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February 15-17, 2017

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

Volume 27 - No. 14 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages

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PH death penalty bill to cover plunder DATELINE USA Catholic Church opposes capital punishment anew from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

USAID programs in PH continue despite anti-US tirades

the United states Agency for International Development (UsAID) is continuing with its assistance programs with the Philippine government this year. this is despite President rodrigo Duterte’s previous pronouncements that the Philippines could survive without any assistance from the U.s. “We continue to have programs with them and no one has asked us to leave or to discontinue. We continue to work together,” Gloria steele, acting assistant administrator for UsAID’s Bureau for Asia, said, as quoted by Inquirer. steele noted that the UsAID projects in the Philippines were “not aid per se” but rather, “a partnership.” “We have talked about continuing the partnership for growth but I believe they now call it, ‘Partnership for Growth with equity,’” steele remarked. According to her, the Duterte administra-

by Dana

siOsOn AJPress

PLUNDer will remain on the list of heinous crimes punishable by death in the final version of the bill that seeks the revival of capital punishment in the Philippines, house speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said on tuesday, february 14. “I will insist that it be included,” Alvarez, who is an author of a bill seek-

ing the reimposition of death penalty, said in an interview. Alvarez stressed that there’s “more reason to include plunder,” following the hearing on the supposed anomalous contract between the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCor) and Vanderwood management Corporation, which amounts to a total of P3.2 billion. During the congressional hearing on tuesday, Alvarez questioned the

15-year lease agreement, claiming that it is “really highly disadvantageous to the government.” PAGCor reportedly agreed to pay P13 million per month to Vanderwood despite the absence of the facility. “P13 million a month? Yun yung ni-rent mo doon sa hangin — hindi pa existing yung facility (That is how much you rent the air — the facility does not exist yet). Pinagbayad mo ng P13 million a month, pinagbayad

by AJPress

Duterte should invite Trump to EAS – US exec

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PH Supreme Court affirms forfeiture of Imelda Marcos’ jewelry set

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WAshINGtoN – President Duterte needs to invite Us President Donald trump to the east Asia summit (eAs) in November to enable both leaders to reboot the relationship between their countries, according to a senior adviser and deputy director of the American think tank Center for strategic and International studies (CsIs). “It’ll be really good if President trump will come for the eAs,” murray hiebert, senior adviser and deputy director for southeast Asia Program at the CsIs, told filipino journalists in a briefing on Philippines-Us relations. secretary of state rex tillerson, he said, should encourage trump to attend the two big summits – the eAs to be held in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam. “President Duterte and President trump have to meet. I don’t know if it’s possible to

mo yung gobyerno ng P13 million a month doon naman sa facility na inuupahan lang ng P300,000 a month from the government also (You asked the government to pay P13 million a month for a facility you rent for P300,000 which is also owned by the government) ” Alvarez said, addressing former PAGCor Chairman Cristino Naguiat. the gaming arm also allegedly ad-

SEEING RED. Manila residents release hundreds of balloons along Bay Walk along Roxas Blvd. to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Lacson says De Lima may be detained beside Revilla, Estrada by Dana

siOsOn AJPress

shoULD senator Leila De Lima be taken into custody over the drug-related charges against her, senator Panfilo Lacson said she would be detained inside the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame, where two other former senators charged in plunder cases are also

confined. Lacson made the comments in response to De Lima’s earlier request for a “safe and secure” detention facility should she be arrested for her alleged links in the proliferation of the illegal drug trade at the National Bilibid Prison (NBP). “Ang irony noon, ‘di ba, kung secure na lugar ang hinahanap baka doon siya matabi (The irony

is, if she’s looking for a secure place, she can be placed there). Assuming, ha? We’re not anticipating anything,” Lacson said on tuesday, february 14. Lacson was referring to former senators ramon “Bong” revilla Jr. and Jose “Jinggoy” estrada who were both accused of misusing their Priority Development Assistance funds (PDAf) and

the Philippine supreme Court (sC) has affirmed an earlier sandiganbayan ruling which orders the forfeiture of the third jewelry collection owned by former first Lady Imelda marcos. Also known as the “malacañang Collection,” the set is assessed be worth between $110,055 to $153,089, based on the evaluation of auction house Christie, manson and Woods Intl., Inc. in 1991. the high court rejected the petition for certiorari filed by Imelda and her daughter, Irene marcos-Araneta, the 21-page decision authored by Chief Justice ma. Lourdes sereno said. the petition sought to reverse the anti-graft court’s 2014 finding that the jewelry collection was part of the marcos family’s illgotten wealth. the sC said that the petitioners “failed to satisfactorily show that the properties were lawfully acquired.” the high court also denied the marcoses’ claim that they were deprived of due process and were not given the opportunity to prove that they acquired the jewelry legally. “this allegation cannot be given credence for being utterly baseless,” it said. the high court added that it has also found “no reversible error in the ruling of the sandiganbayan” over the seized jewelry collection. “the sandiganbayan correctly held that the forfeiture was justified and that the malacanang Collec-

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State of calamity declared Filipino designer on ‘Make America Great Again’ in Surigao del Norte after Grammys gown: We have to support the president 6.7 magnitude earthquake by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

by Dana

siOsOn AJPress

the province of surigao del Norte was placed under a state of calamity, following a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the region over the weekend. the resolution, dated monday, february 13, was signed by Vice Governor Arturo Carlos egay, Jr. Under the declaration, the governor is allowed to disburse funds from the 5 percent reserved calamity fund, including the 30 percent Quick response fund for relief operations and rehabilitation. the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake hit mindanao at 10:03 pm on friday, february 10, with its epicenter, located 14 kilometers northwest of surigao City. several aftershocks were recorded after the earthquake but the Pacific tsunami Warning Center said on its website that there is no tsunami threat caused by the tremor. Disaster officials have confirmed eight deaths and at least 200 people injured during the quake. “this was the first time surigao had suffered a quake this strong. the previous one occurred in the 1800s,” Commu-

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WhILe most headlines about the 59th annual Grammy Awards are focusing on Adele’s “Album of the Year” win over Beyoncé, a relatively unknown singer was catapulted into the limelight for her bold red carpet look made by a filipino designer bearing a political message to support rather than resist President Donald trump. on sunday night, february 12, Joy Villa arrived in a white coat and subsequently took it off to reveal her navy blue gown with “make America Great Again” emblazoned on it, while “trUmP” in silver glitter was spelled out on the backside. Behind the statement piece is Andre soriano, a designer based in san Diego, who appeared on rihanna’s

Bravo fashion reality show, “styled to rock” back in 2013. “the gown was more a message of love and moving this country forward,” soriano said during an interview with the Asian Journal on monday, february 13. “I design for all types of human. I don’t really care — there are no races or barriers with creativity when it comes to dressing up women.” soriano, who has been working with Villa for three years, said he had a few outfit sketches prepared for her based their conversations about “static, the sun, peace, and love.” however, the designs ultimately changed after watching coverage of the Women’s march in Washington, D.C. following President Donald trump’s inauguration in January. “someone said they were going to bomb the White house,” he said. “I called Joy immediately and said, ‘I have a new proposition for you. there

Filipino designer Andre Soriano shares a photo of his “Make America Great Again” inspired creation for singer Joy Villa at the 59th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night, February 12. On his Instagram account, Soriano wrote that the gown was “A Tribute [to] OUR President of The United States Of America.”

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Courtesy of Andre Soriano’s Instagram account

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From the Front Page

PH death penalty bill to cover… PAGE A1 t

mitted to paying Vanderwood a P234-million lease in advance. “Definitely plunder yun, ang laki ng halaga ng pera na nilustay nila, pera ng gobyerno (It’s definitely plunder, a large amount government money has been wasted),” Alvarez claimed. In response to the House speaker, Naguiat insisted that what PAGCOR paid for is “within government rules,” pointing out that the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) cleared the deal. OGCC head Raoul Creencia, on the other hand, claimed that PAGCOR was only allowed to pay after the facility’s construction was completed. Creencia also argued that, although he cleared the deal, “it was PAGCOR that ultimately made the decision.” Referencing this deal, Alvarez stressed that plunder should remain in the list of crimes punishable by death.

“Sabi ko nga (Like I said) with more reasons na talagang dapat isama natin e, kagaya nga nito (to really include plunder, like this one). Sus, hindi ko maimagine talaga kung bakit pinayagan itong kontrata na ito (I can’t imagine why this contract was approved),” Alvarez said. Alvarez then warned the current PAGCOR officials that they could be also held liable for plunder if they continue to honor the supposed anomalous contract with Vanderwood. Meanwhile, Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said that legislators are “afraid of the death penalty,” suggesting that they do not want to be prosecuted in the event they are charged with plunder. “When you deprive constituents of the millions and billions of money that should be given to them, you are killing them effectively. That’s a heinous crime to my mind,” he said, according to various reports.

Malacañang previously said it would defer the plunder issue to Congress and not obstruct the deliberations of the bill. Currently, other heinous crimes covered under the proposed legislation include treason, piracy, bribery, murder, rape, kidnapping, robbery with violence, drug trafficking and carnapping. However, a final list of offenses is yet to be decided upon, according to Panelo. ‘Jesus, Rizal, Bonifacio convicted of death penalty despite innocence’ Citing Jesus Christ and Philippine heroes Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio as examples of innocent victims of the death penalty, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Archbishop Socrates Villegas expressed once again the Catholic Church’s opposition against the proposed revival of capital punishment in the country. “The Lord, Jesus Christ, died

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CLIMATE-SMART. Bicolano farmers in Malinao, Albay plant rice to ensure food sufficiency. The Department of Agriculture in Bicol has cited the local farmers for easily adapting to extreme climate changes. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rhaydz Barcia

PH Supreme Court affirms forfeiture…

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tion was subject to forfeiture,” it said. The “Malacañang Collection” was left behind by the family of late and former President Ferdinand Marcos at the presidential palace when they fled outside the country after the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986. The said collection is presently kept inside vaults of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, together with the Roumeliotes and Hawaii collections, which were both seized back in 1986. Diamond-

studded tiaras, a golden belt with a diamond buckle, necklaces, brooches, earrings, belts and other gems including a pink diamond are reportedly in the set, according to Japan Times. “We reiterate what we have already stated initially in Republic v. Sandiganbayan, and subsequently in Marcos v. Republic: that ‘Whenever any public officer or employee has acquired during his incumbency an amount of property which is manifestly out of proportion to his salary as such public officer or employee

and to his other lawful income and the income from legitimately acquired property, said property shall be presumed prima facie to have been unlawfully acquired,’” the court said. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte will respect the high court’s ruling. “I don’t know if we’re going to selling it but we will abide by the decision that it belongs to the government,” Abella told reporters. n

Lacson says De Lima may be detained…

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were presently under detention inside the PNP Custodial Center. Though there is no resolution yet, Lacson pointed out the “irony” that De Lima would be placed next to the two former senators. “Remember meron pang bakanteng bungalow roon (Remember there’s a vacant bungalow there). I’m just thinking aloud na baka doon siya ilagay dahil secure ang lugar (She might be placed there). Yun naman ang hinihingi niya, ’di ba? (That’s what she is requesting, right?)” he said. As justice secretary under the Aquino administration, De Lima filed complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against government officials allegedly involved in the PDAF scam. Among the senators she filed complaints against were Revilla and Estrada. “Parang paradox, ’di ba? Na siya (De Lima) ang parang primary, hindi naman naging kasangkapan for lack of a better word, reason kung bakit nakulong (sina Estrada at Revilla) kasi siya nagstart ng investigation di ba? Silang tatlo ng COA (Commission on Audit) at Ombudsman (Isn’t it like a paradox? That she was like the primary–not tool, for a lack of better word–reason why those two were imprisoned, because she started the investigation, right? She, COA, and the Ombudsman), ” Lacson said Earlier on Tuesday, De Lima said she is prepared for the possible “imminent arrest” in relation to the drug cases charged against her. She, however, expressed her fears that she might also become a victim of the “extrajudicial killings” once she is taken into custody. “Sakali lang po mangyari na (Just in case), God forbid, sana ilagay naman ako sa isang lugar na safe and secure ako (I hope

Senator Leila de Lima

they would detain me in a safe and secure place). Kasi marami na hong nangyayari ‘di ba, pinapapatay sa loob ng selda (Because there were already events of people getting getting killed inside the jail), so what is another EJK?” De Lima said. De Lima was presumably referring to the controversial death of former Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Jr., who was charged with the possession of drugs and unlicensed firearms cases. Espinosa was killed in a “firefight” after allegedly resisting arrest at the Baybay, Leyte SubProvincial Jail last year. Asked if the Senate could also provide custody for De Lima, Lacson replied: “Wala kaming facilities except siguro sa (We have no other facilities except maybe from the) Office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms. Depende sa consensus ng mga senador at kung papayagan ng judge, assuming ma-issue-han siya ng warrant (It depends on the consensus of the senators and if permitted by the judge, assuming a warrant is issued).” Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin Drilon said that such decision is up to the court “because at that point, theoretically, she is under the custody of the court.”

Earlier this week, Drilon said that the Senate will not allow De Lima’s arrest inside the session hall. “By tradition, we will oppose service of the warrant of arrest inside the session hall. The sanctity of the session hall must be respected,” Drilon told reporters. Taking note that the Senate, however, cannot stop the arrest of De Lima outside the session hall, Drilon insisted: “That is a legal process and the general statement that I can make is that we will see to it the process is followed strictly in accordance with the rule of law.” According to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, the resolution on the five cases filed against De Lima will be out this week. De Lima is facing charges for allegedly violating the following: Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code or the disobedience for summons; Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act; Revised Penal Code, R.A. 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; Presidential Decree 46 or Act Punishing the Receiving and Giving of Gifts of Public Officials and Employees; and R.A. 6713 or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. n

Filipino designer on ‘Make America Great…

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is so much hatred happening right now in our country and we have a responsibility of making a statement.’” Compelled by this, Soriano decided to transform a Trump flag into a gown and “blinged it out” on both sides. “We have one president right now and we have to move this country forward. That’s why when she revealed the gown, that was her message: we have to support our president and we have to promote love, unity, family and camaraderie,” he said. In an Instagram post, Villa wrote: “Sometimes you just gotta be free to express yourself. Thank you to all of my supporters and fellow believers. Life is about living free and loving it. Be your beautiful selves tonight!” By Monday afternoon, various reports indicated that digital sales for the 25-year-old singer’s album, “I Make the Static,” jumped to the top spot on Amazon’s list of top 100 digital albums and the No. 7 spot on the iTunes top albums list.

