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APRIL 18-24, 2019 Volume 30 - No. 16 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R
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Duterte to human rights advocates: You were being listened to by DARRYL JOHN
ESGUERRA
Inquirer.net
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte warned human rights advocates allegedly concocting black propaganda against him and his family that they were “being listened to.” Speaking during PDP-Laban’s campaign rally in Tuguegarao City in Cagayan on Tuesday, April 16, Duterte said he would release
an “intelligence report” from another country showing human rights groups’ alleged connection with the move to vilify him. “Kayong mga human rights (groups). Kayong mga nagbablack propaganda pati ‘yung anak ko si Veronica 14 years old drug addict? May ipalabas ako, you just wait (Those of you who are engaged in black propaganda — you even said that my 14-yearold daughter Veronica is a drug
USA
DATELINE US to fly, sail, operate anywhere int’l laws allow despite China warning FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
THE United States on Friday, April 12, maintained it will continue its operations in the South China Sea (SCS) despite China’s protest about American forces stirring trouble in the waters. “The U.S. will fly, sail and operate everywhere international law allows. That’s it. Wish we had a longer statement for you, but that’s the simple truth,” said Lt. Gen. Eric Smith, commander of the Japan-based U.S. 3rd Marine Expeditionary Forces, during a post-Balikatan media interview at Camp Aguinaldo along with Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commander of the military’s Southern Luzon Command and the Balikatan director for the Philippines. The statement was made after Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang on Wednesday noted that the presence of “nonregional forces” could stir tension in the South China Sea.
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PH doubts US list of high kidnap risk countries THE Philippines’ Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) questioned the United States State Department list of countries with high kidnapping list as it included the country among the 35 countries in the travel advisory. DILG Secretary Eduardo Año doubted the accuracy of the list as he emphasized that the kidnapping cases decreased significantly in recent years. He noted that he would seek the explanation of the U.S. embassy as to how they arrived with the said list. “A list is just a list. What we have are factual data pointing to the decreasing number of kidnapping cases in the Philippines. That’s what we are banking on,” Año said in a statement as reported by The Philippine Star. “We don’t know yet how they came up with the list but with the strong stance of President Duterte against criminality in general, we see no basis for including us in this list. We will request from the U.S. embassy (for) the parameters used since even Malay-
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addict — I am going to release something. Just wait),” Duterte said. “Alam mo marami pa ring kaibigan sa ibang bayan. What you did not know is that you were being listened to habang ginagawa ninyo ‘yang kalokohan niyo. Ilabas ko yan in a few days pineperfect ko lang. It was an intelligence report, not from us, but from another country (You know, I still
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RELIGIOUS TRADITION. Catholics hold the centuries-old tradition of “pabasa” or the chanting narratives on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, in Intramuros, Manila on Holy Monday, April 15. During the Holy Week, Filipino Catholics commemorate the religious season with traditional practices such as Visita Iglesia, Senakulo, and fasting, among others. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Palace: Vetoed P95.3-B in 2019 national budget ‘unconstitutional’
Appropriations Bill (GAB) into law on April 15. The total approved national budget for this year was MANILA — The P95.3 billion P3.757-trillion, but Duterte vevetoed provisions in the 2019 toed P95.3 billion of it. national budget was “unconstiPanelo, who is also Duterte’s tutional,” Malacañang said on chief legal counsel, further said Tuesday, April 16. the vetoed items were “unproPresidential Spokesperson grammed.” Salvador Panelo said in a Palace “Remember the decision of the briefing that those vetoed por- Supreme Court? The decision of tions “are the so-called insertions, the Supreme Court was that if riders. They are not part of the they are unprogrammed, then, program by the DPWH. Hence, it it violates the Constitution,” he violates the Constitution.” said. President Rodrigo Duterte “As I have said in my statePresident Rodrigo Duterte signs the 2019 General Appropriations Act at the Malacañan Palace on Monday, April 15. Witnessing signed the much-delayed General u PAGE A2 the signing is Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi by NESTOR
CORRALES Inquirer.net
Philippines stands in solidarity with France amid Notre Dame fire MANILA — The Philippines expressed symphathies to France following a fire that devastated the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Malacañang said it was deeply “saddened and bothered” by the fire that hit the centuries-old landmark. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of France as well as in solidarity with the rest of the world for this heartbreaking incident. We wish the French nation all the best as they undertake efforts to rebuild this great monument in Paris restored to its majestic sight,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Tuesday. Panelo noted that the cathedral serves
as a symbol of Catholicism, having housed several historical artifacts. The cathedral has also become an icon immortalized by French novelist Victor Hugo through his novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” “Thousands of various races have at one time or another stood either by themselves or with their families or friends in front of this historic cathedral and marvel at its architectural grandeur,” Panelo said. “Their sojourn there left beautiful memories engraved in their hearts and recorded in photographs. Pain and sorrow were felt by the millions upon hearing the cata-
Duterte to journalists: You attack to get paid by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, April 13, claimed some journalists are being paid to produce “false reports” to serve their “clients” while he dismissed reports about the increase of his wealth while in public service. “They accept (payment) from clients to (write) political attacks. AC/DC (attack and collect, deu PAGE A2 fend and collect). You attack to
get paid. So don’t believe that they are clean,” he said during a campaign rally in Bukidnon. “You protect the rich and hide their secrets, but attack us politicians who genuinely want reform. That’s the truth. You are just being paid,” Duterte added. The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) released a report saying the incomes of Duterte, his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio and son former Davao
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Bayambang makes it to Guinness Records by BOY
ABUNDA Philstar.com
Bayambang, Pangasinan’s 50.23-meter statue of St. Vincent Ferrer lands a spot in the Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest bamboo statue. Philstar.com photo
BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan has once again made history. Thunderous applause, deafening shrieks and sheer joy enveloped the history-rich town the night of April 5 after the formal announcement was made that its latest entry as the Tallest Bamboo Sculpture (Supported) of St. Vincent Ferrer or the tallest statue made of engineered bamboo successfully landed a spot in the Guinness World Records. It was adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar who brought the piece of good news to all Bayambangueños during the un-
veiling of the 50.23-meter (164 ft. 9.56 inches) tall statue at the St. Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park that Bayambang now holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest supported bamboo sculpture. No wonder, everyone was in a jubilant mood in the town’s celebration of its 405th founding anniversary and the marking of 400th year of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish (1619 to 2019). The occasion also coincided with the commemoration of the 600th death year (1419 to 2019) of the saint also known as the pastor of builders. The colossal statue, made of steel frame and engineered bamboo cladding, stands tall at the center of the two-hectare
emerging spiritual hub situated in Barangay Bani. According to Dangarikar, Bayambang did not attempt to beat a world record but set a unique record for “a sculpture of this scale.” He, too, shared that it was already his seventh time to set foot in the Philippines and Dangarikar said that every time he comes here, “you never fail to amaze me” because even though he had expected to see a sculpture to be big, Dangarikar did not foresee “it was that huge and beautifully built.” It was said that over 600 people meticulously worked together for more than 10 months to build the statue of gargantuan
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Bayambang makes it to Guinness... PAGE A1 size. Believe it or not, its right hand alone already weighed more than a ton. That’s why, careful planning was vital to achieve perfection and zero casualty. JQS Builders, headed by architect Jerry Suratos, Engr. Aaron Villafuerte and Jericho Roble, was in charge of site development planning and detailed design of the sculpture using 3D
polygon technology. Design and fabrication of steelworks were handled by Far East Industrial Supply & Co., Inc. (FEISCO) and RAA Architects Engineers Consultants while Palafox Associates took charge of the comprehensive land use plan. Local and foreign tourists were amazed at the sight of the statue that epitomizes the fervent devotion of the townspeo-
From The FronT Page
ple to their patron St. Vincent Ferrer. Soon, pilgrims and devotees will flock to the Prayer Park and Bayambang will become a promising religious spot and tourism destination like the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan and the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. The St. Vincent Ferrer statue was the brainchild of former Pinoy Big Brother housemate and actress Nina Jose, who is now the wife of town Mayor Cezar Quiambao. Together with Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation, hermano and hermana mayors Dr. Henry Fernandez and wife Julie, Nina’s great idea of putting Bayambang once again in the pages of Guinness World Record became a reality. This is the town’s second Guinness record. The first was set in 2014 for the longest barbecue grill (eight kilometers), beating the record of Turkey. Bayambangueùos present to witness the affair validated what Mayor Quiambao said that the project was funded by the said foundation and no single centavo was spent from the municipal coffer. n
LENTEN HAVEN. The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Sta. Maria Tungkong-Mangga Road, San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan is one of the favorite places of Catholic devotees for their pilgrimage and prayers this Lenten Season. Thousands of devotees flock to the place for the yearly Station of the Cross during Lent. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez
Duterte to human rights...
PAGE A1 have friends from other countries. What you did not know is that you were being listened to while you are doing that. I’ll re-
lease that in a few days. It’s an intelligence report, not from us but from another country),� he added. Earlier, a video series linking
Duterte’s children to drugs circulated online. Malacaùang dismissed the videos as black propaganda meant to berate the first family. n
PAGE A1 ment, those vetoed provisions are in violation of the Constitution or it is against certain statutes. That PAGE A1 was also the statement made by strophic fire of the Notre Dame the President,� he added. place of worship,� he added. French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the cathedral described as the soul of the nation and expressed re- PAGE A1 lief that “the worst had been City vice mayor Paolo Duterte avoided� in a blaze that had at have increased over the years one point threatened the entire despite getting modest salaries edifice. from the government and “negliMacron canceled a planned gible� retained earnings from the national policy speech on recent companies they own or co-own. “Yellow Vest� protests and inThe PCIJ had published reports stead headed to the scene, where on the wealth of past presidents he vowed the cathedral would be before. The report it released on reborn. the Dutertes’ incomes was based “We will rebuild Notre-Dame on public records that the family because it is what the French ex- filed themselves. pect,� he said, describing Notre According to PCIJ, the presiDame as “the epicentre of our dent’s net worth jumped by 195 life� and the cathedral of “all the percent from P9.69 million in French�, whether religious or 2007 to P28.54 million in 2017. not. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Phil- Meanwhile, Paolo’s net worth star.com with reports from AFP) rose by 233 percent from P8.34
When asked if the vetoed items are “pork,� Panelo said: “They are in violation of Constitution, whether you call it pork or beef or meat or fish. Those provisions are violative of the basic charter.�
“The message is always you follow the Constitution. Any deviation from the Constitution will not be approved by the president or will not be tolerated,� he added. n
Philippines stands in Palace: Vetoed P95.3-B in 2019 national... solidarity...
