060719 - Northern California Edition

Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Volume 18 - No. 22 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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JUNE 7-13, 2019

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DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

AAPI communities urged to participate in 2020 Census

Julie Lam, director of the Census Bureau’s LA Regional ofďŹ ce; Neil Ruiz, associate director of global migration and demography at Pew Research Center; and Daphne Kwok, vice president of AARP’s Multicultural Markets and Engagement speak about the 2020 Census at the Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF)’s annual marketing summit. AJPress photo by Noel Ty

ASIAN American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), which are considered the fastest-growing minority group, are encouraged to participate in the upcoming 2020 Census despite concerns about privacy and language barriers. During a panel at the Asian American Advertising Federation’s (3AF) annual sum-

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US will require social media info from visa applicants THE United States State Department on Friday, May 31, issued a policy that requires visa applicants to provide the details of their social media accounts including their usernames, previous email addresses and phone numbers. In an article from Rappler, the U.S. embassy’s visa application portal was revised to cover the “social media identifiers� that would aid the administration to enhance the screening process of potential visitors and immigrants.

Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Palace OK with US presence Amid increased saber-rattling over South China Sea by CHRISTINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

THE United States’ presence in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) will be helpful, but China’s involvement is still necessary to ensure longterm stability, government officials said. “The Philippines would want stability in this part of the world, in that part of the world,� Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday, June 4, following renewed rhetoric from both Washington and Beijing at a just-concluded regional security forum in Singapore. “The Philippines’ position is that every country has the right to use the waters in the South China Sea, as well as the air space and we want peace and quiet in that area. So, anything that will provide

such kind of atmosphere, we are for it,â€? he told reporters in a briefing in MalacaĂąang. “If the presence of the U.S. will make it so, then that’s good for all of us, all of the claimants.â€? Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who attended the Shangri-la Dialogue held in Singapore from May 31 to June 2, said he supported the U.S.’ freedom of navigation operations, but added this would not be enough to keep disputed waters free and open. “It’s not sufficient because we have to get the cooperation of China to keep the South China Sea free and open in the long run,â€? Lorenzana said during a question and answer session at the security forum. “Yes, China’s role in the South China Sea is very much welcome, but it should display a lot of‌ [be-

ing a] responsible major power and not using might to force its way in the South China Sea,â€? he added. The Defense chief said a code of conduct — still to be agreed on by all claimants — was also critical as he added that the Philippines’ claims were far superior to China’s. Pointing to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling that upheld a Philippine complaint, he said China’s so-called “historical recordsâ€? do “not exist.â€? He also expressed concern that a “face-offâ€? between the U.S. and China could find the Philippines caught in the middle. “Anything that they do, if there is a conflict, there is a shooting‌ if the trade war continues then we are affected, so it impacts

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Duterte lifts official travel ban to Canada — Palace by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte lifted his order banning government officials from traveling to Canada, MalacaĂąang said on Tuesday, June 4, after tons of trash were shipped back to its place of origin. In a text message, Executive Secretary Salvador Media said the order was “now on the way to MRO (MalacaĂąang Records Office).â€? Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said the travel ban was imposed because of “that waste issueâ€? and was “the very reason for the recall.â€? “Since that has been resolved, it goes without saying that memo will be recalled‌ unless there is another serious issue. But I

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IN PRAYER. Muslim Filipinos kneel in prayer at the Rizal Park in Manila as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Wednesday, June 5. Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of one month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, prayer and reection, is a joyous occasion for Muslims around the world. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

US shuts Manila immigration office Palace to reject moves to block Marcos jewelry sale by BERNADETTE

E. TAMAYO

ManilaTimes.net

THE United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will permanently close its Manila office next month and has already stopped accepting applications under a plan to end international operations for lack of resources. Some services were halted earlier in May. The last day the Manila office was open to the public to accept applications and petitions was May 31, the USCIS said on its website. Full closure has been scheduled on July 5. The USCIS offices handle family visa requests, international adoptions, refugee applications and the naturalization of U.S. military service members who are not yet American citizens.

would oppose, he said “that’s for them to respond.â€? He noted: “If they do, then we will oppose it.â€? “Well, as far as we are conMALACAĂ‘ANG assured the public on Monday, June 3, that cerned, these properties have it would oppose any move by been declared to be ill-gotten, the kin of late dictator Ferdinand that’s why precisely it is to be Marcos to block the sale of the sold. If that was the court decijewelry trove labeled as the “Ha- sion then we have to abide by it. That’s the right thing to do. We waiian Collection.â€? Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier announced that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gave his go-signal to sell the Marcos jewelry and has ordered officials to ensure that the proceeds of the auction Manilatimes.net ďŹ le photo would benefit Filipinos. Panelo then clarified that they In a tweet on Monday, June 3, would be available on the USCIS would still push through with the U.S. Embassy in the Philip- website. pines reiterated that new appliThe USCIS said the U.S. em- the auction even if the Marcos cations and petitions were no bassy had assumed responsibil- family attempts to block the said longer being accepted. It said ity for certain limited services sale. When asked if the spokesfiling instructions and updates u PAGE A3 man believed that the Marcoses !.$2%7 " 3().

Remain partners in peace, Duterte urges Muslims EDITH REGALADO

“Take this as an opportunity to deepen your role as instruments of love, sacrifice, respect and CELEBRATING Eid’l Fitr on selfless service,� the president Wednesday, June 5, President said in his message for Eid’l Fitr Duterte urged Muslim Filipinos or Festival of Breaking the Fast. Duterte also expressed hope to remain the government’s partner in promoting peace and un- that all Muslim Filipinos would derstanding across the nation. u PAGE A4 by

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

feel that, as the president says, the proceeds have to go to the Filipino people who are in urgent need of government aid,� Panelo added. The presidential spokesperson said that the Marcos family could freely submit their offer to the auction once the public bid-

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From the Front Page

AAPI communities urged to participate... PAGE A1 mit, stakeholders discussed the importance of AAPI communities filling out the questionnaire — such as the data used to determine congressional districts and to allocate federal funding. “The census isn’t just about how many people live in the United States. It’s about where they live too and that’s what gets used to draw the lines for things like congressional districts, voting precincts, school districts and zone for public safety,” Julie Lam, Los Angeles regional director for the U.S. Census Bureau, said. “Census data determines how many percentages each state will get in Congress…[and] provides vital information for you and your community.” The 2020 Census will mark the first time U.S. residents can respond online in addition to the traditional phone or mail options. Lam emphasized that the process is “easy, safe and important.” Every household will re-

Julie Lam, director of the Census Bureau’s LA Regional office, speaks about the importance for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities to take part in the upcoming Census during a panel at the Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF)’s annual marketing summit. The panel was moderated by Tim Wang, founder and principal of TDW+Co, while other panelists were Neil Ruiz, associate director of global migration and demography at Pew Research Center and Daphne Kwok, vice president of AARP’s Multicultural Markets and Engagement. AJPress photo by Noel Ty

A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST. Residents of Manila get the chance to ride a Tranvia during the celebration of the Pista ng Pamana on Sunday, June 2. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Intramuros Administration offered free Tranvia rides from Escolta to Intramuros in Manila and back. ManilaTimes.net photo by John Orven Verdote

US will require social media info from visa...

ceive one census form but must barriers have hindered variinclude everyone living in that ous groups from participating, household in their response. however, the 2020 form will be In past rounds, language u PAGE A3 PAGE A1 “Do you have a social media presence? Select from the list below each social media platform you have used within the //", 9Ê /Ê 7 last 5 years. In the space next to the platform’s name, enter the username or handle you have used on that platform. Please do not provide your passwords,” it stated. The social media platforms listed were Ask.fm, Douban, Facebook, Flickr, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, MySpace, Pinterest, Qzone (QQ), Reddit, Sina Weibo, Tencent Weibo, Tumblr, Twitter, Twoo, Vine, Vkontakte (VK), Youku, and Youtube. “If you have used more than one platform or more than one username or handle on a single platform, click the ‘Add Another’ button to list each one separately. If you have not used any of the listed social media platforms in the last 5 years, select ‘None’,” it added. The account information requirements were added to both immigrant and non-immigrant forms. Such account information would give the government access to photos, locations, dates of birth, dates of milestones and other personal data commonly shared on social media. “National security is our top priority when adjudicating visa 7 7 7° 6 1 6 7° " applications, and every prospec-

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The U.S. Embassy in Manila

tive traveler and immigrant to the United States undergoes extensive security screening,” the State Department said as reported by the Associated Press. “We already request certain contact information, travel history, family member information, and previous addresses from all visa applicants. We are constantly working to find mechanisms to improve our screening processes to protect U.S. citizens, while supporting legitimate travel to the United States,” it added. In the past, social media, email and phone number histories had only been sought from applicants who previously travelled to areas or countries under the control of

Inquirer.net file photo

terrorist organizations. More or less 65,000 applicants annually would be recorded in that category. The department said that the additional information from more applicants “will strengthen our process for vetting these applicants and confirming their identity.” A total of 710,000 immigrant visa applicants and 14 million nonimmigrant visa applicants will be affected by the revision, including those who want to come to the U.S. for business or education. Only applicants for diplomatic and official visas can be exempted from the rule, the AP said. (Nathalie Robles/AJPress) n

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AAPI communities urged to participate...

PAGE A2 available in five Asian languages, including Tagalog, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Language guides are also accessible in a total of 59 nonEnglish languages. The census, which is done every 10 years, will become available in March 2020. Field takers will start visiting residents from mid-May to August if they haven’t responded through any of the three options. The official counts are scheduled to be delivered to the president by December. Over 4 million people could be missed in the next census round, according to a study released by the Urban Institute on Tuesday, June 4. It also found that AAPIs, in addition to other groups like Black and Latino, are at risk of being undercounted in populous states such as California, Florida, New York and Texas. Asian Americans are the least familiar with the census and the least likely to report their intention to fill it out, according to a Census Bureau study released in January. The analysis also found that there are five main barriers that might prevent people from participating: concerns about data privacy and confidentiality; fear of repercussions; distrust in government; lack of efficacy; and belief that there is no personal benefit. With the ongoing debate about whether the “citizenship” question will be included, ethnic groups across the country are already skeptical about what the data will be used for. Asian Americans (42%) are the most concerned that the Census Bureau would not keep answers confidential. However, Lam said that under Title 13, Census Bureau employ-

ees take an oath to protect the information. She also assured that information will not be shared with immigration enforcement agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), law enforcement agencies such as the FBI or police, or be used to determine eligibility for government benefits. For non-partisan fact tank Pew Research Center, the Census data would allow it to do a deeper analysis on AAPIs, such as their income and education levels. “The Census allows us to understand the diversity within Asian American groups,” said Neil Ruiz, associate director of global migration and demography at Pew Research Center. “A lot of people usually lump all Asian Americans as one category but there’s also so much diversity... Not everyone has high income or is highly educated.” Data from the last census allowed the fact tank to do more research, finding that the U.S. Asian population grew 72 percent from 11.9 million to 20.4 million, making it the fastest growth rate of any major racial or ethnic group. Chinese, Indians and Filipinos are the top three largest Asian groups in the country. While Asian American data tends to get aggregated together, Pew has found a “huge income inequality that is growing among Asian Americans, Ruiz said. The Asian population does well on economic well-being compared to the entire U.S. population, but there are disparities among the Asian subgroups — the median annual household income of households headed by Asian Americans is $73,060, compared with $53,600 among all U.S. households. For example, Indian households have the highest median

