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M A R C H 15-21, 2019 Volume 12 - No. 21 • 16 Pages
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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Duterte exposes 46 ‘narco politicians’ by NESTOR
CORRALES AND DARRYL ESGUERRA Inquirer.net
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Thursday, March 14, in Davao City the names of 46 politicians on the government’s “narcolist,” or elected officials involved in the illegal drugs trade. Also on Thursday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed before the Office of the Ombudsman administrative cases against the 46 officials. The politicians identified by the president were:
- Ferdinand Dancel Aguindaldo, Vice Mayor, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte (Running for Mayor) - Jesus Celeste, 1st District Representative, Pangasinan (Did not file) - Marjorie Salazar, Mayor Lasam, Cagayan (Running for Municipal Councilor) - Cipriano Dungao Violago Jr., Mayor, San Rafael, Bulacan (Running for Mayor) - Erlon Agustin, Mayor, Camiling, Tarlac (Running for Mayor) - Jefferson Khonghun, Mayor, Subic, Zambales (Running for Vice Governor of Zambales)
- Jeffrey Khonghun, 1st district Representative, Zambales (Running for Congressman) - Bruno Tolentino Ramos, Mayor, Bay, Laguna (Did not file) -Caesar Pabalete Perez, Mayor, Los Baños, Laguna (Running for Mayor) - Cecilio C. Hernandez, Mayor, Rodriguez, Rizal (Running for Vice Mayor) - Dennis Linco Hernandez, Rodriguez, Rizal (Running for Mayor) - Eulalio Mendoza Alilio, Mayor, Lemery, Batangas
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Palace eyes executive order to address Metro Philippines, US kick off Pacific Partnership mission Manila water crisis The Philippines and United States kicked off Monday, March 11, this year’s iteration of the Pacific Partnership 2019. U.S. Embassy photo
THE U.S.-led multilateral humanitarian mission kicked off this year’s iteration of the Pacific Partnership 2019 on Monday, March 11. The Philippines is one of the mission stops, along with Malaysia, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Thailand, Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Vietnam. The Philippine leg was launched in Tacloban City, the second time it will be held there since the mission started in 2014. “The purpose of PP 2019 is actually to capacitate local government units, government agencies and other sectors to be able to respond to disasters without panicking but rather in a calm manner,” said Central Commander Lt. Gen. Noel Clement.
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday, March 13, said Malacañang is crafting an executive order (EO) as parts of Metro Manila and Rizal province continue to struggle with the water shortage. He said the proposed measure was relayed to him by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.
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PH out of ICC by March 17 AS the Philippines’ withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) becomes official on Sunday, March 17, the ICC vowed to continue its probe into President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs even after the withdrawal takes effect. Philippine Coalition for the ICC (PCICC) lead counsel Romel Bagares said that the international court ensured that all proceedings which started before a withdrawal will remain in effect even after the withdrawal. “If by lack of timely court action, the unilateral withdrawal by the Executive becomes effective we are still bound to cooperate with the ICC in respect of events and acts prior to the effective date of such withdrawal,” Bagares said as reported by Rappler. However, PCICC counsel Arpee Santiago said that the withdrawal would prevent the court from receiving “new information” after the date it takes effect which falls on March 17, so the alleged extrajudicial killings after that may no longer be examined. “Any new information would have to be up until March 16, 2019, only because after
LIMITED SUPPLY. Residents of Hill Top, Bagong Ilog, Pasig City queue for water from a tanker. The water service interruption imposed by Manila Water has affected 250,000 to 260,000 people, the agency said. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
PARCHED. A farmer looks at his farm in San Ildefonso town in Bulacan, one of the provinces affected by the El Niño weather phenomenon. Water service interruptions in most parts of Luzon would last throughout the summer season because of the dwindling levels in two of the country’s major reservoirs — Angat Dam and La Mesa Dam. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene H. Dilan
PH House and Senate fail to resolve impasse on 2019 budget by NATHALIE
ROBLES
AJPress
THE meeting of lawmakers with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte failed to resolve the conflict of the House of Representatives and the Senate regarding the 2019 General Appropriations Bill (GAB). Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri revealed that the members of the two legislative members had dialogue but failed to arrive at a consensus on the proposed P3.757 trillion annual budget. “The president had asked us to pass the budget so that the programs of government can continue. We still met while the president u PAGE 5 had left but there’s still no consensus, unfor-
tunately,” Zubiri said as reported by ABS-CBN News. The impasse was centered on the Senate’s stand to pass the “ratified version” as opposed to the Lower House’s position “on the line itemization and not lump sum.” Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III explained that Duterte told the legislative leaders in his introductory statement that he will not sign the budget if Sotto refuses to initially do so. “He opened the dialogue by saying he will not sign the budget if I do not sign it,” Sotto President Rodrigo Duterte will not allow the legalized use of medical marijuana during his said. Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales Both sides were then given the chance to term, Malacañang reiterated on Tuesday, March 12.
Duterte withdraws Pope Francis names second Filipino bishop in US to serve LA marijuana legalization bid by RAE
ANN VARONA AJPress
THE Vatican named Monsignor Alejandro “Alex” Aclan the newest auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 5, making him the second Filipino to ever be presented as bishop in the United States. Born in Pasay City, Philippines, Aclan, 68, moved to Southern California from the Philippines in 1982 and has served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for 25 years. But before entering priesthood, Aclan’s career path started with a degree in medical technology from the University
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of Santo Tomas in Manila, Aclan shared in a feature in the Asian Journal’s Balikbayan Magazine in 2017. Upon graduating, his career path moved yet again towards electronic data processing, which lead him to working as a programmer and systems analyst for companies like San Miguel Corp. and Citibank in the Philippines. Aclan’s decision to enter the seminary came after he moved to the U.S. and attended a religious retreat, while still working as a project manager for a bank in Los Angeles. By 1988, Aclan joined the St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California and was ordained five Monsignor Alejandro “Alex” Aclan, a priest of 25 years, was named the newest auxiliary
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bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, making him the second Filipino-American bishop in the U.S. Contributed photo
by NATHALIE
ROBLES
AJPress
MALACAÑANG announced on Tuesday, March 12, that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will no longer push for the legalization of medical marijuana because he felt that it might go out of hand. “Kasi ang feeling niya (Duterte) you will be using that as an excuse, baka lumaki nang lumaki lang (Duterte feels that you will use that an excuse and it might go out of hand),” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said as reported by ABS-CBN News. The chief executive said that the legalization of medical can-
nabis might push through but later on clarified “not during his time.” Panelo echoed the sentiment noting: “sa ibang panahon siguro, sabi niya (maybe some other time).” However, the spokesperson emphasized that the president might still root for the legalization of medical marijuana if doctors and medical experts of the said drug would prove its necessity in curing diseases. “Ang sabi niya pa, dapat yung mga medical yung mag-decide diyan kung talagang totoong nakakagamot yan (Duterte said medical professionals should decide whether medical marijuana is really effective),” Panelo stated.
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MARCH 15-21, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Duterte exposes 46 ‘narco... PAGE 1 (Running for Mayor) - Juan Valencia Toreja, Mayor, Ibaan, Batangas (Did not file) - Loreto Sahagun Amante, Mayor, San Pablo City, Laguna (Running for Mayor) - Raul S. Palino, Mayor, Teresa, Rizal (Running for Mayor) - Roderick Alcantara Alcala, Mayor, Lucena City, Quezon (Running for Mayor) - Rommel Cruz Ayuson, Board Member, Rizal Province (Running for Board Member) - Nieves Cabunalda Rosente, Mayor, El Nido, Palawan (Running for Mayor) - Ariel Tabugo Alagos Jr., Vice Mayor, Culasi, Antique (Running for Mayor) - Jed Patrick Mabilog, Mayor Iloilo City (Did not file, cannot be located) - Julius Ronald Pacificador, Mayor, Hamtic, Antique ((Running for Vice Mayor) - Mariano Malficio Malones Sr., Mayor Maasin, Iloilo ((Running for Vice Mayor) - Siegfredo Afluente Betita, Carles, Iloilo (Running for Mayor) - Franz Cabilao Sabalones, Vice Mayor, San Fernando Cebu (Did not file) - Vicente Loot, Mayor, Daanbantayan, Cebu (Did not file) - Vicente Sofronio Veloso, 3rd District Representative, Leyte (Running for Congressman) - Gamar Ahay Janihim, Mayor, Zamboanga del Norte, (Running for Mayor) - Leonida Albor Angcap, Midsalip,Mayor, Zamboanga del Sur (Running for Mayor) - Crisinciano Enot Mahilac, Mayor, Miamis Occidental (Did not file) - David Mabal Navarro, Mayor, Clarin Miamis Occidental (Running for Mayor) - Ezel Tabuelog Villanueva, Mayor, Calamba, Misamis Occidental (Running for Mayor) - Jason Paredes Almonte, mayor, Oroquieta City (Running for Congressman) - Abubakar Pendatun Maulana, Mayor, Palimbang, Sulatan Kudarat (Running for Vice Mayor) - Albert Palencia, Mayor, Banga, South Cotabato (Running for Mayor) - Pablo Mondejar Matinong Jr, Mayor, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato (Running for Mayor) - Roberto Luna, Mayor, Linging, Surigao del Sur (Running for
Mayor) - Abdulwahab Sabal, Vice Mayor, Talitay, Maguindanao (Running for Mayor) - Anida Dimaukom, Vice Mayor, Datu Saudi Amptuan, Maguindanao (Running for Mayor) - Arafat Alim Salic, Vice Mayor, Marawi City - Jamal Abinal Pangandamun, Vice Mayor, Maguing, Lanao del Sur (Running for Vice Mayor) - Mamaulan Abinal Mulok, Mayor, Maguing, Lanao del Sur (Running for Mayor) - Montasser Meling Sabal, Former mayor, Taglitay, Maguindanao (Running for Vice mayor) - Ohto Caumbo Montawal,Vice Mayor, Datu Montawal (Running for Vice mayor) - Rasul Mabang Sangki, Mayor, Ampatuan, Maguindanao (Running for Mayor) - Vicman Kambang Montawal, Mayor, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao (Running for Vice mayor) - Mayor Jamal Abdullah Mansul of Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan Inquirer.net is contacting these politicians to get their side. So far, only Representative Veloso responded. He vehemently denied his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade in a telephone interview with Inquirer. net. “Kalokohan ‘yan, pulitika ‘yan… Every time na may elections kami rito ang tunay na mga drug lords dito… inilalabas, nili-link ako (That’s ridiculous, that’s politics … Every time there is an election, we are the drug lords here, I am linked [to the drug trade]),” the second-termer congressman said, adding that he would file a House resolution to investigate the matter. Duterte, who read the names during the joint command conference of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said he still had other names which he could not yet disclose because they were not yet validated. “I’m not really interested in releasing it before or after the election because I don’t have any intention of hurting anybody, so the other (narcolist), huwag muna, dahil di ako sigurado,” he said. Mabilog, Loot get special mention Mabilog, who had earlier been dismissed from service and who went on exile in the United States because of threats to his life, and
Loot got special mention from the president. When Mabilog’s name came up the President reminded the U.S. Embassy that he had given them the name of the mayor who was not supposed to be allowed entry in the U.S. “I’d like to inform the U.S. Embassy, because I thought I gave you the list (and his name was there), kung bakit nakalusot ang mayor na ito (why was this mayor allowed to enter) , I’d like to ask the embassy, (I gave you the list) so that Filipino addicts who’d go there to destroy your country will be denied visa, now I’m asking bakit nandiyan sa (why he is in) America, if not in Canada?” Duterte asked, referring to Mabilog, who reportedly took refuge in the U.S. because of threats to his life. He also made fun of Daanbantayan Mayor Vicente Loot, a retired general. “But I think he did not file (his candidacy), there are four incumbents here. Loot, he had been ambushed two times. Sino ang nag ambush kay (Who ambushed) Loot? Kindly raise your right hand,” the president asked, before berating Loot for being a scholar of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) who ended up in the narcolist. Among the politicians named in the narcolist were Dennis Hernandez, vice mayor of Rodriguez, Rizal; the mayors of El Nido, Antique, Antique; Maasin, Iloilo; among others. “My decision to unmask these drug personalities was anchored on my trust in the government agencies who have vetted and validated the narco-list,” Duterte said. He said the Anti-Money Laundering Council and the Presidential [Anti]-Corruption Commission have conducted their respective investigations and “the results of which will aid us in filing airtight cases against them.” “Remember that “public office is a public trust”; an official’s right to privacy is not absolute and there is a compelling reason to prioritize the interest of the state and the people,” he said. “As your president, my ultimate concern is the pursuit of order in government and the welfare of the Filipino people. My administration assures you of our dedication to change the lives of Filipinos now, not tomorrow,” he said. ■
FIRE OLYMPICS. Firefighters extinguish flames during the 5th National Fire Olympics at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Wednesday, March 13. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
Palace eyes executive order to address...
