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Volume 28 - No. 2 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
‘Here to Stay’ event honors immigrant contributions, quells fear from incoming admin
J A N U A RY 1 9 - 2 5 , 2 0 1 7
‘I’LL BE QUIET IF NEEDED’
Duterte denies plan to declare martial law by DANA
M. SIOSON
AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, January 18, stressed that he has no plans to put the country under martial law. He added, however, that he would be quiet if he is compelled to do so. “I will not declare martial law at LAS VEGAS -- Leading up to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, elected officials, immigration activists, labor organizers, and members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community came together over the weekend bearing the message: immigrants are here to stay. The immigrants rights resource fair and press conference at the Pearson Community Center in North Las Vegas on Saturday, January 14 coincided with similar National Day of Action events across the country, including one in downtown Los Angeles. During the presidential campaign and since PAGE A2
kung mag-declare ako ng Martial Law hindi ako mag-iingay (and if I do, I will not make noise),” Duterte said in his speech during the 20th anniversary of the Premier Medical Center in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. “But if I feel as a president that I have to preserve my country, I will declare martial law,” he added Duterte also expressed his agree-
ment with the military that, as of present, there was “no compelling reason” to declare martial law. However, he warned that Mindanao is being “contaminated” by the Islamic State (ISIS). “But I will just fill you in in the days to come. It’s ISIS coming in very fast and Mindanao is a pure case of rising nationalism,” he noted.
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
New US envoy affirms ‘solid’ ties with PH
Pope Francis receives Duterte’s thank-you letter by DANA
PAGE A2
Pacquiao asks DOT for P3-B to fund his match against Marquez in PH
‘PRODUCTIVE MEETING’. President Rodrigo Duterte (right), accompanied by some Cabinet members, meets the new US ambassador to Manila, Sung Kim (second from right), at the Panacan presidential guesthouse in Davao City on Sunday, Jan. 15. Malacañang photo
Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
In his speech, Duterte also hit media outlets regarding their reporting of his pronouncements. “And media kasi hindi nakikinig. Ang marinig lang nila, Martial law. Hindi ako stupido. Mas bright tayo sa kanila (The media do not listen. All they hear is Martial Law. I am not stupid. We are brighter than them),”
M. SIOSON
AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte has personally written Pope Francis a letter to express his gratitude to the Pontiff for visiting the country in 2015. According to the Office of the Presidential THE United States Ambassador to the PhilipAdviser on the Peace Process, Foreign Affairs pines Sung Kim has affirmed the long-standing ties between Manila and Washington, Malaca- Secretary Perfecto Yasay personally handed Duterte’s letter to Pope Francis on Wednesday, ñang said. “[Kim] reiterated the commitment of the U.S. January 18. “Our countrymen remember your Holiness’ to the bilateral relationship with the Philippines, which he described as ‘solid,’” Presidential apostolic visit in 2015 with deep appreciaPresidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in tion, knowing that it was made with the most sincere regard for the welfare of the Church’s a statement on Sunday, January 15. According to Abella, Philippine President flock,” Duterte said in his letter addressed to Pope Francis welcomes chief government peace negotiator Jesus Dureza at PAGE A2 PAGE A2 the Vatican on Jan. 18, 2017. Photo from the Facebook page of Mr. Dureza
Senator Manny Pacquiao
FILIPINO boxing champion and Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao announced that he is anticipating a rematch in the Philippines against Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez. In a radio interview with DZMM’s Fastbreak, Pacquiao related that he asked Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo to fund his bout against Marquez that is reportedly scheduled for
sometime in November. “Approximately, sabi ko sa kanya [Secretary Teo] nasa 3 o 2.5 billion [pesos]. Kasi plano ko mag-rematch kay Marquez tapos dito ko dalhin si Marquez sa Pilipinas (Approximately, I told her we need 3 or 2.5 billion. I plan to have a rematch with Marquez here in the Philippines),” Pacquiao said. He added, “Maganda kasi ‘pag kami naglaban, hindi takbu-takbuhan (Our fight will be good because there will be no running around).” Teo confirmed that Pacquiao had asked her to help provide funds for his fifth fight against the Mexican boxer. “Kinausap nga ako ni Manny Pacquiao, we talked and he said, humingi siya ng P3 billion for the fight (Manny Pacquiao indeed talked to me and asked P3 billion for the fight),” Teo said in a radio interview with DZMM’s Pasada Sais Trenta. According to her, the DOT would only grant Pacquiao’s request if he fights another big name PAGE A2
Miss Universe bets grace Baguio City PH seeks explanation by ROSETTE
ADEL
Philstar.com
SOME delegates of the 65th Miss Universe and reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach on Wednesday, Jan. 18 headed north and visited the country’s summer
capital, Baguio City. The ladies were welcomed by cadets of the Philippine military with an arrival ceremony at the Loakan Airport. After which, the candidates held a parade from upper Session Road to the Baguio Country Club.
