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OCTOBER 3-9, 2019

T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

Volume 30 - No. 40 • 16 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

200 Filipino nurses in NYC win human trafficking suit NEW YORK CITY – A United States federal judge has ruled that the owners of the Sentosa group of nursing homes violated the country’s anti-trafficking law by using threats of serious harm against more than 200 nurses from the Philippines. U.S. District Judge Nina Gershon found that the nursing homes’ owners Benjamin Landa and Bent Philipson are personally liable for violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. The lawsuit was brought by Rose Ann Paguirigan in March 2017 on behalf of more than 200 nurses who were recruited in the Philippines to work at Sentosa nursing homes in New York. Paguirigan presented evidence that the Filipino nurses were not paid the prevailing wages promised in their employment contracts and that they were required to work in unsafe conditions with inadequate staffing. Paguirigan also presented evidence that the nursing homes and their recruiters used threats of serious harm to keep the nurses from leaving. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act prohibits the use of threats of serious harm or abuse of legal process to obtain the labor or

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Pacquiao confirms talks for Mayweather rematch REIGNING World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight champion Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao has confirmed that negotiations are ongoing between his camp and that of Floyd Mayweather Jr. for a possible rematch. “My team and his team are talking right now. This is just about negotiations, about the formal discussions. So I don’t know what will happen,” Pacquiao (62-7-2 win-loss-draw record with 39 knockouts) said to writer John McAuley of The National when he visited Dubai last week for a Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League activity. “Floyd, he came to Saudi, Dubai and UAE (United Arab Emirates) many times looking for a fight, but he is giving a hard time to the organizer, the promoter or the government [with] so many demands…. I mean, he should not give the people here or the promoter here a hard time,” Pacquiao added. Sean Gibbons, the MP Promotion president and international matchmaker, however, said he was not aware of any negotiations between

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Ambassador Romualdez on US ban on PH officials: Interference a bane to ties by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

THE Philippines has branded as “unacceptable” and a form of interference in the country’s domestic affairs a proposed U.S. travel ban on officials deemed responsible for the detention of Sen. Leila De Lima.

Vice President Leni Robredo

Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez issued the statement in reaction to a U.S. Senate panel’s approval of a resolution denying entry to any Philippine official involved in De Lima’s detention. The senator has been under detention since 2017 on alleged involvement in drug activi-

ties. Romualdez said a few misguided individuals were advocating intervention to oust President Duterte, similar to the EDSA People Power revolution. “Perhaps the removal of Ferdinand Marcos was justified then – but not this time. Those advocates of regime

change through unconstitutional means are gravely mistaken because times have changed and relationships have changed,” Romualdez said. “Certainly, we do not want to be another Venezuela where foreign intervention from both the United

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Contributed photo

SC defers action on Marcos poll protest by EVELYN

MACAIRAN Philstar.com

MANILA – The Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), on Tuesday, October 1, deferred taking action on former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo.

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DUTERTE IN RUSSIA. President Rodrigo Duterte receives a warm welcome from Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev upon his arrival at the Vnukovo Military Base Airport in Moscow, Russia on Wednesday, October 2. Duterte left for Russia on Tuesday, October 1, upon the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders will intensify cooperation in areas of security and defense, combating terrorism and violent extremism, and addressing transnational crimes. Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

Palace: We are against any intrusion into the sovereign affairs of our land by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

MALACAÑANG on Thursday, September 26, dismissed Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio’s warning that China would reclaim Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, maintaining that President Rodrigo Duterte wouldn’t permit any assault on Philippine sovereignty. According to Carpio, China would push for the signing of a code of conduct for South China Sea claimants after reclaiming the shoal because such code would stop the building of anything in the area, thereby le-

gitimizing whatever they built there. He added that the Chinese would be emboldened to take on the reclamation due to Duterte’s admission that he could not stop them from building structures in the shoal. Panelo, for his part, said Carpio is very fond of engaging in speculations. He also stressed the administration would continue opposing any intrusion into the country’s sovereign affairs. Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde looks at former CIDG chief Benjamin Magalong “Definitely, just like what the president as he testifies before the Senate’s blue ribbon committee which is investigating the recycling ManilaTimes.net photos by Enrique Agcaoili said, I will not allow during my incumben- of seized illegal drugs. cy any assault on our sovereignty. That ar-

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Arson eyed as possible cause in Star City fire by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

Fire engulfing the Star City amusement park in Pasay City. Photo posted on Facebook by the Pasay City Command, Control, Communication and Information Center – C3. Contributed photo

THE Bureau of Fire Protection on Wednesday, October 2, said the fire that hit the Star City amusement park in Pasay City may have been caused by electrical overload or arson. Pasay City Fire Marshall Superintendent Paul Pili also said firefighters are wondering why different areas of the amusement park seemed to have caught fire almost at the same time. However, the Star City believed the fire was an accident. According to Pili, the fire broke out at 12:22 a.m. Wednesday and was believed to

have started in the stockroom of plushies and an assortment of prizes. The blaze reached fire alarm Task Force Bravo status, requiring 19 fire trucks to be dispatched in the area, at around 2:25 a.m. It was brought under control at 4:30 a.m. The BFP declared “fire out” at 2:02 p.m., nearly 14 hours after the fire erupted. Pili said that the fire gutted 80 percent of the Star City amusement park, including its Snow World structure and several indoor rides. Only the outdoor rides remained safe, he added. Star City spokesperson Ru-

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Ex-CIDG chief names ‘ninja cops’ by JAVIER ISMAEL ManilaTimes.net

BAGUIO City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, former Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG) director, identified on Thursday 13 police officers who allegedly recycled illegal drugs. He told senators who attended the hearing held by the Senate’s Blue Ribbon and Justice Committees that the policemen, all members of the Pampanga Provincial Police Office, were involved in the “Agaw-Bato,” a drug-recycling scheme in 2013 and 2014. According to Magalong, the 13 were members of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force. He cited a buy-bust operation on Nov. 29, 2013 in Woodbridge Subdivision, Lakeshore View,

Pampanga conducted by the group, which was led by Supt. Rodney Raymundo Baloyo 4th. The other police officers who joined the drug operation were identified as Senior Inspector Joven de Guzman; Senior Police Officers 1 Jules Maniago, Donald Roque, Ronald Santos, Rommel Vital, Alcindor Tinio and Eligio Valeroso; Police Officers (PO) 3 Dindo Dizon, Gilbert De Vera, Romeo Guerrero Jr. and Dante Dizon; and PO2 Anthony Lacsamana. Witnesses said the raiding team declared that 38 kilograms of shabu were seized during the operation. Based on an official police report, the group arrested a highprofile drug trafficker — Johnson Lee, a Chinese. But Magalong

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OctOber 3-9, 2019 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

From The FronT Page

Ambassador Romualdez on US...

PAGE 1 States and Russia has brought the country to economic ruin,” he said. He said it was “unfortunate” that U.S. Sens. Patrick Leahy and Richard Durbin proposed an amendment to the 2020 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill in a bid to bar certain Philippine officials from entering the U.S. The proposed amendment, approved at the committee level, should take into consideration the Philippines having its own judicial procedures. He said due process has been observed in the detained senator’s case. “The statement of Senator Leahy practically saying that the U.S. has a right to interfere because of the ‘amounts of aid to the Philippines’ is simply unacceptable, which triggered anger among many Filipinos including many of our senators – and rightly so,” Romualdez said. “These actions are plain and simple intervention as these seek to interfere in our country’s internal affairs and influence how we handle domestic issues internal to us,” he added. Romualdez maintained that Duterte has opted to pursue an “independent” foreign policy and enhance its relations with China and Russia “because these countries recognize and respect our sovereignty and will not intervene in domestic issues, and most likely will not throw back at our faces the aid or help they

SENATE PROBE ON ‘NINJA COPS’. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, General Oscar Albayalde (left), PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino (right), take their oath before the Senate body investigating on the alleged drug recycling scheme involving “ninja cops” on Tuesday, October 1. Also present during the hearing presided by Senator Richard Gordon are retired CIDG chief and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (seated), Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, and other resource persons. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez Photo courtesy of Benjamin Garcia-Ascue/Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles

give.” The ambassador emphasized that the alleged interference of Russia in the 2016 U.S. presidential election has become one of the most contentious issues in the U.S. today. “Clearly, a majority of U.S. legislators know better than to interfere in the domestic issues of other nations, especially an ally like the Philippines,” Romualdez said. “We welcome friendly advice and are happy to answer any official inquiry made by our longtime ally and friend – the United States,” he added. According to Romualdez, 12 U.S. senators wrote to Duterte last February to ask him to “drop the charges” against Maria Ressa and “immediately release” De Lima. Only four of the original 12

senators filed a resolution on the ban. “We have continually made it clear that we are in Washington, D.C. not to beg, borrow or ask for aid. Instead, we are extending our hand in friendship to demonstrate the importance we place on our relationship based on mutual respect and shared interests, expecting our sovereignty to be recognized and respected,” he said. The ambassador emphasized that the Philippines continues to engage with U.S. senators and congressmen to assure them that the country values its friendship with the U.S. “Congressional and staff delegations are likewise welcome in the Philippines to see for themselves the real Filipino sentiment,” he said.

Ex-CIDG chief names... PAGE 1

said the buy-bust team presented another suspect, Ding Winkun. He said they found out that Lee paid P50 million for his freedom. The CIDG, however, said some 200 kilograms of shabu were seized in the raid, not 38 kilograms as reported. The missing 162 kilograms were estimated to be worth P648 million in 2014. Magalong said criminal charges were filed against the 13 police officers, but he does not know what happened to the cases. He added that in November 2014, then-Region 3 Director Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta ordered the dismissal of the 13 for grave misconduct. But the order was not implemented. Petrasanta also relieved thenSenior Supt. Oscar Albayalde for

command responsibility. Albayalde was the Pampanga provincial director at the time. In 2017, Region 3 Police chief Amador Corpuz signed an order demoting the 13 by one rank. Magalong said the CIDG, on instruction of then- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Allan Purisima, conducted an investigation in 2013 on the police officers involved. “He (Purisima) received several intelligence reports that police officers of Pampanga have new SUVs. Sabi niya sa akin, ‘Benjie, imbestigahan mo nga ito. Just recently may operation sa Pampanga, 30 kilos ng shabu. Biglang nagkaroon ng sasakyan nang sabay-sabay’ (He told me, ‘Benjie, investigate this. Just recently there was an operation in Pampanga where about 30 kilos of shabu were seized. All of a sudden everybody was able to acquire SUVs’),” he said. Magalong accused Albayalde of intervening in the case of his former men. Innuendos Albayalde protested against the insinuations raised against him. He told senators that while he supports the legislative investigation, he was equally compelled to ensure that the police force did not become the object of innuendos. “I admit that there are a number of policemen who are reportedly abusive, corrupt or involved in illegal drugs, but for the last 17 months since I became chief, I have strived to lead the 190,000 policemen to uphold the positive image of the Philippine National Police, sustaining the internal cleansing program initiated by my predecessor,” Albayalde said. He expressed hope that Magalong’s statements would not affect the president’s confidence in him. “Let the president decide. I am expendable. I’m a government employee, public servant. I think lahat kami (we all are) expendable,” he told reporters. He added that he hopes the issue would not affect the government’s war on drugs. “It will not affect [drug war]. We do what is right and we do our job,” Albayalde said. Albayalde said Magalong should have done everything in

his power to dismiss those rogue cops. “He was the chief of the CIDG and later became the director for investigation. He had all the chance, the time, the power and the authority to monitor and supervise [the case],” he added. As to Magalong’s statement that he “intervened,” the PNP chief said he merely asked Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Aaron Aquino, then the Central Luzon police chief, about the status of the case of his former men. Meanwhile, senators led by Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd said there was a grand coverup in the Pampanga drug raid. Se. Richard Gordon, head of the Blue Ribbon panel, said Lee’s vehicles that were seized are now missing. The Land Transportation Office confirmed that one of Lee’s vehicles, a 2013 model Toyota Fortuner, was sold three times in one day. A buyer, Amy Gopez, testified that she bought the car for P1.2 million from a car sales shop in 2015. “If we get Lee and Ding Winkun, we have a case,” Gordon said. Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said President Rodrigo Duterte might ask the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to get to the bottom of the ninja cop issue. “At the conclusion of this hearing, the president might ask the DILG to investigate and get to the bottom of this,” Go said in a statement. “The truth must come out,” he declared. Despite the controversy, Go said the PNP remains committed in reforming itself. “In fairness to the PNP, it is continuing its internal cleansing program. Nangyari po ito sa nakaraang termino, hindi pa sa termino ni Pangulong Duterte. At nakita ko naman, napakaseryoso ni Pangulong Duterte sa kanyang ginagawa (This happened in the past administration, not during the term of President Duterte. And I have witnessed that President Duterte is serious in what he is doing),” the senator added. ”The president fully trusts the police force. The war against illegal drugs and criminality will not succeed without the help of the policemen,” Go said.

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ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES. Young T’boli girls from southern Mindanao perform a traditional dance at the Museo de Intramuros in Manila as part of an exhibition to celebrate 10 years since the passage of Republic Act 9593 or the ‘Tourism Act of 2009.’ ManilaTimes.net photo by John Verdote

SC defers action on Marcos poll... PAGE A1

The PET has deferred action on the report of SC Associate Justice Alfredo Caguioa, the justice in charge of the PET case, according to SC spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka. Caguioa submitted on Sept. 9 his report on the results of the revision of ballots in three pilot provinces — Iloilo, Negros Oriental and Camarines Sur — that covers 5,415 electoral

precincts. Marcos filed the electoral protest in June 2016 to contest Robredo’s lead of a little over 260,000 votes, the closest vice presidential race in recent memory. The recount result will determine whether Marcos’ protest will be dismissed or not. If there is a big discrepancy between the official tally and figures from the revision, the PET would expand

the coverage of the recount to 27 other provinces, coveirng 30,000 poll precincts. Robredo said the SC’s decision will be a test of the country’s electoral process and justice system. Robredo said it will impact the credibility of the May 2016 elections, from which a number of incumbent national officials, including President Duterte, owe their mandate.

