August 16-19, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 66 • 3 Sections - 24 Pages
PH urges US, N. Korea to desist from actions that may escalate tensions by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE Philippine government on Monday, August 14 called on the United States and North Korea to “desist from threats and military action” that may escalate nuclear tensions between countries. In a media conference, Philippine Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella also urged Washington and Pyongyang to conduct talks and put an end to any further missile tests and attack threats. “We continue to enjoin all concerned parties to desist from threats and military action and we enjoin all sides to start talks,
which should be greatly facilitated by an end to missile test and attack threats,” the Philippine spokesperson said. Last week, North Korea threatened to launch nuclear missiles attacks near the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, which shelters massive U.S. Air Force and Navy bases. North Korea made the threat in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that Pyongyang will be met with “fire and fury” if it continues to threaten Washington. Abella reassured that the Philippine government has prepared contingency plans in case North
USA
DATELINE The future of Obamacare, health care in California FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
EVER since President Donald Trump took office earlier this year, the future of American health care has become a central issue that has left millions of Americans uncertain of their health coverage. One of the president’s campaign promises involved the repealing and replacing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, which he has consistently labeled a “disaster.” He also promised to drastically cut Medicaid, a program that serves nearly 75 million Americans. So far, congressional Republicans have made several attempts to repeal and replace Obamacare, but each iteration of the GOP bill has not made it past both houses of Congress. Each of those bills, including the House’s American Health Care Act (AHCA) and the Senate’s Better Care Reconciliation Act (and its scaled back “skinny repeal” version), called for similar things: dismantle Obamacare effective immediately, slash government funding to Medicaid and scale back federal funding of Planned Parenthood.
u PAGE A4
Number of dialysis patients in Calif. surges THE number of Californians who are getting care at dialysis centers has jumped in recent years — but not because kidney disease is more prevalent. The reason is that people are living longer with end-stage renal disease, said Anjay Rastogi, a professor of nephrology at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. The number of new cases has generally leveled off in recent years, Rastogi said. “The same number of patients are being put on dialysis, but they stay on dialysis,” he said. More than 139,000 kidney patients sought treatment at dialysis clinics around the state last year, a rise of about 46 percent from about 95,000 eight years earlier, according to
u PAGE A4
Korea pushes its plan to launch missile attacks in Guam. “We commend our Seoul embassy and our Guam consulate for their contingency plans to secure Filipinos even when military conflict erupts,” he said. According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), there are around 42,800 Filipinos in Guam. Abella also urged all Filipinos in Guam and Korea and their families to inform DFA or its consular officials of their whereabouts. On Tuesday, August 15, Pyongyang’s state news agen-
u PAGE A2
END CRIME, NOT LIFE. Senator Risa Hontiveros together with New York-based Japanese photographer Toshi Kazama (left) and Indonesia’s NGO Coalition for International Human Rights Advocacy Senior Advisor Rafendi Djamin (right) gesture symbolizing the need to stop the re-imposition of death penalty during the opening of a photo exhibit called “End Crime, Not Life”, which was held at the Philippine Senate, Monday, August 14. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo
Palace: Duterte supports impeachment of corrupt officials by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte is going to support any move—including impeaching any official regardless of position—that would help in ridding the government of corruption, Malacañang said on Monday, August 14. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella stressed that keeping the administration clean from any irregularities has been among Duterte’s major campaign promises.
“Without making references to any particular individual, the president, of course, is highly supportive of all moves that will set the house, the Philippine government in order. And he’s been very clear about that, that is one of his campaign promises,” Abella told reporters. Abella made the statement in a media conference when asked if Duterte will back possible impeachment complaints against Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista. He said that Duterte is supportive of
any move that would bring “correction” to the government institutions. “And so, each and every act — each and every move that entails bringing about a correction in our — especially in our institutions is welcome and I’m sure he is supportive of. That is not in reference to any particular individual,” he added. Bautista’s estranged wife, Patricia, alleged that the Comelec chief has amassed nearly P1 billion in ill-gotten wealth. He was also accused of wrongly declaring his 2016 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth
(SALN). Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has authorized the National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) to investigate Patricia’s claims against her husband. The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) is also conducting a separate probe into possible violations committed by Bautista when he was still the agency’s head. Last week, a report from the Philippine Star said Oliver Lozano, a lawyer and Marcos loyalist, has filed an impeachment complaint against
u PAGE A2
More Filipinos expect better lives in next 12 months by HELEN
FLORES Philstar.com
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano
MANILA - More Filipinos expect better lives in the next 12 months, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll published by the newspaper BusinessWorld on Tuesday, Aug. 15. The nationwide survey, taken from June 23 to 26, showed 44 Inquirer.net photo percent of 1,200 respondents saying they expect their quality
PH embassies ordered to update Group eyes second impeachment contingency plans complaint against Comelec chief u PAGE A2
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has ordered all embassies abroad to review and update their contingency plans following threats from North Korea to launch missiles towards Guam. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano gave instructions to all Philippine embassies and consulates general to make sure that their contingency plans are current to ensure the safety of Filipinos, particularly in or near conflict areas. The order came after the Philippine Consulate General in Agana raised Alert Level 1 in Guam following threats of a nuclear missile attack from North Korea. “Our people all over the world are counting on us to lead them to safety in case worse comes to worst.
u PAGE A2
According to a recent poll by the Social Weather Statios (SWS), more Filipinos are expecting better lives in the next 12 months. Inquirer.net photo
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) is planning to file a second impeachment complaint against Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista. Earlier this week, former Negros Oriental Representative and current VACC member Jacinto Paras requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for copies of documents related to the allegations made by Bautis- Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista links arms with Comelec employees who
u PAGE A4
prepared a program to show their support for him on Monday, Aug. 14.
ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
A AUGUST 16-19, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
From the Front Page
PH urges US, N. Korea... PAGE A1 cy reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had “examined the (strike) plan for a long time and discussed it with the commanding officers in real earnest.” But Kim appeared to hold off
plans to fire missiles towards the Pacific island by saying he would instead “watch a little more the foolish and stupid conduct of the Yankees.” In a statement, Guam Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio said he is “ecstatic” as North Korea
appeared to pull back from its threats. “There doesn’t appear to be any indication that, based on what we’re hearing that there will be any missiles attacking in the near future or the distant future,” Tenorio said. n
PH embassies ordered... PAGE A1 It is thus important to make sure that all our contingency plans are regularly reviewed and updated,” Cayetano said in a statement. The Philippines’ top diplomat added that tensions in other parts of the world, including the Middle East, could also affect Filipinos. “We should make sure that we are always ready to respond quickly and effectively,” the
had examined plans for a launch. It quoted Kim as saying he would watch what he called the “foolish and stupid conduct of the Yansecretary said. kees” a little more before decidAn estimated 10 million Fili- ing whether to order a test. pinos are around the world, inSouth Korean President Moon cluding 2 million in the Middle Jae-in says North Korea could East, 65,000 in South Korea and create conditions for dialogue 42,835 in Guam, according to by stopping additional nuclear the DFA. and missile tests. Meanwhile, Guam officials Moon, in a speech Tuesday, are taking the latest missive also said resolving the North from Pyongyang as a sign that Korean threat could begin with the rhetoric is calming down. freezing its nuclear weapons North Korea’s state news program. (With reports from agency KCNA reported earlier in Patricia Lourdes Viray and Asthe day that leader Kim Jong Un sociated Press)
DON’T BOMB LUMAD SCHOOLS. Lumad students gather at University of the Philippines-Diliman to oppose a plan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and some government agencies, including the National Commission for Indigenous People, to form an inter-agency team to forcibly send them back to Mindanao. They also exposed incidents of harassment against students, teachers and parents who put up a lumad school at the UP campus. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
PAGE A1
Palace: Duterte supports impeachment...
Bautista before the Office of the Ombudsman for the latter’s alleged culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust. Apart from Bautista, Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno is also facing a possible impeachment
case under the same alleged offenses. Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon, a lawyer and the president of ProDuterte Constitutional Reformers to Federalism, said he is planning to file impeachment rap against Sereno over her alleged “unreasonable” purchase of a
Toyota Land Cruiser amounting to P5.1 million. He also accused Sereno of failing to be truthful in declaring her SALN and of obstructing justice when she ordered Muntinlupa judges to not to issue arrest warrants against Senator Leila De Lima. n
More Filipinos expect better lives...
PAGE A1 of life to improve while only four percent expect it to get worse. This resulted in a net personal optimism score of +40, classified by SWS as “excellent.” The latest net personal optimism was one grade and four points up from the “very high” +36 registered in March. In balance Luzon, net personal optimism increased to “excellent” +42 in June from “very high” +37 in March. It rose by three points to “excellent” +46 in Metro Manila; by five points to +37 in Mindanao and by two points to +36 in the Visayas. The latest net personal optimism in the Visayas and Mindanao were classified by SWS as “very high.” Net personal optimism climbed three points to “excellent” +41 in
the second quarter from March’s “very high” +38 among class D. It also increased by eight points to a “very high” +37 in June from a “high” +29 in March among those in class E. It remained at “very high” category among those belonging to class ABC, increasing two points to +39. SWS noted that net personal optimism had been “excellent” for five consecutive quarters before the March 2017 survey. Asked on change in personal quality of life from 12 months ago, 37 percent of Filipinos said their lives improved, while 19 percent said otherwise. Economic outlook Meanwhile, the number of Filipinos expecting the economy to improve in the next 12 months dropped in June but stayed in “excellent” territory.
SWS said 39 percent of respondents look forward to better economy while 12 percent said otherwise, yielding a net optimism score of “excellent” +27, down 11 points from an “excellent” +38 in March. It was also the lowest since June 2015’s “very high” +15. It declined by 15 points to +34 in Mindanao; by 12 points to +27 in Metro Manila; by 10 points to +23 in balance Luzon; and by seven points in the Visayas to +27. It remained in “excellent” level across socioeconomic classes despite the declines of 27 points among ABC class to +22, 11 points to +27 among those in D and seven points to +25 in E. The SWS poll has sampling error margin of plus or minus three percentage points for national percentages. n
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 16-19, 2017
A
A AUGUST 16-19, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
Dateline USa
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
No US planned airstrike in Marawi, says Lorenzana by Marc Jayson
cayabyab
Inquirer.net
DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday, Aug. 14, tagged as “fake news” the report about the United States government’s alleged plan to conduct airstrike in Marawi City, where government troops are battling out with Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorists under an extended martial rule. During the House of Representatives’ committee deliberation on the Department of National Defense (DND) proposed P195.476-billion budget for 2018, Lorenzana was asked by Act Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio about the reported airstrike plan of Pentagon in Marawi City. Lorenzana said the report about the U.S. airstrike plan is “fake news.” “I checked with the U.S. Embassy. They have no idea what it’s all about. I checked with the Pentagon. The Pentagon said it’s not true. It’s a fake news,” Lorenzana said. Tinio then slammed the DND’s failure of intelligence, thus, resulting in Maute’s siege of Marawi City despite getting a P100 mil-
Philippine Secretary Delfin Lorenzana
lion increase in intelligence funds in the approved 2017 budget. Lorenzana denied there was failure of intelligence, noting that it would take some time for the department to reap the benefits of the increase in intelligence funds. “We did not consider it a failure of intelligence… We cannot say that you spend the money and tomorrow, you get full intelligence. It takes time to develop intelligence. It would take some time, a couple of years, to really reap the benefits of the additional intelligence fund,”
Inquirer.net photo
Lorenzana said. Meanwhile, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas slammed the military’s attacks on Lumad schools under martial law in Mindanao, an accusation Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Eduardo Año vehemently denied. The DND has a proposed P195.476-billion budget in 2018, composed of P144.679 billion for the regular fund and P50.798 billion for pensions. The proposed 2018 budget is eight percent more than the approved 2017 budget of P181.36 billion for the DND. n
Group eyes second impeachment... PAGE A1 ta’s estranged wife, Patricia. Patricia Bautista recently submitted an affidavit before the NBI, alleging that her husband has nearly one billion pesos of ‘unexplained’ wealth that were not included in his 2016 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN). On Monday, August 14, VACC asked the NBI for “certified copies of the Affidavit of (Mrs.) Patricia Bautista and the 35 Luzon Development Bank (LDB) passbooks, RCBC peso account document and other documents submitted to your good office.” The group said it will use the documents in building an impeachment case against Bautista. “Our said client is resorting to this request owing to the fact that the Committee on Justice of the House of Representatives will not accept any documents other than certified or original, appended to impeachment complaints,” VACC’s legal counsel Manny Luna said in his letter to
the NBI. VACC added that it will also request copies of Bautista’s SALN from the Office of the Ombudsman. In a speech before Comelec employees, the commission’s chief said that the controversy is among the “biggest challenge[s]” of his life. While reiterating that he is willing to step down from his post, Bautista said he finds it hard to lose his family at the Comelec. “It’s not hard to give up this post or step down from my position. It’s not a problem. My problem is losing my Comelec family who over the years have shown their sincere, genuine care and affection,” a tearful Bautista told the agency officials and employees. Malacañang on Monday said President Rodrigo Duterte is going to support any moves, including impeachment complaints, against any official regardless of position if it would help in ridding the government of corruption.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella issued the statement when asked if Duterte will back possible impeachment cases against Bautista. “Without making references to any particular individual, the president, of course, is highly supportive of all moves that will set the house, the Philippine government in order. And he’s been very clear about that, that is one of his campaign promises,” Abella told reporters. The first impeachment complaint against Bautista has already been filed by Marcos loyalist and lawyer Oliver Lozano before the Office of the Ombudsman last week. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has authorized the NBI to investigate Patricia’s claims against her husband. The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) is also conducting a separate probe into possible violations committed by Bautista when he was still the agency’s head. n
TIGHT WATCH. Police officers inspect the goods loaded on a tricycle at a checkpoint in Barangay Sta. Rita in Pampanga. The Department of Agriculture has banned the transport of chicken and poultry products from Luzon to other parts of the country. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan
The future of Obamacare... PAGE A1 And they would all have similar effects: tens of millions of people would be kicked off health insurance, public health programs would slowly dwindle and nonprofit health clinics would see dramatic cuts in funding and an erosion in resources. Americans have been divided on the issue of repealing or saving Obamacare, but a recent poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that about 78 percent of Americans (roughly 8 out of 10) say that the president should try to make Obamacare work. Despite Republicans’ failure to get their answer to Obamacare passed, health care professionals in California remain active in ensuring that Obamacare remains intact. Health care outlook for California Health care experts in California are especially concerned with the direction of health coverage amid the uncertainty brewing in Washington. During a press call hosted by New America Media, several health care advocates shed light on the severity of not having a clear path. “While we are relieved that the proposals have stalled for the moment, we know the threat continues and we are still very much engaged in this federal fight,” said Anthony Wright, executive director of consumer health advocacy coalition Health Access. Wright indicated that the proposed cuts to Medicaid and the dismantling of Covered California (California’s official health care exchange) would leave 6 million Californians without insurance. It would also disproportionately affect communities of color, who rely on Medicaid and Covered California. As a way to ensure that millions of Californians keep their health care, Wright proposed that, rather than get rid of Obamacare, lawmakers should push to keep the current system and build on it. Moreover, Californians have a duty to vote for congressional representatives who do not support the cuts to Medicaid or the removal of Obamacare. “We’re not looking just to maintain current health care system, but to make improvements,” Wright offered. “We need improvements in the way of extended care to immigrant children, approval to extend Medicaid to young adults regardless of citizenship status, getting better transparency over
prescription drug process...if we could maintain that, and not have these egregious cuts, we can focus on steps moving forward and ways to improve on the current system.” The fight for health care has mounted for months, but more than ever, health care advocates are concerned that a deal won’t be made before the federal budget deadline on September 30. If Congress has not reached an agreement on a spending package by that date, the government will face another shutdown. The spending package includes all areas of the law, but reaching a deal on health care is the country’s most crucial issue that would have a direct effect on millions of Americans, especially families and children. Approximately 5.7 million children in California are enrolled in Medi-Cal, Covered California and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), children’s health program under Medicaid; and, 3 out of 4 children under these programs are children of color. Mayra Alvarez, president of The Children’s Partnership, said that ensuring that children and their families receive affordable, quality health coverage is significant. According to Alvarez, children who receive coverage are more likely to succeed in education and, as adults, will become less reliant on safety net programs. “We need to keep Medicaid and CHIP strong so every child has a chance to receive health care and lead successful lives,” Alvarez said, adding that children are the largest group of those covered under Medicaid. Health care clinics across the nation would also be affected by the drastic cuts proposed by congressional Republicans. Health clinics, which are nonprofit community centers that serve 1 out of 7 Californians, are also up for federal funding renewal. Ramifications Should the government fail to make a decision for the federal spending package, health clinics would receive a huge blow, according to Andie Patterson, director of Government Affairs at California Primary Care Association. Some of the consequences include the 28,000 health center shutdowns, 51,000 staff layoffs and 900,000 patients without care. Patterson said that before Obamacare, a majority patients at
health clinics were uninsured, but with the expansion of Medicaid under the Obama administration, more than 1.3 million (57 percent of all health clinic patients) are now covered. “Any threats to Medicaid absolutely undermine the foundation of health centers, fundamentally disrupts health centers and patients’ access to care,” Patterson said. Patterson also spoke about the importance of ensuring that the federal funding of Planned Parenthood remained intact. Each version of the GOP’s answer to Obamacare included the federal defunding of Planned Parenthood, the nation’s most prominent public resource for sexual and reproductive health, a decision mainly divided by party lines. There are 115 Planned Parenthood clinics in the state that serve more than 800,000 patients. As a representative of health clinics, Patterson said that funding diverted from Planned Parenthood to health centers would not add up and would be a “lose-lose” situation for patients and health clinic staff. “Patients deserve a choice. Reproductive choices and services from Planned Parenthood are essential to the health care system in California,” Patterson asserted. “It is impossible to think that health clinics could absorb patients from Planned Parenthood because the services they provide are not offered in clinics. It would mean dismantling a major reproductive health source for men and women.” As a response to the possible collapse of the health insurance market, the Senate health committee will hold hearings on a bipartisan health bill in September before the federal spending package deadline. Earlier this month Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) assured Americans that the deal will bypass the contention and delay caused by partisan politics. “If your house is on fire, you want to put out that fire, and the fire, in this case, is the individual health insurance market. Both Republicans and Democrats agree on this,” he said in a statement. “Unless we act, many of them may not have policies available to buy in 2018 because insurance companies will pull out of collapsing markets.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)
Number of dialysis patients... PAGE A1 data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). Rastogi said dialysis patients are living longer because treatment of medical conditions that are frequently associated with kidney failure, such as cardiovascular disease and infections, has improved. “Previously, there was very high mortality of patients on dialysis,” said Rastogi. In a way, he said, the higher number of dialysis patients “shows that we do a better job,” of managing them. The number of stand-alone clinics in California where patients receive dialysis has also increased over the past eight years, from 420 in 2009 to 543 last year. The state’s dialysis industry is largely controlled by two for-profit corporations: Denverbased DaVita Kidney Care and Germany’s Fresenius Medical Care, which together own nearly three-quarters of the clinics in California. As the demand for dialysis has grown around the country, both companies have expanded by acquiring smaller dialysis providers. Dialysis is on the radar screens of state lawmakers — and organized labor — this year. A California bill that will be considered by the legislature this month would require minimum staff-to-patient ratios at dialysis centers, as well as more time between patients
THe number of Californians who are getting care at dialysis centers has jumped in recent years — but not because kidney disease is more prevalent.
