DECEMBER 29, 2018-JANUARY 1, 2019 Volume 28 - No. 103 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
PH gov’t to prioritize security improvements after US deems security at NAIA inadequate by RAE
ANN VARONA AJPress
MALACAÑANG said on Friday, December 28 that the Philippine government is prioritizing the implementation of tougher security measures after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that A mobile estate park in Paradise, California remains bare roughly a month after the Camp Fire. Photo courtesy of Gemma Clow
Fil-Am community in Paradise, CA continues to feel effects of Camp Fire as new year approaches WITH winds reaching up to 50 mph, the Camp Fire, which started in early November, blazed through over 153,000 acres and nearly 14,000 residences in Northern California. Aside from becoming the most destructive fire in the state’s modern history, it also proved to be the deadliest with a death toll of 86. Roughly 27,000 people were displaced. In the small town of Paradise, California, nearly all of it was consumed. As residents come back to assess the damage, many remain undecided on whether to rebuild or to u PAGE A4
As Congress returns to session, partial gov’t shutdown persists
Trump approval rating drops amid Christmas season shutdown
AFTER federal funding expired for onefourth of the U.S. government on Saturday Dec. 22, which triggered a partial government shutdown, 25 percent of the country’s federal workforce remains in limbo. The third shutdown of the Trump administration began when negotiations between top Democrats in Congress and the administration concerning Trump’s $5 billion border wall yielded no agreements. So far, the shutdown dragged through to Christmas and is likely to spill into the New Year. As of press time, there is no end in sight for the shutdown. Trump’s incoming chief of staff Mick Mulvaney told Fox News that “it is very possible that the shutdown will go u PAGE A2
aviation security at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was not up to par with international security standards. Philippine Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Friday that “ensuring the safety of the traveling public is one of the critical interests of our government in view of the
looming threat of terrorism.” “We assure everyone that the Philippine government, through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), is prioritizing the implementation of strict security measures at the Ninoy Aquino Inter-
national Airport,” added Panelo. Panelo also alluded to the notorious “tanim bala” schemes, which involved airport security personnel planting illegal ammunition in unsuspecting passengers’ luggages for extortion, and declared them “a thing of the past.”
u PAGE A2
PH safe and viable destination for tourists – Tourism chief THE Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday, December 27 said the Philippines remained a safe haven for tourists after the United States Department of Homeland Security issued a travel advisory saying the country does not maintain effective security measures. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat while it respected Philstar.com photo the U.S.-DHS’ announcement and findings, the country was still a viable and safe destination for foreign visitors. “We assure the international community, that the Philippines remains a safe haven for our visitors and residents alike,” Puyat said in a statement. (Neil Jayson Servallos/ManilaTimes.net)
FOR A CLEAN AND SAFE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION. A vendor in Divisoria, Manila displays a hornpipe on Thursday, December 27. According to the Department of Health (DOH), hornpipes are a safer and environment-friendly alternative to welcome the New Year instead of using firecrackers. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Filipino jobseekers not employable - poll by NATHALIE
ROBLES
AJPress
A RECENT study revealed that the majority of Filipino jobseekers — students and fresh graduates — have to go through additional training to become work ready and employable. The Philippine Talent Map Initiative conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) showed that 31.7 percent of job seekers or a total of 18,928 have to undergo further training. The labor department administered the study among private companies as it aimed to examine the current trends in the academe and the industry. It also explored the issues that plague the employment world in terms of workforce development.
“(The) results of the study shall serve as the basis for our policymakers to create and fund relevant laws or initiatives that can bridge the workforce skills gap and support curriculum development,” DOLE said as reported by The Philippine Star. The said study that involved about 90,000 respondents will be used to further develop the existing education and training system for the benefit of Filipinos who will soon join the labor force. DOLE said that the results of the study would be presented to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). According to DOLE, the study is meant u PAGE A5
President Rodrigo R. Duterte condoles with the family of slain Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Rodel Batocabe as he visits the late lawmaker’s wake at the Bicol University in Daraga, Albay on Wednesday, December 26. Batocabe was distributing Christmas gifts in his hometown when he and his police escort were gunned down by unidentified assailants last December 22. Meanwhile, President Duterte raised the bounty from P30 million to P50 million for the arrest of the perpetrators. Malacañang photo by Alfred Frias
Fight vs Pacquiao still on despite Broner’s arrest Reward for information on by NATHALIE
ROBLES
AJPress
Manny Pacquiao is currently in Los Angeles with the usual members of his training team. Photo from Instagram/@mannypacquiao
THE fight for the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title on January 19, 2019 between Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao and American challenger Adrien Broner will still push through despite the latter’s recent arrest in Broward County, Florida. Broner was reportedly arrested for failing to appear before the court on his case back in December 2017. His case involved speeding, having no driver’s license and no registration. However, the Cincinnati boxer was eventually released, according to TMZ.
Broner’s trainer Kevin Cunningham assured the public that the fight will push through as their preparations for the coming fight intensifies. “This is news to me. I didn’t know anything about it. Our camp is on point. He hasn’t missed a beat. Preparation is 100 percent and we are preparing to do what we are coming to do on January 19th and that is to destroy to Manny Pacquiao’s ass,” Cunningham said as reported by The Philippine Star. The Filipino champion, however, declined to comment on his opponent’s arrest. He said that he plans to share the gospel with u PAGE A3
Batocabe killers up to P50-M by NATHALIE
ROBLES
AJPress
IN light of Ako, Bicol Representative Rodel Batocabe’s murder this week, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the increase of the reward from P30 million to P50 million for any information. “The reward is at this time P30 million. I’m raising the ante. I’m putting it at plus P20 to P50,” Duterte said during a chance interview on Wednesday, December 26 with reporters as he visited the wake of the late congressman in Albay. As the search for the killer
commences, Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo has denied the claims that he is somehow involved in Batocabe’s killing. The mayor recognized that the incident occurred under his jurisdiction; however, he decried any speculations that he has a hand in the said killing. “These reports are dragging my name down. I accept (the blame), being the mayor of Daraga where this sad incident happened. What I cannot take are insinuations that I am behind this crime. People who know the background of our family (are aware) that we do not u PAGE A3
A december 29, 2018-january 1, 2019 • La WeeKend aSIan jOurnaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
From the Front Page As Congress returns to session, partial gov’t ...
PAGE A1 t beyond the 28th [of December]” and is expected to trickle down into the new Congress. This shutdown — which went underway during the holiday season — has affected and continues to affect certain public programs. Although the heads of agencies assure that despite the shutdown, offices that oversee public health and nutrition
assistance, will continue “business as usual.” Amid the shutdown, things in the Trump White House were not going business as usual. While he wished overseas troops a Merry Christmas from the comfort of the Oval Office, Trump became the first president since 2002 to not visit the troops during the holiday season. “It’s a disgrace what’s hap-
pening in our country,” the president said, referencing the shutdown which he preemptively claimed responsibility for in a televised meeting with congressional Democrats. “But other than that, I wish everybody a very Merry Christmas,” he added. With no resolution in sight, on Friday, Dec. 28, the increasingly frazzled president threatened to close the entire U.S.-Mexico border and seize aid to Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador — countries from which many of the migrant caravaners traveled — if Democrats don’t give him the billions of dollars for the border wall. In a tweet storm, Trump said: “We will be forced to close the Southern Border entirely if the Obstructionist Democrats do not give us the money to finish the Wall & also change the ridiculous immigration laws that our Country is saddled with.” He also claimed that those three Central American countries “are doing nothing for the United States but taking our money,” but provided no facts to back up the statement. Origins of the shutdown Like the almost-government shutdown back in January, this shutdown was a result of congressional Democrats not coming to an agreement with the Trump administration for the border wall. Before the wall is to be built, Trump needs federal funding and, for that, he needs confirmation from Congress. Democrats in Congress have strongly opposed the building of the wall since Trump — who proudly and repeatedly promised on the campaign trail that “Mexico will pay for the wall” — was elected into office. In a televised meeting in the Oval Office with House Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi of California and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, Trump said that would be “proud to shut down the government” to get funding for the wall. “I am proud to shutdown the government for border security,” Trump said during a tense argument with Schumer and Pelosi as cameras rolled before the leaders’ Oval Office meeting.
PH gov’t to prioritize security... PAGE A1 t
“We thus laud the existing efforts of our various officials in the transport industry who have tirelessly made sure that our passengers reach their destinations from our transit stations safely and efficiently,” he said. In a statement on Wednesday, December 26, the DHS said that “Aviation security at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), which serves as a last-point-ofdeparture airport for flights to the United States, does not maintain and carry out effective security consistent with the security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).” The DHS’ determination was based off assessments carried out by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security experts. Airlines issuing tickets for travel between the U.S. and NAIA were immediately directed to notify passengers in writing of the determination. All U.S. airports offering regular flights to Manila were also directed to prominently display the advisory, which was also published in the Federal Register. MIAA says no reason to be alarmed On Thursday, MIAA said that the agency had acknowledged the TSA’s concerns and said that there was “no cause for alarm.” “All points raised by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) auditors have either been addressed or are in the process of being addressed. There’s no cause for alarm given as we put in place security enhancements following the recommendations of the U.S. TSA,” said MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal during a Thursday press conference. Monreal also urged passengers to cooperate with the ongoing security improvements and to “submit themselves to security inspections when warranted.” “Standards are there so the global aviation community will have a common reference point, and it is highly important that our aviation security protocols in NAIA meet if not exceed. This is our obligation, and shall remain our commitment to the traveling public,” he added. U.S Ambassador to the Philipu PAGE A3
Security personnel implement security measures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminial 3. The United States on Thursday, December 27 urged the Philippines to improve the airport security. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina
pines Sung Kim said in a Thursday statement that the U.S. was working closely with the Philippines’ Department of Transportation (DOTr) and related agencies. He added that they “have every confidence in their leadership and their commitment to improve aviation security.” “Philippines authorities have worked diligently to improve security measures and we fully expect that they will soon meet ICAO security standards,” said Kim. Kim also said that the U.S. State Department had approved $5 million to go towards airport security improvements at NAIA in both technology and training. Security improvements The DOTr said on Wednesday that the installation of new security equipment such as X-ray machines, walk through metal detectors, and alarm systems were among the given TSA recommendations. The equipment, it added, are expected to be installed and used by the second quarter of 2019. The department also said that direct instructions to carry out manual interventions such as the hiring of additional 24/7 MIAAcontracted guards were given in the meantime. New background check procedures for newly hired airport personnel, a change in “security culture” among longtime NAIA personnel, and the submission of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearances for all
MIAA access pass holders, were also among other TSA recommendations. “In this regard, re-trainings have been, and continue to be conducted to instill in every personnel [the] need to be consistent in every aspect of security,” the DOTr said. Last week, Monreal told the Philippine government’s official news agency that management had already started security system improvements such as replacing single view X-ray machines with double view X-ray machines to comply with current international aviation standards. Also last week, Immigration Port Operations Division chief Grifton Medina said that numerous electronic gates — meant to reduce long queues at immigration counters — were installed in NAIA and other major Philippine airports in Cebu, Clark, and Davao this year. In the Wednesday statement following the U.S.’ determination, the Philippine DOTr said it was fully committed to improving NAIA. “Rest assured that the government, the DOTr, the MIAA, and the OTS are fully committed in employing all measures available to ensure the security and safety of the traveling public,” said the DOTr. Panelo on Friday said the government remains “fully committed in our continuing efforts to enhance and secure our airports and eventually protect and ensure the safety of travelers.” n
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
DATELINE USA
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 29, 2018-JANUARY 1, 2019
A3
Simply limiting social media time can improve mental health, new study says by RAE
ANTI-CPP-NPA RALLY. Members of a coalition of anti-communist organizations denounce the atrocities perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) during a rally in Mendiola, Manila as the communist group celebrates its 50th anniversary on Wednesday, December 26. Malacañang earlier described the 50-year insurgency of the CPP-NPA as a “failed rebellion”, noting that its founding chairman, Jose Maria Sison, is “out of touch” with reality. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Reward for information on Batocabe... PAGE A1 t resort to violence to resolve issues,” Baldo said as reported by The Philippine Star. The strong-mouthed leader emphasized that he would not let political terrorism, oppression and intimidation to reign as he threw shade to those “candidates who are prone to just kill their political opponents, precisely to win.” “If you are listening now, if it was not you, just ignore it. But if you are the one who did it, killed your opponent, p***** i** mo pupuntahan kita dito. I will personally confront you,” the president warned. “Pupuntahan kita, I will personally confront you. If I’m not satisfied, sasampalin kita. ‘Pag may ebidensiya, kakaladkarin kita (I’ll go to you, I will personally confront you. If I’m not satisfied, I’ll
slap you. If there’s evidence, I’ll drag you),” he added. He also addressed those politicians who plan to use force to eliminate their competition. He warned them not to push through with such plans as it would intensify political rivalries, especially in provinces. “Especially those who become rich when they are in the position. They are there not really to protect or to serve their constituents but their personal interest and their desire to win by hook or by crook. The killing could be a remedy for them to get rid of their opponent,” the president said. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Thursday announced that the president recommended that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) place the
town of Daraga in Albay under its control. “The president vowed that he will not allow political terrorism, oppression, and intimidation. The President also reiterated the Alunan doctrine that no candidate should move around with bodyguards with long firearms unless a permit is granted by the Comelec,” Panelo said. The Comelec promised to review the recommendation since it is supported by the local officials. Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) agreed to the decision. “Under the law, if the municipality is riddled with intense political rivalry, this can be placed under Comelec law,” Jimenez said. ■
Fight vs Pacquiao still on despite... PAGE A1 t him post-fight and pray for him as he goes through his ordeal. “Of course in my heart, my desire is to have a conversation with him after the fight and I can share with him the real life, the word of God,” Pacquiao said as reported by ABS-CBN News. “This is boxing. This is entertainment. We have to do our job in the ring. Outside the ring, we
should be compassionate, be friendly, and help others,” he added. Pacquiao said he believes that Broner will be able to handle his recent brush with the law. The Filipino boxer turned senator is currently in Los Angeles for a four-week training for his match in January. The battle for the welterweight belt will be held in Las Vegas.
It was not the first time that the 29-year-old challenger had clashed with the authorities. Broner has been sued for allegedly failing to pay for his jewelry bills amounting to $1.152 million. In 2016, he was charged with misdemeanor for allegedly choking a waitress at a nightclub, and previously had been booked on a sexual battery charge but released. ■
ANN VARONA AJPress
DISCUSSIONS on the link between social media use and mental health are nothing new, but researchers at the University of Pennsylvania for the first time conducted a study based on experimental data that connects the causal relationship between social media use and mental well-being. What they found was that simply limiting social media use could be beneficial when it comes to better mental health, specifically when it comes to depression and loneliness. This, given the reality that social media is not something people will stop using all together. The findings were published in the December Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology by Melissa G. Hunt, the associate director of clinical training at the university’s Department of Psychology. “We set out to do a much more comprehensive, rigorous study that was also more ecologically valid,” Hunt told the university’s online publication, Penn Today. The study was conducted by randomly splitting 143 students into a control group and an experimental group. Those in the control group were asked to use social media platforms — specifically Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram — as they usually do. The experimental
group on the other hand was asked to limit social media usage to a maximum of 30 minutes per day with 10 minutes on each platform. To measure the outcome, students completed a wellbeing survey twice — once before the study began, and again after four weeks of sticking to the assigned usage time limits (or lack thereof). For three weeks, the students provided researchers with iPhone battery screenshots for their individual weekly tallies. They then rated seven well-being measures including fear of missing out (FOMO), anxiety, loneliness, depression, and self-esteem. “Here’s the bottom line,” Hunt told Penn Today. “Using less social media than you normally would leads to significant decreases in both depression and loneliness. These effects are particularly pronounced for folks who were more depressed when they came into the study.” The study found that those in the experimental group had significant reductions in depression and loneliness compared to those in the control group. Those who reported a high level of depression at the study’s start later said they experienced a “clinically significant” reduction in symptoms. Further, both the control and experimental groups saw
significant decreases in FOMO and anxiety, which researchers said could have been a result of students in both groups being more aware of their social media use by simply participating in the study. Given the likelihood that even those in the control group would be conscious of their usage, the study found that selfmonitoring and being mindful in general made a difference in mental well-being. One student said, “I ended up using [social media] less and felt happier… I could focus on school and not [be as] interested in what everyone is up to.” Good vs. bad social media usage As mentioned, the link between social media and mental health isn’t new as numerous studies have come out with a variety of conclusions like how social media creates unrealistic expectations about life, makes us more envious, makes us more addicted, makes us sadder, or may even ruin our relationships. The creators of the platforms have also taken notice, conducting their own research studies and combining them with others. A few months ago, Facebook and Instagram even released new tools on their mobile platforms that allow users to see how much time they spend on PAGE A6
As Congress returns to session, partial gov’t... PAGE A1 t Later, he added: “If we don’t get what we want, one way or the other ... I will shutdown the government, absolutely.” On Thursday, Dec. 27 — the sixth day of the shutdown — the president tweeted, “Have the Democrats finally realized that we desperately need Border Security and a Wall on the Southern Border. Need to stop Drugs, Human Trafficking, Gang Members & Criminals from coming into our Country. Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats?” In response, Pelosi said that Trump’s “scare tactics” lack evidence, saying, “He talked about terrorists coming in over that particular border, which wasn’t so. He talked about people bring-
ing in diseases and all the rest of that, which wasn’t so.” Who is affected by the Christmas shutdown? The partial shutdown affected 25 percent of the federal workforce. Despite assurances from the Trump administration that public programs would continue “business as usual” some key subsistence programs have already been affected. And the longer the shutdown continues, the more employees would be furloughed. In the Department of Agriculture (DOA), 61 percent of employees would still be working through the first week, but that number is set to decrease as the shutdown wears on. Staff in the DOA’s key offices — the nation’s largest hunger
safety net Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) — have been cut by 95 percent by the fifth day of the shutdown. Also affected is the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), which means that roughly 20 million small businesses across the country could face revenue losses and restricted access to loans. “Due to the lapse of government funding, SBA will remain inactive until further notice. We apologize for any inconveniences and we look forward to assisting you when we return,” the agency posted to their official Facebook page. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
A december 29, 2018-january 1, 2019 • La WeeKend aSIan jOurnaL
Dateline USa
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Facebook: Under fire worldwide, bullish in PH by Janvic
Mateo Philstar.com
DESPITE a tumultuous year marked by privacy concerns and criticisms worldwide, social media company Facebook continued to perform well — and expects to still do so next year — in the Philippine market. Facebook Philippines country director John Rubio said the company foresees four consumer communications trends to intensify in 2019: multi-screening consumers, videos, stories and messaging. “The shift to mobile is particularly pronounced in the Philippines,” he told The Star. “On a daily basis, Filipinos spend three hours and 57 minutes dedicated to social media use. Sixty-two million of the Philippine population use mobile devices to access social networks.” Rubio was citing the 2018 Global Digital report released in January, which revealed that Filipinos spend the most time on social media worldwide. The report, conducted by creative agency We Are Social and social media management platform, also showed that Facebook remains the most popular social media platform in the country, with almost all of the 67 million Filipinos with internet access having their own accounts. Facebook Messenger was also seen as the most popular messaging application in the country, surpassing competitors such as Viber and Whats App. Data breach Despite its continued rise in some of its markets, however, 2018 was also seen as the most challenging year for the social media giant. In March, Facebook found itself in the middle of a scandal after a whistle-blower revealed that British consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica illegally harvested data of over 70 million users and used it for political purposes. The breach affected 1.18 million Filipino users, prompting the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to direct Facebook chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg to submit information on the matter. It said the investigation, which is still ongoing, is for possible violation of the data privacy act. Various investigations were also conducted against Facebook in other countries, particularly in the United States, where Facebook has drawn criticism over
Facebook Philippines country director John Rubio said the company foresees four consumer communications trends to intensify in 2019: multi-screening consumers, videos, stories and messaging. Philstar.com photo
the platform’s role in supposed interference in the 2016 elections. Months later, another security breach hit the company, affecting some 30 million users worldwide in September. The incident involved a vulnerability in a code that enabled attackers to steal Facebook access tokens – the equivalent of digital keys that keep people logged in to platform. Using the tokens, attackers were able to take over people’s accounts and access personal information. Some 90 million users were logged out of their accounts as a result of the incident. Facebook also issued an apology after it discovered a problem in its system that exposed millions of user photos to developers. More recently, the company went on the defensive after The New York Times detailed in a report privacy concerns regarding the disclosure of personal data of users to Facebook’s partners. Among the allegations were the supposed access to the users’ private messages given to some of the companies. Ime Archibong, Facebook’s vice president of product partnerships, confirmed that private messages were made accessible to the partners, but maintained that users were made aware of it and had given their consent. Fake news Facebook also drew criticisms from the Philippine government this year, particularly when it launched a fact-checking initiative in the country in April. Government officials and supporters criticized the move to tap Rappler and Vera Files for the project, citing their supposed
critical stance against the government. The company, however, noted that the two media organizations are the only Philippine-based organizations that are signatory to Poynter’s International FactChecking Network Code of Principles, which it has partnered with for the project. It said other media organizations are welcome to be part of the project, which it has expanded to include not just links but also videos and photos shared by users. During a community standards forum in Singapore, company executives touted efforts to combat the proliferation of fake news on the social media platform. Facebook’s global head of policy management Monika Bickert, however, clarified that they do not have a policy on taking down false content, saying it would be difficult to determine what is true or false in many cases. Instead, those flagged as false were “downranked,” lessening their visibility on the news feed. Suggested articles that provide additional context and background on the matter also appear next to the questionable article. Spam network Facebook strengthened its efforts against spam networks, taking down at least 95 pages and 39 accounts discovered to have been making money by taking advantage of Filipino users. Facebook said the Philippine accounts contained political and entertainment content and were removed “for encouraging people to visit low quality websites that contain little substantive content and are full of disruptive ads.”
LUCKY FRUITS. Round-shaped fruits such as longans, melons, watermelons and mangoes are starting to sell briskly in markets including San Andres Extension, Malate, Manila. Filipinos welcome the new year by preparing round fruits on the table for the traditional media noche. It supposedly brings prosperity and good luck for the coming year. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Filipino boxer Tepora hopes for big US break by Josef
RaMos ManilaTimes.net
WORLD Boxing Association (WBA) interim featherweight champion Jhack Tepora is hoping his debut fight in the United States will give him a big break. Tepora face former World Boxing Council (WBC) interim super bantamweight champ Hugo Ruiz of Mexico in one of the undercard matches of the Manny Pacquiao-Adrien Broner main event on January 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Money is not important to me but the championship,” the Cebuano native told The Manila Times in Filipino through a phone interview on Thursday, December 27. “All I want is to win and I believe this fight will give me an opportunity to become famous in America just like Sir Manny.” But the unbeaten Tepora (22-0
win-loss record with 17 knockouts) is facing a formidable foe in the 30-year-old Ruiz (38-4 record with 33 knockouts). “I was a 122-pounder before while he was a WBC world champion in the same weight class. I was then ranked No. 8 by the WBC,” Tepora said. “He (Ruiz) is more of a counter-puncher and has a powerful straight.” Tepora, on a diet of vegetable and coconut water, is currently fine-tuning his footwork, jab, stamina and defense at his brother’s gym in Cebu. Tepora is coming off a ninth round technical knockout win over Mexican Edivaldo Ortega last July 15 at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in one of the undercard bouts of the Pacquiao-Lucas Matthysse fight. Besides Tepora, the other WBA featherweight world champions are Mexican Leo Santa Cruz (Su-
Jhack Tepora
ManilaTimes.net photo
per champion) and Puerto Rican Jesus Rojas (Regular champion). The WBA has three world champions per weight category. n
Fil-Am community in Paradise, CA continues to...
