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w w w. a s i a n Volume 25 - No. 14 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

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

APRIL 27-MAY 3, 2018 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

A new electric car sharing service launches in LA and is the largest of its kind in the US Inaugural hub locations include Historic Filipinotown

IN Los Angeles, cars continue to be the preferred method of travel for many of the county’s 10 million residents. This is true even as investments go into expanding the city’s transit network. Having a car often means independence, more freedom, and a lot of saved time. Yet many Angelenos do not have affordable access to personal cars, limiting their mobility across the large county. On Friday, April 20, a fleet of white fully electric compact hatchback cars paraded out of Los Angeles City College donning “BlueLA” logos on their doors. BlueLA is a carsharing program that gives driv-

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Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano Malacañang photo

Cayetano pressed to file diplomatic protest against US for detainment and alleged torture of PH activist

Palace downplays PH’s drop in World Press Freedom Index ranking by AJPRESS MALACAÑANG on Thursday, April 26 gave little weight to the Philippines low ranking in the recently released 2018 World Press Freedom Index by the Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontières, RSF). The report ranked the Philippines 133rd out of 180 countries on the list, citing a “growing aniThe dynamism of the Philippine press has been challenged by President mosity” towards journalists in the Rodrigo Duterte, who repeatedly hurled threats against journalists, Reporters country. Without Borders noted.

Philstar.com photo by Kriz John Rosales

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by AJPRESS PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte has placed Boracay under state of calamity on Thursday, April 26, the same day when the island’s six-month closure begun. Duterte has signed Proclamation No. 475, declaring barangays Balabag, Manoc-Manoc, and Yapak in Malay town under a state of calamity “until lifted by the president, notwithstanding the lapse of the six-month closure period.” Boracay will be closed until October 25 as part of the government’s efforts to address the worldfamous island’s environmental woes. The proclamation cited several violations that led to Boracay’s closure, such as the high concentration of fecal coliform due to insufficient sewer lines and illegal discharge of untreated wastewater into the beach. Aside from waste management violations, it also cited the illegal constructions on forestlands and wetlands; the degradation of the coral reefs and coral cover of Boracay Island; and the dam-

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CASUAL ENCOUNTER. President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with his supporters on the sidelines of the Maguindanao Balik-Baril Program launching at the Buluan Municipal Gymnasium in Maguindanao on Wednesday, April 25. Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano

Federal judge ruling: US must continue DACA Judge John D. Bates joins other federal judges in support of the Obama-era program that provides benefits to undocumented youth by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

STROLLING IN BORACAY. Foreign tourists stroll along the white sands of Boracay in Aklan during a cloudy day early this year. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Rod Garcia earlier said the six-month cleanup and rehabilitation work in the island, which will start on April 26, could be shortened or extended, if found necessary. PNA photo by Joey Razon

THE Trump administration has been dealt with yet another blow in its mission to terminate a program which grants work authorization and protection from deportation to undocumented youth. Judge John D. Bates of the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia ruled on Tuesday, April 24 that the federal government

must keep the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in place and continue accepting new applications. Like previous federal judges’ rulings, Bates found that the phasing out of DACA was “arbitrary and capricious” because the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lacked an adequate explanation for “its conclusion that the program was unlawful.”

Marcos to PET: Statements on poll recount ‘observation’ by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

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Duterte declares state of calamity in Boracay

Activist from Mindanao detained for 28 hours in US airport A HUMAN rights group has called on Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday, April 23 to file a diplomatic complaint against the Trump administration after a young Filipino activist was detained in the U.S. for 28 hours last week and sent back to the Philippines. Jerome Aba, a 25-year-old peace advocate from Mindanao, Philippines, was allegedly subject to “Guantanamo-style torture” after being denied entry to the U.S. at the San Francisco International Airport for what Customs and Bor-

only) directed to the Philippines, directed also to the U.S. and in any case, it’s a private organization,” he added. In its report released Wednesday, April 25, RSF tagged the Philippines as “one of the continent’s deadliest countries.” RSF said the “growing animosity” towards journalists in Philippines is “openly encouraged” by political leaders, noting that President Rodrigo Duterte himself “not only constantly insults re-

But Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. downplayed the report, saying that the media watchdog also expressed alarm over the developments in the United States, China, and Russia—not just the Philippines “Hindi lang po Pilipinas ang sinabihan nila; ganundin ang sinabi nila sa Amerika, kay [U.S.] President [Donald] Trump (It’s not just the Philippines; they said the same about America, about President Trump),” Roque said. “So hindi lang po iyan (It’s not

FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. told the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) that his press statements on the ongoing recount of votes in the 2016 vice presidential race were mere “observations.” Marcos claimed that he “did not make any comment or disclosure pertaining to the revision proceedings that may be construed as prejudging the issue, influencing the court, or obstructing the administration of Inquirer.net photo justice.”

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as PET, issued a show cause order against Marcos and Vice President Leni Robredo for publicly discussing information involving the election protest in the 2016 vice presidential race. PET has ordered Marcos and Robredo to explain why they should not be cited in contempt for disclosing information on the vote recount. But Marcos, in his compliance Senate President pro Tempore reply, insisted that his camp’s Emeritus Kevin de León (D-Los statements were “limited to his Angeles)

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Photo courtesy of Kevin de León

He also said that the administration provided “meager legal reasoning” in its justification of ending the program. Given that hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients (nearly 650,000 by some estimates) came to the U.S. as children, Bates has called the move to end DACA “particularly egregious.” Bates’ ruling will take place in

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Kevin de León sounds off on campaign, championing diversity, progressive values by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

KEVIN de León thinks it’s time for a regime change in the Senate. Sitting in the bustling campaign office in a high rise in Koreatown (the nucleus of de León’s Senate District 24), de León, the current California Senate President pro Tempore,

and his team are gearing up for the primary election for the 2018 senatorial race just a little over a month away. The progressive CA Senate leader announced on Oct. 15, 2017 that he’s looking to transition from state politics to the national stage in the form of a U.S. senatorial campaign

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april 27-may 3, 2018 • OC/iE aSiaN JOUrNal

From the Front Page

Cayetano pressed to file diplomatic protest... PAGE A1 der Protection (CBP) officials said was a “technical glitch” with his visa. Aba had been given a 10-year multiple visa by the U.S. Embassy in Manila. “Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano harps on national sovereignty whenever international actors criticize the Philippine government on its human rights

record. If Cayetano meant an ounce of truth in his pronouncements that the country should fully exercise its rights as a sovereign nation, he should uphold the rights of a Filipino citizen who suffered Guantanamo-style torture, among other violations, under the U.S. government,” said Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay in a statement Sunday, April 22.

“We challenge him [Cayetano] to file a diplomatic protest against the Trump administration for the cruel and inhuman acts of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection against Filipino Moro human rights activist Jerome Succor Aba,” she added. Aba had been invited by the U.S. chapter of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP), and was on route to Washington D.C. to talk with human rights organizations and U.S. congressional offices about the experiences of the Moro and indigenous people under the Duterte-declared martial law in Mindanao last year. Opening up about his experience, Aba told media reporters that as an advocate, he wasn’t used to being a victim of human rights violations. He also said he was denied access to a lawyer, and was commanded to undress and stand in a cold empty room where an industrial cooling fan was brought in and turned on. He added that he was intimidated with the threat of being shot. “I was afraid to use the restroom, because they might make a drama that I was trying to escape and they might shoot me,” Aba was quoted saying in an ICHRP-U.S. statement. He said he remembered an agent saying, “Be good here, be nice here, if you do anything bad, I will not hesitate to shoot you”, saying the agent would reach for his side arm whenever he would move. An attorney from the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) was at the airport attempting to talk with CBP, according to the statement. Callers from NLG to CBP offices were told they would be called back. ICHRP said that offices of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Senator Dianne Feinstein also made calls to CBP officials and were told Aba was being detained on a “soft disposition” or “something that could easily be overcome.” Aba said he further experienced anti-Muslim comments, was interrogated about his beliefs and rally participations, and was accused of being a “terrorist” and “communist.” On two PAGE A4

NEW LAWYERS. Newly-minted lawyers are emotional, while checking the result of the 2017 Bar examinations at the Supreme Court (SC) in Ermita, Manila on Thursday, April 26. Mark John Simondo from the University of St. La Salle Bacolod, who studied for 8-9 hours a day, topped the examination with a grade of 91.05 percent. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Palace downplays PH’s drop...

PAGE A1 porters but has also warned them that they ‘are not exempt from assassination.’” “There have been countless examples of Philippine government harassment of media that voice any kind of criticism of Duterte’s ‘war on drugs.’ Here, again, verbal violence and physical violence are closely linked,” the report said. It also noted that the “line separating verbal violence from physical violence is dissolving.” Malacañang, however, maintained that the Duterte administration continues to address the threats of press freedom in the country, including the reported

killing of journalists. Roque cited the establishment of the Task Force on Media Security, which monitors cases of media violence and provides legal assistance to the victims and their family members. “Earlier this month, its special agents went to the provinces to investigate and/or initiate reinvestigation of cases of media workers’ killings. The mission resulted in discovery of five more convictions in addition to three that had been previously reported, bringing up to eight the total number of convictions from 2012 to 2016,” Roque said. “This shows our very strong re-

solve to genuinely and concretely address violence against members of the media and/or journalism profession,” he added. The World Press Freedom Index, which is published annually by RSF, “measures the level of media freedom in 180 countries, including the level of pluralism, media independence, and respect for the safety and freedom of journalists.” The Philippines’ current rank on the list is lower than last year’s, which is at 127th. Meanwhile, Norway remains as the top country in the world for press freedom; North Korea is still ranked last. n

PAGE A1 age and destruction of the natural habitats of Puka shells, nesting grounds of marine turtles, and roosting grounds of flying foxes or fruit bats. “It is necessary to implement urgent measures to address the abovementioned human-induced hazards, to protect and promote the health and well-being of its residents, workers and tourists, and to rehabilitate the island in order to ensure the sustainability of the area and prevent further degradation of its rich ecosystem,” the proclamation read. The proclamation will also

expedite the release of funds needed for infrastructure work on the island and for assistance to thousands of affected workers and residents. With the six-month closure in effect, the island is now offlimits to both local and foreign tourists, while individuals who wish to visit Boracay for business purposes, as well as visitors of the local residents, need to secure a permit from the authorities first. Earlier this week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that it will deploy 400 of its officers to monitor the island amid its closure.

PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde on Monday, April 23, said that Chief Superintendent Cesar Binag, regional director for the Western Visayas, will be “in full control and supervision” and will have the “responsibility on how to deal with the misdeeds” in Boracay. “We will monitor that (Boracay situation) 24 hours a day. We will be implementing it on the 26th,” Albayalde said. While the PNP is expecting less resistance, Albayalde assured that the police force will implement maximum tolerance against possible protesters. n

Duterte declares state of calamity...

Federal judge ruling: US must...

PAGE A1 90 days to give enough time “to allow the agency an opportunity to better explain its rescission.” DACA was first put into effect via an executive order by former President Barack Obama in 2012. Since then, hundreds of thousands of undocumented youth have been able to work (through renewable two-year permits) and have reported better career and education opportunities because of DACA. In addition to work opportunities and protection from deportation, DACA recipients are granted other benefits that vary from state to state. In California, for example, DACA recipients may apply for a driver’s license. Bates’ decision adds to a string

of the Trump administration’s legal defeats in their multiple attempts to terminate the program. Although the administration maintains its view that the passing of DACA violated the Constitution, no federal court so far has found it to be unconstitutional. In response to the ruling, the Justice Department (on behalf of the Trump administration) released a statement standing by the administration’s initial reasoning, reiterating its view that DACA is an “unlawful circumvention of Congress” and that it will continue to make its case to the court. “The Department of Homeland Security therefore acted within its lawful authority in deciding to wind down DACA in an orderly

manner,” DHS spokesman Devin O’Malley said in a statement. “Promoting and enforcing the rule of law is vital to protecting a nation, its borders, and its citizens. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously defend this position, and looks forward to vindicating its position in further litigation.” For the last eight months, DACA recipients and their families have been scrambling to secure their benefits after Trump announced the termination on September 5, 2017. As previously reported in the Asian Journal, after many federal judges’ rulings, DACA has already been allowed to resume after its March 5, 2018 deadline administered by the president. n

Kevin de León sounds off on campaign... PAGE A1 against longtime incumbent Dianne Feinstein, who has led California in the Senate since 1992. For the last few years Democrats across the state have called for a replacement for Feinstein and, in February, it came to head when two-thirds of the California Young Democrats made a shocking move to decline to endorse the longtime centrist senator: tangible proof that Californians are seeking more progressive leadership in the Senate. And de León firmly believes

he’s the one to hold the torch for the staunchly blue state. “I think it’s time that California has a debate on the issues and the values that we deeply care about,” de León told the Asian Journal in an April 13 interview. “California has changed in the last 25 years, demographically linguistically, culturally, technology-wise and economically. I think these are very tumultuous and dangerous times in our nation’s history, and I think that the current Democratic establishment is not reflective of the diversity of today’s Califor-

nia.” As a state senator, de León boasts a 12-year legislative career preserving and strengthening Democratic values by uplifting the working class, preserving immigrant rights, increasing access to higher education and fighting for climate change policy. De León has already proven a formidable Democratic challenge to the seat, which he says needs a more tenacious leader who represents the California of 2018 and beyond. “The fact that the current in-

Marcos to PET: Statements on poll... PAGE A1

personal observation of what transpired during the revision.” “To be sure, the legal counsels of the protestant repeatedly requested that the Adhoc Revision Committee of this Honorable Tribunal to issue media advisories in connection with the ongoing proceedings so that they will not be forced to grant any interview in order to clarify the developments in this election protest,” he added. The revision of ballots begun on last week, on April 2. On the first day of recount, Marcos’ camp revealed before the media that wet ballots were discovered from the clustered ballots of Municipality of Bato, Camarines Sur. Marcos’ spokesman, Vic Ro-

driguez, further claimed that there were missing audits and ballots pre-shaded for Robredo. The revision of ballots is being conducted in connection with Marcos’ electoral protest against Robredo, who won the 2016 vice presidential race with only 263,473 more than him. Marcos accused her of committing massive electoral fraud. Shading threshold On Tuesday, April 24, PET has directed Marcos and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to comment on Robredo’s appeal on the shading threshold in the vote recount. In a motion filed last week, Robredo asked PET to follow the 25 percent threshold set by the

Comelec for shading of ballots, citing the “interest of justice and fair play.” Threshold pertains to what percentage of the vote should be shaded to be counted. PET is currently applying the 50 percent threshold in determining the validity of votes. Robredo also claimed that PET’s decision to apply a 50 percent threshold on validity of votes “has resulted to a systematic decrease in her votes.” Reacting to the motion, Marcos’ camp earlier slammed the vice president for “casting aspersions meant to debase [PET’s] integrity” and “attempting to cheat the Filipino people again by trying to change the rules in the middle of the game.” n

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DATELINE USA

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Three US hitmen face life in prison over murderfor-hire killing of Filipina real-estate agent Case likened to actions usually seen in action movies’ by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

THREE American men were convicted Wednesday, April 18 for a murder conspiracy plot in which they assassinated a realestate agent in the Philippines for cash six years ago. Former U.S. Army sergeant and sniper instructor Joseph Hunter, also known as “Rambo,” was found guilty in Federal District Court in New York, along with Adam Samia and Carl D. Stillwell. The conviction ended a 12day federal trial during which Hunter’s former boss and infamous South African crime lord, Paul Le Roux, testified against the three while divulging to prosecutors about his approximately 20-year career as an international crime lord that included selling missile technology to Iran, trafficking methamphetamine out of New York, and shipping guns out of Indonesia among others. U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman described the case on Wednesday as “horrifying” and likened its details to those “usually seen in action movies.” “Hunter, Samia, and Stillwell conspired to end the lives of people overseas whom they had never met,” said Berman. According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Hunter, Samia, and Stillwell agreed in 2011 and 2012 to commit murders-for-hires in locations abroad in exchange for payments, including bonuses for each victim. Hunter at the time was a replacement of Le Roux’s former chief mercenary David Smith who Le Roux had killed after finding out he had been cheating him, reported the New York Times. Le Roux testified that he further instructed Hunter to replace two of Le Roux’s hitmen. Hunter then emailed Samia, a former Army sniper, and Stillwell who was a firearms instructor. In 2012, Samia and Stillwell traveled to the Philippines from North Carolina, and were provided by Hunter information about their targets and what firearms to

use in the murders, among other things. The two surveilled their targets — one of whom was Filipina real-estate agent Catherine Lee — in January and February 2012 while devising their murder plans which entailed them posing as real-estate buyers. An in-depth report by Atavist Magazine said Lee received an email from a Canadian man living in Manila who said he and a colleague were looking to invest in some property and had found Lee through an online search. Posing as real-estate buyers, the two traveled with Lee to look at properties near her home town of Las Piñas City in Manila. It was on that day of February 12, 2012 that they killed Lee in a Toyota van — Stillwell driving and Samia shooting Lee multiple times in the face with a .22-caliber gun. The two then dumped her body onto a pile of garbage. The New York Times reported that Le Roux had suspected Lee had cheated him. By early March, Hunter had driven both men to the airport. Samia and Stillwell returned to North Carolina where they stayed until they were tracked down by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents and arrested with warrants in July 2015. The U.S. Attorney’s Office statement said that Hunter paid Samia and Stillwell $35,000 each. Hunter’s sentencing has been scheduled on September 7, 2018. Samia and Stillwell are scheduled to be sentenced a week after on September 14, 2018. ‘Ringleader of trained assassins’ Prior to Wednesday’s conviction, Hunter had already been serving 20 years in prison for numerous high crime charges including another conspiracy to murder a DEA agent, and DEA informant in 2013. He pled guilty and was sentenced to prison in February 2015. Hunter’s capture came as Le Roux helped the DEA catch him in 2013 through an arranged

Former Ambassador to the United Nations Lauro Baja Jr.

