September 5-7, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 70 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages
Duterte revokes Trillanes amnesty, orders his arrest by NESTOR
CORRALES Inquirer.net
Sen. Antonio Trillanes and President Rodrigo Duterte
DATELINE
USA
Inquirer.net file photos
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has revoked the amnesty granted to Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. Duterte signed Proclamation 572 on August 31 to revoke the senator’s amnesty given by former president Benigno Aquino III in 2010. In the proclamation, Duterte said Trillanes did not file an Official Amnesty Application Form as per certification dated August 30, 2018, issued by Lt. Col. Thea Joan Andrade, stating, “there is no copy of his application for amnesty in the records.”
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NEVER AGAIN. President Rodrigo Duterte shows a gesture of respect as he leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Center in Jerusalem, Israel on Monday, September 3, as part of his four-day official visit to the Jewish state. “Never again,” Duterte said as he wrote in his dedication when he signed the guest book, referring to the persecution and murder of six million Jews during World War II by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. Joining the president is daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Presidential photo by Robinson Ninal Jr.
Trillanes to be placed under Senate custody by RALPH
VILLANUEVA ManilaTimes.net
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
States are obligated to search for the disappeared — United Nations HUMAN rights experts have reminded states that the search for victims of enforced disappearances is an international law obligation and not an option. Countries around the world must act urgently to search for victims and ensure that “the heinous crime” is properly investigated, United Nations authorities on enforced disappearances told member-states marking the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on Aug. 30. “Relatives have a right, as victims themselves, to know the truth about the circumstances of any enforced disappearance, the whereabouts of their loved ones, the progress and results of the investigation and ultimately the fate of the disappeared person,” UN experts said. “Measures to achieve truth and justice for enforced disappearances should be parallel
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US veterans’ group approves Balangiga bells return THE American Legion, a worldwide organization of U.S. war veterans, approved during its national convention last week a resolution allowing the return of two Balangiga bells seized by American troops as war booty during the 1900s. In an email to The STAR, Guy Hilbero, executive officer of the 26th U.S. Cavalry of the Philippine Scouts Memorial Regiment, said the American Legion rescinded a 2016 resolution of the Wyoming Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), which sought to keep two of the bells at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The VFW resolution prevented the U.S. government from returning the bells taken from a church in Balangiga, Eastern Samar. “The Philippines is predominantly a Catholic nation where church bells play a very important role... as well as reflective of their national patrimony representing the very fabric of their cultural heritage and history... because the bells were bought and paid for the parishioners of San Lorenzo de Martir, to return the bells would be the honorable and right thing to do and result in national
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SEN. Antonio Trillanes IV was placed under the custody of Senate President Vicente Sotto III last Monday, September 3, to avoid a “warrantless arrest” against Trillanes after his amnesty was revoked. Trillanes and fellow members of the minority bloc, namely Senators Franklin Drilon, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino and Risa Hontiveros, met with Sotto to seek his advice on how to deal with Trillanes’ impending arrest. Amid his impending arrest, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has been placed under the custody “We just talked with Senate President of Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Inquirer.net photo
Z. PAZZIBUGAN Inquirer.net
CHIEF Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro on Monday, September 3, called on Malacañang and Congress to “respect” the Supreme Court, warning them against interfering in the tribunal’s affairs. Speaking at her first flag ceremony at the Supreme Court since assuming office last week, De Castro also told critics who were unhappy with her appointment after the controversial ouster of her predecessor, Maria Lourdes Sereno, to leave the court alone. Sereno was ousted in June after the high court upheld the quo warranto case filed against her by Solicitor General Jose Calida on the grounds that she lacked integrity for not filing statements of assets,
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by RALPH
VILLANUEVA ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has finally apologized to former U.S. President Barack Obama for calling him a “son of a whore” two years ago. Speaking before Filipinos in Israel, Duterte said his 2016 statement was mere “talkatese,” implying that it was empty talk. “It would be appropriate to say at this time, Mr. Obama, you are now a civilian. I am sorry FLAG CEREMONY. Chief Justice Teresita for uttering those words. Know Leonardo-De Castro is joined by fellow justices it was just plain talkatese. We and employees of the Supreme Court during have learned our lessons very flag ceremony last Monday, September 3. well,” Duterte said Photo by Marianne Bermudez/Inquirer.net Duterte also said he had forgiven Obama.
PH, Israel ink 3 agreements in landmark visit THE governments of the Philippines and the State of Israel have signed three agreements that would strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu witnessed the signing of the agreements, including a Memorandum Of Agreement on the temporary employment of home-based Filipino caregivers, a Memorandum Of Understanding on scientific cooperation, and a Memorandum Of Intent on the collaboration on promotion of bilateral direct investment. The signing was made before the bilateral meeting between President Duterte and Prime Minister Netanyahu at the latter’s office on Monday, September 3. In a brief message, Duterte thanked the prime minister for inviting him to visit the Jewish state.
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Duterte apologizes to Obama
De Castro tells Palace, Congress: Leave SC alone by DONA
Sotto and basically I was placed in the custody of the Senate President until my lawyers will file the necessary petitions before the Supreme Court to resolve this foolishness of Duterte and (Solicitor General Jose) Calida,” Trillanes said in a briefing. “This is a warrantless arrest. Maliwanag ‘yan. Iyung mga arresting officers sa baba ay walang warrant. Duon kasi sa warrant nakalagay kung ano ang kaso mo. At kung may piyansa ka o wala (That’s clear. The arresting officers downstairs do not have a warrant. It is specified in the arrest war-
“We understand each other, so if it is in your heart to forgive, you forgive. I have forgiven you,” the president said. “I am forgiving you, just like what I did to all my ex-girlfriends when I was younger. I am forgiving you. I have forgiven them all,” he added. Shortly after assuming power in 2016, Duterte hurled the Filipino expletive “p*******a” as he lashed out at Obama and the U.S. State Department for criticizing his war on illegal drugs. The expletive translates to “son of a whore” or “son of a bitch.” “I am a president of a sovereign state and we have long ceased to be a colony. I do not
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He also expressed his gratitude for the many times the Israel government helped the Philippines, especially during the months-long siege in Marawi last year. “Mr. Prime Minister, I can only thank you so much especially the critical help that you have extended my country when we needed it most,” he said. “The recent trouble in the Philippines… the extent of the help that you extended was very critical in winning the war. It was a help to preserve the Republic of the Philippines and I thank you for that,” he added. The chief executive also took the opportunity to personally thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for hosting almost 28,000 Filipinos in Israel. “They have been very happy working here, taking care of the aging population The tough-talking Duterte changed his tune during a meeting with the Filipino community here,
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adding that he had also “forgiven” Obama for criticizing the war on drugs. Presidential photo
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De Castro tells Palace, Congress...
PAGE A1 liabilities and net worth before her appointment as Chief Justice in 2012. 41-day term “The other members of the coequal and independent branches of the government should understand that based on our constitutional order, the decisions reached by the justices
of the Supreme Court whether unanimously or by majority vote must be respected,” De Castro told her fellow justices and the court staff. She will serve as Chief Justice for only 41 days as she will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 on Oct. 8. “We should be left alone to decide the fate of this institution
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without interference,” she went on, adding that justices of the Supreme Court weigh the law and evidence carefully. “So we demand respect from the other members of the coequal and independent branches of the government,” she said. De Castro said the high court had learned lessons from its “turbulent months,” alluding to Sereno’s impeachment hearings in the House of Representatives and her ouster. De Castro was the first of the five Supreme Court justices who testified against Sereno before the House committee on justice hearings on the impeachment complaint against her. “I would like to say that people outside would like to judge us from what they see from afar. But it is us the justices and the employees and officials of the court who know what is happening inside the Supreme Court,” she declared, to applause from court personnel. “And we should be left alone to decide for ourselves,” she added, to louder cheers and applause. De Castro has denied that President Duterte appointed her as a reward for Sereno’s ouster. She is the second most senior member of the court next to Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, but the most senior among the three justices endorsed by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to Mr. Duterte. Carpio declined the nomination to the JBC. Sereno was the most junior member of the court when then President Benigno S. Aquino III appointed her Chief Justice in 2012. In an apparent dig at her predecessor who had been accused by other justices of acting unilaterally, De Castro said she would restore collegiality in the court. “No one can claim superiority over the others and we decide cases… with one vote each,” she said. Court employees and some justices, including De Castro, turned out in blue for the flag ceremony. According to the employees’ union, the color symbolized the “return of peace” in the judiciary. (With a report from Tetch Torres-Tupas)
STABLE AND SECURE. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte kicked off his landmark visit to Israel and Jordan with presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. In his departure speech in the Philippines, Duterte expressed his administration’s desire to have a “stable and secure” situation not just in the Middle East but all over the world. Presidential photo by Toto Lozano
Duterte revokes Trillanes amnesty... PAGE A1 The proclamation also stated that Trillanes “never expressed his guilt for the crimes that were committed on the occasion of the Oakwood Mutiny and the Manila Peninsula Siege.” Despite Trillanes’ “failure to apply for amnesty and refusal to admit guilt, his name was nonetheless included among those granted amnesty” in 2010 and was approved by former defense
secretary Voltaire Gazmin, the proclamation read. “The grant of amnesty to former LTSG Antonio Trillanes IV under Proclamation No. 75 is declared void ab initio because he did not comply with the minimum requirements to qualify under the amnesty proclamation,” Duterte said. The president ordered the Department of Justice and the Court Marshall of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines “to pursue all criminal and administrative charges” against Trillanes. Duterte also ordered the military and the police “to employ all lawful means to apprehend” the coup leader “so that he can be recommitted to the detention facility where he had been incarcerated for him to stand trial for the crimes he is charged with.” n
Trillanes to be placed under Senate...
PAGE A1 rant your case. And if you can post bail or not),” he said. “So, in this case, nothing. So, we’re living basically in a ‘de facto’ martial law environment of the 1970s kind. The assur-
ance given to me by the Senate President is that for as long as I’m in the Senate premises, he will not allow any arrest,” said Trillanes. “What I’m questioning is the principle behind it. This is a
warrantless arrest that I mentioned. So, we need to fight this warrantless arrest. Kahit sa buong mundo walang amnesty na binabawi. (Nowhere in the world has an amnesty been revoked),” Trillanes stressed. n
Duterte apologizes to... PAGE A1 have any master except the Filipino people, nobody but nobody. You must be respectful. Do not just throw questions. You son of a whore, I will swear at you,” he said in September 2016, referring to Obama. A month after, he said Obama
should “go to hell.” Just two weeks ago, during the 12th founding anniversary of the Eastern Mindanao Command, Duterte spoke out against Obama for “insulting” the Philippines rather than going through United Nations channels.
