Issuu

May 13-16, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 39 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

DOJ to reinvestigate PDAF, DAP scam cases According to Aguirre, the DOJ will form a new task force to probe the multimillion-peso THE Philippine Department of scams. He added, however, that his Justice (DOJ) will conduct new investigations into the Priority office would not adopt the findDevelopment Assistance Fund ings of the panel formed by his (PDAF) and the Disbursement predecessor, former Justice SecAcceleration Program (DAP) retary Leila de Lima, who invescases, Justice Secretary Vitaliano tigated the cases during the preAguirre II announced on Thurs- vious administration of President day, May 11. u PAGE A2 Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

City of LA files suit to combat wage theft, protect immigrant rights Home care company sued for allegedly underpaying mostly Filipino caregivers AS a way to tighten up on citywide wage theft, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office has filed a lawsuit against a home care provider for underpaying caregivers and failing to provide overtime pay. The suit goes against Canoga Park-based home care provider Emelyn Nishi, who owns Health Alliance Nurses Corp. and Hand Homecare Provider, Inc. Nishi’s companies have “systematically denied” fair wages to about 200 caregivers, most of whom are Filipino, according to LA City Attorney Mike Feuer. “Stealing wages from hardworking people just trying to make ends meet is reprehensible,” Feuer said at a press conference at City Hall on Wednesday, May 11. “No worker should be forced into poverty because their employer denies them a wage to which the law entitles them.” According to the suit, the caregivers were

u PAGE A3

Fil-Am LAPD cop in need of Filipino bone marrow donor

FINDING a bone marrow donor can often be exhausting and challenging. If you’re of Asian descent, it’s particularly more difficult given that the bone marrow registry shortage of Asian donors. That’s the current predicament for Filipino-American Matthew Medina, 40, an officer of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) gang unit who has served for eight years. He was diagnosed on March 30 with aplastic anemia, an autoimmune disease that ceases the production of new blood cells and severely weakens the immune system. The diagnosis came as a huge surprise to the married father of two, given his relatively good health history. He went to the doctor for a petechial rash on his hands and forearms, which he thought was an allergic reaction. When Medina had his rash checked out, doctors discovered that his platelet level was at four; a healthy person’s level is at

u PAGE A4

Cayetano bares plan for Dept. of Foreign Affairs by AJPRESS

INCOMING Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano revealed his plans for the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), following President Rodrigo Duterte’s announcement of his appointment. In a press conference on Wednesday, May 10, Cayetano said the department would prioritize the Incoming DFA Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano welfare, protection, and comfort of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Assuring that all the DFA officials would “not have their own agenda or their own foreign policy,” Cayetano said that they would “all work hard together to implement the foreign policy of the Philippines.” He also promised to “keep building bridges” with other countries while maintaining good relationships with allies. “The new bridges, the new friends that the president established and then how do we repair kung meron mang problema sa old allies natin (our relationship with our old allies if we have problems with them),” Cayetano told reporters at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He added that it is the mission of the DFA to follow the president’s policy while “building bridges.” Cayetano also vowed to refrain from using “microphone diplomacy” once he took his post as the new foreign affairs secretary. While clarifying that it is the duty of the government to remain transparent on all of its policies, including foreign policy, Cayetano, however, noted that there are diplomatic issues that should not be publicized. “Minsan kasi ang alam na naman nung iba, ’yung policy. Pero ‘yung stategy ang gustong kwestyunin o gusto pag-usapan. Eh saan ka naman makakakita na

u PAGE A3

DUTERTE ATTENDS WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM. Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen welcomes President Rodrigo Duterte at the Sokha Hotel in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia at the opening of the World Economic Forum on ASEAN on Thursday, May 11. Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

Pres. Duterte pushes for a drug-free community at World Economic Forum by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte emphasized the need of eradicating drug impunity during the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Thursday, May 11, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. In his keynote speech, Duterte urged the international leaders to pursue a drug-free community to protect the younger generation from harm brought by narcotics. The Filipino president warned that drugs threaten the Southeast Asian youth’s potentials, which he described as “among the best and are most creative, intelligent, and innovative in the

world.” “We cannot turn a blind eye on the scourge of illegal drugs that threatens our youth and the future of our societies,” Duterte said. He then urged international leaders to “take a committed stand” in dismantling and destroying the “illegal drug apparatus.” “We must reaffirm our commitment to realize a drug-free ASEAN community,” he added. Noting that the ASEAN “is a demographic sweet spot and is likely to post Asia’s fastest economic growth rates in the coming years,” Duterte also encouraged international leaders to invest in human capital, particularly in the young workforce. He went on to say, “The youth is certainly a

u PAGE A2

Duterte’s net worth increases by P3 million since becoming president he assumed the presidency. His SALN attributed the increase of his net worth to his PHILIPPINE President Ro- cash on hand or bank—which drigo Duterte’s net worth went rose from P15.31 million in the up by over P3 million during his first half of 2016 to P18.45 milfirst six months in the office, ac- lion by the end of the year. cording to his latest statement of Duterte’s net worth, however, assets, liabilities and net worth is about P1 million less from his (SALN) released by the Office of P28.43 total declared assets. the Ombudsman on Friday, May This is apparently due to his 12. personal loan to Samuel Uy, who In his SALN, Duterte declared is also known to be among his a net worth of P27.43 million top donors during the presidenas of December 2016, which is tial campaign period. higher compared to P24.08 milDuterte’s assets previously lion, as of June of last year when amounted to P25.18 million as of

by AJPRESS

June 2016. His investments, on the other hand, went down to P3 million from P3.9 million during the same timeline. His interests in Honda Cars in General Santos City and Poeng Yue Foundations, Inc. in Davao City were also no longer included his December 2016 SALN. However, an entry for “other personal properties” totaling P1 million—which did not appear in his June declaration—was added. Meanwhile, Duterte’s total

u PAGE A3

CELLPHONE SIGNALS BLOCKED ANEW IN MANILA

PH tightens security amid terror alerts by DEMPSEY

REYES ManilaTimes.net

WATCHING QUIAPO. Manila policemen inspect the site of an explosion in Quiapo, Manila on Saturday, May 6 that killed two people. The area is being guarded by hundreds of security personnel as the Philippine National Police maintains a close watch amid reports that the blasts could be the handiwork of terrorists. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

AUTHORITIES have ordered tighter security measures amid warnings of terrorist activity in Palawan issued by the United States (U.S.) and the United Kingdom (UK), even as the alerts were downplayed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). The U.S. and UK embassies posted a travel advisory on their respective websites Tuesday night, urging their citizens to refrain from visiting Palawan amid the presence of terrorist groups. The embassies cited “credible sources.” Lt. Gen. Raul del Rosario, chief of the AFP

Western Command, said that based on intelligence information, the threat was “not that big,” adding that the U.S. and UK were only being protective of their citizens. In April, a number of countries issued travel warnings covering Bohol and Cebu, which were followed by deadly clashes between the military and Abu Sayyaf bandits in Bohol’s Inabanga town. “There are earlier reports about that… what we did is we heightened our alert. We formed inter-agency task groups because of that,” del Rosario told reporters in Filipino. The “security posture” in the area was intensified after four anti-terrorism meetings with officials of the resort island of Coron in

u PAGE A4

A MAY 13-16, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

DOJ to reinvestigate PDAF... PAGE A1 t Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. De Lima, who was elected as a senator last year, is currently in detention on drug-related charges. Likewise, the DOJ said it will not coordinate with Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.

Criticizing the alleged “selective justice” of the previous administration, Aguirre noted that there were “several hundreds responsible individuals, public officials” but only “three were charged” by the Sandiganbayan. Aguirre was likely referring to

former Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Jinggoy Estrada, and Juan Ponce Enrile, who were charged with graft and plunder charges in connection with the anomaly. Enrile is currently out on bail, while the other two remain incarcerated. “We’ll be making an honest to goodness effort to reopen itong PDAF and even DAP cases. Kaya’t (That’s why) we could not rest in view of the fact that only three among hundreds of responsible public officials dito sa dalawang kasong ito (in these two cases),” Aguirre said. He further added, “Tuloy-tuloy po tayo, that there will be no selective justice katulad ng nakaraan (We will continue and there will be no selective justice, unlike before).” Aguirre’s statements came days after the Court of Appeals acquitted Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged architect of PDAF,

u PAGE A5

DAY TRIP. Cielito ‘Honeylet’ Avanceña, partner of President Rodrigo Duterte, and their daughter Veronica explore the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh on Thursday, May 11. Honeylet and Veronica visited the National Museum, the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the Central Market. The two accompanied Duterte to Phnom Penh for the World Economic Forum. Malacañang photo

Pres. Duterte pushes for a drug-free... PAGE A1 t key sector we must invest in. The ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2016-2020 encourages youth entrepreneurship, employment and employability, awareness, volunteerism and resilience.” Duterte also underscored the need to narrow the development gap in the region, which he said “remains skewed” despite the decreasing of poverty levels by half in the last 50 years. According to him, there remains a huge disparity in the region’s GDP (gross domestic product) per capita, citing from a low of $1,200 to a high of nearly $53,000. “ASEAN is cognizant of the need for more inclusive participation in the community building process,” Duterte said. “We want to ensure that the benefits of integration are felt by all our peoples in the region. But

u PAGE A4

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

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 13-16, 2017

City of LA files suit to combat wage theft protect... PAGE A1 t

allegedly only paid about $100 to $125 a shift -- $5.50 an hour or less. However, Nishi and her companies charged far more to patients and families, between $170 and $250 a day for 24-hour in-home care services. “Even if every nickel of that money went to the home care health care provider in those instances, that would be insufficient to pay what they were entitled, pursuant to California’s minimum wage and overtime laws,” Feuer remarked. “But that money did not go all to those workers; not by a long shot.” The health care employers also allegedly encouraged caregivers to falsify their time cards and records to avoid paying them for overtime as well as consider them “independent contractors” to avoid payroll taxes and investigations. Moreover, they also threatened to fire them or “blacklist” them within the home care industry, according to the suit. The Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), a Los Angeles-based organization that advocates for Filipino workers and immigrants’ rights, commended the city for its effort in combatting unfair treatment of caregivers, for seeking restitution for workers who were affected and for upholding state wage laws meant to protect workers. “[In 2016] the overtime provision of the California Domestic Workers Bill of Rights was made permanent in Sacramento, ending finally and for good, over 75 years of exclusion from overtime protections for nannies and caregivers,” PWC Executive Direc-

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, joined by members of the Pilipino Workers Center, announced a lawsuit on Wednesday, May 11 against a home health care company that allegedly underpaid employers as low as $5.50 an hour. AJPress photo by Klarize Medenilla

tor Aquilina Versoza said at the press conference on Wednesday. “Today, with this case, we are seeing our rights becoming a reality. Today we see the dignity of home care workers being upheld and uplifted.” According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs seek an injunction against unlawful business operations as well as restitution for all employees, formerly or currently employed, who were victims of wage theft. The defendants may have to pay up $2,500 for every wage violation. “We felt vindicated that the city attorney found that there were lots of violations in terms of our wages,” Rufina Tubo, a former caregiver at Health Alliance and member of PWC, said in a statement. “We were not paid overtime. We hope that the case will be decided in favor of the caregivers who are fighting for dignity and the right to be

paid what they are owed.” Both the city attorney’s office and PWC encourage all victims of wage thef—regardless if they worked with Nishi’s companies—to come forward with their stories. “I want to emphasize how vulnerable these employees are,” Feuer reiterated. “These are people who are desperate to make even a meager wage to pay for the food on the table for their families and provide basic shelter for them.” Nishi and representatives from her companies were reached for comment but, as of press time, did not return any inquiries. To report experiences of wage theft, workers may email at mike.n.feuer@lacity.org or call at (213) 978-1868. Victims may also reach out to PWC EMPLEO Pinoy workers rights hotline at +1 (877) 885-6641. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Fil-Am LAPD cop in need of Filipino bone... PAGE A1 t about 150. “I’ve never had any type of serious illness, so a lot of things were going through my head, like wondering if it’s cancer or something fatal or incurable. A bunch of scenarios were just running through my head,” Medina told the Asian Journal on Wednesday, May 10. He was admitted in the hospital where doctors performed a bone marrow biopsy to rule out the possibility of cancer. Doctors found no signs of cancer, but found that his marrow was “not working properly.” As he currently grapples with the disease, Medina needs a

bone-marrow transplant and is currently searching for a Filipino donor who can be a match. His support system — which includes friends, family and colleagues from the force — have begun to raise awareness and get the word out there that their loved one is in need of a donor. The news of Medina and his condition has received much media attention, first being reported by NBC4 Southern California, thanks to his childhood friend and NBC4 reporter Hetty Chang. From then, the story snowballed, gaining support from strangers all across the Southland and beyond. To further raise awareness for Medina’s search for a donor, his

team of also supporters began a Facebook page called Match4Matt, which has attracted many individuals who felt connected to Medina’s story and wanted to show support. “It’s just been non-stop support from people we don’t even know,” Medina said of the aftermath of the NBC report. “I’ve received messages on that Facebook page asking how they can help in any way, and I’ve never met these people before in my life. It’s just an amazing feeling to know that there are good people out there willing to help even though they’ve never even met you.” His biggest supporters in-

u PAGE A6

COMMEMORATION OF THE FALL OF CORREGIDOR. A man carries a US ﬂag inside the US War Paciﬁc Memorial in Corregidor Island during the 45th Commemoration of the Fall of Corregidor, May 6, 2017. The memorial was built in remembrance of the American and Filipino soldiers who fought on World War II. Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

Cayetano bares plan... PAGE A1 t nasa gitna ka ng struggle, ng laban, ipapakita mo ‘yung strategy sa buong mundo (Sometimes, people want to question or discuss policies. But if you are in the middle of a struggle, you reveal your strategy before the world),” he explained. Diplomats should not engage in microphone diplomacy and instead leave the public communication from the spokesperson, he said. He added that he would also “institutionalize more briefings na off the record to the media, to the Senate, to the House and to other interested groups, including think

tanks, so that they will know the information that we know.” On Wednesday, Duterte announced Cayetano’s new post after the one-year appointment ban on losing candidates in the May 2016 elections ended. Cayetano is replacing Undersecretary Enrique Manalo, who was assigned as the acting foreign secretary after the CA rejected the ad interim appointment of Perfecto Yasay Jr. over citizenship issues. With Congress still in session, Cayetano, a sitting senator, said he still has to wait for the CA to confirm his nomination before he can officially take his post as the

new DFA chief. “So until that time, I’ll still serving be in the Senate,” Cayetano added. On Thursday, May 11, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it is in the discretion of the Senate if it would conduct a special election for Cayetano’s senatorial seat. “One of the things usually taken into consideration is the length of time the seat will remain vacant in case no special elections are called,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez stated. “If, as in this case, the legislator’s term is set to expire in 2019, it is reasonable to expect that it will have some bearing on the final decision.” ■

Duterte’s net worth increases... PAGE A1 t acquisitions on his real properties, household appliances and furniture, and jewelries stayed the same, amounting to P1.405 million, P300,000, and P350,000 respectively. Likewise, his vehicle properties, worth P840,000, remain unchanged over the six-month period. Duterte listed his Volkswagen Sedan and a Toyota Rav 4, which he acquired in 1978 and

1996 respectively. In 2015, Duterte stated a net worth of P23.51 million in his SALN, according to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ). For the previous years, he reportedly declared P21.97 million in 2014, P18.93 million in 2011, P16.62 million in 2009, P15.32 million in 2008, P9.69 million in 2007, P8.65 million in 2006, and P8.43 million in 2005.

In 2004, he declared a net worth of P7.02 million, P2.83 million in 2002, P1.77 million in 2000, P1.48 million in 1999, P1.05 million in 1998, and P897,792 in 1997. Earlier in March, an impeachment complaint was filed against Duterte, citing his alleged P2 billion worth of undeclared wealth from 2006 to 2015 as among the grounds for the filing of the impeach rap. ■

Dateline USa

A MAY 13-16, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

CMS gives states until 2022 to meet Medicaid standards of care by Phil

Galewitz Kaiser Health News

The Trump administration has given states three extra years to carry out plans for helping elderly and disabled people receive Medicaid services without being forced to go into nursing homes. Federal standards requiring states find ways of delivering care to Medicaid enrollees in home and community-based settings will take effect in 2022 instead of 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced this week. The standards were set by an Obama administration rule adopted in 2014 that governs where more than 3 million Medicaid enrollees get care. Among other things, the rule requires states to provide opportunities for enrollees to engage in community life, control their own money and seek employment in competitive settings. It also ensures that enrollees in group homes and other residential settings get more privacy and housing choices that include places where nondisabled people live. Matt Salo, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors, applauded the delay. “We have long been on record saying that the regulation

was hopelessly unrealistic in its time frame,” he said. “Delaying it actually helps consumers because the underlying regulation was going to push too many changes too fast into a system that wasn’t ready.” The Obama administration’s 2014 rule was an effort to create a federal standard to improve the quality of care that the disabled receive outside institutions. Some states had tried — and struggled — to make changes on their own, partly due to a lack of funding and political difficulties of changing deeply entrenched relationships with providers. Some had, for instance, forced providers to change longstanding operations at group homes and so-called sheltered workshops, such as Goodwill Industries, where disabled people often work apart from other employees, performing menial tasks for less than minimum wage. helping disabled people find work in places where they are not segregated costs states more money, said Gary Blumenthal, CeO of the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers. The delay in implementing the federal rule is “a victory for the status quo and for states reluctant to embrace the [new standards],” he said.

States spent several years fighting the new rules during the Obama administration and that slowed their planning, said elizabeth Priaulx, senior legal specialist with the National Disability Rights Network. She noted states were under pressure from nursing homes and for-profit group homes to resist the changes. “It is unfortunate the delay had to occur,” but many states were not ready, she said. The new rule also directs states and providers to reconfigure existing community settings such as group homes to ensure that people will have more privacy. “Without these dollars it’s difficult to change the system,” Blumenthal said. Funds already shifting In 2014, state Medicaid programs for the first time spent more on long-term care in home and community-based settings than on nursing homes. But there was great variation: Mississippi spent about 25 percent of its long-term care dollars on home and community care while Oregon and other states spent nearly 80 percent. Camille Dobson, deputy executive director of the National Association of States United for Aging and Disability, said the delay was important for states worried about losing federal

u PAGE A6

ATE COMMENDS 2016 BAR TOPNOTCHER. Senate President Koko Pimentel III presents a copy of a resolution commending Karen Mae Calam (5th from right), a certified public accountant and law graduate from the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, for topping the 2016 Philippine Bar Examinations. The Senate resolution, introduced by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri Tuesday, May 9, 2017, congratulates Calam for “obtaining the highest mark in what is considered as one of the toughest licensure exams in the country.” Also in the photo are (from left) Senate Majority Leader Tito Sotto with Senators Manny Pacquiao, Zubiri, Calam’s family, and Senator Sonny Angara. Senate photo by Romy Bugante

PH tightens security... PAGE A1 t Palawan, police and the Philippine Coast Guard, he added. The AFP has also engaged with Muslim leaders, businessmen, security agencies and resort owners in Palawan. “We are having conversations with all concerned persons, officials and agencies for joint efforts

so that the terrorists will not be able to enter the island,” del Rosario said. ‘Enjoy the summer’ PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said the PNP would be undertaking “stricter security measures” while verifying information on supposed terrorist activity.

