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NOVEMBER 29-DECEMBER 5, 2018 Volume 29 - No. 45 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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

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Sandiganbayan: Imelda’s appeal to take case to SC premature by AJPRESS FORMER First Lady and incumbent Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Imelda Marcos filed a Notice of Appeal on Tuesday, November 27, before the Sandiganbayan seeking to take her Former first lady Imelda Marcos filed a notice of appeal before the anti-graft court signifying conviction in seven graft cases her intent to seek redress before the Supreme Court. Inquirer.net photo to the Supreme Court.

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Dr. Fe Del Mundo, first woman accepted into Harvard Medical School, honored with Google Doodle The pioneer in pediatrics honored on what would’ve been her 107th birthday 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 cared for detained children and went on to establish the first pediatric facility in the Philippines. “I’m glad that I have been very much involved in the care of children, and that I have been relevant to them. They are the most outstanding feature in my life,” Del Mundo said in 2007. Though she’s not exactly a household name,

However, Sandiganbayan 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

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 Indo-Pacific 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 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 assistance to the

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her motion why she was unable to attend the promulgation of her cases last November 9. “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

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BiCam approves Universal Health Care bill by AJPRESS THE Philippine Senate together with the House of Representatives approved the reconciled version of the Universal Health Care (UHC) bill that aims to provide health care for all Filipinos on Tuesday, November 27. One of the UHC’s principal authors Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito expressed his joy over the passage of the said bill among the upper and lower houses. He remained hopeful that it will eventually be signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte. “This is a historic day and everybody is happy. We just need to ratify the measure and then, hopefully, send to the Office of the President for review and for President Duterte to sign it into law,” Ejercito said as reported by The Philippine Star. Kabayan Representative Ron Salo, another principal author of the bill, assured that the Filipinos would now be subjected to a better health care system without minding the costs of such services. “Having everyone covered by public health insurance so as not to suffer financial catastrophe whenever

AIRPORT SECURITY INSPECTION. President Rodrigo Duterte submits himself for security inspection upon his arrival at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport for its inauguration on Tuesday, November 27. Bohol-Panglao International Airport is the country’s first “eco-airport”, and is expected to accommodate around two million passengers annually. Malacañang photos by Albert Alcain

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Bersamin asserts judicial independence as new Philippine chief justice by KRISTINE JOY

Philstar.com

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US: Improved China ties can’t replace PH-US alliance

same,” the Fifth Division’s Clerk of Court said as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer. The graft court pertains to the documents submitted by Marcos last November 12, requesting the anti-graft court to grant her post-conviction remedies. The widow of former President Ferdinand Marcos also explained in

Newly appointed Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin (2nd from left) takes his oath before Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio on Wednesday, November 28 at the Session Hall at the Supreme Court in Padre Faura Street, Manila. Looking on are Mrs. Aurora Bagares-Bersamin (3rd from left) and Chief Justice Bersamin’s immediate predecessor, Chief Justice Teresita J. Leonardo-de Castro. Photo courtesy of Supreme Court-PIO

PATAG

MANILA — Newly appointed Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin on Wednesday, November 28, asserted judicial independence as he takes the helm of the Judiciary. Bersamin, after taking oath before Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio at the SC, faced the members of the press for the first time as the head of the Judiciary. The chief justice, who has been a part of the 15-member Court since April 2009, said that he has always given “analytical attention

and deep study” when voting or rendering judgment. Among the most high profile cases with ponencia or main decision written by Bersamin include the granting of bail to former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Arroyo appointed Bersamin to the high court as an associate justice. “Maybe your concept of judicial independence is that the government should lose the case. I hate to disappoint you. The

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Bishops slam Duterte for urging Carpio: ‘China and PH joint Catholics to stop going to church exploration - unconstitutional’ by CATHERINE

by AJPRESS

MODESTO

ManilaTimes.net

CATHOLIC bishops slammed President Rodrigo Duterte for urging churchgoers to stop going to their place of worship and praying for “idiots,” as they asked Filipinos in their right minds to ignore the president’s “nonsense.” Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, also the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) CommisManila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo sion on Mission chairman, said he is tired of Duterte’s “stupid” remarks.” Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said the president’s latest remark was “just sowing division and creating false religiosity” and added that this recent statement from Duterte was “heartless and irresponsible.” “Anyone who even holds the highest position in the land should never play like God, for it will just lead to disaster to all and disgrace of himself,” Santos said.

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Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David Philstar.com photos

FORMER Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio revealed on Monday, November 26, that the joint exploration and exploitation of resources in the West Philippine Sea with China is a direct violation of our constitution. “Joint exploration and exploitation is prohibited in our Constitution, which requires that the Philippines shall have ‘full control and supervision’ in the exploration and exploitation of natural resources,” Carpio explained as reported by The Philippine Star. “Joint exploration and exploitation” as defined by law “will diminish our ‘full control’ and

thus violate the Constitution,” he added. The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on oil and gas exploration during the recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping had elicited concerns and criticisms noting that the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea would be compromised. However, Carpio clarified that a portion of the MOU indicated a possibility of China recognizing service contracting by the Philippines. Ultimately suggesting that they would consider the Philippines’ sovereign rights over areas covered by service contracts. “I don’t have any objection with

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Bishops slam Duterte for urging Catholics to...

PAGE A1 But he recognized that “even our God is so understanding and compassionate. Our God respects our free will and decision.� Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said he respects Duterte, adding that people have their own convictions and way of relating to a personal God. Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said Duterte’s “rants�

show that he is not a “good� statesman. He said the president should instead focus on the poverty problem, as well as increasing prices of goods and “suspicious� agreements with China instead of talking about things that have nothing to do with his governance. In a speech in Davao City, Duterte said religious teachings of the Church are “archaic.�

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos

CBCP photo

“Ang mga tao noon, nomads. What do they know about the world today? Tapos pasundin mo ‘yung pinapasulat niyo (The people back then were nomads. What do they know about the world today? And then you’re going to make people follow your teachings),� the president added. The president is known for his unfiltered attacks on his critics and for deviating from his prepared speeches, which are often expletive-filled. A Catholic bishop whom he linked to illegal drug activities has denied the allegation, saying he was doing the opposite, which was helping rehabilitate people addicted to drugs. “No, sir, I’m not into drugs of any sort, whether illegal or illegal. Never been,� Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David posted on his Facebook account. David, also the CBCP vice president, said he has “partnered with the anti-drug abuse councils or offices of the local government units of [the cities of] Caloocan, Malabon and Navotas.� He added that he was healthy unlike Duterte, whom he twice described as a “sick� person. “Thank God I am not even taking any maintenance drugs yet. I only take vitamins with fruit shake blended with malunggay (moringa oleifera) in the morning.� The president’s latest tirade against the bishop came barely a week after he accused David of stealing Church donations, which the prelate has denied doing. David on November 3 asked the faithful to pray for Duterte. “I think it should [be] obvious to people by now that our country is being led by a very sick man. We pray for him. We pray for our country,� he said. In June this year, Duterte was criticized for calling God “stupid.� n

SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY 340 N. 11TH Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101

PUBLIC NOTICE EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 3, 2018 AND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) provides subsidized housing for low-income persons who meet both the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) and SNRHA’s admission criteria.

The wait list will be open and we will accept applications for the following programs: ESPINOZA TERRACE (PBV-RAD/Henderson) – 1 & 2 Bedrooms, Head, Spouse or Co-tenant must be 55 years or older at the time of application.

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 waterborne diseases. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

Sandiganbayan: Imelda’s appeal to... PAGE A1

petition read. In the Notice of Appeal, the 89-year-old former first lady requested that the details of her cases be sent to the Supreme Court to start the proceedings that would entail her motion for reconsideration. “With due respect, the accused submits that the decision convicting her is contrary to facts, law and jurisprudence,�

the notice of appeal stated. As of the moment, Marcos is enjoying provisional freedom after posting a bail of P150,000 last November 16. The Marcos matriarch was found guilty of violating Section 3(e) of R.A. for graft cases due to her involvement in funneling funds to seven Swiss foundations while she was in office during the 1970s. The plea came after the Fifth

Division’s ruling that old age could not evade anyone from a serving prison term referring to the case of a 71-year-old retired police officer who was found guilty of corruption in 2009. The Ilocos Norte Representative was a minister of Human Settlements and Metro Manila governor from 1976 to 1986, and member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa from 1978 to 1984. n

Bersamin asserts judicial independence... PAGE A1

government is often better in the arguments than the other side,� Bersamin said. “The government is represented by the solicitor general when

it comes to issues raised in the Court of Appeals or in the SC and there are also many cases where the government loses and yet you do not call out independent,� the chief justice pointed out.