PAGE A1 commences. However, he maintained that they must pass the qualifications should there be any. “I do not know of any law prohibiting any person from bidding, if you are qualified. Unless there are requirements for a qualification specified by the auctioneer, then you will have to pass through the qualification,” the spokesman said. The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), the body mandated to recover the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcos family and their cronies, asked Duterte in a letter dated Sept. 7, 2018 to approve the sale of the P704.8-million Hawaii jewelry collection. The rights group Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) expressed their doubts that the proceeds of the auction will truly benefit the public. SELDA vice chairman Danilo dela Fuente said that the beneficiaries must include victims of Martial Law. “While the Marcos family and the Duterte government cannot deny anymore that there are billions of pesos worth of ill-gotten wealth by the Marcos dictatorship, the question now is how do we make sure that this benefits the Filipino people,” dela Fuente

said. “They come from the poor and underprivileged, from faraway provinces who do not have access to the reparation process for rights victims. They deserve to benefit from these funds. Not doing so defeats the purpose of recovering all ill-gotten wealth from the Marcoses,” he added as reported by The Philippine Star. The group voiced out the concerns of the victims of human rights violations during the Marcos regime. In return, they promised to monitor the continuous recovery of Marcos ill-gotten wealth, including where the funds will go after auction. “At present, victims cannot fully access the non-monetary assistance provided for them because of alleged non-availability of government funds. Proceeds from the sale can be directed to this, and agencies involved should make sure that this will be accessed and availed of by the victims,” Dela Fuente stressed. “There will certainly be individuals or parties who will prey upon these billions of pesos. Who knows that with Duterte’s alliance with the Marcoses, the ill-gotten wealth recovered from the thieves will just go back to their hands?” he added. n

Palace to reject moves to block...

US shuts Manila immigration... PAGE A1 previously provided by the Manila office to individuals in the Philippines, New Guinea, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Wallis, Futuna, New Caledonia, Pitcairn Island, the overseas French territories of French Polynesia, and most island nations in the Pacific region that were not covered by other Asia-Pacific field offices. For those seeking to migrate under the Filipino World War 2 Veterans Parole Program, the USCIS said: “You must file your application with the USCIS lockbox facility in Chicago. If your petition is accepted, it will be forwarded to a USCIS service center

for adjudication.” “If the service center conditionally approves your application, it will forward it to the Department of State National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will transfer your case to the USCIS office or U.S. embassy or consulate abroad where your beneficiary relative will be interviewed,” it added. The plan to shutter the USCIS’ international division was announced in March. According to reports, officials said it would allow the agency to act on a backlog of asylum applications. Critics said it would disrupt the U.S.’ legal migration processes at a time when more and more people were being forcibly displaced elsewhere in the world. n

PAGE A1 don’t think there is one,” he said during the Palace press briefing. Medialdea, by authority of the president, signed on May 20 a memorandum directing “all department secretaries and heads of agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations and government financial institutions to refrain from issuing travel authorities for official trips to Canada.” The memo also directed heads of government agencies to “reduce official interaction with representatives of the Canadian government.” These directives “are consistent with our stance on the diminished diplomatic relations with Canada,” Panelo said in a previous statement. Duterte in April said he wanted the trash shipment returned to Canada and warned that the issue may spark a war.

In 2013, the Philippines found that Chronic Incorporated, a private firm in Ontario, shipped a total of 103 container vans of garbage mislabeled as “recyclable plastic materials” to Manila. The shipment was consigned to Philippine company Chronic Plastics. The Philippine government discovered that the 18 inspected containers consisted of mixed waste such as adult papers, waste paper and other household trash that needed to be immediately disinfected. The other 26 container vans were illegally dumped into a landfill site in Tarlac. The shipment of Canadian waste was deemed illegal, as provided by the Basel Convention signed by the Philippines and Canada prohibiting the trade of toxic and hazardous wastes, unless a country would give its consent. n

Duterte lifts official travel ban...

income ($100,000), followed by Filipinos ($80,000), while groups like Bangladeshi ($49,800) and Hmong ($48,000) are below the median household income for the general American population. “We hope the Census will give an accurate count. That way we can use the demographic and do more analysis in terms of tracking how AAPIs are doing in the United States,” Ruiz added. In addition to data being used to allocate government funds, corporations like AARP, which serves Americans 50 and above, use the information to identify target audiences and to supplement in-house research. Daphne Kwok, vice president for AARP’s multicultural markets and engagement, said that based on 2010 numbers, AARP developed Chinese and Filipino outreach, given that they were among the largest Asian subgroups. Kwok added that AARP will be educating older respondents with filling out the form, especially those having difficulty with technology, as well as awareness campaigns around fraud related to the census. As 2020 approaches, the Census Bureau is working with community organizations, like those in AAPI communities, to debunk myths about the process and to help recruit employees to be field representatives. “It only comes once every 10 years. If we don’t get it right this time, we have to wait 10 more years in order to get it right…,” Lam said. “The Census is too important for us to not be part of it.” (Christina Oriel/AJPress) n

CALL FOR NEW SIN TAX. Two leading groups of medical professionals in the country have joined the call for Congress to prioritize the proposed increase in taxes on tobacco products. Representatives from the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), were joined by hundreds of health advocates from the youth, senior citizens, urban poor communities, and other civil society groups who went to the Senate in Pasay City on Monday, June 3. SPNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Palace OK with US presence...

PAGE A1 us,” Lorenzana said. Panelo, meanwhile, said the Philippines would only object to a U.S. presence if this was conducted “without our consent.” “We will object if they will come to our area because we are supposed to be a sovereign country. No country should come to our country without our consent and knowledge,” he said. At the Shangri-la Dialogue, Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Washington would not ignore China’s aggression in the South China Sea. Gen. Wei Fenghe, China’s minister of national defense, countered that his country was well within its rights to deploy troops and weapons in the dis-

puted area. “Where there are threats, there is defense. In the face of heavily armed warships and military aircraft, how can we stay impervious and not build some defense facilities?” he declared. Panelo said both Washington and Beijing appeared to be “just posturing,” adding, “We will let the giants do their thing.” President Rodrigo Duterte, the Palace spokesman declared, had not changed his position that the West Philippine Sea — Manila’s preferred name for the South China Sea — “is ours.” “As far as he is concerned, parts of the South China Sea are ours per the arbitral ruling,” Panelo said. Duterte sought to downplay

Manila’s maritime dispute with Beijing in exchange for improved ties with the world’s second-largest economy. He also set aside the 2016 PCA decision at the start of his presidency, claiming that Manila could not stand up to Beijing. He adopted a more aggressive tone this year, however, warning of “suicide attacks” following reports that China vessels had surrounded Philippine-held Pag-asa (Thitu) Island. Speaking in Tokyo last week, Duterte again criticized Beijing by saying, “I love China, it has helped us a bit. But it behooves upon us to ask: Is it right for a country to claim the whole ocean?” (With a report from Dempsey Reyes) n

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Remain partners in peace, Duterte urges...

SEA GAMES HUDDLE. Philippine Sports Commission chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez (gesturing, at left) talks to the officials from various national sports associations (NSAs) during the 1st Team Philippines Delegation Meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Tuesday, June 4. Ramirez took over as chef de mission to the 30th Southeast Asian Games replacing Monsour del Rosario. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

PAGE A1 t observe the feast as a time for reflection, enlightenment and renewal of commitment to a much stronger devotion to the Almighty. “The entire Filipino nation joins them as they offer prayers of praise and thanksgiving as well as demonstrate the virtues of Islamic faith in accordance with the teachings of Allah through the Quran,” he said. Last Tuesday, June 4, Duterte spoke before the military officers and enlisted personnel of Joint Task Force-Sulu (JTF-Sulu) at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista headquarters in Jolo, Sulu. He led the donning of ranks on Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo of JTF-Sulu and Brig. Gen. Andres Centino of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Operations Division. The president also led the ceremonial awarding of the Gold Cross Medal to seven soldiers and awarded the Order of LapuLapu to more than a dozen others for their acts of bravery in the line of duty. In a bid to boost the morale of the military, Duterte witnessed the ceremonial distribution of food packs to the enlisted personnel of JTF-Sulu. BARMM and Marawi For her part, Vice President Leni Robredo said she prayed for peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the return to normalcy in war-ravaged Marawi City as Muslims marked the end of Ramadan on Wednesday. “We pray for our brothers and sisters from Marawi who are still suffering and unable to return to their homes for two years now since the siege,” Robredo said in her message on the observance of Eid’l Fitr. “We continue to pray for peace in the Bangsamoro region, especially as it transitions into a new era,” she said. Robredo earlier appealed to the Duterte administration to fast-track the rehabilitation of Marawi, noting that millions

Muslim women and children gather outside the Blue Mosque in Taguig City Wednesday, June 5, for morning prayers?in celebration of Eid’l Fitr. Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman

of pesos in donations remain untouched two years after the siege. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana rallied Muslims and Christians alike, in particular those in Mindanao, to work as one nation to ensure the success of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). “In observance of Eid’l Fitr we also celebrate the spirit of social healing, reconciliation and unity. Let us therefore continue to work together as one nation and ensure the implementation of the BOL,” the defense chief said. Lorenzana’s statement is in support of BARRM Chief Minister Alhadj Murad Ibrahim’s message calling for support toward a better Bangsamoro region. Praying outdoors Thousands of Muslims on Wednesday gathered at the Quirino Grandstand to mark the end of Ramadan. The followers of Islam, some of them carrying food, trooped to Rizal Park starting at 4 a.m. Salat al-fajr or morning prayer was called at 7 a.m. Manila Police District-Station 5 commander Lt. Col. Igmedio Bernaldez said an estimated 9,500 persons joined the celebration. Bernaldez added that close to 500 policemen were deployed to secure the area. In the BARMM, outdoor congregational prayer rites were described by the military as

peaceful, highlighted by calls for religious tolerance by officiating clerics. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. maintained the military’s unity with the Muslim community. The Army’s 6th Infantry Division hosted a ceremony for more than 1,000 worshipers in its parade grounds in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao province. Brig. Gen. Marni Marcos of the BARMM’s Police Regional Office noted that thousands of men, women and children were out in open fields to offer their prayers. Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 6th ID, said he is thankful to local government units for cooperating with their security efforts. Senators also extended their well wishes to Muslim Filipinos. Sen. Leila de Lima said she hopes that the occasion would prompt the government to expedite its long-delayed rehabilitation of the war-torn Marawi. Sen. Francis Pangilinan said he wished Filipino Muslims peace, health and prosperity. Sen. Loren Legarda also extended her greetings, adding that Eid’l Fitr has become a familiar occasion even to the Catholic-dominated nation. (With Christina Mendez, Helen Flores, Jaime Laude, Rey Galupo, John Unson, Paolo Romero) n

Undocumented immigrants protections bill passes in the House H.R. 6 would give millions of undocumented youth and other eligible immigrants under TPS and DED a path toward permanent resident status

On Tuesday, June 4 Democtartic-led House of Representatives passed legislation that would eliminate deportation proceedings against certain undocumented immigrants –– including youth identified as DREAMers –– and grant them permanent residence status. The permanent residence status would apply to eligible individuals who illegally came to the United States as minors –– some of which identify as DREAMers –– as well as immigrants under the Temporary Protected Status) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) programs. The bill would grant eligible immigrants 10 years of legal residence status, and after that period they would receive permanent green cards after working for three years or finishing at least two years of higher education or military service. The vote was 237 to 187, with seven Republicans joining all 230 Democrats in voting in favor of the bill. “Today’s historic passage of the Dream and Promise Act is a landmark victory for our DREAMers and TPS Holders,” U.S. Rep Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.) of Fullerton, California said in a statement following the vote. “They deserve the opportunity to live in the country they love and call home without fear of deportation.”

Introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) –– who represents the East Los Angeles area –– the bill could provide protections to the 628,700 immigrants in California who would be eligible for the bill’s benefits, according to the left-leaning Center for American Progress (CAP). In a press release, CAP said that 2.1 million immigrants in the United States would be eligible for protections laid out in the bill, which would direct the departments of Homeland Security and Justice to cancel removal, or deportation, proceedings. Those qualified for these protections must have continuously been present in the U.S. and have enrolled or completed certain educational programs. Undocumented immigrants who were eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and are still qualified for renewal would also qualify. “Dreamers and TPS or DED holders are immigrants who have lived much of their lives in the United States,” the organization noted. “The average TPS recipient has lived here for 22 years, the vast majority of that time in lawful status, while the average Dreamer potentially eligible for protection under the bill came to the United States at age 8,” CAP said, noting that “given their long-term resident in the United States, many of these immigrants have families here.” The move to maintain protec-

tions and benefits for undocumented youth and TPS beneficiaries is a bipartisan effort. The bipartisan research and advocacy firm new American Economy broke down the economic impact of DACA recipients and TPS holders to the U.S. Among the findings in a recent report include that in 2017, 93% of “DACA-eligible immigrants and 94% of TPS beneficiaries” were employed and pay more than $5 billion in federal income, state and local taxes. “For years now, DREAMers and the communities that depend on them have been trapped in a terrible limbo, wondering if they’ll be allowed to stay in their homes,” John Feinblatt, president of new American Economy, said in a statement. “It’s long past time for Congress to end this destructive uncertainty and pass the American Dream and Promise Act.” The bill was passed in the House weeks after President Donald Trump announced plans to gut protections for hundreds of thousands of TPS and DED beneficiaries and put in place a more restrictive, merit-based immigration system, as previously reported in the Asian Journal. Following the bill’s passage in the House, it will now be referred to the Republican-led Senate. According to the new York-based political research firm Skopos Labs, HR 6 has a 38% chance of being enacted into law. n

In 1989, world leaders made a historic commitment to the world’s children by adopting the United nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Thirty years later, 196 countries have become signatories to the convention. It’s the most widely ratified human rights treaty which illustrates clearly the universal character of the norms, values and principles of the rights of the child. The Philippines, as a state party to the convention, committed to develop and implement a comprehensive juvenile justice policy, which came in the form of the 2006 Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA), seen as an example of good legislation by the international community. As the world celebrates the 30th anniversary of the convention, the Philippines has reasons to celebrate with pride. Child-friendly laws and policies introduced over the years reflect the commitment

to protect children against all forms of violence and harm, and to nurture them in every stage of their life. In particular, the United nations commends the Philippines for having set the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) at 15 in the JJWA, which aims to address erring children through rehabilitation and restoration rather than imprisonment. However, recent suggestions to lower the MACR to 12 would undermine the gains in setting up a restorative, child-sensitive system that seeks not to detain children but to reintegrate them back to the society without criminalizing them. Retaining the MACR at 15 years would show leadership and commitment to children and put the Philippines at par with countries leading on this issue around the world. The United nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has

commended countries, including the Philippines, for having a high minimum age of criminal responsibility. The Committee has pointed out in its authoritative interpretations that State Parties should not reduce the minimum age of criminal responsibility, if its current penal law sets the minimum age higher than 14 years. Retaining the MACR would also appear to stand in unity with a majority of Filipinos who are in favor of the MACR remaining at 15 according to the latest Social Weather Stations national survey and many other stakeholders engaged in the current debates. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the United nations joins the Philippines in celebrating the successes and gains in fulfilling children’s rights, in the implementation of the JJWA, and we hope in refraining from lowering the MACR. (Inquirer.net) n

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

UN fetes PH on 30th anniversary of UN child rights convention

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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BI revokes working visa of 528 foreigners Arroyo leaves ‘legacy of support’ for Duterte as House honors ‘graduates’ in closing rites by Faye

Orellana Inquirer.net

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) canceled the working visa of 528 foreign workers due to misrepresentation and fraud. BI chief Jaime Morente made the announcement on Tuesday, June 3, after the agency conducted two separate post-audits of visa applications of six target companies. “These are just six companies, we expect to uncover more in the next few months,” said Morente in a statement. “We need everybody’s help. Filipinos as well as legally staying aliens must report illegal foreigners in their area, and you can be assured that we will act on your reports,” he added. Morente pointed out that the

foreign employees submitted fake Alien Employment Permits (AEP). The AEP is a permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment and is a requirement in applying for a work visa with the BI. The BI canceled the working visa of 259 Indians, 230 Chinese, 14 Koreans, 11 Japanese, 5 Taiwanese and 3 Vietnamese workers along with a German, Burmese, Nigerian, Nepalese, Sudanese and a Yemeni. The six companies involved were not named, pending further investigation. Morente, however, said that the companies are based in Manila, Parañaque, and Caloocan, and involved in consultancy, residential sales, tutorial, and information technology. “I am appalled to learn of big

companies that blatantly disregard our laws and submit fake documents. These companies knowingly hire illegal foreign workers that take away jobs from Filipinos and law-abiding foreigners,” Morente said. The Intelligence Division already recommended the cancellation of the BI permits of the accredited agents who processed the applications of the 528 individuals. The foreigners with spurious documents, Morente said, will be expelled and blacklisted. “The BI, through the Intelligence Division, is revitalizing its campaign of eradicating illegal foreign workers in the country. It will be a campaign that will be felt nationwide, and you can expect more arrests and cancellations in the next few months,” Morente said. n

building.” Senate Bill 2232 otherwise known as the Citizen Armed Force or Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act was passed on final reading in the House of Representatives. It is still on the period of interpellation on the upper house. The move made by Duterte allows the said bill to acquire a second and final reading approval on the same day, thus expediting the process of its implementation. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian sponsored it, while senators Richard Gordon and Manny Pacquiao are co-sponsors. The mandatory ROTC pro-

gram was abolished after former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the National Service Training Program (NSTP) law in 2002. Under the law, ROTC is just one of three NSTP components students can choose from, along with Civic Welfare Training Service and the Literacy Training Service. The death of University of Santo Tomas cadet Mark Welson Chua in 2001 at the hands of his officers and fellow UST cadets sparked a clamor for the scrapping of mandatory ROTC. Chua was killed for exposing irregularities in the university ROTC program. n

Duterte certifies bill to restore mandatory ROTC as urgent by aJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, June 3, certified as urgent the bill seeking the restoration of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program for Grade 11 and 12 students. In a letter to Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Duterte said that a law is required to restore basic military and leadership training for the Filipino youth “to invigorate their sense of nationalism and patriotism necessary in defending the State and to further promote their role in nation-

‘No single power should control SCS’ by Dempsey

reyes Manilatimes.net

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana warned countries against “sleepwalking” into an international conflict, even as he declared that no “single power” should have control over vital areas such as the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). Speaking at the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore over the weekend, Lorenzana said disputes among nations could possibly spark war. “With the untethering of our networks of economic interdependence, comes growing risk of confrontation that could lead to war,” he said in his speech. “Our greatest fear, therefore, is the possibility of sleepwalking into another international conflict like World War 1,” he added. Advertisements Lorenzana’s remarks came after the United States warned China not to bully its Asian neighbors. Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan referred to nations using a “toolkit of coercion” to destabilize the region, including “deploying advanced weapons systems to militarize disputed areas.” But Beijing countered that it would not hesitate to take military action to defend its maritime claims. Gen. Wei Fenghe said China would not yield an inch of its sacred land. Lorenzana said war could happen, “even when no one desires it.” He suggested that “confidence building measures” should be comprehensive to cover all relevant concerns. “This is most especially important in potential flashpoints

by Glee Jalea ManilaTimes.net

THE House of Representatives formally adjourned on Tuesday, June 4 and paid tribute to its “graduating” third termers and outgoing Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo whose “concern” during her brief term was “to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s legacy.” After the sine die adjournment rites, lawmakers with three terms went up the stage of the plenary hall to receive their certificates of recognition and have their photos taken. In her farewell speech, Arroyo thanked her colleagues for helping the 17th Congress achieve The House of Representatives’ plenary hall during the last session of the 17th Congress. “genuine milestones that will ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada benefit both the present and next Republic Act (RA) 1105 or the gress. generation of Filipinos.” “I am also very gratified that Arroyo lauded the lawmakers Organic Law for the Bangsamfor their “tireless work and dedi- oro Autonomous Region (House as House Speaker, I was given cation,” which paved way for the Bill 6475), RA 11203 or an Act more opportunity to work with passing of 250 House bills into Liberalizing the Importation, Ex- our younger politicians. From portation and Trading of Rice, what I have seen of them, their law since July 23, 2018. Arroyo fulfills mission to sup- Lifting for the Purpose the Quan- generation will serve our country titative Import Restriction on very well indeed when their time port Duterte legacy Despite having the shortest Rice (HB 7735), and RA 11223 comes. Congratulations, young term as the 25th speaker, Arroyo or the Universal Health Care Act ones!” she said. “We are all on a journey toreiterated that her primary mis- (HB 5784). The outgoing speaker urged gether. As our nation moves sion as head of the House was to support the legacy of President the House to continue helping forward, let us all join hands in Duterte in “harvesting the fruits unity and walk confidently toRodrigo Duterte. “My concern has not been on of the seeds planted” under his wards a better tomorrow. From the bottom of my heart, I thank my legacy as Speaker – my con- term. “In the first three years of you for giving me the honor and cern as Speaker was to support President Duterte’s legacy in the President Duterte’s Adminis- privilege of serving you,” Arroyo year that I had as the head of this tration, many good seeds were ended. The outgoing members of planted by way of Executive deHouse,” she said. Through House Resolution cisions, the legislative agenda, Congress include Minority Lead2600, Majority Leader Frede- strategic foreign engagements, er and Quezon governor-elect nil Castro and Minority Leader and bold reforms. In the remain- Danilo Suarez; Ilocos Norte 1st Danilo Suarez lauded Arroyo for ing years of his term, we just all District Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, passing “several vital socio-eco- need to help in the implementa- and former Speaker Feliciano nomic measures,” including the tion to harvest the fruits of those Belmonte Jr. who are both set to priority measures enumerated seeds within President Duterte’s retire from politics. The 18th Congress will forby Duterte during his State of term,” she said. Arroyo also lauded younger mally convene on July 22 when the Nation Address (SONA) in lawmakers for demonstrating Duterte delivers his fourth State 2018. Among these measures were exemplary work attitude in Con- of the Nation Address. n

