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E D I T I OE ND I T I O NI T I O N ED
E DITION November 5-8, 2016
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T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r
Volume 26 - No. 89 • 4 Sections – 34 Pages
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Duterte slams Obama anew: ‘Find out the right meaning of dignity’
Also published in: • Orange County/Inland Empire • Northern California • Las Vegas • New York/ New Jersey
by dana
sioson AJPress
PresIDeNt rodrigo Duterte lashed out against U.s. President Barack obama once again after the United states allegedly threatened to withdraw its foreign aid to the Philippines over the growing death toll related to the government’s war on illegal drugs. “Don’t treat us like dogs who get scared by threats of aid withdrawal,”
President Rodrigo Duterte
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Duterte remarked on friday, November 4, during the Integrated Bar of the Philippines regional convention in manila. Duterte said the alleged withdrawal threat portrayed filipinos like a leashed dog with its master, the United states, putting a pan of food at a distance the dog can’t reach. “sabi ko, putang ina kayo. Leche ninyo. Putang ina talaga kayo (i said son of a b*tch. You are sons of b*tches,
because you violated our dignity as a Filipino people),” Duterte said. the Philippine president even suggested that obama look up the meaning of “dignity” in the dictionary. “mr. obama, what went wrong? Get your dictionary. find out the right meaning of dignity,” Duterte said. earlier this week, Duterte also called U.s. officials “fools” and “monkeys” for reportedly halting the planned sale of about 26,000 assault rifles to the Phil-
ippines over the supposed extrajudicial killings in the country. since Duterte took office, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded more than 3,000 individuals killed, which include both deaths from legitimate police operations and vigilante killings. meanwhile, the United states has continued to urge the Philippine president to stop the killings.
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It’s official: PH to host Miss Universe 2016 by dana
sioson AJPress
the Department of tourism (Dot) confirmed that the Philippines will host the upcoming miss Universe amid the rumors of its cancellation. “the Philippines will, indeed, play host to the much awaited 2016 miss Universe pageant,” tourism secretary Wanda teo said in a statement released on
thursday, November 3. the beauty pageant’s coronation night will be held on January 30, 2017 at the mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with steve harvey as its host. Last month, Dot secretary Wanda teo confirmed that venues to be used for the pageant include Cebu, Batangas, metro manila, siargao, Vigan, Palawan, Bicol and Davao, following an earlier inspection visit by miss
USA
DATELINE New US ambassador to PH sworn in from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
the new United states ambassador to the Philippines was officially sworn in by secretary of state John Kerry on thursday, November 3. A Korean-American born in seoul, sung Y. Kim is the first U.s. ambassador to the Philippines of Asian heritage. “his outstanding managerial skills, open interpersonal style, and ability to work well with numerous Us government agencies on sensitive and complex policy issues and priorities, makes him well qualified to serve as U.s. Ambassador to the Philippines,” the U.s. senate Committee on foreign relations said in a report, as quoted by inquirer. In his remarks, Kerry said, “there is no one better qualified than sung Kim to represent the United states of America and to be our
Universe organization representatives. “this is one proud moment for all of us, filipinos, to bear witness to our reigning miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of Cagayan de oro City as she takes her final walk and passes on her crown to her successor, where else, but in her home country, the Philippines,” teo added. maxine medina will repre-
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Fil-Am shortstop helps Chicago Cubs win World Series by eriC
anthony LiCas AJPress
WEIGH IN. Eight-time world champion Manny Pacquiao (58-6, 38 KOs) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Jessie Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs) weigh in on Friday, Nov. 4 ahead of their anticipated fight at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Pacquiao came in at 144.8 pounds and Vargas at 146.5 pounds. The boxers will compete for Vargas’ welterweight world title. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
the Chicago Cubs quenched a 108-year-old thirst for a major League Baseball title after winning game 7 of the World series against the Cleveland Indians on thursday, November 3. the Cubs fought back from a 3-1 deficit in the series, winning four matches in a row to end one of sport’s longest running dry spells. In what was guaranteed to be the last game of the 2016 series, they bested the Indians 8-7 after 10 innings of baseball that stretched past Wednesday evening and into thursday morning. Chicago entered the seventh game riding a decisive 9-3 victory over Cleveland at Progressive field the prior evening. that win was fuelled in no small part by the contributions of 20-year-old filipino American shortstop Addison russell, who hit
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Peso-dollar rate Nomination of new might depreciate envoy to US on hold to P51-$1 in 2017 C M by
by dana
sioson AJPress
three of the largest banks in the Philippines suggested that the peso to dollar rate could reduce from P49 to P51 versus the U.s. dollar by the end of the year. According to metrobank, the
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Pacquiao on Vargas: US issues travel warning to southern Cebu due to kidnapping threats ‘This is going to be a historic fight’ by dana
sioson AJPress
for eight-division world champion manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, challenging the World Boxing organization (WBo) welterweight champion Jessie Vargas is an honor. “It’s an honor for me to fight a champion,” Pacquiao said in a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 2. Pacman received a warm welcome from fans upon his arrival in Las Vegas, a few days before his upcoming match with Vargas. the Pacquiao-Vargas bout will be held on saturday, November 5, at the thomas & mack Center in Las Vegas. “I’m very thankful for all my fans for all the support they’ve been giving me. And on November 5, I wanna be successful with a great win,” the filipino champ said.
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the United states embassy in manila warned its citizens to avoid traveling to southern Cebu due to kidnapping threats from extremists and reminded them to exercise caution while residing in the Philippines. In a security message released on friday, November 3, the embassy alerted U.s. citizens that extremists are planning to kidnap tourists particularly around Dalaguete and santander (to include sumilon Island) located in the southern portion of Cebu island.
“U.s. citizens should avoid travel to these areas and are reminded to review personal security plans; remain aware of their surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates,” the statement read. the U.s. also reminded its citizens of the recent warning from the state Department’s Worldwide Caution, dated september 13, regarding the “risk of travel” to the southern Philippines. “extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems – including airlines, and
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A GUIDE TO THE 2016 ELECTION INSIDE! HOW TO VOTE, BALLOT PROPOSITIONS & THE ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE
hristina endez Philstar.com
PresIDeNt rodrigo Duterte has put on hold his nomination of a new Philippine ambassador to Washington, at least until after the election of a new Us president next week, presidential spokesman ernesto Abella said on Wednesday, Nov. 2.
this follows Duterte’s declaration that he is “separating” from the United states as part of his independent foreign policy. the Us elects a new president on Nov. 8. Duterte announced in August that he wanted Palace chief protocol officer marciano Paynor Jr. to be the Philippine ambassador
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A NOVEMBER 5-8, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Duterte slams Obama anew: ‘Find out… PAGE A1 t
The U.S. reportedly halted its plans for the arms deal after U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed his intent to oppose it due to “concerns on human rights issue.” Over the past few months, the newly-elected Philippine president has been issuing controver-
sial statements against the United States for the latter’s alleged interference in the government’s crackdown on illegal drugs. But despite Duterte’s anti-U.S. rhetoric, U.S. State Department spokesperson John Kirby reiterated that the United States continues to have a close relationship with the government of the Philippines.
Kirby recently pointed out that his country’s relationship with the Philippines “doesn’t rest on the shoulders of just one individual.” The spokesperson, however, clarified that the United States recognizes Duterte as the duly elected leader of the Philippine government who determines the
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Peso-dollar… PAGE A1 t Philippine peso might depreciate P48 to 1 dollar. The BDO Unibank also expected a depreciation between P48-P48.50. On the other hand, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) suggested the peso could close up at P49, and possibly even at P51, by the end of 2016. In the past few months, the Philippine peso has declined P1.225 from its 47.06 finish in 2015. On Wednesday, November
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FILIAL PIETY PRESIDENT. Rodrigo Duterte kisses the tomb of his father, Vicente Duterte, former Davao governor and secretary for general services under the Marcos administration. Duterte visited the mausoleum housing his parents’ remains at the Roman Catholic Cemetery of Davao City on Tuesday, November 1, joining the nation in marking All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day. Malacañang photo
Fil-Am…
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a grand slam in the third inning and sent home five other runners that evening to tie an MLB record with six runs batted in (RBI) during a single world series game. In doing so, he became the first Cubs player to ever hit a homerun with the bases loaded in the season’s final series. The Cubs acquired the history-making shortstop in July of 2014 from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for their two starting pitchers at that time, Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel in a trade criticized by a number of analysts. With 95 RBI during the 2016 regular season and solid performance from the infield, Russell went on to prove his value and play a key role in securing the MLB championship for Chicago. A home run in the first inning by Dexter Fowler gave the Cubs the advantage early on in the final game of the season. After a scoreless second inning, Kyle Schwarber would round the bases in the third to tie the game. Chicago answered back in the fourth with a fly ball hit by
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From the Front page
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 5-8, 2016
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It’s official: PH to host Miss Universe…
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sent the Philippines in the pageant and attempt to succeed the crown from Wurtzbach. Wurtzbach is the third Filipina who won the Miss Universe title, following Margie Moran in 1973 and Gloria Diaz in 1969. This will also be the third time the pageant will be held in the
country. The Philippines first hosted the event in 1974 at the Folk Arts Theatre where Amparo Muñoz was crowned. The second time was in 1994 at the at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), where Sushmita Sen of India won the title.
The Miss Universe 2016 in Manila is brought by the DOT, Miss Universe Organization, LCS Group headed by Gov. Chavit Singson & Architect Richelle Singson Michelle, in partnership with Okada Manila, SM Group of Companies, and Solar Entertainment Corporation. n
Nomination of new envoy to US… PAGE A1 t
to the US, citing his long experience in “the foreign service.” Paynor was supposed to replace businessman Jose Cuisia Jr. who recently finished his tour of duty but news came out that the same post was offered to The Star columnist Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez. Abella confirmed Romualdez turned down the offer to become ambassador but agreed to serve as special envoy to the US. “At this stage, we don’t have
the information,” Abella said when asked about a new nominee for ambassador. “I don’t know if he is totally out,” Abella said, when asked about Paynor’s status. “I think the President wants Paynor there in the Philippines because he is good,” he added. Sources said Paynor would be overseeing preparations for the country’s chairmanship and hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit next year.
According to Abella, Romualdez is awaiting his formal nomination papers before assuming duty. Duterte has tapped Romualdez to be special envoy to the US in a bid to “reboot” the strained relations of the Philippines with the US. This was after his scathing remarks against US President Barrack Obama over the latter’s expression of concern over the reported human rights abuses in relation to his administration’s bloody drug war. n
Pacquiao on Vargas: ‘This is going to be…
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Pacquiao, who was also elected senator in May 2016, expressed his determination to make another record in boxing history as the first senator to win a world championship. “I’m so interested to win convincingly and get the belt because this is my first fight since being elected as senator,” he said. For Pacquiao, it’s not easy working both as a senator and a boxer. But through discipline and time management, he said he has overcome the hardship. “I’m glad that I fulfilled my duty and I maintained boxing. I’m so excited for the Saturday. I’m sure it’s going to be a good fight, more action in the ring,” he said. Pacquiao, 37, has a record of 58 wins in 66 fights. Meanwhile, Vargas, 27, has fought 28 times and only lost once in 2015. While the odds of the match were 5-1 in favor of Pacquiao, some noted that the age difference between the two fighters could be a disadvantage for the Filipino champ. “Never underestimate the heart of a young, lion champion,” warned Dewey Cooper, Vargas’s trainer. However, Pacquiao’s coach, Freddie Roach, does not believe so. “I think it’s a disadvantage (for
CHRISTMAS IN THEIR HEARTS. People shop for Christmas décor in a store in Dapitan St. in Quezon City as the country starts its countdown to the happiest season that is seven weeks away. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
US issues travel warning to southern Cebu…
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The report is in the process of being validated,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said on Friday, November 4. Abella assured the public that the Philippine National Police (PNP) had taken measures to ensure the safety of the people. On the other hand, the PNP advises the public to “remain calm” following the travel warning issued by the embassy. “The regional police office made the assurance that Cen-
tral Visayas is safe and secure to live, work, and do business. All areas in the region frequented by foreigners are augmented with additional PNP personal to implement the tightened security coverage,” the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) Director Chief Supt. Noli Taliño said. The regional police office also claimed that there is currently “no direct threat sighted or monitored” around the area. n
ahead 6-3 after the 7th inning. The Indians rallied in the 8th, causing many Cubs fans to fear that the curse supposedly plaguing their team would not be broken. A run scored by Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez off of a double hit by Brandon Guyer brought their deficit down to two. Later in the inning, Raja Davis hit a homePAGE A2 t run with a player on base to country’s foreign policy. score two more runs and tie the “The point I was trying to game. make is that there are instituJason Hayward got as far as tions in the government that we third base for the Cubs in the first have good relationships with and half of the 9th. However, Chicago we’re going to try to continue would come away scoreless as those relationships, as well as try they swapped to the outfield, givto develop a good working rela- ing Cleveland a chance to break tionship with him himself,” Kirby the collective heart of Cubs Fans. said. Two caught fly balls and a strikeWhen asked about the status of out later, and game seven of the the controversial rifle sale, Kirby 2016 world series would make its did not issue any comment. n way into an extra inning.
A 17-minute rain delay stalled the action while stirring the anxiety and anticipation of Cubs fans. Ben Zobrist batted in the first run of overtime with a double that allowed Albert Amora to score. With only one out in the inning, Anthony Rizzo made it to home from third base for the Cubs’s second point of the inning thanks to a single hit by Miguel Montero. Jason Heyward would strike out at the plate, and Javier Baez flied out to conclude Chicago’s time at bat with an 8-6 lead. The Indians picked up two outs without scoring a run until Raja Davis managed to send Brandon Guyer home with a single. That would become the last point scored during the historic 2016 MLB season, making the Chicago Cubs this year’s World Series champions. n
other public venues where large crowds gather. Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses, and popular restaurants have also been targets,” the U.S. advisory added. Meanwhile, the Malacañang said it is still validating the reported kidnapping threats in southern Cebu. “There was indeed a police report regarding a plan to stage a kidnapping in southern Cebu.
Fil-Am shortstop helps Chicago Cubs… PAGE A2 t
Russell that sent third baseman Kris Bryant to home plate and another run scored by Ben Zobrist. They would build on their lead through the first half of the do-or-die matchup and wind up Philippine Senator and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao poses with WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas as they face off for the final press conference before their PPV showdown on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
Vargas). He’s younger and he’s not experienced, and Manny... his level’s much higher than him. He’s never fought someone like him,” Roach pointed out. At the co-main event of Pacman’s comeback fight, Filipino boxer Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. will defend his WBO junior featherweight title against Jessie Magdaleno.
“Happy ako na kasama ko siya, na kasabay ko siya sa fight. Gusto ko may mga Filipino na may kasama akong lalaban, hindi lang ako, para makapagdala ng karangalan sa bansa (I’m happy to fight alongside with him. I want to have fellow Filipinos fight with me, not just me alone, to bring honor to our country),” Pacquiao said. (Dana Sioson / AJPress)
Duterte slams…
A NOVEMBER 5-8, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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FREE WHEELCHAIRS. Two hundred ethnic Maranaw Muslims with physical disabilities benefited from the wheelchair distribution by local officials. The project is a joint initiative of Lanao del Sur Gov. Soraya Alonto-Adiong and Rep. Ansaruddin Adiong, their first since the May 9, 2016 elections. The second-termer congressman is representing the first district of Lanao del Sur in the House of Representatives. Philstar.com photo by John Unson
Another ship, 18 Filipino seafarers, stranded off Baltimore SAN FRANCISCO – Yet another ship has been stranded in Baltimore Harbor in Maryland for more than a month, with 18 Filipino men on board, who are “tired, hungry, dirty,” unpaid and want to go home. The Malta-based Newlead Granadino, based out of Malta, was already having engine issues before arriving in Baltimore where it was supposed to deliver asphalt and dock only a few days. But the US Coast guard conducted an inspection and found several safety violations. The operator, Naviera S.A., is behind on paying for its lease on the ship, operation dues, and even the
The Newlead Granadino has been stuck off Baltimore Harbor for a month for violations, with 18 Filipino seafarers who haven’t been paid. Photo Vessel tracker
The bank that has the lien on crew, according to a report by the ship needs to come forward Foxbaltimore.com. and take care of the issues and the men on board, said a spokesperson from the International Trade Workers Federation. The PAGE A2 t larly of overseas Filipino workers men have not been home in a 2, the peso hit P48.37 per dollar. (OFWs), and of the business pro- year and were reportedly fishing Some economic analysts said cess outsourcing (BPO) sector. off the side of the ship for food. that the decline has been at“When the peso slides 50 cenThe Coast Guard visits them tributed to President Rodrigo tavos, you have P25 billion more occasionally and they get some Duterte’s controversial remarks in the Philippines for people to supplies from the Baltimore Inagainst America. spend, buy condos. It’s not all ternational Seafarers Center. However, Finance Secretary bad. Agricultural products will The men don’t have US visas Carlos Dominguez downplayed certainly benefit,” Dominguez and can’t come ashore. A third the slide in the Philippine cur- added. party ship management comrency. Other analysts also suggested pany intervened recently to try He noted that the weakening that the dollar is just getting to get it all sorted out. It will be of peso would boost the peso val- stronger and the peso is not nec- well into winter before the ship is ue of dollar remittances, particu- essarily getting weaker. n fixed. (Inquirer.net)
Peso-dollar rate might depreciate…
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New US ambassador to PH sworn…
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SEND OFF. resident Rodrigo Duterte personally sent off 17 Vietnamese fishermen who were arrested for alleged poaching in the coastal waters of Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur in a ceremony at the Port of Sual in Pangasinan on Wednesday, Nov. 4. ManilaTimes.net photo
AAPI leaders reiterate importance of voting on Nov. 8 by Christina
M. Oriel
AJPress
LAS VEGAS — In the final week before Election Day, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders reminded the community to get out the vote. Reps. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Mark Takano (D-Calif.) were in this city over the weekend alongside volunteers to continue to mobilize AAPI voters and to make last pitches on behalf of Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton for president and former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto for U.S. Senate. “If [the AAPI] vote concentrates on a particular candidate, they can determine the outcome of that election,” Chu said. “We saw that with Senator Harry Reid, who faced a tough race four years ago.” Numerous studies have shown the power AAPIs have to swing elections, including Nevada’s Senate race. AAPIs comprise about 9 percent of Nevada’s electorate. Though Clinton and Cortez Masto’s stances on issues that AAPIs care about have been widely publicized, Chu and Takano again spoke about how many families, including Filipinos, have been waiting years to be reunited and how both candidates are committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform. “So many Asians have suffered from our broken immigration system. They have petitioned to get their relatives from the Philippines, China, Korea and they wait 10, 20 years, with virtually no hope of getting them here. Yet, they deserve to unite with their families. Our system is such that you can unite with your family and bring them here,” Chu said. She added, “This could change with Hillary Clinton and Catherine Cortez Masto…Hillary Clinton has pledged to work on comprehensive immigration reform in the first 100 days, but she needs the House and Senate with her.” Further, both members of Congress explained the latest email issue surrounding the Clinton campaign. Last Friday, October 28, the FBI revealed that it found a number of emails relating to Clinton in a separate investigation of former New York congressman Anthony Weiner, husband of prominent Clinton aide Huma Abedin. The bureau hasn’t officially announced a reinvestigation but is seeing if the emails are related to the bureau’s investigation into Clinton’s emails. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev. ) criticized FBI Director James Comey, saying the announcement violates a law, known as the Hatch Act of 1939, which prohibits government officials in the executive government from engaging in political activity. “Your actions in recent months have demonstrated a disturbing double standard for the treat-
Rep. Judy Chu
Rep. Mark Takano
ment of sensitive information, with what appears to be clear intent to aid one political party over another,” Reid said in a letter. Chu wanted AAPI voters to know that an investigation isn’t being re-opened yet. “It’s looking at some more emails. In reality, Director Comey hasn’t said there’s something bad in there…I am upset that they would do such a thing so close to the election…Basically what they’re doing is just making a big question mark. Obviously, they’re not going to resolve anything before the election so I think Director Comey was playing politics and that’s not right for the FBI, especially when they have this long tradition in the Department of Justice of not putting things right before an election that would determine the outcome of that election,” she said. Meanwhile, on the Republican side, the party is continuing to reach AAPIs on the grassroots level, especially in Nevada. “The Republican National Committee (RNC) is going to continue to do what we’ve doing the past three years—engaging AAPI voters in their communities. With the continued enthusiasm on the Republican side, our teams on the ground will continue to push hard until the last polls close on Election Day,” Ninio Fetalvo, a spokesman for the RNC, told the Asian Journal. According to RealClearPolitics’ average of seven national polls, Clinton polled at 45.3 percent, while Trump was at 43.4 percent. For the Senate race, a CNN/ ORC poll — conducted from Oct. 27 to Nov.1— found Rep. Joe Heck with 49 percent and Cortez Masto trailing behind two points at 47 percent. “It’s not only Donald Trump we have to defeat. We have to defeat Trumpism — that means we have to reject Donald Trump at the polls. Do not get discouraged. Just see that what’s going on in the news right now is totally about discourage people from voting. But keep your hope alive and vote your values,” Takano said. Early voting in Nevada ended Friday, Nov. 4. In the last weekend before Election Day, Cortez Masto has a series of events scheduled with the AAPI community in Las Vegas. n
AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
ambassador to the Philippines at this point in time.” The Secretary of State also expressed his desire to visit the Philippines before the end of his term. Despite the controversial remarks against the U.S. coming from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Kerry said the amount of Americans living in the Philippines and the nearly 4 million Filipinos in the U.S. contribute to “the binding our two nations through cultural and familial ties.” “But the logic of our alliance, of why we have stood together for so long, of how deeply there are bonds of friendship and family between our people -- those are as compelling today as they have ever been,” Kerry said, adding that the U.S. and the Philippines will continue to strengthen their bilateral relationship. During his Senate confirmation hearing in July, Kim said he was interested in working “closely with Manila” and to maintain the “ironclad and unwavering” Philippine/U.S. alliance. Kim also promised to support the Philippines in its continued efforts to “peacefully reduce tensions in the South China Sea and help the Philippine Armed Forces better monitor the seas off their shores.” “As we mark the 70th anniversary of formal U.S.-Philippines relations, we celebrate and reaffirm our common history of shared sacrifice, values, and interests, and of course, an ironclad mutual defense treaty,” Kim said on Thursday. Boasting a rich career of foreign service, Kim is a former U.S.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry swears in Sung Kim as the new U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines at a ceremony at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of State
ambassador to South Korea from November 2014 to September 2016. He also served as the special representative of the United States for North Korean Policy. Additionally, he acted as the U.S. Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks, which aimed for the peaceful resolution relating to security concerns amid the discovery of the North Korean nuclear weapons program. Throughout his career, he has built a strong rapport with Beijing, which may be pivotal in his new post as Duterte seeks to build a relationship with China. He worked in the Office of Chinese Affairs and worked as a staff assistant -- and eventually deputy assistant secretary -- in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Before he began his long career in foreign service, he was a public prosecutor at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office. A son of a diplomat, his family relo-
cated to Los Angeles 1973 where he grew up. Kim replaces former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, who has been a subject of criticism by Duterte. In August, the Philippine president unleashed a slew of personal insults to Goldberg, calling him an annoying “son of a b****” and derogatorily accusing him of being homosexual. Back in May, President Barack Obama nominated Kim to be the next ambassador to the Philippines, noting his experience and commitment to serving the United States. “The President highlighted the enduring values that underpin our thriving alliance with the Philippines and the longstanding ties between our two peoples, including our shared commitments to democracy, human rights, rule of law, and inclusive economic growth,” read a White House statement following the nomination. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
A6 NOVEMBER 5-8, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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HOW DO I VOTE IN PERSON?
