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Volume 17 - No. 28 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages
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AUGUST 17-23, 2018
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Duterte to step down if Bongbong DATELINE USA Wyoming officials refuse Marcos, Chiz Escudero would replace him FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
to return Balangiga bells WYOMING officials have refused to return the Balangiga bells to the Philippines as they are deemed “memorials� to the casualties of the Philippine-American War. In a statement, the all-Republican delegation comprising of U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, and U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, said, “These bells are memorials to American war dead and should not be transferred to the Philippines.� “We’ve received assurances that the bells will be returned to the Catholic Church and treated with the respect and honor they deserve,� U.S. Embassy press attache Trude Raizen said on Saturday, August 11, in a report from The Philippine Star. PAGE A2
Legal immigrants may be rejected permanent residency if they’ve used certain welfare programs About 3.8 million Asians and Pacific Islanders rely on forms of public benefit 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 PAGE A2
by NESTOR
CORRALES Inquirer.net
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will only step down as the top leader of the country if the likes of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbongâ€? Marcos Jr. or Senator Francis “Chizâ€? Escudero would be his successor. I think deep in my heart, if you follow the succession and Robredo takes over, hindi niya kaya,â€? Duterte said in a speech during a dinner with members of the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) in MalacaĂąang on Tuesday night, August 14. “Hindi niya kaya, that’s my honest opinion ko
lang. Kung sino lang sana diyan, in the likes of Escudero or Bongbong Marcos,� he added. In a speech before businessmen and diplomats on Tuesday, August 14, Duterte said he was ready to “step down and retire� but does not want Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni� Robredo to be his successor. The president belittled the qualities of Robredo as a leader, saying: “I do not think she can improve on anything here.� Robredo is facing an electoral protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) after Marcos accused the vice president of cheating him in the May 2016 elections, which also catapulted Duterte to the presidency.
Robredo won by 263,473 votes against Marcos. â–
Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos Jr. (left) and Senator Francis Escudero. Photos by Alexis Corpus/Inquirer.net
House clears Aquino of Dengvaxia controversy AFTER months of hearings, two committees of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, August 15, cleared former president Benigno “Noynoy� Aquino III of the issue regarding the 2016 dengue vaccination program and the use of the controversial vaccine Dengvaxia. The Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability chaired by Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel and the Committee on Health chaired by Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan were the two panels that deliberated on the said issue. In a report from The Philippine Star, the two committees stated in a draft report that the dengue vaccination program was deemed as a “judgment call on the part of the previous administration.� “The action of the administration at the time to implement a dengue vaccination program was unquestionable,� the report stated. The committees considered that the program was only intended to address the increasing number of those with dengue PAGE A2
FRIENDSHIP DOME. President Rodrigo Duterte receives the replica of the Marawi Filipino-Chinese Friendship Dome from Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) President Domingo Yap during a ceremony at MalacaĂąan Palace on Tuesday, August 14. Joining the President are Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Chairperson Eduardo del Rosario and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. MalacaĂąang photo by Ace Morandante
Ex-tourism chief claims ‘nothing illegal’ in PTV deal Sara Duterte, Imee Marcos forge 9-party alliance
cusations against her were only meant to discredit her. “I have been defamed, maFORMER Department of Tour- ligned and worse, crucified by ism (DOT) Secretary Wanda allegations of corruptions and Tulfo-Teo denied all corrup- competence, all made up to look tion allegations hurled at her as truth,� Tulfo-Teo said. In a report from the Inquirer, regarding the 60 million-peso advertisement deal with PTV4 Teo said that she did not comat a Senate hearing on Tuesday, ment on any of the slanderous criticisms. August 14. “For quite some time, I have “With confidence, I can say that there’s nothing illegal in the kept mum against all the incredible allegations,� she added. said contract,� Tulfo-Teo said. During the hearing, the forThe former tourism secretary testified before the Senate Blue mer tourism chief reiterated she Ribbon Committee that the ac- was unaware that the show “Ki-
by AJPRESS
los Prontoâ€? with the PTV-4 was produced by Ben Tulfo and cohosted by Erwin Tulfo. She claimed that the transactions involving her brothers’ government television program were valid. “It’s a government to government contract within the executive department and all payments were paid directly to PTV-4,â€? Teo pointed out. The Commission on Audit earlier reported that DOT placed the deal in 2017, however it lacks documents validating its legality. â–
Fil-Am community mourns the death of historian and author, Dawn Mabalon
THE Filipino-American community across the United States is mourning the death of Dawn Bohulano Mabalon, a community leader, professor, author, historian and mentor. Mabalon, 46, died on Friday, August 10 while on a family vacation in Kauai, Hawaii. She was an associate professor of history at San Francisco State University, specializing in Philippine and Filipino-American history, as well as race and ethnicity Dawn Bohulano Mabalon Photo by Jeremy Keith Villaluz PAGE A3
bilan, PaDayon Pilipino (PP) and Serbisyo sa Bayan Party. The NP is Villar’s political parA SUPERCOALITION is emerg- ty, while the NPC was founded by ing as Hugpong ng Pagbabago, tycoon Eduardo “Danding� Cothe regional party formed and juangco Jr. The NUP was formed chaired by Davao City Mayor by former members of the LakasSara Duterte, has forged an al- Kampi-CMD and allies of former liance with nine other political President and now Speaker Gloparties, including those of Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos and Sen. Cynthia Villar. Hugpong joined forces on Monday, August 13, with three national parties — Nacionalista Party (NP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) and National Unity Party (NUP) — and six local parties — Ilocano Timpuyog, Alyansa Bol-anon Alang sa Kausaban (Abaka), Aggrupation of Party for Progress (APP), Kam!.$2%7 " 3(). by MATTHEW
REYSIO-CRUZ Inquirer.net
ria Macapagal-Arroyo. Mayor Duterte, the influential daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, and representatives of the nine parties signed an agreement to form an alliance at The Blue Leaf Filipinas in ParaĂąaque City. PAGE A2
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Fil-Am community mourns the death... PAGE A1 and food cultures. A third-generation Pinay, Mabalon was born and raised in Stockton, where her grandfathers settled in the 1920s. Stockton was home to the largest population of Filipinos outside of the Philippines from the 1920s to 1960s. She graduated from Edison High School and San Joaquin Delta College. Fresh out of college in 1999, she, along with Dillon Delvo, co-founded Little Manila Foundation to help save the last remaining buildings and residents of Stockton’s Little Manila. Mabalon went on to receive a master’s degree in Asian American studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. in history from Stanford University. Following her childhood aspirations to become a writer, she authored two books about Filipino-American history: “Filipinos in Stockton” (2008) and “Little Manila Is in the Heart: The Making of the Filipina/o American Community in Stockton, California” (2013), which was born from her doctoral thesis at Stanford. The latter book — for which she received an honorable mention for the Frederick Jackson Turner Award by the Organization of American Historians — traced the growth of Stockton’s Fil-Am community, the formation of Little Manila and efforts to preserve it. Her writings were based on oral histories, archives, as well as stories from the generation of her father, Ernest Tirona Mabalon, who passed away at 79 while she was writing the book. Her paternal grandfather, Pablo “Ambo” Mablaon, ran a popular Fil-Am
diner, the Lafayette Lunch Counter, in the heart of Little Manila. In the introduction of her book, Dawn Mabalon wrote how she read “America Is in the Heart” in college and soon found out that the author Carlos Bulosan used her grandfather’s diner as his permanent address in Stockton. The diner was later demolished in 1999, prompting Mabalon to explore the community’s history. Her maternal grandmother, Concepcion Moreno Bohulano, who was the country’s first Filipina school teacher also served as a source. “They always said I was the little girl who wanted to be a writer. It took a lot of twists and turns and it wasn’t exactly the way I wanted it. I hope it honors them,” Mabalon said in an interview with The Record in 2013. “Their sacrifices made it possible that their children and grandchildren could do whatever they wanted to do. Their sacrifices meant I could create a life to read, teach and write.” Last October, Mabalon received a bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington, DC on behalf of her late father, who fought in World War II. Over the weekend, Stockton held its annual Barrio Fiesta event, with the Little Manila Foundation and other community members paying tribute to Mabalon. “Dawn had represented the best of Stockton and she will be missed very much,” Lange Luntao, a Little Manila Foundation board member, told The Record. “Her research on the Filipino/a neighborhoods and community members in Stockton inspired scholars from around the world
and put on the map in a positive way. There’s a lot of work to do to continue her legacy and highlight Stockton’s rich and diverse history.” As the news of her death spread, Mabalon’s colleagues and friends took to social media to express their grief and devastation. Some of them used the hashtag #DawnMabalonisinTheHeart, in reference to her book “Little Manila is in the Heart.” “This is a great loss for all of us, as she gave the world to her family, friends, and our community,” said Allyson Tintangco-Cubales, Mabalon’s fellow professor at San Francisco State University. Cubales, on behalf of Mabalon’s family also started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to cover her funeral and memorial costs. It has raised over $60,000 in two days. Dr. Kevin Nadal, Mabalon’s friend for 15 years and a fellow trustee of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), shared, “Dr. Dawn Mabalon was a fierce Pinay scholar who positively impacted so many lives - from the students in her classes to the people who read her books to the community members who listened to her talks on Filipino American history.” He added, “As the National Scholar of FANHS, she was the gatekeeper of Filipino American history - the ‘go to’ manang/ate who seemed to know everything. Her friends will miss her sharp wit, her infectious laughter, her vast knowledge on innumerable topics, and her passionate loyalty for the people she cared about most. Our hearts are broken and the world will never be the same.” The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) worked with Mabalon and her collection of home movies as part of its “Memories to Light: Asian American Home Movies” initiative. “Dawn’s knowledge of and connection to Filipino American history in Stockton made her a perfect participant in this project, and luckily, she had some home movies to contribute. The film, commissioned by CAAM and made by John Liau, talks about how Stockton was a hub for Filipino American labor activism, with many who worked in PAGE A3
Eliza Bengzon (center), chairwoman of the Fe del Mundo Center Foundation, leads the unveiling ceremony of the ‘Legacy Wall’ at the Fe del Mundo Medical Center in Quezon City, which pays tribute to the hospital’s revered founder. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada
Wyoming officials refuse to return... PAGE A1 Raizen also emphasized the value of the bells for both Filipinos and Americans. “We are aware that the Bells of Balangiga have deep significance for a number of people, both in the United States and in the Philippines,” she added. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque even welcomed the announcement from the U.S. Embassy noting that he hopes it would happen but would still wait on the official word. Two of the bells of Balangiga are at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The third is with the United States Army in South Korea. A year ago, in his State of the
Nation Address (SONA), President Rodrigo Duterte has called for their return. “They are ours. They belong to the Philippines. They are part of our national heritage,” the president said. The story behind Balangiga bells In 1901, the U.S. Army soldiers took the bells after an attack killed 48 American troops during the U.S. occupation of the Philippines. In retaliation, the U.S. ordered its troops to turn Samar into a “howling wilderness.” Over 2,500 Filipinos were killed during the attacks. The Philippines has been trying to have the bells returned even way back during Fidel
Ramos’ administration. Years after, a petition for their return was revived in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. Samar was among the islands devastated by the super typhoon. In 2016, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point sent back a bell also taken in 1901 to the Saints Peter and Paul Church in Bauang, La Union, according to a report on Stars and Stripes, a newspaper for the U.S. military community. “Bells were routinely taken as souvenirs, but at times they were removed for a military purpose – to prevent them from being melted down to make weapons,” Stars and Stripes said. (AJPress) n
Legal immigrants may be rejected... PAGE A1 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 1800s. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services defines a public charge as “an individual who is likely to become primar-
ily 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 PAGE A3
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 17-23, 2018
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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
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. 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 injustice 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 BuPAGE A4
the farm fields. Folks like Carlos Bulosan and Larry Itliong came through Dawn’s grandfather’s Filipino restaurant in Stockton,” Jasmine Lee Ehrhardt wrote in an article about Mabalon’s donated home movies. Fil-Am rapper Ruby Ibarra wrote in a post, “I will never forget when I first met her, the first thing she told me was, ‘I’ve been waiting for you.’ Since then, she showed me nothing but love and support, often coming out to any event that I was a part of.” Actor Tess Paras was emotional on her post and recalled the impact of Mabalon’s work and activism on many generations to come. “I encourage you to read the books she’s written and learn about the historical sites she’s helped preserve, the marginalized voices she amplified, and the Filipino American history presentation she was due to give at the U.S. Civil Rights Commission in Washington D.C. this very week. Her legacy is widespread and undoubtedly everlasting,” Paras wrote. In his own post, labor leader Gregory Cendana recalled a particular night after the FANHS conference in New York in 2016. “Hundreds of us were on a boat cruise for the gala and towards the end of the night, the DJ started playing multiple 90s jams in a row. I was on the dance
Sara Duterte, Imee Marcos... PAGE A1 Among the signatories were Senator Villar; former Batangas Rep. Mark Mendoza of NPC; Reginald Velasco, NUP secretary general; Imee Marcos of Ilocano Timpuyog; Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda of Kambilan; Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, head of Serbisyo Para sa Bayan Party; Norris Oculam of Abaka; Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Seth Frederick Jalosjos of APP; and lawyer Nadya Emano of PP. Also present at the signing ceremony were former first lady and now Rep. Imelda Marcos, Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, among others. Hugpong was called an opposition party in February by then Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, president of the ruling PDP-Laban. Mayor Duterte countered that it was her father, the President, who had given her and her supporters the go-ahead to form Hugpong. In July, during the third State of the Nation Address of Mr. Duterte, Alvarez was ousted as Speaker and replaced by Arroyo. Hugpong’s senatorial bets The signatories to the agreement pledged to support all the eight senatorial candidates Hugpong would endorse for the midterm elections in May 2019. Davao del Norte Gov. Anthony del Rosario, Hugpong secretary general, confirmed reports that the alliance would endorse the candidacies of Marcos and Villar for the Senate. Del Rosario said talks had been going on for weeks with the remaining six senatorial hopefuls. He declined to name them, saying he did not want to preempt other party officials. At least two other prospective candidates were present during Monday’s signing of the covenant—reelectionist Sen.
Legal immigrants may be rejected...
