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WHO denies endorsing Dengvaxia to DOH by SHEILA

CRISOSTOMO Philstar.com

MANILA — The World Health Organization (WHO) office for Western Pacific Region on Tuesday, Dec. 5, denied the claims of the Department of Health (DOH) that the latter was guided by the WHO’s recommendation when it included Dengvaxia in its dengue vaccination program. In a statement, the WHO said the program was already underway when their position paper on dengue vaccine was published in July 2016, based on recommendations of the Strategic Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization which met and published preliminary advice in mid-April 2016. The WHO noted that the position paper also “did not include a recommendation to countries to introduce the dengue vaccine into their national immunization programs.�

DATELINE

Photo shows empty vials of the dengue vaccine Dengvaxia at the Manila Central Vaccine storage room in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Tuesday, Dec. 5. Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales

“Rather, the WHO outlined a series of considerations national governments should take into account in deciding whether to introduce the vaccine, based on a review of

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

MODEL FAMILY. President Rodrigo Duterte gets a hug from a member of the family of Noe Diola, a recipient of the 2017 Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) for sea-based category. The MOFYA is an annual event of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) aimed at recognizing outstanding OFW families. This year’s awarding ceremony was in Malacaùang on Tuesday, Dec. 5. Malacaùang photo

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DOJ: Aquino included in dengue vaccine probe by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

U.S. Ambassador to PH Sung Kim

ManilaTimes.net photo

FORMER Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy� Aquino III is included in the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)’s probe into the procurement and administration of the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). “Everybody who was involved will be included in the NBI investigation,� Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II told reporters when asked if the former president will also be included in the probe. Aguirre has ordered the NBI to conduct an investigation and case build-up over the “danger to public health� of the dengue vaccination program launched by the

Department of Health (DOH) in April 2016 during the Aquino administration under then-Health Secretary Janette Garin. Under the DOH’s mass immunization program, more than 700,000 children in the country’s three highly endemic regions—Regions III Central Luzon, IV-A Calabarzon, and Metro Manila—were administered Dengvaxia last year. “We have to know why [the DOH] ordered such a huge amount of vaccine and immediately vaccinated 733,000 schoolchildren. Is that appropriate?� Aguirre told Saying there was a “notable resurgence in illegal drugs,� President Rodrigo Duterte on reporters. The justice secretary also encouraged Tuesday, Dec. 5, ordered the Philippine National Police to actively support the Philippine Drug Inquirer.net photo families of the children who were admin- Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the war on drugs. istered Dengvaxia to come forward and

US working ‘very Duterte seeks another hard’ to return PH vice presidential poll year to end drug problem Balangiga bells recount to begin in February PNP back in drug war, PDEA still lead agency THE United States remains committed to reaching a resolution that would allow the return of the three Balangiga bells back to the Philippines, U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim said on Monday, December 4. In a television interview, Kim said Washington is working “very hard� to return the church bells which were taken from the town

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Trump travel ban given green light by Supreme Court

THOUGH not a final ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, December 4, gave the Trump administration the green light to enforce its travel ban which had been blocked by judges in Hawaii and Maryland. The ban — in its third version — will prohibit residents of the six predominantly Muslim nations of Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Chad from traveling into the United States. Travelers from North Korea and Venezuela are also said to be affected. The Supreme Court’s Monday announcement came unexpected, and with little explanation. It did though, signal that the high court may approve the latest version which was issued by President Donald Trump

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by DANA

THE Supreme Court (SC) will begin in February 2018 the recount of votes in connection with the election protest filed by former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos Jr. against Vice President Leni Robredo. The poll protest and the recount of ballots shall cover the three pilot provinces of Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental. These were the areas chosen by Marcos as the The ballot recount requested by former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong� best provinces where he could Marcos Jr. is expected to start on the second week of February this coming year, according to Romulo Macalintal, lawyer of Vice President prove the irregularities alleged Leni Robredo. In a statement on Monday, Macalintal said the Supreme in his protest. According to Marcos’ lawCourt (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), would start collecting the ballots in Camarines Sur on Jan. 22.

Inquirer.net photo

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PH vows to work with US in addressing N. Korea’s threat by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

SENIOR officials of the Philippines and the United States discussed their shared concerns in the region during the bilateral strategic dialogue between the two countries in Washington last week. Both the Philippines and the U.S. pledged to work together to put an end

to North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs, which are unlawful, the DFA said in a statement released on Tuesday, Dec. 5. Washington also welcomed the Philippines’ compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions relevant to the issue. Along with the U.S., the Philippines

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SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, December 6, said it may take him another year to put an end to the drug menace in the country. “I hope to finish the problem maybe give me just another year,â€? Duterte said in his speech during the mass oath taking of presidential appointees in MalacaĂąang. Duterte—who won the presidential race in a landslide victory last year—initially promised to curb the drug menace in the country within the first three to six months of his term, vowing to step down from his post if he failed to suppress the problem.

But before his self-imposed deadline lapsed, the president sought for an extension of another six months as he admitted that he “did not realize how severe and how serious the problem of drug menace� until he assumed power. He later on said his antiillegal drug campaign would have to continue until the end of his six-year term. Duterte’s drug war has faced criticisms from human rights groups over its alleged human rights abuses and killings during police operations. But in his speech on Wednesday, the president said he would continue to ignore such criticisms. “I will not answer it anymore

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DECEMBER 8-14, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

From the Front Page

PH vows to work with US... two countries stressed the importance of resolving maritime had been calling on North Ko- disputes in accordance with rea to stop its weapons testing international law, particularly which increases tensions on the the UN Convention on the Law Korea Peninsula. of the Sea. Last week, Pyongyang The joint statement, howlaunched an intercontinental ever, made no mention of Chiballistic missile that traveled na’s island-building activities about 1,000 kilometers before in the disputed waters, as well landing near Japan’s coast. as the landmark ruling of the Manila and Washington also UN-backed tribunal based in reaffirmed their commitment The Hague, Netherlands which to uphold freedom of naviga- invalidated Beijing’s historic tion and overflight in the dis- nine-dash line claim. puted South China Sea. The DFA Undersecretary Enrique

PAGE A1 t

Manalo and DND Undersecretary Ricardo led the Philippine delegation in the seventh bilateral strategic dialogue from November 30 to December 1. Meanwhile, Acting Assistant Secretary of State Susan Thornton and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense David Helvey co-led the U.S. delegation. The annual dialogue between the two countries is a venue for discussing political, security and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the U.S. n

PH vice presidential poll... PAGE A1 t yer George Garcia, their camp is glad that the ball will finally roll. “Natutuwa kami, although na-delay nang konti, tuloy-tuloy na ito. Sana matapos na pagbibilang ng mga balota (Although there was some de-

lay, we are happy that it will finally happen. We wish that the counting was over),” Garcia said. Robredo’s counsel, Romulo Macalintal, said that first to be reviewed are the ballots from the contested clustered precincts in Camarines Sur, the

CA CONFIRMATION. Senate President and Commission on Appointments Chairman Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (3rd from right) pose with foreign service officers whose ad-interim appointments were confirmed during the CA’s plenary session on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. The newly confirmed foreign service officers are (from left) Denis Yap Lepatan as Ambassador to Switzerland with jurisdiction over Liechtenstein; Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia as Ambassador to Norway with jurisdiction over Iceland, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden; Eduardo Jose De Vega as Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the Commission of the European Communities, and the Council of the European Union; and Demetrio Tuason, as Ambassador to the United Mexican States. Senate photo by Romeo Bugante

vice president’s home province, which will be retrieved on January 22, 2018 with the recount slated for the second week of February. The vice presidential votes in Iloilo and Negros Oriental will PAGE A1 t be counted next. (Jomar Canavailable data at the time, along las/ManilaTimes.net) with possible risks,” the agency added. SAGE had recommended that the use of vaccine should only be considered in areas where a high proportion — preferably at least 70 percent — of the community had already been exposed to the virus, that the vaccine should only be provided to people nine years old and above, and that people being vaccinated should receive three doses. “The WHO acknowledged in mid-April 2016 that these conditions appeared to be met in the three regions of the Philippines in which the dengue vaccination effort was already ongoing at that time, noting that the decision to roll out the vaccine had been taken by the DOH before WHO’s advice became available,” the agency said. The Star tried but failed to reach the DOH for comment. The program was launched on April 4, 2016 by then health secretary Janet Garin in Metro Manila, Region 3 and Region 4A where dengue is endemic. Prior to this, however, the Philippines took part in the three phases of the clinical trial of vaccine manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur, which started in 2011 and involved some 3,500 children in San Pablo City, Laguna and in Cebu City.

WHO denies endorsing... The WHO maintained that it is now looking forward to the advice of SAGE which is set to meet next week to review the new evidence that the vaccine could lead to more severe forms of dengue if given to those who have not had dengue in the past. “As always, we stand ready to work with the DOH to provide information to affected families and to support the DOH’s deliberations on the future of the dengue vaccination program,” the agency said. WHO has advised “anyone (vaccinated or not) with signs of dengue disease – high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands and/or rash – to seek medical care.” French advised against Dengvaxia Meanwhile, a public body close to France’s health ministry last year advised against the use of the Dengvaxia dengue vaccine in the country’s overseas territories currently at the center of a health scare, regulatory documents have shown. Concerns surrounding the vaccine, sold by French drugmaker Sanofi, have prompted the Philippines to halt its sale and suspend a government program to immunize hundreds of thousands of children.

The WHO said that it supported the Philippines’ decision until more information was available. It said its SAGE on Immunization would meet to review evidence next week. The WHO, which issued a report identifying the vaccine’s safety risks in mid-2016, recommended it only be used in people who had prior dengue infection. Documents issued in 2016 by the Haut Conseil de la Sante Publique, a public body close to the French health ministry, showed France’s overseas territories were also warned of risks linked to the vaccine. The health body advised in June 2016 the vaccine not be used in territories such as the Caribbean islands of La Martinique and Guadalupe and French Guiana on the grounds that its effectiveness was not demonstrated with people who had not previously been exposed to the virus. In October 2016, it also warned of safety risks. Dengue is a mosquito-borne tropical disease that kills about 20,000 people a year and infects hundreds of millions more. Brazil, which shares a border with French Guiana, said on Monday, Dec. 4, it had suggested restrictions on the use of Dengvaxia but had not suspended access to the vaccine. Dengvaxia has been approved in 19 countries and used in 11. It is currently under review by European health regulators. n

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Dateline USa

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 8-14, 2017

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Trump travel ban given... Cayetano encourages OFWs to invest in PH PAGE A1 t in September. Of the nine justices, seven were in support of the ban. Only two justices — Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor — were opposed. The Trump administration has continuously argued that fully blocking the ban was a threat to foreign policy concerns and national security. Trump first signed his executive order which barred admission to the U.S. from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen in January. The unexpected roll out caused panic and disorder as many found themselves stuck in airports or unable to return to the United States. The Trump administration’s second version of the travel ban was brought forth in March, but expired this fall. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement that the high court’s action on Monday was “a substantial victory for the safety and security of the American people.” “We are pleased to have defended this order and heartened that a clear majority Supreme Court has allowed the president’s lawful proclamation protecting our country’s national security to go into full effect,” he added. “The constitution gives the president the responsibility and power to protect his country from all threats foreign and domestic, and this order remains vital to accomplishing these goals.” Those against the ban say that the latest version, like previous versions, show prejudice against Muslims. Many have cited Trump’s recent actions on Twitter in which he retweeted a number of graphic anti-Muslim tweets and videos. Omar Jadwat, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s

(ACLU) Immigrants’ Rights Project said, “President Trump’s antiMuslim prejudice is no secret — he has repeatedly confirmed it, including just last week on Twitter.” “It’s unfortunate that the full ban can move forward for now, but this order does not address the merits of our claims,” he added. “We continue to stand for freedom, equality, and for those who are unfairly being separated from their loved ones.” According to the lawsuits filed in Hawaii and Maryland, the federal courts said that the latest travel ban violated federal immigration law. Lawyers for Hawaii said, “Less than six months ago, this court considered and rejected a stay request indistinguishable from the one the government now presses.” “But the justification for that dramatic relief has only weakened. In place of a temporary ban on entry, the president has imposed an indefinite one, deepening and prolonging the harms a stay would inflict,” they added. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, and the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, are expected to hear the challenges to the travel ban this week. The Supreme Court signaled that the issue was expected to be dealt with by the courts in a rather prompt manner. The Monday order read, “In light of its decision to consider the case on an expedited basis, we expect the Court of Appeals will render its decision with appropriate dispatch.” Assuming the appeals courts reach a resolution quickly, the Supreme Court would then be able to decide on the issue by the end of June. (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

A health officer packs Dengvaxia vaccines in a box hours after the Philippine Food and Drug Administration stopped the sale and distribution of the dengue vaccine. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

DOJ: Aquino included... PAGE A1 t

give their information to the NBI if their children would show adverse effects due to the vaccine. Last week, Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine’s manufacturer, released an analysis which found out that for those not previously infected by the virus, more cases of severe disease could occur in the long term following vaccination upon a subsequent dengue infection. The DOH immediately suspended its dengue vaccination program following the disclosure of health risks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines also ordered Sanofi Pasteur to pull out its Dengvaxia vaccine from the market, “pending compliance with the directives of the FDA.” FDA, likewise, directed Sanofi to immediately “suspend the sale, distribution, marketing of Dengvaxia,” and to “conduct an information dissemination campaign through Advisories, Dear

Doctor Letters and patient fora.” In a statement on Tuesday, December 5, Sanofi assured that they will work with the FDA to review the implementation of its order, and will hold dialogues with the regulatory body on the matter. “We were informed of the position of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration which was published on December 4, 2017 and will work with them to review the implementation of their direction,” Sanofi said. “We will continue to seek constructive and transparent dialogue with them,” it added. Sanofi also clarified anew that Dengvaxia does not cause dengue fever. “We remind you that the dengue vaccine does not contain any viruses that can make people ill with dengue or severe dengue. If you have had no previous dengue infection before vaccination, the vaccine does not give you dengue,” the company said. n

Duterte seeks another year... PAGE A1 t except to say that my oath of office demands that I protect the Filipino people and that the Republic of the Philippines is safe. That is the long and short of it,” the chief executive said. PNP back in drug war After being barred from joining the anti-illegal drugs push due to the string of controversies, the Philippine National Police (PNP) can now participate again in cracking down on narcotics in the country. According to Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque, Duterte has signed a new memorandum directing the PNP to return to the drug war but under the supervision of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). “They (PNP) will participate now, whereas in the past all of them cannot do anything,” Roque said in a media briefing on Tuesday, December 5. The new memorandum, he said, “supersedes the earlier memo that designated the PDEA as the ‘sole agency’ that will deal with the anti-illegal drug operations.”

