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Volume 28 - No. 49 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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DATELINE USA from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
SF’s first Asian American mayor, Ed Lee, passes at 65 PrAiseD as a trailblazer and voice for civil rights, ed lee, mayor of san francisco and friend of the city’s filipinoAmerican community, passed away on tuesday, December 12, at the age of 65. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee lee passed away at 1:11 a.m. at Zuckerberg General hospital from a heart attack while grocery shopping at a safeway supermarket with his wife, not too far away from their Glen Park home, according to a report by the san francisco Gate. “it is with profound sadness and terrible grief that we confirm that mayor edwin m. lee passed away,” read a statement from the mayor’s office. “family, friends and colleagues were at his side. our thoughts and prayers are with his
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New poll shows income not a shield against discrimination DesPite having incomes above the average of other ethnic or racial groups in the United states, many Asian Americans experience and perceive notable discrimination in their daily lives, according to results from a recently released study. A study, entitled “Discrimination in America: experiences and Views of Asian Americans,” was released on Wednesday, December 6 as part of a series conducted by national Public radio (nPr), the robert Wood Johnson foundation, and harvard t.h. Chan school of Public health. the study looked to gain insight into people’s own personal experiences with discrimination. “our poll shows that Asian American families have the highest average income among the groups we’ve surveyed, and yet the poll still finds that Asian Americans experience persistent discrimination in housing, jobs, and college,” robert Blendon, professor of health policy and analysis at the harvard Chan school, told nPr. “over the course of our series, we are seeing again and again that income is not a shield from discrimination.” According to the report, of the 500 Asian Americans who participated in the survey
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Duterte on nationwide martial law: ‘All options are on the table’ Congress approves extension in Mindanao by Dana
SioSon AJPress
their recruitments and attacks. Duterte cited, in particular, the PhiliPPine President rodrigo threats posed by the new People’s Duterte is not dismissing the pos- Army (nPA). sibility of declaring martial law “All options are on the table,” nationwide. the president told reporters when Just hours after Congress ap- asked if he is inclined to declare proved his request to extend martial law nationwide. martial law in mindanao for one “there’s only one rationale more year, Duterte expressed the there, the existence of the republic A soldier guards Masiu Bridge in the lakeside village of Raya Madaya, one likelihood of expanding the scope of the Philippines. You threaten of the main battle areas in Marawi City, in this photo taken on Oct. 22, a of the military rule if the “enemies the existence of the republic of week after President Duterte declared the city free of terrorists. Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales of the state” continue to intensify the Philippines, i am sure that ev-
erybody will react and do what he must do to prevent it,” he added. While he did not provide the specific parameters that would guide his decision on declaring a nationwide martial law, Duterte noted that he would listen to the recommendation of the military and the police. “to what extent, what level of atrocities or attacks? it is not for me to say that, it is for the Armed
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PNP chief asks Fil-Ams to pray for a drug-free PH by AJPress AheAD of the Philippine simbang Gabi tradition that commences this week, Philippine n a t i o n a l Po l i c e (PnP) Chief Director ronald “Bato” Dela rosa has asked the filipino-American community in new York for the gift of prayer. PNP Chief Director Ronald Dela Rosa in his message Inquirer.net photo during the parol lighting event held at the Philippine Center in new York on tuesday, December 5, Dela rosa asked filipinos there to pray for the police’s success in its return to the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
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RARE PERFORMANCE. President Rodrigo Duterte performs a song number as he joins the officers of the Malacañang Press Corps during the Christmas Party at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, December 12. Also in the photo are Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
Filipinos in US told to be vigilant after NY attack by JefferSon
antiporDa ManilaTimes.net
the Philippine foreign Affairs on tuesday, December 12 called on filipinos abroad to exercise a higher level of vigilance in the wake of the attempted terror attack in the United states. the Philippine Consulate General in new York said the incident involved the premature detonation of a pipe bomb carried by a lone attacker in an underground passage in the terminal, the main transport hub for buses going in and out of new York. Consul General maria teresa Dizon
de Vega said the consulate immediately issued an advisory requesting members of the 56,100-strong filipino community to avoid the area and to observe usual precautions while the investigation was ongoing. no filipino was hurt in the incident that happened in the terminal commonly used by filipinos from new Jersey and nearby areas to take their connecting subway rides to their offices in manhattan. “We encourage our kababayan (compatriots) abroad to heighten their vigilance,” said foreign Affairs secre-
tary Alan Peter Cayetano said. the DfA also advised filipinos traveling abroad for work, business or pleasure to make sure they have the contact details of Philippine embassies and consulates in the countries they go to. the latest attack in new York came more than five weeks after eight persons were killed and 11 others injured in manhattan after they were ran over by a truck driven by a lone follower of the islamic state. A 27-year-old immigrant from Ban- Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano
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Inquirer.net photo
Sereno camp: Justices’ testimonies are only Duterte wants to hold Sanofi opinions, not grounds for impeachment accountable for Dengvaxia mess by AJPress the camp of Chief Justice maria lourdes sereno on tuesday, December 12, dismissed the testimonies of four supreme Court (sC) justices as mere “personal opinions” and could not serve as grounds for the chief magistrate’s impeachment. in a statement, Atty. Jojo lacanilao, one of sereno’s spokespersons, lamented how the testimonies of the four sC justices against the chief justice
were “colored” by their personal sentiments. “their testimonies reflected personal opinions of the justices on matters already decided by the supreme Court en banc,” lacanilao said. “their statements did not prove that the allegations against the Chief Justice were impeachable offenses. it is unfortunate that their (justices) perspectives were colored by Supreme Court Associate Justices Noel Tijam, Francis Jardeleza, Teresita de Castro, and retired Associate Justice Arturo Brion attended the House justice committee hearing on the impeachment their personal sentiments,” he complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Monday, Dec. 12.
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Inquirer.net photo by Noy Morcoso
by Dana
SioSon AJPress
PhiliPPine President rodrigo Duterte wants to hold french pharmaceutical giant sanofi Pasteur liable for the medical issues hounding the drug company’s landmark dengue vaccine, malacañang said tuesday, December 12. in a media briefing, Palace spokesperson harry roque said that Duterte is standing by the decision of the Department of health (Doh) to hold sanofi ac-
countable following the manufacturer’s disclosure that its dengue vaccine Dengvaxia poses more risk and severe infections among those who had not been previously infected by the virus. “he (Duterte) stands by the recommendation of the Doh to hold sanofi responsible,” roque told reporters. he added that the president also wants a refund of the P3.5 billion the government paid for the vaccines in 2016, saying
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From The FronT Page
PNP chief asks Fil-Ams to pray for a... PAGE A1 “Sana ay isama niyo kami sa inyong prayers na ang PNP ay magiging successful sa war on drugs. Sana sa aming pagbabalik sa war on drugs wala nang mamatay, hindi na ito madugo (Please include us in your prayers and ask that the PNP will be successful in the drug war. I hope that there will be no more deaths),” Dela Rosa said.
Last week, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte brought the police back to his drug war nearly two months after he barred them from joining the campaign amid public outcry on deaths of suspects, including teenagers. Data released by Real Numbers PH of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) showed that there were about 4,000 drug personalities killed during PNP drug war
operations from July 2016 until October 2017. This time around, the PNP chief vowed that the police will be more cautious in its operations. “What I can guarantee you is that we’ll still proceed with our war on drugs in full speed, but with extreme caution,” Dela Rosa said. “Ingatan na hindi tayo masisingitan ng masasamang tao, mga masasamang sindikato, na sasakay sa ating war on drugs (Be more cautious to not let bad persons and syndicates slip in on us and ride the war on drugs),” he added. Dela Rosa also maintained that the PNP wants to preserve life. “Hindi po kami basta-basta na lang pumapatay. Sinasabi meron namang nagkakamali, meron nag aabuso pero kinakasuhan natin yan (We don’t just kill people. There maybe those who commit mistakes or become abusive but we file charges against them) Generally, we want to preserve life,” Dela Rosa said. Term extended In a press conference on Wednesday, December 13, Duterte said he is planning to extend Dela Rosa’s term as the PNP chief by two to three months before assigning him to head the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). “I have the discretion to extend even beyond retirement age. Marami pa kasi akong gawin (I still have things needed to be done). I want to do some things in Mindanao of utmost importance and I need to extend the tour of duty of Gen. Dela Rosa to something like two to three months,” the president told reporters. Dela Rosa is set to retire in January 2018, but Duterte said he still needs the police chief to oversee some reforms in police camps in Mindanao. “It’s mainly infrastructure and maybe the physical setting of the headquarters of the Armed Forces (AFP) and the police to suit the demands of the moment,” said Duterte. Asked who will replace Dela Rosa as the PNP chief once he retires, Duterte said the matter has yet to be decided. “Wala pa (Nothing yet). I usually do not interfere. I don’t know. They have a sort of an entity wherein the PNP is tasked with reviewing the senior officers’ promotion parang board of generals,” the president told reporters. n
CONGRESS EXTENDS MARTIAL LAW. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (left) exchanges pleasantries with House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez during the special joint session of Congress on Wednesday, December 13. The Senate voted 14-4 while the House voted 226-3 in favor of extending martial law in Mindanao and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus until December 31, 2018. Senate photo by Ariel Cagadas
Duterte on nationwide martial... PAGE A1
Forces (AFP) and the police,” he said. In a joint session on Wednesday, December 13, Congress approved Duterte’s request to retain martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2018. The Senate voted 14-4 while the House voted 226-23 in favor of extending military rule in the area. Among the senators who voted in favor of Duterte’s request were Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Gringo Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Aquilino Pimentel III, Grace Poe, Ralph Recto, Tito Sotto, Joel Villanueva, and Migz Zubiri. Those who voted against the extension, meanwhile, were Senators Bam Aquino, Franklin Drilon, Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Pangilinan. In his letter to Congress, Duterte cited continuing threats posed by Islamic State (IS)-inspired terrorists, local terrorist groups, and the NPA in seeking an extension for martial law and suspension of
the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao. But during Congress’s joint session this week, Drilon questioned the NPA’s inclusion as the basis for the extension request, saying that the communist rebels were not mentioned in the original martial law proclamation on May 23. “The president cited the NPA for the first time in this extension, the NPA was not cited in [the] original request,” Drilon pointed out. Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao following the attack of Maute rebels in Marawi City. The president’s 60-day proclamation was initially set to expire last July 22 and was then extended by Congress until December 31 of this year. “The NPA has been there for the last 4 decades, suddenly in the extension request today, the NPA is cited as an additional ground for martial law extension in Mindanao… Is this now a prelude to declaring martial law nationwide?” Drilon added. The senator further pointed out that the under the 1987 Constitu-
tion, Congress “can only extend the proclamation of martial law in case of actual, public uprising and taking arms against the government” and not just threats. “The government through Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana declared the rebellion in Marawi City to have been terminated and no longer exists. It is on this basis that we believe that the continued imposition of martial law up to Dec. 31 is unconstitutional,” Drilon said. Responding to Drilon, Lorenzana said that rebellion “has not stopped” but “just moved to another place.” “The situation in Marawi has substantially changed from the time that our troops were fighting the ISIS-inspired Maute group,” the Defense secretary explained. He continued, “However, as the situation developed later on, ISISinspired groups in Mindanao…the reports now, they are actively recruiting again some of the Muslim youths in the area and that is why we are seeing that the rebellion has not stopped, it just moved to another place.” n
Filipinos in US told to be vigilant after... PAGE A1 gladesh detonated a homemade pipe bomb strapped to his body in a crowded New York subway passage during the morning rush hour Monday, injuring three people and putting the city on edge. Akayed Ullah told police investigators he wanted to avenge U.S. air strikes on the Islamic State group and was also inspired by Christmas terror plots in Europe,
and chose the location for his attack by the Christmas posters on the subway walls, U.S. media reported. His bomb failed to detonate properly, leaving him the only one seriously injured in the incident. President Donald Trump seized upon the attack to call for tougher U.S. immigration rules, saying the current “lax” policy “allows far too
many dangerous, inadequately vetted people to access our country.” “Today’s attempted mass murder attack in New York City — the second terror attack in New York in the last two months — once again highlights the urgent need for Congress to enact legislative reforms to protect the American people,” Trump said in a statement. (With reports from AFP)
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Duterte wants to hold Sanofi accountable for... Pacquiao warned to not negotiate fight vs. McGregor PAGE A1 that there has been a “concealment” of health risks posed by Dengvaxia. “He (Duterte) wants a refund of what we had paid because there was concealment of a material fact and that is that children who have not developed dengue may acquire the disease three to six years after the vaccination,” the Palace official said. “That was not a known fact when government decided to embark on the vaccination program,” he added. Last year, at least 730,000 Filipino children were administered Dengvaxia as part of the DOH’s mass immunization program under then-Health secretary Janette Garin during the term of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. But the DOH immediately suspended the its anti-dengue vaccination program on December 1 after sanofi released an analysis which found out that “for those not previously infected by dengue virus… in the longer term, more cases of severe disease could occur following vaccination upon a subsequent dengue infection.” According to the DOH, 8 to 10 percent or about 70,000 children who were administered Dengvaxia have not had dengue yet. Malacañang said that Duterte will also “run after individuals who have criminal culpability” over the vaccine controversy that prompted a Congressional probe into the dengue immunization program. “The president is awaiting re-
by Rae
Thomas Triomphe, Sanofi Pasteur’s Asia Pacific head, listens during the Senate hearing on the dengue vaccine controversy on Monday, Dec. 11. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
sults of the investigation. And he has promised that after investigation are — has been or have been conducted both by the senate and the Department of Justice (DOJ) — that he will run after all individuals who may have criminal culpability for this,” Roque said. ‘Disservice to Filipino people’ During the joint hearing of the senate blue ribbon, health and finance committees on Monday, December 11, Asia-Pacific head of sanofi Pasteur Thomas Triomphe insisted that there has been no negligence on the part of the company. “We have not seen any negligence on the part of the company. But we are willing to cooperate,” Triomphe said. The sanofi official also clarified that Dengvaxia “continues to be effective and safe” despite their study showing it could cause “0.02 percent increased risk of getting traditional Dengue symp-
