June 21-23, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 49 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages
USA
DATELINE Homeland Security rescinds Obama-era protection for immigrant parents FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Citizenship prospects of undocumented parents threatened
THE United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John F. Kelly signed a memorandum on Thursday, June 15, revoking a program that would have offered a pathway to citizenship for immigrant parents of U.S. legal permanent residents or citizens. The program — called the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) — was introduced by former President Barack Obama in 2014 after the success of his landmark Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provided benefits for undocumented youth. In 2015, a federal court blocked DAPA and since then, it has never been formally executed. According to a press release from the DHS, Kelly consulted with Attorney Gen-
Fil-Am among 7 sailors killed in US destroyer, merchant ship collision by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
A FILIPINO American was one of the seven sailors killed in a collision between a United States Navy destroyer and a Philippineflagged container ship over the weekend. The Fil-Am was identified as 23-year-old Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan from Chula Vista, California. Sibayan, whose father retired after 21 years in the Navy, was remembered by friends and family as a leader and “sweet.” Other victims were identified as Dakota Kyle Rigsby, 19, from Palmyra, Virginia; Shingo Alexander Douglass, 25, from San Diego, California; Ngoc T Truong Huynh, 25,
from Oakville, Connecticut; Noe Hernandez, 26, from Weslaco, Texas; Xavier Alec Martin, 24, from Halethorpe, Maryland; and Gary Leo Rehm Jr., 37, from Elyria, Ohio. The three others on the ship were evacuated to a nearby Navy hospital, according to various reports. Early on Saturday, June 17, the USS Fitzgerald collided with the ACX Crystal off the Izu peninsula located southwest of Tokyo, Japan. According to data from the Marine Traffic website, the ACX Crystal, made an 180-degree turn shortly before the accident. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) returns to Fleet The reason for the immediate turn, how- Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka following a collision with a merchant vessel while operating southwest of Yokosuka, Japan. Fil-Am Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan (inset) was one of the ever, has yet to be confirmed.
u PAGE A2
seven sailors killed in a collision.
Duterte denies health cover-up allegations by JENNIFER
Washington alarmed over IS threats, wants ‘bigger role’ in Marawi operations Washington alarmed over IS threats, wants ‘bigger role’ in Marawi operations
u PAGE A4
SORIANO
AJPress
u PAGE A4
THE government of the United States expressed alarm over the growing presence of jihadis in Southeast Asia amid the ongoing battle between the Philippine troopers and Islamic State (IS)-inspired rebels in Marawi City, Mindanao. The U.S. government has been providing support to the Philippine troopers in Marawi but Malacañang said it was only limited to “technical assistance” and “does not involve any boots on the ground.” Duterte’s spokesperson, Ernesto Abella, explained in an earlier statement that the Philippine Constitution prohibits foreign troops from directly participating in combat operations. But according to a report by The Associated Press, U.S. lawmakers are pushing
U.S. Navy photos by Peter Burghart
TARGET ACQUIRED. President Rodrigo Duterte looks through the scope of a sniper rifle as he led the inspection of firearms recovered by the troops of the 4th Infantry Division upon his visit at the 4th Infantry Division Advance command Post in Butuan City on Saturday, June 17.
DESPITE rumors surrounding his recent absence from the public eye, President Rodrigo Duterte dispelled allegations that he is covering up his health issues by clarifying that he went on a confidential trip. “My state of health is what you see is what you get,” he told a reporter in Butuan City Saturday, June 17 following his first appearance after a fiveday hiatus. “I went on a trip somewhere, I cannot divulge it. I had to go there incognito. Yan ang totoo (that’s the truth). Confidential. I traveled like a private citizen para makaabot sa gusto kong puntahan (to arrive to the place I wanted to visit),” the president said. The 72-year-old president did not participate in any public events for almost an entire week, beginning with his non-appearance at the country’s 119th Independence Day celebration last June 12. His critics became skeptical, accusing Malacañang of being privy to the real condition of the president and not disclosing it to the public. His supporters, on the other hand, expressed support and under-
u PAGE A2
Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal
Duterte: Marawi crisis is not a failure of intelligence by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
AS the ongoing confrontation between the Philippine military and terrorists in Marawi City enters its fifth week, President Rodrigo Duterte said the crisis cannot be blamed on the government’s failed intelligence. Speaking before the Army’s 401st Brigade in Butuan City on Saturday,
June 16, Duterte insisted that the government is aware that militants are stockpiling firearms and ammunition in Mindanao but did not intervene due to peace negotiations. Duterte further noted that the proIslamic State (IS) Maute group, which laid siege to Marawi City on May 23, may have acquired its supply of weapons from other rebel groups, citing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). “It was not a question of failure on the part of government. It was not a failure of intelligence. It is because we have adopted a very soft policy toward the rebels. These rebels carry firearms,” the president remarked in his speech. He then blamed the government’s “very soft policy” towards rebel
groups which later posed greater problems, such as the current case of the war-torn city of Marawi. The government “took [the arms deal] for granted,” according to him, in hopes of getting successful peace deals with the rebel groups. “All the while, the Maute group, with the connivance of the politicians there, the warlords…they were stock-
u PAGE A2
PH Independence Day celebrated at LA City Hall Ombudsman drops charges LA City Council recognizes impact of the Fil-Am community by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA
pinotown — recognized the impact of the Filipino-American community. TO celebrate the 119th Philip“It’s important we recognize pine Independence Day, the Los that the Filipino community Angeles Filipino Association [has] been integral to makof City Employees (LAFACE) ing Los Angeles one of the dihosted its annual commemora- verse cities in the world. This is tion on Friday, June 16 at Los something we are all profoundly Angeles City Hall. proud of,” O’Farrell said. The celebration began with The city also presented the a presentation at an LA City LA Fil-Am community with a Council meeting in which resolution recognizing PhilipCouncilmember of the 13th Dis- pine Independence Day as well Council member Mitch O’Farrell and Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz — along with LAFACE trict Mitch O’Farrell — whose as acknowledging the cultural members and Fil-Am members of the LAPD — pose with the city’s resolution recognizing the district comprises Historic Filiu PAGE A4 AJPress
119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day.
AJPress photo by Klarize Medenilla
AJ FOOTER AD
against Aquino, Trillanes
THE Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the treason and espionage complaint filed against Philippine Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and former President Benigno Aquino III for their alleged backchannel negotiations with China. Trillanes believes that the decision is a manifestation that “the truth will always come out.” “The decision proves our point from the very start that the case was merely filed to harass and tarnish my reputation,” the senator said in a statement on Sun-
day, June 18. “This is what happens when your political opponents start to believe their own propaganda. But no matter how they twist the facts, in the end, the truth will always come out,” Trillanes added. In a statement released to media on Sunday, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales cited “lack of probable cause” for treason and the evidence presented “cannot sufficiently establish the accusations” for espionage.
u PAGE A4
A June 21-23, 2017 • LA MIDWeeK ASIAn JOuRnAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
From the Front Page
Duterte denies health... PAGE A1 standing for the president’s supposed private time. Section 12 of Article VII of the Constitution states that the public must be informed of the President’s health in case of serious illness. Duterte explained that his absence is not a problem and advised the public to view the issue in an objective way. “May bise presidente tayo, ano ba problema ninyo? (We have a vice president, what’s your problem?),� he said. “Do not worry, there is a vice president who will take over. My state of health is immaterial. Ang importante is may successor. (What’s important is that there’s a successor).� In December, Duterte admitted that he was taking cancer pills to relieve the unbearable pain in his spine despite a warning from his doctor that he could lose his cognitive ability and that he was already “abus-
ing the drug.� Later on, he revealed his other health issues, ranging from Barret’s esophagus, Burgers’ disease, migraines and dizziness, due to past use of the pain reliever Fentanyl and, most recently, using an oxygen concentrator machine for him to be able to sleep at night. On Saturday, June 17, the president attended a public engagement in Butuan City for the 50th founding anniversary of the Agusan del Norte held at the University of Cabadbaran where he delivered a speech. On Father’s Day on Sunday, he had more “private time� with his family. Duterte, a grandfather of three, opted to spend the day in Davao City to be with his grandchildren, instead of his usual routine of flying back to Manila. “People should get used to it when I am not seen in public. I am just around doing something,� the president earlier
said, adding he can still work even away from his MalacaĂąang office. Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II claims that spreading false information about the president’s health is part of the grand plan of the opposition to undermine the administration. “Unfortunately, some of those who are inquiring as to the state of his health were clearly engaged in misinformation or disinformation to mislead the public with the end in view of destabilizing the government,â€? Aguirre alleged in an interview with the Philippine STAR. Aguirre further said that Senator Leila De Lima misinterpreted Article VII, Section 12 of the 1987 Constitution when she demanded MalacaĂąang to disclose the health status of the president. “It is not required by the Constitution to always disclose the health of the president. It is only in cases of serious illness that the president is required to disclose his illness, which isn’t the case with President Duterte,â€?
LETTERS FOR SOLDIERS. A Philippine Marine, resting after having been at the frontline, reads a letter sent by students in Marawi. Pres. Rodrigo Duterte assured soldiers fighting the Maute Group in Marawi that even if the enemy appears to have an endless source of ammunition, government forces will never lack weapons. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
Fil-Am among 7 sailors killed... PAGE A1 The U.S. Navy said the seven victims were found dead in flooded berthing compartments of the USS Fitzgerald. In a statement, Acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy Sean Stackley lamented the loss of lives in the wake of the tragedy. He also vowed a “full� investigation into the matter. “We are all deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our fellow ship-
mates as a result of Friday’s collision between USS Fitzgerald and a commercial container ship, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families,� Stackley said. He added that the Navy will “fully investigate the cause of the tragedy.� On the other hand, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that all the 20 Filipino crew of the ACX Crys-
tal were safe and unharmed by the mishap. “The ACX Crystal, a Philippineflagged vessel, was being manned by 20 Filipino crew including the captain. They are safe. The ship itself was slightly damaged from the incident,� the DFA said. The Philippine government also promised to provide assistance to the Filipino seamen affected by the incident. n
Duterte: Marawi crisis is not a failure...
PAGE A1 piling. That’s why they don’t run out of M-203 bullets. The government will fire one, and they will fire back five. It’s like Maute has an endless supply to fight the government,� Duterte added. Last week, during the oral arguments on petitions seeking to nullify the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, Supreme Court Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo described the military’s intelligence in connection with the Marawi attack as a “total failure.� “Apparently, the Maute rebels were well-prepared. How is it that our military, it’s a total failure of intelligence,� Castillo said during the continuation of the oral arguments on Wednesday,
June 14. In defense, Solicitor General Jose Calida pointed out that “intelligence gathering is not perfect.� “It’s like a jigsaw puzzle. There are certain parts of the puzzle that are not yet clear. But one thing is clear, the military knew that Hapilon was already in Marawi City and that’s why they went there to arrest him because they got wind also of his plans,� Calida added in his consolidated comment. Meanwhile, House Representative Gary Alejano, who was a former Marine captain and fought MILF rebels, said that it is possible the Maute group could have gotten its arms supply from other rebel groups.
“The statement of the president is partly correct according to my information. There were reports in the past that the MILF manufacture their own weapons and even sell them to other rebels and politicians. I believe this did not stop during the peace talks and even after the peace agreement was signed,� Alejano told The Manila Times. ‘I am with you’ In his speech, Duterte warned the military of the dangers of dealing with the Maute group, saying that it “is difficult to fight with those willing to die.� “They have so corrupted the name of God in the form of religion to kill many innocent persons and to destroy for nothing,� PAGE A4
:D\V ,PPLJUDQWV &DQ 3URWHFW 7KHLU 5LJKWV Across California, immigrant families are taking action to protect their rights. They are staying informed, seeking help from trusted legal services providers, and learning what their immigration options are. Despite recent changes to immigration policy, immigrant communities in California are not giving in to fear. +HUH DUH ÂżYH ZD\V WR PDNH VXUH \RX DQG \RXU IDPLO\ÂśV ULJKWV DUH SURWHFWHG 1. Know your rights. Everyone in the United States has certain rights under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of immigration status. These include the right to remain silent, the right to not open the door to agents without a warrant signed by a judge, the right to speak to a lawyer and make a phone call, and to not sign anything before talking to a lawyer. 2. Make a plan. All families should have a plan in case of an emergency. Have a plan for who would WDNH FDUH RI \RXU FKLOGUHQ RU \RXU HOGHUV LI \RX DUH XQDEOH WR DQG ZKR ZRXOG KDQGOH \RXU ÂżQDQFHV Talk to your children about this plan. The plan should include emergency numbers, a list of important FRQWDFW LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG D ÂżOH ZLWK LPSRUWDQW GRFXPHQWV &KHFN ZLWK \RXU FRQVXODWH DERXW UHJLVWHULQJ \RXU FKLOGUHQÂśV ELUWKV LI WKH\ ZHUH ERUQ LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV /HW \RXU FKLOGUHQÂśV VFKRRO NQRZ ZKR LV DOORZHG WR SLFN WKHP XS DQG NHHS PHGLFDO DQG HPHUJHQF\ FRQWDFW LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ ÂżOH VR \RXU IDPLO\ FDQ DFFHVV WKHP .HHS WKH QXPEHU RI D TXDOLÂżHG LPPLJUDWLRQ DWWRUQH\ ZLWK \RX )LQG RXW ZKDW \RXU RSWLRQV DUH *HW DQ LPPLJUDWLRQ FRQVXOWDWLRQ ZLWK D TXDOLÂżHG LPPLJUDWLRQ DWWRUQH\ This will help you understand your legal options and see if you might be eligible for a more permanent LPPLJUDWLRQ EHQHÂżW 7R DYRLG IUDXGXOHQW VHUYLFH SURYLGHUV JR WR D WUXVWHG FRPPXQLW\ RUJDQL]DWLRQ PDNH VXUH \RX FRQÂżUP WKH DWWRUQH\ÂśV FUHGHQWLDOV DQG DVN IRU D ZULWWHQ FRQWUDFW DQG D UHFHLSW IRU DQ\ SD\PHQWV 5HPHPEHU WKDW QRWDULRV DUH QRW ODZ\HUV DQG DUH QRW TXDOLÂżHG WR JLYH \RX OHJDO DGYLFH
4. Take action. No matter what your status is, there is likely something you can do. Undocumented LPPLJUDQWV FDQ ÂżQG RXW ZKDW IRUPV RI UHOLHI WKH\ TXDOLI\ IRU 6RPH SHRSOH DOUHDG\ TXDOLI\ IRU D YLVD DQG GRQÂśW NQRZ LW (OLJLEOH JUHHQ FDUG KROGHUV FDQ DSSO\ IRU 8 6 FLWL]HQVKLS 7KRVH ZLWK D FULPLQDO FRQYLFWLRQ FDQ ÂżQG RXW LI WKHUH LV D ZD\ WR HUDVH LW IURP WKHLU UHFRUG :KDWHYHU \RX DUH FRQVLGHULQJ DSSO\LQJ IRU MXVW make sure that you go through a trusted legal services provider. 6WD\ FRQQHFWHG &RQQHFW ZLWK \RXU FRPPXQLW\ JHW LQYROYHG DQG VWD\ LQIRUPHG /RFDO QRQ SURÂżW FRPPXQLW\ RUJDQL]DWLRQV DUH ZRUNLQJ WR PDNH VXUH \RX KDYH WKH LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG OHJDO KHOS \RX QHHG &RPH LQ IRU D YLVLW RU JLYH WKHP D FDOO WR ÂżQG RXW ZKDW \RX PLJKW TXDOLI\ IRU 7R ÂżQG RXW ZKDW \RXU LPPLJUDWLRQ RSWLRQV DUH DQG JHW PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW \RXU ULJKWV YLVLW $VLDQ $PHULFDQV $GYDQFLQJ -XVWLFH /RV $QJHOHV (PDLO LPPUHOLHI#DGYDQFLQJMXVWLFH OD RUJ RU FDOO WROO IUHH LQ ODQJXDJH KHOSOLQHV 7DJDORJ _ (QJOLVK &DOOHUV VKRXOG OHDYH D PHVVDJH LI XQDEOH WR VSHDN GLUHFWO\ WR D FRPPXQLW\ DGYRFDWH $OO FDOOV DUH UHWXUQHG ZLWKLQ RQH EXVLQHVV GD\ 7KLV FROXPQ ZDV VSRQVRUHG E\ 5HDG\ &DOLIRUQLD D FRDOLWLRQ ZRUNLQJ WR VXSSRUW &DOLIRUQLD RUJDQL]DWLRQV to get information and legal services out to immigrant community members.
