June 19-21, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 46 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages
Palace: We can never be slaves to anyone by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
MALACAÑANG on Monday, June 17, maintained that the Philippines is no slave to China after President Rodrigo Duterte got flak for staying mum on the issue of a Filipino fishing boat sinking when it was hit by a Chinese vessel near Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea on June 9. According to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, RESCUED. Philippine Navy Capt. Alex Guianan (seated left), Commodore Antonio Palces (seated Duterte is merely practicing caucenter) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Director Eleazar Salilig tion while waiting for all the facts (seated right) do the signature fist pose with fishermen of the F/B Gem-Ver shortly after a to come to light before making a turnover ceremony at the BRP Ramon Alcaraz on Friday, June 14. The fishermen were rescued by a Vietnamese vessel after their boat capsized when it was allegedly hit by a Chinese fishing declaration on the incident. vessel off Recto Bank on June 9.
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PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
USA
DATELINE California Assembly approves Newsom’s first budget package FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
$214.8 billion budget inches state towards universal health care plan, includes expanding health care for undocumented immigrants
PH NAVY ANNIVERSARY. President Rodrigo Duterte attaches the streamer on the banner of one of the award-winning Philippine Navy (PN) units during the 121st PN Anniversary at the Commodore Rudiardo A. Brown Beaching Area (CRABBA), Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Cavite City on Monday, June 17. During the event, Duterte explained his recent silence on the Reed Bank (Recto Bank) incident, noting that he had to refrain from making statements since he would rather wait for results of the investigation of both the Philippine and Chinese authorities. Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo
PhilHealth withdraws WellMed accreditation over ghost dialysis scam by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. on Tuesday, June 18, said it has withdrawn WellMed Dialysis Center’s accreditation after reports of bogus benefit claims made by the facility for non-existent kidney treatments. In a Twitter post, the state-run health insurer said: “WellMed The National Bureau of Investigation says it will continue holding WellMed Dialysis patients are advised to transfer Center owner Bryan Christopher Sy, seen here wearing a striped shirt, until the to other accredited dialysis faciliDepartment of Justice orders his release.. Inquirer.net photo by Lyn Rillon ties to ensure continuous avail-
President Rodrigo Duterte, for his part, said he wanted the owners of WellMed arrested and investigated for making “fraudulent claims.” He also hinted at reshuffling PhilHealth officials during the interview with Sonshine Media Network. “I am ordering you the [National Bureau of Investigation]... the NBI should take over by tomorrow and start to summon everybody and the owner of
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Duterte touts ‘another Arroyo firm in quitting politics; vows to help develop home province Marcos’ as cure for corruption
OVER the weekend, the California State Assembly met the deadline for a new spending package and approved Gov. Gavin Newsom’s first budget plan that allocates $214.8 billion for some of the boldest, progressive bills ever by GABRIEL PABICO LALU proposed in the Golden State. Inquirer.net The governor’s plan reflects the state’s elevating progressivism and includes, among othFORMER President and outgoing er intrepid plans, expanding Medi-Cal cover- House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arage to all low-income adults between the ages royo has insisted that she will quit poli19 to 26, regardless of immigration status. tics after her term, although her consultant stint with the Pampanga provincial u PAGE A4 government will continue. Arroyo said in an ambush interview on Tuesday, June 18, that as consultant, she will focus on the development of the Pampanga Megalopolis Plan. “They asked me to help them from time to time, to be a consultant. So, I’d be happy to do that. Tapos sinabi ko (Then I told them) where I think I
by ALEXIS
ROMERO Philstar.com
Democratic voters want to hear candidates’ views on health, but priorities vary
With the first Democratic debates a week away, health care is the top issue the party’s voters say they want candidates to address, according to a poll released on Tuesday, June 18. But what they mean by that varies widely. Nearly 9 out of 10 Democrats or Democraticleaning independents said it is very important for candidates to discuss health issues. But 28% said they want candidates to focus on “lowering the amount people pay for health care,” and about 18% said Democrats should talk about “increasing access to health care,” the Kaiser Family Foundation poll reported. (Kaiser Health News is an editorially independent program of the foundation.) That divide extends to specific health care proposals, mirroring the split on the issue among Democratic politicians. About 16% of the voters leaning Democratic said the party should discuss “protecting the [Affordable Care Act] and protections for people with pre-existing conditions,” while about 15% said they
ment of PhilHealth benefits.” Last week, PhilHealth officials said that administrative cases were filed against WellMed in Novaliches, Quezon City for misrepresentation and falsification last November. The Philippine Daily Inquirer cited a former WellMed employee and revealed that PhilHealth continued paying for a patient’s dialysis treatments despite the patient passing away in 2016 after WellMed continued filing claims for the “ghost” sessions.
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Outgoing House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
CAN’T handle corruption? Look for another Marcos. President Rodrigo Duterte admitted Monday, June 17, that he cannot end corruption under the present constitution as he claimed that it would take someone like Ferdinand Marcos, from whose family and cronies the government is still trying to recover ill-gotten wealth, to address the problem. Duterte admitted losing his drive to perform his task because of the corruption in the bureauInquirer.net photo
cracy, which he said is dragging the Philippines down. “I have regrets because I thought within the constitutional powers given to me, I can do it. But truth to tell, if this happens everyday and every table in the Philippines is like that, I can’t run after them,” the president said during the 121st anniversary of the Philippine Navy in Cavite. “Kaya ko. Pero sa batas na ito, constitution (I could have done it but with this constitution), even if you give me 20 years, I cannot do it. Maghanap uli kayo ng Marcos (Look for another Marcos). Or
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Top Filipina commissioners honored at LA City Hall event by AJPRESS
TWO top-ranking Filipina American commissioners were honored during an event at Los Angeles City Hall on Monday, June 18. The luncheon, organized by the LA City Employees Asian American Association (LACEAAA) and LA Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE), highlighted the recent appointments of Jessica Caloza to the city’s Board of Public Works and Susana Reyes to the Department of Water and Power’s board of commissioners. Joan Ria Tagle, president of LAFACE, and Annie Chao of LACEAAA, said that this event was put together to recognize the Asian American representation in these top u PAGE A2 LA positions.
Both Caloza and Reyes are the first Filipinas to sit on either board. “It’s hard to believe that with LAFACE and LACEAAA, we’re still hearing ‘first this, first that’ so that’s why it’s so important to come together and acknowledge when we have representation at the highest levels,” Caloza told attendees on Monday. Caloza, who was the director of scheduling for Mayor Eric Garcetti, was nominated for the position in February and confirmed a month later. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of mentorship among Asian Americans and Filipino Americans “to make sure that more of us move up in these LA Board of Public Works Commissioner Jessica Caloza, LA Filipino Association of City Employees leadership positions.” (LAFACE) President Joan Ria Tagle, LA City Employees Asian American Association (LACEAA) Reyes, a public service veteran for 32 President Annie Chao, and LA Dept. of Water and Power Board Commissioner Susana Reyes
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attend a celebration at City Hall on Monday, June 17.
AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel
A June 19-21, 2019 • SoCal ASIAn JOuRnAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
From the Front Page Democratic voters want to hear candidates’ views on...
PAGE A1 want candidates to talk about “implementing a single-payer or Medicare-for-all system.� That figure reflected an increase in the number of Americans who name “Medicare for All� as a priority, noted Ashley Kirzinger, a KFF polling expert. Six months before the 2018 midterm elections, only
4% of Democrats or Democraticleaning independents said they wanted candidates to talk about single-payer. “We’re expecting to hear candidates talk about it because individuals are talking about it,� she said. The poll also revealed that voters are unclear how extensively Medicare for All would revamp
the American health care system. For instance, while most voters — Democrats, Republicans and independents — said they figured a tax increase would be needed to finance Medicare for All, more than 50% of all respondents said people who get private health insurance through work could keep it, that people who buy their own coverage would retain it, and that both individuals and employers would keep paying health insurance premiums. There were sharp differences in these categories, with Republicans much more likely to expect major changes in the health system under a Medicare for All MANILA’S MAYORS. Outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada (left) welcomes incoming Manila mayor-elect Francisco “Iskoâ€? Moreno Domagoso, system. who paid a courtesy call at the Manila City Hall on Monday, June 17. The two ran in tandem in the 2013 polls as mayor and vice mayor, respectively, The flagship single-payer leg- but ran against each other in the recent mid-term elections. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan islation — spearheaded by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who is one of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates — would eliminate insurance premiums, as well as most employer-sponFor Agriculture Secretary Emermen are not allowed to fish in sored or privately purchased PAGE A1 “We can never be slaves to any- Recto Bank. manuel PiĂąol, Duterte’s silence health plans. (It’s unclear how “If it’s our territory and they’re over the issue was just approprimuch Medicare for All would one,â€? he said at a press briefing there, of course it’s wrong. But ate, saying that his restraint was cost, though the Congressional on Monday, June 17. “We have to determine exactly we do not know if they are fish- understandable. Budget Office has noted that At a briefing on Monday, he “government spending on health which among the two versions is ing there... there are conflicting care would increase substantial- true. We have to cautiously walk versions (of the incident),â€? Panelo said: “The president was right in on this. We can’t issue statements added. showing restraint in making dely.â€?) U.S. envoy: Responsible party cisions over that incident. There The disconnect may be the without the facts. [The president] are a lot of angles that need to be result of voters not understand- is not silent. He is waiting for the must be made accountable United States Ambassador to looked at. It is just right that he ing or knowing the details of the facts to set in before he makes any the Philippines Sung Kim said did not meddle immediately. Why health care proposals being put declaration,â€? Panelo added. After the Chinese vessel aban- there should be an investigation will he speak when the investigaforth, Kirzinger said. But it also could be that voters are skeptical doned F/B Gem-Vir I (Gemver), into the incident. He also added tion has yet to be clear?â€? “People would like the presiof how much lawmakers would the boat’s crew floundered in the that what happened was a reactually change the American water until a Vietnamese fishing minder of how important it is to dent to respond right away but we boat arrived hours later to help develop a code of conduct with have to understand that any statesystem. ment made by the president is a “It’s telling that a majority think and rescue the Filipino fisher- regards to the laws of the sea. “First of all I’m glad that all policy statement. When he is calm large portions of the current sys- men. China, for its part, disputed the Filipino fishermen were saved, and restrained that is because he tem would stay,â€? she said. The poll was conducted May Filipino fishermen’s accounts, in- that there were no lives lost from wants to get a clear picture of the 30-June 4 among about 1,200 sisting that the Chinese ship did the incident,â€? he told reporters. whole thing,â€? he added. PiĂąol urged everyone to “to unpeople, of whom about 1,000 not abandon them. The Yuemao- “I think it is very important that are registered voters, and 524 binyu 42212 ship only left after it there will be a full investigation of derstand that the President has are either Democrats or Demo- was “suddenly besiegedâ€? by seven what happened and that those re- to listen to all sides and get every cratic-leaning independents. or eight Filipino boats, according sponsible should be held account- angle possible.â€? able,â€? he said, during his visit at a Meanwhile, the Philippine It has a margin of error of +/-3 to the Chinese embassy. Fishing boat owner Felix dela Davao City teen clinic supported Coast Guard (PCG) said that a percentage points for issues pertinent to every respondent, Torre expressed his feelings dur- by the United States Assistance clearer picture of the Recto Bank and of +/-4 percentage points ing a recent interview and said for International Development incident is expected very soon. A probe on the incident has for those regarding only regis- the country is a slave to China as (USAID). “It is also a reminder of the im- been launched by the PCG to tered voters. For Democrats and evidenced by Filipinos no longer portance of developing a mean- determine if the Recto Bank colliDemocratic-leaning indepen- having rights over their territory. However, Panelo maintained ingful code of conduct, the effort sion was a deliberate ramming or dents only, the margin of error is +/-5 percentage points. (Kai- the Duterte administration would that the U.S. has been supportive a maritime accident. not allow any assault on Philip- for years. It is also the reminder “Our investigators were able to ser Health News) of the importance of responsible get the statement of all the fishThis story was produced pine sovereignty. “Sovereignty is never a sub- maritime activities according to a ermen involved. The report is by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of ject of negotiation,â€? he said, and system for international law and almost done,â€? PCG spokesman Capt. Armand Balilo said. n the Kaiser Family Foundation. n pointed out that the Chinese fish- practices.â€?
