from +45 previously. It stayed very good in the Visayas at +56, higher by five points from +51. In Metro Manila, it also went up by five points but stayed in good territory at +49. In balance Luzon, it also stayed good at +39 in the fourth quarter, although down by six points from +45 in September.

Upgrades in the Senate President’s net satisfaction rating took place in urban areas (from good +48 to +52), among class E (from good +44 to very good +56), among men (from good +49 to very good +50) and among those 55 years old and above (good +47 to very good +52). It stayed good but had a doubledigit gain among non-elementary school graduates at +46 in December, up by 11 points from +36 previously. Meanwhile, Alvarez’s net satisfaction rating rose by one grade from neutral to moderate at +14 (38 percent satisfied, 23 percent dissatisfied) in December, up six points from his personal recordlow +8 (34 percent satisfied, 26 percent dissatisfied) in third quarter. The six-point improvement in Alvarez’s overall net satisfaction rating was due to increases of 16 points in Mindanao, nine points in the Visayas, six points in Metro Manila and one point in balance Luzon. It rose by one grade from moderate to good in Mindanao, at +26 from +12. n

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Filipino culture, talent on display at LA Clippers Filipino Heritage Night by Christina M. Oriel / AJPress It’s no secret that Filipinos revel in the game of basketball — from the sport becoming a center topic of discussion at family get-togethers to multigenerations gathering around the living room on a game night. the support for the game was no different this week, as the heavy downpour in Los Angeles wasn’t enough to deter many of them from arriving in droves to the staples Center for the Los Angeles Clippers game versus the Atlanta Hawks. On Monday, January 8, the Clippers held the annual Filipino Heritage Night, as they have been for the past nine seasons since 2009. During the event in 2016, Raymond townsend — the first Fil-Am player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) — was honored by the team and met with Fil-Am fans in the audience. this year’s celebration went beyond simply handing out commemoration memorabilia, as the entire night was specifically programmed to honor Fil-Am fans, from pre- and post-game activities and the halftime show. “the Clippers have an incredibly diverse fan base, and we work hard to build authentic connections with our fans and the broader L.A. community through

events like [Monday’s] Filipino Heritage Night. We continually strive to give our fans a fun, exciting, and highly engaging experience at each game,” Matt Paye, the Clippers’ vice president of marketing, told the Asian Journal. Roslynn Cobarrubias, co-founder of global talent discovery platform & creative network Mydiveo and one of the organizers for Monday’s Filipino Heritage Night, told the Asian Journal that the program was orchestrated “with different elements” to highlight the Fil-Am community in Los Angeles. “Generationally, we all grew up in a household where basketball was big and always playing on the television. Just historically, Filipinos are very talented at basketball — many of us may not be the right size but we are very big fans of it, and have always watched games in person or on television and have bought a lot of merchandise,” she said. the game against the Atlanta Hawks kicked off with R&B singer Jessica Reynoso, whom Apl.de.Ap discovered through “the Voice Philippines,” singing the National Anthem. During half-time, Apl.de.Ap energized the crowd with his performance of “Bebot” and “I

Apl.de.ap with Clippers Spirit Dance Team member Kyla Fajardo-Santos and Jessica Reynoso

Gotta Feelin’” with Reynoso. Apl.de.Ap told the Asian Journal that the night was a “proud moment to celebrate our Filipino culture in an American setting.” “Filipinos are all over the industry but we don’t get to shine or we are quiet and like to be in the background. But today, we got to express ourselves, be loud, and show our culture,” he said. Eighteen-year-old Filipina Kyla Fajardo-santos — the youngest member of the Clippers spirit Dance team — got to dance alongside Apl.de.Ap during his set. “the thing with being a dancer, it’s not really work for me. I love my job because I get to dance every single night,” she told the Asian Journal. “I’ve gotten to dance with artists like tonight with Apl. this is one step closer to my dream.” A portion of the night’s ticket proceeds benefitted the Apl.de.Ap Foundation, which helps students in the Philippines by building classrooms and computer labs. Currently the foundation has built 34 classrooms and plans to create more with the help of the night’s funds. “We worked closely with Apl. de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas to create a unique and authentic game experience for Filipino Heritage Night and to give back to the community, with partial proceeds from Filipino Heritage Night ticket sales going to the Apl. de.ap Foundation. the event was a win for both the Clippers and L.A.’s Filipino community,” Paye added. Further showcasing Filipinos’ love for basketball, after the main Clippers game (wherein they narrowly won 108-107), a special match between two teams — led by Apl.de.ap and DJ E-Man of radio station Power 106 — was held featuring Fil-Am celebrities and influencers in various industries from entertainment to fashion.

Fil-Am influencers from entertainment to fashion entertained select fans with a game of basketball.

“We wanted to give something back to the people who purchased tickets that they wouldn’t be able to get elsewhere, and that was the post-game with Filipino influencers alongside some fans who wanted the opportunity to play with the stars on either team Apl or team DJ E-Man,” Cobarrubias said. she remarked that the night’s festivities were successful in part by DJ E-Man, who was a “perfect fit to work together.” “[A]s the music director of Power 106, he produces a weekly celebrity basketball games for high schools across LA and a big yearly one for charity at UsC,” she said. those on the court included actors Dante and Dion Basco, choreographer Brian Puspos, and

Kobe Paras

The Los Angeles Clippers celebrated Filipino Heritage Night on Monday, January 8 during their home game versus Atlanta Hawks. AJPress photos by Noel Ty

rapper P-Lo. Kobe Paras was also present at the game, serving as assistant coach to Apl’s team. Both teams were outfitted in custom jerseys, representing Clippers’ colors and the Philippine flag, made by Filipino brand New Jersey sets. Fil-Am radio personality Manny streetz Guevara said he attended Filipino Heritage Night and participated in the celebrity game as a way to give back “to our heritage and how we grew up.” “Basketball is a great connector in our community. Filipinos play basketball at some point in their lives,” he told the Asian Journal. “It was so fun to be alongside people I grew up watching on tV or singing to their music. I finally got to meet them and play with them.” Coinciding with Filipino Heritage Night, the Philippine Department of tourism (DOt) also had a presence at the staples Center on Monday, inviting people — Fil-Am or not — back to the Philippines. this is part of the department’s partnership with the Clippers to feature the country in the team’s home games this year. “Among the several scheduled games lined-up in 2019, we specifically requested that we must be part of the Filipino Heritage Night to show our support to the FilipinoAmerican community’s efforts in promoting Philippine pride and fostering solidarity among Filipinos in the community,” DOtLos Angeles attaché Richmond

