July 10-12, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 53 • 2 Sections - 20 Pages
Duterte dares US to declare war vs China by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, July 5, dared the United States to declare war against China following criticisms he received over his handling of the maritime dispute between Manila and Beijing. “We can never win a war with China. But I hope that China would not overdo things also because there is always America pushing us, egging us,” he said in his speech at the opening of Chen Yi Agventures Rice Processing Center (CYA-RPC) in Alangalang town, Leyte province.
“They’re making me the bait. What do you think Filipinos are, earthworms?” he added. Duterte urged the U.S. to fire the first shot, adding that the Philippines would be right behind them because of the U.S.Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. “Now I say, you bring your planes, your boats to South China Sea. Fire the first shot and we’ll behind you. Let’s do this and see who’s going down,” he said. “We have an RP-U.S. pact, so let us honor it. Do you want trouble? Okay, let’s do it,” he continued.
USA
According to the president, the Palawan province would be the first to be hit if war broke out over the South China Sea as it is facing the waterway. “Now he wants us to tickle China and when this blows up — Palawan will be blown up and sacrificed because they’re all there now because it’s facing the South China Sea. I am not about to order my soldiers to go to the mouths of hell to die unarmed. I cannot do that,” he said. Duterte also slammed his critics, specifically calling out former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, former Om-
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Palace: Duterte warns vs possible coup as problems persist under his watch
DATELINE California earthquakes: What to do and how to prepare
by CATHERINE
VALENTE ManilaTimes.net
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Caltech seismologist and county officials urge residents to stay calm amid predicted aftershocks in the weeks to follow
BREAKING THE DUOPOLY. President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, July 8, awarded the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to Mindanao Islamic Telephone Co. (Mislatel) consortium, challenging it to break the prevailing duopoly in the telecommunications industry and to provide the Filipino people with better telco services. Breaking the existing duopoly in the telecommunications industry is one of President Duterte’s campaign promises. More than a year ago, he directed concerned government agencies to commence the selection and assignment of a radio frequency for a new telco player to solve the nation’s Internet woes. Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano
Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo
Philstar.com photo
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte warned the public against a possible coup d’etat, as the country’s problems of corruption, illegal drugs, terrorism and rebellion have persisted during his presidency. The warning comes as Duterte renewed his call to change the Constitution, noting that the military was getting piqued by the rampant corruption in gov-
ernment. “Ang premise nun (So the premise is that), under the Constitution, the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) is the protector of the people. So kung ang military alam nila na maraming kalokohan, maraming corruption… So nagrereact sila dun bakit ganyan (So if the military knew that there were many irregularities, and corruption, so they will react why is that happening),” Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said during a
press conference on Tuesday, July 9. “I think it’s a fair warning to all na baka pag nagalit ‘yan biglang mag coup ang mga ‘yan. Kaya sabi niya nga, ‘kung magku-coup kayo, huwag na kayong magdala ng mga tangke ah, kausapin nyo nalang ako magkape tayo rito (that if they get angry they might stage a coup. That’s why he [Duterte] said that, ‘if they want to stage a coup, they should not bring military tanks,
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Amal Clooney to represent Rappler’s Alan Cayetano is House speaker Maria Ressa in press freedom fight ‘15-21’ term sharing with Velasco
MISSISSIPPI has hurricanes, Kansas has tornadoes and California, as we in the Southland were reminded of last week, has earthquakes. In case you missed it, Southern California experienced two strong earthquakes last week: a 6.4 magnitude quake on the morning of Thursday, July 4 and a 7.1 quake on Friday, by AJPRESS July 5, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). PROMINENT international human The epicenters were the Mojave Desert and Ridgecrest, California for the 6.4 quake and rights lawyer Amal Clooney will join the legal team representing Maria Ressa, the the 7.1 quake, respectively. u PAGE A4 award-winning Filipino journalist currently facing several criminal charges along with online news site Rappler. “Maria Ressa is a courageous journalist who is being persecuted for reporting the news and standing up to human rights abuses. We will pursue all available legal remedies to vindicate her rights and defend press freedom and the rule of law in the Philippines,” Clooney said in a press statement released by
Trump administration gets new legal team as fight over citizenship question on 2020 Census continues
PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s efforts to include a contentious citizenship question in the upcoming 2020 Census continues as the Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed on Monday, July 8 that a new legal team would now be overseeing the census-related cases. DOJ Spokesperson Kerri Kupec announced the transition on Sunday, July 7, but did not give a reason for the change. “Since these cases began, the lawyers representing the United States in these cases have given countless hours to defending the Commerce Department and have consistently demonstrated the highest professionalism, integrity, and skill inside and outside the courtroom,” said Kupec. “The Attorney General appreciates that service, thanks them for their work on these important matters, and is confident that the new team will carry on in the same exemplary fashion.” Kupec said the new team would be made up of political and career appointees — some of who work in the DOJ’s Consumer Protection Branch.
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by CHRISTINA
MENDEZ
Philstar.com
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has spoken. It’s Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano that he wants to sit as speaker of the House of Representatives at the opening of the 18th Congress on July 22. After weeks of trying to keep his hands off the issue, Duterte announced his choice last night before a gathering of newly appointed officials at Malacañang.
His announcement ended weeks of wrangling among his Congress allies over who should occupy the top House seat and blaze the trail for his legislative agenda. While Duterte’s choice of Cayetano will still be subjected to a House vote on July 22, a presidential endorsement traditionally goes unchallenged in a chamber dominated by supporters. “Your speaker will be Alan Peter Cayetano. He shares the term
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Maria Ressa with Amal Clooney and her husband George Photo from Twitter/@mariaressa
Rights group urges UN probe over drug war killings by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
AMNESTY International on Monday, July 8, said extrajudicial killings related to the government’s anti-drug campaign continue to occur, destroying lives and devastating communities. The rights group released a report entitled “They just kill: Ongoing extrajudicial executions and other violations in the Philippines’ war on drugs” and urged the United Nations to immediately investigate possible rights violations and crimes committed in the wake of the implementation of the war against drugs. Amnesty International (AI) Philippines director Butch Olano also noted that while the killings were well documented in the first u PAGE A4 year of the Duterte administration, the cases
are often unreported lately — contributing to the normalization of extrajudicial executions, police abuses, erosion of the rule of law and victimization of the poor. “This situation leaves the victims’ families feeling even more powerless and isolated than before,” he said. Meanwhile, Amnesty regional director for East and Southeast Asia Nicholas Bequelin said President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs continues to be a “large-scale murdering enterprise for which the poor continue to pay the highest price,” even after three years. “It is not safe to be poor in the Philippines. All it takes to be murdered is an unproven accusation that someone uses, buys or sells drugs. Everywhere we went to Early endorsement? President Duterte raises the hand of Alan Peter Cayetano during the investigate drug-related killings, ordinary latter’s birthday celebration at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City in October last year. During
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the event, Duterte said Cayetano would do a good job as House speaker as he did as foreign affairs chief. Philstar.com photo
A July 10-12, 2019 • SoCal ASIAN JOuRNAl
Alan Cayetano is House...
PAGE A1 with Lord Velasco,” said Duterte, referring to Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco. “All glory and praise be to God,” Cayetano posted in his Facebook account. He called himself a “Speaker na tapat (trustworthy speaker)” with “mas malakas na boses sa Kongreso (a louder voice in Congress).” “We thank him for the an-
nouncement that he has made. We want the House to be the Congress of the people,” Cayetano said, referring to Duterte. “Good governance will always come first.” Earlier, Cayetano claimed agreeing to serve as speaker for 15 months and be succeeded by Velasco for 21 months. Cayetano belongs to the Nacionalista Party while Velasco had the endorse-
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FROM THE FRONT PAGE ment of the president’s own party, PDP-Laban. Duterte said he had tried to distance himself from the speakership row but felt he had to intervene as the issue dragged on. He said he wants another ally and contender for the speakership post, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, to be the next majority leader. “I tried to distance myself from the… But apparently I said it’s time that I talk. So ganun ho ang ano (that’s how..) – that’s the setup,” the president said after emerging from a meeting with the three contenders at Malacañang. The president lamented that the issue has created “so much uncertainty.” “Velasco, kung buhay pa siya (if he is still alive),” would take over the speaker post after an agreed period, Duterte said. Work on Cha-cha now In remarks at the oath-taking of new officials, Duterte also directed his allies to speed up efforts to change the Constitution — before he ends his six-year term. “If you want to change the Constitution, do it now habang buhay pa ako (while I’m still alive),” Duterte said. Come July 22, the president is expected to get his wish without having to worry about a possible leadership coup like the one initiated by his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio that resulted in the ouster of Pantaleon Alvarez as speaker and his replacement by Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Cayetano’s Nacionalista Party is led by former Senate president and Vistaland Group chairman Manuel Villar. Sara’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago had endorsed the speakership bid of Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab. Presidential son Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte had initially declared his intention to join the fray but was prevailed upon by his father to withdraw. PDP-Laban president Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III welcomed the development even if the party had proposed a different term sharing scheme to President Duterte. Pimentel described Duterte’s term sharing as a “good proposal.” “We made our own term sharPAGE A4
ONE STOP SHOP. San Juan City Representative Ronaldo Zamora (2nd from left), San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora (3rd from left), and San Juan City Vice-Mayor Warren Villa (4th from left), lead the groundbreaking ceremony of the San Juan City One Stop Government Building held at Barangay Saint Joseph in San Juan City on Monday, July 8. The P198-million, six-storey government building project will give the residents of San Juan easy access to transact official business both from national and local government offices. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Duterte dares US to declare...
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budsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, for telling him what to do. “They are attacking me on the collateral that I should bar China from fishing, from destroying…
They want me to go there. How do I enforce the arbitral ruling? Should I go there with the Navy and I insist and say, ‘Hey, you guys, you go out.’ And China, ‘No, what do you want?’ So, should we have war?” he said. “I don’t know how they would
do it but I would like to turn over the government to Carpio, Del Rosario, and Morales. If the three of them will join together, I would be happy to lead them. If there will really be a war, I will drag them there. We’ll all die anyway,” Duterte added. n
Rights group urges UN probe over drug... PAGE A1 people were terrified. Fear has now spread deep into the social fabric of society,” he said. According to the group, an independent, impartial and effective investigation by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) would put an end to these killings and
give justice and reparations for the families and victims. They also asked the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice to start an investigation into the conduct of law enforcement officials suspected of involvement in the killings. The killings have been preva-
lent in the province of Bulacan, AI also pointed out. “Following the transfer of senior police officials from Metro Manila… until then the country’s epicenter of killings, Bulacan province in Central Luzon is now the country’s bloodiest killing field,” the rights group said. n
Amal Clooney to represent Maria Ressa of Rappler...
PAGE A1 London-based law firm Doughty Street Chambers. According to the statement, Clooney will work with a team of international lawyers as Ressa’s counsel and coordinate with attorneys in Manila. Ressa, named Person of the Year by Time Magazine in 2018, is the co-founder and editor of Rappler, which has gained distinc-
tion for its unflinching coverage of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against illegal drugs. She has been arrested twice this year on cyber libel and tax evasion charges. In a statement, Ressa said: “I am delighted that Amal Clooney and her team will be representing me at the international level to challenge the violations of my rights and those of the media or-
ganisation I represent.” Clooney was appointed special envoy for media freedom by the British government. She has previously defended Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo who were jailed for more than 16 months in Myanmar under the country’s Official Secrets Act for reporting on a massacre of Rohingya civilians. They were freed in May. n
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DATELINE USA
A FEW MORE STANDING. People pass by a few stalls occupying the roadside of Recto Avenue in Manila. In a swift, classy move to impose change, Mayor Isko Moreno commanded the clearing operation of illegal vendors in Divisoria, Blumentritt, and other clogged streets in the city of Manila a few days after he took his oath of office. ManilaTimes.net photo by Enrique Agcaoili
Cyberbullying affects 1 in 10 children globally – report by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com
With the presence of social networking platforms, cyberbullying remains to be a growing problem that affects one in 10 children globally, according to a United Nations report. The 2019 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) report titled “Behind the Numbers: Ending School Violence and Bullying” also showed that 32 percent or one in three students experienced bullying by their peers at least once in the last month. “Globally, one in three children experiences bullying and a similar proportion are affected by physical violence,” the report said. The report said physical bullying is the most frequent type of bullying in many regions. “Bullying is unacceptable and is getting worse online,” said UNESCO director general Audrey Azoulay. The report cited the Global Kids Online study that found that
among nine to 17-year-old internet users, 35 percent reported online hurtful behavior in Serbia; Philippines, 29 percent; South Africa, 20 percent, and seven percent among 13-17 year old internet users in Argentina. Data from the Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, Serbia and South Africa also showed that between 12 and 22 percent of children received messages with sexual content. Cyberbullying includes mean messages, postings, e-mails and text messages or creating a website that makes fun of students and posting inappropriate pictures without permission. The Global Kids Online survey used online hurtful behavior instead of cyberbullying. The students were asked about their experience of different types of bullying: physical, psychological, sexual and cyberbullying. Bullying is characterized by an aggressive behavior that involves unwanted, negative actions and imbalance of power or strength between the perpetrator or per-
petrators and the victim. For a student to be considered a victim of bullying, aggression should occur at least once or twice a month or more. Boys are more prone to physical bullying while girls are more likely to experience psychological bullying. Children who are perceived to be different are more at risk of bullying. Key factors include not conforming to gender norms, physical appearance, race, nationality or color. A significant increase in bullying among male students was noted in four countries: the Philippines, Myanmar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Among female students, a significant increase was identified in the Philippines, Egypt, Kuwait, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Rodrigues (Mauritius), Thailand and UAE. The report said bullying prevalence rates for both male and female students increased in Myanmar, UAE and the Philippines. ■
Palace: Duterte warns vs possible coup as... PAGE A1
just talk to me and we’ll have a coffee),’” he added. Panelo said the officials of the military could have relayed to the President their possible actions if things get worse.