In contrast, Duterte has a cordial relationship with Obama’s successor, Donald Trump. Duterte and Trump even had a phone call last year, in which the Republican property mogul congratulated the former Davao City mayor for his anti-drug campaign. n
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Companies cease sales of e-liquids with labeling or advertising that resembled kid-friendly foods following FDA, FTC warnings Warning letters for products that looked like juice boxes, cookies and candy part of efforts to protect youth from dangers of nicotine and tobacco produc The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced last August 23 that all 17 manufacturers, distributors and retailers that were warned by the agency in May, have stopped selling the nicotine-containing e-liquids used in e-cigarettes with labeling or advertising resembling kid-friendly food products, such as juice boxes, candy or cookies that were identified through warning letters as being false or misleading. The warning letters – many in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission – are part of ongoing efforts to protect youth from the dangers of nicotine and tobacco products. Several of the companies that received warning letters had also been cited for illegally selling the products to minors. “Removing these products from the market was a critical step toward protecting our kids. We can all agree no kid should ever start using any tobacco or nicotine-containing product, and companies that sell them have a responsibility to ensure they aren’t enticing youth use. When companies market these products using imagery that misleads a child into thinking they’re things they’ve consumed before, like a juice box or candy, that can create an imminent risk of harm to a child who may confuse the product for something safe and familiar,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. “even as we encourage the innovation of novel and potentially less harmful products such as ecigarettes for currently addicted adult smokers, we’re committed to holding industry accountable to ensure these products aren’t being marketed to, sold to, or used by kids. The FDA will continue to take vigorous actions under our Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan to restrict youth access, limit youth appeal, and reduce toxic exposure to youth from all tobacco products, and, in particular, e-cigarettes. We expect to take additional, robust enforcement actions over
the next few months that target those who we believe are allowing these products to get into the hands of children.” Some examples of the products outlined in the warning letters included: “One Mad hit Juice Box,” which resembled children’s apple juice boxes, such as Tree Top-brand juice boxes; “Whip’d Strawberry,” which resembled Reddi-wip dairy whipped topping; “Twirly Pop,” which not only resembled a Unicorn Pop lollipop but was shipped with one; and “Unicorn Cakes,” which included images and cartoons of pancakes, a strawberry beverage and unicorns eating pancakes, similar to graphics and images from the “My Little Pony” television and toy franchise. Following the warning letters in May, the FDA worked to ensure the companies took appropriate corrective action – such as no longer selling the products with the misleading labeling or advertising – and issued close-out letters to the firms. The agency expects some of the companies may sell the products with revised labeling that addresses the concerns expressed in the warning letters. The FDA will continue to monitor tobacco product labeling and advertising for potential violations of the law and act as appropriate. The warning letters stemmed from investigations that began in late 2017 of tobacco product labeling and advertising that imitated food products, particularly those that are marketed toward, and/or appealing to, children. The products were considered misbranded and sold in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because their labeling and/or advertising imitating kid-friendly foods was misleading. The FTC joined the FDA on 13 of the warning letters under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive advertising. “The fact that these companies have stopped their dangerous
and deceptive tactics to attract kids to their vaping products is a timely, positive and appropriate action,” said FTC Chairman Joe Simons. “The FTC’s message is direct and consistent: We are watching, and we will take action immediately when deception places kids at risk.” The continuing rise in popularity of electronic nicotine delivery systems (eNDS), such as e-cigarettes, has coincided with an increase in calls to poison control centers and visits to emergency rooms related to e-liquid poisoning and other liquid nicotine exposure of children younger than six, according to a recent analysisdisclaimer icon of National Poison Data System data. Severe harm can occur in small children from exposure to or ingestion of e-liquids, including death from cardiac arrest, as well as seizure, coma and respiratory arrest. Additionally, more than 2 million middle and high school students were current users of e-cigarettes and other eNDS in 2016, with flavor availability being one of the top reasons for use. This use by children and teens is especially concerning to the FDA because of evidence that youth exposure to nicotine affects the developing brain and may rewire it to be more susceptible to nicotine addiction in the future. That’s why combating youth use of nicotine-containing products is a core priority and the guiding principle behind the FDA’s Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan. In April, for example, the agency conducted a nationwide blitz of brick-and-mortar and online retailers, and issued warning letters to businesses that sold JUUL brand products to minors. The agency also sent letters to JUUL Labs and several other companies requiring them to submit important documents to better understand the reportedly high rates of youth use and the particular youth appeal of these products. The FDA is also continuing its enforcement efforts to reduce tobacco product PAGE A4
CREDENTIALS. President Rodrigo Duterte receives the credentials of Ambassador-Designate of the State of Israel to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz during a ceremony held at the Malacañan Palace on Aug. 31, 2018. Also in the photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano. Presidential photo by Ace Morandante
PH, Israel ink 3 agreements in landmark... PAGE A1 of yours…citizens,” he said. he related that the “jubilation” of the overseas Filipino workers who attended the Filipino community event on Sunday, September 2, was proof of how satisfied they were with the hospitality of the Israel government and its people. “The way that they have been received here was shown last night by their jubilation. And of course, everytime I mentioned the kindness and benevolence of Israel, you could hear a thunderclap and I am sure that [it] came from the heart,” he said. The Philippine president then expressed hope that the warm ties between the two nations would continue, assuring his relentless support for the Israel government. “Thank you and may we continue to be blessed with a strong relationship. I do not think that there will ever be a time when there is an irritation even between our two countries,” he said. “We share the same passion for peace. We share the same passion for human beings. But we also share the same passion of not allowing our country to be destroyed by those who have the corrupt ideology…[those] who
know nothing but to kill and destroy,” he added. “Israel can expect any help that the Philippines can extend to your country,” he said. The president also introduced his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Zimmerman Duterte, to the prime minister saying that she has Jewish roots because of her mother, elizabeth Zimmerman. For his part, Netanyahu underscored that the visit of Duterte in Israel was historic since it was a first by a sitting Filipino leader. “We mark that this is the first visit by a president of the Philippines in the history of Israel. It is deeply appreciated,” he said. “We remember the exceptional role of the Philippines that received Jewish refugees during the holocaust. We remember that the Philippines was the only Asian country that voted for the establishment of the State of Israel in the UN resolution in 1947,” he added. “Mr. President, we remember our friends. And that friendship has blossomed over the years and especially over the last few years,” he said. he then expressed his appreciation to Filipinos for taking
care of the elderly persons in Israel. Majority of Filipinos in Israel are caregivers. “I am one of those families, Mr. President. My late father died at the age of 102. In his later years, he received incredible care by a caregiver from the Philippines, a woman with exceptional compassion and intelligence,” the prime minister shared. “She took care of my father’s every need. And when he passed away, she took care of his brother’s niece until he passed away,” he narrated. he vowed to improve the process of deployment of caregivers to his country, saying that the “show of humanity” of Filipinos has moved him as well as many other Israelis. he noted that the agreement on caregivers “will knock off as much as 12,000 dollars from the cost of every caregiver” seeking employment in Israel. “This is the money that is taken away from the caregivers and their families, the Israeli families who so want their service. This is an exceptional agreement and I think heralds the kind of friendship that we are developing,” the prime minister said. (PND)
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Bill to help human trafficking victims heads to Governor SACRAMENTO - The Senate unanimously approved bipartisan measure co-authored by Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) that would help human trafficking victims get back on their feet. Specifically, Assembly Bill 900 by Assemblymember Lorena GonzalezFletcher (D-San Diego) would: 1. Make it easier for victims to receive compensation for any income they lost, similar to how other victims of crime are currently compensated. 2. Authorize the California Victim Compensation Board to provide victims with compensation for any income they lost as a result of being trafficked. 3. Address inequities by making victims eligible for compensation from the California Victim Compensation Program for eco-
nomic losses incurred as a direct result of their being trafficked, and expanding the types of documentation allowed in these cases. “Human trafficking is a scourge that must be addressed and I’m proud to co-author legislation to assist victims in rebuilding their lives. These victims were exploited into a lifestyle that is equivalent to modern-day slavery. After they escaped this lifestyle, they faced the harsh realities of finding a place to live and paying for basic necessities. Many don’t have the proper documentation to file for victim compensation. That’s why AB 900 is needed to make it easier for them to apply for restitution. “I’m hopeful Governor Brown will sign this bipartisan measure into law and am thankful for the
work by the author on this important piece of legislation,” said Senator Bates. More than a quarter of federal human trafficking cases are based in California, in which victims are economically exploited through prostitution, domestic service, agriculture, and sweatshop work. Supporters of AB 900 include the California District Attorneys Association, the California College and University Police Chiefs Association, and the California Narcotic Officers’ Association. Senate Republican Leader Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) represents the 36th Senate District in the California Legislature, which covers South Orange County, North San Diego County and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. n
Cancer, schmancer — In California, coffee is king by AnnA
B. IBArrA
California Healthline
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — It turns out that California and the Trump administration do agree on at least one thing: Don’t mess with coffee. Trump’s hand-picked food and drug czar, Scott Gottlieb, said Wednesday, August 29, that he “strongly supports” a proposal by officials in Sacramento to exempt the morning elixir from the state’s list of known cancer-causing compounds despite a court order to the contrary. Java fans received the news nonchalantly, making it clear they would not be put off their cup of Joe no matter what Gottlieb or state officials had to say about it. Sid Silverthorn, sipping his favorite hot beverage outside a Sacramento Starbucks, said he’d been treated for prostate cancer a couple of decades back and since his recovery has been vigilant about products that could harm his health. Coffee, he said, is not one of them. “I think coffee is fantastic,” the 88-year-old said with relish. “I think it’s good for me, good for my heart, makes me happy.” Despite the passion of hardcore consumers like Silverthorn, vendors worry that cancer warnings posted on their doors wouldn’t exactly be seen as welcome signs. “I think it would evoke a visceral reaction,” said Lauren Taber, spokeswoman for Pachamama
Coffee Cooperative in Sacramento. “People go into their local coffee shop and think ‘Wait, I can get cancer from this?’” In this state, coffee drinks can be an art form — with devotees routinely laying out $5 or more for triple non-fat spiced lattes, extra hot or upside down. But that has clashed in this case with another state obsession: triplechecking the purity of food and drink. The whole brewhaha started with an eight-year-old lawsuit that culminated earlier this year with a Los Angeles Superior Court judge’s ruling that coffee must be labeled a carcinogen under California’s Proposition 65, a law that requires public disclosure of chemicals determined by the state to pose a risk of cancer. At issue is a chemical called acrylamide, a byproduct of coffee roasting also present in many other foods that are roasted, fried or baked. It is already on California’s list of potential cancer-causing agents, but had not been widely associated with coffee until the lawsuit. Industry officials argue that a cancer warning is off base, because coffee contains only trace amounts of acrylamide. The state agency that oversees Proposition 65, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, responded in June to the judge’s ruling with a proposal to exempt coffee from the cancer disclosure law. The agency pointed to a report by the World Health Organiza-
tion’s international Agency for Research on Cancer that concluded there was “inadequate evidence” to link coffee drinking to malignancies. In fact, the report found that coffee was associated with a reduced risk of liver and uterine cancer and was not a cause of breast, pancreatic or prostate cancer. The agency aims to finalize its proposed regulation by the end of this year. Gottlieb, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, said a cancer warning on coffee “would be more likely to mislead consumers than to inform them.” And, he said, it could violate a federal law that prohibits misleading labels on food. The coffee industry’s main trade group, which counts Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts among its members, warmly welcomed Gottlieb’s support. “Now that science has so comprehensively established the facts on coffee, we believe it is incumbent on regulators to give citizens confidence in what they are consuming,” Bill Murray, CEO and president of the National Coffee Association, said in an email. Kirsten Richardson, 30, a North Carolina resident who was visiting Sacramento this week and stopped in for a vanilla latte at The Mill, a local coffee shop, said she was glad to hear the FDA had vindicated her favorite drink. “But at this point I don’t think it makes a difference to people,” she added. “We’re all addicted. n
RISING SONS. President Rodrigo Duterte visits the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force escort flotilla docked at Subic Bay. With him are Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Japanese Ambassador to Manila Koji Haneda and Armed Forces chief Carlito Galvez. Photo by Andrea de la Cruz/Manilatimes.net
UN exec lauds PH PPP efforts vs disasters THE United Nations has lauded the Philippines for being at the forefront of disaster risk reduction, which was shown by its handling of the recent floods in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. In a meeting with members of UN body on disaster resilience at SM Mall of Asia, Mami Mizu-
tori, new special representative of the UN Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), cited initiatives by the Philippine government and private sector in making the country one of the world’s most disaster resilient. ‘Shining example’ Mizutori said a “shining exam-
ple” of public-private partnership (PPP) in disaster resilience was led by UNISDR Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (Arise)-Philippines and the National Resilience Council, both headed by Hans Sy, chair of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings. (Inquirer.net)
Legislature bans referral payments that hurt patients in recovery from addiction Substance Use Disorder Patient Protection Act (Senate Bill 1228) will prevent patient brokering in state-licensed and certified treatment facilities SACRAMENTO – Responding to reports of fraud and abuse of patients in recovery from opioid and other addictions, the California Legislature passed the state’s first bill that outlaws patient brokering in the treatment industry. Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) authored the Substance Use Disorder Patient Protection Act, Senate Bill 1228, which passed the Legislature with a unanimous vote. Governor Jerry Brown has until September 30 to act on SB 1013 or allow it to become law. Media reports reveal a rising number of scams involving patient brokering, which is the payment of kickbacks or fees for referrals. Some patients have been recruited with the offer of cash payments or drugs. Patients with acute medical needs have even died after being referred to facilities that cashed in on referrals. Payments for patient referrals undercut ethical providers and encourage practices that are not in patients’ best interest, and California currently prohibits such payments by physicians. Senate Bill 1228 prevents treatment facilities that are licensed or certified by the state Department of Health Care Services from making or receiving payments in exchange for pa-
tient referrals. “Patient brokers prey on vulnerable patients and thrive in California’s climate of loose regulations and lack of consumer protections,” said Sen. Lara. “Safe recovery should be a right for every Californian who struggles with substance use, and SB 1228 gives gives the state a powerful new tool to protect Californians from fraud and unethical providers who put profits over what is best for patients.” SB 1228 is sponsored by Recovery Reform Now, a national patient advocacy group dedicated to consumer protections and higher standards. Ryan Hampton, a recovery advocate for Recovery Reform Now and person in recovery, said: “This is a step in the right direction for our state. Loud and clear, the legislature has shown its intent to take on the bad operators who put profit before patient. We can no longer stay silent while our communities are ripped apart and loved ones continue to die. So let the passage of this bill be a message to all those who continue to take advantage of people with substance use disorder: your time is up. We look forward to continuing the important work ahead and building upon the success of this critical
piece of legislation in the next session — until every Californian has a fair shake at the qualified addiction care they deserve.” The prohibition on payments for patient referrals also applies to an owner, partner, officer, director, or shareholder who holds an interest of at least 10 percent in a licensed or certified treatment facility, or a person employed by the facility, including a counselor. The Department may investigate allegations and if it finds violations may assess a penalty, suspend or revoke a license or certification, suspend or revoke a certification of a counselor, or recommend discipline against a licensed professional by the respective licensing board. The opioid epidemic claimed nearly 1,900 lives in California in 2017, and drug and opioid overdoses are in the top 20 causes of death statewide. Excessive alcohol use claims approximately 2,100 lives per year. The Department of Health Care Services licenses or certifies 2,300 in-patient treatment facilities providing 24-hour care and out-patient treatment, detoxification and recovery facilities that provide medical care and counseling to people with substance use disorders. n
States are obligated to search for the disappeared... PAGE A1 and go hand in hand. There is no truth without justice and no justice without truth,” they added. Suela Janina, chair of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, stressed: “The search for
those who have disappeared is a right of the victims and an obligation of states, and should be carried out in good faith and in a diligent and effective manner.” “Under these obligations, states that are parties to the In-
ternational Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance should immediately search for any individual who has disappeared,” Janina said. (Pia Lee-Brago/Philstar.com)
US veterans’ group approves Balangiga...