for staff to prepare, and regular inspections. The labor union behind the legislation, Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIUUHW), says the rule would protect the safety of patients. The union has also co-sponsored a state bill that would require dialysis centers to spend at least 85 percent of their revenue primarily on direct patient care. If the clinics didn’t meet that spending threshold, they would be required to issue refunds to non-government insurers. SEIU-UHW says it intends to use the November 2018 ballot as a backup plan for the two dialy-
sis bills. If the staffing ratio bill does not become law, the union hopes to advance a ballot initiative that incorporates both bills. If the staffing ratio bill is signed into law, the union plans to put a more narrowly focused proposition on the ballot, asking voters to cap what dialysis centers spend on items not related to patient care. (Pauline Bartolone/ Kaiser Health News) This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. KHN’s coverage in California is funded in part by Blue Shield of California Foundation.
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 16-19, 2017
A
Boracay Newcoast hast its own stretch of white sand beach
Wh� i�’� tim� t� ow� propertie� i� Boraca� an� Iloil� I
f there are two places in the Philippines where property developments are booming, look outside of Metro Manila or even Luzon. Iloilo City and the paradise island of Boracay in the Visayas region are now among the hottest areas for real estate investment in the Philippines. Real estate giant Megaworld Corporation of tycoon Dr. Andrew L. Tan, who became popular for property developments like Eastwood City in Quezon City and Newport City in front of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, noted that their property prices in these two areas have an annual appreciation of around 20 percent. “For every $100,000 that you invest in a property in Iloilo and Boracay, you gain $20,000 every year,” explains Jennifer Palmares-Fong, vice president for sales and marketing of Megaworld, who handles their company’s projects in Iloilo and Boracay. Megaworld builds integrated urban townships across the Philippines, a concept that they have been known for the last 28 years as a real estate developer. Today, the company has 22 townships and integrated lifestyle communities across the Philippines with over 350 residential, office, malls, hotels and commercial built through the years. Owning a condominium unit is now easy in Boracay
The rising edifices at Iloilo Business Park show the fast progress of Iloilo CIty
Iloilo Business Park Rising to be Iloilo’s new central business district (CBD), the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao District, has changed the business and tourism landscape of the city during the last three years. Today, the former location of the old Iloilo Airport hosts some of the country’s biggest business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, two award-winning hotels (Richmonde Hotel and Marriott Courtyard Hotel), the 1.1-kilometer Festive Walk Parade which is touted to be the longest dining and retail strip in the Visayas, the Festive Walk Mall, residential condominium towers, and a commercial district where entrepreneurs, banks, car and furniture dealers, and boutique hotel owners can own titled lots to build their businesses. “The entire township is now gaining population. Aside from the condo residents, there are thousands of BPO workers employed in office towers and guests in our hotels. People also come to dine in the various restaurants and cafes. We envision Iloilo Business Park to be the ‘big thing’ in Iloilo,” explains Palmares-Fong. Since 2013, residential properties in the township have appreciated on a faster rate with an annual average of 18.6 to 20 percent. This upward trajectory will continue to remain as more and more projects are nearing its completion. The first tower of One Madison Place was sold out in just one month, prompting the company to build two more towers which were also sold fast in just seven months. The second condominium project, Lafayette Park Square, was then launched in early 2014 and was sold out in just eight months. The following year, the company launched the next project, The Palladium, with each of the two residential wings sold out in just seven to eight months. Saint Honore, likewise, was sold out in just four months. Following the thread of success, Megaworld launched last month its 7th residential tower in Iloilo Business Park called Saint Dominique. The 10-storey residential enclave is a Parisian-inspired home with 152 units on eight residential floors ranging from Studio (up to 35 square meters); One-bedroom with balcony (up to 50 square meters); Two-bedroom (up to 79 square meters); and exclusive Loft Units (38.5 square meters). Linked to Saint Honore, Saint Dominique will have shared recreational amenities with the adjacent tower that include a landscaped atrium, fitness center, indoor spa, game room, day care center, children’s playground, Jacuzzi, swimming pool and pool lounge and a kiddie pool The ground level will still be dedicated to retail shops as the tower becomes part of the stretch of Festive Walk Parade, the envisioned longest dining and retail in the entire Visayas and Mindanao areas. The new tower is expected to be completed in 2022.
Boracay Newcoast International travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler has named Boracay as the ‘Top Island in the World’ last year. This is the reason why every year, tourist arrivals in this paradise island have gone up consistently. American tourists are among the top foreign visitors to the island during the last five years. With the influx of more local and foreign tourists into the island, Megaworld, through its subsidiary Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), is currently transforming 150-hectares of land in the northeastern part of the island into a sustainable
The first phase of Festive Walk Parade is lined up with cafes, restaurants, pastry ships and pasalubong centers
beachside tourism township. Envisioned to be the next new side of Boracay, Boracay Newcoast will have its own white sand beach, rows of shophouses and boutique hotels, resorts, residential village, and condominiums. The expansive property will be surrounded by a golf course and will become an environment-friendly community when completed. Sixty percent of the entire township will be dedicated to green and open spaces. The township will also use electric jeepneys and solar-powered LED streetlights. The community will also have its own Material Recovery Facility, or a recycling plant for solid wastes and a Rainwater Collection Facility. Only in Boracay Newcoast where one can own a titled land in the Boracay Island. Titled lots in the Newcoast Village and the Shophouse and Boutique Hotel District are being offered, which is a first-of-its-kind offering in the island since most land in Boracay are only for lease. Soon to rise is another condominium property called Ocean Garden Villas, which is a three-tower residential that offers refreshing views of the beaches and mountains of Boracay Island. This new residential development will have close access to Newcoast’s private beach and natural coves facing the morning sunlight. Future residents will have a new and refreshing take of living in one of the world’s best islands. The six-storey villa-inspired residential cluster will have 225 units ranging from one-bedroom to two-bedroom resort-type suites. It features its own private lap pool, outdoor lounge deck, in-pool lounge, wading pool, outdoor spa and a pavilion, The project is due for completion in 2021. With that, beach lovers at Boracay Newcoast will continue to enjoy the sand, sea, sun and nature altogether with others who want to have a good time in every manner that the world’s best beach getaways could offer.
Magnificent sunrise view at the beach in Boracay Newcoast
For more information: Call (626) 665-2530 / (951) 522-0665 For Boracay Newcoast: E-mail customerrelations@megaworldcorp.com or visit www.boracaynewcoast.com.ph For Iloilo Business Park: Visit http://www.facebook.com/IBPofficial and http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph
A6 AUGUST 16-19, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
OPINION
Worst-case scenario
FEATURES
NORTH Korea has been firing and testing missiles—18 test launches this year—at an unprecedented pace. Amid its rising tensions with the U.S., it recently announced a detailed plan to redirect some of its intercontinental ballistic missiles toward Guam, an American territory in Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean. Guam is one of America’s major military hubs and home to U.S. bombers. Experts believe that when North Korea’s plan is carried out, the situation could instantly escalate into war. North Korea is also preparing its plan to fire four of its Hwasong-12 missiles over Japan and into waters around the tiny island, which hosts 7,000 U.S. military personnel on two main bases and has a population of 160,000. Despite this being part of North Korea’s usual nuclear and missile provocations, South Korea insists that the rising tension may still be resolved through diplomacy. “Military action on the Korean peninsula can only be decided by South Korea and no one else can decide to take military action without the consent of South Korea,” South Korean President Moon Jae-in said. Meanwhile, U.S. Department of Homeland Security assured Guam and U.S. residents that “there are several levels of defense, all strategically placed to protect our island and our nation.” One-third of Guam’s 160,000-population (42,835) are Filipinos. Meanwhile, there are currently 65,000 Filipinos permanently residing or
temporarily working with or without documents in South Korea. This is why the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is monitoring the situation closely and has alerted its embassies in Guam and Seoul to make sure that contingency measures are in place. Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte urged both Washington and Pyongyang to exercise restraint and to begin talks to de-escalate the situation in the Korean Peninsula. North Korea’s ballistic capabilities continue to show the world that it’s only a matter of time before this secretive regime bolster its stature against its perceived adversaries. Processing plutonium over the years, the country is believed to have enough fissile material to produce nuclear bombs. Although still meager compared to the arsenals of nuclear powers such as the U.S., Russia and China, North Korea’s proliferation strengthens its image as a looming threat to the peace and security of the world. Regardless of how potent North Korea’s threat fected should the worst case scenario arises. is, Filipinos caught in the middle of this tension, For the time being, they are spared from imalong with other innocent lives, will be most af- minent devastations. But no one should take any
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
chance, concerned parties must aggressively pursue a pragmatic resolution and push for peace out of moral reasons. (AJPress)
Charlottesville tragedy reveals the truth in Donald Trump’s heart: Not a president for ALL AMERICANS PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP could have made The Fil-Am this crisis an opportunity to seize a defining Perspective moment in his troubled presidency — to prove he is indeed the president of all Americans as he has promised on the GEL SANTOS-RELOS campaign trail and in his inaugural speech. He could have used this as an opportunity to affirm what the Constitution declares that in America, ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL! But NO— Trump took 48 hours. I take that back. I will explain later. First, picture this: August 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. The “white nationalist” white supremacist, Neo-Nazis, Ku Klux Klan hate groups exercised their First Amendment right and marched in the streets of the quiet university town for their announced protest against the planned removal of Robert E. Lee’s confederate statue — a monument that glorifies slavery in America. The residents of Charlottesville and people who support the removal of the confederate statues went on to exercise their First Amendment right as well, by counter-protesting in favor of the removal of the confederate statue and to rally against the racist and hate groups. But then the racist protesters went far and beyond their permit, and armed with torch, poles, Nazi symbols, they started chanting Nazi chants: “You (African American) will not replace us.” “Jews will not replace us.”
“One people, one nation, end immigration.” “White lives matter.” “Blood and soil.”Blood and soil.” “Whose street? Our street!” The encounter between protesters and counterprotesters became even more heated when these racists groups directed slurs directly against specific people, using the N-word and using phrases, like “Go the f*** back to Africa.” There were also armed militia men in camouflage, who, according to interviews and reports by The Washington Post, was lead by Christian Yingling, who has organized similar militia efforts at other rightwing gatherings. The tension escalated and the police were caught flat-footed. Video reports showed violent altercations, including one of 20-year old Neo-Nazi supporter James Field from Ohio, driving a car and plowing through the counterprotesters, killing Heather Heyer and injuring dozens. Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen and Trooper Berke M. M. Bates of the Virginia State Police were killed in a helicopter crash near Charlottesville. Last Saturday, August 12, President Donald Trump gave a statement saying: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence, on many sides. On many sides. It’s been going on for a long time in our country. Not Donald Trump, not Barack Obama. This has been going on for a long, long time.”
