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AUG U ST 1 0-16, 2018 Volume 11 - No. 42 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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Economic managers cite risks of federalism by BEN
O. DE VERA, DJ YAP Inquirer.net
The Philippines’ investment grade credit ratings, which make it cheaper for the country to borrow money, will “go to hell” if the proposed shift to federalism proceeds, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told the Senate finance committee on Wednesday, August 8. The shift will also be too costly for the government and may disrupt the economy’s growth momentum, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia told MONEY MATTERS. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III (center) and Budget Secretary the committee scrutinizing the Benjamin Diokno (right) take turns explaining the highlights of the cash-based budget, a government’s proposed P3.757scheme that the government wants to implement for the first time, during a briefing at the trillion budget for 2019. Senate on Wednesday, August 8. Diokno said cash-based appropriations would minimize underspending. ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo
USA
DATELINE Obama endorses Fil-Am TJ Cox for Congress FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Former president endorses first wave of candidates for midterms elections
A TOTAL of 81 candidates for federal and state offices got the thumbs-up by former President Barack Obama on Wednesday, August 1 in his first wave of endorsements focused on candidates across 14 different states. Among the first wave of endorsees is Fil-Am congresTJ Cox, candidate for California’s 21st sional candidate congressional district
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US: Third party concerns should be included in South China Sea code WHILE China and the Southeast Asian nations are moving forward with negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, the United States stressed its position on the maritime dispute. Piper Campbell, chargé d’affaires ad interim at the U.S. Mission to ASEAN, stressed that Washington has always been watching the developments in the disputed waterway. “We think it’s extremely important that no country pressure other countries within structures like the Code of Conduct negotiations,” Campbell said in a teleconference on Tuesday, August 7. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had the chance to relay Washington’s position on the disputed South China during the recently concluded East Asia Summit and Asean Regional Forum meetings in Singapore. In the meetings with ASEAN member states, China, Japan and Australia, the U.S.
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THE SHOW MUST GO ON. Despite the rain, President Rodrigo Duterte boards the carabao jeep to lead the trooping of the line during the 117th Police Service Anniversary at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters in Camp Brigadier General Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday, August 8. Joining the President is PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde. Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo
PH economy disappoints, eases to 3-year low by JOSE
KATIGBAK Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippine economy grew at its slowest pace in three years in the second quarter of 2018, missing estimates and failing to meet the government’s expectations. The country’s gross domestic product—or the value of all finished goods and services produced in the country—sharply eased to 6.0 percent in the April-June period. The latest GDP figure was lower than the downwardly revised 6.6 percent in the first quarter and the 6.7 percent clocked in the comparable period last year. In the first half
of the year, the economy grew at 6.3 percent. The economy’s disappointing performance was the slowest since the similar 6.0-percent expansion recorded in the third quarter of 2015. Some economists had forecast a growth rate of 6.7 percent for the second quarter. Meanwhile, the Duterte administration is targeting to supercharge economic growth by 7-8 percent through its ambitious infrastructure program. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the economy would have
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Arroyo to hasten Cha-Cha by AJPRESS HOUSE Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday, August 7, sought the urgent amendment of the 1987 Constitution as she called for the House of Representatives and the Senate to convene into a Constitutional Assembly (ConAss). In a report from The Manila Times, Arroyo filed House Resolution No. 2056 that pushes for the two chambers to convene but permits the House and the Senate to vote separately. “It appears from media reports that the Senate has taken the position that the manner of voting in a constituent assembly that
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A Philippine Statistics Authority employee presents at the House a sample of the ID to be issued under the national ID system. Inquirer.net photo by Jam Sta. Rosa
National ID system gets mixed reactions from citizens, sectors by AJPRESS
PUSHING CHARTER CHANGE. Speaker Gloria Arroyo discusses a point before stopping the Committee on Constitutional Amendments from deliberating on proposals to amend the constitution. To her right is former senator Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel, a member of the Consultative Committee that drafted the proposed federal constitution. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
THE national ID system garnered mixed reactions from the general public after President Rodrigo Duterte signed its implementation into law on Monday, August 6, at Malacanang. The law, otherwise known as the Republic Act of 11055 includes the establishment of the Philippine ID system (PhilSys), a centralized database that contains all the necessary and vital information of the residents in the country. It will also signify a unified and streamlined identification system for every citizen.
Supporters of the said law praised the initiative stating that a national ID will expedite government processes and basic services and will also put an end to bureaucratic red tape. However, those in opposition expressed concern with the privacy issues it might entail. In a report from Inquirer, among those who support the law were Catholic leaders, law enforcers, and public officials while those who do not agree with the law’s provisions were human rights groups. Church leaders, law enforcers and public officials pro-
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Funeral, public viewing set for Trinidad family members killed in car crash by MOMAR
G. VISAYA
AJPress
MARY Rose Ballocanag, the only surviving member of the Trinidad family in the fatal car crash in Delaware last July 6, will bury her husband Audie and their four daughters Kaitlyn, 20; Danna, 17; and 13-year-old twins Allison and Melissa this weekend. The public visitation will be held on Friday, August 10 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church at 1095 Teaneck Road, in Teaneck. The funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 11 at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Rothman Center at 100 University Plaza Drive in Hackensack, New Jersey. A private cremation will follow at Rosedale Crematory in Orange.
“Physical is nothing but it is the pain inside that is unbearable,” Ballocanag said in a press conference at Kessler Rehabilitation Center last week. “I just have to do what I have to do so I can seek justice for them, that’s why I am here. So that’s what I am going to do, I am gonna get better and seek justice for my family.” Audie Trinidad was a postal worker in Bronx, New York. Kaitlyn, known as Nikki, was a nursing student at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx. Danna was a junior at Teaneck High School. The twins, Melissa and Allison, attended Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Teaneck, according to an obituary for the family. Diane Lucianna, Ballocanag’s lawyer Mary Rose Ballocanag (2nd from left) will bury her husband Audie and their four daughters said that she has a broken left arm with in- Kaitlyn, 20; Danna, 17; and 13-year-old twins Allison and Melissa this weekend. Her family was
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involved in the fatal car crash in Delaware last July 6.
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august 10-16, 2018 • NEW YORK aND NEW JERsEY asIaN JOuRNaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
From the Front Page
Economic managers cite risks... PAGE A1 Saying it would hasten economic growth and lift the regions from poverty, President Rodrigo Duterte is pressing a change to the federal system, which requires a revision of the Constitution A consultative committee he appointed has produced a draft federal Constitution, which the President has submitted to Congress. Confusing fiscal provisions Answering questions from senators on the committee, Dominguez said that instead of the ambitious “Build, Build, Build� infrastructure program going on full swing, the big-ticket projects in the pipeline may instead be “build minus three,� or derailed by federalism. Dominguez said he was “very confused� with the fiscal provisions of the draft federal Constitution. Under those provisions, which call for a 50-percent share of the regions from the national government’s revenue collections, Dominguez said the government may incur “a very large� budget deficit. “So what will happen to our credit rating?� Sen. Ralph Recto asked. “Oh, it will go to hell,� Dominguez replied. “And when the credit rating goes to hell, what happens to the Philippines?� Recto asked.
“Everybody pays higher interest rates� of up to 600 basis points, or about 6 percent, Dominguez answered. Creditworthiness Credit ratings are a measure of a country’s creditworthiness. As the stability of state finances is also related to its performance, credit scores serve as a proxy grade for the economy. Improved ratings allow the government to demand lower rates when it borrows from lenders and those rates translate into lower interest rates for consumers and businesses borrowing from banks using government-issued debt paper as benchmarks for their loans. The Philippines currently enjoys investment grade ratings from the top three debt watchers—Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings. Dominguez told the senators that during recent discussions, the major credit rating agencies expressed concern about the proposed shift to federalism, which they considered an “uncertainty� and a “political risk.� “So there’s nothing to gain [from federalism], so to speak?� Recto asked. “From that point of view, yes,� Dominguez replied. Disruption of growth As for the Duterte administra-
PAGE A1 would propose amendments to, or revision of, the 1987 Constitution under Section 1, Paragraph 1 of Article XVII, must be done separately... the House of Representatives is taking the same position of the Senate thereon,� Arroyo said in the resolution. The Amendments and Revisions part in the Charter clearly states that any proposed changes must be done by either the Congress with three-fourths of its members or a constitutional convention. The Constitution did not mention whether the House and the Senate should have a joint or separate voting in proposing its amendments. Arroyo’s resolution trumped former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’ draft that proposes the two chambers to vote jointly. Such resolution would render
the Senate votes insignificant because they only have 24 senators while the House has 297 representatives. The current administration discusses the possibility of establishing a federal government wherein regions/federal states will have authority over their own resources including generating their taxes. Under a federal government, 80 percent to 85 percent of the taxes will be remitted to the federal states while 20 percent to 15 percent will be issued to the national government through the Internal Revenue Allotment. Arroyo is adamant to let the constitutional assembly discuss the federal charter together. Senators’ sentiments on charter change Despite Arroyo’s push for a separate voting, some senators
Arroyo to hasten...
tion’s infrastructure program, Dominguez said it may be derailed by the shift to federalism. Under the program, the government plans to roll out 75 flagship projects alongside spending up to P9 trillion on hard and modern infrastructure until 2022. But the shift to federalism will directly cost the government P120 billion, not including costs such as disruption of government projects, Pernia told the committee. “Our rough estimate in Neda [National Economic and Development Authority] is P120 billion but this is just the direct cost,� said Pernia, who is also the head of Neda. The amount “does not include disruption to projects and other things that would be [taken into account],� he said. “Maybe our growth momentum will be disrupted also.� Pernia’s estimate was more SAMPLE WATER FROM MANILA BAY. Senator Richard Gordon (left) prepares to drink water from a mobile desalination equipment donated by internet than double the figure given last firm Pass It Forward and the Embassy of Israel to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) during a turn-over ceremony on Wednesday, August 8. With month by Rosario Manasan, se- Gordon, who is also PRC chairman, are Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Effie Ben Matityau (middle) and Pass It Forward CEO Shmuel Weiss nior research fellow at the Phil- (right). Called the Gal Mobile, the water purification vehicle is capable of purifying up to 20,000 liters of sea water and 80,000 liters of brackish, ippine Institute for Development contaminated river water a day, eventually converting it to potable water. Senate photo by Joseph Vidal Studies, who calculated that the additional bureaucratic cost of the shift to federalism could reach P55 billion. Breakdown of expenditures PAGE A1 Jacqueline de Guia claimed er for holders of the ID card, and Sen. Francis Escudero prodthat PhilSys is aligned with the a treasure trove for data-hungry PhilSys ded Pernia, Dominguez and other Catholic Bishops Conference government’s obligation to pro- individuals and entities such as economic managers to give a data brokers, employers, landu PAGE A4 of the Philippines (CBCP) Epis- vide legal identification. Members of the House also lords, credit agencies, mortgage copal Commission on the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itiner- applauded the said law. Surigao brokers, direct mailers, civil ant People Head Bishop Ruperto del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers, litigants, hackers, and even the Santos said that the law would Negros Occidental Rep. Albee government.� CPU wrote. The organization also warned were not in favor of any attempts benefit Overseas Filipino Work- Benitez, Isabela Rep. Rodito ers (OFWs) and will protect them Albano III, and Batangas Rep. the public of the future danger it to revise the Constitution. Raneo Abu all positively noted might result in, citing the previSenator Panfilo Lacson voiced against bribery and red tape. Armed Forces of the Philip- that a national ID would ensure ous issue involving Facebookout his disapproval stating that Cambridge Analytica. any measure that calls for a con- pines (AFP) spokesperson Col. a more efficient transaction. Karapatan and CPU question “While the law repeatedly stitutional amendment will be Edgard Arevalo said that the law will inhibit criminal activities possible privacy breach states that the National ID shall cremated in the Senate. Karapatan, a human rights only be used as a proof of idenSenate Minority Leader Frank- since falsification of identities group, voiced their objection tity, it is not far-fetched that in lin Drilon told the House to give would be more difficult. “We believe it will promote with the said law noting that the future such data will be used up on creating a constitutional assembly noting that the proposals a peaceful and secure environ- PhilSys would be a wholesale for purposes other than stated in for a charter change are tainted ment where terrorists, crimi- violation of laws under the cur- the law - especially as data is becoming a very lucrative venture by mistrust. He mentioned that nals, and other unscrupulous rent administration. Another sector opposing Phil- that earns billions for the private this is due to Alvarez’ draft for individuals will have difficulty joint voting and a no election coping to pursue their evil de- Sys is the Computer Profession- sector,� they added. signs and nefarious activities,� als Union (CPU), a non-governIn line with the CPU’s concern, scenario. ment organization (NGO) com- National Privacy Commission Senate President Vicente Sotto Arevalo said. The Philippine National Police posed of information technology (NPC) commissioner Raymund III supported Arroyo’s resolution saying that it is in accordance (PNP) also lauded the implemen- (IT) experts. In a press statement Liboro ensured the public that with what the Senate pushes for. tation of the national ID system posted on their Facebook page, the NPC will work with the PhilHe even ensured that the Sen- saying that its benefits offset its they amplified their concern with ippine Statistics Authority (PSA) the ‘record history’ that specifies in addressing the privacy risks ate Committee on Constitutional issues regarding privacy. In a report from the Philippine where the ID was used in both that come with the fusion of data Amendments and Revision of Codes will review the resolution Star, Commission on Human public and private transactions. and compilation of transaction “This will act as a virtual track- histories. n once they acquire a copy of it. n Rights (CHR) spokesperson
National ID system gets mixed reactions...