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 21-23, 2017
A
A June 21-23, 2017 • LA MIDWeeK ASIAn JOuRnAL
Dateline USa
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Lawmakers announce state Justice Dept. to review conditions of immigration detention facilities California budget also blocks new or expanded detention contracts with city and county jails and increases oversight by AJPress
Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz delivers remarks in front of the LA City Council.
Councilmember of District 13 Mitch O’Farrell, flanked by members of LAFACE, speaks about the importance of LA’s Filipino-American community to the city’s cultural fabric.
PAGE A1
of Public Works Commissioner Joel Jacinto, whom he called the community’s “favorite son.” “I just want to thank the Filipino American community for all the years of contribution, achievement and hard work. Our Filipino community makes our rich diverse tapestry of Los Angeles greater. This is a tremendous day,” Ryu said. After the presentation in the City Council chambers, the celebration moved to the South Lawn of City Hall where “Kababayan Today” host Giselle Tongi hosted the reception and cultural program, where attendees were treated to food catered by Filipino food vendors Pili Manila and Fiesta Fast Food. Jacinto made an appearance at the cultural program where he delivered an empowered speech that remarked on the importance of remembering Philippine history while encouraging younger Fil-Ams to never forget their heritage. “The relevance of Philippine Independence here in the City of Angels is this: that we explicitly always have to remain Filipino in our lives as contemporary Filipino Americans,” Jacinto proclaimed. “When I see the children and see all young people here we have to reminded that it’s our job as parents, as lolas and lolos, as ates and kuyas and as titas and titos, to make them proud of being Filipino so that we can have ties to our homeland and actually live our lives here in America being proud and benefitting from the best of our culture, from our core values,” Jacinto said. The cultural program included a demonstration of Philippine martial arts by LA Doce Pares Eskrima, a performance from hip-hop artist BAGYO, and
PH Independence Day celebrated...
impact of Fil-Ams in the United States. Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz delivered remarks thanking the city for bringing acclaim to the city’s Fil-Am community. He also acknowledged the solid alliance between the United States and the Philippines, noting that despite recent strains, the friendship remains strong. “We also celebrate over a century of the ongoing friendship between the United States and the Philippines. We have been friends for over a hundred years and the United States has long been an ally to the Philippines. In many, many occasions the trust and friendship have been proven,” Cruz said. After the presentation, various members of the City Council had a chance to express their gratitude towards the Filipino community in LA, which is home to the largest population of Filipinos outside of the Philippines. Additionally, Filipinos are the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) group in Southern California and the second largest AAPI group in the U.S. District 1 Councilmember Gil Cedillo praised the community for its resilience and its “commitment to public service.” “We, here in Los Angeles, are all better because of their [FilAm leaders] service and that’s the brilliance of the city. It is the state of this nation, that we are a city of immigrants, not just historically, but it is the strength and the optimism for our future,” Cedillo said. Councilmember David Ryu of the 4th District spoke about the Filipino-American contribution to the city. He acknowledged the work of leaders like Board
Kababayan host G Tongi introduces Public Works Commissioner Joel Jacinto at the Philippine Independence Day reception in the South Lawn of City Hall. AJPress photos by Klarize Medenilla
performances from singer and Miss Historic Filipinotown Ciamara Morales. Trudy Polanco, 21, attended the celebration with her family and was reminded of the importance of mobilizing young Filipinos to understand their history and connect with their cultural identity. “It’s really nice to go to events like this that really acknowledge and celebrate Filipino heritage and history,” Polanco told the Asian Journal. “There’s such a disconnect between traditional Filipino culture and the younger, millennial Fil-Ams like myself. We need more efforts to bridge that gap.” “I don’t know that much about our people’s history, and I think that’s the case for a lot of young people. It’s really nice that there are organizations that try to put a spotlight on Philippine history and our people because our history really is so important,” she added. n
SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced recently that the California Department of Justice will begin reviewing the conditions under which immigrants are civilly detained in California while they await immigration hearings. The California Department of Justice will assess the conditions of confinement and due process concerns of immigrants detained in private, city, and county facilities. A California budget bill passed on June 15 calls for the Department of Justice to deliver a report on conditions by March 2019, with ongoing reviews until 2027. The budget action will also block city and county jails from entering into new contracts or expanding existing contracts. This limit will go into effect June 15, 2017, when Governor Jerry Brown signs it into law. “America is a nation of immigrants, and whether you arrived recently or have lived here for generations, you deserve to be treated fairly under our Constitution and laws,” said Lara. “If the federal government won’t ensure the safety and humane treatment of people held in detention in California, we must do that job and stand up for human rights.” California holds the second largest number of individuals civilly detained for immigration purposes, after Texas. The number of people arrested under
immigration laws increased 38 percent in the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, thousands of whose only offense was being undocumented. “We need a clear understanding of the conditions of detention facilities housing civil immigration detainees,” said Becerra. “California is once again setting a precedent for others to follow. As chief law enforcement officer, it is my duty to uphold the law. I will always protect the basic rights of all Californians, including immigrants.” Three people have died in the privately operated Adelanto Detention Facility since March, and a report by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) inspector general found conditions in an Orange County jail that violated national detention standards and posed serious health risks, including solitary confinement of low-risk detainees and rotten meat. The Legislature is working to combat the problem on several fronts. Senator Lara is the author of Senate Bill 29, which would stop California cities from profiting from contracts with private detention facilities and allow the Department of Justice and local prosecutors to take legal action to enforce ICE detention standards, in addition to the review approved today. SB 29 was approved by the Senate and is scheduled for a hearing in the Assembly Committee on the Judiciary. “Now that the Trump administration is seeking to drastically expand immigration detention,
immigrants in California need immediate relief,” said Grisel Ruiz, staff attorney at the Immigrant Legal Rights Center, a co-sponsor of SB 29. “The budget action boldly responds by preventing the immigration detention machine in California from growing and by casting a watchful eye of oversight on all detention facilities across the state. Our state’s leaders have sent a clear message to Washington, D.C. that California chooses to lead with dignity, not detention.” The detention review provision included in the budget was proposed by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Alameda) during a budget subcommittee meeting. “The budget vote sends a very loud and clear message that we will not allow the Trump administration to operate with impunity behind locked doors,” said Christina Fialho, a California-based attorney and the cofounder/executive director of Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement (CIVIC), a co-sponsor of SB 29. “California detains the most immigrants after Texas, and about a quarter of all people in immigration detention pass through California detention facilities each year. What we do here in California has a direct effect on the national immigration detention context. We hope that this bill inspires others states to follow.” Immigrant detention is governed by ICE, which has proposed to expand civil immigrant detention in local jails and private prisons. n
Homeland Security rescinds Obama-era protection... PAGE A1 eral Jeff Sessions in rescinding Obama’s memorandum that created DAPA “because there is no credible path forward to litigate the currently enjoined policy.” Previously, 26 states — all of which have Republican governors — sued the Obama administration for the DAPA memo, arguing that the president does not have the authority to implement “amnesty” of that grandeur. If it were implemented, DAPA could have protected 3.7 million people from deportation, the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) estimated. According to University of Southern California (USC)’s Center for Immigrant Integration, 340,000 people in Los Angeles County would have been eligible for DAPA. In order to have been eligible for the program, undocumented immigrants must have been par-
ents to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as of November 20, 2014. The parents must have also been residents in the U.S. before January 1, 2010, and have no criminal records. When announced, Obama’s intention with DAPA was to protect around 4 million parents from being separated from their families while also helping them secure legal work in the U.S. The press release indicated that the DACA program will still remain in effect, aligning with President Donald Trump’s promise to “take care of” them. Thursday’s revocation of the DAPA memo aligns with the administration’s stringent immigration policy. According to legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the decision “does not come as a surprise.” Since his inauguration, Presi-
dent Donald Trump has made vastly unpopular decisions when it comes to reforming the U.S. immigration system from implementing a travel ban from six Muslim-majority nations to proposing to build a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. “The administration’s efforts to target and vilify immigrants in myriad ways, from mass deportations to the Muslim ban and the VOICE office, will not be ignored just because it is currently maintaining DACA,” Advancing Justice wrote in a press release. “We will continue to resist these policies and stand up for justice and the dignity and humanity of all people.” DACA recipients and those eligible for DACA are encouraged to know their rights and seek legal counsel when applying or renewing their DACA applications. (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)
Washington alarmed over IS threats...
PAGE A1
Washington to have a “bigger role” in helping the Philippines contain extremists, citing fears that Marawi City could become a new hub for Islamist fighters in the region. “I don’t know that ISIS are directing operations there but they are certainly trying to get fighters into that region,” U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) was quoted saying in an AP report. ISIS refers to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. “We need to address the situation. It should not get out of control,” Ernst added. In a press briefing on Tuesday, June 20, Abella was asked
if Malacañang is open to the idea of U.S. troopers joining the actual combat operations in Marawi. Responding to the question, Abella pointed out that the Philippine military “has already preempted the Maute group from establishing a wilayat or [IS] province” in Mindanao. “Well, at this stage, I suppose we’ll have to take the position that it’s unlikely for Marawi to become a new hub for IS fighters, ” Abella said. Last year, Duterte said he intends the Philippines to be “free from foreign troops.” Abella, however, took note
Ombudsman drops charges... PAGE A1 It explained that backchannel negotiations with China cannot be construed as giving aid to an enemy. “As a result of the intense standoff in April and May 2012 between Chinese and Philippines vessels in the Scarborough Shoal, President Aquino’s action of exploring means of peacefully settling the ongoing issue with China was for the interest of the Philippines. It is an inherent presidential power to pursue negotiations with other States. On the other hand, Senator Trillanes
merely acted under President Aquino’s instruction to negotiate with Chinese representatives in order to ease the escalating tension between the two States,” the resolution read. It added: “The aggressive posturing of China was made known as early as May 23, 2011 when it was reported that…military garrisons and outposts are located in 6 reefs that are part of the Kalayaan Island Group. The backchannel negotiation between Senator Trillanes and Chinese representatives commenced only in May 2012. The alleged hostilities and
that Duterte has already “accepted the situation” wherein the Philippine government needs the assistance of the United States, its decades-long ally, in squashing terror threats in the country. On May 23, IS-linked Maute terrorists attacked Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, prompting the Philippine president to impose military rule through the Mindanao region. As the confrontation enters its fifth week, authorities recorded deaths of about 26 civilians and 65 government forces, while an unknown number remains trapped in the area. (Dana Sioson / AJPress) aggression in the West Philippine Sea could not, therefore, be attributed to the backchannel discussions between Senator Trillanes and the Chinese representatives.” In May 2016, complainants Gen. Roberto Lastimoso, Enrico Sampang, Judge Moslemen Macarambon and Dioscoro Esteban, Jr. filed the case against Trllanes and Aquino for violation of Articles 114, Treason, at 117, Espionage, under the Revised Penal Code. Most of the complainants currently hold government positions, assigned by President Rodrigo Duterte. (With reports from Jennifer Soriano/AJPress)
Duterte: Marawi crisis is not a failure... PAGE A2 he said. Despite the level of difficulty in the battles faced by the troops, the chief executive expressed confidence in the strength and skills of the Philippine military. He also reassured the troops they will always have his full support. “We will not even have second thoughts even if this is difficult. Now, I know you bear the brunt of fighting the war. You are the Armed Forces of the Philip-
pines,” Duterte remarked. He then told the troops, “All I can say is, I am always with you. In all of your — your needs will now be prioritized by the government. If I can give all of your needs, I’ll give it.” In a later speech on Tuesday, June 20, Duterte also asked the people of Marawi for their forgiveness when he imposed military rule in Mindanao. The president noted how the terrorists wrought havoc in the
area, leaving him “no other choice” but declare martial law in order to “drive them out.” “I’d like to say to the Maranao people that I am very, very, very sorry that this happened to us. I hope soon you will soon find a new heart to forgive my soldiers, the government, and even me, for declaring martial law,” Duterte said. He then vowed to restore Marawi and help its people recover from the adversity. n
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 21-23, 2017
A5
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
Duterte urged to send envoy to Vatican Former ambassador hopes successor will continue to look after OFWs
TO signify that the Philippines gives importance to its diplomatic relations with other nations, former Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican Henrietta de Villa is encouraging President Rodrigo Duterte to appoint an envoy to the Holy See. Retired Ambassador to the Vatican Mercedes Tuason was the last one to hold the position. Through the intercession of Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, Tuason was appointed the post in October 2009 by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Because of her credentials and good standing, she held the position until the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III before her retirement. Tuason is also a staunch advocate of the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). She hopes that her replacement would devote his or her time to continue looking after OFWs. In an interview by Business Mirror, she shared how she enjoyed her post as an ambassador to the point of working even on Saturdays and Sundays for the sake of face-to-face encounters with the OFWs. “I loved meeting the Holy Father and going to OFWs’ functions, where we enjoy their party
during their days-off,” Tuason said. Tuazon also shared Pope Francis’ fondness of the unique Filipinos trait of caring for the elderly. “The Holy Father said, ‘I really like the Filipinos because they take care of the old, unlike other countries who send their olds to nursery homes. Not the Filipinos,’” Tuason said, quoting Pope Francis. According to Italy’s statistics office, The Istituto Nazionale di Statistica, there are approximately 113,686 documented Filipinos living in the country. More than half of this population or 63 percent, are women who work as domestic assistants. Moreover, according to the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), there are around 60 Filipino organizations in Italy, most of which are church-based. Filipinos comprise the fourthlargest migrant community in Italy, after the Romanian, Albanian, and North African communities. Meanwhile, former Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican Henrietta de Villa is also hoping that the president will soon appoint an envoy to the Holy See.