Trump has been swamped with criticisms from the people and leadership of Charlottesville and around the nation and the world, who wondered why did he NOT call out by name, condemn and disavow this domestic terrorism perpetrated by the white supremacists, alt-right and the KKK. On Sunday, August 13, the White House issued a statement: “The president said very strongly in his statement yesterday that he condemns all forms of violence, bigotry and hatred, and of course that includes white supremacists, KKK, neoNazi, and all extremists groups. He called for national unity and bringing all Americans together.” This was not acceptable to most Americans, many of whom were even perplexed considering how quick Trump unleashes his wrath via Twitter against those whom he calls “bad people,” those whom he does not like, and those who are critical of him. Finally after 48 hours, amid pressure from both the Republicans and Democrats, Trump spoke again on Monday, August 14, in front of the camera, and read a scripted message on the teleprompter finally calling out the racist groups by name. However, his tweets and actions following this just undermined his scripted message, when he whined against media asking him why it took him 48 hours to call out the racist groups. He then retweeted (and deleted) a tweet illustrating a train running over a man (labeled) CNN, calling mainstream media “fake news.” Then on Tuesday, August 15, Trump held a press conference that just revealed
his Saturday statement was what was really in his heart. He rationalized his Saturday statement contending he wanted facts before he made a statement. As early as Saturday, we all knew about the fatal violence was perpetrated by the white supremacist groups; He should have seen what we all saw on TV regarding the Neo-Nazi racist and anti-Semitic chants, language, and action of the protesters— what facts did he need to call out and condemn the violence for what it was? He went on to defend the racist protesters and suggested there were good people there at their rally and not all were white supremacists. He went on to criticize what he called the “alt-left” groups whom he accused of being “very, very violent” when they sought to confront the white nationalist and Nazi groups. He contended there is “blame on both sides.” TRUMP received thanks and accolades from the White Supremacist and NeoNazi leaders for speaking the “truth” on their behalf about what really happened in Charlottesville. They previously have said they support Trump because he would bring their country back. Trump did not disavow their support. The president even criticized the clamor to take down the confederate flags and statues which glorify slavery in America. He claimed this was rewriting history and changing the American culture. He even asked reporters if this would mean that Washington and Jefferson’s statues would then be removed next because they too had slaves? Did Trump know that the Civil War, which abolished slav-
ery under Lincoln, came after the time of Washington and Jefferson? Why even put Confederate Leader Lee alongside Washington and Jefferson in their significance and importance in American history? Does Trump even know the pain slavery brought to many people in America? Does Trump even know the horrors the families of Jews had to go though during Hitler’s Nazi Germany? SO — I take my word back: Trump did not really call out these racist and hate groups. His words and actions just revealed Donald Trump is not and could not be the president of ALL AMERICANS. I am encouraged to see Republican leaders speaking out against Trump’s statement and stand on this issue. How about his other fans and supporters? As Heather Heyer stated before she was killed in Charlottesville, “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.” This is not a Republican or Democratic issue. This is an American issue and we should all make a stand. We do not have a president who will lift up, unify and heal the nation of the divisions because he is fanning the flame of division, hatred, and racism with his words and actions. Where is the president with moral compass and authority to do this? Trump is NOT that president. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
If Trump and Kim Jong-un unleash fire and fury
Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA I WAS 5 years old when Gen. Douglas MacArthur made good on his promise to return to the Philippines. I was, therefore, old enough to remember how my family and the residents of Tacloban coped with the Japanese occupation and the prospect of an American invasion. I vividly remember the fox holes and the air raid shelters. The fox holes were pits dug along the streets of Tacloban, wide and deep enough for several people to dive into, in case of a bombing attack. The air raid shelters were reinforced bunkers under the houses. I don’t recall ever having to duck into a fox hole, but I distinctly recall the first bombing raid by American P-38 fighter planes on the Tacloban airport and how my parents herded the entire family under the house
and into the relative safety of our air raid shelter. These recollections have been stirred by the exchange of incendiary language between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. The question that comes to mind is, what are the survival options in case of a nuclear attack on the San Francisco Bay Area, where my family and I live? A study prepared by Michael Dillon, an atmospheric scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, suggests that it is possible to survive such an attack. First of all, it is imperative to find shelter, best of all, a place protected by layers of concrete, such as the underground parking facility of an office building. We are told that a nuclear explosion will generate “a fireball roughly a third of a mile wide with temperatures equal to the surface of the sun,” most buildings within half a mile would be knocked down and a “flash
of thermal energy would burn exposed people within a mile of the detonation…Then, there would be deadly radiation. Debris from the explosion would be sucked upwards into a giant mushroom cloud and then carried downwind…Falling particles the size of grains of sands sprinkling down across the Bay Area would emit gamma rays that could give people severe radiation poisoning. The most dangerous zone would be 10 to 20 miles downwind of the explosion, while some fallout could occur 100 miles away or farther, depending on the magnitude of the explosion. (Communities upwind and far enough away from the explosion would escape relatively unharmed.)” According to a side comment on Dillon’s paper, “If you spend too much time outside in the fallout, you’re toast.” But still, it’s good news that survival is possible, as long as there are adequate preparations. The bad news is that, as of now, I am not aware of any
such preparations on the part of the U.S. government – except the contingency plans to ensure the survival of the leaders of the country and the continued operations of government. At the height of the Cold War, many American households actually built basement bunkers in the event of a nuclear attack. This was parodied in the film, “Blast from the Past,” starring Brendan Fraser and Christopher Walken. It was about a family so paranoid over a nuclear war that it prematurely retreated to a radiation-proof shelter with ample provisions, remaining in it for years and not realizing that the war never came. In the Philippines, in the late 50s, there was an office of Civil Defense, with quarters under the Luneta grandstand. At best, however, the office could only broadcast a warning to the general population in case of an emergency. The same warning system is also in place in the U.S., usually raising the red flag concerning impending natu-
ral disasters. But the country’s emergency response system could not even cope with the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Katrina. But to go back to the possibility that Kim Jong-un and Trump will exchange “fire and fury” with their “locked and loaded” weaponry: It is estimated that a missile fired from Pyongyang will hit Guam in 14 minutes. Guam is 2,131 miles away. That’s less than half the distance from North Korea to San Francisco, which is 5,626 miles. That means, we Bay Area residents will have a little over 30 minutes to find a basement parking facility. But what are the chances of San Francisco becoming ground zero for a nuclear attack? According to the usual optimists, it’s not likely to happen. Even assuming that Kim Jong-un sends missiles flying in the direction of California, these would be shot down with the U.S. military’s THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system, or with
the Aegis ballistic missile defense system mounted on U.S. destroyers, before the missiles re-enter the earth’s atmosphere. In fact, Guam is also equipped with its own THAAD system which is designed to intercept multiple missiles simultaneously. What Pyongyang’s military has reportedly threatened to do, to quote it verbatim, is “the simultaneous fire of four Hwasong-12 (rockets)” at Guam to inflict “enveloping fire” on the island. But this may be in response to a pre-emptive strike by the U.S. on North Korea. Otherwise, North Korea seems to be planning to just “miss” Guam by several miles and scare the wits off the islanders. On the other hand, the Trump government has indicated that it will “seriously consider” shooting down any North Korean missiles tested in the vicinity of Guam, even if not necessarily targeting the island. That could be construed by
u PAGE A4
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
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 16-19, 2017
A7
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
Sotto calls Callamard, UN rights Trillanes, Faeldon clash at Senate probe on shabu smuggling execs ‘helicopter experts’ by AJPRESS SENATE Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III on Monday, August 14, took a swipe at United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard and two other UN executives for criticizing the drug war and human rights situation in the Philippines. The Philippine senator described Callamard and UN special rapporteurs Michel Forst and Maud de Boer-Buquicchio as mere “helicopter experts” who offer solutions to problems of a country that “they are not even familiar with.” Forst is the UN’s special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, while de BoerBuquicchio handles the sale and sexual exploitation of children. In a privilege speech, Sotto asked: “Is it possible to arrive in a country you are not familiar with, and in a couple of days, speak about the decades-old problems of that country like you had all the wisdom in the world? And even expect to be welcomed hospitably by your hosts?” The senator also refuted Callamard’s claim that “there is no evidence Shabu leads to violence or causes brain damage” by citing killings committed by drug abusers. “Just six months ago, particularly in February of this year, a 4-month-old baby was raped by a known junkie in their neighborhood in Carcar City, Cebu. The baby was found bloodied and naked 30 meters from her home.
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III Philstar.com photos
United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard
There were lacerations, blood and grass particles found in the private area of the victim. Who, in his normal state of mind, can do such a thing to a baby who is defenseless, weak and fragile?” the senator said. He continued, “More recently, specifically last May 2017, a policeman, who was charged with two counts of parricide by shooting his wife and son 38 times and even stabbed his son in the heart ‘because he wouldn’t die’, tested positive for drugs and admitted that he had sniffed ‘shabu’ days before the brutal killings.” Callamard has been a vocal critic of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war and of the alleged thousands of summary executions and human rights abuses linked to his anti-narcotics campaign. Last May, Callamard visited the country to attend a drug policy forum in Manila. Sotto said he initially wanted to discuss the issue with Callamard
during her visit but “time and circumstances conspired to dampen (his) interest to speak.” “I thought the passage of two and a half months would make my interest fade away and die, but I was mistaken. Just last August 2, another provocation emanated from the same source, and if I continue to be silent, I may be remiss in my duties,” he said. Callamard, Forst, and de BoerBuquicchio recently called on the Philippine government to address growing reports of human rights violations in the country. In a joint statement, they said many groups in society, including children, are becoming victims of “severe, multiple human rights violations.” “We are shocked by the increasing levels of violence, killings, intimidation and harassment being suffered by human rights defenders — including those protecting indigenous peoples — trade union organizers, farmers and their family members,” they added. ■
MANILA - Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon had a heated exchange during the resumption of Senate inquiry into the entry of P6.4-billion worth of smuggled shabu from China. During the Senate’s third hearing on Tuesday, August 15, Trillanes, who was the first interpellate, asked Faeldon if there is a corruption in BOC. The Customs chief repeatedly refused to answer, stressing that he does not want to Trillanes’ “preposterous” accusations against him by answering the senator’s question. “The preposterous stories peddled by you are all over the news the past few days. I do not want to further justify your baseless accusation by answering your question,” Faeldon said. Last week, Trillanes said that he has “enough information” to say that the Faeldon is “at the heart” of the smuggling controversy. During the hearing, the senator, however, clarified that he did not accuse Faeldon of being the center of the smuggling activities in the agency. Trillanes then warned the Customs chief that he would be charged in contempt if he continues to refuse to answer the question. “I’m asking you as a member of the committee. These are not
If Trump and Kim Jong-un unleash fire... PAGE A1 Kim Jong-un as a US pre-emptive strike and could trigger his counter-attack. As cold-bloodied as it may seem, Trump and the U.S. military command could be playing a numbers game. California, with a population of 39-plus million (the most populous U.S. mainland territory closest to North Korea), and even Hawaii, with its 1.5 million islanders, will likely be defended more aggressively
than Guam, which only has 175,000 inhabitants. Guam could become the equivalent of a “loss leader” (to use a marketing term) – enabling the U.S. to unleash its military might and destroy much of North Korea’s nuclear capability. But not all. It is assumed that the North Koreans have substantial striking power hidden in underground silos, much of it aimed at Seoul. Although Seoul has its own THAAD missile defense system,
that may not be enough to intercept what is expected to be a rain of rockets from the north. The bottom line is that Seoul, with a population of 24 million or nearly half of South Korea’s 51.25 million (along with 28,500 U.S. troops), would be devastated. Kim Jong-un, with his braggadocio, may be willing to sacrifice his people for his greater glory, and that of his father and grandfather. Pyongyang’s population of 2.5 million is just one-tenth of
Seoul’s and North Korea’s total population of 25-plus million is just a million more than that of the South Korean capital. And what about Donald Trump? Who knows what he will do in this deadly game of chess? After all the bluster about “fire and fury” and about being “locked and loaded,” he may decide to make Guam a pawn, in order to destroy North Korea. Trump might even consider Seoul a price worth paying, to wipe Kim Jong-un and his ilk off
Senator Richard Gordon, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, talks to Senator Bam Aquino IV during the third hearing on Tuesday, August 15, on the P6.4-billion worth of illegal drugs recently smuggled to the country from China. The probe was prompted by the discovery of over 600 kilos of shabu or metamphetamine hydrochloride in a Valenzuela City warehouse last May 26, which were hidden in roller printers that were cleared and passed through the “express lane” of the Bureau of Customs. Senate photo by Albert Calvelo
accusations. Tinatanong kita, meron bang corrupt sa Customs o wala (I am asking you, is there corruption in Customs or none) or I’ll be forced to move you for contempt,” the senator said. But Faeldon maintained that giving Trillanes an answer was “pointless,” as he was already judged by the senator. “In the past few days, the honorable senator has come up with a lot of accusations already that I am in the middle of the smuggling of shabu in the country… It is pointless for me to answer these questions because he has already come up with a conclusion,” the Customs chief said.
Upon Senate blue ribbon committee chair Richard Gordon’s prodding, Faeldon later answered “yes.” In May, a 600-kilogram shipment of shabu worth P6.4 billion (US$126 million) were seized at two warehouses in Valenzuela City after it slipped through a what should have been tight screening by the BOC. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said President Rodrigo Duterte will not immediately fire Faeldon and would instead “wait for the report of both chambers of Congress before deciding how to best address the issue.” ■
the face of the earth. What about the Philippines? Any chance of Manila becoming a target of North Korea? It’s not likely. And for this, President Rodrigo Duterte may be patting himself on the back. He has acted belligerently towards the U.S., without cutting off ties, while cuddling up to China and welcoming both North and South Korea at the recent ASEAN conference in Manila. At any rate, thank heavens for that. Metro Manila is only 1,820 miles from North Korea – or closer than Guam is — which means that a missile would reach the
Luneta in less than 14 minutes. The buildings with basement parking are mainly in Makati which is less than 10 miles away from my home in Parañaque — but from one to two hours by car, using South Expressway Theoretically, taking the Skyway would be faster, but getting onto it from either Sucat or Bicutan and getting off it at the Magallanes, Don Bosco or Pasay Road exits could guarantee being barbecued in the car. I think the best option for survival is to pray. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 16-18 2017
BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal
B
Tourist arrivals 12.7% higher in H1 by raadee
S. SaUSa ManilaTimes.net
THE number of visiting foreigners rose by 12.7 percent to 3.3 million in the first six months of 2017 compared to the same period last year, the Tourism department said on Friday, August 8. “For the period of January to June 2017 foreign tourist arrivals rose … to 3.3 million from three million the same period in 2016,” Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said in a statement. South Korea remained the top tourist market for the country, accounting for 795,085 arrivals or a 23.68 percent. The United States was next with 513,443 (15.29 percent); China, 454,962 (13.55 percent); and
Japan, 294,080 (8.76 percent). Teo said a spike in January, with 631,639 arrivals, had set the momentum for steady increases. “In the face of challenges, the country continued to receive the growing influx of tourists from across the globe, desiring to see our world-class destinations and experience the renowned Filipino hospitality,” she said. n
DBS bank sees 6% growth for PH in Q2 by lawrenCe
agCaoili Philstar.com
MANILA — Philippine economic growth may stay above six percent in the second quarter, according to DBS Bank Ltd. of Singapore and Moody’s Analytics. Gundy Cahyadi, economist at DBS, said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) likely grew 6.2 percent in the second quarter. This is compared with the 6.4 percent GDP growth in the first quarter, which was pulled down by weak private consumption, and the 6.6 percent expansion in the fourth quarter of last year. However, economic managers through the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) retained the GDP growth target at 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent this year.
Peso, stock market hit by US-N Korea tensions
DOT Secretary Wanda Teo
Cahyadi said government spending has accelerated to more than 13 percent in the second quarter from four percent in the first quarter. “This is likely to be supportive of overall GDP growth. What is more interesting, however, is to see how investment growth fared in the period,” he added. For the full year, DBS sees the country’s GDP expansion slowing down to 6.4 percent after accelerating to 6.9 percent last year from 5.9 percent in 2015. “While we continue to see double-digit growth in investments, the moderation in numbers is likely to have continued, partly due to the high base effects,” Cahyadi said. On the other hand, Moody’s Analytics sees the Philippine economy growing faster in the second quarter due to higher electronics exports.
u PAGE B6
by Mayvelin
U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net
RENEWED tensions between the U.S. and North Korea weighed on financial markets Friday, August 11, with the peso touching P51 to the dollar and closing at a near 11-year low. The currency opened weaker at P50.90:$1 from the previous day and hit P51.08 in morning trade. It closed Friday down 19 centavos at P50.98, its weakest since the P50.05:$1 recorded on August 29, 2006.
The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi), meanwhile, shed 37.82 points or 0.48 percent to close at 7,928.43. The broader All Shares declined by 26.75 points or 0.57 percent to settle at 4,681.81. Analysts pointed to an escalating war of words between Washington and Pyongyang, with U.S. President Donald Trump indicating that he could go beyond a threat to unleash “fire and fury.” The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said it was ready to address currency spikes. “We’re constantly monitoring peso de-
velopments for excessive short-term volatility not consistent with underlying economic fundamentals and take appropriate action when necessary,” central bank Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said. “We recognize that the market is also often self-correcting,” he added. Commenting on the peso fall, Citi managing director and head of Asia Pacific economic and market analysis Johanna Chua said: “This is a natural automatic adjustment for an economy that is staring to import and spend more.”
u PAGE B6
BSP holds key rates but hikes inflation forecasts by Mayvelin
U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net
KEY interest rates were kept unchanged on Thursday, August 7, but monetary authorities raised their inflation forecasts for this year up to 2019 year given price pressures. Rates for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) overnight reverse repurchase, overnight lending and overnight deposit facilities were retained at 3 percent, 3.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. Reserve requirement ratios were likewise kept at 20 percent.
FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS
( Mt Carmel, Mt Beatitude, Mt.Tabor, Cana, Capernum, Nazareth, Mt. of Olives, Old & New Jerusalem, Bethlehem Qumran, Masada, Jericho )
Dec 3 to 14, 2017
Spiritual Director: Rev. Fr. Alvin Cachola
“The Monetary Board’s decision is based on its assessment that the outlook for inflation environment remains manageable,” Bangko Sentral Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. told reporters after a Monetary Board policy meeting, his first as central bank chief. The inflation forecast for the year, however, was raised to 3.2 percent from the previous 3.1 percent. Estimates for 2018 and 2019 were also revised to 3.2 percent and 3.1 percent from 3 percent. Central bank Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo noted higher oil prices, increased domestic li-
quidity and a weaker peso. “We note that in the last meeting of the Board, the oil prices that we assumed were the following: $49.49 per barrel for 2017, $48.78 per barrel for 2018 and finally $49.54 per barrel for Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Nestor Espenilla 2019. For this meet- (left) and Diwa Guinigundo, Deputy Governor,ODC, MSS ing, the rest of the pe- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas answer questions from the troleum prices is now media during the Monetary Policy presconference at $50.48 per barrel for the Bangko Sentral building along Roxas Blvd. in Manila Photo by Bob Dungo Jr./ Manilatimes.net 2017, $50.32 per barrel for 2018 and $51.36 per barrel for 2019,” He said liquidity had risen on Guinigundo said. u PAGE B6
Havan�, Cub� May 22 to 29, 2018
May 22, 2018 (Tuesday - Day 1) Los Angeles to Havana, Cuba Depart from LAX to Havana, Cuba. Upon arrival in Havana, meet our guide and transfer to the hotel for dinner. May 23, 2018 (Wednesday - Day 2) Havana, Cuba Our day will begin with mass at the Cathedral of Havana located in the center of Old Havana. After On board meals are served mass, proceed for a city tour of Old Havana with an experienced local tour guide. The tour will take 4 DEC-Day 2 - (Mon) - Arrive at Ben Gurion airport Tel-Aviv/Tiberias place on foot and you will visit all the squares of Old Havana. Take in the astonishing beauty of the After you have finished Immigration, collect Luggage then Meet our guide and driver. Transfer to Tiberias , Dinner /overnight Gai Beach Hotel historical buildings, sculptures, and monuments. After lunch you will have free time to bargain at the 5 DEC-Day 3 - (Tues) Cesarea /Haifa San Jose Craft Market. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 3 DEC-Day 1 - (Sun) LAX/TLV
There was a certain man in Caesarea” Drive north to the sparkling port city of Haifa, viewing Caesarea en route, the city built by Herod. In Haifa, we will ascend Mt. Carmel; home of the two prophets Elijah and Elisha, Visit the Stella Maris Church celebrate Holy Mass in the main Altar, after enjoy the panoramic view of the Mediterranean, continue to Tiberias for dinner and overnight. Gai Beach Hotel (BB,D)
May 24, 2018 (Thursday – Day 3) Havana, Cuba This morning, we will visit the Convent and Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. This religious complex is the most extensive of those surviving in Old Havana. Here you will attend mass. After mass, you will meet with the 6 DEC-Day 4 - (Wed) - Tiberias/ Cana/ Nazareth Holy Eucharist at the Church of annunciation “And Mary said, Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your nuns and assist with projects of the day. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the evening you will assist word” We head to Cana of Galilee, where Our Lord performed the first miracle – changing water into wine at the wedding feast. Here, we’ll a Cuban cultural demonstration. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) invite couples to renew their marriage vows. Continue to Nazareth, Celebrate Holy Eucharist at the Church of Annunciation, visit St Joseph workshop. We return to Gai Beach Hotel for our dinner and overnight. (BB/D)
07 Dec-Day 5 - (Thurs) Mt Tabor/Mt Beatitude/Capernum/ Sea of Galilee/Tabgha
We drive to Mount Tabor, celebrate Holy Eucharist at the church of Transfiguration, Visit Mt. of Beatitudes the site of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus preached to the people. enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, home of Our Lord during his ministry. After visiting the Synagogue where he taught, proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Gai Beach Hotel for our dinner and overnight. (BB/D)
May 25, 2018 (Friday – Day 4) Havana, Cuba You will have mass at the Convent and Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. After mass, you will continue to assist the nuns. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. This evening in Havana, we will plan an exciting tour of the historical complex of Castillo del and La Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana. If the timing and weather conditions permitted, you will witness the special nightly cannon at the fortress. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
08 DEC-Day 6 - (FRI)-Jordan valley/Jericho/Bethany/Jerusalem
May 26, 2018 (Saturday – Day 5) Havana, Cuba Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Havana. After, you will visit the Abel Santamaria School for the blind, located on the grounds of an old military base. The school aims to integrate the children into mainstream schools as soon as the child is ready through an outreach program which continues to support children at their secondary schools. You will spend time meeting the students 09 DEC-Day 7 - (Sat) - Jerusalem (old City) - Via Dolorosa and teachers. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Cintio Vitier Community Project Center, where arts Holy Sepulcher Church “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place of a skull, which was called in Hebrew Golgotha” Enter the old city of Jerusalem, Sing a hymn in the Church of St Anne and view the pool of Bethesda. Visit the Chapel of Flagellation, Programs of all types including painting, ceramic and dance hosted. You will learn about this community project and hear from Lithostrotos, where the soldiers played the Game of Kings, and Arch of the “Ecce Homo”. Follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) to the the director of the program, Pedro Pulido. End your day with a panoramic drive through Modern Havana riding in old classic cars holiest shrine in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, visit Golgotha and the tomb of Our Lord. This afternoon drive to Mount Zion, from the 1950’s. Be sure to have your camera ready for this unique experience. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Drive the Jordan Valley to Jericho, the oldest inhabited city in the world. View the Mount of temptation, where Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert. Visit the ancient ruins of the wall. Drive through Wadi Welt to view St George’s Monastery. Continue to Bethany celebrate Holy Eucharist, and then visit the tomb of Lazarus. Arrive in Mount Scopus; enjoy the first view of Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight at Notre DAME VATICAN HOTEL (BB,D)
to visit the upper room, revered as the site of the last supper. Then survey the Dormition Abbey’s, St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus three times. Dinner and overnight at NOTRE DAME Vatican Hotel (BB.D)
10 DEC-Day 8 - (SUN) - Mount of Olives/Gethesemane/Bethlehem/New City
Holy Eucharist celebration at the Church of all nations Main altar Arrive at the Mount of Olives and enjoy the beautiful view of Jerusalem. Visit the Chapel of Ascension, Pater Noster Church and the Dominus Flevit Church”God wept “& walk the Palm Sunday road to the Garden of Gethesemane and the Church of all Nations. This Afternoon drive to Bethlehem, a city whose name the whole world recognizes ,visit the Church of Nativity, the manger, Church of St Catherine, The Grotto of St Jerome, and the shepherds fields. Dinner and overnight at NOTRE DAME VATICAN HOTEL (BB ,D).
May 27, 2018 (Sunday – Day 6) Havana – Las Terrazas – Vinales Valley Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Havana. Then you will be transferred to Las Terrazas for a tour of the community. Visit the neighborhoods, their schools, artists and community projects in the area. You will then continue to Vinales. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in and rest. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
May 28, 2018 (Monday – Day 7) Vinales Valley Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Vinales. Then you will have a sightseeing Visit the Western Wall , the only part of the Herodian temple still standing and the most sacred place in the world for Jews. We drive to Dead tour. There is an opportunity to visit a Tobacco Farm and learn how to expertly roll a cigar. You will Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Visit Qumran; see the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, visit Herod’s also have the chance to visit an interesting site called the Prehistoric Wall and to take a Boat Ride fortress and the Jew’s last stronghold against the Roman. Return to Jerusalem Overnight Notre Dame Vatican Hotel (BB,D) through underground caves known as The Indian Caves. Then visit Finca Agroecolgica El Paraiso 12 DEC-Day10 - (TUE) Jerusalem New City where you will have lunch. After you will visit the gardens with the breath-taking views. Return to the hotel where you will have Return to the new City, Including the Temple Model to see a scale model of Jerusalem as it was during the time of Jesus. Here we will have a dinner. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 11 DEC-Day 9 - ( MON) - Jerusalem/Dead Sea/Qumran/Masada
better understanding between old and New Jerusalem. Next to Ein Karem, birthplace of St John the Baptist, visit the Visitation church where Mary proclaimed her famous “Magnificat Overnight NOTRE DAME VATICAN HOTEL (BB,D)
13 Dec-Day 11 - (WED) Jerusalem/TLV/LAX
Breakfast rest of the morning Free time early PM dinner has to check out from the hotel, around 8:30 PM flight from TLV/ LAX in the 13 Dec flight depart TLV at 1:00 Am Dec 14,2017 ( end of Service )
May 29, 2018 (Tuesday – Day 8) Vinales – Havana – Los Angeles Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home as your trip comes to an end. (Meal: Breakfast)
B AUGUST 16-18, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
Business news
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Government earmarks P10-B to modernize airports by Jess
Diaz Philstar.com
Town mates and Friends:
Please join us in celebration of our
508/ '*&45" TU '06/%*/( "//*7&34"3: 0' #"4$ JO -"4 7&("4 /&7"%" When: Saturday, October 7, 2017 Where: Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, 400 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103 Prepaid Dinner Buffet ticket only: $65 per person Please make check payable to: Aludiya Lagmay-Ganzon 8119 Mary E Ellen Avenue, North Hollywood, California 91605 - or Priscilla Castaneto-Ruedas 6851 Dale Street Apartment # 16, Buena Park, California 90621
Nazario Perlas: Precy Castaneto- Ruedas: Lito Tambo:
nazario.perlas@yahoo.com pcruedas@yahoo.com lito.tambo@sbcglobal.net
Ludy Lagmay-Ganzon: Mila Tadina: Josie Dolor Etrata: Mary Ann Arichea–Caunan:
lganzon@gmail.com mrtadina@yahoo.com wilpenn@yahoo.com macaunan@ha.ucla.edu
*Discounted Room rates available at Gold Coast Hotel & Casino until September 3, 2017: Code: ABA2017
MANILA - The Duterte administration is setting aside P10 billion to modernize at least 40 airports, Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. said. He said Clark International Airport will get the biggest funding under the aviation infrastructure program in the proposed P3.767trillion General Appropriations Act for 2018. “Clark is getting P2.74 billion to enable it to cope with more flights, especially at night,” Campos, who sits in the House appropriations committee, said. He added that the Department of Transportation has been building up the airport at the former US Air Force base located 80 kilometers northwest of Manila in Angeles City to lure a greater number of international as well as domestic flights away from the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). He noted that whenever the main 3,737-meter long runway at the NAIA is temporarily shut for emergency repairs, incoming flights also tend to get diverted to
Clark. “The target is to have Clark’s two 3,200-meter long runways operating at night, and eventually extend both runways, possibly to 5,000 meters, to accommodate bigger aircraft,” Campos said. At present, he said only the primary airstrip at Clark is capable of day-and-night operations. The secondary airstrip still lacks the navigational aids and lighting facilities to service evening flights. From January to July this year, Clark handled a daily average of 20 international flights (3,078 passengers) plus 12 domestic flights (1,058 passengers), according to the state-run Clark International Airport Corp. Besides Clark, Campos said the other airports set to receive new infrastructure development funds are those in Kalibo, which will get P920 million; Bicol, P899.7 million; Tacloban, P716 million; Bukidnon, P425 million; Panglao (Bohol), P386 million; Laoag, P368.5 million; Cauayan
(Isabela) Airport, P306.4 million; Dumaguete, P300 million; Calbayog, P245 million; Zamboanga City, P221 million; San Jose Airport (Camarines Sur), P200 million; Surigao City, P200 million; Ozamiz Airport, P192.2 million; Butuan City, P184 million; Dipolog City, P182 million; Roxas City, P169 million; Cotabato City, P161 million; Basco (Batanes), P145 million; Ormoc City, P128 million; Maasin (Leyte), P122 million; Antique, P110 million; Sanga-Sanga (Tawi-Tawi), P100 million; Pagadian, P84.2 million; Tuguegarao, P61.8 million; San Vicente (Palawan), P50 million; and Virac, P50 million. Campos said 13 other smaller airports would get a combined P262.61 million, or an average of P20.20 million each, for upgrades. n
LTFRB suspends Uber for 1 month by Jovic
Yee Inquirer.net
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended for a month the operations of transport network company (TNC) Uber after it defied its July 26 order not to accept and activate new drivers into its platform. In response, Uber issued a short statement, saying: “Uber received an order around 6 p.m. August 14 to completely stop operations. We are studying the order at the moment. We will update our riders and drivers as soon as we can.” In its cease-and-desist order that was released and took effect on Monday, Aug. 14 the LTFRB said that Uber was “irresponsible” when it continued to accept and activate new drivers into its platform. It noted that what the TNC has done was “not about pushing innovation in the context of fair regulation,” but “unduly chal-
lenging the limit of fair regulation to continue to engage in business in this country.” “The objective of the board now is to strike a gentle balance between innovation and the law for the public good… What takes precedence then? No doubt, it is the law. The law which defines fair and suitable regulation is the great equalizer in addressing and fulfilling the common good,” the order read. Recognizing that their order meant that thousands of Uber’s drivers would lose income for a month, the LTFRB recommended that Uber extend financial assistance to its affected drivers as a “form of good faith.” “[T]heir accredited peer-operators would not have suffered the current predicament were it not for the predatory actions of [Uber],” it said. On July 26, the LTFRB ordered TNCs Grab and Uber to stop their acceptance and accreditation of new drivers as the agency ironed out issues concerning the ride-sharing industry. However, the LTFRB found out
that Uber defied its order, with the TNC even releasing a statement that partly read that “applications are being accepted but not processed” by them. On top of this, the LTFRB was also able to activate three of its cars into Uber’s platform. In its hearing early this month, the LTFRB maintained that it was clear in its order that no applications should be received by the TNCs to “avoid raising false expectations” among drivers that they may engage in the public transportation service. During the recent congressional hearing on the ride-sharing industry, Uber said that it has to date accredited around 66,000 vehicles into its platform. The board said that it recognized that the service provided by TNCs to the commuting public was “undeniably positive and beneficial.’ It noted though that “technological innovation is but a tool to enhance human convenience but may not dictate what may be morally acceptable social human behavior.” n
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA EMMA looked down at the busy huddle in the operating room. The doctors and nurses in their blood spattered scrub suits were working on someone. They were desperately trying to bring a patient back to life. Emma took a closer look. “Why that’s me,” she thought. The doctors were trying to bring her back from the brink. Her vital signs were weakening. If the monitor flat lined, Emma knew she would be gone for good. There seems to be a thin silver thread that still anchors her to her body but the physical life force is ebbing away fast. She remembered being in a car accident. Emma was only 42. “Go back,” she seemed to hear someone tell her but there was no sound. Emma felt so light, so free. She hadn’t felt this wonderful in a long time. A feeling of wellbeing was engulfing her. She was in a tunnel and a white speck of light glowed at the end. There was a being of light in the distance. She began moving towards it. Then she felt the grief of her husband and her two young children She caught a glimpse of them in the hospital waiting room. Matt, the younger one, has his face pressed against the windowpane staring out through the glass at the pouring rain. Her heart was filled with love for them. They still need her. “Go back. It’s not yet time,” she seemed to hear the gentle voice once more although there was no one and there was no sound. And Emma did. She heard one of the doctors say to her, “Welcome back.” Emma knew her life, what remained of it, was never going to be the same again. Emma is only one of several millions the world over who have come back from the edge of death, having gone through what is called NDE or Near Death Experience. Are you afraid of death? I am. I suppose so do most of humankind through most of history. In Greek mythology, the Fates represented by 3 women named, Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos determined a person’s destiny upon birth. Clotho is the spinner who spins the thread of life and Lachesis is the measurer who chooses a man’s lot in life and how long it is to be. Atropos is the most dreaded one. It is she who decided how and when a man is to die, using her large, sharp, unrelenting scissors to cut off the thread of life. No one, not even the Gods at Olympus trifled with her. Should we fear death? Stories abound that tell of those who have gone through NDE that strongly indicate that there is grace in dying. There is strong evidence of life beyond death and that the act of dying is transitioning into that life. In almost all cases of NDE,
What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA U.S. citizens are generally taxed on their worldwide income regardless of where the income is earned or received. Facts • US Citizen sold residential property outside of U.S. • Property is located in the Philippines Income from Sale of Real Property U.S. Code 862: Gain from the disposition of real property is sourced according to the location of the real property. Generally, expenses, losses, and other deductions properly apportioned or allocated thereto, and a ratable part of any expenses, losses, or deductions which cannot be definitely allocated to some item or class of gross income are deductible. Article 7 of Philippines-US tax Treaty • Income from real property, including royalties and other payments in respect of the exploitation of natural resources and gains derived from the alienation of such property or of the right giving rise to such royalties or other payments, may be taxed by the Contracting State in which such real property or natural resources are situated. • The sale of property in the Philippines is subject to Philippine taxation. • Gains derived from the sale of real property not used in a business are subject to 6% final withholding tax based on the sale price or fair market value, whichever is higher. • Relief from double taxation: The United States shall allow to a citizen or resident of the Unit-