Inquirer.net photo

Ex-envoy to UN Baja gets 27 years for graft, malversation by DJ

YAP Inquirer.net

FORMER Ambassador to the United Nations Lauro Baja Jr. was meted a combined maximum sentence of 27 years in jail on graft and malversation charges for misappropriating $17,524.27 (about P895,000) in insurance claims for his official residence in New York in 2006. Baja, who served as the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was also ordered to pay a fine equivalent to that amount by the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division. In a decision promulgated on April 13 but made public on Friday, the antigraft court found Baja guilty on both counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation for the misuse of public funds. The funds represented proceeds of an insurance claim for $780 and $12,504.56 for personal and building damage in the Philippine governmentowned townhouse that served as Baja’s residence in New York, “holdback” of $1,739.51, and a separate claim of $2,500 for lost cash and jewelry belonging to Baja’s wife. Baja said in a statement that he would appeal the decision. Three checks “We were very confident of acquittal because no injury was done to government, no evidence I pocketed the money, all funds were used for the repair

of the damaged building which was acknowledged by the insurance company itself and all disbursements covered by receipts of construction company,” he said. Court records showed that the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York filed a claim for damage caused by a broken heating system pipe on the second floor of the townhouse at 15th East 66th Street in 2004, prompting the insurance company to issue three checks. The checks should have been deposited to the Mission’s Philippine National Bank account but Baja and finance officer Tomas Valerio opened a new account under the name “Philippine Mission to the UN-Renovation of Townhouse,” to which the money was deposited. Baja then made several withdrawals in 2006 of the insurance proceeds and contracted a certain James McDonnell for the repair of the townhouse without bidding, records showed. Valerio testified that he told Baja that the insurance proceeds ought to be deposited in the mission’s official bank account. But the Sandiganbayan said there was “evident bad faith” in Baja’s handling and disposal of the insurance payments. “Jurisprudence describes ‘evident bad faith’ as something that connotes not only bad judgment but also palpably and patently fraudulent and dishonest purpose to do moral obliquity or conscious wrongdoings for some perverse motive or ill will,” the court said. ■

sting operation in Phuket, Thailand. Le Roux himself had been captured late 2012 in Liberia by the DEA. “Hunter and his cohorts turned from serving their countries as soldiers to becoming mercenaries for hire, plotting to kill a DEA agent and informant and trafficking in massive quantities of cocaine,” said former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. For the hit, Hunter had hired four former U.S., German, and Polish soldiers to serve as security and hitmen for what they thought was a Colombian drug trafficking organization. Hunter was recorded describing the mission to his recruits as being “just like a military mission.” “This is real [expletive]. You know, you see everything. You see James Bond in the movie and you’re saying, ‘Oh, I can do that.’ Well, you’re gonna do it now,” a statement by the U.S. Attorney’s office quoted Hunter saying. Following the sentencing in May 2016, Bharara said: “The sentencing of Joseph Hunter, an admitted contract killer, convicted drug trafficker, and ringleader of trained assassins, ends another chapter in a chilling criminal case that spanned the globe.” Manhattan prosecutors are also managing the current Lee case as both cases came from the same investigation. ■

ALGAE NETS. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) personnel use nets to trap green algae during the first day of the six-month rehabilitation period of Boracay Island on Thursday, April 26 in Malay, Aklan. Environmental experts say the presence of thick, slimy algae in Boracay’s shoreline is an indicator of worsening pollution in the world-renowned island. PNA photo by Cindy Ferrer

PH condoles with Canada amid van incident THE Philippines expressed its condolences to Canada after an incident in which a rented van plowed into pedestrians, killing 10 and leaving 15 others injured. There have been no reports yet of Filipinos among the casualties or injured, according to the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa. The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, meanwhile, is checking with authorities to ensure the safety of the 270,000 Filipinos in the area. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Canada. We mourn with the families of those

who lost their lives in this tragedy,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement. Toronto police identified the suspect as Alek Minassian, a 25year-old from the Toronto suburb of Richmond Hill. Deputy Police Chief Peter Yuen says the driver of the van is in custody but Yuen has not provided any possible cause or motive in the incident on Monday, April 23. He says the investigation is continuing. Police Chief Mark Saunders said the incident “definitely looked

deliberate. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the government will work with law enforcement partners while the investigation continues. “It was with great sadness that I heard about the tragic and senseless attack that took place in Toronto this afternoon. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed, and my thoughts for a fast and full recovery to those injured,” Trudeau said in a statement. (Patricia Lourdes Viray with Associated Press)

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Kevin de León sounds off on campaign...

COFFEE FESTIVAL. Amadeo, Cavite Mayor Conrado Viado (4th from left) and Vice Mayor Leo Angelo Bayot (5th from left) leads town officials in the ribbon cutting ceremony for opening the “Pahimis Coffee Festival” that features various exhibitors from popular coffee brands such as Amadeo Coffee and Olivia’s, among others, and various exhibitors on food, farm animals, plants, apparels and dresses from April 25-27 at the Amadeo Municipal Hall Grounds in Cavite. PNA photo by Gladys Pino

Dureza highlights PH peace efforts in UN General Assembly

PReSidential Peace adviser Jesus G. dureza highlighted the peacebuilding efforts of the Philippine government as he spoke before the United nations (Un) General assembly in new York City on Wednesday, april 25. in his message delivered during the high-level meeting on peacebuilding and sustaining peace, dureza presented several initiatives being undertaken by the Office of the Presidential adviser on the Peace Process (OPaPP) as proof of government’s commitment to peace. He said these include the implementation of socio-economic development programs in conflict-affected areas through Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PaMana) and the development of a peace constituency through the People’s Peace table. Using the “chicken and egg” analogy, dureza said peace and development should not come one after the other but “should come hand in hand.” “as you all know very well,

you cannot have peace – or you cannot sustain peace – if there is no development; and you cannot also sustain development unless there is peace,” he said. the peace adviser added that development should be done through a “peace lens,” using an inclusive approach that involves the different stakeholders of conflict. “We cannot address sustainable peace if you only attend to people who are triggers of conflict, or are involved in conflict,“ he said, emphasizing that the concerns of “the bigger table, which is the public” should also be addressed. dureza closed his presentation by reaffirming government’s commitment to pursuing and sustaining peace in the country. He also expressed gratitude for the Un’s role in strengthening government’s peacebuilding efforts. “the work for peace is not an easy to road to travel. there are roadblocks. there are many

ways, however, to peace. We cannot avoid roadblocks … but we have to stay in the course,” the peace adviser said. dureza expressed his gratitude to the United nations and the countries that have “kept faith with our work for peace.” “Many mechanisms for peace have been in place in the country today are being supported strongly by the Un systems and the Un agencies,” he said. dureza also recognized the importance of mediators who facilitate peace negotiations. “We have noticed that when there are foreign nations supporting the peace process, it is not too easy for the rebel groups, in times of challenging situations in the process of the negotiation, (to) walk away from the table,” he said. aside from addressing the Un General assembly, dureza will also update the Filipino community on the peace process on april 26 at the Philippine Center in new York. n

Cayetano pressed to file diplomatic protest... PAGE A2 separate occasions, he said he was left in a room with a gun and a grenade which he saw as CBP attempts to “entrap him into using the items.” CBP spokesman Jamie Ruiz said in a statement that “U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not consider country of origin or human rights activism

to be determining factors for admissibility.” Before being released, aba said he was coerced to cover up details of his detainment by recording a video statement of him saying he had not been tortured. a “foot-tall stack of papers that the agents purported were their profile on him” was shredded in front of him before his release,

according to the iCHRP-U.S. statement. to Cayetano, Payaba added, “the filing of a diplomatic protest against the U.S. government will be an indicator if Cayetano and the Philippine government are indeed capable of exercising the country’s sovereignty, or if it is just rhetoric used to conveniently dismiss critics.” n

PAGE A2 cumbent of California voted for two wars: afghanistan and iraq,” de león said. “We have spent close to $6 trillion in both wars combined, $6 trillion that should have been spent investing in young men and women, college debt and education giving much bigger financial aid so they can graduate in a timely basis without being riddled with debt. We should’ve invested it in clean energy, education, healthcare; and, that shows you why the incumbent is so disconnected to the values and to the realities of working families in California.” Since 2010, de león has been serving Sd 24 (he previously served the 45th district as an assemblymember), which comprises of many of la’s most ethnically diverse neighborhoods including Boyle Heights, little armenia, little tokyo, Chinatown, Westlake and Historic Filipinotown. the son of Guatemalan immigrants, de león humbly grew up in San diego where ethnic diversity thrived. He has maintained a close relationship with the Filipino-american community since childhood when his mother, who worked as a licensed vocational nurse and certified nursing assistant, befriended many Filipino americans at her job. When she got sick and could no longer care for the family, these Filipino colleagues would bring chicken adobo, pancit and lumpia to the house to make sure the de león family was taken care of. “i’ve always had very strong memories and this deep fondness for the Filipino-american community because when we were in deep pain and in a very difficult place as a family, our Filipino sisters and brothers really stepped up and that meant a lot. the Filipino-american community has always, always, always been very good to my family,” de león remarked. acknowledging that Filipino americans are the largest asian american group in California, de león made clear that he promises to be a representative for the vast Filipino-american community in the U.S. Senate. “i have an enormous respect

for the Filipino-american community, many of whom come from so many different parts of the Philippines to come all the way across the Pacific Ocean whether that’s to join the United States navy or as a nurse,” de león said. “if i have the opportunity to be the voice for California in Washington, the Filipino-american community has a voice with me too. they come with me, too.” One of the issues closest to the Filipino-american community is immigration, which continues to dominate as one of the most pressing domestic issues nationwide. California is home to nearly 10 million immigrants, a quarter of whom are undocumented, according to the latest statistics from the California Public Policy institute. Over the last year as California has loudly resisted the rhetoric coming from the trump administration on immigration, de león has emerged as a leader defending California’s vast and diverse immigrant population. and de león has led the legislative effort in that fight. last year, his pièce de résistance came in the form of SB 54, the California Values act, which prohibits state and local law enforcement from sharing information with federal immigration agencies that could lead to the capture of undocumented immigrants. though the vast majority of Californians support SB 54, Orange County residents in cities like Huntington Beach, newport Beach and los alamitos have supported the trump administration’s lawsuit against SB 54. “it’s deeply unfortunate that politicians in a handful of cities, in Orange County, are on the cusp of wasting taxpayer dollars to join donald trump in his lawsuit against California and SB 54,” de león said. “it’s my hope they read the bill that they understand that the bill doesn’t protect violent criminal felons. to me, it doesn’t make a difference whether you’re from ireland, the Philippines, Germany or Mexico, if you’re a criminal violent felon, you don’t belong here.” He added: “this bill was created to protect innocent immigrants,

fathers, children and hard-working families who have contributed greatly to our country for decades and who have been waiting to become legal permanent residents (lPR) through a dysfunctional, broken down immigration system that Congress has yet to have the aptitude, courage or work ethic to tackle. So this is an indictment on Congress, if anybody, for not doing its job.” if elected, he promises to be an unwavering challenger to the trump administration’s immigration policies, including standing up to the threats against the deferred action for Childhood arrivals (daCa) and family reunification, the process through which naturalized immigrants can petition their family members to come to the U.S. “Family unity and respect for the family are so entrenched in the Filipino community like so many other communities, and we have a president who uses terms like “chain migration” which represents the most anti-family values one can espouse,” de león said. “Who doesn’t want to bring their mother? Or their father or their siblings to america so can have a cohesive family reunited together. California is home to the largest concentration of Filipinos who became naturalized citizens, lPRs or achieved status after being undocumented. the leading voice should be here in California, and that certainly hasn’t been the case with the incumbent.” ahead of the June 5 primary election, de león is continuing to visit counties throughout the state, meeting with and engaging with residents about their concerns. in addition to Feinstein, de león will also have to contend with other democrats who also believe in a regime change in the Senate. according to the official list of candidates slated for the June 5 primary election released by Secretary of State alex Padilla, among the 32 candidates are 11 Republican hopefuls. However, none of the Republican candidates have reported raising any money, according to the Federal election Commission, making way for a contentious alldemocratic contest. n

A new electric car sharing service launches...

PAGE A1

ers of at least 18 years, access to a personal car anytime they want for as low as $1 a month, and 15 cents per minute depending on income level. the program sprung from a partnership between los angeles department of transportation (ladOt) and Blue Solutions — a carsharing subsidiary of France’s Bolloré group — and is the largest of its kind in the U.S. Bluela’s mission is to provide an alternative and environmentally friendly mobility solution to underserved communities. “Blue Solutions recognizes that mobility is a key factor in creating inclusive communities. By providing a convenient and fully electric car sharing service at a more affordable cost,” said Marie Bolloré, CeO of Blue Solutions. “By providing a convenient and fully electric car sharing service at a more affordable cost, we believe that Bluela will promote both inclusivity and sustainability.” Currently, cars can be found in seven initial hubs including los angeles City College, Koreatown, Macarthur Park, Chinatown, Pico Union, Boyle Heights, and right in front of the Pilipino Workers Center in Historic Filipinotown. three more stations are scheduled to be opened in less than two weeks, working up to 40 stations and 100 electric cars around the city by the end of the year. How BlueLA works designed by the italian auto design house Pininfarina, the Bluela cars were made specifically for car sharing, seating up to four adults comfortably. On a full charge, the cars can get up to 125 miles thanks to the systems and batteries made by the Bolloré group. Using the carsharing service is simple, and is great for trips to the grocery, running errands, picking kids up from school, and so forth. Once registered, drivers can reserve a car using the program’s app, or through an easy to use reservation kiosk located at any of the hubs. Using either a Metro taP card or a Bluela card which gets sent through the mail, drivers simply unplug the car from the charging station, tap their card near the car’s door, and begin their trip. On their trip, drivers have access to the car’s own navigation system, car-return system, and a blue telephone button that connects drivers to 24/7 customer service should they need any assistance. to return the car and end a trip, all drivers have to do is park at any of the hubs, and plug it back in for free battery charging. “the car sharing system is very good because you park in a station where you booked in ad-

(L-R) in group photo: CARB vice chair Sandra Berg, U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez, Deputy Mayor Barbara Romero, Blue Solutions CEO Marie Bolloré, LADOT general manager Seleta Reynolds, and 13th District City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell. AJPress photos by Rae Ann Varona

BlueLA, a carsharing program that gives drivers access to a car for as low as $1 a month.