“After I spoke to [Joy] last night, it was loud and clear that we delivered our message because there are so many not-sogood things happening here in America. President Trump said it was ‘America First,’ so why don’t we just give him four or eight years to really prove what he can do?” Soriano added. Despite the controversial immigration orders rolled out within the president’s first two weeks in office, Soriano — who migrated from the Philippines years ago — said that he believes the United States will continue to be a welcoming place for immigrants. “It’s an immigrant country where people from countries all over the globe can come here legally, and I think that was the president’s message,” he said. “With what’s happening, he wants to protect all kinds of people here in America. He wants to screen people if they are legitimate. It’s for the safety of the people who live here and that’s true for all types of immigrants, including me, considering I’m gay too.”

With the added publicity, Soriano said he’s motivated to keep on designing daring looks. “I would love to dress our First Lady Melania Trump, and also to go back to the Philippines and showcase my collection,” he said, adding that he is still keen on helping and raising funds for victims of Typhoon Haiyan years later. “I am a proud Filipino American,” he declared. “It’s the American dream for me just to be noticed.” Villa’s dress wasn’t the only political statement made on Sunday night. Katy Perry donned a white pantsuit and an armband with “PERSIST” written on it, alluding to Senator Elizabeth Warren being silenced in Congress the week before. In her acceptance speech, Beyoncé spoke about beauty and racial identity. During a performance with A Tribe Called Quest and Anderson .Paak, Busta Rhymes slammed the president — calling him “President Agent Orange” — for “all of that evil that you‘ve been perpetuating throughout the United States.” n

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 15-17, 2017

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Duterte…

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meet before November just because the new President has got a lot to do,” he said, noting Trump’s focus is on domestic matters. The EAS is a forum held annually by leaders of, initially, 16 countries in the East Asian, Southeast Asian and South Asian regions. Membership expanded to 18 countries including the United States and Russia at the sixth EAS in 2011. EAS meetings are held after the annual ASEAN leaders’ meetings. A visit to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations by Tillerson, he said, will be useful for the US “to get relations back on track.” “Like the EDCA, which we were not sure about initially, seems to be back on track with Secretary (Delfin) Lorenzana saying that construction will AFTERSHOCKS. Residents run to a main road while rescuers (in orange) give instructions, as strong aftershocks struck prior to the arrival continue but it’s going to need of President Rodrigo Duterte in Surigao City on Sunday. Duterte flew to the region to inspect the response effort, which officials said continued engagement,” Hiebert has shifted to relief and rehabilitation after the last of the dead and injured were pulled from the rubble. ManilaTimes.net photo said, referring to the Philippine defense secretary’s position on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. “One of the things the Obama administration did really well is naman, binibigyan ng Pangi- lives have only become worse,” former president Obama showed PAGE A2 t because of death penalty. He noon ang karapatan ang govern- he said. up and his secretaries showed up was crucified,” Villegas said ment (The Constitution allow Responding to the CBCP’s let- in a lot of meetings even though during an Inquirer Multimedia us to use death penalty for hei- ter, Alvarez called the bishops of it was long way to go. They did forum on Monday, February nous crimes while the Lord also the Catholic Church a “bunch of show up and that’s what’s impor13. “Jose Rizal died because of gives the government the rights) shameless hypocrites.” tant for the Trump administradeath penalty. Andres Bonifa- to use the capital punishment, But Lingayen-Dagupan Arch- tion,” he added. (Pia Lee-Brago / cio died because of death pen- which is the death penalty.” bishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz, for- Philstar.com) alty.” Sought for comments, Ville- mer head of the CBCP, said the According to the archbishop, gas said he respects Pacquiao’s Catholic Church will continue to Jesus, Rizal, and Bonifacio were opinion. denounce the killings. all convicted of capital punishVillegas, however, argued that He also said that they would ment while “being innocent.” “Jesus died on the cross volun- continue to oppose the death PAGE A1 t He then stressed, “There are tarily accepting death, he ac- penalty and proclaim the teach- nications Secretary Martin Anso many people who were killed cepted death so there would no ings of the Catholic Church. danar, who is also a native of the by death penalty despite being longer be deaths like that… so In an interview with Church- region, said. innocent.” there would be no more deaths run Radyo Veritas on Sunday, The government initially estiVillegas made the statement from injustice.” February 12, he said, “Hindi ko mated about a total of P687 milfollowing boxer-turned-politi“And yet the dyings, the kill- naman mauutos ‘yung huwag lion worth of damage to houses cian Senator Manny Pacquiao’s ings continue. It is not because kang papatay. Sa akin ba gal- and infrastructures caused by earlier comments that the Bible the crucifixion is impotent, it is ing ‘yun? Galing sa Panginoon the tremor, including the Surigao justifies the death penalty. because we have not taken the ‘yun, inuulit ko lang. Kung ma- City Airport, which will be closed Last month, Pacquiao claimed lessons of Jesus to heart,” Ville- kinig siya (Alvarez), salamat. for one month for repairs. that both the Bible and the Con- gas added. On Sunday, Philippine PresiKung hindi, siya ang bahala (I stitution allow the imposition of In a pastoral letter dated Janu- cannot order to not kill. Is that dent Rodrigo Duterte visited the death penalty as a punish- ary 30, Villegas previously ex- command from me? It’s from Surigao del Norte to inspect the ment for heinous crimes. pressed the church’s ‘deep con- God and I’m just repeating it. If damage caused by the earth“The Bible says do not kill. cern’ for the ‘many deaths and he listens, thank you. If not, it’s quake and the authorities’ reAng ibig sabihin kasi noon pag killings in the campaign against up to him). Kung minsan (Some- sponse effort. nagkasala ka sa akin hindi kita prohibited drugs.’ During his speech before the times), public officials, they pwedeng patayin (In the past, it “This traffic in illegal drugs should be public servants, hindi residents, Duterte vowed to exmeans that if you sinned against needs to be stopped and over- (not) they became like ‘public tend financial assistance to vicme, I cannot kill you). Let the come. But the solution does not lords and public Gods’ nakaka- tims of the tremor. authority handle that,” Pacquiao lie in the killing of suspected hiya (shameful).” “I will release money for you, previously said. drug users and pushers. We are Despite criticism from the so prioritize those who lost He then added, “Siguro na- concerned not only for those CBCP, Malacañang said it is also their lives and source of livman sa Constitution allowed who have been killed. The situa- open to working with the Church ing,” Duterte said in Visayan, yung heinous crimes na death tion of the families of those killed with regard to the drug war and as quoted by CNN. penalty and then sa Panginoon is also cause for concern. Their the death penalty. n u PAGE A4

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Councilmember O’Farrell, Glassell Park Carson City Council unanimously community celebrate pedestrian safety approves veteran’s housing project improvements along Fletcher Drive Will provide affordable housing for more than 50 veterans and their families Project creates safer environment for students and increasing number of bicyclists who utilize corridor

LOS ANGELES City officials and members of the Glassell Park community on Monday, February 13 dedicated the completion of a project that creates safer access for students walking to and from school, improves our bicycle infrastructure, and adds much needed beautification enhancements along Fletcher Drive. The Fletcher Drive Streetscape project has been years in the making, and was finally pushed to the finish line thanks to direction and funding from Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell. Community members, city departments, and a local bike advocacy group were on hand this morning, as well as second grade students from nearby Fletcher Drive Elementary, to celebrate the improvements. “This stretch of Fletcher Drive, home to two schools, is heavily traveled and notorious for speeding,” said O’Farrell. “These improvements make for a safer walking, biking, and driving experience while beautifying the neighborhood and helping to clean the air.” The scope of the streetscape project includes: sidewalk rehabilitation, 19 additional access ramps, and curb repair. Crews also installed two new landscaped medians with an environmentally regulated irrigation system, and planted 140 street trees. Street Services also installed four four benches and trash receptacles. “This street improvement project along Fletcher Drive is another example of our continued efforts to improve the safety of our streets and beautify our neighborhoods throughout the City,” said Board of Public Works Vice President Heather Marie

aligns with the City’s Vision Zero goals, which prioritize safety on L.A. streets, and moves us closer to a connected bike network in Los Angeles.” As part of the streetscape, O’Farrell approved the installation of a left turn lane at Estara Avenue leading into the schools and surrounding community. The total cost of the project was $850,000. “The Fletcher Drive Streetscape project was a community-driven process that received input from a variety of stakeholders in Glassell Park,” said Robert Campagna, Glassell Park Improvement Association. “The end result will keep our neighbors safe, as well as beautify the area with dozens of new trees! It is civic activism like this that shows by working with your local elected city officials, Angelenos can seriously impact the communities they live and work in.” In his first term in office, O’Farrell has completed four streetscape project: Sunset Streetscape in Echo Park, Sungoods as early as 5 a.m., but the set Junction Streetscape in SilPAGE A3 t According to Presidential local government made a judg- ver Lake, Micheltorena Safe Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, ment call to wait for the Presi- Routes to School Streetscape relief goods were delivered to dent who arrived by 1 p.m.,” in Silver Lake, and the Fletcher Abella said in a statement. Surigao on Sunday. Drive project in Glassell Park. The New People’s Army (NPA) He will break ground on a fifth “Distribution was initially hampered by an inadequate dis- also reportedly declared a “lo- streetscape project at Hollywood tribution system. The victims calized ceasefire” to pave the Blvd and Western Avenue this were already expecting the relief way for relief operations. n spring. n Repenning. Added Bureau of Street Services Director Nazario Sauceda, “The Bureau of Streets Services was happy to partner with the Office of Councilmember O’Farrell on this project and provide improvements and enhancements that benefit the residents and businesses in the area.” The City also added a bike lane in each direction to create a much needed connection to the network of bike lanes along Eagle Rock Boulevard. “The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition encourages street improvements like the ones we celebrated today on Fletcher Drive,” said Colin Bogart, Education Director, LACBC. “Such improvements, which are crucial to building safe routes to schools, can slow speeding traffic, make sidewalks more accessible for all users, and encourage bicycling. Everyone wins. The project

State of calamity declared in…

residents free of charge. The city’s assistance will conTHE Carson City Council unan- sist of providing land for the imously approved a development project and providing up to $5.5 agreement with a subsidiary of million in financial housing asThomas Safran & Associates, a sistance towards the project deLos Angeles area -based housing velopment costs. The developer will also seek a 9 percent Low developer. The agreement provides fi- Income Housing Tax Credit from nancial assistance for the devel- the California Tax Credit Allocaopment of a 51-unit affordable tion Committee (TCAC) to finance housing community that will pro- the project. If the developer is successful vide leasing preference to Veterans of the United States Armed in obtaining the 9 percent TCAC award in the first application Forces. The project will include top round of 2017, construction of market-rate amenities such as a this veteran’s housing develcommunity room, outdoor court- opment would begin later this yard with grill and seating areas, year. The City of Carson already cura fitness center, a computer room and also offer social services and rently provides a number of vital classes for the residents. Pro- services for veterans, and now gramming will include financial with this project, Carson will also planning assistance; vocational provide much needed high qualprograms; social activities; and ity affordable housing for Vetervarious educational, recreational, ans and their families. “When it comes to our vetsocial and fitness courses. These services will be provided to the erans and their family, the City

of Carson is putting its money where its mouth is,” said Carson Mayor Albert Robles. “We hope that other communities and especially the Federal government find a way to assist those who so bravely and unselfishly served our country. We can’t wait until this beautiful and much needed project is built.” Thomas Safran & Associates has developed over 6,000 units of luxury, affordable and mixeduse rental housing in Southern California. For over 40 years, they have specialized in developing and managing high-quality and award-winning properties. They have developed several projects in Carson, including the Avalon Courtyard, a 92-unit building; the Villaggio, a 149-unit property; The Gateway, an 86unit building; and also the very successful Renaissance at City Center, a 150-unit market rate luxury apartment development, which they sold in 2016. n

for the exchange said. Herbert said rolling back subsidized health care and the noexclusion policy for preexisting conditions could lead entrepreneurs to abandon their endeavors for more secure jobs, or prevent them from setting up shop in the first place. “Uncertainty is very scary,” Herbert said. “There are enough variables and challenges that small-business owners face.” Other self-employed people say the looming repeal of Obamacare may not make them change careers, but it would change their relationship to health care. Charlie Murphy, a sewer pipe inspector in Marin County, says if the hefty government subsidies that help him pay his monthly premium disappeared, he’d drop his coverage, or get a skeletal policy instead. “My focus would be more [on] something catastrophic than [a plan that supports] health maintenance,” said Murphy, 54, who pays a fraction of a monthly premium of roughly $500. The rest is subsidized with federal money. When Murphy signed up for health care last year, he decided it was time for a checkup, the first in seven years. He barely interacted with doctors during the previous 15 years, which he spent uninsured. He was surprised to hear that his blood sugar and blood pressure were higher than they should be. “I thought I was in better health than I was,” Murphy said. The doctor’s visit — and a breakup with a girlfriend — inspired Murphy to lose 20 pounds this past year. He cut down on smoking and drinking alcohol, and learned he could “survive without cookies and pie.” He got some mental health treatment for anxiety, too, which improved his “outlook,” he said. Although Obamacare may have made a notable impact on his health, he said he wouldn’t pay more for insurance or abandon his career to keep the same health care access he has now. “I like working for myself, it’s nice … driving around with the dog,” said Murphy, who performs site visits on homes for sale, inspecting sewage systems. Just as each individual experiences the health care system differently, small-business owners’ perspectives on Obamacare vary widely and are influenced by ideological views and how much care costs. Sunder Ramani, who owns Westwind Media, a post-production company in Burbank, Calif., offers small-group coverage to roughly a dozen employees, even though he’s not legally required to. He pays 100 percent of their premiums. “I’ve been paying higher and higher premiums, but for what appears to be packages that are less and less attractive,” said Ramani. He is a member of the California Leadership Council of

the National Federation of Independent Business, a conservative small-business association that opposes the Affordable Care Act and sued to overturn the law when it was first passed. Ramani said if his business revenue hadn’t grown over the past several years, he might have shifted more of the health cost burden onto his employees. Although Obamacare may not be solely responsible for health cost increases, Ramani said, the law didn’t bring them down as much as it could have. In California, premiums in the small-group market have been going up, but recent premium hikes have been smaller than in previous years, according to data from one of California’s two insurance regulators, the California Department of Managed Health Care. Premiums grew by almost 10 percent for small-employer plans in 2011, whereas this year they rose less than 6 percent, according to the data. Businesses with 50 or more workers have greater legal responsibilities under the Affordable Care Act. The health reform law requires them to offer employees affordable coverage or pay a penalty. That employer mandate has created an administrative “headache” for small-business owners, say the insurance agents who help them comply with new required paperwork. What’s more, the new requirement on employers hasn’t increased the rate of people with job-based coverage, because most employers of that size already offered employee health care before Obamacare, according to researchers at the Urban Institute. But to the individuals who run the smallest of California’s enterprises, the law gave them benefits that didn’t exist before — the guaranteed availability of insurance, and the financial support to pay for it. The promised repeal of the federal health law, as well as other policy changes under President Donald Trump, is complicating Carmina Bautista-Ortiz’s decisions to hire more employees or offer health care to the two she currently has. Right now, those two employees, hired late last year, are responsible for their own health care. One is covered through her husband, and Carmina suggested to the other that he find a policy on the open market. Bautista-Ortiz plans to look into a group health policy and help her employees pay for coverage. But right now, she says, those decisions are on hold. She’s not sure how a repeal of Obamacare would affect her business yet, but she knows it will affect her personally. “We’re ready for the worst, and hoping for the best,” she said. (This story was reprinted from California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.)