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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US: Third party concerns should be included... PAGE A1 top diplomat insisted that concerns of third parties should be incorporated in the COC. In a draft code, Beijing suggested excluding non-regional countries, including the U.S., from proposed joint militarye exercises and energy exploration in with Southeast Asian nations in the South China Sea. Campbell said that Pompeo had the opportunity to express Washington’s position that “any Code of Conduct needs to incorporate the concerns and the rights of third parties.” While the U.S. is pleased that China and the ASEAN member
states are moving forward with negotiations on the COC, Washington stressed the importance of adherence to internatioal law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as respecting other countries’ right to freedom of navigation and overflight. “We think it’s extremely important that no country pressure other countries within structures like the Code of Conduct negotiations,” Campbell said. “It’s important that all countries, regardless of their size, have the opportunity to represent their national interests as well as the very clear interna-
tional principles including the principles that are enshrined in UNCLOS,” she added. The Philippine government, on the other hand, finds “nothing objectionable” in China’s suggestion to exclude “outside countries” from proposed joint maritime drills in a bid to push back the United States. “Of course, the United States is 10,000 miles away, so if the intention is to build stronger relations between military forces who are neighbors then the United States will really be out of place,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said last week. n
PH economy disappoints, eases to... PAGE A1 to expand by at least 7.7 percent in the second half to achieve the low-end of its goal for the year. “We have to double time our efforts in terms of encouraging the sectors to be more productive and efficient in their activities,” Pernia told reporters. Shortly after the GDP data were released, the Philippine Stock Exchange index, a barometer of investor confidence, wiped out earlier gains and sank 87.60 points or 1.12 percent to 7,763.86 as of 10:17 a.m. The surprise slowdown last quarter also slightly dragged down the Philippine Peso. Inflation, ‘judicious’ policies bite At the same press conference, Pernia said the Philippines is still one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. However, he said the Duterte administration’s “prudent and judicious” policy decisions slowed the country’s growth engine. According to Pernia, these policies include the closure of Boracay for a major cleanup and regulations in the mining sector. To note, the country’s economic managers earlier said the temporary shutdown of Boracay, the country’s top tourist draw, won’t hurt the overall economy. Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte has said the mining sector has little contribution to the economy as he repeatedly threatens to close supposed erring mines down.
“To be fair and put things in proper context, the slowdown is partly due to policy decisions undertaken that are expected to promote sustainable and resilient development,” Pernia said. “These are actually a blessing in disguise.” Pernia also said inflation, which surged to a fresh five-year high of 5.7 percent in July, dented the economy’s performance last quarter. “We would have been well within our target of 7-8 percent. Even higher,” he stressed. ‘Challenge’ The second quarter GDP figure was announced hours ahead of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ policy meeting in the afternoon. Monetary authorities have jacked up key rates twice this year to combat inflation. Some analysts say the economy’s sluggish growth won’t stop the central bank from delivering an “aggressive” policy action later in the day. Higher interest rates discourage people from borrowing money and from spending, causing a decline in demand which, in turn, tempers inflation and can even slow down the country’s economic growth. “In terms of monetary policy, we still expect BSP to hike its policy rate by a more aggressive 50 basis points (bps) later today given the sharp inflation pickup in July,” analysts at Nomura said. Separately, ANZ research said further monetary tightening is
The Philippine economy grew at its slowest pace in three years in the second quarter of 2018 at six percent. Infographic by Philstar.com photo
Funeral, public viewing set for... PAGE A1 fection, both knees are fractured with surgery, she has fractured ribs, shoulder and right hip. The 56-year old nurse has been recovering at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in Saddle Brook. They also said that they are going to investigate whether the Delaware Department of Transportation should have a divider up on the 60 feet wide grassy median on Route 1, as they are considering the other civil and criminal aspects of the case. The driver of the Ford F-350 truck that hit the Trinidad family’s van just reportedly finished his job in Newmarket, Delaware and was going back to Cambridge, Maryland where he is reportedly from. After crossing the median, he hit a white car driven by a young man who made it out alive, before the head on collision with the Trinidad family van. “It was 3:45 in the afternoon, not late at night and not on his own time, and he was driving a work vehicle loaded up with construction equipment and metal,” said Lucianna. “This has to be a criminal act, not negligence.” The lawyers also said that it was ridiculous that weeks after the horrific crash, no charges had been filed. The investigation is expected to take months, according to officials from the Delaware State Police and Attorney General’s Office. “I spoke to Deputy Attorney General Axelrod, he doesn’t want to say too much, he says he wants to conduct his investigation right. He doesn’t want to be influenced by outside forces. He doesn’t want to be criticized,” Lucianna said. She also appealed to viewers to call lead investigator from the Delaware State Police, Cpl. John Forrester (302) 3658485 if they witnessed the accident or if they
know anything about the truck driver. “Alvin Hubbard hasn’t said sorry. The man was wrong on how he drove. Not once has he reached out to the family and say ‘I am sorry’,” lawyer Frank Carbonneti said. “We will file a lawsuit against Hubbard and the company that he works for. We are investigating whether the Delaware Department of Transportation has fault but that’s secondary.” “I have to bury my husband and four daughters,” Ballocanag said in between sobs. “I want justice for them and I want to see him criminally prosecuted. All my broken bones and injuries will heal, but not the unbearable pain in my heart.” The local community in Teaneck led by the classmates of the daughters and the Filipino American community held a candlelight and prayer vigil at Votee Park, with friends, relatives and neighbors lighting candles, leaving mementos and sharing stories. A GoFundMe for the family has raised $292,044 as of press time, with more than 7,500 donors and counting and becoming viral on social media site Facebook, with more than 63,000 shares and an outpouring of supportive messages. For the memorial service this Saturday, a news posting on the website of Teaneck township reminds everyone attending to arrive early. “Those wishing to attend the service are encouraged to arrive no earlier than 8:15 a.m. and requested to access the Rothman Center parking area via Temple Avenue from Hackensack Avenue. Out of respect for the family and their privacy, please refrain from using any cell phones, cameras, or recording equipment inside of the Rothman Center,” the announcement read. n
essential. “Accordingly, we continue to expect the BSP to increase its policy rate by 25bps to 3.75 percent later today, and we do not rule out more aggressive action,” they said. For London-based Capital Economics, economic growth will continue to decelerate over the second semester of the year as tighter monetary policy and higher inflation weigh on consumer spending, which accounts for about seven-tenths of the Philippine economy. Further ahead, a key risk to growth is the “deteriorating political climate” under Duterte’s leadership that has put off investors, Capital Economics added. “Pledges of foreign investment are already at their weakest since 2010 and if this trend continues, it will weigh on potential growth,” it said. n
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 10-16, 2018
Duterte: No more casinos
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by Reinna
TolenTino ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, August 8 said he would no longer allow casinos to be built in the country. Duterte issued the statement a day after Malacañang announced the firing of the entire board of directors and management of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation, Inc. (NPFI) for a “grossly disadvantageous” casino lease contract. The contract, which was supposed to build a 97,000-squaremeter integrated resort and casino, was between the NPFI and Chinese company Landing Resorts Philippines Development Corp. (LRPDC). It was originally for 70 years, but was later reduced to 50 years, then to 25 years. In a speech during the 117th Police Service Anniversary in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Duterte said he had fired the Nayong Pilipino board members because he did not like gambling. “Do not give gambling licenses or franchise for 75 years. The child is born today, 75 years later he’s that old. There will still be gambling in the city [and]I will not allow it,” Duterte said. “I hate gambling. I do not want it. There will be no casino outside of what are existing now. I am not granting anything. As long as it is gambling, I do not want that,” he added. Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. announced the sacking in a press briefing on Tuesday, a day after Duterte, during a Cabi-
President Rodrigo Duterte fired on Tuesday, August 7 the entire management and board of directors of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF). The NPF officials were sacked for allegedly approving a long-term lease contract with Hong Kong-based Landing International Development Ltd. that the President found “grossly disadvantageous to the government. Inquirer.net photo
net meeting, voiced his exasperation over corruption under his administration. Nayong Pilipino officials were then in the middle of a groundbreaking ceremony at the Central Business Park of the Manila Bay reclamation area. This was not the first time Duterte denounced the building of new casinos in the country. Duterte expressed opposition to gambling after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. approved a provisional gaming license for a Macau company and the Philippines’ Leisure and Resorts World Corp. for a $500million casino-resort on the world-famous Boracay island. ‘DoT not promoting gambling’ Also on Wednesday during a budget hearing, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the Tourism department is not promoting casinos. Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, who leads the House Committee on Games and
Amusements, asked what the government was doing to encourage the gaming industry. “Right now, the President has already informed us that he does not want any more casinos so… we are not promoting casinos because there’s a presidential directive — no to casinos,” Puyat told lawmakers. “We have no data how many tourists are coming in for the gaming,” she later told reporters. “We just hope that basically our tourists come for the beaches, for the food, for diving…We will just intensify our campaign for the first three,” she said. Puyat said that in June, tourism rose by 11.35 percent despite Boracay’s closure as a tourist destination since April. “With the reopening of Boracay on October 26, we are hoping that we would have more tourists and we would exceed our target of 7.4 million visitors,” she told reporters. n
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Economic managers cite risks... PAGE A2 breakdown of the expected expenditures to be shouldered by the government should the shift to federalism happen. escudero said he wanted the matter clarified considering how the Senate was “being pushed and cajoled into discussing” the move to revise the 1987 Constitution for a change to federalism. Dominguez said it was difficult to make calculations based only on the draft federal Charter. “The draft, as it is right now, does not lend itself to financial analysis,” he said. “I’ll give you an example: I sat with a member of the [consultative committee] and discussed how
they see the national debt will be paid, as well as military, foreign affairs … they said, ‘Oh no, don’t worry about that. The split will be done after national expenses,’” Dominguez said. “I said, ‘No, it’s not in the draft.’ How can we compute the costs? We don’t know what the final road maps are going to look like. I had a long discussion with them and I [was] more confused than when we started,” he said. Not wise to prioritize The reservations expressed by Pernia and Dominguez prompted Sen. Loren Legarda to say that it might not be a wise idea to prioritize the federalism proposal in the Senate.
Obama endorses Fil-Am TJ Cox...
