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EJanuary D I T 9-12, ION 2016
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T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r
Volume 26 - No. 3 • 4 Sections – 32 Pages
Also published in: • Orange County/Inland Empire • Northern California • Las Vegas • New York/ New Jersey
USA
by ChriSTina
THE FBI has not yet accounted for where two shooters were during the 18 minutes after the Dec. 2 massacre at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California. officials appealed to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 5 for information to fill that gap. After spraying bullets into a conference room where San Bernardino county health employees were celebrating a holiday party, Syed Farook and his wife Tashfeen malik spent nearly four hours “zig-zagging around” around San Bernardino and Redlands in a
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El Niño brings heavy storms, floods to California coast
THE last in a powerful series of storms from tropical El Niño hit the California coast this week, stirring heavy waves that flooded some low-lying streets and crept toward ocean-front homes in malibu. The high surf was forecast to bring 15- to 20-foot waves, with some up to 25 feet, to the central California coast, while Ventura County was lashed with waves of 10 to 14 feet, with forecasts of up to 16 feet expected to hit Los Angeles County, said Emily Thornton, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, told NBC News.
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M. oriel
AJPress
FRom THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
FBI looking into San Bernardino shooters’ whereabouts 18 minutes after massacre
HUNDREDS of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), including elected officials and busloads of Filipino-Americans from across California and Nevada, flocked to the San Gabriel Hilton on Thursday, Jan. 7 to rally their support behind Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton. Part of her two-day campaign stop in Southern California, Clinton’s appearance at the launch of AAPIs for Hillary was an effort to appeal to that
population, which is considered the fastest-growing minority group in the country that could be the critical swing vote in the next several presidential election cycles. And what better place to reach them than in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, where over half of its residents are of Asian descent. Taking the stage after an introduction by Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) — the first Chinese-American woman elected to Congress — Clinton said being in the area holds a personal meaning to her. “When I think about this part of
by Gil
PRESIDENTIAL candidates in the Philippines are spending on media advertising more than what American billionaire Donald Trump has spent for his dream to sit in the White House, according to an independent senatorial candidate. Former Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello, who is running for senator on a shoestring budget, called on voters to declare war on what he called a “corruption of the political process.” Bello cited data from the Federal Electoral Commission which showed that Trump, who is seeking the US presidency, had so far spent $2 million (P94.18 million at an exchange rate of P47.09 to $1, or P13.45 million a month) from January to July last year. Trump’s rivals for the Republican nomination, Ben Carson and Ted Cruz, each spent $5 million (P235.45 million, or P33.64 million a month).
JAYmEE del Rosario, a Filipina CEo, wants to be miss Universe – literally – by spending the rest of her living days in mars. This became her dream after the California-based businesswoman was chosen among 100 candidates in an ambitious $6billion program to live in mars. The project, founded by Dutch-based startup mars one, is a one-way ticket, meaning the four persons who will be sent to mars in 2027 will not be going back home. The prospect was scary, but exciting, even for someone who did not grow up watching science fiction, Del Rosario said
California, the first thing I think about is my mom, and how kind people were to her here when her own family was not,” Clinton said, as she recalled her mother who worked as a maid and went to high school in nearby Alhambra. “I know how important family is to all of you. That is how I see our country. I see us when we are at our best, as lifting up families, helping families be strong, helping families get the support they need to do the best they can for their children and for their parents.” Clinton touched upon several issues
“that keep families up at night” and those that resonate with AAPIs, such as college affordability, tax breaks for family caregivers and immigration. In a $350-billion proposal called the New College Compact, Clinton aims to end student loan debt by cutting tax deductions from the wealthy and instead, give grants to states so students can cover tuition costs at fouryear public colleges and universities. She also proposed a new tax credit last November that offsets up to $6,000 in costs for middle-class families who care for their aging parents
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AAPIs for Hillary. Hillary Clinton traveled to San Gabriel, California on Thursday, Jan. 7, where hundreds of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) showed their support for the Democratic presidential frontrunner. Studies have shown that AAPIs are one of the fastest-growing populations and could provide the critical swing votes in coming presidential elections.
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AJPress photo by Ding Carreon
LP wants Poe out of Mamasapano probe Immigrant groups mark
Filipina CEO joins ambitious voyage to colonize Mars Cayabyab
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Inquirer.net
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SEN. Grace Poe should no longer preside over the Senate probe on the mamasapano massacre that left 44 members of the Special Action Force dead, the Liberal Party (LP) said Friday, Jan. 8. Akbayan Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez, one of the spokespersons of the ruling party, was referring to the reopening on January 25 of the investigation by the Senate Committee on Public order and Dangerous Drugs chaired by Poe. The Senate Committee on Rules led by
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PH presidential candidates outspend billionaire Trump
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Hillary Clinton seeks support from Fil-Am, AAPI voters
Also published in: • Orange County/Inland Empire • Northern California • Las Vegas • New York/ New Jersey
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during the Pandesal Forum held at Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City on Friday, Jan. 8. “Hindi naman ako sci-fi fanatic … When I saw the program, which is to create a human settlement on mars, I was scared. Everybody is scared. Fear is always tinkering around every day in our lives,” Del Rosario said. When the selection process started from a list of 200,000 aspirants, Del Rosario said she didn’t think she’d make it at all, especially because she’s competing against people from all over the world distinguished in the field of engineering, law and physics. But Del Rosario, who started a company in California, Inter-
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Senate majority Leader Alan Cayetano allowed the fresh probe based on the request of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile who claims that he has new evidence on the matter. Poe’s panel has wrapped its hearings and came out with a Committee Report signed by 21 out of the 24 senators. The report said President Benigno Aquino 3rd has ultimate responsibility for the bloodbath because he allowed then Philippine National Police Chief Alan Purisima to lead the planning and implementation of the operation to go after terrorists in mindanao despite his suspension by om-
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one-year anniversary of historic driver’s license law by allySon
eSCobar
AJPress
oNE year ago, California’s Assembly Bill 60 (the Safe and Responsible Driver Act) was implemented statewide, granting eligible immigrants legal driver’s licenses regardless of status. over 600,000 undocumented Californians have benefited from the historic law, swiftly passing identification and residency requirements, and both the written and behind-the-wheel tests to obtain lawful permits. “The Department of motor Vehicles committed to suc-
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A JANUARY 9-12, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Hillary Clinton seeks support from Fil-Am… PAGE A1 t
or grandparents and disabled family members. The plan also outlined providing caregivers with additional Social Security benefits and reforming workfamily policies to support paid and unpaid caregivers. On immigration, Clinton defended her vote on a comprehensive bill in Senate and promised
to continue on President Barack Obama’s executive actions. “When I was a senator, I worked to reduce the backlog on visas and reunite immigrant families — I will keep up that fight. Immigrants from the Asia Pacific Region make up 40 percent of the family visa backlog,” she said. “Some from the Philippines have been waiting for a visa for
23 years.” Fil-Ams for Hillary Buses of Fil-Ams bearing “Filipinos-Americans for Hillary” signs came from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Las Vegas on Thursday morning. Amid chants of “Mabuhay Hillary,” Fil-Ams were one of the largest groups represented in the crowd, and were acknowledged in Clinton’s remarks. In her speech, Clinton also mentioned Cheska, a Fil-Am DREAMer from Las Vegas, who now works for the campaign. “The day after I announced that I was running for president, Cheska volunteered with our campaign. Now she’s a field organizer in Las Vegas. She put her own college education on hold because she wants to shape the country that has given her so many opportunities,” Clinton said. “I want to give young people like Cheska every change to succeed…but I need your help to do that.” When asked what a Hillary
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The crowd gets energized as Clinton joins Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif) -- the first Chinese-American woman elected to Congress -- on stage. (AJPress Photo by Ding Carreon)
PH presidential…
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A Nielsen monitoring report on total ad spending for TV, radio and print from Jan. 1 to Nov. 30, 2015, showed three presidential candidates each spending more than half a billion pesos—Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Mar Roxas (P774.192 million, or P70.38 million a month), Vice President Jejomar Binay (P695.55 million, or P63.23 million a month) and Sen. Grace Poe (P694.603 million, or P63.14 million a month ). “Binay, Poe, and Roxas each spent $9 million to $10 million each, presumably most of it in just the last two and a half months of 2015 and just on TV ads,” Bello said. TV ads For television ads in the 11month period, Binay spent P595,713,000, according to Nielsen data. Poe was in second place, with P448,166,000, followed by Roxas with P424,870,000. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte came in fourth with P115,423,000. Among the vice presidential candidates, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano was the biggest spender
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From the Front page
Hillary Clinton seeks support from Fil-Am… PAGE A2 t Clinton presidency would mean for Fil-Ams, Melissa Ramoso — a member of the National AAPIs for Hillary Leadership Council and a founding member of Filipino Americans for Hillary — said that it would bring more recognition to the community. “[She] and her husband’s administration have had Filipino Americans as their top advisers and have elevated Filipino Americans into positions of leadership. Secretary Clinton understands the important issues relevant to our community, such as immigration reform and caring for the elderly. These are issues important to me personally and am grateful for a candidate that understands that they are for FiliTwo-time Olympic medalist figure skater Michelle Kwan is part of the Clinton campaign as a pino Americans,” Ramoso said. Added Fil-Am businesswoman surrogate outreach coordinator. and community leader Loida Nicolas-Lewis, who flew from New York for the launch, “Filipino-Americans should really be voting for her because she’s the only candidate — whether Democrat or Republican — who has recognized the Fil-Am community. In 1999, she was the keynote speaker at the National Federation of Filipino American Associations’ (NaFFAA) event, the first White House occupant to come to a Filipino event…She knows our issues very well. Early on, she has been for Filipino World War II veterans, for immigration reform, for education and for more funds for small businesses, all of which are issues important to Fil-Ams.” Arnel Dino, vice chair of the
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Fil-Am community leaders Loida Nicolas-Lewis and Rocio Nuyda. AJPress photos by Ding Carreon
LP wants Poe out of Mamasapano…
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budsman Conchita Carpio Morales on graft charges. “I welcome the statement of Senator Poe that she will just serve as the moderator instead of asking questions. But since she is at it, I say it would be better for her to inhibit from the proceedings [since she is a candidate in May],” Gutierrez said. He noted that Poe also sought the inhibition of three Supreme Court justices who had earlier participated in the deliberation of the disqualification case against the senator at the Senate Electoral Tribunal. “She has espoused that the justices should exercise delicadeza (propriety), and that call could
also be applied here [in the Mamasapano hearing]. It would be better if the Presiding Officer is not a candidate,” Gutierrez said. “They should let other senators who are not running to conduct the probe.” Politically motivated But Aquino believes that the reopening of the Senate investigation was politically motivated. “Well, we are aware that the campaign period is coming soon. Among our opponents, they see that this has been the greatest burden I have had since I took office. Perhaps they are trying to take this opportunity,” the President said. “Of course, as President, as the father of the nation, I can’t let
emotions take over here…You know, January 25 is my mother’s birthday, the first anniversary of the Mamasapano incident, it’s like they are insisting that you must suffer here. Now, there is a saying, we can see it in the teachings of the church that I belong to, in the Bible, ‘the truth shall set us all free’,” he added. Two Senate committees tasked to investigate the carnage agreed to reconvene on January 25, exactly a year after the special operation to neutralize Malaysian terrorist and bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir alias “Marwan” led to the death of 44 police commandos, 14 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels,
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 9-12, 2016
A
A JANUARY 9-12, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
From the Front page
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Immigrant groups mark one-year anniversary… PH presidential candidates outspend…
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cessfully implementing this new law to increase safety on California’s roads, by putting licensed drivers behind the steering wheel,” DMV Director Jean Shiomoto said in a press release. “One year after AB 60 implementation, there are 605,000 more drivers on the road who have passed all testing requirements and demonstrated their knowledge of California’s rules of the road.” On average, the DMV issued approximately 50,000 new driver licenses per month under AB 60
2/2/16
during its first year of implementation, with the most licenses issued in March, according to a press release. DMV offices statewide have had over 2 million AB 60 customer visits, knowledge and drive test examinations since January 2015. Since California Governor Jerry Brown signed it into law in 2013, and full implementation two years later, AB 60 has improved the quality of life for many immigrant families. “It’s been life changing for many of the Filipinos in our com-
munities to receive an AB 60 license, because they get to work on time. They don’t have to take or wait for the bus. They get to do their errands, they get to take their children to school, make sure that they’re safe,” Nikole Cababa of the Filipino Migrant Center told ABS-CBN News. The benefits of AB 60 include prevention of being ticketed or arrested for driving without a license, avoiding the expensive costs of car impounding, and increasing safety on California’s busy roads. “12 percent of all California drivers do not have a license. 1 in 5 vehicle crashes involve someone driving without a license,” said LA Office of Immigrant Affairs representative Joseph Bernardo in 2015. “This is not just a policy, economic, and moral issue—this is also a safety concern.” However, one year later, thousands of applicants are still lining up at the California DMV to get the process started. Many immigrant communities, particularly African and Asian Americans, have faced confusion, lack of un-
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with P398,288,000, followed by Sen. Bongbong Marcos with P103,429,000. Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo came in third with P91,602,000, followed by Sen. Gregorio Honasan II with P43,580,000. At the bottom of the list was Sen. Francis Escudero, having spent only P30,000. Senatorial candidates Among the senatorial aspirants, the top spender was Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez with P310,763,000. Other senatorial candidates and the amounts they spent for TV ads were: Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian, P166.9 million; former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino, P144.1 million; Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, P89.8 million; former Sen. Panfilo Lacson, P86.3 million; former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, P54.5 million; former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, P52.2 million; former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority head Joel u PAGE A10 Villanueva, P40.5 million; Sen.