PAGE A1 t move out for good. This is true also for its close-knit FilipinoAmerican community. Gemma Clow, who previously shared with the Asian Journal her family’s experience evacuu PAGE A6 ating from the fire, said that most members of the Paradise Fil-Am community remain displaced and have resorted to staying in trailers, hotels, apartments, and with friends in nearby cities like Chico, Oroville, and Yuba City. “Some have already bought a house outside of Paradise,” Clow told the Asian Journal, adding that one of her friends is still currently living in a hotel. A resident of neighboring Magalia, which was also heavily affected, Clow also had to experience living between hotels. “It is not fun at all,” she said. “Our lives have forever changed and will never be the same again.” Of the approximately 30 FilAm families in the Paradise and Magalia area, only seven families had their home spared. But while some houses remained standing, major tasks like smoke damage cleaning and removal of ashes and debris prevent many from coming home. Clow added that there are still many people without electricity in Paradise. “In my opinion, it will take at
least six months to a year before you can rebuild,” said Clow. Jobs lost as main hospital and largest employer remains closed until at least 2020 In addition to the challenges of finding places to stay, many also have been facing the challenge of unemployment as a majority of businesses remain closed. Clow said gas stations and businesses have opened up in Magalia, but none have yet opened in Paradise with the exception of a SaveMart and a Holiday Market. Feather River Hospital, the city’s only hospital — also the largest employer to the city — was badly damaged and among those forced to close. Of the over 1,000 full-time and part-time employees, many including Clow found themselves jobless as a result of the fire. Many in the Fil-Am community worked as pharmacy technicians and nurses. Clow said that they would be receiving their last salary from Feather River Hospital on February 5, 2019. Late last month, a spokesperson for the Feather River Hospital said that it hoped to place all of its associates in jobs within its Adventist Health network. Clow was offered a job as a Senior Analyst at the Adventist Health corporate headquarters in Roseville, roughly 80 miles away from Paradise.
“Our hope and intent is to place all of those associates who are willing to relocate somewhere within Adventist Health, and to work with those who cannot relocate to find connections locally with other organizations,” it said in a statement. “When the time is right and as services return, we encourage those who wish to return to the community to come back.” In its statement, Adventist Health informed employees that it would still be “at least a year more more before many services are restored, and longer before they reach their former scale.” Looking forward “Paradise and Magalia will never be the same again. Just passing through the town is quite depressing. The devastation after the Camp Fire is unimaginable. I know the entire town is still mourning,” said Clow. “To lose everything you have worked for in your entire life is the worst thing that can happen to a person. To leave a town where your kids grew up is hard.” But despite the challenges, many of the community members have focused on getting life back to normal as much as possible, which includes making sure their kids remain in school in any way they can. Though her son’s school remained standing, instruction has temporarily moved to Chico near the airport — about a 45 minute to an hour drive from their home in Magalia, she shared. She said some of her friends have moved their kids to different schools, while others are doing home and online schooling. Maintaining hope throughout the holidays, Clow said the community has still been keeping in touch. While their annual Christmas party tradition of about 28 years was initially cancelled due to the fire, she said they did have a smaller get together on Sunday, December 8, though not all were able to attend. “Though we are scattered everywhere, we keep in touch through Facebook,” said Clow. “We will be a community again. We will take it one day at a time.” (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)
All but three families of the Paradise Filipino-American community remain displaced by the Camp Fire as homes remain completely destroyed. Photos courtesy of Gemma Clow
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline USa
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 29, 2018-JANUARy 1, 2019
A
Filipino ‘Aquaman’ swims from San Francisco, California to Alcatraz in freezing water by Leo
Udtohan Inquirer.net
EnvironmEntal lawyer and triathlete ingemar macarine made a successful swim from the freezing Golden Gate Bridge to the shark-infested alcatras island in the U.S. last Sunday, December 23. Known as “Pinoy aquaman,” macarine covered a distance of 6 km from the bridge to the island at the Bay area of California about 6 a.m. on Sunday. the swim was aimed to proNEW OFFICIALS. Police Officials inspect the new firearms for personnel of the Regional Police Office-12. The counter-terrorism campaign mote the country’s tourism and of the Region 12 police got a boost with 860 more new assault rifles supplied by the national government. Besides the 410 Galil and 420 to raise awareness on the imporEmtan rifles, the Police Regional Office-12 also received 225 Canik 9 millimeter pistols from Camp Crame. The firearms were distributed to tance of clean seas and beaches PRO-12 personnel involved in sensitive law-enforcement missions. Philstar.com photo by John Unson around the world. macarine was the first Filipino from the Philippines to swim from alcatraz island to San Francisco shores in 2014.
Deployment of OFWs in Middle East seen to decline further in 2019 by daphne
GaLvez Inquirer.net
tHE deployment of overseas Filipino workers (oFWs) in the middle East is seen to decline further in 2019 due to the lower crude prices, a recruitment consultant and migration expert said on Friday, December 28. recruitment consultant and migration expert manny Geslani said the economies of some middle East countries, especially Saudi arabia, is predicted to stay flat with lower crude prices. the deployment of oFWs in 2017 dipped by nine percent while an eight to 10 percent decline is seen in 2018 due to the instability of crude oil prices. Because of the deployment ban of household service workers (HSW) in Kuwait ordered by President rodrigo Duterte in January, which lasted for almost five months, only 20,000 HSWs were deployed in 2018. “2018 started badly for oFWs with the ban on HSWs for Kuwait,” Geslani said in a statement. “the ban which lasted for almost five months will impact deployment to Kuwait by almost 80 percent and only less than 20,000 HSWs were deployed in 2018,” he added. Geslani also noted that Kuwait had an average deployment of 60,000 newly hired HSWs in 2017, which is second only to Saudi arabia, which accommodated over new 170,000 HSWs. meanwhile, he noted that more than 3,000 oFWs in Saudi arabia
had to be retrenched or laid off after several construction and manufacturing companies suffered “disastrous” closures when the government failed to pay off their contracts. “Huge construction projects in the billions of dollars are now being reassessed in the Kingdom, and Saudization is being implemented at a faster pace with previous white collar jobs for expatriates are now being taken over by Saudi nationals,” Geslani said. the recruitment consultant said the economies of other middle East countries such as Kuwait, oman, United arab Emirates, iraq, and iran also “stayed flat” due to the lower oil prices. He said only Qatar managed to elude the decline in deployment because of the steadier prices of natural gas. “the massive construction boom in Qatar continues due to the World Cup in 2022. that is why its demand for construction workers is still high and later on hotel and service workers will be needed for the new hotels and restaurants being constructed for this soccer event that will be held in 2022,” he said. Geslani, however, said that there is still a “silver lining” for oFWs eyeing to work in Japan, China, new Zealand, and parts of Europe. He said in april, Japan will receive oFWs with working visas good for five years in 14 sectors, particularly nursing, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and other minor fields.
Filipino-Canadian teen with rare disease finds stem cell donor match twice-weekly blood transfusions and putting her at a high risk for infections and uncontrolled bleeding. “it’s not a perfect match,” said Sanjuan. “it’s a nine out of 10 match so it’s close. now the transplant team at the alberta Children’s Hospital is going to go ahead and begin treatments.” treatments are expected to begin early next month. When mance’s family in october issued a call to Winnipeg’s Filipino community to get tested in hopes of finding a donor with the matching stem, more than 500 new registrants from Winnipeg were tested and added to the registry of one match Stem Cell and marrow network by early november. Similar drives were held in Calgary, Edmonton and vancouver. Complicating matters for the search for a donor was the fact that roshlind required a match from her own ethnic group. according to Sarah Jasmins, Canadian Blood Services stem cell territory manager for Western Canada, there are currently over 400,000 registered in their data base, but less than 1% are people of Filipino descent. anyone under the age of 60 still interested in joining the donor registry can contact Canadian Blood Services or register Roshlind Mance has fortunately found a stem cell donor online at http://www. match for a transplant that could cure her rare disease. blood.ca. (Inquirer. Inquirer.net photo net) WinniPEG, manitoba — the family of roshlind mance, a 16year-old high school student with a rare life-threatening disease, has received a special Christmas gift. after a frantic search, roshlind found a stem cell donor match. “that was very good news for the family,” Joel Sanjuan, who helped organize a Winnipeg drive to try to find a compatible donor for his niece, told the Winnipeg Sun. “it was such a great thing. We weren’t expecting it although we were still hoping that we were going to find someone pretty soon but not this soon.” mance suddenly became ill while attending a summer school class in Calgary in July. She was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PnH), both lifethreatening diseases requiring
Filipino jobseekers not...
PAGE A1 t tional skills as top competency. However, Filipinos did not fare to resolve the country’s unemployment and underemployment well in three categories. Creative issues by addressing the prevail- problem solving is consistently ing problem of the job and skills the lower skill among the responmismatch in the Philippines. dents and must be improved, they will do so by identifying tal- along with innovation and decient, skills and training needed by sion making skills. Earlier, DolE released the the Filipino workforce. on another note, the findings labor market information (lmi) from the study showed that 68.3 report 2022 enumerating the percent of the students, em- industries that will create jobs ployed, unemployed and trainees and skills. the Jobsfit lmi also involved in the study are employ- included in demand occupations able with English language func- from 2013 to 2020. n
meanwhile, new Zealand needs construction and farm workers. australia needs construction workers while China needs HSWs and English teachers. Geslani said Germany continues to attract nurses while former Eastern Bloc countries like Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Hungary need hotel workers. “the middle East is still the largest labor market for oFWs with over 70 percent of new hires going to those countries, but emerging markets like Japan and China will attract more skilled workers to those countries in the next few years,” he said. n
Filipino Aquaman Ingemar Macarine and Lisa Amorao, Filipino-American cold swimmer, endure freezing water to complete 6-km swim from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatras Island on Sunday, December 23. Inquirer.net photos
But during Sunday’s swim, he was accompanied by lisa amorao, a Filipino-american cold swimmer who has been based in California for 25 years. although the route was very
scenic, the two had to endure the hypothermic-cold of 53 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celcius). “the water was really cold compared to the English Channel when i swam there in 2016,” he told the inquirer in a Facebook interview. macarine, 42, an election officer in tubigon town in Bohol, had a one-year hiatus in open swimming because of an injury and health concerns. macarine’s last swim was in november 2017 when he swam 18 km on Panglao island in Bohol. macarine was the first Filipino swimmer to swim across the English Channel, considered the mount Everest for open swimming in 2015 and 2016. But he failed in both swims due to bad weather. His latest swim in California Environmental lawyer Ingemar Macarine, known as the Pinoy Aquaman, says the swim on Dec. was part of his training for his 23 was not easy as he had to endure not just the big waves and the distance of the swim but third attempt to swim the English also the freezing water temperature. Channel. n
A december 29, 2018-january 1, 2019 • La WeeKend aSIan jOurnaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Dateline PhiliPPines
Filipinos in Tripoli advised to remain vigilant, stay indoors after suicide attack by beRNadette
taMayo ManilaTimes.net
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) advised Filipinos in Tripoli to remain vigilant following a suicide attack at the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, December 25, that left at least three people dead and seven others injured. Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Mardomel Melicor said three suicide bombers were involved in the attack that took place at around 10:30 a.m. (4:30 p.m. Manila time). Melicor said that although no Filipino was reported to be among the casualties, he advised the more than 2,000 workers and their dependents in the Libyan capital to restrict
their movement and stay indoors for the time being. The DFA previously asked the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to allow more Filipinos working in Libya to go on vacation in the Philippines and return to their jobs there. In a letter, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., requested Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd to endorse to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) his recommendation “to exempt” from the current deployment ban to Libya Filipino workers with valid and existing contracts. The proposed exemptions also cover those stranded in the Philippines after the DFA raised the alert level in Libya following the outbreak of violence in
Tripoli in September. Filipinos who would be covered by the new exemptions must submit a copy of their employment contract, including their salary and benefits, and a letter from their employer or sponsor requesting their return and an undertaking guaranteeing their safety and security, the DFA said. The DFA added that concerned overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their next of kin were also required to submit a sworn statement acknowledging the risks involved in working in Libya and the limited capability of the A bird’s eye view of the Soccsksargen Dangerous Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center at Barangay Kawas in Alabel, Sarangani. Inquirer.net photo Philippine embassy to assist them during emergencies. The documents must be verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Libya. n
LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN SERVING MY FELLOW KABABAYANS FOR OVER 17 YEARS
CIVIL AND PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION • Breach of Contract and Fraud • Auto and Other Injury accidents
IMMIGRATION
• Family and employment based green cards • Business and Investor Visas • Deportation defense • Motions to Reopen • Appeals • Humanitarian Reinstatement of revoked petition • Naturalization • H-1B and student visas
FAMILY LAW • Divorce/Separation/Nullity • Property Division • Spousal Support • Child Custody and Support • Restraining Orders
CALL TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, California 90010
323-639-0277
Email: info@dtanlaw.com • Website: www.dtanlaw.com
Darrick V. Tan, Esq. Licensed in California for over 17 years Licensed in Nevada for over 12 years* UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science with Cum Laude honors Southwestern University Law School, Juris Doctor Admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association Member, Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles Former Member, Board of Governors, Philippine American Bar Association *Inactive
China’s 1st completed project in PH: Gensan Rehab Center by Ritchel
MeNdiola AJPress
CHINA’S first infrastructure project here in the Philippines, a drug rehabilitation center, took less than a year to finish, according to Sarangani Governor Steve Solon. The P350-million Chinesefunded Soccsksargen Dangerous Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DDATRC) had its groundbreaking on January 12. It was then turned over last week to the provincial government, which provided the three-hectare property in the village of Kawas overlooking Sarangani Bay and nearby General Santos City. “We are not talking about a rehabilitation center that looks good on paper but one that will really reform the patient,” Solon said. A project briefer of the 150bed capacity rehabilitation center said the main façade of the central administration building is like a “window of hope facing the future.” It symbolizes the opening of each patient’s heart “so that they can have a new
and bright future.” A friend of the Philippines Among those who graced the turnover rites are Chinese Commercial Counselor Jin Yuan, Chinese Consul General to Davao Li Lin and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. China’s commitment to help in the development of the Philippines despite the two countries’ dispute over the West Philippine Sea was also reaffirmed by Jin. In a statement, Jin said, “The completion of this cozy center fully demonstrates that the Chinese government will never let you down.” “The Chinese people will always stand by your side and China will help within our capacity to boost the development of the Philippines,” Jin added. According to the Chinese official, China is and will always be a good neighbor as well as a sincere friend and close partner of the Philippines. The rehabilitation center project, Duque said, was launched to address the need for more rehabilitation centers for Filipino drug users.
He also said that the Duterte administration considered drug abuse and dependency as “a public health priority.” The center will be managed by the Department of Health (DOH). Data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency showed that as of November, the official death toll of the government’s all-out war against illegal drugs already reached at least 5,050 since President Duterte assumed power in July 2016. Recipients The government’s gratitude to the Chinese government “for the assistance and support for this administration’s campaign against illegal drugs” was extended by Duque. During the talks between Mr. Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in October 2016, one of the agreements reached was about Sarangani being one of the recipients of “China-aid Philippines” DDATRC projects. Agusan del Sur is the other beneficiary, where construction of a rehab center is still ongoing. n
Poll: Young Filipinos most likely to leave PH by Nathalie
Robles
AJPress
A NEW Gallup survey revealed that the young Filipino population will possibly decrease by about 9 percent due to migration as more job opportunities open abroad for the talented Filipino residents. According to the data from the Potential Net Migration Index (PNMI), Gallup Inc. said that the Philippines has a PNMI score of a contraction of 9 percent, with a brain drain of 16 percent and youth population loss of 13 percent. This means that 16 percent of the Philippines’ highly educated people will possibly leave the country to work or live abroad. Meanwhile, given the option to migrate wherever they wanted, 13 percent of the young population aged 15 to 29, chose to live on countries other than the Philippines. The poll measured the total potential net change to the adult population by subtracting those who would like to move out of a country from those who would like to move into a country. “The higher the score, the larg-
er the potential net population gain. Negative scores indicate net population loss. Developed countries such as Singapore would see an influx of highly educated people,” the poll stated as reported by BusinessMirror. Educated residents constitute those who have completed four years of education beyond high school or have acquired that of a bachelor’s degree. In Southeast Asia, Singapore fared well as it attracted more population while Vietnam fared worst in the region. “Gallup’s Potential Net Migration Index does not predict migration patterns, but it provides useful information about the people these countries are attracting from around the world and the areas where leaders need to work to ensure they retain the talent already at home,” Gallup stated as reported by The Philippine Star. As per all the countries rated, New Zealand got the highest PNMI score at 231 percent and would likely see an influx of young, talented migrants. Sierra Leone performed worst as 70 percent of its total adult population wants to leave their home
country if they had the opportunity. Results were based on telephone and face-to-face interviews with 453,122 adults — aged 15 and older — in 152 countries from 2015 to 2017. The UN General Assembly last week formally ratified Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration that uses 23 objectives to cater legal migration and discourage illegal border crossings. It was agreed upon by 152 countries, including the Philippines, while 12 countries abstained and five voted against. “While critics of the agreement fear it would open the doors to unchecked mass migration, Gallup’s latest Potential Net Migration Index actually shows that in most of the countries that are refusing to sign, more people want to leave them than come to them,” the survey emphasized. “Hungary, for example, which became the second country after the U.S. to withdraw from the compact, could see its total adult population shrink by as much as 16 percent if everyone around the world moved where they wanted,” it added. n
Simply limiting social media time can...
PAGE A3 t
the apps. The tools further give users options to manage their time like setting daily reminders for when they’ve reached the time limits set for themselves. But many have pointed out that not all social media activity should be treated the same. Facebook pointed to many studies in the past, saying that it’s passive social media usage (or “zombie scrolling”), rather than active communication with friends, that is detrimental to our well-being. Hunt seemed to say similar in pointing out that a significant amount of time spent on social media is spent on looking at
others and participating in “social comparison.” “It is a little ironic that reducing your use of social media actually makes you feel less lonely,” said Hunt. “Some of the existing literature on social media suggests there’s an enormous amount of social comparison that happens. When you look at other people’s lives, particularly on Instagram, it’s easy to conclude that everyone else’s life is cooler or better than yours.” While there are a few questions that can still be answered on the topic, she said the findings still offer conclusions that any social media user could use.
For example, less time spent on the platforms means less time spent making social comparisons. “When you’re not busy getting sucked into clickbait social media, you’re actually spending more time on things that are more likely to make you feel better about your life,” said Hunt. Given that social media is not going to go away, the study also shifts the discussion to figuring out how social media can be used without taking on the damaging effects. “In general, I would say, put your phone down and be with the people in your life,” said Hunt. n
Facebook: Under fire worldwide, bullish in PH PAGE A4 t
Pages taken down include those that target supporters of President Duterte as well as accounts using names and images of popular celebrities. In its community standards report released in November, Facebook said over three billion spammy content were removed
from the platform between January and September. Over 2.1 billion fake accounts were also removed during that period. Digital literacy Facebook also launched various digital media literacy programs in the country, including through a partnership with telecommunications company Globe
to promote responsible digital citizenship among Filipino teachers and students. It also partnered with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to provide overseas Filipino workers and their families access to digital literacy and small business training programs. n
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline PhiliPPines
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 29, 2018-JANUARy 1, 2019
A
CPP-NPA celebrates 50th founding anniversary by AJPress
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Mayon Volcano’s seismic monitoring network recorded one volcanic earthquake within 24 hours. Philstar.com photo
Mayon Volcano on Alert Level 2, continuously spews ash by AJPress The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday, December 28 placed the Mayon Volcano on Alert Level 2 — indicated a moderate level of unrest — as it continuously spews out ashes. “Alert Level 2 currently prevails over Mayon Volcano. This means that Mayon is at a moderate level of unrest,” Phivolcs said in a statement. There have been at least four volcanic quakes recorded in the last 24 hours. Philvocs confirmed that two of these earthquakes were related to phreatic blasts otherwise known as ash explosions recorded at 8:17 a.m. and 8:25 a.m. on Thursday.
Authorities have warned residents to stay out of the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone to sway away from sudden explosions, lava collapses, pyroclastic density currents and ashfall that could still occur and threaten areas in the upper to middle slopes of Mayon. “Active stream or river channels and those identified as perennially lahar-prone areas on all sectors of the volcano should also be avoided especially during extreme weather conditions when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall,” Phivolcs advised as reported by The Philippine Star. The institute explained that the explosions were caused by a steam pressure that formed way below the Mayon’s vent as it spurted out grayish to grayish-
white ash plumes that rose 600 meters and 200 meters above the summit. Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said that the explosions were possibly caused by the sudden degassing of magma inside the volcano’s chamber. however, he assured that the current explosions would not warrant yet the raising of its alert level to three. Mayon remains under Alert Level 2 after its full-blown eruption episodes that started January and simmered down in March early this year. Before the events, Phivolcs said Mayon’s seismic monitoring network recorded a volcanic earthquake in the past 24 hours. “Fair crater glow from the summit could be (also) observed at night,” Phivolcs said. n
Defense chief on West PH dispute: ‘China is on my mind every day’ by Nathalie
Robles
AJPress
DePARTMeNT of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana admitted that the country’s issues with China over the West Philippine Sea will be best resolved through President Rodrigo Duterte’s strategy of not provoking China. “China is on my mind every day because of what they are doing in the West Philippine Sea. I wish I could make it go away but they are not, even if we are going to show them our arbitral ruling document, that they have no Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Inquirer.net photo business there, they will not even
honor it. So that’s it,” Lorenzana said as reported by The Philippine Star. In his interview with ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) earlier this week, the defense secretary noted that he already worked with former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario as he tried to garner the support of all claimant-countries to issue one unified statement with regard to the sea dispute. “he (Del Rosario) tried to get all to issue a statement but no, two countries are always resisting the overture of secretary Del Rosario so we don’t have any statement
u PAGE A10
MeMBeRS of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and New People’s Army (NPA) gathered on Wednesday, December 26 to commemorate the 50th founding anniversary of the CPP-NPA. As the members proceed with their parade, press conference and cultural presentations, supporters of the movement were notably absent. Officials said that military threats made them opt for a simpler celebration. Palace: 50 years failed rebellion In line with the founding anniversary of CPP-NPA, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo claimed that the 50-year movement remains a failure that only resulted in death and destruction. “The 50 years of Joma Sison’s rebellion speaks for itself. It’s a failed rebellion. It only resulted in the loss of lives of Filipinos, especially the numerous young students who were killed in battles, skirmishes and in sickness in the hills, who could have served their country well in Pacific and productive means, as well as the destruction of properties,” Panelo said. “The winds of change will sweep this incorrigible rebel, who is living in comfort and luxury while his comrades are in the hills, as well as those who follow him, to oblivion and will be buried in the dustbin of history,” Panelo added. The palace spokesman urged the communist rebels to stop the revolution against the administration. he noted that their leader, Sison, “remains ensconced in his ivory tower of comfort and luxury while his comrades die for a lost cause.” “It is not too late though for them (communist rebels) to return to the fold of society and embrace the rule of law and the majority. There is honor in returning to a democratic society and embracing the constitutional order,” Panelo
CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison Inquirer.net photo
added. The government’s military troops echoed the Palace’s sentiments. Philippine Army’s Seventh Infantry Division civil-military operations chief Lt. Col. eugenio Julio Osias said that the CPP-NPA only hindered the development in some areas of the country. “The CPP-NPA has 50 years of relevance in hindering our country’s development. Fifty years of nothing, up to this date since their creation they did not progress a bit. They are still in their Strategic Defense Stage,” Osias said.