Palace: We are against any intrusion... PAGE A1

bitral ruling is final, binding and not subject to appeal. That’s what he said,” Panelo said. “Anything that will go against the arbitral ruling would be of course objectionable for us, I think that’s a given. Because we are against any intrusion into the sovereign affairs of the land,” he added.

In 2016, a United Nationsbacked arbitral tribunal based in Hague voided China’s claim to sovereignty over most of the South China Sea as well as upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. The tribunal also ruled that while Panatag Shoal is within the Philippine EEZ, Filipino

and Chinese fishermen from their respective countries had traditional fishing rights in the area. When asked if the Philippines can stop China from proceeding with a reclamation, Panelo responded: “We can always try.” “We will — the usual, we have to file a diplomatic protest,” he added.

Arson eyed as possible cause in... PAGE A1

dolph Jularbal said Star City will not open this Christmas season due to the extensive damage from the fire. “We’re targeting reopening about October next year. It’s necessary because the importation of rides takes time and the set-up of the park also,” he

said. Malacañang, for its part, urged government agencies to extend help to the victims of the fire in any way possible. “As we near Christmas, this is truly sad news knowing that Star City is a place where Filipino families visit to celebrate the Yuletide season. To our friends

in the media who are affected, we wish to let them know that we are one with them in this tragic incident,” said Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a statement. “We call on government instrumentalities to extend any form of assistance to those hit by the blaze,” he added.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 3-9, 2019

OctOber 3-9, 2019 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

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Young Fil-Am professionals chosen for PH immersion program WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), a joint initiative of the Philippine Embassy under the leadership of Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, Consulates General in the United States, and the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI), is pleased to announce the 2019 FYLPRO Delegates. Due to an overwhelming response in high-quality applicants this year, the traditional number of ten delegates has been increased to fifteen (15) to reflect the growth of the Filipino-American population and the expansion of the FYLPRO program. The 2019 FYLPRO Delegates (in alphabetical order) are: 1. Sergio Alcubilla (Honolulu, Hawaii) 2. Krystle Canare (Arlington, Virginia) 3. Frederick Docdocil (Carson, California) 4. Everett Icao (Chicago, Illinois) 5. Eileen Igcasenza (Barrigada, Guam) 6. Joyce King (Frederick, Maryland) 7. Bernadette Lim (Berkeley, California) 8. Antonio Moya (Los Angeles, California) 9. Rizza Palmares O’Connor (Vidalia, Georgia) 10. Elle Ramel (Chicago, Illinois) 11. Timothy Simba-Medel

(Bryant, Arkansas) 12. Philjay Solar (Boston, Massachusetts) 13. Leezel Tanglao (New York, New York) 14. Earl Valencia (San Francisco, California) 15. Kevin Zagala (Redwood City, California) The 15 leaders have carried out inspiring work in their communities driven by their passions for the Filipino culture and the advancement of Philippine interests and advocacies in the United States. They now join a prestigious network of 85 young, Filipino-American leaders across the nation to collaborate, exchange ideas, and continue to inspire a wave of diplomatic innovation. The 2019 FYLPRO delegates will be traveling in a weeklong immersion trip to Manila, Philippines this November and be provided with the opportunity to interact with Philippine Government officials and leaders in the fields of business, arts and culture, and civil society. “This year we saw applications more than double and we were thoroughly impressed by the breadth and quality of applicants. On behalf of FYLPRO, I am excited to welcome our fifteen 2019 delegates who stood out amongst a competitive group for their accomplishments and potential,” said FYLPRO President JR

Calanoc. “We’re excited to see how together we can continue to advance the Philippines and Filipino people,” he added. “We are deeply impressed with the number and quality of applications received this year and the selected delegates all represent the dynamism, passion to serve and contribute, and leadership prevalent among the next generation of Filipino-Americans,” said Ambassador Romualdez. “All of us at the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General take great pride in the current and previous batches of FYLPRO delegates. We are also proud of our continuing collaboration with the Ayala Foundation, Inc., Department of Foreign Affairs, and FYLPRO non-profit alumni organization in designing a transformative and impactful immersion program,” the Ambassador added. Established in 2012 by the Philippine Embassy in the United States in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI), FYLPRO annually identifies outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide them invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to a distinguished network captains of industry and government. For more information, please visit www. fylpro.org. n

ELDERLY FILIPINO WEEK. Hundreds of elderly folks from various government agencies and non-government organizations gather in celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City on Tuesday, October 1. The annual event aims to increase public awareness on different issues concerning the elderly. This year’s theme “Healthy and Productive Aging Starts With ME” seeks to promote the health, wellness and productivity of senior citizens. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Dangers of skin-lightening cream highlighted after woman falls into coma But someone in the Mexican state of Jalisco laced the cream with a toxic skin-lightening SHE had been buying face compound, and it had a devascream through a friend of a tating effect on the 47-year-old friend for 12 years. This time, Sacramento resident. it was Pond’s “Rejuveness,” a She showed up at the emerversion of the company’s anti- gency room this summer slurwrinkle cream that is made and ring her speech, unable to walk sold in Mexico. or feel her hands and face, public health officials said. She now lies semi-comatose in a hospital. Authorities aren’t releasing her name, but they say she is the first known victim of methylmercury poisoning from a cosmetic in the U.S. Methylmercury is a heavy metal used in things like thermometers, batteries and mirrors, and long-term exposure can cause kidney damage, loss of peripheral vision and lack of coordination. The chemical — along with a less potent, but still toxic, form of mercury known as calomel — is also a key ingredient in skin-lightening products. A bustling market for these products is driven by immigrants who buy them from their home countries. The face cream that sickened the Sacramento woman was tampered with after manufacture, but some other skin-lightening products made overseas intentionally contain mercury as an active ingredient, said Bhavna Shamasunder, an associate professor at Occidental College in Los Angeles who studies skinlightening cosmetics. While mercury removes skin pigmentation, Shamasunder said, the side effects are toxic. Pond’s, owned by the international consumer products giant Unilever, said it doesn’t use mercury in its products. It encourages consumers to buy their products only from authorized retailers to avoid tampering. The company said it is working with authorities to investigate the Sacramento woman’s case. In the past nine years, there by AnnA

AlmendrAlA Kaiser Health News

have been more than 60 poisonings in California linked to “foreign brand, unlabeled, and/or homemade skin creams” that contained calomel, Sacramento County officials said. While it is illegal to sell cosmetics in the U.S. with more than 1 part per million (ppm) of mercury — except eye products, which can have up to 65 — the Food and Drug Administration can’t keep up with the imports, whether they’re shipped, tucked into suitcases or purchased online. Nor does it have the regulatory power to enforce recalls or require preapproval of cosmetic products and ingredients before they’re sold, Shamasunder said. “The FDA has extremely poor oversight over our beauty products,” she said. “The burden of proof is on the consumer to get sick first.” The FDA declined to comment for this story. Skin-lightening products are popular throughout the world, and the market is projected to grow to $31.2 billion by 2024, according to Global Industry Analysts, a publisher of market research. Products made outside the U.S. aren’t subject to the same standards as American-made ones and may contain poisonous chemicals, like mercury, or have higher proportions of potentially dangerous ingredients, such as steroids. Skin-lightening products are advertised for their ability to even out blemishes and skin tone, but some consumers feel pressure to use them on their whole face or body in cultures that tend to confer more money and social status on people with lighter skin. Nearly 40% of women surveyed in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines and Korea said they used skin lighteners, while 77% of women in Nigeria and 25% in Mali said

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Filipinos divided on views of China — US poll by PAtriciA lourdes Philstar.com

VirAy

SIMILAR to several countries across the globe, Filipinos have mixed opinions on China, according to a survey by Washington-based Pew Research Center. The poll released earlier this week found that 54% of Filipinos have unfavorable views of China while 42% have a favorable opinion of Beijing. China experienced an 11point drop on its favorable marking in the Philippines, which was at 53% in 2018. Beijing received unfavorable views from most of its Asia-Pacific neighbors, such as Japan (85%), South Korea (63%) and Australia (57%). Pew noted that fewer countries in North America, parts of western Europe and Asia-Pacific view China favorably compared with last year. In the Philippines, the percentage of people with favorable opinions of Beijing dropped from 63% in 2002 to 42% in 2019. Asia-Pacific countries, including Australia, Indonesia, South Korea and Japan also recorded declining favorable views of China.” “Opinion of China has also fallen across the region over the course of Pew Research Center’s polling and is now hovering at or near historic

lows in each of the countries surveyed,” the report read. Canada and the United States recorded the highest unfavorable opinion of China in Pew’s polling history with 67% and 60%, respectively. This is amid China’s ensuing trade tensions with both Canada and the U.S. In western Europe, opinion of China is on balance or negative. Greece recorded 51% positive view of Beijing while Spain and Sweden have unfavorable views with 53% and 70%, respectively. Countries in central and eastern Europe are divided on their opinion of Beijing with Bulgaria, Poland and Lithuania having positive views while Hungary is nearly evenly divided. Slovakia and majority of Czech Republic, on the other hand, have negative views of China. For the Philippines, the survey was conducted from May 25 to June 22 among 1,035 adult respondents. The poll was conducted through telephone or face-to-face interviews that are either computer-assisted personal interviews or pen and paper interviews. “For results based on the full sample in a given country, one can say with 95% confidence that the error attributable to sampling and other random effects is plus or minus the margin of error,” Pew said. n

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 3-9, 2019

Dangers of skin-lightening cream...

Census Bureau LA Regional Office Director Julie Lam; Census Bureau Assistant Division Chief for Content Jennifer Kim; Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program Executive Director Ron Fong; and TDW+CO founder Tim Wang speak on a panel moderated by TDW+Co Managing Director Ed Chang during a Asian American and Pacific Islander media census event in South Pasadena, California. AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

Barriers to answering 2020 Census within AAPI community addressed by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

“EASY, safe and important.” Those are three words officials want the public to remember ahead of the 2020 Census, after various groups raised concerns about confidentiality and accessibility to the questionnaire at a recent event for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) media in South Pasadena, California. “Your answers are protected by law...and will not be used against you by law enforcement agencies like [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] (ICE) and the FBI,” Julie Lam, Los Angeles regional director for the U.S. Census Bureau, said. Under Title 13, Census Bureau employees take an oath to protect the information and offenders will be penalized, Lam added. The census, which is done every 10 years, will become available in March 2020 when households will be able to respond to the questionnaire online, over the phone or by mail — three available options intended to increase participation. Some of the questions include how many individuals live at a particular address, whether the home is rented or owned, and age, sex and race/ethnicity of each resident. AAPIs are the least familiar with the census and are the least likely to report their intention to fill it out, according to a Census Bureau study released earlier this January. The analysis also found that

there are five main barriers that might prevent people from participating: concerns about data privacy and confidentiality; fear of repercussions; distrust in government; lack of efficacy; and belief that there is no personal benefit. To capture the AAPI population, the Bureau will be launching “an integrated communications campaign,” Lam said, that consists of advertising in five Asian languages, partnerships and trusted influencers. In August, the Bureau released the Census tagline and logo in 12 languages, including Tagalog: “Bigyang hugis ang inyong kinabukasan. MAGSIMULA DITO (Shape your future. START HERE).” “The Asian taglines were not intended to simple, direct translations, but instead, developed with careful consideration in a uniquely and culturally way to speak directly to our respective Asian audiences,” said Tim Wang, founder of Asian American audience partner TDW+Co. Ivy Dulao, a Tagalog spokesperson for the 2020 Census in Los Angeles, highlighted what’s at stake for the Filipino American community. “The biggest challenge that I expect from the Filipino community...is really not understanding the importance of the census,” Dulao said. The results from the census help determine the number of seats each state gets in Congress, as well as how over $675 billion in federal funds will be

distributed for services like infrastructure and educational grants, for example. “Census data will tell us who we are and what we need,” Lam said. Dulao added that in the coming months, building partnerships with key partners, such as schools, churches and non-profits, is a priority as these are voices in the community who can encourage Filipino Americans to fill out the census. In past rounds, language barriers have hindered various groups from participating, however, the 2020 form will be available in five Asian languages, including Tagalog, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Language guides are also accessible in a total of 59 non-English languages. Dulao said that in addition to Tagalog, Ilocano is a language option as well. “That’s why we are also building partnerships with other organizations who have the capacity to speak other languages as well in the community,” she said. Another way community members can get involved with the census is through flexible job opportunities, such as census takers. The goal is to count everyone once and in the right place. Field takers will start visiting residents from mid-May to August if they haven’t responded through any of the three options. The official counts are scheduled to be delivered to the president by December. n

Filipina chef receives UN Young Champion of Earth award by Pia lee

BragO Philstar.com

THE United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has officially honored Filipina chef Louise Mabulo and other environmental changemakers from around the world with the 2019 UN Champions of the Earth Award. Mabulo, a joint winner for Asia and the Pacific, sat on a panel with celebrity chef Massimo Bottura as part of a series of talks held at the UN on the sidelines of the Climate Action Summit. The 21-year-old awardee lamented that a third of all food produced is wasted. “But once you do something, people come together to help,” Mabulo said. She built The Cacao Project, growing climate-resilient cocoa and restaurant business, which serves homegrown food made by farmers in the local community, following a typhoon which destroyed 80 percent of agriculture

in her hometown of Camarines Sur. “My venture was founded on research on what food is more resilient in our community – and that turned to be cacao,” she said. “Once people realize and celebrate the value of food, individuals can make big changes,” she added. The awards ceremony, held in New York on Thursday, September 26, came days after UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on the world to take urgent action on climate change and make concrete commitments to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Presenting the awards were actor and environmental activist Alec Baldwin, 2011 Champion of the Earth Angelique Kidjo and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza. The Champions of the Earth award – the UN’s highest environmental honor – is presented every year to outstanding leaders from government, civil society and the private sector whose ac-

“Magkasama Tayo Aangat (Together We Rise)” by Eliseo Silva explores Filipino migration in the U.S. Photo courtesy of Eliseo Silva

tions have had a positive impact on the environment. This year’s awards ceremony recognized laureates in the categories of inspiration and action, policy leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and science and innovation. n

Pacquiao confirms talks for Mayweather... PAGE 1 the two camps. Pacquiao lost to Mayweather Jr. (50-0 record with 27 knockouts) with an injured right shoulder in May 2015 via unanimous decision in Las Vegas.