How do I vote at the polling place in person? Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8. How do I find my polling place? -You can visit http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place to find your poll place; -You can find your polling place location on the back of the Sample Ballot (or voter information pamphlet) mailed to you by your county; or, -You can contact your County Elections Office to find your polling place. -You can text “Vote” to GOVOTE (468683); or -You can call (800) 345-VOTE (8683) and choose option 5. What are the basic steps for voting in person? -Go to the registration table. Say your name and address and sign the list of voters. A poll worker will give you a ballot. For paper ballots -Mark (fill out) your ballot by following the instructions. -Tear off the stub at the top of the ballot. You may use this stub later to check that your ballot was counted. - To preserve the secrecy of your vote you will place your ballot in an envelope or folder, or fold it if instructed by your county. -Cast your ballot by following the procedures required by your county. -Put your ballot into either a ballot box or a scanner if your polling location uses a scanner. For touchscreen voting machines -Not all California counties use the same type of touchscreen voting machines. -The poll worker will give you either a unique passcode or a computer memory card to gain access to the type of touchscreen in your county. -Follow the instructions on the machine. -If you have questions, ask a poll worker.
Hawaii solon: Gold Medal for WWII Filvets closer to passage HONOLULU —A roundtable hosted by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii-02) Nov. 1 with leaders from Hawaii’s Filipino community gave an update on the legislation she introduced to award
the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino Veterans of World War II. The bill, (H.R.2737), recently crossed a critical milestone and is closer to passage than ever be-
fore, after decades of attempted recognition for Filipino World War II veterans. “Congressional Gold Medal bills require two-thirds of the House, or at least 290 members, to sign on to the bill before it can move forward,” Gabbard explained. “I’m happy to report to you today,” she announced, “that we’ve exceeded this with 309 co-sponsors, with colleagues representing both parties and nearly every state and territory in our nation supporting legislation to recognize these men for their service and sacrifice.” Gabbard said further: “Despite their critical role in the Pacific, Filipino World War II veterans have never been recognized by Congress for their service. We’ve waited far too long to recognize these heroes alongside units like the Tuskeegee Airmen and Hawaii’s own 442nd/100th Infantry Battalion with the Congressional Gold Medal. With just 18,000 Filipino World War II veterans alive today, time is of the essence for Congress to pass this legislation and honor these courageous men with the long overdue recognition they
What are my rights as a voter? You have the following rights: 1. The right to vote if you are a registered voter. You are eligible to vote if you are: -a U.S. citizen living in California -at least 18 years old -registered where you currently live -not in prison or on parole for a felony 2. The right to vote if you are a registered voter even if your name is not on the list. You will vote using a provisional ballot. Your vote will be counted if elections officials determine that you are eligible to vote. 3. The right to vote if you are still in line when the polls close. 4. The right to cast a secret ballot without anyone bothering you or telling you how to vote. 5. The right to get a new ballot if you have made a mistake, if you have not already cast your ballot. You can: Ask an elections official at a polling place for a new ballot; or Exchange your vote-by-mail ballot for a new one at an elections office, or at your polling place; or Vote using a provisional ballot, if you do not have your orginal vote-by-mail ballot. 6. The right to get help casting your ballot from anyone you choose, except from your employer or union representative. 7. The right to drop off your completed vote-by-mail ballot at any polling place in the county where you are registered to vote. 8. The right to get election materials in a language other than English if enough people in your voting precinct speak that language. 9. The right to ask questions to elections officials about election procedures and watch the election process. If the person you ask cannot answer your questions, they must send you to the right person for an answer. If you are disruptive, they can stop answering you. 10. The right to report any illegal or fraudulent election activity to an elections official or the Secretary of State’s office. On the web at www.sos.ca.gov, by phone at (800) 345-VOTE (8683) or by email at elections@sos.cac.gov If you believe you have been denied any of these rights, call the Secretary of State’s confidential toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683). Information courtesy of Voter’s Edge California, a joint project of the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and MapLight, was made possible by generous support from The James Irvine Foundation. The national expansion of the Voter’s Edge project was also generously supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Kaphan Foundation, the Rita Allen Foundation, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Voter’s Edge California neither supports nor opposes political parties, ballot measures, or candidates for public office. ■ deserve.” Last year, Gabbard introduced bipartisan legislation (H.R.2737) to award the Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Filipino veterans. The bill acknowledges over 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the American flag against the Imperial Forces of Japan during World War II. Up to 305 Members of Congress have signed on as cosponsors of the congresswoman’s bill, and she is working with Rep. Tulsi Gabbard meets with leaders of the Filipino American community in Honolulu.
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Mental to dental: SB-75 provides all California youth with access to full-scope health by Eric
Anthony LicAs AJPress
MORE than 150,000 Californians younger than 19 who had either lacked access to health care, or were limited to emergency medical coverage have enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal since Monday, May 16. That’s largely thanks to the passage of California Senate Bill 75, which extends Medi-Cal to nearly 200,000 children of eligible low-income families regardless of their immigration status. A recent report from the Georgetown Center for Children and Families noted some of the highest child health care enrollment rates ever recorded in America. More than 95 percent of kids nationwide are on some sort of health plan while nearly 97 percent of kids in California are protected by some form of health care coverage. However, given the size of California, that remaining 3 percent of children equates to hundreds of thousands of young people without reliable access to health care, according to Mayra Alvarez, the president of the advocacy group, The Children’s Partnership. “Coverage is one step; educating families about using that coverage is another,” said Alvarez during a panel discussion hosted by New America Media (NAM) and the advocacy group Maternal and Child Health Access (MCHA) on Thursday, November 3. Many families in immigrant communities believe that applying for Medi-Cal and other types of benefits might keep them from gaining citizenship or mark them for deportation. Alvarez and other speakers assured discussion attendees that that was not the case. She cited a memo from the Department of Homeland Security stating that information sub-
mitted by people seeking health care assistance from either the Affordable Care Act or state-run programs like Medi-Cal would not be used by the department to remove them from the country. The expansion of Medi-Cal brought on by SB-75 provides eligible youth with dental, mental health, and specialists’ services in addition primary medical care. “Physical health is so impacted by mental health,” Tania Benacerraf, the director of Behavioral Health Programs for the California Behavioral Health Clinic, told the Asian Journal following Thursday’s discussion. “Our brains often get overlooked.” She said that stigmas prominent in some cultures make many people in immigrant communities less likely to seek treatment for mental health issues. When behavioral problems manifest in children, some parents push their children to simply “buck up,” and react with varying degrees of shame or punishment instead of viewing emotional and psychological discomfort as symptoms of treatable diseases. “People think that, just because they’re not in pain, nothing is wrong,” said Jerry Tzou, the dental director of the Herald Christian Health Center family of clinics in Monterey Park, California. On Thursday, he drew parallels between social barriers that keep some immigrants from seeking out mental health care to widespread misconceptions about dental hygiene amongst recently arrived immigrants. He said that educating people about proper, comprehensive health care would be critical to sustaining a healthy California. “If a doctor tells you that you have cancer but you don’t feel anything, would you refuse to be treated?” he later said to the Asian Journal. He went on to say that a lack of
Hawaii solon: Gold… PAGE A6 t House leadership to schedule it for a vote. With support from Hawaii’s Filipino community and organizations across the country, Gabbard hopes to pass the legislation before the end of the year. At the Nov. 1 roundtable with Gabbard, the group also discussed important issues regard-
ing U.S.-Philippines relations, building greater understanding of Filipino history, culture and contributions in the U.S., higher education, immigration and family reunification, transition programs for service members entering the civilian workforce, the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program, and more. (Inquirer.net)
providers willing to serve MediCal patients still stands as a hurdle in providing reliable care for low-income families. He noted that patients seeking dental services at his clinics may wait for as long as two or three months for their first appointment because there were so few dentists willing to accept Medi-Cal. “The real issue is what MediCal pays providers,” according to the executive director or MCHA, Lynn Kersey. “There are ongoing efforts to pass laws to work with
the [state’s] budget to raise that pay.” She referenced an item on the upcoming November ballot, California State Proposition 56, which would create a new tax on cigarettes to generate money used partly to fund Medi-Cal and other forms of health care for low-income families. Opponents of the proposal say it does not guarantee that any additional money paid into Medi-Cal would actually go to people that see patients. Howev-
er, Kersey told the Asian Journal that, if Prop 56 passes, raising compensation for Medi-Cal participants in order to attract more health care providers would be an obvious course of action. Kersey went on to note a variety of other looming complications that have yet to be addressed, like patients who need prolonged or sustained care but are on the verge of turning 19 and “aging out” of eligibility for coverage. Still, she and other speakers
hailed the passage of SB-75 as a major advancement in ensuring California’s well-being. However, Thursday’s panelists said much more needed to be done to reach the remaining unprotected children in the state as well as to encourage those who are already covered to fully utilize their benefits. “Gradually, less and less people will feel less reticent to apply,” said Kersey. “Nothing should be off limits. Everything should be covered for a child. n
A NOVEMBER 5-8, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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OpiniOn
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Second chance for Misuari NUR Misuari once famously sighed that waging a rebellion was easier than governance. This was when he was governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – his prize for forging peace between his Moro National Liberation Front and the Ramos administration in 1996. The landmark peace agreement brought many MNLF members into the social mainstream, raising hopes for peace in the Muslim region. But the ARMM suffered from weak governance. MNLF members also found themselves confronting their breakaway faction, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. By most indications, the founding MNLF chieftain proved to be an ineffective ARMM governor. Allegations of corruption hounded Misuari’s government, and the ARMM struggled to be lifted from poverty and underdevelopment. Lines between public and private funds were blurred, with the ARMM arsenal serving as Misuari’s own but built up using people’s money. In 2000, MNLF members ousted him as their chairman and fielded Parouk Hussin to replace him as ARMM governor. The national government also sought an accounting from Misuari for P43 billion in ARMM funds. With his hold on power crumbling, Misuari loyalists attacked Army outposts in Sulu on Nov. 19, 2001. His nephew Julhambri Misuari also led some 300 MNLF loyalists in taking over the Cabatangan
government complex in Zamboanga city, holding local residents hostage. By the time the “mini rebellion” was quelled, some 100 people were dead and many others wounded. In 2013, as the Misuari faction of the MNLF felt left out in the peace process with the MILF, Misuari loyalists again attacked Zamboanga, laying siege to the city for nearly three weeks. About 25 people were killed and the house-to-house combat displaced an estimated 100,000 people. Now President Duterte has plucked Misuari from his legal woes and given the MNLF founder yet another chance to work for peace. For understandable reasons, there are groups particularly in Zamboanga that harbor misgivings about this peace initiative with a man who has a record of using power for personal purposes. At the start of a new administration, however, the President can still ask the nation to support his peace efforts. Misuari is being given a golden chance to reinvent himself. The least that he can do is to make sure he will not disappoint a trusting President. (Philstar. com)
Guest Editorial
Philstar.com photo
More Fil-Ams identify as Democrats: Will it be Clinton or Trump on November 8? In a few days, the verdict of American voters will determine who will succeed President Barack Obama in the White House. Will Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton or Republican Donald Trump win on November 8 to be the 45th president of the United States? If party affiliation or identification is an indicator, Hillary Clinton may be the president of choice of Filipinos in America. The Filipino Channel (TFC) conducted a survey among 21,000 of its subscribers in America. With 534 registered voters who responded, the required sample size with a margin of error of 4.3 has been met. 42 percent of Fil-Ams identify as Democrats while 26 percent identify as Republicans. This poll results is consistent with the findings
of other independent surveys covering minorities/voting blocs The Fil-Am in the nation, as discussed by Dr. Robyn Rodriguez, professor Perspective of Asian American Studies at the University of California-Davis. In a two-way match-up, the same poll reveals that Clinton leads by 15 points at 53 percent Gel SantoS-ReloS versus Trump’s 38 percent. Nine percent of the respondents remain undecided. There are an estimated 2.5 million FilipinoAmerican voters, and as ABS-CBN News Bureau Chief Paul Henson reported on TFC’s daily newscast “Balitang America,” this is a sizeable figure in the Asian American vote. Most kababayans who vote Republican tend to be
swayed by the issue of free choice on abortion, the legalization of gay marriage, and the pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. However, many more kababayans have the following issues in their minds when they vote on November 8. The TFC survey asked respondents which issues matter most to them. Here are the results: Economy - 38 percent Immigration — 23 percent Philippine-U.S. Relations - 17 percent Affordable Health Care - 12 percent National Security - 10 percent Immigration has become a contentious issue
among kababyans in America. With about 4 million Fil-Ams, kababayans rank the second largest in Asian American population. Of these numbers, there is an estimated 310,000 undocumented Filipinos, hoping to find a way to live and work legally in the United States. The Democratic platform on immigration is their lifeline to their American Dream and family reunification. Will the Fil-Am vote sway the results of the election and help catapult Hillary Clinton to be the first woman president of the United States? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos
Happy, helpful citizens vote for America’s future The curious comparison between Duterte and Trump “OUR objective, therefore, is a happy citizen of this country that Rhizomes is equally a happy and helpful citizen of the world. He lives free and secure not in national isolation but in international independence. He loyally supports his government and makes his indi- Prosy AbArquezvidual voice, jointly with others, DelAcruz, J.D. count for understanding and cooperation in the family of nations. His country and people have a way of life that fulfills their material and moral aspirations and contributes variety to the color and texture of a world pattern of cooperative living.” —Pres. Elpidio Quirino addressing his cabinet at Malacañang Palace. Can you imagine how visionary this Philippine president was in sharing universal principles of citizenship, which are still relevant two centuries later? He was one of the drafters of the Philippine Constitution. Refusing to become part of Jose Laurel’s administration during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, he became part of the underground. During the battle in Manila in 1945, he lost his wife, his son and two daughters. When Pres. Manuel Roxas unexpectedly died, Vice President Elpidio Quirino became president, with two goals: to restore the trust and confidence of the Filipino people in their Philippine government and nation-building, shortly after the Philippines became independent of American colonial rule. His brother, Judge Antonio Quirino, wrote of Elpidio’s struggles, “In retrospect, it is not correct he was misunderstood. On the contrary, his friends and foes alike understood him so well that each one of them reacted according to their own selfinterests. Friends, who were never satisfied with the favors they had already extracted from him, continued to compromise and embarrass him by asking for more and more. “In exasperation, he was wont to say: ‘Lord save me from my friends.’ Foes, who were always finding fault with everything he did, ceaselessly chased and barked after him from every side. When some well-meaning friends advised him to look back and slow down, he replied “Si e de parar cada vez que oigo el perro ladrar, nunca llegare a mi destino.” (If I keep stopping every time I hear a dog bark, I will never get to my destination.)” Pres. Elpidio Quirino, focused on his path of presidency, nevertheless to rebuild a nation’s economy, “even when his arms and legs were already too weak and weary – until he was laid to rest.” Why focus on Pres. Quirino’s presidency? Much like the controversies surrounding Hillary
Clinton, the mass media has given the detractors and critics more spaces in history books, and not enough of what their decades of public service have been. Not enough historical recognition was given to Quirino, who started his public service, way before becoming president, that “he was part of the last Philippine Independence mission, resulting in the Tydings-McDuffie Act that created an independent Philippine commonwealth.” That he was part of the group which secured independence, without spilling more blood through violence, instead, used the power of persuasion and art of negotiation. “As an educator and public servant, he would later use these experiences to guide the Philippines out of the ruins of war to create a modern nation,” Elpidio Pineda Quirino et. al. , Editor of “Statesman and Survivor: Elpidio Quirino, 6th President of the Philippines, 1948-1953.” He reminded Filipinos that freedom requires responsibility and “that this responsibility involves a solemn obligation to humanity.” Out of the ruins of war, he challenged citizens, “The sleep of heroic dead is never peaceful. What are we doing in the interest of peace?” Imagine presiding over the ceremony for the repatriation of America’s World War II dead at Pier 5, Manila on May 15, 1948, that at the end of any war, the silence of the dead bodies never buys us silence, for the trauma cascades to many generations of surviving families, families that are compelled to heal from the wounds of war. “What our country needs today is something more of the buoyant feeling that thrills our souls, widens our horizon, and makes us flex our muscles ready to do and accomplish something. My friends, world conditions today demand that we be alive and ready to act in defense of what we now enjoy as free, democratic people in a world of confusion,” Pres. Elpidio Quirino said. A pivot to American presidential elections Pres. Elpidio Quirino’s quotes remain relevant to the 21st century’s turbulent world. In year 2016, we must push, and keep pushing for the active hard work of diplomacy. We must come to a point that we can discern who is unfit for office, a male candidate who ended up disrespecting every ethnicity in America, women, disabled, Muslims and Gold Star families of the veterans who died for us in the name of freedom. “Late Night host Seth Meyers does not think
