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A U GUS T 2-8, 2019 Volume 12 - No. 41 • 16 Pages 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • 2500 Plaza S. Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858

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Duterte warns: ‘I’m about to do something drastic’ Duterte said in his speech during the anniversary of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte in Pasay City. “Negros, naubos na ‘yung on Thursday, August 1, warned that he may do “something bagong elected. Tignan ninyo drastic” to ensure law and sa record. Ang pinakamaramorder in the country, following ing namatay sa atin, barangay the spate of killings in Negros captain. Kapag nandoon ka sa kabila patay ka. And we don’t Oriental. “I will explain in the com- have the army, we don’t have ing days. But I’m about to do the armed forces na nasa lisomething drastic. It will not kuran nila, pirmi (The elected in sit well with everybody, maybe Negros have been decimated. including you, but it is needed,” Look at the record. Majority of by CATHERINE

VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

DATELINE

USA

the dead are barangay captains. If you belong to the other side, you’re dead. And we don’t have the armed forces who will be behind us always),” he added. Duterte then offered to arm BFP personnel so they could help keep peace and order in their respective communities. “You have to help in the maintenance of law and order. Do not limit yourself diyan sa ano (there). Kulang nga tayo

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Poe now keen on supporting divorce bill Lotto resumes operations as MENDIOLA AJPress

SENATOR Grace Poe on Wednesday, July 31, said she is now more inclined to support the proposed divorce bill, after having a change of heart. The senator admitted that she initially supported making annulment more accessible, instead of legalizing divorce, but reconsidered after learning about the unfortunate cases of other women. “Subalit sa ngayon, pag nakikita ko na rin na marami sa ating mga kababaihan ang

Fil-Am mail bomber Cesar Sayoc was obsessed with Trump and mentally ill, say new court filings

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Duterte lifts suspension order

by RITCHEL

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

THE Filipino American man who pled guilty for mailing explosives to high-profile Democrats and President Donald Trump’s critics suffered from mental illness and had a years-long obsession with Trump, his lawyers claim. In a 39-page sentencing memo to U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff of the Southern District of New York, attorneys for 57-year-old Cesar Sayoc pointed to a troubled childhood, isolation, and steroid addiction as having played a role in his obsession and ultimately mailing the explosives. “In this darkness, Mr. Sayoc found light in Donald J. Trump,” wrote defense attorney Sarah Baumgartel in the memo, adding that the infatuation with Trump initially started off as something personal. She added that Sayoc often relied on taped self-help books, including those written by the businessman and former reality TV star.

DUTERTE WITH IP LEADERS. President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with some indigenous peoples representatives present during the Joint 69th National Security Council and 70th National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Founding Anniversary on Wednesday, July 31. The IP leaders retold their stories on the ‘’deceptions’’ of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army in farflung communities in the Philippines. Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

Senator Grace Poe

Philstar.com photo

KATREENA Philstar.com

CABICO

MANILA — The Philippines is facing two public health crises in 2019—a simmering measles outbreak and the soaring number of dengue cases. Measles has long been prevented by vaccination while the vaccine against dengue has been mired in controversy. There have been at least 34,950 measles cases—and 477 deaths from the disease—since the beginning of the

MENDIOLA AJPress

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday night, July 30, announced that the suspension order imposed on the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO) lotto operations has been lifted by President Rodrigo Duterte. “The suspension of lotto operations is lifted immediately,” u PAGE 2 said presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo in a TV inter-

Rise in dengue, measles cases underline value of vaccines by GAEA

by RITCHEL

view. However, the rest of the PCSO’s games with franchises, licenses and permits, such as the Small Town Lottery, Keno and Peryahan ng Bayan will remain suspended. Panelo said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea was the one who relayed the information to him. “Only with respect to lottos. The rest of the gaming opera-

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year. The risk of the outbreak has been set to moderate at the national level due to a decreasing number of newly reported cases but the outbreak cannot be declared over until the Health department reaches its target vaccination coverage of 95%. And while health workers are containing the highly contagious disease, they are also fighting the war against the A PCSO Lotto outlet, which had been operating since 1999, was closed on Saturday, deadly dengue. July 27, after President Rodrigo Duterte declared all PCSO gaming illegal. On Tuesday, In mid-July, the Department of Health July 30, the president lifted the suspension of Lotto operations.

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Inquirer.net photo by Leo Udtohan

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From the Front Page

Rise in dengue, measles cases...

PAGE 1 declared a national dengue alert after five regions—CALABARZON, Bicol region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula—exceeded the epidemic threshold, or the “the level of occurrence of disease above which an urgent response is required.” Even cases in MIMAROPA, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are significantly higher than in previous years. From January 1 to July 13, there were 130,463 dengue cases, including 561 deaths. During the same period in 2018, the DOH had documented only 67,690 cases, including 367 deaths. Health officials attributed this to the spike of dengue cases every three years, not only in the Philippines but also in other Asian countries. Palace open to reconsidering Dengvaxia As the cases of dengue continues to surge, Malacañang said it is open to making Dengvaxia— the controversial first vaccine licensed to protect against the

mosquito-borne virus—available again if experts declare it to be effective in addressing the current situation. “If the weight of findings shows that there is benefit using Dengvaxia against dengue, then certainly the government should consider it,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Wednesday. At the tailend of 2017, the government stopped the P3.5billion vaccination program after pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Pasteur disclosed that Dengvaxia may cause “severe dengue” if given to those without prior exposure to the virus. Sanofi: No link between deaths and Dengvaxia Other countries simply dealt with the French drugmaker’s announcement by updating guidelines and labels. But in the Philippines, the news led to confusion and worse, mistrust in vaccination, as soon as the Public Attorney’s Office directly linked deaths of individuals to Dengvaxia despite no solid evidence. The certificate of product registration of Dengvaxia was also revoked in February 2019.

The country’s Food and Drug Administration cited the pharmaceutical firm’s failure to submit post-approval commitment documents—not the issue on the vaccine’s safety—as the reason. Sanofi Pasteur Philippines General Manager Jean-Antoine Zinsou maintained that the Dengue Investigative Task Force of the Philippine General Hospital and the WHO Global Advisory on Vaccine Safety had found there was no causality between the deaths and the vaccine. “Of course, there are parents who lost their kids. Nobody wants to experience that. It’s extremely painful. Really I’m expressing my deep feeling for that but what people needs to remember is the conclusion of these two committees which is the absence of link between these deaths and the vaccine,” Zinsou told Philstar.com in an exclusive interview. Zinsou said Sanofi Pasteur is currently appealing the decision of the FDA. “We are optimistic in the fact that at the end of the day, we will

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BATANES QUAKE DAMAGE. Aerial photo shows the temporary shelters and area damaged by the earthquake that hit Batanes last Saturday (July 27, 2019). President Rodrigo R. Duterte conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas and held a situation briefing with members of his Cabinet and local government officials at the Basco Airport on Sunday, July 28, to discuss disaster response measures in the aftermath of the earthquake. Malacañang photo

Duterte warns: ‘I’m about to... PAGE 1 ng tao (We lack people),” the president said. “You are not limited to just fire. You have to go around and help the policeman and the military. Isang senyas lang naman kayo, magkakaalaman na kayo (You only need one signal, and you should be able to understand each other). You must help. And you must help kill the enemy kasi ang enemy ninyo papatayin talaga kayo (because your enemy will kill you),” he said. Duterte’s statement came a day after his spokesman, Salvador Panelo, bared the President’s plan to declare martial law in Negros Oriental over the spate of killings in the province. Four policemen were killed and tortured by alleged mem-

bers of the New People’s Army (NPA) on July 18 in Ayungon town. The incident was followed by a spate of killings on the island. In his Thursday’s speech, Duterte said the government forces would continue to hunt down the NPA, including its sparrow unit. “So I’m warning everybody including the Sparrows na (that) the Angels, ang tawag ko sa Sparrow ko (that’s what I call my Sparrow), will also be looking for you. Ganoon ang ano, ang mga anghel ng gobyerno (Those are the angels of government). Hindi pwede iyan (That can’t be),” he said. On Wednesday, the president raised the reward money to P5 million for the capture, dead or alive, of the killers of

the Negros policemen, and to P100,000 for every participant in the killing. Duterte, according to Panelo, also said that the NPA in Negros had gone overboard and that its killings have become brazen and unbridled to include men in uniform, as well as civilians who were murdered with impunity. “The president will obey the constitutional command to serve and protect the Filipino people at any cost, and to fiercely save the Republic from imminent ruin,” Panelo said. “The president vows to replicate the atrocious acts done by the communist rebels to the civilians, the barangay officials, and the law enforcers against these murderers in defense of our countrymen,” he added. n

Poe now keen on supporting...