Serge Osmeña, P21.9 million; former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros, P20.2 million; Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, P4.3 million; and broadcaster Rey Langit, P405,000. Buying elections Bello said that at the rate these well-funded candidates for President, Vice President and senators were burning money, “they are literally buying the elections and the campaign season has barely begun.” The official campaign season for candidates for President, Vice President, senator and party-list group representation starts on Feb. 9. The start of the campaign period for local candidates is on March 26. Amazing for poor country “The electoral spending in the Philippines is reaching US levels, with some of the candidates apparently outspending some of the US candidates for the presidential nomination,” said Bello in a text message to the Inquirer. “This is amazing, for a poor country. This is profoundly undemocratic and is surely going to result in massive corruption later so that the candidates can regain
their investments while in office.” The independent senatorial candidate said those like him who were abiding by the rules were profoundly disadvantaged by these unfair players. “This is all the more reason for putting very strict limits on campaign spending, like keeping the total for all forms of campaigning at very low levels,” Bello said. Comelec The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it could not prevent political aspirants from engaging in premature campaigning through TV ads because there was no law prohibiting it. In a press briefing, Comelec Chair Andres Bautista said the commission could only monitor spending during the campaign period. “For the record, there is no law right now that regulates spending because we know that the meters start running only at the beginning of campaign period,” he said. “According to the law, campaign expenditures only kicks in at the start of campaign period.” He lamented that even if the poll body was willing to monitor all spending related to campaigning, including early or premature campaigning, the Comelec simply did not have the mandate. Hole in law “The law has a gap. The law has a hole,” Bautista said, adding that the decision is up to the voting public if it would support political aspirants who spend so much on TV ads. Republic Act No. 9369 or the Poll Automation Law provides that “any person who files his certificate of candidacy shall only be considered a candidate at the start of the campaign period” and that “unlawful acts applicable to a candidate shall be in effect only upon that start of the campaign period. LP chief of political affairs and Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice said that among the presidential candidates, Roxas had the biggest resources to justify his campaign spending. “Mar and his family are the most capable if we will base it on his SALN (statement of assets, liabilities and net worth) and history of business engagements. Binay and Poe should be asked, ‘Where did they get their funds?’” said Erice. Coalition spokesperson and Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo said
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From the Front Page
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 9-12, 2016 A
El Niño brings heavy storms, floods to California… FBI looking into San Bernardino shooters’… PAGE A1 t
Scattered thundershowers were reported across inland areas. The strongest storm hit much of the Southwest, stopping cable cars in San Francisco, flooding roadways and stranding motorists across Los Angeles, and dumping heavy snow in northern Arizona, reported The Associated Press. Over 2 inches of rain fell Wednesday on some mountain areas, including 3.5 inches in Angeles National Forest. Heavy, cold storms dropped a foot of snow on ski resorts in San Bernardino County and around Lake
Tahoe, and caused dozens of crashes on slippery roads in Nevada. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for much of northern Arizona through midday Friday, Jan. 8. Forecasters predicted significantly less rain for the rest of the week, but warned that flash floods were still possible before skies finally cleared. In California, high surf warnings remained in effect for Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Diego counties until Friday. According to the National Weather Service, storms brought
1.42 inches of rain to Los Angeles International Airport, breaking the record set in 1979. Despite the problems, the wet weather in California was welcome news for the state suffering from a severe drought. Officials, however, warned residents against abandoning conservation efforts and reverting to wasteful water-use habits. This year’s El Niño—a natural warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean that interacts with the atmosphere and changes weather worldwide—is tied with the strongest storms on
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rented black SUV until they were killed in a gunfight with police, reported the Press Enterprise. Officials said that investigators have not been able to account for Farook and Malik’s disappearance between 12:49 pm and 1:17 pm, just more than two hours after the attack which occurred around 11 am. “Using witnesses, traffic cameras and surveillance cameras, agents have accounted for 3 hours and 42 minutes of the couple’s movements from the massacre to the shootout, but are missing information about where
Filipina CEO joins ambitious…
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national Metal Source, which distributes raw metals and alloys to the aerospace and defense industry, has said her background gave her enough credence to get in the top 100. She said she got in after a one-on-one video interview with Mars One chief medical director Norbert Kroft. “I was really excited and really nervous. I was panicking that I’m not going to make it. I’m competing with doctors, lawyers, military, and judge,” she said. Del Rosario said Mars One did not assure their safety in this ambitious mission, which is set to be recorded on a daily basis and made into a reality TV show, the likes of the hit “Big Brother.” “They can’t assure you it’s safe, that ‘Oh, you’re going to be in a 101 percent safe rocket.’ Nobody can say that. That’s because it’s a very hard job,” Del Rosario said. “Mars One didn’t tell you, you’re not going to die. It’s, do you want to go?” Del Rosario said if she was lucky to be chosen as one of the final four to go to Mars, she would live in livable hubs in the
desolate terrain of the Red Planet with only four people for the next two years. She said these hubs would be equipped with a supply of oxygen and would use the local water soil to generate potable water. Mars One would then send four more people every two years to eventually form a colony. Del Rosario said she got in the first 100 after going through a one-on-one interview with Mars One and submitting a medical certificate that she was fit to go to space. If she gets in the list of the next 40 candidates set to be released in September, she and the other finalists will be placed in isolation for 90 days to prepare them for the harsh desolate space in Mars. Asked whether or not technology now is advanced enough to allow life in Mars, Del Rosario said a lot could happen in a decade of developing space technology before 2027, when the final voyage to Mars would happen. “(When we’re there), every now and then they’ll be launching rockets for two people. So we
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LP wants Poe out of…
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and some civilians. Citing his experience in the Senate and alluding to Poe, Aquino said it was an insult for a committee chair and members if a report would be brought back to those who crafted it. “So I asked if things have changed in the Senate, and the Senate President answered me that the committee chair did not refuse so that is why it (report) was returned to the committee. If the committee chair had refused, the plenary would have voted
whether the report would be returned to them or not,” he added. The President believes that the “mastermind” behind the reopening of the inquiry may have ill-feelings toward his Administration. “We can see that politics is a big factor. Perhaps we should not forget who initiated this,” he said. He admitted though that the reopening of the inquiry was a good opportunity to “complete the picture” of what really happened during the bloody clash. n
PH presidential candidates…
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Roxas generated his funds from friends, supporters and family. Overstated In a statement, Cayetano claimed that reports on television advertising expenses of presidential and vice presidential candidates were erroneous. “The amounts reported are overstated because Nielsen admitted that these are based on published rate cards, which in all cases are so much more than
what was actually paid for,” Cayetano said. He defended his ads, saying that the media were the most effective way to reach the public. “Using media and advocacy advertising, we were able to communicate better to a broader audience amid the black propaganda mounted against us by those who were affected by my relentless antigraft and corruption campaign,” he said. (With a report from Nancy C. Carvajal)
SEAFOOD CITY 1
they were between 12:59 and 1:17 p.m.,” said David Bowdich, head of the FBI’s Los Angeles office. “There is no rhyme or reason we can make for it yet. We’re missing that 18 minutes.” Bowdich also confirmed there was no evidence of a secondary target, nor evidence yet that Farook and Malik met with anyone after the shooting. “As of today, we do not see any indication of a foreign-directed terrorist attack. This seems to be an inspired terrorist act,” Bowdich told reporters gathered at the San Bernardino Police Department headquarters, empha-
sizing the need to be “absolutely certain” of the couple’s immediate activities following the shooting. “We have scrubbed a number of social media,” he added. “That was one our big focuses to ensure that we are able to hopefully determine the motivation of Farook and his wife.” Bowdich said that investigators were specifically interested in finding any photographic or other electronic evidence that could pinpoint the couple’s locations during that brief window of time, shortly before their trail
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A JANUARY 9-12, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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FBI looking into San Bernardino shooters’…
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was picked up by authorities, said USA Today. “Authorities were able to track the couple’s whereabouts until just before 1 pm, when Farook and Malik were near the intersection of the I-215 and 10 freeways,” FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. Eighteen minutes later, the couple’s SUV was at the Waterman Avenue exit on the 10 Freeway. The couple died around 3:00 pm in a shootout with police, after they were spotted by an undercover detective eight minutes earlier, driving by their Redlands home. At the press conference, Bowdich gave the most detailed timeline to date of the events that occurred last Dec. 2nd. According to the FBI affidavit, Farook left his Redlands home at 8:37 am and arrived at the Inland Regional Center 10 minutes later, carrying a bag containing a pipe bomb made of three galvanized steel pipes and smokeless powder, and attached to a remotecontrol toy car. The bomb was “armed and ready to detonate.” Agents found a remote control for a toy car in the couple’s SUV. An anonymous law enforcement source told the Los Angeles Times that it was possible the couple were unable to detonate the device because they were either out of range or because sprinklers that had gone off in the regional center interfered with the explosives. “Farook spent about two hours
at the center the morning of the shooting, socializing with coworkers gathered for a holiday event. Authorities haven’t found any evidence to support suggestions that a workplace dispute led to the shooting,” Bowdich said, adding that Farook’s demeanor was normal that morning and that photos taken of him inside the facility during the event didn’t show anything out of the ordinary. Farook left the work party at 10:37 am, leaving the bag behind, possibly to meet with his wife. Authorities still don’t know where Malik was before her husband left the Inland Regional Center, but said it was possible that she went with her husband to the center that morning and waited in the SUV. The FBI declined to say where Farook went after he left. But a law enforcement official said investigators “do not believe Farook would have had time to go back to his Redlands home before the attack.” When Farook returned to the event at 10:56 am, accompanied by his wife and several weapons, including two military-style rifles, they immediately opened fire, killing 14 people and injuring 22. The shooting lasted about five minutes, according to reports. Bowdich also presented a map with an L-shaped outline of the areas the couple traveled through after the shooting, from their home in Redlands, where they lived, west and north along the I-10 and I-215 corridors to
San Bernardino. Another poster beside the map shows a photo of the SUV they were driving: a black 2015 Ford Expedition with dark-tinted rear windows and a Utah license plate, X52-3RY. The car had been rented at an Enterprise Rent-ACar in Redlands. Workers there declined to comment Tuesday. Bowdich described the couple’s known driving pattern as “a lot of zig-zagging around, going back and forth on the highway, going up and going down; there is no rhyme or reason to it that we can find yet. Maybe that 18 minutes closes that gap, maybe it doesn’t.” The FBI is asking anyone who might have seen the couple or captured them on surveillance cameras to call at 1-800-2255324, option 4, to help investigators gather evidence. Bowdich said callers who pass a screening by an operator may be given a website where they can upload any photos or video. “If you’ve not been talked to, and you have some sort of media in your holdings or you have surveillance camera footage, or cell phone footage, please give that to us,” he asked. A friend and neighbor of Farook’s, 24-year-old Enrique Marquez, who allegedly purchased two of the guns used in the rampage, was ordered to remain in federal custody. Marquez also is accused of plotting at least two other assaults with Farook in 2011 and 2012 that were not carried out. (Allyson Escobar/AJPress)
ARTILLERY. Philippine Marines fire an M101 105 mm howitzer during artillery live-fire training. The Department of National Defense (DND) will spend close to P292 million to buy 9,728 rounds of high-explosive ammunition for its 105-millimeter howitzer cannons. Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao said the ammunition will be used in security operations. Cpl. Courtney G. White/U.S. Marine Corps
Pew survey finds Millennials less favorable about religion, news media by Agnes
ConstAnte AJPress
MILLENNIALS, who constitute one-third of America’s population, hold less favorable view of news media and religion compared to older generations, according to a Pew Research Center survey. The report, published Monday, Jan. 4, also indicates that
the younger generation tends to have a more positive perspective when it comes to labor unions, large corporations, small businesses and big financial institutions compared to their elders. In 2010, 73 percent of millennials said churches have positive effect on the country; in 2015, that number fell to 55 percent. In the same time frame, the percentage of millennials who said national news media have positive impacts on America
dropped from 40 to 27. Among Generation Xers and Boomers, 62 and 67 percent, respectively viewed churches and religious organizations positively; while 26 percent of both older generations indicated a positive perspective of news media. Despite these less favorable views, millennials showed a 10 percent increase in positive response toward banks and large corporations, an 8 percent rise
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Walmart supplier recalls approx. 90K pounds of meat by Agnes
ConstAnte AJPress
A COMPANY supplying WalMart with meat is recalling about 90,000 pounds of product due to potential contamination from extraneous wood material, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Monday, Jan. 4. Huisken Meat Company is recalling Sam’s Choice Black Angus beef patties with 19 percent Vidalia Onion that were produced between Nov. 19, 2015 to Dec. 9, 2015. The products post use-by dates in May and June 2016. The recall covers two-pound boxes containing six patties and
the establishment number “EST. 394A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. There have been no reports of individuals who have become ill from consuming the contaminated meat. The USDA has classified the recall as a Class II low health risk with a “remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.” However, the agency is urging those in possession of the product to dispose of it or return it to where it was purchased. The meat was shipped to WalMart locations across the United States and are sold at select locations, according to the retail giant’s website. n
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Dateline USa
Insufficient deep sleep could lead to Alzheimer’s by Agnes
ConstAnte AJPress
NOT getting enough deep sleep could set the stage for Alzheimer’s, according to a Jan. 4 report from National Public Radio (NPR). During sleep in animals, the brain seems to purge toxins linked to Alzheimer’s, brain scientist Jeffrey Iliff from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland told NPR. But for sleep-deprived animals, toxins can accumulate and have a negative impact on the brain. The toxin-cleansing process, known as the glymphatic system, functions primarily while an individual sleeps and is largely disengaged while one is awake, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. “The biological need for sleep across all species may therefore reflect that the brain must enter a state of activity that enables elimination of potentially neurotoxic waste, including -amyloid,” according to a 2015 study in the journal Neurochemical Research. -amyloid, or amyloid-beta, is also linked to Alzheimer’s. Iliff and other researchers from OHSU will soon begin a study on people that should explain the connection between sleep problems and Alzheimer’s in humans. Sleep disorders are common in individuals with Alzheimer’s. Scientists have long thought this was because the disease was
Pew survey…
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in positive views toward labor unions and were 15 percent more favorable toward small businesses from 2010 to 2015. Their shifting perspective mirrors that of their elders. Generational differences were more apparent when it came to colleges and universities. Seventy-three percent of millennials say the post-secondary institutions have a positive impact, compared to the 64 percent of Generation Xers, 59 percent of Boomers and 51 percent of Silents that agreed. As for technology companies, 77 percent of millennials, 73 percent of Xers and 70 percent of Boomers said they had a positive effect on the United States. Only 59 percent of Silents, however, shared that view. The Pew study was conducted from Aug. 27 to Oct. 4, 2015. n
“taking out the centers of the brain that are responsible for regulating sleep,” Iliff told NPR. However, two studies in 2009 and 2013 have suggested a more complex relationship. In 2009, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis demonstrated that a buildup of sticky amyloid plaques linked to Alzheimer’s developed more quickly in the brains of sleep-deprived mice. These plaques are also known to develop in people’s brain tissue as they age. Four years later, a team that
included Iliff found that a cleansing process occurs in the brains of animals during deep sleep. Studying the link between sleep deprivation and Alzheimer’s in humans will be more challenging than in mice. NPR reported that a signal indicating toxin removal during sleep is expected to be stronger in younger individuals than in older people, said Bill Rooney, director of OHSU’s Advanced Imaging Research Center, who will be involved in research process set to begin within one year. n
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 9-12, 2016
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A JANUARY 9-12, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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OpiniOn
Features
Uninhabitable
THE government is doing its best to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila, Malacañang assured the public. The assurance was given in the wake of a warning that Metro Manila could become “uninhabitable” within four years if the traffic problem is allowed to fester. John Forbes, senior advisor of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, predicted worsening road congestion as vehicle sales continue to increase. Forbes is also the principal author of the annual Arangkada report, which the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines launched in 2010. The report identifies problems in generating investments, lists detailed recommendations to accelerate Philippine economic growth, and tracks the progress of the proposals. Rising vehicle sales is good news for the automotive industry. But the trend must be complemented by measures to improve traffic flow. In many cases, mismanagement is the culprit in traffic jams. There are several spots along major thoroughfares where a four-lane road is hogged by buses waiting for passengers, leaving only one lane for other vehicles to pass. Barkers can be seen collecting money from the bus drivers. Who collects the money from the barkers?
There was an announcement last year that several main roads in private gated villages would be opened by the city government in Parañaque, following the example of Las Piñas. The plan is turning out to be nothing but hype. Village homeowners’ associations in Parañaque have started collecting hefty annual fees again for vehicle stickers. If the plan to open certain roads to the public is ever carried out, it will probably be when it is no longer needed and the sticker payments have been made. The village roads are needed because there is no more room to expand the road network in Metro Manila. More flyovers can be built, but right-ofway claims must be settled quickly and corruption must be kept out. Allegations of corruption and inefficiency have hounded the light railway and train systems. Ex- use of the ports in Batangas and Subic could ease panding the light rail and train services would en- congestion in the Port of Manila and the traffic courage more people to leave their cars at home. snarls caused by cargo trucks. With just six months left, the best that the govAn efficient train service combined with the full
Guest Editorial
Philstar.com photo
ernment can do is improve traffic management. Most of the possible measures to ease traffic will have to wait for the next administration. (Philstar. com)
An American President in training: Madame Hillary Clinton “YOU can no more resign citizenship in time of war than you can resign from the human race.” — Wayne Collins “If there is any principle of the Constitution that more imperatively calls for attachment than any other, it is the principle of free thought – not free thought for those who agree with us, but freedom for the thought that we hate.” — Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” — Maya Angelou I must admit that I got to appreciate US President Barack Obama much earlier than Madame Secretary Hillary Clinton. Both get put down by the media, yet they seem unflappable, articulate and unaffected by the sensationalism games being played by Fox News and even of late, CNN. They are standing tall on their convictions, values and principles, but mostly from the strength of their public records, in alignment with our American values of democracy. If the US Constitution allowed for a third term, my vote would go to Barack Obama. But, the US Constitution limits presidential term to two terms -- 8 years. Besides, the president said, “the White House needs new blood.” But, whose blood? Whose blood carries the DNA imprint of diversity, humanity of citizenship and principles of the Constitution? Diversity in thoughts and actions When presidential candidates speak of diversity, notice that Donald Trump speaks to only his own kind as worthy individuals. Noticed how he demonized folks of color, starting with Mexicans, insulting them, “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending the best. They’re not sending you, they’re sending people that have lots of problems and they’re bringing those problems. They’re
bringing drugs, they’re crime. They’re rapists and some, I Rhizomes assume, are good people, but I speak to border guards and they’re telling us what we’re getting.” He said this in June 2015. Notice what Trump says to Prosy AbArquezthe crowd, “They’re not sending DelAcruz, J.D. you,” addressing a mostly allwhites, with a few folks of color. It is a dangerous form of demonizing, reminiscent of what Adolph Hitler did, favoring Germans, while denigrating: “The Whites have carried to these (colonial) people the worst that they could carry: the plagues of the world: materialism, fanaticism, alcoholism, and syphilis. Moreover, since what these people possessed on their own was superior to anything we could give them, they have remained themselves... The sole result of the activity of the colonizers is: they have everywhere aroused hatred,” as Martin Bormann wrote in “Adolf Hitler, The Political Testament Of Adolf Hitler: Recorded.” That‘s the GOP side, not a single presidential hopeful amongst them (Carson, Rubio, Cruz, Christie, Fiorina and more) even took moments to distance themselves from Donald Trump and to tell him that theirs is a non-racist party. Not a single Republican presidential candidate! It took Hillary Clinton to denounce Trump’s demonizing tactics during the first Democratic debate in Las Vegas on Oct. 13. She went further even months earlier, when she approached the #BlackLivesMatter movement, which defines diversity as “committed to acknowledging, respecting and celebrating differences.” That definition of diversity does not go deep enough to embrace folks. Diversity in practice goes beyond acknowledging differences, it means understanding the world not just from our own
American perspective, but considering other ways of knowing, including those totally different from us. It is understanding the culture enough to recognize genuine nuances and those not. That diverse understanding of the world, the intricacies of cultures, are what Hillary Clinton, even while as Secretary of State, enabled her to strengthen ties with foreign leaders, including that of the Philippines, and demonstrated her DNA of diversity in practice. It shows how diversity is not simply favoring Whites over folks of color, but recognizing that each of us has a God-given potential, which needs access to opportunities to pursue a decent quality of life, education, jobs and a habitable place to live in, around the world. Humanity of citizenship I love listening to US Senator Bernie Sanders, as he is fired up with passion and convictions. He illustrates categories of inequalities, as in his daily memes on facebook: how government favors Wall Street over ordinary folks who live in Main Street: the students who need free college tuition, the drug offenders who are jailed for years, while bankers who engineered the meltdown have not been brought to justice. But, let us face the facts, US Bernie Sanders has been cocooned in his mostly white Vermont state, with a population of 626,562, 95 percent of whom are white, predominantly English, Irish, French, German and French Canadians. It would be extremely difficult for Bernie Sanders to comprehend what is diversity of knowing and diversity in practice, having been socialized to deal with mostly whites in his beloved Vermont, but also reflected in his campaign staffing, who are mostly whites.
When his rally was disrupted by #BlackLivesMatter, he chose to leave and not engage with them, which was revelatory to me, and made me recall our daily experiences of being habitually shunned. But, it took Hillary Clinton to engage with the activists of #BlackLivesMatter into a dialogue. It is a conversation amongst equals, a chance of common ground to be made, but also for these activists to understand that disruption is not the only tactic for engagement, that constructive dialogue is as effective. For all the memes that US Senator Bernie Sanders have been illustrating on facebook, it took Hillary Clinton to specify that 9 million Americans lost jobs during the recession of 2007, under Pres. G.W. Bush, that 5 million Americans lost their homes, $13 trillion in wealth vanished, and that when Democrats are in office, the economy does much better. As an aside, Pres. Bill Clinton left a surplus of $280 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office, which quickly ballooned into a deficit of $6 trillion under Pres. G.W.Bush. Now this deficit during Pres. Obama’s tenure has shrunk to $426 billion as of August 2015, that is an exponential change by the way. Indeed, after 7 years of a near collapse of the US economy in 2007, we are seeing a boom in construction in Los Angeles, with apartment buildings, condos and high-rises going up, making us verify, that unemployment rate is down, from 10 percent to 5.1 percent, as Pres. Obama reported on Oct. 10, 2015. Not only did he save the automobile industry and its dependent industries, but created new alternative industries to do the hard work of climate change. A big sigh of relief for my community as well, as musicians, artists, directors, actors now have
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Why I will vote for Binay to be next President of the Philippines EXAMINING the slate of presidential Commentary candidates for the upcoming Philippine election, l believe that Vice-president Jejomar Binay is the most qualified among all Jose G. ArAullo the candidates. Please take pause and consider that we will be electing someone to the highest position in the land. This person will not only be managing the affairs of the nation both, domestic and international, but will play a role in determining our place in the global community as we move further on in the 21st century. Given the limited space, I will only mention three qualities. There are more, but l believe these basic qualities are needed in a president of the Philippines. In a candidate, I am looking for someone who has traditionally exhibited determination and perseverance. These qualities are important in a leader. Of the four presidential candidates–VicePresident Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe, Secretary Mar Roxas, and Mayor Rodrigo Duterte–nobody has illustrated these qualities better than Binay. In Philippine society, it is considered a huge advantage to belong to a prominent family or to have a prominent name or, even better, both. This is evident in all facets of our society, not only in politics, but also in business and entertain-
ment. If one does not have a prominent name or a wealthy family, one needs to work doubly harder than those who do to get ahead. Before Jejomar, the Binay name was not prominent in politics. Binay was born into poverty. He was orphaned at the age of nine. When his parents died, he lived with his uncle. In his formative years, he went through the public school system. First in Philippine Normal College for elementary, then the University of the Philippines Preparatory High School, the University of the Philippines, and then he decided to take up law and went to UP Law. He worked while studying during those years. Today he is known for his achievements rather than being the son or descendant of so and so. This cannot be said of the other three candidates. Mar is the son of Senator Gerardo Roxas and the grandson of President Manuel Roxas. Grace is the adopted daughter of Fernando Poe, Jr. Rodrigo is the son of Vicente Duterte, the governor of Davao region. These sons and daughter are known for their names first than anything else before they got elected into office. What were their achievements before they were elected into office? Another quality that I look for in a leader is that they have a sense of con-
nection with the people they serve as well as a degree of proximity to them. To truly have an intimate understanding of the social problems that plague the country, one has to immerse oneself in them. At some points in their lives, the candidates have the opportunities to interact with the people and get to know their plight. Growing up poor afforded Binay to be immersed with the masa. Being in a public school system, Binay had the opportunities to meet people from all walks of life. When Binay passed the bar, he took up Human Rights Law and represented political prisoners during the Marcos Regime. He, together with others like Joker Arroyo, my brother Ed Araullo, and Rene Saguisag, to name a few, formed the Movement of Attorneys for Brotherhood, Integrity, and Nationalism or MABINI. At one point, Binay himself was detained. Those too young to have lived through the Marcos Regime should know that it was a dangerous and uncertain time. People who spoke out against the regime would find themselves detained or, worse, get killed. The situation was even worse in the countryside than in Manila. People would just disappear without a trace. Binay, together with others, took considerable risk in defending political prisoners. (Which is another quality I look for in a leader– having the courage to stand up for what you believe in.)