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Hillary Clinton. FROM the reckless rhetoric I cringe to the bones whenof both Philippine President Commentary Rodrigo Roa Duterte and U.S. ever I hear Duterte and Trump presidential nominee Donald talk on television. I hope they J. Trump, one can deduce that will not self-destruct which is althey share the same speaking ready becoming ominous. style: It’s rough, unorthodox However, the stark contrast and un-presidential. between Mr. Duterte and Mr. During the inauguration of DAn niño Trump is their manner of dressPresident-elect Duterte in Malaing. Donald is haberdasher, alcanang Palace, my wife and I were impressed ways wearing a suit in public. On the other hand, while listening to his inaugural speech. That de- Mr. Duterte is an unstylish, lousy dresser. A case spite the criticisms of his presidential rivals and in point is when he folded the hem of his new voters alike, he can be serious, sober, meaty and Barong Tagalog during his inauguration and presidential after all, in his speech. We told our- matched it with a brownish trouser instead of a selves, we were mistaken with our initial impres- formal dark color. And most of the time, he just sions of him in the political hustings. But this did wears printed polo shirt and T-shirts in his official not last long. functions. After conversing with a friend about the simiIn my readings and by watching various cable larities of their manner of communication style, news channels during the course of the U.S. presthis friend responded that with Du30’s penchant idential campaign, I have gathered enormous for ranting and cursing, he suggested that Mr. adjectives or modifiers that best describe Mr. Trump is more of an angel compared to Mr. Trump. They include: Misogynist (hatred of Duterte. women especially by a man). Xenophobic (fear Remember that then still undeclared candidate or hatred of strangers or foreigners). SocioDuterte cursed Pope Francis for causing a traf- path (psychopathic personality whose behavior fic jam in Manila and asked the Pontiff to leave is aggressively anti-social). Ableist (prejudicial immediately? Thereafter, he joked about an Aus- against people with disabilities). Homophobic tralian missionary who was raped and murdered (hatred or fear of homosexuals, lesbians and gay that he could have been the first because she was men). Islamophobic. Vulgar. Serial Groper. Aba beautiful woman. surd. Outrageous. Counter-puncher. Boastful. Then during his presidency, he chastised U.S. Con man. Tax evader. Demagouge. Comedian. President Barack Obama as a “son of a whore” for Playboy. Erratic. Risky. Philanderer. Sexist. Racthe latter’s concern about human rights abuses ist. Bigot. Fascist. Bully. Unfit. Temperamental. and the extrajudicial killings of suspected drug Fiery. Onion-skinned. Belligerent. Unrestrained. pushers and drug lords? Later he told the U.S. Polarizing. Arrogant. Divisive. Rude. Confronpresident “to go to hell” if President Obama tational. Volatile. Vindictive. Unfit. Whiner. Cry brought up the subject matter of human rights baby. Irresponsible. Dangerous, Disgraceful. during their meeting in Vientiane, Laos. Despicable. Disrespectful. Disdainful. UnpreOn the part of Mr. Trump, he bragged that he dictable. Liar. Treacherous. Erratic. Egoistic. can shoot anybody on Fifth Avenue in New York Awful. Untrusted. Undignified. Unpolished. Selfand still wouldn’t lose any votes from his support- aggrandizer. Narcissistic. Megalomaniac. Chauers. Then during one of his campaign rallies, he vinist. Boorish. Arrogant. Self-centered, Caustic. boasted that he could punch anybody in the face Tasteless, Insidious. Puppet. Volcanic. Horrifyif someone disrupts his speech. ing. Hostile. Hitler. etc. He describes women that he dislikes as slobs, I have a few from my own arsenal of adjectives Miss Piggy, Fat, Miss Housekeeping, overweight to describe Mr. Trump like, anti-matter, naysayer, and crooked Hilary. In addition, he mocked his convoluted, toxic and prophet of doom. fellow Republicans, such as Lying Ted, Little He has more horrendous adjectives than ClinMarco, ineffective Paul Ryan, foul-mouthed Mc- ton. No wonder, even his fellow top Republicans Cain, etc. He was even heard joking about grab- repudiate him. bing women by their genitals. During my hour of reflection, I ask myself, is “When you’re a star, they let you do it... You this the president we want as a role model and the can do anything,” he said in a 2005 recording. leader of the most powerful country in the world? “I’ll put her to jail” and “You’re such a nasty Do you have more adjectives to add up that I woman.” referring to his presidential opponent failed to mention? (denino1951@gmail.com)
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BACKSTRAP WEAVING. Backstrap weaving demonstrations at the Sacred Textiles of the Ifugao held in the Manlilikha ng Bayan Hall, National Museum of Anthropology, Manila. From left are Virginia Tuguinay, Junia Guimpayan and Maria Galeon. To finish a length of cloth, like a G-string or bahag, takes more than a day says Guimpayan who learned how to weave in the old tradition in 1967. Inquirer.net photo by Lyn Rillon
Happy, helpful citizens vote for America’s…
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the decision between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is very close,” wrote Vox. “That’s a problem for a lot of Americans: They just don’t love the two choices,” Meyers said. “Do you pick someone who’s under federal investigation for using a private email server? “Or do you pick someone who called Mexicans rapists, claimed the president was born in Kenya, proposed banning an entire religion from entering the US, mocked a disabled reporter, said John McCain wasn’t a war hero because he was captured, attacked the parents of a fallen soldier, bragged about committing sexual assault, was accused by 12 women of committing sexual assault, said some of those women weren’t attractive for him to sexually assault, said more countries should get nukes, said that he would force the military to commit war crimes, said a judge was biased because his parents were Mexicans, said women should be punished for having abortions, incited violence at his rallies, called global warming a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese, called for his opponent to be jailed, declared bankruptcy six times, bragged about not paying income taxes, stiffed his contractors and employees, lost a billion dollars in one year, scammed customers at his fake university, bought a six-foot-tall painting of himself with money from his fake foundation, has a trial for fraud coming up in November, insulted an opponent’s looks, insulted an opponent’s wife’s looks, and bragged about grabbing women by the pussy?” A pivot to American elections Free people breed happiness in others, while troubled malingering dynamics come from a very turbulent life of a male presidential U.S. candidate, whose life history includes 3,500 lawsuits. While some media outlets expect a pure and holy Hillary Clinton, none of us can really make that claim about ourselves, that we are pure and holy; instead, we really are all imperfect. Our choices are between a male presidential candidate with no morals and a female presidential candidate with a history of more than 30 years of public service, one who thinks of others, one who works to help others, and one who apologized for her mistakes in using a private server for her emails, rather than a government server for her
emails while the Secretary of State. Trump’s failings are of his depraved character, including stiffing vendors and suppliers. The Washington Post just reported three days ago that Trump refuses to pay his pollster $750,000. This presidential candidate stands accused of high crimes, including the felony of fraud from working families who enrolled in Trump University and the felony of rape against a 13 year old, a vulnerable member of the American society, whom society is supposed to protect. I trust by next Tuesday, Nov. 8, you will cast your vote for the more suitable candidate for the American presidency! Just like the Filipino people chose a noble statesman and an educator for their 6th president during their turbulent periods after WWII, I too hope that Americans will choose a unifying president, instead of the candidate who whipped up bigotry, racism, misogyny, sexism, anti-immigrant hysteria, and national divisions. “The present troubled world situation requires that we make this high resolve, brushing aside petty differences, selfish motives, and personal ambitions, for the sake of national tranquility and security and for the progress and happiness of our people,” Pres. Elpidio Quirino exhorted us shortly after WWII. May we, Filipino Americans, be as noble and strategic in voting for our America’s present and future, and make our ballot reflect our hopes for a brighter future, where we are all stronger together! Happy healthy citizens vote for the welfare of their country and “contributing to the world through cooperative living.”
*** 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.
Nurturing hard work and passion into real possibilities.
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PAL ANNIVERSARY. The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), is celebrating its 75th anniversary and the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) is marking the occasion by issuing a commemorative stamp. The PAL 75th anniversary commemorative stamp features the flag carrier flying over a map of the world. PAL, a trade name of PAL Holdings, Inc., is the nation’s flag carrier. It is the first commercial airline in Asia and the oldest of those currently in operation, with a long and distinguished record in the aviation industry. Philstar.com photo
MNLF leader Misuari meets Duterte, promises to cooperate for peace by DaNa
siosoN AJPress
MORO National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari flew to Malacañang from his stronghold in Jolo to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, November 3. The MNLF leader came out from his three-year hiding after the warrant of arrest against him was suspended last week. “I told President Duterte, I was determined to stay put in the mountains were it not for his invitation. I cannot reject his invitation. Because I respect him too much,” Misuari said. Duterte told reporters that he personally ordered the temporary lifting of Misuari’s warrant of arrest so they could talk. “And now I came here to thank him for restoring my freedom, if only partially. I am so happy to be free again, owing to the initiative of our President,” Misuari said.
The MNLF leader promised to cooperate with President Duterte’s campaign for peace. “Just allow me to reiterate my sense of gratitude to the President and my promise, should he need our cooperation in his campaign for peace, you can count on us, Mr. President,” he said. The president, on the other hand, said he is “very grateful” that Misuari obliged to his invitation. The MNLF leader also said that he believes Duterte is someone “who can provide a solution to the problem of peace and order in our homeland.” “I know for a fact, he will not abandon his pledge to the people. He said I will give you peace in Mindanao. Is that so, Mr. President? So I support him for that,” Misuari added. Rebellion charges against Misuari have been issued in connection with the siege in Zamboanga City that caused about 200
deaths in 2013. MNLF allegedly attacked Zamboanga after former President Noynoy Aquino earlier supposedly set aside the peace agreement Misuari signed in 1996 with the Philippine government by pursuing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in favor of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The agreement in 1996 included the formation of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The BBL, on the other hand, was supposed to replace ARMM. Meanwhile, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court clarified that the suspension of Misuari’s warrant of arrest is only effective for six months from October 27, the date of the resolution. MNLF is known as one of the Islamic separatist group that seeks an autonomous region for the Filipino Muslim minority in the Philippines where Christianity is the major religion. n
Lopez to attend climate meet despite Duterte snub of Paris pact by Nestor
Corrales Inquirer.net
DESPITE President Rodrigo Duterte’s refusal to honor the historic Paris Agreement, Environment Secretary Regina “Gina” Lopez will attend the Climate Change Conference in Marrakesh, Morocco, this month, a Palace executive said on Friday, November 4. “Secretary Gina Lopez will attend the climate change meet in Marrakech and will report back to the President in order for him to have a better informed view regarding the [Paris climate] agreement,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told reporters in a text message. The Philippines under the Aquino administration signed the landmark Paris Agreement on April 22. Duterte, however, had said
Environment Secretary Gina Lopez
that his administration would not honor the climate pact, saying it was “stupid” and “absurd.” He said the landmark agreement, a legally binding accord to combat climate change, would limit the country’s industrial growth. But on Nov. 1, the President
Inquirer.net photo
softened his stance, saying he would heed the counsel of his advisers. “I will follow what my advisers tell me. If Gina Lopez would tell me … it’s good. And if the legal advisers say that [I’ll sign the Paris climate agreement],” he said. n
Marcos: Dismissal of cybercrime case horrible DESCRIBING as “horrible” the dismissal of a cyber crime case filed against technology provider Smartmatic and the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the camp of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, Nov. 3 said they will seek reversal of the decision before the Department of Justice. “Despite the express and categorical admission made by the Comelec IT personnel, Mr. Rouie Penalba, of his lack of authority to allow any tweaking of any component of the AES, the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila still ruled in favor of Smartmatic and dismissed the case filed by Abakada Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz,” Vic Rodriguez, lawyer for Marcos, said in a statement. “For us, the issue of the complaint was simple—were Comelec and Smartmatic authorized to change the system at the height of the transmission of votes on May 9, 2016? With the admissions coming from Comelec officials, including Chairman Andres Bautista himself, that no authority was given to change the script on the night of the elections, it would have been an easy decision for the Manila Prosecutors’ Office to make a finding of probable cause to charge the respondents with the violation of the Cyber Crime Law,” he added. In a 27-page resolution, the city
Former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
prosecutor panel dismissed the charges against Marlon Garcia, head of Smartmatic technical support team; Elie Moreno, Smartmatic project director; Neil Baniqued, Smartmatic team member; and Rouie Penalba, Comelec information technology officer, for insufficiency of evidence. “To our mind, compliance or non-compliance on the “Protocol of Escalation” or the intention of replacing a character in the system supposedly for “cosmetic change” would have been best ventilated in a full- blown trial of facts and not on a party’s mere invocation as a matter of defense. The same should have been af-
forded to establish that such a forbidden act of ‘tweaking’ was indeed undertaken with malicious intent,” Rodriguez said. He added that the panel prosecutors, however, looked the other way, took the defense of Smartmatic and Comelec personnel at face value and completely downplayed the admissions on the unauthorized change. Rodriguez said the former senator will not take it sitting down. “Marcos would like to reiterate that he will not stop until the whole truth in the conduct of the last elections is revealed and all vote cast are properly counted,” he added. (ManilaTimes.net)
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341 Metro barangays not supporting war on drugs by William
B. Depasupil ManilaTimes.net
TWENTY percent or 341 of the 1,706 barangays in Metro Manila are not cooperating with the police in its campaign against illegal drugs, according to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRP) director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde. He said some barangay officials are uncooperative because they have relatives who are either using or selling drugs. “Some 15 to 20 percent of the total number of barangays in the National Capital Region have yet HUMANITARIAN CRISIS. Some residents of Basilan province displaced by fighting in three towns walk toward a truck loaded with relief to give their total support or are goods in this file photo taken in Tipo-tipo town. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it has been receiving reports of reluctant to cooperate with the humanitarian concerns in Sulu and Basilan provinces as a result of clashes between government troops and bandits, but it must carefully police for different reasons,” Alassess the situation before it sends teams there due to a violent experience in the past. Inquirer.net photo bayalde said at the weekly Manila Bay Media Forum at Café Adriatico in Malate, Manila. “Majority of these and Davao. Sales and Services Victor Suarez [uncooperative]barangay (ofby mary Grace paDin Just recently, Japanese low- said the carrier is set to fly from ficials) have relatives or are Philstar.com cost airline Vanilla Air, said it Davao City to Japanese cities, themselves involved in the ilMANILA, Philippines – The would start serving the Tokyo- including Tokyo, Nagoya and legal drug trade. That is why Department of Tourism (DOT) Cebu route on Dec. 25 this year. Osaka, via Cebu. Teo also disclosed that a is confident of hitting its six mil- The carrier also reported its first lion international tourist arrivals flight in December has already Guangzhou-Clark charter flight may also be launched starting target for 2016 with the expected been sold out. The DOT also signed an agree- December this year. influx of Chinese and Japanese ment with China Eastern Airlines Data from the DOT showed tourists in the country. This came after Chinese and to commence chartered flights that foreign tourist arrivals to the Japanese airlines expressed their for the Guangzhou-Laoag route. Philippines has breached its four intent to open more international The charter flight will return to million mark as of end-August direct flights to destinations out- its operation on Nov. 1 and will this year. be available twice a week. China was reported as the side of Manila. “We have opened the door to third largest source market of “Definitely, we will surpass the target of six million (this 2016),” greater cooperation and capacity Philippine tourism, with a total Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo building of the Philippines with inbound traffic of 484,567. It was China and Japan,” she said. noted that China registered the said in an interview. Meanwhile, the DOT said Phil- highest growth in arrivals from Teo’s recent visits to Beijing and Tokyo saw Chinese and Jap- ippine Airlines and China Eastern January to August at 50.29 peranese airlines agreeing to mount Airlines are also eyeing flights to cent. Japan was the fourth largest direct flights to secondary gate- Davao. PAL area head for Mindanao market during the period, with a ways, particularly Laoag, Cebu
DOT hopeful to reach 6-M tourist arrivals target
PH to remain in UN rights body MANILA – The Philippines will continue to serve in the United Nations Human Rights Council as member of the Geneva-based body. The UN body is responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe, addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them. This developed as the Philippines, during a dialogue with the UN Committee on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) in Geneva, Switzerland in September, said the government would be pouring in more resources for the rehabilitation of drug addicts who had surrendered as part of its campaign against illegal drugs. National Economic and Development Authority deputy director general Rosemarie Edillon told the UN the Philippines was considering the drug problem a health issue that must be dealt with through the rehabilitation,
reformation and reintegration into society of drug dependents. For the Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly recently elected 14 states – Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Hungary, Iraq, Japan, Rwanda, Tunisia and United States as part of the body, while reelected for an additional term were China, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. All will serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1. (Pia Lee-Brago, Czeriza Valencia/Philstar.com)
they don’t cooperate with us,” he added. Manila Police District (MPD) director Senior Supt. Joel Coronel said of Manila’s 896 barangays, 26 have yet to submit a drug watchlist and the membership of their local anti-drug council. “We need the cooperation and support of the communities, particular the barangay officials, because they know who are the personalities involved in drugs and other crimes in their areas. They are very important in our campaign against illegal drugs,” Coronel said. Philippine National Police chief Ronald de la Rosa asked for a drug watchlist when the police launched “Oplan Tokhang” (Knock and Appeal) to give drug users and pushers a chance to surrender and reform. A similar directive was issued by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada last September so that the city government can help facilitate
the counseling and rehabilitation program for drug users who want to change their ways. Estrada had warned that charges will be filed against uncooperative barangay officials. Albayalde and Coronel again appealed to barangay officials to set aside their personal interest and cooperate with authorities. Albayalde said the stepped up campaign against illegal drugs has considerably lowered the crime rate in every region, particularly in Metro Manila. The NCRPO chief disclosed that crimes against property has dropped to “zero percent.” He admitted though that crimes against persons shot up, primarily because of extra-judicial killings. Records show that more than 4,700 people have been killed since July 1 until the end of October. The number include the 1,700 drug suspects killed in legitimate police operations. n
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What’s on the 2016 ballot for California? by Klarize
Medenilla / AJPress
s the pressure mounts in the race to the White House, Californians A will also be voting for some historic ballot measures. Issues include a tax on cigarettes, marijuana legalization and repealing OR amending the death penalty. Oftentimes, the presidential election overshadows the very important statewide issues, so here’s your simplified guide to the 17 statewide ballot propositions:
ProPosition 51: Public school Facility bonds This measure would grant $9 billion for school improvement and construction projects through general obligation bonds, or debt (with interest) collected by the state to fund public works. Approximately $7
billion would be appropriated to K-12 public schools with the rest going to community colleges. it would cost the state about $17.6 billion to pay off the principle $9 billion and the $8.6 billion in interest; the state would
pay installments of $500 million a year for the next 35 years. The measure isn’t about giving more money to school programs, but for simply infrastructural projects and maintenance.
ProPosition 52: continued hosPital Fee revenue dedicated to Medical unless voters aPProve changes initiative Under Prop 52, lawmakers are prohibited from taking funds away from Medi-Cal, the state’s version of the federal Medicaid. The medical service -- which is for low-income Californians -and hospitals would be guaran-
teed the funds. in 2009 California began taxing private hospitals which brought in $4.6 billion in revenue which was acclimated into Medi-Cal. Per a federal law that requires the federal government
to match Medicaid to Medical, the state garnered an extra $4.4 billion, resulting in a net of about $3 billion. Prop 52 solidifies the taxpayerpaid $3 billion allocation in the state’s constitution.
ProPosition 53: voter aPProval requireMent For revenue bonds above $2 billion in addition to general obligation bonds, California also sells revenue bonds, which come from profits generated from the use of an infrastructure project. in revenue bonds, this profit is used to fund the construction of the
project. For example, the profits collected from toll roads are used to repay the cost of its construction. Prop 53 would require statewide voter approval for projects with revenue bonds reach $2 bil-
lion or more. The bill was written to prevent state debt accumulated from projects that don’t live up to expectations or, in other words, to prevent taxpayer money (from the state’s General Fund) from funding failed projects.
ProPosition 54: Public disPlay oF legislative bills Prior to vote This bill would require two things: 1) bills are to be available in print and online 72 hours before the CA Legislature votes on it and 2) all Legislature meetings (which are public) are to be recorded and
put online within 24 hours. The intent of the bill was to prevent the influence of special interest groups who may encourage lastminute changes. Although the bill was written to encourage more
government transparency, some opponents -- including former state senator Art Torres -- say the bill “enables” special interests to impede on the legislative process within the 72 hour window.
ProPosition 55: extension oF the ProPosition 30 incoMe tax increase initiative ProP 30 -- approved in 2012 -- required a 1-3 percent tax increase on Californians earning - including businesses that pay a personal income tax rather than a state business tax -- through 2018. The increases apply to sin-
gle tax filers earning more than $250,000, joint tax filers earning more than $500,000 and heads of households earning more than $340,000. Per Prop 30, the tax revenue will be allocated to the state’s K-
12 schools, community colleges and health care programs for low-income earners. A portion will also be diverted to budget reserves and debt payment. This measure would extend Proposition 30 until 2030.