“It’s just the government has less on the merits than the other side,� he added. “As far as the law is concerned, I am independent,� Bersamin stressed. n

US: Improved China ties can’t replace... PAGE A1 Philippines. Kim cited the work done by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in the Philippines, particularly in the fields of environment, education, governance. “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 coun-

try 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 “Kapi-

han 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)

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. sign the memorandum of understanding on oil and gas development between the Philippines and China. MalacaĂąang photo

‘China and PH joint exploration... PAGE A1 that kind of arrangement because if China comes in through our service contractors, those service contracts expressly recognize that the area falls within Philippine sovereignty or sovereign rights,� Carpio explained. Carpio further added that the participation of China in oil and gas exploration through Philippine service contracts might be acceptable. “I think we’re pretty safe. The government has included service contractors, so if we cooperate, if the cooperation with China on oil and gas activities will be through service contractors, we’re very safe,� Carpio clarified in an interview. The acting chief magistrate also proposed that the service

contractor in the Philippines’ Recto Bank (Reed Bank), Forum Energy, could easily pick a Chinese firm for its subcontractor. Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan’s PXP Energy Corporation through its London-listed unit Forum Energy Plc, holds an exploration permit covering Recto Bank. “China can come in as a subcontractor of Forum Energy or it can buy into equity of Forum Energy, or it could do both,� Carpio suggested. Palace: Carpio’s stance won’t affect CJ nomination Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo dismissed the idea that Carpio’s apparent opposition on the administration’s program would cost him the chief justice nomination. If seniority would

play a part in the said nomination, Carpio is deemed as the frontrunner for the chief magistrate post. Other candidates include Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Estela PerlasBernabe, and Andres Reyes Jr. Carpio is seen as vocal in expressing his stance on the longstanding maritime dispute between the Philippines and China. The spokesperson explained that the president appoints members of the cabinet even if their views contradict that of the leader. “Also those members of the cabinet coming from the left, attacking the president and yet they were appointed. So I don’t think you can derive a conclusion that just because someone is a critic of the administration you cannot be appointed,� he added. n

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Governor-elect Sisolak announces his full transition advisory committee

GOVERNOR-elect Steve Sisolak on Tuesday, November 27, announced his full transition advisory committee, releasing the additional 28 members who will serve on the committee along with Congresswoman Dina Titus, the Honorable Barbara Buckley and Mayor of Reno Hillary Schieve, who were On Tuesday, Nov. 27, Google dedicated its Doodle — a temporary alteration of the search engine’s iconic logo on its homepages — to Dr. Fe previously announced as chair and co-chairs respectively. Villanueva del Mundo, an internationally renowned Filipina pediatrician, on what would have been her 107th birthday. The committee includes statePhoto screengrabbed from Google.com wide representation as well as members from diverse backgrounds and who bring a wide PAGE A1 variety of experience to the transition. Del Mundo is one of history’s “I am excited to release my full highly-acclaimed doctors and transition advisory committee,” paved the way for other women said Governor-elect Sisolak. “I and Filipinos to make their marks have pledged to be a governor for in the world of medicine. all of Nevada and I have worked to And as an immigrant woman of make sure my transition team capcolor in pre-civil rights America tures the diversity this state holds. who set the foundation for pediEvery member of this team brings atrics in the Philippines, it’s not a a unique experience and view to surprise that Google would dedithe table and together, they will cate one of its famed Doodles after help me as I build an administrathe famed doctor and scientist. tion. By bringing people together About Dr. Del Mundo from day one, we can deliver real Born in the historic Intramusolutions for Nevada families.” ros district of Manila in 1911, Fe The full Sisolak Transition AdviVillanueva del Mundo was one sory Committee is listed below: of eight children to Paz and Ber- Hon. Dina Titus (General nardo del Mundo, a prominent Chair), Congresswoman, Nevada attorney and one-term Philippine Congressional District 1 assemblymember. - Hon. Barbara Buckley (CoThree of del Mundo’s siblings Dr. Fe Villanueva del Mundo, an internationally renowned Filipina pediatrician Chair), Executive Director, Legal died in infancy, and her older sis- Medical School Children’s Hos- country. ter died of appendicitis at 11 years pital and then earned a Master’s The 100-bed facility expanded old; it was this latter tragedy that degree in bacteriology at the in 1966 via the inclusion of an inspired del Mundo’s dream to Boston University School of Institute of Maternal and Child become a doctor for the youth. Health — the first facility of its PAGE A1 Medicine in 1940. In 1926, the bright-eyed 15After nearly 15 years of aca- kind in the continent of Asia — to one gets ill will now be realized,” year-old enrolled at the Univer- demic study, Del Mundo returned train doctors and nurses. Salo said. sity of Philippines Manila (UPM) to the motherland in 1941 right The new UHC bill that was Throughout the decades, Del where she was class valedicto- before the Japanese invasion of Mundo worked tirelessly and passed in a bicameral conference rian. Del Mundo earned her medi- the Philippines. As a volunteer pioneered research on infectious committee seeks to automatically cal degree in 1933 and passed for the International Red Cross, diseases that plague at-risk com- enroll all Filipinos in the proposed the medical board exam, ranking she attended to children detained munities. In addition to writing National Health Insurance Prothird among examinees. at the University of Santo Tomas, hundreds of articles and reports gram. It would be handled by Following her graduation in which was an internment camp for on diseases like dengue, polio and the Philippine Health Insurance 1933, Philippine President Manuel foreign nationals; this stint earned the measles, Del Mundo penned Corporation (PhilHealth). Quezon recognized Del Mundo’s her the nickname “The Angel of the Textbook of Pediatrics. “The funds shall be transferred achievements and offered her a Santo Tomas.” She continued to her work well to PhilHealth and shall be used full scholarship to any United She was then named director of into her 90s, making hospital to improve its benefit packages,” States school of her choice. She the North General Hospital until rounds and seeing patients while Ejercito added. chose the prestigious Harvard 1948 when she joined the faculty in a wheelchair. In 2011, she Once the UHC bill becomes a University, enrolling in Harvard of the University of Santo Tomas passed away from a heart attack law, Filipinos would get “immediMedical School, which previously and the Far Eastern University at the ripe age of 99. ate eligibility” to the full spectrum did not admit female applicants, thereafter. “She is a big loss to the Phil- of health care. Those who are making her the first ever woman Due to frustrations with the bu- ippines,” Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, enrolled in the program will gain to study at that institution. reaucracies that come with work- former director of the Philippine access to preventive, promotive, She studied at Harvard Medi- ing for a government hospital, she Department of Health’s National curative, rehabilitative, and palcal School until 1938 and then sold her home and other personal Center for Disease Prevention and liative care for medical, dental, briefly accepted a residency at properties to establish her own Control, said after Del Mundo’s mental, and emergency health Billings Hospital at the Univer- pediatric hospital. The Children’s passing. “We consider her as the services as reported by Rappler. sity of Chicago. She returned to Medical Center in Quezon City Mother of Philippine Pediatrics Members of the said program Boston the following year as a was inaugurated in 1957 and was and a very great scientist.” (Klar- will be given primary health care research fellow at the Harvard the first pediatric hospital in the ize Medenilla/AJPress) provider options that would meet

Dr. Fe Del Mundo, first woman accepted into...