Some delegates of the 65th Miss Universe and reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach on Wednesday, Jan. 18 headed north and visited the country’s summer capital, Baguio City.
Waves and smiles greeted them as they rode colorful flower-decorated floats. Street dancers, who also performed, escorted the Miss Universe bets during the parade. Earlier, Baguio Mayor Mauro Domogan ordered closure of the
three-kilometer parade route to avoid traffic. Miss U candidates who are in the City of Pines also visited Baguio Country Club to go strawberry picking. Wurtzbach planted a tree at the same venue. They also attended a gala dinner.
from China over weapon installations on islands by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
FOLLOWING the reports from a U.S. think thank stating that China has installed weapons on all of its seven artificial islands in the South China Sea, the Philippines has sent Beijing “low-key” notes verbale to seek clarifications on the issue. The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) previously reported that China has installed anti-aircraft guns and close-in weapons systems on its newly built islands situated along the disputed areas in the South China Sea. “We have taken action on that, we have issued a note verbale,” Philippines’ Foreign Secretary
Perfecto Yasay told CNN in an interview on Monday, January 16. According to Yasay, Manila has sent “three to four” notes verbale to China. A notes verbale is a diplomatic communication, less formal than a diplomatic note, that is not signed and is issued in the third person. “I just want to assure the Filipino people that when we take action at engaging China in this dispute, we do not want to take such aggressive, provocative action that will not solve the problem,” Yasay said. ”We cannot engage China in a war.” The foreign secretary did not disclose when the notes were isPAGE A4
A
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From The FronT Page
Duterte denies plan to declare... PAGE A1 Duterte said. Last Monday, January 16, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar also chided media outlets for their supposed “misreporting� of President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent remarks regarding the declaration of martial law. Over the weekend, reports cited Duterte saying that he would impose martial law if the country’s situation became “very virulent.� “Kung gusto ko (If I wanted to), and if it will deteriorate into something really very virulent, I will declare martial law if I want to). Walang makapigil sa akin (No one can stop me),� the president said in a speech during an oath-taking ceremony
of Davao City Chamber of Commerce officials last Saturday, January 14. Duterte then added, “If I have to declare martial law, I will declare it, not because of invasion, insurrection, I will declare martial law to preserve my nation, period.â€? The MalacaĂąang Press Corps (MPC) on Wednesday, however, said “a review of the president’s speech last Saturday in Davao City would reveal that the media merely paraphrased or translated some of his remarks.â€? The MPC called out Andanar for accusing the media of “misreportingâ€? Duterte’s remarks and urged him to “read the entire news stories, not just the heads or titles, to get a better picture of the media’s coverage
of the president.� In a statement, the press corps also said that the media “has no obligation to please or satisfy its sources because its loyalty is to the citizens, those who will be affected by the actions of people who are far more powerful than them.� Following Andanar’s comments, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) also criticized the communications secretary for his “utterly dishonest tack of blaming the media� over the supposed “misreporting� of Rep. Ruben Kihuen of Nevada’s 4th congressional district Duterte’s comments. The NUJP’s letter to Andanar pointed out that Duterte’s message has been accurately recorded on video by the government channel, RTVM.
‘Here to Stay’ event honors immigrant...
