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Volume 27 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 pages

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Duterte, Marcos widen lead in latest surveys by HeleN

Flores Philstar.com

MANILA—Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte maintained his two-digit lead over closest rival Sen. Grace Poe in the presidential race, according to the latest Pulso ng Bayan survey conducted by FINAL DEBATE. Presidential candidates (from left) Vice President Jejomar Binay, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Pulse Asia. Duterte, Sen. Grace Poe and former Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II sing the national anthem before the start of the third and final Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” presidential debate at the University of Pangasinan on Sunday, April 24. Philstar.com photo Marcos Jr., son and namesake of the late dictator, meanwhile, remained the leading vice presidential candidate. to address the country’s bur- tures for easier monitoring of The non-commissioned survey, by iaN Jamotillo geoning issues. The Luzon leg the region. AJPress conducted from April 16 to 20, Traffic woes of the debate marks the return showed Duterte still leading the on the issue of worsening PhILIPPINe presidential of Santiago after being absent race with 35 percent of 1,800 regishopefuls squared off for the in the second debate due to her traffic in Metro Manila, Binay tered voters choosing him to be the plans to revamp the Metro Rail last time in the Luzon leg of the cancer treatment. country’s next president. Transit (MRT3) and expand the The fate of Mindanao debate series organized by the Duterte’s rating went up by 11 The debate kicked off with PNR railway system as well as Commission on elections (ComPAGE A2 elec) on Sunday, April 24 at the the issues on the continuous reviving the “Bicol express” Phinma-University of Pangas- terrorism in Mindanao and the line. he also mentioned splitinan. The final debate, which Mamasapano duel that killed ting the Department of Transwas organized as a “town hall,” 44 soldiers. Santiago plans to portation and Communication was moderated by ABS-CBN dismantle private armies and (DoTC) agency for better traffic anchors Karen Davila and Tony adopt the customary law into management. Duterte aims to add more Velasquez in cooperation with our Western style model of Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster justice, while Roxas wants to MRT carriages to improve mass ng Pilipinas (KBP) and Manila implement the Comprehensive transit. Creating new train lines is also one of his priorities while Agreement on Bangsamoro. Bulletin. however, Duterte stated stating that the Clark InternaDavao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Jejomar that peace talks with the NPA tional Airport should be used as Binay, Department of Interior should resolve the issue. Binay an alternative airport with a fast and Local Government (DILG) stressed the importance of fix- train to bring passengers to and secretary Mar Roxas and Sena- ing first the poverty issue in the from Manila. Poe proposed a new subway tors Grace Poe and Miriam De- region and Poe, on the other Malacañang photo fensor-Santiago were all present hand, focused on creating pro- system as a mode of transporcarrying each of their platforms vincial hospitals and infrastrucPAGE A2

PH presidential bets face off in final debate

MOBBED. Vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. was given a rockstar welcome when he visited the University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman, Samar where thousands of people warmly received his message for national unity. Senate photo

DATELINE

USA

FRoM The AJPReSS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Explain low overseas voter turnout, envoys told

FoReIGN Undersecretary Rafael Seguis on Monday, April 25 asked ambassadors and consuls general to explain “the decimal and even zero voter turnout” in their jurisdictions of overseas absentee voters, of whom only 87,601, or less than 10 percent, of the 1.37 million registered voters had cast ballots. In a memorandum, a copy of which was furnished to the Inquirer, Seguis said some foreign service posts had not submitted their reports from April 9 to April 18 while others had decimal and even zero voter turnout. “effective immediately, all heads of posts are instructed to lead by example—by voting first along with the officers and personnel down to their dependents and family members,” said Seguis, who chairs the overseas Voting Secretariat of the Department of Foreign Affairs. “I’m not as optimistic as I want to be. PAGE A2

Pres. Benigno Aquino III

Aquino: Abu Sayyaf plotted to kidnap Manny DFA to UK, US: Assess PH security situation objectively Pacquiao, Kris Aquino by Pia lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) urged the United Kingdom and the United States to present a balanced and objective assessPReSIDeNT Aquino on Wednesday, April 27 disclosed ment of the security situation in the Philippines alleged Abu Sayyaf plots to kidnap world boxing champion following travel advisories issued by the two counManny Pacquiao and the president’s sister, Kris, a popular tries. television personality. “The Department has been advised of the contents Mr. Aquino disclosed the plots in an 800-word state- of the new travel warnings issued by the UK and US ment released by Malacañang two days after the bandits governments. We acknowledge that it is the prerogabeheaded a Canadian hostage, John Ridsdel, whom they tive of these governments to issue advisories that seized together with two other Westerners and a Filipino aim to protect the welfare of their nationals abroad, woman from a beach resort in Davao del Norte province which they have been doing for the past few years,” seven months ago. the DFA said in a statement. Image from an undated Abu Sayyaf video shows Canadians John Philstar.com photo PAGE A2 PAGE A3 Ridsdel (right) and Robert Hall. by Nikko

DizoN Inquirer.net

Rep. Titus, immigrants call for immigration reform after SC hearing

Fil-Ams keep memory of WWII vets alive as ranks dwindle

SAN FRANCISCo—And now they are down to nine. This is the sad reality facing the number of surviving Filipino World War II (WWII) veterans who were able to attend the recent Prisoners of War Day. “out of the 17 we had last year when we commemorated the 73rd anniversary (of the Fall of Bataan), now we only have nine. Most of them are 90-years-old, they may not last too long and that is the sad part,” lamented American Legion Bataan Post 600 Commander Rudy Asercion, also the National Federation of FilipinoAmericans Association Region VIII Chair. “In 2002, I hosted an event with over 600 veterans. Then in celebration 60th anniversary of the Leyte landing in 2004, 384 veterans were present,” Asercion added. The recent event coincided with the 74th PAGE A2

by agNes

CoNstaNte AJPress

FoLLoWING the US Supreme Court’s hearing on President Barack obama’s executive orders on immigration, US Rep. Dina Titus on Friday, April 22, held a press conference that highlighted the nation’s need for comprehensive immigration reform. Titus specifically touched on how the policies would benefit undocumented immigrants and the state of Nevada. “It’s been years since the Senate passed a bipartisan bill,” said Titus, who represents Nevada’s first district, at her Las Vegas District office. “The house refuses to take Joined by immigrants, Rep. Dina Titus on Friday, April 22 held a press conference it up, we have protested, we have that highlighted the nation’s need for comprehensive immigration reform. fasted, we have signed discharge AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

petitions, all in hopes of getting that legislation passed because it would bring families ... out of the shadows [and] into the mainstream, keep families from being separated and take away that fear that any minute you could be deported.” Central to the discussion were the programs obama announced in late 2014, which would have deferred deportation for more than four million undocumented immigrants in the United States. one of the programs, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), would provide temporary relief from deportation and legal work authorization for three years with the possibility of renewal.

The other would have expanded a 2012 program aimed at immigrant youth brought to the country as children, called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Twenty-six Republican states in the nation filed a lawsuit led by Texas that led to a temporary injunction on the programs. Also in support of it is Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt. Titus said that the Supreme Court, which currently has eight members after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February, is likely to issue a 4-4 decision on the case and will probably make the ruling in late June. Such a split would keep the programs blocked, but would not set a legal precedent, PAGE A3

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From The FronT Page

Duterte, Marcos widen lead...

PH presidential bets face off...

PAGE A1 points from 24 percent in the Pulso ng Bayan poll conducted from March 12 to 18. The survey was undertaken at the time when the tough-talking mayor was being bashed over his joke about an Australian missionary who was gang-raped and killed in a Davao jail in 1989. Former frontrunner Poe, who lost four points from 27 percent in March, placed second. Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel Roxas II and United Nationalist Alliance bet Vice President Jejomar Binay remained statistically tied for third place with 17 percent and 16 percent, respectively. The ratings of Roxas and Binay both fell from 21 percent and 22 percent in March, respectively. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s rating dropped from three percent to two percent. The remaining six percent of the respondents were undecided, up from four percent in March. The nationwide survey used face-to-face interviews of 1,800 registered voters 18 years old and above, with biometrics. It has a plus or minus 2.3 percentage points error margin at the 95 percent confidence level. Duterte also topped the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) pre-election survey with 33 percent, followed by Poe with 24 percent. The SWS poll was conducted from April 18 to 20 and had 1,800 respondents. Across all classes Duterte enjoyed the lead in Metro Manila (40 percent), Mindanao (58 percent) and every socio-economic class (32 percent to 43 percent). The Davao mayor shared the lead with Roxas in the Visayas (32 percent and 27 percent, respectively). In the rest of Luzon, Poe, Binay and Duterte have practically the same voter preferences, 28 percent, 23 percent and 22 percent, respectively.

In the Pulse Asia survey commissioned by ABS-CBN from April 12 to 17, Duterte also had a 12-point lead (34 percent) over Poe’s 22 percent. ‘Alternative president’ If their first choice for president does not continue his or her candidacy for whatever reason, 32 percent of registered voters would instead vote for Poe, Pulse Asia said.

Inquirer.net photo

Binay, Duterte and Roxas are the alternative presidential bet of about the same percentages of registered voters (16 percent, 14 percent and 13 percent, respectively). Santiago is the second choice for president of six percent of registered voters. Almost two out of every 10 registered voters or 19 percent would not vote for any other candidate if PAGE A4

PAGE A1 tation while vowing to build new airports and rehabilitate the existing ones. She also promised that she will ease traffic by completing pending infrastructure projects. Roxas plans to fix the bus franchise system and also develop Clark International Airport as the main gateway. For Santiago, increasing the infrastructure budget is one of her priorities while creating a modern urban transit Metro Manila that will reach the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna. Job crisis and healthcare All bets agreed to dissolve the job crisis in the country by completely stopping contractualization and “End of Contract� (ENDO). Other candidates like Santiago, Binay and Poe are in favor in lowering income and corporate taxes. The issue about healthcare started and heated up the debate with Roxas focusing on PhilHealth and how it should benefit millions of Filipino people. Binay promised a free healthcare for most Filipinos, while Duterte wants to require all hospitals in the country to have a facility for indigent patients while prioritizing health in terms of national budget. Poe’s plan included increasing the salary of healthcare workers up to Php 25,000 and Santiago wants to establish a “progressive� universal health care for all. The topic of healthcare sparked a clash between Roxas and Duterte with the latter questioning the claim that proper healthcare is given to the province of Davao. “I do not believe you. You have made so many promises in your term in the government on — and nothing is given to the people. You keep on talking but no implementation. And if there’s one, it’s all corruption,�

Aquino: Abu Sayyaf plotted... PAGE A1 Ridsdel was beheaded on Monday after a ransom deadline passed. His severed head was found in a yellow sack near a police station at Barangay Walled City in Jolo on the same day. “This murder was meant to terrorize our whole population. The Abu Sayyaf thought they could instill fear in us. Instead, they have galvanized us even further to ensure justice is meted out,� Mr. Aquino said. He vowed to use the “full might of the state� to smash the Abu Sayyaf, which he said had committed “atrocity after atrocity� since its inception in the 1990s as an affiliate of the al-Qaida terrorist organization. Other hostages The Abu Sayyaf, whose leaders have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria and Iraq, is holding more than 20 other foreigners.