Last October, Duterte ordered the PNP out of the drug war amid public outcry over alleged police abuses and killings of suspects, including teenagers. Replacing the PNP, he designated the PDEA as the “sole agency” in charge of his anti-narcotics campaign. PNP records show that almost 4,000 have been killed in drug war operations, but human rights groups have pegged the number at around 13,000. Despite allowing the return of the police to the drug war, Roque clarified that the “PDEA shall continue to be the overall lead agency.” Welcoming the development, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said the police will comply with Duterte’s directive. “We will follow the order of the commander-in-chief and chief executive,” Carlos said. The PDEA also welcomed the PNP’s return to the anti-illegal drugs campaign. “PDEA welcomes the decision of the president. It has been the desire of PDEA that PNP will return in the fight against illegal drugs,” said PDEA director general Aaron Aquino.n

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly encourages Filipinos working in Macau, Hong Kong, and other parts of the world to invest their earnings back in their home country. During separate town hall meetings with members of the Filipino community in Hong Kong and Macau on Sunday, December 3, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano urged Filipinos working abroad to consider investing in the Philippines to secure the future of their families. Citing the Philippines’ unprecedented 6.9 percent economic growth in the third quarter of 2017, Cayetano said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should “take advantage of the economic boom and start investing their savings.”

ings at the St. Joseph the Worker Church in Macau and at the Duke of Windsor Auditorium in Hong Kong. “Your remittances serve as investments not only in education and housing but also for the future of your loved ones back home,” he added. The DFA secretary thanked the close to 219,000 Filipinos working in Hong Kong and the 30,000 in Macau for their remittances, including from those in other countries, which continue to “fuel the country’s growth.” Cayetano also encouraged Filipinos to continue acquiring new skills to have access to “better-paying” jobs. “I encourage you to attend Foreign Affairs Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano skills enhancement Inquirer.net photo regular “Over the years, you and our and language trainings here in other kababayans abroad have Hong Kong or Macau and even been investing in the future of back in the Philippines as this our country,” Cayetano told Fil- will surely open better employipinos who attended the meet- ment opportunities for you,”

US working ‘very hard’... PAGE A1 t

of Balangiga, Eastern Samar during the Philippine-American war in 1900s. The U.S. envoy echoed the earlier statement of Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, expressing optimism that the Philippines will be able to retrieve the Balangiga bells soon. “We are continuing to work very hard to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution... I’m on the same page with Ambassador Ro-

mualdez in the sense that, yes, we very much hope that the resolution will be soon,” Kim told in an interview with ANC’s Headstart. The U.S. envoy, however, admitted that some veterans’ groups, local politicians and citizens are reluctant to return the bells to the Philippines. “Just as the issue of Balangiga Bells is a deeply emotional issue for the Philippine side, I think it’s similar in the United States,” Kim explained. The three bells were taken from

Balangiga Church by U.S. soldiers as spoils of war in September 1901—where 2,500 Filipinos aged ten and up were killed in retaliation to an earlier attack made by Filipino guerillas that killed 48 U.S. soldiers. Two of the church bells are presently displayed at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming as a memorial to U.S. troops killed by Filipino insurgents; while the third bell is in South Korea. During his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte demanded the

the DFA chief said. Cayetano further noted that President Rodrigo Duterte also “knows very well the important role our overseas workers play.” “This is precisely the reason why he wants us to not only look after your interests and welfare but to also provide you with comfort and convenience,” he added. According to the DFA, OFWs can apply for passports that would be valid for 10 years starting January next year, which will lead to more efficient processing of multi-year work contracts for overseas workers. “This is one of reforms that responds to your needs as overseas workers and I assure you that the Duterte administration will strive hard to ensure that all your rights and interests are protected,” Cayetano said. n U.S. to return the Balangiga bells back to the Philippines. The president, in his speech, emphasized that the bells serve as “reminders of the gallantry and heroism” of Filipinos who “resisted the American colonizers” and “sacrificed their lives in the process.” Last August, Romualdez said he believes “that in the long run, we will be able to get back those bells” despite a law in Wyoming that prohibits such retrieval, noting that Philippines has “quite a number of supporters and friends in Washington, D.C.” (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

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Gina Lopez wins Seacology Prize by neil

alcoBer ManilaTimes.net

ForMEr Environment Secretary Gina Lopez has been awarded the 2017 Seacology Prize by the U.S.-based nonprofit environmental conservation organization in recognition of her untiring environmental advocacy in the face of powerful opposition. She received $10,000 as part of the prize. Lopez was recognized in awarding ceremonies held at the Shangri-la hotel in Makati city on Monday, Dec. 4. She was initially awarded the prize on october 5 at the David Brower Center in Berkeley, California where the Seacology head office is. Now on its 27th year, Seacology gives the award to someone who has shown exceptional achievement in preserving island environments and culture. “Gina Lopez has shown the vision and courage the Seacology is meant to honor. She has fought for the Philippines environment and to give island com-

munities there a voice in the decisions that affect their natural resources and their lives,� Seacology’s executive director Duane Silverstein said. For more than 15 years, Lopez has been an outspoken champion of social and environmental causes. When she spearheaded the rehabilitation of the polluted Pasig river and nearby urban streams, she was named head of the Pasig river rehabilitation Commission. Her efforts there led to the cleanup of at least 17 tributaries in the Pasig river system. The former DENr chief also led a campaign to save La Mesa Watershed, a once-neglected area that contains the last remaining rainforest of its size in Metro Manila, as well as the reservoir from which 12 million people get their drinking water. It is now La Mesa Ecopark, a tree-lined park where urban dwellers can hike, fish, and ride mountain bikes or horses. As a leader of the Save Palawan Island movement, Lopez lobbied against the environmental ravages of mining on

Philippine islands. Her stance drew criticism from the powerful mining industry. That criticism intensified in 2016 when she became acting secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural resources (DENr). She established the first-ever forums for consultations between the DENr and indigenous groups, and shut down illegal fish pens in the country’s largest lake. But her strongest actions were directed squarely at mining operations, especially heavily polluting nickel mines. She banned open-pit mines and moved to shut down more than half of the operations of the country’s mining companies. These bold actions cost Lopez her job. In May 2017, members of the Commission on Appointments, some of whom had ties to the mining industry, voted her out. Lopez vowed to keep fighting. She has started I loVE (Investments in Loving organizations for Village Economies) to lift Filipinos out of poverty by building green businesses at the grassroots level. n

PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG NG LUNGSOD NG ALAMEDA TUNGKOL SA MGA PANGANGAILANGAN SA PABAHAY AT PAGPAPAUNLAD NG KOMUNIDAD Magsasagawa ng Pampublikong Pagdinig ang Konseho ng Lungsod ng Alameda sa Enero 16, 2018. Iniimbitahan at hinihikayat ang publiko na magbigay ng mga komento sa mga pangangailangan sa pabahay at pagpapaunlad ng komunidad ng Lungsod para sa Bultuhang Pagbibigay para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Komunidad sa Taong Pananalapi 2018-2019 (CDBG) Taunang Plano sa Pagkilos sa Taong Pananalapi 2018-2019. Batay sa nakaraang pagpopondo, inaasahang makakatanggap ang Lungsod ng nasa tinatayang $1,000,000 sa CDBG Mga pondo para sa entitlement at $150,000 sa Kita ng Programa para sa TP 2017-18. Hindi bababa sa 70% ng mga pondo ng CDBG ang dapat makuhang benepisyo ng mga residente o kapitbahayan na may mababa at hindi gaanong malaking kita; may limitadong halaga ng mga pondo ang maaaring maipamahagi upang maiwasan ang kahirapan sa mga piling lugar. Iniatas ng Departmento ng Pabahay at Pagpapaunlad ng Lungsod ang pagbuo ng taunang Plano sa Pagkilos (HUD), at isusumite ito sa Alameda County HOME Consortium. Tutukuyin ng taunang Plano sa Pagkilos ang mga pangunahing pangangailangan ng komunidad sa pabahay at pagpapaunlad ng komunidad. Noong nakaraan, ang Pinagsamang (Limang-Taong) na Plano at taunang Plano ng Pagkilos ay nagprayorisa sa: pagpapanatili at pagpaparami ng aboy-kayang pabahay at suporta; pag-iwas sa pagpili ng bibigyan ng pabahay; pagpigil sa kawalan ng tirahan at pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan sa pagpapaunlad ng komunidad na walang kaugnayan sa pabahay gaya ng pagpapahusay ng kapitbahayan, mga serbisyo sa publiko, mga pagpapahusay sa accessibility at pagpapaunlad ng ekonomiya. Ang Kabuuang Plano sa Limang Taon na sumasaklaw sa TP 2015-2020 ay makikita bilang sanggunian sa website ng Housing Authority sa http://www. alamedahsg.org/housing_development.html. Nagsawa ang Lupon ng Serbisyong Panlipunan para sa Ugnayan sa Publiko ng Lungsod (SSHRB) ng pampublikong pagpupulong sa Nobyembre 30, 2017 para talakayin ang nirerekomendang pangangailangan ng komunidad. HINIHIKAYAT AT INIIMBITAHAN ANG PAGBIBIGAY NG KOMENTO NG PUBLIKO Hinihikayat at iniimbitahan ang publiko na makilahok na magkomento sa mga pangangailangan sa pabahay at pagpapaunlad ng komunidad. Mangyaring ipadala ang mga komento sa: Attn: Lisa Fitts Housing Authority of the City of Alameda 701 Atlantic Ave. Alameda, CA 94501 OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ Ang mga nakasulat na komento ay maaaring isumite sa address na nasa itaas hanggang 9:00 a.m. sa Enero 16, 2018. Papakinggan ng Konseho ng Lungsod ang mga komento at pag-iisipan nila ang pagpapatupad ng Pahayag tungkol sa Mga Pangangailangan ng Publiko sa regular nitong pagpupulong nang 7:00 p.m. sa Enero 16, 2018, sa Tanggapan ng Lungsod, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue. Mangyaring iparating ang anumang tanong kay Lisa Fitts sa (510) 747-4349 o (510) 522-8467 (TDD). MGA TADHANA PARA SA MGA TAONG MAY KAPANSANAN Kung ang sinumang may interes sa paglahok sa programang Bultuhang Pagbibigay para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Komunidad (CDBG) / HOME at isang taong may kapansanan gaya ng nilinaw ng Seksiyon 504 ng Batas ng 1974 sa Rehabilitasyon na nag-aatas ng isang kaluwagan upang lumahok o magkainteres, na ang tao ay dapat gumawa ng kahilingan para sa kaluwagan kay Lisa Fitts, (510) 747-4349 o magpadala QJ HPDLO VD OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ $QJ QDWXUDQJ NDKLOLQJDQ D\ GDSDW NDELODQJ DQJ LVDQJ SDJODODUDZDQ QJ kaluwagang hinahangad, kasama ang isang pahayag ng kapansanan na nangangailangan ng kaluwagan. Anumang kahilingan para sa kaluwagan ay dapat suriin at ang isang sagot ay ipagkaloob sa loob ng limang araw ng trabaho pagkatapos matanggap ang naturang kahilingan. Ang paunawa ng anumang kaluwagan na iginawad ay agad ipagkakaloob sa humiling. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Lungsod sa (510) 747-4349 %RVHV 7'' R PDJSDGDOD QJ HPDLO VD OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ XSDQJ KXPLOLQJ QJ DQXPDQJ makatwirang kaluwagan na maaaring kailanganin. Ang tagapag-ugnay ng Seksiyon 504 ng CDBG/HOME ay VL 7RQ\D 6FKXOHU &XPPLQV QD PDNDNDXVDS VD R WVFKXOHU#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ $QJ LVDQJ NRS\D ng 504 na pamamaraan sa karaingan ng Lungsod ay matatagpuan online sa www.alamedahsg.org. MGA TADHANA PARA SA MGA RESIDENTENG HINDI NAGSASALITA NG INGLES Ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay may ugnayan ng mga empleyadong nagsasalita ng 45 wika na maaaring kumilos bilang mga tagasalin para sa mga residente na naghahangad ng impormasyon na nauukol sa mga programa ng CDBG/HOME. Kung binigyan ng paunawa nang maaga ng limang araw ng trabaho, makikipag-ayos ang Lungsod upang makakuha ng isang interpreter. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayansa Lungsod sa (510) 747-4349 %RVHV 7'' R PDJSDGDOD QJ HPDLO VD OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ PATAKARANG WALANG-DISKRIMINASYON Ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay hindi nagdidiskrimina laban sa anumang mga tao dahil sa lahi, kulay, relihiyon, bansang pinagmulan, angkan, bayolohikal na kasarian, kasarian, kinikilalang kasaraian, pagpapahayag ng kasarian, oryentasyong sekswal, katayuang marital, katayuang pampamilya, pinagkukunan ng kita, henetikong impormasyon, kondisyong medikal, kapansanang pisikal o kapansanan ng isipan o anumang kategoryang protektado ng batas.