toms, such as fever, low platelet count, or nose bleeding.” “This updated information, which is part of sanofi Pasteur’s post-licensing monitoring activities conducted as a matter of best scientific practice, shows that seronegative persons have a 0.02 percent increased risk of getting traditional Dengue symptoms, such as fever, low platelet count, or nose bleeding,” he added. Triomphe pointed out that completely pulling out the Dengvaxia vaccine based on a small risk percentage from the Philippine market would be a “regression” in the fight against dengue and a “disservice to the Filipino people.” “To permanently remove the vaccine from the Philippine market... would be a regression in the country’s approach to solving a major public health concern and a disservice to the Filipino people,” he said. n
Sereno camp: Justices’ testimonies are... PAGE A1 added. Lacanilao also expressed alarm over their supposed “misrepresentations” during the impeachment hearing, which he claimed were meant to mislead the general public and members of the justice committee. Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo De Castro, Noel Tijam, and Francis Jardeleza, and retired Associate Justice Arturo Brion testified before the House Committee on Justice on Monday, December 11. During the hearing, they accused sereno of delaying the May 29 request of Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to transfer the trial of Maute cases from
Mindanao to Taguig City. De Castro also said that sereno’s move to assign the Maute cases to herself “showed no respect and courtesy to the Court en banc; while Tijam described chief justice’s move as an “arrogation” upon herself of the power of the court en banc. The justices also accused sereno of manipulating the shortlist of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) submitted to thenPresident Benigno Aquino III to exclude then-solicitor General Jardeleza. But Lacanilao insisted that there is no point in raising the previous issues. “We do not see the point of raising these issues again. That’s
all water under the bridge. Justice Jardeleza was appointed by President Aquino. The sC en banc resolved to grant secretary Aguirre’s request,” Lacanilao stressed. Lacanilao further claimed that it was absurd to accuse sereno of treason for doing her constitutional duty as ex-officio chair of the JBC. The alleged manipulation of the JBC list and delaying of Aguirre’s request are among the grounds in the impeachment complaint of lawyer Lorenzo Gadon against sereno. Gadon has accused sereno of culpable violation of the Constitution, corruption, high crime and betrayal of public trust. n
ann VaRona
AJPress
As fans of the Filipino eightdivision world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao get excited over recent hints of him getting back in the ring, names of who he will fight have yet to be finalized. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) boss Dana White made it clear though that “The Notorious” Conor McGregor was not going to be it. Following reports that a possible match between Pacquiao and the Irish boxer were in the works, White shot them down and threatened that legal action against Pacquiao and Top Rank Promotions would be made if reports are true. “That would be weird because he’s [Conor’s] under contract with us,” White told EsPN. “If that’s true, I will be suing Manny Pacquiao and whoever’s representing him. so I’m assuming that’s not true.” On Friday, December 8, Pacquiao said he had opened talks to
fight McGregor in April, after his legislative duties finish. “If we can negotiate it, I have no problem. It is OK with both of us,” said Pacquiao when asked about it. Answering questions on whether he had already reached out to McGregor’s handlers for a possible fight, Pacquiao told AFP, “initially, but we have yet had any follow-up conversations”. Just last month, Pacquiao teased the fight by posting a photo of McGregor on Instagram and Twitter along with a caption that read, “Happy Thanksgiving! stay fit my friend. #realboxingmatch #2018 @thenotoriousmma”. Bob Arum, chief executive officer of Top Rank Promotions, commented on the situation saturday night by calling it “old news”. “Is it true that Pacquiao reached out to McGregor? Yes, but it’s old news,” said Arum to reporters of Fight Hype. “If I promoted that fight, I would tell everybody upfront, ‘Guess what, it’s not a f*cking fight. It’s a spectacle,’” he added. “If you
want a spectacle, you can watch it. But one thing I would be sure of is Manny wouldn’t carry McGregor the way the other guy did.” McGregor’s last fight resulted in an upsetting tenth round loss to the undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather who also took took a win over Pacquiao in 2015 via a 12-round unanimous decision. Pacquiao’s last fight was in July of this year where he lost against Brisbane, Australia’s Jeff Horn, thus also losing his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title. But even if a McGregor-Pacquiao bout doesn’t happen — which White has said won’t — fans of Pacquiao may still get to see the Filipino boxer in the ring next year. “siguro mga January malalaman natin (Maybe we can know by January),” said Pacquiao to ABs-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo. “By April, may laban na (There will be a match by April),” he added. n
SF’s first Asian American mayor, Ed Lee...
PAGE A1 wife Anita, his two daughters, Brianna and Tania, and his family.” City Hall flags were brought to half-mast on Tuesday as condolences poured in for the city’s 43rd and first-ever Asian American mayor, who was the son of immigrant parents from the Chinese province of Guangdong. “On behalf of all Californians, Anne and I extend our deepest condolences to Mayor Lee’s family, his many friends and the entire City of san Francisco,” tweeted California Governor Jerry Brown. “Ed was a true champion for working people and epitomized the California spirit. He’ll truly be missed.” Condolences also came from Hillary and Bill Clinton as both were good friends of Lee. “saddened by the loss of my friend, Mayor Ed Lee. I’ll always be grateful for his leadership and his steadfast support. It was a privilege to spend time with him earlier this month at the @aids_memorial on #WorldAIDsDay2017. He will be missed,” tweeted Mr. Clinton. Hillary Clinton tweeted Tuesday night, “Mayor Ed Lee’s death is a terrible loss for the people of san Francisco. He was a good friend & a vocal advocate for the city he served & loved. My thoughts are with his family.”
After serving as City Administrator of san Francisco, Lee was appointed Mayor of san Francisco in January 2011 to serve out the remaining term of former Mayor Gavin Newsom. Lee then won the election in November 2011, and was re-elected in 2015. Prior to being a civil servant, the seattle native became the first in his family to attend college and graduated from Bowdoin College in 1974, and the Boalt Hall school of Law at the University of California, Berkeley in 1978. He then went on to work as a housing activist and civil rights attorney. In a 2011 interview with Northwest Asian Weekly, Lee recalled watching his parents work to provide for him and his five other siblings, and feeling compelled to pitch in. Lee’s father passed away from a heart attack when Lee was just 15, prompting Lee to work in restaurants to help his family. sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) who served as san Francisco’s mayor from 1978-1988 said, “Ed was an excellent mayor of a great but sometimes challenging city. His equanimity and quiet management style was effective and allowed him to solve problems as they occurred.” Over 140,000 jobs were said to have been added during Lee’s tenure, creating the city’s most
successful economic expansion in its history. Many homes were also said to have been added to the housing market under Lee than at any other time in san Francisco’s history, resulting in a decrease in eviction rates and average rental and home prices. Greenhouse gas emissions, too, dropped 28-percent under his leadership. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, whose district includes san Francisco, said, “Mayor Lee’s first priority was always the people. As a community organizer, civil rights lawyer and hardworking son of an immigrant family of modest means, Ed Lee understood that the strength of a community is measured by its success in meeting the needs of all of its people. He knew the rhythms and the workings of san Francisco at the most granular level, and dedicated decades to improving the lives of all san Franciscans.” sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) also took to Twitter and said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, san Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. He was a fierce advocate for civil rights and worked tirelessly for workers’ rights and his leadership will be missed. Keeping the mayor’s family in my prayers dur-
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Filipinos in US protest activist ‘crackdown’ in Philippines by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com
SEIZED SHABU. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron N. Aquino, PDEA Deputy Director for General Operation Atty. Ruel Lasala and PDEA Regional Office-National Capital Region (PDEA RO-NCR) Director Ismael Fajardo Jr. present two packages containing methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu with an estimated street value of PHP57.5 million during a press conference at the PDEA office in Quezon City on Monday, Dec. 11. The packages were declared as Christmas-themed wooden block toys and puzzles when intercepted by task force agents in a cargo office of a delivery courier service in Pasay City. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.
New poll shows income not a shield against...
PAGE A1 from January 26 to April 9 of this year, a quarter or more reported personally experiencing discrimination because they were Asian when applying for jobs (27 percent), when trying to purchase or rent housing (25 percent), and being considered for promotions or paid equally (25 percent). A number of Asian Americans also reported experiencing discrimination when applying to or attending college (19 percent), interacting with police (18 percent), going to the doctor or health clinic (13 percent), and trying to participate or vote in politics (7 percent). Despite the discrimination that some reported, the study also said a majority believed that Asian Americans generally have equal employment and educational opportunities, and are paid equally to white people. Approximately two-thirds of Asian Americans in the study further reported believing that their views were represented by their local government, and that they had influence on what their local government does. The study also looked to see how they perceived discrimination in their own neighborhoods, which while lower in numbers, were still considered notable. Results show that most Asian Americans frequently rated the availability of public transporta-
tion, parks and green spaces, and quality of availability as “worse” in their area than in others. When reporting the amount of crime or availability of grocery stores, half or more rated them as being “better.” Differences in perception and experiences of racism between nonimmigrant Asian Americans and those with immigrant status were also considered. When looking at gaps between U.S.-born Asian Americans and immigrants, the study found that nonimmigrant Asian Americans were over three times (36 percent) as likely to say that they or a family member have experienced threats or non-sexual harassment because they are Asian, than their immigrant counterparts (15 percent). In regards to experiencing violence because they are Asian, the percentage more than doubled — nonimmigrants made up 20percent while six-percent were immigrant. While a similar gap was seen in regards to sexual harassment experiences, Blendon said it was important to take into account that the poll was conducted early in the year before the heightened discussions of sexual assault and harassment. “These national conversations may have affected how people viewed or responded to their own experiences, or on their willingness to disclose these
Viray
A gROUP of Filipinos gathered at the Philippine Center in New York to protest activist killings in the Philippines and oppose the supposed threat of dictatorship under the Duterte administration. Around 40 activists with the U.S. chapter of progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, or Bayan, joined the protest on December 10, International Human Rights Day, to decry what they called the intensifying repression that has seen the deaths of 10 activists within two days. They were referring to the deaths of Catholic priest Marcelito Paez in Nueva Ecija, pastor Lovelito Quiñones in Oriental Mindoro and eight Lumad leaders in South Cotabato province earlier this month. groups in the Philippines also marked International Human Rights Day with rallies at the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila and in other venues in the provinces. “As overseas Filipinos and the international community, we must call for the end of [President Rodrigo] Duterte’s crackdown against community leaders, activists and critics of his fascist regime,” the New York City-based activists said.
They said that “as residents of the United States, we must also call out the role of the U.S. in enabling the human rights abuses” in the Philippines. President Duterte and his policies enjoy wide support, including among overseas Filipinos. ‘U.S. militarization in Philippines’ The protesters said the recent crackdown on activists and human rights advocates pave the way for an increased US military presence in the country. U.S. President Donald Trump, who considers the Philippines ‘strategic real estate’, has hinted at better military ties between the two countries and is open to a free trade agreement with the Philippines. Bayan USA, however, considers the FTA “one-sided and only beneficial to U.S. neo-colonial rule over the Philippines.” Bayan, like other national democratic activist groups blame imperialism, particularly by the U.S., for poverty and inequality in the Philippines. They believe the U.S. dictates policies on the Philippine government and that those policies favor American interests. The group also said officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of National Defense officials met with their U.S. counterparts to discuss collaboration on maritime
security, humanitarian assistance, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, drug prevention and other issues. “What this translates to is increased U.S. militarization in times of disaster, continuing the U.S. war on terror on Philippine soil, intensifying attacks on activists and people’s organizations through U.S.-designed counter-insurgency programs, and more funding for Duterte’s deadly drug war,” Bayan USA vice chair Rhonda Ramiro said in a statement. PNP Director general Ronald Bato dela Rosa’s visit recent to the U.S. would most likely solidify an arms deal with the US State Department, according to Bayan USA. This deal would include about 27,000 assault rifles for the police, the group also said. “The trampling of Philippine sovereignty and increase of U.S. military and economic aid goes hand in hand with an increase in human rights violations,” Ramiro said. Duterte recently brought the police back into the war on drugs after barring them for almost two months following deaths of teenagers. The police will provide support to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, which remains the lead agency in the conduct of anti-narcotics operations. n
experiences in a survey,” said Blendon. The split was reversed through when it came to health care — immigrants (17 percent) were 17 times more likely to report experiencing discrimination based on their ethnicity than nonimmigrants (1 percent). In gender, regardless of whether they were of immigrant or nonimmigrant status, 20 percent of women reported experiencing discrimination from being Asian when going to a doctor or health clinic, while six-percent of men did. Overall, 61 percent of Asian Americans reported that they believed discrimination against Asian Americans was prevalent in the U.S. today. Younger Asian Americans (18-29 years old) were significantly more likely to believe such discrimination exists at 68-percent, compared to Asian Americans 65 and older at 40 percent. Of those people, two thirds (68 percent) said that discrimination was based on the prejudice of individual people, while fourteen percent said it was based on laws and government policies. Interviews for the study were done through telephone (cell and landline) in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese. The margin of error is 5.8 percent at the 95-percent confidence interval. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress) Progressive group BAYAN USA led the protest in commemoration of the International Human Rights Day at the Philippine Center in New York. Photos courtesy of Bayan USA
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UN body: $1 trillion paid in bribes yearly by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com
EVERY year, $1 trillion is paid in bribes and an estimated $2.6 trillion is stolen through corruption, representing more than five percent of the global gross Domestic Product (gDP), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported. This prompted UNODC and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to call on people across the globe to join a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about corruption and take action against this crime. Marking this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, both also released the slogan “United against corruption, for development, peace and security” to urge governments, the private sector and the public to jointly tackle
the issue. Yury Fedotov, UNODC executive director, said “corruption has a catastrophic impact on societies (as) it stifles opportunities, denying vulnerable people access to infrastructure, and condemns them to lives of inequality and inequity.” “If people are to be removed from poverty and economic growth promoted, the world must stand united against corruption,” Fedotov said, noting that the crime haunted successive generations and affected countless numbers of people. He added that achieving this requires making determined use of the sharpest tools: universal adoption and full implementation of the UN Convention Against Corruption. To date, 183 states are parties to the Convention.