Drilon to newbie senators: ‘Do not meddle in leadership row’ by BernaDette

e. tamayO

ManilTimes.net

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

such as the South and East China Seas, where the risk of miscalculation and unwanted conflict is rising on a daily basis, as great powers expand their military footprint and pursue divergent visions,” he said. The nations, he added, should agree that freedom of navigation and overflight at international seas is “indispensable to regional peace and security.” “In our view, no single power should exercise unilateral control over vital arteries of global trade, such as the South China Sea. We need to collectively protect our global commons,” Lorenzana said. The Defense chief cited several disputes in Asia such as the Sabah dispute between Malaysia and the Philippines, the Ligitan and Sipadan dispute between Malaysia and Indonesia, and the border dispute surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple between Cambodia and Thailand, among others. Lorenzana said the Asean had been “unique” in its approach to

Manilatimes.net file photo

manage and resolve the disputes through peaceful dialogue, diplomatic negotiations and obedience to the international law. He called for a peaceful and multilateral approach in resolving the South China Sea dispute. “In more concrete terms, we should consider joint exploration activities, as well as environmental protection regimes, which ensures the equitable, just and lawful exploration, usage, sharing of hydrocarbon reserves and preservation and protection of marine resources,” Lorenzana pointed out. “What is clear is that great power rivalry is a dangerous distraction from the coming storm. But if we continue to closely collaborate and cooperate we may very well overcome these existential challenges and, along the way, create a more inclusive, nimble and robust security architecture — one that is upheld by the collective effort of every nation, no matter their size, resources and creed,” he added. n

SENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said neophyte senators were elected by the people to craft laws and “not meddle” in the leadership squabble. The veteran senator issued the statement amid persistent rumors that some newbie senators were plotting to have Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd replaced when the 18th Congress Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon opens in July. The 17th Congress will adjourn on June 7. The Senate and House of Representatives will jointly open on July 22. “Inihalal sila ng taumbayan para gumawa ng batas, hindi kaagad na sumalpak sa leadership quarrel (They were elected by the people to make laws and not to immediately meddle in leadership quarrel),” Drilon said in a radio interview. Four of the 12 senators elected in the May 13 midterm polls are neophyte. They are Senators Francis Tolentino, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos. “We should work first and show our people that we are worth the mandate that we received from them. The Senate leadership can always come any time of the day,” he said. He said the leadership of the Senate would eventually be dePAGE A7

Manilatimes.net file photo

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JUNE 7-13, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

Improving competitiveness

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FEATURES

AFTER falling nine notches last year, the Philippines saw its global competitiveness ranking recover slightly by four steps in the 2019 World Competitiveness Report. Out of 63 economies included in the annual report prepared by the Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development or IMD, the Philippines now ranks 46th – an improvement from its 50th spot in 2018. The country saw its rankings improve in all four factors that are used for gauging competitiveness: economic performance, government efficiency, infrastructure and business efficiency. There are 235 indicators grouped under the four factors. The improvement for the country, according to the IMD, was driven by solid economic performance backed by sustained real GDP growth as well as increases in employment levels and the labor force. It was mainly a partial recovery, however, and the country remains near the bottom of economies in the Asia-Pacific. Singapore and Hong Kong placed first and second, both globally and within the region. China and Taiwan ranked third and fourth regionally. Three other founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations also ranked ahead of the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific rankings: Malaysia placed seventh,

Thailand eighth and Indonesia 11th. The Philippines placed 13th among the 14 Asia-Pacific economies included in the study. Globally, the United States, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates occupied third to fifth places. The study details the areas where each economy needs improvement. For the Philippines, infrastructure has been a perennial weak point, with the country improving by only a notch from last year’s 60th ranking. Also needing improvement are the subsectors of education, where the country ranked 58th, and development of human capital (60th). The country placed 44th in terms of risk of political instability. Even slight improvements are welcome. The challenge for the country is to sustain reforms across all the four factors, not only to catch up with its neighbors but also to excel. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Congress should grow a spine and impeach Trump after revelations in the Russia probe

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS ROBERT Mueller finally broke his silence on Wednesday, May 29 to announce that he was ending his tenure as special counsel and that he was resigning from the Department of Justice. He clarified the truth behind the investigation that probed any links or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the Trump campaign. The short surprise statement Mueller gave did not offer additional information beyond what was already stipulated in the 448-page report his office turned into the DOJ, but effectively dispelled the lies and misrepresentation made by Trump appointee

PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. WE congratulate Indonesian President Joko Widodo for his reelection as President of the world’s third largest democracy and hope he would reach out to his defeated rival Probowo Subianto, a retired general who has ran a second-time against him. Observers note a record 245,000 candidates ran for public office, from the presidency and parliamentary seats to local positions, all undertaken in one day. The Indonesian polls perhaps represent the largest democratic electoral contest in Southeast Asia. There will be accusations from the losers of largescale cheating but our friends in the diplomatic community in Jakarta indicate the polls were largely clean. The modest soft-spoken Widodo, who has launched a largescale infrastructure program, visited Manila in April 2017, ahead of the ASEAN Summit then, on invitation of President Rodrigo Duterte and they discussed security of sea lanes, cross-border traffic and patrol, and economic cooperation. We hope in President Widodo’s second term there would be more meaningful and concrete

Philstar.com photo

Attorney General William Barr, and by President Trump himself and his administration, in connivance with their Republican cohorts in Congress. Let the facts speak for themselves: The Mueller investigation debunks Trump’s characterization of the probe as a “hoax,” concluding based on hard evidence that Russia made “multiple, systematic efforts to interfere in our election.” “That there were multiple, systematic efforts to interfere in our election, and that allegation deserves the attention of every American,” Mueller said at the end of his statement. However, as it relates to the Trump campaign’s involvement in those efforts, the report said

there was “insufficient evidence to charge a broader conspiracy.” Mueller, however, did NOT exonerate Trump on the issue of obstruction of justice. He explained that he could not bring charges against Trump because of a DOJ policy that does not allow indictment of a sitting president, and therefore it would be unfair to potentially accuse somebody of a crime when there can be no court resolution of the actual charge. In the report, however, Mueller outlined at least 10 different cases where Trump obstructed justice. While the mandate given to him would not permit him to indict Trump, Congress has been mandated to investigate on the blatant abuse of power

with corrupt intent, and file appropriate charges to make the President accountable according to the provisions of the Constitution and the rule of law. WHAT IS CONGRESS WAITING FOR? Why not impeach Trump when strong evidence just grow by the day? Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress are just not doing their jobs because of their own selfish political reasons. The Constitution is very clear about consequences to assault to our democracy, our democratic institutions and processes, and yet our spineless Members of Congress are prioritizing what is politically expedient looking forward to the 2020 elections.

This is why Trump has been emboldened to further stonewall all investigations against him because he knows how the Democrats are just like him and the Republicans — all want to hold on to power and win their elections. Because of this moral corruption, we the American people lose. The Constitution and our democracy lose. Democrats should remember that their chances of winning the votes of responsible and law-abiding Americans in 2020 actually depend on their political will and conviction to uphold and defend the Constitution, no matter what the cost. CALL YOUR Senators and Representatives. IMPEACH

TRUMP! Let your voices be heard. Nobody is against the law, not even the President of the United States of America. If we give Trump a pass, we breed a dictator in him, and this sets a precedent for the future leaders of the United States. Let us do our own role in protecting our democracy, which is, after all, the “government by the people, for the people, of the people.” *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

President Widodo re-elected in world’s third largest democracy; active peace organizations in Asia economic exchange between Indonesia and the Philippines and with the ASEAN partners. It is also the hope of Indonesia’s friends in ASEAN that perhaps after a decent interval, efforts will be undertaken to reach out to the defeated rivals. It would be an excellent idea if Subianto, who also lost a presidential battle with Widodo in 2014, would perhaps be invited to serve as Indonesian Ambassador to Washington D.C. or to the European Union, and which could eventually lead to the beginnings of a much-desired government of national unity in Indonesia. This columnist, who serves as President of Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats International (CAPDI), and of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and other Asian senior officials of our organization had the privilege of conferring with President Widodo in Jakarta in February 2015, where we exchanged views on possible ways of cooperation in the common battles against poverty, terrorism and extremism, climate change and environmental degradation. With us in the meeting then with President Widodo were our very own Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Chairman Emeritus of

Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats International (CAPDI); then Vice President Jusuf Kalla of Indonesia, CAPDI Chairman; Deputy Prime Minister Sok An of Cambodia, CADPI Vice Chairman,now deceased; Sen. Mushahid Hussain Sayed of Pakistan, CAPDI Secretary General, who is considered a credible aspirant for national leadership in Pakistan; and CAPDI officials and business leader Tan Sri Datuk Chen Lipkeong of Malaysia and Cambodia, Erwin Aksa of Indonesia, and Asian and Filipino business and civic leaders Alex Fu, Michael Chen, Fernando Pena, Lito Jimenez, my son Joey de Venecia III, and Francis Manglapus. CAPDI is an organization in the Asia Pacific bringing together political parties and key institutions of civil society, think tanks, business leaders, media, women and youth groups. It has offices in Manila and Jakarta. CAPDI works closely with other active organizations, the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP). *** We met last Thursday in Manila with Dr. Chung Sik Yong, Chairman for Asia of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF); Dr. Robert Kittel, Director for

Indonesian President Joko Widodo

Peace Education of UPF Asia; and Dr. Julius Malicdem, UPF Philippines President, to discuss a forthcoming UPF World Summit in Phnom Penh, and a larger event in Manila at the turn of the year, 2020. The New York- and Seoulbased Universal Peace Federation (UPF), of which we are Chairman Emeritus, is a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing the cause of peace through cooperation and dialogue among countries and peoples, pioneered by its late Founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his

Philstar.com photo

active widow Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, and currently under the active leadership of “Mother” Moon and New Yorker Thomas Walsh, with members in 180 countries. UPF, which has a general consultative status with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), carries out humanitarian programs, service-learning projects, character education, and sports programs. Lately, it has launched some peacemaking initiatives. We have alerted them to the possibility of joining a journey

to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to contribute with other Asian political leaders hopefully to peace-making efforts in the North Korean peninsula where we made an unforgettable journey to Pyongyang in April, 1990. Among those in our team were the late Congressman Miguel Romero, former Philippine Education Undersecretary Nestor Kalaw, and Japanese Journalist Kiyoshi Wakamiya. We conferred with then North Korea Founder Kim Il Sung, which immediately led to the establishment of Philippine-North Korean diplomatic relations. ■