Pacquiao asks DOT for P3-B to fund... PAGE A1 boxer. “I was telling him, ‘pag (Floyd) Mayweather o si Marquez, madali ‘yung i-sell, kaya namin ang P3 billion (if it’s going to be a fight with Mayweather or with Marquez, it’ll be easy for us to shell out P3 billion),� Teo added. Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum earlier confirmed
that Pacquiao is set to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship against Australian Jeff Horn on April 22. Arum, however, said the location of the match is not yet finalized. “Once we have a location, then I’ll fly over to the Philippines to meet with Manny and finalize everything on our
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side. But he is going to fight Jeff Horn,� Arum told ESPN. Pacquiao defends death penalty, cites Bible The boxer-turned-politician again invited controversy for recent remarks supporting the revival of the death penalty in the Philippines. “The Bible says do not kill. Ang ibig sabihin kasi noon pag nagkasala ka sa akin hindi kita Chinese-American community leader Evan Louie pwedeng patayin (In the past, it means that if you sinned against me, I cannot kill you). Let the authority handle that,� Pacquiao told reporters on Tuesday, January 17. He took note that both the Bible and the Constitution allow the imposition of the death penalty as punishment for heinous crimes. “Siguro naman sa Constitution allowed yung heinous crimes na death penalty and then sa Panginoon naman, binibigyan ng Panginoon ang karapatan ang government (The Constitution allow us to use death penalty for heinous crimes while the Lord also gives the government the rights) to use the capital punishment, which is the death penalty,� Pacquiao argued. The senator also said that he is ready to lead a subcommit- Fil-Am community leader Rozita Lee tee in the Senate that would discuss the proposal.
PAGE A1 being elected, Trump has reiterated his vows to increase deportations of undocumented immigrants and cancel immigration policies implemented by outgoing President Barack Obama, including the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which stopped granted work visas to those who were brought to the United States as children. “We will stand up to defend our vision of America -- one of diversity, inclusion and human dignity,� Francisco Morales, state director of Center for Community Change Action (CCCAction), said. Emily Zamora, the state coordinator for iAmerica, added that events like this are important for disseminating information to immigrant communities as immigration policies are soon to change. Among the topics touched upon at the fair was what rights immigrants have in case they encounter law enforcement, as well as advice to remain calm given the incoming administration. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto emphasized the many contributions of immigrants to the country’s economic growth and prosperity. “It’s important now more than ever to know our rights and use our voices to empower immigrant communities, to make sure that the incoming administration knows that we are here to stay,� Cortez Masto said. She warned that the deportation of nearly 800,000 DACA beneficiaries will cause the country’s GDP to lose $433 billion dollars over 10 years. “And here in Nevada, the deportation of DACA beneficiaries who are active members of our workforce will result in Nevada’s economy losing $585 million every year,� the senator said. “This is not the time to be scared, this is not the time to be intimidated, this is not the time to back down,� Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D-Nev.) told hundreds in the audience on Saturday. In addition to speakers, various groups entertained the crowd with cultural performances, such as traditional Japanese dances and Tagalog songs. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)
Pope Francis receives Duterte’s thank-you... PAGE A1 the pope. “The Philippines values its special relations with the Holy See and regards with gratitude your Holiness’ gracious stewardship of the Catholic faith,� it further read. Duterte also expressed his high respect for the Pontiff. Quoting the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza said that the pope has blessed the Philippines and Duterte. “I said, ‘Bless the Philippines, your holiness.’ Pope Francis [said], ‘I will also bless your president,’� Dureza shared on his Facebook
account. Dureza and other Philippine government delegates are in Rome for the third round of peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, which is slated from January 19 to 25. In 2015, then-presidential candidate Duterte made headlines after reportedly cursing the pope for causing heavy traffic during his papal visit. Duterte later clarified that the curse was directed at the government’s traffic management. He later sent an apology to the Vatican. Earlier this week, Pope Francis sent a message to Manila, urg-
ing World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (WACOM 4) delegates to continue on searching and sharing God’s mercy. “Carry on seeking and finding new ways to express God’s mercy,� the church leader said in his message. The pope’s message was read by Papal Legate Archbishop Philippe Cardinal Barbarin during a mass held at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila on Tuesday evening, January 17. The WACOM is an international gathering of devotees of the Divine Mercy which is held every three years.
New US envoy affirms ‘solid’ ties...