Binay still continued to work for the people when he became mayor of Makati, and then chairman of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in 1998. When he was elected Vice-President, he was appointed chairman of the Housing Urban Development Coordinating Council and headed the task force to help overseas workers. I do not see this quality in the other candidates. Born into wealth and prominence, they got to choose who to interact with. They were sheltered from the harsh reality of living in the Philippines. Roxas was born into privilege. He comes from a wealthy and political family (Araneta, Yulo, de Leon, and Roxas). As for Poe, although she was born into poverty, her fortunes turned when she was adopted by Fernando Poe, Jr. and Susan Roces, one of the prominent couples in Philippine moviedom. Both Roxas and Poe were sent to exclusive schools here and abroad. Although expelled twice, Duterte was enrolled in private schools such as the Holy Cross Academy, Ateneo de Davao, Lyceum, and San Beda. After graduating, Roxas became an investment banker in the United States. He became a congressman and then a senator. He was Secretary of Trade during the Estrada and Arroyo Administrations. He then became Secretary of Transportation then later Secretary of Interior during the BS Aquino 3rd Ad-
ministration. (Had he acted admirably during and after Yolanda, I might have considered him.) There is a certain distance in all his positions from the people he served. There is a wall between him and those he served. The mere fact that he is trying too hard to foster an image of being with the masa through his ads and gimmicks says something. I do not believe the ads and his gimmicks, and I think most of the people also don’t. Before anybody knew about Grace Poe, she was living in the United States as an American citizen. When Fernando Poe, Jr. died, she decided to go back to the Philippines. When Aquino 3rd became President, she was appointed Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chairperson. She was later elected senator. As senator, on her first day, she filed a bill for film tourism and, subsequently, a bill concerning child welfare. I am sure Grace Poe is a good person. However, similar to that of Roxas, I do not see anything in her track record that showed her working closely with the masa. (May I say that she clearly got her positions based on her adopted father’s name. May I also say that her limited experience in government disqualifies her outright from my list of candidates for the presidency now.) Duterte is closest to Binay in this category as he became mayor of Davao City. After he reached his term limit,
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OpiniOn & Features
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 9-12, 2016
An American President in… PAGE A8 t
Obamacare, along with 17 million others, who signed up for affordable health care, and are more at ease in pursuing their artistic ventures. We also have seen the rise of jobs in solar industry, as friends are now employed as solar engineers, “with 20 more jobs in this industry” compared to 2008, and even wind industry jobs, as reported by the President on Oct. 10. Constitutional limits of war and relentless hard-core diplomacy While male presidential candidates from both parties are still boning up in foreign affairs, Hillary Clinton has flown over a million of miles, to not just shake hands, but to solidify friendships amongst nations. She has been able to do this, during a period when America did not enjoy goodwill amongst nations, as a result of the prior Pres. G.W. Bush’s tenure. Recently, Pres. Obama said: “We were in the middle of two wars, and the world’s opinion about America was as low as it had been in a very long time. And not only were we able to end those wars and bring our troops back home to their families, but around the globe we brought about changes that showed how to lead not just militarily but lead by example, and lead through our values, and lead through diplomacy. Whether it’s dealing with Ebola and we mobilized the entire international community to save hundreds of thousands of lives in West Africa; or opening to Cuba for the first time in a long time -- or making sure that Iran doesn’t get a nuclear weapon, but doing it in a way that doesn’t lead to war.” I believe part of that global paradigm shift is due in part to the efforts of Hillary Clinton. A footnote, a Plaridel Award from the Philippine American Press Club, was given to Dr. Jorge Emmanuel, for best international reporting, for his personal essay on Ebola activities, reporting on his
training of medical professionals on the proper use of autoclave to kill off the Ebola virus and to stop its spread in medical waste. While it might be too soon to celebrate that only two cases remain -- down from thousands -- America has shown its strengths of collaboration, its ability to export medical technology, and knowhow and even demonstrate compassion to those who might need America’s strengths in science, research and diplomacy. I believe Hillary Clinton is most adept to be our next US President, not because she is a woman, but because she has diversity in her DNA, demonstrable humanity in her public life, compassion in her private life, but most of all, peace-making, both here and abroad. If necessary, she has the ability to mount defense capabilities for our national security and America’s allies. We would not want, for example, our West Philippine Sea, to be “plucked off” the oceans by China’s man-made islands and destruction of coral reefs and the beauty of Mother Nature. China’s aggression must stop, upholding the sovereign security of the Philippines and its neighboring ASEAN nations. *A previous version of this column originally appeared in the Los Angeles Asian Journal, Weekend Edition on October 17, 2015. ***
Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for Asian Journal Press for 8 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in the field of science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium and Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.
Why I will vote for Binay to be… and corruption. The scandal was widely reported he ran for a seat in Congress. Soon after his term both in traditional media and social media. The as congressman was up, he went back to being Senate blue ribbon committee held hearings to mayor of the same city. Before he became mayor, look into this accusation. Duterte was a special counsel then a prosecutor Binay’s assets and that of associates were frozen during the Marcos Regime. (However, I am wary by the courts–even if at that point and up to now as to what he did as prosecutor during the Mar- the courts have not convicted Binay of any wrongcos Regime and given his track record of law and doing. I go by the findings of the courts and not by order, I am thinking he did not defend those who the judgments of media and private individuals. were oppressed.) This I similarly apply to that of Duterte’s human A third quality I look for is a combination of ma- right record and that of the Poe’s qualification turity and fortitude. A sign of a good leader is how based on citizenship. The way Binay conducted they react in the face of adversity. The back-and- himself was admirable–he answered all the quesforth between Roxas and Duterte during the holi- tions that were asked of him. He never ran away day season is telling for me. Duterte said some- from the scandal. thing against Roxas. Roxas reacted by challenging He faced the problem head on. Unlike some peoDuterte to a slapping match. Then it escalated into ple, he did not blame anyone for his problems. a punching match. What a shamefully juvenile way These are just some of the basic qualifications I of resolving things. look for in a leader. I am thinking that Roxas wants to project an imSo far, Binay has set himself apart from the rest age of toughness by standing up to someone like as the election campaign progresses, l look forward Duterte. But in doing what he did, he has shown to find out what each candidates policies are and that he is not ready for the position of President. hear what their plans are for the Philippines and its To act like a juvenile because he was insulted is role in the global community in the 21st century. not a sign of a good leader. The same goes for But for now, I find Binay as the best qualified Duterte. Why not talk more about policies and among the presidential candidates. what they will do for the country when elected in*** stead of trading insults? Jose G. Araullo is the former Chairman of Real Savings Bank, former CovereeCalifornia_AsianJournal 11.5x10.55 15_541.pdf 12/23/15 3:46 PM Last year, Binay was put to the test worse than President1 Philippine Savings Bank, and co-founder of Punongbayan just insults. This was when he was accused of graft & Araullo.
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Airport cop denies extortion attempt on US missionary by tetch
torres-tupas Inquirer.net
A MEMBER of the Aviation Security Group (AvseGroup) denied extorting money from Lane Michael White, an American missionary who was caught carrying a live bullet inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. In his counter-affidavit submitted to the Department of Justice Friday, Police Inspector Adriano Junio denied the charges of violations of Article 293 (robbery and extortion) of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act 7438 (An Act Defining Certain Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained or under Custodial Investigation and Duties of the Arresting, Detaining or Investigating Officers) and ReDEVOTION. Thousands of Black Nazarene devotees line up at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the traditional Pahalik, or the kissing public Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and of the statue (inset) on the eve of the main procession on Friday, Jan. 8. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban Corrupt Practices Act). Junio said he was not part of the group that arrested White and that the allegation that he all away. Make no mistake about GOP, including Gerard Gosioco, tried to extort P30,000 was a case PAGE A3 t Filipino-American Democratic it, what you’re hearing from all of call on AAPIs to look into Clin- of “misinterpreted statement.” While he admitted talking to Caucus of the California Demo- them are the same, failed policies ton’s record. cratic Party, said that “it’s her that led to the great recession.” “In light of the AAPI for Hillary time — she has the experience Despite the outpour of support launch, I implore Asian Ameriand we want someone who is a for Clinton, Republicans immedi- cans and Pacific Islanders alike friend of AAPIs.” ately listed reasons why the for- to really do their research before Las Vegas-based community mer secretary of state is unfit for supporting Hillary Clinton. Alleaders Gloria Caoile and Rozita the presidency. though it may seem like she will Lee said that the presence of Fil“Hillary Clinton’s policy pro- be advocating for issues that are Ams in the crowd showed that “it posals will not benefit our Fil-Am important to our communities, by Jose KatigbaK is a great time for us to speak out communities here in California her voting record and the policies Philstar.com with our voices at the ballot box,” or across the country. We need she has supported in the past say Caoile said. a Republican candidate who will otherwise,” Gosioco said. WASHINGTON – The landing Together with the Asian Pacific fight for our values – lower taxes, Get out the vote initiatives of three Chinese planes on two American Labor Alliance (APA- religious liberty and protecting Also present on Thursday separate occasions on the disLA) and NaFFAA, Caoile and Lee our national security,” said Ce- were Norm Mineta (the first puted Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) have been getting AAPIs to reg- cile Ramos of the Fil-Am Repub- Asian American to hold a post Reef in the South China Sea does ister to vote in Southern Nevada, lican Party of Los Angeles. in the presidential cabinet, who nothing to foster stability in the and will organize town hall meetA memo released on Wednes- was secretary of commerce dur- region and is of concern to the ings in the coming months. day, Jan. 6 by Jason Chung, di- ing Bill Clinton’s administration United States, Pentagon spokes“In this room today, as a vet- rector of APA engagement, and and transportation secretary man Peter Cook said. eran — and I say that with pride Ninio Fetalvo, APA press secre- during George W. Bush); CaliChina on Wednesday said it — it’s a great reunion of folks tary at the Republican National fornia state treasurer John Chi- landed two civilian planes on the who have worked on campaigns Committee (RNC), said that ang; Irene Bueno, who led AAPI 3,000-meter runway it constructfor the last 30 years and have Democrat policies “harm, rather outreach in Clinton’s 2008 cam- ed in Kagitingan, four days after empowered AAPI communities than benefit” AAPI communities. paign; and San Gabriel Mayor a first flight to test the safety of all over the country,” Caoile said, Among the affected segments Jason Pu. the airstrip. adding that a Clinton presidency that the memo cited are AAPI Michelle Kwan, former Olym“We clearly are concerned by would be advantageous to the entrepreneurs, small businesses pic figure skater and five-time these flights... and we’re conFil-Am community. and youth, and suggested that the world champion who now serves cerned by all of these activities “Our voices will be heard, our demographic will instead “stand as surrogate outreach coordina- being conducted by the Chinese issues will be addressed. Her with the Republican Party.” tor for the campaign, empha- in disputed islands in the South record has really been tested Fetalvo further said that Clin- sized Clinton’s commitment to China Sea,” Cook said at a news for her stand on social and eco- ton’s interactions with AAPIs are women. briefing. nomic justice, for families and for “her own political fundrais“The difference is…[that] she “Anything being done by any minorities. As a two-fer — as a ing” gains. is fighting for women’s rights… country to try and raise tensions Filipina and a woman — I really “The reality is Democrats have there’s so much at stake in terms over these disputed islands, and feel comfortable that we will now long taken the AAPI community of women’s rights and LGBT to try and militarize or engage be part of this great political in- for granted, and Hillary Clinton rights in this election, so it’s for in reclamation activities in these frastructure,” Caoile said. will be no different as she con- everyone,” Kwan said. islands, we think only adds to inAdded Lee, “Hillary under- tinues to support the same failed Rocio Nuyda, who organized stability in the South China Sea,” stands our culture and she’s go- policies that hurt AAPIs across Clinton supporters throughout he said. ing to protect us.” LA, noted that this year, her fothe country,” he said. “These flights do nothing to Republicans react Fil-Am Ron Falconi, mayor of cus is to get more Fil-Am Demo- foster further stability and unIn 2015, 56 percent of US-born Brunswick, Ohio, said that AA- crats to register to vote. derstanding in that part of the Asian American registered vot- PIs should “see which party can “They could be here watching world,” he said. ers are young adults between the provide the right answers to na- what’s going on and cheering, The Philippines, Vietnam, Maages of 18 and 34, while 29 per- tional security, lower taxes, and but if they don’t register and they laysia, Brunei and Taiwan have cent are middle-aged (34-54) and a stronger economy,” while Utah don’t vote, then that’s useless,” overlapping claims to parts of the 16 percent are 55 and older, ac- Attorney General Sean Reyes Nuyda said. sea, most of which China claims cording to a study by UCLA and added that the Republican Party Dino added that more has to as its own. the Asian Pacific American Insti- aligns with what many AAPI cul- be done to raise awareness on isKagitingan, for instance, is tute for Congressional Studies. sues that are at the forefront of also claimed by the Philippines, tures value. As both sides of the aisle ramp “As an Asian American Pa- this election. up campaign efforts, they will be cific Islander on both sides of “We have a lot of people in our courting AAPI voters. my family, I have always been community who aren’t accessing Clinton called out the “hate- drawn to the Republican Party’s services and who aren’t voting. ful rhetoric” of the GOP, includ- emphasis on rewarding self-re- When issues that come up that ing that of frontrunner Donald liance, hard work and the risks affect them, they don’t educate PAGE A5 t record, in 1997-1998. Those sysTrump, who recently called for inherent with owning a small themselves,” he said. tems brought record rainfall in the ban of Muslims entering the business with lower taxes, less Over the weekend, Clinton’s California and Peru, heat waves United States. government interference and campaign held workshops in Los “[Republicans] forget a fun- economic prosperity. The poli- Angeles and the Bay Area on how in Australia and fires in Indonedamental lesson about our great cies and principles of the Re- to gather community support for sia. “What we have seen this year country. Being an open and tol- publican Party should appeal the presidential candidate. so far has not been what you erant society does not make us to AAPI’s more than the unfulClinton will once again appear vulnerable — it’s at the core of filled promises, false hope and in a Democratic debate on Janu- would call the classic weather our strength of who we are,” she burdensome regulations of the ary 17, which Fil-Am community pattern with a strong El Niño,” said Dale Eck, director of the said. “Either we are going to de- Democrats,” he said. members will closely be watchfend the progress we have made Though Clinton is fairly popu- ing. There are plans for a debate and build on it or we are going to lar among younger voters, some watch party that night in Historic let a Republican president rip it Fil-Am millennials active in the Filipinotown. n
Hillary Clinton seeks support from Fil-Am…
White’s stepmother, Eloisa Zoleta about the P30,000, it was about explaining the fines stated under Republic Act 8294 or the law governing illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Zoleta alleged that Junio was asking for P30,000. She said in the complaint that Junio told her that the amount would increase to P80,000 if her stepson would be taken to their headquarters. “I then explained to Ms. Zoleta that the P30,000 may be referring to the provision of RA 8294 wherein as far as I know, based on my experience as a police officer, that the fine to be paid was P30,000…Under subsequent amendatory laws, the recommended bail for illegal possession of ammunition has already been increased to more or less P80,000,” he said in his counter affidavit. He added that in all his long years of service in the Philippine National Police (PNP), he received several awards for honesty including Medalya ng Pap-
uri in July 2012 after returning a black Dunhill clutch bag containing checks and cash worth P700,000. He asked the DOJ to dismiss the case against him. Meanwhile, the five other respondents – SPO4 Ramon Bernardo and SPO2 Romy Navarro and Rolando Clarin, all of PNP-ASG; and Office for Transportation Security (OTS) personnel Marvin Garcia and Ma. Elma Cegna – were not able to submit their respective answers to the charges. They asked for 10 more days to submit counter-affidavits. The prosecutor granted the request and gave them until the next hearing on Jan. 18 to answer the charges. The 20-year-old White was arrested on September 17 last year and charged with possession of a 22-caliber bullet, which was supposedly detected when his baggage went through the x-ray scanner at the NAIA. His case was dismissed by a Pasay City court. n
US: China’s reef activities not conducive to regional stability
United States of America flag
and by Vietnam which refers to it as Da Chu Thap. Both countries have protested the landings. State Secretary John Kerry at a news briefing on Thursday said he is in consultation with America’s allies in the region regarding developments in the South China Sea. He spoke on Wednesday with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh and they discussed how to improve Vietnam’s maritime awareness. Kerry and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter will meet in Washington next Tuesday with Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario
and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the Philippines. High on the agenda at the 2+2 ministerial meeting is the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which allows the return of US troops on a rotational basis to the Philippines. Last November President Barack Obama during a visit to Manila pledged to hand over two ships to the Philippine Navy to boost its maritime security capabilities. Obama said the US had an “ironclad commitment” to the Philippines, a treaty ally. n
El Niño brings heavy storms, floods to California… Global Forecast Center at the Weather Channel. “They’re not getting 10 to 15 inches of rain,” Eck said, comparing this year’s tropical storm to the 1997 and 1998 El Niños. “We’re now seeing a series of storms that are dumping 1 to 3 inches in California.” As the wet winter storms continue building up the snow
in the Sierra and San Gabriel mountains, the higher level of rain could spell good news for drought-afflicted California, Eck added. “What’s more important than the rain falling in Los Angeles and San Francisco is the snow pack building up in the Sierras,” he said. “They are adding feet of snow.” (Allyson Escobar / AJPress)
Immigrant groups mark one-year anniversary…
Filipina CEO joins ambitious voyage to…
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would only be four persons for two years there. That’s the goal, but nothing is set in stone,” she said. Once they’re there, their only task is to survive the harsh environment—and each other—to start a colony in Mars. “We’ll be there forever,” Del Rosario said. Science or publicity? Still, since it was conceptualized in 2012, the Mars One project drew criticism and speculation if it could pull off such an ambitious journey. With its mission even surpassing the capabilities of Nasa itself, the project was criticized as a mere publicity ploy, with candidates getting in the cream of the crop by donating larger sums of money. Joseph Roche, one of those shortlisted, wrote in The Guardian that Mars One is a profiteering ploy, and that the top 10 candidates got in the leading shortlist based on “supporter points” which one gets based on donations and purchases of Mars One merchandise. The Medium also published a story questioning the feasibility of the ambitious mission, featur-
ing its exclusive interview with Roche. Mars One CEO Bas Lansdorp in a statement on its website has denied the allegation, saying some finalists got in even without hefty donations. Roche also cited another study done by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that humans in the ambitious mission can only survive Mars for 68 days. The 2014 report particularly said the Mars One mission was bound to fail based on the formula required for the voyage. “The first crew fatality would occur approximately 68 days into the mission,” according to the report which studied the formulas on oxygen, food and technology required for the project, AFP reported. The report said oxygen levels would start to deplete after two months, and that there was still no technology to allow permanent settlement in Mars. The MIT report said the plants the participants would cultivate to feed the space colony would produce “unsafe” amounts of oxygen. “Some form of oxygen removal system is required, a technology that has not yet been developed for space flight,” the
study said. Still, Del Rosario is unfazed. Asked about the prospect of death, Del Rosario said it would be an honorable way to sacrifice a life if only to fulfill the ultimate voyage to space. She said the project may start future prospects of studying life outside Earth, which would benefit not only the next generations but also our own planet itself, which struggles from climate change, overpopulation and pollution. “Everybody has that fear … We’re all scared of death. But to me, it’s not suicidal. At least this is what you want to do, this is your dream. If you’re going to exit that way, it’s very fulfilling, because it’s your dream, it’s for humanity,” Del Rosario said. Asked how she has talked about her dream to go to Mars with her boyfriend, Del Rosario said in jest that he even vowed to build a rocket ship to visit her in space. She rode on a quip raised during the forum that she, goodlooking at age 27, was willing to take on the literal role of Miss Universe. “I’m a certified astronaut Miss Universe!” Del Rosario said. n
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derstanding, major delays and inconsistencies with the new program. About 11,000 eligible immigrants have still not been accounted for AB 60, for multiple reasons, including: the lengthy application review process, language barriers and lack of communication, improper training of DMV staff, and proper identification requirements. Filipino applicants have also had a hard time with the process, due to lengthy requirements and issues with certain Asian passports and documents. Philippine passports, for instance, are not accepted right away by the DMV, leaving Filipino applicants stuck in secondary review. “It feels like discrimination when all these other folks are able to present their passport and go through the process and get their licenses, we are being put through this long process where there’s no criminal record…it’s just the issue of identity, which they’re asking more than immigration [customs] asks for,” said Aqui Soriano Versoza, executive director of the Pilipino Workers Center. “We’re really trying to advocate for less and less livein condition or less live-in situations, because that just opens up more opportunity for [work] abuse as well.”