however, members of the group vowed to continue what they started. CPP North Central Mindanao Region spokesman Norsen Manggubat said that they will remain unsuppressed despite the threats they receive. “hence, the foremost expression of celebrating the CPP’s 50th anniversary is to continuously afflict the people’s enemy and prove them wrong from their delusions that they could defeat the historical struggle of the oppressed and exploited people,” Manggubat said. n
A8 DECEMBER 29, 2018-JANUARY 1, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
Deficient security
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
FEATURES
IT hasn’t been too long since the Ninoy Aquino International Airport got out of the list of the world’s worst gateways, as rated by travelers in a popular travel website. Air traffic congestion continues to plague many flights at the NAIA, but there have been notable improvements. Now, at the peak of the holiday travel season, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued an unprecedented advisory about lax security at the NAIA. Passengers on flights from the U.S. to Manila are now notified, through flyers and warnings displayed at U.S. gateways, that the busiest airport in the Philippines “does not maintain and carry out effective security consistent with the security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).” Ed Monreal, general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority, said the U.S. Transportation Security Administration or TSA conducted an assessment of NAIA security this year and recommended 16 improvements. Monreal admitted that only seven of the 16 have been completed so far as the year draws to a close, prompting the issuance of the travel advisory. What’s holding up the improvements? Among
others, bureaucratic red tape in procurement of required security equipment such as additional x-ray machines, walk-through metal detectors and alarm systems, according to the Department of Transportation. DOTr officials said that due to government procurement rules, the new equipment could be installed only in the second quarter of 2019 at the earliest. MIAA authorities also failed to meet the recommendations for enhanced security checks, training and procedures for NAIA personnel, according to the TSA. Philippine government authorities may protest that the country is being singled out for such an advisory, which could affect the travel industry. Even as any protest is conveyed to U.S. authorities, however, every effort must be made to comply with safety standards set for all international airports worldwide by ICAO. The NAIA has achieved improvements in the past months. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Luchie San Luis Quemuel: Her reflections of God’s gilded miracles in her life
Rhizomes
PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “MAY you have all that you need, because the sharing of gifts is our exercise of security in the abundance the Almighty gives us constantly. May you constantly find reasons to feel joy, and to share that joy, thus making it grow exponentially. We were all created to find joy, and share that joy with our Maker and the communities in which we dwell. May you always find peace, that grain of truth that holds the heart of you together through good times and bad times. That is the spark of the divine that can grow into the most glorious flame when you nurse it and allow it growth. It is where you find the space and time to listen – to God, to yourself, to those around you. May you always be surrounded by people who love you and care for you, and may you reciprocate that loving and caring well so that the good cycle continues.” - Alma Anonas-Carpio, Dec. 24, 2018. Alma Anonas-Carpio’s Christmas Eve Facebook post became my source of light. I wondered what it might be like to be in the dark, during the Japanese bomb-
ing of the Philippines? What if you were Rosa, 9 months pregnant? Do you recall Mary, a young teenager, who travelled with Joseph, on a donkey, in the cold desert, climbing mountains, and looking for a place to give birth, yet no one would let them in, until they had to stop at a trough, where animals were fed? It was a feeding trough for animals where Jesus was born over 2,000 years ago. An infant born in a dugout during the Japanese bombing of the Philippines “I was 17, a student in Manila, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 8, 1941. That same day, the airfield in Manila and other military installations in the Philippines were also bombed. Schools were immediately closed,” F. Sionil Jose wrote in the New York Times on August 13, 2010. That same fateful day, Gregorio San Luis and his 9-months pregnant wife Rosa Licauco left for Santa Rita, Pampanga — 18 miles from Clark Air Base — where the Japanese Imperial Army destroyed parked fighter planes. They made their risky travel from Manila. Thinking Pampanga would be safer than Manila, they were not aware that Clark
was also being bombed. Gen. Douglas MacArthur had convinced Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt that he could contain the Japanese Army, if he had more fighter planes and 8,000 more soldiers and be the defensive shield in the Far East. Gen. MacArthur got the increased resources, but failed to give the command for the pilots in their fighter planes and soldiers to be deployed. Consequently, the biggest error of this General resulted in destroyed fighter planes in Clark, and U.S. soldiers marching to their deaths in Bataan, when MacArthur ordered their retreat to Bataan. More than 76,000 prisoners of war (66,000 Filipinos and 10,000 Americans) were forcemarched and 2,500 Filipinos and 500 Americans died during the march. Hardships, pain, and suffering marked the San Luis journey to Pampanga. By some miracle, Gregorio and Rosa reached Sta. Rita. They travelled different ways: kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) and jeepneys, as buses were not available, until the couple ultimately reached Sta. Rita, 49 miles from Manila. In Pampanga, they got to the house of Grandma Silvina Valencia San Luis, who instantly looked for a midwife. She sent
for her niece, Nurse Remy, who lived in nearby Barangay San Matias. With no phones to reach her, Gregorio walked to Remy’s house and back again, to get to Rosa, who was now in labor. The family stayed fearless, even as they heard the sounds of the bombs dropping in nearby Clark, destroying fighter planes, and kept their focus on getting this baby born. They went into a dugout with a flashlight covered with cloth, to mute the spray of beams, so as not to attract the Japanese soldiers, who were holed up in a nearby bridge, lest all will perish. At 4 a.m., infant Luchie, (luces meaning lights) was born on Dec. 13, 1941. She was swaddled in a saya (overskirt) worn by her grandmother. In the dugout, her newborn skin was kept warm by the soil on the ground, as their only way of protection without being killed by the Japanese Imperial Army Soldiers. For a year, she was covered with galis (scabies), and her grandma was worried that she might not outgrow it, but she did. Those were her first two miracles, imprinted on her, as memories that she was blessed and cherished, by her grand-
mother who related to her the story, helped raise her, as well as her parents who travelled to protect her from the dangers of bombing. Luchie was second in the family, the eldest is Mel, and other siblings include Tess, Rosemarie, Celedonia, Tony and Jun. When the war ended, Luchie was 7 years old. The family moved to Manila. Her father opened up a drug store, which became an on-the-job-training (unpaid) place for future pharmacists who went to the University of Santo Tomas. One of his distributors became the owner of Mercury Drug, which swallowed up the smaller drugstores, to eventually become the biggest pharmacy. It also meant family adjustment to subsist on only one income of her mother, Rosa, a paper flower maker for carosas (festival floats). To help out her mother to fill up orders whose specialty was legendary for roses and orchids, Luchie made a pact with Mel for her to stay in school, while she dropped out to become a flower entrepreneur, like her mother. After she finished, it would be her turn to go to school. Festival float organizers who wanted good roses and orchids would order from Rosa, includ-
ing large flower distributors like El Carlos and El Arte Filipino. El Carlos would order 20 dozens orchids and Luchie and her mother would frantically work all night to fill up those orders. One day, May 22, feast of Saint Rita, namesake of the province wherein she was born, Santa Rita, Pampanga, the source of delicious turones de casoy, and the province that popularizes St. Rita de Cassia, the Saint of the Impossible, Luchie witnessed another miracle. She went to mass with her mother, Rosa. They saw Mother Carmen of SRC who asked what happened to the San Luis children, who went to Saint Rita for their schooling. Rosa shared their economic plight that their pharmacy was swallowed up by the bigger company, Mercury Drug, and that now, her family subsisted on just her seasonal flower business. Mother Carmen asked all of the San Luis children to come back to SRC. Three of the children became SRC teachers. SRC was run by the Augustinian Recollect Missionaries (ARM), and at its peak, operated 31 schools, all over the Philippines in 1967. Luchie additionally obtained her Bachelor’s in Science in
u PAGE A9
Most Filipinos think US will defend them Postscript
FEDERICO D. PASCUAL JR. IT was not surprising that 61 percent or three out of every five adult Filipinos said in the latest survey that they believe the United States would come to their succor if the country were invaded. Post-World War II Filipinos who grew up exposed to American propaganda and Hollywood influence readily believe U.S. commitments made in the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and the status of forces agreements signed after the termination of the military bases pact in 1991. A measure of faith in America lingers despite some MDT provisions’ vagueness bordering on infirmity, and the ongoing feeling out between the U.S. and China — the unnamed potential aggressor in the MDT — for mutually satisfying intercourse. With these realities, seen against China’s intrusion and military buildup in Philippine maritime areas, Filipinos are asking just how good is America’s word to come to the succor of its
former colony in the Pacific if it is attacked. If the U.S. (under President Trump) and the Philippines (under President Duterte) want to strengthen their still untested mutual security arrangements, it is imperative that the 67-yearold MDT be reviewed and its terms clarified and updated. Updating is a big if. With Trump displaying lack of enthusiasm for the Cold War alliances entered into by the U.S. as part of a multilateral global network designed to push back the communist threat, the White House does not look disposed to updating its hoary promises under the MDT. The regional counterpart of NATO in these parts, btw, was the now defunct SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) of which the Philippines was a founding member. In both NATO and SEATO, the U.S. was the key sponsor despite its distance from the area of concern. Filipino diplomats familiar with the discussions have told us that the unidentified potential aggressor in the MDT is China – as it was the then Soviet Union with NATO. With China having evolved into one of the U.S.’ biggest creditors and trading partners, however, Washington’s regard for Beijing has changed. Manila will have to adjust to
that new reality of big power geopolitics. Renegotiating the MDT will help reveal the ulterior motive behind President Duterte’s public display of affection for Beijing, even as he passes off the love affair as part of a new independent foreign policy. We want to know whether or not Duterte is genuinely interested in clarifying the ambiguities and mending the shortcomings of the MDT with the end in view of firming up relations with the U.S. while carrying on with China. We hope that with Duterte being an expert in managing tricky ménage à trois situations, he will be able to handle simultaneous relations with Trump and President Xi Jinping of China and reap benefits for Filipinos without ruining their reputation or hocking the nation’s territorial integrity. • MDT ambiguity amounts to infirmity THE IDEA behind the MDT is not for the U.S. to act as Big Brother to little brown Americans, but for the two countries to support each other if one of them were attacked. They agreed to help each other build up their capabilities for self-defense. One of the shortcomings of the treaty is that the promised American military response to an attack is not automatic. By
the time the U.S. shoots back, if it does, strategic parts of the archipelago may have been overrun by the invader. A warlike response is subject to lengthy congressional processes that include debates especially over the wisdom of sending U.S. troops to fight abroad and burning billions of tax dollars. In dealing with NATO, Trump has complained about the unfairness of U.S. footing a big part of the bill. Article IV of the MDT says that an attack on either party will be acted upon in accordance with constitutional processes and that any armed attack on either party will be brought to the attention of the United Nations for immediate action. With China and Russia sitting as permanent members of the UN Security Council – and with Trump in some sort of modus vivendi with the two communist powers – where and when would the referral to the world body lead? Article V says that all attacks by a hostile third party will be held as an attack on a “metropolitan area” of either party or on the island territories under its jurisdiction “in the Pacific” or on its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific. “Attack” has been taken to mean an armed attack. Would
U.S. Prresident Donald Trump
Chinese coast guard’s blasting Philippine equivalent vessels with water cannons while in disputed waters be deemed an armed attack? This being debatable, an instant retaliatory U.S. response may not come on time. There is also the need for defining what “metropolitan area” is as the location of the attack. For instance, will Panatag (Scarborough) shoal, which is within the Philippine exclusive economic zone, qualify as a metropolitan area? The U.S. saw to the defense coverage specifying the island
White House photo
territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific or on its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific. Are Philippinesclaimed isles in the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea considered to be in the Pacific? No doubt that any attack on U.S. military personnel, vessels and aircraft in the Pacific, or anywhere for that matter, will trigger a quick retaliatory response. Does the Philippines have to maneuver or foul-bait an attacker into also hitting American men and vessels just to be able to invoke the MDT? (Philstar.com)
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.
ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES
Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Boulevard Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com
Manila Office: 2nd Floor Units D&E, Fort Palm Springs 30th St., Cor 1st Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • Fax: (632) 856-1661 New York: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858
Northern California: New Jersey office: 1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136 2500 Plaza 5, Harborside Financial Center, Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel.: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253 Jersey City, NJ 07311 Tel: (212)655-5426 • Fax: (818)502-0858 Las Vegas Sales Office: 2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879
ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President
CHRISTINA M. ORIEL Editor-in-Chief
MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor
IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal
MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal
DING CARREON Videographer
ANDY TECSON Photographer
Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material. AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.
ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
OpiniOn & FeatUreS
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 29, 2018-JANUARy 1, 2019
A
Tons of trash hauled from Rizal Park Luchie San Luis Quemuel: Her reflections... by Neil JaysoN
servallos ManilaTimes.net
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday, December 26, hauled four truckloads of trash from Rizal Park the day after Christmas on Tuesday, December 25.
The agency’s Metro Parkway Clearing Group said it collected 48 cubic meters or 13.7 tons of garbage after some 15,000 people flocked to Rizal Park on Christmas Eve on Monday and Christmas Day on Tuesday. It said most of the waste were plastic and household garbage. While the number of park visi-
Cleaners sweep garbage left by visitors a day after Christmas at Rizal Park in Manila. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
tors was halved this year, the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) urged the public to maintain the cleanliness of the park and be disciplined. “We ask everyone for their support, patience and help in taking care and maintaining our national parks. We are requesting the public to please practice “Clean As You Go” and dispose of their trash properly,” NPDC Director Penelope Belmonte said. Belmonte assured the public that the cleanup would be finished in time for the New Year’s Eve countdown. “The task of cleaning up the park is great and it would take several days to totally collect all the garbage but we believe it is all worth the joy and happiness that our countrymen experienced with their loved ones and friends at the park” she added. Last year, over 90,000 people attended the traditional countdown to New Year at Rizal Park, after which 45 truckloads of trash were collected. n
Another legal victory: Arroyo cleared of electoral sabotage MANILA — A local court has dismissed the electoral sabotage case over 2007 midterm elections against House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 113, in a court order dated December 17, granted Arroyo’s Demurrer to Evidence and moved to dismiss the charge of electoral sabotage against the former president. A demurrer to evidence is a challenge to the prosecution’s sufficiency of evidence. It is a pleading filed after the prosecution rests its case and the defense is given an opportunity to move for the dismissal of the case. Judge Jesus Mupas said that the prosecution failed to prove Arroyo’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt and certainty “despite ample opportunity.” The case stemmed from the former president’s alleged cheating in the 2007 midterm elections. The case was filed in November 2011. It alleged that Arroyo “gave personal instructions” to the late Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. to “ensure a 12-0 victory” for the senatorial slate of “Team Unity.” The court held that upon “judicious examination” of testimonial and documentary evidence presented by the prosecution in the
House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
seven years of trial, the prosecution still “failed to discharge its duty the guilt of accused Arroyo beyond reasonable doubt.” The court stressed that the prosecution was given opportunity to present additional witnesses and documentary evidence after bail hearings. It noted that only one witness, engineer Norie Unas, mentioned Arroyo in the alleged conspiracy and yet his testimony was not corroborated by 12 other witnesses. “This alone is fatal to the case of the prosecution,” Mupas said. The court also agreed with Arroyo’s defense that the allegation that she gave personal instructions to Ampatuan “does not constitute the crime of electoral sabotage.” “As noted by the Court, the In-
Philstar.com photo
formation [charge sheet] is silent as to how accused Arroyo wanted accused Ampatuan to ‘ensure’ such victory,” the order read. The judge stressed: “In a prosecution for electoral sabotage, the allegation of the act or acts that allegedly constitute such crime is material since it forms an integral part thereof. More so since electoral sabotage carries with it the penalty of life imprisonment.” It may be recalled that Arroyo also filed a Demurrer to Evidence in the plunder case against her over the alleged misuse of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds. The Supreme Court reversed the Sandiganbayan’s ruling and granted Arroyo’s Demurrer to Evidence in 2016. (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar.com)
PAGE A8 t
Education at SRC, and while training to be a teacher, an opportunity came up to become a trainee-instructor, replacing the critic teacher who got sick in mid-semester. She became the high school’s teacher in home economics, English and Literature including mythology, for four years. Batch 1967 became memorable for her as 20 of them became loyalist-followers of the Legion of Mary and three tightly vied for Valedictorian. My classmates and I also formed a singing group, Ritzeeners, and practiced a lot. Our voices harmonized that Luchie suggested we join an intercultural high school competition. She became our official chaperone. Against all odds, SRC’s Ritzeeners won first place and as a reward, Sor Esperanza, the directress, gave us a day’s field trip to Luneta. But, Luchie had a bigger vision for the Ritzeeners and she shared it with Sor Esperanza that we join the Student Canteen’s competition on television. That would have put the school on the map. But, the principal, Sor Josefa, blocked the idea. She reasoned that the high school girls would prematurely meet high school boys, a forbidden cultural practice at that time. Luchie challenged the ultraconservatism in 1967, and countered that a better practice would be to expose the girls, now seniors, to the boys, in a supervised environment, like a high school prom, to promote healthy social skills. Sor Josefa would not budge and Luchie believed that to have this conflict meant a premature career dead-end. That became the push factor for her to go abroad, as well as her desire to help the family economically, since Php 400 a month of a teacher’s salary was insufficient to help her siblings. “I want to be a light: I want to bring joy” She applied for a visa to go abroad and when she got her approval on a Wednesday, by Saturday of that week, she was on her way to America. Her spiritual mentor, Fr. Manalili, advised her to go ahead with her plans. Fr. Barquin heard about her plans and quickly wrote a letter to Fr. Iros of San Vicente Church in Los Angeles. In that letter were Fr. Barquin’s instructions to assist her to get to a bank, to get
Luchie San Luis Quemuel
a social security card, and with that letter, was also a $25 gift. Fr. Iros was even asked to help her find a job. As luck would have it, a telegram was also sent to Fr. Barquin’s friends, the Paez sisters, to meet Luchie at the airport. They did and even fed her at their apartment. But their twobedroom apartment was max’d out with four residents. That same evening, they asked if she had a hotel to go to. She had none and her dollars would not be enough. She remembered Lucy Godoyo and the Paez sisters gave her a ride to Godoyo’s place. Days later, another roommate joined them. She applied for work on a Monday, and by Thursday, she had a job and Josie Villa, her supervisor, gave her rides to and from work at the California Credit Union. She worked long hours, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., as a filing clerk, until her promotions. One day, a Japanese colleague saw her crying. She was going through a bout of self-pity, while she recalled her life in the Philippines, with an assistant. But, she persisted and soon, her Japanese colleague became her friend, and started to invite her for breaks. Every Wednesday, her father, Gregorio wrote a letter, which kept her connected to her birth home. That Wednesday letter became her life link, which kept her spirits up. She recalled with pride how much love she felt when her father would send her a birthday telegram when he missed her birthday, as he travelled for work. At the airport, she recalled
Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D.
her dad’s anger, who shook her, touching her shoulders, “Is this what you want?” He felt despair that he would not be able to help her, if something bad happened. He was quite protective of her, having witnessed her birth under war conditions. Her miracles kept manifesting. Within the first month of leaving the Philippines, she was able to send dollars to her parents and regularly thereafter, every end of the month. In the credit union, she was sent to three summers of continuing education to become a manager and attended the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) School. Her supervisor liked her work, how she filed, and how she handwrote the deposits accurately. She rose through the ranks and got four promotions: file clerk, payroll clerk which put her in touch with the people, assistant manager and assistant vice president, until her retirement after 32 years. During her management tenure, her leadership exploded their business volume. How? She visited schools and talked to school principals and persuaded them that the credit union can help the teachers secure car loans, house loans and student loans for their continuing education, until these schools transferred their funds to the California Credit Union’s portfolio, outcompeting the bigger banks. A Luchie San Luis Quemuel Award existed at this credit union for exemplary leadership in financial growth and teamwork. Her team garnered the highest volume of $4,000,000 in
u PAGE A11
A10 December 29, 2018-january 1, 2019 • La WeeKenD aSIan jOurnaL Dateline
Napoles files appeal vs plunder conviction
MANILA — Businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles filed an appeal to reverse the Sandiganbayan’s plunder conviction against her over the pork barrel scam. The Star reported that Napoles filed a motion for reconsideration Friday, December 28, arguing that the anti-graft court could not convict her as the “main plunderer” in the case as she is a private individual. On December 7, the Sandiganbayan’s First Division acquitted former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. of plunder over the alleged misuse of P224 million worth of public funds due to the prosecution’s failure to prove the former lawmaker’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The court, however, convicted Revilla’s aide, Richard Cambe and Napoles. In the appeal filed before the court, Napoles’ camp argued that the “case is shrouded with serious doubts because the information suggests that accused Napoles, a private individual, is the main plunderer by alleging that the scheme enabled her ‘to misappropriate the PDAF proceeds for her personal gain.’” The plunder law or Republic Act 7080 defines the crime as when “any public officer who, by himself or in connivance with members of his family, relatives by affinity...amasses, accumulates or acquires ill-gotten wealth through a combination or series of over or criminal acts... in the aggregate amount or total value of at least P50 million.”
PhiliPPines
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
In this photo taken on Dec. 7, 2018, businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles attended the promulgation of the Ombudsman prosecutors’ plunder case against her, former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and his aide, Richard Cambe. Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos
The case alleged that Revilla’s Priority Development Assistance Fund was used for fictitious organizations. Her camp also argued that the prosecution pointed to Revilla as the main plunderer, and his acquittal “negated the crime of plunder because there is no main plunderer” who amassed P50 million. She also said that Cambe could not be the main plunderer as it was not proven beyond reasonable doubt that Revilla’s aid amassed at least P50 million. Court denies Napoles’ plea to remain at Camp Bagong Diwa In a related development, the Sandiganbayan rejected Napoles’ bid to remain at Camp Bagong Diwa, instead of serving her jail time at the Correctional Institution for Women in Manda-
luyong. Following her conviction, the Sandiganbayan ordered Napoles’ transfer of detention to the CIW. Cambe was ordered to be transferred to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Napoles sought to stop her transfer, citing threats to her life and security. But the STAR reported that the court said Napoles failed to substantiate her claim that her supposed transfer to the CIW COSTUME ON DISPLAY. The national costume worn by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is displayed at the National Historical Commission of ManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia would put her “life and security” the Philippines office in Manila until December 30. at risk. Revilla walked free after almost four years of detention at “If there is one thing these complying with security meaCamp Crame, while Napoles by Alexis RomeRo monkeys should know, these poli- sures. Philstar.com and Cambe were both ordered “If they refuse to stop, if they articians, they are not the only ones to serve up to 40 years of MANILA — President Rodrigo who are capable of doing these gue with you, shoot them. It’s that imprisonment. (Kristine Joy Patag with reports from Elizabeth Duterte has vowed to fight what he things, the killing of opponents. simple.” Armed groups monitored called “political terrorism” as he Not everyone can accept that. So Marcelo/Philstar.com) Police in Bicol, meanwhile, are warned politicians against resort- that’s my warning,” the president monitoring the movement of susing to violence to keep their hold said. “Your firearms will not be able pected members of private armed on power. He issued the warning on to help you at the end of the day. groups (PAGs) coming from other there, improving the islands, im- Wednesday, December 26, during Not during my time, my watch. regions. proving the runway in Pag-Asa, the wake for Ako Bicol party-list Find another election where you These armed men, according to it could be finished next year, representative Rodel Batocabe in can do that. The election here will Philippine National Police (PNP) cemented, so we can go there Daraga, Albay. be peaceful,” he added. spokesman Chief Superintendent anytime we want,” he said. Duterte ordered security forces Benigno Durana Jr., came from Duterte vowed to personally “We have ships going there, deal with politicians who resort to be on higher alert to prevent Western Visayas, specifically from airplanes flying. They just chal- to killings to gain power, warning more violence like the killing of Panay Island. lenge our airplanes but we reply them that they do not have the mo- Batocabe and his police aide in It is unclear when and why the back that we are flying over Phil- nopoly of evil acts. Daraga last Dec. 22. group entered Bicol province. ippine territory,” he added as reAuthorities are checking the “That’s now the subject of in“I promise the Filipino people, ported by The Manila Bulletin. my country that I will not allow po- political angle in the Batocabe kill- tensified and intelligence law enThe defense secretary also litical terrorism, oppression, and ing. He had filed a certificate of forcement operations,” Durana emphasized that the UNCLOS intimidation. So if you are listen- candidacy for Daraga mayor. said in an interview over dzRH decision will in no way affect nor ing, if you are not behind this, just “Do not be surprised. There will radio yesterday. override our historical claim.” Sought for additional details, ignore it. But if you committed the be a lot of military and police,” “Even with the UNCLOS wrongdoing, you have your op- Duterte said. Bicol police director Chief Super(United Nations Convention ponent killed, son of a b****, I will “If I were you, I won’t loiter intendent Arnel Escobal said they on the Law of the Sea), there’s personally confront you,” Duterte around because I am placing the were also monitoring members of this running discussion be- said at the wake of the slain law- entire – the armed forces assigned another armed group from Samar tween me and the ambassador maker in Daraga last Wednesday. here and the police to maintain in Eastern Visayas. of China. I said that you signed Escobal said these people were “It applies to all territories of the law and order. If you bring a gun, the UNCLOS in 1981 and that Philippine government. I told you, and try to pass through a check- apparently in Bicol to carry out asgave us 200-nautical mile EEZ,” do not resort to political terrorism... point and say ‘I won’t stop, I am sassinations for some politicians. Lorenzana said. n “Lahat yan ay tinitingnan natin The people would have every right connected with the governor, the to remove you so that democracy mayor,’ my order to the police and pero ang importante ay malaman can survive... As I have been tell- the military is son of a b****, kill natin sinong mga pulitiko ang gumagamit nito (We’re checking ing everybody, do not ever, ever them,” he added. Duterte said the public should everything, but what’s important think that you monopolize evil in this country... To your sorrow, you bear with the mobile checkpoints is for us to identify the politicians to be set up by government forc- who sent them),” he said in a text will find out,” he added. message. Duterte said some politicians es. “Please do not violate the law Escobal, however, emphasized want to win “by hook or by crook” and are using their posts to enrich because you will be arrested,” he it is too early to say if those armed themselves and to protect their said, adding that even local execu- groups were involved in the murtives would not be excused from der of Batocabe. n personal interests.