Emphasizing the need for further progress, Fedotov said that anti-corruption partnerships formed with the private sector, civil society and academe could ensure that everyone is united in ending corruption. Anti-corruption is an integral part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It calls for substantial reductions in corruption as part of efforts to build peaceful and inclusive societies under goal 16. Activities marking International Anti-Corruption Day were carried out by UNODC field offices, civil society organizations, governments and individuals to raise awareness about corruption. Events focusing on anti-corruption efforts range from meetings with the press to commemorations as part of the wider public outreach. n
SF’s first Asian American mayor, Ed Lee... PAGE A3 ing this difficult time.” Having been a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors where he served as chair of the Technology and Innovation Task Force, Lee was known to have a close relationship with the tech world. TechCrunch described Lee as an “advocate to attract and keep tech companies in the city, luring them away from Silicon Valley in the South and also choosing San Francisco as their starting point.” The tech news site recalled Lee once telling them he visited a different tech company each week. Leaders from the Asian American community also sent their condolences, reflecting on their experiences with Lee. Assessor Carmen Chu who is also Chinese American and a daughter of immigrants said, “I remember how proud I was to support and see San Francisco elect its first Asian American Mayor. He is at the same time a friend and mentor and I will miss him.” San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim shared how when she first met him in 2001 when he was the Director of Public Works, Lee would personally deliver cleaning supplies every Saturday morning to youth leaders. “He was always friendly, humble and a dedicated public servant committed to getting things done,” said Kim. California Asian Pacific Islander Caucus (APILC) Chair and Assem-
blymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) called Lee a “stalwart leader for civil rights.” “His leadership will leave a lasting legacy for Californians for generations to come. But before anything else, Mayor Lee was a good person with a big, warm heart,” said Bonta. Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) who serves as APILC’s parliamentarian described Lee as an “incredible leader, mentor, trailblazer, advocate, and most importantly, a wonderful friend”, while Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) described Lee as a “devoted public servant who just got things done with a deep love for our city.” “Mayor Lee worked tirelessly to improve the lives of every San Franciscan during time of both great prosperity and extreme hardship, and his legacy will persist in the years to come,” said Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). Friend of SF Fil-Am community “The Filipino community has a long and storied history in the city of San Francisco,” said Lee in a June statement when he earmarked $150,000 for the Filipino Cultural Heritage District in San Francisco called SOMA Pilipinas. “These investments signify our commitment to preserving the neighborhood as the cultural, economic and social core Filipinos in the city and the families and
seniors who call it home,” Lee added. These remarks for the Filipino community were common during his term, as Lee often tweeted photos of himself participating in community events. Just last month, Lee praised the monthly Filipino Night Market in San Francisco, calling it “the best party that has ever happened at the old mint” as reported by Balitang America. “I think it’s incredible, but to give it that energy with the Filipino culture, the family of the modern artists, with some of the traditional things they want to present, performances… I think this is a really great use of an old building but also a special thing for San Francisco, of our Filipino community coming out.” Lee is survived by his wife Anita, and his two daughters Brianna and Tania. San Francisco Board of Supervisors President London Breed has stepped in as acting mayor and is the city’s first black female to take the position. A vote on who will assume mayorship will come in the following weeks. The Lying in State of Mayor Lee will take place on Friday, December 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while the memorial celebration will be held on Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m. Both events are open to the public and will be held at the Rotunda of the San Francisco City Hall. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 14-20, 2017
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Dateline PDehiliPPines Lima: Duterte befriended NPA in Davao for decades
HOME SWEET HOME. Workers rush the construction of transitory houses for families displaced by the war in Marawi City. The housing project that sits on 22 hectares in Barangay sagonsongan in Marawi City will serve as temporary homes for more than 1,000 families. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
Do Mindanaons support martial law? Surveys suggest they do by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Patag
MANILA — Congress is holding a joint session on Wednesday, Dec. 13, to deliberate on a one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao, a move that is said to have the support of Mindanaons. Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23 following clashes between government forces and Islamic State and Maute groups. Although Marawi was declared liberated last October, clearing operations in the main battle area continue and officials have said threats remain in Mindanao. One of the grounds Duterte cited in the need for martial law extension is the recruitment by extremist groups and the continued clashes of government forces with the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army. In the past six months of martial
law in Mindanao, polls conducted across the country showed positive support from residents of Mindanao for the declaration, with just two of ten Mindanaon respondents disagreeing with the initial extension until the end of 2017. Support In a survey conducted by the Social Weather System on June 23-26, a month after the proclamation, 64 percent in Mindanao agreed that Duterte “was right in declaring Martial Law in the whole of Mindanao.” Another 43 percent in Mindanao agreed with the expansion of the martial law rule in Visayas. Meanwhile, 38 percent in Mindanao disagreed and 19 percent were undecided. The third quarter survey, conducted on September 23-27, found that 64 percent in Mindanao agree with the extension on martial law
until December 31. Less than a quarter of respondents, 23 percent, however, disagreed with the extension until the end of the year. In both surveys, the SWS conducted face-to-face interviews with 300 adults (18 years old and above) citizens in Mindanao. Economic effects The SWS, during the second quarter of the year, also conducted a survey to find out whether respondents believe the declaration had positive or negative effects on the Philippine economy. The survey, also conducted on June 23-26, suggested that there is a balance of opinion in Mindanao on the matter of economic effects of martial law. The 27 percent in Mindanao that believed the Philippine economy will get better is countered by 27 percent who said that the economy will get worse. n
Decision to have a Chinese telecom player a ‘political decision’ communications player was a “political decision” meant to strengthen Manila and Beijing’s MANILA — The decision of bilateral relations, a spokesman President Rodrigo Duterte to of the Philippine leader said on allow a Chinese company to Tuesday, Dec. 12.. “The Chinese government has become the country’s third teleby audrey
Morallo Philstar.com
selected a company that will invest in the telco (industry) of our country. It is China Telecom, the largest telecommunications company in China,” Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications OpPAGE A7
MANILA — Sen. Leila de Lima slammed President Rodrigo Duterte, calling him “two-timing” for using the “red scare” to extend martial law in Mindanao while earlier throwing his support to the communists. De Lima pointed out that during his years as mayor of Davao City, Duterte “has, for decades, befriended, coddled, and gave aid and comfort to the NPA in the Davao region.” “On several occasions as Mayor of Davao City, he urged businessmen to just comply with the demands of the NPA to pay revolutionary taxes,” de Lima added. In his campaign speeches before the national elections, Duterte has repeatedly thrown his support to the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the communists. In a November 2015 speech, Duterte even cheered the NPA. He quipped: “Mabuhay ang NPA!” De Lima, in her statement on Tuesday, Dec. 12, hit Duterte for backpedaling on his earlier pronouncements: “Now he wants a Martial Law extension to defeat the armed movement he himself nurtured, aided, and comforted in the hills of Davao for decades. No one in government coddled the newly-declared ‘terrorists’ more than Duterte did.” De Lima added: “No one in government can be faulted more for the growth of the NPA in Mindanao than Duterte himself.” The chief executive, on December 5, declared the CPP-NPA as terrorist groups. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque expounded: “Act of rebellion is a continuing crime so for as long as they don’t lay down their grounds, they are committing a criminal act.” One of the grounds used by Duterte in his request to extend martial law for another year is the continuing armed conflict and recruitment of the CPP-NPA in Mindanao. But de Lima warned: “[T]he enforcement of Martial Law for the purpose of ending the NPA rebellion cannot be left to the very person most responsible for emboldening the armed movement and enabling their expansion in Mindanao, especially in the hills surrounding Davao City.” “One who has supported the
rebels (now ‘terrorists’) cannot be allowed to use their rebellion as an excuse for Martial Law and the imposition of more authoritarian restriction on civil liberties,” de Lima stressed. Although Marawi was declared liberated last October, clearing operations in the main battle area
continue and officials have said threats remain in Mindanao. The 1987 Constitution allows the declaration of martial law when public safety requires it in case of invasion or rebellion. The Congress is set to hold a joint session on Duterte’s request on Wednesday. (Philstar.com)
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december 14-20, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL
OpiniOn
United against corruption
Features
It’s the season of giving, when crooks expect more than the usual “gifts” to grease the wheels of government. By law the solicitation or acceptance of such “gifts” by public servants is expressly prohibited. Yet graft persists, with red tape designed to encourage the payment of grease money. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that a staggering $2.6 trillion, or about five percent of the global GDP, is stolen worldwide through corruption every year, with $1 trillion paid in bribes. Experts have stressed that money lost to corruption could otherwise be used for poverty alleviation and the achievement of sustainable development goals or SDGs. In developing countries, the UN Development Program places the funds lost to corruption at 10 times more than official development assistance. This includes the Philippines, where people are familiar with the consequences of corruption. Basic services break down. Investors are turned off by unfair competition and red tape, taking their money – and potential jobs – elsewhere. People get ahead in life through connections rather than merit. Inclusive growth becomes impossible. A corrupted justice system fuels insurgencies and promotes public support for short cuts to law enforcement, at the risk of civil liberties.
In fighting corruption, the nation can get assistance from the international community. Twelve years ago this week, the UN Convention Against Corruption went into force as the international community recognized the serious impact of corruption on development efforts and poverty alleviation. The Philippines signed the convention in December 2003, just two months after it was adopted by the UN General Assembly, and ratified it in November 2006. The parties to the convention have grown to 183, with 140 signatories as International Anti-Corruption Day was observed on Dec. 9. The convention is legally binding and allows the global community to cooperate in going after those accused of corruption, embezzlement and money laundering as well as in the recovery of ill-gotten wealth. It is a powerful tool that can be tapped by any government with a serious campaign to go after crooked public officials and their cohorts in the private sector. corruption on education, health, justice, democThis year the UNODC and UNDP have launched racy, prosperity and development as well as the a global campaign that focuses on the impact of achievement of the SDGs. The campaign stresses
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
that uniting against the scourge of corruption can promote development, peace and security. (Philstar.com)
Simbang Gabi offering: How to help Filipino priests help and serve Kababayans back home CHRISTMAS is less than two weeks from now, and this wonderful season is just opening the hearts of people to give more, in gratitude to all the blessings we have received in the past year. Our generous spirit goes beyond giving to our family and friends, as we are also compelled by love and sense of purpose to support causes we believe in. One of these causes that are close to the hearts of Filipinos is to help our kababayans go deeper in their faith. Among the means to fulfill this is to help our Filipino priests, so they may be in the position to reach out to Filipinos even in the remote areas of the Motherland. Last November, I got to meet Father Greg Gaston during my husband’s University of the Philippines College of Medicine Class of 1990 mini-reunion in Austin, Texas. Fr. Greg used to be one of their classmates until he heeded his true calling
— to be a priest and help heal people not only physically but The Fil-Am more so, spiritually as well. Fr. Greg is now the Rector of the Perspective Pontificio Collegio Filippino and is based in Rome. He reports directly to Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. As I have learned from Fr. Gel SantoS-ReloS Greg, “Pontificio Collegio Filippino (Pontifical Filipino College) is the home in Rome of Filipino priests. Here they reside and undergo formation, while doing further studies in the best Catholic Universities in Rome — close to the Holy Father physically, spiritually and doctrinally. Upon returning to the Philippines, they serve in the seminaries to train our future priests, and in other specialized ministries.” This Christmas season, please find in your
heart the desire to help our Filipino priests by helping Collegio Filippino. Your tax-deductible gift will go along way in the spiritual development of Filipinos back home. God will bless us all abundantly! MERRY CHRISTMAS! Here is the appeal from Cardinal Tagle and Fr. Greg Gaston: “Please assist the Collegio’s operations, programs, and upkeep. Help build our Scholarship Fund for board and lodging ($10,000 a year per priest), tuition ($5,000 a year) and other needs. “Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila suggests a monthly love offering, the equivalent of an hour of your salary. This way, without leaving your place, you VOLUNTEER AN HOUR to help our student priests!
“In a special way, we need your help for the renovation of our heavy duty kitchen, which will eventually serve up to 80 persons, plus hundreds of guests at times. Our kitchen also reaches out to our Overseas Filipino Workers who volunteer, undergo culinary training, interact and learn from each other, and are nourished spiritually. Donate online or contact us: www.FRIENDSOFTHECOLLEGIO.org. For checks, pay to: “Friends of the Collegio”, and mail to Friends of the Collegio, 1819 Ridgeview Ct., Dupont, WA 98327 USA.” *** 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
Dead in 25 years? Demand and Supply Boo ChanCo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte was being melodramatic as usual when he declared Metro Manila will be dead in 25 years. He just wanted to highlight Clark. With its New Clark City, the former US base seems to be where our future lies. “Manila, I think will be, in about 25 years... a dead city. It will start to decay and there is no way we can rehab the place… You have to disperse the crowd, limit the factories at some time in the future. But in about 10 years from now, they should close Manila and start to develop... ito, ito ang pinakamaganda ngayon eh,” the president said of Clark. I think President Duterte is right about our dying National Capital Region. At the rate we are going, Metro Manila will be totally unlivable sooner than 25 years. But the president is wrong to suggest government should wait 10 years to start closing down Manila to further growth. It should start decongesting now. Architect Jun Palafox, an internationally recognized city planner, not only agreed with the president, but also said Metro Manila’s deterioration has actually begun. Jun is right. “It’s happening now. In 1976 I worked with the World Bank... for Metro Manila. What we said then, Metro Plan Manila, it was one of the best metro plans in the world. Kaya ako nakilala overseas,” Palafox said. Palafox and his firm have been commissioned to plan livable cities abroad. He is frustrated his home metropolis remains ugly and chaotic.
