LA Weekend Edition -- September 17 -- 20, 2016 by Asian Journal Community Newspapers

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September 17-20, 2016

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from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

CA to develop model curriculum for ethnic studies IN a historic move to expand high school curricula, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bipartisan-supported bill that would create a model curriculum in ethnic studies for high schools, charter schools and public colleges. Authored by Assemblymember Luis A. Alejo, AB 2016 would encourage high school districts and charter schools to include more comprehensive history about Asian Americans, African Americans and Latinos in ethnic studies courses. “the development of a comprehensive ethnic studies curriculum acknowledges the diversity of California, which has the most ethnically diverse public school student body in the nation,” Alejo said in a statement. the bill would require the state’s Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) and the state Board of education (sBe) to collaborate with high school and college instructors specializing in ethnic studies to establish model curricula. schools can then use that model as a guide to revise their lesson plans and coursework. the bill won’t be in effect until the 20202021 school year which allows more time for schools to adjust their curricula. earlier this year, the stanford Graduate school of education released a study that

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10 young Fil-Am leaders chosen for PH immersion trip WAshINGtoN, D.C. — two engineers, two lawyers, two marketing and communications professionals, a Broadway producer, an educator, a transportation infrastructure specialist, and a culinary enthusiast, form the fifth batch of young filipino-American leaders who will embark on an immersion trip to the Philippines to meet with influential filipino personalities and deepen their understanding of issues affecting their country of heritage. Now on its fifth year, the filipino Young Leaders Program (fYLPro) continues to give high-performing, next-generation filipino-Americans the opportunity to reconnect with their roots and engage with government leaders, business executives, cultural experts, social entrepreneurs, and innovators in different fields in the Philippines. the following are the 2016 fYLPro delegates: Noel Aglubat (New York), a civil engineer at the federal energy regulatory Commission at the New York regional office; tiffany Batac (Washington, DC), manager of the asset management service area at WsP | Par-

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President Rodrigo Duterte

1,000 gov’t officials tagged in 3rd drug list

Witness alleges Pres. Duterte ordered death squad killings while mayor of Davao Over 1,000 murders in question

by Eric

anthony LicaS AJPress

A seLf-described former Davao Death squad (DDs) hitman testified before the Philippine senate on thursday, sept. 15, corroborating prior accusations suggesting President rodrigo Duterte had approved over 1,000 murders while he was mayor of Davao.

edgar matobato, 57, appeared during a senate committee probe investigating alleged human rights abuses committed in the name of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, which has reported over 2,500 deaths since the end of June. his statements depict the president as a man willing to go above the law and utilize vigilante violence for political gain and the pursuit of

SioSon AJPress

his vision of justice. “our work was to kill criminals like drug pushers, rapists [and] snatchers,” said matobato. “those were the people we killed every day.” matobato described in grisly detail numerous murders that he either witnessed or took part in while on the payroll of the City of Davao

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PresIDeNt rodrigo Duterte said he will soon reveal the names in his third and final list of personalities involved with illegal drugs. “the final report is there, I’m about to make it public,” Duterte announced in his speech before the elite Army scout rangers on thursday, september 15, in Camp tecson, Bulacan. the president showed the troops an inchthick of compiled papers, revealing that over 1,000 names were included in the list. the president, however, did not read the names. “there are 1,000 barangay captains and police and mayors and governors and about—judges. Nandiyan na lahat (it’s all there),” he expressed. According to the president, the contents of the list are based on “raw” intelligence that were screened and finalized by Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA). “Galing ‘yan sa mga raw tapos pinahasa ko sa mga intelligence – PDeA, NICA (This came from raw information then i had it screened by intelligence agencies – PDEA, NicA),” Duterte explained.

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Philippines to stop joint Duterte: US military should leave patrols in disputed sea in pursuit of Mindanao peace by Dana

SioSon AJPress

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the Philippines will no longer conduct naval patrols in the south China sea with foreign powers, President rodrigo Duterte said on tuesday, september 13. “We will not join any expedition or patrolling. I will not allow it because I do not want my country to be involved in a hostile act,” Duterte said in a speech during the 48th anniversary of the 250th Philippine Airlift Wing at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. he commented that he wanted filipino forces to only patrol Philippine territorial waters, or the 12 nauti-

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Case baffles neighbors and police in Long Beach

home on the 1500 block of Park AJPress Avenue to discover the lifeless bodies of his wife, Charlene, and NeIGhBors and police in their 8-week-old son, shane, apLong Beach are wondering what parently following what invesdrove a 36-year-old filipina to tigators have labeled a murderstab her infant son to death be- suicide. fore turning the knife on herself officers dispatched to the resisometime before 6:30 a.m. on dence found that both subjects tuesday, september 13. had suffered multiple stab wounds Ken Ventanilla returned to his to the upper body, according to a

anthony LicaS

by Dana

Edgar Matobato, 57, the former militiaman who accused President Rodrigo Duterte of ordering the murders of opponents and criminals when he was mayor of Davao City. ManilaTimes.net photo

Filipina mom kills infant in murder-suicide by Eric

ManilaTimes.net photo

preliminary statement from Long Beach Police. mother and son were pronounced dead at the scene by the fire department. the Ventanillas appeared to have a healthy and happy life, according to a neighbor of the family speaking anonymously. “they had friends over,” she told the orange county register.

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three days after urging the U.s. to leave mindanao, President rodrigo Duterte clarified that he only wanted the American forces to pull out temporarily so he could pursue peace talks with the moro people. In his speech before filipino soldiers at Camp tecson in san miguel, Bulacan on thursday, sept. 16, Duterte said the presence of Us troops would make it hard to facilitate peace talks with the moros. “Kaya sinabi ko mindanao (That’s why i said Mindanao). I never said go out... one day, I must decide na umalis muna kayo para (you leave for now) to give us the space to talk,” Duterte said. the president explained that the moros have expressed peace talks would hardly take place unless the Americans leave mindanao. “right after elections, I per-

US forces in Balikatan

sonally sent my son. Gusto ko makipag-usap ng peace (i wanted to talk peace)…sabi nila (they said), for as long as nandiyan Amerikano sa likod ng government niyo (the Americans were behind your government), ‘di kami makikipag-usap (we won’t participate in talks).” Duterte said.

ManilaTimes.net photo

he said the moro rebels believed that the Americans were still “maneuvering” the Philippines. According to Duterte, the moros’ view of the Americans come from the abuses and violence perpetrated by U.s. operations in mindanao against

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A SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Witness alleges Pres. Duterte ordered… PAGE A1 t

between 1988 and 2013. He said he had personally killed about 50 people as a member of the DDS, according to the Wall Street Journal. He admitted to abducting and strangling to death supporters of Prospero Nogales, one of Duterte’s former political adversaries. Matobato recalled dispos-

ing of those victims’ bodies by feeding them to crocodiles or cutting them open and tossing them into the sea so they would be consumed by ocean predators. He also told the Senate committee that he had witnessed Duterte gun down one target who had momentarily managed to survive an attack at a road-

block involving over 20 victims. The alleged killer for hire also accused the president of ordering a failed hit on his longtime critic, and the leader of the committee investigating Duterte’s suspected human rights violations, Senator Leila De Lima. Matobato said that, in 2009, he and other DDS members planned a surprise attack on the former chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as she was sent out to investigate a possible mass grave site, according to Inquirer. “Inabangan ka namin. Pumasok kayo, naka-ambush position kami (We waited for you. Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon (center) inspects ‘ecstasy’ pills and shabu intercepted by the Bureau of Customs and the You went inside, we were in amPhilippine Drug Enforcement Agency at the Manila Central Post Office on Wednesday. Authorities seized five thousand ecstasy pills with bush position),” said Matobato, an estimated street value of P7.5 million, and an undetermined quantity of shabu. Photo by Bob Dungo Jr. / ManilaTimes.net who went on to implicate Duterte in the assassination attempt. “Si Mayor Duterte po. Kinausap niya kami sa opisina namin, (It was ers of the Association of South- the Bud Dajo Massacre. Mayor Duterte [who ordered the PAGE A1 t The U.S. troops were deployed hit]. He spoke with us in our of- them at the start of the 20th cen- east Asian Nations (ASEAN) that showed the killing of around 600 to the Philippines in 2002 to fice).” tury. Members of the probe had Earlier this month, Duterte Moro people by American sol- provide combat and information u PAGE A3 presented a photo before lead- diers in 1906, also referred to as sharing training and resources to Filipino troops to battle Abu Sayyaf insurgents in Mindanao who were in cahoots with alQaeda. Most American military personnel withdrew in February 2015, but a group of advisers remained. According to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, there are currently around 107 U.S. soldiers based in Zamboanga City who are conducting surveillance operations in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. On Monday, Sept. 12, the president said he wanted U.S. troops to leave Mindanao. “Kaya iyong mga Special Forces, they have to go. They have to go. In Mindanao, maraming mga puti roon (there were many Whites there), they have to go.” “Hindi ko lang masalita noon (I just couldn’t say before) out of respect or I do not want a rift with America. But they have to go,” the president continued. Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, however, clarified that it was not a policy statement yet. Duterte said that the Americans were in danger of being kidnapped by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. “If they see an American, they would kill him. They would de-

Duterte: US military should leave…

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From the Front page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016

1,000 gov’t officials tagged in 3rd… PAGE A1 t The president also disclosed that he had spoken with some of the congressmen in the list the day before his speech. “Nakiusap ako sa mga congressman kahapon (I talked with the congressmen yesterday). What will I do with this?” he related. Earlier, Duterte said that revealing the names in his drug

lists was part of his “sworn duty” to let people “know the state of things or conditions in this country.” Duterte revealed his first “narco-list” last August 7, naming around 160 individuals, including local chief executives, policemen, and trial court judges. Also included were deceased individuals and those who have retired from government ser-

vice. The second time was on August 25, when the president released a “drug matrix” that links Senator Leila de Lima and several others to be allegedly involved in illegal drug activities at the New Bilibid Prison. Before the two lists, Duterte announced three active and two retired police generals allegedly involved in the drug trade. n

Philippines to stop joint patrols in disputed…

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cal miles of sea from Philippine coastlines that are considered sovereign territory under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). “We do not go into a patrol or join any other army from now because I do not want trouble,” the president pointed out. “I do not want to ride gungho style there with China or with America. I just want to patrol our territorial waters.” Duterte also reminded China

of Hague’s ruling that concluded China has no legal basis in its territorial claims in the South China Sea, favoring the Philippines. “So may I remind China again: Beyond the territorial waters are the entitlements of the sea, yung napanalo natin (what we won) but it is not part of our territory. It is part of our Exclusive Economic Zone,” the president said. “Territory is limited to the 12mile limit. That is ours. Hanggang diyan lang tayo (Until that point),” he added.

Duterte, however, did not provide further details in his security pronouncements. Last April, the United States and the Philippines conducted a joint naval patrols in the South China Sea, several months after the Philippine Supreme Court upheld the PH-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said that these patrols “contribute to the safety and security of the region’s waters.” n

Witness alleges Pres. Duterte ordered… PAGE A2 t

asked for Matobato to be placed in congressional custody for his protection but Senate President Aquilino Pimentel denied that request. Some members of Congress question Matobato’s motives for testifying, as well as the veracity of his statements. “The witness is telling 100 percent lies,” said Duterte’s former running mate, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, during Thursday’s hearing. He later asked rhetorically “If he (President Duterte) were to be removed, who will become president?” Vice President Leni Robredo of the Liberal Party would succeed Duterte in the event that he were impeached. Cayetano suggested that the entire investigation re-

garding extrajudicial killings was a politically motivated “plan B” orchestrated by the president’s enemies. In addition, Senator Panfilo Lacson pointed out the inconsistencies in Matobato’s story. Cayetano suggested that the alleged hitman had been coached by De Lima regarding what to say at the hearing. The senator also questioned the timing of the supposed gunman’s decision to come out publicly. De Lima had repeatedly said she was in communication with sources who could directly link the president to extrajudicial killings and the DDS, but only now has a witness come forward to deliver testimony. Furthermore, Presidential Communications Secretary Mar-

“They had barbecues up there. Just a happy couple.” She added that the newly widowed father was seen crying and struggling to maintain his composure as he was interviewed by police. On Tuesday, investigators and forensics technicians gathered

statements from other people living nearby and collected about six large bags of evidence before departing from the site of the crime at about 2 p.m., according to the OC Register. As officers were leaving, a small group of people was seen across the street from the family’s home huddled in a circle with their heads lowered.

Philstar.com photo

CA to develop model curriculum for…

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found that having comprehensive ethnic studies improved classroom performance and engagement among students of color. A group of students in San Francisco took an ethnic studies class that focused on race, nationality and cultural identity. Researchers found that these students performed better academically and showcased more enthusiasm than students who did not take them. “Schools have tried a number of approaches to support struggling students, and few have been this effective,” Emily Penner, a Stanford researcher involved in the study, said in a statement. “It’s

a novel approach that suggests that making school relevant and engaging to struggling students can really pay off.” School districts in California have already made it a requirement to incorporate comprehensive ethnic studies in their curricula (or are moving toward it), like Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), El Rancho Unified School District (ERUSD) in Pico Rivera and Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Last year, Brown vetoed a similar bill that required schools to develop ethnic studies curricula. AB 2016 merely encourages schools to take the initiative, but it’s a monumental step for all students, Alejo said. “Ethnic studies are not just for students of color. We should give all students the opportunity

tin Andanar reminded reporters on Thursday that the CHR brought no charges against Duterte when it had previously investigated his possible links to the DDS while he was the mayor of Davao. “The witness’ testimony is not even relevant to the resolution being investigated,” said Pimentel. De Lima maintains the integrity of her witness. “Hirap siya sa mga dates (He finds it hard to remember dates),” De Lima told CNN on Thursday. “But it doesn’t mean nagsisinungaling siya (But it doesn’t mean he’s lying).” She added that more witnesses willing to testify to Duterte’s rela- PAGE A2 t tionship with the DDR are on the mand ransom then kill him. Even verge of coming forward. n if you’re a black or white American, as long as you are an American, (they will kill you),” the PAGE A1 t president expressed. sons Brinckerhoff; Joanne Boston However, he later backtracked (Daly City, California), an oncoloThe Ventanillas have another on his seemingly anti-American gy reimbursement specialist at a son, who is 2 years old. rhetoric, by saying that the Phil- private practice in San Francisco Anyone with information that ippines was not going to cut se- and vice president of the Filipino might help the Ventanillas and curity ties with the U.S. Food Movement; Mark Calaguas law enforcement better under“We are not cutting our alli- (Chicago), a staff attorney at the stand why such a tragedy took ances — military [alliances] as Chicago office of McDermott Will place is encouraged to contact well,” the president said. “But & Emery LLP, where is a memdetectives of the Long Beach certainly, we will follow an inde- ber of the discovery practice Police Department at (562) 570- pendent posture and indepen- group; Brandon Dela Cruz (Ho7244. n dent foreign policy.” n nolulu), director of marketing for

Filipina mom kills infant in murder…

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US DONATES EQUIPMENT TO PNP. Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa receives bomb suits as part of the P42-million security equipment donated by the US government last Wednesday, Sept. 7. The PNP chief led police officials in receiving the equipment from Lon Fairchild, region security officer of the US embassy, to help boost counterterrorism efforts in the country.