Local consulates, including the Philippine consulate have tried to help Filipinos produce acceptable identification documents to comply with the stringent requirements, but the main issue is extreme delays with secondary review. “We’re obviously advocating with the DMV that they have to accept all the Philippines passports that it’s a primary document that can be received,” Cababa added. “Other issues include poorly-translated DMV documents and lack of Tagalogspeaking staff.” Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Los Angeles, in collaboration with the Drive California Coalition, the African Advocacy Network, the California Immigrant Policy Center, and other community partners, hosted a press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 5 to address the serious issue with inconsistencies in applying for AB 60. “If it wasn’t for the collaboration with these organizations and the diverse community, we wouldn’t have had 600,000 immigrants go to the DMV and rightfully obtain their license,” said Anthony Ng, an immigrant rights policy advocate with Advancing Justice - LA. “We want to make sure that each population is accounted for, because this law affects so many people’s lives, jobs,
and taking care of families.” Advancing Justice and its partners promised to work with immigrant communities, local governments and the DMV to help sort out issues and backlog of applications, as more immigrants expect to get licensed. Advancing Justice, the Filipino Migrant Center, the Pilipino Workers Center, and the DMV all have conducted public outreach events and multi-lingual trainings to educate new drivers in the greater Los Angeles/South Bay area. “The law has changed lives and created powerful new opportunities for community members who worked diligently for two decades to make the licenses a reality. With so many more drivers licensed, tested and insured, Californians are benefitting,” Ng said. “Thanks to the hard work of immigrant community members and the leadership of Gov. Brown, our legislature, and the DMV, hundreds of thousands of community members are now able to freely drive to work, school, worship, and more,” said Luz Gallegos with TODEC Legal Center. “At the same time, our work is far from over. We will continue to advocate strongly so that all community members who call California home are able to equitably access this vital opportunity.” n
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SHOWBIZ&STYLE
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Journal Master Showman German ‘Kuya Germs’ Moreno passes away at 82 by Bayani
San Diego Inquirer.net
Jr.
NOW he finally sleeps. German Moreno, who started as a janitor and curtain raiser at the Clover vaudeville theater to become an actor, television host, producer and star-maker, died at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City early Friday morning. He was 82. Fondly called “Kuya Germs,” the effervescent host known for calling out, “Walang tulugan!” (Let’s keep awake, people!) in his midnight TV shows, was still recovering from the mild stroke he suffered in January last year, when he passed at 3:20am on Friday,
Jan. 8, surrounded by friends and family. “He’s now with our Creator,” said his nephew, television personality John Nite. “He lived a full life, touched many hearts through the years, and helped make dreams come true for many of the biggest stars in the Philippine entertainment industry,” Nite said in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by his passing, but are comforted by the thought that his legacy will live on.” But the loss had not fully sunk in, admitted Nite, Moreno’s cohost in “Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman,” the late-night variety program that gave him the
monicker so popular that a local dumpling chain had named its stalls, “Master Siomai.” Since the 1970s “Master Showman,” started airing in 1997 over GMA 7, Moreno’s home station since the 1970s. In a statement, the network said it was “deeply mourning” the death of its “beloved” Moreno. “The Master Showman will be greatly missed by his friends and fans, both here and abroad, especially those from show biz, where he devoted the best years of his life,” the statement said, adding that Moreno was “the epitome of a loyal Kapuso.” Shortly after news of his death broke online, the topic #Kuy-
Pauleen Luna, Vic Sotto reveal wedding entourage MANILA—Pauleen Luna and Vic Sotto have already finalized the entourage for their upcoming wedding. The couple has three sets of principal sponsors, including their “Eat Bulaga” co-hosts Joey de Leon and Vic’s brother Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Philippine Entertainment Portal reported. Pauleen’s close friend and “Eat Bulaga” co-host Ruby Rodriguez will be her Matron of Honor, while Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach is one of the bridesmaids. Also part of the entourage is Ryzza Mae Dizon who will be one of the flower girls. Vic’s children also have a part in his wedding with Pauleen which, according to reports, will happen this month. Danica Sotto-Pingris and Oyo Sotto, his children with Dina Bonnevie, are the veil and cord sponsors, respectively. Vic’s daughter Paulina Sotto is one of the candle sponsors, while his son Vico Sotto is his best man. Paulina is his daughter with Angela Luz, while Vico is his son with Coney Reyes. Check out the complete list of Pauleen and Vic’s wedding
entourage: - Principal Sponsors: Sen. Tito Sotto & Mrs. Carmencita Garcia; Mr. Tony Tuviera & Mrs. Madeleine Tuviera; Joey de Leon & Dr. Salvacion Gatchalian - Matron of Honor: Ruby Rodriguez - Best Man: Vico Sotto (son with Coney Reyes) - Maid of Honor: Franchesca Que - Bridesmaids: Pia Wurtzbach, Anne Margaret Luna, Leah Camille Agcaoili, and Mara Isabel Sotto - Groomsmen: Val Sotto, Maru Sotto, Anjo Yllana, Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo and Paolo Ballesteros - Candle Sponsors: Paulina Sotto (Vic’s daughter with Angela Luz) and Miguel Mario Luna (Pauleen’s brother) - Veil Sponsors: Danica Sotto and Marc Pingris - Cord Sponsors: Oyo Sotto and Kristine Hermosa - Ring Bearer: Jean Michel Pingris - Coin Bearer: Kristian Daniel Sotto - Bible Bearer: Alessandro Jose Sotto
Pauleen Luna and Vic Sotto reveal the people who will be part of their wedding entourage. Instagram photo by Pauleen Luna
- Rosary Bearer: Marciano Dominico Antonio - Flower Girls: Ryzza Mae Dizon, Ellenor Rose Lagrio, Anielle Micaela Pingris, Ondrea Bliss Sotto Recently, Pauleen and Vic had their second fitting of their wedding gown and tuxedo with designer Francis Libiran. They also had their house blessed on New Year’s day, which the actress said is a “great way to start the year.” (Philstar.com)
aGerms trended nationwide, as countless show biz folks and observers took to Twitter to express sadness, condole with his family and give tribute to Moreno. Moreno started out in the local entertainment industry in 1957 as a janitor and telonero (curtain raiser) at Clover Theater in Manila, where he first discovered the wonders of vaudeville. It was here where Moreno was discovered by stage director Victor Sevilla who was looking for a thin, mestizo-looking man to portray Jesus Christ in a Passion play. Resident comedian From stage play, Moreno crossed over to film and became a resident comedian and choreog-
rapher for Sampaguita Pictures. His first talent fee was P75. Moreno eventually forged a formidable movie career starting in 1963. One of his most notable movie projects was Celso Ad Castillo’s “Payaso”—an entry to the 1986 Metro Manila Film Festival. He was a prolific television host, too. Aside from “Walang Tulugan,” Moreno hosted other equally successful and well-loved variety shows from the late 1970s to the 1990s, including “Germside,” “Germspesyal” and “GMA Supershow,” all on GMA 7, as well as “Superstar,” which he cohosted with acclaimed actress and close PAGE B5
G e r m a n M o re n o, p o p u l a r l y k n ow n as Kuya Germs, died Friday, Jan. 8 due to cardiac arrest. Philstar.com photo
B january 9-12, 2016 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL
Moonlighting by Mylah
leon
Ladies in Red, led by Gloria Resureccion
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Greggy Araneta’s winsome drop by at the BBM-USA Assembly
thing of phenomena. Here was an event, political in design, yet systematically poised, gracious and courtly. The whole shindig was not what encouraged attention, but the plight of values LOS ANGELES—We had big ex- one needed to explore. It was not citements in our neighborhood at about what fashion was needed the Historic Filipinotown last Sun- to support a young man’s path to day, Jan. 4. There were predictable leadership, but about the difficult enthusiasm, pleasant surprises expression in virtues—the good and enterprising constancy. Most and the bad. The truth seeks a matastonishingly, what we learned was ter of political ideological choices. savoir-faire. The intense concentration was There were names so cumber- on Greggy Araneta, the better half some in all the special guest, sup- of Irene Marcos, who was swathed porters, friends as they grandly in red, waving and shaking hands slip on the seat of honor assigned as he cut himself to an almost to them. The sensitivity was some- hysterical crowd and dispatched de
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a happy “chemistry” between him and Sen. Bongbong Marcos’s supporters. They picked up his every single word. There was no doubting the sensitivity between the man and the audience. “I am not the politician of the family,” he said to a crowd roared in response with affection and enthusiasm as they clapped their hands through a generational imbalance among the relatively young and old alike. But words cannot do everything, the rest is told by the eye in images that captured the event. Here are photos often, hilariously dubbed the “Kodak Moment.”
Nothing beats a warm handshake after a glowing quote.
BBM-USA welcomes Greggy Araneta
Van Dichoso and Fernandico Q. Gonong
Greggy Araneta with his hosts Grachelle, Patricia, Mr. & Mrs. Fernandico Q. Gonong
AJ Ads 60 Beet Juice_Layout 1 12/15/15 10:41Q.AM Page Fernandico Gonong and 1Greggy Araneta
Photos by Ding Carreon and Bobby Crisostomo.
age gracefully
It’s Holiday Recovery Time!
Detox With This Potent Juice
BY GRACE O After the holiday parties and all of the tempting dishes and desserts, I want to get myself back on track health-wise. This Detox Juice will help rid your system of heavy metals, cleanse your liver, and clean out your colon. The chlorophyll in watercress helps to purify the blood of toxins. If you can’t get fresh watercress, you can use spirulina powder in its place. The watercress adds a spicy tartness to the juice. The beets are to sweeten up the mixture and give it a beautiful color, but they bring diseasepreventing anthocyanins to the glass as well along with nitrate which reduces blood pressure and iron. The vitamin C in the oranges helps the liver function optimally. And the fiber powder will take care of the colon. Drink up!
Detox Juice Serves 2-4 Drinks 1 cup watercress (can substitute 2 Tbsp. spirulina powder) 4 beets (peel on) stem and root removed, cut in pieces 4 oranges (peel on) cut in pieces 8 ounces water 2 Tablespoons fiber powder
1. Place watercress, beets, and oranges in a juicer. 2. Stir the fiber powder into the water until it dissolves completely. 3. Mix the fiber water into the juice
GRACE O – Combining her passion for food and a commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, GRACE O has created FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness. Grace O is a fusion chef with a mission: to cook up recipes for a long and joyful life that are built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 15 years in the healthcare industry. Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com © 2015 by FoodTrients.com
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Be healthy and sexy in 2016 Whatever you are doing now, stand up and walk. Constant sitting will make you sick
by Cory Quirino Inquirer.net
It isn’t as fabulous or as challenging as it reads. to be sexy is premised upon one basic truth and a non-negotiable principle: You have to be healthy. If you want this for yourself, read on. this bears repeating, if your intention is to be a better version of yourself in 2016. Self-analysis—review your 2015 routine. While you’re at it, observe your life as it was lived this past year. Be honest about criticizing yourself. Who could be a better critic? With self-analysis comes the most natural consequence. Self-talk—you may not realize it, but in order to have a breakthrough, it is imperative that you connect with the inner you. So, talk to yourself. Declare what areas of your life need improvement—body, mind and spirit. Get real—if you cannot get organic food, eat more naturally grown food. Reduce intake of processed foods. Scrutinize all processed foods you have purchased. they could contain dangerous chemicals like preservatives. to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, stay away from pesticides in food and home products. Fighting dementia Exercise. too lazy to have a regular gym routine? try any kind of activity that keeps you moving for 20-30 minutes daily. Why exercise? Because it keeps the brain young. John J. Ratey, a psychiatrist, wrote in “Spark: the Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” that overwhelming evidence suggests the benefits of exercise in fighting dementia. Avoid sitting for extended
periods of time. this could lead to poor health. Whatever you are doing now, stand up and walk. Constant sitting will make you sick. Studies have proven that standing more than six hours daily reduces one’s risk of obesity by 30 percent. Wheelchair-bound individuals can do upper body weight training or chair yoga in order to get a cardiovascular workout. Even stretching and hula-hands dance workout can give you upper body toning. Sleep—one cannot get enough of it. the story of Sam, a workaholic, is worth remembering. Sam at age 56 was a senior executive in an advertising agency. In order to move up the corporate ladder faster, he voluntarily took on more work than his colleagues. After a year of exhaustion, averaging only four hours of sleep nightly, he suffered a heart attack. the cause: stress complicated by lack of sleep. today, he has learned to manage his time and workload. to his surprise, he became more productive at the office. thus, he has a clearer mind and more energized body. Routine—keep to a regular routine. Eating at odd hours can throw your metabolism out of sync. Worse, your blood sugar levels can drop or spike erratically. Follow a regular meal schedule. try not to deviate from this. Carbo-watch—there is nothing wrong with carbohydrates if you stick to complex carbs. Anything refined like white noodles or pasta and cakes will only raise your blood sugar levels. Don’t get me wrong, you can still eat your pasta for as long as it is preceded by a big bowl of fresh garden greens. Always remember as a rule: Eat
vegetables before consuming carbohydrates. It is the only way to manage your sugar. Immune system Stop worrying. Will it help your situation if you worry? Of course not. Whatever situation you are in, worrying will only raise your stress and hormone levels, which in turn will attack your immune system. Polyphenol power—while found in many other seeds, lignans, a type of plant compound known as polyphenols, are especially good for women’s overall health by regulating and balancing estrogen levels. A high intake of polyphenols from flaxseed can lower risk of breast cancer and reducing breast tumor growth. twenty-five grams of dietary flaxseed daily is suggested as preventive for diabetes, liver disorders, heart disease and atherosclerosis. (Reference: “Lignans Save Lives,” articles. mercola.com.) Keep it simple there is wisdom behind eating with order and simplicity. While popular buffets and restaurants encourage you to eat quickly, there is a smarter way to enjoy it all—one at a time, and by taking your time. Instead of piling up food on your plate, reduce that mountain of treats to a hill. Start with salad, followed by soup, main course, then dessert. Instead of hoarding it all on your table, take your meal with ease, not with tension. the same applies to your mind and heart. the new year can either be overwhelming or calming for you. In the end, the choice is yours. Everything has its limits. try not to reach breaking point on your way to living out a brand new year.
Exercise. Too lazy to have a regular gym routine? Try any kind of activity that keeps you moving for 20-30 minutes daily.