Aid Center of Southern Nevada - Hillary Schieve (Co- Chair), Mayor, City of Reno - Nelson Aruajo, Former Nevada State Assemblyman - John Bailey, Managing Partner, Bailey Kennedy Attorney at Law - David Bobzien, Councilman, City of Reno - Bobbette Bond, Policy Director, Culinary Health Fund - Deisy Castro, DREAMer; Special Education Teacher, Elaine Wynn Elementary - Daniel Corona, Mayor, City of West Wendover - Robert L. “Bob” Crowell, Mayor, City of Carson City - Gerald Gardner, Former Chief Deputy Attorney General & Former Chief of Staff for Governor Brian Sandoval - Peter Guzman, President, Latin Chamber of Commerce - Asha Jones, Director of Government Affairs, Community College of Southern Nevada; Community Advocate - Karlos LaSane, Regional Vice President, Government Relations & Community Affairs, Caesars Entertainment Corporation - Duncan Lee, President, RDL Investments Inc.; Member of Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce - Marlene Lockard, Former Chief of Staff, Governor Richard Bryan

- Joseph Lombardo, Sheriff, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department - Kate Marshall, Lieutenant Governor-elect - Rusty McAllister, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Nevada State AFL-CIO - Arlan Melendez, Chairman, Reno Sparks Indian Colony - Denice Miller, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, MGM Resorts International - Thom Reilly, Chancellor, Nevada System of Higher Education - George Togliatti, Former Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Former Director, Nevada Department of Public Safety; Professor, UNLV - Stephanie Tyler, Nevada State President, AT&T - Dr. Tiffany Tyler, CEO, Communities in Schools of Nevada - Virginia Valentine, President & CEO, Nevada Resort Association - Mason Van Houweling, CEO, University Medical Center - Rita Vaswani, Vice President & Senior Relationship Manager, Nevada State Bank - Mario Walther, Director, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited - Jia Mei Wang, Branch Manager, CrossCountry Mortgage - Rich Williams, Business Representative, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters ■

BiCam approves universal health... their needs in terms of outpatient care, medicines, and laboratory tests. Direct membership through health premiums and indirect membership for senior citizens and indigents are both applicable in the said program. As premiums increase, direct contributory members would also get more benefits. This would urge people to pay for higher premiums and reward those who are voluntarily paying. The rate for members would also gradually increase by 0.5 percent annually. Income ceilings for contributions would also increase by P10,000 per year. The funding for the UHC bill would come from six sources namely – contributions from PhilHealth members, government subsidies for PhilHealth, revenues from sin taxes, part of the national budget for the Department of Health (DOH), 50 percent of the national government share from the Philippine Amusement and

Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and 40 percent of the charity fund from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The DOH said that about P257 billion would be necessary to implement the health care bill in its first year. The existing PhilHealth payments for the local government unit (LGU) hospitals would be allocated in a special fund specifically intended to improve the health centers and other facilities in LGUs. UHC also seeks to establish a Health Technology Assessment Council which would create recommendations for the development of policies and programs. The council is also entrusted to determine PhilHealth benefit packages. The reconciled version of the UHC was made from the approved Senate Bill No. 1896 in October 2018 consolidated with the approved House Bill No. 5784 in September 2017. ■

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Fil-Am Democrat TJ Cox declares victory in CA House race by christina

M. orieL & rae ann Varona AJPress

FILIPINO-American Democrat TJ Cox has defeated three-term Republican incumbent David Valadao to represent California’s 21st Congressional District, giving Democrats its 40th House seat gain this election cycle. Three weeks following the November 6 midterm elections, the 21st district remained one of the last undecided races in the country, with votes coming in favor for Cox on Monday. By Wednesday, November 28, Cox pulled ahead with 529 votes in Fresno and Kings counties after having trailed behind Valadao by roughly 4,400 votes on election night. The Kings County Elections Division released final vote totals in which Cox gained a net 70 votes, while his lead grew by 23 in Fresno County. As of press time, the 55-yearold Democrat led the Republican 56,634 votes to 56,105, according to the Fresno Bee. In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Cox said he was “elated” to declare victory in the race and thanked Valadao for the “six years of service” in the district. “Voters across the district resonated with our message of expanding health care, creating

Filipino-American Democrat TJ Cox has won the race to represent California’s 21st Congressional District.

good jobs, and fighting for our families’ futures,” Cox said, adding “I am honored to be the next Representative serving all of our communities throughout the 21st District. Now that the election is over, it’s time to get to work.” With Cox’s win, Democrats now hold 46 of California’s 53 seats. It also marks Republican losses in all seven districts they carried where Hillary Clinton also won in 2016. Valadao first entered office in 2012 and was projected to win, given the success of his previous races. With Cox’s advance this week, the Associated Press retracted its race call on election night.

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. SEALED WITH A HANDSHAKE. Actor Coco Martin, who portrays the lead role in the ‘Ang Probinsyano’ drama series, shakes hands with PNP Cox, an engineer and small Chief Oscar Albayalde. Television network ABS-CBN agreed to portray the PNP ‘more realistically’ on its primetime hit series while the business owner, first entered latter allowed ‘Ang Probinsyano’ to use PNP uniforms and facilities under supervision, under a memorandum of understanding signed on the election by running for Cal- Monday, November 26. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez ifornia’s 10th district which encompasses parts of the northern San Joaquin Valley, but dropped out to run against Valadao in the population while the rate in the entity for gender equality and the by JanVic Mateo 21st district. The district includes Americas was 1.6 victims. empowerment of women, called Philstar.com the Central Valley areas of FresThe rate in Oceania was 1.3 for an end to the culture of silencno County, Kern County, Kings THE home is the most danger- and in Asia 0.9, while the lowest ing and to put survivors at the cenCounty, and Tulare County. The Fil-Am previously attempted to ous place for women, with a ma- rate was found in Europe, with 0.7 ter of the response. According to UN Women, the run for Congress back in 2006. n jority of female homicide victims victims per 100,000 female popuworldwide killed by their partners lation. vast majority of perpetrators of or family, according to new reThe study also found that tan- violence against women and girls search published by the United gible progress in protecting and face no consequences and only a Nations Office on Drugs and Crime saving the lives of female victims minority of cases are ever report(UNODC). of homicides has not been made ed to the police. The “Global study on homicide: in recent years, despite legislation An even smaller percentage Gender-related killing of women and programs developed to eradi- results in charges and in only a and girls” by the UNODC for the cate violence against women. fraction of those cases is there a International Day for the EliminaThe conclusions highlight the conviction. tion of Violence against Women need for effective crime prevenPhumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, exshowed that around 87,000 wom- tion and criminal justice respons- ecutive director of UN Women, en lost their lives in intentional es to violence against women said laws must recognize that sexkillings around the world in 2017, that promote victim safety and ual harassment is a form of diswith 50,000 or 58 percent at the empowerment while ensuring of- crimination against women and a hands of their intimate partners or fender accountability. human rights violation. family members. The study also calls for greatUN Women also called for legal “Six women are being killed er coordination between police protections for both formal and every hour by people they know,” and the justice system as well as informal places of work to ensure UNODC said. health and social services and em- that the most vulnerable workers, “While the vast majority of ho- phasizes the importance of involv- like those dependent on tips from Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs micide victims are men, women ing men in the solution, including customers for their income, will Teodoro Locsin Jr. Philstar.com photo continue to pay the highest price early education. have a better chance to speak out as a result of gender inequalUN Secretary-General António against abuse and be heard. “No, far from that.” In December 1999, the UN Gen“It is not true that we would ity, discrimination and negative Guterres said violence against waive this right. We do not waive stereotypes. They are also the women and girls is not only a eral Assembly designated Nov. a single inch of what is given to most likely to be killed by inti- fundamental human rights issue 25 as International Day for the us,” Locsin said, recalling to his mate partners and family,” said but also a “moral affront” against Elimination of Violence against first meeting with Chinese For- UNODC executive director Yury them and a “mark of shame” on Women, inviting governments, all societies. international organizations and eign Minister Wang Yi. Locsin Fedotov. The study found that the global The UN noted that violence non-governmental organizations was referring to the country’s victory from the July 2016 rul- rate was around 1.3 victims per against women and girls is the to hold activities designed to raise manifestation of a profound lack public awareness on the issue. ing of a United Nations-backed 100,000 female population. Africa and the Americas are the of respect – a failure by men to The day also commemorates tribunal that invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims over the South regions where women are most recognize the inherent equality the brutal assassination in 1960 of at risk of being killed by intimate and dignity of women – and that the three Mirabal sisters, political China Sea. n partners or family members. it is tied to the broader issues of activists in the Dominican RepubIn Africa, the rate was around power and control in societies. lic, on orders of Dominican ruler 3.1 victims per 100,000 female UN Women, the organization’s Rafael Trujillo. n

