AUGUST 11-14, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 63 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
LA Mayor Eric Garcetti shares highlights from Asia tour The LA mayor shares his thoughts on maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea
Malacañang justifies Boracay island closure amid slow economic growth by AJPRESS WHILE it recognizes that some of the national government’s environment policies, such as stricter mining regulations and the six-month closure of top tourist destination Boracay island, likely played a role in the recent slow Philippine economic growth, Malacañang maintained that President Rodrigo Duterte’s deci-
sions are for a more sustainable future for Filipinos. In a report from the Philippine Star, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) released on Tuesday, August 9 the data showing that the Philippine economic growth from AprilJune 2018 slowed down to 6 percent and at its lowest in the last three years. It is lower than the first quarter’s 6.6
percent, and the growth figure of 6.6 percent for the same period in 2017. “We don’t approach policy purely on an economic and financial basis. The President, of course, will exercise the powers of the state known as police powers to protect also the environment,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said in a Palace briefing. “The president stressed the need to
protect the environment and to ensure that the next generations will also enjoy Boracay as we know it.” Roque further explained that the president is unapologetically firm in protecting the environment. He assured that Boracay would reopen in October. “He has given higher priority to the protection of the environment and he u PAGE A2
AMID rumors of a 2020 presidential candidacy, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti honed his expertise in foreign affairs by embarking on a 10-day tour of Asia to strengthen relations with key cities across the Pacific Rim. Last month, Garcetti and a delegaby AJPRESS Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tion team visited and AJPress photo met with governPRESIDENTIAL spokesperson Harry Roque by Klarize Medenilla ment officials and business leaders from energy and manufac- Jr. on Friday, August 10 said that the different turing companies from Tokyo, Seoul, Hanoi, perspectives concerning the shift to a federal Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City from July 23 government were part of the “continuing discourse” on the issue. u PAGE A5 “We view the differences of opinion on federalism as part of the continuing discourse, even among members of the president’s official family, which the chief executive encourages to thresh out possible contentious issues,” Roque said. In a report from Inquirer, Roque said that the president encourages the “inclusive participation” of different groups and sectors to further promote awareness in the said shift of government. This comes after officials like Department About 3.8 million Asians of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos G. DominMEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) caucus held at the Diamond and Pacific Islanders rely on guez III warned on Friday that the draft federal PDP-LABAN constitution would lead to wider budget defi- Hotel in Manila on Thursday, August 9. Duterte vowed to strengthen PDP-Laban for the 2019 polls as he met with the two competing factions of the ruling
Palace welcomes discourse on federalism bid
Legal immigrants may be rejected permanent residency if they’ve used certain welfare programs forms of public benefit
party Thursday night, according to Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III. The president also asked his party mates to hash out their differences by talking to each Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi Jr.
u PAGE A2 other, instead of “publicly rebelling,” Pimentel said.
THE White House may go forth with a rule change that would give legal immigrants looking to gain permanent residency a much harder time if they have ever used certain popular welfare programs. The Trump administration has been reviewing the proposal that would curb permanent residency for months, and reports are saying the an official announcement of the policy may come soon. The move would be among the latest made by White House adviser Stephen Miller who has long been working to restrain legal immigration. And because the underlying law would remain the same, such a move would not require congressional approval. Currently, immigrants are allowed to have their residency status rejected if they are seen to be a financial burden to the U.S. government, or a “public charge” — a term that has been used in immigration law since the Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat u PAGE A3 Inquirer.net photo
DOT chief hands off the P60-M ad buy controversy
New Jersey Fil-Am family members killed in car crash laid to rest 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, buried her husband Audie and their four daughters Kaitlyn, 20; Danna, 17; and 13-yearold twins Allison and Melissa this weekend. The public visitation was 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 were held on Saturday, August 11 at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Rothman Center at 100 University Plaza Drive in Hackensack, New Jersey. A private cremation followed 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 u PAGE A5
by PATHRICIA
ANN V. 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 Sen. Leila De Lima COA is giving those that were given AOM 6 months to reply,” Puyat said when asked u PAGE A3 MANILA — Sen. Leila De Lima was arraigned on Friday, August 10 in her second drug case, more than 17 months since she was detained on drug-related charges. The STAR reported that De Lima attended the hearing at the sala of Presiding Judge Amelia Fabros-Corpuz, at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205. As in the first case where she was arraigned, De Lima refused to enter a plea in the drug case lodged before Branch 205. Following the rules of court, Judge Cruz entered a not guilty plea for De Lima. De Lima is accused of having Mary Rose Ballocanag (2nd from left) buried her husband Audie and their four daughters a hand in the proliferation of the Kaitlyn, 20; Danna, 17; and 13-year-old twins Allison and Melissa this weekend. Her family illegal drug trade inside the New was involved in the fatal car crash in Delaware last July 6. Bilibid Prison during her stint
Philstar.com photo
De Lima arraigned on second drug case
as Justice secretary. She has repeatedly denied the allegations against her. The Department of Justice first filed drug trading charges against her, but state prosecutors later amended the charge sheet to file a case of conspiracy to commit drug trading. De Lima’s camp has opposed this move to amend information and said that an indictment on a different charge should merit a new investigation at the Department of Justice. First arraignment The detained senator was arraigned on July 27 before Muntinlupa RTC Branch 206. The senator refused to enter a plea, saying that she “[does] not u PAGE A2
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From the Front Page Malacañang justifies Boracay... De Lima arraigned on second...
PAGE A1 t makes no apologies for it. If the GDP [gross deomstic product’ will further fall because of the desire of the president to protect the environment, so be it. We are investing in the future and not just the present.” “The president stressed the need to protect the environment and to ensure that the next generations will also enjoy Boracay
as we know it – as an island paradise,” Roque added. NEDA director-general and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia confirmed that Boracay’s closure and rehabilitation partly contributed to the lowerthan-expected economic growth rate. He, however, also agreed that the government’s green policies were sensible.
“I emphasize, all measures should ensure sustainable and long-run growth for the economy. These policy decisions were prudent and judicious,” he added. Other factors causing economic deceleration Pernia noted that the closure of mining pits and imposition of excise tax on metallic and non-metallic minerals have affected economic growth. Data showed that the mining and quarrying sector is down to 10.9 percent. Freshwater fish catch also dropped due to stricter regulations in aquaculture at the Laguna Lake. Pernia also expressed concern over the gross deficiency in the domestic production of agricultural products such as palay, corn, sugarcane, copra, livestock, and poultry. He then urged the agriculture department to review its programs and policies. “This should also include an assessment of the market environment, including the possible presence of cartels and incidence of smuggling,” he said. PH economy might miss its annual target In a report from the Manila Times, Pernia said that this period’s slower growth figure might increase the government’s chance of missing its full-year target. The growth in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first half of 2018 reaches up to only 6.3 percent. Pernia warned that growth rate must increase in the succeeding months. “Philippine economy would have to expand by at least 7.7 percent in the second semester to attain the low-end of the 7.0 to 8.0 percent [growth target]for 2018,” he said. Manufacturing, trade, and construction sub-sectors were among the principal growth drivers in the second quarter of 2018. Government remains hopeful The presidential spokesperson ensured that despite the figures, there is nothing to worry about. “I don’t think it is alarming, because six percent is still high,” Roque said. Roque promised to comply with the target in the succeeding months. “Of course, we’re also saddened by the fact that we failed to meet targets. But targets are targets. We will do everything to meet them. If we don’t we’ll find out why and
PAGE A1 t De Lima faces drug charges recognize the legitimacy and the before at the Muntinlupa courts. She was ordered arrested on validity of the charges” against February 2017 and has since then her.
been detained at the police headquarters in Quezon City. (Kristine Joy Patag with a report from Robertzon Ramirez/Philstar.com)
Palace welcomes discourse on... PAGE A1 t cits, decreased credit ratings, job losses and a limited funding for the administration’s infrastructure program. He said that a “clear and unambiguous discussion” would prevent misunderstanding. He also cited the issue involving internal revenue allotment of local government units. The finance secretary explained that if they were to implement the draft charter, the government would incur a deficit of 6.7 percent, possibly leading to a credit rating downgrade for the country. Such would result in higher interest rates. Dominguez suggested that in order to avoid the said economic consequences, the government spending must be reduced by 560 billion pesos. It would mean 70 percent cutback on ‘Build, Build, Build’ program’s funding or laying off 95 percent of its employees. The economic official also clarified that he is not totally against the federal shift. “As we pointed out earlier, we never stated that we are against federalism. Rather, with respect to the fiscal provisions of the proposed constitution, there are ambiguous provisions on revenue assignment and there are no provisions on expenditure assignment. There are, likewise, principles on revenue sharing that do not appear to be well-studied,” he said. National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) director-general and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia also pointed out that rushing the charter into implementation was “not good.” In a report from the Manila Times, last month he warned that the shift in government would “wreak havoc” in the economy because it might spike the fiscal deficit. “The shift will also be too costly for the government and may disrupt the economy’s growth momentum,” Pernia said. Pernia did not entirely oppose the shift, but he cautioned the committee not to rush the decision.
Roque said during a Palace briefing that he respected the views of Dominguez and Pernia concerning the draft federal charter and believes that the finance secretary still vouches for the federal charter to push through. “Naniniwala ako na si Secretary Dominguez po ay pabor pa rin sa pederalismo, (I believe that Secretary Dominguez remains in favor of federalism),” Roque said. Roque added that Dominguez was merely asking questions. “Siya (Dominguez) po ay kumbaga may mga tanong doon sa draft na isinumite ng Consultative Committee, pero dapat pag-usapan siguro ng lahat kung paano nga makakarating patungo sa pederalismo, (He Dominguez questions the draft submitted by the Consultative Committee, however, everyone should discuss how it should arrive at federalism),” he said. Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Epimaco Densing on Thursday, August 9 clapped back on the economic officials. He stated that they were “not supportive” of the federalism push. He called out economic officials from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in a Facebook post. “With all due respect to my peers in government, rather than shooting the concept, they should have helped in thinking of answers to their own query,” Densing wrote. He also criticized their failure to include federalism in the country’s development plan. “That is why unusually, they did not even put federalism in the Philippine Development Plan of PRRD, which would have been the vehicle for economic development,” he added. Consultative Committee member Fr. Ranhilio Aquino also voiced out his disagreement on the economic managers’ insights. In his Facebook post, he believed that his Dominguez and Pernia
might influence the president to oppose federalism. He also questioned the president’s stance on the federal charter. “Let’s stop fooling ourselves. If Dominguez and Pernia, in their official capacities, speak loudly against federalism, then the question should be asked in all earnestness whether the president is for it or not,” Aquino said. He then challenged the president to express his desire to pass the federal constitution. He also suggested silencing the economic officials. “Let us be clear now and let our President speak with a convincing baritone that he wishes Congress to pass a federal constitution — if indeed he wishes it so rather than in quavering falsetto. And if he favors federalism let him sack Dominguez and Pernia or command them to keep their traps shut,” Aquino wrote. Aquino also addressed both Dominguez and Pernia on their roles as cabinet members. “Freedom of expression does not apply to Cabinet officials in respect to policy,” Aquino reiterated. He concluded his post with a plea to end “double talk”. He urged the leader to clarify his plans on the federalism push as respect to those who drafted it. “If the president is now cool to federalism let him give the order to abandon the federalist ship. Then all of us fools who wrote the draft and defended it with all our might will know that we have been taken for a ride - for a very expensive ride - but we shall at least have the chance to abandon ship before it is scuttled!” Aquino stated. The presidential spokesperson responded to Aquino’s retort recognizing the effort he put into the charter’s draft. “We welcome the concerns of Fr. Ranhilio Aquino as a member of the Consultative Committee and acknowledge his passion and hard work in contributing to the drafting of the federal charter,” Roque said in a statement. n
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DATELINE USA
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 11-14, 2018
A3
New report: 80 percent of Americans support a national paid family leave mandate Ethnic minorities draw in lower incomes on average compared to white families, national paid family leave would alleviate financial difficulties for families of color, report says by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
TALE OF A CHAMPION. The 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup champion, Barangay Ginebra, celebrates after winning the Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup’s best-of-seven series against San Miguel Beer at the MOA Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, August 8. The Gin Kings inched its way from the bottom list of eliminations to win the championship by overwhelming San Miguel in Game 6, 93-77. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.
Legal immigrants may be rejected permanent... PAGE A1 t 1800s. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services defines a public charge as “an individual who is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for substance, as demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance or institutionalization for long-term care at government expense.” But recent forms of the draft rule — though still being hashed out — include in its definition those who have used (or has had anyone in their household) use programs like children’s health insurance, food stamps, income tax credits, non-emergency uses of Medicaid, and even Affordable Care Act subsidies. News of the potential policy change first came out in February by Reuters and Vox. In March, the Washington Post released a copy of the full draft proposal. Department of Homeland Security officials responded by saying that while the proposal wasn’t final, the administration wanted to ensure “that foreign nationals seeking to enter or remain in the U.S. are self-sufficient,” in order to protect American taxpayers. But advocates now are emphasizing that the proposed changes are not yet final, and are encouraging families to continue using public benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps, and other energy, transportation, and housing programs. “The benefits families use now
will not affect green card applicants because the public charge rule has not been finalized and it will be retroactive,” said Asian Americans Advancing Justice Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA) in a statement. Should the Trump administration release proposed changes to the public charge rule, there will be a period to submit comments about the rule before it is finalized. Legal immigrants of the U.S. The United States has more immigrants than any other country in the world with numbers climbing towards a new historic high after years of increase, according to nonpartisan fact tank Pew Research Center. In 2015, the number of foreignborn people in the U.S. reached a record 43.2 million. Today, immigrants make up for 13.4 percent of the total U.S. population — the highest it’s ever been since the 1890s. According to Pew Research, most immigrants are also in the U.S. legally. Based on 2015 numbers, that’s 76-percent of immigrants. Lawyers and advocates say that if the policy were to be finalized, millions of legal immigrants would find themselves having to sacrifice some basic needs for themselves and their families. Take the quickly growing Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, for example. “About 3.8 million Asian American and Pacific Islander immigrants live in families that
THE United States of America is one of four countries in the world, and the only developed nation, that don’t have a federally mandated paid family leave (PFL) program. Some states like California, Hawaii and New York have established their own programs for PFL, which allows working individuals to take paid time off for pregnancy and care for a newborn or to take care of a family member with a serious illness. Establishing a national PFL program has been a political talking point, especially among Democrats and leftists who have pushed for a federally mandated PFL. And a majority of Americans agree, according to a new study from the National Partnership for Women and Families (NPFW) released on Thursday, Aug. 9. Eight out of 10 Americans of all political leanings support a comprehensive national PFL policy that would cover all employed people (who comprise 84 percent of people). The survey also found that six out of 10 registered voters said they would endure “serious financial hardship” if they had to take a few months off of work for family or medical reasons without pay.
have relied on some form of public benefit to make ends meet,” Heng Lam Foong, Health Access Project Senior Policy Manager at Advancing Justice - Los Angeles, told the Asian Journal in an email. “The Trump Administration’s proposed public charge rules would force families to choose between meeting basic needs like putting food on the table or seeing a doctor and maintaining immigration status,” she added. Focused more on the policy’s effect on health care, experts are seeing it as a public health crisis. A recent study by The New England Journal of Medicine found that an estimated one million non citizens would potentially become uninsured as a result. “If this rule takes effect, it will most likely harm the health of millions of people and undo decades of work by providers nationwide to increase access PAGE A1 t to medical care for immigrants by Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano and their families,” reported the during the tourism department’s study. budget briefing at the House of Currently health insurance Representatives. programs like Medicaid, the “Right now it’s with the proper Children’s Health Insurance authority and we’ll just leave it Program, or the Affordable Care all up to them, ’cause they were Act are not considered for pub- given 6 months to reply,” Puyat lic charge purposes. Neither are added. housing benefits, child care serWhen asked if the money vices, emergency assistance, ed- should be returned to Departucational assistance, or job train- ment of Tourism (DOT), Puyat ing programs among others. said she would leave it up to the “Families should continue to COA, saying they’re the “proper use benefits as they need,” said authority to say if there should or Foong. (Rae Ann Varona/AJ- should not be a disallowance, and Press) they’ve already said that there is
The report released by NPFW found that low-income families of color, in particular, would greatly benefit from a national PFL program. In times of need, people of color generally draw in less income; white families take home $140,500 in wealth on average while Latino and black families draw in $6,300 and $3,400 in wealth on average, respectively. “It’s clear that women and people of color need and will benefit from paid family and medical leave, but the policy details matter,” said Debra L. Ness, president of the National Partnership, in a statement released Thursday. “I am encouraged to see more and more policymakers across the political spectrum looking for ways to provide paid leave, which supports women, working families and the economy, but in order to be effective, any new policy must recognize the discriminatory, structural barriers that penalize people of color and especially women of color.” Ness added: “A poorly-designed paid leave program that does not place the needs of women of color at the forefront risks excluding the very people who may face the greatest barriers to taking leave.” Many lawmakers and advocates for a federal PFL program see the issue as economic injus-
tice and also as a form of racial injustice. While the economic plight of the black and Latino communities is well-known, there is very little attention given to Asian and Native American families, many of whom also face drastic income and wealth challenges. The NPWF acknowledges this in their report and cites the ways in which the Census Bureau tallies the Asian American community as “oversimplified,” which contributes to the notion that the Asian American community — which comprises of more than 200 different cultures and countless subcultures — is a singular demographic. “The lack of disaggregated data for Asians means that the economic status of people with ancestry from nearly 50 countries is oversimplified,” the report reads. “The Census Bureau’s broad category “Asian” masks the diversity of communities that fall under that label, and wealth and income inequality within the category is substantial and growing.” While the top 10 percent of Asian and Asian Americans generally make more money than the top percent of white Americans, the bottom 10 percent of Asians and Asian Americans have far less wealth than the bottom quintile of white Americans. ■
DOT chief hands off the P60-M ad... 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. ■
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Thousands of highly skilled workers, including Filipinos, denied US work visas by Anthony
AdvinculA Inquirer.net
NEW YORK—More than 200,000 work visa petitions for highly skilled workers, including Filipinos, with job offers from U.S. employers were denied or were asked to submit more information to proceed further on their applications in 2017, new data revealed.