PAGE A2 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 have relied on some form of public benefit to make ends meet,” Heng Lam Foong, Health Access floor and turned to see Dawn problems that our communities Project Senior Policy Manager at Advancing Justice - Los Angetaking pictures and encouraging are facing today. n les, told the Asian Journal in an me, ‘Are you about to get hyphy? Get it. Show them how it’s done.’ Little did she know that gave me the permission needed to break it down in my Barong Tagalog. It was a moment I felt so free,” Cendana wrote. He added, “Ever since the moment I met Dawn, she spoke truth to power, lit up any room she was in with her smile and laughter and helped people live their best lives. May we do what we can to build on her legacy.” In an interview with the Asian Journal in 2013, she shared that it was her hope to reach out to other Filipinas/os around the world to tell their stories. “…Whether you arrived in 2010 or your great-grandparents came as sugar workers to Hawaii in 1907, we are part of a long and proud history of Filipinas/os in America who have built this country with our sweat and our hard work and our brains. We are building Little Manilas all around the world just like the Manongs and Manangs did in the 1920s, and it is all part of this long and proud history of struggle and hope,” she told the Asian Journal. “Whether you’re in Daly City or Queens, Dubai, Rome, or Stockton, it’s important to learn where we all came from and the communities that pioneers built before us, and learn how they faced challenges, to learn how to solve the
Fil-Am community mourns the death... PAGE A2
IKOT MANILA. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Light Rail Manila President Juan Alfonso sign an agreement at the Central Station in Manila for a tourism campaign to ‘rediscover’ the country’s capital through the Light Rail Transit 1 system. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina
JV Ejercito and Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, a former senator. Last month, Mayor Duterte personally endorsed Ejercito, Sen. Sonny Angara, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, former Chair Francis Tolentino of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office for the Senate. No Senate run She denied anew that she would be one of the senatorial candidates. “I am not running for senator. We are just really trying to unite everybody who wants to help the administration of President Duterte until 2022,” she said. The Davao City mayor ranked between fourth and seventh in a Pulse Asia preelection survey released in April, but Del Rosario said on Monday that the she was “definitely” not gunning for a Senate seat. “We’ve talked about it several times,” he said. “She doesn’t want to leave Davao City yet.” Del Rosario said Hugpong was endorsing eight candidates, rather than 12, to allow its allied parties to select four of their own. Common denominator The common denominator between Hugpong and the nine political parties, which hailed from areas as varied as Ilocos Norte, Bohol, Zamboanga, Pampanga and Misamis Oriental, was their support for Mr. Duterte’s policies, he said. Imee Marcos said the alliance was the “first step on the road to federalism” as it sought to empower regional parties over “monolithic, hierarchical Metro Manila-based parties.” She hinted at resurrecting Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, the political party of the late dictator President Ferdinand Marcos, in a talk with journalists in Davao Occidental last week. n
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 to medical care for immigrants and their families,” reported the study. Currently health insurance programs like Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or the Affordable Care Act are not considered for public charge purposes. Neither are housing benefits, child care services, emergency assistance, educational assistance, or job training programs among others. “Families should continue to use benefits as they need,” said Foong. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress) n
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AUGUST 17-23, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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State legislator seeks funding for human trafficking victims Funding was removed from the most recent State budget
MODULAR TENTS. The city government of Marikina purchased some 500 modular tents for use at evacuation centers during disaster and emergencies. In Barangay Malanday, Marikina City, families affected by flooding stay comfortably inside these tents, which can accommodate 5-7 individuals. PNA photo by Jayrome Pablo
New report: 80 percent of Americans... PAGE A3 reau 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 sub-
stantial 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. n
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SACRAMENTO - In her first bill introduced in the California State Senate, Senator Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) has proposed to reinstate funding for human trafficking victims in California. California hosts the highest rate of human trafficking in the United States and the demand for victim services is rising. SB 991 includes a study to fully understand the scope of the problem and how the state needs to address this issue. “Considering we have a $9 billion surplus in our state budget, there really is no reason to cut off funding for these vital support services,” said Senator Chang. “We need to help survivors on their journey to freedom, especially when California has the infrastructure to combat human trafficking.” Since 2014 the state has committed funding for programs with a proven record of helping
human trafficking victims. This year’s budget failed to fund these programs, leaving victims vulnerable. The Senate bill directs $15 million to the Office of Emergency Services that will include technical assistance and training for qualified nonprofit organizations. The Human Trafficking Victims Assistance Fund will also support a periodic study to measure the magnitude of the human trafficking crisis in California. The study will inform policymakers about the prevalence of this modern form of slavery. California is ranked #1 in the U.S. for most trafficking cases, nearly double the margin of Texas which is ranked #2. Figures show 89 percent of victims are female and 25 percent are minors. California hotline calls have increased by 248 percent from 2012 to 2016. Thanks to funding from programs like the Human Trafficking Victims As-
sistance Fund, between April 2016 to March 2018, a total of 6,211 victims in California were provided services such as education, counseling, shelter, and legal assistance. During the same time period, Los Angeles and Orange Counties assisted 2,836 victims. SB 991 has earned the support of the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Human Trafficking, a nonprofit organization seeking to put an end to modern slavery and human trafficking. Chang represents the 29th Senate District which encompasses portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties, including the communities of Brea, Chino Hills, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Walnut, Yorba Linda and portions of Anaheim, Buena Park, City of Industry and West Covina. n
Groundswell of opposition tells Commerce Dept. to scrap the citizenship question on 2020 Census WASHINGTON – More than 250,000 individuals and organizations urged the Commerce Department to remove the citizenship question from the 2020 Census, citing the threat to census accuracy in all communities that will undermine the fair allocation of political representation, public resources, and private investment for the next decade. The organizations represent millions of people from every state and the District of Columbia, as well as diverse urban and rural communities. Census stakeholders from a broad range of sectors and geographic areas voiced their concerns about the proposed addition of a new, untested citizenship question as part of a 60-day public comment period before the Census Bureau (an agency of the Commerce Department) finalizes major 2020 Census operations and questionnaire content. Under the public comment process, the Commerce Department must consider and respond (at least in summary terms) to the submissions prior to seeking clearance from the Office of Management and Budget for the 2020 Census plan and questionnaire. “This egregious citizenship question is a political effort to weaponize the census to redefine American democracy for a narrow set of people, and it must not stand” said Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference Education Fund. “The Trump administration is trying to fundamentally change what this country is, and aspires to be, by creating different classes of people. The Constitution requires the Census to count each and every person – and the inclusion of this question will sabotage that solemn duty. But it is clear that a diverse community of people and organizations from across the nation are committed to protecting and demanding a fair and accurate census so that no one is left behind.” “We’re proud to see so many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders take the initiative to voice their opinion about the extreme harm the citizenship question is likely to have on getting an accurate census count of our communities,” said John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC. “With so many in our community who are either children of immigrants or immigrants themselves, this might be the first time they are participating in a census. We need to be sure that a potentially toxic, untested and unnecessary question does not deter our community from being counted accurately.” “Americans across the country have made clear their unequivocal opposition to the politicization of Census 2020 through the addition of a citizenship question,” said Arturo Vargas, chief executive officer of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund. “If implemented, this harmful and costly decision would have far reaching implications for Latinos and all Americans, depressing response rates and threatening the fair and equitable distribution of political representation and billions of dollars in federal funding. As policymakers at all levels — federal, state and local — our nation’s Latino officials rely on a full and dynamic picture of who is residing in their communities in order to focus critical resources and act in the best interests of their constituents. We will continue to fight against the addition of this question in both Congress and the courts to ensure that Latino policymakers are able to do their jobs effectively and that the
U.S. Census Bureau’s mission of counting every single person living in this country each decade, regardless of age, citizenship, ethnicity or race, is not compromised.” “The addition of a citizenship question to the census is yet another attack on immigrants from this administration,” said Jennifer Bellamy, legislative counsel at the ACLU. “Experts agree that the question’s inclusion will dramatically reduce the participation of immigrant communities, stunting their growing political influence and depriving them of economic benefits. The impact of lower response rates for communities and states with large immigrant populations will be catastrophic and far-reaching, affecting education, transportation, health care, and voting power. We must stop this question from being included, and ensure that the true purpose of the census—to count all people living in the United States—is protected.” “The census is an essential tool for understanding and shaping our country’s economic and social realities,” said Thea Lee, president of EPI. “Adding an untested, disruptive, and controversial question, which will certainly deter key groups from participating in the decennial count, is policy malpractice. The administration should listen to the tens of thousands of policymakers, economists, sociologists, and members of the public who have weighed in, and withdraw its flawed proposal immediately.” “The addition of a citizenship question targets Black communities and other communities of color,” said Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change. “Trump and his cronies Jeff Sessions and Wilbur Ross at the Commerce Department are changing the rules with the simple goal: to make Black people, people of color and our communities invisible. If they can say we don’t exist through the Census, then they can chip away at our right to vote, at fair inclusion of our communities in critical resources and make the American Dream that much harder to realize. This is a long held project of the same forces that defend white nationalists who march in American cities and chip away at school integration and voter protection — more than ever we must stand up, push back and hold those who enable this behavior accountable.” “Donald Trump is trying to use the census to rig elections for Republicans until 2030,” said Heidi Hess, co-director of CREDO Action. “If a discriminatory citizenship question is included in the 2020 census it could result in a major undercounting of immigrant communities. It’s a desperate attempt to supercharge right-wing gerrymandering and voter suppression – and the public sees right through it.” “Everyday Americans are speaking up for an impartial and accurate Census. Adding a citizenship question will weaponize the census against communities of color, diluting their right to political representation and cutting them off from public spending,” said Karen Hobert Flynn, president of Common Cause. “Experts across the political spectrum, and now over 100,000 Americans, have weighed in against the addition of the question. It is well past time for Secretary Ross to remove the citizenship question from the 2020 Census.” “A fair and accurate Census is crucial to equitable distribution of our nation’s resources and political power for the next decade, and the last-minute, haphazard addition of a question designed
to diminish participation from communities already at high risk of being undercounted must not be permitted,” said Carolyn Fiddler, communications director at Daily Kos. “The government has a constitutional duty to correctly count every person living in the United States, regardless of citizenship status, and questioning respondents’ citizenship will depress participation and skew counts in already-underserved populations. We call on the Department of Commerce to keep this untested, unnecessary question off of the 2020 Census.” “Thousands of MomsRising members submitted comments to the Secretary of Commerce because we recognize that a discriminatory question that drives down participation in the Census and forces an undercount of immigrants would cause grave harm,” said Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, executive director and CEO of MomsRising, the online and on-the-ground organization of more than one million mothers and their families. “This is another disgraceful attack on immigrants – another example of the Trump administration using racism and xenophobia to divide us. The moms of America want discriminatory questions removed from the Census so we can get an accurate count, which in turn will support fair distribution of health, housing, education and other resources to our communities.” “It’s critical that the census provide an accurate picture of every community in our country,” said Marge Baker, executive vice president of People For the American Way. “Adding an untested, politically motivated question about citizenship dangerously undermines that goal. Adding this question to the census won’t help anyone learn more about the makeup of our country, but it will make more people nervous about participating in the census. That may be good news for political activists who want to dilute the power of communities of color, but it’s very bad news for our country as a whole and for anyone who cares about our democracy.” “Adding a citizenship question to our census threatens to erase immigrants from our country’s records,” said Bridgette Gomez, director of Latino leadership and engagement at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “If you aren’t accounted for, you do not exist as far as resource distribution is concerned. We know immigrants already have a very difficult time accessing health care, as lack of health insurance and fear of detention and deportation have driven communities farther and farther into the shadows under the Trump administration. At Planned Parenthood, we believe that no one’s access to services should be compromised because they belong to an immigrant family or community. We strongly condemn the Trump-Pence administration’s addition of a citizenship question to the 2020 census. And we are committed to fighting alongside a bipartisan group of former census directors, our communities, and partners to speak against this injustice.” “Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross directed the Census Bureau to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census form for one reason only: To intimidate and frighten recent immigrants – including both citizens and noncitizens – so they don’t fill out their census form. In overwhelming numbers, Americans are denouncing his not-so-disguised anti-immigrant cruelty and demanding the question PAGE A4
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DATELINE PHILIPPINES
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10 dead, 1 million affected after floods, rains due to Habagat by DEMPSEY REYES Manilatimes.net
TEN people were reported dead following heavy rains and floods triggered by southwest monsoon rains in most parts of Luzon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the police said on Monday, August 13. In a report, the disaster council identified only two casualties: Dioscoro Camacho, 36, a resident of Nangka village in Marikina City and Gloria Borlongan Mendoza, 61, of Old Balara village in Quezon City. Camacho and Mendoza drowned in floods, the report said. Police also said Gregorio Qui-
laton, 50, died after drowning in floodwaters in Sto. Domingo village in Quezon City. In Olongapo City, the Office of Civil Defense in Central Luzon said a female allegedly jumped into the river and drowned. The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) police reported five dead, mostly because of electrocution and drowning. Two of the victims were identified as Kimjay Atting 23, of Buguias, Benguet; and Eduardo Sobremonte Jr., 30, a resident of Dontogan village in Baguio City. The CAR police also recorded two drowning incident. The victims were Christopher Lagario, 32 and Mencio Amitem, 57, who was reportedly washed away by a strong current of water along
the canal of Marcos Highway at Lower Dontogan in Baguio City on Saturday night, August 12. One missing person was reported – Edgar Bugaay, 50, of San Antonio village in Quezon City. Bugaay reportedly fell down a creek and was swept by a strong current at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The disaster council said a total of 248,080 families or 1,057,767 people were affected in the regions of Calabarzon, Ilocos, Central Luzon, CAR and Metro Manila. Of the number, 13,724 families or 59,108 persons were inside evacuation centers. The NDRRMC also said a total of 3,178 houses were damaged in Ilocos and Central Luzon regions. ■
Pernia wants a ‘more analytical’ draft federal charter by IAN
NICOLAS CIGARAL Philstar.com
MANILA — Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia on Tuesday, August 14, said the draft federal constitution must provide an “analysis” on the impact of the proposed change in form of government on the country’s economy and fiscal profile. “We, including myself, do not oppose federalism. It may well be the Holy Grail that we are aspiring for. But going to the Holy Grail, it takes time. We would like a more analytical, maybe an annex that provides the analysis,” Pernia said in an interview with ANC. “You cannot rush your approach to the Holy Grail because it takes a lot of preparations. That’s essentially what we’re saying,” he added. In hundreds of hours of speeches, Duterte has boldly declared the Philippines must overhaul
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia Philstar.com photo
the 1987 Constitution and shift to a federal system of government to address the country’s widening wealth gap and empower regional governments. The president last month approved the draft federal constitution crafted by a consultative committee. 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 Pernia earlier 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. Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told lawmakers last week that while the economic team has no official position yet regarding federalism, the revamp can end up to be a “fiscal nightmare” if not managed correctly. Dominguez also flagged the draft federal charter’s “ambiguous” provisions on revenue and expenditure assignment, adding that the federal government would incur a deficit of 6.7 percent and may result to a credit rating downgrade for the Philippines, which currently enjoys an investment-grade rating.■
Groundswell of opposition tells Commerce...
