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Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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Volume 18 - No. 43 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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Driver that killed New Jersey Fil-Am family sentenced to probation A MARYLAND truck driver who drove across a median on a Delaware highway and caused a crash that killed a Filipino American man and his four daughters and injured his wife was sentenced on Friday, Nov. 1 to one year of probation. If Alvin Hubbard III, the truck driver, does not satisfy the terms of his probation, he will face upwards of 14 years in jail time, Judge Calvin L. Scott ruled. In 2018 following a trip to Ocean City, Maryland for the Fourth of July, the Filipino family — the Trinidads of New Jersey — was driving north on Route 1 in Delaware to their home in Teaneck, when a Ford F-350 traveling southbound crossed over to the northbound lanes. “Today, I feel my family was killed all over again,” the widow and mother and sole survivor of her family Mary Rose Ballocanag, told WCBS/Channel 2 News in response to the light sentencing.

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Groups sue Trump admin for making it ‘much harder’ for low-income immigrants to get citizenship fee waived THE city of Seattle, Wash. and five legal organizations filed a lawsuit in California on Wednesday, October 30 against the Trump administration for changing the requirements for naturalization, which would make it difficult for immigrants to qualify for the fee waiver when applying for citizenship. This comes after another effort to tighten the United States immigration system took place when the Trump administration on Friday, Oct.

Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Challenge accepted: Robredo takes on role in ‘drug war’ by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

VICE President Leni Robredo has accepted the offer of President Rodrigo Duterte to take a role in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs. A Malacañang memorandum dated October 31 designated Robredo as co-chairperson of the InterAgency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) until June 2022. In a televised speech, Robredo said she accepts the designation to the ICAD to stop the killings of

innocent people and to make sure that abusive officials, such as “ninja cops,” will be held liable. “Kahit sabihin natin na ang alok na ito ay pamumulitika lamang at hindi naman talaga ako susundin ng mga ahensya at gagawin nila ang lahat para hindi ako magtagumpay handa akong tiisin ang lahat ng ito (Even if we say that the offer is a politicized move and the agencies will not follow me and that they will do everything to make sure I fail, I will endure all of this),” Robredo said. ‘Even just one innocent life’ The vice president admitted that many people

had advised her not to accept the job as it might just be a trap to humiliate her. “Dahil kung meron akong maililigtas na kahit isang inosenteng buhay ang sinasabi ng prinsipyo at puso ko ay kailangan ko itong subukan (Because if I can save just one innocent life, my principle and my heart are telling me that I should try),” she said. Robredo stressed that Duterte knows she is against the drug war. She warned the president that she will not stop expressing her opposition against the campaign even if she takes the ICAD post. PAGE A2

Leaders skip Trump-less ASEAN-US session by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte was among the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit who skipped a session with United States officials on Monday, November 4, after U.S. President Donald Trump decided not to attend the meeting. Of the 10-member ASEAN, only Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha showed up to the U.S. summit with national security adviser Robert O’Brien, who was leading the U.S. delegation, and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Bloomberg noted that it was the lowest level representation for the U.S. at the meetings since Barack Obama upgraded ties with ASEAN back in 2011.

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CABINET MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the 43rd Cabinet Meeting at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, November 6. Vice President Leni Robredo is again welcome to join Cabinet meetings after she accepted the position of Co-Chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD). Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Robredo’s new appointment is a Cabinet rank. Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain

Give GCTA a chance – world prisons association chief Press freedom in PH dead if accused in Maguindanao massacre not convicted – victims’ lawyer by WILLIAM

DEPASUPIL ManilaTimes.net

THE Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law will give convicted prisoners a chance to reform and go back to society. International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) President Peter Van der Sande said during the opening of the 12th ICPA Conference this week in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that every prisoner is a human being who should be treated equally. In a chance interview with The Manila Times, Van der Sande said even the most hardened

criminal should be given a chance “to go back, reintegrate into mainstream society and reform.” When asked about the “GCTA for sale” controversy in Philippine prison facilities, Van der Sande said what was important for the government was to correct the system and not deprive prisoners of their right to change. “Despite the imperfections of the system, prisoners must not suffer since there are many convicts who are very much willing to begin a new life,” he said. ICPA President Peter Van der Sande

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Photo from ICPA.org

Duterte to Western countries: Stop shipping trash to Asia Special Lunch on Sustainable Development at the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte (ASEAN) Summit in Thailand. on Monday, November 4, told “I think, Mr. Chair, this is as Western countries to stop ship- good as any other time and any ping their garbage marked as place to tell the other countries, “recyclables” to developing the Western countries, to be Asian countries, listing the Phil- more circumspect,” he added. ippines, Malaysia, and IndoneA few years ago, Canada drew sia among the nations that have the ire of the president when become dumping grounds for the country shipped more than hazardous trash from the West. 2,000 tons of hazardous wastes “If we are talking about im- to the Philippines. The two proving the ecology of the countries’ years-long diplomatic place, the environment, then we row only ended in May, when must take into account what we Duterte ordered the Western dump,” Duterte said during the country to take back 69 containby RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

ers of trash. “When I was told that this garbage has been sent to us by some counties, I ordered immediately that they’d be shipped out on the first ship going to the North American continent. And I told them that if they do not accept their garbage, then you just drop the container near their ports,” Duterte said. During the summit, he also gave the suggestion of conducting regular meetings to gather opinions and recommendations from experts as well as discourage developed nations from shipping their trash to Asia. ■

by GABRIEL

PABICO Inquirer.net

LALU

THE lawyer for the victims of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre — where 58 persons including 32 journalists were killed — said that press freedom in the Philippines should be considered dead if the accused are not convicted of murder. According to lawyer Nena Santos, the essence of press freedom and democracy dies if people responsible for the killing of media people are allowed to get away. “If there would be no conviction, I am sorry to say that press freedom in the Philippines is dead,” Santos said during a forum about the massacre on Tuesday, November 4, in Quezon City, which was organized by the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP). “Impunity, if no one gets into jail because of killing media people, so where is democracy there, where is press freedom there when you can kill anybody?” she added. Santos handled the case for 38 of the 58 victims, which include relatives of former governor and now Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, reporters and bypassers who

happened to be at the site of the attack in Sitio Masalay, Ampatuan in Maguindanao. The incident occurred last November 23, 2009, when the convoy was on its way to Shariff Aguak to file then Buluan town vice mayor Mangudadatu’s certificate of candidacy. He was seeking to challenge the Ampatuan clan’s stronghold in the province. The convoy was flagged down and gunned down, despite the presence of several women including Mangudadatu’s wife. The lawyer is hoping that the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC), which has jurisdiction over the case, would decide on the case either before the year ends or in early 2020. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra previously said

that they are expecting the same. “Tapos na ang kaso (the case is finished), we are just waiting for the promulgation of judgment for the 104 accused,” Santos said. “We are hoping that promulgation of judgment would be (made) this November, in time for the 10th year anniversary of the Ampatuan Maguindanao massacre.” “Thus far, we have not received any motion and TRO (temporary restraining order) or any pleadings from the prosecution stopping the promulgation,” she added. Over 200 individuals including former Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his son, Andal “Unsay” Jr. — considered as masterminds of the attack — were charged with multiple murder in the world’s deadliest single attack on journalists. ■

NOVEMBER 8-14, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Groups sue Trump admin for making it ‘much harder’... PAGE A1 t 25 updated the requirements to get naturalization fees waived, which the lawsuit cited as “a sudden and unlawful policy change.” “The American promise must be open to all,” Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan said in a statement. “Wealth is not and should never be a requirement of being an American citizen. Seattle will fight for the promise of America and against a pay-to-play approach to citizenship.” The five legal service providers include the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), Central American Resource Center of California (CARECEN), Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), OneAmerica and Self-Help for the Elderly. The Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) — through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — revised the “request for fee waiver” qualifications, eliminating a 2010 rule that allowed immigrants who receive certain government benefits to automatically qualify for a fee waiver. USCIS Acting Director Ken Cuccinelli reasoned that the agency uses the fee to cover the costs of processing applications, and that

the new rule “will improve the integrity of the program and the quality and consistency of fee waiver approvals going forward.” Currently, the application fee for naturalization is $725, and USCIS said that individuals may still request a fee waiver if they present proof that the annual household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty line or if “they demonstrate financial hardship.” In 2010, USCIS placed rules that automatically allowed lawful permanent residents — aka green cardholders — who receive certain government benefits like food stamps, subsidized housing or Medicaid to receive a waiver for the required fee for applying for citizenship. Immigrant advocacy groups and elected officials denounced the rule change, noting that it puts a burden on lawful, low-income immigrants. Legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) estimated that the revised rule will impose “significant barriers” to naturalization for “tens of thousands of non-wealthy applicants each year.” “This rule change is about changing the complexion of future

immigrants from black and brown to white and furthers a class-based society that is discriminatory and unwelcoming,” John C. Yang, president and executive director of AAJC, said in a statement. “We cannot allow our government policies to reject the time-tested promise on the Statue of Liberty of a country that is accepting of the potential of the tired, poor, and huddled masses who year to breathe free in America.” The USCIS fee waiver rule change comes after a slew of controversial immigration proposals the Trump administration has announced regarding low-income immigrants. Last month, the DHS announced it would require incoming immigrants to present proof of health insurance or proof that they can afford health insurance before applying for green cards. As previously reported by the Asian Journal, the DHS has also sought to revise the terms of the public charge test administered to immigrants that determines whether or not they will need certain government benefits; federal courts, however, ruled against the policy and it has not been enacted. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

Challenge accepted: Robredo takes on role... PAGE A1 “Simula pa lang handa tayong tumulong sa ikabubuti ng bayan pero kailanman hindi natin isusuko ang ating mga paniniwala. Hindi laru-laro ang usapang ito. Seryosong usapan ‘pag buhay ang nakataya (From the start, we have been ready to help for the sake of

the nation but I will never give up my principles. This is not a game. This is is a serious issue because lives are at stake),” Robredo said. ‘Are you ready for me?’ Upon ending her speech, Robredo told Duterte that it is not yet to late for them to work together in addressing the country’s drug

ceedings in their country. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, for his part, said Trump must have decided to skip the leaders’ summit so he could deal with his own problems back in the U.S. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, on the other hand, pointed out that it was inappropriate for ASEAN leaders to meet with a lower level official that was not even a member of the Trump Cabinet, referring to O’Brien. However, an unidentified diplomat said the ASEAN leaders did not perform a boycott, they just “have other meetings to attend to.”