PAGE 1 medyo naagrabyado at saka hindi makapagsimula muli sa kanilang buhay, parang naiisip ko na rin na siguro maganda na ngang pag-usapan yan, napapanahon na (When I learn of cases of many women who are disadvantaged and can’t start a new life, perhaps it is time to think of, and discuss the divorce law),” Poe said in an interview on dzMM. “Ang pinag-iingatan lang natin ay hindi ito [divorce] abusuhin at gawing nakapadali… (We just want to make sure that the divorce law will not be abused),” she added. Poe also stressed the need for a thorough study of the proposed legislation, specifically pertaining to safe-

guards. “Pero kung tatanungin mo ako ngayon ha, ano ba talaga…parang mas gusto ko nang mayroon [divorce] (If you ask me now, I am more partial to having divorce in the country),” she said. “Kasi kapag sinabi mo ring annulment, ang dami pa e, may iba-iba pang mga question so tingnan natin. Pero kung bibilangin mo na rin ang inclination ng mga mambabatas, mas inclined po ako na suportahan yun sa ngayon (Because if you say annulment, there’s a lot, there are different questions so let’s see. But if we’d count the inclination of lawmakers, I am more inclined to support [divorce] now),” Poe added. Two other female senators

namely Pia Cayetano and Risa Hontiveros have also refiled separate measures to legalize divorce in the Philippines. Sen. Cynthia Villar, on the other hand, thinks it is not yet time to pass the measure. “Kasi we’re predominantly a Catholic country. Medyo ‘di ba ayaw ‘yan ng Simbahan, madaming gulo (Because we’re predominantly a Catholic country. The Church does not want it, there are many issues),” Villar said on Tuesday, July 30. “But I think it will be filed every Congress and there will come a time that we will pass it. But I don’t think this is the time that we will be able to pass it. It’s a matter of adjusting the mind of the people,” she added. n

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Dateline USa

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Second round of Dem debates signal Lotto resumes operations as Duterte lifts... emergence of progressive policy PAGE 1

Sanders, Warren defend Medicare for All and other highlights from the second Democratic debate

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

IF the first round of debates in June were an introduction to the candidates running for the 2020 Democratic nomination, the second round of Democratic debates this week in Detroit was a cementing of those candidates’ stances and policies. On Wednesday, July 30 and Thursday, July 31 the 20 candidates who qualified were split in half and randomly assorted in the two-night affair in Detroit where there was a clear ideological split among progressives, moderates and those who toe the line between those two credos. Over the course of the twonight affair, health care was the name on everyone’s lips as candidates got into the nitty gritty of the Democratic conversation around the affordability and accessibility of public health care. Both Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren argued for the progressive stance of imposing a Medicare For

All plan, a universal public health care model that would eliminate rising premiums and deductibles in favor of funding the program through increased taxes on the 1%. “Let’s be clear what this debate is about. Nobody can defend the dysfunctionality of the current system,” Sanders explained. “What we are taking on is the fact that over the last 20 years the drug companies and the insurance companies have spent $4.5 billion of your health insurance money on lobbying and campaign contributions.” Moderate Democrats like former governor of Colorado John Hickenlooper and former Congressmember John Delaney of Maryland agreed that the idea of Medicare For All is too “extreme.” “It comes down to that question of Americans being used to being able to make choices, to have the right to make a decision,” Hickenlooper said, reinforcing the moderates’ argument that Americans should choose whether or not

to opt for Medicare, and if “it expands, the quality improves [and] the cost comes down eventually you could get [to Medicare For All], but it would be an evolution, not a revolution.” But Warren argued that that approach fosters a convoluted insurance system that forces “people to have to fight to try to get the health care coverage that their doctors and nurses say that they need.” On the second night, Vice President made a case for the idea that the solution to the nation’s health care woes is to maintain and expand Obamacare. “My response is Obamacare is working,” Biden said. “The way to build this, and get to it immediately is to build on Obamacare. Take back all the things that Trump took away, provide a public option, meaning every single person would be able to buy into that option if they didn’t like their employer plan.” On the topic of immigra-

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Rise in dengue, measles cases...

PAGE 2 find a common ground with the health authorities of this country,” he said. In a 2018 position paper, WHO recommended to countries considering vaccination as part of their dengue control program to administer pre-vaccination screening for past dengue infection. Only persons who have had a dengue virus infection in the past would be vaccinated. ‘Vaccines as efficient triumph of public health’ Vaccination, according to WHO, has greatly reduced the burden of infectious diseases. But the thriving anti-vaccine lobby and misguided safety concerns in some countries have led to vaccine hesitancy or the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines, which “threatens to reverse progress made in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases.” Vaccine coverage in the country fell to only 40% last year after the scare stoked by the antidengue vaccine controversy. The DOH is targeting to vaccinate some nine million public school students across the country. Students from Grades 1 to 7 will be given measles and rubella vaccines and they will be also given booster doses against tetanus-diptheria. “It’s well known that vaccine has been the most efficient triumph of public health in the past century because it’s the only tool that can save lives, it’s the only tool of course after clean water,” Zinsou said. The Sanofi Pasteur Philippines general manager added: “Vaccination can prevent people from getting sick. And we’ve seen the damage

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III talks to a mother of a dengue patient at the dengue ward of San Lazaro Hospital. ManilaTimes.net photo by Enrique Agcaoili

of the mistrust and concerns about vaccination in this country.” The low vaccination coverage—which led to the measles outbreak in different parts of the country—could be attributed to the erosion of trust in immunization. “Vaccine is not a magic bullet; vaccine contributes to improving the performance of the immune system, the system that defends the organs. There is no vaccine that is 100-percent efficacious. Nevertheless, when you look at the value of the vaccines in preventing diseases, it’s worth being vaccinated,” Zinsou said. Sanofi Pasteur has launched a campaign that will allow the public to ask questions and concerns about health and vaccines through its website. The pharmaceutical company will responds to the concerns directly. “Communication is very important for us and this is why we decided to have this public campaign to help us better listen to the people,” Zinsou said. n

tions are still undergoing investigation. Pending results of that, per the executive secretary, the suspension on the lotto operations is lifted,” he said. Medialdea, in a text message, confirmed the lifting of the suspension order. “Investigators found no [irregularities] in the conduct of its operation, its sanctity remained untainted and proper regulatory rules followed,” he said. On July 26, Duterte ordered the suspension of gaming activities operated, licensed and franchised by the PCSO due to alleged “massive corruption” in the agency. The order led to the closure of more than 30,000 gaming outlets since July 27.

Alternative sources Following the closure of all gaming outlets of the PCSO, the government said it would look for other sources of funds to continue providing medical assistance to the poor. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III pointed out that new funding sources must be identified by the administration’s economic managers to augment PCSO funds. “They have to be imaginative on where to get the funds. The PCSO funding is huge and can render anemic the capacity of the Malasakit centers to be able to maximize support to poor patients,” Duque said. “The shortfall must be filled,” he added. Duque noted that one of the possible fund sources could be revenue collection from sin

taxes. He also said the Department of Health (DOH) could lend a hand through its medical assistance programs for the poor. According to the health chief, nearly half a million people receive financial support from the PCSO yearly for their hospitalization and other medical needs. He added that the charity agency provides P1.5 billion yearly for the implementation of the UHC law as well. Duque said he would have informed Malacañang of the possible impact of the suspension of PCSO gaming outlets on healthcare services had the Palace consulted him. He remains hopeful that the closure of small town lottery (STL) draw centers would be temporary. n

Fil-Am mail bomber Cesar Sayoc was obsessed... PAGE 1

“Mr. Sayoc relied on selfhelp books on tape to keep going,” read the memo. “Donald Trump’s books on success and business were his favorites.” With the goal of getting a minimum sentence of 121 months, Sayoc’s attorneys said that a “series of traumatic events” including abandonment by his father and sexual abuse by his Catholic school teacher as a child, pushed him “further and further into the margins of society.” Having become more isolated as he grew older along with increased anxiety and paranoia from his excessive steroid use, it wasn’t until Sayoc came across the community of ardent Trump supporters that he “found a sense of community that he had been missing for so many years,” said his attorneys. “He conflated his personal situation with the perceived struggles of Trump supporters across the country, and even the President himself,” it continued. “His paranoia bled into delusion and Mr. Sayoc came to believe that prominent Democrats were actively working to hurt him, other Trump supporters, and the country as a whole.” The memo said Sayoc became politically radicalized as he began watching Fox News religiously and closely following social media accounts of Trump supporters and conspiracy theorists online. “Mr. Sayoc was an ardent Trump fan, and when Trump announced he was running for President, Mr. Sayoc enthusiastically supported him,” read

