LAS VEGAS
We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!
w w w. a s i a n Volume 28 - No. 16 • 2 Sections – 16 pages
.com T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY
2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89109 • Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879
DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Lawmakers, immigration experts advocate for naturalization
Panelo slams ‘reckless’ NY Times editorial against Duterte by Dana
SioSon AJPress
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal counsel Salvador Panelo lambasted the New York Times (NYT) on Wednesday, April 26, following an editorial condemning the Filipino leader over the alleged spate of summary killings in the country. In its April 25 piece, “Let the world condemn Duterte,� the
Community leaders stress importance of applying for citizenship
AS the Trump administration continues to propose major reforms on immigration, a growing concern looms over the United States, leaving millions of undocumented immigrants unsure of their futures. Since the November 2016 election of President Donald Trump, there has been a huge uptick in naturalization inquiry among members in the undocumented community who fear Trump’s deportation promises might separate families. Amid all the worry and anxiety among immigrants — regardless of legal status — legal experts and lawmakers alike encourage all eligible immigrants to consider their options, including applying for citizenship. “Many people have been wondering if it’s safe to apply for citizenship. Well we’re here with a
a p r i l 2 7 - may 3 , 2 0 1 7
NYT editorial board supported the mass murder complaint filed by lawyer Jude Sabio, counsel of confessed Davao Death Squad (DDS) hitman Edgar Matobato, before the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Duterte and 11 other officials. Describing Duterte as “a man who must be stopped,� the newspaper urged the ICC to launch a preliminary investigation into the
Pres. Rodrigo Duterte with his legal counsel Salvador Panelo
by Dana
SioSon AJPress
HE’S not going to take his new challenger lightly but eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman� Pacquiao is confident that he’ll win against Australian Jeff Horn. For the first time on Wednesday, April 26, Pacquiao met Horn in Brisbane, Australia. “If you ask inside my heart, I have confidence to win the fight, but I’m not taking it lightly,� the Filipino boxer said. “I’m not underestimating him.� Pacquiao, 38, previously admitted that he’s never heard of Horn but said he knew the clash would result in a very thrilling fight. “I want an opponent that wants to fight toe-to-toe, throwing a lot of punches, aggressive,� Pacquiao said. “My style is to throw a lot of punches and I believe that will be very effective for Jeff Horn’s style. That’s why I accepted this fight. Horn, 29, will try to steal Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown in a match
California judge blocks part of Trump’s sanctuary cities executive order
u PAGE A2
Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn pose during a press conference Wednesday, April 26 promoting their July 2 fight in Brisbane, Australia. Photo from Manny Pacquiao’s Twitter account
u PAGE A4
Senators urge Trump admin FVR says Paynor is best choice for PH envoy to US to continue Filipino World War II Veterans Parole program by AJPress
Former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos
FORMER Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos believes that if there is anyone who is fit to become the country’s ambassador to the United States, it would be Malacaùang’s chief protocol officer Marciano Paynor Jr. Ramos made the comment in a television interview on Tuesday, April 25 when he was asked to name someone he would rec-
ommend for the post. “I know him, I’ve seen him work. He has been consul general in San Francisco. He saved me for six years. Isa pa, military yang si Paynor (Paynor is from military). PMA (Philippine Military Academy) graduate Class 71,� Ramos told ANC’s Headstart.
u PAGE A2
Palace: ICC complaint meant to ‘shame’ Duterte will not prosper by Dana
SioSon AJPress
THE complaint filed against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC) will not prosper, MalacaĂąang said on Monday, April 24. Earlier on the same day, Jude Sabio — lawyer of self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato — asked the Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC to investigate Duterte and several other government Lawyer Jude Sabio, counsel of self-confessed DDS hitman Edgar Matobato, holds up a received officials and after trial, “convict copy of his 77-page complaint against President Duterte and 11 others filed at the International them and sentence them to [a] Criminal Court in The Hague, alleging that Mr Duterte et al have committed crimes against corresponding prison sentence humanity in the government’s war against criminality and illegal drugs. Inquirer.net contributed photo or life imprisonment.â€?
: 9HPUIV^ )S]K
3HZ =LNHZ 5=
u PAGE A2
Pacquiao confident of winning against Horn
u PAGE A3
A FEDERAL judge in San Francisco on Tuesday, April 25 blocked a portion of President Donald Trump’s executive order that called for denying funds to areas that defy U.S. immigration authorities. U.S. District Judge William Orrick ruled that the Trump administration could not impose restrictions on the so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that have policies to protect undocumented immigrants, given that the president does not have the authority to dictate new federal spending policies. “Federal funding that bears no meaningful relationship to immigration enforcement cannot be threatened merely because a jurisdiction chooses an immigration enforcement strategy of which the president disapproves,� Orrick wrote in his decision to the lawsuit filed by the City and County of San Francisco and Santa Clara County, which argued that over $2 billion in federal funding was in question. On January 25, Trump signed an executive order — “Enhancing the Public Safety in the In-
killings linked to the administration’s war on illegal drugs. “After he was elected president last year, Mr. Duterte took the killing campaign nationwide, effectively declaring an open season for police and vigilantes on drug dealers and users,� the editorial read, citing over 9,400 deaths, most of whom are “poor young men, but also bystanders, children
;LS!
In his complaint, Sabio accused Duterte of masterminding mass murders “repeatedly, unchangingly, and continuously� in the Philippines, citing the alleged murders of over 1,400 people by the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS) during his term as Davao City mayor. Matobato, Sabio’s client, testified before a Senate inquiry last year in which he confirmed the existence of the DDS. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella denounced the move to challenge the president before the ICC, describing it
u PAGE A3
by ChriStina
M. oriel
AJPress
A gROUP of Democratic senators is calling for the continuation of a program that allows Filipino World War II veterans to be reunited with their families in the United States, amid reports that the Trump administration is reviewing immigration parole policies. In a letter addressed to President Donald Trump on Wednesday, April 26, Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Kamala Harris (DCalif.) said that less than 6,000 Filipinos World War II veterans — of the 260,000 who fought — are living in the United States today and are increasingly in need of assistance from their relatives. Some of the veterans have petitioned family members from the Philippines to join them in the United States; however, wait times can last years, often times exceeding 20 years, due to statutory visa caps. Under the administration of
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal
former President Barack Obama, the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) program was introduced in July 2015, which states that on a case-by-case basis, certain family members could be eligible to come to the U.S. to provide support and care for aging Filipino veterans who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Once in the country, the beneficiaries could apply for work authorization.
u PAGE A2
A
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
april 27-may 3, 2017 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal
From The FronT Page
Panelo slams ‘reckless’ NY Times... PAGE A1 and political opponents.� The newspaper, however, acknowledged that the ICC may be “reluctant� to prosecute Duterte since he is “enormously popular with many Filipinos.� It also noted that the court may only “prosecute cases of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes among member countries� if their national courts “are unwilling or unable to do so.� “But there is already more than enough evidence for a preliminary investigation, which would send an unmistakable signal to Mr. Duterte that he may eventually have to answer for his crimes, and would encourage governments to take measures against him, such as imposing tariffs on Philippine goods,� the NYT said. “And if the findings of Mr. Sabio, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and politi-
cians, or the confessions of the former death squad members, are not enough evidence, there are Mr. Duterte’s savage words,â€? it added. However, Panelo said it should be the U.S. newspaper that “must be stoppedâ€? from what he called a “reckless, irresponsible and baselessâ€? editorial on Duterte. “No findings have been made by any of the investigating body that conducted probe on the alleged extrajudicial killings, in fact, there is a finding by the Philippine Senate that the so-called extrajudicial killing are not state-sponsored or state-initiated,â€? Panelo noted. “Therefore there is no basis in fact and in law in the editorial of the New York Times,â€? he added. Meanwhile, MalacaĂąang said that while it recognizes the newspaper’s right to an opinion, the government is in “clear disagreementâ€? with the piece.
“The president was democratically elected to attack corruption and crime that have made so many Filipinos hostages to the criminals who had prospered through the rampant drug trade and other criminal activities that plagued our nation for decades,� Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said. Describing drugs as a “cancer on our nation,� Abella stressed that Duterte’s number one priority is “to save lives and to improve the lot of all of our countrymen with the cooperation of law enforcement officials, public health professionals, civil society, and committed citizens.� “Drugs are killing people in our country and around the world. Our president is commit- READY FOR ACTION. Members of a quick reaction unit of the Philippine Coast Guard hold a drill in Manila Bay near the venue of the Association ted to stopping this cancer on our of Southeast Asian Nations Leaders’ Summit. The government had deployed thousands of security personnel to secure delegates to the ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan nation and to building a better summit to be held later this week. life for all Filipinos,� he further added.
FVR says Paynor is best choice for...
PAGE A1 In August last year, President Rodrigo Duterte named Paynor as the Philippines’ new ambassador to the United States. Paynor’s deployment, however, was postponed as he was given the task to serve as the directorgeneral for operations for this year’s Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) National Organizing Council. Currently, the Philippine Embassy in Washington is headed by ChargÊ d’Affaires Patrick Chuasoto, a career Philippine diplomat. According to Ramos, Duterte could still appoint Paynor, but that would have to be after the end of
A E PAULE, CPA, LTD Member : American Institute of Certified Public Accountant (AICPA) Licensed in : California and Nevada CPA WITH OVER 15 YEARS OF EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
? TAX ? TAX ? TAX ?
!! GET YOUR TAXES DONE PROPERLY !! !! USE A PROFESSIONAL TO PREPARE YOUR INCOME TAX RETURN !! !! AVOID EXPENSIVE I.R.S. AUDITS / PENALTIES !!
Your Tax fees can be taken out of your tax refund automatically. Ask about our “FEE COLLECT� program.
:H DUH XS WR GDWH RQ DOO ODZV )RUHFORVXUHV DQG 'HEW )RUJLYHQHVV 5HQWDO 3URSHUWLHV 3HQVLRQ ,5$ )RUHLJQ ,QFRPH DQG $VVHWV 5HSRUWLQJ )$7&$ DQG ),1&(1 6DPH 6H[ 0DUULDJH )LOLQJV 2%$0$ &$5( HWF
Business Services:
‡ 7D[ 3UHSDUDWLRQ 3ODQQLQJ 3UREOHPV ‡ &RPSLODWLRQ ‡ ,56 5HSUHVHQWDWLRQ ‡ (QWLW\ 6HOHFWLRQ DQG 5HVWUXFWXULQJ ‡ $FFRXQW 6HUYLFHV ‡ 4XLFNERRNV $FFRXQWLQJ 6RIWZDUH KHOS DVVLVWDQFH ‡ 3D\UROO ‡ 6PDOO %XVLQHVV $FFRXQWLQJ ‡ %RRNNHHSLQJ :ULWH XSV ‡ 1HZ %XVLQHVV )RUPDWLRQ ‡ 1RQ 3URILW 2UJDQL]DWLRQV ‡ ,QFRUSRUDWLRQ DQG //& FUHDWLRQ
Individual Services:
‡ 7D[ 5HWXUQ 3UHSDUDWLRQ ‡ 7D[ 3ODQQLQJ ‡ 7D[ 3UREOHPV ‡ ,56 $XGLW DQG 5HSUHVHQWDWLRQ ‡ 1RQ )LOHG 5HWXUQV ‡ %DFN 7D[HV ‡ 3D\UROO 7D[ 3UREOHPV ‡ ,56 /LHQ /HYLHV 6HL]XUHV :DJH *DUQLVKPHQWV ‡ 2IIHU ,Q &RPSURPLVH ‡ %DQNUXSWF\ ‡ ,QQRFHQW 6SRXVH 5HOLHI
A . E . PA U L E , C PA , LT D .
1771 East Flamingo Road Suite - 200A Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
Phone: 702.220.4510 / Fax: 702.220.4785 WWW.AEPAULECPA.COM $GHOLQD (OL]DEHWK “Beth� Paule, CPA
!! CPA WITH 15 PLUS YEARS OF EXTENSIVE, MULTI-FACETED EXPERIENCE!!
the year when Manila passes its ASEAN chairmanship to its successor. “If there is a need to put somebody else before that, now or the next two or three months because of certain things happening, by all means, we should have one,� the former president said. He said leaving the position vacant is worrisome, citing the nearly 4 million Filipino Americans in the U.S. “But it must be a combination of a well-known leader, who is recognized at least in the U.S., who has money backing him up because it’s so expensive being there, or a career ambassador, and there are so many of them, backed up by the government in terms of extra expenses,� Ramos recommended. Paynor previously served as protocol chief to former Presidents Ramos and Gloria Arroyo. He also served as Arroyo’s presidential assistant for state and foreign visits. Likewise, he served Philippine diplomatic posts in Israel and Cyprus, and as Consul General in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Before his foreign service career, Paynor was a military officer. He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1971 and retired in 1983 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Senators urge Trump admin to continue... PAGE A1 An executive order signed by Trump in late January directed the review of various parole and asylum programs that are supposedly “used to prevent the lawful removal of removable aliens.� The senators, however, argued that the case-by-case consideration, the bar on those with criminal backgrounds, and the eligibility requirements “safeguard the program from abuse.� “We know you understand the contributions and sacrifices that these veterans and their families have made to our country,� the letter continued. “Therefore, we hope that [United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)] will continue its full implementation of the FWVP policy uninterrupted and that you work to address the needs of these veterans.�
The FWVP program began taking applications in June of last year. Individuals are generally granted parole in the U.S. for three years, according to USCIS. After four years of the program, the agency will assess whether the policy should continue. There are 282 applications for the program currently, the senators said, citing USCIS data. “These applications should be highly prioritized, as it is critical for family members to be reunited with their aging parents in need,� the letter concluded. Gaspar Milla, the son of Filipino World War II veteran Jesus Milla, said that the program has been “a relief for the family.� The Millas were the first beneficiaries in Hawaii, Hirono’s office said, after a six-month application process. “The Milla family gladly complied with the strict requirements
of the FWVP program so that they would have one last chance at being reunited with their 93-year-old mother and grandmother from whom they had been separated for more than 20 years,� Maile Hirota, the Milla family’s attorney said in a statement. “This program is the only way for the families of Filipino veterans finally to see justice for their aged mothers and fathers who served our country during WWII.� In addition to the parole program, another recognition under the Obama administration for these veterans was his signing of a bill last December that awards them with the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor to those whose service had been largely dismissed by prior acts of Congress. The awarding ceremony has yet to be conducted.
California judge blocks part of Trump’s... PAGE A1 terior of the United States� — that directed the stripping of federal funds for areas that do not cooperate with federal law enforcement agencies and do not hand over undocumented immigrants who are subject to deportation. Those who do not comply “are not eligible to receive federal grants, except as deemed necessary for law enforcement purposes by the Attorney General or the Secretary,� the order read. The injunction will remain as it moves through court, according to The Associated Press. The White House called the ruling “yet one more example of egregious overreach by a single, unelected district judge.� “San Francisco, and cities like it, are putting the well-being of criminal aliens before the safety of our citizens, and those city officials who authored these policies have the blood of dead Americans on their hands,� the White House’s statement also said. The president took to his Twit-
U.S. District Judge William Orrick
ter account to express his reaction to another executive order that is facing a legal setback. “First the Ninth Circuit rules against the ban & now it hits again on sanctuary cities — both ridiculous rulings. See you in the Supreme Court!� he wrote. While it was not the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit that issued Tuesday’s decision, the court will hear the White House’s appeal to the ruling.
Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) sent letters to nine areas across the country — which were identified by the DOJ’s inspector general last May as having laws that potentially violate federal law — reminding them that in order to obtain funding this year, they have until June 30 to provide proof that they are cooperating and sharing information with federal immigration enforcement. Among the recipients were the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and officials in Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Miami, Milwaukee, and Cook County, Illinois. Various elected officials and immigration advocates across the country hailed the court’s ruling. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said it was “good news and reminds us that people’s rights transcend political stunts.� “It is time for the federal government to stop attacking cities and scapegoating immigrants, and begin focusing on the hard work of comprehensive immigration reform,� he further said in his statement. The LA mayor has repeatedly vowed that the city’s police department would not serve “as a federal immigration force.� San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said the city would remain a sanctuary jurisdiction, arguing that such areas “are safer, healthier, more productive places to live.� “San Francisco’s sanctuary city laws are in compliance with federal law. If the federal government believes there is a need to detain a serious criminal they can obtain a criminal warrant, which we will honor, as we always have,� he said in a statement. A day after the ruling, on Wednesday, April 26, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office devoted to helping victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. “The president’s callous exploitation of isolated tragedies for political and ideological gain is profoundly irresponsible,� a coalition of immigrant and civil rights groups in California said in a statement, adding that the administration is “trying to demonize millions of people who are a vital part of our communities.� (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)
Dateline USa
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 27-mAy 3, 2017
A
What the deportation of first DREAMer means for Filipino DACA recipients DACA beneficiary ordered back to Mexico by immigration officials by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
Advancing Justice - LA citizenship staff attorney Christine Chen, Los Angeles Councilman David Ryu, Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Executive Director Stewart Kwoh.
Lawmakers, immigration experts... PAGE A1
common message, which is that the laws have not changed; you are eligible and want to be a United States citizen, this is the time to apply,” President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA) Stewart Kwoh said at a press conference on Monday, April 24. “You should apply now because we don’t know what’s going to happen in the next few weeks, the next few months or the next year.” Also at the press conference was U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-California), who has been an advocate for immigrant rights. “It has been about 100 days since Donald Trump was sworn in as President of the United States and in these 100 days our country has changed dramatically,” Chu expressed, assuring that she and other Washington lawmakers are working hard to challenge these “harmful policies that are negatively impacting our immigrant communities.” Chu — who was the first Chinese-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress — mentioned her efforts in raising these concerns with Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, with whom she recently convened a meeting with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). “During this meeting, we
raised our concerns about everything from President Obama’s increased enforcement and border wall to the [Trump] administration’s attack on sanctuary cities, his roundup of DREAMers as well as the uptick of aggressive actions of the ICE agents and the TSA agents at the airports,” Chu recalled. “While the secretary listened to our concerns, his answers were not comforting,” Chu lamented. The actions that the DHS has taken over in the last few months have shown us the type of the administration we are dealing with and it is not a positive sign, but nonetheless, we are pushing.” There are more than 300,000 Asian immigrants in Southern California who are eligible for U.S. citizenship with more than half of them residing in the Los Angeles County. After the November 8 election, the city of Los Angeles has declared itself a sanctuary city, meaning that it will limit its cooperation with the federal government to support its undocumented immigrant community. “Empowerment begins with citizenship,” said LA Councilmember David Ryu of the 4th District, who was naturalized at 18 years old and has since remained a long-time immigrant rights activist. Ryu, the first Korean American elected to the LA City Council, discussed the responsibilities of
being a U.S. citizen, emphasizing the importance of voting and participating in the electoral process. “Naturalization is the ultimate and strongest protection against aggressive tactics from the federal government that undermines the value and importance of immigrants and their contributions to society,” Ryu said. Advancing Justice - LA has been active in expanding its services to the undocumented community in the county by hiring temporary legal staff and creating programs like the Endless Possibilities, Citizenship Now! Program to encourage Asian Americans to naturalize. “We knew our communities were motivated to naturalize for increased job opportunities, family reunification and access to benefits,” Christine Chen, citizenship project staff attorney, said at the press conference. Chen mentioned that clients calling for naturalization inquiries have doubled from about 2,700 to 5,000 at Advancing Justice - LA since the election and encourage undocumented immigrants interested in citizenship to utilize their services. To receive legal assistance from Advancing Justice - LA, individuals may call their tollfree hotline at 888-349-9695 (English) or 855-300-2552 (Tagalog). (Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)
TWO months ago, agents from the Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) went against President Donald Trump’s promise to protect undocumented youth and deported an undocumented Mexican immigrant. An officer from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection approached Juan Manuel Montes, 23, who moved to the U.S. at 9 years old, in Calexico, Calif. on February 17 and began interrogating him. He was arrested when he couldn’t produce identification or proof of his status at the time, and three hours later, was deported back to Mexico. Montes was the first arrested recipient of former President Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, a landmark executive order that grants benefits and opportunities for undocumented youth. Montes’ arrest marks the first arrest made against a recipient since Trump’s entrance into office. On Tuesday, April 18 – about two months after his arrest – officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) “Some people told me that they were going to deport me; others said nothing would happen,” Montes told USA TODAY.
“I thought that if I kept my nose clean nothing would happen.” Although Trump touts an iron fist approach to immigration, he has previously wavered on his plans for DACA recipients. In January, he assured that he wouldn’t revoke DACA, telling ABC News that DREAMers “shouldn’t be very worried. I do have a big heart.” Since its introduction in 2012 by former President Barack Obama, DACA has provided benefits for more than 750,000 undocumented youth in the United States. The specific benefits vary from state to state, but DACA – which is renewable every two years – guarantees work authorization and protections from deportation. Previously, DHS Secretary John Kelly and U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan have assured that the DACA program will remain intact, but Montes’ arrest puts many immigrant rights activists at an unease. Legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice - LA has been vocal about its disdain for the Trump administration’s immigration policies, accusing it of “preying upon members of the undocumented community.” “Filipino DACA recipients are now more concerned and uncertain about their future in the United States due to these new
immigration policies and increase in hate crimes across the nation,” Advancing Justice - LA legal advocate Tiffany Panlilio wrote to the Asian Journal in an email. “As service providers, it is troubling to see those who have thrived under the DACA program who are now labeled as enforcement priorities due to a past order of deportation or a crime they committed years ago.” Panlilio emphasized the importance of DACA and how it has benefitted undocumented Filipino youth. Previously, Panlilio told the Asian Journal that Advancing Justice – LA has helped undocumented youth become career-minded individuals through DACA, including helping out many aspiring Filipino nurses obtain work authorization and university enrollment through the program. “DACA has positively changed the lives of many undocumented Filipinos by granting them the ability to legally work, provide for their families, pursue a higher education, and most importantly remain in the United States without fear of being separated from their families,” Panlilio added. “The DACA program continues to exist, but the new immigration policies brought forth by the new administration are allowing fear and anxiety to return to the community and force them back into the shadows.”
Palace: ICC complaint meant to ‘shame’... PAGE A1 as a “cynical effort against the reform-oriented agenda of the Duterte administration and of the betterment of the lives of the Filipino people.” “The timing of the filing of the case is suspect — apparently meant to create negative news in the midst of the Philippines ASEAN debut; as it cannot prosper,” Abella said. According to him, the complaint is only meant to humiliate Duterte amid the preparations for the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in the country this week. “The intent of this filing in ICC is clearly to embarrass and shame the president, and undermine the
duly constituted government of the Philippines,” he added. Sabio’s complaint also referenced the alleged 7,000 individuals killed in relation to the current administration’s controversial campaign against illegal drugs. He went on to say that Duterte’s public pronouncements “express a loud and clear intention to promote, encourage, or incite the police and civilians to mass murder or violence.” Malacañang, however, maintained that the deaths “are not state-sanctioned or state-sponsored.” Abella stressed that police authorities are “conducting legitimate operations that require observance of operational pro-
tocols and those who breach procedures are made to answer before the law.’” “The Philippine National Police (PNP) has an Internal Affairs Service (IAS) tasked to probe police accused of violating procedures. This body can suspend or dismiss PNP personnel based on violations incurred and can recommend the filing of criminal charges,” he added. Abella also questioned why Sabio filed his complaint directly before the ICC when he has not yet pursued all legal remedies in the Philippines. He noted that the ICC, as a court of last resort, will only exercise jurisdiction over a case once
u PAGE A4
A
Dateline USa
april 27-may 3, 2017 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
PH-US joint exercise kicks off on May 8
BALIKATAN to focus on humanitarian exercise, counterterrorism There will be no war games during the first Balikatan exercises under the administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. According to the United States Embassy in Manila, this year’s joint exercises between Philippine and U.S. troops will focus on humanitarian and disaster responses, and counterterrorism efforts. The exercises will officially begin on May 8 but “preliminary workâ€? on community infrastructure projects have already commenced earlier in April. The planned activities will primarily be in Panay, Leyte, and Samar. “U.S. and Filipino service members will work together to renovate five schools and conduct community medical engagements with local residents in the opening days of the 12day military training exercise,â€? the embassy said. Balikatan, which literally means “shoulder to shoulder,â€? is considered the largest joint activity bound by the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the U.S. It focuses on “partnership, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities, Philippine capability development and military modernization.â€? “Balikatan is designed to meet the current challenges facing the Philippines,â€? U.S. Embassy press attachĂŠ Molly Koscina said. She further added, “Along with preparing the U.S. forces’ and AFP’s ability to respond to natural disasters and deliver humanitarian aid, Balikatan will also increase our militaries’ counterterrorism capabilities.â€? Duterte, who assumed office in June last year, previously threatened to scrap the military games with the United States, the country’s decades-old ally. He, however, backtracked and has allowed the continuation of other military exercises and partnerships with the U.S. This includes the Balikatan and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a treaty that allows U.S. forces to be deployed in Philippine territory temporarily for maritime security and humanitarian and disaster response operations. (AJPress)
NATIONAL GAMES. Department of Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones lauds the province of Antique for the successful opening ceremony of the 60th Palarong Pambansa held on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at Binirayan Sports Complex, San Jose, Antique. Pia.gov.ph photo
Trump issues reforms to H-1B visa system New executive order could hurt immigrant workers
by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
PRESIDENT Donald Trump signed an executive order this week that may affect the H-1B visa system, a non-immigrant visa program that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis. Sticking to his “America First� message, the president’s “Buy American, Hire American� executive order on Tuesday, April 18 would review and propose reforms on the H-1B, which hires about 85,000 high-skilled foreign workers who obtain three-year work permits. Of the 85,000 slots, 65,000 are for applicants with bachelor’s degrees and 20,000 for those with master’s degrees or higher. The Trump administration proposed reforming the system that would eliminate the lottery selections process, which companies allegedly try to cheat by submitting multiple applications for the same workers. The executive order suggested a change in the selections process which throws out the lottery and would prioritize higher-wage applicants. The administration also proposed increasing the number of jobs for American workers to encourage companies to priori-
PUBLIC NOTICE EFFECTIVE MAY 5, 2017 The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) provides subsidized housing for low-income persons who meet both the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) and SNRHA’s admission criteria. THE WAITLISTS WILL BE OPEN AND WE WILL ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS:
ESPINOZA TERRACE (Henderson) - 0/1 & 2 Bedrooms – Head, Spouse or Co-Head who are 62 years of age or older. OPEN UNTIL 5:00PM ON June 30, 2017. DESIGNATED HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY – 0/1 Bedrooms - Head, Spouse or Co-Head who are 62 years of age of older. OPEN UNTIL 5:00PM ON AUGUST 31, 2017. CONVENTIONAL PUBLIC HOUSING - 1 & 4 Bedrooms – OPEN UNTIL 5:00 PM ON JULY 31, 2017
by Patricia lourdes
Viray
UNITED States Vice President Mike Pence stressed Washington’s stand on the South China Sea dispute during his visit to Indonesia on Thursday, April 21. “The United States will uphold the fundamental freedoms of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and throughout the Asia Pacific,� Pence said during his joint press conference with Indonesia President Joko Widodo. Pence also said that the U.S. will ensure the flow of trade in the region amid issues of global
VERA JOHNSON A (Mixed Finance) - 2 Bedrooms – OPEN UNTIL 5:00PM ON JUNE 30, 2017 VERA JOHNSON B (PBV-RAD)- 2 Bedrooms – OPEN UNTIL 5:00PM ON JUNE 30, 2017 BIEGGER ESTATES (PBV-RAD) - 2 Bedrooms – OPEN UNTIL 5:00PM ON AUGUST 31, 2017 BIEGGER ESTATES (PBV-RAD) - 4 Bedrooms – OPEN UNTIL 5:00PM ON JUNE 30, 2017 LANDSMAN GARDENS (PBV-RAD/Henderson) - 4 Bedrooms – OPEN UNTIL 5:00PM ON JUNE 30, 2017
$SSOLFDQWV PHHWLQJ WKH IROORZLQJ FULWHULD ZLOO EH DVVLJQHG SUHIHUHQFH SRLQWV 615+$ PXVW UHFHLYH YHUL¿FDWLRQ RI all preferences. Preference points will impact your placement on the waiting list. The following is a list of possible preference points: ‡ $SSOLFDQWV ZKR ZRUN RU PRUH KRXUV SHU ZHHN ‡ )XOO WLPH VWXGHQWV $JH DQG ROGHU LQ DQ DFFUHGLWHG VFKRRO RU WUDLQLQJ SURJUDP
‡ 5HFHLYLQJ 66, 66' RU SURRI RI LQDELOLW\ WR ZRUN ‡ \HDUV RI DJH RU ROGHU ‡ )DPLOLHV WKDW OLYH RU ZRUN ZLWKLQ &ODUN &RXQW\ ‡ 9HWHUDQ RU 6SRXVH RI D 9HWHUDQ ‡ 'LVDEOHG 9HWHUDQ GLVDELOLW\ PXVW EH VHUYLFH FRQQHFWHG
‡ 6SRXVH RI D 'HFHDVHG 9HWHUDQ GHDWK PXVW EH VHUYLFH FRQQHFWHG
Applications are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 12 noon and 1:00pm to 4:30pm (except holidays) at SNRHA’s Admissions Department located at 5390 East Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89122. Disabled and out-of-state applicants may call (702)477-3100 and request an application be mailed. Applicants may also log into RXU ZHEVLWH DW ZZZ VQYUKD RUJ WR SULQW D SUHOLPLQDU\ DSSOLFDWLRQ DQG UHWXUQ LW E\ PDLO RU EULQJ LW LQWR RXU RIÂżFH For additional information, please call (702) 477-3100 or our hearing impaired number (TDD) at (702) 387-1898. Please ensure all questions are answered to prevent your application from being returned. If you require future communication in a format other than written English, please advise staff as soon as possible. The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority is an Equal Housing Opportunity provider. Wheelchair Accessible apartments are available for persons with qualifying disabilities. The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or familial status. “Este anuncio ha sido publicado en espanol en los periodicos El Mundo Y El Tiempo. Si usted necesita la traGXFFLRQ GH HVWH DQXQFLR SRU IDYRU OODPH D QXHVWUD RÂżFLQD \ QXHVWUR SHUVRQDO OH SURSRUFLRQDUD DVLVWHQFLD JUDWLV
SNRHA Waitlist Public Notice 5-2017
concern. The disputed South China Sea carries $5 trillion in trade annually and contains an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil, 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 12 percent of the global fish catch. “We’ll ensure the unimpeded flow of lawful commerce and promote peaceful diplomatic dialogue to address issues of regional and global concern,� Pence said. Pence also confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the U.S.-ASEAN and East Asia meetings in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation Summit in Vietnam. The U.S. vice president said that Trump’s attendance at the meetings would be “a sign, I hope to all, of our firm and unwavering commitment to build on the strong foundations that we already share.� Former U.S. President Barack Obama sought a pivot to Asia, refocusing U.S. foreign policy in the region to counter the growing influence of China. Pence earlier went to South Korea and Japan to reaffirm U.S. treaty commitments to the security of the two countries as tensions rise over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
So nips Russian, returns to title race in Azerbaijan tiff
CONVENTIONAL PUBLIC HOUSING - 2 & 3 Bedrooms – OPEN UNTIL 5:00PM ON AUGUST 31, 2017
LANDSMAN GARDENS (PBV-RAD/Henderson) - 5 Bedrooms – OPEN UNTIL 5:00PM ON AUGUST 31, 2017
tize American workers over their foreign counterparts. Under the order, the “Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, as soon as practicable, and consistent with applicable law, propose new rules and issue new guidance, to supersede or revise previous rules and guidance if appropriate, to protect the interests of United States workers in the administration of our immigration system, includ-
US underscores freedom of navigation in South China Sea as Pence tours Asia Philstar.com
Southern nevada regional houSing authority
Presidend Donald Trump
ing through the prevention of fraud or abuse.� The language in the order is vague regarding its effect on foreign workers; the action may modify the visa selections process or lower the annual limit of workers. At a speech he delivered in front of 500 workers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the president said that visas given under H-1B status “should include only the most skilled and highest-paid applicants and should never, ever be used to replace American workers.� In the past, the president has criticized the program, arguing that employers take advantage of it by deliberately choosing lowerpaid foreigners over higher-paid American workers. During his presidential campaign, he promised that he would “forever end the use of the H-1B as a cheap labor program and institute an absolute requirement to hire American workers for every visa and immigration program. No exceptions.� Earlier this month, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the 85,000 cap for H1-B visas was reached within five days of the application period being opened.