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PAGE A1 Hubbard, who admitted to being drowsy at the time, first struck a sedan, injuring the driver. Then, in a matter of seconds, Hubbard crashed into the Trinidad’s minivan, killing 61-year-old Audie Trinidad and his daughters, Kaitlyn, 20; Danna, 17; and twin sisters Allison and Melissa, 13. Trinidad’s wife, Mary Rose Ballocanag, 53, sustained injuries and was the only one in her family to

survive the collision. In court, she detailed her injuries and despite undergoing eight surgeries will never be able to work as a nurse. “His one life will never be enough for the five people he killed,” Ballocanag said through tears in court. “My physical pain is nothing compared to the mental pain and anguish of losing my entire family.” In court, Hubbard, who works as a welder, was also tearful. In November 2018, he was indicted on five

counts of second-degree vehicular homicide, three counts of vehicular assault and charges of inattentive driving, driving across a median and disobeying traffic devices. Originally, Hubbard pleaded not guilty, but when the state returned with lesser charges — five counts of operating a vehicle causing death, one count each for second-degree and third-degree vehicular assault — he changed to a guilty plea. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

Give GCTA a chance – world prisons association...

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Driver that killed New Jersey Fil-Am family sentenced...

problem as they still have two and a half years left on their term. “Tinatanong nila ako king handa ba ako para sa trabahong ito. Ang tanong ko — handa ba kayo sa akin (They have been asking me if I am ready for this job. My question is this — are you ready for me)?” she said. n PAGE A1 “I want to like to let you know and it is important to keep in mind that that anybody can change for During the summit, O’Brien said the better even the guy who comthe U.S. must defend its relation- mitted the serious crimes, so after ship with Asean at all costs and [a] long period of imprisonment, then proceeded to read aloud a it is good to reassess this person letter from Trump inviting regional and maybe he becomes another leaders to join him in the U.S. for person and keeps the possibility a special summit in the first three to build himself a new life in society,” Van der Sande added. months of next year. In his message to the conferAccording to a senior White House official, Trump could not ence delegates, Van der Sande come to the summit this year be- urged every country to strengthen cause he was busy with campaign its correctional system since some great leaders themselves have events back home. The U.S. president attended the tasted and suffered imprison2017 ASEAN meeting in Manila, ment. He cited the case of the great while Vice President Mike Pence went to the one in Singapore last Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned, regained his freedom and year. n

Leaders skip Trump-less ASEAN-US... PAGE A1 Other leaders who skipped the U.S. session were Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hseien Loong, Malaysian Prime Minister Mohammad Mahathir, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. represented Duterte at the meeting. The U.S. expressed concern over the partial boycott of the ASEAN leaders, saying it was an “intentional effort to embarrass” Trump, who is facing impeachment pro-

35TH ASEAN SUMMIT. The 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit of leaders took place in Nonthaburi, Thailand from November 2-4, 2019. This year’s summit, held under the chairmanship of Thailand, generated a total of 44 outcome documents, including the ASEAN joint statement on Climate Change and East Asia leaders’ statements on combating the spread of illegal drugs, on cooperation to combat transnational crime, and on partnership for sustainability. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

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became the president of South Africa. He said there were countries whose penal systems fell below international standards during his eight years as ICPA chief executive. Van der Sande, however, explained that there was room for improvement of prison facilities around the world, citing that observing rules was one of the pillars of the justice system. “[W]e need to continue our common efforts in making aware the other countries of the importance of meeting the standards, making them aware that the basic rules are not disposable commodities, that they don’t ignore these principles if they don’t like them, that they cannot reject them in

times of a session, these laws and the foundation of the correctional work, the pillars of the justice system,” he said. The controversy over the sale of the GCTA to Filipino prisoners in exchange for their early release surfaced during a Senate inquiry in September, when witnesses testified that they shelled out as much as P50,000 to ensure the freedom of their convicted kin. The GCTA Law was passed to benefit convicted prisoners who have shown exemplary conduct, and aging and sick inmates housed in the minimum security compound. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had ordered the return of all inmates freed under the GCTA pending a review of their cases. n

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The Philippines scored ‘0’ in 5 indicators on the Global Health Security index. Here’s why by Franco Luna Philstar.com

The economist’s Intelligence Unit, the Johns hopkins Center for health Security and the Nuclear Threat Initiative late last month released their first Global health Security index, which revealed a chilling reality: that no country in the world is “fully prepared for epidemics or pandemics,” with each one having gaps to address. And although the Philippines on paper placed an above-average 53rd out of a total of 195 countries included in the study, the country also scored zero in a total of five health security indicators. This didn’t come as much of a surprise: the use of public data, after all, was a theme consistently repeated throughout the report, as GhS emphasized that this promotes accountability within the international community. While it should be noted that the study’s methodology was limited to information that was made available for public consumption, null results should still be a cause for concern. These failing grades come despite “health security” placing second in the government’s 12-point agenda in the country’s national security policy for 2017 through 2022. The document says that the government shall endeavor to prevent “the effects of infectious diseases as well as interdicting illegal and hazardous agents.” Groups are calling the healthcare situation in the country a crisis of its own amid the underfunding of the Department of health for 2020 on top of the outbreaks of infectious diseases like polio and African swine fever, and the public’s growing distrust in vaccines to reckon with. This all comes as the Department of health braces to roll out Universal health Care in 2020. Linking public health and security authorities Listed under the “Response” category, the study outlines that public health and public security need to be linked to counter potential bioterrorism attacks or any other “deliberate biological event.” GhS says that in the Philippines, any “coordinated plan to respond to biological threats” linking the health department and the Department of National Defense remains to be publicly documented. This comes despite the country’s hosting of an international conference on Global Terrorism and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear explosives and its participation in a similar conference on bioterrorism under the ASeAN Regional Forum. Although not explicitly mentioned in the study, the mention of public health and security authorities in the same breath for many brings to mind the ongoing war on drugs, which has often been called a public health catastrophe. “having created enough [awareness] about it, we will now enter the second phase of the drug situation,” then-presidential spokesman ernesto Abella said in an interview with CNN Philippines in 2016. “It’s now shifted from a national security issue more into a public health issue.” Despite this acknowledged shift in approach, UN high Commissioner for human Rights Michelle Bachelet in 2019 again called on President Rofrigo Duterte to take on a more “public health approach” in combating illegal drugs. Vice President Leni Robredo, too, echoed this call in October that year. Three years later, the death toll of the war on drugs has since ballooned to 12,000 lives lost according to the human Rights Watch. According to March data from the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency, the latest data on its website, at least 5,375 “drug personalities” have been killed since July 2016. Communication with healthcare workers during public health emergency Coalition for People’s Right to health co-convenor Josh San Pedro told Philstar.com in an online interview that the state of healthcare and the ongoing outbreaks reveal the state of communications among healthcare workers. San Pedro pointed to “political devolution, geographic factors, underdeveloped telehealth systems” as some of the symptoms of the larger problem of “a fragmented health system,” calling the programs addressing African swine flu “disjointed.” “The reality is that access to healthcare in the country is still far from ideal,” San Pedro said. “Only 43% of barangays have a functional [barangay] health station [or] center, and the ratios of health workers to the population is overwhelming.” WhO recommends a ratio of at least 45 health workers per 10,000 persons in a population. In the Philippines, the ratio stands at only 19 for every 10,000. Dual-use research and culture of responsible science The economist Intelligence Unit claims that “there is no public evidence that the Philippines has conducted an assessment to determine

whether ongoing research is occurring on especially dangerous pathogens and toxins.” According to the 2018 WhO joint external evaluation, though, there exists “strong commitment” in the country to “academic research” in the field of biosafety. The evaluation also acknowledges that institutions such as the University of the Philippines have established committees for “reviewing and approving research proposals.” however, no research initiatives were mentioned. San Pedro pointed out that the focus of the study was more in line with first-world standards of health security and was geared towards pandemics and bioterror, something that was not as applicable in the Philippines as in more developed countries. “how can we think about bioterrorism when poverty is the one wreaking havoc on our populace with these infectious pathogens?” he asked. “Most of our pathogen research is hardly for weaponizing or bioterrorism [since] it’s mostly towards our own infectious diseases: tuberculosis, dengue, schistosomiasis,” San Pedro added. “[But] our [pathogens] do have pandemic potential.” “We are hardly secured from our own health hazards and risks, what more from external threats?” Biosafety The Biosafety indicator asked, “Does the country have in place national biosafety legislation and/or regulations?” and “Is there an established agency responsible for the enforcement of biosafety legislation and regulations?” Issued in 2006, executive Order No. 514 sought to establish the National Biosafety Framework and strengthen the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines, declaring as a matter of State policy the promotion of “safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology.” Sure enough, while there are bodies in place to promote biosafety in the archipelago, the explicit enforcement and safeguarding of existing and already thin regulations has yet to be mentioned. Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña has himself admitted in the Fourth National Report Under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety that although regulations and guidelines were in place, these were “not legislated but [instead took] the form of executive Issuances from the Office of the President.” According to a briefer by the Department of environment and Natural Resources, the Cartagena Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international agreement listing guidelines for the usage and transport of living modified organisms “resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health.” The Philippines is a listed party of the protocol and has been since October 2006. GhS in their report pointed out that while the Philippines did carry out Confidence Building Measures in 2017 and 2018, access to both reports was restricted to the public. Thus, it remains to be seen if either of these measures contain information on the administration’s approach with regards to biosafety. This portion also asks if the country requires biosafety training, “using a standardised, required approach [for] personnel working in facilities housing or working with especially dangerous pathogens, toxins, or biological materials with pandemic potential.” The WhO 2018 joint external evaluation points out that RITM “has comprehensive institutional manuals and training programmes for biosafety and biosecurity,” although nothing is said about whether these measures are required. Joint External Evaluations and Performance of Veterinary Services According to the report’s criteria, Jee, or joint external evaluations, are any published precursor external evaluation such as the Global health Security Agenda pilot external assessment. The report goes on to say that while the country had already conducted a Jee from September 9-14, 2018, “its full report has not yet been published by the World health Organization.” however, since the GhS last gathered data for the study in December 2018, the Jee has since been made available on the WhO website in September 2019. The evaluation admits that “the Philippines has made good progress in implementing the provisions of the IhR.” Moving on to the second portion, GhS asks: has the country completed and published a Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) assessment in the last five years? Its conclusion shares the same beat as the four previous zeroes: “Although [the] Philippines has conducted multiple [PVS] gap analysis missions, there is no evidence of a published report.” “I think it’s safe to say that veterinary services in this nation [are] not too strong, especially in working