Duterte: US…

to prepare for a diverse global economy, diverse university campuses and diverse workplaces,” Alejo said. In July, the SBE approved recommendations made to incorporate Filipinos’ roles in World War II in high school U.S. history courses. As the Asian Journal previously reported, the Bataan Legacy Historical Society (BLHS) pushed for the recommendation to tell a side of the war that has previously been ignored. “The curriculum is deviating from a Eurocentric history and moving more towards the Pacific to accurately reflect the diversity of the population here in California,” BLHS Executive Director Cecilia Gaerlan told the Asian Journal. (By Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)

10 young Fil-Am leaders…

the international, Hawaii-based restaurant chain L&L Hawaiian Barbecue; Elizabeth Frilles (Honolulu), educator; Christopher Lapinig (Los Angeles), Asian Americans Advancing JusticeLA’s Skadden Fellow in the Impact Litigation Unit; Maria Teresa Quintans (Tamuning, Guam), a special assistant at the Office of the Governor of Guam, where she focuses on the Lieutenant Gover-

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A SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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More Filipino terms make it to Oxford English Dictionary update, at least 15 Filipino terms, mostly traditional dishes and delicacies, officially made it to the THE Oxford English Diction- dictionary’s list. ary (OED), billing itself as the The new list consisted of Filipidefinitive record of the English no food like balut (fertilized duck language, is one of the largest egg), kare-kare (peanut-based and longest running language stew), leche flan (custard made research projects in the world. with condensed milk), lechon This month, OED has updated (whole pig roasted), lechon asaand revised more than 1,000 en- do, pancit (noodles) and puto tries. And in its September 2016 (steamed rice cake). by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Family member terms like lola (grandmother), lolo (grandfather), tita (auntie), and tito (uncle), and other words like yaya (housemaid or nanny), arnis (martial arts form), tabo (dipper), and bayanihan (sense of community) were also included. Marking the centenary of author Roald Dahl’s birth this month, words like splendiferous (full of splendour), human bean (mispronunciation of human being), and Dahlesque were also included in relation to Dahl and his writing. The OED is updated quarterly — every months of March, June, September, and December. Words become candidate for TAX EXEMPT. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning to their jobs or same employers abroad are now exempted from paying travel inclusion in the dictionary if betax as well as securing overseas employment certificate and paying Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) processing ing used in a variety of different fee. In a newly approved memorandum circular, the POEA said the new policy was in line with the government’s efforts to streamline sources. The terms will be ofthe processing of OFWs’ documents. Philstar file photo ficially added if seen as important and likely to stand the test of time. In the previous March 2016 update, Filipino words “kilig” (tingly romantic feeling) and “teleserye” (soap opera) were THE U.S. Department of Hous- in a statement. “Every family ent in English. Targeting racial or added in OED. n ing and Urban Development that calls this nation home has national origin groups for scams (HUD) on Thursday, Sept. 15 is- the same rights when it comes related to housing also constitutes sued “Limited English Proficien- to renting or buying a home, intentional discrimination. A housing provider also viocy” (LEP) guidance that addresses regardless of where they come lates the FHA when the providhow the Fair Housing Act (FHA) from or language they speak.” PAGE A3 t Nearly 9 percent of the U.S. er’s policies or practices have an nor’s public relations, marketing, would apply to claims of housing events and social media; Donny discrimination brought by people population is limited in Eng- unjustified discriminatory effect, Rojo (Seattle), integrated prod- because they do not speak, read, lish proficiency. Approximately even when the provider had not 16,350,000 (or 65 percent) of intended to discriminate. Deteruct leader of innovation and de- or write English proficiently. More than 25 million people in these individuals speak Span- mining whether a practice has a velopment at Philips; and Jhett Tolentino (New York), three-time the United States do not commu- ish, while 1,660,000 (7 percent) discriminatory effect involves a speak Chinese, 850,000 (3 per- three-step legal evaluation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway nicate proficiently in English. The FHA prohibits both inten- cent) speak Vietnamese, 620,000 statistical evidence of a discrimiproducer. Minister Patrick Chuasoto, the tional housing discrimination and (2 percent) speak Korean and natory effect; whether the housEmbassy’s Chargé d’Affairés ad housing practices that have an 530,000 (2 percent) speak Taga- ing provider’s policy or practice interim and chair of the FYLPRO unjustified discriminatory effect. log. Housing decisions that are is necessary to achieve a subSelection Committee, noted the People with limited English pro- based on limited English profi- stantial, legitimate, nondiscrimihigh caliber crop of applicants to ficiency are not a protected class ciency may have a greater im- natory interest; and, if so, whethunder the act. However, the pact on these and other groups er there is a less discriminatory the 2016 edition of FYLPRO. alternative policy or practice. “The application process has act prohibits discrimination on because of their nationality. The guidance addresses how In addition to the new LEP been highly competitive this year seven protected bases, including and we are proud of the ten del- national origin, which is closely various legal approaches, such guidance, which is limited to the egates who made the final cut. linked to the ability to communi- as discriminatory effects and dis- FHA, HUD published a “Notice parate treatment, apply in FHA of Guidance to Federal Financial They have enormous leadership cate proficiently in English. Housing providers are there- cases in which a housing-related Assistance Recipients Regardpotential, and all have exhibited the will to be involved not only in fore prohibited from using limit- decision — such as a landlord’s ing Title VI Prohibition Against shaping the future of the Filipino- ed English proficiency selectively refusal to rent or renew a lease National Origin Discrimination American community but also in or as an excuse for intentional — involves a person’s limited Affecting Limited English Proficontributing to Philippine devel- housing discrimination. The law ability to speak, read, write, or cient Persons” in 2007. Any person who believes he opment,” said Minister Chuasoto. also prohibits landlords from us- understand English. Discriminatory practices, for or she has experienced discrimiThe 2016 FYLPRO immersion ing limited English proficiency in trip, which will be held on No- a way that causes an unjustified example, could include applying nation may file a complaint by a language-related requirement contacting HUD’s Office of Fair vember 23 to December 2, 2016, discriminatory effect. “Having a limited ability to to people of certain races or na- Housing and Equal Opportuis a joint undertaking by the Philippine Foreign Service Posts speak English should never be tionalities; posting advertisements nity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or in the United States, the Ayala a reason to be denied a home,” that contain blanket statements, (800) 927-9275 (TTY). Housing Foundation, Inc. and the Filipino said Gustavo Velasquez, HUD such as “all tenants must speak discrimination complaints may Young Leaders Program Organi- Assistant Secretary for Fair English;” or immediately turning also be filed by going to www. Housing and Equal Opportunity away applicants who are not flu- hud.gov/fairhousing. n zation. n

HUD issues new guidelines for people with limited English proficiency

10 young…

11/01/16

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL â€˘ SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016

Court blocks proof-of-citizenship requirements for voters in 3 states

WASHINGTON, DC â€“ A federal appeals court has blocked Kansas, Alabama, and Georgia from adding proof-of-citizenship requirements to the federal mail voter registration form. Advancing Justice | AAJC and 16 other civil rights and voting groups filed an amicus brief, explaining how the challenged requirements disenfranchise voters. The League of Women Voters sued Brian D. Newby, the executive director of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, to prevent the proof-of-citizenship requirements from taking effect. The Advancing Justice | AAJCled amicus brief points out that citizens in traditionally disadvantaged communities are more

likely to lack the documents to satisfy proof-of-citizenship requirements and that for many individuals, the cost and burden involved in obtaining documents will be a significant obstacle and deterrent to exercising their constitutional right to vote. â€œThe courtâ€™s decision removes unjustified obstacles to voter registration,â€? said Cecelia Chang, director of litigation at Advancing Justice | AAJC. â€œEligible citizens should not have to pay hundreds of dollars or expend many hours, days, and weeks securing documents so they can register to vote.â€? Last Fridayâ€™s ruling, which was handed down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, protected voters in Kan-

sas, Alabama, and Georgia. The court granted a preliminary injunction only one day after hearing oral argument in the case. In blocking the proof-of-citizenship requirements, the two-judge majority noted that an injunction was in the â€œpublic interestâ€? and agreed that implementing the requirements would cause â€œirreparable harm.â€? â€œThis is a victory for voters in Georgia,â€? said Stephanie Cho, executive director at Advancing Justice - Atlanta. â€œProof-of-citizenship requirements disproportionately burden young voters and naturalized citizens and would have made it more difficult for Asian American voters, one of Georgiaâ€™s fastest-growing groups, to vote in upcoming elections.â€?

Filipino Wesley So powers US gold triumph in Chess Olympiad LA supervisors aim to combat immigration fraud SENATE PROBE The Senate committee headed by Sen. Leila de Lima, a staunch critic of President Duterte, hears the testimony of Edgar Matobato, a confessed hit man from Davao City, as it continues to investigate alleged extrajudicial killings in the Duterte administrationâ€™s brutal campaign against illegal drugs. Photo by Richard A. Reyes/Inquirer.net

by Klarize

Medenilla

AJPress

IN an effort to eliminate â€œnotario fraud,â€? the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on Wednesday, September 14 to make it a requirement for immigration consultants to be licensed. The ordinance, which was authored by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Sheila Kuehl, requires all self-identified notaries â€” or â€œnotariosâ€? â€” to comply with the law. When seeking honest legal advice on citizenship, unsuspecting people may run into scam artists posing as immigration consultants that â€œprey on our most vulnerable residents,â€? Solis told LA Weekly earlier this month. Rigo Reyes, chief of investigations at the Department of Consumer Affairs, told the Los Angeles Times last year that there may be at least 2,500 unlawful immigration practitioners in California. These scam artists will charge a high rate for promising to grant permits or file paperwork but either do it improperly or donâ€™t do it at all. Victims of immigration fraud end up â€œpaying dollar after dollar without making any progress on their immigration problems,â€? Solis said. The countyâ€™s new law sets a maximum limit of $75 for clerical services like filling out applications, typing and delivery and orders these businesses to clearly

advertise these services with the price limit. The local ordinance bolsters the statewide Immigrant Consultant Act, which requires non-attorneys to apply for accreditation, acquire a $100,000 insurance policy, provide contracts in clientsâ€™ native languages and clearly indicate that they are not attorneys and not authorized to provide legal counsel. Many unsuspecting people may be unaware of these scams, and they may have to pay for it later on. â€œVictims may be given inaccurate information and asked to pay exorbitant fees, and by the time they realize the fraud they may no longer have enough money to hire legitimate legal counsel to remedy the case,â€? Kuehl said in a statement. Last month Hermandad Mexicana Transnacional â€” an organization that has served the Mexican community since 1951 â€” in the San Fernando Valley was caught providing unauthorized services, detrimentally affecting many clientsâ€™ immigration status, Feuer said in a statement. The organizationâ€™s director, Gloria Saucedo, was also arrested and charged for working without a license. â€œOur immigrant families deserve to have their questions answered by legitimate legal service providers without getting scammed,â€? Solis said in a statement. â€œThis is about making sure we protect those who are most

LAUSD grads granted one year of free community college by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

MIRRORING President Barack Obamaâ€™s 2015 proposal of two years of free community college tuition, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that all graduates of Los Angeles Unified School District will be granted one year of free community college education. Called â€œThe L.A. College Promise,â€? the programâ€™s aim is to make higher education more accessible in a time when college tuition is on an exponential upsurge. â€œHigher education should be within reach for every student in Los Angeles,â€? Garcetti told a packed theater of students at the L.A. City College on Wednesday, September 14. â€œThe L.A. College Promise is a path for every Angeleno to earn a high school diploma and pursue the skills and education they need to realize their dreams and potential.â€? The program applies to any of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) campuses and will applicable to the graduating class of 2017. Applicants must be a student of the LAUSD, qualify for in-state resident tuition and have already completed applications for FAFSA or Califor-

nia DREAM Act (if applicable). On hand at the mayorâ€™s rally were Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, and California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom who provided their support and praise to the City of Los Angeles. Biden said that the initiative is a monumental step in the presidentâ€™s proposal. â€œWe are making a declaration â€” an assurance that you can attend one year of school tuitionfree. An assurance that you can concentrate on your studies, and get ahead,â€? Biden told the students. Through his Mayorâ€™s Fund, Garcetti raised $1.75 million for the program with the other half funded by the LACCD, LAUSD and the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce, KCAL 9 reported. These funds will cover the programâ€™s first year, but LACCD Board President Scott Svonkin told CBS that moves are being made to extend the program to future graduating classes. â€œWe are engaging the business community â€” that is in need of a qualified and trained workforce â€” and philanthropists that understand the value of community colleges to work with us and support free community college educations for generations to come,â€?

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vulnerable and ensure that the legal system works for everybody.â€? For tips to avoid unlawful immigration practices, visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)â€™s website: https://www.uscis.gov/ avoid-scams. Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA has a team of accredited attorneys that offer immigration counsel. Visit their website at http://www.advancingjusticela.org/, or call their hotline at 888-349-9695 (English) and 855300-2552 (Tagalog). n

SAN FRANCISCO â€” Wesley So, a Filipino grandmaster who moved to Minnetonka, Minnesota two years ago, helped the USA team win the Chess Olympiad gold medal for the first time in 40 years. The biennial Chess Olympiad ended Sept. 13, in Baku, Azerbaijan, with 177 countries in the Open division and 147 teams in the womenâ€™s division. USA won every country-vs.-country match in 11 rounds of play. Of the 44 individual games, it lost only three times. Filipino grandmaster Wesley So, a transplant The U.S. win is largely attrib- to Minnesota, propelled the US teamâ€™s victory uted to Wesley Soâ€™s flawless play, in the Chess Olympiad. Inquirer.net file photo

which earned him an individual gold medal to go along with his team gold. Soâ€™s score was the highest of any of the U.S. players. He climbs up the world rankings to No. 6, and to No. 2 in the U.S. So, 22, a Filipino-born grandmaster, was the US teamâ€™s most consistent player, competing in 10 of the 11 rounds without losing a single game, racking up seven wins and three draws. He played while suffering from a runny nose, headache and fever from a bad cold over the final three days of the tournament. He

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Liberal Party refutes alleged Duterte impeachment plot by Dana

SioSon AJPress

ADDRESS NLEX POLLUTION. The Commission on Audit (COA) has called the attention of the provincial government of Bulacan regarding air pollution along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). In a 2015 report released recently, state auditors said the burning of hay stalks from San Simon, Pampanga to Sta. Rita in Bulacan is causing a “fog-like” situation along the highway. Photo from Monica Arellano-Ongpin/CC BY 2.0

PH–US ties will endure

we’ve been able to work effectively together to advance those interests, and Mr. Obama has US-Philippine alliance will “encommitted to doing that in the dure and remain strong” because four months remaining,” Hachiof the two countries’ long-standgian said in a telephonic press ing relations, and US President conference with journalists. Barack Obama is “committed to When asked about President work effectively” with Manila to Duterte’s directive that the Philadvance shared interests in his last ippine military would not confour months in office, a US official duct any joint maritime patrols said on Wednesday, Sept. 14. with its allies in the South China Sea, Hachigian referred the reporters to the US and Philippine defense departments for “more United States now has three details about that.” PAGE A5 t But she also said “with the new still chalked up two key wins and players among the world’s top administration, we are currently a draw in that period of time, ac- seven. cording to a Startribune.com reGrandmaster Eugene Torre, beginning to have meetings and port. 64, the first grandmaster from discuss our shared priorities The second-seeded US team Asia was the other victorious Fili- and programs,” referring to the beat top-seeded Russia, which pino. Undefeated with nine wins Duterte administration. The US and Asean is set to has won more Chess Olympiads and two draws Torre won an than any other nation, but ended individual bronze. He was So’s have an informal meeting in Hawaii later this month. n up in third place this year. The mentor. (Inquirer.net) by nikko

Dizon Inquirer.net

“Let me say that the Philippines Foreign Minister and its defense ministry have issued statements… affirming the importance of the closeness of the alliance,” said Nina Hachigian, the US ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). “We have a wide range of shared concerns and shared interests with the Philippines, and

Filipino Wesley So powers…

LAUSD grads granted one year of free… PAGE A5 t Svonkin said. The initiative comes at a time where the district is experiencing an increase in the high school graduation rate at 75 percent as of 2015, according to data from LAUSD. Moreover, about 37 percent of the graduating class of 2015 went to attend community colleges, said Michelle King,

LAUSD superintendent. “We will expand that percentage,” King assured. “No longer will our students have to worry about the financial burdens of what to do about college. They can focus on their education. They will have a seat in a community college in L.A.” The L.A. College Promise will do more than cover tuition costs,

1SFQBSJOH :PVS

Garcetti said. The program will also include preparatory features like tutoring, mentoring and counseling for high school seniors. “This is more than just tuition. This is about books and transportation and discounts on our buses and our rail lines. This is about making sure there’s counseling and support,” Garcetti told the cheering crowd. n

RETIREMENT

THE Liberal Party (LP) on Tuesday, Sept. 13, denied the allegations of plotting to impeach President Rodrigo Duterte by linking extrajudicial killings to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs. “There are no moves from the Liberal Party to unseat the president,” Vice President Leni Robredo, the LP’s highest-ranking elected official, clarified in a statement. “In fact, the leadership of the party has been consistently demonstrating its support to this administration. Members of the party coalesced with the majority in the House and the Senate,” she added. She was referring to the LP lawmakers who belong to the “Super Majority” bloc led by Duterte’s allies from PDP-Laban, the Nationalist People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party, National Unity Party and Lakas-CMD in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Duterte earlier claimed that “Yellows” were allegedly destroying his reputation in the international community so he would be ousted from the presidency.

“Huwag na tayong mag-bolahan. Sumakay itong si (Let’s not kid each other) Obama. Sumakay si (joined also by) Ban Ki-moon. Alam mo kaninong laro ito (you know whose game is that)? Yellow iyan,” the president said. Yellow is the dominant color of former President Benigno Aquino III and the then-ruling Liberal Party. Robredo said she will clarify this with the president and clear the “misinformation.” “We’ve offered the anti-poverty programs and policies that I’ve been pushing for to complement the government’s priorities on poverty alleviation. We’ve been coordinating with the relevant government agencies so that our office can help in the rehabilitation effort that needs to accompany the campaign against illegal drugs,” she added. Both majority and the minority LP members also dismissed the president’s allegations. “Definitely LP is not a Trojan horse. I don’t think so. First, he is overwhelmingly popular which amounts to a public approval of his programs. Secondly, he has an overwhelming majority in the House where impeachment starts,” said former speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., according to

reports from the Philippine Star. Belmonte was among the four LP congressmen from the House majority who denied the alleged impeachment plot, in addition to Edcel Lagman of Albay, Raul Daza of Northern Samar and Edgar Erice of Caloocan City. “The chances of that are zero and nobody will even think of it. We should think positively as people. Let’s look forward to having great achievements instead of talking about negative things like impeachment,” Belmonte said. Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice, Northern Samar Rep. Raul Daza and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, who belong to the House minority, also refuted the claims. “We don’t talk about impeachment because it is bad for our country and for our economy. We do not wish impeachment for the President,” Erice said, as reported by the Manila Times. He clarified that being in the opposition do mean they support Duterte’s impeachment. “We want President Duterte to succeed, and our role [in the opposition]is to provide check and balance. The president should also try to appreciate that what we are doing here [as opposition lawmakers] is also good for the country,” Erice added. n

Yasay in US: Don’t lecture us on human rights by Camille

Diola Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ top diplomat on Thursday night, Sept. 15 defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs at a security forum in Washington, saying Filipinos are not “little brown brothers” of America and should no longer be taught about human rights. Asked how the Philippines and the United States will move forward after the canceled meeting between Duterte and US President Barack Obama and the deaths in the drug war, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay said the two countries should work within the premise of being “sovereign equals.” “We are asking our American friends and American leaders to

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay

look at our aspirations, we cannot be forever the little brown brothers of America (as we were) at one point in time. We have matured, we have to develop, we

Philstar.com photo

have to grow,” Yasay told an influential Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies.