Duterte vows to fight ‘political terrorism’
Defense chief on West PH dispute: ‘China...
PAGE A7 t
because there’s no solid statement,” Lorenzana explained. “There are five claimants from Asean: Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines. If these five countries will have one voice, I think it will be strong enough,” the defense chief added as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer. However, Lorenzana assured that the said dispute will not compromise the Filipinos freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea as China does not prevent the Philippines from moving around. “We can go to our islands scattered there in the Spratlys, outside our EEZ (exclusive economic zone), and we can resupply our people there anytime we want. We have ships going there, airplanes flying. They just chal-
lenge our airplanes but we reply back that we are flying over Philippine territory,” Lorenzana stated. “We don’t have any force to confront them. What will I send there? A frigate with several cannons versus the better equipped – even their coast guards are better equipped than our Navy. Huge coast guard ships,” he added. Lorenzana also commended former DFA secretary Alan Peter Cayetano for his effort to diplomatically discuss an agreement with the foreign minister of China, that the Chinese “can just stay there and no one builds anything new.” “Where you are, stay there. Nobody’s occupying new features. So we have nine islands occupied by our troops. So we are
SWS: More Filipinos satisfied with Duterte in Q4 MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte will end 2018 with a “very good” satisfaction rating, according to a Social Weather Stations survey that showed more Filipinos satisfied with the firebrand leader in the fourth quarter. Results of a December 16 to 19 poll of 1,440 adults show 74 percent of respondents satisfied, 11 percent undecided, and 15 percent dissatisfied with Duterte. That yielded a net satisfac-
tion — used by the pollster as a rating of the president’s performance — of “very good” +60, up by six points from +54 recorded in the September survey. This brought Duterte’s fullyear net satisfaction average score to a very good +54, five points below the very good +59 last year. Broken down, SWS said the six-point rise in the president’s net satisfaction rating in December was due to increases of 22 points in Metro Manila, 13
points in the Visayas, and three points in Balance Luzon that offset a four-point decline in his home region of Mindanao. Satisfaction with Duterte was also up in all socioeconomic classes and among high school and college graduates. Based on SWS methodology for net satisfaction ratings, a score of 70 and above is considered excellent, 50 to 69 is very good, 30 to 49 good and 10 to 29 moderate. (Ian Nicolas Cigaral/Philstar.com)
Zubiri insists on bicam for Road Board abolition by JAvieR ismAel ManilaTimes.net
SENATE Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri insisted on Thursday, December 27 that the bicameral conference committee on the Road Board Abolition bill be reconvened when Congress resumes sessions in January. Zubiri’s statement was in response to Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon’s position that there was no need to convene a bicam meeting, as the Senate had taken the position that the bill to abolish the Road Board was already approved by virtue of the Senate’s adoption of House Bill 7436 on September 12. Drilon on Wednesday, December 26, said this position was reflected on Resolution 134, which he proposed. The Senate adopted the resolution shortly before it went on Christmas break last December 13. It urged the Office of the President not to release funds from the motor vehicle user’s charge (MVUC), following the Congress’ passage of the bill that would abolish the Road Board. The Road Board administers the MVUC revenues and uses them for various road and safety projects. “Convening a bicam has no basis when there is no inconsistent or disagreeing provisions,” Drilon explained. “When we adopted the House bill on September 12, there are no more disagreeing provi-
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri
sions.” “The Senate’s action made the bicam unecessary, which means the bill to abolish the corruptionplagued agency is already considered passed by both chambers, and should have long been sent to the President’s (Rodrigo Duterte’s) desk for his signature,” he added. Zubiri said his suggestion to reconvene the bicam was meant to appease the side of the House leadership that there should be corrections to the version of the Road Board bill, approved when Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez was speaker. “We adopted the house version as a strategy to quickly approve the measure when we got wind of the plan of the House that they were not interested anymore in abolishing the corruption-riddled agency,” Drilon said.
ManilaTimes.net photo
Zubiri said: “But we really wanted to meet in bicam as the Senate approved a stricter version. I see no reason to worry about the procedure as this could take only a day for the reconvened bicam to meet and approve a better version wherein the MVUC funds are properly directed back to the National Treasury.” “I humbly appeal to our Minority Leader [Drilon] to keep an open mind to this and I would even ask him together with Sen. Panfilo Lacson to be part of the bicam panel to make sure that the best measure can be put into place where the funds would never be corrupted or wasted,” he said. “I hope our good minority floor leader would hear me out on this and I will call for an all member caucus on January 14 to discuss the proposal,” Zubiri added. n
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline PhiliPPines
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 29, 2018-JANUARy 1, 2019
A11
Reviews by Professors and Specialists Gu XinGyi
REMEMBERING RIZAL. Maintenance personnel clean the Rizal Park grounds in preparation for the 122nd celebration of the martyrdom of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal on Sunday, December 30. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Trillanes’ travel abroad was with court’s permission — lawyer by Javier ismael ManilaTimes.net
WITh the court’s permission, Senator Antonio Trillanes 4th left the country on December 11 for a month-long travel abroad for various speaking engagements, his counsel said on Friday, December 28. Lawyer Reynaldo Robles made the remark in response to a claim by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra that Trillanes
did not inform the courts about his plans to travel before he left the country. Guevarra said Trillanes should ask permission whenever he would plan to leave the country even if there is no hold departure order (hDO) issued against him. “Because he’ll be away and the court may set hearings and he’ll not be around so you have to inform the court that you will
be outside the jurisdiction of the court,” he added. he said Trillanes left the country without informing the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150, where he has a pending rebellion case. Robles, however said that the senator was aware of his obligation to inform all courts where he had pending cases of his plans to fly out of the country. n
Go seeks gov’t support for indigenous peoples SeNATORIAL aspirant Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Friday, December 28 said he would push for the strengthening of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to protect the welfare of indigenous peoples (IPs). “I have heard many of their expressions of grief, complaints and concerns. Thus, I would like to look at their situation and how we can help. We will strengthen NCIP,” Go said in an interview.
The former special assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte said there was a clamor from IPs to amend executive Order 115 series of 2002, which authorizes payment of death benefits to barangay officials who die during their term of office. The IP Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) to the barangay (villages), however, are not covered by the benefits, as the eO covers only the punong barangay (village captain), seven ba-
Group photo of Batch ‘67 with Luchie San Luis Quemuel (fourth on the left)
rangay kagawad (village councilors), Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) president as exofficio member, and barangay secretary and treasurer who die during their term of office. Go was in Pampanga last December 21 with a group of Duterte supporters that brought more than 40 doctors from Metro Manila to give free checkups and medical advice to the indigenous tribe Aeta. (ManilaTimes. net)
Photo by Enrique Delacruz
Luchie San Luis Quemuel: Her reflections...
PAGE A9 t
loans and income, yet it was the smallest branch. Today, the California Credit Union has 20+ branches, with its 2017 financial report “concluded another strong year for California Credit Union with net income totaling $15.4 million, return on assets of 0.52 percent. These results include the impact of merging with North Island Credit Union on March 1, 2017. The regulatory net worth ratio is 10.51 percent.” Their declared mission is “California Credit Union puts our members first; through accessibility and convenience, we offer the service, security and stability they will always rely on, and the solutions and education they need to secure a stronger financial future.” Luchie met the love of her life, Rod Quemuel and together, they have built several businesses, the last one was a caregiving facility with six beds, and their last client was Julia Roth, Mayor eric Garcetti’s maternal grandmother, whom he visited regularly and was close to. When Rod and Luchie got married on Dec. 23, 1971, they went on a 37-day honeymoon. Rod asked her to buy boots and coat and she questioned the added expense, thinking they were just going to San Francisco, but off they went to europe. In the Quemuel family, kids are born after 13 years of marriage. Luchie got married at 30 years old. To have a kid after 13 years meant being pregnant at 43 years old, so she prayed for a miracle and wanted to go to Our Lady of Fatima. But, Rod got sick and was feverish the night before. Not
knowing how both of them could proceed to visit Our Lady of Fatima the next day, she prayed fervently. That entire evening, it rained hard, with thunder and lightning. Could it be the coming of the holy Spirit at this point? The next day, Rod miraculously got well and even got up early. Luchie kept asking the tour driver if the tour to the Fatima should proceed, given the heavy rains. While inside the tour bus, the rains kept up. But, the moment they alighted the bus, the rains stopped. The sun was bright and the streets were dry. Then and there, she knew she would get the miracle that she prayed for. When they got home, she felt queasy and indeed, the miracle happened, as she became pregnant with Rowell. One more son was to be born five years later, Reggie. In her stay in the U.S., her high school students are still integrated in her life, joining them for mini-reunions in Long Beach, San Diego, Manila, Chicago, Temecula, and at times, organizing them to get together in her own home, as other SRC Batches in Las Vegas. For her 77th birthday, Batch 67’s Natimarie Pagayucan, a laboratory technologist in Chicago; Patty Ramsey, a nurse in Arizona; Nancy Walber, a nurse in Chicago; elsa Azote, a nurse in Oceanside; Carol Arcelo, a retired communications manager in San Francisco; elizabeth Cortez, a bank trust officer in Toronto; Linda Rozales, a realtor in Orange County and this writer all joined her for her celebration of 77 years of God-centered life in Los Angeles. My sister, Asuncion Ferrer, who also was her
The painter Yuhua Wang is a household name in the West, especially in the United States. everybody knows about her. People in China may still be somewhat unfamiliar with the artist. Why? I think the main reason is the lack of publicity about her. The ink paintings of Yuhua Wang are sought after by scholars in the West and favored by the learned in the east. What is the reason? This is because her painting has reached the height of the “class of ease.” To attain a high level of artistic creation, an artist has to depict the objective matters in a representation that is between likeness and unlikeness. If the imagery represents the exact resemblance of the subject matter, that is not considered painting but replication or photography. If the imagery has absolutely no resemblance to the subject matter, that is called graffiti or doodling. To an artist, how to take hold of the yardstick between likeness and unlikeness, and maintain a perfect balance, is a test of the artist’s moral self-cultivation and artistic skill set. When an artist fully and confidently incorporates in his or her mind the image and mood of the original form; he or she mentally refines, condenses and embellishes the image based on their aesthetic pursuit before finally realizing the imagery with ink and brush. Only when paintings are created this way that the imagery is derived from the original form of the objects, yet differ from such a form. Only then can the paintings carry the likeness of both the form and the spirit. In artistic creation, there is a truth which states that it is easy to achieve the likeness of form, but it is hard to achieve the likeness of spirit. Whether an artist is able to capture both form and spirit, achieve the likeness of form and spirit in tandem; is an important criterion for determining whether this artist is exceptionally accomplished in ink painting. humbled by having seen the ink paintings of Professor Yuhua Wang, I can say that every one of her paintings has reached the highest level of attainment in capturing the likeness of both form and spirit. This is truly rare. Since Professor Yuhua Wang lives in the West on a long-term basis, she is rather knowledgeable about the characteristics in the creation of Western paintings. At the same time, she knows the characteristics in the creation of Chinese ink painting like the back of her hand. She has complete ease and exquisite mastery when applying her skill set of Chinese ink painting. Professor Wang
student, joined us too. Special thanks to Mon and Carlo David who serenaded her in Kapampangan and sang Christmas carols. Mike Zuñiga lovingly prepared the arroz caldo bar while elaine Quadra had her flair for artistry on display as a tablescape. Fr. Camilo Pacanza led the group in prayers and a special thanks goes to hydee Ursolino for curating a special photo album to remind us all that caring is in how someone makes you feel: their kindness, their concern and their consistent, positive and joyful actions. “They may forget what you said but they will not forget how you made them feel.”- Carl W. Yuhua Wang’s lotus painting, Marvelous Charm Buechner Alma’s Christmas greetings captured it well, as her post coincidentally described the hand of God in Luchie’s 77 years of life: gratitude is a prelude for grace and even more so when one lives a life of hope, love, joy and peace. happy New Year to you all! May we all have peace from a safe, prosperous, just and truthful America!
*** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the US, in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.
is able to extract the essences from both Western and Chinese paintings, and incorporate them in her artistry. She ingeniously integrates the realistic depiction in Western painting with the spontaneous expression in Chinese painting; and likewise puts together the colors in Western painting with the lines in Chinese paintings. She fuses Chinese and Western cultures in her artworks. The artist is fearlessly breaking new ground. That is why every one of her paintings is refreshing and unforgettable; leaving the viewers with an ever-lingering aftertaste. In particular, there are five “innovations” in her artworks. Firstly, her composition is innovative. every one of her paintings is graceful and magnanimous, emanating a kind of grand spirit, broad-mindedness and magnificent style. This is especially true regarding her lotus paintings, every one of which leaves an astounding impact on the viewers’ souls. Secondly, her artistic conception is innovative. In art, especially for painting, artistic conception is of particular importance. If a painting only renders the shape of an object, then that is a commercial painting of no artistic value. After seeing Professor Yuhua Wang’s paintings, the viewers continue to revisit those images in their minds. They feel infinite pleasure from the lingering aftertaste of her imageries. This is precisely because of the profoundly insightful artistic conception in her works. Thirdly, the charming application of ink is innovative. her paintings embody the free-flowing momentum of the ink. The artist wields her brush at will while maintaining full control. Whatever her mind wishes, her hand accomplishes. There is not a trace of her exerting any effort; yet the paintings are full of vivacious energy. This is especially true about her lotus paintings. Professor Wang’s miraculous brushworks are ever changing, bringing about a refreshing sense of vivacity. Fourthly, her lines are innovative. Chinese painting places emphasis on the lines. An artist’s proficiency in rendering lines is often the factor determining the success or failure of an artwork. Professor Yuhua Wang’s lines are flowing and unrestrained. While she wields her brush with graceful ease, everything is executed to perfection. This is also rare. Fifthly, her colors are innovative. The appropriate application of color can animate a painting with brilliance while establishing a three-dimensional composition and a sense of freshness. Professor Wang’s exquisite skills in the use of color is a class of its own. The colors are of purity but not of monotony—with cold hues over warm tones— achieving a mutual balance of cold and warm colors. This is likewise her unique prowess. Let’s try to appreciate Yuhua Wang’s flower painting Marvelous Charm and landscape painting Ancient Castle below. Lotus is the subject matter of Marvelous Charm. The artist has truly brought out the vivacity of the lotus. When painting the leaves, she applies ink as a wash, and
Yuhua Wang’s landscape painting, Ancient Castle
Yuhua Wang’s painting, Sunflowers
achieved the perfect balance of the darker and lighter tones. With natural ease, the artist executes each of the stems with a single stroke of the brush, creating the flowers that stand gracefully together, mutually reflecting each other’s radiance. The composition, created with ink as the primary tone, sets off the bright red half lotus that is about to bloom. Warm hues are embedded in cold tones, the composition is animated and not monotonous; leaving the viewers with an unforgettable impression. Ancient Castle is a landscape painting of an entirely different flavor. Using faint color ink to outline the rugged mountains, the artist offers viewers a sense of miraculous transformation. On the top of the mountains, three red-roofed ancient castles are depicted with concise brushworks. embedded deeply inside the mountain ridges, the three red-roofed castles are both conspicuous and mysterious; leaving viewers with an unforgettable impression and infinite room for imagination. Ancient sayings tell us that, “one’s words is the voice of one’s mind,” “one’s writing reflects one’s personality;” and also that ‘the character of one’s art resembles the character of the person.” These maxims clearly delineate the dialectical relationship between the “character of one’s art” and the “character of the artist.” The distinguished qualities of Professor Yuhua Wang’s artworks have precisely come from the distinguished qualities of her character. Yuhua Wang lives a life of diligence, frugality and simplicity. even when she is sick, she takes care of her daily lives as usual, without letting other people lend a hand. Those who have met her are moved by her kindness, compassion, affection, elegance, and the nobility of her virtue. her exquisite and elegant works of art are precisely the reflection of her noble character. An art scholar once classified paintings into four classes: the class of proficiency, the class of wonderment, the class of divinity, and the class of ease. he considered art that effectively depicts the form of objective matters are deemed the “class of proficiency.” Art that is created with exquisite skill set is deemed the “class of wonderment.” Art that achieves the fusing of the idea with the spirit, the mind with the form; and manifests a style of its own is deemed the “class of divinity.” Art that depicts form with concise brushworks in a natural manner is deemed the “class of ease.” According to such classifications, I deem that the works of Professor Yuhua Wang have truly attained the state where her “art depicts form with concise brushworks in a natural manner.” her paintings are of the “class of ease.” (Gu Xingyi is a professor and supervisor of master candidates in the College of Humanities at the Guangzhou University. He is also a writer of the Guangdong Writers Association; and council member of the Guangdong Collectors Association.) n
A12 December 29, 2018-january 1, 2019 • La WeeKenD aSIan jOurnaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 29, 2018-JANUARy 1, 2019
SHOWBIZ&STYLE
B
Journal Showbiz remains favorite topic of Filipinos on Twitter WHATEVER happens, it happens on Twitter — the social media platform that used to restrict to only 140 characters per message or “tweet.” But starting November 17, 2017, this limit was doubled for all languages except Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Like last year, the Philippines’ Twitter timeline is again ruled by the entertainment industry in 2018. Filipinos have proven that Twitter is the go-to platform to track #WhatsHappening in showbiz, still the dominant conversation driver this year. Local and international talents
from BTS and EXO to Maine Mendoza and Mayward, teleseryes like “Bagani” and movies like “The Hows Of Us” had been rocking the screens, also ruling the Twitterverse as fandoms all over the country raved about their idols on the platform. The following are Twitter’s lists of the hashtags, accounts and topics that reigned on the platform in 2018: Top hashtags Over the years, Filipinos use hashtags to stay updated on various topics which they are most passionate about. For this year,
the Pinoy K-Pop fans ruled over as they unite all over the world to keep updated on their favorite idols. #MORPinoyBiga10. My Only Maine Mendoza Radio or MOR 101.9 For Life (@mor1019) has been known on supporting Original Pilipino Music. As such, every weekend they do a weekly round up on the most requested Pinoy music. Fans gathered on Twitter using the #MORPinoyBiga10 to tweet in their requested song of their favor Pinoy artists. #ABSCBNBall2018. This firstever #ABSCBNBall2018 has been Donny Pangilinan PAGE B2
REVIEW: Philippine film “Signal Rock” is a muddled excess of drama and plot Irregularities in tone, poorly-written female characters and a frustratingly unexplained murder are two of the major pitfalls of the official Philippine entry to the Academy Awards by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” -Psalm 95:1 In veteran Filipino filmmaker Chito S. Roño’s latest film, “Signal Rock,” a tiny rocky island off the coast of the small town of Biri in Samar, Philippines provides locals the only spot in the region that has cellular reception. Each day, citizens trek to the rock to reach their overseas Filipino worker (OFW) family members as a way to ensure that they are working regularly to send money. But most importantly, they want assurance that they are safe. According to the filmmakers, the film is based on true events from the late 1990s and chronicles a young man in his twenties named Intoy (Christian Bables) who is the jack of all trades in his close-knit town: he
emcees weddings and parties, he helps unload cargo and runs errands for all the titas and titos and ates and kuyas in town. As the ever-reliable helper, Intoy is also responsible for being the sole contact between his family in Biri and his older sister, Vicky (Judy Ann Santos, whose talent is tragically relegated to a mere voice on the other side of phone calls), who lives in Finland to work. Every day, Intoy gets on Signal Rock to reach his sister via mobile phone and asks her to send money to the family. This routine transaction goes off-route when Intoy discovers that Vicky has been emotionally and physically abused by her husband. What follows is Intoy’s The official poster for Philippine film “Signal Rock,” efforts to forge documents and by Chito S. Rono and written by Rodolfo Vera. recruit the help of the townspeople young daughter. The official poster in order to get Vicky back home for Philippine film “Signal Rock,” and help her win custody of her PAGE B2
GMA photo
ABS-CBN photo
Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla
ABS-CBN photo
B december 29, 2018-january 1, 2019 • La WeeKend aSIan jOurnaLEntErtainmEnt
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
‘Rainbow’s Sunset’ big winner at 2018 MMFF awards night by Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
DIRECTOR Joel Lamangan’s “Rainbow’s Sunset” was the big winner at the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival’s Gabi ng Parangal on Thursday night held at the Theater in Solaire. A story about a gay elderly couple, the film starring Eddie Garcia received 11 awards including Best Picture, Best Director Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Original Theme Song and acting trophies. Gloria Romero bagged the Best Actress trophy while Tony Mabesa and Aiko Melendez won Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Eddie Garcia and Max Collins also received the Special Jury Prize for the film. Yam Laranas’ “Aurora” received five awards including Second Best Picture, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Design, Best Cinematography and Best Child Performer for Phoebe Villamor.