Palace: We can never be slaves...
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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 19-21, 2019
A
Philippines calls on UN members to assist persons distressed at sea Philstar.com
RIGID TRAINING. Senator Manny Pacquiao and members of his team run the foggy hills of Griffith Park in Los Angeles on Monday, June 17. The fighting senator officially opens the LA leg of his training camp in preparation for his upcoming fight against WBA welterweight super champion Keith Thurman at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 20. Photo courtesy of Manny Pacquiao Promotions
Duterte touts ‘another Marcos’ as cure...
PAGE A1 someday, somehow, somewhere that fellow will be elected in the generations to come,” he added. Marcos, whose presidency was tainted with allegations of corruption and human rights violations, was ousted during the 1986 People Power Revolution. His successor, Corazon Aquino, created the Presidential Commission on Good Government to recover the ill-gotten wealth of his family and his cronies. As of 2017, the PCGG recovered more than P171 billion of the supposed Marcos ill-gotten wealth. In 2003, the Supreme Court awarded to the Philippine government at least $658 million Swiss bank deposits that Marcos and his wife Imelda supposedly stashed and hid “under layers and layers of foundations and corporate entities.” The high court ruled that the Swiss deposits “should be considered ill-gotten wealth and forfeited in favor of the state.” Duterte hits party-list system Duterte stressed that the Philippines would not rise if it does not improve economically and politically. He went on to criticize the 1987 Constitution, which was ratified during the administration of Corazon Aquino. “I’m not trying to criticize. It is as good as any, mas mabuti pa kung wala talaga ‘yung kay Cory (It is good as any, it would have been better without Cory),”
Duterte said. The Duterte administration has been working on changing the constitution to one for a federal form of government but low public awareness and support for the move has slowed the campaign down. Duterte cited the party-list system, which he said is benefitting millionaires. “And for all of the brightest who crafted that constitution, son of... they did not see the simplest fact that money buys everything including political party,” the president said. “And who benefits? The rich... It’s really a disaster,” he added. Rep. Mikee Romero (1-Pacman party-list) is the wealthiest member of the House of Representatives with a declared net worth of P7.858 billion. Also among the richest lawmakers is Rep. Virgilio Lacson (Manila Teachers party-list), who has a declared net worth of P794 million. But Rep. Sarah Elago (Kabataan party-list), the least wealthy with a declared net worth of P85,000, is also from a partylist. NOLCOM chief to be named MWSS administrator At the same event, Duterte offered the post of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System administrator to Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, chief of the Northern Luzon Command. In the middle of his extempo-
raneous remarks, Duterte looked for Salamat, who was in the audience. The president then asked the Marine general when he would reture. Salamat told Duterte he would hang up his uniform next month. “If (MWSS Administrator) Dick Morales agrees, I would move Dick out of MWSS. I will place you there...Then I would look for the next general,” Duterte said. Duterte reiterated that the civilian bureaucracy “is not crafted to solve problems immediately.” “If you give them the project, they will debate with you. Then it would take them eternity to do the project until the money is gone,” he said. Rody wants aviation issues Duterte Duterte reiterated the need to ease the congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by transferring flights to the Sangley Airport in Cavite. He said come passengers complained that they stayed for five hours inside the plane. “The riding public are pitiful... the very essence of a common carrier, whether it is a jeep, a bus, an airplane, a ship — what’s common there is for public interest and public governance, and convenience,” the president said. “If you cannot provide convenience and comfort, do we ought not to be there at all?” he added. n
be in common law, it is a felony to abandon people in distress, especially when we cause that distress; and more so when it is no bother at all to save them at no risk to oneself,” Locsin said in his speech. Article 98 of the UNCLoS states that the master of a ship flying a flag has the duty to: • render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost • proceed with all possible speed to the rescue of persons in distress, if informed of their need of assistance, in so far as such action may reasonably be expected of him • after a collision, to render assistance to the other ship, its crew and its passengers, and
where possible, to inform the other ship of the name of his own ship, its port of registry and the FoLLoWING the sinking of a nearest port at which it will call Filipino boat by a Chinese vesLocsin noted that these are sel, the Philippines’ top diplomat also indicated in the International called on the international comMaritime organization Convenmunity to render assistance to tion for the Safety of Life at Sea persons in distress at sea. and the Convention on Maritime Speaking before the meeting Search and Rescue. of state parties to the UN ConThe DFA chief added that there vention on the Law of the Sea is no sanction under international (UNCLoS) in New York, Foreign law for those not enforcing their Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin duty to render assistance, this Jr. stressed that every UN memshould be a cause of concern. ber state should observe convenIn his speech, Locsin highlighttions, particularly in life-anded the June 9 incident, where an death situations. anchored Filipino fishing vessel “The rescue of persons in dissank after being hit by a Chinese tress is a universally recognized trawler in the West Philippine obligation of people and governSea. ments; and in civil law and, mayHe also stressed that the collision occurred within Philippine exclusive economic zone. “The incident, to put it diplomatically, highlights the moral and possibly legal —though one wouldn’t wager on it — imperative of coming to the rescue of persons in distress at sea,” Locsin said. The Philippines was one of the original signatories of the UNCLoS in 1982, the basis of its arbitration at the Hague-based tribunal. In July 2016, the UNCLoSbacked tribunal ruled in favor of Manila, invalidating Beijing’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. delivers his remarks at the 29th Meeting of States Parties nine-dash line claim over the to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea at the UN headquarters in New York. DFA photo South China Sea. n by Patricia Lourdes
Viray
Arroyo firm in quitting politics...
PAGE A1 can help is to follow through on the implementation of Pampanga Megalopolis Plan,” she said. According to Arroyo, a native of Lubao town in the province, the Megalopolis plan is the vision of the Pampanga government to attract more establishments, investments, and tourists by creating infrastructure projects such as roads and train systems giving people direct and fast access to airports. This in turn will also help decongest Metro Manila, she said. “So iyon, meron kaming airport, ginagawa iyong tren papunta duon (So there, we have an airport, they are building the train going there). Actually those are part of the Megalopolis Plan. So, yung Megalopolis sabi ni (Architect Felino) Palafox, iyong probinsya namin meron siyang aeropolis
(So, the Megalopolis according to Palafox, our province will have an aeroplolis), that would be economy built around the airport,” Arroyo explained. “Malaking bagay kase ang infrastructure ng airport. Meron din kaming aquapolis. Duon sa aming lugar like my town we are very, very big aquaculture aeropolis that will be the economy built around the airport,” she added. Arroyo, in her third term as Lubao representative, made a comeback to national politics after she was elected House Speaker by majority of lawmakers just before President Rodrigo Duterte was set to deliver his third State of the Nation Address on July 23, 2018. She replaced former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who was engaged in a spat with Duterte’s daughter, Hungpong ng Pagbaba-
go chair and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Before being Speaker and Lubao lawmaker, Arroyo succeeded former President Joseph Estrada who was forced to step down after the People Power 2 revolution brought about by the plunder allegations. Arroyo was president from 2001 to 2004. She ran in the 2004 elections, where she secured a full six-year term as president. Arroyo’s administration is being credited for the country’s robust economic standing amid recessions in other parts of the world. However, her administration was also plagued with corruption issues like the NBN-ZTE deal and the fertilizer fund scam. Her administration also weather several coup attempts launched by dissatisfied military officers. n
A June 19-21, 2019 • SoCal ASIAn JOuRnAL
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IN WAKE OF RECTO BANK INCIDENT Treaty with US is only ‘weapon’ in PH arsenal, says Lacson by Neil
ArwiN MercAdo Inquirer.net
Following the collision between Filipino and Chinese vessels in the west Philippine Sea (wPS), Sen. Panfilo lacson on Monday, June 17, said the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the United States would be “the only weapon in our arsenal.” “no less than [U.S. Secretary of State] Mike Pompeo said as much recently,” lacson said on Twitter. “we’re not praying for ww3 [world war 3], just a balance of power being felt in the wPS, unless we can stomach being pushed around forever. Just a thought.” The MDT is the only “weapon” in our arsenal. no less than Sec Mike Pompeo said as much recently. we’re not praying for ww3, just a balance of power being felt in the wPS, unless we can stomach being pushed around forever. Just a thought. lacson made the comment in response to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro locsin Jr., who echoed President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement about not sending the navy to meddle in the Recto Bank incident. “Beautiful. ‘…you do not send gray ships there…’ That’s how we give China and the U.S. an excuse. we had only one ship nearby — gray — and it militarized the Scarborough confrontation giving U.S. excuse to drop us,” locsin said in a tweet. The phrase “gray ships” refers
to Philippine navy vessels. During his speech at the 121st Philippine navy anniversary, Duterte dubbed the incident as a “little maritime accident” and asked the navy and the troops to “stay out of trouble.” “Pero ’yang nangyari diyan sa banggaan — that is a maritime incident. Huwag kayong maniwala sa mga politiko na bobo. gusto papuntahin yung navy. You do not send gray ships there. Banggaan lang ng barko ’yan. Do not make it worse (But what happened in that collision — that is a maritime incident. Don’t believe the stupid politicians. They want to send the Navy. You do not send gray ships there. That’s just a collision between boats. Do not make it worse),” the president said. “Just build on our own. Huwag muna tayong makialam (Let’s not meddle for the time being).” ‘U.S. commitments to MDT are clear’ last March 1, Pompeo made a stopover in Manila after the U.S.north Korea summit in Vietnam. in one occasion, he said the U.S. government’s “commitments” under the MDT “are clear, our obligations are real.” Pompeo added that “the [west Philippine Sea] is certainly part of an important body of water for freedom of navigation.” “we remain committed to supporting not only the Philippines in that effort, and the Philippines needs to do its part as well, but all the countries in the region so these incredibly vital sea-lanes
ENOUGH! Susan Ople (third from right) leads officials and representatives of employment agencies in calling a halt to the collection of Social Security System, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG contributions from seafarers and Overseas Filipino Workers. Various groups said mandatory SSS membership should not be made a requirement in the deployment of workers abroad. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina Sen. Panfilo Lacson Inquirer.net photo by Richard A. Reyes
remain open and China does not pose a threat to closing them down,” Pompeo said. The president also expressed his intention of maintaining a strong relationship between the two nations, particularly in defense and security, as well as in peace and order. Under Article 4 of the MDT, in case of an armed attack in the Pacific area, each party “would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.” in several occasions, locsin also said that the United States remained the Philippine’s “only military ally.” “The U.S. is and will remain our only military ally. You can’t make an ally out of a near power — too close for comfort,” locsin a tweet posted last April. n
Filipino brands harvest awards at ‘choco Oscars’ by PiA lee-BrAgo Philstar.com
FiVE Philippine chocolate brands received international recognition after bagging a total of 24 awards across various categories in the 2019 Academy of Chocolate Awards in the United Kingdom. The chocolates of Auro Chocolate, Dalareich Food Products, Malagos Agri-Ventures Corp., MS3 Agri-Ventures and Theo and Philo Artisan Chocolates impressed more than 100 judges who made up the panel, according to the Philippine embassy in london. This year’s board of judges included leading chocolatiers and some of the UK’s most prominent food writers and bloggers. “The recognition given to Phil-
Among the Philippine chocolate brands that impressed judges at the 2019 Academy of Chocolate Awards were Malagos, MS3 Choco and Theo and Philo Artisan Chocolates. Philstar.com photo
ippine chocolates over the years shows that Philippine chocolates are indeed world class,” Ambassador Antonio lagdameo said. More than a thousand entries from close to 50 countries were marked for appearance, depth of aroma and flavor, length and complexity in a rigorous 25-session judging process over 12 weeks. “Purity and sustainability of ingredients remain paramount considerations for the Academy,” Marie-Pierre Moine, board
member and awards ambassador, said. last year, Malagos chocolates of Davao City won five awards in the same competition. Under the awards’ drinking category, Malagos’ 85-percent dark chocolate won silver while its 100-percent and 72-percent variants got bronze. in the tree to bar category, its 72-percent and 85-percent variants won silver. The Academy of Chocolate awards was launched in 2005. n
Top Filipina commissioners... PAGE A1 years, was nominated by garcetti in April to join the Board of water and Power Commission and was confirmed by City Council in early June. She previously served as the director of lA Department of water and Power’s (DwP) low-income Customer Access, a position that helped ensure low-income ratepayers could access financial assistance, discounts, and rebates offered by the utility. “i’m ready to embrace the tremendous responsibility that comes with it,” Reyes said. “we just don’t need more leaders, we need better leaders.” in addition to her work at the
DwP, Reyes was on garcetti’s sustainability team and is the vice president of national Sierra Club Board of Directors. “i’ve dedicated myself to the fight for clean air, clean water and clean energy, not just for the few, but for the disadvantaged who suffer the worst impacts in pollution. Today there is no doubt that we are in a climate crisis,” she said. Also present at the luncheon on Monday were Councilmember Paul Koretz, Captain Donald graham of the lA Police Department, Deputy Mayor for Budget & innovation Miguel Sangalang, and lAFACE and lACEAAA members. n
LAFACE and LACEAA held a luncheon on Monday, June 17 to honor top Filipina Commissioners Jessica Caloza and Susana Reyes. The event was also attended by Councilmember Paul Koretz, Captain Donald Graham of the LA Police Department and Deputy Mayor for Budget & Innovation Miguel Sangalang, AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel
California Assembly approves...