PAGE A1
jubilation,“ the resolution stated. President Duterte called on the U.S. to return the Balangiga bells, saying items that form part of the national heritage of Filipinos should not be taken away from them. Dennis Wright, an officer of the VFW, said the resolution approved by the American Legion “clearly demonstrates” the support of the U.S. veteran community for the return of the bells. In a memorandum to the U.S. National Security Commission, American Legion officer Jeff Philippines. Last month, Defense Secretary Steele said the VFW also approved a resolution last July in Jim Mattis notified the U.S. Confavor of returning the bells to the gress that the defense depart-
Philstar.com file photo
ment plans to return the bells to the Philippines, but the date has yet to be determined. (Ding Cervantes/Philstar.com)
Companies cease sales of e-liquids with... PAGE A3 sales to minors. As part of the FDA’s comprehensive plan on nicotine and tobacco regulation announced last summer, the agency is also exploring clear and meaningful measures to make tobacco products less toxic, appealing and addictive with an intense focus on youth. This could include measures on flavors/designs that appeal to youth, child-resistant packaging and product labeling to prevent accidental child exposure to liquid nicotine. The FDA
also issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in March to seek public comment on the role that flavors in tobacco products play in attracting youth. Additionally, the agency plans to explore additional restrictions on the sale and promotion of ENDS to further reduce youth exposure and access to these products. The FDA has also expanded “The Real Cost” public education campaign with messages focused on preventing youth use of e-cigarettes and will launch a full-scale campaign
in September. The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. n
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PET junks Bongbong’s plea for Caguioa’s recusal in his poll protest
rious” that the case landed on Caguioa’s sala. This, despite cases filed before the SC being raffled off to sitting justices. The Supreme Court, sitting Marcos also cited Caguioa’s as the Presidential electoral Triwife who allegedly has close ties bunal, has junked former Sen. with Robredo. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos But the tribunal dismissed Jr.’s plea for inhibition—which it Marcos’ allegations as a “good called a “mere scrap of paper”— reading as a conspiracy theory.” against Associate Justice Alfredo Marcos’ narration “may even Benjamin Caguioa. fodder for discourse in social me“Upon judicious scrutiny of dia, but his theories, when used the Motion to Inhibit and after for ground for an inhibition of a weighing the allegations against Member of this Tribunal must the prevailing circumstances of transcend fiction,” the resolution the instant Protest, the Tribunal read. denies the same for utter lack of Caguioa: Impartial judge merit,” the PeT said in its ruling The PeT stressed out that dated August 29. Caguioa “has shown impartiality” in the course of proceedings in Marcos’ poll protest. The tribunal pointed out that despite “numerous pending incidents” on the case, the proceedings pushed forward, such as the preliminary conference of the case last July 2017 and the ballot revision or recount in April 2018. “Weighed against protestant’s imagined misgivings, the foregoing shows that Justice Caguioa’s conduct of the matters involved in this Protest has been nothing but impartial,” the resolution read. The high court also stressed Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sought the recusal of Associate Justice Alfredo that all rulings it has issued were Benjamin Caguioa from the electoral case against Vice President Leni Robredo, but the PET arrived at through a majority vote junked his plea for lack of merit. Photo by Ben Nabong/Philstar.com among all members. n by KristinE Joy
Philstar.com
PAtAG
The tribunal also “sternly warned” Marcos and his legal counsels “that any unfounded and inappropriate accusation made in the future will be dealt with more severely.” Marcos on August 6 sought for the recusal of Caguioa, memberin-charge of his electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo. The former senator accused Caguioa of being a “partial and biased” judge. he cited the justice’s ties with former President Benigno Aquino III, who, Marcos said, “bear[s] a grudge” against their family. he also said how it was “cu-
dent Winson esteras said the group was hoping that LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra would reconsider and bring back the travel time charge. “The LTFRB has to recognize the TNVS members as a very big sector of transportation providers. We are hoping that they can decide on this matter over the week,” esteras told The Manila Times. “There is only a small portion of people who demand for the removal of out travel time charge.” TNVS members said they would also raise the matter to
Asian Games post-mortem: Improved PH performance by EddiE
G. AlinEA ManilaTimes.net
The Philippines lowered the curtains in its celebration of its 67th anniversary participation in the Asian Games on a modest four-gold medal harvest, three brighter than a solitary performance the last time around four years ago. The 18th Asiad pair of silver medals bagged in Indonesia was one shy of the three the Filipino athletes brought home from Incheon, South Korea, but the 17 bronze mint they collected from the Jakarta and Palembang sports arenas were far better than the 11 their predecessors scooped up in 2014. All of the four gold medals that the athletes produced came from Congress. female campaigners, a first for The LTFRB said it was consid- the country, making them the ering bringing back the P2 per sweetest of the 67 the Philipminute charge during a com- pines had won so far. mittee hearing last Thursday, except for hidilyn Diaz’s first August 30. place wind-up in weightlifting, GCM President Arlyn Caro- one of the original sports conmongan said there were three tested when the quadrennial congressmen who understood conclave began in 1951 in New and supported the TNVS. Delhi, all others came from un“You will continue seeing us likely sources — golf and skatefight for the P2charge, if the LT- boarding. FRB will not hear us, then they Teener Yuka Sosa not only are lying to themselves and to broke a 32-year gold medal Congress,” GCM President Ar- drought on the fairways since lyn Caromongan said. (Manila- Ramon Brobio ruled the men’s Times.net) individual play in 1982 in Seoul,
Ride-sharing service operators, drivers ask LTFRB to bring back P2 charge ABOUT 200 ride-sharing service operators, drivers staged a noise barrage and motorcade in Quezon City on Sunday following the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) decision to suspend their P2 charge per minute. The regulatory agency first suspended in April Grab Philippines’ travel time charge after it was enforced without board approval. In an interview, Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) leader and CTPro Presi-
TO THE MARKET. A man pushes a cart containing produce such as peppers, calamansi and onions for sale to the wet market. Photo by Roger Ranada/Manilatimes.net
she also became the first woman to triumph in the par-busting sport and with a couple at that. The 17-year-old’s feat in the individual event also gifted the country its first in the team competition in a team-up with Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois Kaye Go. Skateboarding, reportedly, will be played in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, and Filipina Margielyn Arda Didal made sure the new discipline could be one major source of medals for the country in the future by ruling the street version of the sport, rounding out the national contingent’s four gold victories. No one or no group has claimed credit for this apparent renaissance of what was diagnosed as a dying state of Philippine sports, but former equestrienne Asiad gold medalist herself Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski said the Philippines can claim the allFilipina heroics as victory of the woman empowerment movement this part of the world. The Philippines was represented by a 272-strong delegation that competed in 31 sports. Outside of weightlifting, golf and skateboarding though, only boxing, ju-jitsu, taekwondo, pencat silat, wushu, cycling and karate went home with a minted jewel each. Boxing, still the winningest
contingent so far with a total 15 Asian Games gold medal harvest, could only account for one of two silver medals, this time in the person of flyweight Rogen Ladon. Judo, too, had a silver, a first in the sport, with Filipino-Japanese Kiyomi Watanabe earning the honor in the 63-kg. division of her event. Light-flyweight Carlos Paalam and middleweight eumir Felix Marcial were the only medalists with two bronze mints in the sport headed by Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas. Surprisingly, Filipino pencat silat aces led the bronze medal winners in Jefferson Rhey Loon, Dines Dumaan, Cherry May Regalado and Almohaidib Abad. Not to be outdone, taekwondo jins collected three bronze medals — Dustin Mella, Jeordan Domincguea and Rodolfo Reyes Jr., (men’s team); Janna liva, Juvenile Crisostomo and Rinna Babano (women’s team); nd Pauline Louise Lopez (women’s 57-kg division). Wushu had two — Agatha Chrystenzen Wong, women’s taijiquan, and Divine Wally, women’s sanda. Daniel Caluag, lone gold medalist in 2014, settled for bronze PAGE A7
A6 SEPTEMBER 5-7, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
PH needs strategic plan for int’l sports competitions
FEATURES
NEWS that came in recently from Indonesia on the Philippine performance in the 18th Asian Games shows Team Philippines has fallen horribly short of its potential in the quadrennial games. After two weeks of competition, the national team – with a new president at the helm of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Ricky Vargas –has only a handful of medals to show for our athletes’ efforts. Perhaps most distressing is the fact that our delegation could not perform fairly in the three sports where Filipinos have traditionally been most competitive – boxing, basketball and billiards, which happen also to be the most popular sports in the country. Our boxing delegation, in a sport that is headed by no less than Mr. Vargas, was totally shut out from the gold medal race, managing only to salvage a silver medal. Boxing has been perennially a sport where Filipino boxers have excelled, with the spectacular exploits modeled by Manny Pacquiao as an eightdivision world boxing champion. In basketball, the most popular sport in the country, the Philippine team was quickly eliminated when it encountered China and South Korea – our traditional basketball rivals every Asiad. This happened despite all the big to-do about getting a Filipino-American player in the NBA, Jordan Clarkson, to wear the Philippine colors. In billiards, which is traditionally a source of gold medals for the Philippines, the sport was inexplicably scratched from the games in Indonesia. This is absurd. For decades now, billiards has
been a standard sport for competition in the Asiad, and our players have harvested gold and other medals accordingly. The cancellation of billiards is particularly disappointing because a Filipino pool player, Carlo Biado, is the current world pool champion, ranked first in the world by the World Pool Association (WPA). Similarly, two Filipino female players are ranked among the top 10 women players in the world today. It may be recalled that it was under the overextended leadership of the POC by Peping Cojuangco when billiards was surreptitiously removed from the Asian Games. During his term he also placed a colorum group to take charge of the national sports association (NSA) for billiards. This dismal state of our sports affairs must not be allowed to continue. It is incumbent upon the POC and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to hold consultations and together come up with a strategic plan and program for the development of national sports. The fact that the country will host the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) next year should lend urgency to the design and implementation of such a development plan and program. It is not encouraging to know that Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano has been designated chairman or the organization of the SEAG. The man has absolutely no experience or stand-
Editorial
To inhibit or not to inhibit
Commentary
AL S. VITANGCOL III FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was the guest last week in our weekly News And Nuances Kapihan at Almusalan (NANKA) media forum. One of the questions that I asked him was about the extremely urgent motion to inhibit that he personally filed early this month before the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET). In that motion, Marcos sought the recusal of Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguiao from taking charge of his electoral protest case now pending before the PET. He said: “I was hesitant and has always advised against it.” The motion was signed by Marcos himself. Lawyer Romulo Macalintal took a swipe at that. In
media reports, Macalintal said: “The motion appears to have been prepared by his lawyer but only Mr. Marcos signed it. This shows that even his lawyers could not sign the motion, that his lawyers themselves do not believe that he has a valid ground for voluntary inhibition.” As a lawyer, that is understandable. No lawyer, who looks upon his professional future, will advise his client to file a recusal of a sitting judge or justice. It reminded me of a personal case wherein I wanted to file a motion for inhibition. Yet, my lawyer prevented me from filing one. So, I drafted a scholarly urgent motion to inhibit and re-raffle, but in the end decided not to file it all. Why is that so? The filing of a motion to inhibit a judge is a like a sword of Damocles. It can cut through the movant himself. It is not farfetched that the mere filing of a motion for inhibition may itself breed contempt and bias
against the litigant, where there was none before. This is so possible especially if the judge will not recuse himself after all. Justice Cruz article In my research on the subject of judges’ recusal, I came across an article written by Court of Appeals Associate Justice Edgardo P. Cruz. Its title is “To inhibit or not to inhibit,” from which the title of this column was lifted. Justice Cruz wrote: “Arguably, every member of the bench has, at one point or another, been faced with a motion to inhibit himself from hearing or deciding a case. Meritorious or not, a prayer for recusal has a way of ruffling a judge’s equanimity as it is, after all, an ostensible attack on his ability to exercise his judgment fairly and independently. More than just a remedial matter, the inhibition of judges is grounded on the party-litigant’s constitutional right to due process. The Bill of Rights provides
FVR’S enduring love for Ming WHEN one talks about enduring love, one love song easily comes to mind and it’s Crystal Gale’s “A Long and Lasting Love.” Here are some enchanting lines of Gale’s song: “A long and lasting love Not many people find it But those who do their whole life through Put their heart and soul behind it A long and lasting love Is what I’ve always dreamed of A special bond That goes beyond the changing of the seasons A long and lasting love Someone I can care for Someone to be there for the rest of my life A long and lasting love.” For former President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR or Eddie) and his wife of 65 years, former First Lady Amelita “Ming” Martinez Ramos (AMR), theirs is a union that has become enduring and long lasting just like Gale’s stirring song. Their love and marriage have withstood the test of time that FVR recently even devoted a five part series in his Sunday Manila Bulletin sermons to honor his wife and the legacy of Madam Ming. FVR’s columns featured the various facets of Ming Ramos as an understanding wife to a military officer who rose to become president as well as a doting mother to
Commentary
MELANDREW T. VELASCO their five daughters Angel, Cristy, Chula, Jo and Margie and now as a loving grandmother to their seven grandchildren. In 2009, I was privileged to author a book on the life and times of the former first lady titled “Simply Ming,” which was FVR’s loving way and thoughtful gift in grateful appreciation of his wife. Just like FVR columns, “Simply Ming” recounts their friendship as classmates at UP High School and as neighbors at Padre Faura; Eddie’s courtship to Ming and how they fell in love; her ability to balance her time in raising their children and fulfil her duties as the wife of a decorated military officer, and, later as president. “Simply Ming” also featured her other traits and facets as a career professional and educator environmentalist, sports leader, musician, social worker and as a First Lady who was a woman full of substance. At the tail-end of the Ramos presidency, Madam Ming wrote a column titled “Beside Eddie,” and
she shared, “Despite the fact that I am the First Lady now, I am still working for mostly the same reasons 45 years ago at the International School. However, the experience has been a wonderful one with its share of happy moments and trying moments. I am proud to say that the last six years have been a good family bonding experience for us. Certainly after the six-year stint, any other problem not national in scope that Eddie and I will encounter in the future will pale in comparison!” As for FVR’s appreciation of Madam Ming, here is a hearty and lovely letter he penned on Mother’s Day in 1995 which is reprinted below: “Dearest Ming, Happy Mother’ Day is too short a phrase, sometimes too impersonal and unoriginal especially between two people who have shared almost a lifetime together. Certainly we have more thoughts to share and express. We are at this moment separated by a continent, the Pacific Ocean and the U.S. continent –– and a thirteen-hour time difference –– not by official duties but by something more precious –– Margie’s college graduation in Atlanta, Georgia. I hope that Margie will understand and forgive my absence during her commencement day, just as you and d’girls have been understanding
Inquirer.net photo
ing in sports. He is unknown to athletes and sports officials alike. This designation looks suspiciously designed as a boost for his future political plans. But politics should have no place in sports, if our sporting life must progress and become more competitive internationally. We have also heard that Mr. Vargas is mulling the withdrawal of Filipino boxers from international competition because of the flagrant unfair judging suffered by our boxers during the games in Indonesia. He says it’s time to do something about the continuing controversies in international amateur boxing.