Stem Cell theraphy The Now Technology The STEM CELL Regenerative Therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical alternative for people suffering from various ailments and conditions. The Invitrx procedure involves intravenous infusion of Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells from healthy born babies. Cells regenerate and replace the damaged and sick cells throughout the body. This simple 20-min procedure avoids the complicated and potentially dangerous nature of surgical procedures but can also be used in conjunction with surgery to significantly reduce inflammation and speed the healing process. Guaranteed and certified 120 Million live stem cells in 4cc.
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A Husband’s 30-Year-Old “Secret” Almost Derailed the Family’s Green Cards on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY! Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to revive Alice’s (center) petition by her US citizen father, after it was terminated due to the petitioner’s death. The family was then eligible to get their visas years ahead of schedule by using the priority date of Alice’s Lebanese husband, Andre (left). But Andre refused to come to the US because of a “secret” he had kept for 30 years, preventing him from going back to the US. Atty. Gurfinkel worked “miracles” to resolve the mystery behind this fascinating success story, on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday, January 10 at 6:15pm (PST) on TFC.
Chiz, Heart plan to have baby this year MANILA—Heart EvangelistaEscudero reveals she and husband Senator Chiz Escudero are planning to have a baby this year. “Yes. It is true.” Heart confirms in an interview with Philstar.com at the press conference of her collaboration with designer Mark Bumgarner for a Fashion Gala happening this January 18. “Actually, we are planning to have it mga end of the year pa, because I still need to have a booster shot, and that will take six to seven months before you can have a baby,” explains Heart. She also revealed that she wants a boy. “I want a boy, but kung ano man ang ibigay sa akin okay lang, pero boy talaga gusto ko kasi ang cute kasi nila bihisan, ang gwapo ganyan,” she said. Heart has been married with Escudero since February last year. In a recent interview with Escudero for Original Penguin, brand campaign, he revealed that he makes it to a point that they will all live and settle together in one roof three years from now. He also mentioned that the
Francis Escudero and actress Heart Evangelista exchange wedding vows at Balesin Island Resort in Quezon.
colorful past the two shared is that their jobs are challenging on what made their bond stronger entirely different levels. (Philstar. than ever as they both understand com)
B january 9-12, 2016 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL
Features
Winter beauty guide By Monet
Programming of Kababayan Today, January 11-15, 2016
G. TönGi
Lu
DURING the winter our hair experiences dehydration because of unavoidable exposure. we need to be proactive about maintaining moisture in our hair. For the entire winter months, we want to help you keep your hair and skin keep it shiny and healthy. Hair Reborn, Brazilian keratin treatment, shimmer and shine are the perfect respite for hair that has been subjected to chemical treatments—such as perming, straightening, or tinting. This is also recommended for people who are just aiming to combat dryness during this freezing weather. I tend to sound repetitive about this but I can’t emphasize this enough: moisture, moisturize, moisturize! Remember when a good haircut was enough to put a smile on our faces? If we hold on the little positives in our everyday lives, I have a feeling we’re going to pull through these tough times quite famously. For someone who has been in the business of making people look good, I have some new hairstyle recommendations that are sure to add some hot tone to this cool weather. For long-haired women who have heart-, square- or roundshaped faces, layers will work wonders, provided that it is molded closely to the edge of the hair so that it elongates the face. For an oval-shaped face, shorter layers are more appropriate. Sassy layers are very easy to manage as well. If you have curly hair, bangs should be administered with caution. Make sure it’s slightly above your lashes so that it looks flattering. The thing about bangs though is you have to maintain the ideal length that works for you, otherwise, the effect is not quite there. The bob haircut is here to stay. It’s ideal for women who have straight to wavy hair textures. This is especially flattering for women who have round faces. This type of cut usually requires blow-drying and to maintain the ideal length, you need to have it cut every six weeks. The pixie is ideal for people who have strong facial features.
The Global Kababayan
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The pixie is easy to manage. A quick blow-dry and a dab of hair product, and you have a chic style that will last the entire day. Just make sure that you apply a little shine serum to towel-dried hair before you put up your hair so that natural texture can be enhanced. This style is so comfy and will also have you feeling relaxed. A slick ponytail can accentuate your features, while also getting annoying tendrils of hair out of your way. To prevent frizzy hair, use a leave-on conditioner or hair tonics that are specific for frizzy hair. If the ponytail is getting boring, try a French braid. It will look chic and will also prevent you looking bedraggled. For your skin, exfoliation is a must to clear away dead cells that can otherwise clog up your pores and cause unsightly pimples that can spoil your summer look. Use a scrub that does not dry your skin or make your own; sugar mixed with a little olive oil is very natural and skin-friendly. Feet need to look good in winter. Scrub your feet with foot scrubs or make your own with some granular salt or sugar and olive oil. Rubbing this into your legs in a gentle upward motion will have dual effects of exfoliating dry skin. Winter is one of those times when less is best. Trying to enhance your natural looks with minimal embellishment will work best. A matte powder over foundation with SPF is better than heavy foundation lotions and creams that will look patchy once you sweat a little. Gloss is best for lips.
JAN. 11 - Meet the man behind the team that trained Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Aces and Queens mentor Jonas Gaffud. Jan. 12 - Albert Andrada, the fashion designer who made the national costume and the winning evening gown of Pia, visits us on the show. Jan. 13 - Oliver Tolentino visits Kababayan Today. Oliver saved the day for Pia during the Miss Universe preliminary show. Jan. 14 - It is part 1 of our Miss Universe 2015 special. G traveled to New York to interview Pia about winning the most coveted crown. Jonas Gaffud Lips need protection as well and it Jan. 15 - It is part 2 of our Miss would be best to apply a lip gloss Universe 2015 special. or lip balm with an SPF of 15 or *** more to keep your lips looking Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer fresh and pert. of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that Eye make-up is a zone of error features relevant topics for Filipino’s living in winter and you can avoid gaffes in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the by sticking to near-neutral tones cultural gap between America & the Philippines of eye shadow and waterproof but to help with the generational gap between mascara and liners. A creamy lipour own people. She is married with two children stick will be friendlier on the lips and is based in Southern California and makes than matte lipsticks and will also frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and last longer. Leave your foundation Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are or tinted moisturizer in the refrigOliver Tolentino empowering the FilAm community. erator. When you smooth it on, the heat from your face will melt it into your skin making it look like you have naturally perfect skin. Smudged eyeliner can look great on evenings and you can get this effect by heating the tip of your eye pencil with a lit match just before lining your eyes. Keeping yourself adequately hydrated, adding essential nutrients to diet to avoid the heavier fats and proteins, taking plenty of vitamin C in the form of citrus fruits and juices, and getting the minimum 8 hours of sleep can help you going through winter with good looks and great relax- Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wutzbach joins G Tongi for a fun interview in New York. ation. Enjoy your winter and stay beautiful! *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
Albert Andrada created the national costume worn by Miss Philippines during the Miss Universe 2015 pageant.
Photo from the Miss Universe Facebook page
EVA earns spot on AirlineRatings’ safety list third year in a row Website experts use high standards to identify world’s safest airlines
TAIPEI, TAIWAN—AirlineRatings.com has ranked EVA Air among the world’s safest airlines for the third year in a row. EVA has consistently been recognized by the website and other organizations around the globe for its spotless safety record. The standards the website used to make its 2016 safety rankings represent best airline safety practices established by aviation governing bodies, associations and governments, in addition to analysis of crash data. Travelers can learn more about EVA’s consistent commitment quality services and safety at www.evaair.com. AirlineRatings.com’s editors and content curators are recognized worldwide for their expertise and deep knowledge of the industry. The website regularly monitors and evaluates 407 airlines. From these carriers, it identified the world’s 20 safest airlines.
Each these airlines has earned AirlineRatings’ maximum sevenstar safety rating and met its high standards.* “Our editors scrutinize every aspect of an airline’s safety program, including management oversight, leadership in the cockpit and maintenance,” said AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas. “Our editors continue to be impressed by EVA Air’s attention to detail and its impeccable safety record. Typically, the best safety-oriented airlines also offer the best product.”
EVA has also earned AirlineRatings’ seven stars for its product. For almost a quarter of a century, EVA has been uncompromising in its focus on maintenance, repair, upkeep, employee training and service. AirlineRatings ranked EVA Elite Class and Economy services in the top-10 “best for economy plus and economy class travel for 2015” and, after evaluating quality of service, products, equipment and safety, counted the carrier among the world’s top-10 best airlines for 2016. SKYTRAX also ranked EVA as one of the “World’s Top-10 Best Airlines” and the number one airline for “Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness” for 2015, based on its prestigious annual quality satisfaction survey of travelers worldwide. EVA has been recognized among the world’s 10 safest airlines by Aero International Magazine’s eight times since 2004. And it has demonstrated zero-defects in IATA’s Operational Safety Audits (IOSA), performed every two years since 2005. EVA steadily renews and upgrades its fleet by replacing older aircraft and introducing new, advanced models, including Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A321200s. Executives just signed a purchase agreement for up to 24 environmentally conscious, fuel-efficient Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners that the airline will use on mediumrange routes and, with its growing fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs, on long-haul flights. *AirlineRatings used seven criteria to assess airlines. Each of the top-20 airlines has: • Completed an IATA (International Air Transport Association) Operational Safety Audit, ie, earned IOSA Certification. • Met the European Union’s high standards of aircraft maintenance and regulatory oversight and is not listed on the EU Blacklist. • Maintained a fatality-free record for the past 10 years. • Served the United States from a country that upholds Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) aircraft operations and maintenance requirements. • Originated in a country that fulfills all eight International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety parameters. • Never been grounded by any governing aviation safety authority. • Built a fleet using Boeing, Airbus and McDonnell Douglas aircraft and does not operate Russian-built aircraft. (Advertising Supplement)
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 9-12, 2016
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Open enrollment ends on January 31
MORE than 35,000 Filipino Americans throughout Los Angeles County do not have health insurance. Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center is here to help you find the best plan available through Covered California and the Affordable Care Act. “Many Filipino Americans are unaware of how health insurance can help pay for services during an emergency. No one plans a trip to the ER, but it’s those moments that we need to be prepared for the most.” -Tony T. Reyes, RN, MSN, MHA, CEN, NE-BC, Director of Adult Care Nursing Services at Glendale Memorial The open enrollment period for 2016 coverage ends on JanuLong before the advent of reality talent searches, Moreno had been discovering and launching young aspiring talents via the iconic youth- ary 31. If you do not have health oriented show “That’s Entertainment.”
German Moreno passes away... PAGE B1
friend Nora Aunor, on RPN. Moreno produced movies for television as well and anchored a number of radio programs, the latest one being “Walang Siesta” on dzBB. He likewise spearheaded the installation of the Walk of Fame Philippines in Quezon City in 2005. But the TV host will perhaps be best remembered as a veritable star-maker. Long before the advent of reality talent searches, Moreno had been discovering and launching young aspiring talents via the iconic youth-oriented show “That’s Entertainment,” which
featured many of the country’s most accomplished music and movie stars, among them Aiko Melendez, Janno Gibbs, Carmina Villaroel, Vina Morales, Lea Salonga and the late rapper Francis Magalona. Not an option “From his guidance and tutelage emerged at least two generations of show biz personalities who are now carrying the torch of fine entertainment,” said Manila Mayor and former movie star Joseph Estrada, who, in 2014, hailed Moreno as one of the year’s Outstanding Manilans for “being without equal in nurturing new talents in the movie industry.”
Tony T. Reyes, RN, MSN, MHA, CEN, NE-BC, Director of Adult Care Nursing Services at Glendale Memorial
(818)502-4763 or visit DignityHealth.org/enroll. (Advertising Supplement)
How Gabby Concepcion defies aging
Indeed, Moreno was a man of many hats, and he wore each one with utmost pride and did his job with unwavering passion. Retirement, he had often declared in past interviews, was not an option. Staying idle, he said, only made him feel weaker. True enough, only three months after his mild stroke in January last year that temporarily paralyzed his right arm, Moreno willed himself to return to his radio program. In June, he was back on television. Until his death, he was attending show biz events and press conferences. “As long as my body is willing, I will carry on,” he once said. Gabby looks forward to his reunion film with ex wife Sharon Cuneta.
TEMPO-KEEPER. For the second the year in the row, Fil-Am Nick Ezpeleta marched the Rose Parade as the solo snare drummer for the Pasadena City College Herald Trumpets. Nick was the tempo-keeper for the players who announce the Rose Queen and her court. Nick is also a snare captain and performs in David Benoit’s Asia America Youth Symphony and the Crescendo Jazz All Stars, an ensemble made up of students from South, West and Mira Costa high schools. Photo courtesy of Eldridge Ezpeleta
insurance, there is a penalty tax for most Americans. To avoid the penalty and get care from local doctors affiliated with Glendale Memorial Hospital, sign up for one of the available plans: Anthem PPO (Bronze 60 HSA/Bronze 60), Blue Shield PPO (Bronze 60/Silver 70/Gold 80), or Health Net HMO (Silver 70/Gold 80/Platinum 90). Our affiliate brokers are enrollment experts. In person or over the phone, they’ll help you understand all your options and walk you through every step to make sure you find the best plan and doctors available. Contact our certified Covered CA insurance agents at no cost to you and get started before the enrollment period ends. For more information, call
by Remy
UmeRez/Inquirer.net
GABBy Concepcion’s latest teleserye, “Because of you,” marks the first time the ’80s heartthrob topbills a drama series for the Kapuso network—as Carla Abellana’s leading man! Directed by Mark Reyes, the show appeals to Gabby because it’s a light drama with some comedy in it. He plays an RTW magnate, while Carla is his employee, Andrea (Abellana), who was left at the altar by Rafael Rosell’s character. When she falls in love with her boss, however, Rafael tries to win her back!
Gabby turned 51 last Nov. 7, but he has maintained his good looks. How has he managed to do it? “I drink plenty of water and work out regularly,” he shares. “For me, dieting is hard, because my metabolism isn’t as fast as it used to be. I moisturize a lot, which works well with my skin. Actors owe it to our fans to look good!” Will his reunion movie with ex-wife Sharon push through? He replies, “I really look forward to it. They’re still looking for the right material—I hope they find it soon!”
B january 9-12, 2016 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL
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seafood city food service fpfc
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COMMUNITY Journal
Resolve to solve your immigration problems in 2016
Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves Devin M. Connolly AnD nAnCy MilleR
THE year 2016 is upon us and it is time to look forward and dropped out of school or were facts in their case. Many countries are suffermake plans for the upcoming convicted of certain crimes. year. Will 2016 be the year you DAPA is being reviewed this ing political upheaval. This has resolve your immigration prob- year by the US Supreme Court caused many to flee for safety. lems? Will 2016 be the year and may become a reality by Those seeking to enter or remain in the United States may you consult an experienced and June. DACA and DAPA protect be eligible for political asylum if knowledgeable immigration firm about your immigration rights in against removal but do not lead they have or would suffer perseto permanent lawful status. cution as a result of their race, the US? Despite the “hold” placed on However, many other existing religion, ethnicity, political opinthe implementation of DAPA forms of relief do. For instance, ion or membership in a particuand expanded DACA, the fu- non-citizens who entered the lar social group. Those studying in the United ture for immigrants is still full of United States by means of a hope. Obtaining work authori- misrepresentation may be eli- States and intending to start zation, permanent resident sta- gible for a waiver of that misrep- their own business may be eligitus, or even becoming a US citi- resentation if they have a parent ble for various types of business zen is possible for many people. or spouse who is a US citizen investment visas. Highly educated persons may be Unfortunately, many DACA is available for childhood eligible for long-term people are afraid to visas confront their immiarrivals – even if they dropped out nonimmigrant or green cards based gration problems and seek help. Many mis- of school or were convicted of certain on the skills they actakenly believe that crimes. DAPA is being reviewed this quired in school or practical traintheir case is hopeless year by the US Supreme Court and during ing. because they overHopefully 2016 may become a reality by June. stayed their visa or will bring far reachentered the US under an assumed name or were con- or lawful permanent resident. ing beneficial changes for imvicted of a crime. Other people The non-citizen must show that migrants. But remember that a do not understand that being their parent and/or spouse will person will not receive any benbrought to the US at a young suffer “extreme hardship” if the efits unless they apply for them, age may help them, or that hav- non-citizen is forced to return to and they cannot apply for them unless they know they exist. ing US citizen or permanent their home country. Non-citizens who have crimi- Consulting with an experienced resident parents or children may help them obtain work authori- nal convictions may be able to and knowledgeable immigration zation and other immigration obtain or keep their green cards attorney will give a prospective benefits. Regardless of their if they have a parent, spouse, immigrant the information they individual circumstances, they or son or daughter who is a need to keep their resolution to have all created a life for them- US citizen or lawful permanent resolve their immigration probselves in the US and they want resident who will suffer the req- lems in 2016. *** uisite hardship if they have to to continue that life. But problems do not resolve leave. Changes in criminal law Atty. Reeves has represented clients in themselves. Continuing to live have opened doors that were numerous landmark immigration cases that in the US may only be possible previously locked to non-citizens have set new policies regarding INS action by confronting the immigra- who wished to either obtain or and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located tion problem. The first step is maintain their lawful permanent in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas to consult a knowledgeable and residence (or even become citi- and Makati City. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 experienced immigration attor- zens). Those who obtained their E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com ney. A good immigration lawyer green cards by means of mate- Website: www.rreeves.com. *** will be able to tell the non-citi- rial misrepresentations may be zen what options are available eligible for a waiver if they have The analysis and suggestions offered in to them. Relief is available for US citizen or permanent resident this column do not create a lawyer-client parents or sons or daughters and relationship and are not a substitute for the many immigration problems. DACA is available for child- can show that the favorable fac- personalized representation that is essential (Advertising Supplement) hood arrivals – even if they tors outweigh the unfavorable to every case.
