072419 - Southern California Midweek Edition by Asian Journal Community Newspapers

July 24-26, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 57 • 2 Sections - 20 Pages

USA

DATELINE Suspension lifted on heavyweight boxer who kissed Fil-Am reporter during interview FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Corruption, drugs, West PH Sea: highlights of Duterte’s 4th SONA by RITCHEL

He arrived 55 minutes late at the Batasang Pambansa Complex and started his speech at exactly 5:15 p.m. After the initial pleasantries, Duterte thanked his supporters, threatened erring government agencies, and laid out the policies he wanted to adopt for his remaining

MENDIOLA

AJPress

three years in office. Here are the highlights of his speech: Illegal drugs “It has been three years since I took my oath of office, and it pains me to say that we have not learned our les-

son. The illegal drug problem persists,” Duterte said. To fight this “social menace,” Duterte pushed for the reimposition of the death penalty on crimes related to illegal drugs, as well as plunder.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, July 22, delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) CALIFORNIA boxing officials on Monday, July that lasted for an hour and 33 minutes. u PAGE A2 22 lifted the suspension on Bulgarian heavyweight boxer Kubrat Pulev who kissed a Filipina American reporter on camera during a post-fight interview in March. Pulev, who was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC), had paid the maximum $2,500 fine and completed a sexual harassment course. by CATHERINE VALENTE Through a unanimous vote, the Commission ManilaTimes.net allowed Pulev to reapply for his license to fight again in California on the condition that any fuMALACANANG is not stopping any investigation by ture offense would mean a lifetime ban on fights foreign groups into the Duterte administration’s camin North America. The suspension came after Pulev grabbed Fil- paign against illegal drugs but insisted that this was an Am Vegas Sports Daily reporter Jenny “SuShe” “assault on the Philippines’ sovereignty.” “We are not stopping [any probes.] Our reaction is, Ravalo’s face last March, and kissed her during you cannot do that to us, because we are a sovereign an interview following his win in Costa Mesa, state. Our [justice] system is running smoothly here,” California. said Palace Spokesman Salvador Panelo in response to u PAGE A5 a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey which found that three of five Filipinos wanted the investigation. Quoting Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, Panelo said the justice system in the country was “robust.” “We are already investigating it all, we are filing charges, but do not meddle with the state of affairs,” Panelo said. Panelo also said that the survey was based on the views of the critics of the administration. “SWS. Who will they ask but the people here in the THE United States has called on claimant Philippines? If they believe the criticisms of the oppoDUTERTE’S SONA. President Rodrigo Duterte urges the 18th Congress for the reimposition of death penalty for heinous crimes in his 4th state states in the South China Sea to spurn antago- sition, then that is their premise,” he said. of the nation address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 22. He vowed to “ﬁght” illegal drugs problem till the end of his term. nistic behavior that does not follow international PNA photo by Oliver Marquez u PAGE A2 Also in photo are elected Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano. protocol, given China’s “gross” manifestation of its forces in the disputed waters. Admiral Karl Schultz, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, said the U.S. and its partners see the need for an international pushback on aggressiveness in the South China Sea. “I think the Coast Guard voice, the U.S. Navy by DARRYL JOHN ESGUERRA voice, allied partners, regional partners, neighInquirer.net bors, I think there needs to be an international pushback to say you know, we reject the types NATIONAL Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, of behaviors, the antagonistic, aggressive beJr. on Tuesday, July 23, said he will recommend the haviors that are not consistent with the rulesextension of martial law in Mindanao for another year based order,” Schultz said in an international due to the sustained rebellion in the region. media teleconference Tuesday, July 23, from “I will. I’ll go for one year,” Esperon told reporters Saipan in the Marianas. on Tuesday after the post-Sona press briefing of the Schultz, while maintaining that U.S. presence Duterte Cabinet. in the heavily disputed waters was to model Mindanao has been under martial law since the proper maritime governance, said there was a Marawi City siege in 2017. need to follow a rules-based order — contrary ManilaTimes.net photo On July 18, 2017, just before President Duterte’s Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno to the Chinese Coast Guard’s aggressive presexecutive order declaring martial law in Mindanao exence. National Security Adviser Hermogenes pired, he requested an extension, which Congress ap-

Palace won’t stop foreign probe into Duterte drug war

US calls for int’l pushback vs aggressive sea acts

One more year of martial law in Mindanao pushed NSA Esperon wants 4th extension

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Esperon, Jr.

Inquirer.net photo

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Pacquiao incurs blurry vision post-fight vs Thurman by AJPRESS FOLLOWING his win, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao experienced blurry vision during the post-fight press conference at the MGM Grand Garden Arena last Saturday, July 20, according to trainer Freddie Roach. Pacquiao, 40, faced the media after winning against 30-year-old American boxer Keith Thurman (29-1, 22 KOs) in a 12-round battle for the WBA Super Welterweight title. Roach noted that the blurry viManny “Pacman” Pacquiao lands a punch during his bout against Keith “One Time” Thurman sion could be an allergic reaction on Saturday, July 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The 40-year-old Filipino to the Vaseline that was used on boxer won the WBA Super Welterweight title from the previously unbeaten Thurman. the boxer’s face during the fight, AJPress photo by Noel Ty

around the eyes in particular. “Last night was just weird a little bit. He was having problems seeing at the press conference and I think that he said he has or he might be allergic to Vaseline or something,” said Roach to Filipino reporters. He assured that they will “find out what’s causing that problem and go from there.” “Manny, he fought a great fight last night. He took a little too many hits, and maybe a little bit too much punishment,” Roach added. Despite Pacquiao taking 192 power punches from Thurman compared to the 113 that he land-

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Cha-cha to disrupt economy – Diokno by MAYVELIN

CARABALLO ManilaTimes.net

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno on Tuesday, July 23, strongly opposed plans to change or amend the Constitution, saying it would be “very disruptive” for the economy. “We are really in a very nice place. We are now in Goldilocks economy. Just right — not too hot or too cold,” Diokno told participants of The Manila Times’ 2019 Economic Review held in Makati City. He pointed out that the economy was projected to grow well within 6 percent this year, while inflation was forecast to average 2.7 percent. The country’s gross international reserves, the first line of defense against exchange rate volatility, are sufficient to cover 7 and a half month’s worth of im-

ports, he added. Diokno warned that any disruptions now such as Charter change would “rock the boat.” “I have said this before. The move to change the Constitution to [allow the shift to] federalism will be very disruptive at this time. That’s not profitable. So let’s not rock the boat,” he said. Although he did not elaborate, Diokno previously declared that the best time to change a country’s Constitution is in the first half of the term of the current administration, not the second half. President Rodrigo Duterte admitted on Monday that the issue on federalism was complicated. He said the shift to a federal form of government would not happen during his tenure. The president did not mention Charter change in his State of the Nation Address. He later told reporters that it was not the

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Palace won’t stop foreign probe...

PAGE A1

He said the administration’s position in barring the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) from investigating the drug war would not change. He said Duterte’s high trust and approval rating meant that the Filipinos were satisfied with how he was doing his job. The SWS poll said that of the 1,200 Filipinos surveyed, 60 per-

cent agreed that “the government should not block the investigation of international groups, like the United Nations, into the killing by the Philippine police of so many drug suspects who supposedly fought back.” Only 15 percent answered otherwise, while 25 percent were undecided. This amounts to a net agreement rating of +45, which SWS

From the Front Page

considers as “very strong.” The survey was fielded weeks before the UNHRC approved a resolution calling for a review and an investigation into the drug war. The report was backed by 18 of the 47 member countries while 14 others opposed the resolution and 15 abstained. Last week, Duterte said he would only face a Filipino court and “not a Caucasian.” “And maybe they can reimpose death penalty then die in Filipino hands… I will not answer a Caucasian asking question, or white man there. You must be stupid. Who are you? I am a Filipino, we have our courts here. Why would you have to bring me somewhere else? I would not like that,” he added. n

One more year... PAGE A1 proved until December 31, 2017. He again requested for a oneyear extension until December 31, 2018, even as he had declared Marawi “liberated from terrorist influence” in October 2017. Congress granted the request again. For the third time, Duterte asked for another extension of martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2019, claiming that “rebellion still persists in Mindanao and that the public safety requires the continuation of martial law in the whole of Mindanao.” Esperon noted that terrorism in Mindanao continues to thrive, as shown by recent bombing attacks in the area. “Wala tayong problema sa mga law abiding eh, pero may mga terorista. So we also must improve our deployment technical equipment,” he said. The former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff, however, said he is open to lifting martial law in some areas, such as Davao City. “Why not (lift martial law) kung kaya na? You know why? Davao City is already a hardened area,” Esperon said. Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio earlier called for the exemption of the city from martial law, stressing that the security situation in the city and other areas in Mindanao have already improved. n

FIRE IN THE RAIN. Protesters burn effigies made of paper as they march along Commonwealth Ave. In Quezon City on Monday, July 22. VARIOUS militant groups braved the heat and rain as they called out the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte over its “failures,” as he was set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Corruption, drugs, West PH Sea...

PAGE A1 According to him, the help of local communities in the drug war is not enough to crush the drug trade. Corruption needs to be eliminated, as well. Corruption Duterte expressed his frustration over the unrelenting corruption pervading the government, vowing that he will spend the remaining three years of his term to fight it. “Corruption continues and emasculates the courage we need to sustain our moral recovery initiatives,” he said. The president cited the massive fraud within the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), conning the government of millions of pesos that could have been used to treat illnesses and save lives, and said he was “grossly disappointed.” To fix this, Duterte said he ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to arrest and cause the prosecution of those liable. He also appointed retired army general Ricardo “Dick” Morales as the new PhilHealth president to prioritize ridding the agency of corruption. Duterte went on to say that he has identified the enemy who dumped the country into the quagmire it is currently in. “I have met the enemy face-toface and sadly, the enemy is us. We are our own tormentors... We are our own demons; we are as rapacious predators preying on the helpless, the weak and the voiceless,” he said. “We find corruption everywhere in government with every malefactor watching his cohort’s back in blatant disregard of his oath when he assumed public office… No amount of euphemism can trivialize or normalize betrayal of public trust or any other criminal offense. It is an injury laced with insult. It is both a national embarrassment and a national shame,” he continued. According to Duterte, catharsis is needed to help stop corruption. “Catharsis is what we, individually and collectively, need to do today – not tomorrow but today. Self-purgation followed by the resolve to do what is right and proper, is good for the nation’s health,” he said. Duterte also acknowledged that he does not know when will corruption end. “Let me ask you: When will corruption end? Kailan ba talaga ‘to? Hanggang kailan (Until when)?

Well, I don’t know. I’ve been in – with government for almost 35 years now. I am not singling out myself. It’s the entire gamut of our system,” he said. “Corruption exasperates. It frustrates. It is also exasperating that there are times when I think that perhaps it is blood that we need to cleanse and rinse away the dirt and the muck that stick to the flesh like leeches,” he added. Duterte also claimed that there are no sacred cows in his administration, saying he has fired or caused the resignation of more than 100 officials and appointees of government “without regard to relationship, friendship and alliance.” He vowed to take responsibility for the shortcomings of his administration and pursue programs that would protect Filipinos as well as improve their quality of life. “We are now entering a period of consequences. The consequences of what we did and did not do but should have done during my first half of my term. I assume full responsibility for that. As president, I cannot pass the blame to anybody, so it’s on me,” Duterte said. “Though we cannot change the past, we will not squander the future. I will push harder in the pursuit of programs that we have started but always within the parameters of the law. I will not merely coast along or while away my time during the remaining years of my administration,” he added. Bills pushed Aside from the reinstitution of the death penalty, Duterte asked the Congress to: • Pass the bill establishing the Department of Water Resources and Water Regulatory Commission that would enact reforms in water management in the country; • Fast track the creation of the Department of Disaster Management that would focus solely on disaster and climate change resilience plans and programs; • Postpone barangay and SK elections to October 2022 “to rectify the truncated terms of sitting barangay officials;” • Enact a Magna Carta for Barangays that aims to declare barangay officials as regular government officials, and further empower barangays to improve their delivery of government services; • Establish a Department of

Overseas Filipinos that would address concerns of Filipino workers abroad; • Pass TRAIN 2 or TRABAHO bill – that aims to reduce the corporate income tax rate to 20 percent, broaden the tax base, and rationalize tax incentives to businesses – as well as three remaining tax reform packages that seek to raise the excise tax on both alcohol and tobacco, reform the real property valuation system, and revise the taxes on capital income and financial services; • Pass a new Salary Standardization Law (SSL) that would raise the pay of government workers, including public school teachers and public hospital nurses; Duterte also requested the approval of the National Defense Act, Uniformed Separation and Retirement Pension Bill, as well as the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Service improvements The president implored the government agencies to improve their services and ensure their responsiveness to people’s needs. He listed off the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Social Security System (SSS), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Land Registration Authority (LRA), and the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF or PAG-IBIG Fund) as the top five agencies that need improvements in their service delivery. “Simplify. Just like the others. You can do it electronically... I’ve been asking that from you since three years ago. ‘Pag hindi pa ninyo nagawa ‘yan ngayon, papatayin ko talaga kayo (If you still haven’t done that, I will kill you),” Duterte said. “Simplify and make your services responsive to – client-friendly. Your client is the Filipino, our employer – from where the money in our pockets come from, from our salaries,” he added. Duterte also thanked Executive Secretary Medialdea for his work on increasing the number of lines for Hotline 8888, making it more responsive to the public. Rehabilitations Duterte touted the successful rehabilitation of popular tourist spot Boracay Island after its sixmonth closure to the public. “We cleaned and rehabilitated the island and I allowed it to heal naturally. I am proud to say that it has been restored close to its original pristine state,” he said. PAGE A3

Cha-cha to disrupt economy...