Duterte pushes for a drug-free...

PAGE A2 t

we face a development gap that must be addressed.” As this year’s ASeAN chair, Duterte also said that the Philippines “resolves to establish meaningful partnership for positive change.” “We aim to operationalize the ASeAN goal of achieving a vibrant, sustainable and highly integrated economy,” he added. Business confidence high Investors’ confidence in doing business in the Philippines remain high despite criticisms in Duterte’s drug war, his Cabinet officials said at the sidelines of WeF. In a press conference, a German journalist pointed out that businessmen from his country are concerned that the drug war might affect foreign direct

investments. Duterte, who assumed presidency in June last year, has been pursuing the eradication of narcotics in the Philippines through an anti-illegal drugs campaign that apparently claimed thousands of lives, earning international headlines and criticisms. The Philippine government has repeatedly insisted that the killings are not state-sanctioned. It also blamed reports that labeled deaths under investigation as summary killings for ruining the country’s image, saying that only about 3,000 were killed during presumed legitimate police operations when suspects tried to fight back, while the remaining 4,000 or so deaths were conducted by vigilante killers riding the drug

war. Amid criticisms, incoming Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano assured that for the Philippine government, “the protection of human rights is paramount,” added that the campaign against drugs is also a “campaign to protect the human rights” of the Filipinos. Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, meanwhile, cited surveys concluding that 82 percent of the Filipinos feel safer and “basically love what’s happening right now” in the country. Lopez also took note that investments from the second half of 2016 was “100 percent higher” than the first half. “So a lot of very positive indicators especially on the investments and the

“At the end of the day, people [in Palawan] are still living normal lives,” he told a news conference. he advised the public to be vigilant even outside Palawan. “enjoy the summer…we make sure that there are policemen present in the area. Now, with additional information, once verified, we will make the necessary announcement and necessary

u PAGE A5 investment confidence is here,” he said. “Business confidence actually has gone up 34 percent when it used to be less than 10 percent and consumer confidence used to be negative number is now positive 14 percent,” he added. echoing Lopez, Philippine Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade also assured the safety in the country for both local and foreign investors. “One of the program[s] which is program war against drugs and a lot of other things is to assure an environment of safety and security. So, on one hand you have no corruption, on the other [is] safe and secure,” Tugade said. he went on to say, “So, that’s we’re trying to do and that’s what the president is impressing all of us to do. So that the businessmen will be assured of a level playing field, of a safe and secure place of business.”

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

Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 13-16, 2017

16-year-old Fil-Am student to enter Ph.D. physics program

DOJ to reinvestigate PDAF... PAGE A2 t also referred to as “pork barrel” scam, in her serious illegal detention case filed by whistleblower Benhur Luy. Napoles, however, is still facing graft and plunder charges in connection with the anomaly of the pork barrel program. Napoles to reveal more Also on thursday, Napoles’s lawyer said he has met with Aguirre to discuss the possibility of turning her into a state witness. “We’re just exploring the possibility that my client will be admitted to the Witness Protection Program (WPP), basically ‘yun lang naman (that’s basically it),” Napoles’s lawyer Stephen David told reporters after their meeting. David said they are requesting the DOJ to give Napoles “proper security” if the proposition passes, adding that Napoles is ready to name “higher” officials involved in the multi-billion peso scam. According to him, there had been talks with the Aquino administration about the possibility of Napoles becoming a state witness but the proposal apparently failed to protect political allies allegedly involved in the scam. Aguirre, for his part, assured that the DOJ would conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the cases. “Napoles might be used not against the opposition but against those guilty or responsible,” Aguirre remarked. He went on to say, “Whether you are in the opposition or in the administration if the evidence will show you are responsible then you should clear your name, answer the accusations against you. Otherwise, prepare for your trial.” While clarifying that he was not implying guilt, Aguirre said that “high-ranking people” are likely involved in the scam, citing that Napoles was reportedly accompanied by then-President

Aquino and then-Interior Secretary Mar Roxas to the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters after surrendering to Malacañang in August 2013. Aguirre also recalled that then-Justice Secretary de Lima said, “more than three times that they are going to come out with additional respondents, but it did not happen.” ‘Duterte after truth’ In light of Napoles’s acquittal, President Rodrigo Duterte is looking to uncover the whole truth about the pork barrel scam and hold those involved accountable, according to Malacañang. While Duterte has publicly expressed his support on the reopening of inquiry into the fund scam, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella assured that the probe would not be used for personal or political motives. “the president wants the truth to finally come out and hold those involved, regardless of political color or party line, accountable,” Abella said in a statement. Abella also underscored that the Filipino people “deserves to know the truth in this case, not the slanted truth nor the doctored truth.” ‘No probable cause’ Former President Aquino has insisted that there is no probable cause to indict him with technical malversation charges in connection with the controversial use of the DAP. Last March, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales cleared Aquino from liabilities over the DAP and only indicted former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad for violating Article 239 of the Revised Penal Code, or the usurpation of legislative powers, by “unlawfully” issuing the National Budget Circular (NBC) No. 541, which paved the way for the release of P72 billionworth of DAP. But complainants, led by Rep. Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna party-list, appealed to the Om-

PH tightens security... PAGE A4 t security measures if and when these information are validated already,” the police spokesman said. President Rodrigo Duterte himself allayed fears of kidnapping in Palawan. “We have spruced up the place both physically and with the strength of the security forces,” Duterte told reporters before leaving for Cambodia. “My order to the security forces is stalk, shoot them on site. Patayin ninyo [Kill them]. Do not waste your bullet [then]we take care of them [in the]hospital. Expend your bullet to finish the problem because it is really a problem. It is a problem of security, law and order,” he added. telcos suspend services in Quiapo, surrounding areas Amid the terror warnings,

telecommunication companies Globe telecom and Smart Communications shut down services at 3 p.m. on Wednesday to comply with a directive from the National telecommunications Commission. In separate public advisories, Globe and Smart pleaded for patience and understanding, saying the situation was a matter of national security. Last week, twin blasts rocked Quiapo, Manila, which claimed two lives and left six people injured. Police are still conducting post-blast investigations to find the persons involved in the blast, said to have targeted an Islamic leader (see related story). Malacañang earlier urged the public to be vigilant and not spread “fake news” about the incident. n

budsman to reconsider its decision of clearing Aquino, arguing that the roles of Aquino and Abad “could not be discounted as mere ‘policy makers’ of the DAP scheme.” “Rather, the policy direction chosen by respondents are the raison d’être of the DAP,” the motion for reconsideration read. In October 2011, then-President Aquino approved the DAP proposed by Abad, which aimed to “fast-track public spending and push economic growth by

u PAGE A6

At a time when many teens are looking forward to a summer break from high school, 16-yearold Ethan Villarama will graduate from California State University, Los Angeles and prepare to enter a rigorous Ph.D. program in the fall. Villarama is the youngest member of the University’s Class of 2017. On May 20, he will receive a bachelor of science in physics with magna cum laude honors. He is planning to attend the University of California, San Diego in the fall to earn a doctoral degree in physics. “I am excited to begin my doctoral education at UC San Diego, so I can become a full-fledge scientist doing work in the top of my field,” said Villarama. “I’m grateful for the many opportunities for independent, self-learning, as well as the supportive faculty in the Physics department and at Cal State LA.” Villarama enrolled at Cal State LA when he was 11-years-old through the Early Entrance Program. the program, which accepts highly gifted students as young as 11-years-old, is administered by the University’s Honors College. Villarama is part of Cal State LA’s Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) programs, which prepare talented students of color for careers in science, mathematics and engineering. the programs are funded by the

Ethan Villarama

National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the American Chemical Society. A Pasadena, California resident, Villarama conducted research in the laboratories of Cal State LA Professor William taylor and Professor Susan terebey. In summer 2016, Villarama participated in a highly competitive internship at the prestigious European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland. For nine intensive weeks, he joined scientists and researchers on the AtLAS experiment. AtLAS is a particle physics experiment at CERN that is searching for new discoveries in the head-on collisions of protons of

extraordinarily high energy. Researchers are using the world’s largest, most powerful particle accelerator known as the Large Hadron Collider. the project is coordinated by the CSU-wide Nuclear and Particle Physics Consortium with support from the National Science Foundation. CERN is one of the world’s largest and most respected laboratories for scientific research. Villarama says the opportunity allowed him to meet leading scientists in the field and visit Europe for the first time. “this was the best opportunity to learn about the latest research in high energy physics,” he says. “this experience definitely prepared me for graduate school and a future career as a research professor.” n

A MAY 13-16, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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

Philippines-US Balikatan kicks off by Michael

Punongbayan Philstar.com

MANILA - Philippine Air Force (PAF) crew will train and learn more about how it can deliver relief goods and other items during calamities or natural disasters faster and more efficiently in this year’s joint Balikatan exercises between American and Filipino soldiers. Activities lined up for U.S. and

06/06/17

Philippine airmen include the actual conduct of airdrops within the island of Cebu. “Under this exercise, US aircrew will teach the PAF C-130 aircrew various techniques in airdropping procedures to expedite the delivery of relief supplies and aid affected areas without aerodromes and/or damaged aerodromes,” the PAF said. The annual Philippines-U.S. military exercise or Balikatan has

officially begun in various locations in the country, particularly in Cebu where the PAF’s 220th Airlift Wing is stationed. Balikatan is a joint military event conducted under the auspices of Philippines-United States Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) that aims to improve bilateral engagement and training opportunities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Marine Forces Pacific (US MAFOPAC). This year, PAF said selected aircrew and maintenance personnel of the 220th AW led by the Herky commander Maj. Anthony Amora and the Wing’s Balikatan officerin-charge Maj. Michael Vincent Benolerao. They will be directly involved in the different C-130-related Subject Matter Expert Exchange discussions. In Nueva Ecija, Filipino and US troops were taught to rescue people trapped under debris during an earthquake under the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) of the Balikatan. The exercise was held at the Army’s 7th Infantry Division headquarters at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. Maj. Frank Sayson, Philippine Balikatan exercises spokesman, said the joint quake drill is to hasten public awareness of the effects of major quakes and harness the disaster response capabilities of Filipino soldiers. Overall, around 2,800 Filipino troops, 2,600 American soldiers, 80 from Australia and 20 Japanese troops are participating in this year’s joint military disaster drill. During the drill proper, Army engineers and personnel, alongside their U.S. counterparts, deployed various types of light to heavy equipment to rescue trapped victims. Local and foreign observers were invited to witness how combined Filipino and US troops deal with the challenges in the aftermath of a major quake. Aside from quake drills, combined Filipino and U.S. forces are also holding massive HADR activities in the storm-prone island town of Calayan, Cagayan as well as in Maconacon in Isabela and in Casiguran, Aurora until next week. The storm-themed joint drill is aimed at testing the disaster response capabilities of Filipino and U.S. troops. n

PLASTIC WHALE. A replica of s dead whale, its innards disgorging a heady mix of plastic waste caught people’s attention on the beach of Naic, Cavite province. Greenpeace unveiled the 15-meter-long installation to dramatize is concern over the plastic pollution that is choking the oceans and driving whales to beach themselves - and die. Inquirer.net photo by Lyn Rillon

Fil-Am LAPD cop in need of Filipino bone... PAGE A3 t clude his wife, Angelee, who has been one of the driving forces behind raising awareness for her husband’s condition. “She’s staying strong, for the kids too since we are the ones they look up to,” Medina remarked about his current family dynamic. “We both need to be strong for the kids during this difficult time because we’re going to get through this. It’s just a matter of time.” Currently, there are about 75,000 people in search of a bone marrow donor. Prospective donors who are looking to be a part of the bone marrow registry are preferred to be between the ages of 18 and 44, and the process involves four cheek swabs. Regardless of whether or not he finds a match, Medina encourages people to consider donating to the bone marrow registry in hopes of helping other people who are in need of a transplant. To learn more about Medina and his story, visit his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/

Filipino-American Matthew Medina, an officer for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), is in search of a bone marrow donor after being diagnosed with aplastic anemia in March. Photo shows Medina with his wife, Angelee, and their two children. Photo courtesy of the Medina family.

Match4Matt/. To register with the bone marrow registry, visit www.bethematch.org/, and to register

specifically for the Medina family, go to http://join.bethematch. org/SwabForMatthew/. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

CMS gives states until 2022...

PAGE A4 t

funding if they didn’t meet the new standards. “It was very likely that most of the states would not have been in compliance by March 2019 and so CMS would [have been] faced with taking money away from programs that help people stay in their homes rather than go to nursing facilities,” Dobson said. The administration’s announcement of the delay came less than a week after the House passed the American Health Care Act, which would take $880 billion over 10 years out of the Medicaid program. It was expected after Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price in March invited states to apply for waivers from federal Medic-

aid rules that he said were too onerous to help improve the program. So far, Tennessee is the only state that has received final approval from CMS for its implementation plan. States still face a 2019 deadline to gain approval for their implementation plans. Kathy Carmody, CEO of The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities in Illinois, said there is concern the Trump administration may not just delay the rule’s implementation, but eventually eliminate it altogether. “We are disappointed,” she said, noting that Illinois ranks last or near last on several measures of care for people re-

DOJ to reinvestigate PDAF... PAGE A5 t prioritizing high-impact budgetary programs and projects.” It was later declared partly unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2014. In his comment filed before the Ombudsman, Aquino sought the dismissal of the motion due to lack of merit, arguing that it “failed to propound sound [and] valid.” “The Honorable Office’s de-

termination that there was no sufficient ground to engender a well-founded belief that the offenses charged were committed is grounded on adequate factual and legal bases,” Aquino said in his comment. Aquino also argued that he did not commit usurpation of legislative powers when he approved the DAP issuances. According to him, a president is not “obligated to de-

ceiving home and communitybased services. That includes having about half of its disabled Medicaid enrollees in residential care settings with seven or eight other disabled people and less than 6 percent of its disabled enrollees in competitive employment, she said. “We were really hoping the rule would be a push from the federal government to help us evolve into the 21st century and get out of the mid-1980s where we are stuck,” Carmody said. KHN’s coverage related to aging & improving care of older adults is supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation. KHN’s coverage of aging and longterm care issues is supported by The SCAN Foundation. n termine how savings are accumulated, much less how they are ‘withdrawn,’” and that he only “utilized what was considered and reported to him as savings.” “In other words, Respondent [Aquino] did not ‘withdraw funds as savings,’ contrary to Complainants’ insistent allegations. Put simply, the constitutional authority here is the power to augment—there is no such thing as ‘the power to save’ because savings are simply taken as given by every Chief Executive,” the comment further read. n

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN SERVING MY FELLOW KABABAYANS FOR OVER 17 YEARS

CIVIL AND PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION • Breach of Contract and Fraud • Auto and Other Injury accidents

IMMIGRATION

• Family and employment based green cards • Business and Investor Visas • Deportation defense • Motions to Reopen • Appeals • Humanitarian Reinstatement of revoked petition • Naturalization • H-1B and student visas

FAMILY LAW • Divorce/Separation/Nullity • Property Division • Spousal Support • Child Custody and Support • Restraining Orders

CALL TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, California 90010

323-639-0277

Email: info@dtanlaw.com • Website: www.dtanlaw.com

Darrick V. Tan, Esq. Licensed in California for over 17 years Licensed in Nevada for over 12 years* UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science with Cum Laude honors Southwestern University Law School, Juris Doctor Admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association Member, Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles Former Member, Board of Governors, Philippine American Bar Association *Inactive

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 13-16, 2017

Dateline PPemberton hiliPPines asks for CA acquittal or reduced penalty

U.S. LANCe Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton has asked the Court of Appeals (CA) to reverse its decision and declare him not guilty of homicide for the death of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude. in the alternative, if the CA will affirm his conviction for homicide, Pemberton, through his legal counsel Rowena GarciaFlores, urged the appeals court to consider the privileged and ordiNEWEST PDP-LABAN MEMBERS TAKE OATH. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III leads the oath-taking rites of Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy nary mitigating circumstances in Belmonte and Quezon City Councilor Gian Sotto as members of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on Wednesday, May imposing the penalty. 10. Pimentel is the president of the PDP-Laban, which is the ruling political party in the country. Senate photo by Ariel Cagadas An affect of an ordinary mitigating circumstance is that the minimum period in case of divisible penalty provided by law for by Dana SioSon of the day, we’re all Filipinos and and more people are supporting a particular crime shall be imAJPress ang gusto lang naman natin mag- the president,” Alvarez told a press Five lawmakers left the Liberal unite tayong lahat, magtulungan briefing. Party (LP) on Wednesday, May tayo, para sa ikagaganda ng ating LP members Quezon City vice 10, to join Philippine President bansa (all want we want is unity, Mayor Joy Belmonte and city Rodrigo Duterte’s ruling Partido helping each other for the better- councilor Gian Carlo Sotto were Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng ment of our country).” also sworn in by Senate President Bayan (PDP-Laban). While expressing disappoint- Koko Pimentel, the PDP-Laban’s Among the LP members who ment at the transfer of his former president. were sworn in before PDP-Laban party mates, Deputy Speaker Miro Unlike her, however, Belmonte secretary-general and Speaker Quimbo, however, said he under- said her father, Quezon City 4th Pantaleon Alvarez were Lanao stood their motivations. District Representative Feliciano del Sur Rep. Ansaruddin Adiong, “it’s painful, especially as we “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. will remain Quezon City Rep. Winston Cas- now consider each other fam- in the LP. telo, North Cotabato Rep. Nancy ily. it’s like losing a brother or a “No, he won’t,” the younger Catamco, Bataan Rep. Geraldine sister. it’s doubly more painful Belmonte replied when asked if Roman, and Quezon City Rep. Al- considering that those who have her father will also join PDP-Lafred vargas. remained, including those who ban. “He will retire from politics With the recent transfer, the LP are leaving this afternoon, have after this last term. He will retire is now left with 27 members in been through a lot of trials alan LP [member].” n U.S. Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton the chamber—22 of which earlier ready,” said Quimbo, who is also signed a coalition agreement with the highest-ranking Liberal in the PDP-Laban, while the remain- House. ing five are part of the opposition He further added, “They’ve been bloc. convinced that the best way to get The LP was the ruling party dur- reelected is by joining the majority ing the previous administration of party. These are political realities 6[OLY WYHJ[PJL HYLHZ! President Benigno Aquino ii, its that face many leaders.” chairman. Most members, howApart from five LP members, ever, started joining PDP-Laban five other legislators also switched r 7,9:65(3 051<9@ since Duterte assumed leadership to PDP-Laban. r -(403@ 3(> last year. They were Camiguin Rep. XaviRoman said she joined the party er Romualdo, Sulu Rep. Munir Arr *0=03 30;0.(;065 to show her support toward the bison, isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano president. iii, Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Divina r 796)(;, “My message…is i want to help Grace Yu, and Masbate Rep. Scott >, *(5 9,=0,> @6<9 ,?0:;05. *(:,: the president and this administra- Davies Lañete. (5+ .0=, @6< ( :,*65+ 6705065 tion to succeed because the sucAlbano and Arbison were from cess of the president in this ad- the Nacionalista Party. Lañete and >L ZWLHR ;HNHSVN HUK V[OLY -PSPWPUV KPHSLJ[Z ministration is the success of the Yu were from Nationalist People’s entire nation. And the failure of the Coalition. Romualdo used to be HE AW FFICES OF ORIEL LORES president in this administration is from LP before transferring to 2 5 YEARS OF LAW P RACT ICE IN CALIFORNIA the failure of the entire nation,” Lakas-CMD in February. NORIEL L. FLORES, ESQ. MELISSA J. HERBITO, ESQ. she added. With the new recruits, the thrivvargas, meanwhile, said that he ing PDP-Laban now has 121 mem(213) 487-8500 • (909) 895-7004 was “heeding the request and will bers out of the 292 seats in the NLFLAW@GMAIL.COM of his constituents.” House of Representatives. 21671 Gateway Center Drive, Suite 103 Diamond Bar, CA 91765 He went on to say, “At the end “it only goes to show that more