with larger health programs,” San Pedro admitted. A matter of policy even the Jee notes that “[w]hile the Philippines has developed capabilities in various programme areas for public health emergency preparedness and response, there are still challenges in achieving a harmonized approach for implementation of the IhR.” One problem that the study implicitly points to is freedom of information, as most of the zero-marks in the study were the direct result of a lack of documentation. “[W]e have such a big problem on publicly available data lalo sa health,” San Pedro said. In the same way as the GhS, WhO also contended that the agenda of health security could and should be forwarded as a matter of state policy. Where WhO recommended that the government “enhance high-level political commitment and accountability at all levels to advance implementation of [international health regulations], with adequate resourcing and engagement of all relevant sectors,” the GhS report, too, asserted that “political will is needed to save lives and build a safer and more secure world.” For San Pedro, the factors affected by governance can make all the difference. “Some solutions fall short because we sometimes fail to take into account the social determinants of such diseases, namely poverty, poor housing, unemployment, and lack of food security,” he said. n

CONGRESS BRASS. Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III (center) leads the unveiling of a brass marker of the 18th Congress’ officers and members of the upper chamber. Joining Sotto are (from left) Sen. Nancy Binay, Sen. Cynthia Villar, Senate Secretary Myra Marie Villarica, Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, Sen. Francis Tolentino and Sen. Bong Revilla. Senate photo by Albert Calvelo

US, France caution citizens in Mindanao following quake ‘swarm’ by Bernadette

tamayo ManilaTimes.net

The U.S. and France, through their embassies, have warned their citizens in Mindanao to take extra precaution following the series of earthquakes that struck parts of the Philippines’ southern region. “U.S. citizens in the area please contact your family/friends,” the U.S. embassy in Manila tweeted on October 31. Ambassador Sung Kim, on October 30, tweeted, “I would like to offer our sincerest condolendes to the victims of yesterday’s (October 29) earthquake in Mindanao.” “To those in affected communities, please stay safe and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you,” Kim said. On its Facebook page, the French embassy called on its citizens in Mindanao “to check their

state of preparation” for the earthquake and of “safety instructions to follow in the event of an earthquake.” Japanese Ambassador to Manila Koji haneda had offered condolences to the families of the victims of the recent earthquakes that struck parts of Mindanao and expressed his sympathies to all those affected. “As an earthquake-prone country, Japan fully understands the hardship caused by such natural disasters. We stand in solidarity with the government and the people of the Philippines,” haneda said in a statement. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, November 1, said it has yet to receive offers of assistance from the international community to help the earthquake victims. “There will probably be some

messages of sympathy coming in. Our offices are monitoring these,” said DFA Assistant Secretary ed Meñez. “Offers of assistance usually occur if there is a request made by the affected country or the magnitude of the damage and casualties seem to be beyond the national capacity to respond, but there may also be some offers made regardless,” Meñez said. On October 16, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Tulunan, North Cotabato. The same area was jolted by a 6.6 magnitude tremor on October 29. On Oct.ober 31, North Cotabato experienced a 6.5 magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter also in Tulunan town. The island region, specifically, Cotabato, Sarangani and Davao del Sur were struck by at least three earthquakes on Friday. n

NOVEMBER 8-14, 2019 â€˘ NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Pangilinan seeks lifting of bank secrecy law No administrative raps vs Albayalde â€“ DILG chief by beRnadette

tamayo ManilaTimes.net

SENATOR Francis Pangilinan said the government should raise tax collection by lifting laws on secrecy of bank deposits instead of imposing tax on salted food like daing (dried fish). The senator issued the statement amid the reported plan of the Department of Health to impose tax on junk food, noodles and daing to address public health issues such as hypertension. Pangilinan noted that the Department of Finance had admitted that it fails to collect about P668.3 billion in taxes and duties annually because of â€œrestrictiveâ€? bank secrecy laws. He said the uncollected taxes represent â€œa third of the governmentâ€™s annual tax collection.â€? â€œLifting such laws will ensure correct tax declarations, as well as combat corruption, tax evasion, money laundering and other financial crimes,â€? Pangilinan said. â€œIf we are able to collect this amount, we will have more funds

a competent court in relation to a case pending before it; investigations by the Senate/House of Representatives; investigations by any government agency or financial regulator including, but not limited to, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission, Philippine Deposit Insurance Senator Francis Pangilinan Corporation, and the Insurance Manilatimes.net file photo Commission; inquiry by indepento help the poor, build schools for dent auditors; and inquiry on the those in far-flung areas and pro- account/s of a deceased depositor vide medical attention to the sick,â€? by his/her immediate family members or heirs. he added. A penalty of at least three years The senator said â€œeducation awareness of the ill-effects of salt and/or a fine of at least P200,000 should be the emphasis rather will be imposed on those who refuse to disclose or report deposits than imposing a tax.â€? He earlier filed Senate Bill 634, or any abuse on the initiation, conor the â€œDeposits Disclosure Act,â€? duct, or use of any inquiry of the which mandates that all deposits of accounts. â€œCriminals should not be able whatever currency with banks and non-banking financial institutions to hide behind laws to shield their in the Philippines can be looked illegal activities. In the spirit of into under the following purposes: transparency and accountability, it upon written permission or waiver is time to repeal the bank secrecy of depositor; inquiry by the Office laws in the country,â€? Pangilinan of the Ombudsman; upon order of said. n

by Romina

CabReRa Philstar.com

MANILA â€” No administrative charges would be filed against former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief general Oscar Albayalde since there is no evidence directly linking him to the so-called â€œninja copsâ€? or policemen who allegedly sold illegal drugs seized in Pampanga in 2013, Interior Secretary Eduardo AĂąo disclosed. AĂąo said it was President Duterte who told him that there would be no administrative case against Albayalde. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) submitted its report following the investigation of Albayalde and the 13 alleged ninja cops last week. This is contrary to the findings of the Senate that found Albayalde liable for the anti-illegal drug operation when he was still Pampanga provincial director and that he led a â€œmonumental cover-upâ€? in the raid. Albayalde is set to officially retire on Nov. 8, even as he already relinquished his post and went on non-duty status last month. AĂąo said Duterte will await the findings of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the criminal complaint filed against the former police chief. â€œAng sabi ni Pres, no admin case against him. Bahala na ombudsman and DOJ, for criminal. He will get the pension, walang problema,â€? AĂąo told The STAR. AĂąo added that the DILG also used the Senate report and even invited the resource persons, including former generals who testified against Albayalde, in their investigation. He said the reports of the DILG and the senate are not conflicting, but have different appreciation of the evidence at hand. â€œThe president stated that he will not choose the senate investigation result but the result of

the review made by Napolcom (National Police Commission) and DILG,â€? AĂąo added. The DILG chief noted that Albayalde could have been held liable for command responsibility, but this finding is considered â€œmoot and academicâ€? as he has already relinquished his post as PNP chief. President Duterte appointed Lt. Gen. Archie Francis Gamboa as PNP officer-in-charge. While the president thumbed down administrative cases against Albayalde, AĂąo said that Duterte still wants to dismiss the policemen allegedly involved in the ninja cop operations. There were a total of 13 policemen, aside from Albayalde, implicated in the issue. AĂąo added the president gave a deadline for their dismissal. In terms of Albayaldeâ€™s successor, AĂąo said Duterte has yet to decide on the next PNP chief to head the 190,000-strong national police force. â€œHe is taking time to decide,â€? he added, emphasizing Duterte wanted to think it over carefully. The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) had earlier filed criminal charges against Albayalde in connection with the missing P648 million worth of shabu seized by the alleged â€œninja copsâ€? in Pampanga in 2013. CIDG officials submitted their amended complaint before the DOJ panel of prosecutors where aside from the 13 original policemen tagged as ninja cops, they also included Albayalde. The 13 other respondents are police Supt. Col. Rodney Baloyo IV, Senior Insp. Joven de Guzman Jr., Senior Police Officer 1 Jules Maniago, SPO1 Donald Roque, SPO1 Ronald Santos, SPO1 Rommel MuĂąoz Vital, SPO1 Alcindor Tinio, SPO1 Dante Dizon, SPO1 Eligio Valeroso, Police Officer 3 Dindo Dizon, PO3 Gilbert de Vera,