The hostages include Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipino Maritess Flor, whom the bandits seized along with Ridsdel on the resort island of Samal in September last year. Mr. Aquino divulged the extent of the national security threat posed by the Abu Sayyaf, including bombings in Metro Manila and assassinating him to attract the attention of the IS group and “gain access to the funds and resources� of the jihadi group that has seized large areas of Syria and Iraq. The plots, Mr. Aquino said, included kidnapping Pacquiao and Kris Aquino, and behind the plots are Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon and subcommander Furuji Indama. Mr. Aquino said Hapilon, through his cohorts in prison, planned to recruit inmates of New Bilibid Prison in Muntin-

Duterte said. “Mayor Duterte, I dare you. If I will be able to show the name of individuals‌ who received aid from PhilHealth, will you withdraw?,â€? Roxas said in his defense. Their argument ended up with Roxas saying that Duterte does not deserve to be elected because of his actions. In return, the mayor mentioned Roxas’ low standing in the latest ratings. Hope for the OFWs Since Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are considered modern day heroes because of their sacrifice in providing better future for their families, the candidates also promise to address issues affecting them like abuse and unemployment. Poe proposed a portable Philhealth card that OFWs can use anywhere in the world. Both Poe and Santiago also plans in preparing the economy to provide more jobs for those OFWs who wish to go home. Binay aims to launch a pension plan for OFWs and remove the membership fee charged by the Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA). Duterte, on the other hand, plans to create one government that will handle all the concerns of the OFWs while making it mandatory for the Consul General or Consul to keep track of the Filipinos abroad. The gladiator match A new addition to the debate was the part where candidates faced each other and ask the questions they want to ask. Binay and Roxas were the first candidates to face with the latter asking the former Makati mayor about his corruption charges that were left unanswered in the Senate. Binay said he already answered those allegations many times and instead, changed the topic to reiterate his plans when elected as president.

It was the perfect time for Poe, an advocate for women’s rights, to ask Duterte about his recent actions when both were paired next. The senator clarified Duterte’s statement in a magazine interview saying that “women are the weaker sex,� while also mentioning his recent rape joke that sparked negative reactions from concerned Filipinos. Duterte replied in his defense that Davao City is the first city to come up with with a Women’s Code. He also insisted that the rape joke was not included with malice and that he narrated what happened during the 1989 Hostage Incident in very a different way. “That is what I am. You are you. I am I,� Duterte said. Loud cheers were heard especially from “DuRiam� fans, a portmanteau of Duterte and Miriam, created by their avid fans who are seemingly promoting their tandem. Duterte was lost in translation, saying he is facing a woman who would become the next president of the Philippines. His question for the senator was simply “How are you� with Miriam explaining the status of her health while attacking those people behind the “black propaganda� against her. Binay took the chance to clarify the issues surrounding Poe, including her citizenship that could’ve caused her to be disqualified from running in the position. Poe gently pronounced her love for the country while reinstating that her plans to improve the Philippines are true. The debate received mixed reactions from netizens and analysts. Some were praising Duterte and Poe for their realistic answers, while others were worried because of Miriam’s constant stumbling during her answers, and critics pointed about Roxas’ well-rehearsed answers. n

Explain low overseas voter... PAGE A1

Kris Aquino

lupa City “to their cause and establish ties with remnants of the Rajah Sulayman Movement� and launch bombings in Metro Manila. The President said the Abu Sayyaf had been trying to establish an IS cell in the Philippines, but the bandits’ efforts had been thwarted by government forces. ‘Put to bed’ The President said the threat to his life had been investigated, and he assured the public that key leaders involved in the plots had been arrested and those threats had been “put to bed.�

Manny Pacquiao

We have 21 days to May 9 and yet we have to see that at least 20 percent of registered overseas voters cast their ballots,� Seguis told the Inquirer. Utilize social media Seguis said the ambassadors and consuls general should encourage Filipino community organizations in regular gatherings to get their members to vote. Heads of posts should use social media to encourage Filipinos to cast their votes, he also said. Ambassador to China Erlinda Basilio led officials and staff in casting ballots on the first day of voting on April 9. Basilio said the embassy was conducting postal voting, in which

But he said Hapilon was on Basilan Island, the other key Abu Sayyaf stronghold neighboring Jolo, and that military assaults against him were continuing. Indama is believed to be also on Basilan, where 18 government soldiers were killed in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf on April 9. Mr. Aquino has yet to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, but he has sent a letter of condolences to the family of Ridsdel. Foreign Secretary Jose Almendras said President Aquino PAGE A1 PAGE A4 Commemoration of Fall of Bataan at the Filipino Veterans Education Center in War Memorial Performing Arts Veterans Building in San Francisco. There may no longer be surviving veterans who can join future anniversary events. “And that is the reason why we should let then know that we are beholden to them and we owe them a debt of gratitude. It is very, very important that they know before they all expire,� Asercion stressed. It is also very important for the mostly Filipino high school student cadets of the San Francisco Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) to meet, greet and interact personally with the veterans they’ve only heard of and seen in television programs featuring them. Sixteen-year-old JROTC Cdt. 1Lt. Janet Quan of Lowell High School intimated that seeing the veterans in person made her more determined to get involved

ballots are either mailed to the voters or to the embassy address for pickup by the voters. DFA records show that Filipinos in Arab countries and Africa have cast the most number of votes at 43,749. But the number remains low compared to the 593,772 total registered voters on those continents. While there are 344,848 voters in the Asia Pacific, the number of Filipinos who cast their ballots since April 9 was only 34,382. Hong Kong had the highest number of ballots cast at 14,200, surpassing Singapore with an 11,471 voter turnout. Filipinos in Europe and the Americas turned out the least, with 7,826 and 1,644 voters, respectively.

Fil-Ams keep memory... in helping out them and the services that they need in her own way. “I read a book When the Rainbow Goddess Wept (by Cecilia Manguerra) about what happened in the Philippines,� shared Quan, “and seeing the veterans especially how they are now, makes everything so very real.� Senior high school student James Chan admits that prisoners of war (POWs) and missing in action (MIAs) were terms he had barely heard before. “These veterans made sacrifices to make sure that their children could have better lives in the future,� Chan stated. “I just feel very grateful for what they have done for us. I am just grateful to see them, who inspired me, in person.� Hearing these statements from the students, Asercion disclosed that the veterans education center will have lectures where historians like Alex Fabros would be invited speak to high school PAGE A4

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 28-mAy 4, 2016

DFA to UK, US: Assess PH security...

Rep. Titus with Sara Tegtmeyer

Rep. Titus with David Tegtmeyer

Rep. Titus presents 2 Valley High students with Congressional Award REPRESENTATIvE Dina Titus from Nevada’s First Congressional District on Monday, April 25, honored two valley high School students with the Congressional Award, which recognizes young Americans for their volunteer work and personal development goals. The award recipients, valley high School students David and Sara Tegtmeyer, each volunteered more than 200 hours of their time on community service projects and each logged an additional 200 hours of physical fitness and personal development activities. The Congressional Award is a voluntary, non-competitive program available to all students nationwide. Congress established the program in 1979 to recognize initiative, achievement, and service among the nation’s youth.

R. salazaR Inquirer.net

WITh a little over two weeks to go before the national and local elections, property analysts have weighed in on how each of the Presidential candidates will affect the real estate sector. “I was very disappointed with the candidates as they neglected the housing sector in their policy platforms. Not one of the presidential candidates highlighted the importance of the housing sector in their platforms. Most of the rhetoric focused on public infrastructure, technology, peace and order and employment but there were no specific mention of an integrated, compelling and institutional housing plan that

dated the foreign travel advice warning US citizens about the high threat of kidnapping of international travelers, increased threat of maritime kidnappings against small boats in the Sulu archipelago and violence linked to insurgency and terrorism there. US citizens are advised to defer non-essential travel through the southern Sulu Sea region from the southern tip of Palawan, along the coast of Sabah, Malaysia and the islands of the Sulu archipelago, up to Zamboanga City. The State Department asked US nationals to continue to exercise extreme caution if traveling to certain regions and cities in

Rep. Titus, immigrants call...

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

Rep. Titus was joined by Rita vaswani, president of the Nevada Congressional Award. David volunteered more than 200 hours as a junior assistant Scoutmaster for his Boy Scout troop and with his Key Club. his personal development goals were learning more about the stock market and gardening in the

desert. To stay physically fit he participates in Track and Field. Sara volunteered more than 200 hours as a Girl Scout and member of Key club. her personal development goal was to advance her technical skills by participating in engineering and leadership programs. To stay physically fit she plays tennis with her family.

Property sector momentum sustained even after elections by Tessa

PAGE A1 The DFA has similar protocols on the issuance of travel advisories. “We note the changes made to the warning, in particular the specific reference made to certain areas in the country instead of the usual generalized advisory,” the DFA said. The US issued a travel warning to its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to the Sulu archipelago and southern Sulu Sea, and to exercise extreme caution when traveling to Mindanao due to continued terrorist threats, insurgent activities and kidnappings. The US State Department up-

can change the industry for the better,” lamented Enrique M. Soriano III, Ateneo program director for real estate and senior adviser for Wong+Bernstein Business Advisory. Monique Cornelio Pronove, CEO of Pronove Tai International Property Consultants, asserted: “Regardless who among them wins, the real estate market will continue its upward trajectory as the economic fundamentals of the country remain strong. The current administration leaves behind a healthy fiscal reserve that the new administration must now spend to build more roads, rail and improve as well as add more airports and ports around the country. We have a robust young

population with a median age of 25 years that has the capacity to spend, and this drives the retail market. The services sector continues to expand, thus providing employment to our graduates. We have the confidence of the international community and the challenges we face on infrastructure provides a lot of opportunity for investments. Whoever wins the election, the real estate market will continue to be in good stead.” Claro dG. Cordero Jr., Jones Lang LaSalle Philippines associate director and head of research, consulting and valuation, said: “Our view is that real estate will continue to project an upward PAGE A4

PAGE A1 she said. Titus said these programs would be beneficial to Nevada, where 8 percent of the population and 10 percent of the workforce is undocumented, according to a 2015 analysis from the Pew Research Center. Additionally, the programs would result in an anticipated gain of $1.3 billion in wages and a $2.5 billion increase in the state’s GDP. During the conference, some immigrants, including Filipina Maria Perez, shared their stories about how America’s immigration policies affects them. Perez’s daughter, Jessica May, is currently protected under DACA and was able to work as a field organizer on Democratic presidential candidate hillary Clinton’s campaign trail. “Thankfully, we got her papers,” Perez said. “She got denied first. All of my children including

me are denied. We went here [legally].” Perez’s family has been in the United States for 13 years, two of whom are unable to pursue college due to their legal status. “I was born basically and then I moved here, and then I learned how to speak English. I don’t even know my Tagalog that well and I consider myself more of an American than Filipino.” said Perez’s 19-year-old son Christian Perez, who graduated from high school in 2014. Also affected by the nation’s immigration policies is Aida Lopez, who has resided in the United States for more than 15 years. her husband was deported in 2014, kidnapped and never found. She has four US citizen children, one of whom is protected under DACA. Lopez is also currently under a “stay” that expires next month, after which time Immigration and

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Mindanao. It warned about separatist and terrorist groups that continue to carry out attacks and kidnappings against civilians, foreigners, political leaders and Philippine security forces in Mindanao. The British government on Wednesday issued a similar travel warning, citing “a high threat from terrorism, including kidnapping.” The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against all travel to southwest Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of ongoing terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups. The FCO advised against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao for the same reasons. Customs Enforcement can choose to deport her. But with no criminal background, Lopez is not an enforcement priority. “If she were to be deported, here are her four children who are US citizens. What would happen to them? Would they go back with her? Would they stay here without their mother? It’s just an untenable situation,” Titus said. Should the Supreme Court not decide in favor of DAPA and expanded DACA, Titus said she is still calling for immigration reform. “ I mentioned that it’s economically wise as well as being personally humane and socially important if we pass this and we brought these folks out of the shadows and into the workforce,” Titus said. “Strong families build strong communities and when we threaten those families or divide those families or keep them from reaching their potential, we are only hurting ourselves,” she added.

