NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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Volume 17 - No. 23 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages
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JUNE 8-14, 2018
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Citing public order, Duterte says Fil-Am congressional candidates advance to ‘radical changes’ to happen soon Calif. general election DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Newsom, Cox face off for governor in November and other primary results
AFTER the 2016 election of President Donald Trump, many sought to become more involved in politics around the country. With heightened attention on immigration, the gun debate and the shifting of the partisan discourse, the urge for improving on the historically low voter turnout of midterm elections soared this year. On Tuesday, June 5, all eyes were on California, whose electorate voted on a number of government positions and districts with
the days to come.” “There will be changes in the coming days including public FOLLOWING his trip to South order and security. There are Korea this week, President Ro- simply too many crimes and drigo Duterte warned that he too many claiming to be this will “make radical changes in and that,” he said on Wednesby RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
day morning, June 6. The warning came with the implication of martial law. “Well, remember that there is — there’s no difference actually between martial law and a declaration of national emer-
gency. So I’ve been warning all. I’m warning all including the Human Rights, it’s either we behave or we will have a serious problem again,” Duterte said. Duterte declared Mindanao
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra holds a roundtable with members of Asian media in Los Angeles wherein he discussed issues in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, like immigration and fraudulent activity. AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel
SINCE President Donald Trump took office last year, California has been leading the fight against many of the actions coming from his administration. At the forefront is the state’s Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who has filed 32 lawsuits against the Trump administration in the past 16 months, including one challenging the travel ban and most recently, blocking the federal government from reducing access to family planning programs. During a recent roundtable with Asian media outlets in Los Angeles, Becerra fielded questions about issues relevant to the vari-
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Former President Aquino: I can’t stop thinking I’ll be jailed too
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California Attorney General sounds off on immigration, other issues relevant to AAPI community
a state of national emergency due to lawless violence in September 2016 and placed the entire island group under martial law on May 2017 despite criticisms from rights groups
BACK FROM KOREA. President Rodrigo Duterte strikes his signature pose with ACTS-OFW Party-list Representative Aniceto Bertiz III, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, Sec. Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President, Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña, Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque while on board the Philippine Airlines commercial flight PR469 upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday, June 5 following a successful three-day official visit to the Republic of Korea. Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante
FORMER President Benigno Aquino III on Monday, June 4, urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to junk the criminal complaint brought against him by President Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters over the P3.5-billion Dengvaxia controversy. After attending the preliminary investigation at the DOJ, Aquino said in a press briefing that “the only weapon we have is the truth” and that “with the help of God, we will overcome these challenges.” Aquino, assisted by lawyers, appeared before the DOJ panel of prosecutors along with former Health Secretary Janette Garin and former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad to submit their counter-affidavits personally. Aquino maintained in a 27-page counteraffidavit, that the complaint should be tossed out for the supposed failure of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) and Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution Inc.
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US military provides new equipment to PH marines THE U.S. military has provided new equipment worth P178 million to the Philippine marines, which will provide increased protection for their operations. The U.S. turned over 525 sets of ballistic vests, lightweight ballistic plates, tactical ballistic helmets and accessories to the Philippine Marine special operations group (MARSOG)
and inshore boat battalion at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City last May 31, according to the U.S. Embassy. The personal protective equipment were turned over through the Counterterrorism Train and Equip Program. “The recent force protection equipment delivery will fill critical equipment gaps for Marine
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Members of the Philippine Marine Corps conduct inventory of the 525 sets of Personal Protective Equipment provided by the U.S. military. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila
Former Tacloban City mayor Alfred Romualdez Supreme Court orders gov’t to recalls challenges following Haiyan answer petition vs ICC withdrawal Brings ‘I Love Tacloban’ band as token of thanks by RAE
ANN VARONA AJPress
IT’S been five years since Typhoon Haiyan (also locally known as Yolanda) hit the city of Tacloban, but the city for the most part is back on the rise with malls, hotels, cafés, and other establishments getting normal traffic. Its famous San Juanico Bridge that stretches from Leyte to Samar, continues to be regularly traveled. Some of the cargo vessels that have Bass player Francis Anthony Lapidario; drummer Percy Paa; former Tacloban City mayor Alfred washed ashore have turned Sison Romualdez; vocalists Theresa Robel, Princess Belleza, and Gamaliel Gobenciong; guitarist/ music director Edwin Espiño; and former Tacloban city disaster management office Derrick Anido. into memorial markers. BusiAJPress photo by Jillian Peñalosa
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pine Ambassador to the UN Teodoro Locsin Jr. — are required to submit their comment to the MALACAÑANG is being or- petition within 10 days from redered by the Supreme Court (SC) ceipt of the resolution. Senators Francis Pangilinan, to answer the petition filed by six opposition senators last month challenging the administration’s withdrawal of the country’s membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC). The SC also ruled to hold the case for oral arguments on July 24. The respondents — Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Philipby RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
Franklin Drilon, Paolo Benigno Aquino 4th, Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros and Antonio Trillanes IV, in their petition filed last May 16, asked the SC to invalidate the
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JUNE 8-14, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Former Tacloban City mayor Alfred Romualdez... PAGE A1 t nesses have even named themselves after Haiyan. Alfred Sison Romualdez, who served as mayor during the city’s deadliest and toughest catastrophe, can still recall many of the challenges he faced. Though born in San Juan, Manila, Romualdez is a full fledged Taclobanon as anyone who knows his family name can attest. The Romualdez name has been a familiar one in the region for a number of generations. His father Alfredo is the brother of the famed Imelda Romualdez Marcos, wife of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. The Tacloban City Airport, also known as the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport — is named after Imelda’s first cousin. In 1998, Romualdez became congressman while his father was serving as mayor. Following his father’s term, he himself was elected mayor in 2007 which brought him to the city
full time. “At that time, there were still a lot of things to do in Tacloban City,” Romualdez told the Asian Journal in a recent interview. A capital of the province of Leyte, Tacloban is the center for trade, tourism, culture, education, and government in the Eastern Visayas region. Among his most satisfying achievements as mayor was campaigning Tacloban from a component city, into a highly urbanized city a year into his term. The city became to first to do in the Eastern Visayas region, and the 34th in the Philippines. But as the city began to reach its peak, it was quickly swept under the waves of Typhoon Haiyan, or Super Typhoon Yolanda as it is more commonly referred as in the Philippines. “It was very hard as a leader,” said Romualdez, who was serving his second mayoral term during the typhoon. “I couldn’t show them that I was devastated. It’s like being cap-
tain of the ship. We go down with the ship.” Haiyan had become the strongest tropical cyclone to ever be recorded when it hit. Reaching over 300 km/h at its highest, it ransacked everything in its path. Flattened coconut tree farms and washed up cargo boats were common images in international media. Pulling out his cellphone, Romualdez played back videos of the ordeal including a clip of the waters reaching the second floor balcony of a building. Haiyan’s aftermath further revealed it to be the deadliest with death toll reports ranging anywhere from 6,000 to 15,000 depending on the source. Many agree though that its exact number may never be known. Romualdez said the last body he personally buried was just last New Year’s Eve. But the challenges naturally continued to pile up after the storm as millions of newly dis-
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35TH SAF ANNIVERSARY. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde (center) is escorted by Special Action Force (SAF) Director Noli Taliño (right) during the 35th anniversary of the SAF with the theme “35 years of Committed Service for the Filipino, a Culture of Heroism and Gallantry” held at the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Parade Grounds in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig PNA photo by Avito Dalan City on Tuesday, June 5.
Citing public order, Duterte... PAGE A1 t and opposition figures. Article VI, Section 23 of the Constitution says: “In times of war or other national emergency, the Congress may, by law, authorize the President, for a limited period and subject to such restrictions as it may prescribe, to exercise powers necessary and proper to carry out a declared national policy. Unless
sooner withdrawn by resolution of the Congress, such powers shall cease upon the next adjournment thereof.” “Somehow, even with this meager emergency power, I will use it to the hilt and put things in order,” he vowed. “For those offices that are beyond control, I will place you under the Office of the President. I will be in front of you every day,”
Former President Aquino... PAGE A1 t (VPCI) to present “sufficient bases in fact and law” to prove their allegations. According to him, his and his cabinet’s decision to launch the dengue immunization program was “in accordance with law and the pertinent rules and regulations, and animated solely by good faith.” “At the outset, I categorically deny all of the complaint’s factual allegations, particularly regarding my purported illicit involvement and participation in the commission of the offenses charged,”
Aquino said. In addition, he argued that the criminal complaint against them should be dismissed outright due to forum-shopping, noting that similar complaints were filed by the same groups in the Commission on Elections and the Office of the Ombudsman. They were accused of graft, malversation of public funds and multiple homicide and physical injuries through negligence for the supposed Dengvaxia-related deaths of children by the VACC and the VPCI. Defending his cabinet officials
he continued. Duterte has been clearing government agencies of corrupt officials. On May 21, he fired Transportation Assistant Secretary for Railways Mark Tolentino, Government Corporate Counsel Rudolf Philip Jurado on May 28, and Noel Patrick Sales Prudente, a deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Customs, on May 30. n who approved and carried out the dengue immunization program, Aquino denied that it was designed to bolster the candidacies of his colleagues in the Liberal Party in the May 2016 elections. “We should ask the question, ‘Is it all right to disregard the dangers posed by dengue to the people because we’re having an election?’ Was it rushed? I don’t know how anyone could claim it was rushed because we have had antidengue programs even before we came in,” he said. When asked if he was concerned that he might end up in jail like De Lima, Aquino answered: “I cannot avoid thinking about that.” n
US military provides new equipment... PAGE A1 t Operators within MARSOG, a key Counterterrorism and Special Operations unit within the Philippine Marine Corps,” the U.S. Embassy said in a release. Having been allies for 70 years, the U.S. has been providing grant
assistance and expedited sales of arms and munitions to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This also assists the Philippine military’s modernization goals and urgent counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and relief requirements.
The Philippines and the U.S. recently concluded its annual joint military exercises in the country. American troops were among the first to assist Filipino soldiers when ISIS-inspired local terrorists sieged Marawi City last year. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)
Supreme Court orders gov’t to... PAGE A1 t decision of the executive branch due to lack of necessary concurrence from the Senate. The six senators cited Article VII Section 21 of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that “entering into treaty or international agreement requires participation of Congress, that is, through concurrence of at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.” “The executive initiates entry into a treaty or international agreement as the chief architect of foreign affairs. However, for such treaty or international agreement to be ‘valid and effective’ in the Philippines, the participation of Congress is necessary because such treaty or international agreement becomes
a law in the Philippines,” the petition read. The SC was called on by the petitioners to mandate the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations to notify the United Nations secretary general that it was revoking the notice of withdrawal that it received on March 17, 2018. The “decision to withdraw is the Philippines’ principled stand against those who politicize and weaponize human rights, even as its independent and well-functioning organs and agencies continue to exercise jurisdiction over complaints, issues, problems and concerns arising from its efforts to protect the people.” The senators also pointed out
that the Rome Statute is a treaty validly entered into by the Philippines and that it has the same status as a law enacted by Congress. Its withdrawal would require the approval of Congress, they stressed. “The executive cannot abrogate or repeal a law. In the same vein, the executive cannot unilaterally withdraw from a treaty or an international agreement because such withdrawal is equivalent to a repeal of a law,” they added. They further said that in withdrawing Philippine membership from the ICC, the respondents committed usurpation of legislative powers — a move that is punishable under the Revised Penal Code. n
From the Front Page
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Fil-Am congressional candidates advance... PAGE A1 t key races that have the potential to flip parties in the general election. In California’s primaries, the two candidates with the most votes advance to the November election regardless of party, so many of the races have candidates of the same party running against each other in November. All votes have not yet been counted as of press time, but it was a successful election for Filipino-American government hopefuls who advanced to the general election. Twenty-six-year-old Fil-Am Kenneth Mejia, a certified public accountant, of the Green Party advanced to the general election in the race for CA’s 34th congressional district, an historic win for both Fil-Ams in politics and the Green Party. Mejia faces incumbent Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a Democrat, in the general election. Mejia, who is running in the district that comprises the eastern region of Los Angeles, is running a campaign inspired by Bernie Sanders progressivism. In 2016, he quit his six-figuresa-year job in accounting and finance to run for office. Inspired by his mother’s battle with cancer, he has made quality health care, college affordability and steering clear from corporate interests cornerstones of his progressive campaign. He chose to run under the Green Party, rather than the Democratic Party, because he was inspired by the party’s 2016 presidential candidate, Jill Stein, for creating a space for jaded Sanders supporters who weren’t
willing to vote for Hillary Clinton or Trump. “Because of [Stein] I realized the Democratic Party never represented me,” Mejia told Huffington Post in April, saying that she fought for legal status for all immigrants, cancelling student debt and universal health care. “When I saw Jill Stein actively fighting for these things that most Americans want, I knew that the Green Party was the right place for me.” The Central Valley also saw a Fil-Am advance to November in Democrat Selma businessman and engineer TJ Cox, who won 37 percent of the vote for the 21st congressional district and will face off against incumbent Rep. David Valadao, a Republican, who won 63 percent of the vote, according to 23ABC Bakersfield. TJ Cox, who is half-Filipino, got into the race late, replacing Bakersfield attorney Emilio Huerta as the sole Democrat on the ballot. By mid-May he had raised $500,000 and has the support of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s (DCCC) “Red to Blue” program, an initiative that provides additional resources to candidates in swing districts. Filipina-American Cristina Osmeña also advanced to the general election in the race for California’s 14th congressional district, pitting her against veteran Democrat incumbent Rep. Jackie Speier. Osmeña, who belongs to the Osmeña political family in Cebu, is running on a Republican ticket and has made immigration a key issue of her
California Attorney General... PAGE A1 t ous Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities throughout California. Last month, a coalition of 19 states led by California filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit filed by several Planned Parenthood branches in an effort to stop the federal government from changing the requirements for Title X. The program, which provides family planning and preventative health services, covers around 4 million individuals — 1 million of whom live in California, Becerra said. “[That] announcement was for that purpose to make it clear that we don’t believe that medical providers should be forced to withhold information that could be crucial for women in making health care decisions,” the attorney general said. “These types of gag orders only hurt, not help people who are seeking good medical care and so we’re going to do whatever we can to fight to support the family planning programs that have worked so well for so many people throughout the country.” Other issues covered during the conversation include immigration, human and drug trafficking, and urging communities to know what resources and authorities are available if needed. With regard to immigration, California’s lawsuits against the administration have included: one over its plans to withhold federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal immigration agents; for its move to shut down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program; and challenging the construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall. While immigrant communities wait for legislation to come out of Washington, Becerra said his office will continue “watching what the federal government does with regards to immigrants and immigrant families.” “Any changes in immigration law are exclusively done by the federal government because the states don’t have control under our Constitution of immigration law and so we would have to see what the Congress does and the president does when it comes to the issue of immigration law,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we can’t do anything. We have already taken action as you’re aware of immigration matters that pertain to the people of California.” Trump held a roundtable with state and local officials from California about the state’s sanctuary laws, during which he defended his use of “animals” when referring to MS-13 gang members. Becerra said while some parts of California do not agree with the laws — at least 14 Southern California cities and two counties have passed ordinances against these protections — the state is “prepared to defend the state laws in court.” “[We’re] prepared to make sure that everyone obeys the law so we feel that the place to debate, the legitimacy of any law is in the court and that’s why we’ve taken the Trump administration to court 32 times and
we believe that if someone has a concern with regard to any state law that, they understand that the best place to have that debate about that law is in the court,” he noted. Among the criticisms of Becerra include that he has been focused on challenging the actions coming out of Washington, to which he responded that those individuals “obviously don’t know what the attorney general’s office does.” Besides the lawsuits, however, the attorney general asserted strides his department has made in terms of seizing firearms, catching sex traffickers, and taking down those who engage in fraudulent activity. Earlier this year, his department reportedly took down a sex trafficking operation in Sacramento that involved young women from Asian countries, many of whom were from the Philippines. “For [critics] to think that the only work that we’re doing in the [California] Department of Justice is in pushing back the overreach of the federal government
u PAGE A4 II. PANAWAGAN SA “BID”. PANAWAGAN PARA SA MGA GENERAL CONTRACTORS Ang City of San Jose - Department of Public Works ay tumatanggap ng selyadong bid hanggang 3:00 ng hapon, Junyo 28, 2018, sa 200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose CA 95113, para pagbutihin ang dalawang eskinita sa Julian St. at N. 9th Street, at Humboldt St. at Sherman St. Ang proyektong ito ay pinondohan ng Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) at sangayon sa regulasyon ng Federal Davis-Bacon Act. Ang General Contractor ay inaasahang sumunod sa “Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C.17IOU)” na nagbibigay ng higit na karapatan sa mga tao na may mababa at napakababang kita na residente ng San Jose. Ang mga negosyo na pag-aari ng mga babae at mga minorya ay matinding hinihikayat na magaplay. TAGUBILIN SA BIDDERS: Ang contrata, plano, pagtutukoy, at iba pang importanteng dokumento para sa proyecto ay maaaring tingnan o makuha sa pahina ng BidSync sa: https://www.bidsync.com/ bidsync-app-web/vendor/ links/BidDetail.xhtml?bidid=1 995622&returnPage=searchR esults o kaya sa Bidsync sa www. bidsync.com Ang voluntaryong pagpupulong para sa Pre-Bid Mtg/WalkThru ay gaganapin ng 1:00 ng hapon, Junyo 14, 2018, sa 200 E Santa Clara St., Tower 5th Flr., Room 550, San Jose, CA. Pagbukas ng mga “Bid” ay gaganapin ng 3:00 ng hapon, Junyo 28, 2018 sa 200 E Santa Clara St., Tower 5th Flr. Room 550, San Jose, CA. 6/8/18 CNS-3139704# ASIAN JOURNAL (NORTHERN CALIF.)