“Rainbow’s Sunset” tells the story of a revered former senator who moves in with his terminally ill gay best friend. Photo courtesy of Heaven’s Best Entertainment
The trio of Vic Sotto, Maine Mendoza and Coco Martin’s movie “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles” received three awards including Best Float, Best Editing and the FPJ Memorial Award while Regal Film’s “One Great Love” received Third Best Picture, Best Musical Score and Best Actor for Dennis Trillo. Bulacan State University’s
“Kasilyas” won the Best Short Director Brillante Mendoza posted a “throwback” photo of him and actor Coco Martin with the poster of award-winning film “Kinatay” last Student Film. December 6. Photo from Instagram/@brillante_mendoza “The Girl in the Orange Dress” actor Jericho Rosales and “Aurora” actress Anne Curtis bagged the Star of the Night. Other movies in the film fest but didn’t receive any awards include “Otlum,” “Mary, Marry Me” Tarantino is an American direcBRAZILIAN author Paulo Coel- Film Festival. and “Fantastica: The Princess, ho took to social media to rave The film is centered on a crimi- tor whose works include “Kill Bill,” The Prince and The Perya.” n about the 2009 award-winning nology student, played by Coco “Inglorious Basterds” and “Django Martin, who went on to work as an Unchained.” Filipino film “Kinatay.” Coelho said that Brillante errand boy for a local syndicate. It Mendoza bagged the Best DiMendoza’s “Kinatay” is “one of depicted torture, beheading and rector Award for “Kinatay” in 62nd the most disturbing movies” he dismemberment. Cannes Film Festival. The film also The film drew mixed reactions won award at the Sitges Film Festiafter a wedding in a weak attempt watched this year. He lathered on praises on the from festival watchers. val in Spain in the same year. at a plot twist; the murder goes frusThe author said that if the movie Coelho is known for this works tratingly unexplained. (“Wait, what Cannes-winning movie: “Great had been directed by Quentin Tar- “The Alchemist,” “By the River happened to the brother who was screenplay, director, actors.” “Kinatay” is a 2009 indepen- antino — known for his strong Piedra I Sat down and Wept,” “Vebeheaded?” several moviegoers loudly asked at a recent screening dent film written by Armando hand in crime thriller genre — it ronika Decides to Die,” among othLao and directed by Mendoza. could made it to the shortlist for ers. (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar. in Los Angeles.) com) n Though the film was largely It premiered at the 62nd Cannes the Academy Awards. executed poorly and far too many scenes should’ve been left on the chopping board, the optics were gorgeous. Primarily, the strength PAGE B1 of “Signal Rock” relies on Neil Daza’s picturesque cinematogra- one of the most awaited events phy that captured the unabashed of the network as this year’s emotion and rigor of Bables’ bril- ball showcased the full roster of liantly acted performance. It’s raw Kapamilya stars compared to the without being overly exploitative of previous years’ which was limited the very real struggles lived by so to the Star Magic artists. #MaineMendoza. The reigning many OFW families, in the 1990s top female celebrity on Twitter, and today. Though the film is in excess of Maine Mendoza’s (@mainedcm) narrative flaws and incongruencies constant success shows her fans’ — which make it hard to believe endearment for her. Twitter never this was the Philippines’ official gets dull with Maine fans tweeting entry into the Academy Awards on their happiness and excitement (and unsurprisingly, did not get seeing their idol continues to nominated) — the representation bloom in her career. #PushAwardsMayWards. One of the grappling of OFWs and their families is a necessary addition to a of the most anticipated awarding Maymay Entrata and Kisses Delavin ABS-CBN photo cultural film oeuvre inundated with that recognizes today’s Kapamilya top online influencers promoting frivolity and oblivion of reality. n positivity in the digital realm is now on its fourth year. Using #PushAwardsMayWards, MayWard fans show their eagerness to get their favorite love team to win at this year’s #PushAwards2018. #ALDUBWithBroadwayBoys. Aldub has been consistently trending everyday. Without a doubt, fans continue to be very supportive of the phenomenal love team of Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm) and Alden Richards (@aldenrichards02), even though they have pursued individual projects. Last July 2018, Aldub fans were GMA photo definitely awed with their musical Alden Richards number from a Broadway musical, menting her status as one of the their favorite celebrity, particularly “Grease,” in the noontime show hottest personalities on Twitter. with Donny. Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm). where their love team was born, Loisa Andalio (@iamAndalioAs one half of the lauded love- Loisa). Loisa’s fans love to follow “Eat Bulaga” (@EatBulaga). #TheHowsOfUs. Topbilled by team #AlDub, Maine Mendoza her on Twitter for her pictures the famous love team of their continues to dominate Twitter as and her latest updates on acting generation, Kathryn Bernardo (@ the Most Tweeted About account. projects like #MMKBuhaySementbernardokath) and Daniel Padilla Her fans use Twitter to tweet their eryo. Fans love tweeting on their (@imdanielpadilla), the movie re- favorite pictures and TV appear- reactions to her latest TV roles and volves around a young couple’s ances of the beloved celebrity. of her admirable performances. dream of growing old together as Maine Mendoza uses the platform Bernardo (@bernardokath). they dealt with the ups and downs to connect with her fans real-time Kathryn Bernardo is adored by of a long-term relationship. The and to share personal snapshots of Filipino fans on Twitter because of movie was a blockbuster with her daily life. her update tweets about her life, Maymay Entrata (@maymay- her travels, collaborations, and her KathNiel fans sustaining the conentrata07). Maymay Entrata has pictures with love team Daniel Paversation on Twitter. #FavPinoyNewbieLoisa. Avid made her mark on Twitter by dilla. Kathryn is lauded on Twitter fans and supporters of Ex-”Pinoy using the platform to tweet the for her constant presence – letting Big Brother” housemate, Loisa most memorable #MayWard fans know that she recognizes Andalio (@iamAndalioLoisa), won moments and to thank her fans their support and is ready to share as this year’s Kids Choice Awards’ for being so dedicated. The fans, her life with them. #FavPinoyNewbie, leading ahead in return, pay back the love by Maris Racal (@MissMarisof fellow Pinoy celebrities, with tweeting their favorite pictures Racal). Actress Maris Racal keeps the support of her followers from and videos of MayMay and her fans engaged by posting vidloveteam partner Edward Barber eos of herself singing. Her fans the Philippines and abroad. #PushAwardsDonKiss. Another (@Barber_Edward). Her fans even love to witness her personality favorite love team is Donny Pan- gushed over her modeling career and talent on Twitter by liking gilinan (@donnypangilinan) and as she struts down runway at the and retweeting almost all of her Kisses Delavin’s (@KissesDelavin_ latest Arab Fashion Week. tweets. From her random musings Kisses Delavin (@Kisses- to more personal tweets about _) tandem. Their solid fans geared toward this reel couple in winning Delavin__). Kisses Delavin, an- being a woman, Maris is sure to other celebrity well-loved by be a recognized presence on the this year’s #PushAwards2018. #LaLunaTheFinalBattle. Fans the Filipinos, shows her quirky platform. held on to their seats and tweeted personality on Twitter by tweetDaniel Padilla (@imdanielpatheir excitement as their favorite ing her favorite reaction gifs and dilla). The “Teen King” made a fantasy series drew to an end. tweets her fans can relate to. She solid fanbase on Twitter who he Through Twitter, they commend- uses Twitter to drive conversation keeps updated with, on his latest ed the cast and the story thus among her fans. happenings, upcoming movies,TV Alden Richards (@aldenrich- shows and latest updates on the placing the TV series on the top ards02). Alden Richards uses KathNiel love team. trends. #KISSESConfidentlyYours. The Twitter to connect with his fans Most followed Filipino acfirst solo concert of Kisses Delavin about his show “Victor Magtang- counts (@KissesDelavin__) on February gol,” his daily life, and personal The most followed Filipino 24 at the Kia Theater was well- life lessons he deems valuable. Twitter accounts for this year loved by her fans. Proof is their Fans love his genuine spirit on the didn’t have much difference from non-stop tweeting and retweeting, platform and tweet him frequently last year’s. “It’s Showtime” host because of it. making this hashtag trending. and comedian Vice Ganda (@ Edward Barber (@Barber_Ed- vicegandako) still holds the top Most tweeted about Filipino ward_). Edward Barber uses spot for this year. accounts Filipinos love to stay informed Twitter to update his fans about Showbiz personalities Bianca as much as they love to talk about latest television projects and spon- Gonzalez-Intal (@iamsuperbianca) their favorites and latest gossips. sorships. He uses Twitter to be a and Daniel Padilla (@imdanielpaNo wonder why the Filipino favor- source of inspiration for his fans, dilla), interchanged their spots as ite, Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm) tweeting his favorite quotes with Padilla gained almost a million folclinched the highest place once accompanying images. lowers compared to last year’s. Donny Pangilinan (@donnyagain in the most tweeted about Host and comedian Vhong Filipino account. For Maymay pangilinan). Donny makes fans Navarro (@vhongx44) gained Entrata (@maymayentrata07), happy by constantly replying, more followers, allowing him this 2018 can be her banner year as quoting, and retweeting tweets first chance to join the Top 10 list. she placed second in the list, ce- that express the fans’ dedication to (ManilaTimes.net) n
Author Paulo Coelho raves about Brillante Mendoza’s ‘Kinatay’
REVIEW: Philippine film “Signal Rock”... PAGE B1 by Chito S. Rono and written by Rodolfo Vera. Vicky, like all the other girls from this town, leaves in search for work. But more importantly, they’re in search of wealthy husbands who can help provide them with a stable life. Another character, Gina (Mara Lopez), returns to the island with a much older, wealthy German fiance and introduces her former fiance, Kiko (Jomari Umpa), as her cousin. Gina reignites a tryst with Kiko amid her lavish wedding to the German, which puts Kiko in the difficult position of “does she still love me, or is she just using me?” Nearly all the female characters in the film are portrayed as zany, nagging or selfish counterparts to the largely loyal and good-hearted men, which in 2018’s call for diverse and complex characterization of women isn’t a good look. At the end of the film, when Intoy and his family finally get all the necessary papers in order and received confirmation from the related embassies, Vicky inexplicably opts out of coming home, completely nixing
the weeks of hard work and emotional turmoil Intoy had to endure. We only know Vicky through phone calls, so we’re not given any real context with her identity, choices and intentions. The lack of dimension given to the film’s women including Intoy’s mother (Daria Ramirez) whose charm surprisingly saves the day in the third act — may not have intentionally been set out to paint a toothless portrait of the provincial woman, but it certainly doesn’t answer the universal call for more fleshed out lady characters. But the female representation is hardly the film’s biggest problem. The narrative is far too stodgy; it’s as if the filmmakers tried to fit in as many subplots as they can, including a sex scene between Intoy and his girlfriend Rachel (Elora Españo) that didn’t fit the film’s tone as well as several tangents involving the other townspeople’s drama. There’s a point in between the second and third acts where you forget about Vicky and Signal Rock altogether. Late in the movie, a prime character is beheaded by his brother
Showbiz remains favorite topic...
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 29, 2018-JANUARy 1, 2019
B
Celebrities come together for a cause
Maris Racal entertain the senior citizens of Good Samaritan Home for the Elderly.
GIFT-giving came way before Christmas as almost one hundred Star Magic artists participated in the annual charity event “Star Magic Gives Back.” Proving that the Yuletide Season is always better when blessings are shared, Star Magic has chosen four institutions this year where some of the country’s biggest stars shared their time, talent, laughter and gifts with. The chosen institutions composed of orphaned kids and abandoned elderlies were Good Sa- Ryan Rems, Kitkat, Jairus Aquino, Sue Ramirez and Nash Aguas join the kids at Sta. Maria maritan Home for the Elderly in de Mattias. Marikina, Craniofacial Foundation of the Philippines in Manila, Sta. A JOURNEY THAT FELT LIKE GOING “TO HELL AND BACK” REACHES A HAPPY CONCLUSION WITH ATTY. MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL’S HELP. Roselyn Maria de Mattias in Marikina and (center) married her U.S. citizen husband and acquired her green card. Unfortunately, their love did not last forever, and Roselyn left her the Bantay Bata Children’s Village abusive husband. Unknowingly, she became involved in felony forgery – a crime that made her subject to deportation. When she applied in Bulacan. for citizenship, it was denied because of this past crime. After hiring three other attorneys and consulting with Atty. Gurfinkel at least four The happiness in the eyes of times, Roselyn decided to finally retain leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch this success story on how Roselyn the kids at the Bantay Bata Chilretained her green card, terminated her deportation, and paved the way for her naturalization in a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” dren’s Village were incomparable – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement) as they spent quality time with Piolo Pascual, Edward Barber, Maymay Entrata, Eric Nicolas, Enzo Pineda, Luke Alford, John Bermundo, Sharlene San Pedro, Piolo Pascual and Bantay Bata Program Iñigo Pascual and Zanjoe Marudo lead Director Jing Castañeda at Bantay Bata the visit at Craniofacial Foundation of the Heaven Peralejo, Ysabel Ortega, Children’s Village. Philippines. Vivoree Esclito, Yasmyne Suarez, Gerard Acao, Karl Gabriel, Luis ley Colet, Melizza Jimenez, Nikki nah Vito, Uno Bibo, Andrez del keep her green card and become Hontiveros, Mark Rivera and JM Gonzales, Amy Nobleza, Chantal Rosario and Erika Clemente. crime, and she was placed in ROSELYN obtained her green Finally, the children at the Craa U.S. citizen. card through marriage to a U.S. removal proceedings. Videla, Raine Salamante, Kira de Guzman. Watch how the Law Offices She first went to three other citizen. However, their marriage A fun yet heartfelt program and Balinger and Alora Sasam came niofacial Foundation of the Philipturned sour and love was lost attorneys, and the case dragged of Michael Gurfinkel was able to gift-giving event marked the elder- to visit. Child stars Bourne Luna, pines only had good memories to take Roselyn from deportation lies’ day in Good Samaritan Home Omar Uddin and Robbie Wachtel bring with them that day as they between the two. Roselyn on for years. The Law Offices joined the activities prepared by of Michael J. Gurfinkel took to U.S. citizenship on a brand- for the Elderly as Maja Salvador, also joined the group. left her husband, and became over and convinced the court new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” Gerald Anderson, Joseph Marco, unknowingly involved in felony Meanwhile, the kids in Sta. Ma- Zanjoe Marudo, Harvey Bautista, that her crime should not make –– on Sunday 6:15 pm PST/EST RK Bagatsing, Jayson Gainza, ria de Mattias had unique enter- Krystal Mejes, Krystal Brimner, forgery, a crime that made her (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/ Elmo Magalona, Jane Oineza, tainment and fun games together Mitch Naco, Daniela Stranner, her subject to deportation. The subject to deportation. When court agreed and terminated Satellite providers). she applied for U.S.citizenship, Sofia Andres, Maris Racal, Alexa with Sue Ramirez, Nash Aguas, Iñigo Pascual and Liza Soberano. Apart from donations in kind, her deportation, allowing her to it was denied because of the (Advertising Supplement) Ilacad, Darren Espanto, AC Boni- Jairus Aquino, Kim Cruz, Desiree facio, Axel Torres, Kyle Velino, Joj del Valle, Boom Labrusca, Ryan each institution also received and Jaj Agpangan, Lala Vinzon, Rems, Kitkat, Jenny Miller, Gillian P80,000 cash donations each to AJ AdsCarlos, 124 BeetLoren DetoxBurgos, Juice_Layout 11/15/18and 4:12 PM stars PageXia 1 Vigor, aid in their other needs. (Manilachild Sarah Hi- 1Vicencio yasmin Neri, Belle Mariano, Ash- Lance Lucido, Myel de Leon, Han- Times.net) n bread, sugar, pop drinks, ice natural, strategy is to eat less and cream, and other sweets) leads to burn more calories with physical a faster metabolism of these food exercises, making the output of items that have high glycemic in- calories (energy) greater than the PhiliP S. Chua, dices and floods the blood stream intake of calories (food). The use MD, FaCS, FPCS with high glucose level. This is of appetite suppressants could be WHAT triggers hunger and why those who eat a lot of these dangerous. There are hundreds of satiety? food items (rice is a great culprit!) items on the market shelves and The urge to eat (hungry or not) are feared to have a higher risk so-called well-ness, health, stores is, to a large extent, controlled of developing type 2 diabetes. that are untested, unregulated and regulated by hormones in Personally, much as I loved rice (a and unscreened for safety, sideour body. And these hormones 3-meal rice addict), I had decided effects, and complications, that fluctuate depending on how much to give it up following all the con- they are downright scary. Consult sleep we get, what types of food vincing scientific evidence today with your physician before using we eat and how much calories we of its link to diabetes. Could this any of them. What strategy helps? take in, and on how much physi- be the reason why the incidence For any of us, who have norcal activities we indulge in daily. of diabetes is very high among Scientific researchers are focusing Asians, especially among Filipi- mal weight (BMI) or overweight, on four specific substances they nos? The research on this is still exercise and calorie control are the healthiest way to maintain our call “fat hormones,” which our in progress. own endocrine glands in the body How about emotional stress? weight and health. This, of course, produce. There are hormones that When one is high on stress needs sacrifice and discipline, make one eat and there are also and low on energy, the body but the dividend is tremendously hormones that signal the brain tries to compensate by producing worth it. Health and longevity are to tell the person to stop eating. more cortisol hormone. This sub- priceless commodities we must These substances control hunger stance mobilizes the blood sugar work hard for. One technique my and satiety. transformation (glycogen into wife Farida and I learned from Which is the “hunger hor- glucose) and increases the blood our late world-renowned mentor mone”? sugar level to provide energy. in Pediatrics, Dra. Fe del Mundo The hunger hormone is Ghre- But it makes the person hungry. (who was seeing patients up to lin, which is secreted by our guts And so the person eats more. The age 94, and died on August 6, (stomach and intestines). When connection between cortisol level 2011, shortly before turning 100) its level goes up, we feel hungry and obesity is not a settled ques- was this wise counsel and simple and have the urge to eat. The level tion yet. Physical stress, like regi- brilliant common sense: “Pull of Ghrelin goes up when we get mented physical exercises daily, is yourself away from the table LESS less sleep or not enough sleep. another story. This has a positive THAN full.” What a sage advice! This is the reason why those who effect on our body in more ways My mother, who celebrated her are trying to lose weight should than one. While it also raises the 100th on November 17, 2018, in get adequate amount (about 8 cortisol level and increases blood Raleigh, N. Carolina, had been BY GRACE O hours) of sleep. An imbalance sugar, exercise burns calories and “calorie-estimating” (self-conmeal and stress also elevate the also helps put our body hormones trolled dieting) for decades as After the holiday parties and all of the Ghrelin level. Food deprivation in good balance. As a matter of far as I can remember. She still tempting dishes and desserts, I want to obviously increases the Ghrelin fact those who do daily exercises does her own finger-stick glucose get myself back on track health-wise. level, hence it is better to keep have lower risk of developing monitoring and measuring her This Detox Juice will help rid your the level of this hormone on an heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and own blood pressure every single Serves 2-4 Drinks system of heavy metals, cleanse your day. But what is more remarkable even keel and not fluctuate too cancer. 1 cup watercress (can substitute about her is her beautiful mind, much by eating regularly (or even liver, and clean out your colon. The What is Obsetatin? 2 Tbsp. spirulina powder) more than 3 times a day) but at a This is a hormone recently vivid memory, remembering all chlorophyll in watercress helps to purify 4 beets (peel on) stem and root controlled total calorie ceiling, to identified by researchers at Stan- the birthdays of my five children the blood of toxins. If you can’t get fresh removed, cut in pieces maintain health and body weight. ford. This substance has been and 10 grandchildren, to my envy watercress, you can use spirulina powder 4 oranges (peel on) cut in pieces So, starving oneself is not a good shown to slow down the diges- and frustration. While the birthday in its place. The watercress adds a spicy way to lose weight, since this will tive process. While the studies of my wife and our wedding anni8 ounces water tartness to the juice. The beets are to lead to a Ghrelin “boomerang” in on Obsetatin are still ongoing, it versary are indelibly etched on my 2 Tablespoons fiber powder sweeten up the mixture and give it a the latter part of the day. is postulated that this hormone, mind (for my own personal safety beautiful color, but they bring disease1. Place watercress, beets, and oranges Which is the “satiety hor- like the first three above, could be and longevity), I could hardly preventing anthocyanins to the glass as in a juicer. mone”? held in check by adequate sleep, memorize all those other dates. well along with nitrate which reduces Seriously, in the final analysis, The opposite or counter-hor- balanced diet, physical exercise 2. Stir the fiber powder into the water the best health manager and apmone, which is called Leptin, and minimizing stress. blood pressure and iron. The vitamin C until it dissolves completely. signals the brain when to stop eatAre appetite suppressants petite regulator for you are none in the oranges helps the liver function 3. Mix the fiber water into the juice other than YOU. ing. It controls the appetite. This safe? optimally. And the fiber powder will “satiety hormone” is produced by Most appetite control pills, *** take care of the colon. Drink up! fat cells in the body. When a per- juices, solutions and powders on Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac son loses weight, the leptin level in the market are not physiological Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana the blood stream also goes down. and unnatural way to suppress and chairman of cardiac surgery from As a result, there is a “rebound” (by force) the appetite for weight 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University weight gain. The best strategy in control. While they are readily Hospital, where he holds the title of losing and maintaining a desired available and very popular, they Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based weight level is to lose in a slow have potential adverse side ef- in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing and steady pace, about one to two fects on the heart, liver, kidneys the American College of Surgeons, the wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooks — pounds a week, and not more. In and brain in the long haul. Some Philippine College of Surgeons, and the The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently this manner, there will still be an serious complications, and even Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical won Gourmand’s ‘Best in the World’ Award for Innovation. She is a fusion chef effective level of leptin in the body deaths, have been reported from Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino to control the urge to eat. with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging the use of these diet substances. United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) What’s the effect of imbalance Since greater calorie intake than humanitarian foundation in the United science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry. meals? output is the cause of increase States. For more data, visit philipSchua. Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com High carbohydrate diet (rice, in body weight, the safest, most com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
From felony deportation to US citizenship, on a brand-new episode of ‘Citizen Pinoy!’
Appetite regulators
age gracefully
It’s Holiday Recovery Time!
Detox With This Potent Juice
Detox Juice
© 2015–2019 by FoodTrients.com
Health@Heart
B4 DECEMBER 29, 2018-JANUARY 1, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
FEATURES
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Kapuso stars bond with fans in year-end bash Sue Ramirez exposes basher on Twitter
GMA Artist Center held a yearend thanksgiving celebration at GMA’s German Moreno Studio on December 9 as its way of giving thanks to all its loyal fans and supporters. Hosted by Ashley Ortega and Marika Sasaki, the festivity was filled with lots of surprises and entertainment as the brightest stars of the network gathered to bond with their fans through various performances on-stage and on ground activities. “The Clash” grand champion Golden Cañedo together with finalists Mirriam Manalo, Danielle Ozaraga, Mika Gorospe, Lyra Micolob and Garrett Bolden touched the hearts of fans with their powerful song renditions. Paul Salas showcased his effortless moves in a dance number that sent the fans on a high. Kapuso boyband One Up, on the other hand, made the audience swoon with their sweet performance. Beautiful ladies Kim Domingo and Klea Pineda serenaded the fans with song numbers. Meanwhile, the young pool of stars composed of Althea Ablan, Vince Crisostomo, Zonia Mejia, Hailey Mendes, Kyle and Kleif Almeda, Janelle Lewis, Monique Vazquez, Yvette Sanchez, JJ Ararao, Bruce Roeland and Yuan Francisco also took the opportunity to express their gratitude to all their supporters. Adding excitement to the fans day were Sofia Pablo and Will Ashley who sang a kilig duet. The crowd went all the more delighted when “My Special Tatay” lead stars Ken Chan and Arra San Agustin appeared on stage and performed individual song numbers. The audience didn’t miss the chance to play games with Kapuso heartthrobs David Licauco, Kelvin Miranda and Manolo Pedrosa. Hearty cheers were also elic-
Life Coaching in a Different Perspective STARGAZER IN my last column, I shared with you simple tips on clearing energies in your homes. Here are more tips to keep energies of your house positive. I always practice the 4 S’s: SOUND, SMOKE, SALT and SPIRITUALITY. Let me guide you how to use them. Sound Sound disturbs the soundwaves within an area. When a room is unoccupied, negative entities love to dwell in quiet, undisturbed places. To avoid such entities occupying your empty rooms, keep a radio on that plays upbeat music or a nonstop talk show 24/7. You may also ring bells from time to time as you enter empty rooms. Upon entering, ring the bell a lot of times, go clockwise from the door, reach the corners and continue till you make a full circle to the door. If you don’t have a bell,
by JAN
MILO SEVERO Philstar.com
Bianca Umali
KAPAMILYA actress Sue Ramirez cried foul over a netizen’s alleged continuous bashing and harassment of her. On December 20, Sue exposed on her Twitter account a screenshot of a netizen who was always commenting and calling her names on Instagram. She also threatened to take legal actions if necessary. “This account has been continuously bashing and harassing me on instagram. to everyone who has the nerve to bash people online, always take note that there are laws against cyber bullying. do not wait for us to fight back. this is how i responded, she deleted all her comments,” Sue wrote. In the screenshot, the netizen commented on Sue’s post: “Bukas mg two piece kana lang sa show para bongga para mga lalaki lahat
Golden Cañ-edo
Garrett Bolden
MOONLIGHTING
Marika Sasaki and Ashley Ortega
Kate Valdez and Rocco Nacino
GMA photos
ited when fan favorites Bianca Umali, Sanya Lopez, Kate Valdez, Migo Adecer and Rocco Nacino graced the event to deliver holiday greetings.