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Community Journal
C JANUARY 9-12, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Minding Your Finances
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Got debt but feeling ashamed to get help?
ing it with anyone. So they keep it to themselves and don’t do anything about their problem until it gets worse. Atty. RAymond Like most people, you’ve BulAon probably worked hard, paid your IF you are experiencing debt taxes and have done your best to problems, you may find it diffi- pay all your bills on time. But at cult to talk to other people about some stage in life, all of us get it to the point that you are not into debt. Money problems can getting the help that you need to easily overlap into other areas of our lives. find a solution. FACT: Many people feel I understand. Debt is a very personal matter so most people hopeless and powerless over don’t feel comfortable discuss- their debt problems. I have
seen marriages become unstable and relationships destroyed forever. If you are currently in debt, rather than allowing your money problems to affect your life in such a dramatic way, filing for bankruptcy protection may help you get your life back on track. If your liabilities exceed your total assets, you’ve suffered a job loss, are facing foreclosure or have bills you can no longer afford to pay, Congress has enacted bankruptcy laws that can help you get your finances in order. I know that the mere thought of bankruptcy makes most people nervous so they avoid exploring their options
until it’s too late. I find this unfortunate because in a lot of cases, people could have turned their situation around much sooner had they taken the time to find out what their legal rights are. Some people wait too long to file bankruptcy even when it is their only option. In the process, they use up hard-earned assets like their retirement plan, savings accounts, etc. but in the end they realize that this was nothing more than a temporary fix to a lingering problem. If you’ve come to the end of your financial rope and don’t know what else to do, it is time to face your debt problems with
dignity and do what your situation calls for. I am not saying that bankruptcy is for everyone but after being a bankruptcy attorney for almost 14 years now and having represented thousands of clients in bankruptcy, what I have seen is that oftentimes, bankruptcy is THE ONLY WAY for most people in debt to get a fresh start when they are in over their heads in debt. If bankruptcy is the best option for you, you don’t need to keep living paycheck to paycheck while digging a deeper financial hole every single month. Yes, bankruptcy may be a scary thing for a lot of people who don’t understand the process
but once you’ve taken the time to find out how it works and how it could help you get out of debt, you may realize that it’s actually not as difficult as you first may have thought. To schedule a free consultation, please call Toll-Free 1-866477-7772. We have offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Cerritos and Valencia. ***
None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)
The ABCs of foreign bank and financial accounts (FBAR) Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA IF you have offshore bank accounts, should you report the accounts to the US government? Yes, if the aggregate balances exceed $10,000 at any time during the year. What if you had the accounts before you left for the US? Yes, you should. There are reasons why our government wants to know: combat money laundering, fight terrorism, and avert tax evasion. If you are not guilty of any of these conducts, there is nothing to worry about. Filing the report causes no harm, no foul. But there are penalties if you don’t. Read on and learn about FBAR. What is FBAR: It’s a Foreign Bank & Financial Accounts Report on FinCEN Form 114 (was Form TD F 90-22.1). Who Must File the FBAR: A United States person must e-file new FinCEN Form 114 if that person has financial interest in or signature authority over any financial accounts in a foreign country and the aggregate value of these accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. Definition of a United States Person: 1. A citizen or resident of the United States. 2. A domestic partnership, domestic corporation, domestic trust or estate.
Definition of Foreign Financial Accounts: 1. Bank accounts such as savings accounts, checking accounts, and time deposits. 2. Securities accounts such as mutual funds, brokerage accounts, and securities derivatives. 3. Accounts where assets are held in a commingled fund that is a mutual fund. 4. And are located outside the United States, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands Examples of Financial Interest: 1. John, a US citizen, left bank accounts of more than $10,000 in the Philippines. He must file FBAR. 2. Same scenario as above except that John is a US resident (not a US citizen). He must file FBAR. Reporting for Joint Accounts: 1. If two persons jointly maintain an account, or if several persons each own a partial interest in an account, then each US person has a financial inter-
est in that account and each person must file an FBAR. 2. A spouse having a joint financial interest in an account with the filing spouse should be included as a joint account owner and does not need to file a separate FBAR. If the filer’s spouse has separate accounts, that spouse must file a separate FBAR for all of the accounts, including those owned jointly with the spouse. Recordkeeping: FBAR records should be kept for five years from the due date of the report which is June 30 of the following calendar year. The records should contain the following: 1. Name maintained on each account and number or other designation of the account. 2. Name and address of the foreign bank. 3. Name and address of other person with whom the account is maintained. 4. Type of account and maximum value of each account during the reporting period. Penalties for Failure to Report Foreign Accounts: 1. You may be subject to civil penalties, criminal penalties, or
both if you do not comply with FBAR rules. 2. The statutory civil penalty for failing to file an FBAR can be up to $10,000 for non-willful violation. 3. Penalty increases for willful failure to the greater of $100,000 or 50% of the total balance of the foreign account at the time of the violation. Ouch! *** Sy Al-os Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. The firm celebrates its 38th anniversary in 2015. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in 704 Mira Monte Place, Pasadena, CA 91101. He has 50 years of experience in accounting, consulting, and tax work.
*** Our readers may call (626) 744-0200 or email tax questions to info@victorsycpa.com. Please visit our website for about 300 tax tips at www. (Advertising Supplement) victorsycpa.com.
Introduction to Law Offices of Michael Y. Lo LAW offices of Michael Y. Lo is a family business. The business was established in 1981 by Attorney Michael Y. Lo, who has been serving the Asian and local community in the area of business law, bankruptcy law and elder law ever since. Elder son Jonathan Lo passed the bar in 2015 and has just joined the firm as an associate. Before that, Jonathan had been working in the firm as a law clerk for the past 4 years. Younger son Kelvin Lo is currently working in the firm as law clerk while attending Loyola law school. Law Offices of Michael Y. Lo concentrates in the area of business law, bankruptcy law and elder law. Contract drafting and review, civil litigation, ADA defense; Chapter 7, 11 and 13, bankruptcy motions and adversarial proceedings; living trusts, conservatorship appointments are all regular part of the firm’s practices. The firm prides itself in integrity and high ethical standards, and has enjoyed good reviews from clients thru Google, Yelp, Attorneys Jonathan and Michael L. Lo and other internet sources. The firm’s main office is located in and Irvine. Please call (626) 289-8838 for Lahambra, and has branch offices in Diamond Bar, Torrance a free consultation. 506 North
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS THE purpose of spousal support is not defined by the legislature in that its purpose varies according to the facts and circumstances of each case. The facts and circumstances of a particular case may be such which call for no spousal support, or for support for a very limited period of time, with the purpose to assist the supported spouse “get back on his or her feet” as a single person, or until community property is distributed. On the other hand, the facts and circumstances of another case may call for support for an extended period of time, perhaps until death of the supported spouse, the purpose for which to provide assistance to one who cannot support himself. The two situations mentioned hereinabove are extreme cases, on opposite ends of the spectrum. Quite obviously, the facts and circumstances in a particular case may be such which call for some amount of support for some period of time, though not until death of the supported spouse. For example, the court may order support for that period of time required for the supported spouse to obtain or complete an education, to allow the supported spouse to take care of the children until they reach an
Garfield Avenue, Suite 280, Alhambra. www.LOandASSOCIATES.com
What factors will the court look at in awarding spousal support? age where a return to employment would be more feasible, or to become self-supporting within a reasonable time. Although the use of standard guidelines based on income is encouraged in the award of temporary support, such guidelines cannot be used in awarding permanent spousal support. As indicated hereinabove, the award of support is in large part based on the facts and circumstances of the particular case. In determining spousal support, the court considers numerous factors, set forth in Family Code Sec. 4320. They include: 1) The extent to which the earning capacity of each party is sufficient to maintain the standard of living established during the marriage, 2) The extent to which the supported party contributed to the attainment of an education, training, a career position, or a license by the supporting party, 3) The ability of the supporting party to pay spousal support, taking into account the supporting party’s earning capacity, earned and unearned income, assets, and standard of living, 4) The needs of each party based on the standard of living established during the marriage, 5)The obligations and assets, including the separate property, of each party, 6) The duration of the marriage, 7) The ability of the supported party to engage in gainful employment without unduly interfering with
the interests of dependent children in the custody of the party, and 8) The age and health of the parties. The factors set forth hereinabove are only several of the many factors the court will consider in deciding the issue of spousal support. In that the amount and duration of an award is largely based on the facts and circumstances of the case, it is advised that one who is requesting support, or is opposing a request for support, obtain experienced counsel, who will be able to present the facts and circumstances in the best light possible. *** 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.
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Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. (Advertising Supplement)
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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. Q. WHAT is the new minimum wage? A. Effective January 1, 2016, the minimum wage in California will be $10.00 per hour. Most employees in California are entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage. This new rate also affects overtime pay. Employees who are paid minimum wage and work overtime must be paid $15 per hour for time-and-a-half, or $20 per hour for double-time. Q. What is the difference between the state and federal minimum wage? A. The current federal minimum wage rate is $7.25 per hour. Employers who are subject to both the federal and state minimum wage laws must follow the law that is more beneficial to the employee. Since California’s current minimum wage rate is higher than the federal minimum wage, the state minimum wage rate must be paid unless an exemption applies. Q. What kinds of employees are affected by minimum wage increase? A. Aside from hourly (or “nonexempt”) employees, the increase in minimum wage also boosts the pay of most employees legally “exempt” from the overtime rules. True exempt employees (Executive, Administrative, or Professional employees) must be paid a salary rate that is at least twice the state minimum wage for full-time monthly employment. The minimum monthly salary for most exempt employees is now increased to $3,466.67 per month (or $41,600 annually). Employees who are paid on
To Live With Faith
2016 minimum wage increase affects more than minimum wage earners a commission basis and classified under the commission sales exemption must earn 1½ times the minimum wage for all hours worked to qualify for the exemption. These employees will need to earn $15 per hour to continue to qualify for the exemption. Q. May an employee agree to work for less than the minimum wage? A. No. The minimum wage is an obligation of the employer and cannot be waived by any agreement, including collective bargaining agreements. Laws enacted for the protection of employees may not be avoided by agreement between the employer and employee. Q. Is the minimum wage the same for both adult and minor employees? A. Yes. The law does not make a distinction between adults and minors in the payment of the minimum wage. Q. Can a restaurant use the tips received by a waiter/waitress as a credit toward its obligation to pay the minimum wage? A. No. An employer may not use an employee’s tips as a credit toward its obligation to pay the minimum wage. Q. What can I do if my employer doesn’t pay me at least the minimum wage? A. You can file a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner’s Office, or a lawsuit in state or federal court against your employer to recover the lost wages. Additionally, if you no longer work for this employer, you can make a claim for waiting time penalty. If your claim is filed in court, you may also recover the minimum
wage violation penalty ($100 for each underpaid employee for first pay period of violation and $250 per employee for each subsequent pay periods) interest, costs, and attorneys fees. Q. What can I do if my employer retaliates against me because I complained about not being paid the minimum wage? A. If your employer retaliates against you in any manner (for example, by firing, suspending, demoting or assigning to a less advantageous position) because you complained about not being paid the minimum wage, or because you filed a claim or hired an attorney to file a claim for minimum wage violations, you may file a claim for retaliation with the Labor Commissioner’s Office or you can file a lawsuit in state or federal court against your employer. Consult with an experienced lawyer if you believe your rights are violated in the workplace. Q: Does the new minimum wage affect “live-in” employees? A: Yes, it does. We will discuss this issue next week. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary relief for thousands of employees and consumers. He is named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum. (Advertising Supplement)
A strong message this new year from Pia!
course, has impressed the world, but what has impressed me more is her strong determination to succeed in life. She’s a hardworkPIA Wurtzbach, the newly ing and a highly driven person. crowned Miss Universe, the lat- She never felt embarrassed to est pride of the Philippines, has say that she tried three times to become a celebrity with her in- become Ms. Philippines for Ms. terviews on almost every televi- Universe Pageant. She worked sion channel here in the US. Her hard to fulfill this dream and she physical beauty and grace, of got the title, not just for herself
reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS
Community Journal
but for the Philippines. Pia has become a role model for many of us, both young and old. Like her, we should never be discouraged to achieve in life, be it in one’s profession, relationship or health. We have to be determined to achieve our goals with faith in God and with the support of our families and friends.
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 9-12, 2016
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AC 21: Changing the employer of your employment-based green card application Dear Attorney Tan, I HAVE an approved I-140 immigrant petition which was filed by Company A on my behalf. Company A would like to employ me as a bookkeeper. Based on that approved I-140 petition, I filed an application for green card (I-485 adjustment of status) in August 2014. Since that time, my green card application has been pending, as USCIS has requested additional documents in support of my application. Recently, another company, Company B, has expressed interest in hiring me for a payroll clerk position. Company B is a more established company based in the Midwest and pays $10,000.00 less but offers much better benefits. Is there a way I can substitute Company B as the employer in my green card application? — P.T. Dear P.T. Under INA Section 204(j), commonly referred to as AC 21, an approved I-140 employment-based immigrant petition filed by one employer can be used by or “ported” to another employer providing certain requirements are met. First, a green card (I-485 adjustment of status) application must have been filed and must be pending for at least 180 days. Second, the “new” job offered by the second employer must be in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the first employer filed the I-140 petition. In your situation, you meet the first requirement in that your application for green card (I-485) was filed in August 2014. Your application has been pending for over 1 year, which is more than the required 180 days under AC 21. In depth analysis in your case is needed as to whether Company B’s job of “payroll clerk” is considered a “similar occupational classification” to Company A’s job of “bookkeeper,” for which Company A petitioned you. In determining whether one job is similar enough to another job for AC 21 purposes, the USCIS takes into account the totality of the circumstances, including the job duties of both positions, the Standard Occupational Code (SOC) from the approved I-140 and the SOC code for the job offered by the new prospective employer, as well as the offered wages for each position. In your case, analysis would begin with the job duties of each position. The more similarity in job duties between bookkeeper and payroll clerk, the greater the likelihood that USCIS would consider them similar. Also, the SOC code for the 2 jobs would be taken into account. In addition, the wages offered by each employer would be considered. The existence of a big disparity in wages offered by each employer is not by itself a reason to conclude that the jobs are not similar. In your case, the fact that Company B is offering $10,000 less than Company A has to take into account the fact that the Midwest has a lower cost of living, as well as the fact that better benefits are being offered by Company B. If it is considered a “similar occupational classification,” Company B may be substituted in as the employer in your pending green card application, and Company B will not have to start the process from the beginning by filing a labor certification application and by obtaining an approved I-140 petition. The analysis of whether you can use or “port” your approved I-140 requires additional analysis, and consulting with an experienced attorney is recommended. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association. LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. com. (Advertising Supplement)
SCAAAI, Inc. Newsletter
SCA Alumni Association International, Inc. is Homeward Bound in February of 2016. The St. Catherine’s Academy Alumni Association International, Inc. is sending its Health Fair Team of Doctors, Surgeons and Nurses to conduct its first Medical, Surgical and Dental Health Fair in its hometown of Gattaran, Cagayan, Philippines. They will be joined by local SCA alumni based in Gattaran
who have already laid the ground work for this medical project. The health fair will be conducted at two separate locations and dates. One at St. Catherine’s Academy gymnasium on February 12, 2016 and the other is at Nagbaccayan Gymnasium on February 12, 2016. This special medical mission is the fruit of a combined efforts of SCA Alumni Association International, Inc. and the local
SCA Alumni Association based in Gattaran. This is also planned through the cooperation of the townspeople leaders who lined up their reciepients who needed special medical, surgical and dental treatments and live below poverty level. Medical equipments, related medicines and drugs come from donations from solicitations and fund raising events by SCAAAI, Inc. n
C JANUARY 9-12, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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Steps to employment-based immigrant petitions Client food retailer seeks Chapter 7 relief
Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng CLIENT is a specialty food retailer that started operations in a commercial center two years ago. Five partners invested $50K each for a total of $250K for a food business that sells a specialty product that everyone likes to eat. The problem with a business that’s based on a retail outlet in a commercial center is that the business lives or dies depending on the foot traffic of the commercial center. If the foot traffic is slow, there’s practically nothing the business can do to sell more. Indeed, if the foot traffic is slow, even if the business gives away the product for free, it will still be stuck with inventory. Every businessperson knows that when you go into business, you make money; break-even or you lose money. If the business is losing money, the owners will have to continue financing the loss by giving new money to cover the loss. There are no two ways about this. Some businesses make money from day one. I have a client who opened a specialty restaurant with a $100K investment, and in the first year, he made $500K of profit. The problem was that he had partners who decided to compete with him by opening their own. On the other hand, there are businesses that never make money, no matter what the owners do to improve it. It’s just a money loser. In this case, client had a good concept but made the mistake of opening the business in a commercial center that had slow foot traffic. How did client end up in such a sorry commercial center? Apparently, there was some misrepresentation on the part of the commercial center owner who said that the foot traffic had doubled in the last 12 months, without stating any figures. When
become a billionaire in the future. Just look at the failed business as a practice test that makes one better prepared to become successful later. Another problem that surfaced is that each partner signed a personal guaranty for the commercial lease. So, each partner is on the hook for $250K each! Business people should never execute a personal guaranty for the debts of the business. It’s a good idea to incorporate the business so the business can assume its own liabilities. There is absolutely no sense that the shareholders should personally guaranty the debts of the business. If the business goes down, only the business files for bankruptcy. The investors keep their good credit and have no personal liability. If the landlord asks you to guaranty personally the proposed lease of the premises by your company business, just say no. You will not regret it. If the landlord will not lease the premises to the business without your personal guaranty just look for another place where you do not have to give a personal guaranty. I have had a client who was on the hook for $800K for unpaid commercial lease by way of personal guaranty when all he had to do to prevent this from happening was to not execute the personal guaranty. Think twice before you sign that personal guaranty. “Trust in Him at all times, o people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” — PAGE C3 t That’s our strong message Psalm 62:8 from Pia this New Year. Each *** one of us can achieve something Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in in life and the entire universe bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil would collaborate to fulfill our litigation and has successfully represented dreams and goals. more than five thousand clients in California. I say that this is true even for Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) us, middle aged or older people. 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. We may feel that we have already Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite gotten all our wants and are 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. ready to retire, but I’m sure that (Advertising Supplement) we still have longings for other things, if not here on earth, in the afterlife. Our energies or zest may have waned down, our bodies may have gotten old, but our spirits still long for renewal and Mass at 5pm strength. If we honestly look at Sunday, Jan. 10 - 2:30pm Novena followed by ourselves, we would say that we Mass at 5pm do not stop growing or developCandlelight procession to follow/reception at Fr. ing into more mature and spiriEdward Landreau’s Auditorium. tual individuals. We’re constantly For more information, please call Linda at (626) discovering and rediscovering 965-4988. n certain aspects of our personalities and life that need to be