SARANGANI SPORTS TRAINING CENTER. Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito asks provincial officials on the importance of sports during the public hearing on An Act Establishing the Sarangani Sports Training Center in the Municipality of Alabel, Sarangani province at the Senate in Pasay City on Tuesday, August 7. Also in photo is boxing icon, Senator Manny Pacquiao. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
PH Air Force to receive 4 OV-10 planes from US by Frances
Mangosing Inquirer.net
THe United States will transfer four OV-10 Bronco light attack planes to the Philippines for free to aid the latter in its Air Force modernization goals, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday, August 6. “This will be transferred to the
Philippine Air Force this year or early next year,” he told reporters, quoting a text message from Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. The OV-10s, a Vietnam Warera plane, were used by the Air Force in dropping bombs during its campaign against IS-linked terrorists in Marawi City last year. These new assets will aug-
ment the six OV-10s in the Air Force inventory. The Philippines will only pay for the shipment of the aircraft, Lorenzana said. The U.S. continuously provides support to the AFP through its grant assistance and sales of arms and munitions to help the latter with its modernization efforts. n
US to spend $300-M on Indo-Pacific security THe United States of America would provide nearly USD 300 million in security assistance to improve security relationships across the Indo-Pacific region, including Sri Lanka, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced at the Asean Regional Forum held here last weekend. The security assistance funding would cover projects in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Pacific Islands, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and others, in the areas of Maritime Security, Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR) Assistance, Peacekeeping Operations and Countering Transnational Crime. “For more than seven decades, U.S. engagement has advanced freedom, openness, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The President’s National Secu-
rity Strategy identified advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific among our most important priorities. The United States aims to ensure the freedom of the seas and skies, promote market economics, support good governance, and insulate sovereign nations from external coercion, while enabling partners to protect and advance the rules-based order”, the the U.S. Department of State said. This includes $290.5 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to strengthen maritime security, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR), and peacekeeping capabilities, and $8.5 million in International Narcotics and Law enforcement (INCLe) funds to counter transnational crime. Under the Bay of Bengal Initiative, a part of the strategy, the United States will ‘work with oth-
er partners in the Bay of Bengal, including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to enhance the capacity of civilian and military maritime actors in the Indian Ocean Region to improve the target areas of detection, information-sharing, and response to emerging threats.’ The US already shares commercial shipping information with India. The United States sasid that it would also support regional efforts in South and Southeast Asia to counter transnational crime by strengthening border security to counter illicit trafficking of people, narcotics and goods, expanding security sector and law enforcement cooperation with emerging democracies, promoting safe and efficient commerce and strengthening the rule of law to counter corruption. (Inquirer. net)
PAGE A1 TJ Cox who is running for the California’s 21st congressional district, which includes Central Valley areas of Fresno County, Kern County, Kings County, and Tulare County. “I’m proud to endorse such a wide and impressive array of Democratic candidates — leaders as diverse, patriotic, and big-hearted as the America they’re running to represent,” said Obama. “I’m confident that, together, they’ll strengthen this country we love by restoring opportunity, repairing our alliances and standing in the world, and upholding our fundamental commitment to justice, fairness, responsibility, and the rule of law,” he added. “But first, they need our votes.” Included in the list shared widely on Twitter are five gubernatorial candidates, 40 state legislative candidates, several candidates running for secretary of state and attorney general, plus a few others. While Obama gave endorsements for 22 House candidates, Rep. Jacky Rosen of Nevada’s race against GOP Sen. Dean Heller was the only Senate race endorsed in the list. California Sen. Dianne Feinstein got her endorsement by Obama back in May. Of the gubernatorial candidates are: Gavin Newsom in California, Jared Polls in Colorado, Stacey Abrams in Georgia, J.B. Pritzker in Illinois, and Richard Cordray in Ohio. Abrams is one of the 48 women endorsees — a group that makes up over half of the total candidates on the list. She would also become the first female African
American governor in U.S. history, if elected. For congressional races, among the endorsees are Harley Rouda for CA-48, Josh Harder for CA-10, Katie Hill for CA-25, Katie Porter for CA-45, Mike Levin for CA-49, Ammar Campa-Najjar for CA-50, and Fil-Am TJ Cox for CA-21. Born in Walnut Creek, California to immigrant parents — his mother Perla De Castro from the Philippines, and half-Chinese father from China — Cox is among several congressional Filipino candidates who advanced to California’s general elections. Like the other endorsed candidates, Cox thanked Obama on Twitter, adding, “let’s take back #CA21 and #FlipTheHouse!” While Obama did hint possible endorsements after his “first wave” list, many were quick to notice names that were not included. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who took a big win over House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley during New York’s Democratic primary, for instance, was absent from the list. So was Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who has increasingly been picking up gain against Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. November midterm elections less than 100 days away Most of the midterm elections will take place on November 6, and Obama’s endorsements come as Democrats hope to win control of both the House and the Senate which could ultimately give the party more power to investigate matters of the current administration. Currently, Republicans control the House with 33 gover-
“It’s clear: It’s confusing. There’s no need for more confusion in the country. We don’t need more confusion and chaos. We need order and progress, and jobs for people in the grass roots,” said Legarda, chair of the finance panel. “But do we prioritize this? We don’t want to slow down projects,” she said. Dominguez replied: “I agree.” Legarda said: “We cannot confuse the people anymore. It’s a time for national unity and to surge ahead. When we use taxpayer money for information dissemination, we need a careful comprehensive study that derives respect from our constituents.” n
nor seats compared to 16 held by Democrats. Democrats who would have to flip a net of 23 seats to win control. Of the 35 Senate seats up for grabs this election, 24 are currently held by Democrats, two by Democrat-leaning Independents, and nine by Republicans. There, Democrats would have to hold on to all of its seats plus the Independent seats, and gain two or three Republican seats. Six of those seats are in states where Trump won by large numbers during the 2016 presidential election. Obama, has kept a low profile since leaving the White House with the exception of private political events and fundraisers. His first major address since leaving the White House barely came in July of this year when he warned in his speech in South Africa of “strongman politics” which many understood to be partly directed at current President Donald Trump. Reuters reported that Obama pledged to be active on the campaign road ahead, putting him squarely against Trump who also has already been actively campaigning. Among Trump’s most recent endorsees are Senate contender John James of Michigan , Troy Balderson for Ohio’s 12th Congressional District, and Congressman David Kustoff of Tennessee’s 8th District. According to a Pew Research Center survey in July, 31 percent of respondents said Obama had has done the best job as a U.S. president during his lifetime, compared to Trump who received 10 percent of respondents saying so. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)
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D ateline PhiliPPines DOT chief hands off the P60-M ad buy controversy by Pathricia
ann Inquirer.net
roxas
Tourism secretary Bernadette romulo Puyat has taken her hands off the controversial P60-million advertisement that her predecessor Wanda Tulfo Teo paid to a show produced and hosted by two of her own brothers. Puyat said Wednesday, August 8 she is letting the Commission on Audit (CoA) deal with the matter. “The PTV4 deal was already with the CoA and as i believe they’ve already given their audit observation memorandum (Aom) to the ones involved, and as i was told the CoA is giving those that were given Aom 6 months to reply,” Puyat said when asked by magdalo rep. Gary Alejano during the tourism department’s
budget briefing at the House of representatives. “right now it’s with the proper authority and we’ll just leave it all up to them, ’cause they were given 6 months to reply,” Puyat added. When asked if the money should be returned to Department of Tourism (DoT), Puyat said she would leave it up to the CoA, saying they’re the “proper authority to say if there should or should not be a disallowance, and they’ve already said that there is a disallowance.” she added that her office received a copy of the Aom last June, and that if those involved do not pay within six months, the case would go to the office of the ombudsman. To recall, a CoA report said the DoT under Teo paid P60-million to the government-run People’s
Television Network, inc. (PTNi) for the airing of the agency’s ad, which was subsequently placed in the news magazine show “Kilos Pronto” that was produced by Teo’s brother Ben Tulfo and co-hosted by another brother, Erwin. But the CoA report indicated that there was no memorandum of agreement (moA) or contract between PTNi and Ben’s Bitag media unlimited inc. (Bmui) to carry the tourism advertisements. Puyat meanwhile assured that her agency is in close coordination with the CoA, which is conducting internal audits on their existing contracts. “in fact they have been sending us people who audit existing contracts and they’ve been helping us in strengthening our internal audit system,” she noted. n
Malacanang ‘cool’ on Mocha’s federalism video by aJPress FoLLoWiNG the viral federalism video of Presidential Communication operations office (PCoo)’s Assistant secretary margaux “mocha” uson with Drew olivar, officials were quick to comment on the said video. in a report from The Manila Times, Presidential spokesperson Harry roque Jr. said that President rodrigo Duterte was ‘cool’ with the said video. roque noted that the leader treated it as a form of ‘ freedom of expression’. “[The video] was shown to him. He was not laughing, he was cool. it was freedom of expression. He is a strong believer of freedom of expression, that’s why he likes cursing.” roque stated. The president, according to roque, agreed on the seriousness of charter change. However, uson’s video was not considered a “big thing” to Duterte. “i guess what the president said was let it be, but there is, of course, formal dissemination as far as the work output of the ConCom is concerned,” roque added. roque also noted that jingles, comic books, and advertisements were other ways that uson could have used to educate Filipinos about federalism.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar revealed that Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea got angry upon hearing that Uson would help spread information about federalism and charter change. Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos
“The work of mocha uson can’t be a substitute honestto-goodness dissemination… He would want a more rational approach to the dissemination,” roque said. in a report from inquirer, Director-General of the Philippine information Agency (PiA) Harold Clavite urged uson to take a leave of absence in order to “reflect on these matters.” Clavite also noted in his Facebook post that “a public apology from the PCoo official is paramount.” “This is not only a seeming insult to our profession in commu-
nication and public information but also degrading to the women and mothers in our communities,” Clavite said. Clavite also called out uson stating that since her appointment, she had exercised lack of judgment and have maligned their profession as government communicators. “As a public servant and being part of the PCoo family, i take great offense in ms. uson’s actions, which continuously damage the rectitude of my communication and public information agenda. i can no PAGE A7
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CBCP official hits Pacquiao for ‘misinterpreting’ Bible by Edu
Punay Philstar.com
mANiLA — An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) slammed sen. manny Pacquiao for allegedly misinterpreting the Bible in justifying his stand for revival of the death penalty in the country. CBCP Commission on Prison Pastoral Care executive secretary rodolfo Diamante alleged that the senator had a “wrong interpretation of the Bible” in claiming that God allows capital punishment. “He is actually misleading the public on his own understanding of the scriptural passage. This is what is dangerous,” Diamante stressed. The prelate asked the senator and his staff to first “do some solid research before sharing his thoughts on any issue.” “He was elected by the people to protect and improve the quality of life of people and not to extinguish it,” Diamante lamented, reacting to Pacquiao’s reported statement that the Bible supports his pro-death penalty stance. “i agree it’s wrong to kill, oK, individually, we’re forbidden from killing … but you can read in the Bible, the authority, meaning the government, is given power to impose death penalty,” Pacquiao told reporters. such authority, according to Pacquiao, “is established by God and instituted by God.” “if you will read romans 13 and study it carefully, God is giving the authority to impose death penalty to those who commit heinous crimes,” he said. The world boxing championturned-senator made the statement in apparent response to the recent pronouncement by Pope Francis that the death penalty is never admissible and the Church will work “with determination” toward its abolition around the world. Pacquiao has filed three bills to revive the death penalty but he has agreed to limit the scope to heinous crimes. The death penalty bills were
previously taken up by the senate committee on justice and human rights headed by sen. richard Gordon, but deliberations hit a snag after questions over its implication on treaty obligations of the country was raised. n Sen. Manny Pacquiao
Philstar.com photo
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FEATURES
OPINION
A national ID
BRUSHING aside privacy concerns, President Rodrigo Duterte has put in place the national identification system. In signing the new law, the president called for public support for a measure that he said would cut red tape and reduce corruption and fraudulent transactions. The new law is also seen to strengthen the campaign against criminality and terrorism. With the signing of the Philippine National Identification System Act, every Filipino must register for a physical national ID or PhilID and obtain a unique, randomly generated permanent ID number or Common Reference Number. Information contained in the PhilID will include biometrics. A history of transactions made by the ID holder, such as travels by air or water as well as claims made with government agencies, will also be recorded. This has raised concern among certain sectors over privacy intrusions and data breaches, but lawmakers have reassured the public that there are enough safeguards designed into the law. For others, the bigger concern is the efficient rollout of the IDs. With the PhilID, Filipinos need only a passport and driver’s license as separate government identification documents. There was a
long wait, however, for the release of driver’s license cards. This was a nuisance for those who needed to use the driver’s license as the government document in obtaining certain goods or services such as in buying international plane tickets or getting a security clearance. Biometrics were also taken for voter’s ID cards several years ago, many of which were never delivered. Authorities must also make sure that fears over data breaches and identity theft will prove unfounded. The new ID system, as the President stressed, is also a tool for fighting criminality and terrorism. But the system must be protected against breaches of its integrity. This is the first time that a national ID system is being implemented in this country. Those in charge of the rollout must see to it that any birth pains and glitches will be minimal. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
‘Collusion’ alert: Did Trump just admit his campaign sought Russia’s help to win the 2016 US presidential election?
