November 28-30, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 94 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages
‘I will not declare martial law,’ Duterte stresses by DARRYL JOHN
ESGUERRA
Inquirer.net
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, November 27, stressed that he would not declare a nationwide martial law. Duterte made the remark after his Memorandum Order No. 32, which called for the deployment of additional troops in Negros, Samar and Bicol region, had been criticized and tagged as a prelude to a declaration of martial law. “Because there are really so many encounters there and I’m losing a lot of soldiers in am-
bush and everything,“ Duterte told reporters in an interview in Bohol when asked why he issued the order. “You place troops where you think you need another force. I’m surprised why you’re so interested about deployment, when I’m supposed to take care of the security,” he added. Duterte said that as President, he already possessed enough power to suppress lawless violence in the area. “I told you, I will not declare martial law,” he said. “I’m not going to declare martial law there’s enough powers for the
USA
DATELINE Fil-Am Democrat TJ Cox advances over Republican incumbent David Valadao in CA House race
Presidency na magamit ko well kung talagang widespread violence, then maybe.” “But I do not really need violence in the every corner of the Philippines to say that we are in danger but as the one in the office… I will do what is necessary, to preserve this nation and to protect the people. That is my oath of office,” he added. However, the President said that he might also order the deployment of a “division-size” force in Jolo in Mindanao as violence there continued to take BURYING THE TIME CAPSULE. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte buries the time capsule as he leads the groundbeaking for the construction of the the lives of state troopers.
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Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project at the Apo Agua Infrastructura Project Site in Davao City on Monday, November 26. Joining the President are Aboitiz InfraCapital President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles. Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi
Palace on extra troop deployment: Don’t worry, be happy by DARRYL JOHN
FILIPINO-American Democrat TJ Cox moved up ahead of three-term Republican inPres. Rodrigo Duterte’s Memorandum Order No. 32 will deploy more troops to cumbent David Valadao on Monday, Novem- several provinces to sippress lawless violence. ManilaTimes.net photo ber 26 in the race to represent California’s 21st Congressional District. Nearly three weeks after the November 6 midterm elections took place, Cox pulled
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ESGUERRA
Inquirer.net
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
INSTEAD of fearing President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent order to deploy more troops to several provinces to suppress “lawless violence,” the public “should be happy” of that as it reflects the government’s efforts to ensure their safety. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said this on Tuesday, November 27, to defend again Duterte’s Memoran-
dum Order No. 32, which called for the deployment of additional military troops and police officers to the Samar province, Negros Island and Bicol Region. “People should be happy about that,” Panelo said in an interview with GMA News TV. “That means ang gobyerno nagre-respond, tumutulong upang pangalagaan ang kaligtasan ng mamamayan (That means the government is responding, helping to ensure the safety of citizens).”
Panelo made the remark after MO 32 drew mixed reactions since being made public last Friday. Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares earlier said that the increased deployment might be used against the public and opposition candidates in the midterm elections next year. Panelo insisted, however, that the Palace order was only meant to arrest the wave of lawless violence that had been taking place
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Tourist arrivals up – DOT by NEIL JAYSON
SERVALLOS ManilaTimes.net
MORE tourists visited the Philippines this year despite the closure of key destinations for rehabilitation, the Department of Tourism said on Monday, November 26. From January to September, 5.36 million tourists visited the country, 8.32 percent higher than last year’s 4.95 million. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat attributed the increase to well-built connections and aggressive market activities of the private tourism sector. “A successful tourism industry contributes greatly Filipino-American Democrat TJ Cox is ahead in the race to to the national economy… this growth is driven by represent California’s 21st Congressional District. more connections, affordable rates, and aggressive market activations of the private sector as we develop and promote more destinations in our beautiful coun- Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat Former first lady Imelda Marcos filed a notice of appeal before the anti-graft court signifying her intent to seek redress before the Supreme Court. Inquirer.net photo
Dr. Fe Del Mundo, first u PAGE A2 woman accepted into Trillanes: I’ll walk into jail if parents committed graft Harvard Medical School, P R honored with Google Doodle
Inquirer.net photo
by
The pioneer in pediatrics honored on what would’ve been her 107th birthday
SEN. Antonio Trillanes IV said on Tuesday, November 27, he would readily walk into jail if President Duterte proves the allegation that his parents were involved in anomalous dealings with the Navy decades ago. Trillanes welcomed Duterte’s announcement of an investigation on the alleged questionable government contracts of his late father and 84-year-old mother, who were reportedly suppliers for the Navy, when he was still a naval officer. “In fact, I’ll raise the ante. If the president finds anything anoma-
IT may not be the Nobel Peace Prize, but a Google Doodle made in your likeness is quite possibly one of the highest honors bestowed in the digital age. On Tuesday, Nov. 27, Google dedicated its Doodle — a temporary alteration of the search engine’s iconic logo on its homepages — to Dr. Fe Villanueva del Mundo, an internationally renowned Filipina pediatrician, on what would have been her 107th birthday. Del Mundo was the first woman admitted into Harvard Medical School, but her achievements in pediatrics made her a luminary in the medical field. During World War II, she
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AOLO OMERO Philstar.com
Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV
Philstar.com photo
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Imelda wants to take case to SC Sandiganbayan says it’s premature by GABRIEL
PABICO Inquirer.net
LALU
FORMER first lady and incumbent Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Imelda Marcos has filed a Notice of Appeal before the Sandiganbayan indicating that she wants to take her conviction in seven graft cases to the Supreme Court. However, the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division said that it is premature because there is still a pending motion to be resolved. “The Notice of Appeal filed by Marcos is premature as the Court has not yet resolved her Motion for Leave to avail of post-conviction remedies. Therefore, the
Court cannot take action on the same,” the Fifth Division’s Clerk of Court said in a message to reporters. The Fifth Division was referring to documents submitted by Marcos last November 12, requesting the anti-graft court to grant her post-conviction remedies. The motion also explained why the widow of former President Ferdinand Marcos was unable to attend the promulgation of her cases last November 9. In the Notice of Appeal filed by Marcos’ camp on Monday, she requested that details of her cases be sent to the Supreme Court to start the proceedings
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Tourist arrivals up...
PAGE A1 try,” Puyat told reporters. South Koreans topped the list of arrivals at 1.2 million. Puyat said the closure of Boracay and several tourist hubs in Palawan had minimal effect on the number of foreign visitors. “We are actually on track. We are halfway nearing the end of the year and we are nearing the target of our National Tourism
Development Plan arrivals,” she said. For 2018, the DOT projects 7.4 million tourist arrivals. The PSA previously reported that the tourism sector’s contributed 12.2 percent percent to the Philippine economy. Also, employment in tourism was estimated at 5.3 million or 13.06 percent of the total national employment.
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From the Front Page It’s still more fun in PH Puyat also shared that the tourism agency would keep the “It’s more fun in the Philippines” slogan, but it would launch branding campaigns to lure more tourists. The campaign slogan was launched in 2012. Puyat said at least five advertising agencies would mount the ramped up tourism campaign to also capture the younger audience. The “refreshed” campaign, she said, would target millennials. “When ‘it’s more fun’ was launched, social media was not that strong,” Puyat told reporters. n
Palace on extra troop deployment... PAGE A1 in the past months. He also allayed fears that MO 32 might lead to the declaration of martial law nationwide. “Kaya sinasabi ko kay Mr. Colmenares, na nagrereklamo baka daw iyan tungkol sa eleksyon: O ’di lalo kakong matuwa ka dapat sapagkat pangangalagaan natin ang mga kandidato, ang mga botante — kung tungkol sa eleksyon iyan. But it’s not (That’s why I say to Mr. Colmenares — who’s complaing that it may have something to do with the elections: All the more you should be ahppy because we’re taking care of the candidates, the voters — if that’s really for the elections. But it’s not),” Panelo said. “Kaya tayo nagre-respond kasi marami ngang acts of violence happening all over — those areas mentioned in Memorandum No. 32 (We’re responding because they really are many acts of violence happening all over — those areas mentioned in Memorandum No. 32),” he added. The Palace official also noted that “even if it is unusual” for the president to issue such an order, “what is important is the government is responding to acts of violence,” sending law enforcers and ensuring n
HONORING THE FLAG. Members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force, in full battle gear, stand at attention during the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, November 26 at Camp Crame. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
‘I will not declare martial law...
PAGE A1 “Do not be surprised, but in Jolo I also express my dismay about the losses… There will be a division-size [deploy-
ment], talagang isang divsion ilagay ko not only a company, not only a battallion, not only a regiment, but I’m going to place there an entire division,”
he said. Duterte’s MO 32 has drew mixed reactions since it was issued last Friday, November 23. n
Fil-Am Democrat TJ Cox advances over... PAGE A1 ahead and now leads by nearly 500 votes after having trailed behind Valadao by roughly 4,400 votes on election night. As of press time, Cox had 55,650 counted votes (50.2 percent), compared to Valadao’s 55,212 votes (49.8 percent). “Here in the Central Valley, we are often underestimated and counted out,” Cox said in a statement. “But while the national spotlight focused elsewhere, our hard-working communities came together to fight for better health care, good jobs, and more opportunities.” Valadao first entered office in 2012 and was projected to win, given the success of his previous races. But Cox’s advance and the close numbers between the two candidates prove that the country’s last undecided House race may be a tough one to call. As votes will continue to be counted until the December 7
deadline, Cox’s position puts the Democrat party on track to picking up its seventh House seat in California, and its 40th seat nationwide. If Cox wins, Democrats would hold 46 of California’s 53 seats. The party has so far picked up a net gain of 39 seats in the House of Representatives, giving them a total of 234 seats. Democrat Xochitl Torres Small, who ran for New Mexico’s 2nd District, won the latest seat over Republican Yvette Herrell on Tuesday, November 27. Born in Walnut Creek, California to immigrant parents—his mother from the Philippines, and half-Chinese father from China—Cox was among those endorsed by former President Barack Obama in August. Thanking Obama for the endorsement, Cox tweeted, “let’s take back #CA21 and #FlipTheHouse!” Cox first entered the election
by running for California’s 10th district which emcompasses parts of the northern San Joaquin Valley, but dropped out to race against Valadao in the 21st district. The district includes the Central Valley areas of Fresno County, Kern County, Kings County, and Tulare County. Valadao currently remains a winner in the counties of Kings, Fresno, and Tulare. On Monday, Cox announced his latest lead on Twitter, adding that many votes were yet to be counted. “There are still many votes to be counted and each voter deserves to have their voice heard. I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by your support,” tweeted Cox. The next potential vote count update is slated for Wednesday, November 28 when Fresno County is expected to release its latest numbers. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)
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US: Improved China ties can’t replace PH-US alliance THE Philippines’ improving relations with China will not replace its long-standing alliance with Washington, according to U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim. Kim said he is not surprised that the Philippines, Washington’s oldest ally in Asia, wanted to expand its ties with China, which has strong presence in the IndoPacific region and presents great economic opportunities. “I think you can do both. You can maintain the special, deep relationship you have with the United States and at the same time see if there are opportunities to expand your trade, economic ties with China,” Kim said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel on Friday, November 23. “But it’s important to remember ANGARA RALLIES YOUNG GENTRISENOS FOR NATION BUILDING. Sen. Sonny Angara delivers a speech during the 7th General Trias Youth Leaders Summit with the theme “Young Gentrisenos: Transforming Vision into Action.” Senate photo that we’re the only alliance you have and I don’t think your improving relations with other countries, whether it’s China or some other countries, would replace the alliance you have with the United States,” Kim added. The U.S., he said, has a long history of giving useful and valuable by JAYMEE T. GAMIL assistance to the Philippines. that he was considering sending the Marawi siege last year and Inquirer.net Kim cited the work done by the a small naval force to drive away more “aggressive” Chinese inU.S. Agency for International DeFROM the start, President Ro- the Chinese from Panatag (Scar- vestments. velopment (USAID) in the Philipdrigo Duterte wanted a “soft” borough) Shoal. China has also expressed pines, particularly in the fields of handling of the West Philippine Following the U.S. advice and more willingness to craft a code environment, education, goverSea dispute with China, and this shortly before the ruling was of conduct in the West Philipnance. paid off with the “newly found announced, it was decided at a pine Sea in three years, the bigfriendship” between the two Cabinet meeting that the Philip- gest progress made on the iscountries, highlighted by the pine government would “do a sue since talks started in 2012, state visit by Chinese President soft [handling]” of the dispute, Lorenzana said. Xi Jinping, according to Defense he said. China has also accepted an PAGE A1 Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. “We should not be overly cel- “initial agreement” that coun- cared for detained children and But there is a twist. Manila and ebrating because we might of- tries claiming areas in the dis- went on to establish the first peBeijing may have to thank Wash- fend China,” Lorenzana said. puted waters would not occupy diatric facility in the Philippines. ington for their warming ties. This explains then Foreign any new features, he added. “I’m glad that I have been very Lorenzana said former U.S. Secretary “We can deduce from what I much involved in the care of chilPerfecto Yasay’s Defense Secretary Ashton Carter “somber” announcement of the said why this newly found friend- dren, and that I have been relhad called him about a possible ruling, he said. ship of Philippines and China is evant to them. They are the most “favorable” outcome of the PhilSince then, tensions in the happening,” Lorenzana said. outstanding feature in my life,” ippine case against China in the disputed waters have eased and He said that during the Pres- Del Mundo said in 2007. Permanent Court of Arbitration relations between Manila and ident’s first meeting with Xi Though she’s not exactly a about a week before the tribu- Beijing became more cordial in China in 2016, Mr. Duterte household name, Del Mundo is nal in The Hague issued its July after the meetings, Lorenzana told the Chinese leader he “did one of history’s highly-acclaimed 12, 2016, ruling that nullified said. not come here to talk about the doctors and paved the way for Beijing’s sweeping claims over The Chinese were “allowing” [South China Sea]” but just “for other women and Filipinos to nearly the entire South China Filipinos to fish near Panatag friendship.” make their marks in the world of Sea. It was in their second meet- medicine. Shoal again, resupplying operaSpeaking at the Asian Institute tions and repairs on the runway ing in China in 2017 that Mr. And as an immigrant woman of of Management conference on at the Philippine-held Pagasa Duterte was more direct, and color in pre-civil rights America maritime disputes in the South Island were unhampered by the first broached the idea of a joint who set the foundation for pediChina Sea, Lorenzana said Carter Chinese and freedom of navi- oil exploration, Lorenzana said. atrics in the Philippines, it’s not advised the Philippines to “exer- gation by other countries were He quoted Mr. Duterte telling a surprise that Google would cise restraint.” continuing without Chinese in- Xi: “Mr. President, we need oil. dedicate one of its famed Doo‘Restrain actions’ We have to dig oil in our area dles after the famed doctor and terference, he said. “Don’t do anything in the there … [and] if we have to dig scientist. ‘New friendship benefits’ South China Sea that will proHe said the “benefits” of the oil jointly, I would like it to be About Dr. Del Mundo voke some trouble there,” he “new friendship” included the under our jurisdiction.” Born in the historic Intramuquoted Carter. “[Xi] looked him in the eye and ros district of Manila in 1911, Fe resumption of Philippine exports “It’s significant that I was cau- to China, the return of Chinese said: ‘Mr. President [Duterte], Villanueva del Mundo was one tioned by the U.S. to restrain our tourists, donations of military please remember we also claim of eight children to Paz and Beractions,” Lorenzana said, adding equipment from Beijing during the area,’” Lorenzana said. ■ nardo del Mundo, a prominent