Home most dangerous place for women in 2017 - UN agency

Teddy Locsin confirmed as DFA chief by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

THE congressional Commission on Appointments on Wednesday, November 28 has confirmed the ad interim appointment of Teodoro Locsin Jr. as secretary of Foreign Affairs. Sen. Panfilo Lacson was the first to recommend the approval of Locsin’s appointment during the latter’s confirmation hearing. “As Secretary of Foreign Affairs, we will agree that he will bring his own brand of diplomacy — one that represents the true value of an independent foreign policy enshrined in our constitution,” Lacson told the panel. The senator also cited Locsin’s three decades of experience in journalism, as well as his legal education at the Ateneo de Manila University and Harvard Law School. “If he pulls off and succeeds in the present endeavours which he is currently occupied with... We may now be confirming a future president of the Republic of the

Philippines,” Lacson added. Rep. Ronaldo Zamora (San Juan City) also endorsed the appointment of Locsin, saying that the latter has raised diplomacy into an “art form.” The appointment of 47 other senior officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs were also confirmed. In his confirmation hearing, Locsin answered questions in relation to the Philippines’ withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Duterte administration’s so-called independent foreign policy. “Withdrawing from the ICC does not legitimize any violation of human rights. It was far from being a knee-jerk reaction,” Locsin told the panel. Defending Duterte’s war on drugs, Locsin said the campaign is a “legitimate war” against criminal syndicates. Sen. Risa Hontiveros also asked Locsin whether the administration’s policy toward China was “simply switching answers” to which the DFA chief answered,

Demolition of Clark ‘dog heroes’ cemetery sparks outrage by ding

cerVantes Philstar.com

A CEMETERY established in Clark Freeport, Pampanga by the U.S. Air Force for “dog heroes” has been ploughed through and laid over with soil overnight, prompting some sectors to cry foul. “The K-9 Cemetery at the former U.S. Air Force Base is considered a historical and cultural heritage of ours. The cemetery is a sacred ground. These dogs had military ranks, too, and served in the armed forces like regular servicemen. They were also heroes that protected and saved lives in the past,” said Lt. Guy Indra Hilbero of the 26th U.S. Cavalry Philippine Scouts Memorial Regiment, a group recognized by the U.S. Veterans of Foreign Wars. Hilbero, in a statement furnished to The Star, said the “desecration of the cemetery is in full violation of the Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act of the National Museum of the Philippines.” The cemetery had been under the jurisdiction of Clark Development Corp. (CDC) since the U.S. Air Force abandoned the base in

The K-9 Cemetery at the Clark Freeport in Pampanga before its demolition. Philstar.com photo by Ding Cervantes

1992. CDC public affairs and information chief Noel Tulabut insisted that the cemetery remained untouched. But an ocular inspection by The Star showed that the cemetery, with its 284 tombstones, was gone. The K-9 Cemetery signboard remained, along with a low concrete pedestal where the statue of a U.S. military officer and his trained dog

once stood. When the Americans left Clark, they removed the statue and sent it to the Security Forces Museum in Texas in the U.S. The tombstones were “piled like garbage,” according to Hilbero, on one side of the cemetery. “Every year there are many former U.S. military men who pay their respects and visit this sacred ground,” Hilbero said. n

EU urges ASEAN to accede to cybercrime treaty by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

THE European Union has called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to follow the Philippines in joining the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, the only international treaty that provides a framework for countries to cooperate on cybercrime investigation and electronic evidence. EU Ambassador Franz Jessen congratulated the Philippines for joining the convention. “Become ambassadors for the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime in your countries so that we can see more ASEAN countries acceding the convention in the future, resulting in an easier common fight against cybercrime by having this as a common tool,” he said. The Convention was first signed in Budapest, Hungary on Nov. 23, 2001. The Philippines, through President Duterte, signed the instrument of accession on Dec. 9, 2016. Last February, the Senate unanimously concurred in the ratification of the Budapest Convention on

Cybercrime. The EU supported a four-day Introductory Training Course on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence for Prosecutors and State Attorneys of the ASEAN region, organized by the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Council of Europe, that concluded on Nov. 23. Thirty participants from nine ASEAN countries were trained by previously formed Philippine trainers on cybercrime legislation, procedural powers in relation to electronic evidence and tools for international cooperation and have become trainers, too. As crime is increasingly moving into cyberspace, any type of criminal activity may now entail evidence in electronic form. The EU said securing such evidence to bring offenders to justice is a major challenge as it may be stored on servers in foreign, multiple or unknown jurisdictions “somewhere in the cloud.” The EU and the Council of Europe, through the joint project on Global Action on Cybercrime Extended, are working with countries worldwide to develop sustainable training programs on cybercrime

and electronic evidence, both for the judiciary and for law enforcement. The Philippines has been one of the priority countries of this capacity-building initiative since 2014, benefitting from training courses, legislative advice and exposure to regional and international conferences and workshops on cybercrime. “Crime and criminals respect no state boundaries. In this virtual and interconnected world, our collective defense against cybercriminals and cybercrime is only as strong as our weakest link… (A) critical mass of trainers is necessary if we are to establish a web of experts that can contain, neutralize and protect our entire region from the pernicious effects of cybercrime,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said during the opening of the regional training. The economic and social impact of cybercrime in the region is huge and has been widely acknowledged, including through the ASEAN Declaration to Prevent and Combat Cybercrime that was adopted in Manila on Nov. 13, 2017. n

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Palace: Duterte is ‘physically fit’ Duterte: Filipinos must have access to safe drinking water by AJPRESS MALACAÑANG on Tuesday, November 27, said President Rodrigo Duterte is in good physical condition amid health issues critics have raised because he had skipped a number of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) events. According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, the president has had a grueling schedule prior the summit. “(Is he physically fit?) Oh yes, he is punishing his schedule,” Panelo said in a media briefing. “That does not mean, as alleged by certain people, (that) it’s laziness or he’s seriously ill. It’s fallacious,” he added. Duterte told reporters during the ASEAN Summit in Singapore that he needed to catch up on sleep to sustain his endurance. But Panelo maintained the president missed events that could be skipped, and that he was present for the important ones.

“One, that is only an opening so it’s not that important. Two three and four, he had to read only joint statements from ASEAN countries, and then there was going to be a discussion among the Presidents so he just tasked Secretary Locsin to read the statement for him,” Panelo explained. “Did you notice us too? We were falling asleep.. Rather than be embarrassed than fall asleep there, the camera focused on you, mag-power nap ka nalang muna, anyway, sandali lang naman ‘yun. (Just take a power nap, anyway, that won’t take long),” he added. In contrast to Malaysia’s Mahathir Duterte’s sleep catch-up has drawn criticisms from some people, as well as comparisons with the 93year-old Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. In an interview with Agence France-Presse during the same summit, Mahathir said he does not know how he manages to still at-

by AJPRESS

tend the events despite his age. “I always attend meetings. It’s my duty. If I can, I will. If I’m sick, I won’t,” he said. Panelo, for his part, pointed out that that age is not indicative of a person’s state of health. “For one, the physique of the two may not be exactly the same. There are people older and yet stronger than younger ones. It depends,” he said. Duterte’s health has been a hot topic after he admitted to having several medical conditions. In his previous speeches, he mentioned that he was suffering from migraines, nausea, pain due to a spinal injury, Buerger’s disease or a disorder affecting blood vessels, and Barrett’s esophagus or a complication which causes heartburn or acid indigestion. Calls for transparency by disclosing medical records of the president or issuance of a regular medical bulletin have been reiterated by critics again and again. ■