platform. She understands that looking to unseat Speier will be an uphill battle, but she also knows that she represents the changing American demographic. “I want voters to think that the odds are against me. I have the element of surprise on my side. I want to be underestimated. This type of situation appeals to me,” Osmeña said as quoted by the Inquirer. “I am an immigrant and a political refugee. It is front and center in how I am describing myself, which is absolutely true. Republicans adore the Founding Fathers and the flag and freedom. These ideas don’t have a skin color.” In San Joaquin County, Fil-Am Reno Ursal, a supervising appraiser in Alameda County Assessor’s Office, got 20 percent of the vote for Assessor-RecorderCounty clerk, failing to beat incumbent Steve Bestolarides. In the closely watched governor’s race, frontrunner CA Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and former San Francisco mayor, nabbed the top spot with 33 percent of the vote and will face Republican businessman John Cox, an Illinois transplant, in November in a hot race defined by Newsom’s stalwart rebuke of the Trump administration and Cox’s allegiance to Trump conservatism. “Our values, as you know, are under assault,” Newsom told supporters in San Francisco on Tuesday night. “We’re engaged in an epic battle and it looks like voters will have a real choice this November between a governor who’s gonna stand up to Donald
MANGO FESTIVAL. Senator Cynthia Villar checks the sweet-tasting Filipino mangoes during the 17th National Mango Festival 2018 of AANI- Agri-Aqua Network International Mango Industry Association at Eton Centris Walk in Quezon City. The senator, chair of the Senate Agriculture committee, calls on the public to support our mango industry. All kinds of mangoes, including the world-renowned Guimaras Carabao Mango, were available in the event. Senate photo
Trump and a foot soldier in his war on California.” He added: “In politics today, there’s too much anger. Instead, we offered answers. Resistance with results.” John Cox, who soared to second place after Trump endorsed him, has touted his business acumen and experience in “delivering results” as a way to promote his campaign while criticizing Establishment politicians for creating legislative gridlock. “We can continue the status quo, which is what Gavin Newsom represents --- with high taxes, homeless on the streets, bad roads, mismanaged schools, mismanaged water supplies,
mismanaged forests, or we can go to a businessman who’s had a 40-year career of delivering results,” John Cox told supporters in the Gaslamp district of San Diego. The official count of votes usually take a few days to a few weeks to tally up, but a printing error on the voter roster in Los Angeles County on Tuesday caused confusion and could delay the official vote for even longer. The LA County Registrar-Recorder announced that 118,522 voters were omitted from the roster that voters check into at their polling locations. It is unsure which areas of the county
were affected, but about 1,530 precincts of the 4,357 LA County voting locations were impacted, according to a spokesperson from the county registrar. Late on Election Day as Newsom and John Cox were the clear candidates to advance to the general, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa, former mayor of LA who was counting on his home turf to propel him to November, called for the country registrar to keep the polls open longer. Nevertheless, Villaraigosa conceded at the end of the night and asked his supporters to back Newsom through to November.
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Dateline USa
JUNE 8-14, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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Fil-Am congressional candidates advance... PAGE A3 t “I’m asking you to get behind Gavin Newsom,� Villaraigosa said. “I’m asking you to stand up and pressure every one of us -- Democrat and Republican alike --- pressure every one of us to stand up for you, to fight for you, not just for ourselves, but for all of us for an America and a California where everyone of us are
growing together. Facing off for the senatorial race are Democrats Sen. Dianne Feinstein and CA Senate President Kevin de Leon. Early party backlash against Feinstein didn’t phase her campaign as she handily won the first place spot with de Leon a distant second. The contest will likely be a battle between Feinstein’s decades
California Attorney General... PAGE A3 t
is to not understand what we do, is to not understand that day to day, we’re protecting consumers from fraudulent activity by merchants and companies, that we’re going after sex traffickers and drug traffickers and criminal gangs, that we’re removing weapons from the hands of people who lost them,� he said. He added, “All those things had nothing to do with Donald Trump. So for someone to charge that the men and women who are special agents in the Department of Justice or the men and women who are the attorneys who protect our state
are doing nothing but worrying about Donald Trump, it’s to say that these folks are out of touch with what the Department of Justice does.� For many immigrant communities, language barriers and unfamiliarity with the U.S. government system make them more prone to being taken advantage of. “The most important thing is to give people a sense of confidence that there’s someone they could reach out to and that they can trust because often times, especially for example, if you were undocumented, you may want to go to the authorities but
of political fortitude against underdog de Leon’s progressive, fiercely anti-Trump platform. “Once you get to the top two, then I think it changes the dynamic completely, and then you have a real race,� de Leon said at a campaign event on Sunday, June 3. The general midterm elections will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6. . (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press) you can’t trust that they won’t send you to the immigration authorities and then you’ll be deported,� Becerra said. “If you knew that they would not send you to immigration, you’d probably report the crime and so we have to develop the confidence and the trust. Once you develop the confidence and the trust, we have to make sure that you understand the law, the system, so this way you know what’s going to happen so you’re never blind to what the next step is.� Becerra, a former congressman who was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown as attorney general after Kamala Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate, faced re-election on June 5. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)
Members of the Filipino Advocates for Justice (FAJ) are shown with Assemblymember Rob Bonta (2nd from left) at the State Assembly in Sacramento. FAJ, along with other nonprofits, were honored by state senators and assembly members during a celebration luncheon as part of Nonprofits Day on Wednesday, June 6. Photo provided by FAJ/Jerome Parra
Filipino Advocates for Justice chosen as Nonprofit of the Year FILIPINO Advocates for Justice has been selected as a 2018 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Rob Bonta. The nonprofit headed by its Executive Director Geraldine Alcid and other staff members joined 100 other nonprofit leaders at the State Capitol in Sacramento. The organizations were honored by state senators and assemblymembers during a celebration luncheon as part of Nonprofits Day on Wednesday, June 6. FAJ is committed to representing the most marginalized voices in the East Bay’s Filipino community. For 45 years this commitment included organizing workers, creating programs for youth, and providing services to recently arrived immigrants among others. Filipino Advocates for Justice has recently expanded to civic engagement regionally, working
to engage Filipinos in local and regional politics. “Filipino Advocates for Justice’s mission for the last 45 years is to help Filipinos and others feel welcome and supported in the East Bay. To be recognized by Asm. Bonta, someone who came from our community and who intimately knows our work, is an amazing honor,� said Alcid. “Nonprofits make California communities stronger, yet we’re often so busy that we don’t toot our own horns about the work we’re doing,� explains Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits). “California Nonprofits Day is an opportunity for our elected officials to recognize the good work they see nonprofits doing in their districts, and it also demonstrates the larger collective impact of nonprofits throughout California.�
Additional background California Nonprofits Day, now in its third year, was formally recognized by Assembly Concurrent Resolution 191, authored by the chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, Assemblywoman Monique LimĂłn (Santa Barbara), who spoke at the celebration luncheon. The day was organized by Assemblymember LimĂłn and CalNonprofits. According to “Causes Count,â€? a 2016 report commissioned by CalNonprofits, the nonprofit sector is the 4th largest industry in the state, employing nearly one million people. Each year, California nonprofits generate over $200 billion in revenue and bring in $40 billion in revenue from outside of California. The unpaid labor contributed by volunteers at nonprofits is equivalent to 450,000 fulltime jobs every year. n
Former Tacloban City mayor Alfred Romualdez... PAGE A2 t
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placed people were left disoriented and struggled to make sense of what would happen next. Due to Haiyan’s intensity, even the local government was paralyzed, he said. CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, who did extensive coverage on the typhoon, described the situation as being “among the most desperate� he’d seen in the last couple of years he’s covered natural disasters prior to Haiyan. Being the capital, it’s customary that everyone flocks to Tacloban when there’s a storm, said Romualdez. Tropical storms are common in the region that consists of six provinces. In fact, Haiyan was the country’s 25th typhoon to hit that year, and it was only March. “I’m a hands on guy,� said the former mayor, recalling the moments after the typhoon. He said he and his team had been driving a payloader around trying to clear a way back to the city. This was made difficult as evacuations centers and the city itself was jam-packed with people. “How do we move all this debris with all these people in the streets?,� Romualdez recalled thinking. In effort to free up space, he said he even began asking for humanitarian flights by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific to help fly people out to relatives outside the city. “I was on the street the very first day clearing debris, clearing routes to the hospitals,� he added. In the clearing process, bodies continued to reveal themselves, adding to the death toll. Derrick Anido, the city disaster management officer at the time, likened the streets to scenes one would only wish to see in movies. “In less than an hour, I saw two dump trucks just full of bodies,� said Anido. “It was a scene you would’ve only seen in the movies. Worse than that. It was unbelievable.� Romualdez said the challenges were compounded as he found it difficult to find common ground with the national government. For one, Romualdez believes that more effort should have immediately focused more on building a community plan rather than just housing. “Building a community is quite different from just building housing,� he said. Another instance, he shared, came as the Department for Social Welfare began giving 50 kilos (110 pounds) of rice a month to families regardless of how many children were in the household. Being in excess of rice, Romualdez said that many began to sell portions of their rice to
buy other needed things like clothes and medicine. And because it was prohibited to sell relief goods, many were also arrested. “That’s not the way to do it,� said Romualdez while commending the USAID process of distributing goods depending on the number of family members in a household. He said USAID were among the first to give assistance — giving foods that were immediately edible. “Doesn’t taste that great, but its nutritious in that it’s going to help you survive if even for a couple of days,� he said. “You’re not giving rice because you want them to feel happy. You want them to eat it, right?� he said. Recovery and Resilience In the weeks, months, and even years following the disaster, Taclobanons and the Waray people in general were praised for their resiliency. “What I see with Tacloban now is a city that is resilient because of its people,� said Romualdez. “Here’s what I always tell people,� he added. “Why is Tacloban, or any city strong? It’s because of its people. So we have to invest in our people.� As the region’s population began to rebuild themselves, Romualdez said he wanted to make sure that sustainability was in the city’s near future. “The best way to get back — as I’ve told people — is to start opening shop,� he said. “Open shop, open your stores.� Among the first to open up again was Coca-Cola which spent around $7 million, he added. While most of the help financially was going to municipalities around Tacloban rather than in Tacloban itself, he said that what was more important was that the spending was happening in Tacloban because they already facilities up and running. “We had groceries open, we had the mall opening,� Romualdez added. “This is what we pushed. That’s why we’re able to sustain it.� Currently, two malls developed by one of the nation’s leading property developers Robinsons Land Corporation, stand in the city. According to the company, the second mall was a testament to the trust the company had in the city’s resilience. “I had hopes from the very start,� said Romualdez. “I said I’m not leaving. We’re going to build this city back and we did. And I’ll do it again. ‘I Love Tacloban’ Amidst a visit to Fil-Am and Taclobanon communities in California this May and June, traveling with Romualdez was the I Love Tacloban band,
an ensemble formed after Haiyan. The band consists of six members — most of whom are typhoon survivors. The band, Romualdez said, was just part of his many projects. He also has the I Love Tacloban Foundation. The general message being spread by the band is that of thankfulness to those who have helped the city. At the same time, they’re also representing the city of Tacloban. Asked why he chose a band to be a part of his efforts, Romualdez responded, “First of all, it’s accessible.â€? “It’s something that demonstrates human relation to people. As you can see now, it even shapes society,â€? he added, mentioning the music of the 60s to now. “It’s a good way to communicate and it inspires people,â€? he said. One of the lead vocalists, Gamaliel Gobenciong, cited the common idea of music as therapy. Music has always been a big part of his family. A survivor himself, he recalled his family being taken by surprise given that Tacloban was always hit by typhoons and storm surges. Edwin EspiĂąo, guitarist and music director of the group, pointed to the Filipino culture of music. “All over the Philippines, music is a lifestyle. It’s part of our life as Filipinos,â€? said EspiĂąo. “Especially in Tacloban, people gather — relatives, friends — and they drink and they sing. That’s what makes us happy. And that’s what makes the family closer.â€? While the band sings many popular songs by artists like Bruno Mars and Adele, Romualdez said they also sing Filipino songs including in Waray which many — especially those who have migrated to the states — may not have heard in a while. Romualdez also expressed that he would also like to encourage Taclobanons to get involved with the rebuilding and growth of Tacloban. Among the organizations being visited by him and the band are the Waraynon Initiative Network, and the Taclobanon Association of Southern California. “I’d like people to come back. Share their ideas, their views, their visions,â€? said Romualdez. “That’s how you make a city strong. You have to work on the people.â€? While in California, the group had several performances lined up including for the Love of Country Global Ambassadors Program on Sunday, June 3 at the Levo Entertainment Center in Burbank, CA, and an opento-the-public performance at the Westin Long Beach hotel on Friday, June 8. n
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Supreme Court orders Calida to comment on Sereno appeal of quo warranto ruling by KRISTINE JOY
Philstar.com
PATAG
MANILA — The high tribunal has ordered Solicitor General Jose Calida to comment on the appeal of Maria Lourdes Sereno on the ruling on the quo warranto petition that invalidated her appointment as chief justice. The SC, sitting as full court on Tuesday, gave Calida a non-extendible period of five days to file his comment on Sereno’s motion for reconsideration. On May 11, the SC voted 8-6 to grant Calida’s petition that sought the nullification of Sereno’s appointment to the high court. “Respondent [Sereno] is found disqualified from and is hereby adjudged guilty of unlawfully holding and exercising the Office of the Chief Justice. Accordingly, Sereno is ousted and excluded therefrom,” the SC historic ruling, penned by Associate Justice Noel Tijam, reads. Sereno sought the reversal of
on the case onJune 1. De Lima and Trillanes earlier filed an Opposition-in-Intervention, with a prayer to dismiss Calida’s quo warranto petition. But the SC denied their appeal. The camp of Sereno, meanwhile, said that they are “encouraged” by the court’s action on their motion for reconsideration. In a statement, lawyer Jojo Lacanilao, spokesperson of SereFormer Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno no, urged the justice to “set aside Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman personal animosity and rule only the ruling on May 30. She filed a according to what is right.” He stressed: “Unless recon205-page motion for reconsideration, where she also stressed on sidered, that decision will wreak the “far-reaching consequences” havoc on the basic premise of judicial decisions, which is fair of decision. She also insisted that the high play in an impartial tribunal, concourt has no authority to remove sistency with judicial precedents her since the 1987 Constitution and as important, the preservaholds that impeachment is the tion of the constitutional checks SEIZED ILLEGAL DRUGS. A Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) personnel pulls out a package, which is part of the seized illegal drugs in Parañaque City and Cavite on June 4, as PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino (2nd from right) points to a big package during the way to remove impeachable of- and balance.” PNA photo by Joey Razon Lacanilao also reminded the press conference at the PDEA office in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 5. ficials like the chief justice. Sens. Leila De Lima and An- court that the constitution detonio Trillanes IV echoed Sere- mands respect for the Senate’s no’s argument and filed their power to remove impeachable own motion for reconsideration officials. ■ she assumed the post as Phil- allowances worth P627,000 amid by CATHERINE S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net Health officer in charge on April the agency losses in 2017. 10, 2017. She earlier defended such exDe la Serna said PhilHealth did penditures, saying these went PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has removed Philippine Health In- not have an apartment for its of- through the required approvals. Cases should be fired surance Corp. (PhilHealth) interim ficers in Manila, so she had to be the competence of its own people lina Panganiban, Norman Flores, chief Celestina Ma. de la Serna billeted in a hotel. Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito on — when the previous adminis- Giovanni Condes, Manolito Uy- amid investigation into her alleged Aside from de la Serna’s trips, Monday insisted that aside from tration began its political demo- aco, Ralph Liberato, Rodel Nay- costly trips and accommodations. the PhilHealth workers’ union has being fired, de la Serna should lition work on former VP [vice ve, Carmelita Morales, Febronia Duterte named PhilHealth also reportedly complained of il- face charges for mismanaging the president]Binay and his family,” Ambrosio, Rowena Carpio, Nelia board member Roy Ferrer as de la legal termination and deduction state fund. said Joey Salgado, Binay’s former Barlis, Leonila Querijero, Cecilio Serna’s replacement, according to of agency fees from the collective Ejercito, the chairman of the spokesperson, in a text message Lim 3rd, Raydes Pestano, Vis- the appointment paper dated June negotiation agreement incentive Senate Committee on Health and sia Marie Aldon, Eleno Mendoza 1 but released by Malacañang on- of rank-and-file employees. when sought for comment. Demography, at the same time “Former VP Binay and former Jr., Line dela Peña, Rosemarie ly on Monday, June 4. De la Serna‘s travel expenses welcomed the decision of the mayor Junjun intend to appeal Yumul, Arnel Cadangan, Patrick Ferrer, a member of the Phil- were exposed as PhilHealth in- President to fire de la Serna as he COA’s findings, even if belated Carullo, Jane Caño, Alden Al- Health board of directors repre- curred a net loss of P8.92 million expressed hope that her replacebut not surprising,” Salgado bano, Emerito Magat, Elueterio senting the employers sector, said in 2017. ment would be someone that has Tamayo, Ronaldo Garcia, Connie he would do his “best to be an efsaid. Despite reports that she was financial expertise. The others named as persons Consulta, Abraham Pastor, Rone- fective public servant and to carry removed from her post on MonCases should also be pursued liable were: former Vice Mayor lio Tan, Mario Badillo, then-Pres- out the mandate (of PhilHealth and day, de la Serna denied that she against former Philhealth chief AlErnesto Mercado, Marjorie de ident Efren Canlas of Hilmarc’s President Duterte).” was given walking papers by the exander Padilla and former health Veyra, Mario Hechanova, Ulysses Construction Corporation, and a secretary Janette Garin for their A Davao City native, Ferrer is the president. Orienza, Gerardo San Gabriel, Pio deceased person. “None, sorry,” de la Serna failure to handle the corporation president of the Davao chapter of “The disbursements of the the Philippine Society of Medical told The Manila Times in a text funds properly, he said. Kenneth Dasal, Lorenza Amores, Ernesto Aspillaga, Maria Theresa MCHPB2 construction amount- Specialists in Government Service, message when asked to confirm “Not only de la Serna, but all de Lara, Virgilio Hilario, Angelito ing to P2,280,089,780.94, which an affiliate society of the Philippine the order. the past PhilHealth officials like Gatchalian, Henry Jacome, Ar- showed irregularities from bud- Medical Association. He had also PhilHealth acting vice president Garin and Padilla, responsible for nold Magpantay, Luis Javier Jr., geting to procurement to execu- served as board member of the Israel Pargas confirmed to The mismanaging the funds resultSalvador Pangilinan, Armando tion, including P1,301,520,330.05 Stroke Society of the Philippines- Times that the agency had re- ing in its current sorry financial Padilla, Tosca Camille Puno, total discrepancies between the Davao Chapter. ceived the announcement. state right now,” said Ejercito in a Vincent Sese, Elias Tolentino actual accomplishments and the “We will send an official state- text message when asked if cases Duterte appointed Ferrer a Jr., Constancia Lichauco, Chris- reported accomplishments, were month after the Commission on ment as soon as possible,” Pargas should be pursued against the tine Mercado, Israel Cruzado, disallowed in audit for the follow- Audit questioned de la Serna’s said. sacked Philhealth official. Erlinda Gonzales, Romulo Pena ing reasons,” state auditors said P627,000 travel expenses to and De la Serna is under investigaGarin and Padilla were accused Jr., Monique Lagdameo, Mer- in the Notice of Disallowance. ■ from Tagbilaran and Manila since tion for her excessive trips and PAGE A6
Binays should return P2.3-B spent on Makati parking building project, says govt audit agency by MA.