Duterte to journalists: You attack... million to P27.74 million two years ago and Sara’s increased by 518 percent from P7.25 million to P44.83 million. Duterte, for his part, urged the public to carefully analyze the accusations against him while he gave his explanation about some of the items mentioned in reports about his wealth — which includes a law firm that he allegedly failed to declare in his SALN. “They said that I have a law office that was unregistered. What is it to them if I don’t have it registered? They didn’t discover that my partner died the week after‌ having a law office was my backup plan in the past years in case
I lose in the elections. At least if I lose, I would have a sanctuary and a source of income which is my law office,� he explained. The president also maintained he did not profit from selling motorcycles. “But that’s the only issue that they attacked me with apart from selling motorcycles. If you are a motorcycle rider, you immediately become a businessman because if your motorcycle model grows old, you will want to replace it with a new one. If not, you trade it for a new model and just add money. But those transactions weren’t for profit,� he said. n
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Comelec warns overseas voters: Beware of fake news by NATHALIE
ROBLES
AJPress
AS the overseas absentee voting (OAV) program commenced on Saturday, April 13, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) eyed the possibility of fake news proliferation as observed in the previous elections. COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez assured the public that the commission is on the alert for those who plan to spread false information as a propaganda move to get their candidates elected. “The biggest reaction we are preparing for is the possible delHOLY WEEK EXODUS. Hundreds of province-bound passengers await their turn to board buses at the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Cubao, uge of fake news accounts. We Quezon City as they head back to their home towns this Holy Week on Monday, April 15. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon are on the lookout for efforts like that. That is what we are watching out for,” Jimenez said as reported by The Manila Bulletin. The poll body spokesman PAGE A1 urged the public to report any questionable information to their “I can tell you that the prinoffice so they could easily clarify cipled position of the Chinese or deny any claims so as not to side is that we hope non-regional compromise the citizen’s right to forces will refrain from stirring up suffrage. troubles in the calm South China “We call on the public to forSea,” Lu said. ward to us any such news or Gapay, for his part, said the information that they would enpresence of U.S. forces in the counter to the Comelec so that West Philippine Sea, as well as its we can quickly find the truth and allies like the Australian troops, correct such claims,” the spokesas part of the Balikatan exercises man said as reported by The Philhad long been planned. ippine Star. He added that it was not inJimenez recalled an incident in tended to agitate neighboring 2016 wherein he received a comforces, particularly China. “The presence is not really to Philippine Exercise Director for Balikatan 2019, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay (left), shakes hands plaint that the names on the voter agitate or anything else, but pure- with U.S. Commanding General III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt. Gen. Eric Smith, during the receipt were not the candidates ly for training, so nobody should closing ceremony of this year’s PH-U.S. Balikatan Exercises, held in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, that the complainant voted for. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon “The person who complained be alarmed of the presence of all Quezon City on Friday, April 12. used a ballpen in voting for a parthose forces during the Balika- rigal noted that the importance of year’s joint military drills. Defense Undersecretary Cartan,” Gapay said. mutual cooperation and collaboraThis year, amphibious and as- tion between two allied states and dozo Luna, for his part, said Basault helicopter carrier USS Wasp their partners was highlighted in likatan is “a demonstration of our and F35B Lightning II fighter jets this year’s joint drill — which fo- nation’s commitment to contrib- PAGE A1 were deployed in the South China cused on territorial defense and ute the peace and stability in the Sea for the joint Philippine-U.S. counterterrorism operations and Indo-Asia-Pacific region in the sia and Russia were included,” Balikatan exercises. urban missions from the previous face of evolving regional security he added. As per the data from the PhilAccording to Smith, the deploy- Humanitarian Assistance and Di- challenges.” He added that he is certain ippine National Police (PNP), the ment of USS Wasp was a great op- saster Relief (HADR). portunity for participants to train “This has also bolstered the the Filipino and U.S. troops who Interior secretary explained that “and they don’t want to waste the strong bonds between our coun- participated in this year’s joint the latest figures showed only training opportunities.” tries, as we plan, work and oper- drills are now imbued with strong 68 kidnapping cases in 2018 as “I think the seal of the (USS) ate side-by-side and shoulder-to- resolve to counter terrorism as compared to 79 cases in 2017. Wasp says it best: nothing says shoulder in our joint undertakings well as respond to the need for a The said 19.29 percent decline of 11 cases reduced the risk of I love you better than bringing a to continuously capacitate and stronger HADR. “As we move forward, it is our visiting the Philippines. ship with 10 F35s on it because empower the Armed Forces as Only 10 kidnapping cases that’s all I have on us. We brought we fulfill our respective responsi- hope that the Philippines and the everything we could bring be- bilities in maintaining peace and U.S., together with our friends were documented in 2019. Año cause our partnership with the stability in the region,” said Mad- and allies in the region, will con- attributed the decline in kidnapPhilippines is so good. This is rigal in his speech at the closing tinue to work towards mutual ping cases to the implementation of martial law in Mindanao. a great partnership and mutu- ceremony of this year’s combined peace and stability,” Luna said. “Shoulder-to-shoulder, we will He noted that the military rule ally respectful, beneficial partner- military drills at Camp Aguinaldo. ship,” he added. He also praised the defense continue to stand together to made the southern part of the Strong bond between PH and and military observers from Can- defend our values, for our pros- country safer. “While personal precaution US ada, South Korea, United King- perity and for the generations to Armed Forces of the Philippines dom, New Zealand, Thailand and come,” he added. (Ritchel Men- is necessary, martial law has allowed the Philippine govern(AFP) chief Gen. Benjamin Mad- Singapore for participating in this diola/AJPress)
US to fly, sail, operate anywhere int’l laws allow...
Philstar.com file photo
ticular position and then used (a) marker for the other. When the voter receipt came out, the vote marked with ballpen obviously was not read by the vote counting machine,” Jimenez stated. “That video was uploaded within the first day. That basically set the tone for the attack on the integrity of the election system,” he added. The spokesperson noted another dissemination of false information to which somebody claimed that the voting was already done and counted. He added that they also announced that this and that candidate already won. A group for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Migrante International expressed their concern on the elections in Japan and Europe. The group noted that the OFWs were required to shoulder the postal stamp costs in order to send their votes to the Philippine embassies.
“The right to vote should be free,” Migrante International stated. According to Migrante, many registered OAV voters don’t have stable addresses. As such, the voters cannot guarantee that they will receive their ballots. Similarly, they won’t know for certain if the returned ballots will be received by the embassies or consulates. “We are appealing to the Comelec to give OFWs the option to get their ballots from the embassies,” Migrante said. Migrante International emphasized that only a few Filipino workers would exercise their right to suffrage if those issues were not addressed as soon as possible. The migrant group noted that the election commission must focus on OFWs in this month-long OAV. The Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) will run until election day in the Philippines, May 13. ■
PH doubts US list of high kidnap... ment to deploy more security forces to Mindanao to ensure the safety of the people and foreign guests,” Año explained. The other countries included in the list were Afghanistan; Mexico; Colombia; Lebanon; Mali; Burkina Faso; Libya; Haiti; Central African Republic; Iraq; Iran; Nigeria; Niger; Pakistan — particularly in the areas of Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The list also included Turkey — with areas near the Syria and Iraq borders; South Sudan; Democratic Republic of the Congo including North Kivu and Ituri provinces; Sudan; Syria; Cameroon — specifically in the
North, Far North, Northwest and Southwest regions, and parts of East and Adamawa regions. Somalia; Venezuela; Papua New Guinea; Kenya; Ukraine — specifically in the Eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts; Uganda; Ethiopia — Somali Regional State; Trinidad and Tobago; Bangladesh specifically Southeast Bangladesh and including the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Russia specifically the north Caucasus including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus; Yemen; Algeria with areas near the Eastern and Southern borders and areas in the Sahara Desert; Malaysia specifically on the Eastern area of Sabah State and Angola on its urban areas. (Nathalie Robles/ AJPress)
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World Health Organization: ‘Fair medicine prices a global rights issue’ by Pia Lee
Brago Philstar.com
Greater transparency and fair pricing for medicine are a “global human rights issue,” the World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday, april 15. the WHO, a health agency of the UN, said the price of out-ofpocket medicine each year has pushed 100 million people into poverty. It said today’s cost of medicine is a worldwide challenge and a key topic of concern at the global medicine forum in South africa. Developing countries have long been struggling with the price of medicine. “this is a global human rights issue,” said WHO assistant director general for medicine and health products Mariângela Simão. “everyone has a right to access quality healthcare.” the forum on fair pricing and access to medicine provided a discussion platform for governments, civil society organizations and the pharmaceutical industry to identify strategies to reduce prices and expand access for all. the WHO forum on medicine in Johannesburg called for greater transparency around the cost of research, development and
The WHO, a health agency of the UN, said the price of out-of-pocket medicine each year has pushed 100 million people into poverty. Philstar.com file photo
production of medicine to allow buyers to negotiate more affordable prices. Health authorities in high-income countries are increasingly rationing medicine for cancer, hepatitis C and rare diseases. the problem extends to older medicine, which patents have expired such as insulin for diabetes. “Medical innovation has little social value if most people cannot access its benefits,” Simão said. a 2017 WHO report showed the cost of producing most medicine on its essential Medicine List was a small fraction of the final price.
Forum delegates said the lack of transparency on the prices paid by governments translates to many low- and middle-income VOLUNTEERS PROGRAM FOR THE 30TH SEA GAMES. Senatorial candidate Pia S. Cayetano, volleyball players Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, and Alyssa Valdez pose “as one” during the launching of the Volunteers Program for the 30th South East Asian (SEA) Games held at Lakeshores countries paying more for certain Hall, Taguig City. Cayetano is a known advocate of sports and the youth sector in Congress, having passed laws that give benefits to young medicine than wealthier coun- Filipino athletes, such as the Student-Athletes Protection Act (Republic Act 10676). PNA photo courtesy of PSC SEA Games tries do. One of the successful examples of countries’ collaboration toward affordable medicine prices is the information-sharing among Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and austria or the BenMedia affairs (OGMa), aims to his brutal war on drugs and antiby nestor CorraLes eluxa network. “engage with the international criminality campaign. Inquirer.net the network was cited for Presidential Spokesperson Salmedia and foreign audiences.” yielding promising results such MaLaCañaNG is reaching out “this will be another oppor- vador Panelo was the guest duras a bulk-rate discount when several regional countries purchased to members of the foreign media tunity for us to connect to inter- ing its pilot episode at the press who have been critical of the national audiences to respond to briefing room of the New execumedicine as a bloc. n Duterte administration through pressing issues and enable for- tive Building in Malacañang. the “the Virtual Presser,” an in- eign journalists to ask questions During the briefing, most of teractive online video platform without leaving their desks,” the questions asked were about launched on Monday, april 15. Communication Secretary Mar- the Philippines’ position in the the Presidential Communica- tin andanar said in a statement. South China Sea amid Beijing’s Mindanao. tions Operations Office (PCOO), Duterte has received criticism aggression in the disputed wathe SWS said it asked responthrough the Office of the Global from the global community for ters. n dents this question: “Pag-usapan po natin ang tungkol sa ilang bansa. Sa mga sumusunod, maaari po bang sabihin ninyo kung ang pagtitialigned with the Philippines’ Julia rees, UNICeF representaby Pia Lee-Brago wala ninyo sa (bansa) ay: NapakPhilstar.com tive, said. goal to end violence against alaki; medyo malaki; hindi tiyak “While the government has children by 2025, SaferKidsPH kung malaki o maliit; medyo FILIPINO children have a mas- been trying to respond to the de- will involve children, parents, maliit; apakaliit; o wala pa kayong narinig o nabasa kahit na sive presence in the internet and mand, breadth, scope and agility schools, local groups, civil socikailan tungkol sa (bansa)? Paki- online child abuse is the leading of the technology — not to men- ety, businesses, media and the sabi ang sagot ninyo sa pama- cybercrime in the Philippines, tion the extreme accessibility of government to promote online magitan ng paglagay ng mga according to the United Nations digital platforms — there must safety. be more that we can do togethaustralian ambassador Steven kard sa naaangkop na lugar sa children’s agency. the United Nations Children’s er to protect our children,” she robinson said australia is comrating board na ito. (Let’s now mitted to advancing the rights talk about some countries. For Fund (UNICeF) said new tech- added. to address online child abuse, of children and protecting them the following, please indicate if nologies, such as live streaming, your trust/faith in (country) is: are “putting more Filipino chil- the australian embassy in Manila from exploitation, abuse and vioinitiated the SaferKidsPH Pro- lence. Very much; somewhat much; dren at risk of sexual abuse.” the National Baseline Survey gram and is providing P298 mil“addressing online sexual exundecided if much or little; on Violence against Children lion over six years to fund this. ploitation and abuse of children somewhat little; very little; or the embassy hosted yesterday is a global concern. SaferKidsPH you have not heard or read any- shows that nearly one in two Filithing about the (country) ever? pino children aged 13 to 17 ex- the partnership launch of Safer- reinforces our commitment to KidsPH – the pioneering consor- support the Philippine governYou may indicate your answers perienced cyber violence. “Filipino children have a mastium composed of UNICeF, Save ment’s efforts to address this by placing each card on the appropriate box on this rating sive presence online. One in the Children and the asia Foun- complex form of human traffickthree internet users is a child,” dation. ing,” robinson said. n board). n
Palace reaches out to foreign media; launches ‘The Virtual Presser’
SWS: US trust rating ‘very good’, China ‘neutral’ by Christia
Marie Inquirer.net
raMos
tHe United States has maintained its “very good” net trust rating among Filipinos while China’s rating remains “neutral,” the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed. the survey, which was released on tuesday, revealed a +60 net trust rating for the United States and a -6 net trust rating for China. the pollster said that the United States’ rating was similar to its previous one in December 2018 while the rating for China was up by a point. according to the SWS, the United States’ rating “has been positive since SWS first surveyed it in December 1994.” Its score ranged from a moderate +18 in May 2005 to as high as excellent +82 in December 2013, the SWS noted. “It has been at +60 and above in six out of seven surveys since
June 2017,” the pollster added. For China, the SWS said its rating “has been positive in only 9 out of 49 surveys since SWS first surveyed it in august 1994.” “It reached as high as moderate +17 in June 2010 and as low as a bad -46 in September 2015,” the SWS added. ‘Good’ for Japan, australia Meanwhile, the survey results showed that Japan and australia maintained its “good” net trust rating among Filipinos. according to the SWS, Japan’s rating was at +34 while the rating for australia was at +33. the survey was conducted from March 28-31, 2019, using face-to-face interviews of 1,440 adults (18 years old and above). the survey had 360 respondents each in Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao and sampling error margins of ±2.6 percent for national percentages, and ±5 percent each for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and