The National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), which obtained and analyzed the figures from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), said about 83,670 work visa petitions, or known as H-1B visa, were refused and 126,786 applications received a Request for Evidence (RFE) last year. Between the third and fourth quarter of last fiscal year, the pro-
portion of H-1B visa denials for foreign-born professionals dramatically increased by 41 percent, the report said, while the rate of requests for evidence went up approximately by 46 percent. The uptick in H-1B visa denials started shortly after President Donald Trump issued his “Buy American and Hire American”executive order on April 18, 2017, according to the report. With the president’s political appointees providing directives to visa adjudicators at USCIS “to limit the admission of highly educated foreign nationals, even though economists believe America greatly benefits from the entry of foreign-bornscientists and engineers,” the number of H-1B denials may continue to go up. “It is really interesting to see these significant increases [in work visa denials],” Stuart Anderson, executive director of NFAP, said in a phone interview with Inquirer.net. “They reflect the important changes in our government policies and practices.” Not merit-based immigration According to the findings, the increase in denials and RFEs of even the most highly skilled applicants indicates that “the Trump administration is generally interested in less immigration—not merit-based immigration.” In recent months, the USCIS enacted a series of policies to make it a lot harder for the most qualified foreign-born applicants. For example, USCIS no longer defers to prior determinations, approvals, or findings of facts when extending a current H-1B or other skill-based visas. USCIS will also rescind work authorization for the spouses of many H-1B visa holders. And those H1-B holders who are already in the United States but whose renewal applications are denied could be placed in deportation proceedings. Due to current restrictive policies, the report said that immigration lawyers and employers only file for applicants they believe have a good chance of getting approved. H-1B applications could take six months or longer, and it could cost up to $5,000, including the filing and legal fees. Filipinos and H-1B visas A majority of Filipinos get their immigration status in the United States through marriage or family
Heavy smoke is visible from Debbie Dobrosky’s apartment in Glen Avon, Calif. Even though she has stayed indoors, she has sore lungs and says breathing has become a chore. Photo courtesy of Debbie Dobrosky for Kaiser Health News
Breathing ‘a chore’: California wildfires threaten the health of young and old
DEBBIE Dobrosky noticed a peculiar hue in the sky on Monday — “a very ugly yellow casting” — as she peeked outside. A large cloud of smoke had begun to cover the sun. By Tuesday, the smoke was so heavy that “even inside my apartment I’ve had to use my inhaler twice this morning, which is not a normal thing,” said Dobrosky, a Riverside County, Calif., resident who lives about 30 miles from a fast-growing fire in the Cleveland National Forest. “Today I’m stuck inside, there’s no going out,” said Dobrosky, 67, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an inflammatory lung condition. At least 17 large fires are burning across California, destroying hundreds of thousands of acres, sending toxic pollutants into the air and contaminating water supplies. The air quality in certain areas — particularly near the massive Mendocino Complex Fire in the northern part of the state — is among the worst officials have ever seen. And conditions aren’t expected to improve as new blazes break out and others rage uncontrolled. With temperatures at times reaching into the triple digits, unpredictable winds and desiccated brush that serves as kindling, there’s no end in sight to this year’s fire season. “We are in a situation now u PAGE A6 where the wildfire season doesn’t
really have its normal beginning or end,” said Lori Kobza, spokeswoman for the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. The 629,000 acres burned this year comes after massive burns last year in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Napa and Sonoma counties, causing dozens of deaths, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The Mendocino Complex Fire in Northern California quickly grew to overtake last year’s Thomas Fire as the largest in California history. And Shasta County’s Carr Fire generated a “fire tornado” with winds of 143 mph that ripped through the town of Redding. Many scientists attribute the more frequent and ferocious fires in the U.S. and around the world, at least in part, to climate change. Meanwhile, air quality districts around the state have issued warnings to stay indoors — with windows shut and the air conditioner running — and to limit outdoor activities. In many places, kids’ ball games, riding lessons and summer camps have been cancelled. NASA satellite photos show towers of smoke in California billowing into the atmosphere. Up and down the state, air quality officials have marked huge swathsas red with spots of purple
— places where air is unhealthy or very unhealthy to breathe. Smoke and ash can travel dozens or even hundreds of miles. Children, older people and those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma and COPD are particularly at risk of smoke-related health problems. But otherwise-healthy people also may experience short-term breathing problems, eye irritation and coughing. Fine particulate matter, which is mostly invisible, can lead to inflammation of the lungs and other organs. For people with cardiac problems, toxic smoke has been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and death, said Dr. Michael Schivo, associate professor of medicine at University of California-Davis. Schivo, who has lived in the Sacramento area most of his life, said he can’t remember the air being as bad as in the past few years. More patients with chronic lung disease are experiencing more uncontrolled symptoms, he said. Lisa Suennen, 52, who lives in Marin County, about 100 miles from the Mendocino fire, has gone to the doctor three times in recent weeks because of lingering respiratory issues. She said her problem started as a cold, but as the air got worse, she developed bronchitis and her asthma flared up. “My lungs do not feel
u PAGE A6
Filipino engineer builds award-winning LEGO flowers by hArvey
i. BArkin
Inquirer.net
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SANTA CLARA, California – It wasn’t too long ago when Amado Canlas (AC) Pinlac was just picking up LEGO parts to tidy up his New Jersey home when his three sons left for high school. Being a “Star Wars” fan and working in IT, Pinlac’s bent for tinkering made him build … LEGO flowers. Last July, Pinlac picked up the award for clever and innovative use of LEGO parts in the Brick by the Bay LEGO fan convention at the Santa Clara Convention Center. At the LEGO convention, it wasn’t unusual to find 10-foot models of rockets, functioning moats in castles with piped in music, animated and lighted pumps, robots, futuristic cities, firebase camps in Vietnam and Afghanistan complete with troops detailed in camo, and even Civil War battle fields. But flowers? Well, Pinlac’s were inspired by Amazon’s pitcher plants and they do look outerworldly in their perfection. Pinlac says he does have large Star Wars-theme constructs, but the flowers were the result of last year’s LEGO House exhibit theme of nature. He’s one of the first to build LEGO flowers.
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A couple of AC Pinlac’s LEGO flowers.
He is also one of only 34 LEGO hobbyists to be invited to exhibit at LEGO House in Billund, Denmark last year. And the only Filipino at that. Bricks by the Bay President Erik Wilson, himself a biochemist when not snapping together LEGOs, said Pinlac’s work “is very artistic.” Wilson cited five of Pinlac’s LEGO flowers exhibited at the convention. In April, Pinlac and wife, Marleth, took back some LEGO flowers to the Philippines; they are now in a moving display schedule in five LEGO stores in Quezon City. Pasig, Bonifacio Global City, Alabang, and ultimately at the UP Village. Pinlac has been at it for 15 years now, the first eight years building Star Wars constructs and winning countless awards since then. His creations have popped up in books, magazines, and shared in blogs. He warns that you could get inundated with images of his work if you Google him. The Theed Hangar is his signature Star Wars creation. It was featured in Star Wars: The VisualDictionaryin May 2014 and the Brick Journalmagazine issue number 37 in December 2015. Last year it was exhibited at PlayFair NYC at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in February, the Brick Fair Virginia in August, and Brick Fair New Jersey in September. And then again at Brick Fest Live Philly in April 2017. He is allowed to work in the basement only. “It will take as long as it gets because you don’t want to rush a work of art. Besides, you get better at it if you keep at it.” He doesn’t glue or cut LEGO parts (to get a round contour effect). He won’t even use non-
Inquirer.net photos by Robin Barkin
Marleth and Amado Canlas Pinlac at the Brick by the Bay LEGO convention in Santa Clara.
LEGO parts to compromise the total effect. He calls using a 3-D printer “cheating to us purists.” He will use Google, screen shots and photos but won’t project his build on to a grid. He would pick a LEGO part and build on it for scale. Picture a great master painter just eyeballing the model and putting up his thumb for scale, or a hot shot fighter pilot ignoring instrumentation distance read-outs and engaging the target head on. Pinlac’s electrical engineering degree is from Angeles City. As a proud son of Pampanga, he has embarked on a project to build a LEGO replica of his town’s church. He started work on his LEGO replica of the Holy Rosary parish church (Pisamban Maragul) in February 2016. Pun aside, this is by no means a small feat of engineering. He completed the front façade in April. A couple of months later, he had half the interior done. But due to his first commitment to exhibit LEGO flowers at LEGO House, in Denmark in September 2017, he stopped. He was also short of one specific part with a specific color. But as it happened, the trip actually opened up access to LEGO Corporation’s inventory. He got the hard-to-find part and is back at it after bagging the prize in Bricks by the Bay. The front façade of Holy Rosary church was exhibited at the East Brunswick Public Library for the whole month of 2016. The ultimate goal is to bring it home to Angeles City where the Angeles Museum, private groups and others have expressed interest. He says it’s a work of love and won’t put a price on his efforts and expenses. And like a work of art, Pinlac says, “It will be finished when it is finished.” n
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SBP moving heaven and earth to get Jordan Clarkson by NelsoN
BeltraN Philstar.com
With the 18th Asian Games just around the bend, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is still making an effort to get FilAm NBA player Jordan Clarkson to the Philippine team to the Jakarta Asiad men’s basketball tournament that fires off tuesday. “We are trying to move heaven and earth to make it happen,” said SBP president Al Panlilio in his hope to improve the Philippine lineup that will seek to end a 20-year medal drought by the MISSILE TEST. The Philippine Navy fires the Spike-Extended Range missile at Lamao Point, Bataan on Thursday, August 9. Commander country in the quadrennial reJonathan Zata, Navy spokesman, said the Spike-Extended Range (ER) missile launching system was on a multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) gional conclave. during the sea acceptance test held in Lamao Point, Bataan. Lamao Port is 318 kilometers away from the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal. “But stars have to align. it all Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy starts with his Asian Games eligibility,” said Panlilio on Clarkson’s eligibility to be decided by the Asian Games organizing committee. PAGE A1 t then SBP would also have to trade wars brewing it could be an adopted by the Japanese people to Aug. 1 that focused on trade, ideal place to expand trade and whereas California’s long-await- work on Clarkson’s clearance ed plan to establish a bullet train from the NBA and his mother sustainability and boosting tour- manufacturing,” Garcetti said. When asked about his thoughts has yet to come to fruition largely ballclub the Cleveland Cavaliers. ism in LA, which will welcome a Panlilio said they would work flurry of international guests for on the effect of maritime trade due to political roadblocks. “When the government owns on these to the very last moment amid the West Philippine Sea/ the 2028 Olympics. “We are the city with the most South China Sea dispute, he sup- all the land, easier to move peo- they are allowed to tweak their Asian and Pacific islander (AAPi) ports the tribunal’s 2016 ruling ple, so it’s a different system [in lineup. if ever, coach Yeng Guiao citizens and residents in the that there is no “legal basis” that China]. i like that you can own country, places No. 1 for Japan, supports China’s claim of “histor- land here, but it’s much harder doesn’t think it would be tough Korea, China and Vietnam in ic rights” to those waters, which to get people to move,” Garcetti on Clarkson to catch up with his terms of visits and student invest- have been a major trade route for remarked. “So it’s a different sys- teammates. the Philippine quintet will ments and trade,” Garcetti said at the entire South East Asia region. tem, but it’s also culture. We also “i hope that our countries could have to change Americans’ atti- compete in the Jakarta Asiad a press conference at City hall on thursday, Aug. 9, adding that he work that out without too much tudes. the cost of a high-speed working on the same system that wanted to let the people of Asia chest-heaving, and the United rail system is extremely expen- won two PBA championships for know that LA is “very much pro- States has an interest in keeping sive and it’s heavily subsidized the Rain or Shine Elasto Painttrade [and] pro-solving our chal- free and open trade,” Garcetti by the government. So unless the ers. “Good thing, coach Caloy Garsaid. “Everybody can point fin- federal government decides to lenges together.” Of his Asian trade mission, gers right now at each other, that make that a priority for our state, cia didn’t change the system Garcetti said, “it was very suc- [China’s] not abiding by interna- then it likely won’t happen.” (upon his takeover of ROS team). he just improved it. But about 80 cessful.” it comprised of 59 tional laws and the United States, (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) meetings and engagements that under this administration, seems resulted in several “concrete” to be moving away from particigoals including discussing in- pation with allies, which is very ternational expansion plans with dangerous.” “i would hope that China airlines, signing memoranda of understanding with trade and would adhere to [the tribunal commerce agencies and estab- ruling] and not be threatened by lishing cross-border partnerships what has been a constant preson entertainment and technology ence of the United States there, which has not been about threatin LA and hong Kong. Last year, trade relations with ening the country, but about Japan, South Korea, Vietnam joining international free trade,” and hong Kong strengthened in Garcetti added. “But it would LA County, which has the larg- also require a Philippines and a est concentration of AAPis in the Filipino government that will recountry. tourism also skyrocket- main committed to ensuring this ed in LA County, which welcomed is about all the countries in the 1.1 million visitors from China, region and a multilateral coali342,000 from Japan and 315,000 tion that will ensure this isn’t just from South Korea, according to one country’s domain.” Accompanying Garcetti on his statistics from the mayor’s office. Garcetti, who has in the past Asia tour was a diverse group expressed an affinity for the of individuals from his office, Filipino-American community in LA City councilmembers, repLA (as a councilmember, he es- resentatives from the Port of LA tablished the southwest portion and LA World Airports, tourism of Echo Park as historic Filipi- officials and a long list of businotown in 2002), shared that the ness partners who made up the Philippines, along with thailand business delegation of the trade and taiwan, is a country he’d like mission. Cities like tokyo, hong Kong to visit in a future Asia tour. No sitting LA mayor has ever and Seoul have, in the last devisited LA’s sister city of Makati cade, made significant techCity, but Garcetti plans on being nological and environmental innovations to lower citywide the first. “i think there is a great amount pollution and congestion while of investment in Filipino-run many American cities have yet to companies from the United advance in those respects. Japan’s high-speed railway States, especially in the manufacturing sector, and because of the system, for example, was quickly
Jordan Clarkson
Photo from Cavaliers.com
LA Mayor Eric Garcetti shares highlights...
New Jersey Fil-Am family... PAGE A1 t
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 said that she has a broken left arm with infection, 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 at (302) 365-8485 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. n
Philippine men’s national basketball team pool in huddle during their training for the 2018 Asian Games on friday, August 10 at the Meralco Gym. Philstar.com photo by Denison Rey Dalupang
percent of it is still mine,” said Guiao, architect of the E-Painters title runs in the PBA in 2012 and 2016. “Of course, the Rain or Shine guys are familiar with it, even Paul Lee, Asi taulava and Don trollano. As for the other guys,
they would catch up because the system is simple,” Guiao also said. in the course of his PBA coaching career, Guiao built champion teams at Swift Mighty Meaty, Red Bull and Rain or Shine, collecting a total of seven titles. n
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US: Third party concerns should be included in South China Sea code Mission to ASeAN, stressed that Washington has always been watching the developments in While China and the South- the disputed waterway. east Asian nations are mov“We think it’s extremely iming forward with negotiations portant that no country preson the Code of Conduct in the sure other countries within South China Sea, the United structures like the Code of States stressed its position on Conduct negotiations,” Campthe maritime dispute. bell said in a teleconference on Piper Campbell, chargé Tuesday, August7 . d’affaires ad interim at the U.S. U.S. Secretary of State Mike by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
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. 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 international 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
UNITY RALLY. Two thousand plus riders from different motorcycle groups gathers inside Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City for a short program after their Unity Ride from C.P. Garcia and University Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City on Thursday, August 9. The Unity Ride is the latest in a series of “Unity” rallies staged by various motorcycle groups in response to what they refer to as the government’s delay of action towards the crafting of an acceptable motorcycle taxi policy. PNA photo by Ben Briones
Thousands of highly skilled workers... PAGE A4 t
and relative petitions. From 2001 to 2006, according to the Pew Research Center, about 3 percent of h-1B visa holders were Filipino skilled workers, mostly nurses, doctors, caregivers, and other professions in the health care industry. But since Trump took office, the number of Filipino work visa holders has tremendously decreased. last year alone, although the Philippines was the fourth highest country with h-1B visa applications—after india, China, and Canada, respectively—only 1 percent of Filipino work visa applicants were approved. Of more than 400,000 h-1B visa applications USCiS received last year, nearly 75 percent or 302,283 applications are from india—a major source used by Silicon Valley’s technology industry. Canceled without prejudice R. Gonzalez is a 42-year-old professional Filipina banker. She got her h-1B visa three years ago, when her American employer based in Singapore assigned her to work at the headquarters in New York City. last month, before her h-1B visa expired, she went back to Singapore to renew it and get her passport stamped so she could easily travel in and out of the United States. But when she showed up at the U.S. embassy, she was shocked
by the decision on her visa renewal: “Denied.” “it was very upsetting. The U.S. embassy did not give me any explanation,” Gonzalez said. “Without waiting for me to say a word, the officer stamped ‘Canceled Without Prejudice’ across my old U.S. work visa.” Appealing her case, Gonzalez expressed concerns that her immediate supervisor in the New York City office may not be able to wait for her any longer and give her post to another worker. “i could get stuck in Singapore,” she said. Workers with master’s degrees h-1B is a nonimmigrant visa through which American employers may obtain foreign workers to perform specialty occupations on a temporary basis. Demand for h1B workers has boomed in recent years such that, since 2001, the visa cap has been reached within a week of the application period opening. According to USCiS 2017 annual report to congress, the number of h1-B petitions approved last year for workers with a bachelor’s degree was 45.2 percent. Notably, 44.5 percent of approved petitions were for workers with a master’s degree, 6.8 percent had a doctorate, and 3.3 percent were for workers with a professional degree. The report also showed that
the number of h-1B petitions approved in 2017 for workers in computer-related occupations was 69.8 percent. The median salary of beneficiaries of approved petitions increased from $82,000 in 2016 to $85,000 in 2017, it added. Future for h1-B visa holders As of July 2018, data suggest that high rates of denials and requests for evidence in skilled visa categories have continued. The NFAP report said the denial rate of visa applications for skilled workers who get transferred from their foreign employer to work for up to five years in the United States was at 30.5 percent in the first quarter and 29.3 percent in the second quarter of this fiscal year. With the present volatility of American politics and government policies, Anderson said that getting a better prediction on what is going to happen for h1-B visa applicants and current holders may take some time. “The real impact remains to be seen. in the long term, if these h1-B denials and requests for evidence continue to be difficult for U.S. companies, they may look somewhere else where they could easily hire high-skilled foreign nationals.” Anderson noted. “But we need to see more data and we have to wait for a few more years [to see] if the trend continues.” n
Breathing ‘a chore’: California wildfires...
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healthy right now,” she said. “it is just not natural to breathe.” Air quality experts and physicians said more fires are bound to occur, and people with health issues need to have a plan for the bad air days, such as keeping extra medications on hand. “This isn’t the first fire season California has had and it won’t be the last,” said Patrick Chandler, spokesman for the South Coast Air Quality Management District. “You can’t really tough this out.” Some people say they have no choice but to take risks. Alyssa Mayo, 31, who has struggled with respiratory issues for two decades, runs a rehabilitation center for horses and dogs northeast of Sacramento. Now, she can’t see the mountain range out her window because of the smoke. But Mayo said she has horses and dogs to care for. “Unfortunately, with our business, we can’t sit inside all day,” she said. “i wish i could hunker down and stay out of it, but these animals depend on us.” Air quality may be the most pressing issue, but scientists say that ultimately water — another human necessity — is in danger, too. Ash, burned soil and toxic residue from incinerated houses, businesses and machinery can make their way into lakes, rivers and reservoirs, said Carmen Bur-
ton, a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s California Water Science Center in San Diego. The extent of the contamination depends on factors such as topography and the number and type of materials burned. Wildfires typically sweep through rural areas more than urban — and this year follows that pattern, said Catherine Dunwoody, chief of the monitoring and laboratory division for California’s Air Resources Board. Dunwoody cited some of the mountainous areas in and around Yosemite, in particular, where a 94,000-acre fire was substantially contained as of Tuesday afternoon. Yet as housing complexes encroach on wild lands, residents increasingly risk their homes, their health and even their lives. Some parts of the state suffer more than others. The entire San Joaquin Valley faces the ill effects of blazes not only in nearby Yosemite but throughout Northern California, said Anthony Presto, a spokesman for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. This region, he explained, is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges, making it easier for pollutants and smoke to funnel southward and become trapped in a bowl. Kimberly McCoy, who lives in Fresno, has seen that first-
hand. She and her son both have asthma, and she said her chest feels tight and her son has been wheezing. McCoy said she hasn’t let her son outdoors in recent days. “That’s really hard for an active 6-year-old,” she said. in Sacramento County, smoke is now trapped under a ridge of high pressure. Kobza, of the local air district, said that if masks are worn, they should be specialized to protect from the fine particulate matter. Dust masks from the hardware store won’t cut it, she said. “People have a false sense of security,” she said. “if it’s small enough to get into the bloodstream, it’s small enough to get through paper.” Some people are wearing masks even in their cars. Dobrosky, of Riverside County, said she recently ordered a pack of specialized masks from Amazon after running out during last year’s blazes. After those fires, she also bought a treadmill so that she could exercise inside. even so, Dobrosky said, her lungs are sore. “Breathing” she said, “has become a chore.” Alex leeds Matthews and Stephanie O’Neill contributed to this story. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n
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D ateline PhiliPPines Cayetano denies joint oil and gas exploration with China No new casinos - Duterte
by aJPress
by aJPress
President rodrigo duterte said on Wednesday, August 8, that he would no longer allow the establishment of casinos “outside of what are existing” in the Philippines. duterte amplified his disapproval of gambling activities during his speech at the 117th Police service Anniversary Celebration in Camp. Crame, Quezon City. “i will not allow it. i hate gambling. i do not want it. there will be no casinos outside of what are existing here,” duterte reiterated. NayonLanding deal deemed controversial A controversial deal between nayong Pilipino Foundation incorporated (nPFi) and Chinese company Landing resorts Philippines development Corporation (LrPdC) earned the retort from the leader. “[On tuesday, August 7,] i fired the council of nayong Pilipino, all of them,” duterte said. Presidential spokesperson Harry roque Jr. on tuesday, August 7, announced the dismissal of nPFi officials amid corruption allegations that the deal was paid at a low price and no public bidding was done to select the theme park developer. in a report from the Philippine
dePArtMent of Foreign Affairs (dFA) secretary Alan Peter Cayetano denied on tuesday, August 7, any oil and gas exploration with China in the West Philippine sea. Cayetano said that the joint venture between the two countries will be “commercial” in nature. “it will be a commercial venture. i think that’s a smarter thing to do but as i’ve said these are preliminary talks but we don’t, as of now there are no plans on the Philippine government side,” Cayetano said in a report from the Philippine Star. in the same report, Cayetano assured that the government will spend nothing in the said venture and that it will be “among private entities.” Cayetano: Venture with China is constitutional the foreign affairs secretary was quick to defend himself from his critics stating that the venture will be in line with the 1987 Constitution. “We cannot come up with any agreement that is unconstitutional,” Cayetano said. However, he also noted that pushing for such a project with China will undergo so much scrutiny. He assured the public that they will draft a framework so the supreme Court will declare the venture “constitutional.” the Philippine Constitution clearly states that the natural resources in the territory “will be under the full control and supervision of the state”. it also permits “joint venture” with Filipino citizens or corporations or associations, provided that at least 60 percent of the capital is owned by such citizens. A provision from Foreign investments Act of 1991 or the republic Act 7042 indicates that economic activities with foreign ownership involving natural resources and land ownership must be limited to a maximum of 40 percent. Possible conflict with the arbitral ruling Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, one of Cayetano’s known critic, warned that the country’s sovereignty might be compro-
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
Star, LrPdC is a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Landing international development Limited (LidL). it secured a provisional contract with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOr). the lease grants LrPdC the authority to establish “nayonLanding” a 97,000 square-meter resort in entertainment City, Paranaque. in a report from the Manila Times, the contract was originally 75 years, which was then reduced to 50 years and later on became 25 years. “You do not give gambling licenses or franchise for 75 years.