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS DID PRESIDENT Donald Trump just hand Special Counsel Robert Mueller an admission that indeed, his campaign sought to get Russia’s help to get dirt on Hillary Clinton in order to win the 2016 U.S. presidential election? On Sunday, August 5, Trump tweeted: “Fake News reporting, a complete fabrication, that I am concerned about the meeting my wonderful son, Donald, had in Trump Tower. This was a meeting to get information on an opponent, totally legal and done all the time in politics - and it went nowhere. I did not know about it!” This is after layers of lies he and his administration have fabricated on several contacts made with Russians that have evolved and contradicted each other. The particular private meeting President Trump tweeted about was arranged by Trump’s eldest son Donald Jr. with a Russian lawyer connected to the Kremlin on June 9, 2016 at Trump Tower in Manhattan — two weeks after the real estate mogul/reality star clinched the Republican nomination. Donald Jr. was excited and enticed to move forward after he
was promised “dirt” on Hillary Clinton. Also in attendance among members of the Trump’s campaign were Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and his campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Their version of the truth evolved from the meeting never happened to the meeting was all about the Russian adoption program after the New York Times contacted the campaign with information about it. The statement released by Donald Jr. and Kushner, however, did not mention anything about discussions with reference to the campaign. In his statement as reported by the New York Times, Donald Trump Jr. said: “It was a short introductory meeting. I asked Jared and Paul to stop by. We primarily discussed a program about the adoption of Russian children that was active and popular with American families years ago and was since ended by the Russian government, but it was not a campaign issue at the time and there was no follow-up.” He added: “I was asked to attend the meeting by an acquaintance, but was not told the name of the person I would be meeting
with beforehand.” However, the “version of the truth” about the true objective of the meeting again evolved a few days later when The Times published emails between Donald Trump Jr. and Rob Goldstone, a British-born former tabloid reporter and entertainment publicist who helped arrange it. Mr. Goldstone said he had “something very interesting” — sensitive information that “is part of Russia and its government’s support for Mr. Trump.” The White House was then still holding on to the “adoption” “version of the truth” when President Trump surprised everyone with a revealing tweet on July 17, 2017, saying: “Most politicians would have gone to a meeting like the one Don jr attended in order to get info on an opponent. That’s politics!” Trump then intensified his attack against the media reporting on these exposes that made them change their narrative of what transpired during the meeting, and as the Mueller probe of the alleged collusion progressed to include indictments and guilty plea from Russian officials and some members of his campaign,
he started vilifying and undermining the Mueller investigation calling it a “witch hunt”. The president of the United States even chose to believe Russian President Vladimir Putin’s denial that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. elections by cyber attacks and continue to assail our democratic institutions and processes to continue creating discord and chaos in the country and in our relations with our allies — a fact that has been revealed by the U.S. intelligence agencies. He went on to change his narrative again to say there is no such crime as “collusion”, but claimed he did nothing wrong. However, he remained elusive in agreeing to sit down for an interview with Special Counsel Robert Mueller. As the Mueller probe gathers more evidence testimonies, including a claim by Trump’s former attorney/fixer Michael Cohen alleging that Trump knew about the meeting in Trump Tower, Trump intensified his rant on Twitter, claiming that Don Jr.’s meeting with the Russian in Trump Tower” was a meeting to get information on an opponent, totally legal and done all the time in politics - and it went nowhere.
I did not know about it!” Trump must either be ignorant of the law or ill-advised to state this claim, because what his son did was against the law, according to Title 52 Section 30121 of the U.S. Code which says,”It shall be unlawful for a foreign national, directly or indirectly, to make a contribution donation money or other thing of value in connection with a federal, state, or local election, or for a person to solicit, accept, or receive contribution or donation described above from a foreign national.” Analysts say, soliciting information like “hacked email” or dirt on an opponent from a foreign government— and an adversary at that like Russia, is a clear violation of the U.S. Code. It need not produce any results to be a crime — the mere attempt to do it is already a violation. Don Jr., with his email exchanges agreeing to meet with Russian lawyer who promises dirt on Clinton must then be in legal trouble. BUT he is not alone. What about President Trump? Mueller has reportedly been examining all his tweets and actions during the campaign and after he was elected president.
When did Trump find out about the meeting? Did he dictate the press statement lying about the true reason for the meeting? Did the “blocked call” Don Jr made as gathered by investigators a secret call made to Trump? Why did Trump announce he was giving a major speech that would reveal about the wrongdoings of Clinton just a few days before the meeting in Trump Tower? Why did he fire FBI Director James Comey? Why did he lash out at Attorney General Jeff Sessions when he recused himself from the Russia probe? Why did he tweet about Sessions having to STOP the Russia probe? Why couldn’t he stand up to Putin to defend the United States against Russia’s assault in our democracy? Why so many lies, misrepresentations, denials, falsehoods, and cover up? What is Trump hiding? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Victory in Cambodia polls and need for unity gov’t, 4 premiers unite in Nepal, middle class Filipinos in US
PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. (Part 1 of 2)
WE had a three-week gruelling journey for an 81-year-old through Southeast Asia (Cambodia), South Asia (Nepal), and the Middle East (Iran and Qatar), with about two-hour stop-overs in airports in Bangkok, Doha, and Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon). We were joined on the last leg by wife, Gina (former President of the Congressional Women’s Association), to serve as international observers to monitor the Cambodian parliamentary elections and a visit with the seriously injured (from a car accident) former Premier-Prince Norodom Ranariddh of Cambodia, older half-brother of the current younger King Norodom Sihamoni, both sons of the legendary King, our late friend Norodom Sihanouk. The tentative Cambodian election results indicate a major win for Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). Election observers from Asia, Latin America, and Europe, and a small number from the U.S. said the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) perhaps made the miscalculation of boycotting the elections when they could have perhaps
achieved appreciable results as in the last elections in 2013. It is uncontested that the longserving Hun Sen is regarded as a strong leader, responsible for insuring the country’s stability, considering Cambodia’s recent history of a most violent civil war, Vietnamese occupation, and the bloody Khmer Rouge rule which killed more than 2-million Cambodian civilians. Among international observers who proposed economic diversification and more political inclusion in Cambodia were Nepal’s former Premier Madhav Nepal, former Minister Ek Nath Dhakal, former Iran Vice-President and Energy Minister Hassan Ghafoori Fard, former Minister, now in the Thai opposition and current Vice-Chairman of the Asia-Europe Political Forum, Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, Turkey civil society leader Ms. Gozde Dizdar, Indonesian former Parliament Speaker Agung Laksono, former Air Marshal Pieter Wattimena, Parliamentarian Yasril Ananta Baharuddin, and Indian ruling party official V.J. Jolly. Nonetheless, we in the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), composed of more than 300 ruling, opposition, and independent
parties in Asia and officials of the Centrist Democrats International (CDI) based in Belgium, the latter, led by the eminent former Colombian President Andres Pastrana, could only hope that Premier Hun Sen, perhaps in the final term of his rule, could invite elements of the opposition, including those living abroad to come home and join a genuine Government of National Unity. This will further sustain and enlarge the credible economic and social growth of Cambodia, estimated by the Asian Development Bank at 7.1 percent, among the highest in Asia including the muscular performance in the construction, tourism, agriculture, and garments sectors and the further surprise diversification to electronics and auto parts. On our first three days in Kathmandu, Nepal, in the Himalayas, at the foothills of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, we had the lucky fortune of conferring at the same time, with our old friends, Nepal’s current twotime Premier K.P. Oli, former Maoist-wing Premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda”, former Marxist-wing Premier Madhav Nepal and former Premier Jhala Nath Khanal, all of whom
at one time or another were serious rivals. We were with American Thomas Walsh, Chairman of the New York-based Universal Peace Federation (UPF), and a director of the Washington Times; Seoulbased Chong Sik Yong, head of UPF Asia, and former Nepal Minister of Peace and Reconstruction Ek Nath Dhakal, who is married to a Filipina, Blessie Dhakal of Zamboanga City. We were also joined by UPF Philippines Chair Julius Malicdem from San Carlos City, Pangasinan, and we were preparing the ground for a global Summit in Nepal on Nov. 21-23, 2018, hopefully to include parliamentarians and civil society leaders from Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Australiasia. When it was our turn to speak, we pointed out that Nepal, with its 30-million people, perched between two of the world’s population giants, China and India, each with more than 1.3-billion people, had stolen a march on the Philippines: the Nepalis had actually already brought peace to their land by merging their two quarrelling Marxist and Maoist Communist parties into a single party, while holding the opposi-
tion Congress Party at bay; the latter, a close geographic political cousin of the old Gandhi and Nehru-ruled Indian Congress Party of India, and the parties made history and successfully converted Nepal today into a Federal state. These are also two strategic objectives of the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte but we assured the Nepalis that the Filipino people, the first to achieve independence in Asia after World War II, are not far behind and are enroute hopefully to achieving a final peace pact with the Communist New People’s Army, after the signing of two previous partial agreements, and if survey polls improve, in the coming months, a final achievement as well on a Federal system of government. It is a question really of President Duterte, Vice-President Leni Robredo, the Senate and the House, the heads of the main political parties, the business leaders, civil society, religious leaders, the Muslim-separatist and Communist groups, being invited and meeting together in a grand one-week to two-weeks of meetings at the Summit to endorse and create a people-supported Government of National
Unity. Difficult but certainly not impossible. We believe that now, sooner than later is the time to hold and conclude a Summit of great expectations as the next definitely combative presidential elections are still almost four years away. From Nepal, we moved on to Tehran via Muscat, capital of Oman, and joined our son Jose de Venecia III, and our assistant, former Congress technocrat Aldwin Requejo, for meetings with Iran’s former senior political and Muslim religious leaders: former Parliament Speaker and current senior Muslim religious leader Nategh Nouri; former Foreign Minister, former Ambassador to the United Nations, and current Chairman of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations Khamal Karazi; former Deputy Speaker and current religious leader Abu Torabi Fard; Deputy Minister and President of the Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran Mohammad Khazaei; and Deputy Petroleum Minister for International Affairs and Trade Amir Hossein Zamaninia, who visited Manila with Fard years ago when we then headed the House of Representatives. (To be continued next week)
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 10-16, 2018
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House rejects 2019 cash-based budget
HOUSE MINORITY LEADER. Lawmakers congratulate Rep. Danilo Suarez after he was confirmed as the House minority leader on Tuesday, August 7. The House of Representatives defied its own rules and kept as minority leader via a viva voce (voice) vote on Tuesday. Some lawmakers called Suarez’s election a “sham.” House majority leader Rolando Andaya Jr. moved to end the period on debates on which group should be considered the minority bloc, and ultimately recognized Suarez as the minority leader. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
Lookout bulletins vs Aquino, others to stay by Edu
Punay Philstar.com
MANILA — The immigration lookout bulletin orders (LBO) issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on highprofile personalities facing criminal charges, including former president Benigno Aquino III, will stay despite the new guidelines set by the Supreme Court (SC) to prevent flight of criminal suspects. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said this following the SC’s approval of a new rule on prevention of flight of criminal suspects through a Precautionary Hold Departure Order (PHDO) after earlier striking down the power of the DOJ to issue hold departure orders (HDO) or watchlist orders (WLO). Guevarra said LBOs were not covered by the SC ruling last April that voided DOJ Circular No. 41 issued by former justice secretary and now detained Sen. Leila de Lima for violation of the constitutional right to travel. “The LBO does not restrain foreign travel but serves only as a measure to monitor move-
Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) filed against them by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) and the Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution Inc. (VPCI) last February. Guevarra said the DOJ is keeping the LBO, which was issued by former justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II in December 2017 when a key witness surfaced to spill the beans on the P3.5-billion dengue immunization program. He said the similar order against Cebuano businessman Peter Lim, who is facing drug charges before the DOJ, also stays. “The LBOs issued on these high-profile personalities are not lifted,” he bared.Guevarra also said the rule on issuance of LBO would have to be modified insofar as it requires the subjects to secure an Allow Departure Order from the department before they could be allowed to leave the country. n
The House of Representatives has rejected the P3.7-trillion proposed national budget for 2019 over concerns the new cashbased system would result in the deprivation of funds in congressional districts. Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. of Camarines Sur made the announcement after an all-member House caucus on Wednesday, August 8. The budget has always been obligation-based, meaning agencies can retain their obligated budget for projects at the end of the year even if the projects have yet to be finished. Moreover, an obligation-based budget allows agencies to obligate funds for projects and pay them the following year. In a cash-based system, agencies must spend all of their obligated budgets within the year, or lose them. “There’s a common perception that this will reduce the allocation for the districts. There are concerns that this cash-based system will affect multi-year projects. All of us, [from the]majority, minority, non-majority bloc, are in agreement that we will make representations with DBM (Department of Budget and Manage-
that this cash-based budget will happen, so there are a lot of uncertainties. The decision of the [House] members will be affected if we don’t get a clear answer from DBM,” Andaya added. Inflation Andaya also underscored that the proposed P3.7-trillion budget for 2019 should be adjusted because July inflation hit a recordhigh and exceeded the government’s worst expectations, at 5.7 percent. “Considering the inflation alone, sablay na agad ‘yang [budget](the proposed budget won’t be enough). There are really a lot of things that need to be ironed out before we go on discussing the budget in the plenary,” Andaya said. House appropriations panel head Rep. Karlo Nograles of Davao City had called out the DBM for massive budget cuts under the proposed cash-based budget. “It would be hard for us to explain to our constituents why are we having a reduced budget because this will mean reduced classrooms, barangay (village) health units and roads just because of this cash-based system,” Nograles said in a statement. (ManilaTimes.net)
Xi Jinping to visit Philippines before end of 2018
MANILA — Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the Philippines by yearend in the latest sign of improved relations between the two sides, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said yesterday, according Former President Benigno Aquino III to a report in the South China Philstar.com photo Morning Post. ments abroad of certain persons Cayetano also said President of interest,” he explained in a Duterte has approved a proposal text message. to form a group to study plans Aquino, former health secfor the Philippines and China to retary Janette Garin and forconduct joint exploration in the mer budget secretary FlorenSouth China Sea. cio Abad Jr. are covered by “We’re now fixing the date (of an existing LBO in relation to Xi’s visit). We’re looking at the charges of multiple homicide latter part of the year,” Cayetano and physical injuries through was quoted as saying by GMA negligence under the Revised News. “Both sides wanted it to Penal Code, malversation of happen.” public funds and violations of The trip would be Xi’s first visit to the Philippines since Duterte came to power in 2016. Cayetano did not say whether PAGE A5 t In his defense, PCOO Secretary it would be a state or official leadership in PIA for the past two longer let her obscure and vilify years.” Clavite wrote. Martin Andanar said that he was visit for Xi, who was invited by my honest work in helping the He ended his post urging the bypassed this time by Consul- Duterte to come to Manila during President, this government, and public to “speak up and hold tative Committee (Con-Com) their meeting in Beijing when he this country, as well as the efforts erring officials accountable for spokesman Ding Generoso and was there for a state visit in Octhat we have painstakingly and repeatedly tarnishing the reputa- that there was no “go-signal” tober 2016. patiently put into place under my tion of the government.” from the PCOO office. n “This has been an invitation
Malacanang ‘cool’ on Mocha’s federalism...
ment) first before we proceed [on deliberating the budget],” Andaya said in a chance interview. “There needs to be a stronger communication with DBM to understand where they are coming from. For one, we have consulted different departments, and all of them were at a loss how the cash-based budgeting would affect their operations next year. Ideally, you can spend your obligated funds in one year’s time. That is gold standard. But that’s utopia,” Andaya added. Massive cuts The proposed 2019 budget is P10 billion less than the 2018 budget. The budgets of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Health (DoH) and Department of Education (DepEd) were drastically reduced. The DPWH’s 2019 budget was reduced by P95 billion, while that of the education department was trimmed by P77 billion. The health department’s allocation was decreased by P35 billion. “There were proposed courses of action, one of them is returning the budget [to DBM], which of course, we do not want to do,” Andaya said. “This will be the first time
Chinese President Xi Jinping Philstar.com photo
from their first meeting. They accepted it right away. But we are finding the right time. When presidents at this level meet there are a lot of preparations and a lot of things that they want to announce,” Cayetano said. Relations between China and the Philippines soured when Duterte’s predecessor Benigno Aquino III took their dispute over the South China Sea to an inter-
national tribunal in The Hague, which ruled against China’s claim. But Duterte has since tried to mend ties with Beijing, while China has pledged to boost investment in the Philippines and donated military equipment such as guns and patrol boats. However, the two sides’ long running dispute over the Spratly Islands, where China’s military buildup has prompted frequent protests from Manila, remains unresolved. In addition to the Philippines and China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have claims to the South China Sea. Cayetano said Duterte had approved the formation of a group of experts from the government, academic and private sectors to study plans for joint exploration of the disputed waters with China. “Our job is to provide a framework acceptable to both the Philippines and China,” Cayetano said, adding the two countries were eyeing a draft within the next two months. n
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august 10-16, 2018 • NEW YORK aND NEW JERsEY asIaN JOuRNaL
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Photos courtesy of Bitter Melon/Kidlat Entertainment
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Hungry for more Bitter Melon, ‘ULAM: Main Dish’ at the Asian American International Film Festival by MoMar
generation before us, it has now become a passion. And when food about it.” becomes a passion, it translates The film has surpassed all her to a lot more because you feel the expectations since all she wanted food,” Cailan added. “Now is the then was to make a film that she time where we just keep going, would watch. work harder, keep our heads down “For me now, at the end of our and show them what we have.” past screenings, we’ve had people They have worked for, and coming up to us, crying and saying alongside the greats in the kitchen. that the film changed their life, Some of them earned their degrees or that it was the first time that in various culinary institutions they’ve seen anything that made such as the Culinary Institute of them proud,” Cuerdo shared. “It America and Institute for Culinary makes me so proud at the end of Education. A number of them has the day.” taken the plunge and opened their Toughest challenge was the own Filipino restaurants. money, raising funds to start the “We were lucky to be in the film. right place at the right time to “That’s why it took us this long, chronicle the whole thing. I’m we had to finance it as we were happy that other people want to shooting. We did small shoots and see the movie. That means they it was difficult. The chefs were all want to see us, they want us to working chefs so it was all about succeed,” Cuerdo said. “We don’t the timing,” she added. think Filipino food is a trend. It is Ulam comes at a time when only now that Filipino Americans mainstream America is noticing have been able to get the financing Filipino cuisine. Compared with and money to open up their its Asian and Southeast Asian restaurants.” neighbors, the cuisine has, for the Ulam also paid tribute to the longest time, been languishing in restaurants which paved the way the cellar. Chinese, Japanese and to make all these happen. Thai are already mainstream and “There’s Cendrillon which is in almost every major city in the now Purple Yam and Purple Yam America; Korean and Vietnamese Malate, they are the pioneers. are following suit. Amy and Romy really did the work “There’s a word for it, and it’s before anybody was talking about kidlat,” Cuerdo said. “Lightning it. That’s why we want to herald struck and it was the right time. that, honor that,” Cuerdo said. The food has been good all along “The same thing with Chef Andre and it was something we’ve always Guerrero, he has been cooking in wanted to say.” LA for 20 years. And all the mom The Filipino/Filipino American and pop shops, the turo turo chefs who are on the forefront shops I went to growing up. Those now have paid their dues and put were the places that the chefs we in their time as dishwashers, line interviewed went to growing up.” cooks, sous chefs. She also explained that the Chef Alvin Cailan articulated reason why they profiled the this when we interviewed him last restaurants included in the film was year as he took over the Chefs Club because they wanted to showcase Counter in Soho, after the highly the new restaurants. successful popup of Eggslut in New “That doesn’t mean that the York City. old restaurants were bad, that He repeated this thought at the means that there’s more space Q and A after the screening. for more restaurants to grow, and “Fifteen years ago, some of we’re really showing the growth of us became doctors, lawyers, line the community,” she said. cooks, prep cooks,” Cailan said. When she was growing up, “These cooks became sous chefs Cuerdo and her family would go and chefs de cuisine for other to West Covina to enjoy Filipino restaurants. At some point, I asked dishes and she also would savor myself why I was making all these their regular trips to the Philippines money for this guy?” for the exact reason. She herself It’s not the easiest grind. cooks and her favorite dish to cook He worked from 8:00 a.m. to is sinigang but her favorite dish to 2:00 a.m. the following morning eat is kare kare (which takes forever busting his butt. Like a lot of his to cook, she bemoaned). friends who found themselves in “The other thing I like to cook the same situation, Cailan used is silogs, I still think they’re the best what he learned after decades of hang over food. Longsilog is my experience in creating and crafting favorite,” she shared. Filipino inspired dishes. The young filmmaker also In this day of Smorgasburg and acknowledged personalities in the foodie markets and the rise of food food industry who helped shine a trucks, starting small was a major light on Filipino cuisine in general. option, something that Cailan did. “What Anthony Bourdain did Those 15 years of experience for the Philippines is really cool show in the food these chefs because he approached it with a prepare. lot of respect. Same thing with the “Instead of creating restaurants late Jonathan Gold. He approached to survive, like the previous it with so much respect,” she said.
G. Visaya/AJPress
A NUMBER of Filipino and Filipino American films made it to the 41st Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF41), presented by Asian CineVision. As the first and longest running Asian interest film festival in the country, AAIFF41 screened13 narrative features, 10 documentary features, and 57 short films, representing over 14 countries. Bitter Melon and ‘ULAM: Main Dish’ were both screened on Saturday, August 4, the festival’s closing night. Prior to Ulam’s screening was a showcase of traditional Filipino dances by the group Sining Kapuluan. Right after the screening was a Q and A with director Allie Cuerdo, producer Rey Cuerdo, restaurateur and cookbook author Nicole Ponseca, chef Alvin Cailan and cinematographer John Floresca, moderated by Meredith Talusan. The after party had the guests enjoying Filipino dishes catered by Jeepney, Maharlika, Ihawan and Tama. “The end goal is to promote Filipino culture. For me, that’s what this is all about,” director Alexandra Cuerdo told the Asian Journal. “I wanted to make the film for the community, so that young Filipino American kids could watch the film and see themselves and see these amazing role models.” Ulam is all about some of the chefs and restaurateurs who have helped Filipino cuisine gain more traction in the mainstream. The film made its world premiere last April at the San Francisco International Film Festival. Cuerdo think it’s our time. Filipino cuisine in America has received amazing press from mainstream publications such as New York Times and Los Angeles Times and people are now catching on to something we have known our whole lives. It took Cuerdo and her team three years. They started production in August 2015. Three years later, the film is making its New York premiere after going through various festivals in the west coast. The best part about those three years was the fact that they were able to witness the growth of the chefs and the restaurants. Lasa was just a popup when they started shooting. Now, it is on the Top Ten list of Food & Wine. Ricebar was only opened for three months, then six months in, he was on Bon Appetit’s Top 50 list. “It feels amazing and surreal, it is also a humbling opportunity to be able to show our film and show off our food in the biggest food city in the world, which is New York,” she said. “It is true that Lola’s cooking is the best cooking but now I want everyone to know
Diners eat together at a pop-up of Alvin Cailan’s restaurant concept, AMBOY in ULAM: Main Dish. Photo courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment
Chefs at LASA, from ULAM: Main Dish. Photo courtesy of Wyatt Conlon
Behind the scenes with producer Rey Cuerdo (left) and director Alexandra Cuerdo (right) at Los Angeles Magazine’s 10 Best Restaurants of 2017 event, from ULAM: Main Dish.
