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Volume 29 - No. 21 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Study: Some early stage breast cancer patients may forego chemotherapy A new study shows that many people in the early stages of breast cancer with lower likelihoods of recurrence may safely abstain from chemotherapy A MAJORITY of early-stage breast cancer patients may opt to skip chemotherapy which could result in a sharp decline for the treatment option, according to a massive, highly-anticipated new study on the disease published on Sunday, June 3. The study — conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine — found that patients who in the early stages of invasive breast cancer may skip chemotherapy if they score in the mid to low range for risk as measured by a widely-used genomic test. According to the decade-long study, patients who fall within the “intermediate risk zone” are likely to do as well with hormone therapy alone as they would with both chemotherapy and hormone therapy post-surgery. This was the most extensive breast cancer treatment trial conducted thus far and demonstrated that low-risk patients, through a genomic test of their tumors, can skip che-

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US military provides new equipment to Philippine marines THE U.S. military has provided new equipment worth P178 million to the Philippine marines, which will provide increased protection for their operations. The U.S. turned over 525 sets of ballistic vests, lightweight ballistic plates, tactical ballistic helmets and accessories to the Philippine Marine special operations group (MARSOG) and inshore boat battalion at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City last May 31, according to the U.S. Embassy. The personal protective equipment were turned over through the Counterterrorism Train and Equip Program. “The recent force protection equipment delivery will fill critical equipment gaps for Marine Operators within MARSOG, a key Counterterrorism and Special Operations unit within the Philippine Marine Corps,” the U.S. Embassy said in a release.

Citing public order, Duterte says ‘radical changes’ to happen soon by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FOLLOWING his trip to South Korea this week, President Rodrigo Duterte warned that he will “make radical changes in the days to come.” “There will be changes in the coming days including public order and

security. There are simply too many crimes and too many claiming to be this and that,” he said on Wednesday morning, June 6. The warning came with the implication of martial law. “Well, remember that there is — there’s no difference actually between martial law and a declaration of national

emergency. So I’ve been warning all. I’m warning all including the Human Rights, it’s either we behave or we will have a serious problem again,” Duterte said. Duterte declared Mindanao a state of national emergency due to lawless violence in September 2016 and placed the entire island group under martial law on

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Philippines is not yet capable of defending its territory in the disputed South China Sea amid China’s continuing aggressiveness in the disputed area, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday, June 4. In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, the defense chief said it may take some time for the Philippines to acquire the ships, weapons and equipment needed to defend claimed areas in the South China Sea. “At present, we don’t have capabilities to even just demonstrate to others that we are capable, because we are not ca-

May 2017 despite criticisms from rights groups and opposition figures. Article VI, Section 23 of the Constitution says: “In times of war or other national emergency, the Congress may, by law, authorize the President, for a limited period and subject to such restrictions as it may prescribe, to exer-

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PH Supreme Court orders gov’t to answer petition against ICC withdrawal by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA /AJPress

MALACAÑANG is being ordered by the Supreme Court (SC) to answer the petition filed by six opposition senators last month challenging the administration’s withdrawal of the country’s membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC). The SC also ruled to hold the case for oral arguments on July 24. The respondents — Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Philippine Ambassador to the UN Teodoro Locsin Jr. — are required to submit their comment to the petition within 10 days from receipt of the resolution. Senators Francis Pangilinan, Franklin Drilon, Paolo Benigno Aquino 4th, Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros and Antonio Trillanes IV, in their petition filed last May 16, BUSINESS VENTURE. President Rodrigo Duterte and Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez pose for a photo with the ofﬁcials from various Korean asked the SC to invalidate the decision of the executive companies following the exchange of signed business agreements during the Philippines-Korea Business Forum and Luncheon at the Lotte Hotel in

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Seoul, Republic of Korea on Tuesday, June 5.

Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante

Former President Aquino: I can’t Philippines’ $14 billion stop thinking I’ll be jailed too ‘pollution-free’ city will be by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

larger than Manhattan

FORMER President Benigno Aquino III on Monday, June 4, urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to junk the criminal complaint brought against him by President Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters over the P3.5-billion Dengvaxia controversy. After attending the preliminary investigation man-made disasters. at the DOJ, Aquino said in a press briefing that by KLARIZE MEDENILLA But the Bases Conversion and “the only weapon we have is the truth” and AJPress Development Authority (BCDA), that “with the help of God, we will overcome ANYONE who has been to the the Philippines’ government these challenges.” Aquino, assisted by lawyers, appeared be- Philippines has experienced the agency responsible for driving u PAGE A3 Former President Benigno Aquino III Philstar.com photo u PAGE A2 country’s crowded population the economy through constructand its overwhelming pollution. ing developments and building Like many other global coun- projects, has a solution: building tries battling low air quality and a new city that promotes sustainintense population density, the ability in all areas of city life. The green municipality, called Philippines is becoming increaspable,” Lorenzana said. ingly at risk for both natural and According to him, Manila is u PAGE A3 looking at upgrading the runway on Pag-asa Island, which is part of the Palawan province. “Our sole airstrip in Pag-asa is still very short, and it’s still unpaved. We’re trying to pave that so that we can bring in our aircraft anytime,” he said, adding that it will take the runway five days of sunny weather to be hard enough for aircraft to land on. Defense Secretary Delﬁn Lorenzana on Friday, June 1, met with his American and Southeast ‘Nothing we can do’ The Philippines cannot do any- Asian counterpart at the sidelines of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The Shangrithing about China’s claims in the La Dialogue, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, is Asia’s premier defense summit. Philstar.com photo South China Sea, according to can do,” he said, citing China’s disputed sea. Lorenzana. “But since China won’t accept Photo shows a mock-up of New Clark City, a green municipality located 75 miles outside of “I think all we can do now is refusal to honor the ruling of the (file a) diplomatic protest, and arbitral tribunal invalidating Bei- it, what can we do? And China, in Manila that is slated to be larger than Manhattan. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Bases Conversion and Development Authority talk to them. There is nothing we jing’s nine-dash line claim in the u PAGE A2

‘PH not capable of defending territories’ — defense chief by RITCHEL

JUNE 7-13, 2018

The sustainability-driven New Clark City will be the answer to Metro Manila’s escalating pollution problem

http://www.asianjournal.com â€˘ (702) 792-6678

JUNE 7-13, 2018 â€˘ LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

PH Supreme Court orders govâ€™t to answer...

PAGE A1 branch due to lack of necessary concurrence from the Senate. The six senators cited Article VII Section 21 of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that â€œentering into treaty or international agreement requires participation of Congress, that is, through concurrence of at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.â€? â€œThe executive initiates entry into a treaty or international

agreement as the chief architect of foreign affairs. However, for such treaty or international agreement to be â€˜valid and effectiveâ€™ in the Philippines, the participation of Congress is necessary because such treaty or international agreement becomes a law in the Philippines,â€? the petition read. The SC was called on by the petitioners to mandate the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Permanent Mission to

the United Nations to notify the United Nations secretary general that it was revoking the notice of withdrawal that it received on March 17, 2018. The â€œdecision to withdraw is the Philippinesâ€™ principled stand against those who politicize and weaponize human rights, even as its independent and well-functioning organs and agencies continue to exercise jurisdiction over complaints, issues, problems and concerns arising from its efforts to protect the people.â€? The senators also pointed out that the Rome Statute is a treaty validly entered into by the Philippines and that it has the same status as a law enacted by Congress. Its withdrawal would require the approval of Congress, they stressed. â€œThe executive cannot abrogate BACK FROM KOREA. President Rodrigo Duterte strikes his signature pose with ACTS-OFW Party-list Representative Aniceto Bertiz III, Trade or repeal a law. In the same vein, and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, Sec. Bong Go of the OfďŹ ce of the Special Assistant to the President, Science and Technology Secretary the executive cannot unilaterally Fortunato Dela PeĂąa, Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque while on board the withdraw from a treaty or an inter- Philippine Airlines commercial ďŹ‚ight PR469 upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday, June 5 following a MalacaĂąang photo by Ace Morandante national agreement because such successful three-day ofďŹ cial visit to the Republic of Korea. withdrawal is equivalent to a repeal of a law,â€? they added. They further said that in withdrawing Philippine membership from the ICC, the respondents committed usurpation of legisla- PAGE A1 use it to the hilt and put things in officials. tive powers â€” a move that is cise powers necessary and proper order,â€? he vowed. On May 21, he fired Transporpunishable under the Revised to carry out a declared national â€œFor those offices that are tation Assistant Secretary for Penal Code. â– policy. Unless sooner withdrawn beyond control, I will place you Railways Mark Tolentino, Governby resolution of the Congress, under the Office of the President. ment Corporate Counsel Rudolf such powers shall cease upon the I will be in front of you every day,â€? Philip Jurado on May 28, and Noel next adjournment thereof.â€? he continued. Patrick Sales Prudente, a deputy â€œSomehow, even with this Duterte has been clearing gov- commissioner of the Bureau of meager emergency power, I will ernment agencies of corrupt Customs, on May 30. â–

Citing public order, Duterte...

â€˜PH not capable of defending... PAGE A1 fact, during the pendency of the arbitral ruling, they double timed the reclaiming of the reefs,â€? he said. Lorenzana met with U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis during the International Institute for Strategic Studiesâ€™ 17th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The pair discussed measures to boost information sharing and maritime domain awareness cooperation. According to Mattisâ€™ spokesman Captain Jeff Davis, the two defense chiefs also reviewed the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy and its implications for the alliance. â€œBoth leaders emphasized the need to keep the Indo-Pacific free and open and highlighted the central importance of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in upholding the rulesbased order,â€? Davis said. â–

Former President Aquino: I canâ€™t stop thinking... PAGE A1 fore the DOJ panel of prosecutors along with former Health Secretary Janette Garin and former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad to submit their counteraffidavits personally. Aquino maintained in a 27page counter-affidavit, that the complaint should be tossed out for the supposed failure of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) and Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution Inc. (VPCI) to present â€œsufficient bases in fact and lawâ€? to prove their allegations. According to him, his and his cabinetâ€™s decision to launch the dengue immunization program was â€œin accordance with law and the pertinent rules and regulations, and animated solely

by good faith.â€? â€œAt the outset, I categorically deny all of the complaintâ€™s factual allegations, particularly regarding my purported illicit involvement and participation in the commission of the offenses charged,â€? Aquino said. In addition, he argued that the criminal complaint against them should be dismissed outright due to forum-shopping, noting that similar complaints were filed by the same groups in the Commission on Elections and the Office of the Ombudsman. They were accused of graft, malversation of public funds and multiple homicide and physical injuries through negligence for the supposed Dengvaxia-related deaths of children by the

VACC and the VPCI. Defending his cabinet officials who approved and carried out the dengue immunization program, Aquino denied that it was designed to bolster the candidacies of his colleagues in the Liberal Party in the May 2016 elections. â€œWe should ask the question, â€˜Is it all right to disregard the dangers posed by dengue to the people because weâ€™re having an election?â€™ Was it rushed? I donâ€™t know how anyone could claim it was rushed because we have had antidengue programs even before we came in,â€? he said. When asked if he was concerned that he might end up in jail like De Lima, Aquino answered: â€œI cannot avoid thinking about that.â€? â–

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PUBLIC NOTICE EFFECTIVE JUNE 27, 2018 THROUGH AUGUST 27, 2018 The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) provides subsidized housing for lowincome persons who meet both the Department of Housing and Urban Developmentâ€™s (HUD) and SNRHAâ€™s admission criteria. 7KH ZDLW OLVW ZLOO EH RSHQ DQG ZH ZLOO DFFHSW DSSOLFDWLRQV IRU WKH IROORZLQJ SURJUDPV 9(5$ -2+1621 $ 0L[HG )LQDQFH Âą %HGURRPV Âą 23(1 817,/ 30 ON AUGUST 27, 2018

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DATELINE USA

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 7-13, 2018

Former Tacloban City mayor Alfred Romualdez recalls challenges following typhoon Haiyan Brings ‘I Love Tacloban’ band as token of thanks

by RAE

INFLATION DISCUSSION. Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno discusses the TRAIN, Inflation, and Poverty during the press briefing on the May 2018 Inflation Report at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) office in Manila on Tuesday, June 5. Also in the photo are (left) National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon and Department of Finance (DOF) Assistant Secretary Tony Lambino. PNA photo by Jess Escaros Jr.

Philippines’ $14 billion ‘pollution-free... PAGE A1 New Clark City (NCC), is funded through private and public entities and is slated to be located 75 miles from Manila. The new 23,350-acre city will be larger than Manhattan (22.82 square miles) and is described as “a destination where nature, lifestyle, business, education and industry converge” and will feature driverless cars, sophisticated public transportation, drones, natural green spaces, low consumption commercial buildings and housing and massive athletic complexes. NCC will also be designed to resist climate catastrophes; the central green spaces will give space for flooding and the buildings will be made to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters. This merging of nature and urban metropolis in what developers call the “city of the future” is estimated to cost $14 billion and is aimed to counter the traffic jams and poor air quality of Manila.

At 13 million people, Manila has the highest population density of all the major cities in the world with about 107,000 people per square miles, according to statistics from the United Kingdom Statistics Authority. (New York City has a population density of 27,000 per square mile.) The concept of the green city was a direct result of the growing global concern over the human impact on the overall increase in the Earth’s temperature, a.k.a. global warming. For decades, scientists have tracked the increased release of greenhouse gases through vehicle emissions, factory pollution and a whole host of human activity that contributes to the warming of the planet. Establishing green initiatives city by city is a growing trend. “More than two-thirds of total investment in infrastructure in the next 15 years will be made in cities,” former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg wrote in an op-ed for CNN.

More people are flocking to cities like Portland, Oregon, San Francisco, California, and Stockholm, Sweden for utilizing renewable resources, improving public transportation (which lessens traffic congestion) and establishing “green space” such as public parks and nature reserves. The BCDA is trying to complete NCC by the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, planning to modify and update the urban plans as technology advances and new green initiatives are introduced. The goal of NCC in a country that has one of the world’s worst environmental records is to exemplify how Manila can transform itself into a sustainable city with stronger infrastructure, less deadlock traffic and improved air and water quality. If built as promised, NCC is poised to set an example for the rest of the Philippines to make environmentally-conscious construction the standard. ■

ANN VARONA AJPress

IT’S been five years since Typhoon Haiyan (also locally known as Yolanda) hit the city of Tacloban, but the city for the most part is back on the rise with malls, hotels, cafés, and other establishments getting normal traffic. Its famous San Juanico Bridge that stretches from Leyte to Samar, continues to be regularly traveled. Some of the cargo vessels that have washed ashore have turned into memorial markers. Businesses have even named themselves after Haiyan. Alfred Sison Romualdez, who served as mayor during the city’s deadliest and toughest catastrophe, can still recall many of the challenges he faced. Though born in San Juan, Manila, Romualdez is a full fledged Taclobanon as anyone who knows his family name can attest. The Romualdez name has been a familiar one in the region for a number of generations. His father Alfredo is the brother of the famed Imelda Romualdez Marcos, wife of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. The Tacloban City Airport, also known as the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport — is named after Imelda’s first cousin. In 1998, Romualdez became congressman while his father was serving as mayor. Following his father’s term, he himself was elected mayor in 2007 which

brought him to the city full time. “At that time, there were still a lot of things to do in Tacloban City,” Romualdez told the Asian Journal in a recent interview. A capital of the province of Leyte, Tacloban is the center for trade, tourism, culture, education, and government in the Eastern Visayas region. Among his most satisfying achievements as mayor was campaigning Tacloban from a component city, into a highly urbanized city a year into his term. The city became to first to do in the Eastern Visayas region, and the 34th in the Philippines. But as the city began to reach its peak, it was quickly swept under the waves of Typhoon Haiyan, or Super Typhoon Yolanda as it is more commonly referred as in the Philippines. “It was very hard as a leader,” said Romualdez, who was serving his second mayoral term during the typhoon. “I couldn’t show them that I was devastated. It’s like being captain of the ship. We go down with the ship.” Haiyan had become the strongest tropical cyclone to ever be recorded when it hit. Reaching over 300 km/h at its highest, it ransacked everything in its path. Flattened coconut tree farms and washed up cargo boats were common images in international media. Pulling out his cellphone, Romualdez played back videos of the ordeal including a clip of the waters reaching the second floor balcony of a building.