Mean to say that a child is born today and 75 years later, he is that old. there will still be gambling in the city,” duterte added. He also stressed his resolve against gambling, noting that there are other “enticing” activities. “i am not granting anything. Basta gambling ayaw ko. (If it’s gambling, I don’t want it) Better look for something more enticing just waging your — to wager a war, a money.” DOT not promoting casinos in the same report, department of tourism secretary Bernadette romulo-Puyat said that
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PH appeals to 400,000 undocumented Filipinos in Malaysia to come home tHe department of Foreign Affairs on Friday, August 10, appealed to some 400,000 undocumented Filipinos in Malayasia to avail of its voluntary deportation program, which would end this August. Philippine Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur Charles Jose, in a statement, also assured Filipinos who have not availed of legal immigration status assistance from the embassy on their return home through the voluntary deportation program offered by the Malaysian government. “We appeal to our undocumented kababayan in Malaysia to take this opportunity to be able to return to their loved ones in the Philippines without jail
time or fines,” Jose said in statement. the Ambassador said the repatriation program allows undocumented migrants to leave Malaysia without having to serve jail time or settle compounded penalties. those who want to avail of the program only need to pay a fixed discounted penalty of 300 Malaysian ringgit regardless of length of overstay and a 100 ringgit exit fee. the embassy, according to Jose, has assisted about 50,000 Filipinos from January 2016 to June 2018, by way of issuance of travel documents and the payment of exit fees and one-way airfare to the Philippines.
He said the repatriation program coincided with the end of the Malaysian government’s rehiring program on June 30 that allowed qualified undocumented foreign workers to apply for valid working permits and regularize their status under Malaysian law. Jose said only 8,000 Filipinos—or two percent of the estimated number of undocumented Filipinos in Malaysia—applied for the rehiring program. Filipinos who wish to avail of the program but have no valid passports are advised to proceed to the embassy for interview and processing of their travel documents. (Jefferson Antiporda/ ManilaTimes.net)
mised in the said scheme. “As long as the joint development complies with the Philippine Constitution and there is no waiver of our sovereign rights under the arbitral ruling, i have no objection,” Carpio said. in a report from ABs-CBn news, former president Benigno “noynoy” Aquino iii said that the Philippines has no obligation
to share resources with China. “dito, exclusive economic zone ang pinag-uusapan eh, parang wala tayong obligasyon na makihati sa kanila. (We’re talking about our exclusive economic zone, it seems that we don’t have an obligation to share with them),” Aquino said. in July 2016, the Permanent
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A8 AUGUST 11-14, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
FEATURES
Need for clarity
HE’S against casinos and gambling, President Rodrigo Duterte has often said. Perhaps someone should put down his sentiments in black and white, to serve as an official policy guideline throughout the executive branch. And Malacañang must see to it that the message is cascaded to every public official who might be involved in negotiating gaming contracts. This would prevent a repeat of the deals that the government has suspended involving the establishment of casinos. After the project that is now on hold in Boracay, another casino deal is under review after President Duterte described it as “flawed.” The President earlier this week sacked the entire board of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation for awarding a 70-year lease to Landing Resorts Philippines Development Corp., a subsidiary of Hong Kong’s Landing International Development Ltd., for a $1.5-billion entertainment complex with a casino to be built in Parañaque. Duterte had also ordered a stop to the $500-million casino and integrated resort project in Boracay of Macau casino giant Galaxy Entertainment and its Filipino partner. Galaxy, however, says the project is still on and is waiting for the reopening
of Boracay, tentatively set in October. Both casino projects were approved by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. President Duterte, however, has said there will be no casino project in Boracay. The Department of Justice, for its part, has ordered the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel to review the lease contract with Landing International. Because of the President’s statements, Malacañang said the review would likely lead to the termination of the contract. The government could find itself embroiled in expensive litigation over the contracts. While the president is against casinos, the country’s laws allow their operation. Clear guidelines on his administration’s gaming policy can prevent a repeat of the current controversies. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
The Founding Fathers must have thought of the likes of Trump, Giuliani and their cohorts when they drafted the US Constitution and the American people. However, recently, MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show obtained exclusive, secret audio Nunes speaking candidly to donors at a private fundraiser for Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. The recording reveals how conflicted Nunes seem to be in how to do his job, and to whom he should pledge his allegiance to, by stating how Republicans should protect President Trump from the special counsel investigation into Russian election interference. Here are some excerpts: Nunes: “ If Sessions won’t unrecuse and Mueller won’t clear the president, we’re the only ones, which is really the danger. That’s why I keep — and thank you for saying it, by the way — I mean, we have to keep all these seats…. We have to keep the majority. If we do not keep the majority, all of this goes away.” Nunes also talked about the need to impeach Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate the Russia probe when Attorney General Jeff Sessions had to recuse himself from the investigation because of conflict of interest. Nunes: “I’ve said publicly Rosenstein deserves to be im-
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THE FOUNDING FATHERS of the United States of America truly had foresight when they structured the democratic government of the United States and wrote the U.S. Constitution in 1787 to protect the country’s people and the forming of a “more perfect union” against entities from within and without who may try to undermine the nation’s democracy. The news of this week highlighted just that, with people who should have known better by virtue of them being elected and appointed public officials accorded with public trust because of the office that they hold. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, a Republican congressman from California, heads one of the most powerful committees in Congress. His job is oversight of the most important information gathered by their committee along with those gathered by other Intelligence agencies, in order to protect the nation
peached. I mean, so, I don’t think you’re gonna get any argument from most of our colleagues. The question is the timing of it right before the election…The Senate would have to start, the Senate would have to drop everything they’re doing and start to, and start with impeachment on Rosenstein. And then take the risk of not getting [Brett] Kavanaugh confirmed. So it’s not a matter that any of us like Rosenstein. It’s a matter of, it’s a matter of timing.” The importance of having Kavanaugh confirmed first has been critical in “protecting President Trump” because should Mueller subpoena Trump to testify before the grand jury, then this legal battle may be elevated to the Supreme Court. With Trump-appointed Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch, along with other justices appointed by Republican presidents like John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, the balance of power may tilt in favor of the Republicans. How would this potentially affect the independent probe of Special Counsel Mueller on the alleged collusion between the Trump Campaign and Russia? This recording just confirms what most Americans already knew: Nunes’ actions and deci-
sions in his conduct of the House Intelligence Committee on the Russia probe was rigged to protect Donald Trump. NO, MR. NUNES. Your job as a congressman is NOT to protect President Donald Trump. Your job is to represent, protect and defend your constituents and the Constitution that mandates Congress and the Executive and the Judiciary are three co-equal branches of government and are obligated to provide checks and balance to deter abuse of power. Rudy Guiliani — former New York City mayor during 9/11, and now President Donald Trump’s lawyer in dealing with Special Counsel Robert Mueller in the Russia Probe — has just responded to the invitation of Mueller to interview the president with questions pertaining to “obstruction of justice”. As CNN reported, Giuliani said Wednesday that he wants negotiations over a presidential interview with special counsel Robert Mueller to be completed by Sept. 1. After echoing Trump that the Russia probe is a “hoax” and a “witch hunt,” Guiliani now espouses that there is no such crime as “collusion,” but again echoes the president in saying he did not do anything wrong, and
that the DOJ should be investigating on Clinton for colluding with Russia—something they argued isn’t a crime. Guiliani and his team have also been arguing that Trump should not sit down with Mueller because that would be a “perjury trap” for the president. But CNN reported further that Guiliani went on to contend that should the probe not wrap up in September, the Republicans could benefit from dragging the process into the November midterm elections. “When I first got involved, I would have told you not testifying would be the right legal strategy but then hurt politically,” Giuliani told CNN in a phone interview Wednesday. “Now I’m thinking the continuance of the investigation would actually help because people are getting tired of it, and (the President) needs something to energize his voters because the Democrats look like they’re energized. Nothing would energize (Republicans) more than, ‘Let’s save the President.’” MR. GUILIANI, have you forgotten so many things about the law as stipulated in the Constitution? Has Guiliani forgotten that this probe is NOT under Trump’s jurisdiction? This is an independent
investigation intended to protect the democracy of the United States of America. The Trump campaign is being investigated on its alleged conspiracy with a foreign adversary — Russia— which assaulted our democratic institutions and processes via cyber warfare to help Trump win. Does the accused have the right and the power to demand conditions as to the timing, scope, and end time of the probe? Has Guiliani forgotten that Trump is duty-bound to cooperate with the Special Counsel and that he must be the first person to be pushing the hardest to get to the bottom of this. In doing so he must be willing to testify under oath. Trump may be president but he is NOT above the law. And what are they saying about “perjury trap”? Trump should not worry about it if he tells the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. What is he afraid of? What is President Donald J. Trump hiding from the American people? ? *** 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
St. Genevieve High School: Its transformative purpose How two presidents handle accusations of building hearts and nurturing students’ potential Street Talk
Rhizomes
GREG B. MACABENTA PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. Part II of III Series
“I recalled the Columbine shooting only four months earlier [1999] and challenged the students [Class 2000] to live the lessons learned from that horrific event. No one should feel like a stranger in his own school. We all have a place at the table of St. Genevieve. And by making a place for all at our table, we have an opportunity to
Photo courtesy of St. Genevieve’s Christian de Guzman during the Carters’ visit on Feb. 2, 2018: John Davis and John Mina with former Pres. Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter at the launch of the “Dear Rosalynn,” a documentary on former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, created by St. Genevieve students.
leave a legacy of welcome and (2014). “‘It was the best of times, it acceptance at this school.”- Dan Horn, “Anointed Moments” was the worst of times,’” Charles Dickens, [British novelist] once wrote. This shows at the end of the day, it depends on your goals and what you want to achieve and how you would want your high school experience to be. I like St. Genevieve High School because of its close community, which helps you [to] know your classmates more. – Ethan Castro, Class of 2019 MELANIE C. Brooks and Jeffrey S. Brooks, faculty of Monash University and RMIT University in Australia and authors of ‘Culturally (ir)relevant school leadership: Ethno-religious conflict and school administration in the Philippines’ (2018), wrote this tenet in the International Jour-
Class of 2022 in front of St. Genevieve Church
Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
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PRESIDENTS Donald Trump and Rodrigo Duterte have both been accused of criminal behavior, the former for allegedly obstructing justice and colluding with a foreign arch enemy, and the latter for allegedly enriching himself in office. But how each one has handled the accusations provides insights into the way justice is dispensed in the United States and in the Philippines. In the U.S., following the questionable firing by Trump of FBI Director James Comey, Jeff Sessions, the Attorney General (Philippine equivalent of Secretary of Justice) recused himself due to his involvement in the Trump presidential campaign, which was being investigated by Comey for possible Russian tampering and possibly implicated Trump. This enabled Deputy Attorney General Rob Rosenstein to assume responsibility for appointing a special counsel to look into the allegations. This was former FBI Director Robert Mueller. Mueller has since mounted what appears to be a thorough and wide-ranging investigation that has resulted in the indictment of several Trump associates and has begun to close in on members of Trump’s family and
on Trump himself. Trump’s response has been to send out tweets and speak out at rallies accusing Mueller of conducting a witch hunt and declaring, again and again like a mantra, that there has been “no collusion” between him and the Russians. Recently, to that lame defense has been added the argument that, “even if there was collusion, that is not a crime.” Trump has also declared that the Attorney General “should” end the Mueller probe because it is an evil plot of the Democrats and it has only resulted in divisiveness and in “tainting” the reputation of the U.S. But White House surrogates have very quickly clarified that Trump was “just expressing an opinion and was not ordering” the termination of the investigation. According to them, Trump said “should” instead of “must” and was, therefore, “not giving an order.” At any rate, all these have shown the president of the United States to be a lame duck in the face of possible legal problems, including impeachment. While Trump has come close to firing Rosenstein and Mueller, he has been warned against it by the Republican-controlled Senate and House because of serious consequences. So Trump just goes on a tweeting rampage and his usual rants before his base of fanatical voters (some of whom have begun to wear t-shirts reading, “We’d rather be Russians than Democrats!”). Trump could still become
desperate enough to risk firing Rosenstein and Mueller, and let the devil take the rest. But so far, he has restrained himself. He must be envious of his Philippine counterpart, Duterte. In the Philippines, when you accuse the president of breaking the law, you get fired. Period. To hell with the Constitution. Such has been the fate of Overall Deputy Obmudsman Arturo Carangdang. Duterte arch critic Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has repeatedly accused Duterte of amassing billions while still mayor of Davao and during his brief tenure as president. Trillanes has presented documents that appear to confirm millions in bank deposits in the name of Duterte and members of his family. According to media reports, Carangdang, having been asked by Trillanes, to investigate his allegations, reportedly “asked the AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) in August to do a bank inquiry and submit its final report on the alleged Duterte accounts.” The news report continued: “The Ombudsman now has a copy of bank records from the AMLC which, according to Carangdang, ‘more or less’ look like the documents submitted by Trilllanes. “Bank transactions of President Rodrigo Duterte and his family through the years amount to a total of more than P1 billion, said the Office of the Ombudsman as it continues its investigation into the complaint of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV against the presi-
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OpiniOn & Features
St. Genevieve High School: Its... PAGE A8 t
nal of Leadership in Education: “Culturally relevant school leaders help establish and nurture school cultures that support the academic and social success of all students.” It was informed by their research centered on school principals in Northern Mindanao, Philippines, whose region has a long history of ethno-religious conflict, which has displaced thousands of people for 40 years. Their research findings “make explicit the importance of meaningful principal preparation and professional development programs that interweave culturally relevant leadership skills, reflective practice and intercultural understanding in ways that can be locally applied.” Their tenet on ethno-religious conflict and culturally relevant leadership from school principals converged with what I observed at St. Genevieve High School in Panorama City, California. St. Gen, for the 2018-19 school year, has 550 students from K to 8th grade, 600 in high school, with 162 freshmen from all diverse ethnic groups. On four red brick columns in its front gate are engraved gold plates of these character values: caring, respect, trustworthiness, citizenship. Two more traits are taught to the students: kindness and responsibility. St. Gen is located in Panorama City, the first planned community after World War II, where homes were built by Fritz Burns and Henry Kaiser and sold to white-only families with loans from GI bill, and with restrictive, racist covenants: “not to be used or occupied by any person whose blood is not entirely that of the white or Caucasian race.”
Incoming freshman Christian Avendaño, a middle school graduate from Immaculate Heart of Mary School and a member of IHMC’s Children’s Choir, who sang for Pope Francis.
Burdened by a context of a discriminatory past, St. Gen has turned towards light and with inclusive practices, whose front gates are opened wide to all ethnicities, including spaces for international students, who currently matriculate from China, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and Mexico. That cultural change was made possible by the legacy left behind by the Class of 2000 “who decided that instead of bullying the incoming strangers, they would make them feel welcome in their new home,” Principal Dan Horn wrote in his book, “Anointed Moments.” Horn’s culturally relevant leadership has transformed this high school by keeping the lessons of Columbine High School alive. Columbine was where 13 folks perished from two hatefilled high schoolers gone mad, but also showed Rachel Scott’s martyrdom from her Christian faith, lessons of character that begot the survival of Craig Scott and those he led in prayer inside the library during the shooting. Former Pres. Jimmy Carter credibly affirmed the change when he addressed a gathering and asserted that “St. Genevieve is the best high school in
20th Welcome Day inside St. Gen’s Madonna Hall
Photos by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
the world,” for him on Oct. 25, 2010. Columbine’s character lessons are kept alive through formal retreats of the faculty, seniors, and incoming freshmen retreats, one for boys and another for girls at St. Gen. “If that [legacy of welcome and acceptance] is what we are about, we won’t have to worry about a shooting happening here. If that is what we are about, people will stop looking down at our school and begin looking up to us because we will have chosen to be our best selves every single day. That is the best way I know how to honor those who died at Columbine,” Horn wrote in “Anointed Moments.” Horn was the principal for nine years at St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School in Pico-Union, in Los Angeles, known to have clusters of gangs and random violence, as any dense zip code in the city of LA. But, through culture change accomplished with a hardworking team of teachers and students and supportive parents, the school he led received a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award on Dec. 17, 1992, from the U.S. Department of Education. Horn then became St. Genevieve’s principal and its animating source of culturally relevant leadership, as well as his inner circle of faculty leaders and student leaders, for 20 years now. From 1999-2003, St. Gen started character education. On October 17, 2003, it became the “first high school in California – and the first Catholic school in the nation designated as National School of Character from the Character Education Partnership based in Washington, D.C.
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How two presidents handle...
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dent.” If this looks like an openand-shut case or a slam dunk, it is both, but Philippine style. Duterte has slam dunked Carangdang, ordering his dismissal, and the AMLC, the Department of Justice and the Legislature (which eagerly probes every possible publicity and promotional opportunity including the sex lives of prominent individuals) have not been eager to open an inquiry
into the Trillanes accusations and, in fact, have quickly shut down any such attempt. Meanwhile, questions about the “Constitutionality” of the dismissal of Carangdang have been treated like the proverbial hot potato by the newly-appointed Ombudsman, Samuel Martires. Martires has danced around the question of whether Malacañang has the authority to dismiss the Deputy Ombudsman. According to him, he has “no choice” but to dismiss Carangdang should
Dateline PhiliPPines
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Duterte’s order be final. Of course, said Martires, Carangdang “is entitled” to file a motion for reconsideration with Duterte but when that motion is denied, Martires will have no choice but to dismiss his deputy. That’s like saying that one can ask for a reconsideration of a death certificate but if this is denied, one has no choice but to be buried alivc. In other words, Carangdang’s fate is sealed. Said Martires, Carangdang could turn to the Court of Appeals but then “he knows that immediately he has to leave the office…. Carangdang, as a lawyer, knows what are the consequences of going to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.” Yeah, come to think of it. Every Pinoy knows that. When the Pres- PUSHING CHARTER CHANGE. Speaker Gloria Arroyo discusses a point before stopping the Committee on Constitutional Amendments from ident of the Country decides to deliberating on proposals to amend the constitution. To her right is former senator Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel, a member of the Consultative bury you alive, no one in the Su- Committee that drafted the proposed federal constitution. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez preme Court or the Court of Appeals will dare contest that, unless that foolhardy justice wants to be buried alive too. Look what happened to Chief PAGE A7 t es, for the food, for diving…We April. Justice Renato Corona and, more they are not promoting casinos will just intensify our campaign “With the reopening of Borarecently, to Chief Justice Lourdes due to the presidential directive. for the first three,” the tourism cay on October 26, we are hopSereno — and, mind you, they Rather, they are working on other secretary said. ing that we would have more were accused of merely fudging aspects of the tourism industry. Puyat also reported the 11.35 tourists and we would exceed their statements of assets and lia“We just hope that basically, percent increase in tourist arriv- our target of 7.4 million visitors,” bilities and not depositing billions our tourists come for the beach- als despite Boracay closure last Puyat added. n in unexplained wealth. Asked by the media about a 2014 Supreme Court decision that said that a provision of law that PAGE A9 t gave the president the authority to men were greeted by the Perhaps not, but by showing discipline the deputy ombudsman Today, the school has boldly marching band, with shouts of empathy, not necessarily an enwas “unconstitutional,” Martires undertaken a strategic cam- welcome, continuous clapping dorsement of her actions, it begave a reply that one can only paign for its Inspiration Build- from a people-formed tunnel, came a lesson in understanding expect from a street corner kanto ing, now at $26 million, short where sophomores, juniors, the humanity of someone who boy: “No comment. Huwag niyo of $4 million of their $30-mil- seniors and teachers lined up thinks differently and from her akong ipitin diyan (Don’t get me lion goal. This building will be both sides, a 20-year-old tradi- point of view, progressively for in trouble).” the site of inspirational leaders’ tion that makes the school feel social change. Yeah, of course. Duterte could talks to parents and students, welcoming and emotionally I got goosebumps and even also dismiss Martires — and the but also where the students safe to just focus on learning. cried at some point, watching fellow hasn’t even warmed his can freely express their music, Of course, they experi- the line-up when freshmen stuseat in the Office of the Ombuds- cheerlead, dance and perform ence problems, like any other dents were welcomed, with acman. their musicals like “Bye, Bye school, but instead of punish- tivities fit for royalty: marching The difference between the Birdie,” “The King and I” and ment, they make the outlying band, color guards, cheerleadway justice is dispensed in the “The Little Mermaid” and even incident a teaching moment, a ers, over 300+ inside the MaU.S. and in the Philippines is clear their school events. form of positive leadership. For donna Hall, welcome posters enough, but there are similarities, In an interview with the example, a student wore her St. introducing each of them with too. Notice how the Republican- Asian Journal, Horn shared his Gen’s uniform at a Planned Par- four welcoming letters, one controlled Senate and House of intentions behind the sustained enthood rally and posted it on each from sophomore, junior, Representatives have been muted culture change in our second Instagram. senior and faculty, and songs in their commentaries on the alle- visit – “even without the hangA dialogue ensued that the sung together. gations against Trump. If the tar- ing crucifix, what if everyone rally was for a specific cause to The highlight of the program get had been Barack Obama, or a felt the presence of Christ by which not all the school com- that got everyone cheering was Democrat, the Republicans would our love and kindness?” munity subscribe to, so wearing the male football team memhave been frothing in the mouth Welcome Day for Freshman: the school’s uniform and post- bers, with their first female with righteous rage. An explosion of joyful songs ing it on social media were in- member (a soccer player) welAnd what about the Philippine and dance appropriate and how to balance comed into their team, dancSenate and House? To paraThis writer was invited by that with the student’s right to ing for the freshmen. It was so phrase Martires: “Huwag mo ka- Horn to attend the Welcome be heard, promoting women’s well-choreographed that the ming ipitan diyan! (Don’t get us in Freshman Day, making it the rights. Can you blame this stu- students were cheering them trouble!)” third visit to this school. dent for wearing her uniform as on replete with individual exhi(gregmacabenta@hotmail.com) Dazed and bewildered fresh- she took pride in her school? u PAGE A11
No new casinos...