you say double, it doesn’t really mean anything does it? If the foot traffic was 20 people a month showing up in the place last year, and this year there’s 40 people showing up monthly, the traffic doubled, but its still not enough to sustain a profitable business that relies on “good” foot traffic. The five partners checked out the center a couple of times for foot traffic before making the plunge, and for some reason, they must have seen “good” foot traffic. But when they actually started doing business, the center was almost a ghost town most of the time. The only good month was December when they made some money. The rest of the year, the partners had to cover a deficit of $3K monthly. This is not a big loss, but this becomes $36K a year, or $72K loss in two years. Including the initial investment of $250K, the partners are staring at a $320K loss in two years. The kicker is that the lease is for another 4 years at $5K a month. So, even if they stop the business, the business will still owe $240K on the commercial lease! Add that to the $320K lifetime savings that already evaporated into thin air, the partners are looking at a potential loss of half a million dollars. Even good business may suffer serious set backs initially. Even, Walt Disney’s first venture into the famous mouse did not work, and Mr. Disney had to file for Chapter 7 for a fresh start. After bankruptcy, Disneyland opened in 1956 in Anaheim. Now, of course, Disney is a multi billion-dollar business with another theme park opening in Shanghai this year. Who knows, my clients may now file for Chapter 7 relief but their business may later on become successful beyond their wildest imagination. This is America after all where capitalist dreams still come true. One may be bankrupt today but
People and Events
Annual Fiesta celebration of the Nuestro Senor Jesus Nazareno
JOIN the Annual Fiesta celebration of the Nuestro Senor Jesus Nazareno on January 10, 2016, with Holy Mass at 5pm at St. Frances of Rome Church, 501 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702. Mass will be officiated by Rev. Richard Vega and Rev. John Cordero. Schedule as follows: Saturday, Jan. 9- 2:30pm Novena followed by
THERE are 140,000 employVisa Center (NVC) will notify the ment-based immigrant visas alien to commence the consular available yearly and these emprocessing of the immigrant ployment-based immigrant visa visa. Spouse and minor children are divided into five preference (under 21 years old) of the alien categories: Priority Workers worker may apply for immigrant (E1); Professionals Holding visa with the worker. Advanced Degrees and PerBecause there are numerical sons of Exceptional Ability limitations for each preference (E-2); Skilled Workers, Profescategories as earlier stated, the sionals, and Unskilled Workers waiting period for each category (Other Workers) (E-3); Certain is different. Under the JanuSpecial Immigrants (E-4); and ary 2016 visa bulletin released Immigrant Investors (E-5). by the Department of State, E-2 There are several steps for petitions for those aliens whose employment-based immigrant Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos country of chargeability is “Philpetitions. A labor certification ippines” is CURRENT. There(PERM) is the first step for an E-2 (unless with fore, the alien can simultaneously file the I-485 a national interest waiver) and E-3 employment application with the I-140 application. On the immigrant petitions. This is filed with the Depart- hand, E-3 petitions under the same visa bullement of Labor (DOL). Most applicants fall in these tin have an eight (8) year waiting period because two categories. There is no labor certification re- only those EB3 petitions with a priority date of quirement for the three (3) other categories: E-1. November 1, 2007 (Philippines) are currently beE-4 and E-5. ing processed. After the petitioning employer has conducted If you are contemplating of filing any immia series of recruitment activities to test the labor grant or non-immigration application, it is advismarket, the employer can file a PERM labor cer- able to seek the counsel of an immigration lawyer tification application with the DOL. If approved, to guide you on the intricacies of filing for such the DOL will certify to the USCIS that there is no a petition. US worker able, willing, qualified, and available *** to accept the job offered to the alien worker. Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos is a member of the State Bar of Thereafter, the petitioning employer must file California and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. To schedule the I-140, Immigration Petition for Alien Worker, for a free initial in-person consultation, please call Tel. Nos. (213) with the USCIS before the expiration of the labor 284-5984 or (626) 329-8215. Atty. Santos’ office is located at 3450 certification. Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200-105, Los Angeles, CA 90010. If the I-140 is approved and the priority date *** (established during the filing of the labor cer- Information contained in this article does not, nor is it intended to, constitutes tification applications, if applicable), the alien legal advice for any specific situation and does not create a lawyer-client worker can file an I-485, Application to Adjust relationship. It likewise does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction Status to Permanent Resident (commonly called regarding the outcome of your legal matter. a “green card”) if the alien is physically in the We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the US. If the alien is outside of the US, the National Bankruptcy Code. (Advertising Supplement)
A strong message this new year… strong. A more disciplined life is what we need--discipline in eating, exercise, study, work, and prayer. Even our minds need to be disciplined to remove negative, depressing and dissipating thoughts that suck away our energies and joy Our relationships such as marriages, families, and friendships can evolve into something deeper. We can refashion or bring them to a higher level of existence, much more spiritual than physical. Of course, this requires mutual respect, appreciation, and understanding. We achieve this as long as we practice selfsacrifice and restraint in speech and emotion. Older people have more edge than young people because they have learned hard lessons in life. As many of them say, they have learned to choose their battles because of the wisdom they have
gained through past experiences. So, as we face the New Year, let’s follow the example of Pia Wurtzbach. Let’s never give up our dreams for a better, richer and healthier life. Let’s keep working on our goals. As I said, God and the Universe will do its part to fulfill them and to make our dreams come through! Thank you, Pia! *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
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SEAFOOD CITY ADVERTORIAL FPFC
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 9-12, 2016
MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM
& Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ
Philippine economic growth is forecast to slow to 5.8 percent in 2015 before recovering to 6.4 percent this year, the World Bank said in its latest report. Philstar.com photo
World Bank: PH economy to grow 6.4% this year by Ted
P. Torres Philstar.com
MANILA—Philippine economic growth is forecast to slow to 5.8 percent in 2015 before recovering to 6.4 percent this year, the World Bank said in its latest report. It said as growth would be sustained above six percent in the next two years, the Philippines would be able to grow an annual average of approximately 6.23 percent, maintaining its upward trajectory although at a slower pace. In its Global Economic Prospects 2016 report, the World Bank cited the Philippines and Vietnam among the countries in East Asia with the strongest growth prospects. “In the Philippines, growth is projected to firm to 6.4 percent in 2016, reflecting accelerated implementation of public-private partnership (PPP) projects and spending related to the May 2016 presidential election,” it said. However, the World Bank cautioned the Philippines of the poor entry of foreign direct investments (FDIs). “FDI has lagged, partly owing to regulatory restrictions,” it said. In 2010, FDI inflows into the Philippines amounted to $1.07 billion while those to Indonesia stood at $13.8 billion, almost 13 times more than those that went into the Philippines. From 2011 to 2013, FDI inflows steadily moved up in the Philippines, from $2 billion (in 2011) to $3.86 billion (in 2013).
In Vietnam, growth is expected to expand at an average 6.3 percent in 2016-18. Contributing to the gains are rapid investment growth buoyed by robust confidence and FDI, consumption growth fueled by solid labor markets, and export growth as Chinese FDI projects in export industries come onstream. On the revenue side, the World Bank said the Philippines needs to broaden its tax base as well as strengthen public revenue administration. China has increased trade with most of East Asia to a critical point, practically unseating Japan as the main trading partner of the region. China is now the largest trading partner for Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand and Thailand. It represents the second-largest trading partner for Indonesia and Lao PDR, and the third largest for the Philippines. Meanhile, growth in the East Asia and Pacific region slowed to an estimated 6.4 percent in 2015 from 6.8 percent the previous year, because of continued growth deceleration in China and in commodity exporters, including Indonesia and Malaysia. “Despite the slowdown in commodity exporters, growth in the region excluding China was broadly flat (4.6 percent in 2015), thanks to strong performance in commodity importers, especially in Vietnam and the Philippines, and a modPAGE D3
PH wrapping up talks on TPP membership by richmond
s. mercurio
Cristobal said the country finished last year consultations with MANILA—The Philippines Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, intends to conclude consultations Malaysia, Canada, and Chile. with six Trans Pacific Partnership The Philippines will need an (TPP) member-countries this year endorsement from the 12 parties as it hopes to be first in line when of the trade agreement to become the agreement opens doors to part of the TPP. new members, the Department “We have set up a schedule of of Trade and Industry (DTI) chief consultations and assessments. said. So there are six more to go and Trade Secretary Adrian Cris- we will continue that this year. In tobal Jr. said on Thursday, Jan. 7 the meantime, studies that have technical consultations with six been commissioned not just by TPP-member economies would us but by other groups will also push through this year as the DTI be completed this year,” Cristobal hopes to wrap up all consultations said. before the year ends. Although the country is serious Countries in line for technical in joining the TPP, Cristobal said consultations include Brunei, Ja- the government is would still want pan, Peru, Singapore, the United to assess further its potential impact States and Vietnam. to the Philippine economy. Philstar.com
Streaming service Netflix enters Philippines by KrisTine
daguno-Bersamina Philstar.com
MANILA—Netflix, the popular on-demand video streaming service on Wednesday, Jan. 6 announced that it is expanding to 130 new countries, including the Philippines. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said the company is quickly becoming global and multilingual, adding Arabic, Korean, and simplified and traditional Chinese to the 17 languages it already supports. “We’re at the start of a global revolution,” Hastings said. Before the CES electronics show on Wednesday, Netflix was available in 60 countries and supported 17 languages. With the expansion, the video streaming service will now be available in 190 countries. Other new counties added include Azerbaijan, Vietnam, India, Nigeria, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey and Indonesia. Hastings said China is now the only major country without Netflix but they are still considering adding it to its territory. Netflix currently has no plans to push into North Korea, Syria or Crimea because of restrictions on US companies operating in those countries. The company’s service also may not be an immediate hit in several other major countries, including Russia, Turkey and Po-
In this Sept. 15, 2014, file photo, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings arrives for the ‘Netflix’ Launch Party in Paris. Hastings made the surprise announcement at the end of a presentation Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, in Las Vegas at CES, a showcase for gadgets and technology services. AP photo by Jacques Brinon
land, where it will only be available in English. Nevertheless, investors were delighted with Netflix’s quantum leap across the globe. Its stock climbed $10.02, or 9 percent, to close at $117.68 on a grim day in the rest of the market. The uptick in the shares reflects a belief that Netflix is now in a position to sign up more subscribers this year than analysts had previously anticipated, generating additional revenue that the company can spend on TV series and movies as it bids against rivals such as HBO, Amazon.com, YouTube and PAGE D2
ON January 4, 2016, the USCIS announced that people should NOT submit original documents (such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, photographs, naturalization certificates, etc.) to USCIS with any application or petition unless: • the instructions for that form require you to submit original documents at the time of filing; or • after you file a petition or application, USCIS requests you to submit an original document through a Request for Evidence (RFE). The reason for this change is that USCIS is moving away from a paper-based filing or record-keeping system to an electronic-based format. Even if a person files an application or petition on paper, it will be scanned by USCIS, and it is likely USCIS will shred your paper-based petition or application. Therefore, you should not be submitting original documents (especially photographs and naturalization certificates) unless USCIS specifically requires it, as they may shred or destroy the originals.
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USCIS says don’t submit original documents
If you are going to submit copies, make sure they are true and correct copies of actual original documents – not copies of documents obtained from Recto Street. It is always a good idea for people: • To keep all their immigration papers in a safe and secure place. Many people have come to me for consultations about petitions or denials from years ago. When I ask to look at those petitions or denials, they tell me they “lost” or misplaced them, as they have moved numerous times and lost track of the documents, etc. Some of the governmental agencies, such as the Department of Labor, announced they have shredded all of their old records, such that you cannot even go request the DOL for copies of old labor certifications, etc. • Make copies of anything and everything you mail to or file with USCIS. Again, some people consulted with me, and say they had filed “something” with the USCIS long ago, but cannot recall what it was. They also did not make a copy before mailing or filing that document with USCIS. • Don’t submit anything to USCIS by regular mail. If you are going to submit or file anything with
USCIS, do so by certified mail or overnight delivery, so you are able to track the package, and ensure it was delivered. If you send it by regular mail, you really have no way of knowing whether it was actually delivered on time or at all, unless you get a later acknowledgment from USCIS. But what happen if you mail the package by regular mail and it never arrived? The case could get denied. But if it is sent certified or overnight delivery, at least you can track delivery. Many people want to save money (who doesn’t?), and attempt to file petitions or applications on their own. While USCIS provides guidelines or list of certain documents to submit, in many cases, additional documents and proof is necessary to establish a person’s eligibility for the immigration benefit sought. In marriage cases, sometimes extensive evidence is required to establish it as a bona
fide, good faith relationship. If a child is born out of wedlock, sometimes extensive evidence is required for the father to get a case approved for his out of wedlock child. If a case was previously denied, a re-filing will similarly require a much stronger showing of eligibility. That is why you may want to seek the advice and assistance of an attorney. While that may not “guarantee” approval, it could greatly increase your chances for success, as your case could be proaperly packaged and presented according to USCIS’s instructions, guidelines, criteria, and factors. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials,
Business Quote of the Week “Everyone has an idea, but it’s really about executing the idea and attracting other people to help you with the idea” — Jack Dorsey, Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Twitter
D january 9-12, 2016 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL
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ASEAN seen boosting corporate real estate US auto sales hit record in 2015, by VoltAire
PAlAñA Manilatimes.net
SOUTHEAST Asia is seen emerging as a major driver of global growth that will push the region’s potential in corporate real estate. The Asean Economic Community (AEC) promises to open up markets making the bloc an attractive destination for investments and expanding business potential in the region, CoreNet Global, the international association of corporate real estate (CRE) and workplace professionals, service providers and economic developers said. This would bolster growth opportunities for corporate real estate with more interest from small and medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations. With a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.5 trillion in 2014, Asean or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations now has the third-largest GDP in Asia, after China and Japan, making it the seventh-largest economy in the world. This landscape of opportunity
has sparked interest among foreign investors seeking to capitalize on the lower trade barriers and higher trade flows that give them access to other larger markets, according to CoreNet Global. Surpassing China, the region attracted a total of $111.8 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2014. Singapore attracted the lion’s share of $67.6 billion, followed by Thailand at $10.9 billion, Indonesia at $8.8 billion, Malaysia at $7.9 billion, and Vietnam at $7.7 billion, according to Asean statistics. One of the key drivers in this growth is the low-cost labor in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam and the large consumer market that makes Asean attractive for both domestic and international manufacturers. Within the region, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand are considered as notable targets for companies to meet their business needs, CoreNet Global said. According to CoreNet Global, the Philippines is getting a bigger share of back office and call center
jobs over India due to its lower cost base, good infrastructure and high quality workforce. “The Philippines is an attractive location for its strong domestic demand and political stability. The country also has seen growth across a variety of other industries such as pharmaceuticals, banking and business services.” Singapore, being the most advanced Asean economy, serves as the regional gateway where many corporates set up their regional headquarters to expand their network of R&D, manufacturing, logistics and back office support throughout the broader region. According to the World Bank, Singapore continues to hold on to its decade-long position as the most business-friendly destination in the region. “While there remains some nationalist protectionism, the AEC template and guidelines are there to ensure that the whole of ASEAN moves forward as a stronger economic region,” Desmond Sim, head of CBRE Southeast Asia Research, said.
Streaming service Netflix enters...
PAGE D1 Hulu for licensing rights. Netflix Inc. began the year with more than 70 million subscribers and management had already vowed to spend about $5 billion this year licensing video from studios around the world. Increasingly, Netflix has been buying material that only can be seen on its service, with more than 600 hours of original programming lined up for this year. That slate en-
compasses more than 50 exclusive TV shows and movies, including award-winning series such as “House of Cards” and “Orange Is the New Black.” Although Netflix is now virtually worldwide, not of all its entertainment will be available everywhere. For instance, a prized licensing contract that gives Netflix the rights to Walt Disney films after their theatrical release will be limited to the U.S. and Canada as
part of a deal negotiated several years ago. Hastings told reporters Wednesday that Netflix is hoping to expand those rights into other countries. Netflix has come up with a formula that has proven addictive as its service has transformed the entertainment industry by allowing people to watch video anytime they want on an Internet-connected device. (With Michael Liedtke, Associated Press)
poised for bigger year in 2016 by Agnes
ConstAnte AJPress
THE auto industry closed 2015 with an all-time high of 17.47 million vehicles sold, surpassing the 2000 record of 17.35 million by 5.7 percent. Given the average national price of gasoline at around $2 per gallon, along with abundant credit and lower interest rates, automakers are predicting that demand for SUVs and highermargin pickup trucks will continue in 2016. “Auto makers will reach a bit deeper into their pockets to subsidize zero-interest-rate loans, masking the impact on the consumer but at the expense of [company] margins,” said Brian Johnson, a Barclays PLC auto analyst, according to The Wall Street Journal. Among contributing factors to last year’s success was improved employment, particularly for those under the age of 34, so consumers found they could afford a new car, The Associated Press reported. “The US economy continues to expand and the most important factors that drive demand for new vehicles are in place, so we expect to see a second consecutive year of record industry sales in 2016,” said Mustafa Mohatarem, chief economist for General Motors, according to Reuters. Another reason for greater overall sales was the replacement of older vehicles, many of which are more than 10 years old, Krebs told the Los Angeles Times. Overall, Americans spent ap-
Given the average national price of gasoline at around $2 per gallon, along with abundant credit and lower interest rates, automakers are predicting that demand for SUVs and highermargin pickup trucks will continue in 2016.
proximately $570 billion on new vehicles, the Journal reported. For new cars, trucks and SUVs in December, buyers paid an average of $34,081, marking the first time TrueCar has tracked an industrywide average transaction price more than $34,000, according to FOX Business. “They feel a bit wealthier and more comfortable making a longterm commitment to a vehicle purchase,” said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst at Autotrader, according to the Times. “This is the sixth year of year-over-year increases in sales, and that’s unprecedented.” December sales rose 9 percent, according to Autodata Corp. Some automakers even posted doubledigit gains, but the month was still short of what was expected. “December was a little softer than we though tit would be,” said Jessica Caldwell, senior analyst at Edmunds.com, according to the Times. “It still eked out to be the strongest month in 2015.” In November, a total of 2.2 million crossovers and compact SUVs were sold, an 18.8 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to Kelley Blue Book. Automakers with strong SUV sales, including Fiat-Chrysler and
Toyota, performed particularly well last year, as baby boomers and millennials with growing families increasingly preferred the more spacious and versatile vehicles, Krebs told the Times. GM, Ford and Toyota were the top three auto sellers, respectively, in the country for 2015. “The auto industry is in a very strong place right now and a very positive place right now with a lot of momentum,” said Eric Lyman, vice president of industry insights at TrueCar, according to the Times. Some forecasters, including TrueCar, predict US sales to hit 18 million vehicles this year. The sales growth is expected to continue at a slower rate, as millions of vehicles will be coming off leases and be put into the used car market. As a result, buyers looking into purchasing new cars are likely to opt for used ones instead. The record-hitting year for automakers comes in spite of large recalls, including vehicles equipped with exploding Takata air bags, GM vehicles with faulty ignition switches and about half a million Volkswagen diesel-powered models involved in an emissions-cheating scandal.