“I’m hoping and praying that we will soon have a Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican,” said De Villa. “We don’t have one yet but usually there is a charge d’affaires standing in for the ambassador,” she said in an interview. According to De Villa, a charge d’affairs is usually left handling the affairs of the Philippine embassy in Vatican if there is no ambassador. “It’s up to the incoming president if the person will be re-appointed or not,” she added. In April, then Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo claimed that the Philippines has maintained its “very good relations with the Vatican” despite Duterte’s tirades against Catholic priests. “We have very good relations with the Vatican... I haven’t seen any change at all in our good HOT SHIRTS. Personnel of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines fold shirts that were printed to uplift the relations with the Vatican,” said morale and raise funds for soldiers fighting the Maute Group in Marawi City. The shirts are being sold for P150 each. Manalo. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan On January, Duterte gave negative remarks, saying Catholic priests are “full of sh**”,” “corrupt,” and carry out “sinful acts.” by AJPRESS Philippine bishops later dismissed Duterte’s remarks as SUPERINTENDENT Marvin “nonsense.” (With reports from Marcos and 18 other police ofJennifer Soriano/AJPress) ficers accused in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa were released from detention after posting a P40,000ing that we’re meeting those bail on Friday, June 16. expectations,” said Tourism AsThis came after the Departsistant Secretary Ricky Alegre. ment of Justice (DOJ) amended The Palace downplayed the the complaint against the reWEF report, citing that the coun- spondents and filed a motion to try’s tourist arrivals increased downgrade the charges against in the first three months of this police officers from murder to year. According to the latest data homicide, which is a lesser and from the DOT, tourist arrivals bailable offense. during the 1st quarter improved Baybay Regional Trial Court to almost 1.8 million, compared (RTC) Judge Carlos Arguelles to the 1.6 million of the same pe- signed the release order for Mar- Supt. Marvin Marcos (hand raised) and other police officers charged with killing Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. at a preliminary investigation hearing in the Department of Justice last riod last year. cos and his 18 co-accused. December. Inquirer.net file photo “Well, you know, contrary to On November 5 last year, Esthe WEF report, tourism busi- pinosa was fatally shot inside his the biggest drug lords in East- Melvin M. Cayobit, Police Ofnesses are exposed to security cell at the Leyte Sub-Provincial ern Visayas. He was also among ficer 3 Johnny A. Ibañez. Chief risks. In spite of that, foreign Jail in Baybay City after allegedly the first officials President Ro- Inspector Calixto C. Canillas Jr, tourists continue to increase resisting arrest and exchanging drigo Duterte accused publicly Senior Police Officer 4 Juanito A. steadily,” Presidential Spokes- shots with the Criminal Investiga- in connection with his campaign Duarte and Police Officer 1 Lloyd person Ernesto Abella said in a tion and Detection Group (CIDG) against illegal drugs. O. Ortigueza. Palace briefing. Apart from Marcos, other cops Senior Inspector Fritz B. Blanlead by Marcos. Apart from security, NAIA’s Another detainee, Raul Yap, released from prison were Su- co, Police Office 1 Bhernard R. developments include airport was also killed during the sup- perintendent Marvin Marcos, Orpilla, Senior Inspector Deocongestion and aesthetic im- posed resistance while the CIDG Superintendent Santi Noel G. gacias P. Diaz III, Senior Police provements at Terminal 1. (Jen- was serving the warrant. Matira, Chief Inspector Leo D. Officer 2 Benjamin L. Dacallos, nifer Soriano/AJPress) Espinosa was tagged as among Laraga, Senior Police Officer 4 PAGE A7
NAIA steps up security, now wields high-powered firearms AFTER a report alleged that some 200 members of the Police Aviation Security Group assigned to the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are unarmed, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has equipped the country’s main gateways with high-powered firearms. MIAA general manager Ed Manuel confirmed that security personnel manning the NAIA terminals are now equipped with “high-powered” firearms. The MIAA-commissioned private security are armed with shotguns, automatic machine guns and high-powered rifles, and have been placed in a buddy system. Manuel further clarified that there are “no imminent threats” and this a matter of a precautionary measure in light of the Marawi siege and the Resorts
World Manila attack. A recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) revealed that security and safety issues caused the ranking of the Philippines to slide down in travel competitiveness. In the 2017 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, the Philippines slid five places down to the 79th spot out of 136 countries. It received a total score of 3.6, out of the 14 pillars considered. The Philippines’ lowest rank was on safety and security, landing at the 126th place in the category. The country’s Department of Tourism (DOT), however, remains optimistic that the ranking would eventually improve. “Well, as you know, with martial law it’s becoming safe. We’re all struggling to make sure that it becomes even safer and right now we’re see-
Cops accused in Espinosa slay freed on bail
A6 JUNE 21-23, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
OPINION
FEATURES
One for Marawi
MILITARY operations against the Maute terror group in Marawi City continues to rage on. After four weeks of clashes, the conflict has claimed the lives of 59 soldiers, three policemen, 26 civilians, 257 Islamic State (IS)-linked gunmen. More than 300,000 have fled the city while 200 were left behind, either trapped or captured as hostages in the battle zone. The damage wrought by the siege to properties and infrastructures has already reached more than P300 million. Marawi City Mayor Majul U. Gandamra also cited the adverse effects of the crisis to its residents such as displacement, loss of livelihood and educational opportunities, damage to properties, health and environmental hazards, trauma, divide and renewal of mistrust. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has reported that 69,296 families or 338,536 persons have been displaced by the armed conflict. Given the extent of the damages and the number of people affected, the national government must now focus on rehabilitation and peace-building efforts. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Ricardo Jalad vowed that rehabilitation will begin as soon as terrorists are flushed out form the city. Jalad added that it would be faster compared to the recovery efforts after super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) devastated the Visayas in 2013. “Right now, we are still focusing on the response. We will do that as soon as Marawi is cleared. We
will deploy rapid damage and needs assessment teams,” Jalad said. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the national government allocated P10 billion for the rehabilitation of Marawi under the “Bangon Marawi” program. Under the program, affected persons could avail emergency shelter assistance for the repair of the homes and cash-for-work and livelihood assistance. While it is readying government efforts, Malacañang called on Filipinos to unite as a nation amid the ongoing hostilities in Marawi led by the Maute group, which have left scores dead, including government troops and innocent civilians. “Our sovereignty is being confronted and I believe it’s time to set aside petty politics and the things that separate us. It’s really high time and I believe it’s a call to the Filipino nation to be able to stand together as one,” Abella said. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla Jr. described the conflict in Marawi City as a “fight between good and evil.”
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
“We must all work together, issue out a united and collective public condemnation of all these things that are happening in Marawi now and join hands together in resisting the entry of this evil force because this is no longer a simple matter. It’s already a fight between good and evil and you must all realize that by now,” he said. The late Sir Winston Churchill once said that “if the human race wishes to have a prolonged and
indefinite period of material prosperity, they have only got to behave in a peaceful and helpful way toward one another.” Misconstruction and cross-cultural ignorance are among the main causes of war. While modernization demolishes geographical barriers and moves the world toward amalgamated economy, clashes among cultures can have a damaging impact on world peace. (AJPress)
A big majority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s response to the Russia investigation denigrating and undermining the investigation, the investigators, the U.S. intelligence agencies who are doing their job for the safety and security of the country. What is also hard to fathom is why President Trump, who claims to take seriously his obligation to protect the United States of America, appears to be more concerned about his own image and interests than Russia’s attack against the democracy of the United States. During Press Secretary Sean Spicer’s press briefing on Tuesday, June 20, he could not categorically answer the question as to whether Trump agrees Russia has interfered in the 2016 presidential election. It is a fact supported by the findings of the U.S. Intelligence community and by both sides of the political aisle in the U.S. and Senate Intelligence Committees. Spicer said he and the president have not talked about this issue yet. Seriously? This corroborates the statement of
IF PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP truly The Fil-Am wants to win the trust Perspective and support of most Americans, and not just his most loyal fan base, then he should listen to the voice of GEL SANTOS-RELOS most Americans who do not approve of the way he has been responding to the probe that investigates the alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. According to the latest poll by CBS News, 63 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s response to the Russia investigation, with a third of Americans expressing that his handling of the Russia probe has worsened their opinion of him. This could even factor in a dip of Trump’s job approval rating. The presi-
dent now has only 36 percent approval rating, compared to the late April polling of CBS News when he had a 41 percent approval rating among Americans. The CBS News poll further reveals that most people in both parties — 56 percent — have expressed confidence in Special Counsel Robert Mueller as the head of the independent team investigating the Trump-Russia connection. They believe the investigation will be impartial and that Trump should not attempt to stop it. This study should be an eye-opener for the president that what he has been doing is self-destructive. If he has nothing to hide, then he should let Mueller and the U.S. intelligence community do their job in getting to the bottom of this, instead of
Commentary
Duterte’s 21 foreign trips should be applauded, not ‘rapplered’
RIGOBERTO TIGLAO THE online-only news site Rappler, funded by Americans and controlled by a mining and property tycoon, has done it again, this time claiming that President Duterte’s “costly” foreign trips reflect his exorbitant lifestyle. This news site ignored, among other explanations, that the higher P387 million expenses is due to one simple reason. This President has had 21 voyages abroad in his first 12 months in office in order to quickly expand the country’s global network of supporters and to repair the damage done by his predecessor to our relations with China. Duterte has had the most such trips among the past five Presidents. Benigno Aquino 3rd in same time frame had 11 foreign trips, his mother, 5. (See table.) Rappler has demonstrated its anti-Duterte bias through a propaganda trick it has invented that I’d call rapplering. which I bet it will do again and again : Distort data to exaggerate things to paint the Duterte regime black. Rappler did it last year with devastating consequences for the country’s image when it distorted police data to report that Duterte’s war against illegal drugs had resulted in 7,080 summary executions as of September 2016 (See my column “How Rappler misled EU, Human Rights Watch, CNN, Time, BBC — the world.”)
While that figure has been totally debunked—it included all other murders the police was investigating—Rappler has not corrected it, and similarly biased Western media have used it to extrapolate that such executions total more than 10,000 by February. This time, the news site boasts to have done an investigativejournalism piece by claiming that Duterte’s foreign trips “cost thrice more than predecessors”. The lede of the piece immediately reveals its intent: “President Rodrigo Duterte projects himself as a man of simple tastes, almost allergic to extravagance and unnecessary expenses. Yet Malacañang records show he spent about triple what his predecessors spent on foreign travels during his first year in power.” The article repeats this false message clothed in doubtful figures: “Duterte’s exorbitant spending contradicts his projected image of a thrifty and practical President.” The article is classic “rapplering.” Rappler claims its data were all from “Malacañang records” obtained through the Freedom from Information system ordered by Duterte. However, it was only the figures on Duterte’s trips that were acquired from Malacañang, and therefore accurate government info. Rappler’s figures on the cost of foreign trips of Aquino and Arroyo are based on a single article in 2014 by the pro-Aquino Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) intended to show that Aquino was more frugal than his predecessor
Arroyo—as well as other “media reports” it didn’t identify. The PDI in turn cited “information from the Commission on Audit”, yet it didn’t report exactly what COA document this was. The COA doesn’t have any report on the actual cost of foreign travels of each president. The PDI article in fact pointed out: “Inquirer.net has yet to receive the data requested from the COA in order to compare the expenses of past administrations. Comparison of travel expenses of each President will be the subject of another article.” There never was any such second article. Rappler therefore may be comparing a report by the Duterte’s accountants meticulously counting every peso spent on his trips to comply with the FOI system, with reports by the past administrations’ media people understating the cost of presidential trips, and they were able to do this since there wasn’t any FOI during those times. The big trick in counting costs for “foreign trips” – and I know as I have worked in Malacañang and this is the reason that as a journalist I never dealt with issues of costs of foreign trips – is that expenses for such foreign trips, except for plane fares and hotel accommodations, could be classified, depending on the accountants’ whim, with other items under the President’s or other department secretaries’ budgets. For all we know, the Arroyo and Aquino administrations may have counted only costs of airfare and hotel accommodations,
Trump’s own Attorney General Jeff Sessions who, in his testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, said under oath that he “did not recall” any meeting whereby the president expressed concern or even curiosity about Russia’s meddling the election last year. Really? To top off Trump’s lack of interest in Russia’s assault on our democratic institutions: he fired FBI Chief James Comey, who then delivered a testimony under oath before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Among other revealing testimonies, Comey said Trump never once asked him about Russia’s meddling in the U.S. election in the context of national security up until he fired Comey in early May. PRESIDENT Donald Trump should not just listen to those who approve of him and think the Russia investigation is not serious. He should not just listen to those who
believe in him blindly when he plays the victim role, tweeting that this is “the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history.” He should not just listen to his Cabinet members who praise, glorify and give him the highest honors during meetings in front of television cameras. These members should have the testicular fortitude to speak the truth to him and advise him of which actions are not helping his cause. The American people deserve, expect, and demand transparency and accountability from public officials, especially from the President of the United States. *** 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
President Duterte meeting with China’s Pres. Xi Jinping and Russia’s Pres. Vladimir Putin
while an overeager accountant of the Duterte government counted all expenses to the last centavo when the President and his party were abroad, such as communication, restaurant bills, and office supplies. While providing details on Duterte’s expenses, Rappler reported only the total expenses as claimed by past administrations, with no classification as to how much were spent, for instance, on airfare and hotels and other expense. The more accurate assessment of the cost of Presidents’ foreign trips would be based on the item in the government’s Congressmade budget labelled “local/foreign missions and state visits”. As shown in the accompanying table, this amounted to P225 to P255 million for each year from 2010 to 2013. However, Aquino doubled his travel budget to P551, starting in 2014, until its last budget, in
2016. This belies PDI and Rappler’s reports that Aquino had been frugal in his spending during his foreign trips: Why would he order his budget for trips doubled? The amount allotted for foreign trips in Duterte’s first budget, for 2017, was reduced a bit to P472 million, well within the claimed P387 million costs of his foreign trips in 12 months. Rather than nitpicking on how much Duterte may have spent in his trips abroad, we should admire that this former mayor of what is really a frontier city has hit the ground running in visiting nearly two dozen countries in order to enhance our diplomatic ties abroad and to strengthen our role in multilateral bodies such as Asean, Apec and the East Asia Summit. His predecessor Aquino visited only 11 countries in his first year in office. I myself had not thought that Duterte with his clumsy, Bisayan English and ill-tailored
Malacañang photos
suits would have the confidence to meet with world leaders. Duterte had moved fast to thaw the very icy diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the world’s second biggest economy, China, that emerged as a result of Aquino and his Americanboy foreign secretary Albert del Rosario’s suit against China over the Spratlys dispute. That was the first ever such suit against that emerging superpower despite its territorial disputes with over 20 countries. I’m totally convinced that Duterte’s quick reversal of Aquino’s Americaninspired anti-China policy and moves will be one of his biggest accomplishments as president. In a span of just a year, Duterte has managed to steer the country away from its century-old subservience to the US, drawing us closer to the two superpowers closer to us, China and the Russian Federation. I don’t think
u PAGE A7
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President
ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON Chief Financial Officer Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Boulevard Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com
Manila Office: 2nd Floor Units D&E, Fort Palm Springs 30th St., Cor 1st Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • Fax: (632) 856-1661 New York: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858
Northern California: New Jersey office: 1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136 2500 Plaza 5, Harborside Financial Center, Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel.: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253 Jersey City, NJ 07311 Tel: (212)655-5426 • Fax: (818)502-0858 Las Vegas Sales Office: 2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879
BELLE M. SISON Executive Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal
MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal
IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal
SHARON ANN SAN PEDRO Vice President - Sales Balikbayan Magazine
MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor DING CARREON Videographer ANDY TECSON/TED TALAG BERT JAURIGUE Photographers
ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material. AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.
ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline PhiliPPines
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 21-23, 2017
A
CA justices unfazed by Alvarez’s threats: ‘He must know the limits of his power’ by AJPress HOuSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez “must know the limits of his power.” This is what Associate Justice Rosmari Carandang said in reaction to Alvarez’s threats of abolishing the Court of Appeals (CA) after it ordered the release of the so-called “Ilocos Six” government officials from detention. In an interview with the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Monday, June 19, Carandang, who is also an applicant for a Supreme Court (SC) seat, defended her colleagues as she cautioned the “emotional” Alvarez to “respect” the CA. “He [Alvarez] is very emotional. He must know the limits of his power,” Carandang said. “It will not be easy to abolish the Court of Appeals…He should respect the Court of Appeals.” Last week, the House speaker blasted the three CA justices for ordering the release of six Ilocos Norte officials who remain detained for their “dismissive”
answers during an investigation into the government’s alleged irregular purchase of P66.45 million-worth vehicles. In an interview with DZMM radio, Alvarez warned Associate Justices Stephen Cruz, Edwin Sorongon, and Nina AntoninoValenzuela of disbarment for their supposed “gross ignorance of the law.” “That’s really gross ignorance of the law. That is why I will not honor their order to [allow the six officials] to post bail. I will claim responsibility, let’s see, because they are too much,” Alvarez said as he defied the CA’s order to release the Ilocos officials for the third time. Stressing that the CA has “no jurisdiction” over Congress, Alvarez also warned that the latter can “dissolve” the Appeals Court anytime. “They are not even our coequal branch… They are merely a creation of Congress—that Court of Appeals. They only exist because they were created by Congress. Any time, we can dissolve them. So they better start
thinking,” the House speaker added. But Cruz, for his part, said they issued the order to “to really determine” if the detention of the six officials was legal. Pointing out that they were just doing their duties as members of the CA, Cruz said he “will welcome the disbarment complaint so that the truth will come out.” “If we falter because of some threats, that will show our weakness as a magistrate. And as I have said a while ago, let justice be done though the heavens fall. If we are wrong, they could always go up to the Supreme Court,” Cruz added. Likewise, he denied that their order violates the government’s principle of separation of powers. Cruz explained that “under the principle of checks and balances, the courts can inquire whether the detained person is being detained legally.” “Because if the detention is legal, we will dismiss the petition for being unmeritorious,” he added. n
OFW saved from death row in UAE by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com
MANILA - Overseas Filipino worker Jennifer Dalquez has been saved from the death penalty in the united Arab Emirates (uAE) after she was acquitted of murder, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. Dalquez, a 30-year-old single mother hired as a domestic helper in the uAE, was charged with murder for killing her employer who tried to rape her in December 2014. The Court of Appeals in Al Ain acquitted Dalquez on June 19. The Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi said she was declared innocent without diyyah or payment of blood money. But Dalquez will remain in jail until she fully serves her five-year sentence for stealing a mobile phone. The DFA provided Dalquez a lawyer since her case was being heard by the Court of First Instance in March 2015. Her lawyer argued that her action was self-defense, but the lower court still sentenced her to death on May 20, 2015. Dalquez was also sentenced
to five years minus the days she spent in jail for stealing a mobile phone. Her case was appealed before the Court of Appeals. Her parents went to visit her in Al Ain in October 2015 and in March 2017, through the assistance of the DFA. Last April, women’s group Gabriela called on President Duterte to save Dalquez from death row during his visit to the Middle East. DFA, DOLE, Migrante lauded Administration lawmakers commended the efforts of the DFA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Migrante International for working for the acquittal of Dalquez. Reps. Gus Tambunting of Parañaque, Alfred Vargas of Quezon City and Aniceto Bertiz III of party-list ACTS OFW said DOLE and DFA did their jobs very well. “It is very good news. We welcome this development. The government helped present new evidence in her appeal and it looks like it has paid off. We are thankful the uAE court has considered our appeal,” Tambunting, chairman of the games and amusement committee, said.
Jennifer Dalquez
“The DFA, Migrante International and other groups and individuals who collectively helped in the plight of Jennifer should be commended. I hope that very soon Jennifer will reunite with her family here in the Philippines,” Vargas said. Bertiz is also grateful to the uAE court, saying the verdict gives hope to others on death row. “With this victory, we urge the DFA to exert the same efforts and tenacity for those who are in similar situation as Dalquez, and even for the other OFWs who continue to be incarcerated on various charges,” he added. n
EAT YOUR HEART OUT. Participants arrange their giant wooden spoons and forks during the inter-town Giant Spoon and Fork Hand Painting Competition in Taytay, Rizal province, on Sunday, June 18. ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.
Cops accused in Espinosa slay freed... PAGE A5 Police Officer 3 Norman T. Abellanosa, Police Officer 1 Jerlan S. Cabiyaan, Inspector Lucrecito A. Candilosas, Senior Police Officer 2 Antonio R. Docil, Senior Police Officer 1 Mark Christian Cadilo, Police Officer 2 Jhon Ruel Doculan, and Police Officer 2 Jaime P. Bacsal also posted bail. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said the charges against the police officers were downgraded due to the absence of evident premeditation. In its earlier probe, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) concluded that Espinosa was slain in a ‘rubout,’ and not in a shootout incident. Like the NBI, the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs concluded in its separate investigation that the death of Espinosa was a “premeditated murder.” Senators slam ‘flip-flop king’ Aguirre The six-member Senate Minority bloc is set to file a resolu-
tion “expressing grave concern” over the downgrading of murder charges against the police officers in Espinosa slay. In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon described the DOJ’s move as “anomalous and suspicious.” He said the “abrupt downgrading of the case against Superintendent Marvin Marcos and his cohorts from murder to homicide is a big blow to the justice system in the country.” “This is a very disappointing development insofar as the ability of the government to prevent and prosecute police abuses and irregularities is concerned,” Drilon added. Detained Senator Leila de Lima also questioned the Justice Department’s decision. “How can the DOJ not see and appreciate the presence of the qualifying circumstance of evident premeditation, and even abuse of superior strength, in the execution of such criminal act which bears the hallmarks of
summary execution?” De Lima, also a former DOJ secretary, said in a statement. She went on to say the DOJ’s initial adoption of the NBI’s recommendation was “just for show, a charade,” when the end result was to “downgrade the charges, as done now, and ultimately weaken the case vs. those rogue police officers and men.” Calling Aguirre a “flip-flop king,” Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, said that by lessening the charges against the accused in the Espinosa killing, he “also effectively further downgraded his reputation and integrity before the public’s eyes.” “This may be the last straw for many of us. We cannot allow Secretary Aguirre to continue to toy around with our justice system. Enough’s enough,” Hontiveros added. Also part of the Senate minority bloc are Drilon and Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, and Antonio Trillanes IV. n
Duterte’s 21 foreign trips should be... PAGE A6 any other President could have, or would have done, that. I suspect the Rappler reporter who wrote critically over Duterte’s trips has never travelled abroad. If she did, she would have an inkling that foreign trips on government time aren’t as romantic as tourist vacations shown in TV
advertisements. Foreign government trips are the most hectic and tiring part of any President’s job. When I was presidential chief of staff during Arroyo’s administration, I selfishly begged off from further joining her trips after the fourth, sick of the sight of airports and of the smell of airplane food. I am certainly not suprised that after 21 trips abroad,
Duterte has taken time off to rest and re-charge. For a 72-year-old grandfather like Duterte, who is so tied to his Davao home and to his own bed, foreign trips would be a real struggle. Yet this Americanfunded, tycoon-controlled news site claims his foreign trips demonstrate his exorbitant lifestyle. (ManilaTimes.net)
A June 21-23, 2017 • LA MIDWeeK ASIAn JOuRnAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
SEAFOOD CITY FP
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 21-23, 2017
BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL
B1
‘Tax reform to impact BPO competitiveness’ by REICELENCE JOY IGNACIO Manilatimes.net
THE Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) bill could affect the competitiveness of the Information Technology and Business Process Management sector, industry leader Rey Untal said. “This will impact our competitiveness and, therefore, the growth trajectories outlined in our Roadmap 2022, including sectors that benefit from the 3.2 multiplier effects of the IT-BPM industry,� Untal, president of the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, told The Manila Times. Train or House Bill 4688 seeks to reduce the rate of personal income tax. Filipinos earning below P250,000 a year are also exempted from paying personal income tax. However, this will also take away the value-added tax ex-
emption from the IT-BPM sector to broaden the VAT base by imposing a 12 percent VAT on gross receipts. “We are not opposing the tax reform bill in its entirety. However, we are communicating with the government to demonstrate the possible effects should the incentives of the industry be removed,â€? Untal said. “With the current model, there is flexible demand for our services allowing us to be competitive in the global market. This is because the margin of difference is counterbalanced by high quality service and the talent the industry offers,â€? he said. Under the Roadmap 2022, the industry is expected to generate 2.6 million direct and indirect jobs over the next five years, and achieve total revenue of $40 billion by 2022. Every direct job is a multiplier of more than three additional jobs, IBPAP earlier said. â–
CTA orders P761-M tax refund for San Miguel by VINCE
F. NONATO Inquirer.net
THE Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has ordered the Bureau of Internal Revenue to issue a P761.06-million tax refund to San Miguel Brewery, Inc., for erroneously collected tax on its light-branded beer for the year 2012. The CTA Second Division’s 33-page decision dated June 9 is the latest ruling in favor of the San Miguel Corp. subsidiary, which contests the BIR’s imposition of a higher tax on its San Mig Light product. The BIR had considered San Mig Light a “variant� of the older Pale Pilsen brand and obliged SMB to pay a tax of P20.57 per liter. SMB argued San Mig Light should
have been taxed as a “new brandâ€? at only P15.49 per liter. The tax court did not even have to elaborate why SMB was entitled to the refund on the excessive tax payments. It had issued at least four en banc decisions in favor of SMB from September 2012, the decision noted. “It has been consistently ruled that ‘San Mig Light’ is a new brand and not a variant‌
u PAGE B2
Lopez Group brings renewables to schools Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — Interesting renewable energy projects and proposals from college students in different schools all over the country are competing in a Lopez Group-supported interschool tilt for the best renewable energy idea or solution for poor, rural communities. Called the Sikat Design Challenge, the competition now on its second cycle has attracted 36 entries from 30 participating schools in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Their number is almost three times the level
during the inaugural first cycle of the competition, said Arthur de Guia, president of the Sikat Solar Challenge Foundation Inc. (SSCFI). De Guia said the entries for the current cycle include a wind- and tidal turbinepowered buoy with alarm system against fish pen thieves; a street lamp powered by microbial battery; a solar-powered insect zapper; and solar-powered machine for making salt and purified water. A non-stock, non-profit company, SSCFI holds the annual school competition as part of its advocacy to promote the development and use of clean and renewable en-
ergy (RE) sources. SSCFI was also the same group that organized support for the country’s solar-powered racing car entries in the biennial World Solar Challenge in Australia. One of the SSCFI entries was called “Sikat.� First Gen Corp., along with subsidiary Energy Development Corp. (EDC) and their parent company First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH), supports the Sikat Design Challenge. First Gen, the primary holding company of FPH for power generation and energy-related businesses, produces electricity using clean and low carbon sources
u PAGE B2
BSP keeps remittance targets
by LAWRENCE
AGCAOILI Philstar.com
ment for Economic Research, said cash remittances from overseas Filipinos are expected MANILA, Philippines - The to expand by four percent to a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas record level of $28 billion this (BSP) kept its remittance growth year from $26.9 billion last year. For the first four months, cash guidance at four percent for this year amid the diplomatic crisis in remittances rose 4.2 percent to the Middle East as well as the im- $9.04 billion from $8.67 billion in migration policy of US President the same period last year. Major sources of remittances Donald Trump. Zeno Ronald Abenoja, direc- are the US, Saudi Arabia, the tor of the central bank’s Depart- United Arab Emirates, Singa-
Aug 26 (Sat ) Day 1, Angeles, California/Krakow, Poland Our pilgrimage begins with a transatlantic journey from Los Angeles International $LUSRUW WR .UDNRZ 3RODQG 0HDOV VHUYHG LQ À LJKW Aug 27 (Sun) Day 2, Krakow :H ZLOO DUULYH LQ .UDNRZ LQ WKH HYHQLQJ 7KHUH ZH ZLOO PHHW RXU 7RXU 'LUHFWRU DQG GULYHU IRU D WUDQVIHU WR RXU KRWHO 'LQQHU DW WKH KRWHO %% '