If no Maywether-Pacquiao rematch will be worked out, Gibbons said the Filipino champ could face either Mikey Garcia or Shawn Porter in his next fight since Errol Spence had announced that he would be fighting Danny Garcia

on January 25 next year. Spence, the International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Council welterweight world champion, defeated Porter in a split decision last Saturday in Los Angeles. (ManilaTimes.net)

200 Filipino nurses in NYC win human...

PAGE 1

services of a person. Serious harm is defined as “any harm, whether physical or nonphysical, including psychological, financial or reputational harm, that is sufficiently serious, under all the surrounding circumstances, to compel a reasonable person of the same background and in the same circumstances to perform or to continue performing labor or services in order to avoid incurring that harm.” Judge Gershon found that the nursing homes and their recruiters violated the anti-trafficking statute by threatening to enforce a $25,000 contract termination penalty against Filipino nurses who wanted to stop working, by filing baseless professional disciplinary complaints against nurses who did stop working, and by asking the Suffolk County District Attorney to obtain indictments for “endangering the welfare of patients” against 10 nurses who stopped working – indictments that were found to be unconstitutional.

Considering all the surrounding circumstances, the judge found that a reasonable person from the same background as the Filipino nurses would feel compelled to continue working because of these threats. In her decision, Judge Gershon wrote: “The nurses in this lawsuit were all recent arrivals from the Philippines. They were not paid the prevailing wage and a base salary, despite the terms of their contracts... Critically, if [plaintiff] or any other nurse wanted to stop working for the defendants during the first year of the contract, he or she would have to pay the employer $25,000 pursuant to the liquidated damages provision. This provision constitutes a threat of sufficiently serious financial harm to compel a reasonable person of the same background and in the same circumstances to perform or to continue performing labor or services in order to avoid incurring that harm.” Judge Gershon ruled that all

of the defendants – including the individual owners of the Sentosa nursing homes – are personally liable for damages to the more than 200 nurses caused by violations of the anti-trafficking statute. She also enjoined the defendants from attempting or threatening to enforce the contract termination penalty. “Today, our clients won justice,” Manhattan lawyer John Howley, who represented Paguirigan and the class of more than 200 Filipinos nurses, told The STAR. “Next stop is calculating damages, including the nurses’ legal expenses and attorneys’ fees, which will be determined in a separate proceeding.” Howley’s partner in the case is Manhattan-based Filipino American lawyer Leandro Lachica, a former consul at the Philippine consulate general in New York City. The case is Paguirigan v. Prompt Nursing Employment Agency LLC, et al., 17 Civ. 1302 (E.D.N.Y. Sept. 24, 2019). (Edmund Silvestre/Philstar.com)

PAGE 4 they did so, according to the World Health Organization. In the U.S., potentially hazardous skin-lightening products can be purchased in some ethnic beauty stores, in ethnic supermarkets and at swap meets. They can even be found online at sites like Amazon and eBay. It’s difficult to estimate how many people have been affected by mercury poisoning from cosmetics because screening for the heavy metal is not routine, said Tracey Woodruff, a professor of reproductive sciences at the University of California-San Francisco. But the problem appears to be concentrated among certain ethnic groups. A recent Minnesota study measuring mercury in the urine of 396 pregnant women from 2015 to 2017 revealed that nine had elevated levels, mostly linked to skin-lightening product use among Hmong and Latina women. Ongoing testing is revealing even more cases, said Jessica Nelson, program director for the state’s biomonitoring project. Often, poisoning victims get their spiked products from people they trust, Woodruff said. Woodruff co-authored a report about a pregnant woman in San Francisco who had unusually high levels of mercury in her blood. The source was a jar of Pond’s face cream that had been adulterated in the Mexican state of Michoacán. “A family member gave it to her, so it was a trusted source of information,” Woodruff said. A 2013 study that sampled 367 skin-lightening products purchased in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Phoenix turned up at least a dozen products with exceptionally high levels of mercury, ranging from 1,729 ppm to 38,535 ppm. In the Sacramento woman’s case, the contaminated face cream contained a methylmercury concentration of over 12,000 ppm. The level of methylmercury in her blood was 2,630 micrograms per liter, according to Sacramento County Public Health. Normal values are less than 5. It’s unclear whether the FDA could have done anything to prevent her poisoning, said Melanie Benesh, legislative attorney for the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit advocacy or-

ganization. While the FDA has been able to intercept some high-mercury imports and turn them away, the agency lacks the authority to require companies to register their products and ingredients with the agency. That would make it easier to screen shipments that have a higher risk of being poisonous, Benesh said. In a 2017 letter to Congress, the agency said it had six fulltime inspectors to monitor 3 million cosmetics shipments annually. “Right now, the FDA is really flying blind,” she said. So it’s up to public health officials to catch poisoning cases as they happen and then trace their way back to the source. In California, state public health officials are developing a campaign to educate shopkeepers and consumers. They also train volunteer community health workers like Sandra Garcia, 63, to meet with families to discuss the symptoms of mercury poisoning. Garcia, who lives in Tulare County and picks and packs grapes for a living, estimates that she has purchased creams from 40 stores to send to public health officials for testing since March. And she has visited 60 homes to hand out brochures and help residents identify poisonous products. “There are people that get angry and say that the cream is good and that nothing bad has

happened to them,” she said. “But the majority of people are frightened and give me their creams.” Leads on retailers that sell mercury-laced products may be handed over to law enforcement for potential follow-up, said California Department of Health spokesman Corey Egel. Public health officials recommend consumers avoid buying cosmetics at swap meets and flea markets, and check that products are properly sealed and labeled. At a discount store near MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, shop worker Lili Garcia dismissed the notion that consumers should avoid skin creams manufactured abroad. She sells unopened jars of Pond’s Rejuveness cream from Mexico for $5 and $10, depending on the size, while Target lists American versions for $8 and $15, respectively. Garcia, who uses the same cream herself, said she had heard about the Sacramento woman on the news and felt sorry for her. But she said it’s up to consumers to check that products are sealed; beyond that, there isn’t much else they can do. “Well, the buyer buys the product, and they don’t know what’s inside,” she said. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n

6

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OCTOBER 3-9, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

Get full immunization

FEATURES

THE Philippines was officially declared polio-free in 2000, seven years after the last case was recorded. Viruses, however, can be unpredictable and may mutate. As with the flu and dengue, there can be several virus strains that may require different vaccines, or several vaccine doses. In the case of the Philippines, health experts say the two recent confirmed cases of polio were vaccine-derived. This means the virus was excreted by the antibodies of polio-vaccinated individuals and picked up by the patients, possibly through unhygienic practices. Those with weakened immune systems or living in environments with poor sanitation are the most vulnerable to infection. The country representative of the World Health Organization has also warned that up to 60 percent of Filipino children immunized against polio did not complete the vaccination regimen and therefore could be vulnerable to the type 2 virus that is supposed to have been eradicated globally, but which has now re-emerged in the Philippines. Filipino children have been immunized mainly against polio virus types 1 and 3 and failed to complete the regimen of three oral doses plus one injectable for protection against type 2, according to

the WHO’s Rabindra Abeyasinghe. He said it is the injectable vaccine that provides protection against all three virus types. Thanks to disinformation and wrong information disseminated mostly in cyberspace, vaccination is in fact down worldwide, reversing decades of successes in fighting debilitating and deadly diseases. Complacency over the declared eradication of certain diseases may also be making people believe there is no longer a need for vaccinations. Abeyasinghe estimates that about 95 percent of children in the Philippines need complete immunization from polio. Unlike the vaccine against dengue, there is no controversy surrounding the polio vaccine, so it should be easier for the Department of Health to persuade parents to have their children immunized. Local governments and education officials must cooperate in the renewed campaign to prevent the resurgence of a killer disease. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS NO ONE is above the law. Not even the president of the United States. The impeachment hearing that may lead to the ouster of Donald J. Trump will begin as early as this week, according to the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Chair, Rep. Adam Schiff. While this may sound like déjà vu of the very same issues of abuse of power and allowing foreign government to interfere in the presidential election to benefit Trump in the Mueller investigation, the new allegations and findings may be more consequential. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has now joined the more progressive members of the Democrat-led leadership of the House of Representatives in launching an impeachment inquiry, a precursor to the filing of Articles of Impeachment of the 45th President of the United States. The Constitution mandates that it is the obligation of the House of Representatives to investigate and pass Articles of Impeachment against a sitting president if, based on evidence, he is

The beginning of the end: Trump impeachment hearing could begin this week

deemed to be unfit of and/or has abused the power accorded to the Office of the President. Bad news for Trump: the Democrats have the numbers to impeach him. The Constitution has accorded the power to hold impeachment trials and convict a sitting president to the Senate. Worse for Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for the first time said Monday, Sept. 30 that the Senate would have to hold a trial if the House passes articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. Trump and his cohorts have been peddling a conspiracy theory that this is another witch hunt pushed by the Democrats, the mainstream media, the “deep states,” and even involving the U.S. intelligence community to oust him from power. DIGEST THIS: The 45th president of the United States, accorded with he power and public trust when he took the oath “to faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States,” is now alleged to have abused the power and resources of the position and has betrayed public trust. In a call on July 25 with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zel-

Commentary

DAN STEINBOCK THE new U.S. Senate bill targeting the Philippines and some other countries is fueled by controversial political and financial agendas that have caused turmoil since the 1980s. For some time, U.S. Senators Richard Durbin (Democrat, Illinois) and Patrick Leahy (Democrat, Vermont) have been pushing for an amendment in the 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. Essentially, the amendment would deny entry into the U.S. of Philippine government officials involved in the detention of Philippine opposition Senator Leila de Lima. Last week, the U.S. Senate panel approved the amendment. Durbin considers de Lima’s detention a “politically motivated imprisonment.” According to the Philippine government, de Lima was arrested and detained in 2017 for allegedly asking money from drug convicts to fund her Senate campaign and for allowing the drug trade to continue in the national penitentiary while she was the justice secretary. She claims the cases against her were “politcally motivated.”

Philstar.com photo

ensky, Trump sought to obtain dirt on his political opponent Joe Biden in the context of the United States military aid to Ukraine still being withheld, and then tried to cover up the crime. As the Washington Post reported, “President Trump’s attempt to pressure the leader of Ukraine followed a months-long fight inside the administration that sidelined national security officials and empowered political loyalists — including the president’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani — to exploit the U.S. relationship with Kiev for political purpose.” Digging up dirt on Biden Trump and Giuliani tactically sought to divert the narrative to another conspiracy theory they hatched against the president’s potential political opponent in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Elections -- former Vice President Joe Biden, and his son, Hunter. As reported by the Daily Beast, “Rudy Giuliani has alleged that the former vice president’s son was involved in corruption during his nearly five years at Ukrainian private gas company Burisma, but has not provided any evidence to support those claims. In fact, Yuri Lutsenko, a former top Ukrainian prosecutor told the Washington Post that Hunter Biden did not violate any

laws while he was on the board of Burisma. “Hunter Biden cannot be responsible for violations of the management of Burisma that took place two years before his arrival,” Lutsenko told the Post. Trump and Giuliani and their cohorts have been hammering on their allegation that VP Biden interfered to dismiss the prosecutor handling the Burisma case to save his son Hunter. This is a totally false and malicious talking point because VP Biden, along with the leaders of the international community, wanted to use the sanction as leverage to oust the corrupt prosecutor who had not done his job to prosecute Burisma for all its violations. Nothing was hidden about this deal. It was meant to push Ukraine to get rid of corruption so it could get the aide it needed from the United States. This is a direct contrast to what Trump wanted to do — use U.S. military aid to pressure Ukraine to investigate the Bidens to benefit himself and his political ambition, not the United States. But with Trump talking about withholding the military aid Ukraine desperately needs from the United States, the Daily Beast reported that “Ukraine is likely to pursue the cases Trump urged Zelensky to reconsider during their notorious phone

call—but not in the way Trump intended.” The White House tried to cover everything up, cognizant of the gravity of this potential crime of allowing interference of a foreign government in the 2020 Presidential Elections just so Trump can win the election and stay in power. The whistleblower Mga kababayan, this is NOT a witch hunt, nor is it politically motivated. These allegations had been the subject of the complaint of a U.S. intelligence community whistleblower knowledgable about how all of this transpired and has gathered evidentiary documents to back up his/her allegations over concerns of a potential violation of campaign finance law and abuse of power. The complaint was filed with the intelligence community inspector general on August 12. While the law mandates that the complaint should immediately be turned over to Congress, Acting Intelligence Chief Joseph Maguire said White House officials raised the possibility that the complaint could be covered by executive privilege but did not give a definitive ruling on the issue, while the Office of Legal Counsel said the complaint did not meet the statutory definition of an “urgent concern” under

the whistleblower law. However, when the inspector general ultimately informed Congress about the existence of the whistleblower complaint, and with the scheduled testimony of Maguire, the White House scrambled to immediately make public a “transcript” of the call, which Democrats said was actually just a highly edited “memo” deleting key verbatim components of the 30-minute phone call. But even with this “transcript” released to the public, Trump has effectively “confessed” to the crime when he said there is nothing wrong with what he told the Ukrainian president to do - just as he confessed in an interview that he would look into any “dirt” that would be given to him by any foreign government and classified it as “opposition research” without fully grasping violation of the spirit of the law that makes this as a threat to national security. Then immediately, the Justice Department ruled that it found no campaign finance violation in Trump’s Call with the Ukrainian Leader. Trump and his cohorts also launched an attack against the whistleblower, whose identity and security are protected pursuant to the Whistleblower Law. The Whistleblower Protection PAGE 8

The forces behind US Senate bill targeting PH

Reportedly, the U.S. Senate amendment also called for the same action against officials of the Egyptian government for the “wrongful detention” of a U.S. citizen and government officials of Turkey, Egypt or Saudi Arabia. In the Philippines, the provision can be seen as part of the continuing political backlash following the 2016 Duterte election triumph, and the consequent meltdown of the Liberal Party (LP). Usually heavy losses trigger reassessment, which can rejuvenate a political party and renew its leadership. Yet, that did not happen. As the LP failed to attract voters in the Philippines, some of its leaders began pressure campaigns in the U.S. and European Union, to raise their diminished political capital at home. In the past year, these campaigns have included frequentflyer visits to Washington. In April, they resulted in the condemnation of human rights violations in the Philippines by Senator Durbin, along with Senators Edward Markey (Democrat, Massachusetts), Marco Rubio (Republican, Florida), Marsha Blackburn (Republican, Tennessee) and Chris Coons (Democrat, Delaware). The same resolution also called on the Philippine government to drop all charges against Maria Ressa and Rappler.