PAGE A1 right time to discuss the issue, given the lack of support it got from the 17th Congress.president Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ma. Alegria Limjoco agreed with Diokno’s assessment of the economy, saying the Philippine economic development story is at its most promising today. “Our government enjoys broad political support, the business sector has never been more confident than we are now. Momentum is at our side,” she said. Limjoco said she expected even better conditions for doing business in the coming years with the implementation of the ease of doing business and infrastructure modernization. In the same forum, Bank of the Philippine Islands President Cezar Consing said the country was becoming an investment-led economy. “For the last two to three decades, a common theme was that growth is consumption-led. That is not true anymore. Investment is now a growth factor,” Consing said. He noted that investments in the transportation and communications sector had been growing by 7 to 8 percent. “That growth is closer to Asean

(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) average. So, it’s good to see growth rate in things that matter right? Transportation, communications… everything that speaks of investment,” Consing pointed out. On the other hand, Diokno said the central bank was looking closely on the sources of economic growth to better determine its monetary policy settings. With better inflation dynamics, the central bank has seen some scope to consider easing its monetary policy to help sustain the growth momentum. “This assessment was the basis for the policy rate cut that we did last May, and phased reduction in reserve requirements that we announced last May, which were aimed at supporting credit and economic activity while ensuring that inflation stays within the target bands,” the BSP chief said. The Bangko Sentral started easing its policy rates on May 9 after the policy-making Monetary Board decided to reduce the overnight borrowing, lending and deposit rates by 25 basis points to 4.50 percent, 5 percent and 4 percent, respectively, following a series of rate hikes last year. The Monetary Board also de-

cided to cut the banks’ 18-percent reserve requirement ratio to 16 percent. Looking ahead, Diokno emphasized that the BSP would be patient and prudent in calibrating monetary policy. “Our decisions will always be data dependent. Hence, on the question of whether further monetary easing is needed at this juncture, we’ll first have to see how economic conditions will evolve in the coming weeks,” he said. “There will be a policy meeting in August, and by that time, we’ll have additional information of inflation levels this month, and what will be the second quarter growth,” the BSP chief noted. “So, the need for further monetary accommodation will depend on how strongly our growth drivers kick into a higher gear.” Pressed for explanation, Diokno told reporters at the sidelines of the same event that beyond looking into the performance of the economy in the second quarter of the year, the BSP was also watchful of the “sources of growth.” “[Looking at] sources of growth is important like strong investment growth [because] we want the economy to be investmentled [and] capital formation both private and public,” he said. n

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DATELINE USA

Pacquiao incurs blurry vision post-fight... PAGE A1 ed on his opponent, the Filipino boxer still won by split decision for dealing much more damage. The judges scored the fight 115-112 (twice) and 113-114. Pacquiao knocked out Thurman in the first round and landed a left hook on Thurman’s body in the 10th round that stopped the American boxer’s momentum. “He’s very tough. He’s very young. I can say he’s heavy-handed, man. Not like my other opponents,” Pacquiao said, referring to Thurman. Pacquiao also said he is planning to sit out for the rest of the year out after his latest fight. He previously fought Adrien Broner in January for the WBA welterweight championship, but said his fight with Thurman was the best one this year, which may even give him the honor as ‘Fighter of the Year.’ The boxer turned senator plans to return to the boxing ring next year. He’ll be 41 years old then. “Ang sarap, no? (Feels good, right?)” he said. Due to his eyes, the boxer, who arrived back in Manila on Tuesday morning, was not able to attend Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22, choosing to rest instead upon

At 40, Saturday’s bout marked Pacquiao’s 62nd win of his 71-ﬁght professional career, making history as the oldest welterweight champion and the ﬁfth-oldest boxer to win a world title in any division. AJPress photo by Noel Ty

his doctor’s advice. Saturday’s bout marked the Filipino boxer turned senator’s 62nd win out of 71 matches as a professional fighter, making history as the oldest welterweight champion and the fifth-oldest boxer to win a world title in any division. Senate Resolution 20 — a consolidation of various resolutions filed by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Sens. Nancy Binay, Christopher Go, Richard Gordon and Bong Revilla — commended Pacquiao for his latest title and for bringing pride to Filipinos globally.

“The abilities and skills I have are given by God. I believe that ability, skill and responsibility has a purpose and that purpose is to inspire the Filipino people to rise above their limitations and overcome their circumstances,” Pacquiao said. “There are many who say that there won’t be another Manny Pacquiao. But I believe that we have many boxers who are just waiting for an opportunity, waiting for our help. It is high time for us to invest in our boxing talents who are loaded with potentials. The socalled diamond in the rough can just be around the corner.” ■

Duterte said. He also said he is not ready to go to war with China. “A shooting war is grief and misery multiplier. War leaves widows and orphans in its wake. I am not ready or inclined to accept the occurrence of more destruction, more widows and more orphans, should war, even on a limited scale, breaks out,” he explained. The president said a bilateral discussion would prove to be fruitful than a squabble in public, which is why the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea between the two countries exists. Duterte repeated that he wanted to resolve the issue in a “peaceful way, mindful of the fact that it is our national pride and territorial integrity that are at stake.” He also insisted that he was only invoking traditional fishing rights when he granted the Chinese permission to fish in the Philippine exclusive economic zone. Critics have been quick to point out that such an act could be a ground for impeachment, as

it violates the chief executive’s constitutional mandate to protect the country’s marine wealth in its EEZ. However, Duterte cited the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and said the Philippines can enter into fishing agreements with other countries. “Our ownership of the West Philippine Sea is internationally recognized. However, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the arbitral award in the case of (Philippines versus China) recognized instances where another state may utilize the resources found within the coastal states exclusive economic zone the arbitral ruling even state,” he said. In the end, Duterte maintained that the WPS belongs to the Philippines. “The West Philippine Sea is ours. There is no ifs and buts. It is ours. But we have been acting, along that legal truth and line. But we have to temper it with the times and the realities that we face today,” Duterte said. ■

Corruption, drugs, West PH Sea...

PAGE A2

His next focus is the rehabilitation of Manila Bay, which already started back on January 27, 2019. “Though we have a long way to go, we are encouraged by the test results of the waters near Padre Faura,” he said. “We will relocate informal settlers — I hope it can happen during my time — along the waterways and shut down establishments that continue to pollute and poison our waters,” Duterte added. West Philippine Sea (WPS) Earlier, Duterte said he will educate his critics about the WPS on his fourth SONA; however, his “lecture” was only reiterations of his previous statements before. According to him, the country is performing a “delicate balancing act” on the WPS issue to avoid conflict with China. “On the matter of the West Philippine Sea. The avoidance of conflict – armed conflict and protection of our territorial waters and natural resources compel us to perform a delicate balancing act,”

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Dateline USa

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US exec: China violating economic, democratic norms by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

ROMUALDEZ IS MAJORITY LEADER. Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano administers the oath of office to Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, who was elected Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, during the opening of the 18th Congress at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday, July 22. Also in photo are the members of the Romualdez family. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

US calls for int’l pushback vs...

PAGE A1 Founded by western powers led by the U.S., the rules-based order is a set of rules, norms and institutions which have guided how states interact with each other. The admiral added that the Chinese Coast Guard was already “grossly” manifested in the South China Sea, with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the central government’s navy presence. The PLAN is the naval warfare branch of the People’s Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of China.

Part of this rules-based system is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and The Hague ruling of 2016 on the South China Sea, parts of which the Philippines claims as the West Philippine Sea –which the Philippines seems unwilling to enforce and the Chinese refuse to heed. “You look at the maritime militia. I think we are seeing behaviors out of the Chinese Coast Guard, out of the maritime militia, that are not consistent with the rules-based order,” said Schultz, who stressed the need for trans-

parent engagement. The U.S., which has long been insisting on freedom of navigation in the waters, has turned over high endurance cutters to different claimants in the region, including the Philippines. The western power is also set to roll out new fast response cutters in the South China Sea. This, according to Schultz, will increase their capability to make more frequent and longer patrols to protect the exclusive economic zones from “illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.” (Neil Jayson Servallos/Philstar.com)

Suspension lifted on heavyweight boxer who kissed...

PAGE A1 Ravalo posted footage of the interview online and obtained highprofile lawyer Gloria Allred as her attorney. She added in a statement posted to Allred’s Facebook that Pulev again touched her inappropriately after the interview. “I did not encourage, nor consent, to Mr. Pulev grabbing my face, kissing me, or grabbing my backside. I was there at the event covering the match as a professional member of the press,” said Ravalo at a news conference following her interview with Pulev. Pulev responded to Ravalo’s accusations by saying that the two were friends and that he was so “elated” by his win that he gave her a kiss. His team further released their own video footage of Ravalo partying with his team after the fight. Pulev apologized to Ravalo before the Commission’s vote on Monday, and said that the kiss was

“100%” his mistake. Of his sexual harassment training, he added, “I learned I should have more respect for woman. Not only me, but all people should know this.” Ravalo told the Commission before the Monday meeting that she had been bullied online as a result of her speaking up, and even named Top Rank boxing promoter Bob Arum as being among those who dismissed her experience, reported the Associated Press. In a videoed interview last month, Arum said of Ravalo’s accusations, “I know what sexual harassment is — I really do — but that wasn’t sexual harrasment.” He added, “I’m very sympathetic to sexual harassment charges, if it’s real sexual harassment, not bullsh--.” Arum also said that Ravalo was acting like Pulev’s “semi-girlfriend” before the fight, and was “fooling around” with Pulev while

he was in training — statements that Ravalo denied. In a letter to the CSAC before the Monday vote, Allred requested that the Commission sanction Arum for his statements and require Arum to attend the Monday meeting so that Ravalo could testify to the impact of Arum’s statements. Arum, who attended sexual harassment classes with Pulev and is licensed by the CSAC, did not attend the Monday meeting. “Where’s the evidence that [Arum] benefited from the class?” asked Allred, criticizing the Commission’s lack of discipline towards Arum. “I think the best evidence of Mr. Arum’s feelings are what he says on that video.” According to the Associated Press, Pulev also agreed to participate in a video campaign being considered by the CSAC about sexual harassment. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