Jimenez told the Asian Journal. “Basketball is the Philippines’ number one sport and is a game watched by many even far ahead of boxing and beauty pageants. this game attracts viewers across demographics, thus PDOt-LA [found] it a fitting venue and platform to promote the Philippines and attract funloving people to come to our country.” Basketball teams, such as the Golden state Warriors and Brooklyn Nets, also have their own versions of nights to recognize their Fil-Am fans. Other sports teams like baseball, from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the san Francisco Giants, do annual celebrations as well. “When Filipinos are together, we’re able to show the strength our community and be a voice so that these large mainstream corporations understand the power of the Filipino dollar. Just having us incorporated on a large scale, whether it’s heritage night, an artist on television or an actor or politician, is huge. With the taboo and the crab mentality in our community, we don’t really rally to support one another but it shows at sporting events that we can and we do,” Cobarrubias said. “It’s bigger than just going to a Clippers and Hawks game. It’s actually showing our buying power and our community, bringing a voice and family together, and doing something fun so we can then support each other in other areas.”

Julia Montes looks up to What ‘MORE’ can you ask for Kathryn Bernardo for action scenes in 2018’s first big OPM concert by Deni rOse BernarDO

by tessa

MauriCiO-arriOla ManilaTimes.net

Philstar.com

AFtER Mara, it is now Clara’s turn to become an action star. Following the “La Luna sangre” success of Kathryn Bernardo, who starred as Mara in the remake of “Mara, Clara,” it is now the turn of Kathryn’s “Mara, Clara” co-star, Julia Montes, to show prowess in combat scenes for upcoming ABs-CBN soap opera “Asintado.” In an interview last Monday for her upcoming soap opera “Asintado,” Julia told The Star that though she and Kathryn are no longer costars, Kathryn always tell Julia her experiences in doing fight scenes for “La Luna sangre.” “Na-eexcite ako every time na nagkwekwento nga s’ya,” Julia enthused. Julia admitted that she also now consults Kathryn on how to prepare doing battle shots for “Asintado.” “Lalo na ‘yun si Kath, masyado ‘yung health-conscious… ilang beses na ‘yun naggi-gym, etc. Sa kanya ako mas nagtatanong ngayon.” Julia affirmed that it is now the age of femme fatales in Filipino soap operas, with roles such as Kathryn’s Malia in “La Luna sangre” dabbling from dramatic to kick-ass. “Siguro, ‘yan na nga po ‘yung trend ngayon na iba na ang woman empowerment, parang pinapakita natin na wala nang babae’t lalaki sa mundo – lahat tayo pantay-pantay at

Julia Montes and Kathryn Bernardo

lahat tayo palaban!” she said, she and Kathryn are excited to be part of a new generation of actors that value gender equality. “Ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam na ang management, ang ABs, open na ang babae iba lumaban na rin. Sakto na kami ni Kathryn nandun na kami sa line na ganun. It’s exciting for us!” Coco Martin’s devotion Julia, rumored girlfriend of Coco Martin, admitted that she and the “Ang Probinsyano” star share the same faith in Quiapo’s famous Black Nazarene. Last January 9, millions trooped

tHE Philippine concert scene is kicking off 2018 as it should with Original Pilipino Music’s best lording over a single stage. As a prelude to the busiest concert season of every year at Valentine’s, Concert King Martin Nievera, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez and Prince of Pop Erik santos will headline “#paMORE” at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 10. Besides being a popular millennial hashtag, the word “MORE” is the acronym of the artists’ first names, while the phrase itself promises an evening ABS-CBN photo of limitless musical talent. to the Black Nazarene’s annual the one-night-only concert traslacion procession, and among is by the way one of the few big the blackened Christ’s known local acts to make it among the devotees is Martin. roster of Valentine’s shows for Julia told Philstar.com that she, 2018, and the four Platinumtoo, is a believer of the Nazareno. recording are grateful that as early “Yes, napagkwentuhan namin as November, when #paMORE ‘yun before and meron din naman tickets first came out, sales have akong beliefs and naging Catholic been through the roof. din naman ako ngayon, so I do “It’s my 35th year in the believe in that,” Julia explained. business, Regine’s on her 31st, she recalled that her devotion Ogie’s celebrating his 30th this began even before she and Coco year, and well, Erik’s turning 15,” became an item. Martin rolled his eyes jokingly at “Nu’ng childhood ko, before the youngest headliner, “and it’s nasa Pandacan kami, malapit kami really a rare thing for someone to sa Quiapo, dun kami nagsisimba be in a cast like this. Sana ‘more Continued on Page 3 pa’ like this.”

Erik Santos, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera and Ogie Alcasid

As Regine explained, while they have all performed with one another in various shows, this is their first opportunity to tackle songs all together and explore where their voices can take them. “Harmonizing is my favorite thing to do and with the four of us, kumpleto na kami. Ogie is a tenor, Martin’s a baritone, I’m a soprano, and Erik can go the whole range! so, I’m excited to see all the new things we can do together. We’ll do quartets, trios, duets—lahat puwede naming magawa for this show.” As power balladeers, Regine further said they all have their love for ‘80s music in common. “We’ll do a few new songs

I’m sure, but they will have to be appropriate to our style and age—nothing pilit,” the songbird added. As for Erik, who looked every bit overwhelmed to be lined up among OPM’s reigning icons, he expressed, “After po ng concert na ito puwede na po akong mamatay. Isa po itong dream come true for me. Dream come true na ‘yung ‘Royals’ [his 2016 Valentine’s concert with Martin, Regine and Angeline Quinto], mas dream come true pa ito kasi iniisip mo lang makakasama mo ang tatlong icons natin sa isang stage… talagang speechless na ako. It’s such a blessing for me.” Continued on Page 3