FLASH MOB. Youth representatives on Wednesday, April 27 staged simultaneous dance mobs around the headquarters and provincial strongholds of presidential candidates to call for the protection of future food security. Members of the #IAmHampasLupa Movement for Ecological Agriculture, joined forces with dance groups from various parts of the country to perform simultaneous flash mobs. They are demanding concrete actions and urgent response from President Benigno Aquino III and the five presidential bets in addressing the growing food emergency, which include hungry farmers and local communities suffering from El Nino. Philstar.com photo by Rosette Adel

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Property sector momentum sustained...

LAUNCHED IN SPACE: This file photo from the website of the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, shows the Diwata-1 microsatellite at left and the engineers who helped in building it at right.

PH satellite Diwata-1 now in space by Jovic

Yee Inquirer.net

THE long wait is over as the Diwata-1 is finally sent out to space to begin her 20-month-long journey. Diwata-1, officially named the Philippine Earth Observation Microsatellite, was released into orbit at exactly 7:45 p.m., Wednesday(Manila time), from the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), nicknamed “Kibo,” where it was housed since it reached the International Space Station on March 26. The release of Diwata-1 into space was met with much jubilation by the Philippine delegation in Japan, led by Science Undersecretary for Research and Development Amelia Guevarra. In Manila, cheers enveloped the University of the Philippines’ College of Science Amphitheater, where at least a hundred students, led by the UP Astronomical Society, gathered to watch the live broadcast of Diwata-1’s deployment.

Among those present at the public viewing were UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan and Carlos Primo David, executive director of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development. The microsatellite, built by nine Filipino engineers from UP and the Department of Science and Technology’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute, was “successfully deployed” by the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer at an altitude of 400 kilometers from Earth. From there, Diwata-1 will be using its four specialized cameras to capture an average of 3,600 highresolution images of the country that will be used for imaging its land and water resources, and for studying changing weather patterns, agricultural productivity, as well as disaster response and mitigation. The microsatellite is expected to stay in orbit for approximately 20 months.

David said that in the next few days, the public would see the first images of the country taken by Diwata-1. He said that Diwata-1’s deployment into space was also a “milestone” for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency as it was the first time it deployed a 50-kilogram class satellite from Kibo, paving the way for the future launches of other microsatellites. “Japan is celebrating with us. Though they have sent many satellites on their own, this is one of their first collaborations. They feel this is something new to them as well, hence they share the pride and the accomplishment we’ve made,” David told the Inquirer. In the first few weeks of Diwata1 in space, it will be controlled by engineers at Tohoku University. The DOST official said that within May, control will be transferred to the Philippine Earth Data Resources Observation (Pedro) at UP Diliman.

Duterte, Marcos widen lead... PAGE A2 their original choice for president ends up not pursuing his or her candidacy in May, Pulse Asia noted. Still Marcos over Leni Marcos continued to lead the vice presidential race after gaining four points to 29 percent from 25 percent in the Pulse Asia’s March 12-18 poll. LP bet Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo came in second with 24 percent, followed by Sen. Francis Escudero with 18 percent. Robredo’s rating improved by a point while Escudero lost five points. They are followed by Sen. Alan

Peter Cayetano with 16 percent from 14 percent in the previous poll. Sens. Gregorio Honasan II and Antonio Trillanes IV continued to lag behind their rivals in the vice presidential race. Honasan obtained four percent from six percent in March, while Trillanes received three percent from five percent. Like in the presidential survey, the number of undecided voters in the vice presidential poll also grew from four percent to seven percent. Marcos was the top pick for vice president among respondents in

PAGE A3 growth trajectory regardless of who will sit in office after the elections. The property indicators and demand drivers, specifically, the BPO industry and the remittances coming from overseas Filipinos, will continue to flow and pump prime the consumer industries and positively influence the growth of new investments in the country. While the general direction will be the same, the rate of growth might just be different as each candidate will need to deal with their respective issues that might sidetrack the prioritization of urgent laws and policies to create a more favorable real estate investment environment.” World’s top economies “If the next President and the new set of leaders address more effectively corruption, criminality, climate change, poverty, pollution, too much politics, the police, housing, healthcare, agriculture, armed forces, transportation, traffic, infrastructure and incompetence, the Philippines will be in the top 20 economies of the world by 2021 when we celebrate 500 years as a Christian nation, adopting western civilization with our Asian Filipino culture,” enumerated architect and urban planner Felino Palafox Jr., National Real Estate Association chair and Palafox Architecture Group Inc. president. Palafox added: “We hope and pray the next President will have visionary leadership, strong political will, will listen and apply good planning, good design, and good governance. He or she must not be intellectually and integrity challenged. He or she must have the skills and the heart to lead and

manage the Philippines well into the 21st century.” “Grace Poe and Rodrigo Duterte both requested us advice on urban planning. Jejomar Binay and Mar Roxas asked for my support. All of the four have good platforms. I will vote for the one who has the heart and the skills to address (national) issues,” said Palafox. “Clearly, the property sector has been on a long and sustained momentum. It has always been a pillar and a major contributor to the country’s economic growth. It also directly benefits 52 major industries. On top of that it has services as a major component. Every house constructed has a direct contribution to the growth of steel, wood, labor and financing. But no one highlighted the importance of the sector. And it’s not a good sign,” said Soriano. Soriano shared his observations on the five candidates. “A solid accomplishment initiated by Roxas was the creation of the IT and BPO industry. He authored RA 8756, encouraging multinational companies to establish headquarters in the Philippines through incentives. Clearly, a major segment that has contributed significantly to the sustained growth of the current real estate market. Roxas’ support for the BPO sector helped this industry become a key driver in the residential and commercial sector. Roxas proposes an adequate, affordable and accessible housing program, complete with basic necessities.” No housing plan Soriano said that Poe has no housing plan in her 20-point platforms. “She highlights infrastruc-

ture and technology as pathways to growth but no mention of a housing policy that can be the centerpiece of her administration,” said Soriano. Soriano said that Duterte “is looking at the creation of business and economic hubs to host major industries and their factories, patterned after Singapore and Hong Kong to stem the tide of unemployment.” “The closest connection to real estate was his avowed mission to revive the Philippine steel industry. Foreign investments: Infrastructure gaps, whether in the countryside or in key urban centers, shall be prioritized and substantially filled, or at least initiated, during his term. He has no specific program on housing and real estate,” said Soriano. Soriano said that Miriam Defensor Santiago “highlights public infrastructure to help facilitate rapid economic growth.” “Some of her plans would be to develop: Mixed-use government centers with adjacent residential, commercial, and entertainment facilities in the National Capital Region and in the 17 regions. One major project per region and per province. Still no mention of an institutional housing program,” said Soriano. Soriano said that Binay’s plans include accelerating infrastructure development, and invest more in infrastructure. “Under a Binay presidency, his goals are to strengthen substantially the sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, BPO, and exporting—which are the five biggest job generators. Again no specific housing initiatives despite his almost five years as chair of the HUDCC,” said Soriano.

Metro Manila (39 percent) and the rest of Luzon (37 percent). Robredo still dominated the race in the Visayas (33 percent), while Cayetano got the highest voter preference in Mindanao (34 percent). Across socio-economic classes, Marcos and Robredo shared the lead in Class ABC (36 percent and 32 percent, respectively) and Class D (30 percent and 25 percent, respectively). Four candidates posted the same support levels in Class E – Cayetano (23 percent), Marcos (22 percent), Robredo (21 percent) and Escudero (18 percent). Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets with surviving Filipino World War II veterans and their supporters led by Rudy Asercion (in barong sixth from right) and Philippine San Francisco Consulate Deputy Consul-General Jaime Ramon Ascalon (in barong fourth from right) at a reception after the Bataan Day commemoration.

Fil-Ams keep memory of WWII vets... PAGE A2 kids. Division Regimental Commander of more than a thousand guerrillas in Batangas City, Colonel Aquilino Delen, who also spent 44 years as a teacher, was also glad that the JROTC cadets were there. “It is a big thing for us to be heard from directly by these high school students in commemorations and recognitions in events like this. We thank them that they feel honored to see us personally and we are glad that they appreciate us,” Delen uttered. Luzon de Guzman was a young girl from Tarlac in the Philippines during the WWII. “I was crying when they showed videos of what happened during those days,” she said. “I really will not forget the Death March which was the most painful thing to happen to

Justin Iselin, Rudy Asercion and U.S. Army Sgt. (ret.) Pelagio Valdez lead a moment of silence after the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Filipino Veterans Education Center. Inquirer.net photos by Jun Nucum

them during that time. My cousin who was a colonel was among the marchers and caught malaria but survived the march.” Marjan Philhour, who is running to be the first Filipino American San Francisco supervisor, noted that the as Filipino Americans grow in number and make its presence known in the community through invaluable contributions, it is so important to remember where they came from and what the veterans did for freedom. “As a candidate for supervisor of San Francisco, I want t make sure that I always keep with me the values, hard work and honor that the manongs and the manangs who came before me fought for that I can instill them in my children,” Philhour said. Federation of Philippine AmeriFederation of Philippine American Chambers can Chambers of Commerce, Inc. of Commerce, Inc. (FPACC) President Emeritus (FPACC) President Emeritus and and Founder Yolanda Ortega Stern. Founder Yolanda Ortega Stern

narrated the historic timeline of Asia and the rest of the world from 1521-1898 to the events immediately after the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942. “I had an uncle who was a survivor of the Death March but died without being recognized and without ever getting any benefits due him. He kept waiting in vain for him to be recognized and given the benefits that he so fully deserved,” Stern. Philippine San Francisco Consulate Deputy Consul-General Jaime Ramon Ascalon’s grandfather survived in the Bataan Death March but was never recognized by the U.S. government as a veteran. “Even as some of them have not been recognized and given their benefits, we are glad that there are organizations that are helping them,” said Ascalon. “Hopefully, before they pass on, they can get the benefits that are due to them.”

