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JANUARY 17-23, 2019
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
Volume 30 - No. 3 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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‘BOXING IS MY PASSION AND PUBLIC SERVICE IS MY MISSION’
In his return to Las Vegas, Pacquiao signals fight vs. Broner won’t be last by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AJPress
LAS VEGAS — There is no sign that Manny Pacquiao’s fight on Saturday, January 19 will be his last. In a sideline interview with reporters on Wednesday, January 16, the 40-year-old Filipino boxer teased that he won’t be shelving his sports career any time soon and could still go on for two to three more years.
However, he said it would not interfere with his duties as a senator in the Philippines. “This is the real evidence of being passionate [about] the sport... I don’t need to continue boxing — I am a senator of the Republic of the Philippines, I have another job...I’m still focused on that job, but like I said, boxing is my passion and public service is my mission so I’m still here to keep on fighting,” Pacquiao said
USA
DATELINE Filipina assumes post as Asian American Journalists Association’s new executive director FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
COMMUNITY leader Naomi Tacuyan Underwood is the new executive director of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA). Underwood joins AAJA from the Washington, D.C.-based Community leader Naomi Tacuyan Faith & Politics Underwood Institute, where Photo courtesy of the Asian she served as American Journalists Association director of programs. She has over a decade of experience in nonprofit management and community engagement where she has long focused on
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US most trusted PH ally, says poll THE United States has remained the country most trusted by Filipinos, and Russia and China the least, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey. The poll, taken from Dec. 14 to 21 last year, showed 84 percent of Filipinos saying the Philippines should extend “a great deal/fair amount of trust” to the U.S. This was higher than the 79 percent recorded in March 2017. The U.S. was followed by Japan and Australia with trust ratings of 75 percent and 72 percent, respectively. Great Britain/United Kingdom obtained 57 percent. Reacting to the survey result, Malacañang expressed optimism Filipinos’ attitude toward China would change if the latter shows sincerity in its dealing with the Philippines. “It’s understandable for Filipinos to feel that way... Because we’ve been used to the (United) States being our ally, so we are more used to engaging with America. Perhaps as we go
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in an interview before the last press conference for the Saturday fight. “I want to put my name [at] the top...and be a winner until I retire.” The fighter turned senator — the only eight-division world champion in the sport — will come out of his two-year hiatus on Saturday when he defends his World Boxing Association welterweight world title against 29-
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Manny Pacquiao and Adrien “The Problem” Broner went face-to-face at the Copperfield Theatre at MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Wednesday, January 16, before they battle for the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title on Saturday, January 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Area. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
Pulse Asia: Duterte still most trusted, highest-rated exec by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
In the last month of 2018, the president’s trust rating was at 76 percent which was four percentACCORDING to the most re- age points higher than his 72 percent Pulse Asia survey, President cent-rating in the third quarter of Rodrigo Duterte is still the highest the same year. Duterte’s performance is only rated and most trusted top government official in the last quarter disapproved by 7 percent of Filipinos while 6 percent have small of 2018. The poll released Friday, or no trust in him. Duterte, who hails from MinJanuary 11 was conducted from December 14 to 21, 2018, and danao, received the highest apFormer New People’s Army rebels who surrendered to the government listen revealed Duterte posting an 81 proval score in his bailiwick in intently to the message of President Rodrigo Duterte during their formal surrender percent approval rating, up by Mindanao at 96 percent. This is to the President held at the Cataingan National High School in Cataingan, Masbate. six percentage points from his 75 followed by Visayas (86 percent), Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante percent mark in September 2018. Luzon (74 percent), and Manila
(69 percent). He acquired majority approval ratings in Class ABC (87 percent), Class E (86 percent), and Class D (78 percent) as well. In addition, Duterte got the highest trust rating in Mindanao, recorded at 91 percent, followed by Visayas (82 percent), Luzon (69 percent), and Manila (67 percent). Duterte’s trust scores in Classes ABC, D and E were also high at 79 percent, 74 percent, and 82 percent respectively.
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Davao court denies hold departure Nevada Assemblymembers Nguyen, plea to block Trillanes’ trips abroad Frierson speak before APIA community by NATHALIE
by AJPRESS
ROBLES
AJPress
THE Davao Regional Court Branch 54 on Tuesday, January 15, denied the request of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue a hold departure order against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for his libel case filed by presidential son Paolo Duterte. The Davao court rejected the motion after the opposition senator attended the arraignment and pleaded not guilty on the case filed by the former Davao City Supporters of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV gathered on Tuesday, January 15
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during the arraignment of the solon’s libel case at Davao City Hall of Justice. Inquirer.net photo by Barry Ohaylan
Privacy commission to probe Philippine passport data breach by NATHALIE
ROBLES
AJPress
THE National Privacy Commission (NPC) on Monday, January 14, said that it will conduct a fact-finding investigation on the alleged data breach in the Philippine passport system. NPC Commissioner Raymund Liboro said that the commission was slated to meet with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials on Wednesday to discuss the issue. “There is no visible proof that A man shows his newly released passport at the Department of Foreign a data leak happened. There is Affairs office in Pasay City.
ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada
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LAS VEGAS — Assemblywoman Rochelle Nguyen of Nevada’s 10th District (AD-10) and Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson spoke before the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) community on Saturday, January 12. As they met with the community leaders to laud the political power of the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) constituency, Nguyen proudly discussed her vision for Nevada as she expressed her joy in being a part of a legislature with a female majority. “We can be trailblazers, not only here, but we can set an example for the entire country,” Nguyen said as she met with community leaders at the Asian Community Development Council. The assemblymember assumed her role last month after county commissioners on appointed her to replace former Assemblyman Chris Brooks. She added that she sees her positions as a way to “hold the door open for many more Asian candidates in the future. “I’m hopeful that I will have a good judgment of character to be able to help reach out to those people, get the information that I need from those people, and use that when I am sitting at the table,” Nguyen said, continuing to “have the courage to speak out in behalf of those who are disenfranchised of their rights and
Assemblywoman Rochelle Nguyen
Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
privileges.” One APIA Nevada, a nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating with APIA electoral work of local and national organizations in-state, celebrated the appointment of Nguyen as the first Asian
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january 17-23, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIan jOurnaL
From The FronT Page
Davao court denies hold departure...
PAGE A1 vice mayor and his brother-inlaw Manases “Mans” Carpio. “Nag-plea ako ng not guilty sa apat. Mga harassment cases lang ito talaga just to inconvenience me, para ma-distract ako (I plead not guilty on all four counts. These are all just harassment cases to inconvenience me, to distract me),” Trillanes said as reported by CNN Philippines.
Duterte and Carpio filed the libel charges against Trillanes after he accused them during a 2017 interview in Cebu City of extorting money from the ridehailing firm Uber. “All the incredible lies Mr. Trillanes has invented to destroy me and my family are finally catching up with him. We all know that Trillanes is a pathological liar and today marks the
beginning of our search for the truth and justice,” the former vice mayor said as reported by The Philippine Star. Despite the junked hold departure plea, the court ordered Trillanes to stay in the Philippines from January 27 to February 10. The senator was also asked to present his itinerary and trip details. Although Trillanes was declared persona non grata for describing the city as “the most dangerous city in the Philippines,” the senator still arrived at 5:40 am in the city, boarding a Philippine Airlines flight, to personally post a P24,000 bail for each count of libel. The senator said that he was “surprised” that the people in the hometown of the presidential family welcomed him warmly. However, he noted that declaring him as persona-non-grata was nothing more than a political move. “It was a political move of the Davao City council, the personanon-grata (declaration), but I am glad of the warm welcome I received here in this city. The world turns. Time will come when challenges confront them. They should be ready also,” Trillanes said. However, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo believed that the senator’s retort only proved to be false confidence. He claimed that such statements coming from Trillanes are a facade to hide the fact that the senator is afraid to serve jail time. But Malacañang claimed Trillanes was afraid to return to jail and was only making it appear that he was ready to face the charges against him. “(Trillanes) said I’m here to face the challenge, meaning he could have chosen not to go there. He was making it appear that he was there to accept the challenge. My response to him is: you have no choice. If you did not go (to Davao City), you would be arrested immediately,” Panelo said “The problem with this guy is, he pompously claims to be unafraid of the criminal charges against him and yet his body language, his rantings against the president show the opposite. He is in mortal fear of going back to jail,” he added. n
Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao delivers remarks on Wednesday, January 16 at the MGM Grand during the last press conference ahead of his fight against 29-year-old former four-division world champion Adrien Broner (seated right). AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
In his return to Las Vegas, Pacquiao... PAGE A1
year-old Adrien Broner, a former four-division world champion. Despite his age, Pacquiao (607-2, 39 KOs) sees the match as a challenge to prove that he hasn’t lost his luster. After beating Jessie Vargas in his last U.S. fight in 2016, Pacquiao lost by unanimous decision against Australian Jeff Horn in 2017, but won through a technical knockout in his fight against Lucas Matthysse in Malaysia in 2018. “It’s kind of a challenge for me because this is my first fight at the age of 40. I have something to prove,” he told reporters. This training period has been an adjustment for him as it came with understanding his physical changes and taking longer recovery periods. He added that “If the knock out come[s], it’ll come and we’ll grab that opportunity.” Pacquiao also called it an honor to be back at the MGM, the site of his first fight in the U.S. back in 2001. Saturday will mark his 20th bout in Las Vegas and 70th overall.
He made his grand arrival on Tuesday after spending weeks training at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles. Both Pacquiao and Broner, joined by their respective trainers and management, appeared at the final press conference on Wednesday, where they gave brief speeches about what to expect during the match. Pacquiao sat on stage alongside co-trainers Buboy Fernandez and Freddie Roach, MP Promotions head Joe Ramos and strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune. Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe said that Saturday is an opportunity for Broner (33-3-1, 24 KOs) to ”show what he’s all about.” The 29-year-old enters the fight with 0-1-1 in his last two fights with a draw to Jessie Vargas in 2018, and a loss to Mikey Garcia in 2017. “Look at my last five fights. I’ve fought world champion after world champion. I don’t duck any fights. I don’t care how many weight classes he’s won titles in,”
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Saturday, January 19 marks Manny Pacquiao’s 70th match, but he said turning 40 years old and his Senate career back in the Philippines won’t hinder his fighting.
Broner said. He lamented that the focus of Saturday’s match has been diverted to talks about whether it could signal a rematch between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. “People are talking a lot about Pacquiao fighting Floyd Mayweather again, but I’m pretty sure Floyd is retired,” Broner said at the press conference. “I feel like people are trying to throw me to the wolves and overlook me.” Pacquiao and Mayweather, who fought in 2015, had a chance encounter last week at the Los Angeles Clippers game during which Pacquiao was a guest for Filipino Heritage Night. Mayweather is reportedly slated to be ringside on Saturday, according to a report by the Philippine Star. “We should give our best to the fans and make our fans satisfied,” Pacquiao said. “It’s going to be a good fight.” After the prepared remarks, Boxing Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein conducted the question and answer portion with Pacquiao. When the other team’s turn came, Broner and his trainer Kevin Cunningham refused to answer any questions. The younger boxer, however, has previously indicated that he is ready to beat a legend like Pacquiao. “This is going to be a hell of a fight. I’ve trained so hard and I want everyone to know that I play around a lot, but when that bell rings, I’m going to be ready. I didn’t come here to lose or lay down,” Broner said during his remarks. “I came here to get this victory.” Pacquiao and Broner will face off on Saturday, January 19 (Showtime PPV, 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. (With reports from Robert Macabagdal / AJPress)
Privacy commission to probe...
PAGE A1 also no visible proof that data has been used illegally. There has to be an end-to-end guarantee that sensitive data are safe. The public has the right to complain against Foreign Affairs department amid data breach,” Liboro said. DFA Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato in a Twitter post announced that applicants must bring a copy of their birth certificate when renewing their passports since the department no longer holds the document they initially submitted. “Applicants renewing brown or green passports or maroon machine-readable passports are required to submit birth certificates because we need to capture and store the document in our database as we no longer have the physical copy of the document submitted when they first applied,” Cato said. The tweet earned the ire of the public when DFA Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr. explained that the data was breached by the previous contractor who “took all the data when the contract got terminated.” “Because the previous con-
tractor got pissed when terminated it made off with data. We did nothing about it or couldn’t because we were in the wrong,” Locsin said as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer. No data lost - former DFA secretary However, former DFA Secretary Perfecto Yasay said that data has not been lost and that Locsin was misinformed since the data was handed over to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) when French firm Francois-Charles Oberthur Fiduciaire (FCOF or Oberthur) and the DFA tapped another contractor, APUI, for passport production. “I don’t believe and I say this very categorically. I’ll say he was misinformed. The data has always been with the DFA. There was no running away (with the data). From what I gathered, all data were all in those equipment turned over to us by Bangko Sentral. Hence, no data lost,” he told Rappler. This was also confirmed by APO Production Unit chairman Michael Dalumpines who noted that the passport information is in their plant in Lima (Lipa-Malvar) Technology Center in Batangas, and is accessible to the DFA.