ProPosition 56: tobacco tax increase JUsT as the title reads, this bill raises the excise tax -- a tax on a specific good implemented to encourage the decreased use of said product -- on cigarettes and other to-
bacco products by about $2 a pack. The tax does not include e-cigarettes (aka vaporizers), which are slowly becoming more popular. But if this measure is passed, e-cigarettes
they would categorized in the “other tobacco products” and be taxed $3.37. The revenue accumulated from the tax has been projected in short, this proposition would at about $1.3 billion in 2017. prohibit the state from buying prescription drug from drug manufacturers at prices higher than what the Veterans Affairs (VA) pays. drug prices vary because in the prescription drug industry, drug supreme Court to reduce its pris- prices are negotiated through contracts (different contracts for difon population. The measure would also make it a requirement for a county prosecutor to receive a judge’s approval to get a juvenile tried in adult court; currently, county These competing and very prosecutors don’t need a judge’s complex propositions propose approval. two very different things: Prop 62’s goal is to eliminate the death penalty entirely, and Prop 66 is merely seeking to make amendments to it but not get rid of it. iMPorTAnT: if voting Yes on guage, and many of whom either measure, the voter should were Asian and Latino. vote no on the other one. For Prop 58 seeks to repeal parts example, an individual voting to of Prop 227 and gives more power to local communities to decide how to teach english to esL students.
ProPosition 61 : drug Price standards
ProPosition 57: Parole For non-violent criMinals and Juvenile court trial requireMents iF passed, this measure would increase the chances for nonviolent crime offenders to receive parole and earn credits for good behavior, achievement in education and rehab. Known as the credit system (which already exists) these credits can help shorten a non-violent felon’s sentence.
Moreover, the state already has limits on the amount of time a sentence can be shortened. This measure would require inmates to serve the full sentence for their primary offense (excluding additional sentences, if applicable). This proposition is a response to a mandate from the United states
year of intensive english instruction before transitioning into classes that were taught 100 percent in english. This made it very difficult for students who still didn’t have a full grasp of the english lan-
ProPosition 59: overturn oF citizens united act advisory question
as what the VA pays since they typically receive a 24 percent discount on the average wholesale price of brand name medication. since states have no control over the pharmaceutical companies, Prop 61 simply forbids the agencies from paying more than what the VA pays.
ProPosition 62 : rePeal the death Penalty and ProPosition 66 : death Penalty Procedures
ProPosition 58: non-english languages allowed in Public education This measure would repeal parts of an past proposition, Prop 227 which was passed in 1998. Under that proposition, students whose second language is english -- aka esL students -- had to take one
ferent agencies), which are often confidential. Patients under MediCal and those that receive medication through the VA, for example, may pay a different price for the same drug. With Prop 61, state agencies that provide medication like Medi-Cal will pay the same price
repeal the death penalty is surely not going support making changes to it, and vice versa. Prop 62 will do two things: 1) repeal the death penalty in California entirely and 2) replace it with life sentences without the prospect of parole -- this will also apply to those currently on death row. on the other hand, Prop 66 is
looking to do three things: 1) retain the death penalty 2) speed up the currently long and delayed appeals process it takes to execute a death row inmate and 3) allows the state to relocate death row inmates throughout the state’s prisons, if necessary (all 748 death row inmates are currently at san Quentin or the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla.
ProPosition 63: background checks For aMMunition Purchases and large caPacity aMMunition Magazine ban
The measure basically calls for the solidification of stricter gun control legislation. in July, Governor Jerry Brown signed six new one of the most hot-button is- were funding their campaign (FeC), which granted unlimited gun control bills into law, saying sues during this presidential elec- almost solely on super political political spending by corpora- he is hoping “to enhance public safety by tightening our existing tion was the issue of campaign action committees (super-PACs). tions. funding. Anti-establishment can- Their argument was that money While this Prop 59 does not laws in a responsible and vocused didates -- namely donald Trump unfairly influences elections; the have any legal effect on ruling, manner while protecting the rights and former democratic presiden- more money you raise the closer it is merely “voter instruction.” of law-abiding gun owners.” tial nominee sen. Bernie sand- you are to winning. Voting yes on the measure will ers (i-Vermont) -- warned about super-PACs came about after tell the state of California that the other candidates who the controversial supreme Court you support proposing a constiruling in the case Citizens United tutional amendment overturning one of the most talked-about v. Federal election Committee Citizens United v. FeC. measures, Prop 64 would legalize the recreational use and sale of marijuana with, of course, taxation and regulation. • Businesses would need to be state licensed and cannot be located near schools or child dayCALiForniA’s san doms in scenes of sexual inter- care centers. Fernando Valley is the course. essentially, this measure • edibles cannot be in a form home of the porn in- -- written and proposed by the dustry. Los Angeles Aids healthcare Foundation -- is County already has a to promote safe porn production condom requirement and to prevent the spread of sexuin porn films with ally transmitted infections (sTis) M e a s u r e such as chlamydia, gonorrhea B which and hiV. Prop 60 coincides with passed in a requirement from the California These two propositions go 2012, but division of occupational safety hand in hand, one banning the this mea- and health that workers must use of plastic bags and allocating sure would be protected from blood-borne the optional 10 cent bag fee to the r e q u i r e pathogens. The porn industry state’s environmental fund. porn ac- opposes the measure, saying First, Prop 67 asks voters tors across their testing methods -- which are whether there should be a statethe state to done every two weeks -- are sat- wide ban on plastic bags, potenwear con- isfactory. tially making California the first
in short, Prop 63 would • eliminate the several existing exemptions granted when purchasing large-capacity magazines. • Buying any kind of ammunition would require a background check through the department of Justice and the purchase of a 4year permit which costs $50.
• Possession of large-capacity magazines made before the year 2000 is now illegal, and a court process would now be enacted to enforce the removal of armed weapons from prohibited individuals (felony and assault or battery convicts, mentally incapacitated individuals or those with restraining orders against them).
ProPosition 64 : MariJuana legalization
ProPosition 60: condoMs in PornograPhic FilMs
that can be confused with another food that children might consume • Counties and cities will be given power to create their own taxes and restrictions -- as long as they don’t ban it it will be legal to... • Privately grow up to six plants given they’re not visible
from a public place • smoke in a private home or a business that has been properly licensed -- as long as it’s not in the public eye The largest takeaway from this measure is that it will decriminalize the use of the plant, given it’s being used/sold under these stipulations.
ProPosition 65 : dedication oF revenue FroM disPosable bag sales to wildliFe conservation Fund and ProPosition 67 : Plastic bag ban veto reFerenduM state to ban the sale of singleuse plastic bags sold by grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores and liquor stores. Currently, 151 counties and local jurisdictions in California have instituted the ban, including Los Angeles which now places an optional 10cent charge for paper bags.
Currently, grocers pocket the 10 cent charge profits. But Prop 65 would change that and divert the profits to California’s environmental Protection and enhancement Fund, which funds environmental protection and clean-up initiatives, managed by the Wildlife Conservation Fund.
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BEST IN COSTUME. A group of friends aced the Halloween costume game after recreating the South Korean blockbuster zombie film “Train to Busan” in Manila with their costumes. The group posted photos on Twitter that went viral as they perfectly portrayed the characters in the one of the best-selling South Korean film in the country, from the lead characters to supporting characters and survivors. They called their “Train to Busan” adaptation as “TrainTutuban” since their shoot was set at a Manila Light Rail Transit System station. Photo by Elise Mendoza
Legarda: PH has everything to gain from Paris Agreement
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MANILA — The Philippines has everything to gain by ratifying the Paris Agreement according to Sen. Loren Legarda. “There is no provision in the Paris Agreement that would prevent our industrialization. We have nothing to lose, but everything to gain with it,” Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said in a statement. Legarda said she welcomes the entry into force of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on November 4 and said she will work on getting the agreement ratified by the Senate. Under the 1987 Constitution, treaties need to be ratified by the Senate after being signed by the executive branch. The Paris climate deal aims to limit global warming ‘well below’ two degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels and not more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. Legarda added that the Paris Agreement is very important to the Philippines since it is one of the nations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. “We need to ratify the agreement so that we can access the Green Climate Fund. This is what we have been waiting for--for developed countries that are the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG) to aid vulnerable, low-emitting nations like the Philippines,” Legarda said. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a mechanism developed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) assisting countries in adaption and mitigation methods to counter climate change. Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte is now open to the climate deal after describing it as “stu-
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pid” and “absurd.” “I will follow what my advisers would tell me. If (environment secretary) Gina Lopez would say it’s good, and if the legal adviser says that I should sign, then I will sign,” Duterte said in a televised interview. However, the agreement acknowledges that developing nations like the Philippines will take time to decarbonize and will be able to do so with support from the outside. This means that the conditional target of reducing the GHG emissions to 70 percent by 2030 will depend on both the efforts and the technical and financial support the nation will receive. The Philippines was among the most influential countries in crafting the Paris Agreement on Climate Change with 150 countries signing last April. n
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 5-8, 2016
SHOWBIZ&STYLE Journal
Fil-Am director is Sundance-bound by Ricky
caldeRon ManilaTimes.net
Filipino-AmericAn filmmaker Anthony Diaz V is setting off for the prestigious Sundance film festival with “Break,” his fulllength feature debut as writerdirector-actor. “most film buyers and distributors attend Sundance more than any other international film festival. So if you are accepted into Sundance, it’s the closest to hitting a home run,” enthused Anthony. it bears mentioning that Sundance was the brainchild of talented Hollywood actor and director, robert redford who won an oscar for helming “ordinary people.” Anthony longs to be in that exclusive circle, which also counts as members two directors whom he looks up to. “The first major influence was robert rodriguez. The movement he created in the indie movie scene was amazing at that time. He proved that it wasn’t impossible to make a movie if you had the desire and the creativity and quite frankly the ignorance of not knowing it can’t be done. my recent favorite is Ben Affleck (‘Argo’ and ‘Gone Girl’) who writes, directs, and acts in the projects he produces.” Filmmaking is a tedious process whose end-results are always most rewarding. in most cases, a film’s germination be-
The director of ‘Break’ with lead actress Kaede Ishizuka
gins with the spark of an idea; what follows after is a whole new different story. “Break,” says Anthony, was a breeze to write. it took him two months, on and off, to finish the movie’s draft. “What really took time was dialing it in with the details.” Break is a first-of-its-kind Hollywood style movie shot entirely in Japan with Japanese actors speaking both english and Japanese. That naturally posed a problem. “Honestly, the biggest challenge was the language barrier, where things could get lost in translation. it took six months in language and intonation prep before we started to roll cameras. Also, trying to give my guidance as director to the actors through a translator sometimes made me want to pull my hair out. it was physically and emotionally exhausting at times. But i would never trade the experience for anything.” now, one must understand where Anthony is coming from. This was a kid who always had a crazy imagination and was raised watching gritty and perplexing classics like “The Godfather,” “Taxi Driver,” “reservoir Dogs,” “pulp Fiction,” “el mariachi,” and “The Shawshank redemption” to name a few. “Sometimes i would act like a character from a film after just watching it and be on that for a week straight before moving onto the next character of a movie,” says he. on the side, he also did normal things kids his age engaged in like video games and sports. movies have always played a major role in Anthony’s life from his childhood up until he went to the University of las Vegas Film School (UnlV). He graduated with high honors with a Bachelors Degree in Film at age 20, making him the youngest graduate in the program’s history. His passion for film guided him as he embarked on his earliest short films that include Delusion, which was showcased at the UnlV Film Festival and Forgotten Heroes, a film about the effects of the war in Afghanistan to a US military family. Forgotten
Anthony Diaz 5th
Heroes earned rave reception and has played at various movie festivals and is under consideration to be showcased at capitol Hill in Washington, Dc. With “Break,” Anthony feels that it is the perfect vehicle for his full-length feature debut. mixing elements of crime, drama, love story and action, Anthony stars and directs from a script, which he also wrote under his own production company called Kaizen Studios. With his gym-honed physique, killer smile, arresting screen presence, and seductive alto, Anthony slips into the role of Johnny easily like he was born to play it. Johnny is a Japanese-American young man who gets involved with the underworld elements in Tokyo while dealing with the weight of being an outsider trying to fit into Japanese society. The film’s technical aspects are polished and the storytelling is gripping, managing to draw us into this alienated young man’s world and psyche. “Break” has had a successful private screening in Tokyo with over 500 people in April. The film hits manila on november 19, which is its second stop in Asia before it’s brought to Sundance.
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FEATURES
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MOONLIGHTING by MYLAH DE
LEON
WASHINGTON may be one of the world’s most powerful cities, but no one is immune to its beauty, the magnificence of its most stunning monuments ever created, world-class museums, ornate bridges, and lush verdant parks. Its broad shaded boulevard, radiant like spokes from the heart of the city as well as breathtaking sculptures and marble edifices punctuated by steely plazas. A gallery pass could entitle one to marvel at the histrionics of long winded senators railroading a pork barrel project through Congress, or the fire or brimstone politicians debating topics that incite the constant tension arising from the polarity of powerful people and ideas. It used to be to do something, its now to be someone. The public thrives at night, as a light burns or the Capital’s dome, if Congress is in session. The presidential campaign combat: so what else is new? In front of a watching nation, for better or for worse, it is undeniable gravity makes the tremendous, compelling political repertoire. At the rate Pandora’s boxes are opened in a panoply of overblown multiple plots, minute by minute drama that you can’t deride to a side show. For the camera savvy players (television is such an unstable beast), it means what used to be a genial and civilized scene has gradually
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Hillary Clinton vs Donald Trump: HMart holds Asian Food Festival in Buena Park, CA the fight for the White House
Hillary Clinton
vanished into a world of obscene, big money and bad manners. As the election campaign takes on a survival of the fittest and decidedly a personal tone from mean, dishonest and often hard to trace character assassination. As a lifelong spectator in an extremely politicized country before I defected to Hollywood, nothing much has changed. The surge of the interest in the personalities of the presidential candidate had migrated into the very air we breathe. All these are full of tired insinuations and blatant, unapologetic approbation, bilious charges and counter charges as they head for bigger hurdles and sharper comparisons become inevitable; the grand quest for the US presidency send aspirants dancing on pin heads. Politics, it is said, is rarely a gentleman’s game. Running for president is like running for your own life. Almost any help is welcome, once they find themselves in the midst of a campaign, it is guaranteed to bring out the worst in men and
HMART Buena Park’s Asian Food Festival treated guests to a culinary feast around Asia during the last weekend of October. Amid the cultural presentations of Korean percussion music and Taekwondo, the supermarket offered free food tastings of 25 different brands and had a street food special with Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Thai and Vietnamese dishes. For kids, there was also free balloon giveaways and cotton candy making demonstrations. If you missed the festivities last week, don’t worry, you can still catch the festival on Saturday, Donald Trump Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 6. nobody was ever in control of HMart Buena Park is located events. But campaigning was a at 5111 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, sweating every candidate had to CA 90621. For more information, go through to get to the noble please visitwww.hmart.com. business of governing. (Advertising Supplement) It is a show, and a good one at that. What a tasty political flap we have to munch on. I’d recommend it for everyone, who enjoys vintage American politics, regardless of political persuasion. That the entire show is carefully orchestrated for television is just one of the facts of contemporary life. The television ads are bad enough; good Lord, have mercy on the poor old truth. Character is the issue, character, one supposes, comprises both principle and integrity. I have no fearless forecast but some people keep asking me what is the mood of Fil-Am voters? There is a different behavior for incumbents than there is for challengers. But to a pinched, stressed, war weary nation, the aspirant who offers the clearest program, might probably win in the end.
Photos by Amor Palisoc
Echo Park Lake: A staple in the Fil-Am community by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel
IN early October, the FilipinoAmerican community celebrated one of the most anticipated events for Filipino American History Month, the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture, also known as FPAC. Thousands of Filipinos flocked to the energetic, yet placid park Echo Park Lake to take in the festivities and celebrate the beauty of what it means to be Filipino American. The bewitching view of downtown Los Angeles to the south and the majestic Echo Park Lake
provided a fitting background for a day of celebration and pride. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Echo Park Lake has been a favorite with the Los Angeles County community since it first opened in 1888. The lake was built in the 1860s to act as merely a reservoir for the city’s drinking water, but became utilized as a detention basin for the city’s storm drain system. Founder Joseph Henry Tomlinson was an English import who became the first superintendent of the city’s parks department. It is said that he named Echo Park Lake after hearing the haunting echoes of
the workers who turned the reservoir into a bona fide park. Today, Echo Park Lake — called the “heart of Echo Park” by Mayor Eric Garcetti — is a popular community hub, attracting locals and tourists alike with its vibrant character and quaint, suburban-like location in the middle of Echo Park. A playground is situated at the east end of the park and it’s flanked by food vendors selling fruit, elote, hot dogs and other savory treats. But the real magic of the park is the lake itself, which houses a boathouse complete with a cafe and pedal boat rides. Visitors can
pedal boat across the beautiful lake while gazing at the shining city scape of downtown. But for decades it wasn’t the welcoming nerve center it is in 2016. After decades of abuse and disregard — and after the state of California declared Echo Park Lake as an “impaired” body of water in 2006 — the city closed the lake in 2011 to begin a twoyear, $45 million rehabilitation project. The Los Angeles Department of Public Works first drained the lake to remove overgrown algae and garbage that accumulated PAGE B3
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Features
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How a house determines good health & human relationships By Sean
Shono
A HOuSE with an uphill behind it has good luck in health and human relationship. In Feng Shui, the back of a house controls this. If the back of the house has a downhill or cliff, it’s considered there is no mountain to protect the health of its residents. It can also cause domestic problems. To counter this, at the rearmost end of the house, place an amethyst dome facing the front of the house. *ALL Feng Shui items must be purified by the TAOIST way. *** Feng Shui master Sean Shono owns 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.
PROVISIONAL WAIVER FOR CREWMEN DISPELS THE FEAR IN GOING 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 Waiver 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, Nov. 6 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.
99 Ranch Market and Toyota announce the lucky Prius winner Echo Park Lake: A staple in the Fil-Am... TO give back to its loyal and supporting customers, 99 Ranch Market in Southern California hosted a fun-filled sweepstakes event in the Rowland Heights’ branch by raffling off an all-new Toyota Prius. To ensure fairness, the interactive raffle was witnessed by Robert Chang, the Chief of Supervisors of Chinese Accountants Association of America. The lucky winner of the much anticipated raffle was Alexander W. from Temple City. In response to his winning ticket, Alexander said, “I’m so excited I won! I’m so grateful and thankful for 99 Ranch Market and Toyota.” 99 Ranch Market aims to provide even more exciting activities in addition to quality products and service for our future events. Find us on social media: F a c e b o o k . c o m / 99RanchMarket @99RanchMarket @99RanchMarket @Official99Ranch (Advertising Supplement)
PAGE B2 from residents. The crew implemented renovated wetlands — which include plants such as hair grass, arrowhead, striped rush and water lilies — to help filter water that comes from the storm drains. Landscape architect Josh Segal was able to track down the lake’s trademark lotuses from its original plants, upholding the lake’s historical significance. Projects like the Echo Park Lake rehabilitation project are what make our county’s parks so great. This election day, the folks of Los Angeles County will be voting on securing funding for maintenance projects for parks and open spaces, including beaches and cultural institutions, in Measure A: The Safe Clean Neighborhood Parks Measure. The bill ensures that all our parks and open spaces — from Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park in Rowland Heights to Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills — are well-maintained, regularly upgraded and are receiving the care and attention that they deserve. AJPress photos by Ding Carreon The measure also helps main-
tain the parks’ welfare, helping keeps the youth safe and reducing gang violence. Our parks aren’t just a place to walk your
dog or take your kids; they’re a symbol of what the city is capable of and the resilience of the diverse Angeleno community.
Features
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Makino Sushi and Seafood buffet: Now open at the Puente Hills Mall! MAKINO, the original gourmet sushi and seafood buffet, recently opened its doors at the Puente Hills Mall in the City of Industry, California.
