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Volume 28 - no. 51 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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DATELINE USA from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Senators, White House to bring a solution for DREAMers in the new year Immigrant rights advocates urge Congress to pass DREAM Act sINCe entering the presidency last January, it has been one of President Donald trump’s campaign priorities to revamp the United states immigration policy. After previously promising to protect undocumented youth (DreAmers) under the obama-era program the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), in september the White house abruptly announced that it would end the program, leaving nearly 800,000 DreAmers unsure of their futures. Due to the spending legislation deadline on friday, December 22, Democrats are backing away from a pledge to force a vote this month. Previously, they also promised to withhold support if the republicans didn’t allow a vote on the Dream Act, which would allow more than 1 million immigrants to legally stay in the United states.
de c e mbe r 2 8 , 2 0 1 7 - j a n u a ry 3 , 2 0 1 8
Malacañang yearend report: Duterte admin’s reforms ‘gaining ground’ by Dana
SioSon AJPress
the “crucial reforms” introduced by Philippine President rodrigo Duterte since taking office a year ago “have been gaining ground,” malacañang said in its yearend report released tuesday, December 26.
In its 63-page report, malacañang trumpeted the administration’s key accomplishments in line with its goal “to give filipino people a safe, secure, and comfortable environment through his key platforms of providing law and order, lasting peace, and prosperity for all.”
“Crucial reforms being instituted by the Duterte administration to resolve the nation’s problems have been gaining ground, paving the way for the economy to maintain its growth and allowing the government to pursue more sustainable and inclusive socio-development
by Dana
US envoy: PH economy has ‘tremendous potential’ to improve
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TRAGEDY ON CHRISTMAS. President Rodrigo Duterte extends his condolences to the families of the victims who have died in the recent fire incident at the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) Mall Davao during his visit to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) on Monday, December 25. Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain
SioSon /AJPress
WIth a string of tragedies that struck parts of the country this holiday season, Philippine President rodrigo Duterte said the last days of 2017 felt like a series of sorrows. During a disaster briefing on Wednesday, December 27 in Lanao del Norte, Duterte lamented the deaths and damage brought on by typhoons and other recent unfortunate incidents in the country. “Napakalungkot sabihin (it’s very sad) to say we will end 2017 with a bang of so many deaths, ranging from carelessness to accidents and the typhoons. there seems to be a sorrow prevailing in the country today,” the president said. At least 240 people were killed after typhoon Vinta (international name tembin) battered the southern Philippines over the weekend, causing landslides and flash floods. According to government officials, around 13,000 families remained in evacuation camps on Christmas Day. Prior to typhoon Vinta, typhoon Urduja (international name Kai-tak) also ripped through Visayas and mindanao, claiming at least 41 lives.
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House opposition challenges martial law extension by Dana
SioSon AJPress
members of the house of representatives opposition bloc are challenging the constitutionality of Philippine President rodrigo Duterte’s second martial law extension in mindanao before the supreme Court (sC). In a petition filed on Wednesday, December 27, the so-called “magnificent seven” insisted that the re-extension of martial law for one more year should be declared “null and void” because there is “no actual rebellion” in mindanao. Led by Albay representative edcel Lagman, petitioners include Akbayan representative tom Villarin, Caloocan 2nd District representative edgar erice, Ifugao representative teddy brawner baguilat, Jr.,
magdalo representative Gary Alejano, Capiz 1st District emmanuel A. billones, and Northern samar representative raul Daza. the respondents, on the other hand, are senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, house speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, executive secretary salvador medialdea, Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana, budget secretary benjamin Diokno, and Armed forces of the Philippines Chief of staff General rey Leonardo Guerrero. In their petition, the opposition lawmakers asked the high court to issue a temporary restraining order (tro) “before the effectivity on January 1, 2017 of the challenged re-extension” of the military rule. The opposition bloc in the House of Representatives insists that the re-extension “the issuance of injunctive relief will foreclose of martial law for one more year should be declared “null and void” because
Unlike Palace, DND aware of China Pres. Duterte tells son Paolo to ‘do what is right’ expansion in South China Sea by AJPress “Do what you think is right.” this was what Philippine President rodrigo Duterte advised his son, Paolo Duterte, when the latter offered to quit from his post as Davao City’s vice mayor. In a media briefing on monday evening, December 25, the president revealed that his son had sought his advice resigning from the city’s second-incommand. President Duterte told reporters that he “never suggested any resignation” but only encouraged his son to do what he thinks is right. “sabi ko sa kanya (i told
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Duterte: 2017 ends ‘from one sorrow to another’
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the already robust Philippine economy “can do so much better” because of the filipinos’ “tremendous potential,” said United states Ambassador to the Philippines sung Kim on tuesday, December 26. According to Kim, the Philippines can further improve its already good economic U.S. Ambassador to PH Sung Kim performance beInquirer.net photo cause of its young, hardworking and english-speaking population, in addition to its great natural resources. “the Philippines, like many other countries, faces some huge challenges [such as] infrastructure. but I also sense that there is tremendous
programs,” malacañang said in a statement. According to malacañang, the Duterte administration “has accomplished much in its first year in office in 2017.” “the president’s decisive
by AJPress
Resigned Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte Philstar.com photo
him), ‘You are in a position to do what is right. Kung ano lang ang tama sa iyo, gawin mo (Do what you think is right),’” Duterte recalled telling his son. the president also expressed
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IN contrast to malacañang’s earlier statement, the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) claimed knowledge of China’s reported expansion in military presence and the enhancement of construction on its artificial islands along the south China sea. According to Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the DND is aware of China’s activities in the disputed waters. he also said that the government has a “West Philippine sea task force” that monitors the developments in the area. Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times on monday, December 25 reported that beijing has “reasonably” expanded its man-made islands along the south
China sea this year. According to the report, the construction projects cover about 290,000 square meters (72 acres). the projects reportedly include new facilities for underground storage and radar facilities. Chen Xiangmiao, a research fellow at the National Institute for the south China sea, told the Global Times that the island-building in the contested waters not only improved the public service capacity of China but “also maintained its sovereignty over the islands.” “the relationship between China and other southeast Asian countries, such as the Philippines,
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there is “no actual rebellion” in Mindanao.
Inquirer.net photo
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december 28, 2017-January 3, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIan JOurnaL
From The FronT Page
MalacaĂąang yearend report... PAGE A1 leadership, plus the strong collaboration among various government agencies, has resulted in the attainment of many of the priorities set out by the national government in the last twelve months,â€? it added in its report. The administration also assured that it “will act in urgency to implement the Philippine De-
velopment Plan for 2017-2022, which covers the socioeconomic agenda and strategic infrastructure development� of the administration. It also reiterated its commitment to eliminating illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption in government. Fight against illegal drugs Despite drawing heavy criti-
cisms from rights groups over the rising death toll, MalacaĂąang lauded the Duterte administration’s controversial campaign against illegal drugs. Based on the combined data from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), 1,308,078 drug addicts have surrendered to the government as of July 26, 2017. According to the report, 2,236 drug dependents have already completed the Department of Health’s (DOH) drug rehabilitation program while 16,103 are still undergoing rehabilitation. On the other hand, 14,046 drug surrenderers are said to have received livelihood and skills training by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as of September. Data also showed that authorities have conducted 79,193 anti-drug operations and arrested 118,287 individuals as of November 27, 2017. There are, however, 3,967 “drug personalitiesâ€? who died in anti-drug operations during the same period. Fight against criminality According to the data from the PNP, there has been an 8.44 percent decrease in the total crime volume nationwide, while there has been a 20.56 percent decrease in index crime across the country. Figures showed that the 493,912 reported crimes in January-October 2016 nationwide decreased to 452,204 in January-October 2017. There was also a decrease in robbery incidents by 23.61 percent—from the previous 18,259 in October 2016 to 13,948 in October 2017. MalacaĂąang also highlighted the PNP’s efforts in cleansing its ranks to free the institution from abusive police personnel. In its report, MalacaĂąang took note that a total of 375 police officials were recommended to be dismissed from service during the period of January to December 2017. Among these cops include two policemen involved in the PAGE A3
FRUITS FOR NEW YEAR. A stall owner sells round-shaped fruits in time for New Year’s Eve along Carriedo Street in Santa Cruz, Manila. Part of the Filipino tradition is preparing 12 round-shaped fruits on New Year to bring luck and prosperity. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Duterte: 2017 ends ‘from one sorrow... mall. “I stood until morning time in just one place because my daughter begged off, Inday Sara, to make the announcement na hindi daw niya – Sabi niya, ‘Pa, hindi ko kaya,’ (she cannot, she told me ‘Pa, I can’t do it’)� the president said. He went on to say, “I told her, ‘Well, I have been mayor for so long a time and I am not new to this kind of situations where you have to break the news.’ I dread it every time I do it but you just have to tell them the truth.� On December 25, during Christmas day itself, at least 20 people were killed and 15 others were injured after a bus crashed with a jeepney in Agoo, La Union. Among the casualties were three minors and a five-month-old. Days earlier, a ferry with 251 people on board capsized during bad weather off Quezon province, killing at least eight people. According to local authorities, the M/V Mercraft 3 was sailing toward the port of Polillo from Real, Quezon when huge waves hit the vessel and caused it to sink. The ferry, which is licensed to carry up to 286 people, was allowed to sail despite the bad weather due to typhoon Vinta as Firefighters battle the blaze that engulfed the four-story NCCC Mall in the commercial center there were no storm warnings in of Matina District in Davao City, on Saturday, December 23. Inquirer.net photo by Barry Ohaylan the area that day. n PAGE A1 In his speech, the president vowed to the victims of calamities that the government will “fast track everything� to bring normalcy back in the affected areas. “It was not a good Christmas day for all of us, thinking that there are persons suffering. . . From one sorrow to another ako,� he added. The president himself spent his Christmas break assisting
his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, in consoling the relatives of the 38 individuals who died after a fire broke out at the NCCC Mall on Saturday morning, December 23 that set the building ablaze for the next 32 hours. Duterte said he had to stay up until the early morning of December 24 to break the news to families that there was “zero chance� of survival for the 36 people trapped inside the burnt
SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Procurement Dept. 340 N. 11TH Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
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Pres. Duterte tells son Paolo to ‘do... PAGE A1 the belief that his son must have had enough of issues and accusations hurled against him. “Napuno na siguro (I think Paolo got fed up)... Sabi ko (I said), ‘Well, let the people decide,” he added. Earlier on the same day, the younger Duterte announced his resignation out of ‘delicadeza.’ “When I was growing up my parents never failed to remind us of the value of the time-honored principle of delicadeza and this is one of those instances in my life that I need to protect my honor and that of my children,” the president’s son told the city council in a meeting. In a statement, Paolo Duterte cited his recent public squabble with his daughter Isabelle and the allegations that he was involved in the smuggling of illegal drugs in the country as among the incidents that triggered his decision to quit from his post. Last week, the younger Duterte and his daughter had a public spat on social media after the latter supposedly criticized her father in a series of tweets. Isabelle’s Twitter account is not
public but her father attached screenshots of his daughter’s tweets on his Facebook post. In a tweet, Isabelle mentioned how her “dad f*** up [her] Christmas every year.” “Even if you have a position in the city, you can’t beat up a person! Even if you have power, you can’t hurt another person!!! You are hurting a human being!!! Not just human being, but a child!!! Even if you have a name, you can’t do things like that!!! Even if you’re a Duterte, that is not acceptable,” she also tweeted. The vice mayor, in turn, scolded his daughter in a Facebook post, calling her a “disgrace.” “Change your family name if you want! You don’t have respect! You just embarrassed yourself! Get an education so your brain isn’t empty. You don’t know how to listen anymore because you’re famous??? Famous, for what, Belle? Famous for disparaging a father? Just wait for my death so you will be free from me! Pray for it, woman!” he said. While the vice mayor acknowledged that his post would embarrass them, he pointed out
Dateline USa
that making the issue public was the only way to make his “millennial” daughter listen to him. Earlier this year, Paolo Duterte was also tagged in the P6.4 billion shipment of illegal drugs from China into the country, and was further accused by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV of being a member of a Chinese drug triad. “There are recent unfortunate events in my life that are closely tied to my failed first marriage. These, among others, include the maligning of my reputation in the recent name-dropping incident in the Bureau of Customs smuggling case and very public squabble with my daughter,” he said in his speech before the city council. The president’s daughter, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, said Paolo will remain on leave until the president formally approves her brother’s resignation. “While awaiting the acceptance of his resignation, he is on leave from the office of the vice mayor because only the Office of the President can accept the resignation of the vice mayor,” she said. n
Malacañang yearend report... PAGE A2 death of 19-year-old Carl Arnaiz in November. Also dismissed in October were police generals Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio and Chief Supt. Joel Pagdilao due to drug-related charges. Malacañang added that the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has relieved 1,000 policemen of the Caloocan City Police Station in batches to undergo retraining and reorientation at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. More than 1,900 drug-related investigations have also been carried out against law enforcers from July 1, 2016 to June 15, 2017. Fight against corruption In connection with its effort to address corruption, Malacañang cited the administration’s Freedom of Information (FOI) program and its Citizens’ Complaint Hotline 8888. According to Malacañang, its FOI platform has already received 2,635 requests for information from the public as of December 5.