St. Genevieve High School: Its...
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SAMPLE WATER FROM MANILA BAY. Senator Richard Gordon (left) prepares to drink water from a mobile desalination equipment donated by internet 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 Gordon, who is also PRC chairman, are Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Effie Ben Matityau (middle) and Pass It Forward CEO Shmuel Weiss (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, contaminated river water a day, eventually converting it to potable water. Senate photo by Joseph Vidal
Robredo calls on Duterte admin to fight misinformation by Gaea
Katreena Philstar.com
CabiCo
Harmful Effects of Fake News, which was crafted last May. The country took an active MANILA — Vice President part in paving the way for the Leni Robredo, who has repeat- framework as the chair of the edly become the subject of mali- ASEAN Ministers Responsible cious and false stories, urged the for Information last year, RobreDuterte administration to take do noted. “concrete steps” to combat the “This fight is particularly improliferation of false information. portant for us in the Philippines In a statement Friday, Robre- as we continue to see fake news do expressed support for Sin- proliferate, impairing public disgapore’s call for action against course and contributing to the misinformation to Association of spread of false and inaccurate Southeast Asian Nations mem- information among out people,” ber-states. she said. The vice president stressed Robredo added: “A well-inthat the Philippines should be at formed citizenry is of utmost imthe forefront of implementing the portance to our democracy. This Joint Declaration to Minimize the calls on all of us to stand against
misinformation and fight to ensure that truth will always have space in our country’s conversations.” In May, she posted a two-part video series on Facebook to end rumors about her personal and professional life that have hounded her since she became the vice president. Robredo debunked claims of being in a relationship with anyone after the death of her husband, being pregnant, living an opulent lifestyle, among others. She also told her staff to be more aggressive in calling out fake information about her but stressed that they should still be dignified in doing so. n
Cayetano denies joint oil and gas exploration... PAGE A7 t
Court for Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands ruled in favor of the Philippines in its case against China over the West Philippine Sea. The arbitration declared that China had no legal basis in its claim of the area. In the same report, analysts perceived that joint explorations with China in disputed waters could “somehow give up” the Philippines’ arbitration win. Commercial venture similar to Malampaya According to Cayetano, the Philippines is trying to secure a project similar or even better than that in Malampaya. “If any country, including
China, is willing to give us in disputed areas the same (share) that we got in Malampaya, how can anyone argue that we lost our sovereign rights?” Cayetano said. The Malampaya Deepwater Gas-to-Power Project under Service Contract (SC) 38 indicates that 70 percent of the sale of natural gas would go to the contractor to recover the investment cost. The remaining 30 percent is shared by the government and the consortium on a 60-40 basis, respectively. Malampaya field is a platform in the West Philippine Sea about 80 kilometers northwest of Palawan island. It is considered a
bitions of prowess to lifting their dance partners. The last time I experienced the presentation of color guards, ROTC Salute, was during Silliman University’s Distinguished Alumni Week in Dumaguete in heat-scorching August for a good friend I supported. That same heat-scorching temperatures are what we are experiencing this welcome day. The double-digit summer temperature matched the warmth of Marlon Archey’s voice, the director of athletics, in welcoming everyone. He shared that his son graduated from St. Gen in 2009, while his daughter in 2016, and both still treasure and had kept their welcome posters they got at St. Gen years ago. Freshmen are individually cheered on with artistic posters made by the students. Their first names with glitters and colors appear on the front of the poster while in the back are four letters: one each from a sophomore, junior, senior and a teacher. Three upper-class men and women with the student body president spoke about coming to St. Gen, feeling lost and overwhelmed, at first, until the seniors and the teachers helped them out. Juan Jasso of admissions sat next to me. Jasso shared the story of the Iaccinos, a family whose grandpa and grandma met at St. Gen and had 7 children, who then all went to St. Gen. Now, their grandchildren are attending preschool. A ringing endorsement of the quality of a school, don’t you think? Buoyed by the explosive welcoming spirit, Fr. Alden Sison ran to the front of the room to
lead everyone in prayer to the Holy Spirit. He reminded everyone that as “they attend the field of games, listen to the whirlwinds of sounds and drums, it is Jesus Christ who animates us daily.” About a dozen or more students stood by the front stage wearing black t-shirts lettered with “Building St. Genevieve Heart.” I asked Dan Horn and his circle of staff and student leaders, assembled for the interview what are some of the qualities at St. Gen that principal, staff teachers, librarian and student leaders are proud of. In their own words, these traits are: *Love and genuine understanding – true love of a Christian Catholic; here is a tight community. Teachers make an effort to attend funerals of families of their students. They check in with one another and take the time to do it. *Family – Celebrate each other’s successes and comfort one another. *Acceptance – where all are welcome. Being gay is accepted and gay students are not treated differently. Treat others the way you want to be treated, whether as a faculty member or as a student. *Vibrant Spirit – Kairos retreat leader encourages folks to open up, share their burdens and to have a clear state of mind, unburdened by personal challenges, by reminding each one - I can change whenever I want; I can change my thought process. *Drama mask project –Dani Brown (a teacher) has succeeded in getting kids to open up,
joint undertaking of the Philippine government and the private sector since the project is spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE) and operated by Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX). Cayetano said that the possible venture with Beijing’s The Reed Bank would pose as an alternative for Malampaya which is forecasted to run out in 2024. “For us, since it’s an urgent need, and it will benefit all Filipinos, I wanna work double time on it and I’m hoping our side of the working group can do a lot this August and then try to hit September or October,” the dipThe football team, which now includes its first female member, gets ready to dance for the lomat said. n 20th Welcome Day. Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
by teaching students how to do plaster casts of their faces, and then have the students to touch the masks of their faces and the realization that their masks hide their truths. She gives them the space of using their arts as personal expressions of their journeys. The masks become the doorway for students to freely interact, to be themselves. *Extend yourself. Be open to what St. Gen has to offer – whether in sports, drama, musical band, student government. Allow others to encourage you, while you encourage others to do different school activities. If you do not have confidence to perform at your best, you have primed yourself for disappointment. *To live with honor – character is the foundation of our school, to behave our best when no one is watching, to do the right thing. You can never go wrong when you do the right thing. *Follow the lighthouse, St. Genevieve. Discover who God intends you to be. Can you now see how a principal’s culturally relevant leadership principles have created a transformative culture in a school, but also the best character in its teachers and students? I have never seen a more joyful bunch of students greet each other with high fives, as well as their teachers. Perhaps they see that in their principal Dan Horn daily? Recall the prescient words of Ethan Castro, who came to this high school a very shy and quiet boy? He is now a self-assured and high-performing student, with his own wisdom garnered from being here at St. Gen for three years. He will be graduating in 2019.
*** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the US, in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.
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Journal
‘BuyBust,’ Anne Curtis get rave reviews from Hollywood press by deni rose M. AfinidAd-BernArdo Philstar.com
HOLLYWOOD — Following the premiere of Filipino action film “BuyBust” in New York last month, several Hollywood publications, including the New York Times, gave the Erik Mattidirected film a two-thumbs up. “‘BuyBust’ Delivers a Thriller in Manila,” Jeannette Catsoulis said in the title of her review for New York Times, published on August 9. “’BuyBust’ is surprisingly funny for a movie that’s basically a massacre in progress. Wrapping a political-corruption yarn in a blanket of bullets and blood, the Filipino director and co-writer, Erik Matti, slides visual and textual jokes into the mayhem in ways both sly and blatant. This tonguein-cheek approach (including a
89-year-old Eddie Garcia (center) with Tony Labrusca (left) and director Benedict Mique (right) at ‘ML’s’ gala premiere. ManilaTimes.net photo
Scenes from ‘Buy Bust’ starring Anne Curtis.
delicious little ditty played over the end credits) doesn’t lessen the impact of his heroine’s journey, but it does significantly ease the tedium of the virtually nonstop slaughter,” Catsoulis wrote. Catsoulis described the per-
formance of the movie’s star, Anne Curtis, as “impressive.” Meanwhile, Richard Kuipers of Variety said in his July 16 review: “Pulsating action and lacerating social commentary are the inPAGE B2
sAntiAgo ManilaTimes.net
DON’T panic! Lovi Poe is still very much with her French-Filipino boyfriend Chris Johnson. The first love that she’s going back to is singing. After more than 10 years of focusing on acting, the top actress is now determined to go back to the studio and record an album. She already took the first step by signing a contract with Viva Records, with no less than big boss Vic del Rosario welcoming her to the company. “I’m ecstatic that I’m going back to my first love. I’m going to be a recording artist again and I can’t wait to start on my album,” Lovi enthused. “I was overwhelmed when I learned that Viva wanted me to record again. The first thing I thought was that I can finally
record my own compositions. Viva knows I have songs that I‘ve written myself and they said they want me to include them in my album.” But before Lovi buckles down to recording, she’s set to finish two movies: BG Production’s “Latay” with with Allen Dizon, and the second with Regal Entertainment. As for her personal life, Lovi looks so refreshed these days, owing to her solo three-week California vacation. “I’ve always planned to go on vacation alone but it’s only now that I found the courage to do it. Before I left the country, I booked myself a bed and breakfast in LA and it was a nice and liberating experience. “I did everything alone. I got a place na malapit lang sa mga pwedeng puntahan so I can just walk. Pag medyo malayo, nag-uUber ako. It was fun. I also tried
by Arlo
Custodio ManilaTimes.net
BEFORE introducing the main character of his Cinemalaya entry “ML” (Martial Law) at the gala premiere, scriptwriter-director Benedict Mique declared that Eddie Garcia is not just the best of actor of Philippine movies but the greatest actor of all time. The audience then gave the 89-year-old actor-director a standing ovation as he went up the stage. Honored as one of the county’s Film Icons by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors’ (SPEEd) 2nd Eddys Awards in July (the only male among six awardees that included Gloria After more than 10 years focusing on her Romero, Susan Roces, Nora acting career, Lovi Poe is recording a new Aunor, Charo Santos-Concio and album with Viva Records. ManilaTimes.net photo Maricel Soriano), Garcia certainly cemented the claim in this cooking but I wasn’t successful,” movie that have him torturing a she added laughing. young student researching the She really enjoyed her inde- dark period of the 1970s. pendence during the trip even Perception of Martial Law if she missed Chris. Good thing Many Filipinos, especially the there’s Instagram where they got millennials, may have heard the to see what each one was up to. horrors of Marcos’ Martial Law, “I’m grateful he gives me space but there are still those who and time for myself—it’s really one believe it was a productive time of the things I like about him,” for the Philippines. For them, ended Lovi.
Lovi goes back to her first love by lhAr
Eddie Garcia cements ‘greatest actor of all time’ sobriquet in ‘ML’ people were more disciplined and numerous important structures were erected then like the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) where Cinemalaya is being held. It was this notion that the student named Carlo (played by Tony Labrusca) considered in his research. The assignment from their professor about the events that changed the course of Philippine politics and economy got him seeking someone who lived through the period as his resource person. He got more than what he just wanted to know. Shocking, comical A widower living alone in his home at No. 21 September Street, the almost hunchbacked senile senior may look fragile, weak and harmless but transformed into a fierce and demonic man when pushed to reveal what he knew about Martial Law. This is Eddie Garcia wearing Metrocom uniform as Colonel de la Cruz torture his unwanted visitor who he thought is a member of the underground movement. All types of torture only heard of during the military regime were lashed at Carlo and his
friends Jaze and Pat. But gruesome and intense these scenes were, there were comical moments (mostly from the verbal exchanges between Jaze and the Colonel) balance out the story. Asked why he is torturing Carlo, he said the obvious, “Because it’s Martial Law!” Horror after horror, Carlo and Pat get to escape death unlike what happened to Jaze – but no one believed what they have experienced in the hands of Colonel, as upon investigation he was found to be in the advance stages of Alzheimer’s and there was no trace whatsoever of the crime in his house. Carlo escaped tarnishing his hands with blood for revenge, as his torturer died in his sleep. As ironic as it was, the Colonel was honored as a hero who served God and country buried at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. Good fresh thespians ML serves as an excellent launching pad for Labrusca’s movie career. “It’s not easy being tortured by Eddie Garcia for 10 continuous hours,” Mique said of his choice for the other lead character as the “Pinoy Boyband PAGE B2
B August 11 - 14, 2018 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL
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Hungry for more “Bitter Melon,” Filipino artists in Los Angeles share “ULAM: Main Dish” at the Asian artwork at Philippine Consulate American International Film Festival by Rae
by MoMaR
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 screened 13 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 Alexandra 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
Chefs at LASA, from ULAM: Main Dish.
Cinematogrofo’s Miguel Sevilla (third from left) and Mitos Briones with Bitter Melon director H.P. Mendoza (third from right) and cast members Anna Ishida, Jon Norman Schneider and Theresa Navarro. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
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,” Cuerdo said. “It is true that Lola’s cooking is the best cooking but now I want everyone to know about it.” The film has surpassed all her
Photo courtesy of Wyatt Conlon
expectations since all she wanted then was to make a film that she would watch. “For me now, at the end of our past screenings, we’ve had people coming up to us, crying and saying that the film changed their life, or that it was the first time that they’ve seen anything that made them proud,” Cuerdo shared. “It makes me so proud at the end of the day.” Toughest challenge was the money, raising funds to start the film. “That’s why it took us this long, we had to finance it as we were shooting. We did small shoots and it was difficult. The chefs were all working chefs so it was all about the timing,” she added. Ulam comes at a time when mainstream America is noticing Filipino cuisine. Compared with its Asian and Southeast Asian neighbors, the cuisine has, for the longest time, been languishing in the cellar. Chinese, Japanese and Thai are already mainstream and in almost every major city in the America; Korean and Vietnamese are following suit. “There’s a word for it, and it’s kidlat,” Cuerdo said. “Lightning struck and it was the right time. The food has been good all along and it was something we’ve always wanted to say.” The Filipino/Filipino American chefs who are on the forefront now have paid their dues and put in their time as dishwashers, line cooks, sous chefs. Chef Alvin Cailan articulated this when we interviewed him last
ann VaRona AJPress
FILIPINO artists came together on Friday, August 3 at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, California to present some of their early and recent works, relating them to their experiences of immigrating to the U.S. from the Philippines. The presentations came ahead of an upcoming exhibit called “Philippines with Strands: Filipino and Filipino-American Contemporary Artists Encounter Textile,” which opens in the Pinta*Dos Philippine Art Gallery in San Pedro next Saturday, August 18. Moderating the talk was curator and gallerist Edwin Ramoran, formerly of the Studio Museum in Harley, New York. Featured panelists were George Domantay, Cirilo Domine, Maryrose Mendoza, Joseph Santarromana, and Eliseo Art Silva. “The artists that we have here today have so much to offer. They provide us with a different outlook on life,” said Consul General Angelito S. Cruz, in his opening remarks. “We’ve got to take time out and enjoy the true meaning of life. Through the eyes of our artists, through their talents, we can show other people what it is to really live a beautiful life.” Performance artist Domantay shared personal works that he said investigated migration and isolation, and were reminiscent of his experience moving from Baguio, Philippines to the U.S. at the age of 5 with no knowledge of English. Among his early works was a performance installation called “6 altura” which resembled a garage and was featured at the University of California, Irvine. Multimedia artists Domine, who works primarily with fabrics,
showed pieces inspired by a recent trip to the Philippines. One piece entitled “rinigirid ti igid” — meaning “frayed borders” in the Filipino Ilocano dialect — was inspired by the fabrics used in Barong Tagalogs. He described his work as “inheritance” rather than “craft.” Domine is one of the artists to be showing at the Strands exhibit. Coming to the U.S at the age of 3 and learning English from her parents who themselves were not native speakers, interdisciplinary artist Mendoza shared works she said were inspired by Fil-Am readings and research. One of her latest shows called “Red, White and Brown” featured fun pieces that played with perception and space such as a large brown crayon that described its color as “American,” pieces of large papers mimicking lined notebook paper folded into waves and a boat, and a coconut palm tree sitting inside a pink pastry box entitled “immigrant.” Artist Santarromana talked about his early days of using video as his art medium, initially making video diaries of his ex-
periences growing up a Filipino immigrant in Indiana and experiencing racism and alienation — things he said he was able to work through. Among his most well-received works was his “Telegarden” that featured a robotic arm centered in a plot of soil that would rotate to plant seeds and water them, and was controlled over the internet using a web browser. Also presenting art was studio artist and muralist Silva, whose work has been inspired by the “golden ages” of the Philippines. Trained in the Philippines’ most prestigious art institutions, Silva said he always tries to “Filipinize” his art. Among Silva’s most recognizable works among the Fil-Am community are his “Alab ng Puso: My Heart’s Fire” mural, which was the first Fil-Am mural in the U.S. East Coast, the Western Historic Filipinotown Gateway featuring floral art inspired by ones found on the Barong Tagalog, and the famous “Filipino Americans: A Glorious History, A Golden Legacy” mural in Historic Filipinotown’s Unidad Park.
year as he took over the Chefs Club Counter in Soho, after the highly successful popup of Eggslut in New York City. He repeated this thought at the Q and A after the screening. “Fifteen years ago, some of us became doctors, lawyers, line cooks, prep cooks,” Cailan said. “These cooks became sous chefs and chefs de cuisine for other restaurants. At some point, I asked
myself why I was making all these money for this guy?” It’s not the easiest grind. He worked from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. the following morning busting his butt. Like a lot of his friends who found themselves in the same situation, Cailan used what he learned after decades of experience in creating and crafting Filipino inspired dishes. In this day of Smorgasburg
and foodie markets and the rise of food trucks, starting small was a major option, something that Cailan did. Those 15 years of experience show in the food these chefs prepare. “Instead of creating restaurants to survive, like the previous generation before us, it has now become a passion. And when food
Filipino artists (left to right) Maryrose Mendoza, Eliseo Art Silva, George Domantay, Cirilo Domine, and Joseph Santarromana at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles on Friday, August 3. AJPress photo by Rae Ann Varona
PAGE B4
‘BuyBust,’ Anne Curtis get... PAGE B1 gredients of an oustanding genre outing by Filipino filmmaker Erik Matti.” “’BuyBust’ is a superbly executed action film… Director and co-writer Erik Matti has delivered an explosive exercise in kinetic cinema that also offers potent commentary on the devastating social consequences of the Philippine government’s war on drugs,” Kuipers wrote. “Following its world premiere at New York Asian Film Festival, ‘BuyBust’ will become a mustsee item for genre fans. It looks certain to spark controversy and attract large audiences when it releases locally Aug. 1, and should enjoy a successful run in selected North American cities from Aug. 10.” Of Curtis’ performance, Kuipers said: “In a radical departure from her usual rom-com roles, dual Australian-Filipino national Curtis is convincing and charismatic as the determined and amazingly resourceful heroine. Performances from the rest of a huge cast are spot-on, right down to bit parts.” Kuipers also praised the Filipino movie’s technical aspects such as sound, fight choreography and
cinematography. “The film’s technical package features stellar work across the board. Cinematographer Neil Derrick Bion pulls off any number of mind-boggling tracking shots in narrow alleys and across rooftops that are filled with fight director Sonny Sison’s brilliantly staged mayhem. Topping things off is a terrific score by Erwin Romulo and Malek Lopez that employs everything from jaw harp to fuzztone guitar and pulsequickening drumbeats.” On the other hand, Hollywood Reporter’s Clarence Tsui wrote in a July 17 review that “BuyBust” is a “furious and ultraviolent action thriller.” “’BuyBust’ is a rare beast: It actually invites the viewer to root for cops who shoot, stab, pummel and behead people in a povertystricken shantytown,” Tsui said. “Bombastic in some parts and derivative in others, BuyBust plays a significant part in the development of a socially charged genre cinema in the Philippines, while adding to the debate about the country’s social realities,” he noted. Tsui also compared Matti to other great directors and Matti’s opus to that of other iconic
films. “Revolving around an elite squad’s attempt to escape from a slum after a botched operation, ‘B uyBust’ boasts a body count that’s so ever-spiraling it could make Quentin Tarantino quiver, and enough bone-crunching brawls to outstrip those of the no-holdsbarred Indonesian actioner ‘The Raid.’ These visceral representations of death and destruction aside, Matti’s stylistic and thematic frame of reference seems to be George A. Romero’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’ or ‘Dawn of the Dead,’ as his protagonists battle with crazed, zombie-like mobs while they try to navigate their way to ultimate survival.” According to him, Anne’s fans would be surprised as the movie shows her in a new light. “Philippine audiences will be drawn by the transformation of matinee idol Anne Curtis into a brutal killing machine,” Tsui said. “To the credit of Matti and his co-screenwriter, Anton Santamaria, Manigan (Anne) isn’t doing all this to avenge a dead lover or save a son in peril; she’s in it because it’s her job, which is a progressive approach to female character motivations.”