PAGE A4 be removed, so the Census can meet its constitutional obligation to deliver a true and accurate count,” said Robert Weissman, president, Public Citizen. “The American people will not tolerate the Trump Administration exploiting the census in or-
der to carry out their racist and xenophobic policies,” said Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club. “Donald Trump cannot decide which communities receive support, and which don’t have access to clean air and water. It’s reprehensible that Donald Trump would try to bla-
tantly undermine the Constitution. But together, with our allies and the hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country that have already spoken, we will protect the integrity of the census, protect our democracy, and protect our communities and the environment.” ■
QUEUEING FOR AID. Thousands of evacuees queue for sleeping kits and relief goods from the Department of Social Welfare Development at the Malanday Elementary School on Monday, August 13. The evacuees remain at the school, due to flooding brought by non-stop monsoon rains enhanced by tropical storm ‘Karding.’ ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
BOC chief still enjoys Duterte’s trust MANILA — President Duterte still trusts Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Isidro Lapeña despite the entry of P6.8 billion worth of shabu in the country, Malacañang said on Monday, August 13. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the recent discovery of several magnetic lifters filled with shabu showed that smugglers have new ways of bringing in contraband. He said the new modus operandi made the detection of drugs difficult. “It shows that our enemies in the war on drugs are really sophisticated because they use magnetic lifters that the x-ray cannot detect,” Roque said. “I think the president’s trust on General Lapeña remains intact.” Roque said the Philippine Drug
Enforcement Agency (PDEA) also enjoys the trust and confidence of the president. Duterte wants the BOC to coordinate closely with PDEA to identify the people who facilitated the entry of shabu, Roque said. “Gen. Lapeña came from PDEA so there is no reason for these two agencies not to have closer coordination. We have to put an end to this and identify who are behind this so we can trace them and run after the drugs that entered the country if there are any,” he added. Roque said Duterte is “raring” to apply the full force of the law against those behind the entry of the contraband. He also cited the need to be vigilant against international syndicates behind the importation of shabu into the
country. “What he wants is to suppress it (smuggling) to put an end to this practice,” the presidential spokesman said. “But it clearly shows that the problem has an international aspect.” While admitting that the new strategies of smugglers make it challenging for authorities to monitor illegal drugs, Roque admitted that the BOC may need to reexamine the way it performs its operations. “Who would think that they (drugs) would be inserted in an equipment that will make it undetectable? So short of opening all shipments, which is impossible, perhaps we need to review the system of Customs,” he said. The PDEA earlier explained that PAGE A6
Duterte threatens to kick bishops in latest rant against Catholic Church by ALEXIS
ROMERO Philstar.com
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, August 14, broke anew his promise to refrain from criticizing the Catholic Church, hurling fresh tirades at the religious group of majority of Filipinos. During the launching of an entrepreneurship alliance in Malacañang, Duterte reiterated that he
has his own concept of God. He then asked whether there was a bishop in the audience, which was composed of business leaders, politicians and diplomats. “Is there any bishop here? I want to kick your a**... and the priest,” the president said. Duterte then rehashed his allegations against the Church including its supposed failure to account for the money it col-
lected from the public. He also reiterated that he and his classmates were molested by an American priest in Ateneo de Davao. “We studied in Ateneo. We were molested all of us,” he said. Duterte then mocked the Church’s veneration of saints, individuals who are considered by Catholics as models of the PAGE A6
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BOC chief still enjoys Duterte’s...
EQUALITY IN TRANSPORT INDUSTRY. Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros, together with Senator Grace Poe, on Wednesday, August 15 sign the commitment pledge for the #inFAIRness national campaign which promotes gender rights in the transport sector. Hontiveros, who opened the campaign at the Senate together with Poe, stated that the transport sector needs to be reformed such that women would be protected from harassment and discrimination. She added that the transport industry should ensure that women are paid competitively and given equal opportunities to advance and develop their full careers, enhance their talents and bring out their innovative skills. Senate photo by Joseph Vidal
Duterte threatens to kick bishops... PAGE A5 faith. He singled out St. Isidore, the patron of farmers who is very popular in provinces that rely on agriculture. “We are assigned in every parochial thing, there’s something. ‘Yours is San Isidro. Your saint.’ And who is this s***? You know, they were nomadic tribes at that time. Nomadic. Who is this guy San Isidro that every town fiesta, we kill our cows, carabaos, just to spend because it is the fiesta of San Isidro?” the president said, referring to town feasts in honor of the saint.
Duterte then claimed that he is no longer a Catholic and he is considering joining another Christian sect. He then joked about religious leaders who have accumulated wealth. “When I get out of office, I will talk about you every day... I will end up a pastor also buy my own plane,” the president said. He also repeated his joke about establishing his own religious group Iglesia ni Rodrigo. “Iglesia ni Rodrigo does not limit anything. Do not believe in hell. If you die you will be a piece of carcass,” Duterte said.
Last June, Duterte stirred controversy for questioning Christianity’s creation account and saying that God must have been stupid for allowing temptation to corrupt his work. After meeting with his longtime friend and Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines President Romulo Valles last month, Duterte agreed to refrain from lambasting Catholicism. The president has also apologized for his statements about God but stressed that religious leaders should avoid using the pulpit to malign him. n
PAGE A5 it did not pass the information on the P6.8-billion shabu shipment to the BOC because it was still raw data that needed to be verified. Lapeña reiterated that there is no communication gap between the BOC and PDEA, headed by director Aaron Aquino. But Lapeña said he could have sounded the alert on all shipping containers if the information reached him. “If they have information and if it is as serious as this one, they have to inform the agency concerned. Even if it was still a tsismis (rumor), you are talking of a big shipment of illegal drugs, that should be taken seriously,” he said. “I could have alerted all the (shipping containers) at that time if I just received that information,” he added. Lapeña also said the BOC leadership supports PDEA in identifying corrupt BOC employees, and the BOC conducts internal probe to uncover personnel in cahoots with drug smugglers. The latest case of shabu smuggling in the BOC was discovered after PDEA operatives seized several magnetic lifters at a warehouse in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite. PDEA chief Aquino said he believed that some officials in BOC could be responsible for the smuggling and were in cahoots with a drug syndicate. He cited the similarity in the latest smuggling of shabu shipment to the method used to smuggle P4.3 billion worth of shabu seized at the Port of Manila last week.
He said dogs detected traces of illegal drugs in the empty magnetic lifters, similar to the two seized at the Manila International Container Terminal on Tuesday which contained an estimated 500 kilograms of shabu. Aquino lamented that the ton of shabu that slipped past BOC could already be circulating in the streets. Despite the intensified operations of the PDEA and Philippine National Police (PNP) against drug trafficking, Aquino said the government is still hard-pressed to curb the menace. Drug rings operating in the Golden Triangle in the shared borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand are believed to be behind the multibillion-peso shabu shipments. The shipment in Manila was sourced from Taiwan with Malaysia as a transshipment point before entering the country, PDEA said. The shipment came into the country at the end of June and was dispatched to the warehouse, rented at P150,000 per month for a year, on July 13. Several men unloaded the illicit shipment on the night of July 15, taking three to four hours to load the drugs into an estimated 17 luggage trolley bags. A certain Chao Yue Wah, alias KC Chan, Albert Chan or Tony Chan, is said to be a liaison for the drug syndicate. PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde admitted that gathering and monitoring of intelligence information and community support should be improved to
prevent entry of illegal drugs. Albayalde said the information about the existence of containers which contained shabu in Cavite was given to the authorities by the warehouse caretaker or a barangay official. NBI probe The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will conduct a parallel probe on the entry of a ton of shabu worth P6.8 billion that again slipped past the BOC. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he directed NBI director Dante Gierran to form a team of agents to investigate and determine how the shipment of shabu reportedly contained in the seized magnetic lifters in Cavite was successfully smuggled. “I have directed the NBI to conduct a fact-finding investigation on the latest entry of P6.8-billion shabu in the Bureau of Customs pursuant to the policy of President Duterte against illegal drugs,” he bared in a text message. “Our investigation will consider all government agencies, particularly the BOC, and private shippers, brokers, cargo handlers, warehousemen, even other law enforcement agents, who may have something to do with these unlawful acts,” he added. The NBI did not investigate the incident reportedly due to a Palace memorandum that tapped the PDEA as sole agency in drug-related operations and case buildups. (With reports from Alexis Romero, Edu Punay, Delon Porcalla, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Evelyn Macairan) n
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 17-23, 2018
BUSINESS NEwS
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100 bps rate hike not enough – economists DICT to craft PH strategy for the digital consumer by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
ECONOMISTS are not convinced the recent strong follow-through monetary action by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) via a rate hike of 50 basis points, the biggest in a decade, is enough to rein in rising inflation. Shashank Mendiratta, economist at ANZ Bank, said the central bank’s Monetary Board may deliver another 25-basis-point rate hike as early as Sept. 27 as authorities have already bumped up their inflation forecasts for 2018 and 2019. “The BSP also painted a sanguine picture on growth. On balance, the central bank has kept the door open for further rate hikes. We now forecast a further hike of 25 basis points to 4.25 percent at their September meeting,” Mendiratta said. The BSP has so far raised interest rates by 100 basis points in three consecutive rate-setting meetings to curb rising inflation. It lifted interest rates by 25 basis points for the first time in more than three years last May 10 followed by 25 basis points on June 20, and 50 basis points last Aug. 9. The 50 basis point rate hike last Thursday was the biggest since July 2008. This brought the overnight reverse repurchase rate to four percent, the overnight deposit rate to 3.5 percent and the overnight lending rate to 4.5 percent.
by Tony
M. Maghirang Mnailatimes.net
Shashank Mendiratta, economist at ANZ Bank, said the central bank’s Monetary Board may deliver another 25-basis-point rate hike as early as Sept. 27 as authorities have already bumped up their inflation forecasts for 2018 and 2019. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas
The central bank raised its 2018 inflation forecasts to 4.9 and 3.7 next year. It also sees inflation at 3.2 percent in 2020. The consumer price index hit a fresh five-year high of 5.7 percent in July from 5.6 percent in June, bringing the average to 4.5 percent in the first seven months, exceeding the BSP’s two to four percent target. “We believe that the central bank has kept the door appropriately open for further rate hikes,” Mendiratta said. ING Bank Manila senior economist Joey Cuyegkeng said tightening would continue as inflation remains elevated and average 5.5 percent in the next five months. “BSP is not done with raising rates. Inflation has still yet to peak, as implied by BSP’s upward revision of this year’s and next year’s inflation forecasts,” Cuyegkeng said. Cuyegkeng said a further mon-
etary tightening is needed to ensure that inflation expectations become well anchored. “We expect another 25-basis point rate hike in the fourth quarter and another 50 basis points in 2019,” Cuyegkeng said. The economist explained monetary tightening would also eventually moderate imports and improve the contribution of trade in gross domestic product (GDP). “BSP’s hawkish actions and bias also address weakness in the peso, which has contributed to inflationary pressures. The peso is the third-worst performer among Asian currencies so far this year,” Cuyegkeng said. Euben Paracuelles, economist at Nomura Securities Co. Ltd., also expects the BSP to further raise interest rates by another 50 basis points for the rest of the year to anchor inflation expectations. n
Foreign investments hit 7-month high in May 2018 by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
THE Philippines remains on the radar of foreign investors as direct investments surged by 143 percent to hit a seven-month high of $1.64 billion in May from $677 million in the same period last year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. “This reflects continued investor confidence in the Philippine economy’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals and growth prospects,” the BSP said. The inflow of foreign direct investments in May was the highest since October last year when the figure reached $1.92 billion. Inflows in the form of non-
residents’ investments in debt instruments issued by local affiliates or intercompany borrowings surged by more than 135 percent to $1.3 billion in May from $564 million in the same period last year. Net equity capital investments increased more than five times to reach $241 million from $43 million as equity capital placements almost tripled to $257 million from $83 million, while withdrawals plunged 62.5 percent to $15 million from $40 million. Equity capital placements were sourced primarily from Singapore, the United Kingdom, Germany, U.S., and Japan and were channeled largely to manufacturing; real estate; electricity,
gas, steam and air conditioning supply; financial and insurance; and professional, scientific and technical activities. Reinvestment of earnings inched up by nearly six percent to $75 million from $71 million. For the first five months, the BSP said net FDI inflows jumped by 49 percent to $4.85 billion from $3.25 billion in the same period last year. This was mainly on account of the expansion in net equity capital investments to $1.37 billion from January to May this year, more than five times the $242 million recorded in the same period last year. Equity placements amounted
u PAGE A9
THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) gathered various stakeholders and resource persons to the National Digital Consumer Conference to addresses challenges to the protection of the rights and welfare of digital Filipino consumers. A major highlight of in the two-day consultation held in Makati City from July 26 to 27, 2018 was a proposal to establish a digital consumer welfare and protection body that will act on consumer concerns relating to telco services. According to Asst. Sec. Carlos Caliwara, the proposal is consistent with the DICT’s mandate to ensure and protect the rights and welfare of consumers and business users in ICT-related matters. The proposed body will handle issues and complaints concerning such pressing issues as unexplained disappearance
of prepaid loads, dropped calls, data breaches, and cyberattacks on mobile users. During the conference, Asec. Caliwara also discussed the administrative procedures on addressing consumer issues and concerns pertaining to the telecommunications industry and the speedy resolution of complaints. Undersecretary Ruth Castelo of DTI’s Consumer Protection Group suggested that the two-decade-old Consumer Act of the Philippines be amended to be more relevant to the pres-
ent and emerging welfare issues of the Filipino consumer in the digital age. She also discussed the Department’s national online Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system that will serve as a web-based redress mechanism to help mediate and adjudicate in the resolution of consumer complaints, including those involving online transactions. With the advent of free WiFi, Lawrence A. Pagal, project manager-Delivery, Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places PAGE A9
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AUGUST 17-23, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
This time, will it work?