This is the third location after the successful outlets in Las Vegas and in Irvine. At Makino, diners can expect fresh seafood, over 60 styles of sushi and rolls, and a wide variety of fusion dishes. The newest Makino location is built on restaurateur and renowned sushi chef Kaku Makino’s vision of an upscale buffet dining experience serving both authentic favorites and contemporary fusion cuisine. After decades of practicing the art of Japanese cuisine, Makino has developed the highest standards for buffetstyle dining, with a beautiful atmosphere, friendly staff, and quality that transcends expectations. By only using the finest of ingredients and the utmost care in crafting its authentic cuisine, Makino distinguishes itself as the only gourmet Japanese sushi and seafood buffet in town. Makino continues to be owned and operated its original founder and his team of world-class Japanese chefs. Between options like chicken yakitori, fried tofu and bacon wrapped asparagus, even the pickiest patrons can find something that will leave them satisfied. Fans of seafood are in for a particular treat. Makino’s menu features decadent pescatarian offerings like crab legs, calamari, breaded scallops
AJPress photos by Noel Ty
and fried oysters. They also serve a variety of fish including mahi mahi, tilapia, sea bass and salmon. Makino also offers hot, made to order Ramen, a comforting japanese style of noodle soup that is perfect for leaving patron’s belly full and warm during the coming winter months. Makino is very popular with Filipinos, especially large parties, because of the unbelievable prices that the whole family can enjoy. Makino Puente Hills is located at 1600 S Azusa Ave. #370 City of Industry, CA 91748 (Puente Hills Mall). Tel: (626) 581-2226. For lunch, the hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Friday to Saturday. Dinner is served every day from
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. From Monday to Thursday, the adult price is $19.95 for lunch and $25.95 for dinner. Children (under 11 years old) is $8.95 if under 5 feet or $5.95 under 4 feet for lunch; $12.95 if under 5 feet or $7.95 under 4 feet for dinner. On Friday, Saturday and on holidays, the adult price is $19.95 for lunch and $28.95 for dinner. Children (under 11 years old) is $9.95 if under 5 feet or $5.95 under 4 feet for lunch; $14.45 if under 5 feet or $7.95 under 4 feet for dinner. Children under 3 feet can dine for free. Seniors 65 & over (Dinner ONLY) can get 20 percent OFF with proof of ID *Menu and business hours subject to change without prior notice.
(Advertising Supplement)
Locations: Makino puente hiLLs
1600S Asuza Ave. #370 City of Industry, CA 91748 (Puente Hills Mall) Tel: (626) 581-2226
Makino irvine
1818 Main St., Irvine, CA 92614 Tel: 949-724-1204
www.makinobuffet.com
Makino Las vegas
3965 S. Decatur Blvd., #5 Las Vegas, NV 89103 (Renaissance West Mall) Tel: 702-889-4477
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Global Experience a unique take on food at Tacolipino The Kababayan
Diners looking for a unique twist on the flavors of the Philippines can satisfy their craving for something both familiar and fun at Tacolipino, a Filipino-Mexican fusion restaurant in Carson, California. This cozy eatery with a come-as-you are atmosphere serves re-imagined favorites, as well as finely executed classic dishes in healthy portions, all prepared according to each patron’s tastes and specific requests. richly textured sisig tacos and burritos are Tacolipino’s most popular dishes.Tender shredded pork with crispy skin is sauteed in onion, garlic, and bell peppers, as well as jalapeno for a customizable splash of heat. it comes served with a vinegary sauce that adds a bright layer of acidity to the savory and moist white meat. Other choices for burrito meats include adobo, carne asada, and bistek. Tacos can be topped with the same options, as well as fish, pork al pastor or shrimp. Customers can order a combination of any three varieties for $6 a la carte, or $8.99 served with pico de gallo, pinto or black beans, red or green salsa, and their choice of mexican rice or garlic fried rice. Crispy bagnet with house coconut & red chile sauce is another standout white meat dish that fans of fusion cuisine shouldn’t miss. For $11.99, cooks deep fry pork bellies before cutting them into cubes, which gives the meat a satisfyingly crunchy exterior, while leaving it soft and juicy in the middle. A sweet, creamy, and mildly spicy coconut and red chile sauce is poured over deep fried decadence. A liberal dose of pico de gallo and mango on top of it all completes the colorful and intricately flavorful dish. Tacolipino is one of only a handful of sit-down restaurants in southern California offering a hybrid of Filipino and Mexican
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Programming of Kababayan Today, November 7-11, 2016
G. TönGi Monday, november 7 - Atty. Melvin Alvanzado, Global studies student Belinda Panelo and singer -songwriter Jessica Louise join our show for Part 1 of our discussion on the propositions at the ballots. Tuesday, november 8 - We continue our discussion on the propositions. Wednesday, november 9 Midweek news Updates from the Asian Journal and Mia McLeod of McLeod and Associates gives real estate advice. We will talk about H.r. 3449,
which amends the immigration and nationality Act to extend posthumous citizenship to an otherwise qualified noncitizen who enlisted, reenlisted, extended enlistment, or was inducted into the U.s. Armed Forces in the Philippines and died as a result of such active duty service during the period september 1, 1939-December 31, 1946. Thursday, november 10 - Atty. Joe sayas celebrates 25 years with some landmark cases. Panel of advocates fighting for Justice for Filipino American Veterans weigh in on the issues and give details to an event this weekend.
Friday, november 11 - Filipinas who work with Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF) share how to get resources if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence. *** Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipino’s 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.
You Eat Now! pop-up at Roy Choi’s Pot cuisine, according to restaurant Manager Arnel Clemente. He says the blend works because their recipes are inspired by an indirect history of exchange between the two cultures via colonial spain. Tacolipino also serves a rendition of kare kare that would give any lola’s recipe a run for its money. For $14.99 Oxtail and Tripe are cooked to fall-off-thebone tenderness along with bokchoy and green beans in a filling peanut, onion and garlic stew. The dish is topped by eggplants that are pan seared separately to keep them from taking on a rubbery texture. Vegetarians can find a variety of enticing options like chop suey, ginataan gulay (veggies cooked with coconut milk), or lumpia sariwa (fresh spring rolls). Clemente says staff at Tacolipino will re-invent menu items to
November 10th Filipino and Korean sit-down dinner collaboration
accommodate dietary constraints. He recalls serving an adapted version of lumpia sariwa that was a big hit with the restaurant’s very first vegan customers. He also recommends their offerings from the north West Coast of the Philippines like the ilocos empanadas or dinakdakan. “Be open minded,” says Clemente, who hopes people will explore what his restaurant has to offer. Tacolipino shines a new light on some of your favorite flavors at 22005 s Main st., Carson, CA 90745. They serve breakfast all day, and their dining room is open from 11am to 9 pm, Monday through Friday, and 7 am till 9pm on the weekends. For pick-up orders and catering dial (310)803-9989. Online ordering for pickup coming soon. (AJPress)
LOs AnGeLes - You eat now! is collaborating with roy Choi’s Pot for a special Filipino dinner on Thursday, november 10 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Pot restaurant at The Line Hotel. (3515 Wilshire, LA, Ca 90010) For one night only, Choi and POT have invited You eat now! to share the Filipino food movement with local Angelenos in a one-night pop-up dinner in Koreatown. The menu will include Beef short rib Adobo, Turkey shank Kare Kare with Bagoong relish, smoked Pulled Pork and Plantain Lumpia with escabeche, and Jackfruit and Coconut Bread Pudding. Music will be provided by DJ icy ice. reservations available at http://eatatpot.com/pot-info. (Advertising Supplement) “Amazing! Was my first time eating Filipino food and it won’t be my last!” Many enthusiastic responses were overheard from the large crowds at You eat now’s first three events. Debuting with a pop-up brunch at The
Point in Culver City last February, You eat now! drew over 300 attendees. Their second pop-up brunch at Mumford Brewing in Downtown LA saw a guest list that grew to over 400 attendees. Most recently, their summer party collaboration with new York social starters, Makossa Cookout, kicked off their first service at The Line Hotel with over 300 attendees. AJ Calomay (Producer/editor of indie film “Lumpia” and video editor, “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”, “Mr. robot”) and John Manal Castro (director/writer of “Diary of a Gangsta sucka”, writer of “The Debut”) have a shared passion for bringing Filipino American stories to the big screen. Over the years, a mission to share Filipino food with the masses evolved from their partnership. From humble beginnings of arroz caldo brunches in Calomay’s home to Castro’s experience in the culinary industry and delicious cooking of
traditional Filipino dishes, the You eat now! pop-up was born. Fellow collaborators and friends in the You eat now! kitchen include: Lawrence Fama (former owner/chef of Tapa Boy truck), AC Boral (founder/chef of rise & shine brunch), Cristina stuart (founder/chef of Crisp Provisions and former sous Chef at republique) and Justin Foronda (founder/chef of Benaddictz brunch). With a mission to bring Filipino food to the masses, You eat now! is a growing movement in Los Angeles. For more information and/or to collaborate on future projects, please contact A.J. Calomay at aj@youeatnowpopup.com. Website - http:// youeatnowpopup.com Facebook - http://fb.com/ youeatnowpopup Past events - http://bit.do/ youeatnow & http://bit.do/ youeatnow6516
Paolo Ballesteros bags Best Actor award at Tokyo film fest by Rosette
Adel
Philstar.com
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS As a common presumption goes, “One isolated incident of bad breath, like a first time thief who is caught, permanently tarnishes the reputation, and the condemnation sticks for life.” What is halitosis? Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Dental reports in the United states say there are about 65 million Americans who have bad breath. in the Philippines, as in other regions in Asia, the incidence, conservatively speaking, may be 75 percent or higher for the general population. This is a rough guesstimate, and the figure, of course, varies in different subgroups in the community. Halitosis, as a general rule, is less among those who live in the city, compared to rural areas, those who are more affluent, higher in socio-economic status, those who are more educated or professional, and those in the younger generation. Obviously, the financially handicapped could ill afford the luxury of toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, regular dental check-ups and proper dental care. They may also be not as well-nourished and as healthy as those who can afford the care. But realistically, just about anyone, in any profession or walk of life, may have annoying bad breath, persistently or occasionally. What causes halitosis? There are a variety of causes of bad breath. eating food that causes foul breath (like garlic or onion), poor dental hygiene, decayed tooth or infection of the gums or oral cavity, diseases like diabetes, esophageal diverticulum, esophageal reflux, sinusitis and emphysema, among others. But the most common underlying cause is poor dental hygiene where care of the teeth and mouth is neglected. There are people who do not brush their teeth at all and go to bed at night with food particles stuck in between their teeth. They may gargle and rinse their mouths with water (or water and salt) after each meal, or even use mouthwash, but the food caught in between their teeth (especially meat and fish) rot and stink like dead animals on the street. This is putrefaction and the foul smelling odor is from the volatile sulfur compounds (VsC) produced by the decaying meat, which usually results in gram negative (anaerobic) bacterial infection (and more bad odor), and this
Do you have bad breath? makes for a vicious cycle. does the tongue harbor bacteria? Yes, as a matter of fact, the tongue is a major culprit in the causation of bad breath. Bacteria hide in the furrows of the tongue, especially in the back (base) of the tongue. Hence, the regular use of tongue scraper or brushing all the way back to the base of the tongue (until you feel like gagging) at least twice a day is essential. What can be done for persistent halitosis? if proper daily oral hygiene is done and if there is no tooth decay or any infection in the mouth or throat, the bad breath may be coming from sinusitis, emphysema or from the stomach (as in esophageal reflex, where the controlling valve between the stomach and the food pipe is not closing -- airtight -- properly). A dental, or even medical, evaluation may be needed to ascertain the specific cause of this persistent halitosis. Can mouthwash eliminate bad breath? Mouthwash alone cannot do the trick. First, the food particles that can rot must be removed from in-between the teeth immediately after each meal (by dental flossing, since tooth pick alone will not do the job). Then, brushing the teeth using toothpaste (that contains fluoride and other ingredients like Poly (methylvinylether) maleic acid coplymer and triclosan) for added tooth protection, is essential at least three times a day, after each meal. Mouthwash (with stabilized Chlorine Dioxide) is an impressive regimen that suppresses bad breath. A study made on 15 mouthwashes showed that most masked the bad breath for a few minutes, but only a few were still effective after a few hours. Those with stabilized Chlorine Dioxide are impressively effective. What are the dental problems caused by bacteria? Besides bad breath, the other problems caused by germs in our mouths include cavities, gum problems, plaques and tartar formation. Therefore, the routine regimen of dental flossing, tongue-scraping, tooth-brushing, and gurgling (with mouthwash that contain bacteria killing, and plaque-and-tartar preventing ingredients, like those with stabilized Chlorine Dioxide), and visiting your dentist at least every six months will not only eliminate bad breath but lead to a healthier dental and oral state. Can mouth containing alcohol cause cancer? Yes, according to a 1991 study
in the Journal of the American Dental Association, which stated that mouthwashes “containing more than 25 percent alcohol could increase the risk of oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancer by 50 percent.” Fortunately, most, if not all, mouthwashes in the market today contain less than 15 percent alcohol. The safety of chlorine dioxide “has been confirmed by richardson et al in an extensive study of the reaction of chlorine dioxide with water borne organics by the ePA (environ. sci. Technol., 1994;28:592).” How effective are breath-fresheners, sprays and gums? if used as a part of the comprehensive regimen we have outlined here, these various forms of breath-fresheners could be of help, in between flossing, teeth brushing and rinsing with stabilized Chlorine Dioxide mouthwash. Chewing parsley, cilantro, basil, or mint also helps maintain a fresh breath. in general, the incidence of halitosis is less among vegetarians. But the regimen must include all measures listed above in order to be effective. do people know they have bad breath? it is odd but most people with chronic halitosis do not know they have it. Their own sense of smell is so conditioned to the bad breath in their mouth to the point that they do not even perceive or know they have halitosis. And their friends and relatives (including most spouse) would not even tell them, “to spare” them the embarrassment (which actually leads to more widespread embarrassment because of the persistence of this very offensive but treatable problem, one which can ruin one’s reputation, business, and social life.) One trick to find out is by licking your forearm and smelling it. The next time you see your lover or a close friend, or relative, beg them to be brutally candid with you and tell you if you have bad breath. This honesty will show them you care and are considerate. The revelation might even change your reputation and love life forever, for the better. *** 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
ACTOr and noontime show host Paolo Ballesteros on Thursday, nov. 3 won the Best Actor award at the 2016 Tokyo international Film Festival. Paolo was recognized as the Best Actor for his transgender woman character Trisha in the film “Die Beautiful.” Paolo, known for his makeup transformations, accepted the award in a gold sequin gown while cosplaying Hollywood actress Julia roberts. He was accompanied on stage by the film director Jun robles Lana. During his acceptance speech, Paolo Ballesteros accepted in his Julia Roberts-inspired look. Paolo said he was surprised with a photo of the festival’s Best the award and injected humor Award in the same festival. Paolo was then congratulated Actress Lene Cecilia sparrok for by saying he thought he won the “Best Actress” award. He also by his colleagues. He also posted the film “sami Blood.” joked that he thought he would attend a red carpet event that is why he dressed up as the Hollywood actress. Teary-eyed Paolo then thanked the film production team, director Lana and producer Perci intalan for the award. He also dedicated his award to his family, managers, friends and colleagues at eat Bulaga! He was also grateful to his fans in Manila and around the world, including his daughter and pets. Paolo also thanked Liza Dinoseguerra of the Film Development Council of the Philippines for her support as well as all the volunteers, staff and judges of the festival for accommodating them. “To the man behind the film, Direk Jun Lana thank you so much for entrusting me Trisha’s character,” Paolo said, adding that he is grateful to all of the staff for the gift of new friendship and for their professionalism. “To all of you who came and watched our film, i will never forget you,” he added. “Die Beautiful” is a film about the lead character Trisha who wishes to be dressed as a different celebrity on each night of her funeral despite being in a conservative Filipino-Chinese family. it earlier received the Audience
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Your Immigration Solution Eric r. WElsh and nancy MillEr A CRIMINAL conviction can have devastating consequences for a non-citizen. A conviction can trigger deportation from the United States or bar admission or naturalization. When the immigration laws do not provide relief, an immigrant with a conviction may need to challenge the conviction itself. Two recent developments in California have made it possible for some immigrants with criminal convictions to seek immigration relief or avoid disastrous consequences. The first was the enactment of section 18.5 of the California Penal Code. Section 18.5 defines a “misdemeanor” as an offense with a maximum sentence of 364 days (i.e., less than one year). For immigration purposes, this change can dramatically help immigrants convicted of minor offenses in a number of ways. For example, a noncitizen convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude within five years of admission is deportable, if the crime has a potential sentence of one year or more (regardless of the actual sentence). By reducing the maximum possible sentence to 364 days, a single California misdemeanor conviction will not result in deportability under this ground. In a previous article, we discussed an amendment to section 18.5 that made the revised definition of a “misdemeanor” apply retroactively, regardless of the date of conviction. Prior to that amendment, the “364” maximum only applied to misdemeanor convictions after 18.5 became effective (January 1, 2015). With the amendment, all misdemeanors are redefined to have maximum sentences of 364 days, regardless of the date of conviction. If a person was actually sentenced to a term of 365 days, that person can now make an application to the Superior Court for a sentence modification. With the passage
Journal Changes to California criminal laws may help immigrants with convictions
of section 18.5 and the recent amendment, many non-citizens may now avoid deportation or avail themselves of relief that was previously out of reach. The second major development is the passage of Proposition 47. Prop 47, also known as “The Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act,” was enacted by popular vote on November 4, 2014. The Proposition by its nature acts retroactively: it created a process for persons who have completed a qualified felony sentence to apply to the Superior Court for reclassification of the crime as a misdemeanor. Only certain felony offenses qualify for reclassification, including: certain drug possession felonies, petty theft, receipt of stolen property, and forging bad checks. Any person convicted of a felony for those crimes can apply for misdemeanor reclassification, but must do so by November 4, 2017. The California Supreme Court is currently deciding a case involving the interplay between Prop 47 and guilty pleas. In the case before the court, a defendant named Morris Harris was charged with felony robbery, but prosecutors agreed to drop that charge in exchange for Harris’s agreement to plead guilty to felony theft with a sentence of six years in prison. When Prop 47 passed, Harris still had three years left on his sentence. He applied to reduce the crime to a misdemeanor and sought release from prison. Prosecutors argued that if Harris’s conviction for theft is reduced, they should be allowed to re-try him
for robbery. The court has not yet issued a decision, but at oral arguments earlier this month, the justices expressed a reluctance to reopen cases that were resolved with plea agreements. If the arguments are any indication, the court will likely uphold prior plea agreements, even if the crimes are reclassified as misdemeanors. With both of these developments, a noncitizen with a qualifying felony conviction can now seek to reclassify the conviction as a misdemeanor with a maximum possible sentence of 364 days. Crimes that once posed permanent bars or triggered deportability can now be reduced to offenses that either have no immigration consequences or are eligible for a waiver. Any noncitizen with a criminal record should consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to see whether these developments or any other options exist to challenge the conviction or mitigate its consequences. *** 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 • NOVEMBER 5-8, 2016
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Minding Your Finances Atty. rAyMond BUlAon EVERY day, I meet with a lot of people who are sick and tired of being in debt. And yet when I talk to them, I discover that they are unwilling to make the changes needed to get them out of their financial mess. What changes are necessary for your life to get better if this is what you need so badly? The first change that must happen is inside your head. You can only change your life if you change your thinking. Becoming financially free will remain nothing but a dream for you until you make up your mind that you will no longer live the way you’ve been living. You need a new mindset about how to handle your finances. Insanity has been defined as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result”. For example, if you are caught in a vicious cycle of borrowing and you know that this is burying you in a deeper financial hole every single month, then why do you continue to borrow month
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS THERE is a natural tendency among divorcing parties to hide their assets from their spouse and understate income. This is a common problem that I have observed from practicing law for many years. A common question I hear from clients is “my spouse doesn’t know I have an account in this bank, do I have to let him/ her know of this account?” Parties to a divorce proceeding have a duty to disclose financial information to each other. This duty arose based on California’s policy (1) to marshal, preserve, and protect community and quasi-community assets and liabilities that exist at the date of separation so as to avoid dissipation of the community estate before distribution, (2) to ensure fair and sufficient child and spousal support awards, and (3) to achieve a division of community
Community Journal
Debt problems: 2 things you need to change if you want your life to get better after month? Racking up debts with no plan on how to pay it all back is insanity. Stop the insanity! You can’t get out of debt by accumulating more debt. I know this sounds simple but you’ll be surprised how many people find themselves in this situation, and they simply can’t get out. The second change that is necessary for your financial situation to turn around is in your financial behavior. We may not always admit it but we all have bad behaviors that cause all kinds of problems in our lives. But here, I am specifically talking about the bad financial behaviors you may have when it comes to handling your money. What are examples of these behaviors? Buying things on impulse. Failing to differentiate “needs” from “wants”. Failing to track where your income goes every month. Not living within your means. I could go on and on. In order to be free from debt, you need to take 100% responsibility for changing the financial course of your life. Only you can
decide your future. If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you will remain stuck where you are and you will just hate yourself later and regret the consequences of your action- or inaction. If you are experiencing debt problems, you can’t put your head under the pillow and pretend that things will somehow just work themselves out. They won’t. That is the reality you need to face and until you do, don’t expect your life to get any better. If you’re confused about your options in getting out of debt, I would like to help you. For a free CONFIDENTIAL consultation, please call Toll-Free 1-866-4777772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. ***
Tax Tips Victor Sy, cPA, MBA
HERE 10 tips if you cannot immediately pay your liabilities to the IRS: • Pay What You Can: Pay promptly to stop additional penalties and interest from accruing. If you are unable to pay, consider getting a loan to pay the bill in full rather than make installment payments to the IRS. • Additional Time to Pay: If you are unable to pay, request for a payment plan. • Installment Agreement: You may request an installment agreement but you have to be current with filing and paying requirements. File all required returns for the past years and pay estimated taxes for the current year. • Form 9465: Complete and None of the information herein is intended mail an IRS Form 9465 (Into give legal advice for any specific situation. stallment Agreement Request) Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped along with your tax return or thousands of clients in getting out of debt. bill (use return envelope supFor a free attorney evaluation of your situ- plied by the IRS). ation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)
Consequences of failing to disclose material assets, income, facts and information in a divorce case and quasi-community assets and liabilities on the dissolution or nullity of marriage or legal separation of the parties as provided under California law. To promote the above public policy, the family code requires a full and accurate disclosure of all assets and liabilities in which the parties have or may have an interest be made in a divorce or a legal separation, regardless of the alleged characterization of the property as either community or separate. Parties are also required to disclose all income and expenses of the parties. The parties also have a continuing duty to update and augment that disclosure to the extent that there has been a material change to their financial position. The purpose of the duty to augment and update the disclosures is so that at the time the parties enter into a settlement agreement, stipulated divorce judgment, or
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trial, each party will do so with full and complete knowledge of all relevant underlying facts of the case. The disclosures are made by the parties by serving each other with a preliminary declaration of disclosure and a final declaration of disclosure. The preliminary declaration of disclosure should be served within 60 days of serving the divorce, separation, or nullity petition. The commission of perjury on the preliminary declaration of disclosure may be grounds for setting aside the judgment in addition to other remedies available under the law. The preliminary declaration of disclosure is not filed with the court but only exchanged by each party. The preliminary declaration of disclosure shall set forth 1) the identity of all assets and liabilities which the declarant may have an interest regardless of the