Eddie Garcia cements ‘greatest actor... PAGE B1 Superstar” contestant has the physique, looks and twang, perfect as Carlo. Worthy to mention are the revelations in this movie too – Henz Villaraiz as Jaze and Lianne Valentin as Pat, who embraced her role and gave out her best in the most daring scenes of the film. In tune with the times Garcia said that this film is very much in tune with the times. “The youth of today should watch it para may background sila kung ano ang nangyari noong Martial Law,” he said during the launch of Cinemalaya 14 early last month. Engaging with members of the press that time, Garcia said he was happy to be back to the Philippine Independent Film Festival as he had an entry in 2005 (“ICU Bed No. 7”) and in 2012 (“Bwakaw”) where he won Best Actor in both, the latter giving him also the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Best Actor trophy
for the same year. It would be no wonder if ML will add more trophies to his collection. “It was fun torturing the kids. Hindi ako nahirapan (I didn’t have a hard time),” he said in jest when asked then how he took his role as the brutal Colonel. Actor’s actor and director’s actor Garcia’s brilliance as an actor was encapsulated by Kristian Cruz, a New York-based friend of the director, in his post about a scene. Those who have been in the business for less than a decade or two may find the account amusing and intimidating at the same time. “There was a scene where Eddie had to deliver what probably felt like one whole typewritten page of dialogue. It was taken very late at night or early morning past midnight and everyone was predictably drained,” Cruz wrote. “Director Benedict Mique signaled the start of the scene, said ‘Action’ and Eddie Garcia trans-
formed, energized the whole set and delivered that whole page of dialogue in one take and nailed it. He nailed it in a single shot, fully memorized and fully realized. That scene will be something I will remember for the rest of my life,” he continued. “Nowadays, it is normal to equate actors with celebrities. We may have forgotten that there is a difference between these two worlds. Eddie Garcia, yes, is well-known and is technically a celebrity. But that night, that single take of his powerful scene, showed that not only is he an actor, he also is the real thing. He is an artist,” Cruz noted. ML is one film that tells the message honestly, which is that this dark period in the country’s history must not be repeated at all cost. It also cements Garcia’s sobriquet as the greatest Filipino actor of all time (maybe even in the history of filmmaking in the whole world) and worthy of being proclaimed a National Artist soonest.
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Features
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 11 - 14, 2018
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Planning ahead with “Future Planner” Maria Cho Preparing for a peaceful final goodbye by Maria
Cho
MUCH of life’s most important moments need planning — baby showers, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, and so forth. The same goes for funerals which can unfortunately become a sudden responsibility. Yet unlike other celebrations, most people don’t jump at the opportunity to plan for them. But arranging for a funeral doesn’t have to be sad, especially when one plans ahead. I personally experienced fuDREAMS 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 neral challenges when my mother verbally and physically abusive. Battered and abused, Anne reached out to leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch as suddenly passed away after living Anne was able to escape the chains of abuse, through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition that the Law Offices of Michael in a convalescent home for three 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 years. Not knowing what to do, I TFC. (Advertising supplement) found myself begging people in my community to get what little help they could offer. Though a stressful experience, it made me realize the importance of planning ahead — while my mother was still alive. It encouraged me to open my own practice of helping others avoid going A THREE-IN-ONE treat of actor starring in countless movthrough the same thing. non-stop evening musical per- ies and TV shows. He pursued Starting in 1989, a year after formance from veteran singers a career in music that spawned my mother’s passing, I opened and entertainers in Manila-- ICE his major single, ‘Pagdating ng up my practice of pre-planning Seguerra, Morissette Amon, and Panahon.’ funerals to alleviate the stress that After winning a grand prize Joey G, have banded together to comes with it, and give people the showcase their distinctive talents in ‘The Singing Bee’ Seguerra chance to say goodbye in the way live at the Pechanga Theater on performed in Singapore for a that they want. October 13 at 8p.m. repertory theater presentation in It’s sad, but I don’t want it to be Pechanga Resort Casino, lo- a stage play. sadder than it has to be. For the love of music, Seguerra cated off I-15 in Temecula CaliBeing licensed in traditional fornia, is well-known for hosting writes and plays guitar as he Korean funeral directing, I help the best and the brightest Filipino pursued a career in music while people by pre-arranging funerals entertainers and performers such he studied at the College of Fine for people before they’re even as Megastar Sharon Cuneta, the Arts & Design at the University of singer/actress and Tony Award Santo Tomas. Likewise, President able talent is her vocal features, needed. This can mean helping Winner Lea Salonga, popular Rodrigo Duterte appointed him as her ability to sing in the ‘whistle singing grouo 4 Voices 1 Journey, Chairperson of the National Youth register’ with ease-- that led to at the Pechanga Summit. Make winner of “Star Power Search Commission of the Philippines. her being tagged as ‘the Mariah it a habit to witness and watch Meanwhile, there no is ques- Carey of Asia.’ 2011” Angeline Quintos, internasurprising live performances in tional actress and top endorser tion to the talent exemplified by Another hit singing talent is the only one entertainment hub Anne Curtis, and Pop Star Prin- Morissette Amon, the reason she Joey Generoso- who is front-lead in Temecula, California-- the cess Sarah Geronimo - who all was dubbed as the ‘Asia’s Phoe- vocalist of the famous Filipino Pechanga Resort Casino, located gave wholesome entertainment nix.’ She first rose to prominence pop-- Side A band, formed in 1985 at off I-15 at Temecula Valley to the delight of the crowd. when she finished runner-up on and known for the hit song ‘Forev- Southern California Wine County- Singer-songwriter, ICE Seguer- TV5’s ‘Star Factor’ at the age ermore.’ Side A was dubbed as the No. 45000 Pechanga Parkway, ra, leads the pack of three-per- of 14. local version of band ‘Toto.’ Temecula, CA 92592. You may forming artists popularly called Amon made her professional With 30 years of successful purchase tickets starting at $58 ‘ Music in Us’ with Morissette debut in the Repertory Philippines career, Joey G has continued to from the Pechanga Box Office 1Amon and Joey G that will surely production of Disney’s ‘Camp wow audiences, whether young 888-810-8871 or online at www. provide a wholesome entertain- Rock.’ Her first album under Star or old. Three years ago, he left Pechanga.com. ment to majority of Filipino-Amer- Music/Star Records was entitled his band to go solo. You will get Shows in the Pechanga Theater ican patrons at Pechanga. ‘Morissette, ‘ and in 2015, she was a chance to listen again to his hit offer a comfortable and intimate Seguerra started his career at awarded the New Female Record- songs-- ‘Forevermore, ‘ ‘Hold On,’ concert experience. With 1,200 a tender age in 1987 for a popular ing Artist of the Year by the 7th ‘Tell Me,’ and ‘Got to Believe.’ seats in its theater, each show feanoontime show ‘Eat Bulaga’, as PMPC Star Awards for Music. Don’t miss this chance of a life- tures state-of-the-art and acoustiit opened more doors as a child One of Amon’s most identifi- time to capture these trio perform cally perfected sound. Enjoying
‘Music is Us’ performs live at Pechanga on October 13
one plan for their own funeral, or the funeral of a loved one. I like to think of my service similar to that of a wedding planner — helping clients choose everything from the music, the venue, the flowers, the program, and everything in between. Planning ahead can be done at any time, and has many benefits. For one, it brings peace of mind for both the one who the funeral is being planned for, and for his or her loved ones. Last minute decisions and expenses are always hard for those left grieving. When parents pass away, the children walk into the mortuary and they have a lot of things to think about. It’s very, very sad for the kids. They get so worried about it, and it’s so stressful. Just recently, I met a mother whose husband suddenly died at work from a heart attack, leaving behind her and her two young daughters ages 18 and 22. She said she didn’t know what to do, and the young children could not handle it. She added that the weight was compounded by having to coordinate plans with family from Manila, Philippines. There is also of course the costs that come along with funeral planning which can catch many people by surprise. When I was working in 1989, the price costs only $400 or $600 for a plan. Nowadays, funeral costs can reach up to $15,000 to $20,000, and people don’t even have it. Through preplanning, people not only avoid increasing funeral favorite artists at Pechanga versus other venues proves effortless with free valet and self-parking for guests, complimentary casino/resort shuttles, gourmet and casual dining options on site, plus comfortable chairs and an up-close view from every theater seat. About Pechanga Resort Casino Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the Number One casino in America by readers of USA TODAY and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway.
costs that seem to go up every year, but make sure that their family members are not left with the worry of deciding how or by who it will be paid for last minute. But ultimately, preparing for one’s final goodbye allows loved ones to focus on the good things in life while making more precious memories together. Life is very precious, so I like to say. Life is beautiful so we should all have beautiful memories. For most people, funerals bring a sad memory, but when you pre plan for your passing, then you leave room for more wonderful memories. *** If you or a loved one would like more information on funeral pre-planning, contact Maria Cho at (310) 987 - 0736, or visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ mariachofutureplanner. (Advertising Supplement)
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B4 AUGUST 11 - 14, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Health@Heart
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Genital herpes and tea What is genital herpes?
PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS GENITAL Herpes is an infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). Type 1 HSV causes oral herpes, involving the lips and mouth. Oral herpes could manifest as cold sores or fever blisters. Type 1 HSV can also cause genital herpes but most cases of genital herpes are caused by type 2 HSV. Oral herpes, which is very common, and which could spread to just about anyone, does not have the negative sexual implication like genital herpes. There are many children with oral herpes. How does the infection spread? Kissing and oral sex transmit the type 1 virus. The type 2 virus is usually transmitted by vaginal and anal sex, and can be spread from one person’s genitals to another individual’s mouth, causing oral herpes. HSV-1 can likewise cause genital herpes. Since the virus can’ survive on non-living surface, one cannot get the infection from a toilet seat or hot tub, etc. The infection is not life-threatening but HSV infection makes it easier for HIV to enter the individual’s body and which could lead to AIDS. Who gets infected? In the United States, roughly about 20 percent of all people 12 and older have HSV-2 infection and 90 percent of these cases do no even know they have it. The infection is more common among women, because of the anatomy of their genitals. Twenty five percent of women have the infection compared to 20 percent of men. Multiple sex partners increase the risk of infection. As far as oral herpes is concerned, about 50 to 80 percent of adult Americans have oral herpes. About 30 to 50 percent of newly infected pregnant mothers transmit the HSV-2 to their newborns. What are the signs of herpes? The classical signs and symptoms are: cluster of small vesicles (fluid-filled) blisters that break, resulting in painful sores that heal and crust over a period of days. These lesions may be found on the vagina, penis, vulva, scrotum, urethra, anus, thigh and buttocks. Some of these sores may be mistaken for razor burns, or pimples, jock itch, ingrown hair, vaginal yeast infection, or bug bites. Many people with the infection do not have symptoms or sores. If they do, the symptoms disappear after the infection has set in but may recur from time to time. Some people may have only two “outbreaks” in their lifetime, unless re-infected with a new sexual contact. How can one reduce the risk or prevent infection? 1. The use of condom or “dental dam” during sex is one way, so long as the “latex protective gear” covers the area which sheds the virus. Those with sores on the genitals should avoid sex, and those with oral sores should not have oral sex. Even if there are
no symptoms, HSV-2 infection is very contagious. 2. Since those with a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are more likely to have genital herpes, ask your partner, as delicately and as sensitively as possible, if he/she has ever had STD. It can be an awkward situation but it is most important for the partners to be honest with one another. 3. Sexual history is important because those with multiple partners are more likely to have the infection, albeit without obvious sores or symptoms. Limiting the number of sexual partners is essential. 4. Do not have sex with a person who has sores on the genitals. 5. Abstain from receiving oral sex from someone with sores on the mouth. 6. Illicit drugs and/or alcohol impair judgment, so do not have sex while intoxicated. 7. To reduce STD sex therapists recommend mutual masturbation (avoiding genital-genital or oral-genital contact) for those who want a safer form of sexual intimacy, until the individual finds a life partner and live a clean, monogamous life. A comedian once said, “The difference between love and herpes is that herpes is forever.” While we do not totally agree with his characterization of love, HSV infection is indeed a life-long condition that does not have a cure. It comes and goes. It is best to avoid HSV. But not LUV. Slimming teas: A fraudulent claim What are slimming teas? Slimming teas was a term designed by unscrupulous manufacturers who claim that drinking them would lead to loss of weight. These teas are marketed as a diet aid for weight control, victimizing the public, all in the name of profit. How did this all start? The same unsupported claims have been around for centuries, where herbal teas were described to have properties that cause loss of weight thru their effect on the metabolism, appetite, and by directly dissolving fats. Chinese, Mongolian and Italians have long believed herbal teas were effective for weight control. African herbal teas are advertised similarly, with the added claim that they reduce water retention and “cleanse the system of toxins.” Like some Chinese teas, these African teas have senna leaves in them, which have some purging effects. Those who also cut down on food (calories), while drinking tea, lose weight. It’s not the tea; it’s the calories. Are these teas effective as a diet aid? The claims that herbal teas or teas in general cause loss of weight, and therefore, effective as diet aids, are false. There is no scientific basis to show that these teas contain any ingredient that would significantly curve or suppress the appetite, or cause so much increase in metabolism to
lead to weight loss. If one drinks teas only as a way to lose weight (without reducing the amount of food they eat), the only thing the person will lose is money, not weight. The pocket would be lighter. However, if one drinks tea often daily, without sugar or cream in it, and drinks it as an alternative (as a substitute, NOT in addition) to high calorie snack, or, if one drinks tea for breakfast and lunch, instead of eating those meals (which some people do to control weight), obviously this will lead to less calorie intake and therefore cause weight loss. This same good effect could also be achieved by eating apples, or other fruits for breakfast, and raw vegetables for lunch, and have a moderate dinner. This is the healthier way to diet. To this, of course, one has to also do daily regimented exercise routine to be healthier. So does drinking tea alone not control weight? Most definitely, not. If you are overweight and continue to eat the same amount of calories, drinking teas, herbal or not, even a gallon a day, will not lead to weight loss. In order to control weight properly and safely, the calories must be reduced and physical exercise (calorie loss) increased. Does cutting down on rice lead to weight loss? Yes, cutting down on carbohydrates, like rice, bread, cakes, ice cream, sweets can lead to weight loss fast, because these are sugars that have high glycemic index, and easily add pounds to the body. Totally eliminating rice 3 meals a day, for instance, will dramatically cause weight reduction, provided the rest of the (total) foods ingested daily do not exceed 1000 calories. Tough? Yes, but this is the safer and lesser expensive way to control weight and be healthier compared to spending your hard earned money for appetite suppressant drugs, or the so-called miracle diet pills or potions that are actually very dangerous. Eat proteins instead of carbs. ***
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 oneon-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 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 20year-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, their looks and their sound (into pop). It’s also really funny, their relationship ‘cause Jeboy is falling for her, but she knows that she’s my lola, so it’s really funny and awkward.” To prepare for his role, James watched the original film. “That’s the first thing I did,” he said, adding that the whole movie is “Filipinized… The script itself is very similar to the original. It’s just that some themes were made more Filipino, like in terms of (the relationship with) family and loved ones.” Miss Granny differs from his previous big-screen projects in the sense that “I mean, this is not a rom-com, this is more of a comedy. There’s no real romance here.” What does he like (or dislike) about his latest film role? “I can’t really say there’s nothing I like about him, or I can’t really say I don’t like this, because his flaws make him real. So, as he grows, he becomes better. Things that I don’t like about him or things people won’t like about him make him good,” he answered. Nevertheless, James can readily relate to Jeboy “because he’s a musician and I’m also a musician.” And his character, he added, develops from someone who doesn’t know what to do with himself to one who pursues his dream to be a songwriter. “The challenge in every role is to really get across
Photo from Instagram/@james
the character’s message to the audience. In here, it’s about realizing his dreams and realizing what he’s supposed to be.” 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.”
Piolo Pascual hints at reunion movie with Judy Ann Santos
lang kaming lahat. She wrote the script with Direk Irene,” Piolo said. KAPAMILYA actor Piolo PasFor her part, Direk Antoinette Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac cual is looking forward to have a said Piolo and Juday films are her Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and new movie with her former love favorite even when she was still in college. chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to team partner Judy Ann Santos. In an interview with the media “Bago po ako naging director, 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus during the thanksgiving of his tele- favorite ko yung ‘Till There Was in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. serye “Since I Found You,” Piolo You’ at ‘Don’t Give Up On Us’,” He is a Fellow of the American College of said director Antoinette Jadaone is the director said. Nonetheless, she admitted that Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, now writing the reuinon movie’s she has not spoken with Juday yet and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular script. “Tagal na ‘yan. Naghihintay about the movie. Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the “‘Di ko pa siya nakakausap Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) lang kami ni Tonette. Tsaka sana humanitarian foundation in the United States. mangyari bago pa kami tumanda tungkol sa movie. Hindi pa siya For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: ni Juday. Matanda na nga kami buo eh. Nasulat ko palang first 10 ‘di pa nangyayari eh. Naghihintay sequences. ‘Di pa buong script. scalpelpen@gmail.com by JAN
MILO SEVERO Philstar.com
Judy Ann Santos and Piolo Pascual Philstar.com photo
‘Pag buo na,” she said. Piolo and Juday starred together in blockbuster movies such as “Kahit Isang Saglit,” “Bakit ‘Di Totohanin,” “Till There Was You,” and “Don’t Give Up On Us.”
Hungry for more “Bitter Melon,” “ULAM: Main Dish”... PAGE B2 becomes a passion, it translates to a lot more because you feel the food,” Cailan added. “Now is the time where we just keep going, work harder, keep our heads down and show them what we have.” They have worked for, and alongside the greats in the kitchen. Some of them earned their degrees in various culinary institutions such as the Culinary Institute of America and Institute for Culinary Education. A number of them has taken the plunge and opened their own Filipino restaurants. “We were lucky to be in the right place at the right time to chronicle the whole thing. I’m happy that other people want to see the movie. That means they want to see us, they want us to succeed,” Cuerdo said. “We don’t think Filipino food is a trend. It is only now that Filipino Americans have been able to get the financing and money to open up their restaurants.” “Ulam” also paid tribute to the restaurants which paved the way to make all these happen. “There’s Cendrillon which is now Purple Yam and Purple Yam Malate, they are the pioneers. Amy and Romy really did the work before anybody was talking about it. That’s why we want to herald that, honor that,” Cuerdo said. “The same thing with Chef Andre Guerrero, he has been cooking in LA for 20 years. And all the mom and pop shops, the turo turo shops I went to growing up. Those were the places that the chefs we interviewed went to growing up.” She also explained that the reason why they profiled the restaurants included in the film was because they wanted to showcase the new restaurants. “That doesn’t mean that the old restaurants were bad, that means that there’s more space for more restaurants to grow, and we’re really showing the growth of the community,” she said. When she was growing up, Cuerdo and her family would go to West Covina to enjoy Filipino dishes and she also would savor their regular trips to the Philippines for the exact reason. She herself cooks and her favorite dish to cook is sinigang but her favorite dish to eat is kare kare (which takes forever to cook, she
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. Photo from Bitter Melon
bemoaned). “The other thing I like to cook is silogs, I still think they’re the best hang over food. Longsilog is my favorite,” she shared. The young filmmaker also acknowledged personalities in the food industry who helped shine a light on Filipino cuisine in general. “What Anthony Bourdain did for the Philippines is really cool because he approached it with a lot of respect. Same thing with the late Jonathan Gold. He approached it with so much respect,” she said. 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 Filipino-American 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 fear-intimidating 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.”
