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AUGUST 2-8, 2018
T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R
Volume 29 - No. 28 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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DATELINE Trump reaffirms possible government shutdown, calling it ‘small price to pay’ for border security FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
PRESIDENT Donald Trump made clear on Tuesday, July 31, that he’s serious about shutting down the government if Congress fails to pass new immigration and border security measures like border wall funding. Trump sounded off the likelihood of a government shutdown at least twice since the weekend, starting with a tweet on Sunday, July 29, saying that he was “willing to ‘shut down’ government if Democrats do not give us the votes for Border Security, which includes the Wall!” He doubled down on the threat on Monday, July 30, during a joint news conference with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, saying, “If we don’t get border security after many, many years of talk within the United States, I would have no problem doing a shutdown.” He added that the U.S. was the “laughing stock of the world,” and had the “worst immigration laws anywhere in the world.” While the initial shutdown remarks did
US jury indicts Napoles, kin for domestic, int’l money laundering by AJPRESS A UNITED States federal grand jury this week charged Janet LimNapoles and five of her family members for allegedly transferring around $20 million U.S. dollars to purchase real-estate properties, luxury vehicles, and business shares. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for
the Central District of California indicted Janet Lim-Napoles; her children Jo Christine, 34, James Christopher, 33, and Jeane Catherine, 28; her brother Reynald Lim, 52, and his wife, Ana Lim, 47, according to a release on Tuesday, July 31. They were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, domestic money laundering
and international money laundering from September 2012 to August 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. “Approximately $20 million of those funds were diverted to money remitters in the Philippines and then wired to Southern California bank accounts where the money was used to purchase real
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by ANTHONY
Q. ESGUERRA
Inquirer.net
How the US-Mexico border wall affects the environment Thousands from international science community warn of wall’s consequences
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Philstar.com photo
Cayetano: No secret deal with China
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EFFORTS on the proposal to continue construction along the U.S. and Mexico border has without a doubt negatively impacted thousands of lives, most notably the thousands of migrant families still hoping to be reunited after being separated at the border. But the international scientific community is adding that the wall also presents alarming consequences for the environment along the divide, which is home to thousands of vulnerable populations of plants and animals. A report published Tuesday, July 24 in the journal BioScience, determined that as many as 1,077 animal species and 429 plant species — 66 from both groups of which are critically endangered — would be affected by the construction of new borders. Outlining the environmental harms seen
Janet Lim-Napoles
FOR A PROGRESSIVE PHILIPPINES. President Rodrigo Duterte and guests flash their clenched fists during the Joint 68th National Security Council (NSC) and 69th National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Founding Anniversary Celebration at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Tuesday, July 31. Duterte urged NSC and NICA to help his administration in ensuring a more progressive country for the next generation. “Together, let us continue to make great strides as we collectively bring our country towards a safer and brighter tomorrow,” he said. Malacañang photo by Karl Norman Alonzo
Duterte warns cops with illegal activities: I will make you my ‘project’ by NATHALIE
ROBLES
sa droga, ‘yang mga murderfor-hire, kasi ipa-project ko rin PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte kayo (Don’t get involved in illegal in a speech on Tuesday, July 31 drugs or murder-for-hire because strongly warned the members I will make you my ‘project’, too),” of the Philippine National Police Duterte said. (PNP) to refrain from engaging in During the 68th National Seillegal activities. curity Council and 69th National “Huwag kayong pumasok diyan Intelligence Coordinating Agency AJPress
founding anniversary celebration in Pasay City, the tough-talking leader emphasized that uniformed personnel must abide by his warning or suffer the consequences. “You can be very sure there will be a project for you and really that is to neutralize or terminate you,”
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EU, UN hail Bangsamoro Law by HELEN
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Farinas Sr. (left) hands over to Bangsamoro Transition Committee Chairman and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar (2nd left) the Conference Committee Report after the marathon hearing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday, July 18. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
FLORES AND PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com
THE European Union and the United Nations hailed President Duterte’s enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which, according to the EU, represents an opportunity for the Filipino people to embrace peace and stability after decades of conflict, and which the UN called a “landmark achievement on the road to lasting peace in southern Philippines.” European Commission for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations spokesperson Maja Kocijancic said the signing of the BOL comes after 21 years of formal talks after the first ceasefire agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “It underlines both parties’ commitment to peace and their ability to tackle a variety of complex matters
through a comprehensive and inclusive law,” she said. The regional group also hailed those involved in the negotiation and adoption of the law who have undertaken important work to bring stability and well-being to the people of Mindanao. Kocijancic said the EU remains a staunch supporter of the Mindanao Peace Process and is prepared to support the implementation of the BOL in the future, in view of long-lasting peace, development and prosperity in Mindanao and for the Filipinos. UN Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated negotiators of the Philippine government and the MILF, the Bicameral Conference Committee, the Bangsamoro Transi-
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FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday, July 31 denied speculations that the Duterte administration had secret dealings with China. “We held no secret meetings. All the meetings are on the record,” he told reporters. Reacting to calls for transparency on the Philippines dealing with China, Cayetano stressed that all the meetings between the Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter administration and Chinese Cayetano Inquirer.net photo officials including President Xi Jinping, Vice President Wang Qishan and Premier Li Kequiang were all on record. “There are no secret deals. We are working out the issues, and principles are being discussed,” he said. Cayetano claimed that it was the Aquino administration that was not transparent with its handling of territorial rows with China. He said Manila, as a claimant state, will continue to engage Beijing and other members of the Association of
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Aquino shares the blame in impunity, says Palace by NATHALIE
ROBLES
AJPress
MALACANANG responded to former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s criticism saying that he shares the blame in the culture of impunity for his failure in addressing media killings during his term. “I wish he did more also in protecting human life,” presiFormer President Benigno dential spokesperson Harry Aquino III Inquirer.net photo Roque said. This was after Aquino on Monday, July 30, publicly stated his objection to President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement in his State of the Nation Address (SONA). “Puwede bang paghiwalayin iyun? Puwede bang wala kang karapatan na universal nga. Maski saang parte ng mundo, pare-pareho iyung basic rights (How can those [human rights and human lives] be separated? Is it possible to have no rights when it is universal? Everywhere in the world, it is all the same basic rights),” Aquino told the reporters. In a report from ABS-CBN News, the former president included a quote from his late father, Sen. Ninoy Aquino. “Naalala ko iyung sinabi ng tatay ko noong araw, ‘pag pinayagan mong yurakan ang karapatan ng isa, hinahanda mo iyung pagkakataon na iyung karapatan mo rin ang mayurakan (I remember what my father
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From The FronT Page
Cayetano: No secret deal with...
the correct information on China’s actions in the West Philippine Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Sea, he will release the “50 to 100 to pursue a code of conduct on the diplomatic protests� that he said South China Sea. the government has filed against Vice President Leni Robredo’s China,� Robredo spokesperson camp has challenged Cayetano to Atty. Barry Gutierrez said in a staterelease the “50 to 100 diplomatic ment on Tuesday. protests� he claimed the governDuring a House Special Panel ment has filed against China in the hearing on the West Philippine last two years. Sea last May, Cayetano said the “If Secretary Allan Peter Cay- government has filed 50 to 100 etano wants the public to have diplomatic protests against China PAGE A1
since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office. He also clarified that protests come in many forms and that a simple objection by the President could already be considered a diplomatic protest. Cayetano has repeatedly defended the government’s stance in the sea dispute, claiming that the country is enjoying the sovereign rights it gained from the 2016 arbitral ruling. n
Aquino shares the blame in... PAGE A1 once said, ‘if you allow the rights of another person to be violated, you are paving the way for your own rights to be trampled upon),� the younger Aquino stated. Roque clapped back noting that Aquino was also at fault in several issues involving human lives. “It was during his administration that the United Nations noticed that we were in breach of our obligation to the right to life, especially on the killing of journalists as well,� Roque said. In a report from Inquirer.net, Aquino’s remarks were an apparent swipe when Duterte stressed that he was more concerned with human lives in combating illegal drugs. “If you think that I can be dissuaded from continuing this fight because of demonstrations, your protests, which I, by the way, find misdirected, then you got it all wrong. Your concern is human rights, mine is human lives,� Duterte said last week. Roque ensured the public that Duterte is standing by his controversial statement and that there should be no argument about the value of human rights. “The president goes by what he says. He’s pursuing the drug war because he values human lives,� Roque said in a press briefing. “If the construction of many is that human life forms part of human rights, then so be it. That proves my point [that] the president is espousing, protecting, advancing human rights.� The Duterte administration had been drawing flak in its increasing drug war casualties, as well as the growing number of slain journalists since the president assumed office. n
SAP COCO LEVY BILL. Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, said the approval by the bicameral conference committee of the reconciled version of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Act, “marks the end of the long and grueling journey of enacting a law which will make sure 3.5 million coconut farmers will greatly benefit from the P100-billion funds which are rightfully theirs.� In photo are members of the bicam panel (standing) Rep. Cecilia Chavez, Sen.Francis Pangilinan, Rep. Celso Lobregat, Rep. Arthur Yap, Rep. Edcel Lagman, Rep. Manuel Sagarbarria; (seated) Rep. Evelina Escudero, Villar, Rep. Jose Panganiban Jr., and Rep. Sharon Garin. Also in photo are Department of Agriculture officials. Senate photo
US jury indicts Napoles, kin for... PAGE A1 estate, shares in two businesses, two Porsche Boxsters, and finance the living expenses of three family members residing in the United States: Jeane Napoles, Reynald Lim, and Ana Lim,� the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said in a press statement. The statement added that an audit in September 2012 first discovered the fraud before Philippine press exposed it in July 2013. “Napoles and her family members attempted to quietly liquidate the assets in the United States, secretly repatriate most of the resulting funds back to the Philippines and to other accounts in the U.S. and United Kingdom, and disburse some of the funds to Jeane Napoles, who used the money to finance her lifestyle and open a fashion business,� the U.S. Department of Justice wrote. Federal prosecutors claim that the funds in question were obtained through intricate bribery and fraud scheme, resulting in the implication of the defendants with domestic and international bribery as well as conspiracy. Court documents show that approximately $12.5 million in Southern California real estate has been seized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and is subject to a civil forfeiture case pending before United States District Judge James V. Selna.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently handling the case, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel O’Brien, Deputy Chief of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section is prosecuting the case. The information regarding the name of the defense counsel and/or whether the Napoles family has any is yet to be disclosed. The money transmitted to the U.S. over the two-year period is believed to be Philippine government funds originally intended to benefit poor Filipino people. If the court deems the assets illegally obtained, the U.S. Justice Department will work with Philippine officials to have the funds returned to the PH government. Janet Napoles, 54, is known as the alleged mastermind behind the infamous “pork barrel scam� — an issue involving the allocation of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). She is currently detained at the Camp Bagong Diwa detention center in Taguig City and is on trial for five counts of plunder, graft, and other cases before the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court. Five Philippine lawmakers allegedly benefitted from the scheme; three of whom are former Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada. Their cases involved the misuse of funds by transmitting them to non-existent projects of bogus institutions
and NGOs. Luxurious properties, lavish lifestyle captured on social media In a report by ABS-CBN News, social media posts of Janet Napoles’ daughter Jeane, spurred an investigation by the Philippine Bureau of Investigation (BIR). Photos from Jeane’s Instagram were published by ABS-CBN in 2013, which included a Porsche Cayenne and Porsche Boxster, a total cost of over P4 million. Apart from the cars, Jeane also posted photos of herself with luxury items such as watches, purses, clothing, shoes and jewelry. Around that same time, videos of her 21st lavish birthday party at the Beverly Hills Hotel surfaced. The Napoles’ then-lawyer Lorna Kapunan defended that the family was rich because of their businesses abroad. According to Kapunan, the party was a reward for Jeane for finishing her course with honors at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise, a school that carried a $30,000 annual tuition. That time, the alleged mastermind of the PDAF scam insisted that their wealth was from legitimate sources, and added that their family co-owned a hotel near Disneyland in Los Angeles. Napoles’ daughter that time also owned a unit at the Ritz Carlton Residences in Los An-
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Pilgrimage to Some of ITALY’s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5(9 -2(/ %8*$6 ĹĄ 1RYHPEHU WR 1RYHPEHU 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; 86$ 520( 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH Upon our arrival in Rome, our Tour Escort will welcome us to Italy. Rome is the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all over the world. After a short panoramic orientation of this Eternal City to us Roman Catholics, we will have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 3DSDO $XGLHQFH 5RPH This morning before we continue with our tour, we will have a Papal Audience. Then after, we will visit the famous Coliseum and see the Forum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi Fountain, before heading to our Hotel. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D)
'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH %DVLOLFDV We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, and even ancient Greek and Roman artists. the largest church in Roman Catholicism, St. Peter’s Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary Major, Followed by visit of the Basilica. We continue to visit the rest of the major Basilicas within the walls of Rome, and St. John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same steps that Christ ascended to receive Pilate’s unjust condemnation. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY )UL Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of the stigmatization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year. San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina from 28 July, 1916 until his death on 23 September, 1968. Enjoy the drive going to San Giovanni, after we check in our Hotel. vWe visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated with him, such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace that contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditating, see his room, his confessional box and the cruciďŹ x that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Celebrate Holy Eucharist (Hotel Gran Paradiso) DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN San Giovanni Rotondo (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6DW Ĺ&#x; 6$1 *,29$11, 52721'2 This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body. Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesome Basilica. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO (Hotel Gran Paradiso)
'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6XQ Ĺ&#x; 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR /DQFLDQR /RUHWR MASS AND BREAKFAST. We arrive at Lanciano, famous for the Miracle of the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The miracle took place during the 8th century when a Basiline monk doubted the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. He found himself holding the host that had changed into Real Flesh and the Wine on the altar had changed into Real Blood. We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to see the famous sacred home of the most Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Since 1294 the holy home has been located inside the Basilica of Loreto. Celebrate Holy Eucharist in Lanciano. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi. 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; /RUHWR $VVLVL Today we explore the hilltop birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. In the Crypt of St Francis Basilica lies the tomb of one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Eucharist at the Crypt of St. Francis See the Basilica of St Clare, with her incorrupt body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its CruciďŹ x from which Jesus spoke to Francis about his mission in 1206: “Go, Francis, and rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.â€? We visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi took place in 1240. The small Church of the Porziuncola is inside the Basilica itself. Pope Honorius III granted a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble Church on August 1st and 2nd every year, with Confession, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; $VVLVL 6LHQD )ORUHQFH We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built in the 13th century, it is a treasure chest of the Renaissance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the city’s history while admiring it’s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s great medieval squares. Continue to Florence. (BB,D) We start with a guided walking tour of Florence, this fascinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist. Rest of the day free (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; )ORUHQFH 5RPH Leave Florence around 2PM Arrived Rome almost dinner time (BB.D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 86$ End of our wonderful Pilgrimage
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DATELINE USA
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 2-8, 2018
Rosen leads introduction of House resolution to defend constitutionality of pre-existing conditions protections
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Resolution is co-sponsored by top House Democratic leaders, including Ranking Members of all committees of jurisdiction
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Jacky Rosen (NV03) introduced a resolution that would authorize the Office of the General Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives to intervene in a pending federal lawsuit on behalf of the House to defend the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act’s coverage protections for people with pre-existing conditions.