Photo shows mail bomber Cesar Sayoc at a campaign rally for Donald Trump, whom defense lawyers say Sayoc had a longstanding obsession with before Trump was elected to the presidency. Contributed photo

the memo. “He began watching Fox News religiously at the gym, planning his morning workout to coincide with Fox and Friends and his evenings to dovetail with Hannity.” As for the 16 explosive packages that were sent to 13 political targets and public figures including former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden, and current 2020 presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, Sayoc’s attorneys said that while the devises “were designed to look like pipe bombs,” he had “no true grasp of the severity of his crimes” due to his mental state. Also included in the sentencing memo from Sayoc’s attorneys were photos of the explosive devices, photos from the accused’s childhood, of his medications, and of his van and Trump memorabilia. Sayoc pleaded guilty in March to a total of 65 felony counts from four sets of charges including illegally mailing explosives with intent to kill

or injure another, and using weapons of mass destruction. With a sooner sentencing scheduled for August 5 rather than the original date of September 12, prosecutors in the Southern District of New York have maintained the request that Sayoc get the maximum sentence of life in prison. To “adequately deter acts of domestic terrorism aimed at silencing and intimidating government officials.” In response to the claim that Sayoc did not have the intention that the devices explode, prosecutors said that such claims were a “hoax” and a “desperate effort to avoid accountability.” Acknowledging that the explosives would not have exploded as they were, prosecutors highlighted that real dangerous components were included. “Deficient as the defendant may be as a bomb maker, hoaxes do not involve real explosives, real shards of glass, and real toxic chemicals, as the defendant’s IEDs did,” wrote the prosecutors. “Thus, in addition to the seriousness of the offense conduct, a life sentence is necessary to protect the public from the defendant due to his lack of remorse and lengthy criminal history,” they added, referring to previous run-ins with the law, including a 2002 conviction for making bomb threats. “Such a sentence is also appropriate in order to promote respect for the law and to achieve general deterrence of others who may contemplate similar acts of domestic terrorism.“ (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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OPINION

FEATURES

While we’re sleeping IT was a tragic, dramatic illustration of the importance of being prepared for disasters, especially in the most unguarded moments. Last Saturday, as authorities carried out what was touted as a nationwide “shake drill” at 4 a.m., a real earthquake rocked the country’s northernmost province of Batanes. Like many other people across the country, most of the Batanes residents were still asleep. The quake at 4:16 a.m. lasted only a few seconds. But with a magnitude of 5.4, followed by a magnitude 5.9 temblor about three hours later, the quakes were powerful enough to destroy a Catholic church and several dwellings, some of them heritage houses in picturesque Itbayat town. Eight people were killed while about 100 were injured. On Monday, July 29, a ninth fatality was found in a cave. Fearing aftershocks, families fled to safety, learning belatedly the inadequacy of the mass evacuation capability of their province. July is the same month in 1990 that the magnitude 7.7 earthquake devastated large swaths of Luzon, killing at least 1,621 people mostly in

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Nueva Ecija and Baguio City. Some areas felt the quake at up to Intensity 9. The quake was so powerful it created a ground rupture 125 kilometers long from the province of Aurora to Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija. Soil liquefaction partly swallowed residential and commercial structures in Pampanga. Since the catastrophe, there have been improvements in earthquake preparedness. The impact of the recent quake in Batanes, however, shows that more can be done. Structural experts are reminding residents or custodians of buildings made of limestone – a typical material used in heritage churches across the country – to fortify the buildings against earthquakes. The inadequacy of evacuation centers in Batanes also gives urgency to proposals for the upgrading of such facilities across an archipelago that is visited regularly by powerful typhoons and earthquakes, torrential floods and killer landslides. The Batanes earthquake is just the latest reminder of seismologists’ warning that Metro Manila and neighboring areas are ripe for the so-called Big One along the East and West Valley Faults. The fault system runs from Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan through parts of Rizal

Editorial

Revealing inside story of Gel Santos Relos’ 12 years as anchor of ‘Balitang America’ and 25 years as kapamilya at TFC The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS TWELVE YEARS ago, my family had just settled in California, coming from Minnesota where we lived for four years as my husband completed his training in surgery. I thought my career in broad-

casting was over after I said goodbye to my very fulfilling career in radio and television at ABS-CBN headquarters in Manila to immigrate to the United States with my family in 2001. I started my real estate business while raising my kids in the United States without yayas, a driver, and extended family support to help my husband who was then just getting a humble stipend as a resident in surgery. On the side, I also ventured into the distribution of The Filipino Channel (TFC)

satellite and subscription. TFC then was just growing after it was launched in 1994 in the United States and based in California, giving kababayans access to Filipino television programs from ABS-CBN, the parent company of TFC. I would even give my Filipino clients — mostly Filipino nurses in Minnesota — TFC satellites as gifts for their new houses and they were so grateful as it helped ease away their homesickness and kept their PAGE 8

Philstar.com photo

and Metro Manila up to Cavite and Canlubang, Laguna. When the faults finally move, experts estimate that some 35,000 people could die in Metro Manila alone from the earthquake itself apart from the fires that are bound to break out, with thousands more injured and displaced. Millions would suffer from disruptions in basic

services and supply chains, and health facilities could be overwhelmed. Local government units play a critical role in disaster preparedness and mitigation around the clock. The earthquake in Batanes is the latest sad reminder that disaster can strike, even while we’re sleeping. (Philstar.com)

Reincarnating the death penalty

Commentary JOEL RUIZ BUTUYAN IF your wife or daughter is raped or murdered, would you not want to kill the culprit?” This is the leading question usually asked by advocates of the death penalty by way of confronting those who are against it. “Of course I would want to” would be my ready answer. But that’s my answer, because the question solicits an emotional response. The question is no different from this: “If you are punched in the face, wouldn’t you feel

like punching back?” I will not only punch back, but I will also kick and stomp on the offender in vengeful anger. When it’s the government that’s confronted with the question, however, the query becomes secondarily an emotional inquiry, and primarily a probe into policy. The objective of obtaining retribution or revenge in behalf of the victim’s family remains a crucial purpose in imposing a penalty against the offender. But the overriding consideration for the state is whether the penalty imposed is an effec-

tive instrument of deterrence against future commission of the crime. There’s an abundance of research findings showing that the imposition of the death penalty has never been an effective deterrence against heinous crimes. These findings are validated in studies across nations. Death penalty supporters rely on two grievously wrong assumptions. First, they sweepingly assume that criminals are always caught red-handed, or PAGE 10

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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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 2-8, 2019

Dateline PhiliPPines

Coast Guard ships sail to Batanes to deliver relief, enforce sovereignty

MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard has sent two of its Parola-class patrol vessels to bring relief goods to Itbayat, Batanes, which was struck by twin earthquakes over the weekend. Capt. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said BRP Malabrigo and BRP Capones left for Batanes early Thursday, August 1, bringing relief goods from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a bilateral meeting on the PCG Auxiliary. The relief includes rice, July 30 at the sidelines of the 52nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Post Ministerial Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo by Anthony Cornista/DFA canned goods, milk, blankets, folding beds and tents. Additional PCG personnel were also aboard the vessels to assist in medical activities and relief operations in the province. Aside from the patrol vessels, our own.” understanding (MOU) on oil by Patricia Lourdes Viray the coast guard’s Islander plane In his bilateral meeting and gas exploration. Philstar.com In general, terms of refer- with Wang, Locsin affirmed also flew to Batanes to bring MANILA — The Philippines’ ence define the purpose and the Philippines’ commitment relief goods and help in medito work with ASEAN member cal evacuations and transport top diplomat confirmed that structure of a project. states and China on ongoing activities. The DFA chief also said the China has acknowledged rePCG to enforce Philppine ceipt of his acceptance of terms of Beijing was “more programs and initiatives. The Philippines serves Beijing’s terms of reference on faithful” than Manila’s “verthe proposed joint exploration bose version” that he reject- as country coordinator for ASEAN-China dialogue relaed. in the West Philippine Sea. “China acknowledged re- tions. Beijing and Southeast Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Chinese ceipt of my acceptance. Any Asian countries are currently Foreign Minister Wang Yi met attempt to rework or reword negotiating a Code of Conduct at the sidelines of the 52nd the MOU is at the expense of in the South China Sea. “Secretary Locsin lauded ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ basic (Philippine) interests,” the continued progress in the Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand Locsin said. Just last month, Locsin also negotiations towards an effecon Tuesday, July 30. In a tweet Wednesday, July tweeted that he had already tive and substantive Code of 31, Locsin said he accepted accepted China’s version of Conduct on the South China China’s terms of reference on the terms of reference, which Sea,” the DFA said in a statethe “perfect” memorandum of he described as “superior to ment. n