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SKT Immigration
cAthArine yen PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte recently announced severing military and economic ties with the U.S. He has also recently assailed the U.S.’s strict visa policy. As President Duterte aligns himself with China, Russia, Vietnam, and other foreign powers, he is consistently evading any viable relationship with the U.S. Thus, it’s now more important than ever to ensure that Filipinos and their families still have access to live and work in the U.S. One way for Filipino families to immigrate to the U.S. is through the EB-5 Green Card Program. Under the EB-5 Program, Filipinos can apply for a green card through investment in an existing or new business in the United States and creation of 10 permanent, full-time jobs. The spouses and unmarried children under 21 of the investor are also eligible for green cards. Once approved, the investor and his family receive a conditional 2-year green card which can later be converted to
I owe the IRS – what can I do? • Collection Information Statement: If you owe more than $50,000, you will be required to complete Form 433-F (Collection Information Statement). • Online Payment Agreement: If you owe $50,000 or less in combined taxes, penalties and interest, you can request an installment agreement using the Online Payment Agreement application at www.irs.gov. • Credit Card Payments: You can pay your bill with a credit card. The interest rate on a credit card may be lower than the combination of interest and penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Contact one of the following processing companies: Link2Gov, www.pay1040.com, RBS WorldPay, Inc, www.payUSAtax.com, or Official Payments Corporation, www.officialpayments.com/fed. • Electronic Funds Transfer: Use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System by either calling 800-555-4477 or using the online access at www.eftps.gov. • User fees: If an installment agreement is approved, a onetime user fee is charged. • TIP: Reduce the Number
of Withholding Exemptions at Work: If you want to prevent future nightmares, reduce your exemptions at work. Submit a new W-4 (Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate) to accounting. Example: Go from M-2 (married with two dependents) to M-0 or even S-0 (Single with no dependent). Your employer will withhold a little more each payday but this will alleviate your tax problems when you file. You don’t claim your dependents at work but you’ll deduct exemptions for all dependents when you file. Result is either less tax due or more refunds. Try it. *** 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)
EB-5 green card program: A way to bring your entire family to the US a full-fledged green card. Most EB-5 investors invest in regional center investments. A regional center investment is best suited for an investor who would rather participate in the policymaking activities of the business, instead of managing the day-today activities of the business. The benefit of a regional center investment is that regional centers are permitted to use economic models to count jobs. Thus, regional centers can solicit several to hundreds of EB-5 investors for their EB-5 projects, and the regional center is usually the one actually managing the project. It’s a good option for investors who are currently living abroad. The EB-5 program continues to be popular with Asian countries (such as China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea) because families want to move to the U.S. and provide green cards for their children. For Filipinos, the EB-5 program is a great option because there are currently no wait times for Filipino nationals. For Filipino nationals, once the petition is approved, they can immediately begin the process to
obtain for their 2-year conditional green card, which takes approximately 6 months. 90 days before the 2-year conditional green card expires, the EB-5 investor and his family can file their full-fledged green card. Each of these steps is complicated, requires extensive paperwork, and necessitates the guidance of an experienced EB-5 immigration attorney. Catharine Yen manages the immigration department at Sullivan, Krieger, Truong, Spagnola, and Klausner. She has a 100% approval rate for filed EB-5 petitions. She has spoken at national conferences and co-authored several articles on various EB-5 topics. *** Catharine Yen manages the immigration department at Sullivan, Krieger, Truong, Spagnola, and Klausner. She has a 100% approval rate for filed EB-5 petitions. She has spoken at national conferences and co-authored several articles on various EB-5 topics. Website: www.sullivankrieger.com Contact us at any of our offices: Long Beach + 1 (562) 597-7070 Irvine + 1 (949) 390-5270 Philippines + 63-2-788-5196 (Advertising Supplement)
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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. ON April 27, 2014, in Compton, CA, L.A. County sheriff’s deputies were called to a Target store, where a theft was allegedly occurring. Police arrived at the scene and confronted 36-year old Jason Conoscenti. Conoscenti had a pair of scissors and apparently threatened the officers with it. He then fled in a vehicle, and was pursued by the sheriff’s deputies all the way to Long Beach. At some point, Long Beach police officers joined the pursuit of Conoscenti, who by midafternoon, had come to a stop near a road that had access to the beach. Conoscenti initially stayed in his car and ignored police orders to get out. About 15 minutes later, Conoscenti did get out of his car, allegedly holding a large wooden stick, still refusing to follow police orders to stop. Instead, Conoscenti ran to the stairs that led down to the beach. The sheriff’s deputies shot Conoscenti with non-lethal bean bag rounds to stun him but he apparently kept running. A police dog was also deployed to chase Conoscenti. At around this time, Long Beach Police, who were on the beach, heard what they thought were gunshots (but which were the bean bag rounds being deployed). They claimed they could not see the stairs and thought the sheriffs and Conoscenti were engaged in gunfight. Long Beach police said they saw Conoscenti reach into his waistband and thought he was reaching for a gun. They shot him a total of 10 times, claiming they believes their lives were in danger. Bleeding from multiple wounds, Conoscenti
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Police use of excessive force results in wrongful death recovery was handcuffed, and later taken to the hospital, where he died. Conoscenti’s next of kin sued the City of Long Beach for wrongful death and excessive use of force. In the course of the litigation, a video of the incident taken by a bystander was made public. The video showed Conoscenti running to the stairs, his hands in the air, being chased by the police dog. The police dog nearly had him down when he was shot multiple times by police. The video showed Conoscenti getting shot, falling down into the sand, both his hands flailing in the air. Conoscenti’s family argued that he was unarmed at the time of the shooting. The video showed that he did not reach his hand into his waistband as alleged by the police. He was in fact holding the railings leading to the stairs as he was running. He was about to be tackled and bitten by the police dog when officers shot him multiple times. More gunshots were fired at him while he was already on the ground. He eventually bled to death. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees a person’s right to be free from unreasonable use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. The police owes a duty to use reasonable care in deciding to use deadly force. The “reasonableness” standard simply asks: Are the officers’ actions “objectively reasonable” in light of the circumstances confronting them? This means that a police officer may use deadly force only if he has a reasonable belief there is an immediate risk that the person being detained will
cause death or serious bodily harm. If someone dies as a result of an officer’s excessive use of force in violation of that person’s civil rights, the heirs of the decedent may be entitled to recover monetary damages for loss of financial support, medical and funeral expenses, and for the loss of love, companionship, care, assistance, protection, affection, and moral support that the decedent provided during his/her lifetime. The heirs may also be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees and costs. Conoscenti’s family claims that the police’s use of deadly force was excessive, unreasonable, and was not necessary under the circumstances. They pointed out that he did not injure anyone or was attempting to injure anyone at the time that he was running away. The video clearly showed that he was not holding a weapon and was clearly not an immediate threat to his pursuers. Rather than continuing the case to trial, the City of Long Beach settled Conoscenti’s family’s claims for $2,000,0000. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully obtained significant recoveries for thousands of employees and consumers. He is named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently Aselected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum. (Advertising Supplement)
Permanent residence for crewmen Dear Attorney Tan, I ENTERED the US in 1998 as a crewman. I have recently married a US citizen and would like to get a green card. However, I have heard that since I entered as a crewman, I cannot adjust my status to a permanent resident. Is this true? — Lost on Land Dear Lost on Land, Under INA Section 245(c)(1), a person who enters the US as a “crewman” is generally barred from adjusting his status to permanent residence. However, analysis of this issue must begin with determining whether you are actually a “crewman,” who is barred from adjustment. A “crewman” is defined as a person “serving…in a capacity required for normal operation and service on board a vessel, …or aircraft, who intends to land temporarily and solely in pursuit of his calling as a crewman and to depart from the United States with the vessel or aircraft on which he arrived or some other vessel or aircraft.” INA Section 101(a)(15(D). A “crewman” under this definition is assigned a “D” visa classification, but is often issued a dual C-1 transit/ D crewman visa. Because of this, a common misperception exists that a C-1 visa classification is designated for crewmen, and that a person who entered the US under a C-1 classification is by definition a “crewman,” therefore barred from adjusting his status to permanent resident. However, it is important to keep in mind that if a person entered on a C-1 transit visa, he may not be a “crewman” and may be eligible to adjust status. Further, the facts of a particular case regardless of letter classification of one’s visa upon entry may also be considered. If you entered on a C-1 transit visa, or under circumstances that do not fit the definition of a “crewman,” you may be eligible to adjust status. If you are considered a “crewman” under the above definition, you can still file for adjustment of status to permanent residence and get a green card in the US if you are covered by INA Section 245(i). To be covered under INA Section 245(i), one must be the beneficiary of a visa petition or labor certification filed on or before April 30, 2001. If the petition was filed between January 14, 1998 and April 30, 2001, physical presence in the US on December 21, 2000 is also required. If you are not covered under INA Section 245(i), and are considered a “crewman” under the above definition, you would need to obtain your immigrant visa at a foreign consular post. Traditionally, persons who were unlawfully present in the US for more than 1 year, and who had to obtain their immigrant visa at an overseas US consulate were subject to an unlawful presence bar from returning to the US for 10 years. That person would be able to seek a waiver of the unlawful presence bar after leaving the US, but if denied, he would be left outside of the US, and away from his family for 10 years. However, under the Provisional Waiver program, you can apply for and get a decision on the waiver of the unlawful presence bar without leaving the US. If the waiver is approved, you can leave the US with some assurance that you will obtain your immigrant visa at the US consulate post and quickly return. Spouses and minor children of US citizens are eligible for provisional waiver relief. *** 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)
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characterization of community, quasi-community, or separate property; 2)The declarant’s percentage in the asset or liability; 3) the declarant’s characterization of the asset or liability. In addition, the declarant shall also provide the other party with a completed income and expense declaration. The declarations may be amended without permission from the court. The parties shall serve each other with a final declaration of disclosure at the time the parties enter into a settlement agreement, stipulated divorce judgment, or if the case goes to trial, at least 45 days prior to the first assigned trial date. The final declaration of disclosure shall include (1) All material facts and information regarding the characterization of all assets and liabilities(2) All material facts and information regarding the valuation of all assets that are contended to be community property or in which it is contended the community has an interest. (3)
All material facts and information regarding the amounts of all obligations that are contended to be community obligations or for which it is contended the community has liability.(4) All material facts and information regarding the earnings, accumulations, and expenses of each party that have been set forth in the income and expense declaration. The parties may agree to mutually waive the final declaration of disclosure requirement but not the preliminary declaration of disclosure. A party who fails to comply with the disclosure requirements under the family code may be held in breach of the party’s fiduciary obligation to the other spouse under family code section 721, 1100, and Marriage of Feldman. The party that failed to disclose material assets, income, facts, and information may be sanctioned by the court by awarding attorney’s fees and sanctions to the other spouse under family code section 271. When hiring an attor-
ney to represent you in a high asset divorce case with complex property issues, it is important to hire an attorney that understands the disclosure obligation under the family code. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. (Advertising Supplement)
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 5-8, 2016
To Live With Faith reverenD roDel G. BAlAGtAS ON February 15, 2015, ISIS shocked the whole Christian world by releasing a video of the execution of 21 Coptic Christian migrant workers. Men in black uniform stood behind the 21 men in orange jumpsuits kneeling on a beach in Libya. Without mercy, they gruesomely beheaded each one of them. A subtitle of the video read: “The people of the cross, the followers of the hostile Egyptian Church.” Later on the media found out that one of the men, named Matthew Ayairga, was not a Egyptian Coptic Christian. Accordingly, when the terrorists questioned him whether he would reject Jesus as God, he boldly declared, “Their God is my God.” At that point he too gave up his life for the Christian faith. What a heroic way to testify to one’s faith! What boldness of heart! Today we rarely see Christians giving up their lives for the sake of their beliefs. Upon hearing the execution of these men, Pope Francis stated, “The blood of our Christian brothers is a testimony that cries out. Be they Catholic, Orthodox,
Insurance Matters JoSeph DorotAn OBAMACARE is normally used to mean Covered California (Covered CA) but they not the same thing. Obamacare is the law, the formal name of which is Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) signed into law to reform the health care industry by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010 and upheld by the Supreme Court on June 28, 2012. Covered CA is a California marketplace to implement the law. Other states may have their own implementations or use the federal implementation. Think of Covered CA like a grocery store where you can shop subsidized health insurance plans from companies like Anthem, Blue Shield, Health Net, Kaiser, LA Care, Molina, etc.
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Take courage! Coptic, Lutheran, it doesn’t matter. They’re Christians.” This modern-day martyrdom speaks to us as we listen to the First Reading (2 MC 7:1-2, 914) during this Sunday’s Mass from the Book of Maccabees. The Scripture reading relates to us the story of seven brothers and their mother who were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king to force them to violate God’s law. Rather than give up their beliefs, each one of them succumbed to violent death. They chose “to die at the hands of men with the hope God gives of being raised up by him.” Today many of the world’s powers challenge our Christian values and beliefs such as the sanctify of life in all stages, traditional marriage, and compassion to criminals and prisoners. Like the martyrs of the past and the present times, we must be brave to stand by our convictions and beliefs. We must persistently and courageously resist and reject the criticisms and arrogance of people who do not share our beliefs? The prayer of St. Paul in his Letter to the Thessalonians suits this longing for courage: “May our Lord Jesus himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlast-
ing encouragement and good hope through his grace encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.” (2 THES 3:5) In our fidelity to our Christian beliefs Jesus assures us of everlasting life. In the Gospel this Sunday (LK 20:27, 34-38) he told the Sadducees, “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming of age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in to marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children God because they are the one who will rise.” May our share in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ embolden our hearts to be faithful to our Christian values and beliefs! Amen. *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of ImmAaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
Series for Covered CA: Part 1 - Introduction The mission of the Covered CA is to increase the number of Californians with health insurance, improve the quality of health care for all Californians, reduce health care coverage costs and make sure California’s diverse population has fair and equal access to quality health care. Covered CA plans meet the ten essential health benefits stipulated in PPACA, including emergency care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity, and newborn care, with no annual or lifetime dollar limits, and with capped out-of-pocket payments. You can get a Covered CA plan without subsidy if subsidy is unimportant to you or you do not want to be hassled by the income related documents and verification. Most people though want to get subsidy based on their income. When they submit their application, their application will either stay
within Covered CA in which case they can select a subsidized plan, or their application will be transferred to free or low-cost MediCal for adults whose household income falls below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and for minors below 19 years old whose household income falls below 266% of the FPL. As long as you are a Californian with legal status, not jailed and you applied during open enrollment period or special enrollment period with valid qualifying event, then you are guaranteed coverage through Covered CA, without an uprated premium even if you are unhealthy. California driver’s license, California ID, and student ID are common proofs of being a Californian. Several proofs of legal presence are acceptable. If you are
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Single mom seeks chapter 7 relief from $60K credit cards
Debt Relief
Business owner seeks to discharge $40K credit cards; Young debtor seeks to discharge $50K credit cards
ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG CLIENT is 50 and divorced ten years ago. Ex husband decided that working was not good for him so he just disappeared. They had one daughter that client has taken cared of since the divorce. Daughter is about to graduate from college and will be working soon. Daughter has a daughter who is two years old. Daughter is also a single mom. Mother and daughter are helping each other out. Client takes care of daughter and granddaughter with her monthly income, which nets her $5K a month. Their rent is $1,200 a month. Daughter has college expenses of about $1K a month up to June of 2017. There are also babysitting expenses of $500 a month for granddaughter. Daughter also has about $20K of her own credit cards, which she pays for herself from her part time job. In other words, client pays for all expenses of her household, which consists of her daughter and granddaughter. At the end of the month, client has to produce $1,800 to make minimum payments on $60K of credit cards. It’s pretty difficult to budget a payment of $1,800 for credit cards, when daughter’s college expenses is $1K a month plus
$500 of baby sitting expense. The decision to wipe out $60K of credit cards is easily made, thus saving the household $1,800 a month immediately. Daughter expects to work as a certified nursing assistant and maybe gross $3K a month. She will take over payments for the baby sitter and will pay half of the rent as soon as she starts working. Mom’s credit score will become perfect again at 750 in about 5 years, increasing yearly from the date of Chapter 7 filing. She will get new credit cards within 6 months of discharge. I suggest she takes those cards but pay them in full at the end of the month just so she can build up her credit score faster without carrying new debt. Client has an old 2000 Corolla. I suggest she trades that in before we file the case for a newer car, perhaps a 2016 model so she doesn’t have to worry about car repairs for the next few years. One credit card company has filed a lawsuit to collect $8K. Let’s face it, how long can you fork over $1,800 a month to keep credit cards current when you have a daughter and granddaughter to take care of? $1,800 is more than client’s rent of $1,200. So I am happy that client qualifies for a Chapter 7 wipe out of her $60K of credit cards. Her
family really needs relief from those debts! Second client is 55. She owns an e commerce business that sells through Amazon. I was surprised that the rent she pays to Amazon to stock and ship her merchandise is “expensive” to say the least. Client used her credit cards to stock up on merchandise that is resold through Amazon. She sells nearly half a million dollars a year but turning a profit appears to be a problem because the small margin that she makes goes to pay Amazon for rent on the Amazon website. With the rent that she pays to be included in the Amazon website, client has not made any profit for the last two years. She has been losing $1,600 a month. She covers the loss with credit cards. So she now owes $40K, which paid for the loss in 2015 and 2016. She got married two years ago. Her spouse owned their residence before they got married. So, even if the residence has a large equity, it mostly belongs exclusively to the non-filing spouse. There is no problem exempting the house even if the equity is large. Client decides to file Chapter 7 to get rid of the $40K credit cards. Maybe her business could start turning a profit if her supplier lowers their pricing. This is what she will work on
Series for Covered CA: Part 1…
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US born, you don’t even have to show proof unless Covered CA asks for it later. If you are a US citizen but not US born, the best proof is the Certificate of Naturalization or the Certificate of Citizenship. US passport is also very well accepted. If you are not a US citizen, but you have eligible immigration status, then you can apply with Covered CA too. Common examples of documents proving legal presence are Permanent Resident card (Green card), temporary I-551 stamp on passport, I-94 or I-94A, Employment Authorization card (Work permit), and I-20 of non-immigrant students. For those who are petitioned, have not received the Green card yet but had already received their I-797, the Notice of Action document, can also apply. Complete list of documents for eligibility can be found here: https://www.coveredca.
com/PDFs/Accepted-Documentation-for-CC.pdf When you are applying, even the information of those who do not want health insurance need to be known to Covered CA. For example, the husband may already be in Medicare. Or the husband has insurance from the company. So the wife thinks that only her info is needed. Or perhaps the children already have existing Medi-Cal so they need not to apply anymore. In these situations, the info of the husband or the children still need to be presented too. Why? Because Covered CA needs to verify plan eligibility, income and subsidy based on the info of all the household members. Even if a person is not eligible, perhaps because he has no legal presence, his info like name, birth date etc must still be presented. For example, a family of four (4) with undocumented parents who
want to apply for their children can simply say the parents do not want health insurance but their info is still needed. People do not need to worry about Covered CA sharing their immigration or other info to institutions irrelevant to securing health insurance because Covered CA will not share it. The best rule of thumb is to include the info of all the taxpayers and dependents in a tax return in one Covered CA application. Renewal for Jan 1, 2017 effective date is now ongoing for existing members. New applicants can enroll between Nov 1, 2016 and Jan 31, 2017. If you need help renewing or enrolling, please call 855-955-1800 or visit an official Covered CA storefront near you. ***
For more information, please contact Joseph Doratan at 8559551800 or info@ GlobalWealthInsuranceServices.com.
at the same time that she seeks Chapter 7 relief. She gets to keep the business even if she files for Chapter 7 relief. Third client is only 38 years old and married. They have a 4-yearold son. He plans to file Chapter 7 to discharge $50K of credit cards which he is having a hard time paying. He makes $2,000 a month gross as a certified nursing assistant. He wants to get rid of all his credit card debt. Wife, who need not file Chapter 7, has a bunch of student loans with a current balance of $75K and $10K of her own cards. Husband and wife have a de facto split on household expenses and debts. He pays for his own debts. She pays her own debts. He pays a portion of the utilities. She pays the entire rent of $1800. He pays for one car. She pays for two
cars. Wife grosses $10K a month as a medical professional. So, their household income is $12K a month, or $144K a year. Can client get a chapter 7 discharge of his $50K of credit card debt even if their household income is $144K a year? Based on analysis of relevant bankruptcy law, client should be able to get a Chapter 7 discharge even if the household income is $144K a year. Under the worse situation, if there is opposition from the U.S. Trustee, there is a small chance that client may have to convert to Chapter 13 where he will have to pay a portion of the $50K over 60 months. Let’s just say that, if non-filing wife’s expenses are adequately documented, client should be able to qualify for a Chapter 7 discharge. This is what I call a borderline case. You can file it
Calendar of Events across
as a Chapter 7 since the means test will not show a presumption of abuse, and if there is no viable opposition, it should go through as Chapter 7. If your debt burden is too much to handle, come see me regarding Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 reorganization. It’s better to do it earlier than later. “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His steadfast love.” — Psalm 147: 11 *** 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)
America
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Consular outreach in Orlando, Florida The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Orlando on Sunday, October 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death; and administration of oath of allegiance for dual citizenship. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa.org and indicate “Orlando FL Outreach” in the subject line. In the body of the email, indicate the complete name(s) of the applicant(s) and the corresponding service(s) required by each application. The outreach will be held at Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at Seaworld, 6850 Westwood Blvd. Orlando, FL 32821.