Defense chief: US helped PH renew friendship with China
“I think some other countries do things differently and the way they do things doesn’t necessarily lead to a long-term capability building for local communities. So benefits may seem nice but it’s very short term,” he said. Former U.S. state department undersecretary for political affairs Thomas Shannon Jr. has described Philippines-U.S. ties to be “almost a family relationship.” ‘Very direct effect’ In the same interview, Kim said China’s aggressive and unilateral actions in the South China Sea have a “very direct effect” on the sovereignty and interest of the Philippines. “It is perfectly fine for the Philippines or any other country to pursue an independent foreign policy that advances their own interest, but the South China Sea situation is not really a question of balancing U.S. versus China,” Kim said, adding the Philippines has an important and direct stake on how the sea dispute evolves. He said U.S. interest is to protect international rights or the freedom of navigation and overflight. “When you consider how much of international trade flows to that area, we all have interest in making sure that that area is free from conflict and free from unilateral militarization and aggressive and
bully-like behavior,” Kim said. The U.S. raised concern over China’s aggressive actions in the oil-rich South China Sea and deployment of communications and radar jamming equipment at Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef and Panganiban (Mischief) Reef. In an interview at the “Kapihan sa Embahada” six months ago, Kim stressed the need for the U.S. to be “present” in the South China Sea. “We are concerned every time a claimant, including China, takes aggressive unilateral action toward militarization, which is clear. I saw the report. Seems to suggest that there might be moving toward militarization,” Kim said. The U.S. has been consistently urging the claimants including China to refrain from taking unilateral aggressive actions that are inconsistent with international law and norms. Admiral Philip Davidson, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, warned that China is capable of controlling the South China Sea in all scenarios short of war with the U.S. Davidson assured countries in the Indo-Pacific region that the U.S. is a better ally and looks forward to advancing partnerships for mutual interests. (Pia Lee-Brago/Philstar.com)
Dr. Fe Del Mundo, first woman accepted into... attorney and one-term Philippine assemblymember. Three of del Mundo’s siblings died in infancy, and her older sister died of appendicitis at 11 years old; it was this latter tragedy that inspired del Mundo’s dream to become a doctor for the youth. In 1926, the bright-eyed 15year-old enrolled at the University of Philippines Manila (UPM) where she was class valedictorian. Del Mundo earned her medical degree in 1933 and passed the medical board exam, ranking
third among examinees. Following her graduation in 1933, Philippine President Manuel Quezon recognized Del Mundo’s achievements and offered her a full scholarship to any United States school of her choice. She chose the prestigious Harvard University, enrolling in Harvard Medical School, which previously did not admit female applicants, making her the first ever woman to study at that institution. She studied at Harvard Medical PAGE A4
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Nonprofit bets Asian-American students can learn to avoid unhealthy gambling by Katherine
KaM Kaiser Health News
ASSESSING XI JINPING’S VISIT. Director of policy studies in Center of People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG), Prof. Bobby Tuazon (center) gives his opening statement at the Pandesal Forum on “Assessing President Xi Jinping State Visit to the Philippines, its socio-economic and geopolitical impact at the Marina Seafood Restaurant in Quezon City on Tuesday, November 27. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez
Home most dangerous place for women in 2017 — UN agency by Janvic
Mateo Philstar.com
THE home is the most dangerous place for women, with a majority of female homicide victims worldwide killed by their partners or family, according to new research published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The “Global study on homicide: Gender-related killing of women and girls” by the UNODC for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women showed that around 87,000 women lost their lives in intentional killings around the world in 2017, with 50,000 or 58 percent at the hands of their intimate partners or family members. “Six women are being killed every hour by people they know,” UNODC said. “While the vast majority of homicide victims are men, women continue to pay the highest price as a result of gender inequality, discrimination and negative stereotypes. They are also the most likely to be killed by intimate partners and family,” said UNODC executive director Yury Fedotov. The study found that the global rate was around 1.3 victims per 100,000 female population. Africa and the Americas are the regions where women are most at risk of being killed by intimate partners or family members. In Africa, the rate was around 3.1 victims per 100,000 female population while the rate in the Americas was 1.6 victims.
The rate in Oceania was 1.3 and in Asia 0.9, while the lowest rate was found in Europe, with 0.7 victims per 100,000 female population. The study also found that tangible progress in protecting and saving the lives of female victims of homicides has not been made in recent years, despite legislation and programs developed to eradicate violence against women. The conclusions highlight the need for effective crime prevention and criminal justice responses to violence against women that promote victim safety and empowerment while ensuring offender accountability. The study also calls for greater coordination between police and the justice system as well as health and social services and emphasizes the importance of involving men in the solution, including early education. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said violence against women and girls is not only a fundamental human rights issue but also a “moral affront” against them and a “mark of shame” on all societies. The UN noted that violence against women and girls is the manifestation of a profound lack of respect – a failure by men to recognize the inherent equality and dignity of women – and that it is tied to the broader issues of power and control in societies. UN Women, the organization’s entity for gender equality and the
empowerment of women, called for an end to the culture of silencing and to put survivors at the center of the response. According to UN Women, the vast majority of perpetrators of violence against women and girls face no consequences and only a minority of cases are ever reported to the police. An even smaller percentage results in charges and in only a fraction of those cases is there a conviction. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, executive director of UN Women, said laws must recognize that sexual harassment is a form of discrimination against women and a human rights violation. UN Women also called for legal protections for both formal and informal places of work to ensure that the most vulnerable workers, like those dependent on tips from customers for their income, will have a better chance to speak out against abuse and be heard. In December 1999, the UN General Assembly designated Nov. 25 as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, inviting governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to hold activities designed to raise public awareness on the issue. The day also commemorates the brutal assassination in 1960 of the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, on orders of Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo. n
The students listened attentively as Ryan Wong explained how casinos keep customers chasing that elusive jackpot. Labyrinthine layouts force guests to walk past card tables and slot machines in search of well-concealed restrooms and exits, said Wong, an intern at the nonprofit NICOS Chinese Health Coalition, a San Francisco partnership of health and social service organizations. Casinos ply customers with free alcohol to loosen inhibitions, and clocks are nowhere to be found. “You lose track of time,” Wong, 23, told the members of an AsianAmerican studies class at City College of San Francisco. “The more you gamble, the more it favors the casino.” NICOS staff members and interns visit Asian-American studies classes around the San Francisco Bay Area to talk to students about gambling because studies suggest Asian-American college students have a higher rate of problem gambling than their peers. NICOS hopes to reduce their risk. It’s not that they gamble more than others but that they are significantly more likely than their white, black or Latino counterparts to report unhealthy gambling behavior, according to a 2016 study in the Journal of Gambling Studies. It found that 8 percent of Asian-American students at a large public research university in Texas met the criteria for pathological gambling, compared with about 5 percent of whites and 4 percent of blacks and Latinos. Problem gambling includes lying about losses, feeling guilty about gambling, and missing school or work because of it. When problem gambling worsens into an addiction, also known as pathological or compulsive gambling, people fail repeatedly to curb their habit. And if they manage to stop, they have withdrawal symptoms, including restlessness and irritability. They gamble increasing sums to maintain the rush of excitement. Why Asian-American students have a higher rate of gamblingrelated problems is not entirely clear, said Nolan Zane, a professor of psychology and Asian-American studies at the University of California-Davis. He thinks cultural, social and psychological factors all play a
San Francisco State University graduate student Calvin Zhao and Michael Liao, NICOS Chinese Health Coalition’s program director, present study findings at the 2018 Nevada State Conference on Problem Gambling. Photo courtesy of NICOS Chinese Health Coalition
role. In many Asian cultures, he noted, a “belief in good luck or fortune pervades customs and rituals.” At family and social events, for example, many Asian-American adults bet money in games that involve skill and chance, such as mahjong. Often, they teach children to play, too. Exposing youngsters to gambling at an early age tends to normalize it. “If you look across cultures, anytime there’s a behavior that’s more acceptable, then people are more likely to develop problems with that behavior,” Zane said. Zane’s research suggests that impulsivity is not a factor in problem gambling among Asian-American students, as it is for white students. Rather, they gamble to cope with negative feelings, such as anxiety, shame, loneliness or a sense of being disconnected from the college culture or mainstream society. Asian-American studies departments at Bay Area colleges first approached NICOS more than a decade ago about educating students, said Michael Liao, the organization’s program director. “Instructors were noticing that gambling affected their students, either directly or through someone they knew, like a family member.” Liao has firsthand experience: His stepfather attempted suicide after racking up insurmountable gambling debts and losing the family’s life savings. Some immigrants who work at low-paying jobs are under financial strain and perceive gambling as a magic ticket, especially if their English is poor, Liao said. “‘Oooo, that next lottery ticket, that next trip to Vegas — that could be my way out, my way to send my kids to that school that they want to go
to.’” Even well-educated young Asian-Americans can get caught up in the allure of big money. College graduate Calvin Zhao’s ordeal began at age 21. He was an assistant and translator for an investor in a cosmetics company. The man was known as a high roller, or “whale” in casino parlance — a customer who wagered thousands of dollars in a single day. Zhao tagged along with his boss to the casinos. “I would spend days, even allnighters, in casinos,” Zhao recalled. When he started betting his own money and lost several thousand dollars, he realized his gambling had become a harmful habit. “You lose money, you get sad,” he said. As his gambling habit grew, Zhao said, he became more isolated. He ultimately broke the bad cycle by quitting his job and setting limits on his gambling. His scrape with problem gambling led Zhao, now a 23-year-old graduate student at San Francisco State University, to study unhealthy gambling among his Asian-American peers on campus for his master’s thesis. If students visit casinos, NICOS offers these tips: Limit spending by leaving credit and debit cards at home, and set an alarm on phones or watches to signal when it’s time to quit. When students ask Zhao for advice about their own gambling worries, he tells them that gambling itself isn’t a bad thing. Just “don’t do it excessively,” he said. “Even if you lose, you should be OK with what you lost.” This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n
On Tuesday, Nov. 27, Google dedicated its Doodle — a temporary alteration of the search engine’s iconic logo on its homepages — to Dr. Fe Villanueva del Mundo, an internationally renowned Filipina pediatrician, on what would have been her 107th birthday. Photo screengrabbed from Google.com
Dr. Fe Del Mundo, first woman accepted into... PAGE A3 School until 1938 and then briefly accepted a residency at Billings Hospital at the University of Chicago. She returned to Boston the following year as a research fellow at the Harvard Medical School Children’s Hospital and then earned a Master’s degree in bacteriology at the Boston University School of Medicine in 1940. After nearly 15 years of academic study, Del Mundo returned to the motherland in 1941 right before the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. As a volunteer for the International Red Cross, she attended to children detained at the University of Santo Tomas, which was an internment camp for foreign nationals; this stint earned her the nickname “The Angel of Santo Tomas.” She was then named director of the North General Hospital until 1948 when she joined the faculty of the University of Santo
Dr. Fe Villanueva del Mundo, an internationally renowned Filipina pediatrician
Tomas and the Far Eastern University thereafter. Due to frustrations with the bureaucracies that come with working for a government hospital, she sold her home and other personal properties to establish her own pediatric hospital. The Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City was inaugurated in 1957 and was the first pediatric hospital in the country. The 100-bed facility expanded in 1966 via the inclusion of an Institute of Maternal and Child
Health — the first facility of its kind in the continent of Asia — to train doctors and nurses. Throughout the decades, Del Mundo worked tirelessly and pioneered research on infectious diseases that plague at-risk communities. In addition to writing hundreds of articles and reports on diseases like dengue, polio and the measles, Del Mundo penned the Textbook of Pediatrics. She continued to her work well into her 90s, making hospital rounds and seeing patients while in a wheelchair. In 2011, she passed away from a heart attack at the ripe age of 99. “She is a big loss to the Philippines,” Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, former director of the Philippine Department of Health’s National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, said after Del Mundo’s passing. “We consider her as the Mother of Philippine Pediatrics and a very great scientist.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
Imelda wants to take case to...