Fans also took home different prizes and gifts from their favorite idols, making the occasion an unforgettable experience for everyone. (ManilaTimes.net) ■
Fixing the energies in your home (Part 2 of 2) do some clapping. Make loud, air full sounds while you clap. Put chimes all around the house so that it can swing and create sounds all throughout the day if the wind blows. Smoke Burning incense is such a delight for me. As I travel, I look out for incense that is native to the place or country. There are different kinds of incense. More popular with the Filipinos is the kamanyang. It is a mixture of myrrh and frankincense. I personally use herbs from the American Indians because they observe proper harvesting timing and do some purification rituals. But I suggest the use sandalwood or kamanyang to clear simple negative energies. Burn incense in identified dull dark places in your homes and these are; bathrooms, under the stairs, attics, basements, house entrance or front door, back doors, laundry areas and empty rooms. Salt In small glass bowls or a shot
glass, put rock salt almost to the brim. Put them in the four corners of the room and under the bed. This will keep some entities away. Salt is purifying so it keeps the room positively charged. Spirituality For Catholics, put St. Benedict medals on your doors and carry one on you. It would be helpful also to attach one on the clothes worn by a small child. Know what the inscription says and say it when you feel there is negativity around you. But what if the negativity is more than just stemming out from negative emotions? What if there are occurences, other than the usual, that is felt and seen? Some negative energies are also caused by negative spirits. And these negative entities have a more significant effect also on people. Some entities may cause sickness, disharmony among family members or sudden changes in behavior by family members. There may be some areas where accidents frequently occur. How do they make themselves felt in the house? Imagine yourself watching television and suddenly you see at the corner of the eye someone going down the stairs, a shadow moving across the dining area or what seems like smoke traveling in front of you. Perhaps you also hear rappings on the wall, inexplicable markings on the ceiling, dragging of chairs, slamming of doors, doorknobs turning, electronic devices and appliances turning on by themselves especially in the wee hours of the morning. They have a very uncanny way in making their presence felt in a house whatever religious belief you have or status in life. What then do you do? First, call a priest if you are a Catholic and have your house blessed. Other religions have their pastors or religious leaders do some prayers or casting out. Never try to do rituals all by yourself because spirits are unpredictable. You are not an expert to do this all by yourself. NEVER try to throw salt where you think there are negative entities. You might end getting sick or the spirit may retaliate. If, in spite of having the religious bless or cast away the spirit, symptoms persist, you may consider calling on experts. Call on a credible one, not just the albularyo (healer) who would always say there is a kulam (sorcery) or barang (spirit). Some spirits need something and I could always find out what it is. *** Stargazer is a life coach, aura reader, psychic/ clairvoyant, and lecturer on the paranormal. She uses the aura, energies & vibrations as focal points of her psychic readings. Using several techniques involving the psychological, spiritual, paranormal and her own experience of the intricacies of life, Stargazer makes one get in touch with his inner and understand life in a positive manner. Faith in God and belief in self is what Stargazer emphasizes on. Currently, Stargazer is a radio anchor of DZMM Teleradyo, the radio arm of ABS-CBN. Her show “Pinoy Vibes” has been airing every Sunday morning since Sept. 2007. For more information, please visit http://stargazer.ph/.
NEW Year’s Day – that arbitrary date in the calendar that compels us to take stock of ourselves and evaluate whether our loves, lives and careers are progressing in the ways they should. It is also a time to pause and reflect on the laughter and tears of the past year and what has been done and undone. Across America, given the fractured state of our collective hearts, attempts to embrace the New Year will be paddled with reverence, or a little whoop, a bit of holler and “Auld Lang Syne”; in splashes of patriotism, the traditional sounds of churning and noisemakers and fireworks that will mingle with the ringing of bells in churches, as the nation moves away from the historic tragedy of an unwanted ongoing war. It is also during the holidays when I feel the deepest moments of gratitude for the young men and women dripping with weapons, and standing for a frozen vigil on some lonely shore this Christmas and New Year’s Day, wishing they, too, could be home, sipping cider by the fire. Regardless, it will always be a day for voluntary kindness and charity for family and friends.
Sue Ramirez Photo from Instagram/@sueannadoodles
dilaan ka hahha yuck ewww dumi. dumi mung babae. nkkpaglaplapan sa starmagic ball duhhh nkkhiya.” “Hahhha wat a big eyes hahaha ang panget,” read another comment. In a classy response, the teen actress reminded the netizen of the law against cyber bullying and
even wished the basher a “Merry Christmas.” “You have been harrassing me for quite some time now and I don’t know what I have done to you for you to treat me this way. I have put up with it for a while, but this time I will not keep quiet about it anymore. What do you gain from calling me names? If you do not stop this bullying, I will take action againt it. If it is not yet in your knowledge that there are laws against cyber bullying, then I am telling you now,” she wrote. “STOP HARASSING ME. I hope you find it in your heart to change your ugly ways and I wish that your children dont grow up to be someone like you who takes joy in degrading other people. If you don’t like me then take me out of your life and stop checking/stalking my account. Thank you and may God help you and bless you. Merry Christmas,” she added. ■
Cheers to a New Year For celebrating freedom and the bounty it creates without undermining the fact that almost half of the globe has universally collapsed into a heap of poverty, devastation, denial and fingerpointing. I let the pine tree live, on that Christmas morning that came and gone. I threw open my window on a bright, delightful and shining world for the 76th time. The bustling street falls strangely quiet. The living room rests, ankle deep in the effluvia of ribbons, papers and bows, empty cardboard boxes that held presents. In the background, Tchaikovsky gives the evanescent joy of music into a yearning heart. Shedding the wrinkled skin of an old year gives a welcome sense of another chance. So welcome winter, welcome New Year’s. Is there a term for the way dusk drapes, begins at noon, and across around us in the next couple of hours? Is it after light or afterglow? Where are we headed? Do we take life as a journey, a safari or a pilgrimage, or perhaps as a garden if not as the highest art? We have lived the questions, ready to embrace the answers. Chronologically, we’re at the end of the year, yet at the beginning of a journey. We will make some discoveries, as we keep on a lookout for soulful markers that surround us savoring the stops along the way. These are what makes the
journey marvelous, meaningful and memorable. As you find and honor your own pace, stirring your mind, body and spirit, through the parting of the mists where faith and doubt meet, we will find, not who we are – but what we are. I am not fazed by cynicism and betrayals. I will sprinkle it on my oats, add it as a boost to my Ensure. It keeps me young. But for a week more, I will put all that on hold. Forget the cynicism, those that give you grief. Feed them to the alligators! If you’re sad at New Year’s you really have only yourself to blame. Candles, firelights bubbling wines can keep your heads above them. I will laugh when I hear favorite lines, salvaged only by the twisted wisdom of my colleagues. That pointed out that there were different rules for old women with money; I vowed to one day be one. And we least we forget this about Christmas and New Year. Children are the best ornaments. Friends are the best ornaments. Friends are the real feasts. Like life, the holidays will be over, before you know it. On the brighter side, the lengthening of each day from this point promised the vital return of spring. So welcome, winter. Welcome, New Year! *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.com
ANIME Impulse 2019 rings in the new year with the ultimate con experience
WITH 2019’s imminent arrival, ANIME Impulse is thrilled to embark on its 4th run. Ever committed to creating an incredible con experience for any and all anime fans alike, ANIME Impulse is a Japanese pop culture paradise that welcomes all. Occurring at the Pomona Fairplex from January 19-20th, con attendees can expect much to meet, much to do, and much to see. With the incredible Yashafluff as the con’s guest of honor, ANIME Impulse continues to offer attendees the opportunity to meet their favorite cosplay senpai and influencers under a casual and friendly atmosphere. This year, ANIME Impulse is thrilled to debut a brand new gaming corner for all to enjoy, featuring a full range of consoles from across the ages to pick up and play, from classics like Contra on the SNES to the much-hyped Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch. If competitive video games aren’t one’s thing, attendees are welcome to sign up for the Cosplay Contest and the Cosplay Parade, both magnificent opportunities for cosplayers to showcase their costumes in front of the eyes of many. Other attractions to expect include a full indoor itasha car showcase, a fashion show that will present the latest trending anime-influenced styles from the likes of Toshikigirl, Creator’s Guild and iiiiclothing at ANIME Impulse’s fashion show, and a splendid variety of performances
on the mainstage. ANIME Impulse is a thrilling two day anime convention brought to you by the creators of KTOWN Night Market, The EAT Show, and Asian American Expo. The event will take place at the Fairplex in Pomona (2705 Fair-
plex Dr, Pomona, CA, 91768), on January 19-20th, 2019. Online presale: $9 for a 1-day ticket, $17 for a 2-day ticket; at the door: $11.00 1-day ticket, $22.00 2-day ticket. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.animeimpulse. com/. (Advertising Supplement)
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 29, 2018-JANUARy 1, 2019
B
B december 29, 2018-january 1, 2019 • La WeeKend aSIan jOurnaL
Features
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
COMMUNITY
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 29, 2018-JANUARy 1, 2019
Journal
Your Immigration Solution Atty. SArA CroSS AS the year draws to a close, the holiday season, also known as the season of giving, is upon us. The holidays are a good reminder that what we give to others - our time, money, compassion and understanding - can matter a great deal to those on the receiving end. Not only does assisting those around us provide tangible benefits to other people and to our community, it can bestow perks back onto us as individuals; giving is a cycle beneficial to everyone. What you do for others and for the betterment of your community can matter a great deal in immigration cases. Many applications for immigration benefits in the U.S., including those asking for relief from deportation in Immigration Court, take stock of what the applicant has done to improve his or her life as well as the lives of those around them. In immigration law, this is generally referred to as “good moral character.� A person’s good moral character can show that not only are they invested in themselves and their future, but that they are also invested in their community and in America’s future as well. Volunteering to help others provides a palpable measurement for adjudicators to consider when evaluating an applicant. Good moral character can be either a discretionary or a prerequisite factor, depending on the application at issue. Either way, a person’s good moral character plays a role when applying for adjustment of status, United States citizenship, and cancellation of removal for non-legal permanent residents before the Immigration Court. In many cases, a person’s recent or extended period of volunteer work with organizations and others in their community provides strong positive weight for an adjudicator when weighing and evaluating the factors present in the application before them. Sometimes,
Consider volunteering over the holiday season to help others and yourself
“Many applications for immigration benefits in the U.S., including those asking for relief from deportation in Immigration Court, take stock of what the applicant has done to improve his or her life as well as the lives of those around them. In immigration law, this is generally referred to as “good moral character.� A person’s good moral character can show that not only are they invested in themselves and their future, but that they are also invested in their community and in America’s future as well.� recent and voluntary community service can make the difference between an application which is approved and one which will be denied. It really can be the difference between a green card or U.S. citizenship and being deported. In certain cases, prior criminal conduct or convictions within a specified period of time can make establishing good moral character particularly difficult. Prior bad conduct, while not resulting in a criminal charge, can even have an effect on your good moral character; this includes acts such as making false statements during a previous immigration application or border entry, even if many years in the past. Other acts, such as failing to pay your taxes or failing to pay child support can also weigh negatively on your good moral character as an applicant. In evaluating an applicant, the adjudicator must weigh all the positive and negative factors in that person’s character and their application. Good moral character does not mean perfection, and
a person’s character shouldn’t be destroyed by a single or isolated incident. That is why it is important to hire a knowledgeable immigration attorney who can evaluate a person’s specific and unique circumstances and determine the best way to proceed when assisting them in obtaining legal permanent resident status and citizenship in the United States. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. For more Information please call (800) 795- 8009 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)
60 COUNTRIES. OVER 100 CITIES WORLDWIDE. THAT’S INTERNATIONAL.
,1 3$571(56+,3 :,7+ 7+( '(3$570(17 2) )25(,*1 $))$,56 2) 7+( 3+,/,33,1(6 %$/,.%$<$1 0$*$=,1( ,6 12: ',675,%87(' $7 /2&$/ $1' )25(,*1 3+,/,33,1( (0%$66,(6 &2168/$7(6 2)),&(6 $1' 28732676 72 &203/(0(17 285 (;,67,1* ',675,%87,21 &+$11(/6 68&+ $6 %22.6725(6 +27(/ $1' 5(6257 52206 +263,7$/6 %$1.6 &/,1,&6 5(67$85$176 6+236 75$9(/ $*(1&,(6 (9(176 $1' 68%6&5,37,216
^chiV\gVb#Xdb$Vh^Vc_djgcVa
[VXZWdd`#Xdb$6h^Vc?djgcVaEjWa^XVi^dch
il^iiZg#Xdb$Vh^Vc_djgcVaXdb
lll#WVa^`WVnVcbV\Vo^cZ#Xdb
C
C december 29, 2018-january 1, 2019 • La WeeKend aSIan jOurnaL
Are you feeling hopelessly stuck in debt? A LOT of people who consult with me about their debt problems are going through the worst time of their lives. Unlike other problems in life that sometimes just go away on their own, debt problems will only get worse unless you do something about them. While dealing with debt and coming up with a solution can be challenging and nerve-wracking, there are usually options available. You don’t need to remain stuck where you are if you are willing to do what it takes to change your life for the better. Don’t confuse “hard� with “impossible� Some things may be hard but they are not impossible. Sometimes you need to adjust your thinking to gain a better perspective of your situation. Life is all about making choices. The choices we make today determine our future. What will my life be like 3, 5 or 10 years for now? Will I be financially secure? Will I remain in the same dead-end job or perhaps move somewhere else that makes my time more worthwhile? Will I be able to send my children to college? Will I be able to retire comfortably and enjoy my older years? These are questions that go through our minds all the time. Unfortunately, when you’re in debt, it’s not easy to come up with the answers to them. Why?
The Prophetic Voice ReVeRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAS AS Christmas season passed by, we looked at the photos of families and friends we shared on Facebook and Instagram and expressed a profound sense of gratitude to God. Thank God that we were able to push through another Christmas gathering. Thank God for siblings, nieces, nephews, and other family members who drove or flew from far places to be with us. Thank God for the exchange of gifts, the laughter and joy, the food, and drinks. Indeed thank God for a beautiful family celebration! Thank God for the Christian community we belong—for fellow worshipers and the witnessing of their faith. For those of us Catholics, thank God for the graces of nine days of Simbang Gabi, especially for being able to
Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon Because being in debt restricts your options most of the time. When you’re in debt, you’re basically just in “survival mode� all the time- just trying to live paycheck to paycheck. There’s no planning for the future. You barely make it from month to month. Your mind is just filled with money worries all the time that you can’t even enjoy your time with loved ones when you’re home. At the end of the day, you’re dead tired and just want to go to bed. The cycle repeats itself every single day. Sounds familiar? Well, I’m telling you that things don’t have to be this way. There is a better way to live. There is a way to take control of your finances again so that you are not just scraping by from month to month. If your debt problems have taken over your life, something needs to changeand the sooner you take action, the sooner you will turn things around. As a bankruptcy attorney, I understand that NO ONE ever wants
to file bankruptcy. It’s always a last resort. But if you’ve done your best on your own and your situation hasn’t changed until now, let me ask you this question: What are you going to do about it? Are you simply going to remain stuck in debt with no way out, wait until your creditors take everything you’ve worked hard for and have nothing left for yourself and family after all your long years of hard work? Is this your only plan? I know this may seem harsh but sometimes, reality is harsh. And if this is your reality staring you in the face, you need to do something about it or hate yourself later. Instead of hopelessly trying to pay your debts and not making progress, you may be better off just filing bankruptcy now to start fresh and rebuild your credit sooner than later. If you need help in getting out of debt, I would like to help you. Please call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Attorney Bulaon’s law firm at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)
On keeping peace and faith in family complete the novena of Masses in the evening or early morning. Thank God for the priests who celebrated the liturgies and inspired us with their well-thought homilies. And thank God for the people who served dinner or breakfast after each Simbang Gabi Mass. Beneath the joy and laughter of Christmas gatherings and photos of family and friends is the reality that there is no perfect family and perfect community. Indeed, we enjoyed the celebrations and expressed our wishes and sentiments for each other, but deep inside us are our struggles and pains in family and community relationships. We’re concern about our health and those of other people. We deal with our insecurities and anxieties about our jobs, our children’s future, and the political climate of our country and other parts of the
world. And so, here is our continuing challenge this coming new year: to keep striving for love, affection, understanding, forgiveness, and peace in families and communities throughout the year It’s the challenge that St. Paul tells us in the Second Reading this Sunday (COL 3:12-21): “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.� Mary and Joseph faced the same challenge as a family and members of a faith community. They tried to keep their family together by observing the Torah, the Jewish laws, and tradition. As pious Jews, they were aware of teachings on family relationships such as what we hear in the First Reading this Sunday regarding honoring one’s father
u PAGE C3
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
How to lose money in the stock market
Tax Stocks Tech Tips
(Part 2 of 4)
VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA
Allow Your Emotions to Drive Your Trades: Remember the internet dotcom bubble in the 1990s? Many of these companies lacked fundamentals. Investors, afraid of missing out, joined the buying frenzy. And lost. Malo. What to do: Take emotions out of the equation when buying or selling stocks. Don’t fall in love with a stock. Don’t follow the crowd who may be getting into overvalued assets. Instead, create a wellthought sensible investment plan and follow it. Lack of Patience: Patience is key to gains in the stock market. Buy good stocks and give them time to grow. Most people lose money in the stock market because they do not have patience. True, many of these people find a quality stocks but they don’t have patience to wait for their finds to grow. They want
quick results. Warren Buffett describes the stock market as a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient. What to do: Practice the same patience you have with your spouse. Oh, oh. Buy companies for life and hold them forever. This is vintage Buffett. Trying To Make a Quick Buck: This is a typical mistake among traders. People are always in a hurry to make money. They want to become rich quickly, want to be like Warren Buffett. But Mr. Buffet accumulated his fortune over five decades. And here you are, a beginner or average investor, trying to make a quick buck. Remember: Success in the stock market needs time and patience. Don’t be swayed by one news channel about a stock with great growth potential. Don’t load up on that one stock based on that one news item and hope for a great quick return. Novice investors who take
this scheme, lose and leave the market - lost opportunity during these golden years on the stock market, my friends. How sad. What to do: View the stock market as a place for investment – a place where you park your funds which you expect to grow in a reasonable period of time, not tomorrow, not next week. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.� Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Retreat, rest, re-creation and rejuvenation during this season
TIME and time again, that trite saying that “Man proposes, God disposes� manifests, when least expected! It happened to me last week before Christmas without any plans whatsoever. I am also reminded of the adage that if “you want God to laugh, tell HIM your plans!� He just made me realize again that HE is in control changing our travel plans before the New Year, as a visit nor stay in a hospital room this week was not in my calendar! It happened as a result of calling my primary care physician regarding an unusual chest pain and unique compression that I suddenly felt while pruning branches of a huge tree in my farmyard. My doctor ordered an EKG, and that graduated into another procedure called an angiogram to look what was happening in my heart and the entire cardiovascular system. Forewarned that I may need a “stent� during the same procedure, it turned out worse than that, as they discovered a couple of serious “blockages� in my arteries. The cardiologists recommended a “bypass surgery� sooner rather than later. Hence, drastic change
The Metamorphosis
eRnie d. delfin of plans the rest of the year and the next few weeks! A few days after that procedure (something that I have heard a hundred times since the time I was a controller of a hospital 40 plus years ago), I am now reading and learning about cardiovascular ailments up close and personal. Most likely, this heart condition will result into a drastic change of lifestyle if I were to follow the doctors’ orders. Funny that many of us Catholics or Christians including this writer want to go to heaven BUT we pray, “Dear Lord, please NOT yet!� This topic, likewise, was never planned. Serendipitously, I am writing it now as to share the experience that others are also going through and may be suffering in silence. Besides, it is the
easiest article to write without any more reading nor researching but simply writing from the (diseased) heart! To all my readers who are also undergoing any health challenges, I am with you and my ardent prayers are with you in your suffering or anxiety. With God’s healing powers and mercy, you too will have a speedy recovery to be whole again. With God, nothing is impossible! The last two decades, I have witnessed or heard tragic news of the untimely demise of friends and relatives from cancer, accident or heart attacks. (BTW, when is death ever is considered timely?) Since my own prostate surgery about 7 years ago, I have accepted my own mortality, and consciously live day by day, that every day is the last day of the rest of my life. Yes, I am no perfect human being and have also sinned against my God, and brothers and sisters in Christ. I have gone to confession many times, have asked forgiveness from HIM as I also did forgive those who trespassed against me. And that Christian paradigm of being vulnerable and forgiving
u PAGE C3
1VPU [OL [O (UUP]LYZHY` 7YVJLZZPVU VM!
5<,:;96 :,Â&#x;69 1,:<: 5(A(9,56 1HU\HY` r 4HZZ H[ ! WT
+(03@ :*/,+<3, 1HU\HY` UK >LKULZKH` ! 74 4(:: MVSSV^LK I` 5V]LUH 1HU\HY` YK ;O\YZKH` ! 74 4(:: MVSSV^LK I` 5V]LUH 1HU\HY` [O -YPKH` ! 74 5V]LUH MVSSV^LK I` 4(:: ' ! 74 1HU\HY` [O :H[\YKH` ! 74 5V]LUH MVSSV^LK I` 4(:: 1HU\HY` [O :\UKH` ! 74 5V]LUH MVSSV^LK I` 4(:: ' ! 74 1HU\HY` [O 4VUKH` ! 74 5V]LUH MVSSV^LK I` 4(:: ' ! 74 1HU\HY` [O ;\LZKH` ! 74 4(:: MVSSV^LK I` 5V]LUH 1HU\H 1HU\HY` [O >LKULZKH` ! 74 4(:: MVSSV^LK I` 5V]LUH 1HU\HY` [O ;O\YZKH` ! 74 5V]LUH MVSSV^LK I` 4(:: ' ! 74
9,*,7;065 H[ -Y ,K^HYK 3HUKYLH\Â?Z (\KP[VYP\T -VY TVYL PUMVYTH[PVU! 7SLHZL JVU[HJ[ 3PUKH
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 29, 2018-JANUARy 1, 2019
C
Important new leagl protections Can I get a green card if I have a previous for employees in 2018 marriage petition denied based on fraud? HERE are some important laws that were created or that took effect in California in 2018 to continue to protect employees: CA Supreme Court Tightens Laws on Independent Contractor Misclassification The Supreme Court ruled that a worker is properly considered an independent contractor to whom employment laws does not apply only if the hiring entity establishes: (A) that the worker is free from the control and direction of the hirer in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract and in fact; (B) that the worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; and (C) that the worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as the work performed for the hiring entity. The Court called this the ABC standard. The court noted that the term “independent contractor” ordinarily refers to an individual who independently has made the decision to go into business for himself or herself. A company that labels as independent contractors a class of workers who are not engaged in an independently established business in order to avoid the financial obligations of being an employer is violating the law. Thus, a worker hired by an entity is presumed an employee and places the burden on the hirer to establish that the worker is an independent contractor. If the hirer fails to show that the worker satisfies each of the three criteria, the worker must be treated as an employee, not an independent contractor. Even 5 Minutes Daily of Unpaid Work Matters A Starbucks employee was required to work four to ten
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrenCe yAng FIRST of all, let me wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS! We celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The divine became human as an expression of God’s love for humankind. Now what, pray tell does the title legal financial plastic surgery mean? Is this something hard to imagine? Not really. Plastic and reconstructive surgery refers to surgery that attempts to correct something on your body that doesn’t look right, for some reason. If your arms have suffered a third degree burn such that your skin and flesh have been badly damaged and charred, the plastic and reconstructive surgeon, can get healthy and undamaged skin from another part of your body, let’s say your butt which is not exposed to public view, and attaching that over your damaged arms. A successful surgery will give your arms new skin from your butt. Your arms will look like new. Another example would be for women whose C-sections got infected at childbirth such that their stomachs now have a lot of fat and are sagging and look like lumps of fat. The surgeon will cut them open, suck out the fat tissues, do some contouring by cutting off excess skin. After surgery, the stomach will become flat, and women get back their slim figure again. Yet another example would be for one whose nose was bitten off by a big dog. The surgeon will get cartilage from somewhere else and use that to shape and sculpture a nose. After surgery, the nose will look normal and good again. How about legal financial plastic surgery, how does that work? Well, in that situation, I am the legal financial plastic surgeon.
Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. additional minutes each day unpaid. Starbucks refused to pay him, stating that the employee’s time was de minimis time, which is defined as “insubstantial and significant periods of time beyond the scheduled working hours which cannot as a practical administrative matter be precisely recorded for payroll purposes.” The High Court stated that California did not adopt the de minimis doctrine found in federal law. Not only that, California law mandates that employees should be paid “for all hours worked.” Hours worked means “the time during which an employee is subject to the control of an employer, and includes all the time the employee is suffered or permitted to work, whether or not required to do so.” An employer that requires its employees to work minutes off the clock on a regular basis may not evade the obligation to compensate the employee for that time by invoking the de minimis doctrine. As demonstrated in the Starbucks case, a few extra minutes of work each day can add up. Employers have alternatives that allow them to track small amounts of regularly occurring work time, such as restructuring the work so that employees would not have to work before or after clocking out. Also, technological advances may help with tracking small amounts of time. Lastly, it is possible to reasonably estimate work time, for example, through surveys, time studies, or a fair rounding policy – and to compensate employees for that time. Updates to California’s Sexu-
al Harassment Laws A single incident of harassing conduct is sufficient to create a triable issue regarding the existence of a hostile work environment if it has unreasonably interfered with the employee’s work performance or created an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. California rejects the “one free grope” standard created by the 9th Circuit federal court in 2000. The existence of a hostile work environment depends upon the totality of the circumstances. A discriminatory remark, even if not made directly in the context of an employment decision, or uttered by a non-decision-maker, may be relevant, circumstantial evidence of discrimination. This rejects the “stray remarks doctrine” previously upheld by courts. Prohibits the release-ofclaims and non-disparagement agreements that are often slipped into contracts workers sign when accepting a job offer, or receiving a promotion, raise, or bonus. In many cases, workers unknowingly sign away their rights to bring harassment or discrimination claims to court or to speak out about sexual harassment and other workplace violations. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.] (Advertising Supplement)
Legal financial plastic surgery Let’s say you accumulated $40,000 of credit card debt over the years. Every year you added about $5,000 to your credit card debt. In year one, you ended up with $5,000 of debt. In year four, you ended up with $20,000 of credit card debt. In year eight, which is this year, you have $40,000 of credit card debt. The $40,000 of credit card debt now costs you a minimum of $1,200 a month, just to keep them current. Now that Fed Chairman Powell raised interest rates another .25 percent, against the express wishes of POTUS Trump, tanking the stock market like never before on Christmas Eve, it will probably now cost you $1,400 a month to keep those suckers current. I call them suckers because they suck your hard earned income from your household. We can compare these suckers to 120 lbs. of excess weight around your stomach, making your waistline 120 inches. This excess weight is not healthy for you, physically, emotionally and financially. As a legal financial plastic surgeon, I will cut your financial stomach open, suck out the financial fat tissues with a vacuum cleaner, then contour your financial body to a lean and slim healthy look. After surgery, you will immediately no longer have the $40,000 of credit card debt. Therefore, you will not have to pay $1400 a month anymore. You will look and feel physically, emotionally and financially very healthy. You can use the $1,400 a month that you will now save post surgery, for your future needs, be that college for your kids, or your retirement, or whatever. But you will have that money available for your own needs and you will add that money to your financial resources. That’s a savings of almost $20,000 a year. In five years, you will save $100,000. Invest that money wisely and it will keep on growing over
the years. In ten years, despite this stock market downturn, you may have $500,000 in your portfolio that gives you an income of $30,000 a year to be spent or reinvested while keeping your principal of $500,000 intact. Or, let’s say you owe $60,000 of credit card debt. I can’t just cut off the entire $60,000 because you own a house with equity that is $20,000 beyond the homestead exemption. I can cut off $40,000 from your $60,000 of credit card debt, and allow you to pay the $20,000 over five years at $350 a month without interest. If you complete the payment plan in 60 months, you will owe zero credit card debt. Or, your house may be going into foreclosure because you have not paid it for six months. You owe $30,000 of past due mortgage payments. The bank has sent you a notice of default threatening to foreclose your house if you do not pay the entire $30,000 in full. So this is like a cancerous tumor that will eat you up. I will cut off that tumor by stopping the foreclosure and allowing you to pay the $30,000 over five years, without interest. You will definitely feel and look better after legal financial plastic surgery! If you need debt relief, call my office for an appointment. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence B. Yang is a graduate of Georgetown University with a masters degree in Law and specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation. He speaks English, Mandarin and Fujian and has successfully represented thousands of clients in California, including companies overseas. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave., MAILSTOP 58 BUILDING A-1 SUITE 1125, Alhambra, CA OR at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789. (Advertising Supplement)
tening to them, and asking them questions. And the hard thing to swallow was Jesus’ response to their worries: Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house? Of course, Mary and Joseph could not be angry and complain out loud in the presence of the teachers of the Law. Deep in their hearts, they knew that Jesus was honoring his Father—not his earthly Father, Joseph—but his true Father in heaven. He was doing his Father’s business. Even then, Mary and Joseph experienced the fear of losing a child and being embarrassed as parents. But they have to keep believing and trusting and honoring each other and God. The Gospel tells us that as Jesus advanced in age and favor before God and man, he was obedient to them.
The Holy Family then is our model of a family that keeps facing the challenges and struggles of life. What keeps them serene and united in their belief and trust in God whose power and might rule over them in all life’s complexities, failures, and surprises! Happy New Year! *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
On keeping peace and faith...
PAGE C2 t
and mother. So without a doubt, they instilled in the mind of Jesus, the value of respect for one’s parents and unity in the family. But as we hear in the Gospel, fear and anxiety overtook them when they realized that Jesus was missing as they returned home with a caravan of fellow worshiper from the feast of Passover. How could they have lost sight of the twelve years old Jesus among the fellow travelers? How could they have presumed that he was enjoying the company of other children in the group? Like any parents, they must have felt guilty with their lack of attention to the young Jesus. As we learned from the Gospel, after three days of fearful searching, they found Jesus in the temple, sitting in the midst of teachers, lis-
DEAR Attorney Tan, I recently married a US Citizen, who is my second husband. He has filed an immigrant visa petition and green card application for me. My husband recently received from USCIS a Notice of Intent to Deny the petition that he filed on my behalf. The Notice indicated that the immigrant visa petition could not be approved since the USCIS had determined that I previously entered into a fraudulent marriage to get a green card several years ago. My ex-husband previously filed an immigrant petition on my behalf several years ago, which was denied since USCIS determined that I only married him to get a green card. My second husband and I truly love each other. What are my options? -- In Love but Out of Status Dear In Love but Out of Status, Under INA Section 204(c), a person who “attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage” in order to receive permanent resident status in the US is prohibited from obtaining USCIS approval of an immigrant visa petition. Simply stated, Section 204(c) prohibits approval of any immigrant visa petition if there has been a finding of “marriage fraud” in a prior marriage-based petition. Based on the above law, your case seems at first glance like an “open-and-shut” case in favor of denial. However, you still have hope of getting a green card—a person can apply for
Legal Advice Atty. DArriCk tAn and get his immigrant petition approved despite the prior finding of “marriage fraud” under certain circumstances. You may ask, how is this possible? Isn’t Section 204(c) straightforward? Not quite. The answer lies in the fact that USCIS must independently examine the prior finding of “marriage fraud” in considering the subsequently filed immigrant visa petition. Before invoking the Sec. 204(c) bar to approval of a subsequent visa petition, USCIS must make an independent determination of fraud based upon the record, including but not limited to any evidence gathered during adjudication of the prior visa petition, but may not parrot or rely on the conclusions made by other adjudicators. USCIS must have “substantial and probative” evidence of “marriage fraud.” Matter of Tawfik, 20 I. & N. Dec. 166, 168. The determination is to be made by the USCIS district director while adjudicating the subsequent visa petition. Matter of Samsen, 15 I. & N. Dec. 28, 1974 WL 29995 (B.I.A. 1974). The district director should not give conclusive effect to the determinations made in the prior proceedings, but should reach
his own independent conclusion based on the evidence actually before him. Matter of F-, 9 I. & N. Dec. 684 (BIA 1962). Therefore, in cases such as yours in which the USCIS has indicated it intends to deny the subsequent immigrant visa petition due to the prior finding of “marriage fraud,” new evidence can be submitted that demonstrates that the prior finding of “marriage fraud” was incorrect—i.e., evidence that shows that the prior marriage petition was based on a bona fide marriage, or that explains that the prior denial was based on an incomplete or inaccurate assessment of the facts. In cases in which the subsequent immigrant visa petition has already been denied, this new evidence should be submitted as part of a motion to reconsider. I recommend that you seek an experienced attorney to assist you in properly presenting the law and facts to the USCIS adjudicator to address the Section 204(c) bar. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Retreat, rest, re-creation and rejuvenation... PAGE C2 t has transformed me to become happier, accepting and more ready to accept what life has to offer. I try consciously to be prepared and to live without any regrets, so when my last breath of life comes, I will be ready to join my Creator. As a practicing Catholic, I pray the Lord’s Prayer and the Hail Mary at least once a day, and the grace that I have inside makes me unafraid of death. I am no longer afraid to face that inevitable end of life on earth, as I pray, hope and believe that there is life everlasting in heaven after
death.
*** As it is only a few days before the new year, what an opportune time to make another list of our annual New Year’s resolutions. Now on the practical side of things: to live fully and enjoy my life with my family, relatives and friends. I must resolve to consciously balance my life, in all the necessary quadrants — physical, mental as well as social and spiritual — to live, learn, love and leave a legacy. I will stop comparing myself with others, as I am my own person, unique and different. I must accept that what matters most in
my life is never the same as what others consider most important in their own lives. I have to be forever grateful and contented with what I have and not what I do not have. The measure of a man is not the same for everyone. We human beings often use different barometers to define what we call as life’s “SUCCESS.” Believing that our life is God’s gift to all of us, what we do with our own life is our gift to God. Whatever is contained in that little (—) hyphen that separates the year of our birth and death is all that matters in the eyes of God. I do believe that whatever we have
u PAGE C4
C4 DECEMBER 29, 2018-JANUARY 1, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Retreat, rest, re-creation and rejuvenation... PAGE C3 t
done or not done is the true measure that we will be judged and rewarded. Now, as my last column this year, (hope that there will be more next year and beyond!) let me share (again) my favorite RESOLUTION that is framed and hanging in my home office the last 30 plus years. “Resolutions” By Lloyd Shearer No one will ever get out of this world alive. Resolve therefore to maintain a reasonable sense of values. Take care of yourself. Good
health is everyone’s major source of wealth. Without it, happiness is almost impossible. Resolve to be cheerful & helpful. People will repay you in kind. Avoid angry, abrasive persons. They are generally vengeful. Avoid zealots. They are generally humorless. Resolve to listen more & to talk less. No one ever learns anything by talking. Be chary of giving advice. Wise men don’t need it and fools won’t heed it. Resolve to be tender with the
Calendar of Events across
young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving & tolerant of the weak and strong. Sometime in life you will have been all of these. Do not equate money with success. There are many successful moneymakers who are miserable failures as human beings. What counts most about success is how a person achieves it. A happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful 2019 to all! *** Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com websites: www.gkerc.org www.edelfin.globalgn.com
America
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS D EC E M B E R 29
UP Alumni Association Berkeley Chapter Celebrates 50th Anniversary The University of the Philippines (UP) Alumni Association (Berkeley Chapter) is celebrating its Golden Jubilee with a luncheon party from 11am to 4pm on December 29, 2018 at the Oakhurst Country Club in Clayton, California. All present and former members are invited, including alumni or graduates of the university’s high schools in Manila and Diliman, and the different institutes, colleges and campuses of the University. Interested parties are requested to get in touch with the following: Daisy Rodriguez (916) 768-9955, Henrietta Fajardo-Boyd (925) 433-3359, Diosy Rey (707) 315-2351 or Jay Castro (925) 899-8881.
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Starting the new year fresh with a divorce
Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES TO many people, the New Year signifies a chance to have a fresh beginning. People dispose of old personal items and clean out the closet in order to make room for the new. This is also the time of the year many people realize when a marriage is not working out and it may be time to start a new life as a single person whether or not you have children. You can decide to take action and file a divorce. Before you take any action, you need to think about your situation carefully. First, you should decide whether you should you move out of the family residence or not? If you and your spouse are communicating and have some type of respect left with one another, it may be more economical to continue residing in the same household until you resolve the issues in the divorce case. However, if your relationship is heated and riddled with conflict, then someone should to move out. If your spouse has threatened you, hurt you, or committed domestic violence, you may file a domestic violence temporary restraining order and request the court to order your spouse to move out of the house. In the same application, you may also request for custody, support, and attorney’s fees. If on the other hand you decide to be the one to move out, you should move somewhere close to your spouse if you have children to make it easier for both of you to co-parent with the children. Second, you should decide whether your spouse is the type who will disclose all the financial assets or not after you file for di-
SIPA and #HashtagLunchbag host food drive in LA
------------------------ 2019 -----------------------JA N UA RY 5
Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA hosts Gala in Burbank, CA Enjoy the glitz, glamour and allure of Hollywood at the Gala Night of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) on Saturday, January 5. Come dressed to the nines inspired by your favorite Cinema icons for a fun evening in an evening of dancing, good food and camaraderie for only $65 at the renovated Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport (2500 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505). FACCGLA members bring your friends and family, non-members welcome! Doors open at 6 p.m. Prefer to be a VIP donor? Sponsorship packages available at faccgla.org.
JA N UA RY 1 8
Santo Nino Celebration at St. Catherine Laboure Church in Torrance, CA Most Rev. Bishop Oscar A. Solis will celebrate the holy sacrifice of the Mass on Friday, January 18 at St. Catherine Laboure Church (3846 Redondo Beach Blvd. Torrance, CA 90504) at 7 p.m. The Novena prayers and Chaplet will follow after the Mass. The parish has an exact replica of the Infant of Prague (Santo Nino) clothed in a relic of the Holy Robe that adorns the original statue in the shrine at Prague. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own statues; the devotion of touching them to the Holy Robe will conclude the celebration. For more information, please contact Lorna Arceo at (310) 345-4637, Maria Quan (310) 714-6537 or Vicki & Romy Balliyut at (310) 406-6575.
JA N UA RY 1 9
Sto. Niño celebration at St. Finbar Church in Burbank, CA Please join us for Sinulog on January 19, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Finbar Church (2010 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91506). Bring your statues of the Infant Jesus. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m.
JA N UA RY 2 0
Feast of Sto. Niño at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in LA On Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 3:30 pm, the Santo Niño Cruzada USA will sponsor a mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to be presided by its Pastor, Fr. David Gallardo, and to commemorate its 32nd year anniversary of the solemn Feast of Santo Niño, the Divine Infant Jesus. Participating are the choir of St. Paul the Apostle Church from Chino Hills, The Southern California Sinulog Dance Co., The Saint Junipero Serra Province Knights of Columbus, and various religious organizations. We also offer the mass to the late Cardinal Ricardo Vidal of Cebu who gave the Santo Nino statue that we use for this event to Cardinal Roger Mahony and Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik. For more information of this celebration, please contact Romy & Tess Esturas at (213) 219-0590.
F E B R UA RY 9
St. Finbar Church in Burbank, CA celebrates its 9th Annual Valentine Dinner Dance Come and celebrate Hollywood glamour on February 9, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For information contact Marian at (818) 562-6819 or send an email to minobleza@yahoo. com.
F E B R UA RY 1 5
Franchising Retail & Trade Conference in Cerritos, CA The Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC) hosts this highly anticipated business event at the Cerritos Sheraton located at 12725 Center Court Drive South, Cerritos, CA 90703. Attendees will have access to opportunities in business match making & referrals, roundtable discussions, entrepreneurship training programs, and networking & business connections with participants representing both the United States and the Philippines. Business owners, entrepreneurs, corporations, and the general public are all invited to attend. The Philippine Retailer Association (PRA) and the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) will be present to network with the US business community. Also present will be local franchisor and franchisee business owners, the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA), the National Asian American Coalition (NAAC), the National Diversity Coalition (NDC), the Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program, the Philippine Consulate Los Angeles Office, Philippine Dept. of Trade & Industry (PTIC) Los Angeles, and the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA).Basic entry is only $10 but can and will vary depending on the participation experience desired. Registration for the Conference is simple and is processed online at by going to https://cofacc.org.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
or court order. fam c 2040(a)(4). There are exceptions to the above restrictions. One exception is for property transfers in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life. Examples would be property transfers as part of your usual business operations or to pay for usual household living expenses. Another exception is payment of reasonable attorney’s fees. fam c. 2040(a)(2). If you need to do any transactions that may violate the ATROS, it is best to do it prior to filing and serving the divorce petition provided you do not breach your fiduciary duty to your spouse. If you are thinking of filing a divorce, it is best to consult an experienced family law attorney before taking any action. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
The importance of Advance Health Care Directives
Commentary
D EC E M B E R 3 0
Give back to the Los Angeles community by volunteering with Search Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) and #HashtagLunchbag on Sunday, December 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as we spread love by making sandwiches for those who need it the most! Join us as we assemble sandwiches, create notes of encouragement, decorate bags, and ensure that homeless people have a meal. The event will be happening at 3200 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026. Parking is available on Dillion/Temple and Robinson/Temple. Donations of $5+ are not required, but are highly suggested so that we can continue to have community service events like these. For any questions, contact Maria Carmel Valendez at mvalendez@esipa.org.
vorce. Although the family code (family code 2100 et seq.) imposes a duty to disclose all material facts and information, spouses’ are not always forthcoming in disclosing completely all assets, debts, income and expenses specially after a divorce case is commenced. What sometimes happens is once a divorce case is commenced, assets are either not disclosed, disappears, or documents/ bank statements are not produced even with formal discovery. You should gather and make copies of all financial documents before filing the divorce. Third, there is an automatic temporary restraining order (ATROS) in place once you file and serve your spouse with the divorce papers. The four standard mutual restraining orders are 1) removing their minor children from the state without the prior written consent of the other party or a court order. family code Section 2040(a)(1) 2) restraint from transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate without the other party’s written consent or court order; fam code 2040(a)(2) 3) restraint from cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability held for the benefit of the parties and their child for whom support may be orders. Fam C 2040(a)(3). 4) restraint from creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in a manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer without the other party’s written consent
IN this week’s column, we will address the Advance Health Care Directives (AHCD), also known as a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. An AHCD allows you to plan and to ensure you get the medical care you would want in the event that you become incapacitated. First, the AHCD enables you to appoint a health care agent, who will have the legal authority to make healthcare decisions if you are no longer able to speak for yourself. Second, the AHCD allows you to create written instructions for your agent and specify what medical treatment you do or do not want if you lack the capacity to do so in the future. In selecting a health care agent, you should choose a person that you trust such as a family member, spouse, partner or close friend. The person you choose should know your personal values and beliefs. If possible, you may want to choose someone who lives in your area
in case they are called upon to direct your treatment for an extended period of time. It is very important to discuss your health care wishes with your agent and be sure he or she understands the responsibilities of a health care agent and is willing to act on your behalf. The agent you select will not be liable or responsible for any of your medical bills unless that person is already legally responsible for your debts. To give your healthcare agent (or another individual) authority over your financial affairs, you can do so through a separate legal procedure, such as Durable Power of Attorney for finance. Creating an AHCD is not only essential for people who are getting old or who are getting sick, but it is an important tool for everyone since unexpected situations may arise at any time. This document offers the best assurance that decisions regarding your medical care will reflect your own values and desires. It also eases the burden on your family from making difficult end-of-life choices. In situations where there is no AHCD, the person you want to make decisions on your behalf may not be able to
do so and may need to go to the court to obtain legal authority, which is often a costly and timeconsuming process. Laws concerning advance directives vary from state to state. If you executed an advance directive in another state, you should also confirm that the document meets California’s legal requirements. If you would like assistance completing an AHCD or have questions about your situation, please contact Advancing Justice - L.A’s Tagalog helpline at (855) 300-2552. *** Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NHPI). Founded in 1983 as the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Advancing Justice - LA serves more than 15,000 individuals and organizations every year. Through direct services, impact litigation, policy advocacy, leadership development, and capacity building, Advancing Justice - LA focuses on the most vulnerable members of Asian American and NHPI communities while also building a strong voice for civil rights and social justice. For more information, please visit https:// www.advancingjustice-la.org/.
People and Events
Feast of Santo Niño on Jan. 20, 2019 ON Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 3:30 pm, the Santo Niño Cruzada USA will sponsor a mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to be presided by its Pastor, Fr. David Gallardo, and to commemorate its 32nd year anniversary of the solemn Feast of Santo Niño, the Divine Infant Jesus. Participating are the choir of St. Paul the Apostle Church from Chino Hills, The Southern California Sinulog Dance Co., The Saint Junipero Serra Province Knights of Columbus, and various religious organizations. We also offer the mass to the late Cardinal Ricardo Vidal of Cebu who gave the Santo Nino statue that we use for this event to Cardinal Roger Mahony and Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik. Although the devotion to Santo Niño has roots in Europe, Filipino immigrants brought their Santo Nino images to America for spiritual recourse and assistance celebrating their fervent devotion religious and civic festivities. Our path to success is through the dedication and commitment of officers and members whose goals are to promote devotion to Santo Niño, provide individual sanctifications, be united with other Santo Niño groups, support religious vocations and give assistance to those in needs. We celebrated the first Feast of Santo Niño in 1988 at then Saint Vibiana’s Cathedral in downtown Los Angeles. For more information of this celebration, please contact any of the following members:
Photo couretsy oflasagradaexpedicion
Romy & Tess Esturas (213) 2190590; Rey & Tess Edpao (818) 469-7292; Carmen Estrada (213) 413-2881; Fe Montano (323) 218-1587; Lilia Figuracion (626) 341-3373; Fe Reyes (213) 4135286; Cherry Montenegro (213) 747-6508; Tessie Cruz (213) 361-0937; Vicky Samia (818) 851-2262; Cherry Nicodemus (323) 304-6195; Lourdes Cronin
(310) 880-6069; Purita Prather (626) 641-1619; Belen Chavez (213) 500-3502; and Cecille del Rosario (213) 387-6982. Let us keep the faith, share the love and show compassion to one another. “There is a child in each and every one of us. Let the spirit of Santo Niño be with us throughout 2019” ■
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 29, 2018-JANUARy 1, 2019
)ROORZ XV RQ
C
C december 29, 2018-january 1, 2019 • La WeeKend aSIan jOurnaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 29, 2018-JANUARY 1, 2019
D1
MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM Hiring an attorney does not mean you Economy seen faring better in 2019
&
are ‘guilty’ or did anything wrong
DEAR Attorney Gurfinkel: I’ve been told by friends that having an attorney handle your immigration case is a sign that you are “guilty” or not entitled to the immigration benefit. After all, if you’re entitled or eligible, then why do you need an attorney? I thought my immigration case was simple and straightforward, and I could handle it myself. Besides, I thought it would make me look guilty to hire an attorney, and I would also save money and attorney fees. But now my case has been dragging on for years, I’ve gone to multiple interviews, USCIS keeps asking for more evidence, and when I try to find out what’s going on, I can’t get a clear or straight answer or explanation. I don’t know what to do. Is it true USCIS will hold it against a person if the person has an attorney represent them and handle their case? Very truly yours, TG Dear TG: It is not true that hiring an attorney to handle your case or represent you is a sign of guilt. In my opinion, having an attorney represent you greatly increases your chances of success. I believe the USCIS has no problems with attorneys handling a person’s case, as it may even make USCIS’s job much easier. • An attorney knows the law and the requirements for the particular immigration benefit you are applying for. The attorney can evaluate your case and knows the necessary and relevant supporting documents, cite the applicable law, and package your application so that
Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ it meets the appropriate requirements. • An attorney can accompany you to any interview or hearing to make sure there’s no misunderstandings or miscommunication resulting in a denial or deportation/removal proceedings. The attorney can also argue or discuss the legal issues with the officer, demonstrating your entitlement to the immigration benefit you are applying for. • If the officer has any questions or suspicions, the attorney can help gather the necessary evidence to address those questions or suspicions and demonstrate your eligibility. • When a person represents themselves (and doesn’t have attorney assistance) they may not know what the requirements are, and may provide documents that are not necessary or may actually be harmful to their case, or they don’t include necessary documents, or fill out the forms incorrectly. • Homeland Security is taking a very tough and aggressive position on immigration, with policy memorandum stating that cases can be denied outright if lacking certain documents or required information. After that, the person could be placed in deportation. So, it is not safe to assume that, “I’ll try it on my own, and if I get denied, then
I’ll go to an attorney.” By then, it may be too late. One of the most important things in a person’s life is their immigration status. It means their future (and their family’s future) in the U.S., working at a well-paying job, the ability to travel to the Philippines and back, etc. With something as important as that, a person should not be looking for ways to cut corners or save money by trying to get status by themselves, and possibly messing up their case. Simply put, having an attorney handling your case is not a sign of guilt or wrongdoing. It simply shows you want it done correctly because you’re entitled to the benefit. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINE (Advertising Supplement)
Business Quote of the Week “You don’t need to be a genius or a visionary, or even a college graduate for that matter, to be successful. You just need framework and a dream.” —Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies
Reforms helped propel PH to impressive streak of 79 consecutive quarters of uninterrupted growth
by DORIS
DUMLAO-ABADILLA Inquirer.net
AFTER a very challenging 2018, the coming year is seen to be much better for the Philippine macroeconomy. This was the consensus among economic managers and business leaders at the “Pilipinas Conference” recently organized by independent think tank Stratbase ADR Institute in Makati City. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the Philippine economy was poised to sustain strong growth in the coming years. He also assuaged concerns on overheating. “Reforms have helped propel the economy to an impressive streak of 79 consecutive quarters of uninterrupted growth. That means 19 years and three quarters since the first quarter of 1999. Moreover, the structural reforms have been translated into higher potential output for the economy,” Guinigundo said. Based on BSP estimates, potential output growth has been rising, averaging 6 percent for the period 2010 to 2017. “So, the talk about the large output gap is without basis. Our output gap is either a small positive or a small negative. So, the issues about overheating are quite misplaced,” Guinigundo said. An output gap suggests that an
This file photo taken on Dec. 20, 2018 shows traffic in Manila, Philippines. Overhauling the Philippines’ outdated infrastructure could catapult the nation into the ranks of the world’s largest economies in the next 15 years, a London-based consultancy said. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban
economy is running at an inefficient rate—either overworking or underworking its resources. It is an economic measure of the difference between the actual output of an economy and its potential output. Neither a positive or negative output gap is ideal. A positive output gap occurs when actual
output is more than full-capacity output, which happens when demand is very high and factories and workers operate far above their most efficient capacity. A negative output gap, on the other hand, means that there is spare capacity, or slack, in the economy due to weak demand. PAGE D2
Better infra to catapult Philippines into top economies by 2033 — report by MAYVELIN
U. CARABALLO Manilatimes.net
OVERHAULING the Philippines’ outdated infrastructure could catapult the nation into the league of the world’s largest economies in the next 15 years, a London-based consultancy said. The Philippine economy is predicted to rank 22nd by 2033 in
terms of gross domestic product, according to the latest 193-nation World Economic League Table published by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) on Wednesday, December 26. Before securing the 22nd spot in 2033, CEBR forecasts the Philippines to rank 40th this year, 39th in 2019, 28th in 2023 and 25th in 2028.