“We said that time, with the do-nothing scenario, we will have catastrophic traffic, catastrophic planning, lack of decent housing. And what do we have now?” Palafox said Metro Manila should have completed eight train lines by 1992. In the past six years, only four kilometers of roads have been built. A JICA presentation paints the picture with numbers: the population of Metro Manila is 12 million, while Mega Manila to include adjoining provinces is 23 million. The population density of Metro Manila is 191 persons/ hectare. This is higher than Tokyo and other major Asian cities. For comparison, Tokyo’s population density is 131 persons/ha; Seoul 170 persons/ha; Jakarta 131 persons/ha; and Shanghai 124 persons/ha. The tragedy of Metro Manila reflects the tragedy of the whole country. We lost over 30 years to properly develop. Unfortunately, we had lousy leaders, national and local. Worse, our politicians are acting as if everything is just fine. If Metro Manila will be dead in 25 years, should we still invest good money in it now? No, the president isn’t suggesting we shouldn’t. In fact, the Duterte administration is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure program for Metro Manila including the Mega Manila Subway, funded by Japan’s generosity. A so-called Super Consortium of some of the country’s top conglomerates has expressed their intention to submit an unsolicited bid to totally rehabilitate NAIA. If that happens, NAIA could get a new lease on life. But the Super Consortium will need at least 25 years to recover their investment. The Super Consortium includes the Abotizes, Ayalas, Gokongweis, Gotianuns, Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s
“At the rate we are going, Metro Manila will be totally unlivable sooner than 25 years. But the president is wrong to suggest government should wait 10 years to start closing down Manila to further growth. It should start decongesting now.” Philstar.com photo
Manuel V. Pangilinan, and taipans Andrew Tan and Lucio Tan. They are making the unsolicited offer partly out of love of country, but mostly out of self interest. They know their businesses, specially Lucio Tan and the Gokongweis, will be negatively affected if NAIA remains what it is today. And there is still that other unsolicited offer of San Miguel’s Ramon Ang to build a totally brand new airport in Bulacan. San Miguel’s airport is intended to replace NAIA and compete with all the new international airport being built in our part of the world. It’s easier to build from scratch. President Duterte’s pessimistic view of Metro Manila seems to be because of the worsening
traffic situation in the capital. The transportation department may seem to look busy, but has so far been proven inept in addressing our problems. An announcement by MMDA to set a 50 kph speed limit on EDSA is simply hilarious. A JICA study reveals that close to half of the Metro area’s road network operates below 20 km/hr. The president is correct to call for the development of other potential urban hubs outside Metro Manila. In fairness to the Duterte administration, they have made some baby steps in that direction. Malacanang has not been approving the usual flow of PEZA-endorsed tax benefits for BPOs and other industries within Metro Manila. The property
sector is complaining, but this is the right thing to do… get them to locate outside the NCR. For it to make sense, development must be encouraged to go even outside Mega Manila (which includes Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite). According to JICA, its study indicates that Batangas, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite will see more rapid growth, even greater than in Metro Manila. For one thing, JICA says, traffic congestion in BRLC is just as bad as Metro Manila. According to JICA, some P3.2 billion a day is being wasted because of Metro Manila traffic, while in BRLC it is P2.2 billion a day. I have seen the plans for the New Clark City and I am excited about it. But we are notorious for our ability to make good
plans, only to fail in the execution. I am hopeful Clark will not be typical because we cannot afford to fail. We definitely need to reduce Metro Manila’s population to more manageable levels. Clark should be just one alternative we should be looking at. We need growth centers in our Pacific coastline. Every region should have at least one. The administration should provide a more comprehensive growth strategy beyond just Clark, or we will just repeat our mistakes. That’s the lesson we should have learned by now. (Philstar.com) *** Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@ gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @ boochanco.
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
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 14-20, 2017
PNP drug enforcement chief asks public for a second chance
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by Dana
SioSon AJPress
AIR FOR MARAWI. Qatar’s Red Crescent distributed aid packages worth of $200,000 in Marawi City as part of its humanitarian work in the Philippines. Qatar’s Embassy in Manila said the Red Crescent distributed emergency food and non-food assistance to families displaced by the fighting in Marawi. The Qatari mission has been working in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross since 2012. ManilaTimes.net photo
DOTr: Japan study says Philippines loses P4.1 billion daily over traffic MANILA — A transport official on Monday said that a Japanese study found that the country incurs daily economic loss of P4.1 billion ($81.426 million) due to traffic congestion. According to Transport Assistant Secretary Mark de Leon, a 2017 updated study from Japan International Cooperation Agency revealed that economic loss due to traffic is now at P4.1 billion daily which is double the P2.4 billion ($51 million) estimated loss in its 2012 study. JICA earlier warned that by 2030, the Philippines would lose P6 billion ($119 million) daily due to traffic. De Leon cited that inconvenient public transportation worsens the traffic in Metro Manila. “Kaya lumalaki ang congestion levels kasi iyong mga tao will not opt to use public transportation. Kaya dumadami iyong traffic natin,” De Leon said, as quoted by reports, at the Senate Committee on Public Services hearing into the jeepney modernization program on Monday. De Leon said this as he presented the government’s plan to modernize public utility vehicles. He said there are almost 180,000 registered jeepneys in the country and 90 percent of these
WITH its return to the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, the Philippine National Police’s Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) asked the public to give the group a second chance to prove itself. In a statement on Monday, December 11, newly-installed PNP-DEG Chief Supt. Albert Ferro did not deny that the police committed mistakes in the past. Despite the previous errors, Ferro asked public for its trust as he vowed for a reformed unit and more transparent police operations. “I do subscribe doon sa tinatawag na (in what we call) ‘6Ws’ — ‘what went well, what went wrong.’ We have to examine and come up with good safeguards. Come up with a good reform,” Ferro said. “Sana pagbigyan niyo po kami ng chance na ipakita ang aming karakter at kredibilidad (I hoped that you would give us a chance to prove our character and credibility),” he added. Ferro used to head the PNP’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIG), which was disbanded following its alleged involvement in the slaying of Korean businessman
PNP-DEG Chief Supt. Albert Ferro
Jee Ick-Joo last year. The PNP-DEG chief also thanked PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa for his trust, saying he did not expect to be reassigned to another anti-illegal drug unit following the controversy. In an interview with Rappler, Ferro likewise urged Filipinos to “own” the drug war and be on board with the government in its efforts to curb narcotics in the country. Ferro encouraged Filipinos to help the DEG by providing information on suspected drug users, and traders, as he recognized that his team will not
Inquirer.net photo
achieve much success without the help from local communities. “Most of our anti-illegal drugs operations were a product of information coming from the civilians, not all of those come from the police,” Ferro said. He went on to say, “Winning the hearts and minds of the people is the biggest challenge for me. We need the Filipino people to own this campaign against illegal drugs.” “The Filipino people should recognize that the president is with them against illegal drugs,” Ferro added, referring to President Rodrigo Duterte. n
Decision to have a Chinese telecom player...
A study conducted by JICA warned that by 2030, the Philippines would lose P6 billion daily due to traffic.
vehicles have been running for more than 15 years, augmenting the traffic congestion. Due to this, the transport official said the government is pushing for the modernization of jeepneys. The Department of Transportation is planning on imposing stiffer guidelines for jeepneys to ensure public safety. De Leon added that the agency would have a “route rationalization program” wherein public utility vehicles would travel on designated routes identified in
the Local Public Transport Route Plan. The Senate committee conducted a hearing into the jeepney modernization program after major transport groups opposed the government’s plan to phase out jeepneys aged 15 years and older. The DOTr vowed to engaged in dialogue with all transport groups to discuss their concerns regarding the program. Tugade said he is open to suggestions regarding the issue. (Rosette Adel/Philstar.com)
PAGE A5 erations Office said over dzBB. Harry Roque, a spokesman for Duterte’s office, dubbed this possible entry as a means to break the “duopoly” of Smart and Globe, the Philippines’ main service providers. Roque said that the choice of China was because the president would like to strengthen further the two nations’ ties and Beijing had one of the biggest telecoms market in the world. “But it was a political decision of the President to...to offer it to a Chinese company. Intended I guess also to strengthen our bilateral ties with China, coupled with the fact that given the huge telecoms market in China, Chinese companies ought to have already technical know-how ‘no in providing competent and reliable telecom services,” Roque said in a media briefing in the ornate, woodpaneled presidential palace. “And the eventual player that
was chosen by China, China Telecom without doubt is one of the biggest in the world ‘no. And of course, we want to avail of the fact that we’re very proximate to China ‘no,” Duterte’s spokesman said. The chief executive invited China last month to invest in the Philippines’ telecoms market, one of the most unreliable and inefficient in Asia Pacific, following the bilateral meeting between Duterte and Li Keqiang, China’s premier. Over the weekend, government officials said that state-run China Telecom Corp. could become the country’s third telecoms player as Manila continued to try to improve the country’s notoriously poor internet and voice services. Roque also doused hesitations that the entry of a company would expose the Philippines’ data infrastructure to a state-run firm of China, which has a long-running territorial dispute with Manila
over waters in the West Philippine Sea. “Well, as far as security considerations are concerned, we will look into that because there are really concerns overall on cyber security in general,” he said. Inviting other foreign players from other countries would not be easy, according to Roque, as there is already a standing invitation to a Chinese company to invest in the country’s telecoms infrastructure. “[I]t would not be as simple as it seems. There will be legal challenges. But we are confident we can overcome all these challenges because after all it is our commitment to provide viable public service in the telecoms industry to the Filipino people,” he said. Andanar, the PCOO official, said that China Telecom would have to find a local partner as the Philippine Constitution limited foreign ownership of public utility to 40 percent. n
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Pro race car driver Neil Alberico shares Filipino pride, sets goal to become first Fil-Am in IndyCar by Rae
ann VaRona AJPress
hearing about many of his trips to the Philippines, wanted in. To those in the world of auto “They wanted the real local racing, the San Clemente-based experience so we took the boat to Indy Lights racer Neil Alberico my mom’s island instead of flying may come off as a classic Cali- the jet. It was like a four-day trip fornia guy who spends what little to get there and they were stoked free time he has off-season play- just to kind of see firsthand where ing beach volleyball, or catching my mom came from,” Alberico choice waves with his profes- shared with the Asian Journal. sional surfer friends. “It was a really cool experience But if there’s anything else the for me because I got to share Filipino-American race car driver with them my heritage and my is passionate about outside of his background,” he added. racing career, it’s the Philippines, As a Fil-Am “ambassador” and sharing that meaningful as- through the Philippine Departpect of his life. ment of Tourism in Los Angeles, Ask him about the country, and sharing his love for the country he’ll gladly and vividly tell you comes naturally, which in part stories of the many experiences stems from having such a closehe’s had, whether it be trying lo- knit family. cal delicacies, digging for huge For Alberico, connecting to mud crabs, or using liter Coke his Filipino roots means bonding bottles attached to fishing lines with family. With over 25 first in place of fishing poles. cousins on his mom’s side, AlIndy Lights racer Neil Alberico seeks to enter the Verizon IndyCar Series for 2018. Despite living in Southern berico recalled having numerous California, the Verizon IndyCar activity-packed weekends. some beach volleyball or surfto his Carlin racing crew. Series prospect is no stranger He also shared how his mom Neil finished third at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg this past March. He added, “I’ve built such a ing. to the Philippines. Alberico has came to the U.S. at 28 years old to good relationship with those guys Despite not having driving been going to the country since work, sending money back home my private life, so to be able to who I am,” he added. over the years, and they’ve been plans in his upcoming Filipino he was just two years old, spend- to the Philippines, and helping share that with people, and to Alberico was in the Philippines so good to me.” trip itinerary, Alberico is proud of ing time on Semirara Island in her family get the same opportu- show people what it means to be this past week amidst the holiday To keep in shape, Alberico has the country’s car culture. Caluya, Antique where his mom nities by petitioning them to the Filipino is going to be really cool,” festivities, this time focusing on been working with a number of other known names in PhilipNora grew up. land of opportunity — something said Alberico. preparing for next year’s 2018 different people to work on his pine racing are F1 driver Marlon When he went to the Philip- many Filipinos can relate to. “Taking my private life and racing season. He appeared on strengths and weaknesses not Stöckinger and Ferrari Challenge pines two years ago, he brought “Being Filipino and going and kind of making it public is really ABS- CBN’s daily sports talk show only physically, but technically Asia Pacific winner Angie King. along a few of his childhood visiting the islands since I was 2 exciting for me. It’s something “Hardball” to chat about his rac- and mentally as well. “I think Filipinos have a really friends from California, who after years old has been a big part of I’m passionate about because it’s ing career and introduce himself In mid-November, he went cool car culture,” said Alberico, to fellow Filipinos. back to his karting roots and com- noting the country’s particular Having recently finished his peted in the USA SuperNationals interest in the import scene. second consecutive season with superkart race in Las Vegas. “[B]eing a Mazda driver for Carlin Motorsport, Alberico is His typical off-season day the past six years, I think I’m fully dedicating his off-season starts off with getting up between connected well with the whole towards his goal of racing in the 6 and 7 a.m., eating a nutritious Mazda scene,” said Alberico who Verizon IndyCar Series and its breakfast, and drinking a cup of joined the Mazda Road to Indy premier Indianapolis 500. Bulletproof coffee. in 2012. A bonus goal that comes with “Diet and nutrition [have] been When time does open up again it? Becoming the first Filipino- a big part of my life this off-sea- for him to go out and explore the American in IndyCar since Jovy son,” said Alberico. “Making Philippines, Alberico hopes to Marcelo who unfortunately died changes and eating well is a con- again get his friends together and in a fatal crash while practicing stant reminder of dedicating your explore other areas. for the 1992 Indy 500. life to something and wanting to “ T h e r e ’ s o v e r 7, 0 0 0 “I want to be that Filipino- be better.” islands. There’s so much to do,” American IndyCar driver and The rest of his day involves said Alberico, adding that he’s Neil with Philippine Department of Tourism - LA Tourism Attaché Richmond try to fly the flag for us,” said spending time at the gym and looking forward to surfing and Jimenez, Fay Castro (administrative officer) and Jemma Garchitorena (marketing Alberico before giving a shout out behind his simulator, or playing diving during future trips. Neil (middle) with his parents Loren and Nora Alberico assistant).