The resolution is co-sponsored by the Ranking Members of all House committees of jurisdiction in addition to Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. In June, the Trump Administration’s Justice Department effectively announced it will no longer defend key parts of the ACA that prevent insurance companies from charging more to cover pre-
existing conditions or denying coverage altogether. According to the Center for American Progress, approximately 1.2 million Nevadans have a pre-existing medical condition. Last week, Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO) introduced a similar Senate resolution authorizing the Senate Legal Counsel to intervene in Texas vs. United
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Trump reaffirms possible government shutdown... PAGE A1 alarm some Republican lawmakers, others also seemed confident that Trump wouldn’t shut the government down as the political risk seemed too great in light of the upcoming midterm elections. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told the Washington Post on Monday, July 30 that he was sure Congress would be able to avoid a shutdown. But Trump said Tuesday afternoon that he didn’t care about the political consequences. He tweeted, “I don’t care what the political ramifications are, our immigration laws and border security have been a complete and total disaster for decades, and there is no way that the Democrats will allow it to be fixed without a Government Shutdown.” “Border security is National Security, and National Security is the long-term viability of our Country,” Trump added in a following tweet. “A Government Shutdown is a very small price to pay for a safe and Prosperous America!” The latest shutdown threat followed a tweet he posted that referenced a Mexican National Institute of Statistics and Geography report showing an increased homicide count in Mexico for the year 2017. Bad timing, say Republicans Trump’s shutdown threats came several days after GOP lawmakers were said to have come up with a plan to avoid a government shutdown before the November midterm elections. Trump has threatened a government shutdown over border wall funding before — in February, he
said that he would “love to see a shut down if we can’t get this stuff taken care off” — but the timing of the recent comments is what lawmakers, including Republican, are most worried about. If a government shutdown were to occur, it would happen in September — close to elections where Republicans are hoping to keep a stronghold in Congress. At a meeting with Trump last Wednesday, July 25, McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan reached an agreement with the president that funding for the wall would not have to be reached by the end of the current financing period. McConnell also reportedly warned Trump that pursuing a fight over border wall funding could hinder Trump’s nominee Brett Kavanaugh from taking the vacant Supreme Court seat. On Tuesday, McConnell and other Senate GOP lawmakers said that they are still following their plan to approve 9 of the 12 spending bills by the end of August. “We’re trying to go through a normal appropriations process that prevents a big event at the end of the fiscal year, which has become all too common around here,” said McConnell, as quoted by the Washington Post. “Hopefully we don’t get to that position at the end of the fiscal year,” he added. Responding to Trump’s earlier shutdown threats, the New York Times quoted Republican Rep. Tom Cole saying: “We’re going to have a challenging midterm anyways, and I don’t see how putting the attention on shutting
down the government when you control the government is going to help you.” On CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., who serves as chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, similarly said he didn’t think the shutdown would be helpful, “so let’s try and avoid it.” Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., told NPR’s “Morning Edition” that the shutdown issue puts Republicans “in a bad position.” He dismissed Trump’s blame on Democrats and said that because Republicans hold majority in both the House and the Senate, they could pass funding for the wall if they wanted. “Many Republicans don’t want to spend $25 billion to $40 billion on a wall when they don’t have enough money for medical research, for cancer research, for rebuilding some of our water supplies in the United States,” said Leahy. Trump has yet to receive the full $25 billion he requested, but House Republicans last month in July released a spending bill that puts $5 billion towards Trump’s wall next year. Asked on Monday whether the $25 billion was a red line, Trump said he didn’t have a red line, and “always leaves room for negotiation.” “I just want great border security,” said Trump. A government shutdown usually happens when Congress is unable to pass a budget. The deadline for the next budget is September 30. (Rae Ann Varona /AJPress)
CONSULTATIVE MEETING. Senator Nancy Binay is joined by Department of Tourism Region VII Director Shalimar Tamano in a consultative meeting with tourism stakeholders on the state of Panglao island. Binay reiterated her position that there is a need to know the carrying capacity of an island to avoid a repeat of what happened in Boracay. Senate photo
Duterte warns cops with illegal activities...
PAGE A1 Duterte stated. He explained how such reminder seemed necessary so that police ‘scalawags’ will be punished, as reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. “Kung hindi ko ganunin, walang mangyari sa ating bayan at this time when we are all bombarded with drugs, nobody seems to obey the law (If I will not do that, nothing will happen to our country at this time when we are all bombarded with drugs, nobody seems to obey the law),” the president said. Duterte also claimed that “human rights” prevent people from following laws. He went on to compare his term with the previous administration. “Ang pulis noon, previous administration, walang nahuli, iilan
ilang buy-bust. It was only after I became president… nakita ko ang Pilipino nakapila na by the thousands araw-araw diyan sa television, all contaminated, all sickly, all rendered inutile because of drugs (The police before, in the previous administration, only conducted a few buy-busts. It was only after I became president… that I saw Filipinos lined up, all contaminated, all sickly, all rendered inutile because of drugs),” he said. Duterte’s warning comes after recent controversy wherein a policeman was killed while three others were arrested in Taguig City for their alleged involvement in a kidnap-extortion incident. Despite the international condemnation, the Philippine leader continues his war on drugs campaign.
EU, UN hail Bangsamoro... PAGE A1 tion Commission and civil society groups for their efforts. “The United Nations will continue to support the Philippines in the implementation of the law and to help build the capacity of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority as an effective conduit for peace, democratic governance and human rights,” the UN said in a statement. ‘Important step’ Japan also welcomed the enactment of the BOL for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro
Kono said “the enactment of this law is an important step toward the establishment of the new (Bangsamoro) autonomous government in Mindanao.” “Japan sincerely commends the efforts of the government of the Philippines, the MILF and all others concerned,” Kono said. Japan strongly hopes that the transition process toward the inauguration of the Bangsamoro will be steadily implemented, including ratification of the organic law and establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. Japan has been supporting the peace process for many years
A line from his State of the Nation Address (SONA) noted that his concern is on “human lives” rather than “human rights” garnered disdain from his critics. Former President Benigno Aquino even commented on the issue, asserting that those two were inseparable. In a report from ABS-CBN News, the PNP has long been accused of corruption and inefficiency. As an attempt to address such complaints, the police force is ridding itself of unscrupulous individuals by conducting random drug tests on its personnel. The PNP Internal Affairs Services (IAS) has recommended the dismissal of at least 85 cops since the war on drugs started its operations. Around 349 police officers tested positive for illegal drug use. ■ under the conviction that peace in Mindanao will contribute to regional peace and stability, as declared in the Japan-Philippines Joint Statement on Bilateral Cooperation for the Next Five Years announced in October 2017. Kono said Japan would enhance its support for the development of Mindanao in a wide range of fields, in accordance with progress in the peace process. The House of Representatives approved the proposed BOL, which the administration and its authors said is the key to promoting lasting peace in Mindanao. The BOL will create a new Muslim regional entity and replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. ■
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Philippine trade agency hosts seminar on job creation and entrepreneurship in LA by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
LOS ANGELES — In an effort to uplift the jobs market in the Philippines, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center and the Philippine Consulate General of LA hosted a “Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan” seminar on Thursday, July 26 at the Consulate office in Koreatown. Conceived from the AmBisyon Natin 2040 and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development missions, the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) initiative hopes to expand the resources available to small business owners and entrepreneurs as well as encourage more people to start their own, independent businesses. “The thrust of the government is really to bring development in our regions and that is what the TNK and our role as Filipino American communities,” said Celynne Layug, trade commissioner at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center - San Francisco. “That’s what we want to build on and to have a contribution for.” Under the Duterte administration, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) prioritized higher rates of employment and income opportunities to combat inequality in a struggling jobs market. The TNK initiative was then created to fulfill that mission and give voice to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through workshops, government programs and easy access to mentorship, funding sources and marketing. “MSMEs form the heart and soul of our nation’s economy, so they deserve representation,” Layug said. According to the DTI,
Trade Commissioner of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center Celynne Layug leads a panel of business owners and headhunters. From L-R, Armando Bartolome of GMB Management Services Global, Inc.; Linda Stone, founder and CEO of APR Consulting, Inc.; Dr. Ed Arcinue, M.D., owner of Sual Global International, Inc.; and Ed Romualdo of Asset Laboratories. AJPress photos by Klarize Medenilla
recruit college graduates into her company. “There are limited talents and we needed a lot of people who had call center experience, but we couldn’t find the right talents in Clark,” Stone said. “As a business owner, you have to utilize all the resources available to find the right talents, but on the other side, as a prospective employee, you need to have the right credentials and training and experience to make yourself viable for companies.” A major goal of the DTI is to also uplift MSMEs throughout all provinces, especially those in the rural areas of the country. According to the DTI data from 2015 (the year with the latest available data), the regions with the fastest growth rates have occurred in Bicol (8.4 percent), West Visayas (8.3 percent), Davao (7.9 percent), Zamboanga Peninsula (7.2 percent) and Metro Manila (6.6 percent). “It’s about synergy, it’s about sharing our experiences and ups and downs to make that kind of difference, and it shows with the dedication because, as the administration stresses, one of our biggest goals is development in the provinces. A delegation of lawmakers and community leaders from Bacolod, Philippines — which was voted the top local government unit last year — including Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, were present at Thursday’s seminar to showcase the economic growth that the city, as well as the whole of Negros Occidental, has experienced in the last few years. “We have the fastest-growing economy in the Philippines, so please come to Bacolod so we can Philippine Consulate General of LA Adelio Angelito Cruz (center) poses with business owners, lay down everything that you need entrepreneurs and community leaders. Some of the special guests included Philippine politicians, as a business owner,” Familiaran including Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran of Bacolod, Philippines (pictured to the right of Cruz). said. n 99.57 percent of enterprises in the Philippines are MSMEs, which comprise of 63.8 percent of the country’s workforce. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Philippines job market has been growing in the last few years and will continue to grow. The gross domestic product (GDP) rose to 6.7 percent in 2018 with a forecast of 1.5 percent increase by the end of the year. According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the national unemployment rate declined to 5.5 percent in 2018, down 0.2 points from 2017. TNK panelist Linda R. Stone, CEO of APR Consulting Inc., which provides recruitment and payroll services to corporations, founded APR three decades ago and has grown it into a leading name in the consulting and staffing industry. All business owners know that jobs creation can’t exist without a pool of educated talent, which was why Stone moved her office from Clark City to Makati City to
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BUDGET HEARING. Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno (second right), NEDA Director General Ernesto Pernia (second left), Bangko Sentral Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. (right), Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez (left), and Rep. Joey Salceda interact during the budget hearing in Congress on Tuesday, July 31. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
US jury indicts Napoles, kin for... PAGE A2 geles, with an estimated value of $800,000 to $9.3 million. Due to an extradition treaty signed in 1994, the accused might be tried in a U.S. court. United States Attorney Nick Hanna said they will work with the Philippine government to extradite the defendants to the U.S. “The efforts of the Philippine and American investigators demonstrate that there are consequences to abusing the public trust and we hope to deter such
conduct in the future. To do this, we will work with our Philippine counterparts to secure the extradition of the defendants to the United States,” Hanna said in a statement. In a separate report by Inquirer on Wednesday, August 1, Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that the government is prepared to extradite the Napoles family. “We have been collaborating with the U.S. Department of Justice on these money launder-