PAGE A1 This makes California the first state to pass legislation that ensures health care coverage to a significant sect of undocumented immigrants, moving the state closer towards a universal health care plan. California is also the first state to expand Covered California subsidies to middle-class families that earn a maximum of 600% below the federal poverty level, meaning that a family of four that makes up to $154,500 may still qualify for a discount. “Quality, affordable healthcare doesn’t have to be some farfetched, crazy idea,” newsom tweeted on Saturday, June 15. “our budget will make insurance more accessible [and] affordable to hundreds of thousands of people and provide subsidies for middle class families to help pay for healthcare costs.” The bill also reinstates a version of the individual mandate
first included in the Affordable Care Act (and axed by the goPcontrolled Congress in 2017), which would place a $695 state penalty on anyone who doesn’t have health insurance. The governor’s approved budget plan also represents the state’s most vigorous effort in combating the state’s housing and homeless problems. The lion’s share of the $2 billion plan will be allocated to housing and care for the state’s homeless population in the form of grants for cities and counties to build emergency shelters, health care for the homeless and affordable permanent housing. Even though the Assembly signed off on the budget last week, it approved another 12 “trailer” bills on Monday, June 17 that would bring about more grand policy changes, including a bill that would increase paid family leave benefits from six weeks to eight weeks. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
PhilHealth withdraws WellMed...
PAGE A1 that wellness thing there where these fraudulent claims were discovered. Arrest them. That is my order. Arrest them. Place there sa blotter ninyo (Place there on your blotter),” Duterte said. “Arrest them and investigate them right away. no ifs, no buts... if a lawyer attempts to interfere, tell him it’s my order,” he added. Roy Ferrer, PhilHealth acting president and chief executive
officer, as well as several board members of the government corporation have already tendered their courtesy resignation last week. However, Duterte might still keep them until replacements are found, according to Secretary to the Cabinet Karlo nograles. PhilHealth, for its part, said payments for all claims filed by wellMed had been suspended as early as February. n
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Dateline PhiliPPines
A
House Speakership race heats up Trillanes ‘ready for anything’ after June 30 by Delon
Porcalla Philstar.com
MANILA — The unofficial race for the speakership has begun. The camp of returning Taguig congressman-elect Alan Peter Cayetano hosted on Wednesday, June 19, a seminar at a hotel in Clark, Pampanga for the newest House members who won in the recent midterm elections. Cayetano, one of the contenders for speaker, also brought with him several members of President Duterte’s Cabinet, who will be giving lectures on lawmaking and the budget process. Among these Cabinet members are Secretaries Mark Villar of public works, Arthur Tugade of transportation and Carlos Dominguez III of finance. The three are directly in charge of Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program until 2022. An unnamed official of the Department of Budget and Management, who will either be an “undersecretary or assistant secretary,” will also be delivering a seminar on the “fundamentals of the budget process” for rookie congressmen. The event will start at lunch at the Quest Hotel where dinner,
cocktails and socials with members of Congress will follow at 7 p.m. with Cayetano as host. The former senator and foreign affairs chief said he was instructed by Duterte to help him push his legislative agenda for the second half of his six-year term. Subjects on parliamentary procedure and traditions of Congress will be explained by professor and political analyst Edmund Tayao and reelected Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales II. Others hosts include Cayetano’s colleagues in the Nacionalista Party – House Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu and Reps. LRay Villafuerte of Camarines Sur, Ronnie Zamora of San Juan, Abraham Tolentino of Cavite, Dan Fernandez of Laguna, Elpidio Barzaga of Cavite, Robbie Puno of Antipolo and Bong Bravo of partylist Coop-Natcco. Rep. Jericho Nograles of partylist Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta hinted earlier that there would most likely be only two serious contenders for the speakership — Reps. Martin Romualdez of Leyte and Lord Allan Velasco of Marinduque. Nograles, a presidential nephew as his mother Rhodora Bendigo is a cousin of Duterte, made
this forecast in the run-up to the speakership race to be decided on July 22. “Our choice is down to two — Velasco or Romualdez. This will be a tough decision to make because both of them are close to our hearts but we will definitely choose the speaker who can treat us justly and fairly,” Nograles said, referring to the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI). “Some of the wannabes who have tried to reach out to us obviously have a different view about party-list groups. Mababa ang tingin sa amin,” he said, echoing the same concern raised by their leader, PCFI and 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, about being “second-class citizens.” Romero said their group, composed of 54 members, will be voting as a bloc. He expressed belief they would also be the “swing vote” in the speakership race, being the second largest political bloc in the House next to the 95-member PDP-Laban party of Duterte. “With the free for all, the party-list bloc with about 54 voting members might be the swing vote in choosing the speaker,” he said. n
Aegis fratman found guilty ONE of the suspects in the 2017 hazing death of University of Santo Tomas (UST) law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III has been found guilty of obstruction of justice. Judge Carolina Esguerra of the Manila Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 14 found Aegis Juris fratman John Paul Solano guilty of interfering with the legal process, but also acquitted him of perjury. He was sentenced to serve up to four years, two months and one day. Castillo was a first year law student when he died on Sep. 20, 2017 following initiation rites. Solano had claimed to have found Castillo’s body in Tondo, Manila and that he had brought him to the Chinese General Hospital. He backtracked after investigations proved otherwise and Solano argued that he had been ordered by Aegis Juris superiors to lie and was also afraid of being implicated in Castillo’s death. In its ruling, the court said that “as the investigation progressed to show that the body of Castillo was nowhere in the area pointed to by the accused under the circumstances in which he supposedly found him, and he later admitting
that he gave the incorrect lead to the police though he claims he did so under uncontrollable fear, it is clear that he gave false and fabricated information to mislead the police or prevent them from apprehending those responsible for the death of Castillo.” Still, the court cleared Solano of perjury, noting that the “first element of the offense that the accused made a statement under oath was not proven beyond reasonable doubt.” Advocates of the Anti-Hazing Law welcomed the decision, but also said that the court erred with regard to the perjury ruling. Bagong Henerasyon Partylist Rep. Bernadette Herrera Dy said the “partial justice” was welcome and called on schools to uphold Republic Act 11053. “When Congress worked on this law, we were aware that hazing emanates from violence and lack of empathy kept in the heart and fostered in the mind. For this reason, we included provisions on registration of fraternities, school authorities oversight, roles of faculty advisers and administration officials, and developmental activities,” she added. “The violence that killed Atio should not happen again to any-
John Paul Solano
ManilaTimes.net photo
one now and in the future.” Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Alfredo Garbin, for his part, said the Manila court “seems to have misappreciated the facts” presented during the trial. “Not only does the acquittal of John Paul Solano on the charge of perjury is denial of full justice to the Atio Castillo family, it sends a clear message that these misguided people who commit hazing will eventually get away with their crime,” he said. He noted that the court’s decision could affect the final resolution of the case. Another 10 Aegis Juris fratmen remain on trial over Castillo’s death. (William Depasupil and Glee Jalea/ManilaTimes.net)
PNP lauded for reducing crime volume
cal injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicles, carnapping of motorcyles, and THE Department of the Interior cattle rustling — from 7,421 in and Local Government (DILG) May 2018 to 5,744 in May 2019. has lauded the Philippine NationMeanwhile, non-index crimes al Police (PNP) for bringing down dropped by 7.31 percent from the total crime volume in May by 35,106 in May 2018 to 32,540 in 10 percent. May 2019. Citing records from the PNP’s Non-index crimes are cases of Directorate for Investigation and reckless imprudence resulting to Detective Management, DILG homicide, reckless imprudence Secretary Eduardo Año said the resulting to physical injury, recktotal crime volume in May 2019 less imprudence resulting to is 38,284 compared to 42,527 for damage to property, violation of the same period last year. special laws, among others. Data from the PNP showed a Año also commended the PNP 22.6 percent drop in index crimes for its efforts to rid its ranks of such as murder, homicide, physi- erring and corrupt police perby neil Jayson
servallos ManilaTimes.net
sonnel. “I would like to commend the PNP for its internal cleansing program aimed to rid its ranks from misfits and scalawags. Napakalaki na ng naitutulong ng PNP sa hangarin nating maibalik muli ang tiwala at pagmamahal ng mga tao sa pamahalaan (The PNP has helped bring back public trust on government),” he said. According to Año, electionrelated violent incidents (ERVI) plunged by 60 percent during this year’s midterm polls. Data from the PNP showed that only 43 ERVI were recorded this year compared to the 106 incidents recorded in 2016. n
De Lima slams killing of human rights workers by BernaDette
tamayo ManilaTimes.net
DETAINED Sen. Leila de Lima on Sunday, June 16, denounced the recent killings of two human rights workers in Sorsogon, who were both reportedly subjected to periodic surveillance by the military and police operatives before their deaths. De Lima raised the need to “seriously investigate” the incident to ensure justice for the victims and their families, and find out whether state agents were indeed involved in the crime. “The deplorable murder of two Karapatan members is nothing but an attack against all fearless warriors who fight for human rights, justice and freedom,” de Lima said in a statement. “Aside from investigating this alarming trend of killings targeting human rights defenders in the country, there is an urgent need to thoroughly investigate why the two victims were subjected to periodic surveillance conducted by uniformed personnel, and if this surveillance has something to do with their deaths,” she added. Two members of rights group Karapatan from Sorsogon, Bicol — Ryan Hubilla and Nelly Bagasala — were gunned down at about 8:20 a.m. on June 15 in a subdivision just a kilometer away from the City Police Office in Barangay Cabid-an, Bicol.