Wesley So
WESLEy So overpowered Russian Vladimir Kramnik in 65 moves of an English Opening to jump back into title contention in the Shamkir Chess-Gashimov Memorial 2017 in Azerbaijan Tuesday. So seized the central files and the initiative early and got Kramnik, a former Classical World Champion, into a bind that allowed the reigning U.S. champion to whip up an unstoppable pawn storm. When Kramnik resigned, the Cavite-born So was about to promote one of his pawns into a queen. The win thus sent So in a four-way logjam at fourth spot with Kramnik, Bulgarian Veselin Topalov and another Russian Sergey Karjakin with 2.5 points apiece, or just a full point behind pacesetter Shakjriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan with 3.5 points. Englishman Michael Adams and Ukrainian Pavel Eljanov were tied at N o. 2 with three points each. It was also So’s first win following three straight draws. So fell to Mamedyarov in the opening round. After taking a break Wednesday, action resumes Thursday with So battling Karjakin in the sixth round. (Philstar.com)
Pacquiao confident of winning...
PAGE A1 dubbed as “Battle of Brisbane� this coming July 2 in Suncorp Stadium, Australia. The Australian boxer said he might be raw compared to veteran Pacquiao but that doesn’t mean Manny should overlook what he’s got. “He’s done so much. He’s fought a lot of champions,� Horn said. “[But] if he underestimates me, he’s going to know about it
July 2. It’s going to be a very tough fight — he’s going to see that.� Pacquiao has record of 59-6-2 win-loss-draw. He won his last match via unanimous decision and defended his WBO welterweight title against Jessie Vargas last year. Horn, on the other hand, has a record of 16-0-1 and 11 KOs. Top Rank Chief Bob Arum, who first saw Horn in his fight in New Zealand last November, likened
the upcoming match to a young lion challenging the alpha of the pride. “This fight certainly has that theme,� he said. Arum initially endorsed Pacquiao’s match against undefeated Horn on April 23 but it was put on hold as the possibility of a match against Britain’s Amir Khan this coming May in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was explored.
Palace: ICC complaint meant to ‘shame’... PAGE A3 legal remedies in the country have been tried and exhausted. “Atty. Sabio or his client, Mr. Edgar Matobato, did not avail/ exhaust all domestic remedies allowed under the Philippine Constitution,� Abella said. Apart from Duterte, Sabio said the following individuals should also be held liable: Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, former In-
terior Secretary Ismael Sueno, National Bureau of Investigation Director Dante Gierran, and Solicitor General Jose Calida in his complaint. Sabio also included Senators Richard Gordon and Alan Peter Cayetano, Police Superintendent Edilberto Leonardo of the Manila Police District, Senior Police Officer 4 Sanson Buenaventura, Police Superintendent Royina Garma in his complaint. In a separate statement, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sal-
vador Panelo dismissed the complaint as mere “black propaganda.� “Apparently, the intention is [establish a] black propaganda against the president, hoping that media worldwide would catch on it and paint the president as a murderer when, in fact, he’s only doing his constitutional duty to protect and preserve this country,� Panelo said. He added, “It will fail in making the people believe in the validity of the charge.�
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL •ApRIL 27-mAy 3, 2017
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline PhiliPPines
A
SC allows Torre de Manila construction to continue February tourist arrivals hit 4-year high by Edu
Punay Philstar.com
MANILA - “Photo bomber� or not, the towering structure under construction in the background of the monument in Rizal Park in Manila will stay. Voting 9-6, the Supreme Court in summer session in Baguio City dismissed the 2014 petition of the Knights of Rizal (KOR) seeking the demolition of Torre de Manila of DMCI Homes for supposedly ruining the background of the Rizal monument, in violation of the law on heritage landmark protection. The high court lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) it issued in June 2015 that stopped the construction of the condominium. In its ruling, the SC said there is no law prohibiting the construction of the building. The high tribunal rejected the argument of KOR that DMCI violated several laws mandating the protection and preservation of the Rizal Monument by defacing the visual corridors of the monument. Petitioner had cited Republic Act No. 4846 (Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act), RA 7356 (law creating the National Commission on Culture and the Arts) and RA 10066 (National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 or an Act Providing for the Protection and Conservation of the National Cultural Heritage) as the laws violated by DMCI. The SC also junked the petition on technical grounds, citing its lack of jurisdiction on the issues raised in the petition as well as the lack of legal standing of the KOR to question the construction of Torre de Manila before the Court. Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio penned the majority decision with eight magistrates concurring—Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno and Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Lucas Bersamin, Mariano del Castillo, Bienvenido Reyes, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, Marvic Leonen and Noel Tijam. Six justices dissented from the decision—Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Jose Mendoza, Francis Jardeleza, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa and Samuel Martires. The copies of the main decision and concurring and dissenting
MANILA — This year’s strong tourism streak continued through February, breaking the month’s records of visitor arrival s since 2013, according to official figures released by the Department of Tourism (DOT). A total of 579,178 visitors were recorded in February, an increase of 27.81 percent over the past four years and 5.36% higher than the same period last year, disclosed DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo. Visitors from South Korea topped all other markets in February, reaching 150,598, representing 26 percent share of total inbound traffic in the Philippines and a 9.51 percent increase in Korean arrivals from the same period last year. “We have maintained and even increased figures from South Korea and we expect to see further growth, as Korean tourists perceive our country as
cost about P4.27 billion in capital investments and unrealized profits, if granted by the court. It said it had already spent P1.28 billion for the construction of the condominium as of May 2015. DMCI also warned that granting the petition would create a dangerous precedent and result in “economic havoc,� pointing out that high-rise buildings surround most of the monuments in Metro Manila and other parts of the country. The KOR, for its part, said it respects the decision and found consolation in the public support it received for its cause. “We thank the public for carrying this issue with us and for making the same as a test case for Philippine heritage for whatever the outcome would have been,� the group said in a statement. “The public support that was expressed in favor of our stand was an indication not only of the importance of the national monument but also to the continued relevance and reverence of our national hero,� it added. (With reports from Evelyn Macairan, Jose Rodel Clapano)
Karagdagang impormasyon sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Clark County Election Department sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote.
Php 38,714.46, and France with Php 37,354.40. Also on a positive note, the Philippines has welcomed a total of 8,176 cruise passengers through various ports in the country. Manila remained the country’s top cruise destination with recorded arrivals of 2,785 passengers, followed by Boracay with 1,145, Bohol with 692 passengers, and Pangasinan with 640 passengers. “These numbers show that cruise tourism is one of the fastest growing segments in the Philippine tourism. This certainly gives us a positive outlook for the country’s cruise tourism market for this year,� said Teo. Combined positive results in January and February figures will have represented the 17.30 percent of the tourism sector’s target of seven million arrivals in 2017.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY
The 49-story Torre de Manila high-rise condominium looms in the background of the Rizal Monument in Manila on Tuesday, April 25. Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman
opinions were not immediately released pending completion of signatures by the justices. The petition was filed in September 2014 and subjected to oral arguments in August 2015. DMCI immediately welcomed the ruling. “Moving on, we will immediately resume construction to finally end the undue suffering of our stakeholders, most especially our workers and future residents who depended on our commitment to complete the project,� DMCI Homes said in a statement. The developer said it would “immediately advise its customers and future residents on the updated construction timeline since the initial target completion date has been critically affected by the long-standing TRO.� DMCI has persistently asked the high court to resolve the case and lift the TRO it issued on the completion of the 49-story building in June 2015, citing business losses and damages to third parties – especially buyers of units in the condominium. The developer asked the SC to dismiss the petition, which could
a distinctive global destination built on unique experiences and rich natural beauty,� said Teo. Completing the top five markets for the period are United States with 137,598 (23.76%); China with 78,251 (13.51%); Japan with 53,957 (9.32 %); Taiwan with 20,472 (3.53 %), respectively. As a result of stepped-up promotion efforts, other markets also showed an increase in February, as Australian arrivals rose by 9.32 percent (20,157), Canada arrivals by 21.39 percent (19,016), and United Kingdom by 15.65 percent (15,226). Among the top 12 markets, Germany registered the highest per capital expenditure for February 2017. On average, a German visitor spent Php 60,260.45 while in the country. The United Kingdom followed with per capita spending of Php 47,533.15, tailed by Canada with Php 43,761. 75, then Korea with
Position Title:
Announcement No.:
Housing Choice Voucher Supervisor All Candidates
17-015
DEPARTMENT: Housing Programs
OPENING DATE: Monday, April 24, 2017
SALARY RANGE: $52,229 – $ 83,470 per annum
CLOSING DATE: Friday, May 19, 2017
OVERVIEw: Under the general direction of the Housing Programs Director the incumbent will supervise, assign, review and monitor work of staff responsible for providing Section 8 programs to participants and ensure compliance with all related Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations and agency policies. The duties listed below illustrate the various types of work performed. The omission of VSHFLÂżF VWDWHPHQWV UHJDUGLQJ GXWLHV GRHV QRW H[FOXGH WKHP IRUP WKH SRVLWLRQ LI WKH ZRUN LV VLPLODU related or a logical assignment in association with this position. HOw TO APPLY: The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority invites applicants for the Housing Choice Voucher Supervisor. For position description and application details visit www.snvrha.org, or by calling 702922-1636 EE/AA Disability Employer SEC 3 HUD Employer. Notice to Disabled Applicants: To request an accommodation contact the Human Resources Department. QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION BASED UPON MERIT AND POTENTIAL WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, VETERAN STATUS, OR GENETICS. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/SECTION 3 HUD EMPLOYER
.DUDJGDJDQJ LPSRUPDV\RQ VD )LOLSLQR 7DJDORJ D\ PDNLNLWD ULQ VD ZHEVLWH QJ 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/departments/city_clerk/elections.php
NOTICE TO ELECTORS OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 IN BOULDER CITY, HENDERSON, LAS VEGAS, AND NORTH LAS VEGAS REGISTRATION CLOSES TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that voter registration for the Municipal General Elections to be held on June 13, 2017, will close on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 9:00 p.m., except Boulder City at 7:00 p.m. $Q\ TXDOLÂżHG HOHFWRU ZKRVH QDPH GRHV QRW DSSHDU RQ WKH RIÂżFLDO UHJLVWU\ OLVW PD\ DSSO\ WR UHJLVWHU E\ DSSHDULQJ at the Clark County Election Department, 500 South Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas; Clark County Election &HQWHU 7UDGH 'ULYH 6XLWH $ 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV WKH DSSURSULDWH &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH DQ\ EUDQFK RI WKH Department of Motor Vehicles; or by appearing before a Field Registrar in the manner provided by law. The Clark County Election Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Voter registration applications will be accepted by mail or in person up until 31 days before the election. 7KHUHDIWHU XQWLO GD\V EHIRUH WKH HOHFWLRQ YRWHU UHJLVWUDWLRQ DSSOLFDWLRQV PXVW EH ÂżOHG LQ SHUVRQ DW WKH DSSURSULDWH &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH RQO\
LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS 2017 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN WKDW WKH &LW\ RI 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV *HQHUDO (OHFWLRQ ZLOO EH KHOG RQ 7XHVGD\ -XQH IRU WKH IROORZLQJ RIÂżFH CITY COUNCIL MEMBER WARD 3 4-YEAR TERM 6FRWW %ODFN $QLWD :RRG
Online Registration $Q\ HOLJLEOH &ODUN &RXQW\ UHVLGHQW ZKR KDV D 1HYDGD GULYHUÂśV OLFHQVH RU DQ LGHQWLÂżFDWLRQ FDUG LVVXHG E\ WKH Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles can now register or update his/her registration information online. To register or update your information online, go to the Clark County Election Department website at www. clarkcountynv.gov/vote, and in the “Online Registration Servicesâ€? box click on the “Click Hereâ€? button. This service is available 24 hours a day. To be eligible to vote in the June 13th General Election, online registration must be completed on or before May 23, 2017. 0DLO LQ YRWHU UHJLVWUDWLRQ DSSOLFDWLRQV DUH DYDLODEOH DW YDULRXV SRVW RIÂżFHV DQG OLEUDULHV WKURXJKRXW &ODUN &RXQW\ 7KH VFKHGXOH IRU WKH ÂżQDO WHQ GD\V RI LQ SHUVRQ UHJLVWUDWLRQ DW HDFK &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH LV DV IROORZV City of Boulder City &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 401 California Avenue Boulder City, Nevada Sunday, May 14 Closed Monday, May 15 - Thursday, May 18 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 19 - Sunday, May 21 Closed Monday, May 22 - Tuesday, May 23 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. City of Henderson &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 240 S. Water Street, Henderson, Nevada Sunday, May 14 Closed Monday, May 15 - Thursday, May 18 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 19 Closed Saturday, May 20 - Sunday, May 21 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 22 - Tuesday, May 23 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. City of Las Vegas &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 495 S. Main Street, 2nd Floor Las Vegas, Nevada Sunday, May 14 Closed Monday, May 15 - Friday, May 19 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20 - Sunday, May 21 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 22 - Tuesday, May 23 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. City of North Las Vegas &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North Suite 800 North Las Vegas, Nevada Sunday, May 14 Monday, May 15 - Thursday, May 18 Friday, May 19 Saturday, May 20 - Sunday, May 21 Monday, May 22 - Tuesday, May 23
Closed 8:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. Closed 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
For more information, call the Clark County Election Department at (702) 455-8683 or in Filipino (Tagalog) at (702) 455-7871. DATED: April 27, 2017 Joseph P. Gloria Registrar of Voters PUB: April 27, May 4, 11, and 18 Las Vegas Review Journal
EARLY VOTING ZLOO EHJLQ DW $0 RQ 6DWXUGD\ 0D\ DQG ZLOO FORVH RQ )ULGD\ -XQH DW 30 H[FHSW DV QRWHG DW WKH IROORZLQJ ORFDWLRQV CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS EARLY VOTING SITES OPEN THROUGHOUT THE 2-WEEK PERIOD Date
Time
6DWXUGD\ 0D\ th
$0 30
6XQGD\ 0D\ th
&/26('
0RQGD\ 0D\ th
&/26(' +2/,'$<
7XHVGD\ WKURXJK 7KXUVGD\ 0D\ th -XQH st )ULGD\ DQG 6DWXUGD\ -XQH nd -XQH rd
$0 30 $0 30
6XQGD\ -XQH th 0RQGD\ WKURXJK 7KXUVGD\ -XQH th -XQH th )ULGD\ -XQH th Date 6DWXUGD\ 0D\ th 6XQGD\ 0D\ th
0RQGD\ 0D\ th 7XHVGD\ WKURXJK 7KXUVGD\ 0D\ th -XQH st )ULGD\ -XQH nd 6DWXUGD\ -XQH rd 6XQGD\ -XQH th 0RQGD\ WKURXJK 7KXUVGD\ -XQH th -XQH th )ULGD\ -XQH th
Location
Aliante Library 2400 W. Deer Springs Way # 1RUWK $OLDQWH 3DUNZD\
&/26(' $0 30 $0 30 Time $0 30 &/26(' &/26(' +2/,'$<
$0 30 &/26(' $0 30 &/26('
:HGQHVGD\ WKURXJK )ULGD\ -XQH th -XQH th
7+( *(1(5$/ (/(&7,21 VFKHGXOHG IRU 7XHVGD\ -XQH ZLOO EH FRQGXFWHG LQ WKH PDQQHU SURYLGHG E\ WKH HOHFWLRQ ODZV RI WKH 6WDWH RI 1HYDGD DQG WKH &LW\ RI 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV With this election, the City of North Las Vegas continues to use vote centers that give voters the choice to vote at one of the four (4) polling locations across the Ward and as listed below. 3ROOV ZLOO EH RSHQ IURP $0 WR 30 DW WKH IROORZLQJ ORFDWLRQV CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS 2017 VOTE CENTER ELECTION DAY LOCATIONS*
Silver Mesa Recreation Center $OOHQ /DQH
$0 30 &/26('
CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS NEIGHBORHOOD EARLY VOTING SITES 0RQGD\ DQG 7XHVGD\ Sun City Aliante $0 30 $OLDQWH 3NZ\ 0D\ th 0D\ th )ULGD\ WKURXJK 6XQGD\ -XQH nd -XQH h
ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST CARDS are DYDLODEOH DW WKH 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH IRU VDLG *HQHUDO (OHFWLRQ DW /DV 9HJDV %OYG 1RUWK 6XLWH 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV 1HYDGD RU E\ FDOOLQJ All written requests for absentee ballots must be made by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2017.