PAGE A1 that would entail her motion for reconsideration. “Accused Imelda R. Marcos hereby files this Notice of Appeal, and requests that the records of
the instant case be forwarded to the Supreme Court for further proceedings,” the petition read. Marcos is enjoying provisional freedom after posting a bail of P150,000 last November 16.
She was found guilty of violating Section 3(e) of R.A. for graft cases due to her involvement in transferring funds to seven Swiss foundations while occupying key government posts in the 1970s. n
Trillanes: I’ll walk into jail if parents... PAGE A1 lous, again, I would voluntarily walk into any detention facility, even Davao,” Trillanes said in a statement. He advised Duterte to at least make it appear that he was angry with the smuggling of billions of
pesos worth of illegal drugs and make a show of ordering the manhunt for drug lords. “It’s becoming apparent that he’s behind the shabu shipments,” Trillanes said. The senator’s father, Antonio Trillanes, is a member of
the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1959 and died in 1998. Duterte on Monday, November 26, said there is an ongoing inquiry into alleged questionable deals entered into by the elder Trillanes. n
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Carpio: China peddling ‘false’ narrative on sea dispute
in May 2009. Beijing refuses to recognize the ruling of The Hague-based tribuACTING Chief Justice Antonio nal, which invalidated China’s hisCarpio on Monday, November 26, torical claims to the area. China’s narrative means China urged Filipinos to assert the country’s sovereignty over the West and the Philippines share a comPhilippine Sea (South China Sea), mon border that lies just 64 kipointing out that the Chinese nar- lometers (km.) off the coast of rative on the disputed territory is Balabac Island in Palawan, the southernmost island in Palawan; “totally false.” During the West Philippine Sea 70 km. off of Bolinao in Pangasforum at the House of Represen- inan, and 44 km. off Y’ami Island tatives, Carpio said the Chinese in Batanes, he said. CLEAN RIVER. Aside from its breathtaking beauty, Bulacan’s Hagonoy River is a bustling commercial gateway for transport of goods, people claims stretching supposedly to The Philippine team submitand source of fresh seafood. A first-class municipality some 54 kilometers of Metro Manila, Hagonoy is accessible via the North Luzon more than 2,000 years ago could ted over 170 ancient maps — the Expressway and MacArthur Highway, about an hour-and-a-half drive from the metropolis. Photo taken in Hagonoy, Bulacan on Sunday, be easily disproven by old maps. highest number of ancient maps November 25. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez Carpio, who joined the Philip- ever submitted to an internapine legal team that secured a vic- tional tribunal — including Chitory against China from a United nese maps from the Song to the Nations (UN)-backed arbitration Qing dynasties, Philippine and tribunal in 2016, noted that Chi- Southeast Asian maps, and Eurona’s nine-dash-line map, encom- pean maps of Asia — to prove that passing an area in which it sup- China “never owned or controlled [South China Sea] at any time in or indirect contributors, will be gency health services, including posedly “enjoys sovereign rights by Bernadette tamayo and jurisdiction over the relevant its history.” out-patient drugs by registering covered by the UHC. ManilaTimes.net “Even under China’s Maps of “If you’re a Filipino, you are them to a primary health care waters as well as the seabed and subsoil thereof,” is a recent claim National Humiliation, the Spratly THE bicameral conference covered by health insurance au- provider of their choice.” Islands and Scarborough (Panacommittee on Tuesday, Novem- tomatically. However, we have If passed into law, Ejercito that was submitted to the UN only ber 27, approved the reconciled two types of members: the ones said that the government would version of the proposed Univer- who contribute, 35 percent, and need P257 billion for the first sal Health Care (UHC) bill, which the rest, 65 percent, are subsi- two years of implementation provides free check-up and labo- dized. These are senior citizens, and another P280 billion the folratory fees. persons with disabilities (PWDs), lowing year. “It’s a historic day,” said Sen. and indigents,” he said. “The needed amounts can be Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, “We had a long discussion provided by present appropriachairman of the Senate Com- on this part because we have to tions for DoH (Department of mittee on Health, and sponsor subsidize 65 percent of the pop- Health), PCSO (Phil. Charity of the passage of the UHC mea- ulation because only 35 percent Sweepstakes Office), and Pagsure. are able to pay their premium,” cor (Phil. Amusement and Gam“I hope that it would be ratified Ejercito said. ing Corp.),” Ejercito said. so that it can be transmitted to “But for the 3rd year and 4th Senate President Pro Tempore the president (Rodrigo Duterte), Ralph Recto said the UHC would years (of implementation) we for review and for the president provide all Filipinos the “imme- feel that we need supplemental to sign before Christmas,” he diate eligibility and access to additional sources of fund besaid. preventive, curative, rehabilita- cause there will be an increase Under the consolidated ver- tive and palliative care for medi- in the number of claimants,” he sion, all Filipinos whether direct cal, dental, mental, and emer- said. c by Bernadette
tamayo ManilaTimes.net
Bicam approves reconciled version of ‘historic’ universal health care bill
Manny Pacquiao begins daily grind by aBac
cordero Philstar.com
MANNY Pacquiao marked the first day of serious training on Tuesday, November 27, exactly 55 days before he defends his WBA crown against American Adrien Broner. Pacquiao was out on the road in the morning and was at the gym in the afternoon, the bulk of his training done in the ring when he worked the mitts. By mid-afternoon, the 39-year-
old Pacquiao put on his business suit and headed to the Senate to fulfill his legislative duties. “This will be my daily activity,” said Pacquiao as he left the gym in Pasig City. Pacquiao, who will turn 40 on Dec. 17, will face Broner on Jan. 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It will be his first fight on American soil in two years or since he defeated Jessie Vargas on Nov. 5, 2016 at the Thomas & Mack Center. n
Photo from Instagram/@mannypacquiao
Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio ManilaTimes.net photo
tag) Shoal [in the South China Sea] were not part of Chinese territory,” Carpio said. National humiliation maps were produced for mass education in China to “mourn the loss of national territories” since the early 20th century. China’s nine-dash-line map dating to 1947 is the first to claim the Spratlys. Scarborough Shoal appeared on the map without an exclusive name, unlike all other PAGE A7
A6 NOVEMBER 28-30, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
Violence against women and girls
FEATURES
THE Philippines ranks among the 10 best countries in the Gender Gap Index. Yet in recent weeks, police officers have been accused of raping in separate incidents the daughter of a couple arrested on drug charges, a woman apprehended for illegal gambling, and even a policewoman. Teenage girls continue to be trafficked for sex and child labor. And despite the passage of tough laws against domestic violence, women and girls continue to suffer various forms of abuse. In impoverished areas, women are unaware of the numerous laws for their protection. Even in upper income households, however, women are held back from seeking help for violent assaults due to the perceived stigma and shame attached to the attacks. Unfortunately, this failure to bring offenders to justice breeds impunity. Elsewhere in the world, women and girls suffer worse forms of violence and abuse, including arranged marriages and genital mutilation. Girls continue to be deprived of formal education and women are given limited access to job opportunities in certain societies. In South Sudan, a teenage girl was sold to a prospective husband in what is tantamount to an auction, for the price of 500 cows, three luxury cars, $10,000, two bikes, a boat and several mobile phones. The auction has drawn global outrage, but
local observers reportedly noted that the practice was not uncommon in that country. The United Nations General Assembly approved back in 1993 the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Yet the attacks continue, derailing efforts to achieve gender equity, peace and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls is marked today, the UN reports that one in three women and girls will experience physical or sexual violence in this lifetime. Nearly 750 million women and girls alive today were married before their 18th birthday; 200 million have undergone female genital mutilation. Only 52 percent of women in a union can freely make their own decisions about contraceptive use, health care and sexual relations. Among human trafficking victims worldwide, women account for 71 percent, with three out of four sexually exploitWith this day’s theme of Orange the World: ed. Violence against women is considered as seri- #HearMeToo, there will be 16 days of global activous a cause of death and incapacity as cancer. ism for ending violence against women and girls.
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
The goal may seem elusive, but the effort to eliminate violence against women and girls must be unrelenting. (Philstar.com)
For the sake of your children and grandchildren, who would you believe on climate change: Scientists or Donald Trump?
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS LAST Friday, November 23, hundreds of government and external scientists involved in the U.S. Global Change Research Program, released a report that concluded that climate change could cost the United States billions of dollars annually within decades if greenhouse gases aren’t dramatically reduced, and could worsen environmental disasters like wildfires and flooding. Its findings aligned with those of the broader scientific community. This federally mandated study warned that the U.S. economy could lose hundreds of billions of dollars — or, in the worst-case scenario, more than 10 percent of its GDP — by the end of the century. Worse, climate change damages not only our ecosystem but our health — the health of ALL living things on the planet if we do not act NOW, as we are ALL in this TOGETHER. As CNN reported, the Fourth National Climate Assessment was put together with the help of 1,000 people, including 300 leading scientists, roughly half from outside the government. It’s the second of two volumes. The first report was released in November 2017, concluded that
there is “no convincing alternative explanation” for the changing climate other than “human activities, especially emissions of greenhouse gases.” The world used to look up to the United States for leadership in addressing this problem but things changed when Trump became president. Trump has called climate change a “hoax” many times in the past, espousing and pursuing a pro-fossil fuels agenda. Asked by reporters outside the White House about the findings that unchecked global warming would wreak havoc on the U.S. economy, BBC News reported that Trump’s reply was: “I don’t believe it.” The members of his administration and many members of the Republican Party echo Trump’s position, and denigrated the scientists and scholars who have been working on this U.S. government study as co-conspirators to push a liberal agenda that runs contrary to the interests of the fossil fuel industry. THE TRUTH IS — we all need to be concerned about this because climate change is already affecting us now, and this includes more frequent and intense extreme weather and climate-related events. Unless we face the FACTS
and do something now, we will be betraying our children and grandchildren by leaving behind a planet that will be harmful to their health, their life and their future. The report says that projections of future catastrophe could change if the governments and the people of the world work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and “to adapt to the changes that will occur.” Just last October, the United Nations warned that we have only 12 years to limit the catastrophic effects of climate change. The world’s leading climate scientists have warned there is an urgent need “to keep global warming to a maximum of 1.5C, beyond which even half a degree will significantly worsen the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.” The Guardian reported that the authors of the landmark report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) say “urgent and unprecedented changes are needed to reach the target, which they say is affordable and feasible although it lies at the most ambitious end of the Paris agreement pledge to keep temperatures between 1.5C and 2C.” The report further explained
that the half-degree difference could also prevent corals from being completely eradicated and ease pressure on the Arctic, according to the 1.5C study, which was launched after approval at a final plenary of all 195 countries in Incheon in South Korea. Donald Trump was not on board, promising to withdraw the U.S. – the world’s biggest source of historical emissions – from the accord. Let me quote The Guardian report on this and you decide whom to believe: Trump or the scientists on climate change. “The world is currently 1C warmer than preindustrial levels. Following devastating hurricanes in the U.S., record droughts in Cape Town and forest fires in the Arctic, the IPCC makes clear that climate change is already happening, upgraded its risk warning from previous reports, and warned that every fraction of additional warming would worsen the impact. Scientists who reviewed the 6,000 works referenced in the report, said the change caused by just half a degree came as a revelation. “We can see there is a difference and it’s substantial,” Roberts said. At 1.5C the proportion of the global population exposed to water stress could be 50% lower
than at 2C, it notes. Food scarcity would be less of a problem and hundreds of millions fewer people, particularly in poor countries, would be at risk of climaterelated poverty. At 2C extremely hot days, such as those experienced in the northern hemisphere this summer, would become more severe and common, increasing heatrelated deaths and causing more forest fires. But the greatest difference would be to nature. Insects, which are vital for pollination of crops, and plants are almost twice as likely to lose half their habitat at 2C compared with 1.5C. Corals would be 99% lost at the higher of the two temperatures, but more than 10% have a chance of surviving if the lower target is reached. Sea-level rise would affect 10 million more people by 2100 if the half-degree extra warming brought a forecast 10cm additional pressure on coastlines. The number affected would increase substantially in the following centuries due to locked-in ice melt. Oceans are already suffering from elevated acidity and lower levels of oxygen as a result of climate change. One model shows marine fisheries would lose 3m tonnes at 2C, twice the decline at 1.5C.