RISA UNDERGOES HIV/AIDS TEST. Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros led this year’s commemoration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) awareness at the Rizal Technological University in Mandaluyong City last Monday, December 4. Hontiveros gets tested for HIV every year to bring awareness and combat the stigma about the disease. Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

US magazine again cites De Lima as a global thinker by Jhoanna

Ballaran Inquirer.net

For the second consecutive year, American magazine Foreign Policy named detained Senator Leila de Lima as one of its Leading Global Thinkers. “From the beginning, (Senator) de Lima knew how dangerous her unfettered criticism of her country’s leader might prove,� Benjamin Soloway, an associate editor of Foreign Policy, wrote. “But de Lima has refused to shut up. The government is trying to ‘totally silence dissent and cultivate a culture of double standard of justice, where those allied with the president and his family are accorded impunity,’� he added. “Now, de Lima fears that Duterte could go even further to silence her. Today she refuses all prison rations, eating only food brought by visitors. While she fears for her safety, she is convinced that the international community’s scrutiny of Duterte’s rule is helping keep her alive,� he narrated. De Lima is detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame over drug charges. She is accused of coddling and earning from drug lords at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) during her term as secretary of Justice De Lima allegedly allowed convicts to sell drugs and enjoy lavish accommodations and perks, like hotel-like cells and concerts held at the NBP, in exchange for millions in drug money. She is accused of using the money for her

campaign for the Senate. The senator joins the list of this year’s Leading Global reThinkers of 2017 for “openly defying President Duterte and his brutal war on drugs and paying the price with her freedom.� Early this year, she was also recognized by Time Magazine as one of 100 Most Influential People, one of the Icons, by Amnesty International as one of the notable Women Human rights Defenders in 2017, and more recently by Liberal International as “Prize for Freedom� Awardee for 2018, among others. This year’s Leading Global reThinkers include South Korea President Moon Jae-in, United Kingdom Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbin, French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. Senator Kamala Haris, artist and human rights activist Ai Weiwei, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Halley, among others. Foreign Policy says it selects annually a distinguished roster of people who have made an important impact on fields such as politics, diplomacy, science, and the arts. This year, it added, the magazine acknowledges its honorees as Global reThinkers — individuals from around the world whose actions are disrupting the status quo and impacting countless lives. Last year, the Foreign Policy magazine also named De Lima on its list of Leading Global Thinkers for her vocal opposition to the unabated spate of extrajudicial and

Sen. Leila de Lima

Inquirer.net photo

summary killings in the country. She was honored “for standing up to an extremist leader� as one of the 13 Global Thinkers in the “Challengers� category under the 100 leading global thinkers for 2016. The Foreign Policy cited how De Lima bravely refused to be silenced by the blatant and incessant attacks by President Duterte’s allies as she stood her ground and vowed for her innocence against charges against her. Among the ranks of Foreign Policy’s 100 Leading Global Thinkers include former U.S. State Department Hillary Clinton, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. n

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 8-14, 2017

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

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It’s final: SC upholds legality of Martial Law in Mindanao cide whether to extend the martial law declaration, which lapses by the end of the year. The Court reiterated its findMANILA — The Supreme Court ing that the power to determine (SC) on Tuesday, Dec. 5, upheld the scope of territorial applicawith finality the legality of Presition of martial law belongs to the dent Rodrigo Duterte’s martial law President and that there is no declaration in Mindanao. constitutional provision that such The justices voted 10-3-1 to afemergency power should be imfirm the high court’s decision last plemented only in the place where July dismissing three consolidated actual rebellion exists. petitions seeking to strike down The government had repeatedly Proclamation No. 216 for lack of said martial law was necessary to necessary factual basis. quell rebellion since Islamic State This photo taken in July 2017 shows guerrillas of the New People’s Army (NPA) in formation near their camp in the Sierra Madre mountain The SC dismissed the appeals (IS)-inspired local rebel groups range. filed by petitioners led by Albay Philstar.com photo had taken up arms against the Rep. Edcel Lagman for mootness Philippine government to secede and lack of merit. Mindanao from the republic and to The high court stood firm in its deprive Duterte of his powers and ruling that there was sufficient sow and create a condition of CPP-NPA is in fact a terrorist by DANA SIOSON prerogatives. factual basis for the declaration widespread and extraordinary organization,” he added. AJPress Petitioners filed motions for reof martial law in Mindanao and fear and panic among the popuAccording to Roque, the consideration, insisting that there suspension of the privilege of court proceedings will also give PHILIPPINE President Rodri- lace.” was no sufficient factual basis to go Duterte has proclaimed the the writ of habeas corpus in the Following the signing of the the CPP-NPA the chance to be justify martial law implementation Communist Party of the Philip- proclamation, Executive Sec- heard. region after the attacks of local as several information cited in the pines (CPP) and its armed wing, retary Salvador Medialdea has terror group Maute last May in Last November, Duterte terproclamation were “false, inaccu- the New People’s Army (NPA), ordered Justice Secretary Vi- minated talks with the commuMarawi City. rate and contrived.” Those who voted in the majortaliano Aguirre II to file a peti- nist rebels amid the latter’s conas a “terrorist organization.” Duterte signed the proclama- tion seeking to classify the CPP- tinued attacks on state troops. Welcoming the recent proclation on Tuesday, December 5, NPA as a terrorist group before mation tagging the CPP-NPA as using Republic Act (RA) 10168 a Regional Trial Court (RTC). This, in accordance with the a terrorist organization, Armed or “The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act provisions of the RA 9372 or Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of 2012” as basis, which lays the Human Security Act—which spokesperson Major General down provisions on the financ- lays down acts that are defined Restituto Padilla said the milias terrorism—according to tary can now “fully execute and ing of terrorist groups. perform its mandate without Malacañang, however, clari- Roque. “They (CPP-NPA) have been reservation or restrictions.” fied that the terrorist tag is not “This proclamation clearly applied to the National Demo- proclaimed by the president [as cratic Front of the Philippines terrorists] and that has effect classifies and labels the group (NDFP), which serves as the already because, of course, we for what they really are.... We can don’t talk peace with terrorists now address without any hesitaCPP’s political arm. tion and with all the means and In a media briefing, Palace now,” the Palace official said. “But for the purposes of the resources available to us the inSpokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte signed the proclama- Human Security Act, the RTC creasing criminal and economic The justices voted 10-3-1 to affirm the high court’s decision last July dismissing three consolidated petitions seeking to strike down Proclamation tion due to the “continued vio- must rule that pursuant to the sabotage activities of these terNo. 216 for lack of necessary factual basis. Philstar.com photo lent acts of the CPP-NPA which government petition that the rorists,” he added. ■ by EDU

PUNAY Philstar.com

ity to dismiss the appeals of petitioners were Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano del Castillo, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, Samuel Martires, Noel Tijam, Andres Reyes Jr. and Alexander Gesmundo. Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza, who earlier also voted for the legality of the martial law declaration, was on leave and did not leave his vote. Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa voted to partially grant the appeals and maintained their position that martial rule should be limited to some areas only. Associate Justice Marvic Leonen again sided with petitioners and was the only magistrate who voted to grant their appeals. The SC issued its final ruling as President Duterte was set to de-

Duterte declares CPP-NPA as terror group

Supreme Court justices: More killings, drug users under Duterte administration a hearing on Tuesday, December 5. During this week’s third and fiTHE number of killings and nal session of the oral arguments drug users have increased since on petitions challenging the conPresident Rodrigo Duterte as- stitutionality of Duterte’s drug sumed office last year, two As- war, Senior Associate Justice Ansociate Justices observed during tonio Carpio noted that the numby DANA

SIOSON AJPress

ber of drug users have increased from 1.5 million in 2015 to 4.7 million in 2016. Based on the data from the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s Command Memorandum Circular (CMC) 16-2016, which contains the provisions of

“Project Double Barrel” or the anti-illegal drugs campaign, there were 1.5 million drug users prior to the Duterte administration. Data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), however, showed that the number rose to 4.7 million in 2016, when Duterte assumed post and launched the campaign. “So it actually increased during the term of President Duterte. Is that correct?” Carpio asked Solicitor General Jose Calida.

In response, Calida said the data “was not really accurate and was understated.” During the hearing, Associate Justice Marvic Leonen also noted that there have been 4,000 deaths recorded since the implementation of the anti-illegal drugs campaign last year. “There are thousands upon thousands of people who are killed either in police operations or found on the side of the road,” Leonen said.

He then asked the solicitor general, “Would you say we are now suffering a crime wave consisting of a lot of murders? “I am not an expert on that your honor,” Calida replied. “But with the 4,000 murders for a period of one year, don’t you think that this is something we should worry about, regardless of who these people are?” Leonen continued. “The police, of course, might be investigating them, but PAGE A7

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DECEMBER 8-14, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

Fake drugs

BESIDES the anti-dengue vaccine whose use may have put some 70,000 children at risk, the country has also been saddled with the proliferation of counterfeit medicine. For many years now, public health advocates have warned about the proliferation of fake drugs in the Philippines. The counterfeit drugs range from medication for common afflictions such as cough and diarrhea to maintenance drugs for hypertension and fake Viagra for erectile dysfunction. As early as 2010, health advocates had estimated that one in 10 drugs sold in the country was fake. Over the weekend the World Health Organization gave a similar estimate, but on a global scale, with developing countries including the Philippines reported to be the principal markets for fake drugs. WHO officials believe tens of thousands of children worldwide die every year from afflictions such as malaria and pneumonia due to the use of fake drugs. Of some 48,000 drugs covered by 100 studies reviewed by WHO experts, 65 percent of the fake medicines were for treating malaria. There are no suppliers if there is no demand. And demand in developing countries is high, not for fake drugs but for more affordable medicine. This is what suppliers of fake drugs can offer: products that

are dirt-cheap when compared with the branded originals. Those who profit from meeting this demand either produce fake drugs or bypass global rules on intellectual property rights, manufacturing generic or copycat versions long before international patents lapse, without the consent of the companies that developed the medicine. The companies then cannot impose product quality controls and efficacy of the imitations cannot be guaranteed. Fake drugs also proliferate in countries where regulation is weak. This is true in much of the developing world, including in the Philippines, where practically anything can be smuggled through Customs by anyone with the right connections and financial means. If P6.4 billion worth of shabu can breeze through the Port of Manila without even a cursory check, think of how many other types of illegal drugs including fake ones are waved through from what health advocates said were the top sources: China, India and Pakistan. If the government wants to protect public health, the smuggling must be stopped. The government

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PRESIDENT Donald Trump gave his full support behind the candidacy of Roy Moore, a former judge who is running for senator in a special election in Alabama on December 12. Trump endorsed Moore despite the fact that at least six women have come forward, accusing Moore of making unwanted sexual advances toward them when they were teens, with one of them being only 14. Two of them accused him of assault and molestation. Moore was already in his 30s then and was

IF there is war in Korea, will the Philippines take America’s side? Asked exactly that last week, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said: “As of now, we’re not prepared to say which side we will be on, other than … we want the UN charter followed, we want all parties to refrain from the use of force, we want all parties to utilize peaceful means in resolving this dispute.” Let’s hope Secretary Roque’s remark got to Pyongyang’s rocket man. Then maybe we won’t be on the priority target list of Kim Jong-un’s projectiles, despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s tough talk against North Korean nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development. The heat over Kim’s rocketing ambitions flared up again after he launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, which climbed over 4,000 km before dropping into the Sea of Japan—theoretically able to reach the continental United States. Minutes after the ICBM launch, South Korean warplanes promptly conducted practice air strikes in waters east of Korea, flying as far as the launch site was from their air base. Also keeping the pressure on Pyongyang, this week U.S. and South Korean air forces will hold military exercises. In times like this, one can appreciate President Duterte’s independent foreign policy of taking no sides in big power rivalry, and thus moving the Philippines off the firing line in

must also provide the manpower and resources — all acutely lacking in this country — to prevent the local manufacture, distribution and sale of fake medicine, and to expand the capacity for screening

all types of drugs for safety. Finally, to give justice to victims and prevent impunity, purveyors of counterfeit medicine must be caught and appropriate punishment imposed. (Philstar.com)

Trump endorses an alleged child molester for senator in Alabama: ‘He denied it!’ an assistant district attorney in Alabama. When the news about Moore broke out, several Republican leaders have distanced themselves from Moore, with some calling on Moore to step aside and quit the race. Even Trump’s own daughter Ivanka Trump said in an interview, “There’s a special place in hell for people who prey on children,” when asked about allegations against Moore. “I’ve yet to see a valid explanation, and I have no reason to doubt the victims’ accounts.” BUT for President Trump, it suffices that Moore DENIED the accusations of these women. That was all that he needed

Opinion

RICARDO SALUDO

Philstar.com photo

Trump was asked what he thought about these women now speaking out about their sexual abuse and harassment stories to which he told reporters that it was great that they were speaking up, but maintained that Moore denied the accusations. He questioned why women were speaking out against Moore at this time, after decades, and suggested this was part of a conspiracy to damage the candidacy of Moore. Moore denied all allegations, and that was all that mattered to him. He was effectively saying that these women, who were allegedly victimized by Moore when they were teenage girls, were all liars.

to hear from the former judge, despite the pain, shame and damage the latter has caused these girls through many years, who have now mustered enough strength to tell their stories. This news about Moore allegedly preying on teenage girls was but one of the many stories of other women coming out to reveal the dark secret about how they had been sexually victimized by men in the workplace, at home, in the community — with the hashtag #MeToo as a platform for ordinary girls and women to speak up so this culture of sexual abuse and objectification of women may be addressed.

Sounds familiar? Trump himself had been accused by at least 16 women of sexual misconduct and of sexually violating women, even without their consent. During the “Access Hollywood” open mic interview scandal that broke during the presidential campaign, Trump gloated he could do everything because of his celebrity status. BUT of course, Trump was using the “deny and deny” template to claim innocence. It worked for him before, why wouldn’t it work for Moore? He said the women who were accusing him were liars, and said he would sue them when he becomes president. He has not done so up to now.

Therefore, Trump has now thrown his 100 percent support for Moore. Nevermind his questionable character, Trump told voters they should vote for Moore and not for a liberal. Respect for women? Respect for the truth? Respect for the laws and the rules and morality? For Donald J. Trump, president of the United States of America, it is all about winning — no matter what the cost. *** 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

How Duterte is making the nation more secure

Asia’s potential hotspots. First of all, reduce threats That’s one of six crucial thrusts of the Duterte administration which are moving to enhance and strengthen the security of the Philippines now and in the future. These fundamental policy directions may not seem to matter much to national defense, and are even attacked by those claiming to be patriots. But think them through, and one can see why and how they will make us safer and stronger. First of these policy thrusts is President Duterte’s controversial independent foreign policy. It reversed the past administration’s headlong rush to become America’s military platform in Asia, mended fences with China, and cultivated warm relations and even military cooperation with all big powers. That accomplished the first aim of any security policy: reduce threats. By keeping nuclear-capable American naval and air forces out of the country, and making friends with China and Russia, President Duterte lessened potential hostilities with two major powers. And by openly affirming his trust that Beijing would desist from further island-building and militarization in the South China Sea, Duterte has put the onus on the Chinese to behave, and they largely have done so. Strategy No. 2: Engage China through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Not by stirring up anti-China agitation, as then-President Benigno Aquino 3rd did, but by pressing for a Code of Conduct to reduce tensions, avoid conflict, and boost confidence and cooperation in the South China Sea. Skeptics argue that China

would never agree to a binding Code constricting its military power on the high seas. But just as Duterte’s declaration of trust in Beijing prods it to show good faith, it also has to seriously work with Asean in crafting a credible and effective Code, or else dialogue loses, and the region turns to armaments and powerful allies to counter China. Third on Duterte’s defenseenhancing thrusts is regional security cooperation. Instead of depending on a superpower ally that is in rivalry with China, thus making the latter an adversary, the Philippines is engaging a wide range of nations, China included, in military exchanges. Japan is rapidly becoming the leading source of major external security hardware, with its donation or loan of some two dozen aircraft and patrol vessels to the country. Beijing has not objected, since Japan is not a strategic threat to China and will not put forces in the Philippines. China and Russia are also providing weapons and equipment, possibly including the country’s first submarine from Moscow. Also of great importance are the joint air and sea patrols with Indonesia and Malaysia, now targeting terrorists and pirates, but can also help secure maritime economic zones in future. Richer and stronger Asia-pacing economic growth is also a Duterte thrust, but how is that supposed to help defend the archipelago. No prizes of answering that a wealthy nation can buy or build better armaments without starving its people. Thanks to the Arroyo-era fiscal reforms in 2006, the Phil-

Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

ippines was able to buy more attack planes and choppers, patrol boats, and tanks in succeeding years. And with even more resources under Duterte’s tax reforms and growth push, the country may finally be able to acquire the maritime surveillance aircraft, anti-ship missiles, and air defense systems long urged by Washington defense experts. Former National Security Adviser and Parañaque congressman Roilo Golez, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, has advocated buying about 200 supersonic anti-ship missiles from India. Mounted three on a truck, the BrahMos projectile can hit targets more than 300 km away — enough to guard the country’s exclusive economic zone. The last two Duterte initiatives seem focused on domes-

Philstar.com photo

tic peace and order, but they too greatly enhance external defense. The current war on extremist terrorism and communist insurgency, if they finally put these decades-old violent movements to pasture, would finally enable the Armed Forces to channel AFP resources to defending our territory and sovereign rights. So, instead of expending tens of billions of pesos yearly on small arms and foot soldiers, once peace is concluded with Muslim rebels, and war is won against Islamic State cohorts and the New People’s Army, the military can then build up air and naval forces needed to assert and defend our maritime interests. What about the anti-drug war? How will dismantling the narcotics networks, including their protectors in government,

supposed to fight off foreign invaders? Two ways. First, by tightening border controls to stop contraband, we keep out not just drugs and drug-making materials and equipment, but also guns, explosives, and other war-making gear. But more important, in taking down narco-politicians, President Duterte is stopping the takeover of our democracy by shabu-funded officials under the thumb of overseas drug cartels, which could very well be used by big powers to influence and control our government. Plainly, the war on drugs is also a battle against foreign control. One can now see why our soldiers and police support President Rodrigo Duterte. (ManilaTimes.net)

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Duterte renews call for Congress to pass FOI law by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte Monday, Dec. 4 appealed anew to Congress to pass the Freedom of Information Law, more than a year after he signed an order implementing the policy in the executive branch. “I hope that both the legislative and judicial branches of government would join us in strengthening our democratic institutions by following suit and instituting measures that would allow unfettered public access to relevant information about their affairs, subject to reasonable restrictions and regulations

in exceptional circumstances,” Duterte said in his message for the first anniversary of the implementation of the executive order on FOI. Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Kristian Ablan said the executive branch is hopeful that the FOI would be discussed in Congress after the tax reform measure and the 2018 budget are passed. “Although the FOI Executive Order is a step towards the right direction, it would still be better if we have an FOI law,” he added. The FOI policy is contained in Executive Order No. 2 signed by the president on July 23, 2016. The order, which required all of-

SC justices: More killings... PAGE A5 it worries, of course, that there is such a break in law and order. Calida said there was a connection between the prevalence of drugs and index crimes. Rights groups Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) and Center for International Law (CenterLaw) headed by Aileen Almora and Sis-

fices under the executive branch to disclose details of their transactions, took effect on Nov. 25, 2016. A total of 127 government agencies are now part of the FOI online portal. PCOO data showed that 181 of 189 national government agencies have submitted their FOI manuals and implementing details. Less than half or 69 of 141 government-owned and controlled corporations complied with the requirement. The level of compliance is still low among state universities and colleges, with only 23 out of 113 of these educational institutions submitting their FOI manuals. n

FLAG also assailed the legality of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2017ter Ma. Juanita Daño respectively 112, which establishes a system had filed separate petitions seek- of anonymous reporting of susing to nullify Duterte’s drug war. pected criminals. CenterLaw, on the other hand, In their petition, FLAG argued that the PNP’s CMC 16-2016 filed the petition seeking the issushould be declared unconstitu- ance of a writ of amparo to protional because it paves way for tect certain individuals and the the police to kill suspects in guise residents of 26 barangays in San of “neutralizing” them during op- Andres Bukid, Manila, against the anti-illegal drug campaign. n erations.

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 8-14, 2017

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 8-14, 2017

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL

Your Immigration Solution ERIC R. WELSH AND NANCY MILLER ALL criminal convictions have consequences, but when an immigrant is convicted of a crime, the consequences can be much worse than fines, probation, and imprisonment. An alien (even a permanent resident) convicted of a crime can be detained and deported without eligibility for relief, forcibly separated from their family and their lives in the United States. Not every conviction triggers deportation, and some crime-based bars can be waived. However, when a conviction would cause deportation or inadmissibility and the bar cannot be waived, the best option to remain lawfully in the U.S. may be through post-conviction relief. In California, there are several options available to avoid or mitigate the calamitous immigration consequences of a conviction. Some of those options are available before the conviction is ever entered. Governor Brown recently signed into law a bill (AB 208) that will allow a person charged with a simple drug possession offense to accept “pre-trial diversion” without pleading guilty, and go to drug counseling instead of jail. If the person successfully completes the counseling and rehabilitation, the charges are dismissed, and there is no conviction for immigration purposes. Another law that went into effect last year provides a way for an immigrant who accepted a Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) to eradicate the “conviction” for immigration purposes. Before the new pre-trial diversion became an option, California courts allowed a person charged with a drug crime to plead guilty and accept DEJ, a sort of probation that, if successfully completed, results in dismissal of the charge. However, under federal immigration law, the person still has a “controlled substance conviction,” even if California recognizes the dismissal. Cal. Pe-

Post-conviction relief for immigrants with criminal records

nal Code 1203.43 was enacted because legislators realized that the DEJ statute provided misinformation about making a plea, leading a reasonable immigrant to believe that DEJ would lead to no adverse immigration consequences. By making a motion under section 1203.43, an immigrant can have the plea withdrawn as legally invalid and therefore no longer a “conviction” for immigration purposes. Other laws exist to correct or modify a conviction. Modification can be extremely important because many criminal bars and grounds of removal in immigration law require a conviction of a felony, which is generally defined as a conviction for a crime that carries a possible sentence of more than one year imprisonment. In California, all misdemeanor convictions carry a maximum possible sentence of 364 days, and many crimes can be either misdemeanors or felonies. California provides two mechanisms to change a felony into a misdemeanor: “reclassification” under Prop 47, and “reduction” under Penal Code 17(b). Prop 47 formally reclassifies six specified nonviolent offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, and allows a person who was convicted of a felony prior to the enactment of Prop 47 to have their conviction retroactively reclassified. Penal Code 17(b) allows a person to designate a “wobbler” crime as a misdemeanor. A “wobbler” is a California crime that can be punished either as a felony or a misdemeanor. Unlike Prop 47, this relief is discretionary, meaning that the individual must convince the court that he or she deserves relief or that there is a compelling reason for the court to grant the reduction. California also provides ways for a person to set aside and dismiss (or “expunge”) a conviction. In general, a “rehabilitative” expungement (i.e., an expungement granted on showing successful completion of probation and other requirements) is NOT recognized for immigration purposes. Even when the state

recognizes that a conviction is expunged and erased for purposes of employment, housing, and loans, the federal immigration authorities may still treat the individual as a person convicted of a specified offense. While a rehabilitative expungement may not help an immigrant avoid adverse immigration consequences, a conviction that is vacated as legally invalid will not be considered a “conviction.” Last year, California enacted Penal Code 1473.7 to allow a person who was convicted and already served a sentence to petition the court to vacate a legally invalid conviction. This may be based on newly discovered evidence of actual innocence (e.g., DNA evidence), or, for immigrants, a showing of prejudicial error that affected the immigrant’s ability to meaningfully understand, defend against, or knowingly accept the actual or potential adverse immigration consequences of a plea (e.g., a defense counsel failed to accurately advise the defendant about specific immigration consequences of a plea, and failed to plea bargain for a “safe” alternative disposition). Every state has some form of post-conviction relief, and an immigrant with a criminal conviction should consult with an attorney versed in both immigration and criminal law to discuss options to eradicate the devastating consequences. Immigrants with criminal records are especially vulnerable in this political climate, and every option should be explored to protect the immigrant and keep families together.

*** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. 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.

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ADB offers $3.68 B loans to Philippines by MARY

GRACE Philstar.com

PADIN

THE Philippine government may be able to secure $3.68 billion in sovereign loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the next three years, the Department of Finance (DOF) said. In a statement, the DOF said the ADB’s Sovereign Lending Program for the Philippines from 2018 to 2020 has a total amount of $3.68 billion, 40 percent of which will go to infrastructurerelated projects. Under the program, the DOF said $920 million will be ear-

marked for 2018, with an additional $400 million on standby. Another $1.4 billion will be allocated for 2019, while $1.36 billion is intended for 2020, with $600 million on standby. The DOF said among the projects eligible for the ADB’s sovereign financing program include the $70-million Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, the $100-million Metro Manila Transport Project, $200million Metro Manila Water Supply Project, $100-million Central Spine Connectivity Project Phase 1 and $160-million Mindanao River Basin Flood Control

Project. Other projects like the Expanding Private Sector Participation in Infrastructure Sub-Program 2 ($300 million), Inclusive Financial Sector Development Program ($300 million), Secondary Education Support Project ($300 million) and the Expanded Social Assistance Project ($300 million) are also eligible for possible loan financing from the multilateral agency. Aside from sovereign loans, the DOF said the Philippines may also tap about $4 billion under the ADB’s Country Opera-

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DOH targets malaria-free Palawan by 2020 by MARY

GRACE Philstar.com

PADIN

THE Department of Health (DOH)-Mimaropa office is optimistic that the province of Palawan can attain its target of being malaria-free by 2020, said regional director Eduardo Janairo, a medical doctor. Janairo, who was in the city for the National Malaria Awareness Day-9th Malaria Congress, said last week the province might already be malaria-free by next year because the DOH-Mimaro-

pa is certain to give “all out support” to attain the target. “Yes, we hope we can achieve that. There is a possibility that it might be achieved, especially next year because we will give all the support. We don’t care whether fund is from foreign-assisted project or local-assisted project but Mimaropa Region will do something about that. We will put funds into it,” Janairo told the Philippine News Agency. The regional health director added it is about time “everybody should be worried about malar-

ia” as the Philippines has experienced it for so many years. “But we have to understand that malaria, its elimination is development, or urbanization. All areas in Manila used to have malaria in the past. But now it has almost zero malaria because the breeding areas are no longer conducive for them. Change of environment can cause removal of malaria,” he explained. However, he said that in Mimaropa, particularly in Palawan, there is no need to change the

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Community Journal

DECEMBER 8-14, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Love, marriage, and (California) divorce

The CTV Files Atty. LiLLi B. BAcuLi THE holidays are upon us, and soon, we’ll all be thinking about “New Year’s resolutions.” Amid the festivities, many people take this time to look at their lives and decide once and for all if their lives will change in the new year, or if things will remain the same. Love and marriage in the real world involves trying to put order in the chaos of work, maintaining a home, and raising a family all the while maintaining the relationship between husband and wife. Sometimes, divorce happens. The following seeks to address or clarify some common misconceptions about divorce. “What if my husband/wife does not want to sign the divorce?” or “My husband/wife does not want to sign the divorce papers, what can I do.” California is a no-fault divorce state. A party filing for divorce does not need the consent of the other in order to file a Petition for

Dissolution (Divorce) or, in some instances, to get a judgment of divorce. Perhaps the confusion lies in the part where the other party (your soon-to-be ex-spouse) needs to be served with process. In proceeding in an action for divorce, there are procedural requirements dictated by law that must be followed to ensure that the other party has notice of the action (that is, that s/he is being brought to court for an action of divorce) and that s/he is given time to respond. However, there is no requirement for the other party to respond. There is no requirement that s/he sign any document at all. All that needs to happen is that s/he is properly served with process according to the rules. “What? I have to share my money?” Generally, all of your assets prior the marriage is just your own separate property. However, California is a community property state and so once you get married, all property acquired during marriage is community property. And if anything

out of the community property is used towards separate property, the community might turn out to have a claim on part(s) of separate property. Separate property are “all property acquired before marriage; all gifts, bequests, devise, or descents. All property acquired or exchanged with traceable separate property; and all property acquired after separation.” “I don’t want to pay for spousal support.” Again, California is a no-fault divorce state. There is no assignment of blame or fault; fault does not factor in the equation in the issue of support. Some of the factors that the Court will look at to determine whether there is basis for support, and if so, in what amount, are – length of marriage, age of parties, if there are minor children in the marriage, income of both parties. A Special Note about Divorce and Immigration. Some divorces will have the added element of an immigration issue – where the spouse became a lawful per-

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette ADevA MAgLAyA AT a breakfast after mass at the Holy Family Church during a school fundraiser in Glendale California one beautiful fall morning three years ago, a statuesque, well groomed lady holding her breakfast tray asked my husband, my sister Olga and myself, if she could join us. We said yes of course. There weren’t enough tables and chairs in the auditorium at the time. After a few pleasantries and the frost among strangers had thawed, the woman indicated that she was from the East Coast and she was visiting her son who lived in the city. She was staying in a hotel for a few days and had checked online for the nearest church where she could attend mass. She remarked that the Glendale Holy Family Catholic Church with Spanish architecture built in the 1920’s was beautiful. The conversation around the table was light at first, meandering around innocuous, safe topics. Out of nowhere, she asked us to pray for her son. Startled at first, I asked what her son’s name was and we all must have made a mental note of it. It seems that her 36-year old son who is an engineer, with so much going for him, had a major relapse in his bid to overcome his alcoholic addiction — yet again. His poison of choice – vodka. She was in town to check him in to a rehab facility and taking a chance on a new drug that would have adverse, irreversible ramifications if there is recidivism or if he ever went back to the bottle. In short, it was a last ditch attempt to end his addiction. Over breakfast we had a glimpse of the turmoil the woman was going through in seeing a loved one going through the repeated cycles of addiction and rehabilitation, only to go through it over and over again– a seemingly hopeless struggle that many battle with these days. It is like Sisyphus of Greek mythology who was punished by the

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PhiLiP S. chuA, MD, FAcS, FPcS TWELVE years ago, we wrote that drinking coffee reduced the risk for type II diabetes, based on a new study then (involving 42,000 healthy men and 84,000 health women from 1980 through 1998) by the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on January 6, 2004. Compared to those who did not drink coffee, men who had more than six cups of caffeinated coffee a day lowered the risk of developing Type II diabetes by 50 percent. Among women, there was a 30 percent reduction in the risk. Caffeinated coffee was found to be more beneficial than the decaffeinated or the hyped-up mocha, cappuccino, or latte, etc., variety. Unclear rationale The exact mechanism is still unclear. In another research (Nurses Health Study), it shows that the 2000 women coffee drinkers in its survey had significantly lower (13-14 percent levels of C-peptide hormone, a component of insulin in our body, compared to non-coffee drinkers. Higher level of C-peptide, which indicates the body is unable to use insulin (called insulin resistance) are linked to the increased risk of developing adult-onset diabetes. The good effect was more apparent among obese and overweight women, 22 percent and 18 percent, respectively. So, if coffee reduces C-peptide, then the risk is reduced. Some hormones This is still not fully understood. Both regular and decaffeinated coffees have a lot of antioxidants in them, like chlorogenic acid (the ingredient that gives the “addicting” coffee flavor), phyto-estrogens, and magnesium. These chemicals improve sensitivity to insulin and may play a vital role in lowering adult onset diabetes. Caffeine itself is also known to affect insulin secretion. How much coffee? The Harvard study stated six or more cups per day. The research on the same subject in Finland (which has the highest per capita coffee consumption in the world), involving 15,000 healthy men and women (ages 35-64), as reported in The Journal of American Medical Association, showed that women who consumed 10 or more cups a day had 79 percent lower risk, and men, about 55 percent.