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UNICEF: Online child abuse top cybercrime in PH
Foreign journos’ mission finds ‘increasing levels of intimidation’ vs local press by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Patag
a MISSION of international journalists on tuesday, april 16, expressed alarm on the “increasing levels of intimidation” on Filipino press. Committee to Protect Journalists conducted a mission in the country and met up with journalists and government officials, including Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete and the Presidential task Force on Media Security. the committee, in a statement tuesday, “found increasing levels of intimidation and a shrinking space for the free press in the country.” the conference was attended by CPJ board chair Kathleen Carroll and its asia program coordinator Steven Butler, and australia-based alliance for Journalists Freedom director Peter Greste. Carroll raised that there have been reports of cyberattacks especially on smaller news organizations. “We were told it’s not the purview of press safety task force,” Carroll said. “I found that hard to believe and alarming and perhaps we heard wrong but we don’t think so,” she also said. “the task force does not seem to be thinking that as an issue. We hope that they can reconsider,” Carroll added. On March 29, alternative news sites Bulatlat, Kodao Productions, altermidya and Pinoy Weekly filed a civil complaint against It companies they believe are involved in cyberattacks on their websites. the websites of these alternative news outlets have been targeted by Distributed Denial of Service attacks since late December 2018. DDoS, according to the electronic Frontier Foundation, “aims to make online resources temporarily or indefinitely unavailable by flooding them with so much traffic that their intended users cannot access or use them. Rappler cases the CPJ also raised concern on the 11 cases filed against rappler and the government officials “repeated” attacks against the press, including the withholding the license of tV network aBS-CBN. Butler, CPJ’s coordinator for
A student holds a placard during a protest at the state university grounds in Manila on Feb. 14, 2019, in support of CEO of Rappler, Maria Ressa, who was arrested a day earlier for cyber libel case. Ressa was freed on bail on February 14 following an arrest that sparked international censure and allegations she is being targeted over her news site’s criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte. Philstar.com photo
asia, said that they believe that the cases against rappler— which range from tax law violations to cyberlibel—“are likely to be politically motivated” and have “broader impact on the freedom of the press.”. Greste, for his part, said moves perceived as an attempt to intimidate the press “[create] a climate of fear.” Butler said that the findings of their mission would be created into a journal that would be uploaded on their website. the Malacañang has repeatedly distanced itself from the cases against rappler and denied that cases against the news website and its officers are political persecution. ‘Twisted, unjust, unfair,’ PTFoMS chief says In a Facebook post, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Joel Sy egco, also PtFoMS executive director, slammed the mission’s findings as a “twisted, unjust and unfair depitction of how things are out here.” egco said that when CPJ and aJF officials came to the task force’s headquarters, PtFoMS clarified the issues raised. “Unfortunately, none of those we talked about was included in this statement,” egco said. “During the meeting, it was obvious that the CPJ delegation was pressing very particular issues on DDoS attacks as claimed by those who ‘believe’ the government was behind such attacks. assertions based on be-
lief as Bible truths? You gotta be kidding me,” the former journalist also said. Caroll, during the press conference, said that the delegation was welcomed warmly by the offices they visited for their mission. egco also claimed that the delegation boarded a vehicle with the markings of aBS-CBN, one of the media entities that President rodrigo Duterte has criticized in his speeches for their allegedly being biased against the government. egco pointed out that the panel also talked with National Press Club Vice President Paul Gutierrez and Publishers association of the Philippines president Nelson Santos. “Niloloko niyo ba kami? eh, katabi ninyo sa upuan si Paul and Nelson? ano tingin nyo sa kanila, haoshiao? (Are you playing us for fools? You were alongside Paul and Nelson. What do you think they are, paid hacks?)” he said. When ressa was arrested by NBI agents on the cyberlibel charge, the National Press Club warned against injecting politics into the case. the press club also said that it is not uncommon for journalists to face libel suits. their statement ran in contrast with those of other local and international press groups, some officials of the government and the academe who said the arrest is part of a government attack on dissent and is a threat to freedom of the press. n
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 18-24, 2019
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline PhiliPPines
A
Angara, Inang Mahal Party-list join Joma Sison: ‘Duterte play-acting, forces to champion Filipino moms out to rig midterm elections’ MANILA — Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara and Inang Mahal Party-list are joining forces to advance the interests and welfare of all Filipino mothers in Congress. Angara is currently seeking another full six-year term in the Senate, while Inang Mahal Partylist is vying for seats in the House of Representatives in the May 13 midterm elections. The group’s first nominee is former Pangasinan Rep. Gina De Venecia. If they both win, Angara and De Venecia would jointly pursue legislation focused on ensuring the protection of mothers, especially those working abroad to support their families in the Philippines. De Venecia said the Inang Mahal Party-list plans to bring “meaningful reforms in the lives of Filipino mothers” through the legislative measures they would push if elected. To do this, she said the partylist group would need an ally in the Senate to ensure the passage of pro-women and pro-mother bills they would espouse. “Senator Sonny Angara, who is a known champion of women’s rights and the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), is our ideal partner in the Senate,” De Venecia said. For his part, Angara said he would be willing to sponsor and facilitate the passage in the Senate of all meaningful bills to be filed by De Venecia’s party-list group. De Venecia said Inang Mahal would focus on the well-being of OFW mothers, who belong to more than 50 percent of the 2.5 million OFWs worldwide. Once elected, De Venecia said her group would push for a Magna Carta for Mothers, an expansive law that will look after the interests of mothers. These would include the establishment of a Communication and Guidance Center in all municipal and city offices of the Department of Social Welfare
by Jose
Rodel Clapano Philstar.com
Senator Sonny Angara is welcomed by a supporter during a sortie. Angara is seeking reelection in the midterm elections in May. Inquirer.net photo
and Development, where OFW mothers can communicate with their family, through phone or Internet, to discuss their problems, in the presence of a guidance counselor. De Venecia said they would also push for the establishment of women centers nationwide, to be funded by local government units, for abused mothers. During the 15 years he has been a lawmaker—nine years as representative of the lone district of Aurora province and six years as senator—Angara pushed for a number of legislation aimed at improving the lives of Filipinas, which is the reason why Davao City’s District III Women Federation Inc. described him as a “true ally and defender of Filipino women.” Angara is one of the authors of Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, a comprehensive women’s rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination through recognition, protection, fulfilment and promotion of rights of women. He also co-authored and sponsor of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (RA 10354), and the recently enacted Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act (RA 11148) and the Expanded Maternity Leave Act (RA 11210).
Angara is also an advocate for OFWs having co-authored and sponsored a three-yearold law that institutionalized and strengthened the Overseas Workers Welfare Act (OWWA), in his capacity as then chair of the Senate Committee on Labor. RA 10801 or the OWWA Act of 2016 provides a wide range of services and benefits to OFWs funded by their $25 membership fee collected from them every two years. Under the law, OWWA is mandated to provide benefits and services to its members, which include gender-responsive reintegration programs, repatriation assistance, loan and credit assistance, on-site worker assistance, death and disability benefits, health care benefits, education and skills training, social services, and family welfare assistance. Other pro-OFW legislation that Angara co-authored are RA 10928 which extended the validity of passports from 5 years to 10 years, RA 10863 which raised to P150,000 from P10,000 the tax-exempt value of “balikbayan” boxes sent by Filipinos overseas, and RA 10706 or the Seafarers Protection Act that guards seafarers against ambulance chasing and excessive fees. (Inquirer.net)
Duterte might tell Xi Jinping: China must leave West Philippine Sea by alexis
RomeRo Philstar.com
MANILA — The presence of Chinese ships near Pag-asa island may be discussed during President Rodrigo Duterte’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, Malacañang said, as it claimed that the Philippine leader had “effectively” invoked the arbitral ruling on the South China Sea when he asked Beijing to lay off the Philippine-occupied island. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said it would be up to Duterte to decide whether to assert the ruling during his meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. But Panelo expressed belief that the issue would be raised because it is “hot.” “That will be the President’s
call. Usually, in a bilateral meeting, the host makes an opening statement. And in that opening statement, the host can raise whatever issue he wants. And then, the invited visiting head of state responds. In that response, he can raise an issue he wants,” Panelo said at a press briefing. While it remains unsure whether Duterte would mention the arbitral decision during his meeting with Xi, Panelo claimed the President had “effectively” invoked the ruling when he asked China not to touch Pag-asa. “Effectively his previous statement, earlier, when he said ‘do not touch our property and if you do any harm to our soldiers, we will respond in kind.’ That effectively has already made a very strong assertion of sovereignty and statement relative to the arbitral
ruling,” Panelo said. Reports said hundreds of Chinese vessels have been swarming Pag-asa since January. The island community is within the Kalayaan Island Group and is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Earlier this month, Duterte said he would not allow China to occupy Pag-asa island, the largest of the nine islets controlled by the Philippines in the disputed Spratlys region. “The Pag-asa island belongs to us. Is that our base? China would never do that, I assure you unless China wants a war with us,” the President said in an interview last April 4. “I assure you that if they kill or arrest people there who are Filipinos, then that would be the time that we will have to decide on what to do,” he added. n
Palace on law dividing Palawan: No connection with South China Sea issue MANILA — Malacañang justified the signing of a law dividing Palawan into three provinces, saying it has nothing to do with the country’s stake over the South China Sea. “Every creation precisely is to respond to the needs, to the delivery of basic services, to the problems of people in the area,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo told a press briefing on Tuesday, April 16. “There is no connection (with the South China Sea issue). Kahit naman walang probinsiya kung gustong mag-infiltrate ng mga
lokong iyan,” Panelo added. Sen. Risa Hontiveros had expressed concern that the law would allow China to strengthen its position in the South China Sea as it could have the “opportunity to infiltrate and influence smaller local government units.” President Duterte signed Republic Act 11259 on April 5 dividing Palawan into Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur. A plebiscite to ratify the measure will be held on the second Monday of May in 2020. Civil society groups and resi-
dents of Puerto Princesa, the capital of the province, are against the law, saying it would not address the problems in the province. Panelo said Palawan Gov. Jose Alvarez cited the advantages of the law, including better representation for districts. When asked for comment, Alvarez said the law is a “collective idea of a majority of Palaweños.” “This is our idea for better management of resources and faster delivery of basic services,” Alvarez said in a text message. (Philstar. com)
Escudero faces disqualification by William
depasupil ManilaTimes.net
AN urgent petition seeking the disqualification of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who is running for governor of Sorsogon, and three others for alleged violation of election laws, was filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) by a cause-oriented group. In a 10-page petition, Bayan at Mamamayan (BM) alleged that Escudero, who is the official candidate of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), violated the expressed provision of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) when he donated P50,000 to Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary (OLPS) for the use of its premises for a politi-
cal proclamation rally last March 31, or two days after the start of the 45-day campaign period for local candidates. Also named in the petition were Escudero’s running mate Mayor Manuel Fortes, his mother, Sorsogon First District Rep. Evelina Escudero and NPC Second District congressional candidate Ditas Ramos. BM lead convenor Revor Lasay claimed that giving of a donation violated Section104 of the OEC and is prohibited pursuant to Comelec Resolution 10429. The petition said the Diocese of Sorsogon, through its spokesman Fr. Philippe Gallanosa, admitted that OLPS received a rental payment from NPC for the
MANILA — The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has claimed that President Duterte was merely play-acting when he announced plans to resume negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF) and also alleged that the Chief Executive is out to rig the midterm elections. “By all indications, Duterte is merely play-acting in the name of peace while carrying out an all-out war and scheming to rig the May 2019 elections in order to pave the way for a fascist dictatorship through Charter change to a bogus federalism,” Jose Maria Sison said. Sison, who is also the NDF’s chief political consultant, added that he cannot negotiate with the allegedly militarized Office of the Presidential Adviser on the
Communist Party of the Philippines founder Joma Sison
Peace Process, headed by Carlito Galvez Jr. Sison said the NDF does not want to be baited into accepting a war panel of the Duterte administration whose purpose is allegedly to seek the impossible, such as the surrender of the CPP’s
Bong Revilla hits back at Leila d Lima against him in December last year while de Lima is still undergoing trial on drug charges. “If we have any difference, it’s that the court proved that I was not guilty and should be released, while a court ordered her detained as accusations against her might be true,” he said, referring to de Lima. Revilla also blamed de Lima for the suffering he experienced while in detention for the graft
charge in relation to his alleged acceptance of over P200 milPhilstar.com lion in kickbacks from his pork MANILA — Former senator barrel or Priority Development Ramon Revilla Jr. cried foul over Assistance Fund (PDAF) that was detained Sen. Leila de Lima’s allegedly channeled to bogus statement that her detention was non-government organizations different from the cases of three created by businesswoman Janet senators who were jailed in conLim-Napoles. nection with the pork barrel corThe anti-graft court Sandiruption scandal. ganbayan acquitted Revilla in a In a statement, Revilla cited his close vote, saying that he did not acquittal from the charges filed receive any kickback. Revilla described De Lima, who started probing graft accusations against him and former senators Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile in relation to the pork barrel scam, as a “drug lord being protected by critics of the Duterte administration.” Revilla, Estrada and Enrile are currently running for senator. Estrada and Enrile are out on bail pending the graft charges in connection with the pork barrel scam. De Lima previously criticized Senate President Vicente Sotto III and asked him to “stop comparing my situation with that Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima smiles and greets well-wishers as she arrives for the of the three PDAF senators,” continuation of the hearing on the trumped-up illegal drug charges filed against her before referring to Revilla, Estrada and the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 205 last April 4. Senate photo Enrile. n by Ghio
onG
LEGAL NA PAUNAWA LUNGSOD NG NORTH LAS VEGAS 2019 PANGKALAHATANG MUNISIPAL NA HALALAN ANG PAUNAWA NA ITO AY NAGBIBIGAY NANG KAALAMAN na ang Lungsod ng North Las Vegas Pangkalahatang Halalan ay gaganapin sa Martes, Ika-11 ng Hunyo, 2019 para sa mga sumusunod na tanggapan: MIYEMBRO KONSEHO NG LUNGSOD PUROK 4 4-NA TAONG TERMINO Richard Cherchio Pete Shields Ang Maagang Botohan ay magsisimula sa 9:00 N.U. sa Sabado, Ika-25 ng Mayo, 2019 at magsasara sa Biyernes, Ika-7 ng Hunyo, 2019 sa 6:00 N.G. (maliban kung mayroong iba’ng naka sulat) sa mga sumusunod na lugar: LUNGSOD NG NORTH LAS VEGAS MGA LUGAR NANG MAAGANG BOTOHAN BUKAS SA BUONG 2 LINGGO PETSA Sabado, Ika-25 ng Mayo hanggang Biyernes, Ika-7 ng Hunyo
ORAS
LUGAR
9:00 N.U. – 6:00 N.G.