Haiyan’s aftermath further revealed it to be the deadliest with death toll reports ranging anywhere from 6,000 to 15,000 depending on the source. Many agree though that its exact number may never be known. Romualdez said the last body he personally buried was just last New Year’s Eve. But the challenges naturally continued to pile up after the storm as millions of newly displaced people were left disoriented and struggled to make sense of what would happen next. Due to Haiyan’s intensity, even the local government was paralyzed, he said. CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, who did extensive coverage on the typhoon, described the situation as being “among the most desperate” he’d seen in the last couple of years he’s covered natural disasters prior to Haiyan. Being the capital, it’s customary that everyone flocks to Tacloban when there’s a storm, said Romualdez. Tropical storms are common in the region that consists of six provinces. In fact, Haiyan was the country’s 25th typhoon to hit that year, and it was only March. “I’m a hands on guy,” said the former mayor, recalling the moments after the typhoon. He said he and his team had been driving a payloader around trying to clear a way back to the city. This was made difficult as evacuations PAGE A4

US military provides new equipment to... PAGE A1 Having been allies for 70 years, the U.S. has been providing grant assistance and expedited sales of arms and munitions to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

This also assists the Philippine military’s modernization goals and urgent counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and relief requirements. The Philippines and the U.S. recently concluded its annual

joint military exercises in the country. American troops were among the first to assist Filipino soldiers when ISIS-inspired local terrorists sieged Marawi Bass player Francis Anthony Lapidario; drummer Percy Paa; former Tacloban City mayor Alfred Sison Romualdez; vocalists Theresa Robel, Princess City last year. (Patricia Lourdes Belleza, and Gamaliel Gobenciong; guitarist/music director Edwin Espiño; and former Tacloban city disaster management ofﬁce Derrick Anido. AJPress photo by Jillian Peñalosa Viray/Philstar.com)

Dateline USa

June 7-13, 2018 • LAS VeGAS ASIAn JOuRnAL

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Canada ‘stupid’ for raising human rights concerns in helicopter deal – Duterte by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is still angry at Canada over the botched $233-million helicopter deal, months after a Canadian company cancelled on him. Before the Filipino community in South Korea on Sunday, June 3, Duterte said in a speech how “stupid” Canada was for raising concerns that the helicopters would be used against rebels. “We ordered Bell helicopters from Canada. They said they will deliver the Bell helicopters but you cannot use [them] against your own citizen[s],” Duterte said. Sixteen Bell 412EPI utility helicopters were supposed to be purchased by the Philippines from Canada, but Duterte scrapped

the deal in February after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ordered a review over fears of human rights abuses. “How stupid can you... Why would you say that I cannot use it against my own citizens when there are citizens in my country who are trying to overthrow my government?” Duterte demanded. According to Duterte, Filipinos are joining the New People’s Army and terrorist groups. “They are fighting the government and killing my soldiers, my policemen and civilians. It’s a dirty war and the people are dying... My Moro brothers, on the other hand, joined terrorist forces and went to Marawi,” Duterte said. The government is consider-

ing purchasing helicopters from South Korea, according to the president. Duterte’s first instance of calling Canada “stupid” over the helicopter deal was in March. “Look at how stupid the Canadians are, very stupid. They agreed to sell the helicopters. But when they were due to be delivered, they said, ‘Ah but you cannot use these for military or punitive actions by the police,’” he said during the general assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines. According to Canada’s International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, the deal was done in 2012 on the understanding that the helicopters would be used for search and rescue. n

PAGE A1 motherapy and avoid its immobilizing side effects. “This information really addresses a major unmet medical need to have a very high level of evidence to make potentially life-saving decisions,” oncologist and lead author of the study Dr. Joseph Sparano said. “This has very important public health implications. It helps direct patients to the right therapy, so that we’re treating the right people with the right therapy at the right time.” The genomic test used for this type of breast cancer, Oncotype DX, which was first introduced in 2004, measures gene expression in 21 genes in tumor tissue removed during surgery and determines the risk of recurrence on a scale of 0 to 100. According to early research of the test, patients with a high-risk of recurrence would score 26 to 100 and would most benefit from chemotherapy, and patients on the lower end of the spectrum, 0 to 25, would not. But that left many patients in the “intermediate risk zone”, about 65,000 patients annually in the United States, unsure if they should or should not opt for chemotherapy. The new study, called TAILORx, used a randomized trial of thousands of patients and found that patients who fit in the middle, who scored between 11 to 25, had a similar rate of can-

cer-free survival as those who had chemotherapy in tandem with hormone therapy, which deems chemotherapy unnecessary for these patients. This ground-breaking discovery means that 70 percent of patients can save themselves from the worry over whether or not to get chemotherapy, according to hematologist and oncologist Dr. Kathy Albain, who co-authored the study. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. and the world, according to the World Cancer Research Fund International. Breast cancer diagnoses account for 12 percent of all new cancer cases and a quarter of all cancers in women. Breast cancer rates in AAPI community Asian Americans, in particular, have been experiencing a steady increase in breast cancer rates over the last 15 years, according to a 2017 study from the Cancer Prevention Institute of California (CPIC). Although they don’t have nearly the highest frequency of the cancer, Filipino women are more likely to die from breast cancer than “their major Asian American counterparts,” according to a 2010 study from the Hawaii Medical Journal. In general, the later a diagnosis is determined, the higher the mortality rate for every cancer patient. The Hawaii Tumor

Registry found that 35 percent of Filipinas (compared to 29 percent and 22 percent of Chinese and Japanese women, respectively) were diagnosed at a late stage, which increases their mortality rate. The escalated mortality rate can be attributed to biological and genetic, socio-economic and cultural factors, the study said. The CPIC study mirrored the Hawaii Medical Journal’s study in that its researchers found an increase in late-stage diagnoses among Filipinos as well as Koreans and South Asians, which suggests “a need for higher rates of mammography screening in these populations.” “These patterns warrant additional attention to public health prioritization to target disparities in access to care, as well as further research in identifying relevant breast cancer risk factors for specific breast cancer subtypes,” lead researcher of the CPIC study Scarlett Lin Gomez said in a statement. “In particular, studies should investigate risk factors, perhaps early-life exposures, underlying the higher rates of breast cancer among young Filipino and Japanese women, with attention to possible genetic susceptibility.” Individuals at risk for breast cancer are advised to consult their primary care physician and undergo a screening. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

35TH SAF ANNIVERSARY. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde (center) is escorted by Special Action Force (SAF) Director Noli Taliño (right) during the 35th anniversary of the SAF with the theme “35 years of Committed Service for the Filipino, a Culture of Heroism and Gallantry” held at the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Parade Grounds in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on Tuesday, June 5. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Study: Some early stage breast cancer patients... HRW: Duterte’s latest tirade

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vs UN expert ‘same old rhetoric’ by Gaea

KatReena Philstar.com

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HUMAN Rights Watch slammed President Rodrigo Duterte for lashing out at the United Nations expert who warned that the judicial independence in the country is under threat after the ouster of Maria Lourdes Sereno as the country’s top judge. In a statement, HRW Asia Division researcher Carlos Conde said that Duterte’s tirade against Diego García-Sayán, UN special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, is the “same tired, old rhetoric” designed to frustrate attempts by international bodies to look into the victims of extrajudicial killings in the government’s war on drugs. “President Duterte has been trying to evade accountability for these killings by subjecting UN

experts and investigators as well as human rights defenders to relentless attacks,” Conde said. He then called on the UN not to be deterred and initiate an investigation into Duterte’s continuing anti-narcotics campaign. Before departing for South Korea on a three-day official visit, Duterte said that García-Sayán can “go to hell” for allegedly meddling in the affairs of the country. “[García-Sayán] is not a special person and I do not recognize his rapporteur title. Tell him not to interfere with the affairs of my country,” he said. The UN rapporteur on Friday said that the landmark decision of the high court granting the quo warranto petition against Sereno filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida seemed directly related to the threats made by Duterte against the former chief magistrate.

“The derogatory statements and threats by President Duterte, which have been televised, broadcast on radio and carried by newspapers, constitute a vicious attack on the independence of the judiciary,” the former Justice and Foreign Affairs minister of Peru said. Although he repeatedly denied having a hand in Sereno’s expulsion, Duterte declared that the former chief justice should be “out of the Supreme Court” in response to her insistence that the president was involved in moves to oust her. Duterte maintains that he had nothing to do with it. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said García-Sayán was misinformed, stressing that Duterte’s dislike of Sereno “is not an attack to the judiciary or an affront to judicial independence.” n

US, Mexican drug syndicates dumping supplies in PH; airports alerted DRUG syndicates from the U.S. and Mexico are trying to dump their supplies in the country, according to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday, June 5. “We have been coordinating with the [U.S. Food and Drugs Administration] regarding the groups supplying drugs here. There is an information that

there are Mexicans involved here,” PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said in a mix of Filipino and English at a press conference. Aquino disclosed this after his operatives seized P78.8 million of shabu from Cavite and Parañaque City. Aquino said that the confiscated drugs came from California.

He said he has been coordinating with various airports in the country to prevent the spread of illegal drugs. “We will be coordinating with other airports in the country. Maybe it is not only in NAIA where the drugs are entering. We are also going to look out for airports in Davao and Cebu,” Aquino said. (ManilaTImes.net)

Former Tacloban City mayor Alfred Romualdez... PAGE A3 centers and the city itself was jam packed with people. “How do we move all this debris with all these people in the streets?,” Romualdez recalled thinking. In effort to free up space, he said he even began asking for humanitarian flights by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific to help fly people out to relatives outside the city. “I was on the street the very first day clearing debris, clearing routes to the hospitals,” he added. In the clearing process, bodies continued to reveal themselves, adding to the death toll. Derrick Anido, the city disaster management officer at the time, likened the streets to scenes one would only wish to see in movies. “In less than an hour, I saw two dump trucks just full of bodies,” said Anido. “It was a scene you would’ve only seen in the movies. Worse than that. It was unbelievable.” Romualdez said the challenges were compounded as he found it difficult to find common ground with the national government. For one, Romualdez believes that more effort should have immediately focused more on building a community plan rather than just housing. “Building a community is quite different from just building housing,” he said. Another instance he shared, came as the Department for Social Welfare began giving 50 kilos (110 pounds) of rice a month to families regardless of how many children were in the household. Being in excess of rice, Romualdez said that many began to sell portions of their rice to buy other needed things like clothes and medicine. And because it was prohibited to sell relief goods, many were also arrested. “That’s not the way to do it,” said Romualdez while commending the USAID process of distributing goods depending on the number of family members in a household. He said USAID were among the first to give assistance — giving foods that were immediately edible. “Doesn’t taste that great, but its nutritious in that it’s going to help you survive if even for a couple of days,” he said. “You’re not giving rice because you want them to feel happy. You

want them to eat it, right?” he said. Recovery and Resilience In the weeks, months, and even years following the disaster, Taclobanons and the Waray people in general were praised for their resiliency. “What I see with Tacloban now is a city that is resilient because of its people,” said Romualdez. “Here’s what I always tell people,” he added. “Why is Tacloban, or any city strong? It’s because of its people. So we have to invest in our people.” As the region’s population began to rebuild themselves, Romualdez said he wanted to make sure that sustainability was in the city’s near future. “The best way to get back — as I’ve told people — is to start opening shop,” he said. “Open shop, open your stores.” Among the first to open up again was Coca-Cola which spent around $7 million, he added. While most of the help financially was going to municipalities around Tacloban rather than in Tacloban itself, he said that what was more important was that the spending was happening in Tacloban because they already facilities up and running. “We had groceries open, we had the mall opening,” Romualdez added. “This is what we pushed. That’s why we’re able to sustain it.” Currently, two malls developed by one of the nation’s leading property developers Robinsons Land Corporation, stand in the city. According to the company, the second mall was a testament to the trust the company had in the city’s resilience. “I had hopes from the very start,” said Romualdez. “I said I’m not leaving. We’re going to build this city back and we did. And I’ll do it again. ‘I Love Tacloban’ Amidst a visit to Fil-Am and Taclobanon communities in California this May and June, traveling with Romualdez was the I Love Tacloban band, an ensemble formed after Haiyan. The band consists of six members — most of whom are typhoon survivors. The band, Romualdez said, was just part of his many projects. He also has the I Love Tacloban Foundation. The general message being spread by the band is that of thankfulness to those who have

helped the city. At the same time, they’re also representing the city of Tacloban. Asked why he chose a band to be a part of his efforts, Romualdez responded, “First of all, it’s accessible.” “It’s something that demonstrates human relation to people. As you can see now, it even shapes society,” he added, mentioning the music of the 60s to now. “It’s a good way to communicate and it inspires people,” he said. One of the lead vocalists, Gamaliel Gobenciong, cited the common idea of music as therapy. Music has always been a big part of his family. A survivor himself, he recalled his family being taken by surprise given that Tacloban was always hit by typhoons and storm surges. Edwin Espiño, guitarist and music director of the group, pointed to the Filipino culture of music. “All over the Philippines, music is a lifestyle. It’s part of our life as Filipinos,” said Espiño. “Especially in Tacloban, people gather — relatives, friends — and they drink and they sing. That’s what makes us happy. And that’s what makes the family closer.” While the band sings many popular songs by artists like Bruno Mars and Adele, Romualdez said they also sing Filipino songs including in Waray which many — especially those who have migrated to the states — may not have heard in a while. Romualdez also expressed that he would also like to encourage Taclobanons to get involved with the rebuilding and growth of Tacloban. Among the organizations being visited by him and the band are the Waraynon Initiative Network, and the Taclobanon Association of Southern California. “I’d like people to come back. Share their ideas, their views, their visions,” said Romualdez. “That’s how you make a city strong. You have to work on the people.” While in California, the group had several performances lined up including for the Love of Country Global Ambassadors Program on Sunday, June 3 at the Levo Entertainment Center in Burbank, CA, and an opento-the-public performance at the Westin Long Beach hotel on Friday, June 8. n

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 7-13, 2018

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Karagdagang kaalaman sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote. NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING FOR THE 2018 PRIMARY ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that early voting for the June 12, 2018 Primary Election will begin on May 26, Saturday, and continues through June 8, Friday. Any voter registered in Clark County is eligible to vote at any early voting location. Any voter registered in Clark County is also eligible to vote by mail. Any voter wishing to vote by mail must submit a written request for a mail ballot, which must be received in the Election Department by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. For additional information, call the mail ballot hotline at (702) 455-6552. The early voting locations, dates, and times are listed below. All voting sites are ADA compliant. For additional information, call the Clark County Election Department at (702) 455-VOTE (8683). The TTY/TDD number is 711. Also check online at www.ClarkCountyNV.gov/vote. 2018 PRIMARY ELECTION EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE MAY 26 (SATURDAY) TO JUNE 8 (FRIDAY)

LONG-TERM EARLY VOTING SITES: MALLS BOULEVARD MALL, East Corridor near Christy Candy and Rear (EAST) Mall Entrance 3528 S. Maryland Pkwy., between E. Desert Inn Rd. and E. Twain Ave., Las Vegas MAY 26-JUNE 8 Saturday and Monday-Friday (except Mon., May 28, and Thurs.-Fri., June 7-8): 10am-7pm Sunday: 11am-6pm Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day): 10am-6pm Last Thursday-Friday, June 7-8: 10am-9pm GALLERIA AT SUNSET, Kohl’s Court, 1st Floor 1300 W. Sunset Rd. @ N. Stephanie St., Henderson MAY 26-JUNE 8 Saturday and Monday-Friday (except Mon., May 28, and Thurs.-Fri., June 7-8): 10am-7pm Sunday: 11am-6pm Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day): 10am-6pm Last Thursday-Friday, June 7-8: 10am-9pm MEADOWS MALL, Sears Court, 1st Floor 4300 Meadows Lane @ S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas MAY 26-JUNE 8 Saturday and Monday-Friday (except Mon., May 28, and Thurs.-Fri., June 7-8): 10am-7pm Sunday: 10am-6pm Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day): 10am-6pm Last Thursday-Friday, June 7-8: 10am-9pm LONG-TERM EARLY VOTING SITES: SHOPPING CENTERS ARROYO MARKET SQUARE, Event Tent in Parking Lot near The Men’s Wearhouse CC-215 @ S. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas MAY 26-JUNE 7 (Sat.-Thurs.): 9am-6pm JUNE 8 (Last Fri.): 9am-7pm BLUE DIAMOND CROSSING, Event Tent in Parking Lot between Target and Kohl’s Blue Diamond Rd. @ Arville St., Las Vegas MAY 26-JUNE 7 (Sat.-Thurs.): 9am-6pm JUNE 8 (Last Fri.): 9am-7pm CENTENNIAL CENTER, Event Tent in Parking Lot near Home Depot W. Tropical Pkwy. @ Centennial Center Blvd., Las Vegas MAY 26-JUNE 7 (Sat.-Thurs.): 9am-6pm JUNE 8 (Last Fri.): 9am-7pm DEER SPRINGS TOWN CENTER, Event Tent in Parking Lot near Michaels N. 5th St., South of CC-215 @ W. Dorrell Ln., North Las Vegas MAY 26-JUNE 7 (Sat.-Thurs.): 9am-6pm JUNE 8 (Last Fri.): 9am-7pm DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN, Event Tent in Parking Lot near Dillard’s Sahara Ave. @ CC-215, Las Vegas MAY 26-JUNE 7 (Sat.-Thurs.): 9am-6pm JUNE 8 (Last Fri.): 9am-7pm THE GRAMERCY, Event Tent in Parking Lot 9265 W. Russell Rd., West of CC-215, Las Vegas MAY 26-JUNE 7 (Sat.-Thurs.): 9am-6pm JUNE 8 (Last Fri.): 9am-7pm SILVERADO RANCH PLAZA, Event Tent in Parking Lot near PetSmart Eastern Ave. @ E. Silverado Ranch Blvd., Las Vegas MAY 26-JUNE 7 (Sat.-Thurs.): 9am-6pm JUNE 8 (Last Fri.): 9am-7pm LONG-TERM EARLY VOTING SITES: PUBLIC BUILDINGS CLARK COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) Bldg., 1st Floor, Room 108 600 S. Grand Central Pkwy. @ W. Bonneville Ave., Las Vegas MAY 26-JUNE 8 Saturday-Sunday, May 26-27 and June 2-3: CLOSED Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day): CLOSED Tuesday-Friday, May 29-June 1: 8am-6pm Monday-Friday, June 4-8: 8am-6pm DR. WILLIAM U. PEARSON COMMUNITY CENTER Room C, 1625 W. Carey Ave., West of Martin Luther King Blvd., North Las Vegas MAY 26-JUNE 1 Saturday, May 26: 9am-5pm Sunday, May 27: CLOSED Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day): CLOSED Tuesday-Friday, May 29-June 1: 9am-6pm DOOLITTLE COMMUNITY CENTER Room B, 1950 J St., East of Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas JUNE 2-8 Saturday, June 2: 9am-5pm Sunday, June 3: CLOSED Monday-Friday, June 4-8: 9am-6pm EAST LAS VEGAS COMMUNITY CENTER 250 N. Eastern Ave. @ Stewart Ave., Las Vegas MAY 26-JUNE 8 Saturday, May 26 and June 2: 10am-6pm Sunday, May 27 and June 3: CLOSED Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day): CLOSED Tuesday-Friday, May 29-June 1: 9am-6pm Monday-Friday, June 4-8: 9am-6pm DATE / LOCATION MAY 26, SATURDAY Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Buy Low Market Cardenas Market Desert Crossing Shop. Ctr. (Trailer) Desert Vista Community Center Las Vegas Athletic Club (Trailer) Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer) Portofino Senior Apartments Skye Center at Skye Canyon Sun City Anthem Center

SHORT-TERM NEIGHBORHOOD EARLY VOTING SITES ADDRESS / CROSS STREETS

TIME

Ann / Simmons Charleston / Town Center College / Horizon Craig / Decatur Nellis / Vegas Valley Tropicana / Jones 1061 W. Owens Ave. / H St. 4421 E. Bonanza Rd. / Lamb Desert Inn / Decatur 10360 Sun City Blvd. / Thomas W. Ryan 1725 N. Rainbow Blvd., South of Lake Mead Blvd. 2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee 1001 Las Palmas Entrada Ave. / S. Gibson Rd. 10111 W. Skye Canyon Park Dr. / Skye Village Rd. 2450 Hampton Rd. / Anthem Pkwy.