PO3 Romeo Guerrero Jr. and Police Officer 2 Anthony Lacsamana. Public trust The PNP also claimed that it is slowly gaining back the publicâ€™s trust weeks after Albayalde was forced to step down after he was implicated in the operations of socalled â€œninja cops.â€? â€œI am convinced, yes, slowly,â€? PNP OIC Lt. Gen. Archie Francis Gamboa said when asked if he thinks the police force has been able to regain the public trust following the ninja cops controversy. Gamboa earlier said that he takes it as a challenge to win back both the public and President Duterteâ€™s trust when he suddenly took the helm of the 190,000strong police force. Duterte himself expressed â€œutter disappointmentâ€? in the police force and gave officials a dressing down during a command conference in MalacaĂąang last month. Gamboa said it is up to the people on how they will view the findings of the DILG and if it could possibly help bring back the credibility of the police force. â€œLet the people speakâ€Ś about the things that are happening in the PNP,â€? he said in a briefing. He assured the public that the PNP will respect the recommendations of the DILG and Napolcom against their former police chief. He said that the police force has no influence over the findings as even he himself does not have the power to sit in Napolcom as ex-officio member during his stint as PNP OIC. Lt. Gen. Archie Francis Gamboa said when asked if he thinks the police force has been able to regain the public trust following the ninja cops controversy. Gamboa earlier said that he takes it as a challenge to win back both the public and President Duterteâ€™s trust when he suddenly took the helm of the 190,000-strong police force. n

Robredo also asks PET for more time to file comment on initial recount report by KRistine Joy

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MANILA â€” Vice President Leni Robredo asked the Presidential Electoral Tribunal for more timeâ€” the same period that former Sen. Ferdinand â€œBongbongâ€? Marcos Jr asked forâ€”to file a comment on the report on the initial recount in the former lawmakerâ€™s poll protest against her. Robredoâ€™s lawyers filed a motion asking the PET to be given equal time with Marcos, who earlier asked for an extension, to file their memorandum on the initial recount, following the tribunalâ€™s October 15 resolution. They said that the viewing of the annexes, which include objections and claims to the recount, has yet to start as the Clerk of the Tribunal is still waiting for instructions. The tribunal did not provide copies of the annexes to the parties due to the volume of documents. Marcos is seeking to be allowed to photocopy the reports and asked to move the deadline for filing their answer Robredoâ€™s lawyers also said that the PET has yet to resolve their motion asking to be given soft copies of the annexes of the October 15 resolution.

Philstar.com file photo

â€œThus, inasmuch as protestee Robredo would like to comply with the Resolution dated October 15 2019 and file her Memorandum within 20 working days, she cannot do so,â€? the motion read. Robredoâ€™s party moved that they may be given equal period of time with Marcos to file their own memorandum. The tribunal took a year and a half to finish the recount in Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental, the three provinces that would determine whether Marcos can â€œmake out his caseâ€? against Robredo, according to Rule 65.

On October 15, the tribunal ordered the release of copies of report of Associate Justice Alfredo Caguioa, former member-incharge of the case, to the parties and ordered them to comment on it. The PET also ordered the parties to comment on Marcosâ€™ motion to proceed with his third cause of action, which is the technical examination of voting in Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao. The parties were given 20 days to file their comments. The SC is set to resume its full court session on November 5, after a writing break. n

Bayan office raid in Manila proof of â€˜creeping martial lawâ€™ â€” Zarate by Ratziel

san Juan Philstar.com

MANILA â€” Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate on Tuesday, November 5, denounced the early morning raid of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan office in Tondo, Manila that led to the arrest of three activists. The raid at around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5 was reportedly conducted by officers of the Philippine National Police based on allegations of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. It resulted in the arrest of Bayan

Manila campaign director Ram Carlo Bautista, Manila Workers Unity secretariat Alma Moran, and Kadamay Manila coordinator Ina Nacino. â€œThe raid is reminiscent of the same modus operandi done by the police in the Bacolod raids and mass arrests as well as filing of trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives,â€? Zarate said. The offices of three progressive groups in Bacolod, Negros Occidental were raided last week, along with the houses of Bayan Muna regional coordinator Romulo Bito-on

and Gabriela Metro Manila spokesperson Cora Agovida â€” resulting in more than 50 arrests. Human rights monitor Karapatan said the allegations of guns and bombs in the Bayan office is â€œa barefaced lie meant to justify these patently arbitrary arrests and to silence social justice workers and activists. â€œWhatever evidence is planted, the police and government narrative defies logic and those who enforce and abetted these patently illegal moves, including judges, should be held to account,â€? Karapatan said in a release. n

by the president),â€? Sotto said in a radio interview on Monday, November 4. Sotto was among the eight senators who had pressed for the creation of DDR. They were Senators Francis Pangilinan, Mary Grace Poe, Emmanuel Pacquiao, Christopher Lawrence Go, Francis Tolentino, Pilar Juliana Cayetano and Juan Edgardo Angara. Under Senate Bill 245, Sotto wants to institutionalize the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council. The Philippines ranks third as the most disaster-prone country in the world, regularly suffering from typhoons, earthquakes and

volcanic eruptions, not to mention the occasional drought, epidemic, El NiĂąo and La NiĂąa, as well as the staple flooding. Under Pangilinanâ€™s bill, a calamity fund of P20 billion or at least 1 percent of the estimated government revenue, or whichever is higher, will be created. â€œWhile we have a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, composed of several interacting agencies sharing the responsibility for disaster risk reduction and management and overseeing the national system, no one is overall in charge. We want disaster-prone Philippines to have a disasterbuster,â€? Pangilinan said. n

Passage of disaster resilience bill seen by beRnadette

tamayo ManilaTimes.net

SENATE President Vicente Sotto III is optimistic that the measure proposing the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) will be passed before lawmakers take their Christmas break. The bill was certified as urgent by President Rodrigo Duterte. â€œTalagang kailangang-kailangan. Malaki ang posibilidad, at malaki rin ang posibilidad na mapirmahan ng presidente ito (It is really needed. Thereâ€™s a big possibility [that it will be passed] and there is also a big possibility that this will be signed [into law]

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FEATURES

OPINION

Wiped out by 2050

THIRTY years may seem like a long way off, but it’s never too early to prepare for a cataclysm predicted by scientists. Research conducted by U.S. science organization Climate Central showed that rising seas due to global warming could affect three times more people than previously projected. More worrisome for Filipinos is that the research, published on Tuesday, November 5, in the journal Nature Communications, also showed that approximately 70 percent of people at risk of being inundated by rising seas are in only eight countries in Asia, including the Philippines. Filipinos already know that coastal areas in the cities of Manila, Malabon and Navotas and, increasingly, parts of Bulacan province have been gradually sinking into the sea. Warming temperatures, however, could accelerate the sea rise and threaten many other coastal areas in this archipelago of 7,100 islands. Under a new system of calculating land elevation and with the help of artificial intelligence, Climate Central estimated that up to 150 million people worldwide currently live in areas that would be below high-tide water level by 2050. That means nearly all of southern Vietnam including Ho Chi Minh City being wiped out as well as Mumbai in India and central Shanghai in the Chinese mainland. Climate Central, based in New Jersey, is urging governments to ramp up defensive measures. Other Asian countries projected to be most affected by

rising seas are Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan and Thailand, with major cities among the most vulnerable. At this point, according to the study, approximately 110 million people already live in places that are below the high tide line. In several areas, defensive measures have been put in place such as seawalls and levees. But the study pointed out that these are not always enough to stop inundation, as shown in the destruction of the levees in New Orleans during the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina. A better, long-term response, as suggested by the study, is the relocation of coastal communities to higher ground inland. This has been done to a limited extent in the coastal villages devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013. Relocation, however, is complicated, whether in Manila’s coastal barangays or in rural villages where people are dependent on the sea for their livelihood. Still, it’s a challenge that no country at risk can ignore. The sea cannot be rolled back, but disaster mitigation is possible. Scientists have been sounding the alarm for some time now. It’s never too early to prepare for approaching catastrophe. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PRESIDENT Donald Trump has threatened to cut off federal aid to California, home to the biggest population of Filipinos in the United States. Almost 100,000 acres of wildfires have been raging across the state since the last week of October alone, beginning with the Kincaid fire in Northern California. As the Independent reported, “more than 198,000 acres of land has been destroyed across the region this year, with fires forcing people to flee their homes as 115 structures are razed to the ground in the last ten days alone.” Three people have died and dozens have been injured in the 6,190 fires in 2019. California has recently been

Trump threatens to cut off federal aid to California wildfires after offering Putin help with Siberia’s forest fire seeing consistently destructive fires more often than ever before, wildfires are burning longer and harder to control. From October to December, it is still expected to have the greatest fire potential as the Diablo winds and the Santa Ana winds pick up. Climate scientists and fire behavioral experts have warned that heavy rains from months early in the year have produced an excess of vegetation. As the LA Times reported, this would lead to a lot of fuel that would become an abundance of dry fuel later in the year as the fire season gets underway. According to the U.S. Forest Service and Interior Department officials in a report by CNN, early projections indicated that the fire season would possibly be worse than the pre-