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Tapping into the power of prayer “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin gods for chronic deceitfulness and wickedness. He was cursed for eternity to roll a rock uphill only to have fate roll it back downhill just when success at lodging it safely on top of a steep hill was a sure thing. She let slip that another son had died in the last year, the reason for which, she didn’t mention. And she would have to come again and visit in December because her alcoholic son has an ex-girlfriend who is pregnant and is due by then. You can’t make this stuff up. Life is just so tough that her face was etched in pain. Yet there was also a brief glimpse of hope for the baby about to be born. Grief, just like joy, has way of welling up within and spilling over. We listened to her over breakfast aware that she just wanted to ease up some of the heavy burden that was troubling her. A lot of us are like this woman. We each have problems that seem too much to bear until we reach out and ask others to pray for us, even strangers we will never ever see again. We ask others to knock and bang on the doors of heaven with a battering ram, if need be, to beg for help on our behalf. In many ways, each one of us can be a prayer warrior. Often, we come to church just to be with others who are a bit like us, seeking one another’s company in seeking God’s help in many ways, big and small. Because we know deep down, by ourselves we can do nothing. Just as gravity holds the physical universe together, prayer draws the spirit universe together among kindred souls. The power of prayer is unimaginable among those whose faith is built on solid rock. If you can, please pray for this anonymous woman Mrs. B and

her son G. Mother and son both need prayers so badly; for the son to break the bonds of addiction once and for all and for the mother or the strength and the fortitude to endure her trials and finally, for both mother and son to find the peace, serenity and just maybe, hope and joy even in a season of darkness. And while we’re at it, we might as well decide to make time for prayer ourselves. We need to grit our teeth and cut off the electronic leash that is so much a part of our lives these days. We know we are in deep trouble when we have to post the latest “selfies” on FB even while we are in the restroom. Isn’t it time we weaned ourselves from having to spend too much time tethered to our gadgets? Our obsession with our tech toys may very well be another form of addiction. Dwell in the silence for that is where God is. How can God speak to us if our ears are stuffed up, our hearts are not right and our minds are cluttered with non-essentials all the time? Modern life is much too full of inane, sometimes insane, distractions assailing all our senses during our waking hours to make time for God. Perhaps we can even pray for complete strangers and those in our immediate orbit who we know are in dire straits but are either too timid or too proud to ask for help. There are people who feel diminished if they ask for help. They label themselves as proudly independent. The truth is that they are poor, unfortunate fools severely afflicted with hubris. Hubris, that extreme form of pride, the same brand that brought down the fallen angels, always prevents humans from seeking help.

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Coffee and longevity Effect on longevity Two recent major international studies (U.S. and European) suggested that coffee lovers may also live a longer life compared to those who do not imbibe coffee. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and Imperial College of London, which reviewed more than half a million people with variable habits and customs across 10 European countries, was the first study. This showed “those who drank about three cups a day tended to live longer than noncoffee drinkers; they also had a lower risk of death from any cause, and specifically for circulatory diseases, and digestive diseases.” The second one, done in the U.S., involved 180,000 subjects of different ethnic, social, and career backgrounds. The findings revealed that drinking coffee “benefits longevity whether the coffee was caffeinated or decaffeinated…and coffee drinkers had a lower risk of death due to heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory and kidney disease.” One cup a day drinkers “were 12 percent less likely to die compared to those who didn’t drink coffee; those who drank two or three cups per day saw an even higher 18 percent reduced risk of death.” “We cannot say drinking coffee will prolong your life, but we see an association,” stated Veronica Setiawan, lead researcher and an associate professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California. Drinking coffee is reported to impart anti-oxidant benefits and may improve liver function too, but it is not recommended for pregnant women and children. Also, drinking any very hot beverage in general is suspected to increase the risk for cancer of the esophagus (food pipe). A professor at the University of Cambridge, David Spiegelhalter, described the research as “huge in size and carefully done,” but nevertheless unable to prove cause and effect. “If these estimated reductions in all-cause mortality really are causal, then an extra cup of coffee every day would on average extend the life of a man by around three months, and a woman by around a month,” he added. While drinking coffee appears to help in reducing the risk for Type II diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer, and now claimed to prolong life, more clinical studies are still needed to make this an evidence-based medical fact. Coffee trivia Second to water, coffee is one

of the world’s most consumed beverages. Over 16 billion pounds of beans are produced in 70 countries annually. More than 2.25 billion cups are consumed each year globally. The Netherlands (population: 17,035,938) is the highest consumer of coffee in the world at 260.4 liters per capita, compared to 115.2 per capita in the United States (population: 325,416,914), where about 400 million cups of coffee are consumed each day. Almost 85 percent of Americans drink coffee daily. Ninety-three percent of households in the Philippines (population: 105,589,888) drink coffee, the country consuming 100,000 metric tons year. Coffee, “first brought to the Philippines by a Franciscan friar in 1749, is the most consumed beverage next to water, and second most bought item next to sauces and seasonings,” according to one study. How many cups are safe? Since the long term effects of coffee (especially caffeinated) on diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, other illnesses, and longevity are not totally clear, the so called “safe level” becomes an individual issue. One cup of regular coffee may be too much for one person, who might develop heart beat irregularity, like palpitation, or insomnia, when taken before bedtime. Three cups a day may not be enough to satisfy another. This should be tailored to personal tolerance. The final word on this issue is not settled, but the preliminary results as presented above are most encouraging. More long term studies are definitely needed before this becomes a medical dogma. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities, and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** 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. For more data, visit philipSchua.

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Saving documents is critical to your case

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ FOR almost all immigration benefits, you should save and preserve documents to establish eligibility for that particular benefit. Many people state that, for one reason or another, they no longer have documents relating to their immigration history. They moved several times and lost track of the documents; they got angry because their case was denied and tore up the paperwork, burned it and threw the ashes into the Pasig River; or lost documents or they were destroyed due to natural calamities (e.g. flood, lahar), or termites ate the paperwork, etc. Had they kept track of the documents or put them in a safe place, their chances of success would have been greater. But now the case could be more difficult and expensive. Among the documents you should keep are: • Documents showing how you entered the U.S. This would include the passport and visa you entered the US on (even if under an assumed name), I – 94, other documents proving you were “inspected” at your port of entry. • Documents showing your marriage(s) were bona fide and in good faith. If a person has ever been petitioned by a U.S. citizen spouse, the bona fides of that marriage may come up and be questioned at any later interview. This is because the law states that if a person has ever been in a fixed marriage, all future petitions will not be approved. Even if you get divorced from your spouse, you should continue to save the pictures, love letters, and other joint documents, just in case that issue arises in the future.

• Documents showing you worked for the employer. If you obtained a green card through an employer’s sponsorship (PERM/ labor certification) you will need to prove you worked for the employer after being granted your green card. In some cases, a person quits before their adjustment is granted, or they never bothered working for the sponsoring employer. Years later, when they apply for citizenship, one of the first questions asked is whether they worked for the employer after getting the green card and proof of employment, such as paystubs. • Documents relating to all filings with USCIS, including petitions, applications, approvals, and denials. Some people apply for various immigration benefits, whether they were eligible for them or not. Some may not have even realized what they were filing for. But those previous filings will come up with any future application for immigration benefits. Therefore, if your case was denied, don’t just rip up the denial and throw it in the fire. Save it. If you can no longer locate your documents, there are ways to obtain your file from the U.S. government. • Documents showing your continuous residence in the U.S. Although there is no “amnesty” at the present time, we are still hoping and praying for comprehensive immigration reform. Almost all of these programs require that a person continuously resided in the U.S. for a certain number of years. Therefore, in case any kind of immigration reform is passed and requires your demonstrating continuous residence, save documents proving that, such as tax returns, doctor bills, rental agreements, phone bills, etc. Save them now, so that when comprehensive im-

migration reform is passed, you already have them available and organized, versus scrambling around trying to locate documents, which you may have lost or thrown out. These are just a few examples of the type of documents you should be keeping in connection with your immigration case. Don’t just throw out things or lose track of them, as it may be critical to obtaining certain immigration benefits. In addition to keeping the paper copies of these documents, you may also want to scan and email them to yourself, so you can have access to the documents “in the cloud,” even if the paper copies are lost. And to be sure of the type of documents needed for a particular immigration benefit, you should seek the advice of an attorney who can assist you. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 8-14, 2017

ADB offers $3.68 B loans to... PAGE CJ1 t

tions Business Plan for 2018 to 2020. The DOF said $1.9 billion, or 48 percent of the total amount will be used for sustainable infrastructure and development. Another $1.2 billion will be earmarked for regional development and finance, and $900 million for human capital development. The ADB, led by its president Takehiko Nakao, also informed Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III regarding the bank’s four new lending programs for the Philippines for 2018 amounting to $1.08 billion. These include the $300-million Encouraging Investment through Capital Market Reforms Subprogram 2, $380-million Improving Growth Corridors in the Mind-

anao Road Sector, $300-million Facilitating Youth School-toWork Transition and the $100million Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility. The DOF said the IPIF, in particular, would include support for feasibility studies, detailed engineering design, preparation of bid documents, due diligence review and other activities related to preparation of infrastructure projects. Dominguez, who currently chairs the ADB Board of Governors, said the facility would support initiatives of the Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works and Highways in conducting pre-investment activities for public infrastructure projects. During their meeting with the

DOF, ADB officials also assured the Philippine government of its support for the reconstruction efforts in Marawi City through its $225,000 technical assistance grant, with another $5 million from its Urban Resilience Fund. The ADB also reaffirmed its support for the Philippines’ flagship infrastructure projects by co-financing with Japan the Malolos-Clark Railway and the North-South Commuter Rail line from Tutuban in Manila to Los Baños in Laguna. It also supported the Duterte administration’s hybrid publicprivate partnership approach, in which the government finances the construction phase of the projects and bids out the operation and maintenance to the private sector. ■

have proven it. “We have to test each and every inhabitant in Palawan for malaria, and the other provinces in Mimaropa,” he stated. Decreasing number of cases According to Palawan’s control program Kilusan Ligtas Malaria (KLM), an estimated 53,451 cases of malaria with 85 deaths were recorded in 1999. By 2014, the figure went down to 4,206 cases with five mortalities, but increased again to 7,437 in 2015 with 13 deaths. All would amount to 86 percent decrease in cases, and the same percentage in deaths. From January to November this year, the KLM recorded again a 41 percent decrease or 3,400 cases out of 146,256 tested compared to the same period in 2016 where 6,136 cases were recorded.

The top five municipalities with the highest cases of malaria this year are Rizal with 1,294; Balabac with 686; Bataraza with 656; Brooke’s Point with 360 and Quezon with 142 – all in southern Palawan. In Puerto Princesa, 91 cases were still recorded. No case has been documented in the municipalities of Busuanga, Culion, Coron, and Linapacan in the Calamianes Islands Group in the northern part of the province. “Despite this, we still cannot say these towns are malaria-free. We need to validate,” Janairo said. For the province’s malaria control program, eradication will no longer be a problem if residents stop their belief in traditional healers, poor compliance to diagnosis and treatment protocol, and self-medication. (PNA) ■

DOH targets malaria-free...

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environment as residents only need to keep their surroundings clean. Janairo said malaria prevention methods that are due for implementation by the regional health office are the fitting of all public and private school windows with screens, and the regular conduct of airborne spraying of insect repellent compounds to control mosquito population. The other prevention method is the conduct of blood testing or smearing for malaria parasite to ensure people are disease-free. “You cannot say that a person has no malaria unless he/she is tested. Here in Palawan, if you think that a person has no malaria because he/she is not showing symptoms, you can still be wrong as there are asymptomatic cases,” Janairo stated, adding they

Love, marriage, and (California)... PAGE CJ2 t

manent resident of the United States through marriage to a U.S. citizen spouse. The common question is “what will happen to me if I divorce my U.S. citizen husband/wife? Will my green card be affected?” If there is an issue regarding immigration, it is important to consult with an experienced and licensed immigration attorney in order to get the correct information. It is crucial that people get the right advice to be able to make intelligent decisions on what they want to do

with their lives. Not all divorce cases are the same. It is important to be properly informed about your rights and responsibilities under California law in divorce proceedings. The wrong advice or information can and will hurt you, and waste your time and money. Consult a licensed and experienced family law attorney (and a licensed and experienced immigration attorney, if needed) to help you navigate through your divorce. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate

Calendar of Events across

AFTER ENTERING THE US IN THE BACKSEAT OF A MINIVAN, PINA’S NEXT HURDLE WAS HOW TO LEGALIZE HER STATUS. Pina (center) entered the U.S. in 2001 through the Canadian border, while seated in the back seat of a minivan. Border patrol asked the driver a few questions, but never spoke with Pina, and let them pass through. Pina was petitioned by an employer, and eventually married her U.S. citizen husband, John (left), who also petitioned her. Both cases were denied based on the way she entered the U.S. Although she consulted with Attorney Gurfinkel several times, she retained other attorneys, and her case was denied. She finally retained Attorney Gurfinkel, who was able to obtain her green card through “provisional waiver.” Watch how Attorney Gurfinkel came to the rescue, and help Pina achieve her American dream, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement)

DOT mulls food tourism program by CATHERINE

TALAVERA

Philstar.com

THE Department of Tourism is targeting to promote the country’s food tourism product by creating food hubs across a number of parks in the country, a tourism official said. On the sidelines of the Rolling Manila project launch in Intramuros, Tourism Undersecretary Katherine de Castro told The STAR the DOT is aiming to transform Intramuros into a tourist spot for food. De Castro said the DOT is eyeing to make Intramuros into something similar to Singapore’s Hawker Center, a popular destination for street food. “This will make Intramuros known not only as the walled city of Manila, but also the food hub of Manila,” De Castro said. “After Intramuros, we will be focusing on Rizal Park and the

other parks in the Philippines and also in our regions we will come up with their own ways and means for food tourism in their respective place,” De Castro said. The DOT, through the Intramuros Administration (IA), launched recently the first prototype of the redesigned food carts and stalls for vendors in Intramuros for its Rolling Manila project. The Rolling Manila project is a collaborative initiative between the IA, Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the Design Center of the Philippines, which aims for the sustainable transformation of food carts and stalls in Intramuros. IA chief for finance and administrative division Mercy de Sahagun said members of the Samahan ng mga Nagkakaisang Maninininda sa Intramuros would be the beneficiaries of the project. While the actual food carts

and stalls have yet to be built, De Castro said funding for the project might come from the DOT. “From what I heard, they will be needing 100 of these (food carts and stalls). Specifically, it will be Intramuros sending us the proper papers,” De Castro said. “As I’ve said it’s one of the priority projects of the Secretary (Teo) and it’s possible that we will be shouldering the funds for this,” De Castro said. Apart from the Rolling Manila project, another initiative of the DOT to promote food or culinary tourism is the annual celebration of the Madrid Fusion Manila (MFM) festival. The MFM is the first and only Asian edition of Madrid Fusión, the most important gastronomy event in the world, celebrated annually in Madrid, Spain since 2003. The fourth edition of the MFM is slated on April 19 to 21, 2018 in Pasay City. ■