“It could be dahil (because) otherwise hindi siya magsasalita ng ganun. Meron siguro siyang info, very reliable (the president will not talk about that. He has information, it’s very reliable),” he said.
Panelo, who is also Duterte’s chief legal counsel, said the president may either impose martial law, declare a revolutionary government, or use other emergency powers to eliminate the country’s problems. ■
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 10-12, 2019
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A July 10-12, 2019 • SoCal ASIAN JOuRNAl
Dateline USa
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Pope Francis proclaims Filipino nun ‘venerable’ in step closer to sainthood by FRANCIS
EARL CUETO ManilaTimes.net
A FILIPINO nun stepped closer toward sainthood after Pope Francis proclaimed her “venerable,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced over the weekend. The pope cited Mother Francisca, founder of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena, for having lived the Christian virtues in a heroic way. The CBCP said the pope would have to recognize a miracle attributed to Mother Francisca’s intercession in order for her to be beatified. “After the beatification, another miracle would be needed for
canonization,” the CBCP said. Mother Francisca died in Manila in 1711 and was buried in the Church of the Collegio de San Juan de Letran. Mother Francisca will be approved for beatification once a miracle is attributed to her intercession. With the pope’s approval of a decree of a miracle, Mother Francisca may be beatified and called “blessed.” A second miracle is needed before she could be canonized, which would then lead to her official declaration as a “saint.” Last month, Pope Francis also declared as venerable Filipino nun Maria Beatrice Rosario Arroyo, the great great grandaunt of former first gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo.
Pope Francis declared Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo de Fuentes as “venerable” on July 6, according to the Catholic Bishops’Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). CBCP photo
Mother Maria was born in Iloilo, and died in June 1957. n SUPPORT FOR PH DELEGATES. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea (middle) assures the Philippine national team that will compete in this
Philippines gets third term on IOC-UNESCO executive council Trump administration gets new legal team as fight... year’s Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) of President Rodrigo Duterte’s full support during the general assembly attended by more than 500 athletes at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Behind Medialdea are Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Ramon Fernandez (left) and PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez (right), and the supportive Philippine Paralympics team (foreground). PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr
by ROSETTE
ADEL
Philstar.com
FOR the third consecutive term, Philippines has a seat on the Executive Council of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. The Department of Foreign Affairs said Philippines got the Executive Council seat for the period of 2019 to 2021 by acclamation. Election by acclamation means voting did not involve ballots. The elections was held at the 30th session of the IOC Assem-
bly at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. “As a maritime and archipelagic state located at the center of the world’s marine biodiversity, the Philippines shall continue to contribute to the commission’s unique role in fostering international cooperation in ocean science and in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, particularly Goal 14 on Life Below Water,” the DFA said. The Philippines joins 39 other members on the IOC Executive Council. IOC, a body with functional autonomy within UNESCO, was established in 1960.
Alan Cayetano is House...
PAGE A2 ing proposal in order to resolve the issue of House speaker. But if the president himself has resolved the issue, then great!” the senator told reporters. He did not reveal the party’s term-sharing proposal but presumably it had Velasco getting the first term. Party spokesman Ronwald Munsayac said the party leadership would have a meeting to discuss the latest development. “But offhand, we fully respect the decision and wisdom of our party chairman, President Duterte. The PDP-Laban is still
the majority party in Congress and will rigorously push for the legislative agenda of the Duterte administration,” he said. Presidential spokesman and chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said the president had to break the impasse among his allies to preserve unity. “Since the election of the speaker has resulted in a bitter and fractious rivalry that threatens the break-up of political allies, the president, to save the unity of the alliance and avert its fragmentation, obliged to the request of the three candidates,”
It is “the competent organization for marine science within the UN system.” The IOC is mandated “to promote international cooperation and to coordinate programs in research, services and capacitybuilding, in order to learn more about the nature and resources of the ocean and coastal areas and to apply that knowledge for the improvement of management, sustainable development, the protection of the marine environment, and the decisionmaking processes of its Member States.” The commission first met in Paris in October 1961. n
Panelo said last night. He said the three candidates for speakership “agree(d) to respect the choice of PRRD,” referring to Duterte by his presidential initials. “It’s Alan Cayetano as the speaker in the first 15 months, then the next 21 months, the speaker will be Lord Allan Velasco, with Martin Romualdez as the majority floor leader,” Panelo said. Panelo said the three lawmakers had sought the assistance of the president in resolving the speakership issue. (With Edith Regalado, Delon Porcalla)
PAGE A1 According to court papers, legal team members include Deputy Assistant Attorney General David Morrell, who previously worked as a lawyer in the Trump White House and is now head of the Consumer Protection Branch; and Christopher Bates who serves as a senior counsel at the DOJ. Also included are four career DOJ attorneys, Glenn Girdharry, Colin Kisor, Christopher Reimer, and Daniel Schiffer. The change comes amid questions on whether the Trump administration’s efforts on adding the question may have been motivated by racial bias, with U.S. District Court Judge George Hazel last week ordering a court case looking into the motivation to go forward. It also comes after the Supreme Court last month blocked Trump’s initial effort to add the question in a 5-4 ruling, with Chief Justice Roberts saying that a sufficient reason for adding the question would be needed. He said that the rationale given by the Trump administration were “contrived.” With the clock ticking and census forms already printing as scheduled without the question, Trump said last week that he was considering declaring an executive order. He also suggested that the question could be added on to the questionnaire as an addendum
if approved later. Attorney General William Barr told the Associated Press on Monday that he had been in contact with Trump and saw a legal way for the census to ask about citizenship. “I agree with him that the Supreme Court decision was wrong,” said Barr. He added that he believed there to be “an opportunity potentially to cure the lack of clarity that was the problem and we might as well take a shot at doing that.” Despite Trump having said last week that the main reason for wanting the question on the census was for electoral district drawing purposes, his administration has for months argued that the question on citizenship would help administer the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965, which is supposed to prevent voter discriminagion against minorities. Advocates against the question have maintained that the question — which hasn’t been on the census since it was dropped in 1950 — would discourage a significant amount of people from participating in the census, thus making it likely for certain communities to be misrepresented. Many have also argued that when it comes to the issue of knowing the non-citizen demographic of the U.S., there are other less-intrusive ways of getting
that data. The decennial count looks for population changes and other information about who makes up the United States — citizens and non-citizens alike. The census also, more importantly, uses the derived data to address many of the nation’s needs like determining how seats in Congress are set, and how funding for certain programs like Medicaid benefits, law enforcement, and public schools should be allocated. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif, on Monday criticized the Trump administration’s continuous efforts towards adding the question, saying that the administration was looking to “make American white again.” “This is about keeping — you know, Make America, you know his hat — Make America White Again. They want to make sure that people, certain people, are counted,” said Pelosi. She continued, “What they want to do is to put a chilling effect so that certain populations will not answer the form.” It is still unclear as of press time what new rationale the Trump administration will introduce or what next steps it will take, but Barr told reporters that the DOJ would reveal “in the next day or two” how it will proceed. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)
California earthquakes: what to do and...
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Friday’s Ridgecrest quake was so strong that folks in Las Vegas felt its tremors. “This earthquake in Ridgecrest has not increased the chance of an earthquake in Southern California, in the metropolitan area,” Caltech seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones said at a press conference on Sunday. “It has also not decreased it.” After the quakes Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the California Office of Emergency Services operations center to operate “to its highest level” and announced that he requested that President Donald Trump issue a declaration of emergency so the state could receive federal aid. But that being said, the USGS said that scientists haven’t been able to predict major earthquakes, saying, “We do not know how, and we do not expect to know how any time in the foreseeable future. USGS scientists can only calculate the probability that a significant earthquake will occur in a specific area within a certain number of years.” Despite earthquakes being nearly impossible to predict, while it’s top of mind for Californians, the best thing to do is to stay calm and remember the safest courses of action during a quake and how best to prepare for one. When you start to feel shaking, follow the Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Drill It’s a procedure demonstrated in schools across the state, but in case you missed out on the yearly classroom drill, the rules are simple: “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” When the ground begins to shake, drop to the ground, take cover by getting under a sturdy desk and hold onto its legs until the shaking stops. While taking cover, cover your head and neck with your arms and remain under the table. It’s important to avoid windows, large hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture or large appliances. Do not use elevators and do not go outside. If in a wheelchair, lock your wheels and cover your head and neck with your arms. If you are outdoors, get to an open area, and if you are driving, pull to the side of the road and stop It’s far more dangerous to be out in the elements during a quake but if you happen to be
outside, get to the nearest clear area if it’s safe. Avoid being near power lines, buildings and trees. If behind the wheel, safely pull to the side of the road and put your car in park. Avoid pulling over under overhead hazards like freeway overpasses, street lamps and trees. If stopped on a slope, use the emergency break. Do not take shelter under the nearest doorway It’s a myth we all grew up thinking was a viable way to protect oneself during a quake, but KPCC journalist Jacob Margolis told the New York Times this week that standing at a doorway is hazardous because swinging doors could cause serious injuries. Margolis said that the myth may have stemmed from the 1800s, when it was reported that the doorway of an adobe house in California was the only standing structure. However, in modern homes and buildings, the doorway is no safer than anywhere else as a doorway doesn’t protect against falling or flying objects. It may also be more difficult to try to brace yourself during stronger quakes. The safest option is to just get under a table. After the quake, check on people around you and inspect the area to make sure it is safe Provide first aid to anyone who may have injuries and carefully check the area of any hazardous conditions like fires, power outages and structural damage. If you smell gas, turn off the gas. If trapped in debris, move as carefully as possible and cover nose and mouth to avoid breathing in dust. Only call 9-1-1 if in an emergency It is imperative that the 911 line remain open and not blocked up immediately after an earthquake, so if there are no serious injuries or dangerous structural damages, refrain from calling 911. “Yes, another #earthquake. Reminder, only use 911 for emergencies. 877-ASK-LAPD for non emergencies in the City of LA. The LAPD will be working with our city partners to ensure everyone’s safety in the City of Los Angeles,” the LAPD tweeted after the Ridgecrest earthquake. After shaking stops, be aware that aftershocks may follow. Make an earthquake emergency kit According to the Federal Emergency Management Agen-
cy (FEMA), it is encouraged that anyone who lives in an area prone to earthquakes take precautionary measures in the home and put together an emergency kit in the event of a major quake. At home, make sure that objects that may fall and injure are moved, especially if they are located above where you sleep. When assembling an earthquake preparedness kit, FEMA advises to include the following: 1. Water (a gallon per person per day for at least three days) 2. A 3-day supply of nonperishable food, including infant formula and pet food 3. A fully charged smartphone power bank to keep cell phones charged 4. Flashlight and batteries 5. A standard first aid kit 6. Sanitary supplies like wipes, hand sanitizer and paper towels 7. Fire extinguisher 8. A whistle 9. Extra clothes and blankets 10. Cash Phone reception and internet may be cut after an earthquake, so it’s also advised to keep a small radio handy to get updates on the quake. Pet care during earthquakes For many of us, our pets are important members of the family, and it’s crucial that they also be prepared for an earthquake. In 2014 after a 6.0 earthquake hit Northern California, families reported missing pets who escaped during the quake. Make sure that pets --- even indoor pets --- have proper identification (collar, microchip and tags) with the owner’s up-todate contact information. Cats, in particular, have a tendency to hide during natural disasters, so it’s important that all house cats have some kind of identification in the event of a disaster. Building a pet disaster preparedness kit may also be helpful. The Humane Society recommends including the following: food and water for at least five days, leashes and secure carriers, a pet first aid kit, and any medication and medical records. In the event that you may have to board your pet at a pet hotel or at the vet, it would also be helpful to keep written down information about your pets’ feeding schedules and any medical and behavioral issues, the Humane Society advises. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 10-12, 2019