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Pimentel on Cayetano, Trillanes clash: Don’t taunt nor heckle a fellow senator

ment with Trillanes, Cayetano has lashed out Senator Leila De Lima for “lawyering” confessed HECKLING a fellow senator is assassin and witness Edgar Ma“foul,” Senate President Aquilino tobato, questioning her capacity “Koko” Pimentel III said on Fri- as the chairman of the justice day, September 16, citing in par- committee. “The record will speak for itticular the fiery verbal exchange between Senators Allan Peter self…Madam chair, you’re not Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes his lawyer. You are the chairman IV during a Senate hearing on of this committee,” Cayetano cut off De Lima when she took Thursday, September 15. “Turning off a fellow senator’s mic is an unacceptable manner because the Senate is a legislative body. Weapons are words because it is a deliberative body,” Pimentel said in an interview over CNN Philippines on CHECKPOINTS. The police and military have set up at least 199 checkpoints in Central Luzon following President Duterte’s declaration of Friday. a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence. Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino, Central police director, said that the checkpoints are meant to intensify police interdiction operations and maximize police visibility. Philstar.com file photo The two senators were in the session that tackled the alleged extrajudicial killings in Davao City when President Rodrigo Duterte was its mayor. “But I hope there would be no more physical interference in the physical space of a senator to the (MRI) and computerized tomog- tors,” Ubial said. point of turning off his mic,” the by Klarize MeDenilla raphy (CT) scans, added Ubial. On Wednesday, she said that Senate president continued. AJPress “So ang nangyayari, really, the DOH may import doctors At one point during the hearFOLLOWING President Rodri- and we’re seeing this, dadating from Cuba, whose government ing, Trillanes turned off Cayetago Duterte’s health agenda, the ‘yung pasyente, kasinglaki na ng is willing to outsource their doc- no’s microphone when the latter would not stop speaking. government will start providing ulo ‘yung bukol. Sana nakakita tors. “If we have no respect for each general doctor check-ups for 20 pa lang na maliit, naooperahan “Cuban doctors are paid by the million of the poorest Filipinos na (So what happens really, and Cuban government, so even if other, it would be difficult for us we’re seeing this, the patient they are working here, their sala- to achieve anything,” Pimentel within 100 days. Starting Thursday, Sept. 15, comes and their lump is already ries are paid by Cuba. When they pointed out. De Lima “lawyering” Matothe Department of Health (DOH), as big as their head. The ideal is go back to Cuba, they still have bato the check-ups will be crucial for to operate while the lump is still positions there,” she assured. Even before his heated arguFilipinos who have no access to small),” Ubial said. u PAGE A11 She added that the process will health care. During Benigno S. Aquino III’s presidency, 30 per- be “devolved” to local governcent of Filipinos didn’t have ac- ment leaders so they can tailor cess to professional health care, the initiative to fit their unique according to Health Secretary circumstances. “We know if we work with Dr. Paulyn J. Ubial, who introthem, partner with them, we duced the initiative. “We intend to measure the can attain so much in terms of effect of our launching of the advancing our goal of universal Duterte Health Agenda in the health care,” the health secretary next 100 days after the launch,” said. More doctors needed Ubial said in a press conference Earlier this month, Ubial on Wednesday, Sept. 14. “That would call exactly on December called on the Philippines to re25, and we said that would be cruit 35,000 more doctors to adour Christmas gift to the Filipino equately serve Filipinos. Previously, Duterte urged the people.” Ubial said that the check-ups DOH to follow Cuba’s health syscan potentially lead to early de- tem and to produce more health tection of illnesses and conditions care professionals. Ubial visited like cataracts, stunted growth Cuba last month and said that the and malnourishment. The DOH Philippines should mirror their is targeting those living in pov- doctor-to-patient ratio, which is erty who may have contracted one doctor for every 1,075 paserious maladies due to their liv- tients. In the Philippines, there is an average one doctor per 33,000 ing conditions. The DOH will also conduct patients, Ubial said. “I warned our Filipino docmagnetic resonance imaging by Dana

SioSon AJPress

DOH to provide basic checkups to poorest Filipinos by Christmas

the microphone to clarify some questions for the witness. “I know,” De Lima retorted. “He knows what the question is, huwag na nating turuan (let’s not assist him). I’ve been a member of Congress for 18 years, hindi po kami ini-i-interrupt ng chairman pag kami na ang nagsasalita (chairman doesn’t interrupt us whenever it’s our turn

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OpiniOn

Features

Citizenship with a side of adobo

I learned what it means to be a U.S. citizen at the family dinner table. My earliest memories are of the vivid stories my parents told me, stories that shaped the values I hold to this day and that emphasized the importance of citizens playing an active role in shaping and improving our world. Over warm bowls of sinigang, my father told my brother, sister and me how he marched in Selma, Alabama and stood with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the historic battle for civil rights. Over chicken adobo and steamed rice, my mother shared how she lived in the Philippines during a time of great political upheaval, how she strongly opposed the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship and the human rights abuses that defined it, and how she fought for democracy and self-determination. I was born in Quezon City, Philippines. And when I was just two months old, in the ramp up to Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of martial law, my parents decided to leave the country and come to California. My mother was and continues to be a prominent leader in the Filipino American social justice movement. And while eating ube ice cream and leche flan, my parents recounted how we lived in a trailer in the legendary La Paz, the headquarters for the United Farm Workers of America in the Central Valley, just a stone’s throw away from the home of Cesar Chavez. They described how they worked alongside civil rights leaders like Chavez, Philip Vera Cruz, Pete Velasco, and Dolores Huerta, organizing Filipino and Mexican farmworkers in their struggle for fair treatment and better working conditions. Through these lessons shared at the family dinner table, my parents instilled in me a sense of civic duty to fight for justice and serve others. Today, as a California State Legislator, I focus most of my time and energy working to help our most vulnerable community members who have historically

had little or no voice. Being a U.S. citizen may not compel you to seek elected office, like it did me, but it must stir in you a sense of ownership in and commitment to this great country. Whether you were born a U.S. citizen like I was or naturalized like my mother, you are a full member of the United States. All of us are equals. That is a powerful and fundamental defining tenet of this nation. In my view, all U.S. citizens must be involved in shaping our democracy and changing the community for the better. Engagement and activism are critical. This engagement can take many forms. At its most basic, everyone who is eligible should register to vote. And once registered, we must vote in every election for the rest of our lives. Showing up to vote during presidential elections only is not enough. We must vote on local measures and propositions. Who should be your city councilmember or county supervisor? Do the elected members of your school board share your vision for the type of education you want for your children? As a member of the California State Assembly, I authored and got passed AB 817 to help make voting easier. This law provides language assistance to voters at polling places. As our state becomes more diverse, it’s critically important to provide the tools to help all citizens exercise their constitutional rights. AB 817 allows lawful permanent residents to serve as volunteers during elections. This is a great way to expose future citizens to civic engagement and help current citizens exercise their right to vote. There are other ways to be an active and engaged citizen. Serve on a jury. Show up at a school board or city council meeting and share your opinion. Help a candidate that shares your values get elected or walk or make phone calls to get a local

Guest Editorial

California Assembly member Rob Bonta

AJPress file photo

measure passed, like a school parcel tax. During elections, we often hear the partisan rhetoric that either Democrats or Republicans are hurting our country. But neither Republicans nor Democrats are the enemy. I believe the real threat to our nation is apathy. We overcome apathy by staying informed. Reading a local newspaper, following social media, or watching the news on television helps to build the connective tissue among us and helps to reinforce the words in the Constitution that “We the People” matter-- that we are indeed a “we” and are all in this together. And that “we” are responsible for speaking up in the face of injustice. Many countries do not give their citizens the fundamental right to make their voices heard, challenge the system, and work to realize a more perfect union.

People should embrace healthy discussions about the course of our nation and the condition of our people. We should talk about how to make our nation stronger and more just for our citizens and non-citizens. And we should act to carry out that vision. This privilege of living in the United States must never be taken for granted. And the duty of being an engaged and active citizen must never be forgotten. *** California State Assemblymember Rob Bonta serves in the 18th District, representing Alameda, Oakland and San Leandro. This column is part of a series of op-eds by public officials about citizenship, published by New America Media in collaboration with the national, nonpartisan network New Americans Campaign. For more information about upcoming citizenship workshops near you, go to: newamericanscampaign.org/events.

Duterte’s war vs drugs from the PNP’s perspective U.S. Pinoys for Real Change (USPRC), a Fil-Am group created to support Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs and criminality in the Philippines, recently held a prayer vigil in front of the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. Simultaneously, USPRC acts as a watchdog to make sure the Duterte administration follows the rule of law and due process. One of the highlights of the gathering was the reading of a letter/statement from Police Chief Inspector Kimberly Molitas, Spokesperson of the National Capital Region Police Office. The letter was read by Elizabeth Babiera Valera of Davao, the wife of USPRC Acting Chair Atty. Arnedo Valera. What is the message of the Police force amid the controversial war on drugs by Pres. Duterte? Here is the statement of Molitas on behalf of the Philippine National Police (PNP): I am Police Chief Inspector Kimberly Molitas, Spokesperson of the National Capital Region Police Office, home of over 25,000 police officers working hard to make this country a better & safe place to live not only for Filipinos but for our international communities as well. For 72 days now we have been working very hard to sustain our war on drugs. A problem that

lord. We are working hard, we has beset our country over the are giving our life to make sure years. Everyday, many women and The Fil-Am that we protect the greater machildren are raped, many cases of jority. We will give our life if robbery of life and property hap- Perspective have to but until then support pen, many innocent lives are taken us instead of accusing us. Trust by drug addicts, pushers, the death us and pray for us. We are glad toll everyday go unnoticed. that we have the support of the Back then there was no media government but we do know frenzy on our drug campaign until Gel SantoS-ReloS the limits of the law. It is our the new administration took over. Since day 1 of this anti-illegal drug campaign, the mandate to enforce it. We are doing our best to President, the Chief, PNP, none of our leaders protect the future of our country. We intend to ordered us to kill just anybody. We were ordered bring peace to every community. We strongly bethat when endangered we must defend ourselves lieve that our success will be the success of every parent, of every overseas worker, of every woman and protect the Filipino people. This was clear to every police officer. No po- & child, of every Filipino. We ask that every institution should do the lice officer would obey any illegal orders except those police scalawags who we are now trying to same. Trust us and pray for us. We have the highest form of respect for human remove from our ranks. We ask that every institution should do the same. Police your own or- life. We have sworn to give our own life to protect ganization, join us in this campaign. We do not it. With this allow us to do our job. Support us want another child to be raped and robbed of her in this endeavor. We assure everyone that every future. We do not want a parent abroad to mourn single death is under investigation. We will solve for his child who was killed by a robber high on each case, give us the time we need. Until then drugs, we do not want the hard earned money of please do not accuse us of killing just anybody. the Filipino people end up in the hands of a drug We are willing to work with any institution who

wants to join us in this campaign. We challenge those who question our work to come forward and talk to us. If you have any information of any abuse done by any police officer please see us, talk to us. We assure you that every information is taken seriously. We want to make sure that as we rid our streets of criminals, we also cleanse our ranks. It is the dream of every police officer to provide every child a safe haven where they can walk, play, learn and grow. It is our dream to make this nation the safest place to live, work and do business. We are not just police officers, we are also fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. We share with you the dream of every Filipino. We share the dream of every citizen in the world. That through a collective effort we will all one day enjoy peace. If not for our generation then it will be for the generation to come. *** 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

The innovative DNA of Optical Zonu: people, process and philosophy “MIT’s Edgar Schein in his classic Rhizomes work Organizational Culture and Leadership argues that organizational culture arises during the early stages of an orga- Prosy AbArqueznization when it faces DelAcruz, J.D. particular problems or must accomplish particular tasks…In each instance, organization members responsible for resolving the problem sit down and decide on a method for resolving it. If the method works successfully, the organization likely uses it again and again when faced with similar problems and it becomes part of the organization’s culture (a takenfor-granted way for how the organization addresses certain problems). If it does not work well, the organization’s leaders will devise a different method for solving problems and will continue to search until a method successfully solves it…Ultimately, if the founder’s methods for reaching solutions work reliably and successfully, they come to be taken for granted for accomplishing particular tasks in the company. It is through the repeated, successful application of the founder’s initial solutions that they become embedded in the organization’s culture. The point, of course, is that the DNA of innovative organizations likely reflects the found-

er’s DNA.” —Jeff Dyer, et.al., “The Innovator’s DNA,” 2011. In looking at innovative companies, Jeff Dyer wrote they had three P’s: “people who are like them (innovative), processes (that encourage innovative skills they depended on: questioning, observing, networking, experimenting) and philosophies (a culture that encourages everyone to innovate and take smart risks).” Underlying a craft or a successful business product is a philosophy of excellence and persistence. Included in that is how a business owner manages his or her people with the utmost respect and guidance and of course, a third, a process that delivers the best product possible at the right time, combining efficiency and quality. Founders of Optical Zonu and their collaboration with a congressional representative When I recently sat down with Dr. Meir Bartur, the founder of Optical Zonu Corp. (OZC), I asked him about the end game for his fast-growing fiber-optics manufacturing business, a rising star in the San Fernando Valley. He smiled and said, “None. It is about the process. We want to build a solid, organic, and strong foundation for the

company.” It gave me a sense that he is a quality-oriented person, a sure hand to hold the scissors for the day’s ribbon-cutting event. “If I am here for the money, I could have done a lot of other things – we want to be independent, and when in doubt, always do the right thing,” he added. He described OZC’s cautious growth strategy, of not paying himself a dividend but putting profits back into developing new products. “Money is used for training and continuously improving manufacturing processes, including a new building,” he said. Another co-founder, Farzad Ghadooshahy, spoke of their numbers exploding as a testament to their commitment: “We have a beautiful, bright future ahead. Our vision is to be the worldwide leading provider of cellular WiFi transport and coverage technologies, for RF over fiber industries and for digital-telecom industries.” During my visit with OZC, “manufacturers of proprietary products to enhance cellular connectivity,” two signs prominently hung: “Persistence

“For the strength to carry forward, my deepest thanks go to my employees,” Dr. Bartur said, “without them, we are not where we are. We are the only company in existence that has a solution for WiFi distribution in high security, missioncritical areas...approved by the top intelligence agency in the U.S.,” he shared with over 100 folks who attended the ceremony. He credits Rep. Tony Cárdenas for introducing them to several agencies of the federal government. Photos by Hydee Ursolino-Abrahan Cárdenas, who is an – We lead, because we work till the job electrical engineer by is done and done right.; Excellence – professional training, shared in the ribWe’re respected because we all deliver bon-cutting. Now in his second term, the best product and experiences.” he is a member of the House of RepThose who attended the ribbon–cut- resentatives’ Energy and Commerce ting ceremony for its new facility were Committee. given a tour of the company’s producHe offered his insight to the Asian tion area. Journal: “Optical Zonu fits in with my OZC is now a medium-sized compa- philosophy of creating more good payny, yet poised to grow exponentially in ing manufacturing and engineering the next decade, whose people “speak jobs in the San Fernando Valley, which seven languages and come from six dif- I represent. OZC has 30 employees who ferent countries and majority are U.S.- develop, design, manufacture and comeducated,” Dr. Bartur continued. u PAGE A9

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OpiniOn & Features

The innovative…

PAGE A8 t

mercialize proprietary products in the wireless telecom industry.” Cárdenas is an advocate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and STEAM education (with arts). “Valley’s ingenuity, business friendliness, and diverse, competitive workforce, all of which Optical Zonu represents following three years of double-digit growth,” he highlighted. He emphasized that small businesses often reinvest their profits and owners often work 70 hours a week, sometimes not getting paid at the end of the month. Small business owners look at employees and say, “we will not give up on you.” He used to be a small business owner and spoke of his own experience, as well as OZC’s owners. Cárdenas felt strongly about attending the new facility’s ribbon cutting on Sept. 1 to celebrate OZC’s entrepreneurship, “after being told no, no, no, 30 employees get to feed their families and continue to be innovative and to get this company to grow,” he enthusiastically told the crowd. Growth potential Wireless connectivity is presently used in these industries: health, news, aerospace companies, political conventions, sports arena, manufacturing, stock sales, commercial building towers, travel, YouTube streaming, webcast, education, presidential debates, and more. Think of countries that may benefit from the wireless connectivity of 3G, 4G, and you immediately think the world has become smaller, as now we can communicate with them reliably. Think also of having wireless connectivity in all

400 national parks in the future. Clients were enthused about OZC’s being positioned to achieve more double-digit growth potential. Why? OZC’s radio frequency engineers/clients described the successful use of OZC’s products in these locales: Phoenix Convention Center for Super Bowl, Washington Dulles Airport, Disney Studios, Disneyland Resort in Shanghai, Kentucky Speedway and Charlotte Airport. “We were able to cleanly transport RF signals from a parking lot five miles away from the activities center. In fact, OZC’s products have been used to service all major cellular providers: Verizon, T-Mobile, ATT and Sprint,” one client shared. “That can all be done with a DAS, a distributing antenna system and OZC’s products. OZC products have simplified our work, from us running coaxial cables to fiber optic cables. OZC’s receiver converts radio frequency sounds into fiber optics (light) and transmits that back to radio frequency sounds used for telecommunications power. We

can now go the distance, up to 5 miles, where before we can only go 300 to 400 feet, with lesser volume of cables and lesser physical space used,” one radio frequency engineer added. Gary Grimes, OZC’s director of sales, pointed out that newer cell deployments are made a lot easier to distribute as now they only require GPS coverage using cheap space from the basement to fiber links to the antenna. OZC will soon get more approvals and the company is excited about these new client developments. The growth should be exponential as fiber optics are replacing technologies used from 20 years ago, which have become four times more expensive and four times more difficult to use. “Every American, instead of complaining and looking at everyone else, we can ask ourselves – what are we contributing to the America that we live in? The potential is phenomenal as we stand head and shoulders in providing answers and solutions to any place on the planet.

u PAGE A10

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016

A10 SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PHiliPPineS

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PH envoy to UN faces probe of domestic worker’s abuse claim by EstrElla

torrEs Inquirer.net

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is conducting an investigation into the alleged abusive behavior of Philippine permanent representative to United Nations Lourdes Yparraguirre toward her 59-year-old domestic helper. Foreign affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said the personnel department would look into accusations Yparraguirre made Milagros Braza work for her relatives without pay and kicked the helper out of the house during winter last year, adding it would also get the side of the envoy. The ambassador was accused by Braza of abusive behavior for making her work for her relatives without pay, cussing at her and kicking her out of the residence on Christmas Eve of 2015. Braza sought the assistance of former Labor Undersecretary Susan Ople, who heads the migrant workers’ assistance group Blas F. Ople Policy Center, saying the DFA had been ignoring her complaint since April. “We take this matter very seriously,” said Jose at the press briefing on Friday. “We will refer this matter to our appropriate department to look into this. But at the same time, it is important that we get the side of our own people on this issue. So it’s important to get the side of Ambassador Yparraguirre.”