Tapping into the power of... PAGE CJ2t

It is uncanny but most of us who try our best to nurture a spiritual life even as we take care of our bodies, have that instinctive gift for detecting which among us emanate this invisible shield of energy and light. They are usually the ones with the quiet or sometimes effusive, contagious joy about them. Strangely, we tend to gravitate towards such people. After all, as humans, we are all in this together, from one gen-

eration to the next. As the Jesuit priest, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin once so astutely said of humanity: “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” I have the strangest feeling that with faith and unceasing prayer, both mother and son and his new family will be just fine in the end. There is no doubt it will be a long tough slog but they won’t be alone. The woman has faith. She reaches out and asks

for prayers and the ripple of powerful heartfelt prayers builds up like a tsunami wave that will burst open heaven’s door for the graces they need. Will we ever know for certain of the outcome? Perhaps not, but that is what faith does. We do not need to know. We simply trust in God’s ways. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorneyclient relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ ctvattys.com. For general information visit www.chuatinsayvega.com. (Advertising Supplement)

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Fil-Am Association of Santa Clarita Valley holds annual Christmas potluck The Fil-Am Association of Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) invites guests to its annual Christmas potluck party on Saturday, December 9 from 6 p.m. It will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (23233 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita, CA 91321). There will be food, games, entertainment for the whole family. Don’t forget to bring your favorite dish to share. Santa will be there to give presents to everyone. For more information, please call Emie at (661) 877-2699 or Cecile at (818) 439-9392 or visit www.filamofscv.org.

D EC E M B E R 28

Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA Global Law Centers will be hosting an immigration forum on Thursday, December 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. It will be held at Brookhurst Community Center (2271 Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801); admission is FREE. The forum is about employment-based immigration, information regarding fast-track work visas ( H-1B1, TN, E-3), green card by Marriage, familybased immigration, employment sponsorship for green card, and work visas after graduation. Candidates with H-1B, TN, F-1, OPT & other visas issues are encouraged to attend for FREE immigration consultation & immigration assistance. For more information, please contact Global Law Centers at (714) 657-7460 or www.globallawcenters.com.

D EC E M B E R 27-29

Ateneo de Naga High School Class ’67 celebrates 50th anniversary in Naga City The Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) High School Class 1967 is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2017 from December 27 to 29 with various activities lined up for its 153 alumni members. (ADNU is a leading Jesuit university in the Bicol region located in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines). The activities include the publication of its 50thAnniversary Yearbook, a coffee table book which features the individual life stories of the class members after high school, tributes to their mentors, and various articles about school life in the 1960s. Also scheduled for the middle of the year is a golf tournament which — aside from fostering camaraderie — will essentially be a fund-raising activity for planned alumni projects such as a medical mission to a remote provincial town, scholarships, and donations for other worthy causes. This year’s reunion will be at the ADNU main campus in Naga City with various fun and commemorative activities lined up for the occasion. All batch members, wherever they are domiciled, including those residing in foreign countries, especially those in the USA and Canada, are enjoined to contribute their life story articles for the anniversary book as soon as possible, to participate in the various identified activities and outreach projects, and attend the grand homecoming in December. For coordination and for details about the events and activities, please email or call up any of the following batch members: Jojo de Jesus (email: jvdejesus6@yahoo.com; cell: 09772114750); Nilo Ezequiel (email: nilo. ezequiel0977@gmail.com; cell: 09257200926; Antonio Sibulo, MD (email: assjrmd@gmail. com).

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DECEMBER 8-14, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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City of Oakland winter shelters THE City of Oakland, in collaboration with Emeryville and Alameda County, (North County) has developed a Winter Response strategy to address the needs of unsheltered homeless people during the winter months. Shelters operate through April 16, 2018. Shelter doors open to clients by 6 p.m. each evening and close by 8 a.m. the next morning. In West Oakland – St. Vincent de Paul, 675 – 23rd Street, that will be open every night of the winter: • Call Saint Vincent de Paul (510)638-7600 • 50 beds that will be available by vouchers • 15 beds will remain for walk up, first-come first served basis o No beds will remain empty A smaller shelter site in East Oakland – East Oakland – EOCP, Crossroads Shelter, 7515 International Blvd., open every night of the winter: • 10 over-flow beds available on a first comefirst served basis. o For more information contact (510) 532-3211 Serving vulnerable populations - St. Mary’s Center, 925 Brockhurst St. along San Pablo Ave, open every night of the winter: • 25 bed shelter for seniors • Call (510) 923-9600 and ask to speak to the Worker of the Day or come to our Center between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or

1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Ask to see a social worker. “With our partners, we’ve developed a new approach to better meet the unique needs of seniors,” said Sara Bedford, the City of Oakland’s Director of Human Services. “As housing prices continue to climb, we’ve seen a rise in the senior population among Oakland’s most vulnerable that needed to be addressed.” The Society of St. Vincent de Paul facility at 675 23rd St., Oakland, accommodating up to 65 single adults. Most of the beds are secured through a voucher system. Referral agencies, see chart below, should be contacted for information about vouchers. 2017 Winter Shelter Referral Agencies BACS - Bay Area Community Services 559 16th St., Oakland (510) 613-0330 or (510) 238-5091 Saint Vincent de Paul Community Center 2272 San Pablo Avenue (510) 638-7600 OD – Operation Dignity (510) 882-7941 3850 San Pablo Ave., Ste. 102, Emeryville OHAC - Oakland Housing Assistance Center 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 6th Fl., Oakland (510) 238-6182 n

Play Santa for local senior citizens in need SHARE the holiday spirit and take part in the Be a Santa to a Senior (BASTAS) service program. This program provides holiday cheer and gifts to the senior citizens in the community who are least likely to receive a gift this holiday season, and who are often lonely and financially in need. The local HomeInstead Senior Care office, the Concord Commission on Aging and the Concord Senior Center are partnering with residents, non-profit organizations and businesses in the community to provide gifts for the 2017 BASTAS program. “We served over 300 seniors last year. Local Boy Scout troops delivered the gifts and visited with seniors in the community,” said Melvin Lee, Concord Commission on Aging chair. “We encourage the community to visit our local businesses and help

support the program this year.” To participate, look for the BASTAS tree at a participating location. Select a gift tag from the tree. The tag includes the first name of a local senior and his or her gift wish. Return the unwrapped gift along with the gift tag by Sunday, Dec. 10. Participating locations include: Min’s Kitchen, 3505 Clayton Road, Curves for Women, 2962-C Treat Blvd., The Old Spaghetti Factory, 1955 Mt. Diablo St., Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive, Wing A, Concord Police Department, 1350 Galindo Street, Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA, 350 Civic Drive in Pleasant Hill and the Concord Senior Center at 2727 Parkside Circle. Residents are invited to join

EMPLOYMENT

August 15, 1980 - November 18, 2017

Conrado R. Dela Cruz Jr, 37, died in the caring hands of Kaiser’s staff on November 18, 2017, with his parents by his side in Modesto, CA. Conrado was born in Manila, Philippines on August 15, 1980 to Conrado Dela Cruz Sr. and Josefina Dela Cruz. He was the youngest of four children. Conrado attended and graduated from James Logan High School, Union City, CA. He then moved to Pennsylvania to pursue a career as a Dental Hygienist and graduated from Harcum College Philadelphia, PA. He worked at many Dental Clinics all throughout California, but he finally found his home away from home at the VA Dental Clinic in Livermore, CA where he worked for about 8 years. Conrado leaves behind his parents Conrado Sr. and Josie Dela Cruz, two sisters Evelyn Dela Cruz, Connie Charles, and a brother Jose Dela Cruz. He also leaves behind nephews Gary Charles Jr and James Dela Cruz, nieces Isabella and Anjelica Mae Dela Cruz, Sister in law Marianne Dela Cruz and brothers in law Gary Charles and Ray Dela Cruz and a very close friend Chris Yerro. He also leaves behind numerous Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends that love and will miss him very much. Conrado was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, godfather, and friend. He enjoyed traveling, outdoor adventures and discovering new things. He never missed Sunday Church. He loved sports such as volleyball, badminton, and running challenges for fundraising. He took pride and joy in cooking meals for his family and friends to enjoy. Conrado was a considerate person who always put others first before himself. Conrado was preceded in death by his Lola Loleng, Lolo Theodoro, Inang Criselda, Tatang Crispin and his friend Kathleen Saw. His memories will continue to be cherished by his surviving siblings, Evelyn Dela Cruz, Connie Charles, and Jose Dela Cruz. He will be welcomed to eternal life by his grandparents, Dolores & Theodoro Dela Cruz, Criscelda & Crispin Roxas. Funeral services in Conrado’s honor: Viewing will be December 12, at 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Lima Family Mortuary, 48800 Warm Springs Blvd Fremont, CA. Church Service will be December 13, at 10:30 a.m., St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 5788 Thornton Ave Newark, CA. Conrado was a well-loved man and the family would like to thank everyone for your condolences and prayers. “Death ends a life not a relationship.” (Albom, 2000)

Avelino Coloma, 81 the gift wrapping party on Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call the Senior Center at (925) 6713320 to register for the party. For more information, contact Senior Center Director Avis Connolly at (925) 671-3419 or email avis.connolly@cityofconcord. org or call Tess Locsin, (925) 280-9688. n

Daly City’s Annual Frosty Fest and Tree Lighting Ceremony set for Dec. 16 RING in the holiday season with friends and family at the a Department of Library and Recreation Services’ annual Frosty Fest and Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, December 16, at the Pacelli Event Center, 145 Lake Merced Blvd., Daly City. The festivities kick-off at 4 p.m. with the tree lighting scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Enjoy an indoor

Conrado R. Dela Cruz Jr.

winter wonderland-themed carnival with games and prizes. Bring a donation of canned food and/ or a new unwrapped toy to receive a mini passport to play games. This year’s Frosty Fest features performances by participants of Daly City’s Afterschool Youth Recreation Program. Come for the fun, stay for a photo Santa! Admission is free! n

EMPLOYMENT

Mr. Avelino Coloma passed away peacefully in San Francisco on November 30, 2017. He was 81. Born in Isabela, Philippines on December 3, 1935, Avelino is survived by his sisters Natividad Coloma-Mateo and Idarlina Coloma-Dacio, daughter Marines Coloma, grandchildren, and relatives. Viewing for Avelino Coloma will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at the Tiffany Chapel of Cypress Lawn Memoral Park (1370 El Camino Real) in Colma from 4 to 9pm. There will be a rosary at 6pm. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 15, 2017 at the St. Finn Church in San Francisco, CA at 10am. Internment will follow at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park after the mass. The family is asking for prayers for the repose of Avelino Coloma’s soul. For additional details, please call Larry Mateo at (415) 279-1366.

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DECEMBER 8-14, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 8, 2017

Driver’s license and car registration 101 BY

KLARIZE MEDENILLA / AJPRESS

WHEN I first learned how to drive, I was baffled with how much paperwork is actually involved. However, it turned out to not be as scary and complicated as I thought. Car registration and the driver’s license are two of the most important components for every driver. Car registration is proof that you’re the owner of your car and your driver’s license is your passport to the roads. All applications for car registration and driver’s license are done through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The notoriety surrounding the lackluster customer service at the DMV is not a myth. Many folks are subjected to long lines, famously unpleasant staff members and antiquated methods of processing requests. But not every interaction and trip with the DMV has to be a nightmare. Many services can be done online at www.dmv.ca.gov, but there are some things that need to be done in person. If a trip to your local California DMV is needed, always make an appointment so you don’t have to wait in line. Here’s a refresher on what car registration and a California driver’s license are and how to retrieve them: Car registration: What is it and how do I do it? The purpose of car registration is to establish a link between the vehicle and the owner(s) if the vehicle. If someone is convicted of any crimes, oftentimes the car registration is the first place law enforcement points to. Every car (new or used) that you purchase from a licensed California dealer must be registered with the state. The dealer collects use tax fees to register and title the car, and those

• Use tax payment, if applicable • Odometer Mileage Disclosure Statement, if applicable. • Necessary vehicle registration fees Driver’s License: how to apply and when to renew Getting a driver’s license is a big moment everyone’s lives. It’s basically a rite of passage into adulthood. Not only does it allow you to legally drive, it’s also used for self-identification. Whether you’re a teen driver or an adult first-time driver, the process to obtain a driver’s license is pretty much the same: • Make an appointment use taxes are forwarded to the local California DMV office and state Board of Equalization. complete a Driver’s License or Once all that is processed at Identification Application (Form the DMV, you’re given tempoDL 44) rary operating authority. Typi• If you’re under 18, you’ll cally within 6 to 8 weeks after need a parent or guardian’s you purchased the car, you’ll signature receive a registration card, • Provide social security license plates, stickers (placed number and verify birth date on license plates to indicate the and legal presence month and year of each year • Submit certification that of renewed registration) and a you completed driver education California Certificate of Title. or training or proof of enrollRegistration typically lasts ment for a year, after which time you • Give a fingerprint must renew your auto registra• Pay the driver’s license fee tion. Renewing car registration — in California, it’s $33 only takes a few clicks online. • Give another fingerprint, Head to https://www.dmv. provide a signature and have ca.gov/portal/dmv/dmv/onyour picture taken — all these linesvcs/registrationrenewal and will appear on your driver’s follow the steps. You should license have the following with you • Pass the written knowlbefore you renew: edge test — for teen drivers, • License plate number there are 46 questions and • Last five digits of your a passing score is at least 38 Vehicle Identification Number questions correct. For driver’s (VIN) over 18, there are 36 ques• Smog certification filed tions. You have three chances with the DMV to pass the test and if you fail, • Renewal notice that was you must wait 7 days before mailed to you that shows your retaking current address or a confirma• Schedule a pass/fail road tion through the Change of Ad- test — you have three chances dress system that logged your to pass the driving test. If you updated address fail, take some time to practice • A method of payment to then you may make another pay the mandatory renewal fee appointment. There’s no waiting In the mail, you’ll receive period, but you must pay $6 for proof that you’ve renewed your each additional driving test. registration and new stickers to Once you pass the road place on your plate. test, congratulations! Your new However, if you buy a car driver’s license will be mailed to from a private owner, it’s a difyou in the next 90 days. ferent story. You must transfer Your California driver’s the ownership of the vehicle license expires every five years with 10 days and you’re to sub- on your birthday. Two months mit the following documents to before it expires, the CA DMV the DMV: will mail you a renewal notice. • An endorsed and comYou can renew your license pleted California Certificate of online, by mail, by phone or in Title OR Application for Duperson. plicate or Paperless Title (REG For more information on car 227) form registration and how to obtain a • Smog certification, if apdriver’s license, visit www.dmv. plicable ca.gov. Happy driving!