China acknowledges PH’s acceptance of ‘perfect’ MOU on oil exploration

Go seeks more drug rehabilitation centers SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has filed a bill that seeks to establish additional drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers nationwide. Under Senate Bill 399, each province shall have one drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation center supervised by the Department of Health (DOH). “Nais natin na magkaroon ng mga drug rehabilitation centers ang bawat probinsya sa buong bansa. Ang mga centers na ito ang tutulong sa mga drug dependents upang magamot ang kanilang adiksyon at matulungan silang mamuhay ng normal muli (We want to have drug rehabilitation centers in every province nationwide. These centers will help drug dependents cure their addiction in order for them to

live normal lives again),” Go said in a statement. The senator believes the rehabilitation and recovery of drug dependents should be given priorityThe centers proposed in the bill shall be tasked to provide care, treatment and accommodation to drug dependents. These centers shall provide drug users the motivation to regain self-confidence, rediscover their abilities and develop a sense of responsibility. Furthermore, these centers shall provide after-care, follow-up and social reintegration services to enable drug dependents to readjust to family and community life after their release. They will also facilitate and encourage the dissemination and exchange of ideas and

Sen. Bong Go

ManilaTimes.net photo

information on the prevention, care, treatment and control of drug addiction. Go said the funds needed for the implementation of the measure shall be initially charged against the budget of the DoH. Thereafter, additional funding for the continued operation of the centers shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. (ManilaTimes.net)

Philippine Coast Guard vessels set sail for Batanes early Thursday, August 1 to bring relief goods to the quake-hit province. Contributed photo

sovereignty in undisputed Batanes The two Parola-class patrol vessels of the PCG will also patrol the waters off Batanes to enforce Philippine sovereignty and conduct law enforcement activities after the relief operations. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier directed the PCG to

intensify surveillance of the country’s territory in northern Luzon. “You might want to ask the coast guard to — stay here, stay for a while and switch once in a while, to patrol the island from time to time. Not every day but just to assure that those islands will remain ours,” PAGE 10

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Second round of Dem debates signal emergence...

PAGE 4 tion, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, JuliÃn Castro detailed pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants “who haven’t committed a serious crime” as well as instituting a “21st century Marshall Plan with Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala so that we can get to the root of this challenge so people can find safety and opportunity at home instead of having to come to the United States.” Protestors in the audience of the second debate night interrupted Biden’s remarks on his immigration plans, yelling out “3 million deported,” referencing the number of undocumented immigrants deported under President Barack Obama. Biden defended himself, assuring that the deportation rate would “absolutely not” increase if he’s elected.” Candidates poured over the current situation at the border and the “broken immigration system” that has resulted in “inhumane” detention centers riddled with abuse and neglect. But entrepreneur Andrew Yang, the son of Taiwanese immigrants, made a case of uplifting the success stories of immigrants rather than using tragedy as a political approach. “I’m the son of immigrants myself. My father immigrated here as a graduate student and generated over 65 U.S. patents for G.E. and IBM. I think that’s a pretty good deal for the United States. That’s the immigration story we need to be telling,” Yang said. “We can’t always be focusing on some of the — the — the distressed stories. And if you go to a factory here in Michigan, you will not find wall-to-wall immigrants; you will find wall-to-wall robots

and machines. Immigrants are being scapegoated for issues they have nothing to do with in our economy.” Candidates from both nights had their fair share of quips and one-liners that made the rounds on social media, like when Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio interrupted Sanders’ listing out the benefits of Medicare For All, telling the senator, “You don’t know that, Bernie” to which Sanders replied, “I do know it, I wrote the damn bill!” On the second night, Sen. Kamala Harris of California and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii — one of two AAPI candidates on the stage along with Yang — sparred on the issue of criminal justice reform and the issue of police brutality Throughout the campaign, Harris has emphasized her background on criminal justice in California as the state’s attorney general and as a district attorney of San Francisco, arguing that her efforts “became a national model for the work that needs to be done.” “Senator Harris says she’s proud of her record as a prosecutor and that she’ll be a prosecutor president. But I’m deeply concerned about this record. There are too many examples to cite but she put over 1,500 people in jail for marijuana violations and then laughed about it when she was ever asked if she ever smoked marijuana,” Gabbard said, garnering applause from the audience. As expected, both the Republican Party and President Trump himself downplayed the candidates’ policies and attacks on the Trump administration, warning of the dangers of the expansion of progressive ideals of the Democratic field.

“Proving that nothing is impossible, Democrats moved even further to the left tonight,” Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement. “As the Democrat field narrows, our country will continue to thrive under President Trump’s winning agenda of rising wages, new jobs, and a booming economy. Not a single Democrat candidate can compete with President Trump’s record, and the American people are ready to re-elect him in 2020 to keep up this great American comeback.” “No original thoughts for Democrats. Plenty of socialist stupidity — eliminating private insurance, decriminalizing border crossings, higher taxes, getting rid of fossil fuels. Goodbye Pennsylvania. Goodbye auto industry. Goodbye Midwest. Another win for President Trump,” Kayleigh McEnany, National Press Secretary for the Trump re-election campaign, wrote in a statement. The next Democratic debate will be held in Houston, Texas on September 12. The Democratic National Committee has imposed a polling and donor threshold that candidates must meet in order to participate in the next debate: they must be polling at at least 2% in four national DNC-approved polls and at least 130,000 unique donors stemming from at least 400 donors in 20 or more states. The deadline to achieve these qualifications is August 28; and, so far, the only candidates to have met this threshold are Biden, Harris, Sanders, Warren, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, former Texas Rep. Beto Rourke and South Bend Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg. n

Revealing inside story of Gel Santos Relos’ 12 years...

Lombard By The Bay is a joint venture development project between Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development Corp. and Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center, Inc.

PAGE 5 parents longer to take care of their kids as husband and wife worked. During this time in 20022005, I would also file stories for the weekly “Balitang America,” which was launched on September 28, 2002, post 9/11 tragedy and in preparation for the upcoming elections in the United States, under the leadership of Ms. Ging Reyes, who was then the North America News Bureau Chief. When my husband finally finished his surgical training in 2005, my family moved to Northern California upon his acceptance of a job with Kaiser Permanente. His service area

then was in Stockton, where I also eventually practiced real estate. But before this, we visited the Philippines for the first time since we left in 2001. Our visit to Manila coincided with the “Hello Garci” scandal of the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo presidency. When my colleagues at ABS-CBN knew I was in town, they invited me to be a guest on a talk program where I shared how kababayans in Minnesota felt about the chaos in politics in the Philippines. Little did I know that this TV appearance would open the doors for me to go back to my first love — broadcasting. Upon returning to Califor-

nia from our visit to Manila, I was contacted by one of TFC’s production bosses Maritess Militar to invite me to co-host “Citizen Pinoy” with Atty. Michael Gurfinkel. Even earlier than this, TFC chief Rene Encarnacion called me and talked about the future plans of TFC to produce more local programs and he said he could see me moderating town hall meetings and hosting talk shows. When I heard this, something lit up within me, fired up my belly and made me feel like flying. This was how I knew where my passion was even after my hiatus from broadcasting. PAGE 10

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Coast Guard ships sail to Batanes... PAGE 7 Duterte said in a briefing with Batanes officials Sunday. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the president’s

order was to deter poachers and anybody who will encroach in Philippine territory. “The directive of the president is clear for the coast

Dateline PhiliPPines

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guard to station... just one ship, one boat to patrol the area,” Lorenzana said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ “The Source” earlier this week. n

Revealing inside story of Gel Santos Relos’ 12 years... PAGE 8 And so that started my comeback to ABS-CBN as an on-cam personality after four years, co-hosting “Citizen Pinoy” from 2005 to 2008. But I did not know then something bigger was coming. During the first quarter of 2007, Ging Reyes and ABSCBN big boss Gabby Lopez had a teleconference with me to invite me to anchor “Balitang America” daily newscast, which they wanted to launch in the second quarter of that year in the new studio and headquarters of TFC in Redwood Shores, California. While I was thrilled by the prospect of anchoring the news daily again as I used to do in Manila, I had some reservations within me. My family just bought a house in Stockton and the TFC studio was more than 90 miles away from Redwood Shores. And, I had a booming career in real estate in Stockton which I was doing full time. I had to decline the offer. BUT Ging Reyes was relentless and even pleaded with me to just help establish the daily newscast and then I could leave anytime. She said I should just look at it as a “long lunch break” from my real estate day to day grind. TFC offered to help me in every way possible to make it worth my time and effort to anchor the news again albeit the distance. AND SO on May 7, 2007, we launched the “Balitang America” daily newscast, starting off with just 15 minutes airtime. I would drive from Stockton to Redwood Shores, every day from Monday to Friday, around noon time, traversing more than 180 miles round trip, taking me easily about a four-hour round trip commute amid all the road constructions and traffic, passing through so many hills and valleys — all this for 15 minutes of taping every day. And then the newscast became 30 minutes in length, and we started doing town halls and specials in the service to the Filipino American community. That light in my spirit, that fire in my belly, that feeling that I could fly when Rene Encarnacion talked to me about the future of TFC — they all manifested not just with a vision, but with the realization of