Business news
Who’s afraid of death? “Although my near-death experience was nearly thirty four years ago, there is virtually not a day that goes by that I am not aware of making decisions based on that experience.” – Geraldine Berkheimer, writing about her near-death experience in 1959 in Paris, France
people relate of feeling weightless, floating and hovering above looking down at their own bodies and even seeing how doctors, nurses and technicians struggle to bring them back from the brink. They are literally hanging on by a thread. It is an out of body experience and that there exists a thin silver iridescent cord that still connects them to their own bodies. If that cord is cut, it means that they are now truly physically dead and that they will continue on to the afterlife with no more chance of coming back to their previous physical life. Many of those who have gone though NDE report that there is that feeling of being drawn into a tunnel. There is the presence of a strong, white, comforting light at the end of the tunnel. The light appears small and as they progress through the tunnel, it becomes a strong being of light filled with love and compassion. Many report of meeting deceased relatives. Many go through a flashback of powerful memories like a review of their life, both good and bad. Above all, there seems to be an overwhelming feeling of release from all the constraints of their physical lives. For some, the decision to return is theirs to make. For others, the decision has already been made that their time to die hasn’t come yet and that they must go back. An unfinished business or a strong emotional attachment can make some go back and resume living. The impact of NDE is life changing. Documentation for those who have been declared clinically dead and have come back to resume living shows that those who have seen a glimpse of life beyond death undergo profound changes. Many have changed their view of life for the better. Some have a better appreciation of life becoming more kind, compassionate and considerate of others. For others, there is a renewed sense of purpose and a reordering of life’s priorities. Some have even gone on to develop a sense of spirituality convinced that their new lease on life tells them that they were made for something more. But not all stories of NDE are the same. It seems that for some on the dark side, the experience is totally different. Some report of the presence of a dark void and all the chillingly cold, negative, consuming energies of such emotions as seething anger,
loathing and arrogance swirling about in a thick, dark, putrid cloud, the complete antithesis of the typical NDE experience of light. This story is more like pure horror. Just as there are good people and bad people, the nature of the near death experience seems to be a direct and proportionate result of the collective, aggregate choices each one makes through life. Remember that blockbuster film in the 1990’s “Ghost” where the merciless murderer Willie, on his way to commit another contract murder, suddenly flees the spooky, rampaging spirit of Sam whom he murdered earlier for money and is consequently run over by a car and dies on the spot? His spirit rises from his body as he realizes he is dead. His soul is instantly shackled and suctioned off screaming into the void by howling, hooded, dark, macabre, misshapen creatures rising like toxic fumes and disappearing just as suddenly from the sewers of New York City. That is, perhaps, a glimpse of what it must be like to truly die. When the other kind of NDE happens, some report that there is no concept of space or time at all. There is neither beginning nor end. Communication with beings of light or deceased relatives who may accompany the dying is telepathic. There is no sound and no need for words. Many of those who have nearly died and allowed to come back to live out the rest of their lives express a reluctance to return to their previous physical lives. But there was a strong pull, a tug from their earthly life that made them do a U-turn, at least for the time being. What is stunning is this. Nearly all those who have had an encounter with death and did come back to resume their lives claim they no longer fear death. The fear of death is no more. Death for them has become a door one must pass to enter a more beautiful, enticing reality full of love and mercy. What most have learned from their brush with death is startlingly simple. LOVE, they profess, is the most important thing in this earthly life — giving it, accepting it and learning from it. n *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Sale of real property outside of the US PART 1
ed States as a credit against the United States tax the appropriate amount of taxes paid or accrued to the Philippines. Taxes paid in relation to the sale of your property in the Philippines Taxes can be claimed in your tax returns in one of two ways: • Deduction to Form 1040, Schedule A, or If qualified, you may deduct taxes paid to the Philippines on your Form 1040, Schedule A, Line 8. We will use this approach if it provides more benefits than claiming foreign tax credit. • Foreign Tax Credit The foreign tax credit intends to reduce the double tax burden that would otherwise arise when foreign source income is taxed by both the United States and the foreign country from which the income is derived. Qualifying Tests for the Credit The tax must meet four tests to qualify for the credit: • The tax must be a legal and actual foreign tax liability • The tax must be imposed on you • You must have paid or accrued the tax, and • The tax must be an income tax (or a tax in lieu of an income tax) Taxes Withheld on Income or Gain Other Than Dividends For income or gain (other than dividends) paid or accrued on property, you cannot claim a foreign tax credit for withholding tax (defined later): • If you have not held the property for at least 16 days during the 31-day period that begins 15 days before the date on which the right to receive the payment
arises, or • To the extent you have to make related payments on positions in substantially similar or related property. When figuring how long you held the property, count the day you sold it, but do not count the day you acquired it or any days on which you were protected from risk of loss. Withholding Tax For this purpose, withholding tax includes any tax determined on a gross basis. It does not include any tax which is in the nature of a prepayment of a tax imposed on a net basis, IRS Publication 514. Foreign Bank Account Reporting (FBAR) U.S. citizens with financial interest in, or signature authority over, any financial accounts with an aggregate value of more than $10,000 at anytime during the calendar year, including, bank, securities or other types of financial accounts in a foreign country are required to report that relationship by filing FinCen Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). If you had any financial accounts in the Philippines that had a value of $10,000 or more at anytime during 2017, you are required to file an FBAR. Even if you did not receive any kind of payment or income from the accounts during the year, you are still required to report them. When to File If you or your entity has financial interest in or signature authority over, any foreign accounts, it is your responsibility to provide our firm with all the information needed to prepare
u PAGE B6
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 16-18 2017
Calendar of Events across
B
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 AU G U ST 1 9
Philippine Madrigal Singers to perform in Northridge, CA Philippine Madrigal Singers in Concert on Saturday, August 19 is the long-awaited return to Los Angeles of the world-renowned prize-winning choir. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) located at 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330. The theatre is part of CSUN, and tickets are $70, $55, and $40 online anytime at www.ticketmaster.com. Special student pricing is available only in-person at the VPAC box office, call or visit (818) 677-3000 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Tour information at www.musicartsevents.com.
AU G U ST 2 0
Philippine Madrigal Singers in Loma Linda, CA An Evening with the MADZ on Sunday, August 20 is an opportunity to hear the awardwinning first-ever two-time European Grand Prix winning choir, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, at Campus Hill Church, 11057 Hill Dr Loma Linda CA 92354. The performance is at 7 p.m. $40 General Admission, $20 Child/Student. For tickets, call Ephraim Dela Cruz at (909) 831-4225, Marjorie Ann Reyno-Huynh at (909) 965-6936 or Nemuel Enriquez at (323) 2290506.
Filipino Cultural School’s summer program graduation ceremony in Cerritos, CA The Filipino Cultural School (FCS) will be holding its graduation ceremony on Sunday, August 20, starting promptly at 1:30 pm to be held at Cerritos Park East. The graduation will celebrate and honor 100 plus students, ranging from ages 4 to 18, who have gone through this seven-week summer school program learning about the Filipino and Filipino-American culture. Graduation highlights the different lessons that the students have learned from their Dance, Music, and Halo-halo (merger class of history, language, and lifestyle) classes. The students will also be honored for their dedication and enthusiasm in learning their heritage. It will be held at the California Room of Cerritos Park East (13234 E 166th St, Cerritos, CA 90703). Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children (10 or younger). Light refreshments are included. The last day to reserve and pay for tickets is August 15 at 11 p.m. No tickets will be sold during the day of graduation. Payment options include: Checks, Cash, Credit Card, Venmo and Paypal. Ticket Reservation: http://tinyurl.com/fcsgrad2017. Please visit at filipinoculturalschool.org to learn more about the program. For any questions or concerns, contact FCS at filipinoculturalschool@gmail.com.
AU G U ST 24
FACC-SLAA’s “luau” quarterly business & professionals networking mixer in Wilmington, CA The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce – SouthBay Los Angeles Area (FACC-SLAA) presents a “luau” quarterly business & professionals networking mixer on Thursday, August 24. Come meet other driven Filipino/Fil-Am businesspersons and professionals in a relaxed and casual atmosphere! It will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Camino de Guanajuto Restaurant, 208 W. Anaheim St., Unit C, Wilmington, CA 90744. Tickets are free for FACCSLAA members. For non-members, it’s $15 for pre-registration or $20 at the door. For more information on FACC-SLAA, please visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/FilAmChamberOfCommerceSouthBayLAArea/.
SEPTEMBER 1-4
Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School international reunion in Las Vegas Come and celebrate with RMCHS alumni and guests for the third biannual international homecoming. Sing, dance, party, share precious memories and join the fun from Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Join the golf tournament in the morning of Saturday, Sept. 2 and then wear your best (black and white) for a dinner dance later that evening. Make this event an opportunity to reunite with your own batchmates, watch a show, visit tourist spots, and stroll along the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, visit the RMCHS 2017 INTL REUNION Facebook page.
O C TO B E R 1 4
26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park Save the date! The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.
O C TO B E R 2 1
NaFFAA to celebrate 20th anniversary in Washington, DC The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) turns 20 years old this year. This October, several events are being planned to celebrate this milestone, which coincides with the national observance of Filipino American History Month. They will culminate with NaFFAA’s 20th Anniversary Gala, to be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 21. With its theme “NaFFAA 2.0: One Voice, Four Million Strong,” NaFFAA will recognize the legacy and accomplishments of the organization over the past 20 years, and highlight its comprehensive vision to unite and amplify the voices of the four million Filipinos living in the United States. “NaFFAA 2.0” represents how NaFFAA is honoring its past while forging a new forward-thinking and balanced approach in uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse Filipino American individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy. To learn more about NaFFAA or to purchase tickets for the 20th Anniversary Gala, please visit www. naffaa.org.
D EC E M B E R 27-29
Ateneo de Naga High School Class ’67 celebrates 50th anniversary in Naga City The Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) High School Class 1967 is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2017 from December 27 to 29 with various activities lined up for its 153 alumni members. (ADNU is a leading Jesuit university in the Bicol region located in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines). The activities include the publication of its 50th Anniversary Yearbook, a coffee table book which features the individual life stories of the class members after high school, tributes to their mentors, and various articles about school life in the 1960s. Also scheduled for the middle of the year is a golf tournament which — aside from fostering camaraderie — will essentially be a fund-raising activity for planned alumni projects such as a medical mission to a remote provincial town, scholarships, and donations for other worthy causes. This year’s reunion will be at the ADNU main campus in Naga City with various fun and commemorative activities lined up for the occasion. All batch members, wherever they are domiciled, including those residing in foreign countries, especially those in the USA and Canada, are enjoined to contribute their life story articles for the anniversary book as soon as possible, to participate in the various identified activities and outreach projects, and attend the grand homecoming in December. For coordination and for details about the events and activities, please email or call up any of the following batch members: Jojo de Jesus (email: jvdejesus6@yahoo.com; cell: 09772114750); Nilo Ezequiel (email: nilo. ezequiel0977@gma
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
B AUGUST 16-18, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
Community Journal
Senior with $60K in credit card debt wants relief Chapter 7 trustee stipulates to dismiss adversary against client before trial
CLIENT is 70. She is a widow, her beloved husband having passed away 5 years ago at 65. She owns a house with a reverse mortgage of half a million. She took the reverse mortgage 5 years ago when her husband died. The mortgage accumulates at the rate of $2K a month or $24K a year. You can keep the balance from increasing if you pay the interest portion only every month. Client did not pay any mortgage payment for the last 5 years so the reverse mortgage balance has ballooned to $500K. Client can live in the house until she dies even if she hasn’t paid any mortgage from the time she took the reverse mortgage until death. So it lets you live in the house until you are gone without having to pay anything but the mortgage balance goes up every month by the amount of mortgage payment due. Of course, it can eat up even a large equity by the passage of time. This works for many seniors since you can’t bring anything with you to heaven when you die, right. You don’t need a house in heaven because Jesus has prepared a mansion for each one of us there. Jesus has said that He will prepare a place for us when we go to heaven. John 14:2-3 “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go & prepare a place for you, I will come back & take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” So there, that’s pretty nice of Jesus to prepare a place for us when we go to heaven, right? That’s a free house in heaven for us after we die, that’s a great deal! However, client is still alive and kicking and beset with credit card problems of $60K. She pays at least $1500 a month to keep these cards current. What is her income now at 70? Social security gives her $1900. And she has a pension of $200 from a previous employer. Her total income
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrence yAng
is $2100. She doesn’t have to pay rent or mortgage since she is on a reverse mortgage. Her total living expenses is $1600. So if you add $1500 a month for minimum credit card payments to living expenses without rent or mortgage of $1600, total income needed to meet credit card payments and living expenses is $3100. But her income is only $2100. So she is upside down by $1000. If she
lost a major lawsuit and forced to file for bankruptcy leaving client holding the bag for $300K. Chapter 7 trustee filed an adversary complaint against client for $80K representing a preferential payment by CA Company to client 90 days before CA company filed for bk. Under bankruptcy law, the trustee can get the $80K back from client; unless client can prove that ‘new or contemporaneous value,’ was given by client, for the $80K. This adversary case against client adds insult to injury. Client is already owed $300K by CA Company and here comes the trustee who wants to get the $80K that was paid to client 90 days before CA company filed for BK. It’s like a horror story. This would definitely push N. Korea to let their missiles with miniature nuclear bombs fly off over the Pacific Ocean into the office of the Chapter 7 trustee, wouldn’t it? I was all prepared for the trial this month after giving all client’s evidence to the lawyer of the trustee to prove that client did indeed supply “new or contemporaneous value” to CA Company 90 days before the CA Company filed for BK. But I just received counsel’s advise that trustee was now willing to stipulate to dismiss the adversary complaint against client. That’s good news for client and myself. I certainly hope that the N. Korea situation ends up favorably like my client’s case. I pray cooler heads prevail and the dogs of war are not let loose. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. “THE LORD IS NEAR TO ALL WHO CALL ON HIM, TO ALL WHO CALL ON HIM IN TRUTH.” PSALM 145:18
“You can keep the balance from increasing if you pay the interest portion only every month.”
EMPLOYMENT
discharges the $60K of credit cards, she will free herself of $1500 a month and her $2100 income can easily pay her $1600 of living expenses. Without credit card debt she would still be saving $500 a month! It’s clearly to her benefit to get a Chapter 7 discharge of the $60K credit cards now. However, if the current fair market value of her house is such that her equity is a lot more than $175K, even if she is on a reverse mortgage, she would be better off with a Chapter 13 so as to eliminate any risk of having a problem with a Chapter 7 trustee that would be wanting to sell her house even if her house is on a reverse mortgage. Client’s case needs a novel approach but definitely she needs immediate debt relief from $60K of credit card debt. Client no. 2 is a foreign company that has been supplying a CA Company with merchandise for 8 years on open account. Client gave CA Company a line of credit of $2.0 M for the purchase of their product. CA Company
*** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. 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 91803.
EMPLOYMENT
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Disclosure of text messages, e-mails and Facebook info of a spouse or significant other may constitute domestic violence DOMESTIC violence is abuse perpetrated against a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, a girlfriend, a boyfriend, the mother or father of your child, your child. Family Code Section 6211. Abuse is not limited to the actual infliction of physical injury or assault. Family Code, § 6203(b). A court may issue an order enjoining specific acts of “abuse” (§ 6218, subd. (a)), which are defined as, among other things, behavior that could be enjoined under section 6320. (§ 6203, subd. (d).) Section 6320, in turn, permits a court to enjoin a party from engaging in various types of behavior, including “disturbing the peace of the other party.” (§ 6320, subd. (a).) “[T]he plain meaning of the phrase ‘disturbing the peace of the other party’ in section 6320 may be properly understood as conduct that destroys the mental or emotional calm of the other party.” (In re Marriage of Nadkarni (2009) 173 Cal.App.4th 1483, 1497, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723 (Nadkarni ).) The phrase includes “destroying the mental or emotional calm of [a former spouse] by accessing, reading and publicly disclosing her confidential e-mails.” (Id. at p. 1498, 93 Cal. Rptr.3d 723.) The expansion of the term “disturbing the peace” to cover accessing, reading, and publicly disclosing electronic communication has profound effect in every divorce and family law case. In Nadkarni, a former wife alleged that her ex-husband had accessed her private e-mail account while she was away on a business trip, then attached copies of the e-mails to documents filed in proceedings regarding custody of their teenaged children. In re Marriage of Nadkarni (2009) 173 Cal.App.4th 1483, 1497, 93 Cal. Rptr.3d 723. She sought a permanent restraining order, but the trial court denied it without a hearing after finding that the DVPA did not cover situations in which there was no physical harm alleged. The appellate court reversed and remanded the matter to the trial court for a hearing. It held that the definition of abuse under the DVPA is not limited to the infliction of physical injury or assault. Id. at pp. 1498, 1501, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723. In Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney, husband’s actions in releasing and threatening to re-
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes lease personal data downloaded from wife’s cell phone constituted “disturbing the peace of the other party” and thus “abuse” which warranted restraining order. In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal.Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) Phrase “disturbing the peace of the other party” in injunction provision of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA) includes destroying the mental or emotional calm of a former spouse by accessing, reading and publicly disclosing her confidential e-mails. Cal. Fam. Code § 6320. In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal. Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) Husband’s actions in releasing and threatening to release personal data downloaded from wife’s cell phone constituted “disturbing the peace of the other party” and thus “abuse” which warranted restraining order under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA). Cal. Fam. Code §§ 6218(a), 6300, 6320(a). In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal. Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) In Evilsizor, Ms. Evilsizor testified that it had been “incredibly incredibly difficult to deal with” the dissemination of her personal information, stating, “I have sleepless nights. I’m sick to my stomach. My friends are mad at me, embarrassed as if I let him. I didn’t know he was even doing any of this. My parents are upset, you know. Why did I marry him? I didn’t know that things were going—I didn’t know. Yeah. It’s been incredibly challenging to live with.” She further testified that she had suffered shock and embarrassment and feared for her safety because of the disclosure. Evilsizor also was concerned about Sweeney’s threats to reveal information to the Internal
EMPLOYMENT
Revenue Service about “things [she] didn’t do.” The court concluded in the Evilsizor case that even if Sweeney legally obtained Evilsizor’s information, an issue left unresolved, it was authorized under the DVPA to enjoin the disclosure or threats of disclosure of the information to protect Evilsizor’s peace of mind. The court ordered Sweeney be “prohibited from using, delivering, copying, printing or disclosing the messages or content of [Evilsizor’s] text messages or e-mail messages or notes, or anything else downloaded from her phone or from what has been called the family computer except as otherwise authorized by the court.” Sweeney also was prohibited from trying to access or otherwise interfere with Evilsizor’s internet-service provider accounts or social-media accounts. Text messages, E-mails, Social media, and other electronic communication has become a common and inseparable part of today’s lifestyle. Accessing, reading, and publicly disclosing electronic communication of an ex, spouse, or sgnificant other has profound effect in every divorce and family law case. A finding of domestic violence against a party can affect the rulings on custody and spousal support issues. If your divorce or family law matter involves your ex, spouse, or significant other downloading and disclosing confidential electronic communication, one has to consider taking appropriate action in the case to be protected from conduct which is regarded as abuse under the California domestic violence statute. ***
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) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** 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. (Advertising Supplement)
B AUGUST 16-18, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
EMPLOYMENT
FOR RENT
SERVICES
FOR RENT
Community Journal
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 16-18 2017
B
People and Events
‘Do the right thing: (dis)comfort women,’ new exhibition at Downtown Glendale Central Library GLENDALE - ReflectSpace at Downtown Central presents Do the Right Thing: (dis)comfort women, an exhibition reflecting on the silence and dialogue by and about the women who were forced to become sex slaves by the Japanese Imperial Army before and during World War II. The exhibition presents the work of twelve international documentarians and artists and runs from July 20 to September 3, 2017. Co-curated by Monica Hye Yeon Jun, Ara and Anahid Oshagan. Before and during World War II, over 200,000 women from South Ko-
rea, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and East Timor were coerced or forcibly transported to so-called “comfort stations” across Japanese occupied territories and repeatedly raped, tortured and brutalized for months and years. Most women were under the age of 20, some as young as 12. Many women were murdered or committed suicide during their enslavement. And the horrors of their experience did not end with the end of the war. Many women were severely traumatized and never married or were unable to have children as a result of the torture they suffered. Many did not return home and those who did were branded as “Japanese leftovers” and were often derided and ostracized. Humiliated and ashamed, comfort women survivors remained silent for nearly six decades: in isolation, shame, mental and physical ill-health, and often in extreme poverty. Breaking the silence about their experiences was a courageous task. The first public pronouncement by a survivor came in 1991, nearly 50 years later. The term “comfort women” is a Japanese euphemism coined by the military to soften the scope and viciousness of their system of slavery. The (dis)comfort women exhibit turns this term on its head and develops alternative narratives of the experience by survivors, as well as, artists. The exhibit includes drawings, watercolor, paintings, sculpture and audio-visual material
drawn from a wide range of North American and international artists, professional, as well as, amateur. (dis)comfort women will show the work of Remedios Felias, a former sex slave who late in life drew a graphic picture diary of her harrowing experience, as well as giant public art banners by NY-based artist Chang-Jin Lee. The artists’ work invites reflection and dialogue, but also creates tension: between the inability to speak about personal trauma and the deep human urge to tell. Artists explore this silence and simultaneously break it. (dis)comfort women is held taut in this tension and is a vociferous presence urging the acknowledgment of the horrors, lifelong indignity and shame suffered by the comfort women. Artists in (dis)comfort women: Steve Cavallo, Yoon Jung Choi, Shon Jeung Eun, Remedios Felias, Arian Kang, Chang-Jin Lee, Melly Lym, Hong Sun Myeong, Kim Siha, Gim Deok Yeoung, Shin Chang Yong and Seo Soo-Young. ReflectSpace is a new exhibition space inside Downtown Central Library designed to explore and reflect on major human atrocities, genocides and civil rights violations. Immersive in conception, ReflectSpace is a hybrid space that is both experiential and informative, employing art, technology and interactive media to reflect on the past and present of Glendale’s communal fabric and interrogate current-day global human rights issues. n
Diamond Bar restaurant week
DIAMOND Bar restaurants will again have the opportunity to showcase their cuisine and attract new patrons when the City holds its annual Diamond Bar Restaurant Week (DBRW) event. Now in its second year, DBRW will span two weeks from October 6-20, during which participating restaurants will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner deals, as well as other special discounts. Participating in DBRW requires a signup fee of $100 that is used toward marketing and advertis-
ing efforts which includes a dedicated website; streetlight pole banners; advertisements in local newspapers, magazines and bus shelters; and promotional materials such as posters, window materials, and giveaways. The signup process may be initiated online at www.dbrestaurantweek.com. Early signups ensure that participants can take advantage of a longer advertising period. Upon signing up, restau- on all applicable promotional the City’s Administration Department at 909.839.7015 or dbresrant names are added to the ded- materials and advertisements. icated DBRW website and listed For more information, contact taurant@diamondbarca.gov. n
Duarte Day at the Los Angeles County Fair on Sept. 13 DUARTE - The City of Duarte invites the Duarte community to join the official “Duarte Day” Celebration at the Los Angeles County Fair on Wednesday, September 13. In partnership with the Cities of Monrovia and Arcadia, Duarteans will be able to come together to celebrate our “Community Hero” and join in a fun-filled community parade starting at 5 p.m. Long-time volunteer and for-
mer Mayor, Lois Gaston, will be recognized as the 2017 Duarte “Community Hero” during the annual “Heroes Ceremony” kicking off at 3:00 pm. Gaston was selected for her 40-year commitment to the community, exhibited by tireless dedication and endless hours of volunteering. Shortly afterwards, the Duarte, Monrovia, Arcadia Community parade starts at 5:00 pm featuring our very own Duarte High
School Marching Band and cheerleaders. The Los Angeles County Fairgrounds are located at 1101 West McKinley Avenue Pomona, CA 91768. Duarte residents, with a coupon will receive a discounted entrance rate to the Fair grounds for $8.00 for adults and children (original price: $20 for adults and $16 for children). Copies of the coupon will be available at
Duarte City Hall, Duarte Library, Duarte Chamber of Commerce, local Duarte businesses and in the Duarte City News. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.lacountyfair.com by entering promo code “duarte13” to receive the discounted rate. For information about Duarte Day, please contact Iliana Garcia at 626-357-7931 ext. 267 or visit www.accessduarte.com. n
Peso, stock market hit by US-N Korea... PAGE B1 t “For us, it’s not a cause for
concern,” she added. A stock market analyst, meanwhile, acknowledged the impact of geopolitical tensions but also noted that investors were acting on latest profit figures. “I think the global equities’ sentiment was due to escalating tension between the U.S. and North Korea. Locally though, corporate earnings still weighed on investors sentiment,” IB Gimenez Securities Inc. research head Joylin Telagen said. “For [next]week, the main fo-
cus will be the second quarter gross domestic product [GDP] to be released on Thursday, August 17. Better-than-expected GDP could possibly retest the 8,000 level. Downside risk is at 7,800,” she added. Regina Capital Development Corp., meanwhile, said the Philippine market “suffered the same fate as everyone regionally, succumbing to the panic as tensions between the U.S. and North Korea persisted after President Donald Trump doubled down
its rhetoric against Pyongyang.” Eagle Equities, Inc. President Joseph Roxas said the peso’s fall also pulled down market sentiment. Sectoral indices went mixed on Friday. Industrials rose 0.41 percent while the property sector fell 1.54 percent. Over 1.8 billion shares valued at P5.1 billion were traded. Decliners led gainers, 144 to 54, while 52 issues were unchanged. (With Angelica Ballesteros). n
BSP holds key rates but hikes... PAGE B1 t
account of the economy’s continuing expansion and an increase in domestic credit. “Finally, the exchange rate also is expected to continue to show some depreciation on account of the continuing expansion of domestic activity, which would require more imports of capital goods, raw materials, and intermediate products,” Guinigundo said. Espenilla said that while inflation forecasts had risen, the future path remained within the targeted 2 to 4 percent. “[I]nflation expectations … remain firmly anchored close to the midpoint of the government’s 3 percent ± 1 percentage point tar-
get over the policy horizon,” he said. The Monetary Board recognized that the balance of risks to the inflation outlook remained on the upside. Espenilla said that while the proposed tax reform program could exert pressure on prices, social safety nets and expected improvements in productivity would likely temper the impact over the medium term. The central bank officials said the Monetary Board was continuing to pay close attention to evolving economic growth and liquidity conditions and their implications on price and financial stability. Australia’s ANZ Research, meanwhile, said it expected the
BSP to commence hiking rates before the end of the year. “We agree with the central bank that risks to future inflation remain tilted to the upside,” it added. ANZ Research said headline inflation had already topped off and would likely remain anchored to target this year. The knock-on effects of tax reforms on consumer prices, however, are significant. “Combined with solid domestic demand, the 2 percent to 4 percent target range may be at risk depending on when the tax reform will be implemented,” it added. “We still expect rate tightening to commence before the end of the year, starting with 25bps hikes in the interest rate corridor in the fourth quarter.”n
DBS bank sees 6% growth for...
PAGE B1 t
The unit of Moody’s Corp. said the country’s GDP expansion likely accelerated to 6.8 percent in the second quarter. “The main boost will come from exports, which have been expanding rapidly in recent months largely because of stronger shipments of electronics,” it said. Exports inched up 0.8 percent to $4.91 billion in June from $4.87 billion in the same month
last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Statistics showed shipment of electronic products from the Philippines went up 4.4 percent to $2.61 billion in June from $2.51 billion in the same month last year. Moody’s Analytics pointed out domestic factors have remained conducive to strong growth. “Private consumption will grow rapidly for the foreseeable future thanks to rising incomes
and favorable demographics. Investment will also expand rapidly as a result of a mixture of private and government projects,” it added. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia earlier said a GDP expansion higher than seven percent was still possible for the second quarter of the year due to “increase in government spending and infrastructure spending.n
Sale of real property outside... PAGE B3 t the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Beginning the 2017 filing season or the 2016 tax year, reports are now due April 15. However, for the first time, a six-month extension to Oct. 15 is made available to taxpayers. Noncompliance A taxpayer who willfully fails to comply with the FBAR requirements may face a penalty equal to the greater of $100,000
or 50% of the foreign financial account balance as of the June 30 FBAR due date. This penalty applies to each year open under the statute of limitation. The maximum penalty under Title 31 for a non-willful failure to file an FBAR is $10,000 per account per year. Noncompliance with the FBAR requirements is a felony, which is punishable by five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. *** Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or
tax advice contained in this communication is neither intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. *** Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. (Advertising Supplement)
B AUGUST 16-18, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 16-18 2017
B
The Asian Journal
MDWK
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
MAGAZINE
†Ü¯†ÅºÊåÙņ¿Ö咿¯“†â¯ÊÅÜ
dž†Ü¯†ÅºÊåÙņ¿“ÊÄ
dž†Ü¯†ÅºÊåÙņ¿
XXX BTJBOKPVSOBM DPN -PT "OHFMFT LJ -BT 7FHBT LJ 0SBOHF $PVOUZ *OMBOE &NQJSF LJ /PSUIFSO $BMJGPSOJB LJ /FX :PSL /FX +FSTFZ
2
cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 16, 2017
Common health myths and new food trends to try by Rae ann VaRona / AJPress HippocrAtes, the father of Western medicine, once said, “let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.” these words still hold true today. Yet, with various opinions on diet and exercise, and new foods frequently being dubbed superfoods, it can be tough deciding which advice to take. the Asian Journal got insight from philippine-based Harvie de Baron, a sports nutritionist and founder of the acclaimed Baron Method, on some common myths about health, exercise, and food. He also shared his thoughts on some currently trending health foods that many Filipinos may already be familiar with. Myth: Carbohydrates make you fat rice, pan de sal, ensaymada, and pancit are all delicious Filipino foods. they also contain carbohydrates, which people often have a love-hate relationship with due to their misassociation with weight gain. Many end up eliminating them from their diet,
but Baron advises not to. “i have a love-love relationship with carbs,” Baron shared with the Asian Journal. He explained that carbohydrates serve many important functions in the body like controlling the level of serotonin which is responsible for maintaining mood balance. this can explain why many scientists believe that people with low serotonin levels seek out carbs. there are things to consider though, as not all carbs are the same. “complex carbs such as quinoa, brown rice, and black rice are very good for the body,” said Baron. “the body likes those very much.” Myth: Stick to three meals Merienda or no merienda? that is the question. Many believe that having three meals throughout the day is best for losing weight, keeping fit, and staying satiated. others believe in having smaller meals throughout the day. personally, Baron is a merienda fan, but he makes sure to choose healthy snacks that the body can process, like
Carbohydrates serve many important functions in the body like controlling the level of serotonin which is responsible for maintaining mood balance.
Overall exercise and nutrition really make the difference.
The time and effort you dedicate for work is exemplary but it also means taking care of your most important investment: your health. Inquirer.net photos
There are many exercises and machines being promoted as solutions for stubborn belly fat. Unfortunately, ab exercises and machines alone won’t give you a flatter stomach.
How to keep physically and mentally healthy in a busy workplace By IRIs
VIcente AJPress
it is exhausting to try and break an endless cycle of unhealthy habits. come to think of it, you work long hours on weekdays that you’re so drained by the end of the week so instead of hitting the beach or trekking the mountains in some laid-back town to loosen up, you choose With various opinions on diet and exercise, and new foods frequently being dubbed superfoods, it can to sleep your way through that be tough deciding which advice to take. Inquirer.photo and Philstar.com photos monotonous weekend. Before looking to get smaller, but Baron you know it, you’ll have to go fruits. “that way, the body can explained that you can still have use the energy from the food back to that vicious cycle again, a strong-looking physique while well,” said Baron. possibly a few times over. retaining your figure. As for According to him, the body More often than not, it is the women, they generally don’t actually likes the predictability logic behind people quitting have enough testosterone. of eating regularly. He added their jobs as days are stressit also depends on what your ful with the workload pressure that doing so can help prevent goals are, he added. “if you do hunger pangs and cravings from along with the lack of driving happening at the end of the day. too much cardio, you can look force to catalyze work efficiency. skinny and lean, but without Myth: Crunches or ab exerBased on the Health and safety muscles,” said Baron. Vice versa, executive’s (Hse) Labor Force cises get rid of belly fat focusing more on weight lifting this is a myth because report in 2016, there were can make you bulk up. think of it is only true to a certain 440,000 total number of depresextent. there are many exercises bodybuilders, for example. sion, work related stress, or anxi“You have to find the right and machines being promoted ety cases in western countries balance of doing both,” said as solutions for stubborn belly and it is the root of 9.9 million Baron. “it all boils down to a fat. Unfortunately, ab exercises lost working days per year. combination of eating well, lifting and machines alone won’t give if you find yourself falling in weights, and doing your cardio.” that category, you might want to you a flatter stomach. overall Try This: Jackfruit (langka) exercise and nutrition really make reevaluate whether or not you — The jack of all fruits the difference. “if you still eat are running your life earnestly. Filipinos have long enjoyed poorly, that’s not going to hapHere are five things to keep langka in turon, halo-halo, or in pen,” he shared. yourself physically and mentally ginataang langka. in the United But that doesn’t mean you healthy in a busy workplace: should quit doing them. “Doing states, it’s quickly becoming one Maintain a healthy lifestyle crunches and ab workouts will ac- of the top health food trends the time and effort you and is popping up in stores like tually build muscle in that area,” dedicate for work is exemplary Whole Foods and trader Joe’s said Baron. but it also means taking care where they can be found canned, of your most important investMyth: Weights are for “bulking up”, cardio is for slim- pre-cooked, or pre-seasoned in ment: your health. Most of the flavors like barbecue or teriyaki. ming down time, people equate productivthe fruit’s meat-like texture this is also only true to a ity with the amount of time a has made it a popular alternative person spends in the office but certain extent. “You will not to meat, and is a good source of looking after yourself, eating immediately ‘bulk up’ if you lift weights,” said Baron, adding that Vitamins B-6, K, and c. When well, making sure to get 7-8 ripe, it is praised for being a the term “bulking up” often has hours of sleep a day and setting diabetic-friendly carb! a negative connotation. this is aside a little time to exercise or a common concern for people Continued on Page 6 pursue an activity that you enjoy
Based on the Health and Service Executive’s (HSE) Labor Force Report in 2016, there were 440,000 total number of depression, work related stress, or anxiety cases in western countries and it is the root of 9.9 million lost working days per year.