ing charges against Napoles,” Guevarra said. He added, “We welcome this development as it paves the way for the return of the people’s money to our national treasury.” However, Guevarra explained that the Philippines cannot extradite Napoles to the U.S. until her case in her home country is resolved. He also added that only the relatives of Napoles who were not facing charges in the Philippines may be extradited to the U.S. n
How the US-Mexico border wall affects the... PAGE A1 over the past decade as a result of construction along the roughly 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border, the report further warns of the Trump administration’s plan to complete a continuous border wall by describing it as a threat to “some of the continent’s most biologically diverse regions.” “Fences and walls erected along international boundaries in the name of national security have unintended but significant consequences for biodiversity,” wrote the scientists. Co-signing the report are over 2,700 scientists (and growing) from all over the world, including from the Philippines. Over 700 additional signatures come from general supporters. Among the report’s authors are prominent biologists Paul Ehrlich and E.O. Wilson. Nature divided The authors stated that physical barriers fragment habitats and degrade landscape connectivity for animals, thus preventing them from getting access to food, water, and mates among other needs. The endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, for example, relies on trekking between California and Mexico for water and birthing sites. For the also endangered Mexican gray wolf and Sonoran pronghorn, building a wall would make it nearly impossible for them to reestablish recently
declining populations. “Fragmented populations may suffer from reduced genetic diversity and face greater extinction risks,” wrote the authors. The report also cited the Real ID Act which was passed by U.S. Congress in 2005, ultimately allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authority to waive any laws that get in the way of the wall’s construction. These include the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). “With these laws sidelined, wall construction proceeds without the necessary depth of environmental monitoring, mitigation, public input, and pursuit of legal remedies,” reads the report. The DHS has already issued eight waivers in all four border states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas since 2005. Three of the waivers were from the Trump administration in 2017 for construction in California and New Mexico. The researchers also argued that the border wall and efforts towards its completion devalue conservation investment and scientific research. “The U.S. and Mexican governments, tribes, nongovernmental organizations, and private landowners have set aside many millions of acres of protected land and invested millions of dollars in conservation,
often bi-nationally coordinated,” wrote the authors. Around 4.5 million hectares of U.S. and Mexican protected areas within 80 kilometers of borderlines are overseen for biodiversity conservation. Another 2.6 million hectares are managed for sustainable multiuse. Of the total borderland area, 18 percent are protected lands. The authors added that U.S. and Mexican scientists have also shared “distressing stories of being intimidated, harassed, and delayed by border security officers.” Rob Peters, the lead author of the study and a biologist at Defenders of Wildlife, told Earther that the sheer number of support from the international science community shows how dire the consequences of border construction are. “Given that scientists by nature and training are often hesitant about weighing in on public issues, that so many signed is strong validation of how disastrous the wall would be,” Peters told Earther. In the report, authors urged the U.S. government to recognize and prioritize the conservation of the “ecological, economic, political, and cultural value of the U.S-Mexico borderlands.” “National security can and must be pursued with an approach that preserves our natural heritage,” wrote the authors. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)
Rosen leads introduction of House resolution... PAGE A3 States. “I’m fighting back against this latest assault on our health care system in federal court and stepping up to ensure we defend coverage protections for my constituents and hardworking Americans across the country who have a pre-existing medical condition,” said Rosen. “Refusing to defend the existing law could take us back to the days when insurance companies could discriminate against people for everything from battling cancer to being pregnant. I refuse to sit on the sidelines while this Administration declines to defend these life-saving protections, and I hope members of Congress on both sides of the aisle will support this resolution. No issue is more personal or more important than protecting our health care, and I’ll continue to work with my colleagues against any effort to roll back access to affordable health care for Nevadans.” “Just like Republicans in Congress, the Trump Administration has turned its back on the 130 million Americans who have pre-existing medical conditions,” said Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee. “The Justice Department’s exceptional refusal to defend existing law demands exceptional action from the legislative branch – that’s why I’ve signed my name to this resolution. Families across the nation will gravely suffer if we return to the days when insurance companies could discriminate against or deny coverage altogether from people for having conditions like diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and cancer – or simply for being a woman. We must ensure these critical protections remain in place to help Americans retain their access to care and avoid
financial ruin.” “The Trump administration’s cynical attempt to subvert the law and eliminate pre-existing condition protections for 130 million Americans is an attack on the American health care system. Democrats won’t stand idly by while President Trump and his Republican allies in Congress seek to increase costs, drive up uninsured rates, and deny coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions, ” said Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., Ranking Member on the Energy and Commerce Committee. “I commend Rep. Rosen for her strong leadership in the fight to protect access to affordable health care for all Americans.” “The Trump Administration’s refusal to defend key protections in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is not only a threat to what has been the law of the land for over 8 years, it represents the abandonment of a longstanding, bipartisan commitment by the Department of Justice to defend duly enacted federal laws in federal court,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. “The Department of Justice has an obligation to defend the ACA and the vital protections it provides to the 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions. In failing to defend these provisions, the Trump Administration is trying—yet again—to sabotage the ACA at the expense of consumers across the nation. The Constitution requires the Executive Branch to “take care that the laws are faithfully executed.” Congress makes the laws and the Executive Branch enforces them, and there is no excuse or legal justification for refusing to defend a federal statute.” “The Trump administration’s attack on protections for patients
with pre-existing conditions could strip access to affordable health care from millions of Americans,” said Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Ranking Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee. “Members of Congress have a responsibility to defend our constituents from the administration’s repeated attempts to sabotage the Affordable Care Act. This case is no exception.” “Republicans’ voted to destroy protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions in their Trumpcare bill, and now they’re suing to destroy these life-saving protections in the courts,” said Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. “Republicans want to drag us back to the dark days of insurance companies discriminating against people with asthma, diabetes, cancer, or heart conditions, where innocent children will be condemned to life without affordable health coverage because of illnesses or injuries they did nothing to deserve. Democrats are proud to stand with the American people to fight these bitter GOP attacks on families’ health, financial security and futures.” “By declining to defend the Affordable Care Act in court, the Trump Administration is doubling-down on its efforts to sabotage the law and dismantle its consumer protections and cost-savings,” said Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. “ I’m proud to join Rep. Rosen in introducing this resolution that would enable the House of Representatives to defend the law instead. Since coming to Congress, Rep. Rosen has been a champion for affordable, quality health coverage in Nevada and across the country, and her resolution aims to combat the Trump Administration’s continued undermining of the nation’s health care system.” n
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Dateline PPalacehiliPPines to lawmakers: No harm in sponsoring TRAIN 2
than 95 percent of the corpora- incentives given to investors. Roque said that the Presidentions in the country. Such corpoAJPress rations are said to be paying the tial Legislative Liaison Office PRESIDENTIAL spokesperson highest corporate income tax in must work with the lawmakers in Harry Roque on Monday, July 30, the region. discussing the reform law so any told lawmakers that the second TRAIN 2 aims to include new traces of hesitancy will be elimiversion of the Tax Reform for Ac- incentives for current businesses nated. celeration and Inclusion (TRAIN) to further expand and later on According to the report, fiwill not impose new taxes. adopt a new form of technology. nance officials said TRAIN 2 “TRAIN 2 is different so there It also strives to rationalize the PAGE A7 is no need to be afraid,” Roque said. Roque said that senators running this upcoming election might not want to be linked to another tax law as to not earn the public’s ire. He also explained that the reform law will only affect corporate taxes. “This tax bill is different because it does not impose new taxes. It will lower the corporate tax so we won’t have the highest corporate tax in Asia,” he added. Roque also emphasized the importance of informing the public about the primary objectives of the tax law. “It’s correcting their misconception that we are levying new taxes. We are not, we are making Atty. Kimberley Atty. Moonee it easier for corporations to operSchaefer Lee ate.” Roque stated. TRAIN 2 provides a 5 percent decrease in corporate taxes from the current 30 percent down to 25 percent. “We are reducing the tax burden on corporate tax filers,” with our flexible immigration assistance options Roque added. for green cards, fiance visas, immigrant visas, In a report from the Philippine Star, the Department of Finance citizenship, and waivers said that TRAIN 2 will help more by nathalie
HEARING ON HOUSING IRREGULARITIES. Senator JV Ejercito, chair of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement, presides over a Senate inquiry looking into the alleged irregularities in the implementation of government programs on the resettlement programs for victims of disasters, Tuesday, July 31. “The presence of a mafia-like gang is not remote because wrongdoings in projects like housing will not happen without the collusion and manipulation of erring officials and cheating contractors,” Ejercito said. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo
Palace entrusts Tulfo’s refusal to return 60-M to ‘legal process’ by nathalie
robles
AJPress
MALACAÑANG said on Monday, July 30, that it will let the legal process run on the controversy involving radio personalities Ben and Raffy Tulfo and former Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo in connection with the P60 million worth of government paid advertisements aired on the People’s Television Network (PTV). Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that after consulting with President Rodrigo Duterte, they decided to “let those liable be held responsible“ shortly after Ben Tulfo strongly stated that he has no intentions of returning the money. In a Facebook post on “Bitag Live”, Ben addressed his critics urging them to file a case at the Commission of Audit (CoA) and Ombudsman. “Sa mga nagsasabing isauli ang pera… mamuti na mga mata! Wala kaming isasauli! (To those
who ask me to return the money, even when your eyes turn white! We will return nothing!)” Ben wrote. The CoA earlier this year found irregularities in the advertisement deal between the tourism department and PTV’s show “Kilos Pronto.” In their report, the commission claimed that the ads were not supported by the necessary documents mainly the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the Certificate of Performance (COP). The report also stated that the former tourism secretary might be found liable for graft on grounds of conflict of interest. Teo denied her involvement in the irregularity but resigned after the issue escalated. The ads were aired on a program produced by Bitag Media Unlimited Inc., a company owned by Teo’s brother, Ben Tulfo. In Ben Tulfo’s defense, he wrote in the same post that they were complete in all their con-
tracts and documents. As proof, he mentioned how they delivered and finished the videos aired nationwide, worldwide and in social media. He denied the claims that there was a conflict of interest. In a report from the Philippine Star, Roque said that those who benefited from the contract should be investigated. “Those who received (commissions) should be charged... The names should be revealed,” he added. In a report from The Manila Times, Sen. Antonio Trillanes is said to file plunder charges against the Tulfo siblings for their alleged refusal to return the money. In another Facebook post, Ben Tulfo responded to Trillanes in a staunch statement. He encouraged the senator to be mindful of what comes out of his mouth considering that he is a senator. “Act more respectable like most of your colleagues in the Senate,” he added. He also challenged his critic to a fistfight. n
Battle for House minority may reach Supreme Court by Jess
Diaz Philstar.com
MANILA — The quarrel among three groups claiming to be the minority in the House of Representatives is poised to reach the Supreme Court (SC). Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, former majority leader, and Marikina Rep. Romero Quimbo, former deputy speaker, said they would go to the SC if the new leadership under Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recognizes Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez as still the minority leader. Both Fariñas and Quimbo said Suarez, his senior deputy Lito Atienza of party-list group Buhay and 12 of the minority lost their membership and became part of the new majority when they voted for Arroyo on July 23. However, the two don’t agree on who is now the minority leader, a position Suarez continues to claim. For Fariñas, the minority leadership has passed on to Eugene Michael de Vera of party-list group Arts, Business and Science, one of Suarez’s deputies, who abstained from voting when Arroyo was elected Speaker. The former majority leader said De Vera, as next in line to Suarez and Atienza, should succeed his minority bosses who had effectively given up their posts by voting for Arroyo.