5 LP lawmakers join PDP-Laban

>692,9 :

*647,5:(;065

L. F

posed while the effect of a privileged mitigating circumstance is that the penalty to be imposed shall be lower by 1 or 2 degrees than that provided by law for the crime. in this case, the privileged mitigating circumstance, based on the motion for reconsideration is the incomplete self-defense and the ordinary circumstances are

Pemberton’s voluntary surrender and no intention to commit so grave a wrong. The same motion said the appeals court has ‘cherry-picked’ the evidence to sustain the conviction of Pemberton. “[The CA] completely ignored all contrary evidence,” the motion stated.

u PAGE A9

A8 MAY 13-16, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

OPINION

FEATURES

Reparation

AS several government officials defended the human rights record of the Duterte administration before the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, the Philippines took a significant step in providing reparations for victims of Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship. The Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board began distributing monetary compensation on Monday, May 8 to the first batch of 317 martial law victims. Each claimant was given a cash card for use in withdrawing at least P25,000 from ATMs. With 4,000 claimants, the P300 million allocated by the government for the reparation will mean no more than P75,000 for each victim. That’s a laughable amount for regular beatings, the water cure, electrocution through the genitals, rape and other forms of abuse that the Marcos dictatorship systematically inflicted on dissidents and its perceived enemies of the state. For those who suffered the horrors of the dictatorship, however, the amount is mainly symbolic. And the symbolism is a timely reminder these days to those who are tempted to abuse state power for various reasons including ostensibly

for keeping the public safe. There are efforts elsewhere to hold corrupt despots and other human rights violators accountable for their misdeeds. Switzerland, in a landmark move to stop impunity, turned over to the Philippine government many years ago millions of dollars stashed in Swiss banks by the Marcos regime. The loot was recovered, but no depositor has been made to account for the ill-gotten wealth. This weakness must be addressed if the Duterte administration is sincere in stamping out corruption. The Swiss have done their part, sending a powerful warning to those who use their banking system to launder money accumulated through graft and oppression. An international agreement on corruption also allows the extradition of plun- ing out on Monday, though modest for each vicderers among signatory states. tim, is costly when taken together. While the wait The reparation that the government started giv- for reparation has been long, it shows that there’s

Guest Editorial

Philstar.com photo

a price to pay for disregarding human rights. It’s a message that should resonate today. (Philstar. com)

Celina Taganas-Duffy: ‘Wonder’ mentor and mother to Bridget, a 9-year-old ballet dancer

Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D.

“It isn’t just what you see and what you hear, it’s more importantly what you feel, and the feeling is what translates to the doing. Without the feeling, there’s no doing. So you don’t transmit it to other people unless something is ignited in your heart. Whether it’s good or sad or bad, it’s got to start there first. The feelings transcend everything. If you can’t communicate a feeling, sit down. It’s your spirit, it’s your soul. It’s unlike anybody else. Nobody can tell you, nobody can put it in for you. It’s what you’re born with. This bubbling up in your heart is your personal expression, your original way of saying things. No two alike. It comes from a place of love and kindness; no matter what kind of vibes you’re getting from people, it always surmounts anything sad or bad. There’ll be no obstacle if you keep your love. That’s the answer.” – Nona Beamer, “Voices of Wisdom: Hawaiian Elders Speak,” 1999. THE heart of conscious parenting Can you be so loving to your child that you can follow her lead in what she wants to be, “free to create, to dream, to explore?” That is the quality of unconditional love that Celina Taganas-Duffy got, describing in her own words, from the parenting of her mother, Marcelina Caguimbal Taganas, and her father, Wilfred Coloma Taganas (who passed away in 2009). Even then, she felt uninhibited and was given the freedom to explore what she wanted to do, including athletics, playing four years of volleyball, softball and basketball in high school. That kind of unconditional love is what Celina is passing onto Bridget (B for this piece), who just turned 9 years old. I first met B when she sold me girl scouts cookies. Her mom had emailed that she was helping B sell boxes. I wanted to help so I bought a few,

which B and her parents delivered to my home. Celina gave me her business card, and B did the same and shared her birth announcement photo and told me this is her business card. I recall she was just 5 years old. Owen, her dad, stood by and smiled at B’s creative moment of outreach. “This is my picture, so you can remember me,” and with both hands, she handed it to me. “Here, let me put your picture in a special place, my altar.” I used both hands too, in the same manner that I got it. Her parents were surprised with her outreach, but also I believe that she feels equal to anyone. After all, her parents Celina Taganas-Duffy have been taking her to all their business and community events, even to a book launch, where she was the only child amongst a big room of adults. “What is your definition of conscious parenting,” to which Celina responded, “It is about being the best mother I am capable of being, while empowering B to become the best person she is capable

Knee jerk response

Demand and Supply BOO CHANCO THE government’s massive construction program plus the bullish property sector are expected to be hampered by a severe shortage of trained and experienced construction workers. The knee jerk response of the secretary of labor is to announce a possible slowdown in the deployment of such workers abroad. That’s about as horrible a response as can be expected from a Cabinet member. Of course he protected himself by saying he will first study the possibility. But the fact that such a knee jerk response crossed his mind is disappointing. Why deprive our trained construction workers the chance to earn a decent pay abroad? If we need them, we should match or improve on the international pay they are getting. It is only fair. Law of supply and demand

should prevail. When I bought a condo unit five or more years ago, my wife noticed a problem with the finishing of the floor, among others. The developer fixed the problems and explained that it was difficult to get good workers because the trained ones are going abroad. So, the problem isn’t new. That’s what many local hotel operators are also saying. They invest in training raw recruits and after a few months, they are offered jobs on cruise ships or hotels abroad at twice the pay or even more. It is a mindset problem on the part of employers who think that in our labor surplus economy, they have an edge. That may be true in general as in jobs covered by “endo,” but when we are talking of skilled workers, they have the upper hand. Skilled workers, because there are not so many of them compared to the openings available, are able to name their price. They also look beyond the domestic market for their skills

because in a country where working overseas is common, that’s how it is. A construction company looking for a skilled plumber, electrician or welder must offer a pay package that can compete with foreign offers. Market forces can raise earnings for skilled workers better than labor unions. But there is so much unemployment in our country, one might say. Yes, that’s true but the unemployed are mostly without highly demanded skills. Indeed, a vocational school graduate who can work in a machine shop is more employable than a college graduate who has a degree in mass communication from a diploma mill but hardly got an education worth the tuition fees paid. In fairness to government, past and present, there have been programs to address this situation. The K-12 program is one. Tesda is another. Except that we don’t get to train our people fast enough to meet demand here and abroad. Maybe we must spend more money on

of being in all facets of life: as a student, as a dancer, as a friend, and as a citizen. I try to expose her to all things creative, to engage in learning by making it fun, and to encourage her to formulate her own opinions. I also value downtime, playtime and creative experimentation.” Every New Year’s, this family drives to the beach to write in their journals their goals. “Do you share your goals?” I asked. “Sometimes,” she said, “it’s mainly a day to think about our personal and family goals for the year and a day that we choose to be together and count our blessings.” Notice that she describes herself as the “best mother I can be,” that she wants to Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz parent from a place of wholeness, not from her wounds if any. Conscious parenting steeped in the arts I asked Celina how she balances being a mom to B and her career as founder and principal creative director of Tagline Communications, Inc, a 20-year-old graphic design, marketing, and branding business. training programs. Maybe we don’t have enough trainers to handle more programs. That is the challenge to our Labor officials… how to speed up training in highly demanded jobs. Slowing down deployment of skilled labor abroad is a copout… a knee jerk response. In fact, training our workers should be high priority. With ASEAN integration in the works, we could end up with a freer movement of labor in the region. Unless we train more of our people quickly enough, we will lose out on the desirable higher paying jobs even right here at home. Getting highly skilled Filipinos to stay home and work for projects here is a matter of offering them the right pay package. Entrepreneur Ben Yao of SteelAsia told me that his steel plants all over the country are being managed by skilled Filipinos who used to be OFWs. It is simple, he explained to me. I offer them a highly competitive compensation package and a chance to live near their families. He has had no problems getting the right engineering and other technical staff

A simple answer, she said, “Although my business is extremely important to me, being a mom is my most important job. I feel so blessed that my career affords me the flexibility to juggle work and mom duties.” B goes to an elementary school near where she lives. Her mom shared a birthday card book with written notes from her classmates. “Splendid dancer.” “Sweet, brave, neat, helpful, friendly, smart and really good at dancing.” “There are over a thousand girls that are all not as nice and graceful as you.” “So compassionate and generous and best dancer.” “Shares erasers with other people, you help C with her times table, you like to do things your own way.” I read the Bridget Duffy Newspaper that was shared by Celina. In it, B wrote about the most important event in her life: “On Nov. 5, 2016, I attended the KAR competition in Long Beach, CA to perform a solo from The Nutcracker. I was given this solo from my teacher at Pointe Ballet. At the competition, I performed in front of a large audience, along with three judges. At the end of the competition, I received a trophy awarding me First Place overall in the ballet category.” In this news story, B has a photo of doing arabesque at KAR competition in Long Beach, and below it, a photo of Stella Abrera, the first Filipina-American principal ballerina in the history of American Ballet Theatre (ABT). B writes about her hero, “she inspires me to work hard to achieve my goal of being an ABT principal dancer like her. I want to dance professionally my whole life as well.” B is now training at the Pasadena Dance Theatre under Artistic Director Cynthia Young and at Point

from among Filipinos overseas. Maybe that’s the problem of local construction companies. Outside of the large ones, many are family run and are not used to paying the kind of money that is now expected for skilled construction workers. There should be no problems attracting the OFWs working on construction projects abroad if the government and its contractors are willing to compete for their services in terms of world market based compensation packages. It is the same thing for the local property sector building all those condos. According to Lito Madrasto of the Philippine Constructors Association, government must reflect proper direct and indirect labor cost estimates for their infra projects. Government contractors cannot price their bids higher than government estimates as the law sets bid ceilings. In other words, labor cost estimates of government projects must be competitive versus world standards. There is one other good reason why government must work double time in training workers. There will be a very negative

u PAGE A9

political backlash if government allows the Chinese contractors to bring in Chinese workers for China-funded infra projects. No amount of justification for bringing in foreign workers in the face of rising unemployment in the country will be believed. Indeed, expect China to insist in bringing in their workers. This is what they have been doing in Africa and the practice had been resented by people everywhere. I can understand why government is now worried. They may not be able to really go all out in their Build Build Build program because of a deficit in trained manpower. This is why they need a partnership with the private sector because government in itself cannot compete on pay scales. Let this boom in infra spending benefit Filipino workers. We most likely have enough trained Filipinos in the construction trade but they must be offered a proper package so they will return from abroad and work here. Anything else like preventing them from leaving is sheer cruelty on the part of government. (Philstar.com)

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reﬂect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON Chief Financial Ofﬁcer Main Ofﬁce: 1210 S. Brand Boulevard Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

Manila Ofﬁce: 2nd Floor Units D&E, Fort Palm Springs 30th St., Cor 1st Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • Fax: (632) 856-1661 New York: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858

Northern California: New Jersey: 1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136 449 Hoboken Avenue Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel.: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253 Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 Tel: (212) 655.5426 • Fax: (818) 502.0858 Las Vegas Sales Ofﬁce: 3700 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89102 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

BELLE M. SISON Executive Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal

SHARON ANN SAN PEDRO Vice President - Sales Balikbayan Magazine

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor DING CARREON Videographer ANDY TECSON Photographer

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its ofﬁcers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material. AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the ﬁrst incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reﬂect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. ofﬁce at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

PAGE A8 t

Stella Abrera

Pinoy’s concerns: Pay hike, growing population

Celina Taganas-Duffy: ‘Wonder’ mentor... Ballet under Du Hongling. Cynthia Young also trained Stella Abrera, who gave B her first pointe shoes, autographed by Ms. Abrera. “Meeting Stella Abrera and seeing her perform at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion was such a pivotal and inspiring moment in B’s life, “ her mom added. B just “auditioned for the Colburn School and was accepted to attend their summer workshop led by Colburn Dance Academy Director Jenifer Ringer and Associate Director James Fayette, both former principal dancers of the New York City Ballet. The workshop prepares young dancers to learn choreography and audition for the Music Center’s co-commissioned production of the all-new George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker by Miami City Ballet (December 2017). B’s extremely excited about this opportunity,” wrote her mom in an email. Celina also shared B’s school projects: write-ups on Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keefe, Henri Matisse and Faith Ringgold. The project consists of choosing artists, reading about them, drawing one of their chosen paintings and typing in their little computers, a write-up of these artists’ life story, using their own words. Her mom showed me her clay projects, impressively detailed, and realistically depicting animals, people, and even hamburgers. B is steeped in the arts and started painting at 2 years old. She is now taking art lessons every two weeks and dabbles in different art media: watercolors, pastels, paper art and sponge painting, and she wrote in her art project, “her most favorite artists are her mom and dad because they create beautiful paintings.” She also excels in her favorites: math and science. She loves to sing and has been with the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus for three years. In the upper right-hand column of B’s new story is her photo participating in a White House Easter egg hunt and below, B’s photo holding a bouquet of flowers, with her mom and dad, after performing her first ballet solo. Celina, together with her husband, Owen, both teach B to be kind and even if folks are unkind, for B to still be kind. But, not a third time, she has to put a stop to it by telling them how it makes her feel. She is tutored to feel with her heart and to listen to her instincts, not skin color.

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 13-16, 2017

MANILA - The country’s growing population is among the most urgent national concerns of Filipinos, the Commission on Population (PopCom) reported. Citing the March 2017 Pulse Asia survey, PopCom said the rapid population growth was one of the major concerns of Filipinos with 11 percent, up three percentage points from December 2016. Higher pay for workers remained the most urgent national concern of 43 percent of the respondents. The next two economic concerns deemed urgent were controlling inflation or prices increases (41 percent from 34 percent) and creating more jobs (39 percent from 31 percent). “Many Filipinos are wary about rapid population growth as the country’s population reached 101 million during the 2015 Population Census. Based on studies, rapidly increasing population impacts on various development concerns in the country such as economy, education, employment, health and other development sectors,” PopCom executive director Juan Antonio Perez III said. The survey, conducted from March 15 to 20, used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 Filipinos aged

Celina Taganas-Duffy

18 and above. Other urgent concerns were fighting graft and corruption (still at 31 percent), fighting criminality (28 percent from 33 percent), reducing poverty (27 percent from 33 percent), increasing peace in the country (18 percent from 23 percent), enforcing the law (16 percent from 17 percent) and environmental degradation (15 percent from 11 percent). Perez noted that the country’s growing population was mainly driven by high fertility rate. Based on the latest National Demographic and Health Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority, every woman has an average of three children during her childbearing age of 15 to 49. This is one child more than what they planned or intended. Women belonging to poor socio-economic conditions have an average of five children or two children more than what they planned. Perez said the alarming increase in teenage pregnancies also contributed to population growth. “When the country is able to form its most important resource – the people – into educated, skilled and healthy individuals, increasing population can facilitate greater economic productivity,”

he said. “But if the government fails to match with available services the needs of the growing number of people, this may lead to poor condition of the labor force,” he added. This may also result in lower productivity and high dependency on the government’s scarce resources. Perez said bigger families lessen the capacity of parents to provide for the basic needs of their children. According to Perez, if parents are not responsible enough to plan their families, they will find it hard to feed, clothe, house, send to school, provide jobs and keep their children healthy and well. He underscored the need for the Supreme Court (SC) to lift the temporary restraining order on the use by the Department of Health (DOH) of subdermal contraceptive implants. “Family planning helps couples and individuals plan the number and spacing of their children according to their capacities, to form them into productive citizens who, in turn, would contribute to national development,” Perez said. In June 2015, the SC stopped the DOH from distributing contraceptive implants. (Philstar.com)

Pemberton asks for CA acquittal or...