Sea ice-free summers in the Arctic, which is warming two to three times faster than the world average, would come once every 100 years at 1.5C, but every 10 years with half a degree more of global warming. Time and carbon budgets are running out. By mid-century, a shift to the lower goal would require a supercharged roll-back of emissions sources that have built up over the past 250 years. The IPCC maps out four pathways to achieve 1.5C, with different combinations of land use and technological change. Reforestation is essential to all of them as are shifts to electric transport systems and greater adoption of carbon capture technology. Carbon pollution would have to be cut by 45% by 2030 – compared with a 20% cut under the 2C pathway – and come down to zero by 2050, compared with 2075 for 2C. This would require carbon prices that are three to four times higher than for a 2C target. But the costs of doing nothing would be far higher.” *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
America vs China: How Asia can win
Commentary
RICARDO SALUDO SO, who’s ahead in Asia’s geopolitical main event between America and China? Answer: Asia. With the top superpower and the rising one jousting for regional support, no prizes for guessing that Asian nations, especially those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), are getting buttered up with aid and trade, mostly from Beijing, and defense goodies, mainly from Washington. Just see how President Rodrigo Duterte is wangling favor after favor from China, Japan and America. Much as his critics claim he has capitulated to Beijing’s territorial violations, he has in fact obtained far greater aid from China, Japan and Russia than any other Philippine leader. And if it finally transpires, the impending return of the Balangiga bells, seized by America’s conquering troops after their heinous massacre of Filipinos over a century ago, would be another unprecedented superpower con-
cession obtained by Duterte’s independent foreign policy. And now that visiting President Xi Jinping has agreed with Duterte to elevate the China-Philippines relations to “strategic cooperation,” expect Japan and maybe the United States to also press for some upgrading of ties, sweetened by more offers of assistance, investment and other goodies. Multiply this scenario in varying degrees across ASEAN and that’s, pretty much, the story of the regional rivalry between China and the United States in recent years all the way to last week’s ASEAN summit meetings in Singapore and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. While media understandably focused on the verbal jousts in APEC between Xi and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, what really counted were not the phrases but the faces and the finances. That is, who showed up to press the flesh with Asian leaders and what the U.S. and China brought with them to spice the hi’s and hello’s. In these two all-important markers, the winner by miles was Chi-
na. With U.S. President Donald Trump staying home, Pence is, well, trumped by Xi, especially in Asian eyes valuing formal titles. So it was at the 2013 ASEAN and APEC summits, when then President Barack Obama was a no-show, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton subbing. Plainly face time is of the essence in a region that goes overboard on saving face. It’s the economy, stupid Now, it might still have been a draw for Washington if billionaire Trump let money do the talking, with Pence offering big bucks to match Xi’s zillions. But instead of cash and commerce, Pence talked tough on trade, and delivered unsolicited advice on Chinese loans. It’s no secret that APEC remains keen for even more open markets, despite Trump’s about-face two years ago from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade and investment accord the U.S. had erstwhile championed. TPP signatories are trying to salvage it, sans Uncle Sam. And Asia-Pacific nations are working hard to get the Beijing-led Regional Cooperation Economic Program signed by next year. So, APEC and ASEAN were
hardly in any mood for Pence’s trade war rhetoric and threats, which already undercut growth, exports, stock markets and currencies across Asia over the past year. Also sure to have lead-ballooned was his warning on borrowing too much from China. How can the U.S. tell that to ASEAN countries with far lower debt, budget and trade deficit levels than America, and have been extra careful with foreign loans and trade balances since the 1997 Asian financial crisis? The good news for Asia is that the U.S. is gearing up to offer more cash for the region’s growth. Last month Trump created the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. to provide $60 billion in loans, credit guarantees, and investment insurance to American companies investing in developing nations. Bottom line: The charm race in ASEAN among America, China and Japan looks set to escalate. Beneficiary countries need to read the fine print and counter any disadvantageous terms and moves by aid givers. But that’s a far better problem than having little assistance on offer.
Asia wants peace in the seas Uncle Sam predictably warned of Chinese military deployment, including the so-called “wall of SAMs,” or surface-to-air missiles, deployed by the People’s Liberation Army and capable of striking anywhere in the South China Sea. For sure, ASEAN is concerned about the reported installation of PLA anti-ship and anti-aircraft armaments in the disputed Spratlys islands. And there may even be some support for the U.S. and its allies challenging China’s territorial claims with freedom of navigation operations, including U.S. Navy sailings near Chinesereclaimed islands. But President Duterte encountered no loud challenges in Asia when he said that China had possession of the South China Sea, and criticized naval activity challenging the Chinese. What Duterte presumably meant is that short of a full-scale war, which no nation wants, it is near-impossible to stop Chinese moves in the South China Sea. And fonops by the U.S. and its allies only escalate regional tensions without budging the Chinese.
Two U.S. naval moves may signal that Washington could be opting to avoid more confrontations in the South China Sea like the near-collision between U.S. and Chinese naval vessels last month. The much-hyped U.S. naval exercise this month, said to be larger than usual, was held in the Philippine Sea west of the archipelago. And Beijing seemed to accept the joint American-Australian plan to build a naval base on Papua New Guinea. With the Philippines not implementing the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement which the U.S. sought for its plan to move 60 percent of its naval assets to Asia, Duterte’s view of South China Sea military matchups seems to hold for now. That leaves China and Asean to sort out maritime security matters, mainly through the longawaited Code of Conduct now being negotiated, while the U.S. and its allies beef up defense west of the Philippines. If this reduces tension and militarization on the high seas, especially if Beijing forges a code that truly advances peace, that’s another plus for Asia. (ManilaTimes. net)
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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PDEA: Almost 5,000 killed in Duterte’s war on drugs as of Oct. 2018 by Cathrine
Gonzales Inquirer.net
COOLING OFF. Children from Tondo, Manila’s Baseco Compound enjoy swimming in Manila Bay. The health department has earlier called for strengthened security to prevent the public, especially children, from swimming in the polluted water to protect them from water-borne diseases. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez
‘No treason in oil, gas development deal with China’- Palace by alexis
romero Philstar.com
MANILA — No treason was committed when the Philippines and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on joint oil and gas development as the document was meant to just provide talking points for negotiations, Malacañang said. Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison earlier said the MOU signing was a “clear act of treason” by Duterte and a “blatant betrayal of the sovereign rights and national patrimony of the Philippines and the Filipino people.” Sison said the memorandum, signed during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping on Nov. 20, disregards the Philippines’ victory in its case against China before the United Nationsbacked Permanent Court of Arbi-
tration. He also argued that the MOU puts China at par with the Philippines with regard to sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, including its resources. But presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo disputed Sison’s claim, saying the MOU is just a framework that would pave the way for negotiations. “Maybe he has not read the agreement signed. It’s just an agreement to agree on certain things. There is nothing there that will be a basis for any allegation of treason. Even the critics say there is nothing there,” Panelo said. “The agreement is just an agreement to agree. It’s just a framework. As correctly stated by secretary of foreign affairs, it will be the basis of negotiations, talking points, and then after that, there will be an agreement
between the two countries,” he added. “It will start from those assigned to initially make some talks, then it will reach another level until it reaches secretary (Teddy) Locsin (Jr.). That’s the time to say anything whether for or against in any agreement,” Panelo explained. He said the Duterte administration would make sure that all agreements are legal and beneficial to Filipinos. “Our position has been: is this beneficial to us; is this constitutionally allowable? That’s always the question. We cannot go beyond that,” the presidential spokesman said. Panelo previously said the Philippines is free to walk out of the MOU on oil and gas development with China if the deal would turn out to be detrimental to its interests. n
Carpio: China peddling ‘false’ narrative on... PAGE A5 features drawn as part of China. The Philippines in reality owns most of the features in the Spratlys, Carpio said. It named Scarborough Shoal “Panacot” as early as 1734, he said. Carpio called on the public to “help the Philippines, among other claimant countries, to explain to the Chinese people that China has no historic claim to the South China Sea.”
Carpio’s statements came just days after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit, which the Chinese leader said was meant to “deepen political mutual trust” amid “differences” that needed to be handled “properly” through consultations and dialogue. He said the West Philippine Sea should be a “sea of friendship and cooperation” that would create a bond of friendship between China and the Philippines.
Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and some lawmakers have called for a protest against China after a Filipino TV news crew aired a documentary showing a Chinese Coast Guard preventing it from filming and conducting an interview in the disputed area. GMA News’ “Reporter’s Notebook” team accompanied a group of Filipino fishermen to Panatag Shoal on November 8. n
ALMOST 5,000 have been killed in anti-drug operations launched by government authorities since July 2016 up to October 2018 as the Duterte administration continues to intensify its drive against illegal drugs, government data showed. A report from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) released on Tuesday, November 27, said 4,999 drug personalities died while 161,584 were arrested during the period. The report covers the date after President Rodrigo Duterte took his oath on June 30, 2016. The October data also disclosed that 113, 570 anti-drug operations have been launched by the PDEA and the Philippine National Police (PNP). PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. denied that the figures from the government were so much lower than the almost 30,000 fatalities in the drug war estimated by some critics. “It’s a lie. Let’s call a spade a
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency is at the forefront of the war on drugs and in charge of operations like this in Trece Martires City, Cavite province, which led to the destruction of P10.4 billion worth of drugs, chemicals and equipment. Inquirer.net photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta
spade. It’s a lie by some quarters, insisting on this 30,000 [deaths],” he said in a press conference. “We’ve been telling them [the real numbers] already. We’ve been very transparent and truthful on our figures. [It’s] 4,999,” he said. According to Durana, the supposed addition in the death toll are “normal, regular homicide cases under investigation” and “not in a way related to drug operations.” But he said that around 2,000 from this number are somehow related to the problem on drugs. He said some were caused by kill-
ings committed by drug suspects against each other. Nevertheless, he said the supposed 30,000 deaths claimed by critics is “too much of a stretch” and is only “propaganda.” “The facts will not lie but some will insist on lying on these figures,” he said. Meanwhile, the PDEA said only 8,935 of the 42,044 barangays have been declared drug-free. Another 23,161 are yet to be cleared. According to PDEA, law enforcers have also dismantled 271 drug dens and illegal drug laboratories. n
A November 28-30, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JoUrNAL
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B
Growth to stay domestically-driven by AngelicA
BAllesteros Manilatimes.net
PHILIPPINE economic growth will remain strong notwithstanding the impact of challenges that have weighed on consumer demand and state spending, S&P Global Ratings said. “We maintain our strong outlook for domestically-driven medium term growth, despite key headwinds in the short term,” the debt watcher said in its latest APAC Economics Snapshots report. “Consumption growth will likely stay low relative to recent history due to inflation, while
the rollout of some non-crucial infrastructure projects will be slower as the government tries to rein in the current account deficit,” it added. Policy rate hikes implemented to address above-target consumer price growth, the debt watcher said, could also weigh on the demand outlook for next year. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has raised key interest rates by a total of 175 basis points since May in a bid to contain inflation, which hit a 9-year high of 6.7 percent in September. Meanwhile, export demand and confidence levels remain
u PAGE B2
Gov’t eyes VAT refund system for foreign tourists by cAtherine
tAlAverA Philstar.com
THE implementation of a value-added tax (VAT) refund system for foreign tourists is seen to benefit the hotel sector as it may result in longer stays, a property services firm said. Colliers International Philippines research manager Joey Roi Bondoc told The STAR the VAT refund system will allow tourists greater purchasing power. “It will bode well for the hotel sector, for retail, especially now that the peso is depreciating,” Bondoc said. “With the return VAT, they will be able to purchase more and stay longer in hotels,” Bondoc said. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez earlier said the government is targeting a tax refund system for tourists, similar to what is being done in other countries, in place by 2020. Tourism Secretary Berna-
dette Romulo-Puyat earlier told The STAR that the DOT welcomes this move. “We’ll discuss it. But of course if it will help tourism, why not. I think he’s just saying that other countries do that,”Puyat said. She said it may encourage more foreign tourists to shop. “Anything that will encourage tourists arrivals is welcomed. And I am so grateful of the Secretary,” Puyat said. Based on data from the DOT in 2017, shopping was the number one activity made by tourists visiting the country, with 51.60 percent of tourists taking part in it. Shopping is also where tourists spend a large amount of expenditure on, as it amounts to $20.90 dollars of the average daily expenditure per capita in 2017 of $125.65. Dominguez earlier said the establishment of the tax refund system would be possible once the government has already
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Over 8M attacks on PH users in Q3 2018 400 percent more than 2017
Photo courtesy of Brookings.edu
IN just three months, Kaspersky Lab has monitored more than 8 million web threats against Filipino Internet users. This places the Philippines as the 10th most attacked country worldwide in terms of online infections for the third quarter of 2018. Data from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) revealed that over 3-in-10 (33.3 percent) users in the Philippines were attacked by Internet-borne threats from July to September. Kaspersky Lab products have detected a total of 8,133,815 malware incidents on the computers of KSN participants in the country. “While the latest threat statistics in the Philippines are relatively lower than last quarter at 10.6 million, 8 million is still
alarmingly a huge leap from last year’s numbers,” said Yeo Siang Tiong, general manager at Kaspersky Lab Southeast Asia. “In fact, we discovered just nearly 2 million online threats during the third quarter of 2017.” Kaspersky Lab also discovered that online infections last quarter were detected on 28.30 percent home users of Kaspersky Antvirus, Kaspersky Internet Security, Kaspersky Total Security, and Kaspersky Free Anti-virus and 9.08 percent business users of Kaspersky Enterprise Security. “In the same period last year, the Philippines ranked only 35th most attacked worldwide in terms of web threats,” said Yeo. “The young and globally known inter-
net savvy Filipinos are fast becoming a prime target for the money hungry cybercriminals. It’s high time that they get their defenses up.” The main sources of these attacks were the United States (65.60 percent) followed by the Netherlands (12.31 percent), France (4.93 percent), the Philippines (3.95 percent) and Portugal (2.44 percent). Web-based threats or online threats are malware programs that can target someone while using the Internet. These browserbased threats include a range of malicious software programs that are designed to infect victims’ computers. Web threats include drive-by download
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‘There’s no danger of us being drowned by Chinese debt’ – Dominguez FINANCE Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III reiterated Monday, November 26, that the Philippines will not fall into a debt trap as it turns to China and Japan to finance the Duterte administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program. At the third leg of the Sulong Pilipinas 2018-Philippine Development Forum, Dominguez took a swipe at critics, whom he described as “uninformed” while maintaining their speculations were “unfounded.” Dominguez is the head of the Duterte administration’s economic team. “Some uninformed critics claim that we are falling into a debt trap by tapping Chi-
nese and Japanese financing for our strategic infrastructure projects. This is totally unfounded,” he said. “The financing we availed of are soft loans at the lowest possible interest rates and the longest possible term arrangements.” “If we include project financing coming this year, our estimated project debt to China will only constitute 0.65 percent of our total debt from the current 0.11 percent. Our project debt to Japan will increase from the current 3.17 percent to 8.9 percent of the total debt at the end of this year,” Dominguez added.