REINA LEANNE TOLENTINO ManilaTimes.net
THE Commission on Audit (COA) issued Notices of Disallowance involving the disbursements totaling P2.29 billion in connection with the construction of, as well as the architectural and engineering services for the Makati City Hall Parking Building II (MCHPB2). Fifty-seven individuals, including former Makati Mayors Jejomar Binay and Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Sr. were named as persons liable in a Notice of Disallowance dated March 15and issued by COA’s Fraud Audit Office. A Notice of Disallowance means the money the Binays allegedly spent on the project would have to be returned to the government. “It must be emphasized that these projects were previously subjected to COA audit and there were no adverse findings. The COA only started singing a different tune — in effect questioning
Duterte sacks Philhealth chief
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June 8-14, 2018 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
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P24-B TRAIN subsidy to be released by September
Photo shows a mock-up of New Clark City, a green municipality located 75 miles outside of Manila that is slated to be larger than Manhattan. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Bases Conversion and Development Authority
Philippines’ $14 billion ‘pollution-free’ city will be larger than Manhattan The sustainability-driven New Clark City will be the answer to Metro Manila’s escalating pollution problem by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
Anyone who has been to the Philippines has experienced the country’s crowded population and its overwhelming pollution. Like many other global countries battling low air quality and intense population density, the Philippines is becoming increasingly at risk for both natural and man-made disasters. But the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the Philippines’ government agency responsible for driving the economy through constructing developments and building projects, has a solution: building a new city that promotes sustainability in all areas of city life. The green municipality, called new Clark City (nCC), is funded through private and public entities and is slated to be located 75 miles from Manila. The new 23,350-acre city will be larger than Manhattan (22.82 square miles) and is described as “a destination where nature, lifestyle, business, education and industry converge” and will feature driverless cars, sophisticated public transportation, drones, natural green spaces, low consumption commercial buildings and housing
and massive athletic complexes. nCC will also be designed to resist climate catastrophes; the central green spaces will give space for flooding and the buildings will be made to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters. This merging of nature and urban metropolis in what developers call the “city of the future” is estimated to cost $14 billion and is aimed to counter the traffic jams and poor air quality of Manila. At 13 million people, Manila has the highest population density of all the major cities in the world with about 107,000 people per square miles, according to statistics from the United Kingdom Statistics Authority. (new york City has a population density of 27,000 per square mile.) The concept of the green city was a direct result of the growing global concern over the human impact on the overall increase in the earth’s temperature, a.k.a. global warming. For decades, scientists have tracked the increased release of greenhouse gases through vehicle emissions, factory pollution and a whole host of human activity that contributes to the warming of the planet.
establishing green initiatives city by city is a growing trend. “More than two-thirds of total investment in infrastructure in the next 15 years will be made in cities,” former nyC Mayor Michael Bloomberg wrote in an op-ed for Cnn. More people are flocking to cities like Portland, oregon, San Francisco, California, and Stockholm, Sweden for utilizing renewable resources, improving public transportation (which lessens traffic congestion) and establishing “green space” such as public parks and nature reserves. The BCDA is trying to complete nCC by the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, planning to modify and update the urban plans as technology advances and new green initiatives are introduced. The goal of nCC in a country that has one of the world’s worst environmental records is to exemplify how Manila can transform itself into a sustainable city with stronger infrastructure, less deadlock traffic and improved air and water quality. If built as promised, nCC is poised to set an example for the rest of the Philippines to make environmentally-conscious construction the standard. n
THe P24-billion subsidy allocated for poor Filipinos affected by the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIn) law will be released by the government by September, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said. DSWD undersecretary Flor Villar said in a press conference that the agency has completed the release of the P2,400 unconditional cash grant for 4.4 million beneficiaries who are part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Meanwhile, the subsidy for another three million indigent senior citizens would be released before the end of the month. The remaining 2.6 million who are also qualified for the program are expected to receive their grants by July. “We expect that before September, we have already paid all 10 million (beneficiaries),” Villar said. The subsidy was not released at the same because they have to verify their existing lists, she explained. They have to verify the Listahan — an information management system the DSWD uses to consolidate data on the poorest Filipinos nationwide, including those that are not qualified for the 4Ps program — which was last updated in 2015. The verification is necessary to avoid leakages and errors during program implementation, according to Villar. DSWD acting Secretary Vir-
ginia orogo promised more programs like the Sustainable Livelihood Program and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations to help the poorest Filipinos. According to her, a a road map for development in partnership with other agencies is being developed. “our President wants poverty reduced to at least 14 percent before 2022. We have to work together to achieve our President’s goal to help the poor,” orogo said. The executive branch was called on by Sens. Grace Poe, Sherwin Gatchalian and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV to release the subsidies provided under TRAIn to help the poor and low-income families cope with the continued rise in the prices of fuel and basic goods. Meanwhile, economic managers warned that suspending the TRAIn law would have minimal impact on tempering inflation and would only serve to stunt Philippines’ economic growth. According to the departments of Budget and Management (DBM) and of Finance (DoF) and the national economic and Development Authority (neDA), TRAIn only contributed 0.4 percentage point to inflation last month. “Suspending TRAIn and adopting other band-aid solutions will only have a minimal and shortterm impact on inflation and will stifle our growth, further delaying our nation’s progress toward be-
coming an upper middle income country by 2019 such that around six million Filipinos would be lifted out of poverty by 2022,” the three agencies declared. “We must keep in mind that TRAIn reformed a previously unfair and harsh tax regime. It lowered the personal income taxes of most Filipinos except the very rich – increasing the take home pay of 99 percent of income tax payers,” they added. TRAIn is essential for the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program as it could create more than one million jobs for Filipinos until 2022 and reduce logistic costs for businesses. Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in a press briefing that the effect of the personal income tax reduction under TRAIn started to be felt by workers during the second quarter of the year, propelling the the gross domestic product (GDP) growth to reach the government’s target of at least seven percent. “I am quite confident that we will hit seven percent in the second quarter because the impact of the TRAIn, the personal income tax reduction was not yet felt in the first quarter (but started) in the second quarter,” Diokno said, adding that that the increasing prices of goods are only “minor headwinds” and should not lead the government to retreat from implementing the TRAIn law. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)
DRESSING UP BARBIE. Antipolo City first lady Andrea Bautista Ynares looks at the display showcasing Barbie dolls dressed in different gowns representing the 13 towns and 1 city of Rizal. The display at the bridgeway of SM City Taytay showcases the creativity of each participating municipality and is part of the Passion for Filipiniana Fashion held from June 5-17, in celebration of the 117th Araw ng Lalawigan ng Rizal. PNA photo by Joey Razon
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OPINION
FEATURES
New school year, same problems THE public has been warned to brace for the usual traffic “carmageddon” in Metro Manila as schools opened on Monday, June 4. The congestion is not just on the roads, however, but even in schools. While education officials say the government is all set for the school opening, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers says the country continues to face shortages of classrooms and teachers. Holding classes in the shade of a tree may now be a thing of the past as both the government and private donors construct more classrooms and school buildings. The additional facilities, however, still cannot keep pace with the continuing growth of the student population. Teachers’ salaries have also been raised in recent years, but the increases are rarely enough, and higher pay in other countries continues to lure educators away from the Philippines. The shortage is most acute in conflict zones, where teachers are specifically targeted for kidnapping and execution by bandits such as the Abu Sayyaf. Education officials say the textbook shortage has been addressed and there are continuing efforts to boost school facilities for information and communication technology. Even the government, however, acknowledges that more can be done to improve school facilities. In underdeveloped areas,
there are schools that lack even access to water and electricity. Apart from facilities, the overall quality of Philippine education suffers in comparison with some of the country’s neighbors. The Philippines used to be a regional center for quality education. With the exception of a handful of higher learning institutions, the Philippines has lost that edge. This has contributed to the country’s slide in international competitiveness rankings. This school year marks the start of free tertiary education in certain local colleges and universities. Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 provides free tuition and other fees in the participating schools. Free, however, should not mean substandard education. The operative word in RA 10931 must be “quality” – whether in terms of facilities or the teaching. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Duterte’s controversial ‘presidential’ kiss: Different perspectives a crowd.” ReFILIPINOS all uters’ headline over the world The Fil-Am read: “Philipare talking about pines’ Duterte the controversial Perspective stirs controvideo that shows versy by kissPhilippine Presiing woman on dent Rodrigo lips” and there Duterte playfully are many kissing the lips GEL SANTOS-RELOS more… of an overseas Presidential Spokesperson Filipina worker, who is reportedly married, in front of a cheering Harry Roque defended the presicrowd of kababayans when he de- dent’s controversial kiss, saying it livered a speech on stage in Seoul, was an endearment kiss without malice and that the president was South Korea. Even legitimate international just entertaining the big crowd. Responding to critics who lamedia organization reported on this. CNN ’s headline read: “Philip- bel the kiss as a disrespectful and pines President Duterte sparks out- misogynous act not befitting of rage with ‘misogynist’ kiss.” Fox the honorable position he holds News wrote: “Philippine President as president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte slammed for kiss- Roque said “The lady who was ing married woman before huge kissed has clearly expressed that audience.” The New York Times she was honored with the kiss,” published: “Critics Slam Rodrigo Roque said in an interview with Duterte for Asking a Woman to CNN Philippines on Monday, Kiss Him Onstage.” The Indepen- June 4. Roque also quoted an interview dent’s headline stated: “Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte pres- with the OFW, identified as Bea sures overseas worker into kissing Kim, who said she believed “there was no malice” in Duterte’s kiss. him on lips at public event.” In another press conference, Britain’s BBC banner read: “Philippine President Duterte con- Roque said, ”I don’t think there demned for kissing overseas work- is anything immoral. After all, er.” The Washington Post head- the president has reiterated he is line stated: “Philippine President single (Reporter heard off-cam: Rodrigo Duterte kissed a random But the woman is married.) But woman on the mouth in front of the woman volunteered and the
Opinion
RICARDO SALUDO SHOULD the Philippines join the United States in its campaign to counter China’s actions in the South China Sea? Washington’s posse against Beijing’s reclamation and military deployment in disputed waters just got bigger, with Britain and France set to sail with the United States and its Quadrilateral allies, Japan, Australia and India, against what critics call Chinese militarization on the high seas. U.S. Defense Secretary John Mattis escalated the rhetoric at the Shangri-la Dialogue security forum in Singapore last week, accusing China of coercing and intimidating its neighbors, and weaponizing man-made islands. Washington is considering more “freedom of navigation operations” (fonops) to challenge Beijing’s claim over nearly all the South China Sea, including territorial waters reaching 12 nautical miles around the three Chinese-reclaimed islands in the Spratlys. In these fonops, the U.S. Navy sails close to the 12-nm line,
woman said she was very proud of that experience,” as quoted by Rappler, branded by Duterte’s allies as their nemesis. ON THE OTHER HAND, not everybody was happy and proud of this. This is the Facebook post of Filipina Cili Borlaza, who is pursuing her doctorate degree in South Korea: “I think I just had the worst experience of my year yesterday. I don’t usually post politically-related stuff on social media but this was borderline traumatic for me. I need to do something, anything really, about it. There’s no one else to blame in this situation but me. I’ve miscalculated my threshold and I wanted to give the benefit of the doubt. For anyone who’s reading, I’m currently an expat in South Korea. I’m in my final year of Ph.D. under a Korean Government Scholarship. I was also a DOST scholar in the Philippines. Having said that, it has always been in my heart to give back service to my country in any way I can. Yesterday, I was a student volunteer in an event for the Philippine president’s visit in Seoul. It was my way of engaging into volunteerism for my country, even if I’m not exactly a fan of the current administration. In his speech, our president... used foul words so many times
that I’ve lost count. He pulled perverted jokes several times (even used the word “libog”). He made remarks about pretty ladies who performed and [were] in the crowd as if bragging about his womanizing skills. He even kissed someone [on] the lips. This was extremely difficult to watch. But, it was heartbreaking to see my fellow countrymen cheering for it. Every curse, every perverted joke, every “papatayin ko talaga sila” remark was received with applause and cheering. Mga kababayan, this is how far we’ve gone. This is how terrible our judgments have become. I’m utterly disappointed and disgusted, really. It’s painful to be represented by him. I wish Filipinos would have some amount of self-worth. This is not the kind of representation we deserve! For those who find this rant distasteful, please feel free to exercise your right to unfollow, unfriend, and/or block me. #disgustedbyPRRD” *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
FOR FALLEN SOLDIERS. President Rodrigo Duterte lights incense at the National Cemetery in Seoul, South Korea. The lighting of incense is part of the wreath-laying ceremony for fallen soldiers. Malacañang photo
Should we join America in facing off with China? which is not valid under international law, since reclaimed land around shoals cannot have territorial waters. In response, Chinese ships and planes confronted the Americans. The PLA has also installed anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles on the reclaimed island at Fiery Cross Reef. Separately, long-range bombers made trial landing and takeoffs at Woody Island in the Paracels, taken by Chinese troops from the Vietnamese decades ago. Further stoking the word war was the remark by Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, director of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff office, that “the United States military has had a lot of experience in the Western Pacific taking down small islands.” Beijing let loose its own verbal volley against claims of Chinese militarization. “The United States military presence in the South China Sea is greater than that of China and other countries that surround the seas combined,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. And defense ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang retorted that the U.S. was “turning a blind eye to the facts and hyping up” militarization.
‘No better ally’ than America While mobilizing allies against Chinese actions, Secretary Mattis claimed that Washington was not asking Asian nations to choose sides in the tiff with Beijing. But many may ask, Who’s he kidding? At the Rim of the Pacific in Hawaii last month, the U.S. disinvited China and added Quad ally India to the 26 nations in the world’s largest military exercises. And the new Pacific Command chief, Admiral Phil Davidson, declared: “To our allies here in the Indo-Pacific, you will have no better ally.” In fact, advocates of toughness toward China have pushed for joining U.S. patrols, and boosting America’s military presence and use of Philippine bases under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). This despite Washington’s longstanding non-involvement in territorial disputes, as Mattis himself reiterated. Asked if America would stand by the Philippines in an armed conflict over disputed waters, the defense chief said: ““We stand by our treaty allies but this is a discussion between the current administrations in Manila
and in Washington. It’s not one that can be answered as simply as your question would indicate,” Yet certain quarters continue to urge the government to partner with the U.S. in challenging China. And at the Singapore security forum, Secretary Mattis underscored the Philippines’ key role in security. “Without the cooperation of the Philippines, the U.S. will find it difficult to achieve the goal of its regional strategy,” wrote Dr Rommel Banlaoi, the president of the Center for Intelligence and National Security Studies. Plainly, if the Duterte administration continues to stall full EDCA implementation, the U.S. Pivot-to-Asia plan to move 60 percent of its naval assets to Asia cannot happen. To side or not to side So, going back to the opening question, should the Philippines join America in confronting China, as Japan, Australia, India, Britain, and France have done? Well, let’s look at the pros and cons. Many Filipinos may feel safer as the Seventh Fleet escalate rotations in our islands and move their grunts and gear into bases
next to Cebu, Puerto Princesa, and Cagayan de Oro, and in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija. As long as China and North Korea target American forces and base facilities with ballistic and cruise missiles. Certain quarters would call on the U.S. to help enforce the July 2016 ruling recognizing the Philippines’ sovereign rights over our 200-nm exclusive economic zone and 320-nm extended continental shelf under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Except that the U.S. has not ratified UNCLOS. And while pro-American circles may feel thankful for U.S. military protection, their sense of security may just dwindle once they realize that hosting American forces comes with the danger of getting dragged into their conflicts in Asia, including flashpoints in Taiwan, North Korea, and the Senkaku/Diaoyutai islands held by Tokyo, but also claimed by Beijing. And the cons of joining America’s posse against China? Well, look at Cuba, which allied with Russia against the U.S., nearly hosting Moscow’s nukes. Washington punished the island with a half-century economic embargo, and blocked its access to
development assistance. If the Philippines harbors nuclear-capable American warships, submarines, aircraft, missiles and drones, threatening vital sea lanes and China itself, would the Philippines be more kindly treated than Cuba? But the biggest negative of rolling out the EDCA is not the debacle for the Philippines, but then devastation that could come to Asia and the world. If Washington is able to move its massive forces into Asia to confront Beijing, the PLA would surely build up even more fearsome armaments to defeat the escalating American threat. And getting other nations to join forces against China would further steel its resolve. Indeed, the current U.S.-led group of seven nations is sure to recall the ugly history of Western domination in China, when Western nations and Japan extracted embarrassing concessions and took bits of territory from imperial China. No leader and no government in Beijing can survive if it ever capitulated to foreign powers. If the Philippines ever became Uncle Sam’s military platform in Asia, we may well pave the way for global war. (ManilaTimes.net)
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 8-14, 2018
Canada ‘stupid’ for raising human rights concerns in helicopter deal – Duterte by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is still angry at Canada over the botched $233-million helicopter deal, months after a Canadian company cancelled on him. Before the Filipino community in South Korea Sunday, June 3, Duterte said in a speech how “stupid” Canada was for raising concerns that the helicopters would be used against rebels. “We ordered Bell helicopters from Canada. They said they will deliver the Bell helicopters but you cannot use [them] against your own citizen,” Duterte said. Sixteen Bell 412EPI utility helicopters were supposed to be purchased by the Philippines from Canada, but Duterte
scrapped the deal in February after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ordered a review over fears of human rights abuses. “How stupid can you... Why would you say that I cannot use it against my own citizens when there are citizens in my country who are trying to overthrow my government?” Duterte demanded. According to Duterte, Filipinos are joining the New People’s Army and terrorist groups. They are fighting the government and killing my soldiers, my policemen and civilians. It’s a dirty war and the people are dying... My Moro brothers, on the other hand, joined terrorist forces and went to Marawi,” Duterte said.