‘Adventures in Ticoland: Where the Magic 3 of Animals Never Ends’ A story of imagination and innocence Enrique Gil takes ‘huge step’ in introducing Liza Soberano to family in Spain january 12-18, 2018

www.asianjournal.com

AFTER his first book, “Half My Life: The Testimony of a Father and His Special Needs Child,” about the challenges a father is facing with a son diagnosed with autism and diabetes, author Joseph Lim is now equally proud to share his new book, “Adventures in Ticoland: Where the Magic of Animals Never Ends.” “It’s a children’s book based on a fictitious world and original animal characters created by my daughter, Ashley, when she was 7 years old,” said Joseph in an email interview with the Asian Journal. ‘Tico’ is a nickname I gave her at age 4, and she named ‘Ticoland’ after herself.” Explaining that Ticoland is a fairytale world of animals living their lives, learning lessons, and having fun; the book is also the realization that his daughter won’t be that innocent little girl forever. “As I witnessed my daughter create several dozen animal characters, draw and color them, describe them, and even tell some stories about them, I was impressed by her creativity and wild imagination. “Then it dawned on me, she’s going to grow up one day. She’s not always going to be a sevenyear old little girl. One day, she will lose some of that childhood

innocence and carefree spirit that so defines her character. So I decided to ‘capture her imagination,’ so to speak, while she is still young. So that when she eventually grows up, she can see this book as a reminder of a really fun and innocent time in her life,” he said. Even when he has successfully published two books, Joseph admits that his first book, “Half My Life,” has a different purpose than “Ticoland.” He said, “With that first book, I wrote it for the purpose of bringing forth greater awareness and compassion towards the special needs community. So I’ve been busy spreading the word about it. This second book, on the other hand, has a completely different purpose. It is simply a gift for my daughter – nothing fancy, just a simple gift. But if it does well also, that’s icing on the cake, because it has obvious sentimental value.” Joseph also added he does feel that he is an accomplished author, but then again, for him, it’s not just checking the box and claiming a goal. “Because there is so much more sentimental value in these books than I can ever really describe in a few short sentences. These books are for

Joseph Lim

my beloved children, the first for my son, and the second for my youngest daughter,” he said. “It’s not important for me to be an accomplished ‘author’ unless I am also an accomplished ‘father.’” Joseph also wants to emphasize that a portion of the proceeds from the sales of “Ticoland” will be donated to selected charities such as the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House of Charities. He also wants to invite everyone to his YouTube channel, “Autism and Diabetes Dad.” His video blogs aim to impart his experiences and knowledge as a parent of a special needs child. As an author, Joseph shared that he hopes to inspire other Filipinos — in the Philippines, the United States and all over the world — who are thinking of being a writer, to go for it. “Everyone has a story to tell, challenges that they’ve overcome, and causes they want to support. Writing is a great way to share their message. For me personally, I know there are many Filipinos with special needs loved ones who I hope can relate to the experiences I share in my first book, and in my YouTube videos. Also, I hope all children will find the stories in “Ticoland” to be fun and entertaining, while learning valuable lessons at the same time,” he said. “Adventures in Ticoland” is available on amazon by clicking www.amazon.com/AdventuresTicoland-Where-Magic-Animals/ dp/1640289062. To view Joseph Lim’s YouTube channel, “Autism and Diabetes Dad,” go to: www.youtube.com/watch ?v=dKvtY9nHibg&feature=youtu. be.

Marian Rivera brought to tears by Dingdong’s anniversary video by Niña

GuNo Inquirer.net

MARIAN Rivera was in tears even before she watched the heartfelt anniversary video that husband Dingdong Dantes worked hard on. Dantes and Rivera married on Dec. 30, 2014. She noted that he’s a man of few words, which made the video even more meaningful. “Bihira lang ‘yan na magsalita ng talagang tungkol sa amin, or pag may interview, mga pasingitsingit lang ‘yan (He rarely talks about us, or even in interviews, he only interjects).” “So, dun sa video, ibinuhos niya ang mga gusto niya talagang sabihin sa akin (So in the video, he poured out what he really wanted to say to me).” She related how he presented the video to her in an interview with the Philippine Entertainment Portal. “Sabi niya sa akin, ‘Mahal, may gift ako sa ‘yo, pero hindi materyal na bagay, pero buong puso kong ginawa’ (He said to me, ‘My love, I have a gift for you. It’s not a material object but I put my whole heart into it’).” When he revealed that it was a video, “pagtingin ko, music pa

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes

Photo from Instagram/@dongdantes

lang, humihikbi na ako (when I looked, from the music alone, I was already sobbing).” The video showed the couple in their travels, their “royal wedding” and then as a complete family with baby Zia. The “Super Ma’am” star said she was sobbing when Zia came into the screen. “Dun ko lalo na-realize na ang sarap ng family na ito (I realized even more how happy this family is),” she said. The entire family from both sides—even her father in Spain—also watched the video

before it was released to the public. “Sana palagi mo ‘yang panoorin para malaman mo kung gaano kita kamahal (I hope you always watch this so you know how much I love you),” he told her. She shared how busy their schedules could get, so she watches it on her phone wherever she is. As for her anniversary gift, “nag-nighties lang ako (I just wore a nightgown),” she joked, seriously adding that she gave him a simple gift.

What ‘MORE’ can you ask for...

From Page 2 Returning the good vibes, Martin, Ogie and Regine sincerely agreed that Erik deserved to be in the line-up given his talent and achievements in the business. “He’s such a great singer and alam ko na in this concert malaki ang mako-contribute niya. So, I’m really very happy that he is with us,” Regine stated. #paMORE is a co-production of Anna Puno’s Starmedia Entertainment and Cacai Velasquez-Mitra’s I-Music Entertainment, with stage direction by Paolo Valenciano and musical direction by Louie Ocampo and Raul Mitra.

IT was a “huge step,” shared Gil to ABS-CBN News. “It’s my first time to introduce somebody to my family sa Spain. It was crazy.” Soberano, who celebrated her 20th birthday in Spain, and Gil’s grandmother hit it off. Gil said his grandmother was all praises for the actress. “Sinasabi niya sa akin na she loves Liza so much. Very edukada, very well-brought up woman. Natuwa naman ako (She told me she loves Liza so much. Very educated, very well-brought up woman. It made me happy), ” he said. Soberano also had only nice things to say about Gil’s “animated” grandmother. “She’s just like Quen (referring to Gil) but 10 times more. For her age, she’s very hyper and she’s very funny,” she gushed. The birthday girl was treated to her dream Disneyland Paris trip, care of her love team partner. He scored them a VIP tour for her family. “Sa mga exits kami dumadaan na parang Kardashians (We passed through the exits just like the Kardashians),” he said. In an Instagram post, Soberano thanked Gil for the “magical” Disneyland trip. She said, “You make my dreams come true!” (Niña V. Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano Guno/Inquirer.net) Photo from Instagram/@enriquegil17