Jose said that since Yparraguirre was assigned in New York, she would be facing sanctions based on the laws of her host country, in this case the US, if she would be found guilty of abusing her maid. According to Braza, she told Ople that she had requested Yparraguirre to find her a cheap hotel to stay for the night because she was tired and had to be ready for work as seven new visitors would be arriving the next day. Yparraguirre allegedly got mad at her and asked her to leave the house, threatening to call the police. Braza said she then called a friend who picked her up and provided her with a temporary shelter.

Braza’s submitted affidavit to the Philippine mission to the UN also said she was asked to work for Yparraguirre’s relatives in the US without pay. Among the envoy’s relatives who Braza said availed of her services include Yparraguirre’s niece, Mariel Flores of New Jersey City, who gave birth at the time and needed assistance. She said Flores made her work for five days without pay. Braza also claimed that Yparraguirre made her work for another niece, Janelle Flores Pike, without pay. According to Ople, Braza is still in the US but is seeking help from the DFA for her safe return. n

Police try to prevent members of militant groups from holding a protest action in front of the US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard in Manila on Friday. The day marked the 25th anniversary of the rejection by the Philippine Senate of the continued stay of US military bases in the country. Photo by Roger Rañada/ManilaTimes.net

Yasay in US: Don’t lecture us on human… Homicide convict Pemberton guarded

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He said the partnership with the United States should not be conditional and insisted that the Philippines understands the sanctity of life and freedom, which led to the struggle for independence from America in the 1940s. “You do not go to the Philippines and say, ‘I’m going to give you something. I’m going to help you develop, I’m going to help you grow. But these are the checklists you must comply with. We will lecture you on human rights.’ No. We know that our goal toward the full respect for human rights with accordance to international norms,”

Yasay said. About 3,500 people have been killed in police operations and by vigilante groups since the start of the Duterte’s administration three months ago. Obama had said he would raise this concern on the killings with Duterte on the sidelines of the Southeast Asian summit in Laos last week. Duterte, however, said he would curse at Obama if the issue would be brought up. The bilateral meeting between the two leaders was canceled by Washington and prompted Duterte to issue an apology, denying that the harsh words were directed to Obama.

In his address to the forum, Yasay tried to assure Washington that Manila is not condoning unlawful killings. “In the book of President Duterte and in my book, extrajudicial killing has no place in our society,” Yasay said. The government has announced an adoption of an “independent” foreign policy highlighting national sovereignty and interest. Details of the policy, however, remain to be seen while Duterte has expressed his views against the stay of American troops in Mindanao, parts of which are home to extremists organizations. n

by Filipino soldiers — Lorenzana by Marc Jayson

cayabyab

Inquirer.net

US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton, detained at Camp Aguinaldo, is guarded by Filipino soldiers and not US troops, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assured lawmakers on Wednesday. Lorenzana made this assurance before the House of Representatives appropriations committee hearing the Department of National Defense’s proposed P178.2 billion budget for 2017. “Nasa loob ng Camp Aguinaldo ngayon. Nakakulong siya doon at siya ay ginagwardiyahan ng mga gwardya ng Bureau of Prison (Correction),” Lorenzana said when asked by Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque, who was the lawyer who secured the homicide conviction of Pemberton for killing transgender Jennifer Laude in 2014. (He’s in Camp Aguinaldo now. He’s detained there and is being guarded by Bureau of Prison Correction guards.) Roque said he asked the question because the last time he heard when he was handling the case was that Pemberton was detained at the detention facility of the Joint US Military Assistance Group after his conviction by the

Olongapo Regional Trial Court in December 2015. The murder charge was downgraded to homicide absent the aggravating circumstances of treachery and abuse of superior strength, after the jury found that Pemberton was under the influence of alcohol and that Laude did not disclose her gender from the US Marine when they had sex. After a night of drinking at a bar in Subic, Pemberton and Laude checked in at a motel. Pemberton shoved Laude’s head on the toilet where she drowned after Pemberton found out that Laude was a transgender. When Roque asked whether or not Pemberton’s detention facility in Camp Aguinaldo was airconditioned, Lorenzana said he had not yet visited the detention facility, even though this was located just beside his quarters. Lorenzana said Pemberton is being guarded by Filipino soldiers. Roque asked: “Will you allow the presence of US soldiers to guard him in his facility after he was convicted?” “No,” Lorenzana tersely answered. Pemberton’s conviction and a jail term of 10 years remain a

u PAGE A11

The innovative DNA of…

PAGE A9 t

We can deliver effective, cost-efficient solutions, even to remote, high-intensity usage places, ” Dr. Bartur said, “but also because we don’t know how to give up. When we have an idea, we pursue with lots of innovation, we just pursue it and we are okay with that.” He continued to express gratitude to his employees, “I rely on them to be conscientious. I trust them. I don’t work over their shoulders. I give the employees a lot of credit. I care about their attitude, their character and their dedication.” The 3P’s of philosophy, process and people are, in fact, the core ingredients of OZC, a growing company that has ex-

perienced double-digit of growth during the last three years! *** 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.

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Dateline PHiliPPineS

President Rodrigo Duterte talks with his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo during their meeting at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Sept. 9. Duterte is currently on a two-day visit to the country. Inquirer.net

Pimentel on Cayetano, Trillanes clash… PAGE A7 t

to speak), pag kami na po ang magtatanong (when it’s our turn to question),” Cayetano went on saying. De Lima shot back, saying it wasn’t true. “You can interject but it’s within my rights Madam chair so may I plead with you, you brought the witness here, nagte-testify siya (he’s testifying), I’m testing his credibility, I’m testing his motives. Can you just allow me to do it my way?” Cayetano continued. De Lima then permitted Cayetano to continue questioning Matobato.

DOH to…

PAGE A7 t

In other words, the Philippine government would not have to pay for these incoming doctors. She added that doctors serving Filipinos in rural areas see approximately 60 new patients a day. If the Philippines were to bring in Cuban doctors, they would most likely be sent to these remote communities. However, in an effort to bolster the country’s law enforcement and his own office, Duterte cut the DOH budget among other sectors in August. Documents submitted to Congress indicate a P31 billion reduction for next year’s health budget. n

Cayetano vs Trillanes In the middle of grilling Matobato, Trillanes cut off Cayetano by asking De Lima if there’s an “unlimited” questioning allotted for a non-member of the committee, later declaring Senator Cayetano “out of order” for consuming the time of the committee. When none of the senators backed down, De Lima declared a two-minute break but Cayetano and Trillanes continued their argument. As soon as the proceedings resumed, the two senators continued their spat, prompting Cayetano to call a point of order. “May I just sit here and listen to you (De Lima) without being intimidated because my seat mate here (Trillanes) here is intimidating me,” Cayetano complained.

“I am trying to ask questions, he (Trillanes) told me here: ‘Hindi kita papapormahin (I wouldn’t let you have your way)’ and then he tells me here, ‘Nabubuo ba ang pangarap mo (were your dreams being formed)? You are defending evil etcetera’ So Madam chair I’m trying to get to the bottom of this and kung totoo ang sinasabi (if truth was spoken).” “He will tell me those things. Trash-talk me. Perhaps as a senator, I never did that to any of my colleagues and I consider him a friend. I can move. Can you make sure he doesn’t follow me? I will listen to you. If it takes you two hours, I will follow,” Cayetano continued. De Lima then asked Trillanes to transfer but it was Cayetano who moved to another seat. n

Homicide convict Pemberton…

PAGE A10 t

contentious issue in the Philippines, which has an agreement with the United States about the visiting rights of American troops in the country. While the Visiting Forces Agreement grants the Philippines jurisdiction over US troops who commit crimes in the country not linked to their official duties, the US has custody over the military official from commission of the offense until the completion of the judicial pro-

ceedings. The court committed Pemberton to serve his sentence at the AFP custodial center in line with a memorandum of agreement between the Philippine Commission on the Visiting Forces, the Bureau of Corrections, the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police pertaining to Pemberton’s detention. The court earlier committed Pemberton to serve his sentence at the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016

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A12 SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL â€˘ SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016

SHOWBIZ&STYLE

Journal

â€˜Star Na Si Van Damme Stalloneâ€™: A charmer at LAPIFF 2016

the film is expected to be melodra- at the cineFilipino festival showed old was a natural. The film got matic because of the difficulties of her prowess in a very subtle act- third-place in the Jury prize Award cARsON, calif. â€” The upcom- raising Vanvan. However, longjas ing method. isaac Aguirre who for Best picture. The cebuano short film â€œJulieâ€? ing film festival at carson cin- gives the audience a normal, ten- plays Tano, won Best supporting is the story of a gay man trying to emark on October 7-9 will feature der picture of a family that helps Award. paolo pingol, who plays Van- find work to support his family Vanvan achieve his dream of movies about the family. One of the features is â€œstar Na being a â€œstar.â€? candy pangilinan van, could have given an agoniz- and ends up as a construction si Van Damme stallone,â€? a drama- who won the Best Actress Award ing way of acting but the 24-yearPAGE B2 comedy that centers around the life of Nadia, a single mother raising Vanvan, a child with Down syndrome who dreams of being an actor. Everyone in his family â€” from his mother, brother Tano and uncle Jim â€”all do whatever they can to fulfill his dream because -/( *VU]LU[PVUHS they love this special child. star7\YJOHZL 9LMPUHUJL ring candy panganiban as Nadia, â€œstar Na si Van Dame stalloneâ€? will touch the audienceâ€™s hearts. Directed by Randolph longjas, by Fe

Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte with â€œDancing with the Starsâ€? partner Fil-Am Cheryl Burke.

Lochte lucks out by Bayani

San Diego Inquirer.net

Jr.

Olympics swimming champion Ryan lochte is the latest highflying luminary to come crashing down and earn the publicâ€™s ire, instead of admiration. He did it by admittedly â€œoverexaggeratingâ€? claims that he and three other Us swimmers were robbed at gunpoint during the recent Olympics. ccTV and other video evidence subsequently showed what really happened, prompting or forcing lochte to apologize. However, the apology failed to mollify a number of people, including some of his product sponsors, who consequently rescinded some of his million-dollar endorsement deals. Ouch! like other luminaries whoâ€™ve been caught behaving less than stellarly, lochte has tried hard to cut his losses and rehabilitate his image and reputation. After apologizing and promising to become a better person, the first thing he did was to get rid of his silver-haired â€œrock starâ€? look, in favor of his much darker natural hair color. His stylists and handlers correctly sensed that the â€œrealâ€? lochte would be easier for the public to forgive and eventually root for again, as opposed to the

shined up and rocked up â€œsilverâ€? version. lochteâ€™s next move was more unexpected: He signed up as a celebrity contestant on this seasonâ€™s â€œDancing With the starsâ€? TV talent tilt, with Fil-Am dancing sensation, cheryl Burke, as his partner-choreographer. The move came out of left field, but lochte later shared that he had already agreed to make it even before the Olympics. As for the choice of Burke as his partner-mentor, she said it was her ideaâ€”she felt so badly for lochte after his â€œdisgraceâ€? that she volunteered to help him get at least his dance act together. Big plus since cheryl has won the tilt several times in the past, with different celebrity partners, her help is a big plus for lochte in his gambit to do so well in the popular dance tilt that viewers will get to like him more again. incidentally, Burke has been so successful on â€œDancing With The starsâ€? that sheâ€™s become quite a celebrity herself. sheâ€™s now busy not just as an in-demand hoofer and choreographer, but in nondancing fields of performance, as well. Back to lochte, the swimmer turned celebrity dance tilt contestant: Burke revealed in a pre-tilt interview that he was not

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a natural dancer, so she had to work really hard to make their first competition number in the tiltâ€™s new season a truly grand entrance for him. she did achieve her objective, but some protesters rained on the dancing coupleâ€™s otherwise bright parade by causing a disruption on the dance floor right after the numberâ€”so, cops had to effect some ejections and make some arrests! clearly, lochteâ€™s efforts to clean up his act and clear his name arenâ€™t going to be a walk in the parkâ€”or an easy-breezy spin around the dance floor. But, in terms of actual dance and entertainment value, their first number on the dance tilt got passing marksâ€” so, theyâ€™re still in it to win it!

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Features

B SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Moonlighting by Mylah de

leon

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Billboard enters ivy Violan on a night of love, rhythm and variations Philippines’ music scene

tronized for its artistic, social and business prestige. Behind its lights and nuggets of musical lines Last saturday, sept. 10, an was producer and director Rhea enchanting indoor concert with a Rachelle N. Espino, who set a tone profusion of unique talents in the that allowed both the audience musical world of songs, settled and artists to celebrate together briefly at the Envision Center in with music. Van Nuys, California. Rhea has an unspoken and the center was a haven pa- affectionate advantage of com-

Classical interpretative dance by Alyssa Lange.

Ivy Violan, Leah Nervaez Espino and the Moonlighter

The ensemble with singer Leo Mercedez.

The producer, director and the artist

The interview

Photos by Bobby Crisostomo

municating to the singers — never pretending omniscience even after delivering the most powerful integrated interpretation of the performance of the night’s repertoire, with its own look in approach and style. It was clear, precise and had an unshakeable view of the production and director’s goal. Like some spell in the brink of anticipating strain and musical conscience, singer Ivy Violan started to slip and slide. swishing and swooping, joined by Mitch

AJ Ads 74_Layout 1 7/19/16 12:49 PM Page 1

age gracefully

Apple Barley Salad Fights Allergies

When pollen is flying through the air on a summer breeze, foods that reduce allergy symptoms can be a lifesaver. I immediately head to my kitchen to make my Apple Barley Salad. Eating specific compounds—such as omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, gingerol, oleuropein, and quercitin, as well as probiotics—go a long way toward reducing the swelling of nasal passages and production of antihistamines. The old adage about an apple a day is really true for allergy sufferers. Apples contain quercitin, which supports the immune system, reduces inflammation, and may reduce allergic sensitivity. Quercitin is found not only in apples (especially their skins), but also in chia seeds, onions, broccoli, citrus, and kale. If you suffer from any food allergies or sensitivities, those can intensify your seasonal allergy symptoms. If you’re not sure, it’s best to avoid the most common food triggers (dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, seafood, wheat, spinach, and berries) as well as artificial food colorings and plants in the nightshade family. My Apple Barley Salad (from my AGE GRACEfully Cookbook) is a tasty way to attack allergies. Barley is a great source of fiber, B vitamins, and selenium. I serve it with apples in this bright, crunchy salad. For the corn kernels, I prefer fresh-roasted corn, but you can use thawed frozen corn kernels, too. The apples can be any variety or color that you like, or even a combination. Raisins provide antioxidants and resveratrol, the same compound found in red wine. My Honey-Lime Dressing increases the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunityboosting components of this recipe.

Apple Barley Salad Serves 4–6 Ingredients 1 cup cooked barley ½ cup corn kernels 2 2/3 cup chopped apples, peels on 2 Tbs. chopped scallions ½ cup shredded carrot ½ cup raisins Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1 recipe Honey-Lime Dressing, garlic omitted

1. Rinse the barley in cold water to separate the grains. 2. In a large bowl, mix together the barley, corn, apples, scallions, carrot, and raisins. Season with the salt and pepper. 2. Toss with garlic-free Honey-Lime Dressing.

Honey-Lime Dressing YIELDS about 1/4 cup Ingredients 1 1/2 Tbs. lime juice (about 1 lime) 1 1/2 Tbs. honey 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil 1 minced garlic clove 1/2 tsp. chili powder Sea salt to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a container with a tight-fitting lid and shake until well blended.

GRACE O – Combining her passion for food and a commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, GRACE O has created FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. Grace O is a fusion chef and cookbook author with a mission: to introduce delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry. Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com

BY GRACE O

Franco and the ensemble one after each other. their performance had the nostalgia of old times and values — incomparable perception, delicate embellishments and style, blessed with magnificent timing, power and precision. a repertoire of melodies filled with tenderness, gaiety and laughter, pain and love. One minute, Ivy could be the greatest; in another second full of passionate strength and romantic PAGE B3

Billboard launched its newest brand in Asia, BillboardPH, with Sarah Geronimo as its first featured star.

MaNILa, Philippines — Leading international music brand Billboard launched on thursday, sept. 15, with an expectation to influence the local music scene. Known for its charts, news, business, lifestyle, and innovations in music, BillboardPH is the third asian branch of Billboard, after Japan and thailand. Billboard’s history dates back to more than a century, but the brand continues to be influential in the international music scene: if it says that an artist is number 1 on the Billboard charts, then it is, without question, currently the most popular song in the world. In a statement released to Philstar.com, BillboardPH’s executives said the prospect of starting in the Philippines was seen a great opportunity, given the variety and range of music locally. “Not many realize that there’s so much music all over the country that hasn’t been heard just yet primarily because attention has been focused on the northern

regions (aka Luzon) for too long,” the company said. It promised to come up with charting systems based on advanced alglorithms used globally. “(the system) doesn’t just open doors for Filipino artists to be fully recognized on an international scale; it also creates opportunities for homegrown artists based outside Luzon to be included in the fold,” BillboardPH’s statement read. By exploring music outside the capital region and Luzon, artists from other parts of the Philippines will share the spotlight and the local music will be presented in a more accurate picture. singer sarah Geronimo will be the first to be featured as artist in BillboardPH’s maiden month. “all the cards are now in place; the one thing left to be done is the big reveal,” the company said. “We are charting the evolution of Filipino music,” it added. (Philstar.com)

‘Star Na Si Van Damme Stallone’... PAGE B1 worker. Clanch Dayve Belleza, who wrote and directed the short film, said that it was inspired by the idea of a gay man working in a macho world. “Julie” is what they now call a “dramedy.” It tackles the challenges of a covert gay father trying to support his

son. albert Chan Paran portrays the protagonist, Julian Capoy a.k.a “Julie. the Los angeles Philippine International Film Festival will run from October 7-9 at Cinemark south Bay Pavilion in Carson. Check out www.lapiff.org for more information.