that vision. And so, I left my real estate business. We moved to the San Francisco Bay Area near TFC. With the support and blessing of my husband, I put my wholehearted commitment to my relationship with TFC and the shared mission we have — to be of service to the Filipinos in America, empowering them with news and information, giving them a platform to make their voices heard. For 12 years I had been a part of the evolution of “Balitang America,” recalibrating, reinventing and keeping up with the demands, challenges and opportunities of the changing times — from the end of the George W. Bush years to Barack Obama’s two terms as president to Donald Trump being catapulted to the presidency. “Balitang America” has been serving the Filipinos in North America daily for more than 12 years, through recession and recovery, through the failures and triumphs of our kababayans in America, through the changing culture brought about by leaps and bounds changes and innovations in technology, through analog to digital. And now 12 years hence, “Balitang America” has to change with the times, and maximize the use of digital technology to expand our reach to even more Filipinos in America and around the world. Hence, on July 26, I taped my last episode as the anchor for “Balitang America,” as the newscast transitions to being taped and anchored in Manila using news stories gathered by our reporters in different parts of North America. This is a strategic business decision so that beyond the newsroom and the conventional newscast, TFC can venture further into digital news, creating new ways of storytelling that cater to the younger generation as well. HOWEVER, TFC carries on with its strong commitment to be of service to our core audience, who has been our loyal subscribers and viewers of our programs for decades. This is how my partnership and collaboration with TFC continues and evolves beyond “Balitang America,” maximiz-

ing the use of digital technology to serve our Filipino American community and help them even better as they navigate their new life here in the United States. I have almost come full circle in TFC’s 25 years of service - being watched by Fil-Ams through my programs produced in Manila like “Hoy! Gising!”, “Tatak Pilipino”, “Compañero y Compañera”, “Pulso”, “Headlines”; on TFC’s locally produced programs “Citizen Pinoy” and “Balitang America; and listening to me on radio DZMM while they were still living in the Philippines for news and information. Moving on and looking forward to the future, I will reach out to our kababayans through this new platform and format that will deliver all the value and service of the programs I have been a part of on radio and television in the past to serve our kababayans using digital technology. ABANGAN: A podcast/teleradyo para po sa inyong lahat, mga Kapamilya! We will talk about information you need to help you in your day to day challenges in America, all the heartaches and pains and worries that keep you up at night, and all the problems we are facing hoping to find help and solutions. I will continue to serve you as a true Kapamilya — your “Ate,” “Tita” or simply your kapamilya “Gel,” who will strive to make you feel you are not alone as you adapt to your new life in the United States. Send your topic requests, messages to: Facebook.com/ Gel.Santos.Relos. You may also email me: gelrelos@ icloud.com. That light in my spirit, that fire in my belly, that feeling that I could fly — they are all here in me burning stronger than ever as we embark on this new adventure together. “Change is inevitable but growth is optional”. Let us continue to grow together, Kapamilya. Maraming salamat po! ***

WORLDWIDE BLOOD DRIVE. About 400 people make the heart sign, including WeLove members, who participated in the 311th Worldwide Blood Drive held at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City on Sunday, July 28. The event is conducted all over the world in June and July to celebrate the World Blood Donor Day (June 14). It also took place in 11 cities of the Philippines, including Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Baguio, and Davao. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

House bill eyes protection for media workers A BILL at the House of Representatives was filed seeking to uphold humane work conditions and sufficient living wage for media practitioners. ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Niña Taduran, a former broadcaster, on Thursday sought the passage of House Bill (HB) 2476 or the Media Workers’ Welfare Act, which she filed last week. “Because of their dedication to their chosen field, we are always informed of every occurrence around us, near or far, local or foreign, night or day, be it in a peaceful area or in a war-torn location,” Taduran said. “The least that we can do

to show that we recognize the invaluable contribution of media workers to society is to give them their economic due and added protection under the law,” the lawmaker added. The measure seeks to grant additional insurance benefits to media workers, including death and disability benefits of up to P200,000 and reimbursement of actual medical expenses of up to P100,000; apart from awards, cash incentives, scholarship grants, and exchange programs. A Commission on Press Freedom and Media Security (CPFMS) will be established, in coordination with the Presidential Communications Oper-

ations Office (PCOO) and other journalism organizations, to ensure safety of media workers from all forms of attacks. A compensation table providing minimum monthly compensation for media workers was also proposed, with P20,000 to P40,000 as the estimated minimum rates equivalent to years of experience in the industry and positions ranging from propsman to field reporter. Violation of such provisions will be fined P300,000 to P500,000 or imprisonment of at least two years depending upon the discretion of the court. (Glee Jalea/ManilaTimes.net)

Reincarnating the death...

PAGE 5 the evidence against them is airtight. However, so many cases are filed based mainly on testimonial evidence. Many policemen are either indolent in gathering forensic evidence that is more reliable than verbal evidence, or they have inadequate equipment, budget and training to gather such evidence. Consequently, judges rely on “he said, she said” evidence that is so prone to manipulation. It’s very difficult to distill truth from oral statements laden with the imperfections of the witnesses’ behavior, education and morals, as well as the competence or incompetence of the lawyers, prosecutors and judges. Second, death penalty advocates fatally assume that our courts are infallible when Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s they convict a criminal and “Balitang America.” Views and opinions impose the death penalty. However, our Supreme expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Court has essentially revealed Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go that our justice system is a to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// dreadfully imperfect institution unworthy of being given www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

the power to divine life or death for accused criminals. In the case of People v. Mateo (July 2004), our Supreme Court disclosed that in 71.77 percent of lower court decisions imposing the death penalty, the judges were wrong. That’s a staggering number of errors. The Supreme Court made these revelations: “Statistics would disclose that within the eleven-year period since the re-imposition of the death penalty law in 1993 until June 2004, the trial courts have imposed capital punishment in approximately 1,493, out of which 907 cases have been passed upon in review by the Court. In the Supreme Court, where these staggering numbers find their way on automatic review, the penalty has been affirmed in only 230 cases comprising but 25.36% of the total number. Significantly, in more than half or 64.61% of the cases, the judgment has been modified through an order of remand for further proceed-

ings, by the application of the Indeterminate Sentence Law or by a reduction of the sentence. Indeed, the reduction by the Court of the death penalty to reclusion perpetua has been made in no less than 483 cases or 53.25% of the total number. The Court has also rendered a judgment of acquittal in sixtyfive (65) cases. In sum, the cases where the judgment of death has either been modified or vacated consist of an astounding 71.77% of the total of death penalty cases directly elevated before the Court on automatic review that translates to a total of six hundred fifty-one (651) out of nine hundred seven (907) appellants saved from lethal injection.” So why do the President and Congress insist on giving our courts the power to impose the death penalty, when our highest court has confessed that hundreds of lives came very close to being erroneously put to death? (Inquirer.net)

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 2-8, 2019

COMMUNITY Journal

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Five years of social media required on visa application forms Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ RECENTLY, the State Department revised immigrant and non-immigrant visa application forms to add a question asking a person to list each social media platform they have used within the last five years. This includes the person’s username or handle they used on that media platform. If more than one platform or username or handle has been used, the person must disclose all that information. (They do not need to provide their password.) Among the media platforms requiring disclosure are Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, etc. Disclosing a person’s social media is part of the Trump administration’s Muslim travel ban initiative and “extreme vetting,” to determine whether a person may be “inadmissible” based on terrorism related issues. According to the State Department, “Social media can be a major forum for terrorist sentiment and activity. This will be a vital tool to screen out terrorists, public safety threats, and other dangerous individuals from gaining immigration benefits and setting foot on U.S. soil.” This means the U.S. government can now go back and check any visa applicant’s Facebook and other social media postings for

the past five years. And it does no good to now close the account and delete it, because the question asks you to provide information about all social media platforms for the PAST five years. That would include accounts that were closed or deleted in the past five years. In addition, a person may be found inadmissible based on FRAUD if they failed to disclose any of their social media platforms within the past five years. And a review of social media may be a factor in connection not only with uncovering terrorism, but could also be a factor in

the U.S. government is interested in what they are posting, whether it may relate to terrorism, fraud, or eligibility for any immigration benefit. If you encounter issues with the U.S. government over your social media postings, which may have been innocent, but are being interpreted as potentially fraudulent or harmful to the U.S., you may want to seek the advice of an attorney, who can evaluate your situation and hopefully resolve it with the U.S. government. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/ GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @ GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES

“Disclosing a person’s social media is part of the Trump administration’s Muslim travel ban initiative and “extreme vetting,” to determine whether a person may be “inadmissible” based on terrorism related issues.” connection with a person’s eligibility for various immigration benefits. For example, if a person is being petitioned by a U.S. citizen spouse, but they’re posting recent vacation photos on Facebook with their former boyfriend or girlfriend or ex-spouse, USCIS or the Embassy may be concerned about whether the marriage to the American is fixed. Similarly, if a person posted that they just got a visitor visa and they are now moving to the U.S. “permanently,” that might also be an indication of fraud which would come back to haunt them. While people are free to use social media and post whatever they like, they should now be aware that

(Advertising Supplement)