“Passport data are with us, DFA maintains a small office in our plant and the DFA officers have full access [to] data from old green passports, machinereadable passports, as well as the current e-passports,” Dalumpines said. Yasay said that the said issue is only a misunderstanding. However, he noted that French contractor Oberthur should not be blamed and that “to say now that Oberthur ran away with the data is completely false and malicious.” “When APO and UGEC came in Oberthur withdrew, after all, it was just assisting the government in the management and operation of the system for free. It had already completed its contract,” Yasay said. The NPC said that they will review the contracts between the DFA and the private contractor. The commission is set to have 15,000 data protection officers that will help them investigate the data breach. Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 imposes stiff penalties for violations of the provisions of the law, including fines of up to P5 million and imprisonment of up to six years. n
Pulse Asia: Duterte still most trusted... PAGE A1 Pulse Asia also revealed that Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and Senate President Vicente Sotto III obtained majority approval and trust scores, with Robredo posting a 62 percent approval rating and 56 percent trust rating, and Sotto enjoying 74 percent approval and 66 percent trust scores. “Senate President Sotto enjoys an increase in his trust score in the rest of Luzon but Vice-President Robredo’s own rating declines in the Visayas,” Pulse Asia said. On the other hand, Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo got a
low-performance approval score of 27 percent, while her trust rating climbed two percentage points to 21 percent. “The only majority figure obtained by the Speaker is her 52 percent distrust rating in Metro Manila,” Pulse Asia said. “The rest of Luzon, the Visayas and Class D are critical of and distrust Speaker Macapagal-Arroyo,” it added. The House of Representatives, however, received high-performance approval and trust ratings at 66 percent and 64 percent, respectively. The Senate, meanwhile, scored
a 69 percent performance approval and a 65 percent trust rating despite its failure to pass the 2019 budget before it adjourned for the Christmas holidays. The Supreme Court received a 64 percent approval rating, and a 62 percent trust score. 1,800 adult Filipinos were interviewed by Pulse Asia using an error margin ±2.3 percentage points at the 95 percent level. Subnational estimates for each of Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have ±6.5 percentage points error margin at 95 percent confidence level. n
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DATELINE USA
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 17-23, 2019
A3
‘TEACHERS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT IN OUR COMMUNITY’
First LAUSD strike in 30 years underway by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
Vida Chan Lin (President & Founder of Asian Community Development Council), Assemblywoman Rochelle Nguyen, Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson, Assemblywoman Brittney Miller, Sanje Sedera (Vice Chairperson, SNRHA), and Evan Louie (One APIA Nevada Board Chair) AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
Nevada Assemblymembers Nguyen, Frierson speak... PAGE A1 Pacific Islander American (APIA) in the legislature in a decade. Evan Louie, the board chair of the organization, said that Nguyen’s appointment serves as a historic moment for the community. He said that such an appointment strengthens the representation of APIA’s in the legislature. “Assemblywoman Nguyen’s appointment as the first Asian Pacific Islander American is a historic moment for the APIA community and the state of Nevada. This last election cycle, we organized, voted, and built political power,” he said. “That power must translate to representation in the state
legislature and expand the decision-making table for diverse voices to be heard.” Frierson also welcomed Nguyen for the perspective she brings to the legislature. “I have worked hard as the Speaker to recruit and elect one of the most diverse legislatures in the country. And finally, I have the opportunity to welcome the first APIA member into our caucus, Rochelle Nguyen,” Frierson said. He added, “When our legislature is as diverse as our state, it gives us an opportunity to craft public policy that is inclusive and reflective of our community. I am confident that Rochelle will serve
her constituents and our state with the utmost diligence and I am so happy to support her.” Duy Nguyen, One APIA Nevada executive director and Clark County planning commissioner, expressed the community’s high hopes as they look forward to the policies that Nguyen will advocate. “As a daughter of a refugee, Assemblywoman Nguyen’s path to public service will serve as an inspiration to future APIA leaders. We look forward to working with Assemblywoman Nguyen in the upcoming legislative session on policies that empower our community,” he said. ■
US most trusted PH ally... PAGE A1 along and witness the sincerity of China with respect to agreements between the two countries, their views might change,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said at a press briefing Monday, January 14. Pressed why he thought a majority of poll respondents were distrustful of China despite President Duterte’s pro-Beijing statements, Panelo replied: “Not necessarily, it takes time for people to accept certain things that they are not used to.” Meanwhile, in the case of Russia and China, most Filipinos say the Philippines should extend only “a little trust or no trust at all” to these countries at 54 percent and 60 percent, respectively. Forty percent of Filipinos say the Philippines should not trust
China too much. The survey was conducted after the two-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Philippines, where both countries signed numerous deals, including a possible joint exploration in the disputed West Philippine Sea. Duterte had said he would like to strengthen ties with China and Russia, two global powers with shaky relations with the U.S. While Filipinos still trust the U.S. most, respondents from Mindanao — Duterte’s bailiwick — have a less trusting attitude toward the country. It was in Mindanao that the U.S. got its lowest rating at 74 percent. Russia, on the other hand, obtained its highest score in Mindanao at 54 percent. Nearly or exactly the same
percentages of Metro Manilans and Mindanawons say the Philippines should give China either “a great deal/a fair amount of trust” (49 percent to 50 percent) or “a little/no trust at all” (50 percent). China and Russia in Pulse Asia’s March 2017 poll also got the highest distrust rating at 63 and 56 percent, respectively. As for regional organizations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation got majority trust ratings at 82 percent and 80 percent, respectively. Pulse Asia asked its 1,800 adult respondents nationwide the question: “Generally speaking, how much trust should the Philippines extend to (country/ organization)?” (Helen Flores with reports from Alexis Romero/ Philstar.com)
CHILLY temperatures and rainfall didn’t deter the more than 30,000 Los Angeles educators, teachers union members and public school advocates from walking out on Monday, Jan. 14 to participate in the first teachers strike in 30 years. The United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) organized the massive protest which held picketing at schools across the district with the primary goal to get the Los Angeles Union School District (LAUSD) to lower class sizes, higher more teachers and support staff and give better pay. “It’s raining, but that’s not going to stop us from standing up for what’s right,” Edoardo Cervantes, a Filipino and MexicanAmerican parent told the Asian Journal on Monday at John Marshall High School in Los Feliz. Cervantes is the father of two John Marshall High School students and as a former teacher himself, emphasized the impact of class size. “It’s a simple equation: smaller class sizes means more meaningful time students get with their teachers. The quality of teaching and learning declines as the student headcount increases,” Cervantes explained, clutching an umbrella in one hand and a protest sign that read “FOR THE KIDS” in the other. Cervantes was one of the hundreds of teachers, parents, union members and public education advocates to show up to John Marshall High, where UTLA held a rally and news conference. In the pouring rain, picketers held up signs, many of which read “ON STRIKE FOR OUR STUDENTS” and “If you can read this, thank a teacher!” One young woman held up a sign that read, “HONK if you support teachers” which yielded consistent honking on the corner of Tracy Street and St. George Street and cheers from passersby. UTLA President Alex CaputoPearl said at the John Marshall High protest that the union is “prepared to go as long as it takes” in order to get a contract which meets their demands. “This is a historic day for, not just teachers and educators, but for public education in the county,” Caputo-Pearl told the hundreds of impassioned pon-
An aerial photo shows LAUSD teachers and supporters rallying in the rain in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, January 14. The United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) estimates that over 30,000 took part in the districtwide strikes on the first day. Photo courtesy of the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)
cho-wearing picketers. It wasn’t only teachers and parents who showed out for the strike. Students joined their teachers in the walkout, including FilipinoAmerican 10th grader, Francis. “We all joke about how we hate school, but I think it’s important for us students to stand up for the teachers,” Francis told the Asian Journal. Holding a laminated homemade sign (“I prepared my sign to last through the rain,” Francis said), the 15-year-old was joined by three other friends who wanted to “stand in solidarity” with their teachers and their de-
mands. “Most of our teachers — if not all of them — are out here, so it’s like, we wouldn’t even be getting a normal school day,” Rebecca, a 15-year-old Korean-American, told the Asian Journal, describing the strike as a show of “what happens when you don’t give teachers what they deserve.” When asked if they planned on attending class, all four students shook their heads. Francis said that his English class currently has 40 students, which he said is “chaotic” and said that he agrees with the union’s goal to scale back on class size. PAGE A4
LUNGSOD NG LAS VEGAS 2019 MUNISIPAL NA HALALAN
Alinsunod sa NAC 293C.060 at sa Karta ng Lungsod 5,010, ang mga sumusunod ay ang mga itinalagang tanggapan para sa mga Kandidato na dapat imungkahi o ihalal sa Lungsod ng Las Vegas 2019 Pangunahing Halalan sa Ika-2 ng Abril, 2019 o ihahalal sa Ika-12 ng Hunyo, 2019 Pangkalahatang Halalan Alkalde - 4 na taong termino Konsehal, Distrito 1 – 4 na taong termino Konsehal, Distrito 3 – 4 na taong termino Konsehal, Distrito 5 – 4 na taong termino Pagsalansan nang mga Kandidato mga Petsa: Ika-22ng Enero, 2019 hanggang Ika-1ng Pebrero, 2019 8 n.u. hanggang 5 n.h. Hindi kasama ang Sabado at Linggo. Ang mga Kandidato ay maaaring isaayos ang kanilang Pagpapahayag bilang isang Kandidato sa Tanggapan ng Kawani ng Lungsod, 495 South Main Street, 2nd Floor, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101.
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january 17-23, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIan jOurnaL
Dateline USa
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US Navy commander fired for sex solicitation in PH First LAUSD strike in 30 years... by Nathalie
Robles
AJPress
A COMMANDER has been sacked from his position on a U.S. Navy submarine after he admitted that he hired female prostitutes while he was in the Philippines on March 2018. In a report from Kitsap Sun on Friday, January 11, United States Ship (USS) Bremerton commander Captain Travis Zettel was removed from his post in August 2018 due to “a loss of confidence in his ability to command the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine, which is now tied up in Bremerton for decommissioning.� According to reports, a certain source informed the Department of Defense Inspector General’s hotline about the incident in Subic Bay, Zambales while the submarine was docked. The call was then transferred to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) for further inquiries. The unnamed caller reportedly explained that Zettel came up to him and another sailor while they were at the pool. The commander said that he “requested/ordered� 10 girls “to arrive at the hotel.� Around dinner, the sailor saw “provocatively dressed females outside (Zettel’s) front door.� Another sailor was also seen “walking around and talking to other sailors in his command with three local females holding onto his arm.� The crew was in Subic Bay, Zambales for a port call on March 1, 2018. In May 2018, a month after USS Bremerton arrived for de-
Capt. Travis Zettel, then-commander of the fast-attack submarine USS Bremerton, salutes sideboys at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Aug. 5, 2016. Photo by Michael Lee/U.S. Navy
commissioning and two months after the incident, the NCIS conducted an investigation wherein Zettel “admitted culpability in the payment of female accompaniment.� The naval investigation team reprimanded the commander as they decided to relieve him from his post. They administratively reassigned him to the staff of Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor-based Submarine Squadron 19. The other sailor who was seen with three local female companions denied his participation in prostitution and he was not “pursued for disciplinary action,� according to the Washington-based daily with documents
provided from the Freedom of Information Act request. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. lauded the United States for its verdict of axing the submarine commander noting that it is a “responsible state� for issuing such a decision. “He was fired by the U.S. government. Now that’s a responsible state,� Locsin said in a post on Twitter. The former USS Bremerton submarine commander is a native of Puyallup, Washington. He was commissioned in 1998 and first served on board the USS Salt Lake City before carrying out various assignments aboard other submarines. n
Filipina assumes post as Asian American... PAGE A1 empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. “I am excited to join the AAJA family, and to build upon the decades of work that the leadership have committed to increasing diversity and innovation in journalism,� said Underwood, a Filipina immigrant who grew up in Guam and currently resides in Annandale, Virginia. “Naomi’s unique experience at the intersection of nonprofit, civic engagement and politics will help take AAJA to greater heights,� said Michelle Ye Hee Lee, the president of AAJA. “Her ideas and passion for expanding AAJA’s reach and impact in journalism and civic engagement will
be crucial as our organization continues to grow and innovate in the coming years.� Underwood has worked extensively in community outreach, including a stint as deputy director for APIAVote, a national nonpartisan organization that builds voter engagement capacity in local AAPI communities. She has also served as legislative staff for Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam), focusing on territorial, environmental and AAPI issues, among other issues. “I have deep respect for the role of journalism in our democracy, and this role must be fortified with the diversity of perspectives that journalists of color bring. I look forward to supporting and
PAGE A3 Monday’s strike is the UTLA’s first since 1989. UTLA has been a powerful force in the county’s school system for the last few decades, but in recent years, wealthy procharter school political donors have given a louder voice to privately-owned, largely non-union schools. The increase of charter schools (LA has the most charter schools in its system in the country) has appealed to parents seeking for the quality education that private schools offer. Charters have also become powerful in local politics; in 2017, candidates who were backed by charter school donors won the majority in the LA Board of Education. “The truth is is that charter schools have gained an enormous amount of power and influence in the LA school system in the last few years, and that has affected the funding and resources that go to our public schools,� Jollene Levid, a Fil-Am union organizer, told the Asian Journal. The diminishing influence of UTLA to political figures is also evident in a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that prohibited California unions (including UTLA) from the right to collect fees from all teachers in the district (fees that would’ve been funneled into union campaigns), rendering union membership optional. Roughly two-thirds of LAUSD students showed up to class on Monday, costing the district $15 million on Monday, according to LAUSD Supt. Austin Beutner, who has stated that he is open to coming back to the bargaining
Strikers at John Marshall High School braved the rain and were among the over 30,000 members who took part in districtwide demonstrations on Monday, January 14.