vance, your parking spot,” Bolloré told the Asian Journal. the only requirements for the service are that drivers be at least 18 years old, have a valid U.S. driver’s license or international driver’s permit, and have a debit or credit card to set up an account. the service also provides auto insurance coverage up to the state minimum limit, secondary to the driver’s personal insurance. Membership prices start as low as $1 per month, and 15 cents per minute for households earning an annual income of $35,000 or less. that equates to around $9 per hour. a standard membership costs $5 month, 20 cents per minute. Environmentally friendly transportation alternative While the county of los angeles has been investing in its public transit system through expansions and improvements of rail and bus connections, putting the new Bluela cars on los angeles roads is about being an environmentally friendly transportation alternative to those who could benefit from the mobility. “it really provides a mobility option for folks,” chief sustainability officer at ladOt, told the Asian Journal. “For families that may be a one car household, or zero car household, here’s another option that you can use to both support using the bus and rail.” Because the cars are 100-percent electric, they fall in line with los angeles Mayor eric Garcetti’s electric vehicle goals set in his mission for a cleaner environment

and stronger economy. Garcetti said, “We all want a healthier planet for our children and our grandchildren. Bluela will make our collective effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more inclusive by providing underserved communities with an environmentally friendly way to get around town — at an affordable price.” the service runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week which is helpful when metro rails or busses may not be in service. Many of the stations are even located around existing metro stops. “So you can imagine yourself getting off of the subway or a bus, using Bluela to complete your errands, come back, and then maybe jump back on the bus or rail,” said Parras. “For folks that are maybe needing to go from the Pilipino Workers Center to Union Station, it’s going to be a quick trip,” he added as an example. it’s all part of what they call their “first mile-last mile” solution that they’re integrating. Bluela received $10 million in investment from Blue Solutions which has already started similar programs in indianapolis, Singapore, london, Paris, and other european cities. it is also funded in part by California air Resources Board and the California Climate investment Program. More information on the the service and how to become a member can be found on Bluela. com, or by emailing contact@ bluela.com. (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 27-MAY3, 2018

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

A5

BI orders Sister Fox to leave PH by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) has ordered Australian Catholic missionary Patricia Fox to leave the country after it forfeited her missionary visa for engaging in “partisan political activities.” The BI issued its one-page order on Fox on Monday, April 23. Fox was directed to leave the Philippines within 30 days from receipt of the order. “She was found to have engaged in activities that are not allowed under the terms and conditions of her visa,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said on Wednesday, April 25. Morente explained that Fox’s missionary visa, which is supposed to expire on September 5, only grants her the “privilege to engage in missionary work and not in political activities.” While Fox’s missionary visa was forfeited, BI spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang clarified that the Australian nun “may still enter and leave the country as a tourist.” Mangrobang also noted that the deportation case against Fox is still pending as she has yet to submit her counter-affidavit on the case. “It is only after the parties have been heard, will the case be submitted to the Board of Commissioners for their deliberation on whether or not she will be deported and barred from entering the country in the future,” Mangrobang said. Fox, who has been living in the Philippines for 27 years as a missionary and as an advocate of farmers’ rights, was arrested by BI officers on April 16, for engaging in “illegal political activities” in the country. She was released on April 17 after validating her missionary visa. In a statement, Fox said she was surprised when she heard the

Australian nun Patricia Fox during her release from detention at the Bureau of Immigration. Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

news about the BI’s order directing her to leave the country after her missionary visa was forfeited. “I was surprised, as I had thought the process was that I would have 10 days to put in a counter-affidavit to answer the charges. It was through the media that I heard of the decision, as I, or my legal counsel, don’t yet have a copy. I am very sad that the decision at present is that I leave the Philippines,” Fox said. She then added, “I may lose my right to be in the Philippines but I can never lose the learnings and beautiful memories.” Fox also expressed hope “for a chance to explain how I see my mission as a religious sister and maybe the decision can be reconsidered.” In a television interview, Jobert Pahilga, Fox’s lawyer, slammed the BI’s directive, claiming it violated the nun’s right to due process. “What we received yesterday was the supplemental report of the intelligence division. We were given 10 days to supposedly file our counter affidavit. That’s why we were surprised there was an order by the BI to forfeit her visa,”

Pahilga told ANC. Pahilga said their camp will file a motion for reconsideration. He also insisted that Fox has only engaged in missionary work and not in political activities during her stay in the Philippines. Mangaronbang, however, clarified that forfeiting Fox’s visa and her possible deportation were different cases. “The issuance and grant of a visa is a privilege, not a right, hence a hearing is not necessary in visa forfeiture proceedings,” Mangrobang said, noting that it is the bureau’s discretion whether or not it would cancel a foreigner’s visa. Meanwhile, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III agreed that the BI has the power to order the Australian nun to leave the country. “I think that is within the power of our immigration bureau. Especially if the foreigner has violated some of our laws,” Pimentel told Inquirer. “I don’t know the details of this particular case. But as to the theory being followed by the BID they are correct as they have such a power.” ■

CLIMATE VULNERABLE FORUM. Senator Loren Legarda at the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and Vulnerable 20 (V20) Troika meeting with colleagues from Germany, the principal supporter of the secretariat of the CVF and V20 since 2015. Legarda, UNISDR Global Champion for Resilience and UNFCCC National Adaptation Plan Champion, emphasized the important leadership role of the CVF in pushing for greater sense of urgency in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Senate photo

SC rules foreign divorce valid in PH by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippines now recognizes a divorce obtained by a Filipino citizen against a foreign spouse outside the country, according to the Supreme Court (SC). In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, April 24, the SC ruled “that a foreign divorce secured by a Filipino against a foreign spouse is also considered valid in the Philippines, even if it is the Filipino spouse who files for divorce abroad.” According to SC spokesperson Theodore Te, ten justices upheld the CA ruling, while three dissented: Associate Justices Mariano Del Castillo, Estela PerlasBernabe, and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa. Associate Justice Francis and sustained investments in infrastructure and social services, Jardeleza, meanwhile, took no such as education, health and so- part in the decision as he was solicitor-general when the case was cial protection.” Malacañang also welcomed brought to the SC. Te said the SC based its ruling the latest findings of Oxford Business Group in Asean CEO Survey, on Article 26 (2) of the Family which found that “investors’ sen- Code, which provides that “where timent and business prospects for a marriage between a Filipino the Philippines remain upbeat.” “The Philippines also ranked highest in the Asean region in terms of projected gross domestic product growth, with business leaders forecasting the Philippine GDP growth between 6 to 8%,” Roque added. The Palace official then guaranteed that the Duterte administration “remains on track in accelerating the country’s growth rate by improving the ease of doing business to transform the country into the one of the world’s leading investment destinations.” ■

PH gov’t vows to sustain country’s economic growth by AJPRESS MALACAÑANG on Monday, April 23, vowed to support the country’s economic growth by solid macroeconomic fundamentals and sustained investments in infrastructure and social services. Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. made the remark as he welcome two recent studies projecting the Philippine economy to grow by at least 6.8 percent for the first quarter of 2018. In a report released over the weekend, Moody’s Analytics said the Philippine economy is currently in a “sweet spot.” “The Philippine economy likely grew 6.8 percent year-on-year in the first quarter,” it said in a report. “The economy is in somewhat of a sweet spot. Consumer spending is rising at a healthy pace thanks to steady inflows of

overseas worker remittances and a firm labor market.” It also noted that the country’s “investment has been robust and is likely to remains strong as the government boosts infrastructure development,” while “the upswing in external demand is lifting exports.” “With these factors and favorable demographics, the Philippines s likely to remain one of the fastest growing economies in the region in coming years,” Moody’s Analytics said. The country’s official gross domestic product (GDP) growth data will be released next month. The possible 6.8 result would be an improvement from last year’s 6.4 percent. Welcoming the report, Malacañang said: “We guarantee that the country’s robust economic growth will be supported by solid macroeconomic fundamentals

citizen and a foreigner is validly celebrated and a divorce is thereafter validly obtained abroad by the alien spouse capacitating him or her to remarry, the Filipino spouse shall likewise have the capacity to remarry under Philippine law.” The SC was acting on the case of Marelyn Tanedo Manalo, who was married in the Philippines to Japanese national Minoru Yoshino. The Japanese court granted her motion for divorce on Dec. 6, 2011. The Dagupan City Regional Trial Court, however, denied having her divorce recognized in an Oct. 15, 2012 decision due to “lack of merit.” “The court a quo ratiocinated that the kind of divorce recognized here in the Philippines are those validly obtained by the alien spouse abroad, not by the Filipino spouse, pursuant to Article 26 of the Family Code,” it ruled. Manalo filed an appeal but was denied. She then elevated her case to the Court of Appeals (CA), where she scored a victory

in 2014. “Considering that the said Japanese is already free to remarry, petitioner (Manalo) must likewise be allowed to remarry under the Philippine law,” the appeals court ruled. It added that non-recognition of a divorce filed by a Filipino spouse will result in “inconsistency between the recognition of the effectivity of the foreign judgment and public records in the Philippines.” The Philippines and the Vatican are the only two countries that have no divorce law. Last month, the House of Representatives approved on the third and final reading House Bill 7303, which seeks the legalization of divorce and dissolution of marriage in the country. The divorce bill, however, may have a hard time getting approval in the Senate as several senators have already expressed opposition to the measure. President Rodrigo Duterte also declared that he will not support the bill. ■

Robredo to public servants: Do good, perform well MANILA -- Vice President Leni Robredo said on Wednesday, April 25, that good works and exemplary performance constitute the best campaign any public servant could have. During her speech at the Politics of Hope: Stories of Outstanding Mayors in the Philippines event at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, Robredo shared stories of inspiring public servants whom the government officials should emulate. Robredo lauded the accomplishments of Mayor Flora Villarosa, particularly the transformation of the town of Siayan in Zamboanga del Norte which was the poorest municipality from 2003 until 2009. Before, Robredo said the town has a very high poverty inci-

dence standing at 97.5 percent as she emphasized the efforts of the lady mayor in upturning the economic condition of the residents. “In 2010, it’s like, suddenly the dark clouds covering over Siayan disappeared,” Robredo said. Robredo said she was impressed with the women leaders of Siayan when her team visited the municipality for the first time. “Pagpunta namin (When we went there), every barangay has a cooperative, every barangay seems like all the barangay leaders have been taught to be entrepreneurs,” she said. Robredo said stories like this should inspire local government officials to do good because “they can contribute a lot in up-

lifting the face of one place”. She also shared the idealism of her late husband Jesse Robredo who had been the mayor of Naga City for 19 years. “Parating sinasabi ng asawa ko yung pinakamahusay na kampanya ang mabuting gawa at saka mabuting performance. Ang nagsa-shine sa lahat yung mga taong (My husband used to say the best campaign is good works and good performance. Those who shine from the rest are people) who carve their own paths hindi na ginagaya yung mga dati nang (not imitating the previous) tried and tested formulas but are willing to take risks, are willing to innovate, and willing to be creative without sacrificing their values,” she said. (Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA)

Bong Go says he won’t run for senator in 2019 by JEOFFREY

MAITEM

Inquirer.net

BULUAN, Maguindanao — Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Wednesday, April 25 said he would not run in the 2019 midterm elections despite being openly endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte to run for the Senate. Go told reporters he did not have money to spend for a campaign and that he still had a job with the President. “I don’t want to talk about it because it’s too early to discuss politics,” he said. “First, I am not ready – not ready because I am not a politician.” He said he had thanked Duterte for the endorsement. Go, who has been dubbed as the “Selfie King” for his selfies with ranking officials and world leaders, had repeatedly thumbed down such proposals in previous

TOTOONG PAPEL PARA SA TOTOONG MAHAL Simple lang ang iyong pangarap: makasama ang iyong mahal sa buhay sa Amerika. Pero minsan, hindi simple ang paraan. Sa MTS Law, dama namin ang inyong situwasyon. Hangad naming matulungan kang tuparin ang iyong mga pangarap, sa paraang tama at kaya mo. Ang aming pangako: serbisyong totoo.

Special Assistant to the President Bong Go

interviews. He said he was elated by the endorsements and thanked those urging him to run, including Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar. Last week, Jaafar said he supported the idea of Go in the Senate.

Inquirer.net photo

Go said in return, he would help campaign for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). “They knew my efforts to help achieve a lasting peace in Mindanao,” he said when asked why Jaafar had backed his possible bid for the Senate. ■

F O R Y O U R I M M I G R AT I O N N E E D S

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APRIL 27-MAY3, 2018 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

FEATURES

Saving Earth

THE country joined the international community in observing Earth Day last April 22 as Boracay prepared for an unprecedented monthslong shutdown to give way to a massive cleanup. Across the country, many other travel destinations can use more aggressive action, although not the draconian measures being applied in Boracay, to stop pollution and protect the environment. The concept of sustainability has yet to take root in this country. The worst pollution can be found in urban areas that are not deemed to be travel destinations. At the San Juan River in Kalentong, Mandaluyong, for example, truckloads of solid waste were collected as part of Earth Day activities. This year’s Earth Day theme focuses on curbing plastic pollution. As the experience in this country has shown, this calls for a nuanced, realistic solution – one that encourages plastic recycling, better waste management and a general attitude change toward garbage disposal. Plastic remains indispensable in modern life. Put meat, fish, frozen goods or even leafy vegetables in a paper or eco bag and see what happens within a few minutes. The ban on plastic bags in several cities led to the widespread use of extra thick, double layer paper bags, and paper comes from trees. Supermarkets and wet markets ended up using thin

plastic bags or wrappers anyway for wet, frozen and fresh goods before the items are placed in paper bags. Plastic bags are also the most convenient shopping containers for people who can only afford to commute and have no maids or drivers to carry their shopping bags. Companies that manufacture plastic products such as PVC pipes rely on used plastic for their raw materials, and have expressed readiness to step up recycling efforts. The government can facilitate linkages among these companies, local government units, garbage handlers and community organizations to institutionalize plastic recycling. Biodegradable plastic is also available, and some of the biggest companies are now using them. Single-use plastics can be phased out to make way for the new versions that are kinder on the environment. The greenest materials, however, will still contribute to pollution if they are disposed of indiscriminately. The planet is polluted not just with plastic but also with non-biodegradable tin cans, bottles and metals. Unless people get rid of filthy habits, the planet cannot be saved. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS BORACAY — consistently ranked as one of the best islands and beaches in the world, as it has been voted to the top many times by travelers worldwide. For me, Boracay is personal. This tropical paradise has been so much a part of my family’s history. That is why the news that Boracay will be closed for six months to rehabilitate is like me getting a news that a family member is sick and would have to go to the hospital for surgery and recovery. Beginning April 26, Boracay will shut down and will no longer accept tourists and visitors for six

Philstar.com photo

Get well soon, Boracay! months. Only local residents will be allowed on the island. Checkpoints will be manned by police officers and soldiers have already been set up at piers make sure this is strictly followed, or hefty fines will be imposed. While marine scientists say it may take more than six months to fully rehabilitate the island, in fact, they say Boracay needs 300 years to fully recover from the deterioration resulting from environmental abuse, President Rodrigo Duterte’s bold and decisive move will serve as an impetus toward the island’s healing. As ABS-CBN news reported, even compliant establishments will be covered by the closure. The government will also demolish some 900 structures within the 30-meter shoreline easement or no-build zone, in-

cluding those in wetlands and forest lands. The worsening problem of pollution that has been damaging the ecosystem of the island has also been caused by illegally connected sewers and pipelines that have been discharging waste to inland streams, according to a report of ABS-CBN News. Eeeewww… I know…All these problems really need a major “surgery” that will take some time to correct and for businesses to be made compliant with health, safety and environmental laws and regulations. This diagnosis of Boracay is so unthinkable during my first visit to this island in 1992. While there had already been a few small local businesses and tourists as early as the 70s, my first Boracay experience had

given me a benchmark by which I compare all other beach destinations in the Philippines and around the world. The pure fine white sands that felt cool even during tanghaling tapat.... The clean, crystal clear sea water where my kids got to snorkel and play with different kinds of fishes just a few steps away from of the bahay kubo style beach houses... The coconut trees, tropical plants around the island, the bountiful fresh seafood, the clean fresh air, the blue sky, the sun and the moon and the stars, the famous Boracay sunset... I could go on and on as I reminisce how Boracay was almost 30 years ago. My family would go back to the island almost every year since then. I was also privileged to produce the program “Tatak Pinoy” for ABS-CBN cable chan-