The Citizens’ Complaint Hotline 8888, meanwhile, has resolved 27,000 or 87 percent of the 31,000 complaints it received as of June 30. Other accomplishments Among the other strides mentioned in the year-end report include the Philippines’ “successful chairmanship” of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as the country’s hosting of this year’s ASEAN summit. The report also cited the country’s 6.9 percent economic growth and 2.32 percent agriculture growth in the third quarter of 2017. Malacañang said it expects “a more robust year ahead” with the approval of the 2018 General Appropriations Act and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) that “would see greater investments in infrastructure modernization and human capital formation.” In the report, Malacañang also mentioned the passage Republic Act (RA) No. 10931 or
the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,” which provides qualified Filipino college students free tuition and other school fees in the 112 state universities and colleges (SUC) and 108 local government created colleges and universities (LUC) that pass the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) standards nationwide. According to the report, the P8.3-billion the Free College Tuition Fee benefitted a total of 990,899 Filipino students and an additional 2,163 medical students. From July 2016 to June 2017, the Department of Education (DepEd) has also constructed 36,838 classrooms; delivered 448,935 school seats; and hired 29,725 teachers for the implementation of the K to 12 Program. It also announced the rolling of its P157.44 billion infrastructure program from 2018 to 2020 that will include 1,313 region-specific infrastructure projects. n
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 28, 2017-JANUARy 3, 2018
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Filipino tissue donor one of the honorees for float at 2018 Rose Parade Organ and tissue donation group OneLegacy reveals “The Gift of Time” float by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
SINCE January 1, 1890, the Rose Parade has thrilled hundreds of thousands of spectators who revel in marching bands, equestrian units and, of course, the elaborately decorated floats donned with vividly colored roses that cruise down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California. Every New Years Day morning, the world focuses its attention on the Tournament of Roses Parade, which has become a widely-attended celebration and a fixture on television screens in living rooms all across the country. The Rose Parade announces an annual theme for the floats it will feature from various organizations and institutions. This year’s theme is “Making a Difference,” and one organization has decided to celebrate the difference of some brave, kind individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the betterment of others. Teaming up with Donate Life America, OneLegacy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donations in the greater Los Angeles area, and this year, it celebrates its 15th year in being a part of the Rose Parade. This year, their float is called “The Gift of Time,” and it celebrates the power of kindness of the individuals who have made a positive difference in the community by bringing awareness to the more than 1 million people who are in need of organ, eye and tissue transplants. “This ancient calendar reminds us of the enduring, life-
saving power of the generosity of donors and families,” the organization said in a press release. The vibrantly colored float was unveiled at a special OneLegacy event on Tuesday, December 19 at the Rose Pavillion in Pasadena, and it depicts a tropical backdrop referencing the ancient Mayan civilization. Providing substantial height to the float are a flock of brilliant macaws who represent “the beauty, richness and potential of life.” The center of the float rests a monumental Aztec calendar, aptly depicting the float’s theme. Designed by Charles Meier, Creative Director for Paradiso Parade Floats, the float will feature eight living donors and four professional sports legends: MLB legend and heart and kidney recipient Rod Carew, NFL coach and heart recipient Sam Wyche, former NFL player and Carew’s donor Konrad Reuland and Nascar driver Bryan Clauson. Also, 44 organ, eye, and tissue donors will be honored with florographs of their likenesses, including Filipino accountant Pablo “Jun” Dizon, who had his tissues and bones donated after suddenly passing away from a brain aneurysm in 1994. “To be here on behalf of my husband, I’m truly, truly honored and very humbled to be a part of this,” Dizon’s widow Tessie Dizon shared with the Asian Journal at the OneLegacy float unveiling. “I’m a retired nurse so I had always been passionate about organ donation, so this is really an honor to be involved.” Understanding the dire need for more organ, eye and tissue donors, Tessie Dizon — who,
The float will feature a florograph with the likeness of Filipino accountant Pablo “Jun” Dizon, whose tissues and bones were donated after he passed away in 1994.
before her retirement, boasted a 36-year career as a nurse in the ICU where organ donations are frequent — carries on her husband’s legacy in inspiring others to register as donors. “There’s a lot of people, young and old, who are in desperate need of organs. If you could just even save one life by hearing what we have to say it’s pretty amazing,” she remarked with a smile. The Rose Parade will begin at 8 a.m. PST on January 1, 2018 and will be broadcast live in the U.S. by several networks and stations. n
OneLegacy’s float “The Gift of Time,” which will be highlighted at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2018. AJPress photos by Klarize Medenilla
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december 28, 2017-January 3, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIan JOurnaL
Dateline USa
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US envoy: PH economy has ‘tremendous...
HELP IS ON THE WAY. Volunteers fill up boxes with relief goods to be distributed to typhoon victims in Lanao del Norte. The Department of Social Welfare and Development continues to send food and other basic items to thousands of families who lost their homes after tropical storm Vinta unleashed floods that triggered landslides, killing more than 200 people. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada
Unlike Palace, DND aware of China expansion... PAGE A1
has calmed in recent years, providing a golden opportunity for China to upgrade these areas,” Chen added, as quoted from the report. Asked to comment on the reported expansion, Malacañang said: “We don’t know where these works are. We continue to rely on China’s good faith.” In contrast to Malacañang, DND told the Philippine Star that security officials are aware of China’s activities.
“Of course! We have known where they reclaimed and what improvements they have been doing,” Lorenzana told the newspaper. “The latest report was that the Chinese continue to improve their reclaimed islands – two are within our EEZ (exclusive economic zone) and one in the Kalayaan Island Group,” he added. Earlier this month, a U.S. thinktank released a report showing that China has installed a high-frequency radar system and other facilities at the northern end of Fiery
Cross Reef — locally known in the Philippines as the Kagitingan Reef — in the Spratlys. According to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), China also continues to build defence “fortifications” on Mischief (Panganiban) and Subi (Zamora) reefs. But Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano, downplayed the think tank’s report, saying that China has not occupied any new area in the disputed region and has only been “building in areas they already occupy.” n
House opposition challenges martial... PAGE A1 the further commission of human rights violations and derogation of the rule of law in Mindanao during the extended period, which violations occurred in the initial implementation of Proclamation No. 216 and its first extension,” the petition read. The opposition lawmakers also accused Pimentel and Alvarez of “unduly constrict[ing] the period of deliberation and interpellation on the subject extension so much so that the President’s request for extension was approved without basis and with inordinate haste.” Duterte first declared martial law and suspended the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao following the attack of Maute rebels in Marawi City on May 23. The president’s 60-day proclamation was initially set to expire last July 22 but was then extended by Congress until December 31 of this year. The president declared the liberation of Marawi on October 17 but on December 11, he requested
Congress anew to retain martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2018. He cited the continuing threats posed by Islamic State (IS)-inspired terrorists and local terrorist groups basis for his extension request. On December 13, Congress approved the one-year extension of martial law after the Senate voted 14-4 and the House voted 226-23 in favor of extending military rule in the area. In their petition, however, opposition lawmakers pointed out that the phrase “imminent danger,” which was used by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos for placing the entire Philippines under martial law from 1972 to 1981, was removed in the current 1987 Constitution. Petitioners also argued that ‘remnants’ of vanquished terrorist groups “do not have the capacity to launch a rebellion even as the government is molding them into apparent menacing ogres, instead of preempting them by ordinary military and police operations
without the need for extending martial law.” “‘Rebellion’ or ‘invasion’ is neither a state of mind or a state of fear. It must be actual, not contingent. It must be real, not contrived,” they added. Insisting that a one full-year extension “defies the unequivocal intent and mandate of the Constitution of having a limited duration of martial law and its extension,” petitioners further claimed that the Constitution “does not allow a series of extensions or re-extensions of a martial law proclamation, which may lead to ‘extensions in perpetuity.’” Section 18, Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution states that the president may declare martial law “in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it.. for a period not exceeding sixty days.” It also states that Congress “may revoke such proclamation or suspension” and “upon the initiative of the president... may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period.” n
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PAGE A1 potential here in the Philippines. It’s a very young population, a hardworking population,” Kim said in an interview with ANC’s Early Edition. The envoy also expressed hope that the U.S. would become a “key partner” in the Philippines’ economic development. Allaying fears that the U.S. economy would restrict its global trade initiatives in line with U.S. President Donald Trump’s socalled “America First” policy, Kim claimed that the U.S. remains to be the “most open economy anywhere.” He stressed that the U.S. remains supportive of trades that are fair to all parties. “What the President (Trump) emphasized is we wanna promote trade but what we are looking for
is fair and reciprocal trade,” Kim said. The envoy also added that he regularly encourages U.S. businessmen to consider investing in the Philippines. In turn, he asked Filipinos to explore business opportunities in the U.S. “I always encourage US companies to think about business opportunities here in the Philippines. Likewise, I think it will be good for Philippine industry to look for opportunities in the United States,” Kim said. Apart from economic relations, Kim also mentioned Washington’s assistance to the Philippine government in its five-months operations against the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute terrorists in Marawi City. The U.S. government had supported the Philippines in reclaim-
ing the city from the terrorists by providing technical information, technical advise, and equipment, the U.S. envoy noted. He also added that the U.S. had already provided P750 million in aid that would address not only the immediate, but also the medium-term and long-term rehabilitation projects in the war-torn city. As a countermeasure for the reported recruitment efforts of militants, Kim said the U.S. is keen on establishing more educational programs in the southern Philippines that would help the youth in steering away from extremism. “It is important to help these young people make smart decisions and to resist when these evil people try to recruit them for evil purposes,” he remarked. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)
Senators, White House to bring a solution for...