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Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III Malacañang file photo by Toto Lozano
B NOVEMBER 28-30, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA HOW you will benefit from standard deduction versus itemized deduction. To maximize your deduction, you take the larger of standard deduction or total amount of itemized deductions by bunching itemized deductions in 2018 and taking standard deduction in 2019, and so on. • Standard deduction: $12,000 for single or married filing separate; $24,000 for married filing jointly; and $18,000 for head of household. Additional standard deduction: There is additional standard deduction of $1,300 for taxpayers of at least 65 years old or are blind, and $1,600 if both at least 65 years old and blind. • Personal exemptions: There is no more personal exemption deduction for yourself and dependents. But there is substantial increase in standard deduction in item 1 above.
Business news
What’s new: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
(Part 5) • Alternative minimum tax of household from $82,501 to (amt): You may be eligible for a $157,500, and for married filing credit if you do not have taxes joint from $165,001 to $315,000; due now and paid amt in prior d)32% for single or married filyear. The exemption amount in- ing separate or head of housecreased to $70,300 for single, hold from $157,501 to $200,000, $54,700 for married filing sepa- and for married filing joint from rate, and $109,400 for married fil- $315,001 to $400,000; d)35% ing joint. The exemption amount for single or head of household starts to phase out at $500,000 from $200,001 to $500,000, for or $1,000,000 for married filing married filing joint from $400,001 to $600,000, and for married filjointly filers. • 2018 income tax bracket: ing separate from $200,001 to a)10% for single or married filing $300,000; e)37% for single or separate up to $9,525, for married head over $500,000, for married filing joint up to $19,050, and for filing joint over $600,000, and head of household up to $13,600; for married filing separate over b)12% for single or married filing $300,000; • Capital gains tax: Capital separate from $9,526 to $38,700, for married filing joint from gains tax rate of 20% applies at $19,051-$77,400, and for head taxable income of $425,800 for of household from $13,601 to single, $479,000 for married fil$51,800; c)22% for single or mar- ing joint, and $12,700 for trust. Consider sell non-earning ried filing separate from $38,701 to $82,500, for married filing joint stocks to generate capital loss and from $77,401 to $165,000, and for offset capital gains. • Health coverage reporting: head of household from $51,801 to $82,500; d)24% for single or Your tax return is not considered u PAGE B3 married filing separate or head
under threat from global trade tensions, and the current account deficit continues to make the economy vulnerable to emerging market selloffs, S&P said. The country’s current account—a major component of the balance of payments—hit a deficit of $3.087 billion in the first half of 2018, equivalent to 1.9 percent of gross domestic product. “Headline inflation remains elevated but month-on-month
inflation readings to have peaked as global oil prices eased and the typhoon impacts on food prices dissipated,” S&P Global noted. “The liberalization of rice imports and the suspension of the January fuel tax hike will help ease inflation further. Nonetheless, it will take some time for headline numbers to fall back into BSP’s target range [of 2.04.0 percent],” it added. S&P expects the Philippine economic growth to slow to 6.5
Over 8M attacks on PH users in Q3...
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that refers to the unintentional download of malicious code to one’s computer or mobile device leaving it open to a cyberattack. A drive-by download can take advantage of an app, operating system or web browser that contains security flaws due to unsuccessful updates or lack of updates. This infection can also be done through social engineering, which involves tricking the human mind to download a legitimate-looking but infected program on a computer. Internet-borne malware have been used to steal money and confidential data as well as to
serve as launch pads for bigger attacks against large companies worldwide. “These types of attacks can be avoided with a lot of common sense and vigilance,” said Yeo. “The lack of cyber-hygiene habits plays a very significant role in cybercriminals’ success. Filipinos need to be cautious with the sites they visit, files they share, apps they download, and the information they divulge online through social media platforms. Add-on a solution that holistically detects and blocks malware, and you will surely give these cybercriminals a hard time stealing your data and your money.”
Two magical words
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA
(Continued from last week’s issue…) So okay, your partner is the consummate slob and you have to pick up after him. He thinks he has a maid living with him for free. He has this maddening habit of not putting the toothpaste cap back on. That’s easy. Get one with a cap that snaps back on. The point is to find a way to work around an annoyance or accept the tiny irritations. With time and patience, things get easier. As you get older and hopefully, wiser, your eyes dim and your hearing goes for a reason. You become less critical as you see the bigger picture more clearly. You become tone deaf and refuse to be thin skinned and easily offended. of humor maybe or the way he makes you laugh… Love is a two-way street. Note how you behave towards him. How do you look to him? Do you take the time and the effort to look va-va-voom and give him that look that can make his heartbeat race percent this year, from 6.7 per- just a tad? Or do you nag him to cent in 2017, before picking up death for every little thing? Do to 6.6 percent and 6.8 percent in you make him feel small with your 2019 and 2020, respectively, be- smartass barbs? Or does he feel fore again easing to 6.7 percent in 2021. Consumer price growth, meanwhile, was projected to average 5.1 percent in 2018, up from 2.9 PAGE B1 t The Finance chief further said percent last year, and then return even when the Duterte administo the target range at 3.8 percent, tration ends in 2022, such that 3.5 percent and 3.4 percent, remajority of financing for ‘Build, spectively, in 2019, 2020 and Build, Build’ were accesses, debt 2021.n to China will only be 4.5 percent of the estimated total, while borrowings from Japan will have a bigger share of 9.5 percent. “So there is no danger of us beSimilar to the global trend in web threats, most of the infec- ing drowned by Chinese debt,” tions monitored against Philip- Dominguez said. “We borrow with great prupine-based internet users were dence, aware that it is the taxpayer malicious cryptominers. Malicious cryptocurrency min- who ultimately pays for the debt. ing differs from legitimate min- We always keep in mind that the ing only in that in the former, money we borrow come from the malefactors are using hardware taxes dutifully paid by the people that does not belong to them, of the countries that have conthey either infect computers or tinued to generously support us. lure victims on mining websites. Thus, we take care that the funds The top five most attacked we borrow are (used wisely) and countries during Q3 2018 in- will produce sufficient economic clude Algeria 45 percent, Vene- benefits to make the debt service zuela 40.7 percent, Belarus 40.5 easier down the road,” he added. Dominguez said the Duterte percent, Albania 39.0 percent and Moldova 37.9 percent. (Ma- administration is being careful not to repeat mistakes made in nilatimes.net) n
Growth to stay domestically-driven
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(Conclusion of 2 parts) he can soar like an eagle when Honestly, who wants to live a you are around him? life like that? Does anyone in his Don’t buy into the modern con- right mind really want to be disapcept of the throwaway or trade-up pointed and live cynical lives dealsociety that seems to imply you ing with what I call the BIG D’s? can change partners every five These are the doldrums of doubt, years or so. Just because you can darkness, disease, depression, doesn’t mean you should. It may desperation, dejection, disapwork for cars and appliances but pointment, discouragement and falls flat for human relationships. disillusionment. You just wish you Fix what can yet be fixed. Nurture can DELETE all that from your life. what can grow into something Sadly, some go to the deep end beautiful. Eat humble pie, if you tragically ending in death. Love has died. Nothing matters. Yet love, according to the “Desiderata” is as perennial as the grass. While there is life, hope springs eternal. Those who are not put off by a disastrous relationship think have to. There is no shame if you that “the right one” is just around truly love. Ask a Higher Power to the corner. Perhaps. But if they do help you keep things whole. not learn from their previous misTaking your husband, wife or takes, they are doomed to repeat partner for granted is the biggest them. There’s that D again. They cause of so many divorces these will cycle in and out of one disasdays. If alarming numbers are to trous relationship after the other. be believed, half the population Single parenthood is no cakealready live in Splitsville. walk in most cases. Ask around. There is a disproportionate Do not believe the distortion of number of single moms and sin- truth in movies spun by Hollygle dads worldwide struggling wood or this trend of celebrities with severely diminished finances adopting babies and the media and dealing with court-appointed glamorizing the lives of single visits, juggling schedules, shut- parents. That is one tall tale of tling children in two locations an ego on overdrive. There is no and in cases of bitter, acrimoni- romantic or comedic element in ous divorces, competing for their going it alone. Single parenthood children’s affections. u PAGE B4
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” –Jean Baptiste Massieu
‘There’s no danger of us being drowned... the past. “In the past administration, there was a big scandal involving Chinese financing. And the reason for that, is that administration allowed the Chinese state-owned enterprises to dictate what projects are going to be done here,” Dominguez noted, referring to the North Rail controversy during the Arroyo administration. “In our case, we have told the Chinese that it is only us who will determine what projects we will embark on without any interference from them. So all the projects that we have decided to get on are all generated locally and go through the approvals that are required by law, which is essentially the Neda [National Economic and Development Authority] Board approval. When these projects are approved, we then go to the funding agencies and say, okay, which ones do you want to fund? And then they make an offer.” “And what happens particularly in the Chinese projects, once
they have agreed to fund the project, we ask them to submit three names as bidders for their project. So the Chinese government is involved in the choice of the bidders. So if the bidders don’t perform, the Chinese government is on the hook here. “So this is the way this administration, as ordered by President Duterte, is protecting the Philippines from projects that are unnecessary and are driven by agencies outside of the Philippines. Incidentally, this system is not popular with certain people who try to influence our government to do this project or that project. So please expect attacks on us because they are not making illicit money,” he added. So far, the Duterte administration had signed only one Chinese loan agreement worth P3.1 billion for the P4.4-billion Chico River Pump Irrigation facility, the first flagship infrastructure project to be financed by the mainland. (Inquirer.net) n
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BUSINESS NEWS
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Seniors consider Chapter 13 What’s new: Tax Cuts and Jobs... relief for $80K credit cards
Debt Relief
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liquidated $50,000 of his $70,000 401K to cover the $30,000 he ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG needed for minimum payments THE clients are married to each on the $80,000 credit cards. Afother and they are both seniors. ter that payment of $30,000 at He is 68 and she is 66. He is a the sacrifice of his retirement member of the professions and account, they still owe the same still works in that professional $80,000! They have been paying capacity. She is retired. Their the minimum of $2,500 a month residence has equity of $400,000. to keep these cards current for a This fact alone knocks them out of very long time. Even at 10 years, and I am sure Chapter 7. In Chapter 7, the trustee has their credit card debt has been the power to sell their home, give there longer than that, they althem their homestead exemption ready have paid $300,000 and of $175,000 and use $225 to pay today they still owe the very same of trustee administrative expenses $80,000! Now being a professionand trustee’s lawyer. After they al and educated person, the husare paid, whatever is left is used band knows that there is someto pay the $80,000 and if there is thing very wrong in this equation anything left, probably one dol- but he cannot get himself to make lar will be given to the debtors. It’s strange that $145,000 can be used for administrative and legal fees to pay $80,000 of credit cards, but I have seen this happen. It’s really not that unusual. I represent an unsecured creditor for $250,000 in a Chapter 7 case of a company that had $385,000 in its checking accounts when the case the right decision. Yes, it’s clear was converted from Chapter 11 to that they need relief from the Chapter 7. In a span of 18 months, $80,000 cards but what should the bulk of the $385,000 had been they do at their age? The wife used up for trustee and his legal seems to be the clearer thinker of fees. My client’s $250,000, which I the two as she immediately sees had to defend vigorously in trial is the impossibility of keeping these cards. These cards have wiped out probably worth 20 percent now. However, what is going on is husband’s 401K which should not perfectly legal. Once the trustee happen in the first place. A retireand his lawyers start to adminis- ment account is for their retireter the bankruptcy estate assets, ment, not to pay minimum paythey will make a lot of money. I ments on credit cards. But when understand that the moneymak- push comes to shove, this is what ing bankruptcies are offset by the happens. Desperation sets in and money-losing bankruptcies; so in a desperate person will even hold the end, of course, the trustee has on to a sharp knife to keep afloat as the saying goes. to stay ahead of his expenses. I explain to the clients that The closest analogy is using a sledgehammer to kill a fly or pay- Chapter 13 will allow them to ing $10,000 for a screwdriver. It’s pay off the $80,000 in 60 months, this kind of stuff. It’s legal but it without interest, at the rate of doesn’t make any sense but we about $1,400 a month. The bankruptcy court protects their house have to live with it. Aside from owning their resi- from judgment liens from the dence, clients also own a rental, credit cards and other bad guys as which has no equity. It’s nega- long as the bankruptcy is in place. tive about $20,000, and they lose Once they complete 60 payments, about $300 a month because the the court enters a discharge order rent is less than the mortgage that erases all of the credit card payment and the property man- debts. By the time the husband is 73 agement fee. Husband last year
and wife is 71, they will owe nothing on these cards. First, the plan payment of $1,400 is more than a thousand dollars less than $2,500 a month just for minimum interest payments on the cards. Second, in five years, they paid $80,000 of principal and their balance owed is zero, whereas, without Chapter 13, in five years they will pay $150,000 but in five years when he turns 73 and she turns 71, they will still owe the very same $80,000 that is weighing them down today. The wife can clearly see the benefit, so she will convince husband soon to get Chapter 13 relief. In fact, Chapter 13 is superior to any other method to get rid of the $80,000. One method is refinancing the house to pay for the $80,000. But converting unsecured debt such as credit cards into secured debt using the house as collateral is risking the loss of your house for credit cards. Once the husband stops to work, the higher mortgage payment caused by the refinancing will become a very stressful burden and places the house at risk. This is something you don’t want at any age. Young couple needs Chapter 7 relief for $40K credit cards The young clients are 43 and 42. Together, the husband and wife owe $40,000. They don’t own a house and have two teenagers and one in the oven. They are very tight because only the husband works and he grosses $4,000 a month. There’s really no money left for the luxury of paying for credit cards. No wonder the lawsuits have started. They were just served with summons and complaint to collect $5,000. Needless to say, Chapter 7 will give them the necessary relief by wiping out all of the $40,000. So, they decide to go for it immediately. It’s the right decision for the family. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
“Once the trustee and his lawyers start to administer the bankruptcy estate assets, they will make a lot of money.”