A
The government might just acquire helicopters from South Korea, as stated by him. Duterte’s first instance of calling Canada “stupid” over the helicopter deal was in March. “Look at how stupid the Canadians are, very stupid. They agreed to sell the helicopters. But when they were due to be delivered, they said, ‘Ah but you cannot use these for military or punitive actions by the police,’” he said during the general assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines. According to Canada’s International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, the deal was done in 2012 on the RAINY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN. Students arrive in school with umbrellas to protect them from rainshowers on the first day of class at PNA photo by Joey Razon understanding that the helicop- Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan City on Monday, June 4. ters would be used for search and rescue. n
ILO: PH must hold more dialogues EU envoy: Red tape, not bigger minimum to address contractualization wage, turns off PH foreign investors by anthony
MANILA — The Philippine government and stakeholders must hold more dialogues to address labor challenges generated by contractualization, an official of the International Labor Organization (ILO) said Tuesday, June 5. “You must have observed (that) there are a lot of discussions with the employers’ organizations. (But) it takes time, it needs social dialogue,” ILO Philippines Director Khalid Hassan said in a press conference. While a lot has to be done, Hassan noted that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is showing commitment to address the issue, admitting that a solution cannot be conceived in a short period of time. “Some of our constituents may still be not happy with the actions taken by them (the government), but this is the first way towards going in that direction,” he said.
Q. esgueRRa
Inquirer.net
EUROPEAN Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen on Tuesday, June 5, said foreign investors are more concerned about “red tape” in the country rather than increasing the daily minimum wage. “If we look at the European companies, I would expect that you would struggle to find companies that are paying only the minimum wage, most of them would be paying more,” Jessen told reporters at the sidelines of the Labor Standards and Trade Forum in Makati City. “Exactly because what they are after here is not a low cost labor but is actually a labor that has a certain quality that perform quite complex task,” he added. Labor groups have called for a P750 nationwide daily minimum wage to help the workers cope with rising prices of fuel and basic goods. According to Jessen, foreign investors are more worried about red tape and the complex system of business licensing in the country. “In the context of the European Chamber, they don’t talk about the minimum wage.” he said. “It is other issues that they focus on such as red tape, com-
European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen
plex system of licensing.” He added that investors have also repeatedly complained about 60-40 percent foreign ownership rule stipulated in the Philippine Constitution. Trade and labor experts stressed the importance of attaining quality labor standards and decent work at the forum organized by the EU delegation
Philstar.com photo
in the Philippines and the International Labour Organization (ILO). “Promoting international labor standards is about respecting labor rights and human rights,” ILO country director Khalid Hassan. “Inequality not only affects productivity and competitiveness, but also brings instability.” n
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“First, they took time to understand the issue, what is the issue, what can be done, what are the legal implication of those things, and then they are coming up with a strategy,” he added. The latest development on the government’s actions regarding the subject was on May 1, when President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order that puts an end to illegal contractualization. Several groups, however, have spurned the document, saying it lacked “teeth.” At present, the ILO is supporting DOLE through engagement and discussions of non-standard form of employment (NSE). NSE, an umbrella term for different arrangements that deviate from standard employment, includes part-time and on-call work; multi-party employment relationship; disguised employment; and temporary employment or contractualization.
“That support is being provided and we are moving in that direction,” Hassan said. In the 2015 Tripartite Meeting of Experts on Non-Standard Forms of Employment, the ILO convened memberstates and urged the crafting of policy solutions to address decent work deficits associated with NSE. While NSE had been a practice for a number of years as it provides flexibility to both employers and workers, there is greater insecurity posed for the latter. In 2015, the main recommendations on NSE was to devise measures plugging regulatory gaps; strengthening collective bargaining or building the capacity of unions to ensure workers are well-represented; and strengthening social protection regardless of the worker’s employment arrangement. (Joyce Ann Rocamora/PNA)
Duterte sacks Philhealth...
of diverting some P10.6 billion intended for the insurance health premiums of senior citizens to fund the construction of village health stations nationwide in 2015. The Senate health committee chair at the same time said he was hoping that the President would appoint a financial expert with actuarial knowledge since PhilHeatlh
needed a good manager of funds. It was during the Senate committee hearing on Philhealth when it was revealed that the reserve fund of the state-run health insurance corporation has dwindled to precarious levels. It was learned that the reserve or backup fund of Philhealth, which was supposed to last for two years or 24 months, was down to only 10
months. “I am very much concerned with PhilHealth’s financial standing at the moment. I am hoping that the Office of the President and the office of the executive secretary continue to search for a permanent PhilHealth President and Chief Operating Officer with financial and actuarial expertise,” he added. n
A10 June 8-14, 2018 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 8-14, 2018
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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL
Your Immigration Solution ATTY. ERIC R. WELSH AND NANCY MILLER THESE days, a noncitizen can be forgiven for thinking that the system is against them. Almost as soon as he took office, President Trump issued a series of Executive Orders that effectively ended the modest protections that President Obama had implemented for out-of-status persons with family ties and no significant criminal histories. Last fall, Trump ordered the termination of the popular DACA program (an effort that for now has been held in check by federal courts). In February, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) edited its mission statement to remove any reference to America as a “nation of immigrants.” In April, the Department of Justice announced a decision to base an immigration judge’s performance evaluation on how many cases they complete. Many low-risk noncitizens who had for years appeared for supervision without incident (i.e., regular reporting before an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer) have been detained and deported. ICE has tripled the number of workplace raids relative to a year prior, and has started executing removal warrants that were previously considered low priority. By virtually all metrics, enforcement is on the rise, and benefits are more difficult to obtain. More and more noncitizens are finding themselves facing removal (deportation) and applying for relief in immigration court. Removal proceedings can be daunting and scary under the best of circumstances, and these days, the circumstances are rarely very good. The immigration courts (and the appellate court, the Board of Immigration Appeals) are part of the Department of Justice. As the head of the department, the Attorney General has the power to refer a case from the Board to himself
Defense against removal in a hostile environment for review and issuance of a new decision. This extraordinary power was very rarely utilized, until recently. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has already rewritten several important decisions, and has taken several others under review, indicating an intention to broadly reform the immigration courts. In March, he reversed a Board decision that had required immigration judges to give asylum-seekers a full court hearing, allowing judges instead to reject asylum claims without setting a hearing. He took another case under review to consider whether a domestic violence survivor from Latin America is eligible for asylum, a decision that could also impact victims of gang violence. In that referral, he framed the question as whether a victim of “private violence” should be eligible for asylum. AG Sessions has also taken aim at how judges prioritize cases and decide when cases should proceed to trial. In May, AG Sessions issued a decision (Matter of Castro-Tum) that eliminated a judge’s authority to “administratively close” a case. Administrative closure is an exercise of prosecutorial discretion that, until this decision, allowed a judge to take a case off the active calendar and close the file, sometimes while awaiting ancillary relief, and sometimes simply because the alien is not a removal priority (the vast majority of cases that were administratively closed were done so with the consent and approval of ICE). In Matter of Castro-Tum, AG Sessions found that judges no longer have this ability, and indicated that cases previously closed should be placed back on the active calendar. AG Sessions has taken other cases under review that indicate an intention to severely restrict a judge’s authority to even continue a case, including continuances to allow a person to hire a lawyer. The good news is that there is one legal document that AG Ses-
sions cannot rewrite: the U.S. Constitution. Due process and equal protection apply in immigration court, and they require that judges treat respondents in removal proceedings fairly, and consider any applications for relief or defense to removal put forth by the respondent. In this new high-pressure, enforcement-focused environment, judges will be less forgiving and more demanding, but they cannot deny an alien her right to a full and fair hearing. AG Jeff Sessions is trying to make immigration courts meaner, faster, and harder. Now more than ever, any person facing removal must appear in court fully aware of their rights, their eligibility for relief from removal, and the ability to properly file and win that relief. In other words, a person in removal proceedings needs a good lawyer. There are many forms of relief available under the Immigration & Nationality Act, from adjustment of status, to cancellation of removal, to asylum, and beyond. A person in removal needs to be extremely well prepared and thorough in any relief, and an experienced immigration attorney can make all the difference in the world. Tough times call for tough lawyers, and there is no doubt that these are tough times. ***
Consumer companies may raise prices
Some of the listed consumer firms have already reported lower-than-expected first quarter results because of inflation and the weakening of the peso which has raised the cost of imported raw materials. Philstar file photo by IRIS
GONZALES Philstar.com
LISTED consumer companies hinted of more price hikes for their food and beverage products as they are getting increasingly worried over rising inflation, high oil prices and the weakening of the peso against the dollar. Some of the listed consumer firms have already reported lower-than-expected first quarter results because of inflation and the weakening of the peso which has raised the cost of imported raw materials. Gokongwei-owned JG Summit Holdings Corp., for instance, saw
its first quarter income drop 35.8 percent to P4.8 billion from P7.5 billion a year ago, dragged by “higher input costs and weaker peso.” “Core net income fell on margin pressure from higher input costs and fuel prices and weaker peso at Universal Robina Corp., Petrochem and Cebu Air,” JG Summit president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei said in a recent presentation. URC said its first quarter net income declined 12 percent to P3 billion from P3.4 billion a year ago because of lower coffee sales volume, higher inflation, and weaker peso.
The company may have to jack up prices soon to cope with the challenging business environment. “If oil price is $80 (per barrel) and everybody is affected, we might have to do some adjustments in pricing,” URC president and chief executive officer Irwin Lee said on the sidelines of the company’s recent annual stockholders meeting. Another conglomerate, Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) said inflation also caused gross profit margins to decline in the first quarter, albeit just slightly. “Gross profit margins in the
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Duterte’s economic team warns: Suspending TRAIN law ‘will stifle our growth’
Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States by IAN NICOLAS CIGARAL with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Philstar.com Las Vegas, Manila and China. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com economic team on Tuesday, website: www.rreeves.com June 5, warned against freezing *** the implementation of the tax The analysis and suggestions offered reform law, saying such a move in this column do not create a could stunt the Philippine econlawyer-client relationship and are omy’s growth amid strong calls not a substitute for the personalized to suspend the law that has been representation that is essential to partly blamed for rising consumer prices. every case. The Tax Reform for Accelera(Advertising Supplement) tion and Inclusion Act (TRAIN)—
which lowers personal income taxes while raising excise levies on fuel and “sin” products, among others—has been pushing up prices of key consumer items in recent months. Some legislators say Congress might “suspend” the TRAIN act if inflation blows past targets, despite the law’s tax-freeze provision that will kick in when global oil prices hit a certain threshold. In a joint statement, the country’s economic managers stressed that the TRAIN law is
In a joint statement, the country’s economic managers stressed that the TRAIN law is “vital” for the government’s ambitious infrastructure plan which, in turn, could supercharge economic growth. Photo by Michael Varcas/Philstar.com
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Community Journal
JUNE 8-14, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
Petitioning children of your spouse from a previous marriage
The CTV Files atty. DenniS Chua, eSq. A STEPPARENT may file an immigrant petition for a stepchild even without the stepparent having to legally adopt the stepchild. However, before a stepparent may be able to file an immigrant petition for a stepchild, the stepparent–stepchild relationship should have been created before a stepchild turns 18 years old. This means that the stepparent and the biological parent of the stepchild must get married before the child turns 18 years old. If the petitioner can no longer file an immigrant petition for the stepchild because the child has turned 18 years old, the child can still be petitioned by the biological parent after she obtains his or her permanent residency status. The significance of having a U.S. citizen stepparent file for a stepchild is so that they could avoid the visa backlogs for visa petitions filed by legal permanent residents for their minor children
(2d preference category). But considering the current visa priority dates being processed under the 2d preference category, the stepchild may be able to immigrate sooner than later even if petitioned by a legal permanent resident biological parent. If the biological parent is about to get married to the U.S. citizen petitioner and the biological parent has a child who is already over 18 years of age, it might be wise to consider postponing the marriage to give the child an opportunity to enter the United States faster. Instead of marrying the biological parent, the U.S. citizen petitioner can just file a fiancĂŠ petition for the biological parent. Once the fiancĂŠ petition is approved, both the biological parent and child can be issued the corresponding K visas for them to enter the United States. Upon marriage of the U.S. citizen to the biological parent, both parent and child can file their respective applications for adjustment of status to have their status changed from K to perma-
nent resident status. The decision whether to file a fiancÊ petition or an immigrant petition is crucial especially if the child is aging out or turning 21 years of age. The decision to just get married instead of filing a fiancÊ petition could mean a long wait of at least eight years before the child can be able to immigrate to the United States and join the biological parent. *** Atty. Dennis E. Chua is a partner in The Law Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV), a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Manila. 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 inperson or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; Dchua@ctvattys.com. The CTV Attorneys will be at Max’s Restaurant in Vallejo on October 19, 2009 from 5pm to 7pm to hold a FREE legal clinic. (Advertising Supplement)
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Are generic drugs safe?
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS WHAT are generic drugs? Generic drugs are medications which have been evaluated and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States as a genuine copy of brand-name (proprietary) drugs, in dosage, effects, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance, intended use, and side-effects and complications. Are generic drugs as safe? Generic drugs use the same active ingredients and dosage, and have the same efficacy. They pose the same risks and provide the same benefits as their brandname counterparts. Do they take longer to work? No, since generic drugs have the exact same composition as brand name drugs, they work as fast. Are generic drugs as effective? It is a requirement by the FDA for generic drugs to have
the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as brand-name drugs, so they are as effective. Are generic drugs inferior in quality? No, generic drugs are not inferior to proprietary (branded) medications. The FDA makes sure the two versions of the drugs are equally effective and safe. Most healthcare providers themselves use generic medications for themselves and their family. Why are generic drugs cheaper? Generic drugs are less expensive because their manufacturers do not have to spend for research, development, marketing and promotions, which are very costly. This large investment is made by the original, “new drug inventor and developer,� who patented the drug to have the exclusive and sole right to distribute and sell it. When the patent expires, usually after 20 years, generic drug manufacturers apply to the FDA to manufacture and sell the generic version. When the generic version is approved, a greater competition comes into the market and this
lowers the cost even more. Presently, almost 50 percent of the prescription in the U.S. are filled with generic drugs. As always, the integrity and reputation of the manufacturer of generic drugs, anywhere in the world, will reflect the quality of the medications they produce. How much cheaper are generic drugs? Generic medications are typically lesser expensive than their branded counterparts, many about 85 percent less. Between 2007 to 2016, the United States health care system has saved $1.67 trillion. The more pharmaceutical companies come up with more generic versions, the greater the competition and the lower the cost of the generics drugs will be. Do brand name companies make generic drugs? Yes, about half of the proprietary (brand name) companies also produce generic drugs and sell them at the competitive price of generic drugs in the market. They can reduce the price at this time because they already made the profits with their exclusive
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The bucket list
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
Write your story (Second of a series)
Monette aDeva Maglaya [Select a handful of those things in your bucket list that have the highest chance of coming to fruition given your time frame. In tech speak, this means before your life’s energy goes into ‘low batt mode’ and life has run out of sockets to plug into.] YOU gaze at the photos on the walls, dig up the albums in storage boxes – memories of days gone by, milestones — the springtime of one’s life: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations — so many happy, wonderful memories frozen in print. Now you have them too in digital form, thousands of images and videos, trapped in computer hard drives and smart phones or spread far and wide via social media for all to see. Then there are also the awful ones encrusted in your memory, the things you would rather
forget. These are your raw materials to get this project going. So here’s one suggestion to sum it all up while you still can — something you may want to include in the top tier of your bucket list. WRITE YOUR STORY. So many stories to tell‌ So lit-
made it through. That is victory enough. A bit of caution! You don’t have to write a tedious, biographical tome, so boring you may induce flat lining even yourself to early death. I would recommend choosing a typical day, a significant year or seasons which reflect the peaks and valleys of your life. You can paint your story in broad brush strokes at first and fill in the details later, like a painter would, with the precision of a palette knife. Write in your own style. If they block the creative flow, forget grammatical rules, syntax, and the rigid rules for writing, for the time being. It is like recording streams of memories. There is no grading system here. Be honest. One rule I recommend that should apply at all times — REFRAIN from causing even more hurt, if somehow, someone else reads your story when you’re gone.