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Jonas Gaffud on making beauty queens a “crash course into the world of pageantry.” in it are personal stories, industry insights, tried Behind every strong woman and tested makeup, fitness, and is herself, but it doesn’t hurt to posture tips, and much more receive expert guidance from — but we shouldn’t give away someone who has proved to pro- any spoilers. The Philippines has long been duce success. For beauty queens of the Philippines, that someone is caught up in pageant-fever. Aside Jonas Gaffud, or Mama J, as he’s from the major pageants like Binibining Pilipinas, many Filipicalled in the industry. Last november 28, beauty nos participate in smaller localqueen fans, pageant enthusiasts, ized pageants, and even smaller and proud Filipinos alike lined up pageants are held in schools and outside of O Skin Care Med Spa workplaces. Then, there are the in Cerritos, California to meet Gaf- different pageants for groups like fud and get a signed copy of his grandparents or the LGBTQ community for example. recently released book. As further testament to the By his side were Miss Universe 2015 winner Pia Alonzo popularity, the country holds an Wurtzbach, and Miss Universe impressive track record in placing 2013 3rd Runner Up Ariella “Ara” beauty queens in the top internahernandez Arida, who fans also tional pageants. The Philippines has continuanticipated to meet. Gaffud’s book titled “The ously placed in the Miss Universe Crown: The essential Guide to pageants for the last seven years, Becoming a Beauty Queen”, and in the 16 years that the Miss was released in August of this earth pageant has been held, the year and has been described as country has only been absent by Rae
ann VaRona AJPress
in the top 10 for three of those years. Gaffud and his Aces & Queens squad — which started in the halls of UP diliman where he got his geography degree — has become an institution in the world of pageantry. his first batch of trainees included the then law student Zorayda Ruth Andam, who won Bb. Pilipinas Universe in 2001. Since then, Gaffud and his squad have helped over 30 beauty queens become winners. his most recent trainees include Miss international 2016 Kylie Verzosa, Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Arida who was third in Miss Universe 2013, and of course, Wurtzbach who took home the Miss Universe crown in 2015 in a highly-publicized win. For the seasoned beauty queen trainer, his interest in the world of pageantry started when he was a kid, and it wasn’t just for the beauty. Gaffud said the stories of the women were a big pull for his interest. Reading his mother’s magazines during those years is what got him thinking of what he wanted to do in the future, and after temporarily working in research after university, he decided to pursue his passion of creating beauty queens full time. So what makes a queen? “Come to me!” Gaffud told the Asian Journal while laughing. “Get a queen maker!” Laughs aside, anyone familiar with the industry would indeed agree that beauty pageants are more than just about looking pretty. They entail a lot of hard work which Gaffud details in his book. “There’s so much work before
joining a beauty pageant, and then there’s so much work after winning a beauty pageant,” said Gaffud, encouraging people to look at the beauty queens’ duties after their wins. Wurtzbach, who was first taken under Gaffud’s coaching in 2012, advocated on hiV awareness after taking the 2015 Miss Universe crown — something she promised to do in her title-winning answer. “he’s very strict,” the model, actress, chef, and UnAidS Goodwill Ambassador told the Asian Journal about Gaffud. “he’ll make you cry, but it will all be worth it anyways,” she added. in the age of social media, beauty queens are also not exempt from the bashing and bullying. Gaffud’s advice is to brush it off, and focus on being happy. But in all the years of watching the beauty queens work their way to the top, Gaffud maintains that not much has changed. “We’ve had strong, classy women, ever since,” said Gaffud. On answering why beauty pageants and queens are especially big in the Philippines, both Gaffud and Wurtzbach agreed that it was the young women’s journeys that made them special. “i think they’re a symbol of hope, especially in the Philippines,” explained Gaffud. While Gaffud admits that beauty pageants are a form of entertainment, he said that it’s more than just glitz and glamour. Pageants offer a glimpse into something that while fantastical, is still possibly attainable. “We like to see the girls’ Miss Universe 2015 PIa Wurtzbach and Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ariella Arida with O journies right?,” said Wurtzbach Skin Care Med Spa’s Olivia Quido-Co (center). whose own personal story is in the book. She added that those stories are one of her favorite parts of Gaffud’s tell-all. Pageant viewers may agree that watching the inspiring contestant stories is one of the most memorable parts of the night. This year, the most highlighted moments included contestants speaking out against sexual harassment, and Miss iraq Sara eden’s story of joining Miss Universe and being a pageant queen despite discouragements — iraq had been absent from the pageant for 45 years prior. eden was joined by pageant queens from Laos, Cambodia, and nepal whose countries were being repGaffud’s book titled “The Crown: The Essential Guide to Becoming a Beauty Queen”, was released in August of this year and has been described resented in Miss Universe for the as a “crash course into the world of pageantry.” AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal first time.
“From start to finish, we get to know her background, what her life story is, and then how she’ll go through the challenges of winning the local pageant first, which is Binibining Pilipinas, and then hopefully or eventually making it to the international pageants,” said Wurtzbach. “i think it’s because we see inspiration through that. if a girl can do it, then so can we,” she added. “You see that we’re all different. Some of us had it easier, and some of us had it harder.” “And then i also like that it’s a guide,” she added. Yet despite being subtitled “the essential guide to becoming a beauty queen,” Gaffud said that the book contains content anyone can immerse themselves in. “it’s a story of struggle and evolving,” said Gaffud. “it’s a story of everybody.” “You know, you evolve. in life, you should not be stuck to where you are. You read books, you experience life, and then you change your perception — for the better,” he added. Regarding the Miss Universe
2017 pageant on november 26, Gaffud said he once saw Philippine contestant Rachel Peters during a birthday party for Maxine Medina, but that is the only time their paths have crossed so far. As for Miss Universe 2017 winner demi-Leigh nel-Peters of South Africa? “i love her!” exclaimed Gaffud, adding that he predicted her to win. “From the very start, i knew that she would win,” he said. “A lot people really predicted her to win — a lot of pageant experts.” While Gaffud’s trainees have notably been Filipina, he said he was open to the idea of training international beauty queens. he reportedly worked with Miss Universe indonesia Kezia Warouw which generated mixed reactions from Philippine fans, but Gaffud said his guidance is for all. “We’re here to help women. not Filipino women alone, but women all over the world,” he said. “And if given an opportunity, i would do it over and over again.”
The Comedy Queen marries her prince by aRlo
Custodio ManilaTimes.net
FiRST-RATe comedienne AiAi de las Alas and her fiancé of three years, Gerald Sibayan, wed in a star-studded ceremony at the Christ the King Church in Green Meadows, Quezon City on Tuesday, dec. 12. As reported by The Manila Times entertainment columnist Lhar Santiago, the “Comedy Queen” turned very emotional during the wedding march. “Ai cried while marching. She told me earlier that she was feeling nervous and she didn’t know why. Mixed emotions daw. She’s happy and nervous, and very beautiful,” Santiago relayed in a text message. The couple’s wedding organizer, Teena Barretto, likewise shared on instagram delas Alas’ thoughts before walking down the aisle. Just as she told Santiago, Barretto quoted the bride, “Sobrang saya ko. Kinakabahan ako ngayon pero hindi ko alam kung bakit ako kinakaban, pero napakasaya ko.” The star-studded entourage included Megastar Sharon Cuneta as Matron of honor and included such big name celebrities as Vic Sotto and Pauleen Luna, dingdong dantes and Marian Rivera, Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez, Alden Richards, Piolo Pascual, Randy Santiago, Ruffa Mae Quinto, Pops Fernandez and eugene domingo. de las Alas’ longtime manager
With 30 years between them, no one thought the love story of comedy actress AiAi de las Alas, now 53, and Gerald Sibayan, 23, will have a happily ever after, but on Tuesday, Dec. 12, the couple of three years happily exchanged “I do’s” at the Christ the King Church in Greenmeadows, Quezon City.
Boy Abunda, meanwhile, led the principal sponsors, along with GMA network Chairman and CeO Felipe Gozon, movie producers Lily Monteverde and Tony Tuviera, veteran actress and Batangas Representative Vilma Santos, showbiz columnist Lolit Solis, and former ilocos Governor Chavit Singson, among others. The Comedy Queen’s son Sancho walked her down the aisle. One of the 53-year-old actress’ two children by ex-husband Miguel Vera, Sancho had played badminton with now 23-year-old Sibayan at de La Salle University. The groom and delas Alas were already a couple when he graduated from college with a Sports Management degree at the same
university. As of press time, the wedding reception is still ongoing at The Blue Leaf events Pavilion in Taguig City. On the way there, the new Mrs. Sibayan posted their photo in the bridal car via instagram with the caption, “First couplie namin as husband and wife wohooooo congrats darl kinasal ka na hahaa @gerald_sibayan.” She also posted their photo with the cast and director of her GMA network noontime show, “Sunday Pinasaya” with the caption, “Sunday Pinasaya family thank you so much.” in previous interviews, the actress said they would spend their honeymoon in europe.
Is Mark really ‘coming out’ early next year? by RiCky lo Philstar.com
iT’S up to you to figure out what “coming out” in today’s headline means. Those words came from Funfare’s VdPA (Very deep Penetration Agent) who said that early next year, Mark Bautista is “coming out” with a tell-all book that can send shock waves through the industry. “Mark will leave nothing to the imagination,” swore the VdPA close to Mark, who claimed to have seen the rough draft of the book stamped “highly confidential” at the moment and once it is out in the market, “it is bound to cause a lot of people sleepless nights.” When word leaked that Mark was “coming out” with a “noholds-barred” book, some people
‘Something profound happened to Mark Bautista abroad,’ claimed somebody close to the actor playing Ferdinand Marcos in “Here Lies Love” in London.
(this one included) dismissed it as, well, a false alarm, until Funfare’s VdPA said that it’s true. “if you have read the auto-bi-
ographies of Cliff Richard, Ricky Martin, Olympic American diver Greg Louganis and other celebrities ‘coming out’ of their shells,” added the VdPA, “you will have an idea what Mark’s book is all about.” Anyway, let’s wait and see until the book’s launch. The big question is: Will Mark name names and invite whoever are “revealed” in the book to its launch? Will somebody stop its publication? Will anybody file a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) against its release? “One thing is sure,” continued the VdPA. “Something profound happened to Mark during his prolonged stay abroad, starting in London where he played Ferdinand Marcos in the musical ‘here Lies Love.’”
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Alden goes to confession and the gym regularly by MylEnE
MEndOza-dayrit Philstar.com
that he does? What is his physical objective? Bodyweight workout is a priority. His core strength, agility, and balance are also addressed. our program design will be for what role or challenges he will be going through. we are making him ready. How would you describe Alden’s habits? Is he a consistent health buff? His patience in training, his discipline outside the gym, is admirable. He runs when he can on trips abroad. He also does some bodyweight exercises and trains using rubber tubing. He is disciplined when it comes to diet. How does Alden keep his workout regimen going despite his busy schedule? He comes whenever he can. If he cannot go and he’s so busy, he would ask me to go to him. I would train him backstage before he goes out on stage, making sure he is pumped. I give him workouts when he can’t go to the gym. What part of his body does he work out the most? What machines/classes does he like? we first corrected his posture, which added two inches to his height. Then we improved his endurance. He needs to improve his resistance, making him ready for work. He likes the cable cross-
over, because we can do so many things, including bodyweight. He starts with 20 minutes of treadmill, core, then his weight-training program. For cool down, we do stretching. What kind of diet goes along with his workout routine? I don’t give him a strict diet — just everything in moderation. I advised him to take frequent meals in small amounts and lastly, to eat slowly. I told him to savor the food. It’s basic moderation. What is the ultimate advice you have given him as his trainer? The ultimate advice I gave him is to make working out a part of his lifestyle. It’s a habit that he has to keep forever. And he listens. What is the biggest challenge for training Alden? Does he have a problem area? The biggest challenge training Alden is his schedule. He is so busy and very in demand. His problem area is his lower abs. we’re working on it with HIIT, cross training, and bodyweight training. with such dedication and discipline, there is no doubt that Alden can achieve anything that he sets his mind to. Truly, he is a good example to us all that there are no excuses or obstacles too great to overcome when it comes to our fitness goals.
wHo doesn’t know Alden Richards? Although he started his showbiz career only in 2010, he already won 30 major entertainment awards! His latest is the Best Single Performance by an Actor for his performance in “Eat Bulaga’s” lenten Special Kapatid aired on GMA. This was given at the 31st PMPC (Philippine Movie Press Club) Star Awards for Television held last November 12 at the Henry lee Irwin Theater of the Ateneo de Manila University. while his talent is undisputed, there may be two major things of his well-being most are unaware of and which could provide inspiration to many. First is that he goes to Confession every month, no fail. Second is that he works out regularly. Consistency is key to success when it comes to health and fitness, be it spiritual or physical. Alden has exemplified this rule with his hard work and dedication. He has been a regular at the gym for years — to the point that he is like family to the gym community. while others prefer to sleep in, Alden gets up early every morning just so that he can work out before the start of his hectic schedule. Even on trips abroad, he makes it a point to run and do some bodyweight training. He is also very disciplined when it comes to his diet. It takes a lot of strength and endurance to work long showbiz hours, which Alden works on in the gym. we sat down with Alden’s longtime personal trainer James de leon and asked how we can train like Alden Richards. The Star: How often does Alden work out? James de leon: He works out weekdays, 7-9 a.m. It depends on his schedule. What are the main guidelines you adhere to for his health regimen? His endurance, flexibility, and strength are priorities. Right now, we are focused on building and defining his body for his next project. The dreamboat is a gym rat: “His patience in training, his discipline outside the gym, is Is there any special routine admirable. Philstar.com photo
aBunda Philstar.com
wHIlE he is dubbed Prince of Teleserye Themesongs and has gained a good reputation as a talented cover artist, singer Bryan Termulo still looks forward to breaking more grounds as far as his music career is concerned. His ultimate goal: to score a hit original song or two that his very voice can truly lay claim to. That dream of having an original song to his name is now realized with the release of his single Agwat under Ivory Music and Video. It’s one thing to be acknowledged rendering an already popular track like Regine Velasquez’s dadalhin, which he delivered to good acclaim as theme to that well-followed series walang Hanggan. It’s another thing to be identified with a new hit song and you’re the voice behind it. “dream ko talaga na makilala ako sa at least isa o dalawang hit original songs. Gusto ko yung sasabayan ako ng nanonood o nakikinig sa akin dahil kilala nila yung kanta at alam nila na ako ang nagpasikat nun,” shared Bryan. Such lofty, but doable dream is no doubt one of the main thrusts for his career at this point. one thing going for him is the fact he is now under the guidance of Asia Artists Agency (AAA), a talent management that houses a strong stable of performing acts. Bryan acknowledges that with the backing of a management company, his career plans can be more solidified. “Now that it is official, I feel that my vision as an artist will be realized.”