by AJPress

For California’s smallest businesses, Obamacare opened the door by PAuline

BArtolome California Healthline

IF Republicans in Congress scrap the Affordable Care Act, Carmina Bautista-Ortiz might have to go back to Mexico for health care. But she’d rather spend the time running the printing shop she and her husband own in Jurupa Valley, a city about 50 miles east of Los Angeles. For at least 10 years, before the Affordable Care Act made it possible for them to get insurance, Bautista-Ortiz and her husband, Roger, had been uninsurable — she because of a heart condition known as tachycardia, he because of high cholesterol. Bautista-Ortiz crossed the border to get tests and specialty care for her rapid heartbeat. Her husband was slapped with a $20,000 hospital bill, which Carmina spent two years negotiating down until the hospital dismissed the debt. Three years ago, the couple was finally able to buy subsidized health coverage through the state’s Obamacare exchange, Covered California, and Bautista-Ortiz said they now spend less time worrying about how to get care. “Our health is … basically the most important thing that we have,” said Bautista-Ortiz. “If you’re not feeling well, you’re not going to do your job the right way.” Under Republican-led plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act, hundreds of thousands of selfemployed people in California are at risk of losing their ability to buy affordable insurance. Some business owners welcome the rollback of the law, but the smallest of California businesses — entrepreneurs and contract workers who buy insurance on their own through Covered California — have the most to lose under a repeal. That worries small-business advocates who favor the Affordable Care Act. They say putting health care coverage out of reach of the self-employed could threaten Americans’ entrepreneurial spirit and burden people who create jobs and take on financial risk. “When you’re providing a benefit that allows folks to take that risk with a little more of a safety net … that allows more entrepreneurs to take the plunge,” said Mark Herbert, California director for Small Business Majority, an advocacy organization that opposes repeal. Nationally, California has one of the highest rates of small-business owners who get their coverage through a health insurance exchange — 16 percent — according to a U.S. Department of the Treasury analysis of 2014 data. And Covered California officials say nearly a quarter of enrollees — 377,000 people — declared themselves “self-employed” as of December. Enrollees receive an average of $440 a month in tax credits to help offset insurance premium costs, a spokesperson

USAID programs in PH continue amid…

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tion sought to pursue USAID programs related to health, education, and promotion of resiliency amid both man-made and natural disasters. “I think on the implementation level, they have asked us to continue because there is unfinished business. There is work to be done and, like I said, our whole goal was to make this a sustainable program so that Filipinos could carry this on by themselves,” she added. Steele also said that the USAID will continue its assistance in Mindanao this year, which will address resilience issues and growth.

Drug rehabilitation has yet to be added to the agency’s list of projects in the Philippines. However, Washington remains open to such programs. “That was an area that was brought up. Right now we don’t have resources for that. It’s just a discussion,” Steele explained. She went on to say, “They (Philippine government) just said that’s an area they want to talk to us about but we don’t have resources. I didn’t say we’re not supporting. I said we have discussions going on.” Last year, Duterte dared Washington to pull out its assistance from the country, following the criticisms from the United

States — under former President Barack Obama — against the Philippines’ intensified campaign against illegal drugs. Duterte then insisted that the Philippines could survive on its own without receiving any aid from the U.S. government. “I do not expect the human rights (advocates), I do not expect (former U.S. President Barack) Obama, I do not expect the EU to understand me. Do not understand me and if you think it’s high time for you guys to withdraw your assistance, go ahead. We will not beg for it,” Duterte said during a speech sometime in October. (Dana Sioson / AJPress)

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OpiniOn

Features

Justified

POLITICAL reform in the Philippines is hounded by high public expectation because of untold amounts of corruption and law-breaking by public officials for years. It is like a mirage that never truly materializes; it recedes the closer we try to get to it. There are those who maintain a level of cynicism toward the political system and apathy toward political participation because of a negative perception of people who are elected to office. This negative connotation exists because of the few public officials who have abused their power to accomplish personal and selfish pursuits. The penalization of plunder in the Philippines is only two decades old. Republic Act 7080 or the Anti-Plunder Law was enacted in the wake of former President Ferdinand Marcos’s dictatorship—when he and his cronies allegedly amassed ill-gotten wealth. The law was passed in 1991 to be used as a deterrant to prevent public officials from stealing money from the government. The law states that plunder is committed by any public officer who, by himself or herself, or in connivance with members of his or her family, relatives by affinity or consanguinity, business associates, subordinates or other persons, amasses, accumulates or acquires ill-gotten wealth through a combination or series of overt or criminals acts as described in Section 1(d) hereof in the aggregate amount or total value of at least Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00) shall be guilty of the crime of plunder and shall be punished by reclusion perpetua to death.

A proposed measure to reinstate the death penalty in the country is currently set for plenary debates. Under the proposed measure, three methods may be used in executing the death penalty — hanging, firing squad or lethal injection. Heinous crimes including plunder will be punishable by proposed death penalty. But during a caucus of the majority coalition members in the House of Representatives, an agreement was reached to exclude plunder from crimes that warrant capital punishment. It was the majority’s agreement to relegate plunder to a serious capital offense only punishable with life imprisonment. Plunder remains on the list unless removed when the death penalty bill is tackled during the period of amendments in the plenary. Speaker of the House of Representatives Pantaleon Alvarez maintained that there’s more reason to include plunder among heinous crimes punishable by death following alleged irregularities in contracts involving government officials. Meanwhile, the Senate has suspended public hearings of the death penalty bill over concerns of violations of an international treaty. As a signatory of the Treaty of International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the Philippines is prevented from carrying out execution as a form of

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

punishment. There are already existing stringent anti-corruption laws that are meant to stem the tide of graft and corrupt officials who brazenly plunder the public treasury. The cruel penalization of erring public officials

may not effectively revive the country’s damaged political existence, but it will ignite zero-tolerance to any form of corruption within the government. This will hold more accountability for people in public office and may pave the way for political stability and sustainable development. (AJPress)

FLYNNGATE: What the Trump administration needs to explain to the American people DONALD TRUMP has bigger problems to worry about than his historic 40 percent approval/55 percent disapproval ratings in the most recent Gallup Poll. His less than a month-old presidency has already been saddled with lawsuits one after another, and then this: the issue about the “resignation” of his senior National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. NO, Mr. President, Flynn’s scandal is NOT less important than who leaked it. Journalists surely will not “move on” despite the resignation of Flynn. This Flynn scandal, has in fact, just opened a can of worms, and more questions beg to be answered. Did you know that Flynn had not been truthful when he denied having talked to the Russian envoy about easing sanctions imposed by the Obama administration for hacking the U.S. Presidential Elections in December 2016 — when Donald Trump

envoy, Putin did not fight back was president-elect and had not against the U.S. sanctions as he been sworn into office? The Fil-Am had always done so in the past, You reportedly denied prior and then you tweeted gushing knowledge of this but your office Perspective over Putin’s smartness for his had been warned by the Departresponse? ment of Justice about this 18 days Would this Flynn scandal be ago. Why did you lose “trust” in related to the Russian hacking Flynn just now, after the Washwhich could have undermined ington Post exposed the scandal? Gel santos-Relos the integrity of the election? Had the Washington Post not broken the news, would it still be business as usual Would this be the reason why you had been such between you and Flynn despite your knowledge a big fan of Putin to the point of speaking against that Flynn had been dishonest in his disclosures the United States just to defend him during your about his talk with the Russian diplomat about interview on Fox News? What hold does the former KGB official and now president of Russia have sanctions? What gave Flynn the boldness to talk with the over you and your independence as the commandRussian diplomat about Putin not having to worry er-in-chief and president of the United States? These are just some of the questions that needabout the sanctions? Was it coincidental that after the phone calls between Flynn and the Russian ed to be answered, Mr. President, because the na-

tional security of the U.S. is at stake here. It is mind boggling how you now worry about “leaks” when you would praise WikiLeaks before you became president. Could it be that the leaks are coming from within your administration as a “cry for help” as many analysts say? Democrats and some Republican senators are now calling for an investigation into this scandal. The truth based on real facts would have to come out, Mr. President — NOT alternative facts. You owe that to the American people. Welcome to the real world. This ain’t a reality show that you can direct and write a script for high ratings. *** 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

FVR’s truth-telling FIDEL V. Ramos’ recent interview Analysis with Rappler’s Maria Ressa was a study in sophisticated elder statesmanship. He was cordial and engaging, of course, and kept the talk Rachel Reyes good-humored and paternal. He didn’t sound the least bit patronizing towards his interlocutor, who seems incapable of giving anyone a hard time and tends to err, rather too often, on the side of pleasant chat. FVR, fortunately, speaks with natural candor and can be pointedly direct, as one would expect of a military man. With half a century’s worth of public service to his name, and always at the epicenter of power, there is not much FVR does not know and has not seen. His insights are so obviously gleaned from formidable experience and, now in his late 80s, from a confidence that he has nothing left to prove. When he takes Imelda Marcos to task, or gives his opinions on President Duterte’s personality, the drug-bust operations, and foreign affairs, it’s clear we are hearing something so incredibly rare these days – the truth from someone who wants to tell it. Much of what FVR says to journalists can be read in his columns that appear in the Manila Bulletin. This is no bad thing. A process clearly accounts for his articulacy. His thoughts have been allowed to ferment and take shape in print before they are given a public airing. Consequently, nothing he says is half-baked and he rarely contradicts himself. His questions to Imelda Marcos are precisely what the public craves to know: “Where is the rest of the hidden wealth? What really happened in August 1983? (He is absolutely dismissive of the lone gunman explanation with regard to the assassination of Benigno Aquino). And, his

plea to her to make plain her family’s ambition, seems to be fueled by the anger he feels at the way her children shamelessly keep the military at their beck and call. When he denounces extrajudicial killings, by conjuring up the image of a poor man brandishing a home-made gun, a paltik, before he is sprayed with bullets by heavily armed police officers, he knows, with forensic accuracy, the glaring unfairness of the fight. “An overwhelmingly lethal combat ratio advantage of 5 to 1 versus their obviously poor, scruffy, slipperclad suspects.” FVR’s column writing, actually jottings, reveals the gradual, occasionally tedious, altogether laborious process of piecing together reflection, knowledge, and the raw material of experience. His prose is sparse, his tone laconic, somewhat emotive, mainly due to his over-emphatic punctuation, with sentences sometimes written out in full capitals and lavished with question and exclamation marks: “Is this P. Du30’s real ‘war’ on poverty?? Obviously not!! It’s just unexplained killing.” When Duterte said FVR visited him in Davao multiple times, and handed over a “thick list” of names of government officials, police chiefs, and Chinese nationals supposedly involved in the narcotics trade, FVR responded in his column with the compressed refutation that teenagers are guilty of overusing: “No way!!!” He can be amusingly mordant: “The presidency,” he writes, “is no place for panicky, self-centered, onion-skinned, and fragile characters.” On camera, this particular thought, concerning the President’s volatile personality, coalesced into a telling reflection: “[Fear] is the kind of en-

vironment in which he grew up. But a lot of his fears are being generated by him [sic]. He is afraid of fear. He is insecure.” FVR’s pivotal role in the EDSA uprising is frequently extolled as a high point of the man’s moral courage, a moment that truly tested his mettle and displayed his convictions. But as the first and, thus far, only Protestant President the country has known, FVR’s adoption of a radical population policy, which aimed to significantly reduce the country’s population, might better fit this accolade. Just days after his inauguration, in 1992, FVR took on the Catholic Church. Seeking to achieve a per capita income of $1,000 a year by Former President Fidel V. Ramos 1998, FVR figured that the population of truth-telling that occurred under growth rate needed to fall below 2 FVR’s watch. By 1993, FVR and Flaper cent. He appointed Juan Flavier vier were pushing for the use of proto the Department of Health. Flavier phylactics to curb the spread of HIV. came with 30 years of experience in The CBCP responded by declaring rural practice and was a staunch ad- “total war” on the government. “Convocate of family planning. Together, traception was contrary to the will of FVR and Flavier established “freedom God,” fulminated the bishops from the of choice” as the foundation of the pulpit, and issued trenchant pastoral government’s family planning pro- letters. On the orders of Jaime Cardigram, which aimed to limit family size nal Sin, the Church organized protest through the provision of artificial birth rallies, denied communion to governcontrol methods. The Church, Flavier ment workers that tried to implement asserted, did not own women’s bod- the family planning program, and ies and went on to defend women’s threw their tremendous support beright to information about contracep- hind pro-natal politicians. As the histion. This is one of the finest instances torian Robert L. Youngblood notes,