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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BACK TO SCHOOL. Parents accompany their children at the Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City during the first day of school on Monday, June 3. The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier assured it was ready to welcome more than 27 million students in both public and private schools across all basic education levels. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Duterte invites Naruhito to Manila

by Catherine

S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has invited Japan Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako to visit the Philippines, Malacañang said on Monday, June 3. Duterte extended the invitation during his bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier this week in Tokyo, where he attended the Nikkei’s 25th International Conference on the Future of Asia. “The president likewise conveyed the best wishes of the Filipino people to Emperor Naruhito’s ascension to the throne adding that it would be a great honor for our country to receive Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako

in the future,” Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement. Panelo said the visit would strengthen the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan. The Palace official described the meeting between Duterte and Abe as “productive” and “fruitful.” “Prime Minister Abe gave a heartfelt welcome to President Duterte, who he considers as his special friend, at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Akasaka State Guest House,” Panelo said. “Prime Minister Abe expressed great delight to see the Filipino Chief Executive whom he last met in November of last year,” he added. Panelo said Abe also congratu-

lated Duterte for the overwhelming victory of administrationbacked candidates in the midterm elections. “Prime Minister Abe likewise mentioned that he looked forward to a fruitful exchange of views with the President on various issues of mutual concern and interest, including assistance on the Mindanao peace process and infrastructure development in the Philippines,” he said. Duterte described Japan as a “valued ally for peace, development and the rule of law.’” “The Chief Executive emphasized that Philippines-Japan relations has an exemplary partnership built on shared values fostered over the years by mutual trust and respect,” Panelo said. n

PAGE A5 cided by the chamber’s members and not Malacañang. “Unless Sen. Sotto committed a mortal sin, I don’t think any senior senator will care to listen to a neophyte senator if he or she moves to campaign for a change of leadership,” Drilon said. He said the minority bloc would not sign the resolution prepared by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, expressing support for the continued leadership of Sotto in the

18th Congress. “The minority is not involved in the election of Senate president. So, we will not sign because if we do, we will become part of the majority,” Drilon said in Filipino. But he lauded the minority’s working relationship with the current Senate leadership, saying Sotto had treated everyone fairly. “His leadership has been good. He treats everyone fairly.

He knows that he is the president of the Senate and not just of the majority, and he listens to everyone,” Drilon said. “Sana mag-aral po muna ‘yung mga baguhan. Sasabihin ko nang diretso, bilang isang neophyte, ‘yung pagpapalit ng liderato ng Senado ay malayo pa sa mandato natin iyan (The incoming senators should study first. I will say it directly, the leadership change is far from our mandate),” Drilon said. n

Drilon to newbie senators...

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JUNE 7-13, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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SF The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 7, 2019

Friday, June 7, 2019

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cover story

From the cover: Illustration by Kendrick Tan

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 7, 2019

Young Fil-Ams share what Philippine Independence Day means to them BY

remember what was fought for and the people who died fighttween the two countries, William ing for it.” Howard Taft was elected as Virginia-based Fil-Am rapper president and decided to put a Noah-O similarly sees Philippine halt on granting the Philippines Independence Day as being independence. an opportunity to honor those Despite being defeated in who fought for the Philippines’ 1912 by President Woodrow independence. Wilson, who favored Philippine He said, “Philippine Inindependence, plans for a sovdependence Day is a time to ereign Philippines weren’t made celebrate our country’s past and until the mid-1930s. honor those including my grandAfter one last set back due to parents who fought to keep the World War II and the Japanese Philippines free.” invasion of the Philippines, the According to the United Philippines was finally declared States Office of the Historian, independent on July 4, 1946 over 20,000 Filipino combatthrough the Treaty of Manila. ants died during the PhilippineFor 15 years, the PhilipAmerican War. Modern sources pines celebrated its independsay that as many as 200,000 ence annually on July 4 until in Filipino civilians died as a result 1962 when Philippine President of the war. Diosdado Macapagal officially But shared among Fil-Ams changed the date back to June was that Philippine Independ12. ence Day presented an opporNow nearly 60 years later, tunity to celebrate Philippine Filipinos in the U.S. continue to culture and what makes the Philhonor Philippine Independence ippines so unique as a country. Day, with the younger members This is especially true for Filof today’s Fil-Am generation Ams who grew up in dual Amerimaking their own meanings out can and Filipino households. of the holiday. Crystal Tolentino, a young Christine Liwag Dixon, a FilFil-Am mom who attended this Am writer from New York, sees year’s Pista Sa Nayon festival in the irony in its June 12 celebraVallejo, California with her son, tion date and said, “Philippine In- described Philippine Independdependence Day is a mixed bag ence Day as providing an opfor me. On one hand, it marks portunity for people — including our independence from Spain, Filipinos — to learn more about but it also marks the beginning emerging Fil-Am talents looking of American colonial rule.” to promote the culture. “I do, however, appreci“I wasn’t raised in a tradiate the cultural aspect,” added tional Filipino household, so I Dixon. “At the very least, it’s basically had to rely on articles an excuse to get together with and books to study my roots,” the community with some Pinoy said Tolentino. barbecue and halo-halo.” Attending Philippine IndeAaron Jugueta, who pendence Day festivals have works as a project conot only allowed her to immerse ordinator for a herself in Filipino culture and non-profit see first hand the impact of the in Micurrent Fil-Am community, but ami, have allowed her to share her Flor- experiences with her son. ida, “I do love seeing our Filipino sees community come together as Philipone big family and support pine each other — we’ve got a lot of Independ- undiscovered talent out there ence Day from chefs, clothing designers, to more as a musicians,” said Tolentino. “And day to recognize the I feel that Filipinos are often people who were overlooked and we have to work involved throughout the twice as hard to be recognized.” country’s journey to inde“This is a time where we can pendence. display our talents, acknowledge “Philippine In- each other’s accomplishments dependence Day and show each other support,” means to me the she added. liberalization Tolentino said her son and recognition particularly loved the martial arts of the islands as demonstrations. As for herself, a people and she loved the entertainment as a nation,” lineup. said Jugueta.“ “The dance groups took us A great way all back to our roots,” said Toto celebrate lentino, highlighting the colorful it would be to costumes worn by the dancers. “I also enjoyed the musicians

RAE ANN VARONA / AJPRESS

EVERY year, Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad celebrate Philippine Independence Day on June 12, also known as “Araw ng Kasarinlan” or “Araw ng Kalayaan.” In the Philippines, it is observed with a day off from work and classes. Meanwhile, the celebration across the United States often takes form in parades and festivals filled with Filipino food vendors, performances, and parades. A quick history lesson on Philippine Independence Day traces back over a century ago when the Philippines — after four centuries under Spain’s rule — declared independence on June 12, 1898. But as many historians and Filipinos point out, June 12 didn’t mark the true liberation for the Philippines as the country in less than a year found itself under United States rule. Upon losing the war with the U.S., Spain gave the Philippines to the U.S. as part of the 1989 Treaty of Paris Agreement. The Philippines thus became a U.S. territory with the PhilippineAmerican War beginning a year after. It took years for the Philippines to gain independence from the U.S. Sometime during the Philippine-American War, U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt declared victory over the Philippines ironically on the fourth of July in 1902. After giving into the pressure of granting the Philippines independence and proclaiming beamnesty

Illustration by Jillian Peñalosa

Fil-Am Crystal Tolentino shares photos from the Vallejo Pista Sa Nayon, an annual Philippine Independence celebration, in Vallejo, CA on June 1. Contributed photo

— seeing Fil-Am local singing groups such as Legaci and One Voice perform against after so many years, then to see upcoming Fil-Am artists like Ruby Ibarra and CRSB take the stage,” said Tolentino. Compared to previous years, Tolentino noticed this year’s to be much bigger and more diverse. “Everybody was dancing, including my son. I couldn’t’ stop capturing the moments with my camera and all I could think about was, ‘Wow! Great job Vallejo!” said Tolentino. She plans on taking her son to the Kalayaan Festival, another Philippine Independence Day festival in San Francisco’s Union Square later this month. For half-Filipina college student Onike Browne in New York, Philippine Independence Day has always been an opportunity for her to celebrate her Filipino side. “Knowing how much the Philippines has suffered through colonialism makes me want to celebrate our independence every year,” said Browne. “The Philippines has a rich, diverse culture and we truly deserve to celebrate and be proud of it.” She attended the annual Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City, and has attended it every year for the

past five or so years. “It’s so nice seeing how the various islands display their cultures. I get chills every time, honestly,” said Browne. “I always look forward to the floats with drums and I love the dances dedicated to mangoes,” she added. “I’m Cebuano as well, so of course I get excited seeing Cebu get out there too. I really loved their performance this year.” Also attending the parade was Fil-Am William McGuire, who like Browne, saw the celebration as an opportunity to celebrate his mother’s culture and build a connection with other Fil-Ams. “That sense of connection was something I didn’t appreciate enough until last Sunday, (June 2) where many new people met me with kindness and camaraderie,” shared McGuire. “The feeling was unfamiliar to me since I live far away from most family on my mom’s side.” He added, “After taking my own initiative to celebrate, I can say I learned our capability of building a future where we could eat, love, and laugh together.” Noah-O — who attended the parade for the first time — further found it to not only be a way for him to experience Filipino culture, but to actively

exercise his voice as a Fil-Am. “It was beautiful to attend and have the opportunity to connect with my roots,” said Noah-O. “To hear my people and see so many Filipino was overwhelming as I live in Richmond, Virginia which doesn’t have a large Filipino population.” He marched alongside the Malaya Movement organization, which he became involved with in 2017, after they helped him get an interview with ABS-CBN’s Don Tagala after seeing him on the Hip Hop show “Sway in the Morning.” Noah-O’s music has focused on the struggles of marginalized communities, including racism experienced by African Americans in his home state of Virginia. Marching with the Malaya Movement was his way of bridging his platform with the Fil-Am community, while at the same time sharing Filipino culture with his close friends otherwise unfamiliar with it. “I really enjoyed being able to connect with new people, and picking up souvenirs for my loved ones,” said Noah-O. “I really enjoyed the amount of love and unity among our people. And being able to expose some of my friends to our culture and

Morissette meets Will Smith, sings James shifts focus on with Disney composer Alan Menken music as artist-producer by KRISSY AGUILAR

by NIKA ROQUE

Inquirer.net

ManilaTimes.net

IT felt like “A Whole New World” for singer Morissette Amon when she got the chance to meet actor Will Smith and sing with Disney composer Alan Menken. Disney Philippines posted June 3, Monday a video of Morissette meeting the two international personalities as part of the promotion of the Disney movie “Aladdin.” “Lea told me about you!” Menken told Morissette as they met, to which the latter replied, “Lea’s such a sweetheart!” They were referring to Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga who was the original voice of Princess Jasmine in the 1992 animated film of “Aladdin.” Smith, who plays the Genie in the 2019 version, turned the tables and made a wish to hear Amon sing “A Whole New World.” “I know I’m supposed to be the Genie, but you know, can the Genie have a wish? Because when you have the master and