Aquino: Abu Sayyaf plotted... PAGE A2 learned about the killing of Ridsdel ahead of Trudeau, but the government did not announce it to honor the family’s request to be informed first before breaking the news to newspapers. Friends, family members and relatives raised P20 million for Ridsdel’s release, but the Abu Sayyaf refused, insisting on their ransom demand of P300 million. The bandits are demanding the same ransom for Hall, Sek-

kingstad and Flor. Body found Meanwhile, the headless body of a male Caucasian was found in a dry creek in Talipao, Sulu, on Wednesday, and authorities were trying to determine if it was Ridsdel. The Army commander in Sulu was replaced after the killing of Ridsdel. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced the appointment of Col. Jose Faustino

Jr. as the replacement of Brig. Gen. Allan Arrojado. Arrojado resigned on Tuesday night. In his letter to Maj. Gen. Lysander Suerte, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, Arrojado said he was resigning because of “conflict of approach” in dealing with the Abu Sayyaf threat in Sulu. (With reports from Jaymee T. Gamil and Estrella Torres in Manila; Julie S. Alipala, Jeoffrey Maitem and Nash Maulana, Inquirer Mindanao; and AFP)

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Marcos says he won’t go after Aquino if elected VP by Aries JosepH

Inquirer.net

Presidential bet Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Inquirer.net photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta

Santiago says she received P300-M offer to back out from presidential race by FrAnces

MAngosing Inquirer.net

LOs BANOs, Laguna—presidential aspirant sen. Miriam Defensor santiago said she has received feelers to back out from the presidential race and was offered up to p300 million to reimburse her campaign expenses. “Marami sila pero hindi ako ang kausap nila, ang asawa ko (There are many of them but they don’t speak to me but to my husband),” she told reporters on Wednesday,

April 27, on the sidelines of her campus tour at the University of the philippines (Up) here. the feisty senator, who had been appearing in public more frequently after taking a short break from her anticancer treatment, lamented her consistent bottom ranking in commercial surveys. “Kung susundin natin ang kagustuhan ng survey firms (If we would follow what the survey firms say), they will be the ones to choose our next leaders. Our right to vote

will be forfeited in their favor). sila ngayon ang magiging kingmaker niyan (They would become the kingmaker). Hindi naman pwede yun (That would not be appropriate),” she said in her 10-minute speech delivered at Baker Hall to an audience of mostly students and faculty. Because of her poor standing in surveys, santiago said this could have prevented her contributors for her campaign. PAGE A7

Only 13 senatorial bets have statistical chances of winning by Helen

Flores Philstar.com

MANiLA—With less than two weeks before the May 9 elections, only 13 of 50 senatorial candidates have statistical chances of winning, according to the latest survey by pulse Asia. the rest of the candidates are trailing far behind. the nationwide survey was conducted from April 16 to 20, using face-to-face interviews of 1,800 registered voters 18 years old and above and with biometrics. still leading the senatorial race is sen. Vicente sotto iii with 53.8 percent and a statistical ranking of 1st to 2nd. Close behind him is senate president Franklin Drilon with 49.2 percent and ranked 1st to 3rd places. they were followed by three former senators – Francis pangilinan

HeginA

Despite being at the receiving end of various attacks from the administration, senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that should he become the country’s next vice president, he promised not go after president Benigno Aquino iii. in a luncheon with members of digital media and bloggers on Wednesday, Marcos said that he will seek an end to what he coined as “politics of vengeance.” “All i can say is it should not be a part of the policy of government–to chase the past administration. i think there are so much work right in front of us. i think there are so many things that we in the executive need to do,” Marcos said. the opinion poll front-runner said that should any person file charges against Aquino, he said that he will let the Justice Department handle it. “if there are people who misbehaved, abused, or broke the law while in their time in government then let the courts decide. it is not for us in the other departments to worry about,” he said. the son of the late dictator noted that being vengeful politicians has brought nothing but “erosion” of the country’s political institutions. “What we have managed to do is to erode our institutions. We have eroded the judiciary. We have eroded the supreme Court. We have already eroded the legislature. We have eroded the military… we are a developing country and it is so important that these institutions be strengthened rather than weakened,” Marcos explained. “this continuing politics of the past, all it has succeeded to do was to erode our institutions,”

Sen. Vicente Sotto III

Sen. Franklin Drilon

with 46.4 percent in 2nd to 3rd places; panfilo Lacson, 39.1 percent and Juan Miguel Zubiri, 39 percent, in 4th to 9th places. Other probable winners included world boxing icon and sarangani Rep. Manny pacquiao with 38.5 percent and ranked 4th to 10th; sen. sergio Osmeña iii, 37.9 in 4th to 12th; former Akbayan representative Risa Hontiveros, 36.3 and sen. Ralph Recto, 34.9 percent in 4th to 13th places. Completing the list of probable

winners are former senator Richard Gordon with 34.1 percent and ranked 6th to 13th; Valenzuela City Rep. sherwin Gatchalian 33.8 and former technical education and skills Development Authority chief Joel Villanueva, 33.7 in 7th to 13th and former justice secretary Leila de Lima, 32.3 percent and in 8th to 13th places. the non-commissioned survey has a plus or minus 2.3 percentage points error margin at the 95 Sen. Bongbong Marcos percent confidence level.

he said. the Aquino administration has launched an all-out offensive against Marcos’ bid for the vice presidency, emphasizing that he should atone for the “sins” of his dictator father, particularly the ill-gotten wealth amassed by their family and the human rights viola-

tions which transpired during the Martial Law. However, he seemed to be unscathed from these remarks as he continued to lead opinion preference polls–with the Liberal party’s vice presidential bet Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo catching up on him.

A

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OpiniOn

Initiative

Features

IN honor of Earth Day last Friday, April 22, international political, business and civil society leaders from 175 countries gathered at the United National Headquarters in New York for the historic signing of the Paris Climate Agreement, a global initiative to ensure a sustainable future for billions of people around the world through climate action. “Today is a historic day,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Ban told reporters following the opening ceremony of the signing event. “This is by far the largest number of countries ever to sign an international agreement on a single day.” The Paris Climate Agreement will give way to a global economy that will be powered by lowcarbon, climate-smart growth. It has already begun to impact private sector operations and investments, demonstrating that climate action can improve performance, leverage new market opportunities, and be a gateway to growth and innovation. “In Paris, there were also four initiatives that were launched: the International Solar Energy Alliance, the development plan for renewable energy, the innovation mission with President Obama, and finally the high-level coalition to set a price for fossil fuels and coal,” French President Francois Hollande said as he vowed to make France a role model in implementing the contents of the Agreement. The Paris Climate Agreement will come into force once 55 countries responsible for 55 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases have ratified it, including the world’s top polluters, the US and China. Altogether, the 175 signatories account for 93 percent of global greenhouse gases, according

to the World Resource Institute. It took years of negotiations before countries agreed to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, while pursuing efforts to keep temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. The Paris Agreement mandates regular meetings every five years, starting in 2018, to review progress, and to consider whether it is necessary to increase ambition. Regarded as a poster child for climate change, the Philippines along with under-developed nations were also present during the signing to encourage governments to keep the promises they gave in Paris. Sen. Loren Legarda, Champion for Resilience of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), led the Philippine delegation in calling on nations to immediately ratify the Agreement and stressed the need to target the more ambitious but safer 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit. “The 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit should not just be an aspiration; we must do everything not to go beyond that, because the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal is a matter of survival. We have already breached the 1 degree Celsius mark and look at what has happened to vulnerable nations like the Philippines,” Legarda said. Legarda explained how the Philippines, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change,

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

has been affected by extreme weather events caused by the warming climate. Typhoon Ketsana in 2009 ate up 2.7 percent of the country’s GDP; while the country has yet to fully recover from the damage and effects of the November 2013 Supertyphoon Haiyan. At present, farmers and farming communities have been suffering from the drought caused by the extended El Niño affecting the Philippines. Following the historic signing, the world must

now embrace this broader challenge and step up efforts to combat climate change. This problem is multi-faceted and its mitigation will require action from multiple fronts. We are not oblivious to the advent of climate change. While we cannot undo the damages done, we are still capable of decelerating the rate of the effects of climate change and produce a desirable future for the planet altogether. Every one is simply responsible. (AJPress)

BALITANG AMERICA: Duterte, Roxas top Fil-Am online poll after last debate FOLLOWING the last presidential debate hosted by ABS-CBN, The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” asked its viewers: “If the elections were held today, would you vote for to be the next president of the Philippines?” The result of the April 25 online poll revealed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte still topping the field of candidates, with 54 percent vote among the viewers who participated. Former DILG Sec. Mar Roxas placed second, getting 32 percent, followed by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago with 8 percent. It seems Sen. Grace Poe has lost much enthusiasm among kababayans, getting only 5

The Pulse Asia Pulso ng Baypercent. Vice President Jejomar an nationwide survey shows Binay remains at the bottom of The Fil-Am Duterte is still leading the race the pack with only 1 percent of Perspective to Malacanang with 35 percent the vote. vote, followed by Sen. Grace Duterte’s dominance in the Poe with 23 percent — a 12 Fil-Am poll -- despite his conpoint margin. troversial rape statement that Former DILG Sec. Mar Roxas the mayor [Duterte] should have came in third with 17 percent, been the first to rape the beau- Gel SantoS-ReloS followed by VP Jejomar Binay tiful Australian woman killed in Mindanao -- is also echoed in the most recent with 16 percent vote. Sen. Miriam Defensor SanPulse Asia survey conducted in the Philippines tiago garnered 2 percent. With less than two weeks before the Philippine during the period April 16-20, before the last national election, will Duterte keep his lead? Will debate.

the debate prove to be a game changer and put Poe back to the top position, or will Roxas surge to be number one after his debate performance? ABANGAN! Meantime, watch The Filipino Channel’s Balitang America town hall, to be participated in by community leaders supporting each candidate. This will air on Sunday, May 1, at 5 pm. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Has SWS been rigging its surveys to boost Roxas’ and Robredo’s ratings? Commentary

RiGobeRto D. tiGlao IT seems so, or the Social Weather Station’s collation of data has fallen under the control of Manuel Roxas and Leni Robredo’s operatives, so that in the past two surveys their voter-preference ratings have inexplicably surged, while those of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. have fallen. This could be done because of SWS’s new polling method, which would allow votes for presidential candidate Binay and vice presidential contender Marcos, Jr. – whose ratings have dropped for a reason – to be rejected on grounds, as the SWS itself describes it, of “invalid markings.” Only in its last two surveys did the SWS adopt this new method, which it had never used before (not in its 2010 polls), for determining how many of its respondents choose particular candidates. Instead of the standard procedure of the pollster writing down the name of the candidate the respondents say they will vote for (and therefore, accepting these at face value), the new method asks the respondents to mark their choice in a ballot, privately, and put it in a container. On the surface, this appears to be an appropriate method. But in reality, it merely mimics how election cheating has been undertaken for decades in this

country. This is done during the counting of the ballots, with the votes for the candidate who is being cheated declared invalid or are rejected. At least, in the low-tech way of counting ballots in the past, candidates were allowed to put in place their own poll-watchers who could raise a protest every time a certain vote for their candidates was rejected. The counting of the “ballots” by the SWS, though, takes place in hidden rooms, with no thirdparty observing the process. In its new method of polling, ballots with “invalid marks,” SWS itself explains, are rejected. It has not explained what qualifies as an “invalid” mark, however. It has neither reported its process for counting the ballots nor disclosed which candidates were chosen in such rejected ballots. The number of such rejected ballots is not insignificant: 7 percent in its March 30 to April 2 survey and 5 percent in the April 18 to 20 polling. (This excludes the 3 percent of respondents in the two surveys who replied that they had not decided whom to vote for.) It does not seem coincidental then that when SWS used this new method of polling, and 7 percent and 5 percent of ballots were rejected, Binay’s ratings plunged from 24 percent in early March to 20 percent in late March, and to just 14 percent in the last poll conducted in early April. If the 7 percentage points of “rejected” ballots in the March 30 – April 2 poll were for Binay, his ratings would not be at 20 percent but at 27 percent, at par with Duterte’s.

SWS suddenly changed its polling method, and Binay’s ratings plunged.