If true, this may be myopic thinking. He should focus his attention and priority on the 2019 SEAG and national sports development as a whole. He should see the entire challenge to national sports leadership. The nation needs to know that there are truly new leaders and new management at the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission. Without a new strategic vision and a new work program, we cannot expect change in the prospects of Philippine sports in international competition. (Manilatimes.net)
that no man shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law. And inherent in this principle is the right to be heard by a disinterested and impartial judge. “However, there are cases where the motion to inhibit is clearly borne of personal prejudice, hostility or groundless suspicions. Worse, parties and counsel have not found it beneath themselves to resort to this tactic to delay or railroad the proceedings or to find a more sympathetic judge. It is these cunning attempts to manipulate the administration of justice that behooves the members of the bench to be ever vigilant and guard against undue pressure intended to undermine the integrity of the judicial process. “Indeed, it is quite a tall order to summon objectivity in the face of an attack on one’s competence, but this is a reality every judge must deal with. Having answered the call to administer justice and uphold the law at all times, a judge must, when faced with
possible disqualification, learn to stand back, sift through the issues and distinguish between mere diatribe and real concerns about his ability to decide a case fairly. It takes strength of character, humility and wisdom to acknowledge that sometimes, no matter how good and pure his intentions are, a judge’s relationships, past declarations or actions and personal beliefs may get in the way of his ability to render justice.” A passage from the decision in the 2001 case of People v. Kho is worth quoting here: “Judges may not be legally prohibited from sitting in a litigation. But when suggestion is made of record that he might be induced to act in favor of one party or with bias or prejudice against a litigant arising out of circumstances reasonably capable of inciting such a state of mind, he should conduct a careful self-examination. x x x He could in good grace inhibit himself where that case could be heard by another judge and where no appreciable prejudice would be occasioned to others
involved therein. On the result of his decision to sit or not to sit may depend to a great extent the all-important confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary. If after reflection he should resolve to voluntarily desist from sitting in a case where his motives or fairness might be seriously impugned, his action is to be interpreted as giving meaning and substance to the second paragraph of Section 1, Rule 137. He serves the cause of law who forestalls the miscarriage of justice.” Indeed, justices should avoid not just impropriety in their conduct but even the mere appearance of impropriety for appearance is an essential manifestation of reality. t is essential that judges be above suspicion. It bears stressing that the duty of judges is not only to administer justice but also to conduct themselves in a manner that would avoid any suspicion of irregularity. Hence, any act which would give the appearance of impropriety becomes, of itself, reprehensible. (Manilatimes.net)
of my career as a military man, cabinet member, jobless candidate, and now as president. This kind of separation is something not new to us, as my military duties have often taken me away from all of you. The responsibilities of the Presidency are certainly now more demanding of our personal time. We marvel at your never-ending patience, love and support –– manifested by the tireless work you have done to assure the children and me the warmth of home. You are my source of strength wherever I go and in everything I do. It is your comforting support (and that of d’girls and grandchildren) that has motivated me and guaranteed whatever successes we have enjoyed. It is to your credit that we have five wonderful and upright daughters. They have always been our great pride and joy. We are glad that when you had to take on the role of father and driver during my absences, you made sure that they never forgot about me! Truly, being a mother and wife is difficult enough, but you have proven to be more. Not once did we see you falter. Today, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, how can we fully express the depth and breadth of our love and gratitude to you for giving everything a husband, father and family could ever want? With all our love, Eddie.” Straight from FVR’s heart, his
Mother’s Day letter reflects the kind of relationship that they both shared in the many years being together. When asked what she considers her greatest achievement in life? Without batting an eyelash, Ming replied, “Sticking to Eddie Ramos through thick and thin all these years.” As FVR used to joke around, “According to Madam Ming, the longest word in the English dictionary is ‘I Do.’ But seriously, it’s one such commitment that I have always treasured for a lifetime.” Ming Ramos: Herstory and legacy If herstory will be it’s fair judge, the former first lady is one person who is confidently secure in her own right. On her own, AMR is an accomplished woman just like her husband. She was one of the most accomplished first Ladies our country has ever had. She is distinct in the sense that she remained a career woman and educator, sticking to her job at the International School Manila during and even after the Ramos presidency, becoming a national symbol of the working mother. It is a career to which has been adamantly and faithfully devoted through the years. Even in her role as conceivably the most powerful woman of the land, Ming managed to resist the temptation of basking in, and taking advantage of the vast powers inherent to the Office of the
President. She took on the role of first lady with quiet dignity, propriety and simplicity. She rarely took the center stage and was known for not meddling in government affairs. Ming hails from a well-todo family in La Paz, Iloilo. Her parents were pioneers in their respective fields—her mother, Josefa Jara Martinez, was the country’s pioneer social worker and her father, Rufino Martinez, was the country’s first U.S. trained naval architect. Her own educational achievements bespeak her family’s status. Schooled in two of the finest universities in the United States, Ming was naturally inclined to follow her mother’s footsteps and became a pioneer in social work among soldiers and their families, and as a competitive sports leader in her time. Through the years, her unassuming, simple and quiet ways have remained her distinct trademarks among the many people she worked with and whose lives she touched along the way. From her service-oriented family background also sprung the virtues of modesty and “stickto-tiveness.” Hence, it comes as no surprise that as a military officer’s wide, she had driven her children and herself to schooled and work. According to Ming, life with a man in uniform was never easy. PAGE A7
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Dateline PhiliPPines
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 5-7, 2018
FVR’S enduring love... PAGE A6 “You have to be always be patient and understanding. You must also be supportive to you husband while, at the same time learning to be strong and self-reliant as mother to your children,” shares Ming about her life with Eddie. She likewise promoted social graces among cadets and wives of military personnel, livelihood projects, and care for wounded soldiers, in support of a husband who was steadily climbing the military ladder. With Eddie assigned to various places in the Philippines and abroad, Ming literally became mother and father to their children. She and their five daughters had to come to terms with the long absence of Eddie when he THEY GOT GOLD. Asiad gold medal winners (from left) Louis Kaye Go and Bianca Pagdanganan of golf, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and golfer Yuka was on field duty. Ming and their five daughters Saso. Manilatimes.net photo were trained to keep a low profile, even during martial law period when military might was at its peak. PAGE A5 “To be honest? No!” Vargas performance in the 18th Asian Already a career professional this time in BMX discipline in Games, however, was still lack- told a Philippine broadsheet a at the International School, Ming few hours before the last man took on a part time job as travel ing in almost all departments. cycling. The gold medals in weight- standing for a possible gold agent, while continuing to dabble Margarita Ochoa in jiu jitsu (women’s -49 kg) and Junna lifting, golf and skateboarding medal, boxer Rogen Ladon, in other livelihood activities to Tsukii in karate (women’s kumite placed Team Philippines at No. fought–and eventually lost to a augment the meager family in50kg) completed the Philippines’ 19 among 37 of the 45-nation head-butting Jasurbek Latipov of Asiad that clinched at least one Uzbekistan, on Saturday. medal winners. “To aim for No. 1 is very difFrom 22nd place in the 2014 bronze medal. Host Indonesia got its wish ficult, but to aim for the top three Asiad, the Philippines improved by three notches but still ranked of finishing in the Magic 5 with is possible, it depends on how behind Southeast Asian Games 31 golds, 15 of them won in the we manage the events and the rivals Thailand (12th, 11 golds, subjective sport of pencak silat, sports,” he added. The Indonesians sweep of the 14 silvers, 46 bronzes), Malay- an Indonesian traditional martial 14 pencak silat gold medals, sia (14th, 6-12-15) and Vietnam art. And with the campaign over, Vargas said, is a clear indication (17th, 4-16-18) in tentative medal Vargas said there is so much of the advantage a host country table as of this writing. gets. Other late results Sunday, Sep- work to do. He mentioned strong chances “I realized that despite the tember 2, saw the men’s canoe double 200m team of Hermie improved performance, there for the gold medal in arnis, a FilMacaranas and Ojay Fuentes fin- are so many things that we still ipino indigenous martial art, as ish fifth in Palembang while John need to do,” he noted on Sun- well as basketball, taekwondo, Chicano placed 10th and Nikko day morning, hours before the boxing, bowling and billiards, Huelgas took 16th in the men’s closing ceremony of the Asian among others. “But if you factor in athletics Games that Indonesia has triathlon. The pre-Asiad much bally- hosted only for the second time and swimming, we’re in trouble,” Vargas said. hooed women’s volleyball team since 1962. Athletics in this Asian Games “By all indications, the Asian lost to Indonesia, 25-17, 2325, 25-19, 25-20, and landed in Games was a success for Team staked 45 gold medals while eighth with a measly win in the Philippines, total medal count swimming had 44 with the Philsport where the Filipino spikers improved, gold count quadru- ippines failing to bag a single bronze. pled,” Vargas said. were once ranked fourth. These two events are compul“The ranking went up from The men’s soft tennis team bowed out at the quarterfinal 22nd to 19th, although short of sory not only in the Olympics the goal of 15th, but still accept- and the Asian Games but in the stage. SEA Games as well. Athletics, the second win- able.” “Look at Indonesia, Thailand, Get real ningest next to boxing with an But Vargas threw caution Malaysia, Vietnam and Singaoverall gold haul of 12, again failed to revive the era of former to the winds: The Philippines pore, they’re all above us [in the does not look prime to emerge medal tally of the Asian Games]. sprint queen Lydia de Vega. Swimming, winner of 10 gold as overall champion of the 30th And look at their silvers and medals until 1986, continued its Southeast Asian (SEA) Games bronzes, they’re golds in the that the country is hosting in No- SEA Games.” (With ASIAD pool zero gold performance. report) The Philippines’ improved vember next year.
Asian Games post-mortem: Improved PH...
come. The same values of honesty, hard work, patience, independence, and self reliance, she has passed on to her five daughters. Coming from a family that loved music, she is a gifted musician, trained to play the piano as a girl. As first lady, she used her musical talents in joining concerts that raise funds for charitable project including the development of Philippine contemporary music. As a sportswoman, she has always loved and promoted sports, particularly badminton and swimming at which she was national champion. Another endearing facet is her being an environmentalist at heart. Ming is gifted with green thumb. She loves plants, flowers, trees and gardening. In both her public and private endeavors, she has positively contributed to the restoration and upkeep of the environment. To this day, Ming remains an icon among green advocates. She will always be remembered for her environmental efforts under the “Clean and Green Foundation” and the “Piso-Para-sa-Pasig” campaign to revive the dying Pasig River. If there is one legacy
A
that Ming Ramos has left to the Filipino people, it is bringing the urgency of the environmental care to the consciousness of Filipinos. And she did these before “climate change” and “green energy” became global concerns. Eventually, she expanded on that role, organizing the Helping Foundation in support of an ambitious project of the Ramos government to clean up the Smokey Mountain garbage dumpsite. The Ramos administration managed to convert the most notorious symbol of abject poverty in the Philippines, Smokey Mountain, into a decent residential area combined with a modern international container port. With the support of many helping hands, Ming established a livelihood development center in the main relocation site in Tondo for former scavengers, proving that “teaching a man how to fish” instead of “giving him fish,” perfectly works. Indeed, Ming Ramos has enshrined herself as a woman who has carved her own niche and whose legacy as a wife, mother, career professional and educator, environmentalist, sports leaders, musician, social worker, and first lady, will stand out for many generations to come. n
A September 5-7, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOUrNAL
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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal
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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 5-7, 2018
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PH, China to sign industrial parks deal by Mayvelin
U. Caraballo Manilatimes.net
MANILA will soon sign an agreement with Beijing involving the establishment of Chinese industrial parks in the Philippines, the chief of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said. “The target is to sign the agreement in November,” BCDA President and CEO Vivencio Dizon told reporters in a recent interview at the Finance department. Dizon noted that the establishment of Chinese industrial parks was one of the topics discussed by Manila and Beijing during last year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations
summit. The next step following the signing of a deal, he said, is the drafting of a masterplan. “Industrial parks have to be contiguous and flat, so that has to be master-planned jointly with BCDA. That will maybe take another 6 months,” Dizon said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd, meanwhile, said China viewed the establishment of industrial parks as a way of strengthening commercial ties between the Philippines. He said the Philippines was looking at a park in the Chinese city of Suzhou that China had built in cooperation with Singapore as the model for an
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House OKs 10-day paid incentive leave by Jess
Diaz Philstar.com
THE House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill increasing the paid incentive leave of employees from five days to 10 days. Authors of the measure said the proposed longer leave would boost workers’ morale, wellness and productivity. The bill would amend the Labor Code, which mandates employers to provide their personnel with an annual five-day paid leave. The proposed amendment provides that every employee who has rendered at least one year of service would be entitled to a yearly service incentive leave of 10 days. The entitlement would not apply to those already enjoying such incentive, those receiving vacation leave with pay of at
Pushing for gender equality in the workplace Sen. Risa Hontiveros (middle) and ECCP Women in Business Committee Chair Sheila Lobien (left) join BPO International, Inc. President and CEO Ma. Christina Concepcion, Trends and Concepts File photo by Manilatimes.net Total Interior Solutions, Inc. Vice President for Business Development Leni Bantiling, and Champ Cargosystems Phils. Managing Director Lourdes Angeles.