table with union leaders. “Let’s build on the renewed attention on public education in our community,� Beutner said in a press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 15. “Let’s bottle it. Let’s put it on our busses and let’s go to Sacramento.� Beutner has repeatedly said that he supports the union’s demand for increased funding for schools from the state and federal governments; as previously stated in the Asian Journal, the district doesn’t make funding decisions alone. But UTLA has maintained that the state should do much more in regulating the district, which they say has a $2 billion reserve fund
that could address the union’s demands. The strike resumed on Tuesday morning with UTLA members adamant that they won’t stop until the district offers them a contract that is up to par. “This is for the students so that they have a chance at a proper education,� Kim Ryu, a UTLA member told the Asian Journal on Tuesday outside the Hall of Administration in DTLA. “The LAUSD is the biggest [public] school district in the state and the second biggest in the country. The district has so much potential to aptly serve its students, and that starts with fully funded schools and fully staff.� n
uplifting AAJA’s members, and working closely with leadership to increase AAJA’s visibility and impact in this next chapter of the organization’s growth,� Underwood said. She graduated from New York University with degrees in journalism and Asian Pacific American studies, and received a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of California, Los Angeles. Underwood started her new position on Jan. 9, and succeeds Kathy Chow, who departed the organization after eight successful years to become the executive director of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. Hundreds of union members, teachers and parents picket at John Marshall High School on Monday, Jan 14. This is UTLA’s first strike against (AJPress) the LAUSD in 30 years. AJPress photos by Klarize Medenilla
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D ATELINE PHILIPPINES Duterte to respect people’s will Diokno: PH economy grew likely at at 6.5% in 2018 on Bangsamoro law — Palace by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
MALACAÑANG on Monday, January 14 said President Rodrigo Duterte would respect the “people’s call” on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). This announcement comes a week before a plebiscite in parts of Mindanao on whether or not to ratify the measure. “What is important and certain is that the president will abide by whatever the will of the sovereign people in that part of this country is,” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a Palace briefing. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also said Duterte, in support of the BOL, would join a rally in Cotabato on January 18. However, Panelo has not confirmed whether or not the president would attend that event. “Well, certainly, the voice of the President is always a power-
THE Philippine economy likely grew by 6.5 percent in 2018, hitting the lower end of of what will be the outcome of the government’s official target this plebiscite. He will make a range, Budget Secretary Benjamove if he thinks he should. He min Diokno said on Wednesday, won’t sit and just watch if he feels January 16. “The country’s growth is dokailangan (if he feels needed),” mestic-driven as we invest heavhe added. The BOL seeks to replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which would have greater fiscal autonomy, a regional government, parby PATRICIA LOURDES VIRAY liament, and justice system. Philstar.com The proposed region would be composed of the current ARMM MANILA — Beijing’s military which are Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Maguindanao, and Lanao del facilities in the South China Sea, part of which is the West PhilipSur. The BOL also seeks to include pine Sea, changed the equation in six municipalities of Lanao del the country’s military security, DeNorte and 39 barangays of North fense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Cotabato in the Bangsamoro, admitted on Wednesday, January provided that the province and 16. This change occurred since their municipalities, respectively, China installed its facilities on its vote for it. The plebiscite to ratify the bill artificial islands in the Spratlys a few years ago, the Defense chief will be held on January 21. ■ said in a Senate hearing. “It’s very clear that the Chinese is trying to extend its influence in the South China Sea, West countrymen comfortable lives Philippine Sea and the fact that but putting our country at par they have built, reclaimed islands with our fast developing indus- there, buit islands out of shoals trialized Asian neighbors,” the and reefs and turned them into Palace spokesman added. practically a military base or The survey was conducted naval base,” Lorenzana told the among 1,440 adults respon- Senate. dents or estimated 11.6 million Lorenzana noted that China has families, from December 16 to been discouraging navy ships, 19. Self-rated food poverty mea- including those of the Philippines, sures the proportion of respon- from sailing near the artificial dents rating the food their family islands. eats as poor or mahirap. “It’s very clear that they would Out of the 50 percent, or the like to have some hegemony or 720 respondents who consid- control over the... West Philippine ered themselves poor, 37 per- Sea,” the secretary said. cent claimed that they were “alSen. Richard Gordon, meanways poor,” while the remaining while, raised alarm over Beijing’s 13 percent said that they only capacity to intercept the Armed slipped into poverty. Forces of the Philippines’ radio From the other half of the re- frequencies from its military outspondents who do not consider posts in the Spratly Islands. themselves poor, 27 percent said There have been reports that they have never experienced Beijing is likely using Manilapoverty, while the remaining claimed Kagitingan or Fiery Cross 15 percent said that they pulled Reef as its intelligence hub in the themselves out of poverty. area. Satellite imagery obtained SWS said the median self-rated by Washington-based think tank poverty threshold – the monthly Asia Maritime Transparency Inibudget that a poor household tiative reported that China comneeds for home expenses in or- pleted a large communications der not to consider itself poor in or sensor array on Fiery Cross general – is P10,000. ■ Reef in 2017.
THE latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that the number of Filipino families who consider themselves poor significantly dropped from the previous quarter’s 52 percent to the latest 50 percent. “The proportion of self-rated poor families was at 42 percent in March 2018. It rose by six points to 48 percent in June, and by four points to 52 percent in September. It subsided by two points to 50 percent in December,” the polling firm said as reported by The Manila Times. It added, “Nevertheless, the resulting average self-rated poverty rate of 48 percent for 2018 is two points above the average 46 percent in 2017 and four points above record-low average of 44 percent in 2016. This is the second consecutive increase in the annual self-rated poverty rate since 2016.” Following the survey results, the Palace welcomed the rating drop. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo attributed the
averaging 6.3 percent as of endSeptember following first to third quarter outturns of 6.6 percent, 6.2 percent and 6.1 percent, respectively. Growth in 2017 was 6.7 percent, near the lower end of the 6.5-7.5 percent target. (Mayvelin Caraballo/ManilaTimes.net)
Lorenzana: Chinese bases changed equation in Philippine military security
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo Inquirer.net photo
ful influence on whatever matter he gives his voice into,” he added. When asked if the president would campaign for the ratification of BOL, Panelo answered: “If he feels that there is a need [then] he will campaign for that. If he feels that it will win, whether even without his calling for voters to support it, he will not.” “The president [is] best judge
Survey: Self-rated poverty in PH drops by 2 percent by AJPRESS
ily in our infrastructure through the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program, and we also do the same for our human capital,” Diokno said in a news briefing. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth is currently running below the 6.5-6.9 percent goal for 2018 based on latest data,
progress to President Rodrigo Duterte’s programs and policies to curb the negative effects of inflation among the Filipino people. “The Palace welcomes the December 2018 survey on selfrated poverty conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) indicating that 50 (percent) of Filipino families consider themselves as “mahirap”, a drop from September 2018’s 52 (percent),” Panelo said in a press briefing. He noted the president’s “tireless efforts” to address the inflation issues surrounding basic goods and commodities. However, in a report from The Philippine Star, the chief executive’s legal counsel also pointed out that even with such “positive development,” the 50 percent self-rated “poverty among Filipinos is still high.” “Our economic managers are vigorously pursuing policies and programs geared towards reducing the poverty level and propelling the country’s economic development to a degree satisfactory to the administration’s goal of not only giving our
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“That doesn’t sound too comfortable for us to be able to sleep solidly at night and soundly and knowing that if yhere is trouble they could be here, for example if something should break up between Taiwan and China it’s too close to us,” Gordon told Lorenzana. From Mischief Reef, one of China’s “Big Three” islands, the Chinese could reach Manila in approximately 20 minutes, according to Lorenzana. Asked about the Philippine government’s game plan in case of trouble with other countries, Lorenzana said: “Our game plan is to at least prevent loss of lives by our people.” This is the reason the military is investing on some assets as deterrence for any attack, the Defense
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Philstar.com photo
chief added. The Philippine Air Force is looking to acquire Black Hawk helicopters from Lockheed Martin this year. The Air Force is also set to purchase attack helicopters from Turkey. ■ LEGAL NA ABISO
2019 LUNGSOD NG NORTH LAS VEGAS MUNISIPAL NA HALALAN ABISO MGA HINIRANG NA TANGGAPAN PARA SA MGA KANDIDATO NA IMUMUNGKAHI AT IHAHALAL Alinsunod sa at sang-ayon sa Pamamahala ng NV at isinaayos bilang 293C.060 ang Kawani ng Lungsod ng North Las Vegas, Nevada sa pamamagitan nito ay nagpapahayag na ang mga tanggapan para sa mga kandidato na dapat imumungkahi sa Ika-2 ng Abril 2019 Pangunahing Halalan ay ang mga sumusunod KAGAWAD NG KONSEHO, DISTRITO 2 - APAT NA TAONG TERMINO KAGAWAD NG KONSEHO DISTRITO 4 - APAT NA TAONG TERMINO Ang mga Kandidato ay maaaring isaayos ang kanilang Pagpapahayag bilang isang Kandidato maliban sa araw ng Sabado at Linggo, magsisimula sa Martes, Ika-22 ng Enero 2019 hanggang at kabilang ang Huwebes, Ika-31 ng Enero, 2019 sa pagitan ng 8:00 n.u. at 5:00 n.h sa tanggapan ng Kawani ng Lungsod, 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Suite 800, North Las Vegas, Nevada 89030. Pinetsahan sa Ika-16 na araw ng Enero 2019. /s/ Catherine A. Raynor, MMC KAWANI NG LUNGSOD Inilathala: Ika-17ng Enero 2019
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JANUARY 17-23, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
Next cleanup: Manila Bay
FEATURES
IT’S good to hear the government wanting to clean up Manila Bay. If the heavily polluted Pasig River can be rehabilitated, it shouldn’t be impossible to improve the quality of the water in the bay. This is not Boracay, however, and there must be careful management of expectations. The government is zeroing in on hotels and commercial establishments including casinos by the bay for the cleanup. These establishments can be expected to quickly comply, if they haven’t already, since most are connected to water treatment and sewerage systems in Metro Manila. The bigger challenge is the waste from other sources. Manila Bay is home to the country’s busiest international container port and domestic seaport, and there will always be toxic waste from the ships. Around the bay are numerous informal settlements, where people fish for a living, make charcoal and treat the sea as their garbage dump and public sewer. Tons of the garbage wash up along the shores during typhoons. Environment officials have said the cleanup will include creeks and other waterways in Metro Manila that feed into the Pasig River or directly into the sea. One upside of the planned cleanup is a possible stop to massive bay reclamation projects approved by local politicians. Artificially shrinking the bay area
can aggravate flooding, endanger the livelihoods of marginal fishing communities and further upset the ecological balance around the bay. Instead of further industrial or commercial development, the protected wetland that has sprung up along the Las Piñas-Parañaque border deserves to be expanded. The mangrove forest has become a bird sanctuary, marine protected area and ecotourism park, helping to mitigate the impact of flooding and storm surges in the area. Some informal settlers can be turned into custodians of ecotourism zones. Developing a protected wetland around the country’s primary seaport is unlikely. The area is congested enough and there are ongoing moves for port expansion. It is possible, however, to improve waste management — both solid and effluent — around the bay. Even in informal settlements, local government and barangay personnel can mobilize the community for improved garbage management. Those living or working around the bay must be persuaded that it is in their best interest to stop treating the sea as their personal dump. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS AMID President Donald Trump’s fabricated “emergency” crisis at the border that has caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history because he won’t sign a spending bill without his wall, the United States of America may have been facing a REAL EMERGENCY crisis based on a report that came out revealing that the 45th president of the United States’ own actions may have constituted a possible threat to national security. As the New York Times reported, citing information from former law enforcement officials and others familiar with the investigations, law enforcement officials became so concerned by the president’s behavior that they began doing a counterintelligence investigation whether he had been working on behalf of Russia against American interests. The probe was launched in the days after President Trump fired James B. Comey as FBI director, although the debate as to whether to proceed with the counterintelligence investigation has started as early as during the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign. According to the Times report,
Opinion
YEN MAKABENTA FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.’s promise of an “autopsy” on the passport data breach is quintessential ‘Teddyboy.’ It grabs attention. On second thought, however, the autopsy threat may be either premature or a misdirection. An autopsy, according to the medical definition, “is an examination of the body after death with such dissection as will expose the vital organs for determining the cause of death or the character and extent or changes produced by disease.” The passport data breach, on the other hand, is far from dead. It is still very much a live reality. It is in a position to cause more mischief. I know because I am one of several million Filipinos who are now in the process of applying for the renewal of their passport, and I am one of those who are affected by the felonious action of one outsourced passport manufacturer of the DFA who absconded with my birth documents.