Deer Springs Town Center N. 5th St/W. Dorrell Ln (Treyler sa Paradahan)
LUNGSOD NG NORTH LAS VEGAS MGA KAPITBAHAYANG LUGAR NANG MAAGANG BOTOHAN PETSA
Senator Francis Escudero
Inquier.net photo
venue even as he said the diocese had no permit to rent out its premises for public use. The petitioner also noted that there is no existing certification for NPC-Sorsogon to show that it submitted a statement of expenditure of the event in violation of Section 88 of the OEC. n
Inquirer.net photo
revolutionary forces, especially the New People’s Army. “The NDF must remind Duterte that he cannot dictate the terms of whatever kind of negotiations he seeks from the revolutionary movement of the people,” Sison said. n
ORAS
LUGAR
Sabado, Ika-25 ng Mayo hanggang Lunes, Ika-27 ng Mayo
9:00 N.U. – 6:00 N.G.
Albertsons 3010 W. Ann Rd Ann/Simmons
Martes, Ika-28 ng Mayo
9:00 N.U. – 4:00 N.G.
Skyview YMCA 3050 E. Centennial Pkwy
Miyerkules, Ika-29 ng Mayo hanngang Huwebes, Ika-30 ng Mayo
9:00 N.U. 6:00 N.G.
Biyernes, Ika-31 ng hanggang Lunes, Ika-3 ng Hunyo
9:00 N.U. – 6:00 N.G.
Skyview YMCA 3050 E. Centennial Pkwy North Mesa Plaza 1601 W. Craig Rd (Treyler sa Paradahan)
Martes, Ika-4 ng Hunyo 4 hanggang Huwebes, Ika -6 ng Hunyo
11:00 N.U. – 7:00 N.G.
Aliante Library 2400 W. Deer Springs Way @ North Aliante Pkwy
Biyernes, Ika-7 ng Hunyo
9:00 N.U. – 5:00 N.H.
Aliante Library 2400 W. Deer Springs Way @ North Aliante Pkwy
MANLILIBAN NA BALOTA MGA KAHILINGAN NA TARHETA ay maaaring makuha sa North Las Vegas Tanggapan ng Lungsod ng Kawani para sa nasabing, Pangkalahatang Halalan sa 2250 Las Vegas Blvd North, Suite 800, North Las Vegas, Nevada, 89030, o tumawag sa (702) 633-1030. Ang lahat nang mga nakasulat na kahilingan para sa manliliban na balota ay dapat maisagawa sa 5:00 n.h. sa Martes, Ika-4 ng Hunyo, 2019. ANG PANGKALAHATANG HALALAN ay naka takda sa Martes, Ika-11 ng Hunyo, 2019 ay gaganapin sa pamamaraan alinsunod sa batas ng Estado ng Nevada at North Las Vegas. Ang mga botante ay hindi na kinakailangang bumoto sa isang nakatakadang lugar ng botohan sa loob ng kanilang distrito. Sa halip, ang mga botante ay maaaring bumoto sa kahit na saang lugar ng botohan sa North Las Vegas o Lalalawigan ng Clark sentro nang botohan na lokasyon kasama na rin ang mga nasa Boulder City at Las Vegas; tignan ang halimbawang balota para sa mga petsa, oras at iba pang lokasyon. Ang mga Lugar nang Botohan ay magbubukas sa 7:00 n.u hanggang 7:00 n.g. sa mga sumusunod na lugar: LUNGSOD NG NORTH LAS VEGAS 2019 SENTRO NANG BOTOHAN MGA LOKASYON* Sentro nang Botohan
Kinaroroonan
Aliante Library
2400 W. Deer Springs Way, North Las Vegas, NV 89084
Clifford O. Findlay Middle School
333 W. Tropical Parkway, North Las Vegas, NV 89031
Don E. Hayden Elementary School
150 W. Rome Boulevard, North Las Vegas, NV 89084
Skyview YMCA
3050 E. Centennial Pkwy, North Las Vegas, NV 89081
Sun City Aliante Community Center
7390 Aliante Pkwy, North Las Vegas, NV 89084 (Treyler sa Paradahan)
Para sa karagdagang kaalaman, pinapakiusap na makipag-ugnayan sa North Las Vegas Tanggapan ng Kawani ng Lungsod sa (702) 633-1030, o sa tanggapan ng Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan sa (702) 455-7871. Pinetsahan: Ika-16 ng Abril, 2019 Catherine A. Raynor, MMC Kawani ng Lungsod Lungsod ng North Las Vegas Inilathala Asian Journal: Ika-18 ng Abril at Ika-25 ng Abril, 2019
A6
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
APRIL 18-24, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
Poverty down?
FEATURES
INCREDULITY has greeted the release of a report showing that poverty incidence is down, as measured by the Philippine Statistics Authority. Critics consider the timing of the release suspect and in aid of election for administration candidates, while organized workers see it as an attempt to discourage wage increases. PSA officials say they are prepared to explain the methodology used. The PSA assessment covers the first six months of 2018 when rice prices spiked. This has added to the doubts about the report, considering that food accounts for nearly 70 percent of the components in the PSA’s poverty assessment. The figures could be altered once the assessment for the entire year is completed and the full impact of the fuel excise tax is factored in, although PSA officials say such figures usually improve in the second semester. The PSA placed the number of poor Filipino individuals at 21 percent in the first six months of 2018 – down from the 27.6 percent during the same period in 2015. The figure was lower for families, at 16.1 percent, from the 22.2 percent in 2015. In the first half of 2018, a family of five needed at least P7,337 a month to meet basic food needs, or P48.91 daily per person, the PSA reported. If basic non-food requirements were added, the amount would be P10,481 a month – which is the poverty threshold. Whether or not the amounts mentioned are
unrealistic, the statistics indicate that over 21 million people, or about a fifth of the country’s population, live below the poverty line. That’s still too many people needing liberation from poverty. Other studies in the recent past have indicated that up to 30 percent of Filipinos were classified as extremely poor, and remained so despite direct aid programs such as the conditional cash transfer. The PSA comes up with the periodic assessment to assist policy makers in crafting development and poverty alleviation programs. Even without bickering over the poverty figures, merely driving around Metro Manila and other congested urban centers around the country would indicate that the country has a serious poverty problem. Too many people lack meaningful jobs and livelihoods to sustain themselves and their families. Too many people lack the education and skills to earn a decent living. Even if the PSA figures might be correct, poverty alleviation remains a formidable challenge. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Holy Week reflections: If Good Friday is here, have faith that Easter is coming! The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS HOLY WEEK is a good time for us to slow down a little and introspect on the meaning of this season in our life. This is particularly important these days when our day-to-day existence has been saddled with challenges, noise, hatred, doubts and fear because of the complexity and toxicity of today’s life. Most of us only aspire to exist, when we should be truly living, thriving and flourishing. I found a collection of amazing thoughts to help us slow down and discern what really matters in our life. I found them on Facebook via “Power of Positivity”. If you haven’t read these, I hope they will bless you as much as they they have been blessing me every-
day. Where ever you are in your life right now, stay in faith. Always remember that if Good Friday is here, Easter is coming. God bless us all. “If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” “Care about what other people think and you will always bet their prisoner.” “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” “Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle softness overcoming hardness.” “Health ins the greatest possession.” “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing your self is true wisdom. Mastering oth-
RECENTLY, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund trimmed the Philippine 2019 growth forecast. As U.S.Sino trade talks will give way to the next trade wars, Malacañang needs to monitor closely the eroding global prospects. EVER since the U.S.-Sino trade talks began almost four months ago, the United States has pushed for a broad commitment focusing on China’s economic practices, including participation of U.S. firms in certain industries and protection of U.S. intellectual property rights (IPRs). In a recent CNBC interview, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin claimed that the countries had “pretty much agreed” on an enforcement mechanism for a trade deal. After his meeting with the Chinese delegation last week, President Trump stated that negotiators may need four more weeks to package the deal. But the enthusiasm may prove premature. State of US-Sino trade talks
Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
HOLY WEEK DESTINATION. Pilgrims visit the Stations of the Cross at the Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan on Sunday, April 14. Philstar.com photo by Andy Zapata Jr.