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First annual Travel, Trade and Consumer roadshow a resounding success THE bustling SouthBay Pavilion Mall in Carson became the apex of the Filipino-American community last August 4 and 5 during the Travel, Trade and Consumer Roadshow (TTC). The event is the premiere foray of the Asian Journal into a more active effort to drive Filipino businesses into the forefront of U.S. enterprise. Project heads Cora Oriel and Roger Oriel welcomed around 30 participating companies to the TTC. Present at the ribbon-cutting were City of Carson Mayor Albert Robles, Councilmember Elito Santarina, Deputy Field Director Riezl Pe Benito, and Commissioner Alex Cainglet; Department of Tourism attaché Richmond Jimenez; EC Ferrer CEO Eddie Ferrer; actor Mat Ranillo III; community leader Trinity Foliente; Philippine Airlines Area Manager Michelle Narvaez; Ferdinand Soriano of Planet 63 & B2B area host; former Mutya ng Pilipinas Rosemarie De Vera; SouthBay Pavilion General Manager Cheryl Roberts; and the Asian Journal’s Editor-in-Chief Christina Oriel and Vice President of Business Development Raphael John Oriel. Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz made an extended visit on the second day, spending many hours conversing with exhibitors and attendees. With foot traffic of around 30,000 on summer weekends, the four zones of the TTC attracted people to products and services at the Exhibitor Row, entertainment from the Mainstage, seminars at the B2B, and Filipino food at the Sari-Sari Food Pavilion located outside. The wafting aroma of pork sisig and chicken adobo drew people to the food trucks of White Rabbit and Neri’s, and sago gulaman drinks from PopCupz and Hawaiian Shave Ice from TastyBlock. Mall-goers also received discounts to nearby House of Seafood. Engaging the community were the raffles, with gift cards
Representatives of the Asian Journal and Music Arts Events Inc. wrap up the Travel, Trade and Consumer Roadshow at the SouthBay Pavilion on Sunday, August 5.
City of Carson Mayor Albert Robles
EC Ferrer CEO Eddie Ferrer, who was a partner of the TTC.
courtesy of the Asian Journal and promotional items. The round-trip ticket giveaway from Philippine Airlines, which after the first Saturday raffle, announced a surprise second ticket, which was raffled off on Sunday. Los Angeles Area Manager Michelle Narvaez delivered the good news that guests had another chance to win a trip to Manila. First winner Gerry P. will also enjoy a hotel stay courtesy of the Department of Tourism. The second PAL ticket winner is Erlinda P., along with gift card winners, Lydia D., Marieta L, Susana B., Bobby C. and Aerwin B. Mall-goers were treated to the wide variety of Philippine-sourced products on display which aside from the requisite handicraft products, showcased new inventive products. Nutridense’s Rice Mongo Curls attracted quite a crowd, and IC Green’s car engine display drew attention to the
company’s main product, an oil additive that increases efficiency while being eco-friendly. Philippine-sourced products were made possible by the Pangasinan Provincial Board in cooperation with EC Ferrer Customs Broker and Asia Pacific Shipping, with support from marketing company Planet 63 and the Pangasinan Brotherhood. The delegation that flew in from the Pangasinan included Maria Lourdes E. Utanes of the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, Provincial Board Secretary Atty Verna N. Perez, Maria Luisa A. Elduayan from the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office and Benita M. Pizarro, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator. Lay Bare Salon, one of the largest franchises in the Philippines, was one of the more popular booths due to the free eyebrow threading service. Women flocked
The ribbon cutting ceremony kicked off the TTC on Saturday, August 4 and was joined by City of Carson Mayor Albert Robles, Councilmember Elito Santarina, Department of Tourism Attaché Richmond Jimenez, Philippine Airlines Area Manager Michelle Narvaez, Asian Journal management team, EC Ferrer CEO Eddie Ferrer, and Ferdinand Soriano of Planet63 and various community leaders. AJPress photos by Andy Tecson and Ding Carreon
to the green and pink booth, which was busy throughout the two days of the TTC. Owner Fiona Hilario also gave a presentation at the B2B that Lay Bare is open to franchising in the U.S., where its hair removal services are already available at two branches in Los Angeles. Also available in the Exhibitor row were sign-ups to the U.S. Army, the California National Guard and CSI Professionals, an employment placement agency and unions like the Los Angeles County Filipino American Employees Association (LACFAEA). Information for starting a business was also available at the Small Business Administration’s booth, with representatives of the Women’s Business Center run by PACE, a local non-profit that aims to give tools to develop sustainable businesses. A wealth of information was
available for various interests such as real estate (Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development/Lombard by the Bay, Megaworld), TV and cable (The Filipino Channel, Spectrum) and Chambers of Commerce (FACCGLA and COFACC). Lombard By The Bay was represented by Rene Cinco, president and CEO of Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate, Susan Gross, country manager of Lombard by the Bay and architect Pach Cansana. Victory Cars, PNB Remittance Bank and Western Union’s engaging wheelspin promo attracted mall-goers for discounts and promo items. Filipino favorite Skyflakes many flavors were on display at Monde MY San. The Mainstage was graced by numerous local artists, but notably by two television programs. The National Asian American Coalition’s “Owning A Piece of America” had as guests Dr. Tess
Mauricio and Dr. James Lee. A fashion show with garments from F21 Red featured the Love of Country Ambassadors. Models of all ages grazed down the catwalk to music by DJ Josh Evangelista, and showed off their talents in singing and playing musical instruments. Artists who enthralled the audience with their music were saxophonist Ner De Leon, singers Annie Nepomuceno, Jona Peralta, classical tenor and actor Glenn Fernandez, Chris Venegas, Kenneth Laurente and Nathan Plantilla, Alvin Reyes, Louisa Tampi, Francesca McNellis, Maikee Pronda, Michael Keith, Bing Martin, and guitarist Ric Ickard. Event Coordination staff of Music Arts Events Inc. kept everything running smoothly (Padsy Padre, Maan Co, Jay Robleza and Joshua Simon) along with emcee extraordinaire Nep Gonzales, who was joined by Suzanne Perez on day 2. Eagerly awaited was the appearance of Atty. Michael Gurfinkel, the star of Citizen Pinoy. The star lawyer gamely answered questions from the audience as the stage was bathed in sunlight from the atrium. Such is the dedication of the famed attorney, who amiably posed for selfies from the audience pre- and post-taping of the program. On the other end of the mall were business talks and seminars, hosted by Ferdinand Soriano. He lined up speakers such as Sarita Jackson of the Global Research Institute of National Trade, Eddy Sumar of ERS Consulting, and Pellson Lau who spoke on export financing, among other business presentations by exhibitors. The entire weekend proved to be an endeavor that brought business many leads and brought them exposure to the public. Organizers declare that next year will be bigger and better to provide more resources and opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs, travelers, and more! (AJPress)
Linda (left) and Mat Ranillo (center) with Trinity Foliente (second left) and Betty Francisco (right)
Ferdinand Soriano of Planet63 led the B2B area of the roadshow, which had seminars and presentations from businesses and experts throughout the two days. Here is pictured with Eddy Sumar of ER$ Consulting Services, Global Research Institute of International Trade President and CEO Sarita D. Jackson, Small Business Administration regional manager Pellson Lau, and Asian Journal CEO and publisher Roger Oriel.
Businesses from the Pangasinan province of the Philippines showcased their products.
Members of the the Philippine Softbelles, who were in California for the PONY World Series Girls Softball Championship, visited the TTC.
Monde M.Y. San Corporation sampled their world-famous brand, SkyFlakes.
Lay Bare Salon gave free eyebrow threading to mall-goers.
The SouthBay Pavilion, located in the City of Carson which is home to thousands of Filipino Americans, was the location of the first annual Travel, Trade and Consumer Roadshow, which featured a lineup of Filipino and Fil-Am businesses, experts, entertainment and food. The program on Saturday, August 4 included a fashion show with garments from F21 Red modeled by the Love of Country Ambassadors.
Drs. Tess Mauricio and James Lee tape a segment of “Owning a Piece of America” and then demonstrate workout moves.
Pach Cansana gave a presentation for Lombard By The Bay, a development in Montemaria, Batangas, the home of the world’s largest statue of Mother Mary.
The California National Guard was one of the exhibitors at the TTC, sharing information about the service to attendees.
Gerry P. — joined by Annie Nepomuceno of Music Arts Events Inc., Asian Journal Vice President of Business Development Raphael John Oriel, Philippine Airlines (PAL) Los Angeles Area Manager Michelle Narvaez, and emcee Nep Gonzales — receives a roundtrip ticket through PAL and hotel accommodations courtesy of the Philippine Dept. of Tourism on Saturday, August 4.
Love of Country Ambassadors shared their experiences in the program.
Pre-teens modeled clothes from F21 Red during the fashion show.
The program on Sunday, August 5 closed with another raffle winner, Erlinda P., who received a roundtrip ticket to the Philippines through PAL. She is joined by emcees Nep Gonzales (left) and Suzanne Perez (far right), Asian Journal editor-in-chief Christina Oriel (2nd, left) and PAL Los Angeles Area Manager Michelle Narvaez (right).
B August 11 - 14, 2018 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL
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Supreme Court decision may help immigrants with criminal convictions EARLIER this year the Supreme Court of the United States issued a landmark decision that may potentially help immigrants who have previously been convicted of certain crimes. In Sessions v. Dimaya, the Court held that part of the definition of “crime of violence� is unconstitutionally vague under the Due Process clause of the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. This decision will potentially spare thousands of immigrants from deportation and allow many others to seek relief that they were previously told was not available. The case of Sessions v. Dimaya considered whether certain convictions would subject a person to being deported from the United States as an “aggravated felon.� Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a non-U.S. citizen convicted of an “aggravated felony� is deportable from the United States. And unfortunately for them, they are also ineligible to apply for certain forms of relief in Immigration Court, such as Cancellation of Removal. Aggravated felonies can also render a non-U.S. citizen ineligible for waivers, discretionary relief, and even asylum. Furthermore, if a non-U.S. citizen is not maintaining valid immigration status in the U.S. and is convicted of an aggravated felony, Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) can order deportation without ever giving them the opportunity to appear before a judge. In short, the consequences of a conviction for an aggravated felony are severe. This case involved a Filipino named James Dimaya who had been ordered deported by an immigration judge. Mr. Dimaya was a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (green card holder) who had been convicted of firstdegree burglary in California. The question was whether Mr. Dimaya’s criminal conviction made him deportable to the Philippines as an aggravated felon. The INA sets forth twenty-one
Your Immigration Solution Atty. MAridex e. AbrAhAM different classes of crimes that constitute aggravated felonies. One of those classes is a “crime of violence� for which the term of imprisonment is at least 1 year. The term “crime of violence� is defined in the federal criminal code (in part) as “any offense that is a felony and that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be
vagueness and unconstitutional. The decision in Dimaya will considerably limit the Government’s ability to deport certain non-U.S. citizens with criminal convictions. Any non-U.S. citizen who has been found deportable for a “crime of violence� conviction or who has been deemed ineligible for relief on that basis may be able to challenge that conclusion and avoid deportation. The Dimaya decision is a reminder that the immigration laws have constitutional limits, and an immigration judge cannot deport a person simply because that judge believes that a particular crime seems “violent.� To trigger the draconian consequences that attend to an aggravated felony, the alien must be convicted of a crime that leaves no doubt as to the risk of violence involved in its commission. Gut instinct alone is not sufficient. Any non-U.S. citizen with a criminal record should consult an experienced immigration attorney to determine the consequences of their conviction as well as their potential options for relief. The laws are constantly evolving, and doors once closed can be opened again. Remember, your past does not have to keep you from pursuing your goals in the U.S. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. For more Information please call (800) 795- 8009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com.
“In short, the consequences of a conviction for an aggrevated felony are severe.� used in the course of committing the offense.� The immigration judge in Mr. Dimaya’s case ruled that his conviction of first-degree burglary was a crime of violence, and that Mr. Dimaya was therefore an aggravated felon. The case was appealed all the way up to the Supreme Court of the U.S. The Supreme Court accepted the case for review in order to resolve a conflict amongst the circuit courts regarding the constitutionality of the definition of “crime of violence.� The Court began by noting “the grave nature of deportation - a drastic measure often amounting to lifelong banishment or exile.� The Court then concluded that the definition of “crime of violence� is unconstitutionally vague. The Court reasoned that, when combining the definition requiring a fact-finder to imagine a hypothetical case and the definition not specifying what level of risk made a crime a “violent felony,� there is “grave uncertainty� and a lack of predictable application. As such, the definition is void-for-
*** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
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
Please call QTS Tour and Travel NOW at 1 (714) 288-0800 or (714) 761-6280 1095 N Main St. Suite O, Orange, CA 92867
C2 AUGUST 11-14, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Minding Your Finances ATTY. RAYMOND BULAON Do you have old debts in the past that you haven’t paid and are wondering if the creditors can still come back now and collect from you after so many years? This is a common question that I am often asked. I actually see a lot of people in this situation. At some time in their lives, they messed up and failed to live up to their financial responsibilities which resulted in delinquency and possibly legal actions being filed by creditors against them. A lot of them have gone through a difficult time in their lives such as a divorce, a failed business, sickness, disability or unemployment. Years later, things have changed to the point where they have finally started rebuilding
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Can creditors still sue you for old debts? their finances and their lives. They may now have a good-paying job, have a bit of savings in the bank and perhaps have started seriously thinking about their financial future. Then all of the sudden, the unthinkable happens. They get served a lawsuit out of the blue or they find out that their bank account has been frozen or their employer just got served a wage garnishment order. What happened? This is when they are surprised to discover that although many years have passed, old debts and other derogatory information continue appear on their credit report or even worsea creditor who has obtained a judgment is now aggressively trying to pursue them. This becomes more problematic especially when someone is finally able and is in the process of trying to buy a house or a car.
Sometimes, the income is good enough to qualify for the loan that they are applying for but the credit score is too low that no bank would touch the application after they see all the unpaid debts on the person’s credit report. So these people start thinking that if they had just taken care of these debts years ago when they had the chance, maybe life could be much better right now. How about you? Do you have debts from your past that are still haunting you to this very day? Are these debts stopping you from improving your life, perhaps making your dream of home ownership impossible to achieve? Don’t lose hope! If you are determined to turn your situation around for the better, there are some things you can do right now to accomplish that. Unfortunately, the experience I
Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES for naturalization (if otherwise eligible), the right to file petitions on behalf of qualifying relatives, the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such status not having changed;…” However there is one exception to a conditional permanent resident’s ability to petition, the conditional immigrant cannot petition for another spouse in the second preference within five years of first immigratig to the US as a conditional permanent resident unless the first marriage was terminated by death of the other spouse or the petitioner shows the USCIS that the earlier marriage which was the basis of the conditional green card was not a sham. This rule applies even after the immigrant’s condition has been removed. In addition to filing immigrant petition, a conditional immigrant may also apply for naturalization
Are you taking too many itemized deductions?
Tax Tips VICTOR SY, CPA, MBA
THE Internal Revenue Service currently audits less than 1% of tax returns annually, so your probability of attracting IRS audit is incredibly low. Taking deductions that are higher than average deductions nationwide increases your probability of getting audited. • Taking unrealistic itemized deductions raises red flags. • The IRS has a sense of what’s a fair based on income brackets. The IRS audits people who report unusually high itemized deductions. Let’s take charity as an example. The Agency knows how much money average people in certain income levels contribute to charity. Itemized deductions that are far above the average for u PAGE C3 someone in your income bracket are potential audit triggers. An average household with Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $100,000 and $200,000 can claim a charitable deduc-
Can a conditional green card holder file an immigrant petition? BENEFICIARY spouse of marriage based immigrant petition’s where the marriage was less than 2 years old at the time of the immigrant visa or status was approved are issued a 2 year conditional green card. In order for these immigrants to obtain their permanent green card, the immigrant has to either file a joint petition to remove the conditional permanent residence before the end of the 2 years or file a waiver. What immigration petition and applications can a conditional permanent resident file? Can a conditional permanent resident file an immigrant petition for a qualifying relative? Other than the requirement to file a joint petition or a waiver, a conditional permanent resident does not affect any aspect of the immigrant’s immigration status. The conditional permanent resident may file an immigrant petition for any qualifying relatives such as family based second preference as any permanent residents. 8 CFR 216.1. 8 CFR 216.1 provides …” Unless otherwise specified, the rights, privileges, responsibilities, and duties which apply to all other lawful permanent residents apply equally to conditional permanent residents, including but not limited to the right to apply
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three years from the date the immigrant received the conditional permanent residence. A conditional immigrant may apply for naturalization even if the I-751 joint petition is pending. However, the naturalization application cannot be approved before the joint petition is approved. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 (Advertising Supplement)
The Prophetic Voice
tion of $4,200. That’s OK. But, if your income is $50,000 and you claim $8,000 of donations, that may not be OK. It’s way over the norm and may prompt the IRS to take a closer look. If this is your case, consider paper filing to attach a few thank you letters and cancelled checks or credit card receipts. Describe the amounts as “tithe” and break them into smaller amounts using different non-profit organizations. To combine them all into one category with one round amount of $8,000 is quite naïve and dangerous. Claiming disproportionately high donations for successive years on modest income could trigger interest from the IRS. Giving to charities is a worthy cause and our tax laws reward you for it. But if your charitable deductions seem consistently large over a number of years, there’s an issue on your ability to sustain big donations compared to your income. The IRS may want to know more. The Trump Tax Reform limits
itemized deductions for 2018 that led people to prepay deductions in 2017. Specifically, many taxpayers prepaid 2018 property taxes in December 2017. That might be OK. Many taxpayers also tried to prepay their 2018 state income taxes in December to get the deduction for their 2017 returns. That’s not OK. Congress caught on to this and specifically prohibited it. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Jesus Christ’s spirit in me
prayer and the Sacraments of the Church such as the Eucharist and Confession. Despite living in a secular REVEREND world that questions our Christian faith and existence of God, I RODEL G. BALAGTAS hold on to my faith and trust that WHY do I keep believing in Je- my life in Jesus is what gives me sus Christ and his teachings? This meaning, fulfillment and hope. is the question that would some- I don’t have complete clarity on times arise in my mind. Is it because of the way I was raised and educated? Is it because of the influence of my family and friends? Why have I invested my time and energy in the long years I’ve lived spreading Jesus Christ’s words and practicing them to the best of my ability? My answer is simple: It’s be- what awaits me in the afterlife. cause of the Spirit of Jesus Christ I don’t have any scientific proof that lives in me, urging me to live of the existence of heaven and my life according to his ways— hell. All I have is an existential loving, forgiving, and serving as longing to be with God beyond this earthly life and belief in the he did. Of course, this sense has promise of eternal life of Jesus developed for years since my Christ, His Son. In the Gospel this Sunday childhood. But I cannot say that it’s a mere result of the influence (John 6:41-51), Jesus says, “I am of people and my studies. It now the bread that came down from mainly comes from the intimate heaven; whoever eats this bread relationship I have with Jesus in will live forever; and the bread
that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” I trust in Jesus’ words because I’ve witnessed it in the lives of many people who believe in him—how their lives and their relationships have changed for the better. I’ve seen it in the heroic and selfless acts of others who have dedicated years of serving the poor, the oppressed, the alienated, and the lonely. Their belief in Jesus and relationships with him have, indeed, become life for the world. The Church may have committed mistakes and created scandals, but these do not prevent me from continuing my relationship with Jesus Christ and continuing his mission. My faith in him is bigger than any institution and hierarchy. His Spirit will always live in me! I’m a sinner like everyone. I too struggle and go through many trials. But the flame of my faith in Jesus never gets extinguished. My health may fail, my body may age, but my love, faith, and hope in God will remain firm and strong.
“My health may fail, my body may age, but my love, faith and hope in God will remain frim and strong.”