Philstar.com photo
FBI opens counterintelligence investigation into Trump’s Russian ties, concerned he’s a threat to US national security “Agents and senior FBI officials had grown suspicious of Mr. Trump’s ties to Russia during the 2016 campaign but held off on opening an investigation into him, the people said, in part because they were uncertain how to proceed with an inquiry of such sensitivity and magnitude. But the president’s activities before and after Mr. Comey’s firing in May 2017, particularly two instances in which Mr. Trump tied the Comey dismissal to the Russia investigation, helped prompt the counterintelligence aspect of the inquiry.” The investigators of the counterintelligence investigation, tasked to handle national security matters, had to consider whether the president’s own actions constituted a possible threat to national security. Agents also sought to determine whether Mr. Trump was knowingly working for Russia or had unwittingly fallen under Moscow’s influence, or if the president is innocent. The investigation that the FBI opened into Trump also had a criminal aspect alongside the national security issue: to determine whether his firing of Comey constituted obstruction of justice. How do the criminal and counterintelligence investigations
relate to the Russia Probe that Trump has been denigrating as a” witch hunt”? The Times explained “Special Counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, took over the inquiry into Mr. Trump when he was appointed, days after FBI officials opened it. That inquiry is part of Mr. Mueller’s broader examination of how Russian operatives interfered in the 2016 election and whether any Trump associates conspired with them” to damage Hillary Clinton’s campaign and help Trump win. The actions, rhetoric and decisions of Trump during the campaign and as president have been deemed as contrary to the democratic principles and interests of the United States, while appearing to be working to help the agenda of Vladimir Putin and Russia, especially when it comes to the foreign policy positions and decisions of Trump as President of the United States. Quoting the Times’ report, “Trump had caught the attention of FBI counterintelligence agents when he called on Russia during a campaign news conference in July 2016 to hack into the emails of his opponent, Hillary Clinton. Mr. Trump had refused to criticize Russia on the campaign trail, praising President Vladimir
V. Putin. And investigators had watched with alarm as the Republican Party softened its convention platform on the Ukraine crisis in a way that seemed to benefit Russia.” Also explained in the report are other factors that fueled the F.B.I.’s concerns, including Christopher Steele, a former British spy who worked as an FBI informant, who had compiled memos in mid-2016 containing unsubstantiated claims that Russian officials tried to obtain influence over Mr. Trump by preparing to blackmail and bribe him. As we already know, the FBI was also already investigating four of Mr. Trump’s associates over their ties to Russia months before the 2016 US Presidential Election. The constellation of events disquieted F.B.I. officials who were simultaneously watching as Russia’s campaign unfolded to undermine the presidential election by exploiting existing divisions among Americans. “In the Russian Federation and in President Putin himself, you have an individual whose aim is to disrupt the Western alliance and whose aim is to make Western democracy more fractious in order to weaken our ability, America’s ability and the West’s
ability to spread our democratic ideals,” Former FBI lawyer Lisa Page told House investigators in private testimony reviewed by the New York Times. The FBI was also alarmed by the fact that when Trump was sworn into office, he “sought a loyalty pledge from Mister Comey and later asked that he end an investigation into the president’s national security adviser” Michael Flynn. Trump’s eventual firing of Comey compelled FBI to launch the investigation. “Not only would it be an issue of obstructing an investigation, but the obstruction itself would hurt our ability to figure out what the Russians had done, and that is what would be the threat to national security,” according to the testimony of James A. Baker, who served as FBI general counsel until late 2017. Mr. Baker said this in his testimony when he privately testified in October before House investigators who were examining the FBI’s handling of the full Russia inquiry. Strengthening the case against Trump would be the revelation of a Washington Post report which stated how Trump Trump has gone to “extraordinary lengths” to keep the specifics of his con-
versations with his Russian counterpart under wraps. According to the Post citing statements from current and former U.S. officials, “Trump’s efforts include confiscating the notes from his interpreter and not allowing them to discuss the details of the meetings with other officials in his administration.” ALL OF THESE are now part of the other pieces of the puzzle being pieced together based on evidence in the investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. We, the People, need to know if the 45th president of the United States has been betraying the American people by acting as an “asset” or “agent” of Putin and Russia, instead of fulfilling his oath: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” *** 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.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Passport data breach needs more than an autopsy Because of the data breach, I will have to produce my birth certificate, which unfortunately is hard to find because I was born during a distant time when my parents were on the run from the Japanese occupying forces, and the attending doctor is now gone. The data breach, I am forced to conclude, is all too real in its impact on my life. Anatomy of the breach Secretary Locsin’s autopsy will do nothing to kill the breach. The service he can perform is to provide an anatomy of the breach, or uncover the identity of the perpetrators. The tale that has emerged is as messy as a real autopsy. There is finger-pointing among three presidential administrations. As the full story of the passport mess was excavated, it surfaced that the problem may have started under the DFA of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) and then got worse under the DFA of Benigno S. Aquino 3rd (BSA). Locsin has vowed that the mess will be solved by President Duterte’s DFA under Locsin. Locsin says he will “autopsy” officials of the Aquino administration who were responsible for
the “crooked deal.” He declared: “I will autopsy the yellows who did the passport deal alive. This is called evisceration.” Which sounds gruesome, because evisceration means “disembowelment.” On the other hand, former Foreign Affairs secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. (the first Duterte foreign affairs secretary) took issue with Locsin’s initial claim that an outsourced passport manufacturer absconded with or refused to return the passport data of applicants. Yasay said Locsin may be misinformed or is being misled by people who have something to hide. Yasay has quite a story to tell. He says the passport mess can be traced to the time of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Del Rosario, his predecessor. Yasay narrated on his online account that the problem started when the DFA, in 2015, awarded the printing of electronic passports to APO Production Unit Inc. (APUI) despite an existing agreement between the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Francois-Charles Oberthur Fiduciare (FCOF) of France. According to Yasay, the BSP and the DFA on Aug. 1, 2006 entered into a memorandum
of agreement (MOA) covering the procurement and centralized production of machinereadable electronic passports (MREP) in compliance with the standards required by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This was during the time of GMA. In the implementation of its obligations under the MOA, the BSP awarded through bidding the main part of the project to FCOF. “On Oct. 5, 2015 (during the time of President Benigno Aquino 3rd) while the FCOF contract with BSP was subsisting and even as the MREP made by FCOF continued to be fully compliant with the standards of ICAO, the DFA awarded the production of a new e-Passport system to APO Production Unit Inc., a government printing facility without bidding on condition that no part of the contract can be subcontracted or assigned to a private printer,” Yasay said. “In violation of this condition, APUI engaged the services of the United Graphic Expression Corporation for the production of the new e-passports,” he added. Yasay said he tried during his
time to restore the BSP contract on the instructions of President Duterte, but he says powerful members of Congress (who happened to be members of the Commission on Appointments) stopped him. More investigations The Department of National Defense (DND) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) have likewise assured the public that they will investigate. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also branded the reported data fiasco as alarming, citing the possibility that the information lost could be used illegally. “If true, then it is a very grave security concern and is quite alarming. These are personal information such as full name, date and place of birth and other information that could be used illegally,” he said. “We will get in touch with the DFA to find out the details of this issue and how to mitigate its ill effect.” The privacy commission plans to ask DFA officials to submit to a probe, adding it will also summon the alleged passport contractor. “Any form of non-availability of personal data, infringement of the rights of data subjects
and harms from processing that include inconveniencing the public, must be adequately explained to the satisfaction of the law,” NPC Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro said. The NPC will conduct its own investigation on the grounds that “a private contractor has caused the non-availability of Filipino passport data and other documents entrusted to it for processing.” Expediting passports The more the investigations, the less clarity there is to the passport breach at this stage. The perpetrators of this fraud still have to be unmasked. The only thing worse that can happen is for Congress to take over the investigation. Meanwhile, there is a ray of light in Secretary Locsin’s declaration that he wants the processing of passports expedited. “I just want passports quickened by doing away with any requirement but a prior passport. Anything else is the Senate’s and DoJ’s (Department of Justice) job,” he stated. If I can get my new passport without having to produce my birth certificate all over again, I may pronounce this issue dead. (ManilaTimes.net)
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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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 17-23, 2019
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January 17-23, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIan JOurnaL
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 17-23, 2019
VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL
Catriona Gray’s Miss Universe reign off to a great start BY
WHEN Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray left Manila for Bangkok to compete in the Miss Universe pageant, she had meticulously planned and laid everything out so that the moment the competition started, she let go and told herself to enjoy and have fun representing the Philippines. “Every single time I stepped onstage I just enjoyed myself and I think people saw that. I was just happy to be there,” Gray told the Asian Journal in a freewheeling interview at the Miss Universe Organization’s new office in midtown Manhattan. This was Day 3 of her hectic Media Week schedule doing interviews with Good Morning America, Live with Kelly & Ryan, AOL Build Series, Good Day NY and also with ABS-CBN and GMA Network from the Philippines. Gray arrived in New York on January 2nd, after spending the holidays in seclusion. She celebrated her 25th birthday on January 6th which she spent going to church, eating out and watching Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway.
MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPRESS
“I feel so grateful that I am here in New York City. I love it! It feels like it has sunk in na,” she shared. “I had a quiet holiday season and it feels like I am now stepping into my shoes as Miss Universe. I am suffering just a little bit of jetlag but aside from that, everything is well.” The newly minted Miss Universe is looking forward to a year of opening doors and exploring possibilities to promote the platforms that she holds near and dear her heart. “I want to have the best year that I could possibly have and that for me would be to do as much work as I could for different organizations because it has really been my identity for the past three years,” Gray said. “The reason why I do what I do is that I really aim to have this platform, to reach more people, and now that I am given this opportunity, I am so overly aware of the responsibility that I have. It is a challenge that I am so excited to pursue.” Gray is excited to expand her work on children’s education and HIV/AIDS to other countries which
Catriona Gray during the coronation as Miss Universe 2018
Jon Jon Briones joins new Ryan Murphy series “Ratched” By AJPRESS
FILIPINO actor Jon Jon Briones will be part of Ryan Murphy’s new Netflix show, “Ratched,” joining a star-studded cast such as Sarah Paulson, Sharon Stone, and Cynthia Nixon. In an Instagram post on Monday, January 14, Murphy — who is listed as an executive producer — said that the series will start filming in a couple of weeks and revealed the cast list, which also includes Finn Wittrock, Charlie Carver, Judy Davis, Harriet Harris, Hunter Parrish, Amanda Plummer and Corey Stoll. PAGE B6 Filipino actor Jon Jon Briones
have the same problems. These two are platforms that she is passionate about because of personal reasons. She is looking forward to expanding these causes and focus on things where she could make a difference like going to countries, for example, which have been successful in focusing on the social problem of HIV/AIDS and bringing what they have applied there back home to the Philippines. Gray was 21 years old and she was going through a hard time in her personal career, struggling and frustrated and one day, she just told herself that she did not want to think about her problems for a moment and decided to do volunteer work, something that PAGE B2
Photos courtesy of Miss Universe Organization
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Fil-Am to direct first-ever Pixar short featuring Filipino characters By CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AJPRESS
AJPress photo by Troi Santos
PIXAR will have its first-ever short film featuring Filipino characters, created by a Filipino-American story artist at its studio. Bobby Rubio — whose work at Pixar Animation Studios includes “Incredibles 2,” “Up,” “Brave, and “Monster’s University” — is now taking the writer and director’s seat for “Float,” a short film that will have Filipino lead characters in computer-generated imagery (CGI). “It’s OFFICIAL! I can finally tell you I’m the #Writer / #Director of the #Pixar #SparkShort ‘Float’!” Rubio wrote on his Twitter account on January 10. “I’m so proud to be a part of this program and to be among these very talented people! And I have to give a shout-out to my wonderful and talented crew, Team Float!” Disney-Pixar on January 10 announced the short film program Sparkshorts, “an experimental storytelling initiative that welcomes new creative voices at Pixar Animation Studios to share their
Bobby Rubio Screengrab from Disney-Pixar/YouTube
stories.” “I see it as a wonderful opportunity to tell my story,” Rubio said in a video released by the studio. Rubio went on to confirm in another Twitter post that “…those are #Filipino lead characters in my #Pixar #SparkShort! @Pixar’s first all #CGI Filipino characters! So technically, the first #Pixnoys! PAGE B4
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Catriona Gray Miss Universe reign off to a... PAGE B1
she has never done before. It was as simple as logging to the internet and through Google, she found Young Focus. She was then living in Paranaque and Young Focus is based in Tondo, Manila, which was not that far. Gray went to Tondo and met with the people behind the organization and she knew right then
that she has found what she was looking for. More than that, the impact of meeting the kids and seeing their situation changed her life and her perspective on things. “People there live with so little and yet, and yet, they still had smiles on their faces. They were greeting us as we walked past. Coming as someone who was
Throughout the competition, Catriona incorporated Filipino materials and textiles in her attires. Photos from Instagram/@catriona_gray
frustrated with my own life, I had so many things that I wanted that I felt like I could have,” she said. It struck her. “I had so much to be grateful for. That really impacted me so strongly. That, and seeing the kids, made me question why was I born into a situation where I had the opportunity and here they are born to a circumstance where they don’t. That’s not fair,” she said. Gray is a firm believer that education is one tool that could level out the opportunity. Children could have dreams of becoming a musician, the next president, to be an astronaut. “Education is a platform that can validate that dream and allow them to pursue their dreams,” she affirmed. Miss Universe: Behind the scenes People now see a glamorous Miss Universe who worked hard to get that crown, something that a lot of people did not see. You see, Catriona Gray did her homework. “This is my second foray into pageantry and I knew what I wanted,” she said straight up. “I knew that I wanted to be handson in everything. That’s just me naturally.” As a newbie before, she wanted to be guided by people who are experts in the field. Gray represented the Philippines in the Miss World competition held in Washington, D.C. in 2016. She placed in the top five. Pageant enthusiasts contend that she should have won. For her next foray a year later, which was Binibining Pilipinas, Gray said she knew what she wanted and what she would be most confident in. She knew how she could see herself as most beautiful in terms of her final look and styling. She went in as an independent candidate and built her own team, which back then was an unpopular decision. A lot of people told her that she was crazy for doing so because “there’s never been a Miss Universe Philippines who hasn’t come from one of the camps.” “But I knew I could do it. And that’s my stubbornness. That was my vision and when I have a vision, I stick to it and I want to execute it,” she shared. In the end, she gained a family from the team that she pooled together. “We’re all good friends now
and that’s something that I am so grateful for, that gift of family, they created that support for me and they allowed my vision to come to reality,” she said. Hands-on Not a lot of people know but Gray herself was the one who designed the now famous ear cuff that she wore during her coronation. She wanted to be a Miss Philippines in her wardrobe and not just the letterings across the sash. She and her team met with historians and travelled across the Philippines to research for her national costume and derive inspiration from the people, the culture and the history of the regions. “I feel the Filipino people deserved that. I wanted to share what we could offer as a country. We’re not just nice people and beautiful beaches, we’re so much more than that,” she said. “I wanted people to learn about what I was wearing, that there is a story behind it. It was more meaningful that way.” From the folklore of Ibong Adarna to the T’nalak weave to the various islands that her team featured in the video series that they released as the Miss Universe competition began, it was her way to generate more interest among her now growing team of followers, particularly on social media. “It was such an amazing experience, probably one of my most memorable for the whole year. I am so grateful to my team for believing in my crazy vision. I went up to them and I said ‘I want to make a video series about my national costume’. It has never been before,” she said. As a Miss Universe now and even during her reign as Miss Philippines, Gray has become a tourism ambassador for the Philippines, promoting not just the sites but the country’s culture as well. Asked about her favorite spots, she mentioned “the mountainous provinces like Sagada (Mountain Province) and Batad (Ifugao)” along with the “beaches of Palawan, Coron especially”. “More than these beautiful places though, I would like to share aspects about our culture too, [especially] our textiles because these textiles could mean the livelihood of one community. Beyond our beaches, we have T’nalak and hand made brass and I think that is something to be incredibly proud of that is Pinoy
Catriona Gray during media week in New York on Tuesday, January 8. AJPress photo by Troi Santos
talaga (really),” she explained. Gray maintains that for as long as she can, she will wear Filipino accessories and showcase Filipino textiles and fabrics. One designer who does her outfits is Jearson Demavivas, who created her national costume for Binibining Pilipinas and also designed the main body suit of her national costume at the Miss Universe pageant. He hails from South Cotabato and he works with T’nalak all the time and he has respect for the fabric and knows what it means to the community, according to Gray. Who could forget her national costume? Gray paraded what she and her team called the “LuzViMinda,” deriving inspiration from the parol of Pampanga with her bodysuit printed with tattoo patterns used by the “Pintados,” indigenous people from some of the islands in the Visayas and a headpiece and brass accessories from South Cotabato.