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SHUHARI Matcha Café & All Nippon Airways awards local ‘Fly Me to Japan’ sweepstakes winner with trip to Japan

LOS ANGELES — SHUHARI Matcha Café, in conjunction with All Nippon Airways, hosted an award presentation on Tuesday, Sept. 13 to honor the grand prize winner of its recent ‘Fly Me to Japan’ Sweepstakes. The grand prize winner, Carissa Caparas, was awarded two free round-trip tickets to visit Japanthe source for all of SHUHARI’s green teas. Located on Abbot Kinney, SHUHARI Matcha Café is an authentic Japanese green tea café bringing Japan’s finest green teas to the Los Angeles area. To celebrate its connection with Japan, SHUHARI launched its ‘Fly Me to Japan’ Sweepstakes during

its grand opening activities back in July. SHUHARI customers were granted the opportunity to enter to win two round-trip tickets to Japan, courtesy of All Nippon Airways, to experience and understand SHUHARI’S rich Japanese heritage. Established in 2016 by parent company GREEN TEA WORLD USA, INC., SHUHARI is an authentic Japanese green tea café committed to serving an expertly curated selection of the highest quality of Japanese green tea, creating exceptional and innovative handcrafted tea beverages, and serving customers with excellence and pride. SHUHARI, where green tea meets a modern

lifestyle, offers an array of over 40 handcrafted tea beverages that mirror American preferences like sparkling green tea, matcha espresso and lattes, as well as a selection of grab-and-go food options such as “onigirazu” a new style of Japanese rice balls, GET THE CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS ANSWERED IMMEDIATELY WHEN ‘CITIZEN PINOY’ GOES LIVE ON SEPTEMBER sandwiches, ice cream sundaes, 25! Kapamilya, we are excited to bring you yet another LIVE telecast of your favorite immigration program – CITIZEN PINOY. Leading Japanese sweets and pastries. US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel is “excited about being able to answer your questions in real time.” Viewers are already The Cool Japan Fund, a publicencouraged to send in questions at www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw. The live telecast of “Citizen Pinoy” – will be seen on September private fund, that supports the 25, Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (EST/PST) on TFC. development of overseas demand for Japanese products and services is an influential contributor to SHUHARI’s success in the United States. For more information and spiritual.” balance, escape and elegance; PAGE B2 to stay up-to-date about the SHUFilipino music constantly ex- presented a stellar group of gloriHARI Matcha Café, visit www. splendor in such a rich flexibility of presses intense longing, caring, ous voices, in a wondrous blend of shuharicafe.com. musical expression. In an entirely devotion and oneness with their be- pop, jazz and rock. As the lights new facet of expression, her fresh loved. It can be romantic, patriotic went up and the performers on rendition in every number is her — even religious and mournful. A the stage conveyed, the thunderstrength. consolation, a lullaby or a protest, it ing applause spoke for a grateful The 3rd ASEAN Popular Song is filled with soulful languages and evening. Each and everyone gave ships in the family or at work. Festival in Bangkok, Thailand was deep pity devotion or love. a part of themselves. **All Feng Shui items must be one of the high points of her career That night, an ensemble with Like pebbles, together they purified by the Taoist way. and even today, she vividly remem- the quiet elegance of perfect made a boulder. ••• bers that day. Feng Shui master Sean Shono owns “In my whole participation in Dragon God, a Feng Shui store in Gardena, the ASEAN countries, that was the California. He is the U.S. Chief of the most competitive and heartbeat International Feng Shui Association. For stopping. All the best singers were more information, please call Sean Shono there,” she shared. at (310) 787-1891. Dragon God is located The host country, Thailand, at 1580 W. Artesia SQ. Suite A, Gardena, had a really super singer and was CA 90248. a favorite but it was Ivy that took home the coveted prize. “There was something more there, too. And I say this seriouslysometimes in victory is when you feel that you are humbled, which puts you in the position where one is better able to be played by music. It opened my eyes. There is [an] unarguable central tenet of Christianity, everybody is equal in God’s eyes,” she said, continuing, “Distance or race does not decide who is your brother or not. Even then, I knew we were ones. The idea of grace, that is the reason I am a Christian. I have since then composed songs and created music through coming in touch with God, that which gives a reason Lovi Poe to be alive, to believe in. It is so

What to do when your house is on a T-intersection By Sean

Shono

Houses located at a T-intersection or dead end — except a cul de sac — are penetrated by all kinds of luck. Residents are likely to suffer from business failure, poverty, injury, illness and other unfortunate circumstances. To avoid this, set a pair of lion statues or plates.

At the dead end, set a stone monument called “SEKI GANTO” and place a “flat calming mirror” on the wall right side of the entrance hall. Each of them possesses the power of dispersing the minus energy. Inside the house (any place), put the “stabilizer board” to control and stabilize the energy, which will bring better relation-

Lovi Poe will go the extra mile for her man, but... LOvI Poe sometimes finds it hard to let go of a character even after the director shouts, “Cut”— especially if she commits to that character’s compelling journey. But it’s something that actors should learn, she enthuses: “You have to know when to stop. Years ago, I was so into a role I was playing that it took me a while to realize I was ‘turning’ into her. I got carried away—and my manager told me to snap out of it.” But Lovi says it isn’t that easy

to drop character when you love portraying her—like Joanna, the doting wife she plays in the GMA 7 teleserye, “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Joanna’s biggest burden is seeing her Alzheimer’s disease-stricken hubby “disintegrate and vanish” right before her very eyes. Would Lovi go the extra mile for the man she loves? “It’s a caseby-case basis. Joanna is devoted to her husband, TJ (played by Tom Rodriguez). But sometimes, PAGE B7

Ivy Violan on a night...

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Features

Director Lav Diaz’s ‘Ang Babaeng Humayo’ wins top prize at the 73rd Venice Film Festival By Monet

I have always been a fan of our indie films. So many of our great actors and actresses started out with playing lead roles in such an interesting movie genre. There’s something raw about these types of films and in one way or another, it separates the real actors from those who are just popular for reasons totally unrelated to good acting. I find it unsurprising – rather, much anticipated – that a Filipinoproduced-and-directed film would win the top prize in an international film festival. and not to mention, it stars one of the finest actresses of all time, Ms. Charo Santos-Concio. “ang Babeng humayo (“The Woman Who Left”) is a story about a schoolteacher’s attempt to lead a normal life after spending her 30year imprisonment for a murder she didn’t commit. The irony plays as she also plots the murder of the man who framed her while she tries to tackle life outside the prison cell. Talk about normal life, right? Released after someone else confesses to the crime, horacia (the main character) finds out that her husband died, and her daughter had moved out and her son had gone missing. The big twist unravels when she learned that a former lover had set her up to be jailed. horacia is played by aBS-CBN Chief Content Officer Charo Santos in her first film foray in nearly two decades. In an online article, the actress-turned-executive revealed why she accepted the role after a

The Global Kababayan G. TönGi Monday, September 19 – Make sure to catch Jon Jon Briones in Miss Saigon the film this September 22. Details here on “Kababayan Today”! Tuesday, September 20 - Get to know the ensaymada Project, as part of our feature on Filipino food. Wednesday, September 21 - We give you the latest headlines from the asian Journal. We share

considerably noticeable hiatus from starring in movies. “I really wanted to work with this director … I wanted to understand the aesthetics behind his cinema, why he produces long-running films,” Concio, the former president and chief executive officer of aBSCBN Corp., told Reuters. “he doesn’t manipulate the audience, he doesn’t manipulate the characters, he allows the characters to go through the journey and to feel the journey,” she added. “ang Babaeng humayo” won the golden lion, the top prize at the 73rd venice Film Festival in Italy. The prize is awarded by an eight-mem-

ber jury of filmmakers and actors, headed this year by British film and stage director Sam Mendes. The film runs for about 228 minutes (nearly four hours) and is the 19th film of the 57-year-old director. It also won Best Foreign Language Film at the Sorriso Diverso venezia 2016 awards, one of the collateral awards handed out before the festival’s major honors. Produced by Cinema One Originals and Sine Olivia Pilipinas, “ang Babaeng humayo,” also features performances from John Lloyd Cruz, who walked beside Santos on the red carpet. PAGE B7

Programming of Kababayan Today, September 19-23, 2016 with kababayans the Pampanga Jubilee celebration with the virgen de los Rremedios celebrations. The Real estate Buzz with Mia McLeod also has some tips and advice for home buyers & sellers. Thursday, September 22 - Kat Iniba shares with us the specials from Goldilocks in Southern California. Stand-up paddle boarder anne Culen shares all her medals from past competitions. Friday, September 23 - It’s all about Pinoy barbeque with

The Park’s Finest for our Filipino Food Series! *** 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.

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Fil-Am Arts’ ‘Arts & Craft’ brings Filipino cuisine and craft beer to Downtown LA Fil-Am Arts (FAA) on Saturday, Sept. 10 hosted its first ever food and beer fair dubbed “Arts & Craft.” The event featured a handful of restaurateurs and beverage partners who each had their own Filipino dish or drink to offer the party patrons. Held at the iconic Pico House in Downtown lA, the party was attended by people from all over town and celebrated Filipino cuisine, craft beer, and 25 years of the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture

(FPAC). “Our Arts & Craft event was a rousing success and a great kickoff to the 25th Anniversary of the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture,” said FAA board member Kat Carrido Bonds in a statement. Bonds added that many of the partygoers requested that the event be repeated by the FAA, at least annually. “We think that is a great idea. There are many more Filipino chefs to feature and celebrate,” Fil-Am Arts board members and interim Executive Director Tina Bulchand

“Kababayan Today” host and producer Giselle “G” Tongi mixes drinks for attendees

SALO Series’ Kinilaw na Salmon

Bone marrow atop rice by The Park’s Finest

Ensaymada Project’s ube and cheese ensaymada

Bonds said. Four Filipino-owned or themed food concepts showcased a few unique dishes that definitely left the crowd asking for more. The Park’s Finest BBQ served smoked bone marrow over rice, with chicken lollipop and the wildly popular bibingka cornbread. While Park’s is known for their tri-tip and ribs, the popularity of the melt-in-your-mouth bone marrow dish proved that they may be on to something great. According to Johneric Concordia, the bone marrow is just a seasonal offering and it is not featured on their regular menu. Stoked California BBQ served

another hearty dish – tri-tip with a side of salad and corn (elote). The tri-tip paired well with any of the craft beers offered by beverage partners: The Belching Beaver’s me So Honey Golden Pale Ale or Hop Highway iPA, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Tsingtao Beer. (This writer personally preferred the Golden Pale Ale with the tri-tip). SAlO Series’ Kinilaw na Salmon was probably the dark horse of the pack. Kinilaw is basically cubes of fresh salmon marinated in vinegar, ginger, onion, and other spices usually served as bar-chow or pulutan in the Philippines. SAlO served its rendition with a tasty fish cracker. it had a refreshing kick of spicy and

sour notes, and blended well with the crispy texture of the cracker. SAlO Series ran out of kinilaw pretty fast during the night. Bonds observed that it was probably because the dish went well with another popular drink – the Ubecalamansi cocktail by Tanduay Asian Rum. Rounding up the pack was the Ensaymada Project’s cheese and ube ensaymadas. The puffy pastry was an appropriate dessert to end the night. “Ensaymada Project’s ube ensaymada just takes it to another level — not too sweet and still indulgent,” Bonds admitted. While foodies reveled in the cu-

Photos courtesy of Christina M. Oriel and Tina Bulchand

linary offerings, Fil-Am DJ Gingee provided the tunes to set the mood. Gingee’s music is an eclectic mix of electronic music, hip-hop, and indigenous Filipino percussion. Gingee, who is also a producer, violinist, and percussionist, said that some of the instruments that she uses in her tracks include the kulintang, kubing, tinikling bamboo, and nose flute. Gingee released her EP Tambol in 2015, and is available on iTunes. “The deepest thank you, salamat, for the sharing, connection, and celebration,” Bonds said of the food vendors, sponsors, partygoers, family and friends. She said that FAA couldn’t have pulled it off without them. She praised the food partners for “sharing your craft, your art, your heart with us.” “let us do more, and see you at FPAC! We’ll see everyone at Echo Park on October 8th!” Bonds said. The 25th annual FPAC will be held on Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Echo Park lake. For more information, please visit http://www.filamarts. org/ (Mico Letargo)

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EntErtainmEnt

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016

After 10 years, a Mendoza film is PH Oscar bet by Bayani

San Diego Inquirer.net

Jr.

“I’m very happy that a film of mine was finally recognized by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) after 10 years and 12 films!” This was Brillante ma. mendoza’s reaction upon learning that his film, “ma’ Rosa,” had been chosen as the country’s entry in the best foreign language film category of the 89th Academy Awards, which will be held in Los Angeles on Feb. 26, 2017. Leo martinez, head of FAP (the body that chooses the country’s bet in the Oscars), confirmed the news to the Inquirer. Also considered as an entry, martinez further revealed, was Lav Diaz’s “Ang Babaeng Humayo,” which won for the country the Golden Lion award at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival on Saturday. “ma’ Rosa” is currently being shown in the masters’ section of the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada—“its North American premiere,” mendoza noted. “Humayo” is also being shown in the Wavelengths section of the Toronto fest. The films of mendoza, who won best director in Cannes for “Kinatay” in 2009, have always been in the running as a possible Philippine entry in the Oscars.

“ma’ Rosa” competed in the main competition of Cannes and won best actress for Jaclyn Jose in may. mendoza pointed out that, like his past films, “ma’ Rosa” had inked a deal with an international distributor—Film Distribution, the same company behind Laszlo Nemes’ “Son of Saul,” which won for Hungary the best foreign language film award at the 88th Academy Awards. “ma’ Rosa” will still have to go through a selection process, along with the entries of other countries, before it can land on Oscar’s top five nominees’ list. “Humayo” was scheduled to open next week, Sept. 23, to meet FAP’s qualification rules. However, Ronald Arguelles, Cinema One head, told the Inquirer that the commercial run of “Humayo” in the Philippines might be moved to Sept. 28. As early as the first week of September, FAP had already released a lineup of nine movies short-listed as possible Philippine entries: Joel Lamangan’s “Felix manalo,” Jun Robles Lana’s “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan,” Erik matti’s “Honor Thy Father,” Lav Diaz’s “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis,” Paul Soriano’s “Dukot,” Eduardo Roy Jr.’s “Pamilya Ordinaryo,” Gil Portes’ “Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli,” Roderick Cabrido’s “Tuos” and

JACLYN Jose in Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Ma’ Rosa”

mendoza’s “ma’ Rosa.” According to an earlier report, the committee tasked to choose the country’s Oscar entry had its first deliberation on Sept. 14. Among the members of the special committee, headed by director Edgardo Vinarao, are filmmakers Jose Carreon and mike Sandejas, screenwriter Ed Rocha, cinematographer Lee meily and actors michael de mesa and Cherie Gil. Last year, the country’s entry in the Oscars was Jerrold Tarog’s “Heneral Luna.” In 2014, it was Diaz’s “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan.” The Philippines has yet to bag a nomination in the Oscar best foreign language film category since joining the competition in 1953, with manuel Conde’s “Genghis Khan.”

Lovi Poe will go the extra mile...

go, eventually, because I wanted more room to grow as a person. When I realized that [the situation] “There was a time in my past that PAGE B3 was stopping me from growing, I I certainly [kept pushing] because people surprise themselves by knew it was time to let go.” (Rito I thought the relationship was doing things they never thought P. Asilo/Inquirer.net) worth saving. But I had to let they’d do for the people they love.

Director Lav Diaz’s ‘Ang Babaeng Humayo’... PAGE B5 Twenty U.S. and international movies featuring top Hollywood talent and auteur directors were in competition at the world’s oldest film festival, in its 73rd outing this year. The event is seen as a launching pad for the industry’s award season. The Best Director award was shared by Russia’s Andrei Konchalovsky for the Holocaust drama “Rai” (“Paradise”) and mexico’s Amat Escalante for “La Region Salvaje” (“The Untamed”). Commenting on Escalante’s drama, which opens with a naked woman being pleasured by a tentacled creature, jury member and Venezuelan director Lorenzo Vigas said the movie affected all the judges emotionally.

American actress Emma Stone took the Best Actress prize for her role in the musical “La La Land” and Argentine actor Oscar martinez was named Best Actor for his performance in the comedy-drama “El Ciudadano Ilustre” (“The Distinguished Citizen”). German actress Paula Beer received the marcello mastroianni Award acknowledging an emerging performer, for her role in post-war drama “Frantz.” In an article released a few days ago, director Lav Diaz described “Ang Babaeng Humayo” (“The Woman Who Left”) as a testimony to the struggles of the Philippines after centuries of colonial rule. “This is for my country, for the Filipino people, for our struggle, for the struggle of humanity,” the

57-year-old said as he accepted the Golden Lion award for his blackand-white movie. Congratulations Direk Lav, and to the cast and crew, you are all amazing. Once again, we (Filipinos) have proven that real talent shines even in a global capacity. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon. com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

FILIPINO PROGRAMMING

ONLYON LA18 All New “LolaBasyang.com” begins Sept.13th

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Boots Anson-Roa comes to LA18 via TV5’s LolaBasyang.com , playing Lola Basyang , who shares classic stories

Keeping You Connected

na may modern-day twist for our viewers! In this modern-day version, Lola B is a tech-savvy grandma, and she shares her stories with children via blogs and a webcam.