For the manipulators of the SWS data, only 5 percent “rejected votes” were needed to bring Binay’s ratings to 14 in the most recent poll. In contrast, a survey from April 21 to 23 by a major pollster commissioned privately (which is expected to be released publicly soon), but which did not use SWS’s method of polling through ballots but by the standard way of the interviewer writing down the respondents’ replies. It also does not seem coincidental that when SWS used this new method of polling, Robredo’s rating jumped from 19 percent in March to 26 percent in April. The 5 percent rejected votes in the April poll were likely those for Marcos and Francis Escudero, which explains why the two candidates’ steady ratings – Marcos’ even surged from

19 percent in December to 26 percent in March – were broken only when the SWS used its new method of polling, and rejected 4 to 5 percent of the ballots. Roxas and Robredo obviously have made manipulated polls as a major part of their electoral strategies, since without these to project that surveys from reputable pollsters show their political support, massive cheating on May 9 elections would be so obvious – far from the polling results – as to provoke public outrage. The use of ballots and SWS’ power to reject certain ballots is not the only new way it employs for its polls, which is obviously intended to pull down Binay’s ratings. In a previous column (“The SWS mobile ‘survey’ and an Indonesian tycoon’s potential, crucial role in our elections,

April 10, 2016), I exposed that the SWS’s new type of polling it calls the “SWS-Bilang Pilipino Mobile Survey” isn’t at all a legitimate poll since it involves a permanent panel of about 750 respondents, whose views the SWS collects through their SMS messages via cellphones provided by the Indonesian-owned PLDT. Only the SWS and PLDT know the cellphone numbers of these respondents and one easy way of manipulating this panel’s responses would be to send them messages favorable to a certain candidate, before they even receive the question which candidate they prefer. SWS’s partners in these two very questionable polling methods are entities both controlled by the Indonesian tycoon Anthoni Salim: Smart Communi-

cations in the “Bilang Pilipino Mobile Survey” and the newspaper BusinessWorld in the ballotbased polling, in which the SWS rejects certain ballots. It is certainly not coincidental that in both of these two questionable polls, Binay’s ratings were pulled below Roxas’ at 15 percent in the “Mobile Survey’s” on April 13, and 14 percent in the ballot-based April 18 purported “poll.” In contrast, the other major firm PulseAsia, which uses the standard method of getting responses in its April 12 -17 poll, reported Binay as staying in third place in the contest, with a 19 percent rating. Roxas’ and Robredo’s rivals should demand that the Comelec investigate what could be the biggest propaganda scheme of this election. (ManilaTimes.net)

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.

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 28-mAy 4, 2016

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Bong Revilla seeks to vote in Cavite–even with escort by Yuji

Vincent Gonzales Inquirer

DETAINED Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Tuesday, April 26 asked the Sandiganbayan First Division to allow him to leave detention and vote in the upcoming May elections in Bacoor, Cavite. In a motion for escort detainee voting, Revilla, through his lawyers, maintained that he can still exercise his right to suffrage unless convicted. “It is a basic right that it is only upon conviction that an accused is deprived of his right of suffrage. Before conviction, an accused is entitled to the continuous enjoyment of his civil and political rights, especially his right to participate FACE OF DROUGHT. Farmer Celestina Tongco (left) gazes despondently at her withered corn crops in Bohol province. he drought ravaging in his government and express his the island-province of Bohol did not just affect farmlands but also sources of drinking water, especially for residents of mountain areas. political will. An accused detainee’s Inquirer.net photo basic human rights are not shed off at the gates of prison, especially since he enjoys the presumption of innocence in his favor,” Revilla said in his motion. by edu PunaY Revilla is facing plunder and let was found in one of their carry- the completion and receipt of the Philstar.com graft charges for his alleged inon bags at the final security check full statement. MANILA—A witness has sur- area. Acosta vowed to prove the in- volvement in the pork barrel scam. faced to support the elderly couple They denied owning the bullet nocence of the couple when they He has been detained at the Philwho allegedly fell prey to the bullet- and pointed out that their bags face preliminary investigation on ippine National Police Custodial planting scam at the Ninoy Aquino went through the x-ray machine at the charge of violating the Com- Center in Camp Crame, Quezon International Airport (NAIA). the first security check area with- prehensive Firearms and AmmuCouple Esteban and Salvacion out any hitchs. nition Regulation Act or Republic Cortabista are planning to charge Chief Public Attorney Persida Act 10591 before the Department wheelchair attendant Niño Namba Rueda-Acosta confirmed that the of Justice. of extortion after the latter report- witness, another US-bound pasAirport authorities earlier said edly asked for P50,000 from them senger, had seen or heard the in- they would also look into the allein exchange for being released cident. gation against Namba, who aided from detention to board their Ko“They are ready to sue. We are the septuagenarian couple at the rean Airlines flight to the US. waiting for the affidavit of the wit- airport. The Cortabistas wanted go to ness who was with them at the airThe Cortabista couple insisted San Diego, California to seek treat- port,” Acosta revealed to The Star. that they are aware of the ban on ment for severe arthritis, but were She did not identify the witness bullet possession at the airport and prevented from leaving after a bul- or provide more details pending would not have brought one.

Witness backs tanim-bala extortion claim

Santiago says she received P300-M offer to back... PAGE A5 “Ang hirap ng kalagayan ko, pinapababa nila ang standing ko sa surveys para mawalan ng gana ang contributors. Pag walang contributors, walang funding. Pag walang funding, pipilitin mag-withdraw at bibigyan daw nila ako ng up to P300 million ang expenses ko. Taga-UP ata ako. Aanhin ko ang perang iyon? Tatanda na ako bago matapos bilangin yun. (I’m in a difficult situation, they are making my survey standing low to prevent contributors for my campaign. If there are no contributors, there would be no funding. Because I have no funding, they are insisting that I withdraw and they would give me up to P300 million to reimburse my campaign expenses. I’m from UP.

What would I do with that money? I would grow old even before I’m done counting it),” she said. In the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted from April 16 to 20, Santiago’s rating dropped from three percent to two percent. “Every time mag survey sila dahil bayaran ‘tong mga ‘to lagi akong nasa ilalim. Di bale dahil late ako nag kampanya o dahil may sakit ako. Pero bakit sa lahat ng pamantasan sa ating bansa, saan man mapunta lalo na sa UP campuses bakit palagi akong number one? (Every time they would release a survey, as they are paid hacks, I am always in the last place. It would not have mattered because I started campaigning late or I have an ailment. But why am I always in

the first place in all the universities wherever I go, especially at UP campuses?)” she said. During the final leg of presidential debate in Pangasinan lastt Sunday, the senator said she will never quit the presidential race. “For those who think that I should withdraw because I have once been a cancer patient, this is what I say: I am now normal. I can think and I can act and I can pray, she told the crowd in her closing statement. “Ngayon, gusto niyo akong mag-urong, ang sagot ko sa kanila (Now, if you want me to back out, my answer to them): I will never quit! I will never stop! I will never withdraw!” she told the jubilant audience.

City since June 2014. Citing election rules, Revilla said a detainee can exercise his right to vote either through special polling places or through escorted voting at the precinct where he is registered. “In recognition of a detainee’s constitutional right to vote, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) promulgated Election Matter (E.M.) NO. 09-005, implementing the right to vote of detainees in national prisons, provincial, city, and municipal jails and other government detention facilities. Pursuant to E.M. No. 09-005, Comelec issued several resolutions , allowing detainees to vote either through the special polling places inside the jails or through escorted voting,” the motion read. “Senator Revilla is qualified to avail of the escorted voting. First, Senator Revilla is a registered voter in Bacoor, Cavite, a city other than his place of detention in Quezon City. In its Certification dated 19 April 2016, the Comelec verified that Senator Revilla is registered as Voter No. 2103300017108, at Polling Precinct No. 0469-A in Bacoor, Cavite,” it added. Revilla’s counsel also pointed

Detained Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

out that the Comelec Quezon City 4th District, which has jurisdiction over Camp Crame, confirmed that the PNP Custodial Center and the Camp Crame have no special polling places where prisoners may cast their votes. “Wherefore, Senator Revilla respectfully beseeches this Honorable Court to allow him to vote at Polling Precint No. 0469-A in Bacoor, Cavite on 9 May 2016, pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9371, subject to the terms and conditions which this Honorable Court may impose. Other reliefs, just or equitable under the premises, are likewise prayed for,” the motion read.

A

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Journal

Inside the world of fashion designer Rocky Gathercole Yan si Marian in the morning By Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

GoinG through the backdoor of For the Stars Fashion House on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles is like stepping into a museum or rather, a fantasy world. There, you’ll find racks and shelves of avant garde designs so deliberately arranged — intricately beaded gowns, edgy bodysuits and gaudy headpieces, just to name a few. These expressions are a gateway into the mind of Filipino designer Rocky Gathercole, who while sifting through the racks, pulled out various designs and dropped names of celebrities who have worn them. A gold corset that Gathercole pointed at is among his most famous creations worn by Katy Perry in her “Dark Horse” music video. on another corner is a mannequin clad in a ladylike black-and-white flare dress that Paris Hilton wore at Cannes back in 2014. His list of Hollywood clients is extensive, including nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood and Ariana Grande. Dressing big names was once beyond

Gathercole’s wildest imagination, especially since he aspired to be a mall janitor growing up. Fresh off his shows at new York and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks earlier this spring, the Asian Journal sat down with Rocky to get a look into the Filipino designer’s artistic genius. AJ: You left home and lived on the streets at an early age. How did that hardship pave the way for where you are today? RG: i left my dad when i was 14 because i had an identity crisis. i didn’t know what i wanted and i had nowhere to go so i lived on the streets selling tapsilog on a kariton along Roxas Boulevard [in Manila]…i made about 150 pesos a day. Years passed and i felt that i missed my school days and that i didn’t deserve this kind of life. While all of my classmates were graduating, i told myself i wouldn’t see them until i fixed my life. i tried to start all over. AJ: What did you try to do? RG: i tried to be a janitor. That was my dream. At the time, ShoeMart wouldn’t accept those who weren’t high school graduates so i couldn’t even apply. i became a Born-again Christian and i prayed hard to God to change my life, even if a little bit…Through

Left photo: Dress worn by Paris Hilton; Right photo: Designs worn by Katy Perry in “Dark Horse” music video. AJPress photos by Ding Carreon

by BiBsy

M. CarBallO Philstar.com

BESiDES portraying the role of Ynang Reyna with the return of Encantadia, Marian RiveraDantes will host a morning show called Yan Ang Morning on GMA 7. The show is set to air on May 2. The talk show is an opportunity for the actress to share personal “life experiences as a wife, a homemaker and a mom.” Marian believes that many Filipinos will be able to relate to the lifestyle program. The actress admits that hosting is not her forte but she is looking forward to try new and unfamiliar things. She is open to learning a lot from the show. “i was surprised when i was told that i was going to have my own talk show. i had mixed emotions, Rocky Gathercole at For the Stars Fashion House in Los Angeles. asking myself (if i could do it). i AJPress photo by Ding Carreon. know hosting is not my forte but church i met a Korean who got When you already know the de- i’m willing to give it a try. now In the talk show, Marian Rivera has the sign, it’s easier to do it that way. that i’m a mom, i have proven opportunity to share her personal experiences me a job as a waiter in Makati. PAGE B2 as a wife, a homemaker and a mom. AJ: How did you get into When there’s something i want to do, i look for materials. When designing? RG: When i was working in i was younger, i would draw then Makati, i had a break from 2 to 5 look for materials. if i can’t find pm…i would buy pencils and pa- what i’m looking for, i’ll have it by Marinel r. Cruz per and draw. After two years, in made. Inquirer.net AJ: You spent over two de1989, i tried to apply for work in Saudi Arabia and i was accepted. cades designing for the women “CoCo Martin helped me i didn’t study fashion so i didn’t in the Middle East, including become the actor i am today. have technical knowledge of high-profile and royal clients. i learned a lot from him,” Julia how to actually design. i couldn’t How did you transition to the Montes said during a recent make ribbons, but i could draw United States? press conference for her KaRG: After 25 years, i knew ribbons. pamilya drama series, “Doble AJ: How did you overcome it was time to move out of the Kara.” Middle East. in 2010, i did Miami not having formal training? According to Julia, her friendRG: My sponsor told me he Fashion Week — my first fashion ship with the ABS-CBn star goes would send me to the fashion show in the US. it was very Vica long way back, even before he district in Saudi so i could learn. toria Secret-inspired because it assumed the screen name Coco There were other Filipino design- was my dream to work for [the Martin. ers who taught me things like company]. That’s my line of work. “i’ve known him even when how to bead and cut [fabric]. That i don’t want to make just simple he was still Rodel nacianceno was for two months and the rest is clothing. Since i wasn’t noticed (Coco’s real name). i’m gratehistory. i went to Dubai and that’s there, i did a show in new York ful to him because he was my where the idea enhanced that i the following year and that’s partner in all my successful where i met [agent and manager] wanted to really be a designer. projects,” she said. “i can say AJ: What’s your process of Jacob Meir. that if there’s anyone whom i AJ: How would you describe designing? respect so much in this business, RG: Sometimes hindi ako mag the style of your work? it’s Coco. of all the guys i know, RG: i could do the weird things da-drawing (I don’t draw). i make i’m closest to him.” it on the spot on the mannequin. PAGE B2 Coco Martin and Julia Montes PAGE B2

Julia Montes learns from Coco Martin

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Yan si Marian in the...