Through her platform as Miss Universe, Gray looks forward to showcasing some of the Philippines’ many indigenous textiles and accessories, whether it is a sampaguita-inspired rattan bag or a hand-made burda callado silk top. The red gown and famous walk “I don’t know if you’ve heard if it, but my mom dreamt of me winning Miss Universe in a red dress,” she said laughing. “That is true, and that time I didn’t really think anything of it because I was just a teenager and I didn’t have any interest in it yet.” Right after she won the right to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant, Gray remembered her mom’s dream. She knew she wanted red and she did not want to test fate so she said there was no other choice but to wear the red gown. Mak Tumang, the gown’s designer, conceptualized it as a tribute to the Mayon Volcano, a PAGE B7
ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 17-23, 2019
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AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel
10th annual Filipino Heritage Night held at LA Clippers with halftime performance, special celebrity basketball game Apl.de.Ap, Manny Pacquiao among guests during celebration by: Christina M. Oriel
AJ Press
FILIPINO talent and the collective love for basketball were on full display yet again at the Staples Center on Tuesday, January 8, as the Los Angeles Clippers hosted its annual Filipino Heritage Night. Building off from the momentum during the 2018 celebration, Tuesday’s Filipino Heritage Night featured an extensive program with Fil-Am talent and influencers — such as the Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.Ap, Manny Pacquiao, Jessica Reynoso, Liane V., the Bosco brothers, and more — on the court in between The Los Angeles Clippers had its annual Filipino Heritage Night on Tuesday, January 8, featuring quarters of the game. a lineup of performances and appearances by Filipino talent. AJPress photos by Noel Ty Gillian Zucker, Clippers president of business operations, told the Asian Journal that the Clippers are “proud to represent every part of LA, and to celebrate what makes our city unique.” For the past decade, the Clippers has held this night to recognize the Filipino-American community and its contributions to greater LA. Those who purchased their tickets through the Heritage Night package received an Apl. de.Ap bobblehead and were honored with their group name on the video board. A portion of ticket sales was donated to the Apl.de.Ap Foundation, which focuses on children’s arts and Singer Jules Aurora and marketing guru Roslynn Alba Cobarrubias were among the players technology education in the Philduring the special basketball match. ippines. “This is history in the making — the first Filipino bobblehead by the Clippers,” Apl.de.Ap told the Asian Journal ahead of the night’s festivities. His foundation, with its executive director Ted Benito, and head of marketing Dan Vo, were recognized during the 2nd quarter. Before the team faced off against the Charlotte Hornets, singer Jasmine V warmed up the crowd with the national anthem. Roslynn Alba Cobarrubias, founder of ROS Marketing and one of the key organizers of this Jessica Reynoso and Apl.de.Ap warm up with the Clippers Spirit Dance Team. night, told the Asian Journal, that “It was beyond an honor to work with Senator Manny Pacquiao’s team & the Apl.de.ap Foundation to put together this year’s LA Clippers Filipino Heritage Night. They are not only our country’s
Jules Aurora, Liane V., Apl.de.Ap, Jessica Reynoso, and Jasmine V. perform three songs during Singer Jasmine V. kicks off the game with the national anthem. the halftime show.
Apl.de.Ap shows off his bobblehead, which was Manny Pacquiao joins Clippers mascot Chuck the Condor to throw T-shirts and entertain the included with ticket purchase. crowd after the 1st quarter of the game.
biggest stars, but they are both humble philanthropists that genuinely care for their people and really showed up for our community [on Tuesday].” Pacquiao — who has been in LA to train for his January 19 fight — sat courtside at the game and was introduced during the 1st quarter time out. Prior to the game, Pacquiao met Clippers coach Doc Rivers, during which Rivers shared that he was a “huge fan” and that he owns a signed pair of the Filipino boxer’s gloves. The world’s only eight-division boxing champion went on to throw T-shirts to the crowd alongside Clippers mascot Chuck the Condor, sign a basketball, and run into his former opponent Floyd Mayweather, who was also sitting courtside, as the Asian Journal previously reported. “At this year’s Clippers Filipino Heritage Night, we saw the passion of LA’s Filipino community and the excitement they helped us bring to the arena,” Zucker continued. “Only at a Clippers game can you see Manny Pacquiao throwing T-shirts to fans alongside Chuck the Condor or Apl.de.Ap getting the whole crowd pumped up at halftime and then shooting jumpers with his friends on the court after the game.” During halftime, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas introduced Apl. de.Ap, who performed hits like “Bebot” and “I Got a Feelin’” alongside Reynoso, Liane V., Jules Aurora, and Jasmine V. “Our culture is being known by the world and I am very proud to be back again to represent our culture, where we come from, and we’re proud…Angelenos, Filipinos,” Apl.de.Ap shared with the Asian Journal. The Clippers Spirit Dance Team also joined the singers with vibrant dance moves across the court. Kyla Fajardo, who is currently the only Fil-Am on the Clippers Spirit Dance Team, said, “I think it’s really awesome that the Clip-
pers does a Filipino Heritage Night because I’ve been super proud of my culture and roots and it’s really nice to see here in LA that we’re appreciating it because there’s a large Filipino population.” Reynoso, an R&B singer whom Apl.de.Ap discovered through “The Voice Philippines” and has been touring with the Black Eyed Peas, said, “I’m still in shock right now. I never thought I’d get to perform with a group that I looked up to growing up.” After the official game, during which the Clippers beat the Hornets 128-109, 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. Team Apl won 59 to 54. Other NBA 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. “Coupled with some of the most talented artists/influencers of this generation like P-Lo, Jessica Reynoso, Liane V., Jules Aurora, Jasmine V., Alex Wassabi, Brian Puspos, with DJs E-Man, E-Rock & Icy Ice, together we showed not only our entertainment spending power but we
Pacquiao with wife Jinkee
showed that we can turn any place to feel like a fun, family party filled with dancing, games, karaoke & of course basketball, including the legendary Staples Center,” Cobarrubias said. Cobarrubias also noted that she hopes the success of Clippers’ Filipino Heritage Night will influence other LA teams — that Fil-Ams are loyal to — to host a program like this of their own. As for the Clippers, it’s a given that Filipinos will continue to be celebrated on its home court as preparations for next year’s gathering will soon be underway. “This year’s Filipino Heritage Night set a new bar, and we’re excited to have even more fun as we start planning to celebrate again next year,” Zucker added.
After the Clippers game, a special basketball match was held between Team Apl and Team E-Man. Team Apl won 59 to 54.
Bottom row (L-R) Jessica Reynoso, Anthony Presents, Jasmine V., Liane V., Apl.de.ap, P-Lo, JayArr Ines, Dion Basco; 2nd row (L-R) Roslynn Alba Cobarrubias, JJ Anderson, Polo Molina, Kevin Gray, Dj Man; 3rd row (L-R) Know Lazarus, Slay Boogie, Allen Palos, Joseph Jose, Chris Cruz, DJ Icy Ice, Brian Puspos, DJ E-Rock, Andy Tauscan, Muron Marten, Josh Manansala, Gee Crooks, Jules Aurora; 4th row (L-R) Alex Wassabi, Jean Kyla Fajardo, the only Fil-Am on the Clippers Spirit Dance Team Paul Hoang, Don Benjamin, Christian Davies, Matt Cabral.
Kyla Fajardo and the Clippers Spirit Dance Team dance during the halftime show.
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Angel Locsin’s explosive primetime Fil-Ams Nico Santos and Vincent Rodriguez comeback as ‘The General’s Daughter’ III grace cover of Advocate magazine Actors share experiences of being leading Asian American entertainers in the LGBTQ community
by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net
FIVE years since her last teleserye “The Legal Wife” lead role in 2014, Angel Locsin is all set for her primetime comeback via “The General’s Daughter,” which premieres on January 21. Before her much-awaited return, Locsin appeared in several Kapamilya shows. She was part of the hit fantaserye “La Luna Sangre” and appeared in one of the much-talked about episodes of “MMK,” where she played a Muslim woman who fought for justice after being mistakenly accused as a kidnapper. She also sat as one of the judges in the last two seasons of “Pilipinas Got Talent” and brought her star power to the big screen as she starred in the movie “Everything About Her” with Xian Lim and Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos. Her effective portrayal in the movie earned her several recognitions from award-giving bodies, including the KBP Golden Dove Awards, Asia Pacific Film Festival and Gawad Tanglaw. But many are wondering why it took her awhile to get back again in a leading role on primetime television. During her show’s media conference on January 10, the actress was asked about her Instagram post, which coincided the trailer’s release, where she said that the last five years have been some of her more challenging years. In the caption along the series’ teaser poster, she wrote, “2015 challenged me. 2016 broke me. 2017 changed me. 2018 opened my eyes. 2019, I’m coming back. After 5 years . . . This is Angel Locsin, reporting for duty as Rhian Bonifacio.” Loscin then explained, “Pag down ka, talagang down, malungkot ka. Disappointed ka sa sarili mo. Yung mga times na akala mo okay ka, pero ngayon kung babalikan mo, hindi ka pala okay, in denial ka lang. You try to be strong pero hindi pa rin okay. Medyo matagal man, pero kinailangan din yung five years na yun para marating ko kung ano yung outlook ko ngayon.” According to her, the reason why she felt that way was because she wasn’t able to pull off what was expected from her in the past projects. “Dati kasi pag umaarte ako,
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Angel Locsin has sorely been missed in the teleserye scene.
ann VaRona AJPress
IN the March 2019 issue that looks at the increasing representation of Asian Americans in the LGBTQ community, gracing the cover of leading LGBTQ magazine Advocate are Fil-Am actors Nico Santos and Vincent Rodriguez III who shared with readers their experiences of being gay, Fil-Am actors in Hollywood. Santos — who plays the flamboyant undocumented Fil-Am sales associate Mateo Liwanag Nico Santos PAGE B6 Photo from Instagram/@nicosantos
Vincent Rodriguez Photo from Instagram/@vrodrigueziii
Fil-Am to direct first-ever Pixar short featuring...