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
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Duterte might ‘educate’ Filipinos on West Philippine Sea in 4th SONA by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com
VIRAY
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte might use the State of the Nation Address this month, his fourth, as an opportunity to “educate” Filipinos on the West Philippine Sea. The president insisted that his previous statement that China would continue to trawl in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) was not a violation of the constitution. “’Yung sabi nila na unconstitutional... maybe sa SONA, I will educate people na ‘yung ginawa ko sabi ko ‘You can fish’... Tama talaga ako (What they are saying that it is unconstitutional... maybe on my SONA I will educate people that wha I said ‘You (China) can fish (in the EEZ)’... I am right),” Duterte told reporters on Monday, July 8. Duterte stressed that his position on allowing Chinese fishing vessels access to Philippine waters does not violate the 1987 Constitution, which mandates the government to protect marine wealth in the country’s waters and exclusive economic zone “and reserve its
use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens.” The president said: “Hindi unconstitutional ‘yung ginawa ko (What I did was not unconstitutional). As a matter of fact, it was in keeping with the law.” On the sinking of a Filipino fishing boat by a Chinese vessel near Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea, Duterte said the incident was “serious.” The president earlier said it was a “little maritime accident” while a leaked report from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority classified the allision as a “very serious marine casualty.” “It is a serious (accident) but when you talk about marine transportation... it is a maritime incident and that is very small because nobody died,” Duterte said. ‘Friendship’ Following the allision near Recto Bank last month, the president said the Chinese would continue to fish within Philippine EEZ due to the friendship between the two countries. Critics were quick to point
out that the president’s pronouncements violate the constitution. Citing the constitution, Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said Duterte cannot allow China to fish within Philippine waters as he is mandated to protect the country’s marine wealth in its EEZ. Under Section 2, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution, “The State shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens.” In response, Duterte called Carpio stupid. Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario also said Duterte’s position on the matter could be a basis for impeachment. “This will no doubt emboldern the fishermen, or if they are at all fishermen, under the militia strategy that they are using because they were acting like bullies before this was declared by the president,” Del Rosario told ANC last month. n
Drilon seeks total ban on waste imports
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon
SENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has called for a total ban on the importation of all kinds of wastes, including recyclable materials. Drilon filed Senate Bill (SB) 18 or the “Waste Importation Ban Act of 2019,” which seeks to ban all wastes from entering the Philippines. The filing of the bill was in response to numerous reports that the country was gradually becoming a dumping ground of foreign waste. The senator cited the entry of garbage from Canada, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan. He lamented that existing laws protecting the country from being made ManilaTimes.net photo into a dumpsite of foreign
wastes had not stopped the entry of foreign trash “to the detriment of our people and environment.” “We must then prohibit the importation of all kinds of waste or scrap, including recyclable materials. We should never allow our country to be a dumpsite,” the veteran lawmaker stressed. Under SB 18, even recyclable materials would not be allowed to enter the Philippines. It also mandates that all imported wastes shall be immediately returned to the country of origin at the expense of the importer. Furthermore, any person who misdeclares, brings any waste into the country or assists in its importation PAGE A7
In this file photo from July 2017, Duterte gives his State of the Nation Address at the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City. The House of the 18th Congress will elect its leaders in July. Philstar.com photo
Duterte endorsement shreds semblance of House independence, solons say by GAEA
KATREENA Philstar.com
CABICO
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte said his endorsement of a shared speakership does not count as interference in the affairs of the House of Representatives but opposition lawmakers stressed it has compromised the independence
of the lower chamber. Duterte announced on Monday, July 8, his endorsement of a termsharing agreement between Reps. Alan Peter Cayetano (TaguigPateros) and Lord Allan Velasco (Marinduque) as House speakers, saying he had to step in to end the squabbling among his allies. Under the agreement, Cayetano
will be the speaker for the first 15 months, then Velasco will lead the lower chamber for the next 21 months. The president also endorsed Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte) for the position of majority leader. In an interview with Palace reporters, Duterte said his endorsePAGE A7
‘Gov’t is biggest hurdle in recovering Marcos wealth’ by GABRIEL
PABICO Inquirer.net
LALU
THE biggest roadblock to recovering the alleged ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses is not the family itself, according to American lawyer Robert Swift, who has worked on the class suit filed by victims of martial law and other cases involving rights abuses. “Interestingly, in trying to collect the Marcos assets, the chief opposition has not been the Marcoses. It’s the Philippine government,” Swift said on Tuesday, July 9, at a forum about the legal victories against the Marcos family at the University of the Philippines – Diliman. “The problem, which in my view is the chief obstacle to the enforcement of human rights, is the government,” he added. Swift lamented that politics had
marred the bid of the Presidential Commission on Good Governance (PCGG), which he had worked with, to recover the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses. “I had hoped that in 1986, anticipating that there could be a problem, that I could work with PCGG because our common interest was recovering Marcos assets. In June of 1986, I made a call to Jovito Salonga and specifically addressed that,” Swift said. “Salonga said that there won’t be any problem. Well, things got worse.” Salonga, a senator when Marcos declared martial law in 1972, was the first chairman of the PCGG, appointed by then-President Corazon Aquino. Swift was referring to the reluctance of the PCGG to work with him and his Filipino counterparts, who were led by lawyer Rodrigo
Domingo Jr. Aside from the PCGG, Swift also had clashes with the Office of Solicitor General, accusing it of merely thinking about profit in pushing charges against the late dictator’s family. Out of the latest $13.75 million grants released for members of the class suit, $4.125 million would be released as attorney’s fee to Swift — a hefty amount compared to $1,500 that each claimant would get and the $4 million allocated to the Philippine government. However, former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chief Etta Rosales — who has worked with Swift in filing cases against the Marcoses — earlier insisted that the payment was fair after years of pushing for the rights of victims using his own law offices’ finances. n
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OPINION
Collateral damage
FEATURES
THE police chief of Rodriguez town in Rizal and 19 of his men have been relieved and are facing investigation for the death of a three-year-old girl during a drug sting over a week ago. The anti-narcotics team claimed Myka Ulpina was carried away as a human shield by her father Renato Ulpina, a suspected member of a drug trafficking gang, as he tried to flee while shooting at the raiders. Renato was shot dead at the scene; Myka succumbed to a gunshot wound in the head a day later in a hospital. Senior M/Sgt. Conrad Cabigao, the undercover cop who posed as a buyer, also died together with Renato’s alleged drug ring cohort, Enrique Kahilig. We can believe cops when they say that nobody wants to see a young girl killed. Not wanting it, however, must be complemented by efforts to prevent such tragedies from happening. The country is not a war zone, and firearms must be discharged with utmost care. The possibility of causing serious injuries and even death – as in the case of Myka Ulpina and countless others in the past years – can never be taken for granted, especially in crowded
communities. Relatives of the Ulpinas said the girl was asleep when the gunfire erupted. The public can only hope that probers will unearth the truth and justice will prevail. Investigators must disregard the comment on Myka’s death by the principal implementer of Oplan Tokhang, PNP chief-turned-senator Ronald dela Rosa: “S**t happens.” Give Dela Rosa an A for candor, and a D-minus for sensitivity. Accidents – and especially accidental deaths in the course of law enforcement – can be avoided or minimized. The PNP is supposed to have rules of engagement and guidelines on how to handle cases involving children. It’s not unusual for fleeing suspects to use human shields. The PNP must fine-tune its rules when children are used as shields in an armed encounter. In law enforcement, human life as collateral damage must be avoided at all costs. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
A broken sense of ‘kapwa’
Commentary
ANTONIO P. CONTRERAS THERE is evidence to argue that we are a country where political community is bound less by the state and our laws than by our enormous sense of “kapwa.” We saw this when for a few days in 1986 we didn’t have the semblance of a government after former President Ferdinand Marcos left for Hawaii, and former President Corazon Aquino had yet to assemble a working government. Our political community did not unravel, there was no widespread violence and mayhem, and we continued our daily routine. We saw this during “Ondoy” and “Yolanda,” when in the face of death and wanton need for shelter and food, when government was momentarily immobilized, we relied on ourselves and on one another. Neighbors helped neighbors. Volunteers self-mobilized. And in the middle
of it all, we saw the spirit and will to survive, seen in people still able to smile and laugh, play basketball, celebrate a birthday, and wave at journalists for the world to see a people unbent and undaunted. This led Anderson Cooper to comment that we are a remarkable people, a powerful lesson for others on how to rise up and live. I see this driving everyday, where order on the roads emanates less from the traffic lights and signs than from what Sikolohiyang Pilipino refers to as “kapwa,” “pakikipagkapwa,” “pakikiramdam” and “pagbibigayan.” When there is a breakdown of order, we do not say that it is because people do not obey traffic rules. What we say is that there is a breakdown of that sense of “pagbibigayan.” This is nowhere more pronounced than what happens in the intersection of Osmeña and Buendia in Makati, where there are no traffic lights and where despite the absence of traffic enforcers a sense of order from what others would see as chaos emerges. Drivers give way to
other drivers, and rely on “pakiramdaman.” This is what is characteristic of our political landscape. The strength of our political community lies less on law but more on our enormous sense of community subsisting on our deep sense of “kapwa,” or shared self. And it is this very sense of “kapwa” that is now being threatened and eroded. While political contestations had emerged before, the divisiveness and vitriol were not as alarming as what we are seeing now. Two things may have contributed to the intensification of a deeply polarized political culture. First is the pent-up resentment of people frustrated with elite politics, and angry at the failure of our leaders to deliver what was promised when the elites kicked out Marcos. Second, and more importantly, is its juxtaposition with modern social media technology that made the expression of such anger more immediate, and in real time, where anonymity is allowed, and the threat of actual
retaliation or of suffering the consequences of uttering hate speech or a personal attack is remote. In the past, one had to participate in actual political mobilization to express a grievance. All it takes now is a laptop or a mobile phone to launch a political attack, without the fear of being tear-gassed, or of being slapped or physically manhandled for calling someone an idiot or a moron. And thus we see the intensification of gutter politics where there are no more rules, except that imposed by Facebook. We now see partisans abandoning logic to launch ad hominem attacks on their opponents. We see critics of the president labeling anyone who praises him as a blind apologist and a “Dutertard,” simply because they do not see the good things that he does. And we see loyal supporters of the president attacking anyone who dares criticize him — even if done fairly and with basis — as a hater and a “dilawan” simply because they are in this perpetual state of being defensive that any such attack
is an attempt to oust the president and install Leni Robredo as in his place. They suspend their autonomy and reason, shut out valid criticism, and take on the position that the president could not possibly be wrong, and even if he is, it is their sworn duty to rationalize his actions and defend him at all cost. We end up being dominated by ad hominem labels, and focusing less on the substance of political discourse and more on people’s physical defects or personal misfortunes or impairments that have nothing to do with the validity, or lack thereof, of their arguments. For example, people focus on Franklin Drilon’s sleepiness rather than on his political position on issues and his advocacies. Instead of divining what Leni Robredo is trying to say, she is derisively dismissed by simply calling her “lugaw.” Rather than focusing on the president’s pronouncements and dissecting the flaws of his China policy, his critics would rather launch ad hominem attacks. And the vitriol and hatred are
so alarmingly palpable — the name-calling, the shaming, the credential-bashing, the personal attacks — that one has to wonder if our Republic will ever recover and be whole again, if our sense of “kapwa” will survive three more years of being eroded and broken in the name of political partisanship. Some people would rather escape this by avoidance. They stay away from social media. Others like me do the drastic step of purging our social media landscape of people who stress us with their vitriol and ad hominem attacks or propagation of hatred. But these are simply escapist remedies and while it can give someone peace of mind, it will not necessarily arrest the erosion of our sense of “kapwa.” The challenge to elevate our political discourse is indeed daunting. But it has to be done. presidents come and go. President Duterte’s term will end in 2022, and it behooves all of us to make sure that our sense of community and “kapwa” will remain. (ManilaTimes.net)