3:30 PM Kababayan Today with G Töngi 4:00 PM Aksyon News (Produced by TV5)

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COMMUNITY

Your Immigration Solution Devin Connolly & nanCy Miller IT is well known that there are limited ways of lawfully residing in the U.S. It is most commonly allowed on the basis of family relationships or on the foreign national possessing certain employment stills. This has been relatively constant over the years. However, it appears that there is a new way for people to potentially reside in the U.S. with valid immigration status. The Department of Homeland Security has proposed the “International Entrepreneur Rule.” This rule would allow foreign nationals to be paroled into the U.S. if they can demonstrate that their entry to the U.S. would provide a significant public benefit due to their role as an entrepreneur of a startup entity. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that perhaps as many as 3,000 people per year may be eligible for parole into the U.S. under this program. As with all applications for entry into the U.S., there are several requirements that applicants must meet to be eligible under this program. First, they must show that they are a sufficient “entrepreneur.” An “entrepreneur” is defined as someone that possesses a substantial ownership interested in a startup entity and has a central and active role in the operations of that entity. They cannot be simply a passive investor. In addition, the underlying business must also meet the definition of “start-up entity.” This has been defined as a U.S. business entity that was formed under federal or state law, was formed within the 3 years immediately preceding the filing of the application for parole, etc. It is also required that the business have substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation. The Department of Homeland Security will also look closely

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016

Journal Exciting new opportunity to enter the U.S.: The ‘International Entrepreneur Rule’ at the money that has been invested in the start-up entity. It is required that the business has received a qualified investment of at least $345,000 from one or more qualified investors in the 365 days prior to filing the application for parole into the U.S. Alternatively, the business may have also received at least $100,000 through a qualified government award or grant in the 365 days prior to filing the application for parole into the U.S. A “qualified investment” is an investment made in good faith that is a purchase from the start-up entity of equity or convertible debt. A “qualified investor” is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or perhaps an organization, that has made sufficient investments of at least $1,000,000 over the last five years, and has also created full-time jobs or generated substantial revenue for the start-up entity. When submitting an application for parole under this program, an applicant must be sure to clearly demonstrate their eligibility for parole. Issues to be addressed include evidence of capital investments from qualified investors; proof of the startup entity’s goods or services; the applicant’s knowledge, skills or experience that justifies their active role in the operations of the entity; and evidence that the entity has experience sufficient revenue and growth.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service will weigh all submitted evidence and then make a discretionary decision on whether to grant the applicant parole into the U.S. If granted, the applicant will be paroled into the U.S. for up to 2 years. This initial grant of parole may also be extended beyond 2 years by applying for re-parole. Applicants will also be permitted to leave the U.S. during their parole period and thereafter return to continue their residence in the U.S. Finally, a person’s spouse and children may also apply for parole into the U.S. This is an exciting new opportunity for certain foreign entrepreneurs. It is clearly a complex process, but all of the hard work will be worth it for the opportunity to reside in the U.S. Be sure to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney to maximize your chances for success. *** 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) 795-8009 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

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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon DECIDING if bankruptcy is right for you can be one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make in your life. As much as possible, most people try to avoid it, of course. But sometimes, the hole you’ve dug up is too deep that there is no other way out. For example, perhaps you owe so much that there’s simply no way for you to ever repay your creditors. Filing bankruptcy, although not your first choice, may be a better alternative to remaining stuck in debt for the rest of your life. The answer, of course, doesn’t always come quick and easy. Most people will postpone making a decision until they have their back into a corner and they feel like the walls are caving in. If you are in this situation, I know how you feel. At what point does it make sense to file bankruptcy and get legal protection? If your financial situation is causing you a lot of stress and worries, perhaps bankruptcy is the best solu-

Insurance Matters JoSePh doRotAn ASIDE from your cars, you also want your other properties to be protected. Properties can be personal properties or real properties. Personal properties are movable while real properties are fixed. Examples of personal properties in a house include furniture, clothing, books, electronic gadgets, arts, jewelry, etc. Examples of real properties can be your singlefamily detached home, condo or investment properties. The kind of real property you own or live in and whether you own the personal properties inside determine the appropriate type of home policy needed. If you are renting and therefore your primary concern is protection of your personal property, you don’t need a policy that covers the dwelling. A renter’s policy or HO4 is what you need. Keep in mind that most personal

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Should you file bankruptcy to get out of debt? tion for your mental well-being if you’re already doing your best but it’s still not good enough. Filing bankruptcy provides immediate debt relief because it automatically stops collection actions against you and your property. That means no more collection calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments and no more sheriffs at your door. For the first time after a long while, you can finally breathe better and feel like a human being again. In Chapter 7, credit card debts, personal loans, medical bills and other unsecured debts are erased completely. Although in Chapter 7 non-exempt property can be taken to pay creditors, this is very rare because most Chapter 7 cases are no-asset cases. If your case is such, you lose nothing but your debts and you get to keep your home, automobile, bank accounts, retirement plans, etc. In Chapter 13, you agree to repay all or a portion of your debts over 3 to 5 years. In most cases, you can cut your current credit card payments in half or even more, depending on your

income and expenses. So, rather than struggling to pay your debts and the ridiculous interest rates that the credit card companies are charging you, you can be out of debt in a much shorter period of time while paying zero percent interest on your credit cards. Trust me. With the interest rates of 22-29% that the credit card companies are charging you, you are likely to be in debt for the rest of your life if all you can afford is to make minimum payments. If filing bankruptcy makes sense for your situation, it may be the only way you will ever get a fresh financial start. If there are ways to avoid it, I can help you review your options. For a free consultation, call my office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. ***

Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

LIMITED Liability Company (LLC) is a hybrid that combines the pass-through attributes of a partnership with the limited liability of a corporation. The owners are called “members” who hold “interests” and are governed by an “operating agreement.” An LLC with more than one member is taxed as a partnership. This is a relatively new form of doing business. Let’s explore the plus and minuses of LLCs. A. Advantages: 1. Liabilities of members are limited to their investments in the LLC. 2. No double income tax. No double tax on liquidation. 3. A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) for professionals alNone of the information herein lows protection from claims inis intended to give legal advice for volving the wrongful acts of other any specific situation. Atty. Ray partners (vicarious liability). Bulaon has successfully helped 4. Can specially allocate profits thousands of clients in getting out and losses. of debt. For a free attorney evalu5. A member contributing apation of your situation, please call preciated assets to an LLC in exRay Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL change for membership interest

Types of home policies and what do they cover

properties depreciate over time. A piece of furniture you bought for $5000 before can be worth only a few hundred dollars today. The worth today is called actual cash value. The better, very important option is to have replacement cost coverage. When you experience a loss, you want to be made whole again without shelling out any penny if possible. If you are unaware that your policy only pays cash value, you’d surely feel infuriated during claims! If you own an investment property and it’s for multifamily use, you may need a commercial policy. If it is a singlefamily detached home, you need a landlord policy or DP3. This type of policy is like the opposite of a renter’s policy in that it offers very little personal property protection as a landlord is presumed not to have his personal stuffs in his home being rented out. The focus of protection of a DP3 is more on the dwelling. If you are renting out a condo, you

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should get an HO6, but make sure to tell the agent or the insurance company that the condo is for tenants to occupy. If you own and occupy a condo, your policy type is also HO6. A condo policy in this case should cover both the dwelling and your personal properties. How much of personal properties? Depends on how much you own. How about how much of dwelling? This can get tricky. As you know condos are units normally with common areas and have master policy covering the building. You may want to check with the HOA the extent of the coverage of the master policy first before estimating how much dwelling you need. Normally, master policies only cover the common areas, exterior of the building and energy equipment. The Dwelling Coverage of your HO6 is needed to cover the interior walls, drywall, wallpaper, paneling, flooring, carpeting, or builtin cabinets of the unit you

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Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS MANY people try to file and open their own divorce case without an attorney in an effort to save on legal fees. Often, the self-represented divorce litigant would seek the assistance of the court facilitator’s office in preparing the papers to open their own divorce case. However once the divorce case is opened, many self-represented petitioners are not able to finish their divorce case to judgment for various reasons. The most common reasons are the following: Improper Proof of Service of Divorce Petition Self-represented litigants are not familiar with the code of civil procedures on how initial pleadings should be served on the opposing party and the notice requirements. As such the Court is unable to exercise jurisdiction on the other party until proper service on that party is done properly.

Should you form a Limited Liability Company (LLC)? is not required to recognize gain on that exchange. 6. Distributions of appreciated property from an LLC are generally received without gain. 7. Receipt of an interest in an LLC for a profit interest is generally not taxable. 8. It is not subject to accumulated earnings tax, personal holdings tax, or alternative minimum tax. 9. It is not required to maintain certain formalities such as corporate minutes. 10. The basis of a member’s interest can be increased by the member’s share of LLC debts. B. Disadvantages: 1. Each state has its own regulations. For example, California LLCs pay additional annual fee based on gross receipts. This is the main reason why I seldom recommend LLCs for small estates. The annual fee increased every year and has doubled since its introduction until entities challenged the Golden State’s anti-business stance. Others fled the state to other business-friendly neighboring states. It is now permanently set at $900/2,500/6,000/11,790 for

gross receipts of $250K, $500K, $1M, and $5M. 2. A member’s net earnings are subject to self-employment tax, whether distributed or not. 3. Loss from the sale of LLC interest is a capital loss (limited to $3000 per year). 4. An LLC will be constructively terminated if 50% or more of total interest is sold or exchanged within 12 months. 5. Disassociation events such as death, retirement or bankruptcy dissolve the LLC unless all remaining members consent to reinstate the entity. *** 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

I filed my own divorce but I can’t finish it Failed to prepare and exchanged required financial disclosures California family code requires that both parties exchange complete and accurate financial disclosures. Proof that these financial disclosures have been exchanged needs to be filed in Court. The court will not enter judgment on a divorce case unless the financial disclosure requirements are satisfied. Default Judgment does not conform with the Petition for dissolution If the respondent has been defaulted and the petitioner is moving for a default divorce judgment, the default judgment must conform to the divorce petition. If the two does not conform to each other, the court will often reject the judgment. Child Support requested is not guideline Child support in California is based on guideline. Sometimes the self-represented litigant will

try to ignore child support or seek a child support order that is not based on guideline. This will result on the judgment being rejected by the Court. Pension and Retirement plans were not joined Some pension and retirement plans (such as local government retirement plans) need to be joined in the divorce action if there is a community property interest in these plans. Self-represented litigants are not aware of these rules and often ignore this requirement. QDRO was not prepared to divide Pension and Retirement plans Certain pension and retirement plans that are covered by ERISA requires a qualified domestic relations order to be divided (QDRO). Self-represented litigants often ignore this requirement. As a result, the plan is not divided. Unequal division of community property in default divorce cases

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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. Q: I AM a Filipino worker petitioned by my U.S. employer to work as part of its IT staff in California. My employer pays me only half the agreed rate and there are a lot of “fees” that are deducted from my pay. I work 10 to 12 hours, 5 to 6 days per week, but I am not paid overtime because I’m a “salaried” employee. Even though I don’t have a green card, do I have any rights? A: You have the same right as any employee working in the U.S., especially in California. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which was enacted to protect employees from labor violations, defined the term “employee” to include “any individual employed by an employer.” This broad general definition is followed by several specific exceptions. None of the exceptions mention the employee’s immigration status. More importantly, in California, the term “employee” means “every person in the service of an employer … whether lawfully or unlawfully employed.” Therefore, as an employee, you are entitled to the rights guaranteed to all employees, including the right to: 1. Be paid for every hour that you worked, and be paid at least the minimum wage 2. Earn overtime pay after working more than 8 hours per day and 40 hours in one week. 3. File claims with the court or state labor agencies if the employer has violated labor laws. 4. File workplace safety and health complaints with Cal/ OSHA.

Debt Relief Atty. LAwrenCe yAng CLIENT is 65 and recently widowed. Her husband was suddenly taken ill and was diagnosed with lung cancer even though he doesn’t smoke. Strange. Husband was in the pinnacle of good health, so it seemed. He had no known illness. His blood pressure was normal. He had no diabetes. He ate healthy, none of the greasy stuff. He was slim, not overweight, when all his friends were obese. He walked around their neighborhood every morning before he went to work as a scientist. He had a complete yearly check up provided free of charge by the large pharmaceutical company that he worked for the last 30 years. They have two children who are both professionals and doing well, with their own families. They have 3 grandchildren. Husband was a doting and dedicated grandfather. It seemed all was well and they were living the American dream, and looking forward to retiring next year. They still had a $600K mortgage on their house which was now worth $800K. The mortgage payment was $3,000 a month, which was not a problem. That’s quite reasonable. Even a rental would now cost $2,000 in Los Angeles. They bought the house 33 years ago for $250K and refinanced it several times. They cashed out for home improvements and to pay for their children’s college expenses. Husband’s salary of $10K a month, make their life quite comfortable with no financial worries. When they retire next year, he would get $2,500 in social security, and client would get $1,500. So, $4,000 a month in social security can pay the mortgage with tight budgeting, or if the decided to do so, they could sell their house and pocket $200K tax free, and perhaps downsize to a condo which they can pay cash for $300K, and taking a much reduced mortgage of $100K, paying $700 a month. Husband started coughing uncontrollably about 4 months ago. He had never coughed this way before. At first, they thought he was just having some kind of allergy, but he felt that this cough was different. He felt pain in his lungs when he coughed. He rushed to see his doctor who determined that he had a lump on his right lung the size of a tennis ball. A biopsy was done and it was cancer, stage 3 which had not yet spread to other parts of the body. He immediately went for chemotherapy but after a month, it was determined that the cancer cells had spread to his liver. From then on, things just started going downhill. Although the prognosis was that there was no problem curing the cancer, husband died last month. After the funeral, client started to get calls from credit cards of husband, collecting from client.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016

Workers petitioned by US Reinstatement for surviving beneficiaries of employers: Are your rights an I-130 petition filed by a deceased relative to wages protected? 5. Exercise labor rights without fear of retaliation from the employer. Employees who work in the United States under the H-1B and L-1 visas may feel that if they try to assert their rights to lawful wages and other employment rights, the employer may withdraw their visa sponsorship and have them deported. Thus, visa workers are vulnerable to exploitation by employers who are focused primarily on cheap labor. However, the laws that protect employees also protect visa workers. One case that illustrates this is a class action lawsuit filed by 800 software engineers against their employer, Siebel Systems. Many of the software engineers were H-1B workers hired and brought to the U.S. from China, Vietnam and India. These workers were misclassified as “exempt” employees, made to work long hours at the company, and not paid overtime. The workers were initially afraid to complain, but eventually, some employees came forward to file a lawsuit. The parties eventually agreed to settle the case and the employer had to pay $27.5 million to the employees. In another case, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest conglomerate, was sued by approximately 13,000 visa workers who work for TCS in the U.S. as information technology employees. The employees claimed that the employer illegally forced them to sign over their tax refunds back to the employer. The lawsuit also claimed unpaid

wages, and unlawful deductions from employee paychecks. The employer agreed to settle the case and pay nearly $29,750,000 to the employees. It is not only computer professionals who are exploited. Other skilled visa workers who work in the areas of biotechnology, chemistry, architecture, engineering, the physical sciences, education, and health care may also be victimized. Visa workers come to work in the U.S. hoping to better their lives and their families’. They work hard, and are less likely to complain about substandard working conditions. There are employers who exploit this situation for profit. Visa workers should know that regardless of their immigration status, they have rights, especially those involving wages, that are protected by law. If you are a visa worker who find yourself in such an unlawful situation, you should consult with a knowledgeable employment attorney to know your options. *** 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

Senior seeks relief from $40K credit cards

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)

I filed my own divorce… PAGE C2 t

If there is no settlement agreement, then the court has to divide the community property and debt equally between the parties. Often, self-represented parties will try to propose or prove up an unequal in his infinite wisdom, created division of community property us with free will to choose for and debt usually in their favor. Trying to save on legal fees by ourselves what we want. So you can choose to be a monkey’s de- handling your own divorce case scendant if you want to. Maybe could turn into a nightmare if your someone should tell Trump that case has issues that needs to be the world’s smartest man has handles a certain way. It is like concluded that Trump, just like the rest of us who don’t look like him, and who don’t have the “pelo de elote (corn hair) like he does is descended from apes. Oops, sorry did I say that, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that, that’s not what I meant. I similarly rely on Trump’s excuse for his racist remarks. He loves everyone who doesn’t look like him, because after all, we’re all descendants of the same monkey; but wait, didn’t Trump also mock Mr. Kovaleski, a disabled reporter for the New York Times? I don’t know how this will sit with Mr. Hawking whose current physical state is worse than Kovaleski’s. But despite Trump’s Oscar winning performance on T.V. mimicking Mr. Kovaleski’s disability and therefore undisputably mocking Mr. Kovaleski, Trump categorically denies that he was mocking him and that he would never mock a disabled person. This guy is totally unfit to be president of our country. Our society is not a homogenous block of corn hairs. People from all over the world migrate here and eventually become American citizens. All of us are Americans, disabled or not, Christian or not, regardless of all our different ethnicities. This is why America is the greatest country in the world as it has always been, and we don’t need Trump to make us great again, because Americans are a just and kind and courageous people who seek what is good and seek divine mercy and guidance. It is our God, Yahweh who makes our country great. It is all of us Americans who make America great. It is not Trump who makes America great. It is all Americans, you and I, all of us Americans, all of us a lot handsomer and prettier than Trump, all of us guided by the one true God, who make America great! I will discuss the rest of the subject matter next week, including why Hilary will beat Trump to become the first woman president of the United States. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acnoledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5