Albertsons
$0 30
$QQ 6LPPRQV : $QQ 5G
$0 30
Grace Point Church : $QQ 5G
Vote Center
Address
Aliante Library
: 'HHU 6SULQJV :D\ 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV 19
6LOYHU 0HVD 5HFUHDWLRQ Center
$OOHQ /DQH 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV 19
6WHYH &R]LQH (OHPHQWDU\ 6FKRRO
&ROHPDQ 6W 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV 19
9LQFHQW / 7ULJJV (OHPHQWDU\ 6FKRRO
: 5RPH %OYG 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV 19
)RU DGGLWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH FRQWDFW WKH 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH DW RU WKH &ODUN &RXQW\ (OHFWLRQ 'HSDUWPHQW DW 3ROOLQJ SODFH ORFDWLRQV DUH VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH 'DWHG $SULO &DWKHULQH $ 5D\QRU 00& City Clerk City of North Las Vegas 3XEOLVK /9 $VLDQ -RXUQDO $SULO DQG
A
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
april 27-may 3, 2017 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal
OpiniOn
Excursion
Features
WITH bilateral relations between China and the Philippines blossoming in multiple fronts, the territorial dispute in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea is an issue the two countries cannot simply dance around anymore. Over the weekend, Beijing protested the visit by Manila’s defense and military chiefs to Pag-Asa, or Thitu Island, a disputed area in the South China Sea. The Philippine contingent was carried off by an Air Force C-130 transport plane on Friday, April 21 to assert the country’s claim to the disputed area where China is believed to have added missiles on man-made islands. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang expressed China’s displeasure over the high-profile Philippine visits to the island, saying China was “gravely concerned about and dissatisfied” by the island visits and adding that China “has lodged representations with the Philippine side.” Manila maintains that it owns the territory, which is part of an island municipality under its western province of Palawan and is where some Filipino troops and villagers have lived for decades. “The visit of the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to Pag-asa Island is part of the efforts to improve the safety, welfare, livelihood of Filipinos residing and living in the municipality of Kalayaan, which is part of the province of Palawan,” said Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella. Malacañang earlier confirmed that representatives from the two countries have set up a meeting in May to craft a bilateral mechanism on how
to “properly handle” maritime disputes. The scheme aims to forge mutual trust and maritime cooperation, and to further avoid misunderstandings and provocations over the issue. President Rodrigo Duterte is set to visit China next month for the “One Belt, One Road” summit upon the invitation of President Xi Jinping. China will also host a meeting in May with members of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss the completion of a framework on the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which mandates selfrestraint and non-militarization in the contested waters. The Asian powerhouse claims the largest swathe of the strategic waters and has been increasingly assertive in pressing its ownership over the disputed areas against its smaller neighbors such as the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. The sea has played a major role in globalization. But it has also provided an access for actions of oppression, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, smuggling, and other illegal activities. Because of the many opportunities (and dangers) that lie in the sea, countries invest on their maritime forces to man the waters surrounding their nations not only to establish peace and security, but also protect their sovereignty. (AJPress)
Editorial
Commentary
Yen Macabenta DURING his first 10 months in office, President Rodrigo Duterte has signaled a clear break and a change of tone from the administration of President Benigno Aquino III—on both the domestic and foreign policy fronts. Nowhere has the change been more pronounced and significant than in the area of economic policy. Through its economic management team, the Duterte administration has now unfurled the length and breadth of its economic policy agenda. It carries the unimposing title, “Dutertenomics.” But it will have an impact that will reach far into the future, and up to the end of DU30’s term in 2022. Dutertenomics does not bear as many stretchmarks as “Aquinomics,” which the Aquino 3rd administration assiduously tried to promote, but dropped hastily when it did not fly. (Ateneo economist Cielito Habito was Aquinomics’ loudest promoter in the opinion page of the Inquirer. Aquino’s finance secretary, Cesar Purisima, was its drumbeater of inflated achievements.) Reaganomics bankrupts Soviet Union The plain fact, of course, is that both Dutertenomics and Aquinomics are pallid imitations of Reaganomics. Reaganomics, a neologism that conflates Reagan and economics
Philstar.com photo
Aquinomics was a fake, Dutertenomics has substance in one word, refers to the economic policies promoted by President Reagan during the 1980s. These policies are commonly associated with supply-side economics, which is often referred to as trickle-down economics or as voodoo economics by political opponents, and billed as free-market economics by political advocates. The four pillars of Reagan’s economic policy were: to reduce the growth of government spending, reduce the federal income tax and capital gains tax, reduce government regulation, and tighten the money supply in order to reduce inflation. Reaganomics was so effective in promoting US prosperity, Reagan triggered the Soviet Union’s collapse and bankruptcy. Aquinomics, DAP, underspending Aquinomics preceded the rise of fake news and alternative truth. Noynoy Aquino himself never appeared to know what Aquinomics was all about. He lost his first economic planning secretary and Neda director-general (Catalino Paderanga) within the first few months of his presidency. Purisima turned out to be no economist at all (he just had funds to pay the ratings agencies, and he tried to foist the Philippines as the new darling of Asia or new Asian economic miracle). Aquino and Purisima concocted the dishonest scheme of selling Aquino’s economic policy agenda by disparaging his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo‘s policies, which had been successful in recording over 40 quarters of
positive growth by the Philippine economy. They set their sights on obtaining investment-grade ratings for the economy from the ratings agencies. Aquino relentlessly portrayed the Arroyo administration as corrupt and the Arroyo years as “the lost decade.” In discharging the role of economic manager, chief executives are expected to meet popular and elite expectations that their actions will result in a prosperous economy. Presidents must develop policies and develop support by the public. Aquino had a contrarian view of presidential economic leadership. In a sharp departure from John Maynard Keynes’ dictum on the role of government spending in the economy, Aquino espoused underspending. He hoarded substantial chunks of what Congress appropriated in the annual budget. When Aquino left office in 2016, he and his managers boasted that they were leaving behind a trillion pesos in unspent budget. He literally starved the economy of public funds. Policies of Dutertenomics With the flag-raising of Dutertenomics, the hollow ring of Aquinomics is manifest. With no pretense to being an economist and with a good team of economic managers, President Duterte is emerging as a more effective and able economic leader than Aquino. Dutertenomics was unveiled on Tuesday, April 18, in a forum at the new Conrad hotel in the SM Mall of Asia. Nominally, Dutertenomics
sounds like a lot of hype and spin. It provokes skepticism from Filipinos who are sick to death of Tuwid na Daan (Straight Path), which turned out to be more crooked than sin. Dutertenomics, I am relieved to say, appears to have plenty of substance It has a coherent and clear-eyed view of the economy. Its policies and proposals lead directly to programs. As explained by our economic managers, the following policies embody the essence of the economic agenda: 1. A golden age of infrastructure. The Philippines will create nothing less than a “golden age of infrastructure” if it is to do away with structural poverty and become a middle-income nation in one generation. Infrastructure will knit our islands closer together and bring investment, trade and tourism to our most rural provinces as well as our most crowed cities. Economic Planning Secretary Ernie Pernia of the National Economic and Development Board and Budget Secretary Ben Diokno announced at the forum that the administration plans to spend a whopping P8.4 trillion over the next six years on infrastructure. 2. We can do this ourselves. Instead of the PPP formula of Aquino, which relies on the private sector to do the heavy lifting, the government under President Duterte will plan, build, and finance the infrastructure itself. The country has been awash in dollar-based liquidity from OFW and BPO earnings. Global interest rates and inflation are still low
(though slowly rising), and the peso recently posted its strongest rally in over two years. 3. “We will go into debt at home to pay for our infrastructure.” Budget Secretary Diokno plans to run an annual budget deficit of 3 percent of GDP starting next year in order to finance these projects. It is possible for him to do this now, with stable public finances and low debt ever since the tax reforms initiated under both Arroyo and Aquino 3rd. 4. “We will go into deficit abroad to pay for our infrastructure.” For the first time in many years, our current account last quarter swung from surplus to deficit. But this can be managed in light of our foreign exchange reserves and a strengthening peso, which allows us to import infrastructure components for less money. 5. “We will reform our tax system in order to ‘pay as you go.” The comprehensive tax reform package (CTRP) now pending in Congress is the best way for the Philippines to raise the additional taxes needed to pay for infrastructure out of pocket. Key infrastructure projects The infrastructure program is designed for the whole country, but it will impact especially Metro Manila and its weary residents, who will see nothing less than the transformation and modernization of the metropolitan capital within the next five years. The notable projects are the following: 1. NLEX Harbor Link—A partnership between the Department of Public Works and Highways
headed by Mark Villar, with Manny Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific. Already halfway finished, this elevated roadway will transport cargo from the Manila ports to NLEX for points north, expediting logistics and keeping big container trucks out of Manila’s busiest streets. 2. Luzon Spine Expressway— Intended to cut travel time between La Union and Bicol to less than 12 hours. This web of road projects includes the North-South Connector Road, also already being built by Metro Pacific, that will let travelers between NLEX and SLEX bypass Metro Manila streets altogether. 3. PNR North and South Rails —The northbound link spans 100 kilometers from Tutuban to Clark, while the southbound link will connect first to Calamba and Los Baños, then to the Bicol region. 4. Metro Manila Subway— Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade expects the President and Japanese Prime Minister Abe to sign the contract for the subway by November. The first phase will comprise 13 subway stations, from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to the FTI and NAIA in Taguig. To summarize, the Dutertenomics forum presented an impressive showcase. It showed beyond doubt that there‘s more to the Duterte administration than the drug war. On the economic policy front, Filipinos have a fully working and resolute government. Where there is political will, there is clearly a way. (ManilaTImes.net)
Correcting the injustice done against GMA
Former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
CALL this an Easter gift of an answered prayer Now that the SC has cleared PGMA, I dare demand for our dear friend, former President Gloria Ma- Shooting Straight from former President Aquino who was also a former capagal Arroyo (GMA) who just got the news that student of PGMA to apologize for her nearly fourthe Supreme Court voting 11-4 affirmed its earlier year incarceration. decision junking the former President’s Philippine Of course, we do not expect P-Noy to issue this Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) plunder case apology simply because, he doesn’t know what an that was filed against her allegedly for the misuse apology is. The fact is… he did not even apologize for of P366 million in intelligence funds during the bobit S. avila the untimely deaths of eight Hong Kong tourists who time of Pres. Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III for “inwere killed by a deranged police officer on Aug. 23, sufficiency of evidence.” This SC decision speaks volumes of the grave 2010, which caused a diplomatic row with China. injustice done against her during the Aquino regime! Hmmm perhaps Noy would be better off apologizing for the HaciWe have always believed that PGMA was innocent of anything and enda Luisita massacre or the impeachment of the late SC Chief Justice that the evidence pinned against her was very weak and that she did Renato Corona or the deaths of the 44 SAF troopers in Mamasapano! not deserve to be incarcerated at the Veterans Memorial Medical But I know that Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo doesn’t have a vindicCenter (VMMC) for nearly four years, courtesy of then Department tive heart and for sure, she won’t file any charges against -P-Noy for of Justice (DoJ) Secretary Leila de Lima. This is why when people talk the injustice done against her. I just wish that our justice system would about the plight of Sen. De Lima; the majority say that she has tasted come up with a way to correct an injustice when it stares us in the face. “Karma.” But then again, karma has its way of returning the favor when the OfBut that the Aquino regime (led by P-Noy, DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima fice of the Ombudsman was forced to make P-Noy respond on what and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales) forced PGMA to remain was his role in the misuse of the Disbursement Acceleration Program incarcerated at the VMMC only proves the vindictiveness of P-Noy. (DAP)? (Philstar.com) The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
aDVErTiSiNG aND aDVErTOrial pOliCiES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, Ca 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com
manila Office: 2/F D&E Fort palm Springs Cond. 30th St., Cor. 1st ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • 856-0397 • Fax: (632) 856-1661
Northern California: 1001 Bayhill Drive, Suite 200, San Bruno, Ca 94066 Tel.: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152
New york office: 133-30 32nd ave., Flushing, Ny 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (213) 481-0854
las Vegas Sales Office: 2770 S. maryland pkwy., Suite 200 las Vegas, Nevada 89109 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879
New Jersey office: 2500 plaza 5, Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 Tel: (212)655-5426 • Fax: (818)502-0858
ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON Chief Financial Officer ROBERT MACABAGDAL Vice President & General Manager Las Vegas Asian Journal MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor German P. Palabyab Advertising and Business Development Director
asian Journal publitions, inc. (“aJpi”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publition by client. (“Client’s material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an aJpi sales representative does not constitute a commitment by aJpi to publish a Client’s material. aJpi has the option to correctly classify any Client’s material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applible law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. publition of a Client’s material does not constitute an agreement to continue publition. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify aJpi and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, uses of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which aJpi may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s material. aJpi will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s material. in the event of an error, or omission in printing or publition of a Client’s material, aJpi shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being ncellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republition of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall asian publitions, inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.
ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern lifornia Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern lifornia, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline PhiliPPines
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL •ApRIL 27-mAy 3, 2017
A
AFP to China: Probe Pinoy fishers’ harassment Ombudsman laments the dismissal of Arroyo’s plunder case by Dana
SioSon AJPress
“MILLIONS were stolen, but no one stole them.� This is what Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said after the Supreme Court (SC) upheld its dismissal of the corruption case against former Philippine President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In a television interview on Monday, April 24, Morales lamented how nobody was held accountable for the supposed misuse of P366-million intelligence fund from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). “There are a lot of cases involving amounts in the millions which are stolen, but no one stole it. Millions were stolen, but no one stole them,� Morales told CNN Philippines. While Morales acknowledged
the court’s final say, she, however, maintained that the prosecution has found sufficient evidence against Arroyo, as far as the Sandiganbayan is concerned. “What can we do? That’s what the Supreme Court said. But of course, the Sandiganbayan that tried the case believed the evidence sufficed,� Morales said. In 2012, the Office of the Ombudsman lodged a plunder case against Arroyo, accusing her of using millions of charity funds for her personal gain from 2008 to 2010 while she was still the country’s president. The high court dismissed the case in July 2016 and granted Arroyo’s petition for demurrer to evidence. With a vote of 11-4, the SC affirmed Arroyo’s acquittal with finality last week and denied the People’s motion for reconsideration due to the in-
sufficiency of evidence. Following the clearing of her name, Arroyo described her acquittal as “truly a vindication.� “We can now move forward and take stock of what remains to be done to help this current administration achieve its goals of giving a better life to all Filipinos,� Arroyo told reporters during a chance interview on Thursday, April 20, adding that “I feel fortunate that I was given the chance to clear my name.� In a separate vote of 10-5, the SC also dismissed the plunder case against former PCSO budget and accounts manager Benigno B. Aguas. The Sandiganbayan earlier acquitted former members of the PCSO board of directors, Manuel Morato, Raymundo Roquero and Jose Taruc, as well as Commission on Audit (COA) officials Reynaldo Villar and Nilda Plaras.