PEOPLE know that I am not a fan of Maria Leonor Robredo. I was at the forefront in exposing the mathematical anomalies that attended her ascension to the vice presidency. But unlike many of her critics, I find it unnecessary to focus on her character flaws, although many of which are actually jarring. I refrain from calling her names. I openly criticize her for her policy pronouncements, or the lack of it, and her public statements, many of which are incoherent or simply eyebrow-raising. But obviously she has become the favorite target for ridicule by the pro-Duterte base in social media. She has been scorned for her manner of speaking, and her inanities, including her mathematical booboos. I have not openly attacked her personal relationships, but it is actually hard to focus on what she is saying when the optics she evinces negates whatever logic one can divine from her pronouncements. Frankly, there are many times when I kind of agree with what she is saying, like her criticisms of the war on drugs, but the moment she opens her mouth I really have to try hard to accept that we are on the same page. I admit that this is patent prejudice. It emanates from the fact

change denier, and has, in fact, formally told the United Nations on Monday, November 4, that the United States is pulling out of the Paris climate accord, a deal that was signed by President Barack Obama. The notice filed by the U.S. claimed the 2015 deal signed by 200 countries placed an “unfair economic burden” on the U.S. economy. BUT WAIT! Did you know that Trump offered Putin help with Siberian wildfires? Reuters reported on July 31, 2019: “The U.S. president offered Russia cooperation in fighting forest fires in Siberia,” the Kremlin statement said. “President Putin expressed his sincere gratitude for such an attentive attitude and for the offer of help and support.” Think about this. California

vious year. Amid this ominous threat, Trump chose to berate and pick a fight with California Governor Gavin Newsom, asking the Democratic public official on twitter to “get his act together.” In a barrage of attacks on Twitter against the largely liberal state, The Independent reported that Trump would again hammer on his old complaints of forest management, including recommending better cleaning of the forest floors, as he first did in 2018. Highlighting the role of the environmental crisis in spreading the fires, Newsom responded on Twitter by saying, ”You don’t believe in climate change. You are excused from this conversation.” Trump has been a climate

is the BIGGEST TAXPAYER among all the states of our nation, the richest state in the country and the 5th biggest economy in the world. California is also among the states whose residents and public officials stand up to Trump and his pro-rich, profossil fuel, pro-gun and anticlimate change, anti-immigrant policies and his defiance of the Constitution and the rule of law. Russia, on the other hand, has assaulted our democracy, interfered in our elections and democratic processes and institutions to help Trump win. And yet Trump is so subservient and meek as a lamb to Putin, making decisions and orders that benefit Russia’s interests more than the American people. Digest this for a while. Tell

me if you don’t see anything wrong with this picture. Tell me if you support and enable this politically and personal-interest motivated policy and action of this president. If you don’t, then speak up and call him out. This is our nation, our world, our planet. We have to fight for it, even if and especially if the threat is coming from the President of the United States. *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos. Relos.

Robredo as a convenient distraction

Commentary

ANTONIO P. CONTRERAS

Philstar.com photo

that I know so much about her, since I am also a native of Camarines Sur. As they say, familiarity breeds contempt. This is why when people ask me why I dislike her so much when we come from the same place, my simple answer is precisely because of what I know about her. But beyond the prejudice emanating from familiarity, I also firmly believe that she doesn’t deserve to be vice president. And it is not because she doesn’t have the qualifications. After all, we are a country known for electing unqualified people to various positions, from local officials, to Congress, to even the presidency. It is simply because until now I am convinced that her ascension to the vice presidency was marred by massive and widespread electoral fraud. I would have been more forgiving of her ineptitude and her personal flaws had she been elected fairly and above suspicion. This is why it is simply frustrating to watch the painfully slow process that the electoral protest filed against her by former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is taking. It is already halfway past the term of the post being contested, and what has been finished is only the recount in the pilot provinces. It is clear that there are many serious questions about the 2016 elections. And these issues go beyond the protest of Marcos against Robredo. In fact, allegations of influence peddling and bribery were lodged

against former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista, which led to his impeachment by the House. Allegations of election anomalies even led to numerous hearings conducted by Congress. Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd even vowed to produce star witnesses to corroborate these claims. Yet, nothing significant came out of this. Bautista, who would have provided a treasure trove of information about the alleged anomalies, was allowed to leave the country. Smartmatic remained as the service provider for our 2019 automated elections. And Sotto never ever called his star witnesses. Robredo has always been on the target range of President Duterte. He has been quoted as saying that he would advise people not to vote for Robredo if she runs again. He has belittled her abilities. But it appears he is showing some restraint by not reminding her of the allegations of election fraud being hurled against her. If there was one major beneficiary of this alleged fraud, it would be Robredo. And if there were indeed a genuine attempt to get rid of her, it would be easier to expose the fraud than to undermine her credibility by maligning her capabilities. Yet, the President appears to be lukewarm about declaring war on election fraud. He did nothing when Bautista just resigned and left the country, despite being impeached. Given

Vice President Leni Robredo

the chance to appoint a reformist Comelec, he stuck to appointing people he knows and not those who can bring in fresh and reformist ideas. He justifies his seemingly detached stance by making it appear that he is respecting the separation of powers, in that Comelec is an independent body, yet he showed no restraint in threatening the courts against issuing TROs on some of his actions. It would not have been out of character had he also threatened corrupt Comelec officials. Congress also appears to be lukewarm to the idea of unearthing the buried secrets of the 2016 elections. One can remem-

Philstar.com photo

ber the manner in which some of its members tried to stifle the voices of Glenn Chong and others who were trying to present evidence of massive fraud. Congress stood by as the Comelec renewed the contract with Smartmatic, despite the allegations made against it. And it is here that one is tempted to entertain the thought that perhaps Robredo is being kept around as a convenient distraction. After all, idiotic ideas are not her monopoly, as it also runs deep in the administration bench, like this ill-conceived proposal to tax even dried fish. In the end, it is plausible that Robredo is being tolerated as an

object to be trolled, like when she was offered to run the drug war. She is that clown who runs across the arena to distract the bull to enable the matador to escape unharmed. She is the comic relief, the punching bag offered to divert attention away from more dangerous thoughts. After all, it would not be farfetched to think that many of those who are in power and want to stay that way, or who crave it, would rather have a Robredo as vice president than a Marcos. This is simply because Robredo, compared to Marcos, would be safer for their political interests and ambitions. (ManilaTimes. net)

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SF The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 8, 2019

Friday, November 8, 2019

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 8, 2019

‘Float,’ Pixar’s first animated short with Filipino characters, lands on Disney+ Nov. 12 his own story. “I wasn’t even thinking of them being Filipino. It was AFTER nearly a year of antici- an immersive storytelling prothrough my colleagues that had pation, Pixar’s first-ever animated gram that gives studio employees six months and a budget to pointed out, ‘This is your story. short featuring CGI Filipino develop animated short films. This is about you and your son characters is set to be released “Diversity and inclusion are so the characters should be Filinext week. pino.’ This is just my unconscious “Float,” written and directed at the heart of SparkShorts,” Collins said in a statement. “The bias. I’m not used to seeing by Filipino American storyboard program was created to provide Filipinos as lead characters and artist Bobby Alcid Rubio, will be opportunities to a wide array of it felt very empowering to have available for viewing on streamartists—each with something my coworkers push this diverse ing service Disney+ on Tuesday, unique to say.” person of color to be a lead,” he November 12. The Fil-Am artist recounted said. In the roughly seven-minute that “Lindsey saw it and she He added that he “owned” short, a father tries to keep his the Filipino-ness of the story infant son’s special ability to float felt it was a great candidate to be part of the program, which and the pride that it could give a secret. But once it gets out, allowed me to become a writer others. the father must decide whether and director for the first time “I was blown away and to run and hide or to accept his here at Pixar, which was amazing inspired. From that point on, I son as he is. because now it wasn’t just me. I owned it and I was like, ‘That’s it, A father of three sons himhad the backing of Pixar, which these characters are going to be self, Rubio shared that the story gave me access to all our brilliant Filipino.’ I am super proud that is based on his relationship with animators, artists, designers [and] Pixar had allowed me to do that his son Alex. editors.” — to have now the very first CGI “I’m a storyteller at heart. I “Float” was one of six shorts Filipino American lead characwas thinking of doing this story ters,” he said. about my son and me…I’ve been selected for the program this year and was briefly screened A San Diego native, Rubio holding onto this story for eight at the El Capitan Theatre in recalled being drawn to the years and I finally felt like it was Hollywood for a week in early world of comic books when he time to tell it,” Rubio told the October before it hits Disney+. was in sixth grade. Through the Asian Journal. Fellow Fil-Am Krissy Cababa encouragement of his teacher, Rubio began storyboarding served as a producer for “Float” he created his first character, The his idea about two years ago as Charger, and went on to draw a a personal project and showed it as well as “Loop,” another short in the program. weekly comic strip for the class. to colleagues who nudged him Rubio admitted that he The Charger character was to pitch it to Lindsey Collins, the initially characterized the father Filipino and 5’2”, embodying vice president of development and son as Caucasian. But his the characteristics of his father at Pixar Animation Studios. She colleagues suggested that Robert. then suggested he make them Filipino to “When I was younger, I behe submit it to reflect lieved comic books were things SparkShorts, that inspired me to want to pursue art and in comic books, I found a way to tell stories — my stories. Even at a young age in sixth grade, I was already thinking of making the characters Filipino American like myself and my father,” Rubio said. The budding artist earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from California Institute of the Arts and landed his first job at Homage Studios in La Jolla. He spent nine years at Walt Disney Feature Animation as a traditional artist and storyboard artist on films like “Pocahontas,” “Tarzan,” and “Treasure Planet.” He also had a stint at Nickelodeon Studios where he was an assistant director and storyboard artist for “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” Rubio shared before moving to Pixar. a sketch of the He initially applied to be part “Float” father and of “Ratatouille” but that did not son on his Instagram. Photo courtesy of Bobby Rubio pan out until he heard that the by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL /AJPress

next two movies would be about a robot and another about an “old man and a boy scout.” His work with the studio began with “Up” and has since included “Brave,” “Monsters University,” “Inside Out” and most recently, “Incredibles 2” and “Toy Story 4.” “I wasn’t planning on being a story artist. I wanted to become an animator...The funny thing is, I feel like I got this EGOT but it’s a Disney EGOT because I actually worked at Disney Feature Animation, Pixar, [and] I also do Marvel comic covers. Nickelodeon is a side thing. I just gotta now work at Lucas Film and ESPN then I’ll have it,” Rubio joked. One of his young sons is also showing interest in drawing but he isn’t pushing any style or method on him. That’s the same advice he would give to emerging creatives as well. “I believe you should find your own voice, tell your own stories and keep moving forward. As an artist, you’re gonna get a lot of critiques going up and you have to be able to take them…In my animation career, I’ve been through many places and worked with many different people. You could learn from everyone. Don’t be discouraged and keep moving forward,” he said. Outside of his day job, Rubio continues drawing and works on his creator-owned and independent comic series, “Alcatraz High,” “4 Gun Conclusion,” and “ENFORCEMEN.” Since the announcement of “Float” in January, social media has been abuzz with many Filipinos in the U.S. and even globally proudly sharing their excitement of being seen and represented. Rubio is one of 50 Filipinos who work at Pixar, and they collectively call themselves “Pixnoys.” “I was amazed when it hit social media and people started talking about it and talking about how much ‘Float’ meant to them, seeing themselves represented on screen for the first time. Being part of a major studio like Pixar, it’s nice to be recognized in that way because you feel like there’s some worth in that we are being noticed,” Rubio said. Despite the characters of “Float” physically looking like him and his son, it’s not “really Filipino American specific,” he