PAGE 1 “The water sector management will be more defined because now there are many agencies all over – MWSS (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System), LWUA (Local Water Utilities Administration), DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) – so we will have to organize it in such a way that the water sector’s concerns and challenges are more strategic,” Duque said. According to him, this would mean the EO will define key agencies, determine accountability, and lay out outcomes expected for all involved. “Magiging mas organized na,
kasi ang nangyayari, [ang] damidaming agencies. Minsan nakakalito na, ‘di mo alam kung saan ‘yung accountability (It will be more organized because as it is now, there are so many agencies. It can get confusing sometimes since you don’t know who’s accountable),” he added. Nograles, for his part, said that the economic cluster, led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, already vetted the proposed EO. The EO, he explained, “aims to address the fragmentation in the water sector by providing the framework for an integrated and coordinated effort in planning and implementing the programs
and projects to address all issues in the water sector.” The vetting will be conducted by the Cabinet Assistance System, led by Nograles, in Palo, Leyte on Friday, March 15. Residents of Metro Manila and several parts of Rizal have been experiencing low water pressure to no supply at all since last Thursday, March 7. Water concessionaire Manila Water blamed the declining water level of the La Mesa Dam, which earlier reached its critical level. It also said that affected residents will have to wait for heavy rain to fill up the La Mesa Dam before the situation is fixed. ■
PH House and Senate fail to resolve... PAGE 1 express their stand on the issue. According to the Senate president, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson suggested that they should agree on the original bicameral report approved by both chambers. “After some words from both sides, Sen. Lacson suggested that the HOR recall the enrolled copy they sent and revert back to the bicam report that both houses approved,” Sotto said as reported by CNN Philippines. “The president and members of the Executive Department concurred. The House of Representatives appeared to have acquiesced but we have yet to see if they
will follow the agreement,” Sotto added. The Senate president clarified that he would only deem the dialogue a success if the lower House would re-submit its proposal as agreed. He further noted: “We have yet to see if they will follow (the) agreement.” House Majority Leader Fredenil Castro stated that the president ordered lawmakers to “finish the budget in a manner they are comfortable.” He added that both representatives and senators agreed that they will follow the president’s suggestion. Duterte said in a speech Monday night, March 11, that he would not
sign an illegal budget bill. Among the members of the Senate present were Senators Loren Legarda, Gringo Honasan, and Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto. Members of the lower house including House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was there along with House Appropriations Committee Rolando Andaya, and House Majority Leader Fredenil Castro. The current appropriations bill implemented is the reenacted version of the 2018 annual budget. The P3.757 trillion 2019 budget was delayed over allegations of unnecessary and anomalous pork insertions. ■
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 15-21, 2019
Fil-Am priest charged with rape of Philadelphia minor corruption of a minor, and sexual abuse of a minor. “these charges are serious and a 49-year-old Fil-am Catho- disturbing,” said the archdiocese lic priest has been charged this of Philadelphia in its statement. week with raping a teenager girl “the archdiocese is coopin Philadelphia, and filming the erating fully with law enforceattack. ment regarding this matter and Rev. armand Garcia was ar- remains fervently committed to rested on Monday, March 4 af- preventing child abuse as well ter surrendering to Philadelphia as protecting the children and police for the conduct allegedly young people entrusted to its occurring sometime between care,” it added. the years 2014 to 2017 while he Following the allegations, the served at the immaculate Heart archdiocese placed Garcia on of Mary , according to a state- leave and prohibited himself ment. from publicly presenting himself according to court filings, the as a priest or exercising his pubcount of rape came from an al- lic ministry. leged incident in august 2014 the statement said that at the when his accuser spoke out after time Garcia was placed on adGarcia was transferred to another ministrative, Garcia “possessed parish. clear criminal background checks Garcia faces charges of rape, as well as child abuse clearances by Rae
Members of the Filipino-American community and Philippine Consulate Officers and Staff with PSA Officials led by Dr. Lisa Bersales during a Forum on Civil Registration. Photos by Lambert Parong
Philippine National Statistician Lisa Bersales updates Fil-Am community on civil registration and PhilSys ID NatioNal Statistician and Civil Registrar General Dr. lisa Grace S. Bersales apprised the Filipino-american community in the U.S. northeast about the recent updates on civil registration in the Philippines and the national iD system during a Forum on Civil Registration organized by the Philippine Consulate General in New York on March 8. Dr. Bersales gave an overview of the works of the Philippine Statistics authority (PSa), including its mandate to conduct statistical surveys relating to the country’s economic, social, and demographic profile, administer civil registration functions, and now, the rolling out of the Philippine identification System(PhilSys iD) within the year. During the open forum, lawyers in the audience raised some of the issues they encounter when submitting their Filipino clients’ Philippine civil registry documents to U.S. immigration agency. among these common problems were the discrepancy in the names, unreadable or blurred entries in the birth or marriage certificates, change of name particularly those who changed their names when they became naturalized U.S. citizens, difference in the naming conventions in the Philippines and US, as well as the lengthy and laborious process of correcting some entries on the civil registry documents. Dr. Bersales explained that solutions to these common problems have to originate from the municipal or local civil registrar where the life event took place. as PSa is the central repository of all civil registry documents, it can only authenticate those documents submitted by the local civil registrar. She emphasized that although the process is circuitous, the ultimate goal is to ensure the integrity of the documents. Responding to questions about the PhilSys iD, Dr. Bersales confirmed that PSa is the lead agency that will implement the PhilSys iD. She indicated that the national iD would eventually replace in a span of 5 yearsthe numerous iDs such as, postal, voter’s, BiR, PaGiBiG, and SSS iDs. She clarified, however, that it will not replace the passport, driver’s license, and PRC license.
ann VaRona AJPress
Rev. Armand Garcia
and had successfully completed safe environment training courses.” “Father Garcia was immediately placed on administrative
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US Navy flagship in Manila for first port call in 3 years by PatRicia LouRdes Philstar.com
National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Dr. Lisa Grace Bernales (3rd from left) is flanked byPSA Director Rosalinda Bautista, Consul General Claro S. Cristobal and Atty. LourdinesDela Cruz of PhilSys Registry Office during a Forum on Civil Registration at the Philippine Center New York.
Dr. Bersales indicated that the PSa is in the process of procuring a printing agency, saying that PSa is currently in talks with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas(BSP) and the aPo Production Unit, inc., both recognized government printers. She revealed that PSa is also considering the possibility of procuring private printing companies, with the assurance that these printers would adhere to the Data Privacy act since the information to be gathered will include biometrics, full name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, address, and if one is a Filipino or a resident alien. When asked if Filipinos overseas can apply for the new iD at any Philippine Embassy or Consulate, Dr. Bersales said that PSa plans to conduct mobile registrations at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate possibly in the next two years. She emphasized that during the initial implementation of the new iD system, PSa would prioritize indigents, people with disabilities (PWD), senior citizens, and government workers in several key areas all over the Philippines. atty. lourdines Dela Cruz, oiC-Deputy National Statistician for PhilSys Registry office, and Director Rosalinda Bautista, oiCDeputy National Statistician for Sectoral Statistics office, were also present and responded to some of questions raised during the open forum. Consul General Claro S. Cristobalwho moderated the Forum, encouraged the members of the Fil-am community to reach out to the Philippine Consulate on any concern about civil registra-
Members of the Filipino-American community and Philippine Consulate Officers and Staff raise common civil registry problems with PSAOfficials led by Dr. Lisa Bersales during a Forum on Civil Registration.
Duterte withdraws marijuana... PAGE 1 Medical marijuana group still pushes Despite Duterte’s withdrawal of support in the said legalization, the Philippine Cannabis Compassion Society (PCCS) insisted that it will continue its fight for the approval of medical marijuana’s use. in a Facebook post, the medical marijuana group urged the public and cannabis advocates alike to push for its legal usage and accessibility. “to all patients and their family members advocating for medical cannabis, are you ready and willing to continue the fight for legal, regulated and safe access to affordable medical cannabis?” the post stated. “Hanggang saan ninyo pwedeng ipaglaban ang medical cannabis? Kaya bang higit pa sa Facebook postings at comments? Kaya bang lampas pa sa social media? Handa bang dalhin ang laban hanggang kalsada, hanggang Malacanang? (How far are you willing to fight for medical cannabis? Can you go beyond Facebook posts and comments? Beyond social media? Are you willing to bring the fight on the
streets up to Malacañang),” it added. PCCS is a group of advocates pushing for safe, legal and affordable access to medical marijuana. in January 2019, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 6517 or the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis act to be able to provide “compassionate and right of access to medical cannabis and expanding research into its medicinal properties.” Buhay Party-list Representative lito atienza said that the president’s decision constituted a correct political leadership in throwing out the bill seeking to legalize medical marijuana. “the President’s case is consistent with our view that legalization [of medical marijuana] is bound to open a ‘Pandora’s box’ of drug abuse that can lead to an unwanted public health emergency, not to mention another law-enforcement problem,” atienza said. “Now that the president has spoken, we reckon that nobody will be foolish enough to introduce a similar measure in the next Congress,” he added as reported by The BusinessMirror. n
tion. He said that the Philippine Consulate looks forward to receiving the PSa when it holds its PhilSys mobile registration for Filipinos in the U.S. northeast in the next two years. n
ViRay
oNE of the United States Navy’s command ships docked in Manila last Wednesday for its first port visit in the country in three years. U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge arrived in the country’s capital to reconnect with the Philippines as its last port visit was in 2016. While in Manila, the U.S. Navy personnel will participate in community service and cultural exchange events, including 7th Fleet band engagements, the U.S. Embassy said. “our visit to Manila strength-
ens the bonds between our navies and our shared commitment to a free and open indo-Pacific,” U.S. 7th Fleet commander Vice adm. Philip Sawyer said in a statement. Capt. Eric anduze, commanding officer of the Blue Ridge, will meet with Philippine Navy officials to give them a tour of the ship and to explain its mission and goals. officials from both navies will participate in talks aboard the Blue Ridge to expand interoperability between Filipino and american forces. anduze said his team is “very proud” to be back in the country after a long absence.
“the Philippines has been an ally of our country for many years and being able to show our appreciation for that friendship is something we always look forward to. Continuing to foster and maintain our deep relationships here is paramount to what we do in the 7th Fleet,” anduze saud. More than 30 sailors from the 7th Fleet-Blue Ridge team will visit Filipino veterans at the Veterens Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City. they will also play a friendly basketball game with a local college and read to children in local neighborhoods in Manila during their visit.
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March 15-21, 2019 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL
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SPLASHING GOOD TIME. Children frolic and keep cool at the Pasig River as the temperature continues to rise. The weather bureau has yet to officially declare the start of summer, but temperatures have started to climb. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina
Pope Francis names second Filipino bishop... PAGE 1 years later. Serving as an associate pastor at churches in Burbank and Norwalk, then pastor of the St. Madeleine Church in Pomona in 2001, Aclan was named associate vicar for clergy in 2011. Four years later in 2015, Aclan became vicar for clergy and immersed himself in more service within the Los Angeles archdiocese. This included serving as an archdiocesan liaison to the Filipino Charismatic Prayer Groups. “Everybody has his own share of troubles,� he said in his Balikbayan Magazine interview. “ That goes for priests and lay people as well, that seems to be part of the human condition. All have been given tasks to do, equal to all. We have some very holy priests, but they do not see themselves as holy. Some priests are holy, they have the desire and zeal to minister to people, despite their age. They continue to have compassion and care for the poor and they just say yes to God’s invita-
tion to serve.� Having served in Los Angeles—home to the largest Filipino immigrant community in the U.S.—Aclan has been praised for being a connection to the city’s Fil-Am community. “As a priest, you are blessed with the opportunity to make Christ present to somebody else, every moment of your life, like no one else. Carpe Diem, be present and take advantage of it, it is a real blessing! At mass, you are the instrument to make Christ present, folks approach you, someone asks you to bless the water, everyone comes with different stories in their lives. Pope Francis is the best example, just Google him in the morning and listen to his homily. It is a gift, use those moments, don’t waste them. Stay and be inspirational to the people,� Aclan added. Aclan’s nomination to bishop comes 15 years since Bishop Oscar Solis became the first Fil-Am priest to be name bishop in the U.S. in 2004. Solis served as an
auxiliary bishop in Los Angeles until 2017 when he was named by Pope Francis to become Bishop of Salt Lake City in Utah. In a statement, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez described Aclan as a “proud son of our vibrant community.� “Bishop-elect Aclan is a man of prayer and he was a true heart for Jesus—and a deep concern for the people is called to serve,� said Gomez who announced the appointments on Tuesday. Gomez continued, “And I know he will be a voice for Filipino Catholics, who are a beautiful sign of growth and renewal in our Church here in Los Angeles and throughout the country.� Aclan’s ordination is scheduled to take place on May 16 with a special Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels. He joins Los Angeles auxiliary bishops Edward Clark, David O’Connell, Robert Barron, and Marc Trudeau, and will serve the Archdiocese of Los Angeles under Archbishop Gomez. n
Philippines, US kick off Pacific Partnership...