PAGE A8 t

Bridget News photos

“How is their heart?” she is asked by her parents, and they teach her, “You can tell if a person is good, bad, happy, or sad by looking at their heart. Trust your feelings.” When asked what her parents has taught her, B shares, through her notes: “Always be kind, Never give up, Follow your dreams and my parents are here to help me, Always do my best, If people say mean things to me, don’t let it get to me...to believe in me.” Owen takes B on daddies and daughters ski and camping trips. Being outdoors is encouraged with bicycling and trail walking; the latest, with Celina to enjoy the blooms of the poppies at Chino Hills State Park. Would you not gain enthusiasm that all seems right about this child’s life? Do you see a consistency of focusing the children to see how their lives can be extraordinary

Photos courtesy of Celina Taganas-Duffy

works of art, just unfolding, and to allow them a glimpse of past artists’ lives? Celina Taganas-Duffy’s artcentered business Celina’s portfolio of finished work-products reads like the who’s who of brand names, institutions, buildings, and brand icons: The White House Young America Series through Millennium Momentum Foundation, Smithsonian, Taylor Swift invitation from Encore, Deluxe Entertainment, USC Pacific Asia Museum, City of Los Angeles, Epson, Hilton, Starwood Resorts, Viceroy, W Hotels, Kobe Bryant book by NBA photographer Andrew Bernstein, American Library Association, Pro Bull Rider & Bud Light Cup, Westpac Materials, USC Trojan Flashback Football, Boy Scouts of America and the Smithsonian Filipino American Centennial Commemoration four-panel brochure as

u PAGE A10

The motion noted that testimonies of Marine Lance Corporal Jairn Michael Rose and Marine Sgt. Christopher Miller never mentioned that Pemberton admitted killing Laude. It noted that Pemberton’s statements to the two colleagues are mere conjecture because he did not know what happened to Laude. “This Honorable Court, with due respect, erroneously ignored the implication in Rose’s testimony that Laude may have been merely unconscious when Pemberton left him at the motel (“choked it until it stop moving and then dragged into the bathroom at that point he left and then took a cab back to the sea port”). “It also disregarded the implication that Pemberton did not drown Laude and did not dunk his head into the toilet bowl,” read the motion. The motion added that the court disregarded the evidence that another person could have entered the room after Pember-

ton left the lodge. It also said that the CA disregarded the fact that Pemberton voluntary surrendered to his superior even before a warrant for his arrest was issued. Also, the CA’s conclusion that Pemberton ensured Laude’s death before he left the lodge has no basis. The motion pointed out that there is no evidence that Laude was already dead when Pemberton left the place or that he dunked Laude’s head into the toilet bowl. It added that one of the witnesses even admitted that when Pemberton left, he still found Laude unconscious. The motion added that the CA disregarded other important evidence such as the necklace that Laude was clutching with a third set of DNA, missing money and the different position of Laude from that of Pemberton’s description, among others. “Here, the picture formed by the prosecution is neither convincing nor is it complete. It was

not able to prove that when Pemberton left Laude, the latter was already dead. The Prosecution further failed to prove that no one else could have killed Laude, as the evidence undeniably proves that there was an intruder whose DNA was left on Laude’s neck; who stole Laude’s money; and whose necklace was left in the hand of Laude. The circumstantial evidence cannot be said to form an ‘unbroken chain’ that ‘excludes all other [suspects]’ but Pemberton.” In the same motion, Pemberton asked that in case his conviction is affirmed, aside from lowering the imposable penalty, the amount of damages awarded for “loss of income” should be reduced considering that the current minimum wage in Zambales is P349 a day. Pemberton was sentenced to six to 10 years imprisonment by the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 in December 2015, following a closely watched trial that lasted for a year. n

A10 MAY 13-16, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PHiliPPineS

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

Cabinet ‘militarization,’ Mocha appointment hit by Jefferson

AntipordA Inquirer.net

THE Liberal Party (LP) on Friday, May 12 expressed concern over an apparent “militarization” happening in the bureaucracy, pointing to the continuous appointments of former police and military men in the government by President Rodrigo Duterte. Senator Francis Pangilinan, LP president, cited the recent installation of former Armed Forces chief of staff and now

retired general Roy Cimatu as head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Cimatu replaced former DENR Secretary Regina “Gina” Lopez, who was recently rejected by the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) in a 16-8 vote. Pangilinan also mentioned the President’s plan to appoint AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Año as head of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

after the latter retires in October this year. “Do these appointments mean the militarization of the government bureaucracy?” Pangilinan asked. Other ex-police and military men appointed by Duterte were former AFP Chief of Staff Ricardo Visaya to the National Irrigation Administration; former Capt. Nicanor Faeldon, as commissioner of the Bureau of Customs; ex-police director Jorge Corpuz, chairman of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office; former Davao City Police chief Jaime Morente to the Bureau of Immigration; former PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Edgar Galvante; and former police general Reynaldo Berroya, as head of the Light Rail Transit Authority. The LP president assailed the inclusion in the President’s communications group of someone who allegedly has been maligning legitimate media practitioners in the country. Pangilinan was referring to the appointment of singer-dancer Mocha Uson to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), which according to him is also a cause for concern. He said many people, including ordinary government workers doing critical work for lower pay and who have been contractual employees for a long time felt slighted by the appointment of the singer-dancer as PCOO Assistant Secretary. The LP, he said, shares the sentiments of the ordinary people over the decision of President to appoint Uson, also a blogger. Pangilinan also cited an incident last March wherein Uson, without provocation, used her radio program to bash LP chairman and Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, calling her names and disrespecting her person, her office and the millions who voted for her. The incident has led to the indefinite suspension of the singer-dancer’s 30-minute program aired over dzRH, operated by the Manila Broadcasting Company. Uson, a staunch supporter of the President, has been attacking the Philippine media calling them “prestitutes.” “Public office is public service that needs competence, integrity and passion. All government offices are integral to the success or failure of government, as well as the Filipino people,” the LP president said. n

TRIBUTE TO MOMS. A member of the police community relations group gives chocolate cup cakes and a greeting card to a mother at the MRT-3 station in Cubao, Quezon City, ahead of Mothers’ Day on Sunday, May 14. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

SWS: Robredo’s trust rating declines by dAnA

sioson AJPress

PHILIPPINE Vice President Leni Robredo’s trust rating suffered a steep decline in the first quarter of the year, according to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. According to the results of the survey, which was released on Tuesday, May 9, the vice president’s net ratings plunged by 15 points lower than her previous 45 percent net trust rating in December 2016. Figures from the poll show that 55 percent of Filipinos have “much trust” for the Vice President, while 25 percent have “little trust.” The remaining 20 percent are undecided. The poll, with an error margin of plus or minus three, was conducted using face-to-face interviews with a total of 1,200 respondents nationwide from March 15 to 20. Despite the drop in score, Robredo’s camp said that the survey results show that many Filipinos still trust the vice president. “We are grateful for the continued show of trust in Vice President Leni Robredo reflected in the recent SWS Trust Rating survey results,” Georgina Hernandez, the vice president’s spokesperson, said. She added, “We are encouraged by the results of this survey

Vice Pres. Leni Robredo

which covers the period from December 2016 to March 2017 — the first three months that VP Leni began work outside of Cabinet, and focused all her efforts on Angat Buhay, the Office of the Vice President’s Anti-Poverty initiative.” Robredo suffered the biggest loss in Mindanao where her trust rating fell down by 32 points — from 52 percent last quarter to 20 percent, downgrading from “very good” to “moderate.” In Metro Manila, her ratings also dropped to “moderate” after scoring 20 percent, which is 10 points below the “good” 30 percent in the December poll. While Robredo’s trust remained “very good” in Visayas and Balance Luzon, both areas’ score decreased by 10 points— scoring 40 percent and 33 percent respectively this year.

Impeachment case House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he is still making a careful review of the two impeachment raps against Robredo. On Tuesday, Alvarez told reporters that he has yet to decide whether to endorse either of the complaints. “I don’t want to just keep attacking even when there’s no substance. So we are studying it. I’m not saying I will truly file. If there’s substance, why not? Like I said before, if there is substance, and if it can stand in an impeachment trial, then it can be considered,” Alvarez said. The House speaker added that he also referred the complaints to the justice committee “to evaluate whether it’s OK to endorse it.” “It would be hard it if it were just me,” he remarked. Robredo is facing possible impeachment raps for allegedly betraying public trust when she sent a video message criticizing the Philippine government’s war on drugs before the United Nations. Marcos loyalists Oliver Lozano and Melchor Chavez filed the first complaint against Robredo in March, while the group ‘Impeach Leni Movement,’ led by law professor Bruce Rivera, tried to file an impeachment rap last week but failed to secure an endorsement from any lawmaker. n

Celina Taganas-Duffy: ‘Wonder’ mentor... PAGE A9 t

part of the Singgalot exhibit in DC that traveled to Los Angeles and Honolulu. She has now branched into environmental design, incorporating her original artworks and graphics of plants, water, medicinal plants, healing stones into the different floors of medical buildings, using triptych, multiple panels of windows looking outside. One, in particular, registered with me, backlighted lavender fields in this building’s women’s restroom and backlighted palm fronds in the men’s. CAISO HQ, a non-profit public benefit corporation that moves power to homes and communities, has also commissioned her works. Much like her art business portfolio and her exhibits which shows how her artworks have evolved through two decades, her lineage shows an evolution of struggles transcended to accomplished Filipino Americans in America’s history, characterized by waves of migration, working in the sugar cane fields, the Navy to professional careers, to lives of community engagement, enterprise and creative expressions in the arts, martial arts and cooking. Felix Taganas (Celina’s great grandpa) was a sugarcane worker who arrived to work in the sugar cane fields in 1924. He later joined the U.S. Navy. He owned a Filipino diner in the 1930s, which became a haven for Filipinos then, to eat their favorite dishes without being harassed or refused service. His diner is memorialized in Carina Monica Montoya’s “Los Angeles’s Historic Filipinotown” book. Alfredo Taganas (her grandpa) worked for an admiral in Port Hueneme while her cousin, Conrad Caguimbal, worked as a sous chef for Bellagio’s Picasso and later, as a chef for Google’s 12,000 employees and now, executive chef at Compass Group, where he recently opened a restaurant at UFC’s new headquarters in Las Vegas. Her uncle, Faustino Caigoy, is the first muralist in the Filipino American community, whose signature paintings and artworks were exhibited in community events, primarily FPAC, Festival of Pilipino Arts and Culture and SIPA. He has popularized the baybayin, parols, eskrima sticks, and whistling kites.

Celina and Owen during one of Bridget’s Ballet Performance

Celina credits her uncle, Faustino with teaching her to trust her artistic instincts, of thinking outside the box, of not being boxed in by existing genres, but to do her own styles of painting. In her home, her original paintings are exhibited on her walls. She also credits her mentor and teacher, Margaret Collins from Santa Cruz who took her for a walk and asked her, “What is it that you want with your life?” She trained with Filipino martial arts’ masters: Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Illustrisimo, Faustino Caigoy of the Jack Santos Method, Magtitudlo Ramon Rubia of San Miguel Eskrima and Guros Bud Balani, Arnold Noche, Dino Flores and Felix Valencia of Lameco Escrima. She is also trained in Wing Chun, Qigong, Baguazhang and Daitu Ryu Aikijujutsu Roppokai. She then imparts what she has learned to empower middle school children and also, young girls. She credits most of her abilities to balance to Owen, “who is helpful and doesn’t hesitate to take over mom duties when I have a meeting or I’m in the middle of a deadline. He’s the best husband, and the best father to B. He’s such a great team player.” Notice the words, “best per-

sons” are used a lot in this family. Seeing her art business portfolio is like an art exhibit, a curation of cards, logos, invitations, business labels, and now, buildings with colorful, visually stunning and “calming” murals. Celina wears her imperfections comfortably as much as her personal brand of excellence. She accessorizes her clothing by being with grace, inner calm, humility and communicating as a whole and a wholesome person, who is an entrepreneur in the arts. All while raising B, with unconditional love, as much with her husband, Owen and is occasionally involved in the community’s pursuit of arts and martial arts. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.

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

Dateline PHiliPPineS

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 13-16, 2017

A11

Duterte defends claim shabu Lawmakers refuse to endorse impeach move vs Morales shrinks brains with tirade by Jess

Diaz Philstar.com

by alexis

RomeRo

Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, May 10 disputed claims that shabu or methamphetamine does not damage the brain, saying users of the “virulent drug” have committed violent acts. United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard, a critic of Duterte’s war on drugs, recently tweeted a statement by African-American professor Carl Hart, who claimed that there is no evidence that shabu leads to violence or causes brain damage. Hart, the chairman of Columbia University’s Psychology department, made the statement during a forum on illegal drugs at the University of the Philippines last week. In a talk last week, he said that the “myth” that shabu shrinks the brain is from animal tests where animals that were given “large doses” of methamphetamine—higher than users normally take—had damage to their brain cells. He said, however, that the test animals developed a tolerance for the drug. Hart, who co-wrote a text book called “Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior,” said that animals that were later exposed to larger doses over several days did not exhibit the “toxic effect.” His statement went against Duterte’s claim that the constant

use of shabu shrinks the brain. ‘She should go on honeymoon’ Asked to react to the claim, Duterte said Callamard and Hart should go on a “honeymoon.” “She should go (on) a honeymoon with that black guy, the American. I will pay for their travel,” the president told reporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. “They should be together and discuss (these things)… If shabu were good, (if it) is really in consonance with their pronouncement, you can be sure that beginning tomorrow, I will provide shabu in the streets. You may get your fix if you want,” he added. Neither Callamard nor Hart claimed that shabu is good or that illegal drugs are not a problem. Duterte called Hart a “fool” who peddles “b***s***.” He said his statement about shabu was based on an American forensic study. “That’s all b****s*** to me. That is why I will not talk to them because my experience until now and 23 years ago when I became the mayor of Davao City was always a lot of violence and killing because of shabu,” the president said. “He (Hart) said shabu does not damage the brain. Kaya pala pumunta dito ‘yung p***** i**** ‘yon, sira na ang ulo at mag-a-announce dito (That’s why that son

of a b**** who has gone crazy came here to make announcements),” he added. Hart did not say that shabu does not damage the brain. Duterte said those who claim that shabu does not damage the brain have “prejudged” it as a harmless chemical “Why would you sue me before the ICC (International Criminal Court) if you yourselves, son of a b****, claim that shabu does not harm people?” he said. Nobody has said that shabu does not harm people but critics of the drug war suggest treating drug dependence and abuse as a health problem, an approach advocated by the Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board and that the government claims to also be doing alongside law enforcement operations. “You have prejudged everything and you are referring to the core of the complaint against me. Why would I go there and hang myself?” Last month, the lawyer of selfconfessed hitman Edgar Matobato has asked the ICC to hold Duterte and other Philippine officials accountable for “crimes against humanity” that stemmed from the government’s war on drugs. In a 77-page complaint, Jude Sabio said there are death squads running after suspected drug offenders and that law enforcers are aware of their activities. n

MANILA - The move to impeach Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has apparently fizzled out, with congressmen refusing to endorse a planned impeachment complaint against her. The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), which announced last week that it would file an impeachment complaint against Morales last Monday, is still looking for a congressmanendorser. Sources in the House of Representatives told reporters that VACC has approached several congressmen to be endorsers, but none of them has so far agreed. This was in contrast with the announcement of House Minority Leader Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, who said he is ready to endorse any complaint against Morales. Suarez told a news briefing that Morales is implementing “selective justice” by picking the officials she wanted to be charged. “It’s very glaring that there is selective justice here. Definitely, I will endorse it,” Suarez told reporters in a news briefing. “I know for a fact that a good number of officials have not been charged,” he added. According to Suarez, “most” of the indictments made by Morales were “politically motivated,” citing the cases against former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Suarez, a political ally of Arroyo in the once dominant Lakas-CMD

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales

party, revealed he actually sought her opinion on the planned impeachment complaint against the ombudsman. “But she told me to let it go and move on,” he said. At this stage, despite the absence of any formal complaint, at least 28 House members have reportedly expressed willingness to endorse the impeachment suit that the VACC is planning to file in the House, sources said. However, Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco, one of those asked to endorse the complaint against Morales, refused to endorse the complaint. “Last Friday, May 5, I received a phone call asking me to be one of the endorsers. I said NO, I will not support the impeachment of the honorable ombudswoman,” Tobias said in an email to The Star. Tobias said he sees no ground

to impeach Morales. Besides, Tiangco recalled that during the election campaign, as president of then vice president Jejomar Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance, “I made a public statement that I would not be part of any plan to get back at the honorable ombudswoman after the elections.” “I am standing by my word,” he said. During the campaign, Morales had made rulings and statements adverse to the Binays, who were facing cases in her agency. The VACC is accusing the ombudsman of dispensing “selective justice” in clearing former president Benigno Aquino III in the disbursement acceleration program (DAP) case and indicting only former budget secretary Florencio Abad. The group said Aquino, who approved the program, should be included in the indictment. n

Ex-VP Binay refuses to enter plea in P2.2-B Makati carpark case by elizabeth

maRcelo Philstar.com

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay

MANILA - Former Vice President Jejomar Binay Sr. on Wednesday, May 10 refused to enter any plea for his criminal cases in connection with the alleged anomalous construction of the P2.2-billion Makati parking building. Binay underwent a conditional arraignment before the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Wednesday as a precondition for the court’s consideration of his earlier motion seeking to be granted permission to travel to Israel from May 15 to 29. In his motion, Binay said he wants to go on a “spiritually-charged pilgrimage” to Holy Land with his wife Elenita Binay and some of their children, in-

laws and grandchildren. After each case information sheet was read before him by the clerk of court, Binay, through his lawyer Joseph Joel Castillo, told the court that he is not entering any plea. The court, in turn, entered a plea of “not guilty” for him, in accordance with the rules of procedure. Binay immediately left the Sandiganbayan building after his arraignment, ignoring the media. Refusal to enter plea is a legal strategy usually employed by the defense to show that the accused is not acknowledging the validity of the case information. The accused is also usually advised by his or her legal counsel not to

enter any plea if their camp has a plan of questioning the charges before the higher court. Under the rules of proceedings, an accused must undergo a conditional arraignment before the court can take cognizance of his or her motion to travel. Under the rules, “a conditional arraignment will stand as the regular arraignment of the accused” if no amended in the case information was made by the prosecution. Binay is facing nine counts of falsification of public documents, four counts of graft and one count of malversation of public funds in connection with the alleged overpriced construction of the P2.2 billion Makati City Hall Building II, also referred as the

Makati parking building. During the hearing of his motion to travel last month, the former vice president’s camp asked the court to modify the regular rules and allow him undergo a conditional arraignment but that his plea be nullified or stricken out of the court records once he comes back to the country. In a formal motion filed after the hearing, Binay said he is seeking an amendment of the rules in order to “preserve his rights and remedies” including the possible filing of a motion to quash the cases. The court, however, denied the motion for “lack of merit.” The court maintains that Binay may still file a motion to quash even after he is arraigned.

The court, further maintained that Binay’s arraignment will not affect or prejudge the petition for review that he earlier filed before the Supreme Court (SC) questioning the investigation conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman on the alleged anomalies surrounding the construction of the Makati parking building. In his petition before the SC, Binay said he was subjected to a preliminary investigation by the ombudsman when he was still the vice president. Binay maintained that under the 1987 Constitution, an impeachable officer such as the vice president is immune from any suit and legal investigation during his incumbency. n

A12 MAY 13-16, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL â€˘ mAy 13-16, 2017

SHOWBIZ&STYLE

Journal Five iconic moms of PH cinema tHe Manila Times received a very interesting list from aBsCBNâ€™s on-demand digital platform iWanttV pertaining to five mother roles they believe to be the most iconic in Philippine movie history. Check out if their list has any of your favorites. shirley in â€œin My life.â€? Portrayed by star of all seasons Vilma santos, shirleyâ€™s most memorable line is: â€œanong hindi ko siya kilala? anak ko siya. sa â€˜kin siya nanggaling. ako nagpalaki sa kanya kayaâ€™t bawat hinga at utot niya, alam ko ang ibig sabihin!â€? the character of shirley is that of a strict librarian who flies to New York to visit her only son

Mark [luis Manzano], with intentions of staying for good. Markâ€™s secret of being gay is finally revealed to his mother, who in turn finds herself with no choice but to bond sonâ€™s boyfriend Noel [John lloyd Cruz]. as an unexpected tragedy occurs shirley struggles with her ideals as a mother and slowly lets go of things she cannot control. â€œin My lifeâ€? was produced by star Cinema in 2009, and won a slew of recognitions, including Best Film, Best actress, Best actor (Cruz), and Best supporting actor (Manzano) from various award-giving bodies. Coring in â€œang tatay Kong Nanay.â€? Yes, the late Comedy

King Dolphy had an iconic mother role on the big screen. as Coring, a transvestite, who could forget his line, â€œMarunong rin akong tumawa, marunong din akong umiyak. Yun ngang pusa diyan, kung natatapakan, umiiyak rin. Hanggang ngayon iâ€™m trying very hard to do something about myself. ewan ko nga ba. Kaya bakit? Bakit ako mahihiya?â€? legendary director lino Brockaâ€™s ang tatay Kong Nanay explores Dolphyâ€™s signature comedic timing and depth of character in this multi-awarded movie. Coring becomes both father and mother when he adopts his ex-loverâ€™s son Nonoy. as he navigates parenthood, Coring also tries to mask

Vilma Santos is Shirley, mom to a closet gay, and friend to her sonâ€™s boyfriend

his homosexuality and true self to spare Nonoy from shame and embarrassment. But despite all his effort, the boyâ€™s biological suddenly appears to take him away from Coring whose heart breaks into pieces.