Free Filipino American History photo exhibit, Nov. 6, Historic Filipinotown A free photo exhibit with attributions, sponsored by the book, Filipino American Experience: the Making of a Historic Cultural Monument” is slated for Sunday, Nov. 6th, from 12:00 to 2:30pm at the Filipino Disciples Christian Church, 301 North Union Ave., corner Court Street, Los Angeles, CA. 90026. Brief descriptions in English, Spanish and Tagalog will be shared by ten young leaders regarding each photo segment which represent the Filipino American experience in the establishment of Historic Filipinotown from the turn of the century to the turbulent 1960’s-70’s. The book chronicles the prominent role of the only historic, cultural landmark proclaimed by the City of Los Angeles in the city’s Historic Filipinotown. It depicts its contributions in the civic, spiritual and cultural advancement of the Filipino-American community in the Greater Los Angeles region. The first twelve arrivals with current college or high school enrollment I.D. will be awarded a copy of the coffee table book in landscape format and heavy glossy pages. Complimentary lunch will be served to all attendees hosted by the Filipino-American History Photo Gallery on site.
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 5-8, 2016
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A desirable encounter A Dash of Salt and Pepper (A simple thought of inspiration with biblical encouragement) by Henjie Pimenta
EVERY now and then you would hear someone say they communicated with the Lord, most commonly through dreams. For others, it may be through visions, audibly hearing a voice. Some through impression in their hearts, through circumstances and situations, miracles, scriptures that left a lasting meaning in your heart, a supernatural encounter and many more. Henjie Pimenta For however it happened, no one can argue to that person the validity of the encounter. He or she couldn’t care less if his or her integrity and credibility are put on the line. And the next question is: what did God tell you? It could be an instruction, a judgment, blessing or warning. Noah received instruction from God to build the ark; Moses met God through the burning bush; Paul met Jesus on the way to Damascus through audible voice; Jonah got instruction from God to warn the people in Nineveh; God made Joseph and Mary the earthly parents of Jesus; and the Lord awakened the boy Samuel to give warning to Eli, the priest. Now, another way of communicating and most commonly left out is – listening, which plays a big role. One who listens attentively in debate is able to lay a well-presented argument. It may not be about winning in the platform but being able to convey clearly what you want to deliver. (James 1:19) Next to listening – another concern is, how did you respond to the call? Did you genuinely believe it? And if you do, what are your objectives that need to be executed? To obey or ignore? Some have adhered to the encounter with the Lord right away, others may take some time to process and realize that something special happened to him or her that is worth living for. A purpose in life may have been revealed and realized that – it is far from what you thought you want to do or totally opposite in the direction you were aiming for in life. (Romans 7:15-20) But whatever it is, rest assured that the Lord will always be with you to guide and protect you, to lead and watch over you. (Deuteronomy 31:5) In most encounter stories, we only believe the person when he acts upon what he heard and saw, followed by an evident metamorphosis in life. It is easy to judge and criticize someone whom we think had developed personal relationship with God. We are anxious to see their transfor-
mation but the reality is that everyone has a unique experience and timing. Some would flourish in their spiritual walk right away, others may take some time. But let us not forget that an encounter with God is more than just an experience; it is a privilege that every Christ believer should desire. In this manner, we don’t feel that our prayers are just uttered and bounced off the ceiling and no one really heard it. We worship a God who is alive and are able to answer and listen to our prayers. When we commune with God and have that quiet time with Him in the privacy of our room – we can say to Jesus – “Dear Lord, I just want to listen to you this time, I have been speaking most of the time I never gave you the chance to speak to me. I ask for so many things when in fact you have given me everything I need…” Isaiah 40:31 says, “… but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” I encourage you to have quiet time with God by giving 10-15 minutes or more--whether in the morning, evening or during the day. I am not embarrassed to say that with my extra large built body, I have found myself swimming in tears to God sometimes, not because of anger or intense petition but sometimes just because I am happy and appreciative of everything God did to me— abounding grace and mercy that is. I know that every tear that falls has a silent voice in God’s heart. Again, our fervent desire is that we have an ongoing encounter with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit. We don’t hear him speak into our hearts anymore because we are so pre-occupied with all our affairs in this world. Let us tone down the volume of this world and focus on the voice of God in our spiritual ears. And all who agree say, Amen. If you need prayers, please do not hesitate to call or visit us on any Sunday at: Praise Christian Fellowship of the Valley on 9051 Woodman Avenue, Arleta, CA 91331 (inside Helping Hands ADHC, behind the CVS drugstore and Vallarta Supermarket at the back alley) at 4:30 p.m. or call Pastor Emmanuel Madeja at (818) 813-3971; or at Praise Christian Fellowship, Los Angeles at 2235 Beverly Blvd. (corner Roselake/Rosemont), Los Angeles, CA 90057 at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. or call Pastor Courtney Hall at (213) 4848294.
Hyatt Baguio/Manila/Palawan Reunion in Las Vegas FORMER and current employees and guests of Hyatt Terraces Baguio, Hyatt Manila and Hyatt Palawan are having a dinner/dance reunion on November 12 in at the Hampton Inn Tropicana in Las Vegas. The address is 4975 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89118. For more details, please send an email to: Beng Paraguas-Flores (Hyatt Terraces Baguio) at bengparaguasflores@gmail.com or Marian Nobleza (Hyatt Terraces Baguio) at minobleza@yahoo.com. n
AMOR of Southern California officers being sworn-in by Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA President Lino F. Caringal, Jr. (back to camera). From left: Board Member Roger Felix, AMOR founding President Dan E. Nino, VP Ventura County Roger Santos, Board Chairman Leoncio D. Dumlao, VP Orange County Benjie Gamboa (partly hidden), Assistant Secretary Tina C. Lindl, Auditor Araceli F. Gamboa, VP Los Angeles County Milton Seril, PRO Rogelio Mondala, Business Manager Uranos M. Estrada, EVP Mercury E. Dela Fuente, Treasurer Nanie D. Martinez, Auditor Mila H. Seril, Secretary Nora Tejada, President Danny P. Tejada, Board Member Noemi V. Dumlao and Board Vice Chairman Chairman Bernie Martinez.
FASO’s Christmas Concert in Glendale, CA THE Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, as it presents “A Christmas Concert” on Saturday, December 3, 6:00 p.m. at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center in Glendale, California. FASO will play Christmas carols, accompanied by the voices of various choir groups. John Wayne
Performing Arts Center is located at 1440 E. Broadway, Glendale, California 91205. For tickets, call Andy Tecson (323) 467-5096; Bob Shroder (818) 395-8936; and Arlene Ferrolino (213) 248-9850. Tickets are also available athttp://fasochristmas. eventbrite.com/. Tickets are at $25, $45 and $75. More information at www.fasofoundation.org. n
Are you Filipino living in LA? Did you know that only 37.1%* of Filipinos who qualify for food stamps actually receive food stamps? Join us for a group discussion about Food Stamps and earn a $20 Target gift Card! for more information, contact: Kyle Tsukahira, Program Manager at APIOPA (213) 553 - 1800 ext. 404
or
ktsukahira@APIOPA.ORG
*data source: UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. AskCHIS 2014. Data based on <300% FPL.
C NOVEMBER 5-8, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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Some issues and pitfalls in pursuing US citizenship Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ (Part 2)
FOR many people, attaining U.S. citizenship is the final step in achieving their “American Dream.” After getting a green card, they eagerly count off the years until they are finally eligible to apply for naturalization. However, for some people, applying for citizenship could cause problems, issues, and even being stripped of their green card and deported/removed. Applying for citizenship is not always a simple, straightforward task that a person should handle on their own. Instead, they may want to seek the advice or guidance of an attorney. Here are more issues or problems a person should consider before filing for naturalization: • Does the person meet the residency requirements, or were they outside the U.S. for too long on too many occasions? For a person to be eligible for citizenship, the person should have lived in the U.S. for a certain amount of time. For example, they could not have been outside the U.S. on any single trip for one year or more, and the total time outside U.S., for all trips, should not have been more than 2-1/2 years. Many people treat their green card like
a visitor’s visas, and stay outside the U.S. for more than the allowable time. Some may even lie on the naturalization application, and put down they never left the U.S., or they do not disclose the full length of the trips, or back-date their arrivals/departures. However, USCIS checks with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which has the actual records of persons’ entries and exits. If the person lied about their absences from the U.S., they could be denied naturalization, and possibly be stripped of their green card for having “abandoned” lawful permanent resident status. • If a person obtained a green card through marriage, did they truly live under the same roof with the citizen spouse? When a person obtains a green card through a spousal petition, the law requires that the marriage should be “bona fide” (meaning it’s not fixed), and it is expected that the couple lived together. If the person obtained a green card through the marriage, and later applies for citizenship, they may be questioned (again) about the marriage, and whether they actually lived under the same roof with the U.S. citizen. This is especially true when a person is trying to get the three-year citizenship, which is based on being married to a U.S. citizen and still living under the same roof with the citizen at the time of applying for naturalization. Some people never lived with the American, but put down the same address. They were able to get their green card and later
PH to form body for govt-togovt economic deals with China by MayVelin
u. caraballo ManilaTimes.net
THE government will designate an inter-agency body as the focal point of Philippine economic relations with China, particularly in dealing with potential Chinese investors, a Cabinet official announced Wednesday, Nov. 2. In a press briefing in Malacañang, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said President Rodrigo Duterte has agreed to designate the Investment Coordinating Committee (ICC) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as the focal point when it comes to managing the country’s relationship with China. “Once the President has actually signed an order to do that, the ICC will go to China and ask the Chinese government to des-
ignate a single focal point also in China so that the dealings can be government-to-government,” he explained. “ICC will ask the Chinese government to designate and accredit the companies that they believe can do the projects to accredit them so that we will – so that the Philippine side will know which companies to deal with in China,” the Department of Finance (DOF) chief added. The ICC evaluates the implications of major national projects on fiscal and monetary policies and balance of payments position of the country, and recommends to the President the timetable of implementations on a regular basis. It advises the President on matters related to the domestic and foreign borrowings program, and submits PAGE D2
Duterte’s tax reform plan under review by Prinz
P. MagTulis Philstar.com
MANILA – Projections under the Duterte administration’s tax reform plan are under review to consider less poor families that may impact revenue generation and funds for new welfare programs. “With the 2015 Family Income and Expenditure Survey now available, we will need to recompute all the revenue, economic, equity and price effects,” Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said. The first of the five tax reform packages estimated to generate around P200 billion in the first year will come from lower personal income tax, but higher excise levies on oil and fewer value-added tax (VAT) exemptions. Under “tax-and-transfer” measures stipulated in the bill, incremental revenues will fund unconditional cash for the poorest 50 percent of the population at P6,000 each per year. Estimates, however, were made using a 2012 data that showed 25.2 percent of Filipinos poor. Under a latest survey released last week, that has gone down to 21.6 percent in 2015. “They could be looking at generating more revenues with less poor Filipinos,” said Emilio Neri Jr., lead economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands.
Pres. Rodrigo Duterte
In principle, with less poor people, consumption will go up and that may affect revenue collections from that end,” Neri said in a phone interview. Chua said this is the reason why it is important to remove some VAT exemptions that are “vulnerable” to tax leakage of P5 billion a year. “The DOF tax plan provides for highly targeted transfers plus expanded health services to cushion the impact of the proposed adjustment in tax rates on the poorest families,” he said. Neri, however, is not sure if with lower poverty rate, the DOF could save some funds from planned cash transfers. For one, he noted the government is sticking to its plan to reduce the rate by 1.5 percentage points each year, translating to 13 percent by 2022.
Business Quote of the Week “If you want to be an entrepreneur, its not a job, it’s a lifestyle. It defines you. Forget about vacations, about going home at 6pm – last thing at night you’ll send emails, first thing in the morning you’ll read emails, and you wake up in the middle of the night. But its hugely rewarding as you’re fulfilling something for yourself.” - Niklas Zennstrom, founder Skype and Kazaa
apply for naturalization. DHS now has sophisticated computer programs and records, where they can search a person’s residences going back almost 30 years. The DHS may not have had such records when the person obtained a green card, but now DHS’s database has much more information in it, and it could raise issues or problems about the marriage, which would be uncovered when they apply for citizenship. • Does a person have a child who is eligible under the CSPA? There are cases that state a parent’s naturalizing after the child’s 21st birthday destroys the child’s age-out eligibility under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). It could be possible for a child to be eligible for a green card, despite aging out (or turning 21 years of age), based on a mathematical formula. Once that child qualifies under the CSPA, their age is “locked in” forever, and they will be eligible for green card even if they are far above 21 years of age – except if the parent naturalizes after the child’s 21st birthday, thereby destroying the child’s CSPA eligibility. There are published cases where a child qualified under the CSPA, but their immigrant par-
ent naturalized after the child’s 21st birthday. As you can see, there are so many issues that could come up in connection with a person’s eligibility for naturalization. If you have any questions about your past, or eligibility for naturalization, you should definitely seek the advice of an attorney before filing for naturalization. This Philippine Agriculture Sec. Manny Piñol (right) with Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz is because once you file, and US- and Philippine Trade Commissioner of Los Angeles, Jojie Dinsay. CIS digs into your past, you may Photo by Bobby Crisostomo have dug a hole for yourself. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) 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 attorney-client 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)
PH Agriculture Sec. Piñol wows delegates at int’l agri confab in California by Melandrew
T. Velasco
PALM SPRINGS - “Leave agriculture and trading to us as we leave politics to our leaders.” This was stressed by Philippine Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol as he assured some 300 delegates at the International Trade and Agriculture Summit that trade relations between the Philippines and the United States remain stronger despite recent political noise and exchanges
between the State Department and President Rodrigo Duterte. The U.S.-PH relations have soured in the past months due Duterte’s recent tirades against Washington for criticizing his aggressive approach to rid the country of illegal drugs, and just recently the cancellation of gun supplies to the Philippine National Police (PNP). In a press conference in Washington, D.C., State Department PAGE D2
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AmCham seeks clarification on Duterte’s anti-US stance by richmOnd
mercuriO Philstar.com
maniLa – the american chamber of commerce of the Philippines (amcham) is preparing for a series of meetings with cabinet officials to voice out its concerns regarding President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial tirades against the United states. amcham has secured a date with the Department of Finance (DOF), led by the agency’s chief carlos Dominguez, and is looking to schedule a similar dialogue with trade secretary Ramon Lopez in the coming weeks. amcham executive director ebb Hinchliffe said the group requested for the meeting with the DOF as it seeks to clarify the context of Duterte’s anti-american stance.
“i won’t share the agenda until i know the secretary’s thoughts but we are looking for clarification on the President’s anti-american comments and share with the secretary our concerns and repercussions they may have,” Hinchliffe told the star. amcham is a private and nonprofit association representing more than 700 companies. it is affiliated with the U.s. chamber of commerce and the asia-Pacific council of american chambers. amcham senior advisor John Forbes earlier said Duterte’s antiamerican remarks have triggered concern among U.s. investors, causing several trade missions to the Philippines and business process outsourcing investment plans to be cancelled.
Duterte has been persistent in his public attacks on those criticizing his war against illegal drugs, including long-time ally U.s. Duterte has already spoken about the country’s “separation” from the U.s., as well as dared the U.s. to pull their aid to the Philippines. in response to such remarks and to pacify american firms’ growing concerns, Department of trade and industry’s Lopez earlier assured U.s. companies operating in the Philippines and even those looking to invest will be protected. after the scheduled dialogue with Dominguez, Hinchliffe said amcham is also requesting a meeting with Lopez on a similar agenda.
PH to form body for govt-to-govt economic... PAGE D1
a status on how the projects are having an impact on the fiscal, monetary and balance of payments aspects of the economy. it consists of the secretary of Finance, as chairman; the neDa director-general, as co-chairman; and the executive secretary, the secretaries of agriculture, trade and industry, Budget and management and the governor of the central bank of the Philippines, as members. meanwhile, Dominguez said china’s investment pledges to the Philippines reached $6-billion dollars worth of official development assistance (ODa) and $3 billion worth of loans. “Of course you know, this is the
first time we are doing ODa or Official Development assistance with china so we don’t have a complete list of projects yet,” he said. nevertheless, Dominguez stressed that among the projects in the pipeline include an irrigation project in the autonomous Region in muslim mindanao; the P200-billion project for a railway from manila to Bicol; and various infrastructure projects within the Greater manila area. “But our projects really are going to be aimed outside of Greater manila area because we want to create jobs for people there—good jobs—so that we can reduce poverty in those areas,” he said. “the infrastructure projects outside of metro manila will also
connect the farmers and small businessmen in the outlying areas to the main consuming areas of manila. so those are the projects as i mentioned for the china ODa pledges,” he added. Besides government-to-government projects, Dominguez noted President Duterte’s state visit to china in October also resulted in huge private sector deals. “there were $15-billion worth of private business-to-business or private sector to private sector in china and these involve projects like a hotel chain opening here in the Philippines. i think they are aiming at 2,000 rooms. there are also projects for the development of infrastructure in the clark Green city area,” he said.