Possibilities for peace in the two Koreas THERE is a clear focused movement in inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korean Peacetalks, prior to formal difficult negotiations among the heads of government, that Maker hopefully could lead to eventual peace in the Korean Peninsula, long awaited by Asia and the global community. FORMER SPEAKER The news in the last few days is that JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who will soon assume the post of U.S. Secretary of State uponSenate confirmation, quietly met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Unin the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, signalling the upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump in May or June, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. The South Korean President Moon Jae-In, who initiated the fast-moving diplomacy, will meet perhaps as early as next week with the North Korean leader. We believe the objective is to achieve North Korean denuclearization, which is not easily achievable considering that it will mean that North Korea will give up its nuclear weapons, atomic and hydrogen bombs, and delivery systems,aftergreat North Korean expense and sacrifice in their development. But the fact that North Korean Kim has agreed to the convening of the talks with President Trump and his South Korean counterpart, President Moon Jae-In says a lot. We believe that over and above the giving up of its nuclear weapons, it would be realpolitik to expect that North Korea would hope for an iron-clad Omnibus Agreement leading to a Permanent Peace Treaty, with the South and the U.S. that could likely include the following: North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK) and South Korea (Republic of Korea, ROK), as separate independent Republics, but perhaps connected together by a looseConfederation, until at some point in the near or distant future, they can consider uniting like the two Vietnams or the two Germanys; Withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea; Withdrawal of large North Korean and South Korean troops from the areas of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in the 38th Parallel to make the DMZ really demilitarized; Development of a concrete formula for South-North Confederation where the two Koreas will be separate and independent but develop common inter-dependent synergies until they can set-up a Union or what the Greeks call “Enosis” in 15 to 25 years or earlier; Develop inter-Korea commercial flights, highways, and a common railway system for the two Koreas from Pusan at the end of the Korean South facing Japan to North Korea’s Yalu border with China, which, it is hoped, will interlink-

with the Trans-Siberian Railway to Russia and to Europe; Develop close political and economic relations between North and South and with China, Japan, the U.S., Russia, and ASEAN and work with the U.N. system and the global community; Develop and industrialize the North Korean economy and agriculture, put an end to the recurring causes of famine, expand the education system, and immediately open the region toactive tourism; North Korea or DPRK to immediately join ASEAN Plus 3 (Japan, China, South Korea) to become ASEAN Plus 4; Immediately organize an adequate Development Fund for compensating North Korea for terminating its nuclear weapons and delivery system, which Fund shall be used for the North’s economic and social development and augmentation of the national budget; Consider a state of Neutrality for the two independent Koreas which shall actively interact with the regional and global economy so that the North, with itshydrocarbons potential, mining, and hydro-electric resources, etc. can join the South, which has already developed much earlier into a credible major economic power. We had pointed out before that the successful dynamics of North Korea’s nuclear development could be channeled to economic mobilization. We added that the “long-suspended Six-Nation Talks could have a business-focused auxiliary to develop economic joint ventures for deployment in the Korean north.” We believe that the potential of the two Koreas in cooperating together or united in peace could eventually lead to a prosperous second- or first-world nation in the third decade of the 21st Century. Since our last 1990 visit to Pyongyang where we conferred with North Korea’s founding President Kim Il-Sung, grandfather of today’s young leader Kim Jong-un, which immediately led to the establishment of Philippine-North Korean (DPRK) diplomatic relations, supported then by the late President Corazon Aquino and late Foreign Secretary Raul Manglapus, we hoped that at some point the long crisis and twilight struggle in the Korean peninsula will come to an end. We are meeting in London for the second conference of the Asian and European political parties on May 17-20 and then in Moscow in October, of the Asian political parties of the left, center, and right, and hopefully we can make even a small contribution to the long struggle for peace in the Korean peninsula. ■

nel and my staff featured the island in all its glory. This yearly sojourn just stopped when we immigrated to the United States in 2001. In 2009, my family had the chance to go on a vacation to the Philippines and we went back to Boracay. What a difference eight years made. My husband and I went back again just last January, and it pained us to see how all the more crowded, commercialized, noisy and dirty the island has increasingly been through the years. Truly, the local government of Aklan, as well the national government, had failed in protecting this beautiful island. This solution ordered by Duterte, however, makes me think of the business owners and the ordinary people of Boracay and nearby towns who

live by the income they get from the tourism industry of Boracay. Six months is a long time not to have a source of income. Setting aside the issue of a big casino that is reported to be built in the island, doing nothing is NOT an option, or the island of Boracay will cease to live. GET WELL SOON, Boracay. We have made a lot of memories as a couple, as a family in your paradise. I hope to bring my grandbabies to you someday, so that they, too, will experience nature at its best as we knew it then. *** 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

De Lima’s bizarre award confirms: US media on an all-out campaign to take out Duterte “President RodriIF you didn’t notice, even the Liberal Par- Commentary go Duterte’s hardline ty and other Yellow policies against drug leaders didn’t prodealers are polarfusely congratulate izing globally, but the jailed Sen. Leila in the Philippines de Lima for her incluthey’ve faced little sion by Fortune magdissent. De Lima, azine in its 2018 list of RIGOBERTO TIGLAO who headed a com“50 World’s Greatest mittee investigatLeaders.” ing hundreds of extrajudicial killings I guess even they felt that the award under Duterte’s leadership, has been was so bizarre, so over the top in the a noble exception. Last February she magazine’s attempt to paint her as the was arrested and jailed for as-yet-unPhilippine version of Myanmar’s Aung tried crimes, but imprisonment hasn’t San Suu Kyi, that it was embarrassing. stopped the firebrand from continuing I don’t think even Yellow leaders Be- to speak out publicly.” nigno Aquino and Mar Roxas would say Huge lies that De Lima ranks with such personalHow can a purportedly world-class ities in the 2018 list as Bill and Melinda media outfit print such huge lies? Gates (the biggest philanthropists of If the committee it mentioned was the all time), French President Emmanuel Commission on Human Rights that De Macron, and tennis champion Serena Lima headed during President Arroyo’s Williams. Why, De Lima at the 39th administration, it did investigate the alslot even outranks SpaceX president leged “death squads” of Davao City. Its Gwynne Shotwell (42nd) and Ana Botin report though was inconclusive, and (46th), the first female to head a world- didn’t accuse Duterte of anything. It class bank. If you still don’t realize how merely asked the justice department to perplexing de Lima’s inclusion in the further investigate the allegations. list is, past members of this super-elite If the committee was the Senate list (started in 2014) were Pope Fran- committee on justice that De Lima had cis (for two years), Germany’s Angela headed, it was her colleagues in the Merkel, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, 2016 senatorial elections, Senators who is assuming the stature of the titan Sherwin Gatchalian, and Joel VillanueMao Zedong. va, Senator Grace Poe who ran against C’mon, I don’t think there’s any- Duterte in that election, and nearly all body who would even objectively put of its members, who voted to remove De Lima in a list of 100,000 greatest her as its chairman. Gatchalian very leaders of the world. She couldn’t even aptly explained why: She was making influence her lover, her driver Ronnie the committee “a hollow vehicle for the Dayan, not to testify against her. Who fulfillment of personal political vendetis she leading? tas.” Fortune’s explanation on why De That committee when it was coLima landed in its list is so grossly in- chaired by the independent senators accurate it boggles the mind: Richu PAGE A7

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Duterte Cabinet to work ‘double time’ after drop in ratings by AJPress The administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will double its efforts to improve the plight of Filipinos, Presidential Spokesperson harry Roque Jr. said on Sunday, April 22. After seeing a drop in the satisfaction ratings of Duterte’s Cabinet, Malacañang assured that the executive branch will continue to serve the “best interest” of the public without getting distracted by the political noise. The latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey results showed that the ratings for the Duterte’s Cabinet went down by 10 points from +38 in the last quarter of 2017 to +28 in the first quarter of 2018, “This is the lowest in almost two years, since the moderate +22 in April 2016,” SWS said.

Decreases that made up the drop from “good” to “moderate” satisfaction ratings involve all areas: a decline of 29 points in Mindanao, seven points in Balance Luzon, two points in Visayas, and a point in Metro Manila. The net satisfaction rating of the Cabinet remained “good” in Metro Manila at +30 from the +31 in the previous quarter. It also stayed “good” in the Visayas at +31 from +32. however, it fell by two grades from “very good” to “moderate” in Mindanao at +23 from +52 in the last quarter of 2017; and one grade from “good to “moderate” in Balance Luzon at +28 from +35. In a statement, Malacañang noted that many agencies have made significant strides in their respective areas and fields.

SioSon AJPress

The government of Kuwait on Monday, April 23, has assured the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Gulf state. According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Kuwait made the assurance on during a meeting between Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Kuwaiti Ambassador Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh in Davao City. “During the meeting, Ambassador Saleh reiterated to us the commitment of the Kuwaiti Government to protect and ensure the welfare of our more than 250,000 kababayans working there,” the DFA said in a statement released Tuesday, April 24. The Philippines, for its part, gave “renewed assurances of our respect for the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and the dignity of the Kuwaiti people.” Both parties also “agreed to continue to work together to address matters of mutual concern and will update the public of developments.” The meeting was held days after Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa was summoned by the Kuwaiti government. State-run Kuwaiti News Agency reported that Villa was summoned due to the “inflammatory comments” he made to a local newspaper, and to the “inappro-

priate behavior” of the Philippine embassy staff. Villa was quoted in the reports as saying that the Philippine embassy was moving in to help the abused Filipinos if Kuwaiti authorities fail to respond within 24 hours; and that the Philippines does not need the help of the Kuwaiti government in rescuing Filipinos. The “inappropriate behavior,” meanwhile, referred to the rescue of distressed Filipino workers in the foreign country without reaching to the Kuwaiti authorities. Citing the Kuwait Ministry of Interior, the state media reported two Philippine embassy staff members were arrested last Sunday, April 22, for “enticing” Filipino house helpers in Kuwait to escape their employers. The Kuwait Interior Minister said the two arrested Filipinos “confessed to the crime, in addition to other similar offenses that had been committed in various regions of the country.” It was unclear, however, what law the two were accused of violating. “The Filipino envoy’s remarks, along with the ‘inappropriate behavior’ of Manila’s diplomatic staff in Kuwait have been deemed a threat to Kuwait’s sovereignty, the source noted,” the news report said. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano on Mon-

De Lima’s bizarre award... PAGE A6

ard Gordon and Panfilo Lacson concluded after six hearings that “there is no sufficient evidence to prove Duterte’s administration is sponsoring summary killings” in the country. “Arrested and jailed for as yet-untried-crimes”? It was De lima who delayed the trial against her by filing a case at the Supreme Court that she should be tried not by the regular courts but by the Sandiganbayan. That was a preposterous claim, intended to delay a trial. Any college student would know that since the charges against her were for her involvement in the illegal drug trade, it is a regular court that will try her. The Sandiganbayan is a special court that tries cases of government corruption. eight months after De Lima filed the case at the Supreme Court, it threw it out October last year. But she filed another petition asking to change its decision. The Court, after a thorough review, upheld its decision last week. Yet Fortune claims that De Lima is in jail without trial? Fortune doesn’t even mention that De Lima is in jail on horrendous illegal-drug charges. One of these would be shocking to Westerners: The Bilibid prison, purportedly the country’s highsecurity prison where the most terrible criminals are jailed, had been transformed when it was under De Lima’s supervision as justice secretary, into a command and even distribution center of drug lords who had been serving time there. Bilibid Hilton And the charges against her aren’t just for command responsibility for this. Witnesses, which included her lover Dayan and the former head of the prison, testified that she was getting huge amounts of bribes so she would allow the national penitentiary to be a command center of drug lords. These criminals were even allowed to construct hotel-like facilities where they lived, that the prison had been dubbed the Bilibid hilton. The shocking details of De Lima’s involvement were even televised in the hearings by the house of Representatives justice committee which heard hour upon hour of testimony from more than 30 witnesses, which

even included the former head of the prison and the drug lords themselves. I am belaboring the point: Not by any stretch of the imagination is there an iota of truth in Fortune’s portrayal of De Lima as a “prisoner of conscience,” much less as among the world’s greatest leaders for 2018. even her colleagues at the Liberal Party have started to ignore her that no leader of the opposition has even visited her in the past several months. But there is reason for Fortune’s madness in including her in its list of world leaders. The bizarre award, just like the Pulitzer Prize recently given to Reuters’ extremely biased series on “Duterte’s War,” is part of the U.S. media’s heightened campaign—helped by the Yellow Cultists and especially by a New York-based Filipino-American tycoon—to bring down this president, by portraying him to the world as a mass murderer. Over-used narrative It is an old, over-used narrative that the American media has often deployed that it is so transparent: A persecuted woman who boldly defies a strongman, as in the case of Cory Aquino or Aung San Suu Kyi, both of whom ironically turned out to be worse in terms of adherence to human rights than the dictators they brought down. Why would U.S. media do that? Partly because of its mindset that it is the world’s champion of human rights, and after Duterte was tagged as violator, it ignores whatever proof presented that he is not. Media as anywhere in the world delights in fighting a perceived evil-doer, and they believe U.S. journalists are infallible. There is though a more important reason: Duterte is the first ever Philippine president to defy the U.S. which has been the country’s master for decades. he is bringing the country closer to the emerging superpower, China, which the U.S. perceives as its biggest competitor, and even enemy in the coming decades. he is moving in his own way to weaken U.S. hegemony in the world, and to usher in a multipolar world. The U.S.’ Deep State just cannot allow that, especially as other nations may just follow Duterte’s precedent. (ManilaTimes.net)

A

“The departments under the executive branch will continue to serve the nation and the best interest of our people by bringing comfortable life to disadvantaged and marginalized families, unmindful of the distraction and political noise,” Roque said. he continued: “We shall therefore work double time in highlighting policies and programs of the current administration that have the most impact to the A House committee has recently approved a bill mandating the recognition and use of Baybayin as the country’s national writing system. lives of our countrymen.” Philstar.com photo by Analyn Camntigue The results of the first quarter-2018 satisfaction poll was released on Friday, April 20. It was taken from March 23 to 27 using face-to-face interviews to 1,200 adults nationwide. The poll had sampling error margins Culture and the Arts and Buhayin, Newspapers and other print by auDrey Morallo of ±3 percent for national perPhilstar.com a Baybayin advocacy group. publications will also be required centages, and ±6 percent each “The importance of writing in to provide a Baybayin translation for Metro Manila, Balance LuMANILA — Filipinos may have general and of the alphabet in of their names, according to the zon, Visayas, and Mindanao. n to learn to write in and read Bay- particular for the preservation and bill. bayin, a pre-Spanish script of the progress of civilization is incalculaGovernment agencies will also Philippines, after a house commit- ble,” Bataoil said in a press release be directed to disseminate knowltee approved a bill designating it from the house Press and Public edge and information about Bayas the country’s official national Affairs Bureau. bayin by distributing reading day maintained that the efforts writing system. If passed into law, the mea- materials on all levels of education to rescue distressed household The house Committee on Ba- sure will require all manufacturers and in government and private workers in Kuwait were done in sic education and Culture has of locally-produced food products agencies and offices. coordination with the Ministry of approved house Bill 1022, or to inscribe Baybayin scripts and Bataoil said that these materials Interior. the proposed “National Writing provide a Baybayin translation on would raise awareness on Baybayearlier this year, the Philippine System Act,” which seeks to de- their labels. in as the national writing system. government has enforced a com- clare Baybayin as the Philippines’ The proposed law will also he added that appropriate training plete ban on the deployment of national writing system, generate a mandate local government units should be conducted for the proper Filipino workers to Kuwait over greater awareness on its plight and to included Baybayin signs for handling of these documents. reported abuses. The order came develop wider appreciation for its street names, public facilities, The NCAA together with Deped, following the death of Filipina importance and beauty. public buildings and other neces- the Department of Interior and worker Joanna Demafelis in KuThe bill, filed by Rep. Leopoldo sary signage for public offices like Local Government and the Comwait, whose body was found in- Bataoil (Pangasinan), was support- hospitals, fire and police stations, mission on higher education will side a freezer a year after she had ed by the Department of educa- community centers and govern- formulate the implementing rules been reported missing. n tion, the National Commission for ment halls. and regulations of the bill. n

Kuwait assures safety of OFWs by Dana

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Stargazer: Filipina aura reader, clairvoyant, psychic medium on helping individuals reach their potential by

“SInCe I was a young child, I was kind of different,” Stargazer — her chosen professional name — begins narrating how she realized her “gift.” Her gift? The ability to look at individuals by tapping into their auras, energies, and vibrations and then telling them who they are; and also serving as a channel between the spiritual and physical worlds. “Different in the sense that I would talk to people but it’s like talking without saying much or not verbalizing anything,” she continues. “I could feel a person or I could read their mind as early as when I was a small child. I would say things ahead of what the other person would say.” early on in this interview, however, Stargazer makes it clear that she is not a fortune teller — she doesn’t need to rely on a crystal ball or cards to tell the story— nor does she embody a modern day version of God. Rather, she refers to herself as an aura reader, clairvoyant and psychic medium who uses readings to help individuals move forward by clearing negative blocks and achieve their potential. “Life coaching from a different perspective,” she says. “The goal is to boost prosperity, good luck, good health and harmony.” She also emphasizes her faith in God as a practicing Catholic and that her readings are not meant to alter or interfere with the higher being. “I bring them closer to God because I have proof that the negative spirits are afraid of God. When you see them, why is it that exorcism prayers work? When you drive them away, when you bombard them with the white light, they go away. It’s because they acknowledge the presence of God. It’s not a man-made thing that it’s my power. There’s no such thing as your power. You still have to hold onto God,” she says, explaining the power of prayers. When she speaks, it is softly and sensitively, pausing at times to let the recipient soak her readings in. Though she bares the “truth,” she does not pour out everything she sees in a person, as she believes certain things will reveal themselves at the right times. “I don’t want people dependent on me. There are people who seek my guidance. But when they become too dependent on me, I stay away. I let you make your decisions. I tell you what is right, I give you the guidelines. I clear your energies and that’s it. now you make your decisions because you have to make your choices because what your choices