9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 4pm 10am - 5pm 8am - 5pm

MAY 27, SUNDAY Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Buy Low Market Cardenas Market Desert Crossing Shop. Ctr. (Trailer) Desert Vista Community Center Las Vegas Athletic Club (Trailer) Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer) Skye Center at Skye Canyon Sun City Anthem Center

Ann / Simmons Charleston / Town Center College / Horizon Craig / Decatur Nellis / Vegas Valley Tropicana / Jones 1061 W. Owens Ave. / H St. 4421 E. Bonanza Rd. / Lamb Desert Inn / Decatur 10360 Sun City Blvd. / Thomas W. Ryan 1725 N. Rainbow Blvd., South of Lake Mead Blvd. 2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee 10111 W. Skye Canyon Park Dr. / Skye Village Rd. 2450 Hampton Rd. / Anthem Pkwy.

9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 10am - 5pm 8am - 5pm

MAY 28, MONDAY (Memorial Day) Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Buy Low Market Cardenas Market La Bonita Supermarket (Trailer) Las Vegas Athletic Club (Trailer) Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer) Sun City Aliante Community Ctr. Sun City Anthem Center Target (Trailer)

Ann / Simmons Charleston / Town Center College / Horizon Craig / Decatur Desert Inn / Pecos-McLeod Flamingo / Hualapai 1061 W. Owens Ave. / H St. 4421 E. Bonanza Rd. / Lamb 6000 W. Cheyenne Ave. / Jones 1725 N. Rainbow Blvd., South of Lake Mead Blvd. 2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee 7390 Aliante Pkwy. / Elkhorn 2450 Hampton Rd. / Anthem Pkwy. 3550 S. Rainbow Blvd. / Spring Mountain

9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm

MAY 29, TUESDAY Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Aliante Library Boulder City, City Hall James Down Towers La Bonita Supermarket (Trailer) Lakes Lutheran Church Las Vegas Athletic Club (Trailer) Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer) Mountain Crest Community Ctr. Paseo Verde Library Sun City Aliante Community Ctr. Sun City MacDonald Ranch Community Ctr. Target (Trailer)

Charleston / Sloan Desert Inn / Pecos-McLeod Flamingo / Hualapai 2400 W. Deer Springs Way, West of Clayton 401 California Ave. / Arizona St. 5000 Alta Dr. / Brush St. 6000 W. Cheyenne Ave. / Jones 8200 W. Sahara Ave. / Cimarron 1725 N. Rainbow Blvd., South of Lake Mead Blvd. 2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee 4701 N. Durango Dr., South of Lone Mountain 280 S. Green Valley Pkwy., South of Paseo Verde 7390 Aliante Pkwy. / Elkhorn 2020 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy., East of Green Valley Pkwy. 3550 S. Rainbow Blvd. / Spring Mountain

8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 11am - 7pm 7am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm

MAY 30, WEDNESDAY Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Aliante Library

Charleston / Rainbow Charleston / Sloan Desert Inn / Pecos-McLeod Flamingo / Hualapai 2400 W. Deer Springs Way, West of Clayton

8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 11am - 7pm

DATE / LOCATION

ADDRESS / CROSS STREETS

TIME

MAY 30, WEDNESDAY Boulder City, City Hall Las Vegas Athletic Club (Trailer) Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer) Mountain Crest Community Ctr. Paseo Verde Library Siena Social / Community Ctr. Silver Mesa Recreation Center Sun City MacDonald Ranch Community Ctr. Target (Trailer) Veterans Memorial Leisure Ctr.

401 California Ave. / Arizona St. 1725 N. Rainbow Blvd., South of Lake Mead Blvd. 2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee 4701 N. Durango Dr., South of Lone Mountain 280 S. Green Valley Pkwy., South of Paseo Verde 10525 Siena Monte Ave., East of Town Center Dr. 4025 Allen Ln. / Alexander 2020 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy., East of Green Valley Pkwy. 3550 S. Rainbow Blvd. / Spring Mountain 101 N. Pavilion Center Dr., North of Alta

7am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm

MAY 31, THURSDAY Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Aliante Library Boulder City, City Hall Enterprise Library Green Valley Library Las Vegas Athletic Club (Trailer) Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer) Montara Meadows Retirement Ctr. Mountain Crest Community Ctr. Nellis Crossing Shop. Ctr. (Trailer) Silver Mesa Recreation Center Veterans Memorial Leisure Ctr. Walnut Recreation Center

Charleston / Rainbow Eastern / Warm Springs Lake Mead Pkwy. / Boulder Hwy. 2400 W. Deer Springs Way, West of Clayton 401 California Ave. / Arizona St. 25 E. Shelbourne Ave. / S. Las Vegas Blvd. 2797 N. Green Valley Pkwy. / Sunset 1725 N. Rainbow Blvd., South of Lake Mead Blvd. 2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee 3150 E. Tropicana Ave., West of Mojave Rd. 4701 N. Durango Dr., South of Lone Mountain Nellis / Charleston 4025 Allen Ln. / Alexander 101 N. Pavilion Center Dr., North of Alta 3075 N. Walnut Rd., South of Cheyenne

8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 11am - 7pm 7am - 6pm 10am - 7pm 10am - 7pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm

JUNE 1, FRIDAY Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Alexander Library Enterprise Library Green Valley Library Las Vegas Athletic Club (Trailer) Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer) Moapa Valley Senior Center Nellis Crossing Shop. Ctr. (Trailer) Silver Sky Assisted Living Veterans Memorial Leisure Ctr. Vons Walnut Recreation Center

Craig / Tenaya Eastern / Warm Springs Lake Mead Pkwy. / Boulder Hwy. Village Center Cir. / Trails Center 1755 W. Alexander Rd., West of M.L. King 25 E. Shelbourne Ave. / S. Las Vegas Blvd. 2797 N. Green Valley Pkwy. / Sunset 1725 N. Rainbow Blvd., South of Lake Mead Blvd. 2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee 325 N. Cooper St., Overton Nellis / Charleston 8220 Silver Sky Circle / Roland Wiley Rd. 101 N. Pavilion Center Dr., North of Alta Sky Pointe / Buffalo 3075 N. Walnut Rd., South of Cheyenne

9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 10am - 6pm 10am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm

JUNE 2, SATURDAY Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Alexander Library Chinatown Plaza Green Valley Library Green Valley Town Center (Trailer) Las Ventanas Retirement Community Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer) Nellis Crossing Shop. Ctr. (Trailer) Seafood City Sun City Mesquite Target, Boca Park (Trailer) Vons

Craig / Tenaya Flamingo / Durango Lake Mead Blvd. / Hollywood Stephanie / Horizon Ridge Village Center Cir. / Trails Center 1755 W. Alexander Rd., West of M.L. King 4215 Spring Mountain Rd. / Wynn 2797 N. Green Valley Pkwy. / Sunset 4500 E. Sunset Rd., East of Mountain Vista 10401 W. Charleston Blvd., East of Town Center Dr. 2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee Nellis / Charleston 3890 S. Maryland Pkwy. / Katie 1350 Flat Top Mesa Dr., Mesquite 8750 W. Charleston Blvd. / Rampart Sky Pointe / Buffalo

9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 11am - 6pm 10am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm

JUNE 3, SUNDAY Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Chinatown Plaza Green Valley Town Center (Trailer) Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer) Mesquite Deuce 2 Building Nellis Crossing Shop. Ctr. (Trailer) Oakmont of West Las Vegas Seafood City Solera Anthem Community Ctr. Target, Boca Park (Trailer) Vons

Ann / Drexel Cheyenne / Durango Flamingo / Durango Lake Mead Blvd. / Hollywood Stephanie / Horizon Ridge Village Center Cir. / Trails Center 4215 Spring Mountain Rd. / Wynn 4500 E. Sunset Rd., East of Mountain Vista 2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee 150 N. Yucca St., Mesquite Nellis / Charleston 3250 S. Ft. Apache Rd., North of W. Desert Inn Rd. 3890 S. Maryland Pkwy. / Katie 2401 Somersworth Dr. / Solera Sky 8750 W. Charleston Blvd. / Rampart Sky Pointe / Buffalo

9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 11am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm

JUNE 4, MONDAY Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Bob Price Recreation Center Centennial Hills YMCA Green Valley Town Center (Trailer) Heritage Park Sr. Facility Mesquite Deuce 2 Building Mountain Shadows Comm. Ctr. Nellis Crossing Shop. Ctr. (Trailer) Sahara West Library Sartini Plaza Solera Anthem Community Ctr. Target, Boca Park (Trailer) Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Whitney Recreation Center

Ann / Drexel Blue Diamond / Buffalo Cheyenne / Durango 2050 Bonnie Ln. / E. Lake Mead Blvd. 6601 N. Buffalo Dr. / Sky Pointe 4500 E. Sunset Rd., East of Mountain Vista 300 S. Racetrack Rd. / Burkholder 150 N. Yucca St., Mesquite 9107 Del Webb Blvd. / Crown Ridge Nellis / Charleston 9600 W. Sahara Ave. / Grand Canyon 900 Brush St., North of W. Charleston Blvd. 2401 Somersworth Dr. / Solera Sky 8750 W. Charleston Blvd. / Rampart 4337 N. Las Vegas Blvd. / Craig 5712 Missouri Ave., West of Boulder Hwy.

9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 10am - 7pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm

JUNE 5, TUESDAY Albertsons Albertsons Albertsons Bob Price Recreation Center Centennial Hills YMCA Green Valley Town Center (Trailer) Heritage Park Sr. Facility Mesquite Deuce 2 Building Mountain Shadows Comm. Ctr. Nellis Crossing Shop. Ctr. (Trailer) Sahara West Library Sartini Plaza Solera Anthem Community Ctr. Target, Boca Park (Trailer) Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Whitney Recreation Center

9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 10am - 7pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm

JUNE 6, WEDNESDAY Albertsons Albertsons Bob Price Recreation Center Canyon Ridge Church (Trailer) Carefree Senior Living Centennial Hills YMCA Green Valley Town Center (Trailer) Henderson City Hall Laughlin Library Nellis Crossing Shop. Ctr. (Trailer) Paradise Park Community Ctr. Rainbow Library Sahara West Library SkyView YMCA Southern Highlands Mktpl. (Trailer) Vons

Blue Diamond / Buffalo Buffalo / Vegas 2050 Bonnie Ln. / E. Lake Mead Blvd. 6200 W. Lone Mountain Rd. / Jones 3250 Town Center Dr. / W. Desert Inn Rd. 6601 N. Buffalo Dr. / Sky Pointe 4500 E. Sunset Rd., East of Mountain Vista 240 S. Water St. / W. Basic Rd. 2840 S. Needles Hwy., Laughlin Nellis / Charleston 4775 S. McLeod Dr., North of Tropicana 3150 N. Buffalo Dr. / Cheyenne 9600 W. Sahara Ave. / Grand Canyon 3050 E. Centennial Pkwy. Southern Highlands Pkwy. / Cactus Horizon / Horizon Ridge

8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am – 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 7:30am - 5:30pm 10am - 7pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 10am - 7pm 10am - 7pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm

JUNE 7, THURSDAY Albertsons Albertsons Canyon Ridge Church (Trailer) Desert Breeze Community Ctr. Green Valley Town Center (Trailer) Hollywood Recreation Center Nellis Crossing Shop. Ctr. (Trailer) Paradise Park Community Ctr. Rainbow Library Silver Sky at Deer Springs Assisted Living SkyView YMCA Southern Highlands Mktpl. (Trailer) Vons Vons West Flamingo Senior Center

Buffalo / Vegas Farm / Durango 6200 W. Lone Mountain Rd. / Jones 8275 Spring Mountain Rd. / S. Cimarron Rd. 4500 E. Sunset Rd., East of Mountain Vista 1650 S. Hollywood Blvd., Between E. Sahara & E. Charleston Nellis / Charleston 4775 S. McLeod Dr., North of Tropicana 3150 N. Buffalo Dr. / Cheyenne 6741 N. Decatur Blvd. / Deer Springs Way, Bldg. 3 3050 E. Centennial Pkwy. Southern Highlands Pkwy. / Cactus Horizon / Horizon Ridge Windmill Pkwy. / Pecos 6255 W. Flamingo Rd. / Jones

8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 10am - 7pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm

JUNE 8, FRIDAY Albertsons Albertsons Canyon Ridge Church (Trailer) Desert Breeze Community Ctr. Green Valley Town Center (Trailer) Hollywood Recreation Center Horizon Pines Nellis Crossing Shop. Ctr. (Trailer) Paradise Park Community Ctr. Rainbow Library SkyView YMCA Southern Highlands Mktpl. (Trailer) Vons Vons West Flamingo Senior Center

Buffalo / Vegas Farm / Durango 6200 W. Lone Mountain Rd. / Jones 8275 Spring Mountain Rd. / S. Cimarron Rd. 4500 E. Sunset Rd., East of Mountain Vista 1650 S. Hollywood Blvd., Between E. Sahara & E. Charleston 2570 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy., South of Carnegie St. Nellis / Charleston 4775 S. McLeod Dr., North of Tropicana 3150 N. Buffalo Dr. / Cheyenne 3050 E. Centennial Pkwy. Southern Highlands Pkwy. / Cactus Horizon / Horizon Ridge Windmill Pkwy. / Pecos 6255 W. Flamingo Rd. / Jones

8am - 6pm 8am - 6pm 9am - 7pm 9am - 7pm 9am - 7pm 8am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 7pm 9am - 7pm 10am - 6pm 9am - 7pm 9am - 7pm 9am - 7pm 8am - 6pm 8am - 5pm

Dated this 8th day of May, 2018.

JOSEPH P. GLORIA Registrar of Voters Clark County, Nevada PUB: May 24, 31, & June 7, 2018 Las Vegas Asian Journal

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

JUNE 7-13, 2018 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

New school year, same problems

FEATURES

THE public has been warned to brace for the usual traffic “carmageddon” in Metro Manila as schools opened on Monday, June 4. The congestion is not just on the roads, however, but even in schools. While education officials say the government is all set for the school opening, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers says the country continues to face shortages of classrooms and teachers. Holding classes in the shade of a tree may now be a thing of the past as both the government and private donors construct more classrooms and school buildings. The additional facilities, however, still cannot keep pace with the continuing growth of the student population. Teachers’ salaries have also been raised in recent years, but the increases are rarely enough, and higher pay in other countries continues to lure educators away from the Philippines. The shortage is most acute in conflict zones, where teachers are specifically targeted for kidnapping and execution by bandits such as the Abu Sayyaf. Education officials say the textbook shortage has been addressed and there are continuing efforts to boost school facilities for information and communication technology. Even the government, however, acknowledges that more can be done to improve school facilities. In underdeveloped areas,

there are schools that lack even access to water and electricity. Apart from facilities, the overall quality of Philippine education suffers in comparison with some of the country’s neighbors. The Philippines used to be a regional center for quality education. With the exception of a handful of higher learning institutions, the Philippines has lost that edge. This has contributed to the country’s slide in international competitiveness rankings. This school year marks the start of free tertiary education in certain local colleges and universities. Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 provides free tuition and other fees in the participating schools. Free, however, should not mean substandard education. The operative word in RA 10931 must be “quality” – whether in terms of facilities or the teaching. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Duterte’s controversial ‘presidential’ kiss: Different perspectives a crowd.” ReFILIPINOS all uters’ headline over the world The Fil-Am read: “Philipare talking about pines’ Duterte the controversial Perspective stirs controvideo that shows versy by kissPhilippine Presiing woman on dent Rodrigo lips” and there Duterte playfully are many kissing the lips GEL SANTOS-RELOS more… of an overseas Presidential Spokesperson Filipina worker, who is reportedly married, in front of a cheering Harry Roque defended the presicrowd of kababayans when he de- dent’s controversial kiss, saying it livered a speech on stage in Seoul, was an endearment kiss without malice and that the president was South Korea. Even legitimate international just entertaining the big crowd. Responding to critics who lamedia organization reported on this. CNN ’s headline read: “Philip- bel the kiss as a disrespectful and pines President Duterte sparks out- misogynous act not befitting of rage with ‘misogynist’ kiss.” Fox the honorable position he holds News wrote: “Philippine President as president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte slammed for kiss- Roque said “The lady who was ing married woman before huge kissed has clearly expressed that audience.” The New York Times she was honored with the kiss,” published: “Critics Slam Rodrigo Roque said in an interview with Duterte for Asking a Woman to CNN Philippines on Monday, Kiss Him Onstage.” The Indepen- June 4. Roque also quoted an interview dent’s headline stated: “Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte pres- with the OFW, identified as Bea sures overseas worker into kissing Kim, who said she believed “there was no malice” in Duterte’s kiss. him on lips at public event.” In another press conference, Britain’s BBC banner read: “Philippine President Duterte con- Roque said, ”I don’t think there demned for kissing overseas work- is anything immoral. After all, er.” The Washington Post head- the president has reiterated he is line stated: “Philippine President single (Reporter heard off-cam: Rodrigo Duterte kissed a random But the woman is married.) But woman on the mouth in front of the woman volunteered and the