THe threat posed by China is largely involves violating world economic and democratic norms, while the authoritarian model of government it is trying to export through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is troubling, according to United States officials. U.S. Department of Defense Undersecretary for policy John Rood said the threat from China is more long-term. “Militarily, they are developing advanced space and cyber capabilities as well as weapons like hypersonics,” Rood said at the recent Aspen Security Forum in Aspen, Colorado. “But just as troubling, they are trying to export their authoritarian model of government to other countries through their Belt and Road Initiative which, through predatory lending, leaves nations indebted to them,” he said. The BRI is an international development plan of the Chinese government involving the growth of China-led infrastructure and investments in over 150 countries. The Chinese, he said, are quietly gaining footholds in strategic places in the world such as Djibouti in the Horn of Africa, which is vital to shipping, and even in Greenland and Iceland, where future sea routes through the melting Arctic may open up. According to Rood, the U.S. has the advantage of building enduring relationships with allies

and partners who value freedom and democracy. “The Chinese cannot peddle those values and their model is not sustainable in the long run,” he added. Navy Adm. Philip Davidson, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, vowed that the U.S. will continue to exercise its right to navigate above, below and on the sea in international waters, including in the east and South China seas to guarantee a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Davidson noted that more than half the world’s population and wealth is in the Indo-Pacific region, which depends heavily on shipping for commerce and undersea cables for telecommunications, and these must be protected. Davidson singled out those maritime areas because of provocative actions from China, such as seizing, then militarizing, disputed islands in the South China Sea and using its military to shadow ships and planes from the U.S. and its partners as they transit the area. “What I consider to be the greatest long-term strategic threat to the United States and the rules-based international order is China,” Davidson said. Besides flexing its muscle in the east and South China seas, the Admiral said China’s growth in ships, planes, missiles, space and cyber capabilities has been dramatic. In 2000, China had about a

U.S. Department of Defense Undersecretary for policy John Rood said the threat from China is more long-term. U.S. Department of Defense photo

dozen satellites. Davidson said China will launch more satellites this year, about 100, than any other nation, including the US. “China is moving quite perniciously across the whole of the Indo-Pacific, if not the globe,” said Davidson, who cited and described the BRI as an aggressive infrastructure investment effort on several continents that circumvents world banking norms and practices. The U.S. military is just one tool to use in addressing issues in the Indo-Pacific region, the commander said, but a wholeof-government approach that includes diplomacy and economic initiatives among allies and partners is also vital. n

Push for death penalty will worsen PH climate of impunity — Amnesty Int’l by Katrina

HaLLare Inquirer.net

PReSIDeNT Rodrigo Duterte’s renewed call to reimpose the death penalty in the Philippines will only worsen the country’s climate of impunity amid the government’s campaign war on drugs, Amnesty International said. “extrajudicial killings remain rife in the Philippines. Talk of bringing back the death penalty for drug-related crimes is abhorrent, and risks aggravating the current climate of impunity,” Amnesty International Philippines Section Director Butch Olano said in a statement on

Monday, July 22. In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Duterte urged Congress to pass a measure to reimpose capital punishment for heinous crimes, plunder and crimes related to illegal drugs. “The state of our nation is a state of mourning,” Olano said about Duterte’s SONA, adding that his speech was a “missed opportunity” to talk about taking stock on the death of three-yearold Myka Ulpina and “thousands of others” allegedly killed in the government’s drug war. Ulpina died when she was caught in a crossfire between suspected drug pushers and po-

lice officers in Rodriguez, Rizal last June. “The president addressed the topic of drugs but did not confront the truth. The country needs an approach that delivers justice for the families of the thousands unlawfully killed, and effective health and social services for those who need them,” Olano said. He added that that administration’s “war on the poor” does not end with the killings, and it only sends families and whole communities into a “living hell, all to protect a cruel and repressive policy that is doing nothing to protect people from the risks of drugs.” n

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OPINION

Priorities in the second half

FEATURES

THIS time there was no “coup” at the House of Representatives, and Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano assumed the post of speaker with no turbulence on Monday, July 22. Vicente Sotto III also regained his post as Senate president without incident. So the two chambers of Congress should have no problem tackling in earnest the rather long list of legislative priorities that President Duterte laid out in his State of the Nation Address — his fourth, and the first as he enters the second half of his term. Some of the president’s priorities are expected to be contentious: the restoration of the death penalty for plunder and heinous crimes related to drugs; the revival of mandatory ROTC or Reserve Officers’ Training Corps for Grades 11 and 12. The rest of the measures require thorough spadework, notably the creation of new departments for overseas Filipino workers, disaster resilience, and water resources management. The President also wants to increase excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol and get the second phase of his tax reform program approved. He wants a new round of salary standardization for government workers, to include teachers and nurses, as well as a government “right-sizing” measure. The other priorities are the rewriting of the

National Defense Act and amendment of the Human Security Act, the modernization of fire protection services, the National Land Use Act and National Valuation of Property Act, the creation of a trust fund for the coconut levy and setting up of a national academy for sports. He wants the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections moved again, from May to October 2020, and the passage of the Magna Carta for Barangays. Apart from those bills, Malacañang expects the 18th Congress to pass within the year the General Appropriations Act for 2020. The four-month delay in the enactment of this year’s GAA has derailed the implementation of the President’s priority Build Build Build infrastructure program and slowed down economic growth for 2019. Three years is a short time in Philippine legislation, and there’s still a lot on the plate of the 18th Congress. With leadership conflicts out of the way for now, it should hit the ground running. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

ABANGAN: What is Gel Santos Relos up to with the new changes at The Filipino Channel?

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THIS just in — after 12 years of delivering the daily news from the studios of The Filipino Channel (TFC) in California, “Balitang America” will be taping its daily newscast from the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation headquarters in Manila, Philippines, joining other news bureaus like “Balitang Middle East” and “Balitang Europe.” While the daily news stories will still be gathered by its news correspondents from different parts of the United States, “Balitang America” will be anchored by news personalities from ABS-

CBN News Channel (ANC) in Manila beginning July 29, 2019. This means you will no longer watch me on the anchor’s chair daily as you used to in the past 12 years. This change in the organization will then help the news bureau in North America to expand its audience, reaching out to younger generations who are born and raised here, using new digital platform programs. Under the leadership of “Balitang America” (BA) Executive Producer Troy Espera, ABSCBN International and TFC have rolled out “TAYO” (a Filipino word that means “we” or “us”) - a new digital brand that offers fresh storytelling of uplifting and positive stories that make Filipinos in North America proud of

their rich heritage. “TAYO” features stories that are relevant to both FilipinoAmerican and Filipino-Canadian communities, serving to also unify news brand across the North America region. Our San Francisco Bay Area Correspondent Rommel Concara has also started working on a podcast, so Filipinos will get to know kababayans who have made a mark in the community. TFC will also continue to give platforms where kababayans in North America will have a chance to air out their opinion on issues that matter to us. Townhall meetings will still continue especially as Filipinos in North America exchange perspectives and information that will help the community in mak-

ing informed decisions as we make consequential decisions during elections and other civic exercises. HOWEVER, this change will also allow TFC in North America to expand and strengthen its reach and service to its core audience — our kababayans who immigrated to the United States, including the Lolos, Lolas, and other immediate members of the family who have been loyal viewers of the programs from the Philippines to keep them connected to the Motherland and ease away their homesickness. In my continued commitment to the Filipino American community, I am working with TFC on a new digital brand that will help Filipinos navigate their new life in the United States, empow-

ering YOU with information that will help you know, understand and adapt to your new way of life as immigrants, citizens and members of the workforce in the U.S. Equally important — this program will be like “family” to YOU — to which you can ask questions, air out concerns, exchange perspectives and opinions in matters that truly touch you and your families on a personal level. I will continue to serve you as a true Kapamilya — your “Ate”, “Tita” or simply your kapamilya “Gel”, who will strive to make you feel you are not alone as you start and adapt to your new life in the United States. ABANGAN: A podcast/teleradyo para po sa inyong lahat,

mga Kapamilya. And so if you have anything you want us to talk about in our teleradyo, information you need to help you in your day to day challenges in America, heartaches and pains and worries that keep you up at night, share them with me so we can address your concerns in our new teleradyo. Send your messages to: Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos. You may also email me: gelrelos@icloud.com. ABANGAN! Malapit na malapit na! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

PH-US ties: Robust, Duterte’s pivot to China: Gains, challenges, promises Commentary vibrant & dynamic THE recently concluded eighth Bilateral Strategic Babe’s Dialogue (BSD) between Eye View the United States and the Philippines was a great success, with the conversations covering a wide spectrum of issues aimed at BABE ROMUALDEZ deepening the partnership even further in the areas of security and defense, as well as trade and investment. Discussions were also conducted on how both countries can enhance cooperation to combat transnational crimes such as human trafficking, terrorism and other mutual concerns. Co-leading the Philippine delegation were Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Ricky Manalo and Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano, while U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Randy Schriver co-led the American delegation. I was pleased to host a dinner for the delegates, most especially Assistant State Secretary David Stilwell who was on his first official trip to the Philippines. Secretary Stilwell’s appointment was overwhelmingly confirmed by the U.S. Senate last June — a very welcome development considering that the post has been unfilled for over two years. We were happy to see the guests in a relaxed and jovial mode, enjoying the special Filipino dishes prepared by Chef Jessie Sincioco. I expressed my gratitude to everyone present, among them Executive Secretary Salvador “Bingbong” Medialdea who took time to join us despite his busy schedule, and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin Jr. who flew in from Hong Kong. The BSD is supposed to be an annual discussion but we skipped last year due to scheduling problems. We really have to commend Undersecretary Ricky Manalo who worked hard to put everything together, and Assistant Secretary Honey Isleta of the Office of American Affairs. The occasion also served as a farewell of sorts for U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim, who will be leaving for his next post in Indonesia. Many are saddened by the news because Ambassador Kim is very well-liked and well-respected because he has been doing such a great job in strengthening ties between the Philippines and the U.S. Most importantly, he is also liked by President Duterte — and that is really something else. While many want his tour of duty extended, many also accept that such is the diplomatic life. Many will miss him, and we can only hope that the next top diplomat to the Philippines will also be of the same caliber, having Ambassador Kim’s engaging and charismatic ways. ■

PRESIDENT Duterte’s foreign policy has been marked by relative distance from the West and expanded interaction with closer Asian neighbors. China, the first major power that he visited, looms large in this recalibration. He has LUCIO BLANCO PITLO III made four trips to China and three to Japan and Singapore; he has visited all Southeast Asian capitals, as well as India, South Korea and several Middle Eastern countries. But he has yet to visit a western country. Growing intraregional trade, migrant labor flows, a desire to manage disputes, and Western criticism of his domestic policies, notably his controversial war on drugs, have motivated his foreign trips. Mr. Duterte’s cultivation of friendly ties with Beijing has strong economic, security and strategic underpinnings. The rise of China and other regional powers is stirring geopolitical shifts with profound implications on the world. The fast-growing economies of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, are in the fault line of a major power rivalry between the traditional dominant power, the United States, and a rising challenger, China. In this context, overreliance on one power is unwise and can even be a liability when the rivalry intensifies. PH approach This may have prompted Mr. Duterte to rethink the Philippines’ approach to its big northern neighbor with which it has long-standing territorial and maritime disputes. One cannot choose one’s neighbors, but one can choose the relations one wants to have with them. Mr. Duterte made his choice. His approach to China has rested on managing disputes, building trust and confidence, and expanding economic ties. This approach recognizes that decades-old disputes cannot be easily resolved even with the landmark 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. For instance, while the ruling clarified maritime entitlements and the status of certain features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), it did not rule on questions of sovereign ownership over features in the sea. It even affirmed the traditional fishing rights of foreign nationals in certain areas of the Philippines’ western exclusive economic zone (e.g., Panatag Shoal). And while the ruling did narrow down areas

of maritime dispute by deciding that no feature in the semi-enclosed sea qualifies as an island eligible for extended maritime zones, the close proximity of certain features may still create possible overlaps, particularly if they would be deemed rocks or high-tide elevations entitled to a 12-nautical-mile territorial sea. Hence, while acknowledging the ruling’s value as leverage in dealing with Beijing, there is no substitute to establishing bilateral and regional mechanisms to manage disputes in the six-party flash point. The creation of a bilateral consultation mechanism, which has met four times since 2016, and its active participation in negotiations for a regional Code of Conduct (COC) represent Manila’s two-pronged approach in dealing with the WPS challenge. Caution, prudence Friendlier relations with China and with fellow Asean members enable the Philippines to fully harness its role as Asean-China country coordinator, putting it in a good position to seek the early adoption of an effective and binding COC. The establishment of hotline communications and adoption of a Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea constitute other regional mechanisms to address sea incidents. In the last meeting of Asean defense ministers in Thailand, member-countries reaffirmed the importance of Guidelines for Air Military Encounters and adopted Guidelines for Maritime Interaction. Playing down disputes is essential to stabilizing relations and expanding economic engagement. In 2016 and 2017, Mr. Duterte pardoned Vietnamese poachers caught near waters off northwestern Luzon, gave them provisions, and witnessed their sendoff. Manila is not alone in this. Other countries with unsettled maritime rows with China, like Vietnam and Malaysia, deemphasize the impact of such disputes in their overall ties. Caution and prudence guide the Philippines’ attitude toward sea incidents, such as what happened at Recto Bank on June 9. The act of leaving Filipino fishers in distress was condemned, a diplomatic protest was filed, a Vietnamese fishing vessel that came to the rescue was thanked, the fishermen and their families were given immediate relief, China’s explanation was