FVR was painted as a renegade soldier and decried by Cardinal Sin as the man “who helped Marcos put up the structure of dictatorship”. Sin wasn’t lying. A cousin to Ferdinand Marcos, FVR had served the dictator with unstinting loyalty and devotion throughout the martial law period. He was the enthusiastic chief of the Philippine Constabulary. Was he personally responsible for the savage atrocities, the torture, the disappearances, and the killings that defined the era? On this matter, the normally loquacious, truth-telling FVR is keeping schtum. (rachelagreyes@gmail.com)

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A

Dateline PhiliPPines

UNICEF says lowering criminal liability to age 9 ‘very unfair to a child’ by DAnA

sioson AJPress

LOWERING the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to nine is a “great child violation,” the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) agency in the Philippines warned. In an interview with The Guardian, UNICEF Philippine Representative Lotta Sylwander said that the bid to jail children as young as nine years old is “wrong from every angle.” “If they grow up, spending their teenage years in a prison, they most probably will be damaged for life,” Sylwander said. She argued that children that age are unable to fully comprehend the consequences of a crime. “Apart from the fact that it’s against human rights, it’s very unfair to a child, to punish them in such a harsh way as the criminal system would be, for something that they never understood was that serious,” Sylwander said. Sylwander also claimed that such law will not lower criminality and might, instead, have an opposite result. “It doesn’t fix the problem, it’s a great child violation and it will be a great burden on the

criminal system, an unnecessarily burden,” she pointed out. “By incarcerating children at such a young age, they in fact become well-trained criminals by being brought up in prisons with other criminals.” Among the bills that sought to revert the criminal liability back to 9 years old include the “Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility Act” filed by House Speaker Bebot Alvarez and Representative Fredenil Castro. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who backs the proposal on lowering the age of criminal liability, originally wanted it to go down to 12 years old. Several senators, however, proposed lowering it to 9 years old. Although Alvarez and Castro acknowledged that the intent of Pangilinan’s bill to protect the youth was “laudable,” they argued that R.A. 9344 or the Juvenile Delinquency Act of 2006 “pampers” the young offenders. “Its effects have had the opposite effects: The pampering of youthful offenders knowing they can get away with it. Worse, adult criminals individually, or in organized cabals knowingly and purposely make use of youth

below 15 years of age to commit crimes,” Alvarez and Castro’s bill read. In an earlier statement, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) said a minimum age of criminal responsibility below the age of 12 years is considered ‘internationally unacceptable.’ Sylwander also criticized Duterte for ignoring the statistics of the national police which show that less than 2 percent of the total crimes in the country are committed by children below 15. “It seems he rarely listens to facts, or doesn’t find out the facts before he talks,” she said. Sylwander also condemned Duterte’s war on drugs that has reportedly led to the casualties of several children. “Yes, children are used as petty sellers...but why go after the children who do not understand what they are doing instead of going for the big syndicates?” Sylwander said. She went on to say, “It seems there is less effort to get the big guys. You shoot the small gangsters or the small drug traders in the slum areas and the poor areas. But there seems to be no real, concerted efforts to get the big drug lords in the country. And there are quite a few.” n

‘Duterte open to work with CBCP amid drug war’ by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte is open to working with the Catholic Church despite their differences on the administration’s bloody drug war, a Malacañang official said on Tuesday, Feb.14. Duterte had engaged bishops in a word war after the Church called on the administration to uphold the sanctity of life amid the drug killings that claimed the lives of over 7,600 people. The President badmouthed Church officials and said they do not have moral ascendancy to preach because of corruption and sex scandals involving the clergy. On Monday, February 13, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of

the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Socrates Villegas said they were willing to work with Duterte and are not closing their communication lines with the government. Asked if a collaboration with the bishops is possible, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella replied, “At the end of the day, anything is possible. As I said last time, ‘Wala naman sigurong matigas na tinapay sa mainit na kape’.” “If they showed this from the very beginning, maybe we would have a better working relationship. Of course, we welcome that,” Abella added. Abella, however, said the CBCP should be the one to make the first move. “But, of course, at this particular stage, things have to be

worked out But the initiative must come from the CBCP,” he said. Abella said there was no need for the bishops to apologize for their criticism against the government. “Not necessarily, but I suppose magma-magandang loob (a show of goodwill), you know, just work it out,” he said. “It’s just a question of being able to show goodwill, you know, being civil.” Pressed if the President is open to sitting down with the bishops to discuss their differences on drug-related killings, Abella said, “Let’s take it one step at a time. Let’s wait.” “Let’s not speculate on how we will be open, but let’s take it one step at a time. First they offer, then we’ll see how the President responds,” he added. n

‘FVR XYZ Files’ launched in time for 31st EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary

A WEEK before the 31st anniversary of the first day of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV)and Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. (MTVi) launched a book on former President Fidel V. Ramos at the Hexagon Lounge, 4th floor, RCBC Plaza, Makati City on February 15. The book, “FVR XYZ Files: An Anthology of Controversies & Issues, Anecdotes & Trivia about Fidel Valdez Ramos,” is a companion book of “A Continuing Voyage for Enduring Peace and Sustainable Development,” which will be launched in March to coincide with RPDEV’s 16th anniversary. Consisting of 372 pages, “FVR XYZ” is divided into three chapters: Trivia, Issues and Controversies, and Anecdotes. The chapter on Trivia contains sections on the different stages in the life of the 12th president of the Philippines — from his childhood, his life in the uniformed service, his Presidency and on to his role as senior statesman and kuya to over 100 million Filipinos. The chapter gathers bits of interesting information to make

Filipinos understand the person who led the country from 19921998 to become one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. This enlightening chapter reveals a leader imbued with wit and a sense of humor despite his rigid military training from the U.S. Military Academy. The chapter “Issues and Controversies” presents the real narrative and account behind every issue and controversy thrown at the former president. Issues, long answered during his incumbency but which again came around as critics try to connect him to the failure of those who succeeded him to lead the country, are responded straightforwardly. These include the alleged role of the United States in the 1986 EDSA People Revolution, the AFP Modernization Program, the Flor Contemplacion case, and the inefficient MRT system, among other issues that impinged upon good governance, peace and order, economic development and social welfare. A collection of anecdotes comprises the last chapter of the book. Former members of the Ramos cabinet, journalists and

those who have come in close contact with the former president relate their unique experiences with the man who established and steers the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation after turning over the presidency to his successor. The book is authored by Melandrew T. Velasco, biographer of the Ramos family and president of MTVi. He has authored several books for the Ramos family and FVR’s RPDEV Foundation including Teamwork for Enduring Peace and Sustainable Development, the 10th year commemorative book of RPDEV. According to Velasco, while other former Chiefs of State write their memoirs and then fade into the sunset, it is not so with FVR. “Even in his octogenarian years, FVR has never failed to carry on what he has started, alwaysa good soldier who likes to say that he would rather die serving his country with his boots on rather thansit idly to enjoy his retirement.He continues to inspire and stimulate, stir and enthuse, define and redefine, challenge and defy,” said Velasco. n

A FEBRUARY 15-17, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 15-17, 2017

BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

Gaming industry seen expanding outside of Entertainment City by IrIs

Gonzales Philstar.com

tainment City. Credit rating agency Fitch said Entertainment City is showing signs of maturation with more players filling up the gaming scene in the Las Vegasstyle complex. As such, gaming companies are looking at areas outside the Entertainment City. Enrique Razon’s Solaire Resort and Casino, for instance, is building a P20-billion resort

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine gaming industry is seen expanding outside the 100-hectare Entertainment City of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) in Parañaque within the next three to five years. Industry data showed that there are several projects in the pipeline outside the Enter-

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Clark in talks for North America flights the North American region. “We are currently in negotiations with air carriers, parMANILA, Philippines ticularly in connecting Clark to — Clark International Airport North America,” CIAC presiCorp. (CIAC) is in talks with dent and CEO Alex Cauguiran airlines for flights from Clark to said but declined to disclose their identities. The Clark International Airport caters to travelers coming from Regions 1 to 3 and the Camanava area (CaloocanMalabon-Navotas-Valenzuela), which have a combined population of around 24.2 million.

Pivotal ties to cushion vs US protectionism by Mary

Grace Philstar.com

PadIn

ident Duterte’s move to shift the country’s foreign policy. “Many fear a sharp rise in protectionism should Trump translate his rhetoric to actual trade policies. Protectionist policies will dampen trade and probably have an adverse impact on our BPO sector, our economy’s second highest dollar-earner,” he said. “Fortunately, the Duterte administration early on decided to rebalance our foreign policy,” Dominguez said. The Finance chief cited the close to P1 trillion total trade, investment and development

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s gains from its strengthened ties with China, Japan and Russia could cushion the impact of possible protectionist policies in the US, the Finance chief said. In his speech during a recent Business forum, finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said uncertainties brought about by US President Donald Trump’s protectionist pronouncements have been dampened by Pres-

assistance the country acquired from China, as well as the President’s visit to Russia this year, which is expected to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries. “All these gains should more than offset whatever protectionist policies the Trump administration might decide to institute,” he said. Dominguez said the country is on its way to achieving its goals that are included in the 10-point economic agenda, especially with

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Manila ranks 19th ‘most dynamic city’

by louella

desIderIo Philstar.com

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by Ben

KrItz ManilaTime.net

MANILA occupies the 19th spot among the “world’s 30 most dynamic cities” for commercial real estate investment in 2017, real estate services giant Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL) said in its annual City Momentum Index (CMI) released late last week. JLL noted that this was the first time Manila has appeared in its ranking, which the firm has published annually since 2014. “Manila (19th) appears in the Global Top 30 for the first time,

with a particularly dynamic office market supported by a growing and globally competitive BPO sector,” JLL said. A JLL representative clarified that “Manila” in the report refers to the whole of Metro Manila, or the National Capital Region. The Index ranks 134 world cities on 42 indicators grouped into three broad sub-indices, the JLL report explained. “The world’s most robust, agile and open cities are generating considerable momentum and energy, and are taking the lead in

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GAINING MOMENTUM. Manila is among the world’s top 30 “most dynamic cities,” according to global real estate services firm Jones Lang Lasalle’s annual City Momentum Index for 2017. Photo by Jones Lang Lasalle

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B FEBRUARY 15-17, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

PH could face credit ratings revisions

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine economy remained buoyant at the start of 2017, but the loose fiscal stance of the current administration and sustained revenue shortfalls could prompt revisions to its credit ratings, global lender Deutsche Bank said over the weekend. The bank pointed out that one of the recent indicators, the manufacturing PMI, while staying expansionary, dropped to 52.7 in January, shedding 3 points from the preceding month —the slowest pace in 13 months—as spare capacity and higher inflation led firms to cut back on hiring and input purchases. “The slowdown may be related to the slight easing in private sector financing in December, where growth moderated to 16.2 percent year-on-year from 17.2 percent year-on-year in November. In fact, domestic demand already peaked in early 2016, with both growth in consumption and durable equipment purchases apparently reverting to trend after the spike approaching the

general elections,� Deutsche Bank said. Given this, Deutsche Bank reiterated its view that normalization is likely to guide a slower pace of growth in 2017. Some upside to consumer spending can be expected from the recently approved pension increases for Social Security System beneficiaries and the planned salary increases for military and civil servants, it said. “But we are not keen to revise up our 5.8 percent growth outlook just yet, given risks of private sector investment deceleration amid concerns over President [Rodrigo] Duterte’s controversial drug war and protectionist moves under a Trumpled US,� it said. The German bank said it had previously flagged the contraction in approved investments in the third quarter of 2016 and the declines in business sentiment in the last two quarters of 2016, which, while currently not its baseline scenario, bear the risk of further dragging down investment growth in 2017. “Moreover, the impact of the government’s drive to end illegal

forms of contractual employment schemes (locally termed “endo� or end-of-contract), as well as the crackdown on predatory lending (mainly geared towards the ‘5-6’ lending scheme that charges a 20 percent monthly interest rate) remains uncertain, in our view,� it added. For one, the bank explained, these measures could, in the near term, hurt businesses that previously gained from temporary employment—without the benefits accorded to permanent employees—or those micro, small, and medium enterprises without ready access to formal financing channels. Deutsche Bank added that the closure of several mining operations around the country after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources audit could also dampen domestic demand. Tax reform Deutsche Bank said a development worth watching in 2017 is the likely passage of the Duterte administration’s first major economic reform, or the first package of the comprehensive tax reform proposal, which is slated to

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‘Small Business Saturdays’ workshops return for 2017

Learn to finance, open and maintain a small business

THE County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) is proud to present the “Small Business Saturdays� workshop series for 2017. DCBA, along with the County Library, Assessor, and Treasurer and Tax Collector, helps introduce prospective business owners to the County’s free business development services and steps to open a business. “The County of Los Angeles values entrepreneurship and helping small businesses grow,� said DCBA Director Brian J. Stiger. “With Small Business Saturdays and our Small Business Concierge service, it will be easier than ever to become your own boss.� The free workshops will take place in each of Los Angeles County’s five supervisorial districts through November. The next workshop will be held in the fifth district of Supervisor Kathryn Barger on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at

the Stevenson Ranch Library at 25950 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381. For the full schedule and to RSVP, go to http://lacountyptac. ecenterdirect.com/events. Since 1976, the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has served consumers, businesses, and communities through

education, advocacy, and complaint resolution. We work every day to educate consumers and small business owners about their rights and responsibilities, mediate disputes, investigate consumer fraud complaints, and enforce Los Angeles County’s minimum wage ordinance. For more information, visit dcba. lacounty.gov n

casino is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2017. In the southern Philippines in Cebu, Calata Corp. will put up a casino project. The company teamed up with American firms Sino-America Gaming Investment Group LLC (Sino-America) and Macau Resources Group Ltd. (MRG) to create a real estate and investment trust (REIT) for a proposed P65-billion gaming resort in Mactan.