pore, Japan, UK, Qatar, Hong Kong and Canada. BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the remittance growth target was retained despite the possible impact of the diplomatic crisis in the Middle East as well as Trump policies on the amount of money sent home by overseas Filipinos. Investors have expressed anti-globalization sentiments concerns over Trump’s in- that could affect remittances ward looking policies as well as u PAGE B2
(XURSHÂśV PRVW DWWUDFWLYH FDSLWDOV 2Q RXU WRXU ZH ZLOO YLVLW \HDU ROG +5$'&$1< &$67/( 67 9,786 &$7+('5$/ WKH 2OG 7RZQ WKH -HZLVK JKHWWR DQG WKH FLW\ÂśV IDPRXV $VWURQRPLFDO &ORFN ZKLFK ZDV RQFH WKH HQY\ RI DOO (XURSH $IWHUZDUGV \RX ZLOO KDYH WKH FKRLFH RI PL[LQJ ZLWK WKH ORFDOV %% '
Sept 2 (Sat) Day 8, Prague / Budapest $IWHU EUHDNIDVW OHDYH IRU %XGDSHVW 2QFH LQ +XQJDU\ ZH ZLOO UHDFK WKH ZLGH RSHQ YDOOH\ RI WKH 'DQXEH 5LYHU 6RRQ DIWHUZDUG ZH ZLOO DUULYH LQ %XGDSHVW Aug 28 (Mon) Day 3, Krakow / Divine Mercy :H VWDUW WKH GD\ ZLWK D YLVLW LQ WKH 6$1&78$5< 2) /25'œ6 DQG VSHQG WKH HYHQLQJ HQMR\LQJ D EXIIHW GLQQHU LQ WKH KRWHO WKHQ WDNH D SULYDWH %RDW 0(5&< DQG WKH FRQJUHJDWLRQ RI 2XU /DG\ RI 0HUF\ +RO\ 0DVV DW WKH &58,6( DORQJ WKH '$18%( 5,9(5 %% ' 6DQFWXDU\ RI /RUGœV 0HUF\ LQ WKH FLW\œV /DJLHZQLNL 'LVWULFW $IWHU OXQFK ZH ZLOO JR RQ D KDOI GD\ VLJKWVHHLQJ WRXU RI .UDNRZ IRU FHQWXULHV WKH Sept 3 (Sun) Day 9, Budapest UHVLGHQFH RI 3ROLVK NLQJV :H ZLOO YLVLW WKH 0DUNHW 6TXDUH WKH WK :H ZLOO VSHQG WKH GD\ ZLWK D ORFDO H[SHUW ZKR ZLOO H[SODLQ WKH KLVWRU\ DQG VLJKWV RI WKH &HQWXU\ -DJLHOORQLDQ 8QLYHUVLW\ 67 0$5<œ6 &+85&+ DQG DOVR OLYHOLHVW DQG WKH PRVW FRVPRSROLWDQ FLWLHV RI (DVWHUQ (XURSH :H ZLOO VWDUW DW DQ LGHDO YLVLW WKH :$:(/ 52<$/ &$67/( ,Q WKH DIWHUQRRQ ZH ZLOO YLVLW WKH ORFDWLRQ &DVWOH +LOO LQ WKH KHDUW RI %XGD WKH SRUWLRQ RI %XGDSHVW RQ WKH 'DQXEHœV :LHOLF]ND 6DOW 0LQHV :HœOO WKHQ PHHW IRU GLQQHU WKDW HYHQLQJ DW RXU ZHVWHUQ EDQN )URP WKH ODF\ ORRNRXW WRZHUV RI )LVKHUPHQœV %DVWLRQ ZH FDQ HQMR\ KRWHO %% ' D SDQRUDPLF YLHZ RI WKH VSUDZOLQJ FLW\ KRPH WR PRUH WKDQ RQH ¿ IWK RI WKH +XQJDULDQ SRSXODWLRQ 9LVLW WKH WK &HQWXU\ 67 0$7+,$6 &2521$7,21 &+85&+ WKH &LWDGHO RQ 0RXQW *HOOHUW DQG +(52(6œ 648$5( DUH DOVR RQ WKH DJHQGD :HœOO Aug 29 (Tues) Day 4, Krakow/ Jasna Gora )XOO GD\ YLVLW -$61$ *25$ WKH PRQDVWHU\ QHDU &]HVWRFKRZD ZKLFK ZLWKVWRRG WKH FHOHEUDWH +RO\ (XFKDULVW LQ 6W 0DWWKLDV &KXUFK %% ' UHSHDWHG RQVODXJKW RI RYHUZKHOPLQJ 6ZHGLVK IRUFHV GXULQJ WKH UHOLJLRXV ZDUV RI WKH WK &HQWXU\ 6LQFH WKHQ LWV %/$&. 0$'211$ KDV EHHQ YHQHUDWHG DV WKH ³4XHHQ Sept 4 (Mon) Day 10, Budapest / Zagreb RI 3RODQG´ DQG LW KDV EHFRPH WKH RQH RI 3RODQGœV QDWLRQDO V\PEROV DQG KROLHVW UHOLFV $IWHU HDUO\ EUHDNIDVW OHDYH %XGDSHVW IRU =DJUHE RQ RXU ZD\ WR 0HGMXJRUMH 8SRQ :H ZLOO FHOHEUDWH 0DVV LQ WKH %ODFN 0DGRQQD &KDSHO .UDNRZ IRU GLQQHU DQG RYHUQLJKW DUULYDO ZH ZLOO KDYH D WRXU RI WKH FLW\ WR VHH WKLV &DSLWDO RI &URDWLD 'LQQHU DQG RYHUQLJKW %% ' 'RXEOH WUHH +RWHO =DJUHE Aug 30 (Wed) Day 5, KrakowAuschwitzWadowice/Kalwaria We will visit the infamous former Nazi concentration camp $86&+:,7= %,5.(1$8 DV ZHOO DV LWV RQ VLWH PXVHXP 7KLV VLWH UHPDLQV D FKLOOLQJ UHPLQGHU RI WKH +RORFDXVW )URP WKHUH ZH ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR :DGRZLFH ELUWKSODFH RI 3RSH -RKQ 3DXO ,, YLVLW WKH QHZ 0XVHXP RI 6W -RKQ 3DXO DQG WKHQ LWœV RQ WR .DOZDULD =HEU]\GRZVND ZLWK LWV :HHSLQJ 0DGRQQD KRO\ SLFWXUH $W WKH HQG RI WKH WRXU ZH ZLOO UHWXUQ WR .UDNRZ IRU GLQQHU DW D +RWHO %% ' Aug 31 (Thurs) Day 6, Krakow / Prague, Czech Republic :H ZLOO VSHQG WKH GD\ WUDYHOLQJ IURP .UDNRZ WR 3UDJXH FRQVLGHUHG DV RQH RI (XURSHœV PRVW DWWUDFWLYH FDSLWDOV 6LW EDFN UHOD[ DQG HQMR\ WKH GULYH DQG WDNH LQ WKH SLFWXUHVTXH VFHQHU\ DORQJ WKH ZD\ :H ZLOO UHDFK RXU KRWHO LQ 3UDJXH LQ WKH DIWHUQRRQ :H ZLOO KDYH SDQRUDPLF VLJKWVHHLQJ RQ WKH ZD\ WR RXU KRWHO KDYH GLQQHU %% '
Sept 5 (Tues) Day 11, Zagreb / Medjugorje $IWHU EUHDNIDVW FHOHEUDWH KRO\ (XFKDULVW DQG WKHQ OHDYH IRU 0HGMXJRUMH 8SRQ DUULYDO LQ 0HGMXJRUMH ZLOO HPEDUN RQ DQ RULHQWDWLRQ WRXU RI 6W -DPHV &KXUFK DQG LWV VXUURXQGLQJ 'LQQHU DQG RYHUQLJKW 0HGMXJRUMH Sept 6,7,8 ( Wed,Thurs,Fri) Day 12 to 14, Medjugorje :H ZLOO KDYH GDLO\ EUHDNIDVW DQG GLQQHUV DW RXU +RWHO (YHU\ PRUQLQJ DW DP ZH ZLOO DVVHPEOH DW 6W -DPHV &KXUFK WR DWWHQG +RO\ (XFKDULVW FHOHEUDWHG LQ (QJOLVK :H ZLOO FOLPE WKH $SSDULWLRQV +LOO 0W 3RGEUGR WR VHH WKH SODFHV PDUNHG E\ WKH FURVVHV ZKHUH LQ -XQH 2XU /DG\ ZDV Âż UVW UHSRUWHG WR DSSHDU WR WKH FKLOGUHQ 7KH QH[W PRUQLQJ ZH ZLOO FOLPE WKH VWHHS +RO\ &URVV 0RXQWDLQ 0W .UL]HYDF for devotions and take in the Panorama of Medjugorje EHORZ
Sept 1 (Fri) Day 7, Prague, Infant Jesus of Prague :H ZLOO KDYH 0DVV DW 2XU /DG\ 9LFWRULRXV &KXUFK KRPH RI WKH ,QIDQW -HVXV RI 3UDJXH Sept 9,2017 (Sat) Day 15,Medjugorje / USA $IWHUZDUG ZH ZLOO GR VRPH VLJKWVHHLQJ WKDW UHYHDOV ZK\ 3UDJXH LV FRQVLGHUHG RQH RI (DUO\ PRUQLQJ GHSDUWXUH IRU RXU À LJKW EDFN WR WKH 86$
B JUNE 21-23, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
Business news
Senior with bank account levy seeks Chapter 7 relief for $60K credit card debt Businessman considers bankruptcy for $400K lawsuit
I ASKED him if he owed any this asset protection move can debts. He said he owed $60K Debt easily be penetrated. It’s totally of credit card debt but that they not bullet proof. I wasn’t sure were all still current. I asked Relief exactly what he wanted from me. him if he was thinking of filing He said he wanted some kind of a Chapter 7 petition to wipe out assurance from me that bankthe $60K of credit card debt and ruptcy would protect his two the bank levy. He said he was houses. I said I couldn’t do that Atty. LAwrence yAng seriously considering it because because there are too many if his minimum payments on the and buts about what he wants me $60K credit cards was almost but better late than never. When to do. Even the judgment, if he $2K a month. He has been pay- he’s 78, would he rather still owe loses, can have a finding of fraud ing the $2K for the last ten years. the same $60K and throw away which would make the judgment So, he’s paid $240K in the last another $240K of minimum pay- itself not dischargeable. Beside ten years in minimum payments ments in the next ten years? I with that much equity, his bankto keep the $60K current in the don’t think so. If he buys the ruptcy choices are really limited. last decade. But after having right stock with the savings of He can’t do a Chapter 7. If he paid $240K, he still owes the $24K every 12 months, he will did he would certainly lose both same $60K! That’s not a good make himself “great again!” properties. Client no. 2 is 50 and mardeal for client but a great deal If you need debt relief, set an for the credit card companies. ried. His wife looks a lot younger appointment to see me. I will anThat’s why he should have done probably 30. He is a business- alyze your case personally. his Chapter 7 ten years ago and man. You know how it is with “WHOEVER GOES TO THE bought instead $240K of visa business people. Sometimes LORD FOR SAFETY, WHOEVER stock. Check out the price of visa they get into a situation where REMAINS UNDER THE PROstock in 2007. It was around $20. they can get sued for breach of TECTION OF THE ALMIGHTY, Now it’s almost $100. So if cli- contract or something similar CAN SAY TO HIM, ‘YOU ARE ent had theoretically invested the to that. Client did get sued for MY DEFNDER AND PROTEC$240K he saved from discharg- $400K and he thinks he can’t win TOR. YOU ARE MY GOD;IN YOU ing his $60K cards in 2007 and the lawsuit. I don’t know why he I TRUST.’HE WILL KEEP YOU used all of the savings to invest in thinks he can’t win but apparentSAFE FROM ALL HIDDEN DANly he wants a fallback position usjust visa stock, how much would client have today? Well, client ing bankruptcy to get out of the GERS AND FROM ALL DEADLY would be wealthy today because judgment that he fears so much. DESEASES…” PSALM 91 – Auhis visa stock would now be I turns out that he has two pieces thored by Moses! *** worth $1.0M! Instead of being a of real estate with over $1.0M of millionaire today, client still owes equity. Well, that’s certainly a Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in the $60K credit cards and facing problem. I actually told him just bankruptcy, business, real estate and a bank levy, wage garnishment to sell those properties now and civil litigation and has successfully convert the equity to cash now. represented more than five thousand and a lien on his car. I would say that its about time At least cash can be easily sent clients in California. Please call Angie, that he should get rid of the ball abroad out of the jurisdiction of Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for and chain that is keeping him the United States. That’s a pretty an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, poor and unproductive since common asset protection move. Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, he’s now 68. Client sees the light This is better than transferring Alhambra, CA 91803. clear as day now and chooses to title to the properties to someone (Advertising Supplement) file Chapter 7. It’s ten years late else under his control because
BSP keeps remittance...
PAGE B1 t
as well as the earnings of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in the Philippines. Guinigundo also said authorities are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East as well as its impact on oil prices, inflation and remittances. The Gulf has been hit by its biggest crisis in years after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed ties with Qatar for allegedly supporting Islamist groups. “Of course the problems in Qatar could exacerbate. What’s
going on in terms of the oil industry. But on the basis of the recent forecast, of supply and demand, Qatar being not as big as an exporter of oil as Saudi Arabia and UAE we would expect that the impact of Qatar will not be as big as if problems emanate from, let’s say, in Iran or in Saudi Arabia,” he said About 80 percent of the amount of money sent home to the Philippines in the first quarter came from the US, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, United Kingdom, Qatar, Kuwait, Hong Kong and Canada.
Middle East emerged as the second biggest source of cash remittances with $1.97 billion from January to March, next to Americas with $2.51 billion. Remittances from Saudi Arabia inched up 2.2 percent to $676.09 million from $661.35 million followed by the United Arab Emirates that surged 20 percent $572.87 million from $477.36 million, Qatar that jumped 35.2 percent to $306.03 million from $226.32 million, and Kuwait that retreated by 12.3 percent to $196.3 million from $226.1 million. n
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
What’s New ArLene AL-os, cPA, MBA YOU have not filed your income tax returns for the current year and previous years because: 1) you decided you are not required to file? 2) You are a victim of identity theft and therefore excuse? 3) You know you will owe taxes and you will have to pay when you file, decided not to file; 5) You were out of the country and you forgot to file?4) other excuses. If you are unsure if you are required to file, go to the IRS website and read on Publication 17 or ask your tax professional. If you owe taxes on your tax return and cannot pay in full, you can establish payment agreement with the IRS if you are required to file and owe a balance. Here are the reasons why you should file. What happens if you do not file by the due date and you are required to file? • Unless there is reasonable cause, you are subject to failure to file penalty. • Interest is assessed from the original filing date on taxes not paid by due date. • File your income tax returns before the extension
You have not filed your income tax returns for years? ends. IRS will file a return for you and accrues taxes based on their records. You will receive a bill based on their calculation. • If you are due a refund, there is no penalty for failure to file BUT you could lose your refund. • There is a statute of limitation in claiming for refund even you did not file your income tax returns. • Refund Statute: You have to file your income tax returns within 3 years from the due date to claim the refund either issuance of check or application of overpayment to subsequent year/s tax liabilities. • If you have not filed your income tax returns for Tax Years 2012 and prior, and you are due with a refund, you will have to say bye-bye to those tax years’ refunds since it is already beyond the refund statute. • Filing after Refund Statute: You lose the refund and can no longer receive a check nor apply the overpayment to your future tax liabilities. • There is no statute of limitation if you fail to file your income tax returns. This only means
that the IRS can still audit and collect taxes for all years you did not file your income tax returns. It will be a nightmare! • Consider filing Form 1127 Application for Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Due to Undue Hardship. Meaning it will be inconvenience and you will suffer financial loss if you pay in full. Supporting documentation. You will be required to attach: 1) statement of your assets and liabilities, and 2) an itemized list of your income and expenses for each of the 3- months prior to the due date of the tax. If you are not sure ask your tax professional. *** Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication is neither intended as a thorough, indepth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. *** Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. (Advertising Supplement)
Lopez Group brings renewables... PAGE B1 t of fuel. Through EDC, First Gen uses RE sources such as hydro, geothermal, wind and solar to produce electricity. All three are Lopez Group companies. Although considered a competition, Sikat Design Challenge incorporates unique features to turn all participants into winners. Lasting 11 months, the competition includes three “gateways” where students could learn valuable lessons and insights. The
first gateway comes in the form of a conference-workshop; the second, concept development; and third, prototype finalization. During the weeklong kick-off conference staged in August 2016, the participants received lessons on such topics as team cooperation, collaboration and networking. They also built on their technical skills, including business and pitching skills, which are important lessons they can apply in their future careers.
After the conference, the participants returned to their respective schools for the second gateway: the development of their concepts and entries. During this stage, which lasted until February 2017, participants were also encouraged to visit poor and off-grid communities. It was during this rural immersion that many participants developed concepts and ideas useful to the visited communities. n
CTA orders P761-M tax refund for... PAGE B1 t Consequently there was an erroneous, excessive and/or illegal assessment and collection in the amount of P5.08 per liter removal of petitioner’s ‘San Mig Light.’” SMB was bound to get such a hefty refund because it shipped out a total of 149.82 million liters from its five plants nationwide in 2012.