The 33-year-old actress gets to work with her idols in one show, among them Janice de Belen, Eula Valdez, Tirso Cruz III and Albert Martinez. ABS-CBN photos
takot na takot ako magkamali, takot na takot akong mapagalitan, takot ako mag-Take 2 – takot ako lagi. So ginagawa ko yung best ko na mag-focus sa script ko, na nakalimutan ko mag-bond sa mga tao. ‘Yun ‘yung ginagawa ko kasi yun yung alam kong tama dahil yun yung alam kong proseso at makaka-save ng time,” she confessed. “Ngayon natutunan kong magrelax, at sa pagre-relax ko na yun, nagkaroon ako ng opportunity na maka-bond ko yung mga katrabaho ko — staff, crew, artista, na mas okay pala kasi magkakaroon ka ng rason sa kung ano yung pinaglalaban mo. Very personal ang project na ito kasi ito yung bumubuhay sa amin, sa team namin, kaya magkakaroon ka ng dahilan bakit mo ito pinaglalaban. It’s for us,” she continued. However, she pointed out that her passion for work did not change. It’s more on her trust for herself. Hence, she gets motivation for those people who believe she can do everything. “Hindi nawala yung pagmamahal ko sa trabaho. Ang nawala is
PAGE B1 I am proud to tell our stories. I know what it means to see our culture represented on screen! #RepresentationMatters.” The story artist grew up in San Diego and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from California Institute of the Arts. He worked nine years at Walt Disney Feature Animation as a traditional artist and storyboard artist on films like “Pocahontas,” “Tarzan,” and “Treasure Planet.” He also had a stint at Nickelodeon Studios where he was an assistant director and storyboard artist for “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” before moving to Pixar. He has also developed his own independent comic series, “Alcatraz High” and “4 Gun Conclusion.”
The release date of “Float” has yet to be announced, but the first three shorts — “Purl” directed by Kristen Lester, “Smash and Grab” directed by Brian Larsen, and “Kitbull” directed by Rosana Sullivan — will be showcased at the El Capitan Theater in Los Angeles from January 18 to 24 following the “The Little Mermaid” feature film presentation. In an Instagram post on Monday, January 14, Rubio shared two stills of the short film along with the message, “When I was growing up, I didn’t see much characters that looked like me on #television or #movies and I am thrilled that my children will have these guys and hopefully they are just the beginning and will inspire more #FilipinoAmerican stories to come!”
yung tiwala ko sa sarili na feeling ko I’m a big disappointment nung time na yun. Di ko nagawa yung ine-expect from me. Ngayon kaya siguro feeling ko nagsisimula ako ulit kasi ang dami ring nagbago sa paligid natin. Siguro medyo familiar tayo sa isat-isa, may attachment nang konti pero hindi ko masabi. I guess nawala yung excitement noon, ngayon para akong bata na excited makita kayong lahat,” she said. “Sa bawat pakita sa akin ng malasakit doon ako kumukuha ng lakas. Dito sa Dreamscape na binigyan ako ng chance again, sa mga boss ko — sila Tita Cory [Vidanes] and Sir Karlo [Katigbak]. Kinausap ako, tinanong kung ano yung gusto ko. Di ako pinayagan mag-resign. Yung mga nagtiwala sa akin na kahit ayaw mo na, hindi ka na naniniwala sa sarili mo, pero may mga taong naniniwala na kaya mo at nandiyan lang na nakasuporta sa ‘yo. Talagang mabubuhayan ka ng loob, e. Dahil sa inyo at sa kanila nandito ako. Utang ko po ito sa inyo,” the 33year-old actress added. PAGE B7 A still from Pixar’s upcoming short film “Float” with two CGI Filipino characters
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The shorts under the Sparkshorts program will be launched on YouTube in the coming weeks, then will be available on Disney+, the upcoming streaming service that Disney will launch in late 2019.
One of the Filipino CGI characters from Rubio’s short film “Float” Photo courtesy of Instagram/@BobbyRubio
Screengrab from Disney-Pixar/YouTube
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Your Immigration Solution
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
President Trump addresses the nation about border wall
that exist today for immigrants. The starting point should be to meet with an experienced PRESIDENT Donald Trump immigration attorney to discuss addressed the nation from the your options. One likely goal oval office last week to discuss for the majority of people is to the current government shut- obtain work authorization. Not down and his request for a wall only does a work permit, officially along the country’s southern referred to as an Employment
ATTY. DEVIN CONNOLLY
ing petitioned by an employer. But most people are not aware of the many lesser-known ways of being eligible for permanent resident status. For example, did you know that a person could be eligible for a green card if they have been the victim of a crime and have cooperated with law
“While work permits are great, green cards (permanent resident status) are even better! There are so many different ways to get a green card, some of which are not widely known. We all know that marrying a U.S. citizen can lead to a green card, as can being petitioned by an employer. But most people are not aware of the many lesser-known ways of being eligible for permanent resident status. For example, did you know that a person could be eligible for a green card if they have been the victim of a crime and have cooperated with law enforcement? Or that a person could be eligible for a green card based on the hardship that a family member would suffer if they were forced to return to their native country. In short, an expert may be able to identify a way for you to obtain a green card when you did not know that such a way existed. ” border. He said there is a crisis along our border that can only be solved by a physical barrier. Democrats disagree, saying that funding a border wall would be a colossal waste of money. Caught in the middle are immigrants and federal workers who are missing paychecks as a result of the partial government shutdown. Is there really a crisis? Are Democrats being unreasonable? These are the questions that millions of Americans are asking themselves as they try to make sense of this shutdown. Federal workers who are being forced to work without pay are getting a lot of attention, and rightfully so, as they are required to show up for work and they have no idea when they will receive their next paycheck. So unless they have a sufficient amount of savings, they are unsure if they are going to be able to pay their mortgage, put gas in their car, pay for medications, etc. Another group of people who are left with uncertain futures are immigrants. Since immigration courts are closed due to the shutdown, when is their next deportation hearing? Would Trump be willing to exchange permanent resident status (and a path to citizenship) for the Dreamers in exchange for funding for his wall? Will this shutdown finally lead to comprehensive immigration reform? So many questions, so few answers. But what is known though is that, despite all the uncertainty, there are options
Authorization Document, allow a person to be lawfully employed in the U.S., but it also carries with it many other benefits. These benefits include obtaining a social security number, a Driver’s License, etc. Unfortunately, not everybody is eligible for a work permit. Eligibility for a work permit usually accompanies a pending application for a different immigration benefit. For instance, when a person files an application for asylum based on their fear of returning to their native country, they may be entitled to a work permit while their application is pending. This need to file a separate application so that they may obtain work authorization can be very tempting. After all, the work authorization can be relatively immediate, whereas any negative immigration consequences will not be for years . . . or so people mistakenly think. The truth is that filing an application for immigration benefits so that you become eligible for a work permit can have disastrous immigration consequences, including being ordered deported. Nothing is free; make sure you ask your immigration attorney about the risks. While work permits are great, green cards (permanent resident status) are even better! There are so many different ways to get a green card, some of which are not widely known. We all know that marrying a U.S. citizen can lead to a green card, as can be-
enforcement? Or that a person could be eligible for a green card based on the hardship that a family member would suffer if they were forced to return to their native country. In short, an expert may be able to identify a way for you to obtain a green card when you did not know that such a way existed. The reality is that it is a very difficult time for undocumented immigrants in the United States, especially when you consider that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is regularly conducting raids and deporting people. But doing nothing is not the answer - your problem is not going to go away. With a new year upon us, now is the perfect time to revisit your immigration case. Consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney today and ask what options are available to you. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 17-23, 2019
Calendar of Events across
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Spark Philippines Trade and Travel Fest in San Francisco Discover creative and delectable culinary products and enticing travel destinations of the Philippines in a three-day event – January 16-18, 2019 — at the Philippine Consulate General (447 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA), a block away from Union Square San Francisco. Spark Philippines Trade and Travel Fest is a sneak preview of two of the best things that the Philippines can offer — food and travel. Discover many innovative food ingredients, such as the coconut floral sap vinegar or Sukang Tuba and the mango flour. Uncover the uses of the “dinosaur egg” salt or Asin Tibuok. Learn more about Philippine food products from a few Philippine companies participating in the Winter Fancy Food Show 2019. The Fest affords visitors to savor Filipino fusion-style eats and dine kamayan-style (no cutlery required) in a salu-salo or a gastronomic feast featuring locally sourced ingredients using Filipino heirloom recipes. Guests can also explore attractive travel packages in the land of fun and sun. Choose from a number of inviting tourist attractions of the Philippines. Travel agents will have the opportunity to meet with others. Importers and participating food companies can continue their conversations in the event.
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4th Homeless Service Professionals Job Fair in LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, the LA Homeless Services Authority, the County of LA Homeless Initiative, Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, United Way of Greater LA, Workforce Development Systems, and LA Southwest College invite you to the fourth Homeless Service Professionals Job Fair on Thursday, January 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Over 30+ employers will be in attendance, who are looking to fill hundreds of positions throughout the greater LA area — everything from case managers and outreach workers to housing navigators, supervisors and executives. Join us for our job fair and learn about the incredible impact you can have to help people get all the support they need to start a new chapter. You can help change lives. Types of Positions: Direct Service / Entry Level: case managers, outreach workers, housing navigators, employment specialists, administration, finance, and more; Management / Supervisory Level: supervisors, coordinators, program managers and directors, and similar positions; Professional Level and Executive Level: with advanced degrees such as MSW, MPP, MPH, LCSW, certifications; senior management. On-site resources available: Resume review and editing; Interviewing preparation and tips; and Connections to more local services. Please RSVP at: HSPJobFairLa. eventbrite.com. The job fair will be held inside the Thomas G. Larkin Fitness and Wellness Center at Los Angeles Southwest College (1600 W. Imperial Hwy., Los Angeles, CA 90047).
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Santo Nino Celebration at St. Catherine Laboure Church in Torrance, CA Most Rev. Bishop Oscar A. Solis will celebrate the holy sacrifice of the Mass on Friday, January 18 at St. Catherine Laboure Church (3846 Redondo Beach Blvd. Torrance, CA 90504) at 7 p.m. The Novena prayers and Chaplet will follow after the Mass. The parish has an exact replica of the Infant of Prague (Santo Nino) clothed in a relic of the Holy Robe that adorns the original statue in the shrine at Prague. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own statues; the devotion of touching them to the Holy Robe will conclude the celebration. For more information, please contact Lorna Arceo at (310) 345-4637, Maria Quan (310) 714-6537 or Vicki & Romy Balliyut at (310) 406-6575.
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38th Annual Asian American Expo in Pomona, CA The 38th annual Asian American Expo will be held on Saturday, January 19 and January 20 at the Pomona Fairplex (2705 Fairplex Dr. Pomona, California 91768). The Asian American Expo features 6 large expositions, 1,000+ vendors, 9 non-stop performing stages, and 3 separately unique food courts. Attendees from all different ethnic and work backgrounds, from both local and international, are bound to be at the Expo. The Asian American Expo is hosted at the beginning of each year to celebrate the coming of the Lunar New Year Festival, with the goal recreating the New Year celebrations found across Asia at this time of the year. Food, shopping, entertainment and fun – these are all annual staples that can be found at each year’s event. The hours for both Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $11/day for adults (age 13 to 65) and $9 / day for seniors (above 65) and children (under 13). For more information, please visit http://www.asianamericanexpo.com/.
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Sto. Niño celebration at St. Finbar Church in Burbank, CA Please join us for Sinulog on January 19, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Finbar Church (2010 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91506). Bring your statues of the Infant Jesus. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m.
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Feast of Sto. Niño at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in LA On Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 3:30 pm, the Santo Niño Cruzada USA will sponsor a mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to be presided by its Pastor, Fr. David Gallardo, and to commemorate its 32nd year anniversary of the solemn Feast of Santo Niño, the Divine Infant Jesus. Participating are the choir of St. Paul the Apostle Church from Chino Hills, The Southern California Sinulog Dance Co., The Saint Junipero Serra Province Knights of Columbus, and various religious organizations. We also offer the mass to the late Cardinal Ricardo Vidal of Cebu who gave the Santo Nino statue that we use for this event to Cardinal Roger Mahony and Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik. For more information of this celebration, please contact Romy & Tess Esturas at (213) 219-0590.
JA N UA RY 27
“Journey for Justice” book launch in LA Get a first edition “Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong,” written by the late historian Dawn Bohulano Mabalon and writer Gayle Romasanta, on Sunday, January 27 at the launch in Los Angeles! It will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Park’s Finest (1267 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026). The book tells the story of Larry Itliong’s fight for a farmworkers union, the birth of the farm workers’ movement, and more. Books will be sold and signed with a Q&A with co-author Gayle Romasanta). A percentage of proceeds from this book will be donated to the nonprofit organizations, Little Manila Rising and the Filipino American National Historical Society. For more information, please visit http://bridgedelta.com/.