sought, and an investigation was concluded. A week after the incident, in a speech before the United Nations, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. called the act of abandoning Filipino fishers to the elements a “felony.” The matter was also brought to the attention of the International Maritime Organization in London. At the Asean Summit in Bangkok last month, Mr. Duterte raised the urgency of concluding a COC to prevent similar incidents from taking place in the future. At this point, Manila could convey the probe’s findings to Beijing and expect to hear the results of the latter’s own inquiry and the corresponding actions to be taken. Economic dividends While security concerns over Beijing’s increased presence and activities in the WPS remain, Mr. Duterte’s China policy has produced tremendous economic dividends for the Philippines. China became the Philippines’ largest trade partner in 2016 and largest export market and investor in 2018; it is expected to become the Philippines’ largest tourism market this year. Last year, China became the Philippines’ biggest banana export market—a distinction held by Japan for 30 years. Philippine fruit exports to China jumped by 50 percent in 2017. In fact, it is domestic constraints, such as inefficient production and difficulties in land acquisition, that are limiting Filipino growers and exporters from taking a larger bite of the China market. Last April, China became the Philippines’ top source of tourists — a position held by South Korea for six years. Meanwhile, delays in infrastructure projects are largely attributable to local factors, notably weak absorptive capacity, administrative bottlenecks and right-of-way issues. Partnership with China in the fields of poverty alleviation, renewable energy, manufacturing, skills training, e-commerce and fintech may hold promise. In sum, Mr. Duterte’s warm ties with Beijing reflect emerging regional responses to China’s rise. The desire to properly handle disputes so as not to affect overall ties is apparent. Although perceived threats may not be easily discounted, China is increasingly seen as a new partner with a transformative impact on the country. Balancing security and economic demands will shape the evolution of bilateral ties. That said, hard swings should be avoided to mitigate disruption and ensure continuity. (Inquirer.net)

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL â€˘ JULy 24-26, 2019

Dateline PhiliPPines

â€˜Robredo not immune from suitâ€™ Cyber libel trial opens for Maria Ressa

libel, estafa, harboring a criminal and obstruction of justice against Robredo and senators Theresia â€œRisaâ€? Hontiveros and Leila de Lima, and former senators Antonio Trillanes 4th and Paolo Benigno Aquino 4th, among others.

The cases were filed in connection with the â€œAng Totoong Narcolistâ€? videos that linked President Rodrigo Duterte and members of his family to illegal drugs. Based on the complaint, the respondents â€œplanned to spread false information against the Presidentâ€™s family and administration officials in order to agitate the general population into making mass protest, with the possibility of bringing down the President from the position and allow Vice President Robredo to instantly succeed. Robredoâ€™s camp debunked the complaint, calling it harassment and â€œkwentong kutseroâ€? (hearsay). PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde said on Monday the cases were out of their hands â€œNasa korte â€˜yun.â€™ Yung sa amin is the possibility of a commission of a crime (That is up to the courts. Ours is the possibility of a commission of a crime), he said. n

Christopher Lawrence â€œBongâ€? Go, Ronald â€œBatoâ€? dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino, Maria Imelda Josefa â€œImeeâ€? Marcos, Pilar Juliana â€œPiaâ€? Cayetano, Emmanuel â€œLitoâ€? Lapid and Ramon â€œBongâ€? Revilla Jr. At the House, Cayetanoâ€™s installation as speaker was smooth, as lawmakers decided to honor President Rodrigo Duterteâ€™s 15-21 term-sharing proposal. Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte, who had earlier eyed the top House post, was the first to nominate Cayetano, followed by Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez. Under the term-sharing agreement, Velasco will succeed Cayetano and will sit as speaker for 21 months. Cayetano secured an overwhelming 266 votes, while 28 lawmakers voted for Manilaâ€™s Sixth District Rep. Benny Abante Jr., making him the minority leader. Magdalo Rep. Manuel Cabochan and Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza abstained from voting, while Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman cast a â€œno voteâ€? for speaker. Rep. Duterte told reporters that his sister, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, talked to him early on Monday and asked him to respect their fatherâ€™s decision.

Nonetheless, he aired his disapproval of the term-sharing deal, adding that the Duterte Coalition, which he formed with DuterteCarpio, would decide on its next move when Cayetano steps down. â€œI am against any term-sharing agreement. However, if the speaker resigns after 15 months, then we will have to elect a new speaker,â€? Rep. Duterte said. Sources said Rep. Duterte was â€œleft with no choiceâ€? but to listen to his father, who allegedly threatened to skip his fourth State of the Nation Address if lawmakers did not support the term-sharing deal. Cayetano said he would reach out to the Duterte siblings. â€œIâ€™ll make an effort to reach out to those whom I failed to connect with during my campaign for speakership, whether they are local government officialsâ€Ś whether they are blood family of a government official, itâ€™s natural to get hurt during the electionsâ€Ś how can you heal a land if you yourself will not forgive and forget?â€? Cayetano told reporters. Grateful for his colleaguesâ€™ support, he also said in his speech that he would push for a â€œrelevant, responsible and reliableâ€? Congress. (With reports from Glee Jalea/ManilaTImes.net)

by Jomar

Canlas ManilaTimes.net

VICE President Maria Leonor â€œLeniâ€? Robredo is not immune from criminal suit although she is an impeachable officer under the 1987 Constitution, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Monday, July 22. Guevarra issued the statement after Robredoâ€™s camp decried the filing of criminal charges against the vice president. â€œI have stated earlier that the present constitution does not grant the vice president immunity from suit,â€? he said. He clarified that criminal prosecution had nothing to do with impeachment, but could be grounds in being disqualified from holding public office in the future. The Philippine National Police (PNP)-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Department of Justice on Thursday filed charges of sedition, cyberlibel,

Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo ManilaTimes.net photo

Sotto, Cayetano take helm of 18th Congress by Javier ismael ManilaTimes.net

SENATORS on Monday, July 22, elected Sen. Vicente Sotto III as Senate president, while at the House of Representatives, Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano was installed as speaker. Sen. Ralph Recto was reelected as president pro tempore and Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri was voted majority leader, while Sen. Franklin Drilon retained his post as minority leader. Senators elected Myra Villarica as Senate secretary and retired Gen. Rene Samonte as sergeantat-arms. Sotto, who is on his fourth term, thanked his colleagues for electing him as the 23rd Senate president. â€œThank you is a very weak expression to convey the deep sense of gratitude that I feel today, for the honor of being your Senate president. To be elected at large by the whole nation is, indeed, a rare honor and privilege for 24 in a more than a hundred million population; and to be elected by those elected, as you did to me, is much more humbling than a greater source of pride,â€? he said in his acceptance speech. He administered the oath of office to newly elected senators â€”

by ritChel

mendiola AJPress

THE Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 46 on Tuesday, July 23 opened trial for the cyber libel case against Maria Ressa, the chief executive and executive editor of online news site Rappler. Known as a staunch critic against the current Duterte administration and a Time Magazine â€˜Person of the Yearâ€™ in 2018, Ressa is currently out on bail but also faces tax and corporate fraud cases, as does Rappler. â€œThe government hopes to intimidate us by siphoning both my personal time, our resources,â€? Ressa, who was not present in court, told Agence France-Presse. She added, â€œI wonâ€™t be intimidated. We continue to do our jobs. The mission of journalism has never been as important as it is today in the Philippines.â€? The prosecution presented two witnesses â€“ bank manager Marcelino Malonzo and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) foren-

sics chief Cristopher Paz. The case centers on a Rappler report from 2012 that linked businessman Wilfredo Keng to illegal activities such as human trafficking and drug smuggling. Initially, the NBI dismissed Kengâ€™s 2017 complaint because he failed to lodge his complaint within a year of the storyâ€™s publication. However, the bureau transmitted the complaint to the Department of Justice (DOJ) a week later. Former NBI cybercrime division chief Manuel Eduarte will be on the witness stand on July 30. The article in question was published months before the Cybercrime Law was enacted in 2012, but the prosecution argued that the article is considered new since Rappler updated it in 2014 to correct a typographical error. According to Ressa, this case of cyber libel â€œstretches the rule of law until it breaks.â€? â€œHow this is decided will have an impact on all Filipinos who post on Facebook â€“ and of course, the quality of journalism in the digital

Rappler CEO Maria Ressa Inquirer.net photo

age in the Philippines,â€? she added. Ressaâ€™s libel case has drawn international attention, with press freedom advocates regarding it as government retaliation for her journalism. Prominent international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney recently joined the legal team representing Ressa and noted that the Filipina journalistâ€™s case echoed a recurring theme in her line of work â€“ where â€œjournalists who expose abuses face arrest while those who commit the abuses do so with impunity.â€? n

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‘2019 GDP growth to fall within govt goal’ by MayveLin

u. CarabaLLo ManilaTimes.net

FOUR of the biggest foreign banks operating in the country see the Philippine economy hitting the government’s growth target this year before expanding further in the next. The latest 2019 gross domestic product (GDP) projections from Citi Philippines, Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC and ING Bank Manila, all project growth to settle within the Duterte administration’s 6-7 percent goal. The most optimistic was Citi, which forecast 6.2 percent for 2019 and 6.5 percent for 2020. “Citi analysts anticipate that domestic demand could see a sufficiently strong rebound in the second half of 2019, with more potential monetary easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP),” the bank said in a statement on Friday, July 19. Standard Chartered Bank economist for Asia, Chidu Narayanan, meanwhile, expects a steady 6.1percent growth in 2019, but did not provide any projection for 2020. He attributed his 2019 outlook to better second-half growth, which would offset a weak firsthalf expansion. “Support for H2 (second half)

growth is likely to come from further monetary policy easing and a pick-up in government infrastructure investment following the Q1 (first quarter) budget impasse,” he said. HSBC economists expect 6percent growth this year, noting that, “continued delays in government spending imply that GDP growth in 2019 is likely to be subdued compared to previous years.” Nevertheless, in addition to further monetary policy loosening by the central bank, they expect the government’s expansionary fiscal budget next year to lift GDP growth to 6.4 percent in 2020. The government is set to proposed a cash budget of P4.1 trillion for 2020, 9.1 percent or P343 billion higher than this year’s P3.757 trillion. For his part, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa said the economy could “post a strong 2H GDP growth performance, both on the consumption and investment front, which should help the economy return to and remain in an elevated growth path of 6-7 percent” if it is able to get all three channels of growth up and running. He pointed to “lower policy rates working in tandem with de-

celerating inflation will also boost already potent household consumption, while the government implements catch-up spending to complete the push for escape velocity.” Budget approval delay A dispute between the Senate and the House of Representatives over alleged insertions resulted in a four-and-a-half-month delay in the passage of the 2019 outlay. Before the approval, the government was forced to operate on last year’s budget, unable to spend on projects and programs supposed to be implemented this year. Government spending was banned from March to May because of the May 13 midterm elections, which saw many Duterte administration-backed candidates winning. The delay in the budget’s passage resulted in a slower-thanexpected economic growth of 5.6 percent in the first quarter. This prompted the central bank to ease its monetary policy settings on May 9, reducing its overnight borrowing, lending and deposit rates to 4.5 percent, 5 percent and 4 percent, respectively. On June 20, it decided to take a “prudent pause” and maintained these rates. n

In the latest report of the United States Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS), the domestic food retail market is seen increasing by 5.4 percent to $50 billion from $47.4 billion last year. Philstar.com file photo