PAGE 1 “In return, our foreign partners also learn from our experiences and help in formulating multinational response protocols during disaster,� he said. This year’s two-week mission is led by U.S. Navy Capt. Randy Van Rossum, Commander of Destroyer Squadron 1, and his staff aboard expeditionary fast
transport ships USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6) and USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4), the U.S. Embassy in Manila said in a statement. In this mission, experts in the fields of engineering, medicine, and disaster response will partner with each host country to conduct civic action projects, community health exchanges,
medical symposiums, and disaster response training activities. “This year’s mission is focused on emergency and disaster preparedness, improving capacity of the local government, enhancing regional partnerships, and increasing multilateral operations,� said Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Romualdez. n
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 15-21, 2019
PH out of ICC by March... PAGE 1 March 17, 2019, any new cases, any new allegations for events occurring after March 17 (will no longer be taken),� Santiago said. Palace: ICC violates its own provisions Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the ICC cannot proceed with their investigation after the withdrawal since doing so would be against the regulation of the international court. “We have [been] pointing out that the ICC itself has been violating its own provisions, because, under the law, you cannot proceed when, assuming there’s a withdrawal because they’re saying we can proceed with the investigation even if there’s withdrawal,� Panelo said. “But under the law, it says that they can proceed only if there is a preliminary investigation prior to the withdrawal. But there was no preliminary investigation. There was only preliminary examination,� he added as reported by The Philippine
Daily Inquirer. The spokesperson and chief legal counsel defended that the South African High Court has no jurisdiction over the Philippines. He emphasized that the country was not a member, to begin with. “In the first place, from the very beginning they cannot be doing any investigation because as we pointed out to them, it never acquired jurisdiction over the Philippines from the very inception,� Panelo said. “It does not matter to us because they have no jurisdiction over us. If they force itself to acquire jurisdiction, it only shows that from the very start talagang hindi dapat pumapasok diyan sa ICC dahil (no one should join the ICC since) it’s violating its own provisions,� he added. Panelo clarified that neither the administration nor the Office of the President withdrew from the international court. He said that they explained to the ICC that the Philippines was never a part of their jurisdiction. “Let me restate our position
on the matter. One, we said we didn’t even withdraw, we said from the very beginning we were not under its jurisdiction. That letter was only to inform them as a matter of courtesy that, excuse us, we have not been under your jurisdiction from the very start,� Panelo said. “As argued by the president, there is a requirement of publication and that was never published, hence there’s no jurisdiction over his person and for that matter, over any person in this country,� he added. The high court is presently evaluating 52 cases alleging crimes against humanity. In February 2018, it launched its preliminary examination on the brutal war on drugs, which was accused to have killed thousands of suspected drug criminals, mostly poor. The administration perceived the judicial system as “robust.� “We have a robust judicial system. We’ve been prosecuting people and we have convictions as well as acquittals,� he said. (Nathalie Robles/AJPress)
Fil-Am priest charged with rape of... PAGE 3
leave and had his priestly faculties restricted by Archbishop Chaput following the notification from law enforcement. He was also removed from his residence at Saint Martin of Tours Parish in Philadelphia, where he had been assigned,� said the statement. In a statement on Tuesday, March 5, Kenneth Gavin, spokesman of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said that Garcia passed a
background check and attended child protection programs that were required of all priests. Garcia, who served as a regional representative for the National Association of Filipino Priests, has been removed from the association’s website and from other parish sites. According to the archdiocese, Garcia was ordained in 2005. Since then, he has served at Saint Joseph, Downingtown (2005-
2008); Saint Eleanor, Collegeville (2008-2009); Saint Katherine of Siena, Philadelphia (2009-2010); personal leave (2010-2011); Our Lady of the Assumption, Strafford (2011); Immaculate Heart of Mary, Philadelphia (2011-2017); Saint Martin of Tours, Philadelphia (2017-2018). Following his arrest, Garcia was released on $250,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is slated to be heard on March 14. n
US Navy flagship in Manila... PAGE 3 “It is always a great opportunity to participate in community events with children in other nations,� chief Religious Program Specialist Ana Douglas said. The Blue Ridge is currently deployed under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, Task Force 76, which is the lone forward-deployed amphibious force of the U.S. Navy. “The Blue Ridge recently completed a nearly two-year extended dry-dock selected restricted availability period and numerous certifications, to ensure she remains ready to provide security in the Indo-Pacific region,� the
U.S. Embassy said. The U.S. and the Philippines have been allies for almost decades after signing the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. Washington has been increasing its presence in the region amid Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, wherein Manila is also a claimant. China has been ignoring the 2016 ruling of a United Nationsbacked tribunal, which concluded that it violated its commitment under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea upon constructing artificial islands in the Philippines’ excliusive economic zone. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Com-
mand had declared that allies and partners will be included in future freedom of navigation operations in the disputed South China Sea to counter China’s bid of expanding its “form of ideology� through fear and coercion. “We’ve had allies and partners in the region — the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, all in one form or another step up their operations in the South China Sea and I think that shows the international community’s willingness to push back,� Indo-Pacific Command commander Adm. Philip Davidson told the U.S. Senate earlier this year. n
60 COUNTRIES. OVER 100 CITIES WORLDWIDE. THAT’S INTERNATIONAL.
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MARCH 15-21, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
OPINION
FEATURES
Drug trafficking hub
ELITE police Special Action Force teams, complete with armored vehicles, were deployed in an effort to stop illegal activities. Periodic raids were conducted. The most notorious drug dealers were isolated from the rest. And yet here we are again, aghast at reports that drug trafficking in Metro Manila and other areas continues to be directed from within the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa. The trafficker, drug convict Rusico Ygot, used the internet for his business with the help of his girlfriend Jocelyn Encilla, who operated from her house in Cebu, according to the Department of Justice, which has jurisdiction over the Bureau of Corrections. The DOJ is conducting a probe into the latest drug scandal to hit the NBP. Instead of calling in SAF teams and armored vehicles again, prison authorities may want to try something simpler: an honest-to-goodness crackdown on the use of any gadget that allows internet access, particularly cell phones and tablets, by prisoners and their visitors. This is not a human rights violation. By the nature of their legal status, convicted prisoners cannot have all the civil liberties enjoyed by people who have not broken the law and been placed behind bars. The NBP has landlines for the use of inmates. More landlines can be installed to allow
prisoners broader opportunities for communication. The phone number and person called plus the nature of the call – to consult with a lawyer, for example, or contact relatives – can be recorded. Inmates’ visitors must deposit their cell phones and other gadgets at the entrance to the prison facilities. This is done even in certain security offices and foreign embassies. It shouldn’t raise howls of protest in the country’s main prison. The government can also invest in metal detectors for the prisons. The most high-tech security scanners, of course, will prove no match for crooked prison personnel who allow inmates to continue with their criminal activities even behind bars. Only corruption can explain how high-value drug traffickers managed in the recent past to bring in Jacuzzi-equipped bathtubs and expensive household appliances, and to live in air-conditioned comfort in a national prison. With this latest scandal, the government must deal decisively with corruption in the NBP and Bureau of Corrections, sparing no one from punishment. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Trump’s 2020 budget prioritizes border wall, military at the expense of health care, education
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS “SHOW me your budget and spending and I will tell you your values.” Sounds familiar? Life coaches say it, financial analysts say it, our parents say it, politicians say it. Indeed, with limited resources, where we put our money mostly reveals what matters more to us, what our priorities are. This is true among us people. This is true in government. In the United States, the president submits a budget proposal for the next fiscal year and submits it to Congress, the co-equal branch of government accorded the “power of the purse” by the Constitution. For Fiscal Year 2020, President Donald Trump has pretty much revealed what matters most to him, where he thinks our hard
earned taxpayers money should go, and which ones are least important. Sorry, folks. If Trump will have his way, the people, especially ordinary hardworking Americans who are deprived by this broken economic system of a decent living wage to favor the richest people and corporations, will lose much of what matters to us in terms of the safety nets we rely on during challenging economic times, during sickness, and the means by which we and our children can have the fair share of getting ahead and pulling ourselves out of poverty. On Monday, March 11, Trump submitted his “Budget for a Better America” proposal to Congress, asking for a record-breaking $4.75 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year.
Fortune summarizes budget increases, budget cuts, and what will happen to the goal of paying for the expenses in the proposed budget of President Trump for the Fiscal Year 2020. Budget increases The president requested $750 billion for FY2020, a nearly 5% increase in this area, which exceeds what the Pentagon had asked for. Trump also prioritizes asking for more money for his controversial border wall, almost $9-Billion despite its lack of support from the American people, and despite Congress already earlier denying his demand for $5.7 billion for the wall. Beyond military and security spending,Fortune reported that Trump included in the budget funding for efforts to combat the opioid crisis, a 10% increase in health care spending for veter-
ans, $200 billion in infrastructure spending, spending to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, and increased resources for school choice, including federal tax credits. Budget cuts According to the Fortune report, Trump proposes a 5% cut at non-defense federal agencies, including a total of $1.9 trillion in cuts to safety net programs like Medicaid. Trump also proposed new work requirements for Medicaid recipients and turning more power over to states. On Medicare, Trump called for an $845 billion budget cut. Trump’s proposes a 10% decrease in funding for the Department of Education, totaling $62 billion or $7.1 billion less than the department’s allotted funds for 2019. Cuts and other revisions in the
federal student loan program are woven into this budget cut for education. Fortune quoted James Kvaal, president of the Institute for College Access & Success, who said the budget blueprint, subject to congressional changes, would “raise costs and increase student debt,” making borrowers pay $207 billion more on their student loans, which he calls a “dangerously wrong-headed proposal.” Other agencies that would see budget cuts include the Environmental Protection Agency, the State Department, the Transportation Department, and the Department of the Interior, affecting matters such as foreign aid, federal employee retirement programs, and clean energy. Budget deficit One of the campaign promises
Trump made in 2016 was that as president, the United States will pay off the national debt in eight years and earlier suggested that a balanced budget would be a reality in 10 years. But according to Fortune, “ the budget forecasts trillion-dollar deficits through 2022. These deficits build on the already $22 trillion of national debt.” How did we get here? Is America really well off under Trump as he promised? Are the lives of hardworking Americans better under his presidency? What do you experience in your own life? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Why Filipino politicians lie: It’s the media’s fault
Commentary
RICARDO SALUDO HUH? Why is media to blame for such deceptions as bogus academic credentials and baseless claims and accusations? It’s the politicians mouthing untruths, which journalists are supposed to report without comment or embellishment. So, why is it the messengers’ fault if the news contains unfounded or malicious assertions? Well, ask anyone maligned on Facebook, twitter and other social media. While these online channels merely disseminate what users post, it’s now widely expected, if not legally required, that websites validate messages posted and stop fake news, terrorist exhortations and other harmful or false content from going viral. News media commands much more authority and credibility than social media, so it, too, should be at least as vigilant as FB in validating claims, especially from politicians. Many of them bend or twist the truth for ulterior motives, especially during elections, so reporters and editors should always demand proof of politicians’ assertions. Well, often in this country, proof isn’t asked, especially from the opposition. Take the recent claims of Sen. Panfilo Lacson that the House of Representatives inserted tens of billions of pesos in pork barrel items in the proposed
2019 national budget. Did media ask proof from him? If it did, were the bases of his claims ever reported? And was Lacson asked to substantiate his claim that House Speaker Gloria Arroyo, whom he detests for the Dacer-Corbito murder charges filed against him, was behind the alleged insertions in the proposed General Appropriations Act (GAA)? By contrast, reporters are quick to require evidence when the government or administration officials make accusations, like the narcolist of local election candidates suspected of protecting or profiting from illegal drugs. News outlets are even more demanding of proof when one or some of them are accused of wrongdoing. In short, there is a double standard in validating politicians’ statements, partly due to the adversarial stance of American media influencing local press: skeptical toward the administration, but quick to accept opposition and citizens’ claims even without proof. Needless to say, that kind of coverage may lead to untruths outside the government. The art of ‘sabong journalism’ Another factor leading to lies in politics is “sabong” or cockfight journalism. With this habit, some media don’t bother asking the basis of allegations but, instead, turn to those accused or criticized for their retorts, no matter how unfounded the assertions may be. That’s exactly what hap-
pened to the budget pork barrel story, with little validating material presented, but lots of accusing soundbites exchanged. Just think: Has there been any specific item allegedly inserted by the House or the Senate, which has been cited for being illegal, improper, or ill-advised? There was criticism of unspecified “institutional amendments” and “flood-control projects,” but which exactly and why was it wrong for them to be included in the GAA? Rather than verifying claims with hard facts, news becomes a litany of he-says-she-says, with the reputation of contending voices deciding which side gets public acceptance. In the pork barrel squabble, Lacson keeps accusing Arroyo, maybe hoping that her low trust rating would win the argument for him, even without proof. When this writer was a Palace official, journalists routinely asked for comment on opposition remarks. The standard procedure was to first verify that the reported statement was actually made. If it was genuine, one would then ask if the reporter asked for the critic to substantiate his or her allegation. The media would often query if the Palace was demanding proof. One would then repeat the question: Did you, the reporter, ask for proof, as a competent journalist should? Once the opposition had given the basis for their accusation, then the Palace would comment.
Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, re-electionist Senator Bam Aquino, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal and former Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada conducted several door-to-door persuasion campaigns. Inquirer.net photo by Gab Lalu
Invariably, reporters promised to get back to this writer with proof of the allegation. None ever came back with evidence, and that ended many baseless stories. Most government spokespersons quickly issue denials, however, instead of asking journalists to do their job by validating claims, not just fishing for comments. So, instead of retiring baseless accusations, Palace denials turn them into headline stories about Malacañang denying this or that. That encourages more unfounded accusations. A couple of times, the press did follow this writer’s urging to demand proof from accusers. In late 2005, ABS-CBN New Channel anchor Carmina Constantino asked then Sen. Serge Osmeña to substantiate his claim that the Ombudsman at the time, Simeon Marcelo, quit over Palace pressure. Osmeña replied: “The peo-
ple will just have to take my word for it.” In 2007, Lacson himself was asked for proof that Philippine National Police (PNP) intelligence funds were the source of bags of money allegedly given to legislators at the Palace, as he claimed. He said the PNP should open its funds to scrutiny. In sum, Lacson wanted the PNP to prove its innocence by doing an utter no-no for any law enforcement agency, as the former PNP chief knew: publicizing its intelligence budget, which would alert lawless elements how to counter its detective efforts. To uphold truth, demand proof In 17 years of international journalism as editor-writer with Asiaweek magazine in Hong Kong, this columnist and his colleagues then always pressed politicians for proof. Not only was it part of professional journalism;
it was also needed in case the publication was sued. In libel cases in Hong Kong, crucial to the defense were efforts to verify claims, rather than just repeating them without asking proof. But libel law may operate differently in the Philippines, which may further make sabong journalism the preferred way to get headline news hereabouts. Especially if asking for proof might just show many allegations to be baseless and unworthy of coverage. But readers should not let sabong journalism blunt their quest for truth. In reading news, one can check if there are any supporting facts and evidence given for statements quoted. If there is none, responsible media would say prominently: “No proof was provided for the allegations.” If journalists did that, it would help stop untruth in politics. (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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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 15-21, 2019
Dateline PhiliPPines
Duterte: I will be firing another set of officials Rappler to face anti-dummy charge by aJPress PhiliPPine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, March 13, announced he will be firing another set of government officials over corruption issues. “i will be firing another set of officials. i’m sorry. Mahirap kasi (It’s difficult). iyan lang ano ko if you want to help me run the government at yung programa ko. You know, ako lang ang presidente ngayon. i have distributed almost 160,000 hectares. (That’s my only issue, if you want to help me run the government and my programs. I’m the only president now),” he said during a speech in Cau-
ayan City, isabela during the campaign sortie of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - lakas ng Bayan (PDP-laban). however, Duterte did not identify the officials who are the sources of his frustration. The statement came following Malacañang’s announcement that former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Alexander Balutan was fired “due to serious corruption allegations.” This was later retracted by presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, saying the official resigned instead. Duterte in the past had repeatedly said he would fire gov-
ernment officials even with just a “whiff” of corruption. he had received criticisms, however, for firing officials without pursuing charges against them. Furthermore, some of the government officials were merely transferred to other agencies during the height of their controversies. Customs chief isidro lapeña and nicanor Faeldon, for example, left the Bureau of Customs after the multi-billion shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) mess. They were later reassigned to the Technical education and Skills Development Authority and Bureau of Corrections, respectively. n
Filipino adult internet users increased by six percent - SWS by Nathalie
Robles
AJPress
A ReCenT Social Weather Stations survey (SWS) on Wednesday, March 13, revealed that the number of adult Filipinos who use the internet rose to 47 percent last quarter, a six-point increase from 41 percent in September 2018. Adult Filipinos aged 18 to 24 use the internet the most at 88 percent, followed by ages 25 to 34 at 69 percent. Ages 35 to 44 comprised 56 percent of the frequent internet users while ages 45 to 54 ranked fourth with 32 percent and lastly ages 55 and above comprised 17 percent. “The proportion of Filipino adults using the internet has been steadily increasing since SWS first asked about it in June 2006, when it was at 8 percent,” the polling firm said as reported by The Manila Times. “it ranged from 11-19 percent from September 2007 to December 2011 and rose to 23-32 percent from March 2012 to December 2015. it ranged from 34-42 percent from April 2016 to September 2018, before it reached a record-high 47 percent in December 2018,” it added. The 2019 report from the polling firm maintained that Metro Manila had the most number of internet users with 59 percent. however, there was a five percent decrease from the recorded 64 percent in the previous quar-
Children browse through social media network website Facebook in a computer shop. Philstar.com photo
ter. The country’s metropolitan capital always had the recordhigh in terms of internet users since 2006. it was then followed by the Balance luzon with 56 percent, a nine-point increase from the previous quarter’s 47 percent. The Visayas, in the recent survey, had 35 percent of internet users. it rose by seven points from 28 percent in September, followed by Mindanao with a five-point increase at 32 percent from the previous 27 percent. The survey stated that the internet use was “highest” among classes ABC at 61 percent, while usage for class D was at a new
record high of 49 percent, and class e was at 34 percent. it also recorded that women use the internet more with a fivepoint difference at 49 percent than men with only 44 percent. The SWS survey also proved that Filipinos spend the most time on the internet and on social media sites, according to a 2019 report. The poll, conducted from December 16 to 19, 2018 using face-to-face interviews of 1,440 adults nationwide, had sampling error margins of ±2.6 percent for national percentages, and ±5 percent each for Balance luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao. n
by aJPress
pines, or to corporations or associations wholly owned and The Pasig City prosecutor’s managed by such citizens,” the office has concluded its prelimi- code stated as reported by The nary investigation on Philippine Philippine Daily inquirer. online news platform Rappler The Rappler camp filed a moregarding its alleged violation of tion for reconsideration but was the country’s anti-dummy law. later on dismissed by the Court in 2018, the national Bureau of Appeals. Appeals Court Asof investigation (nBi) submitted sociate Justice Rafael Antonio a complaint to the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Rappler for its alleged violation of the Commonwealth Act 108 otherwise known as the Anti-Dummy law. The law stated that foreigners are prohibited from intervening in the management, operation, administration, or control of any nationalized activity. Filipinos who were proved to violate this law is deemed to commit a criminal act punishable with five to 15 years of imprisonment. A nationalized activity covered the ownership of a media network to which Rappler and Rappler holdings Corporation were accused of violating. The said online platform reportedly received a donation from Omidyar network and eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. Under the provision of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, a media company - newspaper, television, radio etc. must be 100 percent controlled and operated by Filipino citizens. Other details of the case were not disseminated among the media as they reasoned out that doing so would preempt the decision of the investigating prosecutor on whether to dismiss or file the complaint in court. SEC revokes Rappler registration The Securities and exchange Commission (SeC) revoked the registration of the said media company as it canceled all articles of incorporation of Rappler and RhC for “existing for no other purpose than to effect a deceptive scheme to circumvent the Constitution.” According to the foreign equity restriction in the Constitution, the Presidential Decree and the Securities Regulation Code clearly stated that media platforms must be owned and managed by Filipinos. “The ownership and management of mass media shall be limited to citizens of the Philip-
Santos rejected the plea of the media network to reverse the ruling of SeC. “After careful scrutiny of the instant motion, this Court finds that it presents no compelling reason to justify the reconsideration of this Court’s decision dated 26 July 2018. The arguPAGE 8
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March 15-21, 2019 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL
Dateline PhiliPPines
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Catholic priests amid death threats: The response is not silence by AJPress Priests remained firm in their criticism of the alleged extrajudicial killings in the Philippines as they shared the hateful messages they received from calling out the flaws in the government. three Catholic priests Father Flavie Villanueva, Father robert reyes and Father Albert Alejo on Monday, March 11, revealed a series of death threats they received following the verbal attacks of President rodrigo Duterte towards the religious institution. “Hindi pananahimik, kundi ang malinaw, mahinahon, at matapang na pamamahayag at paninindigan. itigil na ang pananakot, itigil na ang pagpatay (Not silence, but the clear, sober, and courageous proclamation and conviction. Stop the threats, stop the killings),” they said. in a press conference at the saint Vincent school of theology in tandang sora, Quezon City, the priests shared with the media the threatening messages they began to receive after Duterte’s tirade against the church. “Ang mga text na ito ay mga nakakatakot na banta na nagsimula sa matabila na dila mismo ng ating presidente dahil sa galit niya sa ating simbahan (These text messages are scary threats that began with the loud mouth of our president because of his anger at our Church),” reyes said. Alejo, a Jesuit priest revealed that there were also unanswered calls before he received threatening messages. He noted that
they too were scared but they continued on calling out the alleged state-sponsored killings in the Philippines. “Aaminin ko po na lumabas po kami dahil may takot din kami. Nananawagan kami sa mga utak, sa mga ulo, sa mga pasimuno ng pagpatay, itigil na po natin ‘yan. itigil na ninyo ang mga nakawilihan ninyong negosyo (I admit we came out now because we are afraid. We appeal to the brains, the masterminds, the proponents of the killings, please stop it. Stop the livelihood you have been accustomed to),” Alejo said. the Jesuit priest exposed the curse-filled and disturbing messages he received on a sunday night, February 10. “P***g**a ka! Bilang ng araw mo animal ka. Di talaga kayu masabihan nila David anu. P***g**a talaga kayu. Magkano ba gusto nyu? P***g**a tala kayu. Pesteng yawa. P***g**a p***g**a nyu. Papatayin ko kayu (Son of a b****. Your days are numbered you animal. You and David don’t really listen. Sons of b****es. How much do you want? Sons of b****es. Devil shit. Sons of a b****. I will kill you),” the text message stated as reported by rappler. One message even threatened Archbishop socrates Villegas to prepare for his funeral as they warn him that his next mass would be on his death. “ihanda nyu na ang lugar na pagbuburolan ninyo. Dahil ang sunod na Misa, ay Misa na para sa kapayapaan ng kaluluwa nyu (Prepare now the place where your wake will be held, because your next Mass — is the Mass for
the repose of your souls).” Another message addressed to Bishop Ambo David on a Wednesday, February 13 was included in the threats they revealed. “Masyado kayung pakielamero ni socrates lalo na yung olopong nyung pari si Alejo at reyes. P****g i*a talaga kayu. Pakialamero kayu (You and Socrates, and the snakes among your priests, Alejo and Reyes, love to meddle. You sons of a b****. You meddlesome people).” in a speech on February 25, the president read aloud a text message from Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio tagle emphasizing the threats the religious leaders have been receiving. “Good day po. Greetings from rome. i was informed that Bishop David, some priests got death threats from someone claiming to be working for the President’s family. Just to let you know, baka may naninira (someone might be trying to destroy your reputation). thanks. We pray,” tagle reportedly said. Presidential spokesperson salvador Panelo said that the text “could be coming from pranksters, or could be from antiDuterte trolls” to put Duterte “in a bad light.” He said these could also come “from personal enemies of the priests.” “sending threats via text messages is the easiest and convenient thing to do, you can’t trace the source,” Panelo said. However, critics believed that the chief executive’s tirades emboldened such threats to surface. n
Fathers Albert Alejo, Robert Reyes and Flavie Villanueva are prayed over by nuns and lay leaders amid death threats they are receiving from unknown people on Monday, March 11. Photo courtesy of CBCP
70TH ANNIVERSARY OF PH-KOREA DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez (right) hands over to South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong Man a copy of his book about President Rodrigo Duterte, as a token of appreciation during a press conference at the PSC office at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila on Tuesday, March 12. The PSC will partner with the Embassy of Korea in staging the “Tortoise Marathon” and other related cultural events in June, in connection with the 70th anniversary celebration of the Philippine-Korea diplomatic relations. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.
First batch of Philippine National ID registration to start in September by AJPress tHe leadership of the House of representatives on tuesday, March 12, said the first batch of registration for the implementation of the National identification system Law will begin in september. “i am happy that it’s all systems go for the national iD system based on the timeline they have presented to us this morning,” said speaker Gloria MacapagalArroyo in a statement. According to her, the National statistics Office informed her that they are ready to conduct the “first batch of registration” and issue the first iDs this september following the House oversight committee on population and family relations held in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. the republic Act 11055 or the Philippine identification system or National iD Law was signed into law by President rodrigo Duterte in August 2018. During the hearing, Atty. Lourdines De la Cruz, deputy national statistician of the Philippine statistics Authority, said they will start the registration for the Philsys this september by targeting
Philstar.com photo
about 6 million individuals. Filipinos and resident aliens that are at least five years old are eligible to register, but the first to be registered are indigents, People with Disabilities (PWDs), and government workers in several key areas all over the country. information for the Philsys will include biometrics (thumbprint, iris and face scanning), full name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, residential address, and if one is a Filipino or a resident alien, under the law. Meanwhile, marital status, mobile
numbers, and email addresses are optional. the registrant will be given his/ her permanent Philsys Number after the registration. the corresponding card, which will serve as a single identification system for all Filipino citizens and resident aliens, will be issued once the information is verified. Dela Cruz also said the government is targeting to issue 100 million cards to Filipinos and resident aliens by 2022. the government has guaranteed P2-billion funding for the national iD system. n
DOH notes 18,553 measles cases; 286 related deaths MANiLA — the number of people who have died after reportedly contracting measles have reached 286 in two months, the Department of Health (DOH) said. in a latest report of the DOH’s epidemiology Bureau dated March 8, a total of 18,553 measles cases and 286 fatalities were recorded from January 1 to March 7. the number of deaths recorded
this year is seven times higher than the 39 deaths recorded in the same period in 2018. the health department said out of the 286 deaths caused by the airborne disease, 131 or 41 percent were aged 1 to 4 years old, while 110 or 26 percent were less than 9 months of age. Meanwhile, 80 percent or 228 of those who have died did not have any history of vaccination,
28 have unknown vaccination status, and 30 had at least one dose of vaccination. Metro Manila recorded the highest number of deaths at 82, followed by Calabarzon with 80 deaths, the DOH said. Meanwhile, the highest number of measles cases were recorded at Calabarzon with 4,087 cases, followed by Metro Manila at 3,850. (Daphne Galvez/Inquirer)
In this Oct. 29, 2018 photo, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. jointly meets the press after their talks in Davao. Upon the invitation of Wang, Locsin will undertake an official visit to China from March 18 to 21. Photo courtesy of DFA
DFA chief Locsin to visit China by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
MANiLA — Foreign Affairs secretary teodoro “teddy” Locsin Jr. will undertake a four-day official visit to China next week, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced on thursday, March 14. this will be his first visit to China since assuming the top DFA post in October last year. Upon the invitation of Chinese state Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Locsin will be in China from March 18 to 21. “secretary Locsin and his Chinese counterpart will hold a bilateral meeting to discuss the strengthening of the friendly relations between the Philippines and China in the spirit of mutual respect and through enhanced functional cooperation,” the DFA said in a statement. the two foreign ministers are
also expected to discuss “ways to advance the larger goal of bringing about peace and prosperity to the region.” the Philippines and China have been embroiled in a maritime dispute over the south China sea, where the latter had constructed artificial islands and installed military facilities. Under the Aquino administration, the Philippines lodged an arbitration case before a Haguebased tribunal against China’s nine-dash line claim over the south China sea, part of which is the West Philippine sea. in 2016, the international tribunal ruled in favor of Manila, invalidating Beijing’s expansive claims over the contested waterway. the Duterte administration, however, opted to hold a bilateral consultation mechanism with China to settle the dispute.
in March 2018, Locsin’s predecessor Alan Peter Cayetano flew to Beijing to discuss the possible joint exploration in the West Philippine sea. A few months after the March visit, Cayetano would declare that the two countries agreed not to set a deadline on the possible joint exploration. the Philippines’ initial proposal to China was a 60-40 sharing in favor of Manila. During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s official visit to Manila in November, the Philippines and China signed a memorandum of understanding on oil and gas development. Locsin later on clarified that the signed MOU was a deal to “agree to arrive at an agreement” as early on declared by energy secretary Alfonso Cusi as there is no agreement yet on the proposed joint exploration in the West Philippine sea. n
Rappler to face anti-dummy... PAGE 7 ments raised by petitioners are essentially the same as those that have already been discussed and were exhaustively passed upon in this Court’s decision,” santos wrote.