MANILA - The military is hopeful that China will conduct an impartial probe into reports that the Chinese navy drove away Filipino fishermen at Union Banks in the disputed Spratlys chain. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has submitted its investigation report to the Department of Foreign Affairs. “It is up to the DFA to act on the matter,â€? AFP chief Gen. Eduardo AĂąo said. Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, spokesman for the AFP, said the Chinese government has vowed to investigate the incident, which was relayed by Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano to media last week. “The Chinese government said they will look into the matter and we’re going to wait for that,â€? Padilla said. Padilla said the Philippine government is conducting its own investigation of the incident. “We have relayed that information to the Department of Foreign Affairs to act on it. If it is determined that indeed it is the Chinese navy and not the coast guard, then
AI to Justice Chief Aguirre: Send clear message vs killings by auDrey
Morallo Philstar.com
MANILA — Rights advocacy group Amnesty International (AI) released on Tuesday, April 25 an open letter to the Justice secretary, urging him to send a clear message to the police that extrajudicial killings are unacceptable and to press charges against security forces found to have violated the law. In a letter signed by 20 Amnesty International sections, the human rights group urged Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to tell law enforcement officers that extrajudicial killings are unacceptable and strictly prohibited at all times, adding that these actions by government authorities may constitute a crime against humanity. The Palace has stressed repeatedly that there is no policy for state-sanctioned killings and has said that the police is investigating the killings. Aguirre himself has said in the past, however, that criminals are “not humanity�, implying that their deaths cannot be considered a crime against humanity. He has since claimed that he was misquoted in reports that used direct quotes of what he said. Amnesty International also
called for a prompt, impartial and effective investigation into drug-related killings particularly those allegedly committed by the law enforcement forces and if warranted file criminal charges against them. “We are writing to urge you to send a clear message that the unlawful killing of alleged drug offenders is never justified, and to ask you to ensure prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigations into all killings by police and unknown armed persons since the start of the government’s ‘war on drugs’,� the letter read, adding that the results of such investigations should be made public. Critics of the drug war blame the government for thousands of deaths since the campaign against illegal narcotics was launched in June 2016. International human rights groups, organizations and governments have condemned the rise in killings. They have released reports that allege that police authorities kill drug suspects and are paid for this. These reports have also detailed how policemen have allegedly deputized vigilante groups to extend their operations to kill drug suspects and users.
appropriate protest through diplomatic channels will have to be given out,� he said. Padilla said the government has sent representatives to talk to the fishermen who were allegedly harassed by the Chinese navy. Citing statements from witnesses, Alejano said the Chinese navy fired shots to deter Filipino fishermen from going to Union Banks on April 9. “According to initial reports, it was the Chinese coast guard that was involved in the Union Banks
incident. However, in our meeting with the fishermen, we were told that it was actually a Chinese navy ship,� Alejano said. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier ordered the AFP to investigate the incident. Union Banks is located within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. The alleged harassment of Filipino fishermen took place near Gaven Reef, one of seven artificial islands built by China in the Spratlys. (Philstar.com)
=0:0; @6<9 7904(9@ *(9, 7/@:0*0(5: )LUP[V *HSKLYVU 4 +
)VHYK *LY[PMPLK 0U[LYUHS 4LKPJPUL
,SLUH .HYJPH 4 + 1LUUPMLY 8\PHTaVU (KVIV (795 2HOYLU +` 7H[HJZPS (795
5V^ (JJLW[PUN 5L^ 7H[PLU[Z /\THUH r 4.4 +PYLJ[ *HYL 7SHU <UP[LK /LHS[O*HYL 4LKPJHYL *VTWSL[L 0TTPNYH[PVU 7O`ZPJHS
4HRL @V\Y (WWVPU[TLU[ ;VKH`
Wilnor Papa and Sr. Maria Vida Cordero of Amnesty International condemn the killings of poor people during a press conference in Quezon City in February. Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos
Authorities have disputed that around 9,000 have died, saying that not all these deaths are related to the campaign on drugs. They say that about a third of the figure were killed by policemen in self-defense during legitimate police operations. Others have been blamed on vigilantes and drug syndicates. AI also expressed its concern on the “widespread and continued killing� of alleged drug offenders, saying that these may constitute crimes against humanity. It also criticized Duterte and his senior government figures for
4VUKH` [V -YPKH` -YVT ! HT [V ! WT >HSR 0UZ >LSJVTL
continuously inciting police and private citizens to kill drug sellers, in direct contravention of local laws. It added that anti-narcotics operations violated the “non-derogable� right to life and undermined people’s right to the enjoyment of the highest standard of physical and mental health, forcing many into involuntary and inadequate rehabilitation programs. The group also took note of the fact that until now no police officer had been investigated nor charged for suspected extralegal executions.
6U :P[L :LY]PJLZ!
t 7YL]LU[H[P]L *HYL r 3HIVYH[VY` :LY]PJLZ ;V 7YL YLNPZ[LY HUK (JJLZZ @V\Y /LHS[O 0UMVYTH[PVU .V ;V 6\Y 7H[PLU[ 7VY[HS ^^^ *HSKLYVU4LK JVT > *OHYSLZ[VU )S]K - 3HZ =LNHZ 5= : =HSSL` =PL^ :[L 3HZ =LNHZ 5=
8 5XBJO "WF 4UF -BT 7FHBT /7
XXX WFHBTBDDJEFOU MBX
t $BS "DDJEFOUT t 5SJQ BOE 'BMMT
A
april 27-may 3, 2017 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 27-mAy 3, 2017
VEGAS&STYLE
B
Journal
Dave Bautista returns to Marvel Studios sequel Filipina blogger at Coachella, meets ‘Riverdale’ cast For Filipino-American actor Dave Bautista, returning to the Guardians’ fold in Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” was a chance to reprise a character he truly enjoys playing. “What I really love about Drax is he’s not what you’d expect from reading the comics,” Bautista says. “Everybody was expecting one thing, and we gave them another. It makes it more interesting. It’s easy just to be the big guy who’s always growling at people and intimidating people. We’ve seen it a million times. But when you get the same guy who looks the same way but just says the most ridiculous things that make you laugh, it makes him more interesting.” Continuing, he adds, “And he’s also got that side to him that’s just all heart. He’s still heartbroken over the loss of his family. And I love that dynamic, man. I love playing with
that. It’s challenging. It makes it’s interesting. It makes the character loveable and it makes people connect to him.” In the movie, Drax develops a friendship with a new character, Mantis, played by Pom Klementieff. Describing their relationship, Bautista says, “It’s hard to think that Drax would have some innocence to him but he really does, and it comes out in this film. That’s in the connection he has with Mantis. There’s a lot of innocence in both characters. They’re almost like two kids who find each other and become playmates. They just connect on a certain level that they can’t connect with anybody else. They’re both suffering from some pain and learning new things and new feelings, new experiences. They’re going through that together and that’s where the connection is.” The opportunity to work with Chris Pratt again was also plus for Bautista. “on a personal level, I think everybody involved on this film will agree that we just love him,” he says. “He’s just such a good dude; a good, kindhearted person. I can’t say enough good things about him. He is what you see. There’s nothing superficial or pretentious about Chris. He’s just got a great energy about him and he’s a very positive person. And that all trickles down. When y o u g e t
number one coming to set who’s always in a good mood, it’s hard to be that guy who is in the bad mood or complaining.” Working with director James Gunn further proves to be a positive experience for the actor: “It’s great because the writer is there and the director is there, all in one person.” Bautista adds, “Drax is the vehicle for James Gunn’s twisted, witty sense of humor. I love when I’m shooting and delivering stuff that I can hear James off in the distance laughing because I know that it is what he wanted. That it is what he was expecting out of the dialogue that he wrote. That in itself makes me feel really good because I love giving him what he wants.” Bautista is confident that audiences will connect to the film on a personal level. As he says, “The first film was more about people coming together for the greater good. And I think this film is more about relationships with people. It is the story of a family. Your family doesn’t always have to be blood family. They can be chosen family. So I think this is more of a relationship film, and everyone can relate to that.” Bautista was born in Washington, DC to an American mother Donna raye and Filipino-American father David Michael Bautista, whose parents are Filipino immigrants. Before carving a career in the movies, Bautista became popular as professional wrestler with the WWE. Set to the backdrop of “Awesome Mixtape #2,” Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand. (ManilaTimes.net)
by Deni
Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com
FIlIPInA YouTube vlogger (video blogger) Janina Vela represented the Philippines in the recently concluded Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. During the festival, she met and took pictures with “riverdale” stars Cole Sprouse (who plays Jughead Joens), ross Butler (reggie Mantle), lili reinhart (Betty Cooper), Camila Mendes (Veronica lodge) and Casey Cott (Kevin Keller). “riverdale” is a netflix series based on the characters of Archie Comics. Coachella is an annual music and arts fest held at the Empire Polo Club in Coachella Valley, California, in the Colorado Desert. organized by Goldenvoice, the festival was founded by Paul Tollett and rick Van Santen in 1999 and features artists from both the visual and the musical world. This year, the festival showcased artists from various musical genres, including independent, rock and hip hop. Headlining the California-based fashion giant’s
Filipina YouTube vlogger (video blogger) Janina Vela with stars of the Netflix teen drama “Riverdale.” Instagram/Janina Vela
spring/summer 2017 campaign is roc nation singer Justine Skye. In a press statement, Skye said: “Fashion has always been an important part of my life…the festival collection reflects my personal style…”
B april 27-may 3, 2017 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal
EntErtainmEnt
How Madrid Fusion Manila is putting PH on the map as a gastronomic destination in Asia By MoMar
G. Visaya
AJPress
Madrid Fusion Manila, the global gastronomic gathering is back for a third serving and it is larger than ever, and along with it is the more long-term goal of establishing the Philippines as an important and vibrant culinary destination in the region. Held for three days at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Madrid Fusion this year focused on sustainability in the culinary industry as the award-winning and Michelin-starred chefs invited to deliver their talks discussed ways in which they run their respective kitchens where they showcase innovations and cutting-edge techniques in creating exquisite dishes. “The whole world now gets to see the Philippines as a culinary destination. We really want to promote the Philippines this way,” Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo told the asian Journal. “More than just a celebration of gastronomy of the highest order, Madrid Fusion is instrumental in spreading the word that Filipino chefs are world-class and that the Philippines is poised to be the center of gastronomy in asia.” More than 1,400 Filipino foodies from around the world, people with passionate love for food and cooking and industry professionals gathered under one venue to celebrate yet another year of gastronomic experience and thereby giving Filipino cuisine the international prestige it deserves. This year’s delegates come from China, Hong Kong, india, indonesia, Macau, Taiwan, denmark, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. “Today, food forecasts for 2017 have predicted the Philippines as the place where the next big food trend will start, and many articles have been written worldwide about how the food scene in the Philippines is heating up,” said Tourism director Verna CovarBuensuceso earlier this year at the Madrid Fusion 2017 held at the Palacio Municipal de Congresos in Madrid. among this year’s featured chefs for international Gastronomy Congress were 19 celebrated Filipino culinary chefs and Michelin-starred culinary chefs from
#EATSMOREFUNINTHEPHILIPPINES with more than 1,400 attendees at the recently-concluded Madrid Fusion Manila 2017.
Filipino Chef Gene Gonzalez
Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo, Foru de Debati president Jose Carlos Capel, Tourism Promotion Board chief Cesar Montano and Spanish Ambassador Luis Calvo led the opening of Madrid Fusion Manila 2017 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
asia, Europe and the americas led by Gert de Mangeeler (Hertog Jan, Belgium), Jordi roca and alejandra rivas Gomez (El Celler de Can roca, Spain) and Pedro Subijana (akelare, Spain), all of whom have three Michelin stars each, one of the toughest achievements in the restaurant industry. Two Michelin star holders Paco Perez (Miramar, Spain), Julien royer (Odette, Singapore) and Magnus Ek (Oaxen Krog & Slip, Sweden) and Simon rogan (L’Enclume, England) joined the aforementioned chefs as presenters. The half-Filipino, half-French sisters Tatiana and Katia Levha (Le Servan, France), Filipinoamerican Sally Camacho-Mueller
(Top Chef: Just desserts Season 2 runner up) and Filipino-British Josh Boutwood (The Test Kitchen, Philippines) talked about their respective journeys and how they practice sustainability in their respective kitchens. The Levha sisters talked about cooking from stem to stern and explained their enthusiasm when they learned about Madrid Fusion’s theme this year. “Sustainability is a major concern for us in the restaurant,” Tatiana, who trained in both L’arpege and L’astrance shared. “We choose what’s seasonal, healthy and sustainably grown. and that also applies to our wine selection.” PAGE B4
Chef Pedro Subijana is the man behind Akelarre, a restaurant in San Sebastian, Spain that has been open since 1974 and has three Michelin stars.
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
Regional lunches: Showcasing the diversity of Filipino cuisine FOR a couple of hours, congress attendees and guests take a break to eat a carefully curated themed ad festive lunch showcasing the diversity of Filipino cuisine and the sustainability of the native ingredients. This is where seasoned Filipino chefs such as Margarita Fores, JP Anglo and Claude Tayag prepare their dishes based on a specific theme. For Day 1, it was Rice, Day 2 was Nose to Tail and Day 3 was Corn. Day 1, curated by Angelo Comsti, was all about rice. Some chefs focused on heirloom rice, grown and harvested in various provinces in the Philippines, from balatinaw of Mountain Province to the innawi of Banaue. Day 2 highlighted the nose-to-tail concept and was curated by Nina Daza-Puyat, Sasha Lim-Uy Mariposa, and Idge Mendiola. The term did not just apply to the pigs and cows, it also applied to other ingredients such as the coconut and cacao. The third day, curated by Alicia Sy, focused on the flexibility of the corn. Among the unforgettable dishes we had to partake were the following – Mike Tatung Sarthou and his Tausug Junay with Utakutak, which is sticky rice cooked with pamapa (Mindanao spice) and spiced fish nuggets. Kiddo Cosio of El Union who served Dirty White Horchata made with Tinawon white rice and Bukidnon espresso. JP Anglo’s Next Generation Adobo, a nose-to-tail adobo made with chicken heart, intestine, gizzard, tail and skin. Pam Cinco (Risa Chocolate) and her A Toast to Chocolate, a nose-to-tail dish using different parts of cacao, from the white chocolate disc topped with cacao nibs to the cacao dessert wine and the white chocolate truffle with dark chocolate ganache and carabao’s milk butter. Tina Legarda (Bamba Bistro) who served Tindahan ni Maria Salad of pechay, chorizo-charred corn, kesong puti, tuyo-pineapple vinaigrette and pork skin crumbs. Dedet de la Fuente (Pepita’s Kitchen) and her Nilasing na Lechon with corn and guinataan mais mousse. Margarita Fores and her purple corn ukoy, seared bagaybay with chorizo cream.