“Miro Quimbo cannot claim to be minority leader because that position was not declared vacant when we elected a new Speaker. The system of succession should operate,” he said. He said he, ousted Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and 13 of their former majority colleagues have applied to be part of the minority and that De Vera has already accepted them. “So we are the legitimate minority. We have already written the new Speaker to recognize us,” he added. Under the rules of the House, the majority has to recognize the minority and its leader. In a letter to Arroyo, De Vera said he has “accepted the application of the former members of the majority to the minority.” He identified them as Alvarez, Fariñas, Reps. Juan Pablo Bondoc (Pampanga), Rey Umali (Oriental Mindoro), Roger Mercado (southern Leyte), Lucy Torres-Gomez (Leyte), Johnny Pimentel (Surigao del Sur), Rodito Albano (Isabela), Joel Mayo Almario (Davao Oriental), Arnel Uy (LPGMA), Aileen Radaza (Lapu-Lapu City), Ruwel Gonzaga (Compostela Valley), Monsour del Rosario (Makati) and Mauyag Papandayan Jr. (Lanao del Sur). But Quimbo said in a television interview he and his party mates in the Liberal Party and the seven members of the Makabayan bloc
“are the new minority because we either abstained or voted against Speaker Arroyo.” He said it is clear in the House rules that those who vote against the Speaker or abstain from voting belong to the minority. “We are 22 and counting, and my colleagues have elected me as their leader. We have written the new Speaker to recognize us,” he said. Quimbo in fact has printed a new letterhead with the title “Minority Leader.” The Suarez camp welcomed the plan of the Fariñas-Alvarez and Quimbo-LP groups to challenge its claim to the minority leadership. “They should do that. But as of now, we are the minority and Congressmen Suarez is our minority leader. We have a Supreme Court ruling to that effect,” Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. of Ako Bicol said. He was referring to the July 2017 SC decision upholding the election of Suarez as minority leader and the House majority’s recognition of him. If Fariñas and Quimbo make good their plan to go to the high court, it would be a reprise of the 2016 fight between Suarez and Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat Jr. for the minority post. However, time is not on the side of those who want to grab the minority leadership, since it took the SC one year to resolve the SuarezPAGE A7
SC grooms Bersamin as next chief justice by Jomar
Canlas ManilaTimes.net
ASSOCIATE Justice Lucas Bersamin won a straw vote among his peers for the next chief justice, and is set to be recommended to the top of the list of nominees for the President’s consideration, court sources told The Manila Times. Bersamin, a former trial court judge and professor of civil procedure and evidence, got 10 votes during the voting of the Supreme Court en banc. Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro and Diosdado Peralta won nine votes each, while Associate Justice Andres Reyes got two votes. The top three choices of the en banc is expected to be carried by Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), which vets judiciary nominees. The JBC, led by Carpio, is expected to hold its first deliberation for the position of chief justice on Friday, August 3. The council earlier ordered the
automatic nomination of the five most senior magistrates. Carpio, the senior associate justice, declined the nomination as he did not want to benefit from the process over which he would preside. Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. refused to apply because he is set to retire on August 7. The post of chief justice became vacant after Maria Lourdes Sereno was ousted by the en banc with a vote of 8 against 6 through quo warranto proceedings, where she was disqualified for her failure to file the required number of statements of assets, liabilities and net worth. Prior to his appointment as Supreme Court associate justice by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2009, Bersamin served for six years as justice of the Court of Appeals. Bersamin became presiding judge of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court in 1986 after a stint in private law practice. He finished law at the University of the East (UE) in 1973 and placed
Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin Photo from sc.judiciary.gov.ph
ninth in the Bar Examinations that same year, getting an average score of 86.3 percent. Bersamin taught law at the University of Santo Tomas, UE, and Far Eastern University. If appointed chief justice, Bersamin will lead the judiciary for a little over a year before his mandatory retirement in October 2019, when he reaches 70. n
robles
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OPINION
No one’s tool
FEATURES
HE won’t allow himself to be used as a tool for political persecution, and he will address allegations of corruption and slow justice in his office. Samuel Martires, who formally assumes his post this week as ombudsman, is making the right noises so far about his priorities. Only time will tell if he will prove true to his word. One of his predecessors, Merceditas Gutierrez, had promised to be “merciless” in her work. She ended up accused of being overly merciful toward allies of the president who appointed her, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In March 2011, under a new administration, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to impeach Gutierrez. She resigned as ombudsman 10 days before the start of her Senate impeachment trial. President Duterte and his allies also eyed the impeachment of Gutierrez’s successor, Conchita Carpio-Morales, on accusations of dispensing selective justice. Morales, however, was spared and retired as scheduled last week. Martires, who like Morales is a retired associate justice of the Supreme Court, can learn from the experiences of his predecessors. His opinions in the SC and as a Sandiganbayan justice have been
favorable to Rodrigo Duterte and the current administration as well as the Marcoses. The new ombudsman is clearly aware of doubts about his independence from the appointing power. Independence is a critical element in effectively carrying out his constitutional mandate. President Duterte, also aware of the doubts, has stressed that he could not issue orders to the ombudsman, but that he hoped Martires would “do what is right.” Doing what’s right means fighting corruption without fear or favor. What’s right is also working faster so that those facing court trial cannot secure an acquittal by citing any “inordinate delay” on the part of the ombudsman. Martires’ sound bites have been encouraging so far. His words will be put to the test every day. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
‘Medicare for All’ would save America $2 trillion over 10 years while covering everybody
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THE TRUTH really has a way of revealing itself, and in many times, those who intend to undermine it become instrumental in actually putting the spotlight on what the public needs to know. In this case, I am talking about the clamor of most Americans to have “Medicare for All,” pushed by former presidential candidate Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for decades. Standing on the principle that HEALTH CARE is a RIGHT of ALL Americans, and not just
With Due Respect ARTEMIO V. PANGANIBAN BEYOND and apart from its controversial federalism proposals, the consultative committee (ConCom) nonetheless deserves credit for crafting notable reforms that can be seriously discussed and eventually adopted now or in the future, whenever constitutional amendments or revisions are at hand. Let me briefly outline some. First, in Article I of its draft constitution, the ConCom defined our “National Territory” in clearer language, unmistakably upholding our sovereignty and sovereign rights in the South China Sea, thus: “[The Philippines] has sovereignty over islands and features outside its archipelagic baselines pursuant to the laws of the Federal Republic, the law of nations, and the judgments of competent international courts or tribunals.” Moreover, our country “has sovereign rights over that maritime expanse beyond its territorial sea to the extent reserved to it by international law, as well as over its extended continental shelf, including the Philippine Rise.” And, without directly mentioning our claim over Sabah but implicitly alluding to it, the ConCom’s draft stressed that our country “likewise has sovereignty over other territories belonging to the Philippines by historic right or legal title.” This definition of our national territory should calm down even those who attack the Duterte administration for alleged timidity in asserting our arbitral maritime victory over China, and the current and previous
Philstar.com photo
a privilege for a few, Sanders’ push for universal health care has been met by strong corporate opposition who wants to continue with making money out of health care, which has caused so many American families file for bankruptcy in this richest and most powerful country that is America. Corporate giants and the people they lobby and donate campaign contributions to in both the Republican and Democratic Parties contend that America cannot afford “Medicare for All” because it will just be too costly and America can-
not afford it. One of the richest of the rich Americans who wish to undermine the growing support for “Medicare for All” are rightwing billionaires Charles and David Koch, who even funded a study conducted by George Mason University-based Mercatus Center. The results of the study that corporate America wanted to highlight was that Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vt.) widely popular “Medicare for All” plan would cost $32.6 trillion over the next decade. However, the analysis of such
report revealed something that the Koch Brothers would find to be counter to their intent of funding such a study. As Matt Bruenig of the People’s Policy Project notes— though absent or buried in much of the initial reporting— even the Koch brothers’ numbers, which Sanders says are vastly inflated, demonstrate that the “U.S. could insure 30 million more Americans and virtually eliminate out-ofpocket healthcare expenses” while saving “a whopping $2 trillion” in the process. In response to the
study, Sanders wrote: “Let me thank the Koch brothers for sponsoring a study that shows that Medicare for All would save the American people $2 trillion over a 10year period. I suspect that that is not what you intended to do, but that is what is in the study of the Mercatus Center—an organization that you significantly fund. “At a time when the United States spends far more per capita on health care than any other country on earth, almost 18 percent of our GDP, a Medicare-for-all health care system
would save the average family significant sums of money. The time is long overdue for the United States to join every other industrialized country and guarantee health care to all in a cost-effective manner.” Will you support “Medicare for ALL”? *** 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
Beyond federalism, ConCom’s notable reforms administrations’ alleged neglect in pushing for our “historic right or legal title” over Sabah. Second, in its Article II, “Declaration of Principles and State Policies,” the draft unequivocally clarifies, “The government is the protector of the people and the Federal Republic” while the “Armed Forces of the Philippines shall secure the sovereignty of the Republic and the integrity of its national territory.” The foregoing replaces the ambiguous “declaration” of the present Charter that says, “The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State.” This provision is being misused by political adventurers to justify a military coup against supposedly abusive civilian regimes. Third, Article III, the “Bill of Rights,” starts with a major amplification: “The rights under this article are demandable against the state and nonstate actors, and their enforcement shall be consistent with international standards.” This is significant because, under our prior constitutions, the Bill of Rights was traditionally demandable and enforceable only against the state and state actors. We now know that there are “nonstate actors”—like large multinational companies, international organizations, some local conglomerates and even powerful individuals—who/which can and do violate fundamental rights, especially of the poor and the weak. Fourth, recognizing our people’s right to prosperity and wellbeing, “Social and Economic Rights” as well as “Environmental and Ecological Rights” are expressly enumerated and cherished in the draft.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno and members of the Consultative Committee present the draft federal charter to President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang. The president however asked the ConCom to revise the provision in the proposed constitution so that the transition president will be elected by the people. Malacañang photo
Fifth, to correct injustices in precipitate acquittals, the draft provides clear exceptions to the double jeopardy rule, “where the offended party is deprived of due process or where there is a finding of mistrial, or when the trial court acted with grave abuse of discretion …” Sixth, for the first time in our
constitutional history, the draft contains a definition of “political dynasty” and self-executing prohibitions for the members thereof from running for, or being appointed to, or for being declared ineligible for a public office. Seventh, in line with worldwide trends to propel the
economy, the draft retains the nationalistic provisions of the 1987 Charter but allows the legislature—taking into account the evolving national interest—to change the ownership percentages as well as the management and control prerogatives that can be allowed to foreigners.
Eighth, the various methods of amendment or revision are worded simply and clearly, especially the separate voting requirements in the bicameral legislative branch. There are some more wellconceived reforms, but my space is limited. I will take them up at another time. (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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Mocha Uson should explain federalism in Senate hearing, says Nancy Binay
BEDLAM. Thousands of students, some accompanied by their parents, packed the registrar’s office of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City on Monday, July 30 to submit their application for the university’s College Admission Test. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
MANILA — Sen. Nancy Binay wants Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson to explain the essential points of the plan to alter the 1987 Constitution to the senators. This, after the consultative commission tasked to review the Constitution said it is considering to tap Uson to lead the government’s information drive on federalism and charter change. Binay on Wednesday, August 1, said she would recommend to Sen. Francis Pangilinan, who chairs the committee on constitutional amendments, to invite Uson as one of the resource persons in the subsequent hearings on charter change. “Being the designated messenger, we also wanted to hear how she would articulate or interpret the salient points of the proposed federal charter and explain to the people how a shift in the form of
government could move the country forward,” Binay said. Uson should also present her ideas on information campaign using social media, the senator added. “How the messenger relays the message is important. Clarity and knowledge about the subject are equally important elements. It is also a matter of providing the people of options or an informed choice for them to genuinely know what’s good and bad about changing the form of government,” Binay said. Concom spokesperson Ding Generoso on Monday said Uson “would be a big help” through her social media following. Uson’s Facebook page has over 5.6 million followers. Uson, a staunch supporter of the chief executive, is accused of spreading fake information on social media.
Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson Inquirer.net photo
In a Senate hearing last year, Binay told Uson to decide whether she wants to continue being a blogger or a government official. (Philstar.com)
Philippines orders heightened security Battle for House minority may reach... in air, sea terminals after Basilan blast
MANILA — The Philippines on Wednesday, August 1, ordered all its agencies concerned to heighten security in airports, seaports and road transport terminals following a bombing incident in its restive south which left 11 people dead. An improvised bomb inside a white van exploded near a military checkpoint in Lamitan City, Basilan on Tuesday, killing 11 people and hurting five others including a woman and a child. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade offered his condolences to the families of those killed and vowed to ensure that the incident would not happen again. “We should not compromise
nor take for granted the safety and security in our surroundings, people and facilities,” he said. Undersecretary Art Evangelista, administrator of the Office for Transportation Security, said he directed all transport security personnel to “enhance their current security measures.” The Philippine Coast Guard, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Philippine Ports Authority and the Philippine National Railways said they had beefed up their security measures and protocols in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero, meanwhile, urged
the public to cooperate with the implementation of security measures, checkpoints and inspections in all transportation terminals. The country’s armed forces said it believed the Abu Sayyaf group was behind the attack. Speaking on ANC television, Lt. Col. Mon Almodovar, commander of AFP’s 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, said they were still verifying reports if there was a foreigner involved and if it was done by a suicide bomber. Basilan, a province in Mindanao, is a stronghold of Abu Sayyaf group notorious for its banditry and kidnap-for-ransom operations. (Philstar.com)
Palace to lawmakers: No harm in... PAGE A5 would simplify an overly complex corporate tax system. Its complexity imposes a large administrative burden for the government and taxpayers and gives “special treatment” to a minority of corporations that pay 6 percent to 13 percent. Senate majority leader Miguel Zubiri admitted that no senator
wants to sponsor the measure since they were “traumatized” by the first version of TRAIN. The first version of TRAIN exempts individuals earning an annual taxable income of P250,000 and below from paying personal income tax. It also increased the tax exemption for 13thmonth pay and other bonuses to P90,000.
However, TRAIN 1 also imposed new taxes on diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, bunker fuel for electricity generation and higher taxes on oil products. It is also criticized for the increase in commodity prices but officials dismissed those claims saying it was purely a result of a weak peso and a global oil price hike. ■
PAGE A5 Baguilat row. The 17th Congress has only 10 months to go. House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. said they are still recognizing the group of Suarez, noting that lawmakers only nominated and voted for Arroyo last SONA and did not declare Suarez’s post vacant. Andaya also jestingly likened the House minority issue to the West Philippine Sea row. “Our minority leadership issue is very much like the West Philippine Sea – there are just so many claimants,” the Camarines Sur congressman said. Meanwhile, President Duterte’s PDP-Laban is meeting tomorrow to discuss whether to give Arroyo a higher position in the party. “I have not yet talked to former president now House Speaker Gloria (Arroyo) whether she is interested to have a position in PDP, considering her busy schedule. So I don’t know, we still have to discuss that,” party vice chairman Alfonso Cusi said on the sidelines of the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) chairmanship turnover ceremony. Late last year, Arroyo joined the PDP-Laban “to consolidate support for the President.” She took her oath as full-fledged member of the party before secretary general and then Speaker
Pantaleon Alvarez. Before transferring to PDP-Laban, Arroyo was part of the supermajority in the lower house. After taking over the Speakership from Alvarez, some members of PDP-Laban recommended that Arroyo be given a higher position in the party, according to reports. But Cusi said the matter had to be discussed first.