Under the plan, the project would have a casino, three hotels, a yacht club, as well as commercial, retail and conference facilities. It is targeting to start commercial operations in 2020. But while the industry is expanding nationwide, the Entertainment City is completing the final phase of development. In 2020, Travellers International’s Westside City Resorts World is also scheduled to open the fourth resort in the complex. n

Commercial real estate momentum was also analyzed, and addresses “changes in absorption, construction, rents, investment volumes and real estate transparency covering the office, retail and hotel sectors,� the report explained. Finally, long-term momentum, or what JLL also called “highvalue incubators� was also rated. “This is an outlook on the ability of the underlying attributes of a city to maintain momentum over the longer term (i.e. its future-

proofing capacity) in terms of education, innovation and environment,� JLL said. While 134 cities are reviewed, the final report of the City Momentum Index focused only on the top 30 in the final rankings. ‘Emerging megacity’ Manila, along with the Indian cities of Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi, was described as an “emerging megacity� by JLL. “The ‘Emerging Megacities’ of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Ma-

Gaming industry seen expanding‌

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in Quezon City, his second casino after the Entertainment City. Construction could be finished as early as 2019. In Pampanga, South Korean construction firm Donggwang Construction Co. Ltd., (DCC.) is developing the $400 million Clark SunValley Resorts and Country Club project at the Clark Freeport Zone. The project, which will have a

Manila ranks 19th ‘most‌

PAGE B1 t

shaping our future landscape,� with most of them outperforming their national economies, JLL said in defining what makes a “dynamic� city. Cities were assessed on socioeconomic momentum, which relates to changes in city GDP (gross domestic product), population, numbers of air passengers, corporate headquarters located in or moving to the city, and foreign direct investment (FDI).

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Community Journal

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

Abortion and our throwaway society

Monette AdevA MAglAyA

“All that is necessary for the triumph

The 44th Annual March for Life was held in Washington DC on January 27, 2017, a week after Donald J. Trump and Michael R. Pence were sworn into office as President and Vice President on January 20, 2017. It was a historical turn of events and bodes well for the defense of the unborn. Hundreds of thousands marched in the event and were visibly moved by the fact that Vice President Mike Pence at the suggestion of President Trump graced the occasion with a wonderful, prayerful speech. Vice President Mike Pence, a Christian with a deep abiding faith, and Kelly Anne Conway, a Catholic and Senior Counselor to President Trump both spoke at the event. President Trump gave his full support and challenged the liberal media to give the annual event full coverage. As may be expected,only Fox gave the event the coverage it warranted. It was the first time that the highest office holders in the land stood with those who had been fighting the evil of abortion for years. There is light coming out to defeat the darkness. One of the first executive orders President Trump signed was to defund international abortion efforts by Planned Parenthood. Pope Francis has spoken on the issue of abortion. He has broken what many Catholic conservatives quietly observed to be his “silence” on the matter in as many months of his assuming the papacy. Personally, I think the Holy Spirit is strong with this Pope and his timing is flawless. In his “State of the World” address directed to diplomats ac-

Debt Relief Atty. lAwrence yAng CLIENT is 61. Her husband is 60. In my book, they are young seniors. They bought their house in 2006 just before the crash of the housing market. They used a zero down 10 years interest only mortgage for the first 10 years. Thereafter, they have to start paying interest and principal. They paid $2,400 a month for the purchase date up to early last year, which is interest only. As you well know, interest rates have been very low for the last 10 years. The Feds have been keeping rates at rock bottom so as not to derail the slow but steady improvement in the performance of our economy. With the expiration of the 10 years, mortgage payments doubled to $4,400. It appears that they have $250K of equity in the house. Since they could not pay $4,400, they asked the bank for a loan modification last year. Bank placed them on a 3-month trial period that they complied with. However, nothing happened after the trial period. Bank started to send them statements demanding $4,400 after the trial period ended. Clients received the recorded notice of default last October. Foreclosure sale is now scheduled for February 15, which is next week. Their arrears on the mortgage is $60K. A third party continues helping them to get the loan modification but they have now decided to try to sell the house. But one week is not enough time to sell the house. If the house is foreclosed next week, the auction sale may wipe out more than half or all of their equity of there are no serious

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes PRESIDENT Trump appears to be executing on his “America First” agenda by executing executive orders in record pace with the intent of securing American interest. However, these executive orders has affected certain rights of legal permanent residents and aliens residing in the United States. As a green card holder, you are still considered an Alien despite having many rights and privileges similar to US Citizens. You are not safe and may still be removed if you violate certain provisions of the immigration and nationality law. You should seriously consider applying for Naturalization or US Citizenship if you qualify. Generally, you have to have the following in order to qualify to apply for Naturalization:. Be at least 18 years old at the

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 15-17, 2017

Calendar of Events across

B

America

of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

— Edmund Burke

credited to the Vatican, he said, “It is horrific even to think that there are children, victims of abortion, who will never see the light of day.” It was the pope’s toughest and most forceful stand on this issue. He continued, “Unfortunately, what is thrown away is not only food and dispensable objects, but often human beings themselves, who are discarded as unnecessary.” Pope Francis has voiced what many Christians believe. The gift of life is from God and that LIFE begins at the moment of conception. For many, there can be no equivocation on this matter. There is no wiggle room, no hemming and hawing. You are either for it or against it. Abortion is nothing less than the murder of innocents — a most grievous offense against the Holy Spirit from whom all life emanates. It is the duty of all who hold human life sacred to fight for it and uphold moral laws that guarantee the life of future generations. Do not be fooled by the demagoguery of evil when abortion is framed and termed as the dishonest “war on women” or given the disingenuous term “pro choice.” Do not be fooled by snake oil salesmen and think that Planned Parenthood is a benign organization when it actually promotes abortion in the guise of “good, responsible” parenting. These labels deceive. Let’s call a spade a spade. Pro-choice is pro-abortion. Period. No ifs and buts about it. Your choice ends when another

defenseless human life is part of the equation. If you didn’t know it yet, there was a war being insidiously waged against all Judaeo-Christian faiths by all means possible in the last 8 years, via legislation, government policies and a leftist, liberal American society and its tools. Thank God the tide is turning when the highest leadership of the land puts his weight behind the case for life, especially that of the unborn. The erosion of our religious liberties has been on full throttle since past leaders, because of political correctness and lack of moral courage, could not give a full throated defense of this basic liberty. Ordinary Christians have been on their knees for a long time and have been fighting back and shoring up the first line of defense for human rights and religious freedom. Thank God for the miracle that is happening these days. God is answering our fervent prayers. On our part, we need to pray even more fervently without ceasing. God chooses people to make His will known. If you are one of them, let God’s Spirit suffuse you to move you in many ways — by fervent, unceasing prayers and fasting, by the printed word or the internet and better yet, to engage actively one-on-one in conversation to fire up family and friends within your daily orbit about the importance of this issue. For those who can and have the time and wherewithal to

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Seniors facing end of interest only mortgage payments need Chapter 13 to stop foreclosure Senior needs Chapter 13 to stop sale of $1.0M house by judgment lien of $30K buyers that show up for the auction sale. If no serious buyers show up, then bank will bid the balance of the loan for the house and that will wipe out the entire $250K of equity. The house is worth $800K while the balance of the mortgage owed to bank is $550K leaving equity of $250K. But if there are no buyers at auction, bank will bid $550K, the balance of the mortgage then debtors get nothing. If a serious buyer shows up and bids $700K, then bank gets paid $550K, and clients realize an amount over the balance owed to bank or equity of $150K. The higher the purchase price, the higher the equity realized by clients. It is certainly to their advantage to prevent the foreclosure next week, so they can have enough time to get a serious buyer for the right price. Clients decide to get Chapter 13 relief. What will Chapter 13 do for them? First, it will immediately stop the foreclosure next week, so it creates time for them to sell the house for the right price. Second, if they can find the right buyer, a motion seeking court permission to sell the house can be filed in the Chapter 13 case. The court protects the house by preventing the foreclosure while the court gives them permission to sell the house. Third, it makes their loan modification request stronger because the filing of the bankruptcy proves financial hardship, which is a sine quo non-element of a loan modification request. If they decide not to sell the house if the LM is ap-

proved, or for some reason, they are now able to afford to pay interest and principal as well as the plan payment, then they can just stay on the 13 for five years. But of course, a serious buyer for $800K would do the trick because clients walk away with at least $200K of equity. They can use the cash to buy a more affordable house with a smaller mortgage payment. Next client is 66. He owns a house with a small mortgage balance of $140K. His house is now worth $1.0M. So he has over $850K of equity. The problem is that his divorce 15 years ago “wiped him out”. I don’t really know what that exactly means. I surmise that the divorce judgment required him to pay alimony and to buy out his ex wife’s 50% share in the house. As some famous actor said, two divorces wiped him out. Each divorce felt like his heart was being ripped through his wallet. I can’t remember his name right now but the description of the financial agony that client went through with his divorce is appropriate. Oh, yeah, it was Robin Williams who said this. His first divorce wiped out half his assets and the second divorce wiped out the other half of his assets. Client has social security of $1,400 and makes $2,600 driving UBER full time. A judgment creditor had a judgment lien of $15K on the house 15 years ago. That lien has now ballooned to $34K. And judgment creditor has

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Applying for US citizenship in these turbulent times

time of filing for Naturalization. Be a permanent resident/ greencard holder for at least 5 years. Show that you have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply. Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing. Show that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing. – Be able to read, write, and speak basic English. – Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics). – Be a person of good moral character. – Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution. If there are no major issues in your case, your naturalization process should take approxi-

mately 5 months. If you pass the naturalization interview and your case is approved, the USCIS will schedule you for your Oath taking ceremony shortly thereafter. ***

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 (Advertising Supplement) is not a solicitation.

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 F E B R UA RY 1 0 -1 6

ART AND SOUL (The Healing Power of Art) exhibit in Washington, D.C. In celebration of National Arts Month, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. is pleased to invite you to an exhibit entitled, ART AND SOUL (The Healing Power of Art), featuring the works of Artist and Curator Julian Oteyza and Sony Florendo at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy from February 10-16, 2017. The exhibit will be open for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Saturday and Sunday. For more information, please contact info@philippineusa.org. The embassy is located on Bataan street corner 1600 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20036.

F E B R UA RY 1 8

Free parenting class in Eagle Rock, CA Come to a free parenting class in Eagle Rock on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. It will be held at the Eagle Rock Lutheran Church at 5032 Maywood Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90041. To RSVP, please call (323) 304-9898.

Small Business Saturday workshop in Stevenson Ranch, CA

Want to open a business in Los Angeles County but don’t know where to start? Small Business Saturday is for you! The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) will show you: how to become an entrepreneur; steps to opening a business; where to seek financing for your business; latest information about business taxes; how to obtain a business license; library resources for small businesses and more! Join the DCBA for a workshop on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Stevenson Ranch Library at 25950 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381. The workshop is presented in partnership with Supervisor Kathyrn Barger of the Fifth District. The event is free but space is limited. Registration is requested at http://lacountyptac.ecenterdirect. com/events.

F E B R UA RY 2 1

Civil Liberties under Trump forum in Eagle Rock, CA Hear how the American Civil Liberties Union and allied organizations are fighting back against the administration of President Donald Trump on Tuesday, February 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. in Eagle Rock, CA. Speakers include Tanzila “Taz” Ahmed of 18MillionRising; Betty Hung of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA; Sharon Kyle, ACLU SoCal National Board Rep; and Aiha Nguyen, board member of the ACLU-SoCal Pasadena/Foothills Chapter. The event will be held at LA Filipino United Church of Christ at 5080 N. Maywood Ave., Eagle Rock, CA. The event is free and open to the public. Please contact joana.amador@gmail. com or (213) 434-4643.

MARCH 6

Talk and book signing with Susan Quimpo, author of “Subversive Lives” in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey Come see Susan Quimpo, one of the authors of “Subversive Lives” on Monday, March 6 at the Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights from 6 to 8 p.m. “Subversive Lives” is a memoir by eight siblings (plus one by marriage) who dedicated themselves to the anti-Marcos resistance in the Philippines. Quimpo will talk about her personal experience during the Marcos years. Books will be available for sale. A book signing will follow after the talk. The Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights is located at 320 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604.

MARCH 9

Talk and book signing with Susan Quimpo, author of “Subversive Lives” in New York Come see Susan Quimpo, one of the authors of “Subversive Lives” on Thursday, March 9 at the 67th Street New York Public Library from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. “Subversive Lives” is a memoir by eight siblings (plus one by marriage) who dedicated themselves to the anti-Marcos resistance in the Philippines. Quimpo will talk about her personal experience during the Marcos years. A book signing will follow after the talk. The New York Public Library is located at 328 E 67th St. (between 1st and 2nd Ave.), New York, NY 10065.

M A R C H 9 -1 8

CAAMFEST35 in San Francisco & Oakland Come to the 35th anniversary of CAAMFest from March 9-19 and immerse yourself in JA N UA RY 2 1 expansive and diverse programs celebrating the best in Asian American film, music and food. The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible. The annual CAAMFest is the nation’s largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films. It presents approximately 125 works in San Francisco and Oakland over the course of 11 days. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. For more information, please visit http://caamfest.com.

MARCH 11 JA N UA RY 24

CSFLU to hold dinner-dance in Brea, CA The City of San Fernando La Union Association (CSFLU) will hold its annual dinnerdance at the Embassy Suites in Brea, CA on March 11. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa & The Midnight Motion Band. For more information, please call Vangie So, president of the association at (626) 485-3110.