Middle East tensions could affect remittances by MAyVelin
U. CArAbAllo Manilatimes.net
REMITTANCES could be affected by escalating tensions in the Middle East but overall inflows will continue to grow as Filipinos seek work abroad, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said. Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties with Iran on Sunday, Jan. 3 after protesters ransacked its embassy in Tehran following the execution of a Shiite cleric. Iran, meanwhile, declared that Saudi Arabia would face “quick consequences” for the execution. “As for overseas Filipino remittances, we may see some temporary setback because of logistical difficulties and deployment may slow,” central bank Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said in a text message to reporters on Tuesday, Jan. 5. “But based on experiences from past regional conflicts, our overseas workers are able to find ways of sending back money to their families here and also work in other areas that may be safer from conflict,” Tetangco added. Two Middle East countries—
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—were among the major sources of cash remittances in the first 10 months of 2015 based on latest central bank data. Funds coursed through banks for the January to October period grew by 3.7 percent to $20.64 billion, mainly coming from Saudi Arabia, the UAE as well as the United States, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada and Hong Kong. Middle East countries were also among the primary destinations of OFWs based on data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The POEA said 717,182 job orders were approved during the period. Of these, 44.1 percent were for service, production, and professional, technical and related positions in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The BSP has trimmed its cash remittances outlook for 2015 to 4 percent from 5 percent. In value terms, cash remittances are projected to have reached $25.3 billion last year from $24.3 billion in 2014.
More Asian real estate capital to cross borders in 2016 by CAtherine
tAlAVerA Manilatimes.net
GLOBALIzATION will remain a strategy for real estate developers, with Asia leading in terms of having the most global capital this year. Property advisor Colliers International said in a report that most global real estate investors are likely to focus on their domestic markets this year. This was based on a survey among 600 global real estate investors, of which 68 percent said they are planning to invest only in their macro-region in the next 12 months. Colliers, however, noted that real estate capital has never been more mobile. It reported that global cross border investments accounted for 40 percent of the total direct property investment volume in the first nine months of 2015 at $250 billion, higher than its 33-percent share in the previous year. “While this trend is partly cyclical—investors tend to widen their horizons during boom times and retreat to their own markets during downturns—the property investment arena has also become st ructurally more global,” Colliers said. Meanwhile, the survey also observed that capital from Asia, the Middle East, and the United States is the most global, as investors in these regions said they would invest outside their domestic region in the next 12 months. Asian investors showed the most
interest for investing overseas, as 41 percent of the respondents expressed the desire to invest outside the region. It is followed by the Middle East with 38 percent, and the US with 36 percent. In contrast, the report noted that investors in Latin America, Australia, New zealand, and UK are less likely to venture outside their regions. Colliers said many of the expected cross-border investments would come in the form of joint ventures with local partners. “The survey shows that to invest overseas, many will look to form joint ventures with local partners, with nearly a third of those investing in the Americas in the next 12 months and 21 percent of those looking at Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA),” Colliers reported. The report showed that only 14 percent of the supposed joint ventures are likely to happen in the Asia Pacific region. But it also noted that Asia Pacific investors are also most likely to form partnerships as they invest outside their region this year. “Thirty-three percent of Asian investors will look to partner to invest into the Americas in the next 12 months,” Colliers said. “Interestingly, the figure is halved for EMEA investment.” Colliers said forming joint ventures with established local groups would help investors take advantage of their expertise and a potential development pipeline in their own market.
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Asian American Business Roundtable gathers unprecedented group of industry leaders for multi-day summit PepsiCo, JP Morgan Chase, and Zappos Among Key Speakers to Address Global Business Challenges and Help Foster Asian American Leadership in US, the Venetian Las Vegas to Host “Taking Risks and Changing The Game” Summit January 29-30, 2016
Los AngeLes—Asian American Business Roundtable (AABR) announced that it was launched to promote the growing prominence of Asian American executives throughout the Us and capitalize on Asia’s continuing emergence as an engine of global economic growth. As part of the launch, AABR will bring together the most accomplished, forward-thinking Asian American innovators and entrepreneurs, many of whom have been honored as “outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business,” at its first multi-day summit, in partnership with The Venetian Las Vegas, on January 29-30, 2016 (www. aabusinessroundtable.org). “Asian Americans have a unique understanding of both Western and eastern cultures and business practices, which can be crucial in helping companies identify untapped business opportunities, reach new markets and operate cross-culturally,” said John Wang, President of Asian American Business Development Center, which formed AABR. “We are launching this summit to leverage the collective knowledge, experience and networks of recognized industry leaders, and enable access to their unprecedented source of business intelligence and ability to enhance global relations.” The summit, Taking Risks and Changing the game, will discuss issues of social and economic appeal, as well as game-changing strategies to inspire personal development and corporate growth. Key speakers to date include: Mehmood Khan, Vice Chairman and Chief scientific officer, global R&D, PepsiCo; Phyllis Campbell, Chairman, Pacific northwest, JP Morgan Chase; Jon spector, President and Ceo, the Conference Board; and Maggie Hsu, Chief of staff to Tony Hsieh, Zappos. The summit will address current national and global business challenges as well as key growth strategies, focused on the following topics: 1. Bringing new Talent into the C-suite and Boardroom 2. Building social networks and an Innovation Marketplace
In 2016, we’ll entrust even more of our lives and their intimate details to machines—not to mention the companies that run them.
Gadgets –cars, toys, appliances –will keep getting smarter
3. Retaining High Ability Women Innovators 4. successful International Business Alliances “The Asian American Business Development Center does an incredible job of recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans in the business community, and we are grateful to partner with them in bringing this new concept to our Las Vegas resorts,” said george Markantonis, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo, and sands expo. “We hope this new annual summit will become a leading platform for knowledge-sharing among key executives and leaders in the AsianAmerican community.” Through its summit, AABR seeks to increase the visibility and presence of Asian Americans in Us business, address national and global business challenges of the 21st century, and develop a mentorship program to groom future
generations of Asian American business leaders. AABR also looks to assist global corporations seeking to expand in Asia, as well as Asia-based companies seeking Us partnerships. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Asian American Business Roundtable summit are now available. For more information, please contact Xiaotang Huang, at (212) 966-0100 or xiaotang@aabdc.com, or visit www. aabusinessroundtable.org. AABR summit is taking place January 29-30, 2016 at The Venetian, Las Vegas. Register Your Ticket now! enter promo code: AsianJ25 (25 percent off the ticket). This invitation code is only valid until Wednesday, 1/13/2016. Book your hotel room at a special rate of $175++/night. ends 1/13/2016.
oUR cars, our homes, our appliances and even our toys: Things around us are going to keep getting smarter. In 2016, we’ll entrust even more of our lives and their intimate details to machines—not to mention the companies that run them. Are we ready for that? You might, for instance, like the idea of turning on your TV with a spoken command—no more fumbling for the remote! But for that to work, the TV needs to be listening all the time, even when you’re not watching. And even when you’re discussing something extremely personal, or engaged in some other activity to which you’d rather not invite eavesdroppers. How much should you worry? Maybe your TV never records any of your casual conversations. or maybe its manufacturer is recording all that, but just to find ways to make the TV better at understanding what you want it to do. or maybe it retains everything it hears for some other hidden purpose. Threat to privacy You may never know for sure. At best, you can hope the company keeps its promises on privacy. More important, you have to trust that its computer systems are really secure,
or those promises are suddenly worthless. That part is increasingly difficult to guarantee—or believe— as hacking becomes routine. Advertising And here’s the chief quandary: every technological benefit comes with a cost in the form of a threat to privacy. Yet not paying that price has its own cost: an inability to participate in some of society’s greater achievements. Because smart gadgets thrive on data—data about you and your habits, data about what large numbers of people do or say or appear to want in particular situations—it’s difficult not to share pretty much everything with them. Doing otherwise would be like turning off your phone’s location services, which disables many of its most useful features. The consequences aren’t restricted to phones and TVs: Kids will be able to talk to more toys and get personalized, computer-generated responses. Does the “don’t talk to strangers” rule apply if the stranger is the Hello Barbie talking doll or Dino, the dinosaur powered by IBM’s Watson artificial-intelligence system? Cars will work with gPs technology and sensors in parking meters,
roads and home appliances to help route you around traffic and turn on your living-room lights as you approach the driveway. But that can also generate a detailed record of your whereabouts. Thermostats from nest and others will get smarter at conserving energy when you’re away. Potential burglars might find that information handy. Home security cameras are getting cheaper and more plentiful, but they’re sometimes insecure themselves, especially if you set them up clumsily. There’s already a website devoted to showing video from cameras with no passwords. Though they are mostly outdoor or business cameras, one was trained on a baby’s crib and another in a living room. Wearable health devices will track your heart rate, fitness levels and more, and share achievements with friends and family. But slacking off may carry a heavier cost than those extra holiday pounds, particularly if your insurance company yanks discounts for meeting fitness goals. software from google and Facebook will get even more refined to help you cut through the noise. PAGE D6
World Bank: PH economy to grow... PAGE D1 erate recovery in Thailand,” the report said. east Asia and Pacific region is projected to slow to 6.3 percent in 2016, with China’s expansion expected to ease to 6.7 percent. The region, excluding China, is anticipated to see growth accelerate modestly in 2016 to 4.8 percent.
slowing growth in China is expected to offset a modest pickup in growth among members of the Association of southeast Asian nations (Asean) this year. The region is expected to benefit from the strengthening recovery in advanced economies, low energy prices, improved political stability, and continued
favorable conditions in global financial markets, despite anticipated monetary policy tightening in the United states. growth in Indonesia is projected to pick up to 5.3 percent in 2016 from 4.7 percent, provided reforms are implemented to encourage investment and boost productivity.
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FOR RENT
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Longo Lexus offers the ultimate conveniences in customer amenities
We all know that the process of buying a car is not just as simple as buying a new pair of shoes at the mall. It is a long process that involves careful comparison between vehicle models, reviewing the car’s specifications with regards to the needs of the buyer, and of course, the negotiations for the financing packages and promos. As such, it is very important for Longo Lexus that its customers are supremely comfortable and well-pampered if they are going to make that important decision of which Lexus they will drive home. As a car dealership, there are many reasons why Longo Lexus has been an elite of Lexus dealer since 1992. One of those reasons includes the ultimate conveniences that they offer in customer amenities. As one of the leading Lexus car dealerships, Longo Lexus provides not only pre-sales conveniences, but also noteworthy post-sales services. Longo Lexus is known for the unique amenities that they offer to dealership customers. One of those unique amenities include an on-site Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) center. The AAA branch offers DMV services, airline, car, and hotel reservations, discounted movie and local attraction tickets, AAA membership application processing, OnBoard Teen Safe Driver Program, auto and home insurance, and more. Sign up at our AAA branch in Longo, and you’ll receive a special $13 discount off the original membership price. Aside from from the on-site AAA branch, Longo is also the first dealership in the US to offer Verizon Wireless and Verizon Wireless Neighborhood services on-site. Offering the latest technologies in telecommunications, mobile accessories, and services, Longo’s on-site Verizon branch makes it even more convenient for customers to stay connected with the world. Our Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer is open from Monday to Friday, 7am-7pm; Saturday, from 7am to 5:30pm; and Sunday, from 8am to 4pm. Please call (888) 8115201. While waiting for your car to come out of our premium carcare service lines or while you’re going through our wide inventory of luxurious Lexus vehicles, you can enjoy a quick bite at Sub-
way or a nice refreshing drink at Starbucks. If you want to pamper your car, you can also shop at the Longo Lexus Parts Boutique, which carries a wide selection of genuine Lexus parts and accessories for your vehicle. M`Zkfi I\p\j With over 31,000 parts and accessories in stock, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. The after-sales services of a dealership is just as important as the pre-sales amenities. And it these after-sales services that make buying a vehicle at Longo Lexus a truly rewarding experience. We offer complimentary loaner vehicles for your use while your car is in our service center. For inquiries, on our loaners, please call our coordinators at 1-800-5970813. For your convenience, we also offer complimentary shuttle service to take you to your office, home, or even the mall—basically anywhere within a 15-mile radius—while your vehicle is being serviced. If you don’t have time to make the drive to our dealership, our Longo Lexus Mobile Service Van and Truck can provide routine maintenance services, such as oil changes and tire rotations, right at your home or office. Appointments can be made up to 6 months in advance. Similarly, if your service requirements need the car to be physically present at our Longo service center, we offer complimentary flatbed truck pick-up and delivery of your vehicle to and from our dealership. Our Longo Lexus Mobile Service Van and Truck, and our complimentary flatbed truch pick-up and delivery service are exclusively for cars that are purchased from Longo Lexus, and are located within 60mile radius from Longo. Please call 1-800-597-0813 to schedule your appointment. Also, for every service appointment, each vehicle receives a complimentary car wash in our Longo Lexus Car Spa. For our clients who wish to use other cars, aside from those among our fleet of loaner Lexus cars, they can avail of the services of our enterprise Rent-A-Car offices.
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Chinese drone maker unveils human-carrying drone LAS VEGAS—Chinese drone maker Ehang Inc. on Wednesday, Jan. 6 unveiled what it calls the world’s first drone capable of carrying a human passenger. The Guangzhou, China-based company pulled the cloth off the Ehang 184 at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the CES gadget show. In a company video showing it flying, it looks like a small helicopter but with four doubled propellers spinning parallel to the ground like other drones. The electric-powered drone can be fully charged in two hours, carry up to 220 pounds and fly for 23 minutes at sea level, according to Ehang. The cabin fits one person and a small backpack and even has air conditioning and a reading light. With propellers folded up, it’s designed to fit in a single parking spot. After setting a flight plan, passengers only need to give two commands, “take off” and “land,”
each controlled by a single click on a Microsoft Surface tablet, the company said. It is designed to fly about 1,000 to 1,650 feet off the ground with a maximum altitude of 11,500 feet and top speed of 63 miles per hour. US authorities are just starting to lay out guidelines for drone use, and a human-passenger drone seems certain to face strict scrutiny. Federal Aviation Administration administrator Michael Huerta was at CES but could not immediately be reached for comment through a spokesman. Ehang co-founder and Chief Financial Officer Shang Hsiao said the company hopes to sell the device for $200,000 to $300,000 beginning this year but acknowledged it occupies a legal “grey area.” “The whole world never had something like this before,” he said.
A passenger would have no controls as a backup, he said. In the event of a problem the company plans a remote control center that would take over the vehicle and ensure it lands safely, he said. Chief Marketing Officer Derrick Xiong said the vehicle has been flown more than 100 times at low altitudes in a forested area in Guangzhou, including several times with a person inside. One thing that makes quad-copters safer than helicopters are its numerous propellers, Xiong said. Even if three of the four arms have their six propellers disabled, the final arm’s working propellers can ensure a rough landing by spiraling toward the ground, he said. The company, which also makes smaller drones, said in August it had raised $42 million in capital from various investors including GP Capital, GGV Capital, ZhenFund and others, following $10 million in capital raised the previous year. (Inquirer.net)
Gadgets –cars, toys, appliances –will keep getting...
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With two branches on the Longo Premises, enterprise is ready to address all your car rental needs. Please call (800) 969-6519 for more information. We understand that life’s daily grind requires our customers to be always on top of everything while keeping up with an onthe-go lifestyle. Which is they are more than welcome to work at our Longo Business Center where they can work on our computer terminals, free of charge. We also offer complimentary Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) to our customers throughout the facility. This is particularly useful for our customers with mobile devices, laptops, and tablets. While you wait for your car to come out of our service center, your kids can enjoy and have a good time at our Children Play Area, where we offer video games and other activities for the young ones. Longo Lexus customers will also be offered complimentary use of our iPads while they are waiting for their vehicle. For more information on our Longo Lexus Guest Services, please log on to www.longolexus.com/GuestAmenities or call (626) 539-2956. Longo Lexus is located at 3530 North Peck Road, el Monte, CA 91731. 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek
PAGE D3 That’s great if Facebook is showing you posts from friends you already interact the most with, but will a long-lost friend’s plea for help go unanswered because you don’t see it? The pending onslaught of privacy trade-offs might seem trivial when it comes to a talking and listening Barbie. But maybe it’s less so when your phone knows enough about you to remind you it’s time to leave for an important interview (if the alternative would be losing a shot at that job) or your smart home can really tell you if you turned off the oven before leaving for an international trip. “The encroachments on our privacy are often self-inflicted in the sense that we will accept the trade-off one bit at a time,” says John Palfrey, coauthor of “Interop: The Promise and Perils of Highly Interconnected Systems.” And these trade-offs can be quite subtle. Technological advances typically offer immediate, tangible benefits that, once you’ve put enough of them together, can indeed revolutionize daily life. Can you imagine living your life without a smartphone? A few years from now, you might goggle at the thought of managing your day without constant advice from Siri or “OK Google.” As for the risks, they’ll tend to be diffuse, abstract and often difficult
to ascertain even if you’re paying attention—and most people won’t. Use of personal data In a study released on Wednesday, the Pew Research Center says about half of American adults have no confidence that they understand what’s being done with their data and about a third are discouraged by the amount of effort needed to get that understanding. In short, convenience usually wins. Shiny new things are inherently attractive and it takes a while for some of us to get uneasy about the extent to which we may be enabling our own surveillance. When cameras were invented, legal scholars debated how far you can go snapping pictures of people in public. That’s no longer an issue—although the camera on a drone in your backyard is. Over time, manufacturers will get better at putting in safeguards, and consumers will get better at setting boundaries and taking charge. For instance, this holiday season’s Hello Barbie talking toy won’t listen in until your kid presses its belt buckle. Though it does store conversations between kids and their dolls to improve speech-recognition technology, its maker says there’s little personal information tied to those conversations—no first or last names, no ages, no gender. Delete immediately “We don’t need that infor-
mation,” said Martin Reddy, cofounder and chief technical officer of ToyTalk, which developed Hello Barbie with Mattel. “We don’t want that information. It just makes it more difficult on our end.” Of course, kids might simply tell their toys personal details about themselves. ToyTalk employees who review such conversations to improve the technology are trained to immediately delete anything sensitive, but they aren’t charged with actively monitoring stored discussions. So Step One in managing interactions with our newly smart digital companions comes down to simple attentiveness. Parents, for instance, can be actively involved in what their kids are doing—in this case, by taking the time to review and delete conversations from ToyTalk’s website. Step Two might be learning to say no. Many services ask for birth dates, phone numbers and even income levels just because they can—and few people resist. If enough people rise up, companies will stop. There’s precedent: Enough people fed up with online ads have turned to ad blockers, such that websites are taking steps to make ads less annoying. There will always be a tradeoff, but the balance can always shift. (Inquirer.net with reports from AP)
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