Staying safe on the road By JENNIFER

EVERYONE seems hyped up for the holidays, hurrying to wrap up their shopping and head on to parties and get-togethers. This holiday season, chances are, you will be spending much of your time traveling. Since streets will be a lot busier (and in some places, raining, snowing or covered with ice and frost), it’s a time that calls for a driver to be extra vigilant on the road. Here are some tips to stay safe on the road: Make a safe driving plan Leave enough time for you to take stops for food, rest breaks, phone calls or other business. Also, before putting the car in gear, adjust mirrors, seats and climate controls. Don’t drink and drive Driving under the influence is a problem all year round, but reports reveal that every December, there’s a spike in road fatalities in the United States between Thanksgiving and New Year. So, if you plan to indulge in a drinking spree, common sense says: Don’t drive! You can stay the night. If you insist on going home, just take a cab, order a ride via an app,

SORIANO/ AJPRESS

or designate a driver who’ll take you home. Drive defensively Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing, and expect the unexpected. Always assume that other motorists can do something that might cause accidents, and be prepared to avoid them. Road safety experts say drivers must maintain a 2-second cushion between you and the car in front of you. If the weather is bad, make it four seconds. Watch out for emergency vehicles In an emergency situation, every second counts. The moment you hear a siren, be sure to pull off to the side of the road to allow the police car, ambulance, or

fire truck to pass. Carry an emergency kit A good driver keeps an emergency kit that comes in handy if ever the car is stranded on the side of the road or involved in a vehicle accident. Your kit should include bandage strips, hand sanitizer, antiseptic, antibacterial ointment, bug spray, aspirin (or similar), cotton balls, gauze pads, tweezers, a bandana that can be used as a tourniquet or sling, small fire extinguisher, road flares, jumper cables, rain ponchos, flashlight and extra batteries, rags, duct tape, scent-free baby wipes, and a multi-purpose tool. Pull off the road if you feel tired Driving while feeling sleepy is a deadly mix. Do not ever attempt to drive when you feel like just shutting your eye for a good rest. Pull off the road and stop for a break and have a short rest. For long drives, anticipate being sleepy at a given time. Given that, you can bring someone who is a licensed driver whom you could take turns with in driving.

Car complaints: What to do when you have a defective car by RITCHEL MENDIOLA AJPRESS AUTOMOTIVE complaints can be difficult to deal with, especially when you don’t know how to proceed with what to do. You don’t want to end up in a dead-end dispute with the dealer or manufacturer, but it might result to that if you don’t know the proper way to complain. The first thing you have to do is find out if your complaint is legitimate. Write down your car’s issue/s, why you were dissatisfied, and how you want to resolve it. Take the time to consider if your complaint is valid in order to save time and effort. Setting this straight will help you communicate more effectively. 1. Time is essential. Complain as soon as possible so you can have a better chance of settling the issue. There are some cases where companies are not legally liable if you fail to complain within a reasonable time. So, as soon as you discover

the problem and figure out if it’s legitimate, act quickly. 2. Keep records. Keep all relevant information such as your account number, receipt and invoices, and record a log of your conversation when you take it up with the dealership, including the time and date. Remember to be assertive, but not to the point where you come off as aggressive. Communication between you and the salesperson you’re dealing with will flow so much better and easier when you’re not angry. 3. Go to the next step. if

needed. If the problem isn’t resolved quickly or if the customer care representative is unhelpful, you can escalate your complaint by politely asking if you can speak to someone with the authority to help you resolve the issue. Don’t hesitate to send out an email about your complaint to the owner, president, or chief executive officer (CEO). Once a solution has been proposed, ask them to put it in writing as proof and a part of your paper trail. 4. Find alternatives. If you fail to resolve the problem, Continued on Page SF3

Electric vehicles a big showcase at the LA Auto Show

Annual showcase of the latest automobiles include self-driving vehicles, more clean energy mechanisms and a push to make electric vehicles more accessible by KLARIZE MEDENILLA

The invention of the hybrid car’s electric motor allowed for less fuel consumption (there less fuel emissions), but manufacturTHE automotive industry is ers still strived to create a vehicle all about innovation: where can that didn’t need a trip to the gas we take the automobile next? When cars were mass produced station. Enter the electric vehicle (EV). at the turn of the 20th century Tesla Motors — with their and and more and more drivers were on the road, it seemed that introduction of the first luxury the evolution of the automobile electric sports car in 2006 — ushrapidly advanced as technology ered in the era of the completely electric vehicle that seeks to and engineering became more make gasoline-powered cars sophisticated. obsolete and address the growWith the growing threat ing concerns of transportation’s of climate change and a push impact on the environment. by activists and lawmakers to Experts and lawmakers agree reduce our carbon footprint, the clean energy movement has bal- that the shift to EVs is a signal to looned into a global movement the future. “Transportation impacts our in the 21st century. Included in air quality and also our climate that conversation was how we goals, and to shift over to electric can limit fuel emissions of our vehicles that limit tailpipe polautomobiles. AJPRESS

Tesla’s Model S is marketed as “the safest, most exhilarating sedan on the road.” The electric vehicle pioneer promises lightning speed acceleration, full LED adaptive headlamps and a medical-grade HEPA in-air filtration system.

lution is a strategy California is working on in order to address those clean air standards and our climate change goals,” Commissioner Janea A. Scott of the California Energy Commission told the Asian Journal at a power lunch and forum hosted by the California Electric Transportation Coalition (CalETC) at first day of the Los Angeles Auto Show on Friday, Dec. 1. However, due to many new technological innovations, the EV has been met with many stigmas and concerns. One of the biggest concerns with the expansion of fully electric cars is the price point and how to make them more accessible to more lower-income communities. Community members as well as car industry and energy experts at the CalETC forum agreed that expanding the accessibility of more environmentally-friendly cars will be beneficial to the clean air movement as well as the communities. “For me the message becomes once you figure out the pricing and accessibility to these communities, as the vehicles become more accessible through education and opportunity to these communities then the messaging can be how to get more cash in your hand that you can re-invest in education or in areas of their lives, personally or for their children or for their community. That is the critical issue,” said Pastor Najuma SmithPollard of Word of Encouragement Church. In general, plug in hybrid electric vehicles — which utilize a part-electric/part-fuel running system — and battery EVs range

anywhere from $27,100 (like the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime) to more than $82,500 (like the 2017 Tesla Model X). Used vehicles, of course, cost lower. One of the most crucial arguments for the financial benefits of driving a car that runs on electricity is the savings on gas in the long run. Fueling a hybrid car, for example, is about the same as gas at $1/gallon of fueling with gasoline, according to Plug In America, an advocacy organization focused on clean air initiatives. EVs also currently produce about half the carbon pollution of gasoline cars, and that number is slated to decrease as the technology to manufacture EVs becomes more sophisticated. Whether it’s for financial reasons or to contribute to clean air initiatives, more and more drivers are opting for hybrid cars or fully-electric vehicles. Sam Perez, nurse practitioner in Arcadia, California, made the switch to a hybrid car when he bought a 2015 Chevy Volt, which was “a little over my price range.” “Originally, I thought that spending a little more money for a car that needed less gas was the most important thing when I was searching for a car years ago,” Perez, 35, told the Asian Journal. “But then, I started reading about the overall impact of electric, or at least partially electric, cars and saw the projections of more people opting for these cars and it really surprised me.” Standing at the Land Rover exhibit, Perez said that he’s saving money to buy one of the

The 2018 Cadillac CT6 Sedan with Super Cruise is the first true hands-free driving system. The Super Cruise feature allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel on limited access freeways, but still requires drivers to remain attentive and alert.

The 2018 Lexus LC 500 features the all-new 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission, which promises quick shift times at lightning speed in what Lexus describes as “the most expressive Lexus ever built. AJPress photos by Klarize Medenilla

new Land Rover vehicles, all of which are to utilize electric mechanisms by 2020. The company’s first foray into EV technology comes in the form of the much hyped 2019 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport P400E models, which features a turbocharged 2.0- liter-four cylinder with an electric motor to create a combined 398 horsepower. “When you think Land Rover or Range Rover, you don’t really think ‘fuel economy,’” Perez said with a laugh. “But I think it’s great what these more luxurious

companies, which aren’t really known to be environmentallyconscious manufacturers, are doing now.” Self-driving cars were also the rage at the LA Auto Show with many manufacturers showing off their takes on technology that allows drivers to relax a little. The sleek 2018 Cadillac CT6 with SuperCruise features Super Cruise technology that allows drivers to go hands-free while driving on the freeway. Although not a fully self-driving car (drivers Continued on Page SF4

features SF3

Winter beauty guide

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – December 8, 2017

By Monet

Mayor Lee, Rainbow World Fund celebrate 12th annual lighting of Tree of Hope

Lu

DURING the winter our hair experiences dehydration because of unavoidable exposure. we need to be proactive about maintaining moisture in our hair. For the entire winter months, we want to help you keep your hair and skin keep it shiny and healthy. Hair Reborn, Brazilian keratin treatment, shimmer and shine are the perfect respite for hair that has been subjected to chemical treatments—such as perming, straightening, or tinting. This is also recommended for people who are just aiming to combat dryness during this freezing weather. I tend to sound repetitive about this but I can’t emphasize this enough: moisture, moisturize, moisturize! Remember when a good haircut was enough to put a smile on our faces? If we hold on the little positives in our everyday lives, I have a feeling we’re going to pull through these tough times quite famously. For someone who has been in the business of making people look good, I have some new hairstyle recommendations that are sure to add some hot tone to this cool weather. For long-haired women who have heart-, square- or roundshaped faces, layers will work wonders, provided that it is molded closely to the edge of the hair so that it elongates the face. For an oval-shaped face, shorter layers are more appropriate. Sassy layers are very easy to manage as well. If you have curly hair, bangs should be administered with caution. Make sure it’s slightly above your lashes so that it looks flattering. The thing about bangs though is you have to maintain the ideal length that works for you, otherwise, the effect is not quite there. The bob haircut is here to stay. It’s ideal for women who have straight to wavy hair textures. This is especially flattering for women who have round faces. This type of cut usually requires blow-drying and to maintain the ideal length, you need to have it cut every six weeks.

The pixie is ideal for people who have strong facial features. The pixie is easy to manage. A quick blow-dry and a dab of hair product, and you have a chic style that will last the entire day. Just make sure that you apply a little shine serum to toweldried hair before you put up your hair so that natural texture can be enhanced. This style is so comfy and will also have you feeling relaxed. A slick ponytail can accentuate your features, while also getting annoying tendrils of hair out of your way. To prevent frizzy hair, use a leave-on conditioner or hair tonics that are specific for frizzy hair. If the ponytail is getting boring, try a French braid. It will look chic and will also prevent you looking bedraggled. For your skin, exfoliation is a must to clear away dead cells that can otherwise clog up your pores and cause unsightly pimples that can spoil your summer look. Use a scrub that does not dry your skin or make your own; sugar mixed with a little olive oil is very natural and skin-friendly. Feet need to look good in winter. Scrub your feet with foot scrubs or make your own with some granular salt or sugar and olive oil. Rubbing this into your legs in a gentle upward motion will have dual effects of exfoliating dry skin. Winter is one of those times when less is best. Trying to enhance your natural looks with minimal embellishment will work best. A matte powder over foundation with SPF is better than heavy foundation lotions and creams that will look patchy

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Edwin M. Lee and the Rainbow World Fund (RWF) are promoting global unity, peace and humanitarianism this holiday season with the lighting of the RFW World Tree of Hope in City Hall. “We are honored to once again host the RFW World Tree of Hope, a living symbol of San Francisco’s values of love, compassion and acceptance,” said Mayor Lee. “With much of our national rhetoric filled once you sweat a little. Gloss is with hate and enmity, it is so best for lips. Lips need protection as well and it would be best important that we take the time to celebrate moments of to apply a lip gloss or lip balm peace and harmony. With the with an SPF of 15 or more to keep your lips looking fresh and RFW World Tree of Hope here, we know that City Hall will be pert. Eye make-up is a zone of er- a place of unity this holiday season.” ror in winter and you can avoid The RWF World Tree of gaffes by sticking to near-neutral Hope is a gift to San Francisco tones of eye shadow and wafrom the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, terproof mascara and liners. A Transgender and Queer (LGcreamy lipstick will be friendlier BTQ) and allied friends comon the lips than matte lipsticks munity. The RWF mission is to and will also last longer. Leave promote peace, unity and hope your foundation or tinted moisturizer in the refrigerator. When by leading the LGBTQ moveyou smooth it on, the heat from ment to participate in humanitarian relief efforts. your face will melt it into your “The Rainbow World Fund skin making it look like you have naturally perfect skin. Smudged World Tree of Hope taps into two of our most powerful eyeliner can look great on resources – the human mind evenings and you can get this effect by heating the tip of your and heart – to give individuals a way to join together to express eye pencil with a lit match just our hopes and intentions for before lining your eyes. Keeping yourself adequately the future of our global commuhydrated, adding essential nutri- nity,” said Jeff Cotter, Executive ents to diet to avoid the heavier Director, Rainbow World Fund. “The Tree celebrates the power fats and proteins, taking plenty of vitamin C in the form of citrus of hope — how essential it is fruits and juices, and getting the to our survival, our healing and humanity.” minimum 8 hours of sleep can Decorated with more than help you going through winter 17,000 origami cranes and stars, with good looks and great the RWF World Tree of Hope relaxation. Enjoy your winter and stay beautiful! *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

is the largest annual origamidecorated tree in the world. Every crane and star contains handwritten notes of peace and love from children and adults across the globe. The wishes were folded into origami cranes by a diverse team of volunteers, including members of San Francisco’s LGBTQ and JapaneseAmerican communities, among them survivors of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. The cranes were placed on the tree by local volunteers from nonprofits and corporations. More than 300 people

took part in the effort, donating 2,500 hours to create the tree, which will be on display at the City Hall Rotunda until January 4. Wishes will be added to the tree throughout December. Interested individuals can send a wish by visiting www. worldtreeofhope.org. The tree lighting ceremony took place last Monday, December 4, at San Francisco City Hall. The event featured a message of hope from Armistead Maupin and a concert from the San Francisco Boys Chorus, among other performances.