What’s behind the stated concerns for human rights and democracy? LP figures appeal to U.S. senators. These U.S. senators rely on campaign finance. The senators behind the Philippines amendment, in particular, get their political money mainly from lobbyists, defense contractors, finance and especially large individual donors, according to congressional research. In turn, the financial heavyweights that drive U.S. politics — Soros and his Open Society Foundations, Koch brothers, Adelsons, Mercers, Steyer, Singer and others — have their own economic agenda, which is often predicated on geopolitics. With an estimated net worth of $1.5 to $3 million, Richard Durbin is the influential Senate Democratic whip, who has been haunted by allegations of conflicts of interest. Leahy is a senior senator, who was first elected in 1974, while Ed Markey is a senior Democratic senator, who has been challenged by Joe Kennedy 3rd for his Massachusetts Senate seat. Both Leahy and Markey have a net worth of $2 to $4 million. Former beauty pageant participant Marsha Blackburn is a junior senator and ultra-conservative Tea Party Republican,who vice-chaired Trump’s presidential transition team and nominated him for a

Nobel Peace Prize for talks with North Korea. Democratic junior Senator Chris Coons has a net worth of $8 to $12 million. The ultra-conservative Marco Rubio has claimed that De Lima has been in prison on “bogus charges.” Former Philippine senator Trillanes, who began his political career with a failed coup d’etat attempt in 2003, already met with Rubio in fall 2017. Having previously criticized President Duterte’s war on drugs, Rubio said the two also discussed corruption, human rights, and particularly the U.S.-Philippine alliance. After the failed 2016 presidential campaign, Rubio has recently profiled himself as a conservative human rights defender and democracy promoter. He is for regime change in Venezuela, Hong Kong and China, Iran and Russia. His financial debacles are notorious. With a net worth of less than $500,000, but outsized political ambitions, critics claim he is dependent on and thus useful to ultra-rich donors, particularly his key funder — the notorious Paul Singer. There are no free lunches. What kind of economic returns do these funders expect from their political investments? With a net worth of $3.5 billion, Paul Singer sees himself as a philanthropist, who promotes the rule of law, democracy and

LGBTQ rights. His hedge fund Elliott Management Corp. (EMC) specializes in distressed debt acquisitions. As a pioneer “vulture capitalist,” he buys up sovereign bonds on the cheap and then goes after countries for unpaid debts. After the 1970s energy crises, many fragile economies borrowed far more than they could repay. In the 1980s, that led some 50 economies to default or to restructure their debt. In Latin America, it caused a lost decade, but it also penalized Poland, South Africa and parts of Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam and the Philippines. In vulture capitalists’ business, such crises are considered great opportunities, despite the great economic losses and human tragedies in the target countries. In the mid-1990s, Singer purchased sovereign debt from nations in or near default, such as Peru and Argentina, and CongoBrazzaville. Next the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rushed in to “help,” imposing budget cuts and heavy austerity measures, forcing the governments to renegotiate what they owed. In the past, Singer has targeted countries mainly in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. As prosperity levels are rising in Asia, Singer seems to be looking at targets in the East. In the Philippines, many see

the U.S. senators’ bill as the net effect of the U.S. visits by a slate of opposition leaders, who no longer enjoy significant support in the Philippines and thus lean onto Washington to boost their deflated political capital in Manila. Second, the Senate provision is a part of a larger package that calls for same action against officials of Turkey, Egypt, or Saudi Arabia over “wrongful detention of locally employed staff of a U.S. diplomatic mission or a U.S. citizen or national.” The provision protects U.S. citizens and dual citizens, such as Ressa and some other key figures. Third, according to U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, head of the Senate state and foreign operations appropriations subcommittee, the bill seeks to fund “diplomatic and development efforts worldwide, provide security assistance for our allies around the globe.” Projecting U.S. power across the globe, the bill would seem to go far beyond U.S. sovereignty. In the process, the accumulated evidence against de Lima’s violations, Ressa’s tax challenges and abuses in other cases has been shunned, critics argue. One net effect is that the ongoing political moves may be paving new ways for controversial financial interests to exploit rising Asian prosperity. (ManilaTimes. net)

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

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D ateline PhiliPPines 2020 national budget ‘pork-free’ by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday, October 1, transmitted the proposed P4.1-trillion national budget for 2020 to the Senate ahead of the month-long break beginning Oct. 4 for its consideration and approval. According to Deputy Speaker Neptali M. Gonzales II of Mandaluyong City, the spending plan is “pork-free,” inviting the Senate to “see for themselves.” “Again and again, we contend that it is a pork-free budget as we strictly confined ourselves to the decision of the Supreme Court which declared the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) unconstitutional and prohibited the post-enactment identification of projects. Now, senators can finally see the budget for themselves,” he said. The House also introduced a few changes in the outlay before submitting the budget to the Senate. The changes are augmentations given to 12 agencies — P3.5 bil-

lion for the Department of Agriculture’s palay procurement fund, P1 billion each for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, P800 million for the Department of Education, and P500 million each for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Philippine General Hospital; National Electrification Administration; Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Philippine Sports Commission. An additional P275 million was given to the Department of Transportation for the Davao International Airport, while P250 million was given to the Dangerous Drugs Board for the improvement of community-based drug rehab centers. The Department of Health also received some P200 million for combatting the polio outbreak and dengue. According to Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero of 1-Pacman, the 2020 budget was approved by the House early “to avoid the kind of costly delay we had this year, which cost the economy about

P500 billion and slowed down economic growth. “This really took its toll on the economy. It meant fewer jobs created and lesser income for our people. It meant scaled down government services,” he said. He added that Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano wanted to avoid a repeat of the delay in the enactment of the 2019 national budget. The 2019 budget was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 15 after he vetoed P95 billion in last-minute realignments made by House leaders. Sen. Sonny Angara said the Senate has received the House of Representatives-approved General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2020 and promised that the Senate will do its part to approve the GAB before the end of the year. “Our finance subcommittees are completing the hearings on FREE RIDE. A bus provided by the Quezon City government offers free ride to commuters between Welcome Rotonda and Fairview in response to the the proposed budgets of the last nationwide transport strike by various groups on Monday, September 30. The transport holiday was held to oppose the government’s implementation PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr. few agencies. During the break, of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, which is expected to roll out in 2020. we will be consolidating all of the submissions into the committee report and once we resume sessions, we will be ready to sponsor by AJPress the bill in plenary,” he said. n

Duterte on swine fever: Contain it, stop it

Business groups express support for economic Cha-cha by Jess

diaz Philstar.com

MANIlA — The Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) are supporting the economic Charter change (Cha-cha) initiative of the House of Representatives, which aims to relax or lift foreign ownership restrictions in the Constitution. The two groups expressed their support in position papers submitted to the committee on constitutional amendments chaired by Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez. “Among other means, we support adding the words, ‘unless otherwise provided by law,’ following the constitutional provisions that set the limits on various sectors. In a competitive global economy, we believe in lower barriers to trade and investment in general,” the MBC said. It said setting foreign equity restrictions could be entrusted to the President or Congress instead of being enshrined in the

Charter. The group noted that while the constitutions of most Asian nations, including India and China, “may discuss economic principles, specific economic restrictions and guidelines are left to the legislature.” “Further economic liberalization will bring in new players and technology, which will boost competition on price and quality, benefitting Filipino consumers,” the MBC stressed. For its part, the MAP said relaxing or lifting foreign ownership limitations would “hasten the flow of foreign investments into the country.” But the association suggested that instead of just inserting the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” in the pertinent parts of the Charter, the “Filipino first policy” provision of the Constitution should be amended as well. It quoted the provision: “The State shall be a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.” The group further recommend-

ed that the phrase “effectively controlled by Filipinos” should be deleted, as it might work against the relaxation or scrapping of foreign ownership restrictions. “The MAP anticipates that the simple introduction of the phrase ‘unless otherwise provided by law’ may be challenged as constitutionally infirm if the Filipino first policy is not also revised,” it said. Earlier, the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) supported proposals in the House for the lifting of foreign equity restrictions. “We recommend removal of the restrictions at the earliest date. This can best be accomplished by deleting the restrictions without adding the phrase ‘unless otherwise provided by law’ (as proposed by Rodriguez and his colleagues),” the JFC said in its position paper. It said if the policy objective of lawmakers and the administration in undertaking Charter change is to encourage foreign investments, “then the best way to do so is to PAGE 8

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MAlACAñANG on Monday, September 30, said President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Department of Agriculture (DAR) to stop the spread of African swine fever. “Contain it, stop it,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said, quoting Duterte’s order to Agriculture Secretary William Dar, when he was asked for a reaction in regard to the confirmed cases of the disease in Pangasinan. On Sunday, September 29, Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino reported that 15 pigs that died from Barangay Baloling in Mapandan were infected with the disease, adding that the pigs were transported from Bulacan, where the swine virus had been detected. The DAR last month assured that the swine disease had been contained, telling the public that pork is safe to eat. However, more pigs have died since then. 5,000 were culled in the past week, bringing the total number up to 20,000 since August. “It just happened that it spread. You know, when there’s a contagion, it might be difficult

Workers in hazard suits preparing to cull the pigs which tested positive for African swine fever. Philstar.com photo

to stop it,” Panelo said. Amid the criticisms that the DA is receiving with regards to the disease that is currently ravaging the Philippines’ hog industry, the spokesman expressed confidence in DAR’s competence, believing he could handle the situation. The DAR confirmed on Sept. 9 that the ASF fever reached the country, affecting three areas in Rizal and Bulacan. ASF, a highly contagious viral disease among domestic and wild pigs, has no cure and no

vaccine. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected pigs, ingestion of contaminated materials such as food waste, feed or garbage, or contaminated fomites or biological vectors. Infected hogs may experience high fever, depression, loss of appetite, redness of ears, abdomen, and legs, vomiting, and diarrhea that may lead to death. DAR on Tuesday, October 1, confirmed that ASF has reached Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City. n

october 3-9, 2019 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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AFP eyes military hardware from Russia by Jaime Laude Philstar.com

MANILA — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is looking forward to an array of military hardware — from submarines to multi-role fighters — that Moscow will be offering to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a series of scheduled engagements during President Duterte’s five day visit to Russia. However, Lorenzana is silent over reports that the AFP is set to procure 16 units of MI-17 medium-lift helicopters worth $14.7 million from Moscow. “Of course, they will interest us to buy their equipment,” the Russia-bound defense chief said when asked on the chances that

the Philippine Navy submarine project will be discussed during the president’s official visit. Aside from its Kilo-class submarines, Russia has been offering the defense department its transport helicopters, attack helicopters, multi-role fighters, warships and tanks. The AFP already has a number of Russian-made army trucks and thousands of AK- 47 assault rifles that Moscow handed over for free to the Philippines in 2017. “They will give us a catalog of their products for our consideration,” said Lorenzana, who was in Europe last month scouting for big-ticket items in line with the second horizon of the AFP Modernization Program. Senior defense and military officials all

declined to comment on the AFP’s projected procurement of 16 M117 medium-lift helicopters from Russia. But a defense official said acquiring helicopters from Moscow is a project being considered by the national government. Russia has expressed willingness to assist the AFP in its modernization program and declared readiness to enter into a government-to-government deal. “Just tell us what you need. We are here ready to help. What we can assure you, if you are going to procure military equipment for us, we are going to give you brand new ones and not second hand,” said a senior Russian embassy official during the set-up of a permanent Russian defense attaché office in Manila last month. n

seized by the NCRPO. Meanwhile, murder incidents in Metro Manila went up by 60 percent under the first three years of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term compared to the same period under former president Benigno Aquino 3rd. During the Aquino administration’s first three years, 2,682 murders were recorded and under that of Duterte, 4,295. Eleazar said the rise in the murder incidents resulted from the greater number of killings in the first six months under Duterte. “We can attribute this to war against illegal drugs being committed or associated with use of illegal drugs,” he added. Eleazar said the killings involved drug syndicates and groups. “[We saw that in the] first six months of this administration, [the number of] murder cases [was higher] and we know for a fact [that these groups, these syndicates, their members themselves were killing each other] and even those scalawag police personnel [they themselves were] involved,”

he added. Eleazar said murder incidents went down after Duterte’s first year as president. He pointed out the success of crime prevention in Metro Manila under the Duterte administration after an “unpredecented” 62-percent decrease. Based on the NCRPO report, 49, 835 crimes were committed during Duterte’s first three years in office compared to Aquino’s 131,839. All crimes such as homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft and car theft in Metro Manila also plummeted based on the report. On the war on drugs, from July 2016 to September 2019, 1, 896 drug suspects were killed, while 235, 754 were arrested. Nationwide, based on the Philippine National Police (PNP) data from 2016 to 2019, 6,600 drug suspects were killed in anti-illegal drug operations and 256, 227 others were arrested. PNP chief Oscar Albayalde said during the recent 118th Police Service Anniversary that the police were winning the war on drugs. n

TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. De La Peña commends organizers, partners, and participants during the National Capital Region-Regional Science and Technology Week (NCR-RSTW) held at Rizal High School, Pasig City on Tuesday, October 1. DOST-NCR and Pasig City, in partnership with Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI), are holding the S&T fair in Pasig City for the RSTW PAMAMARISAN Cluster (Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina and San Juan) from October 1 to 3, 2019. PNA photo by Ben Briones