PAGE B1 that everything can be learned as long as you give (your all) in what you do. I’ve also realized that hav-

ing a talk show is a good way to share my views as a young mom, who is trying to strike a balance between work and family. Sabay

sabay natin matutunan ang lahat ng bagay, lalo sa mga katulad kong first time maging isang ina,” Marian said in an interview.

Julia Montes learns from...

JM de Guzman (left) and Nico Antonio in “Tandem”

2 more Filipino films win at Houston film fest

ApArt from Mel Chionglo’s “Iadya Mo Kami,” two more independently produced Filipino movies brought home awards from a film festival in the United States. King palisoc’s crime drama, “tandem,” won the Silver remi in the Suspense/thriller category of the 49th Worldfest Houston International Film and Video Festival, held recently in texas. the Kapampangan film, “Ari: My Life With a King,” directed

by Carlo Enciso Catu, won the Bronze remi in the First Features section. “tandem” stars JM de Guzman and Nico Antonio were both nominated for best supporting actor, while “Ari” lead actor ronwaldo Martin also got a nod for rising male star. Aiko Melendez was nominated for best supporting actress for “Iadya Mo Kami,” which won a Silver remi in the Spiritual section. (Bayani San Ronwaldo Martin in “Ari: My Life With a Diego Jr./Inquirer.net) King”

PAGE B1 Julia shared some tips she got from Coco: “He advised me to think hard before making important decisions in life; to make sure it will be something that I will not regret in the future. He also told me to put my family above all,” she said. “As an actor, he told me to love my work because it will love me back.” Asked to describe Coco, Julia replied: “I don’t think anyone could find anything bad to say about him. He is kind and helpful. I also appreciate the fact that even though he is now one of the network’s top stars, he has remained humble.” She neither confirmed nor denied the rumor that she is

dating the actor. “It’s not right for a girl to be the one to talk first. All I can say is that we have never stopped communicating even though we no longer work together.” Julia and Coco last worked together in the drama series, “Walang Hanggan,” in 2012. the 21-year-old actress explained: “I’m not too serious about having a romantic relationship right now because I know that everything will happen in God’s time.” In “Doble Kara,” Julia portrays two characters—the twins, Kara and Sara. the press conference was held to announce that the Emmanuel palo show will have its Book 2. the finale of Book 1,

Rocky Gathercole’s collection at Los Angeles Fashion Week in March 2016.

which featured the wedding of Kara and Seb (Sam Milby), aired on April 22. Julia shared with the Inquirer how difficult it was to play the two characters. “My concern was to not make other cast members wait for me for too long as I change from Kara to Sara or the other way around. they are asked to hold their emotions while waiting for me. this is hard, especially if a particular scene requires everyone to cry or get angry.” She added: “As Kara, I simply imagined myself getting married to the person I really love. As Sara, I felt really confused. Sara feels that the people she loves do not love her back.”

Photos by Benjamin Kui

Inside the world of fashion designer... PAGE B1

and at the same time, I could do the very simple and elegant wedding dresses. In the Middle East, my line was wedding dresses. I can do anything. Here in the US is where I got noticed so I’ve been associated with kabaliwan (madness). that’s okay as long as I am enjoying what I’m doing. personally it’s important masaya ako (I am happy). I can make a lot of money but if hindi ako masaya, wala rin, (if I wasn’t happy, there’s nothing also) I wouldn’t enjoy. AJ: Where does the creative energy to design come from? rG: I design according to my mood. When I’m happy, that’s when the weird designs come

out. When I’m sad, it’s more feminine and simple. AJ: How have you been able to attract your clients? rG: For example, for the “Dark Horse” music video, a stylist who worked with tyra Banks (who is also a client) got pieces and presented them to Katy perry. that was the first design I did for New York Fashion Week in 2011. It’s made of gold acrylic and I made the mold myself. It’s through referrals. these days, I get a lot of order[s] from Instagram and Facebook. AJ: With all the recognition you’ve gained designing for famous names, how do you prevent the success from getting to your head? rG: It’s important that the

client trusts the designer. I don’t get starstruck anymore. I think living on the streets [helped] with that because I never expected a life where everything was given to me. I don’t also want to have this image that I’m feeling mayaman (rich)…I love being grounded. I would prefer that — there’s no pretension. It’s hard to sustain a high level of expectation. AJ: Advice for budding designers? rG: I don’t believe designers are made; I believe they’re born. From [my experience], I didn’t study to be a designer. Somehow, designer talaga ako (I really am a designer). the best advice I can give is to be yourself and find it in your heart, and the art will come out. This interview has been condensed and translated for clarity.

It takes less than a minute for Rocky to sketch a design. AJPress photos by Ding Carreon

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Jennylyn: Working with Lloydie a dream come true What makes Lloydie different from your other leading men? He has a certain kind of charm. JENNYLYN Mercado blossoms It’s inexplicable. as she ages. It’s almost unbeHow will your movie make lievable, that the hot mama was us look at love and relationships once an awkward teen during her differently? struggling days in GMA 7’s talent It shows that love and relasearch, “StarStruck.� Being a hap- tionships don’t have a specific pier woman now has made Jen a equation to follow. It can happen better actress. unexpectedly. For the first time, she is paired Do you believe in serendipoff with John Lloyd Cruz in Star ity? Cinema’s “Just the 3 of Us� (opens Yes. I believe in serendipity and in May). It is an unlikely love things happening for a specific story between polar opposites, reason. Just like when I was still Uno (Lloydie) and CJ (Jen)—two a newbie in the biz, I was just an strangers, and how one night “extra� in Lloydie’s teleserye. Now, changes their lives forever. Un- I’m already his leading lady. foreseen circumstances collide In what way can you relate to and force them to live under the your character, CJ? same roof. The way she loves deeply and Sometimes, the best things how she chooses to see the best are those we don’t plan. Ready in people. or not, life and love have a way of If CJ and Uno were real people, surprising us. what unsolicited advice would Here’s my one-on-one with you give them? Jen: That sometimes things that What was it like working with we are not ready for are what we Lloydie? exactly need. It’s a dream come true. I’ve Aside from your family, who always been his fan. I still can’t are the three persons you can’t believe I finally worked with him. live without? by Dolly

Anne CArvAjAl Inquirer.net

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 28-mAy 4, 2016

B3

Kathryn Bernardo’s surprise for Daniel Padilla’s birthday

KATHRYN Bernardo prepared a surprise birthday party for daniel Padilla on his 21st birthday. On Monday, April 25, Kathryn gathered the “Teen King’sâ€? family and friends for a celebration of his birthday on Tuesday, April 26. Aside from a sumptuous meal, the “Teen Queenâ€? also prepared fireworks for her onscreen partner and rumored boyfriend. The two even shared some sweet moments that night, as Kathryn was seen hugging daniel from the back, in one of the videos posted by dJ Jhaiho. The MOR 101.9 dJ worked with the love team in the defunct TV series “Pangako Sa ‘Yo.â€? Watch some of the clips posted by dJ Jhaiho from daniel’s surJennylyn Mercado prise birthday party, which he A friend whom I can run to when posted on his Instagram account. Kathryn Bernardo surprised his onscreen partner and rumored boyfriend Daniel Padilla on I need someone who can listen to (Philstar.com) his birthday. me and give me advice. A friend who can make me laugh. A friend who serves as my mirror by showing me things I must good foundation because we have out kami, friends lang.â€? by joyCe jimenez see as they are—nothing more and Philstar.com a good friendship.â€? When asked about the model nothing less. Sam has also clarified that he’s he’s dating, Sam would rather THE Miss Universe crown not in a relationship with Bb. Pili- keep mum about their relationship won’t be the reason of Sam Milby pinas-Universe 2014 Mary Jean for now but assured his fans to to date Pia Wurtzbach. Lastimosa. “eventually i-share ko rin ‘yon.â€? Pia has been vocal of her crush “Magkaibigan lang kami,â€? he Sam is part of the afternoon TV love complete and not complicate with Sam Milby in an interview clarified. “I happen to see her ma- series “doble Karaâ€? which stars our life. in “Tonight with Boy Abunda,â€? dalas kasi she’s also friends with Julia Montes, and now in its new Here’s my tĂŞte-Ă -tĂŞte with Na- and even named him as one of John Prats, so nagkikita kami lagi season where the twins Sara and dine: the actors she would like to work do’n. But in terms of nagha-hang Kara will become parents. How has James redefined love with, in her quick question and for you? answer portion through Twitter. He is showing me what real “Ayaw ko sabihin na dahil Miss love is—[that is, by] loving me Universe na siya liligawan ko wholeheartedly and by being siya,â€? said Sam in an interview. trustworthy. “Hindi dapat gano’n, e. If I want What stage is your relationship to go for her dapat taos-puso, with James in? hindi dahil lang Miss Universe We used to call each other siya.â€? partners in crime when we were The Kapamilya actor added just best friends. Now that we are that they’ve become friends outofficially together, our friendship side of showbiz, and if it had and love have deepened. worked for them “it would be a How do you and James handle misunderstandings? We are both honest and transparent, so we just talk things over. We are also both open-minded, so we listen to each other. So far, we have not had any major misunderstanding. Would you rather stay in a love team or go solo as an actress? It’s fun to be in a love team, but eventually I also want to try to make it as a solo actress. Aside from being in a love team, James and I both have solo careers as recording artists. Sam Milby

Sam Milby on dating Pia Wurtzbach: Gusto ko taos-puso

Nadine: James has shown me what true love is by Dolly

Anne CArvAjAl Inquirer.net

Films) hits cinemas on May 4. It’s a celebration of summer romance CERTIFIEd “Otwolistas� (“On and all the giddiness that comes the Wings of Love� fanatics) will with it. Amid the election frenzy, definitely rejoice when the movie the feel-good movie serves as a of their idols, James Reid and much-needed breather. The Jadine Nadine Lustre, “This Time� (Viva tandem reminds us that we must let

James Reid and Nadine Lustre

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Housing Choice Voucher Department, P.O. Box 1897, Las Vegas, NV 89125-1897 Phone (702) 477-3100 FAX (702) 922-6929 TDD (702) 387-1898 PUBLIC NOTICE EFFECTIVE MONDAY, MAY 16, 2016 The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) Will be accepting applications for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Non-Elderly Disabled (NED)

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6

7

8

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JUDGES NIGHT. The Asian American Group of Nevada (AAG) recently held its biennial “Judges Night” at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino. AAG’s “Judges Night” serves to bring together the Asian community of Las Vegas with judges & justices from the Nevada Supreme Court, District Court, Las Vegas Justice Court, North Las Vegas Justice Court, Las Vegas Municipal Court, & Henderson Municipal Court. Mike Vaswani, president of AAG, wanted the Asian community to get to know the judges and justices. The Asian community is almost 10 percent of the population in Nevada.