Cristalle Belo on Vicki-Hayden wedding by Deni

Rose BeRnaRDo

â€œang tatay Kong Nanayâ€? was produced by lotus Films, inc. in 1978, and earned Famas and Gawad Urian Best actor nominations for Dolphy. Josie in â€œanak.â€? the star for all seasons lands another slot

in this iconic list with her role of Josie whose unforgettable line is, â€œsana maisip mo kahit kaunti kung gaano kasakit sa akin ang mag-alaga ng mga batang hindi ko kaanoano samantalang kayo, PAGE B2

/64, 36(5 $IRECT ,ENDER

Philstar.com

Cristalle Belo HenaresPitt, daughter of celebrity doctor Vicki Belo, does not know yet the details of her momâ€™s reported wedding to long-time partner, Hayden Kho. according to reports, Vicki and Hayden will formalize their 12-year relationship in a wedding in september in Paris. â€œiâ€™m so happy for her. scarlet definitely deserves to grow in that kind of environment. so, iâ€™m really looking forward to it,â€? Cristalle told Philstar.com in an interview during the recent launch of samsung s8. Cristalle, herself, just recently tied the knot with Justin Pitt in italy. â€œMarried life so far is so much fun! itâ€™s amazing kasi i never really lived outside my house before. as a matter of fact, my mom has always been my roommate! so, itâ€™s nice because i (now) have my own space and i have someone to build a home with.â€? What is the best marriage advice she got from Dr. Vicki? â€œactually, itâ€™s my grandfather

Dolphy is Coringâ€”both mother and father to a boy named Nonoy

-/( *VU]LU[PVUHS 7\YJOHZL 9LMPUHUJL

Cristalle Belo Henares-Pitt and Scarlet Snow. (Right photo) Scarlet Snow with her parents, Dr. Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho.

who gave a very good advice. He gave the advice to my mom. Growing up, try different sports so that no matter what hobby your husband is into, youâ€™re into as well, so that you can accompany him in the many responsibilities that he does,â€? Cristalle shared. true enough, Cristalle and her husband love horseback riding, scuba diving, and traveling. â€œall

7YVNYHT Z\IQLJ[ [V JOHUNL ^P[OV\[ WYPVY UV[PJL

those activities really play a big role in our bonding together as a married couple,â€? she noted. this Motherâ€™s Day, Cristalle wants to tell her mom: â€œi love you and i really thank her for giving me my life and not just a regular one, but a very, very comfortable one. iâ€™m so happy that i can be with her, helping her raise scarlet.â€?

*HYVS 4HUHSHUN

:Y 3VHU *VUZ\S[HU[

*LSS!

543: LTHPS! JHYVS T`^MP'NTHPS JVT

>HSS -PUHUJPHS 0UJ +)( >PU 7YPTL 3LUKPUN :V /HY]HYK )S 3VZ (UNLSLZ *(

Ang inyong Opisyal na Halimbawang Balota ay malapit nang dumaĆ&#x;ng sa koreo!

Sa balota:

â€˘ Mga miyembro ng Konseho ng Lunsod, mga Distrito: 1 at 7 â€˘ Mga miyembro ng Lupon ng Edukasyon ng LAUSD, mga Distrito: 4 at 6 â€˘ Pagsusog C sa Saligang-Batas (Panukala sa Balota)

Upang tumanggap ng isang kopya sa Tagalog: (888) 873-1000

ervice Center

Features

B may 13-16, 2017 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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

Anne Curtis ‘most shared’ on Vogue online Kris Aquino ‘to force’ Bimby to become a doctor FILIPINO-AUSTRALIAN model and actress Anne Curtis is the “most shared” topic in the online features of globally renowned American magazine Vogue. The Vogue feature, written by Janelle Okwodu and posted yesterday, May 11, is at the number one spot of Vogue.com’s most shared list. The recent star-studded Metropolitan Museum New York Gala, which the magazine coorganizes, only came in second. In the article, Anne was described as a “style star with an enviable online presence,” “a head-turning model,” and “feminine, modern, and well worth the follow.” The story also traces Curtis’ milestones as an actress, from teenybopper roles to being a longtime host of “It’s Showtime.” In her Twitter account, Anne showed her gratitude for the fea-

by Deni

ture, her first from Vogue. Anne has been featured in many magazines, but most of them are Philippine-based. The Vogue feature on a Filipina has

been considered “rare.” Just last month, Anne was picked as one of the world’s “most beautiful women of 2017” by Buzznet.com. (Philstar.com)

Rose A. BeRnARDo Philstar.com

AFTER learning that one of the doctors in a press conference lately was pressured by her family to become a doctor, actress and TV host Kris Aquino thought of doing the same for her second son, Bimby. “Ah! So, pwede mag-force? Okay! Got it! I will!” she quipped, sending her audience on a laugh trip during the recent antibacterial solution Fucidin’s press conference. “I keep telling Bimby, ‘Your mom is not always healthy, so you better become a doctor, honey,” the star shared. “I’m always jealous of those na may doctor sa pamilya because isang tawag lang, nandyan na right away.” She admitted that she has been strict to her sons. “I’m not a chill mom. Ako talaga, you have to (do it)!” Now that she has met a doctor who did not seem to mind being “forced” into the profession, she believes Bimby would not find it hard to fall in love with it.

Actress Kris Aquino and son Bimby in a recent Honolulu trip.

In fact, this early, Kris declared, “Bimby wants to be a geneticist, but I want him to be an anesthesiologist or a cardiologist.” She vowed to never stop until Bimby fits into a lab gown like a hand to a glove. “I will do that every day of my life. Mind conditioning talaga!” She, however, clarified that by “force,” she means “positive reinforcement.” For now, just like any mother,

she also dabbles as her children’s “doctor mom.” “I’m a working mom. Although I can’t work at home, I make sure we, the midwife and I, have a list of things to do. We make sure to have a ready speed dial for the pedia,” she narrated. Upon hearing that the other mom in the press con panel has a “wonderful husband,” Kris, a single parent, joked: “Ang sarap ka sabunutan!”

KC Concepcion surprises her second ‘nanay’ by Deni

Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles

Rose A. BeRnARDo Philstar.com

ACTRESS and TV host KC Concepcion was recently asked to pay tribute to women that had the most impact on her. Many expected her to present her mom, “Megastar” Sharon Cuneta. Instead, she gave honor to her nanny since childhood, Nanay Lina, which surprised everyone, including her nanny. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is a very special night for me because Kaya bumawi ako sa panganay ko I really want to introduce to you… She is our household help and in at pati sa second son ko.” Now, Aubrey is back in the Philippine culture, the household limelight, playing a lesbian op- help, we treat them like family. So, posite Mercedes Cabral in a TV5 I really just want to take this time short film, “Everlasting,” directed to honor her and thank our nanny from when I was a child,” the star by Brillante Mendoza. The movie tells the story of two girls who fell in love at the backdrop of Baguio’s Panagbenga Festival. According to Mendoza, “Everlasting” is one of the many short films TV5 commissioned him to execute; each featuring a region’s culture, local festival, and stories of common people. Aubrey told Philstar.com that “Everlasting” is her first lesbian PAGE B5

Why Aubrey Miles remains an unwed mom

Whether or not wedding bells CELEBRITIES Aubrey Miles ring soon, Aubrey feels that she, and Troy Montero have been together for over a decade, and Troy, and their 16 and eight-yearever since, people have been old sons are officially a happy asking, “When are they going to family. When asked if there is a chance tie the knot”? for a third child, the actress According to Aubrey, marriage, actually, never left her and quickly replied: “Oo naman! May fourth pa!” Troy’s mind. In fact, she said, they are going “Lagi naming napag-uusapan. It’s just that kung saan, kung dito to try for a third one by the end of the year. or sa States,” she said. As a mom she is strict, espeCitizenship and whether she cially with her children’s sleeping or Troy and their sons should time, cleanliness and treating stay in Manila or in America are people with politeness. the usual problems they face She felt like she did not give whenever they hear the word “wedding,” especially now that her firstborn enough time, so she AJ Ads April 2017_Layout 4/18/17took 12:02 AM Pagehiatus. 1 a showbiz “Sobrang she has 90 businesses to look 1after busy ko, kaya gusto kong bumawi. in Manila.

declared in a recent press presentation by Downy Parfum. “Filipinos are very serviceoriented and it causes changes on people’s lives,” she said. “The reason I chose her (Nanay Lina) is really because she is my guiding light and also the woman who was with me when my mother was busy working. My mother entrusted me to her, in her lap, and she writes me handwritten notes with cards, very heart-warming, every month, every time she sees me. I don’t usually see us honor the household help that devoted their lives to us.” According to her, it will be really nice to pay tribute to people who are not really talked about because they work behind-the-

scenes. Nanay, thank you so much for all your love! I love you so much! Thank you for all your service to our family,” KC said to her Nanay Lina. “We all have our own Nanay Linas as nanays, so I want to put the spotlight on her,” she said of her caregiver, who had to forgo having her own family and considered KC as her own. Like KC, Sharon has also found a second mom in Yaya Loring, who took care of the Megastar for around 40 years. Fondly called the “Mega Yaya,” Yaya Loring even starred with Sharon in a funny TV commercial. Yaya Loring passed away in 2010.

age gracefully

Mushrooms Add a Bunch of Benefits to Carrot Quiche Actress and TV host KC Concepcion paying tribute to her second mom, Nanay Lina.

Carrot Quiche

Five iconic moms of...

Serves 6–8 1 9-in. whole-wheat pie crust 2 tsp. canola oil 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped 2 tsp. chopped garlic 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 cup diced fresh mushroom 1 cup egg substitute 1/2 cup half and half 1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk 3 Tbs. tapioca flour Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 2 cups shredded carrots

Mushrooms have been used as medicine for hundreds of years. They are a fungus and grow in decaying plant material, like rotting logs. When you eat mushrooms, your body puts to work their ability to absorb and eliminate toxins. Some mushrooms have the most healthful properties—maitake, shiitake and reishi, but according to Regina Wilshire N.D., even the humble white button mushroom provides 50% of the daily value for cancerfighting selenium, 40% for riboflavin, 35% for copper, and 30% for niacin along with traces of zinc, magnesium, calcium, folate and iron. One thing is certain — mushrooms are healthy little powerhouses of immunity boosters, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Rich in B vitamins such as riboflavin, folate, thiamine, pantothenic acid, and niacin, they are also the only vegan, non-fortified dietary source of vitamin D. Mushrooms also provide several minerals that may be difficult to obtain in the diet, such as selenium, potassium, copper, iron, and phosphorus.

PAGE B1

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prick the pie crust with a fork and bake until just beginning to brown, about 7 minutes. 2. Heat the canola oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until it is golden brown. 3. Add the garlic, onion, and mushrooms and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. 4. Combine the egg substitute, half and half, evaporated milk, tapioca flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well. 5. Pour half of the egg mixture into the pie crust. Add the bacon mixture and the carrots. Pour in the remaining egg mixture. 6. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake quiche until custard is set and crust is golden brown, about 30–45 minutes.

With just 45 calories per cup, you can afford to indulge in these versatile fungi.

BY GRACE O Most of the people I know have very strong feelings about mushrooms—they either love them or hate them. One of the beauties of mushrooms is that they usually take on the flavor of whatever they are cooked with.

Philstar.com photo by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

I prefer fresh mushrooms and use organic ones whenever I can find them. I also like to add them to some of my favorite dishes like my Carrot Quiche, which is great for brunch, lunch, or a meatless dinner.

GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooks – The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently won the National award for Innovation from the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry. Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com

kayong mga anak ko hindi ko man lang maalagaan. Alam mo ba kung gaano kasakit iyon sa isang ina?” Vilma Santos portrays a longtime OFW in Hong Kong in this movie, who sacrificed everything to provide a better life for her family. When she is finally reunited with her children, Carla, Josie’s eldest daughter (Claudine Barretto) turns out to be rebellious and refuses to welcome her mother. Her son Michael (Baron Geisler) is also in trouble at school, and her youngest daughter doesn’t even remember her. As her family’s problems get worse, Josie is faced with a difficult decision—to let go and return to her life in Hong Kong or to heal with her family. “Anak” was produced by Trina Dayrit in 2000, and was submitted to the 73rd Academy Awards to vie for Best Foreign Language Film. Melinda in “Mano Po: A Mother’s Love.” The Megastar Sharon Cuneta gave the sternest warning to her hardhearted in-laws as Melinda when she uttered the lines, “Walang hiyain mo na ang lahat, huwag lang ang mga anak ko.” Cuneta’s iconic mother role sees her as a half-Chinese woman married to a conservative Chinese whose family disapproves of the marriage. After a string of bad luck and business failures, Melinda becomes a poor widow,

A second spot in the list for VIlma Santos as Josie, an OFW who finds her children wayward when she finally comes home

and just as soon has four children kidnapped by her in-laws. Melinda vows to get her children back after much suffering, and successfully builds up her empire. Now a billionaire, she struggles to repair her relationship with her brood, who had brainwashed by her in-laws about her. In this sixth installment in 2009 of Regal Film’s family drama franchise, Cuneta earned a Best Actress nomination from Famas. Gemma in “Abandonada.” But of course, Diamond Star Maricel Soriano is also included in the list as Gemma, who delivered the now classic movie line, “Hanggang hindi ko nakukuha ang anak ko, mananatiling manhid ang puso ko sa sinasabi mong pagmamahal.”

Gemma is a nurse who had to go to Canada to make a living. Her husband (Edu Manzano) and their son are left home in the Philippines as she suffers abuse abroad, even spending time in jail. When she finally finds a way to return to them, she is devastated to find that her husband remarried a rich woman, pretending that their son is his orphaned nephew. She works as a yaya in their household, vowing to get her son back from her manipulative and cunning husband. “Abandonada” was produced by Viva Films in 2000. As a tribute to moms this Mother’s Day, these five films and their heroines are available all this month on iWant TV.

Sharon Cuneta is half-Chinese, half-Filipino housewife-turnedMaricel Soriano in “Abandonada” businesswoman, Melinda.

Features

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 13-16, 2017

Bed and door positioning By Sean

Shono

IN this week’s column, we explore how the positioning of a bed and door can affect an individual. People get defenseless while asleep and are easily affected by surrounding energy. Because of this, the positions of the door and pillow become very important. When the energy coming in through the door hits your head, it will eventually degrade your good energy. This can lead to sleeplessness, poor health con- purified by authentic process of ditions, and stagnation of luck. Feng Shui way. Consult us, DRAGON GOD, *** regarding “bedroom and door.” Feng Shui master Sean Shono owns *All of our items have been Dragon God, a Feng Shui store in Gardena,

California. He is the U.S. Chief of the International Feng Shui Association. For more information, please call Sean Shono at (310) 787-1891. Dragon God is located at 1580 W. Artesia SQ. Suite A, Gardena, CA 90248.

Aiko Melendez is happily single by choice by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

AfTeR two failed marriages, first to Jomari Yllana (by whom she has a son, Andre, 18) and then to Martin Jickain (with one daughter, Martina, 10), and a four-year romance with a Bulacan local politician (father of another actress’ love child), Aiko Melendez claimed that she’s happily single. “for 11 months now,” she famously announced when she met funfare for an exclusive interview. “Single by choice.” I met Aiko two days before DSWD Sec. Judy Taguiwalo faced the Commission on Appointments in the Senate and the interview didn’t have any reference to the “na-ano lang” issue heard ‘round the world.

PROVISIONAL WAIVER FOR CREWMEN DISPELS THE FEAR IN GOING BACK TO MANILA FOR VISA PROCESSING — ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF ‘CITIZEN PINOY.’ Cindy was a crewman who jumped ship and had been a TNT for more than 10 years. After seeing a “Citizen Pinoy” episode about another crewman who also jumped ship, Cindy and U.S. citizen husband, Tom decided to consult with leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel about her chances of legalizing. Through Atty. Gurfinkel’s help, Cindy’s provisional was approved. She went back to the Philippines, was processed for her immigrant visa at the US Embassy in Manila, and returned to the US less than a month later as a legal permanent resident. Watch an encore episode on Provisional Waivers, which could benefit: (a) crewmen without 245(i): (b) those who entered the US without inspection(EWI) without 245(i); or (c) K-1 fiancees who did not marry their US petitioner, on “Citizen Pinoy” – this Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Teresa Loyzaga also happy being single mom Aiko Melendez with children Martina (by ex-husband Martin Jickain) and Andre (by ex-husband Jomari Yllana)

“My marriage to Jom lasted for seven years and to Martin almost three years. I’m contented where I am now.” In the next breath, Aiko admitted that she’s not in good terms with Jomari. “If he’s there, then he’s there,” she added dismissively. “If he’s not there, I’m not gonna look for him. My only concern is his relationship with Andre. All I ask of him is to take care of Andre. As I said, I’m single, and happily so, and as far as I know, he has a non-showbiz girlfriend.” During the elections in May last year, Aiko gladly campaigned for Jomari who got elected councilor of Parañaque City. “After the elections,” Aiko forced a smile,“wala na. Nagkagalit na kami.” If they are not okay as exes, how is Jomari as a father? “You mean if he supports Andre financially? We don’t ask, we don’t demand. If he wants to give, okay lang. I cannot say that he’s really bad, but he can do better.

You know, when Jom is in love, he tends to forget the people around him. Maybe if he’s okay and back to his old self, he will realize that, you know…” No problem with Martin. “We’re okay. I am even friends with his wife, Maggie. Their daughter is a good friend of my daughter.” In showbiz, the belief is that if you’re unlucky in love, you’re lucky in your career. It holds true with Aiko. She has bagged two awards, Gawad Tanglaw and Gawad Pasado, for her performance as the manipulative wife of a politician (played by Ricky Davao) in Iadya Mo Kami for which she also got nominated at the New York Manhattan film festival. Although with only one show, Aiko described her shooting schedule as “patayan, madugo” (killing, bloody). “Whatever we shoot, for example, in the morning is schedule for airing that same day or the PAGE B4

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

LIKe Aiko Melendez, Teresa Loyzaga is a happy single mom to her sons Joseph and Diego — that is, aside from being a dutiful daughter to her mom Victoria (widow of basketball legend Carlos Loyzaga) and good sister to her siblings Chito, Joey, Princess and Bing. “After all,” she said, “family means everything.” The hard part of being a working mom is being away from family and Teresa is thankful that her NanayConchita, the yaya whom she considers her second mom, is always around. In 2000, taking her children along, Teresa joined her parents in Australia to start anew. It not only meant getting out of her comfort zone, it also required her, at the onset, to take on odd jobs just to support her family. “Yes, I took odd jobs. But I had a dream. It doesn’t come easy and definitely not for free, but they do come true,” she shared. “She’s strong willed but most of all I’d just say she’s motherly,” said Joseph who is working to-

Also happily single is Teresa Loyzaga, with sons Joseph and Diego. She says, “Raising children singlehandedly is a challenging career.”

wards opening a vegan restaurant. “She managed to teach us to think for ourselves, to always do right, not because of merit and reward, but because it is the right thing.” “She’s a superhero!” added Diego (dad is Cesar Montano). “She would split herself into many versions and work multiple jobs. She has fulfilled her dreams. She has given us a good life.” As a gesture of gratitude to their mom, Joseph and Diego are giving her a TechoMarine timepiece as Mother’s Day (Sunday,

May 14) gift. The gift is very meaningful because Teresa made use of her time raising her children singlehandedly. She has a message to single moms: “To my fellow single moms, chin up! You are no less than other moms as there is no task that you cannot achieve. enrich yourselves through this journey and grow with each day of struggle. Most importantly, keep your feet on the ground but keep reaching for the stars.”