From US-Sino talks to next trade wars
Commentary
DAN STEINBOCK
ers is strength; mastering your self is true power.” “If you don not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” “Being still does not mean don’t move. It means move in peace.” “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” “Silence is a source of great strength.” “If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place.” “Before healing others, heal your self.” “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” “Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.” “New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.” ***
As the last globalist in the Trump administration, Mnuchin’s views carry some weight, but he lacks clout to enforce those views. That’s been the case since Gary Cohn, Mnuchin’s former Goldman Sachs colleague, resigned from the White House ahead of the tariff wars. In turn, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has proven too weak, reluctant and old (81 years) to press for compromise. That’s why trade talks are led by Peter Navarro, Director of National Trade Council, and Robert Lighthizer, U.S. Trade Representative. The former is an advocate of trade mercantilism, who has a dark track record in China-bashing; the latter’s trade wars began against Japan in the Reagan administration. In addition to enforcement mechanisms, the two are pressing for a pact that would allow U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to snap back in case of violations – but without permitting China to retaliate in response. Understandably, Chinese negotiators consider such conditions unacceptable. Such conditionality has surprised even Craig Allen, president of U.S.-China Business Council, who believes that Mnuchin may
have been too optimistic about the deal, if it is burdened by a conditionality clause. Indeed, U.S. business groups tend to focus on commitments, including the proposed “enforcement offices.” They dislike negotiating tactics that needlessly prolong the talks and may undermine the progress achieved. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He has expressed greater caution by stressing that by the end the proposed four weeks, the two countries may learn whether a trade deal could be reached. And even if a final deal is achieved, it will take another year or two to verify the structural changes associated with the pact. Trade wars’ next targets However, a U.S.-China deal will not resolve U.S. trade deficits, which have increased for half a century. The imbalances began in the postwar era after the recovery of the key EU economies—the UK, Germany, France and Italy—and the subsequent rise of Japan. Toward the late 20th century, the deficits reflected the emergence of the four dragons, i.e., Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore. China’s role in these deficits became prominent in
the 2000s. Today, the largest deficits prevail with China, U.S. Nafta partners (Mexico, Canada), key EU countries (Germany, Ireland, Italy), Asean (Vietnam, Malaysia) and India. China has been targeted first, but others will follow. Last year, Mexico and Canada were pressured into a revised “U.S. first” regional pact. Friction has been steadily rising with Japan and Germany. And Trump has pledged to extend the trade war to Asean – where the deficits are likely to climb if U.S. companies begin to relocate. Despite half a century of promises to bring an end to deficits, U.S. dependence on trade deficits has only deepened as Washington has become increasingly dependent on foreign financing and sovereign debt (which now exceeds $22.2 trillion, or 106 percent of U.S. GDP). The net effect is a falling trend line (see figure). Why tariff wars won’t resolve US deficits Do the U.S. tariff wars make economic sense? No. Here are some reasons why: The U.S. deficit issue is multilateral and regional, not bilateral and national. Trying to resolve it by forcing the bilateral
trade deficit down is a bit like mimicking the fictional story of the little Dutch boy who discovered a leak in the dike and stuck his finger in it to save his country. That’s Trump’s strategy. Unfortunately, it ignores the dike’s many other leaks and may thus make the flood more likely. Second, Trump’s trade hawks presume that international trade is a competition between companies representing different countries. They ignore the fact that for decades — and particularly since the 1980s — national industry leaders have built multinational value activities around the world. Consequently — as even the OECD has concluded — conventional data on bilateral trade deficits can be misleading, due to multinationals’ global supply chains. Third, it is the overall size of the trade balance that matters, and that is largely a function of macroeconomic forces, such as domestic savings and investment. If the U.S. domestic investment continues to exceed savings, it will have to continue to import capital and will have a large trade deficit. Since late 2017, the Trump administration has made this challenge much worse, thanks
to large tax cuts, which have caused U.S. fiscal deficits to soar. That is likely to cause the trade deficit to increase, irrespective of the outcome of the trade war. Of course, one way to avoid this is that the White House will lead the U.S. into a recession, with incomes declining adequately for investment and imports to plummet – as with the aftermath of the 2008 crisis (see figure). Why tariff wars will weaken global prospects Unfortunately, that path would further penalize the American middle-class and working people, but it would also have even more severe implications internationally. It has potential to further derail global economic prospects (which would harm the very same U.S. multinationals Trump claims to support). As U.S. tariff wars undermined the global recovery momentum in early 2018, the IMF now predicts that global economic activity is notably slowing. Global growth is projected to slow to 3.3 percent in 2019. In the absence of more positive signals, the international environment is faltering toward a darker path. (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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VEGAS&STYLE Journal
Family, community, and God’s calling: Getting to know Bishop Aclan by Rae
ann VaRona AJPress
ON March 5, the Vatican named Monsignor Alejandro “Alex” Aclan the newest auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, making him the second Filipino to ever be presented as bishop in the United States. “I really see that as an acknowledgement of the church and the Vatican, of the contribution of the Filipino American Catholics in the United States,” said Aclan, whose nomination to bishop comes 15 years after Fil-Am Bishop Oscar Solis was named in 2004. In a statement announcing the nomination, 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 has a true heart for Jesus — and a deep concern for the people he is called to serve,” said Gomez, further describing Aclan as voice for Filipino Catholics who he said were a “beautiful sign of growth and renewal” in Los Angeles and throughout the U.S. For 25 years, Aclan served as a priest in Southern California, getting to know the Filipino American community while serving in several parishes around the Los Angeles Archdiocese. But Aclan’s journey to priesthood wasn’t a linear one as many who have gotten to know him may have learned. In fact, it wasn’t until after he paved himself out an already secure career that he decided to switch paths. But looking closer at his whole story, one may say that his calling to priesthood was just a matter of coming full circle back to his early years growing up in the Philippines where he witnessed first hand the presence of God. “I grew up in a relatively religious household,” said Aclan who
was born in Pasay City, Philippines to Emerenciana and Geronimo Aclan as the third among a total of eight siblings. Growing up in the Philippines — the only majority Christian nation in all of Asia where over 80% are Roman Catholic — Aclan grew up feeling experiencing the tight-knit Catholic community that makes the country so unique. He also recalled how priests would often visit their home which was located next door to their parish church in Makati which is now the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart. “I’m sure that a few bags of cement used in building the church were donated by my father,” said Aclan laughingly reminiscing. He recalled how his father, a Philippine Army Air Corps lieutenant, would often lead the family in praying the Rosary and how his parents made it a point to encourage him and his siblings to be active members of their church. As he and his siblings grew older, his parents continued to make sure they all were able to receive a high quality education while remaining close to the Church. For Aclan, there was the prestigious University of Santo Tomas (UST) — the oldwest university in the Philippines. For his brother, there was the also the esteemed Colegio de San Juan de Letran where his father also attended. For his sisters, there were the all girl schools, St. Scholastica’s College and St. Mary’s Catholic School for Girls. “My home was a place where I saw and experienced Christianity — not just where I heard about or was told about what being a Christian was. My mom and dad really lived out a good Christian life, especially in the way that they helped others,” said Aclan. “All of those influences, without a doubt, definitely formed my spirituality and the work that I
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Filipino artist No Rome performs at Coachella with The 1975 by Casey
eRidio Inquirer.net
LONDON-based Filipino artist Rome Gomez, known as “No Rome”, set foot on the Coachella main stage with British band The 1975, performing their synth-pop single “Narcissist”. The “Seventeen” singer took Filipino pride to Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals in the United States, last Friday, April 12. A video clip of the performance was posted by fan account @ The1975official on Twitter. “Narcissist” is No Rome’s single featuring The 1975 in his EP “RIP Indo Hisashi”, which was also co-produced by the band’s frontman Matt Healy and drummer George Daniel. In May 2018, Healy revealed that he and No Rome had been living together in London, as per an interview with radio station Beats 1. Healy also called the
Rome Gomez (No Rome) Photo from Instagram/@noromeworldwide
Filipino artist his “muse”, inspiring him for the band’s third studio album. “This kid is amazing, man,” Healy said in the interview. “I just fell in love with him completely. I PAGE B3
Jennifer Lopez wears Filipino designer’s creation in new music video by Jan
Milo seVeRo Philstar.com
Monsignor Alejnadro Aclan, Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Office of Media Relations
was eventually going to do for the church,” said Aclan. An unexpected calling Despite having grown up in a strong Catholic home, Aclan, like many other young Filipinos was set on taking on the traditional career trajectory of getting a degree and entering the professional workforce. Initially choosing a medical path, Aclan graduated from UST
with a Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology. Upon graduating, his career path then moved towards electronic data processing, which then led him to working as a programmer and systems analyst for numerous companies in the Philippines including Citibank and San Miguel Corporation — the last company he worked for before immigrating PAGE B3
INTERNATIONAL pop star Jennifer Lopez wears a creation by Filipino designer Furne One in her latest music video, “Medicine.” In the Instagram page of Furne One’s Amato Couture, the fashion brand posted a photo of what JLo was wearing in the video of her latest single. “JENNIFER LOPEZ ‘MEDICINE’ MV x AMATO COUTURE The beautiful, sexy and multitalented Award winning Diva Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) features pieces from Amato Couture’s International pop star Jennifer Lopez wearing iconic ‘Amor Vincit Omnia’ Cola creation by Filipino designer Furne One in lection for her latest music video ‘Medicine,’” the Instagram page her latest music video. Photo from Instagram/@amatoofficial
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Catching up with Jej Vinson, the Filipino breakout star from ‘The Voice’ The talented Davao native on his musical inspirations, switching from nursing and performing for President Barack Obama by KlaRize
Medenilla AJPress
FILIPINO parents usually expect a few things from their kids: academic proficiency, good health and a financially fortuitous career in medicine. And it’s not just a stereotype. It’s many of our realities. But as economically promising a career as a nurse or a doctor is, not everyone is built for the medical field, much less have the inherent enthusiasm for it that others do. And for some Filipinos — especially millennials — there comes that time when you decide to chase what fulfills you in ways that a career in nursing could never do. Filipino singer and viral sensation Jej Vinson, is one such individual. If you’ve watched the 16th season of NBC’s “The Voice” recently, you may be familiar with the young Filipino baritone who wowed audiences and the celebrity judges alike with his rendition of Drake’s “Passionfruit” during the blind auditions. Vinson earned the coveted four-chair turn (wherein all the judges decide to recruit a contestant for their respective teams) and ultimately chose to join Kelly Clarkson’s team. “She’s just so genuine, like the Kelly Clarkson you meet in person is the same Kelly Clarkson you see on T.V. I mean, all the judges are so amazing, but I felt like Kelly would be the best fit for me personally,” Vinson tells the Asian Journal in a recent interview.
Cebu City, Philippines will be one of the featured cities on Netflix’s new series, “Street Food.”
Photos courtesy of Netflix
New Netflix series highlights Filipino street food in Cebu by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
22-year-old Filipino singer Jej Vinson, a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice.” Photos courtesy of NBC/The Voice
As of press time, 22-year-old Vinson is still in the competition, which airs Monday and Tuesday nights, and has since experienced an influx of new fans of all ages and backgrounds. (On his Instagram page @jejvinson, he shares short singing videos and behindthe-scenes moments.) Born in Davao, Philippines in the late 1990s, Vinson grew up loving music. Between attending his parents’ church choir rehearsals and participating in the Filipino tradition of frequent karaoke, Vinson was introduced to his love of singing early on. “I kind of grew up chorally trained, and then a little bit after that, I started listening to more
Beth Griffith-Manley and Jej Vinson perform together in an episode of NBC’s “The Voice.”
jazz and R&B, and then when I moved to LA, I started to appreciate more radio-friendly and pop artists, so it’s kind of a mixed bag of influences,” Vinson recalls. R&B icons like Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce and Brian McKnight have been vocal inspirations for the young singer, but growing up in Davao, Vinson also looked up to Pinoy soloists like Daryl Ong, Morissette Amon and Regine Velasquez, whom Vinson regards as “an icon and probably the best singer in the Philippines ever.” At 15 years old, Vinson moved to South Dakota with his family, and when he turned 18, he packed his bags for Los Angeles in search of a career, exploring music more seriously while enrolling into USC, initially studying to become a nurse. But when it came time for Vinson to decide whether or not nursing was for him, he came at an impasse. When all you know in your family is a career trajectory into nursing, it could be uncomfortable, even nerve-racking, to consider something outside of that realm. “It’s kind of weird because a lot of cousins in my family are nurses or people who work in the medical field, but it kinda feels PAGE B4
A NEW series celebrating local culinary heroes from the Philippines and other parts of the globe is coming on Netflix. “Street Food,” from the creators of “Chef’s Table,” embarks on a global cultural journey focused on street food in some of the world’s most vibrant cities. The series, however, goes beyond the delicious food to document the stories of nine chefs from different destinations, highlighting their passion and perseverance into bringing noodles, soups and snacks on the streets of their respective countries. Season one celebrates the following cities: Bangkok, Thailand; Osaka, Japan; Delhi, India; Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Chiayi, Taiwan; Seoul, South Korea; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Singapore; Cebu City, Philippines. One episode tells the story of Jay-Fai who taught herself to cook after losing everything in a fire, while another introduces 100-year-old Mbah Lindu, who serves jackfruit stew in Indonesia. The episode from the Philippines will explore Cebu City’s rich history as a trading hub. It will also highlight the city’s unique and abundant street food selection thanks to its fresh seafood and easy access to produce. The episode will also highlight local culinary heroes like Florencio “Entoy” Escabas, who found a way to reverse the cycle of poverty for his family and fishermen community through his eatery; Leslie Enjambre, who runs the Lechon business in Talisay that
Coming on April 26, “Street Food,” from the creators of “Chef’s Table,” will focus on various cities in Asia.
her grandmother started way back in the 1940’s; Ian Secong, who runs a popular restaurant that brings obscure cuisines to the mainstream; and Rubilyn Diko Manayon, who opened a roadside “carinderia” in Cordova where she sells 18 different dishes.
Local delicacies like nilarang bakasi, a sour stew made with reef eel; and tuslob-buwa, a thick, bubbling gravy made with sautéed onions, garlic and pig brains will be featured in the episode, as well. “Street Food” will be available on Netflix on April 26.
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Maja Salvador dances her way to NCCA ambassadorship by arlo
Custodio ManilaTimes.net
FRESH from her stint as one of three judges in TV’s just-concluded “World of Dance Philippines (WODP),� Maja Salvador strengthened her position as the country’s premier modern terpsichorean when she was named Dance Ambassador by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on April 11, in time for Dance Xchange or the celebration of the International Dance Day on April 29. While she had previously and pointedly answered bashers who questioned her presence among WOPD’s panel of judges with Gary Valenciano and Billie Crawford [Salvador posted on her Instagram,�Wag ako, wala na tayong magagawa, nakaupo na si Maja bilang judge. Wala na kayong pakialam, yun na yun!�], she nevertheless clarified during the ceremonies that she wanted to help others reach their dreams the way that she reached hers, be it in dance or the other art forms. It is for this reason, according to the actress, that she accepted NCCA’s challenge despite some negative reactions. “Before people got to know me as an actress, I entertained [e[everyone]hrough dancing first. And from the time I danced with John Prats in ‘It Might Be You’ starring John Lloyd Cruz and
Bea Alonzo in 2003, I have been dancing continuously on ‘ASAP’ week after week for 16 years. At lahat po ng klaseng sayaw yun. Of course, if there were dances that I wasn’t very comfortable with, like ballroom dancing, I’d ask for more time to rehearse, like two or three sessions,� she told the media during her launch as NCCA’s first Dance Ambassador since the Dance Xchange was established eight years ago. In a side interview with NCCA Deputy Executive Director Marichu Tellano, The Manila Times learned that the choice for Salvador was unanimous. “We also considered Billy Crawford but he dances only to foreign music, unlike Maja who can dance every genre even our own folk dances,� Tellano said. Tinikling as showcase of Filipino dancing skills Asked what Filipino dance she would promote to the international stage if given the chance, she said it’s tinikling as it can go slow or fast and there’s a lot of movements and skills involved in presenting the bamboo pole dance, yet it’s easy to go with the beat. Comparing her life to a dance, she said it’s jazz. “Ganun kasi ang naging takbo ng buhay ko, slow, mula pagkabata, hindi naging mabilis ang mga pangyayari, yung tamang galaw lang,� she noted, adding that it’s a big blessing for her to
Salvador joins the Filipino Unity Dance which traditionally ends major NCCA events.
