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Volume 17 - No. 6 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages
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DATELINE Majority of AAPIs at risk for fraud, finds survey FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
SEVENTY-two percent of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) age 50 and up reported themselves or their families as having been targets of fraud, according to a new report by nonprofit advocacy organization for the age group, AARP. Of the respondents, 39 percent said they have been victimized by fraud, and a third of the victims averaged $15,000 in losses. “Everyone in the AAPI community is at risk for fraud,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “This survey underscores the need to raise awareness around fraud and scams in order to protect against financial and non-financial loss.” Despite 73 percent of AAPI adults saying they were confident in recognizing fraudulent offers, a majority of them were only able to answer at most half of the questions
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
US solons oppose return of Balangiga bells to PH Hultgren and McGovern—co-chairs of the House of Representatives’ Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC)—expressed their “deepTWO congressmen from the United States ex- est concerns with the human rights record” in the pressed their objections to the possible return of Philippines. the historic Balangiga bells to the Philippines, cit“It is precisely because the Philippines is such ing the alleged massive human rights violations of a strong and vital American ally that we must conthe latter country’s anti-illegal drugs campaign. sider how their recent human rights record could In a letter, Reps. Randy Hultgren (R-Illinois) and negatively affect U.S. security… We believe that James McGovern (D-Massachusetts) had asked U.S. human rights are inextricably linked to the naDefense Secretary Jim Mattis to “not provide cer- tional security interests of the United States,” they tification” for the bells’ return until the Philippine wrote. government stops the drug war-linked killings. u PAGE A2 by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
The flu season is getting worse, says CDC
SC upholds yearlong martial law extension in Mindanao
THE flu season comes and goes every year, but health officials are continuing to find this year’s as one for the books. As of January 27, an additional 16 children in the U.S. passed away from the flu in that one week alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That brings the total to 53 flu-associated deaths among youth this season. Hospitalization rates have not been this high since the center began tracking numbers 13 years ago. The report recorded the overall hospitalization rate being around 51 people per 100,000 — the highest rates were among adults aged 65 and up, aged 50 - 64, and children aged 0 to 4 years old respectively. The season is also the most widespread. “As of this week, overall hospitalizations are now the highest we’ve seen,” Dr. Anne
THE Philippine Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday, February 6, has affirmed the constitutionality of President Rodrigo Duterte’s yearlong martial law extension in Mindanao. Ten magistrates voted to junk the petitions challenging the extension of Proclamation No. 216, which placed Mindanao under martial law and suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the area. They were Associate Justices Noel Tijam, Presbitero Velasco Jr.,Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano Del Castillo, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, Samuel Martires, Andres Reyes Jr., and Alexander Gesmundo. Only five voted in favor of the petitions:
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F E BR U A RY 9 - 1 5 , 2 0 1 8
Two lawmakers from the United States objected to the potential return of the Balangiga bells to the Philippines, citing the human rights violations linked to the government’s brutal drug war. Philstar.com photo
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
CUSTOMS CLEANSING. President Rodrigo Duterte inspects the smuggled luxury vehicles at the Port Area in Manila for the condemnation of smuggled luxury vehicles and the 116th Founding Anniversary of the Bureau of Custom on Tuesday, February 6. A total of 20 second-hand luxury vehicles were destroyed in Manila, including the brands Lexus, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Jaguar, and Corvette Stingray. Simultaneous condemnations of seized motor vehicles were also held at the Port of Davao and Port of Cebu where a total of 10 vehicles were destroyed. Malacañang photo by Rey Baniquet
BI turns away 74 ‘rude’ foreigners from entering Philippines Palace: PH ‘not too soft’ on China militarization by KRISTINE JOY
Philstar.com
The Bureau of Immigration has been implementing its long-existing policy to exclude or disallow the entry of a foreigner who shows disrespect or makes offensive utterances to symbols of Philippine authority. Philstar.com photo
Online Filipinos among most ignorant on key issues, survey says by AUDREY
MORALLO Philstar.com
between reality and perception among a nation’s citizens. MANILA — Filipinos are some According to the Perils of Perof the most mistaken online indi- ception 2017, the Philippines viduals on key global issues and ranked the third most inaccurate features of their country, the 2017 among the 38 countries surveyed Perils of Perception survey by Ip- in their perceptions of issues on sos showed, highlighting the gap u PAGE A4
PATAG
MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration has turned away 74 “rude, arrogant” foreigners who wished to enter the country in 2017. According to Immigration chief Jaime Morente, the bureau has been implementing its long-existing policy to exclude or disallow the entry of a foreigner who shows disrespect or makes offensive utterances to symbols of Philippine authority. “The entry and stay of foreigners in the country is not
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by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
with ASEAN (Association of “Number two of course our Southeast Asian Nations) in rec- common concern is peace security ognizing that this is a concern or and stability in one of the world’s THE Philippine government is all ASEAN countries, the freedom busiest sea lanes,” he added. Malacañang issued the statenot taking a soft stand on China’s of navigation in the West Philipreported continuous military build pine Sea,” the Palace official said. u PAGE A2 up in the highly disputed South China Sea, Malacañang assured on Wednesday, February 7. Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque has denied criticisms that the administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is giving China leeway on its militarization activities in the region. “We are not being too soft po pero meron tayong (but we have already) established policy,” Roque told reporters. First, the Philippines is “one
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february 9-15, 2018 • NOrCaL aSIaN JOurNaL
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From the Front Page
SC upholds yearlong martial law... PAGE A1 t
communist rebels, Islamic State (IS)-inspired groups, and other local and foreign terrorist groups in the area. The SC has consolidated four petitions challenging the constitutionality of the one-year extension. The first and second petitions were separately filed by the “Magnificent Seven” of the House of Representatives, led by Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, and by human rights advocates and cause-oriented groups represented by the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL). The third petition was lodged by Former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales, while the fourth was submitted by a group led by former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman and one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution Christian Monsod. Petitioners argued that there Lawyer Theodore Te, Supreme Court spokesperson, announced on Tuesday, February 6, the is no factual basis for extending high court’s ruling that dismissed all three petitions seeking to nullify President Rodrigo martial law in Mindanao due to
Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and Associate Justices Marvic Leonen, Justice Francis Jardeleza, and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa. “The Court finds sufficient factual basis for the issuance of resolutions of both houses and finds
it constitutional,” SC Spokesman Theodore Te said in a press conference. “Accordingly the consolidated petitions are hereby dismissed.” In December last year, Congress granted Duterte’s request to retain the martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2018 for the “total eradication” of the
Duterte’s proclamation of martial law in Mindanao.
Inquirer.net photo
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BBL HEARING. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri (right), chair of the Senate subcommittee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), together with Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon (left), listen to the legal experts, local officials and other resource persons during the latest hearing on the proposed measure on Monday, February 5. If passed into law, the BBL would replace the current Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to establish the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Senate photo by Joseph Vidal
US solons oppose return... PAGE A1 t They cited a report from a 2017 TLHRC hearing last year, which found out that more than 7,000 alleged drug dealers and users have been killed without charges or trial since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte launched his war on drugs. While saying that they “recognize and appreciate” the efforts to “resolve in an appropriate way a long-standing, highly symbolic dispute” between the U.S. and the Philippines, Hultgren and McGovern asked Mattis to take the alleged human rights violations in the Philippines into consideration. Under Sec. 2864 of the Conference Report, which accompa-
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nies the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018, the transfer of Balangiga bells to the Philippines will be allowed under several criteria, among of which include “that the transfer is in the national security interests of the United States.” “We only ask that when you consider Congress’ intent in determining whether such a return meets the United States’ national security interests, you recognize that these extra-judicial killings are a detriment to our security interests,” said Hultgren and McGovern. The Duterte administration has maintained that it does not condone abuses and state-sanctioned killings.
Latest data from the Philippine government showed that there were 6,309 drug-related deaths from July 1, 2016 to January 17, 2018—among of which 2,235 were homicide cases under investigation. In December last year, U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim said Washington remains committed to reaching a resolution that would allow the return of the Balangiga bells. Duterte, during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2017, demanded the return the church bells, which were taken from the town of Balangiga, Eastern Samar during the Philippine-American war in 1900s. n
Palace: PH ‘not too soft’ on China...
ment after ASEAN Foreign ministers raised concerns on China’s continued militarization amid an earlier agreement to establish a legally binding Code of Conduct on the South China Sea, which aims to ensure peace and stability in the area. “Kasama tayo sa ASEAN. Yan po ang panawagan ng ASEAN. Kasama ang Pilipinas sa panawagan na yan (We are included in the ASEAN. That is the ASEAN’s call. The Philippines is one with the call),” Roque said. ASEAN ministers on Tuesday, February 6, said China’s continued reclamation in south China sea has “eroded trust and con dence” among rival claimants. They further warned that such activities could raise regional tensions. Ministers “took note of the concerns expressed by some ministers on the land reclamations and activities in the area, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the region,” Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in the statement. An earlier Inquirer report showed photos that China’s artificial islands in the South China Sea are in the “final stages of development as air and naval bases.” A United States-based analyst also warned that China will soon effectively control the South China Sea amid the reported continuous military build up in the heavily disputed waters. “You’re gonna see more signaling [systems], intelligence [facilities] and things like that. You’re gonna keep on seeing the increase of number of Chinese coast guards and the maritime militias and naval ships making calls to these. And little by little,
Installations on Johnson South Reef.
the Chinese plan seems to be to establish de facto control,” said Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative director Gregory Poling. He continued, “Maybe without provoking an immediate sharp clash but by sheer force of numbers, eventually there’s gonna be a Coast Guard and Navy ship close enough to intervene no matter what any claimants are trying to do anywhere in the [sea]. And they are gonna have the radars and patrol craft to make sure that nothing moves within the South China Sea without them seeing it.” Responding to the report, Roque remarked that China’s military build up in the area is not “news” anymore. “You know when I saw the headline, yes, it’s a fact perhaps, but is that news? I don’t think so. I think the moment that they start the reclamation, they declared that they will use it, they will have military facilities into the islands,” Roque said. Malacañang likewise underscored that it cannot wage war and could only continue to rely on China’s “good faith.” “Whether we like it [or not], they intended to use them as military bases, so what do you want
Inquirer.net photo
us to say? All we could do is to extract a promise from China not to reclaim any new artificial islands,” Roque said. He continued, “We cannot declare war. Not only is it illegal, but it is also it is impossible for us to declare war at this point.” Expansion Despite concerns raised by its neighboring countries, a Chinese expert said Beijing’s artificial islands in South China Sea will be further expanded. Chen Xiangmiao, a research fellow at the National Institute for the South China Sea, noted in a newspaper report that “most of the construction on islands in the South China Sea were completed in 2015 and the pace then slowed.” “The size of some South China Sea islands will be further expanded in future through more dredging in the South China Sea region,” Chinese publication Global Times on Monday, February 5, quoted Chen as saying. Chen also pointed out that “civilian facility construction is the major focus of the South China Sea islands building and the portion of defense deployment is relatively small.” n
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • febRUARy 9-15, 2018
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Photos by Jhay Otamias
Jerwin Ancajas: The portrait of a classy champion by Ed dE la
VEga, ddS
JERWIN Ancajas — the young IBF World super flyweight champion from the Joven Sports Gym in Magallanes, Cavite — is increasingly being compared to the great Manny Pacquiao following his sensational knockout victory over the weekend in Corpus Christi, Texas. To this writer, that is not only unfair because there is only one Pacquiao and one Ancajas. They will never be the same simply because they are two different personalities. And as good as Ancajas is, he is still far from winning eight weight division titles. While it is true that they have similar backgrounds in that they came from poor families, are left handed, and both rose to fame through boxing, the comparisons stop there. Yes, Manny Pacquiao is humble and overly generous. But in many aspects, when speaking
about “class”, he is different from Ancajas. I am not saying Pacquiao has no class. That is far from what I am trying to say here. It’s just Ancajas is something else. With modesty aside, over the years, I have made mouthguards for free for many Filipino fighters. Some think that I owe it to them to provide the mouthguards. Many are more are appreciative and grateful than others but no one is like Jerwin Ancajas. From the time I took impressions to custom design and fabricate for him a two color mouthguard several days ago, I sense that there is something special about the kid. But, I just dismiss the thought as I felt he was just being shy and was just overwhelmed by the humble wall of fame at my office that is full of photos of the hundreds of fighters that I made mouthguards for. As he viewed the wall, he said: “Dami palang si-
Majority of AAPIs at risk for fraud... PAGE A1 t on a general fraud knowledge quiz. Common types of fraud tactics targeting AAPIs in the age group were foreign lottery scams (36 percent), crisis-related charitable donations (33 percent), virus tech-support (32 percent), IRS imposters collecting back taxes (24 percent), and phishing emails (20 percent). Fraud conducted by family and friends, fraud regarding immigration help, and regarding missed jury duty fines were also experienced by those in the AAPI community. The survey also reported that one out of three victims (34 percent) did not report or tell anyone about the fraud. This was especially true for those who spoke limited English, and who were less likely to tell authorities. Of those that did, 51 percent only told family or friends. A smaller percentage (38 percent) told both family and friends, as well as authorities. Emotional and health effects as a result of fraud were reported by 72 percent of the victims — anger, stress and anxiety, fear, shame or embarrassment, loss of confidence, and depression were common symptoms. According to the 2017 Identity Fraud Study released by
Javelin Strategy and Research, $16 billion were stolen from 15.4 million consumers in the U.S. in 2016. This was an uptick from the $15.3 billion stolen the year before from 13.1 million consumers. Over $107 billion has been stolen over the past six years. AARP recommends that people always verify and research any organization, charity, or offers before sending money; be cautious of suspicious emails and avoid replying or clicking on links; and beware of fortune tellers or psychics that may use superstition to induce fear. The organization also reminds that government agencies like the IRS will never notify people through email or phone calls, but only through direct mail. If victimized or put in a fraudulent situation, AARP says it is important to report it. The survey was done through collecting data of telephone surveys regarding consumer fraud and scams conducted by Asian American Decisions with AARP. A total of 1,120 phone interviews with AAPI ages 50 and older were conducted over the course of approximately one month in English, Tagalog, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Korean. (Rae Ann Varona/ AJPress)
BI turns away 74 ‘rude’ foreigners... PAGE A1 t
a right but a mere privilege,” Morente stressed. He added: “They ought to show respect and courtesy to immigration officers upon their arrival in our ports of entry.” The policy has been included in a memorandum dated March 29, 2001, issued by then-Immigration chief Andrea Domingo. BI spokesperson Maria Antonette Mangrobang said that the foreigners barred from entering the country were those who “refuse to answer questions propounded to them by the immigration officers and would shout invectives.” Travelers who also “got drunk in the plane and refuse to go through immigration formali-
ties” were also turned away by immigration officers, said Mangrobang. Those deemed by immigration officers as rude foreign passengers may also be placed on the immigration blacklist that will prevent their return to the country. BI ports operation chief Marc Red Mariñas said: “This is done to teach these arrogant and discourteous foreigners the lesson that ours is a sovereign country.” A foreigner placed under the immigration blacklist may appeal for removal to the immigration commissioner by citing meritorious reasons and apologizing for the misconduct. n
KANNAWIDAN FESTIVAL. Senator Nancy Binay joins Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Singson, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo at the Grand Float Parade during the 2018 Kannawidan Festival and bicentennial celebration of Ilocos Sur. As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Tourism, Binay plans to help promote festivals like this to further showcase our country’s rich heritage and unique cultural traditions. Senate photo
kat dito (There are lots famous people here).” About two hours after his outstanding knockout performance in Corpus Christi, Texas, Ancajas did something no boxer that ever set foot in my dental clinic ever did. Ancajas, using the cell phone of our mutual friend Jhay Otamias, personally called me to profusely thank me for the mouthguard I made him for the fight. I was truly shocked by his gesture. How can a world champion be so humble to reach out to me and say thank you barely hours after his fight and in the middle of the victory frenzy that surrounds him? The humble gesture of Jerwin Ancajas totally validated the value of all the hours I spent at my dental lab designing and fabricating free mouthguards for the Filipino fighters that came to me. His phone call to you was worth more than anything else. In fact, it was priceless! n
EDIBLE GARDEN LAUNCH. Partnering with DENR and Bureau of Soil and Waste Management (BSWM), Sen. Cynthia A. Villar leads the launching of Gulayan sa Gasangan (Edible Gardening) during a livelihood and clean-up caravan in Baseco, Tondo, yesterday. Villar, chair of the Senate agriculture and food committee, believes that edible gardening has proven to be a very simple but effective platform in solving two of our country’s challenges- poor nutrition and lack of livelihood. She has been known for providing livelihood opportunities to improve the lives of our people particularly those living in poor communities. Also in the phofo with the senator is MMDA General Manager Danny Lim. Senate photo
SC upholds yearlong martial law... PAGE A2 t
the absence of an actual invasion or rebellion, as Marawi City had already been liberated from Maute terrorists last October. The SC, however, ruled that the president and Congress had sufficient factual basis to extend military rule: “The rebellion that spawned the Marawi incident persists” and “public safety requires the extension, as shown by facts presented by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines).”