2

Christina M. Oriel / AJPress

accidents,” she explains. How does one distinguish a real spirit from a doppelgänger (an apparition or double of a living person)? She simply states that when loved ones show themselves to you, it’s accompanied with a message, whereas a doppelgänger will just “walk with no message.” “The spirit just tries to imitate somebody else because probably that person or that spirit is playing a trick on you or means harm to you. But you know a lot of people would ask, ‘Somebody saw a doppelgänger of me, am I going to die?’ no, that’s not it,” she Stargazer hosts a two-hour radio show on Sundays called “Pinoy Vibes” on DZMM, wherein continues. she does on-air readings for callers. She also considers telekinesis — the ability to move objects at a are, you answer for your own are memories that matter,” she karma. But if ever there are some notes, mentioning that she tried to distance by mental power — one things that are negative, I may help forget about her experiences when of her specialities. During one lesson, she recalls moving a ball 1 you. If you do it with [the] sincerity she entered high school. 1/2 inches. in your heart and if you’re made It wasn’t until her first year at “That was a good thing about to really fight negative spirits and Ateneo De Manila University as a not having technology, learning clear energies, then do it.” communication arts major when to communicate with your mind,” Training the gift she started to develop her gifts. she says. “I can read minds but the There are many instances She entered college at 15 after thing is I also do not like to read during her elementary school skipping a few grades. minds because it’s like an invasion years wherein she would have One afternoon, she was of privacy.” encounters with spirits. One such walking with four books in With the years of training, story was during a field trip in tow (each about Taoism, Stargazer says she has been able the fourth grade at a park when Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and to switch the mind reading on and she noticed a female classmate Islam) when a man approached foaming at the mouth and her, causing her to drop the books. off, especially at social gatherings. “Before, I could not. I could mumbling incoherently before The man was the late Jaime falling. Bulatao — a Jesuit priest and chair always feel what the person feels like you can empathize with “For whatever reason, I put my of the university’s psychology a person and I can feel. I had left hand over her head and said, department at the time, known to contain it. I had to control it ‘Mama Mary, Papa Jesus, please on campus as “Father Bu” because otherwise I would always help her.’ And she fell,” Stargazer — who picked up the books and be affected,” she says. “But as I grew recounts. “One of the [nuns] saw introduced himself, grabbing her older and I went on, I learned how and thought that I pushed the girl hand. (He passed away in 2015 at to shut [it] off when there’s a party. and I was sent to the principal’s the age of 92 and is considered It’s also why it’s so hard to invite me office. My grandmother was one of the fathers of Philippine for a party because sometimes I called…and was not surprised psychology.) get so dizzy with a lot of energies.” because she knew as a child, she “He was touching my hand in To recuperate her own energy knew I was special and she didn’t a very weird way. He was trying to after being in public or reading say anything because the sister rub the middle of my palm. He said, thought that I pushed the girl ‘Do you want to develop your third clients one after another, Stargazer turns to the outside, by inhaling and that’s why she fell. When the eye?’ I said, ‘Oh, should I develop fresh air, touching a tree or girl was interviewed, she said, it?” And he said, ‘It’s up to you.’” ‘no she didn’t.’ Because we were Still hesitant about the offer to spending a few days out of town to “cleanse” and be in nature. playing and she was on the other train with him, another encounter “One of the things that I do side of the aviary. She was on the with Father Bu guided her decision. other side [when] we were doing “When my friends and I would regularly is pray and go to church. peekaboo and I just approached walk going toward our classrooms, Churches that are far, I don’t go to just the church nearby. I see to it her because I saw something we would see him talking [and] that I go to Batangas or to Laguna. different… in [her] eyes.” standing in front of a tree. He was I go far places because it’s part of, Another time, Stargazer stayed saying something and we would late at school because she was approach him and ask him, ‘Father, you know, for me when you do sacrifice and when I pray, I make tasked with summarizing the news what’s there? What you see?’‘Oh, sure I pray for everyone else. So it’s on a blackboard. She says when there’s a white lady here.’ And me like recharging but when you pray, she left the classroom, she saw being clairvoyant, I could see the you pray for others. So if people a man standing in the hallway. “I white lady. All the while, I thought have requests or I know there are thought he was walking to me but there [actually] was a lady. She he was floating towards me so...he was seated on the tree. I thought it people that I’m handling, I pray for wasn’t walking. Then I saw the red was really odd,” Stargazer narrates, them so that I see to it that once a eyes. I ran because I didn’t know describing how she can “see” spirits month, I go out.” Return to the calling what to do. I was a young kid.” as actual humans, translucent Though she trained with She could spend hours figures, outlines, or energies. Father Bu while in college, after sharing these anecdotes. She later But to her, this “white lady” graduating, she took up a yearmentions how her grandmother looked like an ordinary student long course at the Philippine knew and understood the gifts. sitting on the tree. “With this, the School of Interior Design and “I remember [them] vividly more the priest reminded me to immediately didn’t turn her innate even if I was young because these come to him and be guided,” she gift into a profession. recalls. “I just wanted to be normal in Her lessons with Father Bu the Philippines,” she says. “I said began with profiling then delved into mental sending and receiving that I was going to turn away from the gift because I want a normal messages, and remote viewing — the practice of detailing objects family.” She spent a few years working or scenes that are far away. with a real estate development and “He taught me how to zero construction firm, where she could in on certain things and see the identify and advise the head boss anomalies. What is wrong? And on “good projects.” Then she joined because from afar you can see her family’s telecommunications what kind of energies are there,” business, focusing on getting Stargazer says. “When you are doing a remote viewing, you would permits to build cell towers. “I said, ‘Where am I going? Why also be seeing energies if there is it that I’m being brought back to are spirits there. So you would practicing this [gift]?’” She says. “But see beings of light [and] beings of you see one thing I realized is, okay, darkness going around.” maybe God allowed me to for a Though she didn’t see him Guest starring on “Magandang Buhay” talk show short time to have [three] children frequently, she would be given and a husband.” “assignments” to practice for a “Many people would come month or so before she would and they would ask for help until I report back to him. With these didn’t want to be acknowledged. lessons, Father Bu was able to I didn’t want to be in public,” she identify her areas of expertise and says of coming forward with her strengthen them. He even taught skills. In 1993, she was interviewed her how to communicate with on “Teysi ng Tahanan,” a daily comatose patients. morning talk show on ABS-CBn, “My forte is really remote about her ability, but she had her viewing, talking to spirits. He identity hidden. told me when you talk to spirits, nearly a decade later, TV confirm whether that person or personality Amy Perez approached that spirit you’re talking to is the Stargazer to be a guest on real spirit. Because there’s what “Diretsahan,” a show on Channel 5. you call doppelgängers. They “It was spirit questing. It was a pretend they’re your loved ones house that we went to where there but they’re not. They’re evil spirits. are spirits and everything. It was Because sometimes they lure you, the first time I showed myself on especially the young children — they lure the children like going TV,” she recalls. From there, she has appeared down the stairs and there might on various talk and investigative be accidents. Usually when there Stargazer doing a reading in Melbourne, Australia in September 2017 shows on both ABS-CBn and are doppelgängers, there are

Stargazer’s tips for spring cleaning your energies for a more positive life

In an exclusive interview with the Asian Journal, Stargazer shares her top pieces of advice for moving positive energy within yourself and your surroundings. On continuing the year right. “First, you have to acknowledge mistakes in the past. Acknowledging means not denying. It’s a review of your past year. Where did I go wrong? And moving forward, what should I do now? You know that we are not perfect but we can do better. So if you know that this strategy or what you did in the past is wrong, what are you planning to do? It must be something like move forward.” On timing. “If there are people who you’ve broken your bridges or burned bridges with, let it be. It takes time. Do not force yourself to resolve issues at your own timing. You have to respect the timing of others also.” On a positive mindset. “There is such a thing as calculated risk and calculated positivity. Sometimes there are people too overly positive, which makes them too aggressive and not thinking of ‘what ifs.’ You have to have a healthy way to look at positivity. It’s not being too unrealistic, but it’s a realistic positivity. So there are people who say, ‘Ah, kaya ko ‘to!’ (I can do this), but honestly how? If you don’t have the resources? So you move or you think and you aim for something positive but realistic. You start with what is achievable. If people go for the unachievable, then that’s where failure comes in. That’s why you have to move slowly but surely. On love one’s self and others. “Love more. When you start the year, you say, ‘I will love myself more.’ People always forget to love themselves when we give too much and you think too much. Loving yourselves may simply mean that I take time for myself. It’s not saying that I won’t love my family but I will love myself more. I will allow myself space, I will allow myself to do other things for the enrichment of myself. You may devote your time for family and work but also leave space for yourself.” On decluttering. “Declutter. In your house, leave room for energies to move around. What is leaving room for energy to move around? Paths and ways where you walk — leave them open so energies can move in. Once a week, try to open your windows and let the fresh air come in. Curtains, draw them towards the sides. Let the sunshine come in, that’s how you make the new year right. Play music or have a bell and move around, try to sound the bell in each room. There are rooms that you don’t occupy or there are rooms that you just have it as a stock room or you put things, open it, open the lights, open the windows and then ring the bell. Also, put some rock salt or Himalayan salt, put them in small shot glasses and put them around the house. It absorbs negativity. If it turns hard or it absorbs humidity, it becomes liquid, throw them away but be careful, wear gloves. Throw the salt. Flush them in the toilet and put salt again.” On plants and crystals. “Put more plants around the house. Don’t put [cacti]. I don’t like [them] because they have thorns. Get something friendly — get a fortune plant or a bamboo plant. Put them in places where you feel it’s dull. If it dies, replace until the energy is good; you would know that the energy is good if it stops dying and if it continues to grow then you have good energy. For people who believe in crystals, it’s also nice to have crystals around the house. But please don’t put hot crystals beside your bed because you won’t be able to sleep if you have high energy crystals. What is nice by the bedside is an amethyst or a rose quartz.” On meditation. “It’s very simple. Music anything you respond to, some people do not respond to the birds chirping, anything that relaxes you but not heavy metal, not things with drums because it makes your heart beat more. It makes you palpitate. Something soothing, you start with that. And when you’re able to relax and let go of your worries and what you’re thinking of, that can be the start. It’s not yet meditation. So you just have to relax and then later on, you go into focusing. Focusing means you are able to focus on object in front of you and hold it in your mind when you close your eyes. Put it in your mind and you are able to picture the object — that is already focusing techniques. Meditation is simply relaxing. The simple one is letting go of several thoughts.” GMA, like “Imbestigador”“Rated K,”“Magandang Umaga Pilipinas,” and “Kris TV.” Since 2007, she has hosted a two-hour program from 1 to 3 a.m. on Sunday mornings, called “Pinoy Vibes,” on Filipino radio station DZMM. Though primarily based in the Philippines, she gives individual readings and lectures on the paranormal across the globe, including Australia and the United States. There have been some scenarios wherei n she would be asked to piece together unsolved crimes, read mysterious deaths or unfinished business with spirits. Stargazer is asked, “Why do certain things happen to us?”

“On the plane once, I was having a conversation with a healing priest and he told me, ‘Star, it is not true that God gives us challenges. God loves us. God gives us good things. But why do we have challenges? These are products of what we did,’” she recounts. “He said, ‘When you say you have cancer, it can be that it’s your lifestyle, the food you eat, if you smoke, if you’re not healthy. But there’s another thing also, it’s genetics.’ It’s very rare that other spirits would cause you harm but then you know, spirits also can do you harm but probably Continued on Page 6

Tom has too much fun doing action stunts by Bot

Glorioso Philstar.com

ToM Rodriguez has revealed how long he’s been waiting for an offer to do action either for film or TV. Thanks, to his latest GMA primetime starrer, “The Cure,” Tom will be seen in a role that requires him not just to display his dramatic prowess but also his ability to do action stunts. In the series, Tom plays family man Greg Salvador who works as a clinical research associate in an international pharmaceutical laboratory known for creating effective medicines. He is successful both in career and love as he blissfully lives with wife Charity (played by Jennylyn Mercado) and daughter Hope (Leanne Bautista). Greg’s life begins to take a miserable turn when his mother (Irma Adlawan) is diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer. Desperate to find a cure, Greg sneaks in the laboratory to take the experimental drug that kills cancer cells. He injected it to his dear mom, clueless that its side effect causes a deeper problem — the mutation of a dangerous and highly contagious virus called the Monkey Virus Disease wherein anyone infected begins to have seizures and becomes rabid and violent. His mom becomes the

root of infection and what follows is the spreading of the virus in the city. In an interview with The Star and other members of the entertainment press, the Kapuso actor said that his character Greg is shown as nerdy and weak in the beginning of the story. But as the plot progresses, his character takes the courage of helping save people from getting infected which leads Tom to some action stunts like running, kicking, jumping off pitfalls and firing gun. “It’s my first time to do action in a series. I’ve been praying for an action role because I’ve been fond of this kind of genre since I was a kid,” said Tom. No wonder, Tom doesn’t mind getting hurt during his action sequences. He even secretly showed a contusion on his upper right arm, worried that director Mark Reyes might decide to get him a double should he see it. “My rib, I also just had it checked and fortunately, there’s no fracture. I didn’t tell anyone about it. I guess, it cannot be avoided (from getting scratches and bruises)…freak accidents happen. The best thing we can do is to be careful but at the same time we can’t also compromise a bit of scare to deliver.

Rodriguez with co-star Jennylyn Mercado

Tom Rodriguez

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GMA photo

“I’m having too much fun and so what I do is aaralin ko muna yung mga dangers then you just have to feel like outside mapping where you at then you’re free to move. or if I can do an analogy, this is what I do in virtual reality (game), there’s this what they call as companion bounds so before you start to play, you must set your limit for you to move freely so when you are there, you know your limit. It’s the same here, dapat automatic na alam mo na kung saan may sasabog, ayaw mo naman yung takbo mo dun ka matamaan.” Tom considers everyone in The Cure as his family “that’s why, I go hundred percent all in — new family, new adventure.” Tom smiled upon learning that Jennylyn described him as very energetic and he said, “I never sleep on the set, pang-marathon (laughs). I take naps when I am super tired otherwise, I love to memorize (dialogues) and I can’t seem to stop, parang diesel ang utak ko, ako ang nahihiya sa kanila kasi para kong malikot na bata. My energy lasts until 3 a.m. hahaha.” Asked if his girlfriend Carla Abellana doesn’t get jealous every time he has a sweet scene on the show, especially now that he is being paired with Jennylyn, Tom answered in the negative. “Not at all, I guess there’s nothing to be jealous about here as compared to my past projects in movies. Besides, she’s not the jealous type so (referring to Carla) please don’t change and I promise I’ll never give you a reason GMA photo to be one hahahaha.”

FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Petra, Aqaba, Jordan

(Tiberias, Ceasarea, Haifa, Meggido,Magdala, Nazareth, Cana, Mt Carmel, Capernaum, Mt. Beatitude, Jericho, Bethany, Mt.Tabor, Mount Zion, Mt. of Olives, Old & New Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Qumran, Masada Dead Sea, Allen by Bridge, Madaba, Mt Nebo Petra, Aqaba Jordan)

OCTOBER 18 to NOVEMBER 1, 2018 SPIRITUAL CHAPLAIN: REV. ANTONIO FLORES Oct. 18, 2018( Thursday) Day 1 – MNL HKG, TEL AVIV, ISRAEL Oct. 25, 2018 (Thursday) Day 8 - Jerusalem Trans-Atlantic flight from LAX to Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, Mass at the Holy Eucharist Church of St Peter in Gallicantu “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us...” (John 1:14) Israel. (Meals served in-flight) We will walk to view the Dome of the Rock from the outside, and visit the Oct. 18, 2018 (Friday) Day 1 – Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv/ Western Wall, ( Wailing Wall ) the only part of the Herodian Temple still Tiberias standing and the most sacred place in the world for Jews. Then, we will Arrival from Manila still Oct. 18,2018 late in the evening. After we clear drive to Mt. Zion, to visit the Upper Room, revered as the site of the Last Immigration and Customs, will be met by our driver for transfer to tiberias . Supper, then survey the Dormition Abbey, and the Church of St. Peter in enjoy the panoramic view of the Mediterranean. We will spend our first night Gallicantu, the site where Peter denied Jesus three times. After the day’s in Tiberias. Dinner and overnight (D). Gai Beach Hotel (Oct. 19, 2018) Holy tour, we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Jerusalem (B, D) Eucharist Notre Dame Vatican Hotel Oct. 20, 2018 (Saturday) Day 3 - Tiberias/ Meggido/ Nazareth/ Cana / Oct. 26, 2018 (Friday) Day 9 - Mount of Olives/Gethsemane/Bethlehem/ Mt Tabor Jerusalem (New City)/Ein Karem We will have short stop in Meggido and the Plains of Armageddon, known in Mass at the Church of Nativity Hebrew as Meggido, a giant fortress and City built by King Solomon. In the New “O mountain of God, receive me, a mother, with my child.” (Protoevangelium Testament book of Revelation, it is referred as the sites of the “final battle”. of James 22:3) From there, we will continue our drive into Nazareth, where we will have Mass We will arrive at the Mount of Olives, to enjoy another view of Jerusalem, in the Church of the Annunciation, the Cave of the Annunciation and visit the Chapel of Ascension, Pater Noster Church and the Dominus visit Joseph’s Workshop and Then we will move on to Cana of Galilee, where Flevit (“God wept”) sanctuary. Next, we’ll walk the Palm Sunday Road to the Our Lord performed His first miracle: changing water into wine at the wedding Garden of Gethsemane, and visit the Rock of Agony and the Church of feast. We will invite couples to Bless their marriage vows, Continue to Mount all Nations. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Bethlehem, a city whose name is Tabor, site of Jesus Transfiguration Afterward, we will head to Tiberias. Dinner recognized around the world. After celebrating Mass at the Church of Nativity, and overnight in Tiberias. (B/D).Gai Beach Hotel. we will see the Manger; visit the Church of St. Catherine, the Grotto of St. Oct. 21, 2018 (Sunday) Day 4 - Tiberias/Mount Beatitude/ Multiplication / Primacy/ Capernum/Boat Ride “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” Early AM departures to Mt. Beatitude Drive up to Mount Beatitudes, visit the site of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus preached to the people. Eucharistic Celebration. Enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, home of Our Lord during his ministry. After visiting the Synagogue where he taught, proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Then to the Church Primacy of St Peters. Overnight Magdala ( BB, D)

Jerome and the Shepherds’ Fields. Then we will return to Jerusalem (New City), to view the Temple Model to see how it looked during the time of Jesus. Here, we will gain a better understanding between the old and new cities of Jerusalem. Up next is a trip to Ein Karem, birthplace of St. John the Baptist, to see the Visitation Church, where Mary proclaimed her famous “Magnificat”. We will end our day by returning to our Hotel. (B/D).

Oct. 23, 2018 (Tuesday) DAY 6 - Jordan Valley/Jericho/Bethany/ Jerusalem Mass at the Church of St. Lazarus MAGDALA, Israel – 2009 Discoveries from a new archaeological dig are creating excitement in the area where Jesus began his ministry. The village is called Magdala (Migdal in Hebrew), and it’s the home of Mary Magdalene.”She lived here and she met Jesus here and she continued with Him. Yes, it’s that place The most important discovery in Magdala has been a synagogue dating back to the time of Jesus. According to archaeologists, it’s the first one discovered in the Galilee.

famous mosaic map of the Holy Land. Then we will drive down to Aqaba. Overnight in Aqaba (B/D). Movenpick Resort & Residence.

Oct. 27, 2018 (Saturday) Day 10 - Jerusalem/ Dead Sea/ Qumran/ Masada Mass at the Church of all Nations After breakfast, we will celebrate mass at the Church of all Nations and then we will drive to Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Visit Qumran; see the Oct. 22, 2018 (Monday) Day 5 - Magdala Full day retreat , Focus will Include programs based on the historical caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, visit Herod’s fortress and the Jew’s last stronghold against the Roman. Return to and Religious value of the Magdala sites Jerusalem for dinner and Overnight (B, D) More info coming up as we get closer to the dates MAGDALA, Israel – 2009 Discoveries from a new archaeological dig are Oct. 28, 2018 (Sunday) Day11 - Jerusalem/Allenby Bridge/Madaba/ creating excitement in the area where Jesus began his ministry. The village is Jordan/Mt. Nebo/ Aqaba called Magdala (Migdal in Hebrew), and it’s the home of Mary Magdalene.”She Mass at Mount Nebo lived here and she met Jesus here and she continued with Him. Yes, it’s On this day, we head to Allenby Bridge and cross into Jordan. We will go to that place The most important discovery in Magdala has been a synagogue the Baptismal Site at Bethany, which Pope John Paul II visited in 2000. dating back to the time of Jesus. According to archaeologists, it’s the first one Then, it’s on to Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Our discovered in the Galilee. next stop will be the Church of St. George in Madaba, which hosts the

Oct. 24, 2018 ( Wednesday) Day 7 - Jerusalem (Old City)/Via Dolorosa/ Mount Zion Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha.” (John 19:17) We will enter the Old City of Jerusalem and will follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) and say the Station of the Cross to the holiest shrine in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, visit Golgotha and the Tomb of Our Lord. After mass, we return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we will enter the Old City, sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne and view the Pool of Bethesda. Then we will visit the Chapel of Flagellation, Lithostratos (where the soldiers played the Game of Kings) and the Arch of the “Ecce Homo”. Dinner/Overnight Notre Dame Vatican hotel

April 27-mAy 3, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

Oct 29, 2018 (Monday) Day 12 - Aqaba/Petra Mass at Stella Maris Church – Aqaba After breakfast, we will journey through the Siq, until we get our first glimpse of the Khazneh (Treasury). Then will we walk down to visit the Temple and view the many caves all around the Theater. At the end of the tour, we will drive back to Aqaba for overnight and dinner (B/D). Movenpick Resort & Residence Oct. 30, 2018 (Tuesday) Day 13 - Aqaba/ Jerusalem We Cross the Jordanian Border to return to Jerusalem. Dinner/Overnight Oct. 31, 2018 (Wednesday) Day 14 - Jerusalem /Yad Vashem Museum/ TLV/ LAX After breakfast, we will visit the Yad Vashem Museum,is Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. It is dedicated to preserving the memory of the dead; honoring Jews who fought against their Nazi oppressors and Gentiles who selflessly aided Jews in need; and researching the phenomenon of the Holocaust in particular and genocide in general, with the aim of avoiding such events in the future. After the Western Wall, Yad Vashem is the second-most-visited Israeli tourist site. Return to the hotel for lunch and relaxation in preparation for our return flight back to the USA after early dinner will be transferred to the airport for flight Oct 31, 2018 8:45 PM departure from TLV End of Our Memorable Pilgrimage to Jesus Home Land!!!

MUTYA NG PILIPINAS CANDIDATES. Shown in photo are some of the candidates for this year’s Mutya ng Pilipinas Southern California pageant during a press conference held at L’Aura Wellness in Artesia. In photo are some of the candidates, Mutya ng Pilipinas organizers Camille Agbayani and Venus Marin; with reigning Mutya ng California Suzanne Perez and Mutya 1980 Rosemarie de Vera Javier.

Angelica Panganiban, Carlo Aquino to star in new movie by Alfred

BAyle Inquirer.net

ANGELICA Panganiban and Carlo Aquino are reuniting to star in a new movie by director Dan Villegas. Aquino hinted at the upcoming movie by uploading a photo of himself hugging Panganiban on Instagram with the caption, “Pagkakakitaan @iamangelicap #Looktest #Happening #Walangbayad by @joshenvahnlee.” Director Dan Villegas, whom Panganiban worked with in “That Thing Called Tadahana,” also shared a snapshot of a monitor used during looktest session. He did not mention anything else about the movie on the caption aside from “#comingsoon.” Early in March, Panganiban and Aquino flew to Australia with friends for vacation. Prior to the trip, the two celebrities had been visible to the public. Aquino even surprised Panganiban during a book signing last Feb. 24 at Trinoma mall.

Carlo Aquino and Angelica Panganiban

Panganiban and co-star JM de Guzman also hinted at a sequel to “That Thing Called Tadhana.” Meanwhile, the actress teased a new love team with JC Santos

Photo courtesy of Dan Villegas

through an Instagram post. She joked Aquino and De Guzman should just love each other because their fans love them so much.

Marian Pilgrimage France, Spain & Portugal September 8 to September 21, 2018 Spiritual Director: rev. John Duy nguyen Still one of the great pilgrimages shrines in the world, visited by thousands of pilgrim’s. Arrive in Lourdes in the late afternoon, orientation to the shrines and spends some time in the sanctuary. Dinner & overnight. Sept. 9, 2018 - (Sunday) Day 2 - Paris (CDG) Arrived Paris CDG, Then after we clear immigration and collect our (BB, D) Luggage,. you will proceed to your hotel and have mass and dinner. Sept. 15, 2018 - (Saturday) Day 8 - Lourdes Overnight in Paris. (D) You will have early morning bath at the healing water of Lourdes. Then return to the hotel for breakfast. There after attend Holy Mass Sept. 10, 2018 - (Monday) Day 3 - Paris Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, also at the Grotto. continue the day with a walking tour of the shrines and known as the City of Light. Full day touring with local guide, including places associated with the life of St. Bernadette. Spend some time visit of the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Basilica of Sacre meditating on the passion of our Lord through more than life size Coeur, The chapel of the Miraculous Medal in Rue de Bac is the site exotic way of the sacrament and prayers. Afternoon will be free time of Marian Apparitions and contain the reliquaries of St. Catherine for private devotion. Dinner/overnight (BB, D) Laboure and St. Louise De Marillac. The shrine of St. Vincent the Paul is within walking distance, a few blocks from Rue De Bac, visit Sept. 16, 2018 - (Sunday) Day 9 - Lourdes / Zaragoza the chapel which houses the relic of St. Vincent the Paul. Overnight After Breakfast, you’ll continue your drive towards Zaragoza, Spain. Visit the shrines of Our Lady of Pillar, the 2nd most popular in Paris (BB/D) pilgrimages sites in Spain. See the Magnificent altar in the Basilica, built on site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the apostles Sept. 11, 2018 - (Tuesday) Day 4 - Paris/Lisieux After breakfast, Full day in Lisieux, home of St Therese, who at age St. James, before her assumption into heaven. Dinner/overnight 15, entered the convent and became Carmelite nun, she took the Zaragoza (BB, D) religious name of St Therese of the child Jesus and the Holy face. The spirituality of her little ways was not about extraordinary things, but Sept. 17, 2018 - (Monday) Day 10 - Zaragoza / Salamanca rather about doing simple things of life well and with extraordinary After breakfast you will embark on a trip to Salamanca. You will have love. She believed and taught that “Everything is Grace”, God’s face a short stop and panoramic tour of Avila. Upon arrival in Salamanca, and presence could be experienced in every person and situation of you will visit the Old Cathedral and tour the city. Dinner /overnight our lives, if we just attend with love and expectancy. She died at the Salamanca (BB, D) age of 24 believing that her life was really the beginning for God, promising to spend her heaven doing good on earth, her promised” Sept. 18, 2019 - (Tuesday) Day 11 - Salamanca / Fatima shower of Roses” began and have become a torrent in the church After Breakfast, you will spend the first half of the day touring ever since. Return to Paris, Dinner in a restaurant near the hotel. Salamanca. You will visit the new cathedral with a short stop at Plaza Mayor for lunch. After lunch you will continue to Fatima, the Overnight in Lisieux (BB, D) famous Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Upon arrival you will have a Sept. 12, 2018 - (Wednesday) Day 5 - Lisieux / Nevers / Paray- short orientation tour of the Sanctuary. Attend the nightly Candlelight procession at the Shrine. Dinner and Overnight Fatima (BB, D) Le-Monial After Breakfast, Continue your drive to the picturesque Loire valley to Nevers, visit the convent of St. Gillard, where St. Bernadette’s Sept. 19, 2018 - (Wednesday) Day 12 - Fatima incorrupt body miraculously preserved since her death in 1879. Breakfast, then Visit the Museum dedicated to the Blessed Virgin At the conclusion of the eighteen apparitions of the Virgin Mary Mary followed by Mass at the Apparitions chapel, Full day Guided in Lourdes, St. Bernadette lived for 12 years as a member of the tours includes the Shrines ground, visit of the tombs of Francisco congregation of the sisters of charity of Nevers. St Gildard convent and Jacinta in the Basilica, In Aljustrel and Valinhos, you see the is her final resting place. After she was blessed with the apparitions two homes of the shepherds, site of Our Lady’s fourth apparitions. of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, St. Bernadette retired in Nevers. She Stop at the Parish church where the seers were baptized, and the received her religious habit in 1866. Continue to Paray-Le-Monial for cemetery where Francisco and Jacinta were once buried. You will do the station of the Cross. We encourage everyone to spend some time Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) in the Blessed Sacrament, which is open every day. Dinner/overnight Fátima. (BB, D) Sept. 13, 2018 - (Thursday) Day 6 - Paray-Le-Monial After Breakfast, you will tour Paray-Le-Monial. Your first stop is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and here you will celebrate Holy Sept. 20, 2018 - (Thursday) Day 13 - Fatima / Lisbon Eucharist. Then you will tour and admire the Romanesque basilica After breakfast ,you will proceed to Lisbon with stops at Santarem and see the Chapel of Apparitions. After the Basilica, you will proceed to visit the church of the Holy Miracle containing the Glorious to the Monastere e la Visitation. Visit the reliquary of Saint Margaret 13th century Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem .Then you will do a Mary of Alocoque at the Chapel of Visitation. Still to see and visit after panoramic city tour of Lisbon, with a visit to the Basilica of St Anthony lunch is the Park of the Chaplain and the Chapel of St. Colombiere. de Padua, St Jeronimo’s Monastery and the famous Belem Tower. Dinner/Overnight Lisbon (BB, D) Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) Sept. 8, 2018 - (Saturday) Day 1 USA/PARIS Transatlantic flight from USA to Paris (CDG )Meals serve on board.