US: ‘We will never divorce’
Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ IN one of my regular engagements with key people from the U.S. Defense and State Departments, one of the officials from the Department of Defense halfjokingly told me: “We will never give you a divorce.” To which I replied: “That’s alright – we don’t have divorce in the Philippines anyway.” Obviously, this conversation uniquely underscores the fact that the United States will always look at the Philippines as an important part of their national defense and security strategy. The U.S. needs us just as much as we need them, knowing that our strategic location is significant in maintaining maritime peace and security, and keeping the balance of power in the Asia Pacific region. This is a reality that has long been acknowledged by U.S. officials such as former Obama Defense Secretary Ash Carter who said the Philippines is a “central part” of the United States’ pivot to Asia policy. The same also holds true for the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy of the Trump administration since our country is an important location for American military presence especially in light of China’s emergence as a “strategic competitor,” as described in U.S. 2018 National Defense Strategy
documents. No less than President Trump admitted this when he said that it is “important to remain allied with the Philippines,” which he described as “a most prime piece of real estate from a military standpoint.” In other words, the relationship between the Philippines and the United States is considered as something that is more special than others. And obviously, majority of Filipinos would like to keep it that way. A recent survey conducted after the “incident” involving 22 Filipino fishermen — whose boat was rammed from behind by a Chinese vessel near Recto Bank within our exclusive economic zone — showed that the trust level of Filipinos for the U.S. as a dependable ally has gone up to 92 percent. This is significantly much higher than the results of the latest Social Weather Stations survey that showed 71 percent of Filipinos having much trust in the US, while the latest Pulse Asia survey had 84 percent of Filipinos saying that they trust the U.S. the most. While Filipinos don’t really mind doing business with China and are more receptive when it comes to economic ties, they continue to regard the United States as the only ally when it comes to military partnership. v During the recent ASEAN summit in Bangkok, President Duterte stressed the need to craft a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea to keep
tensions from escalating in disputed maritime territories. This is particularly significant considering ASEAN’s goal of centrality and its adoption of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific that seeks to consolidate the regional bloc’s economic power. In a speech in Leyte the other day, President Duterte dared the United States to fire the first shot at China if it really sees them as a major threat to peace and stability in the region. The president is constantly reminded of what happened in Scarborough Shoal when we were advised by the U.S. to leave and they promised China will do the same. We left, the Chinese did not. President Duterte was also reminded about a U.S. State Department official in the Obama administration stating, “We do not get involved with territorial disputes. Those are just rocks, anyway.” Today, those rocks are now Chinese military bases. Nonetheless, there is no doubt the Trump administration has changed its attitude towards the region, perhaps learning from the past. There is no question the United States today is more than ever committed to their treaty allies. ASEAN’s economic goals will be hard to achieve if tensions particularly in the South China Sea keep escalating. Even our ASEAN neighbors recognize the importance of continued U.S. presence for maritime peace and security, and in protect-
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim and Apostolic Nuncio Gabriele Giordano Caccia raise their glasses to commemorate the 243rd anniversary of U.S. Independence and Fil-Am Friendship Day during a reception in Makati City on Wednesday, July 3. Philstar.com photo by Joey Viduya
ing freedom of navigation and maintaining a rules-based order in disputed maritime territories. In other words, stability and security are important, which is why the U.S. continues to make its presence felt and will keep strengthening its alliances with key players in the Indo-Pacific region. While we pursue relations and seek engagements with other nations in keeping with the president’s independent foreign policy, the relationship with our one and only treaty ally — the United States — remains unique and irreplaceable, enduring despite the ups and downs that have shaken but not sundered
our long-standing friendship. That’s because of the deep people-to-people ties that bind our two nations, manifested in the fact that an estimated 4.3 million Filipino-Americans reside and work in the U.S., or that every other Filipino has a relative in the U.S. or want a visa to visit the U.S. Judging from the huge attendance during the recent U.S. Fourth of July and Fil-American Friendship Day celebration hosted by U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim at the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-La Makati with over a thousand guests, this close affinity to the U.S. is as strong as ever. People I have not seen
for years during such occasions literally showed up to signify their support and appreciation for Ambassador Kim whose tour of duty in the Philippines is ending by year-end. (See photos in This Week on PeopleAsia at the Allure Section of the Philippine Star today.) As articulated by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin, America is “all we have,” likening the relationship to having a “spouse” that you “can’t live without” even though “sometimes you wish you could.” In other words, this is a marriage that hopefully, will remain strong and long lasting. (Philstar.com)
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
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A
Dela Rosa apologizes for remark on girl’s death in sting Best places to live, work: PH moves up to 24th
MANILA — Sen. Ronald dela Rosa apologized for his “s**t happens” statement when asked to comment on the killing of a three-year-old girl who was caught in the crossfire between police officers and her father, a drug suspect, in a sting in Rizal last month. “If my remark did not sit well with the family of the child, I would like to apologize for my wrong use of terms,” Dela Rosa told reporters. “I should have said... unfortunate incidents happen…I forgot and used police lingo when I Sen. Ronald dela Rosa Philstar.com photo should have avoided the use of Dela Rosa said that while the such words because I’m now a death of the victim was not insenator,” he said. tentional, those responsible for it
must be held accountable. He said he was hurt by the flak he received, noting that he was portrayed as insensitive to the killing of children. “I love children very much. I don’t want them hurt,” the former police chief said, adding that of the 10 bills he had so far filed, three were on children’s welfare. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police spokesman Col. Bernard Banac said the PNP respects the decision of the mother of the girl to file charges against concerned police officers. “We are willing to provide her assistance if she chooses... to seek help,” Banac said. (Paolo Romero/Philstar.com)
PAGE A5 ment of House leaders is not interference in the affairs of Congress. The Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, which is under the president, has the mandate of the “promotion of presidential legislative initiatives and other administration-sponsored priority policy reforms and development programs,” it says on its website. Prior to naming his choice for House leader, Duterte and the Palace said he would keep his hands off the speakership contest. It is still up to the lawmakers to select the new House leader, Duterte said. “That is their privilege actually. I was just trying to end the impasse,” he said. The organization of the leadership of the legislature is the first order of business when the 18th Congress convenes on July 22. According to the 1987 Constitution, “the Senate shall elect its president and the House of Representatives its speaker, by a majority vote of all its respective members.” The legislature is a separate branch of government from the executive department and the judiciary. Cayetano—Duterte’s running mate in the 2016 polls and later his Foreign Affairs secretary—has already started inviting House members to join the “Die-hard Duterte Supermajority”, an indication of how the House will lean under him. Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc said the independence of the lower chamber has been compromised anew with the president’s endorsement of the two prospective speakers. “With this politics of convenience
no congressional independence to speak of,” Dennis Coronacion, chairperson of the Political Science department of the University of Santo Tomas, told Philstar. com. The lower house—filled with Duterte’s allies—has approved legislation to revive capital punishment and re-write the constitution. The Senate, on the other hand, has traditionally served as a buffer against the president’s more controversial plans. In a separate press statement on charter change, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Tuesday that “the Senate always prides itself as independent of Malacañang.” The members of the upper house have also been described as being independent of each other. Coronacion said there have only been a few cases that House members showed their independence from the executive. “A good example was when President Estrada was impeached by the congressmen led by then Speaker Manny Villar and in several cases when our congressmen would flex their muscle during budget hearings,” he said. But apart from being supportive of the administration, the speaker of the House is also an important position because the 2022 elections are just a few years away. “The speaker can use his position to gain political leverage in the negotiations and backroom deals concerning the 2022 presidential election,” Coronacion said. “His position can help the House speaker enormously in advancing his personal agenda and political ambition.” n
Duterte endorsement shreds semblance... and presidential intervention, the independence of the House is again severely compromised and the interest of the majority of the people sacrificed,” Rep. Carlos Zarate (Bayan Muna) said. Zarate is Makabayan bloc’s candidate for speaker, a bid that was more symbolic than actual, given the composition of the House membership. Rep. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela) said Duterte’s endorsement of Cayetano and Velasco “[shreds] into bits any remaining semblance of an independent legislative branch.” She also said: “President Duterte’s open proclamation of term-sharing for the House speaker shamelessly pontificates a rubber stamp lower house in tandem with a Duterte-dominated Senate.” The May midterm elections saw Duterte allies dominating the races for both houses of Congress, opening a path for the president to push forward his legislative agenda, which includes reimposing death penalty and revising the constitution. “As can be seen with the proposed agenda for the next Congress, charter change, term extension and another [Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion] law are at the top. The Filipino people are again at the losing end with this development,” Zarate said. But for one political analyst, Duterte’s endorsement of a shared speakership will not have any implications on congressional independence, which he said has never existed anyway. “The House of Representatives has always conformed to the wishes of Malacañang. So there’s
THE Philippines has made it to the big leagues alongside the United States and China in terms of best places in the world to live and work. A Forbes article cited the 2019 HSBC Expat’s annual survey that ranked the Philippines as the 24th best place to live and work, while the U.S. ranked 23rd. China, on the other hand, ranked 26th. The survey was conducted among 18,000 expats across 163 markets. Three major metrics were used: living, career opportunity and family life. “The Philippines jumped up the rankings from 26th place last year. That may come as a
surprise to some for a couple of reasons. One of them is that the Philippines has a reputation for sending its own people overseas in droves rather than attracting foreigners who want to live and work there,” Forbes said in the article published July 6. Forbes said Manila garnered a high ranking despite being mired in violence amid President Duterte’s drug war. “Apparently, that isn’t what foreign expats are concerned about. They find it easy to relocate to a country of friendly people and a reasonable cost of living,” Forbes said. “With its tropical climate and steadily growing economy, the Philippines is quickly becoming one of the most popular expat destinations in Southeast
Asia,” according to the HSBC report. The Philippines, once dubbed as the sick man of Asia, has been enjoying strong growth over the past year, consistently buoyed by overseas Filipino remittances, the booming business process outsourcing sector and the strong services sector. “Indeed, the Philippine economy has been booming in recent years. The Philippines’ per-capita GDP was last recorded at an all-time high of $3,063 in 2018, according to Tradingeconomics.com,” the Forbes article added. “It’s expected to reach $3,277 by 2020. That’s well above the average of $1,653.98 for the period 1960 to 2018,” the article continued. n
PAGE A5 shall be meted hefty penalties. “Violators may be fined with up to P15 million and/or imprisoned for 8 to 12 years,” Drilon warned. If the offender was a foreigner, he or she would be deported
after serving the sentence, he added. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bureau of Customs shall be tasked to strictly monitor imports and enforce regulations in order to avoid the shipment of
waste into the country. “The passage of this measure will no doubt stop the waste trade in the country and send a clear message to other countries that the Philippines is not a landfill,” Drilon said. (Javier Ismael/ ManilaTimes.net)
by IRIS
GONZALES Philstar.com
Drilon seeks total ban on waste...
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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL
GDP growth to accelerate next year — HSBC
Changes in old laws sought to boost foreign investments
by BERNADETTE
E. TAMAYO
ManilaTimes.net
Joseph Incalcaterra, chief economist at HSBC, said the Philippine economy may expand by 6.4 percent next year. Philstar.com file photo by Miguel de Guzman by LAWRENCE AGCAOILI Philstar.com
BRITISH banking giant HSBC expects a faster economic growth for the Philippines next year as almost half of the flagship priority projects under the government’s Build Build Build program go on stream. Joseph Incalcaterra, chief economist at HSBC, said the Philippine economy may expand by 6.4 percent next year. “Our assumption for a pick-up in investment supports our forecast for growth in the Philippines to accelerate to 6.4 percent in 2020, defying weak external demand,� Incalcaterra said. Incalcaterra said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has approved 37 out of 75 flagship priority projects and are moving to implementation stage under the government’s massive infrastructure buildup.