MARCH 18

FASO’s “Swing the Night Away” in Glendale, CA Swing the night away with Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) on Saturday, March 18 at the Glendale Hilton! Bring your dancing shoes for an evening of swing, two-step, rumba, cha-cha, tango and waltz! Dance Instructors will be available on the floor. You can feel free to sit back, relax and enjoy the music! No host cocktails at 6:00 p.m, with dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets (dinner included) are $125. You can also contact Arlene Ferrolino (213) 248-9850, Bob Shroder (818) 395-8936 or JL Garcia (310) 936-2988 for tickets and sponsorship opportunities information. FASO is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Proceeds will be used to sustain the orchestra, and to fund its education and outreach programs. More information is available on the FASO website at http://www.fasofoundation.org.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

Pivotal ties to cushion… PAGE B1 t

the help of China. In 2016, the Philippines’ economy grew at 6.8 percent, just shy of reaching the seven percent growth target. Dominguez expressed confidence the target would be hit this year with the increase in investments and better spending on infrastructure. “Although we are now one of the fastest growing economies

in Asia, adept monetary policies kept the inflation rate benign. Combined with our investmentgrade credit rating, the cost of money, looks like, will remain low. This should encourage more private investments in the economy,” he said. The Duterte administration is also continuously pushing for institutional and economic reforms not only to sustain the growth

momentum, but also to make the economy more inclusive, Dominguez said. The DOF, in particular, is implementing tax administration reforms at the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue and proposing a Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), which aims to simplify the country’s tax system. n

B FEBRUARY 15-17, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA 1. Non-recognition rules of property settlement between spouses. There is no gain or loss recognized on a transfer of property incident to a divorce under IRC section 1041. Sample 1 Toni receives payments from her ex-husband in return for her agreement to abandon her claim to ex-husband’s retirement benefits. The payments are for the transfer of property to release Toni’s share of the benefits incident to the couple’s divorce. Toni will not include payments in her income. 2. Exceptions to non-recognition rules of property settlement between spouses include: former spouse is a nonresident alien, some transfers in trust, and stock redemptions under a divorce that are taxable under applicable tax law. 3. Qualified Domestic Relations Order or QDRO. Benefits issued from a qualified retirement plans

EMPLOYMENT

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Divorce issues & tax tips such as defined benefit plans, profit sharing 401k plans, etc under a QDRO are taxed to the non-participating spouse who received it. It is not subject to 10% early withdrawal penalty and no effect on the participant in the retirement plan. The funds must be distributed directly to the nonparticipating spouse. The nonparticipant spouse can receive the distribution under the QDRO through direct rollover into an individual retirement account IRA. To avoid the 20% withholding rule, a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer may also be considered. Following distributions from an IRA could be subject to a 10% penalty failure to meet the requirements. 4. Individual Retirement Account or IRA. QDRO is not applicable to IRA. If the divorce final decree is issued before the end of the taxable year, allowed contribution deduction is only the portion you contributed for your own traditional IRA. 5. Alimony paid prior to the final divorce decree is non-deductible. 6. To contribute for an IRA you must receive compensation. Compensation includes ali-

mony. Folks who receive taxable alimony may treat the alimony as compensation even if it is the only income they have, it allows them to save for their retirement by making either Traditional or Roth IRA contributions under Code Sec. 219(f)(1)). 7. Costs associated with divorce. Court cost and legal fees for getting a divorce are non-deductible. The spouse required to pay legal fees of his spouse related to the divorce are non-deductible unless deductible alimony requirements are met. 8. Spousal buy-out debt. A spouse refinances to buy out the other spouse. The secured debt incurred to buy out other spouse’s interest in a home, is acquisition debt. May deduct 100% home mortgage interest up to the $1 million acquisition debt or grandfathered debt limit plus interest on equity debt up to the $100K limit. The equity debt interest is not deductible for AMT purposes. 9. Your legal marital status is determined as of December 31 of each year. Even if you were married for the previous 364 days if you were divorced on the 365th

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Abortion and our throwaway…

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be on the front lines, there are pro-life brigades that actively discourage women from going through abortion and instead talk them into considering adoption right in front of abortion clinics around the country. Are you a CINO? Refuse to be one. CINO is the acronym for Catholic or Christian In Name Only, just like a few of our elected politicians in the highest levels of power who have repeatedly sacrificed their integrity and perhaps, even their souls, for political gain and expediency. There are well-oiled foundations in conjunction with huge pharmaceutical firms that back Planned Parenthood and abortion globally. Refuse to be intimidated. Our story is still being written. Spoiler alert: in the end, GOD WINS, GOOD WINS. Catholicism is not a cafeteria religion where we can choose only those tenets that are convenient for us. The moral issue of abortion far transcends any earthly concerns. The battered economy, the malingering war on terror, eroded national security, weakened u PAGE B5 global standing, taxes, energy

EMPLOYMENT

independence, health care— all these are important issues of our time. But as history will attest, all these trials and tribulations will be overcome in due season. Our problems in the material world will find resolution and eventually come to pass. Consider the dark times a period of testing. God wants to see where His people stand on this crucial matter. God wants to see if we are still His people. Sometimes God gives us seasons of darkness and times of trials and tribulations so that we can see and appreciate the light. Across the country, millions are silently bending their knees in prayer and humble supplication. True Christians know there is no force more powerful on earth than humble prayer. When we choose to stand with God, the darkness lifts and we become thankful for light and life when dawn breaks. We begin to see with clear eyes the abundant gifts that have been given to us so generously by a loving God. We begin to grow within us grateful, humble hearts. We begin to see and feel God’s love. We begin to live humbly as testaments of that love to our fellow human beings.

EMPLOYMENT

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A crisis of faith of this magnitude knocks us out of our high horse of complacency. We find out who we really are, what we are made of and in humbly seeking God’s help and with the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, we find the courage to take a stand. Times like these are a mirror. They reveal us to ourselves, to our brethren and to God. The issue of abortion is fundamental to our humanity and our connection to divinity. Our decision to take it down or uphold it will reverberate for centuries beyond our time. Abortion strikes at the root of our essence as human beings. It is evil. Without action on our parts to confront this evil, it will prevail. As Edmund Burke once said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Continue to fight for the unborn — the most defenseless of all creatures, a call to preserve the life of thinking, feeling, spiritual being in human form. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Community Journal

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Manila ranks 19th ‘most…

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nila are leveraging their dynamic labor markets to drive momentum,” the report said. “Growth in domestic corporations and FDI into areas such as business process outsourcing (BPO) is helping to fuel among the fastest economic growth out of all the CMI cities.” The report did point out, however, “This group faces significant infrastructure and quality of life issues, with high levels of inequality, congestion and pollution hindered by weak city governance.” Longer-term uncertainty In terms of its ranking in the three sub-indices, Manila scored highest in “commercial real estate momentum,” capturing the number 8 spot out of the 134 cities analyzed. Manila also ranked

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highly in terms of “socioeconomic momentum,” ranking 24th out of 134, but was ranked relatively low in terms of “long-term momentum,” in 107th place, which the CMI report suggested was an indicator of uncertainty over whether the city’s growth momentum can be sustained. The report explained that Manila was among “several high-energy cities” (others were Ho Chi Minh City, Nairobi, and Chennai) that “are riding the wave of robust short-term economic and real estate momentum.” The report continued, “Raw demographic and economic energy will continue to propel these cities forward, but to ensure longer-term success they will need to adapt to the new economy in terms of innovation and infrastructure.”

Other rankings The CMI report pointed out that some cities that have regularly appeared high in the list of Top 30 have slipped down the list, most notably Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, and Seoul. In the case of the latter two cities, short-term economic uncertainty and stagnant commercial property markets were blamed, while negative rent growth in Hong Kong and a shrinking labor force in Singapore were largely responsible for their declining attractiveness. The top 5 cities in the 2017 CMI ranking were Bangalore, Ho Chi Minh City, Silicon Valley (California), Shanghai, and Hyderabad. Hangzhou, China, Los Angeles, Dublin, Ireland, Nanjing, and Stockholm rounded out the bottom of the Top 30 cities list. n

lower tax rates if you paid more than half the costs of maintaining your home for your child (provided your spouse did not live with you from July 1 to December 31) and may claim the standard deduction even if the other spouse itemizes on a separate return. 12. If the divorce decree does not specify who is entitled to the dependency exemption, the parent with the custody for the greater part of the year gets it. The non-custodial spouse must attach form 8332 to the tax returns. Form 8832 is a written declaration of release of claim of the child as depended to the non-custodial parent. Non-custodial parent may ask the custodial

spouse to sign Form 8332 for all future years or for only specified years. 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. ***

Divorce issues & tax …

day of the year, you are considered unmarried for the entire year. 10. Legal marital status is determined upon issuance of divorce final decree on or before end of that year. If you do not receive a decree by the end of the year, you cannot file as single taxpayer. A couple living under a legal separation agreement but without any court decree is not legally separated for tax purposes because such an agreement could be abrogated by the parties upon reconciliation and resumption of cohabitation. 11. You may file as head of household to take advantage of

Sy Al-os 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. The firm celebrates its 38th anniversary in 2015. (Advertising Supplement)

Seniors facing end of interest only mortgage… PAGE B3 t

just filed a motion to sell client’s house to pay the lien. Is this even possible that the enforcement of a judgment lien can result in the involuntary sale of the debtor’s house? Sadly, it is true. The CA code of civil procedure allows the judgment creditor, by motion, to request court permission to force the sale of the house to satisfy the lien! Surprised? As POTUS Trump will tweet “NOT NICE AND NOT FAIR!!” “ THAT JUDGMENT LIEN CREDITOR IS A TERRORIST AND MUST NOT BE GIVEN A VISA!” Well, the only way to stop the forced sale of the house is to file a Chapter 13. Even a missile from Iran will not stop a foreclosure but a Chapter 13 stops it dead on its

track. Yes, a Chapter 13 is more powerful than a missile from Iran. In a Chapter 13, client will be allowed to pay the $34,000 over 60 months without interest, that’s about $570 a month. I am wondering why client waited until the last minute to take care of this problem that it should come down to this. After all, he had 15 years to take care of it. Court judgments accrue interest at 10% p.a. until they are paid in full based on diminishing balance. Client said he wasn’t able to think right after the divorce. I guess it’s a traumatic event that has devastating financial implications. Don’t wait until the last minute. Credit card debt must be wiped out now by Chapter 7 or 13. Oth-

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 15-17, 2017

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PH could face credit ratings…

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be passed by Congress by June 30 and implemented between late 2017 and early 2018. “We agree with the DoF [Department of Finance] and the BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] that the net effect of the first package, if implemented simultaneously, would be a boost in disposable incomes,” it said. Citing the BSP’s estimates, the global lender said the tax reform would add 0.6 percentage point (ppt) to the 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2017, if implemented this year, and another 0.2 ppt to the 7 percent to 8 percent outlook in 2018. “In our view, the passage of the first package would be a welcome development to a lowincome country with one of the highest income tax rates in Asia. It would also give the Duterte government the momentum to push for the rest of the tax reforms in the pipeline, in turn, helping to counter downside risks to investments,” it stressed. But given its loose fiscal stance, Deutsche Bank pointed out that the government would face market scrutiny over its ability to shore up revenues this year even before the reforms kick in, and to keep the deficit within the 3 percent-of-GDP ceiling. Should the deficit further rise to 4 percent-of-GDP in 2018 to 2019, because of revenue shortfalls, the national government debt would climb 5 ppts towards 50 percent of GDP five years later, it estimated. The debt-to-GDP ratio is an indicator used by credit rating agencies such as Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and Standard and Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings to assess the creditworthiness of sovereigns. At present, the Philippines enjoys an investment grade credit ratings from

erwise, these debts will become lawsuits that become judgment liens that will put your house at risk. If you wipe them out now, they are wiped out, nipped at the bud. Peace of mind and security is what you get by getting rid of your debts now. “You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will PAGE B1 t “Clark ought to be the most receive me to glory.” — Psalm logical and practical airport of 73:24 choice of the people from the *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in northern and central parts of Lubankruptcy, business, real estate and civil zon,” Cauguiran said, citing the litigation and has successfully represented road congestion travelers from more than five thousand clients in California. the North and Central Luzon Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) would have to endure to get to 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. the Ninoy Aquino International Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite Airport (NAIA) in Manila. Given the congestion at the 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement) NAIA, the government is pro-

these major credit raters. “These projections rest on the assumption that GDP growth prints 5.8 percent to 6.5 percent within 2017 to 2021, the deflator stabilizes at 1.5 percent, the PHP/USD weakens to 52, and the effective nominal interest rate advances 200bps [basis points]to 7.5 percent between now and 2021,” it said. Under the Deutsche Bank baseline scenario where the deficit stays at 3 percent-of-GDP, the debt ratio would broadly stay at 45 percent of GDP in 2017 through the next five years. This German bank’s estimate compares with the 35.5 percent general government debt to GDP as of end-September 2016. “We are less worried about the government’s ability to pay, given ample fiscal buffers such as savings in the Bond Sinking Fund and a low debt ratio to begin with,” it said, noting that under the 4 percent-of-GDP deficit scenario, for instance, interest payments would only increase from 14 percent of revenues currently to 19 percent by 2021, still a far cry from the 37 percent peak in 2005 during the fiscal crisis. However, it warned that rising

debt ratios does send the signal that the near- term economic gains from the government’s spending push would come with long-term pains as interest payments increasingly eat into the annual budgets. It also added that a weakening fiscal position would only add to the stress from the erosion of the current account surplus, which may have already reverted to a deficit last quarter of 2016. The BSP has yet to release the full-year 2016 current accounts data, but based on its third-quarter report, the main component of the balance of payments remained in surplus at $979 million, equivalent to 1.3 percent of GDP. Deutsche Bank’s view on the country’s credit ratings is consistent with a recent commentary by Moody’s, which said that credit outcomes in 2017 would be determined by the effectiveness of ongoing reform efforts and the evolution of political risks in the Philippines. that the Philippines should not expect credit upgrade in the next two years and that it may even cut the ratings if the government reform agenda stalls. n

Clark in talks for North America… moting the Clark International Airport as an alternative. In line with efforts to encourage airlines to utilize the Clark International Airport, the government is undertaking developments at the gateway such as the construction of a new passenger terminal with a capacity of eight million passengers per year. Cauguiran said the plan is to have the new passenger terminal completed by 2019 or before

President Rodrigo Duterte’s term ends. For now, the government wants to maximize the use of the existing terminal which has an annual capacity of 4.2 million passengers. Other projects to be implemented by the government to promote Clark include a railway system from Manila to Clark, the Subic-Clark railway, and Clark Green City n

B FEBRUARY 15-17, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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The Asian Journal

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 15, 2017

Fil-Am artist Miljohn Ruperto debuts Geomancies in Los Angeles by KlArize MedenillA / AJPress