‘Grateful’ In a statement, the Department of National Defense (DND) and the AFP welcomed the SC decision. “The DND-AFP is grateful for the trust and confidence of our public institutions and the support of the Filipino people,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said. He also added that the affirmation of martial law extension “will definitely heighten the mo-
rale of our Defenders and allow them to better safeguard public safety in Mindanao as well as give Task Force Bangon Marawi the necessary space to undertake the unhampered rehabilitation of Marawi.” AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo, meanwhile, described the SC decision as a “vote of confidence.” He further reassured the public that the military will “continue to protect our people against all rebel forces.” n
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Dateline USa
february 9-15, 2018 • NOrCaL aSIaN JOurNaL
Stalled health programs await a green light on the Hill to Medicare’s coverage of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology treatment. Without action, coverage would be cut off after $2,010 of occupational therapy is provided and another $2,010 for the combination of physical therapy and speech-language pathology. Each limit would translate into Medicare reimbursement for fewer than 20 visits. OK, so why hasn’t Congress acted on these yet? these are generally smaller programs that, in the past, were authorized or extended via provisions attached to larger, mustpass bills. One of the favorite vehicles was the “doc fix,” which regularly moved through Congress to make adjustments in how Medicare paid doctors. that is, until a landmark 2015 law — the Medicare Access and ChiP Reauthorization Act, or MACRA — permanently addressed physician payment. ChiP finally got funding in the Jan. 22 federal spending deal, but the other items were left on the table. One issue, many said: they’re simply not as sexy, and the impact is harder to spot immediately. “the problem is too much of the focus was on just one egg in the basket, and that egg got done. Now the rest of the eggs are saying, ‘What about me?’” said Rodney Whitlock, a health policy consultant and former Republican Senate staffer. “the real-world impact of not addressing those is slowly becoming problematic.” Most of the programs aren’t politically controversial. these programs usually pass with bipartisan support. For lobbyists and policy analysts on both sides of the aisle, that makes the funding lapse especially disorienting. “Even things that should be easy and bipartisan are taking much, much longer and encountering much more difficulty than i think any of us would have expected,” said Eliot Fishman, senior director of health policy at the liberal advocacy group Families USA and a former member of the Obama administration. “it’s clearly a matter of political gamesmanship.” there is some room to debate how to pay for these initiatives. But even that is limited, suggested thomas Miller, a resident fellow at the conservative American Enterprise institute. “if it’s your economic interest at stake … this is an end-all and be-all. But these are not gigantic items — the consequences for
With the clock ticking on the current stop-gap bill that funds the federal government through Feb. 8, Congress is steeling itself to consider another must-pass budget bill. And, once again, health care could be caught in the crosshairs. During previous debates over government funding, it was the high-profile Children’s health insurance Program that went months without reauthorization and became a bargaining chip in January. that program has since been extended for six years. But the future of a host of other programs remains unsettled. Among them, funding for the nation’s 1,400 community health centers and a delay on capping Medicare coverage of physical and outpatient therapy. the specific provisions behind these initiatives expired last fall. Advocates now are pressing lawmakers to keep them operational by including language in the broader spending bill that must pass next week to prevent another government shutdown. Some of the items in this eclectic legislative mix are often left to the last minute to catch a ride on another bill — known as “extenders” by Washington insiders, because they extend funding that is set to expire or delay funding cuts that would otherwise take effect. On the surface, these efforts may sound like wonky, insidethe-Beltway machinations, but program advocates say they have real-life implications for many of the nation’s neediest patients. For them, the congressional delay is causing concern. here are some things you should know: the provisions are important and wide-ranging. Renewing federal funding for community health centers is the biggest ticket item — the clinics cost $3.6 billion per year, and provide basic health care for about 27 million low-income people. Also at stake is the Maternal, infant and Early Childhood home Visiting Program, through which trained home visitors teach poorer, at-risk mothers healthy parenting strategies to new mothers who are deemed at-risk and have low incomes. Another provision forestalls planned reductions put in place by the Affordable Care Act — in federal funds given to particularly vulnerable hospitals that serve a particularly high rate of low-income patients, known as Disproportionate Share hospitals. And yet another would prevent limits, put in place by earlier budget bills, from being applied
the larger fiscal picture are not immense,” Miller said. take the therapy caps. they were first put in place as part of the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, as part of an effort to curb Medicare outpatient spending. But in 1999, right when the caps were scheduled to kick in, pushback from physicians and patient advocates led Congress to delay their effective date. Since then, Congress, has — except for a brief lapse — kept them at bay. this delay in funding has consequences for patients. Stephanie Weyrauch, a Minnesota-based physical therapist concerned about the therapy caps, said she and her colleagues are already starting to ration care. She described, for instance, a 69-year-old man who is recovering from a stroke and about halfway through his allotted therapy. he will require several more sessions later this year just for that condition, which would bring him up to the cap. if his other ailments — shoulder problems and poor blood flow – worsen, Medicare wouldn’t cover treatment. “We have to make sure we’re doing what’s best for our patients. Sometimes that means we stop therapy early to prepare for a potential next episode,” she said. A fix from Congress could come next week. Congress already provided some short-term funding for community health centers, which is “keeping the lights on,” Fishman said. But it lasts only until the end of March. And the Maternal, infant and Early Childhood home Visiting Program is operating on previously allocated dollars. in the meantime, the affected programs are struggling to plan for the future, Fishman noted. they are trying to come up with budgets and make staffing decisions without a sense of what their income will actually be. But some people expressed optimism about what will be included in the funding bill likely to take shape in Congress next week. “i continue to believe that when a spending deal gets worked out this train will ride along. … it is an election year,” Whitlock said. “No matter what, this is one of those where it’s got to get worked out.” (Shefali Luthra/Kaiser Health News) This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n
Online Filipinos among most ignorant... PAGE A1 t
bious honor, according to ipsos, while Sweden, Norway and Denmark had the most accurate perception. “On many subjects – murder rates, terrorist deaths, teenage pregnancy, diabetes and how
healthy people feel – things are NOt as bad as they seem,” ipsos said. Confident but mistaken Despite being among the most ignorant, respondents from the Philippines, india and Peru were among the most confident in their answers, the study said. thirtythree percent from the Philippines said that they were confident in all of their answers despite being third in having the most wrong answers, it said. “in contrast Norway, Germany and Sweden come out among the most accurate in the index, but are among the least confident in their answers,” the ipsos survey found. the 38-country survey was conducted via the ipsos Online Panel System while online or face-to-face methodologies were employed in a handful of nations. in the Philippines, ipsos said, 500 individuals aged 16-64 were included in the survey. in total, Online Filipinos have the most inaccurate picture of key issues affecting the world and their more than 29,000 interviews were country, according to a survey. Philstar.com photo subjects that ranged from murder rates, terrorist deaths, teenage pregnancy, diabetes and how healthy people felt. the Philippines is behind only South Africa and Brazil in this du-
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SAMURAI OF CHRIST. A man kisses the relics of Blessed Takayama Ukon, which was put on display at the Manila Cathedral on Saturday to mark the first feast day of Takayama, who turned his back on being a samurai to become a warrior of Christ. Takayama refused to renounce his faith and fled to Manila where he died on February 4, 1615. He was beatified in February last year. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
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The flu season is getting worse...
Schuchat, acting director of the CDC, told reporters on Friday, February 2. “Unfortunately, our latest tracking data indicate flu activity is still high and widespread.” Widespread influenza activity was reported by 48 states and Puerto Rico, according to the latest CDC influenza surveillance report released weekly. Regional influenza was reported in Oregon and U.S. territory Guam, and local influenza activity was reported in hawaii and the District of Columbia. the U.S. Virgin islands have also been experiencing sporadic influenza activity. CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said that the season hasn’t even reached its peak yet. “it is not going down yet,” said Nordlund. “Really, the bottom line is there is still likely many more weeks to go.” Now in its 10th week since October, the flu season has three influenza virus strains going around being h3N2 (the main flu virus going around the U.S.), h1N1, and influenza B. the actual effectiveness of the flu vaccine has had many
people feeling concerned and anxious. A new Canadian study on the flu vaccine found it to be only 10 percent effective against h3N2 among Canadian adults ages 20 to 64. taking all age groups into account, the protection rate stretched to 17 percent. Efficacy rates in the U.S. have been estimated to be around 30 percent — updated estimates may come in the next coming weeks. But Schuchat joins other health experts in encouraging people to get their vaccine. Nearly half of the children who passed were said to be healthy before getting sick, and 80 percent of them did not get a flu shot. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said thursday that despite reports of spot shortages of the vaccine, “at this time, there is no nationwide shortage.” Schuchat recommended patients call more than one pharmacy for their prescription. in addition to getting vaccinated (injection, not nasal spray),the CDC recommends taking preventative flu spreading efforts like washing hands
with soap and water, avoid getting in contact with sick people, avoid touching our faces, and staying home if sick. if already sick, the CDC recommends taking antiviral drugs if prescribed by a doctor. there have been early signs of flu activity cooling up in the Western states, but Schuchat said, “we are not out of the woods yet.” Activity in the South has remained nearly static, while Eastern states have been seeing increases. Schuchat said that warning signs can include a very high persistent fever, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing, or significant tiredness or confusion. “this is a very difficult season,” said Schuchat who this week replaced Brenda Fitzgerald who resigned as director following a Politico report that she traded tobacco stock. Schuchat addressed the leadership transition saying, “Despite recent leadership changes, [the] CDC remains committed to our 24/7 mission of protecting the health and safety of the American people.” (Rae Anne Varona/AJPress)
conducted in the countries involved from Sept. 28 to Oct. 19, 2017. Inaccurate estimates in specific issues, 49 percent of Filipinos thought that there were more deaths caused by terrorists after the September 11 terror attacks from 2002 to 2016 than the 15-year period (1985-2000) before it. the reality, however, was that there were fewer deaths, from 4,322 (1985-2000) to 3,468 (20022016). Filipinos also overestimated the number of foreign-born individuals in their prison cells, according to the survey, with respondents saying 17 percent of incarcerated individuals came from other countries when in fact only 0.4 percent did. in terms of the rate of teenage births, respondents in the Philippines thought that 40 percent of women aged between 15 to 19 gave birth to babies when in reality it was only 6.3 percent, overestimating the figure by 34 percent. Four in 10 Filipinos didn’t believe that some vaccines caused
autism in healthy children. however, despite the claim being widely discredited, more than six in 10 Filipinos were either unsure of or believed the link. the Philippines was also the country with the highest number of overestimation of the number of diabetic individuals out of every 100 people aged between 20-79, with the average guess pegged at 45 when in reality there were only seven, a difference of 38 percent. the survey also revealed that only two percent of the global public would rank Filipinos as among the top three booziest in the world. One in four Filipinos meanwhile thought the Philippines belonged to the top three consumers of liquor in the world even if it was only the 16th. Respondents from the Philippines also overestimated by 16 percent the proportion of deaths by suicide among young women, with their average guess at 20 percent when in fact it was only at 3.5 percent. Filipinos also tended to overestimate by 17 percent the proportion
of deaths by suicide among young men, with average guess at 22 percent when in reality it was only at 4.3 percent. in terms of the number of people who owned a smartphone per 100 individuals, the average guess among Filipino respondents was 86 when actually it was only at 23, resulting in a 63-point difference. the survey said that only 38 per 100 Filipinos had Facebook, but respondents overestimated the number by 49 percent, with average guess at 87 out of 100 people. Participants from the Philippines were also the ones who estimated the most the number of Filipinos who owned vehicles per 100 individuals, with average guess at 61 per 100 when in fact it was only eight. Despite being predominantly a Catholic country, the Philippines still had some of the highest underestimation of the number of people who believed in heaven, hell and God, with respondents giving answers that were on average at least 11 points lower than actual figures. n
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Ex-DOH Chief Garin welcomes civil suit over Dengvaxia mess by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
FORMER Philippine Health Secretary Janette Garin welcomed the civil case filed against her in connection with the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine. The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) on Monday, February 5, filed a civil case against Garin, Sanofi Pasteur executives, and officials of distributor Zuellig Pharma for damages over the death of a child who received the dengue vaccine. Garin said the complaint would serve as a good medium to clear their names from all allegations hurled against them. “I welcome the case. It’s a good forum for me and for the others accused – and wronglyaccused – to air our side,” the former health secretary told reporters in a media briefing. She also maintained that the implementation of the government’s mass immunization under her term was done in good faith. “Sa lahat po nangyayayari, isa lang po yung pinanghahawakan ko: Yung pagsasalita ng katotohanan – yung nag-desisyon kami base sa burden ng dengue that time (In all that’s happening, I only hold true at one thing: That I’m telling the truth – we made a decision based on the burden that dengue presented at that time),” Garin said. She continued, “The desire to save lives, the desire to be of service – hindi po yung nasa gobyerno ka nakaupo ka lang hindi nagtatrabaho. Yan po ang ginawa namin at paninindigan ko yun (not just being in government and sitting there without doing your job. That’s what we did and I stand by it).” PAO filed a civil case against Garin and other officials before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Quezon City on behalf of the family of 10-year-old Anjielica Pestilos, whose death was allegedly triggered by the dengue vaccine. Pestilos was among the 830,000 children who were administered with Sanofi’s Dengvaxia under the dengue immunization program launched
MARAWI HOUSING. Families displaced by the fighting in Marawi City last year will get to live in a single-detached housing unit in one of the temporary shelter areas in Barangay Sagonsongan, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Palace shrugs Trillanes’ new call to probe Duterte’s ‘unexplained wealth’ by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
Felicitas Sombrado, 53 years old, a parent whose child received the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine expresses frustration to former Health Secretary Janette Garin, who had just went up the elevator, as security guards restrain her at the lobby of Congress after the hearing on Dengvaxia on Monday, February 5. Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande
by the administration of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in 2016, and was continued by his successor, President Rodrigo Duterte. But late last year, the Department of Health (DOH) suspended the program following an analysis which found out that the vaccine could cause a more severe case of dengue when administered on a person who has not been previously infected with the virus. Saddened Also on Monday, Garin told media that she was “saddened” by the act of furious mothers who confronted her at the end of the this week’s House of Representatives hearing into the government’s dengue-immunization program. A group of frustrated mothers confronted Garin after the hearing, demanding accountability and “medical intervention” for their children who were administered Dengvaxia. The women later told media that none of their children had died but supposedly started to fell ill since being vaccinated.