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California Small Business Summit in Los Angeles The California Small Business Summit is a full-day event in Los Angeles that will bring together 50 small business leaders on Wednesday, January 30 from across the state to discuss important issues facing small businesses and provide education to help entrepreneurs and local economies thrive. As small business owners, you’re critical to the success of our local communities, injecting life and vitality into your neighborhoods, providing quality jobs and boosting prosperity for all. Our Small Business Summit is a platform for you to participate in meaningful dialogue about issues facing California’s small business community and educational workshops on critical issues like access to capital, healthcare, retirement and much more. The format will be an interactive mix of panel discussions, presentations, keynotes and breakout sessions featuring expert advice from business assistance providers and other successful small business owners. The day will begin at 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. at California Endowment Center (1000 Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012). To register for tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/2TPbwP4.
F E B R UA RY 2
Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii’s gala in Waikiki, HI The Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii will hold its 41st inaugural and installation of officers on Saturday, February 2 at 5 p.m. It will be held at the Tapa Ballroom at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815). Attire is formal. For more information, please visit http://pmah-hawaii.org.
F E B R UA RY 9
St. Finbar Church in Burbank, CA celebrates its 9th Annual Valentine Dinner Dance Come and celebrate Hollywood glamour on February 9, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For information contact Marian at (818) 562-6819 or send an email to minobleza@yahoo.com.
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Features
B January 17-23, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIan JOurnaL
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Third of a series) Select a handful of those things in your bucket list that have the highest chance of coming to fruition given your time frame. In tech speak, it means before your life’s energy goes into ‘ low batt mode’ and life has run out of sockets to plug into. There is a dumbing down going on in modern society in the last 30 years or so currently accelerated by mass media and the internet. They feed the masses with an endless cycle of news, opinions and entertainment that are meant to follow an agenda set by the global masters of media and tech companies. There is an overwhelming volume of information often manipulated to suit an agenda. Ironically, this does not necessarily lead to the desired wisdom of the mind and heart. Their platforms — television, print and the internet — are used largely, as propaganda tools to advance an agenda. Ad revenues for their bottom line are fine and dandy but the real goal behind mass media and tech companies’ existence these days, when they provide news and information, is the manipulation of the mental and behavioral control of the masses. What is the ultimate goal? It is the pursuit of power to produce changes in the mind and heart to preserve the status quo. And what is the status quo? That the elite continue to be so … So mind what you watch. If you think the promotion and furtherance of your well-being drive the large media companies’ agenda these days, I have a bridge in the Sahara I can sell you. So what is one then to do for news and entertainment these days if you’re just a normal, average human being just minding your business? I would say GO ROGUE. Go au naturel. Cut off the cable. Minimize plugging into the internet. If you need information, use Bing or Duckduckgo as your search engines instead of Google that has lately been behaving as the Master of the Universe employing algorithms that filter out ideas that go against their globalist agenda. Disengage from social media slowly or go cold
The bucket list
Health@Heart
Watch the Perseids!
“...Humility, like darkness, reveals the heavenly lights.” —Henry David Thoreau turkey. It is your choice. You have the power. Social media produces no product. It is no more than a data collection agency that sells and repackages information you provide to them via your postings and sells them to the highest bidder, whether a political entity seeking votes and thereby power or commercial companies wanting your business. Test it by searching for any widget to buy and lo and behold, within minutes, there are pop-up ads of similar widgets driving you nuts. Talk about online stalking!!! It is disconcerting, to say the least. We fume quietly or rage and rant for the most part about the death of our privacy. But take comfort. Life is a series of action and reaction much like a pendulum. One day, when people are fed up enough to set things in motion to rein in the undue influence of these amoral tech giants, these obtrusive entities will have to be broken up to smaller bits so they cannot be a danger to society much longer. Will this happen in our lifetimes? That, my friend, is a $64,000 question. What have we got to lose? The news, for the most part, is fake. The alphabet networks have lost credibility as they shill for their liberal agenda. Most celebrities are nothing to celebrate about. As their masks fall off, their oversized egos are cut down to size, their veneer of respectability cracks. You realize these socalled stars do have feet of clay after all, just like you and me. So dump them. So here’s one for the bucket list for those who are innately curious about the origin of life and life itself and want some honest to goodness entertainment that brings a life perspective. If you really want to be in awe of something greater than yourself, go star gazing heavenly bodies — real stars — the sort that burns out after billions of years. It promises to be quite an experience. Start small by watching meteor showers. They occur all the time but they are visible to hu-
man eyes on cloudless, moonless nights. Meteors may be the residual particles of the seemingly infinite cycle of creation and destruction as the universe continues to expand in the last 13 billion years during an event called The Big Bang, according to the best educated estimates by cosmologists. Meteors are made of dust and ice ranging in size from a grain of sand to a corn kernel, hurtling through space at great speeds and burning up quickly in a spray of colors as they enter earth’s atmosphere. Thoreau once said that humility like darkness reveals the heavenly lights. And it is true when you become a night sky watcher. If your circumstances permit it, and you have family and friends that are up to it, do this one thing that others have suggested we do before we kick the bucket. Schedule time to hie off to a safe place (a public park, a friend’s mountain cabin, a boat at sea or even a cemetery) far from the city lights at night with friends or family or any kindred spirit to set up camp between July 17 and August 24 to view the Perseids, the most popular and spectacular of meteor showers. In the summer, it is show time. The Perseids is a celestial treat for those who take the time and wait patiently in darkness. Experts say that there is an average of 70 meteors per hour guaranteed to put up a show Check out the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles, if you live anywhere close. Their reason for being is watching the night sky. Before midnight, dress appropriately and lie down on camping blankets on the ground keeping a thermos of hot chocolate and some munchies within reach and wait eyes wide open. Bring bug spray. There will be streaks and flashes of colors against a backdrop of velvet black firmament as the Perseids, like celestial clockwork, hit the earth’s atmosphere, as they have done so for thousands of years. PAGE B7
PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS TWEnTY years ago on August 7, 1999, I wrote about Viagra, a headliner around the world then when this “chemical gold” was first introduced by Pfizer a year before. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the “little giant blue pill,” the blockbuster erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment. After two decades, Viagra and its competitors, Cialis and Levitra, still arouse sustained interest globally. As the generic version “penetrates” the market, their prices (around $20$25 a tablet) are expected to drop significantly. Sildenafil (Viagra), the wonder pill for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 27, 1998, and sold like hot cakes that same year, a runaway success. More than $400 million worth was sold in the first quarter, 10,000 prescriptions a day. In 2016, it brought in $1.6 billion in global sales. Since its inception, Viagra has raked billions for Pfizer. This little “giant” blue pill was found to be very effective and safe. It boosts marriages and relationships. The surgical procedures for ED dropped dramatically since this pill was introduced. Then came the competitors! Vardenafil (Levitra) was approved in September 2003, and on november 21, 2003, Tadalafil (Cialis) was launched. To this day, these three pills for ED are the most popular, dominant, and effective regimen in the management of erectile dysfunction and they have been found to also be very useful in enhancing erection even among those without ED. More than 20 percent of failed marriages and broken relationships are due to erectile dysfunction. While their mode of action are basically the same: they are a class of drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors. They block an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5, boosting a chemical in our body called nitric oxide, which relaxes muscles in the penis and open up veins, allowing more blood to enter and fill-up the veins of the penis, causing engorgement and maintaining erection. Original research: Serendipity The original laboratory studies on these PE-5 inhibitors centered on their vasodilator effects as potential drug in the management of coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. However, the researchers noted that the experimental male mice given the PDE-5 inhibitor developed erection and were chasing the female mice. This serendipity discovery that the side effect of the PDE-5 inhibitor was even a greater and more welcome discovery than the
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The little blue pill original intention of developing a new vasodilator for cardiovascular diseases. The side effect (erection) in this case far outweighed the “original intent” for the use of the drug. This is one incident where the side effect is more useful and beneficial. Other uses These pills for ED (PDE-5 inhibitors) are also prescribed for other medical conditions, like heart attack, pulmonary hypertension (even among infants and young children), pre-eclampsia, Crohn’s disease, and infertility. These ED pills require a prescription and a discussion with your physician, to avoid complications. Aphrodisiac? Some think Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are aphrodisiacs. no, they are not, because none of them increases libido (sexual desire). These 3 only enhance erection and sustain it for a successful sex. When taken, the man develops a sense of certainty, security, and confidence, which could incidentally increase the desire in both partners. Indications for use Those who could benefit from any of these 3 PDE-5 inhibitors are those who are unable to initiate and maintain erection for a successful intercourse, regardless of age, including those in their 20s, where stress and psychological condition negatively impact their sex life. One does not have to have a full-blown erectile dysfunction to benefit from these pills, since they have been found effective and save since they were introduced almost 20 years ago. ED stats Cleveland Clinic reports that 52 percent of men have erectile dysfunction, “affecting 40 percent of men age 40, and 70 percent of men age 70.” Men who are on high blood pressure pills, betablockers, etc., have an increased risk of developing ED. Urology Care Foundation says 30 million of American males have occasional (mild to moderate) problem getting or keeping an erection. Comparison These three drugs for ED belong to one class of medication and have similar pharmacologic action: PDE-5 inhibitors. All three react with nitrates (heart medications that opens up arteries), which could cause drop in blood pressure and shock, even death. Those on nitrates MUST not take any of these drug for ED. These three are in oral form and there is no generic version of this ED drug yet, and is taken about 30 before anticipated sex. Any of these 3 needs medical consultation prior to use to rule out any contraindication and danger, since each individual reacts differently to medications. A prescription is needed to purchase pills for ED. They all cost about the same. Their safety records are also similar. While their action, use, and
efficacy are basically the same, there are difference among these three pills for ED. Viagra and Levitra stay in the blood stream for about 4-6 hours; Cialis, 17-18 hours, longer lasting. Other differences are in their side effects. Side effects The following side effects are common among all three: stuffy nose, headache, upset stomach, priapism (erection, painful, that persists), sudden cardiac arrest, and death (which are very rare and due to undiagnosed and untreated heart disease). The differences: temporary change in vision and flushing are more in Viagra and Levitra. Backpain and muscle aches are more with Cialis. Alcoholic beverage reacts more with Cialis, leading to dizziness, less with Viagra and Levitra. But, as Shakespeare wrote: “Alcohol increases the desire but diminishes the performance.” Warning Any of these three drugs for ED dangerously reacts with nitrates, medications that dilate (open up) coronary arteries used in the management of coronary heart disease. A person on a nitrate medication (like nitroglycerin, isordil, imdur, peritrate, nitrostat, nitroderm, nitrolingual, nitrobid, etc.) must nEVER take any of these three pills for ED, because the combination will lead to sudden severe drop in blood pressure, shock, and possibly death. Consult your physician if erection does not subside in 4 hours, a condition called priapism, where the penis is so engorged causing pain, one that needs urgent medical care before the penis suffers irreversible damage. Rare deaths The reported rare deaths associated with the use of any of these three pills for ED were suspected to be due to the inadvertent concomitant use of nitrates. new studies have shown that these PDE-5 inhibitors could also increase platelet clumping in diseased coronary arteries causing blood clots, and heart attack in some individuals. All evidence-based clinical information around the world today show that these three PDE-5 inhibitors are efficacious and safe, when used according to standard medical recommendation and under the supervision of an attending physician. *** 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
Jon Jon Briones joins new Ryan Murphy...
PAGE B1 “On behalf of myself and Ms. Sarah Catharine Paulson who plays the title role and is also a big fancy producer on it, we are thrilled to announce our amazing cast...a true murderers’ row of talent. So many of these actors are supremely talented folks who Sarah and I have both longed to work with,” Murphy wrote in his post. Briones also confirmed the news in an Instagram post on Monday. “I can finally share this with
you all!!! Honored, excited, grateful and feeling beyond blessed! Thank you sir @mrrpmurphy,” Briones wrote. “And can’t wait to work with the queen @mssarahcatharinepaulson again! And all these amazing actors!!!” Briones previously worked with Murphy for “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” in which the Filipino actor played Modesto Cunanan, the father of Versace murderer Andrew Cunanan (played by Fil-Am actor Darren
Criss). According to Variety, the show has a two-season, 18 episode commitment. “Ratched,” based on Ken Kesey’s novel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest,” will follow nurse Ratched (Paulson) and “track her murderous progression through the mental health care system,” a Deadline article released last year said. Michael Douglas, who was a producer of the 1975 film based on the novel, also joins this project as an executive producer.