Bryan Termulo
Philstar.com photo
Elaborating more on his vision to become a voice with hit songs of its own, he said, “Iba rin talaga kapag magkakaroon ako ng kanta na tatak Bryan at hindi tatak ng ibang artist na may version ako.” The song “Agwat” written by Bryan lotho is a ballad about long-distance relationships and he sure sings it with some raisethe-bar touch. And he calls it, “Bryan’s version 2.0.” Social media savvy himself, he does a video-blog, which he fondly calls as lakBryan. He very much makes use of his cellphone and other gadgets to connect with fans and even natives of remote places he reaches. A good wiFi connection during a gig means fans get to see him live online. Versatile that he is, he also studied the Russian language and knows a number of Russian songs that he hopes he can sing live if given the proper venue. His
Gretchen Ho, Tippy Dos Santos on sponsoring kids’ daily allowance by Jan
MilO SEvErO Philstar.com
MoRE than receiving gifts, celebrities Gretchen Ho and Tippy dos Santos find fulfillment in sharing to others their fortune, especially this Christmas, the “season of giving.” Gretchen and Tippy recently traveled all the way to a remote “baranggay” in Bohol to meet and bond with world Vision-sponsored children in the southern part of Visayas. Gretchen is sponsoring a child for P25 per day or P750 per month through the foundation, enough to cover a kid’s daily allowance. “I’ve been passionate on helping children. Before, I’m with Ateneo Christian Community and we used to go to Payatas. Now, I’m with world Vision,” the “Uma-
gang Kay Ganda” host said. For Gretchen, world Vision really fits what she looks for in a foundation. “world Vision is aligned with my vision so much kasi mahilig talaga ako sa bata, super! And I think I appreciate the holistic formation of the child na hindi lang basta magbibigay o magdo-dole out kundi you make sure that a child grows in a good environment, which I think is very crucial,” Ho explained in an interview with Philstar.com. At her first site visit, Gretchen was amazed on how world Vision gives impact to children’s lives. “you could really see it. Parang ano, ‘ito yung mga batang tinutulungan naming,’ parang ‘pag nandon siya sa harapan mo, it becomes so much real. you donated
Members of Nevada’s Asian and Pacific American (APA) community met with the Nevada Republican Party and the Republican National Committee for a community gathering with key GOP APA activists and volunteers last November 30 at the NVGOP Field Office in Las Vegas. Since Nevada is a battleground state, representatives of the local and national GOP organized the event and shared the importance of tapping into the APA electorate given that it is a key swing vote.
Michael McDonald, chair of the Republican Party of Nevada, and Adi Sathi (left), director of APA engagement at the Members of the APA community in Las Vegas with Esther Ross, field organizer of the Nevada Republican Party (middle). Republican National Committee (RNC);
Seagal to spend first Christmas in Philippines by Edgar
O. Cruz
Philstar.com
Hollywood A-lister Steven Seagal of “End of a Gun” and “Perfect weapon” fame has been in the metro since early November this year but it was only last dec. 9 that the cast and crew of “General Commando”, a nine 45-minute episode American series that tackles drug trafficking and terrorism issues, commenced principal photography. The shoot goes through the Christmas holidays which means Steven will experience his first Filipino Christmas. Co-producer former Gov. luis “Chavit” Singson, known for generous hospitality, will host him, offering the use of his private plane and pricey villas. The multi-billionaire made possible the holding of the 2016 Miss Universe Philippines at no expense to the government. A global wanderer, Steven has been quietly slipping in and out of the country for vacations since the ‘80s but this is the first time he knowledge of the language was decided to shoot. He is also making put to good use when he visited it a professional base as he reboots Russia to study at the Bashkir feature-in-progress, Attrition, and University in Ufa for almost a month. why he has the urge to take such difficult challenge is probably his instinct as a clean, fun man. He doesn’t smoke nor drink. And, comic punchline intended, he couldn’t even finish a glass of wine while on a plane. “I think it’s in my upbringing. we were brought up in the house to be always righteous as much as possible. That’s why it’s never in my system to have vices,” he shared. Bryan first earned public attention after placing runner up in “Pinoy Pop Superstar 3”. He came out with his debut album Begin in 2010 and followed it up with the gold record “Hanggang Ngayon” two years later. Some of his noted teleserye songs were “Kung Maibabalik” for “Honesto”, “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo” for “Juan dela Cruz” and “Kailan for Ina, Kapatid, Anak”. As TV actor, he appeared on ABS-CBN’s “Budoy”, “Huwag Ka lang Mawawala” and “dream dad”. Bryan’s positivity may just lead to some great development as he keeps going, noting, “I always keep on praying for good things to happen. I don’t put pressure to anything. If it happens, it does. you just have to keep working hard all the time while enjoying life.” No wonder this fine, goodlooking gentleman has survived 10 long years in the biz. He certainly has the right mindset to go with his talents.
Bryan Termulo: Prince of teleserye theme songs by BOy
APA community and business leaders with Adi Sathi (far right), director of APA engagement at the Republican National Committee (RNC).
25 pesos, 750 monthly, those are just figures. when you go to the site and when you see them how much they value and appreciate that help, d’un mo mare-realize yung impact.” Tippy, meanwhile, has been with world Vision for eight years or since her high school days. For her, her experience with world Vision in helping less fortunate people and calamity victims is fulfilling. “Ang ganda nang nagagawa ng world Vision not only for the people na mga nangangailangan kundi para din sa mga taong gustong tumulong,” the singer said, adding: “I think what’s great about this partnership is you can see multinational corporations really realizing you don’t need PAGE B4
Sen. Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee with the Seagals.
corral big investors of a sound stage for future big and small screen projects. Produced and directed by Philippe Martinez of wake of death and co-written with Bey logan, General Commander tracks the missions of a furtive rogue global paramilitary unit that fights major criminal organizations to avert world war III. Steven plays ex-CIA agent Jake Alexander who is out to bring the killer of a colleague friend to justice. Steven’s Mongolian wife Elle acts in the series.
Philstar.com photo
Chavit went bigger with his business plan to be a film producer by getting Steven as actor of a relevant film that will certainly click with Pres. Rodrigo duterte as it focuses on his national crusade. No wonder Steven received a Malacañang reception, got to clench his right fist with the country’s leader wearingbarong tagalog and pet the governor’s magnificent tigers. with Steven’s reach mightier than ever, he makes Christmas celebration here look like child’s fantasy.
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B december 14-20, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL
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Triumphs and tragedies of 2017 Mon Confiado: ‘Villain’ with a heart by Pablo
a. Tariman Philstar.com
By Monet
Lu
TODAY I woke up with a smile on my face. Christmas is 18 days away, as of this writing! The sound of Christmas music and the cold winter breeze brushing against my face made sure I remember that. But aside from the stark reminder that I only have a few days to “wrap-up’ my Christmas list, I realize that this is the best time to take a moment and remember the things that have happened this year. I’ve rounded up a few of the good – and the not-so-good – things that have happened in 2017. Religious communities come together 2017 was a tough year but it was also filled with a number of significant milestones. One of them was the time churches and synagogues offered space, money, and helping hands—raising more than a million dollars to rebuild a mosque’s in Texas which was burned out in January. The Victoria Islamic Center have broken ground in May and by September they were distributing emergency supplies to victims of Hurricane Harvey. Such remarkable generosity that’s enough to restore our faith in humanity. Surely, this event made this year really memorable. Notable scientific advancements Innovations in 2017 include a treatment for ALS and a device to help regrow skin for burn victims. Remember that challenge where your friends and family tag you to pour a bucket of icecold water on yourself and you pass along the challenge until everybody you know has done it and the whole thing goes viral – but for a good cause? Yes, I am talking about the ALS ice bucket challenge. And 2017 is the year that it led to real progress in treating and curing the disease. ALS is a rare, lethal disease where motor nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord are damaged and killed by the body’s glial cells, leading to atrophy, paralysis, and eventually death from respiratory failure.
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After the famed “ice bucket challenge” helped raise money to research a cure, Israeli scientists at Ben-Gurion University found a way to stop the increased activity of glial cells, restoring the nervous system’s immune defenses and increasing life expectancy, The Times of Israel reported. Another medical innovation that happened this year was the development of “SkinGun” which is designed to help damaged skin regrow with no scars. Burns are painful to treat and often leave behind obvious scarring which makes this device “heaven-sent.” As of writing, the device is awaiting FDA approval, but has already proven successful for patients in both the U.S. and Germany, according to Newsweek. Taiwanese court rules in favor of same-sex marriage While it was in 2015 when the Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage as legal in all 50 states, it was only in 2017 that Taiwan followed suit. Taiwan’s constitutional court has ruled that the country’s civil laws barring same-sex marriage are unconstitutional, giving the legislature two years to fix current laws or enact new ones allowing gay marriage which would make the island nation the first in Asia to do so. If you remember the LGBTQ community rejoicing (so colorfully) when it was officially announced two years ago, it wouldn’t take much for you to imagine how they would have received the news over there in Taiwan. That’s definitely some-
thing they can cross off their 2017 bucket list! A cancer drug breakthrough Any medical advancement or a way to extend life is always good news. Much more if it’s a cure for cancer. This year, for the first time, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug to treat any tumor sharing certain genetic characteristics — regardless of cancer type. For years, doctors focused on treating cancer cells depending on where they were in the body. Pembrolizumab (known by its brand name Keytruda) is an immunotherapy drug that blocks the cancer cell’s ability to protect itself from the body’s immune system. Cheers to 2017: the year we found a way to beat the Big-C! Mass shootings, disasters and bombing Incidents There were triumphs in 2017 but there were also tragedies and news that broke our hearts – and will take a while for us to forget. From Texas to Florida to Puerto Rico, Las Vegas and England, the pain was like a nightmare – except it was real. It all happened before our eyes. The extent of the suffering was unfathomable. Houston and Florida are still reeling from sequential hurricanes. Puerto Rico hasn’t gotten to its feet in the wake of Maria. The people of Charlottesville, Virginia watched hate march into town and take one of their own–an event from which they’re still recovering, families (of the victims) of the Manchester bombing incident were still healPAGE B6
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IN the p ressco n for the film, “Ang Titser Kong Hindi Marunong Magbasa” where he plays the rebel Commander Ahmid, Mon Confiado cuts a very quiet figure as he gives us an idea how he goes about building a character. He likes to look himself primarily as an actor and not the screen villain he is almost always expected to be. He chuckles that in the past, he comes handy when there is a need for a very credible rapist. Joking aside, he says his favorite part in acting is building the character of the person he is portraying. “I study everything about my character from the physical look to his emotional state up to mannerisms and accent. I believe in the saying that ‘there are no small roles, only small actors.’” Like when he accepted the role of Commander Ahmid in the Perry Escaño film, he took stock of the key figures in the Marawi siege. The first thing he learned is that Commander Ahmid is not just a rebel leader but also a recruiter of child warriors. “Yes, there is a big similarity between him and the Maute brothers. The approach I did apart from studying his physical look is to look into his inner profile. I know that in the heart of every bad person is a good man. So, he is not totally a villain. He is fighting for something from the preservation of his culture and tradition to getting rid of corrupt leaders in his home province. “Since he doesn’t have that
Mon as Commander Ahmid in “Ang Titser Kong Hindi Marunong Magbasa”. Philstar.com photo
many followers, he has no choice but to recruit child warriors. This is actually pure strategy for him because young boys are easy to recruit and most likely his opponents will not harm them because of their youth. But in the end, I wanted my character to be the voice of the rebels and what they are fighting for.” The most effective actor’s tool for him is method acting where he strives to look real from his physique to emotions. “I like to research a lot and try very hard to look the part from losing to gaining weight and sporting the right hairstyle. To be very credible, I train a lot from martial arts to sword fighting, horseback riding and doing motorcycle stunts. I like to immerse a lot. I visit the actual locations before the shoot and review my character in his true-to-life setting.”