He said $27 billion worth of projects are due to start construction this year, mostly in the second half. “There are various projects entering construction stage this year, including the monumental Manila Subway, which will cost approximately $10 billion. Construction started in February, and drilling operations are set to begin in 2020,� Incalcattera said. Incalcaterra said the government is likely to sharply accelerate infrastructure spending to reach its infrastructure spending target of seven percent of GDP by the end of President Duterte’s term in 2022. According to Incalcaterra, the government has generally met its ambitious infrastructure spending targets in previous years – addressing its history of underspending. However, given the one-off budget issues during the first
half of this year, the original target would not be met. Based on the revised 2019 budget, the government is now targeting to spend 5.2 percent of GDP on infrastructure this year, which points to a sharp rebound in spending in the second half. Incalcaterra said capital expenditure as a share of corporate revenue would remain high in the Philippines. “This may be due to the fact that the government has historically under-invested, suggesting private firms have partly filled the gap,� he said. The delayed passage of the 2019 national budget has pulled down the GDP growth to a fouryear low of 5.6 percent in the first quarter from 6.3 percent in the fourth quarter. Economic managers lowered their GDP growth target to a range of six to seven percent after easing to 6.2 percent in 2018 from 6.7 percent in 2017. n
TO attract more foreign investments, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has sought to amend the 83-year-old Public Service Law and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000. The veteran senator filed Senate Bill (SB) 13 and SB 14 to improve the quality of consumer goods and services in the country, as well as foster economic growth. Drilon said the restrictive requirements of both laws impede foreign investments in the country. He is optimistic that Congress will prioritize the passage of these twin economic measures. The Senate and House of Representatives will jointly open as the 18th Congress on July 22. “I call on the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) to include in the Common Legislative Agenda of the 18th Congress the amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act and the Public Service Law to help stimulate the economy, promote competition in business and
generate more jobs,� Drilon said. He filed SB 13 which limits the definition of public utility, while opening up other public services to the market. Drilon said the proposed amendments to the Public Service Law, which was enacted in 1936, will provide a clear definition of public utilities, as he pointed out how the interchangeable use of “public utility� and “public service� has effectively barred foreign entry into the market. “Congress’ failure to amend the law has effectively resulted in holding the Filipino hostage to poor and inadequate services, such as inefficient public transportation, slow yet expensive telecommunication and internet services, unreliable power and water supply, among others,� he said. Meanwhile, SB 14 seeks to further relax foreign restrictions by removing investment categories and setting an across the board minimum paid up capital investment equivalent of $200,000 in Philippine peso. Under the current Retail Trade Liberalization Act, enterprises
with a paid-up capital below $2.5 million in peso equivalent are reserved exclusively for Filipino citizens and corporations wholly owned by Filipino citizens. SB 14 requires reciprocity wherein only nationals or entities from countries allowing the entry of Filipino retailers shall be allowed to engage in retail trade in the Philippines. It also promotes locally manufactured products as it mandates that at least 10 percent of the aggregate cost of stock inventory of foreign retailers be made in the Philippines. In the 17th Congress, he authored Republic Act 11232 or the “Revised Corporation Code,� which introduced various reforms including the “one-person corporation�, and the grant of perpetual life as the default option for corporations. “These proposed amendments will no doubt result in a greater variety of products, more choices of goods for consumers, inflow of new technology and the employment of more Filipinos,� Drilon said. n
PH forex reserves soar to 33-mo high in June by MAYVELIN
U. CARABALLO ManilaTimes.net
THE country’s gross international reserves (GIR) surged to a 33-month high of $85.379 billion (P4.37 trillion) in June on the back of higher gold prices, the government’s foreign-currency deposits, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) foreign-exchange (forex) operations and investment income. The figure — the largest since September’s 2016’s $86.139 billion — was also 0.02 percent and 10.1 percent higher than those posted in May and a year ago, respectively, preliminary data released by the Bangko Sentral on Friday showed. In a statement, the central bank said the month-on-month increase was due to “revaluation gains from the BSP’s gold holdings resulting from the increase
in the price of gold in the international market; national government’s net foreign currency deposits; BSP’s foreign exchange operations; and BSP’s income from its investments abroad.� These were partially tempered by payments made by the government for servicing its foreign exchange obligations. ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa said the Bangko Sentral “now boasts [of] a formidable cache of reserves to fend off any speculative attack on the currency.� The country’s latest buffer stock, he added, means that the government can repay all foreign currency obligations due within the next 12 months — almost five times over. “On top of the GIR, steady flows of OF (overseas Filipinos) remittances and BPO (business process outsourcing) receipts
combined with financial flows (foreign direct investments and portfolio inflows) given the Philippines — now [with a] BBB+ rating — (the ability) to fund the nation’s Build Build Build requirements,� Mapa said, referring to the Duterte administration’s ambitious infrastructure program. The latest reserve level was enough to cover 7.4 months worth of imports, the same buffer posted in May, but higher than the year-earlier 7.1. It was also equivalent to 5.1 times the country’s short-term external obligations due within one year and 3.7 times based on residual maturity. Net international reserves, which refer to the difference between GIR and total short-term liabilities, increased to $85.36 billion from $85.34 billion a month earlier. n
P11-T public investment program seen to curb poverty incidence in PH by BEN
O. DE VERA Inquirer.net
THE Duterte administration’s plan to spend P10.98 trillion on public investments during its six years in office will ultimately lift 440,000 people out of poverty by 2022, the country’s chief economist said. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said that of the total investment requirement under the updated Public Investment Program (PIP) 20172022, more than two-thirds or P7.36 trillion would be spent on infrastructure development. The PIP spanning across 9,816 programs and projects will also cover public expenditures on social and culture (P1.94 trillion); agriculture and environment
(P852.75 billion); governance, justice, macroeconomic policy and national competition policy (P466.3 billion); peace and security (P254.37 billion); and industry, services and innovation (P102.15 billion). Raising public infrastructure spending during the six-year period will raise gross domestic product growth by an average of 0.7 percentage point yearly, such that the GDP level by 2022 will be 3.9 ppts higher, Pernia said, citing estimates of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), which he heads. Also, higher infrastructure expenditures will generate 560,000 more jobs by 2022, the NEDA chief said. According to Pernia, increased infrastructure spending will cre-
ate the most number of new jobs in the following sectors: construction; land transport; wholesale and retail trade; fabricated metal manufacturing; agricultural activities and services; administrative and support service activities; other service activities; education; communication, and poultry. Bigger state spending on infrastructure will also benefit the following sectors by raising their gross value added: construction; wholesale and retail trade and maintenance and repair of motor vehicles; food manufacturers; land transport; nonbank financial intermediation; electricity; education; nonmetallic mineral products; accommodation and food service activities; and other service activities. n
Pogo workers to pay P2-billion withholding taxes monthly by IRIS
GONZALES Philstar.com
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THE government has hit a jackpot of sorts after offshore gaming operators agreed on the amount of tax to be slapped on the industry following a meeting with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez. As a result, the government would now be able to collect P2 billion a month in withholding taxes or a whopping P24 billion a year starting this month from the mostly Chinese workers who have been coming to the country in droves to work in Philippine offshore gaming operators or Pogos. At present, there are roughly 130,000 Chinese Pogo workers working for around 50 licensed gaming firms that are currently operating in the country. Dominguez confirmed the meeting as he stressed that Pogos need to comply with the provisions of the country’s tax laws. Pogo operators also need to comply with the regulations on membership dues to the Social Security System and Pag-IBIG Fund, he said. The Bureau of Internal Revenue, the finance chief said, is starting to collect the withholding taxes from the workers and this is expected to boost state coffers. At P2 billion a month, the amount of taxes to be collected from Pogos will help boost state
As a result, the government would now be able to collect P2 billion a month in withholding taxes or a whopping P24 billion a year starting this month from the mostly Chinese workers who have been coming to the country in droves to work in Philippine offshore gaming operators or Pogos. Philstar.com file photo
coffers, an amount non-existent before 2016 when the Pogo landscape was not what it is now. According to industry estimates, the average monthly salaries of Pogo workers – which would be the basis of the taxes they will pay – amount to P40,000 to P50,000. Pogos are offshore gaming firms that facilitate online gaming via the internet. They use networks and software exclusively for authorized players outside the Philippines – mostly in China but possibly in other countries as well. Aside from agreeing on the taxation scheme, offshore gaming operators also committed to help government weed out illegal online companies in the country. According to an industry player,
there are are roughly 30 illegal Pogo operators in the country. Legalizing them can boost government’s tax collections further. Efforts are also underway to also help address cultural tensions that seem to be stemming from the influx of Chinese workers in the country. At least one Pogo operator is transforming a sprawling 12-hectare former resort in Cavite into a self-contained Pogo island with live, work, play concept. The island is expected to accommodate over 20,000 workers with full operations in five years. Construction of the island is in full swing with half of the 2,500 construction workers hired from the local community. n
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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 10, 2019
No need to bring your own ‘Baon’: Fil-Am chef AC Boral opens new restaurant in LA by CHRISTINA
WHEN news spread that Filipino American chef Charles Olalia’s four-year-old Rice Bar was closing down in May, many loyal customers deemed it a loss for lunchtime eats in Downtown Los Angeles. But when one door closes, another one opens. The 275square-foot restaurant along 7th Street was quickly taken over by Fil-Am chef AC Boral, who fittingly named it Baon, tailored to the working crowds who don’t bring their own packed lunch. “We have big shoes to fill because people still miss Rice Bar. When they closed down, it was a loss,” Boral admits. “We know it will take some time for people to understand what we’re doing. We’re not Rice Bar but I think we’re something that’s also really good.” Boral — a self-taught chef from Oxnard who has done Rice & Shine brunch pop-ups and special events throughout Southern California for the past six years — had a previous stint working at Rice Bar and started conversations with Olalia in April to replace the lunch counter. “Baon is a word that is really deep in the Filipino culture — food that you travel with or food that you take with you, from taking it to lunch to having it be something you bring from a family party. It’s really ingrained in us and it’s a great word to describe what we want to do out of here,” he says. By June 17, Baon opened for weekday business with a new, expanded menu, but a similar rice bowl, comfort food concept. “I’m very bullish on wanting to be upfront with Filipino culture and not apologize for it. It’s important to me to not shy away from what the dishes are,” Boral adds. “You’re not going to tell a Thai restaurant that they can’t name their place Thiptara, or you’re not going to tell a Chinese restaurant they can’t name it something Chinese. So why would we do the same thing for our food? It’s a word that I love and people need to learn it somehow. They’ve got to start somewhere.” The interior, which has a complete view of the kitchen, seats 11 diners, but like its predecessor, it accommodates
M. ORIEL/AJPress
take-out and delivery orders during the lunchtime period between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The main rice bowl dishes include the chicken apritada (chicken and vegetables with tomato sauce), mushroom & tofu laing (a vegan and glutenfree version of taro leaves in coconut milk, ginger and chilies, but can be topped with an order of shrimp), pork belly adobo (a widely recognizable Filipino dish with a side of strawberry relish), and ginataang hipon (poached shrimp in coconut milk, ginger and chilies). What makes Baon stand out as a modern Filipino American restaurant is straying from the common popular dishes found elsewhere and introducing dishes that are typically served at home like the apritada or laing. For those wanting an accessible, yet even deeper dive into Filipino cuisine, this place is a start or for those who haven’t had these dishes in a while, Baon can fulfill that craving. “I wanted to cover different flavor profiles. Filipino food is just as varied as sinigang to apritada to pork belly to suman. It doesn’t necessarily make sense if you look at it on paper if you were to share this food with somebody. It’s a showcase, but I’m also very mindful of the kind of capabilities and capacity we have in here,” Boral notes. Each bowl is served with a choice of rice, whether white, garlic or cauliflower (in an effort to be “inclusive” of dietary restrictions) and can be topped with a fried egg. Prices range from $8-12. Also on the menu are “small” dishes, like the sinigang lumpia (pork, rice and vegetable filled egg roll served with a kalamansi crema), strawberry adobo taco, and shrimp taco, the latter two of which are the adobo pork belly and ginataang hipon dishes in taco form. “The adobo is based on my dad’s recipe and the strawberry comes from me growing up in Oxnard, the strawberry capital of the world. It ended up being a perfect compliment that cuts through the fattiness,” Boral says. Of course a meal isn’t complete without a proper
sweet ending so you can find ube suman (sticky rice cooked in banana leaves based on Boral’s mom’s recipe and his famed ensaymada butter), an ube ice cream sandwich using chocolate chip cookies, and a nutter butter banana bread made with Hawaiian peanut butter, ensaymada butter and coconut curd. Boral credits his sous chef Janice Dig Cabaysa, who has fine dining experience, for pushing the sweet items on the menu and for also “expanding my knowledge and range as a chef.” Also mentioning his mentors and experience for the past six years in particular, Boral has come a long way from his early pop-ups which he had started to get his foot into the culinary industry. Baon joins the other Filipino spots in the downtown area, with LASA and Ord and Self-taught chef AC Boral, known for his pop-up series Rice & Shine, took over Rice Bar and opened lunch counter Baon in June. He will have another Broadway in nearby Chinarestaurant in Long Beach later this year. Photos by Patrick Manalo town. “There’s room for all of us at the top,” Boral notes. “If our food’s good, at the end of the day, that’s what’s going to speak for it.” The lunch counter has recently opened up Saturday hours from 12 to 5 p.m. for those who want to try the food but can’t get to downtown during the weekday. Baon isn’t the only thing on Boral’s plate, however. After years of the temporal pop-ups, he now has his focus on more permanent spaces, with another slated to open along 4th Street in Long Beach by the fall, with soft runs at the end of the summer. Adobo pork belly tacos with strawberry relish, which chef AC Boral says is Pork belly adobo with strawberry relish and vegetables It is said to be the first inspired by his father’s and upbringing in Oxnard, California. modern Filipino restaurant in Long Beach. With a Kickstarter goal of $30,000 by July 17, it seeks to be a 40-seat dining establishment, pop-up venue and community space. While the name is still under wraps, we can expect more creations from Boral in family-style proportions and happy hours with tapa-sized dishes. “At the end of the day, the more people I can make happy based on their dietary restrictions, it’s better that way. Filipino food is about the hospitality, it’s not about ‘you can’t have this.’ We want everyone to sit at our table,” Boral says.
Chefs Sarunthy Lach and Janice Dig Cabaysa prepare for lunch service at Baon.