Previous rulings explained that reclassifying San Mig Light as a “variant” would violate Republic Act No. 9334, which prohibits the BIR from revising the classification of brands registered from 1997 to 2003. Since the BIR initially granted San Mig Light’s registration as a new brand in October 1999,
only Congress can reclassify the beer for taxation purposes. The court previously ruled that San Mig Light should not be considered a variant of “Pale Pilsen”— an older brand of beer with more calories but with the same 5 percent alcoholic content—because these words were not contained in the former’s name. n
Business news
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA THERE’S a common thread in murder suicides— one man driven by rage, jealousy, paranoia, desperation, depression over economic pressures, family problems or just plain deranged, decided he can’t take it anymore and instead of committing suicide, decide to inflict murder and mayhem killing several others, either his own family members or total strangers. With each horrific case, the public seems to become more inured and desensitized to violence and death, becoming more accepting of all these, as a normal feature of modern life. Ever since the Columbine mass murder perpetrated by 2 young misguided misfits garbed in black trench coats years ago, things haven’t been the same. There were copycats exhibiting lemming-like behavior since then. Evil glamorized by repetition and attention-getting drama seems to have morphed into many other incidents in North America and elsewhere, resulting in incalculable, untold pain and suffering among families of the victims. We remember with great pain the Virginia Tech mass murder which snuffed out the lives of 32, including Cho, the killer, who was a quiet, deranged malcontent who never quite fit in. In the blogosphere chatter, many noted that perpetrators of this troubling trend were often the quiet ones. Word is out on the street to watch out for the quiet “pressure cooker” types, those who never cause a ripple and yet, has a fondness for weapons, but who can implode and explode with volcanic intensity and wipe out those around them. A Vietnamese immigrant, Jiverly Wong, aka Vuong, a quiet, social misfit and also a gun enthusiast, driven by severe paranoia and frustrated over his “poor life” and poor English skills, gunned down 12 others in an immigrant center, 10 of whom came from 8 countries and who were students just trying to learn English as a second language. One was a Filipina, Dolores Yigal, a recent immigrant who was studying so she could find a job. One was a long time substitute teacher named Roberta King. One was an Iraqi woman who survived 3 car bombs in her native Iraq and left behind a devastated family, a daughter at the Sorbonne in Paris and another daughter, a Fulbright scholar. All these lives were cut off by one sorry excuse for a human being in one fell swoop. Among ordinary families from all strata and from nearly every ethnic group, there has also been a rash of killings among fathers who have decided to kill themselves because of their failures and are taking their whole family with them. On rare occasions, it is a mother who does it. Sometimes, the sick and the elderly decide to take matters into their own hands and end it all. The murder suicide rate among families is on the rise, thankfully not in epidemic proportions just yet as to cause panic. After all the news vans are
Kindness as the antidote for the darkness in the human heart “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”
gone from the crime scene, after the vacuous words of any sitting president have been said, after all references to the story are buried in the inside pages and eventually ground to a halt on the internet, and when the grieving families have no more tears to shed, many questions as to why such things happen with alarming frequency remain unanswered. There seems to be a moral turpitude that ails a society when some of its members regard murder suicide as an option. This much is certain — when extreme hubris rules the heart and mind, there will always be a lack of personal responsibility and accountability when something goes wrong. It would always be because of someone else’s fault or because of a set of circumstances. We tend to blame everything else but ourselves. The tendency to shirk responsibility is probably wired into our DNA right at the Garden of Eden with Eve playing the blame game early on. The devil made me do it. So did Adam. The woman gave me the apple. It is our inability, due to pride, the deadliest of all human failings, to own up to sin. And so it was with the fallen angels. There’s only one antidote to pride for us mere mortals and that is to cultivate daily a grateful, humble heart that thanks God for every moment of life on earth. Our Blessed Mother exemplifies the kind of heart that bears all. That is why she is worthy of emulation. “Thou shalt not kill” is a commandment that holds in good times and in bad. There’s no moral relativism on this. Each is precious to God or He wouldn’t have sacrificed His own Son if He didn’t think we were worth the time and trouble. Each murder is a grievous sin against the Holy Spirit from whom all life comes. It is us who has discounted our own worth. Part of the reason we have discounted the value of human life is that modern society has become so desensitized to violence and death via the content in films, games and media that pass for entertainment these days, that we take life for granted as though it means nothing. Does hell exist? How is punishment meted out in the afterlife? In the physical universe, scientists claim that there are black holes in the known universe that can’t be seen by human eyes but with gravitation so strong that it suctions, as in a whirling cosmic cauldron stirred by mighty forces, all the stars and planetary systems that come within its orbit, so strong that not even light can escape. Need a visual image for hell aside from Dante’s Inferno? Black holes could fit the bill as a repository for lost souls, a cold, dark, fetid, state of gnawing pain and bitter regret, filled with the piercing screams of the damned, with-
- Albert Schweitzer
out the presence of God for all eternity, and forever blotted out from all memory except their own. Is it possible that the morally bankrupt and depraved, regard the taking of a life as an option when things do not go their way or when the course of their lives hit a snag and overweening pride tells them to end it all, instead of getting down on their knees to pray to the God of their beings for the humility, the courage and the strength to endure? Gone is the fear of God, much less the love of God. As we steer farther and farther away from God and place something else in the center of our lives, scenarios of helplessness and despair such as what we are witnessing more frequently these days may be expected to unfold with eerie regularity. Many of us have become egocentric, overly individualistic, self-absorbed individuals. Perhaps during this period of testing, we would be a lot happier, healthier and less prone to veer towards lives of quiet desperation if we focused less and less on ourselves and more on the welfare of the other person and commit spontaneous, frequent acts of kindness and generosity to family members, total strangers and even those we struggle to love. It would be a tough slog but doable. ACTS OF KINDNESS, countless and given without expectations of return are the ANTIDOTE to the darkness of depression and thoughts of murder-suicide. These are like shafts of bright light that warm the human heart. There was one telling incident I never quite forgot. Long ago, I was running breathlessly huffing and puffing in my stilettos to drop some coins on a parking meter on Wilshire Boulevard I knew had expired because of a long, drawn-out presentation I was making on the upper floor of a nearby high rise. Fortunately, I narrowly missed getting a thirty-some dollar fine from the parking enforcer because a panhandler had dropped some coins for my car’s meter, from his can of coins. It stunned me to see him feeding all the meters that were expiring on that block. Of course, he may have been merely trying to annoy the heck out of the parking enforcer. Who knows? I only saw the kindness in the act. That stayed with me. From then on, I would remember and always be inspired by the completely anonymous gesture of that person who had practically nothing but still gave of the little he had. That’s when I knew kindness is contagious like the flu. n *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Disclosure and characterization of overseas assets in divorce
IN a divorce proceeding, people sometimes have a misconception Barrister’s that the only assets or properties that have to disclose assets and Corner properties situated in California. Even worst, sometimes parties even think that since an asset or property is situated in a different Atty. Kenneth country or state, that property is UrsUA reyes not community property and not subject to division in California family court. One has to understand the general community property presumption in California. Property acquired before marriage is the acquiring spouse’s separate property, as is property obtained during marriage that can be traced to a premarital acquisition. Family.Code. § 770(a). Rents, issues and profits” of separate property are separate property. All property acquired during marriage and before separation, other than by gift or inheritance, is presumptively community property. Family Code §§ 760, 771(a), 772; Marriage of Bonds (2000) 24 C4th 1, 12, 99 CR2d 252, 258; Marriage of Lehman (1998) 18 C4th 169, 177, 74 CR2d 825, 828. Pursuant to Family.Code. § 760, community personal or real property is consistently defined no matter where situated. Family Code §760 defines “Community property” as “Except as otherwise provided by statute, all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” As such, out-of-state community property is community property for all purposes, including intraspousal management and control fiduciary obligations. It does not matter if the property is located in another state or another country. For the same reason, the parties to a divorce case is required to disclose all property, separate and community, including those outside the state. During the marriage, the parties’ fiduciary duties require full and accurate disclosure of true and full information affecting community property transactions. FamilyCode. §§ 721(b), 1100(e). In addition,
disclosure duties arise upon separation in anticipation of dissolution, nullity or legal separation. The post-separation disclosure duties extend to all assets and liabilities in which either party has or may have an interest or obligation, regardless of community or separate property characterization, and to current earnings, accumulations and expenses. These duties “arise without reference to any wrongdoing.” Family. Code. §§ 721(b), 2100(c), 2102(a)(1); Marriage of Feldman (2007) 153 CA4th 1470, 1475–1476, 64 CR3d 29, 33; Marriage of Brewer & Federici (2001) 93 CA4th 1334, 1342–1344, 113 CR2d 849, 854– 855. Parties to a divorce case has a duty to provide full and accurate disclosure of all assets and debts including those in other states and other countries. Failure to disclose could result to certain legal consequences to the non-disclosing parties including sanctions and attorney’s fees. If you are contemplating a divorce and you own assets and properties outside the state or country, its best to retain the representation of an experience family law attorney. ***
Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. ***
Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 21-23, 2017
Calendar of Events across
B
America
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J U N E 25
Fiesta ng Calamba in Carson, CA The Calamba Association of Southern California invites everyone to the Fiesta ng Calamba (St. John the Baptist Feast Day) on Sunday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held at the Veterans Sports Complex at 22400 Moneta Ave., Carson, CA 90745. For more information, please contact Teresita Pinuela Hermosura at (626) 335-1008.
119th Philippine Independence Day Parade and Celebration in Boston, MA The Philippine Independence Day celebration in Boston will kick off with a parade including the Binibining Pilipinas Malayan 2017 winner and runner up, followed by a cultural show and concert. There will also be a wonderful assortment of vendors. Venue will be at the Boston City Hall and event will start at 9:30 a.m. Are you interested in performing or becoming a vendor at the event? Please contact PAMANA directly at: http://www.pamanainc. org/contact.
32nd Annual Tanzang Luma Barrio Fiesta in Buena Park, CA In honor of St. John the Baptist, Patron Saint of Tanzang Luma (Imus, Cavita), Hermanos Mayores Mrs. Librada (Adang) and Paus Camagong & family invite you to celebrate with them on Sunday, June 25, 2017, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Buena Park Community Center Heritage Hall (8150 Knott Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620). Holy Mass starts promptly at 11:30 a.m., followed by a potluck lunch. “We wish to continue cultivating our Filipino tradition of sharing God’s bountiful blessings and encourage the future generation to participate in this family cultural event,” said the organizers. Filipino costumes and ‘maskaras’ are optional for a fun-filled parade after the mass and dancing in the hall. The music will be provided by DJ Robin Clemente. “Magkita-kita tayong lahat at mag salo-salo sa ating taunang pagdiriwang! Magandang Buhay Sa AtingLahat!” the organizers added. Next year’s Hermanos Mayores are the Sapin Clan, descendants of Victorino Sapin & Pia Vina. For more information, please contact: Pat (Yoyo) Camaclang: (619) 757-4913; Angie Jaro: (916) 833-0436; Flor Mejia: (562) 260-9529; Jim Magdaluyo: (562) 824-6883; Perry Camagong: 425) 524-1399.
“Musikahan! with Maestro Ryan Cayabyab” in Glendale, CA Come to the Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 25 for an unforgettable performance! The Ryan Cayabyab Singers will be joined by local Fil-Am artists, including Giselle Tongi, Annie Nepomuceno, Miguel Vera, The Harana Men’s Chorus, Edsel Sotiangco, Michael Keith, the Los Angeles Young Ambassadors (LAYA), Josie Gonzalez, Louisa Tampi and more from the Pilipino Artist Network. Presented by Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA in cooperation with FilamARTS, tickets are available at the Alex Theatre box office and online links are posted on www.musicartsevents.com. Venue address is 216 North Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203.
Glorious Foundation inaugural dinner in Pasadena, CA The Glorious Foundation will launch its humanitarian mission on Sunday, June 25, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Raffi’s Catering and Banquet (3887 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107). “Our mission,” says founder Paul Leary, “is to provide support to various inter-faith ministries and the community to give relief to the poor, distressed and underprivileged.” The donation of $40 will include event festivities like dancing, entertainment, raffles and silent auction. Sponsors are invited to collaborate with this mission. For more information, contact Paul Leary at (310) 562-3825 or Nini Maldonado (818) 919-5916.
J U N E 29
APALA’s fundraising awards dinner in San Francisco The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)’s San Francisco Chapter will hold a “fundraising awards dinner” on June 29 at 5:30-10 p.m. at Fort McKinley Restaurant (101 Brentwood Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080). APALA will honor individuals who have dedicated their lives to advocating and defending worker and immigrant rights and promoting economic justice. For more information, please call Celia Rivera of APALA-SF at (650) 296-9623.
J U LY 7
Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in concert in Las Vegas Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS) will hold a concert at the Flamingo Theatre of the Clark County Library at 7 p.m., with touring guest Annie Nepomuceno and special guest tenor Edward Granadosin. Front acts are Michael Perez and Esmeralda Padilla. Please call Dr. Mike Santa Juana at (516) 669-5834, Art Jerus (702) 738-8029 or Randolph Umali (702) 985-5724 for inquiries.
J U LY 8
United Batanguenos of Southern California Induction in Los Angeles The United Batanguenos of Southern California will hold its induction of officers on Saturday, July 8 at Casa Italiana in Los Angeles. Millie Moncada will be inducted as new governor. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For other related questions please call Millie at (818) 322-9429; Cely Anuran (805) 630-3377 or Willie Manacsa at (818) 400-7391. Casa Italiana is located at 1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
J U LY 2 0
LEAP’s 35th anniversary celebration in Los Angeles Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc. (LEAP) is proud to celebrate 35 years of ”Growing Leaders” on Thursday, July 20 and the leadership of individuals that exemplify LEAP’s mission to achieve full participation and equality for Asian and Pacific Islanders through leadership, empowerment, and policy. Proceeds from the event will be used to develop LEAP’s innovative leadership programs, cutting-edge public policy research, and nationwide community building. This year’s 35th Anniversary Celebration will be like no other gala that LEAP has had in the past. LEAP’s 35th Anniversary Celebration will be an eventful evening that will be both interactive and experiential. With an abundance of food and friends, LEAP will celebrate those who have shaped the organization, those who have been impacted by the organization, and those who continue to grow as Asian and Pacific Islander leaders and dream big. Honores for the individual leadership award include Fatima Bustos-Choy, Phd, founder of Gaia Flow Consulting and CEO And owner of Body & Brain Holistic Wellness Center; Kenneth Kasamatsu, advisor to the CEO, E-Central Credit Union / The Pacific Bridge Companies, and founder of Pacific Commerce Bank ; Geri Mannion, program director, U.S. Democracy and Special Opportunities Fund at Carnegie Corporation of New York; and Paul Ong, director of the Center for Neighborhood Knowledge at UCLA. The David R. Barclay Alumni Leadership Award will be presented to Scott Chan, program director for the Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement and Patricia A. Neilson, director of Asian American Student Success at University of Massachusetts Boston. The VIP & general reception will begin at 5 p.m., while the program is from 7 to 10 p.m. It will be held at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (244 South San Pedro Street Los Angeles, CA 90012). Attire is business. To RSVP, visit www.leap.org/celebration_tickets. For more information about registration, contact Mayta Lor at (213) 485-1422 x 4105 or mlor@leap.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
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
B4 JUNE 21-23, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
People and Events
DCFS staff celebrates Philippine Independence Day by FELI
GUITERREZ DCFS Adoptions
ON June 6, 2016 Supervisor Hilda Solis made a motion for the Board of Supervisors to proclaim June 12, 2017 as “Philippine Independence Day “ throughout Los Angeles County. The motion stated the following historical background: “Throughout history, the Philippine Day of Independence has varied. In the late 19th century, Filipino intellectuals, Priests, and members of the middle class began to rebel against the Spanish forces that had control of the Philippine archipelago. The exposure to global trade coupled with some of the abuses that resulted from colonial rule led to the growth of nationalism among Filipinos. After numerous rebellions and treaties it was not until July 4th, 1946 that full independence was granted to the Re-
public of the Philippines. Sixteen years later, Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal issued a Presidential Proclamation that declared June 12th as Philippine Independence Day and July 4th as Philippine Republic Day.” In keeping with the Board’s proclamation, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Regional Administrator Aris Banico initiated the very first celebration of the Philippine Independence Day at the department. The event took place on June 13, 2017, in the Glendora office with 50 guests representing several DCFS offices including clerks, social workers, nurses, eligibility workers, staff assistants, supervisors and managers. The room buzzed with excitement as old friends reunited and new friendships were formed. It was interesting to note that
some attendees did not look Filipino, being of mixed ethinicity or did not have traditional Filipino surnames due to marriage. The potluck, expertly coordinated by Mary Grace Kaplowitz, generated different favorite entrees and desserts with many “to go “ boxes requested afterwards. Entertainment included a brief historical video, Filipino songs by Ma. Carmen Ramos and a Malong Muslim Dance by Nenita Jaurigue, Mary Ann Mata, Graziella Mora, Eleanor Rivera and Mary Grace Kaplowitz. The celebration generated a sense of community and promoted pride on being Filipino and should be an annual event for years to come. Such events are an effective way for staff to network in ensuring child safety, family development and permanency. For anyone interested in becoming foster parents or adopting, please call (888) 811-1121.
Fil-Am students among scholarship beneficiaries of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California $233,000 in grants given to 85 college-bound Southland students
LOS ANGELES (June 20, 2017) — Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California (RMHCSC), in partnership with Southern California McDonald’s operators, is helping 85 of the Southland’s brightest and most deserving high school seniors make their college dreams a reality this fall by awarding more than $233,000 in scholarships.
2017 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC) Filipino-American Scholarship recipients Lourdes Macaspac and Gabrielle Domingo. Fil-Am Claire Dominique Medina (not pictured) also received a scholarship. Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California
Since 1990, RMHCSC has helped pave the way toward higher education for more than 3,400 exceptional Southern California students, providing more than $5.7 million in funds to help ease the financial burden of college tuition, fees and educational expenses. Selected from a pool of more than 1,400 applicants, the 2016-17 RMHCSC Scholarship Program recipients were recently recognized at a celebratory luncheon that took place at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Poornima Vijayashanker, engineer and founder of education company Femgineer, delivered the keynote address and Univision network’s Fernanda Kelly served as master of ceremonies. “This year’s group of young scholars has truly inspired us with their extraordinary accomplishments and commitment to their community,” said Vince Bryson, CEO, RMHCSC. “We’re excited to see them achieve their educational dreams and are confident that their successes will motivate the next generation.” Every year, RMHCSC supports outstanding college-bound students across Southern California through four competitive RMHC scholarships: RMHC/Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources, RMHC/African American Future Achievers, RMHC/Asian Pacific American Students Increasing Achievement, and
ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
RMHC/Scholars. Award recipients are selected through a rigorous application process based on a number of criteria including academic achievement, community involvement, leadership skills, letters of recommendation and financial need. Funding is made possible through the fundraising efforts of more than 120 local McDonald’s operators in Southern Califor-
nia, McDonald’s corporate staff and the global and Southern California chapters of RMHC. Additionally, the McDonald’s Operators’ Association of Southern California (MOASC) pays for all administrative costs for managing the scholarship program. Interested students can begin the 2018-19 application process in October 2017. For more information, please visit www.rmhcsc.org/scholarships.