CAN WE REINSTATE OUR SON’S PETITION FROM 1999 SINCE HE IS NOW SINGLE AGAIN AFTER HIS MARRIAGE WAS ANNULLED IN 2018? THIS QUESTION AND MORE WILL BE ANSWERED ON “CITIZEN PINOY: YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT!” More Kapamilya who came to the “Citizen Pinoy” taping in Illinois will get the chance to have their questions answered this Sunday. Find out what is the fastest way to petition children from a previous marriage. What can one do if her visa renewal was denied because she overstayed on her first trip? A woman was petitioned by her first husband, but she has since remarried. She discovers that her first husband passed away in 2010. What are her chances of being a U.S. citizen now that the petitioner has died? Can her second husband petition her? Get answers to these questions and more on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday at 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 p.m. EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers). (Advertising Supplement)

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August 2-8, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERsEY AsIAN JOuRNAL

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (ConClusion. Continued from last week’s issue…) Charisse’s natural curiosity as a researcher would normally drive her to check out her story on the internet. But she felt Dolly’s story was told to her in confidence like a secret and so it will stay that way. She purposely didn’t ask for her full name because she enjoyed the mystery and the company of the older woman. She thought that too much information overload has killed all the mystery and wonder in this world. And so she just let it be. Charisse dressed up carefully for Dolly’s birthday party. She had put on light make-up but applied a bit more layer of mascara for effect. She let her hair down and wore her antique chandelier earrings. She wore her emerald green sheath silk dress that outlined her slim figure, put on her single strand pearl necklace and her black Spanish mantilla shawl. She slipped on her one and only black pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes that revealed her nice gams. It isn’t often she gets to play dress-up but when she does, she can be quite a sight. She placed her Crema de Fruta with the candlewax numerals 8 and 0 in the middle on a pedestal rectangular crystal tray. A friend dropped her off at the Senior Center. It was festooned in bright lights and was a buzzing hub of activity when she arrived. It seemed pleasantly odd that it was decorated more festively than usual, with vases of fresh orchids, liveried waiters, an ice sculpture of the numerals 8 and zero, a gorgeous food spread of many courses, a roast beef carving item and an open bar that smacks of first class catering. There was even an orchestra. “What is going on?” she thought. Charisse wondered if she may have gotten the venue wrong. She looked at her Crema de Fruta and thought it might be out of place if she is indeed in the right place. And then she heard Dolly call her name from across the room. Dolly looked the epitome of glamor. Her hair was in a

Community Journal

Once upon a time series Charisse’s Confection A Story in Two Scoops Conclusion of 2 Parts

“ … If poetry can be set in motion, it was Alex and Charisse twirling the verses on the dance floor. …” French chignon and with a tiara no less and her mauve silk gown looked like haute couture paired with what seemed like Bulgari emerald jewelry one only sees in Vogue magazine ads. Dolly was standing with a tall man in a tuxedo. He looked like he just stepped out of a GQ magazine photo shoot. Charisse was sure she has never seen him before in the center. “Must be a director of the center or something,” she thought as she made her way to them. He certainly didn’t qualify as a senior. Dolly saw the cake she held and her smile reached her eyes. “You baked this for me?” she asked. Charisse nodded and told her, “But of course. You are special, Dolly. Happy Birthday!” One of the waiters came and took the cake from her. Dolly instructed him to place the cake at the center of the fancy food spread. Dolly and Charisse kissed and hugged like old friends do. “Charisse, this is my grandson, Alex. Alex, this is Charisse, the woman I have been telling you about.” Alex shook her hand, eying her closely. Charisse thought he held her hand a bit longer than usual. “It must be my imagination,” she quickly checked herself. “Nana’s been telling me about you. You are her favorite topic on Facetime.” Alex told her with a slight smile. Then looking at Dolly, he said cryptically, “You’re right, Nana.” Just then, the strains of the Sinatra song of “The Way You Look Tonight” played and the couples took to the dance floor. Alex held out his hand to ask Charisse to dance. They glided surprisingly seamlessly on the dance floor. Dolly went around the room to greet and talk to her guests. She relished being the silver-haired belle of the ball. Alex was attentive to his grandmother through

the night but he kept an eye on Charisse who went around the room to chat and exchange pleasantries with her senior friends and their families. Many guests came and had a blast with the cuisine and the special program prepared for Dolly. aughter rang through the night. It turns out that Dolly is a lady from a prominent family that likes to stay quiet and incognito even if her family is a big donor for many charities. She preferred to be at the Senior Center because she liked company, particularly Charisse’s company. The older woman seems to see herself in Charisse. Dance had a language all its own that magical night. Alex took her for a spin many times on the dance floor as they tried to hold their own against those tireless senior couples. If poetry can be set in motion, it was Alex and Charisse twirling the verses on the dance floor. It was as though they had cut the rug many times in a previous life. They talked easily. They would burst out laughing at the instances they could finish each other’s sentences. To their surprise, they found out they were both baptized Catholic by the same priest in the same small Spanish style church about 7 years apart — Alex first, since he was older. It was an ‘Oh My God!’ moment for Charisse — pure cosmic serendipity. Alex told her he is moving back in town after managing companies overseas to be closer to Dolly. They only have each other after all. Charisse felt her heart singing. She couldn’t remember a time to equal this one night. She felt so light she could float as though gravity has nothing on her. She beamed with delight when she noticed her cake was a sellout after Dolly blew the candles while ev-

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Fil-Am a cappella group The Filharmonic performs on ‘Late Late Show’ By AJPress

LOS ANGELES-based Filipino American a cappella group The Filharmonic on Tuesday night, July 30, showcased their talents as they performed famed ballads and bops on the “Late Late Show with James Corden.” “Whenever I turn the radio on now all I’m getting on the radio are like slow boring ballads — do you know what I mean? I want to roll down the windows. I want to jam out. No one wants to hear some guy on the guitar crying about his girlfriend in the middle of the summer. It just feels wrong,” Corden told his audience. Grammy winner John Legend rebutted, saying, “for me...Summer’s a time to slow things down.” Corden and Legend settled their argument with a ‘ballads versus bops’ riff-off, with the help of The Filharmonic. Among the songs they performed were All-4-One’s “I Swear,” Jonas Brothers’ “Sucker,” and Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy.” Legend settled the score with his hit, “All of Me,” which the Fil-Am group called “an

The Filharmonic Jules Cruz, in charge of vocal bass; Joe Caigoy, tenor; Trace Gaynor, tenor; Niko Del Rey, beat boxer; VJ Rosales, tenor. Photo from Instagram/@thefilharmonic

unreal, full circle moment” in an Instagram post. “All of Me was one of our first music videos we put out as a group back in June 2014. Singing it last night with@ johnlegend on @latelateshow was such an honor,” they added. The Filharmonic gained popularity after being featured on NBC’S hit musical competition, “The Sing-Off.” From there, they appeared in the Universal Pictures hit

movie, “Pitch Perfect 2,” and set off to become viral sensations after their appearance on the “Late Late Show” appearance. The group is composed of five members namely Jules Cruz, in charge of vocal bass; Joe Caigoy, tenor; Trace Gaynor, tenor; Niko Del Rey, beat boxer; VJ Rosales, tenor. They were named named the #1 college-booked entertainment group of the year in 2016.

One thing in common between Carlo and Maine IF Carlo Aquino could liken his and Maine Mendoza’s personalities to an object, it would be a diesel engine: Both need some “warming up” before opening up. “We’re both quiet and shy—we don’t really talk a lot. But people close to her told me that that’s how she

really is at first,” he said of Maine, whom he will be working with in “Isa Pa with Feelings,” an upcoming romantic movie by Black Sheep and APT Entertainment. “Pero ngayon ang kulit na namin,” he told reporters at a press conference for his solo, prebirthday show, titled “Liwanag in Concert,” later this month. “I can’t say yet what the film is about.

But we have been undergoing workshops. Carlo first met Maine— who had earlier said in the past that she’s a big fan of the actor—last year at the premiere of his movie “Meet Me in St. Gallen.” “She’s good friends with our director (Irene Villamor). I asked her for a photo,” he related. “I used to watch her Dubsmash PAGE 13

eryone sang “Happy Birthday!” Alex held out his hand to his grandmother to dance the waltz. Just then, her phone’s alarm buzzed the midnight hour. Her heart sank and just like that, gravity pulled Charisse back on terra firma. She heard herself sigh. “Time to call for my uber ride home,” she thought feeling a little deflated. She retrieved and wiped clean

her crystal tray and walked over to Dolly and Alex to bid them goodbye and thank them for a wonderful time. Dolly kissed her on the cheek and hugged her tight telling her she is looking forward to seeing her at the Senior Center Night next week. Smiling broadly, she assured her she will be there come hell or high water. Then out of the blue, Alex

asked her, “May I take you home?” It’s funny how four small words can make one’s heart do a somersault and thump away like kettle drums. “Yes, I’d like that,” she said. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comme nts , e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com.

By AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net

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Features

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 2-8, 2019

Paulo opens up on suicide 4-Night Cruise, Philippine Roundtrip attempt years ago, regrets not Airfare Ticket Await Lucky being able to save friend’s life Attendees at Fiesta in America

A chance to win two major prizes await lucky attendees at the 21st Fiesta in America expo, food and cultural festival on August 10 and 11 at Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. The two major prizes are a 4-night cruise and a free Roundtrip Airfare ticket to the Philippines. For the cruise, winner has two destination choices -- (from Port Canaveral, Florida and cruising to Nassau, Bahamas & Half Moon Cay OR departing from Long Beach, CA and cruising to Catalina Island & Ensenada, Mexico). The announcement of the raffle prizes have been generating excitement among early ticket buyers. They can expect a more exciting Fiesta in America this year with nearly 50 exhibitors, some of which will be holding their own raffles in cash and in kind in their own booths. The participation of the Department of Trade & Industry in the event should also delight food explorers. The expo will feature unique Filipino products shipped from the Philippines by the Department of Trade & Industry. These include coconut sugar, tablea, black rice, ground robusta and arabica coffee, durian candies, tuna chicaron and many more. This year’s mainstream talents are bound to get the audience singing and dancing along: Janice Marie Johnson of Taste of Honey,

By Niña V. GuNo Inquirer.net

PAULO Avelino recently opened up about a suicide attempt years ago that he says only close friends were aware of. Back in 2013, he and his manager denied such an attempt. The actor only said that he went through some personal issues, as per an October 2013 report from Bandera. It was also then that he confirmed his breakup with actress LJ Reyes, with whom he welcomed a son, Aki, in 2010. The “General’s Daughter” actor made the revelation on Twitter on Thursday, Aug. 1 while remembering a close friend who died by suicide in 2018. “I’ll let this out to the universe since I promised not to keep heavy feelings to myself,” he began his outpouring. Avelino shared that his with her hit 70s disco songs like Boogie Oogie Oogie. Dancing Dream, the best ABBA Tribute Band, will also have the look, feel and the sound of ABBA when they step up onstage. And for local talents, Fiesta is introducing Radha, the 2018 Voice standout on the NBC show, among others. Now on its 21st year, Fiesta in America is one of its kind. As a festival, it packs in all these activities in one indoor gathering that gives the

attendees a more intimate, relaxed feel. Outdoor festivals tend to focus on food, but Fiesta has more than the plethora of food choices, it features great products, services and performers that make its event a memorable one. For tickets, exhibition rates and more information, visit fiestainamerica.com, email at info@fiestainamerica.com or call 212.682.6610. Parking is free. (Advertising Supplement)

One thing in common... PAGE 12 videos.” Asked by the Inquirer what his thoughts were when he was told that he was going to be paired with Maine, the 33-year-old star said: “I was surprised. I had to repeatedly ask Inang (Olivia Lamasan), ‘Are you sure?’” He added that collaborations among artists from different networks is the way to go. “I think that’s where we’re headed to. I’m excited about what else the producers can offer,” Carlo said. “All us actors have the same job anyway—to entertain and bring joy to the people.”

Main Mendoza with Carlo Aquino

Inquirer.net photo

Paulo Avelino Photo from Instagram/@pauavelino

own attempt landed him in the hospital and that his late friend was one of those who looked after him. A few years back I tried (attempted) committing suicide. I survived. No one really knew aside from my closest friends and he was one of them. “A few years back I tried (attempted) committing suicide. I survived,” Avelino said. “No one really knew aside from my closest friends and he was one of them.” “He would switch shifts with a friend to stay with me in the hospital and even when

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I got discharged, just to make sure I wasn’t stupid enough to do it again,” he stated. He called himself “selfish” for getting his friends’ support. “I demanded time and a part of their emotional state to flow along with mine.” Avelino shared that the friend was his “go-to person” for the times he would feel low. One of those reasons was “that I had to see my son grow up.” Aki currently lives with Reyes and her partner Paolo Contis. However, he regrets not being able to do the same for his friend even if he “saw it coming.” “That one message you sent the night before [you] passed away, I brushed off in a joking manner,” Avelino said, addressing his departed friend. Despite the guilt he feels, Avelino thanked his friend for saving his life: “I am living because of the hope and wisdom you engraved in me.”

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AUGUST 2-8, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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people events arts culture entertainment

FILIPINO FILMS, STORIES AT AAIFF 2019

Yellow Rose makes its New York premiere at AAIFF

“T

BY

MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPRESS

HIS feels like a homecoming and it’s such a wonderful feeling,” said Dianne Paragas, director of Yellow Rose on the red carpet at the opening night of the 42nd Asian American International Film Festival held at the Asia Society.

Diane Paragas

Lea Salonga and Princess Punzalan

AJPress Photos by Troi Santos

Miss Saigon and Hadestown star Eva Noblezada makes her film debut in Yellow Rose, playing the role of a Filipina teen in Texas facing life’s challenges as she tries to achieve her dream to be a country music singer. Photo courtesy of Yellow Rose

Among the many Filipino feature and short films at the AAIFF is Empty by Design, directed by Andrea Walter and stars Filipina actress Rhian Ramos. Photo courtesy of Empty by Design

Yellow Rose is the directorial debut of Paragas and the film has been making the rounds of the film festival circuit, including the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, the Bentonville Film Festival and CAAMFEST37. Paragas has described it as a “deeply personal film” and says that it has been in development for the better part of the past 15 years. The film comes at a time when anti-immigrant tensions are at an all time high and that there is a hunger for AsianAmerican stories like never before. “I’m so happy to be here. I missed the crazy film festival madness that Yellow Rose has been through,” exclaimed Lea Salonga when we chatted with her. Salonga plays the role of Tita Gail in the film. Salonga is thankful that her schedule opened up. She was recently in the United Kingdom as a part of her concert tour and instead of going straight back to Manila, she made a pit stop in New York to attend the AAIFF event. “It is unbelievable, the timing of this film, the shoot, and now the screenings, it’s almost like there is a confluence of factors that makes the society open to a film like this, it is so exciting,” Salonga added. Yellow Rose revolves around the story of Rose (played impeccably by Eva Noblezada), an undocumented Filipino teenager, whose dream of one day leaving her small Texas town to pursue her country music dreams.

Her world turns upside down when her mom Priscilla (played by Princess Punzalan) suddenly gets picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rose, who witnessed the scene has to face this new reality and she is forced to flee the scene, leaving behind the only life she knows. She is faced with a dilemma: to leave her passion behind and follow her mother in Manila or pursue her dream of conquering the country music scene. This is why Yellow Rose is as timely as it is necessary and there is a national debate going on about the immigration crisis. While it is a Filipino American film, its story is universal. In this day and age where families are being torn apart and immigration is still a big, unsolved issue, Yellow Rose shines a light on what families go through when confronted with life changing issues. “I want the audience to feel joy, hope. I want them to feel love, loss, I want them to cry, laugh, I want them to sing. The movie is about empathy. It’s about what truly makes America great and that is lifting each other up not building walls between us, not pushing each other down,” Paragas said. “We are reminded that it is people of color that are normally on the short end of the stick. These are human beings, these are not just commodities, not just nameless, faceless people. These are

Yellow Rose director Dianne Paragas (right) with Asian CineVision executive director John Woo and New York City Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment Commissioner Anne del Castillo at the opening of this year’s Asian American International Film Festival ay Asia Society. AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

actual humans who come here for opportunity,” Salonga added. “We are not saying don’t deport, we’re not saying yes, deport. That’s not what we’re trying to say. But please try to maintain the dignity of everybody involved.” Salonga plays the role of Tita Gail, Rose’s aunt. “My God, we all have this relative,” Salonga said laughing, recalling the day when she first read the script. “There was something about her that I could relate to because I knew people like her. It was very interesting.” Rose Garcia & country music It is not an accident that the film is set in the heart of Texas, which is also where Paragas grew up. She and her family moved from the Philippines to Lubbock, Texas when she was only four years old. Country music plays a big role in the film as well. “I want to speak to the red states, to conservative America who listen to this kind of

music, who relate to the characters,” she said. “I grew up in Texas so it’s also a lot of my own experience. Country music was a great contradiction, a great counterpoint to what she was going through.” Casting Eva Noblezada as Rose was a no–brainer. This is Noblezada’s first feature film, which she shot after the Broadway run of Miss Saigon ended. She is back on Broadway with Hadestown where she earned her second Tony nomination. “I wanted to create a new feminist hero and I think I did a good job. She is a strong girl picking herself up and making it on her own,” she said. Salonga was all praises for Noblezada as well. “Eva is amazing. This girl is so good in this. It’s sick, it’s so honest and it’s a very courageous performance,” Salonga said. Now the goal for the film is to have a theatrical release, and if possible, an internationPAGE 15

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EntErtainmEnt

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 2-8, 2019

Zephanie on her Iza reenergized and refreshed toughest competitor for by latest Cinemalaya stint ‘Idol PH’ crown: Myself By ARlo Custodio ManilaTimes.net

By Rito P. Asilo Inquirer.net

“DREAMS come true po.” That’s what Zephanie Dimaranan told Inquirer Entertainment when we asked her what immediately came to mind the minute she was declared the first winner of ABS-CBN’s talent search, “Idol Philippines,” last Sunday, July 28. Zephanie may only be 16, but the young “kontesera” has been through some of the toughest competitions this side of Tinseltown. When she bested Lucas Garcia and Lance Busa for the coveted crown last Sunday, the pretty teenager from Laguna couldn’t help but look back at how hard she fought to keep her dream of singing stardom alive. But third time’s the charm, as they say—after all, it would have been easy for Zephanie to pursue other endeavors after losing to Elha Nympha in “The Voice Kids,” then to Janine Berdin in “Tawag ng Tanghalan.”