FEATURES
TRAFFIC managers tried this several years ago: a ban on vehicles with only one occupant from certain thoroughfares. The idea was to encourage carpooling and reduce vehicle density in the traffic-choked streets of Metro Manila. This time, with even more vehicles and with public works projects under construction in several areas, the Metro Manila Council, composed of mayors of the mega city, is dusting off the driver-only scheme for implementation during rush hours along EDSA. Harried motorists and commuters may be willing to try anything to ease traffic along the busiest thoroughfare in Metro Manila. The mayors, however, should also consider points raised by opponents of the scheme. One is that it will have no impact on the wealthy who are either driven around by chauffeurs, or who can bring along their household employees in their cars. Another is that because of the heat, most private vehicles in this country are tinted, so how efficient can traffic enforcers be in implementing the ban? The first time the scheme was implemented, drivers used makeshift dummies and propped them up in the backseat. A senator has also raised concern about the emergence of paid car jockeys or passengers for hire, which could lead to criminal assaults. There is general agreement about the need to ease traffic congestion on EDSA, where an average of nearly 370,000 vehicles passed daily in
2017. Of that number, single-occupancy vehicles reportedly accounted for 60 to 70 percent. The Metro Manila Council wants to ban driver-only vehicles from the thoroughfare during weekdays from 7 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. A weeklong dry run starts on Aug. 15. While trying out the scheme, traffic managers should not lose focus on the most important aspect, which is effective law enforcement. Public buses in particular continue to linger too long at various stops throughout EDSA as they unload or wait for passengers, occupying several lanes and blocking intersections. Mayors must crack down on traffic enforcers who look the other way for a fee. The mayors can also meet with bus operators to put an end to the quota system, which compels drivers to wait forever at various stops to pack buses with as many passengers as possible, because their earnings depend on the number of passengers they pick up. Public support for measures such as the driver-only scheme comes easier if people see that other issues are being addressed to ease traffic gridlocks. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
If you support Trump because of undocumented immigration and think he will protect you because you came here with ‘papeles,’ think again
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS MANY KABABAYANS who voted for President Donald Trump tell me that they support him because they believe in his fight against undocumented immigrants. These Filipinos lament that they followed the laws, waited in line, paid their dues and it would be unfair if those who entered and are staying in the United States illegally would bypass those still in line, steal American jobs, and partake in the benefits paid for by their hard earned money. They contend that so long as Filipinos have the “papeles” (papers), they have nothing to be afraid of because Trump supports legal immigration. Well, think again. Trump’s rhetoric and action before the election, the people he surrounds himself with, the advisers and aides he hired, and the news media he subscribes to and believes in could very well be indicators that he may not love you as much as you adore him. As the Trump administration rolls out its proposals to overhaul America’s broken immigration system, you now realize he is not just running after the undocumented immigrants but is gearing up to limit LEGAL immigration into the United States. Let me focus on two important issues
for now. Earlier, Trump pushed to end family-based petition, the immigration policy implemented by past administrations — Republicans and Democrats — in honor of the long-held value that family members should live together and not be broken apart. Family-based petitions make “family reunification” possible, a benefit recently enjoyed by no less than the parents of First Lady Melania Trump. BUT Trump now refers to “family reunification” as “chain migration” and said during his January 2018 State of the Union Address: “The fourth and final pillar protects the nuclear family by ending chain migration. Under the current broken system, a single immigrant can bring in virtually unlimited numbers of distant relatives. Under our plan, we focus on the immediate family by limiting sponsorships to spouses and minor children. This vital reform is necessary, not just for our economy, but for our security, and for the future of America.” This impacts a lot of Filipino families who rely on family members for support as they navigate their life here in America. Many lolos and lolas are the ones who take care of the young kids as the husband and wife both need to
work to pay for their bills. Some need ate and kuya to help out in taking care of their ailing and aging parents. Most kababayans also want to give their children a sense of extended family and have the grandparents, uncles, aunties, cousins around just like how we place value on family togetherness and traditions in the Philippines. These family members who are approved for immigration to the U.S. go through strict background checks to make sure they would not be a burden to society. They work or give domestic and moral support to their family who petitioned them. They also pay taxes and contribute to the coffers of the nation. BUT NO, if Trump would have it his way, family reunification is not important and family-based petitions should go. Another proposal by the Trump administration is to deny citizenship to green card holders — immigrants living legally in the U.S. who have ever used or whose household members have ever used Obamacare, children’s health insurance, food stamps and other benefits could be hindered from obtaining legal status in the U.S. Immigration lawyers and advocates and public health researchers point out that this move
“would be the biggest change to the legal immigration system in decades and estimate that more than 20 million immigrants could be affected,” including many Filipinos, particularly immigrants who are working double or even triple jobs that don’t pay enough to support their families. Also vulnerable will be families who have been victims of the deep recession caused by the greed of many capitalists and policymakers. Even those immigrants who sought public assistance for their American-born children will be at risk. These people have been paying taxes, contributing to Social Security and Medicare, and yet just because they were in the unfortunate situation of having to rely on public benefits as their lifeline, they are now deemed as “pabigat” and should therefore be denied citizenship and have their legal status and future in the United States be in limbo? Trump claims he is “the least racist of all people.” WHAT A LIE! He looks down on people of color. He demonizes and vilifies immigrants. He calls them obscene and derogatory labels, questions their intelligence, values, undermines their importance in the greatness and growth of this nation. He looks at them as security risks. He dis-
criminates against them. He is quick to attack immigrants, people of color and those who support them, but defends white people when they are the ones who cause violence and break the rules and laws of the land. He even appointed a lot of them to office just because they are white or rich, or because they speak great things about him and are loyal to him. Many of them have been in the news for corruption, undisclosed ties with foreign governments including our adversaries, and are facing charges. So what is in Trump’s heart? During his trip to England and in a joint news conference with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Trump warned European leaders that they “better watch themselves” because a wave of immigration is “changing the culture” of their countries. “I think it’s a very negative thing for Europe. I think it’s very negative,” Trump said. “And I know it’s politically not necessarily correct to say that, but I’ll say it and I’ll say it loud.” Trump is fighting diversity. Trump is threatened by the fact that America is not as white as it used to be, and seems to live in the delusion that they, the white people, are the ones who own America when in fact, they too are descendants of immigrants and
asylum seekers from Europe. Perhaps FOX News — the cable news channel Trump doesn’t call “fake news” because they think the same way — articulated what racist people have been thinking and feeling through Laura Ingraham. “In some parts of the country, it does seem like the America we know and love doesn’t exist anymore...Massive demographic changes have been foisted upon the American people,” Laura Ingraham said. “Much of this is related to both illegal and in some cases legal immigration that, of course, progressives love.” DO YOU SHARE THIS SENTIMENT, Kababayans? I hope you do not because the truth is, America is great because of its diversity. This means you and I — we people of color and we immigrants — make this country great through the richness of our heritage and the content of our character, and the values we hold dear. We make this country great through our vision, hard work, integrity. Never forget this TRUTH. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Victory in Cambodia polls and need for unity gov’t, 4 premiers unite in Nepal, middle class Filipinos in US
PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. (Part 2 of 2)
TWO months earlier we had visited Tehran, and we raised the chances of perhaps an almost impossible dream: we said Allah could certainly bless a dream of centuries: a reunion of Islam’s great Sunni and Shiite populations, akin to Christianity’s Catholic and Protestant wings whose sometimes bloody conflicts raged for centuries in Europe but in God’s time, finally reached a settlement. As we had pointed out in an earlier column, the last bitter isolated battles between Catholic and Protestant partisans were in Northern Ireland but these had come to an end with the Good Friday Agreement, assisted by U.S. mediation, signed amidst great sighs of joy some two decades ago on April 10, 1998.
Iran leads the Muslim Shiite wing, supported by Iraq, Syria, the majority in Lebanon, and substantial groups in Yemen, the latter wracked today by civil war; while the Muslim Sunnis are at present actively led by the rich oil producers, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait; and by Jordan, Egypt and others. Tiny but big oil producer Qatar is restrained by the Saudi-led Gulf Arabs and Oman is Iran- inclined but quiet. On both sides of the Persian Gulf, Arab Gulf to the Arabs, there is a continuing state of unease, tension, and on occasion on the Syrian side, bloody battles, that are close, we hope not, to dangerously involving Israeli troops in larger warfare. After some work at home, we expect to visit Saudi Arabia, where as we wrote earlier, in
the old days we pioneered as prime contractors and not as labor suppliers, competing at the time with some of the better Europe and U.S. companies in the world, operating the port of Jeddah on the Red Sea and the port of Jubail on the Persian Gulf; drilled and discovered onshore oil in the Emirate of Ajman in the United Arab Emirates, the first Filipino drilling initiative with Arab partners overseas; pioneered in Kuwait and Iraq with highways and housing, until we were trapped by the Iraq-Iran war in Basrah, at the boundaries of Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and languished there in the early years of the Iraq-Iran war, when we were later finally able at great loss to repatriate more than 1,000 of our Filipino workers and management teams. The Iraq-Iran war had caused
us unimaginable crises and suffering. Our Filipino workers were not paid and there was constant wailing over the years and we were almost driven to bankruptcy from 1982 to 1990, when again the Second Gulf War broke out, as U.S. and Allied troops came to the rescue of Kuwait to oust Saddam Hussein’s invading Iraqis, and we had completely then lost some $40-million of our road-building, transport and infrastructure equipment in the wars. Those were our most difficult years of tragedy and hell, after years of business success in the Arab world: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates, and in Libya in North Africa. We were finally able to fully pay our thousands of Filipino workers, middle managers and executives after we won a hard-
fought, almost two years of legal battles in London and New York and collected payment from our insurers, the Lloyds of London and other U.S. insurance groups with hardly a little left for us, the shareholders. But nevertheless we were thankful to our international lawyers, the renowned White and Case of the U.S., perhaps the leading law firm in the world, which handled and won our case on a rare contingency basis, supported by the prestigious European investment bank, Lazard Brothers. From the start of our operations, we were the biggest overseas foreign exchange earners at the time for the Philippine Central Bank, that then C.B. Governor Gregorio Licaros flew to Jeddah to honor us with a visit to thank our thousands of Filipino workers in the cities of Jeddah, Jubail, Riyadh, Yanbu,
and Gizan. But our greatest joy as pioneers is that we were able to pave the way in succeeding years until today for the employment since 1975 of tens of millions of Filipinos in the Middle East and their movement later, across the Suez Canal, into the Mediterranean and into Europe as executives, skilled workers, engineers, teachers, doctors, and nurses. They are a successful sequel to the pioneering, intrepid Filipino workers who journeyed to and worked in the farmlands of Hawaii and California, and the fish canneries of Alaska more than 110 years ago, and who today number perhaps more than 3.5-million and who have become executives or largely attained respected middle-class status in the United States of America. ■
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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Business groups urge lawmakers to weigh costs of shifting to federalism by ROY
SELFIE FIRST. Davao City Mayor and Hugpong ng Pagbabago Chairman Sara Duterte takes a selfie with Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos and Nacionalista Party National Director Sen. Cynthia Villar, after signing the alliance agreement with the two parties on Monday, August 13 at The Blue Leaf Filipinas in Parañaque City. ManilaTimes.net photo by Andrea De La Cruz
DOE turns to cheaper diesel to stem price hikes by DANESSA
RIVERA Philstar.com
THE Department of Energy (DOE) has directed local oil companies to provide Euro-II compliant automotive diesel oil as its temporary solution to help reduce fuel prices. DOE also directed oil companies offering Euro-II compliant diesel to submit a monthly compliance report, indicating the list of participating retail outlets. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the sale of Euro II diesel would be subjected to close monitoring by the agency. The Philippine government mandated all fuel companies to sell Euro-IV compliant fuel products starting 2016. Euro IV is a globally–accepted European emission standard for vehicles which require significantly low amount of sulfur and benzene. It has a significantly lower sulfur content of 50 ppm (parts per million), compared to the Euro II standard at 500 ppm. Benzene in gasoline also measures only one percent by volume, compared to five percent for Euro II fuel. For aromatics, Euro IV fuel will contain only 35 percent by volume, as opposed to Euro II fuel, which prescribes no limit. Meanwhile, Cusi tapped Philippine National Oil Co.-Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) to import
STEPHEN C. CANIVEL Inquirer.net
LOCAL business groups are worried about the consequences of shifting to a federal form of government, echoing the woes earlier raised by some of the country’s economic managers. Seven business groups, including the country’s largest business group the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), are urging lawmakers to weigh carefully the costs, risks and uncertainty of the shift. In a statement on Sunday afternoon, August 12, the local business chambers called for “full, open, and dispassionate dialogues” about federalism, a move that would have far reaching effects in the country and its future. The call for dispassionate talks came after a member of the consultative committee urged President Rodrigo Duterte last week to fire the socioeconomic planning and finance chiefs for speaking out against federalism. “We, the undersigned business organizations, appeal to our legislators to weigh carefully the costs, risks and uncertainty associated with the proposed monumental shift to a federal system
of government,” the statement read. These groups are the following: PCCI, Cebu Business Club, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, and Philippine Exporters Confederation. According to them, they echo the concerns of fiscal and economic experts about the ambiguous provisions on the division of revenue and expenditure responsibilities between the proposed federal government and its federated regions. They cited the alarming cost of federalism, which was flagged to as much as P120 billion in term of direct costs by the National Economic and Development Authority. Under those provisions, which call for a 50-percent share of the regions from the national government’s revenue collections, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government might incur “a very large” budget deficit. Asked in a Senate hearing last week what this would do to the country’s credit rating – which acts a measure of creditworthi-
ness – Dominguez said it would “go to hell.” The groups worry that this might lead to a fiscal deficit of 6.7 percent of the gross domestic product, which is way beyond the target of the economic managers. “We worry about the dire consequences that such fiscal imbalance could have on the economy and the flagship ‘Build, Build, Build’ program of the current administration,” they said. The groups commended the transparency of the economic managers and the researchers in the Philippine Institute for Development Studies “in openly sharing their analysis and airing their concerns to the public.” “We support and join their call for a more detailed analysis of the fiscal impact of federalism to serve as basis for the deliberations in Congress,” they said. “We encourage full, open, and dispassionate dialogues on this proposed shift in form of government, keeping in mind its longterm impacts on future generations of Filipinos,” they added. They said the business community would be ready to work with the government in the bid for sustained and inclusive economic growth.■
Foreign investments hit 7-month...
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DOE also directed oil companies offering Euro-II compliant diesel to submit a monthly compliance report, indicating the list of participating retail outlets. Photo by Artemio Dumlao/Philstar.com
low-priced fuel to address slowing growth and high commodity prices. “PNOC-EC will source lowpriced petroleum products particularly diesel, to mitigate the impact of volatile oil prices,” Cusi said. The measure is expected to have a ripple effect on taming the prices of basic commodities, thus controlling inflation. The resulting price relief will ease the plight of consumers. Under the project, the trading function of PNOC-EC will be employed in the acquisition of lowpriced fuel which will primarily come from state deals.
The PNOC-EC board, chaired by the DOE chief, is drafting the trading procedure and policy safeguards for the public on the proposed importation. The agency, however, did not detail where the government-run company will purchase cheaper fuels. PNOC-EC acquired in December last year a trading function to generate added income for the government. The products bought at a special price will be made available to dealers, operators and independent petroleum players under a memorandum of agreement. ■
to $1.51 billion in the first five months, more than four times the $368 million recorded in the same period last year, while withdrawals rose by 10 percent to $139 million from $127 million. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings remained steady at
$343 million, while investments in debt instruments went up 17.3 percent to $3.13 billion from $2.67 billion. The five-month net FDI inflows accounted for more than half of the full-year target of $9.2 billion amid the improving global perception of the country as an investment destination.