Sept. 14, 2018 - (Friday) Day 7 - Paray-Le-Monial / Lourdes Sept. 21, 2018 - (Friday) - Early AM transfer to Lisbon After breakfast you will continue your pilgrimage to Lourdes. Lourdes, Airport for flight home to USA celebrating 160 Years of apparitions of Blessed Virgin to Bernadette. Full of wonderful memories of Our Pilgrimage

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ releases first Dina Bonnevie and the making of a veteran actress trailer, but where is Kris Aquino? April 27-mAy 3, 2018

www.asianjournal.com

by Jerry

Donato

Philstar.com

As an actress, Dina Bonnevie has practically run the gamut of human emotions, particularly in drama (from teen drama “Underage” and “Katorse;” family drama “Magdusa Ka” and “Tanging Yaman”; political-cultural drama “A Dangerous Life,”“Gumapang Ka sa Lusak,”“Magtanggol” an d “American Adobo;” to adult drama “Kapag Iginuhit Ang Hatol Ng Puso” and “Noon at Ngayon”). In retrospect, the veteran actress thrives in relationship-driven dramas that explore human foibles and spirit. Dina is banking on her treasure trove of roles essayed on the small and big screens to give Debbie Bermudez-Almeda, her doctor character in the Kapamilya soap “The Blood sisters,” a life of her own. “Perhaps, it gives hope to people who are not able to have kids of their own,” said Dina when The Star asked about surrogacy, the issue where the dramatic narrative is juxtaposed against. “Parang siguro napapaintindi sa kanila na kung hindi kayo magkaanak, may solusyon.”“The Blood sisters” mirrors a trend that there are medical (fertility treatment) options available to some couples that wish to have a family of their own. What Debbie doesn’t know is, the triplets named Erika, Carrie and Agatha, all portrayed by Erich Gonzales, are not hers. This could put a huge strain on Debbie’s marital life with Norman (Jestoni Alarcon). “But later on, baka maging palaban siya (she could be feisty) because her husband Norman lied to her. Then Cherry Pie (Picache as Adele, the housekeeper-turned-surrogate mother) also lied,” Dina gave viewers some foreshadowing of what is to come. “Kumbaga Jestoni and Cherry Pie (made love) para makabuo ulit ng baby kasi nawala na yung egg na inim-plant sa kanya. so niloko nila (ang character ko). Maybe in the future, Debbie will fight back.” Meantime, Debbie remains the doting career-oriented mom to the tres marias. “It is interesting because it happens in real life,” Dina said of ‘The Blood sisters’ and its sense of realism. “Just recently, we saw a documentary

EMPLOYMENT

Dina Bonnevie

on three brothers; they were separated at birth. Hindi talaga sinabi sa mga magulang na triplets pala ang anak nila. Enchong (Dee) uploaded it on our Viber (account), na nangyayari (ito) in real life. They only met one another when they saw each other in the university. I told myself, ‘It’s possible (to happen).’” At this point in her career, Dina is in a position where she can share her expertise in acting with the young blood. “Me, I don’t mind being a mentor to others,” she said. “For example, when Maja (salvador) and I did ‘May Bukas Pa,’ she was so young then, batang-bata pa si Maja noon. I think Maja was only 15 or 16, hindi pa siya marunong umiyak. Then I taught her how to cry. (I told her to) just imagine yourself putting a pair of shoes on. Yung pangalan ng shoes ay yung character mo. so kapag sinuot mo na yung shoes na yun, ano ang nararamdaman ng character mo at the moment. (Tapos) pag-cut (na), hubarin mo na ulit yung sapatos. And now, look at her, di ba?” Dina, however, will only give tips to those who seek her help and guidance. Experienced actors will agree with Dina that the new crop of stars should come prepared on the set and respect those who came before them. During the group interview, Dina expressed her joy in doing the soap. “I’m enjoying working with the cast, we’re like family,” said

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WARNER Bros. Pictures has just released its first official trailer of new romantic comedy “Crazy Rich Asians.” Can you spot where Kris Aquino is? The Filipino multimedia star is said to have a cameo role in the film directed by Jon M. Chu (“Now You see Me 2”), based on the acclaimed worldwide bestseller by Kevin Kwan. According to reports, Kris said she plays a princess and only has two scenes in the film. Other reports claimed Kris’s cameo role was edited out. The story follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) as she accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding), to his best friend’s ABS-CBN photo wedding in singapore. Excited about visiting Asia for the first Dina, who would do hula hoop in time but nervous about meeting between takes. “We didn’t plan it. It just happened. Unang-una, Erich Nick’s family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick has neglected to and I, we’ve become super close. mention a few key details about Last sunday, we went to church his life. together, (with) my kids, my famIt turns out that he is not only ily. We had lunch also together. There I met her admirer. We’re like the scion of one of the country’s mother and daughter.” Dina added wealthiest families, but also one of its most sought-after bachelors. that she worked with director Being on Nick’s arm puts a target Jojo saguin in ‘May Bukas Pa,’ and on Rachel’s back, with jealous Cherry Pie in the past. The soap socialites and, worse, Nick’s own has also allowed her to work with Tessie Tomas and Jestoni Alarcon for the first time. Attending the same church, Dina and Erich both starred in “Two Wives.” “Yung nagpapasaya sa ‘Blood sisters’ ay yung para kaming pamilya,” she reiterated. “When we tape, naglolokohan lang kami. Pero kapag kailangan mag-work, serious talaga. Everybody is a professional. Everybody gets the chance to shine.” Adding to that happiness is portraying Debbie, the agonizing mother of triplets as the character is being described by many. she is not a caricature type. “Kapag sobrang bad or black (yung character), I don’t like kasi may tendency yung mga tao na they tag your character to your personality,” Dina said. “Ang sama ng ugali niyan. But it’s just a role. Good thing with Debbie, she is kind.” Given where she is at now, the actress finds delight in playing Debbie and in being Dina on cam and off cam, respectively.

EMPLOYMENT

“Crazy Rich Asians” star Constance Wu with Kris Aquino

disapproving mother (Michelle Yeoh) taking aim. And it soon becomes clear that while money can’t buy love, it can definitely complicate things. “Crazy Rich Asians” features an international cast of stars, led by Constance (“Fresh Off the Boat”), Gemma Chan (“Humans”), Lisa Lu (“2012”), and Awkwafina (upcoming “Ocean’s 8”), with Ken Jeong (the “Hangover” films”) and Michelle Yeoh (“star Trek: Discovery,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”). The large

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

Performance Strong. Results Delivered.

Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino

starring ensemble also includes Henry Golding, making his feature film debut, sonoya Mizuno (“La La Land”), Chris Pang (“Marco Polo”), Jimmy O. Yang (“silicon Valley”), comedian Ronny Chieng (“The Daily show”), Remi Hii (“Marco Polo”), and Nico santos (“superstore”). Though Kris cannot be ready seen on the movie’s trailer, Filipino-born actor Nico santos has a significant exposure on the trailer. Color Force’s Nina Jacobson (“The Hunger Games” films) and Brad simpson (“World War Z”), and Ivanhoe Pictures’ John Penotti (“Hell or High Water”) produced the film, with executive producers Tim Coddington, Kevin Kwan, Robert Friedland, and sidney Kimmel serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim. The creative filmmaking team included director of photography Vanja Cernjul (“Marco Polo”), production designer Nelson Coates (“Fifty shades Darker”), costume designer Mary Vogt (“Kong: skull Island”) and editor Myron Kerstein (“Going in style”). The music was composed by Brian Tyler (“Avengers: Age of Ultron”). “Crazy Rich Asians” was filmed entirely on location in singapore and Malaysia. It is set for release in Philippine cinemas August 22. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company. (Philstar. com)

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA YEARS ago, I came across an email message from a legitimate contact telling a sad story and asking for emergency money in a far-off land. I searched some phrases and sure enough, it was a scam. Out it went with the spam trash. My take on this: my contact’s email was breached and his contact list hacked. This is one of the reasons I am loath to forward emails sent by well-meaning friends, no matter how funny. What is amazing is that people have been victimized by this scam all over the world when a few keystrokes would have verified it and a bit of common sense and a smidgen of cynicism would have raised one’s hackles and suspicions. There are rough estimates of $183 million per year on average that have been scammed from the unsuspecting on the internet. The figure could be more since a big percentage of people will not admit to being conned. The electronic age has brought us wonders and unbelievable convenience defying space/time constraints and accomplishing things we can only do in previous times if we were physically present in one place. With an internet connection, we can do great and wonderful things that were the stuff of science fiction not so long ago. But there is a sinister side to the internet — a very sinister side. And it gets darker as moral turpitude and relativism appear to be on the rise and our capacity to be shocked is diminished with every jawdropping crime. There was a time when crime

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS RESTAURANT menus Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule introduced in 2012, restaurant menus today in about two-thirds of the largest restaurant chains have eliminated the highest caloric food items on their menus. In these 66 chains, higher calorie sandwiches, which have 52 to 71 more calories than their average items, were dropped. This is a healthy trend, but desserts, which are in carbohydrates, and soft drinks, which are toxic to the body, have remained unchanged. Low-carbs, low-fat, more vegetables and nuts are in. Indeed, long overdue. COPD among non-smokers? Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which chronic tobacco smokers inevitably acquire after years of exposure (firsthand or secondhand) to the countless toxic agents in cigarettes, could also result from other causes, like environmental chemical pollution, and rarely, from a genetic disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a hereditary condition. Unbeknownst to many, COPD could also be caused by GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease), where the valve between the stomach and the esophagus (food pipe) is incompetent (loose), allowing stomach hydrochloric acid (which normally helps in food digestion) to backup to the esophagus and higher up. The acid could also flow into the windpipe, frequently causing small coughs, and over the years, leading to inflammation in the respiratory track, leading to COPD, with lung congestion, bronchial spasm, some shortness of breath and wheezing, similar to asthmatic attacks. For this, metered dose inhalers (MDI) with bronchodilators, some with steroids, is part of the treatment, besides the use of Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) to reduce acid formation, abstention from spicy foods/alcohol, and sleeping with the head of the bed elevated. Oral-cardiac health link There is an intimate relationship between oral health and cardiac health. Any infection in the mouth, dental/ oral, causes bacterial invasion and inflammatory processes that increase the risk for the development of heart attack and stroke. In the U.S., greater than 80 percent of Americans have undiagnosed periodontal or gum disease. This is the reason why it is vital to have maximal oral health by maintaining good oral hygiene and having dental checkup at least two times a year. As we have alluded to in this column in past articles, inflammation in oral cavity

Scam-proofing basics 101 “ There is a sucker born every nanosecond.”

–A play on a qoute mistakenly ascribed to circus impresario, P.T. Barnum was met with swift and appropriate punishment. Sadly, we have archaic laws governing these types of crimes and enforcement is nearly non-existent. We are in uncharted territory. For as long as these laws which were structured in the past cannot keep up with the overwhelming volume of cyber crimes, it is in our best interest to learn how to become savvy net users and defend ourselves from the onslaught that comes electronically. The amount of available crud (translate that to disgusting things like porn, pedophilia, scams and gambling and some such variation of evil) on the net is staggering. In the book I wrote, there is a chapter dedicated on avoiding the pitfalls of scams and the schemes of con artists designed to separate you from your hard-earned money. This time, the level of sophistication is up several notches higher as many unscrupulous and oftentimes, amoral and downright evil people everywhere around the world see the internet as the modern, deceptively innocuous version of highway robbery using a computer instead of a gun. If we are internet users, we are all at risk, unless and until we take the necessary psychological and physical precautions to deal with this and become relatively “scam proof.” No one is sacrosanct. These scams are designed to prey upon two basic weaknesses ingrained in our DNA wiring as humans: GREED

and FEAR. Here’s one blanket caveat to keep us on our toes about how lottery scams and cons play out in cyberspace. REMEMBER — and I can’t emphasize this often enough, on this matter, and perhaps, other significant areas of life — IF IT’S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS. Okay, repeat that as your mantra. The scams that feed on greed are so sophisticated that they can send a seemingly authentic check by mail from a real bank with so many zeroes on it. If you bite at the first overture, they then ask for a processing fee from you for you to get the rest of the winnings. This is called the Nigerian scam apparently because the first perpetrators allegedly were well educated but destitute Nigerians who found that their facility for the English language could be exploited to scam millions using the internet. The scam has spread and morphed with mind-boggling variations but with only one nefarious purpose — to separate you from your money. No one race or culture has the monopoly on these. These can originate anywhere in the world. I have had mine come in purportedly from G8 as well as impoverished countries. If you have not consciously joined any lottery, why in heaven’s name would you think you have a snowball’s chance in hell of winning even one thin dime? Also, legitimate lotteries will NEVER,

APRIL 27-MAY 3, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

repeat NEVER, ask you for money in order for a winner to claim a prize. Some scams feed on your fear. One of the most deceptive things is to receive an email from your bank instructing you to click on a link and verify your information since someone supposedly is accessing your account and if you don’t verify your information, particularly your pin number or password, this can result in a temporary hold on your funds. The modern term for this is “phishing” which refers to the activity of defrauding an online account holder of financial information by posing as a legitimate company. I received one of these phishing calls which had a legitimate ID on the caller ID asking us to call a number and even left a reference number claiming to check on some gas card purchases. I told her I need to verify if her call is legitimate. I detected a hint of dejection in her response. Sure enough, a check on the phone number she left indicated it was a phishing call. No legitimate financial entity will ask you for financial information online. Cut scammers off at the knees with the simple expediency of calling the fraud unit of your bank or credit card company yourself. Take the bull by the horns. Generate the call. Get the telephone number from your statement or your card and DO NOT CALL THE NUMBER that the caller or e-mailer provided you with. It’s a TRAP. If it is an email, hit the spam button and empty the trash. Don’t just delete it. Sure, they will morph into another form but be proactive and make it more difficult for them. These scams are like viruses or shape shifters and can mutate

faster than the speed of light. PC users are more vulnerable to spammers/scammers and pesky pop-ups than Mac users. But this too can change. C’est la vie. Is there karmic justice? Because con artists rarely ever see the faces of their victims or know the full extent of the damage that they wreak on real people with real lives, these crimes seem impersonal in nature and rarely, if ever, do con artists get their comeuppance. Translate that to jail time or some form of punishment, like being exposed to an anthill, boiled in oil or tickled to oblivion… Just kidding of course… Con artists should be happy we no longer live in Medieval Times. Often, these scammers are based overseas outside of any jurisdiction. The wheels of justice grind ponderously, exceedingly slow and you sometimes wonder if crime stoppers and society in general, would ever catch up with this distinct phenomenon of the interesting times we live in. If you think only the “little people” are at risk, think again. Governments and institutions have become easy targets for sophisticated, often juvenile hackers. Cyber crime has reached daunting proportions and has reached the institutional level. Supposedly uber secure websites such as that of the CIA, NSA, FBI, Scotland Yard, the US Congress and mega-corporations like Sony, Nintendo, Citibank and a host of others have recently been either hacked or brought to a halt from the comforts of a teen-ager’s bedroom in a foreign land. A few years ago, a 19 year old, baby-faced, reclusive boy from England named Ryan Cleary, is alleged to have been responsible for bringing down the websites

Health info capsules Calendar of Events across

or any part of the body, evidenced by elevated C-reactive protein, is the cause of most major illnesses known to man. Shotgun approach versus cancer In view of the deadly nature of cancer in general, medical science and technology are unceasingly finding new and more effective ways to target cancer with this multi-pronged approach: preemptive recognition of genetic risks, prevention (lifestyle, vaccines), discovery of markers, early diagnosis, more precise targeted treatment, immunotherapy, and more accurate prognostication. This evidence-based approach is aimed at conquering this killer disease to allow victims to live longer or even attain total cure. Genetics, genomics, mapping The new frontier in screening tests for cancer are in the area of genetics and genomics. On such test searches for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which predispose women to develop breasts and ovarian cancers, like in the case of renowned actress Angelina Jolie, who had her breasts and ovaries surgically removed as a prophylactic measure. Today, there is also a home test that detects changes in feces that identify colon cancer. A great advance in cancer care is the mapping of the genetic blueprints of 33 cancer types. The DNA similarities would allow more precise target treatments of cancers, because greater success in the fight against cancer can be achieved if we can first classify them according to their genomic and molecular makeup. This would identify their vulnerabilities. Biomarkers and liquid biopsy Biomarkers are substances in urine, blood, and other body fluids that reveals cancer. These tests are: Liver cancer: alphafetoprotein (AFP); Prostate cancer: prostate-specific antigen (PSA); Thyroid cancer: Thyroglobulin (TG); and non-small cell lung cancer: ALK gene. Biomarker proteins for pancreatic cancer for its early diagnosis are still being investigated. Standard biopsy is done on solid tissues or tumors. Liquid biopsy, newly approved by the FDA in 2016, is a blood test that could detect cancer DNA circulating in the blood stream. Besides revealing changes to the EGFR gene in the serum of patients with non-small cell cancer of the lungs, liquid biopsy for other forms of cancers are underway. Anti-cancer vaccines Like vaccination for the prevention of chickenpox, measles, etc., vaccines, which works with our immune system to prevent, or even treat, cancer are a welcome regimen in our fight against these killer diseases. Gardasil, the

very effective vaccine against cervical cancer we reported in this column in 2006, has dramatically reduced Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection by 64 percent and correspondingly cervical cancer. The other two are the hepatitis B vaccine, which significantly prevent deadly hepatoma (liver cancer), and sipuleucel-T (Provenge) vaccine, which treats prostate cancer. Investigations worldwide are going on for vaccines against other types of cancers, like melanoma (skin cancer) and colon cancer. Screening tests for cancers Since most of our screening tests for cancer have potential side-effects, like radiation from mammogram or CT scans, false positive results from biopsies from gastroscopy/colonoscopy, more precise indications are needed to find out which individuals are more at risk and really need to be screened. If prevention does not succeed, finding cancers in their early stage before they spread is the next best strategy to get a possible cure, so screening tests are important. Pills in your home against cancer You may not realize it but, most likely, you have pills in your medicine cabinet at home today which could help in the prevention of colon cancer and heart attack. Some of you may have been taking it already. I am referring to aspirin (acetylsalycilic acid), first introduced in 1899, which, when taken in its 81 mg low-dose regimen once daily for at least 4 years could reduce deaths from heart attack by 25 percent and from colon cancer by 44 percent, if taken for ten years. The US Preventive Services Task Force states those 50 to 59 could benefit from this mini-dose aspirin therapy. There is also a group of medication that blocks estrogen receptors and lowers the risk for breast cancer. Drugs called aromatase inhibitors may also prevent breast cancer. Consultation with your physician is advised before taking any medication. When it comes to warding off diseases, including heart attack and stroke, and especially cancer, a healthy lifestyle is at the top of the list of preventive measures at our disposal. The ball is in our court, our future largely in our hands. ***

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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of the CIA and Scotland Yard. The teener stayed glued to his computer holed up all day in his room filled with posters of scantily clad women. The upside to be gleaned from such high-level security breaches is that this exposes the weaknesses of such websites. It also shows how vulnerable we all are. The electronic security industry sees the potential of a business that can change the architecture of the internet by piping the flow of information. For government operatives to use unsecured email to conduct top secret operations is like dangling fresh bait to a sea of sharks. Clearly, these breaches, like Julian Assange’s wikileaks, are not for monetary gain but for the notoriety and the bragging rights of being a once lowly unknown gnat bringing down behemoths. The motive is deeply rooted in probably what Andy Warhol once said in 1968, “In the future, everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.” But those big holes are for the big boys to plug. As for the ordinary cyber citizens, simply proceed with caution when online. In cyber matters, a healthy dose of cynicism and a smidgen of common sense work as well as an ounce of prevention. Be on guard. Better yet, UNPLUG for long stretches from Facebook, Twitter, Gab, Instagram, Reddit or any other social media or from following inane and insane celebrity tweets on Twitter. Strive to live in the REAL WORLD. The virtual world STILL cannot hold a candle to the real world. You can’t feel the sensation of a good Continued on Page 6

America

A P R I L 29

Pilita Corrales concert in New York Pilita Corrales, “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” will headline a dinner and show entitled “A Million Thanks to You” on Sunday, April 29. The dinner will be buffet and comes with a ticket. Show begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel (135-20 39th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354). For tickets, please contact: Baby Lantin at (917) 916-6770 / (718) 608-7771, Ching (917) 294-6783, Nel (347) 738-3025, Joji (908) 783-2680, Tessa (732) 492-4170, or Bong (646) 289-0917.