Philippines food retail sector to hit $50 billion sales by Louise

Maureen Philstar.com

siMeon

In the latest report of the United States Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agricultural Service THE food retail industry in the (USDA-FAS), the domestic food country will continue to expand retail market is seen increasing with total sales expected to reach by 5.4 percent to $50 billion from a record-high $50 billion, driven $47.4 billion last year. by rising income and a growing “Driven by rising incomes, population. a growing population, and a strong preference for American brands, the Philippines imported $1.09 billion of U.S. consumeroriented products in 2018. U.S. exports in this sector may grow further in 2019, reaching an alltime high of $1.2 billion,” USDA said. “With a growing middle class and a large, young population, the Philippine economy is rooted in strong consumer demand, boosted by rising incomes and overseas remittances,” it added. Last year, Filipino households spent more than half of their budget on essentials including food. Purchases of food and nonalcoholic beverages comprised almost 40 percent of total household expenditures in 2018. The country’s traditional “sarisari” stores still dominate the food retail market, which accounts for 58 percent of the market. USDA said the continuous expansion of the food retail industry in the country creates robust opportunities for U.S. exporters

of high-value, consumer-oriented food and beverage products. The Philippines is the largest market in Southeast Asia and the 10th largest export market in the world for U.S. consumer-oriented food and beverage products, importing a total of $1.09 billion in 2018. The United States also remains the Philippines’ largest supplier for food, beverage and ingredient products with 16 percent market share. This is followed by Indonesia, China, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore and Australia with total imports of consumer-oriented food growing annually at an average of 10 to 15 percent over the last five years. “While domestically produced items account for about 80 percent of the total food supply with the balance being imported, food retailers remain very optimistic concerning the competitiveness of imported products,” USDA said. “Although most imported items cost more than locally produced ones, U.S. products still remain very popular and have great appeal to Philippine consumers. U.S. products are perceived to have superior quality compared to imports from other countries,” it added. n

NAIA is world’s 44th best airport for business travelers by rosette

adeL

Philstar.com

THE Ninoy Aquino International Airport was named one of the best airports for business travelers this year. NAIA ranked 44th on the Globehunter’s World’s Best Airports for Business Travelers list which chose the top 45 countries this year. Globehunter is the United Kingdom’s business class flight specialist. “All over the world, airports are a hub for business travellers as they jet off across the globe. However, not all airports are created equal and some offer a far better experience for those who are flying for business,” Globehunter said. “We’ve taken a look at some of the busiest airports around the world and compared the facilities and services they offer, from the cost of parking to the number of lounges available,” it added. NAIA earned an overall score of 38.19 percent. The Philippine airport was assessed based on the number of passengers, on-time arrival performance, transit time for both private cars and public transport, airport parking price (Euro per day), airport rating, the number of

lounges, destinations served and airlines that utilized the airport. According to the assessment, NAIA has an average of 45,082,544 passengers a day. It garnered 63.9 percent ontime arrival performance rating and three of five stars on airport rating. Japan’s Narita International Airport topped the roster with four of five stars airport rating and 81.1 percent on-time arrival performance rating. Below appears the top 10 countries and airports which made it to the Top 45 best airport for business traveler’s list: • Narita International Airport – Japan • Los Angeles International Airport – United States of America • Frankfurt Airport – Germany • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – Netherlands • George Bush Intercontinental Airport – United States of America • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – United States of America • Munich Airport – Germany • Madrid Barajas Airport – Spain • Tokyo Haneda Airport – Japan • Dubai International Airport – United Arab Emirates n

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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 24-26, 2019

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 24, 2019

Filipina actress Princess Punzalan enters her second act Punzalan returns to the screen in critically acclaimed film “Yellow Rose” of the human condition in the face of misfortune. “It was so timely,” Punzalan THERE’S a scene in the to the very familiar plight of told the Asian Journal in a re2019 coming-of-age indie film undocumented families in cent interview. “I wanted to do “Yellow Rose” where the titular America. character Rose (played by The film has become a dar- something that’s relevant and I believed in Diane because I two-time Tony Award-nominee ling success within the festival saw how she conducted the Eva Noblezada), a 17-year-old circuit, garnering the Grand auditions and just how she undocumented Filipina and Jury Award at three film fesoperates, and all the more I aspiring country musician living tivals: the Los Angeles Asian became interested in the role.” in East Texas, looks in her bed- Pacific Film Festival, the BenThe tragedy of the film room mirror, dejected amid a tonville Film Festival and the is the separation between creative rut. CAAMFest37. Noblezada in Her mother, Priscilla, her feature film debut also won mother and daughter and the honesty and authenticplayed by Princess Punzalan, the Special Jury Prize for Best ity behind Noblezada’s and enters the bedroom and comBreakthrough Performance at Punzalan’s performances. In a forts young Rose and together the Los Angeles Asian Pacific scene where Priscilla is being they sing the Pilita Corrales Film Festival. taken away by ICE and Rose song, “Dahil Sa Iyo.” Punzalan’s performance as “Yellow Rose,” written and the hard-working undocument- cries running towards her mother, the emotion exuding directed by Filipina American ed mother doing her best to from the screen hits squarely in filmmaker Diane Paragas, folfoster a gainful future for her the heart of the viewer. lows the trials and tribulations young daughter mirrors expe“I really studied the script faced by Rose as Priscilla is riences felt by families all over and tried to imagine and put detained by ICE and speaks the country and the strength myself in Priscilla’s shoes. I have a daughter so I tried to make it as real as possible for me and I just performed as I felt that, as a mother,” Punzalan said, praising Noblezada for her transparency and amiability. Punzalan’s role in “Yellow Rose” provides a vibrant introduction of the actress to a whole new audience, but to Filipinos, she is a well-loved gem who has been a staple of television and film for decades. Despite being born to legendary Philippine broadcast personalities Orly Punzalan and Helen Vela, Punzalan shares that her parents never forced her or her siblings to pursue a future in show business. “[My mother] wasn’t encouraging us to get into the entertainment industry. But when I was 10 years old, her colleague, who was a radio broadcaster and had a TV show, asked her if they could use me as a replacement for With her latest role in “Yellow Rose,” also starring Eva Noblezada and Lea Salonga, Princess Punzalan the child actor who got sick,” hopes to continue to break out in acting in the United States. Punzalan said. “So, my mom by Klarize

Medenilla / AJPress

Princess Punzalan stars as Priscilla, the mother of teenager Rose, played by Eva Noblezada. Priscilla’s character, an undocumented Filipina living in Texas, gets detained by immigration officials, leaving Rose on her own. Still courtesy of “Yellow Rose”

asked if I would like to [take the role], 10-year-old me was just like, ‘Yeah! Why not?” The young Punzalan’s performance stunned producers and audiences, which led to more and more acting gigs. But as a child actor, Punzalan had “boundaries” set by Vela and was only allowed to act during summer and Christmas vacations to avoid distractions from studies. From then on, Punzalan made waves as a fixture on Philippine TV, becoming a co-host on the Sunday variety show “GMA Supershow”. But it wasn’t until the television drama anthology entitled “Princess” in 1987 that the young actress started to seriously hone in on her acting, playing different characters every week. “It was like free schooling for me, I learned a lot during that time, so it was fun because I wasn’t stuck with just one character. It was like I had a new challenge every week, and it was so much fun,” Punzalan shared. Punzalan would then spend the back half of the 1980s to the mid-aughts starring in popular series, like the sitcom “Family 3+1” in which she starred with her mother and “Mula sa Puso” on ABS-CBN, the latter for which she won the PMPC Star Award for Best Drama Actress in 1998. After decades of success in Philippine media, Punzalan met husband Jason Field, an American, and in 2005 moved to the U.S. “When I got married and we moved to Michigan, I thought that I can’t pursue my acting career here, at least not right now, because if I was gonna pursue acting, I’d have to fly back and forth either to New York or LA and I thought that wouldn’t serve as a good foundation for the marriage,” she said. So when it came to finding work stateside, she thought back to her childhood career aspirations of becoming a doctor. But because of the laborious schooling required to become a doctor, Field suggested that she take up nursing instead. “It was challenging at first because I hadn’t been to school in a long time, and I was the oldest one in all my classes,” said Punzalan, who has been a registered nurse for five years. “But I had an advantage: when you go back to school and you’re older, you already know who you are, what you want and I took things way more seriously.” Simultaneous to achieving

After decades in Philippine entertainment, Princess Punzalan moved to Los Angeles, where she is a nurse. AJPress photos by Noel Ty

her goals in nursing, Punzalan continued to go back to the Philippines ever so often to take on certain acting roles. But moving to the U.S. was a turning point for the actress who saw the nuanced ways in which American actors handle emotion versus the theatrical, almost histrionic way Philippine actors tend to portray characters. “The more I watched [American programs], I started to realize, ‘Oh, my god, my acting is way over the top and the way [American actors] convey emotions here is just way more subtle and more subdued,’” Punzalan said. “So I had to adjust, and even if I wasn’t acting, I would watch someone and think about how I would do that scene. And then I would observe Philippine acting and then think about how they would do that in America.” And Punzalan put those observations to good use, as seen in her performance in “Yellow Rose,” which showcased Punzalan like we haven’t seen her before. Her lifelike portrayal as a hard-working undocumented mother emanated so naturally and so effectively; there isn’t an ounce of excess in her performance, and she has the talent of say-

ing so much without saying much at all. Now based in the Los Angeles area, she is transitioning into being a hospice nurse which offers a more flexible schedule to allow to act and be an attentive mother to her 5-year-old daughter Ellie. Next month on Thursday, August 15, Punzalan will participate in a Q&A with Paragas and producer Rey Cuerdo at a screening for “Yellow Rose” in Carson, California hosted by the Apl.de.ap Foundation International. With the continued success of “Yellow Rose,” Punzalan hopes to bring more acting experience to the second act of her career. She continues to lend her talents to Philippine projects, but Punzalan hopes to land a television series in the U.S. “With a television series, you can get really deep into the character on your own time. It’s also really nice to work with the same people all the time for a long time because you get to know people better, kind of like a family,” Punzalan shared. “I did so many television series in the Philippines and I really enjoyed it so I’m hoping in America I’ll be able to do that also.”

The 1st thing Jane did after clinching Darna role by Marinel

r. Cruz

Inquirer.net

JANE de Leon went into training immediately after she learned she would be the next Darna on the big screen. “She really needs it,” Star Cinema Adprom head Mico del Rosario told the Inquirer on Friday. “The role will be very physical.” “These days, she is into functional workout and learning how to do stunts,” Del Rosario added. “There will also be discussions about her role. She would have to study it very thoroughly with director Jerrold (Tarog).” Star Cinema, ABS-CBN’s film production arm, informed Jane of the good news on June 15, recalled Del Rosario. Over the weekend, the team conducted a casting call to search for the actress who will play the young Narda, Darna’s alter-ego. Twenty-year-old Jane

started appearing in ABS-CBN programs in 2016. She was last seen as Maggie, Jericho Rosales’ sister, in the defunct soap series “Halik.” On the big screen, she was in the cast of the Regal Filmsproduced teen flicks “Walwal” and “The Debutantes.” As to how big the film project would be, Del Rosario disclosed: “It will be huge, but then, I want to emphasize that the network’s objective is simple: It is to retell the story of Darna, and to introduce her to a new generation of viewers.” He also denied that ABSCBN has been quickening production pace because its contract with the Ravelo family would expire soon. “I can’t say up to when the contract will be, but it will definitely not end this year or in 2020,” he stressed. When asked for ABSCBN’s reaction to comments by netizens that this particular

“Darna” project was cursed, Del Rosario said: “The network doesn’t have any reaction to that. But on a personal level, it’s unfortunate na iniisipan nila ng ganun. Hopefully, things will finally push through now that we’ve found our Darna.” Del Rosario also pointed out that the network was grateful to Angel and Liza “because they gave so much of themselves to the project. We really saw their passion and dedication to it.” In 2014, it was announced that Angel Locsin would fly again—just like she did on TV in 2005—as the iconic superheroine, but this time, on the big screen. Erik Matti would helm the project. In October 2015, Angel tearfully admitted on television that she could no longer play the part because of her spine injury. Two months later, a teaser for “Mars Ravelo’s Darna” was released despite the news of Angel quitting.