B may 13-16, 2017 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

Features

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

A Mother’s Day tribute

Aiko Melendez is happily single by choice PAGE B3 next day,” said Aiko who has a 2 a.m. cut-off time so that she could sleep for at least six hours. “When I was tapingApoy sa Dagat, I had to be hospitalized because my blood pressure went up to 160/100; my normal BP is 110/80. My doctor told me to get enough sleep and to work out. Thank you naman at nag-stabilize angBP ko…and I also lost weight, more than 50 lbs. so far. I need to shed 20 more pounds.”

But she’s not complaining. “I look at it as work. Everybody has to work hard to get paid, di ba? Sometimes, if there are 32 sequences to shoot, I am in 28. As a kontrabida, my role is just as important as the bida so I have as many scenes as those of Maja.” Her peg is Rosamund Pike’s villainess character in Gone Girl which Aiko watched as part of her research.“Ang ganda ng mga pitik-pitik niya,” observed Aiko. And who does she see in Maja’s

face during the shoot of their confrontation scenes? Does she draw from real life? “Hmmm,” evaded Aiko (who has had brushes with some actresses over romantic issues), “no more. I have passed that stage already, hehehe!!! Tapos na ako dyan. Before the shoot, Maja and I sit down to discuss the details. She’s a very good actress. Masarap ka-work. I can say that in this generation, Maja is the best.” Her role in Wildflower is different from the one in Iadya Mo Kami. “As a king maker in Iadya, yung pagka-kontrabida ko ay pailalim. In Wildflower, my character is openlykontrabida; she’s really bad.” Asked which character she identified with, Aiko laughed. “Neither. Ask my co-workers and they will say that I am easy to work with, very jolly. I don’t want undue stress; I don’t want tension. If I have to say yes, eh di, yes na lang to avoid trouble. I want life to go on smoothly. I guess it comes with age,” explained Aiko who is 41. Since she became an active member of Victory Christian Fellowship four years ago, Aiko has radically changed, according to her, “spiritually,” after what she described as a “turning point” in her life. “It’s nice to wake up in the morning without a heavy heart, without any excess (emotional) baggage. I realized that no matter how many problems I have, I’m still lucky to have work. God has blessed me. I have Wildflower and two awards. The past two years were very bad. I was swindled in some investments, my savings were gone, I was financially zero.” More than the acting awards, Aiko considers her being a “happily single” mom to growing children as her biggest trophy. Andre has quit school (a Marketing freshman ) temporarily to try showbiz and Martina is in Grade 5 at Poveda. “I am single by choice,” stressed Aiko. “Andre and Martina are growing up and I’m glad I can spend more time with them. They are like barkada to me. Andre is at the stage where he wants to explore. He courted a girl but he stopped na.” Asked how long she intended to stay single, Aiko said, “It depends. Who knows if somebody would come along…”

By Monet

THIS Sunday, we are going to honor God’s wonderful gift to us, our mother. A mother is truly a special woman and deserves much praise and gratitude. I can’t help feeling sentimental during Mother’s Day. My mom, Catalina Francisco Lu, was born on May 19, 1920. She passed away at the age of 74. Though it has been years since she went home to be with the Lord, there is still the pain in my heart. I guess the heartache will never go away. I just learned to accept the fact that she won’t be around anymore. But her memories will always be with us — that is how she lives on in our hearts. A major part of the memories children have of their mothers are the lessons they teach us. I find it amusing that most of the lessons children hear from their mothers are generally the same, and then these are passed on from generation to generation. “Eat your vegetables. They’re good for you.” “Don’t talk while your mouth is full.” “Make sure you always wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.” “Don’t waste food. Finish it all. Think of the hungry children in Africa.” “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.” “Call me when you get there so I’ll know you’re okay.” I read about a well-known chef from Italy who migrated to the U.S. He said his mother advised him on always setting goals for his life and her advice has helped him become successful. “You can run 1,000 miles per hour, but if you don’t decide where to go before, you’ll run in a circle and go nowhere. A goal without a plan is just a wish, and we can waste time in wishing,” the chef quoted his mother. I myself have many lessons learned from my mom, which I always reflect on, especially during Mother’s Day. They say you eventually become your parents over time. I can sense some of my Nanay in me, especially when I am with my pamangkins (nieces and nephews) and apos (grandkids).

When they seek my advice, I find myself talking to them the way my mother talked to me when I was their age. I’m gratified to know that I have retained the lessons that she tried so hard to instill in me. My mom Catalina was fond of reciting quotations or mga kasabihan. Of course, at that time, I didn’t fully understand what she really meant. What I remember most was her wisdom about gratitude and work ethic. One of Nanay’s favorites was: Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan. In English this translates to: He who does not look back at where he came from will not reach his destination. She often emphasized the need for us to remain humble and never forget the people who helped us along the way. When I opened my very first salon, she was there to remind me that I should always offer thanks to those who made my dream possible, especially my sisters who paid for my tuition so I could study styling and design. My mother also challenged me to be more mindful and conscientious about work and money. She would always say to me: “Para kang kalabasa, gapang ng gapang naiiwan naman ang bunga.” Loosely translated, I think she meant that I often worked myself to the ground but I never saw the fruits of my labor. Nanay’s constant prodding helped me to take more responsibility in my fiscal affairs. Thanks to her, I’m still learning. What I’ve generally learned

from the quotes Nanay used to say is that there are some lessons we don’t understand until we are ready to digest what they really mean for our self-improvement. Even in the after life, mother continues to teach me lessons from the words of wisdom she left behind. I’m glad I can be here to repeat these words to my nieces, nephews and grandchildren so they can get a piece of motherly advice from their great Lola Catalina Lu. This Mother’s Day, I hope children all over the world give due credit to their mothers who have sacrificed a lot for their benefit. Mothers have an incredible job. Theirs is a 24/7 duty with no days off. They make sure we are fed, clothed, and comfortable. They nurture us into loving and caring human beings. All they want in exchange is for us to be happy. Mothers, you are the real heroes! You deserve a medal even if you never ask for it. Kayo talaga ang ilaw ng tahanan. Mabuhay ang ating mga nanay! Let’s show our mothers how much we appreciate them, not just on Mother’s Day but everyday. *** 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 all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Programming for Kababayan Today, May 8-12, 2017 The Global Kababayan G. TönGi Monday, May 15 - Singer Becca Godinez sings an exclusive number for our viewers and gives details to her upcoming concert entitled “Me, Myself and Music” set on May 20 at the Catalina Jazz Club. Tuesday, May 16 - Clang Garcia talks about her book, “Filipino Holidays” and shares her work as

a tour operator in the Philippines by bringing cultural heritage through food. We also feature “Ulam,” a Filipino food documentary happening on Saturday, May 20 for the Los Angeles Times Food Bowl. Make sure to catch the show for details! Wednesday, May 17 - The Asian Journal shares the latest headlines relevant to the FilAm community. Brandon Reilly, professor of history talks about Immigration. Support the project called Nanay Ko. Thursday, May 18 - Watch the program to find details to this Jazz concert entitled the Asian

American Jazz Festival. Friday, May 19 - Marie ReineVelez and Ruben Uy talk about the readings of Artists at Play this month for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. *** Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipinos living in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the cultural gap between America & the Philippines but to help with the generational gap between our own people. She is married with two children and is based in Southern California and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are empowering the FilAm community.

Baste Duterte is back in the spotlight by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

SEBASTIAN “Baste” Duterte no doubt became an accidental and instant celebrity when his father, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, became President. Nevertheless with his bemuscled physique, lip ring and wavy hair, the youngest son of the country’s Chief Executive also has the makings of a celebrity. Duterte became a star on social media after he appeared in several election sorties leading to the May 2016 elections. Since then, both women and gay men have been swooning over the 29year-old surfer whose good yet rugged looks fits perfectly with his much talked about laid back and easygoing lifestyle. However, to be the President’s son comes with a cost. As a public figure, the youngest Duterte has also become a hot topic on several issues involving his private life, specifically his relationships with women. The Ellen issue Duterte is known to have a two-year-old son with Davaobased model Kate Necesario and a daughter with an ex-girlfriend. However, what caught the interest of the public as of late are his trysts with ABS-CBN actress and sexy star Ellen Adarna. Rumors of their relationship first spread as early as summer last year when Adarna posted photos of them during on vacation in Siargao, Surigao. The

two insisted they were friends, despite a photo of them kissing, which circulated online in November 2016. In January, Adarna admitted they were indeed in a relationship but it lasted for just a few months after Duterte broke up with her via text message. Although their relationship is over, the issue persisted as the President himself used media coverage to reach out his son whom he had trouble contacting. The President openly expressed annoyance at his son several times explaining he had not seen the young Duterte when he would go home to Davao, which meant the latter had very little time for his children. The senior Duterte also publicly related that he spoke to one of his grandchildren and said it was a “tragedy” to hear the little one talk bitterly about his father. “I asked the kid, who do you love more, papa or your mama? His answer, ‘Mama lang.’ See it’s a tragedy,” the President was quoted. The messages reached the young Duterte who eventually chose to respond via Facebook. “Good morning, Pa. Nasa kabilang bahay lang ako noong February 1 pa. Huwag ka nang ma-stress. Love you mwah,” he cheekily posted. Hosting stint Even as a TV career will continue to put him under public scrutiny, it seems Baste Duterte is up for whatever may come his

way again as the social media rock star will finally pursue show business—something he said he would do soon after his father moved in to Malacanang. As such, for the first time ever, viewers will get to discover the adventurous side of Duterte themselves as well as aspects of his personality when he makes his debut as host of a reality adventure show titled “Lakbai” on TV5. Lakbai [short for “Lakaw ta, bai!” which in Cebuano translates to“Lakad na, kaibigan]will take viewers on a tour of some of the most picturesque spots in the Philippines with Duterte and a gang as companions—these are internet sensation Bogart the Explorer, known for his hilarious adventures on his viral videos; Alexis Lumbatan, a lawyer by profession and a jokester at heart; Sboi Malicay, the “cool bro” who keeps the mood light; and Andrei Apostol, a creatives guy and designated videographer. At the show’s press conference on May 10, Duterte was asked whether any member of his family convinced him to join show business. “No, they did not convince me. It’s just unavoidable so I decided to try showbiz. Sayang naman ang sweldo, he quipped. “But if it doesn’t work out, I can always go back to Davao.” Meanwhile, many wondered how he handled himself in front PAGE B5

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

Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 13-16, 2017

Depression is great risk factor in suicide Why Aubrey Miles remains... Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS DEPRESSION is the most significant risk factor in suicide. In today’s busy, impatient, materialistic, and fast-paced society, people are subjected to various stressors in life everyday. Encumbered by their personal circumstance, some are unable to adjust and cope, and develop depression. Suicide is a senseless option and a preventable alternative. What is depression? Depression is a state of emotion where the individual has some or all of the following senses, feelings, or moods: downhearted, unhappy, anxious, irritable, unable to concentrate, socially withdrawn, empty inside, has inordinate fatigue and reduced interest in activities which used to be fun, hopelessness, indecision, impaired sleep, misery, helplessness, confusion, monosyllabic speech or abnormally quiet. What is the prevalence of depression? In the United States, about 9 percent, or 28 million American adults “have feelings of hopelessness, despondency, and/or guilt that generate a diagnosis of depression,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three percent or 9.6 million of adults have major depression, a chronic and severe form of depression. In the Philippines, the rate is about 5.3 percent. Worldwide, the rate is between 2.6 percent to 29.5 percent, a pandemic, actually, according to an international study conducted by the World Health organization. In general, women are 70 percent more prone to develop depression, in part due to hormonal changes, especially during menstruation, after pregnancy, and menopause. In the past 50 years, the rate has catapulted from 3.33 percent to 7.06 percent, from 1991 to 2002. The rate for the various types of depression in the United States are: Postpartum – 10 to 15 percent; SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) – 4 to 6 percent; Bipolar – 2.6 percent; Dysthymia (minor depression that lasts 2 years or longer) – 1.5 percent; Psychotic depression (most severe form) – 5 percent. Are there screening tests for depression? Yes, there are. Mental health specialists can administer preliminary tests such as the BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), or the HRS (Hamilton Rating Scale), which is composed of 20 questions to screen the patient. Today, computerized phone interviews are gaining effectivity as a screening tool. These tests are only a small part of the evaluation process, because the specialists have the symptoms

of the patient and other criteria to aid them make the correct diagnosis. Don’t we all get depressed sometimes? To some degree, some situations in life trigger depression, and normal people develop a mild form of depression, which is transient, self-terminating, and not a disease. As long as the resultant symptoms are trivial and temporary, and do not debilitate the person, the condition is not clinical illness and does not need any medical treatment What foods relieve depression? Foods that are high in tryptophan, an amino acid involve in serotonin production, provide relief to some people with depression. Niacin (Vitamin B3), which is essential in the production of tryptophan, can be found in dried peas, beans, whole grains, dried fortified cereals, and especially in oily fishes like salmon and mackerel. It is reported that Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil may actually reduce depression. PMS Escape, a high carbohydrate drink, was claimed to increase tryptophan level and would control the depression related to pre-menopausal syndrome has been found to have impurities by the FDA and subsequently withdrawn from the market. Calcium supplements and Vitamin B-12 have been reported to reduce pre-menstrual depression. Also, some studies showed that among depressed people who drink caffeinated beverages have a lower incidence of suicide, which seems to suggest that coffee or tea reduces depression. How about exercises? Believe it or not, physical exercises may be as effective as psychotherapy in the management of mild to moderate depression. Prolonged aerobic workouts lead to higher levels of serotonin, adrenalin, endorphins and dopamine in the brain (producing the popular term “runner’s high”). Physical exercises, brisk walking, ballroom dancing, yoga, tae-bo, etc. lead to better emotional health. As an extra bonus from physical exercises, weight loss and improved muscle tone lead to the sense of well-being and higher self-esteem. Those individuals with strong spiritual faiths have a relatively lower predisposition to depression. These people might benefit from meditation, yoga, and other techniques for obtaining spiritual security, inner peace and happiness. Severe depression needs medical treatment. Does depression play a role in suicides? Yes, very significantly. Depression is present in about 90 percent of the more than 40,000 suicides that take place in the United States annually, and for every two homicides, there are 3 suicides. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States overall and

Baste Duterte and Bogart The Explorer smile as they launch TV5’s newest travel reality show, Lakbai, on May 10, 2017 at the Bonifacio Global City. Lakbai will premier on May 21, nighttime. Inquirer.net photo by Armin Adina

Baste Duterte is back in... PAGE B4 of the camera during the show’s first taping days. Did he have any of his showbiz friends give him tips on what to do? “Sino ba showbiz friends ko? It’s only … you guys know who. But this is only a reality show. I’m being myself so it’s not really a big adjustment [on my part],” he replied both casually and meaningfully. With hosting as his first stint on television, is there a likelihood he will also go into movies or a teleserye too? “I don’t have any talent in acting. I am doing this [show]because I love traveling. That’s why I also suggested tobe with my friends in this show because I’m a camera shy guy. I want to be comfortable. Good thing, TV5 agreed with

what I want,” he explained. Much like his father, Duterte tries to maintain a low profile. But what is it really like to be the President’s son. “That’s the hardest question I’ve had today,” Duterte joked. “Let your father run and be president para malaman n’yo. But my life then and now is still the same. I don’t live in Malacañang [Palace] so I’m still Davaobased. It’s just now, maraming nagpapa-picture, maraming libre at maraming sponsors. Kaya yung mga gustong mag-offer sa akin huwag na kayo mahiya,” he added in jest. Finally, to react to being labeled one of the day’s hottest bachelors, he replied laughing, “Talaga? Nasaan sila? Saan yung mga babae kung totoo ‘yun?”

the second leading cause of death in the age group 10 to 34. According to CDC, 1.3 million adults attempted suicide in 2014. About 78 percent of them are men, more than 4 times the rate for women. Depression lowers the mental threshold for self-destruction. Do you have depression? If you do, it is most prudent to seek medical help, not necessarily psychotherapy. The first thing to do it to consult your family physician, who can help guide you. With early proper medication and/or advice, depression in most cases can be managed effectively and eliminated faster than one can imagine. Physicians today have invaluable tools in their armamentarium for the diagnosis and treatment of depression. Many individuals with depression, who have sought medical care, are so “cured” with simple oral medications that they look, behave, function and live as normally and happily as anybody else, lost in the sea of anonymity. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

PAGE B2 flick, and she agreed to do it because there were no “girl-to-girl action” involved and everything that Mendoza asked for were done in good taste. “Direk Brillante asks for a different acting style. He allows you to bring your true self. Unlike in a soap opera, you have to be a little exaggerated,” Aubrey shared. Contrary to those who thought Mercedes has an attitude due to her squabble with film producer Lily Monteverde last year, Aubrey attested that Cabral is easy to work with. “She’s very natural. Kung ano s’ya off-cam, ‘yung acting n’ya on-cam, ‘yun din s’ya. Parang super kumportable ka…She’s very spontaneous,” Aubrey said of Mercedes. In the film, she learned that Baguio has a custom that loosely resembles same sex marriage. In the Philippines, however, she admitted that “same sex marriage is hard to push because we’re Catholic.” What did Troy say about Aubrey playing a lesbian? “Ooh…Exciting!” he told his girlfriend. Besides “Everlasting,” Aubrey also did a reality TV show for StarWorld, “Four Girls And A Bucket List,” together with celebrities from other countries. She also starred as Joseph Marco’s partner in the defunct ABS-CBN soap opera, “Pasion de Amor.” She confessed that as a sexy star, she is pressured to always stay in shape. Which is why even

when she was pregnant, she continued to exercise. “It’s a pressure to be a fitspiration especially in social media,” she said. “But I like it in such a way that I inspire my followers. Mostly, 90 percent of my followers talagang they want motivation. It’s good to be fit, pero ‘yung magbigay ng motivation, it’s flattering.” She said, she is lucky that Troy and their kids are also into fitness. “Troy told me, ‘I’m so happy na ikaw ‘yung girlfriend ko kasi, sabi n’ya, lagi s’yang na-pre-pressure sa’kin (mag-workout),” said

Aubrey Miles

Aubrey, who has been working out since her teens. Apart from yoga and weight training, Aubrey also joins Nike Training Classes (NTC) held every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. and every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Kerry Sports Manila in Bonifacio Global City. NTC, said Nike Philippines officials, enable Filipinos to train with the best athletes and trainers using globally designed workouts to reach their individual fitness goals. The classes also cater to all fitness levels from beginner to advance. “Any workout will do as long as you enjoy it,” Aubrey assured. “Pump your heart. Kailangan talaga. And proper sleep!”