Julia Montes looks up to Kathryn... From Page 2 ng lola ko bukod sa Baclaran.. So, meaningful s’ya sa’kin kasi lumaki akong lola’s girl tapos nagkataon, ‘yun ‘yung pinupuntahan naming church, so meaningful s’ya sa’kin every time may pupuntahan kami tapos dadaan ng church, talagang I make it a point na bababa ako at mag-pe-pray.” Likewise, Julia is somewhat following Coco’s footsteps as an action star. In “Asintado,” Julia plays Ana, a spunky and tough member of a rescue team who aspires to give her adoptive family a good life. “Mas straightforward po s’ya and palaban. ‘Yung mga previous role ko, palaban din po sila, pero ito mas iba ‘yung journey n’ya that’s why iba rin ‘yung pinaglalaban. So, bagay na bagay ‘yung (title na) ‘Asintado’ kasi lahat kami may inaasinta,” the actress said. Since Julia is already into firing guns, firing a weapon in “Asintado” is no longer a problem for her. She shared that through the soap, she can finally showcase her skills in military martial arts Krav Maga. In the upcoming Valentine’s, Julia said that she and Coco still have no

plans yet. She disclosed, however, that Coco spends time with her and her family every weekend. “‘Pag Saturday at Sunday, parati kami magkasama. So, kapag special occasions, napa-plano namin ‘yan ng weekends,” she elaborated.

Even during weekdays or when Coco has a taping for “Ang Probinsyano,” Julia assured that she and Coco are always in touch. “Continuous pa rin naman ang communication kahit na busy s’ya,” she added.

january 12-18, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

Pechanga Resort & Casino’s $285-M expansion unveil: The new hotel tower is set to open! Book now to reserve your stay With the holiday season just around the corner, travelers are planning ahead to book their vacation stay to celebrate with their families. You can now reserve your stay at Pechanga’s new hotel tower and be the first to stay in one of the 568 new hotel rooms and suite starting December 22, 2017. As part of its $285 Million resort expansion, Pechanga Resort & Casino adds an additional 568 hotel rooms and suites; two new restaurants; 68,000 square feet of meeting and event space including a rooftop garden; and a new, 25,000 square foot luxury spa all to open at the end of December. A four and one-half acre pool complex including a lagoon area and waterslides is slated to open in April 2018. the new hotel wing comprises 96 suites and 472 deluxe hotel rooms. Every room in the new wing offers state of the art amenities and technological capabilities. technology: 55” and 65” hospitality-rated tV - largest currently on the market USB & charging stations on each nightstand with up to 8 ports to charge – Addt’l outlets in bedside lamps hDMi cable below tV monitor Room Cast remote for personal smart devices Button controlled hotel service & Do Not Disturb indicators Electronic smart lighting for in-room eco efficiency (adheres to title 24 of Calif. energy code)

Upgraded room amenities: Keurig coffee makers Mini bar with space for guest food items Plush robes & slippers in-room safe Molton Brown Bath Products Book your stay now at www. Pechanga.com or by calling (877) 711-2946, experience “Play On Another Level” at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most luxurious resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled

Golden Globes nominee Robert Lopez wears Oliver Tolentino GOLDEN Globes nominee Robert “Bobby” Lopez wore a piña tuxedo by designer Oliver tolentino to the recent Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, January 7 where he and his wife Kristen were nominated for Best Song. the couple wrote the song titled “Remember Me” featured in the film “Coco.”“this is Me” from “the Greatest Showman” ended up winning best song. “Coco” won in the Best Animated Film category. in order to promote native Philippine fabrics, tolentino created a hand-dyed black piña eco tuxedo jacket with matching piña vest for Lopez. Lopez also is Filipino-American and was interested in tapping into his heritage by wearing piña. in addition to his recent nomination, Lopez has won every major award, including a tony for “the Book of Mormon”. in fact, after he and his wife won the Oscar in 2014 for the song “Let it Go” from

Robert Lopez with wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez getaway, whether for the day Photos by Sthanlee B. Mirador or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 4,000 of the hottest “Frozen”, Lopez became what’s called an EGOt — a slots, table games, world-class winner of all categories of major awards: the Emmy, entertainment, 1,090 hotel rooms, Grammy, Oscar, and tony. Only 12 people in the history dining, spa and golf at Journey of entertainment have competitively won all four awards. at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Creations by tolentino were worn by a dozen Casino features a destination that attendees to the Golden Globes, including former Miss meets and exceeds the needs of Universe Margaret Gardiner who is a member of the its guests and the community. hollywood Foreign Press Association that puts on the Pechanga Resort & Casino is a Globes. Gardiner wore the designer’s black sequinprivately-operated business of the patterned gown to escort her guest, the current Miss Pechanga Band of Luiseño indians. Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, to the awards (NelFor more information, call toll Peters wore a South African designer). they are the only free (877) 711-2946 or visitwww. two Miss Universes from South Africa. Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga For more info on the designer, please visit: www. Miss Universe 2017 Demi Leigh Nel-Peters with former Miss Universe Resort & Casino on Facebook and Olivertolentino.com. Margaret Gardiner. on twitter @PechangaCasino. Pechanga is open 24 hours and guests must be 21 or older to enter the casino. (Advertising Supplement

Claudine Barretto slams ‘fake news’ about ex-boyfriend Mark Anthony Fernandez

ACtRESS Claudine Barretto slammed a circulating video, which claimed that she has confirmed in an interview that her ex-boyfriend, actor Mark Anthony Fernandez, impregnated two policewomen while he was in jail. in an instagram post on January 10, Claudine called the trending video “fake news.” “Ayoko na san[a] patulan ‘tong malisyosong tsimis na ito, pero

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nainterview daw ako ni TITO MARYO DUMAWAL. FAKE NEWS PO ITO!! NEVER SPOKE tO TITO MARYO FOR YEARS. #notofakenews,” Claudine’s post read. in the video, Claudine was allegedly interviewed by ABSCBN reporter Mario Dumaual. the actress allegedly told the reporter about Mark Anthony’s romances while in prison. “Minsan nagbiro pa nga,

nagkameron daw siya ng girlfriend sa loob. Sabi ko nga imposible naman yata at wala naman akong nakitang babaeng nakakulong dun. Ang sabi niya pulis daw pero hindi ko masyado binigyang pansin dahil akala ko nagbibiro lang,” the video text read. Claudine denied that she said those quoted in the video, which is now in Youtube’s top 20 videos Continued on Page 5

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA

Mindfulness as virtue “Social media should improve your life, NOT become your life!” –Patrick Driessen