Fil-Ams Nico Santos and Vincent Rodriguez... PAGE B4 in the nBC comedy “Superstore” and played the even more flamboyant Oliver T’sien in the highly raved about film “Crazy Rich Asians” — shared in his individual cover, his experience of being not only a minority, but a gay one in the world of mainstream entertainment. “We talk about representation all the time,” said Santos, who moved to the U.S. from the Philippines when he was sixteen. “That’s like such a buzzword in Hollywood right now, but really, it is—as somebody who’s like a double minority, as somebody who is queer and Brown—it’s important to bring that to the forefront.” He continued, “My Browness is something that I can’t hide. There are some straight-acting or straight-passing queer people out there, but I’m not one of them. This is something I would rather not have to hide,” he added. Rodriguez similarly talked about being a double minority, and expanded on what it personally meant to be able to tell the Fil-Am story on television. Rodriguez’s Fil-Am character of Josh Chan on the CW’s “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” has a backstory that includes being a devoted Catholic, being raised by a tight-knit family, and even living in the densely Filipino-populated city of West Covina, California — experiences familiar to many Fil-Ams. “To represent my community as a Filipino man, as a young leading man, a gay man, and [asking] what if I could be there and be myself?” he recalled in his interview with the Advocate. “[To] tell stories and show the world that Filipinos can be leading men too.” Playing the role of the straight ex-boyfriend of the show’s main character, Rodriguez also shared of how he’s been focused on exploring new possibilities in acting including in stunts and actions. “I’m preparing for action roles. I know I’m
Fil-Am actors Nico Santos (left) and Vincent Rodriguez III (right) along with actor Jake Choi (center) grace the cover of Advocate, a leading LGBTQ magazine, and share their experiences as LGBTQ Asian Americans in Hollywood. Photo courtesy of the Advocate
an Asian dude, but now that I think [that] we’re more likely to see Asian leading men, I think we’re going to see new stories being told that are not what we’re used to, in terms of the action genre,” said Rodriguez. Also joining Santos and Rodriguez on the cover is Jake Choi of “Single Parents.”
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 17-23, 2019
Darren Criss says post-Golden Globe Catriona Gray Miss Universe reign... celebration full of ‘Filipino treats’ by Rosette
AdeL
Philstar.com
FILIPINO-American actor Darren Criss recently shared that he celebrated his Golden Globe win “full of Filipino treats.” On Saturday, Criss took to Twitter anew to dedicate his Golden Globe victory to his Cebuano mother. He shared how they celebrated his win. “Morning after Golden Globes celebration was full of Filipino treats including this fun spritely lady with me ... ‘who dreamed of coming to this country and getting invited to glamorous parties like this...’ Well Mom, I’m glad you made it,” Criss captioned the post with a photo of his mother. Criss won the Golden Globe last Monday (Manila time) for his performance in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.” During his speech, Criss thanked his Filipino mother onstage, saying he’s proud to be the son “of a firecracker Filipino
In this Jan. 8, 2018 image, Darren Criss celebrates his Golden Globe victory with Cebuana mother. Criss won the Golden Globe for Best limited series or TV movie actor for “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” on Jan. 7, 2019. Photo from Twitter/@Darren Criss
woman.” “This has been a marvelous year for representation in Hollywood, and I am so enormously proud to be a teeny, tiny part of that, as the son of a firecracker Filipino woman,” Criss said during the Golden Globe Awards night. “Mom, I know you are watch-
ing this. You are hugely responsible for most of the good things in my life. I love you dearly. I dedicate this to you,” he added. Criss’s mother is from Cebu. Prior to his Golden Globe win, Criss became popular for his portrayal as Blaine Anderson on musical comedy-drama series “Glee.”
Is Dingdong really moving to Kapamilya? by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
Dingdong Dantes
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ABS-CBN photo
BECAUSE his long-drawn contract with the Kapuso Network is good only until end of this month, there’s speculation that Dingdong Dantes might jump ober da bakod to the rival Kapamilya Network. Talks like that usually surface when the contract of a hot star is expiring. To clear the air, Funfare asked those “in authority” what the real score is. • Angel Javier, GMA vice president for Corporate Communication: “No advice yet but will ask po.” • Cory Vidanes, COO of Broadcast, ABS-CBN: “I’m not aware of any offer for Dingdong. Sa film lang siya may contract (with Star Cinema).” • Dingdong Dantes: (no comment) • Dingdong’s manager Perry Lansigan: (no comment, too)
The bucket list
Come to think of it, like meteors, we are made of dust and our life is just a brief flash on an infinite timeline. If we do this often enough, we may come to realize how great is our God who has fashioned each one of us out of ordinary dust to create a unique person capable of reflecting the beauty of the creator within a lifetime. The experience can show to us the vastness of the universe and how little we are in the great scheme of things. If social media has the power to bloat our egos, the opposite is true of this exercise. Patiently waiting for shooting stars all in God’s perfect timing, can grind our egos into dust. This can make us humble enough to ponder the heavenly lights.
We can then begin to appreciate our life and the lives of those in our immediate orbit and live the rest of our lives praising God. That’s what watching meteor showers even once during our lifetime can do for us. It can give us an inkling of how great God is and how blessed we are. When we’re ready, willing and able, we may even go bolder and include the adventure of seeking the Northern Lights in the freezing cold of the Arctic zone. But that’s another entry on the Bucket List for another day. Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List … *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Angel Locsin’s explosive...
PAGE B4 Action-packed series Locsin opens 2019 with ABSCBN’s first new offering, where she plays Rhian Bonifacio, a daughter of a military general who was raised and honed to take down their family’s biggest enemy. However, little does she know that she is set up to commit the biggest mistake of her life because the person she is tasked to kill is her real father. With the story revolving around the lives of military families, fans can expect a braver and fiercer Locsin as she does stunts and fight scenes that once again prove her mettle as the country’s premier action-drama actress. It will be recalled that she struggled with a spine injury in 2015. In 2016, her role in a passion project, “Darna,” was effectively sent into limbo as she sought treatment for her spine. The following year, she officially withdrew from Darna, citing her physical condition. When asked how she prepared for The General’s Daughter despite the physical condition needed, she answered, “Of course, nagkaroon na tayo ng maturity para hindi lang basta-basta sumabak sa isang stunt. So before magtaping, nagpapa-PT (physical theraphy) na ako para the next day, kondisyon na ang katawan ko and after nun icepacks, hotpacks at siyempre ingat. Kapag alam ko naman na hindi ko kaya, hindi ko naman ginagawa. Pero so far wala pa naman silang nire-request na alam kong alanganin kasi maingat sila sa akin.” For her role, she also imbibed the life in the Nurse Corps. “Nagpapasalamat din ako sa AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) especially sa Nurse Corps
kasi pinakita nila na nagbigay talaga sila ng time. Pinakita nila sa amin kung ano talaga ang buhay ng isang Nurse Corps [member] — kung ilang pasyente ang inaalagaan nila, kung paano yung sacrifices nila. Nakaka-inspire. Ever since mataas ang respeto ko sa mga nurse, pero dito kasi parang ibang klaseng passion. Kahit na comfortable sila sa pagiging certified nurse na, nag-a-apply sila sa military. Nag-undergo pa ng six months training ng military skills and then sa hospital pa. Para magbigay ka ng ganun karaming oras dahil sa pagmamahal mo sa kapwa mo at sa bayan. Kaya talagang tumaas yung tingin ko sa kanila lalo. Akala ko pag nurse, iisa lang yun. Hindi pala. May ibang chapter pa. Ang priority nila is to save lives, [rather] than fight,” she added. The series also features an ensemble of seasoned actors such as Tirso Cruz 3rd, Albert Martinez and Eula Valdez. Also part of the new primetime series are Janice de Belen, Paulo Avelino, JC de Vera, Arjo Atayde, Ryza Cenon, Ronnie Alonte and Loisa Andalio, with the special participation of Maricel Soriano. Asked about her big-named costars, Locsin happily said, “Grabe pasasalamat ko, sobra talaga, kasi yung mga iniidolo kong artista nung nagsisimula pa lang ako or yung di pa ako artista, hindi ko naman akalain na sabay-sabay ko silang makakasama sa isang show. Makakatrabaho, makakasama ko sila, makikita ko kung paano sila sa set everyday. Huwag na natin pagusapan kung gaano sila kagaling kasi alam naman natin kung gaano sila kagaling. Kung paano na lang sila kasama, ibang ibang klase kasi yung pagkatao nila, kaya tumagal sila sa industriya.”
If there’s an “issue,” it will be threshed out during negotiations that will be resolved…if “the price is right?” The big question: Is any side naming a price? In showbiz, there are no permanent friends nor enemies, only permanent interests. Self-preservation is first and foremost.
PAGE B2 national symbol and one of the most iconic sites from the Bicol region where Gray’s mom is originally from. He submitted his first sketch to Gray a month after she won the title and right there she decided it was going to be her finals gown. “Daragang Magayon is a folklore and my mom’s maiden name is Magnayon which is a pre-colonial Filipino name so it all tied up together,” she said. “It felt like a beautiful tribute and there was no other option.” The details of that fiery red gown symbolized the lava from Mayon’s eruption and her team tied it up with her now famous “lava walk,” although technically the walk came before the gown. “Mak is exceptionally talented at what he does and he is incredibly meticulous which I greatly respect being a perfectionist myself,” Gray said. The gown is made out of digitally printed material with 12 tones of Swarovski crystals and put on each tone of the fabric. “Just imagine the labor and love and attention to detail that went into that gown, it was something amazing. When I wore it the first time I was in tears just because, it looked like it has a life of its own,” she shared. And speaking of the now famous walk, Gray clarified some of the headlines that have appeared saying that because of her scoliosis, she was in tears as she practiced and perfected her walk. “Some of them are a little out of context saying that I was crying in pain. I wasn’t. My scoliosis causes
me mild discomfort especially on a long day of heels but it doesn’t hinder me in any other way,” she explained. “It is about learning the balance and coordination and it’s all about practicing.” Childhood in Australia Gray admits that she was very outdoorsy as a child and she had a very carefree and happy childhood. Since she was an only child, she said, “medyo sheltered ako (I was a little sheltered). I am very close to my parents who I love, love, love very much. I always spent time with my dog kasi wala akong sibling (because I don’t have a sibling).” Her parents Ian and Normita were very supportive, even when she decided to move to the Philippines, and for that, she feels very blessed. “My parents have supported me 110 percent in anything I’ve ever wanted to do. They never tried to define my dreams, they always pushed me to dream bigger because they always believed in me. I feel that is a very important reason why I am here today because they’ve always instilled that confidence in me, that I am capable, that I am worthy and that my dreams are valid,” she shared. In an Instagram post, Gray said her dad taught her to be “tough, gutsy and give power to my words” while her mom told her to always trust her intuition and “hold a firery (sic) soul in a soft heart.” More than that, what is the biggest lesson her mom taught her? “If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well, which I can
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apply to this journey because I really went all out,” she said, letting a loud guffaw. “I pulled together all of my resources, I really put my heart out in every single aspect up to the jewelry, the turns. My signature is on everything [on] this journey, I was really hands on.” Gray believes that her biggest weakness is her being “overanalytical,” particularly when she was younger when she wouldn’t even stop to savor and enjoy her moments of victory. On the other hand, she considers being creative as her biggest strength. “I always try and do something different and being creative, I feel like it flows to every aspect that I put my hands on,” she said. Gray describes her first week as Miss Universe with two words: grateful and fulfilling. “Every step of the way, I have always been overwhelmed by the support not only from team, family and friends, but from the people, the Filipino people. They are the reason why I even considered joining again,” she said. Exactly a year ago, Gray was at the Binibining Pilipinas office turning in her application. In between, there were moments of doubt and she would question herself if she is doing the right thing or if this was the right path for her. It is the spirit of support from the Filipinos (including those overseas) that has helped Gray carry through the journey despite feeling overwhelmed at times, the same support that she says is helping her now fulfill her duties as Miss Universe.
B8 JANUARY 17-23, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
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Located in Montemaria, home to the ninth largest monument in the World—the shrine to Mother Mary,Tower of Peace.
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THE TOTAL LAND AREA OF THE MONTEMARIA DEVELOPMENT IS APPROXIMATELY 130 HECTARES WHICH INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TOWNSHIP* PROJECTS: 01 Condominiums, hotels, and resorts 02 Commercial developments such as a shopping center which includes restaurants and cafes 03 Golf Course and Water Park 04 Spa and Wellness Centers 05 Marina and Fisherman’s Wharf 06 Housing, residential subdivision, and retirement village 6XEMHFW WR ƓQDO GHYHORSPHQW SODQ TOTAL LAND AREA 2.1 Hectares
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
01 Development site is adjacent to the Statue of Virgin Mary. 02 5HVRUW VHWWLQJ ZLWK PDJQLĆ“FHQW YLHZ RI WKH ED\ 03 High-quality asset with world-class exterior and interior design. 04 Designed by award winning and internationally renowned Architecture and Design Firm, ARCH HAUS ASIA. 05 Montemaria is located on top of the Batangas Bay Peninsula facing the Verde Island Passage, reputed to be the U.N. recognized “Center of the Center of Marine Bio-Diversity of the World.â€?
DATE OF COMPLETION Second Quarter of 2020 TOTAL NUMBER OF UNITS PHASE 1 866 Units BUILDING 1 164 units
BUILDING 2 Clubhouse
Lombard By The Bay is a joint venture development project between 3UHPLHU $VLD 3DFLĆ“F 5HDO (VWDWH DQG Development Corp.and Omnicor ,QGXVWULDO (VWDWH 5HDOW\ &HQWHU ,QF
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