“H

ave you ever caught a dance fever? An infectious move? I sometimes wonder about the difference between choreography and freestyle. If choreography is the influence imposed upon you by outside bodies — like stars, or other humans — what is free style? It radiates from the inside out. Is my evil star inside?” – Ordinal (SW/NE) by Miljohn Ruperto and Rini Yun Keagy The Roy and Edna/Disney CalArts Theater (REDCAT) recently unveiled its latest exhibit, “Geomancies”, a crossdisciplinary work by worldrenowned Filipino-American visual artist Miljohn Ruperto. The multi-layered installation features photography, cinema, performance art and digital animation and incorporates historical, mythology and narrative storytelling to tackle different concepts: possession, metamorphosis and the attempted control of the earth by man. “Man’s manipulation of the earth is something that we’re thinking about because we’re living in the most recent geological time, where man sort of created a different earth and has kind of tipped the scales for how geological processes enforces work and so that that’s kind of an underpinning of when we look at land. You very rarely see things that haven’t been touched by man at this point,” Ruperto told the Asian Journal at the opening reception of the exhibit on January 14. The main feature of the installation, Ordinal (SW/NE), 2017, is a collaboration between Ruperto and filmmaker Rini Yun Keagy. The 43-minute half-documentary, half-narrative film tackles a little known

soil-based fungus, coccidioides immitis (C. immitis), and its associated disease known as valley fever. C. immitis, found in the southwestern United States, fracture into little spores that, once airborne, can reach to the bottom of the lungs; once a person breathes it in, they can’t breathe it out. One of Ruperto’s motivators for tackling this disease — which was classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an epidemic in December — was its unusual racial ramifications. Early studies found that Filipinos and African-Americans are more disproportionately vulnerable to the C. immitis’ more advanced form; one study concluded that Filipino men were 175 times more likely to contract severe illness from it, and 192 times more likely to die. The art film takes place in Bakersfield, California, where the disease runs rampant. We meet the film’s protagonist Josiah, who contracts the disease and begins seeing the demonic images of the axis of wind dust and plague, Pazuzu of Assyrian and Babylonian mythology. The film also references the documented spread of the disease and the struggles of westward migrants during the

Great Depression. “And in the theme for this show is, the question is: what is being projected?” Ruperto challenged. “A lot of it, too, is the imposition of form by people, and in this case Josiah’s fantasies are projecting into these containers so he can make sense of them. He attaches to these kinds of imagery.” What the filmmakers found so fascinating about the phenomena of valley fever was its mysterious presence. Researchers who have studied the fungus and its disease — including environmental microbiologist Dr. Antje Lauer who is featured in the film — are unsure of the fungi’s lifespan, which can be thousands to millions of years. “It’s interesting because we’re all still conjuring this geological time and ancient times when this dust may have been dormant,” Keagy said. “The idea that it’s affecting people today really can be an artifact of any other time in history and prehistory.” Originally, Ruperto approached Keagy to create a film all about Valley Fever, in which he’d grown in interest from a 2014 article in The New Yorker called Death Dust by Dana Goodyear. Keagy, who has a background in cartography, was more interested in geomancy, geographically

Demonology: Pazuzu (2016)

Filipino-American visual artist Miljohn Ruperto

oriented divination. Over the course of the last couple years, they joined forces to create a film that explores both valley fever and geomancy. They chose to tell the story using both documentary film style and narrative film style to encapsulate the informational side as well as the more abstract concepts of the work’s overarching theme of humans’ manipulation of meteorological phenomena. “Right now there is a collapsing of those two ‘genres’ or ‘formats.’ There’s always been this question of what fiction is as opposed to what documentary is,” Keagy explained. “All documentaries are fiction, to some degree. All fiction narratives have some documentary elements.”

Miljohn Ruperto, Geomancies (2017). Installation is on view at REDCAT, Los Angeles.

Re-animating “Valley Turbulence”

The film shown in Geomancies is a short film cut of a longer version, which the filmmakers hope to premiere sometime this year. That version will expand on the social justice side of the disease. Also in the exhibit is a short video played on loop called Driving South at Sunset. The Camera Faces East (2007) shows a woman driving on the I-5 southbound freeway. As seen in the film, Pazuzu also makes an appearance in an ominous lenticular digital print called Demonology: Pazuzu,

Photo by Brica Wilcox

2016. Placed at the entrance of the exhibit is Re-animating “Valley Turbulence” by Sam Chase (2016) a captivating animated photograph which shows a massive dust storm covering and damaging the south of the San Joaquin. The photograph, which was created on a loop, embodies the exhibit’s theme: man cannot effectively contain or control Earth’s natural phenomena. In another direct reference to the classic horror film genre, regular performances are also held in the exhibit in Possession (2017). The performances pay homage to the cult horror film Possession (1981) by Andrzej Zulawski, in which two actors synchronically and symmetrically re-enact convulsive seizures. Ruperto was born in 1971 in Manila and received a Bachelors of Arts in studio arts from U.C. Berkeley in 1999. He received a Master of Fine Arts from Yale University in 2002. The Los Angeles-based artist has shown exhibits all over the world including Berlin, Hong Kong, Austria, Canada and New York. Geomancies is showing at the REDCAT until Sunday, March 12. Performances of Possession (2017) will be held on Friday, February 24; Sunday, March 5 and Friday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Pinoy showbiz couples whose love lasted by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

THEY say nothing is forever—and when it comes to relationships, there is sadly truth to this in show business where most wedding anniversaries rarely go beyond the 10-year-mark. But while denizens of the celluloid world are generally likened to rigodon de honor dancers who swap partners in a gaily waltz, there remain a few but inspiring number of couples who have endured not just the test of time, but also the temptations of fiery liaisons. Granted that some of these celebrities had also come from past relationships, they never let go of believing in love and proved how fulfilling it is to

hold on to forever. Foremost among this fortunate cluster include Christopher De Leon (from his marriage to Nora Aunor) with Sandy Andolong; Vilma Santos (from her marriage to Edu Manzano) with Ralph Recto; Sharon Cuneta (from her marriage to Gabby Concepcion) with Francis Pangilinan; Robin Padilla (from his marriage to Liezl Sicangco) with Mariel Rodriguez; and John Estrada (from his marriage to Janice De Belen) with Priscilla Merielles. Relatively newlyweds but still going strong are Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Jericho Rosales and Kim Jones, Chito Miranda and Neri Naig, and JC Intal and Bianca Gonzales. Earning praise and admiration too in showbiz are couples who have remained faithful with each other through the years, thereby setting good examples for the younger generation whose idea of marriage have significantly changed from before. Today, in celebration of the Day of the Hearts, The Manila Times toasts showbiz’ enduring couples in the hopes of impressing upon the

young that love, coupled with devotion and determination, can bring about forever. Robert Arevalo and Barbara Perez (54 years) Robert Arevalo comes from a clan of artists—his father was a composer, the late Jay Ilagan was his cousin and award-winning director and National Artist for Film Gerry De Leon was his uncle. He attended some of the best schools in the country—Legarda Elementary School, San Beda College and Ateneo De Manila University; and also anchored ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol at one time in his career. Barbara Perez is one of the few Filipino actresses who was able to do a Hollywood movie, No Man Is An Island with Jeffrey Hunter in 1962. She was offered a five-year contract by Universal Studios but turned it down as she was already pregnant and decided to marry Arevalo. They were together in the movie Daigdig Ng Mga Api where they became the first reel and real life couple who won Best Actor and Best Actress. The actress and former journalism student at the University of Santo Tomas related to this day her husband still massages her feet whenever they ache. Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa (47 years) Vicente Sotto 3rd studied at the Colegio De San Juan De Letran from elementary through

Eddie Gutierrez and Anabelle Rama

college, and completed a Bachelor of Arts Major in English. His career in showbiz as singersongwriter, actor, comedian, and host propelled him into politics – first as Vice Mayor of Quezon City then a multipleterm as senator. Helen Gamboa was the country’s most popular singeractress who at the peak of her career married band musician Sotto. They had already been secretly married when she introduced Sotto to her mom. They have four children and are now enjoying being grandparents. Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama (39 years) Eddie Gutierrez already had a lovechild by Liza Lorena (Tonton Gutierrez) and by Pilita Corrales (Ramon Christopher) when Annabelle Rama admitted to begin stalking him. She also confessed she became pregnant with their eldest on purpose! After more than “50 times of separation and six children”— Ruffa being the most prominent and then twins Richard and Raymond—the Philippines’ Elvis Presley and his fiesty wife are still together to this very day. Tirso Cruz III and Lyn Ynchausti (35 years) Tirso Cruz III was called the “Topstar” when his perennial screen partner Nora Aunor was baptized the Philippines’ “Superstar.”

Robert Arevalo and Barbara Perez

Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboav

They are “Guy and Pip,” the most popular love team in local showbiz history. However, “Guy and Pip” were best left to the movies as Cruz found his forever in ramp model Lyn Ynchausti. Their marriage on May 25, 1985 in fact was a top secret until a single photo of the event got published later. Ynchausti said in a magazine interview that they renew their wedding vows every five years, and have already gone beyond celebrating silver. Gary Valenciano and Angeli Pangilinan (32 years) Gary Valenciano is one showbiz personality whose marriage did not affect his popularity. In fact, his wife Angeli, also being his manager and adviser greatly contributed to his success as a performer. They met when Valenciano was a member of La Salle Greenhills’ high school vocal group Kundirana, and Pangilinan was a vocalist of Music & Magic. Their relationship was said

to have been bumpy but they both endured the trials. They are gifted with three children – Paolo who is now married himself, Gab who ended a tumultuous marriage in 2016, and Kiana who is now active in the music scene. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. and Lani Mercado (30 years) Bong Revilla was only 20 years old and Lani 18 when they got married. They pursued showbiz careers while raising their family with Revilla becoming a top action star, after which he entered politics just like his father, Ramon Revilla Sr. Mercado admitted in the past she wanted to leave her husband due to his womanizing, but reconsidered each time as she was the only “good spirit” holding the family together. Even with the incarceration of Revilla from the infamous PDAF scam, Mercado continues to be that good spirit in their marriage, taking care of both their family as well as the clan’s Continued on Page 4

Filipino producer Jhett Tolentino wins first Grammy award By MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

FILIPINO producer Jhett Tolentino took home the Grammy Award on Sunday, February 12 for Best Musical Theater Album for “The Color Purple,” the musical based off of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. This is Tolentino’s first Grammy, which he said was unexpected and an “impossible dream.” “I still can’t believe it. Nobody thought this could happen. When ‘The Color Purple’ was called, my mind went on a rewind and I remembered everything that I had to go through. I take pride in the award and it is an honor. I’m inspired to deliver more great work,” Tolentino told the Asian Journal on Tuesday, February 14. Tolentino co-produced the album alongside producers Van Dean, Stephen Bray, Roy Furman, Scott Sanders, and Frank Filipetti. Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson, and Danielle Brooks are the principal soloists of the album, while Stephen Bray, Brenda Russell, and Allee Willis are the composers/lyricists. “It was such a big category. We were up against Cyndi Lauper, Steve Martin, Sara Bareilles and ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ was a great production as well,” he said. “This is my fifth time attending the Grammys and two of my previous shows were nominated too before. Ours was the first category and it feels like it happened too fast, it was too fast.” He shared that he raised funds to become a producer for the musical’s original cast recording, which happened over the

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 15, 2017

Revival of ‘Zoot Suit’ at the Taper: A retelling of Filipino history in Los Angeles The Global Kababayan

Broadway producer Jhett Tolentino

span of two days. Last year, “The Color Purple” received the Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Cynthia Erivo). “Cynthia Erivo is a darling. She’s a great talent,” Tolentino commented. The Iloilo native is a threetime Tony Award winner for “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” (Best Musical) “A Raisin in the Sun,” (Best Revival) and “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” (Best Play). He is the second Philippine-born Tony Award winner, and the first and only Filipino Tony Awards voter. He earned a bachelor of science in accountancy from the University of Iloilo in 1997, and made his Broadway debut in 2013 with “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.”

by Marbbie

TaGabucba Philstar.com

The cast of the revival of “Zoot Suit.”

‘They’re not in a relationship ah!’ Liza Soberano’s and Enrique Gil’s managers clarify. The air they shared with The Star for this, was thick with chemistry and coy little sparks. Philstar.com photo by Regine David

middle of nowhere in Baguio. They were left with no choice but to be their most comfortable as they got to know each other. Rare trips to Baguio City for breaks had the duo shrieking “Civilization!” running amok in the malls like the kids they are, sneaking in movie dates in the horror genre starring no less than an evil doll Annabel. Gil recalls Soberano being terrified, clutching onto his arm. She says, “I’m afraid of dolls but I’m not afraid of anything else.” It wasn’t all fun and laughs for the two who felt free to be away from it all. Real life caught on as Soberano received news about her mother after nearly a decade — something about the past that was so heartbreaking that her family struggled to keep it hidden from her. Soberano turned to Gil, sobbing uncontrollably and opened up. (Soberano reunited with her mother afterwards in her hometown California, in time for the North America screening of “Just the Way You Are.” Gil stayed by her side.) “She was telling me, ‘Everybody is lying to me, you’re the only one who’s there for me, the only one I can trust.’ You were saying those exact lines!” Gil, even at this moment, teases her. “Then na-in love siya sa akin, joke lang!” She blushes and denies it. With an icy gaze, she waits for him to stop laughing and he gets it. It’s easy to forget that Gil is five years her senior. Gifts are a language of love “He said he wanted to be my father,” Soberano recalls on a more serious note. On her 17th birthday, news broke out of Gil gifting her a — he hesitates — an “Heer-mes bracelet,” he finally shares, the concrete evidence of his feelings to cheer her up. Soberano

Extended until March 26

oversized suit and pants, with a chain (cadena) for a watch and wing-tipped or flashy leather shoes. Its popularity became a form of resistance to the AngloSaxon fashion and was believed G. TönGi to show a stark disassociation THE musical “Zoot Suit” with white culture at the time. opened at the Mark Taper FoFor a lot of the Mexicans, rum this week, but it already has Blacks and Filipinos, whose been selling out tickets fast, thus backbreaking work consisted two weeks have been added of working in agricultural fields until March 26. and labor jobs, their evenings AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya “Zoot Suit” is hailed to be were to show off the fruits of Broadway’s first Chicano play, their labor when they would As for what’s next for him, written and directed by Luis Valproliferate the dance halls and he is looking to start producing des, which opened at the Center cabarets. History shows us the Broadway shows in the PhilipTheater Group in 1978. It has tumultuous times when riots expines and is wrapping up his documentary, “Life is What You become a cultural phenomenon ploded around Los Angeles that Make It.” and I was able to catch the first targeted anyone in a zoot suit “I am hoping to find Filipino preview run and was surprised and the musical captures the editors who can work with me at how Filipinos are mentioned racial tension some can argue to finish the film. And hopefully countless times in the play, which we find ourselves in today. we can bring it to international prompted me to look into the Make sure to go out to the film festivals. If not, then we can history of the era and how that Mark Taper Forum in downtown screen it in the Philippines and pertains to our culture. Los Angeles to experience I wish that young children there Even after three decades, how through song and dance, will be inspired and think that this play continues to strike a retelling of our history as poverty is not a death sentence. Just look at me, I’m a living a chord with themes such as Filipinos in Los Angeles can be example. Just be resourceful and generational clashes, racial diswitnessed. Despite the play’s stick with it, you don’t have to crimination, police brutality and Chicano characters, it simirely on your parents,” he said. media conspiracy. larly mirrors the struggle of our It is also his dream to have a The zoot suit is a term made people. Tickets are available at Filipino show on Broadway. popular by Chicanos for the www.CenterTheatreGroup.org. “It is going to be my crusade garb that consisted of flam*** to make it happen, to bring boyant hats, suspenders, an Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer something about the Philippines to the Broadway stage,” he added.