(Part 1 of 2)

FOR good or ill, advances in communication technology have reshaped our lives drastically far more than we can imagine a decade or so ago. We email, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and Instagram and think nothing of it. We write comments and post photos and videos for our friends, friends of friends or for all the world to see. Posts can go viral, depending on the public’s whim or appetite for cute things or those with shock value. If we don’t watch it, we could be buried in this avalanche of information, sights and sounds available electronically right at our fingertips 24/7. It is an amazing phenomenon defying space and time constraints, the cumulative, social effects of which, we still

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS NINETEEN years ago, I wrote my article entitled “How to Prevent Cancer”, a serious topic I also discussed in my book, Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children (www. philipSchua.com). A review on cancer in the United States in 2014 by the American Cancer Society revealed that almost 50 percent of cancer deaths were related to smoking, unhealthy diet, and bad lifestyle and behaviors. In the U.S., 36.5 million adults smoke, with 16 million living with a smoking-related illness. While smoking has gone down by about 15 percent, obesity has tremendously increased. Forty-five percent of cancer mortality and 42 percent of cancers detected were caused by preventable or modifiable risk factors, not genetics. These cancerinducing factors include Tobacco, Alcohol, Bad diet, Absence of exercise – (TABA). Actually, obesity (“taba” in the Philippine dialect) is also, in itself, a great risk factor for cancer. Lifestyle is definitely the key to disease prevention, including cancer, heart and metabolic diseases, stroke, and Alzheimer’s. Smoking is responsible for 29 percent of deaths, followed by obesity, 6.5 percent, and alcohol, 4 percent. Secondhand smoke is also a killer, possibly worse. Smoking on top of excess drinking would obviously be more deadly. Here below are data from this study which was published in CA, a cancer Journal for Clinicians: “Smoking accounted for 82 percent of lung cancers. Excess body weight was associated with 60 percent of uterine cancers and about one-third of liver cancers. Alcohol intake was associated with 25 percent of liver cancers in men and 12 percent in women; 17 percent of colorectal cancers in men and 8 percent in women; and 16 percent of breast cancers in women. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning beds was associated with 96 percent of skin cancers in men and 94 percent in women.” My September 2, 1999 article on cancer and its prevention, reprinted below, is still pertinent, applicable, and relevant today, confirmed by the recent study presented above. What are the causes of cancer? In our previous article column, we defined what cancer was and discussed its etiologies (causes), and other specific issues on cancer.

have to evaluate in hindsight. A few words to the wise: PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Much of cyberbia is uncharted territory. It’s a jungle out there. Corporations who trade in bits and bytes milk the web for information that can advance their corporate goals, that is to say, their profit and loss statements. Scammers of every nationality and persuasion holed out in their rooms or in cyber cafes are out in full force still making fools of the greedy lot who still believe in something for nothing. Identity thieves troll social network sites to get information about birthdays, addresses and such relevant information from which they can put together and extrapolate your

SSN and assume your identity. That number is a key that can open financial doors for the ill intentioned. Consider yourself warned. So much is already out there in the public records and on Google and Google Maps complete with street views. You can view mug shots of those with arrest records and for a few bucks more, cull out the details. I am guessing that in the future, when it finally dawns on us that OBSCURITY is a blessing and CELEBRITY, a curse, there will be a market for Harry Potter’s Invisibility Cloaks to shield us from all this unwanted intrusion into our private lives. We are all vulnerable to determined privacy intruders.

Is cancer preventable?

The most striking information we revealed last week was that more than 75 percent (3 out of 4) of all cancers in humans were caused by only three things: diet, tobacco, and alcohol. Majority of cancers are preventable, and that it is within our power to prevent this deadly malady. The genetic factor could also be positively influenced and changed by a healthy lifestyle to one’s advantage. So, what is the problem? The problem is the lack of discipline on our part. We continue to eat a lot of red meat, a lot of high cholesterol or fatty foods and high carb diet knowing these are bad for our heart and also increase our chances of having cancer of the colon, breast and uterus, etc. Smokers know tobacco cause cancer of the throat, lungs, kidney, urinary bladder, pancreas, among others, and still fume away with gusto. Moderate to heavy alcohol drinkers are aware that ethanol causes not only liver cirrhosis but cancer of the digestive tract, liver and breast, and are not scared to bend their elbow and say “cheers!” unabated. It is no longer the lack of awareness or knowledge that is leading many of us to self-destruct. It is the lack of discipline, inner strength and resolve. When one loves to hold on to something very precious, like life and happiness, one should be ready to make sacrifices. What other natural foods prevent cancer? Fruits and vegetables in general have powerful antioxidants in them that reduce the risk of cancer. Broccoli, beans, oat meal, lettuce, processed tomatoes, bokchoy, strawberry, oranges, papaya, pineapple, kiwi, watermelon, langka, and all the other leafy vegetables and fruits are anti-cancer to a great extent. But unless we eat them daily, they won’t work. Of course, abstinence from animal fats, tobacco and alcohol are essential. And so with avoidance of chemical pollutants, radiation exposure and UV rays from sunlight. Does exercise reduce cancer risk? Yes. Physical exercises does not only control body weight and lower cholesterol but also reduces the risk of cancer. One does not have to jog for half an hour a day to get the benefit. Walking 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes after dinner are vigorous enough to do the job. Brisk walking for those who can tolerate it is even better. Parking away from your destination and getting of the bus or jitney and walking the rest of the way, using stairs for a couple of floors instead of elevators, drinking a tall glass warm water before each meal, and being physically active in general, are most helpful

in reducing cancer risk, besides abstinence from red meat and alcohol. How about those “anti-cancer pills and juices”? Pills and juices being marketed as anti-cancer are as effective as tap water from your faucet. The manufacturer’s claims have no scientific basis whatsoever. At least drinking tap water is a hundred fold cheaper and has no potential serious complications. Besides, drinking a lot of water is good for your kidneys, unlike those pills and juices, which might cause damages to your kidneys and liver. What is a sound anti-cancer strategy? There are several behavioral and lifestyle changes we can do to lower or prevent cancer, and many of these changes are common sense and practical measures. But, as I stated earlier, first, we must have the discipline, determination and resolve. Then, we must religiously implement our strategy. A safe and sound cancer prevention strategy includes all of the following regimen: (1) abstinence from tobacco (2) eating fish and a high-fiber, low-carb, low fat, diet (with a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole-grain, bran, etc.) instead of red meat; (3) taking multivitamins; (4) doing regular physical exercises for half an hour at least four times a week; (5) avoidance of exposure to too much sunlight, polluted air, agents like asbestos, household chemicals in our home environment or workplace; and, (6) limiting alcohol ingestion to one or two drinks a day, or none at all; (7) Stress management through rest and relaxation with family and friends; and (8) Meditation for inner peace. In short, stay away from carcinogens and live a healthy lifestyle through self-discipline. So, if you are serious about reducing your risk for cancer, do not look for a miracle pill or juice, lotion or potion. Starting today, make some simple changes in your lifestyle as suggested above. You’ll be amazed how this could change your life and those of your loved ones, for the better. Sounds simple and inexpensive? You bet. Try it. You may even live to appreciate the benefits from your sacrifices of today on your 100th birthday. ***