Despite the higher projection, the FDI inflow this year is expected to be lower than last year’s record inflow of $10.05 billion. Last year’s FDI inflows were higher than the $8.28 billion recorded in 2016 as investors continued to view the Philippines as a favorable investment destination. ■
DICT to craft PH strategy for the digital... PAGE A6 t
Project, focused on the protection against cybercrime. For every possible threat, he offered current solutions and future considerations i response to the perceived risks. For instance, if the threat involves access point-based vulnerabilities, Pagal recommended regular patching of the firmware of devices and user authentication using the Philippine Public Key infrastructure, among others. For future considerations, he advised the use of pre-registered accounts for additional user ac-
countability and tracking, and mandatory integrated network layer and application layer firewall. Genalyn Macalinao, project lead of DICT’s Cybersecurity Policy, gave an overview of the country’s cybersecurity landscape and the implementation of the national cybersecurity plan. Key imperatives under the cybersecurity plan, she said, are separate initiatives for the protection of critical info-structure, government networks, businesses and supply chains, and individuals. Cybersecurity assess-
ment and compliance programs are directed to safeguard critical info-structure. Businesses will be assisted through a national common criteria evaluation and certification program while a cybersecurity education campaign program has been developed for individuals. Organized by the DICT, the first National Digital Consumer Conference drew inputs from the participants to a national policy and plan of action for a more responsive, more efficient, and smarter approach in digital consumer protection. ■
A10 AUGUST 17-23, 2018
• NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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SF The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 17, 2018
Friday, August 17, 2018
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cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 17, 2018
What ails us? The pursuit of understanding health issues among AAPIs them differently. Cancer, heart disease, and tion’s (CDC) National Center for stroke THE growing Asian AmeriHealth Statistics in 2016 came Cancer rates among Asian can and Pacific Islander (AAPI) out with a study that reported Americans and Pacific Islanders population in the U.S. is very as a whole are generally lower diverse — encompassing a large Asian Americans doing betcompared to that of non-Hisnumber of unique ethnic identi- ter in health than the general population, experts took it as panic whites, according to the ties with their own cultures, an opportunity to highlight U.S. Department of Health languages, and experiences. the differences between AAPI and Human Services Office of According to fact tank Pew subgroups. Minority Health (OMH). But as Research Center, a whopping For example, while 16 one of the leading causes of 20 million Asian Americans percent of Asian Americans redeath within the AAPI commutrace back to over 20 countries ported having suffered multiple nity, there are apparent disparithroughout East and Southeast chronic conditions, 24.1 percent ties in the types of cancers. Asia, and the Indian subconof U.S. total did. But when Compared to non-Hispanic tinent. The 19 largest origin AAPI subgroups were comwhites, AAPI men are 40 pergroups together account for pared with each other, Filipinos cent less likely to have prostate 94 percent of the total Asian reported suffering multiple cancer, but twice as likely to population in the U.S. have stomach cancer, accordYet despite the population’s chronic conditions at a much higher percentage than its Asian ing to OMH. Similarly, despite vast diversity, AAPIs often counterparts. being less likely to have breast get lumped together into one Filipino-Americans were cancer than white women, AAPI homogeneous group which can found to have reported sufwomen were also twice as likely be problematic as not all subfering from multiple chronic than white women to have groups have the same expericonditions such as hypertension, stomach cancer. ences. AAPIs also have the highest Pew Research Center found, stroke, diabetes, and coronary heart disease at rates higher occurrence of liver cancer of for example, that income than other AAPI subgroups. The any racial group in the U.S. The inequality in the U.S. to be the greatest among Asians, displac- Fil-Ams’ rate was about doubled National Cancer Institute found liver cancer to be prevalent in ing blacks as the most economi- that of the Chinese Americans. Just as it is in areas of Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Japacally divided ethnic group in the economic level and education, nese, and Vietnamese populanation. AAPIs cannot be lumped into tions with rates ranging from The same is true in the area one category when discussing 1.7 to 11.3 times higher than of health as not all AAPIs expeissues of health. But there are white Americans. Vietnamese rience health concerns in the health issues that have been men had the highest rates. exact same way. found to be of concern across Heart disease is also among When the U.S. Center for all subgroups, despite affecting the top concerns for the AAPI Disease Control and PrevenBY
RAE ANN VARONA / AJPRESS
community, affecting some groups more than others. While cancer was a leading cause of death among most AAPI female subgroups, heart disease was the leader among Asian Indian women, according to a study posted in the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Among men, Asian Indian men also saw heart disease as a leading cause of death. The same was found for Filipino and Japanese men. This, despite cancer showing as a leading cause of death for Asian males when looking at the group as a whole. The same study listed stroke as the third leading cause of death among almost every Asian subgroup. Earlier this year, the American Stroke Association found Asian Americans to be more likely than whites to experience a severe ischemic stroke, adding that the findings were a good first step in the direction of looking into subgroups. Other health issues While cancer, heart disease, and stroke usually claim the top three spots of health issues for AAPIs, many issues remain on the health radar for all subgroups. As the issues of mental health awareness gain traction
in the U.S., so too has the issue been increasingly discussed in the AAPI community which has often considered the issue a stigma. The National Latino and Asian American Study found that Asian Americans were three times less likely to seek out mental health services than white Americans. Reasons for stigma have often stemmed from pressure to succeed or live up to the “model minority” stereotype, family obligations based on cultural values or traditions, and the problem of mental health concerns as simply being considered taboo among others. These issues, in addition to challenges with accessing resources due to language barriers. The CDC found that in 2014, suicide was the ninth leading cause of death for aggregated Asian Americans, and the 10th for White Americans. Chronic hepatitis B has also been found to be experienced by many AAPIs. Despite being less five percent of the total U.S. population, AAPIs account for over 50 percent of nearly one million Americans living with chronic hepatitis B, according to the CDC. It adds that at least one-third of
Asian Americans living in the state may not know they have chronic hepatitis B. And while the U.S. population deals with large numbers of those with diabetes and prediabetes, AAPIs too are looking to curb the risk of diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, AAPIs are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, compared to white Americans. Unlike other racial or ethnic groups, AAPIs do not have to be overweight to be at risk for diabetes. Furthermore, weight gain poses a greater risk for diabetes among AAPIs compared to other ethnic groups. Importance of disaggregated data While the AAPI community has been gaining some recognition as a growing population, it still struggles at times to move past the “model minority” myth, which pits the population as a whole as achieving higher degrees of socioeconomic success and education than the average U.S. population. When it comes to health, more studies can be made and health experts and advocates hope that through these studies, more understanding of how AAPI subgroups are affected by certain diseases can be achieved.
Back-to-school basics: How to make healthy lunches for kids KIDS are heading back to school starting this week, and the task of packing their lunches falls on their parents again. As much as they want their children to eat healthier, the struggle of getting that balance — healthy but yummy, cheap and easy to prepare — seems to get harder. Of course, we would like to have our kids to eat organic, but that tab runs a little higher on the budget most of the time. With the morning rush, time also is a problem — the easy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can only work for so long. Here are few tips on how to make healthy lunches for your kids — without breaking your budget, or your back: • Plan ahead. Make a list of all the food you think your kids would eat — fruit, vegetables, snacks and everything else — then cross out what you think would work for a healthier lunch. This way, you don’t have to wonder if your kids are actually going to eat what you have prepared for them. • Make a budget and stick to it. We tend to overbuy stuff and pull out goods from the shelves when we’re grocery shopping only to realize months later that we didn’t
use what we bought. Shopping without a list is a sure way to bust your budget. It would also help if you do the buying alone — minus kids who will only try to trick you by dropping unhealthy snacks in the cart. Also, buying bulk will help you save a few bucks. • Plan for a taste test. If you want your kids to try a new fruit, snack or vegetable, then allot a day for them to taste what you are planning to prepare for their lunches. This way, you’d know what they like and will help them discover certain food that they actually like! • Make their lunches interesting. Put lunches in colorful, funny or interesting lunchboxes. Throw in a note or a little mystery game that they can look forward to when they open their lunch. You are not only feeding your
kids’ tummies, but also their minds! • Prep certain food in advance. If you’re thinking about sending soups or cooked food for lunch, cook them in advance and put them in the freezer. Put the date when you made it, just to make sure you know if they’re still good. Slice fruits and veggies two days before, and package them separately for easy pick up in the morning before they leave for school. There are many other ways of making sure your kids’ lunches will be something healthy and delicious. Communicating with your kids not only about their lunch but also their day in school is also important because it gives you an idea of what they actually do and need in terms of nutrition and support. (AJPress)
ANN VARONA AJPress
FILIPINO food has, without a doubt, been heating up in the U.S. with Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike enjoying the burgeoning scene on both coasts. But while dishes like chicken adobo, sisig, lechon, and karekare can make mouths water, vegetables and fruits that Filipinos have for long enjoyed also deserve some spotlight as many of them pack many impressive nutrients. Below is a list of just some of the many fruits and veggies common in Filipino cooking, along with their health benefits: Ampalaya Also called bitter melon, ampalaya has many beneficial nutrients and has been considered by many cultures to be highly medicinal. Many tout its wonders in helping curb diseases like diabetes. Usually eaten in the Philippines sauteed with egg, garlic, and tomatoes, the bitter vegetable is packed with vitamins C, A, E, B-1, B-2, B-3, and B-9. It also has a number of minerals
like potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. Malunggay Commonly sauteed, baked in pan de sal, or added to soups, malunggay (or moringa) is believed to have more vitamin C than oranges, more iron potassium than bananas, and more iron than spinach. Believed to help fight and prevent problems like diabetes and heart disease, the smallleafed vegetable has been gaining recognition in the U.S. and can be bought as capsules, powder, or as an ingredient in nutritional bars. Kamote Kamote (sweet potato) has long been a treat for Filipinos who enjoy it fried, boiled, baked on its own, or as an ingredient in pastries. In the U.S., sweet potatoes have too been hailed the healthier counterpart to the regular potato — replacing the latter in fries and chips among other potato dishes. Though sweet, kamote has a low glycemic index (when boiled), which means eating them won’t cause blood-sugar
Is it all in the mind? Time to talk about mental health
Unpacking the Filipino community’s rocky relationship with mental illness acceptance by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
HISTORICALLY, the study of mental illness has often been referred to as “abnormal psychology.” But according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 4 people suffer from a mental or neurological disorder in their lifetime, making mental illness far more common than what is suggested by its name. First and foremost, mental illness is exactly that: an illness. Rather than an ailment or injury to the physical body, it’s a broad range of conditions that can affect mood, thinking, productivity, relationships and behavior. But when it comes to mental health, many of us don’t treat it as an illness that needs professional medical care because of the stigmas still associated with mental disorders. According to data from the spikes. The manganese it U.S. Census Bureau and the Subcontains further helps regulate stance Abuse and Mental Health blood sugar levels by helping Services Administration, more the body metabolize carbohythan 2.2 million Asian Americans drates. and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) Kamote can also be great live with a diagnosable mental for the heart due to its B6 vitadisorder. mins, high potassium content, Although Asian Americans and magnesium which plays report fewer mental health cona key role in how the body cerns, according to the Centers responds to stress. for Disease Control and PrevenPechay tion (CDC), 18.9 percent of Asian Common to dishes across American high school students Asia, pechay (also known as report considering suicide comsnow cabbage, Chinese chard pared to 15.5 white students; or Chinese white cabbage) 10.8 percent of Asian American also provides a great amount high school students said they of vitamins. According to the attempted suicide compared to U.S. Department of Agriculture 6.2 whites. National Nutrient Database, Among Filipinos, like many just one cup of raw pechay has other cultures, mental health a 20.5 milligrams of vitamin C, dicey topic that is often ignored 60 grams of folate and 32.6 mior packed away for fear of crograms of vitamin K. In other indignity and embarrassment words, pechay is great for a within their circles. Even as many number of things including our Western cultures have rallied for immune system, our bones, more awareness of the gravity and even our cells. of mental health, the stigma surAlugbati rounding mental illness among Alugbati, or Malabar spinFilipinos persists. ach, shares similarities with the But just because it’s not being common spinach found in martalked about doesn’t mean it’s kets in that it’s very rich in iron not happening. which helps the body produce A 2014 report from the Asian Continued on Page SF3
Filling up with Filipino fruits and veggies by RAE
Mental illness is exactly that: an illness. Rather than an ailment or injury to the physical body, it’s a broad range of conditions that can affect mood, thinking, productivity, relationships and behavior. Inquirer.net photo
Infographic by Inquirer.net
American Journal of Psychology found that 13.6 percent of Filipinos are diagnosed with depression, and the CDC found that Filipina mothers are more likely to have “acute depression” and young Filipinas are “more likely” to have suicidal ideations. So knowing all these facts and figures, it’s safe to say that mental health is an extremely important topic to discuss, without judgment, among the FilipinoAmerican community. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder or familial and relationship struggles, mental and emotional challenges are treatable and individuals with mental illness are able to continue to function in their everyday lives. There are a wide variety of professional mental health services available, and therapy and counseling are often the first steps people take when trying to handle the mental and emotional challenges they face. Filipina-American Lea Mendoza is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in Orange County, and she says that the goal of therapy is to help carefully sort out her clients’ lives and to redirect ways of thinking that are narrowly-tailored for each client’s unique needs. “It’s like a car tune up. You need an oil change because the oil gets gunky, but with the
challenges of life, you forget about it,” Mendoza shared in a recent conversation with the Asian Journal. “It’s the same with healthy coping skills when life gets really tough, so you need a gentle reminder of those so you can go back to living your life comfortably.” Saving face within the community Within the Filipino community, the stigmatization of mental disorder correlates to fear of judgment from others. It’s not an open conversation Filipinos are wont to have with family and friends because, to admit that they or someone in their family is struggling mentally, would reflect badly on them, which often stops them from seeking professional help, according to Mendoza. “As Filipinos, we were taught and raised to keep a good face,” Mendoza shared. “Put on a good front and save face and no matter what, shut up and don’t tell anyone about any challenges going on because that’s a reflection of weakness.” She says, when it comes to Filipino parents with a child who is struggling, “it’s always about, ‘Oh, what are people going to think about me?’ but it’s never about, ‘Oh, my poor child, how can I help my child?’” Although the potential for shame as a barrier for seeking mental health services isn’t Continued on Page SF3
Federal judge orders the gov’t to accept new applications for DACA
unlawful. In their complaint, the states argue that “the executive unilaterally conferred lawful presence and work authorization on otherwise unlawfully present aliens, and then the executive used that lawfulATTY. ERIC R. WELSH presence ‘dispensation’ to AND SARA N. CROSS unilaterally confer United States ON Friday, August 3, 2018, citizenship.” As a grant of Judge John D. Bates of the DACA provides no direct path Federal District Court for the to U.S. citizenship or even LPR District of Columbia issued status, it remains to be seen an order, declaring that the how the DACA program has Deferred Action for Childhood accomplished what this lawsuit Arrivals program (DACA) must alleges. Ultimately, this lawsuit be restored. President Trump seeks to block the government attempted to terminate the from issuing or renewing DACA program back in September grants, so as to force the pro2017, but a broad-based coaligram to phase out completely tion of academic and corporate within two years. If successful, entities (including the NAACP, this lawsuit would strip over Microsoft, and Princeton 124,000 Texans of their ability University) filed a lawsuit, to work lawfully, go to school, challenging the rationale that or remain in the U.S. with their the administration had used families. Such an action would to justify the termination. The severely disrupt countless comDistrict Court ruled in favor munities and businesses, likely of the plaintiffs, ordering the causing significant harm to local U.S. government to continue and state economies. to process renewals and begin Currently, the DACA proaccepting first-time applications gram protects around 700,000 once again. Judge Bates had young people who would othreached the same decision back erwise be deportable. Presiin April, but he stayed his order dent Obama created DACA in for 90 days to give the govern- 2012 to provide some measure ment an opportunity to present of relief to “dreamers,” the him with any cogent reason to young people left unprotected end DACA. The government after Congress had failed for failed to persuade the Judge, almost two decades to pass who found the government’s the legendary “DREAM Act.” rationale to be “arbitrary and “Dreamers” are young people capricious.” If the government who grew up in America—atdoes not appeal, the ruling tending school, obeying the becomes final on August 23, rules, and behaving for all 2018. intents and purposes like any Friday’s ruling by Judge other American—but who canBates comes just as another not legalize their status because DACA lawsuit is gearing up for they were brought to the U.S. a decision, one which opposes illegally, often when they were the DACA program and which infants, unable to choose their was filed right after Judge lot in life. Once the DepartBates issued his original order ment of Homeland Security in April 2018. This lawsuit was (DHS) grants an application filed in the U.S. District Court for DACA, the recipient may for the Southern District of remain in the U.S. and work Texas, by seven states: Texas, lawfully for a period of two Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, years, and that permission can Nebraska, South Carolina, and be extended indefinitely by the West Virginia. The seven states DHS in two-year increments. lawsuit argues that all DACA The DACA recipient can obtain grants should be immediately a social security number, and, in rescinded because they are some states, a driver’s license,
Your Immigration Solution
and may qualify for in-state resident status for college tuition. If DACA begins accepting new applications on August 23, 2018, any eligible applicant may apply, both those seeking a renewal and those applying for the first time. To be eligible, an applicant must: (1) have come to the U.S. before reaching his or her 16th birthday; (2) have been physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012; (3) have continuously resided in the U.S. since January 1, 2010 up until the present; (4) have entered the U.S. without inspection or was out of status on June 15, 2012; (5) be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; and, (6) be currently enrolled in school or have previously obtained a graduation certificate, degree or GED. In addition to the general eligibility criteria, there are certain disqualifying factors that may affect eligibility, including the existence of a criminal record or a derogatory immigration history. The DHS recently issued policy guidance, directing the USCIS—the agency that decides applications like DACA—to refer an applicant to immigration court (deportation) if an application is denied and the applicant is out of status. For these reason, it is critically important for any person interested in applying for DACA or any other immigration benefit to consult with a knowledgeable immigration attorney before applying.