“Ikinalulungkot ko na humantong sa ganito (We are saddened that it has come to this). We’re very much willing to talk and to discuss about things,” Garin told reporters. She added, “Nakakalungkot na humahantong sa pananakit, humahantong ito sa panghahampas, sa panununtok, kasi nawawala tuloy yung hinaing kung ano talaga ang katotohanan, ano ang problema (It’s sad that it has come to assault, striking, punching, because the complaint is lost in what’s really true, what the real problem is).” Garin, however, questioned the intention of the group as they seemingly did not want a dialogue with her but was there to supposedly make a scene. “Hindi ko kasi alam kung yung intensyon eh tototong makatulong sa tao o kung yung intensyon ay palakihin yung kwento at bigyan ng dagdag na kaba yung mga nanay (I don’t know if they really intend to help others or they intend to magnify the story and give more worries to mothers),” she said. ■
MALACAÑANG on Monday, February 5, downplayed Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s latest request for a Senate investigation into the alleged unexplained wealth of President Rodrigo Duterte and his family. In a briefing, Presidential Spokesperson harry Roque dismissed Trillanes’ accusations as old news. “Lumang tugtugin, lumang balita para ng sirang plaka (It’s old news that sounds like a broken record),” Roque said of Trillanes’ call for a Senate inquiry. He also maintained that the president has “nothing to hide.” He further noted that the senator does not possess any authenticated document to support his claims, as the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) had already denied that they provided Trillanes documents of Duterte’s bank transactions. “Ang tanong, anung dokumento ang hawak ni Senator Trillanes, eh wala naman siyang authenticated documents (The question is, what document does Trillanes has on hand, when he has no authenticated documents),” Roque stressed. He continued, “Sinabi na nga ng AMLC hindi galing sa kanila ang dokumento at mali-mali ang datos na hawak-hawak ni Senator
Trillanes (AMLC already said that the documents he had were not from them, and that his data were false).” Trillanes recently filed Senate Resolution 602, asking the Senate committee on banks, financial institution, and currencies to probe the possible violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act by Duterte and his daughter, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. The senator has long accused the president of failing to disclose his wealth going back prior to the 2016 national elections, when Duterte was still the mayor of Davao City. Duterte, for his part, has repeatedly denied the accusations and vowed to resign if Trillanes could prove his claims. In his resolution, Trillanes said the probe aims to “promote efficient compliance with the AMLA” and “further improve the said the law.” “It is the state’s policy to protect the integrity and confidentiality of bank accounts, and ensure that the Philippines is not used as a money-laundering site for proceeds of unlawful activities,” the resolution further read. Trillanes also cited a Vera Files report stating that Duterte and his daughter had at least P100 million in joint deposits and investments that were not disclosed in their Statement of Assets, Liabili-
ties, and Net Worth (SALN). Vera Files said its report was based on bank records previously released by Trillanes, who claimed that the same documents were from the AMLC. ‘Tragic waste of time’ Opposing the Trillanes’ fresh call for investigation, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said it would just be a “tragic waste of time.” Pimentel remarked that if Trillanes “really has the evidence, then he should bring an actual case in the proper body.” “Senate is not the body for that. We are part of legislative action. But if this is part of just making this issue land in the news then this should not be allowed. It will be a tragic waste of time by the Senate,” Pimentel said. Trillanes, in response, argued that his resolution was “valid.” “Senator Pimentel, even as Senate president, has no power to disallow its referral. Masyado namang syang ninenerbiyos agad para sa amo n’ya (He’s too nervous for his boss),” Trillanes said, apparently referring to Duterte. Trillanes further pointed out that “it was Duterte himself who challenged the Senate to investigate his bank account.” “So, ito na ang sagot sa hamon ng amo n’ya (this is the answer to his boss’ challenge),” he added. ■
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FEBRUARY 9-15, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
FEATURES
Rule of law: The biggest mover THERE’S one thing that advanced economies have in common: the rule of law prevails. This is reflected in the annual Rule of Law Index, which was launched in 2016 by the World Justice Project, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization operating worldwide to advance the rule of law. In the latest index, the best 10 performers are Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Austria, Canada and Australia. At the bottom are Afghanistan, Cambodia and Venezuela. This year’s index is notable in that the Philippines merited special mention as “the biggest mover” as it plunged by 18 places to 88th out of 113 countries from its rank in 2016, and 13th out of 15 countries in East Asia and the Pacific. The report said the Philippines saw substantial drops in ranking in four out of the eight factors measured in the index, placing 107th out of 113 countries in terms of order and security, 102nd in criminal justice, 99th in adherence to fundamental rights, and 59th in constraints on government powers. The other factors used to measure adherence to the rule of law are absence of corruption, open government, regulatory enforcement and crimi-
nal justice. The index covers 113 countries and jurisdictions, based on surveys conducted in 110,000 households and 3,000 experts. The country has had problems for a long time with the eight factors. Why is the rule of law important? The index was initiated by the American Bar Association, which counts prominent legal professionals as honorary chairpersons. The World Justice Project stresses that effective rule of law fights poverty and disease, reduces corruption and protects people from injustice. The rule of law, the group stresses, underpins development, accountable government and respect for basic rights. It promotes peace and deprives insurgencies of several reasons to advance their causes through armed conflict. If the government is sincere in its effort to bring peace and development especially in conflict areas, it must do more to strengthen the rule of law. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Tensions in the US-China relationship
Political Futures BY IAN BREMMER IN Davos and during his recent State of the Union address to Congress, Donald Trump made clear that he means to get tough with China. This U.S. president has an “outdated Cold War mentality,” responded China’s foreign ministry. Trade and investment relations between the world’s two largest economies are headed for trouble. Trump doesn’t want a full-scale trade war. Neither does Beijing. But even short of that, there is much damage that can be done. Since announcing his presidential candidacy in 2015, President Trump has presented himself to U.S. voters as the consummate maker of deals, a tougher, shrewder and a better defender of the American people than any past president, Democrat or Republican. He knows that his popularity, odds of reelection, and presidential legacy depend on his ability to promote the interests of voters who believe that trade competition has undermined their lives and livelihoods. In that arena, fast-rising China and its state-dominated economy have emerged as the ultimate adversaries. Trump has begun to argue that economic security is national security. That’s his warning to Beijing that righting the wrongs in U.S.-Chinese trade and investment relations is his highest priority. His first moves
Opinion
MARLEN RONQUILLO THE country’s sense of optimism rests on the economic fundamentals. Growth is steady, inflation can be contained, the central bankers are a responsible, able lot and the economic managers are not the type to go into the territory of reckless adventurism. In good times, the boring, orthodox types are preferable to those prone to brinkmanship and experimentation. The reviews and the views on the TRAIN’s impact are mixed. But right now, in the immediate, the wage earners who will get their tax breaks will surely ramp up the demand side as they are the people who spend all—I mean all—of excess income to acquire or buy services and goods. But the TRAIN should think of a pause. The idea of a corporate tax cut amid the unprecedented corporate profits and the direction of the income gains (the
Philstar.com photo
will include announcements of trade enforcement actions and restrictions on Chinese investment in coming weeks. There will be continued discussion between Congress and the White House of how best to reform the process by which the U.S. government approves proposals for foreign investment. Trump will also push Beijing to change rules that force U.S. firms to transfer intellectual property (IP) to gain access to Chinese markets and to end IP theft. With these changes, Trump hopes to impose enough pain on China and Chinese companies to force Beijing to take U.S. commercial complaints more seriously. He’ll begin with announcements of new tariffs and other restrictions on Chinese products entering the U.S. Only if these moves fail to win concessions will he threaten to make it more difficult for Chinese companies to operate and invest in the United States. These carefully calibrated measures are designed less to punish China than to push its negotiators to the bargaining table. China will respond first with criticism and defiance, but both will be limited to avoid unnecessary provocation. President Xi will cast his government as a global leader in cross-border trade and investment and warn that Washington is headed down a dangerous protectionist path. China will certainly challenge U.S. actions at the World Trade Organization.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping
He will also test the U.S. pain threshold. U.S. companies in many sectors will face new formal restrictions, but also audits, inspections, and other forms of bureaucratic assault that might move the U.S. business community to pressure Trump to tread more lightly. In particular, each government will target the other side’s tech companies. Both sides have good reason to compromise. Xi Jinping will resist changes that prevent China’s government from providing subsidies for Chinese firms that can help build a modern, technologically dynamic Chi-
nese economy. But nor will he try to weaken the Chinese currency for tactical advantage or order a sharp slowdown in the purchase of U.S. Treasury bonds to up the ante. Both actions would be self-defeating. Instead, Xi will probably appeal to Trump directly with pledges to give U.S. companies expanded access to Chinese markets without forcing them to share IP and technology. Trump too has reason to compromise. He wants to win enough concessions from China to declare victory without jeopardizing the strong economic numbers
White House file photo
that he believes can bolster his popularity. Here’s the problem: Each side believes the other is more vulnerable. Trump officials believe that China needs continuous access to U.S. markets to avoid a sharp economic slowdown that might provoke a political crisis. Chinese officials believe their president is much less vulnerable to pressure than Trump, who must listen to continuous complaints from U.S. business leaders and face voters again soon enough. The risk of conflict rises when each side believes it holds the stronger hand.
Don’t expect a quick resolution. Neither side wants to look weak, at home or abroad. U.S.China frictions will likely last through 2018. Given the importance of relations between the world’s most important rising and established powers — for China, the U.S., and the entire global economy — let’s hope that Donald Trump and Xi Jinping can find common ground with enough space for both to stand proudly. *** Ian Bremmer is the president of Eurasia Group and author of Superpower: Three Choices for America’s Role in the World.
In a year of real optimism, what could go wrong? wealthy snap up everything) is a terrible and bad idea. And Mr. Duterte, aside from leaving his economic policy team alone, does not have an EJK policy toward business people. He has struck fast friendships with 99 percent of the oligarchs and the plutocrats after the elections, save for one or two. Some of his people are dipping their so-so-clean-fingers into affairs at the customs zone, at the gaming and gambling agencies, at the revenue agencies. But these are moneymaking acts that would hardly dent the growth momentum. There is corruption—what government does not have this Filipino SOP?—but not at the level of impunity. Or, maybe there are big-time acts of corruption going on but the media just missed them—as usual. The optimism is real. That Mr. Duterte is popular with decent to excellent approval and trust ratings has been the stuff of all the surveys—and there are no outliers disproving his popular support.
Even the most horrible and vulgar display of official turpitude by his subordinates do not personally affect him. Sub-cabinet people may fight it out publicly like palengkeras. Top officials may be purveyors of fake news and engage in the basest of actions. But none of this touches the president. The usual Achilles heel that leads to the downfall of leaders—bank documents showing money moving under the name of that leader or members of the family—has not in any way affected Mr. Duterte. The “ now” of the country seems to be Dickens’ “the best of times.” But as the story of George W. Bush tells us, a leader’s sky-high approval and trust ratings, the kind that Bush the Younger had after 9/11, are not a permanent thing. In fact, the pedestal can easily crash down to earth and a drip-drip of bungling and failings could erode the highest of leadership esteem. Where is Bush the Younger now? In the list of the most mediocre of U.S.