FROM his humble beginnings on “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB),” James Reid was known as the shy kid who grew up in Australia, the one who always got sick, and someone who loved playing the guitar. Since then, he has grown into a fullfledged artist — prime time television and film actor, host, daytime dancer and, above all, a musician. His stint in multiple areas of show business are definitely impressive, but Reid stays true to what he loves doing the most, which is music. In contrast to most local artists who pursue a solo Morisette Amon with Will Smith and composer Alan Menken Photo from Instagram/@itsmorisette career and release the typical “You hit some great notes the lovely voice of Morissette album, Reid decided to start there though!” here, I mean I would like to a music label and production Amon was earlier handmake the wish that I hear the company — along with “PBB” picked by Disney to do a local two of you,” Smith said. batchmate Bret Jackson, who version of the Disney hit “A Menken then played the is also known as rapper KingWhole New World” alongside piano and sang the part of WAW — called Careless Music Darren Espanto. Aladdin, while Amon sang the Manila. Espanto, however, did not part of Princess Jasmine. The label’s first release get to meet Smith and Menken was Reid’s third album “Palm This garnered applause due to prior commitments, said Dreams,” which features a new from Smith and Menken who Amon. complemented Amon saying, and dreamy R&B sound from

and featuring them on mixtapes. The first was released in October 2018, featuring Reid, on-and-off screen girlfriend Nadine Lustre, KingWAW, Curtismith, Sofia Romualdez, Massiah and Astrokidd. “We released the Careless Mixtape with seven artists last year and we’re almost finished with our second mixtape with, I think, 15 to 20 artists. It’s coming out in maybe a month or two,” revealed the artistturned-producer in a media roundtable, at the sidelines of the Fujifilm X-T30 launch. Actor, musician and Careless Music Manila CEO “We’ve given spotlights James Reid Contributed photo to artists that are out in Cebu, Dumaguete and Davao. We the artist, thanks to the creawant to help bring those artists tive freedom he enjoys in his to the limelight. They’re all own realm. already so talented. We just However, Reid will not be wanted to help and give them having a follow-up to “Palm a push,” he added. Dreams,” a teleserye or film Despite being the CEO, any time soon. Instead he is Reid assures that the decisions focusing his energies on this are made as a group, even year’s Careless Mixtape. when it comes to choosing Platform for up and comthose who would be part of ing musicians the label. At Careless, they aim to “I have my friend Bret for give a platform for up and coming musicians from all over that. He has more artists in his Continued on Page SF6 the Philippines by signing them

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 7, 2019

Nothing has been happening on my petition all these years

DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: I am a U.S. citizen, and petitioned my sister and her family in 1995. It has now been almost 25 years, and nothing seems to be happening on the case. Should I just keep waiting until the USCIS or NVC contacts me? Or is there something else I can be doing now? Very truly yours, DG Dear DG: In your case, the priority date on your sister’s petition is already “current,” meaning a visa is available. You should have already received notices from the NVC to submit forms and pay fees. If a visa is available (or priority date is current) and you don’t take action within one year of visa availability, the case could be terminated, the file shredded, and the priority date will be lost. A person’s “priority date” is determined based on the date the family-based petition was filed. For most family petitions, it could take from 3 to 25 years before a visa is available. That is why it is impor-

tant for people to monitor the priority date on their petition in relation to the monthly Visa Bulletin. Until a person’s priority date is current, there’s not much you can do except wait. However, you have to make sure the petition was APPROVED. I know of many cases where a petition was filed, but the family received nothing further from the USCIS and just sat on the case “waiting.” In some situations, they had moved but had not notified the USCIS of their new address. A request for evidence (RFE) was served and sent to the old address, giving the person 87 days to respond. They never responded and the petition was denied. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that once a petition is filed that you receive an approval notice. Once the priority date is close to becoming current, the NVC typically starts sending out notices and forms to the last address they have on file. If the petitioner or beneficiary has moved, but has not notified the NVC of their new address, the NVC will send these notices (with one year deadlines) to the old address. If no response is received within one year, the case is terminated. In your situation, since the priority date is already current, you definitely should not just sit back and wait. Instead you should quickly take steps to

determine what is going on with your case and have the NVC process the paperwork, so your sister can be queued up for immigrant visa interview. I would suggest you consult with an attorney who can figure out what is going on, determine the status of the case and get the case back on track before it is canceled or shredded. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES

in’ or succeed,” De Leon said via Instagram. “Especially coming from an Asian country wherein the standards are even harder to measure up to…” De Leon noted, however, that times have now changed and the modeling industry has become more diverse. “The industry is now more diverse and accepting

of different types of women and men! No matter the size, color, race, or background: YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND YOU ARE WORTHY!” True Model Management, founded by model and entrepreneur Dale Noelle, is known for representing models of all sizes and categories. It can be gleaned through De Leon’s hashtags that she will

be modeling as a plus-size or curvy model. “Through the years I have learned to love myself even through rough times and even if nobody else did,” she said. “Now, I am the strong and confident woman I’ve always wanted to be. Or should I say ‘confidently beautiful’ and thicc!” Congratulations, Mariel!

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ A CREWMAN WHO JUMPED SHIP WENT HOME TO THE PHILIPPINES ON AN APPROVED PROVISIONAL WAIVER, BUT WAS CHARGED WITH FRAUD FOR OVERSTAYING, AND COULD NO LONGER RETURN TO THE U.S. Jimmy entered the U.S. in 1999 and jumped ship. When the provisional waiver regulations came out, (which also included crewmen), Jimmy immediately applied for it in his desire to “do the right thing” and legalize his status. When USCIS approved his provisional waiver (thereby “forgiving” his overstay), Jimmy traveled back to the Philippines for his immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy, thinking he would be back in the U.S. in a few weeks. However, the Embassy charged him with fraud by imposing a new “90-day rule” for his having overstayed almost 20 years ago. He found himself stuck in the Philippines while his wife lay in a coma in the U.S. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel never abandoned Jimmy or his case, and kept fighting for him. Witness a heart-tugging and heart-wrenching homecoming and reunion on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Mariel fulfills dream, joins New York-based modeling agency by Cody Cepeda Inquirer.net

Mariel de Leon

MARIEL de Leon excitedly announced to her fans that she has been signed by modeling agency True Model Management in New York City. De Leon took to social media last May 30 to announce the beginning of the new chapter in her life. As per De Leon’s post, modeling in the U.S. has always been her dream, but being a “bigger” girl made her think it would never happen. De Leon represented the country as Miss International Philippines back in 2017, but has since expressed her dislike of being labeled as a “beauty queen.” “I grew up being surrounded by + seeing + hearing what the public and media said was ‘model worthy,’ ‘beauty queen worthy’ or even just ‘beautiful’ thinking that I’m supposed to drastically change myself into something Photo from Instagram/@mariadeleonofficial that I’m not just so I could ‘fit

(Advertising Supplement)

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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 7, 2019

celebrity world

Sarah Geronimo, Kathryn Bernardo tie for Best Actress at recent Star Awards

By Ferdie Villar POP Princess Sarah Geronimo and young actress Kathryn Bernardo tied for Movie Actress of the Year in the recent 35th Star Awards for Movies 2019. Sarah received the award for her role in “Miss Granny,” while Kathryn was recognized for “The Hows Of Us.” The two young stars won, beating veteran actress like Gina Pareno (“Hintayan ng Langit”) and Gloria Romero (“Rainbow’s Sunset”); as well as Judy Ann Santos (“Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes”), Iza Calzado (“Distance”), Anne Curtis (“Buy Bust”), Alessandra De Rossi (“Through Night And Day”), Glaiza de Castro (“Liway”) and Nadine Lustre (“Never Not Love You”). Hosted by Iza Calzado, Gelli de Belen, Kathryn Bernardo, Arci Munoz, Aljur Abrenica and Robi Domingo; the awards night

EMPLOYMENT

was held last Sunday, June 2, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila. The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) is celebrating the 100 years of Philippine cinema this year and presented the “Mga Natatanging Bituin Ng Siglo” (outstanding stars of the century) Special Awards to icons who have made significant contributions to the industry. Among those honored were Superstar Nora Aunor, Tirso Cruz III, Christopher de Leon, Joseph Estrada, Eddie Garcia, Anita Linda, Nino Muhlach, Ramon Revilla Sr., Susan Roces, Gloria Romero, Philip Salvador and Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos. Here is the complete list of winners of the 35th Star Awards for Movies 2019: • Movie Actor of the Year - Ogie Alcasid (“Kuya Wes”)

• Movie Actress of the Year (tie) - Kathryn Bernardo (“The Hows of Us”) and Sarah Geronimo (“Miss Granny”) • Indie Movie of the Year - “Citizen Jake” • Movie of the Year - “Rainbow’s Sunset” • Indie Movie Director of the Year - Mike de Leon (“Citizen Jake”) • Movie Loveteam of the Year - Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla • Movie Supporting Actor of the Year - Arjo Atayde (“Buy Bust”) • Movie Supporting Actress of the Year - Cherie Gil (“Citizen Jake”) • Indie Movie Ensemble Acting of the Year - “Citizen Jake” • Movie Ensemble Acting of the Year - “Rainbow’s Sunset” • New Movie Actor of the Year (tie) - Danzel Fernandez (“Otlum”) and Ryle Santiago (“Bakwit Boys”) • New Movie Actress of the Year - Sanya Lopez (“Wild and Free”) • Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Award - Dante Rivero • Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula Sa Likod ng Camera - Laurice Guillen • Darling of the Press - Daniel Fernando • Frontrow Male and Female Celebrity of the Night - Robi Domingo and Iza Calzado • Glupa Glowing Guy of the Night - Jameson Blake • Glupa Glowing Gal Award - Kira Balinger • Indie Movie Original Theme Song of the Year - “Hapi Ang Buhay” • Indie Movie Sound Engineer of the Year - Lamberto Casas, Albert Ichael Idioma and Aian Caro (ML)

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Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo tied with young actress Kathryn Bernardo for Movie Actress of the Year in the recent 35th Star Awards for Movies 2019. Sarah received the award for her role in “Miss Granny.”

Former beauty queen-turned-movie actress of GMA Pinoy TV Megan Young will be the guest artist at the Filipino American Piyesta Pinoy on Saturday, June 8 in Chicago, Illinois.

Teayana Orence celebrated her Sweet Sixteen birthday recently. She is the daughter of Ozelle Orence and granddaughter of San Francisco community leader Violet Orence.

Singer and songwriter Ogie Alcasid was honored as Movie Actor of the Year in the recent 35th Star Awards for Movies 2019 for the movie, “Kuya Wes.”

• Indie Movie Musical Scorer of the Year - Paulo Protacio (“Bakwit Boys”) • Movie Original Theme Song of the Year - “Sa ‘Yo Na” (“Rainbow’s Sunset”) • Movie Production Designer of the Year - Roy Lachica (“Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”) • Indie Movie Cinematographer of the Year - Neil Daza (“Kung Paano Hinihintay Ang

Kathryn Bernardo was honored as Movie Actress of the Year in the recent 35th Star Awards for Movies 2019 for her role in the movie “The How’s of Us.” She tied with Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo.

Joseph Cabrera, son of Daly City community leaders Manny and Joy Cabrera, recently graduated from El Camino High School.

Cheri Gil was honored as Movie Supporting Actress of the Year in the recent 35th Star Awards for Movies 2019 for the movie “Citizen Jake.”