“During the entire time, one of the realizations I made was the importance of community during that time. A community that will provide support,� said Aclan. “You have no idea how people people were praying for me during that time. It was so moving,� he added. Still remembering one event in particular, Aclan shared of a time when he unknowingly walked in a group of praying women who were members of the Legion of Mary in his parish who offered one decade of the Rosary for him. “That was so important and essential. They actually offered one decade of that Rosary for me. Can you imagine that?,� said Aclan, still amazed. Of the other total of 13 men and women who were a part of his discernment group, Aclan said they became not only his primary support group, but true friends. “They were not only an emotional support group, they were friends who provided the social support that I needed when I was there,� added Aclan. “It’s hard to do this by yourself.� Filipinos and the gift of faith “Filipinos have this gift of faith and it really is a true gift,� shared Aclan, who most recently spent two months of his sabbatical in the Philippines at the end of last year. While there, he was able to again fully immerse himself in the Catholic community he grew up being so close to. “The deep faith that the people have is the same,� said Aclan. “It
Photo courtey of Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Office of Media Relations
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Bianca on being morena: ‘We are not pitiful’ by Casey
eridio Inquirer.net
Maja Salvador makes history as the first artist named NCCA Dance Ambassador. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
be in the same league now with Boy Abunda and Piolo Pascual as NCCA ambassador. Of the artists that she wanted to dance with — she clarified that she wanted to share the stage only and not for a dance duel — it already happened when she performed with Gary V in “World of Dance,� and still in her bucket list to dance along with Jennifer Lopez. “Sixteen years ako sa ‘ASAP’ pero di nagkaroon ng chance yung kay Sir Gary na magkasama sa iisang entablado pero nagkaroon ng katuparan sa ‘World of Dance’. Internationally, siyempre ang Ate JLo ko. It’s because of her kaya naappreciate ko lalo ang sumayaw. As we all know she became a big Hollywood star as actress and recording artist,� she said. Salvador the more expressed gratefulness for her NCCA ambassadorship as well as her stint as WODP judge when it was made known during the media conference that the first winner of the dance reality show franchise — FCPC of Bulacan, was also the grand champion in the 2018 Sayaw Pinoy NCCA National Dance Competition held in October.
Family, community, and God’s calling... PAGE B1 to the U.S. Upon moving to the Southern California in 1982 with his family, Aclan began working for Union Bank in Los Angeles as a project manager, all the while continuing to attend church every Sunday with his family, like he always did in the Philippines. Coincidentally, the church he first came to be a part of when he moved to the U.S. had the same Sacred Heart name as the church he grew up in while in the Philippines. It was there, at the Sacred Heart Church in Covina that he suddenly felt a calling to enter the seminary. This became more apparent as fellow parishioners began encouraging him to follow the calling. For four years, Aclan discerned his vocation before finally taking the plunge and leaving the career he built and start on a new path. Over the next five years in the St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, his calling grew even stronger. “I become more convinced that this is where God wanted me to be, primarily because I started to really enjoy formation,� said Aclan of his early years in the seminary. “I saw myself grow spiritually, and I was growing intellectually. I was growing as a human being. I was growing in my will to serve others,� added Aclan. During his journey to priesthood, Aclan further found a new meaning to the importance of community as he experienced an overwhelming amount of support in the trying years.
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 18-24, 2019
is a true gift from God.� Having witnessed the devotion and religiosity during the two months he was there, Aclan said he left encouraged by how dedicated people of all ages were. Visiting groups of senior citizens, he was amazed at how faithfully strong many of them were despite having experienced obvious hardships throughout their life. “It’s just so encouraging and heartwarming to see how the people pray,� Aclan gave as an example. He shared how every mass he attended in those two months contained a full complement of ministers and parishioners even in the early 6:30 a.m. masses. “I was absolutely mesmerized at the fact that every came all awake and ready early morning,� said Aclan, adding that everyone from senior citizens to the young children were always wearing their best. “And kind of like the cherry on top was the music. The music was just so wonderful,� added Aclan, emphasizing the full participation of the youth in the choir and as altar servers. “Early in the morning, you have all these young kids participating. The participation by the youth in the Philippines is strong,� said Aclan. “It’s just absolutely amazing.� While Aclan’s position as new bishop does not officially begin until May, he is ready to take on the new role and continue doing what he loves best — helping the community that encouraged him, shaped him, and set an example of what it means to to be a true follower of Christ. “My favorite thing is being able to alleviate people’s burdens, big and small, spiritual and otherwise,� said Aclan. He said that as priests, they have the opportunity to dedicate time to making a difference in people’s lives every moment of the day. “That’s what we’re all about. Bringing more people to Christ and letting people experience what Christ is like, with the hopes of course that we’ll have a more peaceful and more loving and more progressive society. To heal hurt and division among parishioners and to unify our church,� said Aclan. He added, “We’ve allowed our differences to separate us. We should focus on what is common among us, because there are much more things that we share in common than the difference that divide us.� In light of Holy Week and Easter, Aclan encouraged people to reflect on the passion and death of Christ. “We need to remember that Christ did not remain dead,� said Aclan. “He did rise again and we must remind ourselves that our Lord Christ rose again and we can rise again too.�
TELEVISION host Bianca Gonzalez aired her sentiments on being a morena, advocating for loving brown skin in light of whitening brands allegedly making brown-skinned women look “kaawa-awa� (pitiful). Gonzalez took to Twitter Saturday, April 13, to let out her thoughts about being a Filipina with brown skin. “There is no problem at all sa mga gustong magpaputi. The problem is when whitening brands make us look [‘kaawaawa’] dahil lang maitim kami. Kasi, hindi po kami kawawa, maganda ang kulay namin (There is no problem at all to those who want to lighten their skins. The problem is when whitening brands make us look ‘pitiful’ just because we are brown-skinned, because we are not pitiful, our color is beautiful),� Gonzalez said. The model also said that she loves her brown skin as she grew up looking up to actresses Angel Aquino and Tweetie de Leon who “proudly flaunt their brown skin.� “I did not need to compare myself to fair-skinned girls. It need not be a ‘battle’ of maitim (dark-skinned) versus maputi (fair-skinned),� she added. The “Pinoy Big Brother� host also said that while it is up to her daughters, who are both brownskinned, whether to lighten their skin color or not, she will teach them to not be ashamed of their color. “What I will teach them is that
Bianca Gonzales
being brown is not something ‘shameful’, and being brown is not something that makes them less beautiful than others,� she stated. Gonzalez has been outspoken about her opinion on skin whitening. In 2017, the host
Photo from Instagram/@iamsuperbianca
also put out a series of tweets explaining that she “feels sad� when a morena celebrity endorses a skin-whitening brand. However, she added that whitening is still a choice, but she advocates for celebrating natural skin colors.
Jennifer Lopez wears Filipino designer’s creation... PAGE B1
wrote. Furne One, the designer behind the Amato Couture, designed the dress accented with pearls and crystals. The dress was from his 2018/19 couture collection. Amato Couture is a Dubai-
based fashion brand started in 2002. It can be regularly seen on fashion week circuits in Dubai, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and London. Apart from JLo, celebrities who also wore Amato Couture in the past included Beyonce, Katy
Perry, Nicki Minaj, Heidi Klum, Shakira, Toni Braxton, Ariana Grande and Jessie J. In February, “Popstar Royalty� Sarah Geronimo also wore an Amato Couture dress during her performance after the mass of Pope Francis in Dubai.
Filipino artist No Rome performs in Coachella... PAGE B1 have never seen him and I did not know who he was or anything, but I just flew him over to the [United Kingdom].� No Rome has been involved
with the band ever since he moved to London, making cameos in the band’s music videos. He will also be the opening act for The 1975’s concert in Manila on September 11.
Before moving to London and getting signed under Dirty Hit Records, No Rome had collaborated with local indie artists B.P. Valenzuela and August Wahh in an electronic pop track, “Bbgirl�.
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B april 18-24, 2019 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal
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With Liza Soberano out, the search Is Catriona willing to do ‘Darna’? for the next ‘Darna’ continues by Deni
Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com
By Monet
AFTER Liza Soberano withdrew from doing Star Cinema’s revival of Mars Ravelo’s “Darna” due to an injured finger incurred while filming “Bagani,” the job is now open to anyone, including beauty queens like Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. During her press launch as official Jolly Twirl endorser last Saturday, Catriona answered fans’ clamor for her to don the Filipina
Lu
THE on-and-off search for the Philippines’ favorite super heroine came to an end when it was confirmed that actress Liza Soberano was chosen to play the next “Darna.” Then, it happened. As if caused by some unseen “dark” forces; our supposedly new Darna got injured, which caused her to turn down the role tearfully and regretfully. This turn of events begs the question: so, who will be the next Darna? Who is deserving to turn into this brave and mighty lady warrior sporting a red bikini with a gold star in each brassiere cap; red helmet with ruby encrusted gold winged medallion; gold bracelets; golden medallion belt with a loincloth in the middle; and almost knee-high red stiletto boots? Who do you think is worthy to swallow the infamous magic white pebble that transforms a common “Narda” to a “Pinay Wonder Woman” named, DARNA? “Who?” is the question everybody seems to be asking. I am not surprised that several names have been thrown as to who fits the description of our Darna. And there were celebrities who have expressed their interest in the role, like Pia Wurtzbach, Maja Salvador, Jessie Mendiola, to name a few. The director of Darna, Erik Matti, himself actually revealed who he thinks is a great fit for the role, now that Soberano can no longer play it. In his interview with Ricky Lo of the Philippine Star, he said, “After her [Soberano], I only see Nadine Lustre so far as someone who can be Darna. Very sultry. She has a lot of female sensuality and at the same time still looks tough and very Filipina.” He added, “The key to casting Darna has always been someone who can look plain and ordinary in her Narda alter ego but can be tough, spunky and can be very sexy when she transforms
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superhero’s costume, which is also red like the lava gown she wore during her coronation. “Am I open to acting po? Yes, I’m open to any opportunity that comes my way,” Catriona asserted. “Acting is a field that I don’t have any experience in, but I’m an eager learner and if an opportunity came to audition for a certain role, I would very much be open to it.” Like Darna, Catriona is currently Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray busy doing charity work. Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray
Catching up with Jej Vinson... PAGE B2
to Darna.” To this, Nadine reportedly expressed her gratitude for being one of the choices to play such an iconic role. Darna’s trademark red suit, magical stone, and catchphrase (“Ding, ang bato!”) are quintessential parts of Pinoy pop culture. Mars Ravelo’s comic heroine dates back to 1939. No wonder, picking the best person to play Darna is tough. The first woman to play Darna from 1951 to 1952 was none other than Rosa Del Rosario. Her name might not ring a bell these days, but she was dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Movies” in her heyday. She made a name for herself in silent films during the ‘30s and later, starred in many “talking-pictures”—including the first-ever Darna movie produced by Fernando Poe Sr. and written by Ravelo himself. Next to Del Rosario was Liza Moreno who played Darna in 1963 and 1964 which was actually 11 years after Darna was first shown in the silver screen. Then there’s Eva Montes in 1965, and then, of course, the Star for all Seasons, Vilma Santos is 1973. She played the role the longest: from 1973 to 1975; then again in 1980. Some of the actors who also played Darna were Lorna Tolentino (1977), Dolphy (yes, Dolphy! In 1979), Rio Locsin (1979), Sharon Cuneta (1986), Nanette Medved (1991) and Anjanette Abayari in 1994. This was the last Darna film to date. In 2003, “Asia’s Songbird” Regine Velasquez flexed her acting chops in a cameo ap-
weird for me to study something that wasn’t in medicine because I definitely had that mindset growing up that I would be a doctor or a nurse,” Vinson shares, adding that his parents fully supported his dreams in music. “That year when I decided to go to school for music, there was a lot of doubt within myself but I’m glad that my parents actually supported me. It actually helped lift me up and encouraged me to keep going,” Vinson fondly shares. “I’m really thankful for my parents for supporting me, and they moved to LA with me when they didn’t really need to, so it was really sweet of them to do that, and they’re just always there for me in every way. They really are the best,” Vinson beams. When Vinson made the switch from nursing to music at USC, he joined the university’s award-winning acapella group, SoCal VoCals for which he has served as musical director. As a part of SoCal VoCals, Vinson and his troupe were flown to the White House where they performed for former President
Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, a memory that remains a high point for Vinson. “That was definitely one of the highlights of my life so far, to perform for Obama, like he shook my hand! And I didn’t want to wash my hands for a long time,” he remembers with a laugh. “I was just so starstruck and totally fangirling over him. It was totally unreal and it’s not something a lot of people can say that they’ve done, so I’m very grateful for that blessing and my acapella group for bringing in these kinds of opportunities.” After leaning into a musical career trajectory, performing for a U.S. president and becoming a fan favorite on “The Voice,” Vinson says he plans to utilize his inherent musical talent to forge a career in musical production and performance. In terms of people he’d like to collaborate with in the future, he has his sights set on multi-talented acts like Tori Kelly and fellow Filipino American singer, Bruno Mars. His ultimate goal, however, is a career as an established recording artist with the hope of inspiring other young Filipino Americans.