Richard gives in to the ‘lure of gold’ by CHRISTINA
ALPAD ManilaTimes.net
SHOW business and politics are perennially intertwined, with celebrities running for electoral positions and government officials eager to appear on television shows for a bit of the limelight. It therefore came as no surprise that prime time leading man Richard Yap threw his hat in the congressional race in last summer’s midterm elections. The Cebuano businessman turned actor—who became a household name with roles such as Papa Chen in “My Binondo Girl” (2011) and Ser Chief in “Be Careful with my Heart” (2012)—ran for Cebu City 1st District under the PDP-Laban party. Unfortunately, despite a promising campaign, he failed to snag the post from re-electionist Raul Del Mar of the Liberal Party. Meeting Entertainment media for the first time since May’s elections, Yap was very
Chicken apritada (chicken and vegetables in tomato sauce)
Ginataang hipon (poached shrimp in coconut milk, ginger and chilies)
Sinigang lumpia (pork, rice and vegetable filled egg roll with kalamansi crema)
Mushroom and tofu laing (taro leaves braised in coconut milk, ginger and chilies)
he was specially introduced as the latest addition to the fiery cast of the ABS-CBN hit series, “Kadenang Ginto” Book 3. “I’m very happy to be back,” he declared. Still out to serve But even as he settles back into the life of a showbiz celebrity, Yap promises to be just as active in reaching out to his fellow Cebuanos post-elections as Citizen Richard. “Just because we are not in position doesn’t mean we’re going to stop helping.” Specifically, he is carryRichard Yap returns to television via the ABS-CBN hit drama series, ‘Kadenang Ginto,’ starring Beauty ing on support for women’s Gonzales (left) and Dimples Romana. ManilaTimes.net photo livelihood which he established during the campaign. open to share his experience na tumulong at sumuporta in that “other world.” talaga sa akin, so that’s when Additionally, he is actively gathering funds for a nursing He admitted to The Mayou know kung sino talaga school in their district that nila Times, “Kung sa showang mga kaibigan mo.” biz sinasabi nilang mahirap, Yap went on to say, “I am lacks classrooms and books among other neccesities. maraming intriga, I think thankful to the 80,000-plus “I think [the campaign] is it’s a hundred times more in people who supported me an eye opener that ang dami politics.” [with their votes], also kasi Asked what he learned hindi naman expected yun for palang kailangang gawin na hindi nagagawa ng gobyerno from his first attempt at a first timer.” — it needs everybody’s politics, he replied, “There’s Looking trim and healthy help. Even tayo, as ordinary a lot that we can learn pero from what must have been a citizens, we can do so much I’d rather look on the positive gruelling campaign, Yap had side — marami akong naging no difficulty fitting right back more in our community,” the kaibigan, maraming mababait into the showbiz scene when actor noted.
New pot of gold Choosing to use the lessons learned from the campaign to better himself and those around him, Yap meanwhile has his eyes on a different albeit golden goal, that is to give justice to the role of Leon in the hit afternoon soap, Kadenang Ginto. “Medyo may pressure because alam ko, it’s already a very successful show so I have to bring something to the table,” Yap admitted. Apparently, the offer to do the show came to Yap just as he decided to take a breather and lay low from commitments for a while. “Actually nabigla ako when I came back from Cebu, kasi in a week’s time ata, kinausap na ako na may offer na pumasok dito sa “Kadenang Ginto”. I wanted to go on vacation first until August pero hindi na nangyari yun,” he recounted chuckling. Pressed to reveal what made him forgo his holiday plans, the actor cheekily replied, “Hindi ko ma-resist yung lure of gold.” On a more serious note, he added, “This is a very
welcome offer and I am very thankful, kinuha ulit ako ng ABS-CBN and my mother unit, Dreamscape.” Yap steps into the show as the new chapter in the riveting lives of Beauty Gonzales’ Romina and Dimples Romana’s Daniela unfold. Yap plays Leon, Romina’s new business partner who will guide her every step of the way and help her retrieve everything that Daniela had taken away from her. “Ibang iba si Leon dito kasi hindi siya mayaman, which is a first [compared to his previous roles where he usually played rich businessmen roles]. Dito, mag- umpisa ako from the bottom and magtutulungan kami ni Romina,” Yap related. “It is a challenge because itong character is quite complex, what you see is not what you get so you have to dig deeper.” Overall, Yap is thankful for his inclusion in the show’s new chapter at a time when he is personally starting his. “It feels refreshing to be back, na miss ko rin ang taping!” he ended.
Why Dawn wants to play a superhero—at 50 by ALLAN
POLICARPIO Inquirer.net
WITH her two children now teenagers, Dawn Zulueta feels the need to be more present in their lives. Show biz, therefore, has to take a back seat for now, she said. “My time is so precious, and I really want to devote it to my kids. My boy is turning 14 and has a lot of questions; I have to be there to answer them. That’s the reason my focus isn’t so much on work … It’s not my priority,” the actress told the Inquirer at a recent press conference for the upcoming dramatic feature, “Family History.” “Soaps were all I did since 2012. But it got tiring, so I decided to slow down three years ago,” added Dawn, who has a 13-year-old son, Jacobo, and a 10-year-old daughter, Ayisha, with her husband Antonio Lagdameo Jr. Dawn could change her mind if presented with a good pitch for a movie or show. Otherwise, she would rather stay at home. “It would take a really nice offer—a good role, a good story—to make me go out now,” said the actress, whose last soap and movie was “You’re My Home” (2016) and “Meant to Beh” (2017), respectively. “This kind of work takes up so much of your time. And that’s why I can’t go full blast or do this every day. So,
entertainment
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 10, 2019
Matteo on the ‘best experience’ of his life by NATHALIE
TOMADA Philstar.com
Dawn Zulueta
unless it’s something I enjoy, I wouldn’t sacrifice my time with my family,” she added. Is there anything specific she’s looking for in an offer? “I don’t know … I just know it when I see it. I have always wanted to be a superhero, but I haven’t gotten offers of that kind,” she related, laughing. “But I believe that there are a lot of things that can be
Photo from Instagram/@dawnzulueta
done, even at 50.” For “Family History,” which opens on July 24, the clincher was the rare opportunity of sharing the screen with comedian Michael V, who also wrote and directed the film. “He’s a fun director,” Dawn said. “I find it cute that people call our pairing ‘BiDawn.’ I feel fortunate that people find it interesting enough.”
CALL him 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli. After recently completing the Scout Ranger Orientation Course at Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan with flying colors, Matteo is recommending his experience to fellow actors and young Filipinos. The Cebuano actor-athlete took on the month-long leadership-development training after enlisting as a Philippine Army reservist, a voluntary service to the country, especially needed in times of disasters and emergencies. He enjoyed no special treatment and battled tough challenges along with some 90 other trainees, made up of officers and Philippine Military Academy cadets. During his “emotional and happy” graduation, he received special commendation for being an outstanding student and the only reservist in the batch. The STAR got to talk to Matteo about it during the launch of Sun Life Financial’s new and inspirational campaign, Kaakbay: Stories of Lifetime Partnerships, last Saturday (July 6). The event saw him and other celebrity endorsers Piolo Pascual and son Iñigo, Enchong Dee and Charo Santos-Concio opening up about “lifetime partners” in a series of videos, to be unveiled to the public via @SunLifePH on YouTube on July 13.
Matteo was recognized as an outstanding student during his graduation from the Scout Ranger Orientation Course at the Scout Ranger School, First Scout Ranger Regiment, at Camp Tecson in Bulacan. Photo from Instagram/@matteog
Obviously, Matteo has resumed his showbiz work, but it appears the army experience is giving his life and career a new energy and purpose. Below are excerpts from the interview. On why he joined the Reserve Force and took part in the Scout Ranger course: “I’m already 29 years old, but I’ve always wanted to do it. I found the opportunity. Scout Rangers opened the doors to me. They said, are you able to join? I said yes right away. “Before being in the military, I was always working with different advocacies. I also have my own sports foundation. But
I thought of focusing on one, and I felt the army was the best because it represents the country. It’s helping the country, it’s helping the troops and it’s helping our fellow Filipinos. “You know, other countries (in Asia) Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, they all have mandatory military training. In Israel, (they do it for) three years. Us, we don’t. And the youth today need that discipline and need that patriotism again. So, I encourage our youth. It’s something that you will cherish forever, I promise! It’s about discipline and what the army will teach you, it’s something that you can pass on.”
Thai beauty queen slammed for calling Catriona ‘fat’ by JAN
MILO SEVERO Philstar.com
Catriona Gray
A THAI beauty queen was criticized by people in social media after she described Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray as “fat.” In her Instagram story, Miss Grand Nakhon Phanom 2019 Coco Arayha Suparurk posted a photo of Catriona next to Miss Grand International 2018 Clara Sosa. She put a text on the photo of Clara as “fit” while “fat” on Catriona. The Instagram story has Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray been deleted already, but fan
pages and websites were able to screenshot the post. Since Coco’s comments are now viral on different social media sites, online social media users are attacking the Instagram page of Suparurk, calling her out for her rude remark. Before winning the Miss Universe 2018 crown, Catriona was also criticized by Thai pageant fans for her bikini photos taken during a trip to Koh Larn Island in Pattaya, Thailand, and was featured on the Instagram page of Vogue Thailand.
In response to those who think Catriona does not have that ideal “Miss Universe body,” Miss Universe Canada 2016 Siera Bearchell defended the Filipina beauty, saying that the people’s comments are “disturbing.” Meanwhile, a day before she passed the Miss Universe Philippines crown to Gazini Ganados last month, Catriona turned to her Instagram story to share her experience joining the Binibining Pilipinas. One of her stories included her experience in body shaming. “It was this same event
that I experienced an increase in bodybashing, bodyshaming from so many in the online community. It’s easy to tell someone to have a ‘thick skin’ but it hurts,” Catriona wrote. “There were days I really struggled reading comments online. And it was definitely a process. But I had to grow to accept and love my unique shape and appreciate my body for its strength and capabilities,” she wrote in another Instagram story. Both Catriona and Coco have not addressed the controversy as of this writing.
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 10, 2019
entertainment 5 Angeline looks back on P2,500 gigs at weddings, debuts The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 10, 2019
by NIÑA
V. GUNO
Inquirer.net
Actress Cherry Pie Picache beside a portrait of her late mom.
ANGELINE Quinto has a number of concerts and records under her belt, but still takes time to recall her humble beginnings. The singer, known for her angelic voice in ballads, looked back on her past gigs ABS-CBN photo before her break in singing competitions. She posted on Instagram Sunday, July 7, a picture of her in a blouse and jeans singing at an event. “Yung panahong kumakanta ako sa mga kasal be reminded of love, of comat debut at binabayaran ako passion, of forgiveness. I hope we can all be reminded of ‘yung 2,500 para sa mga kanta (Those times when I would caring for other human beings perform in weddings and deand taking action,” Picache buts and be paid 2,500),” she said. wrote in the caption. “So you know, I’m hoping She added that if clients ‘yung care natin for other human beings is awakened. For us were kind enough, they would give her food to take to always come from a place of home. love rather than ‘yung bawian Since her days of joining kaagad, manlaban kaagad, gusinging contests, Quinto has manti kaagad,” she added. gone on to perform movie In the documentary, Cherry and TV theme songs, such as Pie looks back at the years “Till I Met You” in the film that went by since the tragedy, and how she prepared to visit the New Bilibid Prison to face Michael.
Cherry Pie shares reason for forgiving mom’s killer
The actress’ mother, Zenaida, was found brutally killed inside her house in Quezon ACTRESS Cherry Pie Picache City. The prime suspect was has found peace in forgiving her her houseboy. Authorities soon mother’s killer, Michael Flores. discovered that it was a robbery During the recent screening attempt gone wrong. Michael of the documentary “Radical was sentenced with life imprisLove,” Cherry Pie said it is hard onment for the crime. to lose a mother especially in Five years after the traga brutal way, but she said she edy, ABS-CBN DocuCentral already forgave Michael. joins Cherry Pie in her quest for “’Di ba ‘yung mawawalan peace and forgiveness as she ka ng magulang, ang sakit comes to terms with the past na? Kapag naaalala mo pa na by facing her mother’s killer in ganoon ang way, she doesn’t the new documentary aired last deserve it. Paano ka hihingi ng Sunday on “Sunday’s Best” on tawad kung hindi ka magpapaABS-CBN. tawad?” Cherry Pie said. “I just hope that we can all by JAN
MILO SEVERO Philstar.com
Alden minus 25 pounds by RICKY LO Philstar.com
THE baby fat is gone…for good, hopefully! “I worked hard for it,” Alden Richards, who stands 5’11”, told Conversations in an exclusive interview. He looks good and feels better, on and off screen. The big “loss” is very visible in “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” Alden’s much-talked-about and eagerly-awaited team-up with Kathryn Bernardo (should we call them KathDen or AlKath for short?), and even more so in AxA, Alden’s project with designer Avel Bacudio (good friends from way, way back) who designed limited edition clothes just like what he did with Matteo Guidicelli. Alden shed those unwanted (unbecoming) pounds for both his movie with Kathryn and AxA. In the movie directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina and shot entirely in Hong Kong, Alden and Kathryn submerged themselves in their characters as OFWs after not just talking with our kababayan in Hong Kong but actually “moonlighting” in places of work (Alden as a bartender, Kathryn as a domestic). But more on that in another story. Did you decide to lose weight for Victor Magtanggol (the GMA adventure series)? “I’d been wanting to lose weight, but I realized that I was in the wrong path. Nag-stick ako sa intermittent fasting; I was eating food na hindi tama para doon sa diet, so I ended up gaining more. I thought pumapayat ako at that time, hindi pala. Pero yes, I intended
Angeline Quinto Photo from Instagram/@loveangelinequinto
If there’s a will, there’s a way. Take it from Alden Richards who has religiously stuck to a weightreducing program. Says Alden, ‘I feel lighter and better,’ fit and fabulous for his movie with Kathryn Bernardo. Contributed photo
to lose weight and make more muscle.” How many pounds have you lost so far? “I used to weigh 185 lbs. and now 160 na lang, so I’ve lost 25 lbs. in only almost two months now. I decided to continue the diet even after the movie kasi mas maganda ‘yung itsura and ‘yung dating.” What kind of workout do you do and how often do you do it? “When I was in Hong Kong shooting for the movie, I stuck to high-intensity workouts and I practiced intermittent fasting.