PAGE A1
Despite many Democratic lawmakers urging for a DACA solution by the end of the year, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised to bring an all-encompassing immigration bill to the Senate floor if the senators and White House officials can compromise on a passable bill. “If negotiators reach an agreement on these matters by the end of January, I will bring it to the Senate floor for a free-standing vote,” McConnell said in a statement on Wednesday, December 20. “I encourage those working on such legislation to develop a compromise that can be widely supported by both political parties and actually become law.” Many key senators have been collaborating with White House officials since September and have begun laying the groundwork for a legislative solution for DREAMers, of whom more than 800,000 have received work authorization, protection from deportation and driver’s licenses among many other benefits. As previously reported by the Asian Journal, many DREAMers have reported better education and career opportunities since enrolling in the program introduced by former President Barack Obama in 2012. “DACA was really life-changing for me,” Jennifer, a college graduate, shared with the Asian Journal in September shortly after DACA’s termination was announced. “Getting that real
college experience helped me discover my passion which is physical therapy. I felt very grateful being in a family with three kids and being the first to graduate from college. It was so rewarding and I thank DACA. It was all because of that I was able to accomplish all of that. And I knew it made my parents proud.” Since the official termination of DACA on October 5, approximately 122 DACA recipients lose their benefits every day, according to civil rights and legal organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice). Details have yet to be announced for the proposed solution, but Republicans in Congress and White House officials said that a DACA deal would need to be paired with border security as well as interior enforcement and “reforming important parts of our broken immigration system, including addressing the unlawfully established [DACA] program,” according to McConnell. “We couldn’t finish this product, this bill, until we knew where the administration was,” Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who had been working on a DACA solution for the last part of the year, said after a meeting with White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. “And that’s why this meeting was so important. Flake, who has been committed to providing a permanent legislative DACA bill, also said that he’s “pleased that the majority
leader has committed to bringing the bipartisan DACA bill we are currently negotiating to the Senate floor in January.” Delaying DACA also meant delaying any other legislative alternative for DREAMers, including the DREAM Act, which would provide a pathway to citizenship to qualifying undocumented youth. Since the termination of DACA, advocates for maintaining benefits to undocumented youth have pushed for Congress to pass a clean DREAM Act, but Congress still has not made moves to bring it to a vote. Advancing Justice expressed outrage at the continuous delay of ensuring a legislative solution for the “nearly 13,000 immigrant youth [who] live in growing fear.” “After weeks of public pressure led by undocumented youth, a handful of Senators and Members of Congress pledged their support for a swift passage of the DREAM Act by the end of the year,” Advancing Justice wrote in a statement on Friday, December 22. “For those who were not moved by the hundreds of undocumented activists and their allies mobilizing around the country, you have turned your back to these communities and left them at risk of deportation. There will be another opportunity in the New Year to do what is morally right and pass the DREAM Act. We demand you to do the right thing in January.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 28, 2017-JANUARy 3, 2018
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D ateline PhiliPPines Duterte vetoes some provisions of 2018 nat’l budget Immigration lookout order vs Aquino, et al by Ian
nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com
by ashley Jose
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has vetoed four “rider” provisions of his freshly signed 2018 national budget. Early this month, Duterte inked Republic Act No. 10964, or the General Appropriations Act of 2018, which was about 12.4 percent more than the P3.35-trillion budget for 2017. Malacañang on Wednesday, December 27, released a copy of Duterte’s veto message dated December 19 and was sent to Congress. “Powered by a sound financing program and carefully crafted priorities, the 2018 Budget will not only foster the golden age of infrastructure and secure peace and order, but also accelerate human capital development for sustained and inclusive growth,” the president said. Below are the items vetoed by Duterte and his corresponding comments: • Provision granting of monitoring expenses for members of Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. According to Duterte, board members are already authorized to receive per diems in the performance of their official functions under the Salary Standardization Law. • Provision prohibiting the imposition and collections of fees in relation to the Retention of Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship and Provision authorizing the Department of Education to use its appropriations for maintenance and other operating requirements for its capital outlay needs. The
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against former president Benigno Aquino III, former health secretary Janette Garin and seven others over alleged irregularities in the acquisition and distribution of P3.5 billion worth of Dengvaxia vaccines. “Considering the gravity of the possible offenses which may have been committed there is a strong probability that they may attempt to place themselves beyond the reach of the legal process of the government,” Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre 2nd said in a memorandum signed on December 23 and addressed to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente. Also on the ILBO aside from Aquino and Garin are: • Florencio Abad, former budget secretary • Paquito Ochoa Jr., former executive secretary • Olivier Brandicourt, Sanofi Pasteur chief executive officer • Guillaume Leroy, Sanofi Pasteur vice president • Thomas Triomphe, Sanofi Pasteur Asia Pacific head • Carlito Realuyo, Sanofi-Aventis Philippines country chairman • Ruby Dizon, Sanofi Pasteur medical director The ILBO was issued after party-list group Gabriela filed a graft complaint against Aquino, some of his former Cabinet secretaries, and Sanofi executives over the
ManilaTimes.net
President Rodrigo Duterte is flanked by lawmakers as he leads the Ceremonial Signing of the 2018 General Appropriations Act and Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion in Malacañang Palace last Dec. 19. Malacañang photo by Rey Baniquet
president argued that agencies of the government cannot be deprived of their inherent authority to assess reasonable fees in the provision of services. • Provision on the use of income to augment the operational requirements of the Energy Regulatory Commission. Duterte said that apart from being a “rider,” the sources of income enumerated have already been included in the Non-Tax Revenue Program for fiscal year 2018, “thereby resulting in double programming for the said income sources.” As required by the 1987 Constitution, the education department received the lion’s share of the budget with P553.3 billion. Agencies with the highest allocations include Department of
the Interior and Local Government (P170.8 billion), Department of National Defense (P149.7 billion) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (P141.8 billion). Last Friday, the Department of Finance released a copy of Duterte’s message to Congress which consists of five line item vetoes to Republic Act No. 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) bill. With the presidential veto, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the TRAIN act’s estimated revenue should go up to at least P90 billion. The TRAIN law is the first package of the administration’s muchawaited Comprehensive Tax Reform Program. It takes effect on Jan. 1, 2018. n
DOLE: Over a million OFWs deployed in 2017 by Mayen JayMalIn Philstar.com
MANILA — Over a million Filipinos left the country to seek employment abroad while thousands returned home for various reasons in the first nine months of this year, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Partial data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) showed a total reported on Tuesday, December of 1,281,506 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were deployed from January to September 26. – 1,058,029 of whom were sent to various countries as land-based workers while 223,477 Partial data from the Philipwere hired as sea-based workers. Philstar.com photo
pine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) showed a total of 1,281,506 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were deployed from January to September — 1,058,029 of whom were sent to various countries as land-based workers while 223,477 were hired as sea-based workers. POEA noted that of the total PAGE A7
government’s scuttled anti-dengue vaccination program. The Health department ordered a halt to the implementation of the program this month after its manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur, admitted that the vaccine might aggravate the condition of a firsttime dengue patient. The Department of Health said
that more than 830,000 children from public schools in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and Cebu were vaccinated with Dengvaxia. While the ILBO could not bar persons of interest from leaving the country, it could alert authorities on their movements. n
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december 28, 2017-January 3, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIan JOurnaL
OpiniOn
Philippines should carefully weigh policy on Israel
Features
IN AN unsurprising move, the Philippines last week abstained from the United Nations General Assembly vote on the United States’ contentious decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The status of Jerusalem is a very clear faultline in international diplomacy. Jerusalem is of course considered by three religions — Christianity, Judaism and Islam — as a Holy City. Politically, Israel and the Palestinian Arabs both claim it as their capital. To be sure, U.S. President Donald Trump’s historic decision has upended, if not ended, the Middle East peace process. It should be pointed out however that the international condemnation of Trump’s decision is animated by a near-universal dislike of the billionaire ex-realtor and reality TV star, when any U.S. president, Republican or Democrat, could have made the same decision given the historically close U.S.-Israel ties. Indeed, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to imagine a Jewish nation whose capital is not Jerusalem. But the geopolitical context within which Trump made his decision has changed. Sympathy has shifted considerably away from Israel decades after it was able to convince the UN General Assembly to partition Palestine into separate states for Arabs and Jews. Trump, for his part, was undoubtedly influ-
enced by a desire to undo his predecessor Barack Obama’s foreign policy legacy, deemed weak by Republican conservatives, as well as by his culture-war crusade in which Obama and the Democrats are blamed for undermining America’s Judeo-Christian moorings in favor of religious and racial minorities. On top of all this, the Philippines needed to consider the plight of its overseas workers, who are both in Israel and the Arab world. It was therefore not a surprise that the Philippines abstained from the December 21 UN vote on the non-binding resolution co-sponsored by Turkey and Yemen, which declared as “null and void” Trump’s decision on Jerusalem. The bottomline nonetheless is that the Philippine abstention is a pro-US stance, or at the very least one that is acceptable to Washington. The Philippines has generally toed the U.S. line on Israel policy. In 1947, the newly independent republic, still dependent on American aid, was the only Asian country in the UN General Assembly to vote in favor of the Arab-Jewish partition. The Philippines and Israel established full dip- the U.S. lead to move its embassy to Jerusalem lomatic relations 10 years later, and subsequent- from Tel Aviv, and talks are said to be ongoing ly opened their respective embassies. in this regard. The question now is whether Manila will follow This will be a very tough decision for the
Editorial
AS we bid farewell to 2017 and greet the new year 2018, join Gel SantoS-reloS me and the whole team of “Balitang America” (BA) in revisiting the stories of 2017 that made headlines in the Filipino American community. The Filipino Channel airs BA’s 2017 Year-end Report on December 29, with an encore presentation on January 1. This is yet another special presentation on BA’s 15th anniversary. Our News Desk Editor and Senior Correspondent Henni Espinosa keeps score of President Donald Trump’s achievements in his first year in office, including what may be considered Trump’s
Frank chinG IT is no secret that China and the United States compete around the world, although in certain areas they cooperate. The newly released National Security Strategy of the United States, unveiling the Trump administration’s thoughts of national security, focuses primarily on China as its top competitor. Although North Korea grabbed headlines in recent months for its attempt to become a nuclear power with ballistic missiles that can deliver death-dealing warheads to North America, the national security document puts the threat from Pyongyang at a lower level than that posed by Beijing and Moscow. According to the Trump administration, China and Russia “challenge American power, influence and interests, attempting to erode American security and prosperity.” Those two countries, it said, “are determined to make economies less free and less fair, to grow their militaries, and to control information and data to repress their societies and expand their influence.” China and Russia are paired in the document, with China always being named first. It is as though the two form a partnership, with China being the senior partner. Then, of course, there is the North Korean threat. The national security document sees North Korea and Iran as regional actors, “determined to destabilize regions, threaten Americans and our allies, and brutalize their own people.”
Duterte administration, and one that should be weighed carefully, taking into account historical precedent and present realities. (ManilaTimes. net)
Revisit 2017 with ‘Balitang America’
The Fil-Am Perspective
Commentary
ManilaTimes.net photo
“moments” in 2017. Don Tagala, BA’s New York Correspondent, will present another newsmaker in 2017 — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte — and the impact he has made not only in the Philippines but on kababayans here in North America and around the world. Another headliner in 2017 was Mother Nature. BA’s contributor Cheryl Piccio reports on the wrath of Mother Nature. From the wildfires in California, to the gulf coast of Texas and along the Atlantic coastline, BA brings you how Americans endured a string of devastating natural disasters in 2017 and how the resilience of the American spirit helps in rising up and starting anew. BA’s Los Angeles Correspondent Steve Angeles reports on the tragedies that happened in the Fil-Am community and how these stories have