What factors will the court look at in awarding spousal support? Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES THE purpose of spousal support is not defined by the legislature in that its purpose varies according to the facts and circumstances of each case. The facts and circumstances of a particular case may be such which call for no spousal support, or for support for a very limited period of time, with the purpose to assist the supported spouse to “get back on his or her feet” as a single person, or until community property is distributed. On the other hand, the facts and circumstances of another case may call for support for an extended period of time, perhaps until death of the supported spouse, the purpose for which to provide assistance to one who cannot support himself. The two situations mentioned hereinabove are extreme cases, on opposite ends of the spectrum. Quite obviously, the facts and circumstances in a particular case may be such which call for some amount of support for some period of time, though not until death of the supported spouse. For example, the court may order support for that period of time required for the supported spouse to obtain or complete an education, to allow the supported spouse to take care of
the children until they reach an age where a return to employment would be more feasible, or to become self-supporting within a reasonable time. Although the use of standard guidelines based on income is encouraged in the award of temporary support, such guidelines cannot be used in awarding permanent spousal support. As indicated hereinabove, the award of support is in large part based on the facts and circumstances of the particular case. In determining spousal support, the court considers numerous factors, set forth in Family Code Sec. 4320. They include: 1) The extent to which the earning capacity of each party is sufficient to maintain the standard of living established during the marriage, 2) The extent to which the supported party contributed to the attainment of an education, training, a career position, or a license by the supporting party, 3) The ability of the supporting party to pay spousal support, taking into account the supporting party’s earning capacity, earned and unearned income, assets, and standard of living, 4) The needs of each party based on the standard of living established during the marriage, 5) The obligations and assets, including the separate property, of each party, 6) The duration of the marriage, 7) The ability of the supported party to engage in gainful employment without unduly interfering with the interests of dependent children in the custody of the party, and 8) The age and health of the parties.
The factors set forth hereinabove are only several of the many factors the court will consider in deciding the issue of spousal support. In that the amount and duration of an award is largely based on the facts and circumstances of the case, it is advised that one who is requesting support, or is opposing a request for support, obtain experienced counsel, who will be able to present the facts and circumstances in the best light possible. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Gov’t eyes VAT refund system...
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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 28-30, 2018
launched its electronic invoicing system for more efficient implementation. “There’s a possibility for us to outsource the system but our problem at the moment is we don’t have an e-invoicing system, which we are currently working on,” he said. He added that the Philippines has tapped the South Korean government’s assistance to study an e-invoicing structure for the country. “We have received a grant from the Korean government to study an e-invoicing system, and our plan is to put this in place by 2020. So we have a lot of space to do that. We really targeted the Koreans because they have a
very efficient system, which they have developed over at least five years,” Dominguez said. Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) chairman emeritus Samie Lim earlier said that the implementation of a VAT-refund system would help make the country’s retail sector more competitive. “All our neighbors, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and even Korea, their focus now is on shopping. The people spend the most amount on shopping. More than hotels, more than the airlines and the hotels,” Lim said. “We are very competitive, but we are talking to the Department of Finance to start have the VAT refund so that we are at par with the other countries,” Lim said.
Puyat earlier described the retail sector as an integral component of tourism. “It’s actually the retailers that help tourism. People come here because of the fantastic local quality of goods. People like to go shopping and we really have the best products,” Puyat said. The tourism head said the growing number of foreign arrivals presents an opportunity that retailers can tap in a bid to further grow the tourism industry. Among these opportunities are participation in trade shows; creation of jobs in tourism commerce; promotion of local products; expansion of inventory based on tourism market trends; and collaboration with tourism stakeholders.■
complete by the IRS if you do not report coverage in 2018. In 2019 the shared responsibility payment is reduced to zero. • Charitable Giving: Charitable gifts to qualified public charities now deductible up to 60% (from 50%) of adjusted gross income with a carryforward of five years for any excess not taken in the current year. Consider bunching donations in alternating years more in one year to get a tax deduction benefit. Here are a few considerations: • Have the charity sell by donating appreciated property. • Utilize donor advised funds for this purpose. • You are 70 ½? Direct quali-
fied charitable contribution may qualify from individual retirement account directly to charity. • Retirement plans: Maximize retirement plan contributions in 2018 to minimize income and establish qualified retirement plans like SEP IRA or 401(k) employee deferral with profit sharing plan component. If you are at least 50 years old in 2018 the limit is $24,500($18,500 if younger) for 401(k). The new law prohibits recharacterization from traditional IRA, Simple or SEP to a Roth IRA starting January 1, 2018. • Employer sponsored programs: Take full advantage of pre-tax dollars for child care and medical expenses by taking full
Calendar of Events across
advantage of employer sponsored group plans. *** Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication is neither intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid taxrelated penalties. *** Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. (Advertising Supplement)
America
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JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles features Sou Fujimoto: Futures of the Future exhibition JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is pleased to announce the upcoming SOU FUJIMOTO: FUTURES OF THE FUTURE exhibition, taking place Oct. 27 - Dec. 12, 2018 at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, located at Hollywood & Highland. Named the Wall Street Journal’s Architecture Innovator of The Year in 2014, Fujimoto has designed public and private buildings around the world since establishing his atelier in 2000. This exhibition is a showcase of over 100 models and large-scale photographs of past and current projects by the celebrated Japanese architect. Fujimoto addresses many opposite concepts, including the recurring theme the “primitive future.” This apparent contradiction refers to the primordial, intuitive moments that reconnect us with our own humanity, and open us up to new possibilities. His designs often feature juxtapositions of outside and inside, nature and urbanity, objects and spaces, public and private. And, his work considers the macro and micro: when does an object become a space? Exhibition dates from Oct. 27 to Dec. 12 are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, except Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving Day 11/22). JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (inside Hollywood & Highland). Admission is free. For more information, please call (800) 516-0565 or visit https://www.japanhouse.jp/losangeles/events/.
N OV E M B E R - D EC E M B E R 1 5
Art exhibit inspired by Filipino food movement in Santa Ana, CA In “Super Sarap” — from November 3 to December 15 at Gallery 6/67 — three artists Mik Gaspay, Jeanne Jalandoni, and O.M. France Viana revisit commonplace objects and food within Filipino cooking. Through sculpture and photography, the artists elicit personal and collective memories and offer cultural connections that go beyond the Philippine diaspora. The exhibition title, “Super Sarap,” fuses both English and Tagalog together, to hold multiple meanings. It can convey something that is extremely delicious, an expression of excitement and affirmation. Artists in “Super Sarap” play with these definitions and mutate symbols, making them both strange and familiar, challenging the expectations of cultural norms. It is guest curated by Patricia Cariño Valdez, an independent curator based in Oakland, CA. In addition to the exhibit, there will be two art and culinary events: an intimate four-course gourmet dinner prepared by acclaimed Orange County Chefs, Ross Pangilinan of Mix Mix Kitchen Bar on November 15 and Chef Ryan Garlitos of Irenia Restaurant on December 9 combined with an exhibition walk-through. The opening reception for Super Sarap will be on Saturday, November 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. Gallery 6/67 is located at 404 West 4th St., Suite K (2nd floor), Santa Ana, CA 92701. Gallery visits are by appointment. For more information about the exhibit and related events, visit https://www.gallery667.com.
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Healing Mass with Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi in La Puente, CA Come experience the healing power led by Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi on Friday, November 30 at 7 p.m. It will be held at St. Martha Catholic Church (444 N. Azusa Ave., La Puente, CA 91744). Contact Rainier Valenzuela at (626) 964-4313 for more information.
D EC E M B E R 1
NAFFAA hosts civic leadership forum in Carson, CA The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) will have a civic leadership forum on Saturday, December 1 in Carson, CA from 1 to 5 p.m. It is a free event focused on civic leadership and empowerment within the Filipino-American community. Following the forum will be a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. It will be held at the Carson Community Center on 801 E. Carson St. Carson, CA 90745. To RSVP, visit naffaa.org/events.
“Pasko Na Naman” in Glendale, CA The Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups will sponsor a fundraiser entitled: “Pasko Na Naman 3” on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Incarnation Community Center (214 Fairview Avenue, Glendale, CA 91208) starting at 3:30 p.m. The presentation’s theme is: Tapestry of Music and Dance which will show a variety of music and dances in the Philippines especially at Christmas time. The show is filled with talented artists who give to the community with generous hearts. Bre Harris and Matt San Jose will portray the role of friends who happened to have shared a common denominator about life in the Philippines; depicted through choral singing and folk dancing. The performers are: Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, Holy Family Adult Choir under the direction of Tom Makiling and the Spirit of God Community under the direction of Ralph Santiago. “Ninangs” and “ Ninongs “ will also be presented. Pasko na Naman presentation is on its third year. This show will bring nostalgia especially to those who miss their families at Christmas time. Benefactors of proceeds include but are not limited to: Channel of Charity feeding and scholarship programs, FFRG faith formation events and projects. Come one! Come all! Feel the scents and sights of Filipino Christmas. The audience will also enjoy “merienda cena” at intermission. Ticket donation is $20.00 per person. For souvenir ad and ticket information, contact Tess Domingo at (909) 855-2208 or Carol Evangelista at (909) 969-3316.
D EC E M B E R 2
Festival features The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire in in North Hollywood, CA Fans of the famed funk and soul band Earth, Wind and Fire will get to enjoy their hits performed live at The Love of Country International Music Festival on Sunday, December 2, headlined by Kalimba: The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire. The show also features Sheldon Reynolds, the original guitarist of Earth, Wind and Fire. The nationally touring show Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire provides an Earth Wind & Fire experience so satisfying it transports audiences back to the excitement of the first time they heard these unforgettable songs. Also in the program will be a special guest performance by Rosemarie De Vera, the legendary beauty who aside from being crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas World 1980, cut several records during her acting career. Popular Music Director Roy Venturina will be her accompanist. Aside from hearing Top 40 hits, the audience will be treated to noted Filipino-American acts Ciamara Morales, Michael Keith, Maricar and the 4700 Band, the 3rd Degree Band, LA Front Page Band and The Elite Dancers. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. for food purchases. Main show in auditorium starts at 5 p.m. Venue address is The Church of Scientology of the Valley, 11455 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. Tickets available at EventBrite.com or at the gate. The concert benefits the Mother Movement.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
B4 NOVEMBER 28-30, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
Two magical words
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is more like the Theater of the Absurd. The honest truth: there is little glamour or fun in single parenthood – in far too many cases, it is just an endless, harrowing tale of one struggle after the next. There are exceptions of course. Unless fate played a dirty trick on you and you ended up meeting and marrying the partner from hell who is a sociopath, a psychopath, a criminal, a user, a liar, a pervert, a druggie, a murderer, a serial philanderer or just unfit to live in this planet with another human being, the best way to happiness would be to love, appreciate and say “thank you” to the one you’re with every single day of your life together. And while you’re at it, blow a kiss to the heavens for making you a winner in the love lottery stakes sending you someone you love or can learn to love AND (THE BLESSING of all blessings) who loves you back! Love is not a 50-50 proposition. It’s not even giving 110% of yourself to the other. It sounds sentimental, sappy and old fashioned but whether you like it or not, it is giving of yourself without counting the cost. It is the pure, intrinsic nature of life’s greatest
EMPLOYMENT
mystery – LOVE, beyond all telling. Those couples buried six feet deep, side by side at Forest Lawn probably understood what love and devotion meant. Their souls may have fused. Their hearts in the life beyond beat as one. That is one story you can believe in. (Or if you’re in for a laugh and have a sly, dry, wicked sense of humor, you might say those savvy couples probably got a twofer from the cemetery plot sales rep at Forest Lawn! LOL ;) How to find THE ONE if you’re on the hunt? Or how can you make THE ONE realize that you’re THE ONE for him or her without beating him or her over the head? That is one story for yet another day. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com. To read past articles, click on the link Online: http://issuu.com/ asianjournaldigitaledition” http://issuu. com/asianjournaldigitaledition or you can do searches in the least invasive search engine duckduckgo or bing or yahoo even before agenda-driven google.