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

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Grace Poe and the idea of citizenship Your Immigration Solution Eric WElsh & NaNcy MillEr In most countries, including the United States, citizenship is the ultimate immigration status. A citizen of the United States cannot be deported or removed from the country, and only a citizen can vote in federal and state elections. Citizenship can be described as a social contract—rights and protections provided by the nation, in exchange for allegiance to the nation. This concept can get rather murky when a person is a citizen of more than one country, or when a person wants to stop being a citizen. Grace Poe is the current frontrunner in the race for President of the Philippines. She continues to hold a lead in the polls for the election this May, but her candidacy is under attack because of her citizenship. Poe, who is rumored to be an illegitimate child of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was born in the Philippines but abandoned as a child. She was then adopted and raised by a Filipino movie star. She immigrated to the United States in the 1980s and naturalized as a U.S. citizen in October 2001. In 2005, after her adopted father died, she moved back to the Philippines and applied for dual citizenship under Philippine law, which was granted in 2006. In 2010, President Benigno Aquino appointed Poe to chair the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), but Philippine law required her to renounce her American citizenship before taking the appointment. She signed an affidavit before a notary in October 2010, renouncing her American citizenship. She later filed an Affirmation of Renunciation at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, and the Embassy formally recognized her renunciation in February 2012. now, Poe is facing challengers who claim she is not eligible to hold the office of President because of Philippine law regarding citizenship. Her

“The United States does not expressly forbid dual citizenship, but it is discouraged. The position of the United States is that citizenship confers special privileges both inside and outside of the United States, including diplomatic protection abroad, and the protections and rights of American citizens can become unclear when a person claims citizenship to more than one sovereign.” challengers claim that because Poe was found as an abandoned child and cannot prove the identity of her birth parents, she is not a “natural born” citizen of the Philippines. They also allege that she did not meet residency requirements. Her opponents also argue that she did not timely renounce her U.S. citizenship before accepting her position with the MTRCB. Some even argue that legality aside, she should not be allowed to run for president because she previously naturalized as an American, and in doing so turned her back on the Philippines. Poe’s candidacy has raised interesting questions regarding the citizenship of a parentless child, and the idea of dual citizenship. Regarding her birth, Poe’s challengers argue that since Poe’s actual biological parents are not known, she cannot prove she was born to Philippine parents. This would not be an issue in a country like the United States that recognizes citizenship “jus soli” (“right of the soil”), but unlike the United States, birth in the Philippines does not in itself confer citizenship. For her part, Poe (and her supporters) have strongly argued that she is entitled to citizenship as a parentless “foundling,” who should be presumed by law to be born of natives of the country where born. Regarding her American citizenship, Poe’s case raises more thorny issues. The United States does not expressly forbid dual citizenship, but it is discouraged. The position of the United States is that citizenship confers special privileges both inside and outside of the United States, including diplomatic protection abroad, and the protections and rights of

American citizens can become unclear when a person claims citizenship to more than one sovereign. For Grace Poe, the issue is even more clearly restricted: under Philippine law, only Philippine citizens with no allegiance to any other country can seek election to public office. In order to renounce her U.S. citizenship, Grace Poe had to engage in a formal process before the U.S. Consulate and sign an oath of renunciation. American citizenship cannot be easily lost or forfeited; the formalities of the renunciation process are specifically designed to make certain that the person renouncing does so with clear intent and informed understanding of what they are giving up. Whether Grace Poe is elected next month remains to be seen. If she is elected, she is likely to hear continuing challenges from her detractors. The special status that citizenship confers— and the rights and benefits that come with citizenship—often inflame passions of national identity and the abstract notion of “belonging.” Poe’s candidacy provides an opportunity for constructive dialogue about the idea of citizenship, and about the costs of giving that status away. *** 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)

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Get the best price for your valuables at Nevada Coin Mart WITH tons of places to choose from to bring your old jewelry, there’s only one place in Las Vegas that will pay the best amount for these valuables. At nevada Coin Mart, customers can rest assured that they will be properly compensated for the precious stones and metals they bring in. neil Sackmary, the owner of the store, is a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) with more than 20 years of experience in buying these items. “When it comes to myself, this is my passion. This is what I went to school for,” Sackmary said. GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones and pearls. It was established in 1931 and strives to protect the jewelry and gem buying public by setting quality standards worldwide. As a certified GIA specialist, Sackmary points out that simply because a business that purchases these stones has been around for decades, that does not make it an expert source. This is a particularly important

fact for members of the Asian American community to note. “In the Asian community, people don’t buy cheap stones. They always spend really good money and when they do, they want to sell them for good money and they want someone who’s an expert. You don’t want to take it to someone who says they’re in the business for 35 years. That does not make them an expert,” Sackmary said. nevada Coin Mart purchases a wide variety of items, including coins, bullion, diamonds, jewelry, gold, silver and watches, at premium prices. At the shop, Sackmary has the latest technology, including a $9,000 diamond microscope and $30,000 X-ray spectrometer, which allows him to thoroughly examine how much the metals and stones customers bring in are worth. “Most people want to rip off customers because they don’t care. They look at them and say, ‘Well, if I can, I’ll take advantage. I’m never going to see you again’,” Sackmary said. That’s not what happens at ne-

Neil Sackmary

vada Coin Mart. In one instance, Sackmary paid a customer $1,510 for two rings that were quoted for $150 at a competitor store. It’s because of its transparency and fairness to those who walk into nevada Coin Mart that about 70 percent of its clients are repeat customers who come back for the value they receive for their items. The business takes it a step further by providing security guards who are former police officers and 47 cameras to monitor the entire building. Visitors can also request to have a guard walk them in and out of the building free of charge. Sackmary and his wife have been in the business of buying jewelry and other metals for many years and have been online selling costume jewelry for about 15 years. They are also present every day the shop is open, which is located on the corner of Jones Boulevard and Flamingo Road. In addition to putting their customers’ interests first, the Sackmarys are active community members who have participated in charity event Operation FireHEAT and are founding sponsors for the Anthem Women’s Club. nevada Coin Mart was established in 1971 and is licensed by Clark County to legally purchase jewelry from the general public. Nevada Coin Mart 4065 S Jones Blvd. Las Vegas, nV 89103 Phone: (702) 776-7061 Hours: Monday through Sunday, 9am to 5 pm Advertising Supplement

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Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS How do we know when we have heart failure? This condition could be in its early stage that the individual may not even have enough symptoms to know he/she has it. And if there are symptoms, even moderate to severe, the diagnosis usually eludes a lay person. In the United States alone, there are about 5.1 million persons who have heart failure today. What is heart failure? Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), refers to a condition where the heart muscles become too weak to pump enough blood to satisfy the body’s needs. There are two main ventricles of the heart responsible for pumping blood, the right and left ventricles. The right ventricle pumps used blood back to the lungs for oxygenation; the left pumps oxygenated blood from the lungs to the entire body. CHF does not mean the heart is about to stop or to have a heart attack. It simply means the heart muscles (usually both the right and left) have been weakened and need help. What causes heart failure? The following can cause CHF: Coronary heart disease (with blockage of the arteries supplying oxygen and nutrition to the muscles of the heart), actual heart attack, high blood pressure and diseased heart valves (both increase the work of the heart), cardiomyopathy (either due to alcohol abuse, toxic agents, cocaine, and other illegal drugs, or radiation, chemotherapy), viral myocarditis, congenital heart defects, diabetes, thyroid or kidney diseases, blood clots in the lungs, HIV/AIDS, or even vitamin B deficiency (beri-beri) in very poor regions of the world where malnutrition is rampant. Too much vitamin E has been reported to also contribute to heart failure. And so with obesity, which makes the heart work more. Does sleep apnea cause heart disease? obstructive Sleep Apnea (oSA), breath-holding for prolonged and repeated periods while asleep, especially among those who snore, significantly contributes to increased risk for heart attack, high blood pressure (eventually to heart failure), stroke, diabetes, and even cancer. Sleep apnea deprives the person of vital oxygen and the episodes could occur dozens of times in a minute, leading to hypoxia (seriously low level of oxygen), which is bad for all organs. Sudden deaths from sleep apnea have been reported. once diagnosis is established by a Sleep

Is your heart failing? Study, the primary treatment is the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine during sleep for life. This could prevent premature deaths. What are the signs and symptoms of CHF? These usually include shortness of breath, especially when they lie flat (with impairment of sleep as a result), dry hacking cough or wheezing, distended neck veins, extreme fatigue, leg swelling, ascites (abdominal fluid formation from swollen liver and other organs), and in severe cases, anasarca (total body swelling), bloating stomach, poor urine output, and weight gain from retained fluid. The nail beds and tips of finger might be bluish from lack of oxygen. Loss of appetite and nausea, dizziness, and rapid or irregular heart beats may also be present. How is the diagnosis made? The physician can make the diagnosis clinically after interviewing and examining the patient. Laboratory tests may include: comprehensive blood chemistry, including thyroid functions, EKG, stress test, chest X-ray, BNP or NTpro (blood test to confirm heart failure), echocardiography, Doppler Ultrasound, nuclear heart scan, cardiac MRI, and cardiac catheterization/coronary angiogram. Any of them may also be used as needed. Is there a cure for CHF? In general, heart failure has no cure. The exception is if the CHF is caused by coronary heart blockage or heart valve disease, then surgery could dramatically tame the heart failure. Basically, the regimen is aimed at managing the associated diseases and the symptoms to make the patient comfortable, improve quality of life and allow the patient to be active again, or even productive once more. The role of prevention is essential. What is the treatment? while curing to the point of heart normalcy is not achievable today, the main aim of the therapy is to improve the quality of life and endurance of the patient. The strategy includes treating the primary cause and the contributing illnesses (those listed above); adopting a low-salt diet; taking specific medications to eliminate the excess fluid in the body; and minimizing the cardiac and lung overload, lessening the work of the heart and boosting the strength of the heart muscles and improve overall cardiac output. Sleeping with the upper part of the body on several pillows elevated or elevating the head of the bed helps the patient breath better. Bed rest and oxygen are prescribed as needed. what are the medications

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used? Among the medications used in various combinations, according to the patient’s condition, are diuretics (water fills), angiotensin receptor blockers and Isosorbide dinitrate/hydralazine (to relax blood vessels abd lower blood pressure and workload of the heart), ACE inhibitors (to reduce strain on the heart), Aldosterone antagonists (to eliminate salt and water through urination), beta blockers to slow heart rate and blood pressure to minimize the work of the failing heart), and digitalis to help the weakened ventricles. What is the role of prevention? Avoidance of the causes, if possible, is obviously the key. Abstinence from cigarettes, alcohol, and other toxic agents, low-salt diet (since salt intake makes the body retain fluids and increases blood pressure), fluid restriction, compliance with medications, regular medical follow-up, and shifting to a healthy lifestyle would greatly help. The patient and family members may also benefit from professional counseling to reduce the fear, anxiety, stress, depression that could adversely affect all of them. Joining a patient support group of peers could provide emotional support and help the patient adjust to his life with heart failure. Does surgery have a role? As stated above, coronary bypass to correct the heart blockages and prevent heart attack, and surgery to repair diseased heart valves, can significantly improve cardiac recovery. But as heart failure worsens, the standard treatment outlined above may no longer help. If the patient’s heart rhythm is disrupted, a cardiac pacemaker may be installed. For life-threatening arrythmias, an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) may be implanted. Left ventricular restoration/remodeling, mechanical pump called left ventricular assist device, or even heart transplant, when the patient is deemed a qualified candidate for any of those procedures, may be done as a life-saving measure for endstage heart failure where all other treatments have failed.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA

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The big print, the small print The big print giveth and the small print taketh away.