“The last time I talked with GMA, she said that she will continue to remain with PDP-Laban, she did not signify otherwise,” he said, referring to Arroyo by her initials. “We can’t just tell her to have this position without discussing it first. Besides, I don’t know the Speaker’s plans,” he said in Filipino. ■
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Jose Santos III is the first Filipino in Hirshhorn Museum by Lisa
Guerrero NakpiL Philstar.com
Quietly and without fanfare, the board of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington DC — the modern and contemporary art museum of the Smithsonian institution which is the national museum of the united States — accepted the donation of the José Santos iii sculpture, “the Order of things No. 3.” this event marked the first time that a Filipino artist, or a Southeast Asian artist for that matter, was accorded this honor. the Hirshhorn is one of the most visited art museums in America, thanks to a series of “blockbuster” exhibitions, the latest being yayoi Kusama’s “infinity Mirrors” which captured the public’s imagination and featured
Jean Garcia cast in anti-drug film with Hollywood actor Stephen Baldwin, Mocha Uson by Cody
Cepeda Inquirer.net
ACtreSS Jean Garcia recently took to her instagram page to share to her fans some good news. Garcia was filled with excitement when she wrote last July 27 that she is going to be a part of the film “Kaibigan” which stars Hollywood actor Stephen Baldwin. Baldwin is the brother of Alec Baldwin and the father of model Hailey Baldwin, who is the fiancée of Justin Bieber. Cesar Montano, Alvin Anson, Presidential Communications Operations Office assistant secretary Mocha uson, and musical duo and twins Jessie and Christian Perkins are also starring in the film. “Kaibigan” will be produced by tess and tarny Perkins, the twins’ parents. “Ayieee, i’m sooo kilig dahil nabigyan po ako ng Panginoon ng pagkakataon hindi lang makilala pero makakatrabaho ko po ang kilalang hollywood actor na si Stephen Baldwin sa pelikulang ‘Kaibigan’ na pag-
The Perkins Twins official Facebook page shared this photo last July 27 taken at the “Kaibigan” press conference held that day in ICON Hotel in Timog Avenue, Quezon City. Baldwin, Garcia, Anson, Uson and the Perkins family were captured smiling and posing for a group shot.
bibidahan ng Perkins twins na sina Christian at Jesse. (I’m so giddy because I’ve been given this opportunity by God to meet and work with the famous Hollywood actor Stephen Baldwin, for the film “Kaibigan”, which will be led by the Perkins Twins, Christian and Jesse),” Garcia wrote as she shared pictures of her during their
press conference last July 27. Garcia admitted that she felt “starstruck” upon seeing Baldwin for the first 30 seconds, but shared that he was humble and friendly when they finally got to sit down and talk. “Nung una, nung nakita ko po sya, i was really starstruck as PAGE B3
Catriona Gray gets ready for Miss U Jose Santos III setting up his sculpture at The Armory.
the sold-out tickets and long lines more familiar to pop-concert audiences. the totem-like sculpture was a gift “from the Hakuta Family,” at the behest of Ken Hakuta, known to Manila cognoscenti as one of the biggest American collectors of Filipino art. But things are rarely as uncomplicated as that. How did this happen, one asks. Hakuta replies with a grin, “things just clicked.” Hakuta, however, is the kind of collector whose mind is in perpetual motion, looking out not just for works of art, or even artists, but projects that he terms, “have importance or relevance to Jose Santos III’s “Order of Things No. 3” museums.” Philstar.com photos Because there are no real ac-
cidents in international art, there had been long-standing plans for Hakuta to put together a special exhibit of Nam June Paik, widely regarded as the “father of video art” and the man who made it a certified art form and a tool for global connectivity. that landmark presentation would take place, in cooperation with the behemoth Gagosian gallery at the Armory Show, one of the oldest and, certainly, one of the most important art fairs in the united States. it was a plan brilliantly and strategically hatched by Ben Genocchio, Armory Show director, and had taken him three years to put together. Hakuta, among many other concerns, is Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray PAGE B3 Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray
by arLo
Custodio ManilaTimes.net
it’S already the middle of the third quarter but the date and venue of the 67th edition of the Miss universe has not been announced yet. Nevertheless, the country’s representative to the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant said she has been training since June to win the fourth crown and title for the Philippines. “We really don’t know yet when and where the pageant will be held, but i have been doing preparations since June. i’ve been training —walking my pasarela, working out, learning make-up techniques, and meeting with designers to make sure that the Filipino culture
is represented 100 percent in all my outings for the pageant,” the Filipino-Australian said during her recent launch as guest editor of ABS-CBN lifestyle digital content “inspo”. Gray is known to be articulate and able to answer even the hardest questions under pressure. She has also built a reputation as a singer and do-gooder via meaningful advocacies before she became a beauty queen. What most people hardly know, however, is that she’s a good writer as well, which the network’s digital platform uncovers via inspo. in turn, the show gives her confidence a boost as she prepares to carry the nation’s colors in inPAGE B6
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Performance artist Jasmine Orpilla and choreographer Peter de Guzman merge traditional Filipino dance and contemporary Western styles in new production in downtown LA by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
“THEY are afraid, my brother... They are afraid of our mighty fists, my brother…They are afraid of the magnificence of our works, my brother...They are even afraid of our songs of love, my brother.” This is the final stanza of Filipino Carlos Bulosan’s poem “Song for Chris Mensalvas’ Birthday,” which provided the inspiration for a new original work by a FilipinoAmerican creative collaboration between performance artist and
director Jasmine Orpilla and choreographer Peter De Guzman of the dance company Malaya Filipino-American Dance Arts. “How Many Years Did We Fight the Beast Together” is a new multidisciplinary performance art piece by Orpilla and de Guzman that premiered on Thursday, July 19 at the Roy and Edna Disney/ CalArts Theater (REDCAT) at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. The REDCAT New Original Works (NOW) Festival 2018 is held every Thursday to Saturday
The show combined Western singing styles and traditional Pangalay “fingernail” dancing of the Tausūg ethnic group in the Southern Philippines.
from July 19 to August 4 and features both veteran and upcoming performance artists. Orpilla and de Guzman’s work was one of three performance works showcased in the first week of the festival. The work has three key sensory elements: singing, dancing and instruments. Bulosan’s poem was reconstructed into the libretto of the piece, sung in an operatic style by Orpilla, who had cultivated a rich career as an international soprano vocalist, as a way to symbolize the “Western point of view and approach to music” against the backdrop of untouched, orthodox Filipino dance. “We’re taking these traditional forms without changing or appropriating them or moving a muscle in terms of the traditionality, and we’re putting them in this context of contemporary theatre to underline this point of view of the Western eye toward different cultures, towards the tradition of Pangalay dance,” Orpilla said in a recent phone interview with the Asian Journal. The show opens up with Orpilla, decked out in pristine Maria Clara regalia, singing those Bulosan lines to the backdrop of dancers’ silhouettes. The curtain drops to reveal four Pangalay dancers and tulingkang gong players. Orpilla transitions to the background of the stage to give the dancers and musicians the spotlight. The Pangalay dance, which has its roots in the Sulu Archipelago and Sabah of the Southern Philippines, comprises graceful intention with the flexible “fingernail”
Peter de Guzman (left), resident artistic director of Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, facilitated the dance portion of the multi-faceted performance that also included kulintang gong players (right).
Experimental artist and singer Jasmine Orpilla sings in an operatic style in “How Many Years Did We Fight the Beast Together” at the REDCAT NOW Festival on Thursday, July 19. Photos by Vanessa Crocini
gestures. “It’s a dance form that has been largely misunderstood because of the way a lot of dance companies interpret it,” de Guzman told the Asian Journal. “Our performance of Pangalay isn’t changed to make it contemporary, but rather it’s contemporary because of the context that it will be performed, with the juxtaposition of the libretto, the Carlos Bulosan poetry and the imagery that the viewer gets to experience,” said de Guzman, whose dance company, the Malaya Filipino-American Dance Arts, provided many of the resources and talent for the Pangalay portion of the piece. Both de Guzman and Orpilla acknowledged the importance of premiering this work at the REDCAT, which has lauded itself as being a purveyor of diversity and uplifting artists from all walks of life. For them, showcasing these antiquated styles of dance and music in the contemporary, often homogeneous world of performance art was a way to challenge the status quo, a major theme in their piece. In their July 19 performance, the audience largely comprised of white art enthusiasts, which isn’t unusual for high-brow, even avant-garde artistic media. By presenting these deeply rooted artistic customs of the Philippines to this audience was profoundly breaking barriers of what constitutes art worthy of a grand
showcase. As with all performance art, the economy of symbolism in their collaboration tells a story much deeper than the blending of Western and non-Western artistic modes. Orpilla dons a Maria Clara dress and hip-length hair to exemplify the Filipina feminine ideal that was established after European colonization, which posed several questions concerning the Filipino beauty standard largely molded after Western ideals. “We’re making a statement of each other as well, like how Filipino Americans of different generations and how they look back on their ancestry and what direction do they go moving forward,” Orpilla remarked. “And this even goes beyond that and we approach the question of what is entertainment? Is this supposed to be entertainment? No, it’s not. And what is beauty? Is beauty the Maria Clara look or is it [the look] before the colonial era? What do we consider Filipino beauty? These are the questions we wanted to raise with this work.” Scrutinizing the colonial mindset: a life-long project Throughout the thread of her work, Orpilla — who was raised in Japan and Saudi Arabia with roots in Ilocos Sur, Philippines — has been exploring these themes, which are centered around the history of colonial influence in Filipino identity and “how racism affects someone’s perception of self.”
Though Orpilla, a trained soprano with a broad vocal range, has enjoyed international distinction after having performed all throughout Europe, Asia, Saudi Arabia and North America, she’s primarily stayed within the performance art realm because “everything else wasn’t fulfilling me and wasn’t allowing me to explore the themes that really gratified me.” Similarly, de Guzman, after dissatisfaction with the contemporary dance scene, spent 10 years in the Philippines under the mentorship of Pangalay dancer and academic Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa, who penned the book “Pangalay: Traditional Dances and Related Folk Artistic Expression.” While in the Philippines, de Guzman studied the forms of Pangalay and the regional culture and mores behind it to be able to capture an authentic, untouched replication of it in his current work with Malaya Filipino-American Dance Arts. This collaboration began roughly two years ago when Orpilla wanted to explore authenticity with traditional Filipino art that deviates from the mainstream mode of entertainment and pageantry. With her long-standing creative mission to explore colonialism, white-washing and “microaggressions” associated with racism, Orpilla’s collaboration with de Guzman fields questions to Filipinos everywhere about our community’s clear-cut definitions PAGE B6
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Morissette gets praises, follow from Little Mix Fil-Am businesses on display at Travel, after watching her ‘Secret Love Song’ cover Trade & Consumer Roadshow in Carson, CA Singer Morissette Amon gushed after learning that British girl group Little Mix watched her cover of “Secret Love Song” and one of the members posted it on her instagram stories. On Monday, July 30, Little Mix member Jade Thirlwall posted clips while they were watching Morissette belting out one of their hits “Secret Love Song.” Morissette’s cover performance was from the Asia Song Festival in Korea in 2017. n Thirlwall’s instagram stories, praises from the audience watching her performance were heard. “Oh, i love her!” one of the audience reacted as Morissette sings. Thirlwall also wrote “is @ itsmorissette real?!” in her story as she expressed disbelief over Morissette’s voice. She also tagged the instagram account of the Filipina singer in her other story. Due to this, Morissette took to Twitter to share how shocked she was after being noticed by the famous girl group. “DOn’T MinD Me, i’M JUST
Free event on Aug. 4 & 5 features exhibitors, seminars, entertainment & food
Photo from Twitter/@itsMorisette
LiTerALLY SHOOK AT THe MOMenT,” Morissette wrote. “even heard Perrie comment too so they all must be watching! OMg, thank you loads for noticing,” she added, referring to another member, Perrie edwards. Little Mix is composed of four members Thirlwall, edwards, Jesy nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock. After getting noticed, Morissette also gushed as she posted a
screenshot showing that Thirlwall followed her on instagram. Morissette has been covering “Secret Love Song” in her performances. The video of Morissette’s cover at the Asia Song Festival earned over 68,000 views on YouTube while one of her radio guestings where she sang the Little Mix ballad also gained almost 75,000 views on Youtube. (Rosette Adel/ Philstar.com)
Alden Richards goes ‘super’ solo by Tessa
Mauricioa-arriola ManilaTimes.net
He is without a doubt among this generation’s most important actors and it’s high time he goes solo. Yes, The Times is talking about Alden richards, one-half of Philippine showbiz’ most successful love teams, AlDub, with erstwhile YouTube sensation Maine Medoza. it was only three years ago that a sudden spark between the two had been caught on noontime TV show “eat Bulaga’s” camera, turning them into phenomenal celebrities. Since then, it has mostly been Alden and Maine together in the show, together in a prime time series, together in a movie, and together in TVCs. For a time, everything they touched turned gold, but eventually—save on their rabid fans— they seem to have lost the AlDub effect. There are several possible reasons for this. Overexposure, the wrong choice of material, or the simple fizzling out of that phenomenal spark. Without meaning to be insensitive, especially to AlDub fans, things like these just happen. And when they do—given the talent that Alden and Maine have individually—it’s time to move on. Kudos therefore to gMA network for giving their Alden [Maine is managed by “eat Bulaga’s” producer Tony Tuviera] the opportunity to finally go solo—and it happens tonight when Philippine showbiz’ newest superhero “Victor Magtanggol” comes to life. Groundbreaking Touted by the studio as a
Alden Richards
GMA photo
“groundbreaking telefantasya,” “Magtanggol” features Alden in the titular role as Victor—an OFW in search of his mother Vivienne (Coney reyes). While working abroad, he becomes friends with Magnus (Miguel Faustman), the curator of the museum where he is employed, and whom he discovers has special powers. As it happens, Magnus is one of the sons of norse mythology’s hammerwielding Thor (Conan Stevens) and the god Magni. Witnessing Magnus lose a fight against the god Loki, Victor receives a magical compass from
his friend before he dies, which then leads him to the powerful hammer of Thor. From then on, Victor becomes a superhero back home as he takes on the extraordinary mission of protecting good from evil. ‘Personal growth’ “i’m doing this for my personal growth,” declared Alden at “Victor Magtanggol’s” grand media launch. He could not escape the question if his solo project signals the end of AlDub, making it clear that the love team is “still there.” “right now, Maine is also exploring projects on her own and i think it’s a good thing because when we’re paired up again, we’ll be able to offer our audience something new from our respective experiences,” he added. Aware that AlDub fans are not happy he has Janine guttierez instead of Maine as leading lady in “Magtanggol,” Alden pleaded, “Please stop the bashing. This isn’t personal, and i’m just doing my job as an actor like Janine and the rest of the cast. They don’t deserve to be treated that way.” Finally, Alden assured everyone that he and Maine will continue to be together on “eat Bulaga” everyday, as he hoped that the public will support both of them in their separate endeavors. “Victor Magtanggol” also stars Connie reyes, John estrada, Andrea Torres, Al Tantay, Chynna Ortaleza, Dion ignacio, Pancho Magno, Kristoffer Martin, Benjie Paras, Freddie Web, eric Quizon and Martoni Fernandez, among a huge cast. Premiering tonight on “gMA Telebabad,” it is directed by Dominic Zapata.