presidents. Nothing, except change, is permanent in this world and in this country. So, in this current context of economist optimism and trusted political leadership, what could go wrong? Many, and one is happening right before our very eyes. Mr. Duterte’s tangle with the judicial branch of government and the constitutional bodies. The effort to oust a chief justice via an impeachment effort on the say-so of Mr. Gadon is a farce, wrapped on some tortured legalese and is fueled by the general premise that Mr. Duterte hates CJ Sereno and therefore she has to go. That is not how a real impeachment effort works. The House of Representatives has to impeach her based on solid grounds. The HoR has to prove that she committed “high crimes” and treasonous acts. That she is not Ms Congeniality and is a strict scold who does not respect the intellect and legal acumen of her colleagues is her prerogative and
that does not constitute “high crimes.” That the HoR did not even raise a holler on the other decisions of Court of Appeals Justice Normandie Pizarro after his scandalous Joel Reyes decision, while merrily soldiering on with the impeachment of the CJ, is a double standard that stood out like the behavior of a drunk in a churchyard. Other than the Joel Reyes case and the Marcos wealth case, Mr. Pizarro has cleared other controversial cases with mind-boggling decisions. Only the HoR did not bother to inquire. The firing of Mr. Carandang, the deputy Ombudsman, and the refusal of Ms Morales-Carpio to legitimize the firing of her No. 2, is the kind of rash decision that could plunge the country into a constitutional crisis. Instead of firing Mr. Carandang, Mr. Duterte should have come clean on his bank records to clear up the allegations of multiple bank transactions once and for all. People won’t mind if Mr. Duterte is wealthy. He is past
70. He is a lawyer. And at that age, he is expected to have a decent amount of money. If he has P100 million in the bank, what is wrong with that? Mr. Duterte has been working all his life and to have money is not a sin. The all-out war with the Left will not lead to a victory of any kind, moral or military. The Left has a permanent base, the academe and the hamlets of abject poverty and hopelessness. No amount of firepower, arrests and sieges of leftist strongholds will lead to victory against the nimble and resilient Left. Mr. Duterte’s words in the early days of his government—that he is out to secure the “peace of the living“—should have been the operative policy with the Left, not a historically debunked mailed-fist policy. If crude hits $80 plus per barrel, all the macro assumptions of the economic team will have to be revised, from positive to negative. Growth prospects will dim and all the well-laid plans— as the Bard said—will go awry. (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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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • febRUARy 9-15, 2018
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PNP chief Bato leads SAF turnover at Bilibid by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Patag
MANILA — Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa headed the turnover of new members of Special Action Force to the New Bilibid Prison on Tuesday, February 6. Dela Rosa led the turnover of a new batch of SAF that will replace at least 300 commandos stationed at the NBP’s maximum security compound and Building 14 that houses high-profile inmates. The deployment of the police’s elite force to the national penitentiary was initiated by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II in July 2016, in a bid to curb the illegal drug trade inside the Bilibid. Aguirre said illegal drugs flourished under the watch of his predecessor, Sen. Leila de Lima. Dela Rosa, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 55 last January 21, is set to head the Bureau of Corrections next. An attached agency of the Department of Justice, the BuCor is tasked to implement effective rehabilitation and safekeeping of prisoners. The police chief’s term was extended by President Rodri-
0Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is set to head the Bureau of Corrections next. Philstar.com photo by Emmanuel Tupas
go Duterte for “two to three months,” citing pending projects at the PNP for Dela Rosa. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, last week, said that “newly convicted Chinese drug lords” are the “new players” of drug peddling the authorities are monitoring. PDEA intelligence and investigation chief Jigger Montallana told the House subcommittee on correctional reforms the “new names” that cropped up in the string of drug raids at the na-
tional penitentiary, who appear to be selling party drugs such as liquid ecstasy. Rep. Henry Oaminal (Misamis Occidental) said that Montallana’s testimony is parallel with BAMBOOXING. Two boys slug it out while clinging to a bamboo pole during a boxing match held as part of celebrations to mark the annual the statement of PDEA chief festival at Barangay Damayan, San Francisco del Monte in Quezon City. The player who knocks down his opponent wins. Aaron Aquino’s pronouncement ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez that drug trading in the Bilibid has “not decreased” but has in fact “flourished.” Despite this new development, by aadee s. sausa the government continues to hail run,” Estrada said in a state- that the issue of his health is anManilatimes.net its “successes” in its bloody drug ment. other campaign propaganda of war in the past 18 months. n The mayor laughed off rumors his political adversaries. MANILA — Mayor Joseph Es“I will not renege on my promtrada will run for a third and last that his son, former senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, will run for ise . . . With the help of God, term next year. with the trust given to me by our “Nobody can change my in- mayor in 2019. The young Estrada is fre- people, we can make Manila a spiration, no one can divert me on my mission, on my dream in quently seen visiting Manila great city again,” he said. Estrada vowed to give priority Manila. I had already laid down City Hall, fueling speculations my program of government to that the mayor is contemplating to peace and order. last week. “We all know, we cannot regain the lost pride and glory retirement and will support his Proponents of federalism say of Manila. I will fulfill my prom- son’s bid for the mayoralty of achieve progress without peace that a shift would allow regions ises and with your help, with the the capital city. and order. A city, province or to craft their own development support of the people of Manila, “I will run again in the 2019 a country will face difficulties priorities. House Speaker Panta- I know, we will win on my third elections,” Estrada said, adding without it,” he said. n leon Alvarez has said that those opposed to federalism do not want the provinces to prosper. The framers of the 1987 Constitution shared Pangilinan’s sentiby WiLLiam dePasuPiL Bello said they were more con- ment,” Bello added. ments on opposing the proposed Manilatimes.net The Labor chief said the Philcerned with the retrenchment of shift to federalism. THE Department of Labor and workers in Qatar, wherein some ippine Labor Office is helping “Federalism, moreover, would reinforce the power of political Employment (DOLE) is closely 644 Filipinos have been laid off the 644 dismissed workers find dynasties and landed elites or ex- monitoring Filipino workers as an offshoot of the diplomatic new jobs. Those who wish to go isting dominant groups, encour- (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia and Qa- spat between Qatar and Saudi home would be repatriated and age the rise of warlords in differ- tar amid ongoing political and Arabia, United Arab Emirates assisted through the DOLE’s reent regions, undermine the rule economic developments in the and other Middle East coun- integration program. Labor Undersecretary Ciriaco of law and threaten the workings two countries that led to the dis- tries. “In a way the problem is get- Laguznad 3rd, a member of the of democratic societies,” the missal or retrenchment of hunting worse. In fact, an OFW or- Cacdac-led team that visited the framers of the 1987 Constitution dreds of employees. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello ganization visited me last week Middle East, attributed the loss said in a statement. Several anti-political dynasty 3rd confirmed the mass layoff to inform me about incidents of jobs in Saudi Arabia to the bills have been filed before the on Monday, February 5, saying of stoppage of work, separation “Saudization” program of the Senate two years ago. Minority that it was reported to him by a from work, cautioning me about government that gives priority to Leader Franklin Drilon’s SB 230, labor team headed by Overseas fielding new deployment in Qatar its nationals. DOLE did not say how many Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s SB 49 and Workers Welfare Administration because of worsening diplomatic Sen. Grace Poe’s SB 1137 have (OWWA) Administrator Hans relations between Qatar and the OFWs were laid off in Saudi Araall been pending at the commit- Cacdac, who just arrived from Middle East countries but not to bia, the top OFW destination for the Middle East. the extent of suspending deploy- the past two years. n tee level since 2016. n
Estrada to seek last term as Manila mayor
Pangilinan: Political dynasties cause for concern if federalism pushes through by Patricia Lourdes
Viray
will not be sustainable because only a few are benefiting and MANILA — The rise of more that’s why you have so much political families would be a se- poverty,” Pangilinan said. The 1987 Constitution prorious cause for concern if the government pushes through with hibits political dynasties but the shift to federalism, Sen. Fran- Congress, which includes many members of political families in cis Pangilinan warned. To address this issue, the its ranks, has so far failed to pass Senate is making efforts to pass a law to make the prohibition opanti-political dynasty bill before erational. Former Supreme Court Assodiscussing the proposed amendciate Justice Vicente Mendoza ments to the 1987 Constitution. “We are proceeding in a paral- earlier warned that federalism lel effort of hearing the anti-dy- will weaken and fragment the nasty bills that have been filed in nation. Mendoza stressed that a fedthe Senate so that we can see... There have also been calls to eral form of government would show your sincerity, you pass intensify regional differences the anti-dynasty bill first,” Pan- and would encourage the rise of gilinan, Liberal Party president, village tyrants and village dictators. told ANC’s “Headstart”. “We want to break up dynasThere have been concerns raised that political families ties we cannot seem to end... would monopolize the local poli- How much more if you break up tics and economy if the govern- this country into more or less ment will shift from a unity to a autonomous units, each one to be ruled by a village tyrant?” federal form. “When there is a monopoly, Mendoza said during the Senchances are your development ate hearing on Charter change Philstar.com
Saudi, Qatar lay off hundreds of OFWs
A
february 9-15, 2018 • NOrCaL aSIaN JOurNaL
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 9-15 , 2018
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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL Ending the long wait: Suing the gov’t when it fails to timely act
MANY individuals seeking an immigration benefit in the United States encounter inexplicably long delays in receiving a final decision on a pending application or petition. Too often, individuals who find themselves experiencing such a delay are frustrated and uncertain as to what, if anything, can be done to pry loose their case and get a decision. Many simply resign themselves to waiting for the government to act. However, there are options beyond simply waiting indefinitely. One such option is to sue the government in the United States District Court (USDC) aka federal court. Not all requests for immigration benefits in the United States are processed in the same fashion. Where interviews are required, which is happening more and more, processing takes longer. And no decision is made until all the applicant’s files are located and given to the adjudicating officer. As a result, some cases will naturally take longer than others. However, that does not mean that United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has carte blanche to take as long as it sees fit to process a request for a benefit. Ultimately, there comes a point in time when a petition or application has simply been pending too long. And while administrative means exist to follow-up a pending matter with USCIS, often such action yields little or no results. It is at this point in time when an individual should consider exercising his or her rights in federal court. When an individual files a petition or an application for an immigration benefit, there is an expectation and a requirement that the government will timely process the submission. In effect, the government cannot simply let an application or petition languish – the government must make a decision within a reasonable period of time. USCIS posts its normal processing time on its official website. These process-
Your Immigration Solution NANCY MILLER ing times typically state how many months it is currently taking to process various petitions and applications at its numerous offices. When a petition or an application is pending beyond its posted processing time, it is appropriate to consider additional action, including a lawsuit in federal court. Unreasonable delays and erroneous actions by the U.S government are nothing new. In fact, Congress passed the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) in 1946 to deal with these same problems. This act was specially designed as a “bill of rights” for individuals who have been aggrieved by certain conduct by the government. Specifically, the APA entitles individuals to sue the government when it unlawfully withholds action or when it unreasonably delays action. As an agency of the government, USCIS can be sued by an individual when it unlawfully withholds action, or unreasonably delays action, in rendering a decision on an individual’s pending petition or application. In addition to suing the government under the APA, an individual can also seek to compel the government to act upon an unreasonably delayed petition or application through a lawsuit for a Writ of Mandamus. When filing a Writ of Mandamus in federal court, an individual must establish a clear and certain claim, an administrative duty which is plainly prescribed, and establish that no other administrative remedy through governmental process is available. In most instances this legal standard is met by showing the unreasonable delay by USCIS. While a Writ of Mandamus is a separate and dis-
tinct legal action from one undertaken under the APA, the result sought in both of these types of actions is identical - to compel the government to act when it has failed to do so in a reasonable period of time. Unfortunately, too many individuals who are victims of unreasonable delays by the government are unaware of their rights or afraid to exercise them. However, prompt action can save months or even years of unnecessary waiting. Filing a U.S. District Court action for relief under the APA or a complaint for a Writ of Mandamus are both very effective in compelling USCIS to act on an unreasonably delayed petition or application. It is important to note that neither an action under the Administrative Procedures Act nor a Writ of Mandamus orders USCIS to make a specific decision. The U.S. District Court Judge orders the USCIS to make a decision. That in itself is beneficial because, even if the decision is not positive, the applicant may be able to appeal it or renew it in another venue. An action seeking that the federal court Judge order USCIS to make a specific decision is called a complaint for declaratory relief. Some delay is a normal part of the process when dealing with the federal government but inordinate delays are not. An experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney can help get your case “unstuck”. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com website: www.rreeves.com *** The 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)
SSS eyes overseas investment to raise revenues by BEN
O. DE VERA Inquirere.net
TO further raise revenues, the state-run pension fund Social Security System (SSS) is looking at investing overseas, similar to the strategy of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). President and chief executive Emmanuel F. Dooc noted in an interview with reporters last week that while the SSS is allowed to undertake foreign investments, they have yet to do
so. “Based on the experience of the GSIS where they reported good returns, we will also consider that,” Dooc said. Dooc said the SSS already got in touch with some investment advisers from abroad. “For diversification purposes, we don’t like to restrict our investments in one basket, in the local economy, in domestic investment,” according to Dooc. As early as four years ago, the SSS had also been planning to
hire local fund managers as part of its plan to increase exposure in domestic capital markets. However, the plan to tap two to three fund managers to manage P1 billion in investments each did not materialize. In January, the GSIS announced that it was hiring two foreign fund managers to invest a total of $800 million overseas in order to diversify the pension fund’s portfolio and almost double the rate of investment returns. ■
BIR removes special tax rate for BPO subsector by LAWRENCE
AGCAOILI Philstar.com
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has removed the special tax rate that has for a long time benefitted a subsector of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, possibly making the cost of doing business much higher. In a tax advisory dated January 31, BIR Commissioner Ceasar Dulay said that the workers employed by regional operating headquarters and regional headquarters (ROHQs/RHQs) “are now subject to regular income tax rates.” This reverses previous rules that allowed these employees to pay only 15 percent of their gross income, ending the uncertainty over the tax rate at the dismay of the ROHQ/RHQ industry. Since late December last year, there was uncertainty over the fate of the 5,000 workers who
Photo from investphilippines.org
— prior to this advisory — have enjoyed the preferential tax rate (PTR). The TRAIN law, which was passed in December, allowed the industry to keep the PTR as long as these ROHQs and RHQs have already been established before 2018. New companies that would invest here starting this year would not
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FEBRUARY 9-15, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
California divorce frequently asked questions I JUST moved to California last month, and I’d like to file for divorce. Can I file now? To file for divorce in the State of California, the person filing (called the “Petitioner”) must first meet the jurisdictional requirements: (i) residence in the state of California from the past 6 months; and (ii) residence in the county where that person is filing (e.g., San Diego County) for the past 3 months. Residence – put simply, where the Petitioner lives – also determines which courthouse the Petition for Divorce should be filed. “What if my husband/wife does not want to sign the divorce?” or “My husband/wife does not want to sign the divorce papers, what can I do.” California is a no-fault divorce state. A party filing for divorce does not need the consent of the other in order to file a Petition for Dissolution (Divorce) or, in some instances, to get a judgment of divorce. What is “Service of Process?” Can I just mail the divorce papers to my ex-spouse? Service of Process is a crucial procedural step in the divorce proceedings,
The CTV Files ATTY. LILLI B. BACULI because the law reserves for the ex-spouse (called the “Respondent”) the right to respond and appear in court, if s/he wants to. In proceeding in an action for divorce, there are procedural requirements dictated by law that must be followed to ensure that the other party has notice of the action (that is, that s/he is being brought to court for an action of divorce) and that s/he is given time to respond. However, there is no requirement for the other party to respond. There is no requirement that s/he sign any document at all. All that needs to happen is that s/he is properly served with process according to the rules. Note that “proper service” is defined in the Family Code and must be followed, and the validity of any Judgment for Divorce rests on the proper ser-