Ruru Madrid with Jasmine Curtis-Smith
But during the times na puede na akong kumain, I still incorporated healthy food into my diet.” Oh, your diet. What are the do’s and don’t’s…and do you have “cheat” days? “Mahirap ‘yung early part. You really have to reset your body to accept the new diet and the types of food you’re eating now, kasi ‘yun ‘yung pinakacrucial. Your temperament sometimes gets bad, sometimes you’re not able to think better and to think well. But now that my body has already adjusted, di na siya mahirap i-maintain.”
Jasmine, Ruru paired in upcoming project
by RYAN
ARCADIO
Inquirer.net
JASMINE Curtis-Smith and Ruru Madrid are set to work on an upcoming production together. The two actors broke the news to their fans and followers by posting photos of themselves on their separate Instagram pages last Friday, July 5. “#CaraXJagger” was the only detail Curtis-Smith and Madrid stated in their posts, possibly hinting at the names of the characters they will be portraying.
GMA Artist Center also took to social media to state that the two are officially being paired in a production. The talent pool revealed additional photos of the two stars on what appears to be the set of the project. “#RuruMadrid and #JasmineCurtisSmith are #CaraXJagger! Coming soon!” the agency stated via Twitter on July 6. Whether the project is a film or a TV series is still unclear, as no further details have been disclosed by the network. Madrid’s latest showbiz
GMA photo
endeavor was top-billing the recent romantic-comedy TV series “TODA One I Love” with Kylie Padilla, which aired from February to April earlier this year. Meanwhile, Curtis-Smith has two other productions in the works. She is currently working on the historical drama film“Culion”, acclaimed scriptwriter Ricky Lee’s submission to the Metro Manila Film Festival this December. She is also set to star in the Philippine remake of the hit Korean drama series “Descendants of the Sun”.
“She’s Dating the Gangster.” She is also known to be one of the Divas along with Kyla, KZ Tandingan and Yeng Constantino. Quinto is soon to share
her vocal prowess again in her concert with comedienne K Brosas titled “Angeline K ‘To, Concert Namin ‘To at the Araneta Coliseum” on July 12.
Sharon, Regine in casting coup project entertainment Lea mistakenly introduced as environmentalist Anna Hughes in UK newscast
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by RONNIE
CARRASCO ManilaTimes.net
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 10, 2019
individuals to pledge against flying. “I am not Anna “WHO is that girl I see?” Hughes, I’m sorry. I Lea Salonga sings in “Reflecdon’t know what’s gotion” as Disney princess Mulan. ing on. I am not Anna Sky News UK, in its recent Hughes, sorry about episode, apparently didn’t see that,” Salonga said, too clearly after mistakenly laughing. introducing the Tony-award Dixon apologized imwinning actress as environmen- mediately and corrected talist Anna Hughes. his mistake by quipping, Salonga was guest at the “Why does Princess morning show “Sunrise” in its Jasmine not want to fly July 5 episode to promote her for a year?” concert tour in the UK. After the show took “Would you be prepared a break, Dixon admitto give up flying for a whole ted “We are mortified,” year to help the planet?” anbut Salonga took it all chor Stephen Dixon said, refer- in stride and said: “We ring to Hughes’ environmental are laughing very, very advocacy of calling for 100,000 much.” by KRISSY
AGUILAR Inquirer.net
EMPLOYMENT
Lea Salonga
III
IS Lea Salonga’s loss Regine Velasquez’s gain? Recently, Sharon Cuneta posted a picture of herself with Regine with the hashtag #SeeYouInOctober, sending netizens in an excited flurry. As though it were a telling sign of things to come and watch out for the netizens could only surmise that Asia’s Songbird is replacing Lea as one of the judges in “The Voice of the Philippines” which returns on air come October. If true, the local franchise of the popular American singing search will have Sharon, Sarah Geronimo and Regine as its latest addition. Vignettes believes though that retaining Lea will be a much more powerful ensemble what with her international renown all three let’s face it have yet to achieve. “Parang casting coup kumbaga sa pelikula,” quips a Vignettes source. ABS-CBN photo But for all the netizens
EMPLOYMENT
Regine Velasquez and Sharon Cuneta are up for something big come October. Photo from Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta
who were quick to jump the gun know, Sharon and Regine’s October partnership might be in a show on ABS-CBN or a film under Star Cinema. After all, except for Regine and her husband Ogie Alcasid, unknown to us are the provisions stipulated in the Asia’s Songbird contract upon her transfer.
EMPLOYMENT
REAL ESTATE
SERVICES
Judging-wise, Regine is no alien to this department. Back in GMA where she had spent more than a decade of her career, Regine though hosted an all-original Filipino singing search. Still ongoing is ABSCBN’s “Idol Philippines” where she sits as one of the judges.
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community
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 10, 2019
Can debt settlement help you avoid bankruptcy?
Minding Your Finances ATTY. RAYMOND BULAON YOUR credit card payments are past due. You’re confused and don’t know what to do. The bill collectors are calling you nonstop and writing you threatening letters. What do you do? Should you just file bankruptcy? Or are there other options? Most people are unaware that credit card companies will negotiate with you if they believe that it is in their best interest to do so. Many times it is possible to negotiate a significant reduction and save yourself thousands of dollars. How does debt settlement work? If you are delinquent in payments, perhaps you are afraid
of what creditors may do next. Maybe bill collectors are calling you all day long. You might get nervous every time someone knocks on your door because it could be someone handing you a summons for a lawsuit. Or it may be that your accounts are already in collections, a lawsuit has been filed or even worse, like a judgment or a wage garnishment may already be pending. Maybe you’ve even tried calling debt collectors at one point and begged them for some kind of payment plan that you can afford and they said NO. If a debt collector tells you that it is “their policy not to settle debts”, don’t believe it. If you are behind in payments, this is when debt settlement may actually be a good idea espe-
cially if you are trying to avoid filing for bankruptcy. This doesn’t work in all situations but there are certainly a lot of scenarios where bankruptcy may be avoided and debts can be settled using the least amount of money possible. It is a known fact in the collection business that as time goes on, the ability to collect on a debt diminishes. Thus, the longer your accounts have been in collections, the better your chance of settling your debts for a significantly reduced amount. For example, it is my experience that creditors will settle for about 30-60 cents of the original debt amount. What type of debt can be negotiated? Actually, debt settlement is possible not only for Continued on Page 8
Permanent residency through marriage to US citizen spouse
Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES ONE traditional way of obtaining permanent residency for most immigrants is through a petition by a U.S. citizen spouse. As a spouse of a U.S. citizen, an alien is considered an immediate relative and entitled to immediately apply for a green card inside the United States. This is usually done by simultaneously filing an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and an I-485 Application to adjust status. However in order to do this, the alien spouse must have been inspected when the alien entered the United States or if not inspected must be grandfathered by section 245(i) of the immigration and nationality act. Being inspected means that the alien entered using a valid visa, paroled inside the United States, entered using the visa waiver program. The alien is grandfathered by section 245(i) if a family petition or a labor certification has been filed for the benefit of that alien prior to April 30, 2001. If the alien was not
inspected nor grandfathered under section 245(i), such as if the alien crossed the border illegally, the alien cannot obtain his or her green card inside the United States. Then it becomes a catch 22 situation because if the alien spouse leave the U.S., the alien spouse becomes subject to the
with the Petition and Adjustment application. The work authorization card will allow the alien spouse to work legally in the United States, obtain a social security card, and a driver’s license while that person is waiting for his or her green card interview. Work Authorization card are usually issued in about1 to 2 months from filing the application. The green card interview is usually set in about 5 to 6 months from the time the petition and application is filed. The green card interview is the most important step in the process. It is through this process that the USCIS officer usually determines whether the marriage, which forms the basis of the Petition, was entered in good faith. The adjudicating officer usually asks detailed questions about the marriage relationship between the U.S. citizen spouse and alien spouse. If the couple do not have children, the marriage are usually subject to closer scrutiny. Along with this inquiry process, the USCIS would usually request for certain documents that proves Continued on Page 8
“The green card interview is the most important step in the process.” 3/10 year unlawful presence bar. The alien spouse may apply for a provisional waiver of the 3/10 year bar inside the U.S. which will give the alien spouse some assurance that he or she may be able to come back the U.S. if he or she interviews at the U.S. embassy overseas for the immigrant visa. Along with the application and petition, the alien is also required to take a medical examination by a physician designated by the USCIS. The result of that physical examination is reported in a USCIS form and sealed in an envelope submitted with the Petition and Adjustment Application. The alien spouse may also apply for a work authorization card
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE -July 10, 2019
Permanent residency through marriage...
From Page 7 a bonafide marriage. Some of these documents may be in the form of pictures, joint utility bills, health insurance documents, and many more. If everything goes well, the USCIS officer will approve the case and a green card will be mailed to the alien’ address within a reasonable time period. If the couple has been married for 2 years or more, the alien spouse will recieve a permanent greencard. If the couple has been married for less than 2 years, the alien will receive a conditional green card. The alien spouse will have to file a petition to remove the condition 3 months prior to the expiration of the conditional greencard which is good for 2 years.
Obtaining legal status in the United States is a one shot deal. People should seek the assistance of an experienced Attorney to guide them through this important and and once in a lifetime process. *** 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)
Can debt settlement help you... From Page 7 credit cards but for almost all types of debts. The list includes medical bills, bounced checks, personal loans, department store cards, auto repossession deficiencies, etc. Debt settlement works best in situations where the debtor has the ability to produce enough cash to settle for 30-60% of the amount owed. The reason is that creditors are often only willing to settle for less than full amount only if you pay them in a lump sum as opposed to paying in installments. If you are a homeowner, you may be able to refinance and use your home equity for debt settlement. If you do not own a home, perhaps you can sell personal property that you don’t need, borrow cash from a relative or maybe take money out of your 401K plan. If,
on the other hand, you don’t have a lot of cash available, do not lose hope. So long as you are employed or have some source of income, creditors may still agree to monthly payments over a period of time although in this scenario, creditors will not be as flexible in reducing the original debt amount. Filing bankruptcy may make more sense than debt settlement in certain situations where property is exempt and beyond the reach of the bankruptcy trustee and creditors. If you are eligible, Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows you to wipe out debts you can no longer afford to pay so that you can start fresh immediately. Chapter 13 allows you to consolidate debts into one affordable monthly payment so you are not stressing out every month with not having enough income to
Calendar of Events across
pay living expenses and debts at the same time. Debt settlement, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13- These are your usual options in dealing with debt problems. If you are currently in financial hot water and don’t know what to do, seek legal help and find out what is appropriate for your situation. For more information and to schedule a free consultation, please call TollFree 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. (Advertising Supplement
America
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J U LY 1 3
Financial enrichment program in Los Angeles Come and join Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) for this FREE financial workshop on Saturday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Attendees will be introduced you to the world of investing and learn topics such as: smart ways to invest, investing with kids, and more. Guest speakers are Jennifer Taylor, Justin Naoe, and Gerry Palon. SIPA is located at 3200 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026. Enter through the Robinson St. parking lot (with the basketball hoop). Limited Free Parking spots, with street parking is also available around the area. Please read/follow posted signs. If you have any questions, please contact John Swing at (213)3821819 ext. 108 or email him at john@sipacares.org.