helped kababayans learn from these sad news stories. Meanwhile, Las Vegas Correspondent Bev Llorente presents the massacres and atrocities that America endures in 2017 and how the Filipino Bayanihan spirit helped in the recovery of the scarred communities. Jon Caña, one of BA’s producers, brings us the emergence of social movements in 2017, and examines what sparked the engagement among Filipinos in voicing out their opinion and making a stand in issues that matter to the country. BA’s San Francisco Bay Area Correspondent Rommel Conclara reports on the major achievement of Filipinos in America in 2017, and what paved the way for these triumphs for our community. We also bring you how talented Filipino athletes took center stage in sports news this year. Our Entertainment Correspondent Yong
Chavez presents success stories of Filipinos in Hollywood and the controversial outspokenness of celebrities about politics. Ginger Conejero reports on BA’s most watched videos on YouTube, and talks about which of our news stories caused the most buzz on BA’s social media platforms. WATCH BA’s special presentation — our 2017 Year-end Report on December 29, 2017 with a replay on January 1, at 6:40 p.m. across all time zones. HAPPY BLESSED NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL! *** 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
An opportunity to modernize Parañaque US security strategy: Street Getting tougher on China Talk
U.S. President Donald Trump with Chinese President Xi Jinping
After naming these state actors, the document describes “jihadist terrorists” and “transnational criminal organizations” as “actively trying to harm Americans.” But America, the national security strategy says, “will respond to the growing political, economic and military competitions we face around the world.” While China and the US cooperate on certain issues, with North Korea currently being a prime example of such issues, albeit within limits, this document very much puts the spotlight on competition. “Although the United States seeks to continue to cooperate with China, China is using economic inducements and penalties, influence operations, and implied military threats to persuade other states to heed its political and security agenda,” it says. “China’s infrastructure investments and trade strategies reinforce its geo-
White House photo
political aspirations.” In the section on intellectual property, the Trump administration pledges to reduce the “illicit appropriation of U.S. public and private sector technology and technical knowledge by hostile foreign competitors.” The administration says it would work with the Congress to strengthen the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), whose role is to ensure that foreign acquisitions do not endanger US national security. Congress is considering legislation to expand the scope of CFIUS and to enhance its power to address national security risks. The Trump national security strategy echoes that of President George W. Bush in 2002, which said of the American military: “Our forces will be strong enough to dissuade potential adversaries from pursuing a military buildPAGE A7
If EDSA has become known as “carmageddon” (or the Armageddon of cars) because of the horrible traffic, Sucat Road AKA as Dr A Santos Avenue in Parañaque easily qualifies as zonageddon or the Armageddon of zoning. If the concept of zoning had ever crossed the minds of Parañaque officials, that must have been in the distant past. Since then, no one has bothered to exhume the zoning plans from the archives. Where else can you find on one stretch of road, three SM branches — SM Sucat, SM BF and SM Hypermart — two Pure Gold supermarkets (plus a third inside BF Homes), a WalterMart facility, a Virra Mall branch, a Lianas supermarket and a Shopwise supermarket, on top of ad hoc wet markets or talipapa, three hospitals, several schools and colleges, including Olivarez College, a branch of virtually every known bank in the country, dominated by several branches of Banco de Oro, multiple branches of every conceivable fastfood chain, in addition to several restaurants, two memorial parks, and who knows how many shops providing all kinds of services, from car repair to cargo forwarding to money remittance, some factories, plus an Elorde sports center – and all these on top of several subdivisions, including BF Homes and the San Antonio Valley subdivisions, plus churches (and two more supermarkets) in the residential areas. And, oh yes, further down Sucat Road, there is NAIA One and a short distance from there is NAIA Two. The result is a chaotic traffic situation to rival EDSA. Worst of all, the Parañaque city hall is located in San Antonio Valley One,
GreG B. MacaBenta just off Sucat. As if this is not bad enough, vehicles (including trucks) wanting to avoid the traffic on Sucat take what they foolishly think is a short cut to South Superhighway by driving through San Antonio Valley into Better Living Subdivision to Bicutan (which qualifies as zonageddon part two, SM also has a Bicutan branch). But wait. It gets worse. Maynilad, the water provider, has been digging up Sucat Road and the subdivision streets and has not bothered to do a decent patch up job on their diggings. But wait. It gets much, much worse. The Parañaque city government has been allowing Maynilad to get away with it.’ I remember Sucat Road in 1968 when my wife and I built our house in San Antonio Valley 8. Back then, there were salt beds along the rutted, cogon-lined stretch, the beach resorts near Kabihasnan were still the destination of choice for company excursions, one could actually safely swim in Manila Bay and one could also buy freshly-caught fish from fishermen bringing in their early morning catch. This was before the full-scale reclamation project along Roxas Boulevard. South Superhighway was just being built. When the Parañaque municipal building was moved from the town proper to San Antonio Valley One, we welcomed it because of the convenience the new loca-
tion offered. That was many decades ago. What has happened to Parañaque and the Sucat Road area epitomizes the horrible state of public infrastructure in the country. It’s like having a grown man still struggling to fit into a pair of pants made for him when he was a little boy. It serves no useful purpose to heap the blame on the current Parañaque government for a problem that began years back and became progressively worse over several municipal administrations and, subsequently, several city administrations (the town became a city in 1998). In fact, I think that the situation is a golden opportunity for the current mayor, Edwin L. Olivarez, to imbue real meaning to his much-advertised slogan, Serbisyo Lang Po (with the letter “e” in “Serbisyo,” the letter “l” and the letter “o” in “po” highlighted to spell the mayor’s initials). Olivarez has an opportunity to add genuine meaning to an otherwise clumsy attempt at self-promotion - the opportunity to modernize Parañaque city, to make it look even more modern than Manila, Makati, Taguig, Las Piñas or Pasay City. Olivarez should move city hall out of the terribly congested Sucat Road neighborhood and transplant it in the reclamation area now populated by plush casinos and the humongous SM Mall of Asia, the new entertainment and cultural hub of Metro Manila, located right within Parañaque’s jurisdiction. Frankly, this is a solution to a disgraceful zoning situation that should have been attended to by mayors past. But they did not. Now Mayor Olivarez has a chance PAGE A7
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 28, 2017-JANUARy 3, 2018
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DOJ to seek declaration of CPP-NPA as terrorist group by Edu
Punay Philstar.com
MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to formally seek declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as a terrorist group this week. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said a team of prosecutors has prepared a petition for this purpose to be filed before a regional trial court within the week. He said it took them almost a month “because we have to prepare very carefully the petition.” Aguirre added the DOJ team STAR OF THE FEAST. Workers on Tuesday, December 26, prepare orders for lechon (roasted pig), a staple during Christmas and New Year parties has also coordinated with the at Filipino homes. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan intelligence community in preparing the petition to declare the CPP, including its armed wing New People’s Army (NPA), as a PAGE A6 left our roads in shambles, traffic the way, do we really need that terrorist group. “Our task force has been meetto prove that he is a much better volume will never go back to man- many to begin with?).” Opening up the subdivisions to ing with the intelligence people ageable levels, and Sucat is now visionary than his predecessors. For months, all kinds of patch- a major thoroughfare. Short term public vehicular traffic was one of from NICA (National Intelligence work solutions have been con- solution is getting Greenheights the short-term solutions conjured Coordinating Agency), ISAFP (Inceived to ease the Sucat Road traf- to allow passage to vehicles for by Sec. Art Tugade which met stiff telligence Service of the Armed fic problem, but it took an appeal those going towards SM Sucat resistance from homeowners, es- Forces of the Philippines) and on social media by my eldest son, and beyond, and Barangay Vil- pecially in the exclusive villages. other intelligence agencies of the Ringo to prompt me to pursue this lage allowing passage for vehicles At any rate, it really is a band-aid government,” he said. Aguirre is optimistic that the matter. He is the only member of headed towards the highway solution to an infrastructure deficourt would grant the petition. my immediate family still occupy- to free up San Antonio Avenue. cit problem. “We are including in the petiBut the idea of relocating Paraing our old house in San Antonio Long term solution is to start conValley 8 and every day he has to sidering relocating the Paranaque ñaque city hall to the reclamation tion numerous supporting pieces suffer the torment of negotiating City Hall somewhere in the recla- area, ahead of Pasay City, (which of evidence showing that the CPP Sucat or Bicutan traffic to get to mation areas. Having it in Valley also has jurisdiction over parts and NPA are committing terror1 was okay back in the 70s-80s. of the area) would be a coup. It his job in Taguig. This is what my son posted on This is no longer feasible. The would also be a lasting monument Facebook: “Mayor Edwin Olivarez new rubber humps at City Hall that will bear Olivarez’s name. It - It’s high time to think about the and San Antonio Church serve would be a shame if the mayor worsening traffic situation in San no purpose except to slow down does not get this done during his PAGE A5 Antonio Valley. This is only going what already is a crawl through tenure. overseas deployment during the (gregmacabenta@hotmail. first three quarters of the year, a to get worse. Maynilad projects congestion, potholes, and badly have no end in sight and have made concrete humps. (And by com) majority or 736,684 were rehires while 321,345 were new hires. Last November, the POEA temporarily stopped the deployment of new hires in a bid to control PAGE A6 der respectful of sovereignty and ing a strategic foothold by ex- illegal recruitment operations up in hopes of surpassing, or independence,” it says. panding its unfair trade practices involving certain officials and equaling, the power of the United From China’s standpoint, the and investing in key industries, employees of the agency. States.” U.S., in refusing to recognize sensitive technologies and infraLabor Secretary Silvestre Bello The Trump document says: Beijing’s South China Sea claims structure.” III also reported that close to 1.2 “The United States will seek ar- and activities, is threatening what While the Trump visit to China million OFWs have been repatrieas of cooperation with competi- China calls its “core interest.” was viewed by many as a great ated and provided reintegration tors from a position of strength, Aside from its immediate success, with the President say- assistance in 2017. foremost by ensuring our military neighborhood, China is also ex- ing he didn’t blame China for Bello said a total of 1,170,514 power is second to none.” panding its influence around the taking advantage of the U.S. over OFWs received welfare and Chinese activities around the world. In Africa, for example, many administrations, the thrust protection programs, includworld are noted. Regarding Chi- China’s trade with the continent of his statement was that such ing reintegration and repatriana’s man-made islands in the has grown phenomenally, from behavior would not be tolerated tion services from the Overseas South China Sea, the document less than a third of U.S. trade in his presidency. He meant he Workers Welfare Administration says that the country’s efforts in 2000 to today, when it is the was planning to be tough with (OWWA). “to build and militarize outposts” continent’s largest trading part- China. From July to October of this endanger the free flow of trade, ner. The national security docu- year, Bello said 54,470 OFWs threaten the sovereignty of other As for Latin America, the na- ment confirms that toughness. and their families benefitted nations, and undermine regional tional security document says The North Korean issue means from the government’s intensistability. “States throughout the that China is seeking “to pull the that Beijing can buy some time fied reintegration programs, region are calling for sustained region into its orbit through state- by cooperating with Washington, including skills training and U.S. leadership in a collective re- led investments and loans.” but Trump’s overall China policy livelihood assistance. sponse that upholds a regional orIn Europe, too, “China is gain- is set. (ManilaTimes.net) Bello said 36,438 OFWs, most-
An opportunity to modernize...
istic activities despite numerous initiatives of President Duterte to reach out to them,” Aguirre stressed. Aguirre earlier created the team to draft the petition following President Duterte’s decision to issue a proclamation naming the CPP as a terror group. Section 17 of Republic Act No. 9372 (Human Security Act of 2007) requires the DOJ to first seek clearance from the court before an organization, association or group of persons can be declared as terrorists and thus outlawed. Last month, the DOJ moved for the arrest of key leaders of the National Democratic Front (NDF) — political arm of the CPP — who were earlier granted provisional bail for their participation in the botched peace talks. Prosecutors filed a motion before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32 seeking cancellation of bail grant on 20 NDF consultants led by spouses Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, the suspected top leaders of the NPA. The DOJ made the move after President Duterte cancelled the peace talks. “In view of the cancellation of the peace talks, there is no more
legal ground for the continuous provisional liberty of the accused. Thus, the immediate recommitment and cancellation of bail of all the accused should logically follow,” read the pleading. The NDF leaders were granted bail upon initiative of the government last year for their participation in the peace process between the communist rebels and the government. The Supreme Court, in its resolution in August last year, granted bail to the communist leaders for their participation in the peace talks in Norway under specific conditions. The ruling was adopted by the RTC. One of the conditions was that once their participation ceases or the peace negotiations are terminated, the bail bonds shall be “deemed automatically canceled.” President Duterte declared a Christmas truce with the NPA and urged the insurgents to reciprocate the goodwill gesture after recently scrapping peace talks with the insurgents and declaring them terrorists. The NPA followed suit and declared its own ceasefire against the government but were wary the military might violate the truce. n
DOLE: Over a million OFWs deployed...
US security strategy: Getting tougher...