Dapithapon”) • Movie Cinematographer of the Year - Bong Ignacio (“Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”) • Child Performer of the Year - Ken Ken (“Liway”) • Indie Movie Screenwriter of the Year - Mike de Leon, Atom Araullo and Noel Pascual (“Citizen Jake”) • Indie Movie Editor of the Year - Gerome Centeno and

Tom Estrerra III (“Citizen Jake”) • Movie Screenwriter of the Year - Eric Ramos (“Rainbow’s Sunset”) • Movie Editor of the Year - Jay Halili (“Buy Bust”) • Short Movie Director of the Year - Joey Austria (“Talulot”) • Short Movie of the Year (tie) - “Talulot” and “10 Seconds”

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

The Bucket List

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Grazing in the Grass

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 7, 2019

11th of a Series - (Conclusion 1 of 2 Parts)

Monette AdevA MAglAyA (CONTINUED from last week …) You hope that a smattering of beautiful memories, yours as well as of those you leave behind, are indelibly marked in a few hearts and minds for a generation or two — strong enough to move them to bring you flowers on your gravesite long after you’re gone. If your life were to be compressed to a 60-second video, you hope that the awful parts were edited out and landed on the cutting room floor permanently deleted. The saddest thing about a life is to be forgotten as though you never lived. But what seems clear is that this phase of life which may be aptly called the pre-departure stage before the final journey should still be filled with purpose. Without a goal, we tend to be rudderless, aimless blobs floating in an ocean of nothingness. There is no force to push or pull us into a port of call. Without a plan, we hit the doldrums. Without a reason to get up in the morning and seize the day, our body and soul tend to wither away. Such is our nature as human beings. When the purpose that drove our lives for decades, such as the family’s well-being or

“ … The saddest thing about a life is to be forgotten as though you never lived..…” any other purpose, is gone, we tend to lose our bearings and we begin to drift. Suddenly, no one needs us. No one calls except those darn polling, marketing and political calls asking for donations. UGH!!! No one seems to care. Our sense of self worth dissipates and is gone with the wind. But it does not have to be. If there is anything we learned about life in the trenches, we don’t surrender without a fight. We can harness what we made of ourselves and put our life skills to good use. In short, we adapt to our circumstances or go extinct like the dodo bird. So how does one repurpose one’s life? One way is to set a new goal. In hitting the bullseye, experts in darts and archery advise to set your aim just a tad higher. The concept probably works the same way in achieving one’s goal during this stage of life. Set a goal bigger than one’s self. A goal bigger than one’s self could be spending time

reading to young ones in the library or bringing hot lunch and the Holy Eucharist to the elderly and homebound, or bringing joy to wherever and whomever may appreciate the gesture and spread the cheer in a ripple effect. Or we can write letters of encouragement to those who live in darkness. Get savvy with social media skills and engage in battle. Your 2 cents worth, if reinvested and repeated by like-minded people of light, can resonate and capture minds and hearts and amount to great value over time. We can engage in symbolic or actual skirmishes and battles that abound on earth where there is a perpetual struggle between good and evil where you know without a doubt that good and light will always prevail. There is always a call for devout prayer warriors who spend their lives in silence and in deep prayer and meditation. I have observed with fascination that those who welcome Continued on Page SF6

James shifts focus on...

From Page SF2 repertoire, he’s the one scouting and listening to music, seeing what’s happening in the underground and what’s being done in the provinces,” he shared. Lustre has been teasing lyrics on her Instagram account, whereas rapper Curtismith has most recently released his song and music video. Like all artists, Careless has a creative process and takes a hands-on approach from behind the scenes all the way to in front of the camera. “To be honest, it’s different with every song. Some artists

like to write first before going into the studio. Others, like myself, we have the music and we sit down in the studio and we write on the spot,” said Reid. Numerous music videos for the label have also been directed by Lustre, including Reid’s “The Life,” and their duet “Summer.” “She’ll look at visuals and moods, that’s where she gets her inspiration. That’s why she’s good at directing,” he said proudly. For the new mixtape, Careless also hired a foreign music video director, whom Reid re-

vealed that “he’s making really amazing visuals.” In ending, Reid emphasized that he is giving his all into music, taking a break from teleseryes and movies. “[The Careless Mixtape] is really occupying all my time right now and shooting music videos, which are all looking really amazing. I’m very excited with where Careless is going. Other than that, they’ve [the management] given me time off to really focus on music right now but I’m still doing ‘Idol Philippines’ so I’m still on TV,” the young music mogul concluded.

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San FranciSco By Monet

Jimmy Bondoc: How not to be you

Lu

A WISE man once said, “Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual.” But it does come with some pretty basic rules on how NOT to be viral and hated in a span of 24 hours. This involves not wishing unemployment to anyone—or everyone, so to speak (direct or implied); not publicly accusing a major company of alleged sexual harassment and discrimination, or maybe not engage in a twitter/FB dialogue war with “Darna.” However, it seems that Duterte-appointee Jimmy Bondoc didn’t get the memo on this ‘coz he blatantly violated all of the above and has now gotten

Jimmy Bondoc and Angel Locsin

himself into a position that nobody wants or would ever want to be in. And so, we ask: how not to be a Jimmy Bondoc? It started with a post that is, in my opinion, just asking – rather begging – for an

Inquirer.net photos

expected reaction. In Bondoc’s own words in a Facebook post: “I AM EAGERLY AWAITING YOUR DEMISE. I know how this sounds. And I know the nasty comments which are Continued on Page SF6

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people & events The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 7, 2019

Governor-elect Mandanas to visit San Francisco Bay Area GOVERNOR-ELECT Hermilando I. Mandanas of the Province of Batangas together with First Lady Regina Reyes Mandanas will be visiting the San Francisco - Bay Area from June 15 to 17, 2019 to meet with his former constituents from the Province of Batangas and Batangas City. The Batangas City Sto. Niño Devotees Association and friends will host an afternoon reception for Governor Mandanas & party on June 15, 2019, Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Quail Run Clubhouse in Fremont, California. Included in Governor Mandanas’ itinerary is a courtesy call to the office of the Consul General in San Francisco on June 17. The following are the contact persons for the June 15 reception in Fremont: Dr. Malou Atienza Cuasay at (408) 6559678, Romel Chozas at (425) 9394938, Fe Remo Bueno at (650) 572-8301, Rosie Agustin at (707) 645-8979, Delia Godoy Montano at (650) 619-7119, Bobby Reyes at (510) 791-1425 and Bayani Baliwag at (650) 878-3082.

The CTV Files

ATTY. LILLI BERBANO BACULI, ESQ

Jimmy Bondoc: How not to... From Page SF5 bound to come. I don’t care. If you think COMELEC is bad, wait until you see the real machinery that is known as “the biggest network…This is not schadenfreude. This is hope! This is for real change. You have COUNTLESS VICTIMS, from sexual harassment to plain and simple bullying.” “I am so happy that your time has come.” It is impossible to ignore that kind of post. And as I have predicted, people would definitely react – and they did! Moments later, ABS-CBN contract artist Angel Locsin posted a comment calling out the singer (who was appointed vice president for entertainment of

Keeping up with immigration news: The fight for DREAMers

the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) saying, “Let me be the one to break this news to you so you don’t have to make excuses,” she began, playing on the lyrics of Bondoc’s hit song. “The network might not be perfect but for you to be happy about thousands of people losing their jobs is pure evil. Maybe you’re just having a bad day. I will pray for you,” she said. She continued: “Nung sumikat ka ba may na experience ka na sexual harassment? (When you became famous, did you experience sexual harassment?) If yes, I encourage you and all the victims to report this to the police. But

generalizing that sexual favor is a prerequisite to success is just wrong.” On Thursday, May 23, Bondoc took to Facebook to clarify his statement. Calling her “Mam,” Bondoc said: “Why would I be happy for loss of jobs? That is a false assumption. Kayo po ang naggeneralize, hindi ako (You were the one who generalized it not me). When a network (any network) closes, it can mean a change of management or ownership. “Ibig po sabihin (It means), deserving employees would probably be retained. Therefore, there is nothing in my post that connotes happiness Continued on Page SF7

ON June 4, 2019, CBS News reports that House Democrats passed its latest version of the DREAM Act, called the DREAM and Promise Act of 2019. The bill will be sent to the Republicancontrolled Senate. What the DREAM and Promise Act of 2019 proposes. The proposed bill would: • Grant young undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children an opportunity to acquire permanent lawful status if they meet certain requirements. This includes individuals who have already received DACA under the Obama Administration. • The grant of permanent lawful status will be conditional for 10 years if they meet certain criteria. • Prospective applicants must have been younger than eighteen years old when they came to the United States; must have lived in the United States continuously for four years; must have a U.S. High School Diploma or GED; and must pass a background check. • Individuals who have committed serious crimes would be ineligible. • Under the bill, eligible applicants will be placed on a pathway to citizenship provided that they earn a college degree or complete two years of a degree program in an institution

of higher education or technical school. • Those who served honorably in the military or have been employed in the United States for more than three years will also be placed on a pathway to citizenship under the proposed bill. • The proposed bill would also grant DREAMers access to federal financial aid for college. The fate of this Bill is uncertain in the hands of the Republican-controlled Senate as well as the threat of a veto against it by the White House. Still, DREAMers should remain hopeful that the fight continues. Until then, the current Obama-era DACA program remains available for those who are eligible and choose to avail of its benefits, albeit limited. Deferred Action (DACA) Renewals. At last report, as of January 22, 2019, “the U.S. Supreme court had not taken action on the Trump Administration’s request to expedite a ruling on the court decisions that keep DACA program in place.” The new term for the Supreme Court starts this October 2019. For now, “DACA protections will likely remain in place” under current court rulings. Individuals who were previously granted DACA may request renewal of their deferred action and their employment authorization with the appropriate fee or approved fee exemption request at the USCIS designated filing location, and in accordance with instructions in the Form I-821D and form I-765 applications. USCIS is not accepting requests from individuals who have

never been granted deferred action under DACA. Moreover, USCIS will not accept or approve applications for Advance Parole request from DACA recipients. Credit card payments now accepted for filing fees. USCIS announced last year that it will accept credit cards as a form of payment for certain applications, such as Adjustment Applications. Previously, USCIS had begun to accept credit cards as a form of payment for Naturalization applications. Consult with a licensed and experienced immigration attorney before filing. While it is very good news that (1) individuals are still able to file for renewal DACA requests; and that (2) more applications are now payable via credit card, individuals must nevertheless proceed with caution when filing for any application with USCIS. Just because it is easier now to file for an application does not mean that you should. We urge individuals to pause and take the time to consult with a licensed and experienced immigration attorney before submitting any application with USCIS. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys.com; www. chuatinsayvega.com. (Advertising Supplement)

The Bucket List...