“Healing begins with forgiveness. It can make us whole again. And when we are whole and bathed in God’s light, darkness no longer holds power over us.�
FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS Madaba,Mt Nebo,Petra,Aqaba,Jordan
(Tiberias, Ceasarea, Haifa, Meggido,Magdala, Nazareth, Cana, Mt Carmel, Capernaum, Mt Beatitude, Jericho, Bethany, Mt.Tabor, Mount Zion, Mt. of Olives, Old & New Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Qumran, Masada Dead Sea,Allenby Bridge, Madaba, Mt Nebo Petra, Aqaba Jordan)
Oct 19, 2018 (Fri) Day 2 – Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv/ Tiberias Ćž "/ 4" )" / **&$/ 1&,+ +! 201,*0Çž 4" 4&)) *""1 ,2/ ), ) $2&!"Çž 4%, 4&)) " 4&1% 20 !2/&+$ ,2/ 01 6 &+ ,)6 +!Ç˝ "+',6 1%" - +,/ *& 3&"4 ,# 1%" "!&1"// +" +Ç˝ " 4&)) 0-"+! ,2/ Ćœ /01 +&$%1 in Tiberias. Dinner and overnight (D). Beach Holy Eucharist Oct 20, 2018 (Sat) Day 3 – Tiberias/ Meggido/ Nazareth/ Cana/ Mt Tabor We will have short stop in Meggido and the Plains of We will have short stop in Meggido and the Plains of Armageddon, known in Hebrew as Meggido, a giant fortress and City built by King Solomon.
+ 1%" "4 "01 *"+1 ,,( ,# "3") 1&,+Çž &1 &0 /"#"//"! 0 1%" 0&1"0 ,# 1%" ČŠĆœ + ) 11)"Č‹Ç˝ /,* 1%"/"Çž 4" 4&)) ,+1&+2" ,2/ !/&3" &+1, Nazareth, where we will have Mass in the Church of the Annunciation ,the Cave of the Annunciation and and visit Joseph’s Work0%,- +! %"+ 4" 4&)) *,3" ,+ 1, + ,# )&)""Çž 4%"/" 2/ ,/! -"/#,/*"! &0 Ćœ /01 *&/ )"Çż % +$&+$ 4 1"/ &+1, 4&+" 1 1%" 4"!Č’ ding feast. We will invite couples to Bless their marriage vows,Con1&+2" 1, ,2+1 ,/ Çž0&1" ,# "020 / +0Ćœ $2/ 1&,+Ç˝ Ćž "/4 /!Çž 4" will head to Tiberias. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. (B/D). Oct 21, 2018 (Sun) Day 4 – Tiberias/Mount Beatitude/ Multiplication / Primacy/ Capernum/Boat Ride “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heavenâ€? Early AM departures to Mt. Beatitude Drive up to Mount Beatitudes, visit the site of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus preached to the people., Eucharistic Celebration . "+',6 0 "+& , 1 /&!" /,00 1%" " ,# )&)"" 1, -"/+ 2*Çž %,*" ,# 2/ ,/! !2/&+$ %&0 *&+&01/6Ç˝ Ćž "/ 3&0&1&+$ 1%" 6+ $,$2" where he taught, proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the ), 3"0 +! Ćœ 0%"0Ç˝ %"+ 1, 1%" %2/ % /&* 6 ,# 1 "1"/0Ç˝ Č› Çž Čœ Oct 22, 2018 (Mon) Day 5 – Magdala 2)) ! 6 /"1/" 1Çž , 20 4&)) + )2!" -/,$/ *0 0"! ,+ 1%" %&01,/&Č’ ) +! ")&$&,20 3 )2" ,# 1%" $! ) 0&1"0 More info coming up as we get closer to the dates Çž 0/ ") Č” Ç—Ç•Ç•Çž &0 ,3"/&"0 #/,* +"4 / % ",),$& ) !&$ are creating excitement in the area where Jesus began his ministry. The village is called Magdala (Migdal in Hebrew), and it’s the %,*" ,# /6 $! )"+"ǽȋ %" )&3"! %"/" +! 0%" *"1 "020 %"/" and she continued with Him. Yes, it’s that place The most important discovery in Magdala has been a synagogue dating back to the 1&*" ,# "020Ç˝ ,/!&+$ 1, / % ",),$&010Çž &1ȉ0 1%" Ćœ /01 ,+" !&0 ,3Č’ "/"! &+ 1%" )&)""Ç˝ Oct 23, 2018 (Tues) Day 6 – Jordan Valley/ Jericho/ Bethany/ Jerusalem Mass at the Church in Bethany Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" %" ! 1, "/& %,Çž 1%" ,)!"01 &+% &1"! &16 &+ 1%" 4,/)!Ç˝ &"4 1%" ,2+1 ,# "*-1 1&,+Çž 4%"/" "020 0-"+1 ǙǕ days fasting in the desert. We will visit the ancient ruins of the wall. We will continue to Bethany and will have mass to celebrate Holy 2 % /&01 1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ 7 /20Ç˝ %"+ 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" -Č’ 1&0* ) 0&1" &+ &3"/ ,/! +Ç˝ -,+ //&3 ) &+ ,2+1 ,-20 *" +&+$ Mount of the Watchmen/Sentinels, is a mountain in northeast Je/20 )"*Ç˝ +',6 1%" Ćœ /01 3&"4 ,# "/20 )"*Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" ! 6ȉ0 1,2/Çž 4" will check in at our hotel in Jerusalem (B/D) Oct 24, 2018 (Wed) Day 7 – Jerusalem (Old City)/ Via Dolorosa/ Mount Zion Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place ,# 0(2))Çž 4%& % &0 ))"! &+ 1%" " /"4 ,)$,1% ǽȋ Č› ,%+ Ç–ÇžÇżÇ–ÇœČœ We will enter the Old City of Jerusalem and will follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) and say the Station of the Cross to the holiest shrine in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, 3&0&1 ,)$,1% +! 1%" ,* ,# 2/ ,/!Ç˝ Ćž "/ * 00Çž 4" /"12/+ 1, the hotel for breakfast. Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) "+1"/ 1%" )! &16Çž 0&+$ %6*+ &+ 1%" Church of St. Anne and view the Pool of Bethesda. Then we will 3&0&1 1%" % -") ,# ) $")) 1&,+Çž &1%,01/ 1,0 Č›4%"/" 1%" 0,)!&"/0 -) 6"! 1%" *" ,# &+$0Čœ +! 1%" / % ,# 1%" ČŠ " ,*,Č‹Ç˝ Dinner/Overnight
Oct 25, 2018 (Thurs) Day 8 – Jerusalem Mass at the Holy Eucharist Church of St Peter in Gallicantu ČŠ %" ,/! " *" Ć? "0% +! !4")1 *,+$ 20ǽǽǽȋ Č› ,%+ Ç–ÇżÇ–Ç™Čœ " 4&)) 4 )( 1, 3&"4 1%" ,*" ,# 1%" , ( #/,* 1%" ,210&!"Çž +! visit the Western Wall,( Wailing Wall ) the only part of the Herodian Temple still standing and the most sacred place in the world for "40Ç˝ %"+Çž 4" 4&)) !/&3" 1, 1Ç˝ &,+Çž 1, 3&0&1 1%" --"/ ,,*Çž /"Č’ 3"/"! 0 1%" 0&1" ,# 1%" 01 2--"/Çž 1%"+ 02/3"6 1%" ,/*&1&,+ "6Çž +! 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ "1"/ &+ ))& +12Çž %" 0&1" 4%"/" "1"/ !"+&"! "020 1%/"" 1&*"0Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" ! 6ȉ0 1,2/Çž we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Jerusalem (B, D) Oct 26, 2018 (Fri) Day 9 – Mount of Olives/ Gethsemane/ Bethlehem/ Jerusalem (New City)/ Ein Karem Mass at the Church of Nativity ČŠ *,2+1 &+ ,# ,!Çž /" "&3" *"Çž *,1%"/Çž 4&1% *6 %&)!ǽȋ Č› /,1,Č’ "3 +$")&2* ,# *"0 Ç—Ç—ÇżÇ˜Čœ " 4&)) //&3" 1 1%" ,2+1 ,# )&3"0Çž 1, "+',6 +,1%"/ 3&"4 ,# "/2Č’ salem, visit the Chapel of Ascension, Pater Noster Church and the ,*&+20 )"3&1 țȊ ,! 4"-1Č‹Čœ 0 + 12 /6Ç˝ "51Çž 4"ȉ)) 4 )( 1%" )* 2+! 6 , ! 1, 1%" /!"+ ,# "1%0"* +"Çž +! 3&0&1 1%" , ( ,# $,+6 +! 1%" %2/ % ,# )) 1&,+0Ç˝ + 1%" Ćž "/+,,+Çž 4"ȉ)) !/&3" to Bethlehem, a city whose name is recognized around the world. Ćž "/ ")" / 1&+$ 00 1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1&3&16Çž 4" 4&)) 0"" 1%" +$"/Č€ 3&0&1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ 1%"/&+"Çž 1%" /,11, ,# 1Ç˝ "/,*" +! 1%" %"-%"/!0ȉ &")!0Ç˝ Then we will return to Jerusalem (New City), to view the Temple Model to see how it looked during the time of Jesus. Here, we will gain a better understanding between the old and new cities of "/20 )"*Ç˝ - +"51 &0 1/&- 1, &+ /"*Çž &/1%-) " ,# 1Ç˝ ,%+ the Baptist, to see the Visitation Church, where Mary proclaimed %"/ # *,20 ČŠ $+&Ćœ 1Č‹Ç˝ " 4&)) "+! ,2/ ! 6 6 /"12/+&+$ 1, ,2/ Hotel. (B/D) Oct 27, 2018 (Sat) Day 10 – Jerusalem/ Dead Sea/ Qumran/ Masada Mass at the Church of all Nations Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) ")" / 1" * 00 1 1%" %2/ % ,# )) 1&,+0 and then we will drive to Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Visit Qumran; see the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, visit Herod’s fortress and the Jew’s last 01/,+$%,)! $ &+01 1%" ,* +Ç˝ "12/+ 1, "/20 )"* #,/ !&++"/ and Overnight (B, D) Oct 28, 2018,(Sun) Day 11 – Jerusalem/ Allenby Bridge/ Madaba /Jordan/ Mt. Nebo/ Aqaba Mass at Mount Nebo On this day, we head to Allenby Bridge and cross into Jordan. We 4&)) $, 1, 1%" -1&0* ) &1" 1 "1% +6Çž 4%& % ,-" ,%+ 2)
3&0&1"! &+ Ç—Ç•Ç•Ç•Ç˝ %"+Çž &1ȉ0 ,+ 1, ,2+1 " ,Çž 4%"/" ,0"0 3&"4"! 1%" /,*&0"! +!Ç˝ 2/ +"51 01,- 4&)) " 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ ",/$" &+ ! Çž 4%& % %,010 1%" # *,20 *,0 & * - ,# 1%" ,)6 +!Ç˝ Then we will drive down to Aqaba. Overnight in Aqaba (B/D). Mov"+-& ( "0,/1 Ç” "0&!"+ "Ç˝ Oct 29, 2018 (Mon) Day 12 – Aqaba/Petra Mass at Stella Maris Church – Aqaba Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) ',2/+"6 1%/,2$% 1%" &.Çž 2+1&) 4" $"1 ,2/ Ćœ /01 $)&*-0" ,# 1%" % 7+"% Č› /" 02/6ČœÇ˝ %"+ 4&)) 4" 4 )( !,4+ 1, visit the Temple and view the many caves all around the Theater. At the end of the tour, we will drive back to Aqaba for overnight and !&++"/ Č› ČĄ ČœÇ˝ ,3"+-& ( "0,/1 Ç” "0&!"+ " Oct 30, 2018 (Tues) Day 13 – Aqaba/ Jerusalem We Cross the Jordanian Border to return to Jerusalem. Dinner/ Overnight Oct 31, 2018 (Wed) Day 14 – Jerusalem /Yad Vashem Museum/ TLV/ LAX Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" ! 0%"* 20"2*Çž&0 0/ ")ȉ0 ,Ć› & & ) *"*,/& ) 1, 1%" 3& 1&*0 ,# 1%" ,), 201Ç˝ 1 &0 !"!& 1"! to preserving the memory of the dead; honoring Jews who fought $ &+01 1%"&/ 7& ,--/"00,/0 +! "+1&)"0 4%, 0")Ć? "00)6 &!"! Jews in need; and researching the phenomenon of the Holocaust in particular and genocide in general, with the aim of avoiding 02 % "3"+10 &+ 1%" #212/"Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" "01"/+ ))Çž ! 0%"* &0 1%" 0" ,+!Č’*,01Č’3&0&1"! 0/ ")& 1,2/&01 0&1"Ç˝ "12/+ 1, 1%" %,1") #,/ )2+ % +! /") 5 1&,+ &+ -/"- / 1&,+ #,/ ,2/ /"12/+ Ć? &$%1 ( 1, 1%" Ćž "/ !&++"/ 4&)) " 1/ +0#"//"! 1, 1%" &/-,/1 #,/ ǖǿǕǕ * )&$%1 ,3 ǖǞǗǕǖÇ? Č› %2/0! 6Čœ
u PAGE CJ5
Pilgrimage to Some of ITALY’s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist Nov 12, 2018 to Nov 22,2018 Spiritual Director REV.JOEL BUGAS
OCTOBER 18 to Nov 1, 2018 SPIRITUAL CHAPLAIN: REV. ANTONIO FLORES Oct 18, 2018 (Thur) Day 1 – Lax to Tel Aviv, Israel / +0Č’ 1) +1& Ć? &$%1 #/,* 1, "+ 2/&,+ +1"/+ 1&,+ ) &/-,/1Çž ") 3&3Çž 0/ ")Ç˝ Č› " )0 0"/3"! &+Č’Ć? &$%1Čœ
tle time‌ Though you may think that your life is generic like plain vanilla, if you are honest and dig enough, there are so many tiny montages, vignettes of a past life. Uniquely yours, these may be sweet, sour and even bitter moments of one’s life. Imperfect as it is, you have lived through it all. Somehow, by God’s grace, you
Day 1 – 12 Nov 2018 – (Mon) Day 2 – 13Nov 2018 – (Tues)
- USA - ROME - Rome -,+ ,2/ //&3 ) &+ ,*"Çž our Tour Escort will wel,*" 20 1, 1 )6Ç˝ ,*" &0 the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all ,3"/ 1%" 4,/)!Ç˝ Ćž "/ short panoramic orienta1&,+ ,# 1%&0 1"/+ ) &16 1, 20 ,* + 1%,)& 0Çž 4" 4&)) have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City.
Č› Çž Čœ Day 3 – 14 Nov 2018 (Wed) – Rome / Papal Audience/ Rome
This morning before we continue with our tour, we will % 3" - ) 2!&"+ "Ç˝ %"+ Ćž "/Çž 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" # Č’ *,20 ,)&0"2* +! 0"" 1%" ,/2*Çž 1%" /"3& ,2+1 &+ and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi ,2+1 &+Çž "#,/" %" !&+$ 1, ,2/ ,1")
Č› Çž Čœ Day 4 – 15 Nov 2018 (Thurs) – Rome / Basilicas We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, +! "3"+ + &"+1 /""( +! ,Č’ man artists. the largest church &+ ,* + 1%,)& &0*Çž 1Ç˝ "1"/ȉ0 Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary ',/Çž ,)),4"! 6 3&0&1 ,# 1%" Č’ silica. We continue to visit the rest ,# 1%" * ',/ 0&)& 0 4&1%&+ 1%" 4 ))0 ,# ,*"Çž +! 1Ç˝ ,%+ 1"/Č’ an, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same 01"-0 1% 1 %/&01 0 "+!"! 1, /" "&3" &) 1"ȉ0 2+'201 ,+Č’ demnation.
Č› Çž Čœ Day 5 – 16 Nov 2018 (Fri)–Rome /San Giovanni Rotondo Ç—Ç•Ç–Ç? &0 1%" Ç–Ç•Ç•1% ++&3"/0 /6 ,# 1%" 01&$Č’ matization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year . + &,3 ++& ,1,+!,Çž 1%" %,*" ,# 1 Č’ !/" &, ,# &"1/") &+ #/,* Ç—Ç? 2)6Çž ǖǞǖǛ 2+Č’ 1&) %&0 !" 1% ,+ Ǘǘ "-1"* "/Çž ǖǞǛÇ?Ç˝ +',6 1%" !/&3" $,&+$ 1, + &,3 ++&Çž Ćž "/ 4" check in our Hotel. We visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated 4&1% %&* Çž 02 % 0 1%" %/&+" ,# 2/ !6 ,# / " 1% 1 contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditat&+$Çž 0"" %&0 /,,*Çž %&0 ,+#"00&,+ ) ,5 +! 1%" /2 &Ćœ 5 that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Cel" / 1" ,)6 2 % /&01 Č› ,1") / + / !&0, Čœ
+ &,3 ++& ,1,+!, (BB,D) Day 6 – 17 Nov 2018 (Sat) – SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body .Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesomeBasilica.