“Float” will make history as the ﬁrst Pixar animation featuring Filipino characters when it lands on Disney+ on November 12. Photo courtesy of Pixar

Rubio poses with his three sons, writing “My boys with me @Pixarparking lot! Standing in front of my handprint and my name hand carved on the sidewalk!” Photo courtesy of Bobby Rubio

Bobby Rubio photographed on August 20, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar

“Float” tells the story of a Filipino father who discovers his infant son has the ability to ﬂoat. Photo courtesy of Pixar

said, as he intends the story to be universal and relevant to any viewer. “The characters could have been white, African American or Latino. I think that’s eventually where we would want to go in Hollywood and mainstream media — it doesn’t matter what the ethnicity of the character is…I don’t have a cultural thing. There are no dancing lumpias if that’s what people are

expecting. It’s really about a father and son who happen to be Filipino American,” he said. He continued, “At the end of the day, [‘Float’] is about the bond between father and son. It’s about unconditional love, especially amongst family members and amongst everybody. I want that to be the end thing that people get. It’s about love and acceptance and hopefully, that will resonate.”

Gazini off to bag Miss U back-to-back win Paulo opens up about depression by ARLO CUSTODIO ManilaTimes.net

MISS Universe-Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados says she is determined to snag a back-to-back for the Philippines when she competes in the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant on December 8 in Atlanta, Georgia, where compatriot Catriona Gray will relinquish her crown. A send off was held for the beauty queen at Novotel Manila Araneta City on Monday, November 4. “[There will be] free lechon here in Manila too for my homecoming,” joked the Talisay, Cebu stunner who recalled how her townmates welcomed her with a lechon festival when she won the top prize at Binibining Pilipinas in June. “Even my float was designed like lechon,” she added laughing. When The Manila

what I can only say is that I’m ready to represent the Philippines the best I can,” the 23year-old model said. Sharing Gazini’s send off were Resham Saeed and Emma Tiglao who will respectively vie for the Miss Supranational crown in Silecia, Poland on December 6, and the Miss Intercontinental pageant in Sharm-El Sheikh, Egypt on December 20. Saeed, who is a Muslim and half-Pakistani, will try to win the country’s second Miss Supranational crown after Mutya Datul’s win in 2013. And just like Gazini, Tiglao Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados is also gearing for a backPhoto courtesy of Binibining Pilipinas to-back win as reigning Miss Times asked how she prepared Intercontinental is Karen Gallman, who was crowned in for the competition given her predecessor’s sterling perform- Manila in January. Meanwhile, the event ance at Miss Universe last year, also served as a homecoming Gazini confidently replied, for Leren Mae Bautista who “Each of us have different advocacies, and the venue and placed 2nd Runner-Up in the Miss Globe 2019 pageant held set of candidates [as well as in Montenegro last month. the judges] are different, so

I didn’t know how to voice out all these feelings and thoughts Philstar.com inside me. So here I am sharACTOR Paulo Avelino has ing with you guys that even the revealed that he suffered from people who appear to be okay or depression and even tried to end who seem to ‘have it all’ might be his life. going through their own strugIn his Instagram account, gles, fighting their own demons,” Paulo posted a photo of a warnhe said. ing that has a graphic content He advised anyone going that can trigger those who suffer through the same thing to be not from depression. He also posted afraid to reach out to their family, his injured wrist and a hotline for friends and loved ones and to people who are suffering from never lose hope. depression. “Please, dont be afraid to “RARELY do I share personal reach out to your friends, family, stuff on my social media accounts and loved ones. Often times peoPaulo Avelino Photo from Instagram/@pauavelino but I think its time I talked about ple will brush it off thinking it’s this dark period in my life because cidal thoughts. Where everything nothing to be concerned about I know that someone out there is or it’s a small matter. Don’t be seemed like nothing matters going through the same thing. I anymore. Locked myself at home, scared to voice out what you feel want you to know that everybody turned down almost every job no matter how hard it is. Never has issues and sometimes you lose HOPE,” Paulo urged. that came in and shut myself off seeing other people have them The Department of Health, in from work, friends, family, the will help you cope with your partnership with the World Health world,” he added. own,” he began his lengthy post. Organization and the Natasha Paulo added that he is an “Years back I found myself in Goulbourn Foundation, launched introvert and was so used to a place where I only saw one way keeping his thoughts to himself. “Hopeline Project” to provide a out. I went through a spiralling “Even when I wanted to share support system for those sufferjourney of Depression and suiing from depression. stuff, I truly didn’t know how to.

by JAN MILO SEVERO

Nadine on projects sans James: We also need time to grow separately by ALLAN POLICARPIO Inquirer.net

Nadine Lustre

“HINDI naman po pwedeng lagi kaming magkadikit sa lahat ng bagay. We also need time to grow separately, which I believe can be healthy,” pointed out Nadine Lustre, when asked about her boyfriend, James Reid, being paired with Nancy McDonie of the Korean girl group Momoland for a coming series. “At least, once we finally do another project together in Photo from Instagram/@nadine the future, the fans will be more

excited,” she told reporters at a recent press conference for ABSCBN’s new reality talent search “Your Moment,” where she will sit as a judge alongside Boy Abunda and Billy Crawford. “I’m excited about that. But now, I’m also excited about doing my own projects, because personally, I want to get to experience different things. This is my first time being a [full-time] judge,” she added. While it was James who scored a judging stint first—via “Idol Philippines”—Nadine said

she didn’t really consult him for tips or advice. It was the other way around. “Actually, James was the one who asked me for tips before he did ‘Idol,’ because I have had a bit of experience with ‘Miss Q&A,’” Nadine said. “He asked me how I assessed performances and expressed my thoughts.” More experienced Besides, the 26-year-old star has the likes of Billy and Tito Boy—who are far more experienced in hosting and judging—as her mentor of sorts.

“Personally, I’m protective of Nadine. I urge her to say what she wants to say and express what she feels without worries,” Boy said of Nadine. “Judging is a combination of instinct and rationality: What’s my reaction? How am I going to say it? I tell Nadine to take her time.” “We have been in the talk business for a long time and I want her to shine,” Boy added. Doing “Your Moment,” which will shine the light on singing groups and dance crews from Philippines and other countries,

has been quite the instructive— “life-changing, even”—experience for Nadine, who admitted that she fears public speaking. “I can’t do it, really. Whenever there are press cons or events in which I have to speak, I get nervous. But this show has helped me learn new things and be more confident in the way I talk and express myself,” she said. Now, the challenge for her is figuring out how to be more direct to the point with her commentary. “I still think about how I can piece my thoughts together [quickly],” she pointed out.

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ IN a previous article, I discussed some situations where there could still be hope (or a chance) even if the case was denied. Here are more examples: Petitioner died Ordinarily, if the petitioner dies, the petition dies with him. However, in certain circumstances, the beneficiary may be eligible to apply for humanitarian revalidation or reinstatement of his petition. Or if the beneficiary was in the U.S. when the petitioner died and has continued to live here after the death of the petitioner, it could be possible to process the case without even needing to seek humanitarian revalidation. Case is denied because of fraud If a person commits fraud in connection with seeking or obtaining an immigration benefit (such as assumed name entry, fake or altered documents, etc.) their case could be denied. However, if they have a spouse or parent who is a U.S. citizen or immigrant, and can demonstrate “extreme hardship” on that relative, it could be possible to have a fraud waiver granted and the case approved. Fraud waiver was denied Sometimes, a person files a fraud waiver, but it is denied be-

Is there hope after a denial?

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 8, 2019

Part 2

cause the officer was not satisfied with the documents or evidence submitted and was not convinced the qualifying relative will suffer extreme hardship. Sometimes it’s possible to seek reconsideration and submit new, additional, and stronger evidence. The person could also consider filing a new fraud waiver with a better presentation. Finally, they could appeal the denial to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Washington DC. Person was ordered deported/removed Even if a person was ordered deported or removed, there could still be hope. For example, were there any procedural defects or irregularities in connection with their hearing? Are there any forms of relief available that were not asserted or not in existence at the time (such as just married a U.S. citizen for love, U.S. citizen child just turned 21, etc.)? Perhaps the trial attorney will agree to reopen the case to allow the person to apply for relief. The case can also be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) if meritorious grounds exist and the appeal is timely filed. These are only a few examples of where there could still be hope after a denial. Although there cannot be any “guaran-

tees” of success, if your case was denied, you should consider consulting with an attorney, who can evaluate your situation, and determine if there is hope in overcoming that denial and assisting in helping you reverse the denial and your case approved. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

Get the answer to this question this Sunday on — ”Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot!” answers audience questions like “How can someone who jumped ship 16 years ago, but now has a U.S. citizen son, legalize their stay in the U.S.?,” or “My visa was approved when my sons were still minors, but due to lack of financial resources, the children were unable to go to the U.S. immediately. Can that same approval apply to them now that they are in their

IS THERE HOPE FOR A PERSON WHO WAS SENT BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES, AIRPORT TO AIRPORT, FOR ADMITTING THEY WORKED IN THE U.S. ON A PREVIOUS VISIT? THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION AND MORE ON “CITIZEN PINOY: YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT!” The ﬁrst batch of Kapamilya who attended the “Citizen Pinoy” taping in Virginia get the chance to have their questions answered this Sunday. Find out whether someone who jumped ship 16 years ago, but who now has a U.S. citizen son, can acquire her green card. Get answers to these and more on a brand new episode of — “Citizen Pinoy,” this Sunday at 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 p.m. EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers). (Advertising Supplement)