After 25 years in showbiz, Mon says he has learned a lot and met a lot of screen icons enough to find fulfillment in acting after appearing in more than 300 films. His first screen appearances were in “Shake Rattle & Roll 4” and “Dugo Ng Panday” in 1993 directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes. The actor also had the rare chance to work with Academy award-winning actor Rod Steiger (“In the Heat of The Night”) in the film “Legacy” (1998) along with David Hasselhof. Other Hollywood actors he has worked with include Casper Van Dien, Michael Dudikoff, Thomas Ian Griffith, Isabelle Huppert, (“Captive”) and Mark Dacascos, among others. The year 2018 looks good with new roles and new films about to be released among them the lead part in “Stateside” (about the journey of an undocumented Filipino immigrant struggling to survive in the U.S.), a repeat role of Gen. Aguinaldo in the new film about Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, a role in Signal Rock directed by Chito Roño and a horror film produced by Cine Pilipino. Indeed, the actor has come a long way from growing up in the streets of Sampaloc to playing roles of national figures and doing his first overseas shooting in Stateside. “I didn’t bring money in my entire shoot even for food, so I can feel the real struggles of a homeless Filipino in the U.S. I only had four shirts and one pants for the entire stay. That’s how well I wanted to be immersed for the part.”
Gretchen Ho, Tippy Dos Santos on... PAGE B3 to help individually. You have a big corporation, use it to make a difference.” Gretchen played volleyball with the kids, inspiring them to work really hard if they really want to become professional volleyball players. Likewise, she reminded them to balance the sport with their studies. “Side by side yun eh. Kung magaling ka sa laro, dapat magaling ka din sa aral. Dapat performer kayo sa lahat. Wag kayong matakot. Lahat ng bagay posible,” she espoused. Meanwhile, Tippy sang with
the band of children, bonding with them and reminding them that success cannot only be achieved through perseverance, but also through a good heart. “Kahit anong mangyari sa mundo, maging succesful ka man, and importante ay maging mabait tayo sa isa’t isa kasi ayan din ang magpapabuti ng mundo natin,” Tippy said. Both celebrities admitted that they love to travel. Apart from encouraging Filipinos to see the beauty of the Philippines, they invite others to book their travel with AirAsia as the company will donate P5 per travel to the World
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Vision thorough the campaign “See The World.” For every seat booked or sold in the Philippines from December 1 to 31, P5 goes to the foundation’s child sponsorship program. “AirAsia, as a global brand, is honored to partner with an international relief, development and advocacy organization as we both share the same commitment and passion in helping communities especially children see the wonders of the world through sponsorship programs in education,” the company’s regional Chief Operating Officer Pete Chareonwongsak said.
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Your Immigration Solution atty. nanCy Miller At Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza, we handle cases in all avenues of immigration law: family-based, employment-based, business and investments, deportation defense, naturalization, appeals and federal litigation. the cases are very different but a common theme that runs through how we handle them is: never give up. A friend of mine once told me that she knew my philosophy is “it ain’t over till the alien wins”. that is true for all the lawyers and support staff of RMZD. this week and next, we will give a few examples of the practical application of that philosophy. Some cases require persistence from the client and skill and comprehensive knowledge of immigration law to get them over the finish line. “Jane” was petitioned by her father, a citizen by virtue
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS tHE Christmas season is upon us once more and feasting has already started. As we indulge and enjoy the food galore, it behooves us to stay away from foods that are unhealthy, which will eventually cause us harm in the future. Some of these items that are hazardous to our health include refined sugars, artificial sugars, processed meats/vegetables/ fruits, potato chips, and soft drinks of any kind. these beverages are very toxic to our body but, unfortunately, the damage is not immediately evident. Junk foods like hamburger and French fries are fine if consumed occasionally, like once a month or less. Here are some other unsafe food items to watch out for in order to truly enjoy the holidays: Poorly cooked pork/seafood Unlike beef, which could be eaten rare or medium, pork is safe only when fully cooked, especially in barbeque form. Improperly cooked pork could lead to a microworm infestation called trichinosis, where the tiny roundworms enter the muscles, even in the eyelids, the heart, etc. and pose a danger not only to health but to life. Eating raw seafood, like oysters, mussels, shrimp, fish, can also cause bacterial infection, like salmonella, not to mention hepatitis. Unhygienic food handlers (including all of us) can contaminate the food and cause Staphylococcus food poisoning, Shigella, and an E. coli infection (from fecal contamination of food and or water), leading to severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pains. Even leftover rice, if not refrigerated, and if it is kept covered airtight in a warm environment, can cause Bacillus cereus to thrive, multiply, and produce chemical toxins, result-
Community Journal
Monette aDeva Maglaya JOSHUA was excited with his new job at the inn. It sure beats having to herd sheep this time of the year when the cold nights chilled his bones on the hillside pasture where he tended his family’s small herd of sheep and cattle. the job fell to his younger brother this time. Jacob, the owner of the village inn was his father’s friend who had asked if Joshua could help him mind the inn for a little while as he and his wife will be going on a long journey. Jacob liked and trusted Joshua like the son he never had. the young man was a good worker and a natural who quickly picked up the ropes of the business. Not long after, Jacob and his wife left for their journey to the town north of the country where they were born many miles away to comply with the Roman emperor Augustus’ decree that everyone be counted for the census. It was for the purpose of taxing the people of nations the Romans had conquered. Few, if any, in Israel dared disobey the mighty Roman Empire’s edicts. the inn was busy. People for miles around were on the move going back to their own hometowns. the brisk business brought by overnight travellers in their otherwise sleepy town tired him out. Yet, he felt pretty proud of himself of the work he was doing. today, just before sundown, he had filled the 12 modestly
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We look back before we look ahead: Remembering a few of our many successes from 2017 of his service to the U.S. Armed Forces in World War II. Just as the visa was finally available, Jane’s father fell ill and passed away. Several years later Jane came to RMZD and we set to work preparing and filing a request for humanitarian reinstatement of the petition. Despite our efforts, USCIS initially denied the request. But we did not give up. We filed a comprehensive motion to reconsider pointing out the numerous errors in the USCIS decision. After a few months USCIS issued a decision approving the motion and reinstating the petition. By now, Jane herself had five children two of whom were over the age of 21. She feared that they would not be allowed to immigrate with the family and, indeed, initially the National Visa Center excluded the overage children from the case. But we struck back and explained to the NVC and then again to the Embassy that both children were
eligible under the Child Status Protection Act. In the end, Jane and her five children as well as her husband were finally able to immigrate to the United States and fulfill Jane’s father’s wish for his family. In this next case, “Mary” did not know she had a removal [deportation] order for failure to appear at a hearing before the immigration judge. Mary had never received notice of the hearing. RMZD successfully reopened her case which allowed her to stop fearing that “knock on the door”. Unfortunately, many circumstances, including how she entered the United States, made most forms of relief unavailable to her. Mary applied for asylum based on her membership in a particular social group which was denied. Notwithstanding the denial, we strongly encouraged her to seek counseling for past traumatic experiences. In
Unhealthy foods ing in food poisoning. Rice is best consumed within 24-48 hours. When leftover rice appears moist or sticky, and/or smells spoiled, it should be discarded. Microwave popcorn A recent UCLA study reports that chemicals (one of them perfluorooctanoic acid – PFOA) in the inner surface (lining) of the bag are compounds that may be a culprit in the development of infertility in humans. the findings also stated that these chemicals vaporize at high temperatures, seep into the popcorn, and can cause cancer of the liver, pancreas, and testicles, as they accumulate in the body over time until they reach the toxic level years later. Manufacturers, like Dupont, have promised to phase out PFOA by 2015 under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s voluntary plan. In the meantime, pop your own corn in a skillet. Canned tomatoes Bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic estrogen, is in the resin linings of tin cans. the acidic nature of tomatoes causes this chemical to leach into the tomatoes. BPA has been linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and suppression of sperm production and chromosomal damage. this report was filed by Fredrick Vom Saal, Ph.D., an endocrinologist at the University of Missouri. the best option is fresh (organic, if possible) or bottled tomatoes. As far as organic fruits and vegetables are concerned, their shelf-life is also longer than the conventional ones. Farmed salmon “Nature didn’t intend for salmon to be crammed into pens and fed soy, poultry litter, and hydrolyzed chicken feathers,” stated David Carpenter, MD, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany in a major study in the journal Science on contamination of fish. As a result, farmed
salmon is lower in vitamin D and higher in contaminants, including carcinogens, PCBs, antibiotics, brominated flame retardants, pesticides such as dioxin and DDt, according to Dr. Carpenter. the wild-caught Alaskan salmon, even canned, is a good option for salmon lovers. Corn-fed beef to fatten cattle for better profit, commercial farmers feed them corn and soybeans. A new comprehensive study by the US Department of Agriculture and Clemens University found that “compared with corn-fed beef, grass-fed beef is higher in beta-carotene, vitamin E, omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid, calcium, magnesium, and potassium; lower in inflammatory omega-6s, and lower in saturated fats. Better option: beef from grass-fed cattle, stipulated on the packaging label. Non-organic potatoes Conventional (non-organic) potatoes are treated with fungicides and herbicides. Root vegetables like potatoes also absorb these chemicals that pollute the soil. No matter how much you wash non-organic potatoes, you will never get rid of the chemical contamination because the chemicals are in the flesh. While organic potatoes (grown without the use of any chemicals) are a bit more expensive, they are the healthier alternative. Non-organic fruits and vegetables the same chemical contamination is found in non-organic fruits and vegetables. those with skin or rind are better protected. After washing them, peel the skin, like in apples, bananas, papaya, oranges, lanzones, pineapple, carrots, radish, squash, upo, patola, etc. those which are eaten as a whole, fruits like the various berries, prunes, grapes, and vegetables like lettuce, beans, etc., obviously contain more contamiPAGE B6
A Christmas story: The innkeeper’s untold tale Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 14-20, 2017
“As he told the story of that wondrous night to Luke, Joshua carefully removed himself from the narrative. It was to be between him and God alone and God alone.” furnished rooms with tired and hungry travellers. He thought of meeting up with his shepherd friends in the pasture once he had turned over the inn’s affairs to the night attendant. He had heard his shepherd friends on night watch talk about an unusually bright star that has been moving in the heavens for many nights now. they said it was a spectacle to behold and he wanted to see it for himself. the rumor buzzing around town was that the soothsayers in King Herod’s palace studying the unusual heavenly display were cowering in fear, loathe to tell the king the meaning of the unusual star. Eventually, they had to tell the king for nothing escapes him. Herod did not suffer fools gladly. the prophecy will come to pass. the king to rule all kings was to be born very soon within the kingdom. It was no wonder King Herod was in a vicious mood. Joshua thought the ruthless king would remove all threats to his kingship by all means fair or foul. It was bad enough he had to bow to the superior might of the Roman conquerors who had allowed him to be king within his territory. Just as Joshua was about to lock up for the night, a couple came in. the man, visibly tired and leaning on his staff with one hand, was supporting the woman who was heavy with child with his other hand. the wom-
an looked to be in some pain. Still, Joshua noted the stately calm, grace and beauty about her. there was this mysterious glow. the man asked Joshua for a room and told him his wife was about to give birth. Alas, the last room has been let and Joshua told him so. Joshua glanced at the woman and his heart was filled with pity. He thought quickly of his own home for them to stay for the night but it was some distance away. He had to think and act quickly. It looks like the woman was about to give birth at any moment. Joshua had seen to his own mother at childbirth. He had helped his own father deliver some of his brothers himself. “Maybe, I have something for you. It’s not much but it would get you through this cold night at least,” he told the couple. “Come with me.” Joshua gathered some blankets and sheets quickly. He gave instructions to his attendant to heat water. He then gathered food and other provisions. He moved in haste leading the couple to an empty stable a few yards at the back of the inn. Earlier in the day before the sun was up, he took to clearing the stable himself. He didn’t know why he did it. But now he was glad he did so. He thought the squalid stable with its walls and roof can shield this poor couple from the cold night as the PAGE B6
counseling, Mary disclosed the terrible abuse she had suffered by her relatives in the U.S. which potentially makes her eligible for relief under the Violence Against Women Act. Meanwhile, her asylum appeal had been dismissed by the Board of Immigration Appeals, and a Petition for Review was pending before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. We were able to successfully reopen her case before the Board of Immigration Appeals based on reconsideration of past traumatic experiences that impacted her ability to seek asylum within one year of her entry. We are now preparing to present her VAWA case to the immigration judge. Success will give Mary a green card. “Ana” entered the U.S. more than 25 years ago and did not have valid immigration status for the vast majority of that time. Not only was she undocumented, she also had an outstanding order
of deportation for many of those years. the man she married was a U.S. citizen and so were their children but she felt hopeless about her immigration situation. She was not willing to return to her native country to complete the process for her green card since she knew she would be barred from returning for 10 years due to her deportation order and her unlawful presence in the U.S., and she also knew that she was ineligible for adjustment of status. Her RMZD attorney explained that she would be eligible for her green card through adjustment of status if we could get her court case reopened. We contacted the Department of Homeland Security and explained all of the reasons why we believed Ana’s case should be reopened. And we are now happy to say that not only was her case reopened, but that she is a proud lawful permanent resident of the U.S. And while
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she is thrilled with her green card, she cannot wait to apply for U.S. citizenship! Having a lawyer who knows the law is important. But having a lawyer who knows the law and never gives up can make all the difference. Stay tuned for more success stories next week. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
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Filipino-American Christmas holiday party in Madison, WI Filipino-Americans in the Madison, Wisconsin area will come together to celebrate Paskong Pinoy, honoring traditions and people in a culture-rich gathering with song, dance and food. PAMANA invites you to Paskong Pinoy 2017 on Saturday, December 16, 5pm, at Turner Hall, 3001 S. Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI. Enjoy the Christmas party showcasing Filipino culture, music and hospitality. “Mano po, Ninong, mano po, Ninang.” Sound familiar? We hear this phrase in the Philippines more and more often as Christmas approaches. “Ninong” and “Ninang” are the Filipino words for godparent. In the Philippines, part of a Ninong (godfather) or Ninang (godmother) job is to give gifts to their godchildren during Christmas. We will re-introduce this Filipino tradition at Paskong Pinoy 2017. Parents, please bring a secret gift for our PAMANA Ninong and Ninang to give to your daughter or son. Be sure to write your child’s name on the gift. To help in the planning, please RSVP online at www.pamanamadison.org/events. Guests who registered by December 10, 2017 will be entered in a drawing for two movie gift certificates! (Board and committee members are ineligible in the drawing.) Bring a family-favorite dish to share for this potluck party. The recommended size is at least 10 servings (half a pan), or enough for your family, whichever is greater. Admission to the party is free. Donations are welcome. The suggested donation is $5/individual or $10/family. This will help defray costs for the event expenses. You can also make a generous tax-deductible donation at $100 or more. For more information or if you have any questions, email pamana.madison@gmail.com or call the event chair at (920) 747-0068.