1,896 killed in drug war in Metro Manila Duterte admits hazing put him by darwin

PesCo ManilaTimes.net

THE total number of deaths in the war on drugs has reached 1,896 in Metro Manila, the region’s police chief bared on Monday, September 30. Based on a report presented by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Guillermo Eleazar to the Metro Manila Regional Peace and Order Council, of the 1,896 killed, 474 were drug users and 1,422 others were pushers. The report from July 2016 to July 2019 showed there were 1,414 recorded armed encounters between the police and the drug suspects. In 44,550 anti-illegal drug operations conducted, it also showed 90,883 drug suspects were arrested. Under Oplan Tokhang, 235,754 drug suspects surrendered to the police and 626,719 houses were visited. Also, 464 barangay (villages) in Metro Manila or 27 percent were declared drug-free. Shabu worth P1,172,181 was

in hospital, says it can’t be stopped by Catherine

VaLente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has admitted it would be difficult to stop hazing in the country despite signing a law that banned it. Duterte made the statement after the deaths of a Sigma Rho fraternity member allegedly involved in hazing activities at the University of the Philippines in Diliman and of Philippine Military Academy cadet Darwin Dormitorio.Speaking to reporters before his departure for Russia on Tuesday night, October 1, Duterte said hazing could not be eliminated in the culture of fraternities. “Hindi mo talaga matanggal ‘yan, ma’am. Unless you ban fraternity for all time. Make it

nya, China, Ireland, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Russia, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Singapore, Switzerland, Chile, and Turkey. Standard Chartered said that these markets were identified by measuring changes in 12 metrics across three pillars: economic dynamism, trade readiness, and export diversity.

mo talaga maalis ‘yan. You know ikaw pumasok ka, ‘pag nahuli ka, sorry ka,” he said. But the president said he was against hazing that was “carried too far.” He also said there were rules to follow and not doing so would mean jail or death. “Prangka-prangka na, hindi mo maalis ‘yan. ‘Wag lang sumobra. Ayan sinobrahan mo. You know, there are rules to follow. You break the rules, you go to jail. Ganun lang ‘yan. Or you die. Those are simple matters in life,” the President said. Duterte signed last year a law banning all forms of hazing after the death of University of Santo Tomas law freshman Horacio Castillo III. n

Senate approves bill postponing village polls

THE Senate on Monday, September 30, approved on third and final reading a bill postponing the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) elections on May 2020 “The Philippines scores par- and resetting these on Dec. 5, ticularly well for economic dy- 2022. The amended Senate Bill 1043 namism, driven by strong export and GDP (gross domestic product) is a consolidation of five bills. If enacted into law, there will be growth.” The lender noted that economic two elections in 2022 — the nadynamism measures the econom- tional elections in May, and the ic performance of a market, mea- barangay and SK elections in sured by an increase in foreign December. The bill also proposes holding direct investment, as well as export and GDP growth. (Mayvelin the barangay and SK elections every three years. Caraballo/ManilaTimes.net) The Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation headed by Sen.

PH among ‘rising stars’ of global trade

THE Philippines was tagged by banking giant Standard Chartered Bank as one of the “rising stars” of global trade. In its “Trade20 Index” report released on Wednesday, October 2, the bank placed the Philippines among the top 20 countries in the world with the greatest trade growth potential. Other countries included in the list were: Côte d’Ivoire, India, Ke-

a criminal offense by joining a fraternity. But that would raise so many constitutional issues. Hindi mo talaga mapigilan ‘yan,” Duterte said. The president, a member of the Lex Talionis fraternity at the San Beda Law School, recounted how he himself went through hazing in college, and was even hospitalized for three days due to “massive hematoma.” He added he and two classmates wrote to their fraternity to “earnestly” ask to do away with hazing. “I don’t know what but that is a permanent insanity sa mga ganun. Lahat kami dumaan ng… Me, I’d like to tell you, I was hospitalized for three days, massive hematoma… Wala rin eh. Hindi

Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos, earlier recommended holding the synchronized elections on the second Monday of May 2023. But during the period of interpellation, senators decided to hold it in 2022 or six months after the May 2022 national elections. During the period of amendments, Senate Pro Tempore Ralph Recto noted that it would be more convenient for the Commission on Elections to hold the barangay and SK elections a year before or a year after the national polls. Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said the December 2022 date was a compromise.

“Initially some of the bills that have been filed indicate October of 2022 and it was too close to May of 2022. Then there was another proposal that it be conducted in May 2023, many of us felt it would have been too long of a term, close to seven years,” he said. Last week, the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms approved the bill postponing the Barangay and SK polls from next year to May 2023. Both versions of the bill will be tackled in the bicameral conference for consolidation. The Duterte administration had postponed the barangay and SK polls twice, in 2016 and 2018. (Javier Ismael/ManilaTimes.net)

Baguio City may get cable car system MANILA — Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has offered Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong a memorandum of agreement for a cable car system in the city, Baguio’s Public Information Office said. The city government and the DOTr first touched on the idea in 2016 until Tugade instructed Transportation Undersecretary Mark De Leon to fast-track the deal, according to a statement on the city website. “The mayor said Tugade also expressed willingness to help the city should it decide to pursue the monorail project,” the statement said. A multibillion-peso monorail project was previously proposed by the Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera to connect Baguio City and La Trinidad town in Benguet. The project was presented to the Regional Development Council in 2017,

according to a statement on the city government’s website. According to a study by study by Certeza Infosys Corp., Baguio City roads can only support 145,416 people, leaving 2.4 kilometers per 1,000 people. “This means Baguio’s 349-kilometer road system is good for 42% of the population or serves only 20% of the daytime population,” the report warns. Officials of the Baguio City government met with the Metro Manila Development Authority in late July to begin the creation of a traffic management program to address the congestion problem in the area. When Tugade first took his post, he said that the Philippines could learn from Bolivia, which used the cable car system to address its traffic woes. “Traffic management is no easy feat. There is a science behind

it,” Magalong said in an earlier statement. According to the Baguio City government, another possible target site for the project being considered is the Pasig River in Metro Manila, which has been dubbed in a study by the Asian Development Bank as the “most congested” city in developing Asia. The Department of Transportation has long been looking into the possibility of a mass cable car system to alleviate the capital’s traffic woes, most recently a line connecting Marikina and Ortigas, according to a report by CNN Philippines on September 30. The French government in 2018 agreed to fund a feasibility study for the project proposal in Metro Manila, affording the Philippines a grant amounting to €450,000 to jumpstart the study. (Philstar.com)

Business groups express support for... PAGE 7 remove the restrictions without conditions.” The group said if the limitations are scrapped, Congress could re-

impose any of them by passing the appropriate law. The JFC is composed of businessmen from the United States, Japan, Korea, Canada, Austra-

lia, New Zealand and European Union, and representatives of multinational companies whose regional headquarters are located in the country. n

The beginning of the end: Trump impeachment... PAGE 6

Act (WPA) protects federal employees and applicants for employment who lawfully disclose information they reasonably believe evidences: • a violation of law, rule, or regulation; • gross mismanagement; • a gross waste of funds; • an abuse of authority; • or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. Under the WPA, certain federal employees may not take or fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take; any personnel action against an employee or applicant for employment because of the employee or applicant’s protected whistleblowing. But what has Trump been doing? He has been discrediting and attacking the whistleblower who he does not know and even called him and those who will testify against him as “spies” and sent a creepy message that spies should be executed.

This is, in fact, the intent of the White House — to send a chilling effect to and scare witnesses who will be called and subpoenaed to testify in the House impeachment hearings. This is clearly an obstruction of justice. Trump also warned that there will be a “civil war” if he is impeached — sending signals and inciting his followers to violence just to protect his own personal interests to hold on to power no matter what the cost. This, too is a violation of the laws and could be an impeachable offense. Speaking before the House Intelligence Committee on Thursday, September 26, acting intelligence chief Joseph Maguire expressed his support for the whistleblower, who he affirmed had acted in good faith and followed the law and regular procedures for raising a concern with the inspector general. There has been a pattern of dirty unlawful tactics. The New York Times reported that “President Trump pushed the Aus-

tralian prime minister during a recent telephone call to help Attorney General William P. Barr gather information for a Justice Department inquiry that Mr. Trump hopes will discredit the Mueller investigation, according to two American officials with knowledge of the call.” “The White House curbed access to a transcript of the call — which the president made at Mr. Barr’s request — to a small group of aides, one of the officials said. The restriction was unusual and similar to the handling of a July call with the Ukrainian president that is at the heart of House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.”” ABANGAN ANG SUSUNOD NA KABANATA! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 3-9, 2019

10

OCTOBER 3-9, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

VEGAS&STYLE Journal

Why Jacob never imagined he After breaking the ice, Sharon and would be in a Spider-Man movie Gabby open to reunion movie again by AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

by ricky lo Philstar.com

DOES Jacob Batalon throw his weight around? No, he doesn’t. Instead, he impresses people not with his overwhelming presence but with his “lightness” (read: funny and friendly). Jacob, 23, is the Filipino American actor making a name in Hollywood as the sidekick of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, first introduced in Spider-Man: Homecoming, the 2017 outing of the superhero played by Tom Holland (coming after Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield) on his debut in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), followed by Spider-Man: Far From Home in which Jacob reprises his Ned Leeds character. One good look at Jacob and it was easy to see that he has grown (and how!) considerably since June 2017 when The Star did a one-on-one with him during the Homecoming junket in Singapore. Jacob was here for barely 24 hours (arriving on Friday, September 27, and going back to the U.S. on Saturday, September 28) as part of the Far From Home Asian tour spearheaded by Sony which has just acquired the rights to the Spider-Man franchise. GMA, the official media partner of Sony, hosted a Jacob fans’ meet after a series of interviews capped by 24 Oras that served Jacob a huge plateful of Filipino goodies (puto bumbong, bibingka with salted egg, pandesal etc.) which he lapped up with gusto (yummy, burp-burp!!!). In a brief interview, Jacob told The Star that it was his second visit to the Philippines and he hardly remembered the first time when he was only four years old. “Definitely,” he smiled, “I don’t remember much.” It’s a pity that he didn’t have enough time. Otherwise, he admitted, “I would have wanted to go to the beaches and hundred different islands, something like that, that the country is famous for.” Well, maybe next time? Although Jacob didn’t say when that would be. In a 2017 interview, Jacob said that he comes from a close Filipino family in a typical Filipino home, “and we watch a lot of Filipino shows on cable TV and we do a lot of karaoke” …so did that make him feel a certain affinity to his parents’ homeland? “Yeah. You know, for the most part, it’s a really cool thing to have Filipinos on TV because we are not represented in the media that much. I think it’s great to have our own outlet.” Born and raised in Hawaii by Filipino parents, Jacob graduated overnight from one small role (in “North Woods,” 2016) to a big break in “Spider-Man.” “The gravity of it didn’t sink in until we went to Comic-Con last year (2016),” he admitted in that interview. “During that ComicCon, I saw how much fans love “Spider-Man;” they just go crazy

Jacob Batalon

Photo from Instagram/@lifeisaloha

for Tom.” Describing his character, Jacob said, “Ned is very sweet and very genuine. You could even say that he’s somewhat nerdy. He loves technology, he’s super-duper smart. The only thing he wants is to be Peter’s right-hand man, so he feels frustrated when he feels that Peter is getting too cool for him, like he’s losing somebody very important to him. Finally, Ned learns about Peter’s secret and it’s cool having Spider-Man as his best friend again.” He never imagined that he would be in a “Spider-Man” movie. “Uhm, you know, in any profession, you kind of imagine yourself at the very top of it. While I am not at the top of my profession per se, I think that I am in a very good spot. I’ve always imagined myself doing well whatever I did. And being in this film really, really is a dream come true.” As a kid, Jacob recalled that the first superhero movie that he watched was Tobey Maguire’s “Spider-Man.” “That was a big part of my childhood. I can’t believe that I am now a part of building that story. I have come full circle and it feels pretty crazy. I’ve always had this particular interest in superheroes and see how they look like. Before, I thought superheroes were superheroes all the time and they never really had another life.” Jacob got the plum after doing a self-taped audition set by his manager at that time, beating dozens of other aspirants. “After two weeks, they gave me a callback for a screen test with Tom. I went to Burbank in L.A. and did the test with Tom. After two months and a half of waiting, I finally got a call that was the mo-

Jacob with Tom Holland in the 2019 “Spider-Man: Far From Home.”

ment that changed my life. They liked me and they took a chance on me.” Asked if his being Asian helped him bag the role, Jacob (still in that 2017 interview) said, “That was regardless of nationality or race. I like to think that our director, Jon Watts, didn’t choose the people who looked right for the role, he chose the people who were right for the role.” Although a pure Filipino (both parents are Filipino), Jacob doesn’t speak Tagalog even at home, he noted, “most everybody is speaking in Tagalog. But I can understand it as if it’s English.” He has a brother and a sister from his mother’s side, and a brother and two sisters from his father’s. He studied in a Catholic school in Oahu and went to a film school in New York. “Growing up, I wanted to be a musician. As I’ve said, we are a typical Filipino family that loves to sing. My mom was a typical Filipino mom. If your kid can sing, let him go up the stage and sing. I would sing Elvis Presley songs. As a kid, that would mortify me. But I think that was how I got over my fear of performing before an audience.” And how is he like Ned Leeds? “I like Ned Leeds. I love the character so much. He’s a very new character in the MCU. I think he’s a very fresh take on people in the superhero world. Some superheroes crack under pressure; and Ned Leeds, who is not a superhero, doesn’t.” In this current interview, Jacob was asked what his next project is. “There’s this film called Let It Snow that’s gonna come out on Netflix on Nov. 8 I believe. I’m doing something in Vancouver next month but I can’t really speak on that. That should be an interesting project. Right now, I’m pretty booked through November. I’m really happy with what’s going on. I’m so happy that I got to squeeze this Asian trip. It was really cool to be able to come back to the Philippines so randomly like this.” Oh yes, Jacob did know a Tagalog word or two such as kuya and salamat which he mentioned to thank his Filipino fans for supporting him. “I wouldn’t be here without Contributed photo you,” he said.

regarding the matter. “I have a lot of friends who may be trying, and medyo nakakasakit when people keep asking them, ‘When are you going to have a baby?’ Maybe they just don’t want to have a baby,” Anne said. “I hope you guys don’t take this the wrong way, but I think in respect to every woman, you should stop asking when they’re going to get married, why don’t they have a baby, or when they are going to have a baby.” Anne was recently hailed as the number one Instagram influencer in United Arab Emirates (UAE). The “It’s Showtime” host topped the Top 100 Movies and TV Instagram Influencers in UAE September 2019 list of international metrics website Hype Auditor. (Jan Milo Severo /Philstar.com)

Sharon Cuneta

ABS-CBN photo

and weaknesses as a singer. “I’m an alto, so my voice is lower. Regine can hit all the notes. But I have my own style. I know my limits. I put my heart into it—as will Regine,” she said. Also at the press conference, Sharon, 53, revealed that she’s planning to go into semiretirement when she turns 55. Next year will be packed. But after that, she will “considerably slow down.” At this point in her life, Sharon admitted that she had been feeling drained—not just physically—but emotionally and mentally, too. “Show biz has changed. The landscape has changed. And I will not let show biz eat my person or change my soul,” she said, who also touched on how she had fallen in the toxic trap of social media. But regardless of how her career unfolds, Sharon can safely say that show biz—her fans in particular—has been very good to her. “If people still love what you do, then you will always have a reason to come back,” she said.