vice of the Respondent. “What? I have to share my retirement earnings? This is mine, I worked hard for it!” California is a community property state and so once you get married, all property acquired during marriage is community property. Separate property are “all property acquired before marriage; all gifts, bequests, devise, or descents. All property acquired or exchanged with traceable separate property; and all property acquired after separation.” However, if anything out of the community property is used towards separate property, the community might have a claim on part(s) of separate property. “I don’t want to pay spousal support.” Whether you like it or not, spousal support will be ordered if the other party makes a request, and the court deems that the circumstances call for it. Some of the factors that the Court will look at to determine whether there is basis for support, and if so, in what amount, are – length of marriage, age of parties, if there are minor children in the marriage, income of
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Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS THE holidays may be behind us but the physical effects, among others, will linger a while. Medically speaking, it is actually time for “damage control” for those of us who have overindulged during the festivities. And I plead guilty to have succumbed to the temptation myself. The post-holiday “makeover” is just a healthy pre-emptive measure, more so for those who really want to maintain their normal weight or those who have diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, etc. As with anything else, damage control is best as a preventive strategy. However, special celebrations and holidays, like birthdays, a wedding reception, Thanksgiving Day, and especially Christmas and New Year festivities, which could go on for more than a week, expose us to irresistible gastronomical temptations. For dieters, those who are watching their weight or counting calories, these occasions are tough. Blessed are those strong-willed souls, whether or not they carry a calorie counter on one hand and a scale on the other. These health conscious in-
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA
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WHAT does it cost to be kind to others? We often think that being kind costs us something — whether it is time, money, connections or any of what we consider to be our personal resources becoming depleted. But have we ever thought at all about the physical and psychological benefits of acts of kindness that flow right back to us? It’s one of those mysteries of the amazing human body. Recent medical studies indicate that both the giving and receiving of kindness have positive effects on a person’s well being. It helps produce oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone in the human body that boosts our immune system and causes other good residual effects on blood pressure and the body’s general homeostatic balance. In women, it has positive effects on childbirth and lactation. Studies now seem to prove that it can help in autism and the ability to handle social anxieties. This feel-good substance is produced in the human body by laughter and exercise and apparently, as medical studies are showing, also by acts of kindness, specially the pure ones, those that are done without any thought of payback or return. Oxytocin running in our bloodstream is good for the heart and the mind as it counteracts the effects of free radicals wreaking havoc in our bodies as we go through the ravages of the aging process. It does not mean however, that kindness and the oxytocin it produces insures us against aging. All humans will get old and die eventually. C’est la vie. It just means that the residual effects of habitual kindness can substantially slow down the ag-
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Time for a makeover
dividuals will reap their rewards in terms of stamina, energy, a stronger immune system, and even longevity, as shown by medical statistics. Yoyo dieting is harmful Our physiology is at the optimum when we consume just the right amount of calories to maintain our normal weight and when our glucose (blood sugar) level is on an even keel most of the time. When we overeat and then try to starve ourselves to compensate for our indiscretion, our blood glucose spikes up and down, described as yoyo dieting. This severe fluctuation in our blood glucose level has adverse effects on our body and on our immune system, and poses even greater danger for persons with diabetes. Eating several times a day, even 5 or 6 times a day, NOT exceeding the total 24-hour caloric need of our body, is a healthier habit that helps maintain our blood glucose level in a more stable, less erratic pattern during the day. But the key is calorie control, especially from carbohydrates, combined with daily exercise. The “fat hormones” The urge to eat (hungry or not) is, to a large extent, controlled by hormones in our body. These hormones fluctuate depending on how much sleep we get, what types of food we eat and how much calories we take in, and on
how much physical activities we do daily. Scientific researchers are focusing on four specific substances they call “fat hormones,” which our own endocrine glands in the body produce. There are hormones that make one eat and there are also hormones that signal the brain to tell the person to stop eating. These substances control hunger and satiety. “Hunger hormone” The hunger hormone is Ghrelin, which is secreted by our guts (stomach and intestines). When its level goes up, we feel hungry and have the urge to eat. The level of Ghrelin goes up when we get less sleep or not enough sleep. This is the reason why those who are trying to lose weight should get adequate amount (about 8 hours) of sleep. An unbalanced meal and stress also elevate the Ghrelin level. Food deprivation obviously increases the Ghrelin level, hence it is better to keep the level of this hormone on an even keel and not fluctuate too much by eating regularly (or even more than 3 times a day) but at a controlled total calorie ceiling, to maintain health and body weight. So, starving oneself is not a good way to lose weight, since this will lead to a Ghrelin “boomerang” in the latter part of the day. “Satiety hormone” The opposite or counter hormone, which is called Leptin, signals the brain when to stop eat-
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The power of kindness “Kind people are the best kind of people” - Anonymous ing process along with a good diet, and regular age -appropriate exercise. Of course, wisely steering clear of moving vehicles, toxic relationships and such known elective, addictive poisons such as cigarette smoking, drugs and alcohol all help to arrive at a high quality of life in one’s sunset years. In the same way joy shows in our faces, so does grief. Perhaps, the latter, even more so, can become deeply etched. No amount of plastic surgery can erase it. During the greed of the nineteen eighties and nineties that spawned such film characters as Gordon Gecko, the saying was, “He who has the most TOYS, WINS!” In contrast, during this current supposedly more informed yet not necessarily wiser age of information, the saying is likely to read. “He who has the most JOYS, WINS! Those of us who live in big cities and are subject to the stresses of the fast pace and killer demands of modern life to “perform and deliver” in our home and work environments are more than likely to suffer from diseases and infections. It’s the curse of big city living and the rat race. Because of such demands that can exceed individual human capacities, many feel exhausted and cannot think beyond their personal needs and wants. Remember too that this is the “Selfies Generation.” The trend these days in social media is to focus on the self. Many are becoming stars in their deluded minds and in the web firmament thinking that the number of “likes” they get is proof positive of their popularity and social status. The result is that many are becoming hardwired and focused on just their individual images to
the exclusion of others. This selfobsession—today’s equivalent of the biblical golden calf of idolatry—strangely leads to depression. Those who have seen the light, however, and have decided that kindness is beneficial to others as well as themselves, practice it quite naturally, most times, without fanfare. After all, genuine kindness is often quiet and does not need to go viral. But when acts of kindness captured on video do go viral because a disinterested third party uploaded the clip on the internet and is viewed by millions around the world, this becomes a teachable moment when kindness can become a ripple in a pond. Kindness without an agenda can inspire others to be kind to the people in their immediate spheres of influence. It can inspire some to be kind to those that orbit around them daily at home and at work. You could say that kindness, like the flu, is truly contagious. Unlike the flu virus though, kindness is good all around. A caveat though…… The hormone oxytocin is not a panacea for all kinds of social anxiety problems. Too much of it when taken by prescription, like any other substance on earth taken to extremes, can cause ordinary people to become oversensitive to the emotions of others resulting in a skewed perception of reality. Perhaps, the best ways for this love hormone to flow in one’s bloodstream are still the natural ways through LAUGHTER, EXERCISE and KINDNESS. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Business News Inflation leaps to 3-year high of 4% by LAWRENCE
AGCAOILI Philstar.com
INFLATION leapt to its highest level in more than three years at four percent in January from 3.3 percent in December as the implementation of the tax reform law translated to higher prices, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported Tuesday, February 6. This was the highest level for the consumer price index (CPI) since averaging 4.3 percent in October 2014. Excluding selected food and energy items, core inflation picked up to 3.9 percent in January from three percent in December. “The push in inflation is partly due to TRAIN, considering particularly the excise on fuel and additional sin taxes,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said. He reiterated, however, that the effects of the TRAIN, which overhauled the country’s tax system for the first time in two decades, would be “minimal and temporary.” The CPI last month also touched the higher end of the two to four percent target between 2018 and 2020 as well as
This was the highest level for the consumer price index (CPI) since averaging 4.3 percent in October 2014. Photo by Miguel de Guzman/Philstar.com
the 3.5 to four percent forecast for January set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Although inflation was at the top end of the forecast for the month, BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said the higher reading was expected “due mainly to the combined first round effects of the implementation of Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN), oil prices, and food to some extent.” “We think these are temporary drivers of inflation and would eventually stabilize,” he said.
The TRAIN Law signed by President Duterte last Dec. 19 lowered personal income tax rates but raised the excise tax rates slapped on oil, cigarettes, motor vehicles, and sugary drinks. Based on its December assessment, the BSP’s Monetary Board forecasts inflation to pick up to 3.4 percent this year before easing to 3.2 percent in 2019. Inflation kicked up to a threeyear high of 3.2 percent last year from 1.8 percent primarily due to higher pump prices of petroleum
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Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ SEVERAL years ago, Filipina nurses had a fast track to green cards, as their priority was “current”. They could be immediately petitioned by hospitals or medical facilities for green cards and obtain work authorization even if they arrived as tourist. Those days are gone. Now, because of the wait for a green card, hospitals are no longer willing to petition nurses. In addition, in order to practice, they must pass Visa Screen, or NCLEX. I’ve come across many Filipina nurses who steadfastly want to practice nursing. I admire and respect their resolve. However, jobs are not readily available in the U.S. for nurses, because hospital facilities don’t want to wait for years for the nurse to get
Filipina nurses make great “green card” caregivers a green card and pass for visa screen. Obviously, a BSN graduate/licensed nurse in the Philippines is qualified to provide caregiving in the U.S. The pay is probably higher than what they are earning in the Philippines. In addition, the waiting time or processing time for green card as between nurse and caregiver is the SAME - about two years. There are so many healthcare facilities in need of caregivers, which Philippine nurses would obviously qualify for. If you have a relative in the Philippines who is a nurse, she/ he may want to think about being petitioned as a caregiver, which is an equally rewarding career. Both jobs deal with taking care of the sick, the elderly and those in need of professional medical care. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney
for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES
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Free Family Wealth Workshop in San Francisco A free Family Wealth Workshop organized by the office of City and County of San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu will be held at the City College Mission Campus (1125 Valencia Street, Rm. 107, San Francisco, CA) from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. There will be multilingual workshops on homeownership opportunities, college fund, family wealth and estate building. To register: http://bit.ly/2Bhwgp4.
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Free Reggae Valentine Rendezvous with Lover’s Rock at Grand Park, Grand Park is making Valentine’s Day easy and affordable with an ode to romance, and an evening featuring Lover’s Rock, an American Soul-influenced Reggae music subgenre on Wednesday, February 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. Angelenos looking for a relaxed Valentine’sevening under the stars will be serenaded to the sounds of DJ Danny Holloway and DJ Phersone, who will be spinning laid-back Reggae tracks throughout the evening. Couples will enjoy the park’s romantic ambience and tables for two around the fountain and throughout Olive Court, which will be illuminated with the glow of string lights. They can dine amidst the iconic views of Los Angeles City Hall and Grand Park’s own Arthur J. Will Memorial fountain. To help sweeten the mood, desserts and treats will be available for purchase from various food trucks and couples can capture romantic moments with a complimentary photo booth. Grand Park by the Olive Court and Arthur J. Will Memorial fountain is located at 200 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Park furniture is available on a first come, first served basis.
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“Usapang Pagkain”: A monthly series exploring wellness with Filipino cuisine in Chicago, IL Community-based organization AFIRE (Alliance of Filipinos For Immigrants Rights & Empowerment) and food media and events group Filipino Kitchen will explore wellness and health with Filipino Cuisine in a monthly series, Usapang Pagkain. The event series is free and open to the community. Each event will highlight a Filipino dish or dishes, including recipes. During the weekday evening events, a light dinner of the highlighted dishes will be provided. Made possible with a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, the purpose of the series is to explore how Filipino food can best serve our community. On Tuesday, February 20 from 6 to 8 p.m., the focus is “Healthy & Happy Hearts.” The event will take place at the Hana Center (4300 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL). Schedule and venues are subject to change, please check http://afirechicago.org and http://filipino.kitchen for the most up-todate information. HER “AMERICAN DREAM” SHATTERED WHEN HER CASE WAS DENIED AND HER TWO ATTORNEYS TOLD HER THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO JUST “HIDE.” Mariel (left) was devastated when her adjustment of status was denied after USCIS concluded she was out of status. Distraught and lost, especially after her first two lawyers’ only advice was to “hide,” Mariel decided to consult with “Attorney-of-LastHope” Michael J. Gurfinkel who sought reconsideration and was able to get Mariel her elusive green card in record time. Watch Mariel’s dream come true on a encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
DoE: Tighter tax watch saved consumers P2.7B by JORDEENE
SHEEX LAGARE ManilaTimes.net
F E B R UA RY 22
Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA There will be an immigration forum on Thursday, February 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brookhurst Community Center (2271 Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801). RSVP is a MUST to attend. No registration fee required. Please contact (714) 657-7460 or admin@globallawcenters.com. The immigration forum is about employment-based immigration information regarding FAST TRACK Work Visas ( H-1B1, TN, E-3), green card by marriage, family-based immigration employment sponsorship for green card and work visas after graduation. Candidates with H-1B, TN, F-1, OPT & other visas issues are encouraged to attend for a FREE immigration consultation & immigration assistance. As you have already seen there are many changes happening in the field of immigration with regards to the new executive administration and their agenda. Global Law Centers strives to inform the immigrant community of its rights and make sure it is knowledgeable about what immigration processes might be available. The forum will also update everyone about new and recent changes which may affect immigrants and their families.
F E B R UA RY 24
Filipino well-being training summit in Los Angeles Kataas-taasang pagsasanay para sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino” — Understanding Obstacles; Charting New Paths. This training summit aims to honor and recognize indigenous understanding of wellness and healing; reduce stigma associated with emotional and mental illness; and promote community dialogue and connectivity. It is organized by the Filipino Well Being Training Summit Committee led by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. It’ll be held on Saturday, February 24 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 at 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info and to register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filipino-well-being-training-summit-registration-41880032304. NOTE: This event is free of charge to all attendees. Breakfast and lunch will be served on a limited capacity and may not be available to all attendees. Space is limited - please cancel on Eventbrite if you are unable to attend so others on the waiting list can be notified and accommodated.
City of Carson Gala Ball
Energy Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III and Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino Abad, answer questions from the media on the TRAIN law’s impact on oil industry during a press briefing. Photo by Roger Ranada/Manilatimes.net
CONSUMERS would have had to pay over P2.5 billion extra had the government not carefully monitored the implementation of the Tax Reform of Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, the Energy department claimed in Friday, February 1. “To emphasize, the Department of Energy has saved the consuming public approximately P2.7 billion in what could have been improperly collected,” Energy Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido 3rd said in a press briefing. In particular, consumers would have had to shell out P2.649 billion at fuel pumps and another P54.8 billion for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products, the department said. The computation, Pulido said, was based on a review of existing inventories and demand as of December 31, 2017. The TRAIN law, which raised taxes on fuel in addition to other goods in exchange for lower personal income taxes, took effect at the start of this year. The Energy department also cited the imple-
mentation of safeguard measures such as public advisories, random inspections and the issuance of show-cause orders to retail outlets that had raised prices before January 15, which was when new stocks bought only after the law took effect were expected to be made available to consumers. Oil companies, in particular, were directed to submit notarized inventory reports on per depot and per product basis, impose the excise tax under Train only after last year’s stocks were fully exhausted, and submit daily withdrawal summaries starting January 1, 2018 until the depletion of declared inventories as of December 31, 2017. “We implemented a lot of initiatives for the smooth implementation of [the]Train law, because we did not want consumers to be compromised. The goal is to protect everyone, especially the consumers,” Secretary Alfonso Cusi said. The Energy department is also in discussions with several oil companies for the provision, renewal or expansion of discounts offered to public utility vehicle drivers. ■
BIR removes special tax rate...