Enrique, Liza confirm their ‘special’ kind of relationship THE typical flurry of activity minutes leading up to the first layout of a shoot ensues in this one — the photographer checks the lights, someone checks aloud if we are on schedule, hi’s and hellos between collaborators are exchanged. Everyone does their thing, as usual, but it doesn’t really quiet down in the way it does when Liza Soberano finally walks into the room. Everyone just has to get a look at her. It’s true what they say — the beauty that has launched a endorsements and projects and a thousand memes — is striking to behold. Her partner — and boyfriend? — Enrique Gil follows shortly. Everyone’s attention is on Soberano, even Gil, who beats Soberano’s stylist and assistants from pulling up her velvet off-shoulder dress’ neckline when it was beginning to slip. He can’t take her eyes off of her. At times, he leans back, letting her bask in the light as she smolders on the viewfinder. But Soberano is in apparent discomfort over something the two vehemently discussed between whispers, her voice alarmed as he responds with a hush to soothe her. Everyone in the room senses the tension. Gil puts his arm around Soberano for a layout, and she hastily shoves it off and rolls her eyes. Is there trouble in paradise? A few moments later, she lets out a sneeze, and then one after the other. She has an allergy. After the shoot wraps up, the two heckle and joke around incessantly. “She makes me feel butterflies in my stomach — that makes me wanna poop,” he says. She interjects, “Yeah, I’m annoying. Like today!” “I’m used to it!” he crosses his arms. Soberano sighs, “Pasaway siya. He’s 24 but acts like he’s 16.” Those who travel together, end up together? If any of the lucky Star Cinema millennial couple’s projects were imitating real life, it would appear to be so. Nearly half of the hit teleserye Dolce Amore was filmed throughout Italy together with Matteo Guidicelli (who they will be spending Valentine’s Day with in his trattoria in Cebu). Another Cathy Molina collaboration, “My Ex and Whys” brings them to Korea and Tagaytay as an estranged couple, Cali and Gio, testing the waters if love is indeed sweeter the second time around, and if people — and feelings — truly change. Gil hints at an upcoming project in Las Vegas. Thrust into a foreign land, away from our associations and any distraction, the two found themselves bonding in this constant state of travel, whether for taping, shoots, or appearances, that they became close. It all began in “Forevermore,” a month of taping with no cellphone signal, their tents pitched in the

controls her laughter and corrects him right away. But Gil indeed does, in his own little way, try to be a protective, wise figure in Soberano’s life. For one, he has an opinion about her wardrobe choices, pointing out Soberano’s camisole and cardigan combo with a classic, “You’re not just going to wear that, are you?” The girl doesn’t back down, of course. We are cramped up in a dressing room with the two and their respective teams huddled up together. “They’re not in a relationship ah!” their management clarifies. “Baka kasi iba isipin...” Soberano agrees: “We are not in a relationship-relationship ha. We’re in a reel-ationship.” “We got a relationship going on but not that kinda relationship,” Gil confirms. Couples set standards While most of us have the luxury of growing years — and precious privacy — to fumble with the complexity of our relationships and family drama, Soberano has either no experience to speak of or too much of a burden to bear at only 19 years old. She has never had a boyfriend and has never had a suitor. For all her beauty and the world’s admiration of it, she doesn’t think men are all that into her either. She shifts the focus onto Gil, resident hip-hop party boy with his share of conscious coupling and uncoupling reported by every showbiz news outlet throughout his career: “He’s the expert!” He doesn’t deny it, shrugs, “I used to party a lot back in my time.” Seven minutes in heaven The on-screen pairing begins with Gil half-naked — “like a baby,” Soberano comments Continued on Page 5

3

Matias Ponce and Demian Bichir in the revival of “Zoot Suit,” which was written and directed by Luis Valdez and presented in association with El Teatro Campesino. Photos by Craig Schwartz. of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipinos living in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the cultural gap between America & the Philippines but to help with the generational gap between our own people. She is married with two children and is based in Southern California and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are empowering the FilAm community.

Pinoy showbiz couples whose love... entertainment Daniel Matsunaga sad over break-up with Erich Gonzales 4

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 15, 2017

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

SHOWBIz couples are so funny. They update netizens with daily accounts of their

romance(s) complete with lovey-dovey photos and swearing to high heavens that, yes, they have “forever,” when in truth and in fact, the promise

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From Page 2

beloved Bacoor City as mayor. Christopher Roxas and Gladys Reyes (24 years) Gladys Reyes is known as the perpetual villainess to Judy Ann Santos. She and Christopher Roxas became childhood sweethearts when they met on the set of Mara Clara in 1992. They were engaged in 2003 and got married in 2007. Both members of Iglesia Ni Cristo, their faith besides their love strengthens their marriage. Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez (24 years) Colleagues in theater, Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez fell in love after working together in the original cast of Miss Saigon in London’s West End. Coming home to start a family, they continue to be active as artists and in fact have also set up their own theater and concert production company, Spotlight Artists Center. Their latest hit is juke box musiErich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga cal Dirty Old Musical. Ronnie Ricketts and Mariz of “forever” is not enough to (23 years) sustain a relationship. Ronnie Ricketts was previThen, netizens wake up ously in relationship with Marione morning to find a couple “unfriending” each other, alert- cel Soriano as they co-starred in a number of movies starting the whole world that their ing with My Heart Belongs To “forever” has gone pffft. The Daddy topbilled by Dolphy and un-couple proceed to appeal to netizens to leave them alone Nida Blanca. Mariz, meanwhile, was a for some private moments away singer-TV host. He was her first from each other. boyfriend. Case in point: Daniel Theirs was considered a Matsunaga and Erich Gonzadream wedding at San Antoles, a.k.a. DanRich, who have nio Church in Forbes Park on called it quits after a two-year romance. Erich has “privatized” December 18, 1993. They are her Instagram from which she deleted all her and Daniel’s photos. (Trivia: Was it really Kris Aquino who “entrusted” Daniel to Erich? Kris, who used to be close to Erich, was briefly linked to Daniel. Erich split up with her rich non-showbiz boyfriend in favor of Daniel.) “Daniel looked very sad when I saw him a couple of times,” said his manager Jonas Gaffud. “I’m not aware of the story yet. I just don’t talk to him about it now.” Showbiz watchers are wondering if Erich broke up with Daniel for the same reason that Heart Evangelista did. Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres

Aga Mulach and Charlene Gonzales

blessed with two daughters. Aljon Jimenez and Manilyn Reynes (20 years) Aljon Jimenez and Manilyn Reynes were both members of German Moreno’s That’s Entertainment and paired with different stars. Reynes’ reel and real life boyfriend was Janno Gibbs, then Kempee De Leon, while Jimenez was linked to Ruffa Gutierrez. Jimenez proposed to Reynes on national television in 1996 and they were married in the same year. He now stands as his wife’s talent manager. Ariel Rivera and Gelli De Belen (19 years) Ariel Rivera and Gelli De Belen’s relationship is considered as one of the most enduring in showbiz. Reconciling after Rivera’s brief liaison with Regine Velasquez, they got married in December 1987. De Belen said that the formula to their happy marriage is “mutual respect and generosity of the spirit.”

Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos

Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres (18 years) They met in a shampoo commercial, and since then Richard Gomez never let go of Lucy Torres, who confessed she had a crush on the actor since she was 12 years old. They have a daughter—Juliana—and now devotes their time to family and as public servants. Torres is her district’s congressional representative while Gomez finally won as mayor of his wife’s hometown after several attempts at election. Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales (15 years) From being friends to being engaged is what happened to Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales. Gifted with beautiful twins – Atasha and Andres – the couple has had their own share of marital woes but proved to be strong in their relationship, even without the benefit of courtship. Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos (7 years) Although they’ve been married less than a decade—having tied the knot on April 28, 2009—Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos are a picture of true wedded bliss. They have an adopted daughter, Yohan, and two biological children, Lucho and Luna who just turned one year old in January. Both active on social media, the Agoncillos are the perfect modern day parents who, despite their busy careers, are very hands on with their children.

features 5

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 15, 2017

The greatest love is not bound by rules

We’ll be told love reveals itself in the unmatched level of understanding and friendship with the beloved and no one by Mylah else. Sometimes in what is said, de leon and sometimes, what is not said but only deeply felt, or maybe in the obstacles lovers must face together. Sometimes it is in the joy we feel in what where WHY does some love the relationship takes us inside between two people endure a ourselves. Places we would lifetime, while others are destined never go willingly, but for love, only for a while? Then, the two we will do anything. When to lovers are separated, either by hold on more tightly, and when choice or by faith? to let go…that which teach us Love — the blossom and to be compassionate, caring and fragrance of all human feelings, forgiving…and develops virtues thoughts, passion and longing such as courage, patience, loy— inspires patience of the heart, alty and trust. strength of mind and never Love takes us into every leaves without transforming us season and mood, and every at the very depth of our being, color of emotion: from its well challenged and blessed alike, in beginnings to the challenging unique ways, but never left alone. and deepening intimacy. Even On Valentine’s Day, we moments of grief when we are pay tribute to love’s ability to forced to say goodbye to a endure beyond years, beyond soulmate, to that utterly subdifficulty, beyond distance and lime moments of astonishment even death. Love is the most when we rediscover a love we precious gift to us, in the way it thought we lost. And somehow opens the heart, uplifts the mind, in each journey of love course and inspires the spirit. The sweet ground, you’ll have known one companion in our heart’s journey love greater than anything through life’s complexities. How- else. The commitment to loving ever, what defines our intimate one another fully, completely, as relationships? What signs should deeply as we know for as long we look for to discover how love as we can. It’s not a commitis revealing itself…with what ment that has been declared insights or eloquence? to others, or perhaps even out

Moonlighting

loud between ourselves; neither it is symbolized by a diamond or even a simple bond of gold. It’s not defined by time or even the space in which we live apart or together. Instead, it is a living commitment, reaffirmed each time we reach out to one another in pure joy. It is each time we tell the truth that one of us share a newly uncovered insight or emotion. It is continually sharing, revealed in each new level of trust, in each new layer of vulnerability, each new depth of love. Love that is the friendship continuously rediscovered as each day we reach to who we really are and how much love our hearts are capable of giving. It is a commitment that is the true marriage of spirit. Whose ceremony of union is found in each and every moment we love one another, whose anniversary is found in each and everyday in which love grows. I thought about the adventure our minds go on together, exploring ideas and concepts, understanding our past, glimpsing our future, about our trust, our respect and our hunger for life and learning. Gentle readers, I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. ***

com

E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.

Enrique, Liza confirm‘special’ kind... From Page 3 — and she in a muscle shirt having their turn of Seven Minutes in Heaven inside a conveniently tight closet. Gil’s Gio is the more experienced one, leading the way as Soberano’s good girl Cali was only peer pressured to go inside. The relationship ran its course and they ended up separating and reuniting. It was only then that Cali was able to reveal the pain she endured, that they broke up because he had cheated on her. As seen in their viral confrontation, she challenged, “Pangit ba ako, kapalit-palit ba ako?” “Ex and Whys” is her first brush with a relationship falling apart. Twenty-five is in no way old, but Gil finds himself reflecting on relationships with a different frame of mind. He has been in

the business since 2008 — fame and fortune and its share of characters have him craving for the opposite. “I want it to be super chill, no trying.” No clubbing? None of the courtship that Soberano idealizes? “Yeah, just hanging out. Somebody I can be friends with. A girl I can take out on a date with and doesn’t just order fish and a salad. I want somebody to eat tacos and nachos with.” Soberano reflects on her own standards: “I have nothing to base it on. I don’t really know what I want when it comes to relationships. Because I’m an artista, I just know I don’t want it to be public. I don’t want the whole world to know about every single thing we do.” But she knows a thing or two about what a relation-

ship should feel like. And if her education solely comes from portraying women of different stripes falling in and out of love onscreen and scripted, why not? Isn’t a grand, silver screen kind of love a worthy ideal to aspire to? “I don’t want to get into a relationship and not feel like he’s the one. There has to be a big spark. It has to be something long term.” Gil, as if agreeing, sits up and adds, “Me, I don’t mind if it’s public or not. I don’t have boundaries in a relationship. Now I think of relationships as something for the long run. Having a house, moving in together, hindi lang ‘girlfriend ko to.’” It appears they both have a lot to learn together. Soberano shakes her head laughing, “That’s what I said!”

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 15, 2017

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Banana Saba

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

$0.89 25%

$0.89 72%

$0.79 68%

WAS

2$

for

Kapuso Canton 16oz

SAVINGS

$0.50 34%

3

$2.49 40%

Upo

Las Islas Large Non0DULQDWHG 0LONĆ­VK

favorites

$0.99 67%

3 pcs

33

pantry

99 WAS

GS %

2

¢

3lbs

SAVINGS

25%

SAVIN

Las Islas Large WAS SAVINGS 0DULQDWHG 0LONĆ­VK $4.29 30%

A I C E SP

Chinese Eggplant

WAS Striped Bass $3.99

$ .99 each

& S R STARIPES ST L

producefresh

2

$ .99 /lb

5XĆ­QD )LVK 6DXFH 750ml

$

2 for WAS

$2.99

4 SAVINGS

33%