Judy Ann gives update on movie with Piolo by JAn

Milo Severo

Philstar.com

ACTRESS Judy Ann Santos gave an update on the upcoming reunion movie with former love team partner Piolo Pascual. In an interview with the media after the press conference of her new teleserye “Starla” to start airing on October 7, the “Teleserye Queen” said there is still no upcoming movie with her and Piolo. “Wala, ay totoo ba masyado nasagot ko? Wala, wala pa. Noong last time na sinabi ko mayroon kasing nag-offer pero hindi natuloy dahil hindi nagkasundo with so many things, hindi naman so many things with the story palang naman,” Juday said. She added that a Juday-Piolo reunion movie’s story needs to be good for the fans of the love team. “May story naman na inooffer ngayon lang, dati walang nagooffer sa amin. So ayun nga ang sinabi ko, it’s very critical ‘yung Juday-Piolo project kasi for a re-

union project, the story needs to be very well thought,” she said. “Alam mo ‘yung ‘pag nabasa mo ‘yung material hindi mo na kailangang idictate kung sino ‘yung leading man? Alam mo na dapat agad kung sino ang gaganap nu’n kasi nakikita mo na siya at nakikita ka na niya na gumaganap sa character na ‘yon,” she added. Nonetheless, Juday is hopeful for the reunion movie to happen as she asked for her fans to wait for it to happen. “Siyempre habang tumatagal ‘yung panahon na hindi kami gumagawa ng project, mas lalong nandun ‘yung pressure to find a story that’s worth watching. So hintay lang. Habang wala pa, focus muna sa iba pa,” she said. For now, Juday is busy doing her much-awaited television comeback in “Starla,” a hearttugging story about hope, love for family, forgiveness and granting the heart’s deepest wishes. The series follows a fatherdaughter relationship and a mission to grant people’s wishes

Judy Ann Santos

ABS-CBN photo

– a perfect and timely present for viewers of all ages this Christmas season from Dreamscape Entertainment, which created hit Kapamilya teleseryes filled with values and inspiration such as “May Bukas Pa,” “100 Days to Heaven,” “Honesto,” “Nathaniel” and “My Dear Heart.” Joining Juday in “Starla” are Joel Torre, Enzo Pelojero, Jana Agoncillo, Meryl Soriano, Joem Bascon and Raymart Santiago, with the special participation of Tirso Cruz III and Charo SantosConcio.

Sheryl springs a sexy surprise by ricky lo Philstar.com

BETTER late than never? Sheryl Cruz thinks so. Divorced from her husband Norman John Bustos, 49, last known to be a sheriff with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), Sheryl is a single mom to teenage daughter Ashley. At 45, she said that she believes that it’s the time to change — that is, from a sweet image to a sexy one. Sheryl undergoes her, well, “baptism of fire” via a sexy shoot for AOmnl.com So what was she thinking? “All I can say is why not? Probably, it’s because I’m already of age to make my own decisions,” she said in an interview with the portal, “plus I have nobody to ask permission from. And you know I’m celebrating being a woman…being an independent woman. I don’t think that there’s anything wrong with flaunting what you have, especially if you still got it.” And flaunt it she does. The full set of Sheryl’s sexy shoot appears in a series of articles and videos on AOmnl.com this month. AO means ALL OUT, the new local men’s lifestyle portal that features the hottest and sexiest women in the celebrity and influencer worlds, and all the other essential guy stuff for the complete experience. Excerpts from the Sheryl’s interview with AOmnl.com Anne Curtis Did you have to ask Ashley’s Photo from Instagram/@annecurtissmith permission for the sexy shoot?

Anne pleads people to stop asking about baby plans ACTRESS Anne Curtis asked the media to stop asking women about having a child. During “It’s Showtime’s” 10th year anniversary press conference on Monday, Anne was asked by a media member about her plans to have a child with husband Erwan Heussaff. “I think I should take this opportunity that the press should stop asking that to any woman, because you don’t know what they’re going through,” Anne said. “For me, it will happen in God’s time, and I think at any time I’m ready for it. But I’m speaking for every woman. You don’t know what they’re going through,” she added. Anne stressed that it’s better to respect someone’s privacy

WHILE ardent fans of the Sharon Cuneta-Gabby Concepcion love team gushed and raved about the two stars’ surprise duet at a recent advocacy show, there were also some observers who felt that there seemed to be something missing: “Less spark, less fire?” But to this observation, the Megastar had a snappy, cracking reply. “Siguro naman mas nakakatakot kung meron pa rin kaming nararamdaman para sa isa’t isa!” she quipped, followed a hearty laugh. Still, the reunion of sorts between the former screen partners and lovers had people talking on social media. “I think it was more about how the people felt … the kilig that was overwhelming. Wow, the reaction was, ‘Uy, it’s still there, the chemistry’—I don’t think it can ever go away. This despite knowing that I’m happily married and that he has his own family, as well,” she told reporters at a recent press conference for “Iconic,” her upcoming, two-night concert with Regine Velasquez. Curiously, the media event happened on Sept. 23—the exact date of her and Gabby’s church wedding. “We have been living separate lives for so long now. We would have been married for 35 years—as a matter of a fact, today!” Sharon pointed out. Her number with Gabby at PLDT’s Gabay Guro event was unplanned—“Come What May,” a duet from one of their earlier films—Sharon swore. “I had prepared two songs. But we weren’t supposed to sing together. I didn’t even know that he would

be there.” And it may have been very well a stroke of serendipity: The two were able to iron out whatever ongoing misunderstanding, or tampuhan, they were having. “Gabby asked a friend of mine if he could talk to me. And I said, ‘You know what? Time has passed, and I think it’s OK,’” she related. “It was nice we talked, so we’re OK … It was nice that we could show everyone that we’re OK.” Sharon and Gabby never really divulged the root of their most recent rift. Talk has it, however, that it had something to do with their supposed reunion film that ultimately went kaput, despite all the buzz they managed to generate with their commercial for a fast-food chain last year. On a possible reunion project, she said: “If you ask me, I’m open to it. No problems. I’m a professional actor.” If not a film, then at least a guest appearance at the concert? “Huwag muna. I don’t think it’s the right time,” Sharon surmised. “The show should be about Regine and me.” “Iconic,” which is Sharon’s first back-to-back concert with another female singer, is set on Oct. 18 and 19 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Because she and Regine are expected to sing a number of duets, they’re also expecting the inevitable comparisons from critics. It’s a collaboration, the singeractress pointed out—not a competition. “It’s apples and oranges. Instead of comparing us, the people can look forward to two different styles coming together. I hope they appreciate that,” she said, adding that she has always been cognizant of her strengths

Sheryl Cruz

Contributed photo

“Well, the only person I’ve had to ask about this was my daughter, and she was very supportive of this.” Some women question shoots like this, but it’s also about women asserting their power, di ba? “Probably, it’s because Filipinos have really been conservative. I mean, I have nothing against our culture. Since I’ve studied long enough when I was in the States — I was a liberal arts major — I’ve come to accept my independence as a person and as a woman. There really is nothing wrong with doing things like this; I don’t think I’m crossing the line.” We wonder what would have happened if you said things like this in 1988. Of course, you were only 14 then! You know how kids today can already say things like

this. “Of course, it wouldn’t have been acceptable. This is the thing kasi: When people see you as a child star, they don’t want you to grow old. But we do grow up! We get old. By doing this shoot, I just want to say that I’ve gone full circle.” We got the idea for this shoot from a recent photo of you that made the rounds on social media, where you were topless beneath a leather jacket. What was the story behind that? “I just wanted to do my portfolio for 2019. I wanted to go with the flow of the current times. What are the pictures that you see of celebrities now? In fact, I’ve seen a lot of celebrities my age who’ve gone past what I’d done.” Do you agree that a woman is at her prime in her 40s? “There was a time when they said a woman was at her prime in her 30s, ngayon 40s na. Before you know it, 50s na, di ba? But, yes, I guess I do feel I am at my prime now that I’m in my 40s. I feel more empowered. I don’t secondguess or hesitate about myself too much.” Part of the charm of the shoot is the appeal of the older woman — you know, May-December affairs and all that. Has it ever happened to you in real life? “I’m aware that affairs like this happen. But it’s not like I’m saying to the young guys, ‘Hey, like me!’ I did not do this shoot to get a PAGE 11

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (First of four parts) DO you believe in angels? I do. Most people do. The strong presence of angels in the various books of the Bible, especially during the birth of Jesus Christ attests to the role of angels in human history. The Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bring forth a son. Zechariah received a message from an angel. It was an angel that told Joseph to take Mary for his wife. It was a multitude of angels that told the shepherds where to find the newborn child while angels hovered above the stable during that wondrous night. It was also an angel that warned Joseph of a clear and present danger to the child Jesus. Herod, the unhinged, murderous king descended from a long line of power-mad monarchs, wanted to make sure no one stood between him and his throne. In haste, Joseph left with Mary and the child during the night after the Magi had left for a long and arduous trek to a town in Egypt some scholars estimate to be 200 miles away where Herod had no authority to commit mass murder. You can bet a host of angels guided them in seeking refuge. Herod’s murderous rampage began when he realized that the Magi had tricked him and had taken a different route home

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS CONSCIOUS brushing Oro-dental health parallels cardiac health. Poor oral hygiene from neglect or improper oral care does not only lead to disgusting halitosis (bad breath) and dental carries/gingivitis, but also to increased risk for heart attack and stroke. The correlation between oral health and cardiovascular health is well established. Performing what I term conscious brushing is vital. Conscious brushing is a method of dental care that provides the greatest chance of cleaning all the teeth, gums, tongue, and the whole mouth. The individual focuses and concentrates totally on flossing all the inter-dental (between teeth) crevices, and brushing each tooth consciously, making sure no tooth is left untouched, the top and all reachable sides of each tooth. I prefer a soft brush and toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide, but most dental pastes are acceptable. The gums and the entire mouth are brushed gently, including the throat. Using a tongue scraper, from all the way back, forward to the tip, removes bacteria loaded thick mucus. The tongue is a great major source of halitosis. Gurgling helps flush out food particles in between teeth. The final step is the use of mouth rinse, preferably with stabilized chlorine dioxide, like Therabreath in the U.S. and OraCare in the Philippines. The less expensive alternative is to add a teaspoon of salt or two tablespoonful of hydrogen peroxide to a glass of water and use this as a mouth rinse, at least twice a day. And visit to your dentist every 6 months, or more often if needed. Food for the brain With the scary threat of developing Alzheimer’s dementia, most everyone wonders what could be done to ward off this terrible nightmare, a disease worse than any other, even cancer, even death. The severe toll is not only on the individual but on the entire family, especially the spouse. While the Alzheimer’s syndrome is not totally known, especially on how to fully prevent it or treat it, one thing is clear: our diet affects our brain, our heart, and our whole being. Currently, plant-based diet (rich in polyphenols, flavanoids, and

Angels among us “I think that someone is watching out for me, God, my guardian angel, I’m not sure who that is, but they really work hard.” — Mattie Stepanek, Author, “Heartsongs” ignoring his sly request to tell him of the child’s location. It is believed 14,000 innocent male babies from the age of two and below were killed in Herod’s most cruel, preemptive strike against this perceived threat to his kingdom. The holy family stayed safely away for years until the king died and the danger had passed. Did these holy innocents become cherubs, angels without wings? Do the millions of the unborn of our time the world over cut down by murderous abortionists become cherubs? Does God repurpose innocent souls upon their deaths to become angels themselves? There is a belief that souls are indestructible. If so, do souls get recycled back to be born at another time and place? Only God knows for certain. Angels were strong proactive characters when the story of humanity unfolded during biblical times. And while today, cynics, atheists and those on the dark side might argue that angels are figments of the human imagination, there are countless people who will brave the scorn of scoffers, fight back vehemently and attest to the very real presence of angels in their lives. The belief in the presence and power of angels to intervene is

strong in popular conservative culture. In a remarkable 1999 Hallmark film, “A Season for Miracles,” an angel plays a pivotal role in helping a loving aunt to two children whose incarcerated, drug addicted mother places them in a situation forcing them to run and escape from the foster care system that threatens to split them apart during Christmas. The film is based on a novel by Marilyn Pappano and scripted by Maria Nation. Michael Pressman directed the film. It is a heartwarming story set in a small town called Bethlehem during Christmas with engaging characters like Agatha and Corrina. For those with a penchant for romance, the story has spades of it as well. So check this film out on youtube whether it is Christmas or not. In my opinion, this is a timeless piece of good work worth watching a hundred times. It will be an hour and some minutes to lighten your load and feel the presence of angels in your life as well. Suspend disbelief. That is the only way to enjoy stories about angels. (To be continued …) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Practical health tips other antioxidants) is the now evidence-based approach to disease prevention and in some cases, to cure, and even to maximize longevity, as stated in the book, Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children (philipSchua.com), which is listed in the U.S. Library of Congress. This primer on healthy lifestyle starting from the womb and in the crib to protect DNA and thus prevent major illnesses as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s and even cancer, from ever occurring when children grow up, adds daily exercise, abstinence from tobacco, vaping, illegal drugs, adhering to a disciplined approach to alcohol, and stress management with week-end breaks and regular vacation/staycations with friends and family. The simple strategy is to fill up 3/4 of your plate with vegetables of various colors, some fruits and nuts, and the remaining 1/4 with fish (wild-caught, not farm-raised), chicken, without the skin, or beef or pork (not more than 12 ounces). Abstaining from red meat and processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, sausages, etc.) is a healthier option, to reduce the risk for heart attack, stroke, T2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Most cancers, like pancreatic and colon cancers are linked to eating red meat. Soft drinks are slow-acting poison Soft drinks in general, cola or uncola; diet or regular, caffeinated or flavored or not, are all toxic to the body, especially to children. These beverages increases the risk for metabolic syndrome, a cluster of medical conditions that leads to the development of high blood pressure, T2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. The effective use of cola drinks to unplug blocked sink drain or toilet or its use to clean car carburetors illustrates the abrasiveness of this beverage. Imagine what it does to our body when we ingest them. The harmful effects take years so it is easy to not pay attention to the health warnings from the medical community. Taking this slow-acting poison ourselves and allowing our children to do the same is irrational, careless, and endangering the health of the entire family. The healthiest drink is still clean, unadulterated, filtered water —and less expensive too. Our filthy environment It might be surprising to some that our whole environment, our entire home, office, public ar-

Sheryl springs a sexy...