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte emphasized that every Filipino family must have access to safe drinking water for them to lead productive lives. During the kick-off for the construction of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) in Barangay Calinan, Duterte said, “I have always believed that access to safe drinking water is a fundamental right that must be enjoyed by every Filipino family so that they may lead healthy, dignified and productive lives.” According to him, water has become a problem for humankind not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of the world. “Water has become a commodity that is harder to secure,” he noted. He also mentioned that the subject of water was tackled during the recent 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders Summit in Singapore. “During the ASEAN, we were talking of resources of water. lead to the reenactment of 2018’s Really, as the fiction writers and budget — this means the appropriations set aside for the projects and spending for 2018 will be repeated in the upcoming year. If the Senate succeeds in passby NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS ManilaTimes.net ing its version of the budget, it will convene with the House of MORE tourists visited the Representatives as a bicameral Philippines this year despite the conference committee to hash out their bills’ discrepancies in closure of key destinations for order to come up with a unified rehabilitation, the Department of Tourism said on Monday, Noversion. The unified version will then be vember 26. From January to September, passed for signing to President 5.36 million tourists visited the Rodrigo Duterte. ■ 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 to the national economy… this growth is driven by more connections, affordable rates, and aggressive market activations of the private sector as we develop and promote more destinations in our beautiful country,” Puyat told reporters. South Koreans topped the list of arrivals at 1.2 million. Puyat said the closure of BoPhoto from Instagram/@mannypacquiao

House passes P3.75 trillion 2019 budget bill by AJPRESS THE proposed General Appropriations Act or the P3.757-trillion budget for 2019 has been passed on its third and final reading by the House of Representatives. The P3.757 trillion budget is meant to fund government projects and spending for the upcoming fiscal year, as reported by CNN Philippines. Lawmakers on Tuesday, November 27, approved the House Bill No. 8169 with a vote of 196-8-0 — this is more than a

month since they approved the 2019 budget on 2nd reading on October 3. The Senate, after the House budget bill has been transmitted to it, has to pass its own version of the budget. However, the upper house does not have sufficient time to properly study and scrutinize next year’s spending plan with the legislative session scheduled to go on break on December 14. Several senators have raised concerns that failure to pass a general appropriations act could

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. ■

is becoming more and more apparent. “And that is why I can hardly see any improvement in the quality of life in Manila or maybe in the entire Philippines, that we don’t have a sewer and a sewerage system that is really working,” he said. Given the inadequacy of the existing aquifer coming from the Dumoy water system now utilized by the Davao City Water District, the DCBWSP is a strategic infrastructure initiative that will shift Davao City’s main water supply from groundwater wells to a more sustainable-sourced surface water found in Tamugan River. Set to be the largest private bulk water supply facility in the country, the P12.6-billion project will provide the Davao City Water District (DCWD) with over 300 million liters per day of safe water. Duterte also recognized the efforts of the public-private partnership between the Apo Agua Infrastructure and the Davao City government in spearheading the water treatment facility’s construction. ■

Tourist arrivals up – DOT

Manny Pacquiao begins daily grind by ABAC

scientists would tell us now that climate change and water is really becoming… a harder commodity to secure,” he said. Duterte stressed that the siltation of the Mekong Delta was also talked about by the ASEAN leaders. “It’s the biggest rice field in all of the Earth and yet they are very apprehensive about the siltation of a part of the Mekong Delta. It is providing food, rice, carbohydrate, which is very important. But it’s also becoming a problem for humankind,” he said. ASEAN leaders tackled the issue about how water should no longer be dedicated to the planting of rice. “We are talking about it. There’s a cry now… everywhere about climate change but nobody seems to be compliant with it. I do not see any active advocacy that’s really being implemented here in our country regarding climate change,” the president said. Duterte likewise referred to Metro Manila’s current situation wherein the absence of a proper and working sewerage system

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racay 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. 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 adver-

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat Inquirer.net photo

tising 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. ■

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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

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

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

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?

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 climate-related poverty. At 2C extremely hot days, such as those experienced in the northern hemisphere this summer, would become more severe and common, increasing heat-related 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 lockedin 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 rollback 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.” ***

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 China. 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 aboutface 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 ten-

sions 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)

America vs. China: How Asia can win

Commentary

Philstar.com photo

conquering troops after their heinous massacre of Filipinos over a century ago, would be another unprecedented superpower concession obtained by Duterte’s independent foreign policy. And now that visiting President Xi Jinping has agreed with Duterte to elevate the ChinaPhilippines 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

Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

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Arroyo: No conflict in PH friendship with US, China DOTr chief: Old PUJs can stay if roadworthy SPEAKER Gloria MacapagalArroyo reiterated on Wednesday, November 28, that there was no problem with the Philippines’ friendship with both China and the United States because “they are both very important to the world and to the region, and our friendship with them is very important to us, and their friendship with each other is also very important to us.� Arroyo was at the inauguration of the new building of the Bases Development and Conversion Authority (BCDA) in Clark Global City in Pampanga, which United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and Hungarian

Ambassador to the Philippines JĂłzsef Bencze also attended. Arroyo then invited Kim and Bencze to bring more investments to the Philippines, saying there is plenty of room for both China and the U.S. in the Philippines as far as putting in investments is concerned. “So there’s plenty of room again for more investments and we hope that there would be a lot of new investments coming from the United States Ambassador, from Europe, Ambassador, and of course from our Philippine investors. We hope that more people know about the American investments and we also hope that more

American investments will come, now that we have this beautiful Clark Global City and the New Clark City as well,� she said. Arroyo also said a big Chinese industrial park and a Chinese Cultural Museum would be built in the New Clark City as part of a framework agreement signed during the recent state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi and President Rodrigo Duterte witnessed the signing of 29 deals between China and the Philippines. She, along with Senate President Vicente “Tito� Sotto III met with Xi before he left on November 21. (Glee Jalea/ManilaTimes.net)

Trillanes: I’ll walk into jail if parents committed graft by Paolo

romero Philstar.com

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 anomalous, 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

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV

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

Philstar.com photo

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

by Ding

Cervantes Philstar.com

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade clarified that not all old passenger jeepneys would be phased out under the government’s modernization program, since roadworthy vehicles would be allowed to operate. At a press conference during the Sulong Pilipinas forum here Monday, November 26, Tugade said old but roadworthy jeepneys would still be allowed, but they will have to undergo regular inspections to ensure their good condition. Contrary to some reports that as many as 600,000 jeepneys nationwide would be banned with the enforcement of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program, Tugade estimated only 220,000 units would be affected. Asked whether government-endorsed modern jeepneys would be readily available for jeepney operators and drivers complying with the modernization plan, Tugade said the program would take three years to be implemented fully, contrary to the earlier target of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to implement the program by the end of 2018. He cited affordable financing schemes available to help the operators buy the modern jeepneys. The financing rates would include an easy down payment,

aDel

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Tourism announced that they have accredited a total of 243 hotels in Boracay island. The tourism agency released the updated list of accredited accommodation establishments a month after the world-famous island reopened to tourists. In its latest bulletin, the DOT said the 243 establishments account to 9,248 rooms. The roster includes Fairways and Bluewater Beach Resort with the highest number of rooms ap-

proved, 700. The DOT reminded that establishments that are not accredited should cease and desist from making room bookings for sale. “We would like to remind the public that only the Boracay Island accommodation establishments that are compliant with the requirements of the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government), and accredited by the DOT are allowed to accept bookings and reservations,� the DOT said. Tourism Secretary Bernadette

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — Parents, students and teachers of the Manila Science High School on Tuesday, November 27, urged the Supreme Court to reverse its ruling on the constitutionality of the government’s K-12 Romulo-Puyat last month said education program. that among the new guidelines The group, through laywer to be strictly followed during the Severo Brillantes, filed its sevenisland reopening are the “no com- page motion for reconsideration pliance, no opening policy� for before the SC. The petitioners establishments on the island. asked the high tribunal anew to It also previously said all online junk the K-12 basic education propromotions and other related gram for being unconstitutional. collaterals should be deleted or On October 12, the SC voted put on hold until their full com- unanimously that Republic Act pliance. 10533, or the Enhanced Basic Prior to the island opening, Education Act of 2013, is constithe DOT released an initial list of tutional. only 25 accommodation establishBut the petitioners argued: “Not ments with a total of 2,063 rooms all Filipinos however need a globthat complied with the require- ally competitive education or one ments of the Boracay inter-agency at par with international standards task force. n (meaning a 12-year basic educa-