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People and Events
‘Pasko Na Naman’: Philippine Christmas tapestry of music and dance in Glendale, CA THE Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups will sponsor a fundraiser entitled: “Pasko Na Naman 3” on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Incarnation Community Center (214 Fairview Avenue, Glendale, CA 91208). The presentation’s theme is: Tapestry of Music and Dance which will show a variety of music and dances in the Philippines especially at Christmas time. The show is filled with talented artists who give to the community with generous hearts. Bre Harris and Matt San Jose will portray the role of friends who happened to have shared a common denominator about life in the Philippines; depicted through choral singing and folk dancing. The performers are: Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, Holy Family Adult Choir under the direction of Tom Makiling and the Spirit of God Community under the direction of Ralph Santiago. “Ninangs” and “Ninongs” will also be presented.
EMPLOYMENT
Pasko na Naman presentation is on its third year. This show will bring nostalgia especially to those who miss their families at Christmas time. Benefactors of proceeds include but are not limited to:
Channel of Charity feeding and scholarship programs, FFRG faith formation events and projects. Come one! Come all! Feel the scents and sights of Filipino Christmas. The audience will also enjoy
“merienda cena” at intermission. Ticket donation: $20.00 per person. For souvenir ad and ticket information: Tess Domingo at (909) 855-2208 or Carol Evangelista at (909) 9693316. ■
EMPLOYMENT
FOR RENT
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B NOVEMBER 28-30, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 28-30, 2018
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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 28, 2018
Meet Fil Am designer Zaldy, costume designer for Cirque du Soleil’s Volta and RuPaul’s Drag Race by
MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress
FOR over a decade now, renowned designer Zaldy Goco has straddled the twin genres of fashion and costume design to create unforgettable, timeless, and beautifully crafted clothing. A decade earlier, he was moving seamlessly between music and fashion, creating a tapestry that could very well be a major accent to his finale dress. That is if we look at his life’s trajectory as a runway fashion show. While making a name and creating a fierce brand, Zaldy (according to the New York Times, he dropped his last name when he was in high school) has also become a two-time Emmy Awardwinning costume designer through his work on RuPaul’s Drag Race. He has also been actively collaborating with Cirque du Soleil and the partnership has been growing through the years. Zaldy’s third major project with the famed group is Volta, which just opened last week at the AT&T Center in downtown San Francisco. Prior to Volta, Zaldy worked on Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour and Michael Jackson ONE. The fabric of Volta “The message of Volta, ‘Find your Free,’ is really the muse of the show,” Zaldy said when we asked about his inspiration behind the stunning designs for Volta. “The different families we discover along the journey of Waz (the main character in Volta) and his inner and outer struggle take us to worlds that have specific signifiers,” he added. “For example the Free Spirits are meant to live off the land so I wanted to create looks that reflect D.I.Y, up-cycle, recycle attitudes to dress. As if they found all of these discarded pieces of backpacks, rope, net etc. and
creatively fashioned looks for themselves.” The themes of alienation and self-realization are also evident in the numerous costumes in the show, to fit what Waz has to go through in order to find his true self. With Volta as his third Cirque du Soleil show, Zaldy had to make a few necessary adjustments when it came to costume design. “My first two shows for Cirque du Soleil—Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour and MJOne—are very different to Volta since the inspiration comes from the life and work of a real person,” he said. “Though the muses of the shows are very different my design aesthetic remains the same: I approach costume design the way I do fashion design where my goal is to create desirability.” “Of course, I must take into account our athletes particular performance needs, but the end result for me should be something you might want to walk away with,” he added. Zaldy & RuPaul Zaldy launched his namesake collection in 2002 and has since imagined stage looks for many of the most celebrated and diverse performers of this era: Michael Jackson, Madonna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, RuPaul, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani and Britney Spears among them. From 2004 to 2007, Zaldy was the head designer of Gwen Stefani’s highly successful L.A.M.B. collection, which fused streetwear with elements of the singer’s glampunk look. It was through his work with RuPaul that he first got nominated for an Emmy Award in 2016. He lost, but because of his consistently great design work, he was nominated again last year and he won. At the recent
Photo from instagram.com/@zaldynyc
Emmy Awards, Zaldy won for Outstanding Costumes for a Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Programming, a special back to back win and it took a little while before everything sunk in. “It’s very surreal still... we never set out thinking this show would end up, 10 years later, with all of this acclaim and attention,” Zaldy revealed. “We were really doing this to have fun with our friends! This really shows how even when walls seem to be closing in, the general public has evolved in attitude and me along with it!” Asked about his relationship with RuPaul and what his creative process with him is like, Zaldy replied with a simple yet meaningful “I love Ru!” Zaldy’s early work with Ru started with his single Supermodel (the 1993 video credited for launching RuPaul’s career) and that has created a bond of trust between the two, to the point where Zaldy even gets to create what he thinks is best for RuPaul without sketches or fittings. “We often have referred to our creative work together as telepathic! It’s a very rare relationship I have with only a handful of clients that imbue that much trust in me,” he explained. That relationship has moved to yet another level as they have just started work on their new Netflix series with creator Michael Patrick King (the man behind “Sex and the City”) called AJ and the Queen. “This is more of a traditional approach, in a way, where I do create sketches to share so people have an idea of what they will be shooting, however Ru and I are really left to create the best character we can together,” Zaldy said. A June 2018 feature on
Vogue titled “Zaldy Is the Designer RuPaul Wouldn’t Go Anywhere Without” retraced how RuPaul and Zaldy met in the late ’80s at La Palace de Beauté, a nightclub in Union Square. Zaldy said he approached Ru to talk clothes. “Ru had worn the same outfit two nights in a row, and when I brought it up, Ru told me, ‘When it works, it works’,” he recalled. Looking back “I think once I knew what a designer was, I knew I wanted to design clothes,” Zaldy shared, looking back on the days when he was drawn to fashion and costumes even as a young child. Born in Cheshire, Connecticut, Zaldy grew up with his two sisters. He told the Times that it was an idyllic childhood, fishing the lake and ice skating in winter. He remembers his early days of watching Cher with his grandmother Presentacion (a dentist who had her own fashion school in the Philippines called Paris Manila Fashions) and they would always talk about her looks and outfits. “Even though I clearly was an artistic child, I was convinced I was going to be a doctor or a plastic surgeon,” he shared. Since he comes from a family of doctors who are married to doctors, he thought his career path was already mapped out for him. “Of course this all changed the more sure I was with who I was and where I wanted to go,” Zaldy affirmed. He studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Before he became a designer, Zaldy also dabbled in fashion modelling with designers like Vivienne West-
Photos from instagram.com/@zaldynyc
Contributed Photo
Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil
wood, Jean Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler getting him to modeling women’s clothes for them. In 1995, he was featured as a model in a British television ad for Levi’s, an ad campaign that was way ahead of its time, according to Zaldy who posted the now 23-year-old ad on his Instagram account recently. The advertisement was banned in the United States and was shown only late at night in the United Kingdom. Fashion forward Aside from the new Netflix series “AJ and the Queen” starring RuPaul and from the creator Michael Patrick King, Zaldy has his hands full creating custom looks for Katy Perry for “American Idol,” designing looks for Lady Gaga’s Las Vegas residency, and
creating two more projects with the founder of Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberte. “Unfortunately, I don’t get to the Philippines too much. I work so much! Even when travelling, it’s difficult even if I’m already in Japan or China working,” Zaldy said with a hint of disappointment. But he remains hopeful that he gets to return and visit his parents’ motherland someday soon. “Maybe a project will bring me specifically to the Philippines. That would be amazing! (Cirque du Soleil’s Volta is at Under the Big Top, AT&T Park in San Francisco from November 15, 2018 to February 3, 2019 and will be at the Santa Clara Fairgrounds from Februrary 13 to March 19, 2018.)
Why Sharon cried and felt nervous, at first, to shoot reunion movie with Richard by Marinel
r. Cruz
Inquirer.net
SHARON Cuneta confessed that she had to extend shooting for the movie “Three Words to Forever” for one more day after she failed to finish working on several important scenes as a result of deep sadness and grief because of the death of a good friend. “I was only able to finish one scene that day,” said Sharon of her reaction to the death of Inquirer Entertainment writing editor Bayani San Diego on October 24. She claimed to have been so grief-stricken that she wasn’t able to focus on the scenes that she was supposed to do for Cathy Garcia-Molina’s latest drama. “We were so tense that day because of her,” said Sharon’s costar Richard Gomez, who broke the news of Bayani’s passing to her after reading
about it on Facebook. “Direk Cathy scolded me. She asked, ‘Why did you tell her? What will we do with her now?’” “That was why he tried to take it back. It’s funny how he said ‘Ay, buhay naman yata!’” recalled Sharon as she laughed while wiping away her tears. She then proceeded to answer the Inquirer’s question on what the audience could expect from her reunion movie with Richard, as compared to her well-received tandem with Robin Padilla in “Unexpectedly Yours.” “My film with Robin is comedy. He has his own charm. We’re very effective onscreen because we’re so in sync when we work together,” she explained. “I never got to watch any of Richard’s work with Dawn (Zulueta), but I know this project is different. There’s something here for everyone. It’s not just for two people in
love. It’s about three generations of women in one family trying to keep it together. We try to show—even though it’s difficult—how important it is to do that.” Richard, meanwhile, said her onscreen partnership with Dawn “is different from Sharon’s in terms of how we approach acting. I can’t pinpoint exactly, but if you see this movie, you’ll know.” What Richard was most proud about “Three Words to Forever” was that it was shot entirely in Ormoc City, where he is the incumbent mayor. “We were locked in there for three weeks. We had a wonderful time. It’s my honor to be their host. I’m also proud to show the whole country how beautiful the city is. I’m glad they enjoyed their stay in Ormoc. I’d like to bring more people there,” he declared. For Sharon, the 15 years
Sharon Cuneta with Richard Gomez
that she lost touch with Richard made her feel uncomfortable around him in the beginning. “I was nervous to shoot the film. I told Inang (Olive Lamasan, one of her mentors) that I didn’t know if I could do this. I cried to her. I told her, ‘I don’t know him anymore. He’s not my Richard,’” Sharon recalled. “I wasn’t used to Richard being a mayor. I was even more shocked when I heard him speaking Bisaya. I’m glad things eventually turned
Inquirer.net photo
out great.” On the big screen, Sharon and Richard last worked together in Joel Lamangan’s “Walang Kapalit” in 2003. “We went through a lot, you just don’t know. Grabe ang tiniis ko dito,” she said of her ex-boyfriend while laughing. “We were still so young then. We were officially together for a year, but we dated for five years on and off. Richard is really a good
person—that’s why I was able to forgive him easily, repeatedly. I don’t think I would be able to put up with a boyfriend that long if it wasn’t Richard,” she declared. “Three Words to Forever,” which also features Kathryn Bernardo, Liza Lorena, Tommy Esguerra, Joross Gamboa, Marnie Lapus and Tobie dela Cruz, is part of Star Cinema’s 25th anniversary celebration. It will be shown in cinemas starting Nov. 28.
Festival features Kalimba: The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire on Dec. 2
entertainment
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 28, 2018
“Kalimba” Band’s frontliner is original guitarist Sheldon Reynolds
FANS of the famed funk and soul band Earth, Wind and Fire will get to enjoy their hits performed live at The Love of Country International Music Festival on December 2. Headlined by Kalimba: The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire, the show also features Sheldon Reynolds, the original guitarist of Earth, Wind and Fire.