“in summary, a motion for reconsideration grounded on arguments already submitted to the court and found to be without merit may be denied summarily, as it would be a useless ritual for this Court to
reiterate itself. Here, petitioners did not raise any new matter of issue in its motion. Accordingly, this Court finds no cogent justification to reconsider its decision dated 26 July 2018,” he added. n
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 15-21, 2019
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March 15-21, 2019 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL
Dateline PhiliPPines
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Palace execs claim Europe trip ‘fruitful’ by catherine
Valente ManilaTimes.net
tional task force, under EO 70. And of course, as the information THE government on Wednes- arm, ito po ang naging role niya day, March 13, said the recent (this is part of its role). We call visit of military and Presidential that mission as the Truth CaraCommunications Operations Of- van‌ where we directly engaged fice (PCOO) officials to Europe with stakeholders, not only in the was “fruitful,â€? disputing claims local scene but also abroad, our Filipino communities. I’d like to that it was a “junket.â€? Presidential Communications assure you na (that it was) very Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco said fruitful,â€? Egco said in a news he and other officials were sent briefing. “Everything was transparent, to Europe to clarify issues confronting the government, such as everything was aboveboard. involuntary disappearances and They were very happy, the Filianti-communist terrorist groups. pino communities. We engaged The trip, he noted, was in com- the media. You know it’s not easy pliance with Executive Order to face members of the European (EO) 70, which created the Na- Union parliament. The officials tional Task Force to End Local and experts of the United Nations, hindi natin pwedeng bolaCommunist Armed Conflicts. “The PCOO is part of the na- hin ang mga yan (We can’t fool
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Joel M. Sy Egco ManilaTimes.net photo
them),� he added �What we did was actually to preserve integrity of information on what’s really happening in the Philippines,� he added. n
Duterte signs law making adoption process simpler A Filipina pushes her cart toward the exit of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
OFWs oppose mandatory SSS membership by William
Depasupil ManilaTimes.net
OPPOSITION to the mandatory membership of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to the Social Security System (SSS) mounted on Wednesday, March 13, as more groups questioned its enforcement. Migrante International said no consultation was conducted by the SSS on the matter. The Blas Ople Policy Center (BOPC) and other OFW sectors also expressed reservations, pointing out that newly hired OFWs, particularly household
service workers (HSWs), would not be able to pay P960 a month. In a meeting with Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd, Susan Ople pointed out that a newly hired domestic helper would not be able to raise the enrollment amount because she has not even started earning. Recruitment consultant and migration expert Emmanuel Geslani said asking a domestic worker to pay the enrolment fee to the SSS as a pre-condition for the processing of her travel documents would be repressive. Migrante Philippines Chair-
man Arman Hernando said that under the new law, it was the OFW who would bear the brunt of paying the monthly contributions and not the employer. “Worst, OFWs will be forced to contribute P2,400 per month as long as the host country does not enter into a bilateral agreement that will obligate employers to remit their contributions,� Hernando said. The SSS plans to enroll some 3 million OFWs under the mandatory coverage provisions of Republic Act 11199, otherwise known as the “Social Security Act of 2018.� n
Marawi City vice mayor arrested on rebellion charges by al Jacinto ManilaTimes.net
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Security forces arrested on Wednesday, March 13 the vice mayor of Marawi City who is facing charges of rebellion, an army spokesman said. Capt. Clint Antipala of the 1st Infantry Division (ID) said Arafat Salic was arrested by soldiers and police officers before noontime at Marawi City Hall. “Salic is included in the Office of the Martial Law Administrator Arrest Order dated Sept. 4, 2017 for rebellion case,� Antipala said,
quoting a report by Col. Romeo Brawner, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade. He said Salic, who underwent a routine medical check-up, would be handed over to the police. Over 300 people, mostly alleged members or supporters of pro-Islamic State (IS) and terrorist groups, were included in the arrest order. Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, commander of the 1st ID, lauded Salic’s capture. “The 1st Infantry Division supports the commander in chief’s (Rodrigo Duterte) declaration
of Martial Law. We will perform our duties in accordance with the law, respecting the rights of every individual and their properties. We take pride of the overwhelming support of the constituents and stakeholders in our area of responsibility as we perform our mandate to serve the people and secure the land,� Ancan said. In May 2017, Duterte placed Mindanao under a state of martial law following the deadly siege of Marawi by pro-IS militants. Congress extended martial rule in Mindanao until the end of this year. n
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romero Philstar.com
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a bill that would simplify the adoption process and grant amnesty to those who tampered records to make it a appear that a child was born to a person who is not the biological mother. Duterte signed Republic Act 11222 or the Simulated Birth Rectification Act on February 21. A copy of the law was released by MalacaĂąang on Thursday, March 14. The new law would allow the rectification of the simulated birth of a child, in which the simulation was made for the best interest of the child. Simulation of birth record refers to the “tampering of the civil registry to make it appear in the record of birth that a child was born to a person who is not such child’s biological mother, and causing the lost of the true identity and status of such child.â€? It would also fix the status and filiation of a child whose birth was simulated by giving such child all the benefits of adoption and ensuring that he or she would be entitled to all rights provided to legally-adopted children. The law also seeks to provide for a simpler and less costly administrative adoption proceeding that will apply to children who have been living with persons
AN advocacy group has filed a complaint before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against outgoing Sen. Loren Legarda for alleged violation of election laws. The Filipino League of Advocates for Good Governance (FLAGG), in its lettercomplaint addressed to Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas, claimed that Legarda, who is running for congressman in the lone district of Antique, was “illegally� benefiting from government funds. The complaint was dated March 4, 2019 and signed by Junex Doronio, director of FLAGG for the Visayas. It claimed that the senator violated Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code when she personally distributed government projects in Antique. “We find it very surprising that despite the fact that her intention to run in Antique was general knowledge, she parades and harps in the province that
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she funded innumerable projects in Antique,� it said. Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code enumerates various prohibited acts, which constitute an election offense. Doronio said the senator’s actions also run directly against the Supreme Courts decision on the pork barrel system because she treated government funds as her own. “As chair of the Senate committee she should refrain from doing this illegal and immoral practice. It is clear that her candidacy is benefiting from these national projects that the Executive Branch is implementing in Antique,� the petitioner said. Legarda, in a disqualification case filed against her by Exequiel Javier, a former congressman and governor of Antique, pointed out that as a senator and chairman of the Senate finance committee, she allocated funds to provide financial assistance to Antique residents, and spear-
headed several projects to preserve and promote the environment, tourism, and rich culture of the province. The Comelec Second Division, in a resolution, dismissed last month the disqualification complaints separately filed by Javier and former Antique vice governor Robin Rubinos for allegedly misrepresenting in her certificate of candidacy her period of residency in Antique. The decision though is not yet final and may still be elevated to the Commission en banc. But Comelec spokesman James Jimenez pointed out that any negative decision issued by a Comelec Division would still have no effect on one’s candidacy, as in the case of Legarda. “It is not yet final. There can be an appeal taken, which means no practical impact on the candidacy because it is not yet final,� he pointed out. (William Depasupil/ManilaTimes. net)
Prosecution panel wraps up probe into graft, admin raps vs LapeĂąa, 50 others Philstar.com
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age, possess full civil capacity and legal rights, of good moral character, have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, emotionally and psychologically capable of caring for children and capable of supporting the child. For couples by which one of the adopters is a foreigner married to a Filipino, the foreigner must have been residing in the Philippines for at least three years before the filing of the petition for adoption. Instead of going through court proceedings, those who seek to adopt a child may file a petition with the social welfare and development officer of the city or town where the child lives. The social welfare secretary shall decide on the petition within 30 days from receipt of the recommendation of the agency’s regional director. Once the requirements are satisfied, the adopted child would be considered a legitimate son or daughter and will be entitled to all rights and obligations provided by law. About 6,500 children have been declared available for adoption, almost 4,000 of them under the care of state-run facilities, according to a recent Senate statement. The lower chamber passed House Bill 5675 on Dec. 12, 2018, while the upper chamber approved Senate Bill 2081 on Dec. 13, 2018. n
Complaint filed vs Legarda over ‘illegal’ use of govt funds for Antique
by Kristine Joy
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who simulated their birth record for at least three years. Under the law, a person who simulated a child’s birth and who cooperated in doing so shall not be criminally, civilly or administratively liable provided that it was made for the best interest of the child and the child has been consistently considered and treated by the person as his or her own son or daughter. To avail of the amnesty, the person should have filed a petition for adoption with an application for the rectification of the simulated birth record within ten years from the effectivity of the law. A person who simulated the birth of a child may avail of adoption proceedings and rectify the birth record if the child has been living with the person for at least three years before the law took effect. Also required is a social welfare department-issued certificate declaring the child legally available for adoption. Republic Act 8552 or the Domestic Adoption Act penalizes those who cause the fictitious registration of the birth of a child under the name of a person who is not the biological parent. In an earlier statement, Sen. Grace Poe, principal author of the Simulated Birth Rectification Act, said the provision made adoption tedious and costly for ordinary Filipinos. Under the new law, adoptors must be Filipino citizens, of legal
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MANILA — The Department of Justice wrapped up on Tuesday, March 12, its preliminary probe into graft raps against former Customs commissioner and now Technical Education and Skills Development Authority chief Isidro Lapeùa and 50 others. Assistant State Prosecutor Mary Jane Sytat had clarificatory questions to the two parties during the preliminary investigation hearing, before deeming the complaint submitted for resolution. The prosecution panel is determining whether there is probable cause to charge Lapeùa and 50 others with graft and administrative charges over two incidents of shabu smuggling last year. The TESDA chief is facing two counts of violation of the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act and administrative complaints of dereliction of duty and grave misconduct over two smuggled magnetic lifters believed to have contained illegal drugs. Authorities seized lifters in Manila that are suspected to contain P2.4 billion worth of shabu. Another shipment of magnetic lifters, also believed to have concealed P11 billion worth of shabu, was found empty in Cavite.
A Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency agent examines one of four magnetic lifters following a raid on a warehouse in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite on Aug. 11, 2018. The lifters were empty, but PDEA dogs detected traces of illegal drugs worth an estimated P6.8 billion. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban
The National Bureau of Investigation said LapeĂąa, head of the Bureau of Customs during the incident, did not file any case against the shippers and consignee of the magnetic lifters even after it was discovered that the goods were misclassified. “His deliberate intent to favor the violator was manifested by the fact that, in spite the violators were identified by Commissioner LapeĂąa, he did not prosecute or cause the prosecution of the violators,â€? the complaint read.
Former Customs Intelligence Officer Jimmy Guban is also facing at least three criminal complaints. Guban has been admitted to the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program. The NBI also named former Police Senior Superintendent Eduardo Acierto, former PDEA Deputy Director General Ismael Fajardo, Customs Deputy Commissioner Ricardo Quinto and Police Inspector Lito Pirote in the complaint. n
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COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS CAN aspirin prevent stroke/ heart attack? Daily low-dose of aspirin (81 mg to 100 mg Acetylsalicylic Acid or ASA) is prescribed by physicians for the prevention of heart attack, stroke and blood clot formation among appropriately selected patients who can tolerate it and who do not have any contraindication (bleeding tendencies, stomach ulcer, etc) to aspirin ingestion. It is a simple, cheap, and convenient regimen which physicians themselves take for prophylaxis. But just like any other drug, aspirin isn’t good nor safe for everyone. There are potential serious complications from this seemingly harmless medication. Be sure to consult your physicians before starting yourself on aspirin, or on any other medications. Are skin lotion useful, safe? Skin moisturizers like drinking water for hydration, is vital to health. Popular skin moisturizing lotions and creams manufactured by reputable companies are in general safe and effective in fighting off, and soothing, dry skin. The usual ingredients in most of them are water, glycerine, aloe vera, palm glyceride, ceteareth-20, hydroxylated lanolin, dimethicone, alkyl benzoate, glyceryl dilaurate, mineral oil, stearic acid, petrolatum, sodium carbomer, methylparaban, dmdmhydantoin, fragrance, cetyl alcohol, prohylene glycol, etc. Each company varies its skin lotion it a bit, adding vitamin E or cocoa butter, etc. For those with skin allergies, there are fragrance-free lotions and creams. More expensive ones are not necessarily better. If they have the same formulations and made by reliable firms, the less expensive one is obviously the better bargain. Both women and men and children need skin moisturizers. Moisturizers are vital to our facial skin, to minimize aging and wrinkling. Are penis enlargers true? Lately the internet has been
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA WHILE appearances may deceive, more often than not, what you are is reflected on the outside. Becoming your own style icon does not mean maxing out your credit cards just to follow the latest fashion trends. Don’t do it. It’s a fool’s errand. You can never get caught up with it anyway. Fashion, like technology, will push the latest trend just to keep and grow market share. It’s all about money and profits. Who says you have to buy every season’s new fashion? Don’t let those so-called fashion Nazis dictate how you dress. First, get comfortable in your own skin. Focus on the positive features and accept and mitigate what you consider as flaws. Then find the style that suits you — something well within your means and makes you comfortable and confident while you do the things you love to do, or in many cases, have to do, on a daily basis. Experiment with the clothes you already have in your closet. Chances are, with the exception of underwear, you probably have all you need. Test combinations of cut, color, texture and style. Take a photo of the combinations that work for you and make you feel good and confident. Browse through magazines and pick a few that appeal to your own sense of who you are. Stick to the time-tested classics and it is more than likely, you will hit the bullseye of being your own style icon. Dump the Hollywood look. Entertainment industry stylists push trends that are flashy, show far too much skin and wobbly, jiggly bits of flesh. Notice how they almost have the same
ASA, sushi, and other facts flooded with unsolicited ads about penis enlarger. We have received a few emails from our readers inquiring about its veracity and safety. We are amazed at the grave concern some men have about themselves, and their confusion in equating the size of their genital with the degree of their masculinity and potency. There seems to be an obsession among some men to have a “bigger one.” Being a student of magic and illusion, I have always said it is not the size of the wand that counts, but the magic it creates. The largest sex organ in the body is the brain and that’s where the magic begins. These so-called “guaranteed penis enlarger or your money back” offers are nothing else but a scam. There is no medical evidence or scientific basis for the claim, be they “the exercise,” the pill or lotion or potion. The only ones that will grow larger, if the ignorant public is duped into buying these worthless products, are the bank accounts of these unscrupulous companies. Guys, let’s use our brain instead. Do painted cribs cause lead poisoning? If the paints used in the crib have lead in them, yes they can cause Plumbism (lead poisoning) when the toddler chews on the crib or painted toys, etc. In the United States “leaded” paints are banned from use where children are exposed to them, among toy manufacturers, classroom/school paints, etc. Homemade cribs coated with “leaded” paints, are a constant cause of Plumbism, even today. Other sources at home are foods and beverages (fruits, fruit juices, cola drinks, tomatoes, tomato juice, cider, wine, etc) stored in improperly lead-glazed ceramic wares or any lead-lined containers, leaded glasses, etc. Some of the symptoms include persistent and forceful vomiting, abdominal pains, seizures, unstable gait (walking), mental retardation, varied levels of consciousness and coma, depending on the chronicity and severity of poisoning. Are there pills that dissolve
gallstones? Presently, there is no medication (or any chemical safe for humans to ingest) that will dissolve gallstones, kidney stones or cholesterol plaques in arteries. There will always be claims for a “super-cure” from charlatans and opportunists, who are out there to make a quick buck, as long as there are willing victims. It behooves us, the public, to be well-informed and skeptically cautious (holding on to our wallet) when dealing with “panaceas.” It is always wise to verify the information with your physician. Skin rash after sex? Skin rashes that develop almost immediately after intimacy is usually due to allergy. The allergen (material or substance causing the reaction) could be the latex in condom, diaphragm, spermicidal agent, cosmetics, or in very rare instances, the semen itself. It is advisable to seek medical care if this happens to rule out other causes. In the meantime it will be helpful to the physician if the partners jointly analyze the circumstances and make a list of possible allergens. Is sushi healthy food? Provided they are clean and not contaminated by bacteria or toxic chemical, sushi (uncooked fish), just like raw Visayan kinilaw with all the omega 3 fatty acids in them, is healthy food and good for the cardiovascular system. Sushi has been very popular in its adopted country, the United States, especially among college students, white collar workers, professionals, the yuppies, etc. Some people do not like even the idea of eating raw fish, period, but those who have a taste for it simply salivate at the thought of having it, especially with wine or beer. Ingestion of contaminated sushi leads to gastroenteritis, with abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, the gravity of which depend on the dose of the bacterial contamination. The art of preparing sushi incorporates with it strict discipline in the choice of quality fish, meticulous observance of hygiene and an impressive artistic presentation PAGE 13
The Bucket List
Become Your Own Style Icon 9th of a Series
“… As within, so without…” –Hermes Trismegistus cookie cutter look and the same frozen faces botoxed to the max? No, you don’t want to go there. Keep mixing and matching. Discard the ones you know in your gut you will never, ever use. Reclaim valued space in the closet. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. There is no
your choices make it so. If you work for an organization, it means you have to blend your style and comply with the company dress code. Looking professional and competent is key. Remember that as an employee, you are a reflection of the company you work for. If casual jeans and tees are the norm in the company or because the nature of your work requires you to be holed up all day in some obscure cubicle and does not have to face the public, then wear them. It doesn’t mean, however, that you are required to dress down at all times. Predictability is boring. From time to time, make an effort to look really good just to make yourself feel good. Why buy clothes and let them hang by their lonesome in the closet? Believe it or not, it does your psyche good to receive compliments from time to time, particularly on down days. Do you know what is the cherry on top of a unique style icon? It’s a killer smile. A smile that comes from your eyes is a light bulb that dispels darkness and negativity. It is essentially a sneak preview of the wellspring of goodness and love busting to get out from within you. Next week: Back to yet another idea to consider for The Bucket List… *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Predictability is boring. From time to time, make an effort to look really good just to make yourself feel good. fashion police to issue you a ticket. Pretty soon, you will know in your gut the look that telegraphs who you are without saying a word. You’ve heard it before. “Dress for success! Dress to impresss!” Or that famous line: “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit!” (Okay, I am going off tangent here.) But the point is you must regard slogans with a bit of caution. Catchy rhyming slogans are not necessarily true. Discernment is key. When you dress to impress, you will simply get stressed trying to top each ensemble you put together with the next one. Your ego becomes the driver plus your wallet is lighter. Life is just too short to obsess on this matter. The focus becomes the dress not on how your style makes you comfortable allowing you to function without having to fuss preening all day in front of a mirror. The right style projects the person quite easily, making you your own unique style icon. There may be clones of you, but no one is quite like you. God and
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 15-21, 2019
Calendar of Events across
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America
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS MARCH 30
Philippine Medical Society of Northern California installation of officers in Foster City, CA The Philippine Medical Society of Northern California will hold its 47th anniversary and installation of officers for 2019-2021 at the Crowne Plaza in Foster City, CA on Saturday, March 30. For sponsorship information, please contact Dr. Clementina Manio at drtina0427@gmail. com or visit https://www.pmsnc.org/.