B may 13-16, 2017 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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

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

COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution Devin M. Connolly PRESIDENT Donald Trump has been highly critical of the H1B program since taking office. Despite these criticisms and vows the change the program though, there was no shortage of foreign-born college graduates with potential employers willing to submit petitions to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). These foreignborn college graduates are now experiencing another difficult part of the process – the waiting to see if their petition is selected in the H-1B lottery. For the last several years the USCIS has conducted what is commonly referred to as the “H1B lottery.” This is necessary because there are far more applicants than there are available visa numbers. The USCIS is only permitted to grant 85,000 H-1B visas per year. A portion of those 85,000 visas, 20,000 to be exact, are reserved for people who have earned Master’s degrees from U.S. universities. That leaves a mere 65,000 for those with Bachelor’s degrees hoping to lawfully work in a specialty occupation. While the number 65,000 may seem high, the demand has far exceeded the supply in recent years. The USCIS announced that they received approximately 199,000 H-1B petitions this year. With that many petitions, there are sure to be a lot of disappointed people after the lottery results are announced. What should a person do if their petition is not selected in the lottery? Do they have to return to their native country, even though many of them may consider the U.S. to be their home? Do they have to abandon their dreams of lawfully working and living in the U.S., thereby potentially making them feel as if their education and/or work experience is somehow not valuable? These concerns and feelings are valid. However, they must be set aside before too long so that a viable solution can be found. It is

Options if you do not win the H-1B lottery

“

There are many potential ways of obtaining lawful status in the U.S., either permanently or temporarily.

necessary to find an alternative so that you can lawfully remain in the U.S. There are many potential ways of obtaining lawful status in the U.S., either permanently or temporarily. While permanent resident status is often preferred, it is important to remember that a temporary visa may still be valid for several years. One possibility is an ‘L’ visa. The ‘L’ visa is a temporary visa available to foreign-born citizens who have been working for a U.S. corporation’s parent or subsidiary company for at least one year out of the last three years. It is available to employees working as an executive or manager, or to employees with specialized knowledge. This obviously requires experience within a certain company and a particular background, but if these things do exist, it is certainly possible to obtain a visa allowing a person to work in the U.S. for three years. This permission to live and work in the U.S. may also be extended at the end of that three-year period. There is also an ‘E’ visa. The ‘E’ visa is available to traders and investors who come to the U.S. pursuant to a treaty of commerce and navigation between the U.S. and a foreign country, including the Philippines. On a basic level, the applicant must carry on substantial trade between the U.S. and the foreign country, or direct the operations of a company in which they have invested a substantial amount of money. In addition, do not overlook the possibility of an employer petitioning you for a green card. The route to a green card through employment is a multi-step process and can take anywhere

”

from 6 months to many years to complete. The petitioner, who is the employer or prospective employer, files a labor certification request with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), conducts necessary recruitment for the position, files an “Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker” with the USCIS, and before you know it, you are eligible to apply for permanent resident status. Though this may sound simple and straight-forward, obtaining a green card through employment is one of the most complex areas of U.S. immigration law. Many people are hesitant to seek permanent resident status through an employer because they believe it will take years. And it might, depending on your country of birth, education, employment background, etc. However, it might also be faster than you would expect. It is surely disappointing to not be selected in the H-1B lottery. Yet, lawfully working and residing in the U.S. may still be possible. Consult an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney to explore your options. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 13-16, 2017

Community Journal

C MAY 13-16, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon HAVE you heard the story of a poor, old beggar who died one day- and to everyone’s amazement, a money belt found wrapped around his waist contained thousands of dollars in cash? Apparently, he had found the money belt one day while rummaging through trash. He decided to keep it but never realized that it contained a compartment where the cash was hidden. Thus, the poor, old beggar lived the rest of his days in poverty, not even knowing what he had. Had he known about all the money he had in his possession, perhaps he could have been spared from all the suffering he continued to experience for the remainder of his days. The story of this poor, old beggar comes to my mind when I see how many people continue to suffer needlessly in debt when the law provides a remedy for them to change their financial situation for the better. Not knowing what options are available to them, they continue to suffer day in and day out, wandering aimlessly through life like a ship without a rudder. If you are in debt and the mere idea of filing bankruptcy makes you cringe in horror, it’s not as bad as you think. If appropriate for your situation, it could actually

Barrister’s Corner

Bankruptcy: Why suffer in debt when the law provides a remedy?

be a big turning point in your life. The legislative intent of Congress in passing our bankruptcy laws is to allow a fresh start to those honest individuals who have found it impossible to cope with debt problems. Because life is not perfect, Congress realized that a person who needs to recover financially after experiencing serious debt problems should at least be given a chance to do so. This concept of a “fresh start” is the foundation of our bankruptcy laws and has become an integral part of our economic system and our society. Because money affects almost all areas of our lives, money problems can have an extremely devastating effect on the family, our most fundamental social structure. It is probably fair to say that it is the families of this country that ultimately benefit from the protection afforded by our bankruptcy laws. Can you imagine how many families suffering in debt could possibly be out in the streets right now if it weren’t for the “fresh start” that our bankruptcy laws provide? For parents with dependent children, the challenges presented by insurmountable debt problems are even bigger because ultimately, the children’s welfare may be at risk. So bear in mind if you are considering bankruptcy as a possible solution to your debt problems

that the purpose of our bankruptcy laws is to make financial recovery attainable as soon as possible to those who need it. Of course, this does not mean that filing bankruptcy is always the solution to every financial problem. Your bankruptcy lawyer must carefully review your situation, weigh the pros and cons, and make appropriate recommendations. When filing, there must be a clear objective and the chances of success for the type of bankruptcy being filed must be assessed. Is it your objective to eliminate debts you can no longer afford to pay or do you simply need to consolidate your debts to make them more manageable? Are important legal rights or your assets at stake? What can be done to protect them and at what expense? These are some of the questions that must be answered. If you would like to explore bankruptcy as possible option in getting out of debt, please call TOLL FREE 1-866-4777772 to schedule an appointment. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. ***

None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped 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)

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

Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

ACCORDING to the Tax Foundation’s Taxes and Growth Model, the Trump tax plan would increase the long-run size of the economy by 7% under a higherrate assumption, or 8% under a lower-rate assumption. The larger economy would result in 5% higher wages and a 20% larger capital stock under the higherrate assumption, or 6% higher wages and a 24% larger capital stock under the lower-rate assumption. The plan would also result in 1.8 million more fulltime equivalent jobs under the higher-rate assumption, or 2.2 million more under the lowerrate assumption. That’s a lot of jobs. Donald Trump’s large tax cuts impacts mostly individual and corporate income. Such cuts would significantly reduce the cost of capital and the marginal tax rate on labor. He hopes that changes in the incentives to work and invest would increase the U.S. economy’s size in the long run, boost wages, and result in more full-time equivalent jobs that translate into a larger economy. Wealthiest: The nation’s wealthiest citizens stand to gain the most under Trump’s plan. He hopes that they will in turn expand their companies and create jobs.

Winners under the Trump tax plan

“

Trump’s plan will help more low-income workers to avoid taxes, not to pay income taxes. Low Income: Trump’s plan will help more low-income workers to avoid taxes, not to pay income taxes. The nonpartisan Tax Policy Center found that the number of Americans who will no longer pay taxes would jump from 44% to 63%. Nice. Simpler Tax Filing with Standard Deduction: Trump plans to double the standard deduction of single filers from $6,350 to $15,000 and joint filers from $12,600 to $30,000. This will simplify the tax process by encouraging taxpayers to use the higher standard deduction rather than a cocktail of existing exemptions and deductions. Child Care: The new tax code would allow families to deduct child care expenses. The deduction would be available for up to four children or elderly dependents. Anyone making less than $250,000 ($500,000 if married) would be eligible to take the tax break. Earned Income Tax Credit

”

(EITC): Low-income workers in the non-taxable category would be eligible for an earned income tax credit of up to $1,200 annually. Manufacturing: The Trump plan would allow firms engaged in manufacturing in the U.S. full expensing of capital investment. This annual Section 179 expensing cap would increase from $500,000 to $1 million. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com. (Advertising Supplement)

Grounds for annulling a marriage

MOST couples that want out of a marriage in California Atty. Kenneth usually file for Divorce. There uRSuA ReyeS are circumstances though that allow a couple to have their marriage “voided” rather than “dissolved.” There is a big difference between the two concepts. With a voided marriage, it restores the couple to status of unmarried person as if they have never been married before. In a divorce, the couple would always be regarded to as married during the period of the marriage. Unlike Divorce which can be obtained regardless of the reason. Voiding a marriage may only be obtained based on certain grounds. It is void in cases of incest and bigamy. It is voidable in cases of minority, Unsound Mind, Fraud, Force, or Physical Incapacity. Marriages between parents, children, ancestors and descendants, brothers and sisters, half brothers and sisters, uncles and nieces, and aunts and nephews are incestuous and are void from the beginning. So are bigamist marriages where either party was still married to another person when they entered the marriage. Nevertheless, it is best to obtain a Nullity Judgment to clarify the legal status of the parties under these circumstances.

Certain situations does not necessarily make a marriage void but makes it voidable on the parties option. One such circumstance is when the petitioner was under 18 years old when the petitioner married and the parents did not provide their consent. The Nullity petition based on this ground has to be filed within four years after the party turns 18. The parent of the minor may

“

A marriage may be voided if either party was of unsound mind at the time of the marriage. Unsound Mind means a person is incapable of understanding the nature of the marriage contract and the duties and responsibilities it creates which depends on the degree of mental capacity of the party. This may not be a ground if the party later on came to reason yet continued to freely cohabitate with the spouse. Fraud is another ground for voiding a marriage. The false representation or concealment must relate to a substantive matter and directly affect the purpose of the party deceived in entering the marriage. The fraud must go to the very essence of the marital relation before it is sufficient for an annulment. It is not sufficient simply to contend that your spouse turned out to be a lazy, drunken disappointment. Nullity based on fraud has to be filed within four years of discovering the fraud. Certain marriages that are entered into by force are voidable. Circumstances that meet these standards requires that the forced party’s free will to have been overcome by the spouse such as through the use of threats. These type of Nullity must be filed within four

There are circumstances though that allow a couple to have their marriage voided rather than dissolved. also file the Petition provided it is filed prior to the minor turning 18. Another situation is a bigamist marriage where the first spouse has been absent and not known to be living for 5 years prior to the second marriage or if the party believed the spouse to be dead at the time of the second marriage. A Nullity based on this ground may be filed during the life of the other party.

”

u PAGE C3

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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

Protecting employee and consumer rights WHEN is the Use of Deadly Force by Police Unreason- Protecting able? The Fourth Amendment of Employee the U.S. Constitution protects & Consumer persons from unreasonable search and seizures, including Rights the use of excessive or deadly ATTY. C. JOE SAYAS, JR. force. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in the case of Tennessee v. Garner, that an officer cannot use deadly force against a fleeing suspect unless the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others. The high court also ruled in Graham vs. Connor that officers who use force must be judged on the totality of circumstances, using a standard of “objective reasonableness.” This standard simply asks: Are the officers’ actions “objectively reasonable” in light of the circumstances confronting them? Several factors may determine “reasonableness,” such as whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the officer or others, whether the suspect is resisting arrest or attempting to escape, and whether the suspect has committed a severe crime. Consider the following case: Luis Ramirez was drunk and causing a disturbance in the neighborhood on Friday, July 25, 2014 at around 3:30 a.m. The Los Angeles Police Department deployed its officers in response to a 911 call that Ramirez was attempting to get into a home. Two officers arrived and after Ramirez threw rocks at them, they called for backup. A sergeant, a helicopter, and five additional officers arrived on the scene. A drunk Ramirez was in the front yard of the residence behind a wrought-iron fence. He was holding broomsticks and kept throwing rocks at the officers. After a few failed attempts at getting Ramirez to drop the stick, the officers used a Taser to immobilize him. Other officers fired a beanbag shotgun hitting Ramirez on his right side. One of the officers then fired three rounds from his 9 mm. One of the bullets struck Ramirez and killed him. Ramirez’s mother, Maria Delores Ramirez, who lives in Guatemala, sued the City of Los Angeles and the Police Department for wrongful

death. Her attorneys argued that the police’s use of deadly force was unreasonable and excessive because Ramirez did not attack the officers after he was shot with a Taser. One of the eyewitness who was not a police officer testified that once Ramirez was shot with a Taser, he never took a step towards the officers, or tried to attack the officers. Even some of the officers admitted that once the non-lethal force options were used, Ramirez did not swing the sticks at the officers or lunge at them. Ramirez’s family further claimed that the use of deadly force was unreasonable and excessive because Ramirez did not have a deadly weapon on hand, was standing behind an iron gate, and he was surrounded by several officers, who were bigger than he was. More importantly, the officers could have used other available non-lethal force to subdue Ramirez. The city argued that Ramirez’s aggressive behavior left the officers no choice but to shoot him. The officers, however, differed in their testimonies as to whether Ramirez had tried to attack the officers after being hit with the Taser. The city also argued that Ramirez’s mother should not be awarded damages because she lived in Guatemala and he lived in the U.S. and they did not have a close relationship. Were the police officers’ use of deadly force “objectively reasonable” in light of the circumstances? The jury clearly answered “no.” The Daily Journal reports that after deliberating for two hours, the jury returned a verdict for Ramirez’s family, awarding a total of $2 million in damages. *** 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 or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.] (Advertising Supplement)

God’s love in Jesus

To Live With Faith REVEREND RODEL G. BALAGTAS JESUS shows his concern and cares for us this Sunday by telling us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:1-4) His words have multi-layered meanings. First, he tells us not to be worried, fearful or anxious about life’s challenges and difficulties, but to have deep trust in God, our Father, who provides for our needs and loves us despite our weaknesses beyond our imagination. Second, he tells that to trust in him, the Son of God, who came down from heaven to become human like us, to live and struggle like any person and to show us the way by his life, death, and resurrection.

Third, he tells us to hope for a greater life beyond this world, a life he promised to share with us if we believe in him and follow his teachings. In all of these meanings, what challenges anyone who lives in this world is to trust in Jesus as God, to believe in his words and all the truths he claims, and to follow the path of his sacrificial love. For in this Sunday’s Gospel he tells us that he and the Father are one. He says, “I am the way, and the truth, and life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then will also know my Father…the Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” Jesus’ claim speaks of the will and heart of God that desires for our total well-being, our salvation from all forms of oppressive forces and sin, and our return to our true home in heaven to be with him forever. What’s so great about these desires of God is that he gave us the image—the Sacrament par excellence—of someone that we can relate to and con-

template. That image is the person of Jesus in all that he had shown us while he lived in this world like reaching out to sinners, the sick, the poor, and all those who felt alienated in the society. And what’s even greater is that he has left his Spirit in the Church through his words, the Sacraments, the faith and good works of his believing people. It is all up to us to continue trusting in Jesus, to grow in faith, and to share this faith with those who are still looking for meaning, fulfillment, and truth. However distracted we are by the concerns and difficulties of life, we have to believe in Jesus and to see every mundane experience in the light of the Gospel. The important thing is to always feel God’s presence, providence, and love in Jesus. On this Mother’s Day, may we grow in faith and trust in God who tells us in Isaiah 49:15, “Can a woman forget her own baby and love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you.” In Jesus and Mary, Happy Mother’s Day!

People and Events

Mabuhay ang Pilipino! LACFAEA celebrates the 119th Philippine Independence Day THE Los Angeles County Filipino American Employees’ Association (LACFAEA) will spearhead the celebration of the 119th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 10, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight at Hilton Pasadena International Ballroom located at 168 South Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101. LACFAEA represents approximately 10,000 Filipino-American employees in the classified service of the Los Angeles County who belong to more or less than 300,000 working families in various Filipino communities. Everyone is cordially invited to

Tinikling, one of the traditional Philippine folk dance.

the celebration of this historic occasion. This event will showcase the cultural heritage and rich customs and traditions of the Philippines through its native songs and dances. A renowned and recording artist singer Christine Love will provide the music. If you need more information, please call President Tony Mendoza at (323) 257-4521 or (323) 618-5401 or email at ireneqmendoza@yahoo. com or to Mr. Rene I. Galano, first vice president at (213) 922-8113 and Mr. Edwin Martinez, second vice president at (818) 438-6517.

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 13-16, 2017

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 Philipp ine American Bar Association. LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. com. (Advertising Supplement)

Grounds for annulling a…

PAGE C2 t

years from the date of marriage. A marriage where the spouse was found to be incapable of physically engaging in copulation may be voided. It can only be filed by the spouse that does not have the physical incapacity and must be filed within four years of the marriage. Before deciding weather a divorce is the appropriate avenue to end your marriage, parties should evaluate if a Nullity is

a viable alternative and weather com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** it serves their best interest. Please note that this article is not legal advice *** 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.

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)

Community Journal

C MAY 13-16, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Centennial celebration of Abandoned wife, Uber driver seek Chapter 7 for credit card debt the Marian Pilgrimage by Del

Molo IntIa

A LARGE group of 55 Southern California residents composed mostly of retired employees, left on a pilgrimage on April 20, 2017, to participate in the centennial celebration of the Marian Shrines in Europe. The group was led by Tess Gonzales with the able input and guidance from Father Rey B. Matunog of the L.A. Archdiocese and Father Robert S. Victoria of El Segundo Parish From LAX, the first stopover of the pilgrimage was in Lisbon, Portugal where they were met by Jose-Carlos Colorado, their European Civilization and Culture tour guide. Carlos arranged for a big bus to carry the group to their hotel which was walking distance to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Tess Gonzales reminded her companions that they should consider themselves primarily as “pilgrims” and not as tourists. It is here in Portugal that Our Lady of Fatima appeared in 1917 to three children, Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco. Thru the children, the Virgin Mary relayed the message that mankind must return to God, repent for their sins and to pray for world peace. The group heard mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions in the morning, then later, on joined in the evening procession. There were thousands of

attendees from all over the world who attended the masses and the evening ceremonies. From Portugal, the group proceeded to Salamanca in Spain. Along its route to Salamanca, we went to the walled city of Avila, the birthplace of St. Therese where she spent many years of her life. After breakfast, the group proceeded to Madrid, the capital of Spain. We made a stopped at the Valle de Los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen) where we viewed the Basilica and the monument to those who died during the Spanish Civil War. The next stop was in the city of Madrid, the capital of Spain. We visited the Royal Monastery of El Escorial which was constructed as a residence for the king of Spain with a monument to commemorate Spain’s victory over France in the battle of Saint Quentin on August 10, 1557. In Madrid, we visited the Prado museum, which contained the masterpieces of El Greco, Velazquez and Goya. From Madrid, we proceeded to Zaragoza, the great city of Aragon and the birthplace of the famous Spanish painter, Goya. We also visited the Shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar. From Zaragoza, we crossed the Spanish – French border to reach Lourdes. It was here in Lourdes that Our Lady appeared to Bernadette and proclaimed herself as the “Immaculate Conception.”