Compared to its peers in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is projected to outgrow Malaysia (25th), Vietnam (30th), Singapore (40th), Myanmar (61st), Cambodia (99th), Lao PDR (105th) and Brunei (133rd) in 2033. The Philippines, meanwhile, would be behind Indonesia (12th) and Thailand (21st) a decade and a half from now. (Philstar.com) ■
D december 29, 2018-january 1, 2019 • La WeeKend aSIan jOurnaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Philippines to continue incurring Elections, reform fatigue CA deficit, says Fitch ratings seen delaying tax reforms by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
THE country may experience wider current account (CA) deficits in the next two years due to strong capital goods imports and a sharp slowdown in exports, according to Fitch Ratings. The debt watcher said the country’s CA shortfall may hit 1.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 and 2020, around the same level as the projected two percent of GDP in 2018. Fitch said the widening CA deficit reflects the government’s strong demand for imported capital goods due to its massive infrastructure projects. However, Fitch said remittances and services exports related to the business process outsourcing and tourism sectors are forecast to remain strong and would keep the deficit from widening sharply. The CA position measures the net transfer of real resources between the domestic economy and the rest of the world. It consists of transactions in goods, services as well as primary and secondary income. Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed the country’s CA position incured a deficit of $6.5 billion or 2.7 percent of GDP from January to September, reversing the $968 million surplus or 0.4 percent of GDP in the same period last year.
by MayveLin
U. carabaLLo Manilatimes.net
Philstar.com file photo
This shortfall was brought about primarily by the continued widening deficit in the tradein-goods account that jumped by 33.2 percent to $36.9 billion from January to September, wiping out the higher net receipts posted in the trade-in-services, primary and secondary income accounts. Foreign direct investment inflows increased to $8 billion in the first nine months, up 24 percent from the same period last year, suggesting foreign investor sentiment remains positive. “In addition, the Philippines is less vulnerable to large outflows compared with some of its neighbors in the region, given lower non-resident holdings of domestic debt and equities, although foreign outflows are likely in 2019 as global monetary conditions continue to tighten,” it said.
Fitch said the recent passage of the 11th regular foreign investment negative list could further ease restrictions on foreign investment. The BSP sees the country’s CA deficit widening to $6.4 billion or 1.9 percent of GDP this year and further to $8.4 billion or 2.3 percent of GDP in 2019. The revised projection is more than double the previous forecast of $3.1 billion or 0.9 percent of GDP announced last May. This would be the widest shortfall since the CA recorded a deficit of 2.3 percent of GDP in 2001. “A widening current-account deficit amid tighter global monetary conditions and a stronger dollar drove the peso down by around six percent against the U.S. dollar in the year to date,” Fitch said. n
Concerns over Trabaho bill revival grip firms by roy
Stephen c. caniveL Inquirer.net
THERE is no lasting peace when a fight ends in a truce, for there is always the fear that hostilities will resume. And so, although a divisive tax package failed to get passed this year, some members of the business community have not let go of their concerns over the measure since the bill will just likely be refiled in 2019. There is no lasting peace when a fight ends in a truce, for there is always the fear that hostilities will resume. And so, although a divisive tax package failed to get passed this year, some members of the business community have not let go of
their concerns over the measure since the bill will just likely be refiled in 2019. In essence, the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-quality Opportunities (Trabaho) bill has two main goals. One, it wants to slowly lower the corporate income tax (CIT), easing the burden on local companies after years of paying a 30-percent CIT, one of the highest rates in Southeast Asia. The business community is united in wanting the CIT to be lowered, although there have been criticisms thrown at how slow the scheduled decrease is, since the CIT will only hit 18 percent in 2029. The bill also wants to rationalize tax incentives, at the same
time, casting a cloud of uncertainty on industries that have—in part—used these perks to invite companies to set up shop in the Philippines, a way to offset the otherwise high cost of doing business here. These industries include companies into manufacturing and business processing. Many of these are located in economic zones, where they are registered under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). Uncertainties over tax perks have already adversely affected investment decisions, according to Rey Untal, president and CEO of the Information Technology and Business Process Association PAGE D3
THE midterm elections and foot-dragging could continue to delay the passage of the Duterte administration’s pending tax reform measures, Japan’s Nomura said. “The midterms will likely pose some uncertainty to the prospects for fiscal reform through the rest of President [Rodrigo] Duterte’s administration,” Nomura said in a recent report. “There are signs of reform fatigue as the implementation of Package 1 led to some public backlash and the perception that it contributed to this year’s surge in inflation,” it added. The 17th Congress has so far passed just one of the Duterte government’s tax reform packages, the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Act that took effect at the start of the year. The law, which provided income tax exemptions for those earning P250,000 and below and sought to make up for the revenue loss by imposing new taxes on fuel and sugar-sweetened beverages, among others, has been blamed for stoking inflation, which blew past the 2.0-4.0 target in March and hit a
nine-year high of 6.7 percent in September. Package 2, which calls for the gradual lowering of corporate income taxes and the streamlining of incentives offered to investors, was approved by the House of Representatives in September but has been held up in the Senate over concerns that the loss of perks could lead to job losses and turn off investors. The Senate’s counterpart version, the proposed Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Reform Act, remains pending at the ways and means committee. Economic managers had wanted a final bill approved by the end of 2018 at the latest. A tax amnesty under Package 1B, meanwhile, has been passed by both chambers but the Department of Finance wants its recommended measure, which includes provisions not included in the Train Act such as changes to the bank secrecy law, approved. Bills covering reforms proposed in other packages, such as higher taxes on alcohol and tobacco, and the proposed Passive Income and Financial Taxation Act, were rushed to third reading approval by the House earlier this month but have yet to be acted upon by the Senate.
Legislators are currently on a month-long break and will return to work on January 14, 2019, only to adjourn session a month later as campaigning for the midterm elections starts. Session will again resume on May 20 — after the May 13 elections — but will only run for three weeks, after which the 17th Congress’ term officially ends. This means all pending bills will have to start from square one under the 18th Congress, whose first regular session starts July 22. Given the fallout from the Train law’s implementation, Nomura said it was likely that “the remaining packages will also face further delays.” “In that scenario, the pace at which related legislation can be passed will depend on the outcome of these elections, i.e., whether President Duterte’s allies win and he retains his ‘supermajority’ in Congress,” it added. Nonetheless, Nomura said the legislative delays would have limited implications for spending or fiscal risks. “We do not expect these delays to increase fiscal risks in the near term or to affect spending priorities, particularly infrastructure spending which is gaining more traction,” it said. n
Economy seen faring better in 2019 PAGE D1 t George Barcelon, chair of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the economy would certainly grow in 2019 but it could be higher if more reforms—particularly those aimed at uplifting small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs)—would be fully implemented. “Ease of doing business, power facilities can help SMEs to propel the growth of countries. The government should focus on both education and skills training, which is crucial for economic growth and what causes us for being uncompetitive,” Barcelon said. In addition, Barcelon said the government should act consistently with the law to entice conglomerates to invest. Economist Raul Fabella, professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines School of
Economics, compared economic growth as the “new normal versus old normal.” Fabella said that in the second year of Duterte’s administration, growth in manufacturing slowed down and expressed hope that this would not persist as manufacturing is linked to poverty reduction. “Inclusion as poverty reduction fares better when manufacturing growth exceeds services growth in low-income countries,” Fabella said. “A balance between strategic engagement and strategic retreat is imperative for managing the economy and steering the country’s development. In short, state-market synergy is key to address the primordial concern of a developing nation like the Philippines,” said Stratbase ADRi president Dindo Manhit. “Poverty reduction and labor expansion should be prioritized to demonstrate the presence of
inclusive growth. The volatile growth of the manufacturing sector in relation with the service sector reveals an indeterminate improvement for labor. In turn, poverty reduction cannot simply be addressed through doleouts. Reducing poverty undeniably necessitates both political and economic reforms,” he said. Calixto Chikiamco, president of the Foundation for Economic Freedom, said the country failed to achieve its target of reducing poverty incidence to 17.2 percent by 2015 and instead hit 21.5 percent. “The slowdown in overseas Filipino workers’ remittance growth, innovations in business process outsourcing sector, import growth far outpacing export growth, and declining government international reserves are among the challenges of rising current account and trade deficit,” Chikiamco said. n
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 29, 2018-JANUARy 1, 2019 D
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Concerns over Trabaho bill revival grip firms... Groundbreaking for Metro Manila subway set in January 2019
PAGE D2 t of the Philippines. “While the bill has not been passed, uncertainties related to the rationalization of fiscal incentives continue to impact investment decisions to retain or locate operations in the country, thereby also negatively influencing the growth of hundreds of thousands of jobs,” he said. “This year, we saw its effects when we were affected by the wait-and-see attitude of investors and potential locators due to a number of geopolitical issues and uncertainty over the incentives rationalization, which led to our slower-than-expected growth for the past 18 months,” he added, referring to an 18-month review that traced industry figures since 2016. For his part, Danilo Lachica, president of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc., said rationalizing tax perks “needs more study.” “If passed in its current version, I’m concerned that we will eventually lose investors and existing jobs,” he said. It is hard enough to invite investors under the current fiscal regime with guaranteed task perks, and industries fear that it will be even harder given the difficulty doing business in the country. ‘Not easy’ “Doing business in the Philippines is not easy,” the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cebu Inc. said in a position paper on the tax package earlier this year. The bill will not remove all incentives under the current menu of tax perks. It will even add more perks that are considered performance-based, among other factors. It will, however, shake the status quo enough to cause concern among some investors holding onto how things are working now, critics said. One of the perks that the bill wants to remove is the 5-percent gross income earned tax, which qualified export-oriented firms pay in lieu of local and national taxes. This also acts as a shield against meddlesome local governments, since it lessens the interactions with agencies outside PEZA. The perk, which could last forever under current rules, will eventually be removed through the Trabaho bill, spiking the costs of doing business for projects that will fail to qualify under the new tax regime.
by Richmond
meRcuRio Philstar.com
Inquirer.net file photo
Create or lose jobs? The past months showed that the Trabaho bill does not need to be in effect for it to have an adverse impact on investment decisions. While PEZA is yet to release a full-year update on its pledges, the numbers have seen a huge decline lately. In the first three quarters of the year, PEZA’s investment pledges fell 55.28 percent, reaching P87.85 billion from P196.46 billion in the same period in 2017. The Department of Finance, however, said the Trabaho bill would actually create jobs, instead of lose them. It said the bill would create 1.4 million jobs, without explaining how companies would pay less tax necessarily means that they would hire more. Moreover, despite this assurance, the Trabaho bill passed in the House of Representatives set aside P45 billion as a so-called structural adjustment fund, which the bill said was meant to “compensate workers that may be displaced by the rationalization of fiscal incentives.” Some companies, however, do not buy this assurance. According to a survey done earlier this year by the Cebu-based Japanese Chamber earlier, a quarter of Japanese firms located in economic zones plan to pull out their investments if an opposed tax reform bill pushes through. This, however, is based on an ear-
lier version of the Trabaho bill. More time For the head of PEZA, the logjam in Congress gives investment promotion agencies (IPAs) such as PEZA more time to think about the Trabaho bill, and hopefully craft a more favorable one. “This will give PEZA and the other IPAs time to study further the incentives package that will enhance the incentives and separate the [perks] for exporters and domestic enterprises, [which have] different needs and challenges,” Peza Director General Charito Plaza said. “TRAIN 2, which seems hurriedly done, lacks the consultation with IPAs, industry locators and a comparative study with other countries also providing incentives [and] even subsidies to attract industries who bring in huge capital investments [and] create hundreds of thousands of jobs,” she added. The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham), for its part, doubts the bill will be passed anytime soon. “The proposed disruption of fiscal incentive policies that have successfully created a huge number of good jobs for Filipinos needs to be rethought. Investors have serious concerns with the House bill,” said AmCham senior adviser John Forbes. “With an election in May, it now appears TRAIN 2 cannot be passed until the second half of 2019,” he added.n
CONSTRUCTION of the highly anticipated Metro Manila subway, a project which is expected to address traffic congestion in Metro Manila, is slated to commence next month, according to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade. Tugade said the new date for the project’s groundbreaking is set in January. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) was earlier targeting to break ground for the project on Dec. 19, but did not push through according to Tugade due “changes in available schedules.” “We are postponing the groundbreaking for a later date. We are looking for a common schedule for President Duterte and the Japanese counterparts,” the DOTr said. The Metro Manila subway is a 35-kilometer line that will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to NAIA in Pasay City. Partial operations is eyed by 2022, which entails the opening of a training center, depot, and three stations namely, Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, and North Avenue. With a total project cost of P356.96 billion, the subway is the biggest single project under the
Philstar.com file photo
Build Build Build program of the Duterte administration. Last March, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Philippine government signed a P51.34 billion loan agreement for the construction of the first phase of the Metro Manila subway project. Since the project is being funded by JICA, the subway would have a Japanese contractor. Meanwhile, Philippine Infradev Holdings Inc., formerly named
IRC Properties Inc., officially commenced early this month the soil testing for a proposed 10-kilometer intracity subway in Makati. The six-month geo-testing that involves drilling small holes and getting soil and rock samples for analysis from at least 200 points along the proposed subway alignment. The move is part of preliminary works prior to official groundbreaking of the $3.7 billion infrastructure project.n
above the government’s target range of 2-4 percent. But the administrative orders issued by President Duterte in September that eased food importation, alongside the expected removal of the rice import quota and eventual tariffication of the Filipino staple, are expected to bring back inflation within government target in 2019. Once enacted into law, the rice tariffication bill is expected to slash rice prices by as much as P7 a kilo. Also, Dominguez noted that during the recent “Sulong Pilipinas” road shows held in La Union, Pampanga, Cebu and Davao, many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sought “improving agricultural output and raising farmers’ incomes through education and the use of new farm technologies,” making it the “No.
1 actionable recommendation of the private sector.” “Even the business community recognizes the importance of the farm sector in sustaining the economy’s high growth rate,” he said. The country’s chief economist last week also urged concrete steps to address climate change, noting the phenomenon posed risks to the agriculture sector’s productivity and the country’s food security. During the launch of the book “The Future of Philippine Agriculture Under a Changing Climate: Policies, Investments and Scenarios,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia highlighted the vital role of agriculture in inclusive growth. He said the sector accounted for 31.5 percent of the labor force and was also the primary source of raw materials for manufacturing and services.n
Government vows reforms in agriculture sector to keep prices low by Ben
o. de VeRa Inquirer.net
THE Duterte administration is committed to continue introducing reforms in the agriculture sector to keep consumer prices low, the head of the economic team said. “We will focus on agriculture in the coming years. We know that the major reason for the inflation this year has been the logistics problems we have had in agriculture as well as production problems,” Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said in a statement on Monday, December 24. Inflation — or the rate of increase in prices of basic commodities — hit more than nine-year highs in recent months partly due to domestic food supply bottlenecks, especially of rice. Headline inflation averaged 5.2 percent in the first 11 months,
D december 29, 2018-january 1, 2019 • La WeeKend aSIan jOurnaL
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
EMPLOYMENT
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 29, 2018-JANUARy 1, 2019 D
Investment banks see peso recovering in next 2 years by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
SOME investment banks see the peso rebounding strongly over the next two years as higher interest rates and easing inflation would help attract foreign inflows and support the local currency. In its Asia economic outlook, ANZ Research said the peso would recover to 52 to $1 in 2019 and further to 50.80 to $1 by 2020 from the projected 53 to $1 this year. “The weakness in the peso in 2018 was mainly driven by domestic developments. High inflation after years of above potential growth, and a widening current account deficit were the main factors behind the depreciation,” ANZ said. ANZ said easing inflation would help take some pressure off the currency. However, it said the current account deficit would continue to be a source of vulnerability weighing on the peso as the shortfall has not shown any signs of improvement over the near-term. “We are more constructive on the peso in the second half of next year, as tighter monetary policy starts to filter through to
interest rates and lower inflation will also help attract foreign inflows and help support the currency,” ANZ said. Nomura Securities Ltd. is more bullish about the prospects of the peso against the greenback. In its own Asia economic outlook, Nomura said the local currency would bounce back to 50 to $1 next year and further to Philstar file photo 47 to $1 in 2020 from the growth and inflation,” it added. projected 52.70 to $1 this year. Inflation averaged 5.2 percent The Japanese firm said the in the first 11 months of the year, peso would steadily appreciate exceeding the BSP’s two to four to 52 in the first quarter, 51.50 in percent target, despite easing to the second, 51 in the third, and a four-month low of six percent finally to 50 in the fourth quarter. in November from a near-decade The peso emerged as one of high of 6.7 percent in October, the worst performing currencies largely due to easing oil and food in the region, piercing the 54 to prices. $1 level to hit its lowest level in The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipi- 14 years due to the strong denas (BSP) lifted interest rates five mand for US dollars to finance times by 175 basis points since the importation of capital equipMay to curb rising inflation be- ment, raw materials and intermefore taking a pause from its tight- diate goods to support the growening episode by keeping rates ing economy. steady last Dec. 13. However, the local currency “This eventually should start to bounced back to the 52 to $1 see a slowing in import growth, level as inflation was seen easing helping to narrow the current back to the BSP’s two to four peraccount deficit. Higher domestic cent target. n
San Miguel: Airport to boost fishing sector by Lisbet
K. esmaeL Manilatimes.net
SAN Miguel Corp. said on Thursday, December 27, the P754-billion, 2,500-hectare airport it proposed to build in Bulacan would revive the fishing industry there and turn the province into a “seafood capital” of the Philippines. In a statement, San Miguel President Ramon S. Ang unveiled a plan to protect and revitalize some 12,000 hectares of coastal fishing areas around the planned New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in the province’s Bulakan town, which he called the project’s “biggest sustainability feature.” “Fishing in Bulacan has slowly been dying the last few decades because of pollution from households and industries. Our goal is to clean up the coast and make Bulacan a seafood capital. After all, the airport is there to help support the local fishing indus-
EMPLOYMENT
try,” he added. The listed conglomerate would dredge coastal areas and other bodies of water and clear them of garbage, and work with local government units to stop factories from dumping toxic wastes there, according to the statement. The air hub’s operations will also increase security along the province’s coastline, Ang said. The “company is willing to augment the [Philippine] Coast Guard’s efforts in conducting patrols” to ensure that trash and industrial wastes are not dumped there, San Miguel said. “Maybe in the future, we can reach a point where seafood from Bulacan is exported to other countries, and tourists come in droves to sample them,” the San Miguel chief said. He also said the project— which would be implemented by subsidiary San Miguel Holdings, Inc.—would employ 100,000 workers from Bulacan, Bataan and Pampanga provinces once
San Miguel got the go-signal to begin construction. “We estimate that we will generate millions of direct and indirent jobs to build and operate NMIA” over the next five years, he added, expressing hope that construction would begin next year. The airport is part of a township that the company envisions would include residential, industrial and seaport zones, as well as a government center. “It will have many sustainable features that our countrymen will also appreciate and enjoy,” Ang said. The statement comes a week after the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said it was looking to complete the Swiss challenge to San Miguel’s unsolicited proposal — for which it secured original proponent status in October — in the next three months. Under such a challenge, other companies can counter that proposal with better offers. n
FOR RENT
Philstar file photo
HSBC sees more aggressive RRR cut in 2019 by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
BRITISH banking giant HSBC expects a more aggressive reduction in the level of deposits banks are required to keep with the central bank next year as the tightening cycle of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is seen affecting the country’s economic growth. Noelan Arbis, economist at HSBC, said the central bank would likely reduce the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) by 300 basis points next year as the rate hikes, as well as future rate increases, would translate to higher funding costs which could curb private investments. Arbis said the plan to increase its spending and borrowing next year would translate to higher demand for liquidity from the financial system. “These factors could risk crowding out private investment. As a result, we expect the BSP to continue its RRR cuts in 2019, even before inflation falls within
its two to four percent target, as long as inflation momentum normalizes,” he said. By end 2019, HSBC sees the RRR reduced to 15 percent from the current 18 percent, but would remain higher than China’s 14.5 percent, Indonesia’s 6.5 percent, Malaysia’s 3.5 percent, Vietnam’s three percent, Korea’s two percent, and Thailand’s one percent. HSBC said inflation is seen averaging 5.3 percent this year, exceeding the BSP’s two to four percent target, before easing to 3.8 percent in 2019. It expects a proposed government plan to liberalize rice imports to have the biggest impact on reducing headline prices by as much as 0.4 percentage points in 2019 if passed and implemented before the end of 2018. “This would help bring average inflation down well within the BSP’s two to four percent target in 2019,” he said. The BSP’s Monetary Board has already reduced the RRR twice this year to 18 percent from 20 percent, releasing around P190
billion in additional liquidity in the financial system to support the country’s growing economy. The first reduction took effect last March 2, injecting P90 billion into the system, followed by another 100 basis point cut last June 1 that poured another P100 billion in additional liquidity into the economy. Last July, BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said further cuts would resume next year as inflation is set to ease within the central bank’s two to four percent target. The BSP chief reiterates his commitment to slash the ultra high reserve requirement to single-digit level. Arbis said easing headline inflationary pressures, a stabilizing currency, and slower gross domestic product (GDP) growth prompted a pause from rate hikes by the BSP. However, the economist said building demand-side price pressures and scheduled excise tax increases on Jan. 1should prompt another 25 basis point hike in the first quarter of next year. n
INSURANCE/SERVICES
D december 29, 2018-january 1, 2019 • La WeeKend aSIan jOurnaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797