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very low interest rates, payability in seven years and P80,000 government subsidy. The PUV modernization program mandates the phase-out of jeepneys at least 15 years old and their replacement by Euro-4 compliant engines with the new models prescribed by government. While jeepney operators and drivers have argued that the PUV modernization would displace thousands of drivers, Tugade cited a study indicating that even if jeepney drivers pay for amortizations for new modern jeepneys, their take home pay would still be adequate for their families. The DOTr has insisted that the modern jeepney should conform to the existing environmental

and product standards set by the Bureau of Standards. It has side doors instead of rear doors, and a higher ceiling that allows for standing passengers, which translates to higher carrying capacity. Emergency exits are mandated and some units will have provisions for disabled passengers, coupled with WiFi, global positioning satellite, closed-circuit television cameras, dashboard camera, speed limiter and automatic fare collection system. In compliance with the Clean Air Act of 1999, the modern jeepney will either have a Euro-4 compliant emission system or an electric motor that would emit less pollution or none at all, the DOTr said. n

SC asked to reverse ruling on K-12 constitutionality

DOT: Accredited hotels in Boracay now 243 by rosette

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said old but roadworthy jeepneys would still be allowed, but they will have to undergo regular inspections to ensure their good condition. Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

tion cycle).� They raised that the K-12 basic education program is violative of due process due to the additional two years of education that they said would only benefit those who aim to work abroad. Working abroad not a dream for all Filipinos The petitioners pointed out that the government defended the program by saying that the Philippines is the last country in the world to adopt a 12-year basic program, and that it aligns our education system with national development priorities and international standards. In their appeal, the petitioners reiterated what they said in their previously filed memorandum: “But why burden each and every Filipino student with two additional years of senior high school, when it is not the dream of everyone to either to study or work abroad and thus with the need to meet with

international standards?� “It should be asked in the very first place what is our dream for our people, ‘to be perennial [Overseas Filipino Workers]?’� They stressed that this proves that the law “served only the interests of only a select few.� The school also argued that the addition of two years of senior high school “is not reasonably necessary to achieve the governmental purpose of improving the quality of education.� This is the second appeal filed on the SC’s recent ruling on the government program on education. Tanggol Wika, Filipino language advocacy group, asked the tribunal to reconsider its decision and “render CHED Memorandum Circular 20, series of 2013 [as] unconstitutional.� The ChEd memorandum removed the mandatory Filipino subjects from college curricula. n

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Journal Meet Fil Am designer Zaldy, costume designer for Catriona not threatened Cirque du Soleil’s Volta and RuPaul’s Drag Race by top Miss U competitors 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

by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

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

THERE seems to be no pressure for Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray as she begins her journey to the 67th Miss Universe competition on December 17. The Times had a chat with the country’s representative to the most prestigious beauty pageant just before granting her final media calls and completely “shutting off” for preparations to win the crown. Scheduled to leave on November 29 for the pageant lead up, Catriona shared, “My goal is to Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray just rest before leaving. I want to recollect my thoughts and I “I have been preparing months have allocated quiet time to be for the pageant and this is the surrounded by my team and be right way for me to do it.” in the right headspace. PAGE B4

Gretchen Ho represents PH in US exchange program

Contributed Photo

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 Photos from instagram.com/@zaldynyc 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 glam-punk 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 PAGE B2

VOLLEYBALL player and television host Gretchen Ho recently flew to the United States to represent the country in an exchange program under the State Department. Ho shared on Sunday, November 25, a letter from the White House stating her selection in the said exchange program captioned: “Those once-in-a-lifetimes.” According to the official Instagram of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, Ho will take part in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), specifically, the Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists on Media Responsibility in an Age of Disinformation. In the program, she and other participants will “assess the impact of social media, citizen journalism, and alternative forms of reporting, and examine strategies that support responsible and ethical reporting in an increasingly complex information environment.” Ho also shared some moments from her trip in a series of Insta-

Gretchen Ho Photo from Instagram/@gretchenho

gram stories with one photo posing with other Philippine delegates. She also witnessed the “longest protest outside the White House” that has been there for 37 years. In a a separate Instagram post, Ho posed in front of the White House and wrote: “Sun was shining on the wrong side of the pic.. But whatever, it’s the White House!!!” (Inquirer.net)

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Iza Calzado: Here comes the bride Meet Fil Am designer Zaldy... 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

Iza Calzado

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 pag-papaganda 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 half-British, half-Filipino, born and raised in Hong Kong. He is a tech enThis series of photos shows how Ben made trepreneur and is the founder and CEO of the app Booky which Iza cry when he proposed to her. Photos courtesy of Iza Calzado started as a food app and has now

Philstar.com photo

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 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.”

PAGE B1 won. At the recent 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.

Photos from instagram.com/@zaldynyc

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 Westwood, 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-yearold 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.)

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 29-dEcEmbER 5, 2018

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Why Sharon cried and felt nervous, at first, to shoot reunion movie with Richard by Marinel

r. Cruz

Inquirer.net

Prince Siddhartha, the musical performed in Las Vegas to pass on the wisdom and kindness of Buddha IN celebration of the 35th­ anniversary established in Las Vegas, the Nevada Buddhist As­ sociation (Fo Guang Shan Lian Hua Temple) presented Prince Siddhartha, the musicalto the public at the Performing Arts Center of the College of Southern Nevada on Nov. 21. Over 500 guests traveled through time to see the Buddha and receive his kindness and wisdom. Mayor of Las Vegas Carolyn Goodman issued a letter of com­ mendation to the touring group and thanked them for their efforts in bringing hope and happiness to mankind through music. The enchanting voices and beautiful movements of the danc­ ers brought the story of Buddha to life and the audience were deeply touched by every note and move on stage. Venerable Hui Dong, Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, Fo Guang Shan’s North American headquarter, congratulated the audience for a wonderful evening. He also

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praised the cast for not only pre­ senting a great performance but also relaying the message that Buddha was born in this world, lived in this world, and also be­ came Buddha in this world. Ev­ eryone in this world has Buddha nature, thus we should learn the kindness and wisdom of Buddha and contribute to this wonderful world. Venerable Master Yin Kin of

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 En­ tertainment writing editor Bayani San Diego on Oct. 24. She claimed to have been so grief­stricken that she wasn’t able to focus on the scenes that she was supposed to do for Cathy Garcia­Molina’s lat­ est 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 some­ thing 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.

Sharon Cuneta and Richard Gomez

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 incum­ bent 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 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

Inquirer.net photo

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 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 ex­boyfriend 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 Ber­ nardo, Liza Lorena, Tommy Es­ guerra, Joross Gamboa, Marnie Lapus and Tobie dela Cruz, is part of Star Cinema’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Catriona not threatened by top...

PAGE B1 With a wealth of experience the Nevada Buddhist Association from Miss World and now Binibi­ thanked the Venerable Master ning Pilipinas, Catriona said she is Yung Guang of the Philippines for no longer nervous before compe­ bringing this remarkable cast to titions and had learn to attack the tour the globe and tell the story of situation with a different mindset. Buddha. She also thanked the au­ This, even as the fight for the dience for being present despite it crown gets more intense with very being Thanksgiving eve. strong candidates emerging this Venerable Master Yung Guang early on in the game. According to thanked the Venerable Master Miss U insiders, Miss Japan, Miss Hsing Yun for his support over Thailand and Miss South Africa the past 11 years allowing the are getting a lot of attention in the performers to see the world. pageant circuit.

A standout too is Miss Spain Angela Ponce who will be the first ever transwoman to join the competition. “I’m really excited to meet all the girls,” Catriona enthused. “I think having a strong competitor or a strong competition is really what it’s all about, and would re­ ally bring out the best in all of us. That’s why I’m super excited to meet them and learn from their cultures. And sana by the end of the competition I’ll have a couch to sleep on in every country I’ll

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visit!” The Miss Universe competition will be held at Impact, Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok, Thai­ land. And by the way, our Catriona is already popular among the Thais, especially after she a video she released touring the country which went viral. “I feel like the whole Philip­ pines is going to Bangkok with me and the support of the Thai people is just as super. I am very thankful to everyone wishing me well for Miss Universe.”