ly from the Middle East, were repatriated and provided with on-site assistance and P20,000 financial aid each. A total of 9,512 repatriated OFWs were provided additional cash grants of P6,000 each while 13,245 OFWs were given food and hygiene kits each. In connection with the 90day amnesty program of Saudi Arabia for undocumented and stranded foreign nationals, OWWA also recorded a total of 15,839 Filipino migrant workers who took up the amnesty, 10,011 of whom were repatriated to the Philippines. The DOLE released a total of P514,412,350.21 to provide various assistance to OFWs, such as food and hygiene kits, legal counseling and stress debriefing, medical and psycho-social services and training assistance. OWWA also provided postrepatriation services to 14,165 OFWs, 4,343 of whom received welfare services, including medical, psychosocial counseling, stress debriefing, transport and
accommodation, while 1,630 have been listed for employment facilitation or training services and 2,625 were provided with livelihood assistance. DOLE likewise provided legal assistance to 4,829 OFWs while 354 OFWs were given reintegration assistance in the form of small and medium enterprise establishment in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and 384 were granted educational assistance through the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education and the Department of Budget and Management. Bello said DOLE sought bigger budget for next year’s repatriation program because the government needs to prepare for the possible repatriation of OFWs in Qatar and other countries in the Middle East due to prevailing conflicts. “The situation in Qatar is still stable, but we cannot just relax our guard, we are talking of 240,000 Filipinos staying there,” Bello said. n
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 28, 2017-JANUARy 3, 2018
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An AsiAn JournAl speciAl new YeAr FeAture
Tips to finally achieving your goals in 2018 Improve your spending habits by Rae
ann VaRona AJPress
The year 2017 is coming to an end with 2018 coming in full force. With Christmas over, it seems that all there’s left to do is plan for New Year’s eve festivities, and start making annual New Year’s resolutions. For those who enjoy resolutions, it most probably won’t be the first time making them — nor the second, the third, or even the fourth. Merriam-Webster suggested that the first modern new year resolution was first recorded (though satirically) in a publication called “Walker’s hibernian Magazine” in 1802 in which a list of people were said to have “begun the year with a strong of resolutions, which they all solemnly pledged to keep.” A few years later in 1813, a Boston newspaper used the words “new year” and “resolution” together in a January 1 article in which the author believed that there were “multitudes of people” who were “accustomed to receive injunction of new year resolutions, who will sin all the month of December, with a serious determination of beginning the new year with new resolutions and new behavior.” While resolutions have changed with the times, it seems that many
people find themselves making the same resolutions year after year. According to Statistic Brain Research Institute, the top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2017 were to lose weight or eat healthier, make life/self improvements, quit smoking, do more exciting things, spend more time with family, work out more often, learn something new, do more good deeds for others, find the love of their life, and find a better job. Discussion platform Forum Mantra found that most of the same goals were forecasted for 2018, with a few differences of traveling more, and getting more sleep. Yet another Marist Poll found that “being a better person” made a tie with weight loss for the top 2018 resolution. Kamille Rose Soler, transformational speaker, life and business coach, and founder and CeO of The Ultimate Lyfe, shared with the Asian Journal that the most common resolutions she hears from clients are to lose weight, make more money, and spend more time with loved ones. If these resolutions sound similar to ones you’ve made before or even the ones you’re planning on making for 2018, you’re not alone. A good 41 percent of Americans recorded in the Statistic Brain poll were said to usually make New
Year’s resolutions, with only 9.2 percent of people feeling like they were successful in achieving their resolution. Nearly 42 percent of people said they never succeed on their resolution each year. Regardless of numbers, it’s safe to say that keeping up with resolutions is tough to do. But why? According to Soler, most people fail because they focus on the wrong thing — on what they “can’t do,” rather than what on what they “will do.” She gives the example of differentiating between telling yourself that you can’t eat cake or sugar because you want to lose weight, versus telling yourself that you’ll go for a walk three times a week or join a boot camp to reach fitness goals. “Focus on the positive, and what is possible, versus where you are restricted. One is empowering, the other is dis-empowering,” Soler shared with the Asian Journal. If that sounds simpler said, than done, here are a few more tips to help you go forth with your 2018 resolutions. Develop a stronger and better plan As Benjamin Franklin once supposedly said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” When it comes to New Year’s PAGE B4
Artwork by Jillian Peñalosa
and save more this new year by Ritchel Mendiola AJPress
BAD spending habits are always hard to break, no matter how many times you promise yourself you will. however, having no control over your spending can ruin your finances and may even leave you in debt. While it is true that there’s no way to avoid spending, there are ways to curb your spending habits in order to save money. here are some of them. • Construct a shopping list. It’s easy to lose control of your spending when you’re shopping, especially when it’s near the holidays and there are sales and promotions. having a list with you and compulsive purchases. — even if it’s just for a quick run • Bring only the cash you to the market or convenience story need. Leave your debit and credit — will help prevent unnecessary cards at home while you’re at it
too. It’s more difficult to spend when you know you’ll be paying with cash. Moreover, not having PAGE B2
4 steps to a healthier you this new year
Dread cardio or weight machines? Find something that you’ll look forward to, like a cycling class, yoga or outdoor pursuits. Choosing activities that you enjoy will increase your chances of sticking to your resolution. Eat smarter According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most Americans are falling short of their fruit and vegetable intake goals, and most eat only half the recommended amount of fiber. To increase your consumption of essential nutrients, create a grocery list packed with fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains. Plan meals for the week to ensure you stick to a whole-food menu. Keep ingredients on hand for meals you can make in a pinch, so you’re not tempted by fast food on a busy day. Try frozen salmon PAGE B2 Photo courtesy of StatePoint
WANT to make resolutions you’ll keep this new year? Think simple, sustainable changes. Follow these four steps for a healthier you, inside and out. Stick to your workout After the holidays, the gym is filled with people who have resolved to incorporate exercise routines into their lives. Come
February, the novelty of the new year wears off, life gets in the way and, according to “U.S. News & World Report,” 80 percent of resolutions fail by the second week of the month. Instead of jumping from no routine to a seven-days-a-week commitment, introduce workouts to your schedule in small doses.
Photo from LMproduction - Fotolia.com
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Features
Easy ways to cut back on sugar NatioNwide, 30 million children and adults have diabetes, and 86 million are prediabetic, according to the american diabetes association (ada). a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes is being overweight. But the good news is, according to the ada, losing just 7 percent of your body weight can decrease that risk by 58 percent. one way to manage your weight is to cut back on sugar, which can often be a sneaky source of weight gain. Before getting started, it’s important to remember that many healthy foods naturally contain sugar, a carbohydrate your body burns for energy. Processed sugars are different, adding calories that provide no other nutritional benefit, and at excessive levels, disrupting your metabolism, and potentially posing serious health risks. the USda’s dietary guidelines recommend that added sugar account for less than ten percent of your daily calories — that’s a maximum of 50 grams a day for average women and 62.5 grams for men. to keep your sugar consumption in the healthy range, Courtney McCormick, Corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem offers the following tips: • Hold the ketchup. You know baked goods and candy are loaded with added sugar, but so are many foods you may not think of as especially sweet. a tablespoon of ketchup, for instance, has four grams of sugar, more than some chocolate chip cookies. Salsa,
Photo from Elena Blokhina/stock.Adobe.com
barbecue sauce, spaghetti sauce and even bread are hidden sources of sugar. • Sweeten with spices. Replace sugar from coffee, hot cereal and other foods with spices that have a naturally sweet taste, such as vanilla, cinnamon and cardamom, instead. • Flavor your water. a 12ounce can of soda has as much as 40 grams of added sugar. Skip the soda and drink water sweetened with fresh fruit and herbs, like strawberries and basil or lime and mint. • Start with plain. the fruit in the bottom of your yogurt can come with 25 or more grams of added sugar. Buy plain yogurt and add your own fresh or dried fruit. • Snack on fruit. one cup of blueberries, for example, has seven grams of natural sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth, but the fruit also
comes with fiber to help you feel full and slow the breakdown of the sugars, so you don’t crave more calories soon after eating it. • Bake with applesauce. eating fewer baked goods is sure to reduce your sugar intake, but when the occasion calls for you to make a cake, replace a third of the sugar in the recipe with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. For a delicious no-sugar added applesauce recipe, visit leaf.nutrisystem. com/recipes. • Eat right and often. when you’re hungry, you crave calories and that too often leads to sugary snacking. Reduce between-meal munching by eating healthy, filling foods four to six times a day. to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, make small swaps to reduce your sugar intake and more easily manage your weight. (Statepoint)
aFteR the hectic holidays, it’s no surprise that many people commit to getting better organized in the new year. there are plenty of reasons why people obsess over organization and resolve to master it
year after year. Household items become easier to find. Rooms all of a sudden seem bigger and more welcoming. each walk past a tidy linen closet — where there was once an avalanche waiting to spill forward — comes with a small
Tips for keeping your busy family organized wHeN it comes to busy families, things have a habit of becoming scattered quickly. Here are five ways to keep everything and everyone organized, all the time. 1. Centralize information. Hang an erasable calendar or family to-do list in a high-traffic area of the home where everyone can see it, so that everyone can add appointments, practices, vacations, school plays and other events. Be sure to hang it at a height appropriate for all members of the family, big and small. 2. Planned meal prep. Pick one day a week to plan meals and snacks for the days ahead. Prep items that you can in advance. Chop veggies, pack school lunches, assemble the lasagna. this will make the rest of the week a breeze. Family members can easily grab pre-prepared lunches and snack items before school and work, to take away the stress of busy mornings and getting out the door on-time. Plus, evenings won’t need to feel so rushed. 3. Label it. From the spice rack to the medicine cabinet to the filing cabinet and the garage, clearly
Photo from jolopes/stock.Adobe.com
labeling containers saves time and energy, ensuring you can quickly and easily find needed items. Seek out tools to make the job of labeling speedy and tidy. 4. Leverage storage. do you take full advantage of storage nooks and crannies in your home? Use bed risers to create more space under the bed. well-designed furniture can pull double-duty. Seek out specialized sofas and ottomans that lift up to reveal extra storage.
5. Tidy up. items tend to move around the house, often ending up where they don’t belong. Soccer gear in the living room, toys in the bathroom and items of clothing left on the couch. dedicate 15 to 30 minutes a week for the family to organize items and put things back where they belong. Having a standing appointment to do so will ensure everyone pitches in to help. (Statepoint)
Improve your spending habits...
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any spare dollars with you will make you prioritize which items to buy. • Wait before you buy. if you happen to come across an item that you want to buy but isn’t in your list, put the item back and only return to it after you’ve thought it through. this is one way of lessening that compulsion within you. if sense of accomplishment. the compulsion is still strong whether you’re after smarter even after waiting it out, see storage or looking to cut clutter, if it fits in your budget before successful resolutions begin with buying it. a thoughtful approach. Think small while it’s fun to dream about a large-scale routine reset, smaller sustainable actions are key to PAGE B1 lasting change. take it one room fillets, which you can cook without or even one drawer at a time to thawing, or eggs, low-fat cheese keep momentum positive and to and veggies for a quick-baking avoid feeling overwhelmed. doing frittata. so also allows you to focus, leadFreeze individual servings of ing to more creative solutions for chopped fruits and vegetables in taking advantage of under-utilized resealable bags to create quick areas. For example, you may find and delicious smoothies each using over-the door organizers a morning. great way to free up space in home Stress less offices and craft rooms. Stress can have adverse effects Say “No” to clutter on minds and bodies, as insomnia, everyone has items they keep weight gain, anxiety and depresaround for no real reason that sion are all potential related risks. PAGE B3 while it isn’t always avoidable,
5 rules for a more organized home
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• Don’t shop when you’re at an emotional high. according to National debt Relief, people make irrational decisions whenever they feel exaggerated emotions. Using retail therapy when you’re feeling down or when you’re in a celebratory mood will only lead to overspending. Unless you can commit to a strict limit, it’s best to avoid spending when you’re at an emotional high (or low). • Budget. this will help you save money as budgeting gives you an idea about how much you
spend whenever you’re shopping. Knowing your financial situation will help lessen impulsive buying. • Know your shopping weaknesses. is it shoes? Clothes? if you’re on a tight budget, knowing your weaknesses will help you avoid the department store or your favorite boutique. • Stop and ask yourself. Before buying anything, take the time to ask yourself if you really need the item. Knowing the difference between needs and wants will help in curbing your spending habits and saving money this new year.
4 steps to a healthier you this... simple changes will help you manage tension. Sometimes, stress can be solved with some “me time.” treat yourself to a massage or manicure, soak in a hot bath, or unwind with a nature walk. Connecting with others can help, too. Plan a brunch with your best friend or a date night with your significant other. Feeling overwhelmed with work and family life? Build out a to-do list or calendar to feel more in control of your busy schedule, then cross items off the list when completed.