Strategic and Transformative Entrepreneurial Management

mum requirement. However, if your interest is starting a business or venturing to any start up business, it is better to understand it from a point of view of someone who has fully attended an MBA or (Advertising Supplement) JONATHAN OBOZA PETALVER what we call The Graduate School. Technically, some uniTHIS Entrepreneurial Leadversities offer MBA and ME ership Article called STEM (Strategic and Transformative (Masters in Entrepreneurship) Entrepreneurial Management) separately. It can run from a year and a half to as long as 5 will serve as a guide for you, years, depending on the rules whether you are employed, on residency. Having said self-employed, unemployed, starting a business, already in that, just imagine the time business and planning to have and the money you need, 30s?” not to mention the number one. Reading this will give The answers to these of sleepless hours for you to you a keen understanding of questions and more will be do research, group work and what is an MBA in Entrepreanswered on an all-new episode presentation. neurship, Yes! A Masters in of the information-packed, pubIn these articles, what Business Administration. lic service program on television I’m going to share with you Before we continue, —”Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, are the 7 most relevant MBA maybe you are asking me, My Sagot” — this Sunday at theories and decision-mak“Is it important to have a 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 p.m. ing tools that you need to degree in MBA?” Yes, if you EST thru select Cable/Satellite understand as a Micro Enplan to teach in a structured providers). trepreneur or as a Corporate Academy, as it is the mini(Advertising Supplement)

If a person is sent back to the Philippines, airport to airport, does that mean they are banned for life? “CITIZEN Pinoy,” the most popular immigration program on television, just finished several successful tapings with Kapamilya in Virginia. This Sunday, get the answers to questions from the first batch of attendees, who likely have the same concerns and questions as you. Leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel

community

One Global Academy

Entrepreneur. I have included “personal experiences and testimonies” of 7 successful Filipino CEOs and company presidents who made it to where they are now attesting to the tools presented. At the end of the day, business is about making the most “profitable” decisions for your organization. And the most profitable decision will always be the one that will sustain your growth and give you that competitive advantage. May you enjoy your reading these STEM articles and we hope and pray you will make a decision to start your entrepreneurial journey! God bless and keep on transforming lives through education! *** Jonathan Oboza Petalver is the Founder and CEO of Petalver Management Consultancy Services. He is also the President and Dean of One Global Academy U.S.A.

celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 8, 2019

celebrity world

Jolina Magdangal explains why reunion movie with Marvin Agustin is on hold

By Ferdie Villar FANS of Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin have to wait a little longer for their idols’ reunion movie as the actress-TV host shared that it has been put on hold. It has been 10 years since the famous 90s loveteam had a movie together, and there was a huge call for them to do another one. Their last movie was “Hey Babe,” which was released in 1999. In an interview with PEP, the actress said they really planned to do a movie this year, but there were so many factors involved that they decided to put if off. “Yes, dapat talaga mayroon kaming movie this year, and I think si Marvin kasi ang producer e, tapos ang balak talaga ni Marvin ay gawin namin ito for Metro Manila Film Festival,” she explained. “Pero ngayon kasi, sobrang naging strict na sa Metro Manila Film Festival, marami na rin naging rules. So noong time na ‘yun, parang nahirapan kami, mayroon nang istorya, mayroon nang script, pero hindi pa namin masyado napag-uusapan. Jolina also said that they want to go through every detail of the reunion movie project with Marvin, and not to make it “in a hurry.” “Mayroon palang rules na kailangan na shoot nang ganitong month, e medyo nahuli ata kami and si Marvin, siya talaga ‘yung nakikipag meeting doon, and hindi kami aabot, so hindi namin pwede ipilit, ayaw naman namin ng hilaw kasi comeback ‘yun ‘di ba? Ang tagal namin bago gumawa ulit ng movie,” she said. Still, Jolina still assured everyone, especially their fans, that she and Marvin will still come out with a reunion movie.

“Definitely matutuloy ‘yun. Yes, matutuloy ‘yun tapos mas pinagtutuunan pa namin ng pansin ‘yung istorya.” *** Handsome actor Aga Muhlach recently admitted that he is interested in accepting projects for TV. According to the him, although he tends to be choosy about the offers given to him, he is open to the possibility of doing a teleserye. “Honestly, I really want to try...Let’s see...sana,” he said in an interview with Push. “Parang mahirap daw, but may sinasabi raw sila na you canned it already but when you taped it, keep it, and finish the whole season na parang nakacanned siya na ganun.” Aga also shared that he wants to try doing TV soon, and that he is just waiting for the right offer. He added that one of the things he considers is the role. “Hindi naman ako magig-

ing plastic, oo naman (pihikan) medyo mapili talaga, pinipili ko ang gagawin ko syempre at this point in time, kahit naman noon pa, even when they offered me a soap on TV, pinipili ko talaga,” he said. “But I would love to try one really.” With that statement, Aga admitted his interest in being a guest in the popular teleserye, “Ang Probinsyano,” which is one of the longest-running shows on ABS-CBN 2. “Binibiro ko nga sila, ‘yung ‘Ang Probinsyano’ parang gusto ko mag guest roon e, para masama naman ako doon sa (list) ng (artista) sa ‘Probinsyano’,” he laughingly said. “Hindi, kasi lahat pinag-uusapan, lahat ‘Ang Probinsyano,” he added. At the moment, Aga is busy promoting the movie “Nuuk” with co-star Alice Dixson, and just finished the film “Miracle in Cell No. 7” for the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Actor and businessman Marvin Agustin decided to put on hold his reunion movie with former loveteam Jolina Magdangal. Actress and TV host Jolina Magdangal recently shared that her reunion movie with former loveteam Marvin Agustin is on hold.

Sheryl Cruz is one of the lead stars of GMA 7’s newest teleserye, “Magkaagaw.”

Veteran actress Elizabeth Oropesa portrays a grandmother in the top rated teleserye on GMA 7, “The Gift.”

Handsome actor Aga Muhlach admitted that he is interested in acting on TV if the right offer comes.

BANKRUPTCY

United Airlines employee Edward Cabrera and wife Myrna Diaz-Cabrera, a senior tax specialist, celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in Israel last October. Photo shows the couple, taken during their trip.

Actress Amy Austria returns to acting via GMA 7’s new teleserye, “One of the Baes.” Photo from Amy Austria’s Facebook

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING

EMPLOYMENT

community SF Getting the most out of a Philippine Visit

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 8, 2019

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA THINKING of coming home for a visit? Many would if they could, especially retirees, who now have the time and the resources and in many cases, still in good health. Travel requires one to still have the ability to move around, drag and heft 2 pieces of 50-pound luggage and carry-on pieces. If unable to do so, there are always baggage handlers that can be tipped generously to help you. Well, why not? In good times and bad, there’s no Christmas quite like a Philippine Christmas. In the best scenarios, a 3 week- whirlwind trip to the Philippines is what most Filipino expatriates living and working in the US or elsewhere in the world can shoot for. Aside from putting together the somewhat hefty logistical requirements (translation: money, whether in cash, debit cards or “kaskas” meaning credit cards), one truly needs to be a proactive tactician in mapping out how a Philippine trip pans out. So move over, Marco Polo. This is one of the ways it’s done, Pinoy style. How do you make a Philippine trip memorable? For the jaded traveler who routinely goes back and forth several times a year, either for business purposes or as a jet setting lifestyle choice, the question is moot and academic. But for the majority of expatriates who can only go on rare occasions because of personal circumstances affecting finances, workloads or family responsibilities, an expensive transcontinental time-out such as this merits thought — lots of it. A Philippine trip should result in a treasure trove of feel-good experiences and

(Part 1 of 2)

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” — Gustave Flaubert ultimately, golden memories — that make the journey worth all the effort and time spent in excruciating detail, worth all of the expense and maybe, more importantly, worth every nanosecond of one’s hurried and harried expatriate life. The trip must be so good that it must be worth doing it all over again. There’s much to see and do, remembering all too well that we lose a day going there which we regain on the return trip. We have to make allowances for the effects of jet lag to settle in. How does one get the best homecoming experiences? In a word, PLANNING. Know that well-meaning friends and relatives already have first dibs on your limited time. So map out your itinerary (the places and experiences that you must see and do that are on the top rung of your priority list) and itemize your todo list in detail, way in advance with the proviso that you must be open and flexible in your schedule. The fine art of travel is remembering that an itinerary is just a guide and not necessarily etched in stone. If need be, you must be able to revise on the fly when the occasion calls for it. Going on a trip is like any other project. It needs a blueprint. It involves the mind-bodyspirit connection. You have to be physically fit and mentally agile. Consult your doctor before going on a regular exercise and diet routine a month before leaving. Your immune system will be severely taxed, so a word to the

wise — wash your hands often with a sanitizer you keep with you at all times in your travel purse. Get your flu shot. It’s no guarantee but your layer of protection is better. Whether it was just the placebo effect or not, as some dubious studies claim, I can swear by the efficacy of Airborne effervescent tablets. Airborne, after all, seems just Vitamin C pumped up to the max and sold with a good, homey storyline. Do what works for you. Your immune system should be braced for the assault on your body particularly in self-contained, confined spaces like airplanes and waiting rooms where air is re-circulated. No one is totally immune from the cold and flu virus, so be on the defensive. If at all possible, stay away from the obviously afflicted. If you yourself are down for the count, then isolate yourself. And for heaven’s sake, wear a mask. Hydrate always, well, maybe not during the 16-hour direct plane trip when holding your water in your bladder can be tricky. You estimate and gather the money required. Fudge the figure twice as much and be warned. Your money will be as fluid as water gushing out of a broken water main. Have one or two credit cards with you for backup and call the 800 number and give them a heads-up to let them know that you will be in the country during a particular period. Fraud units of credit card companies study your spending patterns and much to your dismay, may Continued on Page SF6