Opinion

RICARDO SALUDO SHOULD the Philippines join the United States in its campaign to counter China’s actions in the South China Sea? Washington’s posse against Beijing’s reclamation and military deployment in disputed waters just got bigger, with Britain and France set to sail with the United States and its Quadrilateral allies, Japan, Australia and India, against what critics call Chinese militarization on the high seas. U.S. Defense Secretary John Mattis escalated the rhetoric at the Shangri-la Dialogue security forum in Singapore last week, accusing China of coercing and intimidating its neighbors, and weaponizing man-made islands. Washington is considering more “freedom of navigation operations” (fonops) to challenge Beijing’s claim over nearly all the South China Sea, including territorial waters reaching 12 nautical miles around the three Chinese-reclaimed islands in the Spratlys. In these fonops, the U.S. Navy sails close to the 12-nm line, which is not valid under interna-

woman said she was very proud of that experience,” as quoted by Rappler, branded by Duterte’s allies as their nemesis. ON THE OTHER HAND, not everybody was happy and proud of this. This is the Facebook post of Filipina Cili Borlaza, who is pursuing her doctorate degree in South Korea: “I think I just had the worst experience of my year yesterday. I don’t usually post politically-related stuff on social media but this was borderline traumatic for me. I need to do something, anything really, about it. There’s no one else to blame in this situation but me. I’ve miscalculated my threshold and I wanted to give the benefit of the doubt. For anyone who’s reading, I’m currently an expat in South Korea. I’m in my final year of Ph.D. under a Korean Government Scholarship. I was also a DOST scholar in the Philippines. Having said that, it has always been in my heart to give back service to my country in any way I can. Yesterday, I was a student volunteer in an event for the Philippine president’s visit in Seoul. It was my way of engaging into volunteerism for my country, even if I’m not exactly a fan of the current administration. In his speech, our president... used foul words so many times

that I’ve lost count. He pulled perverted jokes several times (even used the word “libog”). He made remarks about pretty ladies who performed and [were] in the crowd as if bragging about his womanizing skills. He even kissed someone [on] the lips. This was extremely difficult to watch. But, it was heartbreaking to see my fellow countrymen cheering for it. Every curse, every perverted joke, every “papatayin ko talaga sila” remark was received with applause and cheering. Mga kababayan, this is how far we’ve gone. This is how terrible our judgments have become. I’m utterly disappointed and disgusted, really. It’s painful to be represented by him. I wish Filipinos would have some amount of self-worth. This is not the kind of representation we deserve! For those who find this rant distasteful, please feel free to exercise your right to unfollow, unfriend, and/or block me. #disgustedbyPRRD” *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

FOR FALLEN SOLDIERS. President Rodrigo Duterte lights incense at the National Cemetery in Seoul, South Korea. The lighting of incense is part of the wreath-laying ceremony for fallen soldiers. Malacañang photo

Should we join America in facing off with China? tional law, since reclaimed land around shoals cannot have territorial waters. In response, Chinese ships and planes confronted the Americans. The PLA has also installed anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles on the reclaimed island at Fiery Cross Reef. Separately, long-range bombers made trial landing and takeoffs at Woody Island in the Paracels, taken by Chinese troops from the Vietnamese decades ago. Further stoking the word war was the remark by Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, director of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff office, that “the United States military has had a lot of experience in the Western Pacific taking down small islands.” Beijing let loose its own verbal volley against claims of Chinese militarization. “The United States military presence in the South China Sea is greater than that of China and other countries that surround the seas combined,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. And defense ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang retorted that the U.S. was “turning a blind eye to the facts and hyping up” militarization. ‘No better ally’ than Ameri-

ca While mobilizing allies against Chinese actions, Secretary Mattis claimed that Washington was not asking Asian nations to choose sides in the tiff with Beijing. But many may ask, Who’s he kidding? At the Rim of the Pacific in Hawaii last month, the U.S. disinvited China and added Quad ally India to the 26 nations in the world’s largest military exercises. And the new Pacific Command chief, Admiral Phil Davidson, declared: “To our allies here in the Indo-Pacific, you will have no better ally.” In fact, advocates of toughness toward China have pushed for joining U.S. patrols, and boosting America’s military presence and use of Philippine bases under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). This despite Washington’s longstanding non-involvement in territorial disputes, as Mattis himself reiterated. Asked if America would stand by the Philippines in an armed conflict over disputed waters, the defense chief said: ““We stand by our treaty allies but this is a discussion between the current administrations in Manila and in Washington. It’s not one

that can be answered as simply as your question would indicate,” Yet certain quarters continue to urge the government to partner with the U.S. in challenging China. And at the Singapore security forum, Secretary Mattis underscored the Philippines’ key role in security. “Without the cooperation of the Philippines, the U.S. will find it difficult to achieve the goal of its regional strategy,” wrote Dr Rommel Banlaoi, the president of the Center for Intelligence and National Security Studies. Plainly, if the Duterte administration continues to stall full EDCA implementation, the U.S. Pivot-to-Asia plan to move 60 percent of its naval assets to Asia cannot happen. To side or not to side So, going back to the opening question, should the Philippines join America in confronting China, as Japan, Australia, India, Britain, and France have done? Well, let’s look at the pros and cons. Many Filipinos may feel safer as the Seventh Fleet escalate rotations in our islands and move their grunts and gear into bases next to Cebu, Puerto Princesa,

and Cagayan de Oro, and in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija. As long as China and North Korea target American forces and base facilities with ballistic and cruise missiles. Certain quarters would call on the U.S. to help enforce the July 2016 ruling recognizing the Philippines’ sovereign rights over our 200-nm exclusive economic zone and 320-nm extended continental shelf under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Except that the U.S. has not ratified UNCLOS. And while pro-American circles may feel thankful for U.S. military protection, their sense of security may just dwindle once they realize that hosting American forces comes with the danger of getting dragged into their conflicts in Asia, including flashpoints in Taiwan, North Korea, and the Senkaku/Diaoyutai islands held by Tokyo, but also claimed by Beijing. And the cons of joining America’s posse against China? Well, look at Cuba, which allied with Russia against the U.S., nearly hosting Moscow’s nukes. Washington punished the island with a half-century economic embargo, and blocked its access to development assistance.

If the Philippines harbors nuclear-capable American warships, submarines, aircraft, missiles and drones, threatening vital sea lanes and China itself, would the Philippines be more kindly treated than Cuba? But the biggest negative of rolling out the EDCA is not the debacle for the Philippines, but then devastation that could come to Asia and the world. If Washington is able to move its massive forces into Asia to confront Beijing, the PLA would surely build up even more fearsome armaments to defeat the escalating American threat. And getting other nations to join forces against China would further steel its resolve. Indeed, the current U.S.-led group of seven nations is sure to recall the ugly history of Western domination in China, when Western nations and Japan extracted embarrassing concessions and took bits of territory from imperial China. No leader and no government in Beijing can survive if it ever capitulated to foreign powers. If the Philippines ever became Uncle Sam’s military platform in Asia, we may well pave the way for global war. (ManilaTimes. net)

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reﬂect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Dateline P6 congressmen, hiliPPines 87 local government officials in PDEA narco list by eMManuel

tupas

Philstar.com

WET AND WILD. Anti-riot policemen â€˜clashâ€™ with â€˜protestersâ€™ who were bombarded with water at Rizal Park. The police held a Civil Disturbance Management Competition in preparation for the State of the National Address of President Rodrigo Duterte in July. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

P24-billion TRAIN subsidy to be released by September 2018 by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

The P24-billion subsidy allocated for poor Filipinos affected by the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law will be released by the government by September, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said. DSWD undersecretary Flor Villar said in a press conference that the agency has completed the release of the P2,400 unconditional cash grant for 4.4 million beneficiaries who are part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Meanwhile, the subsidy for another 3 million indigent senior citizens would be released before the end of the month. The remaining 2.6 million who are also qualified for the program are expected to receive their grants by July. â€œWe expect that before September, we have already paid all 10 million (beneficiaries),â€? Villar said. The subsidy was not released at the same because they have to verify their existing lists, she explained. They have to verify the Listahan â€” an information management system the DSWD uses to consolidate data on the poorest Filipinos nationwide, including those that are not qualified for the 4Ps program â€” which was last updated in 2015. The verification is necessary to avoid leakages and errors during

program implementation, according to Villar. DSWD acting Secretary Virginia Orogo promised more programs like the Sustainable Livelihood Program and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations to help the poorest Filipinos. According to her, a a road map for development in partnership with other agencies is being developed. â€œOur president wants poverty reduced to at least 14 percent before 2022. We have to work together to achieve our Presidentâ€™s goal to help the poor,â€? Orogo said. The executive branch was called on by Sens. Grace Poe, Sherwin Gatchalian and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV to release the subsidies provided under TRAIN to help the poor and low-income families cope with the continued rise in the prices of fuel and basic goods. Meanwhile, economic managers warned that suspending the TRAIN law would have minimal impact on tempering inflation and would only serve to stunt Philippinesâ€™ economic growth. According to the departments of Budget and Management (DBM) and of Finance (DOF) and the National economic and Development Authority (NeDA), TRAIN only contributed 0.4 percentage point to inflation last month. â€œSuspending TRAIN and adopting other band-aid solutions will only have a minimal and shortterm impact on inflation and will stifle our growth, further delaying

our nationâ€™s progress toward becoming an upper middle income country by 2019 such that around six million Filipinos would be lifted out of poverty by 2022,â€? the three agencies declared. â€œWe must keep in mind that TRAIN reformed a previously unfair and harsh tax regime. It lowered the personal income taxes of most Filipinos except the very rich â€“ increasing the take home pay of 99 percent of income tax payers,â€? they added. TRAIN is essential for the administrationâ€™s â€œBuild, Build, Buildâ€? infrastructure program as it could create more than one million jobs for Filipinos until 2022 and reduce logistic costs for businesses. Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in a press briefing that the effect of the personal income tax reduction under TRAIN started to be felt by workers during the second quarter of the year, propelling the the gross domestic product (GDP) growth to reach the governmentâ€™s target of at least seven percent. â€œI am quite confident that we will hit seven percent in the second quarter because the impact of the TRAIN, the personal income tax reduction was not yet felt in the first quarter (but started) in the second quarter,â€? Diokno said, adding that that the increasing prices of goods are only â€œminor headwindsâ€? and should not lead the government to retreat from implementing the TRAIN law. n

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,Allenby Bridge, Madaba, Mt Nebo Petra, Aqaba Jordan)

MANILA â€” There are around 93 elected government officials, including mayors and congressmen, in the most recent â€œnarcoâ€? list of the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency. PDeA director general Aaron Aquino said the list contained at least 67 mayors, six congressmen and a few vice mayors and vice governors. Aquino said a majority of those in the list are incumbent officials. Without mentioning specific figures, he said most of these officials are in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Northern Mindanao. â€œMost of them are drug coddlers and protectors. Some are users,â€? Aquino said at a news conference in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 5. Asked if there are also governors, Aquino said he has yet to see all the names in the list. â€œIn fact, I donâ€™t want to see who are the people involved,â€? he told journalists. Aquino said he is waiting President Duterteâ€™s order on whether to release the list to the public. The PDeA chief said they have revalidated about 75 percent of the names in the list. Revalidation of the remaining 25 percent will be

Oct 19, 2018 (Fri) Day 2 â€“ Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv/ Tiberias Ćž "/ 4" )" / **&$/ 1&,+ +! 201,*0Çž 4" 4&)) *""1 ,2/ ), ) $2&!"Çž 4%, 4&)) " 4&1% 20 !2/&+$ ,2/ 01 6 &+ ,)6 +!Ç˝ "+',6 1%" - +,/ *& 3&"4 ,# 1%" "!&1"// +" +Ç˝ " 4&)) 0-"+! ,2/ Ćœ /01 +&$%1 in Tiberias. Dinner and overnight (D). Beach Holy Eucharist Oct 20, 2018 (Sat) Day 3 â€“ Tiberias/ Meggido/ Nazareth/ Cana/ Mt Tabor We will have short stop in Meggido and the Plains of We will have short stop in Meggido and the Plains of Armageddon, known in Hebrew as Meggido, a giant fortress and City built by King Solomon.

+ 1%" "4 "01 *"+1 ,,( ,# "3") 1&,+Çž &1 &0 /"#"//"! 0 1%" 0&1"0 ,# 1%" ČŠĆœ + ) 11)"Č‹Ç˝ /,* 1%"/"Çž 4" 4&)) ,+1&+2" ,2/ !/&3" &+1, Nazareth, where we will have Mass in the Church of the Annunciation ,the Cave of the Annunciation and and visit Josephâ€™s Work0%,- +! %"+ 4" 4&)) *,3" ,+ 1, + ,# )&)""Çž 4%"/" 2/ ,/! -"/#,/*"! &0 Ćœ /01 *&/ )"Çż % +$&+$ 4 1"/ &+1, 4&+" 1 1%" 4"!Č’ ding feast. We will invite couples to Bless their marriage vows,Con1&+2" 1, ,2+1 ,/ Çž0&1" ,# "020 / +0Ćœ $2/ 1&,+Ç˝ Ćž "/4 /!Çž 4" will head to Tiberias. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. (B/D). Oct 21, 2018 (Sun) Day 4 â€“ Tiberias/Mount Beatitude/ Multiplication / Primacy/ Capernum/Boat Ride â€œBlessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heavenâ€? Early AM departures to Mt. Beatitude Drive up to Mount Beatitudes, visit the site of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus preached to the people., Eucharistic Celebration . "+',6 0 "+& , 1 /&!" /,00 1%" " ,# )&)"" 1, -"/+ 2*Çž %,*" ,# 2/ ,/! !2/&+$ %&0 *&+&01/6Ç˝ Ćž "/ 3&0&1&+$ 1%" 6+ $,$2" where he taught, proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the ), 3"0 +! Ćœ 0%"0Ç˝ %"+ 1, 1%" %2/ % /&* 6 ,# 1 "1"/0Ç˝ Č› Çž Čœ Oct 22, 2018 (Mon) Day 5 â€“ Magdala 2)) ! 6 /"1/" 1Çž , 20 4&)) + )2!" -/,$/ *0 0"! ,+ 1%" %&01,/&Č’ ) +! ")&$&,20 3 )2" ,# 1%" $! ) 0&1"0 More info coming up as we get closer to the dates Çž 0/ ") Č” Ç—Ç•Ç•Çž &0 ,3"/&"0 #/,* +"4 / % ",),$& ) !&$ are creating excitement in the area where Jesus began his ministry. The village is called Magdala (Migdal in Hebrew), and itâ€™s the %,*" ,# /6 $! )"+"Ç˝Č‹ %" )&3"! %"/" +! 0%" *"1 "020 %"/" and she continued with Him. Yes, itâ€™s that place The most important discovery in Magdala has been a synagogue dating back to the 1&*" ,# "020Ç˝ ,/!&+$ 1, / % ",),$&010Çž &1Č‰0 1%" Ćœ /01 ,+" !&0 ,3Č’ "/"! &+ 1%" )&)""Ç˝ Oct 23, 2018 (Tues) Day 6 â€“ Jordan Valley/ Jericho/ Bethany/ Jerusalem Mass at the Church in Bethany Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" %" ! 1, "/& %,Çž 1%" ,)!"01 &+% &1"! &16 &+ 1%" 4,/)!Ç˝ &"4 1%" ,2+1 ,# "*-1 1&,+Çž 4%"/" "020 0-"+1 Ç™Ç• days fasting in the desert. We will visit the ancient ruins of the wall. We will continue to Bethany and will have mass to celebrate Holy 2 % /&01 1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ 7 /20Ç˝ %"+ 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" -Č’ 1&0* ) 0&1" &+ &3"/ ,/! +Ç˝ -,+ //&3 ) &+ ,2+1 ,-20 *" +&+$ Mount of the Watchmen/Sentinels, is a mountain in northeast Je/20 )"*Ç˝ +',6 1%" Ćœ /01 3&"4 ,# "/20 )"*Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" ! 6Č‰0 1,2/Çž 4" will check in at our hotel in Jerusalem (B/D) Oct 24, 2018 (Wed) Day 7 â€“ Jerusalem (Old City)/ Via Dolorosa/ Mount Zion Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher â€œAnd he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place ,# 0(2))Çž 4%& % &0 ))"! &+ 1%" " /"4 ,)$,1% Ç˝Č‹ Č› ,%+ Ç–ÇžÇżÇ–ÇœČœ We will enter the Old City of Jerusalem and will follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) and say the Station of the Cross to the holiest shrine in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, 3&0&1 ,)$,1% +! 1%" ,* ,# 2/ ,/!Ç˝ Ćž "/ * 00Çž 4" /"12/+ 1, the hotel for breakfast. Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) "+1"/ 1%" )! &16Çž 0&+$ %6*+ &+ 1%" Church of St. Anne and view the Pool of Bethesda. Then we will 3&0&1 1%" % -") ,# ) $")) 1&,+Çž &1%,01/ 1,0 Č›4%"/" 1%" 0,)!&"/0 -) 6"! 1%" *" ,# &+$0Čœ +! 1%" / % ,# 1%" ČŠ " ,*,Č‹Ç˝ Dinner/Overnight

Oct 25, 2018 (Thurs) Day 8 â€“ Jerusalem Mass at the Holy Eucharist Church of St Peter in Gallicantu ČŠ %" ,/! " *" Ć? "0% +! !4")1 *,+$ 20Ç˝Ç˝Ç˝Č‹ Č› ,%+ Ç–ÇżÇ–Ç™Čœ " 4&)) 4 )( 1, 3&"4 1%" ,*" ,# 1%" , ( #/,* 1%" ,210&!"Çž +! visit the Western Wall,( Wailing Wall ) the only part of the Herodian Temple still standing and the most sacred place in the world for "40Ç˝ %"+Çž 4" 4&)) !/&3" 1, 1Ç˝ &,+Çž 1, 3&0&1 1%" --"/ ,,*Çž /"Č’ 3"/"! 0 1%" 0&1" ,# 1%" 01 2--"/Çž 1%"+ 02/3"6 1%" ,/*&1&,+ "6Çž +! 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ "1"/ &+ ))& +12Çž %" 0&1" 4%"/" "1"/ !"+&"! "020 1%/"" 1&*"0Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" ! 6Č‰0 1,2/Çž we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Jerusalem (B, D) Oct 26, 2018 (Fri) Day 9 â€“ Mount of Olives/ Gethsemane/ Bethlehem/ Jerusalem (New City)/ Ein Karem Mass at the Church of Nativity ČŠ *,2+1 &+ ,# ,!Çž /" "&3" *"Çž *,1%"/Çž 4&1% *6 %&)!Ç˝Č‹ Č› /,1,Č’ "3 +$")&2* ,# *"0 Ç—Ç—ÇżÇ˜Čœ " 4&)) //&3" 1 1%" ,2+1 ,# )&3"0Çž 1, "+',6 +,1%"/ 3&"4 ,# "/2Č’ salem, visit the Chapel of Ascension, Pater Noster Church and the ,*&+20 )"3&1 Č›ČŠ ,! 4"-1Č‹Čœ 0 + 12 /6Ç˝ "51Çž 4"Č‰)) 4 )( 1%" )* 2+! 6 , ! 1, 1%" /!"+ ,# "1%0"* +"Çž +! 3&0&1 1%" , ( ,# $,+6 +! 1%" %2/ % ,# )) 1&,+0Ç˝ + 1%" Ćž "/+,,+Çž 4"Č‰)) !/&3" to Bethlehem, a city whose name is recognized around the world. Ćž "/ ")" / 1&+$ 00 1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1&3&16Çž 4" 4&)) 0"" 1%" +$"/Č€ 3&0&1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ 1%"/&+"Çž 1%" /,11, ,# 1Ç˝ "/,*" +! 1%" %"-%"/!0Č‰ &")!0Ç˝ 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 "/20 )"*Ç˝ - +"51 &0 1/&- 1, &+ /"*Çž &/1%-) " ,# 1Ç˝ ,%+ the Baptist, to see the Visitation Church, where Mary proclaimed %"/ # *,20 ČŠ $+&Ćœ 1Č‹Ç˝ " 4&)) "+! ,2/ ! 6 6 /"12/+&+$ 1, ,2/ Hotel. (B/D) Oct 27, 2018 (Sat) Day 10 â€“ Jerusalem/ Dead Sea/ Qumran/ Masada Mass at the Church of all Nations Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) ")" / 1" * 00 1 1%" %2/ % ,# )) 1&,+0 and then we will drive to Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Visit Qumran; see the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, visit Herodâ€™s fortress and the Jewâ€™s last 01/,+$%,)! $ &+01 1%" ,* +Ç˝ "12/+ 1, "/20 )"* #,/ !&++"/ and Overnight (B, D) Oct 28, 2018,(Sun) Day 11 â€“ Jerusalem/ Allenby Bridge/ Madaba /Jordan/ Mt. Nebo/ Aqaba Mass at Mount Nebo On this day, we head to Allenby Bridge and cross into Jordan. We 4&)) $, 1, 1%" -1&0* ) &1" 1 "1% +6Çž 4%& % ,-" ,%+ 2)