Sen. Leila de Lima
They were killed by unidentified assailants onboard a motorcycle after they escorted lawyer Bart Rayco, who visited his clients, all of whom were identified as political prisoners, at PNP Cabid-an. Prior to the killing, Karapatan revealed that Hubilla and Bagasala, were tailed by a gray pick-up vehicle and a black motorcycle that had no license plates last April 21. De Lima said their deaths “added up to the snowballing record of rights defenders killed under the Duterte administration.” With human rights defenders (HRDs) still under serious attack, de Lima reiterated the need for Congress to push for the passage into law of a bill protecting HRDs from any forms of abuses. “Don’t we find it alarming that
ManilaTimes.net photo
the bad guys keep on unleashing bloodbath victimizing the very defenders of human rights without fear for accountability anymore?” she asked. De Lima recently vowed to refile in the upcoming 18th Congress the Human Rights Defenders’ Protection Bill, the House counterpart measure in the Senate, which was not acted upon by the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights under Sen. Richard Gordon during the previous Congress. She noted that the House of Representatives on June 3 approved on third and final reading House Bill 9199, also referred to as the “Human Rights Defenders Protection Act,” but its Senate counterpart filed by de Lima, Senate Bill 1699, had languished at the committee level since February 2018. n
by Paolo
romero Philstar.com
may throw at him, including being thrown in jail, once his term expires on June 30. MANILA — Outgoing Sen. AnTrillanes described his 12 tonio Trillanes IV, a staunch crit- years as a senator as a “wild ride ic of President Duterte, is ready with so many twists and turns” for anything the administration where he learned so much, made many friends and learned to love some of his colleagues who have been very critical of him. “I believe I’ve done my best. I’ve tried to make a difference given the time and energy resources I had. I believe I’ve done my job,” the opposition senator told the Kapihan sa Senado forum. Trillanes said he plans to teach but will remain a vocal member of the opposition even if he is more at risk for harassment or being prosecuted on what he expects to be dubious charges in order to have him put behind bars. “Even when I was a senator, that didn’t stop (the administration) from harassing me, but Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV Philstar.com photo it’s they who should be afraid,”
he said, referring to the attempt to arrest him in 2018 on coup charges when Duterte issued a proclamation revoking the amnesty granted to him in 2011. Trillanes, along with several military officers, were jailed for over seven years after staging the so-called Oakwood mutiny. Asked if he was ready to be jailed again, he said: “I’m ready. The question is, are they ready?” Under the present administration, a member of the opposition “should be prepared for everything,” according to Trillanes. “All my experience led me to be who I am today. If I can’t survive what may come my way, there’s God who will bridge the gap,” he said. Trillanes added that he is also proud of his legislative record, including successfully pushing for salary increases of public school teachers and uniformed personnel. n
A6 JUNE 19-21, 2019 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
Cubao to Makati in 5 minutes
FEATURES
BY the end of the year, President Duterte has vowed, the drive along EDSA between Makati and Cubao, Quezon City would be cut to just five minutes. If the President delivers on this promise, he deserves a monument along EDSA. People who grapple daily with the crippling traffic jams along the busy thoroughfare have tried numerous schemes to improve vehicular flow. After a brief improvement, however, backsliding occurs. Designated stops and dedicated lanes are ignored. Passengers still board and jump out of vehicles even in the middle of the road. The President is counting on the opening of new overhead roads to make good on his promise. Recent such thoroughfares, however, have failed to ease traffic, possibly because these are toll roads. Ordinary folks are burdened enough with inflation to add to the cost of their daily drive or commute. Unless people are in a rush – to catch a flight, for example – they would rather make allowances for getting stuck in traffic rather than add to the cost of their daily drive. Fuel costs are high enough and there are already too many toll roads all over
Metro Manila and neighboring areas, making people wonder where taxes go. The President made the promise apparently in anticipation of the opening of new overhead, bypass or connector roads and expressways to ease traffic jams in Metro Manila. He may have to revise his projection that the improvement may be felt by December, considering that the Christmas season is the worst time for traffic jams. Still, he is expected to prod his officials to make his objective attainable. Edison Nebrija, EDSA traffic zone head of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, has a more realistic target of cutting down the drive between Cubao, Quezon City to Chino Roces Avenue in Makati initially to 30 minutes. This is half of the regular travel time between the two points in moderate traffic. Of course if this could be cut down further to five minutes, EDSA can be renamed after whoever is responsible. (Philstar. com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Fox News poll: Trump trails Democratic candidates in the 2020 presidential elections
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS AN EPIPHANY is that moment in the story where a character achieves realization, awareness, or a feeling of knowledge, after which events are seen through the prism of this new light in the story. Are we there yet, Filipinos in America? Or are we still blinded by the glaring prism of fanaticism? I would like to look at the glass half full and will not stop believing that the truth will eventually free us and help us make better-informed decisions. This is if we remain relentless in putting the spotlight on the facts rather than a fabricated alternate universe maliciously created by conmen for their own political expediency, power, fame and self-aggrandizement. As the truth comes out, such conmen try even harder to suppress the facts from coming out. This cannot be denied in how the 45th president of the United States manipulated his cohorts in
government and his adoring fan base. On January 23, 2016, as a presidential candidate, Donald Trump boldly, proudly and brazenly stated the following during a campaign rally in Iowa: “I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose voters.” Has he proven himself right through you? Former First Lady Michelle Obama said in a speech, “Being president doesn’t change who you are, it reveals who you are.” Indeed, we get to know a person‘s true character not only when he has nothing, but perhaps more so when he has all the power at his disposal. From the illusion that Trump the business “mogul” and reality star will be “presidential” and will live up to the oath of upholding and defending the Constitution and the democracy of the nation, more and more Americans are now seeing who the real Donald Trump is during his chaotic first two years in office.
Delusional President Trump could not live with the facts that are not favorable to him, even if they come from his own internal polling, so much so that according to a report by the Washington Post, his “campaign is cutting ties with three members of his polling team after grim numbers showing him trailing former Vice President Joe Biden in several battleground states were leaked to the media last week, according to several officials with knowledge of the matter.” The report further stated: “The news follows reports — first by Politico and later by the New York Times — on a 17-state internal poll conducted by Fabrizio. The data, later reported by ABC and NBC, show Trump trailing Biden by double digits in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Florida and Michigan, where Trump narrowly edged out Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016. The poll also found Trump behind Biden in several other states that were key to the president’s win — Iowa,
North Carolina, Ohio and Georgia — while holding a narrow edge in strongly Republican Texas.” Trump, as expected, called this “fake news” because it just did not support his own narrative in his alternate universe, even if the survey was commissioned by his own campaign. “Those polls don’t exist. But I just had a meeting with someone who’s a pollster, and I’m winning everywhere, “ Trump claimed. In fact, this is so very Trump: he refuses to listen to reports and studies that are not favorable to him and his own agenda, that his staff has been so daunted to bring them up to him from fear of falling out of grace and favor. Trump and his ardent supporters contend this is all politics to bring down the president, but wait. This news about Trump trailing behind Biden has been corroborated by the poll commissioned by Trump’s favorite Cable news channel - Fox News! According to the results of the Fox News polling, “the president
is currently lagging behind as many as five of the Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential election. The latest poll, conducted between June 9 and June 12, found Democratic frontrunners — former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders — each garnering 49 percent of the vote in a hypothetical head-to-head against the president.” Newsweek reported that “Biden fared slightly better against Trump, beating the incumbent by ten percentage points, while Sanders had a slightly smaller gap of nine points over the president.” “The remaining three Democrats who could possibly unseat Trump were Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris, and Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Warren, who was the first of the Democratic hopefuls to publicly call for Trump to be impeached holds the slight edge in this trio, beating the president by 43 percent to 41 per-
cent. Harris — who has also since called for Trump’s ouster — and Buttigieg each came out on top against the president, but only by a single percentage point.” Trump’s reaction on Twitter? More lies. “Polls are always bad for me. They were against Crooked Hillary also. Something weird going on at Fox. Our polls show us leading in all 17 Swing States.” This is the real Donald Trump. The presidency cannot change the man. You cannot change the man. But we can change ourselves by being better informed, having more critical thinking and a discerning heart and the quest for the truth so we can make better decisions for our families and our nation come 2020. *** 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
Journey to Phnom Penh, gains under Premier Hun Sen and excellent ties with royal family
WE journeyed to Phnom Penh last week, June 4-8, where we conferred with Prime Minister Hun Sen on a major conference in the Cambodian capital scheduled for November and where we noted significant economic gains for the country. We were accompanied in our visit by senior officers of the Seoul- and New York-based Universal Peace Federation (UPF), a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing the cause of peace through cooperation and dialogue. We serve as chairman emeritus of the UPF. Among those in our group were Dr. Chung Sikyong of South Korea, chairman for Asia of the UPF; Hon. EkNathDhakal of Nepal, former minister for peace and reconstruction and chairman for Asia of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), who is married to a Filipina, BlessieGadon from Zamboanga City; Dr. Robert Kittel of the USA, Director for youth education of the UPF; Ursula McLackland of Germany, secretary-general of UPF Asia; and Dr. Julius Malicdem of the Philippines, who hails from my province of Pangasinan, newly designated chairman for Southeast Asia of the UPF. Dr.HakJa Han Moon, active widow of UPF founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon, and UPF International President Dr. Thomas Walsh were attending another conference in South Africa. Our group was received by Premier Hun Sen at the sprawling Peace Palace, where he receives foreign dignitaries and where important international events, like the East Asia Summit 2012 attended by then US President Barrack Obama, are held. It is worth mentioning that the 6th General Assembly of ICAPP, the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, in December, 2010, was held in this magnificent edifice. Our UPF group and Prime Minister Hun Senhave decided to hold the UPF Asia Pacific Summit 2019 in Phnom Penh, November 18-20, to be co-hosted by Cambodia. The prime minister even graciously offered the Peace Palace to be the venue of the conference. The scheduled summit in Phnom Penh aims to foster close partnership between government and civil society in addressing the critical challenges
besetting the Asian region and the global community, such as Peacepeace and security, development, good governance, climate Maker change, and poverty. We also took the opportunity to invite him to the UPF World FORMER SPEAKER Summit to be held in Seoul in JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. February, 2020, and to the 20th founding anniversary and 11th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) in Manila in November 2020. ICAPP, which we founded and launched in Manila in September, 2000, now represents some 350 ruling, opposition, and independent political parties in 52 countries in Asia. After our meeting with the UPF group, Premier Hun Sen, an old friend, ushered us into his private office where we exchanged views with him, oneon-one, on the various issues and developments in Asia and the global community. We found him with profound understanding of global affairs, in the light of his wealth of experience as head of government for almost 34 years and, earlier, as foreign minister for ten years, and having fought and helped defeat the barbarous Khmer Rouge with then much-adored King Norodom Sihanouk and his son Prince Norodom Ranariddh, who was then concurrently a general in the Royal Army. Both Hun Sen and Prince Ranariddh later became unique co-premiers of Cambodia after the defeat of the Khmer Rouge, and later, following his visit to Manila, Prince Ranariddh became speaker of the House of Representatives which led to the passage of critical economic reconstruction laws and advance of agriculture, following the ravages of war. Prime Minister Hun Sen is credited for bringing about peace, reconciliation, unity, and development in Cambodia, which suffered from decades of armed conflict and from the atrocious Khmer Rouge “killing fields” regime which murdered more than two million Cambodians. He helped liberate Cambodia from the genocidal Khmer Rouge rule led by Pol Pot and played a piv-
otal role in the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements, which brokered peace in Cambodia. Hun Sen enjoys close working and personal relations with the royal family. We believe the royal families of Cambodia, Japan, and Thailand are and have been exemplars in the global community as with the royal family in the United Kingdom and the others less publicized in Europe. *** In the course of our Phnom Penh visit, we also met with our young and dynamic friend Suos Yara, a member of the National Assembly (Parliament) and special adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen. He is a lieutenant general in the Cambodian Armed Forces. Suos Yara also serves as spokesman and vice chairman for international Relations of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). He is knowledgeable in world politics and speaks fluent French. He and former South Korean Ambassador to Russia Park Ro-byug, the respected and hardworking secretary general of our International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), of which we are founding chairman and chairman of Standing Committee, worked very hard in establishing and launching in Siem Reap in January this year the Asian Cultural Council (ACC), a subsidiary group under ICAPP. Suos Yara and Ambassador Park journeyed to Paris and successfully secured a working partnership between the ACC and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Suos Yara serves as director general of the ACC Secretariat based in Phnom Penh. *** We also met with the bright and charming woman leader Khuon Sudary, deputy speaker of the National Assembly and vice chairperson of the ICAPP Standing Committee. She concurrently holds other positions in the subsidiary groups of ICAPP — chairperson of the Asian Cultural Council (ACC)and vice chairperson of the Asia Europe Political Forum (AEPF).