— Unknown

DEPENDING on your persuasion, God or the devil is in the details. Much of the big things in our lives are bound up by documents —your marriage contract, your divorce papers, your real estate holdings, your lease and anything else that requires the agreement between two or more parties. Take credit cards for example. A business writer once compared a credit card to that wicked witch’s house made of cookies and candy in the old story of Hansel and Gretel. As the story goes, these children who were abandoned in the woods by a cruel stepmother and a feckless father, were snared by the witch who found them to be too scrawny for her tastes and decided they should be fattened up first with carbs before she would bake them as the main entree. The credit card company pitch is sugary sweet as the witch’s house and all too familiar by now: zero or low interest rate, nada annual fees, cashback points, and rewards galore. But take a moment to read the disclosures. No credit card company is in business for your sole pleasure and fiscal health. As prescribed by law, the disclosures are all there. It may tell you that the zero or low interest rate is simply introductory for a short period of time, or that the advertised rate applies to you only if you do a balance transfer from another credit card, or that if you get a cash advance, the rate is higher and the stiff penalties that may apply if you slip up with your payments. You will get the real picture of the credit card offer. Get a magnifying glass and read and comprehend the disclosures, usually written in fine print at the bottom or back of all legally binding documents before you sign or commit to a responsibility. If you’re not up to the task of getting through all the tedious legalese and mounds of gobble-

dygook thrown in for good measure by legal eagles who crafted the contract probably to confound you, by all means ask for help from those who know and can be trusted, even if you have to pay to get that advice before making a decision particularly when it involves big ticket items and your fiscal health. we all need to have just a smidgen of cynicism every time we come across a message that sounds just a tad too good to be true. we must remember that in advertising messages, contracts, binding agreements as well as in anything else that promises something in exchange for something, “The big print giveth and the small print taketh away.” For big ticket items, hold off making a purchase decision until you have shopped the market and done the research and have asked yourself the question and answered truthfully that what you are buying is what you really need. The incessant barrage on television, the print media, on radio, the internet and the billboards along the roadways for you to buy can boggle the sanest of minds. The sales events, even during recessionary times, are unending and alas, you will finally come to the conclusion that you will run out of money long before the malls and the discount stores run out of merchandise and sales events. The point is that with all the available information at our fingertips, being resourceful and persistent in researching values, prices and reviews among peers in the internet can help us in negotiating a price that we are comfortable paying for and can live with. A savvy car buyer must come armed with information, prepared to respectfully yet persistently dicker his way at the negotiating table specially if his credit score is excellent, has some down payment ready and

Magaly Munoz-Mejorado

Honorable Shelley Berkley

has some other bargaining chips in his arsenal. If not, walk away. The art of the deal is all about negotiating from strength, using leverage, toughening it out and having the chutzpah to walk away. There is too much noise and confusion in the American cultural mainstream media that blurs what in the beginning may have been a sharp and clear distinction of your own personal needs and wants. Like everybody else, expect to be confused. Mercifully, anything electronic can be zapped and you have the option to tune out whenever you choose. Infomercials are unpretentiously straightforward in going for the jugular. These are fullblown shows, from a half hour to an hour, that have been proven to be effective mass marketing tools. The sophistication with which a specific type of consumer is reached by precisely targeted direct mail pieces and e-mail pieces have reached unprecedented levels as giant data bases track information swirling about in cyberspace about you and the likelihood that you fit the profile of a prospect for a certain product. The technological age we live in has made it possible to find out about anything under the sun with just a few keystrokes. The media and the internet provide rivers of information that often overwhelm. These have become the most effective tools to gain a share of the mind and heart of consumers to ultimately affect thought and behavior patterns. How we use just a few pieces of critical genuine information to arrive at a wise decision is what matters in the long run. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

*** 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

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BUILDING A BETTER NEVADA COMMUNITY FOR AAPIs. The Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) recently held its launch party on Tuesday, April 19 at the Pearl in MGM Grand Las Vegas. There is a pressing need to establish a coalition that takes the initiative to address issues that are affecting Southern Nevada’s growing AAPI community. ACDC will align the needs of the AAPI community with the philanthropic and community engagement goals of corporations. ACDC is a nonprofit organization comprised of volunteers dedicated to building, connecting, and educating the AAPI community in Nevada. ACDC was officially charted in 2015.

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

april 30

COSC celebrates 27th Anniversary The Candonians of Southern California (COSC), under the leadership of their newly elected president, Mrs. Elizabeth Gacula Singh, will celebrate their 27th Anniversary on April 30 at the Doubletree Hotel-Monrovia (924 W. Huntington Dr., Monrovia). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For questions and those interested, please email thecandoniansofsocal@gmail.com.

FALEO Kamayan The Filipino American Law Enforcement Officers Association (FALEO), a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, along with Pastor Chef, a graduate of Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts, have come together to host an event that samples some traditional and popular dishes from his restaurant. Guests will receive an exclusive experience, as the restaurant is not open to the general public during the time of the event. The event will be a classic taste of Filipino cooking where utensils are optional. Menu items will include chicken adobo, pancit, lumpiang Shanghai, crispy pata and bangus. Tickets are $20 for FALEO members and $30 for general guests. Proceeds will benefit FALEO-LA’s Annual Scholarship program. Seats are limited and those who do not pre-pay may not have a seat. For reservations, please contact Arlene Herrero at (213) 435-8700.

Michael Hoshue (Cox Communications) Carolene Layugan (Caesars Entertainment)

Neil Horikoshi (APIASF)

Lyzel Krebs (MGM)

Doretha Graham Easler(NV Energy)

Philippine election forum An informative forum regarding the Philippine election will take place at Eagle Rock Lutheran Church from 10am to noon. A representative from the Philippine embassy and representatives of presidential candidates Rodrigo Duterte, Grace Poe, Mar Roxas and Jejomar Binay will be there to answer questions regarding their party. The church is located at 5032 North Maywood Ave, Eagle Rock 90041.

Peter Lung and Joanie Lung (World of Feng Shui)

Sari-Sari: a night of talents Cerritos-based Filipino Cultural School will hosts its first-ever open mic and talent showcase fundraiser. The open-mic seeks to celebrate the diverse talents of the Filipino community and in forms of singing, dancing and spoken word. Pre-sale tickets are $5 for children ages 12 and under, and $8 for those aged 13 and above. Door prices will remain $5 for ages 12 and under and be $10 for children 13 years old and up. Proceeds will be directed toward the cost of the venue, insurance and will benefit the school’s upcoming summer program, which will teach both Filipino and non-Filipino children about Filipino culture. The event will take place from 4 to 7pm at Josephine’s Cerritos, 11305 183rd Street, Cerritos, CA 90703. For more information and inquiries, visit www.filipinoculturalschool.org and email filipinoculturalschool@gmail.com.

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 Doretha Easler, Carolene Layugan, Magaly Munoz-Mejorado, Maria Marinch, Pauline Lee, Lyzel Krebs, Peter Lung, Jocelyn King and Joe Coe.

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 28-mAy 4, 2016

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Nevada State College wins $1.2 Pinoy band THE END reunited in Las Vegas million federal grant to help first generation, low-income students heNDeRSON, Nevada – Nevada State College (NSC) has received a $1.2 million federally funded grant for five years intended to help first-generation and low-income students through a program that provides tutors, peer mentors, “success coaches” and help with preparation for graduate school. “This grant enables Nevada State College to really build a safety net of support for students, many of whom will be

entering freshmen,” said Robin Smith, director of the TRIO-SSS program. “Nevada State College has a sharp focus on retention. As student enrollment grows, it becomes even more important to ensure we are providing all our students the resources they need to complete their college education.” Dubbed TRIO-SSS for the three main elements of its student support services, the program has accepted 72 students since its

launch earlier this spring. College officials say the program can accommodate up to 140 students. To be eligible, students must be either a first-generation college student – meaning neither parent graduated with a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university – or a low-income student as defined by federal government guidelines. Students who have a documented disability may also be eligible.

PROJECT 150 Youth Council provides scholarship opportunity LAS VeGAS – The Youth Council for Project 150, a local nonprofit that helps homeless, displaced and disadvantaged high students, is offering several scholarships to attend a Nevada college, university or accredited vocational training institute. Scholarship applications will be accepted now through May 9. “As students finally reach that goal of graduating high school, we want them to know the journey has just begun,” said Senia Roybal, Project 150’s youth program coordinator. “We hope the and opens a path to a successful scholarship opportunity helps future.” them pursue higher education Scholarship award levels range

JPhONe Communications announces the opening of their new CRICKeT Store at 3303 S. Jones Blvd. #100 Las Vegas, NV (Corner of Desert Inn Rd.) Tel (702) 589-3335 Other locations: • 3768 S. Maryland Pkwy. #650 Las Vegas, NV (Inside 99 Ranch Market) Tel. (702) 749-7710 • 4801 Spring Mountain Rd. Las Vegas, NV (Inside SF Super Market) Tel. (702) 538-7727

UPAAN induction of officers on May 9 The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Nevada (UPAAN) elected Ana Parcon as its new President. She graduated high school from UP Iloilo in 1977 and UP Visayas in 1981 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant and has worked in several corporations both in the Philippines and the US. She is married to Dr. Paul Parcon, a practicing physician in Las Vegas. The UPAAN Officers will be inducted by Joe Tinio, Nevada Commissioner on Aging on May 9, 2016 at 6pm at D’Pinoy Reception hall on Rainbow and Flamingo. All UPAAN and friends of alumni are invited. Please call the following for details: RSVP Ana Parcon : 702 715 2109 ester Reyes: 702- 292 1751 Jenny Latosa 702 875 5718 Lilia Castaneda - 702 -813 5844 Will Vicuna - 702 348 9693 Sid Dela Cruz 702- 256 3301

from $500 to $2,000 per student. high school and college students are eligible to apply if they meet the academic and community service requirements. Scholarship interviews are scheduled to take place May 20. Scholarship award notifications will be sent by June 1 via email. Project 150 will hold a celebratory scholarship awards luncheon on June 15 at Texas Station hotel and Conference Center. Visit www.Project150.org to apply for a scholarship or call 702-721-7150 for information about scholarship sponsorship opportunities.

The Virtouso guitar playing of Danny Mac and the talented lead singing of Bimbo Santiago were reunited after 50 years at Kapuso Kamilya Bar Restaurant in Las Vegas on Friday, April 22. The sensational drummer Vaughn Velasco (former electromaniacs) also performed a drum solo “Little B”. In the 60s, Danny and Bimbo were in a popular Pinoy band called The end. Danny Mac Band with Jun Danz (bass) and ernesto “Pards” estanislao (drummmer) continued the night Danny Mac, Henry David, Binggles Galvez, Manny Sibal, Bing Velano, Bimbs Santiago singing 60s tunes and a tribute to the late Prince. The Ateneo De Manila high School class of 1967 -- with henry David, Binggles Galvez, Manny Sibal, Bing Velano, Mel Vertido, Freddy Vergara, Lori Sumulong and wives -- flew from Manila and California to attend the reunion and priceless night.

The Reunion of THE END at Kapuso Kamilya Bar Restaurant

Photos by Raoul Gatchalian

B april 28-may 4, 2016 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal

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