3&0&1"! &+ Ç—Ç•Ç•Ç•Ç˝ %"+Çž &1Č‰0 ,+ 1, ,2+1 " ,Çž 4%"/" ,0"0 3&"4"! 1%" /,*&0"! +!Ç˝ 2/ +"51 01,- 4&)) " 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ ",/$" &+ ! Çž 4%& % %,010 1%" # *,20 *,0 & * - ,# 1%" ,)6 +!Ç˝ Then we will drive down to Aqaba. Overnight in Aqaba (B/D). Mov"+-& ( "0,/1 Ç” "0&!"+ "Ç˝ Oct 29, 2018 (Mon) Day 12 â€“ Aqaba/Petra Mass at Stella Maris Church â€“ Aqaba Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) ',2/+"6 1%/,2$% 1%" &.Çž 2+1&) 4" $"1 ,2/ Ćœ /01 $)&*-0" ,# 1%" % 7+"% Č› /" 02/6ČœÇ˝ %"+ 4&)) 4" 4 )( !,4+ 1, 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 !&++"/ Č› ČĄ ČœÇ˝ ,3"+-& ( "0,/1 Ç” "0&!"+ " Oct 30, 2018 (Tues) Day 13 â€“ Aqaba/ Jerusalem We Cross the Jordanian Border to return to Jerusalem. Dinner/ Overnight Oct 31, 2018 (Wed) Day 14 â€“ Jerusalem /Yad Vashem Museum/ TLV/ LAX Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" ! 0%"* 20"2*Çž&0 0/ ")Č‰0 ,Ć› & & ) *"*,/& ) 1, 1%" 3& 1&*0 ,# 1%" ,), 201Ç˝ 1 &0 !"!& 1"! to preserving the memory of the dead; honoring Jews who fought $ &+01 1%"&/ 7& ,--/"00,/0 +! "+1&)"0 4%, 0")Ć? "00)6 &!"! Jews in need; and researching the phenomenon of the Holocaust in particular and genocide in general, with the aim of avoiding 02 % "3"+10 &+ 1%" #212/"Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" "01"/+ ))Çž ! 0%"* &0 1%" 0" ,+!Č’*,01Č’3&0&1"! 0/ ")& 1,2/&01 0&1"Ç˝ "12/+ 1, 1%" %,1") #,/ )2+ % +! /") 5 1&,+ &+ -/"- / 1&,+ #,/ ,2/ /"12/+ Ć? &$%1 ( 1, 1%" Ćž "/ !&++"/ 4&)) " 1/ +0#"//"! 1, 1%" &/-,/1 #,/ Ç–ÇżÇ•Ç• * )&$%1 ,3 Ç–ÇžÇ—Ç•Ç–Ç? Č› %2/0! 6Čœ

not have solid evidence,â€? Albano said. â€œBecause of the PDeA chiefâ€™s statement, every house member is now under a cloud, which is unfair to say the least,â€? he added. Albano urged Aquino to learn from his past mistakes. he cited the release by the PDeA of the names of more than 200 barangay officials it accused of involvement in illegal drugs. A widow complained why her husband was in the list when he had been dead since January 2017. Another instance, Albano said, was when President Duterte had to apologize to and clear Pangasinan Rep. Amado espino Jr. after he tagged the latter in a narco list drawn up principally by the PDeA. â€œThey have embarrassed no less than the President. They should not commit the same mistake again,â€? he said. Reiterating Albanoâ€™s call, Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo said filing formal complaints is the most appropriate thing to do, instead of resorting to publicity. Castelo said the PDeA should observe the legal principle that everyone has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.?Opposition Rep. Tom Villarin of Akbayan said the PDeA should file charges first before naming the officials in the narco list. n

EU: Respect for human rights matters to businesses by ian

nicolas cigaRal Philstar.com

MANILA â€” Respect for both labor and human rights are important to investors, the european Union reminded the Philippines. â€œYes, rights they do matter. It also matters to companies when they invest,â€? eU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen said in a press conference on the sidelines of a forum on labor standards and trade. â€œThey want to make sure that when they do invest in countries, they invest in countries where human rights are respected because they donâ€™t want to be seen as exploiting labor [and] taking short-term advantages of the weak labor market conditions in a

certain country,â€? Jessen added. In 2014, the Philippines was granted beneficiary country status under the General System of Preference (GSP+) â€” a preferential trade deal that allows 6,200 of its products to enter the eU market duty free. The countryâ€™s beneficiary status under the GSP+ necessitates the implementation of 27 international treaties and conventions on human rights, labor rights, environment and governance. Last January, the second biennial GSP reportâ€”which reviewed the compliance of beneficiary countries with its obligationsâ€” was released by the european Commission and the european external Action Service. eU concluded in its report that the Philippines had made prog-

ress on labor rights, environmental protection, gender equality, people trafficking, health, education, social-economic rights and fight against corruption. however, the bloc said â€œextrajudicial killings, in particular in the fights against illegal drugs, and related impunity continue to be a serious concern, as well as the possible reintroduction of the death penalty and the lowering of the age of criminal responsibility.â€? According to Jessen, europeâ€™s economy grew rapidly when â€œlabor rights started to be respected.â€? â€œIf you look at consumers in europe, they are more comfortable when products are being produced in decent conditions,â€? Jessen said. n

Pilgrimage to Some of ITALYâ€™s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist Nov 12, 2018 to Nov 22,2018 Spiritual Director REV.JOEL BUGAS

OCTOBER 18 to Nov 1, 2018 SPIRITUAL CHAPLAIN: REV. ANTONIO FLORES Oct 18, 2018 (Thur) Day 1 â€“ Lax to Tel Aviv, Israel / +0Č’ 1) +1& Ć? &$%1 #/,* 1, "+ 2/&,+ +1"/+ 1&,+ ) &/-,/1Çž ") 3&3Çž 0/ ")Ç˝ Č› " )0 0"/3"! &+Č’Ć? &$%1Čœ

completed in two to three weeks, he said. The agency is gathering evidence and building cases against the officials. Aquino said some officials in the list had visited him at his office in Quezon City to clear their names. â€œThey are welcome here in PDeA. The others have done it already. They have explained to me,â€? he said. Two weeks before the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, the PDeA released the names of 207 barangay officials suspected of involvement with illegal drugs. Name names Meanwhile, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III has urged the PDeA to name the six or seven congressmen included in its latest narco list. â€œThe PDeA chief should name names, but only if he has evidence that can stand in court. he should file criminal charges in court against them and an ethics complaint with the house of Representatives,â€? Albano said. he said Aquino should file charges not only against the congressmen, but all those whom he has evidence of involvement in illegal drugs, whether they are users, peddlers or protectors of drug traffickers. â€œhe could be accused of wanting more publicity or smearing these public servants if he does

Day 1 â€“ 12 Nov 2018 â€“ (Mon) Day 2 â€“ 13Nov 2018 â€“ (Tues)

- USA - ROME - Rome -,+ ,2/ //&3 ) &+ ,*"Çž our Tour Escort will wel,*" 20 1, 1 )6Ç˝ ,*" &0 the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all ,3"/ 1%" 4,/)!Ç˝ Ćž "/ short panoramic orienta1&,+ ,# 1%&0 1"/+ ) &16 1, 20 ,* + 1%,)& 0Çž 4" 4&)) have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City.

Č› Çž Čœ Day 3 â€“ 14 Nov 2018 (Wed) â€“ Rome / Papal Audience/ Rome

This morning before we continue with our tour, we will % 3" - ) 2!&"+ "Ç˝ %"+ Ćž "/Çž 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" # Č’ *,20 ,)&0"2* +! 0"" 1%" ,/2*Çž 1%" /"3& ,2+1 &+ and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi ,2+1 &+Çž "#,/" %" !&+$ 1, ,2/ ,1")

Č› Çž Čœ Day 4 â€“ 15 Nov 2018 (Thurs) â€“ Rome / Basilicas We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, +! "3"+ + &"+1 /""( +! ,Č’ man artists. the largest church &+ ,* + 1%,)& &0*Çž 1Ç˝ "1"/Č‰0 Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary ',/Çž ,)),4"! 6 3&0&1 ,# 1%" Č’ silica. We continue to visit the rest ,# 1%" * ',/ 0&)& 0 4&1%&+ 1%" 4 ))0 ,# ,*"Çž +! 1Ç˝ ,%+ 1"/Č’ an, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same 01"-0 1% 1 %/&01 0 "+!"! 1, /" "&3" &) 1"Č‰0 2+'201 ,+Č’ demnation.

Č› Çž Čœ Day 5 â€“ 16 Nov 2018 (Fri)â€“Rome /San Giovanni Rotondo Ç—Ç•Ç–Ç? &0 1%" Ç–Ç•Ç•1% ++&3"/0 /6 ,# 1%" 01&$Č’ matization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year . + &,3 ++& ,1,+!,Çž 1%" %,*" ,# 1 Č’ !/" &, ,# &"1/") &+ #/,* Ç—Ç? 2)6Çž Ç–ÇžÇ–Ç› 2+Č’ 1&) %&0 !" 1% ,+ Ç—Ç˜ "-1"* "/Çž Ç–ÇžÇ›Ç?Ç˝ +',6 1%" !/&3" $,&+$ 1, + &,3 ++&Çž Ćž "/ 4" check in our Hotel. We visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated 4&1% %&* Çž 02 % 0 1%" %/&+" ,# 2/ !6 ,# / " 1% 1 contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditat&+$Çž 0"" %&0 /,,*Çž %&0 ,+#"00&,+ ) ,5 +! 1%" /2 &Ćœ 5 that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Cel" / 1" ,)6 2 % /&01 Č› ,1") / + / !&0, Čœ

+ &,3 ++& ,1,+!, (BB,D) Day 6 â€“ 17 Nov 2018 (Sat) â€“ SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body .Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesomeBasilica.

Č› ,1") / + / !&0,Čœ Day 7â€“18 Nov2018 â€“ (Sun) â€“ San Giovanni Rotondo / Lanciano /Loreto Ç˝ " //&3" 1 + & +,Çž # *,20 #,/ 1%" &/ )" ,# the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The mira)" 1,,( -) " !2/&+$ 1%" Ç?1% "+12/6 when a Basiline monk doubted the " ) /"0"+ " ,# ,2/ ,/! &+ 1%" 2 % /&01Ç˝ " #,2+! %&*Č’ 0")# %,)!&+$ 1%" %,01 1% 1 % ! % +$"! &+1, " ) )"0% +! 1%" &+" ,+ 1%" )1 / % ! % +$"! &+1, " ) ),,!Ç˝ We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine ,# ,/"1, 1, 0"" 1%" # *,20 0 /"! %,*" ,# 1%" *,01 ,)6 *&)6Çž "020Çž /6Çž +! ,0"-%Ç˝ &+ " Ç–Ç—ÇžÇ™ 1%" %,)6 %,*" % 0 ""+ ), 1"! &+0&!" 1%" 0&)& ,# ,/"1,Ç˝ ")" / 1" ,)6 2 % /&01 &+ + & +, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi Day 8 â€“19 Nov 2018 â€“ ( Mon) Loreto/ Assisi ,! 6 4" "5-),/" 1%" %&))1,- &/1%-) " ,# 1 / + &0 ,# 00&0&Ç˝ + 1%" /6-1 ,# 1 / + &0 0&)& )&"0 1%" 1,* ,# one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, 1Ç˝ / + &0 ,# 00&0&Çž ,)6 2 % /&01 1 1%" /6-1 ,# / + &0 "" 1%" 0&)& ,# 1 ) /"Çž 4&1% %"/ &+ ,//2-1 body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its Cru&Ćœ 5 #/,* 4%& % "020 0-,(" 1, / + &0 ,21 %&0 *&0Č’ 0&,+ &+ Ç–Ç—Ç•Ç›Çż ČŠ ,Çž / + &0Çž +! /" 2&)! *6 %,20"Çž 4%& % 0 6,2 0"" &0 # ))&+$ &+1, /2&+Ç˝Č‹ " 3&0&1 1%" 0&)& ,# 1Ç˝ Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi 1,,( -) " &+ Ç–Ç—Ç™Ç•Ç˝ %" 0* )) %2/ % ,# 1%" ,/7&2+ ,Č’ ) &0 &+0&!" 1%" 0&)& &10")#Ç˝ ,-" ,+,/&20

$/ +1"!

a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble %2/ % ,+ 2$201 Ç–01 +! Ç—+! "3"/6 6" /Çž 4&1% ,+#"0Č’ sion, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) Day 9 â€“ 20 Nov 2018 â€“ (Tues) â€“ Assisi / Siena / Florence We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built &+ 1%" Ç–Ç˜1% "+12/6Çž &1 &0 1/" 02/" %"01 ,# 1%" "+ &0Č’ sance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the cityâ€™s history while admiring itâ€™s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europeâ€™s great *"!&"3 ) 0.2 /"0Ç˝ ,+1&+2" 1, ),/"+ "Ç˝ Č› Çž Čœ " 01 /1 4&1% $2&!"! 4 )(&+$ 1,2/ ,# ),/"+ "Çž 1%&0 # 0Č’ cinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria !") &,/"Çž &,11,Č‰0 ")) ,4"/Çž 1%" -1&01"/6 ,# 1Ç˝ ,%+ the Baptist. "01 ,# 1%" ! 6 #/"" Č› Çž Čœ Day 10 â€“ 21 Nov 2018 (Wed) â€“ Florence / Rome " 3" ),/"+ " /,2+! Ç— //&3"! ,*" )*,01 !&++"/ time (BB.D) Day 11 â€“ 22 Nov 2018 (Thurs) â€“ Rome / USA End of our wonderful Pilgrimage .

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June 7-13, 2018 • LAS VeGAS ASIAn JOuRnAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 7-13, 2018

VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

Fil-Ams on connecting with their heritage on PH Independence Day BY

RAE ANN VARONA AJPRESS

ALSO known as “Araw ng Kasarinlan” or “Araw ng Kalayaan”, Philippine Independence Day is held every June 12 — the same date the country declared independence from Spain in 1898, following four centuries under its colonial rule. That independence though was very short lived, as those familiar with Philippine history know. Philippine Independence Day traces back 300 years ago when the Philippines — under General Emilio Aguinaldo — declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. But as Filipinos began to celebrate through national anthem fanfare and flag raising, they again quickly found themselves under another ruler. Spain had let go of its reign while it was at war with the United States. Upon losing, Spain had then given the Philippines to the U.S. as part of the 1898 Treaty of Paris Agreement which involved a payment of about $20 million. The Philippines, thus became a U.S. territory. The Philippine-American War would rise up a year after. Ironically on July 4, 1902, President Teddy Roosevelt declared victory over the Philippines. He would though, five years later, give into pressure of granting the Philippines their independence by proclaiming general amnesty between the two countries. Yet it was again postponed as William Howard Taft, backed by a party who wasn’t too keen on granting independence. By 1912, Taft was defeated by President Woodrow Wilson who brought talks of possible independence back on the table. But it wasn’t until 1946 did the Philippines finally gain sovereignty through the Treaty of

Inquirer.net photos

Manila, and the day it was given its independence so happened to be again on July 4 — the same day its newly former colonizer celebrated Independence Day. But the shared independence date would only be celebrated together for 15 years. In 1962, Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal decided to officially change the date back to June 12. “July 4 seemed tantamount to the celebration of Philippine subjection to and dependence on the United States which served to perpetuate unpleasant memories,” wrote Macapagal sometime after. “I felt too, that July 4 was not inspiring enough for the Filipino youth since it recalled mostly the peaceful independence missions to the United States,” Macapagal further wrote. “The celebration of independence day on June 12, on

the other hand, would be a great inspiration to the youth.” Hence, June 12 stuck as the official date for Philippine Independence Day. July 4 then began to be referred to as Filipino-American Friendship Day. Celebration of Fil-Am identity Despite the long history of colonial rule, the relationship between the once colonized Philippines and its colonizer for the most part remain good. Over four million Filipinos currently live in the U.S., making the second largest Asian American group in the nation. While those in the Philippines celebrate the holiday with a day off from classes and work, Filipinos in the U.S. take it as an opportunity to celebrate their Filipino identity despite being thousands of miles away from their motherland. Along the West Coast’s California, Fil-Am communities of Car-