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. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

Claudine Barretto slams ‘fake news’ about... From Page 4

that are trending worldwide. According to the video, there are speculations that Mark Anthony impregnated a 24-yearold police officer from Zambales, and she is allegedly expecting for five months. Besides her, the actor also allegedly got a 27-year-old policewoman from Nueva Ecija pregnant, and she is allegedly on her fourth month now. One of the alleged pregnant women is said to be among the cops on a photo taken with Mark Anthony after he was apprehended. In October 2016, the police found a kilo of marijuana in Mark Anthony’s vehicle at a checkpoint in

Barangay Virgen delos Remedios, Angeles City, Pampanga. Last December 22, the actor was freed “due to procedural breaches committed by Angeles cops in handling the evidence against Fernandez.” There are speculations that those “procedural breaches” include two female cops taking photos with the actor after he was arrested. The cops were then reportedly reprimanded after the act. In a Facebook post, Claudine confirmed Mark’s release. She also posted a photo of her, together with Mark Anthony and a group of friends on January 10. Could Claudine’s latest post together with Mark Anthony

JANUARY 12-18, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

Tweak or fine-tune your privacy settings to limit your exposure. Refrain from signaling your intention when going on vacation so thieves don’t ransack your home. Alas and alack! The world may have become your stage but not everyone is rootin’ for you. The rules for social networking are still being drawn but a few, yet-to-be-written guidelines have congealed just in the last few years and have become quite apparent and definitely bears repeating and amplifying. Do take heed. Your postings at all social networking sites define who you are and delineate your character

to the world. Your thoughts, your ideas and comments, your images, even your choice of words give an insight to your personality and character traits. They reflect your values, give a hint of your weaknesses and vulnerabilities and can be a measure of the size of your ego. Taken altogether, they paint a composite picture of you, either flattering or not. Even the amount of time you spend on online games is a sliver of insight into your interests and how you spend your free time. It may be indicative of whether you are near the brink of obsessivecompulsive behavior or a candidate for the nuthouse.

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Unfair? Of course it is. It is a flat and one-dimensional picture of who you are. You are a far more complex person than what your Facebook and Twitter postings give you credit for. But based on available information that you yourself provided, that’s how you want the people that orbit in your universe see you. Take heed from a phrase that police officers read to suspects, “ … Anything you say (and in social networking, what you post) can and will be taken against you…” (To be continued…) ***

Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

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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.

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Dinner for GK e-Rotary Club for PH incoming governors in Westminster, CA The 6-year-old GK e-Rotary Club will be hosting a dinner for two incoming Rotary District Governors from the Philippines — Gov. Mar Reyes from QC D3780 and Gov. Nisce from La Union D3790 — on Saturday, January 20, at the new Luxe Buffet Restaurant at 2008 Westminster Mall, Westminster, California (restaurant is in the 2nd floor of the mall, along Bolsa Ave. at Godldenwest, just off the 405 freeway). Invited guests include Consul General Adelio Cruz, presidents and officers of several Filipino-American organizations, like the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of OC, the PressClub of California, the Phil American Society of CPAs, Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, the Historic Filipino Town Rotary Club and many others. Please come and witness the launching of our first GK e-Rotary Annual Fil-Am and their Friends Young Professionals Ambassador Tour to the Philippines in July, that will also a part of the official Phil Government Ambassador Tour that is being done annually for many years now. For more information, please contact the Project Chair, Jhenny Evans at (714) 5986446, or e-mail at jhenny_evans@yahoo.com; or Ernie Delfin at (714) 746 3088 or e-mail him at ernie.gkerc@gmail.com.

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31st anniversary of the Feast of Santo Niño in Los Angeles Santo Niño Cruzada USA, with the participations of the Filipino Catholics Choir of St. Paul the Apostle Church, The Saint Junipero Serra Province Knights of Columbus and The Southern California Sinulog Dance Co., is inviting everyone to attend the holy mass of its 31st year anniversary celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño, the Divine Infant Jesus, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 3:30pm. The main celebrant is Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik to be concelebrated by various priests from different parishes. We also offer this mass to honor the late Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who returned to our Creator on October 18, 2017 in Cebu, Philippines. The Santo Niño image that we use to celebrate the annual feast was given by Cardinal Vidal to Los Angeles Archbishop Emeritus Roger Cardinal Mahony and Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik several years ago. For more information, please contact any of the following officers and members: Romy and Tess Esturas (213) 387-6982; Tess and Rey Edpao (818) 469-7292; Carmen Estrada (213) 413-2881; Fe Montano (323) 218-1587; Ester Paredes (213) 864-1149; Lilia Figuracion (626) 394-2661; Fe Reyes (213) 413-5286; Cherry Guerrero (323) 747-6508; Cherry Nicodemus (323) 304-6195; Vicky Samia (818) 851-2262; Tessie Cruz (213) 361-0937; Purita Prather (626) 798-4674; Lourdes Cronin (310) 880-6069; Maria Oclarino (213) 427-0353; Jun Panlaqui (213) 413-2881; Flora Ferrer (323) 556-4855.

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Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA There will be an immigration forum on Thursday, January 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brookhurst Community Center (2271 Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801). RSVP is a MUST to attend. No registration fee required. Please contact (714) 657-7460 or admin@globallawcenters.com. The immigration forum is about employment-based immigration information regarding FAST TRACK Work Visas ( H-1B1, TN, E-3), green card by marriage, family-based immigration employment sponsorship for green card and work visas after graduation. Candidates with H-1B, TN, F-1, OPT & other visas issues are encouraged to attend for a FREE immigration consultation & immigration assistance. As you have already seen there are many changes happening in the field of immigration with regards to the new executive administration and their agenda. Global Law Centers strives to inform the immigrant community of its rights and make sure it is knowledgeable about what immigration processes might be available. The forum will also update everyone about new and recent changes which may affect immigrants and their families.