entertainment The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 17, 2018
No double for Erich Gonzales in action movie by RICKY
CALDERON
ManilaTimes.net
“LIVE life to the fullest and do what makes you happy,” said Kapamilya actress Erich Gonzales who outdid herself producing the badass action film “We Will Not Die Tonight.” Erich said she did spend quite a fortune for this film directed by Richard Somes and was recently shown at the New York Asian Film Festival. “I just want to show that even girls can do tough action scenes that boys do,” said Erich who prepared hard and long for “We Will Not Die Tonight.” Erich pushed herself to the limit, doing her own stunts and fight scenes without double.
Erich Gonzales goes all out action in ʻWe Will Not Die Tonight.ʼ
“I was amazed with the story that was presented to me by Direk Richard Somes so I agreed to produce it myself,” said the Kapamilya actress who looks forward to doing another action film of same magnitude. Given the opportunity, Erich also revealed that she is
interested to write an action script and direct an action film as well. “We Will Not Die Tonight” had a special preview at Gateway Cinema last week. The film is also one of the official entries to thy year’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.
Is it all in the mind? Time to...
From Page SF2 unique to Filipinos, it’s a pervasive reason that stops many Filipinos from seeking professional help for treatable mental illnesses. Relying solely on religion Another common reason why Filipinos don’t actively seek out mental health services is the fact that Filipinos are extremely religious. The “bahala na” mentality is pervasive among Filipinos who solely entrust their fates to prayer and God, but Mendoza says that you can’t rely on religion without faith and you can’t have prayer *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one without action.
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. *** 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)
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“If you’re just religious, especially in the Catholic faith, you’re just doing those rituals and up the ante when things aren’t going well, so for those people everything is about prayer, but I don’t think they really connect the dots between asking and doing,” Mendoza said. “Do something to make your life better. Do something to improve your health. You can pray to God asking Him for good health but you’re doing things that don’t improve your health. Mendoza acknowledges that faith, spirituality and prayer are important to many Filipinos, but
depending on those sources to fix all of life’s problems won’t always help and, at that point, it might be time to take action and seek professional help. “It’s like drinking acid and asking God for a miracle and then getting angry that your insides are burning,” she said. “If it’s important for you to pray, then yes, pray, but you can’t rely on that.” Parental influence on children’s behavior Like many LMFTs, Mendoza sees many children and adolescent clients who were brought in Continued on Page SF9
Filling up with Filipino fruits and...
From Page SF2 healthy red blood cells. It is also high in vitamin B9, or folate, which is beneficial for healthy brain function by helping retain emotional and mental health. Another vitamin alugbati is rich in is vitamin A which helps maintain a healthy immune system and eye health. Talong Eggplant, or talong, is
packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a very nutrient-dense crop. Just one cup of a raw eggplant at only 20 calories has three grams of fiber, and is a good source of manganese, folate, potassium, and vitamins C and K. Eggplants are also particularly rich in anthocyanins, a pigment that acts as an antioxidant, and is responsible
for its color. Guyabano Labeled as soursop in most U.S. groceries, guyabano is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with a good amount of vitamin C and fiber. It’s also low calorie while having a high content of antioxidants which protect cells against the effects of free radicals and work in lowering chronic disease risks.
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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 17, 2018
celebrity world
Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano to do separate projects after “Bagani”
By Ferdie Villar FANS of Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano will not be happy to hear that their idols will most likely go on their separate ways when the ABS-CBN prime time series “Bagani” ends. In the farewell press conference of “Bagani” last Saturday, August 11, the young actress shared that she stopped shooting “Darna” — where she’s the lead star — to concentrate on the final episodes of the series. “Narda scenes pa lang po yung nakunan sa akin,” she said. “Right now, they’re giving way to ‘Bagani’ kasi matatapos na po.” When asked that when she gets busy with “Darna,” will it mean that she and love team/ rumored boyfriend Enrique will go on their separate ways? The actress said that there’s a talk about a future movie, but noth-
ing is set on stone yet. While Liza is busy doing “Darna,” Enrique is also starting to prepare for his next project. Although he doesn’t want to go into details, the actor said it became the replacement when his role in “Darna” didn’t push through. “Well, dapat kasama talaga ako [sa ‘Darna’]. Nag-meeting kami, nag-storycon, pero... Dapat kasama talaga ako. Maganda yung character, interesting. Pero a couple of weeks after, they called me back, sabi nila huwag na ituloy,” he said. The actor added that he was offered another project, something more substantial. When asked if the project that was offered was “Captain Barbell,” Enrique said that he doesn’t know yet. It may seem that their love
Daly City Planning Commissioner Ray Benitez Satorre and his wife Rachel were among the distinguished guest who attended the recent 80th birthday party of San Jose Filipina community leader and fashionable lady Susan Pacifico at her residence.
team is taking the bench, but both agree that it’s only temporary. For them, they wouldn’t probably feel the separation. “Well matagal din naman kaming nagsama sa ‘Bagani.’ Magse-separate lang naman because of ‘Darna,’” Enrique said. Liza added that they also still have projects together, aside from their solo ones. *** Now that she’s an adult, Kapamilya actress Julia Barretto said she is open to do more intimate scenes with love team partner and rumored boyfriend Joshua Garcia in their new teleserye, “Ngayon at Kailanman.” According to the actress, they are in the right age to do matured scenes. “I’m very open, wow! No, but you know, honestly, because I think we’re also above 20, we’re 21, turning 22, I also feel like it’s also healthy to be able to explore and take a little bit of risk. ‘Cause in reality naman talaga, when you fall in love, there are no limitations when you fall in love,” Julia said during a recent press conference. “I’m sure the creatives are gonna do something about it. At saka I’m happy feeling ko, sa ‘Ngayon at Kailanman,’ mas nagiging mature na ‘yung roles namin and we are adults na, so I’m very much open. I’m excited for the scenes that will challenge both Josh and I,” Julia said. Joining Joshua and Julia in “Ngayon at Kailanman” are Rio Locsin, Iza Calzado, Christian Vasquez, Alice Dixson, Ina Raymundo, Dominic Ochoa, TJ Trinidad, Jameson Blake and Joao Constancia.
Liza Soberano, one of the most beautiful faces in Philippine entertainment today, has recently said that she will be concentrating on solo projects after “Bagani” ends.
Handsome actor Gardo Versoza has returned to acting in the newest teleserye of GMA Pinoy TV, “Onanay.”
Actor Enrique Gil shared that although he and love team partner/rumored girlfriend Liza Soberano will be doing separate projects after “Bagani,” it will only be temporary.
The one and only Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor plays the title role in the newest teleserye on GMA Pinoy TV, “Onanay.”
Joining the cast of ABS-CBNʼs newest teleserye, “Ngayon at Kailanman” is veteran actress Rio Locsin.
Actress Julia Barretto recently shared that she is ready to do more intimate scenes with love team partner/rumored boyfriend Joshua Garcia in their newest teleserye, “Ngayon at Kailanman.”
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA WHAT’S your game plan when you retire? The timing can be one of 3 ways: you yourself planned when it will happen; the government said it’s time you did; or circumstances beyond your control, like the onset of illness, finally put you out to pasture. Or are you one of those who have decided to keep on going and going simply doing what you do best beating the bushes, like the energizer bunny? There is tremendous life force in you that needs to be spent. You ignore your age and trust your instincts. You are powered by nothing but chutzpah and prayer, knowing deep down that you will simply wake up one day and decide this is as far as it goes. Enough is enough. Typically around your early sixties, retirement, as a stage of life, looms large staring at you in the face. If life is like driving on the freeway, it is supposedly a time when you begin to downshift your gears, getting off the fast lane as you move to the middle lane and gradually sidle to the farthest right lane to find your exit. You head home to the gentle comforts of home sweet home knowing you never have to get up so early starting tomorrow to do the same darn thing you’ve been doing for decades. Freedom at last!!! Breaking the shackles of the workaday world feels wonderful. There is now time to do the things that you have always wanted to do and maybe flesh out those dreams that have been percolating quietly in the back burner. Now you have the time, adequate resources and, most importantly, the blessing of all blessings, you are still in the pink of health. Thank God, hallelujah!!! You have run the course with time left over to savor being alive. You feel like doing cartwheels —that is—if your osteoporotic bones and stiff limbs will let you. Meh… Probably NOT! Ideally, you are ready for this stage of life. That is —if you
The Bucket List Grazing in the Grass 12th of a series - (1st of 2 parts)
“ … If life is like driving on the freeway, it is supposedly a time when you begin to downshift your gears, getting off the fast lane as you move to the middle lane and gradually sidle to the farthest right lane to find your exit.…” have dotted your i’s and cross your t’s— as you render a full plate of life experiences, good and bad, while trying to balance home life and work life for many years… Of course, you can always go into denial and think and act young but your contrarian body will probably beg to differ at times yanking you back to face the reality of having logged a lot of miles on your one and only body. Suddenly you have to deal with aches and pains in places you never thought existed. It doesn’t help that your doctor reads gobbledygook sets of numbers about your blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, creatinin levels, blood pressure readings, A1C number, kidney and liver health and so forth. Your medical provider wants to submit you to mammogram and colonoscopy and all types of tests to find out if you are still of sound mind and sound body, purportedly so you can enjoy the rest of your remaining years. It’s something borrowed from the automotive industry: 100 K check, 200 K check to see if all your parts are still in working order and which parts need replacement. Okay, admittedly, these are not gobbledygook numbers but they indicate that this time around, you have no excuse to ignore the warning signs of your mortality. All it says is: SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT. OR ELSE you can go to the wide blue yonder flat on your back sooner rather than later. SIGH… But there is a serious reason why you hem and haw to put off all these gamut of tests. What if they find something? Oy vey! You’ve run the full course of life only to deal with another daunting challenge. Also, you ascribe to the belief that what you don’t know won’t hurt you. Or so it seems. I have heard of sad stories
of people, who after just a few years of retirement, are diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 cancer or some form of serious illness and are left to deal with a very short lease on what is left of life. Of course, these stories are purely anecdotal and isolated but they do happen. You feel older and if you culled out the nuggets of wisdom from yours and other’s experiences, you’ve become even a little wiser perhaps. You have listened half-heartedly to those financial planners and even those persistent advance funeral planners who have been bugging you about the benefits of being prepared for the inevitable. You have taken pains to sock away a smidgen of moolah for a long time in your 401K or saved a few bucks by yourself and by your estimates (and provided you are sensible with a tight fixed income), you will remain fiscally viable, without having to rely on a government dole-out, even if the unthinkable happens. You plan to exit this world with your dignity intact. You hope that a smattering of beautiful memories, yours as well as of those you leave behind, are indelibly marked in a few hearts and minds for a generation or two — strong enough to move them to bring you flowers on your gravesite long after you’re gone. If your life were to be compressed to a 60-second video, you hope that the awful parts were edited out and landed on the cutting room floor permanently deleted. The saddest thing about a life is to be forgotten as though you never lived. Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List… *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 17, 2018
Immigration Corner
September 2018 priority dates The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
February 15, 2008
November 15, 2006
December 1, 2017
July 22, 2016
(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder
December 15, 2007
April 22, 2007
Third Preference
Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.
August 1, 1995
June 1, 1995
Fourth Preference
Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.