Zephanie Dimaranan Photo from Instagram/@zephdimaranan

She let her passion for performing help her overcome insecurities and doubts, and clawed her way out of those “challenges.” More than anything, winning “Idol Philippines’” top plum is something Zephanie wants other dreamers to remember: Don’t give up on your dreams—fight for them. With some help from the Kapamilya network’s head of Corporate Communications

Kane Choa, we managed to ask Zephanie last Monday what her triumph meant to her. “Dreams come true if you fight hard enough for them,” she said. “It’s an answered prayer po sa loob ng maraming taon na nagdarasal ako—at ilang beses ko pong sinubukang matupad ang pangarap ko bilang isang singer (I prayed hard to make this dream come true).” And this time, she said she didn’t even try to “out-sing” the other finalists. Asked who she considered was her toughest competitor, Zephanie disclosed, “Sarili ko po (I was competing with myself ). Mas nagwo-worry po ako na baka kapag kinabahan ako, hindi ko po magawa ang best ko (I worried that if I got too nervous, I wouldn’t be able to do my best). Nagkakaroon po ako ng doubt sa sarili ko na hindi ko kaya (Then I’d begin to doubt myself ).” And look just how that strategy worked wonders for the 16-year-old singer.

KZ opens up about vocal cord polyps that almost made her give up singing By JAn Milo seveRo Philstar.com

SINGER KZ Tandingan has definitely raised the Philippine flag in London as she wowed the BBC Radio London’s “The Scene” hosts with a performance of her single “Nag-iisa Na Naman.” Promoting the London Barrio Fiesta event that happened last July 20 and 21, KZ was asked by the hosts Salma El-Wardany and LionHeart to sing for them. She granted the hosts’ request by singing a Filipino song in a foreign land. “Thank you so much for sharing that with us. It was such a privilege to actually sit right next to you and watch you perform that, to see your expressions and to see the way you were into that song,” Salma said. “That was fire,” LionHeart added. During her guesting, KZ opened up about polyps found in her vocal cords

KZ Tandingan Photo from Instagram/@kztandingan

and admitted that she almost gave up singing. She added that this made her realize that belting was not the only way to sing and it led her to discover her present RnB style. “Every failure is just a redirection to where you should be,” she said. The show’s hosts even compared her to American

soul singer Lauren Hill. In her Instagram account, KZ posted a photo of her guesting with Inigo Pascual. “Raising the Ph flag in London! Thank you @bbcradiolondon for being so game when I asked if I can sing in Filipino. NAG IISA NA NAMAN written by @iamkikosalazar is the first song in Filipino to be performed live on BBC Radio London! @lionheartfelt @salmaelwardany thank you for the warm welcome. We had so much fun hanging out with you guys! Congratulations @inigopascual! OPTIONS is getting a loooooot of love from all over the world!” she captioned the post. This was not the first time KZ raised the Philippine flag in the international stage. Last year, KZ represented the country in the Chinese singing competition “Singer 2018.” Next, she said she plans to record a song in Los Angeles.

TO say that 2018 was stressful is an understatement for Iza Calzado. The noted actress worked on back-toback projects all while planning and preparing for what turned out to be her beautiful sunset wedding with her long-time beau, Filipino-British businessman Ben Wintle, on December 19. She was definitely tired but extremely happy over her prize at the end of the year. Taking time off as a new wife and resting from her grueling film schedule at the turn of the year, Calzado was also pleased to get some quiet time to read — specifically the script of “Pandanggo sa Hukay,” based on writer Andrian Legaspi’s 2018 Palanca Literary Award-winning piece for 3rd Place Best Screenplay. According to Calzado, she knew she wanted to do the movie as soon as she finished it. “Binigay sa akin ang script at nagustuhan ko so kailangan gawin ko,” the reenergized actress told The Manila Times at launch of Cinemalaya 2019 early this month, where Pandanggo is an official entry. She explained it was the sim-

plicity of the story — how small-town midwife’s preparation for a job interview to work abroad is disrupted by an unfortunate turn of events — that hooked her. Moreover, as a long-time advocate of human rights and woman empowerment, there was no question in Calzado’s mind she had to get the narrative out there. On the part of Pandanggo’s first-time film director and documentarist, Sheryl Rose Andes, she told The Manila Times she was ecstatic when Calzado accepted her offer because in her vision for the movie, only an actress with the same principles as the lead character Elena can do justice to the role. Different from ‘Distance’ In last year’s Cinemalaya, it can be recalled that Calzado played an off-beat role as the lover of a dying lesbian, who leaves her family all in the name of her first love. The movie was titled “Distance” in reference to the detachment she caused with between her and her two daughters, even as her husband (portrayed by Nonie Buencamino) understood her and eventually accepted her unconventional affair. “There’s no LGBT refer-

ence in this [2019] entry though,” the actress stressed. Using the Filipino traditional dance Pandanggo sa Ilaw as a metaphor, she explained that Pandanggo sa Hukay presents “how women balance the light and shadows of life.” Thankfully, Calzado had gotten over what she described as a “burn out” from the heavy films she did in 2018 and that her schedule opened up for her to shoot. “Kasi kahit maganda ang script at gusto mong gawin kung hindi naman allowed ng schedule mo, hindi mo rin magagawa, so I’m happy everything fell into place because I really got refreshed doing Pandanggo,” she added. Salute to moms To prepare for her role as a midwife, Calzado attended birthing workshops and watched so many other birthing videos that she admitted she was quite traumatized by the whole experience. “At one point I was thinking to myself I might not be able to give birth myself,” she giggled at her confession. “But I really salute all mothers. Mahirap manganak at mahirap magpalaki ng anak. Being a mother is really about dedication.”

Filipino films, stories at...

PAGE 14 al release as well. “We would love to be the first Filipino American film to be acquired by a studio. If that happens, that’s a major step forward for Asian American cinema but also for Filipino cinema,” Paragas said. 15 Years in the Making It took a long time for the film to get done, 15 years if we are counting. Paragas had the idea for as long as she can remember and throughout her career, she has been working on developing the idea and making the film a reality. She is happy that her timing couldn’t have been better. “It’s like I was on this little boat on an ocean, paddling my way to the shore and every time I would get to shore, the wave would push me back, but I would keep paddling and paddling,” she said. “The tide of films would push me in, movies like Crazy Rich Asians and now The Farewell, we’re riding on that tide of diver-

sity.” The film’s AAIFF screenings are both sold out and for her, it means that the audience is hungry for this kind of content. The director also lamented the fact that when people talk about Asian American cinema, oftentimes they refer to East Asia. “That’s great and fine, but we are the second largest Asian community and we are virtually invisible. Wikipedia only shows six movies when you look up Filipino American movies!,” she exclaimed. Yellow Rose may be a film about Filipinos, and Paragas made sure about that, but it is also a quintessential American film. “There’s so much about this film that is Filipino and when Filipinos watch this film they will appreciate the details but at the same time, it is about the American dream, it is a western film, and it’s musical. It’s about as American as you can get,” she added. Filipino Films at AIFFF

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Aside from Yellow Rose, a number of Filipino films were also screened at the AAIFF, including short films and documentaries. Among them were Empty by Design (directed by Andrea A. Walter), Kaaway (directed by Wester Demandante), Beast Dance Movie (directed by Johnson Cheng), Quantum (directed by Ryan Willard), Nightcaller (directed by Alexander Humilde), Dependent (directed by Drake Presto). The short documentaries featured snippets of Filipino lives and culture, with Dependent showing the story of Filipino daughters who opened up about their home lives and family experiences living with military fathers and Nightcaller featuring the call center industry in the Philippines. Beast – Dance Movie focused on the “Beast Fam”, a crew made up of suburban Filipino and Mexican American youth who found both family and salvation through the electric street dance of Krump.

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August 2-8, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERsEY AsIAN JOuRNAL

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