Asian American Professional Association intro session in Rosemead, CA Join the Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) introductory session on Thursday, January 25! Hear from Paul Park, Founder and CEO at American Dream Builders Now Inc. As a “Gold Miner” Paul’s mission is to search and help develop hidden potential, inspire, and motivate others to dream big. He believes “If you can dream it, you can do it. Build your dream and it will build you.” During the second half meet and interact with AAPA Mentors! Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., with the program from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. It will be at Southern California Edison, GO-1 Employee Lounge at 2244 Walnut Grove Ave., Rosemead, CA. It is free and open to all professionals. To RSVP, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aapaintroductory-session-tickets-40791228663.

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Annual dinner/dance at St. Finbar School in Burbank, California Mark Anthony Fernandez with Claudine Barretto Photo from Instagram/@claubarretto

signal their showbiz comeback and reunion? (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/Philstar.com)

You are invited to the annual dinner/dance at the Albert Hall of St. Finbar School (2120 W. Olive Ave Burbank, CA 91506) on Saturday, February 10 from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. For tickets, please call: Marian Nobleza at (818) 562-6819.

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

january 12-18, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

Paul Soriano hopes to end‘affair’rumor with Erich Gonzales by Iza IglesIas

THe 6-year-old GK e-rotary Club will be hosting a dinner for two incoming rotary District Governors from the Philippines — Gov. mar reyes from QC D3780 and Gov. Nisce from la Union D3790 — on Saturday, January 20, at the new luxe Buffet restaurant at 2008 Westminster mall, Westminster, California (restaurant is in the 2nd floor of the mall, along Bolsa Ave. at Godldenwest, just off the 405 freeway).

ManilaTimes.net

FilmmAKer Paul Soriano is still unable to escape the infidelity issue involving actress erich Gonzales, which had partially overshadowed his entry “Siargao” to the 2017 metro manila Film Festival (mmFF). Soriano won Best Director for his work on the modern day drama, which besides Gonzales stars Jericho rosales and Jasmine CurtisSmith. Soriano, who married actresshost Toni Gonzaga in 2015, spent six weeks in the famed surfing destination to film the movie. Back then, there were rumors that even as other cast members would take the opportunity to return to manila in between shooting schedules, Gonzales and Soriano were among those who chose to stay for the stretch. Occasionally spotted lunching together on the island, the infidelity issue started rolling. “i think it’s [the rumors]just part of the industry. it’s the unfortunate part of the industry that you just have to accept. At the end of the day naman, i am focused and my objective was to make a film and tell a story, nothing else. That’s just what it is,” Soriano reacted during a thanksgiving press conference on January 4 in Quezon City. in past interviews, the 36-yearold shared that it is normal practice for him to have lunch with cast members while working on a film and did so with rosales many times as well. He pointed out a similar kind of rumor also unfolded when he shot the movie “Thelma” in ilocos Norte with maja Salvador in 2011. Winner Despite the controversies, Soriano is overwhelmed by the success of his first foray into the mmFF, which earned him and his team seven major awards. Besides the Best Director plum, Siargao won Second Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Best editing, Best Cinematography, Best Original Theme Song and Best Sound. “it was really a happy New Year for me. my past films have been very niche. From 40 cinemas in the first two days of the festival, after we won the awards, we had more than

Dinner for GK e-Rotary Club for PH incoming governors on Jan. 20 invited guests include Consul General Adelio Cruz, presidents and officers of several Filipino-American organizations, like the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of OC, the PressClub of California, the Phil American Society of CPAs, Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, the Historic Filipino Town rotary Club and many others. Please come and witness the launching of our first GK e-rotary Annual Fil-Am and their

Friends Young Professionals Ambassador Tour to the Philippines in July, that will also a part of the official Phil Government Ambassador Tour that is being done annually for many years now. For more information, please contact the Project Chair, Jhenny evans at (714) 598-6446, or e-mail at jhenny_evans@yahoo. com; or ernie Delfin at (714) 746 3088 or e-mail him at ernie. gkerc@gmail.com

Sarah Lahbati grants Zion’s wish RIcky lo Philstar.com

Paul Soriano

150 moviehouses,” he shared. “Now i can say that i can really make a film for a bigger audience, especially the mmFF, which is technically the biggest audience of the year. And then when we did well with the awards and picked up in the box office… it just shows na kaya ko. Now, i am inspired to make more stories,” he said. moreover, Soriano was able to cull an important insight during the entire mmFF process. “if there’s one thing that this festival has really taught me it’s that not everybody is going to like what you make and not everyone is going to appreciate what you made. “in every film that i do, i know i cannot please everyone. even the greatest directors get a lot of bad reviews. But what i like is the discourse a bad review creates. So yung mga bad reviews i read them, because they have some points i can learn from. The positive reviews naman, it inspires me to do more, and as a filmmaker it really is fulfilling.” looking forward Soriano said there is lot on his plate for 2018 but he will be more careful pursuing them coming from the success of Siargao. He said that he wants to make sure to ride this kind of momentum for his next movie. Soriano disclosed that his production TeN17P is planning to make a movie for his wife Toni and her sister Alex Gonzaga.