Č› ,1") / + / !&0,Čœ Day 7–18 Nov2018 – (Sun) – San Giovanni Rotondo / Lanciano /Loreto Ç˝ " //&3" 1 + & +,Çž # *,20 #,/ 1%" &/ )" ,# the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The mira)" 1,,( -) " !2/&+$ 1%" Ç?1% "+12/6 when a Basiline monk doubted the " ) /"0"+ " ,# ,2/ ,/! &+ 1%" 2 % /&01Ç˝ " #,2+! %&*Č’ 0")# %,)!&+$ 1%" %,01 1% 1 % ! % +$"! &+1, " ) )"0% +! 1%" &+" ,+ 1%" )1 / % ! % +$"! &+1, " ) ),,!Ç˝ We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine ,# ,/"1, 1, 0"" 1%" # *,20 0 /"! %,*" ,# 1%" *,01 ,)6 *&)6Çž "020Çž /6Çž +! ,0"-%Ç˝ &+ " ǖǗǞǙ 1%" %,)6 %,*" % 0 ""+ ), 1"! &+0&!" 1%" 0&)& ,# ,/"1,Ç˝ ")" / 1" ,)6 2 % /&01 &+ + & +, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi Day 8 –19 Nov 2018 – ( Mon) Loreto/ Assisi ,! 6 4" "5-),/" 1%" %&))1,- &/1%-) " ,# 1 / + &0 ,# 00&0&Ç˝ + 1%" /6-1 ,# 1 / + &0 0&)& )&"0 1%" 1,* ,# one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, 1Ç˝ / + &0 ,# 00&0&Çž ,)6 2 % /&01 1 1%" /6-1 ,# / + &0 "" 1%" 0&)& ,# 1 ) /"Çž 4&1% %"/ &+ ,//2-1 body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its Cru&Ćœ 5 #/,* 4%& % "020 0-,(" 1, / + &0 ,21 %&0 *&0Č’ 0&,+ &+ ǖǗǕǛǿ ČŠ ,Çž / + &0Çž +! /" 2&)! *6 %,20"Çž 4%& % 0 6,2 0"" &0 # ))&+$ &+1, /2&+ǽȋ " 3&0&1 1%" 0&)& ,# 1Ç˝ Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi 1,,( -) " &+ ǖǗǙǕǽ %" 0* )) %2/ % ,# 1%" ,/7&2+ ,Č’ ) &0 &+0&!" 1%" 0&)& &10")#Ç˝ ,-" ,+,/&20
$/ +1"!
a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble %2/ % ,+ 2$201 Ç–01 +! Ç—+! "3"/6 6" /Çž 4&1% ,+#"0Č’ sion, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) Day 9 – 20 Nov 2018 – (Tues) – Assisi / Siena / Florence We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built &+ 1%" ǖǘ1% "+12/6Çž &1 &0 1/" 02/" %"01 ,# 1%" "+ &0Č’ sance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the city’s history while admiring it’s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s great *"!&"3 ) 0.2 /"0Ç˝ ,+1&+2" 1, ),/"+ "Ç˝ Č› Çž Čœ " 01 /1 4&1% $2&!"! 4 )(&+$ 1,2/ ,# ),/"+ "Çž 1%&0 # 0Č’ cinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria !") &,/"Çž &,11,ȉ0 ")) ,4"/Çž 1%" -1&01"/6 ,# 1Ç˝ ,%+ the Baptist. "01 ,# 1%" ! 6 #/"" Č› Çž Čœ Day 10 – 21 Nov 2018 (Wed) – Florence / Rome " 3" ),/"+ " /,2+! Ç— //&3"! ,*" )*,01 !&++"/ time (BB.D) Day 11 – 22 Nov 2018 (Thurs) – Rome / USA End of our wonderful Pilgrimage .
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COMMUNITY JOURNAL
What is a fixed marriage
Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ IF a person is ever caught in a fixed marriage (married solely to obtain immigration benefits), the consequences (or punishment) could be severe. A fixed marriage finding by the USCIS could result in a lifetime ban from ever having any other petition approved. For example, if a person was caught in a fixed marriage, but later divorced that American and married a different U.S. citizen for love, the second U.S. citizen spouse would not be able to petition the person. Similarly, if a person was caught in a fixed marriage, and years later, their U.S.born child turns 21, the child also could not petition them. However, there have been many cases where the marriage was real, but for one reason or another (perhaps miscommunication, misunderstanding, confusion, lack of documents), the USCIS concludes the marriage was fixed. If you are in a real marriage, but your case was denied because USCIS incorrectly concluded your marriage was fixed, you should fight that decision. (Of course, if the marriage WAS fixed, then there really would be nothing to fight for.) The laws concerning fixed marriages could be very helpful to people finding themselves being wrongly accused of entering into a fixed marriage. The key to the “viability of the marriage” (or whether it was real) is whether the marriage was valid at its inception, even if the couple is now separated and the marriage is no longer viable. This means if you walked down the aisle on your wedding day with “love in your heart,” then your marriage
would be valid even if it soon deteriorates. Think about the 72–day marriage between Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries. That marriage, although short in length, was valid at its inception and if Kim was an alien being petitioned by Kris, it would still have been considered a valid or viable marriage. As long as the marriage was valid at its inception, and they intended to have a life together, it should not be considered “fixed.” Even if the couple is already separated (but not yet divorced), and the marriage is no longer viable at the time of the adjustment interview, the case could still be approved. So long as the marriage was viable at its inception (and can be proven and documented as such), a person still could pursue their green card. Courts have recognized that “marriages for green cards [may be] genuine. An intent to obtain something other than or in addition to love and companionship from that life does not make a marriage a sham. Rather, the sham arises from the intent not “to establish a life together.” Therefore, even if one of the reasons you got married is to obtain a green card, it does not necessarily mean the marriage is fixed, as long as on your wedding day, you intended to have a life together with your spouse. In another case, involving an elderly couple, they never consummated their marriage. The U.S. citizen married because he needed a housekeeper and was sick, and his wife took care of him. He paid for the food, and she paid for everything else. The BIA ruled that “The reasons for the marriage appear to be far sounder than exist for most marriages.” I know so much confusion can take place at an interview be-
cause the person is extremely nervous and the couple may give conflicting answers, or the questions are confusing Also, if you are called back for several marital interviews, or if DHS visits your home early in the morning or interviews your neighbors, that shows your case is in trouble, and you’re likely under suspicion and investigation. As you can see, it’s sometimes like walking through a minefield in connection with marriages, especially if they were viable at the inception but then fell apart. If this situation applies to you, or you’re being called back for a “second” interview, you may want to seek the advice of an attorney who can hopefully salvage your case, by proving the marriage was not fixed – only broken. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar 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. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does 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: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 8-14, 2018
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Are generic drugs safe? PAGE CJ2 t
rights during the patent period. Why do generic drugs look different? Trademark laws in the United States prohibit generic drugs to look exactly like their brand name counterparts. But the laws require the generic drugs to duplicate exactly the active ingredient and dosage in brand-name drugs. The flavor, color and some inactive ingredients may be different. Do generic drugs expire sooner? No, generic drugs do not expire sooner or have shorter shelf life. Basically, generic drugs are the same as proprietary medications. Are generic drugs good for children? Most of the generics drugs were tested among adults. There are generic drugs used for children, but more studies are being done to make sure generic drugs are as efficacious and safe for children, including infants. For any concern, the prudent option is to discuss the issue with your children’s pediatrician. Do all brand name drugs have generic version? No, not all proprietary drugs have generic equivalent. Many come only in the brand-name version. Part of the reason is the duration of the patent of these other brand-name drugs. As long as the patent is in effect, FDA will not allow any generic manufacturer to produce the generic version. But even after the patent has expired, the generic equivalent must also pass through the stringent testing, evaluation, and
approval by the FDA to protect the consumers. Why can’t all drugs start as generics? The very prohibitive cost of research and development, marketing and promotion, makes it financially impossible for drug manufacturers to produce the original medications and sell them at the “generic price.” This is unrealistic to expect and economically not feasible. How are generic drugs approved? According to FDA rules: “Drug companies must submit an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for approval to market a generic product. The Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, more commonly known as the HatchWaxman Act, made ANDAs possible by creating a compromise in the drug industry. Generic drug companies gained greater access to the market for prescription drugs, and innovator companies gained restoration of patent life of their products lost during FDA’s approval process.” How does the FDA monitor generic drugs? Here is the verbatim policy of the U.S.-FDA: “The FDA Generic Drugs Program conducts a rigorous review to make sure generic medicines meet these requirements. In addition, FDA conducts 3,500 inspections of manufacturing plants a year, ensuring compliance with the agency’s regulations on good manufacturing practices. FDA staff also continually monitor drug products to make certain the medicines at all levels of the supply chain, from
Calendar of Events across
active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to products being sold to consumers, are safe, effective, and high quality. In the event of reports of negative patient side effects or other reactions, the FDA investigates and, when appropriate, may require changes in how a medicine (both brandnname and generic versions) is used or manufactured.” Are generic drugs outside of the U.S. as good? Each country’s version of the FDA would have their own rules, criteria and requirements, but basically I suspect they will be similar to those of the U.S. FDA’s. However, I am unable to ascertain this, and therefore cannot verify that generic drugs manufactured outside of the United States are as good. The Philippine Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), in my opinion, is a credible institution that safeguards and protects the health and well-being of the people in our country. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com (Advertising Supplement)
America
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS JUNE 9
Money Smart for Small Business course in El Monte, CA
AN ENCORE EPISODE ABOUT A “SPECIAL CHILD ON “CITIZEN PINOY!” When Mommy Conchita (center) immigrated to the U.S. in 2007, she had to make a difficult decision of leaving her special needs daughter, Nina (left) behind in the Philippines. It was a difficult time, because mother and daughter had never been separated before. Nina was left behind with her older sister Ruth, who was later about to migrate to Australia in May 2016. With Mommy Conchita and Ruth gone, who will take care of Nina? Find out how leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to bring Nina to the U.S. through Humanitarian Parole, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday 6:15 p.m. PST on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
Business News Confectionery producers seek government OK to import sugar by RICHMOND
MERCURIO
Philstar.com
LOCAL manufacturers of confectionery products are seeking the government’s approval to import sugar due to the prevailing high cost of domestic sugar. In a letter sent to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Confectionery Biscuits and Snack Association (PCBSA), a group of 18 producers of confectionery items, lamented the cost of domestic sugar which now costs 200 percent more than the sugar produced outside the Philippines. “Price distortion is very significant to PCBSA members as sugar is the main ingredient of a confectionery item. On average, sugar constitutes about 60 percent of each confectionery item,” PCBSA president Kissinger Sy said. According to Sy, the price of domestic sugar has recently skyrocketed to as high as P2,790 per 50-kilogram bag as against the landed price of imported sugar at about P1,300 per 50-kilogram bag. He said that even at this price, availability of supply is still not assured. With “the survival of local confectionery producers now at stake,” Sy said PCBSA members are worried with the present situation because the market share of importers of confectionery products had significantly increased from a mere five percent in 2010 to 30 percent in 2017. For last year, the group esti-
oin this introductory two-day business course designed for new business owners, selfemployed individuals, and aspiring entrepreneurs on Saturday, June 2 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at Cathay Bank 9650 Flair Dr., El Monte, CA 91731. The fee is $20 (payable to API SBP). Course topics include startup planning, organizational types, risk management, credit reporting, business insurance, record keeping and more. Breakfast, lunch, and course materials will be provided by Cathay Bank. Limited seating so advance registration is required. To register, please contact Colleen Seto at smallbiz@apisbp.org or call (213) 4731605. Please provide following info: full name, business name (if applicable), phone number, and email address.
Asian Foster Family Initiative information session in Los Angeles To learn more about how to possibly become a foster parent for Filipino children in the LA foster care system, join the informational orientation session on Saturday, June 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This will be conducted in English. It will be held at the Korean American Family Services (3727 W. 6th St. #320, Los Angeles, CA 90020). Parking lot available behind the building. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP as soon as possible to alicelee@kfamla.org to reserve your place.
City of Carson’s 120th Philippine Independence Day Celebration The City of Carson’s Annual Philippine Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 9 is the biggest event in the City of Carson with thousands of people from all over Southern California in attendance. It begins with a flag raising ceremony, followed by an ecumenical service, and a holy mass. The parade/cultural street dance participated in by different Filipino-American, City-affiliated, and school-based organizations officially open the program. This year’s featured indigenous group is the “Igorot”. Igorot dancers will thus be leading the parade. Non-stop entertainment follows with headliners from ABS-CBN-The Filipino Channel. Interactive booths, exhibits, food and non-food vendors, and a children’s area make the event ideal for families and people of all ages. For parade participation/event information/ volunteer sign up, please call (310) 952-1743; booths (310) 569-7500; sponsorship (310) 819-5108. It will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Avenue - Carson, CA).
Kalayaan Incorporated presents Philippine Independence gala in Los In a letter sent to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Confectionery Biscuits and Snack Association (PCBSA), a group of 18 producers of confectionery items, lamented the cost of domestic sugar which now costs 200 percent more than the sugar produced outside the Philippines. Philstar file photo
mated the sales of confectionery items in the country, excluding chocolates, reached P30 billion. To make local confectionery items competitive, Sy said the government should in the interim allow PCBSA members to import sugar, with the long term solution of allowing everyone to bring in sugar to assure stable supply, enhance free competition, and ensure a level playing field. Sy said with the government recently allowing all traders to import rice following the order from President Duterte, such policy should also be applied with respect to sugar since the commodity is essentially an ingredient for various end-products. To address the fears of local sugar millers with its proposal, Sy said the importation by PCBSA members may be allowed only under certain conditions, such as the importation should meet only their manufacturing require-
ments, members will not be allowed to sell or trade imported sugar to the domestic market, and the importation should be only on a one-time basis for a calendar year. PCBSA said despite the recent moves and assurances of the Sugar Regulatory Administration to address the issue of adequate supply of sugar in the domestic market, the price of sugar is not expected to substantially go down and will still be prohibitive. “PCBSA is not seeking the same magnitude of support that the government is giving to the sugar industry. But given the local confectionery industry’s contribution to the economy, this industry likewise deserves support from the government,” Sy said. The group has requested a dialogue with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez to discuss the problem at the soonest possible time. ■
Kalayaan Incorporated, Southern California’s foremost celebrant of Philippine Independence will host the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 9, at the Universal Hilton Hotel, Universal City, California. For more information, contact Erlinda Granada-Sabah at (562) 682-9576; or Malou Perez at mperez0813@ aol.com.
Los Angeles County Filipino-American Employees Association celebrates Philippine Independence in Glendale, CA Come celebrate with the Los Angeles County Filipino-American Employees Association (LACFAEA) & the Filipino community for the Philippines’ 120th year of independence as a nation, on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the Hilton Glendale (100 W Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91202) from 6:00 pm to midnight. Guests and performers include Purple & Hearts band, cultural dancers, guest speaker Senator Nancy Binay, Ivy Violan, and other surprise guests and performers. For more information, please call Marge Ordiales at (818) 476-0082 or Tony Mendoza at (323) 618-5401.
PH Time Is Now event in New York Come to New York City on Saturday, June 9 from 1 to 7 p.m. for a day of inspiring sessions to connect with fellow innovators and forward-thinkers, ignite new ideas and learn from today’s Global Filipino leaders! Set in the prestigious Harvard Club of New York, every minute and every session will teach and challenge you to create meaningful paths for personal and professional success. Speakers include restauranteur Nicole Ponseca of Maharlika/Jeepney and actor Vincent Rodriguez III of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.phtimeisnow.com/.
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
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JUNE 8-14, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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More companies leaning toward flexible working hours, says study
First grand reunion of the UP School of Economics
by RICHMOND
MERCURIO Philstar.com
COMPANIES in the Philippines are recognizing that moving away from the traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. office schedule is better for their businesses, a new global study showed. The IWG Flexible Working Survey found that in the Philippines, businesses recognized that offering flexible working strategies to their employees provided them with significant benefits such as productivity enhancement, staff retention and job satisfaction, alongside other financial and strategic advantages. The study covered 18,000 business people from a range of different industries across 96 countries, including the Philippines. “People from Seattle to Singapore, Philippines to Vietnam no longer need to spend so much time in a particular office,” said Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of IWG, the parent group of leading workspace companies including Regus and Spaces. “We are entering the era of the mobile workforce and it is hugely exciting. Not just for individual employees, but for businesses too. This is a huge shift in the
People & Events ‘Malayo man narating, pusong UPSE pa rin!’
The IWG Flexible Working Survey found that in the Philippines, businesses recognized that offering flexible working strategies to their employees provided them with significant benefits such as productivity enhancement, staff retention and job satisfaction, alongside other financial and strategic advantages. Philstar file photo
workspace landscape globally, and businesses are now looking closely at what this means for their corporate real estate portfolios,” Dixon added. In the Philippines, 93 percent said flexible working helps their business grow. In addition, 93 percent said that flexible workspace enables employees in their company to be more productive while on the move, while 94 percent believe flexible working helps their business stay competitive. About 90 percent believe flexible working helps their business maximize profits and 86 percent stated that enabling their company’s employees to work from anywhere helped them attract and retain top talent.