December 1, 1995
June 1, 1995
LABOR CERTIFICATION:
Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
Second Preference Advanced Degree (Masters)
Current
January 1, 2013
FAMILY CATEGORY:
Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for DREAMS OF A FAIRYTALE WEDDING ENDED UP IN A NIGHTMARE OF BATTERY AND ABUSE. Anne entered the U.S. on a fiancé (K-1) visa, hoping to build a a visa, meaning immigrant beautiful, love-filled life with her U.S. citizen petitioner. But the marriage turned into a nightmare, when the husband became verbally and physically abuvisas (or green cards) would sive. Battered and abused, Anne reached out to leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch as Anne was able to escape the chains of abuse, be available for persons whose through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition that the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel filed and was able to get a green card for Anne…on priority date is earlier than the an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement) cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued and unstable, that jarring or with electrocautery.” Practi(or before you adjusted status cally he same medical facts and shaking the baby often lead to in the U.S.), you would have to fatal neck injury due to severe limitations apply to vasectomy PhiliP S. chuA, wait until it becomes current MD, fAcS, fPcS hyperextension of the neck and reversal, which can be done by again. In fact, for September severing the cervical spinal cord a urologist to enable vasecto2018, some categories retroat the base of the brain. When mized men to be fertile again. CAN tubal ligation be gressed, in the visa issuance holding an infant or a child, the Of course, pregnancy can be reversed? dates for employment based achieved without the use of the head and neck should always Ligation of the fallopian categories. be supported as “one piece” fallopian tubes, but using IVF tubes, performed for birth Beginning last October with the hand holding the back (InVitro – “test tube”- Fertilizacontrol, can be reversed to 2015, the format of the Visa of the head, the neck and the tion). allow pregnancy to take place, Bulletin changed, in that a new upper back, acting as a “brace” Can appendicitis recur? depending on how long a column was added, called the that prevents the heavy head No, once the appendix is segment of the tubes were “Application Filing Date.” If a from falling back. removed properly, appendicitis cut in the original operation. person’s priority date is earlier What to do when a child (inflammation of the appendix) If the segments removed are than the Application Filing chokes? will not recur, because there is too long to precluded reDate, they can already file for When a child, or even an no more appendiceal tissue left anastomosis (re-connection or adjustment of status and work adult, chokes, there is only bridging), then it can’t be done. to get inflamed. Sometimes, authorization (provided they about 4 minutes to act to save though, the patient may feel The factors that will affect the are otherwise eligible and right lower quadrant abdominal the victim. Sudden gasping for success rate of pregnancy, USCIS indicates on its website air and extreme anxiety during discomfort similar to appendifollowing “reversal,” are: how it will use the Application Fila meal or while the child has citis pain days, or months, after old and healthy the patient is, ing Date for that month). This appendectomy, but these pains an object in the mouth are the the pregnancy history of the could allow people to obtain telltale sign that should alert could be due to post-operapatient, whether the tubes work authorization much us to the possibility of fortive adhesions or other causes were initially cut by a knife or sooner than before, where brought on by other conditions. eign body as the cause of the electrocoagulation (the latter they had to wait for the priority The prudent thing to do if pains problem. If the foreign body burns and injures the cut ends recur is to visit the surgeon who in the throat is accessible, it of the tubes and lessens the should be removed instantly. If performed the procedure. pressure against the abdomen success rate), the experience the foreign body is not obviWhy is it dangerous to towards you, like giving the and skill of the gynecologist in ous, Heimlich Maneuver should victim a forceful bear hug. The shake babies? microsurgery, etc. The highbe done immediately, without Shaking or jarring infants idea is to press the stomach est success rate (65 percent), wasting time trying to decipher and let the air in the stomach and babies could lead to according to Chief Ob-Gynewhat the problem is. This is push the foreign body upward cologist Anthony Gentile, M.D., broken bones and disruption accomplished by going behind and outward of the breathing of the spinal cord in that area, Ph.D., of Munster, Indiana, “is the victim, putting your arm leading to sudden death. The pipe where the foreign body with reversal of tubes ligated around his upper abdominal is lodged. In the case of a with the thin Hukla clip, and the neck of infants and babies area and applying repeated is quite limp, literally weak, baby or small infant, put them lowest (less than 40 percent)
Health@Heart
Queries from readers
First Preference
Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)
(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder
Third Preference
Professional/ Skilled Workers
July 1, 2017
November 1,2016
Other Workers
Non-Skilled Workers
July 1, 2017
November 1,2016
date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. *** 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
on their tummy, with the face turned to one side, and put your hand underneath their upper abdomen and press against the stomach repeatedly until the foreign body jumps out of their throat. Another person, if available, should call for emergency medical help. If you are alone, do the Heimlich right
away, as you shout at the top of your lungs for help. Can I take my friend’s blood pressure pill? No, absolutely not, unless your physician, after interviewing and examining you, recommends the same pill to control your high blood pressure. It is Continued on Page SF9
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Ogie Alcasid wants to write his own musical features Keys to opening a profitable care home business
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by Bot
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 17, 2018
Senior Care Business Talk Ami Low GAn ONE of the growing businesses in the 21st century is the care home facility with six or fewer residents. Whether one ventures into elderly, developmentally disabled or children care facilities, these six steps can help you start your successful care home business. Step one: You must keenly understand your preferred clientele. The first key to success is liking your business. And as a care home operator, this involves choosing the right type of facility to operate and the relationship you’ll develop with your clientele. One common mistake is when people solely prioritize profit to be the key motivation for their business. The key to success is loving your trade, as success in the long run is not all monetary. Step two: After deciphering the type of care home to pursue, the next question is where to open the facility. Proximity to your home is a key factor. The closer to home, the better it is for you. Second is making sure that the area is not over saturated with competition. And lastly, research the financial capability of your chosen market. Certain cities have clients who can afford to pay higher rates than other areas. Step three: Finding your care home is the next step. You can purchase an existing care home with clients, or you can simply start your own. Of course, purchasing an existing care home is more costly and may
require at least 2 years for the return of your investment. However, the advantages may outweigh the cost, as a proven structure can be your stepping stone to success. In addition, the existing clientele enables your monthly mortgage to be self-liquidating. The second option is to convert a regular home to a care facility which many may consider more cost effective. Nonetheless, whatever option you pursue, you need to consider the proximity to hospitals, churches, shopping complexes and other amenities. Step four: Submit your license application. The application process is time sensitive. The faster you get your license, the sooner you can operate. As on operator, one of your steepest cost is the monthly mortgage while waiting for your license. There are numerous reasons for a delayed application approval. An incomplete application with insufficient information is often the culprit. It is the reason why other entrepreneurs acquire services of consultants to ensure proper documentation for licensing. A care home consultant can assist you with improvements in your home and handle the entire application process until you acquire your State license. Step five: To ensure success, one should diligently do their marketing. Often, operators don’t spend adequate time to properly market their care home. You can always find cost-effective ways to promote your business. In fact, I advise my clients not to spend much in print advertisement, but to spend more time in networking instead. Some simple yet effective ways include talking to social workers, discharge planners in hospitals, volunteering in senior centers,
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and meeting with placement agencies. Step six: Lastly, keep a clean well maintained client-oriented facility. It is important to invest in qualified employees and ensure ample training to sustain a high quality of service in the facility. This industry is highly a word of mouth business. And the care you provide your clients is key in determining your success in getting referrals. Placement agencies and social workers often base their recommendations on past records, and relatives of potential clients often base it on referrals. So, if you’re seriously considering opening a care home, keep these six simple steps in mind to fast track your success in this industry. (For further questions regarding care homes in California, you may call \707-853-6691. Ami Low is an RCFE Consultant & Realtor with Core Vision Realty. She specializes in Care Home Properties. She took Marketing Management in De La Salle University (Philippines) and completed her Executive MBA at University California Los Angeles (UCLA). *** Ami Low is a senior care home consultant for Gan Consulting and assists with State licensing applications. She is also a Senior Care Home Realtor specializing in the buying and selling of senior care home facilities. She took Marketing Management in De La Salle University and executive MBA in University of California Los Angeles. For more information, you may reach her at (707) 853-6691 and (925) 964-7700 or ami@ amiglow.com.
*** The information provided in this column are opinions and data information were taken from the US Census, CCLD website and Freedonia Group. Readers are advised to do their own research on the accuracy of data provided. Further, the information provided does not constitute a clientconsultant relationship.
IN his 30 years in show biz, Ogie Alcasid has written many hits and held sold-out concerts. He has starred in movies and built a formidable television career as a comedian. But there’s still an item on his bucket list that he has yet to fulfill—writing his own musical. Finally, this year, Ogie has begun working toward achieving that long-standing dream. At a recent press conference for his coming 30th anniversary concert, “OA,” he revealed that he’s currently in the process of writing a musical that would feature his enduring love songs, as well as some new material. “It has always been a plan of mine. And a lot of people had been actually approaching me with ideas and possible stories, but none of them came to fruition… I can’t tell you much yet, but we have been brainstorming and writing,” Ogie told the Inquirer. Challenge The creative process is proving to be quite a challenge, he admitted, but is nonetheless “very exciting.” “It’s hard to create the story and characters if we’re just basing them on the songs. So, we had to come up with a story first and then look for songs in my catalog that would be suitable. I also have to produce new music,” the singersongwriter related.
Ogie Alcasid
Inquirer.net photo
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Kevin Kwan plans to cast more Filipinos in international projects by MJ
Marfori
ManilaTImes.net
LOS ANGELES —It certainly looks like his bestselling novel “Crazy Rich Asians” opened so many doors for Kevin Kwan as he told In the Know he is now in the works with Amazon to create a series on more rich people from our continent. This exclusive interview took place on a fabulous turquoise carpet especially laid out for the premiere of novel’s movie adaptation in Hollywood last week. Kevin said, “This has been my new quest. To put us (Asians) in the spotlight!” More good news came our way when he went on to rave about the Filipino talent and his plans to cast more of them. “Oh I’d love to cast more Filipinos! They are so talented and amazing that I want to show them to the rest of the world. I
really want to do that and I hope it happens.” Apparently, his new series for Amazon will revolve around Hong Kong society this time, sill with the aim to bridge the cultural gap between the east and the west via this jet-setting original. Moreover, with Crazy Rich Asians’ initial success landing a whopping 100-percent review in Rotten Tomatoes, and a 90-plus audience score, Kevin’s follow up books, “China Rich Girlfriend” and “Rich People Problem” are likely to get the greenlight for Hollywood movie version. It’s in these almost-inthe-bag projects that he hopes to cast more Filipinos. So get ready for a Pinoy invasion, Tinsletown! Asked when he’ll be announcing these exciting projects, Kevin said he’d be doing so “in about two weeks’
The author Kris Aquino at the ‘Crazy Rich Asian’ gala premiere last week. ManilaTimes.net photo
time,” and with our very own super sophisticate Heart Evangelista, whom he hung out in Paris a couple of months ago. Does it mean that after Kris Aquino’s cameo in Crazy Rich Asians, Heart’s landing a Hollywood role too? We’ll find out soon!
IMD’s International channels now available to Xfinity TV customers coast-to-coast
features
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 17, 2018
California divorce with a twist: The military spouse
IMD’s national line-Up on Xfinity TV Now spans 22 channels in more than 12 languages including South Asian, Mandarin Chinese, Filipino, Russian, Japanese, Vietnamese, The CTV Arabic, German, French, Greek, and Italian Files
LOS ANGELES – International Media Distribution (IMD), a leading provider of inlanguage television programming in the U.S., has partnered with Comcast to expand its international channel line-up to Comcast Xfinity TV customers across the country via the X1 platform and the Xfinity Stream TV app and portal on mobile devices, computers, and Roku devices in the home. IMD’s new international line-up with Xfinity TV spans twentytwo channels and features top quality entertainment and news in more than twelve languages. “We are delighted that Comcast recognizes the demand for international programming and continues their commitment to their multicultural communities,” said Michael Scott, Vice President, Affiliate Sales and Marketing at International Media Distribution. “We applaud Comcast on expanding the IMD offering to all Xfinity X1 customers and providing more people access to exceptional programming from around the world.” “Xfinity X1 is now the go-to platform for the best international programming and viewing experience,” said Rebecca Simpson, Executive Director, International Strategy for Comcast Cable. “With the demand for multicultural content increasing, we are thrilled to complement our existing array of international programming by adding more channels all thoughtfully curated into an easy way to navigate, discover and enjoy.” Xfinity TV customers with an X1 voice remote can use their voice to access IMD’s channels by name by saying for example “TFC” or by navigat-
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ing to the International destination on Xfinity on Demand. IMD’s channel listing on X1 includes: Xfinity TV customers can find more information about and subscribe to IMD’s channels and packages by visiting the International destination on X1, going to https://www. xfinity.com/international, or by contacting the Comcast Call Center (1-855-755-2212).
IMD IMD is a leading distributor of multicultural content representing over 50 linear and on demand networks from Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Working with linear and non-linear platforms, IMD brings popular programming from the leading international brands to multicultural consumers around the world.
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SAN DIEGO is “military town” and Navy and Marine Corps families abound, as well as retirees from different branches of our military. The military life is a test of resilience and grit for many families with divorce as almost an expectation rather than the exception. The following seeks to address or clarify some common misconceptions about military divorce. We urge individuals considering divorce to seek a licensed, competent, and experienced attorney to help guide them through the maze. “I found out my wife had an affair while on deployment. I want to file for Divorce but she does not want to. But it’s all her fault.” California is a no-fault divorce state. A party filing for divorce does not need the consent of the other in order to file a Petition for Dissolution (Divorce) or, in some instances, to get a judgment of divorce. Note that the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) gives military members a wide range of legal protections not available to the general public, such as postponing court proceedings. This includes divorce and child support. In general, the SCRA covers all active duty servicemembers, reservists and the members of the National Guard while on active duty. “What? I have to share my retirement earnings? This is mine!!” Generally, all of your assets
prior the marriage is just your own separate property. However, California is a community property state and so once you get married, all property acquired during marriage is community property. And if anything out of the community property is used towards separate property, the community might turn out to have a claim on part(s) of separate property. Separate property are “all property acquired before marriage; all gifts, bequests, devise, or descents. All property acquired or exchanged with traceable separate property; and all property acquired after separation.” For military retirement purposes, the portion of retirement earned during marriage before separation is considered community property. A spouse is eligible to receive a portion of the military spouse’s retirement no matter how long they were married so long as the military spouse was earning retirement benefits while they were married. The Court may divide “disposable” retired pay, which is the “gross” monthly retired pay minus certain deductions. “S/he is the one who left our family. I shouldn’t have to pay support.” Issues of marital infidelity and family support can be handled directly within the military, with each military branch having their own guidelines. In California however, since this is a no-fault divorce state. There is no assignment of blame or fault; fault does not factor in the equation in the issue of support. Some of the factors that the Court will look at to determine whether there is basis for support, and if so, in what amount, are – length of marriage, age of parties, if there are minor children in the marriage, income of both parties.
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“I’m smart enough to handle my own divorce. Why do I need an attorney?” You don’t need an attorney. There is no requirement that you must have an attorney. However, in cases involving issues such as military divorce, domestic violence, custody disputes, child support, spousal support, and division of community property assets it would be wise to seek advice from a licensed and experienced attorney so as not to waste your time and money, not to mention the court’s time and resources, especially when you have to keep going back to court because of incomplete or missing documents that could have been addressed from the very beginning by a competent and knowledgeable attorney. Not all divorce cases are the same. It is important to be properly informed about your rights and responsibilities under California law in divorce proceedings. The wrong advice or information can and will hurt you, and waste your time and money. Consult a licensed and experienced family law attorney to help you navigate through your divorce. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ ctvattys.com; www.chuatinsayvega. com.
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 17, 2018
State Farm launches new Asian creative across multiple channels
NEW YORK, NY - This summer, State Farm is releasing two new spots targeted at the growing U.S Asian market. Smart Living and Intuition, tell humorous stories that are built on cultural insights around Asian Americans’ tech savviness and family dynamics, featuring real State Farm agents as cast members. Along with broadcast, the creative is running in English and in-language across Asian print and digital platforms with the intent of generating positive associations that reach a wide demographic of Asian Americans. Smart Living, features a spooky twist that raises the question, “Can a Smart Home be too smart?” Smart living is also a way of life for most Asian Americans, who are among the first to embrace and adopt
new technology. In the spot, a voice-controlled device, SAL, is a menace to an Asian American couple as he masterminds a series of comedic accidents. But with State Farm agent Amy on their side, the couple knows that State Farm is here to help life go right. Intuition takes the familiar story of parents-know-best and gives it a humorous Asian Indian cultural perspective. When parents come visiting, their advice doesn’t always get the most enthusiastic response. In the spot, the parents’ advice leads to comedic results and even unwanted accidents, but State Farm agent Anu has their back when things go wrong and is there to help life go right. The spot will be released on September 3rd. “We are always looking for ways to build meaningful
relationships with multicultural consumers through cultural insights,” said Ed Gold, Advertising Director, State Farm. “This creative work strikes a balance of providing information while recognizing and respecting cultural nuances.” José Suaste, Executive Creative Director at fluent360, State Farm’s multicultural marketing agency in partnership with Admerasia, added, “We really wanted humor to drive these stories through a way in which our audiences could completely see themselves.” “A fundamental part of the creative process was getting the team to write simplified scripts that allowed the talent some improvisational freedom. I’m really pleased with the final edit, but even the outtakes are hilarious,” said Jeff Lin, Cofounder, Admerasia.