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Community Journal
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Are men entitled to the same leave for a new baby? Equal rights in parental leave benefits
Q: I HAVE been working 4 years for a large company in Los Angeles. My wife just gave birth to our first child. When I asked my boss about parental leave, I was told that I could take off for 2 weeks and no more. I thought I was entitled to 12 weeks. My boss said, “You’re not a woman, you did not give birth.” When I insisted that I needed 12 weeks, I was told that company policy is for men to be approved 2 weeks leave only. Is this legal? A: No, it is not. Under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), California employees have the right to take a leave of absence for health or family-related reasons. One of the specific provisions of CFRA is to allow employees – both male and female – to take up to 12 weeks of leave to bond with a newborn child, a newly adopted child or a child newly placed in foster care. There is no requirement that either the employee or child have a serious health condition for CFRA leave to be granted. The leave to bond with a new child must be completed within the first year of the birth or placement of the child. Under California law, parents (married or unmarried) and registered domestic partners who work for the same employer are limited to a combined total of 12 weeks of CFRA for child bonding leave. (Note: Child-bonding leave is different from pregnancy-related disability leave, which pregnant employees are additionally entitled to.) To be eligible for CFRA leave, an employee must be a full-time or part-time employee working in California with more than 12 months (52 weeks) of service with the employer, and have worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12-month period before the date the leave begins. The employee must also work at a location in which the employer has at least 50 employees within 75
Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. c. Joe SAyAS, Jr. miles radius of the employee’s work site. After granting a CFRA leave, generally, the employer must reinstate the employee to the same or comparable position and provide such a guarantee if requested by the employee. The employer must continue health care coverage for employees during their CFRA leave. This obligation begins on the first day of leave and continues for the duration of the leave(s), up to a maximum of 12 work weeks in a 12-month period. What if the employee is not eligible for CFRA leave because the company has less than 50 employees? Beginning January 1, 2018, California’s New Parent Leave Act (Parental Leave) requires employers with 20 or more employees to allow eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to bond with a newborn or an adopted or fostered child. To illustrate the seriousness of the laws involving parental/ family leave to bond with a new child, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently sued Estee Lauder, one of the largest cosmetics companies in the world. The lawsuit was on behalf of approximately 210 men who worked at an Estee Lauder store in Pennsylvania. The suit claims that Estée Lauder violated federal law when it provided its male employees who became fathers less paid leave to bond with a newborn, or with a newly adopted or fostered child, than it provided new mothers. The parental leave at issue was separate from medical leave received by mothers for childbirth
and related issues. The EEOC also accused the company of unlawfully denying new fathers return-to-work benefits provided to new mothers, such as temporary modified work schedules, to ease the transition to work after the arrival of a new child and exhaustion of paid parental leave. Rather than continue with the litigation, Estee Lauder agreed to pay $1,100,000 to the men and revised its parental leave policy to provide all eligible employees, regardless of gender or caregiver status, the number of weeks of paid leave for child bonding and the same six-week flexibility period upon returning to work. Though it does not get as much publicity, men also face barriers in the workplace as they try to balance work and family demands. For example, men requesting family leave are perceived as uncommitted to work and less masculine. They face harassment, lower performance evaluations, reduced pay, and increased risks of being demoted or downsized. If this is the case, they should consult with an experienced employment attorney to protect themselves. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.] (Advertising Supplement)
K-1 Fiancé(E) visa: Getting your significant other to the United States SEVERAL options exist for a US citizen to bring his/her foreign-national fiancé(e) to the United States. One popular option is to marry the fiancé(e) in the country in which he/ she resides, and file an I-130 immigrant petition, with the fiancé(e) to undergo consular processing for an immigrant visa when the I-130 petition is approved. However, this option often is not advisable in that the US-citizen petitioner would have to learn and comply with complicated, countryspecific marriage license requirements, or legal barriers to marriage may exist to the UScitizen petitioner in the foreign country (as in the case of the Philippines, which in some circumstances will not recognize a foreign divorce judgment). In such cases, the best way to get your fiancé(e) to the US is via a K-1 Fiance(e) visa. The K-1 Fiancé(e) visa allows a fiancé(e) to enter the US for 90 days to allow marriage to take place. By having the marriage take place in the US, couples are able to bypass the foreign country’s license requirements and/or other impediments to marriage imposed by a foreign law. To be eligible for the K-1 Fiancé(e) visa petition, the following are required: 1) the petitioner must be a US Citizen, 2) the petitioner must have an intent to marry the fiancé(e) within 90 days of his/ her arrival in the US, 3) the pe-
Legal Advice Atty. DArrick tAn titioner and fiancé(e) must have the ability to marry (i.e. any previous marriages were terminated by divorce or death), and 4) the petitioner and fiancé(e) must have physically met each other within 2 years of filing the K-1 Fiancé(e) visa petition (certain exceptions apply to this fourth requirement). Minor unmarried children of the fiancé(e) may also come to the US under a K-2 visa classification. Upon arrival in the US, the fiancé(e) can immediately apply for authorization to work in the US. He/she does not have to wait until marriage to apply for work authorization. The work authorization issued to the fiancé(e) is valid for 90 days after entry. This provides the fiancé(e) the ability to immediately seek lawful employment. Once married, the spouse of the US citizen can file an I-485 application for adjustment of status (from K-1 to permanent resident), and remain in the US while the application is pending. At the same time the I-485 application is filed, the fiancé(e) may apply for an extended work authorization. Upon approval of the I-485 application, the
fiancé(e) is granted a conditional green card that is valid for 2 years, after which he/she can apply to remove the conditions on the green card. The K-1 Fiance(e) status automatically expires after 90 days. If marriage with the US Citizen who petitioned the fiancé(e) does not occur within that time, the fiancé(e) begins to accrue unlawful presence. Also, the fiancé(e) will be precluded from adjusting to permanent resident status in the US if he/she marries another US citizen (however, he/she may be able to become a permanent resident through consular processing with a provisional waiver). If you are a US Citizen who is planning to marry your foreign national fiancé(e), or you are someone who arrived under a K-1 Fiance(e) visa whose marriage did not take place, it is recommended you consult with an experienced attorney. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 6390277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Can creditors still sue you for old...
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described above may be the very “jolt” that most people need to finally wake up and do something about their situation. As I always tell people, debt problems only tend to get worse if they are ignored. The best time to take care of them is now, not later. If you ignore them, be ready to pay the consequences later. Creditors, of course, have to file a lawsuit (and a lot of them do in order to preserve their collection rights) within what is called the Statute of Limitations period (This is generally 4 years in California from the time you stopped paying) in order for them to enforce the debt. However, keep in mind that judgments in California are good for 10 years and can be renewed after that time period. So, not because you have not heard from a creditor for years does it necessarily mean that the debt has gone away. One thing that may help you
determine if you still have debts in active collection status is by looking at the most recent copy of your credit report and reviewing it for accuracy. Be aware, however, that not all creditors report to the credit bureaus. Credit bureaus recently announced as a matter of fact that credit reports will no longer contain information regarding civil judgments and tax liens that have been filed against you. What this means is that you cannot rely on your credit report to determine if you have been sued by creditors or if they have obtained a judgment against you in the past. In short, your credit report may not tell the whole story if it’s missing some very important information that you need to know about in order to protect yourself. Most of the time, I see people in my office who have old debts from the past that they could and SHOULD have taken care
of years ago. Had these people done something about their problem sooner, they would have been in a much, much better position today. Frankly, I am puzzled about this and often wonder why these people waited so long to find a solution. If you are currently in debt and can’t pay, remember that sooner or later, you would have to face your creditors. Don’t wait until they sue you, garnish your wages and/or take your property. For a free consultation, call TollFree 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrence yAng THE first senior is 73. He has been separated from his wife for 30 years but not divorced. So, for all intents and purposes, he is single because even if his wife makes a ton of money, her income is irrelevant under the means test since the client does not benefit from that income. Even if his estranged wife makes $1 million a year as Manafort’s financial advisor, that income is not part of the client’s household income under the means test. He says he has no idea where his wife is and has not seen her for 30 years. He comes to see me with a woman who sits behind him in my office. She smiles a lot. I presume that she must be his girlfriend. What is his problem now? His social security benefits have been cut by more than half! Unbelievable is the word. Now that he needs social security to survive, they cut it by 50 percent. I don’t even want to mention figures because the reduced amount that he now receives is not even enough to pay for his room rent of $500. He used to get $1,000 a month of social security. He says he’s appealing the cutback. I hope he is successful in his appeal because this reduction is not only unbelievable, it’s cruel. It’s like cutting off the umbilical cord from the unborn child. Despite this misfortune, the client appears to be taking it in stride. To be precise, his problem now is that he has no money to pay for his $20,000 in credit cards, which need $600 a month of minimum monthly payments to keep them current. Needless to say, he has no money left to pay for these cards. His reduced $500 social security is enough only to pay for his room rent. I think we can all sympathize with his financial problem in his golden years. Nobody wants to be in this situation, as one becomes a senior. As a senior, one must have enough to pay for a roof over one’s head and have money left to pay for food and other necessities. And hopefully, have some money left to indulge in what one enjoys doing. Maybe eating out or traveling come to mind as life’s little pleasures that seniors can enjoy. I also know that many
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 11-14, 2018
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A tale of two seniors in financial distress
seniors feel lonely so they join a seniors club that allows them to have social activities of meeting other seniors and doing activities together. The client does have one thing going for him. He is in perfect health. No hypertension. No diabetes. Not overweight. He has no chronic illness of any kind, although some have argued that aging is a chronic illness.
He needs Chapter 7 to wipe out the $20,000 of credit card debt. I’m glad at least I can help him this way. Who needs $20,000 of credit card debt at 73? Time marches on very quickly. We will all become seniors one day. All we can be is be young at heart and in the mind. Just like a car that starts breaking down, as it gets older, our bodies will do the
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USCIS NEW POLICY MAY LEAD TO DENIALS OF APPLICATIONS! The Law Offices of Brian Oh, will hold a FREE SEMINAR regarding this new policy memorandum on August 18, 2018 and August 25, 2018, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM which would cover how to avoid the pitfalls concerning the new USCIS Policy Memorandum.
of an adjudicator’s discretion. The policy implemented in its latest guidance restores to the adjudicator full discretion to deny applications, petitions, and requests without first issuing an RFE or a NOID, when appropriate. This policy is intended to discourage frivolous or substantially incomplete filings used as “placeholder” filings and encourage applicants, petitioners, and requestors to be diligent in collecting and submitting required evidence.
The USCIS in its latest Policy Memorandum (PM), announced that they will reinforce the policy memorandum in 2013 where they will no longer routinely issue request for evidence (RFE) for application and petition filings that have USCIS will continue issuing statutory deficiencies. denials when appropriate without first issuing an RFE or NOID when the Specifically, the latest PM provides applicant, petitioner, or requestor has guidance to USCIS adjudicators no legal basis for the benefit/request regarding their discretion to deny an sought or submits a request for a benefit application, petition, or request without or relief under a program that has been first issuing a Request for Evidence terminated. (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) when required initial evidence If all required initial evidence is not was not submitted or the evidence of submitted with the benefit request, record fails to establish eligibility. USCIS, in its discretion, may deny the benefit request for failure to establish This updated guidance is effective eligibility based on lack of required September 11, 2018 and applies to all initial evidence. Examples of filings that applications, petitions, and requests, may be denied without sending an RFE except for Deferred Action for Childhood or NOID include, but are not limited to: Arrivals (DACA) adjudications, received Waiver applications submitted with little after that date. However, due to to no supporting evidence; or Cases preliminary injunctions issued by courts where the regulations, the statute, or in California and New York, this new form instructions require the submission PM does not change the RFE and NOID of an official document or other form policies and practices that apply to the of evidence establishing eligibility at adjudication of DACA requests. the time of filing and there is no such submission. For example, an Affidavit of USCIS states further in its PM, “For Support (Form I-864), if required, was not too long, our immigration system has submitted with an Application to Register been bogged down with frivolous Permanent Residence or Adjust Status or meritless claims that slow down (Form I-485). processing for everyone, including legitimate petitioners. Through this The latest PM updates Chapters 10.5(a) long overdue policy change, USCIS and 10.5(b) of the USCIS Adjudicator’s is restoring full discretion to our Field Manual and contains an “additional immigration officers to deny incomplete considerations” section. The policy in this and ineligible applications and petitions “additional considerations” section is not submitted for immigration benefits,” new, and is nearly identical to the policy said USCIS Director L. Francis Cissna. contained in the superseded 2013 PM. “Doing so will discourage frivolous If you are interested in attending filings and skeletal applications used to game the system, ensure our resources the seminar, please email us at brian@ brianohlaw.com or call us at (213) 487are not wasted, and ultimately improve our agency’s ability to efficiently 1122. Free of charge. Seating is limited and fairly adjudicate requests for so please contact us in advance. immigration benefits in full accordance Brian Oh, Esq. is a member of the California with our laws.” State Bar and is a U.S. Immigration and The 2013 PM addressed policies for Nationality Law Practitioner. Our office is the issuance of RFEs and NOIDs when the located at 3530 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1720, evidence submitted at the time of filing Los Angeles, CA 90010. did not establish eligibility. In practice, the 2013 PM limited denials without RFEs or NOIDs to statutory denials by providing that RFEs should be issued unless there was “no possibility” of approval. This “no possibility” policy limited the application
This article should not be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information is intended to be general and should not be relied upon for any specific situation. For legal advice, consult an experienced immigration attorney.
C4 AUGUST 11-14, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Calendar of Events across
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
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ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS AU G U ST 2-1 1
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! Some of our special guests include dancer Megan Batoon, UCLA’s Samahang Pilipino Cultural Night, and Los Angeles Doce Pares Eskrima! 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 can be found 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.
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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 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!
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4th annual Kultura Festival: Filipino-American Food & Arts Festival in Chicago Kultura Festival, the Midwest’s premier Filipino-American food and arts event, will be held this year on Sunday, August 19 at Logan Square’s Emporium Arcade Bar (2363 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kultura Festival is in its fourth year, and is produced by food media and events group, Filipino Kitchen. Carefully curated to appeal to those who personally identify with Filipino culture and the merely curious or uninitiated, Kultura Festival aims to highlight the best in Filipino-American food and arts in Chicago and the Midwest. Early bird tickets for general adult admission will go on sale at a discounted rate of $10 starting Monday, April 23. Only 100 discounted general admission adult tickets will be available for the Early Bird Special. Early bird tickets will be available for one week, or until supplies last. Early bird tickets to Kultura Festival for students, senior citizens, and children between six and 11 years of age will also be available for sale for $5. Children aged five or younger are admitted free at Kultura. To buy Early Bird Kultura Festival tickets, click https://ti.to/filipinokitchen/kultura2018. Stay tuned for more details on chefs, performers and all things Kultura Festival Chicago! For more information, please visit www.kulturachicago.com.
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Fil-Am of SCV holds annual cultural festival in Valencia, CA You are cordially invited to Fil-Am of SCV’s biggest event of the year, its annual FACE (FilAm Academic & Cultural Enhancement) Program’s Cultural Festival on Saturday, August 25! This year, the organization has partnered with the Santa Clarita Valley’s International Program. This year’s theme is “KULTURA PILIPINAS, Kasaysayan at Sayawan”, celebrating the history of Philippine cultural dances. The popular and inspiring Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts dancers will beautifully interpret the renditions of Philippine history and culture through the art of dance. The event begins at 5 p.m. at West Ranch HS Theater (26255 Valencia Blvd, Valencia CA 91381). $50 for VIP Seats / $25 General Admission. For tickets & sponsorship information, please call: Cecile Ocampo at (818) 439-9392; Zeny Justiniano at (661) 645-0948; Josie Maglalang at (661) 607-5665 or Zony Gordon at (661) 312-3422. This event will benefit Fil-Am of SCV’s Scholarship Program and SCVIP’s Sister City Program for Sariaya City, Philippines.
SEPTEMBER 16
Los Angeles Skyline Lions Club holds masquerade ball The Los Angeles Skyline Lions Club (District 4-L3) cordially invites guests to join the masquerade ball to celebrate its 15th anniversary of continued support to local and global communities, alongside the annual fall harvest festival and installation of new club officers. Please join the fun celebration on Sunday, September 16 at the Signature Banquet Hall, 11130 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, CA. Doors open at 4 p.m. For any inquiries, you may call PDG Sol “Sunshine” Santiago at (213) 500-1927. See you all there and be ready to unmask your night!
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Serenata Filipina Ver. 2 at LA’s Ford Amphitheatre “Serenata Filipina Ver. 2” is the only Filipino music concert at the famed Ford Theatres’ Summer Season. Features female OPM stalwarts: jazz diva Louie Reyes, vocal powerhouse Annie Nepomuceno, hitmaker Odette Quesada and many more, backed by a live band. Part of the proceeds benefits Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA, and other community partners. Grounds open for picnicking at 4:30 p.m., show is at 6:30pm. Tickets are $100 VIP, $70, $55, $40 and $35 for students. Buy online at www.fordtheatres.org or by calling the box office at (323) 461-3673.
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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A tale of two seniors in financial...
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same, as we get older. Right? Chapter 13 for senior no. 2 Senior no. 2 is 79 years old and married to his wife of 55 years. They are happily married to each other. They have aged well together. Unlike Trump, who has aged by himself, while his wives get younger & younger. Out with the old and in the new. Maybe that makes him feel like he will live forever. In the client’s case, they own a home with about $300,000 of equity. The mortgage balance is about $400,000. The mortgage payment is $2,500. Their joint social security income is $2,700. They have no other income. They owe $60,000 of credit cards. Oops. Clearly, the math doesn’t add up. $60,000 of credit cards needs $1,800 of monthly minimum pay-
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ments to keep them current. But SS income is $2,700 while the mortgage is $2,500. This is where the children have to come in and help out because eventually, children will inherit the $300,000 of house equity. So, it’s only fair that the children help out now. The children can help out by contributing the amount necessary for clients to pay off the $60,000 over five years under Chapter 13 reorganization. They will have to contribute $1,000 a month to the Chapter 13 plan. At the end of the 5th year, the court will enter a discharge order and clients will owe zero on the $60,000 of credit cards. They will be free of all credit card debt at 82. And they will still have their home, which probably will have gone up by another $200,000. So, children stand to inherit
$500,000, but they should help out now with $50,000 over five years. Even looking at it as an investment, they invest $50,000 and get ten times back in five years. And they are able to relieve their parents of unnecessary financial stress, which will make them live longer. If you need debt relief, please set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
Jesus Christ’s spirit in me
So I don’t grieve or quench the Holy Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ that resides in me. I try to take away any bitterness, fury, anger, disappointment, and malice in my heart and mind. Rather, I strive to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to others as Christ has done to me. I hope it’s the same for you. I
hope that you too remain strong in your faith in Jesus no matter how difficult life can be and how the secular world can influence our thoughts to doubt God’s existence and love. Amen. *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor
at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
People and Events
Strands II: Filipino and Filipino-American contemporary artists encounter Textile SAN PEDRO, CA — Pinta*Dos Philippine Art Gallery is pleased to present the second of two exhibitions highlighting textile traditions of the Philippines with Strands: Filipino and FilipinoAmerican Contemporary Artists Encounter Textile, an exhibition of contemporary art connected to the craft and history of indigenous Philippine textiles. The textile form is imbued with history, describes community, informs geography, and embraces the body. Opening Reception will be on Saturday, August 18 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The gallery is located at 479 West Sixth St, Suite 107, San Pedro, CA 90731, which is part of the San Pedro Historic Arts District. The exhibition will close on October 28, 2018. It is free and open to the public but RSVP is requested for the Opening Reception. Please call Linda (310) 514-9139 or email: info@philippinebookshop. com. Gallery hours are from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays or by appointment. The Strands exhibition introduces new work by artists of Filipino descent, Cirilo Domine and Christine Morla, who are based in Los Angeles and Oxnard, respectively, and Manila-based Aze Ong, in drawing, mixed media, installation, sculpture, and garments, all of whom have been influenced by the fibrous textiles of the Philippines. Strands is cocurated by contemporary artists Maryrose Cobarrubias Mendoza and Joseph Santarromana. Domine responds to a yellowed and crumbling woman’s camisa and a man’s camisa de chino, circa 1920s, that he discovered on his last trip to Manila, creating in these pieces a kind of mapping, layering, or excavation of history. In addition to this new installation, a showing of Domine’s multifaceted garments will be displayed in a performance garment show on Thursday, September 6, beginning at 7:00 pm. This performance garment show is part of the First Thursdays Artwalk of San Pedro. During the First Thursdays Artwalk, the gallery is
open from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Drawing and weaving techniques have long been a signature of Christine Morla’s contemporary art practice. Inspired by the Philippine banig (a handwoven style of mat used in East Asia and the Philippines for sleeping and sitting) Morla will exhibit recent mixed-media drawings that explore depth and Modernist painting, and an installation made up of hundreds of small weavings of colored paper and found materials. Through these labor-intensive works, Morla appears to be mapping landscapes, simultaneously expressing a longing for identity by attempting to merge disparate selves. Manila-based Aze Ong is perhaps best known for her largescale fiber installation projects, performances, and sculptural forms. In Strands, she will exhibit two small, crocheted sculptures she refers to as “Bathalas,” and a large ceiling-mounted mandala form. Ong’s brightly colored, labor-intensive work highlights the textile traditions of her heritage as it negotiates the contemporary space. Pinta*Dos Gallery owner Linda Nietes-Little was impressed
by the compelling art done by Filipino American artists in the greater LA region that she decided to open an art gallery adjacent to her Philippine Expressions Bookshop which is located in Suite 105 of the beautiful art deco 1928 building called “The Arcade.” This new space for contemporary Filipino art in Southern California was named after the PINTADOS (the painted people), the name designated by early Spanish colonizers to the early inhabitants of the Philippines. The early Filipinos “painted” their bodies all over with elaborate tattoos and exquisite gold ornaments, thus the play of words also brings attention to the largely unknown and unchartered yet highly developed and advanced Philippine civilization; which was also known as: the 600 years of Indianized Kingdoms in the Philippines (900 AD-1565). PINTA (paint) and DOS (second or two) also references the two walls allotted for art in the new gallery; and the fact that the new space also functions as a twin or annex of the Philippine Expressions Bookshop. ■
PeoPle & events
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Fil-Am wins Gilroy Great Garlic Cook-off with his original lumpia wrap recipe LUMPIA, one of the traditional Filipino dishes, took center stage when Fil-am Will Simbol won the 2018 Great Garlic Cook-off at the 40th annual Gilroy Garlic Festival with his original recipe: Savory Crunchy Freshy Tangy Shrimpy Herby Garlic Lumpia Wrap. He beat out seven other finalists who came from all around the country. The eight finalists who were selected from hundreds of entries came at the festival and prepared their recipes in front of the public and panel of judges within a time limit of two hours. The lumpia wrap consisted of a cup-shape leaf of lettuce, his original garlic rice, and topped with his original deep fried garlic lumpia. It is eaten like a taco. The lumpia wrap was served on small bamboo steamers lined with banana leaves. It was served with Will cooks at the Gilroy Great Garlic Cook-off festival. a lime wedge to add tartness, if desired, and his original garlic sauce contained on a wooden spoon. All five judges phrased the taste of the dish and they also like that they can add different elements with the sauce and lime. One of the judges described the sauce as great and he said that he tried the lumpia wrap without adding anything, with the sauce and with the lime and he described the dish as a big hit. One other judge said that it has all of elements contained in the name of the recipe. Will won the coveted garlic crown and a $5,000 cash price. Will’s parents, who are originally from Pampanga, Philippines, are longtime residents of Cerritos, California. Will, who was born in Long Beach, California and grew up in Cerritos, California, is now residing in New York and is teaching at Ideal School of Finished lumpia dish is displayed on stage with the other dishes. Manhattan. n
Will holds the check for $5,000.