We visited as well our old friends Tan Sri Datuk Chen Lipkeong, a Malaysian-Chinese who is based in Phnom Penh and who is one of the leading business tycoons in Asia, whose businesses include hotels, gaming, and entertainment in Malaysia, Cambodia, and Far Eastern Russia, and oil exploration and development in Canada; and Mrs. Annie Sok, wife of our late dear friend Sok An, deputy prime minister and minister in charge of the Council of Ministers, who also served as vice chairman of the ICAPP Standing Committee and chairman of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee. Annie keeps the memory and legacy of her beloved Sok An alive by maintaining his memorabilia in their lovely home in Phnom Penh and contributes to charity and women movements. We wanted to meet with our old friend Prince Norodom Ranariddh but we were informed that, on his doctors’ advice, he could not accept visitors yet as he is still recuperating from a major vehicular accident a few months ago which killed his wife. When he is fully recovered, we will invite him again to Pangasinan, where as crown prince with Princess Marie, he had impressed the people with his oratory and simple humility. As we said, Prince Ranariddh was prime minister from 1993 to 1997, with Hun Sen as co-prime minister, and subsequently as president of the National Assembly from 1998 to 2006. He is the second son of the late great and legendary King Norodom Sihanouk and brother of the current young King, Norodom Sihamoni. A day before we flew back to Manila, we and our able Assistant AldwinRequejo from Albay were invited by Senator Mong Reththy to his 16,500-hectare palm oil and 10,000-hectare mango plantations in Sihanoukville province, a three-hour drive from Phnom Penh and one-hour drive to Sihanoukville, a coastal city and capital of Sihanoukville province. He gifted us with six hybrid mango trees with each tree bearing unique three varieties of mango. We will proudly and gladly plant the trees in our frontyard and backyard in our home in Dagupan City on Lingayen Gulf by the South China Sea. If they flourish, we would like to share these hybrids with other mango growers. ■
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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Dateline PhiliPPines
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 19-21, 2019
BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal
A
Philippines foreign debt rises to $80.4 B Filipinas are ‘pragmatic’ borrowers, international financial group says
by BLanch
Marie Philstar.com
ancLa
FILIPINO women are pragmatic borrowers likely to close existing liabilities within five to 15 days, a recent financial study reported. International financial group Robocash conducted the study in India, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines to outline the correlation of the terms of loans and the gender of those taking them per country. The study, however, did not provide details on its methodology. It found that Filipinas are reportedly more inclined to consume and settle loans immediately as shown by 70 percent of women online borrowers in the Philippines who preferred to settle liabilities within a five to 15-day period. Sixty-eight percent of women online borrowers in the country also use the internet for shopping, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the outstanding external debt of the Philippines stood at $80.43 billion in end-March this year, about 9.9 earnings and other financial transpercent higher than the end-March 2018 level of $73.19 billion and 1.9 percent higher than the end-December 2018 level of $78.96 billion. actions. Philstar.com file photo The study also emphasized that by Lawrence agcaoiLi “The weighted average ma- due to the Philippines’ archipelagtors of the Philippines remained Philstar.com at prudent levels as the country’s turity for all medium- and longgross internal reserves (GIR) term accounts slightly decreased THE country’s external debt stood at $83.6 billion in end- to 16.8 years from 17 years duralmost booked a double-digit in- March or equivalent to five times ing the previous quarter, with by MayVeLin U. caraBaLLo crease in the first quarter of the cover for short-term debt under public sector borrowings havManilaTimes.net ing a longer average term of 21 year as the government contin- the original maturity concept. “Key external debt indicators years compared to 7.6 years for ues to borrow more from foreign THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipilenders, the Bangko Sentral ng remained at prudent levels de- the private sector. This means Pilipinas (BSP) reported over the spite the rise in external debt,� that foreign exchange require- nas (BSP) expects an increase in ments for debt payments are well gross international reserves (GIR) the BSP chief said. weekend. The debt service ratio (DSR) spread out and, thus, more man- this year on the back of its posiBSP Governor Benjamin Dioktive outlook on foreign portfolio no said the outstanding external that measures the adequacy of ageable,� he said. Public sector external debt in- investment flows. debt of the Philippines stood at the country’s foreign exchange “In the case of gross interna$80.43 billion in end-March this earnings to meet maturing obli- creased to $40.2 billion or 49.9 year, about 9.9 percent higher gations improved and remained percent of the total. About 84.5 tional reserves, the projection than the end-March 2018 level at single-digit levels to 5.1 per- percent or $33.9 billion were na- for this year has been revised tional government borrowings, upward to $83 billion from $77 of $73.19 billion and 1.9 percent cent from eight percent. On the other hand, the external while the remaining 15.5 percent billion back in November. That higher than the end-December debt ratio — a solvency indicator or $6.2 billion pertained to other largely reflects the continued 2018 level of $78.96 billion. inflows through the current acThe year-on-year $7.2 billion — slightly increased to 20 per- government agencies’ loans. Private sector debt increased count, as well as the recovery in rise debt stock, Diokno said, was cent from 19.9 percent a quarter to $40.3 billion or 50.1 percent portfolio flows,� BSP Department brought about by net availments ago. “The ratio indicates the coun- of the total. The recorded rise in of Economic Research Director amounting to $9.2 billion, of which the national government try’s sustained strong position to private sector borrowings was Dennis Lapid said in a briefing service foreign borrowings in the due largely to prior periods’ ad- last Friday, June 14. accounted for $3.8 billion. GIR are foreign assets that are He also cited the prior periods’ medium to long-term,� Diokno justments of $1 billion. Major creditor countries in- readily available to and controlled added. adjustments of $960 million. Diokno said the maturity pro- clude Japan with $14.4 billion by the central bank for direct fiThe rise the country’s foreign debt was partially offset by the file of the country’s external debt followed by the U.S. with $3.7 nancing of payments imbalances transfer of Philippine debt papers remained predominantly me- billion, Netherlands with $3.7 and for managing the magnitude from non-residents to residents dium- and long-term in nature billion, and the United Kingdom of such imbalances. It consists of amounting to $2.3 billion and the with original maturities longer with $3.4 billion. In terms of currency mix, the negative foreign exchange reval- than one year with share to total uation adjustments amounting to at 79.1 percent, while short-term external debt stock remained accounts with maturities of up to largely denominated in U.S. dol$740 million. Despite the increase, Diokno one year comprised the 20.9 per- lar with 61.2 percent and Japanese yen with 12.7 percent. n said the key external debt indica- cent balance.
Philstar.com file photo
ic layout, Filipino borrowers have low access to banks. However, this gives women more independence to cover for their own financial needs in their own terms. In India, Indonesia and Vietnam, male borrowers are the majority who opt to pay their loans within 22 to 30 days, with 87 percent, 58 percent and 72 percent, respectively. Among the four countries, the Philippines has the highest internet reach with 76 million active
users. In January 2019, 57 percent of the 76 million active internet users in the Philippines engaged in mobile commerce platforms, according to social network research company We Are Social. Despite India’s 1.339 billion population, the highest of the four, it only has 41 percent internet penetration or 560 million active internet users. Only 319.2 million internet users in India engage in mobile banking. n
holdings of gold, special drawing rights, foreign investments and foreign exchange, including reserve position in the fund. The BSP revised its 2019 projection for foreign portfolio investments, also called “hot money� — called as such because of the ease by which these can be taken in and out of an economy — to a net inflow of $4 billion, reversing its previous forecast of a $200-million net outflow. Latest data show that the country’s dollar reserves rose to a 31-month high of $85.022 billion in May on the back of the government’s foreign-currency deposits, the Bangko Sentral’s foreign-exchange operations and investment income, as well as higher gold prices. The figure — the largest since October 2016’s $85.105 billion — was also 1.36 percent and 7.3 percent higher, respectively, than the $83.878 billion posted in April
and $79.202 billion a year ago. The increase was due “mainly to inflows arising from the national government’s net foreigncurrency deposits, BSP’s foreignexchange operations and income from its investments abroad, and revaluation gains from the BSP’s gold holdings, resulting from the increase in the price of gold in the international market,� Bangko Sentral Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a June 7 statement. These were partially tempered by national government payments for forex obligations, he added. The latest reserve level was enough to cover 7.5 months worth of imports, higher than the buffer posted in April (7.4 months) and a year ago (7.3 months). It was also equivalent to 5.1 times the country’s short-term external obligations due within one year and 3.6 times based on residual maturity. n
BSP sees higher GIR this year
ADB exec: PH doing well in infra buildup by Ben
o. de Vera Inquirer.net
THE Philippines is moving in the right direction to reverse its infrastructure lack through the Duterte administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build� program, according to an official of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The U.S. government, for its part, is also looking at more infrastructure investments in the Philippines and in the bigger Asean region in partnership with the private sector and multilateral lenders such as the ADB. ADB economic research and regional cooperation department director Rana Hasan told a reporting boot camp for Asean journalists Thursday, June 13, the country’s banner infrastructure program was “the right way to go� after years of letdown.