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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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, family-based 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.
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Fil-Am Council of Ventura County to host New Year’s Eve celebration in Oxnard, CA The Filipino American Council of Ventura County, Inc. invites the community to an evening of GLAM and GLITTER as we ring in the new year on Sunday, December 31, from 6 p.m. - midnight at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center located at 800 Hobson Way in Oxnard, California. This year, the Fil-Am Council has taken over OPACC to provide guests with two options to celebrate! The Oxnard Room: Glam & Glitter — The magical evening will include dinner, a short program featuring the induction of officers for the Filipino American Council, raffles, and a lot of dancing to live music by Boyd Elston which includes the latest cha-cha, ballroom, and tunes to line dance to! Donation: $45 presale, $50 at Door; $25 children 12 years and below. Attire is semi formal. The second option is the Ventura Room: THE FLIP SIDE! Local deejay, DJ CARL10 will be mixing the hottest tracks for our GENX guest to groove to, from old school to new school and everything in between! Donation is $25, doors open at 9 p.m. Sponsorships are available. For more information, please call Myrna Viloria at (805) 236-8901 or Grace Tuazon at (805) 766-3231. To purchase tickets, please visithttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/fil-am-council-of-venturacounty-new-years-eve-celebration-tickets-39771817577?aff=es2.
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Features
B december 14-20, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL
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USCIS forms updated
Immigration Corner Atty. MAriA ritA reyes-stuby And bernAdette bretAnA True to one of its promised immigration policies, the present administration is implementing its extreme vetting. Since it took over the White House a year ago, attempts to reform the U.S. immigration rules and procedures, have been persistent and bold – from issuing executive orders, re: controversial travel bans, terminating DACA (Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivalas) and TPS (Temporary Protected Status) programs to updating/upgrading USCIS (U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services) forms. Very recently, the terror in Manhattan, New York City which took the lives of 8 people and wounded dozens, seems to justify the ‘moves’ taken by the government. Domestic terrorism has become a gnawing and perplexing problem, globally as well. Should entry into the United States be curtailed to protect the country from outside terrorist influence or the world has porous boundaries that the option of physical isolation is a thing of the past? With the explosion of social media and the success of global trade and interactions, we can only look into palliative measures to minimize (and hopefully, eradicate) the imminent fatal consequences of the global malady. Nowadays, in the United States, as well as in other countries in Europe like France, terrorist attacks are perpetrated by locals with jihadi influence,
hence the term “homegrown terrorism”. In December 2015, the mass shooting by a Chicago-born citizen and his Pakistani wife left 14 people dead at a holiday party in San Bernardino, CA. In June 2016, 49 people were killed when a New York-born citizen (whose parents came from Afghanistan) aimed his guns at a club party in Orlando, Florida. The perpetrators of the mass killing did not enter the United States on a visitor’s, work or student visa (non-immigrant visas); they were here mostly, because of a family-based visa petition or the lottery program (immigrant visas). A perusal of the new forms would reveal that they are longer (contain more pages than the previous versions) and ask more questions, perhaps, formulated to find out if there are possible ‘roots’ that will lead to a reasonable suspicion that would require more information as to the applicant’s background and affiliations before the petition can be approved. For instance, after the San Bernandino shootings in 2015, one begs to question whether there should have been more information asked in the fiancée visa (USCIS/US Department of Homeland Security) and immigrant visa (US Embassy) forms to reasonably detect a possible affiliation with a terrorist group or alliance. The Pakistani wife in said incident came in as a fiancée to marry her U.S. born fiancé. The newly updated forms, including but not limited to petition for alien relative, application for lawful permanent residence, application for work permit, U.S. naturalization, fiancée visa petition, ask questions, among others, of one’s
residence and employment for the last 5 years, here and abroad, or one’s relatives (such as spouse, parent or children) and where they live. The forms ask more questions on one’s involvement with crimes (international or domestic) and with terrorist organizations. Most of the ‘added’ questions asked are already questions contained in another form when one finally decided to become a U.S. citizen or when interviewed at the U.S. embassy before entry into the U.S., on an immigrant or non-immigrant visa. The data collected by the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security from these forms are integrated and shared with the Social Security Administation and the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), to a certain degree. The government simply wants to protect its people. Something has got to be done. National security is of paramount consideration. Compliance with the new rules and procedures can be a remedial measure. We cannot close our borders; history will tell that open international relations has always been the core of global existence. Until we learn to read minds, there will always be loopholes. *** Maria Rita Reyes-Stuby is a licensed attorney in Michigan. She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Law. She specializes in immigration and practices in Las Vegas, Michigan, California and other states. Bernadette Bretana, a graduate of the Ateneo Law School and Ms. Stuby are licensed attorneys in the Philippines. Please call @702-403-4704 or email her at stubylaw@aol.com or go to www.mrstubylaw.com for any questions on this article.
RECOGNITION for #VEGASSTRONG. Warren Mangio is a physical therapist and a certified wound specialist who works at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. He acquired his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Philippines - Manila and has adoctorate in physical therapy from the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, MN. Despite his educational background, nothing has prepared Mangio for the tragic event of the October 1, 2017 shooting. The hospital he works at was turned in a war zone-like, tent hospital. He and his colleagues had performed beyond their duties and the attitude became, “how can I help and what can I do,” he shared. Mangio was given recognition by Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz and Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo amongst the many other brave responders who helped the injured during this horrible incident in Las Vegas. Photos by Bobet Torre
Vice Ganda prefers doing blockbusters than acting awards by Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
AFTER not making it at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) last year, comedian Vice Ganda will return to the big screen on Christmas Day with his MMFF entry, “The Revenger Squad,” with co-stars Daniel Padilla and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. In a recent digital conference held at ABS-CBN, Vice was asked what he will choose: doing a blockbuster movie or an acting award? Vice chose “doing blockbustwine, coffee, green tea. Also, please do not text and ers” because he does not consider drive, unless you want to meet himself a good actor. “Hindi naman ako magaling God sooner. Visit philipSchua.com Email: umarte eh. Nakakatawa lang siguro ako. Ayokong i-claim na ang galing scalpelpen@gmail.com. kong actor. Mas gusto kong sabihin *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac ng mga tao na ‘nakakatawa ang Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and pelikula mo.’ Ayoko ding magchairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 pretend na ako ay magaling at at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he mahusay na actor. Ang gusto ko holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, lang ay magpasaya at ‘pag pinais based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow panood nila ‘yung patawa ko ay of the American College of Surgeons, the tumatawa sila. Nandoon sa akin ang Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton achievement,” the “It’s Showtime” A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He host said. Vice said he is happy that his is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation film is included in this year’s film in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ fest. The “Gandang Gabi Vice” host added he will not hesitate to join gmail.com yearly in the MMFF. “Iba-iba kasi ang taste ng tao
Unhealthy foods
PAGE B5 nation and should be thoroughly washed. Again, organic, where possible, is the choice. Milk with artificial hormones To increase milk production, producers treat their dairy cattle with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST), which exposes the cow to have udder infection and even pus in the milk. At the same time, it also leads to higher levels of insulin-like growth hormone factor (IGF-1) in milk, which, in some people, might “increase the risk for the development of cancer of the breast, prostate and colon,” according to Rick North, former CEO of the Oregon Division of the
American Cancer Society who is now an advocate for food safety. While this quoted statement is still not proven 100 percent IGF-1 in milk is “banned in industrialized countries.” Healthy food items Included in the list of health foods that provide nutrition and also boost our immune systems are: oatmeal, fresh vegetables (all plant-based varieties), like green leafy vegetables for salads, broccoli, legumes, fish, nuts, pomegranates, mangosteen, rambutan, watermelon, peaches, avocados, berries of all kinds, various spices common in the kitchen, like garlic, onions, curry, turmeric, pepper, olive oil, dark chocolates, red
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ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
so marahil iba ang taste nila last year, iba ‘yung taste nila ngayon. So ngayon sa taste ng bagong jury pasado ‘yung material namin kaya pumasok kami. Hindi naman din nila sinabi kung bakit kami pumasa.” Since Vice’s film competes against others like “Panday,” he said his film’s new dynamics will make the movie more competitive. “Ang laban namin, bago ang dynamics namin. Pia, Daniel, Vice. Sobrang bago. Sa mga nakalipas na panahon, meron na kaming naitanim sa mga manonood na magagandang experience.” “Ngayon pa lang kine-claim na naming na success ito hindi lang para sa amin pero pati na rin sa mga manonood na hindi sila malulugi pag pinanood nila yung pelikula namin,” he assured. For “The Revenger Squad,” Vice said he made sure that they did not recycle jokes from his past movies. “I always make sure na ‘yung comedy ko, nasasabayan kung ano ang uso, ano ang trip ng tao, so every year iba-iba, kung ano ‘yung relevant. Ngayon may kinalaman ‘to sa mga kaganapan ngayon. ‘Yung punch line namin Vice Ganda stars in the MMFF entry “The current so bago!” Revenger Squad.” Philstar.com photo
Triumphs and tragedies of 2017
ing from the tragedy that struck them when six months later, a man hauled a cache of weapons into a hotel room in Las Vegas and unleashed a hailstorm of death on concertgoers below, killing dozens and wounding hundreds. I can only wish that these tragedies will unite humankind and and make us stronger than ever. • Increase in suicidal rates If there’s one very important reality that we can take away from Linkin Park’s vocals Chester Bennington and Audioslave lead singer Chris Cornell’s death (which both coincidentally happened in 2017), it is the disarming fact that suicide is not predictable. It could happen to anyone, whether you’re an ordinary citizen or you’re an award-winning famous celebrity. As documented
in a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates have been increasing since 2000 after decades of decline. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that each year approximately one million people die from suicide, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 people per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds. It is predicted that by 2020 the rate of death will increase to one every 20 seconds. Death is sad no matter how or when it happens. It is my hope that we will all cherish every moment we spend with our loved ones because we don’t know if and we’d still get to spend another year with them. Every passing year is an opportunity to remember and be thankful for what we have accomplished, even the things that
we didn’t get to do. Because both are reminders that we still have a lot to live for and a reason to thank The Man upstairs for giving us another year to make up and move forward. As we celebrate the holidays ushering us towards the end of 2017, may we all take a moment to reflect and be grateful. *** 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
A Christmas story: The innkeeper’s... PAGE B5 woman delivers her child. Joshua gave the man the blankets and clean sheets, the warm water and some extra oil for the lamp to burn through the night. He set a makeshift table for the bread, fish and wine and lit the lamp in one corner. He moved quickly as he helped the man make his wife comfortable. He could see the woman’s face etched in pain for the birth pangs seem to be stronger now. Beads of sweat lined the woman’s brow. He knew he wasn’t going to be able to meet up with his friends tonight. Somehow he knew his place was right here where he was needed for the long night ahead. Just before he went back to the inn to fetch a few more things, he said to them, “I’m Joshua. Let me know if you need anything else.” The man replied, “I’m Joseph and this is Mary. Thank you. You have done more than you can possibly know. The Lord’s light burns bright in you.” Mary looked up at Joshua and smiled through her pain. For as long as he lived, Joshua will never forget that smile. Mary’s child was born that night. Joshua could not remember a night more filled with wonder, mystery and myriad points of light. It was a night like no other. Joshua’s entire being was engulfed with the mystery hap-
pening before his very eyes. He remembered Mary wrapping her child gently in swaddling clothes and placing the child in a manger. The child was bathed in light. The whole stable was filled with warmth. Even the animals in the stable were subdued, eying the child in the manger. Soft, sweet music seem to emanate from a choir of angels above the stable and a sweet heavenly fragrance wafted through the air. Joshua’s shepherd friends came to visit the child. How could they have known? They told him that an angel had given them the good news of great joy. Angels led the shepherds to the stable where they found the child. Filled with awe, they knelt before the child who was to be king. Later on that night, three men garbed in royal splendor and bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh travelling from afar, came to pay the child homage. They had been following the bright star hovering about the heavens for many nights leading them to that dusty town called Bethlehem. Many years had passed since that night yet Joshua, now much older, remembers every detail clearly. His memory of the wonder of that night stayed with him. He had remained the innkeeper. Over the years, he had struck a friendship with a quiet, scholarly man named Luke. He was a phy-
sician who was a regular guest at the inn. He observed that the thoughtful Luke was always writing in rolls of papyrus in his room. Not wanting to keep the wonders of that night to remain a secret and be forgotten when he passed, Joshua told the story to Luke. He told every detail. As he did so, Joshua carefully removed himself from the narrative. It was to be between him and God alone. Since that night of mystery and wonder, Joshua’s life was never the same again. The light of that bright night burned in his soul forever. He could not have known at the time he was a quiet witness to the unfolding of the greatest mystery on earth. .* * * MERRY CHRISTMAS! May everyday of our lives be filled with the wonder of Christmas Day. May true gratitude and humility transform the hearts of all, specially, of the young ones who may hOnly God’s light can defeat the darkness that threatens to engulf the soul. Take heart. God is in charge. Above all, may Christmas fill our hearts and homes with the myriad points of light, love and joy throughout our lives. . *** 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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