Cebuana Lhuillier General Manager Noel Fernando Cristal; Cebuana Lhuillier Vice President Philippe Andre Lhuillier; Cebuana Lhuillier President & CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier; PNB President Reynaldo Maclang; PNB Executive Vice President Bernardo Tocmo; and PNB First Senior Vice President Benjamin Oliva
PNB inks partnership with Cebuana Lhuillier Remittance is now made easier with Philippine national Bank (PnB) and cebuana Lhuillier! the money you remit at PnB overseas branches and offices can now be picked up in any of cebuana Lhuillier’s 1,800 branches nationwide. With cebuana Lhuillier as a partner, PnB maintains its position of strength to serve its clients by enhancing customer experience and convenience. as one of the leading banks in the Philippines, PnB has 72 overseas branches and offices which span asia, europe, the middle east, and north america. Philippine National Bank the Philippine national Bank is the country’s fourth largest
private commercial bank in terms of assets and deposits. it is a universal bank providing a full range of banking and other financial services to its highly diverse clientele comprised of individual depositors, small and medium enterprise, domestic and international corporations, government institutions, and overseas Filipinos. For the past century, PnB has always been the bank that customers can lean on. Backed by 100 years of stability and excellence, PnB looks forward to yet another hundred years of serving You First. PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies
established in 1988, the PJ Lhuillier Group of companies (PJLGc) is a dynamic, multiindustry institution that owns and operates businesses dealing with microfinancial products and services such as pawning, remittance, microinsurance, and microloans. the company is also involved in other industries such as retail, hotel and restaurant management, it, sports management, and real estate. PJLGc is the proud parent company of cebuana Lhuillier, the Philippines’ largest microfinancial services provider with over 1,800 branches nationwide. (Advertising Supplement)
Declining US investments won’t affect BPOs, says Pernia by Ben
O. de Vera Inquirer.net
expected to adopt a business as usual stance, although as ameriDesPite President Rodrigo can investments in the country Duterte’s “cutting” ties with the may decline, according to the United states, business process country’s chief economist. outsourcing (BPO) firms mostly “i think the FDi [foreign direct serving the United states are investment] from the Us has gone down. there are already reports, although china’s FDi [in the Philippines] is picking up. Us FDi [in the country] has been on a downtrend,” socioeconomic Planning secretary ernesto Pernia told reporters on thursday, nov. 3. as the Philippines pivots to china, the government nonetheless will ensure that potential investors from the mainland are not corrupt to avoid repeats of controversial deals in the past, such as the nBn-Zte and the north Rail, said Pernia, also the director general of the national economic and Development authority (neda). Latest Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas data showed that investor confidence spilled over into the first month of the Duterte administration, as the country recorded a higher net FDi inflow of $503 million in July, during which the United states was among the top
sources of inflows. Despite expectations of higher FDi flows from china, Pernia said these could not compensate for a decline in Us investments in job-generating projects. “chinese FDi came from a low base, while the Us came from a much higher base,” he noted. the neda chief expressed optimism there would be no sharp drops in FDi from the United states, as american investors had been reassured that they could continue doing business here. in the case of BPO companies, “they would not pull out,” he said. “i don’t think there will be a pullout of BPOs except if [Republican Party candidate Donald] trump wins, but that could likely happen next year. [BPO operations are] profitable to private sector businesses. the Us government cannot compel the private sector” to stop operations in the Philippines, he said. the BPO industry expects to generate $25 billion in revenue and employ 1.3 million this year. Over the next six years, the industry is looking to double these numbers.
BPO firms mostly serving the United States are expected to adopt a business as usual stance, although as American investments in the country may decline.
PH Agriculture Sec. Piñol wows... PAGE D1 spokesman John Kirby questioned how the U.s. bolster ties with the Philippine government when it can’t have a close relationship with its head of state. “Well, because the government isn’t—doesn’t rest—especially on a democracy. it doesn’t rest on the shoulders of just one individual,” Kirby said in a media briefing in Washington. For his part, the Piñol pointed out that there are 4.5 million Filams in the U.s. today, 1.2 million of whom are living in california alone. about 200,000 americans are living in the Philippines. “that alone is reason enough for us to remain friends and continue with our bilateral trade,” Piñol said. in his speech, he showed trade scorecard betweem the two countries in the last four years: $9.251 billion worth of PH exports versus U.s. $8.043 billion imports in 2013; $10.169 billion worth of PH exports versus $8.501 billion worth of U.s. imports in 2014; $10.233 billion worth of PH exports versus $U.s. 7.907 billion worth of Us imports in 2015; and $U.s. 6.668 billion worth of PH exports and $5.141 billion worth of U.s. imports as of august this year. Piñol made the sales pitch for Philippine agriculture which is anchored on more than 7,500 islands, its long shoreline (fifth in world) and products such as heirloom rice, fruits, coconut juice, among others. Piñol thanked the organizers led by the Riverside Office of Foreign trade commissioner Heidi marshall, Palm springs mayor Richard Dozier, mr. Paul smith, Janversal LLc mariver Diaz, agriculture attache Joy chio
Sec. Manny Piñol
Javelosa, Jojie Dinsay of La-based Philippine trade Representative, Philippine consul General of Los angeles, adelio angelito s. cruz and best selling author emma tiebens for “her untiring support and assistance linking Philippine government officials to different business sectors and social media.” Piñol was accompanied by agriculture Usec. evelyn Laviña, the Bureau of Fisheries and aquatic Resources (BFaR) Usec. & Director eduardo Gongona, Gov. Pedro mayam-o of ifugao, Jimmy Lingayu, the agriculture and trade attachés of the Philippines, Dir. Lorenzo caranguian of Da cordillera, Da consultant Raffy Panagan, Vice mayor Lito Piñol), eDL Group of companies chairman eulalio D. Lorenzo and other delegates from the private sector. Successful state visit for coco industry and tilapia While in southern california, Piñol visited the integrated modern agri farm of Fil-ams Rocky and alice French, who hosted the Philippine delegation with their premier product and sumptuous food at their “tilapia farms” in PAGE D4
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US asks carmakers to make Longo Toyota delivers world class experience their vehicles safe from hackers REMEMBER that time a couple of dudes successfully hacked the electronics of a Jeep Cherokee and commandeered it via remote control? Scary prospect, for sure. With cars being more and more reliant on computers and electronics, it’s frightening to visualize losing control of one’s
vehicle to some mischievous tech nerd. And so the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued cyber security guidelines asking the auto industry to make cyber security a priority. It’s about time, if you ask us. With electronic driving aids now
becoming the standard instead of the option, cars will only become more and more sophisticated (but also more and more erratic). We the car owners need some kind of assurance that our next Altis won’t whisk us to a far-flung destination against our wishes. (ManilaTimes.net)
2-YR EMERGENCY POWERS SOUGHT
Duterte gov’t unveils P8-T infra plan by Catherine
Valente Manilatimes.net
MALACAÑANG on Thursday, Nov. 3 unveiled an P8.2-trillion plan to build new roads, bridges and transport facilities for the next six years, promising a “golden age of infrastructure development.” Three Cabinet officials—Socioeconomic Planning chief Ernesto Pernia, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar—vowed to complete the projects in three to five years, before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term. The board of the National Economic and Development Authority, headed by the President, has approved nine projects, and seven more are being studied, Pernia said. Pernia said the Duterte administration’s infrastructure spending would reach 5.4 percent of the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017 alone, compared with previous administrations that allocated an average of 2.6 percent of GDP to infrastructure in the last 50 years. “These projects will require ramping up the spending on infrastructure… we’ll keep it at least at 5 percent of GDP and it will likely go up higher to 7 percent until the end of the Duterte administration,” Pernia said. Villar said the government would create new hubs to decongest Metro Manila and bring development to the regions. Among the road and bridge projects is the Sta. Monica-Lawton-Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Bridge, which Villar said would cut EDSA traffic by 100,000 vehicles. The Iloilo-Guimaras-NegrosCebu Link Bridge will be the “most ambitious project,” costing
$1 billion, he said. Other key projects are the UP-Miriam-Ateneo Viaduct, the Northern Luzon ExpresswaySouth Luzon Expressway Connector Road, and the Davao City Bypass Road that will run from Digos City, Davao del Sur to Panabo, Davao del Norte. “In our budget this year, 25 percent is allocated to a nationwide decongestion program. This is unprecedented in the history of our country and I think that we’ll be able to—in the next year we’ll be able to feel the effects of these infrastructure spending,” Villar said. Tugade said there would be
three major railway projects: the Manila – Clark Railway, the Subic-Clark Cargo Railway, and the Mindanao Railway that will pass through Davao, Surigao and Cagayan de Oro. Tugade emphasized the need for Congress to approve emergency powers for the Executive branch to expedite the ambitious projects. “We are only asking for a window of two years,” he told reporters. “If it’s not given, we will do what we think ought to be done. But there will be delays. Is the population willing to wait some more?” he said.
able for catering services. Being the premiere Enterprise Rent-A-Car Toyota retailer in the naLongo Toyota also has tion, Longo Toyota aims to two enterprise Rent-A-Car deliver a truly world-class experience to our guests offices on its premises. on every transaction, evOne is located adjacent to eryday. the Service Drive in the it all starts with our Pre-Owned Vehicle Showfriendly and welcoming room, and the other is in staff, a clean and modthe Collision Repair Center. ern environment, and a Customers are welcome to wide range of services to IXpdfe[ G\i\q utilize the enterprise rentD\c :Xjk\cf make your visit pleasant al services, regardless of and convenient. Here are whether or not they leave some of our key amenities their vehicle in Longo for at Longo Toyota: any car service. Auto Club of Southern Complimentary Vehicle California (AAA) Delivery Service in november 1999, Longo Toyota also offer Longo Toyota became the complimentary vehicle defirst automotive dealership livery service. Our delivery in the US to have the Auto service is available 6 days Club on its premises. For a week, Monday thru Sat9lkZ_ >XYlk`eX 14 long years, our Auto :\jXi DXZXc`ef urday, anywhere within a Club branch has served K?8EB PFL =FI D8B@E> LJ ELD9<I FE< =fi k_\ cfe^\jk 60-mile radius of Longo countless satisfied Longo k`d\# Cfe^f KfpfkX _Xj Y\\e gi`[`e^ `kj\c] Xj k_\ ( KfpfkX Toyota. customers with its wide mfcld\ [\Xc\i `e k_\ Le`k\[ JkXk\j% 8cjf Zfej`[\i\[ Xj k_\ ( Longo Toyota Parts and array of services Accessories Department Gi`lj Xe[ ?pYi`[ [\Xc\i `e 8d\i`ZX# Cfe^f KfpfkX `j ^iXk\]lc Today, our on-site You can also shop at the branch offers DMV servic- ]fi k_\ Zfek`elflj jlggfik f] `kj Zc`\ekj k_Xk _Xm\ kiljk\[ Longo Toyota Parts and es, airline, car and hotel k_\d n`k_ hlXc`kp YiXe[ e\n Xe[ lj\[ ZXij% ?Xm`e^ j\im\[ Accessories Department, reservations, discounted Zljkfd\ij ]fi +, p\Xij# k_\i\ dljk Y\ X i\Xjfe n_p Cfe^f which carries a wide semovie and local attraction KfpfkX `j jk`cc Zfej`[\i\[ eldY\i fe\% :Xcc ($/''$-(.$+,(- lection of genuine Toyota tickets, membership pro- kf[Xp kf Ôe[ flk% parts and accessories for cessing, OnBoard Teen your vehicle. With thouSafe Driver Program, and more. Sign up at our sands of parts and accessories in stock, we defiLongo Toyota branch and get $13 off the origi- nitely have whatever it is you’re looking for. Our nal membership application price. Located in boutique also carries a selection of Ray-Ban and our new car showroom, our AAA branch is open Oakley sunglasses, women’s and men’s apparel, Mondays thru Saturdays, from 11am to 7pm. and so much more. For more details about our AAA branch, please Shuttle Service call (888) 494-2953. For your convenience, Longo Toyota offers Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer complimentary shuttle service while your veLongo Lexus is the first car dealership in the hicles are being serviced. Our shuttles can take US to provide Verizon Wireless and Verizon you to virtually anywhere within a 15-mile radius Wireless neighborhood services on-site. Our Ve- of Longo Toyota – be it your home, work, the rizon branch offers the latest in telecommunica- mall, or even the parlor! Anywhere! tions, mobile devices, accessories and services. An engaging stay We also offer complimentary cellphone chargWhile we understand that our customer’s time ing stations for our customers. Our Verizon re- is precious, we realize that many of them may tailer is located inside our parts retail center. Our need internet connectivity at all times. As such Wireless Playground is open Monday-Friday, we are more than happy to provide FRee WiFi 7am-7pm; Saturday, 7am-5:30pm; and Sunday, throughout our facility, and FRee use of our 8-4pm. Please call (888) 623-2133 for more in- great business center. in our business center, formation. we provide a quiet setting where our guests can Starbucks and Subway work on our computers or on their own laptops. While waiting for your car to come out of our We also provide free use of an iPad for Longo car-care service lines, you can enjoy a quick bite guests who are waiting for their vehicles. Our at Subway or a nice refreshing drink at Starbucks. guest Check-in representative will be more than We offer healthy dining options with Subway’s happy to arrange this for you. wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. if you decide to bring the kids to the dealerif you’re thirsty and you’re looking for that ship, boredom will never be a problem. We also quick coffee fix, you can grab a refreshing Hazel- offer a variety of video games and DVDs just for nut Macchiato or a smooth Caramel Frappuccino kids so that they can also enjoy their visit to Lonat Starbucks. Offering only the finest coffee spe- go Toyota. cialties, teas, juices, and assortment of pastries, For more information on our Longo Toyota there’s something for everybody at our on-site guest Services, please log on to http://www.lonStarbucks branch. gotoyota.com/dealership/amenities.htm. Please call (800) 969-6512 (Subway) or (877) Longo Toyota is located at 3534 north Peck 503-7915 (Starbucks) for more information. Both Road, el Monte, CA 91731. our Subway and Starbucks branches are avail 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek
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Finding the right car for PH Trade Sec. Piñol wows... you with Valencia Nissan PAGE D1
PeoPle in the market for a quality vehicle can get a feel for some of the hottest cars in the market with the help of the knowledgeable and experienced staff at Valencia Nissan, located about two miles from the Magic Mountain Parkway exit of the I-5 Freeway. Their attentive sales team is prepared to help match car buyers with a vehicle the will fill their needs and suit their lifestyles. They do their best to make their visitors comfortable by offering snacks, a children’s play area and other complimentary amenities. The dealership’s lot features a wide selection of award winning vehicles like the 2016 Nissan Murano, which was just voted best midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) by both Cars.com and Motorweek in october. “The Murano’s high points extend beyond its quality interior,” writes Cars.com editorin-Chief, Patrick olsen. “The SUV is packed with technology and family-friendly features,
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and thanks to its V-6 power, the Murano is a blast to drive.” Many Nissan models also boast high safety ratings, like the redesigned 2017 Pathfinder which earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA). “Pathfinder delivers a safe and secure driving experience that
is now augmented with our Nissan Safety Shield suite of technologies,” said Nissan North America’s Vice President of Product Planning, Michael Bunce. Vehicle Dynamic Control and advanced airbag systems come standard in all models. In addition, high-tech safety features that can can apply the brakes to prevent a forward collision or allow drivers to know all of the hazards surrounding them are available on many Nissan vehicles. For information about Nissan’s product line, financing or to schedule a test drive dial 866-7188291 or visit the lot at 24111 Creekside Rd., Valencia, CA 91355. 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek
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Indio. Piñol has commissioned Rocky to design and develop a prototype to help the propagation of the tilapia industry in the Philippines. A number of BFAR officials and employees are now undertaking onsite study and stay-in training at Rocky’s tilapia farm. Piñol and the Philippine delegation also visited two companies that manufacture machines designed depending on the needs of their customers. It was during the visit in the Generic Manufacturing Corp. in Temecula City where Piñol saw modern processing and packaging machines. The experience reminded him of one of his biggest dreams he had as a young farmer. According to the Piñol, coconut which is the Philippines’s No. 1 export commodity has long used a primitive harvesting method. “It starts with the manual picking of fruits, the individual dehusking of the fruit, the breaking of the shell, scooping the white coconut meat from the shell and the drying of the coconut meat either under the sun or earth ovens made in the field,” Piñol said adding that “the manual de-husking, the scooping of the coconut meat and the drying of the copra is a very slow process.” In the same process, Piñol said that the husks and the coconut water are thrown away more often than not, while the coconut shell is made into charcoal. “[When I saw] the modern machines of Generic Manufacturing, [which were] designed according to the specifications of their customers, I asked Lonnie Belts, president of the company, if he could design and fabricate a special machine for Filipino coconut farmers,” Piñol shared.
If the coconut machine will be developed, Piñol aims to accomplish the following: 1. The machine should have several processing lines which would start with the automatic de-husking of the coconut with the husk forwarded to a line which would process it into coco coir. 2. The next line would involve the cleaning of the shell before it is broken with a receptacle saving the coconut water which then is forwarded to another line where this will be processed and bottled to be sold as coconut water. 3. The next line would involve the scooping of the coconut meat which then would be brought to a drying facility where it would be turned into desiccated coconut ready to be processed into coconut oil. 4. The by-product in the processing of the coconut meat to oil which is called copra meal could then be packed to be shipped to feeds manufacturing companies. 5. The empty coconut shells could then be brought to another facility where it could be processed into charcoal briquettes. 6. This automated machine would make the husking and processing a faster procedure while at the same time turning what otherwise are discarded by products—husk, water and shells—into additional income
sources for the coconut farmers. “As soon as I was done telling Lonnie Roberts what I wanted to have, he immediately said Generic Manufacturing Corp. could design the machine with the different processing lines,” reported Piñol to the delegates. He annouced that following the signing of the MUO, Belts engineers would visit the Philippines to study such factors as sizes of the nuts, availability of water and power, and even the prevailing temperature. The MOU stated that Generic Manufacturing Corp. will start designing the Automated Coconut Processing Machine for the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines without cost to the government. In January next year, Belts and two of his technical experts will visit the Philippines for one week to take a look and study the situation of the coconut industry. When that is done, the first prototype of the automated processing facility could be established in a coconut production area to be identified later. “This is a development which I hope would finally lift the Filipino coconut farmers from poverty and realise President Duterte’s dream of giving Filipinos in the rural areas a better life,” concluded Piñol.
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WIN Hyundai and WIN Chevrolet: Three giant locations to serve you There’s no better place for kababayans to shop for hyundai vehicles than WIN hyundai in Carson, Calif. established in 2011, the young dealership started with the goal of becoming the premiere hyundai dealership. since then, it has lived up to its aim by consistently ranked among the top five dealers in the district. In 2012, the dealership, which is also equus Certified, was also ranked No. 1 in district sales. WIN is proud to carry hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power and Associates ranked the automaker No. 2 among nonpremium automakers in the 2015 Automotive Performance, execution and Layout (APeAL) study. “Finishing among the top two non-premium brands in this year’s J.D. Power, the APeAL study shows hyundai takes design, technology, features, and performance seriously across the entire lineup. having the best-selling sonata ranking among the top two in its class is a remarkable accomplishment and we are committed to delivering the highest customer experience possible to our owners,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning at hyundai. WIN hyundai offers a wide selection of quality hyundai vehicles and extends its offerings across the Los Angeles area with its two locations: one in Carson and another in el Monte. On both sites,
customers can find new and certified pre-owned vehicles – including the santa Fe, sonata, elantra and Genesis Coupe – to meet a variety of budgets and preferences. Because the Carson and el Monte locations serve just about anyone and everyone in southern California, its experienced s a l e s re p re s e n t a t i v e s a re prepared and eager to help customers find the cars that best fit their preferences and needs. When it comes to purchasing a hyundai, WIN specializes in working with all types of credit, good or bad, and has the ability to refinance current loans. Additionally, although it sells hyundai cars, the dealership services vehicles of all makes and models and currently has an oil change special of $19.95 For Chevrolet owners and shoppers in Los Angeles, you may check out WIN’s third location at WIN Chevrolet, which will make sure to handle everything from helping you purchase a new or used Chevy. schedule an appointment or just stop on by to take any of our 2015 Chevrolet models for a test drive including the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro, 2015 Chevrolet Impala, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. Beyond the highly-praised brand WIN offers southern California residents, it has departments dedicated diverse groups found throughout the Los Angeles region, including Chinese, Korean, hispanic and Filipino communities.
Among Filipino members of the WIN hyundai Carson team include long-time car industry veterans Jun Milan and Jay Trinidad. “WIN is a great dealership and customer service is the best it can be,” Milan said. Also on the Filipino team i s Fra n k l i n M a g a r ro , t h e dealership’s internet sales manager. In addition to its on-location offerings, those shopping for hyundai cars can browse WIN’s inventory online with userfriendly filters. Whether you know specifically what make and model you’re looking for, are trying to shop based on a budget, or simply want to browse through what is available, the dealership website makes it easy to shop around from home. Live chat is also available and sales representatives are happy to assist customers via phone. WIN Hyundai Carson 2205 e 223rd street Carson, CA 90810 (877) 354-4253 Monday through saturday: 9am to 9pm sunday: 10am to 8pm WIN Hyundai El Monte 3462 N Peck road el Monte, CA 91731 (877) 290-2164 Monday through sunday: 9am to 9pm www.winhyundai.com Win Chevrolet 2201 e. 223rd street Carson, CA 90810 (818) 639-1216 www.winchevrolet.com 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek
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