people & events The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 8, 2019

Playing the waiting game: Processing delays at USCIS The CTV Files

Atty. LiLLi BAcuLi coLLins, EsQ

CASE example: I-751 applications In her article entitled “Agency Delays Enact the Administration’s Immigration Agenda” Sandra Feist examines the processing delays currently plaguing one particular application: the Removal of Conditions on Permanent Residence. She begins with a brief history of how the “conditional permanent resident status” came about: “In 1986, as part of President Reagan’s comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform bill, Congress enacted the current framework for marriage-based permanent residence to require a two-year interim green card. At the two-year mark, these green card holders are required to file Petitions for Removal of Conditions on Permanent Residence with USCIS. Applicants must wait until the 90-day window before the two-year anniversary of their green card approval to file their I-751 petition before the expiration date on that card. Other than immigrant investors, this is the only instance in immigration law where

a timeline for filing a petition with USCIS is specifically limited to a 90-day filing window.” Current processing times: Currently, according to the article, I-751 Petitions proceed as follows: (i) 89 days before expiration of the applicant’s conditional permanent residency card – Applicant files Form I-751 with USCIS; (ii) 2 months later, filing fee checks are cashed and receipt notice is issued by USCIS; (iii) 2 years later, based on client experiences, Approval notice or interview notice arrives in the mail. Processing times for other related applications Similar delays are happening across the board. For example, a family-based Adjustment of Status application which used to take approximately 4 – 6 months is now estimated to be around 17 – 35.5 months in district offices like San Francisco, California. As well, Naturalization applications are currently estimated at 10 – 19.5 months. Further, Employment Authorization documents are now estimated at about 4 – 6 months, when it used to be 90 days. Tips on how to best ride out the delays Plan and create a timeline. Work with your attorney to plan out the 90-day filing window. Moreover, communicate with your attorney any planned travels to and from the United

States or changes in employment where the status of your lawful permanent residence may arise. Your attorney will be able to guide you so that you have the proper documentation when traveling, as well as proper documentation to show a prospective employer. Consult with a licensed and experienced immigration attorney before filing Individuals must proceed with caution when filing for any application with USCIS. Just because it is easier now to file for an application does not mean that you should, without sound counsel of an experienced immigration attorney. We urge individuals to pause and take the time to consult with a licensed and experienced immigration attorney before submitting any application with USCIS. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys.com; www.chuatinsayvega. com. (Advertising Supplement)

Getting the most out of a...

From Page SF5 put a hold on your credit card transaction if it registers you are buying far away from your place of residence. You will end up calling their number to prove your identity, which is not an 800 number, and for which you will pay for the long distance call. Make sure you bring dollars in near-mint condition because

shopping mall moneychangers will refuse old, tattered currency with cuts or writing. A lot of non-mall shopping transactions will be in cash, so be prepared to bring cash on your person or in a zippered, discrete purse you keep with you at all times. Vigilance is the key when out in public. Thieves have trained eyes and can home in on a hapless victim. Keep your purse

on the side of your body where your shopping companion walks. Beware of distractions and scripted street dramas designed to keep you off guard. (To be continued in next week’s issue …) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

people & events

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 8, 2019

‘Isugid Pinoy!’: Mythic warriors of SOMA Pilipinas at the SF Public Library Comic book art exhibition celebrates and reflects the diversity of the Fil-Am community and experience

“IsugId Pinoy!” (ee-sooghid), is “tell it Pilipino!” in the Philippine Bisayan language. Presented by Kularts, the premiere presenter of contemporary and tribal Pilipinx art in the united states, “Isugid Pinoy!” is a graphic storytelling project led by visual artists don Ellis Aguillo and Rafael “Raf” salazar in partnership with members of the sOMA Pilipinas community to reflect and celebrate the diversity of the Filipino American experience. As the nation’s premiere presenter of contemporary and tribal Filipino art, Kularts’ curatorial approach with its programs is geared not only to uplift artists and their work but also towards a deep and meaningful engagement with our community. Community engagement goes hand in hand with community building and preservation. By engaging our community, we contribute to its education, empowerment, and for our heritage to thrive which are sources of strength, pride, and identity. Aguillo and salazar have their first major exhibition of their comic book art with “Isugid Pinoy! Mythic Warriors of sOMA Pilipinas” at the third floor of the main branch of the san Francisco. Public Library from October 5, 2019 to January 23, 2020. Featuring largescale renditions and especially laid out panels and displays of comic book art, the exhibition is free and open to the public during library hours. Currently the largest Asian American group in California, Filipinos have a long history in san Francisco. during the 1920s and 1930s, san Francisco had the highest density of Filipinos in the country. Waves of urban renewal and redevelopment pushed the Filipino community out of Manilatown in Kearny street, the Fillmore and the Yerba Buena neighborhoods. Many Filipinos settled in the south of Market (soMa), and by the 1970’s were the dominant population there. To this day, soMa continues to be the cultural center of the community. On April 12, 2016, the san Francisco Board of supervisors unanimously approved the establishment of sOMA Pilipinas, Filipino Cultural Heritage district. Bounded by 2nd street to the east, 11th street to the west, Market street to the north, and Brannan street to the south, sOMA Pilipinas is a “historic and living cultural heritage district with ongoing new generations of migrant workers and immigrant families forming the lifeblood of the south of Market.” It is home to a thriving community of generations of residents and organizations of the Filipino diaspora. “Filipinos have a rich immigrant history in san Francisco. The stories about the Filipino immigrant’s challenges, struggles and perseverance to find opportunities for themselves and their families is the history of future generations of Filipinos in the u.s. This is their history. They should know, claim, and celebrate sOMA Pilipinas,” said Bernadette Borja sy, director of the Filipino American development Foundation and Bayanihan Community Center. Aguillo and salazar pursued multiple stories driven by the ideas and narratives of sOMA Pilipinas based organizations: Arkipelago Books, Bayanihan Equity Center, West Bay Multiservice Center, and Bindlestiff studio. For the first six months of the project Aguillo and salazar focused on creating the 10-20 page community-driven comic book by conducting focused surveys and interviews with people from sOMA Pilipinas anchor organizations. In addition, Aguillo and

salazar created large posters that each organization can exhibit on their storefront windows. Piecing together these various stories into a narrative whole, they have rendered a mythic version of these notable organizations and members of the Pilipino community who had fought and were instrumental in the establishment of sOMA Pilipinas. “When shaping the stories of ‘Isugid Pinoy!’, I interviewed people deeply rooted in the sOMA. It was extremely important for the direction of my story to understand where these people came from and what was driving their cause. Their experiences were powerful and emotional and inspiring. ultimately, my goal was to immerse the audience into a fictional world that was still grounded by truth and real life struggle. I wanted to highlight everyday heroes as my superheroes,” says salazar. Both from the East Coast, Aguillo and salazar began to seriously explore their Filipino roots and heritage when they moved to san Francisco. Their entry point was through Philippine folkloric dance by joining Parangal dance Company. They became more involved in the Bay Area Filipino community that eventually led to an opportunity to work on projects as commissioned artists of Kularts that resulted in the creation of the comic books “Clan of saints Bay” and “Isugid Pinoy!” “I think Filipino comics can still very much echo western work, though it is being given its own agency through the autonomy that creators are enjoying now through self-publishing,” says Aguillo. “They’re telling stories more true to Filipinos,” says salazar. “The ones most people are familiar with were pretty much doing what western comics were doing.” Aguillo and salazar has since co-founded In Hiatus studios, a print and publishing house in san Francisco. One of their goals with their business is “to continue to create comics.” By creating our own sOMA Pilipinas heroes and mythology through the medium of comics, we evoke pride and inspiration and empower our community in the present as well as the future. “I believe the beauty of comics goes beyond the capes and masks, but in their ability to throw readers into colorful new worlds and perspectives. They can reach broader audiences and at the same time, bring forth the power of awareness. Important events or issues we may otherwise overlook in our daily lives can be brought into light through thoughtful story telling and imagery. One such event is what’s happening right here in the sOMA; where rapid development is disrupting the community and a group of passionate people is working tirelessly to keep their home and fight for their clan,” says salazar. Aguillo acknowledges the importance of looking up to our own heroes to inspire and motivate us. “‘Isugid Pinoy!’ is an alternative lens, and for those it spotlights, a mirror, on the forces that make the sOMA Pilipinas, Filipino Cultural Heritage district relevant and formidable. These individuals are the movers and shakers of this great community, and this project through Kularts is a way to acknowledge their accomplishments and continuing endeavors to activate and preserve this long-standing community in the heart of san Francisco. This body of work serves as a lens not only through which we see these individuals rise to challenge,

but also so that those individuals can see themselves.” To be able to imagine ourselves as empowered beings through the arts allows us to reclaim our power, strength, sense of pride, and identity. Creating our own superheroes based on our own stories and ourselves gives our community mythic role models that we can relate to. “Isugid Pinoy!” is a result and continuation of a deep level of engagement as part of an ongoing process to decolonize, empower, and strengthen our community. “Isuguid! Pinoy” is on exhibit until January 23, 2020 at the san Francisco Public Library at 100 Larkin street. For more information visit www.kulartssf.org.

Celebrate Graton’s 6th Year Anniversary

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ni’s Tony’s Of North Beach, PanAsian eatery Boathouse, a topquality steakhouse in 630 Park steakhouse, classic American dishes from daily grill, and 500 seats in the Marketplace, which offers casual and convenient eateries for your selection – you will be sure to have a happy and unforgettable experience. Graton Resort & Casino graton Resort & Casino is located in Rohnert Park, California, next to the golf Course drive exit of 101 freeway – it is near easy transportation, it has gourmet food, entertainment & accommodation all in one, and is the largest integrated resort in the Bay area. The casino is owned and operated by the Federated Indians of graton Rancheria, managed by station Casinos LLC. For more information, please visit www.gratonResortCasino.com, www.facebook. com/gratonCasino or www. twitter.com/Playgraton.

(Advertising Supplement)

SF8

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 8, 2019