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be able to avail themselves of the perk, according to the law. Days after the law was passed, President Rodrigo Duterte vetoed this tax perk. However, the industry and tax experts pointed to inefficiencies in the veto that led to confusing interpretations. PAMURI insisted that status quo, as said in the TRAIN law, should be retained instead. Multinational companies (MNCs) established these ROHQs and RHQs to cater to affiliates, subsidiaries, or branches in the global market. The Philippines is just one of many countries trying to attract the investments of
these MNCs. Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters Inc. (Pamuri) had previously said that MNCs “relied heavily on the PTR in making their business decision.” Under the 15-percent tax rate, the Philippines is just on par with that of Hong Kong, which offers a range of two percent to 17 percent personal income tax, and Singapore, which has a personal income tax ranging from 0 percent to 22 percent. There are two citations in the TRAIN law that allowed the PTR. One allowed the special tax rate, while the other provided this
would apply only to ROHQs and RHQs already existing before 2018. The problem, according to Pamuri, was President Duterte vetoed only a part of the latter provision. The question, therefore, is whether or not the first provision — the one which granted the special rate — still applies. “In order to give effect to [the provision] that still remains in the law as well as the veto message, the correct interpretation should be that ROHQ/RHQs registered before January 1, 2018 shall continue to be entitled to the PTR,” Pamuri said in its previous statement. ■
The City of Carson, California is marking its 50th anniversary of incorporation on Saturday, February 24 with a gala ball. It will be held at Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center at Carson (801 E. Carson Street, Carson, CA 90745) at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 / person and $400 / table (seats 8). For more information, please call the Community Center at (310) 835-0212 or visit ci.carson.ca.us.
Free workout with Assemblymember Philip Chen in Walnut, CA The City of Carson, California is marking its 50th anniversary of incorporation on Saturday, February 24 with a gala ball. It will be held at Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center at Carson (801 E. Carson Street, Carson, CA 90745) at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 / person and $400 / table (seats 8). For more information, please call the Community Center at (310) 835-0212 or visit ci.carson.ca.us.
MARCH 14
Philippine American Bar Association’s 32nd installation & awards gala The Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) invites you to its 32nd Installation and Awards Gala on Wednesday, March 14. This year’s Gala will feature keynote speaker California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu, a menu of Filipino flavors, and special performances. During the gala, PABA also will formally unveil its new logo and website, both of which were developed by a Fil-Am-owned start-up and involve colors and designs deeply rooted in the cultural history of the Philippines. To purchase tickets or a sponsorship, please visit: https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/paba/giftstore.jsp.
MARCH 19
Glenn Miller Orchestra to perform in Stevenson Ranch, CA in Los Angeles on March 14 The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will swing into the Santa Clarita Valley for a special one-night only event to be held at West Ranch High School (26255 Valencia Blvd. Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381) on Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. The most sought-after big band in the world will take the stage with bandleader Nick Hilscher at the helm, performing beloved hits from their extensive library, which includes “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” and “Pennsylvania 6-5000.” Hosted by West Ranch High School’s music program, the concert will be an event for all ages and offers the chance to experience history, enjoy the magical melodies and walk away knowing you’re supporting a new generation of talented musicians in the processes. Tickets are $25 for seniors/students, $30 for general, and $35 for VIP. Prices increase by $5 at the door the day of the event. Tickets are available online at westranchmusic.com, by phone at (661) 222-1220 ext. 645, or at one of the locations: Nick Rail Music - 25868 McBean Pkwy., Valencia, CA, (661) 288-2345; Nationwide Insurance, 23236 Lyons Ave. #205, Newhall, CA, (661) 254-1714; Innovations Salon - 25830 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA. (661) 255-5580; or Bella Cucina - 27911 Seco Canyon Rd. in Saugus, (661) 263-1414.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
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FEBRUARY 9-15, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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People & Events Spring planting is near: 32nd Annual San Mateo Join the Arbor Day County Women’s Hall of Fame Foundation in February and receive 10 free trees
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ESTER. A very happy birthday to Ester GarciaSoliman of San Francisco, who is celebrating her 86th year on Saturday, February 10. Greetings from friends and family in Los Angeles and the Philippines.
JOINING the Arbor Day Foundation is an ideal way to get in the mood for spring planting. Anyone who joins the Foundation in February 2018 will receive 10 free Norway spruce trees or 10 free redbud trees to plant when the weather turns warm. The free trees are part of the nonprofit Foundation’s Trees for America campaign. “These trees will help beautify your home for many years to come,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees will also add to the proud heritage of your state’s existing Tree City USA communities.” The Tree City USA program has supported community forestry throughout the country for the past 40 years. The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between March 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12inch trees are guaranteed to grow, or they will be replaced free of charge. Members also receive a subscription to the Foundation’s colorful bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and “The Tree Book,” which contains information about planting and care. To become a member of the Foundation and receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to ten free Norway Spruce trees or ten free Eastern Red Bud trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, by February 28, 2018, or visit arborday.org/february.■
Kalimah Salahuddin Erin Tormey
REDWOOD CITY — This year, the Commission on the Status of Women is proud to announce three women will be inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame on March 24th, 4 p.m. at Cañada College – 4200 Farm Hill Boulevard in Redwood City immediately following the Women’s Leadership Conference. A mayor and long-time city council member, a founder of two farmers markets, and a school board member will be inducted into the 2018 San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame, the county’s premier showcase for women who make a difference every day in our community. “It is an honor and privilege of the Commission on the Status of Women to recognize the contributions and achievements of these exceptional women,” said Linda Koelling, President if the Commission. “The Women’s Hall of Fame is a reminder of the wealth and depth of talent and generosity women bring to our county communities every day of the year.” This year’s event is proud to recognize our Sponsors – the County of San Mateo, Skyline College, and Kaiser Permanente. Please email cswinfo@ smcgov.org for more information about sponsorship or program advertising.
Naomi Patridge
For information about the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, please email the Commission on the Status of Women at cswinfo@smcgov.org. Information about the Women’s Leadership Conference is at http://smcwomenlead.org. A list of past inductees is also available on the website csw. smcgov.org/honorees. Tickets may be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-leadershipconference-womens-hall-of-fame-registration36214443375. ■
Time for a makeover...
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FREE TPS AND DACA WORKSHOP. The office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs hosted a free TPS and DACA Workshop last Saturday, January 27, at Mission High School in San Francisco. Over 100 members of the community attend to receive information, legal screenings and services in regards to both TPS and DACA, as well as general information. The event also included a Know Your Rights information session for the community.
ing. It controls the appetite. This “satiety hormone” is produced by fat cells in the body. When a person loses weight, the leptin level in the blood stream also goes down. As a result, there is a “rebound” weight gain. The best strategy in losing and maintaining a desired weight level is to lose in a slow and steady pace, about one to two pounds a week, and not more. In this manner, there will still be an effective level of leptin in the body to control the urge to eat. Appetite suppressants: Dangerous! Most appetite control pills, juices, solutions and powders on the market are not physiological and unnatural way to suppress (by force) the appetite for weight control. While they are readily available and very popular, they have potential adverse side effects on the heart, liver, kidneys and brain in the long haul. Some serious complications, and even deaths, have been reported from the use of these diet substances. Taking potential “poison” to be healthy does not make sense. Since greater calorie intake than output is the cause of increase in body weight, the safest, most
natural, strategy is to eat less and burn more calories with physical exercises, making the output of calories (energy) greater than the intake of calories (food). The use of appetite suppressants could be dangerous. The healthier “makeover” for our post-holiday misadventures includes daily gradual incremental reduction in the food we eat, daily physical exercises, as simple and easy as brisk walking for about 30 minutes a day, and hitting the scale daily (yes, daily) to check on any progress. This will aid you greatly in making you more religious to your overall personal health program. Drinking a lot of water (not fruit juices, and especially NOT soft drinks, which are toxic) can help a lot. Excess weight that does not come down only means a greater reduction in food intake is needed. The excess weight gained over the holidays could be safely eliminated within a week. There is really no need to buy expensive prepared “diet” foods, which are nothing but high protein-low carbohydrate, calorie-portioned, meals. Rice, bread, soft drinks, and sweets are the top culprits that cause weight gain fast and increase the risk for diabetes and
cardiovascular illnesses. With discipline and resolve, and daily exercise, anyone can achieve the same weight control by counting calories. You can shop for smaller sizes clothing later from the money you save with this DIY dieting strategy. For those really overweight to begin with, the same strategy (output of calories must exceed the intake) works like wonders. Simply put, more exercise and less food, until the scale tells you that you have achieved your dream weight (and body!) for the NEW YOU in the exciting new year. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com (Advertising Supplement
California divorce frequently... PAGE CJ2 t
both parties. “Why do I need an attorney?” You don’t need an attorney. There is no requirement that you must have an attorney. However, in cases involving issues such as domestic violence, custody disputes, child support, spousal support, and division of community property assets it would be wise to seek advice from a licensed and experienced attorney so as not to waste your time and money, not to mention the court’s time and resources, especially when you have to keep going back to court because of
incomplete or missing documents that could have been addressed from the very beginning by a competent and knowledgeable attorney. Not all divorce cases are the same. It is important to be properly informed about your rights and responsibilities under California law in divorce proceedings. The wrong advice or information can and will hurt you, and waste your time and money. Consult a licensed and experienced family law attorney to help you navigate through your divorce. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate
attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 4958088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys. com. For general information visit www. chuatinsayvega.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Inflation leaps to 3-year high... PAGE CJ2 t
products. The benign inflation environment and robust domestic demand have allowed the BSP to keep interest rates low over the past three years to support the growing economy. It last raised rates by 25 basis points in September 2014. “Nevertheless, BSP will be closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to take timely action based on our evaluation of all relevant data,” Espenilla said. The BSP chief said earlier said the first round upward inflationary effects of TRAIN are transitory but monetary authorities would closely assess the next round effects and how inflation expectations would be affected. The PSA said the uptrend in inflation last month was primarily due to higher annual increment in the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages index to 4.5 percent in January from 3.5 percent in December.
The index for alcoholic beverages and tobacco registered a double-digit annual mark-up to 12.3 percent from 6.4 percent as the implementation of the TRAIN law in January raised prices of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages in most of the regions. Likewise, other commodity groups recorded higher increases led by restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services with 3.7 percent; transport with 3.2 percent, health with 2.6 percent as well as furnishing, household equipment and routine maintenance of the house with two percent. The country’s food alone index jumped to 4.5 percent last month from 3.7 percent in December as weather disturbances affected supplies of fish and vegetables in the markets. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said there is a need to fasttrack the provision of cash transfers to vulnerable sectors and liberalize
rice trade to drive down the price of the staple. “With the initial inflationary effects of TRAIN, we must ensure faster provision of financial assistance through the unconditional cash transfer (UCT) program,” Pernia said. This, he said, will help the poorest 50 percent of Filipino households cope with the transitory impact of TRAIN on prices, he added. He also reiterated the agency’s call to replace quantitative restrictions on rice imports with tariffs to stabilize the country’s rice supply and lower the price of rice. “When the quantitative restrictions are replaced by tariffs, the government will also be better able to help enhance the country’s competitiveness and productivity in agriculture. Revenues from tariff on imported rice will be used to finance government programs for agriculture,” he said. (With Czeriza Valencia) ■
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Friday, February 9, 2018
SF2
cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 9, 2018
‘Kung hei fat choi’: All about the Lunar New Year T
he Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in Chinese culture and it is celebrated around the world. Said to have begun during the Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 B.C.), the centuries-old legend’s origins of the holiday varies from teller to teller, but the main theme is always the same — fear. The story includes a terrible mythical lion-like monster named “Nian” (which is also the Chinese word for “year”), who preyed on villagers. A wise old man counseled the villagers by instructing them to make loud noises with drums and firecrackers to ward off the evil monsters. He also said that they should hang red paper cutouts and scrolls on their doors because Nian is scared of the said color. Since the defeat of the monster, the day has been named “Guo Nian” (“guo” meaning pass and “nian” meaning year) or “to pass over the year.” Based on the lunar calendar, the event normally falls between January 21 and February 20. As with many festivals around the world, it is believed that how you spend
the start of the year affects its outcome. It is also one of the longest public holidays in China, where most people take time off from works for seven consecutive days. This year, the holiday begins on February 16 and marks the beginning of the Year of the Dog. Following the Chinese lunar calendar, it was traditionally a time to honor household and heavenly deities as well as ancestors. The cycle of 12 stations or “signs” is the Chinese zodiac is part of the Chinese calendar. However, the calendar’s structure wasn’t static: It was reset according to which emperor held power and varied from one region to another. It was also a complex timepiece, which parameters were set according to the lunar phases as well as the
solar solstices and equinoxes. Yin and yang, the opposing but complementary principles that make up a harmonious world, also ruled the calendar. Every new year was marked by the characteristics of one of the 12 zodiac animals: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. The Western-style Gregorian calendar arrived in China along with Jesuit missionaries in 1582. It began to be used by the general population by 1912, and New Year’s Day was officially recognized as occurring on January 1. China, however, continues to celebrate Lunar New Year with the traditional greeting, “Kung hei fat choi.” (AJPress)
Let the Year of the Earth Dog begin Eat your way to luck with these Feng shui master Thierry Chow gives her tips and forecast Lunar New Year dishes for the upcoming Year of the Earth Dog by Rae ann VaRona AJPress
by Rae ann VaRona AJPress
DISCovErED in China some thousand years ago, feng shui (translated as “wind and water”) in simple terms is about examining how surroundings and the placement of things affects and influences people’s lives. It’s something that to this day, many believers still look to in figuring out life’s concerns whether they be in health, wealth, relationships, and so forth. It’s also been going through a recent wave of renaissance. At the forefront of the modern feng shui movement is Thierry Chow, a young fashion forward feng shui master whose approach to the ancient practice is as she describes, “creative and fun with a modern twist” — her Instagram bio reads “environmental curator.” Despite having a contemporary approach and a style uncommon among geomancers, Chow’s knowledge of the ancient practice is nothing to be doubted. Her teacher, master Chow Hon-ming, is one of Hong Kong’s most prominent feng shui masters. His client list includes major banks and companies including Cathay Pacific and HSBC, according to a Time Out Hong Kong article. Chow Hon-ming is also Thierry’s father. “My dad has been in the industry for 30 plus years, and [has a] very traditional approach, which I think is very important,” Thierry Chow told the Asian Journal. Being the offspring in a new generation, Chow has made it a point to keep the tradition alive while incorporating modern elements that are more in tune with the 21st century. Having graduated in Canada with a degree in design and art illustration, Chow went back to Hong Kong where she decided to pick up her father’s craft. Now, she’s regarded as one of the top must know feng shui masters in all of Hong Kong. Most recently, Chow finished up a Hong Kong taping of Anthony Bourdain’s award winning travel and food show “Parts Unknown” — she can’t share much on what to expect, but encourages people to keep an eye out. She’s also just published
Thierry Chow
Artwork by Kendrick Tan/AJPress
her first book called “Love and Fate” that was self-written and illustrated, and is in the works of launching her own line of feng shui products. So what does the feng shui guru have to say about this upcoming Year of the Earth Dog? “For the Year of the Earth Dog, we will be more focused on eco-friendliness and recycling, such as eco-friendly products and events,” said Chow, adding that this year will be all about pushing efforts on taking care of the planet. For those born on a dog year, Chow said to “expect a lot of changes” — this year may not be as stable as they would typically hope. “But with focus, wisdom, and awareness, one will find peace through the dog year,” she added. While feng shui advice is often personalized, Chow gave the Asian Journal some quick tips that all may find useful in garnering good energy in entering the year of the earth dog. At home Getting rid of unwanted and unneeded items in our homes is very important when it comes to welcoming the new year. Chow said that our homes and what we have in them are a reflection of our inner experiences and who we are. “A big purge can help with our internal health,” added Chow. “Donate your stuff to charity so others can reuse your
things as a good action for the environment also.” At work In line with the earth category on which the upcoming year falls, Chow recommends incorporating earth-friendly elements and ideas in our work spaces. Keywords include recycling, ecofriendly, reuse, gems, crystals, clay, jade, etc. one tip she gave was to place more plants indoor to improve productivity. “A great corner to place plants is the south corner of a space,” said Chow. In your relationships and social life “Make sure to focus on the people you love and enjoy being with,” said Chow. She added that a good star for relationships is to be found in the southeast corners of our homes and offices. “Use those corners more,” she said. For yourself “It is important to stay healthy. Keep in mind, balance is key,” said Chow. This includes exercising, eating well, seeing both family and friends, and keeping a nice and comfortable home. Chow added, “This year, the sickness stars are located in the north and west corners.” She recommends not using these areas of our homes or offices for too long. If we must, she recommends placing a copper clock in the corner to help minimize bad energy. In your closet Being that Chow is also a fashion guru, she encourages people this year to try wearing the following: checkered suits and blazers, oversized “boyfriend” suits and blazers, knee high boots, artist hats, and super bright electric colors of pink, green and purple. She also suggests keeping stone jewelry like jade, in your wardrobe. “They will become quite trendy,” Chow forecasted. On your plate When it comes to incorporating feng shui through food, Chow said gaining personal wellbeing through what we eat is a matter of not only being mindful of what we eat, but of where we eat. “Choose places that have good energy to eat and have coffee,” said Chow. “You will find Facebook.com/ThierryChowFengShui yourself charged positively.”