The report said that while the world has understood officebased work to involve a fixed location and a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule for generations, an unprecedented number of businesses are now adopting a very different working model, which produces benefits for them and their workers. “New technologies mean many of us can now work anytime, anywhere. The challenge for businesses is how to optimize this new landscape. Companies are realizing the benefits of flexible working and its ability to increase productivity, job satisfaction and business performance,” said Lars Wittig, IWG country manager for Regus and Spaces in the Philippines.■
CALLING all alumni of the UP School of Economics (UPSE)! Join us in the first ever UPSE reunion in the USA this summer 2018. Malayo Man Narating, Pusong UPSE pa rin! When: July 6, 2018 (Friday) to July 7, 2018 (Saturday) Activities: • July 6, 2018 - Early reception dinner at Ocean One Bar and Grille followed by a Party Bus Tour along the Las Vegas Strip (complete with wine/beer/ cocktails, Kodakan and music). • July 7, 2018 - Dinner/Reunion at Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Cost: $ 115.00/person paid before May 1, 2018 ($130.00 after May 1), which will cover the Party Bus Tour (including all drinks and gratuity) on July 6, reunion buffet dinner and celebration on July 7, a reunion t-shirt, event videography/photography and memorabilia, incidentals. Cost WILL NOT COVER the Friday optional reception dinner, other meals, hotel and airfare/local transportation. Alumni may opt to stay at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas
with room rate at $ 159 per night + $35 resort fee per night + 13 percent Las Vegas tax. Please email or call UPSE’s contact person below to confirm
your interest and attendance. Contact person: Jay Ortega (562) 676-7735 (UPSE Batch ’83) or e-mail: upselasvegasreunion@ gmail.com ■
California Business Roundtable joins Tree identification book from the Arbor Day Big 11 Mayors’ efforts on homelessness Foundation helps people identify tree species
Roundtable is first statewide business organization to join the growing coalition SACRAMENTO — The Coalition to End Homelessness announced that the California Business Roundtable, a nonpartisan association of the state’s major employers, has become the first statewide business organization to join the coalition. “Homelessness is a public health and humanitarian crisis that will require key partnerships between the state, cities and counties and businesses to solve,” said Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable. “We support the Big 11 Mayors one-time funding request of $1.5 billion from the $9 billion state surplus as a first step in alleviating the homelessness crisis facing our state. However, it is critical this fund-
EMPLOYMENT
ing includes provisions mandating quantifiable results and real accountability and transparency provisions to ensure the money is used for its intended purposes.” California has experienced the largest increase in homelessness in the nation and is facing a crisis that has grown to epidemic proportions in the last two years. One-in- four of the nation’s homeless are right here in California. In 2017, California accounted for nearly half of all unsheltered people in the country and 42 percent of people experiencing chronic homelessness live in our state. The Big 11 Mayors are urging Governor Brown and the California State Legislature to make a one-time
investment of $1.5 billion from the budget surplus to address homelessness in California. “Cities are on the front lines every day grappling with this crisis, including dedicating additional resources at a time when many of them are facing other budget pressures. Providing them with this one-time funding will help alleviate that pressure, while, with the appropriate accountability and transparency provisions, ensuring additional funding gets where it is needed most,” Lapsley concluded. To join The Coalition to End Homelessness visit www.cabig11mayors.org and sign the coalition form. For more information please email info@cabig11mayors.org. ■
EMPLOYMENT
THE Arbor Day Foundation has a book that helps people identify trees in a simple, step-by-step process. The book, What Tree Is That?, is available for a $5 donation to the nonprofit tree-planting organization. What Tree Is That? is a fun, easy-to-use tree identification guide that features hand-drawn botanical illustrations highlighting the distinctive characteristics of many tree species. Nature lovers and professional arborists alike have called this pocket field guide a must-have, user-friendly resource. Its beautiful, full-color illustrations are in precise detail and depict natural colors, shapes and textures so users can make a positive species identification in just a few easy steps. The Arbor Day Foundation offers this book to help people iden-
Photo courtesy of arborday.org
tify trees throughout the Eastern and Central regions of the United States. What Tree Is That? uses a unique step-by-step approach for identifying the species of each tree, explaining what to look for
SERVICES
in the shape and arrangement of the leaves, differences in the leafstalks and specific characteristics of fruits, flowers, buds and bark. “Our What Tree Is That? pocket guide is an ideal resource for developing a greater appreciation for trees,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The Arbor Day Foundation strives to help people enjoy and appreciate trees, and we feel our pocket field guide will do just that.” What Tree is That? is also available as an online interactive version at arborday.org. To obtain a tree identification guide in full color, send your name, address, and $5 for each guide to What Tree Is That?, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410. You can also order the book online at arborday.org. ■
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com
CALA awardee
Ms. Josie Davis, Memory Care Director of Alma Via of San Francisco, is a recipient of California Assisted Living Association (CALA) for Excellence in Service Award, Outstanding Department Director for 2018. The presentation of awards will be given on June 4, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency, Sacramento, CA as announced by Sally Mitchell, President of CALA.
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 8-14, 2018
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Biyaheros’ “Unang Handog” at PH Consulate in SF on June 22
Duterte’s economic...
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“vital” for the government’s ambitious infrastructure plan which, in turn, could supercharge economic growth. “Suspending TRAIN and adopting other band-aid solutions will only have a minimal and short-term impact on inflation and will stifle our growth, further delaying our nation’s progress toward becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2019, such that around six million Filipinos would be lifted out of poverty by 2022,” they said. “We remain committed to doing all we can to invest in our people, and build safer communities and better infrastructure so that everybody will prosper,” they added. The hugely popular Duterte had thrown his weight behind the TRAIN law.
But the tax reform law had also triggered rare public disapproval of the administration amid accelerating inflation, which hit a fresh five-year high of 4.6 percent in May. International debt watcher S&P Global Ratings recently raised its outlook for the Philippine economy to “positive” from “stable,” saying the country’s ratings could be bumped up if the government’s fiscal reform program leads to “further achievements” in the next two years. Meanwhile, the DOF earlier said the Philippines is expected to bag rating upgrades soon due to the implementation of the TRAIN law. “The Philippines is already on the path of high and susTHE Biyaheros is set to have tained growth. We must stay the course,” Duterte’s economic their inauguration show, “Unang Handog,” on June 22 at team said. n the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco at 447 Sutter St. Biyaheros is a group of award-
Consumer companies... PAGE CJ1 t
Philippines were only slightly below year-ago level despite rising inflation rate and cost increases brought by the tax reform and the peso depreciation,” JFC said in its first quarter report. It expects Philippine gross profit margins to equal year ago level by the fourth quarter of 2018, even as it noted that the peso depreciation has raised costs in the Philippines. JFC already started raising prices in 2017 to support profit margins. The conglomerate’s net income in the first quarter grew by 17.3 percent to P1.799 billion from P1.533 billion. LT Group Inc., the listed conglomerate of taipan Lucio Tan, also acknowledged that because of rising inflation, it would be a challenge to keep costs down. “Higher inflation is expected for 2018, which together with the depreciation of the peso and higher fuel costs will translate to higher production costs. Freight and transportation costs are also expected to go up, so it will be a challenge for manufacturers, including LTG’s subsidiaries, to keep costs down,” LTG president Michael Tan said during the
company’s annual stockholders meeting last month. Asia Brewery, its beverage business, already sees volumes of its top-selling Cobra drinks to be affected by an increase in prices due to tax on sugary drinks under the Tax Reform For Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN). The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the inflation rate for May likely accelerated to a fresh five-year high at 4.6 to 5.4 percent due to elevated rice and domestic petroleum prices. Inflation already leapt to a fiveyear high of 4.5 percent in April from 4.3 percent in March due to rising global oil prices as well as the impact of the new tax reform law. The peso, meanwhile, closed at 52.554 against the dollar on Friday, June 1. Analysts said inflation would continue to affect margins for consumer companies.“Oil prices are going to continue to raise inflation and affect margins for consumer companies. We may see a five percent to 10 percent increase in prices of consumer goods, but I dont think we will see a substantial drop in their sales,” said Chris Mangun, president of Eagle Equities Inc. n
The bucket list
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Believe it or not, the written word is precise and like a laser sword, it can slice a heart or like a soothing miraculous balm, heal brokenness. Choose wisely. How you choose reflects the beauty or ugliness of your soul. Kindness is a car that can get you to heaven. The Good Samaritan is a case in point. Is it a Pollyana view of life on earth? It sure is. But life can be brutal and in some cases, so cruel we need all the kindness we can get from one another. Or if you live a relatively charmed life and have a generous spirit, dispense acts of kindness to strangers without fanfare. Someone wise once said to choose those who can never repay you back. No one has to know. If you do it for applause and recognition, then you have cashed in your reward prematurely. Don’t post on social media for all to know. But if you do, remain anonymous. Your act of kindness can go viral and inspire others to do likewise. Focus on the act to squeeze the max out of it. Memories can be faulty. The way each of us sees things is uniquely processed through a set of largely emotional filters that may not align with how others in our immediate orbit remember them. In story writing, it is called POV or Point of View. Remember that in the eternal scheme of things, only God’s POV knows the pure, unvarnished, unadulterated truth. Your stories are all there buried deep within you. The early sunset years when you still have a sound mind in a sound body are probably the best time to write your story. Those neurons firing in our noggin are still sharp but we know, these have a definite shelf life. Don’t do it as an ego trip listing your accomplishments but put pen to paper or chase a cursor like mad on your laptop as an exercise in validating your life, putting into words, those memories that sparkle like diamonds, like the joys that you have caused to make others glad and appreci-
ate life and how others made you a better person. Accolades are fine but those you leave behind who feel eternally grateful to God for the life you lived as it left a mark on their own lives even when you’re gone are probably the highest tribute to your time on earth. I guess these are the things that make God smile. You’ll be one of those good and faithful servants. The act of recording your life story reveals to us God’s presence in every minutiae, facet and seasons of our lives. You realize that even in your darkest moments when all seemed lost, God is always there for us all. You begin to see clearly your purpose in life. Of course, as in any story, there are parts you want to share because they are happy and inspiring. There are parts that must remain secret by choice, known only to you, the God of your being and the characters of those tragic, dark vignettes you would rather forget, locked away forever or better yet, erased for all eternity. Let go of these, if you can. Healing begins with forgiveness. It can make us whole again. And when we are whole and bathed in God’s light, darkness no longer holds power over us. Life is a mural of many colors and infinite designs. Savor yours during these precious sunset years. There are so many twists and turns and variations and, if taken in one go, can seem like a blur on a whitewater tube ride. Scoop up a few golden snippets and record them. This could be well worth your while. Become the writer/editor of your life story. Dare to write it. Edit it. Even critique it, if you wish. Don’t worry about other people’s criticism. You are your own target audience for the time being. Someday when you’re gone, your story might have the power to inspire someone else. Next week: An idea for The Bucket List… *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
winning Filipino artists whose main goal is to bring Filipino art to the world. Headed by founders Emil Auto de Leon and Xander Calceta, it is composed by other top artists such as Maria Pureza
Escano, Jun Impas, Jun Aquino, Jessie Marinas, Coco Torre, Raul Roco Jr., Ronald Cortez, Orlando Distor, Jane Arrieta Ebarle, Neil Resuma Folloso, Ernesto Verroya, Art Zamora, Oying Madrile-
jos, Danny Doce and Ina Jardiolin. “Unang Handog” will run until July 6, 2018. It will be followed by a show this December in Solaire, Manila, Philippines; and in 2019 in New York and Toronto, Canada.
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JUNE 8-14, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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Friday, June 8, 2018
SF2
cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 8, 2018
Fil-Ams on connecting with their heritage on PH Independence Day by Rae
A
ann VaRona /AJPress
lso known as “Araw ng Kasarinlan” or “Araw ng Kalayaan”, Philippine Independence Day is held every June 12 — the same date the country declared independence from spain in 1898, following four centuries under its colonial rule. That independence though was very short lived, as those familiar with Philippine history know. Philippine Independence Day traces back 300 years ago when the Philippines — under General Emilio Aguinaldo — declared independence from spain on June 12, 1898. But as Filipinos began to celebrate through national anthem fanfare and flag raising, they again quickly found themselves under another ruler. spain had let go of its reign while it was at war with the United states. Upon losing, spain had then given the Philippines to the U.s. as part of the 1898 Treaty of Paris Agreement which involved a payment of about $20 million. The Philippines, thus became a U.s. territory. The Philippine-American War would rise up a year after. Ironically on July 4, 1902, President Teddy Roosevelt declared victory over the Philippines. He would though, five years later, give into pressure of granting the Philippines their independence by proclaiming general amnesty between the two countries. Yet it was again postponed as William Howard Taft, backed by a party who wasn’t too keen on granting independence. By 1912, Taft was defeated by President Woodrow Wilson who brought talks of possible independence back on the table. But it wasn’t until 1946 did the Philippines finally gain sovereignty through the Treaty of
Manila, and the day it was given its independence so happened to be again on July 4 — the same day its newly former colonizer celebrated Independence Day. But the shared independence date would only be celebrated together for 15 years. In 1962, Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal decided to officially change the date back to June 12. “July 4 seemed tantamount to the celebration of Philippine subjection to and dependence on the United states which served to perpetuate unpleasant memories,” wrote Macapagal sometime after. “I felt too, that July 4 was not inspiring enough for the Filipino youth since it recalled mostly the peaceful independence missions to the United states,” Macapagal further wrote. “The celebration of independence day on June 12, on the other hand, would be a great inspiration to the youth.” Hence, June 12 stuck as the official date for Philippine Independence Day. July 4 then began to be referred to as Filipino-American Friendship Day. Celebration of Fil-Am identity Despite the long history of colonial rule, the relationship between the once colonized Philippines and its colonizer for the most part remain good. over four million Filipinos currently live in the U.s., making the second largest Asian American group in the nation. While those in the Philippines celebrate the holiday with a day off from classes and work, Filipinos in the U.s. take it as an opportunity to celebrate their Filipino identity despite being thousands of miles away from their motherland.
Inquirer.net photos
Along the West Coast’s California, Fil-Am communities of Carson, san Francisco, and stockton have been gearing up for their own Philippine Independence Day celebrations — all of which be held on saturday, June 9. And of course, included are food booths, cultural performances, and entertainment by beloved Filipino artists. The City of Carson’s 120th Philippine Independence Day celebration will be featuring entertainment headlines by ABs-CBN talents sam Milby and Jona. In New York, Filipinos and New Yorkers in general, celebrate the holiday earlier on the first sunday of June. Having been celebrated annually since 1990, the Philippine Independence Day Parade and celebration held along Madison Avenue and in Madison square Park has become the largest among Philippine Independence celebrations in the U.s. “This year’s Philippine Independence Day Parade Celebration was great. Filipinos and Filipino-Americans came together and showed love for this yearly celebration of our freedom,” said Richard Baccay, who goes by his artist name of R1CH. R1CH was one of the performers at the parade, along with his fellow Filipino producer and manager Paulo Gernarde who goes by his artist name IsTANZA. The two performed original Filipino rap music inspired by life experiences and struggles as Filipinos. other featured performers included dancers representing the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City, and the Manggahan Festival of the island province in Guimaras. Born and raised in Pasig City, but now residing in New York, R1CH said the celebration was important in that it serves as a reminder to Filipinos — especially to those who grew up in
New York and throughout the U.s. — of their roots and culture. Also in the crowds of Fil-Ams and general New Yorkers were visiting Filipinos like 26-yearold Carlo James B. salina, an ICU nurse in the Philippines on vacation in the Big Apple. “Definitely one for the books,” said salina, though adding that he was a bit confused about its early celebration. It being his first Philippine Independence Day outside the Philippines, salina said the event made him proud to be Filipino. “I even roamed around the busy streets of New York, rode the subway and went home with my little Philippine flag sticking out of my backpack,” said salina. like Baccay, salina found the celebration’s importance as being a reminder — especially to the youth — of what was involved in creating the Filipino identity. He encouraged young Filipinos, especially those living outside of the Philippines, to be learn more about the Filipino culture and history. “This hard-fought freedom that we are enjoying now should not be taken for granted,” he said. “It should always be cherished and be claimed with dignity and pride.” As the New York Filipino community swarmed around Madison Avenue and Madison square Garden, waving their Filipino flags, letting out the occasional “Mabuhay!”, and partaking in the variety of Filipino foods, salina said he was proud to have witnessed such Filipino pride among Fil-Ams. “These things just made my heart swell with pride,” said salina. “It was that time when I experienced a sense of belongingness, and at the same time, a sense of identity in a melting pot of culturally diverse people.”
Sunshine Cruz KalayaansF to celebrate 120th anniversary reflects on 5 years since of Philippine Independence KAlAYAANsF, a Bay Area organization partnered with the Philippine Consulate General of san Francisco and other community and non-profit groups will be celebrating the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day on June 12. In keeping with the spirit of Kalayaan, a Filipino word meaning “freedom,” Philippine Consul General Henry s. Bensurto Jr. explained that the significance of these efforts is in “empowering the generations of Filipinos abroad by igniting a deeper interest in their culture and history, fostering a deeper sense of identity, and strengthening and expanding connections with one another.” Piano concert by Maestro Raul sunico, KalayaansF Festival, community heroes, JR and Jaya highlight KalayaansF June celebrations Two special events are in the offing to celebrate this occasion in June. The first is a piano concert by world-renowned Filipino pianist, Raul sunico which will be held on saturday, June 9, at the beautiful and historic Marines Memorial Theater at 609
sutter street, a stone’s throw from Union square. This blacktie affair will bring together concert aficionados, City and state officials, consular representatives from various nations, and a cross section of guests from the Bay Area Filipino-American community. A formal reception will follow at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center where guests will be treated to Filipino gourmet food, and the traditional formal dance, Rigodon de Honor, which will be performed by community leaders and dignitaries. The second event is the annual KalayaansF Festival, which will be held on saturday, June 16, starting from 12 noon up to 8 p.m. at san Francisco’s Union square. The public is invited to this all-day event to experience the best of Filipino culture. As in previous KalayaansF festivals, thousands of revelers are expected to come and experience the event’s signature ‘street’ performances on all corners of the square, where traditional and modern dances, martial arts, visual arts, and musical performances are delivered up
showbiz comeback by niña
V. Guno
Inquirer.net
close, and often interactively, with attendees. There will be a Marketplace Pavilion with vendors offering Philippine-themed and Philippine made merchandise, while various exhibitors, from corporate sponsors to non-profits will be present to reach out to the public. To complete a truly Filipino experience food booths offering authentic Filipino cuisine will be available for all to savor. Highlight of the whole day Festival is an early evening, free pop-concert produced by ABsCBN/TFC (the Filipino Channel) featuring Filipino-American platinum recording artist, Jay R, and the Philippines’ soul diva, Jaya. They will be performing at the Union square’s main stage. Kalayaan Hero awards Along with the festivities is a time to honor both known and un-heralded heroes in the community. Each year, a small group of hand-picked community heroes are introduced to the public in a formal ceremony, allowing awardees and the community to know and interact with each other. KalayaansF
seeks to provide inspiration by honoring and presenting the accomplishments of these select individuals who have exemplified the highest ideals in the fields of sports, politics, arts, business, and community service. KalayaanSF Mission Conrad ‘Radi’ Calalang, chairman of KalayaansF remarked, “As the largest Asian American population in California, and one of the largest minority groups in the country, we’re very large in number but tend to keep a much lower profile relative to others. We’d like to help bring Filipino-Americans out in the forefront, not just to have them appreciated for their culture and achievements, but to inspire them to continue making a positive impact on the community.” For more information on these and other KalayaansF events in the month of June, or for inquiries on sponsorship, volunteer and vendor opportunities, please visit www. KalayaansF.com, Facebook. com/KalayaansF, or email info@ KalayaansF.com.