Heart Evangelista suffers miscarriage by CHRISTINA

ALPAD ManilaTimes.net

BARELY a month after announcing that she and husband Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero are finally expecting their first child together, actress Heart Evangelista revealed on Wednesday, June 6, that she suffered a miscarriage. “There are not enough words to express how heavy my heart feels but I know it’s important to share this because it’s part of my motherhood journey,” she started her lengthy post on her Instagram account, @iamhearte. “At this week’s doctor appointment, just as we hit the 3-month mark, we found out that her heart stopped beating,” the 33-year-old continued, revealing her current ordeal. “For some it might be early on but for us, we were so ready to meet you, little one. Carrying you made me feel like a completely new person. Just the thought of

Heart Evangelista Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte

you taught me what unconditional love feels like,” Evangelista further wrote. Proof of their readiness to be parents and Evangelista’s excitement has been chronicled in her Instagram Highlight, which she titled, “Mommyhood.” She kept PAGE B4

Coco Martin & Vic Sotto team up for MMFF…against Vice Ganda?

son, San Francisco, and Stockton have been gearing up for their own Philippine Independence Day celebrations — all of which be held on Saturday, June 9. And of course, included are food booths, cultural performances, and entertainment by beloved Filipino artists. The City of Carson’s 120th Philippine Independence Day celebration will be featuring entertainment headlines by ABS-CBN talents Sam Milby Coco Martin and Jona. In New York, Filipinos and New Yorkers in general, celebrate the holiday earlier on the first Sunday of June. Having been celebrated annually since 1990, the Philippine Independence Day Parade and celebration held along Madison Avenue and in Madison Square Park has become the largest among Philippine IndepenPAGE B2 Vic Sotto

by RICKY LO Philstar.com

ABS-CBN photo

GMA photo

NEITHER Coco Martin nor Vic Sotto has commented on the good news that they are going to team up in a movie for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in December…against Vice Ganda? Wow, haba ng buhok ni Vice! Imagine two “forces” joining to topple him at the tills which he has been ruling for a few years now. In a TV ambush interview, Vice simply shrugged it off, “We are all here to entertain the public.” If you recall, in last year’s MMFF Vice’s starrer “Gandarrapido: The Revengers Squad” beat those of Vic’s and Coco’s by several miles. Coco’s “Panday” movie, said to have a budget of P300M(?), grossed barely one-third of Vice’s movie which topped the MMFF with a PAGE B4

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Jay-R happy that millennials are into R&B Things you didn’t know about Jameson by Gil

Villa

by Boy

Philstar.com

The country’s acknowl edged R&B King Jay-R has something to be proud of as far as today’s music is concerned. Modesty aside, it is the type of sound he and his contemporaries helped propagate in the local music scene. “The sound now is all R&B and I can’t help but feel that I have something to do with that,” said the renowned performer who many years ago came into the picture christened R&B Prince and largely on the strength of a Vehnee Saturno piece “Bakit Pa Ba”. By virtue of being able to keep himself relevant unto the second decade of the new millennium, the prince has become a king in his own right; without a doubt, a certified R&B royalty. he explained, referring to his immersion on the genre, “15 years ago when we started, we were doing this sound already. Now 15 years after, the people and artists are catching on to it. I can say in my own little way I have influenced the millennial sound.” Sure, Jay-R is feeling fulfilled hearing the fruits of his labor embedded through the catalogue of the younger acts. But nothing can equal the accomplishment of releasing a new album himself. Besides, he is one of those artists who have kept on producing albums by themselves. his latest is already his seventh. Born Gaudencio Sillona III in Glendale, California, Jay-R recently launched his fresh-fromthe-oven album Kamusta Ka at eastwood Central Park Plaza in Libis, QC. Singing heartthrobs

aBunda

Philstar.com

Jay-R

Billy Crawford and Kris Lawrence were on board performing with him live his new Saturno song called habang Buhay. Connectedly, the title track is a collaboration among Saturno, ace tunesmith Thyro Alfaro and JayR himself. The music talent house homeworkz main man mused, “I’m a little bit older than the kids pero hindi tayo paiiwan sa bagong tunog. My updated rhythm is a fusion of traditional urban sound and what’s new.” As if to emphasize he’s in right step with the new blood, Jay-R’s album is packaged in MP3 player format. It is a loaded pack with earphones, USB cable to access exclusive files, the title track’s music and lyric videos, album and homeworkz stickers, photoshoot files and a video greeting from the man himself. The two-gig MP3 player can save other songs, thus, it is in a valuable way a personalized item. “USB album is just a flash drive.

JAMeSON Blake is often mistaken by many as a rich kid who belongs to a well-off clan. his mestizo good looks, probably, is giving that kind of impression and no one could blame him for having been blessed with a good set of genes from his Filipino mom and American dad. But the hashtags member is not one to create an image he couldn’t completely embrace. he’d rather honestly tell that he is the breadwinner of the family. On the hot seat of “Tonight with Boy Abunda” a couple of nights Photo from Instagram/@rnbjayr back, Jameson didn’t hesitate Fans can get more out of this MP3 talking things about himself and player format and it offers more,” his family, including the happiest moment of his childhood. he pointed out. “As a kid, mahilig na ako magJay-R’s “Kamusta Ka” collaborators include Jungee Marcelo, computer, playing online games,” Paolo Onesa, Gloc-9, Loonie and began Jameson. “So, I think I’m Ogie Alcasid. Other tracks in the album are “Binibini,” “Siya,” “heto Ka,” “Limitasyon,” “Mahahanap Din Kita,” the engaging “eksklusibo” (featuring his partner Mica Javier) and “Kabilang Dako,” which already won R&B Song of the Year honors from FM radio stations. his past albums include “Gameface” (2003), “JayR” (2005), “Christmas Away from home” (2006), “Soul in Love” (2008), the 2011 Awit Award Album of the “Year Jay-R Sings OPM Love Classics” (2010) and “elevated” (2014). Jay-R deservingly received R&B Artist of the Year citations from the Philippine hip-hop Music Awards, Urban Music Awards and Awit Jamseon Blake Awards. Photo from Instagram/@hashtag_jameson

an introvert since I seldom go out of the house.” But it doesn’t mean he is not aware of what’s happening around him especially on what millennials like him are going crazy about these days: everything Korean. In case you don’t know, Jameson is a K-pop fan. “ever since I got to (be one of the) hashtags, and I’ve seen how Korean groups like XO, BTS perform, even if I don’t understand what they’re saying, the way they perform inspire me. I went to their concerts also. Inigo Pascual is also a fan and we became friends because of this.” he is also aware that there is this impression of him as someone who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. “Well, it’s not how it really looks like. I came from a broken family. My parents are separated — my dad, an American, is in hong Kong and my mom is a teacher; tutor sa mga Chinese who studies english. My mom is happily married to my stepdad. Actually, they were a couple before, then after 20 years when we came back to the Philippines, they got back together again.” his mom, Clarissa Gibbs, worked as a baker in hong Kong and when Jameson entered the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) house three years ago as one of the PBB 737 housemates, he asked her to come home to take care of his siblings in Pampanga. It was also in the said reality show when Jameson got the opportunity to be reunited with his father, Robin Blake, whom he had not seen for almost eight years. The two were given the chance to spend 100 seconds inside the

Fil-Ams on connecting with their heritage...

Inquirer.net photo

PAGE B1 dence celebrations in the U.S. “This year’s Philippine Independence Day Parade Celebration was great. Filipinos and FilipinoAmericans came together and showed love for this yearly celebration of our freedom,” said Richard Baccay, who goes by his artist name of R1Ch. R1Ch was one of the performers at the parade, along with his fellow Filipino producer and manager Paulo Gernarde who goes by his artist name ISTANZA. The two performed original Filipino rap music inspired by life experiences and struggles as Filipinos. Other featured performers included dancers representing the

Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City, and the Manggahan Festival of the island province in Guimaras. Born and raised in Pasig City, but now residing in New York, R1Ch said the celebration was important in that it serves as a reminder to Filipinos — especially to those who grew up in New York and throughout the U.S. — of their roots and culture. Also in the crowds of Fil-Ams and general New Yorkers were visiting Filipinos like 26-year-old Carlo James B. Salina, an ICU nurse in the Philippines on vacation in the Big Apple. “Definitely one for the books,” said Salina, though adding that he was a bit confused about its early

celebration. It being his first Philippine Independence Day outside the Philippines, Salina said the event made him proud to be Filipino. “I even roamed around the busy streets of New York, rode the subway and went home with my little Philippine flag sticking out of my backpack,” said Salina. Like Baccay, Salina found the celebration’s importance as being a reminder — especially to the youth — of what was involved in creating the Filipino identity. he encouraged young Filipinos, especially those living outside of the Philippines, to be learn more about the Filipino culture and history.

house. To recall, Robin felt sorry for not being able to visit Jameson here in the country. “I’m really close to my stepdad who really did a lot of sacrifices for me when we started here in the Philippines. When we moved here, we went through hard times, too, and he’s there for us so I love him. I look at him as my dad also.” As to his biological dad, Jameson said they regularly communicate and his dad regularly sends financial support. Now that he is earning as one of the busiest and most visible members of hashtags, Jameson can afford to support his younger sister’s schooling. his heavy workload must have been the reason why the 20-year-old Kapamilya talent decided to stay loveless for a year or two now. “I have a lot of responsibilities. For me, love is always there you know, there’s always time for that and I choose to be how I am right now. But I am open (to finding love) it’s not just my priority.” Unlike other guys his age, Jameson is not a party-goer. he rarely attends parties since he prefers to just stay home on his free time “and just play computer with my friends. I have a lot of friends but there’s only a small circle of friends that I can trust.” Get to know more about Jameson as he revealed five things many of us do not know yet on 5 in 45: • I am allergic to peanuts and green peas. • I love wearing caps. I have a collection of caps. • Favorite ko ang ampalaya. • I like writing poems. • Takot ako sa rides like roller coaster.

“This hard-fought freedom that we are enjoying now should not be taken for granted,” he said. “It should always be cherished and be claimed with dignity and pride.” As the New York Filipino community swarmed around Madison Avenue and Madison Square Garden, waving their Filipino flags, letting out the occasional “Mabuhay!”, and partaking in the variety of Filipino foods, Salina said he was proud to have witnessed such Filipino pride among Fil-Ams. “These things just made my heart swell with pride,” said Salina. “It was that time when I experienced a sense of belongingness, and at the same time, a sense of identity in a melting pot of culturally diverse people.”

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Features

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 7-13, 2018

A Filipino gastronomic tour of Brooklyn, NY By MoMar

G. Visaya

When Purple Yam opened in the Ditmas Park neighborhood of Brooklyn back in 2009, it became a dining destination for many Filipinos and Filipino-Americans who live outside the borough. Some prefer to drive while others take the leisurely route via the Q train going to Coney Island. One by one, Filipino restaurants followed suit and less than decade later, we have a strong list of places in Brooklyn where foodies and admirers of Filipino cuisine could gather and share a steaming pot of chicken adobo while drinking their San Miguel Beer. Some of them – like Tama in Bed-Stuy and Ibis eats in Crown heights – are targeting their respective neighborhoods in order to become the go-to spot among its residents. Tama opened a year ago along Lewis Street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area, still a predominantly lower-income neighborhood on the verge of imminent gentrification. “We’ve been really fortunate that we’ve taken to the neighborhood and the neighborhood has taken to us. That was our goal to begin with – to have a communitybased Filipino restaurant,” one of the owners, Miguel de Leon told the Asian Journal. “We wanted to be the neighborhood Filipino spot.” Just a little more than a mile away is Swell Dive, a non-traditional taqueria serving Filipino flavors. Owned by the husband and wife team Dennis Mendoza and Autumn Stanford (they also own Brooklyn Kolache Co.) Swell Dive opened in 2016 and they have been serving chicken adobo, spam and sisig tacos, among others since. The idea of opening a Filipino Tex-Mex spot has been at the back of his mind since opening Brooklyn Kolache back in 2012 and they were just waiting for the right time. The couple got inspiration from their own backgrounds, Stanford traces hers to Texas while Mendoza’s roots are from the Philippines. Ibis eats on the other hand started off as a café which Bjorn dela Cruz opened with a Trinidadian partner five years before he and his siblings started Manila Social Club. They’re offering some traditional, authentic-style Filipino food, and they’re going this direction because of the neighborhood. “They don’t know about Filipino cuisine [here] so when I opened in Williamsburg for Ma-

nila Social Club, we had avantgarde, cutting edge Filipino food. here now in Crown heights, it is a great place because it’s a blank space where I can show them the real strengths of our tradition,” dela Cruz shared. They are also exploring Filipino food as it pertains to the Galleon Trade, Spanish influence and incorporating Trinidadian and Caribbean influence. “There are some dishes – when we were making the menu, like laing – and my partner would go, ‘This is like my grandma’s dish and it’s called callaloo!’” he added. “For a staff meal once, I made some afritada and he asked me how I learned to make it because he never learned how to make it. I told him it’s as Filipino as it gets.” Tama x Purple Yam For two evenings last week, I had an opportunity to dine at Purple Yam with chef Romy Dorotan in the kitchen and serving us great-tasting food. The first night was a dinner with some colleagues and Tourism Attaché Susan del Mundo as part of the Filipino Restaurant Week. The plan was take eat our dinner first at Tama and drive to Purple Yam for dessert. We ate our way through Tama’s menu and found amazing and bold flavors in their dishes. My favorite remains to be the smoked mackerel over spicy chocolate rice (it’s like champorado but different). The sisig burger and sisig fried rice were both delightfully delicious. Since we eat with our eyes first, we couldn’t help but be appreciative of Tama’s decision to use ube bun – it was indeed Instagramfriendly. notable among what we tried were the Bicol express and Lengwa (beef tongue served with smoked mushrooms). We tried not to be so full since we knew our desserts were waiting. At Purple Yam, we had one dessert each, which we shared with the group so we could decide which one was the best. When chef Romy arrived while we were dining, he went straight to the kitchen and next thing we knew, he was sending out some appetizers. how could we say no? We had a light salad of apple and mango with mulberry vinegar from Bukidnon, followed by kinagang, a Bicolano dish similar to tamales, made with cassava and coconut and served with squid. Then came the jackfruit dish with four kinds of toasted cheese. Then, dessert happened. Chef Romy makes his own ice cream and tonight, we had

Vanz Consignado of Lumpia Shack

Dennis Mendoza of Swell Dive

AJPress

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

the best time eating some of his rather uncanny concoctions. ever heard of sineguelas ice cream? how about champoy ice cream? We had both and we craved for more. The sineguelas (ciruela in Spanish) ice cream brought me back to those childhood summers in the province where we would feast on sineguelas picked straight from the tree with a sarukang, a long pole of light bamboo. Romy said he bought the frozen ciruelas from a neighborhood store. he served it with suman diket (sticky rice). Then came a parade – a plate of mango ice cream served over a mango tart, gojiberry ice cream with longan, calamansi tart served with a scoop of guava sorbet a d my personal favorite, the ube tikoy served with champoy ice cream. Chef Romy and Amy Besa should open a place that only serves desserts, or maybe an ice cream shop. Ube Kitchen & Lumpia Shack @ Smorgasburg nYC foodies look forward to the month of April because this is when Smorgasburg, the largest weekly open-air food market in the country opens. now a Brooklyn institution, Smorgasburg gathers about a hundred of the city’s main food purveyors and local vendors and brings them to east River State Park in Williamsburg on Saturdays and Prospect Park on Sundays. Between 20,000 to 30,000 people make the trip to Brooklyn every weekend to try the multiple options that the vendors have to offer. Chef neil Syham and his Lumpia Shack, a non-traditional lumpia stand, have been fixtures at Smorgasburg since 2012. Two years later, they opened their brick and mortar store in the West Village, part of chef neil’s dream to create a fast casual, upscale Filipino eatery in nYC. early this year however, he announced that they are closing the restaurant down and he will be focusing on a partnership with fellow chef Carson Yiu for their venture called OKLah in Flushing. Ube Kitchen, one of the more famous vendors at Smorgasburg serves healthy Filipino-inspired desserts using plant-based options. They became viral social media sensations after foodie features from Food Insider, VICe, new York Times, OZY, Gothamist, and Refinery29 with each one bringing a different way to understand the purple dragon concept. “While one of us is a plantbased fanatic and the other a Filipino-trained chef, we wanted a way to pay homage to the Filipino culture and create a vessel to celebrate the use of plant-based ingredients in a dessert with no dairy or animal products,” Vanz Consignado told the Asian Journal. “Inspired by halo-halo, our purple dragon is filled with colors and unexpected flavors such as dehyrated pineapple and dragon fruit to have fun with plant-based cuisine at a time plant-based foods is reaching critical mass. When someone sees a purple ball in the shell of a dragon fruit, how else can you not say, “what the hell is that?” and not try a taste.” Vanz was born and raised in the Philippines and graduated culinary arts from De La Salle - College of Saint Benild. he later went on to work at the 5-star Gran hotel La Florida in Barcelona, Spain and at the Delano botique hotel in South Beach, Miami. his partner nick is from Rochester, nY, a business administration graduate with wide-range of experience at food banks, clinical research, and freelance web design that eventually led him into the

digital publishing world for OZY. com before taking his marketing talents to Ube Kitchen. They knew as early as the summer of 2016 that they would create a dessert together and invested to not just experimenting but conceptualizing the business model and taking the time to browse how an outdoor tent operates. They also felt there was enough of the rise of ube and Filipino flavors and plant-based options in new York to propose a Filipino-inspired dessert to an outdoor market that thrived on the latest and unique dishes. They saw an opportunity and ran away with it. now, they are offering more than just the halohalo served on dragon fruit. Ube Kitchen serves the “rainbow of colors in plants and unafraid to experiment in our Ube Lab testing with plant-based dishes for chia pudding, pizza, mac-n-cheese, cupcakes, musubi, homemade seitan, hot chocolate, matcha drinks, and everything you can imagine plant-based at a ‘kamayan’ feast”. And after munching and snack-

ing at Smorgasburg, one can make the little-over-a-mile walk to Mountain Province and enjoy their selection of ethicallysourced, fair trade coffee beans sourced exclusively from the Philippines through Kalsada Coffee, a roaster that works with small independent coffee farmers in the Philippines. And speaking of ube, their ube latte is sublime and I can trek all the way to east Williamsburg just to have a cup or two. While at it, I’d be having their Filipino pastries – cassava cake and ube ensaymada - as well, thank you very much. Owner Ray Luna opened Mountain Province in 2013 with his lola, the matriarch of his family, as the main inspiration. he told Gothamist then, “My grandmother was able to provide and send six kids to school by baking cakes for the neighborhood. Soon after, my mom and my aunt followed in her footsteps in one form or another. So in a way, our tiny shop is a celebration of her legacy and the legacy of my family.”