THE government has been working toward making gender equality and women empowerment a norm in the workplace, according to Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women and Gender. She announced this at the recently concluded business forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), saying also that entrepreneurs have been supporting government to push for laws and programs for women empowerment. Several other women, all successful and
respected in their respective fields, joined the senator to enliven the discussion at the ECCP Women in Business Forum, held at the Spaces World Plaza, in Bonifacio Global City, a financial and lifestyle district in Metro Manila’s Taguig City, on Thursday, August 2. “Our aim really was to tackle how Philippine and European companies can make gender equality and women empowerment a part of today’s work culture, ensuring inclusive growth in the business environment,” Sheila Lobien, who chairs the ECCP Women in Business Committee, said in an
interview on the sidelines of the event. “And we’re happy with the results of our forum.” Expressing delight at how the forum had attracted interests among the different business industries, Lobien said more than 100 female managers, supervisors, and employees, as well as executives and leaders from the private sector, government, and academe came together for a freewheeling discussion on issues concerning and affecting women in workplaces. “The forum was also a celebration of collective achievements and progress
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Gov’t likely to miss economic growth target in 2018 — Dominguez Authors of the measure said the proposed longer leave would boost workers’ morale, wellness and productivity. File photo by Philstar
least 10 days, and those in establishments employing fewer than 10 workers. Authors said the grant of paid leave “is beneficial to the employees and economically advantageous to the employers.” “The granting of such incentive boosts the morale and satisfaction of employees which is manifested in their increased
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THE Philippine economy would grow faster this year, but would miss the government’s target, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said. “I think we will still be close to 6.8 percent this year,” Dominguez told in an interview with credit rater Fitch Ratings last August 18. Link to the recorded interview was sent to reporters on Monday, September 3. While Dominguez’s forecast would be faster than the 6.7 percent recorded last year, if realized, it would fall below the Duterte administration’s 7-8 percent goal for 2018. The slowdown in the economy was already evident in the second quarter, when gross domestic product growth slowed to 6 percent, the slowest in three years. While he did not specifically point to a
reason why the target would not be met, Dominguez said higher interest rates, used to temper inflation running at a nine-year high in July, could affect growth “a bit.” “It’s not yet growth-threatening,” he clarified. The finance chief, however, said that the economy is doing “so far, so good” and that he expects the government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program to support it over the near-term. “We are really moving quite well in our infrastructure program,” Dominguez said, adding that President Rodrigo Duterte himself is “really on top” of the economy. “We are managing this very intensely,” he added. Dominguez said “roadblocks” to infrastructure projects financed by development
President Rodrigo Duterte talks to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III during the Government Owned and Controlled Corporation Day at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Palace last Aug. 15. Dominguez said that the Philippine economy would grow faster this year, but would miss the government’s target. Photo by KJ Rosales/Philstar.com
partners like China and Japan are being addressed. The interview was taped before Philippine officials visited China recently. The visit, Dominguez earlier said, was
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B SEPTEMBER 5-7, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
Business news
SMC hopes to hit P1 trillion revenues by 2019 by IrIs
Gonzales
Philstar.com
SAN Miguel Corp. hopes to be able to reach P1 trillion in revenue as early as next year, ahead of the 2020 target, tycoon Ramon Ang said. Ang, SMC vice chairman, president and COO, said the company could reach the P1 trillion target in 2019, a year ahead of schedule with the growing economy steadily pushing demand for SMC products and after it successfully added the 300megawatt (MW) Masinloc power facility to its portfolio. “The P1 trillion mark, I hope next year we meet it. It’s possible especially with Masinloc,” Ang said. He said the conglomerate has been hitching a ride on the growing economy which has been pushing all the business segments of SMC — from food, beverage, power, fuel and oil to infrastructure. “The economy is doing well,”
Ang said. Last year, SMC won the bidding for AES Philippines’ assets, including its coal power facility in Masinloc, Zambales, for nearly $2 billion, making it one of the biggest corporate deals in the country. SMC Global Power Holdings, SMC’s power arm, acquired both AES’ 51 percent stake and Thailand-based Electricity Generating PCL’s 49 percent stake in the 630 MW facility for $1.9 billion, bolstering its installed capacity to more than 3,000 MW. Thus, with power sales from Masinloc — which has two 300MW units and a third one being constructed and targeted for completion by mid-2019 — Ang said SMC’s P1 trillion mark would be easier to achieve ahead of schedule. The rosy prospects of San Miguel Food & Beverage Inc., the conglomerate’s newly consolidated consumer giant, are also unparalleled and unlike no
other food company in the country, Ang said. “The combined income of food, beer and Ginebra is P30 billion a year. No other food company in the Philippines has a net income like that,” Ang said. Last year, SMC grew its net sales to P826 billion, up 21 percent from a year ago, while net income rose 11 percent to P54.7 billion on the back of higher contributions from subsidiary Petron Corp.’s Philippines, Malaysia, and petrochemicals operations, along with the strong performance of its food and beverage businesses. In the first half, net income grew to P27.6 billion from P26 billion a year ago. Net sales grew to P499 billion, up 27 percent from P393.4 billion. SMC, once just a beer producer, now has businesses across a wide variety of industries such as food and beverage, liquor, petroleum, power and infrastructure. n
FATCA reminder for US persons THE Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires foreign financial Institutions and other non-financial foreign entities to report on the foreign assets held by their U.S. account holders or be subject to withholding on certain payments. 1. Form 8938 Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets: U.S. taxpayers holding financial assets outside the United States must report those assets to the IRS on Form 8938. There is penalty for not reporting financial assets. This is in addition to FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) (formerly TD F 90-22.1), in addition to Form 8938. 2. FATCA and foreign financial institutions: FATCA may require foreign financial institutions to report directly to the IRS information about financial accounts held by U.S. taxpayers or by foreign entities in which U.S. taxpayers hold a substantial ownership interest. These institutions include banks, investment entities, brokers, and certain insurance companies and certain non-financial foreign entities may have to report of their U.S. owners. 3. Outside of US new account
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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
The bucket list Divest early (13th of a series)
Monette AdevA MAglAyA YOU have become a collector over the years. Memories, good and bad, you have them, by the bucketful, stacked in yellowing photographs in frayed and tattered albums. You used to dutifully collect them, way back when printed photos were the norm. But now you have them in your phones, in your computers, in USB drives and external hard drives in gigabytes of digital images. Somehow you long for the printed ones. These are important specially when the neurons in our brains begin to malfunction as a natural order of aging. These will become mental crutches as our memories fade. We became collectors of stuff as well. Admit it. There’s the spirit of a pack rat lurking in most of us. We load ourselves with stuff. Society encourages us. Witness the success of Costco and those warehouses. We buy as much or more than we really need or, in many cases, can really afford to pay in cash. So we have far more stuff than we need: clothes, shoes, furniture, linen, décor, technology, gizmos and gadgets and collectibles of all sorts like baseball cards, guns, antiques, books, kitchen ware, cars and whatever else one thinks is valuable to collect. So our apartments, homes and garages are bursting at the seams that we even feel the need to rent public storage spaces. Here’s a thought that may well be worth considering as we try
the year and you live abroad; or more than $50,000, if you live in What’s the United States. 8. Married filing joint income New tax return or live abroad: You must submit a Form 8938 if you have more than $400,000 of specified foreign financial assets Arlene Al-os, at the end of the year and you live CPA, MBA abroad; or more than $100,000, set up: Foreign financial institu- if you live in the United States. 9. Exception: 1) If you are not tion may ask you for information required to file a U.S. income tax about your citizenship. 4. Service Account Holders: return for certain year then you If you are mainly maintaining a do not have to file Form 8938. 2) service account, FATCA provides If you report interests in foreign special reporting requirements entities and certain foreign gifts, of U.S. account holders of some you may just list the submitted financial institutions that do not forms on Form 8938 without the PAGE B1 t solicit business outside their details. meant to address delays in the *** country of organization. 5. Threshold: The threshold Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax projects to be financed by Beivaries depending on your filing advice contained in this communication is jing such as co-financing terms neither intended as a thorough, in-depth with other multilateral lenders. status or if you live abroad. In addition, he said in the in6. Outside of US: You are live analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute abroad if you are a U.S. citizen for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to terview that the government is also solving right-of-way issues whose tax home is in a foreign avoid tax-related penalties. “very intently” as well as project country and you have been pres*** ent in a foreign country or coun- Al-os & Associates Accountancy budgetary requirements. Aside from the infrastructries for at least 330 days out of a Corporation provides accounting and tax consecutive 12-month period. services to individuals, corporations, LLCs ture program, Dominguez also 7. Single or married filing and business entities. The Firm has a niche pointed to rising foreign direct separate: You must submit a in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS investments as a reason for faster growth. After hitting a record Form 8938 if you have more and other governmental agencies. high of $10 billion in 2017, FDI than $200,000 of specified for(Advertising Supplement) posted a net inflow of $4.847 bileign financial assets at the end of
”...You won’t need a U-Haul truck when you pass. Jesus did say it is harder for a rich man to get into heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle...” to TRAVEL LIGHT during this segment of our life’s journey. We have been taught to invest early in real estate or in financial instruments so we can reap the benefits of investments over time in our retirement years. This is wise counsel for all and it pays to take heed. Keep resources liquid. But when it comes to stuff, you become a contrarian and do the reverse instead. DIVEST EARLY. Earmark those special high quality items that you have enjoyed but have no use for anymore and carefully consider giving to people in your immediate or even far-flung orbit who might appreciate it and use it and perhaps even remember you from time to time. It might be that dainty English porcelain teacup set you bought in an antique shop on a whim that you have on display for decades in your china cabinet. Give it to someone who enjoys taking tea. Or it could be a piece of antique heirloom jewelry that you can give to an appreciative relative or friend or just an acquaintance. Or how about giving away piece by piece your collection of designer bags hidden away in your closet, forgotten and unused? Okay, here’s the key. Divest wisely and choose recipients well.
Give it to someone who can and will use it and not stash it away forgotten once more. In short, filter out those whom you know have too much of everything and will likely shrug off the value of your gift. In short, don’t give to ingrates and spoiled brats. It is a hit and miss but you will eventually develop the instinct to find the deserving ones. It is a way of paying forward for all the blessings we have received even if sometimes we didn’t deserve any of it. The payback is that you get to see the smiles and the genuine appreciation from the recipients while you are still around. The circle of use for that special item begins to have a ripple effect of good over time. In divesting ourselves of it, we clear the space it once occupied as the blessing of that special item moves to another. We will feel lighter too. Guaranteed. There is beauty and poetry in an empty space. Our space is limited and so is our time on earth. How we use these can define the remaining segment of our life’s journey. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
Gov’t likely to miss economic growth... lion in May, up 49 percent yearon-year He said this indicates that President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly war on drugs has not deterred investor interest. “People are investing here... As I said, we just look at the numbers. Of course, the newspapers and the media, in one way, especially from the West, are quite critical. But if you look at our citizens, they feel a lot safer than they were, they see that there are less drugs...,” he said. Externally, the Philippines may also be affected by the escalating
trade war between the U.S. and China. “If these trade issues don’t get resolved in a way that is sensible, in the long run, we will be affected by it. In the short run though, steel prices will soften because the markets in the US will basically close. and since we are spending a lot on infrastructure, that should benefit us,” the finance chief explained. “We are hopeful that in the medium term, there will be a good settlement of these trade issues that are happening,” he added. (Philstar.com) n
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BUSINESS NEWS
Will a business bankruptcy affect its owners? THE client and her husband are the only stockholders of an S corporation that has been doing well for the last 15 years. In fact, it’s still doing well and had a great year last year. What is the difference between an S corporation and a C corporation? In an S corporation, the business income is declared in the 1040 of the owners, while the C corporation files its own tax returns. But both corporations are legally separate entities from their owners. The corporation is a ‘person’ created by legal fiction. It can do whatever a real person does, legally. For instance, a corporation can buy and sell land, transact business in its own name, file a lawsuit and be sued in its own name, without affecting the owners of the corporation. In the client’s case, the problem is that her husband is ill and can no longer run the business. So the wife now will run the business. Her concern is that the corporation owes $1.5M to banks and suppliers, and that she has equity in her residence of $1.0M? So what is the connection between the two? The client is worried that if something happens to the business and it cannot pay the $1.5M, can the bank sue her and get her house? Let’s analyze the problem. The first thing that has to be determined is whether or not the husband, and/or client signed any personal guarantees that made them personally liable for the debts of the corporation. If neither one of them gave any written personal guaranty to any creditor for the debt of the business, then the answer is that the creditors of the business will not be able to get her house to satisfy the debts of the business. But certainly, the creditors will attempt to penetrate the veil of corporate fiction to get to client’s house. The creditors will sue the corporation and the client and allege that the corporate fiction should be invalidated or ‘pierced.’ Of course, the creditors will attempt to do this, but can they be successful in proving the allegation, and end up with a court order setting aside
Debt Relief
ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG the corporate that shields the personal assets of the owners of the corporation? To pierce the corporate veil to get to the house of the client, the creditors will have to prove that the corporation was simply the ‘alter ego’ of the owners, that it was not operated by owners like a real corporation. The easiest way to prove the ‘alter ego’ attack on the corporation is proven by a preponderance of the evidence that personal funds of the owners were being intermingled with the funds of the corporation. In other words, the owners were using the corporation as a ‘piggy bank.’ So, in the client’s case, if there was no intermingling of personal and corporate funds, the client’s house is secure because the creditors will not be able to pierce the corporate veil to get her house to pay for the debts of the corporation. Salary payments to the owners — because they are officers of the corporation — is not intermingling of funds. Money lent by owners to the corporation is considered to be a debt owed by the corporation to the owner-lender, just like any other debt. This is not intermingling of funds. However, if the owners use the corporate account to pay personal bills, this is an intermingling of funds. Another reason to pierce the corporate veil is that corporate formalities were not followed such as recording board resolutions for decisions made by the company. Yet another reason is that the owners perpetrated a financial fraud on the creditors. What is financial fraud? If the owners acted recklessly in their business transactions resulting in major debt that they knew the business had no chance in paying back, this could be viewed as financial fraud and could be used to pierce the cor-