pearance for the 2003 remake of Captain Barbell (starring her now-husband, Ogie Alcasid and Bong Revilla). She even wore the costume again for a performance with Alcasid during their concert tour. Two years later, Angel Locsin flew into our TV screens (and everyone’s hearts) with her portrayal of Darna in 2005. Locsin, who was already soaring after the success of Mulawin, dominated primetime ratings and her version enlisted four former Darna actresses to be part of the show: Gina Pareño, Rio Locsin, Lorna Tolentino, and Regine Velasquez (who also sang the theme song and voiced the “Darna!” shout). Despite the clamor for her return in Erik Matti’s highly anticipated film with Star Cinema, Locsin had to retire her costume due to personal health risks. The last actress to play the role on TV was Marian Rivera in 2009. Fresh off her role as Dyesebel, Marian’s version featured the famous opening theme “Narda” by Kamikazee, and depicted Narda as a young woman who initially didn’t want her powers and responsibility. The series also enlisted Mark Anthony Fernandez and Dennis Trillo to play Rivera’s love interests. Fast forward to the millennial times where “anybody can be a star.” Anybody can “dream, believe and achieve.” I humbly think that the role of Darna is something that should be treated like a beauty title. Not because it should be given to someone Vinson was a part of the SoCal VoCals, who were flown to the White House to perform for who is easy on the eyes but like former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Photo courtesy of Jej Vinson PAGE B6
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And like many Filipinos and Filipino Americans with aspirations in any kind of creative field, especially entertainment, he had initial doubts that stemmed from a collective cultural mindset that values financially solvent career choices over chasing your passion. “It was really difficult to make that switch [from nursing to music] because as Filipinos, we’re culturally brought up to think about our future a lot, and for a long time I didn’t think that pursuing music was gonna be a stable career,” Vinson reveals. “For the longest time I thought it was going to be a gamble, but I definitely had to change my mindset and I had to go into this industry making sure I can be comfortable with it and I had to start believing in myself. That was the No. 1 thing that was hardest to adjust to.” Vinson notes the stigma that exists within creative members of minority groups, many of whom have either not or yet to realize their dreams in the entertainment industry. But the emergence of Asians and Asian Americans in mainstream entertainment of the last year has Vinson feeling hopeful that the Asian creative community is finally getting its due. “I saw a lot of hopefuls who had their dreams crushed, and I just didn’t want that to happen to me or to any up and coming Asians and Asian American artists that are really working hard to make their dreams come true,” he says. “I just feel like we need more representation, and I am really happy about how times are changing and how Asian Americans are being recognized even more, like the movie ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and even half-Filipino artists who are emerging like H.E.R. and Bruno Mars. I’m very optimistic about our future.”
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Your Immigration Solution ATTY. MICHAEL BHOTIWIHOK THE United States Department of State is understandably cautious before they issue a person a U.S. passport. They are determined to avoid issuing a passport to person, who is only fraudulently claiming to be a citizen of the United States. Since these fraudulent claims do occur, it is often legitimate U.S. citizens who are forced to endure long waits, burdensome requests for additional documents, etc., all just to obtain what they are legally entitled to – a U.S. passport. A client of Reeves Immigration Law Group was recently a victim of this bureaucratic nightmare. Our client, who we will refer to as Lucia to protect her privacy, was born in the United States through the use of a midwife. She was rightfully issued a U.S. birth certificate following her birth, and she previously used this birth certificate to obtain a U.S. passport. Lucia had no idea that renewing her passport after it expired would be so challenging. There were delays, doubts about whether Lucia was actually a U.S. citizen, etc. Lucia eventually decided that, rather than trying to complete the process on her own, perhaps she should consult with an expert. She had a consultation with Reeves Immigration Law Group and felt encouraged that we would
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Fifteenth of a series, ) WE live in the Age of Information. You could say it is both a blessing and a curse to live during what could very well be “the best of times, the worst of times” as Dickens would probably describe it, to have so much information available at our fingertips. We have terabytes of available information on our smartphones and computers. It is amazing wizardry indeed! All we need is the correct phrase and spelling to look up something and VOILA, there it is. What is the downside? We think we know everything there is to know about practically everything. Secondly, we feel lost without our mental crutch, our smart phones. Third, we are susceptible to groupthink — to think like the herd does, as trends and memes proliferate in the internet. There is a serious need to dig for the truth. Raw knowledge is not the same as wisdom as it applies to how we live our lives. We still need our thinking caps to process and filter information and cull out only those golden nuggets of wisdom we could use to live our lives the best way we can. We junk the rest. Our minds and the collection of life experiences in our memory banks function as the kidneys to filter out the lies and all useless information. The Pareto 80/20 rule applies: 20% of stuff matters and the remaining 80% is chaff and should be trashed if we want our mental faculties to remain healthy and functioning for a long time yet. With all these ever evolving gadgets and gizmos, most people these days think that they have the smarts to handle practically every life situation. This may be true — but only up to a point. Life, as we know it, is
Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS BILLIONS of people around the world use painkillers, and some of them like water, because they are readily available over the counter and mostly inexpensive. There is a survey that showed 1 in 20 people take as many as 6 tablets of painkillers for pain or headache. Some even consume more than 365 pain pills in a year. Like all other medications, including “simple” aspirin, or vitamins have potential side effects. Each person has individual response or reaction to different medications. A jolting revelation: One week of ibuprofen increases the risk for a heart attack. The most popular combination of aspirin and ibuprofen (like Advil), a Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), is effective for pains and inflammation and preferred over steroids, but must also be taken under a physician’s supervision. The British, Finnish, and Ca-
American citizen finally receives her US passport be able to assist her. Attorneys Brittany Milliasseau and Michael Bhotiwihok happily accepted the challenge to represent Lucia in her application. Due to their experience and research, Attorney Milliasseau and Attorney Bhotiwihok were able to explain to Lucia why the government was challenging her claim of U.S. citizenship. They told Lucia that the U.S. government’s concern about her citizenship was likely because she was born with the assistance of a midwife. But they also told Lucia that the simple fact that she was born with the assistance of a midwife did not mean that her application should be denied. After all, it is well known that the use of midwives is a long-standing tradition along Texas’ southern border with Mexico. In fact, midwifery has been a common practice for more than a century, particularly in rural and other traditionally underserved communities. Attorney Milliasseau and Attorney Bhotiwihok wrote legal arguments about why Lucia should be issued a U.S. passport. They referenced an agreement in 2009 between the U.S. Department of State and the American Civil Liberties Union to implement new procedures to ensure the fair and prompt review of U.S. passport applications by MexicanAmericans whose births in Texas were attended by midwives. Attorney Milliasseau and Attorney
Bhotiwihok discussed how due process and equal protection rights of U.S. citizens delivered by midwives should not be violated by burdensome and unnecessary requests for them to prove their citizenship, and their applications should not be arbitrarily denied simply because a midwife was used at their birth. Reeves Immigration Law Group is now happy to say that Lucia’s application for a U.S. passport has finally been approved. It required convincing legal arguments and supporting documentary evidence, but after years of delay, Lucia now has a valid U.S. passport. And with her passport in hand, she is reassured that her constitutional rights will be protected as she freely travels outside the country for a long-awaited trip to see friends and family abroad. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
The bucket list Ask for help
“Don’t be shy about asking for help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, it only means you’re wise.” — Anonymous not so cut and dried. Self-confidence is good but not when it makes you arrogant and cocky believing that you are better than anyone else. Life has a way of knocking you down off your high horse. A bruised and battered ego is a good starting point to learn humility and gratitude. This is when the soul begins to grow. The downside of the Age of Information? Because we have become self –reliant, we feel we don’t need anyone else. We don’t want to ask for help when we are stumped with a problem or a situation that is beyond our abilities to deal with. Society expects us to find our way with the wherewithal and smart tools we have. Before the advent of GPS (Global Positioning System), most men (yes, men) wandered aimlessly about trying to find an address, refusing to admit to themselves that they are lost. Ask for directions? Bah, humbug! Why was this so? The short answer: EGO. Most do not want to be perceived as weak or inept or lacking in common sense. Most women seem to be just fine asking strangers or people at gas stations for directions and the men who give the directions seem just happy to oblige. GPS technology is a blessing. However, there is a caveat about complete reliance on it. No technology, at this time, no matter how sophisticated can replace good old common sense. You still need to process the information provided to find the best route for yourself. GPS is a great tool when the freeways are clogged and you need alternate routes to your destination. That said, never
relinquish your chief navigator position. Navigating our own life’s journey is not that simple however. There are twists and turns in life that throw us out of our smug self-sufficiency. We find ourselves needing help, either from our fellow men or more than likely, from God, when everything we have tried, has failed spectacularly. Don’t be too proud to ask for help. Sometimes, we go through seasons of darkness when it seems the universe is conspiring against us and everything that is happening weighs us down. We feel helpless as though a Category 5 hurricane is tossing us about like a rag doll and there is no end in sight. These are the seasons when going down on our knees and doubling down on prayers begging for help from above are the best of any one’s lifetime. This is a time of building a deeper, more personal relationship with the loving God of our beings, who the psalmist described as the one “who knit us in our mother’s womb,” so that we are each “fearfully and wonderfully made.” All we need to do when lost and helpless, is to ASK for HELP. After all, PRAYERS, heartfelt and unceasing, are the most powerful force in the universe. To borrow from the slogan that a sportswear company who seems to have lost its way at the moment: JUST DO IT. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Are pain pills safe? nadian 2017 study, which investigated the impact NSAIDs may have on the risk for heart attack, revealed this alarming finding: “By cross-referencing previous studies encompassing a group of 446,763 individuals, they found that taking NSAIDs over a period of one day to a week was associated with a dramatic risk increase of heart attack, with ibuprofen causing a 48% hike in risk of myocardial infarction. Rofecoxib, another NSAID that had an even more drastic impact at 58%, had been recalled in 2004, though it is now being considered to return to the market as a specialized treatment for hemophiliacs. Higher dosages of NSAIDs were associated with an even greater risk, though the period of intake did not seem to effect the odds.” Of course, there are many individual variables and factors when it comes to response or reaction to medications. If you are on any NSAID and are concerned, be sure to discuss this issue with your physician. These drugs are very useful to countless people around the world. New life-saving cancer tests
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West Ranch Music Masters Tournament in Valencia, CA West Ranch High School’s Instrumental Music Program is excited to announce their inaugural Golf Tournament fundraiser to be held on Monday, April 22 at The Oaks Club at Valencia, CA. Check-in and breakfast starts at 10 a.m. with a 12 p.m. shotgun start. The $125 per player fee includes: 18 holes of golf, use of golf cart, practice facilities, lunch and dinner. There will be an optional Mulligan and Magic Putt package for purchase. Additionally, a wide array of silent auction and raffle baskets will be available. The awards dinner will be served starting at 5pm and will feature students performing live jazz music. For those who wish to attend only the dinner and award festivities, the cost is $50. All proceeds go directly to support the West Ranch High School Music Program. To register for the tournament or for more information contact Jean Conway at westranchband@gmail.com or visit westranchmusic.com. Deadline to register is on April 11.
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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/.
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Kulintang festival in Oakland, CA As part of the as part of the celebrations of Asian American Heritage Month, Gongster’s Paradise — a kulintang party — will be held on Saturday, May 4 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center where the father of Filipino-American Kulintang music, Danongan ‘Danny’ Kalanduyan was once an artists in residence. This year’s line up will feature a new generation of Maguindanaon Master Artists from Cotabato City, Traditional groups from all over the United States and Contemporary groups from all over the world including Toronto, Philippines, Seattle, Virginia, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Alongside non-stop kulintangan, Gongster’s Paradise will feature visual artists, vendors, and dancers to showcase movements related to kulintang music rooted from all over Mindanao. A feast will be served throughout the evening to be prepared and served by Chef Eric Pascual, rising star and owner of Eats By E and will be joined by collaborator and sponsor, Ramar Foods. It will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center (388 9th St., Oakland, CA 94607).
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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.