United Bicolandia Los Angeles induction in Montebello, CA United Bicolandia Los Angeles will hold its 45th Anniversary and Induction Ceremony at Quiet Cannon in Montebello, CA on Saturday, March 30. For tickets and sponsorship information, please contact Lanie Berrei at lanieberrei@hotmail.com or (818) 281-3169.
City of San Fernando, La Union Association-USA ball in Brea, CA The City of San Fernando, La Union Association-USA will hold its 29th Fiesta Ball — “A Reunion to Remember” — on Saturday, March 30 at the Embassy Suites (900 East Birch Street) in Brea, CA. It will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 12 midnight. For more details, you may contact ball chairman Noel Nabua at (949) 323-3873 / nsnabua@gmail.com; outgoing president Samuel Chee at (909) 662-7501 / samnlynnndchamp@yahoo.com; incoming president Vicky Neri at (562) 394-6293 / vickybneri@gmail.com; and director Vangie So at (626) 485-3110 / vangieso@aol.com.
APRIL 7
Ryan, Ryan! The Maestro and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Glendale, CA Recently proclaimed National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s works will be showcased on Sunday, April 7 at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center (1440 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205) at 6 p.m. by his multi-talented singing group, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers joined by some local artists like Mon David, Annie Nepomuceno, Louie Reyes and many more. Come and hear how his work that spans five decades has made an indelible impact on Filipino culture. Co-presented by Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA, a 501 (c) 3 organization that brings exemplary Filipino Artists to U.S. stages. For ticket information ($35-$125) visit www.philpatrons.org and to learn about other tour stops in Las Vegas (April 7), San Diego (April 12) and Seattle (April 14).
APRIL 13
2nd annual Filipino mental health well-being summit in LA The 2nd annual Filipino mental health well-being summit will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at The Center of Cathedral Plaza (555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012). In partnership with the LA County of Department of Mental Health, registration begins on March 11. This is a FREE event for all. Breakfast and lunch included with registration. Please email FilipinoWellBeing@Gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook. com/FilipinoWellBeing for more updates.
A P R I L 25 -28
Philippine Nurses Association of America - North Central Regional Conference in Columbus, Ohio The Philippine Nurses Association - Central Ohio will hold a regional conference from April 25 to 28 at the Embassy Suites (2886 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio). For more information, please visit http://www.mypnaa.org/.
M AY 1 7-1 9
Santa Maria Ilocos Sur 12th Global Reunion in Honolulu, Hawaii The Santa Maria Ilocos Sur Global Association (SMISGA) and the Santa Marians of Hawaii are sponsoring the Santa Maria Ilocos Sur 12th Global Reunion in Honolulu, Hawaii from May 17-19, 2019. The festivities will start with a meet and greet on May 17 at 5 p.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom to be followed by a gala night on May 18 at 5 p.m. at the Dole Cannery Pomaikai Ballroom. A picnic is also scheduled at Ala Moana Beach Park’s Magic Island on Sunday, May 19 starting at 10 a.m. The ticket to attend all the events is $130.00 per person. Due to limited space, reservations must be made not later than March 31, 2019. Hats and t-shirts will also be on sale for $20. For further information, call Nena Empleo at (808) 384-0394, Carlito Soria at (808) 487-3370, Alex Pena at (702) 373-9522 or Orlino Baldonado at (865) 789-8324. Leave a message if there’s no answer. Additional information is also on SMISGA.com and Facebook @ SMISGA19FB. Proceeds from the events will be for various projects in Santa Maria Ilocos Sur and in Hawaii. Donations are tax deductible since SMISGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization approved by the Internal Revenue Service.
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
The New Filipino Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from around the Globe Migrant Filipinos Cross State Borders for Love of Food
THE Philippines comprises more than 7,000 different islands and, over centuries of colonial rule, indigenous dishes have melded with a number of foreign influences—from Southeast Asia, Spain, China, and even America. This unique blend of culinary traditions has produced a complex cuisine that can hold its own on the global gastronomic stage. Just in time, The New Filipino Kitchen demystifies the cuisine and culture with 30 personal stories and recipes from chefs, home cooks, and writers from the Filipino diaspora. In a starred review, Booklist called it “a gentle, inspiring, and exciting introduction to a savory world still new to many readers,” and it was named a top cookbook of 2018 by the San Francisco Chronicle and Epicurious. Seven contributors of The New Filipino Kitchen from different states of the country will band together at Lee’s in New York City on March 30 to keep often overlooked conversations spanning migrant Filipinos worldwide alive. Each contributor will highlight a Filipino dish and a personal story behind it, demonstrating the diversity and complexity of Philippine cuisine.
Hosting the event is Saudi Arabia-raised New Yorker Paolo Espanola, a former accountant who started a food blog as an act of rebellion amid concern that he might be deported. He says, “being ‘Filipino’ encompasses a broad range of experiences; a kid from Saudi is hardly the same as a FilAm from the Bay Area. These experiences are meant to be celebrated, and to provide us with opportunities to work together...not as a means to further separate ourselves from each other.” Co-hosting the event are his co-contributors: Chef Rodelio Aglibot aka “The Food Buddha” (CA), Chef Robert Menor (CA), Alexa Alfaro of “Meat on the Street” (WI), Vanessa Lorenzo of “AmusingMaria.com” (VA), and Katrina and Kristina Villavicencio of “Timpla” (DC). The book’s contributors— who each share the story behind a meaningful Filipino recipe—also include the White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford, Bocuse d’Or Europe 2018 winner Christian André Pettersen, and MasterChef New Zealand 2015 runner-up Leo Fernandez. The result is a celebration of Filipino food and culture—a must-read for anyone looking to learn
The New Filipino Kitchen
more about the rising star on the culinary scene. The New Filipino Kitchen includes the following recipes, among many others: • Kinilaw: Vinegar and Citrus-Cured Fish with Coconut Milk and Green Mango • Braised Chicken Adobo Infused with Coconut Milk • Crispy Pata: Braised Boneless Pork Hocks with Crispy Pork Rind, Ginger-Soy Glaze, and Turnip-Apple Slaw •Pansit: Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Adobo • Ginataang Bilo-Bilo: Sticky Rice Balls, Sago, and Jackfruit in Coconut Milk • Cassava Cake with Candied Pecans and Honey-Roasted PAGE 13
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MARCH 15-21, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
People, Events, Places
(Second of three parts)
BoBBy T. yalong her joy and passion in creating beauty, professionally altering flaws by way of her paramount knowledgeability in make-up, whereby making others feel great and confident after having been touched by Imogene’s magical hands. Aiming for limitless possibilities gave Imogene the gratifying opportunities to train and work for major iconic brands such as Giorgio Armani, YSL, Chanel, Shiseido, and Tom Ford, just to mention a few. Her unprecedented beauty enhancing skills catapulted Imogene to a level where she did the faces of celebrities and popular Broadway and classical artists like Patricia Field, Laura Osnes, Rebecca Minkoff, Pretty Yende, and Ryan Silverman.
Analia Farfan
Imogene Raypon
Imogene Raypon “Excellence in Beauty Enhancement” An innately creative entrepreneur aptly armed with a Management Degree from the Asian Institute of Tourism, University of the Philippines, who found
EMPLOYMENT
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PACCAL observes the international celebration of Women’s History Month
On the PEP Front
MODERN society eventually demonstrated and recognized that women’s empowerment is achievable and that women’s innate nature of significantly investing in their family and community welfare, more than men, helps maintain a more stable and sustainable socio-cultural foundation. Women’s indubitable achievements and unparalleled contributions to humanity unquestionably recognized their being at par with their male counterparts, thus the earmarking of March as International Women’s History Month. The Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL), a Jersey City-based 501(c)(3) community serviceoriented organization has been observing this monumental event for years, worthily distinguishing the full potential and incredible achievements of the female populace. This year’s PACCAL International Women’s History Month Gala and Awards Night is slated on Saturday, March 30 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Newark, New Jersey to celebrate and seal the global observance of this significant event. Meet the first batch of 2019 PACCAL Women’s History Month Achievers:
PeoPle & events
Analia Farfan “International Classic Dance Advocate” Argentinian Analia Farfan is a professional dancer and a Pro Stage Tango Dancer, a well-recognized NY International Principal Guest Artist, actress, model, singer, and choreographer. She graduated with honors from Maria Ruanova Institute and later studied by virtue of a scholarship at Princess Grace Academy in Monaco. Analia has professionally performed as principal dancer and guest artist in different ballet companies and operas like Pennsylvania Youth Metropolitan Opera Ballet, State Ballet of Georgia, Ray Ballet, Arjun Ballet Theater, New Jersey Ballet Company, and Athena Music Foundation in NY, among others.
Maita Lockhart
Maita Lockhart “Excellence in Hosting and Broadcast” Maita Lockhart began her dabble in entertainment as a baby in a Milo commercial. After moving to the US at 10 years old, she remained active in drama but ultimately pivoted to business, obtaining a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in HR. Leaving behind any hint of media work, she began her career at Ernst & Young in London as a Tax Advisor. Years after she would find herself living in New York, having a typical Saturday afternoon getting her hair done at a local Japanese salon when fate intervened, and she was “scouted” to audition for an upcoming lifestyle TV show for The Filipino Channel. The rest was history. She served as one of three hosts for “I Am FilAm” which served not only as a lifestyle magazine show but also highlighted inspiring stories of people of Filipino descent. These days, Maita works primarily as a Tax Technology Senior Manager at Deloitte. Exemplifying the versatility of the Filipino spirit, she utilizes the same presentation skills used during her “I Am FilAm” days for varied audience via hosting fashion and live shows for the Filipino community.
Maricar Taiño
EMPLOYMENT
SERVICES
Maricar Taiño “Excellence in Community Volunteerism” By profession, Maricar Taiño is a Lead Investigator for the State of New Jersey Division of Taxation of Field Investigations. Having earned a Bachelor of Science in Information System Business Concentration at Rutgers University and New Jersey Information of Technology in Newark NJ led her in the field of public service since 2002. Maricar took part as the Public Relations Officer for Jersey City Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce and provided training seminars for small businesses such in the Westside Avenue area of the city through JCFACC. Her conscientious position as the 73rd JCI New Jersey State President of Junior Chamber International was deservingly recognized with the Charles Kulp Memorial Award in 2018, a Chapter President at the JCI USA National Convention, and currently the Chairman of the Board for JCI New Jersey State in 2019.
an obsessively zealous beauty advocacy, this Licensed Medical Aesthetician earned her business degree from La Salle St. Benilde. Persistent and focused, Mita has been constantly guided by her own mantra: “Obsession is what makes people successful.” Mita’s keen business acumen instantaneously stimulated her founding of Glossy Skinnovation, her most cherished source of bliss and contentment after her children. Vanity and motherhood may be of distant waves but it can’t be denied that everyone goes through a personal battle to look and feel good within our own skin while striving hard to justify our personal predilection.
tor of Beauty of Arts International Magazine, and as the Founder / CEO of International Fashion and Arts Week (IFAW), now on its 4th season and just recently, she wowed Europe with her participation at the Milan Fashion Week.