porate veil. Let’s say owners borrowed $5.0M from creditors based on projected sales of $50M per year but in reality, sales came in at $1.0M a year, a case can be argued by the creditors saying that the owners were reckless in their decision to borrow $5.0M. But certainly, the owners may still prevail in proving that they were justified in their $50M sales projections but something happened that was totally unexpected. It’s really a matter of proof at trial. So what is the lesson here? If you own a business, do not ever personally guarantee the debts of the business. If the creditor requires your personal guaranty, go to another bank or supplier who will extend credit to your business without tying you in. If the business fails, at least you don’t lose any of your personal assets. You will still have a house to live in. There is no reason to ‘go for broke’ and put your family’s security at risk, is there? The other lesson is that do not intermingle personal funds with business funds, and make sure the corporation follows legal formalities and procedures. If you do this, then your corporation will do business by assuming its own debts and shield your personal assets from business debts. Now if the client wishes to not continue doing business, the S corporation itself can file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to handle the $1.5M of corporate debt. The corporate bankruptcy will not affect the personal assets of the client because as I said earlier, a corporation is a separate “person” created by legal fiction; therefore, it can file for bankruptcy without affecting the personal assets of the owners of the corporation. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789. (Advertising Supplement)
Do I have a community property interest in a house which my spouse acquired before our marriage? GENERALLY, in California, property acquired by a spouse prior to marriage is considered separate property under family code section 770 while those acquired after marriage are considered community assets under family code section 760. How do you characterize real property purchased prior to marriage but with the mortgage principal paid down using community income or funds during the marriage? The community in this situation acquires a pro tanto interest in the ratio that the payments on the purchase price made with community funds bear to the total payments on the purchase price and any appreciation should be apportioned accordingly. Marriage of Moore (1980) 28 C3d 366, 371, 373, 168 CR 662, 664, 665. Other expenses associated with the property are not considered in the calculation such as mortgage interest, taxes, and insurance. In essence, the real property would accumulate both a separate property and a community property component by the date of separation. The appropriate remedy in this situation where separate property is subsequently paid with community funds is “apportionment.” The process of apportioning between the separate and community property component is laid out in the Marriage of Marsden. In that case, the court determined the ratio or percent-
The Metamorphosis
ERNIE D. DELFIN AS I write this, Senator John McCain just died, the same day that I joined over 250 Catholic life, peace and justice ministers in the Diocese of Orange in our quarterly meeting discussing several relevant issues that tangle with the church teachings, issues such as immigration policies, separation of families, homelessness, dignity of work and the rights of workers, and end of life issues. The events last August 25, prompted me to write my thoughts about death that will certainly happen to every one! This columnist belongs to the Baby Boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964) and millions of us are now on our last train ride. Many are now Medicare beneficiaries, well past their 60’s. If one decade of our life represents one day, many
Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES age in which the mortgage loan principal was reduced during the marriage and applied that percentage to the appreciation of the real property during the marriage. The community property component would then consist of the reduction in the mortgage loan principal during the marriage plus the portion of appreciation during the marriage applying the ratio discussed above. In the Marriage of Marsden, the real property was purchased by the husband for $38,300 prior to the marriage. The original mortgage was $30,000. By the time the husband got married, the house was now worth $65,000 while the mortgage has gone down by $7,000. Both the appreciation of $26,700 and the mortgage reduction of $7,000 would be separate property since it occurred prior to marriage. Marriage of Madsen (1982) 130 CA3d 426, 181 CR 910. During the marriage until the time of trial, the property has appreciated another $117,500 (property now valued at $182,500) while the mortgage
has further declined by $9,200 up to the date of separation. The ratio at which community funds paid down the mortgage ($9,200) during the marriage to the original purchase price ($38,300) amounts to 24.02%. This percentage of the property appreciation during the marriage of $117,500 ($28,223.50) plus the reduction in mortgage balance during the marriage ($9,200) would constitute the community component of the real property. The rest was the husband’s separate property. The husband in that case was awarded his separate property component of the real property plus one half of the community property component. The Marsden apportionment method is also applicable to situations where a community real property is later transmuted into one spouse’s separate property through execution of a quit claim by the other spouse but is subsequently paid using community funds. Marriage of Broderick (1989) 209 CA3d 489, 257 CR 397. In litigation, the community interest in the situations mentioned about is proven through expert witness testimony typically by a forensic CPA. Since California case law allows the creation of a community interest in real property acquired prior to marriage, one has to consider vehicles to protect themselves if you own property and
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Death forces us to ponder what matters most in our lives
are now on their weekend, their last Saturday or Sunday. However, with relatively good health with the wonders of medical science, many of us hope and pray that many of us will have another bonus of another Monday, then Tuesday and even Wednesday; when we hit that century mark! The last several years, I have been to more funeral services or celebration of life of departed friends and relatives compared to christening parties or wedding celebrations. The last 16 months, for instance, four close friends of mine (Dr. Felix Lapuz, DVM, past president of our club; Celly Ferraren Adamo; Emma Speaker; author Emma Tiebens; and just recently our presidentelect Ronnie Gamalinda) met their untimely deaths. The fact that I have known them for decades and that I have personally recruited them to join our GK eRotary Club that I founded seven years ago made it up close and personal and unbelievably shocking that caused me question
“why do good people die much sooner than some people”? As most people have witnessed the death of loved ones, parents, brothers, sisters and friends, they probably would have parallel feelings and many unanswered questions why death comes even to very young people whose future are quite promising. We will never know the divine answers to such human questions. It’s proven, however, that TIME and our FAITH in an Almighty Power (that there is life after death) will help heal the pain and suffering that we feel during those dark times. Although death is inevitable like sunset following sunrise, many of us are scared to die although we want to go to heaven! It is quite human and normal to be scared to go through something that no one has never been to before. Furthermore, most people fear the dying process. We are afraid of being kept alive past life’s
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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 5-7, 2018
Calendar of Events across
America
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS S E P T E M B E R 4 -27
SIPA hosts 8-session Entrepreneur Training Program (ETP) in Los Angeles The Entrepreneur Training Program (ETP) is an 8-session skills building training program designed for startup entrepreneurs covering the A to Z of starting and running a successful business. This is open to all! If you want to start your own business and don’t know where to start or how to start, this program was made FOR YOU! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to learn from the experts and from business owners themselves on how to build the business of your dreams! Program details: One time fee of $100 covers food and beverage and training materials for all 8 sessions; 5 FREE slots are available for College/University students and low income families; FREE Parking on site. Parking lot is accessed on Robinson St.; Includes FREE one-on-one business counseling with SIPA’s counselor, Fidji Victoriano; and you will receive a Completion Certificate at the end of the program. The eight sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the whole month of September 2018: September 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Program will be held at the SIPA Multipurpose room at 3200 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (through Robinson St. entrance). For any questions or to register in person, please contact Fidji Victoriano at (424) 235-5011 or e-mail at fvictoriano@esipa.org. This program is brought by Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) in collaboration with the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Hollywood (FACCHO) and the support of Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program (APISBP) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
SEPTEMBER 8
Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA hosts photoshop training “Adobe Photoshop Training” on Saturday, September 8 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. is a crash course for beginners to intermediate hosted by the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA). It will be held at BFG Boardroom (5121 Van Nuys Blvd), with instructor Peter Galace. Call to reserve your seat ($100) with Angelo Varsobia (818) 6469453 or Mary Trinidad at (661) 713-0014. Participants should bring their own computers, download a free version of Photoshop (https://bit.ly/2NYPbLW), and bring one USB thumb drive.
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Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration for MVGFC ’68 in Las Vegas Vegas CLECSN (now MVGFC) class of ’68 in Cabanatuan City, Philippines will have its golden jubilee anniversary celebration in Las Vegas, Nevada from Thursday, Sept. 13 to Wednesday, Sept. 19. For more information, please contact Eddie C. Talusan at (415) 583-1300 or Cindy Frando Reyes at (949) 705 - 9324.
SEPTEMBER 15
Penafrancia Fiesta event in San Leandro, California In honor of the feast of Our Lady of Penafrañcia, a day of celebration will be held on Saturday, September 15 in San Leandro, California. It will begin at 9 a.m. with a 9th day rosary and novena prayer, followed by the Holy Mass at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church (2500 Bermuda Ave., San Leandro, CA 94577). At 11:30 a.m., the land & fluvial processions will happen from the church to Marina Park Lagoon. From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a picnic, entertainment, games and vigil mass at Marina Park (14001 Monarch Bay Dr., San Leandro, CA 94577).
SEPTEMBER 16
Los Angeles Skyline Lions Club holds masquerade ball The Los Angeles Skyline Lions Club (District 4-L3) cordially invites guests to join the masquerade ball to celebrate its 15th anniversary of continued support to local and global communities, alongside the annual fall harvest festival and installation of new club officers. Please join the fun celebration on Sunday, September 16 at the Signature Banquet Hall, 11130 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, CA. Doors open at 4 p.m. For any inquiries, you may call PDG Sol “Sunshine” Santiago at (213) 500-1927. See you all there and be ready to unmask your night!
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Sto. Tomas Batangas Association of Southern California to celebrate 36th anniversary The Sto. Tomas Batangas Association of Southern California will celebrate its 36th anniversary & coronation Night on Saturday, September 22 at the Los Serranos Country Club (15656 Yorba Ave. Chino Hills, CA 91709). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For attendance, please call Willie Manacsa at (818) 400-7391, Offie Villanueva at (626) 9608407), Mylee Moncada at (818) 322-9429, Rosalie Nasu at (909)631-9356 or Rosie Sancianco at (951)898-7628.
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Tau Alpha Grand Reunion in Las Vegas Tau Alphans everywhere, join D’Argos Adventure in Las Vegas on September 23-26, 2018. Experience O’le Las Vegas, the Birthplace of the Mob. Most of the four-day event will be held at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino on Fremont St. The “Meet & Greet” á la Western style, will be on Sunday, September 23; followed by a Family Picnic on Monday, September 24 at the Madeira Canyon Park in Henderson; a subsequent Nightcap in the Golden Nugget on the evening of September 24; D’Fabulous 50s Nostalgia Dinner-Dance will be in the Golden Nugget and the Gala Dinner/Fraternity Ball will be on Wednesday, September 26 at the Golden Nugget, Bel Air Rooms. There will be a privately hosted Bon Voyage Brunch on September 27. Tau Alpha is the 3rd oldest fraternity in the University of the Philippines. Chartered in 1932 as the College of Engineering Fraternity. Contact Art F. Jorge, chairman of the 2018 Tau Alpha Grand Reunion, at artnmyr@yahoo.com.
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United Architects of the Philippines - Southern California chapter hosts UAP president in Monterey Park, CA The United Architects of the Philippines - Southern California Chapter, Inc. (UAPSOCAL) a chartered member by the UAP, the only accredited architectural professional organization recognized by Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Philippines, will host the national president of UAP who will be in Los Angeles in connection with the induction of the incoming chapter officers and new members on Wednesday, September 26 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Monterey Hill Steak Restaurant (3700 W. Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park, CA 9175). Interested UAP corporate members, Filipino-American architects, designers, and allied professionals are welcome to attend the event and join the prestigious organization. For more information please contact Jun Joaquin at (323) 675-5042 / (323) 907-3050 or email at uapsocalchapter@ gmail.com.
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Do I have a community property... PH, China to sign industrial parks... PAGE B3 t
you are contemplating of getting married. There are several ways of avoiding the creation of a community interest on your separate real property. One, you can sign a prenuptial agreement. Two, the parties can execute a postnuptial agreement if the parties are already married. Three, the parties can execute a transmutation agreement with a waiver of any family code section 2640 reimbursement claim. If your divorce case involves complex
issues of asset distribution, it is best to retain the representation of competent counsel. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship
between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 (Advertising Supplement
Pushing for gender equality... PAGE B1 t
by women — and even men — in promoting gender equality in our places of work,” she added. The president of Mageo Consulting, Inc., Boots Garcia, for instance, highlighted the advocacy for women’s rights in workplaces as having a significant impact on the economy, while Myrna Yao, CEO of Richprime Gobal, Inc., talked about the need to embed gender-equality practices in every organization, as this brings about improved productivity.
EMPLOYMENT
While the forum hosted a number of plenary sessions as well as moderated discussions on a number of topics about women in the workplace, one of the highlights was the need to bridge the gap between businesswomen and female millennials, who themselves are expected to someday become entrepreneurs or productive members of society. “There must be a positive promotion of high-performance culture in workplaces — some-
thing which I have been doing in my own organization,” said Leni Bantiling, vice president for Business Development at Trends and Concepts Total Interior Solutions, Inc., whose opinion was echoed by Ma. Christina Concepcion, president and CEO of BPO International, Inc. Bantiling added, “And it’s how to work with the millennials — we take them seriously, and we inculcate in them that being in the real world is a serious business.”(Manilatimes.net) n
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industrial zone in New Clark City in Pampanga. Dizon noted that besides New Clark City, the government was also scouting for sites across the country. “It’s just that the first area that they felt was really [viable was]the New Clark City primarily because of the connectivity to the airport and the adjacent infrastructure like [the]SCTex
(Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) and Subic,” he explained. Dominguez said that locating industrial parks in other areas would not be a problem for the government since it owned the land to be used. “In our case, there are no issues on right of way because it’s our land. So we develop it, it gets enhanced and it becomes our asset,” he said. Lastly, Dizon stressed that the
development of industrial parks would also bring in more Chinese locators. The industrial parks, he also noted, will be limited to medium and light industries. “We don’t want a steel plant but maybe we can accommodate [an investment]if it’s a car assembly plant, robotics assembly, semiconductors, laboratories, or training facilities,” Dominguez added. n
bankrupt many families. When all is said and done, the greatest equalizer, DEATH, the Great Reaper, comes to visit each one of us whether you are young or old, rich or poor, ugly or handsome, black, white brown or yellow. That mere thought that one day I too will die, a date that I know not when, is quite sobering that compelled me to question “what then is the purpose of my fragile life?” I remember that same question being asked of me by a female prisoner during Bible study class that I was presiding over at the Orange County jail. To-
tally unprepared and surprised by that question in a prison environment, the Holy Spirit I believe, came to rescue me to say something like this: “The purpose of our lives is to KNOW GOD MORE, to LOVE HIM MORE, and to serve HIM and be with HIM FOREVER in heaven,” and related some personal anecdotes that manifested the presence of God in my life. Then, I also shared the story of the TWO SETS OF FOOT PRINTS IN THE SAND, becoming just ONE SET in the moments to one’s life when tragedies occur simply be-
Death forces us to ponder what matters...