Jose Santos III is the first Filipino in... PAGE B1 the executor of the nam June Paik estate and works on various projects with such museums as the Tate Modern, the guggenheim and the SFMOMA. Slowly a plan took shape for Santos’s gallery, The Drawing room, to participate in the 2018 Armory Show scheduled for this last March. Thanks to an introduction made by Hakuta, Mr. genocchio was encouraging. “The roots of the tower series started in 2009 when i made a series of paintings inspired by an otherwise nondescript ‘slit’ on my studio wall,” Santos notes. it was in his 2017 show, “it’s never the Same,” he continues, that “the vertical format took its present form. The tower is about me. Objects that were included were all personal items hence the title, ‘47 Stories High.’” For the Armory Show, Santos said, “i made five towers for the ‘Order of Things’ series, each measuring almost 14 by 3 feet, made from discarded materials and recycled wood. The process
of building the towers emulates the Filipino mentality of ‘making do’ and finding solutions, even if they are temporary.” “Order of Things no. 3,” writes Prof. Leo Abaya of the UP College of Fine Arts, “signifies the hope arising from the experience of navigating the chaotic streets of Manila. it features tropes culled from street signs as well as aphorisms from the iconic jeepney, stacked in a re-ordering of what is an experience laid out horizontally across the urban space.” Melissa Chiu of the Hirshhorn is one of the best-regarded museum directors in the United States, certainly one of its most forward-thinking. Her friendship with Hakuta goes back several years, from a nam June Paik exhibition she had organized in new York. Hakuta has supported Chiu enthusiastically as soon as she joined the Hirshhorn and agreed to join its board in 2018. Chiu has described him as the Hirshhorn’s “best ambassador.” A recommendation by one of the Hirshhorn curators — who
had seen the artworks at the Armory during a well-timed visit arranged by Hakuta — described how the Santos columns would impact the rest of the collection in these terms: “The Order of Things no. 3 resonates with the museum’s holdings of key modernist sculpture and assemblage works such as Brancusi, giacometti, Jasper Johns and nick Cave. The Hirshhorn collection began with our founder, Joseph H. Hirshhorn’s interest in sculpture. This acquisition also supports our recent efforts to expand our holdings in Asian art.“ The board voted on it and the deed was done. Santos was “honored and grateful,” since he said, “this doesn’t happen very often to an artist from the Philippines.” Chiu said it best, “i am very happy with this new acquisition. it speaks to the Hirshhorn’s history. Ken Hakuta has an unusual eye for a collector and he’s been a great champion of Filipino art.” And that is how all things serendipitous clicked.
Jean Garcia cast in anti-drug film... PAGE B1
anyone else (where i could not breathe for 30 seconds, sa totoo lang) but then nung umupo na kame at nagkwentuhan, he was very friendly and humble and wise and calm (apart from being handsome hihihiiii). (When I first saw him, I was really starstruck as anyone else, where I could not breathe for 30 seconds, really. But after we sat down and talked, he was very friendly and humble and wise and calm, apart from being handsome).” garcia also shared that she is looking forward to the start of shooting and added that she will be playing the role of Baldwin’s
wife in “Kaibigan”. “excited and looking forward na po ako sa shooting namin next week,” wrote garcia. “And i’ll be playing nga pala his wife in the movie, ayieeee hihihiii, pagpasensyahan nyo na po ako, happy lang po si inday! Love love everyone!!! (I’m excited and looking forward to our shooting next week. And I’ll be playing his wife in the movie [gushes]. Please pardon me, I’m just happy. Love, love everyone!)” The Perkins Twins official Facebook page, meanwhile, shared last July 27 some pictures taken at the “Kaibigan” press conference held that day in iCOn Hotel in
Timog Avenue, Quezon City. Baldwin, garcia, Anson, Uson and the Perkins family were captured smiling and posing for a group shot. Although not much details regarding the film’s plot have been revealed, the official Facebook page of the Dangerous Drugs Board shared a picture last July 17 showing the Perkins Twins forging a partnership with their agency, seemingly hinting at the film’s theme. As per the page, the partnership is a means to “further strengthen the anti-drug campaign” and is in the promotion of the “anti -drug advocacy” of “Kaibigan”.
An exciting summer weekend of Pinoy pride is coming up on August 4 and 5 at the South Bay Pavilion in Carson, California! The Travel, Trade and Consumer roadshow (TTC) is the brainchild of the Asian Journal’s CeO roger Oriel, in an effort to showcase and encourage Filipino and Filipino-American business through product and service exhibition and educational sessions, with entertainment for the mall-going public. The event is free, so mall shoppers are welcome to immerse in Filipino ingenuity and talent in the two-day event that has four zones: The exhibitor row, B2B Area, Mainstage, and Sari-Sari Food Pavilion. Asian Journal sought out exhibitors that exemplify Filipino entrepreneurship, and associated organizations and services that benefit the Filipino-American community. The exhibitor row traverses through the main aisle of the mall, along the pathway of shoppers. Multiple sectors are represented, from services, manufacturing, handicrafts, business education to national defense. The Mainstage will be the center of attraction with various Los Angeles talents performing throughout the day, interspersed with an F21 red Fashion Show featuring the Love Of Country Ambassadors, TV show tapings, and the much-awaited raffle. The coveted prize is a roundtrip Ticket to Manila courtesy of Philippine Airlines and a hotel stay courtesy of the Department of Tourism. The winner will be announced via a raffle on Saturday, August 4 at 6 p.m. Media companies on display are The Filipino Channel (TFC), Crossings TV, a new free channel of Filipino content. TFC’s popular TV show “Citizen Pinoy” will go on the mainstage on Sunday afternoon, with renowned Atty. Michael gurfinkel. Spectrum/ Charter Channel, home of the national Asian American Coalition’s (nAAC) “Owning A Piece of America,”
will likewise be taping a segment on Saturday afternoon, and presenting a fitness demo by Thalassia Mombeleur. iconic Filipino brands are represented by the maker of our favorite cookies and Sky Flakes crackers, Monde MY San, Philippine national Bank, and Lay Bare Salon, whose more than 100 franchises in the Philippines is starting to sprout in the U.S. with its two Los Angeles locations. Free sugaring and Lay Bare’s signature hair removal methods shall be demonstrated at its booth. All the way from Pangasinan, Philippines, facilitated by eC Ferrer Customs Broker, are handicraft and furniture makers from the region, along with products made of Philippine cacao and bamboo, among others. new products include nutridense’s rice Mongo Curls, and iC green, a superior and unique kind of oil additive that enhances and increases engine efficiency, invented and patented by a Filipino. Other industries represented are real estate with Lombard by the Bay and Megaworld; services CSi Professionals, elder Law Services, and Western Union; and local business House of Seafood. Among the organizations present are the Service employees international Union (SeiU) along with government entities the U.S. Army and the California national guard. Performers scwheduled to appear are premiere saxophonist ner De Leon, vocalist Annie nepomuceno, jazz guitarist ric ickard, classical singer/actor glenn Fernandez, jazz singer Bing Martin, teen singer/songwriter/dancer Louisa Tampi, vocal coach and artiste Jona Peralta,
4700 Band member Alvin reyes, young singer/producer Chris Venegas, acoustic duo Kenneth and nathan, and professional DJ Josh evan. Outside the main entrance, the Sari-Sari Food Pavilion will be serving Filipino food from White rabbit, Achara and neri’s Curbside Cravings, and cool desserts from PopCupz, TastyBlock Hawaiian Shave ice, Boba Truck and Churrostix. On the opposite end of the mall from the Mainstage, a booth targeted for free seminars on various business topics is hosted by Ferdinand Soriano of Planet 63. Take advantage of these free sessions to learn from industry experts about export Financing, Sourcing and Shipping, Packaging and Labelling, Cross-Cultural Trading, international Trade, Franchising and many more. entrepreneur organizations like the Filipino- American Chamber of Commerce of greater Los Angeles (FACCgLA) and the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC) shall be lending a hand, and will be on hand as the public’s available source for entrepreneurship questions, along with the Small Business Administration, the government entity that helps owners grow their small businesses. Asian Journal Publications’ own newspaper and travel and lifestyle publication, Balikbayan Magazine, will be available free to the public, at its booth. ribboncutting and opening ceremonies are slated on August 4, Saturday at the Mainstage at 11 a.m. For more information, please visit https://traveltradeconsumer. com. (AJPress)
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B august 2-8, 2018 • Las VEgas asIaN JOuRNaL
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Kalahi Phil. Folkloric Ensemble brings Leyte DyLead Youth Leadership Workshop holds graduation Kalipayan Dance Company back to LV
Leyte’s top folk dance group celebrates cultural diversity & resilience KALAHi Philippine Folkloric Ensemble (KALAHi) is a nonprofit organization. its main objective is to promote, preserve and maintain the cultural integrity through traditional and folkloric dances, music, and its appropriateness use of the Philippine traditional costumes from various regions. To be specific with, it focuses on mentorship and workshop activities that will be participated by its members in order to sustain traditional Filipino performing arts among the 110,000 plus Filipino-American residents of the State. On its’ mission to preserve and educate the community of the Philippine culture, the Kalahi Philippine Folkloric Ensemble brings back the Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company to Las Vegas. The KALAHi and the world renowned, internationally acclaimed group Leyte Kalipayan collaborates to promote diversity in performing arts as we showcase the quintessential filipino heritage and culture. The Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company or Kalipayan, one of the best folk dance groups of the Philippines, will return to Las Vegas this August. The group first performed in the city more than three decades ago as part of their U.S. Performance Tour in 1982 on the occasion of the State Visit of Philippines President Ferdinand E. Marcos. “Kalipayan” which means “joy
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Keynote Speaker Larry Hofer (VP of People Services Cox Communications), Vida Lin (Founder & President ACDC), & Dr. Terry Hicks (DyLead Youth Leadership Workshop Facilitator).
and happiness” in the local language (Waray) is a homegrown performing group from the province of Leyte in central Philippines. it was founded by Ms. Teresita Veloso Pil, a Gawad CCP Para sa Sining Awardee (or the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Award for the Arts Awardee). Since its establishment in 1961, the dance group has played an important role in the preservation and promotion of Philippine cultural heritage at home and abroad. it has undertaken twenty-seven (27) international tours, performing in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. in 1981, it won the silver
medal at the international Folklore Festival in Dijon, France. Kalipayan is known for its wide repertoire of traditional dances from different ethno-linguistic communities — choreographed with high sophistication and performed with impressive precision and skill by its young dancers. Over the past five decades, Kalipayan has been consistently on the road showcasing the best of Philippine culture in dance and music. But in November 2013 super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) struck. it was one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded. Kalipayan’s home, along with its costumes, musical instruments, and props, was totally washed out. Ms. Melissa Braga-Montilla, CEO/President of the Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company, inc., recounts that “the process of rebuilding and regaining what was lost was difficult. it was not only about buying new costumes and such, but also and more importantly helping our members recover from a harrowing experience”. Kalipayan dancers perform “Salip”, a courtship dance from the Kalinga province in northern Philippines. The dance group is on a 2month performance tour in the U.S. covering Texas, California, Arizona and Nevada. They have four shows in California — and on August 12, they are set to perform here in Las Vegas at the UNLV Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at 5 pm.
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The DyLead Youth Leadership Workshop Graduation was successfully held on Saturday, July 28. Dr. Terry Hicks, DyLead Youth Leadership Workshop Graduation, led the welcome remarks, while Vida Lin, founder and president of ACDC, provided the congratulatory message. Larry Hofer, Vice President of People Services for Cox Communications, Southwest Region, was the keynote speaker. The certificate presentation was led by Courtnhi Vo, Outreach Manager of ACDC. The certificates were presented to: Paul Hee, Brian Dang, Jonathan Troiano, Kateyah Reed, Keiko Romero, Cater Hurtado, Elyse Dang, Pablo Plucher, Anita On, Denise Castle, Timothy Logsdon, Kenny Phan, Emily Reed, William Zheng and Treraphat Chainarongrit. AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
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Your Immigration Solution ATTY. DEVIN CONNOLLY MANY people from throughout the world are desperate to come to the United States. They genuinely believe that entering America will lead to a better life because of the employment opportunities, the education system for their children, etc. With all the benefits that the United States has to offer, the decision to migrate to the U.S. often becomes an easy one. The hard part then becomes actually getting to the U.S. For one Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza client, who we will refer to as Angela to protect her privacy, entering the U.S. proved to be ‘almost’ impossible. She was denied a tourist visa multiple times, did not have any family members of prospective employers in the U.S. that could petition her, and she was feeling hopeless in the Philippines, her native country. Angela was then advised to seek the help of a travel agent who could assist her in getting a tourist visa under an assumed name. Angela knew this was wrong. She may not have known the specific law she was violating or that she would have a lifetime bar from ever obtaining permanent resident status in the U.S. (green card) because of this fraudulent act, but she still knew that her actions were not right. But she did it anyways. She was so desperate to come to the U.S. so that she could work and support her family. She decided to take advantage of the opportunity to come to U.S. and deal with the consequences later. After years of residing in the U.S. without valid immigration status, Angela finally decided to do something about it. She knew that being married to a green card
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Tenth of a series) [Select a handful of those things in your bucket list that have the highest chance of coming to fruition given your time frame. In tech speak, this means before your life’s energy goes into ‘low batt mode’ and life has run out of sockets to plug into.] WHILE appearances may deceive, more often than not, what you are is reflected on the outside. Becoming your own style icon does not mean maxing out your credit cards just to follow the latest fashion trends. Don’t do it. It’s a fool’s errand. You can never get caught up with it anyway. Fashion, like technology, will push the latest trend just to keep and grow market share. It’s all about money and profits. Who says you have to buy every season’s new fashion? Don’t let those so-called fashion Nazis dictate how you dress. First, get comfortable in your own skin. Focus on the positive features and accept and mitigate what you consider as flaws.
Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS WHERE does oxygen come from? Oxygen, which makes up about 20 percent of the air we breathe in, is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas, that is essential for the production of energy and, therefore, to life. Its main source is from living green plants. The ambient air we inhale is absorbed by the lungs that “extracts” and filters oxygen, which then combines with hemoglobin (red pigment in blood cells). The resultant oxyhemoglobin is circulated throughout the body by the pumping action of the heart to supply oxygen to the entire body. Some tissues in our body are more sensitive than others to oxygen deprivation. The brain is supersensitive to lack of oxygen. It “dies” in about 3-4 minutes after oxygen delivery ceases (as in suffocation, drowning or cardiac arrest). What causes dandruff? The cause of dandruff is not known in majority of cases. Excessive greasiness of the skin and hair among adolescents has been found to initiate dandruff. The contributory factors implicated include heredity, diet, hormonal imbalance, poor hygiene. The existing dandruff can be aggravated by stress and emotional turmoil. A vacation or rest may totally eliminate dandruff. Anti-dandruff shampoos (coal tar- based or those containing selenium sulphide or zinc pyrithione) have been prescribed by physicians to arrest dandruff.
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A green card is still possible despite a fraudulent entry holder and having U.S. citizen children would help, but she also knew that her entry to the U.S. under an assumed name would complicate her case. Regardless, Angela decided that it was finally time to speak with an experienced immigration attorney so that she could legalize her status in America. Angela consulted Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza about her case. She met with Attorney Devin Connolly, a senior partner of the firm, and told him her complete immigration history. Attorney Connolly explained to Angela and her family that she was indeed eligible to apply for her green card based on a petition from her U.S. citizen son, who by this time had already turned 21-years-old. He also explained, however, that Angela’s case did present some challenges because of her entry to the U.S. under an assumed name. Attorney Connolly informed Angela that she was eligible to apply for her green card in the U.S. through a process called “adjustment of status.” While this would simplify the process since Angela could receive her green card in America and not be required to return to the Philippines, she would still need a waiver of her inadmissibility. Attorney Connolly was very honest with Angela about the process of applying for a waiver. He told her that waivers can be difficult, but that they can definitely be granted if properly prepared. Attorney Connolly and Angela began working on proving that Angela’s husband would suffer an “extreme hardship” if her request for a waiver was denied. They prepared declarations from Angela and her husband about their close, loving relationship and about how Angela’s husband
would suffer emotionally if he was separated from his wife. Attorney Connolly also presented evidence of why it was not feasible for Angela and her husband to simply both move to the Philippines. This evidence included difficulties in them finding jobs in the Philippines due to age discrimination and concerns about their safety due to extrajudicial killings. Finally, Angela’s children also provided declarations about what a wonderful mother Angela had been throughout their lives. It is true that any hardship the children would suffer upon their mother’s deportation was not a factor, but this helped to establish that Angela was a person of good moral character despite her one prior fraudulent act so many years ago. Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is now pleased to announce that Angela was granted her waiver and she is now a proud green card holder in the U.S. Angela is no longer concerned about being deported or separated from her family, but rather is looking forward to the day when she will be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship! ***
JUST MARRIED. The young Jake Katigbak finally tied the knot after nine years of friendship to Filipina beauty Nikki Romero in St. Alphonsus Mary de Liquori Parish Church Magallanes Village, Makati City on Saturday, July 28. The wonderful reception was held at Blue Leaf Events Pavilion. Invited guests and Facebook friends around the world enjoyed the magical night. The Romero clan, with relatives and cousins including the Katigbak, Garthright and Mitra families, enjoyed the delicious dinner. Jake’s mother and Nikki’s dad gave blessed speeches with happy tears included. The Katigbak family from Lipa, Batangas goes back to the late 19th century, when for a short period of time it became a center for trade in the world of coffee cultivation. Photos by Raoul Gatchalian
Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
The bucket list
Become your own style icon
“... As within, so without...” —Hermes Trismegistus Then find the style that suits you — something well within your means and makes you comfortable and confident while you do the things you love to do, or in many cases, have to do, on a daily basis. Experiment with the clothes you already have in your closet. Chances are, with the exception of underwear, you probably have all you need. Test combinations of cut, color, texture and style. Take a photo of the combinations that work for you and make you feel good and confident. Browse through magazines and pick a few that appeal to your own sense of who you are. Stick to the time-tested classics and it is more than likely, you will hit the bullseye of being your own style icon. Dump the Hollywood look. Entertainment industry stylists push trends that are flashy, show far too much skin and wobbly, jiggly bits of flesh. Notice how they almost have the
same cookie cutter look and the same frozen faces botoxed to the max? No, you don’t want to go there. Keep mixing and matching. Discard the ones you know in your gut you will never, ever use. Reclaim valued space in the closet. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. There is no fashion police to issue you a ticket. Pretty soon, you will know in your gut the look that telegraphs who you are without saying a word. You’ve heard it before. “Dress for success! Dress to impresss!” Or that famous line: “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit!” (Okay, I am going off tangent here.) But the point is you must regard slogans with a bit of caution. Catchy rhyming slogans are not necessarily true. Discernment is key. When you dress to impress, you will simply get stressed trying to top each ensemble you put together with the next one. Your PAGE B6
Oxygen, dandruff, female tampons and other facts Overzealous use of these shampoos is not recommended. Why do breasts enlarge during pregnancy? This is nature’s way of preparing the mother for breastfeeding. The placenta makes a lot of estrogen, which, in combination with the other hormones from the pituitary (Prolactin) and other glands, cause the ducts in the breasts to grow larger and form more branches. At the same, progesterone, also secreted by the placenta, stimulates the breasts glandular tissues to enlarge. The alveoli (sacs) are lined with milk-producing cells, and the colostrum (first milk), and the subsequent milk, flows into the collecting ducts and out through the nipples. The estrogen and progesterone (secreted by the placenta) actually inhibit milk production. Immediately after delivery and expulsion of the placenta, the suppression-effect of these two hormones are gone, and milk is secreted, as the Prolactin from the Pituitary Gland stimulates milk production. Indeed, the complex (and yet simple) physiology of the human body is mind-boggling. With all the artificial organs being invented, nothing, even to date, can beat Mother Nature. What is dyslexia? “Word blindness” is a term commonly used to describe this condition where the person, starting from childhood, ad extreme difficulty with reading and writing. About 10% of children are dyslexic, and more common among boys. Dyslexia, which may be inherited, is caused by a localized brain le-
sion, where there is a certain number of brain cells being “faulty,” or there is delayed or incomplete development of the brain. These children are NOT brain damaged. Usually these youngsters are not recognized as dyslexic and may be thought of as lazy, disobedient, bored, problem kids and be relegated to the background as dumb. Early detection is important for those affected to be able to benefit from special schooling and catch up in their learning skills. With early and proper training, many of them can grow up to be very successful individuals. What is “HELP” syndrome? The acronym stands for “High Enzyme, Low Platelets,” a condition in a pregnant woman ready to deliver. The blood pressure skyrockets, the liver enzymes go up and the platelets (tissues needed for normal coagulation to prevent bleeding) drops, causing bleeding during delivery. The cause is not known. The condition could lead to severe, uncontrollable hemorrhage, and some maternal deaths have been reported from this syndrome. This is one of the reasons why prenatal medical checkups are very important to rule out any conditions that may complicate an otherwise normal delivery. Is text messaging bad for our health? Anything in excess, even water, oxygen, talking, food, rest, etc, is bad for us. Wise and appropriate use of cellphones and their nice features, like text messaging, used appropriately, does not pose any PAGE B6
Calendar of Events across
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SIPA presents Filipino Summer Program (Session 2) in LA Join SIPA’s Filipino Summer Program that showcases LA youth the beauty of Filipino culture and history. Every single day students will learn and gain a better understanding of different aspects of the Filipino culture and community, such as Filipino food, Pilipinx cultural dances, Filipino Martial Arts, etc. The last day of the program will be a SIPA Summer Party where the families can come join SIPA as we celebrate the end of the program with food, music, and fun! Youth ages 615 are eligible for the program. Those over the age of 16 can volunteer. Participants do not need to be Filipino. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are served for all students! Session 2 is from August 211 (excluding Sundays). Registration ends on Thursday, July 26 at 11:59 p.m. Drop-Off of children begins at 8 a.m., and pick-up ends by 6 p.m. at SIPA Office (3200 W Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026). The application and more information is at bit.ly/sipasummer18.
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University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum in New Jersey Join the 2nd annual University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum on August 3 and 4 at the Double Tree by Hilton (2117 Route 4 Eastbound / Fort Lee, NJ 07024). Soiree and welcome reception will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday (registration fee is $50). On Saturday, there will be a breakfast educational program from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration fee is $50 with CH Credits and $30 without CH Credits). The day will end with a dinner & dance from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. (registration fee is $100). Mail your registration and payment to UPINHF c/o Iren Bobis Roldan at 26931 Fort Apache Circle, Lake Forest, CA 92630. Make checks payable to UPINHF INC. For more information, please visit www.upinhf.org.
University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association hosts 39th annual reunion in Las Vegas, NV Calling all 2018 jubilarians and class coordinators! Save the date for the University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association’s 39th annual reunion on August 3 and 4 at the Treasure Island Hotel in Las Vegas. This year’s theme is “Confronting the modern-day challenge of bioethical and other critical health care issues. For more info/registration, please visit UPNAAI.com .
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Travel, Trade and Consumer event in Carson, CA The Travel, Trade and Consumer Exhibition will encompass the bustling SouthBay Pavilion (20700 S Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746), and is free to the public. Presented by the Department of Tourism & the Department of Trade and Industry, the public can participate in promotions and raffles offered by the exhibitors in booths that will line the main mall. Aside from chances to win plane tickets and other exciting prizes, the Mainstage will host a variety of entertainment and interviews by TV personalities. Outdoor food booths shall be serving Philippine delicacies. A B2B area is also available for business presentations. For exhibitor inquiries, please visit www.traveltradeconsumer.com and contact info@asianjournlainc.com.
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Philippine Chamber Singers-Los Angeles’ “Hibang sa Awit” at Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA Philippine Chamber Singers-Los Angeles (PCS-LA) invites you to a concert celebrating Original Pilipino Music, better known as OPM, at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall on Friday, August 17 at 8 p.m. in “Hibang sa Awit” (Mad About Songs). “Hibang sa Awit” highlights the new modern classic Filipino music and the kundiman created by some of the most respected Filipino composers including Ryan Cayabyab, Willy Cruz, George Canseco, Ruben Federizon, and Robert Delgado to name a few. Very special friends including award winning jazz singer, Mon David; esteemed inspirational singer, Edward Granadosin; and a local/community gem, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Children’s Choir; will join PCS-LA as they infuse various musical styles into a treat for the whole family to hear. Tickets available at the box office or at www.musiccenter.org.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
Features
B august 2-8, 2018 • Las VEgas asIaN JOuRNaL
City of Las Vegas’ senior special events in September Las Vegas residents invited to celebrations, luncheons & activities at city centers
THE city of Las Vegas active adult and senior centers offer exercise, fitness, craft, arts, dance, music and computer classes; cards; games; discussion and social groups; luncheons; sports; and special events Monday through Friday to residents age 50 and better. Many of these activities contribute to wellness and a healthy lifestyle. A listing of classes and activities is published in the Beyond the Neon Leisure Guide, available online at www.lasvegasparksandrec.com and in the centers. All activities are subject to change. Most activities require $10 annual membership in city of Las Vegas Active Adult/Senior Citizen Programs, available at all senior and active adult centers. Apple Pancakes Breakfast (ages 50+) Friday, Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m. Cost: $5. Lieburn Senior Center; 6230 Garwood Ave., 702-229-1600. Enjoy apple pancakes with syrup, breakfast meat, fruit, juice and coffee. Registration open Aug. 1-Sept. 5. Call 702-229-1600 for more information and registration. Happy Birthday BB King! (ages 50+) Thursday, Sept. 13, 1 to 3 p.m. Cost: $4. Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., 702-229-6125. Celebrate the great legend’s birthday! Listen to blues, play BB
King trivia, enjoy great company, music and tea cakes! Registration opens Aug. 1; please register before Tuesday, Sept. 11. Space is limited. Izzy & Herman Hoe Down (ages 50+) Friday, Sept. 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $5. Derfelt Senior Center in Lorenzi Park, 3343 W. Washington Ave., 702-229-6601. Enjoy lunch, entertainment and a hee-hawin’ good time! Advance registration required. Registration open Aug. 1 until full. Call 702-229-6601 for registration and information. Hawaiian Luau Luncheon (ages 50+) Friday, Sept. 21, 11:30 a.m. Cost: $6. Lieburn Senior Center; 6230 Garwood Ave., 702-229-1600. Enjoy Kahlua pork with all the fixings, plus fun entertainment. Registration open Aug. 1-Sept. 19. Call 702-229-1600 for more information and registration. Senior Masquerade Ball (ages 50+) Saturday, Sept. 22, 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: $10/per person. Las Vegas Senior Center, 451 E. Bonanza Road, 702-229-6454. Wear your finest attire (and a mask) to enjoy an evening of good music, dancing, stimulating conversation, finger foods, and punch. Advance registration required. Registration opens Monday, Aug.