Business owner seeks to discharge $100K credit cards used to buy business

Client pulled the credit report of husband and found out that he had $40K of credit card debt, which he did not disclose to her. The collectors told her that California was a community property state; therefore, she is equally liable as her deceased husband to pay for his cards. Somehow, they were able to get her phone number at work and started to call her at work. This was too much harassment for client. She asked me if she was liable for her husband’s credit cards. I said that she was unless they had a prenuptial agreement. I informed her that life changing events such as death and divorces usually create this kind of financial problem. In fact, husband’s creditors can sue husband’s estate then put a lien on the house and eventually sell their house to collect. I asked her if her husband had life insurance. She said just enough to pay for the funeral expenses. Client then opted to file a Chapter 7 case to discharge her liability for her husband’s credit cards. Since they held their house as joint tenants, upon husband’s death, client automatically owns the entire 100% of the house as husband’s share passes to her by operation of law under joint tenancy. The Chapter 7 will discharge the $40K of credit cards and protect her house at the same time so she can live her new chapter of life unhampered by debilitating debt left by her husband. In her plan for the future, the following is apropos: “in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs – 3:5. I mean, you can see, without our God’s direction, even if you think all is well, death is actually knocking at your door. Death comes like a thief in the night. By God, I refer to God the Father, Adonai, El Shaddai, El Elohim, Yahweh, Jehovah whose only and beloved Son, Jesus Christ, willingly died for us on the cross, to redeem us from the consequences of sin because He loved us so. Client’s husband is now in heaven with Jesus and God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit. That certainly is a lot better option than spending an eternity of pain and suffering in hell with Lucifer, the evil one. Don’t you think so? I am so happy that our loving God and his beloved Son has given us this option. Even the world’s smartest man, Stephen Hawking, denies that God exists! Perhaps he’s not that smart after all. If he’s the world’s smartest man, how come he cannot heal himself of his disability? Because he is so smart, he denies the existence of his own creator. This is really sad that the greatest intellect in the world thinks he evolved from monkeys. But our God,

DEAR Attorney Tan, My US Citizen mother filed an I-130 immigrant petition on my behalf, which has a priority date in February 2000 and which has been approved. She filed the I-130 petition after I came to the US in 1999 as a tourist from the Philippines. Since my arrival, I have lived in the US and have been out of status. Since I was petitioned as an unmarried adult daughter, I was advised that I had to wait several years to get a green card. Recently, my mother passed away. Can I still get a green card through my mother’s petition? -Apparently In Limbo Dear Apparently In Limbo, When your mother passed away, the I-130 that was approved on your behalf was revoked by operation of law pursuant to 8 CFR Section 205.1. However, depending on the facts of a particular case, all is not lost. You may be eligible to get a green card pursuant to INA Section 204(L). Under INA Section 204(L), relief from an automatic revocation of an I-130 petition is available to certain surviving relatives. Surviving relatives who are eligible to seek 204(L) relief include a 1) principal or derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a deceased permanent resident or U.S. Citizen, and 2) derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen where the principal beneficiary has died. Section 204(L) relief is also available to derivative beneficiaries in I-140 employment-based petitions where the principal beneficiary has died. Another requirement for Section 204(L) relief is that the person seeking relief must have “residence” in the US. What is meant by “residence?” It is your primary home or principal actual dwelling place. At least one beneficiary must have resided in the U.S. when the petitioning relative died, and must continue to reside in the U.S. when seeking Section 204(L) relief. It is worth noting that all beneficiaries of a petition can benefit from Section 204(L) relief as long as at least one of the beneficiaries meets the residence requirement. Further, although “residence” is required, Section 204(L) does not require actual physical presence in the U.S. when the relative died. In your case, it appears that you are eligible to obtain a green card. You are a principal beneficiary of an I-130 petition filed by your US Citizen mother. Further, you appear to meet the residence requirement in that you have been in the US since your arrival in 1999—you resided in the US when your mother passed away, and currently reside in the US. A check of the USCIS visa bulletin indicates the priority date for the I-130 petition filed by your mother on your behalf is current, so you can file an I-485 adjustment of status application, requesting reinstatement of the I-130 petition filed by your mother pursuant to Section 204(L). As a sidenote, Section 204(L) relief is also available if one’s relative died while the I-130 was pending, not only after the I-130 petition was approved. Section 204(L) relief therefore is broader than Humanitarian Reinstatement of a petition under 8 CFR Section 205.1, which can only be requested by the principal beneficiary when the petitioner him/herself has died, and after approval of an I-130. Relief under Section 204(L) is discretionary, and can be denied if factors in support of relief are not presented properly. It is accordingly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced attorney. *** 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.

*** 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

trying to fix your own plumbing problem if you have no plumbing experience, it could end up costing you more. If you opened up your divorce case but cannot seem to finish it due to some issues, it is best to seek the help of a highly qualified family law attorney. *** 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) 3881611 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

C SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

How to obtain waiver for certain criminal grounds of inadmissibility

offense of simple possession of IN our prior article, it was point30 grams or less of marijuana, ed out that an application for an • Two or more convictions immigrant visa and certain non(not purely political ones), for immigrant visas may be denied which the sentences to confinedue to certain criminal grounds ment were a total of 5 years or of inadmissibility. In some cases, more, the applicant can request for a • Prostitution, waiver so a visa can be issued • Unlawful commercialized despite that ground. A waiver is vice whether or not related to a request by the alien applicant prostitution, and to the US government, through • Certain aliens involved in the USCIS, for “forgiveness” for serious criminal activity who the ground that the alien applihave asserted immunity from cant has been found inadmissible Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos prosecution. so he can be granted the visa or The applicant must show one green card despite of that crimiof the following: (1) he is an approved VWA selfnal ground. Under the Immigration and Naturalization Act petitioner, (2) the US citizen or permanent resi(INA), waivers are available for the following crim- dent relative (spouse, son, daughter, or parents) would suffer extreme hardship if the applicant is inal grounds: • Certain crimes involving moral turpitude denied, (3) at least 15 years have passed since (CIMT). As a general, an alien who has commit- the event, or crime happened and the alien have ted or admits committing a CIMT is inadmissible. been rehabilitated, or (4) if it’s a crime involving However, there is no need to file a waiver because prostitution, the alien has been rehabilitated and the admission to the US is not contrary to national you are not deemed to have committed a CMIT if: welfare, safety, and security. • The crime was purely a political offense, If you are contemplating of filing any waiver ap• The crime was committed when the alien was under 18 years of age, the alien has been released plication or any immigration petition for that matfrom prison or confinement, and it has been more ter, it is advisable to seek the counsel of an imthan 5 years before the date of application for a migration lawyer to guide you on the intricacies of filing for such a petition. visa was filed. • The maximum penalty possible for the CIMT *** did not exceed imprisonment for one year and, if Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos is a member of the the alien was convicted of such crime, the sentence State Bar of California and the Integrated Bar of the of imprisonment is not excess of 6 months Philippines. To schedule for a free initial in-person According to the Board of Immigration Appeals, consultation, please call Tel. Nos. (213) 284-5984 a CMT “refers generally to conduct that shocks the or (626) 329-8215. Atty. Santos’ office is located at public conscience as being inherently base, vile, or 3450 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200-105, Los Angeles, depraved, contrary to the rules of morality and the CA 90010. duties owed between man and man, either one’s *** fellow man or society in general”. Examples of Information contained in this article does not, nor is it CIMT are murder, rape, incest, spousal abuse, and intended to, constitutes legal advice for any specific situation fraud, among others. and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. It likewise • A controlled substance violation of the laws of does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction a foreign country or US state related to a single regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

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To Live With Faith ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas ONE night my brother Randy, my brother-in-law Ed, and I were sitting around the dining table at our family’s home, talking about work, travels, and other personal plans. Our discussion took a deep turn when I recounted a conversation I had a few years ago with a friend. Here’s how that conversation went: “Rodel,” my friend asked, “What were the dreams you had that have come true in your life, what dreams can still come true, and what dreams do you believe will never come true in your life? “Well,” I responded, “the dreams that have come true in my life now? I dreamt of becoming a priest, and it happened. I dreamt of becoming a pastor, and it happened too. I dreamt of traveling to the Holy Land, to Rome, France, Spain, Germany and other parts of Europe and Asia and this came true. I dreamt of obtaining a doctoral degree and of writing a book, and these too came true.” “And the dreams that may still come true?” he asked. “Perhaps, to write another book, to travel to other parts of the world like Africa and South America, and to do more noble and charitable works for some poor people in the Philippines, “ I answered. “And the dreams that would never come true? Of course, I would never gain back my youth like having a full hair

Types of home policies and what do they…

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own. This is the coverage you need to cover YOUR PART of the building. But rare, allin master policies may cover even the individual condo units. If you own and occupy a singlefamily home, you need an HO3 or HO5. The main difference is how the personal properties are covered. HO3 covers those losses on personal properties only as long as the cause of loss is among those enumerated causes or named perils. HO5 on the other hand covers those losses on an open perils basis. This means any cause of loss unless specifically excluded. Also, HO5 automatically covers the personal properties using

replacement cost coverage. In HO3 policies, replacement cost coverage is a selected option, not automatic. Therefore, HO5 is a better homeowner policy than HO3. In most scenarios though, HO3 is good enough and cheaper and thus more popular than HO5. Dwelling in HO3, HO5 or DP3 means the replacement cost needed to rebuild the structure of the house. You can also buy Additional Dwelling Replacement Cost to cover misestimate or demand surge in case of total loss. The Other Structures that are separate and not attached to the house may also be covered normally it’s 10% percentage of the Dwelling coverage. While

your house is being rebuilt and you can’t live there, your HO3 or HO5 policy may also have Loss of Use, which helps pay for you to live somewhere else. While your house is rebuilt and your tenant can’t live there, your DP3 may also have Loss of Use or Fair Rental Value, the funds you will have for your tenants to rent somewhere else. A coverage common to all these types of home policies is the Liability coverage, which is typically needed in an accident happened in your home, especially if proven that you’re negligent. The Liability coverage can be used to pay for the medical bills, like injuries arising from a slippage or fall; pain

and suffering; wages lost due to inability to work caused by this accidentlegal cost, whether you’re found responsible for this accident or not. If you’re away from home and you accidentally cause damage somewhere else like a hotel lobby and the hotel is seeking reimbursement from you, your liability coverage may cover that. Most home policies exclude earthquake and flood coverage. If you live in a flood prone area, get a flood policy. If you are in California, consider getting an earthquake policy. ***

On being faithful stewards of our dreams again.” I told Randy and Ed that I would still think of these questions in my mid-life. Then I asked my brother the same questions. “What about you, Randy? What dreams have you fulfilled in your life? What dreams do you still want to pursue? And what dreams do you have that you know will never become real?” My brother became pensive and then finally shared, “You know I’m now comfortable in my life. I have a good-paying job, a lovely wife, a big house, and dream car. I too have traveled to many places and have eaten the food I want. But I have a yearning for something much more spiritual. And I’m still thinking of how to respond to this longing.” My brother-in-law and I then gave him some suggestions on how to respond to his spiritual yearning, his dream. The Gospel this Sunday talks about the Parable of the Dishonest Steward. A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. So he asked him to prepare a full account of his stewardship. The steward became afraid of losing his job, so he called his master’s debtors one by one. To the first one, he asked, “How much do you owe my master?” He replied, “One hundred measures of Olive oil. He said to him, “Here is your promissory note. Sit down and write one for fifty. Then to another one the stew-

ard said, “And you, how much do you owe? He replied, “One hundred kors of wheat.” The steward told him, “Here is your promissory note, write down eighty.” The master commended the dishonest steward for acting prudently. Jesus taught this parable not to affirm a person’s dishonesty but a person’s ability to act wisely and promptly on God’s gifts. God wants us also to fulfill our dreams wisely. As faithful stewards of the life he gave each of us, God expects us to use our time, talents and treasures well to realize our dreams and yearnings. Like the experience of my younger brother, our longings go beyond material things. They are also yearnings of spiritual fulfillment that only a faith-filled life with God can give. May we all be faithful and prudent stewards of our lives here on earth so we can receive the gift of eternal life in heaven—our ultimate dream! *** 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

PASCPA-Los Angeles dinner dance event PHILIPPINE American Society of Certified Public Accountants (PASCPA) is celebrating 30 years of promoting excellence for the future leaders! Join PASCPA on Saturday, Sept. 24 as it installs officers & board members and inducts new members of the organization. Networking will be-

gin at 4:30 until 6:15 p.m. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at Pickwick Gardens, 1001 Riverside Dr., Burbank, CA 91506. Attire is formal and there will be no host bar. A donation of $65 is required. For more information, please visit http://pascpa.org/. n

The Filipino USPS Retirees Club of Los Angeles reunion

THE Filipino USPS Retirees Club of Los Angeles is having its For more information, please 3rd anniversary reunion on Satc o n t a c t J o s e p h D o r a t a n urday, Sept. 17 from 12 p.m. to a t 8 5 5 9 5 5 1 8 0 0 o r i n f o @ dusk.

It will be held at Romy Vidal’s residence at 1998 Big Oak Ave., Chino Hills, CA 91709. To RSVP, please call Romy (951) 733-7140 or Lito (909) 263-4167. n

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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

Fund managers told: PH to remain one of fastest growing in Asia under Duterte leadership

Gov’t says businesses to flourish amid efforts to raise living standards THE COUNTRY’S economic officials have vouched before local and foreign fund managers for the Philippines’ ability to remain a regional outperformer throughout the Duterte administration. In a conference call with financial-market players and other stakeholders, the officials said the Philippines is further building on its past economic gains and is poised to realize bright prospects for businesses over the medium to long term. The officials reiterated the government’s economic growth target of 6.0 – 7.0 percent for this year, 6.5 – 7.5 percent for next year, and 7.0 – 8.0 percent for 2018 to 2022, as well as concrete strategies to make the benefits of growth felt by a greater majority. Should the growth targets be realized, the Philippines would continue to outpace growth rates of most Asian countries. In the second quarter of 2016, the Phil-

ippines grew by 7 percent, the second fastest in Asia following India’s 7.1 percent and ahead of China’s 6.7 percent. “The unique growth story of the Philippine economy—one that is founded not only on strength but also on long-term stability and resilience—offers opportunities for business activity to thrive not only now but well into the future,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said in the conference call held September 1 at the BSP’s headquarters in Manila. There were more than 100 fund managers and other stakeholders from the Philippines, neighboring Asian countries, and Europe who registered to the conference call, which was organized by the Investor Relations Office (IRO). Officials from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) highlighted before PAGE D4

New Report Card:Contracting with minority businesses grows but some companies flunk California utility/telecom contracting with minority firms reaches $5.7 billion

BERKELEY, Calif. — California’s utility and telecommunications companies spent $5.7 billion on contracts with minority-owned businesses in 2015, but this generally strong performance was distinctly uneven, The Greenlining Institute reports in its latest Supplier Diversity Report Card. Comcast, for example, did less than 10 percent of its contracting with minority-owned businesses, earning a D- for minority contracting. The Supplier Diversity Report Card was released publicly Sept. 14. The report card assigns letter grades to individual companies for their performance in multiple contracting categories, and includes analysis and recommendations aimed at increasing contracting opportunities. “Driven by smart California policies that promote contracting with diverse businesses, many of these companies do as much as 30 percent of their contracting with firms owned by African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders – leading the nation in diverse contracting,” said Greenlining Institute Energy and Telecommunications Policy Director Stephanie Chen. “This creates jobs and opportunities in communities that too often get left behind, but the uneven

performance between companies shows there’s still work to do. Given the growing role that tech and green tech are now playing in the utility sector, it’s clearly time for those companies to step up to the plate.” Key findings include: • The top spender in dollars spent with minority business enterprises was Pacific Gas & Electric, spending $1.6 billion in 2015 with MBEs, or 28.36 percent of its total 2015 procurement. Sprint had the largest percentage of MBE procurement at 30.82 percent ($406 million). • California’s supplier diversity leaders remain best-in-class, but momentum seems to be leveling off. • Generally speaking, procurement with African American, Native American, Asian Pacific Islander and women of color-owned businesses leaves ample room for improvement. • The most successful companies employ several common best practices, such as including supplier diversity in procurement decisions from the very start and providing focused capacity-building, technical assistance, and mentorship support that help suppliers get better at what they do best.

TV5 sets focus on news, sports by LoueLLa

DesiDerio Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - Broadcast firm TV5 intends to put more focus on news and sports under a new head as it looks to break even by 2019. “Most likely, we’ll focus on news and sports, maybe with a bit of entertainment. But basically, the emphasis should be on news and sports,” TV5 chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan told reporters. He also said the firm is still hopeful it could achieve break even by 2019. TV5 was initially looking to break even by 2017, but the target has been pushed back to 2019. Former PBA coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes has been named as the new president and CEO of TV5 effective Oct. 1. Reyes is replacing Emmanuel Lorenzana who is retiring from the post. As TV5 is looking to put more focus on sports shows, Pangilinan

said Reyes’ experience would be beneficial to the company. “He is very digital, it turns out. You wouldn’t expect a coach to be so digital but he is very digital so, he now heads the digital initiatives of TV5. He’s been, not only for TV5, but also other parts of the group which require digital content especially, video content. He’s been helpful in other parts of the group,” he said. MediaQuest Holdings Inc., the multimedia arm of PLDT Inc., acquired TV5 in 2009.