2017 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC) Scholarship recipients pictured with RMHCSC CEO Vince Bryson, and local McDonald’s owner/operators. Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Community Journal
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 21-23, 2017
B
Filipino domestic workers honored in celebration of International Domestic Workers’ Day LOS ANGELES - Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California (PWC) took part in a series of events and communication efforts to commemorate the lifeblood of the Filipino community: its workers. As the month of June marks two historical occasions in the Filipino community, starting with the Philippine Independence Day on the 12th and followed by the International Domestic Workers Day on the 16th, now is the perfect time to acknowledge the domestic workers for their tireless efforts and compassionate service. And PWC aims to accomplish this through engaging events, PWC’s workshops and trainings and via social media and email marketing. The first leg began as hundreds of Filipinos gathered in the City of Carson’s Veterans Park on Saturday, June 10, to celebrate Philippine Independence Day. As our kababayans revealed beside PWC’s Sarao jeepney on the site, the staff and members graciously honored the Filipino workers by giving tokens of appreciation such as flowers and other gifts. To celebrate International Domestic Workers Day, over 1,000 PWC members received a special greeting from PWC as part of the organization’s salutation and support to the Filipino domestic workforce in Southern California. Also, on June 17, PWC gave a special token to all workers who have attended their caregiver training on Self Care, led by The Second City. June 16, 2017 marks the sixth anniversary of the 2011 passage of the International Labor Organization Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, establishing the international
EMPLOYMENT
law for domestic workers. Since its passage, domestic workers have used this day to honor the vibrancy of the leadership of domestic workers in the fight for better protections across the world, including the state of California. International Domestic Workers’ Day will put a spotlight on the huge impact domestic workers make in their communities and the issues that they still face. Through PWCs efforts, domestic workers will be educated on their rights and encouraged to help fight for better standards in the industry. In Southern California alone, there are thousands of Filipino domestic workers in our community who care for children, seniors & people with disabilities. But sadly, most domestic workers are paid less than minimum wage, denied overtime compensation, and subjected to tremendous abuse and exploitation. Domestic workers, employers, and advocates in Southern California have been actively trying to improve conditions stateside and other countries. In just four years, four state domestic workers’ bills of rights have passed, representing a historic step forward for domestic work being recognized as real work and establishing labor protections. PWC is working toward establishing the same rights for workers by wage theft claims and demanding overtime pay, finally propelling domestic workers’ rights to the 21st century. Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) is a non-profit organization serving the Filipino community in Southern California. To know more about domestic workers’ rights or connect with fellow workers, contact Members of the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) were joined by Philippine Consulate General Adelio Cruz at the City of Carson’s celebration of PWC at (213)250-4353 or email at info@pwcsc.org. Philippine Independence Day on Saturday, June 10.
EMPLOYMENT
FOR RENT
SERVICES
B6 JUNE 21-23, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
The Asian Journal
MDWK
Wednesday, JUNE 21, 2017
MAGAZINE
†Ü¯†ÅºÊåÙņ¿Ö咿¯“†â¯ÊÅÜ
dž†Ü¯†ÅºÊåÙņ¿“ÊÄ
dž†Ü¯†ÅºÊåÙņ¿
XXX BTJBOKPVSOBM DPN -PT "OHFMFT LJ -BT 7FHBT LJ 0SBOHF $PVOUZ *OMBOE &NQJSF LJ /PSUIFSO $BMJGPSOJB LJ /FX :PSL /FX +FSTFZ
2
cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 21, 2017
LA, NYC Fil-Am chefs at the heart of ‘ULAM’ by CHRISTINA
W
ITH the immense admiration that Filipino food has received over the last few years, it’s no surprise that the cuisine is also getting big screen treatment. “ULAM,” (Tagalog for main dish) an hour-long documentary by Filipina-American filmmaker Alexandra Cuerdo, looks at the rise of the Filipino food movement in Los Angeles and New York City. It was recently previewed in front of over 600 individuals at the Million Dollar Theater as part of the LA Food Bowl, the Los Angeles Times’ inaugural month-long festival this past May. The cuisine’s ability to appeal to diverse palates is evident from the get-go of the documentary, as the opening scene shows diners of various ethnicities gathering around a table for a kamayan meal. This eating style of forging utensils and using banana leaves as plates — once seen as ‘uncultured’ — has been turned into a curious dining experience. As seen in “ULAM,” this current accessibility to Filipino food is thanks to chefs and restaurant owners like NYC-based Romy Dorotan and Amy Besa of Purple Yam and Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad of Maharlika and Jeepney. In LA, we have Andre Guerrero (The Oinkster, Maximiliano, The Little Bear & Ramen Room), Johneric Concordia and Christine Araquel-Concordia of The Park’s Finest, Alvin Cailan (Eggslut, Amboy & Unit 120), Ricebar’s Charles Olalia, and brothers Chase and Chad Valencia of LASA. “Right now, we’re kind of hitting this stride — this renaissance, if you will, of Filipino food in the states. Everyone is doing something very different and unique, where it’s personal to themselves, authentic to themselves,” Chase Valencia narrates. Cooking “ULAM” For Cuerdo, a Southern
M. ORIEL /AJPress
“I think ultimately the key to everyone’s heart is through their stomach.” —Filipino-American chef Alvin Cailan
Los Angeles-based chef Alvin Cailan of Eggslut, Amboy & Unit 120 in ULAM: Main Dish Photo courtesy of Alvin Cailan
A scene from ULAM: Main Dish.
John Floresca, producer and cinematographer of ULAM: Main Dish. Photos courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment.
for Filipinos. That’s how we connect, that’s how we all come together as a community,” Cuerdo told the Asian Journal. “That’s really how it began in LA and New York. It’s just an introduction to the Filipino food movement.” Throughout “ULAM,” the influences of Filipino food and the preparations required to make the chefs’ signature dishes are shown, from Dorotan’s ube cassava tamale to Concordia’s slow-smoked pork ribs to Olalia’s longganisa made from scratch. “I just love the flavors. I love Chef Andre Guerrero hitting all the senses. When it comes to the table, visually it looks interesting. Texture, it’s all different. If you close your eyes, the scents are powerful. And when you taste it, it doesn’t end with just chewing and swallowing — you have a nice finish. And it’s delicious,” Trinidad describes early in the film. By the time the film ended, there seemed to be a resonatCharles Olalia of Ricebar in LA ing hunger in the audience. Beyond the struggles However, despite the mouth-watering, beautifully plated creations, being in the culinary field isn’t entirely glamorous. It was apt to detail the challenges the chefs went through in order to open their restaurants, especially after being told they would fail. The perspectives that the chefs offer on this provide a historical and cultural context as to how Filipino cuisine has become the mainstream phenomenon it is today. Though it’s a collective movement, it Amy Besa and Romy Dorotan of Purple Yam in NY still has its own nuances, like Ponseca, who began MaMaharlika’s translation of the food differs from Purple Yam or harlika as a series of pop-up brunches in NYC, reveals how LASA’s menus. critics initially said that non“At what point do you talk Filipinos wouldn’t be adventurabout authenticity?” Guerrero ous enough to try dishes like asks, questioning the identity dinuguan (pig’s blood stew), of Filipino cuisine, given the while Filipinos would find her influences from the Spanish, offerings overpriced. Chinese and Americans. Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad of NYʼs Maharlika and Jeepney “There’s no manual that Among the struggles, says, ‘how do you open a Dorotan and Besa share how crossover Filipino restaurant?’ they migrated to the United Or how do you make it to year States because of the political climate in the Philippines during three?” she says. “So I split the conversation: How do you run the ‘70s. The couple went on a restaurant? and How do you to open Cendrillon in Soho in represent Filipino food?” the late ‘90s and though the Trinidad, Ponseca’s partner restaurant was a beloved hit, who is of Dominican descent, it was way before its time and recounts some of the hesitaeventually shuttered its doors tions he received from diners because of Manhattan’s ever in his endeavor to learn how to rising rent. In November 2009, cook Filipino food. He backthey opened Purple Yam in packed around the Philippines Johneric Concordia of The Parkʼs Finest. Photo courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment Brooklyn. for three and a half months to immerse himself in the culture and food, arguing that it’s possible for non-Filipinos to take part in the food’s movement because chefs have mastered Italian cuisine without being Italian descent, for example. “I wanted to do right by it. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t bastardizing it or dumbing it down,” he explains. “So I went to the roots.” Spirit of Filipino food Curated by Cailan’s Unit 120 culinary incubator, Filipino food had its own spotlight at the LA Food Bowl with “Filipino Fridays” at Chinatown’s Far East Plaza featuring nights An ube tamale by Romy Dorotan of Purple Yam is highlighted in the film. Photo courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment devoted to street food, lechon California-native whose father Rey has a film background, focusing on NYC and LA were obvious choices for “ULAM” because she was shuttling back and forth between the two cities while working in film production. During a conversation with Fil-Am cinematographer Matty Libatique (“Black Swan”, “Iron Man”) in mid-2015, she expressed her interest in doing a documentary on Filipino food. Libatique, whom Cuerdo regards as a role model, essentially told her to pursue it and sent her off with a list of Filipino places to begin with. She then pitched the idea to John Floresca, who became the film’s co-producer and cinematographer. A few months later that year, Cuerdo met Cailan at NextDayBetter, a creative speaker series that held an event in LA featuring Fil-Am chefs and restaurants. That’s also where Cailan connected with the Valencias and Olalia, sparking a camaraderie and support system among fellow Fil-Ams working in LA’s culinary industry. “It’s all of these meeting places that are really important
Photo courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment.
Behind the scenes with producer Rey Cuerdo (left) and director Alexandra Cuerdo (right) from ULAM: Main Dish. Photo courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment.
Chase and Chad Valencia of LASA, a California-inspired Filipino restaurant in LA
Behind the scenes with Romy Dorotan of Purple Yam from ULAM: Main Dish. Photo courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment.
and dessert. Six Fil-Am chefs came together to whip up a multi-course dinner to tease the documentary preview the night before. After the screening, Cuerdo, Cailan, Chase Valencia and pastry chef Isa Fabro were joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold for a panel to reflect on the film. Gold — who is a known proponent of the movement — praised “ULAM” for capturing the ‘spirit’ of Filipino food through the generosity and unity. “When that friendship and dialogue (with Alvin) started, one big thing was this idea of really developing a community and backing each other,” Chase Valencia told the audience, adding how this network allowed him and his brother Chad to transition their pop-up dinners to a full-service restaurant. He added, “This documentary is awesome because it stops at a moment right now of where we can take it next. It’s just pointing out the fact that we’re going to push our food and we’re going to do it together.” The chefs and Cuerdo suggested that embracing the regionality of the Philippines and more Filipino restaurants popping up are possible next steps for the cuisine. Cailan added that the progression could be taking on different traditional dishes like kare kare
or laing. “There will be a generation of Filipino kids who will grow up eating this food…[and] will be so much more educated about the regional differences and even names of the dishes,” Cuerdo said. “And not just Filipinos, but just people. Everybody is welcome to try the food and people are going to know, in the same way we know pad thai, adobo. I think that’s really beautiful.” “Taste of what’s to come” While only chefs and restaurants in LA and NYC were highlighted in “ULAM,” Cuerdo hinted that it could spring off into a series of documentaries on more chefs in cities like Washington D.C., Chicago and San Francisco. “By no means did we want it to be a manual, an A to Z. This is just a taste of what’s to come, so we would love to do part two. We would love to profile many of the other amazing Filipino chefs and we’re looking forward to the future,” she told the Asian Journal. Cuerdo plans to enter “ULAM” into various festivals and screen it across the United States, but for now, she hopes it will “get people to try Filipino food.” “At the end of the day, if we can get anyone who watches this film to try one of these restaurants, that’s the goal,” she said. “We’re really trying to promote our culture through food.”
entertainment
Jake Zyrus: ‘I won’t let anyone ruin my happiness’ by Amierielle
Anne Philstar.com
BulAn
“My first tweet as Jake. Overwhelmed.” This was the reaction of Charice Pempengco after she turned into Jake Zyrus, the moniker she now uses on social media. “Saw all your love comments and I’m so happy. Finally. I love you, everyone and see you soon,” the tweet added. A month after her breakup with long-time girlfriend Alyssa Charice Pempengco now turned into Jake Zyrus, the moniker he now uses on social media. Quijano, the globally-acheart, thank you for the love claimed 25-year-old changed and respect. I love you back and her user name in all of her I’m sending peace to everysocial media accounts last one,” the caption read. Sunday, June 18. The same clearance of posts In her Instagram account, the singer-songwriter deleted all also happened on his Twitter account, where Jake expressed previous posts as Charice and his gratitude for those who supposted a blue-green 1x1 photo carrying the words “Thank you.” ported him. He also recognized the articles that published about “From the bottom of my
his decision. “I won’t let anyone ruin this moment. I won’t let anyone ruin my happiness. Thank you to all the beautiful write ups about me,” Jake tweeted. Jake first confirmed that he was a lesbian in 2013 during an exclusive interview on the weekly entertainment news and talk show “The Buzz.” It was the same interview where the singer opened up his relationship with Alyssa. Since then, the singer has donned a new look with tattoos paired with his short blonde cut. In 2016, Jake landed on the cover of “Mega Man” magazine’s June or pride month issue. Jake rose to fame in 2008 when he impressed U.S. popular talk show host Oprah Winfrey on her show, and this opened doors to various gigs and record deals.
Zsa Zsa Padilla on staying young by izA iglesiAs ManilaTimes.net
THere are some who believe that once a person hits the age of 50, he or she should begin slowing down for health reasons. This mindset, however hinders them from doing a great many things–and even “firsts”—that those in their age bracket should be doing, like exploring a new country or learning a new skill or sport. The 50s after all aren’t called the “golden years” for nothing. In fact, those who find themselves thriving in the fifth decade of their lives believe that the “yolo” [you Only Live Once] concept should not be exclusive to millennials. They are parents to millennials, yes, but their adventurous spirit is ever present–and even better, coupled with wisdom to prevent them from making any youthful mistakes. One such celebrity parent is singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla who showed how much she and millennial daughters Zia and Coco Quizon have so much in common. When asked about a surprising “first” she saw her mother accomplish, Coo related, “I
Zsazsa Padilla
remember when my mom and I tried to learn how to drive together a few years ago. We pretty much quit soon after because we were hitting every curb but she didn’t give up.” Confessing she never learned to drive at her age, Padilla reasoned out, “I was usually so scared of driving because there are so many different things to worry about.” eventually, because she was eager to accomplish more and more things on her bucket list, Padilla finally hit a milestone–her long-time dream of driving a car had been accomplished
“One day, I surprised Coco by picking her up for dinner. She couldn’t believe that I continued to study driving,” Padilla laughed. “I still don’t drive nor have a license, so good job for her!” Quizon chuckled Known as the Divine Diva,” Padilla indeed shows no signs of slowing down at the age of 53. Besides her regular appearances on the ABS-CBN Sunday variety show “ASAP,” her acting career continues to blossom too. Just this May, she starred alongside Liza Soberano for “Maalaala Mo Kaya’” episode on Pia Wurtzbach’s life story, and she is currently shooting for the film “Bes And The Beshies” headlined by Comedy Queen Ai Ai delas Alas. “Sometimes when they ask if I do I feel my age, I say, ‘yes, I do feel 53.’ But that’s a 53-yearold who works out so I have all the energy I can get. I am also working so I am still having fun,” Padilla said.. “But what really keeps me young is being in social media because there, I am in touch with a more younger fan base and I also learn many things about young people,” she added.