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From tourist to student: Mother of three obtains approval to pursue studies in the United States Your Immigration Solution ATTY. BRITTANY MILLIASSEAU AFTER submitting multiple applications with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and living in a state of great uncertainty for several months, Priscilla was overjoyed when she finally received approval of her F-1 student status application and was allowed to begin her studies in the United States. Priscilla, whose name has been changed for confidentiality reasons, entered the U.S. along with her three minor children in 2017. She entered with a tourist visa for the purpose of attending a wedding and spending time with family members. Initially, Priscilla only intended to visit the U.S. for a few months, but she decided to extend the stay to allow for additional time with friends and family members. When it was ultimately time for Priscilla and her children to depart the U.S., her young daughter became ill. Not wanting to subject her daughter to a long international flight during her illness, Priscilla filed another application to extend her tourist status. Around this time, Priscilla began thinking about her life, her goals, and how to provide a better life for her children. She realized that the best way to do so would be to advance her academic studies. Believing that obtaining a degree from a university in the U.S. would provide her with better job opportunities in the future, Priscilla decided to pursue a MBA degree in the U.S. Priscilla filed a change of status application for F1 student status with USCIS. In the months prior to filing the change of status application,

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (First of 2 parts) (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

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS THE 6 million Jews killed during the holocaust, genocide perpetrated by Nazi Germany (17 million total if the other exterminations are considered as a part of Hitler’s “The Final Solution,” between 1941 and 1945) pales in comparison to the 60,069,971 fetuses killed (per choice of the mothers or parents of these unborn) in the United States alone (about the same number killed in World War II) since abortion was legalized in America 45 years ago, on January 22,1973, thru Rose v. Wade Supreme Court Decision. According to WHO, there are about 45 million abortion a year performed around the world, about 125,000 fetuses killed a day. When I read the question, “Do fetuses have rights?”, on the cover of a U.S. weekly magazine years ago, I wondered how some people could even think otherwise. If the fetus is allowed to grow and develop normally, it will mature to be someone like any one of us, humans, so why shouldn’t he/she have rights, just like anyone of us? I grant you that a fetus is not a fully developed person yet because it is still in the womb and not independent, just like anyone of us when we were in the womb of our mother, but our animal pets (and their fetuses) who are not even humans and do not even have the potentials to be human beings, are accorded their rights and have legal protection against cruelty and abuse under the law.

USCIS issued guidance in relation to nonimmigrants seeking to change their status from tourist to student. The guidance stated that nonimmigrants seeking to change their status from tourist to student must maintain their tourist status while the change of status application for student status was pending. In compliance with this guidance, Priscilla filed two subsequent applications to allow her to extend her tourist status while the student status application was pending. Unfortunately, Priscilla retained an attorney for assistance with these applications who provided her with misguided advice and advised her that submitting fraudulent documents in her applications was the only way that USCIS would approve them. Priscilla trusted and relied on the attorney and regrettably followed with his misguided advice. A few months later, Priscilla received four notices from USCIS requesting additional information and documentation in relation to the pending applications. Priscilla was overwhelmed with the requests and was also worried that she would face serious trouble because of the fraudulent information submitted in the applications. Overcome with uncertainty, fear, and concern about the fast approaching deadline to respond to the requests, Priscilla desperately needed guidance. Knowing that she did not want to return to the prior attorney who had provided her with ill-advised advice, Priscilla began seeking competent immigration counsel who could provide her with sound and ethical advice. She contacted Reeves Immigration Law Group (RILG) to see if she had any chance at resolving her complex immigration situation. The attorneys at RILG explained that although it would be very challenging in her case, obtaining student status in the U.S. was possible. The attorneys at RILG further explained that

Priscilla would need to submit very detailed responses with supporting documents to USCIS and that she should also disclose and avoid furthering the prior fraud. Although Priscilla knew that her case presented many challenges and that approval was far from certain, she decided to retain RILG to assist with her case. Priscilla worked closely with the team at RILG in preparing responses to the requests from USCIS. RILG argued that both her tourist and student status applications should be approved and that she should not be inadmissible for fraud/misrepresentation. Less than a month later, USCIS approved all four of her applications. USCIS approved the tourist status extension applications which allowed Priscilla to maintain a valid status while the student status application was pending. USCIS also approved the F-1 change of status application which granted Priscilla student status in the U.S. She is now able to begin her MBA program and remain in the U.S. while she works hard towards attaining her degree. Priscilla is excited about the knowledge that she will obtain during her program and the opportunities that will arise for herself and her children once she obtains her U.S. degree. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)

Two magical words “Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” –Jean Baptiste Massieu 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 just a tad? Or do you nag him to death for every little thing? Do you make him feel small with your smartass barbs? Or does he feel he can soar like an eagle when you are around him? Don’t buy into the modern concept of the throwaway or trade-up society that seems to imply you can change partners every five years or so. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. It may work for cars and appliances but falls flat for human relationships. Fix what can yet be fixed. Nurture what can grow into something beautiful. Eat humble pie, if you have to.

There is no shame if you truly love. Ask a Higher Power to help you keep things whole. Taking your husband, wife or partner for granted is the biggest cause of so many divorces these days. If alarming numbers are to be believed, half the population already live in Splitsville. There is a disproportionate number of single moms and single dads worldwide struggling with severely diminished finances and dealing with courtappointed visits, juggling schedules, shuttling children in two locations and in cases of bitter, acrimonious divorces, competing for their children’s affections. Honestly, who wants to live a life like that? Does anyone in his right mind really want to be disappointed and live cynical lives dealing with what I call the BIG D’s? These are the doldrums of PAGE B6

Abortion vs. holocaust Why not the unborn child? I am surprised why there is even a debate at all whether fetuses should be considered human beings, and whether we, fellow humans, should have the right to kill them or not. Legally, they are not considered a human, an individual, yet. To me, the issue is lucidly clear that the fetuses, when not killed, could have a “naturally pre-determined” fate, to develop into a human being. These are not fruits or vegetables or any inanimate objects, but future human beings. They have an active brain, a heart that beats, body, arms and legs that move, just like us. They are living beings. One of the issues being made is that the fetus is not a human being because it is in the womb, totally dependent on the mother, and therefore has no right at all. In other words it does not count! But if a pregnant mother is a victim of any violence or crime, which results in the death of both the mother and the fetus, the courts count the “value” of the fetus, and if the perpetrator is found guilty, he/she could be sentenced to, and meted out, “double” the punishment because of the two dead victims. So, why should the treatment and regard for the value of the fetus be different in the case of abortion? Another argument I find ludicrous is the one that says a woman has the right to do whatever she wants with her body, and therefore she has the right to terminate the life of her child inside her womb. The fetus inside the womb is not a normal, natural, and integral part of the female body. All the women I know or have read about were not born with a fetus inside her

womb as a part of her anatomy. All the rest of her anatomy, her entire body and appendages, are there as natural parts of her, but not a fetus. So how can these pro-abortion group claim that a fetus is a part of the woman’s body, and, therefore, a pregnant woman has the right to “cut it out” at her whim, like her hair, or her nails? The woman has the right to mutilate her own body, cut off her limbs, etc., if she so chooses, because those are her own body parts. But the fetus is not a natural part of a woman’s anatomy. It is another life, formed when she voluntarily chose to enable her ovum to come in contact with a man’s sperm. Rape is, of course, another story. The fetus can’t defend itself. It is in the womb, at the mercy of the mother, or parents, and of society, meaning all of us. All we have to do as a society is to gang up on the powerless fetuses, legalize abortion, and allow termination of the life of the unborn ad libitum at whim. This will also confer upon our people the right to practice irresponsible sex and escape parenthood. If a woman does not want to be pregnant, she could, and should, prevent conception. Why even allow life to start at all and then decide to annihilate it? I do realize the situation is not that simple and straightforward. But guided by our Christian sensibilities and sensitivities, by our education, by our culture where the family is the basic structure of our foundation in society, and the natural instinct of humans (even of animals) to protect their off springs, even while still in the womb (that’s why there is prenatal PAGE B6

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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 largescale 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/.

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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.

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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.

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UPAA-NJ biennial general assembly, election & holiday party in Iselin, NJ

UPAA-NJ will hold its biennial General Assembly / Election / Holiday Party on Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel at 515 US Highway 1 South in Iselin, NJ. The organization will honor distinguished alumni, induct a new set of officers and Board of Trustees and feature local UP alumni talents who will provide entertainment, lead line dancing and render DJ services for an afternoon of dancing. Come and learn more about future UPAA-NJ projects and initiatives. Meet old friends, make new ones. For tickets and more information, please contact any of the following: Daisy Macadaeg (201) 446-7767, keanemac@yahoo.com, Lani Benedicto: (201) 745-6829, benedicto78@yahoo.com, Minnie Corpuz-Castillo: (551) 587-2815, mcorpuzcastillo@gmail.com, Johnny Ferrer: (201) 3231303, juancferrer09@yahoo.com.