Finished lumpia is presented to the judges.
Will poses with parents, friends, and relatives who witnessed the cook-off.
McDonald’s giving away a McGold card, granting one person free McDonald’s for life
Photos courtesy of Wilfrido Simbol
IT’S not a myth. The mysterious McGold Card, which for years has been rumored to grant a select few free McDonald’s for life, is in fact real and returning for one fortunate fan. McDonald’s officially confirmed that the card exists and only a handful of people have ever gotten their hands on one. Now, one lucky customer will join the ranks of the McGold Card holders, and it’s easier than ever before, now in mobile form. For a chance to win free McDonald’s for life, U.S. customers need only download the McDonald’s App and place an order via Mobile Order & Pay starting on Aug. 10 through Aug. 24, with one possible entry per day.* This marks the first time McDonald’s has ever given away a McGold Card. The card give away is exclusive to the McDonald’s App, which allows customers to customize their orders, get exclusive App deals and place their order ahead of time from their phones. Mobile Order & Pay also allows customers to pick up their order however they want: Curbside, Inside the Restaurant or at Drive Thru. “Mobile Order & Pay is just one of the latest ways we are transforming convenience and value for our customers,� said Hashim Amin, head of U.S. digital at McDonald’s. “To celebrate Mobile Order & Pay, we’re giv-
ing one of our mobile customers the chance to win the McGold Card and join a select group of McDonald’s fans, just for using the app.� The winner of the McGold card will also be awarded with a customized 24-carat golden phone case to mark their membership into the history and mystery of McGold Card lore, all powered by the McDonald’s App in 2018. At a ceremony introducing The Gateway Arch in 1965, McDonald’s gave out the first McGold Card to the mayor of St. Louis, MO that awarded a lifetime of free McDonald’s. From that monumental moment, a small select number of McGold Cards have been given out to notable figures ranging from the governor of Michigan to the king of Sweden. Only one card will be given away after August 24th. Mobile Order & Pay on the McDonald’s App is available in nearly 14,000 restaurants in the
U.S. It is just one of the ways McDonald’s is using technology and innovation to transform our customers’ experience. For more information on the sweepstakes and how to enter, go to McDonalds.com/MobileMcGoldCard or download the McDonald’s App. McDonald’s is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with over 37,000 locations in over 100 countries. Over 90 percent of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business men and women. *No purchase necessary. See Rules for no purchase entry. Mobile McGold Card sweepstakes begins 8/10/18 and ends 8/24/18. Two meals per week for 50 years. Mobile Order & Pay available at participating McDonald’s. Open only to residents of the U.S. and D.C. who are 13 years+. (Advertising Supplement)
60 COUNTRIES. OVER 100 CITIES WORLDWIDE. THAT’S INTERNATIONAL.
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“Public Charge” refusal voids provisional waiver
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 21year-old child). If these people depart the U.S., they could be subject to the 10year 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 10-year 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 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 co-sponsor’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 common-sense 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 Bar 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. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does 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: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES
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Philippines execs among most optimistic in Southeast Asia by louella
DesIDerIo Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — Business executives in the Philippines were among the most optimistic in terms of economic outlook in Southeast Asia in the second quarter even as overall business optimism dipped yearon-year, latest survey results of Grant Thornton showed. Grant Thornton’s International Business Report showed optimism in the Philippine economy dropped to 81 percent in the second quarter this year from 88 percent last year. Despite the decline in business optimism, the survey showed business outlook in the Philippines placed second among Southeast Asian countries surveyed, next to Indonesia’s 98 percent. Grant Thornton said there were significant improvements in what executives considered major constraints in doing business in the Philippines. In particular, more and more organizations view regulations and red tape as less of a constraint as ratings on such dropped to a
six-year low of 20 percent. Transport infrastructure is also seen to have improved as views on such being a hindrance to business conduct dwindled to a six-year low of 14 percent. Businesses likewise reported the lack of skilled workers is no longer a major constraint to doing business as ratings dropped by 20 percentage points to 36 percent. The study showed profitability expectations among Filipino businesses increased by 24 percentage points to 80 percent. While profitability expectations increased, fewer companies are looking to invest in research and development over the next 12 months as expectations decreased by 14 percentage points to 48 percent this year. More than half or 54 percent of executives surveyed, meanwhile, intend to expand their businesses in the domestic market in the next 12 months. As manufacturing has seen an upsurge in recent months with more foreign investors looking at the Philippines to serve as a hub in the long term, more businesses expect to invest in plant and
machinery at 70 percent. Even as business optimism among Southeast firms was at net 64 percent in the second quarter, Grant Thornton said there are growing concerns on exchange rate fluctuations due to the prospect of further US Federal Reserve rate rises this year. Of Southeast Asia’s business executives, 36 percent cited exchange rate fluctuations as a constraint on the ability to grow the business. This is higher than the 29 percent in the first quarter and 26 percent in the fourth quarter last year. “The record levels of optimism are great to see. They are undoubtedly pushed upwards by the continued growth of China, a close trading partner for many of the region’s economies. But what’s really encouraging to see is the greater focus on regional cooperation since the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. Closer ties between businesses will provide the future fabric for growth in the region in the years ahead,” P&A Grant Thornton chairperson and chief executive officer Marvin Españo said. n
Palace mum on Quiboloy’s link to confiscated dollars by chrIstIne
o. avenDaÑo
Inquirer.net
MALACAÑANG has nothing to say about the predicament of Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), after his Hawaii representative was indicted for trying to smuggle out of Hawaii hundreds of thousands of dollars aboard a private jet last February. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday said a comment from the Palace was not forthcoming on the controversy involving Quiboloy, a friend of President Rodrigo Duterte. “Pastor Quiboloy is a private citizen. He can fend for himself,” Roque said at a press briefing in Davao Occidental. A Honululu-based newspaper reported that a federal grand jury had indicted Felina Salinas with bulk cash smuggling for failing to report that she was carrying $335,000 in U.S. currency and $9,000 in Australian dollars in February. The money belonged to Qui-
Philippine economy disappoints, eases to 3-year low by Ian
nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — 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 AprilJune 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. 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 10-year bar. However, there are reports that some consulates have determined, after the fact, that the
Infographic by Philstar
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 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 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. PAGE D3
UAE’s LuLu Group investing $100 million in Philippines by louella
DesIDerIo Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — UAE– based retail giant LuLu Group is investing $100 million for a warehouse facility, agro-industrial activities and to put up supermarket outlets in the country this year. As LuLu Group wants to make the Philippines one of its sourcing and food processing hubs for Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ File photo by Inquirer.net its supermarkets, it is also aiming to bring up the value of its total boloy, the Star-Advertiser said, session. citing the indictment. Salinas declared that she was exports from the country to $100 The newspaper also reported carrying only $40,000 in U.S. million within two years. “We earmarked $100 million that Salinas was also indicted for currency and the equivalent of helping Quiboloy avoid arrest $20 in Philippine peso but was for the investment,” LuLu Group and prosecution. found to have a much bigger chairman Yusuff Ali M.A. told reArrested on Feb. 13 amount in her bag, according porters during the inauguration Quiboloy’s lawyer, Israelito to investigators from the US De- of the warehouse of Lulu Group’s Torreon, did not respond to the partment of Homeland Security. Philippine unit MAY Exports Inquirer’s request for comment KJC said in February that Qui- Philippines Inc. located at the on Sunday. boloy did not violate any U.S. Calamba Premiere International Park in Laguna on Wednesday, Salinas was arrested by U.S. law and was never imprisoned. Customs and Border Protection State records identified Sali- August 8. He said part of the investment is officers at Daniel K. Inouye In- nas as the Hawaii agent of KJC ternational Airport on Feb. 13 who registered the religious sect being used for the warehouse for for failing to report all amounts in December 2013 as a foreign fruits, vegetables and other commodities from the Philippines to of cash over $10,000 in her pos- nonprofit organization. n
be exported to the group’s more than 150 hypermarkets spread across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as Malaysia and Indonesia. In addition to the warehouse, he said the investment would also be used by the group to start agro-industrial operations, and open supermarket outlets in the country. Asked when the group would start agro-industrial activities and open supermarket outlets in the country, he said the decision would all be made within the year. “It is part of our ongoing strategy to set up our own sourcing and food processing units around the world to ensure uninterrupted supply and maintain competitive pricing by eliminating third parties,” he said. He said the group decided to enter the Philippines and set up operations in the country due to the availability of fruits, vegetables, frozen food, and other range of commodities such as health and beauty products, gar-
ments, and footwear. For this year, LuLu is targeting to bring $20-to $25- million worth of Philippine products to its stores. Within two years, the group intends to grow Philippine exports to a total value of $100 million. The group is working with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to boost exports from the Philippines to its supermarkets. PEZA director general Charito Plaza said the agency is helping the group identify locations for its agro-industrial operations, which would likely be set up in Mindanao. She said LuLu’s Philippine unit MAY Exports is registered with the PEZA as a logistics exports enterprise. As a PEZA-registered firm, she said MAY Exports is entitled to various incentives such as income tax holidays, five percent tax on gross income earned, duty-free importation, and zero value-added tax for local purchases. n
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Clark International Airport passenger traffic seen at 2.5 million by end of 2018 by gabrIel
PabIco Inquirer.net
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 11-14, 2018 D
Economic managers warn of federalism rush’s fiscal risks
lalu
THERE is a possibility that Clark International Airport (CIAC) will have served 2.5 million passengers by year’s end, after it has breached last year’s record of 1.51 million passengers with still almost five months to go. “We have a total of 1,538,958 travelers at Clark as of August 8 and at this rate, we will be able to reach the 2.5 million mark by the end of the year,” CIAC president Alexander Cauguiran said in a statement on Thursday, August 9. Caugurian also noted that the recorded 1.5 million passenger traffic is the highest so far for CIAC since it was opened in 1995. “So far, this is the highest record in the history of CIAC since 1995, and our aim is to reach or surpass the 2.5 million passengers this year which will mean more revenues for the government and more flights to come,”
he added. According to CIAC, the day with the highest passenger traffic was on May 26, when 8,662 passengers used the airport. The government-owned corporation also said that on average, Clark airport serves 7,000 passengers daily and provides 462 flights weekly, 166 of which are international and 296 are domestic flights. Cauguiran has attributed the increase in departures and arrivals to the current administration’s move to develop the airport, through the Department of Transportation and the Bases Conversion and Development
File photo by Inquirer.net
Authority. Cauguiran added that growth is still expected for CIAC as more airlines have pledged to create trips using it. Negotiations are now ongoing for flights to Bangkok in Thailand and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, according to Cauguiran. At present international flights going to Doha, Qatar and Dubai in the Middle East, Incheon and Busan in South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei and Singapore use the CIAC. The airport also services flights to major domestic destinations including Cebu, Bacolod, Davao and Palawan. n
Philippine economy disappoints... PAGE D2 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 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
File photo by Philstar.com by Ian
nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — Two of the Philippines’ economic managers on Tuesday warned against rushing into the planned shift to a federal form of government, which some say could have negative implications for the country’s public finances. In hundreds of hours of speeches, President Rodrigo Duterte has boldly declared the Philippines must overhaul the 1987 Constitution and shift to a federal system of government to address the country’s widening wealth gap and empower regional governments. Duterte last month approved the draft federal constitution crafted by a consultative committee or Con-Com. The charter reviewers, whom Duterte appointed, proposed that federated regions be given a share of not less than 50 percent of all national taxes. But in a recent television interview, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia stressed that while federalism could unlock economic benefits, it could also spell disaster for some regions not prepared for such a transition and “wreak havoc” on the country’s balance
sheet. At a Senate hearing, Pernia made it clear that his remarks were his “personal opinion.” “I spoke rather liberally as an academic... As I said, I do not object. I was just pointing out that the rush is not good. It’s not good to rush into this,” Pernia said. For his part, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told senators that while the Duterte administration’s economic team has no official position yet regarding federalism, he agrees with Pernia on the potential fiscal risks of the proposed change in form of government. “If we don’t manage this correctly, this can end up to be a fiscal nightmare. So I think the legislature, in its wisdom, can sort those issues out,” Dominguez said. “I’m happy that it is being discussed now because the original draft, for me, from a fiscal point of view leaves much to be desired.” The finance chief then recalled his recent meeting with members of Con-Com where he highlighted his concerns on the draft federal charter from a fiscal point-of-view. “Number one, during a meeting with some members of the commission, I asked them, ‘who
is going to pay for the national debt? Who is going to pay for the military? Who is going to pay for the [Department of Foreign Affairs] and the central bank? I mean if it needs additional capital, who is going to put it up?’ And their response was, ‘the sharing with the local governments or the states will be after those expenses,’” he said. “But I said: ‘You know, when I read the draft, it doesn’t say so there. It just says 50 percent.’ So I said: ‘You know, that’s what you say but how come it’s not in the draft?’” he added. Last month, international debt watcher Moody’s Investors Service cautioned that federalism could present downside risks to the country’s institutional and fiscal profile. “The shift to federalism would also likely incur an expansion in the aggregate size of the government and, hence, public expenditure,” Moody’s said. “At the same time, there may be a gap between the national and local levels of government with respect to their ability to manage fiscal resources, posing a risk to the improved fiscal discipline that has characterized national government finances over the past decade,” it added. n
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PIH Health and CHOC Children’s affiliation leads to new pediatric health center opening WHITTIER, Calif. — PIH Health and CHOC Children’s have formed a new affiliation that advances pediatric clinical care for children in the communities of Los Angeles and Orange counties. As a part of this affiliation, a CHOC Children’s Health Center opens today in PIH Health’s Whittwood Medical Office Building located in Whittier at 15725 E. Whittier Blvd., suite 300. CHOC’s Health Center will provide pediatric neurology, gastroenterology and cardiology services with more specialties to be added in the future to meet the community’s pediatric care needs. The need for pediatric healthcare expertise is significant in the PIH Health communities. PIH Health Physicians currently see more than 45,000 pediatric patients annually, with nearly
30,000 pediatric visits in the emergency departments at PIH Health hospitals in Whittier and Downey. This affiliation will ensure that newborns and children living in the areas served by PIH Health will have access to some of the highest-quality pediatric specialty care available anywhere. Later this year, a CHOC boardcertified pediatrician will staff PIH Health’s Whittier Urgent
Care Center at 15733 Whittier Blvd., to provide dedicated pediatric care for children in need of urgent medical attention. “We are pleased to be expanding our long-standing rela-
tionship with CHOC Children’s to better serve our community. While PIH Health already provides outstanding primary care pediatric services for children, CHOC’s exceptional reputation,
Local residents can continue to access their primary care pediatricians and a growing list of specialists near their homes, while timely transport to CHOC Children’s Hospital will be available for neonatal and pediatric patients in need of higher acuity care. “PIH Health has an inspiring history of serving the greatest needs of its community, a commitment we share. Both of our health care systems are dedicated to exceptional and innovative care delivered by teams of compassionate and highly skilled healthcare professionals who strive to improve the health and well-being of our physicians and staff will elevate patients. Working together, we the level of care by now offering will secure the brightest and pediatric specialty services here healthiest futures for children,” in our community,” said PIH said CHOC Children’s President Health President and CEO Jim and CEO Kimberly Chavalas West. Cripe. n
Competition watchdog clears Century Properties founder sees growing Grab-Uber deal under conditions opportunities from expanded middle class by Ian
nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Competition Commission on Friday, August 10 announced it has cleared ridehailing firm Grab’s acquisition of rival Uber in the country but subject to certain conditions to address anti-competitive concerns. Early this year, the two companies announced that Grab would buy Uber’s ride-sharing and food delivery business in Southeast Asia, the industry’s biggest acquisition in the region. Under the agreement, Uber, which invested $700 million in Southeast Asia, will get a 27.5percent stake in the combined company and Uber CEO Khosrowshahi will join Grab’s board. The PCC had ordered Uber and Grab to delay the integration of their businesses and continue their separate operations while the antitrust agency examines the domestic implications of the merger. “We rendered a commitment decision today. The commitment decision contains the commitments of Grab. The commitments herein are no ordinary pledges,” PCC Chairman Arsenio Balisacan said. The competition watchdog has set these conditions for Grab,
Early this year, the two companies announced that Grab will buy Uber’s ride-sharing and food delivery business in Southeast Asia, the industry’s biggest acquisition in the region. File photo by Philstar.com
which will be monitored for a minimum period of six month: • Bring back market averages for acceptance and cancelation rates and response time of drivers before the Grab-Uber transaction. • Revise Grab’s receipt to show the fare breakdown per trip, including distance, fare surges, discounts, promo reductions and per-minute waiting charge if reinstated by transport regulators. • Prohibition from imposing prices that have “extraordinary deviation” from the minimum allowed fare. Should Grab violate this commitment, it will be slapped with a penalty equivalent
to 5 percent of its commission, provided that it will not exceed P2 million. • Remove destination masking for drivers. • Prohibition from introducing policies that will result in drivers and operators being exclusive to Grab. • Monitor Grab’s driver incentives that may affect competitors’ conditions and ability to expand. “Any breach of the conditions will subject Grab to fines of up to P2 million per breach or even the unwinding of the transaction,” Balisacan said. “The PCC binds Grab to these conditions in order to clear the Uber acquisition.” n
MANILA, Philippines — In 2020, emerging markets globally will have an expanded middleclass segment of close to two billion people – a powerful source of world GDP which also provides well-established and young businesses new market opportunities. At a recent roundtable discussion at Trump Tower Philippines in Makati – the largest gathering to date of Filipino business leaders who attended the Harvard Business School Owners and Presidents Management Program (OPM) – lead speaker, Harvard OPM alumnus and Century Properties chairman Jose E.B. Antonio said that Philippine businesses should take advantage of the tremendous growth of the middle class locally and overseas. Antonio emphasized that Philippine businesses must address the needs of the country’s new middle class, especially in the areas of real estate, agriculture and tourism. “The middle-class market is growing because of OFW remittances and the increase in people’s purchasing power. This set of new customers is now dictating the direction of the bulk of spending in real estate,” he said. The former stockbroker, who founded Century Properties with
Rajan Uttamchandani and Pinky Tobiano Robles flank Century Properties chairman Jose Antonio who received a plaque of appreciation for serving as the featured speaker of the Harvard Business School Owners and Presidents Management Program Philippine Alumni roundtable discussion last Aug. 7. File photo by Philstar.com
five employees in 1986, seven days before the People Power Revolution, also mentored the younger OPM alumni by sharing Century’s six core business philosophies. He underscored the values of focusing on the customer, delivering a lights-out customer experience, execution with a moonshot mindset, building for quality, adapting industry best practices, and combining skills and knowledge with wisdom and experience. His son, Marco Antonio, currently chief operating officer at
Century Properties, also shared insights with the OPM alumni on how the company has worked effectively with global brands such as Trump, Versace Home, MissoniHome, Armani Casa, yoo inspired by Starck and Paris Hilton, among others, to enhance the value of its projects and attract different market niches. The Harvard OPM alumni roundtable is held throughout the year to share valuable business insights and network with seasoned and young entrepreneurs. (Philstar.com) n
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