Under “Build, Build, Build,� the government would roll out 75 projects amounting to about P2.18 trillion. Economic managers expect half of these to be completed during President Duterte’s term. Data from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as of end-April showed 46 of the Build, Build, Build projects worth a combined P1.56 trillion were already in the implementation stage. Twenty-four big-ticket projects amounting to P527.98 billion are currently under development, while five projects worth P84.29 billion are up for review, according to NEDA. Hasan stressed infrastructure development would lead to better delivery of poverty reduction efforts as it also helps promote trade and investments. Lynne Gadkowski, counselor
for economic affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, said Asean would continue to enjoy American infrastructure investments as “[U.S.] administrations come and go, but the prioritization of this region is incredibly important to the United States� under its U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. Gadkowski pointed to Asean’s economic growth, the opportunities it presented and the demographic sweet spot in the region as the reasons for the United States’ bullish view. Between 2007 and 2017, the United States already invested $119 billion on infrastructure in Asean, Gadkowski said. The United States is interested in partnering with the private sector and multilateral lenders to support projects here. The Asia-Pacific region needs $1.7 trillion yearly to narrow its infrastructure gap. n
Bank execs see 6-7% GDP growth by MayVeLin
U. caraBaLLo ManilaTimes.net
BANK executives remain bullish about the Philippine economy as they expect it to grow within the next two years in line with the government’s target, according to a poll conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). “Despite global uncertainties and market volatilities, banks maintain their optimism on the country’s economic prospects during the second semester of 2018, as 86.1 percent of‌respondents project the domestic economy to grow between 6 percent and 7 percent within the next two years‌.â€? the BSP said on Thursday, June 13, citing the results of its Banking Sector Outlook Survey (BSOS) for July to December 2018. For this year, the government revised downward its gross domestic product growth target to 6 to 7 percent. It aims for this growth to settle within the 6.5 to 7.5-percent range for 2020. Lenders’ upbeat economic outlook also translated to their continued confidence in the Philippine banking system. “More importantly, the out-
look on the Philippine banking system remains stable for 70.2 percent of all respondents, with the rest mostly expecting a stronger banking system,� the central bank said. The upgrade of the S&P Global Ratings Banking Industry Country Risk Assessment (Bicra) of the Philippines was said to have also contributed to the optimism. In February, the international debt water revised downward its risk assessment on the country from group “6� to group “5,� based on its view that the institutional framework of the Philippine banking system had improved due to the amended BSP charter. Moreover, the Bangko Sentral said this optimism led 73.8 percent of respondents to forecast double-digit growth in the banks’ assets, which “is expected to be driven by credit expansion, as 81.0 percent of the banks project a double-digit growth in their loan portfolio during the BSOS for the second semester of 2018.� Deposits are also expected to fuel asset expansion, as 72.2 percent of respondents foresee this to grow by double digits. “The banks’ bullish projections likewise elicited buoyant expecta-
tions on returns, as 92.4 percent of respondents for the second semester of 2018 forecast doubledigit net income growth for the next two years, compared to 83.3 percent of respondents during the first semester that projected the same,� the BSP said. This projected net income growth is expected to bring return on equity to between 5 percent and 10 percent by most respondents. “To realize the expected bank growth, respondents set the following strategic priorities for their operations: to grow the bank; to optimize use of available technology; and to protect the bank,� the central bank said. Last, the Bangko Sentral said the use of technology was expected to reshape the future landscape of the banking system, as 73.5 percent of banks had plans to use technology in their transactions in the near term. The BSOS covers all universal/commercial and thrift banks, and the top 20 rural/cooperative banks in terms of total loan portfolio. The survey questionnaire contains 20 questions and transmitted to the presidents, chief executive officers and country managers of banks. n
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cover story
ON THE COVER AJPress photos by Andy Tecson
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 19, 2019
Philippine Ballet Theatre wows Los Angeles with a spectacular performance of Filipino-themed classical ballet by AJPress
RESOUNDING applause filled the auditorium as the dancers of the Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) made their finale curtsies on Saturday, June 15. The energetic company of 20 dancers showed their prowess through mastery of the pieces, and challenging throws and catches that literally had the audience ‘ooh-ing’ and ‘aah-ing’ and bursting into applause as ballerinas jeté into the arms of the strong danseurs. The PBT was founded during the aftermath of the EDSA Revolution. The company was formed as a response to the clamor to support ballet artists and companies that felt left out by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) during the previous Marcos regime. In 1986, The CCP agreed to give minimal funding and a seasonal home to the fledgling group at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. Active dance companies called the “Festival Four” that assimilated and formed the PBT were Totoy de Oteyza and Inday Mañosa’s Hariraya Ballet Company; Eddie Elejar and Tony Fabella’s Manila Metropolis Ballet; Tita Radaic, Eddie Elejar, and Julie Borromeo’s Dance Theater Philippines; Eric Cruz and Vella Damian’s Dance Concert Company. National Artist Leonor Orosa Goquinco and Sony Lopez Gonzales integrated with the Festival Four, and with all of them combined, PBT was born. The company has staged over 100 full-length ballet suites and danced over 300 invitational performances, both local and international for the past 33 years.
The carefully curated dance repertoire exhibited the hard work of ballet training is both evident and invisible, as the lithe dancers’ expressive movements and grace transported the audience back to the Philippines as they performed pieces from their dance repertoire that exhibited diverse Filipino culture and themes. ‘Dancing on pointe,’ the requisite technique in ballet of dancing on one’s toes in special toe shoes, was the very unique way PBT opened the show while modeling the exquisite work of Filipiniana designer Cora Manimbo and filigree jewelry master Oskar Atendido. Manimbo, a long-established name in the Philippine fashion industry, showed her spectacular couture pieces fashioned from indigenous Philippine fabrics — some of which take up to six months to embellish by native tribal craftswomen. From the handwoven reds and yellows of Northern Luzon, to the golden embroidery on purple and blue silks of Mindanao, the mere sight of dancers on pointe flicking their vibrant skirts and grasping their butterflied sleeves ever so coyly was a grand statement on its own. Classical crossover tenor Jon Paul Puno prepared the audience for even more grandeur to follow. “Ballet for Everyone” is the unifying effort of PBT to bring the study of dance to under-served communities in the Philippines. Most of these dancers are scholars of PBT’s Cultural and Outreach Program. PBT’s dancers are Irene
Abrogena, Veronica Atienza, Gladys Baybayan, Maria Michaella Carreon, Matthew Davo, Dominador Delmo, Marika Desembrana, Julafer Fegarido, Marianne Grace Francisco, Ma. Isabel Regina Gonzalez, Crimson Guirjem, Ronilo Jaynario, Carl Edison Lacaba, Tara Jade Leach, Ma. Regina Magbitang, Clarise Miranda, Mark Joseph Pineda, Kazier Policarpio, Ana Mikaela Samson, and Alvin Santos. “Filipino Masterpieces” presented the varied cultures of the North and South Philippines “VInta” had the dancers utilizing malongs and manipulating long swaths of fabric masterfully to evoke the movement of the colorful sails of the Vinta, the traditional boat of Mindanao. It was a vision bathed in rich color as directed by PBT’s Artistic Director, Ronilo Jaynario. “Mantones De Manila” comprised of several settings, including “Sa Sala” and “Sa Entablado.” The first suite had the dancers cavorting in Maria Claras while flashing and twirling the intricate Spanish shawls called “manton.” The second was an homage to Filipino American friendship, uniquely utilizing marching band music, both American and Filipino, giving the ballet a wartime entertainment flavor. This ballet was choreographed by the esteemed Tony Fabella, who also designed the costumes. “Dancing in Once Voice,” originally staged in 2015, is a pioneering concept in Philippine ballet, choreographed to contemporary pop and classical singers’ interpretations of popular familiar songs. PBT says “while not strictly Filipino in content, the timeless and ageless appeal of the songs surely attract Filipino as well as foreign audiences…” “Serye at Sayaw” though originally performed with live singers, puts popular OPM (original Pilipino music) in a sequence that tells a story. PBT explains that is is “another PBT original celebrating the sentimental and evocative power of OPM songs, as Filipinos have come to know them through popular teleseryes or TV dramas. The music serves as the backdrop to the story of Marguerite, a prima ballerina who brings the audience along with the highs and lows of her life and loves.” Closing with “Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika” further established the power of the Cayabyab-penned anthem heralding not only Filipino music, but Philippine dance as well. If there is a crossover dance category, the PBT has exemplified it with a world-class performance, as evidenced by
“Filipino Masterpieces-Sa Entablado”
the audience’s generous applause that evening of June 15 in North Hollywood. Los Angeles City Commissioner for Public Works Jessica Caloza presented Philippine Ballet Theatre with Certificates of Recognition signed by LA Mayor Eric Garcetti. Caloza mentioned that as a patron of the arts, ballet is her favorite form of dance. Staged at the Scientology Community Centre Auditorium, producers from One Global Management Company Inc. (Trinity Foliente, Cora and Roger Oriel and Rosie Chua), presented flowers to the ballet company, led by Ballet Master Anatoly Panasyukov (originally from the famous Russian Bolshoi Ballet) and joined by PBT’s Board of Trustees Marilou Kahn Magsaysay (President), Marichu Hizon Nepomuceno (Vice President), Noemi Estrella Casiño (Treasurer), Designers Oskar Atendido and Cora Manimbo, with Sophia Manimbo. The event was emceed by Annie Nepomuceno. The evening’s sponsors were One Global Management Company Inc., Asian Journal, Balikbayan Magazine, Global Pageantry, Asian Commodities
“Serye at Sayaw”
Company, Philippine Airlines, Filipino Heritage Festival, Oishi, Carmen’s Best Ice Cream, Travel Trade and Consumer Roadshow, Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development, Lombard by the Bay, Mega8 Productions, Toto’s
Lechon, with production support from Music Arts Events. For just one night, the PBT brought a piece of the Philippines to Los Angeles in a vibrant display of talent and to show the accessibility of the art of ballet.
“Vinta”
PBT dancers model Cora Manimbo creations in their first on-pointe fashion show
“Filipino Masterpieces-Sa Entablado”
PBT is joined onstage for the curtain call by (standing) Ballet Master Anatoly Panasyukov (5th from left), LA City Commissioner Jessica Caloza (9th from left, onwards), Noemi Casiño (Treasurer), Cora Manimbo (Trustee and featured designer), Marichu Nepomuceno (Vice President), Trinity Foliente (Producer), Marilou Magsaysay (President), Cora and Roger Oriel (Asian Journal), Annie Nepomuceno (emcee-Music Arts Events)
AJPress photos by Andy Tecson
entertainment
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 19, 2019
Alden mulls Harvard studies by ronnie
cArrAsco ManilaTimes.net
iii
STILL thinking of a fitting course, Alden Richards wishes to enroll at Harvard University. Amidst bashers who seem to look down on the Kapuso actor, Vignettes believes that a business-related course will sure prove to be an advantage. It’s a known fact that Alden owns Concha’s, a resto on Timog Avenue in Quezon City where he has at least held one or two thanksgiving events for the entertainment press. The past two months saw Alden in separate outlets: in his franchise branch of a popular food chain in Biñan City, Laguna and at the reopening of Continued on Page 4 Alden Richards
Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02
Pops still giving her dreams a shot by AllAn
PolicArPio Inquirer.net
POPS Fernandez hasn’t been in a romantic relationship in a while. But being single, she stressed, shouldn’t be equated to being lonely. “When you have been single for quite some time and you feel happy and accomplished regardless of it, you don’t really feel the urge to find a partner,” the singer told reporters at a recent press conference for the upcoming comedy film, “Feelennial,” which is produced by her company, DSL Productions, and Cignal Entertainment. Besides, she said, happiness can be found in many different things. “I’m very happy with my family, the group of friends I have, and the simple life I lead,” she related. “I feel satisfied.” That’s not to say, however, that she’s shutting her doors to romance. “It would be nice [to be with someone], but I’m not waiting for anyone,” Pops said, adding that all the struggles she has faced in life, both professional and personal, have made her stronger. “I’m a much better person now because of them.” And for the 52-year-old artist, happiness is also something you can work on. “We all
projects have been successful. I think our producer-artist combination works. So, when I thought about producing a comedy film, Ai-Ai was the first person who came to mind,” Pops said. “As for Bayani, I just laugh whenever I’m with him.” The message of the movie is something she personally embodies. “Age is just a number. It’s how you see yourself that matters. We should go for what we want for ourselves,” she said. Her decision to produce a movie comes at a curious time, show biz observers pointed out: Box-office earnings of local films Pops Fernandez Photo from Instagram/@popsfernandezofficial are in a slump and streaming is becoming more popular than have problems and go through ever. hardships. But it’s all about “I don’t have much of a how you carry them. You have choice now, do I? The movie to constantly claim that you’re is already finished!” she said, happy,” she said. laughing. “I’m going by with lots Directed by Rechie del of prayers and confidence that Carmen, “Feelennial,” which we have a good project.” opens on June 19, follows the Of course, it would be great misadventures of Madame Bato- if she ended up recouping her Bato (Ai-Ai delas Alas) and Chito investment. But Pops, who (Bayani Agbayani)—two middle- described herself as someone aged people who try their who’s “positive, hopeful and hardest to adapt to the younger never gives up,” is always willing generation’s lifestyle, so they, to give her dreams a shot. too, could feel like millennials. “You will never know unless “I have worked with Ai-Ai you try it—that’s my motto in so many times and a lot of our life,” she said.
entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 19, 2019
Fil-Am Disney princess has found her prince
Jake on the path less traveled by Christina
alpad ManilaTimes.net
IN an industry where actors follow certain typecasts to maintain an image, Jake Cuenca has always gone the opposite direction. He may have started out as FROM their very first date – a child actor and teen idol like a full day at Disneyland, capped many leading men-type today, with a bouquet of flowers at he deliberately shifted toward the end of the fireworks – Anna character acting and succeedMaria Perez de Tagle says her ed in doing so. and fiance Scott Klein’s love “I’ve always considered story has felt like a fairytale. myself as a character actor and “I’ve had suitors before, but you can see it from my choices my parents did not really apof roles,” Cuenca told The prove of any one of them. And Manila Times at the sidelines more importantly, I was never of his new movie “KontrAreally in love,” revealed Anna, diksyon’s” media conference. a Hollywood actress and singer Indeed, his filmography will known for her roles as Ashley show a diverse range of T roles Dewitt on “Hannah Montana” having played a psychopath and Ella Pador on “Camp Rock” in the Erich Gonzales series and “Camp Rock 2,” both “Blood Sisters,” an antagoon Disney Channel. She also nist in the Kim Chiu-Gerald played Miracle Ross on “Cake” Anderson-starrer “Ikaw Lang and was in the movie “Fame” Ang Iibigin,” and just before (2009) in which she starred as that an aggressive lead role Joy Moy. She also went on tour in“Pasion de Amor,”just as the with the Jonas Brothers and one he now portrays in “Los Demi Lovato. Bastardos.” Mr. Chau Ly (left), Assistant Director of Asian Marketing and Ms. Vhergie Dejesus, Executive Casino As the blushing bride gets “For me, the secret to a Host, were happy to receive future bride Anna Maria Perez de Tagle at her bridal shower in Pechanga ready to walk down the aisle successful acting career is to Resort Casino recently. at the end of this month, she be versatile, to be what they recalls her love story and reneed you to be in that moveals details about her wedding ment, whatever character that preparation to “So Jannelle” you need to be. So for me, I’ve host/producer, Jannelle So, always considered myself as a who hosted a bridal shower for character actor,” the 31-yearher at Pechanga Resort Casino old added. in Temecula, California. This versatility is not limited “I met Anna when she was to television characters as only 15 years old. I remember Cuenca has also shown his her guesting on my former acting mettle in the movies, show and singing ‘A Moment including independent films. Like This.’ And now, years later, Arguably most notable of she is having her own moment which was “Mulat (Awaken)” and I can’t be any more excited which won him two internafor her,” exclaimed Jannelle, tional Best Actor awards — the whose 3-year old daughter, 2014 International Film Festival Lilly, is also going to be one of Manhattan (New York, USA) the two flower girls in the wedand the 2016 World Cinema ding. Festival (Copacabana, Brazil). “I dreamed of having sons. But that’s not all, Cuenca But when I met Lilly, now I want has also conquered live thea daughter just like her,” said ater with his debut at 2018’s Anna Maria Perez de Tagle Anna. “Lungs.” Like his other enAnna and Lilly also bonded Casino is owned and operunparalleled getaway. Offering deavors, the play also earned during their spa date, courtesy ated by the Pechanga Band more than 4,600 of the hottest him Best Actor (Play) and Best of Spa Pechanga. of Luiseño Indians. For more slots, table games, world-class Crossover Artist (Mainstream Pechanga Resort Casino information, call toll free (877) entertainment, 1,090 Forbes to Theater) at the 2018 Broadoffers one of the largest and 711-2946 or visit Pechanga. Travel Guide Recommended wayWorld Philippines Awards. most expansive resort/casino com. Follow Pechanga Resort hotel rooms and suites, din“Para hindi ka rin mapagexperiences anywhere in the Casino on Facebook and on ing, Forbes Four Star spa and sawaan ng tao, you have to United States. Named the Twitter @PechangaCasino. championship golf at Journey constantly reinvent yourself. Number One casino in America at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Pechanga Resort Casino is For me, I don’t reinvent Jake by readers of USA TODAY and Casino features a destination open 24-hours. Guests must Cuenca as a personality, as a rated a Four Diamond property that meets and exceeds the be 21 and older to enter the ‘celebrity,’ but what I reinvent by AAA since 2002, Pechanga casino. needs of its guests and the are my characters. I try to not Resort Casino provides an community. Pechanga Resort (Advertising Supplement) do the same thing over and over again,” he added on the subject of reinventing himself. New challenge Never the one to back out
Jake Cuenca with girlfriend Kylie Verzosa
on challenging roles, it was no surprise that Cuenca took a movie that has the potential to be controversial. Opening on June 26 is Njel de Mesa’s “KontrAdiksyon,” a complex and dramatic sociopolitical action thriller on the Philippines’ controversial war on illegal drugs. In the movie, Cuenca is Alexis Borlaza, a staunch human rights activist who ends up becoming an undercover drug enforcement agent but is actually a vigilante killer by night. Trying to figure out a murder while eradicating the drug problem on his own, he then enlists the help of Jessica Puyat (Kris Bernal), a call center agent and a single mom moonlighting as a drug pusher. Together they form a bond that is both poignant and shocking — pushing the theme of “contradictions” further. “It’s a challenging role pero sobrang saya gawin,” Cuenca shared adding that it was a joy to work with his talented writer-director as well as his equally passionate co-stars. Aware of the nature of the movie’s theme, Cuenca directly answered he agreed to do the movie because of the role. “I read the script, I accepted this script as an actor because as an actor, I wanted to breathe life into this character, I felt like I needed to do it.” He also said thinking about the repercussion or what other people would say was far from his mind. “I didn’t think so much of the repercussions, kasi di ba sa U.S., did they think about that
Photo from Instagram/@juancarloscuenca
when they did ‘John Wick,’ or ‘J. Edgar’? Iniiisip ba nila yung controversy na kasama? No, they just want to be honest with their films,” Cuenca defended. New lady love With the same intensity he had answering questions on the controversy of the film, Cuenca neither did shy away when confessing the real score between him and rumored girlfriend 2016 Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa. “If you ask me, and I am very open about what I feel, I do love her,” a lovestruck Cuenca admitted. “From the bottom of my heart, mahal na mahal ko siya. This is the happiest [relationship] that I’ve been,” he added. He also reasoned that he is happy he met the beauty queen at a time when he is more mature when it comes to relationships. “I know I can take care of her. That’s what I work for every day, I want to deserve her everyday.” Asked what she loved most about Verzosa, also her leading lady in the afternoon soap “Los Bastardos,” Cuenca answered, “She’s an amazing person inside and out, yung pagiging beauty queen niya hindi lang sa itsura kundi sa personality rin.” Cuenca then went on admitting they have been seeing each other for seven months now. Finally, does the actor think the new actress is finally the one? “Kung ako papipiliin, yes,” he said smiling from ear to ear.
Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros to attend community events in Carson on June 23
PHILIPPINE Senator Risa Hontiveros will be in Carson, California on Sunday, June 23, where she will lead the wreath laying at the Jose Rizal Monument and speak at a community forum. This event is held in conjunction with the City Council, Jose P Rizal Monument Movement, the Philippine Consulate, CONFAA and various Filipino American organizations. The program at the monument will begin at 11 a.m. Councilmember Jim Dear said that Carson, a multiethnic city and largely populated by Filipinos, welcomes Senator Hontiveros. “We recently celebrated the Philippine Independence Day at the Veterans Park. Now, we are honoring Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero. We are proud to inculcate the values of patriotism in the community,” Dear added. Councilwoman Lula Davis Holmes stressed that Senator Risa Hontiveros has passed many bills that benefit Filipina women. “We are honored to support her efforts to focus on the health and betterment of women and families,” Holmes said. Hontiveros will speak in a community forum at 2 p.m. following the wreath laying. It will be held at Room 111 of Carson Community Center (801 E. Carson St). For more information, email fepkoons3@gmail. com or call the Center at (310) 8350212.
Alden mulls Harvard... From Page 3 his co-owned Concha’s Garden Café & Resto in Silang, Cavite (so far, the biggest one which is the main supplier of raw materials to the other branches). The latter, too, is open for franchising. This June, still another Concha’s branch will rise in Tagaytay Highlands. And pretty soon, Alden might just realize his dream of putting up a bou-
tique hotel come true. Now we know where Alden’s hard-earned money is going. But what does he need all this for? A gorgeous, familyoriented entrepreneurial bachelor, what more can Alden’s would-be-wife ask for? “But isn’t it strange that he’s not even linked to any girl, a fellow celebrity or a private individual? May mga tsismis but none of those are
true. Kahit naman yung sa kanila ni Maine Mendoza noon was a dud,” someone told Vignettes. It’s not about being picky. Alden, for all we know, is simply taking one step at a time. Getting rich is first. Alden is wrapping up his movie “Hello, Love, Goodbye” with Kathryn Bernardo under Star Cinema showing on July 31.
Senior with bank account levy seeks community 5 Chapter 7 relief for $60K credit cards What is a postnuptial agreement? The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 19, 2019
Businessman considers BK for $400K lawsuit CLIENT is 68 and married. He just received a notice of bank levy on his accounts for a judgment against his wife. He asks if they can levy his bank accounts since the judgment is only against his wife. Yes, they can because there is a legal presumption in California that the money in the account is community property. A judgment against the wife can be enforced against property in the name of the spouse because the property is presumed to be community property. Is there any way he can prevent the levy without filing a bankruptcy? Well, he can file a notice of exemption if the money in his account comes from social security or is a retirement account like an IRA. Money from social security in the bank is pretty much exempt and money in an ERISA qualified retirement account is exempt up to $1.0M. What his means is if client has $200K in an IRA held in the bank, which received the notice of levy, client can exempt the entire $200K from levy as long as he timely files a notice of exemption and claim the correct exemption under applicable California law. Well, it turns out that client has only $50 in his bank account. So I said, its not a big deal, you lose the $50 to the levy and just close the account. The problem is he also owns a late model car that he fully paid off last year. It’s a M-Benz E 350 2010 model that’s currently worth about $15K. Certainly, the next stop of creditor is to lien this car. Then, he would have to try to exempt it again using the applicable exemption. Another step creditor can take to enforce the judgment is to garnish his salary since he still works as an accountant. He makes a gross of $4K a month. A garnishment order will take 25% or $1K of his gross income until the judgment of $12K is fully paid off with 10% annual interest. Client doesn’t like any of these possibilities. He doesn’t want to lose his car or have $1K taken off his salary every month. He won’t be able to pay his $1500 rent if his salary is garnished. I asked him if he owed any debts. He said he owed $60K of credit card debt but that they were all still current. I asked him if he was thinking of filing a Chapter 7 petition to wipe out the $60K of credit card debt and the bank levy. He said he was seriously considering it because
Debt Relief
Atty. lAwrence yAng his minimum payments on the $60K credit cards was almost $2K a month. He has been paying the $2K for the last ten years. So, he’s paid $240K in the last ten years in minimum payments to keep the $60K current in the last decade. But after having paid $240K, he still owes the same $60K! That’s not a good deal for client but a great deal for the credit card companies. That’s why he should have done his Chapter 7 ten years ago and
probably 30. He is a businessman. You know how it is with business people. Sometimes they get into a situation where they can get sued for breach of contract or something similar to that. Client did get sued for $400K and he thinks he can’t win the lawsuit. I don’t know why he thinks he can’t win but apparently he wants a fallback position using bankruptcy to get out of the judgment that he fears so much. I turns out that he has two pieces of real estate with over $1.0M of equity. Well, that’s certainly a problem. I actually told him just to sell those properties now and convert the equity to cash now. At least cash can be easily sent abroad out of the jurisdiction of the United States. That’s a pretty common asset protection move. This is better than transferring title to the properties to someone else under his control because this asset protection move can easily be penetrated. It’s totally not bullet proof. I wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted from me. He said he wanted some kind of assurance from me that bankruptcy would protect his two houses. I said I couldn’t do that because there are too many if and buts about what he wants me to do. Even the judgment, if he loses, can have a finding of fraud which would make the judgment itself not dischargeable. Beside with that much equity, his bankruptcy choices are really limited. He can’t do a Chapter 7. If he did he would certainly lose both properties. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. “WHOEVER GOES TO THE LORD FOR SAFETY, WHOEVER REMAINS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE ALMIGHTY, CAN SAY TO HIM, ‘YOU ARE MY DEFNDER AND PROTECTOR. YOU ARE MY GOD;IN YOU I TRUST.’HE WILL KEEP YOU SAFE FROM ALL HIDDEN DANGERS AND FROM ALL DEADLY DESEASES…” PSALM 91 – Authored by Moses!