In 2017, Angel, who earlier promised to rejoin the production if her condition improved, said her doctor had advised her not to carry on with the project. Shortly after, Star Cinema announced that Liza Soberano would take Angel’s place. In August 2018, Liza confirmed that she suffered from a fractured finger while taping for the fantasy-adventure series “Bagani.” Two months later, the network announced that director Erik had quit “Darna,” citing “creative differences” as among the reasons. Weeks after, the public was informed that Tarog took over the directorial post. Last April, Liza withdrew from “Darna,” citing her finger injury. A month later, Star Magic announced that there would be auditions for the role, which eventually landed on Jane’s lap. Jane de Leon

Photo from Instagram/@imjanedeleon

Alden, Kathryn Bernardo share lessons learned from portraying OFWs by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

ALDEN Richards and Kathryn Bernardo shared the lessons they learned after playing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their upcoming movie, “Hello, Love, Goodbye.” During the movie’s recent press conference, Alden said filming the movie makes him realize that the lives of OFWs are very inspirational. “What I’ve learned about this movie is ‘yung mga OFWs sobrang inspirational ng buhay nila sa ibang bansa, hindi lang sa Hong Kong pero all over the world,” he said. “Given a chance to play the role that can define the OFWs all over the world is an honor already. Itong pelikula na ‘to pagpapakita na rin kung gaano kakulay ang buhay ng mga kababayan natin na nagtatrabagho abroad para sa pamilya nila dito sa Pilipinas,” Alden said. Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards in a scene from their movie. Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02 Continued on Page 5

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 24, 2019

EA on the power of social media by oliver

M. PuluMbarit inquirer.net

EDGAR Allan “EA” Guzman sees a changed entertainment landscape these days, markedly different from when he was new to the business. “Show biz personalities nowadays have bigger impact because of social media,” EA tells the Inquirer in Filipino. “So it’s important to be a good example to young people who idolize you.” It’s been over a decade since EA started giving show biz a shot. His sheer love for the art of acting, he says, continues to play a significant part in amassing a variety of roles for the small and big screens. “I enjoy my work, and I love what I do,” the actor declares. “The only difficulty I have about show biz is time, since our rest is limited.” Continued on Page 5 Edgar Allan Guzman

Photo from Instagram/@ea_guzman

entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 24, 2019

‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ numbers by talented youths among highlights of FASO’s historic debut at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Aug. 3 TWO combined choirs gloriously singing Freddie Mercury’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” with a full 73-piece orchestra and special numbers by talented youths are among the highlights in the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra’s (FASO) historic debut in the prestigious Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday, August 3, 7:00 p.m. Titled “A Summer Symphony with FASO,” the concert is a major event in the 11-year history of the orchestra, the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines which has become a vital Filipino-American cultural institution. Many of the featured performers are also making their debut on the famed Walt Disney Concert Hall stage, home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Over the years, FASO has been offering musical opportunities to deserving talents. The prodigies performing with FASO, under musical director and conductor Robert Shroder are Nichole Aye, Mikaela Bautista, Samantha Morelos, Erica Delos Santos, Anastazya Reoma, Carly Rhoades, FASO Kids and the FASO Youth String Ensemble. Also performing is the previously announced Brycen Hall, who will be joined by his parents, musical theater stalwarts Deedee Magno Hall and Cliffton Hall, in a special number. Nichole Aye, who started playing the violin at the age of five, is a recipient of the Herbert Zipper Scholarship at the Colburn School. Nichole performs in various recitals and has won awards in the Classics Alive Young Artists National Auditions and from the American String Teachers Association. Mikaela Bautista, who has been singing since she was three years old, recently

Carly Rhoades

Mikaela Bautista

Stazy Reoma

graduated from high school with cum laude honors. Among Mikaela’s awards are from Gawad Amerika, which honored her as “Promising Best Child Performer,” “Los Angeles’ Best Female Child

By Monet

ONE of the perks of living in LA is that you are likely to spot a celebrity at some point. Since the Hollywood studios are here, a lot of celebrities live around Southern California. Not to mention, we have our SoCal beaches where they usually (try to) hide out or when they (try to) be “away from it all.” And because these celebs could be anywhere, it is easy to come up with some paparazziish ways to be “at right place, at the right time” — like camp out where they usually hang or maybe roam around LAX hoping one of them is flying out somewhere, or keep an ear out on the premiere show schedules and plan a secret stakeout by Erica De los Santos the Chinese Theater. You can do all of the above, or you can follow your heart, be a great esthetician and find yourself rubbing elbows with Paris Hilton and Charlie Sheen at the Golden Globes. Well, such is a day in the life of one celebrity esthetician, Imee OngMaghanoy. I had a chance to catch up with her last week (one of the perks of being her long-time friend). Allow me to share our brief conversation with you. Imee is an established aesthetician for more than 20 years. She is the managing partner for Samantha Morelos Image Spa MD. and the owner of Image Body Spa and iSkin. Her spa is now one of the most reputable medical spa facility in LA and has branches in Rancho Cucamonga, Encinitas and West Hollywood. Monet: So what is it like to be invited to red carpet events and breathe the same air as James Franco and the like? Imee: (laughs) It’s flattering, of course, but mostly, it makes us want to do our job even better. I’ve always believed in quality service and serving regardless of stature or fan Robert Bob Shroder Photos by Rick Gavino base. Believe it or not, we treat our clients equally. Whether you Performer of the Year” and are a celebrity or a common “Promising Recording Artist person, we give you the best... of the Year.” It is just fortunate that those in Erica Delos Santos, who Hollywood caught wind of what has been playing the violin we are doing here and heard since the age of six, has pergood reviews so they check our Continued on Page 5 spa out. Since the work we are

Imee Ong-Maghanoy: A day in the life of a celebrity esthetician

Imee Ong-Maghanoy regularly attends Hollywood events where she meets several celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Charlie Sheen and James Franco.

doing is very personal, imagine us seeing you without makeup and all. What more for celebrities? For them to be able to trust us at their bare or vulnerable state is important. And when there’s trust, a friendship develops as well. So, it’s almost inevitable that we get to be on a first-name basis with them sometimes. Not all though! Monet: How does it feel to be endorsed or highly recommended by such people? Imee: Modesty aside and in all honesty, I wouldn’t say I am surprised that we get a lot of celebrity clients. In this industry, it is a given that a majority of our clients would come from the entertainment business. Actors, models, TV personalities – they are public figures and they invest in their faces and their bodies. That’s part of being a celebrity! Some would think Continued on Page 5 Imee Ong-Maghanoy

Bea swipes at Gerald with viral messages by Nika

Roque ManilaTimes.net

ON Sunday, July 21, actress Bea Alonzo posted mysterious quotes on her Instagram account. She posted a black photo on her feed with the caption, “you can’t make the same mistake twice, the second time you make it, it’s not a mistake anymore, it’s a choice. Enough.” This was then followed by a post on Instagram Stories, which read “Something I learned about people… If they do it once, they’ll do it again.” Alonzo did not give names but has deleted photos with boyfriend Gerald Anderson. Following Alonzo’s posts, the names Gerald and Julia started trending on Twitter. Most recently, Anderson and Julia Barretto played love interests in the film “Between Maybes,” which received positive acclaim. Alonzo and Anderson began their short romance in 2010 which was rekindled

nounced in an interview with ABS-CBN News in late June that they called it quits but remain best friends. In that same interview, Barretto was quick to dismiss the allegation that Anderson was the reason for the breakup. However, photos of Anderson and Barretto attending a party hosted by Rayver Cruz circulated online, beginning rumors that the two are now a couple. Due to the intense backlash, Barretto disabled comments on her Instagram account. On the other hand, Anderson has left the comments on his account open, where netizens continue to call him a “cheater,” saying that he Bea Alonzo Photo from Instagram/@beaalonzo “does not deserve Bea,” and calling the actor a “f***boy.” in 2016. Rumors circulated in Meanwhile, Julia’s mom, 2018 that the couple has broMarjorie Barretto, on Monday ken up but Alonzo stated that said that she plans to file a she gave Anderson a second suit against those who spread chance. “damaging” stories against her Additionally, Barretto daughter as the photos that along with on- and off-screen circulated online were “harmboyfriend Joshua Garcia anless.”

iiwan ng mga kababayan natin ‘yung mga pamilya nila, mayroon din silang nadiscover na bagong pamilya kung saan sila nagtatrabaho,” Alden said. “Yung mga roles na pinortray namin dito, I hope na magkaroon ng realization ‘yung mga kabataan kasi pabata na nang pabata ang mga OFWs ngayon,” he added. Kathryn admitted that working as an OFWs is not for the soft-hearted because it is not easy to spend your time away from your family. “Swerte ‘yung mga OFWs na nakuha ‘yung pamilya nila,

EA on the power of social media...

From Page 2 But EA, whose performance in the 2011 film “Ligo na U, Lapit na Me” put him on the local show biz map, shares that he learned to find muchneeded recharging, eventually: “I maximize our schedule. I work four times a week only. It’s important that I don’t just keep accepting work, since I also need to think about my health.” Now nearing 30, EA says he doesn’t work out regularly, but he makes sure he has a consistently healthy diet: “I haven’t eaten rice for about a year.” EA, who won “Eat Bulaga’s” Mr. Pogi tilt in 2006, has

gotten acting and hosting work across networks GMA 7, ABS-CBN and TV 5, and is currently back as a Kapuso talent. “I’ve worked with other networks, and I can say that they’re the same,” he says. “I went back to GMA because this is my mother network— dito talaga ako nagsimula. It’s my second home. They accepted me with open arms.” He relates that signing with GMA Artist Center made him feel ecstatic and “lucky.” He immediately landed a role in the fantaserye “Dragon Lady.” “I’m happy to have worked with Janine (Gutierrez) and Tom (Rodriguez) for the first time,” says EA, who previously

‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ numbers by... From Page 4 formed as a guest soloist with the Pasadena Student Youth Orchestra and has played as concert master in performances at the Carnegie Hall and the White House. She is currently studying music at the Colburn School and is a member of their Student Youth Orchestra. Samantha Morelos has been part of the California School of the Arts’ (CSARTS) Musical Theatre Conservatory inaugural class since it opened two years ago. In the first all-school musical of CSARTS in January 2018, where all grade levels across conservatories from 7th to 12th grade auditioned for “Pippin,” Samantha proved herself worthy of being in the ranks of high school students and professional child actors when she was cast as Pippin at 12 years old. Samantha’s casting broke gender and age barriers. Anastazya Reoma was singing Celine Dion songs as early as when she was three years old. She learned to play the piano at the age of five, plays the drums and taught herself to play the ukulele. Currently a signed talent of Impact Talent Group in Hollywood, she has appeared in Nickelodeon and Walmart TV commercials. Carly Rhoades is a recording artist, songwriter, winner of several Sacramento singing contests, and is in-demand to sing in various local events. This year, she co-wrote, recorded and released an original song called “In My Dreams.” She sang her original song in remembrance of fallen heroes during this year’s Memorial Day. FASO Kids are comprised of children who participated in FASO’s education program and attended vocal workshops. FASO Kids performing in the concert include Mikaela Bautista, Sophia Cadorna,

Bryce Gomez, Meliyah Greer, Sydney Haik, Zachlewis Maravilla, Rianne Martin, Kamea Miranda, Sam Morelos, Stazy Reoma, Amilla Umali and Olivia Zenetzis. The FASO Youth String Ensemble is a product of the orchestra’s education and outreach program. FASO started this ensemble of about 40 children in September 2018. The orchestra invested in violins to provide free access to the children who do not have the instrument. FASO, a non-profit organization, provided string classes to the children, none of whom have played a violin before. The special evening’s guest performers will also include the UST Singers Alumni, composed of former members of the University of Santo Tomas’ award-winning mixed choral ensemble, and the Los Angeles Vocal Artists (LAVA), a mixed ensemble that has quickly earned recognition since it was formed in March 2018. Expected to be a rousing highlight is a performance of Freddie Mercury’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” featuring the combined majestic voices of the UST Singers Alumni and LAVA performing with the 73-piece orchestra, amid the state-of-the-art acoustics of the hardwood-paneled Walt Disney Concert Hall main auditorium. The combined choirs and FASO are also performing a George Canseco medley as a tribute to the late prolific composer of Filipino movie theme songs that have become pop classics. Arranged by Orlando Dela Cruz, the medley consists of “Dito Ba?,” “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan,” “Paano Ba ang Mangarap” and “Ngayon.” The FASO Kids and the orchestra will perform a medley, arranged by Louie Ramos,

FASO’s arranger-in-residence, of Filipino lullabies from various regions of the Philippines, including Southern Tagalog (“Sa Ugoy ng Duyan”), Bicol (“Caturog Na, Nonoy”) and Visayas (“Ili-Ili Tulog Anay”). Also in the program is “Overture of Philippine Folk Songs,” arranged by American composer and arranger Bernard Green, considered one of the best orchestra arrangements of Filipino folk songs. “Vocalises on Morricone,” arranged by Professor Fidel Calalang, Jr., will be a musical ode to Ennio Morricone, the Italian composer of memorable scores for cinema and television. Saunder Choi’s orchestral arrangement of “Leron, Leron Sinta,” the timeless, beloved Philippine folk song, will also be performed. Many more enthralling musical numbers are in store for concertgoers who will be there when the Filipino-American orchestra makes history on the night of August 3. Tickets to the concert, sponsored by Bank of Hope, Dr. Noli and Mrs. Nena Zosa, Pacific Western Bank, QBE and UPAA, are available online athttps://www. musiccenter.org/tickets/Visiting-Artists/filipino-americansymphony-orchestra/. Tickets are also available by phone at (323) 850-2000 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office on 111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles 90012 (corner First Street). Window hours are from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday). With box office validation, patrons may park free for 30 minutes in the Walt Disney Concert Hall parking garage for box office transactions. More information about FASO is available at www.fasofoundation.org.