is what it takes to be productive. When you are constantly running in emergency mode, your mind and body pay the price. Develop a balance between “me” time and work everyone who has a job will understand you if you speak of stress with your job. Whether it is because of your heavy workload or self-generated stress, it is one of the inevitable dilemmas in the workplace. A little stress fix can help you perform under pressure and push you to do your best but too much fatigue can affect your productivity. Make sure to avoid exhaustion and getting burned out by having the balance between personal time and work — leave work at work when possible. reviewing your job activities and success factors can also help you keep up with the track. More importantly, don’t forget to reward yourself after every achievement. Weekend getaway, anyone? Continued on Page 6
Why getting enough Zzzs is important Bittersweet: The lowdown on sugar By elIJah
RodeRos AJPress
Are you always tired and grumpy when you come home from work or school? Do you lack focus and have difficulty in making decisions on your daily routine? Does your sleepiness greatly affect your efficiency in day-to-day activities? Maybe the problem lies with your lack of sleep. studies show that the gap between just getting enough sleep and getting a little sleep significantly affects your health, your mood, your weight, and even your sex life. the way you feel when you’re awake depends upon what happens when you are sleeping. During sleep, your body is at work to maintain a healthy brain function and well-being. in children and teens, it helps with their growth and development. so the next time you are planning to cut off some sleep, maybe you should consider the following importance of having a full night’s sleep: Healthy brain function and emotional wellbeing Have you ever felt like your brain is full? Maybe you’re brainstorming on some complex project or you’re starting a new job, and you’re not sleeping enough while constantly consuming new information. Well, if the answer is yes, your brain is actually full. Your brain creates a connection when you are learning new things, but there are ad hoc connections. Your brain needs to prune a lot of those connections to build more efficient pathways, and clear your mind for space. these
happen while you are sleeping and will help you to remember and to prepare you for learning the next day. studies show that sleep deficiency alters activity on some parts of the brain. if you’re sleep deprived, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behavior, and adapting to change. sleep deficiency has also been linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behavior. Physical health When you are sound asleep, your body also heals and repairs its heart and blood vessels. ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. studies show that lack of sleep may cause obesity. Less than 6 hours of snoozing time can impact your appetite and BMi regulation. A study, published in a special issue of the American Journal of Human Biology, revealed that the brain send signals which controls your appetite. inadequate sleep influences the secretion of the signal hormones, ghrelin, which increases appetite, and leptin, which will signals that you are already full. this can lead to increased food intake without burning the food consumed. in a poll conducted by the National sleep Foundation revealed that up to 26 percent say that their sex life tends to suffer just because they are too tired. impaired sleep can also cause lower testosterone levels in men. A study on college students Continued on Page 6
The way you feel when you’re awake depends upon what happens when you are sleeping. During sleep, your body is at work to maintain a healthy brain function and well-being. In children and teens, it helps with their growth and development. Inquirer.net photo
By JennIfeR
soRIano
AJPress
eVeN as children, we know all too well that sugar is in our favorite chocolates, candies and other food high in glucose, which can be detrimental to our health and well-being. through the years, our relationship with this sweet, edible, crystalline carbohydrate continues to be a paradoxical one and, in a sense, perverse. As we grow older, we continue to love its sweetness. Yet this very sweetness is the reason for our health maladies such as diabetes, blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation, and mental problems. A plethora of medical research has consistently revealed that sugar is a nightmare that tastes like a daydream. According to the World Health organization (WHo), a mix of too much sugar and sedentary lifestyle is the cause the death of millions people worldwide. Let’s find out more how sugar is killing us sweetly. Biologically wired to love sweets our fondness for anything sweet is rooted to a scientific explanation — and we have our genes to blame. “sugar is a powerful food additive because
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a mix of too much sugar and sedentary lifestyle is the cause the death of millions people worldwide.
our bodies are hardwired to like sugar,” says anthropologist solveig Brown, author of “All on one plate: cultural expectations on American Mothers.” in a separate research by professor susanne Klaus, a biologist at the German institute of Human Nutrition in potsdam, said that sugar stimulates the brain — thus the release of dopamine, a “feel-good” chemical. Brown reveals that sugar is “eight times more addictive than cocaine.” He went further by saying that all of our 10,000 taste buds has its sugar receptors, consequently triggering the brain’s pleasure center. Brown said that children — regardless of culture — have
A plethora of medical research has consistently revealed that sugar is a nightmare that tastes like a daydream. Philstar.com photos
an innate fondness for sweets and have the higher bliss point for sugar compared to adults. the latter is the reason why food products marketed for children taste sweeter. the benchmark of sweetness is set during childhood, a reality which can be harmful for children who develop fondness for food that are too sweet. “early childhood experiences shape our food preferences, which means that the average American child, who has a diet high in sugar, is learning that foods should taste sweet,” said Brown. the problem starts when children, at a very young age, are given food that are too sweet, causing them to dispel other flavors such as the taste of vegetables, Dr. David Ludwig, who is an expert in food and health, said. When culture dictates the unhealthy habit Aside from our genes, we have our own culture to blame. in every occasion, situation or mood, either good or bad, we tend to succumb to our cravings for sweets. sugary treats are regarded as both a consolation during bad times and a reward during good times. We eat chocolates when Continued on Page 6
features
3
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 16, 2017
Teaching by example: From aesthetician to aspiring health & beauty columnist by imee
ong-maghanoy
Dentistry in college. Though my clients and help them make knowing that I’d have someone I graduated with a degree in informed decisions (regarding to talk to and help at the same “THOSE who know, do. Biology and Doctor of Dental their skin and body) by educattime. With these clients, we Those that understand, teach.” ing them every step of the way. Medicine, I fell in love with a don’t look at them as means to - Aristotle different career. And it hapIn the same token, I want to be earn. While it is true that they When people ask me why I pened when I was seeking able to share that knowledge are willing to pay to fix their do what I do, I always tell them via every medium possible. This treatment for my own skin problem areas, I don’t see them that my calling is in helping problem. ignited my vision to become a as an “income-source” but as people achieve their health and health and beauty columnist. Having acne as a young someone who will be part of my beauty goals, but what I look woman was not a good feeling. crusade in promoting great skin It was also made possible by forward to every day is seeing the staff of the Asian Journal to I was determined to do whatand health. And that is what them take the first step. ever it takes to get rid of it. whom I’d forever be indebted. makes it all worth it. Anybody In my line of business, When I sought treatment, I was can do what I do but what sets Being an aesthetician is my “partnership” is the key. As always around dermatologists passion but teaching is in my our business apart is how we an aesthetician and an entreand skincare specialists. That’s blood. Like I said in the begintreat our clients. I go above and preneur for over 20 years, I’ve where I became exposed to ning, I love helping people but beyond for my them by formade it my goal to empower the practice and got more and mulating a treatment plan that my main goal is to teach them more into it as I saw improvehow to take care of may not be what they initially ments in my own skin. And themselves. As cowanted but what would work by Carol ojeda-Kimbrough before I knew it, I was already owner and managing best for them. interviewing for a staff position director of a medical Yet like any other profesblack pepper. Or if you’re in a In the U.S., Filipinos have at the same center who treated sion, we cannot please evspa, I am blessed with hurry/lazy, just add 2-3 teaspoons access to fresh malunggay my acne. the opportunity to erybody. Handling people’s of Tinola mix (watch the sodium leaves from their backyards, Back then, there was no do this every day. It objections is an obstacle I face content). Add dried or powFilipino/Asian groceries, or medical spa. The facilities and would be an injustice every day but I tackle it by dered malunggay leaves and you farmers markets. But in the the technology were outdated exercising transparency. I make not to impart what I have instant Tinola broth. There’s winter, malunggay is not readily compared to what we have know. Writing about sure clients are aware of the nothing like sipping hot Tinola available or if you can find it in now. People would have their my experience and probabilities and risks. There is at Seafood City, it is prohibitively broth with malunggay powder pimples extracted and leave expertise is like giving no such thing as “guarantees.” (or leaves) to ward away stress with some creams and mediback to the commuWe don’t make empty promises expensive. Often we have to cated soaps. It sure does the nity. It is through my and false hopes. We tell them and aches of the daily grind. wait until the following spring or work but the treatment is not column that I wish to the plan and we evaluate the I’ve seen posts and instrucuse substitutes such as spinach inspire my readers and as focused and customized as I results every step of the way. tions on using fresh malunggay when cooking tinola or ginisang hoped it to be. Right now, we educate them about As far weight loss is conleaves when making pasta. I demunggo. Here is one way to can customize the treatment health and beauty. cerned, we see to it that clients cided to use malunggay powder extend the shelf life of malungplan for each and every client. What started my know that as their coach and because it gives a more uniform gay—by drying the leaves and It’s very personalized and yields medical practitioner, we help journey in the medical storing them for future use. I do color and is easier to work with. amazing results! field, is my fascination them start the process of losIt is a fairly easy process: this with the bounty of summer What I love most about my ing weight but we don’t stop to medical treatment. Ingredients and in the winter months, I have job is talking to people. I can It’s probably the at making them look good. • 3 cups flour talk to them all day and not get We train them to change their reason I earned my a steady supply of malunggay tired of it! When a client walks bachelor’s of science lifestyle and maintain their ideal • ¼ tsp salt when I need them, especially to into my clinic, I get excited Continued on Page 6 • 3 tbsp malunggay powder make hot Tinola soup. Imee Ong-Maghanoy Photos by Hydee Abrahan degree in Biology and • 4 eggs YouTube shows various ways • 3 tbsp olive oil of drying malunggay/moringa Place flour, salt and malungleaves but this is how I do it. In gay powder in a mixing bowl and the past, I used to hang the mix together. Make a well at the branches of malunggay in my center of the bowl and add the back porch (away from direct sunlight) and wait 3 days or more eggs and oil. Using a fork (I use two chopsticks, it seems to work for the leaves to dry. better), mix all the ingredients And then I found a faster until it starts to come together. way to do it. Strip the leaves At this point you can use your from the stems and then dry the (clean) hands to knead the dough leaves in a dehydrator – you can buy these at Target or online, but – at first it may be sticky but keep kneading and it will soon they can run you anywhere from be smooth and soft. You may $30 to $120. I have discovered need to dust the dough with that my car (I call it my $30,000 malunggay dehydrator) makes an more flour (but don’t overdo it). After kneading for about 10-15 excellent dehydrator especially minutes, flatten the dough into a on a hot day. Put the leaves in disk and cover with plastic wrap. a cookie sheet lined with paper Let it rest for about 30 minutes. towel and cover with another After 30 minutes (or more), layer of paper towel. cut the dough disk into four You do not want the leaves equal parts. Take one part to have direct sunlight for it will (cover the other three parts with fade the color of the leaves as they dry. Park your car in a sunny the plastic wrap to keep it from or hot location and let the sun do drying out) and using a pasta maker, start rolling the dough the work. After a day or so, you will have dried malunggay leaves. from the widest setting (#1 in Hollywood Presbyterian Neuroscience Institute is dedicated to providing advanced neurosurgical most pasta makers). Fold the Pick and remove any stems or treatment in a compassionate and caring environment. Our neurosurgeons are highly experienced rolled dough and then roll it yellow leaves. out two more times in the same Place the dried leaves in an in all aspects of advanced neurosurgery, including skull base surgery, complex spine surgery, and setting. From this point, change airtight container and keep in minimally invasive surgery. In fact, they are the experts who developed some of the newest treatment the setting to the next number a cool, dry place. In the winter, methods used by other surgeons worldwide. and roll the dough once through when your malunggay plant has each setting. You will notice gone dormant or is not availLed by distinguished neurosurgeons Joung H. Lee, MD, and Sun H. Lee, MD, PhD, Hollywood the dough will get thinner and able at your Asian market, you longer. When you get to the decan grab a handful of the dried Presbyterian Neuroscience Institute will provide you with the experience, expertise, and personal sired thickness, you can decide leaves and cook it the way you attention when you need us most. normally would with fresh leaves. what you want to make and tailor your pasta accordingly: if you The liquid in the cooking broth are making lasagna, ravioli, or will rehydrate the leaves. want to use the pasta for wonton Malunggay/moringa powJoung H. Lee, MD or dumpling wrapper, you can der Joung Lee, MD, is an internationally renowned authority in the field of skull base surgery. Dr. Lee served as The latest health craze on the just cut the length of the dough to size; if making linguini or market is Moringa, or malungthe Professor and Founding Director of the esteemed Cleveland Clinic Skull Base Surgery Center, where he angel hair pasta/pancit, use the gay powder and if you go to established one of the largest skull base surgery programs in the world. A noted leader in the treatment of appropriate pasta maker setting. Amazon.com, you’ll find many meningioma, Dr. Lee has accumulated one of the largest experiences in the world in meningioma surgery, You can dry the pasta and cook vendors selling this at a high it later but I like cooking fresh having performed more than 1,200 cases. premium: $15-$20 for 16 oz.!!!! pasta as it does not take long to Why spend that when you can make your own malunggay/mor- cook. I haven’t tried making inga powder for a fraction of the Sun H. Lee, MD, PhD malunggay pan de sal or malungcost. gay dumplings, and I am excited You can process the dried Sun H. Lee, MD, PhD, is a fellowship-trained, board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in complex spine and to try making these. I’ll surely be leaves into powder - use a brain tumor surgery. Most notably, Dr. Lee served as Professor of Neurosurgery at Rutgers State University blender or if you have a nutriBul- posting the results in the future. of New Jersey - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Prior to that, he was on the faculty at the prestigious Hope you find this useful and let, use the milling blades and pulverize the leaves into powder. if you have any suggestions or Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, where he completed a second full set of neurosurgical residency other ways of using Malunggay/ Place the powder in an airtight and spine fellowship. Dr. Lee’s extensive experience and training in complex spine and brain surgery has Moringa powder, I’d love to hear jar. A teaspoon of the powder distinguished him as one of the leaders in this arena, performing more than 4,000 complex operations from you. is enough to make a big mug of *** tea. throughout his esteemed career. Carol Ojeda-Kimbrough is a long-time If you are into healing bone community activist involved in political, social broth, you can add a teaspoon and environmental justice causes. After of malunggay powder into a pursuing careers in the private and public steaming hot cup of bone broth. sectors, Carol Ojeda-Kimbrough joined the Asian I just made a big batch of chicken American Studies Program at CSU Fullerton as broth, which I divided into sixan Adjunct Professor. In 2016, Carol retired quart containers and put in the from teaching to spend precious time with her Hollywood Presbyterian freezer for use as needed. Put grandchildren and in “cultivating and nurturing” a quart of broth in a saucepan, a more creative life. Carol is an avid gardener and enjoys finding ways of preserving the fruits add sliced ginger, onions and of her labor. You may reach her at asamprof@ garlic. Let it come to a boil and season with patis (fish sauce) and gmail.com.