Business Quote of the Week “I insist on a lot of time being spent, almost every day, to just sit and think. That is very uncommon in American business. I read and think. So I do more reading and thinking, and make less impulse decisions than most people in business. I do it because I like this kind of life.” - Warren Buffett, Chairman, CEO and largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway

& Immigration Corner

The October 2016 priority dates

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: FAMILY CATEGORY:

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

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

May 1, 2006

August 1, 2005

First Preference

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

Second Preference

(2A) Spouse and minor children November 22, 2015 (below 21 years old) of green card holder

December 22, 2014

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

February 1, 2007

January 1, 2006

Third Preference

married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

January 1, 1995

July 8, 1994

Fourth Preference

brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

April 1, 1994

April 15, 1993

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date Visa Issuance Date

Second Preference

Advanced Degree (masters)

Current

February 1, 2014

Third Preference

professional/Skilled Workers

September 1, 2013

December 1, 2010

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

September 1, 2013

December 1, 2010

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

*** 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)

D September 17-20, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL

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LBC Eagle Rock debuts bigger store to continue helping distant loved ones stay connected Longtime customers, community members and a priest celebrated the re-opening of the LBC storefront at the eagle Rock Plaza in Los Angeles, California on Saturday, Sept. 10. the store that has helped local Filipinos keep in touch with their families by remitting money and shipping goods to loved ones in the Philippines will continue to operate out of the eagle Rock Plaza, but from a bigger, more open suite. the new location is closer to other popular establishments like Leelin Bakery & Cafe, target and Seafood City. in addition, the new location can accommodate more volume, and more friends from the

community. “it’s a place where we hope the community can get together and use as a place to gather and have fun,” said LBC Sales and marketing manager Patricia garcia. She added that “we’re also able to take in more boxes, making it more convenient for customers.” LBC offers its patrons access to the largest distribution network compared to its competitors, according to edward Cupino of LBC’s marketing team. People who ship with LBC enjoy a level of service and reliability that keeps them coming back for years. “it’s the best quality, performance, and always on time,” said

eagle Rock resident, gilbert DeSilva. He and his wife, marissa, have used LBC since 1992 to deliver “everything that will make my relatives happy.” they and many others trust LBC because of the valuable role the company plays in people’s lives by facilitating connections between loved ones living continents apart. “LBC is instrumental in bringing Filipinos abroad closer to home,” said Consul Rea oreta of the Philippine Consulate general of Los Angeles, who took part in Saturday’s celebration. “they have always supported the Filipino way of life.’

Jong Solomon, LBC Sales and Marketing Manager Patricia Garcia, Consul Rea Oreta, and Edward Cupino

(Advertising Supplement)

Consul Rea Oreta

LBC Sales and Marketing Manager Patricia Garcia

Fr. Wharren Banico

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Showroom

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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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 17-20, 2016 D

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Cebu Pacific adds flights from Clark to HK, Cebu Villar ramps up coffee business by James

Konstantin Manilatimes.net

Galvez

BUDGET airline Cebu Pacific on Wednesday said it is expanding its operations at the Clark International Airport (CRK) starting mid-December this year as it reaffirmed its commitment to the development of the airport. Lawyer JR Mantaring, CEB vice president for Corporate Affairs, said that the budget airline will increase its Clark-Cebu-Clark operations from three to six times weekly, while Clark-Hong KongClark will increase from seven to 10 times weekly beginning December 16, 2016. These additional flights may now be booked via CEB’s official website, mobile app, reservation hotlines and ticket offices, he said. By adding more flights between Clark and Hong Kong, CEB hopes to further stimulate economic trade and investments from one of Asia’s largest financial hubs to North and Central Luzon. On the other hand, increased flights from Clark to the Philippines’ second largest city, Cebu, will boost domestic tourism opportunities, said Mantaring. “As one of CEB’s six strategic hubs in the country, we will continue to grow Clark to serve the needs of North and Central Luzon. The additional frequencies and further investments strengthen our commitment to the development of the country’s airports,” he said. “We sincerely look forward to the progression of flight and

by iris

Gonzales Philstar.com

ground operations at Clark as well as a furthering of incentives that Clark will offer to the carriers,” he added. CEB is the only Philippine carrier that operates flights out of Clark and has done so since November 2008. CEB currently operates 21 flights weekly from Clark to Cebu, Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore, utilizing 180-seater Airbus A320 aircraft. This further growth in Clark operations will increase CEB’s commitment to 27 weekly flights. Aside from operating flights, CEB has also established its own maintenance, repair and overhaul provider at the airport, called SIA Engineering Philippines (SIAEP). Incorporated in 2008, the stateof-the-art facility is a joint venture with SIA Engineering Company of Singapore (SIAEC) and features three hangars that serve to perform base maintenance, line maintenance, and air-worthiness approvals for CEB. The airline also utilizes the Philippine Academy for Aviation Training (PAAT), another joint venture with the global civil avia-

tion and defense training leader CAE, at the Clark Special Economic Zone. The training center offers type-rating and recurrency training for the Airbus A320 family. In 2015, CEB carried over 330,000 passengers to and from Clark. The robust figures continue into 2016, which saw CEB flying more than 190,000 passengers to and from Clark from January to July. CEB offers flights to 36 domestic and 30 international destinations, covering an extensive network that spans Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Its 57-strong fleet is comprised of seven Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320, six Airbus A330, and eight ATR 72-500 aircraft. Between 2016 and 2021, CEB expects delivery of 32 Airbus A321neo, two Airbus A330, and 16 ATR 72-600 aircraft. Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline.

MANILA, Philippines - The Villar Group plans to expand its newly opened coffee chain Coffee Project to bring its total network to 23 by the end of 2017. It is pouring in P225 million to roll out 15 more branches in the next 15 months. Villar Group founder Manuel Villar Jr. decided to put up the coffee chain because he is a coffee lover. “I am a coffee lover and I always wanted to have a coffee shop. I had always thought that if I were to put up a food chain, it will be a coffee shop concept,” said Villar.

To achieve its goal, the company will put up six branches before the end of the year and add nine more branches in 2017. At present, Coffee Project has seven branches including Wil Tower in Quezon City, Metropolis mall in Alabang, Vista Mall Sta. Rosa, Vista Mall Pampanga, and Vista Mall Bataan. Villar said the new locations for its coffee stores are within the group’s properties in Legaspi and Salcedo Villages in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Lakefront in Muntinlupa, Parañaque and Vista City in Daanghari. Villar said his coffee chain could join the growing number of Filipino-owned coffee companies such as Figaro and Bo’s Coffee.

The company uses local and imported beans, mostly Arabica beans. Villar likewise noted the homey atmosphere of his coffee stores. “Coffee Project is half flavor and half ambience,” Villar said. The Villar Group opened the first branch of Coffee Project in Alabang one and a half years ago. “When the result was good, I decided to develop it into a chain. And every time we open a new branch, it is well-received by customers,” Villar said. He said it was not difficult to open his own coffee chain because he drinks coffee a lot and knows his coffee well.

Lawmakers ask DOT to raise 2017 budget by raadee

s. sausa Manilatimes.net

THE senate finance committee holding hearings on the 2017 budget allocation has raised questions about the reason for slashing the allocation for the Department of Tourism by 32 percent from the 2016 allocation of P3.66 billion. Considering that the DOT is targeting to attract some 6.5 million foreign tourists besides some 73.3 million domestic travelers in 2017, the senate president protempore, Franklin Drilon, said he had expected DOT to ask for an increase in next year’s budget. When it unveiled the proposed 2017 budget, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had said that the reason for slash-

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo

Sen. Franklin Drilon

ing the allocation for DOT to P2.49 billion was that the money spent by the previous DOT administration was much less than the amount allocated. Of the P2.49-billion allocation in 2017, P218.79 million is for the DOT’s attached agencies National Parks Development Committee and P42.37 million for the Intramuros Administration while a special provision of P4.58 million goes to a tourism development fund for promotion, and marketing of tourism in the country, and some P150 million from the net profits of the Duty Free Philippines will be used for tourism-related projects and activities. However, Drilon told the tourism secretary, Wanda Teo, to increase the budget, particularly the allocation for marketing, which is set at P300 million compared with P1.1 billion in 2016. The committee has approved DOT’s 2017 budget proposal “with augmentation.” It means that the agency needs only submit a branding and media campaign to get the needed raise in the budget. DOT Undersecretary Kather-

ine de Castro, is happy with the initiative to increase the budget allocation for DOT which is indicative of the lawmakers’ positive outlook about the potential tourism hold for the country’s economic growth. “On the whole, the meeting was a breath of fresh air for us, a boost in the arm, as our lawmakers themselves see the tourism sector’s 8 percent contribution to our country’s gross domestic product and that it generates job for many Filipinos, despite the lower budget allocation compared to other government agencies,” she added. Committee chair Loren Legarda has high hopes that Philippine tourism would eventually be in the same league with India and Malaysia in terms of branding and media exposure on major international channels worldwide. The senator also said that DOT work closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in addressing issues of environmental degradation, sustainability of natural resources, and cleanliness, especially in Palawan, Boracay and Bohol.

Fund managers told: PH to...

PAGE D1 the conference call participants the strategies under the Duterte administration to raise living standards, more so of people below the poverty line. NEDA Deputy Director General Rosemarie Edillon said these include support for further development of the manufacturing sector and for reversal of the contraction of the agriculture sector, as well as higher public spending on infrastructure and social services in areas outside Metro Manila. Improved standard of living for a greater portion of the population, in turn, bodes well for higher incomes of businesses, economic officials said. “We have had 17 years of uninterrupted economic expansion. Our challenge lies in the distribution of gains from the economic growth. The [Duterte administration’s] socioeconomic development agenda will address this challenge,” said Reynaldo Cancio, NEDA Director for National Policy and Planning. Meantime, Assistant Secretary Ameenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management said plans to ramp up public infrastructure spending would help boost job generation, thus complementing poverty-reduction efforts. Under the proposed national budget for 2017, infrastructure will get P860.7 billion, up 13.8 percent from this year’s allocation. Also, among the DBM’s initiatives is the 24/7 construction work program, under which construction activities involving public infrastructure will be will be done 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. To fulfill this, labor requirements for infrastructure projects will at least double, Pangandaman said. The budget official said the DBM has an agenda to improve absorptive capacity of line agencies to ensure accelerated public spending on development projects and programs. A highlight of this agenda is the simplification of the government procurement process. The Government Procurement Policy Board approved on August 9 the revised IRR, which streamlines and makes uniform the procurement process in government. It requires having standard procure-

ment manuals, and bid documents and forms for simpler and more transparent process. “We don’t see any problem in hitting our expenditure target. We have outlined strategies to boost spending,” Pangandaman said. Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran of the Department of Finance said the decision of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s economic team to raise the budget deficit ceiling from 2.0 to 3.0 percent of gross domestic product was meant to raise the public sector’s contribution to poverty reduction. “We believe that for real change to materialize, for economic empowerment especially at the grassroots level to proceed, we need to invest massively in our people so as to become globally competitive and in infrastructure so as to raise productivity,” Beltran said. The Department of Finance has submitted to Congress for legislation a proposed tax reform package, which includes a provision reducing personal income tax rate from the maximum 32 percent to 25 percent. This is meant to increase take-home pay and boost purchasing power of consumers. To avoid erosion of government revenues, the tax reform package likewise contains compensatory provisions, including lifting of VAT exemptions of certain sectors, imposition of excise tax on sugary products, and updating of excise tax on oil. Meantime, Deputy Treasurer Erwin Sta. Ana said the Bureau of the Treasury would continue to observe prudent debt management strategies with the aim of further reducing the share of interest payments in the government’s budget. In turn, he said, more funds can be allocated for development initiatives. “We will continue to be proactive in managing government debt,” Sta. Ana said. The teleconference, targeted to be held on a regular basis, is one of the latest initiatives of the IRO to engage local and foreign financial market players and other stakeholders. The conduct of such an activity is a global best practice advocated by international organizations, including the International Monetary Fund and the Institute of International Finance.

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Robertson Honda introduces Fast, Hassle Longo Toyota delivers world-class experience Free, One Simple Price car buying policy AFTER more than 40 years in business, Robertson Honda is launching a new Fast, Hassle Free, One Simple Price concept that completely eliminates the agonizing hours of haggling typically involved in buying a car. While it normally takes anywhere between four to six hours until a car buyer is finally driving away in their new vehicle, Robertson Honda’s new hassle-free program takes two hours at most. Throughout the past year dealership listened to its customers, who indicated they desired a shorter, simpler and less stressful process for purchasing a vehicle. Taking this into account, Robertson decided to implement a negotiation-free pricing policy that applies to all its vehicles, new and used. It provides customers with one simple price that is clearly posted on all vehicles both at the dealership and online. Prices are competitive and based on the actual sale prices of vehicles in the market, as well as third-party resources, including edmonds.com and KBB.com. “We found that the ‘traditional’ car buying process has been the same for over 50 years,” said Mary Jo Gomez, customer relations manager at Robertson Honda. “We decided to be different and be better.” The new policy has also eliminated the need for traditional car salespeople paid by commission. Instead, the dealership is staffed by product specialists who are paid a salary with a bonus based on the units sold and customer sa“For us, it does not matter if a vehicle is $10 or $1,000,000. Product specialists will be paid the same. Their sole purpose is

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to find the right vehicle that best fits the customer’s needs and especially their budget,” Gomez said. Specialists have undergone rigorous training to ensure the vehicle buying process goes as smoothly as possible by providing absolute transparency to customers. The first step they take in fulfilling this goal is assessing the needs and wants of each customer. Then, they throughly explain the car buying process to facilitate a comfortable experience. Finally, they find the vehicle that best fits buyers’ needs and budget. Customers who have experienced Robertson Honda’s new concept have expressed great satisfaction with the process. “Through testimonials, we found that not only did customers leave the dealership feeling happy and relaxed, they also referred a friend or family member,” Gomez said. Satisfaction is and has always been the top priority at Robertson, which is what inspired the dealership to roll out a more time- and cost-efficient car buying policy. “We believe this new innova-

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tive way to purchase a vehicle will enable us to focus more on customer service,” Gomez said. Those who visit Robertson will also be able to meet its sales manager and team leaders for any questions and concerns, a type of encounter that is uncommon at traditional car dealership. Customers who participate in the new program will also be offered a two day/200 miles exchange policy: if a customer finds that a vehicle does not entirely satisfy their needs, they will have two days/200 miles to exchange it with something else. Robertson was the 11th Honda dealership to open its doors in the United States. It has been serving the Los Angeles community for more than 45 years and welcomes the opportunity to continue serving the needs of the Southern California region with its Fast, Hassle Free, One Simple Price policy. Sales Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:30am to 9pm and Sunday 9am to 9pm. Visit Robertson Honda today at 5841 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601. For more inquiries, you may call (855) 411-6006. 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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Being the premiere Toyota retailer in the nation, Longo Toyota aims to deliver a truly world-class experience to our guests on every transaction, everyday. it all starts with our friendly and welcoming staff, a clean and modern environment, and a wide range of services to make your visit pleasant and convenient. Here are some of our key amenities at Longo Toyota: Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) in november 1999, Longo Toyota became the first automotive dealership in the US to have the Auto Club on its premises. For 14 long years, our Auto Club branch has served countless satisfied Longo customers with its wide array of services Today, our on-site branch offers DMV services, airline, car and hotel reservations, discounted movie and local attraction tickets, membership processing, OnBoard Teen Safe Driver Program, and more. Sign up at our Longo Toyota branch and get $13 off the original membership application price. Located in our new car showroom, our AAA branch is open Mondays thru Saturdays, from 11am to 7pm. Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer Longo Lexus is the first car dealership in the US to provide Verizon Wireless and Verizon Wireless neighborhood services on-site. Our Verizon branch offers the latest in telecommunications, mobile devices, accessories and services. We also offer complimentary cellphone charging stations for our customers. Our Verizon retailer is located inside our parts retail center. Our Wireless Playground is open Monday-Friday, 7am7pm; Saturday, 7am-5:30pm; and Sunday, 8-4pm. Please call (888) 623-2133 for more information. Starbucks and Subway While waiting for your car to come out of our car-care service lines, you can enjoy a quick bite at Subway or a nice refreshing drink at Starbucks. We offer healthy dining options with Subway’s wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. if you’re thirsty and you’re looking for that quick coffee

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fix, you can grab a refreshing Hazelnut Macchiato or a smooth Caramel Frappuccino at Starbucks. Offering only the finest coffee specialties, teas, juices, and assortment of pastries, there’s something for everybody at our on-site Starbucks branch. Both our Subway and Starbucks branches are available for catering services. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Longo Toyota also has two enterprise Rent-A-Car offices on its premises. One is located adjacent to the Service Drive in the Pre-Owned Vehicle Showroom, and the other is in the Collision Repair Center. Customers are welcome to utilize the enterprise rental services, regardless of whether or not they leave their vehicle in Longo for any car service. Complimentary Vehicle Delivery Service Longo Toyota also offer complimentary vehicle delivery service. Our delivery service is available 6 days a week, Monday thru Saturday, anywhere within a 60-mile radius of Longo Toyota. Longo Toyota Parts and Accessories Department You can also shop at the Longo Toyota Parts and Accessories Department, which carries a wide selection of genuine Toyota parts and accessories for your vehicle. With thousands of parts and accessories in stock, we definitely have whatever it is you’re looking for. Our boutique also carries a selection of RayBan and Oakley sunglasses, women’s and men’s apparel, and so much more.

Shuttle Service For your convenience, Longo Toyota offers complimentary shuttle service while your vehicles are being serviced. Our shuttles can take you to virtually anywhere within a 15mile radius of Longo Toyota – be it your home, work, the mall, or even the parlor! Anywhere! An engaging stay While we understand that our customer’s time is precious, we realize that many of them may need internet connectivity at all times. As such we are more than happy to provide FRee WiFi throughout our facility, and FRee use of our great business center. in our business center, we provide a quiet setting where our guests can work on our computers or on their own laptops. We also provide free use of an iPad for Longo guests who are waiting for their vehicles. Our guest Check-in representative will be more than happy to arrange this for you. if you decide to bring the kids to the dealership, boredom will never be a problem. We also offer a variety of video games and DVDs just for kids so that they can also enjoy their visit to Longo Toyota. For more information on our Longo Toyota guest Services, please log on to http://www. longotoyota.com/dealership/ amenities.htm. Longo Toyota is located at 3534 north Peck Road, el Monte, CA 91731. Call (626)539-2584 to set up your appointment. 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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