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natural limits by burdensome and expensive medical technology. We are scared experiencing unknown intolerable pain and suffering, losing control over bodily functions, non-functioning organs or living with severe dementia. The end of life issues (physician assisted death, mental health, suicide, soaring health care costs) are becoming more pronounced, especially for us 76 million Baby Boomers who are aging very fast, adding unprecedented financial burden to health care costs that often
EMPLOYMENT
FOR RENT
HOME AGENCY
REAL ESTATE
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People and Events The City of Rosemead and Temple Sheriff’s Father Patrick Mbazuigwe: An envoy of God Station announce Community Academy 2018 THE City of Rosemead and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Temple Station, are hosting a Community Academy. Community members will have the opportunity to learn more about their local law enforcement agency. This Academy is a 7-week program, with classes taking place each Wednesday, from September 19 through November 7, 2018. The final session will be a graduation ceremony. The topics for the 6-week academy training include a presentation by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, a tour of the Twin Towers Custody Facility, patrol/sheriff traffic procedures, a patrol ride-a-long, graffiti/gang awareness, and drug awareness. The Community Academy is
get a chance to learn about the City of Rosemead’s governmental functions. There will be a different topic presented each week and those who attend will have a deeper understanding and respect for the topics presented. For more information or to apply, please contact Mandy Wong, Public Safety Supervisor at (626) 569-2168. Applications will not be accepted after September 13, 2018 at 6 p.m. All applications will be screened and approved by the an example of Temple Station’s Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Decontinued efforts to improve its partment. The program is being relationship with the community presented free of charge and 25 and to educate community mem- participants will be accepted. You can download the applibers on law enforcement matters cation form at http://www.cityoand procedures. In addition, participants will frosemead.org ■
Santa Monica City Council approves expanded ban on single-use plastics
Revision to existing ordinance will require marine degradable straws, lids, plates, bowls, trays, containers, straws, utensils, stirrers, cups, and lid plugs
ON a recent Sunday, the parishioners of All Souls Catholic Church in Alhambra, California had a glorious day, celebrating Father Patrick’s Silver Jubilee of Priestly Ordination. They were joined by other parishioners who have been along his spiritual journey from past to present. From Saint Genevieve Parish, he remembers feeling peaceful, joyful and blessed by their openness to him, a complete stranger, as the several brothers in Christ schooled him on how to run staff pastoral and finance council meetings. After pastoral ministry at Saint Anthony, Father Patrick was transferred to Saint Peter Claver Church. Dry and rocky mountains surrounded him, but the warm support, kindness and trusting anxious minds gave him a home. But his current appointment as the administrator of All Souls Parish in Alhambra in July 2016 is one of the greatest experienc-
es of God’s goodness and mercy in abundance in his life. This interview was more of a conversation, as he shared his thoughts on the epiphany of his priesthood and when he called on God to let him try this path throughout the years. Father Patrick realized it was God who
called him to his vocation, not his own doing. His ordination to the priesthood was indeed a highly welcome phenomenon, a source of pride and joy for his simple family from Nigeria. Today, the celebration of his Silver Jubilee of Priestly Ordination is a way for him to thank and celebrate his blessings from God. He doesn’t see himself as an expert or professional but instead feels the humility in his heart that there is still vast knowledge to learn from God. Through powerful reflection came enlightenment — how the grace of God has lifted him from a tiny and quaint village to become an exalted priest of God. In a glorious celebration with parishioners and friends, his glory unfolded, anchored on Saint Paul’s doctrine “your grace is enough for me.” (Submitted by Rose Vella, founder/former president of Fil-Am Press Club) ■
House OKs 10-day paid incentive... PAGE B1 t
productivity. Leave credits also minimize the risks of health and safety issues among employees which may be even costlier for both employers and employees
in the long run,” they said. Among the bill’s authors are Mark Go of Baguio City, Gus Tambunting of Parañaque, Rodolfo Fariñas of Ilocos Norte, Christopher de Venecia of Pan-
gasinan and Anthony Bravo of party-list group Coop-Natco. Earlier, the House approved also on third and final reading increasing paid maternity leave from 60 days to 100 days.■
Death forces us to ponder what matters... PAGE B4t
LAST August 14, the Santa Monica City Council approved a revision to the 2007 Nonrecyclable Plastic Food Service Container Ordinance to expand plastics banned to include all single-use plastics for prepared foods. This includes: straws, lids, utensils, plates, bowls, trays, containers, stirrers, cups, and lid plugs. This vote aligns with the City’s sustainability goals and longstanding commitment to the environment, which includes a goal to achieve zero waste through diversion, composting, and recycling by 2030. Santa Monica was one of the first cities to ban polystyrene food service containers in 2007 and single-use plastic bags in 2011. “As a beach city, single-use plastics pose serious problems
for the natural environment, including polluting the ocean and clogging landfills,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Dean Kubani. “With this vote, the City Council ensures that Santa Monica continues to leads on the environment by being one of the first cities to ban all plastic food service ware, including cups and lids. This decision will protect our beaches while also getting us closer to our zero waste goal by 2030.” The revisions to this ordinance protect the Santa Monica Bay from plastic pollution while reducing landfill waste. It further requires that all marine degradable disposable straws and utensils be provided to customers only upon request. The ordinance also applies to all food
and beverage providers serving prepared food in Santa Monica as part of their services. The ordinance requirements will go into effect January 1, 2019. The City’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment staff would conduct workshops and other outreach activities before 2019 to provide information and assistance to food and beverage providers in identifying disposable food service ware that is marine degradable and locating suppliers of alternative products. The outreach program would strongly encourage the use of the most sustainable packaging types from a resource use and marine debris perspective. For additional information, please visit www.sustainablesm. org/foodware. ■
cause it was the LORD who was carrying him during those tragic times. Miraculously, those impromptu answers calmed down the class of prisoners, a transformation that even surprised me to this day! My personal thoughts and tribute to Sen. John McCain With hundreds of hours of TV and online news about the life of Sen. McCain since his untimely death (are not all deaths timely?) I am learning many stories and anecdotes that I have not read nor learned until now that heightened my admiration for the man. Just consider his refusal to be freed from his Vietnam prison (most people will gladly accept that!) when his father was promoted into a very high rank in the U.S. military. He refused BEFORE his fellow prisoners who were also in prison even longer than him were released.
Another admirable gesture was the time he did not allow himself to be drawn or influenced by his woman supporter to attack his then presidential opponent’ personal life, Barack Obama. Instead he chastised and told his supporter that Obama is a decent family man and honorable American, despite of their policy disagreements. What a honorable politician that cannot be said about a lot of politician nowadays! After his heroes’ burial, I also hope that his wish for all political leaders to put the welfare of America above their selfish interests be written about his 81 years of life. His life of integrity and being a maverick American leader during his time, Sen. McCain will be even a bigger figure than when he was alive. I pray that his example of public service can be a great model for all politicians to follow. Let us the voters
of America take an active part by electing more decent leaders to lead America to become a more civil, more compassionate and moral leader of all nations once again! The true success of any man or woman is how your friends and even your enemies describe you to others, even after you are gone! The way many people are now describing Sen. McCain shows that he is already a great SUCCESS that most mortals will never have! My total admiration to you, Sen. McCain! May your star in Washington D.C. always shine to provide inspiration and guidance to all our leaders, especially in Washington D.C. May you rest in peace! God bless you and your family that you left behind! *** Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com websites: www.gkerc.org www.edelfin.globalgn.com
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Arnold T. Gonzales, Tourism Promotions Board Officer-in-Charge, on empowering employees and officials in promoting the Philippines all over the world by Ritchel
Mendiola / AJPress
MARKETING veteran Arnold T. Gonzales was chosen unanimously by the Board of Directors, chaired by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), following the resignation of TPB COO, Cesar Montano. Gonzales graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1982 with a degree in Tourism. He finished his Master’s Degree from the De La Salle University in 1995. He has been a civil servant most of his career, spending two years in the private sector as a tour coordinator, and then rising to Assistant Operations Manager at Rajah Tours Philippines Inc. He is no stranger in the tourism sector, having been with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and TPB for 30 years, assigned to various posts
in the Philippines and abroad. When he was the senior tourism operations officer/marketing specialist, he pushed the marketing efforts of the DOT at Frankfurt and Paris offices, with focus on Western and Southern Europe (France, Spain, Portugal, Benelux countries, Italy, Greece, Turkey and the Middle East.) Prior to his designation, Gonzales has been serving as OIC of Domestic Promotions Department of the TPB. Gonzales was just settling in his new office as the Officerin-Charge of TPB when he sat down with Balikbayan Magazine/Asian Journal for a quick interview: Balikbayan Magazine/ Asian Journal: How does it feel to be appointed as TPB’s Officer-in-Charge? Gonzales: I’m humbled and yet challenged by the new assignment. Being the OIC en-
tails a daunting task ahead, but with the support of the employees and the private sector, I feel empowered to handle this job. I am also humbled yet overwhelmed by the positive response I’ve been receiving from everyone. BBMag/AJ: What do you think are the challenges you might encounter as the OIC? Gonzales: One of the challenges is basically the immediate implementation of projects. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat instructed us to pass through all projects to the Commission on Audit (COA) for review. Since there are a lot of projects, we’re being very careful in implementing these, to avoid any more controversies. BBMag/AJ: What do you think should be an OIC’s best quality? Gonzales: First and foremost, a TPB OIC should manifest exemplary leadership in managing the affairs of the office and its employees. A TPB OIC should focus on the mandate which is marketing and promoting the Philippines domestically and internationally as a major global tourism destination. He should consider certain factors in implementing a project. The project has to bring in international tourists as well as entice Filipinos to travel within the country. BBMag/AJ: What are your plans and projects for TPB? Gonzales: I would not say plans, but my mission is to empower all employees and officials, ensure transparency in transactions of the corporation, and establish a worklife balance. And, of course, ensure that no corruption will happen in this organization. BBMag/AJ: How do you plan on accomplishing those? Gonzales: TPB is an ISOcertified world-class organization that highly values transparency in all its transactions. We will continue to ensure that all processes are followed
accordingly, and all projects will undergo proper vetting procedure before crucial decisions are made. The public has the right to know where their taxes go so it is our duty to make sure that everything is accounted for. We will also ensure that TPB’s resources will be allocated to projects that are in line with our mandate — this means no more sponsorships of projects such as beauty pageants, fashion shows, concerts, and unnecessary sporting events. On empowerment for TPB employees, we have to constantly remind each and every employee of this organization’s rules and his/her role as a civil servant. And more importantly, they have to be given the opportunity to voice out their opinions and even make important decisions to be reminded that we work as a team, and not as individuals with personal agenda. There will also be no more unnecessary reassignment of career employees as this affects their efficiency and productivity. One of the best ways to empower is to build a work-life balance culture that will allow each and every employee to see work not as a burden, but as an opportunity for growth. We will do this by allowing our employees to engage in trainings and activities that will not only improve their skills but also build their network toward growth and development. With empowered employees, expect no corruption in this organization. But since corruption can also stem from poor leadership, it is my duty to lead by example, communicate and engage and treat everyone equally and with respect. The COO’s door is always open to show that we do not ostracize and there is no barrier between the management and its subordinates. We are one as a team and we will work as a team to serve the best interests of the country. BBMag/AJ: What is your
AJPress photos by Godwin Gasacao
vision for TPB in 2018 in order to make it a world-class organization worthy of the Philippine brand? Gonzales: TPB over the years has sponsored various outfits whose objectives are aligned with our mandate to market and promote the Philippines as a major global destination. But following the directives of Secretary Puyat in promoting farm tourism, heritage, and ecotourism, we will be moving forward and focusing on projects that fuel these avenues toward tourism growth.
This means projects related to fashion shows and pageants will have to take a backseat. There are exceptions however, provided that we still apply the proper procedure in vetting and evaluating proposals. In this connection, we are in the process of finalizing our guidelines for the vetting of financial sponsorships. The guidelines will have to be ratified by the board so that whoever sits as the COO will now have to follow the process. (Published in Balikbayan Magazine’s August-October/ Autumn 2018 issue)
Alden to perform ‘buwis-buhay’ stunts in his Sept. 21 show by allan
PolicaRPio
Inquirer.net
IF he were to rate his singing from one to 10, Alden Richards would give it a 4.5—maybe a 4.7, if he’s being generous. His voice isn’t exactly something to write home about, he admitted. He’d like to think, however, that he effectively injects lambing into his songs, which makes them endearing enough to his fans. “When I cover songs like ‘God Gave Me You’ or ‘I Will Be Here,’ I believe there’s a certain warmth to it, because I always sing from the heart. My voice isn’t that good, but sometimes it’s about what the crowd feels from you,” he told reporters at a recent press con for his upcoming concert, “Adrenaline Rush.”
“I perform with an aim to entertain and make people happy,” added the 26-year-old heartthrob, who also pointed out that, as an actor, he’s also “very sensitive” emotionally. “Words and melodies affect me, which translates [to my singing],” he said. “It also depends on your emotional state. If you’re feeling extra motivated or inspired, then it’s easier to perform… people will see that.” But that doesn’t mean he has no desire to improve. He has taken up voice lessons in the past and plans to do it again in preparation for his second solo major concert on Sept. 21 at the Kia Theatre. “I’ve worked with a voice teacher before,” he related. “He taught me different techniques.” As if singing well isn’t hard
enough, Alden plans to do it while dancing, and doing physically taxing numbers and stunts. Biggest challenge “That’s the biggest challenge for me, singing while pulling off choreographed moves—you need to have endurance for that. I have nothing but respect for those who can do these things flawlessly,” he said, adding that he’s thankful that his director, GB Sampedro, has allowed him to get involved in putting the concert together, which includes song selection. “I have to be knowledgeable, too… I need to carefully pick songs that are within my range and I can perform well,” he added. While Alden’s previous show, “Upsurge,” was waterthemed, “Adrenaline Rush’s” concept will revolve around air.
Can the fans expect highflying productions or stunts? He doesn’t want to give away too much, but he assured that he’s coming up with something buwis-buhay. “There will be production numbers that will be done offstage; things that will require safety measures; things that rely on precision and timing. We will be maximizing the entire venue,” Alden related. “We will be rehearsing and training hard.” Teased if he would be showing a little skin, since his role in the fantasy-drama series “Victor Magtanggol” requires him to be in good shape, Alden quipped that he’s “open to doing different things.” In any case, should he be required to do so, he’s “physically ready.” So far, the roster of special
guests includes Regine Velasquez, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Ex Battalion, Rodjun Cruz and One Up. What about Maine Mendoza? “That’s always a possibility,” he said. Alden is also set to release his new album, “Until I See You Again,” on the night of the concert. “Majority of the songs are original. The taste of listeners is ever-changing, so we have to come up with OPM songs that are different, but still very me,” he said. While he’s no professional singer, three of his past albums sold well and achieved certifications: “Alden Richards” went platinum (15,000+ copies sold), “Say It Again” turned gold (7,500+), and “Wish I May” reached diamond (150,000).
Alden Richards plans to take up voice lessons again. Inquirer.net photo
Asian Americans in hip-hop discuss authenticity and making a cultural mark on the genre
Exploring the importance of respecting hip-hop’s uniquely racial foundation, and establishing a clear difference between cultural appreciation vs. appropriation by KlaRize
Medenilla AJPress
SINCE the start of the new millennium, hip-hop has expanded to become the de facto popular music genre for the new generation. Capitalizing on the popularity and the endless creative potential of the genre, non-black rappers and producers have emerged out of the woodwork to contribute their talents to an everexpanding industry. Asian and Asian American rappers have contributed their own bars and beats to the ever-growing genre. Subverting the image of the reserved, subservient Asian, hip-hop artists like Dumbfoundead, Rekstizzy and the Far East Movement have garnered steady followings around the world. Most recently, the charming raspy-voiced Nora Lum, aka Awkwafina — a rapper/actress who starred in two summer blockbusters: “Ocean’s 8” and “Crazy Rich Asians” — is recognized as a pioneer in AsianAmerican hip-hop for women
A wide-ranging discussion on Asian Americans in hip-hop included conversations about disrupting the model minority myth stereotype, pursuing music and artistic careers in hip-hop and navigating cultural challenges as Asian Americans in music. From L-R: co-curator of the event Justin Hoover, co-curator Ninochka MgTaggart, Fil-Am Richie Menchavez of Traktivist, Chinese-American rapper Jason Chu, FilAm dancer Arnel Calvario of Kaba Modern, Fil-Am rapper and DJ Kuttin Kandi and Chinese-American DJ Phatrick. Photos by Lowell Edward
as an unapologetically raunchy artist, disrupting the submissive Asian woman stereotype. The boundaries of the who’s who in hip-hop have loosened up in the last few years, and in the era of diversity in all currents of entertainment, Asian American
musicians are stepping up and coming together to implant their own cultural mark on the genre. On Aug. 23, the Chinese American Museum Los Angeles (CAMLA) in Downtown LA hosted “Represent, represent! Asian Americans in Hip-Hop,”
DJ Kuttin Kandi discusses the challenges of being a queer, disabled Filipinx-American in the music industry and the importance of standing in solidarity with other artists of color, primarily black artists.
a presentation and discussion of Asian American representation in the hip-hop industry. (The event coincided with a current art exhibition “Don’t Believe the Hype: LA Asian Americans in Hip-Hop” that will be on display through Nov. 4.)