Behind the scenes with Romy Dorotan of Purple Yam from ULAM: Main Dish. Photo courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment
Ciematogrofo’s Miguel Sevilla (third from left) and Mitos Briones with Bitter Melon’s director H.P. Mendoza (third from right) and cast members Anna Ishida, Jon Norman Schneider and Theresa Navarro.
Bitter Melon Director H. P. Mendoza
ULAM director Allie Cuerdo (center) with guests Cecilia Pagkalinawan and John Dioso.
ULAM director at the AAIFF press conference announcing the year’s participants.
Nicole Ponseca of Jeepney & Maharlika explain a point during the Q-and-A after the screening of ULAM. Also part of the panel were (from left) Rey Cuerdo, producer and cinematographer John Floresca, Ponseca, director Allie Cuerdo, Alvin Cailan of The Usual & Amboy and moderator Meredith Talusan.
Deputy Consul General Kerwin Tate (third from left) and Vice Consul Khrys Corpuz with the director and some cast members of Bitter Melon. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya
H.P. Mendoza
ULAM director Allie Cuerdo explains the story behind the film at the press conference announcing AAIFF’s films and documentaries.
Jon Norman Schneider Allie Cuerdo
Mr. Gold actually did Ulam’s first Q and A. He invited the film to the first Los Angeles Food Bowl last year, a food festival sponsored by the Los Angeles Times. “When we got the call from the LA Times, we were all blown away. Jonathan Gold was a living legend, he is the first and I think the only Pulitzer Prize winning food critic. The fact that believed before everybody else that Filipino food could cross over, that meant a lot. And the fact that he gave us that stage, that meant the world,” Cuerdo said. The film features some of the top chefs leading the movement: Alvin Cailan (Eggslut, Unit 120, Paper Planes), Nicole Ponseca & Miguel Trinidad (Maharlika, Jeepney), Romy Dorotan & Amy Besa (Purple Yam), Johneric Concordia & Christine Araquel-Concordia (The Park’s Finest), Charles Olalia (Ricebar), Chase Valencia & Chad Valencia (LASA), and Andre Guerrero (The Oinkster, Maximiliano, The Little Bear) Bitter Melon H.P. Mendoza started writing the film way back in 1997, when he was 20. “It was a very different movie back then, I wanted to be funny and I wanted to prove to people that I could handle the issues I had with my own family with humor because that shows how very mature I am. But the truth is, I wasn’t very mature, because it was only funny, wacky,” Mendoza shared. Now in his 40s, Mendoza looks at the film from a different lens, a different perspective. He allowed himself to laugh at it and he also allowed the characters to cry and feel the emotions. Bitter Melon is Mendoza’s
third feature film, after his projects Colma: The Musical, Fruit Fly and I Am a Ghost. It is the story of a FilipinoAmerican family of Ilocano descent who reunites for a Christmas party at the family home in San Francisco only to find out that Troy, the middle son, has been ruling the house with fearintimidating everyone who lives there-including his mother, and even physically abusing his wife. What starts as a fun holiday reunion turns into a darkly humorous crime scene as Declan, the youngest son, leads the family as they conspire on how to best murder the violent and abusive Troy. The film was shot in 18 days. The main dialogues are in Ilocano, with subtitles. It is a source of pride for him because he used to tell his family that one day, he’d use their family’s dialect in a film he would do. The film is quite timely with its message about domestic violence and how a family’s cultural upbringing affects everyone’s perspective about it. Asked about the film’s journey so far, Mendoza said that it has been great. “What’s been interesting is that the film came out during these politically charged times and way back when we were starting to shoot, I was told not to do a film like this in the time of the #MeToo movement,” he shared. “I thought to myself, we’re in a state right now where we should. This isn’t about the MeToo movement and to shoehorn MeToo in this film is a disservice to the movement.” And as he said, it’s a film about masculinity, about how men treat
women, how men treat each other and how men need to change. It is also how the cycle of violence in a family creates monsters among its members. “It feels uncomfortable. Our older generation would say it’s not okay to talk about those things in public, nakakahiya,” said Theresa Navarro, who plays the role of the Shelly, the suffering wife. Mendoza, like in his previous films, wants his audience to be engaged and for this particular film, he said that midway through the film, the audience would start to wonder where their morals lie and ask themselves who do they side with. The AAIFF is the film’s third festival, after making its premiere as the Centerpiece Film of CAAMFEST, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival last May. It also screened last month at the Outfest in Los Angeles. The film was previously called “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” but expensive licensing fees prevented him from calling it that. He settled with Bitter Melon, after his least favorite food served by his family growing up. He still remembers his mom telling him, “I know it’s bitter, but it’s good for you.” In the end, Mendoza hopes the audiences who see his film get provoked. “It’s an organic way for me to tie all of my preoccupations into one script: toxic masculinity, bullying, homophobia and domestic violence, all through the eyes of a Filipino American family in the quickly gentrifying Mission District in San Francisco,” Mendoza said. “And amidst all this, I want to make sure you laugh, too.”
Bitter Melon, a story of a Filipino-American family in San Francisco is doing the film festival circuit around the United States. Last week, it screened at the 2018 Asian American International Film Festival. The film is the third feature by director H.P. Mendoza.
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Biggest Fiesta In America in two decades MARK August 11 and 12 as red-letter days on your calendars. Those two dates are slated for Fiesta In America’s 20th Anniversary and second decade of staging the biggest expo and cultural show of its kind on the east coast. On that weekend, the Trade Pavilion at New Jersey’s Meadowlands Expo Center is expected to overflow with export-grade goods from Cavite, General Santos City, Ilocos Sur, Leyte, Manila, Quezon, Naga City and Samar. Made in the Philippines and brought to Fiesta In America by micro, small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) with support from the Department of Trade and Industry, these products are not available in U.S. stores. They represent the best of the country’s export industry. Visit Photo from Instagram/@james the exporters’ booths. Sample their unique merchandise. Fill your bags with packaged food products, personal accessories, houseware, and hundreds of handicraft items. Fiesta In America will be capped on both days by a their looks and their sound swinging cultural show and live (into pop). It’s also really funny, concert. Sing and dance along their relationship ‘cause Jeboy with superb local artists, Billboard is falling for her, but she knows Hot 100 idols Gary Lewis and the that she’s my lola, so it’s really Playboys, as well as Philippine funny and awkward.” superstars Ogie Alcasid, Janella To prepare for his role, Salvador and Elmo Magalona. James watched the original Free informative workshops film. “That’s the first thing I have always distinguished Fiesta did,” he said, adding that the In America from other Fil-Am whole movie is “Filipinized… events. To address online scams The script itself is very similar and other financial deceptions to the original. It’s just that that can cause debilitating some themes were made more stress, workshops on how to Filipino, like in terms of (the identify and avoid fraud will be relationship with) family and conducted by Alan Lai, Victim loved ones.” Advocate, through a major Miss Granny differs from his sponsorship by AARP, the previous big-screen projects Presenting Sponsor of Fiesta In in the sense that “I mean, this is not a rom-com, this is more of a comedy. There’s no real readily relate to Jeboy “because romance here.” he’s a musician and I’m also a What does he like (or dislike) musician.” And his character, he about his latest film role? “I can’t added, develops from someone really say there’s nothing I like who doesn’t know what to do about him, or I can’t really say I with himself to one who pursues don’t like this, because his flaws his dream to be a songwriter. make him real. So, as he grows, “The challenge in every role is to he becomes better. Things that really get across the character’s I don’t like about him or things message to the audience. In people won’t like about him here, it’s about realizing his make him good,” he answered. dreams and realizing what he’s Nevertheless, James can supposed to be.”
America’s Total Wellness theme. Free skin and bone density scans, vital-signs screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar level, and other assessments are in-store for health enthusiasts. They are components of the Total Wellness theme, and are sponsored by Hackensack Meridian Health and Hudson Regional Hospital. Free “Guide to the Market” workshops will also be held by Joseph Florio, Vice President and External Client Advisor at JPMorgan Chase, a new wellness sponsor. Cultural eating is a key module of Fiesta In America’s Total Wellness theme. Seminars on healthy ancestral diets (practiced by the past three to four generations) will be facilitated by Meriterese Racanelli, MS, Food Scientist/ Nutritionist and Chef at Goya Foods, a Fiesta In America sponsor since 2016; followed by a lecture on Holistic Wellness by Dr. Laura Garcia, DNP, MSN, MAN, RN. Returning to Fiesta In America this year as a sponsor is Mama Sita’s. Make it a point to visit their booth near the Food Court, enjoy the free food tasting, and discover why “Every drop, every ounce is authentic and
Filipino.” Savor tasty Filipino dishes from pansit to lumpia, from inihaw to dinuguan, and from kakanin to sorbetes at the native Food Court. If you have nonFilipino guests, food is the most pleasurable way to introduce them to the diverse flavors of Philippine culture. And on Sunday, August 12, thrill to the pageantry of a costumed Santacruzan (complete with a Reyna Elena, an Hermano and Hermana Mayor, constantinos and dashing escorts) after attending the Holy Mass that starts at 10am at the venue. Other sponsors include Asian Journal Publications, Philippine Airlines, TFC, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Department of Tourism, Belmont Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, MX3, Hudson Toyota, Open Road BMW, LBC and Metrobank. Media partners include: Filipino Reporter, Filipino Express, Filipino Catholic, Fil-Am Who’s Magazine, Inquirer.net, OSM, and FilAm.net To attend, exhibit, sponsor or advertise, call 212-6826610. For details, email info@ fiestainamerica.com or log on to www.fiestainamerica.com
In real life, James is realizing his own music dreams as well. He’s CEO of the music label Careless Music Manila. And under his record company, he financed, executive-produced and wrote all of the songs on his 2017 album Palm Dreams, including the single Cool Down which became a huge hit on the radio and MYX music charts. “We have several artists now, seven artists. We’re making
a mixtape and we’re releasing it this September. It’s just a lot of songs, from pop, R&B, to hip-hop and trance. It’s pretty broad. Some of the songs I’ve released already. I’m really excited, it’s something I’m into for a while,” James said. “I really just want to develop my music. I want to see a change in the mainstream music... to see it evolve. I’m happy to be part of it.”