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com
EntErtainmEnt
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 27-mAy 3, 2017
B
Coco Martin on show’s success: FPJ is guiding me ‘Top Model’ contenders on judge Pia Wurtzbach by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
The FPJ magic lives on! At a thanksgiving party last Friday night hosted by Coco Martin at his mansion (yes, it is!) in an upscale Quezon City subdivision, Coco himself was the one most surprised when ABS-CBN executive Cory Vidanes announced that his starrer FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano would be extended until 2018, making it the longest-running action-adventure series in Philippine Television. Cory was among the ABS-CBN bigwigs at the party including Carlo Katigbak (chairman) and Deo endrinal (head of Dreamscape which is behind Probinsyano). “Alam mo,” Coco confided to a guest later that evening, “when I start thinking of scenes to make Probinsyano more exciting, feeling ko gina-guide ako ni FPJ.” Besides playing the legendary hero created and popularized by Da King in several movies, Coco is
also part of the creative team. As soon as he comes up with an idea, Coco discusses it with directors Toto Natividad, Malu Sevilla and Abel Sanpunco. Routine master is Val Iglesias. Also topbilled in the series is FPJ’s widow Susan Roces, a veritable crowd-drawer even in the presence of younger actors in the cast including Michael de Mesa, Joel Torre, Jaime Fabregas, Rez Cortez, Arjo Atayde, Jeric Raval, Long Mejia, John Prats, Awra, Makmak and Julio Diaz (who has recovered from a brain surgery caused by a stroke, helped financially by Coco). All of them were present at the Saturday party. Launched in August 2015, Probinsyano has been topping ratings as it continues to reinvent itself by introducing a parade of characters played by big actors in the field. “The show is unbeatable,” according to a Funfare source. “how many shows na ba ang itinapat sa Probinsyano?”
by
Philstar.com
The two Filipina contestants of “Asia’s Next Top Model” (AsNTM) might no longer be on the running to become the next top models of the reality TV show, but they are inspired to go on with their dreams by their fellow Filipina and the show’s recurring judge, Miss universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. “It’s hard, actually, for her (Pia) to judge in front of three Filipinas. But you know, it may be hard, but she treated everyone very well. She’s really a nice person and she wants all of us to succeed,” recalled Jennica Sanchez, the second Filipina to be eliminated after Anjelica Santillan. Coco Martin According to her, the three of As they say, you can’t lick a them were among the shortest consistent winner, especially if it’s girls in the competition at 5’6” to rating over 40 percent every time, 5’7” (others were about 5’9”), but all the time, all the way. Pia assured them that height does “That’s why no show would not matter. dare compete with it,” added the “She’s motivating us to get Funfare source. “Ang lakas-lakas! through the challenges,” the 2040 percent is 40 percent!” year-old Jennica said. “Pia is such a nice person. She’s very supportive of us. She wasn’t biased of us,” added Maureen Wroblewitz, the last Filipina and for her travel blog kept her busy when acting offers began to dry up. No wonder, Bianca initially had her doubts and worries during the first week of taping of INTeRNATIONAL artist ChrisPusong Ligaw. She had to con- tian Bautista, together with the vince herself that she can still act. hail Mary the Queen Children’s There were also times when she Choir of Quezon City, sang the was clueless on what to do. Good theme song and shot the music thing, directors GB San Pedro video of the the upcoming 30th and henry Quitain were always Association of Southeast Asian there to point out the right acting Nations (ASeAN) Summit from approach. April 26 to 29. “To be honest, I was initially The Presidential Communicaterrified of the idea of finally set- tions Operations Office (PCOO), ting foot here; it was surreal but in cooperation with the National all my fears banished because of Commission for Culture and the their guidance. Of course, I am Arts (NCCA), has produced the thankful to all the staff and my music video, which is set to be co-stars who did just not make me shown during the summit. feel welcome but they also made Titled, “ASeAN Spirit,” the me feel like their family and friend song and the music video for right away.” the Philippines’ Chairmanship She continues, “Direk henry is of Asean 2017 coincide with the very patient, actually all of them, celebration of the organization’s they inspire you to give your best 50th anniversary. na kahit one month na natapos National Artist for Literature yung shoot ng scene but they Virgilio S. Almario wrote the noticed that you can still give the lyrics for the theme song, which best performance, then we will do reflects the core message of the the scene again. Their attention to Philippines as the Chairman of details is amazing and for an actor, ASeAN in 2017 – a champion of it’s flattering to know that you are positive change in the community part of the show where everyone to produce a unified voice in the gives his/her full attention so it’s world. such a blessing to be part of a Professor Josefino Toledo comproject na binubusisi talaga.” posed the music. “The song Bianca considers the heavy speaks about uniting the region; drama scenes that televiewers are about to see in the pilot week starting today, as the most challenging part of her role. She accidentally had a cut on her knee and some bruises on her body while doing one confrontation scene. What does she find attractive with her role? “It’s the journey of the character kasi sa pilot week pa lang, you’ll see that she will gradually age and as an actor, I need to let the audience see her transformation — from a 16-year-old lass until she reaches the age of 30 who is already a mom to a teener. So ako iniisip ko talaga kung ano ang kilos dapat ng 16, 18, 20, 26 until 30 plus years old. It really keeps me on my toes how to portray this character.”
Bianca King’s second wind by Bot
GLoRioso Philstar.com
JuST when Bianca King thought that she’s completely out of the showbiz radar, ABS-CBN’s latest afternoon drama series “Pusong Ligaw” comes along and swings her back into the acting scene. “I’m excited and this is like a second wind for me,” says Bianca whose last TV acting appearance was two years ago. “honestly, I thought my time in showbiz was over but I’m very thankful that Star Creatives offered me this project.” Bianca is pertaining to her grey-shaded character in Pusong Ligaw. She plays Marga who, at the beginning of the story, is a 16-year-old aspiring beauty queen determined to succeed in life. She shares the same goal with her best friend Tessa (Beauty Gonzales) who dreams about becoming a fashion designer. They promise to stick together until they both succeed. But Marga is secretly in love with Tessa’s boyfriend Caloy (Joem Bascon). She betrays Tessa and sleeps with Caloy. Bianca relates that she didn’t think long and hard about accepting the role which she describes as totally different from all her past portrayals. Besides, she adds, starring in a Kapamilya soap is a realization of her dream. “But I chose not to tell about it to any of my friends the first time I learned that I would be working here in ABS because there was this fear that there might be still changes in the story or casting, na baka mapalitan pa ako or the show will not air yet so I really kept it like a deep dark secret,” she tells. It took months when Bianca finally shared the good news to her friends, first and foremost to Iza Calzado “but I cannot tell what we have talked about because it’s very personal basta she’s happy for me and I think it was a very good mindset for me to go into ABS with the beginner’s mind. everything is new to me.”
“Asia’s Next Top Model” contestants Maureen Wroblewitz and Jennica Sanchez and guest judge Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.
standing in the show airing on cable TV. Through Pia, she realized that “Anything is possible if you just work hard. And do not give up on your dreams just because you’re short. There are so many models out there that made it like Kate Moss…height doesn’t matter as long as you know your potential.” Jennica and Maureen, however, are not thinking about joining beauty pageants and following Pia’s footsteps at the moment. “Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2” finalist Katarina Rodriguez is now competing at the 2017 Binibining Pilipinas competition. Maureen wants to focus on
modeling, while Jennica sees herself working in the fashion industry. She used to be a fashion blogger but she stopped blogging when she became busy with modeling. No matter where life takes them after the show, their bond as Filipinas will continue. “We Filipinas are very competitive. We know what we want. We might be supportive of each other, but at the end of the day, it’s still a competition and everyone’s competing to be the first Filipina to be the winner of ‘Asia’s Next Top Model’,” Maureen said. “So, it was hard for us but at the end of the day, we’re still friends!”
Christian Bautista sings ASEAN 2017 theme song
Bianca King
The 32-year-old actress finds her co-stars and the soap’s production team a breeze to work with. The cast initially had an acting workshop and Bianca instantly hit well with Beauty. “We really, really became close to the point of going out together when there’s no work or we go to each other’s houses. We even traveled together in Bangkok last week. “With Sofia (who plays her teenaged daughter Vida), part of my preparation was to become close to her so months before taping, I would always invite her out, chika to my house or eat out together,” reveals Bianca who admits that it is important for her to get along well with the people she works with. “It makes the work experience more enjoyable and easy kasi syempre if you’re not okay with your co-workers then everything feels heavy. And it is always nice—especially for me who is new here in ABS—to have a real and sincere relationship with everyone you’re working with.” The drama series Obsessions aired on TV5 was her last heavy drama project. hosting for events and writing stories for publication
Aiko Melendez: It’s never late to lose weight by MaRidoL
Rañoa-BisMaRk Philstar.com
WheN other women her age hide their figures in dark colors and loose clothes, Aiko Melendez, 41, wears a neon pink bikini and posts it on Instagram. Mixed reactions about her bold move are natural. Some liked what they saw. Others subjected the actress to body shaming. But this doesn’t faze Aiko — not when that bikini photo of hers trended many times over and got 2,000 comments, mostly positive. Aiko’s son Andre, 19, was unconvinced at first. he wondered aloud why his mom had to flaunt her bikini bod. her answer was direct to the point. “Nothing. I just want to check on myself. I want to get feedback.” Andre read the comments and liked what he read. he finally told her that she really looks good, now that she lost a lot of weight. Aiko was in seventh heaven. “Kinilig ako (I felt excited).” After all, that sexy bod didn’t happen overnight. Aiko worked out, started dancing regularly and drastically cut down on rice. There was even a time when she limited her rice intake to only once a week. Since she worked hard to look good, Aiko maintains the discipline that gave her the to-die-for figure she has today. In fact, she wants to shed more pounds to keep up with the demands of her high-profile job. “I want to lose 20 pounds more because TV makes you look 10 pounds heavier.”
deni Rose BeRnaRdo
Aiko Melendez: “I want to tell people that it’s never too late to lose weight. Someday, if I have time, I can even write a book about how I did it.”
Weight loss isn’t enough for her. She wants a sculpted body to make her feel and look a lot better. This will emphasize those curves and shape of Aiko’s swimmer arms as well. So she researched to get the right person for the job. her search ended in Dr. Claudine Roura, medical director of Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute. Aiko felt bad that the flesh around her arms still sagged despite hours of carrying weights in the gym. Dr. Roura solved the problem via vaser lipo. Today, Aiko can wear off-shoulder clothes with confidence. Women — and men — like the new Aiko. And she feels so inspired, she vows never to stop working out to maintain her fit body. Aiko laughs as she recalls getting invites from men who ask her how much she’ll charge to be their work-out buddy. She
won’t accept the invitations, of course, but Aiko is happy that she now has a new role — that of “fitspiration.” “I want to tell people that it’s never too late to lose weight. Someday, if I have time, I can even write a book about how I did it,” she says. Does being proud of her hardearned curves mean she’ll agree to flaunt it on the cover of men’s magazines? The usually self-assured Aiko is nervous. “Now I’m sweating,” she admits. “No sexy poses on men’s magazines. I struck a deal with my son and daughter (Marthena, 10).” But she’s not closing her doors, adding that she’ll cross the bridge when she gets there. For now, the answer is no, thank you. Meantime, let’s see what Aiko will post next in this season of beaches, sand, surf and Bora bodies.
Christian Bautista and the Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir of Quezon City.
despite our diverse culture, there are universal truths and desires that we all share,” ASeAN 2017 explained in a report. The lyrics likewise allegedly echo the six thematic thrusts of the Philippine Chairmanship of ASeAN. It seeks to promote and encapsulate the vision of an Asean that is people-oriented and people-centered; peaceful and stable; secured and cooperative in its maritime issues; inclusive, innovative; resilient, and a model of regionalism. The “ASeAN Spirit” music
video features internationally-acclaimed recording artist Christian Bautista, 2012 Asean Youth Achievement Awardee, and the hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir of Quezon City, which won first place in the children’s folk choir category of the 67th Llangollen International Musical eisteddfod Children’s Choir Festival, North Wales, united Kingdom in 2013. Award-winning director Joaquin Pedro Valdes directed the video with Yellow Brick Road Productions. (Deni Rose M. Afinidad/Philstar.com)
EntErtainmEnt
B april 27-may 3, 2017 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
How Madrid Fusion Manila is putting PH on... PAGE B2
opening and closing plenaries, reFilipino chefs Gene Gonzalez spectively. Gonzalez talked about (Café Ysabel) and Robby Goco the evolution of Filipino cuisine (Green Pastures), delivered the and told the audience to watch out for artisanal and Philippine-made chocolates. The past two years have been an incredible journey for the food industry with the chefs from the different parts of the world coming together, discussing their knowledge about their food and cuisine and sharing best practices that chefs from this part of the world could emulate. Madrid Fusion is divided into three components: the International Gastronomy Congress, where award-winning chefs shared their views and techniques in cooking; the International Gastronomy Expo, which featured the finest food products and
gourmet food, ingredients and technologies from Asia and Spain; and Flavors of the Philippines, a month-long festival across the country featuring the finest delicacies from every region. The expo had anchor booths from both the Department of Agriculture and Department of Tourism, featuring various forms of culinary tourism, farm and agritourism models, along with other exhibitors involved in sustainable farming and fishing in keeping up with this year’s theme. From fine food to gourmet products and new ingredients, from equipment and services to culinary and farm tourism primemovers, the gastronomy expo is meant to reach out to the trade and tourism buyers and decisionmakers. Destination and lifestyle stands showcased the culinary tourism attractions of the country, along with their respective and iconic food, beverages and ingredients. There were also “food and beverage tunnels” which became a venue for delectable tasting sessions of wines and spirits, heirloom rice and grains, fresh farm produce, artisanal chocolates, various coffee varieties and other products. Food seminars were also held throughout the three-day affair. With Madrid Fusion Manila on its third edition, the culinary industry of the Philippines is beginning to expand and grow as it serves to challenge the country’s aspiring chefs to bring out the best in their crafts and how to make Manila the center of culinary excellence in all of Asia. Madrid Fusion Manila is the first and only Asian edition of Madrid Fusion, the most important international gastronomy congress in the world, organized annually in Madrid since 2003. When it was first staged in
Manila in 2015, the theme focused around the 300-year gastronomic journey between the Philippines and Spain, and the celebration of the 450th anniversary then of the Manila Galleon that opened up trade routes between Asia, Europe and the Americas. “There’s a lot of interest in the event now. We have Fil-Ams coming in from the United States and foreigners signing up for the congress. We also have the tourism buyers program and we have tour operators specializing in gastronomy and food tours from different parts of the world here,” Buensuceso added. The Tourism department is pushing culinary tourism further and they are encouraging these global tour operators to meet with their local travel trade counterparts and develop packages to the Philippines that are centered on food and gastronomy tours. This year’s theme, according to Buensuceso, aligns well because this is also the International Year of Sustainable Tourism, one of the advocacies of the many chefs in the world and many of the chefs speaking at the congress are pushing for sustainability. “We are on the right track because we have so far generated a lot of buzz about the Philippines as a food hub and many of the publications in the world are already saying that Filipino cuisine is the next big food trend. We also have enclaves of Filipinos living abroad where Filipino restaurants are now coming out and they’re getting to be very popular so it also creates that awareness and helps build the awareness about the Philippines as a center of food and gastronomy,” Ms. Buensuceso explained. “I think all these elements are conspiring together to push the Philippines into the limelight,” she added.
Pepita’s Lechon showcased their specialties: stuffed lechon
Kilawin Kambing Terrine
Kare Kare
EMPLOYMENT
FOR RENT
PERSONAL AD
LEGAL NOTICE
SERVICES
Sampinit Tres Leches Cake
Kinunot
Le Servan’s take on pork belly adobo
Pig’s Head Skewer with Brown rice Porridge
At the expo, various regional specialties and native Filipino ingredients were on full display.