Practice positivity a sunny outlook can affect your wellbeing. Keep a gratitude journal by writing down something good that happens each day. on bad days, you’ll be forced to focus on the positive aspects of your life. one of the best ways to improve your happiness is by giving others a boost. Volunteer with a charitable organization or donate to a favorite cause. Practice doing something kind daily. this new year, take small steps to help you feel happier and healthier. (StatePoint)
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EntErtainmEnt
‘Ang Larawan:’ A handsome portrait of Filipinos as artists by Alvin
DAcAnAy
ManilaTimes.net
For those who have yet to watch any of the eight official entries to the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), “Ang Larawan”—the handsome and stately screen adaptation of the late National Artist for Literature and Theater rolando Tinio and ryan Cayabyab’s musical based on the late National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s enduring three-act play “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino” — is a good movie to start. Those familiar with the play— and the late National Artist for Theater and Film Lamberto Avellana’s movie version released in 1965—already know the story: A few months before World War II breaks out, struggling spinster sisters Candida (Joanna Ampil) and Paula (rachel Alejandro)—loyal daughters of reclusive painter and reputed Juan Luna contemporary Don Lorenzo Marasigan—face rising pressure to sell the “gift” he gave them and earn much-needed money. But pride and principles would not let them. That gift is the titular masterwork, which depicts Lorenzo as both the young mythological hero Aeneas and his old father Anchises, whom the former carries on his back, as they flee a burning Troy. News of its existence has attracted the attention of family friend Bitoy Camacho (Sandino Martin), as well as poet-turnedsenator Don Perico (robert Arevalo), wife Doña Loleng (Celeste Legaspi), daughter Patsy (Cara Manglapus), and their friends Elsa Montes (Zsa Zsa Padilla) and Charlie Dacanay (rayver Cruz). Pressuring them to sell is the handsome but shady vaudeville piano player Tony Javier (Paulo Avelino), whom Candida and Paula took into their once-magnificent home in Intramuros as a lodger to earn additional income. offering no help are their married older siblings Manolo (Nonie Buencamino) and Pepang (Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo), who are more interested in selling the house and dividing the furniture between themselves, and the shrill intrusions of Tony’s fellow entertainers and floozies Susan (Cris Villonco) and Violet (Aicelle Santos). Considering the wealth of on- and off-screen talent behind it, “Ang Larawan” is a film that demands—and earns—great admiration. There is Tinio’s luminous libretto that Cayabyab set his splendid music to and was
Rachel Alejandro gave a potent performance as Paula while Paulo Avelino (inset) delivered despite questions of his inclusion in the film. ManilaTimes.net photos
brought to soaring life not only by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic orchestra, but also by an ensemble that also includes dependable performers Dulce, Nanette Inventor, Jaime Fabregas, Bernardo Bernardo, Noel Trinidad, ogie Alcasid, Jojit Lorenzo and Leo rialp in minor roles. Among members of the production team, cinematographer Boy Yñiguez and production designer Gino Gonzales should be singled out. Aided by colorist Marilen Magsaysay, Yñiguez shot the musical in crisp and somewhat muted hues that may recall rare, colored postwar photographs. It reinforces the material’s inherent nostalgia for an Intramuros at its most affluent and most genteel, as well as its lament over its decline that began after the Americans took over the country. Gonzales balances this with his authentic sets and costumes that not only ground the story, but also communicate details about the characters, as they should. I expect various award-giving bodies to recognize their efforts at the proper time. There is no question the cast of “Ang Larawan” is the most formidable in any Filipino film, at least in recent memory. Theater giants Buencamino and LauchengcoYulo (in what is believed to be her first role speaking only in Filipino) are strong as the selfcentered siblings. Meanwhile, Martin is disarming as Bitoy—in a way a stand-in for Joaquin—from whose (older) perspective the movie is told, if the uncredited Leo Martinez’s voiceovers bookending it are any indication. Arevalo must also be singled out for his moving delivery of what I think is the musical’s most striking lyric, which is just a tiny sample of Tinio’s genius as a translator: “Hindi simple ang buhay katulad ng sining. May puwersang humuhubog sa ating landasin. Hindi tayo’ng may hawak sa kinabukasan. Nagmimiron ka lamang sa ‘yong kapalaran.” Although a few have raised eyebrows over his casting and lack of singing prowess, Avelino delivers as Tony, a hustler who could only play the piano and not much else. He may well be an odd duck in the midst of aging yet graceful swans. But despite the aforementioned actors’ performances, “Ang Larawan” belongs to Ampil Joanna Ampil dazzles in her first film; her and Alejandro. Previously known breakdown scene alone should be enough to as one of Lea Salonga’s talented clinch her a best actress award. successors as Kim in the West
End production of “Miss Saigon” years ago, Ampil dazzles in her first film. As marvelous as she is as the rigid and stern Candida, she is even more so when her character lets her defenses down, exposing her vulnerability. Her breakdown scene alone should be enough to clinch her a best actress award or two. But strangely enough, it’s Alejandro’s equally potent turn as Paula that I was drawn to more, partly because I found her character arc to be more compelling. Many have considered Paula the weaker sister for eventual decision. But I choose to see that decision of hers as showing strength, as well as defiance against the conventions of her day and what was expected of someone like her. That decision, and her romantic impulses, made her more human and, thus, more relatable. Deserving as much praise as Ampil and Alejandro is director Loy Arcenas, an inspired choice to helm the film. His extensive theatrical background here and in America, his previous experience in handling rich and complicated female characters, and his first film—“Niño,” about a faded opera singer longing for the social prominence her family once had—made him suited for the job. Although he remains faithful to the musical’s theatrical roots—for example, the actual portrait is rarely glimpsed, unlike in Avellana’s screen adaptation—the movie never feels stagy. In a picture that shows some of the country’s most talented artists at the top of their game, none stands out more than Joaquin, who had made it his mission, both as a creative writer and as journalist par excellence Quijano de Manila, “to remember and to sing” about the country’s capital and what it once was. Through the various incarnations of his play, including Ang Larawan, the late National Artist shows us how we, as Filipinos, have become too immersed in the present, and way too unmindful of the past and its treasures that we are yet to unearth. He also shows how easily and indiscriminately we prioritize or even discard one set of values for another, as if we’re only shedding clothes, or skin. Through his works, he exhorts us to also remember and sing. In a year that marks Joaquin’s birth centenary, it’s an exhortation that shouldn’t be ignored.
How Jasmine Curtis got her ‘Siargao’ body by Deni
Rose BeRnARDo Philstar.com
DurING Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff’s recent wedding in New Zealand, guests noticed that Anne’s sister and maid of honor, Jasmine Curtis, lost a lot of weight. Is it because of her latest movie and Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Siargao”? “Hindi naman!” Jasmine said with a laugh during a recent interview with Philstar.com. Although she thinks that being a surfer girl in “Siargao” helped tone her physique, she attributed her sexier curves to having no house help for months. “The shock on the body was intense since I’m doing a lot of house work now. It’s a workout!” Jasmine revealed in the interview following her launch as endorser of hair care brand Pantene. She said that her two dogs and two-bedroom flat are there to keep her busy sweating out. “So far, kaya naman. And also I’m enjoying the feeling of living alone and the goal is to live independently because one day what if I decide to try it out abroad?” cajoled the actress, who is preparing herself for auditions, rejections and living alone when she tries it out in Hollywood someday. She clarified, though, that she is not leaving the Philippines soon. “During a long break from local showbiz, I might go to Hollywood or be inspired to go there. I just want to be open with my career. Kasi naghahanap din ako kung sa’n ako pinakabagay. At hindi
ko rin maiiwan ang Pilipinas. It’s still a home to me. Gusto ko lang mag-try ng ibang bagay.” So far, she is enjoying her career and her bikini-worthy “Siargao” body. “This year is a big adjustment so na-shock ‘yung body ko. But I’m trying to gain a little weight because I’m also not comfortable being so thin,” she professed. According to her, Pantene helped protect her hair from being damaged by seawater while filming “Siargao.” “on days when I don’t have a glam team, I feel uncomfortable. Pero on days na I want to feel comfortable, kahit walang ayosayos, go lang. Nakasuklay naman ako!” Jasmine enthused. She admitted that for men, she likes “big curls” like those of “Game of Thrones” star Jon Snow, the younger Jonny Depp, or her “Siargao” co-star Jericho “Echo” rosales. “It was very nice working with Echo. He’s very brotherly. Maalaga s’ya na actor. He’ll talk to you about the script. He’ll talk with the director, he’ll get involved.” She also appreciates director Paul Soriano’s unique directing style. “He would bring the two of you to talk and discuss the scene. Hindi ‘yung kung ano ‘yung nasa script, eto na ‘yung ishu-shoot natin. He asks what actors think, what we can revise and make better. It’s a very collaborative work and it’s a good experience!” What can moviegoers expect from “Siargao”? “Pain and the feeling of hope
Jasmine Curtis flaunts her bikini body in Siargao. Instagram/@Jasmine Curtis Smith
and love. Also expect the great shots in the water!” said Jasmine. According to her, the film’s outfit hired a Siargao-based cameraman who takes world-class shots in the water. “Masaya kasi lahat ng tao du’n (Siargao) community ang feeling. So, kung may hindi kilala, tatanungin ka nila kung okay ka…Everyone makes everyone feel safe. So, it’s a place that makes you feel you’re part of a community, much like La union or Baler…Very welcoming and accommodating.” If there is something she learned from making the movie, it is to look like a more natural surfer. She said she started surfing last year, thanks to her non-showbiz boyfriend, Jeff ortega, who taught her to ride the waves.
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 28, 2017-JANUARy 3, 2018
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Vic Sotto feels like a first-time dad again by MARiDol
RAñoA-BisMARk Philstar.com
and there’s enough room for change and adjustment.” Bonding moments, he added, need not be expensive. Vic plays the simple card game “1-2-3 Pass!” to make his children happy and keep the family intact. He believes in disciplining children, the way he did when his eldest son oyo and daughter Danica (now married to Marc Pingris) were children. But Vic thinks there is no substitute for sitting down with your children and discussing problems with them. “When he was a lot younger, Dina asked me to take oyo with me at home so I can discipline him. Malikot kasi siya,” Vic recalled. His parenting style swings from disciplinarian to spoiler depending on the situation.
“I discipline when I have to. I spoil when need to.” Now that most of his children are grown up, Vic has distanced himself from their affairs. He lets them decide on their own, and only steps in when they seek his advice. After all, Vic has done his best to raise children who have become the responsible adults that they are today. Vic’s main focus now are his grandchildren, whose welfare is at the top of his mind each time he comes up with a new film. While he is at it, Vic is only too glad to go back to square one and feel the excitement of raising another child whom he plans to raise well, so she will grow up to become as responsible and respectable as her older siblings have turned out to be.
FATHErHooD is not new to Vic Sotto. He has five children with four different women. But when he gave away Paulina, which he calls his ex-bunso, in marriage last January, having another child a month ago (by wife Pauleen Luna, who gave birth to Talitha), is as thrilling as being a first-time father. “My ex-bunso is 26. So this one (being a dad to Talitha, his daughter with Pauleen) is a new experience,” Vic said at the presscon of “Meant to `Beh!,” his entry to the annual Metro Manila Film Festival. You sense the excitement in his voice — the kind that stems from bringing forth a new life and facing the challenges it requires. Yes, he has his share of sleepless nights, especially when baby Talitha utters what he calls are sound effects each time she stretches her tiny body. The baby sleeps in her parents’ room, so Vic and Pauleen know every move she makes. Still, Vic and Pauleen never complain. After all, family for Vic is “importanter,” as he told “Meant to `Beh!” leading lady Dawn Zulueta. Vic’s pro-family stance is not just lip service. He practices what he preaches at home. Believing that a family is only as strong as its pillars — the mom and dad — Vic makes sure he is always there for his children. ”Differences will always be there,” he observed. “What’s im- “Meant to `Beh!” stars Vic Sotto, Dawn Zulueta and JC Santos. portant is you accept each other
Philstar.com photo
5 rules for a more organized home
PAGE B2 aren’t particularly meaningful and don’t serve a purpose. Being able to objectively identify these items makes everything easier. Paring down possessions doesn’t have to be painful. That cardinal shaped cookie jar that you’ve always been on the fence about? It would make an incredibly thoughtful “just because” gift for an ornithology-obsessed aunt. often, less can literally be more: Consignment shops and eBay make it easy to turn four or five pieces of furniture you “kind of like” into one piece you absolutely love. Store décor wisely Everyone loves holiday decorating. Taking down decorations
afterward... not so much. It’s difficult to preserve items in a haphazard collection of cardboard boxes, plastic bags and mismatched bins, all crammed into the corner of a garage or basement. Stepping up storage containers can make a big difference. For a wide selection of storage solutions specifically designed for holiday décor, check out Improvements, which offers everything from ornament and gift wrap organizers to wreath and garland storage bags. Keep a place for everything Nobody likes wasting time gathering or searching. Make storage more convenient and efficient by streamlining. Items frequently used together should be kept together, from coffee
supplies to vehicle maintenance tools. Make a plan Create a schedule so nothing is overlooked. Knowing which project is next gives you time to prepare and purchase any storage items you might need. When scheduling, designate specific rooms and spaces for certain seasons. For example, the first warm days of spring are made for cleaning out the shed or garage. Successful resolutions are essentially new habits that become part of a lifestyle. Deliberately choosing to incorporate small acts of organization on a daily basis will pay off tremendously throughout the year. (StatePoint)
B december 28, 2017-january 3, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIan jOurnaL
EntErtainmEnt
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Jericho Rosales to star in directorial Tips to finally achieving your goals... debut of LA-based Fil-Am screenwriter by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
AfTeR 15 years of working as screenwriter and production manager in various Hollywood projects, Los Angeles-based filipino-American eileen Cabiling, a fellow of the prestigious American film Institute (AfI), is venturing into directing backed by a multi-awarded creative team. Cabiling, who has worked as a screenwriter and animation writer-for-hire for Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh” and Discovery Kid’s “The Terrainials” (co-creator), is directing a major project consisting of a 20-minute short and a full-length feature film. “The short film is an ambitious international production that is performance, cinematic and choreographically driven,” Cabiling told The Star in an interview for funfare. “The script, which I myself wrote, is about self-value, survival and confronting difficult options.” It will be entered at international film festivals and will serve as a significant part of Cabiling’s “financing package as proof of style, vision and collaboration” with award-winning members of her creative team to potential investors, studios and production companies for financing the fulllength feature. The short film, titled “Make You feel”, is about a fisherman named Bong who is faced with the grim reality that the fish are dwindling in his Philippine seaside village because of climate
The short film, “Make You Feel”, stars Jericho Rosales as a fisherman named Bong, who is faced with the grim reality that the fish are dwindling in his Philippine seaside village because of climate change. Right photo shows Los Angeles-based director Eileen Cabiling.
change and overfishing, and his livelihood and family’s survival are in peril. Playing Bong is Jericho Rosales who, according to Cabiling, “is a deep talent with a big heart and epic range” recognized with multiple Best Actor wins for films like “Baler”, “Alagwa” and “Pacquiao The Movie”. The team is hoping to finish the short film in early January next year as soon as Jericho has time to shoot. “The aim is to film the short in January and move onto the full feature by spring or summer of 2018,” Cabiling explained. Joining the team is Cabiling’s co-producer Darlene Malimas whose films “Aparisyon”, “Da Dog Show” and “Señorita” were shown in festivals abroad. Malimas’ documentary, “The Landscape Within”, was named Best
Eileen Cabiling (center) with Jericho Rosales and his manager Tita Marines.