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James Reid ready to pursue his music dreams by NATHALIE TOMADA Philstar.com
JAMES Reid has gone “solo” in his upcoming film Miss Granny, working without his perennial love team partner, Nadine Lustre. Prior to starring in the Viva Films-produced comedy-drama, the 25-year-old star said that he has been onscreen partners with Nadine for roughly five years. They’ve been a real-life couple for two years now. “I’ve done movies without Nadine before. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that though,” James told The STAR in the one-on-one interview on Tuesday at Seda Hotel in Quezon City to promote Miss Granny, which opens in theaters on Aug. 22. “I was nervous at first because I was comfortable having her on the set. For how many years, it was just the two of us, together every day so… (But) I got used to it. It just felt weird at first not having Nadine around,” he added. Asked if his newest film signals the start of more
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individual projects for JaDine, or as fans call their popular love team, James said, “We’ll see. Right now, she’s shooting another movie without me. Then after this, I’m doing Pedro Penduko. Actually, she’s going to be part of it… We just let things evolve as we go. We give each other mutual support.” Directed by Joyce Bernal, Miss Granny is the Philippine adaptation of the South Korean blockbuster of the same title, which has also spawned other — and equally successful — versions in China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Germany, et al. In the film, James is Jeboy, the aspiring musician grandson of Nova Villa’s character, the 70-year-old pensioner Fely who magically transforms into her 20-year-old self as Audrey, played by Sarah Geronimo. “My role here is Jeboy. His nickname is Jebs (laughs). It’s a very smelly name but that’s the point. And he’s the apo of Tita Nova (Villa). When she becomes Audrey, she joins his band, a heavy metal rock band, and then, he changes everything,
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Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ I HAVE previously written about provisional waivers, where certain people are not eligible to adjust status (be interviewed for a green card in the U.S.) and must depart the U.S. to be processed for an immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy. These people could include: • K-1 fiancées who did not marry the petitioner, but instead married someone else; • Crewmen without the benefit of section 245(i), which means they were not petitioned before April 30, 2001; • people who are out of status, without the benefit of section 245(i), and are being petitioned by an employer or relative (other than a U.S. citizen spouse or 21-year-old child). If these people depart the U.S., they could be subject to the 10-year bar. The provisional waiver allows them to apply for “forgiveness” from the USCIS or waive the 10-year bar while they are still in the U.S., and before they leave. With an approved provisional waiver, there is the feeling of security they can depart and return to the U.S. without being subject to the 10year bar. However, there are reports that some consulates have determined, after the fact, that the petitioner’s affidavit of support (Form I-864) is insufficient (even though it was already cleared and approved by the NVC), because perhaps the consul believes the petitioner is not earning enough money, as reflected on the affidavit of
‘Public charge’ refusal voids provisional waiver support in relation to poverty guidelines. The consul then “temporarily” refuses the person’s visa based on “public charge,” and effectively voids or cancels the provisional waiver. While the consuls provide the applicant the opportunity to cure the documentary deficiency demonstrating sufficient financial resources (or submitting a cosponsor’s affidavit of support), and will “reopen” the case, they nevertheless immediately revoke the provisional waiver upon making the public charge finding, and will not “reinstate” the provisional waiver once additional evidence or documentation is presented and the public charge finding has been overcome. What this means is the previously approved provisional waiver is now canceled or void. As a result, the person is required to again apply for a waiver of the 10-year bar while abroad, even though the USCIS had already approved the provisional waiver on the very same grounds and facts. A new waiver could take months to process and unnecessarily increases USCIS’s workload by having them again process a waiver of a 10-year bar they had already approved. Rather than creating this unnecessary additional burden on both the applicant and USCIS, the State Department should take a logical and commonsense approach and treat this deficiency like USCIS does with a request for evidence. The consul should request the evidence, and if the applicant timely submits the evidence, approves the case and issues the visa. After all,
USCIS doesn’t deny cases when requesting additional evidence. Instead, the case is held in abeyance until the evidence is provided. Anyone pursuing a provisional waiver should make sure the affidavit of support fully meets all the legal requirements, and the petitioner submitting the affidavit of support is earning sufficient income, because a “temporary” refusal based on public charge could result in the need to file a brand-new regular waiver of the 10-year bar, while waiting abroad. *** 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 attorney-client 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 (Advertising Supplement)
An abused bride self-petitions and finds redemption and freedom with the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) ANNE was certain she had found her prince charming after her U.S. citizen petitioner filed a fiancé (K-1) visa to get her to the U.S. She had started looking online, getting ideas for her dream wedding. Then, suddenly, her fantasy wedding turned into a nightmare, when her fiancé-turned-husband started verbally and physically abusing her. He would curse Anne and hit her for not being able to turn off the smoke detector fast
enough; or he would call her stupid for not knowing how to operate the TV remote; or tell her a can of soup should last her two meals; or threaten to report her and have her deported. Anne’s life was miserable, and she felt hopeless, until she chanced upon leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel and his wife, Millie, at the Philippine Consulate in Hawaii. The Law Offices of Michael
J. Gurfinkel helped Anne using the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), where a person who suffers physical or mental cruelty can self-petition and get a green card. Watch how Anne was able to escape her abusive “chains,” regain her freedom, and acquire her green card, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” –– on Sunday 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/ Satellite providers).
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Kris Aquino bares experience filming her role as Princess Intan and being a global Filipina ‘icon’ by CHRISTINA M. ORIEL
AJPRESS THE Philippines’“Queen of All Media” Kris Aquino was in Los Angeles this week to attend the red carpet premiere of “Crazy Rich Asians,” in which she plays Princess Intan. Before the premiere on Tuesday, August 7 at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood — which would be first time she saw the final film and her scene — Aquino sat down with the Asian Journal to talk about how she landed the royal part and what we can expect from her in the future. “I may never get the chance to portray a princess…God [gave me] this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she told the Asian Journal of how the film led her to cross off an item on her bucket list. At the premiere, dozens of Filipinos were reported to greet Aquino at the sidelines of the red carpet and wave the Philippine flag. Aquino said she was “touched” that she had a fan base in LA to support her and the film. She walked he red carpet, alongside her younger son James “Bimby” Yap Jr., in a Filipinana-inspired yellow gown made by Filipino designer Michael Leyva to highlight Philippine fashion and artistry. The media personality, who was in the news a few weeks ago for medical reasons, said she pushed through and flew out to LA as a chance to represent Filipinos globally, even though Warner Bros. offered to do a special red carpet and screening for Aquino in the Philippines. “I want to try the Chinese Theatre and walking there so that naman represented tayo (we are represented),” she said. Her son Bimby during the interview said it was “cool” how much attention is surrounding the film and his mom’s involvement, especially how she was included in a Teen Vogue article on the actors and the characters they play. “We really want to highlight who we are as a people…My heart feels it that when bits and pieces came out about what my role was, for any Filipino, whether you like me or not, the fact that a Filipina got to play that role, will matter,” she said. “Now that the opportunity is here, I really want to savor the moment.”
Kris Aquino graces the red carpet during the premiere of “Crazy Rich Asians” on Tuesday, August 7, wearing a yellow Filipinana-inspired gown by Filipino designer Michael Leyva. Makeup was done by RB Chanco and hair by Pin Antonio. Photo courtesy of KCAP
“Crazy Rich Asians” culminates in the wedding of the year with Colin Khoo (Chris Pang) and Araminta Lee (Sonoya Mizuno), which Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) and Nick Young (Henry Golding) come to Singapore to attend. Chu, who is made to feel like an outsider, is told by Nick’s mother Eleanor that there is no more seating room in their row so she finds an empty row next to Princess Intan. Of the wedding scene — where the church is turned into a tropical paradise with a lot of plants and flowers — Aquino said the decorations and how the bride enters the scene made her think, “Wow, how is this happening? That’s really movie magic.” “I was told to walk in such a manner... In my mind, I was wearing really high platform heels and then my gown had a long cape behind me so I kept thinking,‘Dear God, don’t make
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me trip, please,’” Aquino shared. Last year, Aquino recalls waking up on a Thursday to texts from several individuals, including Iza Calzado and the older sister of Jose Mari Chan, who asked if she was interested in auditioning to be part of a Hollywood movie. “I wasn’t aware they were casting anything at that time...I wasn’t sure until I saw that they were coursing it through Jhett Tolentino who has already won a Tony Award and a Grammy so I said,‘ay parang (it seems), legit,’” she said. After realizing it wasn’t a scam message and being told it was for “Crazy Rich Asians,” Aquino — who is a fan of Kevin Kwan’s book — and her team were interested and saw that an audition tape needed to be sent by Saturday. There was no script but they said Continued on Page 5
America
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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 6-15 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 2-11 (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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UBSCI to celebrate 30th Anniversary The United Batanguenos of Southern California will celebrate its 30th Anniversary & Coronation Night at the DoubleTree Hotel-Whittier (7320 Greenleaf Ave. Whittier, CA) on Sunday, August 12. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For other related questions please call Mylee Moncada (818) 322-9429; Cely Anuran (805) 630-3377; Rose Pascua (323) 382-1124 or Romy Elepano at (323) 498-9333. DREAMS OF A FAIRYTALE WEDDING ENDED UP IN A NIGHTMARE OF BATTERY AND ABUSE. Anne entered the U.S. on a fiancé (K-1) visa, hoping to build a beautiful, love-filled life with her U.S. citizen petitioner. But the marriage turned into a nightmare, when the husband became verbally and physically abusive. Battered and abused, Anne reached out to leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch as Anne was able to escape the chains of abuse, through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition that the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel filed and was able to get a green card for Anne on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement)
Perla’s self-imposed mission by MARIDOL
RAÑOA-BISMARK Philstar.com
PERLA Bautista is one person you’ll be glad to talk to if you’re having a bad hair day. She lets you look at the bright side. She chases the blues away by saying worst things could happen to you. You end up feeling good, or comforted at the very least. This is how she made a fellow actor feel when they were on location in a province hours away from Manila. The director just gave the guy a dressing down for disobeying orders. Perla, who herself had an encounter with the director the day prior, went up to the actor and said, “You’ll get over it. If I, who didn’t do anything, got over it, so can you.” The actor and director ended up good friends. This isn’t the first time Perla
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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.
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LA County’s Center for Financial Empowerment hosts financial seminar
Perla Bautista with her “Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon” co-stars (from left) Menggie Cobarrubias and Dante Rivero. Philstar.com photo
lifted someone’s spirits. She recalls a time when she and a friend were in Walmart, Las Vegas. Perla sensed that her friend was undecided if she’d buy a gadget or not. It turned out that the American salesman himself wanted it, so he was saving money to buy one. Perla nudged her friend and asked
her to buy the gadget and just give it to the guy. The friend protested, saying that the guy was wearing a wedding ring and had a family of his own. Perla replied that this is precisely why she should buy the gadget. By buying it and giving Continued on Page 7
The County of Los Angeles Center for Financial Empowerment (CFE), housed within the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, is proud to celebrate the launch of BankOn Los Angeles County, a program designed to connect residents to safe and affordable financial products, regardless of their immigration status. In honor of the launch, the CFE will host Summer Saturdays, a free event series that will connect Los Angeles County residents to checking accounts and financial empowerment resources. The public is invited to attend the free events at the following CFE community partner locations: Saturday, August 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Barrio Action Youth and Family Center (4927 Huntington Dr. #200, Los Angeles, CA 90032). The CFE and BankOn financial institution partners will help consumers understand the benefits of banking and start the process of opening a checking account. Attendees can also learn about credit, how to save for college and get first-time home buying tips at financial education workshops while enjoying free ice cream!
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
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Kris Aquino bares experience filming... From Page 5 the character will be “very rich and very regal,” she said. Her house was under renovation at the time so her team went on an ocular inspection that very afternoon to find a shooting location. As fate would have it, the presidential suite at the Peninsula Manila was available. “I remember I had the shoot Friday and then I said, ‘We have to shoot something that doesn’t look like I’m just staring at the camera and reading lines,’” she added. “From Ms. Kris’ vision, she wanted to really make sure that when she gave it her all, it has to be an all-out type of production and how she would read the lines and how she would portray the role. So it was really a legit set-up and not just reading lines,”Aquino’s manager Nicko Falcis said. Her audition tape of three scenes (afternoon tea, pretend cocktail dinner and sitting in a living room), which made the deadline by Saturday, was so professionally shot — she used a director who does commercials — and edited that she said director Jon Chu told her, “Did you know the camera you used, it’s the same camera that we’re using [in the film]? You’re the only one who gave something like that.” “I said, ‘okay, if we’re going to do this and this is just one chance, let’s do it,’” she said, describing that her team scoured her closet for clothes that would look the part. “Basing it off the book, I knew they didn’t want
WEDDING SCENE. Kris Aquino as Princess Intan and Constance Wu as Rachel Chu in “Crazy Rich Asians,” which comes out across the U.S. on August 15. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
“Queen of All Media” Kris Aquino visits the Asian Journal’s headquarters on Monday, August 6 to discuss her role as Princess Intan in “Crazy Rich Asians.” Aquino was in Los Angeles this week to attend the movie premiere. AJPress photo by Andy Tecson
someone who is flamboyant so it had to be conservative.” Three weeks later, Aquino and her team flew out to Singapore to shoot her scene in the film. There have been reports that she left an impression on other cast members because she arrived to a lot of fan fare in the city. “You have to remember, we shot in Singapore. All of the frontliners at the hotels, all the restaurants...those in middle management, the nurses...
they’re all Filipinos and I was the only Filipino passport carrying person there. They couldn’t understand why there are so many people here having their picture taken with her so it’s just an assumption that [the Filipino fans] checked Instagram,” she explained. In the book, Princess Intan is described as a Muslim princess and since Aquino is not of that faith, she “made that specific request that we did not want to offend any of our brothers
and sisters who are of the Islam faith because syempre diba (of course right) they would want someone who is really Islam to represent them.” The writers ended up not naming what country the princess is from, but simply just said she was a Malay princess for some ambiguity. In the wedding scene, Princess Intan dons a yellow — the color usually worn by a Malay princess — gown with a cape that was designed by Filipino designer Michael Cinco. “We’ve been given a chance for a Filipina to portray [this role]...if it’s how we look at society in the Asian culture, a Filipina actress was chosen to be the one head and shoulders above everybody else...the one wearing a crown is a Filipina. So it was my duty to make sure that on that set, I looked worthy because I know I am representing everyone,” she said. Referencing The Hollywood Reporter article in which novel author Kevin Kwan says he turned down a large payday from Netflix to have the film made by Warner Bros. Pictures instead.