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 24, 2019

Imee Ong-Maghanoy: A day in the...

From Page 4 it is vanity but it’s not really. I believe that appearance plays a huge factor in a person’s overall outlook. A classic example of this is in taking care of yourself; i.e. eating healthy, having good personal hygiene, maintaining a skincare regimen. These are lifestyle practices that are good for you. Doing them religiously would result in a pleasing appearance and ultimately, an overall positive outlook. Oftentimes, people mistake “feeling good about yourself” as vanity and they shouldn’t. This has been my advocacy – to change the way we view personal care and overall wellness. As the slogan in our promo video says, “Loving your skin and loving the body you are in.” Monet: Do you get a lot of clients who ask you “impossible things” like they need to shed 10 pounds in two days because they have to get skinny for a movie project? Imee: Honestly, with all the medical advancement in cosmetic procedures, “impossible” is not too intimidating anymore. We have different innovative na nakaipon na. Hindi siya para ways like slim shots, which are sa lahat kasi hindi siya madali. IM (intramuscular) shots packed Dapat ‘pag pumunta ka do’n with hCG. This is proven to be buo ‘yung loob mo na ‘OK effective by most celebrities gusto ko to at gagawin ko ‘to dahil gusto ko ‘to hindi lang da- because it’s flexible and sustainable. You do not need to do hil kailangan.’ Kasi ayaw mong extensive workout (unless your at the end of the day sisihin goal is to gain muscles) or resort mo na ‘pumunta kasi ako dahil kailangan nila e,’ pero ang end- to fad diets or a crash diet. You actually maintain a customized ing malungkot ka. Ikaw naman ‘yung magsu-suffer, nakaipon ka meal plan (some of them eat as pero di ka naman masaya. Kung much as six small meals a day). We customize the protocol/probuo ang loob mo at willing mo gram depending on what suits ‘pag daanan lahat ‘yon, may the client, what’s realistic and malaking prize na naghihintay what works best for them. This talaga, pero hindi siya para sa helps them stay in the program lahat,” Kathryn explained. with little to no “backsliding” tendencies. So as far as weight loss is concerned, I see to it that my clients know that as their coach starred in “My Korean Jagiya” and medical practitioner, I help and various episodes of “Maa- them start the process of losing weight but we don’t stop laala Mo Kaya.” at making them look good. While not exactly a childWe train them to change their hood dream, acting as an occupation came to mind later, lifestyle and maintain their ideal EA recounts: “During my high weight. One of my clients who had school days, I liked joining this particular program was plays. I realized that I could act, and it was where I started developing my skills.” Apart from doing film and TV, EA starred opposite Eugene Domingo in the stage production of “Bona” in 2012. Among his colleagues, one remains influential to him: “Dennis Trillo… [whom I worked with in ‘Astig’] gave me pointers. They helped, especially with my movements.”

Alden, Kathryn Bernardo share... From Page 2 The “Eat Bulaga” TV host added that the film aims to send the message that while OFWs have to live far from their family, they have found a new one through their friends and workmates abroad. “We’re sending a beautiful message that of course there are struggles on being an OFW, kasi sa akin ang pumapasok kasi sa isip ko, mahirap ang trabaho, malayo sa pamilya, malungkot, pero ‘yung nagawa namin dito sa ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye,’ is something na pinakita namin ‘yung kabilang side na kung

entertainment Rachel Donaire, wife of fourdivision boxing world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire. Rachel just had a baby so at that time I believe she was about 175 pounds. She started the program at 158 pounds. That was September. Her target weight was to be at 120

pounds by February. There was this awards show, The Filipino Sports Award that’s happening in February and she wanted to be fit by then. She hit her goal and continued to lose some more. Monet: What other HolContinued on Page 6

entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 24, 2019

Imee Ong-Maghanoy: A day in the...

From Page 6 lywood events have you been invited to or participated in? Imee: There are some events where we are the ones who do the inviting, like the Grand Opening of Image Spa in West Hollywood, where we were graced with 25 celebrities. they missed her with decor of Then the “Angel Food Projgold and pink balloons and ect” which we also support. Of streamers. Petals and rustic course, we’ve been invited to lamps covered the floor in the the Golden Globes and other entrance. The pictures show annual events a couple of times. too that Soberano now has a Monet: I heard you recently black brace for her finger. did a rebranding under a new In another picture, loved name? And I’ve been to this ones are seen holding up a location, there’s quite a lot streamer in pink letters that of improvements and new say, “Welcome home Hopie.” machines! She also posed with a Imee: Yeah! I am very bouquet of sunflowers along excited about it. The name is with Gil in the middle of the now iSkin Face and Body Spa. beautiful setup made for her. And it is on its third year. And While she was in Califorin celebration of our third year, nia, Gil bridged their long-dis- we are offering 40% discount tance relationship by visiting on select services such as: laser her and accompanying her to auto removal, skin rejuvenation, tourist sites. lightening treatment, face contouring and weight loss and body contouring. We specialize in age-defying treatments and products as well as for acneprone skin. We always look for potent solutions to improve the skin’s condition. One of our Filipina celebrity endorsers is veteran actress Hilda Koronel who’s been raving about our AQUAGOLD, aka the “super mega facial” and it’s made with 24 Karat gold needles. It uses skin needling or more commonly known as microneedling. It’s like having your usual facial treatment – only better. It’s painless and with minimal potential for short term redness. We also have posttreatment products available only at iSkin and Image Spa MD that we call our “Needle-Free fillers.” They are enhanced with collagen. Inquirer.net photo Monet: I’m curious what Now, I’ve forgiven him whole- made you want to start your own TV Beauty segment on heartedly.” She was also able to look tougher for those who comback at what happened and mitted such crime to forget share to people how she was what happened “because able to find peace and forgiveness in her heart through they are now in their right the documentary Radical Love mind, they’re restored to their basic goodness and recently aired on ABS-CBN’s sanity. Kahit sila gusto nilang Sunday’s Best. kalimutan na may nagawa At present, Cherry Pie silang ganun.” plans to continue visiting Her inner peace reflects Michael “for (his) reformation, at how Cherry Pie manto restore and continue both ages to continue living a our healing because it does happy, balanced life with not end there.” her 17-year-old son Nio and She said that it is a lot

TFC (The Filipino Channel) and be a Beauty columnist? We both write for the Asian Journal now! Imee: Yes, I have a segment on Adobo Nation and the beauty column started about 2 years ago. I want to be able to share my knowledge via every medium possible because I thought it would be an injustice not to impart what I know. Writing about my experience and expertise is like giving back to the community. It is through my column that I wish to inspire my readers and educate them about health and beauty. Monet: Tell us again how you started you in this profession. Imee: What started my journey in the medical field is my fascination with medical treatments. It’s probably the reason I took a bachelor’s of science in biology and dentistry in college. Though I graduated with a degree in biology and doctorate in dental medicine, I fell in love with a different career. And it happened when I was seeking treatment for my own skin problems. Having acne as a young woman was not a good feeling. I was determined to do what it takes to get rid of it. When I sought treatments, I was always around dermatologists and skincare specialists. That’s where I became exposed to the practice and got more and more into it as I saw improvements in my own skin. And before I knew it, I was already interviewing for a staff position at the same center who treated my acne. Back then, there was no medical spa. The facilities and technologies were outdated compared to what we have now. People would have their pimples extracted and leave with creams and medicated soaps. It sure does the work but the treatment is not as focused

and customized as I hoped it to be. Right now, we can customize the treatment plan for each client. It’s very personalized and yields amazing results! Monet: What’s the best part about being a celebrity esthetician? Imee: I always tell people that my calling is to help people achieve their health and beauty goals, but what I look forward to every day is seeing them take the first step. We don’t look at clients as a means to earn. Or in this case, for my celebrity clients who are willing to pay to fix their problem areas, I don’t see them as a way to get into the system or on the radar of their contemporaries. I see them as someone who will be part of my crusade in promoting great skin and health. And that is what makes it all worth it. Anybody can do what I do but what sets our business apart is how we treat our clients. I go above and beyond for my them by formulating a treatment plan that may not be what they initially wanted but what would work best for them. I love being able to do my best because they deserve it – celebrity or not. Imee is married to Richard Sarte Maghanoy, who is an electronics and communications engineer. He is also the COO of iSkin Face and Body Spa. They have a daughter named Shannen, who just graduated Nursing at the University of California in Irvine. ***

spending some time with her friends from showbiz. On and off-cam, she is close to Mylene Dizon, Agot Isidro, director Andoy Ranay and Angelica Panganiban. “We’ve been friends for a long time,” she said. “We’re always dreaming of being together and came up with a project — which is happening now.” Cherry Pie was pertaining to the digital series Call

Me Tita, the joint venture of Dreamscape and Heaven’s Best. It will soon come out on the ABS-CBN digital streaming platform iWant. Asked about her lovelife, Cherry Pie revealed, “I’m dating. I’ve been separated for nine years and so ang iniisip ko kasi by next year empty na because Nio will be off to college so parang it’s high time for me to go out naman.”

EMPLOYMENT

Liza gets welcome home surprise from Enrique, loved ones after surgery in US by niñA

V. Guno

Inquirer.net

LIZA Soberano was given a warm welcome by her boyfriend, Enrique Gil, and her loved ones after arriving from the United States on Monday, July 22. The actress was in the U.S. for three months to receive treatment for her finger injury. Her right index finger required multiple operations, and complications such as a bone infection lengthened her stay abroad. Finally, Soberano is home, and her family and friends Liza Soberano Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano made sure she felt how much

Cherry Pie talks about ‘radical love’ by Boy

ABundA Philstar.com

IT was a shocking news when Cherry Pie Picache’s mother, Zenaida Sison, was reported dead due to a brutal killing in 2014. She spent the last five years healing from such tremendous pain and just recently, Cherry Pie did what can be perceived as an extraordinary act: Forgiving the man who killed her mother. The actress’ mom was found dead inside her house in Quezon City with their houseboy, Michael Flores, as the prime suspect. After a thorough investigation, Michael was eventually found guilty of robbery with homicide, and was sentenced to reclusion perpetua or imprisonment of up to 40 years in December, 2015. In her recent guesting in Tonight with Boy Abunda (TWBA), Cherry Pie shared how she was able to find forgiveness in her heart. She was even able to visit Michael and talk to him face-to-face in the prison cell. “God really took over,” she began. “By His grace, I was able to do it. While I was walking, while I was about to

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Cherry Pie Picache

see him, hindi pa ko desidido… I mean desidido ako pero pinagdarasal ko sana magawa ko. I was really praying, ‘Please take over.’” “At hindi ako makapaniwala kasi dinalahan ko pa siya ng pasalubong. I could not believe that I could actually give bread to the person who killed my mother.” Getting involved with different organizations to give talks on forgiveness must have greatly helped her lessen the pain. “I’ve been giving talks (also) in parishes.

Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com.