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Documentary at the Chicago Reeling International film festival and Best Cinematography at the Byron Bay film festival in Australia. Her horror film “Bliss” bagged the Yakushi Pearl Best Performance Award at the 2017 Osaka Asian film festival. Also part of the group are Jae Hyuk Lee, director of photography; and Benjamin Tolentino, editor, both AfI fellows like Cabiling; and Teresa Barrozo, composer. Lee has worked on feature films in South Korea, the most recent of which was Bong Joon-ho’s Cannes Palme d’Or nominated action-adventure film Okja. Tolentino edited the movie Transit, the Philippines’ official entry to the 2014 Academy Awards for Best foreign film. He also has edited features that have premiered at Cannes (“Death March”) and Venice (“Blanka”). Barrozo has collaborated with famous filipino directors for movies like “Zombadings”, “Aparisyon” and “The Gifted”; and with Brillante Mendoza on “Thy Womb”, “Lola, Captive”, “Tirador” and “Ma’ Rosa”. Her music won Best Original Soundtrack at the 42nd Sitges International film festival in Spain for Mendoza’s “Kinatay”; Best Sound and Aural Orchestration at Young Critics Circle for Adolf Alix’s “Kalayaan”; and Best Music at the Metro Manila film festival for Joyce Bernal’s “10,000 Hours”. Cabiling and her team, who are now in pre-production, continue to gather funds for the project and have so far raised half of their target.
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PAGE B1 resolutions, making sure you execute your goals properly deserves time and thought. Soler gave three keys to transformation that are great for all aspects of life, with the first key being developing a strong mindset. “Shift your mindset, shift your life,” said Soler. Before stepping into action, she encourages people to ask themselves certain questions: What are the stories you’re telling yourself about this situation? What statement are you making? What questions are you asking about? Only after you develop a good mindset should you spring into the second key to transformation — action, the daily and weekly steps we take to make our goals happen. “Micro adjustments in your life, like deep breathing at least three times a day, are just as important as major adjustments like going to the gym five times a week,” said Soler. And then, there’s putting yourself in the right environment, which she said is probably the most important of the three keys. “You must rig your environment for success,” shared Soler. Whether it be writing your goals on index cards, or creating a vision board, producing an effective environment should be conducive to you reaching your goals. This includes being aware of what you take in — podcasts, books, inspirational YouTube videos versus negative television shows — and the people you surround yourself with. Soler quoted Jim Rohn — regarded as the grandfather of selfdevelopment — as having said, “You are the average of the top five people you spend the most time with.” “So if you want to improve your average anywhere in life, then look at the people you are surrounding yourself with,” said Soler. Keep it simple We’ve all done it: grabbed a pen or opened up our laptop, and started making a list of things we want to accomplish by the end of the year. Often times, we get ambitious and before we know it, our list comprises of an overwhelming amount of things we want to achieve. This makes it harder to stay on track as the months go by. According to the Statistic Brain poll, around 72 percent of people maintain their resolutions through the first week of the new year, but by the end of one month, only
Photo from Syda Productions/stock.Adobe.com
58.4 percent of people stay in the game. By six months, only 44.8 percent of the people remain pursuing their resolutions. Rather than trying to conquer a bunch of resolutions, try narrowing your goals down to a few more realistic resolutions. The American Psychology Association (APA) suggests changing one behavior at a time. Because unhealthy behaviors tend to develop over a course of time, replacing them with better behaviors also requires time. It may also help to be smarter and more specific with your resolutions. Instead of resolving to get more hours of sleep per night, for example, think of concrete ways of how you can do so like putting down your phone 30 minutes before bed, or creating a relaxing bedtime ritual. Don’t be too hard on yourself With 365 days in a year, it’s completely normal we run into challenging obstacles. In fact, setbacks can be expected as they’re part of the learning process. What matters is what we do when we find ourselves wandering off track. Soler advises that the best thing to do is be honest with ourselves, take a step back, and ask ourselves a few questions: “Is this something that I really want? Why do I want it? Is it a must for me to have it?” “If it’s not a must yet in your life and if your ‘why’ isn’t exciting for you, then you most likely won’t do it but it’s always important to be honest with yourself and reflect on that truth,” shared Soler. The reason? “Because the truth will set you free and we all want to feel free to live our fullest and best life. So, keep it real,” she added. Remember, January is just a day in the calendar so don’t be afraid to
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re-evaluate your goals and commitments when needed. Get a support system Soler advises getting a “warrior buddy” — someone who is willing to root for you, knows about your goals, and is someone you can check in with and vice versa, at least twice a month. “The health of our relationships are one of the major keys to living a successful and fulfilling life so we must include others in staying on track with our resolutions, commitments, and goals,” said Soler. And sometimes, it isn’t even about staying “on track,” but just having someone to discuss your progress and changes with. “Involve great people in your goals and watch how much further you go and how much more fun it is,” Soler added. “Success is so much better shared.” Rethink New Year’s “resolutions” If anything, sometimes successfully reaching our goals just needs a change of perspective or change in how we understand our resolutions. “I actually much prefer the word ‘commitment’ versus ‘resolutions’ because to commit to something implies that you are set on doing it. It is important because you begin to declare what you will do in your life here on out,” shared Soler. “Our actions are constantly responding to what our minds tell us, whether we know it or not, so the key to great success in anything is to be fully aware of what you are doing — and not doing — and to make a clear convicted decision for what you desire,” she added. “Commit to what you desire in 2018, then begin strategizing and planning.”
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ficking and Violence Protection Act. An undocumented spouse or child of a U.S. citizen (“USC”) or permanent resident (“LPR”), or a parent of a USC, who is battered or subject to extreme cruelty may file a self-petition. There are requirements that the spouse or child have resided with the USC or LPR abuser, was battered or subject to extreme cruelty during the marriage, the marriage was entered into in good faith, that she has good moral character, and that she is otherwise eligible for the petition. She does not necessarily still need to be married to the abuser, as long as she can show there was a connection between the termination of marriage and the abuse. There are other instances that may apply if there is no longer a valid marriage. Additionally, not everyone will have hard proof of the abuse, but there may be ways to show that it exists through circumstantial corroborative evidence.
2017 has been a breakthrough year for the victims of sexual assault; so much so that Time Magazine has named “the Silence Breakers” (whom they call “the voices that launched a movement”) as the Person of the Year. Bravo to the many individuals coming forward with sexual harassment and sexual assault stories against those who had abused their positions of power to silence their victims. Some for years. As a floodgate of cases is opening against well-known celebrities, producers, politicians, religious leaders, and news reporters, it is important to remember that not all perpetrators and not all victims are famous. One in four women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, and in eight out of
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
Coming back from the brink of a near-death experience
Monette AdevA MAglAyA EMMA looked down at the busy huddle in the operating room. She was floating, hovering above the doctors and nurses in their blood spattered scrub suits while working on someone. They were desperately trying to bring a patient back to life. Emma took a closer look. “Why that’s me,” she thought. The doctors were trying to bring her back from the brink. Her vital signs were weakening. If the monitor flat lined, Emma knew she would be gone for good. There seems to be a thin silver thread that still anchors her to her body but the physical life force is ebbing away fast. She remembered being in a car accident. Emma was only 42. “Go back,” she seemed to hear someone tell her but there was no sound. Emma felt so light, so free. She hadn’t felt this wonderful in a long time. A feeling of wellbeing was engulfing her. She was in a tunnel and a white speck of light
Health@Heart PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS Q: What is holiday heart Syndrome? Prevalent during holidays, this symptom complex is mainly characterized by cardiac arrhythmias (heart rhythm irregularity), mostly due to alcoholic binges. The excitement brought on by the festivities and ingestion of a lot of caffeine (coffee, chocolate, cola drinks) during the holidays could also play a role in this syndrome. The symptoms are transient, unless the person has other complicating health problems. Q: Last Christmas I was happy and also sad. Why? The feeling is called Christmas Blues, or Holiday or Birthday Blues. This is not uncommon. The sadness could be due to sorrowful memories of past events recalled during this season, or feeling sorry for yourself, some family members, friends, or even strangers for certain negatives occurrences or misfortunes in your or their lives, personal problems, financial worries, some guilt for things you did or failed to do, or some things you want to do but couldn’t. Any of these can explain the sadness one feels during a festive occasion like the Christmas season. This is usually seasonal and temporary, unless the problem causing it lingers on Q: Is MSG safe? Eating food with “Betsin” (MSG: Monosodium Glutamate, flavor enhancer) could cause a condition known as “Chinese Food Syndrome,” which could sometimes mimic a heart attack. It causes chest pains, facial pressure, and burning sensations throughout the body, sometimes with dizziness or fainting, which are mostly temporary. This phenomenon is a pharmacologic reaction to Monosodium Glutamate, a popular white powder food seasoning used in cooking. The symptoms are due to individual sensitivity or reaction, and are dose-related. Most people are not bothered by MSG, but some react to it more severely. Although death is very rare, some people could actually be allergic to it and die from it. Those who develop any of the symptoms enumerated above after eating food cooked with MSG should clearly request chefs or cooks in restaurants, at home, or anywhere else not to use MSG in preparing their food. Because of this syndrome, many Chinese (and other) restaurants today no longer use MSG. If in
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Time to stop the silence: Sexual assault and immigration ten rape cases, the victim knows the perpetrator. But, as this year has shown, no one — including the undocumented and the noncitizen — needs to remain silent. There is law to help. Sadly, many undocumented people have felt silenced for years, whether against employers, spouses, or “friends.” If and when an undocumented victim is ready to come forward, the first step is to ensure that s/he is safe, and has a place to stay. Once a safety plan has been established for her and her children, the immigration aspects can be addressed; whether the individual is in removal proceedings before an immigration judge or not. There are also ways to reopen cases if the individual has already been ordered removed from the US. Some forms of immigration relief for victims of sexual assault include protections under the Violence Against Women’s Act of 1994 and Victims of Traf-
Atty. NANcy Miller & ANdA c. KwoNg
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 28, 2017-JANUARy 3, 2018
“ Unless a grain of wheat shall fall upon the ground and die, It remains but a single grain with no life.” –From a hymn composed by Bernadette Farrell glowed at the end. There was a being of light in the distance. She began moving towards it. Suddenly, she felt the grief of her husband and her two young children weighing down on her. She caught a glimpse of them in the hospital waiting room. Matt, the younger one, has his face pressed against the windowpane staring out through the glass at the pouring rain. Her heart was filled with love for them. They still need her. “Go back. It’s not yet time,” she seemed to hear the gentle voice once more although there was no one and there was no sound. And Emma did. She heard one of the doctors say to her, “Welcome back.” Emma knew her life, what remained of it, was never going to
be the same again. Emma is only one of several millions the world over who have come back from the edge of death, having gone through what is called NDE or Near Death Experience. Are you afraid of death? I am. I suppose so do most of humankind through most of history. In Greek mythology, the Fates represented by 3 women named, Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos determined a person’s destiny upon birth. Clotho is the spinner who spins the thread of life and Lachesis is the measurer who chooses a man’s lot in life and how long it is to be. Atropos is the most dreaded one. It is she who decided how and when a man is to die, using her large, sharp, unrelenting scissors to cut off the thread
Another potential avenue for relief is applying for a nonimmigrant visa (“NIV”) as a victim of an enumerated crime, such as sexual assault or rape. Even an attempt to commit either of these crimes may be sufficient depending on the circumstances. Before requesting a “U” NIV, law enforcement must sign a certification that the victim has been or is being or will be helpful to either the prosecution or investigation of the crime. The public policy idea behind this relief is that encouraging those without status to come forward and report crimes increases the general public’s safety. A similar NIV, the “T”, is generally for those who have been subject to the use of force, fraud, or coercion for trafficking (including but not solely sex trafficking). Those who qualify need to show that they are physically present in the US on account of the trafficking. Furthermore, while asylum law
is complicated and has stringent requirements, there is case law guidance on domestic violencebased asylum. One of the requirements of asylum as it pertains to sexual violence is that the applicant belongs to a particular social group where its characteristics are immutable. Claims have been successful where the applicant is a member of a group of married women unable to escape their relationships in Guatemala. Another successful claim is for victims of female genital mutilation. Sexual assault and rape may closely align with existing case law, and an advocate will tie the personal facts of the case, country conditions, and all other relevant factors in order to present the strongest arguments. Step-by-step, we can work together to begin the healing process, such that the silenced may move forward to grasp life and live freely. There is a plethora of resources available to victims of