“I would say that its about time that he should get rid of the ball and chain that is keeping him poor and unproductive since he’s now 68. It’s ten years late but better late than never.” bought instead $240K of visa stock. Check out the price of visa stock in 2007. It was around $20. Now it’s almost $100. So if client had theoretically invested the $240K he saved from discharging his $60K cards in 2007 and used all of the savings to invest in just visa stock, how much would client have today? Well, client would be wealthy today because his visa stock would now be worth $1.0M! Instead of being a millionaire today, client still owes the $60K credit cards and facing a bank levy, wage garnishment and a lien on his car. I would say that its about time that he should get rid of the ball and chain that is keeping him poor and unproductive since he’s now 68. Client sees the light clear as day now and chooses to file Chapter 7. It’s ten years late but better late than never. When he’s 78, would he rather still owe the same $60K and throw away another $240K of minimum payments in the next ten years? I don’t think so. If he buys the right stock with the savings of $24K every 12 months, he will make himself “great again!” Client no. 2 is 50 and married. His wife looks a lot younger
*** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
Beatrice’s fight for survival
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
Once upon a time series
Monette AdevA MAglAyA BEATRICE was good with numbers and Jim was more of an artist. He played in a band and made a good living with short-term gigs. She made a good living as an accountant and was content with a pretty predictable work schedule. Bea, as she was called fondly, was financially savvy and fiercely loyal to the bone to those around her immediate orbit. She bought only branded, top of the line items she could meticulously care for, keep and use for a long time. Bea thought that high quality items, even if expensive than most, pay for themselves, over the course of long-term use. She meant to pass them on still in tip-top shape to her nieces and favorite people. Bea was careful with her beautiful stuff as she was with hers and Jim’s life. They were good together in high school and they got married after college. They spoke the same language of the heart. Life was normal for about a decade. For some reason, they had no children but they accepted it and got along well, neither one seeking blame for their childless marriage. One day, the doctor told Jim who was thirty at the time, after running a series of tests that his kidneys were failing and unless he had a kidney transplant from a matching donor, he would be undergoing dialysis three times a week for the rest of his life. As fate would have it, there was a donor for Jim, a young man who lost his life in a car accident and whose kidneys matched Jim’s. It was an organ match made in heaven and the timing couldn’t have been more accurate. Yet the couple knew that life would never be the same again. They would have to take real care of how they were
to live their lives, from the food they eat to the amount of stress they can manage. Jim and Bea rose to the challenge. They became two peas in a pod. The doctor sat down Beatrice and told her outright what was in store for her as Jim’s wife and default primary caregiver. “If you can’t handle this challenge, you need a divorce,” the doctor told her. He was forthright about the consequences of the surgery: a total change of lifestyle when it came to food, hygiene, personal and private life and even mobility. Bea would have to take the cudgels and fight for both their survival. She had no choice. She would essentially
good run for many years, much longer than what the doctor predicted. And they have indeed. It has been more than 30 years since Bea accepted her lot and Jim, for his part, followed the doctor’s orders strictly and lived to tell the tale of how love truly conquers all. The same doctor is in awe of the sterling record of survival that Jim and Bea hold to this day. Popular myth ascribes heroism to those who fought in wars or those who have done dramatic things heralded in the media, Hollywood and the internet. The truth is, heroism and the generosity of the human spirit come in many shapes and forms, often in untold ways. This is one of them. There are those among us who quietly and victoriously fight their personal, private wars daily with joy and grace with none of the empty hype and fanfare. We meet them. We live with them. Their stories of love and endurance inspire us and teach us to keep going no matter how rough things may be. So next time we meet a stranger, BE NICE. We have no idea of what he or she may be going through. When people ask for prayers, pray for them in spades. God blesses both the ones you pray for and YOU as the supplicant as well. Prayer, as a force, is both geometric and nuclear in its effects, like ripples in a giant cosmic pond. God answers all in His own good time and in his unfathomable ways. More than likely in many human lives, there is an untold wonderful story of love, courage, endurance and ultimately, victory, that is begging to be told for all the world to know. A story can inspire. This one does. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
“…You need a divorce,” the doctor told her. be the dominant life force in the marriage when it came to making a living and managing finances and even getting from place to place. It would be a total reversal of roles. Bea thought about it and prayed earnestly about how she can handle it all. Peace came to her as she offered her situation to God. “God, please give me the strength and fortitude,” she prayed. Bea and Jim did what they had to do to live quietly following their doctor’s admonitions on what clean, careful living would be for someone with a transplanted organ. It isn’t easy — not by a very long shot. The daily grind of following the do’s and don’t’s can strain one’s soul and marriage, both for the afflicted and the caregiver. They would have to fend off infection at all costs. There will be friction and fatigue but if there is an ounce of love between them, it oils out the tension and the strain. They can beat the odds together. They are likely to have a very
other spouse. There is a lot of flexibility as to how you want to Barrister’s structure this. Corner You can also provide for how real property is to be divided such as a house or rental property. Typically, a house purchased Atty. Kenneth during the marriage is communiUrsUA reyes ty property to be divided equally. A house purchased before the A POSTNUPTIAL agreement marriage is separate property is a contract between you and your spouse entered into after you get married resolving issues in your marriage. It is similar to a prenuptial agreement except it occurs after your marriage. For couples that get married without a prenuptial agreement, it is not too late to have an agreement dealing with issues of property division, management of finances, spousal support, division of a business that takes effect in case of a divorce. You can enter into a postnuptial agreement even if the marriage is going well. People grow and change over time. You can never predict if your relationship with your spouse will stay the same in the future. In a way, it is a form of planning to cover the contingency in case the marriage does not work out in the future. If you are the spouse who is the primary breadwinner such as a Registered Nurse, a Physician, or other Professional, California community property law provides for a 50% interest to your spouse for any income earned by you during the marriage and any property acquired by you and your spouse during the marriage. Basically, your spouse has a one-half interest in your salary, earnings, and any assets you acquired during the marriage even if it was you who sweated to earn that money and even if a particular asset or bank account is under your name alone. This 50/50 division can be changed even after the marriage by ways of a postnuptial agreement. What issues can be resolved in advance through a postnuptial agreement? You can agree on how a business or a professional practice is to be divided in case of a divorce. Through the postnuptial agreement, the division does not have to be 50/50. The agreement can provide that the business will be awarded to one spouse alone or it can provide a certain amount of buyout to the
but if there was a mortgage or refinancing during the marriage and the monthly mortgage payment is paid from earnings during the marriage, there could be a community interest in that separate property house which entitles your spouse to a portion of the house. This confusion can be squared away and clarified in Continued on Page 6
6
people & events
Calendar of Events across
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 19, 2019
City of Cerritos introduces new annual parking permit placard
America
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J U N E 1 9 -29
“Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight” exhibit in San Pedro, CA
Photo courtesy by City of Cerritos
AS part of the migration of the Cerritos parking permit program to an internet-based solution, the City has introduced a new annual parking permit placard, which replaces the previous sticker permit. In order to receive the new placard, residents must return their current annual parking permit sticker. Residents are encouraged to
exchange their parking permit sticker for a new placard at the Community Safety Services counter inside the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station. The parking permit sticker can be exchanged by mail, however, removing the sticker before displaying the placard in one’s vehicle could result in a parking citation if no permit is displayed. Residents with a parking plac-
ard are allowed to park any of their vehicles on the street as long as those vehicles are listed on their annual parking permit application. The criteria for obtaining an annual parking permit remains unchanged. The City’s internet-based parking permit system is expected to be available to the public by August.
What is a postnuptial agreement? From Page 5 a postnuptial agreement. You can provide for who gets the house and what buy out , if any, your spouse will get in case of a divorce. Spousal support can also be addressed in the postnuptial agreement. A common provisions is to agree to a certain amount of spousal support which varies depending on how long the marriage was at the time the parties divorce. It is also possible to waive spousal support altogether. However, such waiver of support will be scrutinized as to unconscionability at the time of the divorce. Other issues that can be resolved in a postnuptial agreement are division of debts and credit cards, ownership of a life insurance policy, beneficiaries to a life insurance policy, and who gets the family pet.
EMPLOYMENT
Since the postnuptial agreement is the first issue that can be attacked in a divorce case, it is best that each party be represented by their own attorney in negotiating the agreement. In that case, there is less likelihood that the postnuptial agreement will be found invalid since you can argue that there was no undue influence since both parties were represented by counsel. Having a postnuptial is definitely beneficial in minimizing the uncertainty in the future pertaining to your marriage and finances. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This
article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail “mailto: kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com” kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
EMPLOYMENT
An interactive homage to Indigenous California Habitat will be on exhibit from May 22 to June 29, 2019. Created by LA-based artists-collaborators, champoy and Sarita Doe, it will open on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at Pinta*Dos Philippine Art Gallery which is located at 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 108, Historic Arts District, San Pedro, CA 90731. Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight will be the sixth exhibit at Pinta*Dos Gallery since it was inaugurated in June 2017. The Gallery is open from Wednesday to Friday, 3:00pm to 6:00pm except on First Thursdays when it is open until 8pm. It is also open by appointment. For further information, email Linda Nietes-Little, Founder of the gallery at info@pintadosgallery.com Also visit their website: http://www.pintadosgallery.com , facebook and instagram pages.
JUNE 19
Digital marketing workshop in Northridge, CA iMarketing: How To Reach Your Market in the Digital World is the Business After Hours mixer hosted by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA on Wednesday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m. Network and hear from guest speakers at Ninong’s Pastries and Cafe at 19524 Nordhoff st, Northridge, CA 91324. Early Bird pricing until June 14 is $25 for Members and $30 for Future Members. Regular prices starting June 15 are $30 for Members and $35 for Future Members. Food and beverages included. No payments at the door, pre-registration required at www.faccgla.org or https://bit.ly/2HNFyQ8
J U N E 22
Fiesta ng Calamba in Carson, CA The Association of Calambeños of Southern California invites everyone to the Fiesta ng Calamba, St John the Baptist Feast Day on Saturday, June 22. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Veterans Sports Complex (22400 Moneta Ave., Carson, CA 90745). For more information, please contact Ed Lim at (949) 285-1403 or connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/groups/Calambenos/ or the website: www.acasca.org.
Celebration of Cultures Mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles All are invited to the 15th annual Celebration of Cultures Mass hosted by the Ethnic Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The Mass will be presided by Archbishop José H. Gomez at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 3:30 p.m., preceded by a procession of cultural communities at 3 p.m. With the theme, “I am the servant of the Lord,” the celebration recognizes the different cultural communities that enrich the Church and the local community through prayer, songs and cultural expression. The Archdiocese is the largest and most diverse Archdiocese in the United States. Every Sunday, Mass is celebrated in more than 40 different languages throughout the three counties it comprises: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura. For more information, please call the Office of Ethnic Ministry, at (213) 637-7356, or visit archla.org/cultures. .
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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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 19, 2019
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE -June 19, 2019