On deck were some of the Asian American hip-hop community’s most distinguished players: Chinese-American rapper Jason Chu, FilipinxAmerican rapper and activist Candice Custodio-Tan aka DJ Kuttin Kandi, Filipino-American Arnel Calvario of Kaba
Modern and Filipino-American Richie Menchavez, creator and founder of Traktivist. Each speaker shared their stories on how they came to the medium, and while each journey was singular, they all had a common theme: disrupt the model minority myth that plagues Asian Americans and, often, doesn’t leave room for creative expression. “By the turn of every table, I am continuously calling in the often othered as I am reclaiming space and igniting the bruha within [me] who has been forgotten and shamed,” Custodio-Tan said, passionately sharing her artistic mission to unabashedly reflect her truth in her music. She added that musical expression has allowed her to explore “healing and trauma as I challenge and address antiblack racism and the multiple oppressive micro- and macroaggressions from individual to white supremacist heteropatriarchal institutional systems.” Standing in solidarity with Continued on Page 4
Iza Calzado in the thick of wedding preparations
She did say that she has already managed to finish her list of bridesmaids, and that the dresses they will be wear“I’M a bride-deadma,” declared actress Iza Calzado, who ing are now being made. Iza, is set to marry British entrepre- however, refused to reveal the venue of the wedding. “Let’s neur Ben Wintle this year. just say it’s on planet Earth,” “I’m never a bridezilla. Wala kasi akong paki,” she ex- she quipped, adding that only a select few would be invited plained, referring to a woman whose behavior in planning her to attend the ceremony. “We can’t accommodate wedding is considered obses[everybody]. We might do a sive and demanding. “I’m a crammer, so is Ben. It’s actually Manila party because it’s really not possible. The place is very becoming a liability for me.” small. I don’t want guests to She admitted to feeling sleep in the middle of the sea. “slightly stressed” about the Unless, they all have yachts preparations. “I just realized that there are so many require- that they could make us borrow.” ments that have to be submitThe bride-to-be admitted: ted. I hate that! I kept saying it would be a lot better if we just “It feels exciting because it’s not just a role anymore. It’s the eloped and simply surprised real thing.” everyone with the news that Iza, 36, wants to have “one we’re already married, but I child, for now.” She added: can’t do that. This is really for “Yes, I’ve committed myself to my father.” getting pregnant once. I can’t Iza’s dad is the late actor, commit to anything beyond director and choreographer that just yet. We can probably Lito Calzado. by Marinel
r. Cruz
Inquirer.net
start trying to make one [baby], two or three months before the teleserye ends. The clock is ticking, guys! Tick! Tock!” She was referring to the drama series “Ngayon at Kailanman,” which is now airing weekdays on ABS-CBN. The series also features Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia, Alice Dixson, Ina Raymundo and Jameson Blake. “The project was pitched to me in November 2017. I thought it would be finished by this time,” Iza shared with reporters. She added that Ben does not mind that she is still working now. “His restrictions lie more in the working hours that I have versus the kind of projects I’m making. It’s more like he doesn’t want me to stay up late anymore.” Iza was last seen on TV in the drama series “A Love to Last” with Bea Alonzo and Ian Veneracion. “It’s still good that I got a breather because this didn’t come right after ‘A Love
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - September 5, 2018
Iza Calzado (right) will marry fiancé Ben Wintle this year.
to Last.’ I’m now excited to go back to work. Aside from Julia, I’ll be working with the rest of the cast for the first time,”
she said. Iza noted that Julia “is becoming a much better actress. I’m proud of her. I love that
Inquirer.net photo
she gives me full trust. We work well together on- and off-cam. There’s always good banter between us.”
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Remember Lilet?
Children of the late ‘80s and through the ‘90s will surely remember singer lilet. Yes she was the Philippines’ representative to the worldwide ad campaign of Coca-Cola dubbed “Tomorrow’s Future,” where she sang the famous line, “We are the future of the
world, we are the hope of our nation…” amid a multi-racial crowd in a liverpool Stadium. That was in 1987. Well, lilet is back on TV, now 44 years old, and portraying a pivotal role in GMA network’s, new afternoon series “My Special Tatay,” with
the talented Ken Chan in the lead. A story about an autistic young man who becomes a father, lilet portrays Chan’s strong-willed single mother who will do anything for her special child. Also a product of the late German Moreno’s “That’s entertainment” youth variety show, lilet cut several hit records throughout her singing career, the most famous of which is the ever familiar tune “Kaibigan lang Pala.” She later crossed over to songwriting, winning the “A Song Of Praise” contest for her song, “You Are lord Of All.” her acting experience included youth oriented movies like “Aso’t Pusa,” “estudyante Blues,” “dear diary” and Pik Pak Boom; while she has also recently appeared in GMA network dramas “Forevermore,” “langit lupa” and “A love to last.” My Special Tatay premieres today, and also stars Jestoni Alarcon, Teresa loyzaga, Carmen Soriano and Candy Pangilinan, among others. it is directed by lA Madridejos who is also behind the ongoing hit series “Onanay.” (Manilatimes.net)
Why Sharon gives ‘full approval’ to KC’s new beau by Nathalie
tomada Philstar.com
ShArOn Cuneta is “so happy” that her daughter KC Concepcion has found love again. The 33-year-old KC recently went instagram official with her French beau named Pierre-emmanuel Plassart — a rekindled relationship that the Megastar witnessed from the very start. Sharon was (technically) the first one to meet the 36-yearold filmmaker-businessman when she accompanied her daughter to the U.S. way back in 2011. KC, as the country’s ambassador for the Un World Food Programme, was then invited to a high-profile hollywood event hosted by the former U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton. “We met — this is nice — he was with his mom, KC was with me. We went to (former) President Clinton’s 65th birthday party and fundraising event for his foundation. And among all the tables — Barbra Streisand was there, Jane Fonda was there — we were stuck in one table. God put us in one table, along with a wealthy couple (from) Beijing,” Sharon recalled to The STAr in an interview last Aug. 31. “Then later on, Pierre stands up — and this is what i’ve always expected also even with my own suitors when i was younger — and introduces himself to me, ‘i’m with my mother, my name is Pierre Plassart and i’m from France.’ Oh, i said, ‘This is my daughter. She finished school in Paris.’ Mamaya nag-uusap na sila. That’s how they started.” According to his bio on the movie database iMdB.com, Pierre is a writer and director who began his career in photography, specializing in jewelry and fashion in Paris. he has a film degree from the Art Center College of design in California and his works have figured in film festivals in the U.S. and europe, his profile further read. Sharon confirmed that this is her eldest daughter’s second shot at romance with Pierre. he has already been in the Philippines and met everyone back in 2012. “he came for all the family to meet him. So, all the Photo from ManilaTimes.net Pangilinans have met him. My mother (the late elaine Cuneta) and i fell in love with him. he is a very humble, decent person. he’s a real gentleman in every sense of the word, you know, old-school gentleman,” she said. “We even went to Japan and Thailand together with (KC) but i don’t know what happened. Then apparently (they got back together). That’s life! hahaha! i am so happy for her.” in separate instagram posts
KC with French boyfriend Pierre-Emmanuel Plassart
last week, KC and Pierre uploaded sweet couple photos as they celebrated the birthday of the latter in his home country. Pierre captioned his photo “Mon Coeur” which meant “my heart” in english. KC was all praises for her boyfriend as well in her post, drawing reactions from her father Gabby Concepcion (“Congrats. in love baby ko.”) and stepfather Sen. Kiko Pangilinan (“Godspeed! love will withstand all, will conquer all.”). Sharon reposted KC’s photo with a message that said the reconciliation has her “full approval” and that her daughter should not waste the “second chance with your prince” otherwise “you will never forgive yourself.” To recall, KC also ended a long-term relationship early this year with former Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo. her heartbreak even partly inspired her own line of fine jewelry, Avec Moi by Kristina. Sharon, meanwhile, is celebrating the 40th year of her storied showbiz career with her biggest concert yet, titled “My 40 Years,” Sharon, at the Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 28. When asked if there’s anything she regrets in the last four decades, Sharon — who had her first hit song “Mr. dJ” at the tender age of 12 — said there’s none, career-wise, but “i would have changed some things in my personal life.” “Obviously,” the actress-TV host added, “not get married so early because you may be ready, but your partner may not be or vice-versa.” last February, in a viral Facebook thread, Sharon told inquiring netizens that contrary to “common perception,” she had already secretly wed Gabby in civil rites in July 1984 before getting pregnant with KC at 19 years old. her love
Photos from KC Concepcion’s Instagram
life prior to marriage to Sen. Kiko is practically an open book. “i was really, mostly a princess, so i was Snow White, i was Cinderella, and everybody was a Prince Charming. Unfortunately... it’s not naman bad people i ended up with. not all. hahaha!” she joked then added, “Sometimes, it just didn’t work out and if i had pushed it, it might not have worked out naman lalo in the end. Better like that because you don’t see the real character of a person unless you’re boyfriend and girlfriend eh. You always see the best foot forward if you stay in the ligaw stage only.” Asked about her love advice to KC and her two younger daughters Frankie and Miel, she said it’s the same advice she got from her own mother. “Collect and collect and then select. don’t fall for the first, you know, and give it all. Just pick the best one. You never know, you say yes today but tomorrow there’s someone pala really meant for you. Iba kasi noong araw din, ’pag nag-bo-boyfriend ka, di naman yung go, go, go, everything, hahaha!” There’s one thing new in her pieces of advice though, Sharon noted. “i used to say all the time that you choose the person you can live with over the person you can’t live without. now that i’m older, it should be a combination or just go for the other because if you can’t live without someone you’ll always be able to forgive. if you are forcing yourself to live with somebody just because you get along... you don’t want to live without passion, those nice moments that keep that fire burning. it has to be somewhere in the middle but hopefully, my daughters won’t have to choose.”
Asian Americans in...
From Page 2 all people of color, especially with black Americans, and recognizing the foundation of hip-hop was a key touchstone of the panel. “it’s impossible for us to be in this community without paying homage to our black brothers and sisters who built the creative foundation on which we express ourselves,” Custodio-Tan said. “We, as Asian Americans, must stand with the black community and other communities of color in solidarity to combat the rampant white supremacy that permeates in our world today. We can’t ignore that.” A conversation on cultural appropriation hip-hop began in the 1970s in black neighborhoods in the United States, and it was borne out of the need for emotional creative express amid the racial, economic, political and social realities of young African-Americans and CaribbeanAmericans. What began as simple poetry performed to the backdrop of synthesizers and beats within the black power movement has evolved into a diversified $10 billion a year industry that spawns new artists every day. But the entrance of a wider racial pool of hip-hop artists opens the door for artists to culturally appropriate elements of black culture into their own art, whether that’s changing their hair, vocabulary or their accent. So how do you creatively contribute something to a uniquely racially-founded medium without being accused of being a “culture vulture”? Cultural appropriation is the act of cherry-picking elements of a minority culture for aesthetic reasons. in recent years, it’s been seen as a harmful act that frivolously accessorizes historically scorned aspects of a culture, disrespecting the
struggle of the black community to hold on to those cherished aspects of their culture. Activists postulate that the cultural appropriation of black culture by non-black individuals is a form of racism because it negates the decades of derision the black community has faced. in other words, when black folks do it, it’s seen as subordinate or lesser-than, but when non-black folks do it, it’s seen as edgy, creative or funny. The use of African-American Vernacular english (AAVe), or speaking with a black accent (colloquially, a “blaccent”), by black Americans has historically and presently been stigmatized among all races — sometimes, even its own. Black Americans have spent the better half of post-slavery America being mocked, criticized and denied upward mobility in America for their hair, facial features, clothing, vernacular or their regional manners of speaking, the writer nia Tucker wrote in a 2017 article for nextShark called “Sorry Asians, My Blackness is not Your Counterculture.” “i have no problem with other [people of color] taking part in hip-hop and Black culture and being able to relate to the stories in the music, but the issue comes in when the culture becomes your counterculture, and is what allows you to defy whatever constrictions you feel by your own personal ethnic identity,” Tucker wrote. Many Asian American performers have adopted AAVe in their art and have subsequently been accused of being “culture vultures.” lum — who grew up in Queens — regularly speaks with a new York City black accent and has been the subject of criticism for her manner of speaking in “Crazy rich Asians” which is utilized in a comedic way. Fil-Am entertainer Bruno
Mars, whose career was built on the heels of James Brown and Michael Jackson, has been accused of cultural appropriation in his music and on-stage persona. And many Asian American artists and musicians recognize this. every speaker at the CAM panel addressed the need for Asian Americans in the music industry to not be afraid to tackle these issues and to formulate nuanced conversations around them. Menchavez, whose radio station and blog Traktivist seeks to hold conversations about the Asian American imprint on music, believes in taking the discussion of cultural appropriation seriously and exploring perspectives in a nuanced way. rather than reactively defending the Asian American hip-hop community amid accusations of cultural appropriation, those in the community should listen to and address these concerns while forming their own brands of hip-hop which will, in turn, establish a uniquely Asian American voice within the genre. “As a community, we have to talk about that first: what does being an Asian American mean to us and what does that sound like if we want to be a collective?” Menchavez offered at the CAM panel. “Because what’s happening right now is very prevalent, especially with Awkwafina, [Korean-American rapper] Jay Park and Bruno Mars. We have to talk about cultural appropriation because it’s on people’s minds because there are people who say we shouldn’t be participating in hip-hop at all. So i think that’s something we need to think about as artists: what does it mean to be Asian Americans in hip-hop? We need to figure out what that is and, importantly, what that sounds like.”
Beit Sahour and Shepherds’ Field by Emil
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - September 5, 2018
town’s population of 12,367 consists of 80 percent Christian and 20 percent Muslim. Tradition says that St. Helena built a convent at the site which presently is known as the shepherd’s cave. Two enclosures are located in the eastern part of the Beit Sahour which different Christian denominations — the Greek Orthodox Church and the Franciscan
PErito
BEIT Sahour — known to Palestinians as the “Place of the Night Watch� — is a Palestinian town approximately two kilometers east of Bethlehem. The town includes a site believed to be the sacred “Shepherds’ Field,� the location where an angel announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. Luke 2:8-10 reads, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And the Angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.’� The name Beit Sahour traces to two places in the vicinity being Beit Sahour al-atiqah, the ancient Beit Sahour; and Beit Sahour an-Nasara being the Beit Sahour of the Christians. The
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - September 5, 2018