Car complaints: What to do... From Page SF2 consider looking at other alternatives. Seek advice from consumer groups as they offer free consultation about consumer problems. There are government agencies that give advice and information that may help you in your complaint. You can also contact a lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and options.

5. The power of social media. Social media is a powerful tool to expedite a process and give consumers the power to quickly make their grievance public. Companies and businesses usually avoid getting publicly shamed so venting on Twitter or Facebook will put that pressure on them to act and see things your way.

If all things fail, take legal action — but only if you are prepared to wait as legal action may take some time. In truth, however, an automotive complaint will rarely go to court if it’s reasonable. Just research thoroughly, and find the balance between being persistent and patient as you go through the process.

SF4

celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 8, 2017

celebrity world By Ferdie Villar After their controversial break up years ago, ex-couple Derek ramsay and Angelica Panganiban are now in good terms. According to Derek, he and the actress have already talked four times, the last time when he got back from Italy where he was on vacation with his girlfriend. “Nakausap ko si Angel just when I got back from Italy kasi

kasama niya yung kaibigan ko sa Siargao. Pagtawag ko sa kaibigan ko siya yung sumagot. “So, ‘Uy, kumusta.’ Basta ganun. I haven’t spoken to her in a long time,” Derek said in an interview with PUSH. When asked how he and the actress became friends again, Derek said that it was only a matter of time. “She greeted me one time on my birthday, and out of the

Daly City Planning Commissioner Ray Benitez Satorre and his wife Rachel Forneas Satorre will be the Hermano and Hermana Mayors for the 38th annual Fiesta of Nuestro Senor Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo on Monday, January 1, 2018 at the Villar Residence in South San Francisco.

Derek Ramsay hopes that Angelica Panganiban finds the ‘right guy’

blue, I gave her a call,” he said and added, “And we...little bit of chitchat, reminisce, ganun.” Derek also said that he helped Angelica when she was trying to decorate her new house by giving her his contacts. “Tapos naging busy na kami, we didn’t talk. And then again, nung tumawag ako sa kaibigan ko sa Siargao, siya yung sumagot,” he said. Derek’s love life is flourishing, and he admitted that he and his non-showbiz girlfriend are living together already. Angelica, on the other hand, has remained single after her break up with actor John Lloyd Cruz (who is rumored to be engaged with sexy actress ellen Adarna). But according to Derek, he knows that one day, Angelica will find the right guy who will love her. “She’s a wonderful lady, she’s a sweetheart, so she’ll find the right man and that’s what I hope for her — to find the right guy who’ll treat her right.” *** Actress Jessy Mendiola admits that it is obvious that boyfriend Luis Manzano is ready to settle down, but she’s not. “He’s ready. Sobrang halatang ready siya,” the actress said in an interview with

Jo Koy makes his kababayans laugh also fed his routines with what he observed from the audience. “What I like about filipinos is that they stay the same,” Jo also “KUMUSTa na? andito na said. He noticed that wherever ako. this is my home, man.” filipinos are, be it in Manila or Jo Koy opened his first show L.A., they will come to his show — 5 p.m. matinee last thursday, “with their purse on their lap,” Nov. 30, at Solaire’s the theatre then pointing out in rapid-fire suc— to a full house, which was nothcession examples in the audience, ing short of amazing considering “Purse, purse, purse, purse, isa it was the final and “last-minute” pa, purse!” addition to his total of five shows While relating how his mom (four in Manila and one in Cebu) made him do talent shows “all after everything else sold out. the the time” as a kid, he was talking last two performances took place about this one time his mom last December 3. requested to do it “one last time” “You know, you’ve made it in Jo Koy Photo from Jokoy.com before her friends on a weekend. your career when you’re doing Nevertheless, his mom’s a five o’clock (in the afternoon) “My mom made me fill insistence to make him join talshow,” the 46-year-old filipinoher tabo when I was always in ent shows was not for naught. American funnyman, who just the living room with my friends. towards the end of the show, Jo wrapped up a 13-show run in ‘Josep!’” he recalled, imitating showed worthiness to be called a Hawaii, told the audience. his mother’s accent and pronun“triple threat” when he flaunted “this is your afternoon show. ciation. “’Josep!’… She’s sitting some serious dance moves and I wasn’t even supposed to do this with this tabo which was like a afternoon show! f**k you, guys, plastic cup with a teddy bear on it vocal chops in what could be a surefire way to win over his fellow you were late,” he joked in mock (and says), ‘fill that for me.’ ‘Why anger, about those who missed didn’t you fill it up before you sat Pinoys — a karaoke fest. If you’ve watched his hit the earlier ticket selling and baddown? Why do you always do Netflix special “Jo Koy Live from gered him on social media to do this?’ ‘C’mon anak, dali, hurry, Seattle”, you’d know that his one more show. my god, hurry!’ You know what Back-dropped by his stage pressure that is on a nine-year-old wisecracks could turn raunchy. name (his real one is Joseph child because you have to make it Concert promoter MMI Live said Glenn Herbert) emblazoned in lukewarm. I’m failing in math and that due to “language and content,” his shows here are recomlight, Jo Koy poked fun at the now I have to be a chemist!” mended for ages 18 and above. “usual suspects” — his Pinay Jo also noted how differHe acknowledged it himself mom Josie, his son Jo Jr. and ent his son’s life is from how he with a brief skit on “anticipated” other members of his filipino was raised. He said that when after-show reviews, mimicking a family. his son opens the fridge, he can woman’s voice, “Jo Koy was fine, His experiences with them have whatever he wants and but he was dirty.” became what he described as his gets whatever the container’s But as he told one audience “ammunition” in his live shows name says. In his case, buckets member — most likely doing and tV specials in his over 20-year in the fridge were like a “guesssomething that again caught his career as a stand-up comedian. (In ing game,” he’d never know attention — to “just enjoy the a previous phone interview what he’d get, like sinigang in a show,” the theatre crowd on the with The Star, he explained why container that read butter. first of his homecoming shows his filipino background is a favorHe mused that he’d like to obviously took his advice, giving ite source of his material. “You discipline his young son like the him a standing ovation in the know my mom and dad divorced way his mom did with him “but end. when I was really, really young he’s protected by the law!” Jo wasn’t done yet, though. so I never got to know my dad’s “I was born in 1971. 911 He went down the stage, accomside. It’s not that extended for didn’t come until 1984. My modated requests for selfies and me, I don’t really know that many mother got away for 13 years. I nearly thanked everyone in the people on that side.”) didn’t say my mom hit me, but audience for being there. Never According to Jo, he lived in some of the sh*t she did, to this mind if he went overtime. for the Philippines when he was five day, I still ask my lawyer, are you those in the delayed gala show to 11 years old. He talked about sure, we can’t press charges?” last thursday, it was going to be Pinoy food, Pinoy-style massage Apart from the mom jokes, and his very Pinoy upbringing which he swore in the phone chat, worth the wait. — with some “toilet humor.” his mother “absolutely loves,” Jo by Nathalie

toMada Philstar.com

Derek Ramsay gets the best of both worlds by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

DereK ramsay is a Kapamilya once more but will remain a Kapatid. How will this happen? the showbiz hunk explained he signed on for a movie with ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema—titled “Kasal” with Bea Alonzo and Paulo Avelino—but he is still under contract with tV5 until early 2018. “tV5 allowed me to do this movie right away because they want me to grow as an actor. My loyalty stays with them,” the Kapatid Network’s prized star declared. All the same, he shared he felt touched that ABS-CBN’s publicity arm released a statement as early as November that the network was welcoming him back for the project. this hap-

pened after he paid a courtesy call to network chairman Gabby Lopez and executives Cory Vidanes and Malou Santos, who had been responsible for reeling Derek into showbiz. “We finally had the talk about what happened [referring to his transfer from ABS-CBN to tV5]. Matagal na dapat nangayari yun and I am very, very happy that we were able to sit down and talk.” Derek said he felt nostalgic during his visit to his former network, relating, “It was nice to walk down those hallways again and I really appreciate that I got to talk to Tita Cory and Tita Malou. I really gave them a long, long, long hug when I saw them.” Derek is fresh from a monthlong vacation in europe—his longest since joining showbiz—and

Actress Sunshine Dizon recently won as Most Outstanding Filipina Actress in Television at the 2017 Gawad Amerika Awards for her performance in the daytime drama series, “Ika-6 Na Utos.” The awards were recently held at the Franklin Avenue Celebrity Center in Hollywood.

Actress Angelica Panganiban, although still single after her break up with actor John Lloyd Cruz, is doing well and busy with her career.

Actor-model Derek Ramsay shared recently that he and ex-girlfriend Angelica Panganiban are in good terms.

Actress Jessy Mendiola said that she still wants to focus on her career before deciding to settle down.

TV host and actor Luis Manzano has obviously been ready to settle down with girlfriend Jessy Mendiola. However, Jessy shared that she still want to do a lot with her career and is thankful that Luis is patient enough to wait.

Handsome actor Gardo Versoza returns on the boob tube via the newest primetime teleserye on GMA 7, “Kambal Karibal” with actress Jean Garcia as his leading lady.

lang siya, alam na niya yun. So, I’m really thankful for him for being like that.” the actress said that she wants to focus on her career first, and she is very thankful that Luis understands that.

“Parang alam niya na I want to do so much more. “I want to achieve so much more before I settle down. “Parang I wanna show myself, I want to prove to myself na I can achieve more.

Philippine entertainment Portal. “everyday, pinapa-obvious niya sa akin na, ‘ready na ako.’” the good thing is that the tV host and actor is ready to wait, according to Jessy. “I think that’s one way of showing his love for me, na he’s patiently waiting. every time na kukulitin niya ako, titignan ko

Georgina Wilson talks about motherhood, son Archie and new advocacy by ChristiNa

alpad ManilaTimes.net

tHe modeling scene will never be complete without the standout that is Georgina Wilson. In fact, not only has the statuesque beauty captured local runways but she has also made a mark internationally as host of “Asia’s Next top Model Season 3.” Besides her modeling career, Wilson is a multi-slashie as a certified best selling author via “Besties,” a book she co-wrote with Solenn Heussaff; and a successful businesswoman with an eyewear and restaurant brand to her name. All these achievements, how- Georgina Wilson with husband Arthur Burnand and their son Archie Photos from Instagram/@ilovegeorgina ever, pale in comparison with her new role as first-time mom. realize she is just like them. to read a lot about being a mom “I think it’s the best adventure because it just kind of hit me Being a mom has not held I’ve ever been on!” the 31-yearher back in boosting women’s that I was suddenly a mom, so I old declared with son Archie by confidence, and in fact allowed kind of had to learn from people her side. Picture perfect, mom her tackle an issue that not too around me,” she confessed with and baby were launched as brand a chuckle. many parents address in the ambassadors for global baby country. One of the most difficult brand Chicco on the day of this “I’m not saying that I am a things she had to learn was interview. strict mom but I really want to breastfeeding. She found it pain“I didn’t know how happy I ful, even as she persisted day and raise awareness on car safety could be until I met Archie,” she especially here in the Philippines. night to express milk. beamed as she hugged her little I don’t like how it’s not manda“I wish somebody had told one tight. tory here to have car seats for me how that part was difficult. Know-it-all to clueless children. Just Google ‘car crashes But I guess mothers are just so Her life’s newest adventure is without car seats’ and you’ll see strong that they forget to talk not without bumps along the way, about it once they get through it’s not a joke,” Wilson said in a according to Wilson. serious tone. it,” Wilson pondered. Soon after her dreamy wedAs such, her partnership with “that’s why I’m sharing my ding to British businessman and Chicco comes at the perfect time story so that other moms will be hotelier Arthur Burnand in April for Wilson who swears that the empowered to feel OK when 2016, the ever svelte model was safety of Chicco’s car seat give they encounter the same situasurprised to discover she was on her a peace of mind. tion.” the way. Happily, friends and friends of Moreover, Wilson realized though unexpected, she friends are starting to support her that no woman can be a knowembraced her pregnancy wholeadvocacy and Wilson cannot be it-all when it comes to motherheartedly, with the same drive happier. She is enjoying motherhood. She still has so much to and passion she has always led hood to the fullest, especially learn even as her son is quickly her career. now that she has managed the approaching his first birthday. “Nobody thought I would “I know how to dress him but balancing act that comes with be super excited to be a wife or having to take care of both a that’s pretty much it. I still don’t a mom since I was very careercareer and family. know how to pick the right toys driven. When I got married, it was and I’m still learning how to feed “Now I just keep telling my not in my plan to have a baby so mom: ‘Mom, why didn’t you him.” soon, so I was so surprised when I tell me about all these sooner? Despite endless challenges, found out. I was like, ‘Wow, this is however, Wilson finds no other It’s the best thing that has ever happening!’” Wilson recalled. happened to my life!” she “career” rewarding as the task of “But there are some things in raising Archie. enthused. life that you can plan for, and othWhat she loves the most are New ‘bests’ ers that just happen at the right When she was still single, Wil- moments that are just hers and time,” she added. Archie’s to share. “When we son made it her advocacy to emWilson gave birth to her little power women in many situations. look at each other eyes as soon bundle of joy in December 2016. She openly shared photos of as we wake up… oh my gosh, She admitted that motherhood herself devoid of makeup, as well I don’t know how to describe was challenging at first, but she that. No matter how tired I am, as struggles in dealing with body was determined to learn as much weight so that young girls who I just have to look at him, and and as quickly as possible. when he smiles at me, it’s just look up to her and ladies who “I didn’t have enough time the best.” see her as this perfect model will

Electric vehicles a big showcase... From Page SF2 must remain alert and ready to brake), Cadillac’s introduction Derek Ramsay TV5 photo of the first hands-free system gestures to a more automated is ready to promote his Metro Manila film festival entry, “All Of vehicle. Amid all the glitz of Nissan’s You” with Jennylyn Mercado. elaborate “Star Wars” concept “the trip was amazing! It vehicles and millennial-geared was my mother’s birthday, but I am glad before I took it I already SUVs (like the Jeep Wrangler and had my schedule figured out and Subaru’s three-row Ascent), many work lined up until the end of the families were on deck to view the latest safety features on the newyear.”

est models. Gloria and ryan Soo, along with their 2-year-old son Justin, browsed toyota, their prefered manufacturer for its ways in preventing car accidents. “We really like the new Lexuses because they feature this new safety system that avoids collisions,” ryan Soo said, referencing the company’s Safety Sense System, LSS+A, which builds on a prototype ver-

sion that automatically brakes to assuage collision with other cars or pedestrians. “It’s just so impressive to see what these big companies are doing nowadays to move towards self-driving, or more autonomous systems. It’s definitely helpful for families,” Gloria Soo added. the LA Auto Show is still open at the LA Convention Center until December 10.

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 8, 2017

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The Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - D ec emb e r 8 , 2 0 1 7

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