“That’s why Kevin and I hit it off because we both go for broke,” she said. “Grabe yung (It’s extreme the) guts and the courage...The fact that, based on that article, he’s not getting any upfront money for the rights of the book. He needs it to do well for him to earn anything...The winners take big risks.” She and the author had met a few years ago when he went to the Philippines to promote the sequel book, “China Rich Girlfriend.” The two have “kept in constant communication” and thanked him and Warner Bros. for giving her the opportunity. “It was luck but Kevin also championed us. I have to give credit and we Filipinos have to say thank you to him,” she said of her “pivotal role” and how it was a way to appreciate the book’s Filipino “super fans.” After “Crazy Rich Asians,” Filipinos are wondering what they can expect from the Queen of All Media. It’s been two years since she announced she would be leaving ABS-CBN after 20 years to focus on her health, family, and her businesses. “People had written me off and that was two years ago but look at where I [walked on Tuesday]. I want everyone who ever felt all doors are closing, it was useless to keep going, I went for it because I felt there was nothing to lose,” the media personality said. “Thank you all for allowing me to have this next chapter in my life...that’s why I want to share it with all of you.” Falcis hinted that “there are a lot of options and opportunities that are happening now but at the end of the
day, our priority is really her.” Aquino added that she had quite a few projects lined up because she is the type to not say “no,” despite her physical limits, which has prompted her siblings to tell Falcis to remind her to rest and stop taking on too much. She and her team announced that in two weeks, she will have her videos streaming on the subscription platform iflix, which is available in Asia and Africa. Her manager chimed in, ”That’s why it takes a village.” “If this will be the last movie listed in my screen credits in my filmography, don’t you think mom would be so proud that the last movie is a Hollywood movie for someone who has dreamt of this career since she was 2 years old?” Aquino recounted a conversation she had with her siblings. As she savors her participation of the film, she notes her main priority is to listen and take care of her own self. Despite her family history and her decades-long career, at the end of the day, what does she want her legacy to be? It’s a question to which Bimby jokingly said, “being my mom.” Aquino said, “There’s something that life has taught me. In order for you to become a true person, you have to know where you stand and what you stand for. In doing that, though, there’s no need to step on anybody else to reach your goals. I hope that with how ever long God plans me to be doing this, that people will realize that and that I never failed to say thank you because all of this is really a gift.”
Join the 5K Run at Lincoln Park
HANDANG Tumulong Foundation, Inc. (HTFI), invites everyone to participate in the 9th Annual 5K Run / 1-Mile Walk race to be held at Lincoln Park in Jersey City, NJ on Saturday, September 8, 2018. Monies raised at this event will go towards an “ever-ready fund” for victims of natural calamities around the world, especially in the Philippines. Joining it will be good for your health and your soul! Pre-registration rate of $30/ adult is available online at www. handangtumulong.org or www. active.com. Registration fee of $35 applies if paid onsite. Family package registration will be $70 for 2 adults and a child. It will be a fun-filled activity day for families and friends. There will be refreshments, music, Tshirts and medals for registrants and winners. Trophies will be awarded to the Top 3 Male and Female winners of the 5K Run. For those who can’t
participate in the race but are willing to support the project, please send your check donation to HTFI. Our mailing address is: “HTFI, P.O. Box 2743, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410”. HTFI is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) NJ-based organization, your donation will be taxdeductible. HTFI was founded in 2010 to raise and maintain funds readily available for victims of natural calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes. Since inception, it has raised about $200,000 distributed to benefit the less fortunate and the needy. To learn more about HTFI and its 5K Run event, visit our website, www. handangtumulong.org. You may also contact the following for more information: Alex Esteban, HTFI President, 917 2577053; Lita Pena, Overall Event Chairperson, 201 232-1742; Dr. Winston C. Umali, Race Course Director, 201 885-2049.
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Perla’s self-imposed... From Page 5 it to the salesman, Perla told her friend, she is letting the guy spend his money on important things — like food for his family, instead. The friend agreed and the salesman couldn’t stop saying, “This is awesome!” Little did Perla know that her good deed that day had an an instant ripple effect. The salesman told his friend about this kindhearted Filipina who made his day. “When I returned to Walmart the next day, the saleslady went up to me. She told me about how overjoyed her salesman-friend was,” recalls Perla. Her one-good-deed-a-day rule continues until now that she’s 78 and remains as active as ever in showbiz. It keeps her from complaining
when someone hurts her, accidentally or not. When someone accidentally threw a stone that hit her temple on the set of a teleserye, Perla didn’t raise a howl. She calmly finished the scene. Her director was furious over what happened, but Perla just told herself that things could have been worse. That accident kept her from reporting to the set of another project. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Perla admits she could have had an anxiety attack over a scene that would have required her to ride a boat that was tossed over rough waters. “I have a phobia for water,” she explains. Perla brings that good Samaritan side of her over to her Continued on Page 7
A Fil-Am actor’s life: Ron Nery Jr. by RUBEN
V. NEPALES Inquirer.net
LOS ANGELES—“Although a silly, fictional idea when I first wrote this short film, it does come from a place of truth of being a mestizo and feeling like I’m all of the above, yet none of the above at the same time, especially in Hollywood,” Ron Nery Jr. said about “Mesti-So?!,” which he wrote, coproduced and starred in. A light, humor-tinged short on Ron’s audition experiences in Hollywood, “Mesti-So?!” sums up the Fil-Am’s take that being a mestizo in Hollywood is not an advantage. The Anaheim, California-born actor explained, “Our world is obsessed with light skin, for some reason, and this goes across multiple races and cultures. My film shows that, contrary to popular belief, having light skin isn’t all that it’s cracked out to be.” He added, “‘Mesti-So?!’ explores the journey of Ron, a half-white, half-Filipino mestizo actor in Hollywood who finds out that being of mixed-race is not the advantage he once thought it was—hence the title ‘Mesti-So?!’ He finds it difficult to fit in what casting wants, which causes him to feel that he can never win by being himself. “I wanted to make people laugh, but I mostly wanted to put Fil-Ams on the map while making a statement at the same time. When the topic of diversity is discussed in Hollywood, I often feel that Filipinos aren’t included even though we fall under that category. Maybe writers,
producers and studios don’t know how to write for Fil-Ams, simply because they do not know us. That’s why I let everyone know that I’m a Filipino in the introduction scene of my film.” The comedic film won RED Digital Cinema’s best film prize in the AT&T Create-A-Thon contest which drew more than 500 scripts, then whittled down to 64 second-round finalists. “It’s nice to know that my film is resonating with people, not just with those of mixed race or Filipino roots, but with folks from all walks of life,” said the actor, whose most recent credit is CBS’s “Me, Myself & I.” Ron began performing at an early age. He entertained family members at holiday parties, starred in elementary school plays as a singer, and learned to play multiple instruments. He joined 909 Hip-Hop Dance Troupe, one of the top collegiate dance crews in the Inland Empire (California). How would you describe your journey as an actor so far? It definitely has been an uphill battle, but I’ve found some success recently, having booked commercials and TV shows. Although making original content was never really on my agenda, I fortunately have found recent success with my film, “MestiSo?!,” and have learned why it’s important to create my own stories. Prior to this, I was collaborating with other FilAms in the community here in LA and other filmmakers. I definitely didn’t get to where I am overnight as it took years of
training with some of the best teachers in LA, and creating real relationships with people in the industry. How do you prepare for an audition? Any good luck rituals? I make sure to read as much of the script as I can, not just the lines that are given to me. It’s important to have a good grasp of what the full story is about, as it dictates how my character may think, act, feel and react in a scene. I don’t really have any good luck rituals—just normal breathing techniques in the car before I walk to the casting office. What is the most frustrating part of trying to land roles in Hollywood? There are many factors involved in landing a role and, many times, you never even know the reason why you’re selected or not. Hollywood is the Olympics of acting, so competition is very fierce, although the Fil-Am acting community is relatively small. All you can do is train your hardest and do your best. Contrary to popular belief, I think being a mestizo can sometimes be a disadvantage in America, especially having auditions where I’m clearly not as traditionally Filipino-looking or white-looking as people auditioning with me. I’m sure it plays some factor in being cast or not. How do you handle rejection? For the most part, I move on after every audition as I’m trained to “let it go” immediately after exiting an audition room. I usually won’t
Perla’s self-imposed... From Page 6 role in Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon, an entry in the ongoing Cinemalaya film festival. She plays Teresa, a senior citizen who takes care of her sick exhusband Benedicto (played by Dante Rivero), two decades after they part ways. Under normal circumstances, this could have been just another act of kindness, the type Perla in real life does every day. But Teresa has a new love (played by Menggie Cobarrubias). And Chito (Romnick Sarmenta), her son by Benedicto,
can’t forgive his dad. Unlike other films that depict conflict in weepy, talky ways, this one, says Perla, tackles issues the way those in their senior years should — with a lot of wisdom and maturity. “It’s about love, companionship and forgiveness,” she explains. It’s very Perla, the positive thinker who looks for the bright side in the worst situations, and sees the best in everyone. Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon is the kind of film you expect someone as hopeful
and kind-hearted as Perla would embrace. As she says, “I see God’s hand in everything — good or bad — happening to me. He always has something better for me.” The best part is, Perla shares this mindset to the young actors she works with in teleseryes she is part of. She’s spreading the onegood-deed-a-day gospel to most everyone she meets. And Perla ends up easing people’s burdens, in spite of themselves. It’s a mission she expects to fulfill, on screen and off.
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love of the art. Also, I have a close-knit group of fellow industry friends (Carlin James, Cody Gomes and Sthanlee Mirador) who I go through this journey with. Having the moral support of real friends who are Photo from Instagram/@ronneryjr in the same field has definitely played a part in helping me assume I get any role I audition for. That way, if they call me, it’s a stay motivated in such a crazy industry. pleasant surprise. Do you, as an actor of color, Holding onto an audition feel that opportunities for can be emotionally taxing on an minority actors are improving actor because there’s so much or getting worse? And do out of our control, except for our performance, so learning to let go you think that the inclusion rider (mentioned by Frances is a must. McDormand in her best actress Have there been times acceptance speech in this year’s when you almost gave up? Oscars, which is added to an What motivated you to keep trying? Of course. Hollywood is a A-list actor’s contract to ensure that the casting and production game of numbers, and there is a meet certain levels of diversity) lot of rejection, especially in the beginning of one’s career (unless is helping? Opportunities are improving, slowly but surely, and you’re lucky). What motivates in baby steps. The good thing me is remembering the reason I is that most people are aware chose this path in the first place: that I love the craft. It isn’t for the that there is a diversity issue money, fame or glory, but for the in Hollywood, and Hollywood
cannot simply ignore this. It’s important to have more people of color who are producers, writers and executives at the studio level because they are the ones who have the power to affect change and inclusion. It’s also important that we, Filipino-Americans, put more quality content out there, so that producers and writers can learn who we are and then learn how to write for us. What’s your stand on whitewashing—or the casting practice in which white actors are cast in nonwhite character roles—in Hollywood? Most people of color find it annoying and unacceptable, but on the other hand, I do understand why a studio would whitewash a character because sometimes a name actor is needed to help promote a film. The problem with that mentality is that it does not give nonwhite actors a chance, and stunts our growth in this industry.
An Asian Journal Magazine
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