Ogie Alcasid wants to write his... From Page SF6 He described the concept of the musical as “contemporary” with a dose of kilig. “We have been studying how musicals are done and found out that most of them takes at least three years to create and polish. While I want to finish the project next year, I’m not rushing things,” said Ogie, whose latest movie, “Kuya Wes,” is an entry in this year’s Cinemalaya film festival. Luck Looking back at his career, Ogie said he still can’t believe he was able to achieve as much as he did. “It was clear to me from the beginning that I wanted to be an entertainer. I simply wanted to write songs and sing them in concerts… But I didn’t imagine I would be where I am right now,” said the 50-year-old music artist, who admitted that his longevity isn’t a product of talent alone. There’s also a good amount of luck involved.
“I have managed to stay in the industry, not because I forced it, but because of God’s blessing—He put me in the right place at the right time,” he surmised. “And I never stopped learning and trying out new things. I’m still a student to this day.” While he’s primarily a musician, he also attributed a huge chunk of his success to his television work. Combination of things “It was a combination of a lot of things, really. I was lucky enough to be part of different television projects, which helped me become a household name. Television carried me through the years,” pointed out Ogie, who considers “Kailangan Kita” his best composition and Angelina—the whiny girl he played in a former “Bubble Gang” segment—his best comedy work. “‘Kailangan Kita’ was probably my best song… It also became the theme of a big film starring Aga Muhlach and
Claudine Barretto,” Ogie said. “And Angelina, well, the fact that a grown man is doing something like that is crazy.” Set to take place on Aug. 24 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, “OA” will be directed by Paolo Valenciano and feature the ABSCBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of musical director Gerard Salonga. “For the opening, we will have a fiesta atmosphere with about 80 to 100 performers onstage. I want to celebrate everything Filipino,” he said. “I want that kind of flavor.” Aside from his guests Rey Valera, Michael V., Vice Ganda, Janno Gibbs, Yeng Constantino and Moira dela Torre, Ogie will be joined onstage by his children Leila, Sarah and Nate, as well as his wife Regine Velasquez. “I will perform ‘When I See You Smile’—a song composed for Leila when she was a baby—with my girls,” he said.
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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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Performance Artists Talk with Daito Manabe and Mikiko in Los Angeles Top Japanese DJ, designer, producer, creative genius Daito Manabe of Rhizomatiks + top choreographer and founder of Elevenplay, Mikiko Mizuno will be speaking. Mikiko was featured in 2016 America’s Got Talent. It will take place on Thursday, August 23 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles (6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028) at 5F Salon space (located at Hollywood & Highland). For more information, please contact (800) 516-0565 or visit https://www.japanhouse.jp. Admission is free.
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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.
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Grand Opening of JAPAN HOUSE in Los Angeles The public is invited on Saturday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Aug. 26 to participate in tea ceremonies and ikebana floral arrangements, and see the Prototyping in Tokyo exhibition. Kids can take pictures and interact with Pepper, an adorable Japanese humanoid robot providing helpful information about JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles – roaming between the 2nd floor gallery and shop.He is capable of recognizing the principal human emotions and adapting his behavior to the mood of his interlocutor. He’ll make for the cutest robot selfie you’ve ever posted! Times are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Address is JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (located at Hollywood & Highland). For more information, please contact (800) 516-0565 or visit https://www. japanhouse.jp. Prototyping in Tokyo Exhibition: a Visual Story of Design Led Innovation at Japan House Los Angeles runs from Aug. 17th - October 10, 2018. Admission is free.
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Philippine Cultural Event at Presidio Picnic in San Francisco, CA Philippine and Filipino-American culture takes centerstage at the Presidio Picnic on August 26, 2018 as Filipino dance company Parangal performs regional dances, and Filipino American community leaders and organizations like the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, Filipino Food Movement, Mabuhay Folkloric Society, Filipino Cultural Center, PAWA/ Hinabi, and FACINE are featured in the Picnic’s Community Hub. Food trucks serving Filipino signature dishes including Señor Sisig, Jeepney Guy and Hookt Mini Donuts will be among the more than 40 Off The Grid vendors selling their cuisine at the Presidio Picnic, which attracts thousands of attendees. This event is part of the Presidio Picnic’s Cultural Dance Series, which celebrates a different culture every month by showcasing ethnic dance and highlighting international cuisine. The Parangal Dance Company performances will take place at 12noon and 2pm. There will also be a live Zumba session led by Gigi Hill-Hopkins. The Presidio Picnic (hours: 11am to 4pm) takes place at the Main Parade Ground in Sheridan Avenue inside the Presidio in San Francisco (for GPS purposes: Presidio Visitor Center: 210 Lincoln Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94129); Entrance is free. For more information, call (415) 561-4323.
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
Receive 10 free trees by joining the Arbor Day Foundation in August NEBRASA CITY, NEB. — Spruce up your landscape by joining the Arbor Day Foundation in August. Everyone who joins the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation with a $10 donation will receive 10 free Colorado blue spruce trees or 10 white flowering dogwood trees through the Foundation’s Trees for America campaign. The trees will be shipped postpaid between October 15 and December 10, depending on the right time for planting in each member’s area. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. “Colorado blue spruce trees truly provide year-round beauty
for any landscape,� said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Dogwood trees will add color and beauty to your yard throughout the year, with their showy spring flowers, scarlet autumn foliage, and red berries that attract songbirds in the winter.� New members of the Arbor Day Foundation will also receive The Tree Book, which includes information about tree planting and care, and a subscription to Arbor Day, the Foundation’s bimonthly publication. To receive the free Colorado blue spruce trees, send a $10 membership contribution to: Ten Free Blue Spruces OR Ten Free Dogwood, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave.,
crease the appetite, more than what is normal for the person. As a matter of fact, regular exercise reduces appetite to a healthy level. This is a proven finding among those trying to lose weight, where exercise plays a vital role in the success of the regimen and the long term maintenance of healthier weight. Not exercising could lead to weight gain. Why are my toes are burning with severe itchiness? Obviously you have what we call Tinea Pedis (Athletes’ Foot) which is a form of fungus infection of the plantar aspect (bottom) of the feet and the toes. One of the latest medications very effective for this condition, which could drive people crazy with severe itchiness of the feet and toes, is terbinafine Hydrochoride cream or tablets. Consult with your physician to help end your misery. Can one get fungus infection from mani- or pedicure? Yes, most definitely, and especially in the toes. The Tinea Pedis we talked about earlier can affect the fingernails, when a nail cutter and other instrument to remove cuticle are contaminated by the fungus in the toes or toenails of people
SF
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 17, 2018
San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury spotlights ‘The Big Lift’ Early learning initiative designed to bridge the County’s achievement gap
Nebraska City, NE 68410, by August 31, 2018, or join online at arborday.org/august.
Queries from readers...
From Page SF5 not only illegal for your friend to “prescribe and dispense� medications if he was not a licensed physician but also very dangerous for you. There are many types of high blood pressure pills. What is good for him may not be good or tolerated by you. Your friend’s good intention may backfire and do disservice to you by causing serious complications from taking the pills he gives you or advises you to take without consulting with your physician. This caveat goes true with any and all medications, even as “simple� as aspirin. Are heartburns a form of heart attack? No, heartburn is a misnomer, misleading and confusing. It has nothing to do with the heart, so it is not a form of heart attack. Heartburns have been loosely used, even in medical circles, to denote stomach hyperacidity, gastric upset, or indigestion, especially following intake of spicy foods or drinking alcoholic beverages. Does exercise increase appetite? Contrary to popular belief or what we call “common sense,� exercise does not in-
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with the infection. It is the responsibility of the beauty shops to prevent infection and the spread of infection among their customers. Washing the “instruments� and soaking them in recommended medical antiseptic solutions, or even in diluted form of chlorine use for laundry, can minimize, if not prevent contamination. Chlorine solution, for one, also kills the AIDS virus on contact. When beauty shops do not follow these safe and hygienic procedures, it behooves any of us customers to report them to the bureau of health or other appropriate governmental agency to protect the public. We must always be on our toes! *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indianwa and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; comments questions: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – San Mateo County is among the top three counties in California in overall physical health, education, and prosperity. Yet in 2015 only 50 percent of the county’s third graders met state achievement levels necessary for academic competence in English-language arts, according to a Civil Grand Jury report, Spotlight: Early Learning Gets A Big Lift. Moreover, for English learners, racial minorities, and economically disadvantaged children, that percentage decreases dramatically. In order to address this achievement gap, the Peninsula Partnership Leadership Council, comprised of the San Mateo County Office of Education, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation developed the Big
Lift initiative. As a five-year pilot program, the goal of the Big Lift is to raise the percentage of participating students reading at grade level to 80 percent by the time they complete the third grade. Seven county school districts are currently part of the Big Lift. Interim assessments show that Big Lift preschoolers were significantly more likely to score in the kindergartenready range than demographically similar children who did not attend preschool. Grade K-2 students who attended Big Lift summer learning programs also showed a net gain of up to 3.5 months in prereading and reading skills. In 2020, participating students will take standardized third grade scholastic tests. The effectiveness of the Big Lift program will be measured using those scores and other
developmental criteria. However, Big Lift funding is only secured through the summer of 2018 and another $11.4 million must be raised to fund the pilot program thorough completion in 2020. “The Civil Grand Jury spotlighted the Big Lift initiative because interim assessments show that it is helping to bridge the academic achievement gap in San Mateo County,� said Richard Edminster, Grand Jury Foreperson. “However, two more years of funding must be raised to complete the program so that its effectiveness can be fully measured,� he said. The full report is available on San Mateo County Court/ Grand Jury website at: http://www.sanmateocourt.org/documents/grand_ jury/2017/big_lift.pdf.
Is it all in the mind? Time to...
“A person usually has a baseline for their functioning. by their parents who think there Sometimes they dip in their is something wrong with their functioning --- and everyone child, which she a says “is a signal gets sad or nervous or anxious to all therapists that the children here and there --- but if it’s so aren’t always the problem.� significant that the symptoms are “It’s the environment. What causing problems or difficulty at are they taught? What kind of school, work or with friends, then behaviors do they see? If a parent that’s when they might consider screams and yells, why do they professional help,� she said. expect their children not to do It’s not easy to change the same?� Mendoza says. societal attitudes about mental But when is the right time health overnight, but recognizto seek professional services? ing that things like depression, Mendoza says that parents anxiety and trauma are illnesses should keep an eye on their rather than flaws in character is children’s behavior, and when the first step to acceptance. things seem to be going awry, Mental health, just like then they should have a gentle, physical health, are the main judgment-free conversation with pillars of overall wellness, and it’s their children, who may have fear something Filipinos should take of reproach if they open up to seriously, especially if it applies to your children, Mendoza said. (Advertising Supplement) their parents. From Page SF3
“If we’re so averse to the phrase mental health, why don’t we just change that to ‘total wellbeing?’� she suggested. “If your child is not thriving, it doesn’t matter what the issue is, doesn’t your heart go out to that child instead of saying, ‘tough it up and move on.’? Being tough isn’t necessarily helpful in every single scenario. There are children who bounce out of challenges right away, but there are those who need more help.� She added: “So look at your child without comparing them to others, and if you see they are having problems, have a conversation with them, and if you can’t figure it out, don’t put judgment on them. Ask for help because there are so many resources available now. There’s no shame in asking for help.�
Pilgrimage to Some of ITALY’s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5(9 -2(/ %8*$6 ĹĄ 1RYHPEHU WR 1RYHPEHU 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; 86$ 520( 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH Upon our arrival in Rome, our Tour Escort will welcome us to Italy. Rome is the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all over the world. After a short panoramic orientation of this Eternal City to us Roman Catholics, we will have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 3DSDO $XGLHQFH 5RPH This morning before we continue with our tour, we will have a Papal Audience. Then after, we will visit the famous Coliseum and see the Forum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi Fountain, before heading to our Hotel. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D)
'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH %DVLOLFDV We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, and even ancient Greek and Roman artists. the largest church in Roman Catholicism, St. Peter’s Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary Major, Followed by visit of the Basilica. We continue to visit the rest of the major Basilicas within the walls of Rome, and St. John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same steps that Christ ascended to receive Pilate’s unjust condemnation. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY )UL Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of the stigmatization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year. San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina from 28 July, 1916 until his death on 23 September, 1968. Enjoy the drive going to San Giovanni, after we check in our Hotel. vWe visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated with him, such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace that contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditating, see his room, his confessional box and the cruciďŹ x that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Celebrate Holy Eucharist (Hotel Gran Paradiso) DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN San Giovanni Rotondo (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6DW Ĺ&#x; 6$1 *,29$11, 52721'2 This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body. Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesome Basilica. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO (Hotel Gran Paradiso)
'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6XQ Ĺ&#x; 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR /DQFLDQR /RUHWR MASS AND BREAKFAST. We arrive at Lanciano, famous for the Miracle of the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The miracle took place during the 8th century when a Basiline monk doubted the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. He found himself holding the host that had changed into Real Flesh and the Wine on the altar had changed into Real Blood. We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to see the famous sacred home of the most Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Since 1294 the holy home has been located inside the Basilica of Loreto. Celebrate Holy Eucharist in Lanciano. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi. 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; /RUHWR $VVLVL Today we explore the hilltop birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. In the Crypt of St Francis Basilica lies the tomb of one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Eucharist at the Crypt of St. Francis See the Basilica of St Clare, with her incorrupt body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its CruciďŹ x from which Jesus spoke to Francis about his mission in 1206: “Go, Francis, and rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.â€? We visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi took place in 1240. The small Church of the Porziuncola is inside the Basilica itself. Pope Honorius III granted a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble Church on August 1st and 2nd every year, with Confession, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; $VVLVL 6LHQD )ORUHQFH We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built in the 13th century, it is a treasure chest of the Renaissance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the city’s history while admiring it’s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s great medieval squares. Continue to Florence. (BB,D) We start with a guided walking tour of Florence, this fascinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist. Rest of the day free (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; )ORUHQFH 5RPH Leave Florence around 2PM Arrived Rome almost dinner time (BB.D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 86$ End of our wonderful Pilgrimage
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 17, 2018