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Janine Berdin is ‘Tawag Ng Tanghalan’ grand champion Ex Battalion now in the movies by iza iGlesias

by BaBy

ManilaTimes.net

aFtER a year of scouring the whole archipelago and the rest of the world, “tawag ng tanghalan sa Showtime” has finally hailed Janine Berdin as the grand champion in the highly anticipated grand finals of the competition’s second season on June 2 held at the aliw theater in Pasay City. During the first round, the 16year-old singer from the Visayas competed with the other top 6 grand finalists namely, arabelle dela Cruz, ato arman, anton antenorcruz, Reggie tortugo and Steven Paysu. She kept the judges and the crowd on their feet when she sang the hit Filipino song “Nosi Balasi” popularized by Sampaguita. Berdin then received one of the highest average scores and made it to the Final 3 along with arman and Paysu. She battled her way out and wonderfully gave her own rendition of the songs of the Bamboo band such as “Noypi,” “tatsulok,” and “hallelujah” through a medley. Garnering the highest total combined votes of 96.11 percent from the judges and the viewers, Berdin bested arman who sang a medley of Freddie aguilar songs, and Paysu who sang a Barry Manilow medley. arman and Paysu received 74.27 percent and 61.80 percent respectively—margins so large compared to Berdin’s score. as the newest tawag ng tanghalan grand champion, Berdin has won for herself P2 million cash, a trophy created by renowned

Janine Berdin

Filipino visual artist toym Imao, a brand new house and lot, management and recording contracts, an ultimate vacation package, a musical gadgets package, a livelihood package and a premium television set. according to the “It’s Showtime” website, ever since she was a child, Berdin already knew that show business was the path she really wanted to take. her ticket to the industry was joining the “Star Circle Quest: Search for the Next Kiddie Superstars 4” where she finished fourth semi-finalist to Grand Quesators Clarence Delgado and Brenna Peñaflor. the loss didn’t hinder her to pursue acting as she became a Star Magic talent and appeared in several episodes of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” as the younger versions

ABS-CBN photo

of the female leads, in “Mutya” as the titular role’s school bully, and in two tales of “Wansapanataym” as the younger sister of toni Gonzaga and the bestfriend of Xyriel Manabat’s character. however, the promising child star needed to step out of the limelight to go back to their hometown in Cebu for her to focus on her studies. She once again tried her luck by joining “the Voice Kids Ph” and tawag ng tanghalan Season 1 but failed. Instead of getting disheartened, these failures fueled Janine to keep on going until she succeeded. Even before winning, videos of her gut-wrenching and powerful performances have gone viral and became a trending topic on twitter.

Heart Evangelista suffers... PAGE B1 her 2.3-million followers updated on her journey to becoming a mother—from receiving baby clothes and nursing bottles from friends to the ongoing construction of their nursery. the visual artist then divulged that her doctor reassured her the miscarriage was no one’s fault and that she had been forewarned by other mothers of this possibility. “the doctor told me that there really wasn’t anything we could’ve done, that this happens to a higher percentage of first time moms. I know this is true because so many of you have been open with sharing your experiences. Your kindness and positivity in sharing about your own miscarriages

EMPLOYMENT

a. Gil

Philstar.com

remind me to be strong. I am so grateful for all your love throughout this entire journey.” Neverth eless, Evangelista said her faith remained strong during this trying time. “I take comfort knowing that you’re up there with your twin. I don’t question God about this sad time, I trust in his timing and plan. It’s not the end, just another chapter,” she wrote before asking for some time off as she continued to look for peace. Evangelista finally addressed Mira, the name they gave to their baby, saying, “For what it’s worth, I already had a name for you. My Mira, funnily enough, I already loved your smile. I know you’ll find your way back to me.”

It was on the eve of Mother’s Day in May when the celebrity couple happily posted an Instagram photo with Escudero holding a white Dior baby onesie to announce his wife’s pregnancy. Five days later, Evangelista admitted they were originally expecting twins but unfortunately, one of the embryos was smaller and behind in development. hence, they lost one of the babies even then. the actress and her senator husband tied the knot in a private ceremony in Balesin Island in February 2015. In august 2017, Evangelista declared her plans to take a break from show business to try and get pregnant.

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What happens to music artists who are able to create extraordinarily successful hit songs that make them a byword among the public? they get asked to be in the movies. that was what happened to Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, to Michael Jackson and Whitney houston, to John Legend and taylor Swift. hereabouts the best example is Nora aunor who turned into the country’s greatest actress. You want to go far back? there was Diomedes Maturan. From more recent times? Why even the Eraserheads appeared in a movie. So the news that pop stars are prone to invade filmmaking is not really surprising. Still, there were many who took in with raised eyebrows the news that the hiphop collective Ex Battalion of the big hit “hayaan Mo Sila X OC Dawgs”, has joined Viva Films and will soon be appearing in a movie. Now, now, before anybody starts complaining let me say that having hip-hop stars in films is nothing new. Check out Eminem or Ludacris. Ice-t and Ice-Cube are both big movie and tV stars. and no need really to venture overseas because for many years rapper-turned-comedian andrew E turned in one huge box-office hit after another for Viva. Who knows, one or two or more of Ex Battalion can turn out to be this generation’s andrew E. Ex Battalion or Ex B as the group has now come to be called was formed by rapper Mark Maglasang, renamed Bossx1ne or Bos One, six years ago. It now includes the following rappers: John Maren Mangabang or Emcee Rhenn, Jon Gutierrez a.k.a. King Badger, Daryl Ruiz a.k.a. Skusta Clee, James Samonte as James Brando and archie de la Cruz as Flow G. they all started rapping

Ex B is no overnight success. It took the group some years before the first hit, Need You, in 2016. But then fate made up for lost time by giving the guys a series of big sellers that brought the group into the Top 10 of the Philippine hit charts. Philstar.com photo

while in their early teens honing their art by joining barangay rap contests or simply hip-hopping on the streets where the rap genre was actually born. Ex B is no overnight success. It took the group some years before it got its first hit, Need You, in 2016. But then fate made up for lost time by giving the guys a series of big sellers like “tell Me,” and then “No Games” featuring King Badger and Skusta Clee, which brought the group into the top 10 of the Philippine hit charts. this was followed by other singles that also instantly went big or viral upon release. “Sana I k a w N a N g a” f e a t . B r y a n Chong; “Come With Me” feat. Bosx1ne; Flow-G, King Badger and Jroa; and “Kakaiba” feat. Jroa and Skusta Clee. then it was in November, late in 2017, when Ex Battalion came out with what would become its biggest hit to date, “hayaan Mo Sila”. “hayaan Mo Sila” is a slow, engaging rumination on living while surrounded by meddlers. It became a No. 1 seller and turned out to be the millennial kid’s theme song. It has since then dominated airplay, social media, streaming and downloading sites and turned the members of Ex Battalion

into stars. a new single release titled “SouthBoys” is also doing very well. No title has been announced for the Ex B movie but the group already has a ready co-star in the country’s leading comedienne, aiai de las alas, star of the “tanging Ina” series. this is not the first time that they will be working together. Ex B met the screen and television star a few years ago when they collaborated in the song “Walang Pinipili” for ai-ai’s album of novelty tunes. then early this year, there came the announcement that ai-ai is now Ex Battalion’s manager. Now when an arrangement like that already exists, it is no far cry to suppose that a movie deal will soon enter the picture. and it has happened. the still untitled movie, which I presume will be a comedy is set to start shooting in July and has an October playdate. It is now being written by Mel del Rosario and will be directed by Dado Lomibao. the movie is not all that Ex Battalion is looking forward to these days. there is also the group’s first major concert, details of which will be announced soon and other shows. Big things indeed are ahead for Ex Battalion.

Coco Martin & Vic Sotto team up for MMFF... PAGE B1 gross of way past the P.5B mark. If and when the Coco-Vic (with Maine Mendoza and Maricel Soriano among the other big stars allegedly eyed as co-stars) movie did materialize, the 2018 MMFF bears a close watch. this early, who do you think will beat whom? the challenger or a new champion? the other good news is about how Coco made a centenarian’s

birthday a memorable one. Rosita “Lola Rosing” Gamboa, a big fan of Coco Martin glued to Coco’s FPJ’s “ang Probinsyano” series every day, was turning 100 (on June 2) and her clan (nine children, 25 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren) wanted to surprise her in an advance celebration last May 26 at the Palms Country Club in alabang, Muntinlupa City — that is, invite Coco to greet her and give her a hug. a mission im-

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possible, considering how airtight Coco’s “Probinsyano” shoot is. Election lawyer Romy Macalintal to the rescue. With the help of Sen. Grace Poe, Romy (Lola Rosing’s son-in-law) got a video message from Coco who expressed regrets for not being able to attend the party, blew a kiss to Lola Rosing and ended his message with a heart-felt “I love you!”…much to the delight of the Birthday Lady.

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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Your Immigration Solution ATTY. ERIC WELSH & NANCY MILLER THESE days, a noncitizen can be forgiven for thinking that the system is against them. Almost as soon as he took office, President Trump issued a series of Executive Orders that effectively ended the modest protections that President Obama had implemented for out-of-status persons with family ties and no significant criminal histories. Last fall, Trump ordered the termination of the popular DACA program (an effort that for now has been held in check by federal courts). In February, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) edited its mission statement to remove any reference to America as a “nation of immigrants.” In April, the Department of Justice announced a decision to base an immigration judge’s performance evaluation on how many cases they complete. Many low-risk noncitizens who had for years appeared for supervision without incident (i.e., regular reporting before an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer) have been detained and deported. ICE has tripled the number of workplace raids relative to a year prior, and has started executing removal warrants that were previously considered low priority. By virtually all metrics, enforcement is on the rise, and benefits are more difficult to obtain. More and more noncitizens are finding themselves facing removal (deportation) and applying for relief in immigration court. Removal proceedings can be daunting and scary under the best of circumstances, and these days, the circumstances are rarely very good. The immigration courts (and the appellate court, the Board of Immigration Appeals) are part of the Department of Justice. As the head of the department, the Attorney General has the power to

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Second of a series) [Select a handful of those things in your bucket list that have the highest chance of coming to fruition given your time frame. In tech speak, this means before your life’s energy goes into ‘low batt mode’ and life has run out of sockets to plug into.] YOU gaze at the photos on the walls, dig up the albums in storage boxes – memories of days gone by, milestones — the springtime of one’s life: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations — so many happy, wonderful memories frozen in print. Now you have them too in digital form, thousands of images and videos, trapped in computer hard drives and smart phones or spread far and wide via social media for all to see. Then there are also the awful ones encrusted in your memory, the things you would rather forget. These are your raw materials to get this project going. So here’s one suggestion to sum it all up while you still can — something you may want to include in the top tier of your bucket list. WRITE YOUR STORY. So many stories to tell… So little time… Though you may think

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS WHAT are generic drugs? Generic drugs are medications which have been evaluated and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States as a genuine copy of brand-name (proprietary) drugs, in dosage, effects, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance, intended use, and side-effects and complications. Are generic drugs as safe? Generic drugs use the same active ingredients and dosage, and have the same efficacy. They pose the same risks and provide the same benefits as their brandname counterparts. Do they take longer to work? No, since generic drugs have the exact same composition as brand name drugs, they work as fast. Are generic drugs as effective? It is a requirement by the FDA for generic drugs to have the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as brand-name drugs, so they are as effective. Are generic drugs inferior in quality?

Defense against removal in a hostile environment refer a case from the Board to himself for review and issuance of a new decision. This extraordinary power was very rarely utilized, until recently. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has already rewritten several important decisions, and has taken several others under review, indicating an intention to broadly reform the immigration courts. In March, he reversed a Board decision that had required immigration judges to give asylum-seekers a full court hearing, allowing judges instead to reject asylum claims without setting a hearing. He took another case under review to consider whether a domestic violence survivor from Latin America is eligible for asylum, a decision that could also impact victims of gang violence. In that referral, he framed the question as whether a victim of “private violence” should be eligible for asylum. AG Sessions has also taken aim at how judges prioritize cases and decide when cases should proceed to trial. In May, AG Sessions issued a decision (Matter of Castro-Tum) that eliminated a judge’s authority to “administratively close” a case. Administrative closure is an exercise of prosecutorial discretion that, until this decision, allowed a judge to take a case off the active calendar and close the file, sometimes while awaiting ancillary relief, and sometimes simply because the alien is not a removal priority (the vast majority of cases that were administratively closed were done so with the consent and approval of ICE). In Matter of Castro-Tum, AG Sessions found that judges no longer have this ability, and indicated that cases previously closed should be placed back on the active calendar. AG Sessions has taken other cases under review that indicate an intention to severely restrict a judge’s authority to even continue a case, including continuances to allow a person to hire a lawyer.

The good news is that there is one legal document that AG Sessions cannot rewrite: the U.S. Constitution. Due process and equal protection apply in immigration court, and they require that judges treat respondents in removal proceedings fairly, and consider any applications for relief or defense to removal put forth by the respondent. In this new highpressure, enforcement-focused environment, judges will be less forgiving and more demanding, but they cannot deny an alien her right to a full and fair hearing. AG Jeff Sessions is trying to make immigration courts meaner, faster, and harder. Now more than ever, any person facing removal must appear in court fully aware of their rights, their eligibility for relief from removal, and the ability to properly file and win that relief. In other words, a person in removal proceedings needs a good lawyer. There are many forms of relief available under the Immigration & Nationality Act, from adjustment of status, to cancellation of removal, to asylum, and beyond. A person in removal needs to be extremely well prepared and thorough in any relief, and an experienced immigration attorney can make all the difference in the world. Tough times call for tough lawyers, and there is no doubt that these are tough times. ***

Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration ﬁ rms in the United States with ofﬁ ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)

The bucket list Write your story

“Healing begins with forginess. It can make us whole again. And when we are whole and bathed in God’s light, darkness no longer holds power over us. that your life is generic like plain vanilla, if you are honest and dig enough, there are so many tiny montages, vignettes of a past life. Uniquely yours, these may be sweet, sour and even bitter moments of one’s life. Imperfect as it is, you have lived through it all. Somehow, by God’s grace, you made it through. That is victory enough. A bit of caution! You don’t have to write a tedious, biographical tome, so boring you may induce flat lining even yourself to early death. I would recommend choosing a typical day, a significant year or seasons which reflect the peaks and valleys of your life. You can paint your story in broad brush strokes at first and fill in the details later, like a painter would, with the precision of a palette knife. Write in your own style. If they block the creative flow, forget grammatical rules, syntax, and the rigid rules for writing, for the time being. It is like recording streams of memories. There is no

grading system here. Be honest. One rule I recommend that should apply at all times — REFRAIN from causing even more hurt, if somehow, someone else reads your story when you’re gone. Believe it or not, the written word is precise and like a laser sword, it can slice a heart or like a soothing miraculous balm, heal brokenness. Choose wisely. How you choose reflects the beauty or ugliness of your soul. Kindness is a car that can get you to heaven. The Good Samaritan is a case in point. Is it a Pollyana view of life on earth? It sure is. But life can be brutal and in some cases, so cruel we need all the kindness we can get from one another. Or if you live a relatively charmed life and have a generous spirit, dispense acts of kindness to strangers without fanfare. Someone wise once said to choose those who can never repay you back. No one has to know. If you do it for applause PAGE B6

Are generic drugs safe? No, generic drugs are not inferior to proprietary (branded) medications. The FDA makes sure the two versions of the drugs are equally effective and safe. Most healthcare providers themselves use generic medications for themselves and their family. Why are generic drugs cheaper? Generic drugs are less expensive because their manufacturers do not have to spend for research, development, marketing and promotions, which are very costly. This large investment is made by the original, “new drug inventor and developer,” who patented the drug to have the exclusive and sole right to distribute and sell it. When the patent expires, usually after 20 years, generic drug manufacturers apply to the FDA to manufacture and sell the generic version. When the generic version is approved, a greater competition comes into the market and this lowers the cost even more. Presently, almost 50 percent of the prescription in the U.S. are filled with generic drugs. As always, the integrity and reputation of the manufacturer of generic drugs, anywhere in the world, will reflect the quality of the medications they produce. How much cheaper are generic drugs? Generic medications are typi-

cally lesser expensive than their branded counterparts, many about 85 percent less. Between 2007 to 2016, the United States health care system has saved $1.67 trillion. The more pharmaceutical companies come up with more generic versions, the greater the competition and the lower the cost of the generics drugs will be. Do brand name companies make generic drugs? Yes, about half of the proprietary (brand name) companies also produce generic drugs and sell them at the competitive price of generic drugs in the market. They can reduce the price at this time because they already made the profits with their exclusive rights during the patent period. Why do generic drugs look different? Trademark laws in the United States prohibit generic drugs to look exactly like their brand name counterparts. But the laws require the generic drugs to duplicate exactly the active ingredient and dosage in brand-name drugs. The flavor, color and some inactive ingredients may be different. Do generic drugs expire sooner? No, generic drugs do not expire sooner or have shorter shelf life. Basically, generic drugs are PAGE B6

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 7-13, 2018

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS JUNE 9

Money Smart for Small Business course in El Monte, CA Join this introductory two-day business course designed for new business owners, self-employed individuals, and aspiring entrepreneurs on Saturday, June 2 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at Cathay Bank 9650 Flair Dr., El Monte, CA 91731. The fee is $20 (payable to API SBP). Course topics include startup planning, organizational types, risk management, credit reporting, business insurance, record keeping and more. Breakfast, lunch, and course materials will be provided by Cathay Bank. Limited seating so advance registration is required. To register, please contact Colleen Seto at smallbiz@apisbp.org or call (213) 473-1605. Please provide following info: full name, business name (if applicable), phone number, and email address.