3
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 21, 2017
Musikahan with Maestro Ryan on June 25 features numerous artists Ryan Cayabyab Singers headline joined by exceptional local talents
NO front acts here—the concert at the Alex Theatre will be a true collaboration between Filipino-Americans and the celebrated Maestro ryan Cayabyab. With a big cast of stellar talent, both local and from abroad, the evening will be filled with inspiration and pride through music. Maestro ryan has written 11 musicals, 3 operas, numerous works for orchestras and choir, all with Filipino themes. His work truly represents the Filipino psyche, and has been lauded as world class and top caliber, reaping many awards such as a Gawad CCP Awards, Awit Awards, Aliw Awards and even a Papal Award for his contribution to the community through music. The audience is in for a treat, even for just the number of talents performing. Whether you are a fan of his hit songs like “Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” “Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka,” “Kailan,” and “Paraiso” or looking for a connection to your Filipino heritage, the Alex Theatre on June 25 is the place to be. There is something for everyone in this concert that explores the eras of Maestro ryan’s career: from his popular TV show “ryan ryan Musikahan,” to his work with Basil Valdez, Smokey Mountain and
his musicals “Katy!” and opera “Spoliarium.” This breadth of work will be performed with exceptional talents the ryan Cayabyab Singers (rCS), whose impressive vocals will be sure to thrill from pop, big ballads, theatre, opera and rap. The group hands choreography deftly, including a nostalgic tap number. Special guests will delve into their connection with the Maestro and his work. From soloists to vocal groups: Becca Godinez, Giselle Tongi, Annie Nepomuceno, Miguel Vera, the Harana Men’s Chorus, edsel Sotiangco, Michael Keith, the Los Angeles young Ambassadors (LAyA), Josie Gonzalez, and Louisa Tampi. Through FilamArts Pilipino Artist Network and the celebrated Kayamanan ng Lahi Cultural Dance Troupe, their contributions highlight the cultural connection and creativity of Filipino-Americans. This concert truly has more than you can ask for. Conceptualized by Music Arts events and Philippine Patrons of the Arts, the show is meant to provide the Filipino-Community performances that enrich, uplift and inspire the Filipino spirit, and instill cultural pride through the performing arts. “Musikahan! With Maestro
Annie Nepomuceno
Giselle Tongi
Ryan Cayabyab
ryan Cayabyab” is in June 25 at 6:30pm Sunday, at the Alex Theatre located at 216 North Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203. Tickets can be purchased at the Alex Theatre box office and www.alextheatre.org. Pricing is $40, $50, $60, $70 and $80. This tour’s major sponsors are Philippine Airlines, TFC The Filipino Channel, Asian Journal, The Law Offices of Chris Navarro, and Wealth Financial Life. Tour promoter is Music Arts events Inc and is bringing the ryan Cayabyab Singers to San Diego on July 2 an Las Vegas on July 7. Visit www.musicartsevents.com for details. Other sponsors are UP Alumni of Greater LA (UPAAGLA), FilamArTS, Balikbayan Magazine, Kababayan Today, Island Pacific Supermarket, PhilHouse, Sotiangco Group of Companies, Leelin Bakery and Café, Fiesta Fastfood, LA rose Café, Get Assured, Cypress residence, Maxx Promos, Waling-Waling by edgardo, Wanderlust Creatives, Ginny Cosmetics, rick Gavino, Ding Carreon, LA Synergy Lions Club, Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, House of Grill, and JG Nipa Hut. (Advertising Supplement)
4
features
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 21, 2017
Asian Pacific Community Fund invests in the next generation of API leaders & their organizations
Richard Gutierrez: ‘I’m a totally different person now’ by Gabbie
TaTad Philstar.com
THERE is a certain serenity to Richard Gutierrez. It could very well be the lack of sleep that so many personalities in the film industry and in general adulthood bemoan — “I can’t remember We understand the challenges the low to the last time I had eight hours or moderate communities face in financing more,” Gutierrez chuckles — but college. We value the limitless potential it seems to run much deeper. The of our youth and are delighted to invest in man, with his strong stance and their future,” said Alan Thian, Royal Busisoft expressions, seems to be ness Bank President & CEO. physically present while his mind As the needs of the API community wanders to a deeper place. He evolve, the mission of APCF is to cultivate smiles when he talks about riding philanthropists to invest in organizations bikes in Zambales and photothat empower underserved APIs to prosgraphing wildlife in unspoiled per. APCF’s vision is a thriving API commu- territory, but even his excitement, nity fostered by a culture of philanthropy. although palpable, is tempered. APCF is proud to work with its corporate It’s hard to imagine Richard and community partners, and individuals Gutierrez as someone who would to build healthier and stronger API comever put the sagad in Sagada, munities. but it seems that the man who This year’s gala sponsors include sits before us now is at a largely Diamond Sponsor, Cathay Bank; Platinum different point in his life where he Sponsor, Toyota; Silver Sponsors, Royal feels that he is changed. Business Bank and Wells Fargo Bank; as “Friends are telling me well as many other corporate partners who now that I’m a totally different have made generous donations to APCF, person.” Gutierrez pauses, before such as California Statewide CDC, Comsaying with a huge laugh, “I’m not munity Bank, Diagnostic Medical Group sure if that’s good!” Amusement of Southern CA, DSG Insurance Services, aside, Gutierrez recounts going East West Bank, Edison International, Fine- out frequently and constantly, man West & Company, First General Bank, never really wanting to go home Mayer Brown, MSK, Snell & Wilmer, and and always looking for the next Walmart to name a few. thing. “When you’re young, Established in 1990, APCF is a comyou’re in your mid-20s, and you munity-based, nonprofit fund that was have money and you have fame, created to educate and encourage it’s a bit hard to control, to take individuals and companies to support API hold of your life. So I kind of excommunities in need by donating through perienced that, like a whirlwind,” workplace giving programs as well as he says. other channels. The organization is the Indeed, much of Gutierrez’s only API community-based fund of its kind life has mimicked a whirlwind. in Southern California. Since its founding, His return to the Philippines in APCF has raised and distributed over $5 his youth, following studies in the million in grants to its partner agencies United States, included schedulas well as other community organizaing showbiz for the weekends tions. APCF and its partner agencies serve as he and his brother Raymond 250,000 people annually with programs were meant to pursue further and services provided in a total of 27 studies. Showbiz, however, had Asian and Pacific Islander languages, in other plans. Before he knew it, addition to English and Spanish. Programs Gutierrez was in deep and slowly include childcare/youth programs, affordbut surely burning out from a life able housing, counseling and case manthat was characteristically both agement, healthcare, job development high-pressured and routinary. “I and training, legal services, senior services, really wanted, I really needed, a violence prevention, and much more. step back from everything,” says For additional information, please visit Gutierrez, and that’s exactly what www.apcf.org. he did. Gutierrez took a year off (Advertising Supplement)
Walmart awards APCF $81,000 for API Nutrition & Food Assistance Program LOS ANGELES, – On Thursday, June 15, the Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF) celebrated the 11th Annual “Giving for All Seasons” Fundraising Gala where it showcased its investment in the next generation of Asian & Pacific Islander (API) leaders and their respective organizations. APCF also received $81,000 from Walmart for its API Children & Families Nutrition & Food Assistance Program. The gala was held at Fifth Floor, Los Angeles Music Center, 135 North Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles and began at 6 p.m. with a hors d’oeuvres reception and silent auction, followed by a formal program and awards presentation at 7:30 p.m. Amanda Ma, Innovate Marketing Group CEO and Gala Co-chair, said, “Giving should not be a requirement but a lifestyle. When you give, you receive more back in goodwill. With the community’s support, APCF is able to amplify that giving to empower the respective nonprofit communities to funnel down that benefit to the ones truly in need.” APCF, through its 2017 Operating Grant Program, awarded funds where most needed, but also where there is the potential for the greatest impact by investing in smaller nonprofit organizations with budgets under $1 million serving the API community. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 were awarded to seven community organizations; all led by executive directors with an average of two years in their leadership roles, along with extensive training resources for their board. ”As a community fund focused on the API nonprofit sector, we have seen the unique challenges faced by our nonprofits, especially the smaller ones – not just in terms of funding, but also other capacity related needs,” said Debra Fong, Executive Director of APCF. “Our new Operating Grant program demonstrates our continued commitment to the sustainability and growth of our API nonprofit partners that are crucial to providing culturally appropriate services in our many languages.” In addition, APCF received $81,000 from the Walmart Foundation for the API Children & Families Nutrition Program. APCF will work with the Asian Youth Cen-
ter, Korean American Family Services, and Koreatown Youth & Community Center to 1) provide culturally-appropriate Asian foods to low-income, immigrant, and atrisk families on a monthly basis, 2) provide food bags filled with nutritious Asian-specific fruits, vegetables, and foods to 300 licensed Day Care Centers and Day Care Home providers to feed 4,300 children with healthy meals and snacks, and 3) provide weekly home delivery of food bags to extremely low-income and formerly homeless residents at the Menlo Family Apartments in Koreatown/Pico-Union District. In 2016, APCF’s overall grant making totaled $550,000 with funds generated through workplace giving programs, donor advised funds, and other giving opportunities. APCF recognizes those who have led the way in Asian American philanthropy and provided the foundation for API communities to live with dignity and flourish with each generation. This year’s honorees are Royal Business Bank with Alan Thian, President & CEO, accepting on behalf of the company (Corporate Philanthropy Award); William Tseng (Philanthropy Leadership Award); and the Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee (Spirit of Giving Award). In addition, APCF offers several scholarship programs for students pursuing higher education, with up to $175,000 in awards available for 2017. “In a time when students are faced with significantly rising costs of obtaining a college degree, it is important that there is support for students in the API communities who are economically disadvantaged,” remarked Michael Lee, Lee & Associates Senior Vice President and Gala Co-chair. New in 2017, Royal Business Bank is awarding $20,000 in new scholarships through APCF for students residing in counties where their bank branches are located. Twenty economically disadvantaged students will each receive $1,000 towards their college tuition this fall. “As long-time partners of the Asian Pacific Community Fund, Royal Business Bank is proud to take our philanthropy to the next level with our new college scholarship program for low-income students.
Richard Gutierrez
from show business to set his priorities in order, which meant assessing friendships, investing more time in his family, as well as exploring a passion project that combines his love for nature and adventure. He loves traveling to far-flung areas, which he photographs, and has quietly been compiling an exploration of wildlife visible in these areas for a book. He comes alive when talking about it, saying it should be on everyone’s bucket list to go to Tonga Island in Oceania to swim with humpback whales, and his desire to explore Costa Rica and the Svalbard Islands in Norway. But once his feet are back on local soil, his greater adventure is with his relationship with his son Zion. “I’ve heard that many, many times: ‘It’s going to change your life.’ But during the time that they were telling me, I was like, ‘How is that going to change my life?’ It just comes naturally. I think it’s just your responsibility, your love and your responsibility in one,” Gutierrez says about fatherhood. With all the time he was spending at home, Gutierrez calls himself a homebody these days, and does so with pride. “I can’t say that I have regrets. Of course, during the time that you’re making mistakes, you’re going to tell yourself, ‘Why the hell did I do that?’ But at this point in my life, I’ve accepted all of my mistakes and I think it’s shaped me now into who I am today, which I’m thankful for.”
MOONLIGHTING
in this worship of style, in seeing a woman wear an outfit, which she has just seen advertised as the latest fad. It is profoundly wrong if you think that money and labels AT first, you might think it is could get everything fixed and the elegant figure, a matchless style, and mysterious allure. With you’d henceforth look incredible. “Class is elegance in appearances or without makeup, she is always put together and utterly self con- and manners. Class is elegance fident, imbued with natural, some and price gently influencing,” said Coco Chanel. could be insolently thin, casuGood taste does not mean ally chic and fashionable despite being showy, but keeping it simple wardrobe. simple. I am reluctant to write about I think there is a little dayfashion. It does not fascinate dreaming and fantasizing, me — on the contrary, I find the even at our age, about chic subject repellent. But I did not choose the times clothes. Bringing in appropriate I live in, nor do I choose what I am stuff has a tinge of adventure in compelled to write. In reportage, it and women spend aggregate I’m committed to speak about my years of shopping, because our purchases make us feel less puny. own experience. We are fragile so we shop I am not an authority in the and fix ourselves up to make up history of fashion, but the perimfor our weaknesses. And while eters of experience do not end you don’t need all that stuff to with what is immediate. make a super life, you need it for In the fashion world, almost admiration. As they say, if you are everything connects. But what not around people with taste, you truly gives a woman style? What can’t get it — you have to let the gives them that personal maggood stuff sink on you. netism and allure, which makes A lot of self-delusion probably them dominate a room from a happens when we read fashion footstool? magazines. I think mini skirts are How do they do it and what the best thing to ever happen to can you learn from them? women, for some women at least. There is something ridiculous
5
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 21, 2017
by MYLAH DE
features
The worship of style
LEON
baby doll dresses. The fake, innocent look and Peter Pan collar also became trendy for a while. Now, downtown chic has taken over, concentrating on jarring outfits that need translation. Interviewed by the press, designers said that their current efforts are for women who are too busy with important things and do not have time for adornment. One of the most common Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr.
Dr. Erlinda Grey
Short skirts are fun and young. Can you dress sexy at my age? I don’t see why not. You can never look as succulent as a young décolletage, even if you got the bosom or v-neck with chains and pearls. Good stockings on your spring legs is a possibility for our age. If it makes you happy, why fight time warps? You have to stay tuned to fashion, then learn to make do with what is there! A decent goal of female clothing design is to enhance a woman, but in the mid 90’s the styles have made a grotesque distortion. Extravagant colors and superfluous add-ons have replaced graceful flow.
With all the elements to making a great dress (materials and tailoring), imagination seems to have become degraded and have given way to ubiquitous logos, which are plastered all over accessories and jacket backs. Designer Jean Paul Gaultier was the first to make corset-like bustiers for Madonna, which was regarded then as a good joke. These days, further variations on both underwear and outerwear have taken over runways. Not only are skirts scanty, the bare midriff has also become prominent. The micro-mini phenomenon gave way to fancy tights, seethrough lace tops and high-waist
rules is that there shouldn’t be a day when you don’t feel happy or proud of yourself for what you’re wearing. Enjoying clothes is an honorable enterprise. It cheers up older women, survives killer love affairs, dumb marriages, money woes, job disasters and family trials. Give something of yourself away! ***
E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.com
/ 08 0 1 & / 21822 Main St. Carson, CA (beside St. Phelomina)
#ATERING FOR !LL /CCASSIONS s 7EDDINGS s !NNIVERSARIES s "IRTHDAY 0ARTIES s "REAKFAST -EETINGS s "USINESS ,UNCHEONS s #HILDREN S 0ARTIES s 3CHOOL #ARNIVALS s 3CHOOL #A
s &UNDRAISERS s "ANQUETS s (OLIDAY 0ARTIES s /PEN (OUSE 2ECEPTIONS s 0ICNIC 3OCIAL %VENTS s &UNERALS
4QFDJBM 1BDLBHF
4QFDJBM 1VMVUBO
750
$
+Tax
1 Lechon 4 full trays and 1 half tray na Ulam 4 na half trays na Matamis
also Available:
• Kilawing Kambing • Papaitang Kambing • Kalderetang Kambing • Adobong Kambing • Sinampalukang Kambing
21822 Main St. Carson, CA
10125 Rosecrans Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706
17206 Norwalk Blvd., Cerritos, CA 90703
Inside Island Pacific-Cerritos
(beside St. Phelomina)
(inside Eriel Cafe Cerritos)
(Weekend and Holiday)
Tumawag na para sa catering sa inyong mga handaan!
(562) 405-1946 (562) 866-5570
Mrs. Catherine Cruz and Cora Aragon Soriano
The Moonlighter with Rosemarie Mejia and Bernie Targa Ganon
6
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 21, 2017