AlTHoUGH sunshine Cruz has known show biz since she was a teen, there was a time when she shunned the spotlight for 13 years. After marrying Cesar Montano in 2000, she was willing to give up her career to become a housewife and full-time mom. Her last regular appearance on TV would be in 2004 for the fantasy series “Marina.” In 2013, she separated from Montano after discovering that he had an alleged affair. since then, she raised their three children on her own and came back kicking into television with ABs-CBN’s “Dugong Buhay.” Her comeback was also marked with magazine covers, such as one she shared of a parenting magazine. Back in 2013, Cruz also
Sunshine Cruz
drew reactions when she posed for a men’s magazine; she explained then that she wanted to inspire mothers to stay sexy. “I’ve done 6 seryes (series) with [ABs-CBN] (“Dugong Buhay,” “Galema Anak Ni Zuma,” “oh my G!,” “Pure love,” “Dolce Amore,” “Wildflower”),” she recalled, adding that she is working with GMA after moving to the network on the series “Kapag Nahati ang Puso” (previously known as “Karibal Ko ang Aking Ina”). “Been blessed with loving, beautiful, TAll and smart children and of course, wonderful opportunities since then,” she gushed. Cruz has also finished a college degree in psychology at 39 and has been in a nearly two-year relationship with Macky Mathay, all while keeping her physique fit at 40 years old.
ABS-CBN photo
Vice Ganda breaks down after remembering ‘Tutoy’ by Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
IN an unexpected turn of events, the anticipated humor of Vice Ganda celebrating the 7th year of his show “Gandang Gabi Vice” (GGV) became emotional as he broke down in tears to remember his childhood. In a new segment “Tanong Mo Mukha Mo” hosted by “Asia’s King of Talk” Boy Abunda, the host showed seven faces to Vice, to whom Vice can ask a question. Seven faces were shown to Vice because the show celebrates its seventh anniversary. One of the faces showed to Vice was Tutoy, his childhood self. “Masaya ka ba sa kung anong ginawa ko sa buhay ni Tutoy?” Vice asked his child-
Vice Ganda
hood self. The GGV host said that he will be forever Tutoy because of his mother’s love. “Tutoy is my nanay’s source of joy, I will forever be Tutoy. There are moments na nakakaligtaan ko na si Tutoy, but I always remind myself na ‘uy you have to go back to Tutoy’ Because Tutoy is real. Mas pipiliin ko si Tutoy kesa kay Vice Ganda,” Vice said. “Kasi noong panahon ni Tutoy mapayapa lang siya. Simple lang siya, hindi komplikado ang buhay niya pero masayang masaya siya. Masaya din naman si Vice Ganda, pero iba yung saya ni Tutoy eh,” Vice added while breaking down emotionally. “Pwede mawala si Vice Ganda, pero hindi pwede mawala si Tutoy… Kaya ‘di pwedeng
Photo from Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin
mawala si Tutoy kasi s’ya ‘yung kasiyahan ng nanay ko, and that’s the most important thing in this world,” Vice maintained. “Kahit tanggalin na ng D’yos lahat, ‘tong damit ko, alahas ko, boyfriend, wala na akong pakialam, ‘wag n’ya lang tatanggalin ‘yung kasiyahan ng nanay ko. That’s the most important thing.” Vice’s mother joined him onstage and hugged him. Other faces showed to Vice in the segment included Charo Santos-Concio; Tito, Vic and Joey; President Rodrigo Duterte, Coco Martin, Ricci Rivero, and his departed father Reynaldo Viceral. To Charo, Vice asked: “Dear Charo, sa dinami dami po ng araw at okasyon, bakit nyo napili na pumareho sa blouse ko?” To Tito, Vic, and Joey, Vice asked: “Natatawa ba kayo sa akin o nabwibwisit kayo sa’kin?” Abunda asked Vice that if he would be given a chance to star in a movie with Tito, Vic, and Joey, what would the title be? Vice suggested “Eat Showtime” or “Sina Tito, Vic at Joey kasama ang isang beki.” When showed the face of his father, Vice asked the question: “Kasi nung nawala sya, hindi pa ko ganito, so kung makakausap ko s’ya ngayon, ‘Tay ano pong gusto n’yong sabihin sakin?” Boy asked Vice that if he has a chance to show a loved one to his father, who would he introduced to his father? Vice said he will introduce his first girlfriend to his dad. “Sinubukan ko mag-girlfriend para mapasaya sya… pero bakla talaga kasi ako!” Vice quipped. When asked what he would ask Duterte, Vice said: “Bukas ka ba sa posibilidad, dahil sa inyo naman nanggaling ang change is coming, bukas ka ba sa posibilidad nang pagpapanose lift?” On June 4, GGV’s June 3, seventh anniversary episode took the number one trending on Twitter with over 20,900 tweets using the hashtag #GGVPito.
entertainment SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – June 8, 2018
The 7th PAPC Plaridel Awards call for entries SAN FRANCISCO — The Philippine American Press Club USA is accepting entries for its Annual Plaridel Awards for Excellence in Filipino American Journalism. Only on its seventh year, the Plaridel has been referred to as an “institution.” What a great honor it has been for the club. Established in 2012, The Plaridel was created to inspire and empower journalists of Filipino descent by acknowledging and celebrating outstanding journalism. In just five years from inception, 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. Entries for this year’s competition must have seen print or been broadcast through a Filipino American or mainstream media anywhere in the U.S. between June 1, 2017 thru May 31, 2018. Deadline for submission is July 31, 2018.
The Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 6 at the Filipino Community Center at 4681 Mission Street, San Francisco. 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 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 on its 30th 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. The Philippine American media have been providing news and information to the community for more than 50 years. At present, total monthly circulation of the combined major publications in print/online and broadcast is approximately over 3 million nationwide. For more information on The Plaridel Awards please visit www.papcusa.org (Advertising Supplement)
Janine Berdin is ‘Tawag Ng Tanghalan’ grand champion by iza igleSiaS ManilaTimes.net
AFTER a year of scouring the whole archipelago and the rest of the world, “Tawag ng Tanghalan sa Showtime” has finally hailed Janine Berdin as the grand champion in the highly anticipated grand finals of the competition’s second season on June 2 held at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. During the first round, the 16-year-old singer from the Visayas competed with the other Top 6 grand finalists namely, Arabelle dela Cruz, Ato Arman, Anton Antenorcruz, Reggie Tortugo and Steven Paysu. She kept the judges and the crowd on their feet when she sang the hit Filipino song “Nosi Balasi” popularized by SampaContinued on Page SF5
Janine Berdin
ABS-CBN photo
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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 8, 2018
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar
Contrary to what Piolo Pascual said last year that he and Shaina Magdayao have been seeing each other for six years, the actor recently shared that he and the actress are not dating. He did explain further that they weren’t able to take it to another level from the dating stage due to their busy schedules. “Before...Yun lang, ngayon, kasi siyempre, mahirap naman sabihin mo [oo], tapos hindi naman totoo, di ba,” Piolo said in an interview with PEP.ph and then added, “Pero kami ni Shai naman, for five or six years, talagang if there’s any time na makakalabas kami, lumalabas kami.” although the actor has no love (or sex) life at the moment, he is still hoping to have
more kids so that his mother will have more grandchildren from him. Piolo has a 20-year-old son, actor/singer Inigo Pascual. “Marami pang apo kung kaya, sayang naman ang trabaho natin, ‘no,” Piolo said. of course, he did say that it all depends on how busy he is. at present, Piolo is part of the Sunday variety show, “aSaP,” the sitcom “Home Sweetie Home,” and the prime time series “Since I Found you.” He is grateful that aBS-CBn is still giving him projects. “Akala ko nga wala na akong trabaho sa aBS,” he said. “I’m just really focusing on what I have to do at yung mga time na wala akong ginagawa, tinutulog ko na lang.”
Piolo Pascual says he’s not dating Shaina Magdayao
Actress Heart Evangelista shared the heartbreaking news that she suffered a miscarriage and lost her baby during her third month of pregnancy. The baby is her first with husband Senator Francis Escudero.
Actor Piolo Pascual recently admitted that he has no love life at the moment. He also shared that he and actress Shaina Magdayao are not dating.
Actress Shaina Magdayao has long been linked to actor Piolo Pascual. Last year, the actor shared that they have been seeing each other for six years. However, Piolo has recently admitted that they weren’t able to progress from the dating stage due to their busy schedules.
Handsome actor Alden Richards will portray the lead role in GMA 7’s newest primetime teleserye, “Victor Magtanggol.” Joining him as his leading lady is Janine Gutierrez.
*** We are saddened to hear that Heart Evangelista has suffered a miscarriage and lost her baby girl. the actress shared heartbreaking news on Wednesday, June 26, telling her fans that her baby’s heart stopped beating. She was on her third month into her pregnancy. Even Padilla, daughter of Daly City community leaders Edwin and Brenda Padilla, celebrated her 10th “there are not enough birthday recently at Gellert Community Hall. Shown in photo are (L-R) mother of the celebrant Brenda, older words to express how heavy brother Edsel and father Edwin.
Birthday celebrant Eren Padilla is shown in photo with her schoolmates, friends and family during her celebration at Gellert Community Hall. (L-R) Chloe Ventura, Kathryn Ellie, Gabriela Dyogie, Eren Padilla, Brianna Chung and Azusa Pini.
my heart feels, but I know it’s important to share this because it’s part of my motherhood journey. at this week’s doctor appointment, just as we hit the 3-month mark, we found out that hear heart stopped beating,” she said. “For some it might be early on but for us, we were so ready to meet you, little one. Carrying you made me feel
like a completely new person. Just the thought of you taught me what unconditional love feels like. the doctor told me that there really wasn’t anything we could’ve done, that this happens to a higher percentage of first-time moms. I know this is true because so many of you have been open with sharing your experiences. your kindness and positivity
Former Tourism Director in San Francisco Rene delos Santos recently celebrated his birthday with his wife, Ely, and family.
in sharing about your own miscarriages remind me to be strong,” she added. this would have been her first child with husband Senator Francis Escudero. they got married in 2015. according to Heart, they would have named the baby Mira. Last month, Heart also shared that they lost Mira’s twin.
Ellen Adarna’s dad passes away amid rumours of her engagement by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net
EvEn as she and boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz appear to be protecting their privacy, parts of Ellen adarna’s life continues to surface on Instagram, the latest of which imparted the sad news her father, alan Modesto adarna, had died. It was showbiz website Pep. ph which first spotted a post of a Cebu-based florist (with the handle @floraltouchbychaty) of a woman standing in front of a coffin, surrounded by blooms. Dated June 2, it carried the caption, “our condolences and prayers to the adarna family. God grant you eternal peace Sir alan adarna.” the post has already been deleted by the Instagram user, but not before one netizen was able to ask if the person who died was adarna’s father, to which @floraltouchbychaty replied, “yes.” Sources of Pep.ph confirmed that the wake of the actress’ 58-year-old father is being held at the Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels in Mandaue, Cebu, and that he had died of cardiac arrest. Meanwhile, aBS-CBn news.com reported that the adarna family—a prominent Cebuano clan and owners of the Queensland Motel chain— requested to grieve in privacy, banning media from covering the wake. they further cited they have chosen to keep the details of their patriarch from friends and family alike while they are settling bank matters.
Ellen Adarna
Interment is set on June 8 at Queen City Memorial Gardens. It can be recalled that in november 28, 2017, adarna posted a photo of her family with she and Cruz sat beside her father. In the same week, veteran entertainment scribe Lolit Solis confirmed the actress was pregnant, and that Cruz was the father. Ellen engaged? However, amid the sad news, adarna posted on her own Instagram account a photo that may be cause to celebrate. on Sunday, the day after the florist’s post, the 30-year-old actress uploaded a shot of her left hand wearing three rings—two were on her middle finger, while a diamond sparkled on her ring finger. She simply captioned the post with a heart emoticon.
ManilaTimes.net photo
naturally, speculations of her engagement with Cruz surfaced anew, as the actress proceeded to take down her post an hour later. all the same, fans had already taken a screen shot of the photo, which also showed adarna’s celebrity friends Beauty Gonzalez, Mark nicdao, Gretchen Barretto, and Isabelle Daza congratulating her. this is not the first time adarna initiated rumors of engagement herself. It can be remembered back in March that she posted a photo of a diamond ring on her finger with the caption, “If he makes you laugh.” adarna was last seen in public on May 19 with a baby bump while vacationing in Palawan with Cruz and some friends.
entertainment The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 8, 2018
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Comcast expands number of int’l channels available nationally Comcast makes 42 international channels available coast-to-coast for Xfinity TV customers; coupled with the recent sling international integration, the international experience on Xfinity X1 now offers more than 415 networks in more than 20 languages PHILADELPHIA, PA – Comcast today announced that it has expanded the number of international channels that are available to Xfinity TV customers by including 42 networks, now available nationally on Xfinity X1 and through the Xfinity Stream TV app and portal on mobile devices, computers, and Roku devices in the home. From Bollywood movies and Chinese news, to Russian cinema and Brazilian telenovelas, X1 customers can now find and enjoy foreign language content such as STAR India PLUS, Zee TV, TV Asia, Globo, Record TV, TV5Monde, TV JAPAN and Willow sports content. Coupled with the recent addition of Sling International on X1, the new international experience on X1 now includes over 415 networks in more than 20 languages and the content is organized and curated in a way that makes search and discovery by geography or language simple and easy. X1 customers can just say “International” to go directly to the International destination on Xfinity on Demand.
Additionally, customers can use their voice to discover programming relevant to a specific region of the world - “Asian Entertainment,” “South Asian Entertainment,” “European Entertainment,” or “Brazilian Entertainment” are all voice commands that take the viewer directly to a curated assortment of channels, shows, movies, music and more. With more than 1.5 billion voice commands generated in the first quarter of 2018 alone, X1 customers are using the X1 voice remote more than ever to find the content they love. “Xfinity X1 is now the go-to platform for the best international programming and viewing experience,” said Rebecca Simpson, Executive Director, International Strategy for Comcast Cable. “With the demand for multicultural content increasing, we are thrilled to complement our existing array of international programming by adding more channels all thoughtfully curated into an easy way to navigate, discover and enjoy.” X1 customers can access the current international pro-
gramming that is part of their subscription, or quickly subscribe to additional channels and/or packages of interest, which include: TV shows and movie collections from countries including Brazil, China, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Asia, and Vietnam. Multicultural networks available on the Sling International X1 app, featuring content from different countries in 21 languages, including Chinese (Beijing TV, CCTV News and iCable News), South Asian dialects (GEO TV, Jus Punjabi, Aaj Talk, and Bollywood News), and Arabic (Al Jazeera, ART Movies, and MBC). Programming, music and more from around the world from popular streaming services Netflix and YouTube available over the internet on X1. Starting at $6.99 per month, International channels and packages can be added to a customer’s Xfinity TV subscription by visiting the International destination
Janine Berdin is ‘Tawag Ng Tanghalan’... From Page SF2
viewers, Berdin bested Arman who sang a medley of Freddie guita. Aguilar songs, and Paysu who Berdin then received one sang a Barry Manilow medley. of the highest average scores and made it to the Final 3 along Arman and Paysu received 74.27 percent and 61.80 with Arman and Paysu. She percent respectively—margins battled her way out and wonderfully gave her own rendition so large compared to Berdin’s score. of the songs of the Bamboo As the newest “Tawag ng band such as “Noypi,” “TatsuTanghalan” grand champion, lok,” and “Hallelujah” through Berdin has won for herself P2 a medley. Garnering the highest total million cash, a trophy created by renowned Filipino visual combined votes of 96.11 perartist Toym Imao, a brand new cent from the judges and the
house and lot, management and recording contracts, an ultimate vacation package, a musical gadgets package, a livelihood package and a premium television set. According to the “It’s Showtime” website, ever since she was a child, Berdin already knew that show business was the path she really wanted to take. Her ticket to the industry was joining the “Star Circle Quest: Search
on X1, going to https://www. xfinity.com/international, or by contacting the Comcast Call Center (1-855-755-2212), which also provides in-language support for Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese speakers. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the XFINITY brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the XFINITY brand. NBCUniversal operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. (Advertising Supplement)
for the Next Kiddie Superstars 4”
Korean star Gong Yoo and Anne Curtis
Philstar.com photo
‘Goblin & Aya’? Korean film experts on Gong Yoo-Anne Curtis pairing “SID & Aya,” the “unusual” pairing of Kapamilya star Anne Curtis with Kapuso actor Dingdong Dantes, has reportedly earned P65 million in five days. After this, will Anne be able to fulfill her dream to team up with Korean superstar Gong Yoo? It is no secret the Filipino superstar is a big fan of Yoo and his hit Korean fantasy series, “Goblin.” In a recent press conference organized by Korea Tourism Organization, Korean filmmakers and film industry insiders said:
“To be honest, for the Korean actors to work with Filipino actors will be quite difficult because the price for actors’ fees (of Korean stars) is 10 times higher than here.” “But it doesn’t mean it’s impossible,” the Korean pundits assured. “It depends on the Korean actors or actresses, whether they see the movie or the film content as good, then they could work together with the Philippine actors or actresses.” (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/Philstar.com)
where she finished fourth semifinalist to Grand Quesators Clarence Delgado and Brenna Peñaflor. The loss didn’t hinder her to pursue acting as she became a Star Magic talent and appeared in several episodes of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” as the younger versions of the female leads, in “Mutya” as the titular role’s school bully, and in two tales of “Wansapanataym” as the younger sister of Toni Gonzaga and the bestfriend of Xyriel Manabat’s character.
However, the promising child star needed to step out of the limelight to go back to their hometown in Cebu for her to focus on her studies. She once again tried her luck by joining “The Voice Kids PH” and Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 1 but failed. Instead of getting disheartened, these failures fueled Janine to keep on going until she succeeded. Even before winning, videos of her gut-wrenching and powerful performances have gone viral and became a trending topic on Twitter.
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The Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - J une 8, 2 0 1 8
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