6, at 8 a.m. 9-Ball Tournament (ages 50+) Wednesday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $1. Las Vegas Senior Center, 451 E. Bonanza Road, 702-229-6454. Enjoy a competitive, yet fun, tournament; bring your own cue stick if you have one. Advance registration required. Registration opens Monday, Aug. 6, at 8 a.m. Call 702-229-6454 for registration and information. Picnic & Health Fair (all ages) Thursday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $6. Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., 702-229-6125. Join Doolittle Senior Center for a beautiful day at Doolittle Park. Bring your blankets or lawn chair to enjoy lunch, music, games and a health fair. If you would like to be vendor, please contact Cassandra or Michelle at 702-229-6125. Registration opens Aug. 1. Autumn Moon Festival (ages 50+) Friday, Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $5. Derfelt Senior Center in Lorenzi Park, 3343 W. Washington Ave., 702-229-6601. Celebrate the autumn moon with lunch and entertainment. Advance registration required. Registration open Aug. 1 until full. Call 702-229-6601 for registration and information.
Performance artist Jasmine Orpilla... PAGE B2 of beauty, art and entertainment, and to see from where those standards derived. “You, now, have generations of Filipino Americans who have researched deeply their cultural heritages,” de Guzman said. “And you can see that in the kinds of art we see Filipino Americans creating in college theaters, dance companies and all these other avenues, and so we see these artists performing their identity with much more depth and knowledge of their cultural heritage.” De Guzman and Orpilla’s piece, which was unintentionally showcased in the era of diversity (or
lack thereof) in arts and entertainment, speaks volumes of how creative people of color can reclaim their identities and unapologetically deviate from the accepted definition(s) of beauty and art. And if that makes audiences uncomfortable, then all the better because that means the message is coming through, Orpilla said. “In many ways, art isn’t supposed to be comfortable and there definitely are moments in this piece that might make people uncomfortable, but that’s what art is supposed to do: make you take an introspective dive,” Orpilla noted. “This is something that I’ve
been delving into this for quite a while, and this isn’t all that I can say about this particular theme [of challenging accepted notions of aesthetics]. There’s so much more to do, so many other specific narratives to tell.” “How Many Years Did We Fight the Beast Together” isn’t the only Fil-Am premiering original work for the REDCAT NOW Festival. This week, on Thursday, Aug. 2, Los Angeles-based artist Jay Carlon will be premiering his own dance performance at the REDCAT titled “CARLON: fold, unfold, refold,” which combines kinetic movement and vibrations and the distortion of sounds.
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Gretchen Barretto on being called a mistress: ‘I’m the kabit who’ll live happily ever after’ by Kate
Matriano Inquirer.net
GRETCHEN Barretto’s relationship with partner Antonio “Tonyboy” Cojuangco has always been an open book. This time, the eldest of the Barretto clan spoke up against an online basher who persistently sends her negative comments. “Old news yes, I am all that you say I am [and] you follow me on Instagram,” wrote Barretto in a post she uploaded via the platform yesterday, July 28. “I am who I am [and] I so [love] it [and] you [d]ie in envy burn, burn, burn.” “I am the kabit (concubine) who will live [h]appily ever after [and] you will be the envious who will die each time you see me soar high,” added the actress. “Rest In Peace envious [b****] I shall soar high while you die.” Barretto posted a screen grab of the alleged basher Frederick Dison’s (@boshie1185) reply on one of her Instagram Stories,
sharing the Instagram page of the said basher. She had written “LLL for Loser [face screaming in fear emoji]” alongside the Instagram handle of Dison. “Kirida the dakilang kabit (Mistress, the great concubine),” said the basher. “Greta, kirida, kabit (mistress, concubine) sounds like a tongue twister.” Barretto’s fans were quick to express their support for the actress, applauding her for her tough remarks against the basher. Earlier yesterday, Barretto shared another screengrab of the comment Dison left on one of her Instagram posts. “I hope you could do better on the social media than showing off your lifestyle Ms. Greta,” commented the basher. “If you could do even better. #JUSTSAYING.” The actress retorted: “@ boshie1185 really, like bashing me is something better than what I am posting ?! I am who I am & I will do whatever pleases me Deal with it C’est la vie.”
Catriona Gray gets ready... PAGE B1 ternational pageantry the second time around. Like a regular person She said that as a voracious reader since childhood she imbibed the unwritten dictum that “good writing is good reading” and vice versa. Inspo, abbreviated term for inspiration, fits Gray to a tee as the inaugural guest editor of the Lifestyle segment of the network with its motto, “Inspiring Stellar Stories” – helping curate the site content of style and fashion, food and dining, health and wellness, travel and leisure, pop culture, homes, technology, and “all other inspiring and relevant stories to guide every Filipina to live her best life.” “I don’t really have [an]editorial background [but]I am a reader ever since I was very young. I find [that]I really enjoy expressing myself through literature, [and]through articles,” the 24-year-old towering beauty said. She shared the challenges and stress of working in the media especially in meeting deadlines. “That was the hardest part though. At the drop of a hat, like, it’s really a skill and I very much admire you guys for being able to meet all your deadlines,” she said. As Inspo, Gray said she wanted to change people’s perception of beauty queens – that like everyone else they, too, have interests, perceptions and even problems and not the picture-perfect that they always project to be. “I feel like a regular person [as]a beauty queen is quite un-relatable and some people might look at us and be like ‘how can we relate to you, you always look pretty in photos.’ That’s the boundary I really wanted to break [through]my articles. Just to show people that I, too, have my own ups and downs. I am [a]very simple person behind the title of being a beauty queen,”
she said. Beauty queen defined “It’s a modern definition of a woman and that’s evolving,” Gray introduced her stand on transgender beauty queens, now that officially there is one candidate who will vie for the Miss Universe 2018 crown along with her and almost 100 other “true” women. “If the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has allowed it and is saying that it’s in the name of inclusivity, then of course I’m gonna leave it up to the organization,” she qualified. In a sit-down interview with The Manila Times (and another media entity) later, Gray said that thankfully Binibining Pilipinas requires a candidate to be born female. Gray said the Oxford Dictionary definition of beauty queen as “a woman judged most beautiful in a beauty contest,” is now arguable as pageants have evolved to be so much more than a quest for outer beauty in recent years. “No longer are organizations looking for the most beautiful to be ‘the face’ of their brand. Instead, an emphasis is placed on finding the ‘spokesperson.’ Timely, considering in the age of social media and legions of followers, individuals have public platforms like never before. I say it’s time for revision,” she said. “It’s not just about [physical]beauty [as prize of the genetic lottery]. It’s now shifting to what we do have control over: our wit, charm, intelligence, personality. Beauty is becoming a mindset, an attitude,” she expounded. “The selection of the new Miss Spain [Angela Ponce] as the first ever transgender to represent her country at the Miss Universe 2018 pageant is bringing gender discussion to the forefront. All of this is a sign of the inclusive future of pageantry – candidates as advocates, [which is]one of the most beautiful progressions within the
Gretchen Barretto Photo from Instagram/@juansarte
Barretto for some time now has apparently owned up to the mistress tag she has been repeatedly labeled with. Despite being together with the business tycoon for more than two decades, Cojuangco has yet to annul his marriage with equestrienne Denise Yabut Cojuangco. pageantry.” Gray said that the advocacy she had been working the last three years now share the spotlight with her. She added that as an only child, it would be an overwhelming experience to become an “ate” to many young girls and boys within the circle of her advocacy – “Paraiso Bright Beginnings Project” – and the young people who may be nurtured by her writings and musings as Inspo. Hence, her revised definition of beauty queen: Noun. An empowered individual who promotes her cause and/or advocacy through the platform of a pageant. Judged as the most suitable spokesperson of the organization through a criteria of beauty, confidence, performance, communicative ability, and personality. “And I thank you!” she said. More prepared now than during Miss World Herself the country’s candidate to the Miss World pageant in 2016, ending in the Top 5, Talent Award second placer, winner in the Multimedia platform and one of five winners in the “Beauty With A Purpose” track of the contest, Gray said she agrees with the observation that she is better prepared this time for Miss U. In May, Miss World Organization executive director Steve Douglas Morley (son of chairman Julia Morley) was in Manila for the launching of Mr. World 2018 pageant in the country. When asked by The Manila Times then his take on Gray being the country’s representative to this year’s Miss Universe, he said that he believes the alumna of their pageant is a lot more prepared this time. “That’s true. I was 22 then, now I’m 24. Suffice it to say, I have matured, having gone through a lot [of experiences], so I can say that I am much more prepared to once again banner the Philippines in the international stage,” the future fourth Filipina Miss Universe told The Manila Times.
Oxygen, dandruff, female tampons... PAGE B5 health hazard to the user. Cell phones and text messaging are technological wonders of our times, which, when utilized properly, provide great convenience, advantage, and security for the users and their family and friends. Exceptions are the use of cellphone while driving or doing activities that require full attention. Accidental deaths have been reported form improper use of cellphones. While on a night out, 100 percent attention on your date is a must. In this situation, the repeated use of a cell phone for calls, or frequent text messaging, could hazardous not only to user’s physical health but to the relationship. Besides, this unwelcome practice is rude and anti-social, vehemently frowned upon in polite society. Are female tampons safe? If used properly, yes, the new tampons are fairly safe. In 1978, a worldwide phenomenon called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) was first described, with symptoms ranging from high fever, skin rash, fall in blood pressure, severe eye infection, headaches, disorien-
tation, joint and muscle pains, diarrhea and kidney failure. The victims were females (average age 23) having their normal menstrual period. A number of deaths from TSS has been reported. Implicated was the use of super-absorbency tampons, which acted as a culture medium for the staphylococcal infection in the vagina. The longer the tampon was left in the vagina, the greater the risk. The toxin or poison produced by the staphylococci caused the serious illness described above. Most patients recovered after appropriate treatment of intravenous fluids and antibiotics, but at a later stage lost the skin of their palms and soles, the face and even the tongue. Mortality rate for TSS is about 2 or 3 percent. Tampons should be changed 3 to 4 times a day, even if not fully stained to prevent TSS. This makes it a bit too expensive. A time-proven safer alternative is the use of sanitary pads. Does owning a pet help premenopausal women? Yes, this is no fable. It has been shown that pre-menopausal wom-
en who owned a pet they could communicate with (like a dog or a cat), and who kept them company, went through this change in their life and physiology with much less pain and agony. The constant companionship and love the pets gave these suffering women provided the much needed love, sense of loyalty and security during this formidable stage in their life. For one thing, these pets do not complain and do not answer back. They give their love totally, genuinely and unconditionally. Because of these attributes, pets are considered by some people as “better than some friends and family members.” *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
The bucket list
PAGE B5 ego becomes the driver plus your wallet is lighter. Life is just too short to obsess on this matter. The focus becomes the dress not on how your style makes you comfortable allowing you to function without having to fuss preening all day in front of a mirror. The right style projects the person quite easily, making you your own unique style icon. There may be clones of you, but no one is quite like you. God and your choices make it so. If you work for an organization, it means you have to blend your style and comply with the company dress code. Looking
professional and competent is key. Remember that as an employee, you are a reflection of the company you work for. If casual jeans and tees are the norm in the company or because the nature of your work requires you to be holed up all day in some obscure cubicle and does not have to face the public, then wear them. It doesn’t mean, however, that you are required to dress down at all times. Predictability is boring. From time to time, make an effort to look really good just to make yourself feel good. Why buy clothes and let them hang by their lonesome in the closet? Believe it or not, it
does your psyche good to receive compliments from time to time, particularly on down days. Do you know what is the cherry on top of a unique style icon? It’s a killer smile. A smile that comes from your eyes is a light bulb that dispels darkness and negativity. It is essentially a sneak preview of the wellspring of goodness and love busting to get out from within you. Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List … *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUSt 2-8, 2018
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B8 AUGUST 2-8, 2018 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
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Located in Montemaria, home to the ninth largest monument in the World—the shrine to Mother Mary,Tower of Peace.
A world-class township development located in Montemaria, Batangas City, the Philippines.
“For your retirement, family vacation, pilgrimage, and investment...for generations.�
THE TOTAL LAND AREA OF THE MONTEMARIA DEVELOPMENT IS APPROXIMATELY 130 HECTARES WHICH INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TOWNSHIP* PROJECTS: 01 Condominiums, hotels, and resorts 02 Commercial developments such as a shopping center which includes restaurants and cafes 03 Golf Course and Water Park 04 Spa and Wellness Centers 05 Marina and Fisherman’s Wharf 06 Housing, residential subdivision, and retirement village 6XEMHFW WR ƓQDO GHYHORSPHQW SODQ TOTAL LAND AREA 2.1 Hectares
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
01 Development site is adjacent to the Statue of Virgin Mary. 02 5HVRUW VHWWLQJ ZLWK PDJQLĆ“FHQW YLHZ RI WKH ED\ 03 High-quality asset with world-class exterior and interior design. 04 Designed by award winning and internationally renowned Architecture and Design Firm, ARCH HAUS ASIA. 05 Montemaria is located on top of the Batangas Bay Peninsula facing the Verde Island Passage, reputed to be the U.N. recognized “Center of the Center of Marine Bio-Diversity of the World.â€?
DATE OF COMPLETION Second Quarter of 2020 TOTAL NUMBER OF UNITS PHASE 1 866 Units BUILDING 1 164 units
BUILDING 2 Clubhouse
Lombard By The Bay is a joint venture development project between 3UHPLHU $VLD 3DFLĆ“F 5HDO (VWDWH DQG Development Corp.and Omnicor ,QGXVWULDO (VWDWH 5HDOW\ &HQWHU ,QF
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT SUSAN K. GROSS-NIEDERMEYER AT (480) 227-7782 SUSAN@SUSANGROSSREALTOR.COM I SUSAN.GROSS@PREMIERASIAPACIFIC.COM I LOMBARDBYTHEBAY.COM