APRIL 30

East West Players’ 52nd Visionary Awards & Silent Auction in Los Angeles East West Players celebrates its 52nd Anniversary at the Annual Visionary Awards Dinner & Silent Auction. The Visionary Awards laud the achievements of individuals who have raised the visibility of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through their craft. Proceeds from the gala will benefit East West Players’ educational and artistic programs. It will be held at the Hilton Universal City (555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA 91608) on Monday, April 30. At 5:30 p.m., VIP Reception*, silent auction, and registration begin. Dinner and awards show begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please visit: http://www.eastwestplayers.org/news/east-west-players-52nd-anniversary-visionary-awards-dinner-and-silent-auction/.

M AY 3 -1 2

34th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival The 34th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival will be presented May 3 - May 12, 2018 at select cinemas in the Los Angeles area. A key highlight of the annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month activities, the Festival is produced by Visual Communications, the nation’s premier Asian Pacific American media arts center, and enjoys broad support from cinema artists and audiences alike. Since 1983, the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival has presented over 4,000 films, videos, and digital mediaworks by Asian international and Asian Pacific American artists, and additionally features seminars and panels, in-person guest appearances, and filmmaker awards. The Film Festival continues to be the largest festival of its kind in Southern California and is the premier showcase for the best and brightest of Asian Pacific American and international cinema. To learn about Visual Communications, visit www.vconline.org.

M AY 1 8

The Asian American Group to celebrate first annual Asian Culture Day in Las Vegas On Friday, May 18, the Asian American Group (AAG) will celebrate the first annual Asian Culture Day. The event will be held at the Conference Center of Las Vegas (6590 Bermuda Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119), and will start at 6 p.m. There will be a variety of Asian dishes and cultural performances at the celebration. The primary goal of the Asian Culture Day celebration is to invite and unite the Asian nations of the world, and to educate and share their respective cultures in order to achieve greater understanding and fellowship between nations. The annual Asian Culture Day was established by Senate Bill 175, which proclaims every 18th of May as Asian Culture Day in the state of Nevada. The bill was introduced and authored by State Senator Scott Hammond, and was signed into law by Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval last year. The bill gives recognition to the Asians and Asian-Americans who were instrumental in the settlement and early development of the State of Nevada; the culture and traditions shared by Asians and AsianAmericans; and the Asian and Asian-American communities that continue to make important contributions to the cultural, religious, political, and business environment. To purchase tickets visit https://www.asianamericangroup.org/saac-2/.

M AY 26

FACCGLA’s bowling tournament The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) will host a bowling tournament on Saturday, May 26 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Winnetka Bowling Lanes (20122 Vanowen St, Winnetka, CA 91306). Open to both members and non-members, in teams of four or we can assign you a team. Slots are limited. To register your team, please call FACCGLA Secretary Ms. Connie Mapue (323) 337-7714 or FACC-GLA boardmember Ms. Doreen Remo (310) 428-7200. For more information and online payment, please visit www.faccgla.org.

JUNE 9

Kalayaan Incorporated presents Philippine Independence gala in Los Angeles Kalayaan Incorporated, Southern California’s foremost celebrant of Philippine Independence will host the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 9, at the Universal Hilton Hotel, Universal City, California. For more information, contact Erlinda Granada-Sabah at (562) 682-9576; or Malou Perez at mperez0813@ aol.com.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

April 27-mAy 3, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

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‘Willie Revillame knows what’s best for the show’

dares to ask the reason behind it,” by Ronnie CaRRasCo iii Donita explained. ManilaTimes.net All he was told was that A TEARY-EYED Donita Nose Wowowin needed to reformat. finally spoke out about being let A not-so-regular viewer of go of Willie Revillame’s “Wowowin” the said pre-programming of game show, simply saying, “He GMA’s “24 Oras,” we hardly find the knows what’s best for the show.” slightest change in the program Despite his nice words for the proper (except for that one comedian-host, Donita confessed exhausting segment which eats he was shocked when he up the news program’s first few received the termination notice, minutes). something which he swore he While the fact remains it’s least expected. Willie’s show and his alone, Donita, “But I never asked why, neither in Vignettes’ opinion, would still did I personally ask Kuya Willie be an asset given a new program why he was easing me out of the look. program. Ganun naman talaga “Dahilan na lang yung siya, eh. Once he makes a decision, reformat, ang sabihin mo, Willie that’s it. It’s final, and no one simply has this audience-friendly

Cole Sprouse shares fond memories of PH visit by C.

MenDez Legaspi Philstar.com

COLE Sprouse, star of the TV series “Riverdale,” was a recent Manila visitor. Since Cole earned a degree in the humanities and archaeology at New York University, talking to him on such a seemingly “superficial” topic as fashion, one would be illuminated with his stylish—and scientific—take on his personal sartorial aesthetic and expression, and his intellectual pursuits. He is bubbly in person, as opposed to the brooding Jughead he plays on the show. What is most impressive is that having enjoyed a successful career, Willie Revillame GMA photo shared with twin brother Dylan (“Big image. But when it comes to his Daddy,”“The Suite Life of Zack and co-workers, hindi siya ganun,” an Cody”), at a young age, Cole did not elderly neighbor opined. spiral into the madness that befell some of the biggest child stars of his generation (Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes, Aaron Carter, to name a few). At his press con as a Bench endorser at the Makati Shangri-La, the 25-year-old matinee idol was grilled on his latest gigs and gamely answered questions thrown his way. He was candid, gesticulating like an Italian (he was born in Tuscany) and always with a mischievous smile. On working with Filipinos “Well, they’d just been paying me with food, so it’s great. Yeah, that was part of the agreement that I come over for free as long as they give me the best food around. (He had been food-tripping at Divisoria, Poblacion, seafood market, Bench Cafe.)” “It’s fantastic (working with Bench). Until ‘Riverdale’ has seen some success, I didn’t realize how large the audience was here. In social Photo from Istagram/@jascurtissmith media, it has given as an awareness, how big the show has really been ever since natapos na po ‘yung out here. So the second that Bench previous contract natin kay TV5, reached out and gave me an nagpaparamdam na po sila ng opportunity to come out here, we other network and it just so jumped on it,” Cole said. happens na GMA ang napili,” she “This has really been a wonderful explained. experience. Last night as I was She assured that though she chose GMA, she has no bad blood out with Ben Chan, I happened to mention that I had a great collection with ABS-CBN. Her sister Anne of masks. I collect antique masks. also understands her decision. And he showed up today with a “Very happy naman, wala beautiful antique mask and I was so namang hurt feelings. Work flattered. What he didn’t know was is work and I’m so happy to if he put that as a payment for the be welcomed so warmly and entire thing, I would have come over so lovingly by GMA,” Jasmine and stayed for the rest of my life. Just enthused. bribe me with masks and I’ll be right here again, guys!” On personal style “The pieces that I might reach for are actually things that might

New Kapuso Jasmine Curtis Smith says network wars are ‘stupid’ by Deni

Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

BEFORE she signed up as a new GMA contract star on April 17, actress Jasmine Curtis Smith told Philstar.com that she was happy being a freelancer and that she finds network wars “stupid.” “It was one thing that I told my manager na ayaw kong maipit sa mga network war. Parang for me, that’s stupid,” she told Philstar. com in an interview during her launch as Pantene endorser in 2017. “Let’s be open to be working with everyone. Be collaborative. Just be more, I guess, willing to be creative? Because that’s what we lack now because gusto ko d’yan lang s’ya. You know, nasasayangan ‘yung opportunity ‘pag ganun eh. Parang ‘pag if you restrict na dapat ang ica-cast lang namin ‘yung nasa network lang namin, if you deem someone else from that network or someone who’s not signed to not play that role.” At that time, Jasmine was willing to work with actors from different networks. “For me, it’s just normal. They’re actors from a network na exclusive, but that doesn’t give them one more over me. Nasa talent ‘yan eh. If jive kayo ng vibe, ‘yun!” When Jasmine signed with

Jasmine Curtis Smith

GMA, it came as a surprise to many since GMA is the archrival of ABS-CBN, where her older sister Anne Curtis is. In an interview with Philstar. com on April 19 during another Pantene event, Jasmine admitted that the Kapamilya network also offered to get her. “Actually, hindi po ako lumipat ng GMA for about two years. Wala na po ako sa TV5. Two years na pong wala na ‘yung kontrata ko sa TV5, nag-expire na po s’ya. And it just so happens matagal na pong nanliligaw si GMA and

From Page 5

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

Cole Sprouse receiving a gift of antique mask from Bench founder Ben Chan. Philstar.com photo

be in my father’s closet. As a culture right now, we have a fascination with nostalgia. The style trends from the ‘90s are coming back, trends from the ‘70s are coming back. I can fit anywhere from the ‘20s to the ‘60s. For me, that kind of reinforces the stuff I pick out. But as I’ve said earlier, my brother and I’s working-class lineage definitely informs my choice in clothing. (Dad Matthew and Mom Melanie are English teachers.)” “I think everyone puts effort into what they wear. I think people that create the illusion that they don’t put effort in what they wear is simply lying. I think from the moment we get up, we choose to give an interaction to the world around us based on how we dress ourselves,” he enthused. “Wardrobe, from an archaeological approach, or external representation is a tremendously important way of interacting with your environment and the world, so I do put effort into what I wear. As an entertainer, (you should be mindful of) how people perceive you and fashion is one of those extensions.” According to him, he had “a long period of explorations when it comes to my personal style especially when I was in college where I was wearing the most insane things that most people were absolutely disgusted by. Over time as I found myself and my style became more firmly entrenched and I needed to stick to something… In New York, it’s a great place to do that. Personal style is so much more accepted out there and differences is sort of celebrated unlike anywhere in the United State, so it allowed me to wear whatever the heck I wanted.”

He even gave some notes on branding. “Seeing how it made me feel to wear those articles of clothing and craft it into the kind of way I choose to wear clothes now. In terms of how it imbibes an edge, I think we get wrapped up in the narrative of branding and brands and how they stick to a specific look. The truth is you can find ways to turn anything into your kind of personal expression.” Why he endorses a Filipino brand At the height of their popularity, the twins ventured into a licensing agreement with Dualstar Entertainment, owned by that other “wonder twins” Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. They hawked a clothing line, comics series, magazine, personal hygiene line and sportswear. The venture was from 2005 to 2012. Cole and Dylan are represented by IMG Models under “Talent,” together with Cara Delevingne, Ciara, Gal Gadot, Luke Evans, Chrissy Teigen and Zachary Quinto, as well as Penshoppe endorsers Cameron Dallas and Lucky Blue Smith. The American also shared what he loves most about Filipinos and the Philippines. “For me, I enjoyed it because it was family-oriented. It also gave me a chance to interact with an audience I didn’t perceive was this big. Quite frankly, it gave me a chance to travel. It gave me a chance to experience the Philippines. That alone would have been enough and it just so happens to have also been surrounded by good, family-oriented and loyal people.”

Scam-proofing basics 101

sneeze virtually. Or that of a hug or a kiss… Or of the wonderful feeling of being in your bed sipping a warm mug of cocoa as you listen to the gentle pelting of the rain on the roof at night as you prepare to go to sleep… There is a lot of real living for us to do. The internet has its place in our world. But you are the boss and you can decide to curtail its influence on the quality of your own life. We get to pass this way but once. Choose well.

Grill salmon steaks brushed with butter (Yup! Butter makes it better!) and sprinkled with lemon on a summer’s day. Create panini sandwiches for friends or loved ones on your grill pan. Dance. Fly a kite. Knit a shawl. Take time to sip your tea or tend to your garden in the spring. Laugh with the kids. Log off for long stretches of time and create something with your hands that will make your heart glad and make the people in your immediate orbit praise God for having you in their

lives — even for just a short while. The virtual world is a blessing simply meant to enhance life, NOT REPLACE IT. That’s all it does. Even with all its bells and whistles, it is a spice, not the main entree. After all, life tethered on terra firma, is for real living, right here, right now. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Stargazer: Filipina aura reader, clairvoyant... From Page 2 cancer. They would give you certain sicknesses or diseases but not cancer. Or it’s more of what we did in the past. That’s why when you say past life, it’s what we did in the past but it’s also very sensitive when we talk about real past lives. Like generations ago or whatever in another year, you were a princess before, that’s a different school of thought.” “You don’t blame anyone. You don’t blame God. For one thing, never blame God,” she remarks. What does karma mean to Stargazer? “Since Catholicism does not talk about past lives, what I do believe in, let’s talk about the present… But let’s focus on what karma really is, karma simply is the scientific law of cause and effect. Karma, in Sanskrit, simply says your actions will have specific reactions. In the Bible, it says ‘what you sow, you shall reap’ and even the golden rule, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ I have this book that is written by Mother Teresa. It says, the karma thing is also seen in Islam and Buddhism, in Taoism, in all schools of thought. It’s simply energies that you put out will be the energies that will come back. It’s like a boomerang when you throw the bullet, it definitely goes back,” she says. However, when that action comes back, she continues, “Why is it that when it comes back, it’s in threefold? Because energy

when you throw, remember it has momentum… and when it comes back…it has tripled its force because of the scientific law. That’s why you have to be careful.” Intentions and the energies behind actions and thoughts are meaningful, Stargazer adds. “That’s why you say you’re blessed, it’s because when you give out even a small thing, it comes back to you. Many people will now be helping you out. That is why it is very important that you watch out for your intentions and your actions. If you intend to do [something] to a person, it will always come back to you.” “So for me, karma is simply even your thoughts can cause karma. If I plan something bad against you, I’m already sending negative energies to you. Sometimes you can’t help it when you’re angry. That’s why it’s helpful when you’re angry, walk away. Before I was kind of confrontational. I have learned now that I will just step away, move back, turn my back against you and we’ll talk some other time because I am afraid of what I say might cause some negativity towards you. Because since I am that trained to focus my energies, I’m so afraid to be angry,” she says. There’s a quote by Wolfgang Riebe that says, “Everyone is gifted, but some people just don’t know how to open their package.” That statement is along the lines of what Stargazer believes

— that everyone does have a gift and extra sensory perception. “It’s just that people do not recognize it because sometimes they’re too objective, they are too closed. They’re not open. Their minds are too cluttered,” she says. “Their minds are too obsessed with other things but if you get to see beyond…Sometimes when we pray, some things come to our mind [and] it gives you answers. That’s why meditation is very important. When you meditate and you remove the clutter in your mind, that’s when things become clear and you know.” With the demonization of psychics, mediums, fortune tellers, and the like, Stargazer wants to dispel those notions and warn individuals before they seek out a reading. “How would you know if a psychic is fake? They would fish out information from you. I had so many experiences. Of course, I will try other psychics in Sedona, they would fish out certain things,” she says. “But a good psychic will also focus on the positive to help you out. Just beware of people. There are also good people that would focus on someone dying in your family or someone getting sick. Those are the negative things — they’re easier to feel than the positive. For me, I warn people of the negative because I know that they can do something about it. I want to prevent. I don’t want to scare.”

April 27-mAy 3, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

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