Filipino-British Chef Josh Boutwood
Fil-Am pastry chef and Top Chef Just Desserts finalist Sally Camacho Mueller
Half-Filipino/French Levha Sisters of Le Servan in Paris AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Your Immigration Solution atty. MiChael Bhotiwihok & atty. NaNCy Miller In Ramirez v. Brown, the ninth Circuit recently held that a Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) recipient is eligible to adjust to legal permanent resident status in the United Status. The ninth Circuit reasoned that receiving TPS deems an individual to be in lawful status and satisfies the nonimmigrant requirements, such as inspection and admission, for adjustment of status purposes. In Ramirez, a dispute arose over whether being a TPS designee provided a pathway to obtaining lawful permanent residence status under the adjustment statute. The United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (“USCIS”) found Ramirez ineligible to adjust to lawful permanent resident status on that ground that he last entered the country without inspection therefore he had not
Features
PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS IT is quite alarming that 45 to 50 percent of men and women in the United States have an HPV—genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—infection. This information was recently reported by the Center for Disease Control’s national Center for Health. It is, indeed, the most common sexually transmitted disease in the country. Here are the details, which are conservative statistics since this does not include institutionalized higher risk individuals, like prisoners, addicts, and the homeless: “Using data from the national Health and nutrition Examination Survey (nHAnES) from 2011 to 2014, researchers found the following: • Oral HPV prevalence was 7 percent for adults under age 70. The prevalence of high-risk oral HPV was just 4 percent. • For adults under age 60, the prevalence of genital HPV was 43 percent in 2013 to 2014. It reached 64 percent among black adults. non-Hispanic Asian adults had the lowest prevalence at 24 percent.
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
B
Temporary Protected Status as a pathway to a green card been inspected, admitted or paroled as required by Immigration and nationality Act (“InA”) Section 245(a). The ninth Circuit held that being a TPS designee provides a pathway to a green card. Residents in the ninth Circuit who are TPS recipients now can adjust to lawful permanent status in the United States instead of consular processing in a foreign country. InA Section 245(a) requires that an applicant prove that he or she has been inspected and admitted (or paroled) before being eligible to adjust status to lawful permanent residency. Because of the Ramirez decision, TPS recipients who entered the United States without inspection are now considered admitted and qualify for adjustment of status under InA Section 245(a) provided they have an independent means of immigrating. Prior to the Ramirez decision, adjustment of status to lawful permanent residency in the United States could be achieved by
proof of a legal entry, an exception under InA 245(i), advance parole, or parole based on a family member in the United States Armed Forces. The ninth Circuit decision is significant because of the geographic reach of the large number of TPS recipients affected in California, Arizona, nevada, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii. Further, TPS recipients do not have to leave the United States and consular process through a United States Embassy or Consulate. Families are kept together and lives continue in the United States. The ninth Circuit joins the Six Circuit in finding that noncitizens with a grant of TPS who entered the country illegally are eligible to apply for a green card in the United States. However, the Eleventh Circuit is at odds with the ninth and Sixth Circuits thereby creating a split. Until the conflicting decisions are decided by the United States Supreme Court, there will be inconsistent appli-
Sexually transmitted diseases Health@Heart
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 27-mAy 3, 2017
Roughly 23 percent of adults had high-risk genital HPV, with the highest prevalence among black males (40 percent). HPV and cancer There are more than 108 different types of genital HPV, more than 30 of these are sexually transmitted, causing infection involving the skin of the penis, vagina (vulva), cervix, and even the anus and rectum. US government statistics show that 25 percent of men and 20 percent of women have the strain of human papilloma virus or human wart (virus) that causes cancer. To protect individuals who are 25 and younger from acquiring this HPVrelated cancer, the vaccine listed below is available today. Cervical cancer Cervical cancer is malignant tumor of the cervix (mouth of the womb). It is the second most cancer in women and the third most common gynecologic cancer, the second being cancer of the ovary. The most common gynecologic malignancy is endometrial (inner wall of womb) cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in women. The first being cancer of the breasts, followed by colorectal cancer and lung cancer. Cervical cancer develops in women at the mean age of 50 years old, although it can occur in women as young as 20. In the Philippines it is the
number 2 most common form of cancer among women. In the United States it accounts for least 3000 deaths, and globally, about 300,000, annually. How prevalent is cervical cancer? More than 20 million of Americans have HPV infection. In the Philippines, there are about 5000 new cases of cervical cancer each year. By age 50, about 80 percent of American women will have acquired genital HPV. However, more alarming than that is the fact that there are between 10,000 to 25,000 women walking around (not seen by physician) who have undiagnosed pre-invasive lesions in their cervix. If diagnosed early, these women could be saved. For every four survivors of breasts cancer, there are less than 3 women who survive cervical cancer, which shows how virulent cervical cancer is. What causes cervical cancer? Human Papilloma Virus (HPV, also known as genital herpes virus) accounts for most, if not all, cervical cancers. At least 50% of sexually active men and women are infected with genital HPV, especially those with multiple partners. There are about 20 million American men and women infected with HPV, many linked with PAGE B7
Mindfulness as a survival skill in today’s tech crazy world
MoNette aDeva Maglaya
“Be present. It is the only thing that matters.” - Ways of the Peaceful Warrior
I nEARLY had a vehicular accident quite recently. Operative word: nearly. I was minding my business at a traffic stop when the vehicle before me decided to back up because her car was caught in the crosswalk. I then noticed that her white back lights indicating that she had left her car in reverse gear was on. Instinctively I knew it was an accident waiting to happen. I was ready with just my senses, reflexes and an annoying horn to blast the danger away. But full disclosure and credit go to my Guardian Angels for the countless times of full protection. It is like being in tune with God’s cosmic script and being on the same page, all the time. When the lights turned green, true enough, she stepped on the gas and was doing a fast reverse headed to the front of my car. I pounded on my horn and let out the screechiest, loudest, longest honk, enough to scare the daylights out of her. And nO 3-fingered salute. It’s not something I want to give or receive in tenuous situations. Besides, my mother and the nuns who taught me will be aghast. She braked about a hairline away from my car grille — and then froze. She didn’t know what to do and held up the lane longer. I had to hand signal her to go. The cars behind us were blasting away with their horns at being kept waiting, unaware that a chain collision that could involve them, has just been averted. Whew! That was a close call. Imagine the hours that would have been lost never to return again if a crash did occur and you are left to tussle with insurance matters. I don’t know whether she was a young, new driver, on the phone or just preoccupied with something. But when you are behind the wheel, it requires all of the neurons in your brains and all your senses to be engaged in just that one activity. Without it, you can do damage not only to yourself but sadly, to others as well, within your immediate physical
orbit. I kept 3 car lengths as following distance until she turned left onto another street. These are, indeed, the best of times. These are the worst of times as well. Charles Dickens could have said these words just as fittingly to apply to this crazy world we live in today. I would like to plead the case for mindfulness for everyone at all times and in all places. Do you feel incomplete, naked, inept and insecure when you are not tethered electronically to your cellphone or your computer? Do you feel less of a person? Take heart. You are not alone. The advances in communication technology have created a world where we can send and receive information at breakneck speed. The thoughts, the images of anyone, from kings to paupers, from the most profound to the most profane, from the wisest to the most foolish, from the most beautiful to the most horrific, once formed, can be transmitted to billions of people around the electronically wired community. Just like the common cold, thoughts and images “go viral…” The power of a message is now measured by the number of tweets, hits and views it gets. Many are choosing to live in virtual reality rather than in the real world believing they can safely hide behind a cloak of anonymity. Disabuse yourself of the idea. no one remains anonymous for long. no one in the internet is sacrosanct. Everyone is fair game. These thoughts and images go around fast just like the weather patterns that change and swirl around the globe. And just like the weather, our cultural world is being shaped by our collective thoughts within the structure and framework of the technologically wired environment we live in today. Do we then damn technology because of the potent power it helps wield over us? Certainly nOT! It would be a big mistake to blame technology for our present woes. Just like fire and electricity
and practically all of man’s tools and inventions through the ages, technology is a double-edged sword. It can enhance human life or it can destroy just as well. The fault, dear tech user, is not in our stars but in OURSELVES. It is how we define our relationship to technology and use it in our daily lives. We can be the boss of it. Or if we lose control, we can let ourselves be obsessed by technology and all its bells and whistles. It can wreak havoc on our souls, our persona and ultimately our lives if we use it as a tool to enable a hubristic tendency among many people today who think the world revolves around them and who then count their worthiness with the number of likes they get from their posts. How do we know if technology has us wrapped around its little keypads? It is easy enough to self-diagnose this condition. Observe if you cross streets and railroad tracks with your phones tethered to your ears. note if you like taking selfies even in dangerous places. See if you become unhinged because you forgot or lost your phone. If so, break the habit. If not, you as a specie will disappear just like the dodo bird who has become so stupid that it has foolishly lost its instinct to danger. When we are no longer mindful of our present conditions and depend on technology overly much to do the thinking for us, then we are truly in deep doodoo. People have become so preoccupied and distracted by the mind boggling possibilities presented by multitasking that is engendered by a tech-enhanced way of life, that they tend to forget what is important and what truly matters. How badly can it get? There are horror stories of mindless idiocy. Countless car accidents borne of texting while driving, are a testament to the tragic loss of mindfulness and by extension, common sense, among us earthlings. Witness the number of news PAGE B6
cation of immigration law among the Circuit Courts and throughout the country. TPS may be granted by the USCIS to foreign nationals due to conditions in their country, such as a natural disaster or civil war, which prevent the foreign nationals who are living in the United States from returning safely to their country. The Department of Homeland Security has currently designated the following countries for TPS: El Salvador, Guinea, Haiti, Honduras, Liberia, nepal, nicaragua, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. TPS status allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United States without the fear of being removed/deported. TPS is a temporary benefit that does not directly lead to a green card. However, registration for TPS does not prevent one from applying for nonimmigrant status, adjustment of status based on an immigrant petition, or any other immigration benefit or protection.
For TPS recipients outside of the Sixth and ninth Circuits, attention must be directed to monitoring current pending cases in their respective jurisdictions. For example this year, in Bonilla v. Johnson, the United States District Court, District of Minnesota, held that a grant of TPS satisfies the threshold requirement of admission for purposes of becoming eligible for adjustment of status to a lawful permanent resident. In addition, TPS recipients should consider alternative routes to obtaining a green card. The Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver (“Provisional Waiver”) allows beneficiaries of immigrant visa petitions who were not inspected and admitted to the United States to apply for a waiver of the ten-year bar that will be triggered by departing the country to apply for an immigrant visa abroad. The Provisional Waiver allows applicants to know whether their waiver is approved or not before departing the United
Calendar of Events across
States. Thus, the uncertainty and risks of leaving the United States to consular process are alleviated. The Provisional Waiver decreases the time that families are separated and keeps families together during the consular processing of an immigrant visa. Any TPS recipient should seek the advice of an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney to discuss his or her immigration options and eligibility to obtain a green card in the United States. *** Reeves, Miller, Zhang & Diza Law Corporation’s offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
America
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS A p R I L 27- m Ay 4
33rd Annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival The 33rd Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) will be presented April 27 to – May 4 at select cinemas in the Los Angeles area. A key highlight of the annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month activities, the Festival is produced by Visual Communications, the nation’s premier Asian Pacific American media arts center, and enjoys broad support from cinema artists and audiences alike. This year, LAAPFF features over 180 films from both Asian Pacific American and Asian international artists. For over three decades, the festival has presented close to 4,000 films by Asian Pacific American and Asian international talent. A record 45 feature films and 139 shorts from over 750 submissions will be showcased throughout the eight-day fest. For more information on films and venues, please visit: http://festival.vconline.org/.
A p R I L 29
12th annual Sikad ng Bayan bike ride in Anaheim Hills, CA The Sikad ng Bayan (Cycling for the Nation) is an annual bike ride that raises funds to build preschools for less fortunate communities at Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages in the Philippines. It is a non-competitive ride that will be held on Saturday, April 29, where cyclists traverse the Orange and Los Angeles counties. And in true Filipino fashion, this fun ride culminates in a Pinoy-style luncheon where cyclists can get together and know more about Sikad. It will be held at the Yorba Regional Park (7600 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807). For more information or to register please visit www.sikad.org or call Rey D. at (562) 964-1445 or Robbie V. at (949) 351-8344.
ApRIL 30
Filipino Cultural School to host “Sari-Sari Talent Show 2017” in Cerritos, CA Filipino Cultural School (FCS) will host its 2nd annual Sari Sari: Talent Show Fundraiser on Sunday, April 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Josephine’s Cerritos (11305 183rd St, Cerritos, CA 90703). Filipino Cultural School, based in Cerritos, CA and other neighboring cities, is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization geared to the preservation and promotion of the Philippine heritage and culture. FCS has and continues to be open to all. Filipinos and non-Filipinos who are interested in Philippine culture are invited to attend. “Sari-Sari” is a Tagalog word for “variety,” and in this talent show, FCS aims to celebrate the diverse talents of our community members in forms of singing, dancing, spoken words, etc., along with some great Filipino food from the restaurant. Pre-sale tickets are $10 for ages 13 years old and above, and $5 for ages 12 years old and under. Door prices will be $15 for ages 13 years old and above, and still $5 for ages 12 years old and under (ticket prices do not include food). The raised funds for the event will go towards helping cover for the cost of venue, insurance, and materials for the FCS Summer Program. For information on how to purchase a ticket and also sign-up to perform in the show, please visit the website http://filipinoculturalschool.org. For any inquiries, feel free to contact FCS at filipinoculturalschool@gmail.com.