J U LY 1 3 -AU G U ST 1 0
Tagalog classes in Los Angeles This Filipino Language & Culture Pilot class is hosted by Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) and is organized by the Filipino Language Movement led by Ms. Ivy Daulo. This is the only community-based Filipino language & culture ADULT program in the City of Los Angeles in collaboration with the Filipino Language Movement. This is a 5-session program that starts July 13 to August 10, 2019. (*Schedule is subject to change based on the number of enrollees). Come and bring your entire family and learn Tagalog together! Student benefits include certificate of completion, handouts / workbook provided, learn with other peers (adults and youth are not mixed); family learning opportunity; taught by university Filipino language instructor and lifetime member of Council for Teaching Filipino; practical language learning tips & application each week Limited slots! Hurry and register now! Prices are for all 5 sessions: Individual Adult: $150 each for 5 sessions; bring a [artner: $250 for 5 sessions ($125 each adult); parent + child: $200 for 5 sessions ($150/parent + $50/child). We urge everyone to do the whole program so you can learn more but if it’s not possible to attend all 5 Saturdays, you can choose the dates you want to join us. $30 / session for adults or $10 / session for children. Payment methods: Cash, Check (payable to: SIPA), Venmo (SIPALA) and Credit/Debit Cards are accepted. Send check payments to: SIPA at 3200 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. Please register by emailing Fidji Victoriano (fidji@sipacares.org) if paying outside of Eventbrite. SIPA is located 3200 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026. Limited free parking on surface lots along Robinson St. and Dillon St. Street parking is also available around the area. Please see posted signs for details.
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International San Beda alumni grand reunion in Las Vegas The 3rd International San Beda Alumni Grand Reunion will take place on July 19 to 21 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bedan alumni from all over the world are invited to join the celebration. The highlight of the weekend affair is the Gala Night on July 20 at the Nevada Ballroom of Harrah’s Hotel & Casino. Other activities include welcome socials at The Piano Bar of Harrah’s, a golf tournament at Bali Hai Golf Club, tour of the Hoover Dam, lunch at the D’Pinoy Joint and mass at the Guardian Angel Cathedral. Organized by the San Beda Alumni Association of Southern California, this grand reunion will bring together Bedan alumni from different cities in the United States and other countries, including Manila, to reconnect with fellow Bedans and renew ties with their alma mater, San Beda University. This international grand reunion is made possible by Duty Free Philippines, Jun Castillo, and the GS ’72 & HS ’76 Batch of San Beda University. For inquiries and reservations, interested parties may call Philip Policarpio at (818) 536-9898 or Rey Castillo at (714) 749-2971.
J U LY 2 0
The Ibaan Association USA-Canada gala dinner in LA The Ibaan Association USA-Canada will hold its 32nd Annual Gala Dinner & Dance July 20, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City - Ballroom A at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California 91608. For reservations call Monica Benitez at (323) 697-3731 / email: monica_benitez03@yahoo.com or Irene May Villafranca at (323) 4232299 /email: imay02@yahoo.com. Tickets are $85 for Adults and $40 for Children (3 to 10 years old). Please make checks payable to: Ibaan Association USA-Canada and mail to: Merly Pagunsan at 5025 Heintz St. Baldwin Park, CA 91706. For sponsorship information on our 2019 Souvenir Program please contact President Noli Reyes at homesbynoli@gmail.com or call (818) 458-7888. Please RSVP by April 12, 2019.
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
Once upon a time series...
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
CHARISSE’S CONFECTION A story in two Scoops
MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA
Conclusion of 2 parts
(Conclusion. Continued from last week’s issue…) Charisse’s natural curiosity as a researcher would normally drive her to check out her story on the internet. But she felt Dolly’s story was told to her in confidence like a secret and so it will stay that way. She purposely didn’t ask for her full name because she enjoyed the mystery and the company of the older woman. She thought that too much information overload has killed all the mystery and wonder in this world. And so she just let it be. Charisse dressed up carefully for Dolly’s birthday party. She had put on light make-up but applied a bit more layer of mascara for effect. She let her hair down and wore her antique chandelier earrings. She wore her emerald green sheath silk dress that outlined her slim figure, put on her single strand pearl necklace and her black Spanish mantilla shawl. She slipped on her one and only black pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes that revealed her nice gams. It isn’t often she gets to play dress-up but when she does, she can be quite a sight. She placed her Crema de Fruta with the candlewax numerals 8 and 0 in the middle on a pedestal rectangular crystal tray. A friend dropped her off at the Senior Center. It was festooned in bright lights and was a buzzing hub of activity when she arrived. It seemed pleasantly odd that it was decorated more festively than usual, with vases of fresh orchids, liveried waiters, an ice sculpture of the numerals 8 and zero, a gorgeous food spread of many courses, a roast beef carving item and an open bar that smacks of first class catering. There was even an orchestra. “What is going on?” she thought. Charisse wondered if she may have gotten the venue wrong. She looked at her Crema de Fruta and thought it might be out of place if she is indeed in the right place. And then she heard Dolly call her name from across the room. Dolly looked the epitome of glamor. Her hair was in a French chignon and with a tiara no less and her mauve silk gown looked like haute couture paired with what seemed like Bulgari emerald jewelry one only sees in Vogue magazine ads. Dolly was standing with a tall
man in a tuxedo. He looked like he just stepped out of a GQ magazine photo shoot. Charisse was sure she has never seen him before in the center. “Must be a director of the center or something,” she thought as she made her way to them. He certainly didn’t qualify as a senior. Dolly saw the cake she held and her smile reached her eyes.
seems to see herself in Charisse. Dance had a language all its own that magical night. Alex took her for a spin many times on the dance floor as they tried to hold their own against those tireless senior couples. If poetry can be set in motion, it was Alex and Charisse twirling the verses on the dance floor. It was as though they had cut the rug many times in a previous life. They talked easily. They would burst out laughing at the instances they could finish each other’s sentences. To their surprise, they found out they were both baptized Catholic by the same priest in the same small Spanish style church about 7 years apart — Alex first, since he was older. It was an ‘Oh My God!’ moment for Charisse — pure cosmic serendipity. Alex told her he is moving back in town after managing companies overseas to be closer to Dolly. They only have each other after all. Charisse felt her heart singing. She couldn’t remember a time to equal this one night. She felt so light she could float as though gravity has nothing on her. She beamed with delight when she noticed her cake was a sellout after Dolly blew the candles while everyone sang “Happy Birthday!” Alex held out his hand to his grandmother to dance the waltz. Just then, her phone’s alarm buzzed the midnight hour. Her heart sank and just like that, gravity pulled Charisse back on terra firma. She heard herself sigh. “Time to call for my uber ride home,” she thought feeling a little deflated. She retrieved and wiped clean her crystal tray and walked over to Dolly and Alex to bid them goodbye and thank them for a wonderful time. Dolly kissed her on the cheek and hugged her tight telling her she is looking forward to seeing her at the Senior Center Night next week. Smiling broadly, she assured her she will be there come hell or high water. Then out of the blue, Alex asked her, “May I take you home?” It’s funny how four small words can make one’s heart do a somersault and thump away like kettle drums. “Yes, I’d like that,” she said. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
“...If poetry can be set in motion, it was Alex and Charisse twirling the verses on the dance floor...”
Debt Relief
ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG HOW do you answer this question? Let’s check what the Bible has to say about debt. The Bible says that one should neither be a lender or borrower. It does not seem to recommend the assumption of debt. Otherwise, it should say, it’s OK to be a borrower, but not a lender or vice-versa. This statement is clear. It does not sound like fake news. It’s straightforward. It doesn’t sound like a mysterious early morning tweet from the president. On the contrary, the Bible is specific. Don’t be a lender or a borrower. Why not a lender, because you might end up losing your money? Why not a borrower, because debt service will end up destroying your life? Debt will literally enslave you with minimum payments to keep them current that will cost you a fortune in the long run. You will eventually lose a fortune that should be in your bank account. You will need this fortune for your retirement but if you have too much debt, instead of having this fortune available for your use to augment your social security when you retire, you will have nothing but debt that keeps on asking for more money from you every month. For those of you who don’t have debt, read on, so you won’t decide to plunge into a sea of debt. So how much debt is too much? I posed this question here exactly 20 years ago. If you were 45 then, you would now be ready to retire at 65. Were they 20 long years? No, in fact, they were 20 very short years. Your 5-year-old son is now 25, done with college and working. Your toddler then is now an adult. Your 3-year-old daughter then is now 23, also an adult. She is now a registered nurse. Your son is now a mechanical engineer working for an international construction firm based in Hong Kong. Your parents who were then 69 are now 89. They have good genes but they have all kinds of aches and pains and both need caregivers to help them along. So what happened? Twenty years just passed by so fast you didn’t notice as time flew by so fast like a speeding train. Let’s just say that 20 years ago, you and your spouse had a net combined income of $4,000. I already said you
“You baked this for me?” she asked. Charisse nodded and told her, “But of course. You are special, Dolly. Happy Birthday!” One of the waiters came and took the cake from her. Dolly instructed him to place the cake at the center of the fancy food spread. Dolly and Charisse kissed and hugged like old friends do. “Charisse, this is my grandson, Alex. Alex, this is Charisse, the woman I have been telling you about.” Alex shook her hand, eying her closely. Charisse thought he held her hand a bit longer than usual. “It must be my imagination,” she quickly checked herself. “Nana’s been telling me about you. You are her favorite topic on Facetime.” Alex told her with a slight smile. Then looking at Dolly, he said cryptically, “You’re right, Nana.” Just then, the strains of the Sinatra song of “The Way You Look Tonight” played and the couples took to the dance floor. Alex held out his hand to ask Charisse to dance. They glided surprisingly seamlessly on the dance floor. Dolly went around the room to greet and talk to her guests. She relished being the silver-haired belle of the ball. Alex was attentive to his grandmother through the night but he kept an eye on Charisse who went around the room to chat and exchange pleasantries with her senior friends and their families. Many guests came and had a blast with the cuisine and the special program prepared for Dolly. Laughter rang through the night. It turns out that Dolly is a lady from a prominent family that likes to stay quiet and incognito even if her family is a big donor for many charities. She preferred to be at the Senior Center because she liked company, particularly Charisse’s company. The older woman
How much debt is too much? were 45 years old then. You had a house mortgage to pay, maybe a second trust deed, one of those home improvement loans, had one or two car payments. Your son and daughter were still in grade school. You examined your debt level then when you read my article 20 years ago. You were in fact at a major crossroad in your life. You had about $30,000 of credit cards, which needed 25% of your net household income, or close to $1,000 to make minimum payments on your credit cards. It felt like wage garnishment and your heart was being ripped out through your wallet, right? What was left was $3,000, which you allocated for the house, the cars, food, electricity, insurances and other living expenses. After all these expenses, probably, your household had nothing left. If you had nothing left, where would you have gotten $1,000 a month to make minimum payments? By borrowing more. So, in one year you will have had to borrow $12,000. So in one year, you owe, not $30,000, but $42,000, and instead of needing only $1,000 for debt service, you needed $1,300, and so on and so forth. In year three, at 48, you will have owed $66,000, instead of $30,000, needing almost $2,000 minimum payments, instead of $1,000. You would have dug a hole so deep for yourself that you couldn’t get out of it. You might as well have MasterCard and Visa tattooed on your forehead because they own you and you work for them. Let’s say that you did get a promotion that gave you an additional $1,000 of net income. Should that have gone to debt service of credit cards of $30,000? Think about it. $1,000 of debt service means $12,000 a year of money that should go to your savings and investments for your future, should it not. If you actually paid $12,000 a year to service $30,000 of credit cards, after using all of your additional income to keep your credit card masters happy, you would have paid them $60,000 in five years, and worst of all, you still owe them the same $30,000! Shouldn’t you use the $60,000 to save and invest for your family’s future instead? Aren’t you sacrificing your family’s financial future and opportunities in favor of servicing your credit cards that are taking 25% of your monthly net income? Although you may not
admit what you are doing, you are actually killing the ability of your family to save for the future by keeping these cards current over the years. If you read my article then and chose not to wipe out the $30,000 of credit cards 20 years ago, how much money would you have paid your credit card masters? A lot. You would have paid them $240,000 in 20 years. You would have paid them a quarter of a million dollars. And how much would you still owe them today, the same $30,000. You are making them rich, while keeping yourself poor. That’s the simple truth. If you took my advice 20 years ago and wiped the $30,000 out with a Chapter 7 petition then, how much would you have now that you are 65? You probably would have $500,000 if you invested the savings of $1,000 a month for 20 years wisely. Not with Bernie Madoff of course. If you bought Apple shares 20 years ago, you would now be extremely wealthy. Because $10,000 invested in apple only 10 years ago would be worth how much today? That $10,000, which was 10 months of minimum monthly payments for you then, would be worth $677,000 today! If you invested three years of minimum payments on credit cards 10 years ago, you would have a cool $2 million today! What a small change in your life direction would have meant in benefits for you and your family! Our God is so great, indeed! Because he blesses those who rely on Him with abundance! You want to be a millionaire when you retire? Get rid of your credit cards now and invest your savings in equities. Twenty years from now when you check your million dollar portfolio, you will be so glad that you read my article today and made the wise decision of your life. And how would your credit score be 20 years from now if you wiped out your cards now? It would be perfect at 830. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** 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)
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 10, 2019
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE -July 10, 2019