Minding Your Finances Atty. rAymond BUlAon YOU’VE probably seen a lot of these ads: “Settle your debts for pennies on the dollar!”, “Reduce your debts legally without filing bankruptcy!” “Stop bill collectors now and pay them only what you can!” Are all these just exaggerated claims? Or are any of these ads true? How can you protect yourself from being scammed? If you’ve accumulated a lot of credit card and other debts and have found it difficult to make your payments, perhaps you would like to find a way out of debt without having to file for bankruptcy as much as possible. After all, bankruptcy is often a last resort for most people when no other options exist. But how do you know who to trust before giving anyone your hard-earned dollars? Unfortunately, bad things happen even to good, honest and decent people. And when you are in a situation where your bill collectors are hounding you day and night for payment, you may

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes ONE traditional way of obtaining permanent residency for most immigrants is through a petition by a US citizen spouse. As a spouse of a US 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

How to eliminate debt without filing bankruptcy be tempted to accept the first offer of help from someone who comes along although you may not really understand what you are getting into. FACT: Debt settlement companies are everywhere, often telling you things that are not true. You see them advertising in newspapers, on TV and on the internet. I am sorry to say but a lot of these companies are “scams” for lack of a better term. They will tell you whatever you want to hear and making promises that they can’t keep. Once you hire one of these debt settlement companies, your phone will never stop ringing and they have no way to legally protect you because they are not attorneys (although a lot of them lie to you and claim that they are somehow affiliated with law firms). Don’t believe a word of what they tell you and be very careful especially if this is a company that you have not met with face to face. A lot of these companies are out of state and once they have your money, you may not

hear from them again. Does this mean that all debt settlement companies are dishonest? No, that’s not what I’m saying. But you need to be very careful as there are a lot of unscrupulous and deceitful companies out there who want to take advantage of your misfortune. Before you hire a debt settlement company, make sure that you understand the agreement that you are signing. Over the years, I have heard hundreds of horror stories from clients who have put their faith and trust in a debt settlement company who made a lot of big promises that they could not eventually deliver. They charge large up-front fees before they do any work and in a lot of cases, they don’t explain to you exactly what services they will be providing. Most of them also do not tell you that the credit bureaus will still report your accounts as “late” on your credit report. Thus, if your credit will be ruined anyway, wouldn’t you just be better off filing for bankruptcy so you can get out of debt much quicker without spending Continued on Page 8

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 24, 2019

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond monette AdevA mAglAyA

(Conclusion. Continued from last week’s issue…) We facebook and twitter all day long electronically creating, maintaining or killing off disposable internet relationships, that can defy space and time constraints, that can either bloom and thrive or take shallow roots and die in an instant. It doesn’t really matter. The next thing is just a click away. It remains to be seen what will come out of this relatively new phenomenon that is rewriting how this generation and the succeeding ones will find their mates that are right for them. There is no precedent, no formulas, no template, no books to copy from. The young ones may have to muddle through, make mistakes and come up with a new set of rules to write brand new stories to fire up and light their imaginations while holding steadfast in the belief written in “Desiderata” that despite “…all aridity, love, is as perennial as the grass …” for a work authorization card with Something happened in the the Petition and Adjustment application. The work authorization card will allow the alien spouse to Debt work legally in the United States, Relief 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 Atty. lAwrence yAng to 2 months from filing the application. THE client is 60, while his wife The green card interview is 58. He issued his check to pay is usually set in about 5 to 6 rent of $1,200 but the check was months from the time the peti- dishonored for insufficient funds. tion and application is filed. The The landlord called him to tell him green card interview is the most that his rent check bounced. important step in the process. It The client was surprised that is through this process that the his check bounced because he USCIS officer usually determines had at least $5,000 in the checkwhether the marriage, which ing account. He went to the bank forms the basis of the Petition, and asked why his check bounced was entered in good faith. The when he still had $5,000 in the adjudicating officer usually asks account. The teller informed him detailed questions about the that there was no money in his acmarriage relationship between count because the bank received the US Citizen spouse and alien a notice of levy from his judgment spouse. If the couple do not have creditor for $11,000 and so the children, the marriage are usually sheriff took all the money in his Continued on Page 8 bank account.

Permanent residency through marriage to US citizen spouse 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 US, the alien spouse becomes subject to the 3/10 year unlawful presence bar. The alien spouse may apply for a provisional waiver of the 3/10 year bar inside the US which will give the alien spouse some assurance that he or she may be able to come back the US if he or she interviews at the US 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

community 7 Romantic comedies and that thing called love

Conclusion of 2 parts middle of the last century to interest of equal time, that the atcause some kind of imbalance. traction of opposites is only one Women became liberated from half of a truism. There’s a serious their traditional role after WWII. caveat emptor for all young men They joined the work force and and women out there looking for learned to be independent. The a lifetime mate and seeking guidroles of genders, and those in- ance from a higher power on how between, are no longer as clear- to best proceed. Here it is. cut as they once were. With postAlthough opposites do inwar prosperity and abundance, deed attract, it is the likes that came opportunity for women stay together. The possibility who decided from a wide range of longer, happier lives exists in such a union. In an increasingly unstable, disintegrating world such as ours, such unions of like minds, bodies and spirits make a whole lot of difference. However, NEVER discount the power of chemistry. It is a real force wired into each one of choices that included college, that draws one to the other. Deal career, family and the chance to with it. But in the end, it is the be financially independent. little things that you may have to This is not to say that the past look for to muddle through the was better, only that it was differ- choices and get past appearent and maybe, just a tad easier ances. to figure out. The present times If you are a young woman, pose dilemmas that leave us see how he treats his mother, his scratching our heads. The rules sisters and all the women in his of engagement between men family. If he shows kindness and and women need to be rewrit- is respectful of them, chances ten. are, he will be kind to you and Romantic comedies often glo- respect you as well. The same is rify the attraction of opposites. true of young men. Look at how But it must be made clear in the Continued on Page 8

“Despite all aridity, LOVE, is as perennial as the grass” — From Desiderata

Client with bank account levy seeks Chapter 7 relief The client explains that he had consolidated his credit card loans of about $30,000 through a business providing that service, which he had been paying in monthly installments. He was surprised to find out that his account was levied and all his money taken. He said he only owed the creditor $3,000 so how come the judgment is $11,000? Well, if you add interest and attorney fees and some time, the $3,000 of debt can become $11,000 of judgment. It’s not unusual. Can he get his $5,000 that was levied back? Yes, he can, how? By filing a claim for exemption in the court that issued the judgment and levy, on the ground that the funds taken are necessary for his basic necessities. He must also attach a declaration and financial

statement showing his gross and net income for the household vs. monthly living expenses and conclude that the funds taken are required for his basic necessities. He must file the claim in with the supporting documents, get a hearing date and time form the clerk of court, then serve the claim of exemption on the creditor and file in the proof of service to the creditor. The creditor is given the opportunity to object to the claim of exemption and appear at the hearing. The hearing will be set at least 30 days after the claim of exemption is filed but the claim of exemption and all supporting documents must be filed within 10 days of the levy date. If the judge agrees with the client, the judge will issue an order Continued on Page 8

community

2019 Alhambra Night Out against crime

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 24, 2019

How to eliminate debt without filing...

From Page 7 so much money? This doesn’t mean that debt settlement is not an alternative to filing bankruptcy. In some cases, it is better than bankruptcy if settling your debts is the best way to protect your assets without having a bankruptcy on your record. Remember, however, that settlements are only available on unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills and department store cards, auto repo and foreclosure deficiencies. Also,

you may need to file bankruptcy right away if there is an immediate threat to your property or income such as a lawsuit, wage garnishment, bank levy or foreclosure. And If it’s going to take more than 12-18 months to negotiate settlements with your creditors, in most cases, bankruptcy might be the better way to go. In such case, you might want to seek the advice of an experienced bankruptcy attorney who can evaluate your situation and help you decide what is best for you.

For a free attorney consultation, call Toll-Free 1-866-4777772. 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)

Romantic comedies and that thing... From Page 7 your intended treats her dad and all the men in the family. Look for kindness and generosity of spirit above all, old-fashioned traits that wear well. There are clear indicators and there are red flags. Watch for them. Do not let love or the stirrings of lust blind you totally. If faith and religion, commitment and fidelity are both important to you, the likelihood is there that these core beliefs will be a bond that will hold you in tough times. It may seem funny to you but the parents of your intended are more than likely a preview of how your fiancé or fiancée will turn out to be 2 or 3 decades from now.

The past, as Shakespeare once said, is prologue. Take heed. There will be exceptions of course, but the mango does not fall far from the tree. You can prevent heartache by a balanced mix of heart and mind when choosing the love of your life. Sometimes, the heart is recalcitrant and makes a choice for you but know that a humble, grateful heart who asks for guidance particularly in the all too important decision of choosing a lifetime mate, in sincere, constant prayer that assaults heaven will not be spurned. If this is important to you and it should be, get down on your knees and beg for this grace.

Time heals all wounds. But do take heart. Time also wounds all heels. Since God gave us free will, we are able to write parts of our own stories. If we were all writers, we have in front of us, a tabula rasa, a blank page, a cursor at the ready, steadily flashing, patiently waiting for your stories to spill, the remanufactured, recycled or better yet, the brand new, original stories of romantic comedies that beg to be written. The world, I am sure, would like to hear about yours. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

From Page 7 subject to closer scrutiny. Along with this inquiry process, the USCIS would usually request for certain documents that proves 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 con-

dition 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.

Permanent residency through marriage...

*** 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)

JOIN the City of Alhambra and the Alhambra Police Department in celebrating 2019 National Night Out. National Night Out is a designated evening when communities across America come together to take a stand against crime, and promote drug prevention and awareness in their neighborhoods. This event encourages the

community to get acquainted with the Alhambra Police Department and its officers and staff in a friendly, informal environment. It also helps foster stronger relationships among neighbors in an effort to strengthen communities. The event is free to attend and will include picnic food (hot dogs, snacks, and refreshments), police

station tours and demonstrations, informational booths, and other family friendly activities. Come out and get to know the Alhambra Police Department and take a stand against crime. For more information, contact the Alhambra Police Department Crime Prevention office at (626) 570-5177 or email crimeprevention@alhambrapd.org.

Client with bank account levy seeks Chapter 7... From Page 7 to have the $5,000 returned to the client. The client has also decided to file for Chapter 7 relief as he and wife still owe about $25,000 of credit card debt and he wants all of those discharged once and for all to avoid another levy or wage garnishment situation. If the judge denies the claim of exemption, then the client has lost the $5,000 for good. He doesn’t feel good losing the $5,000 because he only owed $3,000 and says it is unjust that he now owes $11,000 for a $3,000 debt. Can he keep the $5,000 in Chapter 7 if the judge orders the refund? Yes. He can keep the $5K because in his case, he can exempt the entire 5K under 703.140(b)(5) of the California Code of Civil Procedure. So, with Chapter 7, he and his wife get a fresh start in life without the burden of any debt while keeping all their assets, all their retirement accounts, all their cards, and all their cash. No worries anymore and they don’t have to keep paying installments on a consolidation through a business service that probably keeps the money in their pocket. That’s why the client’s bank account was levied despite the consolidation because who knows where the installment payments are going. It’s not like a Chapter 13 where the court-appointed trustee distributes the

plan payments to all creditors and there is a court order that prohibits further collection efforts against the debtor while the Chapter 13 is still in efect. Client with notice of default on house seeks Chapter 13 relief The next client is 52 and doesn’t work. His wife makes about $88,000 a year as a registered nurse. They own a house but the mortgage has not been paid for eight months. The mortgage is $2,500 a month so he owes about $20,000 in arrears. He received by certified a notice of default with a recording date of June 27, 2017, informing him that the bank has decided to commence foreclosure proceedings and that he has 90 days to pay the arrears in full plus all legal fees and penalties otherwise a foreclosure sale date will be set approximately 21 days after the 90 days expires. So the client is worried that he may lose the house to foreclosure after September 27. Well, I think he should worry more about his wife asking him to explain why the mortgage is eight months past due when she has been giving him her net income of $6,000 a month? That’s a perfectly valid and legitimate question to ask don’t you think so? At any rate, the client now

needs to file for Chapter 13 to save his house from foreclosure. Chapter 13 will freeze the default at $20,000 and will allow the client to pay that off in 60 months, that’s about $340 a month. In addition, he has to resume the current mortgage payment a month after the case is filed. The foreclosure process stops immediately upon the filing of the Chapter 13 case. I told him that it may help if he actually got a job to help with the additional expense of the plan payment for the arrears because wife’s income is good at net $6,000 but the mortgage has not been paid for eight months, so something else must be going on that is draining the funds, right? I mean, we weren’t born yesterday, money doesn’t just disappear, it’s going off somewhere where it’s not supposed to. The math doesn’t add up. 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 24, 2019

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE -July 24, 2019