m Ay 4
Philippine Consulate Outreach Mission in Carson, CA The Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) will hold its 31st Annual Installation and Awards Gala on Thursday, May 4, 2017 in downtown Los Angeles. PABA is the largest local organization of Filipino-American attorneys in the United States. Formed three decades ago, PABA serves the needs of Fil-Am lawyers and law students in Southern California. The Gala is a celebration of the Fil-Am legal community, as well as PABA’s largest fundraiser of the year. The proceeds are used to carry out the group’s mission: strengthening the legal community through mentoring programs, networking events, scholarships for students, and continuing education. The keynote speaker for this year’s Gala is California State Treasurer John Chiang. Jose (Joe) Lauchengco, Jr., will be recognized as the 2017 Trailblazer, and The Honorable Bernie LaForteza, Los Angeles Superior Court, will be the recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Jurist Award. The Gala will be held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071. Registration along with a A No-Host Cocktail Reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the Dinner & Program will commence at 7:00 p.m. Additional ticketing and sponsorship information are provided below. If you would like to purchase individual tickets, advertisements, tables or become an event sponsor, you can also pay online by clicking here: https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/paba/giftstore.jsp
m Ay 4 -1 1
FilAm ARTS and Philippine Expressions Bookshop to host art exhibit in San Pedro, CA The Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) and Philippine Expressions Bookshop in partnership with the Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles proudly present BUKLOD: A Gathering of Filipino and Filipino-American Art and Artists from May 4 to 11. Over 50 works of art by Filipino and Filipino-American artists are featured in this exhibition, which aims to reassert the presence of Filipino-Americans in the Western canon. Although many Filipino-American artists have been recognized in the art world, their cultural heritage is rarely highlighted nor has there been a body of work categorized as Filipino-American masterpieces in the 600 years of the history of painting. The artists of BUKLOD strive to fill that void with works that instill culture, dignity, and imagination to a cultural landscape that seldom acknowledges and habitually denies them their shared humanity. This exhibition gathers contemporary LA-based artists who anchor their work with their heritage and have an active community involvement to further their respective passion projects as artists. The BUKLOD exhibit will be open to the public beginning on May 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., coinciding with the San Pedro’s First Thursdays Artwalk. The exhibit will run until Thursday, May 11 at the Croatian Cultural Center (510 W 7th St, San Pedro, CA 90731). The opening Reception will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and will include live performances as well as food and artisan booths.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
Features
B april 27-may 3, 2017 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal Immigration Corner Atty. MAriA ritA reyes-stuby And bernAdette bretAnA There are no hard and fast rules to follow during interviews to obtain a visa from any U.S. embassy amongst the almost 294 around the world. The basic creed to follow is to tell the truth. If you don’t, the lie will haunt not only you but your family too, maybe for the rest of your lives. It does not matter whether you are caught on the spot by the consular officer or 15 years later when you are already in the United States and give a contradictory answer to the same question. The falsehood will have far-reaching and maybe devastating consequences to an immigrant. The departments in the U.S. government involved with screening visitors or immigrants (Department of homeland Security, Department of State, to name a few), have a centralized and coordinated system in place to keep and maintain records of arrivals and the benefits that they apply for while in the country. Take note, a lot has changed in the last 15 years. The present administration’s policy is to implement immigration law, to the letter. Seems draconian but that is the state of things. This is not the time to be complacent and take chances. No “hail Mary’s” can get you a touchdown to save the day. If you intend to come to the United States to visit friends and relatives, stick to this purpose. A successful applicant for a tourist visa has to speak clearly of this intention during the interview. Personal statements made by the applicant vis-à-vis facts that would later prove to be in conflict with
Interview tips at the US Embassy such pronouncements can be taken into account in later applications. A married couple with 5 children, two of whom were born in the United States, are now subject to an actual interview before an immigration officer when something inconsistent appears in their compiled records. And that could be the end of an American dream. In previous years, interviews for parental petitions to grant a green card appear to be not the ‘standard practice’. An alien’s immigration records will be thoroughly reviewed for one last time, i.e., during the application for U.S. citizenship. Due to the centralization of the information system among the departments, the records of the alien, even at the U.S. embassy level can be viewed by the coordinating agency. Therefore, honesty and consistency can go a long way. This is the rule of thumb when applying for an immigrant or non-immigrant visa. When applying for an immigrant visa (e.g., as a spouse, child, parent or sibling of a U.S. lawful permanent resident or citizen), keep in mind that: the interviewing officer would be asking questions pertaining to (a) eligibility to obtain a visa (i.e., the legitimacy/truthfulness of the relationship between the petitioner and the alien) and (b) admissibility into the United States (i.e., whether the alien has committed a crime, or was/is involved with or a member of a terrorist group, whether one was/is a drug addict, was previously deported from the US or has any fraudulent record in their name that impacts moral character, etc. Unlike before, the U.S. embassies are at present more ‘proactive’ in their approach to verify the authenticity of the documents
from the designated agency of the government of the country of origin. It will not be surprising to know that the consular officers have established direct contacts with local offices who handle and issue vital records such as birth, marriage and death certificates. If you are caught submitting a fake birth certificate to establish parentage, the shenanigan will be on you and your family’s record forever, unless ‘waivers’ are available to redeem this grievous mistake. When applying for a non-immigrant visa, (tourist or student), the US embassy officer will focus on the applicant’s ‘economic and familial ties’ with the country of origin as proof or reason/s to go back home and not unlawfully and desperately seek opportunities in the U.S. If you are a tourist, be ready to show sources of funds to afford the travel and sustain any request for extended journeys in the U.S. They will also look into the stability of your job in the home country, if it is worth going back to. For both types of visa applicants, here is a helpful reminder - present yourselves on the appointed interview day looking pleasant and confident, showing respect to these consular officers who will accord reciprocal courtesy to you. *** Maria Rita Reyes-Stuby is a licensed attorney in Michigan. She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Law. She specializes in immigration and practices in Las Vegas, Michigan, California and other states. Bernadette Bretana, a graduate of the Ateneo Law School and Ms. Stuby are licensed attorneys in the Philippines. Please call @702-403-4704 or email her at stubylaw@aol.com or go to www.mrstubylaw.com for any questions on this article.
Mindfulness as a survival skill in today’s... PAGE B5 items about overly busy working parents, juggling balls of parenthood and a career and who forget that they have babies strapped in car seats in the back of their cars leaving them to die in the heat of the sun. It is a sad commentary that while we have all the technological aids at our disposal to make our lives better, we fail to use them appropriately. how do we detox? Try going tech free at designated times or for long stretches of time without having to check your phone or your computer for messages that
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
you feel compelled to respond to ASAP. As I have said in another article championing the cause of living mindfully in the moment, “Log off and enjoy your hot chocolate.” Unless your work involves saving lives, taking a vacation from technology may prove to offer a higher quality of life. eventually, as we learn to synch and balance our lives with our tech tool, it will be an obedient dog serving us as its master. Think of the perks. We get to appreciate the present moment and appreciate and deeply love
the people we are with right then and there. We get to “Carpe Diem” and experience JOY in real time. We get to open our eyes and our hearts to the beauty and infinite majesty of just breathing and knowing LIFe IS GOOD – so good you can feel it in your bones. Best of all, we get to reserve the eminent right to remain eSSeNTIALLY hUMAN. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Richard and Lucy Gomez: PH cinema’s most beautiful couple By Monet
Lu
I MeT richard Gomez, also known as Goma, when he first came to Los Angeles more than 20 years ago. he was an excited, young up and coming actor. his manager, the late Douglas Quiano — an amazing mentor to Joey Marquez and other big stars — was well loved and respected by his peers. Douglas gave richard an opportunity to visit hollywood and other tourist places. All of his United States trips have proven to be memorable for him. During his first trip here, I took Goma to different landmarks like Universal Studios and hard rock Café, as well as bringing him to movies and dinner. Since then, we have formed a friendship, not just because I admire his work but also of his sincerity as a person. When I came to Manila he treated me to a dinner and introduced me to his wife Lucy. Although we don’t see each other often, our friendship has continued to flourish. every time he is in the area, we make sure to reconnect. What is most memorable to me is his appearances in the yearly reflection shows back in the 90s. he is always the life of the party with his down-to-earth and makulit, yet very professional personality. I have witnessed his growth from a young, aspiring actor to one with an established career. richard came from a singleparent household, causing him to be left in the care of is grandmother. When he came to Los Angeles, he wanted to reunite with his father and mother, who were separated. I used to pick him up at Temple Street in Los Angeles where historic Filipinotown is located because that’s where he was staying with his father. he began as a humble worker at McDonald’s until his modeling career set off. he had always dreamed of having a career in show business, which was expected for the son of 1960s star Stella Suarez. he is blessed with good looks,
Lucy Torres and Richard Gomez
the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. Up to now, he has maintained the title of “Philippines Brown Adonis.” richard has received a lot of awards for his acting in unforgettable, blockbuster-breaking movies. Love will always find its way to your true partner. In this case, richard’s true love is Lucy Torres. They met during a commercial shoot for Lux shampoo and sparks flew right away. Lucy admits having been a fan of richard. In her simple, yet beautiful ways, she was able to win over richard. In 1998, the couple married at Saint Peter and Paul Church in Ormoc. Their wedding was so grand that it had three receptions and was televised. Lucy claims to be lucky that she got to marry her “one great love.” Together the couple has one daughter, Julianna, who really resembles her father but has the character of Lucy. Lucy is now Ormoc City congresswoman, a public servant and a community leader. And now richard is the mayor of Ormoc and is doing a great job with his advocacy for the people of Ormoc. Lucy knows how to balance the glamorous commercial endorser, fashion icon, host, wife
and most of all, a mother. They say that they owe their long-lasting relationship to “work[ing] at it every day” and communication so that they can “head towards the same direction.” and putting God in the center of their relationship. The couple surprised us by attending our Christmas party that was held at my apartment in LA. Very down to earth indeed, I was so touched by that wonderful gesture of friendship. richard and Lucy Torres Gomez are the epitome of a beautiful couple, both inside and out. I wish you all the best, Goma. I know that your many fans and supporters will be with you kahit sa dulo ng “walang hanggan.” *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning 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
WE ARE
ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.
HIRING Asian Journal Publications is now looking for:
Customer Sales and Service Representative Fax résumé to:
And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
info@asianjournalinc.com
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com
PeoPle and events
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 27-mAy 3, 2017
B
Mikael and Janine: Perfect combination How Sarah Geronimo takes care of her star-worthy voice by Ver
Paulino Philstar.com
MIkAel Daez and Janine Gutierrez find themselves a good combination as stars of legally Blind, a kapuso afternoon suspense-drama series based on stories of women who have been victims of rape. After it was premiered last Feb. 20, the cast members had received praises for their acting prowess that kept audiences glued to their home screens every afternoon. “The success of legally Blind is such a blessing and we’re really thankful for the support of the fans and we assure them that we’ll do our best na mapaganda pa lalo ang bawat episode. We found that really inspiring,” said
Mikael. Mikael plays edward Villareal, the lawyer-boyfriend of Grace (Janine) who will help her search for justice. Janine, on the other hand, shared, “Got the good news, salamat sa magagandang comments at sa mainit n’yong pagtanggap kahit alam n’yong di talaga kami loveteam ni Mikael. The good thing is we don’t need to pretend that there’s something romantic going on between us.” Meanwhile, the story promises to be more riveting as the search for true justice shared by legally Blind director Ricky Davao during the set visit. “everybody is working so hard for the soap and viewers can expect more dramatic twists. We’re just thankful that we reached beyond this dahil sa
by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net
SARAH Geronimo is no doubt one of the country’s top performers. She has proven many times that not only is she a good singer but a competent dancer as well. Her contributions to music, along with her film and television work, have made her a prominent Legally Blind star Janine Gutierrez with co- figure in pop culture. In her own star Mikael Daez way too, she has became role model for the youth and an icon pagtanggap ng televiewers.” legally Blind also stars Marc among millennials. Before becoming a popular Abaya, lauren Young, Rodjun Cruz, lucho Ayala, Ashley Rivera, and successful performer in Asia Camille Torres, Therese Malvar and the Philippines’ one and only “Popstar Princess” and “Popstar and Chanda Romero. Royalty,” Geronimo recalls receiving her very first music lesson from her father, Delfin. At age two, she started singing actually still very much with us, domestically and globally. Rarer than it was a century ago, syphilis remains a much dreaded disease. Men who have sex with men have much higher rates of syphilis infection, according to a study. The rate is 106 times more than the rate of syphilis among heterosexual men, and 167 times higher than the rate of infection among women. Homosexuals had a rate of 309 cases per 100,000 population for a primary and secondary syphilis, compared to 2.9 and 1.8 cases per 100,000 for heterosexual men and women, respectively. The region with the highest rates are located in the Southern region, with a rate of 748 per 100,000 in North Carolina. This may sound like over simplification and quite obvious, but the best way, the surest way, to prevent getting any sexually transmitted diseases is not to have sexual contact with someone infected, or possibly infected, with HPV/HIV/Syphilis/Gonorrhea..
Sexually transmitted diseases
PAGE B5
abnormal pap tests, genital warts and cervical cancer. It is estimated more than 10,000 new cases of cervical cancers are discovered annually. Between half a million to a million Americans have genital warts, transmitted thru sexual contacts. The so-called high risk HPV may cause positive Pap test, and it could cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus or rectum. The low-risk , milder form, causes single or multiple bumps of genital warts (kulugo) and could be cauliflower shaped. Is the cure for cervical cancer? Better than the cure! A vaccine that prevents cervical cancer has been in use since it was introduced in June 2006 and found to be “effective 100%, in the short term, at blocking the cancer and lesions likely to turn to cancer” (like the pre-invasive lesions), according to drug manufacturer, Merck & Co. The vaccines, which are genetically engineered, Gardasil and Cervarix, which block infection caused by two of the more than 108 types of human papilloma virus (HPV), strains 16 and 18. These two sexually transmitted viruses are responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancers. HPV, in one form or the other. The other strains of the virus cause painful genital warts, and sometimes, cervical cancers too. The newer versions of these vaccines are effective for more strains of HPV. How early should the vaccine be given?
Students in grammar school, middle school and high school should be vaccinated before they become sexually active, because once they catch HPV infection, there is no cure; herpes is for life. This was the recommendation of Dr. Gloria Bachmann, director of The Women’s Health Institute at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Brunswick, NJ., who said this vaccine is a “phenomenal breakthrough. This is, today, the standard of care. Can oral sex cause cancer? The most common cause (70 percent) of throat cancer is oral sex with a partner who has active HPV infection. About 4 percent of adults who practice oral sex will have oral infection with a highrisk form of cancer-causing HPV. experts say head and neck cancer will surpass cervical cancer as the most common cause of HPVrelated cancer by 2020. Without being flippant, the use of seran wrap or plastic film to cover the female pelvis (similar to the use of condom for males), if oral sex is to be practiced at all, could be of some protection against HPV contamination. However, the CDC review of 138 peer-reviewed scientific studies showed that the use of condom is not effective in reducing the risk of STDs. Out of 100 women who used condom religiously, 37 of them still developed HPV. At least 1 percent of condoms are defective. Syphilis higher among homosexuals While society regards syphilis as an STD of the past, it is
*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com
publicly at mall shows while her mother Divina would accompany her to auditions for various television programs. When she was four-years-old, she became a part of a children’s variety show on Radio Philippines Network Channel 9 titled Pen-Pen De Sarapen; Ang TV when she was seven; and NeXT was nine. But it was only on March 1, 2003, when 14-year-old Geronimo joined the singing competition Star For A Night where she won grand prize for her rendition of Celine Dion’s “To love You More.” Since then, she has received more than 200 awards in the entertainment industry and from other organizations, including various international award-giving bodies. At her latest endorsement for throat spray solution kamillosan M on April 21 Geronimo told The Manila Times that she is definitely the person she is today because of her soulful and powerful voice, which she makes sure she uses with heart and humility. Most precious possession Geronimo admitted that her voice is her “most precious possession,” which she needs to protect in order to give always give her best performance. Singers like her are prone to voice problems because of the extra effort they put on their throats, she said. The 28-year-old singer-actress noted that it is important not to strain her voice especially when singing. “If I know that my throat hurts, I let the specialists check it immediately. I usually find the proper placement of notes I am performing as well. Another thing is that I’m careful of the food I eat too. I can’t eat too many sweets, which is hard for me since I have a sweet tooth. I love chocolates and candies. It’s just that anything too much is never good,” Geronimo told The Manila Times. She, however, dismissed the common notion that singers should not drink cold beverages for they may stiffen up
the vocal cords. “It is not a problem if you drink cold drinks; I just don’t do it before singing. It is a scientific fact that cold drinks are muscle relaxants. even athletes, they soak in ice-cold water. Just don’t ever eat sweets and then take cold drinks after that because that might lead to tonsillitis,” she shared. For her fans, Geronimo seems to slay every single performance she has, especially on the ABSCBN Sunday variety show ASAP. But she confessed there were several times that she could barely carry a tune live. “There were a lot of times that I wasn’t able to sing as well as I had hoped when I have a sore throat, not because it affects my singing voice, but it really hurts when I force it,” she intimated. “It’s also very hard for others not to notice it because, of course, people expect a lot from you and I never want to put them down,” she added. ‘The Voice Teens’ Meanwhile, Geronimo is back as a coach in The Voice Teens this season, together with lea Salonga, Bamboo Mañalac and Sharon Cuneta. The singer-actress skipped a season of the reality singing competition for the first time last year, explaining needed time to grow more as an artist and that being a coach felt like “role-playing” for her. The mentor-coach expressed to The Manila Times how excited she is to be back on the popular talent show. “We just finished taping blind auditions. So we will resume the battles and sing offs in May. From there, we will start mentoring, coaching, etcetera. everybody is so good and you cannot tell whose side is going to win.” Although there are some who doubt her credibility as a mentor, Geronimo said she chooses not to pay attention to her detractors. She pointed out she only wants to focus more on the talents. Her advice to singing young hopefuls? “Continue to sing. It is good that as early as now, they discover what genre they are comfortable with and what type they are really passionate about. It is also important that they listen to different kinds of music so that they will be flexible. They should think of their own identity rather than copy someone.”
B april 27-may 3, 2017 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678