Asian Foster Family Initiative information session in Los Angeles To learn more about how to possibly become a foster parent for Filipino children in the LA foster care system, join the informational orientation session on Saturday, June 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This will be conducted in English. It will be held at the Korean American Family Services (3727 W. 6th St. #320, Los Angeles, CA 90020). Parking lot available behind the building. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP as soon as possible to alicelee@kfamla. org to reserve your place.

City of Carson’s 120th Philippine Independence Day Celebration The City of Carson’s Annual Philippine Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 9 is the biggest event in the City of Carson with thousands of people from all over Southern California in attendance. It begins with a flag raising ceremony, followed by an ecumenical service, and a holy mass. The parade/cultural street dance participated in by different Filipino-American, City-affiliated, and school-based organizations officially open the program. This year’s featured indigenous group is the “Igorot”. Igorot dancers will thus be leading the parade. Non-stop entertainment follows with headliners from ABS-CBN-The Filipino Channel. Interactive booths, exhibits, food and non-food vendors, and a children’s area make the event ideal for families and people of all ages. For parade participation/event information/ volunteer sign up, please call (310) 952-1743; booths (310) 569-7500; sponsorship (310) 819-5108. It will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Avenue - Carson, CA).

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.

Los Angeles County Filipino-American Employees Association celebrates Philippine Independence in Glendale, CA Come celebrate with the Los Angeles County Filipino-American Employees Association (LACFAEA) & the Filipino community for the Philippines’ 120th year of independence as a nation, on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the Hilton Glendale (100 W Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91202) from 6:00 pm to midnight. Guests and performers include Purple & Hearts band, cultural dancers, guest speaker Senator Nancy Binay, Ivy Violan, and other surprise guests and performers. For more information, please call Marge Ordiales at (818) 476-0082 or Tony Mendoza at (323) 618-5401.

PH Time Is Now event in New York Come to New York City on Saturday, June 9 from 1 to 7 p.m. for a day of inspiring sessions to connect with fellow innovators and forward-thinkers, ignite new ideas and learn from today’s Global Filipino leaders! Set in the prestigious Harvard Club of New York, every minute and every session will teach and challenge you to create meaningful paths for personal and professional success. Speakers include restauranteur Nicole Ponseca of Maharlika/Jeepney and actor Vincent Rodriguez III of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.phtimeisnow.com/.

JUNE 16

Columban missionaries’ Dancing for the World celebration in Glendale, CA Join the celebration of the centennial year of Columban missionaries with Dancing for the World (DFTW) on Saturday, June 16 in Glendale, CA. Since Columban missionaries have received so many blessings during this past century for which we wish to give thanks to God, this year’s DFTW celebration with a Mass of Thanksgiving. It will be a multi-cultural Mass, reflecting the variety of traditions and languages in the countries where Columban missionaries serve, as well as the cultural diversity of our supporters in California. This Mass, which will be the Vigil Mass for Sunday, will be celebrated at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium located at 1401 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA 91208. Afterwards, there will be a social, followed by dinner and dancing, so please bring your dancing shoes! There will also be a raffle with several tantalizing prizes. As you can imagine, it’s going to be a faith-filled and a fun-filled evening! First prize is a trip for two (2) to Hawaii; Second Prize is a cruise for two (2) to Alaska; Third prize is $500 cash; Fourth prize is a trip for two (2) to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. For $2.00 ticket you can win these amazing prizes. The dinner and dance is also available for forty dollars ($40.00). You can contact Ariel Presbitero (323-691-5262) or Carmencita Enriquez (213880-5075) for tickets and other information.

JUNE 19

Asian Foster Family Initiative information session in Los Angeles To learn more about how to possibly become a foster parent for Filipino children in the LA foster care system, join the informational orientation session on Tuesday, June 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This will be conducted in Taglish. It will be held at the Korean American Family Services (3727 W. 6th St. #320, Los Angeles, CA 90020). Parking lot available behind the building. Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP as soon as possible to alicelee@kfamla.org to reserve your place.

J U N E 2 1 -3 0

SIPA presents Filipino Summer Program (Session 1) in LA Join SIPA’s Filipino Summer Program that showcases LA youth the beauty of Filipino culture and history. Every single day students will learn and gain a better understanding of different aspects of the Filipino culture and community, such as Filipino food, Pilipinx cultural dances, Filipino Martial Arts, etc. The last day of the program will be a SIPA Summer Party where the families can come join SIPA as we celebrate the end of the program with food, music, and fun! Youth ages 6-15 are eligible for the program. Those over the age of 16 can volunteer. Participants do not need to be Filipino. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are served for all students! Session 1 is from June 21-30 (excluding Sundays). Registration ends on Thursday, June 14 at 11:59 p.m. Drop-Off of children begins at 8 a.m., and pick-up ends by 6 p.m. at SIPA Office (3200 W Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026). The application and more information is at bit.ly/sipasummer18.

J U N E 28

United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley’s 8th annual Valley Mega Mixer Register early for a unique networking opportunity on Thursday, June 28! At the 8th annual Valley Mega Mixer, connect with hundreds of business decision makers in one night! The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at at Anheuser-Busch (15800 Roscoe Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91406). In order to attend, register through the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) where members pay only $20 online by June 27, $30 at the door. Nonmembers pay $40. Includes light appetizers. Register online at http://faccgla.org/8th-annual-valley-mega-mixer/.

J U LY 4

Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party in Los Angeles Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party returns as the county’s largest free July 4th celebration from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Featuring picnicking, games, art-making, music, dancing and a stunning fireworks show high above Downtown L.A., Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party is the ultimate summer holiday celebration. The highly popular event offers activities for all ages including soccer, tag, bubble fun and chalk art. Two stages featuring DJs and live musical performances will entertain audiences throughout the celebration. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. from the roof of The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and soar nearly 500 feet, making them visible throughout Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. The event offers a multitude of dining options from more than 40 vendors including the return of gourmet food trucks. Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party will encompass the entire park, from Grand Avenue to Spring Street, plus the surrounding streets.

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

Features

B june 7-13, 2018 • LAS VeGAS ASIAn jOuRnAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

Asian Real Estate Association of America releases 2017-18 State of Asia America Report Sponsored by Freddie Mac, RE/MAX, LLC., the annual report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the AAPI community SAN DIEGO – The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) will officially unveil its annual State of Asia America Report on June Friday, 8, from 2-3PM PST, in the Overton Ballroom of the Aria Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The report compiles data about the Asian American and Pacific Islander community across a variety of categories, including Homeownership Rates, Demographics, Economics, Education, and more. Sponsored by Freddie Mac and RE/MAX, LLC., the free to download State of Asia America Report provides businesses, policy-makers, and researchers with a convenient central resource for data relating to the AAPI community.

Las Vegas will host AREAA’s national convention, marking its 15th anniversary, October 18-20th. Las Vegas, and Nevada as a whole, represent a microcosm of what is happening in the AAPI community across the nation. Between 2000 and 2012, Nevada saw a 122.55 percent increase in AAPI population, the largest in the nation. Nearly 30 percent of Nevada’s foreign-born population is from Asia, with the Philippines being the most common Asian country of origin at 14.1 percent of all foreignborn residents. AAPI also have the highest median household income in Nevada at $60,800. Report highlights: AAPI homeownership is at its highest level recorded at 58.2 percent; AAPI

purchasing power has topped $1 Trillion; the South experienced the greatest percentage growth in AAPI population since 2000; AAPI-owned businesses increased by 24 percent between 20072012, outpacing the US total firm growth of just 3 percent; and AAPI have a higher median household income than the general population in every region of the country. New sections in this year’s report include AAPI Women and Canada. To download a free copy of the report, visit www.areaa.org/stateofasiaamerica. To learn more about our sponsors for this year’s report, visit www.freddiemac.com and www. remax.com.

THE very first reunion in Las Vegas of United A. (UN/ITSD/NYCS, Jan 1998) (Second row): Maribel M. (UNDP, December Nations of former United Nations staff members and retirees was held last May 10, 2018 at ‘Kusina ni Lor- 1993), Mila de G. (UNDP, September 1996), Tess S. raine’. It was attended by 13 staff members of various (non-UN) spouse of Jun S, Beth R. (UN/ITSD/OAS August, 1999), Lettie A. (UNICEF, October 1997) UN organizations and three non-UN spouses. Information on future gatherings in Las Vegas spouse of Aljun A, Dony M. (UN/USG, March 1996), will be sent out by word of mouth and via emails Lita G. (UNICEF, December 1996) and Mila M. thru UN colleagues and mutual friends in NY, Las (UN/USG/EO, March 2000) (Third row and standing): Gene T. (UN/ITSD/ Vegas, and in Manila. In photo are: (First row): Norma T. (UNICEF, NYCS, February 1998), Jun S. (UN/ESA/STA, consumers, are safe, effective, Aug. 1996) spouse of Gene T, Vivian E. (UNICEF, 1998), Emil R. (non-UN) spouse of Beth R, Jun M. and high quality. In the event of 1999), Nellie M (non-UN) spouse of Jun M., Aljun (UN/ACCTS, 1978) reports of negative patient side effects or other reactions, the FDA investigates and, when appropriate, may require changes in how a medicine (both brandnname by Jan Milo Severo Joey; President Rodrigo Duterte, and generic versions) is used or Philstar.com Coco Martin, Ricci Rivero, and manufactured.” his departed father Reynaldo Are generic drugs outside of IN an unexpected turn of Viceral. the U.S. as good? events, the anticipated humor of To Charo, Vice asked: “Dear Each country’s version of the Vice Ganda celebrating the 7th Charo, sa dinami dami po ng FDA would have their own rules, year of his show “Gandang Gabi araw at okasyon, bakit nyo napili criteria and requirements, but Vice” (GGV) became emotional na pumareho sa blouse ko?” basically I suspect they will be as he broke down in tears to To Tito, Vic, and Joey, Vice similar to those of the U.S. FDA’s. remember his childhood. asked: “Natatawa ba kayo sa akin However, I am unable to ascertain In a new segment “Tanong Mo o nabwibwisit kayo sa’kin?” this, and therefore cannot verify Mukha Mo” hosted by “Asia’s Abunda asked Vice that if he that generic drugs manufactured King of Talk” Boy Abunda, the would be given a chance to star outside of the United States are host showed seven faces to Vice, in a movie with Tito, Vic, and as good. The Philippine Bureau to whom Vice can ask a question. Joey, what would the title be? of Food and Drugs (BFAD), in Seven faces were shown to Vice Vice suggested “Eat Showtime” my opinion, is a credible institu- because the show celebrates its or “Sina Tito, Vic at Joey kasama tion that safeguards and protects seventh anniversary. ang isang beki.” the health and well-being of the One of the faces showed to When showed the face of his people in our country. Vice was Tutoy, his childhood father, Vice asked the question: *** self. “Masaya ka ba sa kung “Kasi nung nawala sya, hindi pa Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac anong ginawa ko sa buhay ni ko ganito, so kung makakausap Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and Tutoy?” Vice asked his childko s’ya ngayon, ‘Tay ano pong chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to hood self. gusto n’yong sabihin sakin?” 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, The GGV host said that he will Boy asked Vice that if he has a where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus be forever Tutoy because of his Vice Ganda chance to show a loved one to his in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. mother’s love. He is a Fellow of the American College of “Tutoy is my nanay’s source of Photo from Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin father, who would he introduced Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, joy, I will forever be Tutoy. There toy… Kaya ‘di pwedeng mawala to his father? Vice said he will introduce his and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular are moments na nakakaligtaan ko si Tutoy kasi s’ya ‘yung kasiyahan Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the na si Tutoy, but I always remind ng nanay ko, and that’s the most first girlfriend to his dad. “SinuFilipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) myself na ‘uy you have to go back important thing in this world,” bukan ko mag-girlfriend para mapasaya sya… pero bakla talaga humanitarian foundation in the United States. to Tutoy’ Because Tutoy is real. Vice maintained. “Kahit tanggalin na ng D’yos kasi ako!” Vice quipped. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com Mas pipiliin ko si Tutoy kesa kay When asked what he would lahat, ‘tong damit ko, alahas Vice Ganda,” Vice said. “Kasi noong panahon ni Tutoy ko, boyfriend, wala na akong ask Duterte, Vice said: “Bukas mapayapa lang siya. Simple lang pakialam, ‘wag n’ya lang tatang- ka ba sa posibilidad, dahil sa inyo siya, hindi komplikado ang buhay galin ‘yung kasiyahan ng nanay naman nanggaling ang change is niya pero masayang masaya siya. ko. That’s the most important coming, bukas ka ba sa posibilidad nang pagpapa-nose lift?” Masaya din naman si Vice Ganda, thing.” On June 4, GGV’s June 3, sevVice’s mother joined him onpero iba yung saya ni Tutoy eh,” enth anniversary episode took the Vice added while breaking down stage and hugged him. Other faces showed to Vice number one trending on Twitter emotionally. “Pwede mawala si Vice Ganda, in the segment included Charo with over 20,900 tweets using the pero hindi pwede mawala si Tu- Santos-Concio; Tito, Vic and hashtag #GGVPito.

Are generic drugs safe? PAGE B5 the same as proprietary medications. Are generic drugs good for children? Most of the generics drugs were tested among adults. There are generic drugs used for children, but more studies are being done to make sure generic drugs are as efficacious and safe for children, including infants. For any concern, the prudent option is to discuss the issue with your children’s pediatrician. Do all brand name drugs have generic version? No, not all proprietary drugs have generic equivalent. Many come only in the brand-name version. Part of the reason is the duration of the patent of these other brand-name drugs. As long as the patent is in effect, FDA will not allow any generic manufacturer to produce the generic version. But even after the patent has expired, the generic equivalent must also pass through the stringent testing, evaluation, and approval by the FDA to protect the consumers. Why can’t all drugs start as generics? The very prohibitive cost of research and development, marketing and promotion, makes it financially impossible for drug manufacturers to produce the original medications and sell them

at the “generic price.” This is unrealistic to expect and economically not feasible. How are generic drugs approved? According to FDA rules: “Drug companies must submit an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for approval to market a generic product. The Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, more commonly known as the HatchWaxman Act, made ANDAs possible by creating a compromise in the drug industry. Generic drug companies gained greater access to the market for prescription drugs, and innovator companies gained restoration of patent life of their products lost during FDA’s approval process.” How does the FDA monitor generic drugs? Here is the verbatim policy of the U.S.-FDA: “The FDA Generic Drugs Program conducts a rigorous review to make sure generic medicines meet these requirements. In addition, FDA conducts 3,500 inspections of manufacturing plants a year, ensuring compliance with the agency’s regulations on good manufacturing practices. FDA staff also continually monitor drug products to make certain the medicines at all levels of the supply chain, from active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to products being sold to

Vice Ganda breaks down after remembering ‘Tutoy’

Sunshine Cruz reflects on 5 years since showbiz comeback

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

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Guno Inquirer.net

ALTHOUGH Sunshine Cruz has known show biz since she was a teen, there was a time when she shunned the spotlight for 13 years. After marrying Cesar Montano in 2000, she was willing to give up her career to become a housewife and full-time mom. Her last regular appearance on TV would be in 2004 for the fantasy series “Marina.” In 2013, she separated from Montano after discovering that he had an alleged affair. Since then, she raised their three children on her own and came back kicking into televi-

sion with ABS-CBN’s “Dugong Buhay.” Her comeback was also marked with magazine covers, such as one she shared of a parenting magazine. Back in 2013, Cruz also drew reactions when she posed for a men’s magazine; she explained then that she wanted to inspire mothers to stay sexy. “I’ve done 6 seryes (series) with [ABS-CBN] (“Dugong Buhay,” “Galema Anak Ni Zuma,” “Oh my G!,” “Pure Love,” “Dolce Amore,” “Wildflower”),” she recalled, adding that she is working with GMA after moving to the network on the series “Kapag Nahati ang Puso” (previously known as “Karibal Ko ang Aking Ina”).

Sunshine Cruz Photo from Instagram/@sunshinecruz718

“Been blessed with loving, beautiful, TALL and smart children and of couse, wonderful opportunities since then,” she gushed. Cruz has also finished a college degree in psychology at 39 and has been in a nearly two-year relationship with Macky Mathay, all while keeping her physique fit at 40 years old.

The bucket list

PAGE B5 and recognition, then you have cashed in your reward prematurely. Don’t post on social media for all to know. But if you do, remain anonymous. Your act of kindness can go viral and inspire others to do likewise. Focus on the act to squeeze the max out of it. Memories can be faulty. The way each of us sees things is uniquely processed through a set of largely emotional filters that may not align with how others in our immediate orbit remember them. In story writing, it is called POV or Point of View. Remember that in the eternal scheme of things, only God’s POV knows the pure, unvarnished, unadulterated truth. Your stories are all there buried deep within you. The early sunset years when you still have a sound mind in a sound body are probably the best time to write your story. Those neurons firing in our noggin are still sharp but we know, these have a definite shelf life. Don’t do it as an ego trip listing your accomplishments but put pen to paper or chase a cursor like mad on your laptop as an exercise in validating your life, put-

ting into words, those memories that sparkle like diamonds, like the joys that you have caused to make others glad and appreciate life and how others made you a better person. Accolades are fine but those you leave behind who feel eternally grateful to God for the life you lived as it left a mark on their own lives even when you’re gone are probably the highest tribute to your time on earth. I guess these are the things that make God smile. You’ll be one of those good and faithful servants. The act of recording your life story reveals to us God’s presence in every minutiae, facet and seasons of our lives. You realize that even in your darkest moments when all seemed lost, God is always there for us all. You begin to see clearly your purpose in life. Of course, as in any story, there are parts you want to share because they are happy and inspiring. There are parts that must remain secret by choice, known only to you, the God of your being and the characters of those tragic, dark vignettes you would rather forget, locked away forever or better yet, erased for all eter-

nity. Let go of these, if you can. Healing begins with forgiveness. It can make us whole again. And when we are whole and bathed in God’s light, darkness no longer holds power over us. Life is a mural of many colors and infinite designs. Savor yours during these precious sunset years. There are so many twists and turns and variations and, if taken in one go, can seem like a blur on a whitewater tube ride. Scoop up a few golden snippets and record them. This could be well worth your while. Become the writer/editor of your life story. Dare to write it. Edit it. Even critique it, if you wish. Don’t worry about other people’s criticism. You are your own target audience for the time being. Someday when you’re gone, your story might have the power to inspire someone else. Next week: An idea for The Bucket List… *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

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