THIS year’s Lunar New Year falls on Friday, February 16, prompting an auspicious 15-day celebration of bold red lanterns, equally bold red door decorations, crackling firecrackers, gold inscribed money envelopes, and of course, food — lots of food. The Lunar New Year continues for many to be all about honoring ancestors, spending time with family, getting rid of any bad luck from the past year, and making way for new good luck and fortune. While the Lunar New Year is celebrated by several countries throughout Asia, many Filipinos have come to celebrate the holiday the Chinese way. In Manila’s ongpin Street — the world’s oldest Chinatown established in 1594 — the Lunar New Year is welcomed with the usual lion and dragon dances, drums, and again food which families gather around for on the eve of the holiday and throughout. Here are some essential Lunar New Year foods to help you and your family eat towards a year of da ji da li (great luck and great fortune). Longevity noodles Symbolizing wishes for a long, happy, and healthy life, longevity noodles are popular at celebrations like birthdays, newborn birthdays, weddings, and the Lunar New Year. Because the length of the noodle refers to long life, they aren’t meant to be broken as doing so represents the risk of shortening one’s lifespan. How the noodles are prepared varies. Some prefer noodles like the thin, long, and salty miswa noodles in soup, while others may prefer yi mien noodles fried and mixed with some vegetables. Spring rolls Spring rolls are especially popular during the Lunar New Year and are named after the holiday’s other name, the Spring Festival. Inside the spring roll wrappers made of water and wheat flour are often shredded carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, and pork which vegetarians can opt out of including. The rolls are then fried, taking on a golden brown color meant to resemble gold bars and welcome in wealth and prosperity. Dumplings Stuffing dumpling wrappers with passed down jiaozi xian (filling) recipes is a tradition for many Chinese families and dates back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, making it a symbol of family unity. Shaped like the sycee, which was a form of currency in China until the 20th century, dumplings are also another dish that symbolize wealth and prosperity. Nian gao Translated to English, nian gao means “year higher” and symbolizes the idea of achieving something greater each year whether it be in health, in one’s career, monetary wealth, grades, or even child’s height. In the Philippines where it is called tikoy, the steamed cake can be eaten as is, but is com-
Symbolizing wishes for a long, happy, and healthy life, longevity noodles are popular at celebrations like birthdays, newborn birthdays, weddings, and the Lunar New Year. AJPress photos by Rae Ann Varona
Spring rolls
Dumplings
Nian gao
Tang yuan (sweet rice balls)
The Chinese words for wealth and luck also sound similar to words for tangerine and orange.
monly sliced, dipped in egg, and pan-fried. other variations put the cake between slices of sweet potato or taro, dipped in batter, and deep-fried. Good fortune fruits Mandarins, oranges, pomelos, kumquats, tangerines, grapefruits and other hardy winter citrus fruits are bound to be found scattered around homes, temples, and dinner tables during the Lunar New Year holiday. The luck of the fruits lies in their roundness and bright gold-like color. The Chinese words for wealth and luck also sound similar to words for tangerine and orange. Ba bao fan Also known as eight-treasure rice pudding, the often colorful and beautifully designed dessert is basically sticky glutinous rice, studded with a combination of eight ingredients often including dates, dried apricots, lotus seeds, jujubes, dried plums, red bean paste, goji berries, and other sweet ornaments often used in Chinese medicine. The mosaic-like dessert
represents wealth or prosperity in that the number eight — pronounced “ba” — sounds like “fa” which means prosperity. Fish Any impressive Lunar New Year meal will include a whole fish which if eaten, is said to welcome in a year of excess or abundance — the word for fish in any Chinese dialect sounds similar to the Chinese word “yu” which generally means surplus. The fish can either be steamed with ingredients like ginger, cilantro, and green onions; or deep-fried like the dramatic “squirrel fish.” Tang yuan (sweet rice balls) Depending on the region, these glutinous sweet rice balls are either eaten throughout the Lunar New Year period, or at the end of the 15-day celebration to welcome the beginning of the Lantern Festival. A symbol of togetherness and reuniting with family, the balls are often served in sweet syrup and can be filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, sweet peanut paste, and black sesame paste.
features SF3 Travel, Trade and Consumer Roadshow: Philippine trade for the new generation Kuh on love: ‘If the person who The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – February 9, 2018
by AndRew
J. MARtinez SoRiAno
AS a young boy born and raised in Southern California, I loved my Filipino heritage for what I knew it to be - lots of food, traditions, family togetherness, and the foreign yet warmly familiar sound of the Tagalog language gracing my ears. I got a taste of trends and goings-on in the Philippines from my grandparents’ TV shows and grew up learning bits and pieces of Philippine society from brief exchanges with friends and family. However, it wasn’t until I got to college and met Filipino-American peers from so many different walks of life that I realized there was a completely untouched of my roots I had yet to discover: the full extent of the beauty the Philippines had to offer socially and economically. not only is it a country rich in its people and culture, but also a treasure trove of brilliant inventions, wonderful goods, and undiscovered talent. As I graduated college, I found myself wanting to learn more, and how to connect the feelings of pride I had in my culture as a child with the real world applications of business, trade, and travel that the Philippines could be, is, and has been a major player in. I also always wondered how the Philippines could become known
elsewhere as more than a source of “goods from home” for scattered Filipinos who are the sons and daughters of immigrants worldwide; I wondered how they could become involved in western, specifically American, society, on a deeper level than before. enter the multi-city, multi-date Travel, Trade and Consumer Roadshow, being hosted by the Asian Journal, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The event will take place in August 2018 in Carson and San Francisco as well as on the east coast in new Jersey. Facilitated and co-planned by eC Ferrer CHB, Inc., Planet63, American Pacific Container Line, Pangasinan Brotherhood uSA, and Pistahan Parade Festival and Fiesta In America; this topically-diverse program intends to close the multi-thousand-mile distance between the u.S. and Philippine markets on a more intimate level. Filipino products of all kinds, and talents and showcases in fields such as tourism, investment, studying abroad, philanthropy, and retirement; will be featured. What’s more is that the program is emphasizing the participation and involvement of the youth such as myself to help introduce the American
market and this generation in general to the wonders of the Philippines, and this combination of traditional culture with a modern, youthful, and technological approach in the planning and theme is something completely unprecedented. The goal of these events is to unite these separate markets on a more relatable level than ever - hopefully making “foreign” products less foreign, and introducing them to a whole new consumer audience who can discover something unlike anything they’ve experienced before. As a millennial living in the technological age, I have realized that the breaking down of cultural barriers is a step that is necessary for society to grow the way we want it to, and efforts such as these are something I am personally incredibly excited for. This is only a brief intro to the hopes for this event, but over the next year, we hope to cover the various aspects of it and what benefit they could serve to these goals in particular, so please stay tuned for future features on the development and progression of this monumental event. 2018 is primed to be a year of change and innovation, and nothing is more significant in terms of change than bringing worlds together. (Advertising Supplement)
Traditions for a perfect wedding
By Monet
Lu
One of the biggest milestones in a woman’s life is her wedding day. even at a young age, many girls dream of their “perfect wedding.” They dream of that pivotal moment of seeing
themselves walking down the aisle and seeing their groom at the end. They can only imagine the joy and excitement that they will experience until it is actually their wedding day. Whether it is a royal wedding, a celebrity wedding, or a simple wedding, every bride has one thing in common: that indescribable and overwhelming feeling of bliss. In all my years in the beauty industry, I can say that nothing is more beautiful than seeing a woman transform into a radiant bride. Sharing my God-given ability
and being given the chance of being part of such a grand journey—such as that of Fil-Am celebrity Joyce Jimenez and Paul egbalic, Donita Rose and eric Villlarama and a number of others—gives me inner joy and satisfaction. Love is a very splendorous thing; it “makes the world go round.” The tradition of two people engaging in marriage, a symbol of unity and love, is a tradition that has lasted for many years. Today we combine the rituals of the past with the Continued on Page SF5
knocks is the right one, why not?’ by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
YOu can’t help feeling… sanctified?...when you’re talking to Kuh Ledesma and her daughter Isabella Gonzalez. next Tuesday, Feb. 13, mother and daughter are having a Valentine show at the ABSCBn Vertis Tent (“My first time to hold a show in Quezon City,” noted Kuh) with Kris Lawrence and Gabby Concepcion. Yes, Gabby Concepcion! In case you didn’t know, Gabby is also a good singer besides being a good actor (torn between two women, Sunshine Dizon and Ryza Cenon, in the hit GMA soap “Ika-6 na utos,” thanks to the brilliant direction of Laurice Guillen the series has been going on and on with all the twists and turn, keeping viewers in suspense on an extended run until end of March). During his extended stay in the u.S., Gabby earned his keep by engaging in real estate and, on the side, making extra dollars by, that’s it, having concerts. He actually took voice lessons under u.S.-based Jam Morales and he already has a second album, “unforgettable,” to his name. We arrived early at Japan Town @ Vertis Ginza (which opened at the fourth level of Ayala Malls Vertis north only in December last year), so we had some time for an easy-breezy chat with Kuh and Isabella (Gabby begged off from the presscon because he was stuck on the set of “Ika-6 na utos” while Kris was on his way). The title of their show is “Love Matters.” naturally, the topic revolved around love. When you talk to Kuh (and Isabella), love means love of and for The Lord. A few days prior, mother and daughter were at the Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) to listen to Josh McDowell, a Christian apologist, evangelist and writer (of more than 150 books, according to
Kuh Ledesma and daughter Isabella Gonzalez with Gabby Concepcion and Kris Lawrence.
Kuh). Asked if love still mattered (after a failed marriage), Kuh said, “Yes, of course, love still matters especially now that I have a relationship with Our Savior, Jesus Christ.” And she proceeded to share with us gains of wisdom from McDowell’s talk. “He said that it’s not good when parents only tell their children, ‘You have to love this, you have to love that,’ without explaining what love is and how to really love.” We presumed that Kuh didn’t have anything to explain to Isabella who shares her mom’s beliefs and (Christian) outlook in life. “When you love someone,” said Isabella, “you pledge to serve and to protect…”Oops, she corrected herself, “That’s the motto of the police pala. I mean, you have to ‘cherish and protect’ that someone and keep him away from harm. You have to provide each other an environment where you both can flourish and bring out the best in each other.” Saying that she never felt more loved than she did right now…in all senses, “mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically”…Isabella confessed that she hadn’t had a boyfriend since birth (as in “nBSB”).