Shirley Capaldo
Shirley Escalada Capaldo “Excellence in Organizing Community & Fashion Events” It’s a rarity to find a woman capably endowed with beauty and brains, two scarce qualities that set a woman apart and above the rest. Jersey City native Shirley is a ramp and print ad model, a beauty queen (Miss Jersey City Vanny Tousignant 2017), a community leader, a Vanny Tousignant health fitness advocate, a psy“Excellence as an Int’l Fashion chology degree holder, and a lot Advocate” more. Truly, Shirley is a bundle From Indonesia hails a promis- of feminine pulchritude with a ing fashion entrepreneur whose lot of pluses. She loves beauty vision was prognosticated to put pageants so much so that she beJakarta in the world map via the lieves pageantry could create an utilization of its native batik, te- impact to change people’s lives. nun ikat, and songket fibers. An At the early age of 9 she already unambiguously born fashionista showed potential in the field of Mita V. Quiogue and a latent model, Vanny is an beauty pageant during one of unmistakable fashion visionary John Robert Powers’ events and Mita Valentino Quiogue “Excellence as a Licensed who slowly learned the trade as a finalist during the 2012 Miss through observation, assistance, American Co-Ed pageant. The Medical Aesthetician Being a single mom becomes until such time when creativity be- euphoric experience brought more of an inspiring challenge came second nature to her. Aside about by pageantry made Shirley than a burden for Mita though from operating her Vanyo Fash- explore the limitless possibilities being a mother is virtually a nev- ion business, Vanny’s hands are this world has to offer and take er-ending career adept with an kept full with her commitment as every probable challenge that unflinching dedication to priori- Director of Miss Woman Kebaya comes along her way. tize her kids. Aptly armed with Indonesia-USA, as the USA DirecPAGE 13
SERVICES
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Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ I’VE had numerous consultations over the years with people who went for their visa interview at the U.S. Embassy, only to be told they are guilty of fraud/misrepresentation, and therefore, not eligible for a visa. Many state that they were not even given a chance to explain or document their innocence. They were simply given a single sheet of paper with the item checked that they committed fraud/misrepresentation, and, in some cases, may be eligible for a waiver (or forgiveness). However, the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), which is the regulations followed by the Embassy in connection with visa processing and issuance, specifically instruct consuls, “You must give the alien the opportunity to rebut the presumption of willful misrepresentation by presentation of evidence to overcome it.” This means that before being formally charged with fraud or misrepresentation, a person is supposed to first be given the opportunity to rebut the presumption of fraud or prove they had committed no fraud by presenting documents, evidence,
Community Journal
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 15-21, 2019
You are supposed to have the opportunity to prove your innocence before being charged with fraud and legal arguments demonstrating their innocence and eligibility for a visa. However, if a person is truly guilty of fraud, was caught, and was properly charged with fraud (because they entered the U.S. on an assumed name, claimed to be single when they were secretly married, and submitted altered or bogus documents from Recto Street, etc.), they would need to file a fraud waiver, if they have a spouse or parent who is a U.S. citizen or is a green card holder. If you will be interviewed at the Embassy, or even at USCIS, and you have potential issues about your eligibility, you should seek the advice and assistance of an attorney, who can evaluate your case and possibly represent you and help explain or resolve those issues. If you have been charged with fraud, but believe it was a mistake or misunderstanding, you should also seek the assistance of an attorney, who can assist you in proving your innocence by rebutting the presumption of willful misrepresentation.
*** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars 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 and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your SHE TRIED TO COMPLY, BUT HER CASE WAS DENIED…A MOTHER’S DESPAIR AND AN ATTORNEY’S RESCUE ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN legal matter. No attorney-client re- PINOY”! Rowena and Mike came to the US in 2010 to build a better life. Rowena was sponsored as a teacher. As she was filing her third lationship is, or shall be, established extension for her H1-B visa in 2016, the shocking news hit her. She was denied! Then her adjustment (green card) application was denied because, according to the USCIS, she worked a mere 14 days without the necessary DHS authorization. Three lawyers tried handling her with any reader. case, to no avail, and her family was urging her to “give up” and return to the Philippines. She finally decided to consult with “the attorney WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/Gurfin- of last hope,” Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel, in a last-ditch effort to be able to provide a better life for her children. Watch how Atty. Gurfinkel was able to solve the problem in a record 43 days, turning a disastrous denial into green cards for the entire family, on an encore episode kelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement) Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANLa and Sheraton. While work- Soup for the Soul: Find Your InPAGE 11 GELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ ing in Dubai, she was one of ner Strength and Tales of Our Apples PHILIPPINES The New Filipino Kitchen the five young women profes- Lives: Fork in the Road. The (Advertising Supplement) is edited by Jacqueline Chio- sionals featured in Emirates New Filipino Kitchen, her first Lauri, who has more than Woman magazine in a spe- book, won the Sunshot Prose eight years of experience in cial report, “Why the Future 2017 Finalist Prize before it the food industry opening and Is Female.” Her writing has was published. She currently managing restaurants at de- appeared in anthologies and lives in the UK, her seventh hydration. And so with those luxe hotels, such as Shangri- compilations such asChicken country of residence. with fever or patients with diarrhea and/or vomiting from gastroenteritis. Proper hydration is very important in keeping our organs and tissues healthy, inof MAEUSA, SCI, and St. VinJerrilyn Calong PAGE 12 cluding our skin and complexcent Line Dancers. Her produc“Senior Citizen of the Year” ion. Water is the best liquid for Appreciating the status of old tive career ensued after she findaily fluid replacement because age, earnestly surviving extend- ished Foreign Service from the soft drinks are toxic to our body. ed years, and capably enjoying Lyceum of the Philippines. This Natural fruit juices are better the mounting privileges of being senior citizen who doesn’t look but contains a lot of sugar (alone (which a lot of others are de- like a year older than her 50s is beit fructose) and those with prived of) are just few of the great a divorcee with 3 children and 6 diabetes or pre-diabetics must amenities life bountifully offers grand kids. This Mauban, Quebe conscious of this. to seniors. Although old age may zon native has successfully de*** mean nearing or surpassing the fied other monumental fears in Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a life expectancy, our Senior Citi- her adult life and thought she’s Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in zen of the Year, Jerrilyn Calong, getting much wiser and experiNorthwest Indiana and Las Vegas, doesn’t see herself close at the enced as she aged. Nevada, is an international medical edge of survival. She positively Coming up next issue, the 2nd lecturer/author, and Chairman of feels distant from being at the batch of PACCAL 2019 WHM the Filipino United Network-USA, state of senescence since she’s awardees. a 501(c)3 humanitarian and antistill actively employed at ShoreFor comments and suggraft foundation in the United States. wood Real Estate and Prodigy gestions, please email: gemiWebsites: FUN8888.com, philipSchua. Network, LLC, an active member ni0646@yahoo.com. Jerrilyn Calong com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
The New Filipino Kitchen...
ASA, sushi, and other facts...
PAGE 11 of the dish. Patronizing only well-established and reputable restaurants that serve sushi or kinilaw is always a safer option for these particular items. Sushi is full of vital ingredients and disease fighting proteins and antioxidants like raw fresh vegetables, which are immune boosters and anti-cancer foods. Can one survive on a redmeatless diet? Yes, most definitely. And those who eat only fish, vegetables and fruits (absolutely no red meat like pork, beef, or other meat from four-legged animals, and even without poultry meat) can survive very well. As a matter of medical fact, most of these people will even outlive those who eat red meat regularly. Fish, vegetables and fruits, and a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement, is a
healthy diet regimen for all of us, except for anyone who is allergic, or somehow intolerant, to any of these food items. We, humans, do not really need to eat red meat (and eggs!) to survive. We will even be healthier without them. How much water do we need a day? For daily normal activities, it is recommended that we drink at least 6-8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day, or a total of about 48 ounces (1440 ml) a day. Regular bottled water is about 16.9 oz or 500cc. Nowadays, 8-stage filtered water is preferred, where practical. For tourists and visitors from other countries, filtered water is a must to prevent gastrointestinal problems. Those manual laborers exposed to the hot sun have water higher body water loss, and therefore need more
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PACCAL observes the...
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15-21, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL JANUARY 4-10, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL A14 14 MARCH
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people events arts culture entertainment
AN EVENING WITH DISTINGUISHED FILIPINO WOMEN 2019:
Filipina achievers inspire, challenge the community “
BY
T
MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPRESS
HIS year’s distinguished Filipino women in their own very unique ways embody courage, daring and audacity,” said Consul General Claro S. Cristobal as he introduced this year’s honorees.
particularly leaving a job she loved for an opportunity to work in a foreign land. “Stepping in a foreign country is enough challenge as it is. The bigger challenge is to maintain your identity and to be judged not from the place where you came from but rather what you can contribute,” she remarked. “Therefore at this time, I rise to take tribute to the many Filipinas and Filipinos who left their families in order to put their own contribution in making a strong nation.” Hard work Major Persad shared her military journey, saying that her decision to join was the best decision she has ever made in her life, and paid tribute to her parents for instilling in her the value of hard work. She has been with the Air National Guard for 15 years now and it has taken her around the world and allowed her to earn not one, but two degrees. She is currently working on her third, a masters degree in nursing. “I have the military to thank for that,” she said. It is also in the military that she faced problematic situations and people who didn’t agree with her. “I just had to learn to find my voice, which isn’t always easy to do when you’re a woman in the military,” Persad said. “I overcame that by changing my mindset. Those problematic situations became learning opportunities and I needed those for leadership development.” She then encouraged women to bravely take a seat and let their voices be heard. “As women are rising in leadership positions now, I just want to leave a little bit of advice for anyone who has decided to take this positions and are moving up in management,” she said. “Take care of yourself. Take care of your people. Take a seat.” Influence “An Evening with Distinguished Filipino Women” is an annual event presented by the Philippine Erin Robles is the woman Consulate General in New York to shine a spotlight on Filipina achievers who have made a behind the Instagram account mark in their respective fields. AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya @foodbabynyc, which has over 70,000 followers. She is an interior designer in the hospitality industry by day and in her free time, she is a foodie who loves taking photos of her food. Born in Manila and raised in Hong Kong, Robles moved to New York about eight years ago to study design. She is now living her lifelong dream as an interior designer for a design studio she admires. “Social media is quite a funny subject to talk about. We probably spend much more time on it than we think we should. It is without a doubt a very powerful tool and platform today to have a voice,” Robles said.
FOR the past few years, the Philippine Consulate General in New York has honored Filipina achievers and role models in northeast USA in celebration of Women’s Month and International Women’s Day. This year’s batch is led by internationally respected auditor Heidi Mendoza, UN Undersecretary General for the Office of Internal Oversight Services; Major Jessica Alina Persad, ranking officer of Connecticut’s Air National Guard, and Erin Robles, an interior designer who is also an Instagram influencer. The three women shared their journeys in their respective fields, along with the challenges and struggles they faced along the way. Mendoza gained national limelight as the fearless face of the Philippine Commission on Audit where she served as a commissioner back in 2011. “Ever unflinching in her stance against corruption which has earned her tremendous respect, much deserved, in the Philippines and in the world,” Cristobal said. An anti-corruption advocate, Mendoza has over 20 years of service in government particularly in the field of audit, investigation, fraud examination, anti-corruption and integrity advocacy. “I am humbled by this recognition, I felt that there are many women more deserving
than I am. They who choose to stay and carry on the battle at a time when being a woman is most risky,” Mendoza said. She also honored her own mother who chose to live an “insignificant” life so that her children could live significantly. Mendoza emphasized the women’s values of simplicity, humility, resilience, as well as the principles of accountability, responsibility, ethics, trust, and honesty in public service. Her remarks took a turn when she discussed how she rose to prominence in the Philippines and why she is standing up once more to let her feelings known. “When I rose to fame in 2011, I only had one thing in mind. Kailangang manindigan upang patunayan na hindi lahat ng naglilingkod sa pamahalaan ay magnanakaw,” she added. “Ngayon muli akong tumatayo sa isang kritikal na panahon ng ating bansa dahil gusto ko uling panindigan ang isang hamong dati ko nang hinarap.” “Sorry Inday, hindi totoong hindi usapin ang katapatan pagdating sa halalan,” Mendoza said, her speech cut by the audience applause. “Hindi totoong hindi usapin sa pamamahala ng pamahalaan ang pagiging tapat.” Mendoza was referring to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte who said that honesty is not an issue in the coming elections. She then talked about the decisions she had to make,
Former COA commissioner Heidi Mendoza and Consul General Claro S. Cristobal
The honorees with Consul General Claro S. Cristobal and reactors Atty. Connie Montoya (right) and Atty. Elizabeth Cueva
She started her Instagram account around six years ago and primarily used it to post her food photos. “Food has also always had a special place in my heart, specially growing up as a Filipino. Food was always at the center of gatherings and celebrations, it brings back memories and it represents different cultures,” she said, explaining why food became the main focus of her Instagram account. Her followers grew through the years and
now she receives invitation from restaurants and hotels on a daily basis requesting her to feature their food on her page. At the end of her speech Robles gave a message to the younger Filipinos: don’t doubt yourself. “Don’t discount your achievements because you don’t think you need a certain criteria for success. Many times at work meetings, I question if people take me seriously. Sometimes I’m the youngest, I’m the only female, I’m Asian. Sometimes I’m the youngest, female and Asian in the
meeting room,” she said. “And no matter how well I’m doing, sometimes I still feel inferior and I really shouldn’t.” Atty. Elizabeth Cueva and Atty. Connie Montoya, two women achievers in the field of immigration and law and volunteers in the FilipinoAmerican community, applauded the journey and insights of the resources speakers. Atty. Montoya recognized their dedication to duty, staunchness to identity, and courage.