Extending malunggay shelf life by dehydrating/drying
Expert care when you need us most Joung H. Lee, MD, and Sun H. Lee, MD, PhD
Hollywood Presbyterian Neuroscience Institute
Call us today for an appointment or second opinion 323.913.4356. NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE
lly Ho o wo wy dF
1300 North Vermont Avenue Doctors Tower, Suite 100 (Specialty Care Center) Los Angeles, CA 90027
101
Vermont Ave
Sunset Blvd
Fountain Ave Santa Monica Blvd
4
features
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 16, 2017
Vhong: ‘I was honest about my past mistakes‘ by ALLAn
PoLicARPio Inquirer.net
5MNQNUUNSJ 2FIWNLFQ 8NSLJWX .VMUJ BXBSEFE UXP UJNF &VSPQFBO (SBOE 1SJY 8JOOFS
&ZLZXY BU UR 5QF_F )JQ 8TQ 5JWKTWRFSHJ -FQQ BU (8: 3TWYMWNILJ /PSEIPGG 4U /PSUISJEHF $" a
BU XXX UJDLFUNBTUFS DPN 1SFTFOUFE CZ
1IJMJQQJOF 1BUSPOT PG UIF "SUT 64"
Vhong navarro is grateful to his fans for continuing to support him despite the ongoing legal tussle he has been in for the past three years. “I was honest with my past mistakes—my infidelity—I didn’t hide that,� Vhong said in explaining the reason behind his fans’ continued support. “But I believe that god really knows what happened,� he told reporters at a recent press conference for his coming comedy flick, “Woke Up Like This� (opens Aug. 23), which he topbills with Lovi Poe. “If these are all part of my life—the challenges I’ve been facing—then I must accept them. now, it’s all up to god,� he added. he confessed that his having legal problems was one of the biggest reasons why he and his longtime girlfriend, Tanya Bautista, were not married yet. “To be honest, that’s what’s holding us back from tying the knot,� related Vhong, who filed
serious illegal detention charges against entrepreneur Cedric Lee, model Deniece Cornejo and others in 2014. he’s likewise awaiting the resolution of the third rape complaint filed against him by Deniece; the previous two had already been dismissed. The actor-television host disclosed that he and Tanya “are sobrang close na closeâ€? to getting married. Still, he couldn’t say when exactly. Vhong Navarro Who knows, Vhong may Photo from his Intagram account decide to stop waiting and just tially evasive when asked to comsurprise Tanya, to whom he is ment on singer noven Belleza’s thankful for being “very undersexual assault case, but eventustanding of my situation and for always having my back no matter ally relented, saying: “It’s tough to talk about the situation he’s what.â€? in, because I’m going through “Well, we’re not getting any something similar.â€? younger,â€? he said. “We can’t let noven is the first champion such things stop our dreams.â€? of the singing contest “Tawag “If you’re asking, whether it will happen in two or three years, ng Tanghalan,â€? a segment in the I don’t want to set a specific date noontime variety program “It’s Showtime,â€? where Vhong is one ‌ Baka biglain ko na lang siya,â€? of the hosts. added Vhong, whose first mar“So, I’m hoping that the truth riage to actress Bianca Lapus was comes out in whatever noven is annulled in 2010. facing right now,â€? he said. Meanwhile, Vhong was ini-
Benjamin Alves worried about Guam’s fate by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
LIke the more than 160,000 residents of guam, Benjamin Alves is worried about the north korean threat. “It keeps me up at night,� admitted Benjamin who graduated summa cum laude with an english Literature degree from the University of guam before he moved to the Philippines to join showbiz. “All members of my family are there. I keep in touch with them every day. I call them before I go to sleep and as soon as I wake up.�
The last time Benjamin visited guam was in September last year. his work in the Philippines keeps him from going there as often as he wants to. As usual when he’s in guam, Benjamin spends quality time with his family. The previous year, according to a gMA Pinoy TV report, he had fun playing basketball with his nephew noah after he pitched for the gMA Pinoy TV by being interviewed by “Pacific Daily news� and guesting on the TV shows “Cruising with kuan� and “kumusta kabayan,� and kTkB
Megamix 101.9FM where he was interviewed by his deejay brother Arnold Sapida. “I also paid a courtesy call on Consul general Mariano de Borja at the Philippine Consulate in Tamuning,� recalled Benjamin. Aside from regular calls to his family, Benjamin is kept posted on developments by newscasts. “There’s reason to worry and to be scared,� said Benjamin. “You just never know what will happen. I just want to make sure that all my loved ones are safe.� Continued on Page 5
" D OPO QSPĹˆU PSHBOJ[BUJPO TJODF
.PSF JOGPSNBUJPO BU XXX NVTJDBSUTFWFOUT DPN Benjamin Alves with his family and (right) Consul General Mariano de Borja at the Philippine Consulate in Tamuning.
GMA photos
entertainment 5
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 16, 2017
Gerald Anderson gets inspired by new film by Pablo
a. Tariman Philstar.com
In this encounter, Gerald Anderson is in high spirits and full of high hopes for his latest film, “AWOL,” which is an entry in Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP). For the record, he admits it is a small-budgeted project but after watching the result of his hard work, he knows he has wrapped up a film, which will In “AWOL”, Gerald plays the role of Lt. Abel Ibarra, leader of sniper team (Musang) scout rangers of the PH Army. add something new to his acting my first encounter with tragedy money or not.” credentials. involving soldiers. It took some Gerald plays the role of Lt. “While watching it, I could Abel Ibarra, leader of sniper team time before I was able to accept feel the suspense that I hardly soldiers live and die just like (Musang) scout rangers of the moved in my seat. Usually, you that. We had fruitful and happy Philippine Army. don’t react anymore if it’s your moments in the training and First order of the day before own film. But I must admit this suddenly one of them is gone. It the shoot was to train with honone is a damn good one and sure affected me a lot. I probably est-to-goodness scout rangers. worthy of all our hard work. incorporated some of his traits in Everything I want to see in an ac- “I have to absorb everything in the character I was playing. But the script but I also have to listen tion-drama is all there.” I don’t want to make a big thing to real-life soldiers on whom “AWOL” only had 11 out of this. I don’t want to use his my character is based. During shooting days but the director, short and tragic life to promote training breaks, I get to talk to Enzo Williams, made sure every a film. But he sure inspired me them about their life as soldiers shooting day is well-planned and more to do my best in this film.” well-executed. “Direk Enzo had it and mind you, their stories are Also in the cast are Dianne enough materials for another acall figured out in his mind and he Medina, Bembol Roco, Raymond comes to the set really prepared. tion-drama film. I have to absorb Bagatsing and Jeric Raval, among their stories really well because naturally, everything moves fast what they narrated are true-to-life others. even as we made sure it was a Bembol says Gerald is a events similar to the character I perfect collaboration. It was a promising action star. “He is breeze working with him because am playing. young but has the instinct and “Of course, my role is a far he knows what he wants in a the guts of what it takes to do accry from my rom-com roles. scene and he made sure he gets tion projects. On top of that, he is The training is really hectic and what he wants.” a good actor.” He doesn’t want to talk about intense. It’s tough and the difFor now, Gerald enjoys the ficulties are for real. Here you budget which the film doesn’t freedom of being part of an have compared to his mainstream see people sacrificing a lot for indie project. “What we lack in projects. “This is an indie film but their country and they have no big budget we cover up with big mind you, it doesn’t look like one. complaints. Their stories are repassion to make this film really ally sources of inspiration for me. The story is big, the execution is worth watching. This is a film that They actually helped me shape superb and it can compare with will connect you to the plight of the cinematic character of Lt. any good action picture showing soldiers fighting for their country. in town. My fee? Of course, I have Ibarra.” Their struggles are real and by But midway into the to agree to an indie rate. In the portraying the life of one of them first place, I didn’t accept this film training, Gerald found out one of the rangers who trained him died is the least I can do to pay tribute to earn money. I just wanted to to their heroism.” in the Malawi siege. “That was do a good film whether it makes
Benjamin Alves worried about...
From Page 4 Last Sunday, Aug. 13, report from Guam said that some 100 residents joined a “Rally For Peace” in the capital Hatagna while at the island’s main church, the Dulce nombre de Maria Ca-
thedral Basilica, more residents heard Mass where Fr. Paul Gofigan told the congregation to be prepared in case north Korea does launch its missiles. “What would you do if you have only 14 minutes left?” Fr.
Gofigan asked. “The thing to do is pray and reflect. Prioritize your life. This is a wake-up call, no matter what happens.” “I am praying along with them,” assured Benjamin. “We hold on to our faith in God.”
6
features
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 16, 2017
Bittersweet: The lowdown on... From Page 2 we are depressed and we buy cakes for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and whatnots. When this is the case, it becomes a hard habit — or more appropriately, culture, to break. What is more alarming is that the food we eat nowadays are also loaded with hidden
sugars. This includes bread, pastas, and sauces. Filipino food are comparatively sweeter than those of their western counterparts. Just look at how sweeter our spaghetti recipes are compared to those of Italians. The not-so-sweet effects of sugar to our body experts has been contest-
ing that the root of the health problems worldwide is rooted to sugar, and not fats. “It’s not about obesity, it’s about diabetes. Our sugar consumption is killing us, and you can’t fix this until you fix the food,” said Dr. Robert h. Lustig, an internationally renowned endocrinologist and author of the book “Fat Chance: The hidden Truth About Sugar, Obesity, and Disease.” Lustig visited the Philippines last month as a guest speaker for the event hosted by the Philippine Center for Diabetes education Foundation Inc. and United Laboratories, with a theme, “Fats and Sugar: Friends or Foes?” “We were told it was the dietary fat that made you fat and it was the fat that made you sick, therefore eat less fat because that would mean eating fewer calories, therefore you would lose weight and therefore you would get better. And it hasn’t worked. It hasn’t work in any country,” Lustig said in an effort to give weight to the more serious effects of dietary sugar against dietary fat. The urgent need to reduce sugar intake With all the emerging evidences against the ill effects of too much consumption of sugar, there is an urgent need to reduce, if not to cut off, our consumption of this tempting ingredient. A nutrition expert from WhO reveals that sugar does not play a role necessary to our diet. “Nutritionally, people don’t need any sugar in their diet,” says Dr. Francesco Branca, Director of WhO’s Department of Nutrition for health and Development. May this scientific revelation encourage you to ditch sugar, since its sweetness is not worth the illness that you have to pay in the end. To emphasize: with all its sweetness, sugar can’t promise you happy endings.
Madrigal Singers bring winning form to CSUN Award-winning choir performs at Northridge Plaza Del Sol on Aug 19 The Philippine Madrigal Singers (aka U.P. Madrigal Singers) tours the USA prior to competing for an unprecedented third european Grand Prix for Choral Singing in Spain come November. The world-renown choir, nicknamed the “Madz” by its fans is the only Philippine Choir to have qualified and won the prestigious Grand Prix, and the first choir in the world to have won twice. The Madz maintain a fan base with a wide age range. Fans eagerly gather post-show at the lobby of the Cultural Center, where the Madz have started a tradition of a postconcert song on the steps of the famed theatre’s lobby. Such is the phenomenon that audiences simply cannot get enough of the Madz, who has bested choirs from France, Slovenia, Iceland, Italy, Sweden, Bulgaria and the Ukraine in rigorous choral competition. The Plaza Del Sol Performance hall will reverberate with the voices that have conquered audiences all over the world. The hall is part of the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) in the California State University
Northridge (CSUN) Campus. Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio, a highly respected choral adjudicator and clinician has prepared a repertoire of competition pieces, madrigals, original compositions and popular english and OPM songs especially arranged for choral singing. Praised for its ability to sing anything and everything with equal aplomb, audiences are in for a treat as the choir deftly uses the human voice to envelop the audience in sound, something that should be experienced in the same breathing space, live.
The Madz perform at 7pm on Saturday, August 19, venue address is 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330. Tickets are $70, $55, and $40 online anytime at www.ticketmaster.com. Special student pricing is available only in-person at the VPAC box office, call or visit (818) 677-3000 11am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday. Tour information at www.musicartsevents.com is available for other stops such as Loma Linda (Aug 20), San Diego (Aug 25), Las Vegas (Aug 27) and Austin (Sept 3). (Advertising Supplement)
Common health myths and new... From Page 2 “I love that it’s becoming a health trend because most fruits have superfood qualities,” said Baron. “It’s just a matter of which ones are being thrust into the spotlight at a certain point.” he reminded that fruits, in general, are very good for the body because they have a lot of vitamins, minerals, and live enzymes that make them beneficial. Moringa (Malunggay) — The new kale or matcha? “I love this stuff,” shared Baron. Kale and matcha are two greens that have been embraced as famous superfoods, but can malunggay be next? The green tree is becoming increasingly popular in the states and is being sold commercially in powder or capsule form, or in bars. Many Filipinos enjoy it sauteed, in soup, or even mixed in pan de sal. Nutrition wise, malunggay is said to have more iron than
spinach, more vitamin C than oranges, and more potassium than bananas. It is also said to help fight and prevent problems like diabetes and heart disease, but more research needs to be done. Baron himself has used malunggay to help people with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more. If you’re looking for more ways to add malunggay to your diet, do as Baron does and use it in cooked meals, as a vegetable on its own, as a pure oil supplement, or in juicing. Sleep inducing foods — Eating to a good night’s rest. We’ve heard of clean eating, but clean sleeping, or simply getting a decent night’s sleep, has been front and center in health trends lately. Foods like turkey, string cheese, sweet potatoes, soy milk, and the infamous durian all contain tryptophan — a natural sleep-inducing
compound. As a result, people are turning to these foods to help get some shut-eye. Tryptophan definitely helps with sleep, shared Baron, but he further suggests eating foods with melatonin like bananas, and herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint which help the body relax. Making sure our body is getting enough nutrients throughout the day is also helpful, he added. “Normally, people don’t get enough nutrients during the day,” explained Baron. “That is why they can’t sleep unless they succumb to their cravings at night.” Baron also stressed that there are many strategies outside nutrition that can help us get some zzz’s. “Putting your cellphone aside, finding relaxing activities to help you wind down, and exercising during the day also help with good sleep.”
How to keep physically and mentally healthy... From Page 2
Manage your time effectively Most of the time, you spend long hours in the office for the mounds of work that’s beginning to pile up. This is not because the world has entrusted you all the work but you sometimes accept everything that’s asked from you. It’s important to learn to set your priorities and goals straight. Who says “to-do list” are for high schoolers? Work around what you value highly, enlist a good support system by delegating and learning when to say no. Being a superhero is one thing, a martyr is another.
Positive attitude You know how people would say that everything will go smoothly if you give it a positive approach? That couldn’t be any more true. Anyone who radiates an optimistic vibe can perform effectively as disposition can greatly affect efficiency. Be open and honest with people, rather than hiding your thoughts and feelings. Negative impressions when bottled could blow up pretty bad when triggered so speak your mind and share your thoughts to fend off stress. Enjoy your work No matter how hectic your schedule is, if at the end of the day, you love what you do and it
Why getting enough Zzzs... From Page 2 showed that for every hour of sleep corresponds to higher sexual desire, greater vaginal lubrication and a 14 % increase in the chances of getting frisky the next day. It leaves you feeling refreshed, relaxed, energetic and more importantly — being sexy! Daytime performance and safety Getting enough sleep at the right time helps you to function well throughout the day. People who lack enough sleep are less productive and take longer to
finish tasks, have slower reaction time, and tend to make more mistakes. even a loss of just 1-2 hours of sleep per night, can affect your ability to function as if you haven’t slept for a day or two. Light sleepers are prone to microsleep, a brief sleep and unintended episodes of loss of attention that may occur when a person is tired. You can’t control microsleep and you may not be aware of it. These may be a problem when you are driving or listening to a
still boosts your creativity, then that is when you know you’re on the right track. Work doesn’t feel like work when being tired is satisfying and even serves as your drive to feed your fire in being the best than your last. Added info: there’s nothing like getting paychecks for something that you basically enjoy doing. Balancing the demands of a busy lifestyle is not an easy thing to do, but is best managed by frequently reviewing and assessing your priorities. While it is ideal to prepare for your future, it’s also important to take care of yourself-that you live appropriately, so as not to defeat your purpose. professor in a class. Studies show that a driver’s sleepiness leads to yearly 100,000 car accidents, resulting to 1,500 deaths. This harms your driving ability as much as being drunk. Drivers aren’t the only ones affected by the unwanted dozing. It affects people in all field of work. As a result, it’s not only harmful on a personal level, but can also cause large-scale damage. So from now on, when you lie to bed at night, give yourself some beauty rest to restore and rejuvenate. Your body will thank you for it!
Teaching by example: From aesthetician to aspiring...
From Page 3 weight. To be a successful aesthetician is not rocket science. But he or she must have passion and love for the craft. Also, one should be willing to learn something new every day. The best way to learn is by teaching. I’ve decided that aside from
teaching my clients, I want to reach an even wider audience. It is my hope that I achieve that goal through this column. Imee is an established aesthetician, a business owner and a managing partner for Image Spa MD and CEO of Image Body SPA. She has a degree in Biology and Doctor of Dental
Medicine. Image Spa is now one of the most reputable medical spa facilities in LA and has branches in Rancho Cucamonga and Encinitas for Image SPA MD and Image Body SPA-West Hollywood. Imee has been in the aesthetics industry for over 20 years. (Advertising supplement)
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 16, 2017
7
8
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 16, 2017