From Page SF5 retirement years with a zestful purpose bigger than themselves and their needs seem the happiest. The dividend is that they enjoy longer, healthier lives. They seem to have found a way to circumvent the laws of nature for the time being staving off the body’s time clock as long as

possible. The argument they give to their Maker is that their lives are still useful to do His will. Those passionate about living may even pray to God and beg: “Will you Lord, pretty, pretty please let me hang on for dear life just a little while longer? Let me come home when I’m good and ready

Calendar of Events across

without unduly burdening my loved ones and, more importantly, until you say it is time.” Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List… *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

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 J U N E 7 - J U N E 29

“Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight” exhibit in San Pedro, CA An interactive homage to Indigenous California Habitat will be on exhibit from May 18 to June 29, 2019. Created by LA-based artists-collaborators, champoy and Sarita Doe, it will open on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at Pinta*Dos Philippine Art Gallery which is located at 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 108, Historic Arts District, San Pedro, CA 90731. Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight will be the sixth exhibit at Pinta*Dos Gallery since it was inaugurated in June 2017. The Gallery is open from Wednesday to Friday, 3:00pm to 6:00pm except on First Thursdays when it is open until 8pm. It is also open by appointment. For further information, email Linda Nietes-Little, Founder of the gallery at info@pintadosgallery.com Also visit their website: http://www.pintadosgallery.com , facebook and instagram pages.

JUNE 8

Philippine Independence Day Parade and Fiesta in Historic Filipinotown, LA The Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA), the first and oldest Filipino American nonprofit organization established in 1945, would like to invite the Los Angeles community to participate in the 121st Philippine Independence Day Parade and Fiesta on Saturday, June 8 at Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles. Community members are encouraged to either walk the parade route or ride in their vehicles. The assembly time starts at 8:00 a.m. at FACLA. The parade promptly rolls out at 9:00 a.m. and will end up back at FACLA at around 11:00 a.m. The two-mile parade route starts at FACLA located at 1740 W. Temple Street, LA, CA 90026 then heads west and makes a left turn at Bonnie Brae Street. Then the Parade turns right on Beverly Blvd. and then right turn again on Temple Street to head back to FACLA. For more information or to get involved, email filamcommunity@gmail.com or please call or text FACLA Director Adrian Lecaros at (818) 634-5564.

JUNE 9

Feast of the Pentecost at St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church in Walnut, CA The St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church invites everyone to join in the celebration of the Feast of the Pentecost on Sunday, June 9. The Pentecost commemorates the event that occurred 50 days after Easter, when believers from different cultures were gathered together and were speaking in different languages but were able to hear each other in their own native tongue. There was a noise of strong wind as tongues of fire from the sky came to rest on each person, as the Holy Spirit descended upon them. Pentecost is a very important event in Christianity as it is considered the birthday of the early Church. The festivities will start with a Mass at 11 a.m. at 747 Meadowpass Road, Walnut, CA 91789. At the Mass, churchgoers representing about 25 cultures and languages will process in their colorful native attires and will proclaim in their own languages. Led by Pastor Rev. Fr. Tony Astudillo and presided by Bishop Gerald Wilkerson, the Mass will be concelebrated by priests from various ethnicities. After the Mass, there will be a fellowship where finger foods from different ethnicities will be served. For Information, please contact: Bong Anonas at bonganonas@saintlorenzo.org or Cara Bermejo at carabermejo@saintlorenzo.org or call (909) 595-9545.

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

The 8th Annual PAPC Plaridel Awards Call for entries

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Philippine American Press Club USA is proud to announce the eighth Plaridel Awards which will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2019 in San Francisco. Call for Entries are now in full swing. Entries for this year’s competition must have seen print or had been broadcast through a Filipino American or mainstream media anywhere in the U.S. between June 1, 2018 thru May 31, 2019. Deadline for submission is August 31, 2019. For more information on The Plaridel Awards please visit www.papcusa.org Established in 2012, The Plaridel was created to inspire and empower journalists of Filipino descent by acknowledging and celebrating outstanding journalism. Now in its 8thyear, The Plaridel has become a benchmark among Filipino American journalists in rating news and contents nationwide. With the caliber of the judges chosen for The

Plaridel, PAPC is confident that winning articles are outstanding in content, form and style among other aspects of good journalism. Trophies will be given to the winners with the best written articles or reportage that provide a unique perspective on the issues and concerns of Filipino Americans and/or the community at large. Categories for print and online articles include Investigative/In-Depth Story; Commentary or Editorial Essay; International Reporting; Entertainment Story; Sports Story; and Youth Voice among others. For Broadcast TV and Radio, the categories are Community Reporting, and Documentary. Last but not least, there is a category for Photojournalism. Philippine American Press Club, U.S.A. (PAPC) is now in its 31st year of providing a venue for its members to network and

affirm their journalistic endeavors as they chronicle the lives and times of their compatriots, promote and share their culture and history, champion their causes and provide a vehicle where readers/listeners can voice their concerns and ideas for the betterment of the community and society at large. The name Plaridel was chosen in honor of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, a Filipino patriot, journalist and publisher who brought his craft and zeal as an expatriate to Europe in the late 1800s. He was a prolific writer who kept his constituents abreast of the goings on in their expat community as well as in their homeland. In him PAPC has found a hero – a person to emulate and an inspiration to Filipino American writers and publishers everywhere, who continue in their journalistic aspirations and service to their constituents in the new land they now call home.

State Treasurer Fiona Ma to hold free small business seminar in Merced on June 10 MERCED – California State Treasurer Fiona Ma will hold a small business seminar on Monday, June 10, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Merced. Topics will include access to capital, marketing, forms of ownership, and retirement programs for small business employees. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, which is why it’s important for me to travel the state and make sure they have the information needed to succeed,” said Treasurer Ma. “Many small business owners have a difficult time navigating the state’s complex websites. Our free workshop allows us to answer their questions and provide clarity and direction,” she added. Assemblymember Adam Gray, UC Merced, and the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsors of the event. “When our small businesses are strong, our economy is strong, and I thank Treasurer Ma for partnering with our community,” said Assemblymember Gray. “Merced is undergoing an exciting period of revitalization and economic growth. My hope is that our business leaders leave the seminar with new financial insights and tools to better

navigate the state’s complicated regulatory system.” The State Treasurer’s Office will have presenters at the outreach seminar from its Capital Access for Small Business (CalCAP) and California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Investment Board (CalSavers). Representatives from UC Merced and the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce will also be at the event. CalCAP encourages banks and other financial institutions to make loans to small businesses that have difficulty obtaining financing. CalCAP also operates a program that pledges cash support of up to 50 percent as collateral for loans. CalSavers is a new program that launches July 1st and will grant Californians access to a workplace retirement savings program. It is a portable, low-fee, Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for private sector workers. There are no fees paid by employers and also no costs to taxpayers. The program is operated by a private sector financial services firm with public oversight and accountability provided by the governing board chaired by Treasurer Ma. The small business seminar will be held at the UC Merced

Jimmy Bondoc... From Page SF6 over the termination of employees, but rather, the termination of the network’s system; Thank you for your prayers, although I am not having a bad day. But prayers are always needed especially if sincere.” To which Locsin replied: “Let me ask: if you acknowledge the imperfection of the network, do you have any comments on the acquisition of ownership by its current owners in light of the allegations that it was transferred to them to the disadvantage of the government?” In her recent tweet, Locsin said to Bondoc: “As you said ‘when a network closes it can mean a change of management or ownership’ keyword is can. I’m speaking for the thousands of employees that will have no job security if this happens.” “The assumption I gave I coming from your statement that you are excited for the network to CLOSE. I am not a lawyer nor am I a politician. I have no knowledge of how it was acquired.” On allegations of sexual harassment and rigged contests, Locsin encouraged Bondoc to report it to proper authorities. “Don’t just rant on Facebook. Your rant discredits the artists the truly worked hard to get to where they are,” she said. “Magtulungan tayo at huwag magsiraan (Let’s help one another and not destroy each other). Let’s not wish ill of others rather let’s look for the proper solution. And yes, I was sincere when I said I will pray for you. Have a good day.” While that was Locsin’s last statement, messages of encouragement and affirmation started pouring in from artists from other TV network

and employees of ABS-CBN. I say, if there’s one good thing that’s been brought out by this man’s tirade, that is witnessing the overflowing support of the people who care to defend the station’s goodwill. But what can you do to never be in Bondoc’s place? How do you not get yourself in situations that you could have easily avoided in the first place? My simple answer is: don’t use social media as an outlet of your personal vendetta and frustrations especially if it’s unwarranted. Secondly, know your enemy. Bondoc obviously has some unsettled grudge against the TV network but it would be wise for him to settle that matter privately because apparently, not everybody shares his beliefs. Lastly, whatever you do, do not – I repeat – DO NOT ever pick a fight with Darna. Just kidding. On a serious note, a blanket statement such as “I eagerly wait for your demise” would inevitably be taken as “a message for everyone” and not to “someone in particular.” In my experience, the saying “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all” has saved me many times than I can count. Maybe people in a position like Jimmy Bondoc should do the same for his own sake. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Downtown Campus Center 655 W. 18th Street Merced 95340. Register online at http://bit. ly/MercedSBS2019 or by calling (916) 653-2995.

people & events

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 7, 2019

Florante Aguilar, Utom Ensemble express sounds of nature and events in new composition inspired by T’boli people of Southern Mindanao debuts June 1 & 9

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Kularts , the United States’ premier presenter of contemporary and tribal Pilipinx arts, has commissioned Florante Aguilar — artist, creator, performer and leading figure championing Philippine music art forms — and the Utom Ensemble with T’boli master artist Joel Ganlal to perform the world premiere of “Utom,” a new composition inspired by the music of the T’boli people of Southern Mindanao, Philippines. In nine movements, Utom musically narrates the myth of Lake Sebu’s formation along with T’boli deities and royalty – Boi Henwu the princess, Kludan, the hunter and Boi Henwu’s servant, and Lemugot, a demi-god sent to seduce the princess. The composition portrays the conflicts between the T’boli demigod, princess and commoner in the backdrop of the fabled Lake Sebu.

“I’m very excited to present Utom, because it focuses on music as composition — the first time we’re producing a show without dance, acting and singing. It’ll be purely the musician’s medium,” shares composer Florante Aguilar. “We’re using music to tell a story. In Western classical music, they call this ‘programme music’ where audience is invited to imagine a character or an event rendered entirely through music. Typically, audience would rely on printed ‘programme’ notes to guide them in the story. In ‘Utom,’ instead of program notes, we’ll supplement the concert with short film footage on select tracks where emphasis and clarity are needed.” Aguilar is a composer who demonstrates the balance of respecting and redefining Philippine music art forms and their longstanding traditions. In Utom, T’boli people’s

thriving music and art practice, their ancient mythologies, and their belief in the power of art as a spiritual tool to connect with divine mysteries inspires Aguilar’s work. “Utom” (oo-tawm) itself is a musical concept in which instruments are used to express sounds of nature or to describe events. This composition is Kularts’ sixth commission with Aguilar, which was awarded a Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation grant and will premiere on June 1st at the San Francisco International Arts Festival, and on June 9 at the Brava Theater Center. The performance will feature special guest, T’boli master artist Joel Ganlal on tinonggung drum, hegalong lute, and s’loli flute. For more information and tickets for the world premiere of Utom , please visit https:// www.kularts-sf.org/utom.

SF8

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 7, 2019