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Marist School Marikina to celebrate 55th anniversary in Buena Park, CA Marist Alumni Abroad, coordinated by Arthur ‘Jojo’ P. Armada ‘77, invites alumni, family and friends, and the public who are interested, to the 55th anniversary grand reunion of the Marist School Marikina, to be held on Saturday, May 25, at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel (7675 Crescent Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620). The event’s theme is “Celebrating Our Marist Life...The Legacy Continues,” hosted by Marist Alumni Abroad. Dinner and dance: 6 pm to 11 pm; donation: $55/pax (per person). Contact person is overall chair Jojo P. Armada at (626) 216-3529 or email: armadaarthur@yahoo.com.
JUNE 1
7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival in LA The 7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival Committee (7KPFC) announced that it will holding the 7th Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 1, 2019 in commemoration of the 121st PH Independence Day on June 12, 1898. This will be the 7th Kalayaan Parade and Festival in Historic Filipinotown, as the first was held in 2013 in cooperation with the PH Consulate General in Los Angeles. This is the only Independence Day parade and Festival in Los Angeles and is held every year in Historic Filipinotown. For more information, please call Freddie at (818) 220-2075 or email at jfavusa8@gmail.com.
Kalayaan Incorporated’s annual Philippine Independence Day gala in LA Kalayaan Incorporated invites the community to its celebration of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel (5855 W. Century Blvd. Los Angeles, CA). Kalayaan is extremely proud to have Honorable Risa Hontiveros, an incumbent senator who assumed office on June 30, 2016, as the grand gala’s guest of honor and speaker. For tickets to the Gala Night, please contact Annie Cuevas-Lim, Kalayaan President at (213) 447-7078. For more information, contact KI PROs Violet Mislang at vmislang@gmail.com or Lady Hope Robillos at lhopepr@yahoo.com.
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The Ibaan Association USA-Canada gala dinner in LA The Ibaan Association USA-Canada will hold its 32nd Annual Gala Dinner & Dance July 20, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City - Ballroom A at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California 91608. For reservations call Monica Benitez at (323) 697-3731 / email: monica_benitez03@yahoo.com or Irene May Villafranca at (323) 423-2299 / email: imay02@ yahoo.com. Tickets are $85 for Adults and $40 for Children (3 to 10 years old). Please make checks payable to: Ibaan Association USA-Canada and mail to: Merly Pagunsan at 5025 Heintz St. Baldwin Park, CA 91706. For sponsorship information on our 2019 Souvenir Program please contact President Noli Reyes at homesbynoli@gmail.com or call (818) 458-7888. Please RSVP by April 12, 2019.
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Cancer is almost synonymous to death in many instances. Malignancy is a dreaded disease. The usual problem is how to diagnose them, and how to do this as early as possible to catch it early and find a cure. An Australian research team from the University of Queensland found a distinct and “unique DNA structure that is common to every type of cancer they tested for.” This new technology has been proven to be “accurate up to 90 percent in tests of 200 human cancer samples” which includes cancer of the prostate, lymphomas and different types of breast cancer. “Different cancers have very different signatures and use different types of screenings to detect. Scientists have been unable to identify a simple signature that was common to all cancers, but this new technology seems promising,” says the UoQ team. Hopefully, someday soon, test would be invented abnd appropriate drugs developed that will detect cancer soonest and make it totally curable, reminiscent of PAGE B6
40th annual Philippine Nurses Association of America National Convention in Atlanta, GA The Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) will have its 40th annual national convention from July 24 to 28 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA, hosted by the PNA-GA chapter. More information and details TBA. To learn about the PNA-GA, please visit: https://pnaga.wildapricot.org/.
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University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International Convention & Alaskan Cruise The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International, Inc. (UPNAAI) will have its 40th convention on a cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. The theme will be “In the New Millennium - UPNAAI at 40: Evolving and Emerging Nursing Roles.” On Aug. 1. it will be UPNAAI Volunteers Service Day in Seattle, then 2-9 will be a cruise from Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm & Dawes, Victoria, and back to Seattle. Convention Fee $100 for Alumni in addition to cruise pricing. No convention charge for friends and family members. Contact Hours will be provided for the educational conference. For more information/to register and view cruise rates, please visit https://www.upnaai.com/.
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Travel, Trade & Consumer Expo in Carson, CA The second annual Travel, Trade & Consumer Expo is back on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4 at the SouthBay Pavilion in Carson, CA. The two-day event is Southern California’s largest B2B expo showcasing tourism, trade, and investment opportunities in the USA and Philippines. It will feature networking opportunities for business-to-business, business-to-government, and business-to-consumer. The event is powered by the Asian Journal and Balikbayan Magazine. For more information, please visit https://traveltradeconsumer.com/.
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WestCare Nevada marks 40th anniversary Echo, Yam, Yen and Sam soon to kiss primetime goodbye of Harris Springs Ranch location by Tessa
Mauricioa-arriola ManilaTimes.net
Ranch served as first location in Las Vegas Valley to help those with addictions and related issues WeSTCAre Nevada, a nonprofit organization providing a spectrum of behavioral health and human services to community members in Southern Nevada, celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Harris Springs ranch location at Mt. Charleston on Thursday, April 11. The event featured tours, a luncheon, and various speakers shedding light on addiction issues and the past, present and future endeavors of the facility and WestCare. For four decades, Harris Springs ranch has provided addiction treatment and rehabilitation services to more than 1,200 clients. It has faced many trials during its existence – from threats of forest fires to potentially losing funding -- but these challenges never stopped WestCare from offering services to those in dire need of them. Dick Steinberg, CeO and President of WestCare; District Judge Frank P. Sullivan; representatives from Senator Cortez Masto and Senator rosen’s offices; and Harris Springs ranch alumna, were among the distinguished speakers
who addressed their journey with WestCare. Founded in 1973 in Las Vegas with the goal of “uplifting the human spirit,” WestCare provides a broad spectrum of behavioral health and human
THe hottest foursome on primetime television — Jericho rosales, Yam Concepcion, Yen Santos and Sam Milby” — are down to their last two weeks on air as more intense confrontations amp up the excitement in the highly-rated series, “Halik.” Undeniably one of the mosttalked about series since it first premiered in August 2018, Halik has built a strong fan base that consistently make the show a toptrending topic on social media almost every night. A story about infidelity, which is almost always a hit subject whether in soaps or the movies, Halik has been a favorite subject across Facebook and Instagram complete with memes with its “#nakaka-gigil” scenes. “We’ll miss all the bashing,” the actors laughingly admitted at a media conference announcing the series’ upcoming conclusion. They said every hit their fictional characters took was a confirmation of their convincing acting skills. Halik’s story has followed the lives of childhood sweethearts Jacky and Lino who years later find themselves attracted to one another every if both are already married. The fast-paced soap has since seen them torn between
Sam Milby, Yam Concepcion, Yen Santos and Jericho Rosales
fighting for their love or to be true to their vows. “I’m so grateful to be part of a show like ‘Halik’ that really had an impact on the audience and more so in our careers as actors,” added rosales who plays the role of Lino in the series. “The last time something like this happened to me was 20 years ago with ‘Pangako Sa’Yo’ and to land such a project na tumatatak twice is really a blessing.” Indeed, the series has made stars out of popular actors rosales and Milby’s leading ladies Concepcion and Santos, and both actresses were teary-eyed with gratitude at the leap their careers took with “Halik.”
ManilaTimes.net photo
The numbers are proof of their success via consistent national TV ratings, which hit an all-time high of 29.3 percent, which is a feat for its late night timeslot. The series also broke records on ABS-CBN’s streaming service iWant TV and remains the mostwatched show on the website. Moreover, the show’s producers proudly announced at the mediacon that Halik has also conquered the African territory, airing to positive reception in Tanzania since February. With all the success of this original series, stay tuned to the very end to find out to whom these four seductive characters will give their last kiss.
Filipino group VPeepz scores 98.7, advances in World of Dance “Without a flip, without a trick, without anything. Nobody risked their life and you got the three of YOUNG Filipino dance group us up out of our seats,” Judge NeVPeepz was at their best when Yo said after the performance. “The clarity, the choreography, they received an almost perfect score during “The Cut” of Ameri- the thoughtfulness. There was can dance competition “World of space in the music that allowed us to appreciate those hard moDance.” VPeepz earned an average ments, those intricate moments score of 98.7 points from their with the footwork,” Judge Derek dance routine of Billie eilish’s Hough said. “You didn’t leave any beat, any “&Burn.”
by Krissy aguilar Inquirer.net
services programs for substance use and mental health disorders, homelessness, domestic violence, prisoner re-entry, and HIV/AIDS, that includes: detoxification, residential and outpatient programs; services for women with children; services for veterans; education/ prevention programs; emergency shelters and transitional living; and community triage centers. The nonprofit’s trauma-informed, person-centered continuum of care spans 19 states, three U.S. territories, and the republic of Palau and is recognized for clinical excellence, coordinated access, and collaborative innovation. For more information, visit www. westcare.com. WestCare Nevada Harris Springs ranch is located at 1200 Harris Springs road Las Vegas, Nevada 89124.
VPeepz
moment unturned. It was so beautiful. Well done, VPeepz! You guys nailed it,” Hough added. VPeepz made up of dancers aged 11 to 16, advanced to the Division Finals of the dance competition. The third season of “World of Dance” premiered last February 26, 2019. The grand winner of the competition will receive one million dollars.
Photo from Instagram/@vpeepzofficial
With Liza Soberano out, the search for... PAGE B4 our former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach said about being Miss Universe, “it is both an honor and a responsibility.” As much as I love the top choices they currently have (to play Darna), for me, being the next Darna means she will be carrying on the legacy that the veteran actresses (who played the role) have passed on. She
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will embody one (if not the most famous) of the cultural icons in Philippine entertainment. Having said that, I think this would a good time to discover and give a chance to fresh talent — someone new. And while that poses as a challenge (albeit, a good one), I am optimistic that finding the perfect Darna is worth the wait. ***
Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
Are pain pills safe?
the ravages of killer pulmonary tuberculosis of the yesterdays before anti-Tb pills were developed, where the disease invades almost all organs of the body, virtually a fatal illness at the time, like many cancers today. Smartphones reduces brain power? Smartphones are heaven-sent in most instances. For me it is my second self, but more smart, more efficient, much faster when it comes to data production or retrieval, and has a lot more superior computer power than my brain. Used wisely, smartphones make us perform closest to our maximum potential brain power. However, studies have shown that when we are taking an examination or doing a complex chore requiring our brain’s maximal power, the presence of our smartphone nearby, even face down, or in our pocket, reduces our brain power and performance, compared to another person who does not have a smartphone nearby. Our dependence on it virtually, subconsciously, lessens our self-confidence and distracts our concentration when we are not using it. Many are addicted to their smartphone. I am one of them, who use it for everything, from waking me up to putting me to sleep, and my activities for the whole day, from setting reminders, getting news updates, emailing, writing my column, navigating, shopping, surfing the net, and communicating with my colleague, Dr. Google. The advise, especially for children, is to give the smartphone
a vacation once in a while, not using it for half a day or more, providing the same break for tablets and laptops. Children on the phone or computer a great part of the day provides passive brain activity, unlike intellectual or brain exercise as in talking to, and interacting with people, reading, doing puzzles, or solving problems, and other active brain exercise. When we always give the task of remembering dates or occasions to our smart devices, for instance, and depend on them as a routine, then our memory bank becomes less efficient, and weaker memory and slower recall result. This does not mean these computers are bad for us. When used appropriately and with wisdom, computers (like smartphones, etc.) are a great boon to a person’s life and to humanity as a whole. Inflammation is the culprit The initial process in the formation of most diseases is inflammation. This is not the usual obvious inflammation that results from bumps, injuries, that leads to area redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. The patho-physiology is more sophisticated than this and the effect more systemic and general. Some of the triggers are stress, exposure to environmental pollution, toxins, etc., bad food we eat (like processed foods, soft drinks, junk foods, contrary diet, smoking, alcohol, inactivity or lack of exercise, illicit drugs, and some bad behaviors/habits. Any of these, or combination thereof, can trigger inflammation in the inner linings of the arteries all over our body and other organs, production of free radicals and increase in the oxidation processes,
and weakening of the immune system. The food items that are antiinflammatory and anti-oxidants include olive oil, broccoli, tart cherries, blue (and most) berries, fish (omega 3), nuts, kelps and fermented foods. Food items that cause inflammation, which all of us should avoid, especially those with arthritis, include: sugar and all sweet items, rice, bread, pasta, gluten foods, soft drinks of any kind, french fries, processed meats, blackened grilled meats (whose oil drippings cause cancer-causing fumes/smoke that goes back up to the meat being grilled on high heat), nightshades (tomato, white potato, pepper, eggplant, paprika). Anti-inflammatory behaviors include good attitude, physical exercises, brisk walking preferred over jogging (which causes impact injuries to spine, hip, knee, ankles joints over time), fun activities with family and friends, the act of laughing itself, singing, rest and relaxation, vacations, and any other stress reduction regimens. Living a healthy lifestyle is antiinflammatory. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com
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