This year’s honorees Erin Robles, Heidi Mendoza and Jessica Persad come from diverse industries and they all spoke about the challenges and struggles they faced in their respective careers.
Marvel to introduce first Filipina superhero by AJPRESS
WITH the release of “Captain Marvel” — the first woman superhero to have its own major film in the film franchise, a Filipina superhero will be gracing the pages of the Marvel comic book pages. Just in time for International Women’s Day, comic book writer and filmmaker Greg Pak on March 9 unveiled “Wave” on Twitter, designed and co-created by Filipino comic book artist Leinil Francis Yu. Though there is not much information about Wave, she was described by Marvel as “a
mysterious new Filipino heroine.” She has identifiable Filipino “morena” skin, donning a green and gold costume as well as weapons and will be teaming up with heroes from China named Aero and Sword Master. Wave will debut in “War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #1,” the first of four “War of the Realms” issues to be released in May. The story will be set in Asia and will center on the New Agents of Atlas led by KoreanAmerican superhero Amadeus Cho (aka Brawn, previously the Hulk). Also joining his team (aside from Wave) are Chinese Kung-Fu master Shang-Chi, Korean-American heroine Silk
and SHIELD agent Jimmy Woo. “Thank you so much for the huge response to Wave, Marvel’s new Filipina superhero, who’ll debut in War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #1! Huge thanks to [Leinil Yu], who co-created and designed her,” he posted on Twitter. In an interview published on Marvel’s website, editor Will Moss said that “War of the Realms” will involve all the heroes from the “Avengers,” “Fantastic Four,” “Wolverine” — pretty much the whole line. All these superheroes are out to fight Malekith, the king of the dark elves, who is conquering all realms including Midgard or Earth.
Wave
Photo from Instagram/@leinilyu
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 15-21, 2019
‘Kuya Wes’ is Ogie’s ‘Forrest Gump’ Catriona Gray stuns Indonesian President Joko Widodo
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By TeSSa
Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net
JUST when you think singersongwriter and comedian Ogie Alcasid has done it all, he takes on an indie like “Kuya Wes,” both as actor and first-time producer, competes at the 2018 Cinemalaya Film Festival and takes it as far as the Fanstasporto Film Festival in Portugal, where the movie earned rave reviews and a best actress win for leading lady Ina Raymundo early this month. Truly one of the most prolific artists in Philippine showbiz, what with his endless well of musicality and effortless comedic ability, it turns out that “Ogie da Pogi” can also trigger the waterworks when he extends himself to dramatic roles. Though still with a touch of humor, Kuya Wes sees the gag show star [Ogie pioneered “Tropang Trumpo” on TV5 and of course “Bubble Gang” along with Michael V on GMA Network before finally transferring to ABS-CBN] in the titular character — a lonely and timid remittance clerk whose life is practically meaningless until he falls in love with Erika (Ina), a customer who comes in once a month to collect money sent by her overseas husband. One day, Erika is devastated to learn her husband has stopped remitting money as Wes discovers he has left her for someone else. Eager to come to his lady love’s rescue, Wes decides to help Erika from his own pocket, which, besides changing the once lovelorn nobody also causes tension with his family. “The truth is that Kuya Wes is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time now. I mean I’ve been quietly on the lookout for my ‘Forrest Gump,’ if you like, which for me, transformed one of my biggest idols Tom Hanks into an actor,” Ogie related in an interview for the movie’s commercial run, which begins today. “Before then I’d watch him in straight comedies all the time, and then that wonderful
By Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
Blown away by the story of the kind-hearted and timid ‘Kuya Wes,’ Ogie Alcasid hopes local audiences will be too with his first serious indie movie. Contributed photo
and inspiring movie came along in his career. I knew right after reading the script that Kuya Wes was that movie for me.” Ogie, however, didn’t get to go from accepting Kuya Wes’ writer and director James Robin Mayo’s offer to shoot his long-awaited “se-rious” role right away. Mayo told the OPM icon and TV star he needed a producer to fund the project. “If I’m not mistaken, Cinemalaya only gives P500,000 or so per entry, which is really not enough even for a small movie like Kuya Wes. So I went around trying to find funding but I was turned down all the time — until ‘ASAP’ went to Toronto and I got to talk to Piolo (Pascual).” Piolo, of course, is one-third of Spring Films, which is the maverick production company that struck gold with the quirky indie “Kita Kita” (2017), so Ogie made a go of it. “I told him, ‘Piolo, may pelikula akong gusto sana gawin. Basahin mo naman yung script; wag mo na ako bayaran pag nagustohan mo.’ He said, ‘Sige Kuya Ogie,’ and then I emailed Kuya Wes to him and waited. Ang tagal ni Piolo but one day I heard from [his co-producer, director] Bernal who said they’ll do it but I had to co-produce as well,” Ogie gave the punchline. “After that I talked to my boss of course,” he chuckled, obviously referring to his wife, singing superstar Regine
Velasquez, “and she told me, ‘Kailan mo pa gagawin yan? Cinemalaya na yan!’ So I finally went for it and here we are today.” Where Ogie is as an artist right now, with Kuya Wes in his body of work and trove of professional experiences, is a renaissance of sorts. While he knew from the very start he was taking a huge risk by getting out of his comfort zone in acting — in a serious movie different from what his audience is used to see him do — the response to Kuya Wes reinforced his longtime albeit quiet desire to do more inspiring and more meaningful movies. Not a single bad review when it competed at Cinemalaya and in Portugal’s Fanstasporto. “I really prayed about doing Kuya Wes and I remember asking Regine one time, ‘Why do you think God chose me for this movie?’ Ang tagal ko nang hindi gumagawa ng pelikula. “I guess He has a purpose for me,” the actor humbly shrugged his shoulders, “and I would love to do something like Kuya Wes again — a small movie with a big heart.” And so as his return to the silver screen’s biggest challenge begins today with its commercial run, Ogie hopes with every talented fiber in his body that moviegoers will be blown away, just like him, by the roller coaster of emotions and inspiring tale of a simple, kind-hearted character named Kuya Wes.
Gerald Santos is back!
By TeSSa
Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net
AFTER almost two years of portraying the role of Thuy for “Miss Saigon’s” UK, Ireland and European tour, a more mature, polished, down to earth and definitely more talented Gerald Santos has returned to the Philippines, grateful to have done his small part in raising the flag for the Filipino artist abroad. Truth be told, however, his performance as the Vietnamese soldier betrothed to Kim, before she fell in love with an American GI, was far from anything “small.” For in terms of showcasing the Filipino talent on the international stage, the following numbers say it all: Gerald went on stage eight times a week (that’s twice on Sundays), performing 553 shows out of the tour’s total 605 shows, across six countries and 14 cities in 22 weeks. With no alternate and only an understudy for Thuy, the 8.6 percent absence of the actor playing from the Cameron Mackintosh Limited Production accounts for allowable holidays and the one time he got sick in Germany. “It was with ‘Miss Saigon’ I realized that musical theater isn’t a sprint but a marathon,” Gerald humbly imparted, quickly adding, “I really had to take care of myself and my voice, even if it meant going on complete voice rest as soon as one show ended to the next.”
More importantly, his performance earned rave reviews from the West End’s fiercest critics, and throughout the Schonberg-Boublil musical masterpiece’s tour across Great Britain, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland and Germany. As one Emily Garside wrote in Reviews Performing Arts, “Gerald Santos as Thuy, [an] often overlooked part, really rips at the heart and makes his part human, where in lesser hands, Thuy can seem little more than a plotpoint.” The others commonly describe him as brilliant, exceptional, powerful and awesome, among other superlatives, leaving no doubt that the reality singing competition winner from Navotas has truly gone a long way in his
artistry and career. “Hindi po mababayaran ang naranasan ko doon, mula sa personal — kung paano ko kinailangang alagaan ang sarili ko para makapag-perform every night, mamuhay ng mag-isa — hanggang sa pagigi kong artista and singer — my attitude to work, techniques to better my voice, and so much more,” Gerald expressed at his homecoming media conference. His pride as a Filipino also came to the fore at every performance, with the 22-yearold “Pinoy Pop Superstar” alum averring, “As a Filipino, you want to do your best in front of a foreign audience.” “I’m so happy to be home and I’m really looking forward to singing in the Philippines again,” Gerald enthused.
Milo Severo Philstar.com
“QUEEN of All Media” Kris Aquino made a tribute video for former aide Nicko Falcis after Nicko blocked her on Instagram. On Wednesday, March 13, Kris posted a video in her Instagram account. The video presented a slideshow of her and Nicko during their happy times, with Eminem and Rihanna’s hit song “Love the Way You Lie” as background music. At the end of the video, there was a text that read, “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.” “Nicko, i only wanted to check on you, after all no matter
this unfortunate ending, we actually did build SOMETHING to be proud of... tumingin lang ako sa IG mo, BLOCK agad? How sad... Just in case you miss meedited a video to refresh your memory,” Kris wrote. Nicko earlier posted on his Instagram story a screen capture of Kris following him again on the social media site. Nicko, however, blocked the actress. Kris and Nicko strained their relationship after she accused him of using a credit card issued for the operations of production outfit Kristina C. Aquino Production for his personal expenses. She claimed that Falcis charged over P1 million to a BDO corporate card without her consent.
Kris Aquino Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino
while Jolene Marie Cholock Rotinsulu was crowned as Puteri
Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray
Lingkungan and Jesica Fitriana Martasari as Puteri Pariwisata.
Photo from Instagram/@dongdantes
Dingdong ready to be second-time dad GlorioSo Philstar.com
Gerald Santos landed rave reviews wherever he performed forthe Cameron Mackintosh production. Photo from Instagram/@thegeraldsantos
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray
Dingdong Dantes with wife Marian and their daughter Zia.
By BoT
Kris Aquino recalls good times with Nicko Falcis in new video By Jan
MISS Universe 2018 Catriona Gray paid a courtesy visit to Indonesian President Joko Widodo after she crowned the new Puteri Indonesia winners. In a post by a fan page dedicated to Catriona, the beauty queen was seen meeting and shaking hands with the Indonesian president. “Catriona meets the President of Indonesia! Look at his reaction. What an honour!!” the fan page captioned the video. In the video, Widodo can be seen captivated by the Filipina’s charm as he grinned and covered his mouth with his other hand, which drew laughter from people in the room. Catriona’s courtesy visit to Widodo came after she crowned Puteri Indonesia’s Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Supranational winners. Puteri is the Indonesian counterpart of the Philippines’ Binibining Pilipinas. Frederika Alexis Cull was crowned Puteri Indonesia 2019 and will represent her country at the Miss Universe 2019 pageant,
“IN a few weeks or almost a month (from now).” That is what Dingdong Dantes could only tell regarding the date his wife Marian Rivera is expected to give birth to their second child, this time a baby boy. The couple’s firstborn is Maria Letizia, or Zia, who is now three years old. “Malapit lapit na kaya hindi na ko p’wedeng masyadong lumayo ng Metro Manila,” added Dingdong when he faced select members of the entertainment press. As for the baby’s name, Dingdong said they have yet to decide on it given the many choices they have in mind. “Meron na kaming mga napagpipilian, pero wala pa kung ano talaga kasi pareho kami ang pumipili even before with Zia.” And with the “big day” coming soon, the actor feels excited and at the same time nervous to see in the flesh the latest addition to
the family. Dingdong shared that they are doing the nine-day novena and saying the Holy Rosary before bedtime for his wife’s pregnancy and safe delivery, and it makes Zia curious night after night. “She’s curious about what we’re doing and why we have to do it so we explain everything to her. Nandoon ‘yung curiosity n’ya para makinig. What’s good, Zia listens and she easily understands. More than learning other things perhaps it’s best na malaman nya talaga ‘yung religion before anything else.” Her smart daughter is also doing her share by helping prepare the room of her baby brother. Like any other parents, the baby’s health is their top priority. “It is important that the baby is normal and healthy. Hinahanda rin natin ang sariling kalusugan para s’yempre gusto natin makasama sila ng matagal,” said Dingdong who was obviously delighted about the news that Zia is on the list of “most
beautiful kids” of Asian stars released by a website, Ve Trang Chu, in Vietnam. Dingdong was informed that Zia is the only Filipino included in the list and quipped, “She is? Thank God, she got it (beauty) from her mother.” But what matters more to the proud dad is for his daughter to grow up a good person. Asked if he will allow Zia to enter showbiz considering she has started appearing in commercials, Dingdong said it’s too early to tell and right now, they just let Zia enjoy whatever she likes to do. “And we make sure there will be regulations when it comes to that because things become different when she turns four or five years old. Iba na ‘yung childhood n’ya so may mga pinaplano kami ni Marian tungkol diyan.” Dingdong also said that they just save whatever Zia earns from endorsements, stressing that his duty is to protect and make sure every centavo is hers and hers alone.
Will Pia be introduced as the next Marvel heroine? By MJ
Marfori ManilaTimes.net
AFTER her interview with Captain Marvel Brie Larson — now up on Marvel’s official Facebook page — it looks like Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach imbibed the superhero aura when she arrived at the red carpet premiere of this month’s biggest superhero movie. She turned every head at the Mall of Asia Imax Theatre with a feisty hairdo, denim dress and killer white boots. She was both proud and giddy to share her one-on-one with Brie and their conversation on women empowerment, which our Miss Universe believes left a pretty good impression on Captain Marvel herself. “I’m really kilig because after I did the interview with her, she was already saying goodbye to everyone. She was about to leave but she came back to me and she shook my hand and said, ‘Thank you for everything that you do.’
After interviewing Brie Larson, aka Captain Marvel for the movie series’ Facebook page, Pia Wurtzbach said she might be working with Marvel and Disney again. Photo from Instagram/@piawurtzbach
Sobrang kinilig ako. I really feel like I met a superhero!” Pia then hinted she might be working with Marvel and Disney again for an upcoming project. Without giving away anything
more though, she simply said “Fingers crossed, matutuloy pa ‘yung isang pinaplano namin! It’s always going to be a dream for me to one day play a superhero, so tingnan natin.”
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MARCH 15-21, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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