sexual assault and rape. Depending on the facts of the case, there may also be immigration relief that applies. If you believe that you or someone who you know may be abused, consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer. There is help, and the time for silence is over. ***
of life. No one, not even the Gods at Olympus trifled with her. Should we fear death? Stories abound that tell of those who have gone through NDE that strongly indicate that there is grace in dying. There is strong evidence of life beyond death and that the act of dying is transitioning into that life. In almost all cases of NDE, people relate of feeling weightless, floating and hovering above looking down at their own bodies and even seeing how doctors, nurses and technicians struggle to bring them back from the brink. They are literally hanging on by a thread. It is an out of body experience and that there exists a thin silver iridescent cord that still connects them to their own bodies. If that cord is cut, it means that they are now truly physically dead and that they will continue on to the afterlife with no more chance of coming back to their previous physical life. Many of those who have gone though NDE report that there is that feeling of being drawn into a tunnel. There is the presence of a strong, white, comforting light at the end of it. The light appears small and as they progress through the tunnel, it becomes a strong being of light filled with
love and compassion. Many report of meeting deceased relatives. Many go through a flashback of powerful memories like a review of their life, both good and bad. Above all, there seems to be an overwhelming feeling of release from all the constraints of their physical lives. For some, the decision to return is theirs to make. For others, the decision has already been made that their time to die hasn’t come yet and that they must go back. An unfinished business or a strong emotional attachment can make some go back and resume living. The impact of NDE is life changing. Documentation for those who have been declared clinically dead and have come back to resume living shows that those who have seen a glimpse of life beyond death undergo profound changes. Many have changed their view of life for the better. Some have a better appreciation of life becoming more kind, compassionate and considerate of others. For others, there is a renewed sense of purpose and a reordering of life’s priorities. Some have even gone on to develop a sense of spirituality convinced that their new lease on life tells them that they were made for something
more. But not all stories of NDE are the same. It seems that for some on the dark side, the experience is totally different. Some report of the presence of a dark void and all the chillingly cold, negative, consuming energies of such emotions as seething anger, loathing and arrogance swirling about in a thick, dark, putrid cloud, the complete antithesis of the typical NDE experience of light. This story is more like horror. Just as there are good people and bad people, the nature of the near death experience seems to be a direct and proportionate result of the collective, aggregate choices each one makes through life. Remember the movie Ghost? The merciless murderer Willie, was on his way to commit another contract murder, when he is confronted by the invisible energy of the spooky, rampaging spirit of Sam whom he murdered earlier for money. He suddenly flees and in his haste, is run over by a car and dies on the spot. The murderer’s spirit rises from his body as he realizes he is dead. His soul, however, is instantly shackled and suctioned off screaming into the void by howling, hooded, dark, macabre, misshapen creatures PAGE B6
Queries from readers Calendar of Events across
doubt, ask the manager or waiters, and instruct them accordingly. Q: at 72, can Viagra still improve my performance? Your feat, albeit not as perfect as you want it to be, is amazing. Majority of men, even 20 years younger, are unable to do it as often as you do. Weakly perhaps, but not weekly. Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) is a marvelous pill, truly a giant step for man, that would help, but you must consult with your physician to make sure you are not on any form of nitrates (heart medications), which is dangerous when taken in combination with Viagra, and that you do not have any health risk that will contraindicate the use of this very effective pill for erectile dysfunction. Q: I have bleeding after sex, what is wrong? Trauma is the most common cause, especially among virgin females. Infection can cause cervical inflammation, abrasions or excoriations that bleed on contact. Hormonal problem or cancer can also lead to vaginal bleeding. If you have bleeding, even staining, every time you have sex, then it is most prudent for you to seek consultation with a gynecologist. Recurrent vaginal bleeding, with or without sex, is abnormal and should be investigated to make certain no serious medical condition exists. Q: Can fright kill? Yes, sudden or extreme fright can, among other possible effects, lead to an instant and steep rise in adrenalin (and other neurochemical) level in the blood circulation, leading to dangerous or fatal arrhythmia (heart irregularity) called ventricular fibrillation followed by cardiac arrest. This is especially true among those with heart disease to begin with. Death by fright is not very common but it does happen. Q: Do pets help sick people in their recovery? Yes, pets, like dogs for instance, greatly help patients recover from their illness. Medical literature is replete with reports where even terminally ill people gained greater strength and more will to live when their pet is near them. The security, unconditional loyalty and love of “man’s best friend” have infinite medicinal value to the suffering patient, much like the love and compassion of human loved ones. And more often than not pets, especially dogs, are more loving, forgiving, and loyal than even some of our friends and relatives. Q: Why do my feet swell in the evening?
Edema (swelling) of the legs and feet, when present all the time, could be due to excess salt intake, heart failure, kidney disease, Beri-Beri (vitamin B-1 deficiency), some tropical parasitic infestations, and other even rarer diseases. Since yours happens only in the evening, and since you stated in your email that you were otherwise in perfect health, then I suspect the edema to be due to some leg vein insufficiency, where the valves in your leg veins are somewhat incompetent allowing back flow of blood and pooling of blood in your lower extremities by gravity. Elevation of your feet at least 4 inches higher than your knees whenever you can, especially when you get home at night, will help the venous circulation of your legs and minimize, if not eliminate, edema. Low salt diet, and wearing support stockings (when you are on your feet) will also help. The best is for you to have a medical check-up by your physician if the swelling persists. Q: are eyeshades beneficial? Yes, dark glasses to protect our eyes from the glaring brightness of any source, like the sun and its UV rays. These rays (UVA and UVB), and laser lights cause eye damage (cataracts, etc.) premature skin aging, and skin cancers. Using eyeshades daily and staying under a shade or umbrella to reduce sun exposure are healthy behaviors. Polarized dark glasses with UV ray protection are best, with our without prescription. Consult with your optician or ophthalmologist to find out what is best for you. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities, and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com
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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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-councilof-ventura-county-new-years-eve-celebration-tickets-39771817577?aff=es2.
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B december 28, 2017-january 3, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIan jOurnaL
By Monet
Lu
“Behind every man’s success is a woman,” but beside every strong woman is an even stronger man whose iconic existence demands a celebration filled with fun and dancing – Studio 54 style! Richard Maghanoy, COO of image Body Spa and husband of celebrity aesthetician imee (and co-owner of image Spa Md) celebrated his 50th birthday with friends and family at the Revolver Video Bar in hollywood last Sunday. Friends and family kept up with its “Relive the magic of Studio 54” theme and partied like the 70s - glitz, glamour, retro and all. Richard, a devout Christian and a loving husband is turning 50 on december 31. he says knowing Christ and walking in faith as a family is by far the greatest blessing he’s had. his birthday wish is to have good health and to remain steadfast in their faith, and continue to be happy and fulfilled as a family. “With all the blessings that the Lord has poured upon our life over the years, i can’t thank him enough for all the experiences he allowed me to have that helped me become the person i am today. i’d like to thank my wife imee Ong Maghanoy who is the one who led me to the Lord, and loved and supported all these years; as well as my daughter Shannen for being my inspiration,” he said. “i also want to thank my parents for their guidance and for teaching me to be independent. At first, i wasn’t really planning on having a big party but now that i am celebrating my ‘golden years’ with all of you
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Richard Maghanoy, husband of Image Spa MD co-owner Imee Ong-Maghanoy, celebrates 50th Birthday
SIKAD LAS VEGAS. A local cycling group called Nevada Bicycle Club hosted an event dubbed “Sikad ng Bayan (Pedal for the Nation) last October 28 at The Railroad Pass Casino to benefit the Social Educational Program of Gawad Kalinga, by helping the less fortunate to go to school. The turnout was a success, with over 160 participants led by Sikad Las Vegas’ Alexander Scheuch and Jun Tan showing support for the cause.
have made this night very very memorable.” Richard would like to thank the following people for their presence in celebrating his special day: Alex Pineda, edward Soriano & Scott, Abby Luz, Frank Villafuerte, Sam Loyola, Lyn Bautista, Monet Lu, Lorraine diego, Filbert diego Kung, Karla Gordy Bristol, Angie Yamini, Jun and Lilibeth Banawa, Odette Tan, nicole dy, Tee Roy & Suzette, Cheryl Asuncion and Jeff, Priam Guian, Jessie Romero, and Benjo Balcobero. Special thanks to Lou Razon, Vic Perez, Joel Vera Sebastian, Angel Bonila, Angie Mamaril,
Ruby Pangan, & Marlyn Guian and Rod Samson for helping with the preparations. *** 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
Coming back from the brink of a near- death... PAGE B5 rising like toxic fumes and disappearing just as suddenly from the sewers of new York City. That is, perhaps, a glimpse of what it must be like to truly die and go to hell. When the other kind of nde happens, some report that there is no concept of space or time at all. There is neither beginning nor end. Communication with beings of light or deceased relatives who may accompany the dying is telepathic. There is no sound and
no need for words. Many of those who have nearly died and allowed to come back to live out the rest of their lives express a reluctance to return to their previous physical lives. But there was a strong pull, a tug from their earthly life that made them do a U-turn, at least for the time being. What is stunning is this. nearly all those who have had an encounter with death and did come back to resume their lives claim they no longer fear death. The fear of
death is no more. death for them has become a door one must pass to enter a more beautiful, enticing reality full of love and mercy. What most have learned from their brush with death is startlingly simple. LOVe, they profess, is the most important thing in this earthly life — giving it, accepting it and learning from it. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
Never too late to pursue showbiz dream by Bot
Glorioso Philstar.com
the extras. “i am thankful for that ‘raket’ because it gave me the opportunity to be in a commercial.” Another stint followed and this time, she played a lead role in a Globe Telecom TVC. What turned her life around was her winning the Solane Mother of the Year at the Mrs. Philippines Globe in 2014. “That was the beginning of projects pouring in without me expecting that one day i would also be landing acting assignments.” does she have any regrets about pursuing her acting passion a bit late in life? “none at all because i know that everybody does not stop dreaming regardless of age or stature (in life) that’s why i cannot say that i am too late to realize my showbiz dream. i am just thankful that i am now enjoying what i love to do ever since i was young,” said the now 41-yearold Fe who also revealed that not all people are blessed to be lucky in career and in love. She admitted to have gone through rough relationships. “Still, i am grateful that my children are doing okay.” She has two sons and a daughter. Meanwhile, Fe is looking forward to starting her own perfume business. She is planning to name it Lolly Belle. “i love different scents so it would be nice to put
up something that interests you. in my case, from the business name alone ako na ang nag-isip na alam kong babagay sa perfume business.” Fe also has upcoming projects that include the new digital series titled “high” for ABS-CBn with GirlTrends member Sam Rimando. She, too, will soon be seen in the utility advertisement of Meralco and Pharma. her recent commercials were Globe Telecom (hunchback Saga), Wanda Gravy, honest Bee and Grab. By the time you read this, she will probably be busy on the set working with director Jeffrey hidalgo for an indie film. With Fe’s hands full of projects these days, it only proves that no one is ever too late in making a dream come true.
heR name may not ring as many bells but Fe Saligumba has always been on TV, film and digital platforms, which will make one instantly say, “Ah, that’s her,” upon mention of a particular scene in either a teleserye or TVC. Want some proof? Well, if you are tuned in to the ABS-CBn primetime series “The Good Son” night after night, then you have probably seen her portray as the lawyer of Mylene dizon’s character Raquel and Joshua Garcia’s Joseph. She, too, played a teacher in A Love to Last, a doctor in Coco Martin’s topbiller “Ang Probinsyano”, as an office staff in the daytime series “ikaw Lang ang iibigin” and as a cardiologist in “My dear heart”. She also did bit roles on GMA 7’s “ika-6 na Utos”, “Alyas Robinhood”, “The Millionaire’s Wife”, “My Faithful husband, Marimar” and “destiny Rose”. her long list of acting projects is pretty impressive since most, if not all, of them promote family values. Same with the TVCs, they speak of quality brands. According to Fe, her interest in acting started in her elementary years and it grew stronger when she became part of the theater guild in high school. She didn’t stop pursuing her dream even after tucking a degree in Mass Communication from St. Paul’s University in Quezon City. “i consider the Jollibee TVC, the Kwentong Jollibee date, as my biggest commercial (appearance) because i didn’t expect it to go viral. So, it was followed by two more episodes uploaded on YouTube,” Fe told The Star during her recent visit. “That Jollibee TVC was aired last Mother’s day.” Of course, Fe will never forget her first TVC for Quick Chow Fe Saligumba gets to play different roles in TV series, movies and TVCs Photos by Ver Paulino noodles, wherein she was one of
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