Philstar.com photo
“I tell The Lord, ‘I don’t want many boyfriends; I need only one’,” explained Isabella who, at 14, received The Lord as her Savior. “When it comes to my heart, I hold it in the highest standard. Do not awaken love until the time is right.” The free-wheeling chat turned to romantic love. Asked what was the craziest thing she had done for love, Kuh replied, “Get married,” and then laughed. “That was when I didn’t understand what marriage was all about.” now that she knows better, will she say yes if love comes knocking the second time around? “Bakit, may asim pa ba ako?” she joked. “If the person who knocks is the right one, why not?” At this point, Kris arrived limping a bit. It’s his second time to perform with Kuh; the first was three years ago. “I’m honored. At home (in the u.S.), my mom loves to listen to Kuh’s songs and that’s how I got to know Kuh. I love her songs as much as my mom loves them.” Kris related why he was limping. He and Katrence Continued on Page SF4
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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 9, 2018
Marian Rivera and Karylle say that there’s no friction between them
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar We can now put all rumors to rest about actress Marian Rivera and singer Karylle. The women in actor Dingdong Dantes’ life — past and present — have now shown that there is no animosity between them when they bumped into each other at an event last January 26. For those of you who have been out of touch, here’s a little background: Marian is now married to Dingdong, while Karylle was involved with the actor. Marian shared in an interview with “24 Oras” that she has no issues with Karylle even before. “Wala naman talagang problema sa akin since day one, e. Siguro ito ang tamang panahon na nagkita kaming dalawa,” she said and added, “At masaya dahil nagbatian naman kaming dalawa at wala namang problema. Mas maganda na good vibes lang at lahat magkakasundo at mas maganda talaga na pinaiiral mo ang love.” It can be remembered that Dingdong and Karylle ended
Acclaimed film and TV director Maryo J. delos Reyes passed away last January 27 due to a heart attack. He was 65.
their three-year relationship in 2008. During their relationship, it was rumored that there was romance brewing between the actor and Marian because of their teleserye “Marimar,” which aired on GMA 7 from August 2007 to March 2008. Later on, Marian and Dingdong openly admitted their relationship. They got married in December 2014. Karylle, on the other hand, married Sponge Cola vocalist Yael Yuzon in March 2-14. *** Singer Mark Bautista bares it all in his much talked aboutabout autobiographe, “Beyond the Mark.” Apart from sharing his journey to stardom, he admits in the book that he “loves both sexes,” without
Angeline Perez poses with a colorful balloon in preparation for a Have a Heart Party at their home this coming Valentine’s Day.
outright admitting that he is gay or bisexual. The 34-year-old performer added that he’s happy that the truth has set him free, now that he has unburdened a secret that he has kept this long. On the book’s back cover Mark writes, “I have a story to tell and no matter what others might think, I’m happy that I can share this with pride (from overcoming my personal struggles), joy (from discovering my life’s purpose), and peace (from finding the true essence of fulfillment). For me, these are life’s great achievements. This has been my journey and my life, so far!” Yes, the book has confessions about Mark’s relationships, but all were told with care so people involved remain unnamed and anonymous. Of course, it has sent people guessing. Among them were the girls he dated (one a singer-actress whose mother didn’t like him because of his “sexuality” and a beauty-queen-turned-actress), and the “bromance” he had with a guy that ended then the guy’s girlfriend found out about it. Though there were apprehensions how this book (and his revelations) would affect his person and career, Mark writes that he has “since made peace with the self-knowledge” that he loves both sexes. “If given the chance, I would love to have kids and settle down and have a family,” he continued to write. “But for now, I don’t want to label
Maja Salvador thankful for ‘Wildflower’s’ success by Christina
alpad ManilaTimes.net
AS top-rating ABS-CBN primetime series “Wildflower” goes into its last week, the riveting drama’s sizzling lead Maja Salvador is overwhelmed with gratitude. She is thankful for the show’s success, and the many opportunities “Wildflower” opened for her this past year. “I can proudly say Wildflower helped me boost my career the most, among all the other teleseryes I’ve done in the past,” Salvador shared during the show’s finale press conference. “But more than that, Wildflower, what with its all physically and emotionally demanding scenes, has taught me to be more dedicated and passionate in my craft,” the 29-year-old added. Since premiering in February 2017, “Wildflower” not only cemented Salvador’s reputation as a first-rate actress, but it also turned her into a social media star. From a bride in black walking down the aisle to a fierce lady in gold making one unforgettable entrance, “Wildflower’s” many show-stopping scenes became memes—or edited images made to look humorous—that went viral online. It is also one of the most talked about shows by netizens. “I guess, what all these memes show, at least for us, is we’re all comfortable with each other in the cast. We know each other too well that we no longer have qualms in doing heavy scenes,” Aiko Melendez, who plays antagonist emilia Ardiente, noted. From a bride in black walking down the aisle to a fierce lady in gold making one unforgettable entrance, “Wildflower’s” many show-stopping scenes became memes—or edited images made to look humorous—that went viral online. It is also one of the most talked about shows by netizens. “I guess, what all these memes show, at least for us, is we’re all comfortable with each other in the cast. We know
Maja Salvador
each other too well that we no longer have qualms in doing heavy scenes,” Aiko Melendez, who plays antagonist emilia Ardiente, noted. Moreover, the series swept several awards within its yearlong run, among them recognitions from the PMCP Star Awards for TV, LionhearTV Rawr Awards, Gems Hiyas ng Sining Awards, and even the Asian Television Awards where Tirso Cruz 3rd was nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category. Beside Salvador, Melendez and Cruz, crossing the finish line with “Wildflower” are a power cast in Sunshine Cruz, Wendell Ramos, Zsazsa Padilla, Christian Vasquez,
ABS-CBN photo
RK Bagatsing, Vin Abrenica, Joseph Marco, Yen Santos and Roxanne Barcelo, among others. Finally, business unit head and director Ruel Bayani expressed his team is proud that Wildflower achieved its goal of conveying women empowerment in through the characters and storylines. “More than just a tale of revenge, ‘Wildflower’ is a story of a woman’s courage, determination, and resilience to find justice for her family and for the people of her town. It shows that women are just as powerful as men; they are no longer the meek and oppressed who can only cry in the confines of their homes,” Bayani ended.
Singer Mark Bautista has come out of his shell and bared it all in his memoir, “Beyond the Mark.”
myself.” “Beyond the Mark” is published and exclusively distributed by VRJ Books Publishing Inc. and will go on sale starting this week at all National Bookstore outlets in the Philippines. *** The Philippine entertainment industry is still trying to get over the sudden passing of acclaimed film and television director Maryo J. delos Reyes, who died due to a heart attack last January 27. He was 65 years old. Delos Reyes was known for his award-winning films such as “Magnifico” (2003) — which won accolades at a number of local and international film festivals (such as the Berlin International Film Festival), “Naglalayag” (2004), “A Love Story” (2007) and “Bamboo Flowers” 2013. He also directed the youthoriented film “Bagets” in 1984, which launched Aga Mulach’s career, and included Herbert Baustista, Raymond Lauchengco, and JC Bonnin.
GMA 7’s Primetime Queen Marian Rivera said that there was never any problems between her and singer Karylle even before. The actress also added that she was happy that she bumped into her husband Dingdong Dantes’ ex-girlfriend at an event recently.
Singer and TV host Karylle recently shared that she and actress Marian Rivera have bumped into each other at an event and confirmed that there is no animosity between them.
Talented actress Jodi Sta. Maria has returned to primetime TV in “Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko,” with actors Richard Yap and Robin Padilla.
Versatile Filipino-Chinese actor Richard Yap has returned on television in the newest teleserye, “Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko” with actress Jodi Sta. Maria.
Delos Reyes made his first film, “High School Circa ‘65,” in 1979 and followed up with “Annie Batungbakal” with Superstar Nora Aunor. He made
other projects with Nora’s production outfit NV Productions such as “Bongga Ka ‘Day,” “Ibalik ang Swerti,” and “Rock and Roll.”
Gary V. sets ‘love in motion’ GARY Valenciano kicks-off a year-long celebration of his 35th anniversary in the industry with an amazing treat: the much-awaited reprise of his Valentine concert “Love In Motion.” The concert is set on February 14 at the grand ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, The Fort. Directed by Paolo Valenciano with musical direction by Mel Villena and vocal musical direction by Mon Faustino, “Love In Motion” first had a two-night run in 2017. The concert then marked Valeciano’s first solo Valentine concert in Manila in almost 20 years. “Love In Motion” was originally conceptualized as a special, two-night Valentine concert that aimed to offer 100-percent of its proceeds for the benefit of victims of Typhoon Nina, which hit Gary’s hometown in Camalig, Albay, Bicol in late 2016, as well the Shining Light Foundation’s scholarship programs, and UNICeF causes. A historic milestone in Gary’s illustrious career, the concert featured him performing with the amazing 18-piece AMP Band, with the multi-talented Cebuana Anna Fegi and with the Manoeuvres. “Love In Motion” was a big band concert that showcased a different side of Gary—he scatted, crooned, and belted his way to the hearts of his audiences with a delicious sampling of standard classics and iconic jazz tunes. Of course, a selection of his hits were also performed but were re-arranged to fit the big band genre. This year, to spice things up, Kiana Valenciano and Jona will join “Mr. Pure energy” as his very special guests. Kiana broke major grounds in the music scene with her self-penned smash hit singles “Circles,” “Does She Know,” and “Misfits.” Birit Queen Jona, on the other hand, is one of today’s most talented young divas whose growing body never ceases to blow away fans and critics alike. One hundred percent of the proceeds of
Gary V.
Philstar.com photo
“Love In Motion” 2018 is for the benefit of Shining Light Foundation and Operation Blessing as well as the victims of the recent eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay. “Love In Motion’ is one of the many events tha’t my team and I will mount this year,” Valenciano said, “We are gearing up for a series of events that are all unique and creative. We are working very hard to be as innovative as we can be. It’s our goal to show something new and something that everyone will never forget. 2018 will truly be a very exciting year.” (ManilaTimes. net)
Kuh on love: ‘If the person who... From Page SF3 Lawrence (Katie for short), his five-year-old daughter with exgirlfriend Katrina Halili, checked into Solaire. “As soon as we entered the room,” recalled Kris, “Katie started running around and I ran after her. She jumped onto the bed and I caught her, and we began jumping together while carrying her. Bigat pala niya! I ended up with a pinched nerve, naipit ang ugat ko.” Asked the same question (about the craziest thing he had done for love), Kris said, “Honestly? A lot! One time, I flew back to the U.S. to visit my
girlfriend whom I was missing a lot. That was 10 years ago and three other girls have come into my life since then.” That is, including Katrina with whom Kris now enjoys a happy, healthy relationship as friends. “We are over the awkward moment. Now we can talk, usually about life. I like the way things are between us now. I don’t want it to change.” Like Katrina, Kris is fancyfree. Any chance for reconciliation? “As I just said, we are okay as it is…good friends. But then,” he added, “hindi ko hawak ang future.”
Kuh Ledesma
Inquirer.net photo
Traditions for a perfect wedding From Page SF3 trends of the present to create a memorable experience. every couple’s “perfect wedding” is different than another’s, but often times we run into a number of similarities. The veil and white wedding dress are symbols of the bride’s purity, innocence, and modesty. The bouquet and flower décor represent happiness, growth, fertility, and the preparation for starting a new life together. Wedding rings are the love and bond between husband and wife, to be worn on the ring finger because of the “vein of love” that leads directly to the heart. The wedding candle symbolizes unity as the two flames merge into one, unable to be separated. A bride-to-be also has her different ideal look. I have encountered a number of different brides whose uniqueness brings out their beauty. one bride may prefer a trendy look that is sharp and smart with an edgy vibe. Another may prefer the glamorous and dramatic red-carpet fashion that is sexy yet mysterious. There is also the natural bride, with minimal make-up and a radiant smile that says it all. The preppy bride is calm, cool, and collected, remaining prim and proper with her polished look.
entertainment SF5 Ara Mina conquers her fears up in the mountains The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 9, 2018
by MJ
Marfori ManilaTimes.net
my personal favorite is the classic bride, whose simplistic and sophisticated look is timeless, bringing out her elegance and beauty. Whichever look is decided, the bride and groom usually choose to honor their heritage. Attire differs by culture, whether it is the Indian sari, Japanese kimono, or the Indonesian kebaya and batik. As part of Filipino culture, brides may wear a variation of the baro’t saya, such as the maria Clara, while grooms wear the Barong Tagalog.
regardless of what anyone’s wedding day consists of, this fantasy coming to life is definitely a day to remember. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
From mount Daraitan to Pulag, Ara mina is just a few mountains away to climbing them all! Who would have thought that the sexy 38-yearold actress is an adventure and thrill seeker? That was what she told In the Know right after she finished her climb at mount Pamitinan in rizal, trekking up the risky cliff. “Actually, would you believe takot kasi ako sa heights? Kaya I really said to myself I will conquer my fears kaya ginawa ko yang shot. Ang trick lang diyan is to not look down.” Ara is happily balancing her thrill for adventures with her showbiz career as she is about to start her new soap with Jm De Guzman on ABS-CBN. She is also in the thick of expanding her pastry business Hazelberry Cafe by Ara in Pampanga. “We make pastries there and after more than a year, ready na ako na ipa-franchise,” she added. Asked to share her secret to being a “celebreneur” what with her second branch of Hazelberry Cafe in Quezon City always jam packed, she replied. “I am very hands on. Nag-
Ara Mina conquering her fears.
ing mini-commissary na yung bahay ko. That’s where I bake mismo iyong mga binebenta ko.” Because of her success in business while she continues to act, she is flattered that fellow
Photo from Instagram/@therealaramina
celebrities turn to her for guidance. “Kris Bernal recently got in the food business. may new restaurant din siyang balak itayo and humihingi rin siya sa akin ng advise.”
How Camille Prats’ daughter led her to new advocacy
Camille Prats with daughter Nala
THe previous year was a big one for actress Camille Prats who was tragically widowed at 24 years old when her first husband died of cancer. A single mother for eight years, she finally married a childhood sweetheart in January 2017, and a month later announced she was expecting a baby. In November she gave birth to a beautiful girl named Nala, who finally made a “kuya” of her eldest son Nate. Now blessed with two ManilaTimes.net photo children, the protective mother
in her has grown twice over, leading her to join a growing advocacy to create awareness for the “Child Safety in motor Vehicles Act of 2017.” Approved by the House of representatives, the bill is now up for deliberation in the Senate. Conscious of being a wellinformed mother, Prats believes this is a very timely advocacy what with statistics in the Philippines showing an average of 600 children dying in road every year from 2006 to 2014. To walk the talk, the actress
has partnered with Joie, a global manufacturer of baby car seats, strollers, high chairs, and baby carriers, to help raise awareness on the issue, happy to bring her little daughter into the ad campaign’s photo shoot. Just how important are car seats for babies and children? According to the World Health organization, a good car safety system with rear-facing restraint can reduce the risk of injury for children aged 0 to 4 by 80 to 90 percent. Seatbelts will only decrease the risk of by 32
percent. “We all know that in the Philippines, most parents aren’t used to putting their babies and toddlers in car seats, an existing law in many countries for a very long time,” Prats noted. “That’s why we shouldn’t waste any more time in making this a requirement on the road for the sake of our children. You can’t put a price on your children’s safety and I’m glad companies like Joie are helping us demonstrate the ways we can protect them today.” (ManilaTimes.net)
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The Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - Februa ry 9 , 2 0 1 8
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