The nationally touring show Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire provides an Earth Wind & Fire experience so satisfying it transports audiences back to the excitement of the first time they heard these unforgettable songs. Lead vocalist, Thomas “Chazz” Smith, created Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire in 2011 with the
Sheldon Reynolds, original guitarist of Earth, Wind & Fire Rosemarie De Vera
vision of honoring the beloved Earth Wind & Fire hits he and millions of others listened to while growing up. The 10-piece organization includes a full horn and rhythm section to reproduce the infectious grooves created by EWF’s Verdine White and Ralph Johnson. In February the loss of EWF’s founder and musical genius, Maurice
Michael Keith
Kalimba: The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire White, left the world mourning, but Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire faithfully honors his work by featuring lush treatments of the soaring vocal harmonies that are the hallmark of Earth Wind & Fire’s music and EWF’s late founder, musical genius, Maurice White. Performances authentically replicate the signature high notes of Maurice White’s sidekick, Philip Bailey. Playing across the country at some of the nations most prestigious and historic theaters, music festivals, state fairs, corporate events and functions, casino’s, and larger clubs as well
as upscale private parties and weddings, Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire includes all of the hits: September, Shining Star, Boogie Wonderland, After the Love Has Gone, Let’s Groove, That’s the Way of the World, Devotion, Reasons, Sing a Song, Can’t Hide Love, Getaway, Fantasy, and Love’s Holiday just to name a few. Making a rare Special Guest Appearance is Rosemarie De Vera, the legendary beauty who aside from being crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas World 1980, cut several records during her acting career. Popular Music Director Roy Venturina will be
her accompanist. Aside from hearing Top 40 hits, the audience will be treated to noted Filipino-American acts Ciamara Morales, Michael Keith, Maricar and the 4700 Band, the 3rd Degree Band, LA Front Page Band and The Elite Dancers. Gates open at 3:30pm for food purchases. Main show in auditorium starts at 5pm. Venue address is The Church of Scientology of the Valley, 11455 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. Tickets available at EventBrite.com or at the gate. The concert benefits the Mother Movement.
Iza Calzado shares her wedding preparations by RICKY LO Philstar.com
WHEN Iza Calzado marches down the aisle in a Rajo Laurel gown, she will be given away by her brother Dash since both their parents (dad was Lito Calzado) are long gone. It will surely be an emotional moment for Iza — “And I think I couldn’t help but cry,” never mind if that would spoil her makeup. “I don’t think Ben would mind.” The groom is half-British/halfFilipino Benjamin “Ben” Wintle, the founder and CEO of the app Booky whom Iza met in 2011 during an Esquire magazine event, with their mutual friend Isabelle Daza acting as Cupid. “He’s my Prince Charming,” said Iza, “and I met him at the Ball.” How do you prepare for your wedding emotionally, mentally and physically? “To be honest, it’s very difficult to prepare mind, body and
spirit for the wedding because I am doing a soap (“Ngayon at Kailanman”) and a movie (“Sanggre Project” for iflix). But when I can, I try to work on all our requirements (ang daming kailangan gawin!). My lifestyle is already pretty healthy in terms of my food intake and physical activities, except for my sleep because of work so that much I get to take care of physically. “I have also gone to Belo for some pre-wedding treatments but I haven’t been back in over a month because of work. Lastly, I plan to do a two-to-three day stay at The Farm just before I get married so I can be centered and grounded before I say I do.” Any beauty regimen that you practice? “I always make it a point to cleanse and moisturize my face. I eat lots of vegetables and fruits, drink copious amounts of water, drink bone-broth soup which is rich in collagen and try to get enough sleep when I can. Plus, I
make sure to always wear a smile on my face. Kahit anong pagpapaganda mo, kung hindi ka masaya, hindi ka magiging truly beautiful!” What about your fiancé, did he have to undergo some treatments at Belo? “Nope, none. He has never gone to any facial clinic in the Philippines. Ben is super low maintenance.” What kind of wedding will you have? “Beach wedding. Hopefully, a fun one!” Tell us how you and Ben met and matched? “I was hosting for the launch of Esquire magazine in 2011. He was a guest and he saw me on stage. Our common friend, Isabelle Daza, found out that Ben was asking another friend about me and was quick to pull him to me. She tapped my shoulder and said, ‘Ben-Iza, Iza-Ben. Single-Single.’ Safe to say I met my Prince at the Ball. The rest is history.”
More about Ben (his family background, profession, etc.)? “Benjamin Wintle is halfBritish, half-Filipino, born and raised in Hong Kong. He is a tech entrepreneur and is the founder and CEO of the app Booky which started as a food app and has now entered fitness and beauty space. He loves dogs and plays tennis on the weekends.” How did you know that you were compatible enough to settle down as husband and wife? “Ben and I balance each other out. I feel that we fill each other’s weaknesses with each other’s strengths. I knew he would make such an amazing father because of how he is with our dogs and how he has been very helpful in helping me raise my stepbrother. I knew he would be a great partner in life, that’s what made me realize that he is The One.” How soon do you plan to have a child and how many do
Iza Calzado is undergoing a series of treatments at the Belo Medical Clinic in preparation for her and boyfriend Ben Wintleʼs wedding ʻin a very special islandʼ sometime mid-December. Philstar.com photo
you want? “Just need to finish some projects next year so end of the next year is the deadliest deadline to start creating and hoping for a family.” Where’s the honeymoon? “We haven’t planned it, I am still very busy with work.” Will there be any changes (choice of roles, etc.) in your career after the wedding? “Ben is very supportive and understanding so in terms of roles, I don’t see anything changing. I have been playing mother roles naman na so it’s not like
that will be something new for me pa. Maybe, it will be different to execute it once I have a child of my own. “I really don’t know where this road will lead me but I know that when the time comes for me to be a mother, I will take on that role as seriously as I have taken on all my other roles as an actress — probably 1,000 times more serious. My passion to create and express and grow as an artist will always be in me but this time, it will go hand in hand with my growth as a woman, wife and hopefully a mother.”
entertainment Kathryn on her relationship with Daniel and views on marriage
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 28, 2018
by Nathalie
tomada Philstar.com
IN Star Cinema’s new film “Three Words To Forever”, Kathryn Bernardo plays a young
bride-to-be. Her plans to wed will uncover the good, the notso-good and the challenging in the marriages within her threegeneration family. Kathryn’s grandparents
(played by Freddie Webb and Liza Lorena) are preparing to renew their vows as husband and wife for 55 years. Her parents (Richard Gomez and Sharon Cuneta) are drifting apart but putting up a pretence for their 25th wedding anniversary. What is supposed to be a triple celebration of love faces complications so much so the film asks the question, is staying together still an option? Or, is the situation worthy of a happy resolution? The theme of “Three Words To Forever” inspired some discussion on marriage during a presscon last Nov. 22 at Dolphy Theater. Kathryn offered her thoughts on the subject as prompted by a fan question. Asked how can one tell if she’s ready for marriage, she said, “Feeling ko, you’ll feel it when you are ready for it and if your partner is ready for it, kasi iba-ibang age tayo pwede maging ready pasukin ang marriage because it’s a different level from being boyfriend-girlfriend. For me, if you can see your life, things you do now with that person, I think that’s one; then if you can’t see the future without him; and if there’s respect for each other, that’s important. People get ready for marriage at different ages. If you feel it, go! Sometimes, you just have to jump.” However, she was quick to add that marriage is far from her mind. “Not so soon, siempre si Mama andyan!” she laughed, pointing at her mother Min in the audience. “Too early for now. These are things you don’t rush because it’s marriage and it’s unfair to the other person if you enter something when you can’t give it everything. So, we’ll see.” The 22-year-old actress has been going steady with her perennial love team partner Daniel Padilla for five years now. She and DJ “officially” confirmed their relationship in a media con in August for their Star Cinema film “The Hows of Us”, which the ABS-CBN film outfit declared as highest-grossing Pinoy film of all time for earning over P600 million.
The Asian Journal inks mutual trade event participation with the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC) for 2019--the Travel, Trade and Consumer Roadshow in Carson on August 3 and 4, and the Franchising and Retail Trade Conference in Cerritos on February 15-19. From left to right: Asian Journal CEO Roger Oriel, FACC-Hollywood President Craig Wilson, FACC Tri-County Merwynn Montenegro, FACC-SLAA Board Member Janice Jimenez, Love of Country Ambassadors Program Head Trinity Foliente, COFACC President Gerry Palon, and FACC-GLA Board Member Annie Nepomuceno.
Kathryn Bernardo with Daniel Padilla Photo from Instagram/@bernardokath
Like her new film’s title, Kathryn has three words for this young love. “I am happy. Alam mo, ang sarap mag-share ngayon ng lahat, na ganito ka-open since sinabi namin last presscon yung totoong status namin. But really, I am happiest when I am with DJ. Yes, because he’s not just a boyfriend eh. He’s a friend also, whom you can tell everything, and how he is with my family.” She also has three words for what she thinks will make a relationship, whether romantic or familial, for keeps. “I am sorry. In general, whether in a family or in a relationship, it’s easy to say I love you, but it’s difficult to (release the words) I am sorry, right? When you say I am sorry, it means you still want to fix things or you want to give another chance, ang dami niyang pwede pang puntahan. In my family, if you’ve done something wrong, I am sorry. With DJ and I, whoever is at fault should say sorry kasi
kung wala yun, it can’t just be ‘I love you’ every day. And it’s important that you know how to forgive and humble yourself in any kind of relationship.” Meanwhile, to be filming without her long-time screen partner for the first time, she said, has been “a big, big adjustment for me. I won’t say that it has been easy because for a long time, for six or seven years, I’ve been (working) with DJ, and you know when you report to the set, he’s there (laughs).” For Kathryn, it did feel strange “but then when this film was offered to me, with Tito Richard and Tita Sharon, when I learned about the story, ang ganda-ganda. I wanted to do the film because I’m a daughter in a family.” She continued, “I want to represent for the youth once they watch the movie. I will be the voice of the children. Of course, in the first shooting days, we were all adjusting because it was an out-of-town shoot. You couldn’t go home to your house or see (certain) people but then, after a week maybe or two, everything was OK already. Nakatulong din, of course, si DJ, how much he supported me in this film. I’m so lucky!” According to her, Daniel came to their set location in Ormoc, Leyte, a visit that obviously thrilled the young actress. He also talked to Tommy Esguerra, who plays Kathryn’s fiancé in the film, so that it would be easier for them to do scenes together. She also credited the film’s director Cathy Garcia-Molina (who last directed her in “The Hows of Us”). “She’s like my mother in the industry. She was
a big help as always. She took care of me,” she said of the lady director (a no-show at the presscon because she was editing the film.) Asked how it was working with Richard and Sharon, who are reuniting on the big screen 15 years after “Walang Kapalit” in 2003, Kathryn said, “Of course, I was shy at the start but they helped me out and they didn’t make it hard for me to adjust to the environment, new co-workers. I’m so lucky that they guided me throughout the movie.” She also refused to compare “Three Words To Forever” to “The Hows of Us”, particularly box-office expectations. “Actually, this movie is very different from “Hows of Us”. This is a family movie... More than the amount it will earn, I want families to be touched by our story. Of course, it’s a bonus na kung ilang milyon yung kinita ng movie. But at the end of the day, I think we are able to do our jobs as actors if audiences can relate to our characters.” She continued, “I’m very happy with the material, especially when we shot the confrontation scenes and all. I want our movie to be watched by all members of the family. The past few projects that Star Cinema made (were) all love stories, and I’m a fan of “Four Sisters and a Wedding”, I’m a fan of “Seven Sundays”. Super! Nung sinabi sa akin, di ko talaga alam na parang part siya nun,” she said, referring to the 2013 and 2017 family-centered films also megged by direk Cathy. “I am fan of this project. I hope (people) give it a chance, give it their time.”
Jerusalem and its rich religious history By emil
Perito
THE eternal city of Jerusalem—home to over 800,000 people—is a city rich in religious history with roots in Judaism and Christianity in its early centuries, followed by Islam in the 7th century AD. Roughly 20 different nations captured and governed the city over the years, and each saw it as a valued treasure. Surrounded by ancient walls measuring two and a half miles in circumference is the Old City of Jerusalem which is home to over 30,000 inhabitants, primarily Jewish, Christian, Armenian, and Muslim. Of the wall’s nine gates, eight are open to the public. Known as the Holy City, the name holds true for three primary religions being Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. For Jews, the Temple of Jerusalem, holds high importance. Also known as Solomon’s Temple, it was originally built in the tenth-century B.C.E by Solomon in ancient Jerusalem and served as the core
for Israelite religious life. After being destroyed by the Babylonians, it was rebuilt as the Jews returned from exile and later expanded by Herod the Great. The tomb where Jesus Christ is believed to have laid to rest is widely believed to be situated in the heart of the Old City’s Christian quarter, making the city also important to Christians. Interestingly, the average number of visitors to Jerusalem since 1996 has been over 2.3 million a year with over 65 percent being Christian. For Muslims, the Dome of the Rock located in the Muslim quarters is the oldest remaining
Islamic monument. The goldtopped Islamic shine commemorates the prophet Muhammad’s night journey from Mecca. Jerusalem’s diversity has kept it as a sought after pilgrimage spot for years and is sure to have something to offer to all who visit. Established in 1995, Air Plus Travel specializes in religious travel. Join us in one of our private pilgrimages to Egypt, Jordan, and Dubai in March 2019. For more information, contact Air Plus Travel at (562) 863-0624, or visit us at www. airplustravel.net.
(Advertising Supplement)
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 28, 2018
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 28, 2018