At Lourdes, we participated in candlelight procession of the Blessed Sacrament. We also had the opportunity to immerse in the separate cubicles of the men and women, receive the penance of reconciliation and to do the stations of the cross. We also had the opportunity to fill our bottles with the holy water. From Lourdes, we drove over the Pyrenees to Andorra La Vella to view the Romanesque churches and stone houses. From Lourdes, we proceeded to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia to explore the colorful markets before transferring to our hotel. On our 12th day (May 1st) of our pilgrimage, we went up the top of mountain by cable car to visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Monserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monks. We visited the Black Madonna of Monserrat which reflects Spain’s fervent piety and devotion to the Blessed Mother. The following day, it was back to the airport at Barcelona for our return trip to the United States. It was the consensus of the participants to this Marian Pilgrimage that despite long walks, climbing of stairs and sore legs, it was worth the experience. At the start of the pilgrimage, the participants did not know each other but by the end of the trip, there was the close camaraderie and new friendship formed among themselves.

FIRST client is 48 and married in the last 4 years. Husband was a foreigner who professed his love for her in so many ways. Unfortunately, his love for her was actually for her U.S. citizenship. Client, who had never been married before, fell head over heels for her newfound Romeo whom she met in a party in her hometown. He looked handsome and dashing in his own peculiar way. Never mind that he was height challenged at 4 feet 4 in and had web fingers and toes. He was an athlete and was the fastest swimmer in their town. His nickname was ‘AquaMan.’ All of these traits did not bother client; in fact, it was these traits that endeared him to her. She called him my “BB” for baby “beluga”. She reasoned that he would have no problem getting a job in California. Sea World in San Diego would certainly offer him a job to swim with the dolphins and whales. Well you know how the K-1 fiancée visa works. You have to prove to the INS that you met your loved one at least two years before the petition date with evidence consisting of pictures with dates on them, cards, letters, emails, the works. It’s just too bad that there is no camera that can take a picture of the real intent of the human heart. Client petitioned husband for his green card as soon as they were married. It wasn’t a $15M wedding like Kanye and Kim’s in 2014. Client’s reception was held in a popular restaurant a block from Trump Towers. All of client’s family, her brothers and sisters attended her wedding, all of them trying to convince her not to marry the guy. “Why him?” “You’re better off being single than marrying that human milkfish!” said her older brother. Her guest of honor, FBI director Comey said, “It just makes me nauseous to see you marry this guy, he looks fishy to me!” But despite all of the wellintentioned objections of family, friends and the FBI, client tied the knot. She charged their honeymoon, a 2-week cruise in the Mediterranean, to MasterCard. That was followed by a romantic river cruise at St. Petersburg in Russia and a 3-week Asian tour of China, Japan, Korea and all the

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng Southeast Asian countries. The honeymoon set her back $50K but thanks to MasterCard and visa, she was given the opportunity to make minimum payments of $1500 a month for the $50K of credit cards. Money she thought was well spent. It was her dream come true, to see the world with her prince charming. She was a certified nursing assistant who grossed $3K a month. Her take home pay is $2400. 62.5% of her take home pay or $1500 is for monthly minimum payments on her $50K credit cards. So she has $900 left before rent. They rent a room for $600 so she has $300 left for food. What about her husband? Well, he did not want to work because he said that as head of family, she should be the one working. He decided he would just stay in the room and watch Disney movies the whole day. So, client decided to get a second job to pay for monthly necessities and the immigration lawyer fees for husband’s green card. Since the petition was filed before the Trump era, husband beneficiary was not fully vetted. He obtained FBI clearance despite Mr. Comey’s objections, and soon enough he became a legal permanent resident of our country which at that time was not “great again.” Our country, at that time, was just “so-so”. As it turned out, beloved husband was actually secretly married in his country of origin. So again, the FBI did not uncover this anomaly so the INS allowed a criminal bigamist to become a legal permanent resident. “Bigly Bad!” “That’s a no-no!” As soon as he got legalized, he disappeared. Client hired the best private investigator that money, or credit cards could buy. It was finally determined that he had gone to another state. He filed for divorce from client since he already got legalized and client had maxed out her credit cards.

No more honeymoons for free around the world. Thus, being now of sound mind and body, client decided to forget her fake husband and start fresh without accumulated debt. She decided to discharge the $50K of credit cards with a Chapter 7 petition. Finally, she’s making the right decision for herself. Second client is 45. He owes $20K of credit cards. He pays $750 a month for minimum card payments. He is self-employed because he makes his living by driving full time for UBER. By full time, I mean 5 days a week. He has a late model SUV, which he pays $400 a month. His gas expense is $125 a week or $500 a month. So, if you are wondering how much you can make driving UBER 5 days a week, you will gross $3500, less $500 for gas. You can net about $3K without considering car insurance and car payments. In client’s case, he has family abroad and needs to send them money every month. So he decides to discharge his $20K of credit cards with Chapter 7, so he can send $750 back to his family monthly. I have another client who drives UBER part time. He has a full time job. He makes about $800 a month gross from UBER. If you are saddled with debt, now is the time to get them discharged. Better now than later when you are about to retire. But if you have not yet gotten rid of your debts yet and you are now a senior, believe me, you need to get rid of your debts now that your income is less than half of what it was when you were younger. If you need bankruptcy relief, please call my office for an appointment and I will analyze your case personally. “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” PHILIPPIANS 4:13H *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)

WE ARE

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ŉ æĲįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíßßĽæÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽĲĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

HIRING Asian Journal Publications is now looking for:

Customer Sales and Service Representative Fax résumé to:

And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

info@asianjournalinc.com

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 13-16, 2017

C MAY 13-16, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 13-16, 2017

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

Immigration Corner

The June 2017 priority dates Malacañang vows to

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: Application Filing Date

FAMILY CATEGORY:

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again. Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization

Visa Issuance Date

First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

Second Preference

(2A) Spouse and minor children (below April 8, 2016 21 years old) of green card holder

August 15, 2015

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

July 22, 2007

September 22, 2006

Third Preference

married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

February 1, 1995

October 8, 1994

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

February 8, 1995

November 22, 1993

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

September 8, 2007

Application Filing Date

April 22, 2006

Visa Issuance Date

Second Preference

Advanced Degree (masters)

Current

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

July 1, 2014

May 1, 2013

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

July 1, 2014

May 1, 2013

(provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. ***

by angeliCa

Ballesteros ManilaTimes.net

Group International CEO Peter King said in a statement. For the LISTED casual dining chain quarter, Max’s Group opened operator Max’s Group Inc. (MGI) 18 new stores including three announced on Tuesday, May 9 branches abroad, bringing its total it plans to open around 60 to 70 network count to 632 outlets, with stores here and abroad within the 51 located overseas. It reported year. “Our objective is to bulk up net income of P175.98 million in and at the same time operational- the first quarter of this year, up 8 ize our existing pipeline,” Max’s percent from a year ago.

MVP Group offers to develop Clark airport by iris

gonzales Philstar.com

Business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan has offered to operate and maintain Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

NAIA has highlighted the need for an alternative airport. The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce of the Philippines (JFC) has supported the plan to use Clark Airport as an alternative to NAIA. Ebb Hinchliffe, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce, said the geography of Metro Manila does not support NAIA which is no longer viable in the long-term. Earlier, AmCham senior adviser John Forbes said the new airport terminal in Clark should be built in the next two years, with a nonstop fast train connecting service similar to that in Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Tokyo to elevate traffic congestion. Clark airport has 138 weekly international flights and 94 weekly domestic flights. These will be increased with the expansion of operations of domestic carriers, specifically Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, Air Asia, Wakay Air and Seair Philippines. Negotiations are ongoing for more international carriers to start operations at Clark airport by mid-2017. Businessman Ramon Ang has already submitted a proposal to build a new $10 billion airport in Bulacan while the the Tieng family, together with Henry Sy’s Belle Corp. likewise proposed to build a $50 billion airport off Sangley Point in Cavite. Tugade said these unsolicited PAGE D2

speed up infrastructure by Christina

Mendez

Philstar.com

MANILA - Malacañang assured the public on Thursday, May 11 the Duterte administration has been working double time to improve infrastructure through the “Build, Build, Build” program after a report showing the Philippines ranked 24th out of 41 countries in terms of access to Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an infrastructure. active member of the State Bar of California “We recognize the infrastrucand New York. All immigration services are ture backlog left by previous provided by, or under the supervision of, an governments, thus, at the beginactive member of the State Bar of California. ning of the term of the President, Each case is different. The information the Duterte administration’s contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Max’s to open 60-70 stores worldwide in 2017

MANILA - The group led by business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan has offered to operate and maintain the Clark International Airport in Pampanga as it continues to explore prospects rolled out under the government’s aggressive infrastructure program. Industry sources said the MVP Group proposed a joint venture with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Clark Airport “for the expansion, operations and maintenance of Clark Airport.” The group is also reportedly keen on building an ambitious express railway between Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati and Clark. But the sources said the proposal, submitted just recently, covers only expansion and operations and maintenance (O&M), which the government said would likely be left in the hands of the private sector. The Duterte administration has indicated it will pursue by itself the development and modernization of the airport. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the new development policy for Clark Airport, the nearest alternative to the severely congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) would be pursued by the government except the O&M part. He said this is the faster route rather than face delays that may transpire with public biddings involving the private sector. Private companies have submitted proposals for the development and modernization of the airport. These include a $5-billion offer from Megawide Construction Corp. and India’s GMR Infrastructure, the consortium behind the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Aside from the Megawide consortium, the Gokongwei family’s JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Gotianun-controlled Filinvest Development Corp. also submitted a $3.7-billion proposal. Worsening congestion at the

economic managers have already vowed to accelerate infrastructure investments,” Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said. According to Abella, the Duterte administration has bared plans for the construction a network of roads, bridges, railways and airports. “Ten months after, we now have an aggressive infrastructure program, which we call Build Build Build, which aims to construct a network of roads, bridges, railways and airports to spur economic growth and lower poverty,” he said.

Business Quote of the Week “Don’t take too much advice. Most people who have a lot of advice to give — with a few exceptions — generalize whatever they did. Don’t over-analyze everything. I myself have been guilty of overthinking problems. Just build things and find out if they work.” – Ben Silbermann, founder Pinterest

D may 13-16, 2017 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

Marketplace

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

Business groups to form alliance to fight poverty, usher prosperity by Richmond

meRcuRio Philstar.com

MANILA - The country’s business groups are gearing up to form an alliance that would create programs aimed at alleviating poverty and usher in prosperity for all Filipinos. The alliance is a long term private sector-led campaign seeking to build a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary collaboration of organizations and individuals which is being initiated by presidential adviser for entrepreneurship and ASEAN Business Advisory Council chairman Joey Concepcion. “What I’m proposing is we all form an alliance of all chambers and business associations to really pursue inclusivity in the Philippines. The alliance here will consolidate all the ideas for prosperity and once we have consensus with the private sector then we will work with the government to submit our ideas to them,” Concepcion said. Concepcion said one of the primary goals of the proposed alliance is to help reduce poverty in the country in the next five years as planned and promised by President Duterte.

ASEAN Business Advisory Council chairman Joey Concepcion

“The chambers have their own plans and maybe it’s about time that we really try to work together, form a working group, go to the process and come out with a plan that can align with the government,” he said. “Hopefully, this alliance will gain more momentum to really influence policies in government. If we work individually it won’t work, but it will work as a group,” Concepcion added. Among the groups expected to join the alliance are the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Indus-

try, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, Financial Executives of the Philippines, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc., Philippine Franchising Association, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, and Bankers Association of the Philippines. Members of this alliance are expected to participate in all upcoming ASEAN activities and help in the continuous campaign for infrastructure. They will also be part of the technical working committee which will develop a national platform for micro, small, and medium enterprise development. National Competitiveness Council co-chairman for the private sector Bill Luz said the proposed alliance is a great program that would provide an avenue for businesses to work together.

ICTSI: Subic next international gateway by Reicelene Joy ignacio ManilaTimes.net

SuBIC Bay Freeport can be a key international trading gateway of the Philippines, port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. said in a statement, highlighting recent upgrades in equipment and performance at the terminal that keep it at par with the company’s operations in Manila. “As a national port operator, ICTSI ensures that each PhilipPAGE D3

MVP Group offers to develop... PAGE D1 proposals are being reviewed. In the end, he said the government would decide which one is best for the country. The Duterte administration has opened itself to unsolicited proposals, in stark contrast to the previous administration’s policy

governing big-ticket infrastructure. It has so far received proposals for various projects—from roads to bridges and airports. But while the government is studying the proposals for the new airports, Tugade said the priority is the P74.56 billion re-

habilitation of the NAIA and the proposed expansion of the Clark airport. NAIA has a 30 million annual passenger capacity but it handled 36.68 million passengers in 2015. Clark airport, meanwhile, has an annual capacity of four million passengers.

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

Marketplace

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 13-16, 2017 D

Keyland Corporation bags best Boutique Developer and Best Affordable Residential Condominium awards at Property GURU’s Philippine Property Awards 2017

Montinola, President, Keyland Corporation receiving the “Best Boutique Developer Award” with two Keyland Corporation staffers

MAKATI City – Keyland Corporation bagged three prestigious awards at the May 4, 2017 Philippine Property Awards held at the Fairmont Hotel – the Best Boutique Developer and the Best Affordable Residential Condominium in Metro Manila Awards and Highly Commended Best BPO Development. The Best Boutique Developer Award is the highest award a “small” or a niche real estate developer could win in the 2017 Philippine Property Awards. This means that Keyland Corporation met all the standards and requirements set by Asia’s most prestigious Real Estate awards organization, the Philippines Property Awards, to qualify as the best among the very best. This is a remarkable feat to a six-year-old (incorporated only in 2011) company that specializes in special “niche” markets in real estate in Metro Manila. Its Casa De Sequoia residential development in Las Pinas won the “Best Affordable Residential Condominium Development in Metro Manila. This means that Casa De Sequoia is the best “value for money” development in Metro Manila. Keyland Corporation’s sold out Southkey Hub commercial development at Northgate Cyber Zone in Alabang, won a “Highly Commendable” award among

ICTSI: Subic next international... PAGE D2 pine marine terminal under its helm remains competitive. Subic, in particular, was developed not only for the industrial locators of the Freeport but for the local markets in Luzon north of Metro Manila.” Roberto Locsin, Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) President said in a statement on Monday, May 8. ICTSI noted the two Panamax quay cranes at the New Container Terminal (NCT) in Subic recently handled close to 400 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), with each crane averag-

ing 40 and 33 moves per hour respectively. The Subic port also recently launched Evergreen’s South Korea-Taiwan-Philippines route, facilitating regional trade among the three economies. The weekly service plies the ports of Incheon and Kwang Yang, South Korea; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and Batangas, Manila and Subic Bay, Philippines using Evergreen’s Cape Faro and Cape Fulmar which are both 1,440-TEU boxships. “Metro Manila as a market will continue to grow but as the northern and central Luzon

countryside develops driven by industrial centers like Subic, Clark, Bataan, and Tarlac also continuing to grow, the Subic Bay Freeport is that gateway ready to link its products to global markets. We have the equipment and facilities,” Locsin said. The concession for NCT 1 was awarded to ICTSI’s subsidiary Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation in 2007. In 2011, under the plan’s second phase, another ICTSI subsidiary, ICTSI Subic Inc., was awarded the concession to operate NCT 2.

Keyland Corporation president Jose “Lito” G. Montinola receives the “Best Affordable Residential Condominium Development for Metro Manila” for the Casa De Sequoia Residences in Las Pinas.

Business Process Office (BPO) development category. This is adjacent to the 17-storey Southkey Place residential condominium building that is now ahead of its construction schedule. The winners at this year’s Philippine Property Awards will continue to compete at the Property Guru Awards Asian finals to

be held in Singapore later this year. We anticipate that Keyland Corporation’s on-going developments, the 110 Benavidez luxury condominium at Legaspi Village Makati and its Southkey Place residential and investment condominium at Northgate Cyberzone in Alabang are going to

reap similar awards when they are completed in 2022 and 2019 respectively. Keyland Corporation set up its marketing office at 1799 Old Bayshore Highway, Unit 136, Burlingame, California 94010 and may be reached at (650) 3939306. (Advertising Supplement)

Metro subway a priority for Japanese financing by Audrey

MorAllo Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine government informed the Japan that the Mega Manila Subway and the Manila-Clark Railway projects topped its list of infrastructures to be financed by Tokyo through official development assistance (ODA). Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso that topping Philippine list of proposed projects to be financed by Japanese ODA were the subway system in Mega Manila and the Manila-Clark Railway Project. Dominguez and the Japanese officials met in Yokohama, Japan on the sidelines of the recentlyconcluded 50th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to finalize the commitments on the projects to be funded by the ¥1-trillion financing package promised by Shinzo Abe, the Japanese prime minister, to the Philippines. The finance ministers of Manila

and Tokyo, who co-chaired the 20th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) + 3 (China, Japan, South Korea) meeting in the Japanese port city, highlighted the importance of the proposed infrastructure projects to the Philippine economy especially in their ability to spur job creation and development. Aso also briefly discussed with Dominguez Tokyo’s proposed bilateral currency swap arrangements with ASEAN. This could provide Southeast Asian countries up to $40 billion in currency swap arrangements, based on Aso’s proposal. Manila’s other priorities are projects in railway, irrigation and public works infrastructures covering road and flood management. Aside from these, Dominguez also submitted projects in public works, energy and industrial zone development as possible candidates for Japanese financing. The first phase of the subway system, which will connect Quezon City and Taguig City, is

expected to be finished by 2024. The system is expected to service around 350,000 passengers daily once it becomes operational. The first meeting of the joint committee followed the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Japan last year and the visit of Abe to the Philippines early this year. At the conclusion of the 50th ADB meeting, Dominguez assumed the chairmanship of ADB Board of Governors for the financial institution’s 51st Annual Meeting to be held in the Philippines in 2018. Weeks ago, the Philippine government presented its P8.4-trillion massive infrastructure plan that aimed to build airports, roads, railways and other big-ticket projects in different parts of the country. The government aims to finance these projects through a combination of foreign assistance and domestic revenues to be raised by its tax reform package. However, the tax reform program of the government is still being deliberated at the House of Representatives.

D may 13-16, 2017 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

EMPLOYMENT

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

EMPLOYMENT

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

EMPLOYMENT

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 13-16, 2017 D

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

SERVICES

D may 13-16, 2017 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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