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.

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Healing Mass with Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi in Los Angeles Come experience the healing power led by Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi on Monday, December 3 at 7 p.m. It will be held at St. Bernard Church (2500 W. Ave 33, Los Angeles, CA 90065). Contact Puri Narvaez at (818) 543-1831 for more information.

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Healing Mass with Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi in Montebello, CA Come experience the healing power led by Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi on Tuesday, December 4 at 7 p.m. It will be held at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (820 N. Garfield Ave., Montebello, CA 90640). Contact Frenz Rivera (626) 338-7898 for more information.

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Healing Mass with Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi in Reseda, CA Come experience the healing power led by Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi on Wednesday, December 5 at 7 p.m. It will be held at St. Catherine of Siena (18115 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335). Contact Divinia Encina at (310) 212-6083 or Rosalie Corpuz at (626) 825-5327 for more information

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

B November 29-december 5, 2018 • LAS veGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

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Gary V. still a livewire onstage Kathryn: Too early, not so soon by Ricky

caldeRon ManilaTimes.net

WITH the energy he displayed while performing, it didn’t seem like Gary Valenciano had a major heart operation a few months back. Roving Eye had the chance to see him perform live at the “Awit at Laro” album mall show held at the Ayala Mall The 30th at Ortigas Center last Saturday, November 24. Gary V was livewire onstage. He opened the show with “Shout for Joy,” a fast number then he did the original song “Saranggola,” one of the cuts in the new album. We are sure the people knew about his health problems but with the energy he displayed while performing, the audience were probably thinking how could Gary V dance with gusto, as if he didn’t experience a life-threatening situation a few months back? Produced by Gary V himseld in partnership with Bambi Mañosa of Tukod Foundation, the album talks about popular Filino children games written into songs, and in support of the Laro campaign at the Ayala Alabang Mall. “This album is for children as suggested by my wife Angeli, and it has become an advocacy,” said Gary. A lot of singers agreed to be part of the project and even waived their talent fees.

Among the singers and songwriters who took part in the endeavor are Ogie Alcasid, Morisette Amon, Joey Ayala, Bamboo, AC Bonifacio, Sam Concepcion, Yeng Constantino, Billy Crawford, Anne Curtis, Bullet Dumas, Darren Espanto, Gloc 9, Lara and the AMP Band, Lea Salonga, Janella Salvador, Julie Anne San Jose, KZ Tandingan, TNT Boys, Kiana Valenciano and Katrina Velarde. Featured in the album are the songs “Bahay Kubo,” “Sitsiritsit-Alibangbang,” “Leron Leron Sinta,” “Paruparong Bukid,” “Magtanim Ay Di Biro,” Pakitong Kitong,” “Sarung Banggi,” “Atin Cu Pung Singsing,” “Nanay Tatay,” at “Bawat Isa Sa Atin.” Popular games turned into songs include Patintero, Tagutaguan, Piko, Luksong Tinik, Sipa, Tumbang Preso, Jak en Poy, Pitik Bulag, Touch Move and Saranggola. Gary hopes that the children who will get to listen to the album will remember and rediscover the games they used to play with their friends and neighbors. “It’s not bad to play games in your gadgets but we have games that we used to play before as kids and we have games that we play outside the comfort of our homes during our childhood days. I hope that today’s kids will also get to experience the joy we had playing these games,” said the singer.

by nathalie

tomada Philstar.com

Gary Valenciano’s latest advocacy is promoting popular Filipino children’s games through the album ‘Awit at Laro’ he himself produced. ManilaTimes.net photo

“I didn’t think it would get this big. What started as an idea has now become an incredible advocacy. It is my desire that this album helps infuse the spirit of “play” and good values in the minds and hearts of those who listen to the music,” he added. Awit at Laro mall show continues this Saturday at the Alabang Town Center with Gary V, Ogie Alcasid, Joey Ayala, Kiana and Gab Valenciano, Steps Dancers and hosted by Justin Quirino.

‘My hope’: Liza Soberano tweets about being a fan of BTS member

Liza Soberano

KAPAMILYA actress Liza Soberano has gushed about being a fan of K-pop star J-Hope of the international Korean pop sensation BTS. In a tweet posted on the official BTS Twitter account which featured J-Hope, Liza said: “Im your hope, youre my hope.” Many of her followers, especially the BTS fans were elated to discover that the Kapamilya star is also a fan of their K-pop idol. They welcomed the actress into the BTS fandom — dubbed as the “ARMY.” K-Pop group BTS is one of the biggest bands in the world. The seven members of the band, which has a worldwide following, in May became the first South Korean artists to top the Billboard 200 albums chart with “Love Yourself: Tear.” The group, composed of V, Jungkook, Jimin, Suga, Jin, J-Hope and RM, took home the award for top social artist at the Billboard Music Awards 2018. BTS or Bangtan Boys or Beyond the Scene continue to take the world by storm by notching up a Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano string of world records. (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 not-so-good and the challenging in the marriages within her three-generation 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 T”he Hows of Us”, which the ABS-CBN film outfit declared as highest-grossing Pinoy film of all time for earning over P600 million.

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.

Kathryn Bernanrdo

ABS-CBN photo

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.”

Abortion vs. holocaust PAGE B5 examination and other protective measures pregnant women do to maintain a healthy growing fetus), I am puzzled why there is even a debate on the matter at all. Freedom to kill? Freedom, individual rights, and the pursuit of happiness are fundamental tenets in a democracy. The constitution of all the civilized nations of the world, ours included, provides and guarantees every human being the basic freedoms that protect their individual natural rights in the pursuit of a happy, productive, and peaceful life, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, and age, without denying others their equal and natural rights. The everlasting controversy in the abortion debate really hinges on the denial that a fetus is a human being, and on the misinterpretation of the word freedom. The pro-choice group (who, accurately, should call themselves pro-abortion, but who prefers to be called pro-choice to hide behind a politically correct name)

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believes that the freedom under the constitution means the right to do whatever one chooses, and in this case, obviously including the right to kill. That is, of course, blatantly absurd, ludicrous, and unconstitutional, not to mention immoral and sacrilegious. The freedom and right to choose, as guaranteed us by our constitution, gives us the liberty to ONLY do what is right, proper, ethical, moral and legal. Freedom does not mean the liberty to do anything one wants to do, even abridging the rights of others, like killing the weak, the sick, or even the hopeless and terminally ill, and extinguishing the life of the innocent, fragile and powerless fetus. Mutilating a living fetus for expediency, cutting them into pieces and crashing their skull is never a part of our freedom nor a right of anyone. The unborn did not force its mother to have and enjoy a carefree, careless, unprotected sex. IF the death “penalty” is at all warranted and needs to be meted out to one of them, it should be

to the guilty perpetrator(s) and certainly not to the innocent victim, the faultless and defenseless unborn. I honestly do not understand how some obviously intelligent and educated family people, who value their rights, and are vigilantly fighting for those rights, can unconscionably deprive and deny the helpless fetuses their rights? I wonder how any member of the pro-choice movement would feel if she/he were the targeted fetus in the womb? As always, we welcome your opinion and feedback. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

Two magical...

doubt, darkness, disease, depression, desperation, dejection, disappointment, discouragement and disillusionment. You just wish you can DELETE all that from your life. Sadly, some go to the deep end 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 that “the right one” is just around the corner. Perhaps. But if they do not learn from their previous mistakes, they are doomed to repeat them. There’s that D again. They will cycle in and out of one disastrous relationship after the other. Single parenthood is no cakewalk in most cases. Ask around. Do not believe the distortion of truth in movies spun by Hollywood or this trend of celebrities adopting babies and the media glamorizing the lives of single parents. That is one tall tale of an ego on overdrive. There is no romantic or comedic element in going it alone. Single parenthood 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 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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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 29-dEcEmbER 5, 2018

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