AS early as October last year, Sarah lahbati and richard Gutierrez ManillaTimes.net photo announced in a gender-reveal party that they were having another boy “Sisters concept and pang-paset to be delivered sometime in milya of course within the brand of April, on the same month their first Toni and Alex Gonzaga. in terms of who is directing, we don’t know yet son Zion turns five years old. “it’s Zion’s wish to have a baby but i’ve always told my wife i want to produce a movie for her,” Soriano brother,” said Sarah in a Funfare interview during a baby shower continued. sponsored by stroller brand Aprica The director further shared he over the weekend. “Wish promptly is developing a script for movie granted. Zion was so happy that starring Aga muhlach and Bea he was the life of the shower Alonzo to be co-produced by Star party. He can hardly wait to see his Cinema. brother.” “it’s been a dream of mine to The Gutierrez clan was work with Aga ever since my father (Jeric Soriano) shot him in ‘Hotshots,’ all accounted for, headed by grandparents eddie Gutierrez i think in 1983 or 1984. it was the first Filipino film that i watched as a and Annabelle rama; ruffa with child. Betamax pa ‘yan!” he laughed. daughters lorin and Venice; elvis and wife Alexa with daughters Arias “Of course, Aga has been a and ezra; Tonton with daughters family friend growing up. He was Aneeza and Aneeka; ramon also ninong at our wedding. We’ve Christopher with son Diego and kept in touch, and what’s nice with Aga honestly is, this is like my fourth daughters Janine, maxine and concept we pitched to him. He says Jessica; rocky’s son David; and richard’s twin brother raymond no even if you are friends and he’d who emceed the program. say, ‘Paul walang personalan pero Here’s Funfare interview with hindi ko type yung concept.’ So we Sarah: try again. This time parang i got it. It’s another boy for you. Do you Okay siya and we were able to get already have a name for him? Bea’s approval as well.” We have a name in mind, but Work is still in progress for the we’re not entirely sure about it script, which Soriano describes will yet. be a heavy drama compared to How did you find out about Siargao’s light storyline. Finally asked where the film will your pregnancy? How did you announce it to the family? be shot, the director who is clearly Chard noticed my extreme inspired by locations said, “it’s going fatigue and mood swings. That’s to be shot abroad — completely when we knew that Zion’s wish to shot abroad. let’s say North have a sibling came true. We told America.” our family right away. my parents were very surprised at first, but eventually happy to know that Zion will be a brother and will finally have a playmate after four years of waiting.

Sarah Lahbati, Richard Gutierrez with their son Zion Photo courtesy of Nice Print Photography

How different is this pregnancy from the first? How is Chard helping you with the pregnancy? Well, the obvious difference is that there are two children to think about. i feel more knowledgeable in terms of pregnancy lessons because of my experience with Zion, which is a great thing for me. Chard tries hard to spend time with Zion and i when he is not taping for la luna Sangre. He always reminds me to talk to the baby and make him listen to baby music. He’s very supportive. Zion is turning only five years old this April. How would you deal with jealousy, if there would be any? i’m thankful that he is very understanding. i taught him early on to always share, help other people and socialize with other kids. He’s very much loved at home, and i always include his baby brother in our conversations or plans so that he feels that this is real and he has something to look forward to. i don’t have to worry too much about him getting jealous. Are you giving birth by Caesarian section or natural birth?

i’m hopefully giving birth normal again. i try to avoid getting a C-section. Are you nursing the new baby the same way you did with Zion? i plan to breastfeed as long as i can like with Zion. What kind of parents are you (spare-the-rod-and-spoil-the-child type or disciplinarian)? i’m very much the disciplinarian, but that doesn’t mean i don’t let him have fun and let him explore. it’s a balance i am still trying to master. Haha! How many more children do you want to have? As of now, i am not thinking about more kids in the future because my pregnancy isn’t easy, it never really is. When i had Zion, i was pretty much set on not having more kids but changed my mind later on. So we never know. So when are you getting married? maybe when we’ve settled from having a newborn. i don’t know yet. We’ll see! lolo eddie’s speech during the baby shower said it all: “The big family of the Gutierrez is getting bigger and bigger!”

Kyline Alcantara: The teen villainess everyone is talking about by lhaR santIago ManilaTimes.net

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SHe’S bad. She’s mean. She’s bratty. She’s the type of girl no young man will want to ask out to the prom because the night will surely end in chaos. The girl Showbuzz is talking about is Cheska, the teener whose only aim in life it seems is to make life like hell for Crisanta in the hit GmA primetime series “Kambal, Karibal.” Cheska is portrayed by newest Kapuso star Kyline Alcantara, while Bianca Umali is Crisanta. in the story, Cheska is

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an adopted child who detests the good-natured Crisanta. Cheska becomes eviler when she dies with her body possessed by the soul Crisanta’s twin sister of Criselda. like Cheska, Criselda hated Crisanta for being the object of affection of Diego (miguel Tanfelix) with whom she was obsessed. Kyline has gotten so much attention since she started appearing in Kambal Karibal. She emanates such a commanding presence on screen that many viewers keep asking who she is, even on social media. in fact, her catfight with Bianca has garnered 1.7 million views the first few days after its upload. She even earned the monicker “la Nueva Kontrabida.” Kyline feels so thrilled with all the attention she’s getting. She admits she is very surprised over the public’s reaction. “i’m really surprised and at the same time happy to be getting this kind of attention. i feel i am doing the right thing with my acting,” she expressed. it is of course expected that part of the tweets about Kyline are of the nasty kind, especially from fans of Bianca and miguel. There are those who even accuse her of hurting Bianca for real for the scenes. “They say that i intentionally hurt Bianca. Tinototoo ko raw po yung pananakit. Some are even threatening to hurt me back when they see me,” said a pretty bothered Kyline. All the same, she is learning that all this is part of the territory. “Getting bashed is part of my job as kontrabida. When i accepted my role as Cheska and Crisel, i knew that a lot of people will hate me. i prepared myself for the kind of reaction i’m getting now. i knew there will be people who will find it hard to separate reel from real. Akala

nila talagang salbahe ako. And of course, there are also the fans of Bianca who love her so much and they hate to see her getting hurt.” But with the kind of threats she’s getting, Kyline further admits there are times when she’s scared to go out of the house. “You can never tell, baka bigla na lang may sumabunot o manakit sa akin. i know i really have to be careful. There are even those who tell me they know where i live!” But how really is Kyline’s relationship with Bianca behind the camera? “We’re good and we’re very comfortable with each other,” Kyline replied. “The fight scenes we do, pinaguusapan namin before the take. Kaming dalawa mismo, we agree on what to do. What i like about Bianca is she’s a sport. She wants our scene to look very realistic. Siya pa nagsasabi na maganda ‘yung totoo. Siyempre after our fight on camera, umuulan ng sorry from both of us kasi baka may nasaktan.” “No hard feelings kami ni Kyline,” Bianca volunteered when Showbuzz caught up with her. “We discuss what will happen before the take and i tell her, totohanin natin. Ayoko kasi ‘yung memorized na movement sa catfight because it will not look natural. But i assure everyone that no matter how she appears to be hurting me in our very physical scenes, we remain friends. Walang personalan. i like her attitude because i can always come to her especially when it in work-related things.” Viewers may hate her. Netizens may bash her. Biguel fans may abhor her but one fact remains, Kyline is very good at what she does. it’s no wonder that people are talking about this young villainess because she isn’t la Nueva Kontrabida for nothing.

january 12-18, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

january 12-18 2018 www.asianjournal.com