PAGE 10 boyfriend! Has any young guy ever approached me? Well, even before I did this shoot, I’ve had admirers who were younger than me, messaging me or asking me out for coffee, but I just try to tell them off by saying I’m busy in the politest way possible.” Do you remember your signature look back then (during your That’s Entertainment days)? “I remember getting into Madonna’s look, but I wasn’t the girl into teased hair and all that. I kept it low that time. Maybe the loose shirts and skinny jeans?” How were the fans back then? Were they ready to go to war? “Well, all I can say is grabe.

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Do you remember the days when movie fans drowned Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor in sampaguita garlands? Sa amin na nag-end yon. We would have sampaguitas up to our necks when we would perform. From start to finish ng isang song, wala kang makikita kundi puro sabitan ng sampaguita, ha ha ha! They would give gifts; we even had fans na mga prinsesa sa Mindanao who would give jewelry. “They were really, really kind. And now I have fans who are teachers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, and they would tell me na nakikipagaway sila nung mga panahon na ‘yon! Doon daw sa basketball court nakikipag-sabunutan sa isang Jennifer Sevilla fan! Even though

eas, are literally filthy, becoming evident when the various surfaces are tested and cultured for germs and examined under the microscope. We constantly live and cohabitate with bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds, parasites, etc.; from the day we were born and have developed a certain level of tolerance of them. That’s because our immune system has adapted to our Mother Earth. When our immunity goes down, through poor nutrition or care, or illnesses, or immuno-suppressed by chemo/radiation treatment for cancer, or by AIDS, or when born with immune deficiency syndrome, the dose of these germs around us could over power us and cause diseases. Hand washing, or bathing, does not eliminate the germs in us; they merely reduce the dose to a level that our individual immune system is able to handle and prevent illnesses. Even surgeons brushing their hands for 10-15 minutes in preparation for surgery still has residual germs in their hands, the reason why they follow this up with alcohol or betadine soak. All our rooms at home are teeming with bacteria, especially the kitchen, more than our toilet, believe it or not. This why personal cleanliness is utmost, and cleaning our home regularly, daily for the kitchen and bathrooms, more intensely every week, is important in warding off contamination and diseases. I personally stay away from chemical cleansing agents, which has some health and ecological hazards. I use a new modified quadruple 5 formula for a concoction as a home-made cleansing spray agent: 50 cc regular vinegar, 50 cc alcohol, 5 cc dishwashing soap, mixed with 500 cc water, poured into two spray bottles. This could be used on any surface anywhere in the house, countertops stove, microwaves, refs, etc. Vinegar and alcohol kill bacteria, viruses, fungi an molds, and some parasites; and are safer, cheaper, and readily (refill) available than chemical cleansing agents sold in stores. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Jennifer and I are friends!” Nakakatawa kasi this all happened long before social media. If this were now, viral ‘to! We’re assuming fans sent you letters then. How many did you get in a day? “I was getting sacks full of letters. As in sako-sako! My mom (Rosemarie Sonora, now remarried and living in California) eventually had to help me sort through my fan mail. But I did send letters back, and what we did was gumagamit na kami ng carbon paper so I can sign multiple letters, ha ha ha! For every sack mailed out, tatlong sako ang babalik.” How were you able to take this fame when you were barely 18? “The truth is, it was too much to handle.”

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Asian American Drug Abuse Program to host annual benefit in Los Angeles Back by popular demand, the legendary Kalapana and special guest Michael Paulo will be performing once again at the Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP)’s annual benefit on Saturday, October 5. Kalapana emerged as one of the most popular bands on the Hawaiian music scene in the 70s, producing a steady stream of hits. Their 1975 debut album was hailed as one of the best of the mid-70s Hawaiian renaissance. Tracks like “Naturally,” “Nightbird,” “The Hurt,” “You Make It Hard,” and “When the Morning Comes” became household tunes and still enjoy frequent play on contemporary Hawaiian radio. Musical trends have come and gone, but Kalapana’s many hits have remained Island classics. This promises to be an unforgettable experience, as it pays tribute to the late Malani Bilyeu, founding member and Hoku Award-winning artist. Performing as Kalapana will be: DJ Pratt (lead guitar, vocals), Gaylord Holomalia (keyboards, vocals), Kenji Sano (bass, vocals); accompanied by: Todd Yukumoto (saxophone & flute), Garin Poliahu (drums) and John Valentine (vocals, guitar); and special guest Michael Paulo (saxophone). Aratani Theatre is located at 244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The program will begin at 6 p.m. with a VIP reception, followed by the concert at 7 p.m. and a dessert reception and meet-andgreet at 9 p.m. For more information, please visit www.showtime-AADAP.org.

Filipino American History Month celebration in Carson, CA The City of Carson, California will be holding its annual Filipino American History Month celebration on Saturday, October 5 from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. It will be at the Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center (801 E. Carson St. Carson, CA 90745). For more information, please call (310) 830-9991.

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Beatrock Music’s 10 year anniversary in Los Angeles Beatrock Music, an artist-driven, independent West Coast Hip Hop record label announced their entire lineup for their 10 Year Anniversary concert on Sunday October 6, 2019. Since 2009, the label has released a prolific catalog and has amassed a dedicated fanbase around the globe. To celebrate their 10 Year anniversary, Beatrock Music will host an all-day music festival, partnering with community organizations to produce programming fit for Hip Hop fans of all ages. Fans can expect a day of music and arts programming, with live performances from Beatrock Music artists including: Klassy, Ruby Ibarra, Bambu, Prometheus Brown, Rocky Rivera and more. Parents are welcome to bring kids and can enjoy the live-art activation led by artist Bodeck Luna. Attendees can also enjoy food and merchandise for purchase from local artisan vendors. The 10 Year Anniversary will also feature local community organizations, utilizing the event to amplify the work and increase the impact of each organization’s mission. As an added treat, the concert will feature a special guest performance from G. Yamazawa, a National Poetry Slam Champion, Cultural Diplomat for the Department of State and Kundiman Fellow. The Beatrock Music 10 Year Anniversary celebration takes place on Sunday October 6, 2019 (12 p.m.-8 p.m) at Bootleg Theater (2220 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90057). All ages are welcome. Tickets are available at BeatrockMusic.com.

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Palaris Colleges Alumni 4th International Reunion in Las Vegas, NV All alumni of the Palaris Colleges are invited to attend the 4th International Reunion to be held at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 11 to October 13. Let us rekindle friendships, reminisce, renew acquaintances and create new memories! For more information, please contact Lumen Mendoza, executive chair, at (408) 718-9729 or send email to lumen_mendoza@yahoo.com; or Claver “Butch” Soriano, PCAA president, at (412) 805-1944 or send email to clasor@aol.com.

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Savor Santa Ana food festival Orange County’s premier all-ages sidewalk food festival featuring more than forty tastes from downtown Santa Ana restaurants, Savor Santa Ana, returns Saturday, October 12 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. At Savor Santa Ana, sample tastes from unique, local and Michelin-rated restaurants and bars throughout downtown Santa Ana. Live musicians and local youth performance groups will perform in pop-up shows along the sidewalks, and a trolley will provide free rides around downtown. The theme will be “Fall Food Carnival,” featuring fire dancers, mystique, and fall food flavors. This marks the seventh Savor Santa Ana festival for downtown Santa Ana, serving thousands of visitors since 2014. Organizers expect to sell the 150,000th tasting ticket this October, a milestone reminiscent of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the City of Santa Ana this year. Savor Santa Ana tickets are just $10 for 5 tasting tickets. Tickets are available online for pre-purchase at savorsantaana.com, and are available cash-only onsite at Savor Santa Ana.

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FACCGLA hosts immigration discussion in North Hollywood, CA The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) Panel Discussion and Mixer will be on Immigration and Business Law on Wednesday, October 16. Featured location for this month is the beautiful stone gallery of Stoneville USA. Event starts at 6:00-6:30 p.m. to tour the Stone Gallery, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Networking, 7:15-9:00 p.m. Speakers and more networking. Tickets are online; NO CASH payments will be accepted at the door. Visit www.faccgla.org for the EARLY BIRD Discount available until 10/11 11:00 p.m. Regular prices are $20 for Members and $30 Future Members. Stoneville USA is at 12906 Saticoy St, North Hollywood, CA 91605.

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West Ranch High School presents the Wildcat Classic in Valencia, CA West Ranch High School is proud to present the 11th annual Wildcat Classic, a daylong display of musical artistry on Saturday, October 19. More than 20 high school bands from the Santa Clarita Valley and around the region will gather for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra (SCSBOA) Marching Band Competition. The Wildcat Classic will take place at Valencia High School’s football stadium, located at 27801 Dickason Dr. in Valencia. Tickets are $12; parking is free. Each high school band will compete by division followed by an astounding showcase performance of the three-time state champion West Ranch Band and Colorguard. The day-long event culminates in an awards ceremony with trophies presented in each division as decided by a panel of SCSBOA judges. The performance schedule will be announced prior to the event. Vendors will be on site with plenty of delectable food and drink options as well as gifts and apparel for the music enthusiast. For additional information, please contact West Ranch Music Director Jason Marshall at 661-222-1220 x 646 or jmarshall@hartdistrict.org or visit www.westranchmusic.com.

Sikad cycling ride in Las Vegas Hosted by the Nevada Bicycle Club, in collaboration with charity institution Gawad Kalinga to give care, Sikad 2019 will be held on Saturday, October 19 at the River Mountain Trail Loop. The mission of the charity fun ride is to end homelessness through community building efforts in the Philippines. Gawad Kalinga is a nation building movement that hopes to end poverty for millions of Filipinos. Its template begins with restoration of dignity as a human being by bringing the poor out of their homelessness. But that is just the start.GK uses its resources to allow the poor access to basic services and opportunities that will turn them to productive citizens. It’s values formation component is a key element that promotes the effectiveness of all of its other programs. SIKAD NG BAYAN is an annual bike ride that supports GK program to include building schools, homes and community centers. This is the third annual SIKAD NG BAYAN - Las Vegas hosted by Nevada Bicycle Club. It will begin at the Railroad Pass Casino & Hotel at 2800 S. Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV with the trail at the River Mountain Loop Trail & Acaia Park — course 1 is 9 miles; course 2 is 35 miles; course 3 is 50 miles. Register now at www.nevadabicycleclub.com/sikad2019. Free jersey & buffet with registration. For more information, please email nevadabicycleclub@gmail.com.

49th anniversary of Federation of Rosary Groups rally in Burbank, CA On Saturday, October 19, devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary will come together to attend and celebrate the 49th year-anniversary of the Federation of Rosary Groups Annual Rosary Rally at St. Francis Xavier Church (3801 Scott Road, Burbank, CA). In partnership with Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Crusade in Glendale, people will assemble beginning at 9 a.m. to attend a talk to be given by the Most Reverend Alex Aclan, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles. This year’s theme is Mary In the Upper Room. The event is filled with activities that will enrich one’s faith. The afternoon speaker is Reverend Francis Mendoza, pastor of St. Finbar Church in Burbank. Procession and praying of the rosary will start at 3:30 p.m.; followed by a liturgy at 5:00 p.m. which will be concelebrated by Reverend Rodel Balagtas, Pastor of Incarnation Church/ Glendale and Reverend Sebastian Vettickal, Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church/ Burbank. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the event. For more information, please call: Rico Nosce (818) 331- 9111, Linda Gordon (818) 633-5600 or Rene Decena (818) 679- 7896.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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Ken and Rita: Not just one of the love teams by Tessa

Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

THERE truly is something special about GMA Network’s team up of the moment in Rita Daniela and Ken Chan. It was by pure screen chemistry that the network decided to pair them with each other — and in fact rewrite the story of the first series in which they starred — and they seem to be on the right track. RitKen, as they are now called — are social media magnets and it seems everything they touch is bound for gold. It can be recalled that Rita was GMA photo actually a contravida in Ken’s top- Rita Daniela and Ken Chan rated prime time drama last year, akin kesa sa nanay ko!” The fun, light and family-ori“My Special Tatay,” but a certain Needless to say, their fans and ented series features some of the scene got fans rooting for her char- critics alike are looking forward to country’s veteran actors including acter and his to end up together. what the pair has to show as the Roderick Paulate, Amy Austria, Guests share why they support the Mission on cardboard signs. Photos by Gerardo Hernandez So they did, and it was a hit, main anchors of “OOTB.” Tonton Gutierrez, Melanie Marthus the premiere tonight of their Described by the Kapuso Net- quez and Jestoni Alarcon. Joining first official teleserye on GMA, the work as a “millennial fairytale,” them are Maureen Larrazabal, much awaited romantic-comedy “OOTB” is not just a love story but Edgar Allan Guzman, Rodjun Cruz “One of the Baes (OOTB).” one that empowers women, this and Joyce Ching together with Asked what they believe made time, on the high seas. the hilarious ensemble of Archie them click with viewers as a tanJowalyn (Rita) is bent on mak- Alemania, Buboy Villar, Kenneth dem, Rita replied, “Ang special po ing waves to achieve her dream Medrano and James Teng. LAS VEGAS – One of the most sa amin for me is that we’re two of becoming a ship captain. She Incidentally, the program also anticipated events of the year, people who are very passionate is so focused on making this a aims to pay tribute to Filipino seathe 8th annual “Walk a Mile in in what we do. Sa ‘My Special reality that she avoids romantic farers. Real-life maritime students My Shoes” invited the greater Tatay,’ lumabas ang team work entanglements. from Maritime Academy of Asia Las Vegas community to turn namin na hindi inaasahan. Natural Meanwhile, Grant (Ken) is con- and the Pacific (MAAP) are partheir support into action by lang kasi kami even on screen kasi vinced he already met his one great ticipating in the production of this walking one mile from the Las hindi talaga namin pinipilit ni Ken love during his childhood and is on romantic comedy series. Vegas Review-Journal to the Las kung ano lang ang lumabas, but the verge of meeting her again. He Directed by King Marc Baco Vegas Rescue Mission (LVRM) it clicked and I’m so grateful that sets out to look for her, vlogging his and Michael Christian Cardoz, on Saturday, September 28. we’re here today.” way around the world. “OOTB” premieres tonight on The event is part of a joint-colSeconding his leading lady When a pragmatist and a hope- GMA Telebabad, and will definitely laboration between LVRM, Las and real-life best friend, “Sobrang less romantic meet, will it be serve as RitKen’s acid test — that Vegas Review-Journal, and the Walkers warm up with MixxedFit before they walk to the LVRM. trusted din kasi namin ang isa’t isa smooth sailing or will they need they’re not just one of TV’s love Las Vegas Metropolitan Police at mas marami pa siyang alam sa to brave the rough seas? teams. Department. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Mission’s homeless shelter initiatives and provide essential items including, food, water, clothing and by ricky calderon toiletries. ManilaTimes.net The “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” event kicked off an exciting mornACTOR Jerome Ponce plays a gay character in the upcoming Reing of fun, music, and MixxedFit gal Entertainment movie, “Ang Henerasyong Sumuko Sa Love.” warm ups as guests prepared to He admits that doing so for a real masculine guy like him is not trek the mile walk to LVRM. A easy, so we wonder so if he was able to do successfully. community affair, many took the On hindsight, Jerome likewise admitted he had second thoughts opportunity to share why they on taking the part. After all, it’s not the role he auditioned for in the support the “Walk a Mile in My Walk a Mile participants approach the LVRM in groups Jason Paul Laxamana film. Shoes” fundraising event. But direk Jason was able to convince him to take on the part Walkers approached the LVRM because it’s a challenging role. Jerome knew it’s a big challenge to in groups, where they learned him as an actor to play a gay role but after some thought, he decided about Mission initiatives and the to accept the part also to challenge his own capacity as thespian. importance of staying involved in Is it true that he has some kissing and bed scenes in the movie? the community. Jerome does not want to tell. As guests arrived, they re“Just watch the movie,” he said. ceived a tour of the LVRM and We admire Jerome’s courage to take on this role, as some aclearned about the services oftors are not that bold enough, afraid that they might be typecast fered to those in need. or people might think they are also gay in real life. But if one is Before leaving the premises, secure of his masculinity, there’s no reason to be afraid to play guests packed a sacked lunch for gay in a film. an individual in need. ApproxiWe have many actors who played gay roles like Dolphy, Eddie mately 30,000 meals are provided Garcia and Edgar Allan Guzman to name a few, yet people never Jerome Ponce each month by the LVRM. Guests pack a sack lunch for someone in need. doubted their gender. Photo from Instagram/@mrjeromeponce

Las Vegas Rescue Mission holds 8th annual ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’ fundraising event

Jerome accepts gay role challenge

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Filipino AmericAn History montH 2019

A celebration of women: Pinay visionaries and their contributions to the Fil-Am community By AJPress

OCTOBER is the celebration of Filipino American History Month to commemorate the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States. The first Filipinos — “Luzones Indios” — landed in what is now Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. With this history, Filipinos are said to be the first Asian group to arrive in the United States. This year, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FAHNS) has adopted the theme “Pinay Visionaries: Celebrating Filipina American Women” to recognize Pinay (Filipina American) leaders, laborers, scholars, scientists and activists throughout history and their contributions to the community nationwide. In a press release, FAHNS said Pinays “have been the backbone of the Filipina/o American community,” and have persevered in their respective fields in spite of racial and gender discrimination. With this year’s celebration, FAHNS recognizes Filipina American women across the U.S. including Pinays like: • FAHNS Executive Director Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova, for organizing and advocating for the Fil-Am community since the 1950s. Her vision has paved the way for FAHNS, Filipino American History Month and Filipino American studies.

Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon

• Olympic swimmer Victoria “Vicki” Manalo Draves, who is the first Asian American Olympic gold medalist. She won two gold medals in platform and springboard diving in 1948. • Dr. Felicisima “Ping” Serafica, the first Filipina American professor of psychology to receive tenure in the U.S. She helped establish one of the Philippines’ first hospitals for children with mental disabilities and the country’s first interdisciplinary mental health clinic. • Thelma Buchholdt, the first Filipina American elected to a legislature in the U.S. in 1974 and the first Asian American elected to serve as President of the National Order of Women Legislators. She was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives for four consecutive terms until 1982. • The late Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon, the first Filipina/o to receive a Ph.D. in history from Stanford University. She was a professor, a historic preservationist, and the author of “Little Manila is in the Heart” and “Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong.” ‘History’ vs ‘heritage’ In the past, there was confusion about whether to use “history” or “heritage.” While some used the term “Filipino American Heritage Month,” FANHS has emphasized that it should be properly focused on “history” instead of “heritage.”

“’History’ is about the events, experiences and lives of people in our community and their impact on society, and the political, cultural and economic events and moments that shape their lives,” wrote the late FAHNS national scholar, Dr. Mabalon. “’Heritage’ is solely about cultural traditions handed down from the past.” The state of California was the first to recognize Filipino American History Month in 2006 when the California Department of Education placed it on its celebrations calendar. In 2009, a resolution was passed to recognize October as Filipino American History Month. Hawai’i followed in 2008 when former State Representative Joey Manahan and members of the Filipino Caucus introduced legislation “to designate the month of October as Filipino American History Month to commemorate the contributions of Filipino Americans to Hawai’i and the U.S.” It was signed into law by Gov. Linda Lingle on April 15, 2008. A resolution to nationally recognize Filipino American History Month nationally was introduced in the 103rd Congress. The House of the 111th Congress introduced a House Resolution 155 to officially recognize this month for Filipinos. In October 2009, the Senate of the 111th Congress passed a resolution recognizing Filipino American History Month. In November 2009, Congress passed the resolution officially recognizing October as Filipino American History Month. In passing the legislation, the U.S. Congress noted that, “the writings and teachings of American history have often overlooked the role of people of color, among them the history of Filipino Americans, whose heritage spans a colonial, political, economic, and cultural relationship with the United States.” “Even though there’s an interesting history of us in the United States, we’re often overlooked,” remarked Cordova, in an interview with GoodNewsPilipinas. com about Washington state officially celebrating Filipino American History Month for the first time this year. “Everybody

Fred and Dorothy Cordova

Victoria “Vicki” Manalo Draves

looks at it like we’re recent immigrants. We’ve been here longer than a lot of people.” With this year’s theme, FANHS encourages organizations and communities across the United States to celebrate Filipino American women and incorporate their contributions into Filipino American History Month events.

Photo from fanhs-national

ABSCBN photo

Thelma Buchholdt

This year also marks several important historical events that tie with Filipino American History Month and its theme. 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women in the U.S. the right to vote. While the FAHNS acknowledges that Filipina American women and many other women of color were not

Photo from UDC.edu

able to vote until much later, the measure dramatically modified the political and social landscape of the U.S. FAHNS is also celebrating its 37th anniversary this year. Throughout the month of October, the Asian Journal will highlight several Filipina American women and their contributions across industries in the U.S.

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Disney to develop animated feature directed by Filipina American Disney and Pixar veteran Josie Trinidad one of four filmmakers appointed to work on upcoming original features by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

USPTA President Gary Trost, (right) Alex Marcial

Photo by Gustavo Reyes/USPTA

Alex Marcial Wins 2019 USPTA Star Award

LAS VEGAS — The United States Professional Tennis Association held its Awards Lunch this past Wednesday during the 2019 USPTA World Conference presented by Havana Bob’s at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Alex Marcial of West Covina, Calif., was presented with the 2019 USPTA Star Award. The USPTA Star Award is presented annually to members who have dedicated many years

to volunteering in grassroots tennis initiatives that incorporate multiculturalism and promote tennis and sportsmanship to the players they touch. Marcial founded Friends of Philippine Tennis in 2012. Since then, he’s worked to collect used tennis equipment, including racquets, shoes, balls and nets, and donate them to his native Philippines, where tennis equipment is expensive. In 2018, FOPT de-

livered over 750 racquets, 1,200 pairs of shoes, 5,000 tennis balls and 50 nets. Founded in 1927, the USPTA is the global leader in tennisteacher certification and professional development. With more than 14,000 members worldwide, the association raises the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches and promotes a greater awareness of the sport.

ON Tuesday, October 1, Walt Disney Animation Studios named four new directors to helm upcoming original theatrical features for the studio, including Filipina American filmmaker Josie Trinidad. Trinidad began as a Story Trainee at Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2004 after graduating from the CalArts Character Animation program. Since then, Trinidad has worked on a number of Disney and Pixar features, serving as a story artist on “Tangled,” ”WreckIt Ralph” and “The Princess and the Frog.” She’s also served as head of story on “Ralph Breaks the Internet” and co-head of story on “Zootopia.” In addition to extensive work as a story artist and animator, Trinidad also provided the voices of Dharma Armadillo in “Zootopia” and Jubileena Bing Bing in “Wreck-It Ralph.” In July, Trinidad was accepted as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Trinidad joins fellow directors Carlos Lopez Estrada, Suzi Yoonessi and Marc Smith, the latter of whom is also a veteran of the studio. Walt Disney Animation Studios’

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Josie Trinidad, head of story for “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios

announcement coincides with Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee’s efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive team of animators and directors. “We aim to have Walt Disney Animation Studios serve as the premier home for filmmakers interested in telling engaging stories within the limitless animation medium,” Lee wrote in a statement. “Carlos and Suzi are two incredible, inventive filmmakers

who have both received acclaim for their work. Josie and Marc, master, lead story artists, have been instrumental in shaping such films as ‘Zootopia’ and ‘Frozen,’” she continued. “We are so thrilled to have these four talented artists join our 96-year-old studio as directors and help us build the stories of our future — adventures in completely original worlds, stories from around the globe and the next generation of musicals.”

Tekken director revives old tweet about creating ‘Jollibee’ game character KATSUHIRO Harada, the producer of popular video and arcade game Tekken, on Saturday resurfaced his old tweet where he said he would consider adding the mascot of world-famous Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee as one of the game characters. This was what Harada said more than five years ago after he was asked by a Twitter user to add Filipino characters in his fighting video games. “Jollibeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! I’ll consider,” Harada said in a tweet dated May 29, 2014. Harada posted photos of a Jollibee plastic bag and cup in a couple of replies to the post, adding the hashtag #RevMajor2019. It appears that Harada is in the country for Rev Major 2019, a Philippine online gaming event being held at The Tent Solaire Resorts & Casino in Pasay City. Rev Major 2019 hosts the Tekken World Tour Master event. The online fighting game competition began Saturday. Next Filipino Tekken character? If Harada does decide to add Jollibee in the game, it would become the second Filipino character in Tekken following Josie Rizal’s addition in 2015. The kickboxing female char-

Game developer Katsuhiro Harada revived his old tweet on adding fast food character Jollibee in Tekken. Photo from Twitter/@Katsuhiro Harada

acter skilled in eskrima met controversy after its release over criticisms that it was not Filipino enough. Harada also threatened to delete the character if the Philippine government would complain about the name which was patterned after Philippine hero Jose Rizal. Harada is best known for Tekken series. He is also the general manager of world-famous Japanese video game developer and publisher Bandai Namco. Aside from Tekken, Harada oversees the production of Bandai Namco original game titles such as Ace Combat, Tales of Dark Soul and Soul Calibur, among others. (Rosette Adel/Philstar. com)

Yeng’s life changing social media detox by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

IT’S been almost three months since singer Yeng Constantino went on a self-imposed social media hiatus and she admits it’s been tough. It all started when she aired her disappointment from a hospital on her vlog when her husband met an accident in Siargao. Medical attention, according to Yeng, was slow and after she channeled her frustration online, she was accused of doctor-shaming. “It was my first time to be bashed that much. Na-culture shock ako. Pero sobra akong mahilig sa social media — as in sobrang hilig ko. So, parang what happened to me, sobra akong nahu-homesick kasi nami-miss ko talaga ang social media. Pero I decided to stop for a while kasi akala mo minsan kaya mo, pero hindi ko pala kaya yun.” Yeng stopped logging in on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube which she said caused her severe trauma. “Oo, as in pag nakakakita ako ng YouTube logo, minsan kinakabahan ako. Hindi talaga ako ready; iba ang nararamdaman ko.” Apparently, it was the best decision she made because all the bashing took a toll on her emotional stability. Yeng said she just stayed at home and surrounded herself with non-showbiz friends and asked her sibling to cook her favorite laing to get by. “Alam ko pong matagal na ako sa industry. I’ve been here for 12 years and at times you feel you’re so strong. Paisa-isang bash, parang wala kang reaksiyon. Pero pag bulto, parang hindi mo alam ang gagawin mo. I really felt so sad and shocked at how yung power ng social media is very strong.”

Yeng Constantino Photo from Instahram/@yeng

Despite the trauma, the OPM star is grateful to her management who had been so helpful to point out where she went wrong. “Noong una hindi ko pa naintindihan saan ako nagkamali. But management was so good to sit me down in a meeting. Linutuan pa nila ako ng masarap na food and they broke it to me gently to explain to me where I went wrong. Sobrang bait nila to tell me in the most gentle way kung anong kamalian ako. Ang bait nila and naiyak ako kasi mali ako.” In the end, Yeng hopes that people who can relate with social media trauma may learn from her story. “I learned to be grateful and to be careful. Social media is such a beautiful thing — it’s a tool to communicate with your fans, to connect with the people who love you. But at the end of the day, it’s not the right place for you to say so much personal stuff pala. Even for celebrities like us.” Yeng doesn’t know when she’ll be back on the gram or to vlogging, but now she’s focused on promoting her first foray into acting.

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