PAGE A1 Rodrigo Duterte had a “productive 45-minute meeting� with the U.S. ambassador on Sunday in Davao City. Abella said Duterte and Kim met following the launching of the country’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year. “The U.S. ambassador congratulated the Philippines on its assumption of the ASEAN hosting and looked forward to a successful leadership,� Abella related. During the meeting, Abella said
Kim discussed the military and law enforcement cooperation between the Philippines and the United States. “Furthermore, he also discussed military cooperation, particularly in the fight against terrorism, and the extent of US assistance to Mindanao,� Abella added. Quoting Kim, Abella also took note that the United States will continue to support the Philippines. “Citing cooperation in law enforcement, Ambassador Sung Kim stressed that the U.S. will
continue to provide support, including intelligence exchange and in maritime security. It was a very productive meeting marked by an open exchange of ideas,� Abella said. Last month, Kim met Duterte when he presented his credentials to the Philippine leader. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Kim replaced Philip Goldberg as the new U.S. ambassador to the Philippines last year. Kim also previously worked as U.S. ambassador to South Korea from 2011 to 2014. (Dana Sioson / AJPress)
CONGRESS OF MERCY. Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto (above, left), apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, listens as Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (above, right) delivers his homily during the Holy Mass for the 4th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy on Monda, Jan. 16 at the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica in Intramuros, Manila. ManilaTimes.net photos
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A3
US Secretary of State nominee wavers on Duterte’s drug campaign Human rights org slams ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson’s unwillingness to condemn extrajudicial killings by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
NARCO-POLITICOS. President Rodrigo Duterte points to photos of government officials linked to drugs. The president threatened to kill provincial governors involved in drugs after saying the same to mayors last week, and ordered security forces to bomb kidnap gangs even if they held hostages. Malacañang photo
AAPIs urged to enroll in healthcare as Trump admin threatens to repeal ACA by ERIC
ANTHONY LICAS AJPress
OFFICIALS and health care advocates in California want Americans to continue signing up for government health insurance subsidies made available by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) despite the Trump administration’s intentions to repeal and replace the measure. Paul Lee, the head of the state’s health care exchange, Covered California, along with State Treasurer John Chiang and Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles Executive Director Stewart Kwoh met at a press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, January 12 to remind residents that they have until the end of the month to register for benefits. “We can talk about changes that may happen, but the thing we know today is that we are open for business,” said Lee on Thursday. “The benefits available through medical and the benefits through Covered California for 2017 are locked in, and now is the time for people to sign up.” He also said that actions taken at the federal level could take months, even years to begin having a direct impact on people in their communities. As a result, new enrollees are
Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee (seated left) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles Executive Director Stewart Kwoh (seated right) join State Treasurer John Chiang (standing) at a press conference urging Californians to sign up for health care coverage on Thursday, January 12.
unlikely to suddenly lose coverage even if lawmakers in Washington D.C. approve legislation that dismantles the ACA. Earlier on Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed a budget blueprint which paves the way for future proposals aimed at terminating the Obama administration’s signature health insurance law. “This resolution will set the stage for true legislative relief from Obamacare that Americans have long demanded while ensuring a stable transition,” Senate Budget Chairman Mike Enzi of Wyoming said on the Senate floor on Thursday. Opponents of the measure say it has increased health in-
surance costs for many Americans and placed unnecessary burdens on businesses. Obamacare supporters say it has made medical care available to millions of people who couldn’t afford it before. Kwoh added that alternative, privatized plans suggested by Republican lawmakers would severely reduce people’s coverage “We know that in the history before Covered California, before Obamacare, that we had families upon families upon families whose fi nancial trajectories would decline because of some health care incident,” said Chiang during Thursday’s press conference. PAGE A4
THE Senate Foreign Relations Committee confi rmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump’s secretary of state pick tackled a number of issues regarding human rights abuses, and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial drug crackdown made the agenda. Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson — nominated by Trump in December — was interviewed by several senators from both sides of the aisle on Wednesday, January 11, and many of them were outraged by Tillerson’s hesitancy in taking a stance on human rights abuses in the Philippines as well as Saudi Arabia, Russia and other nations. Previously, the presidentelect told Duterte in a phone conversation that he thinks that the Philippine government is handling the illegal drug problem “the right way”, according to Duterte. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) — who has been critical of Trump since the Republican primary race — probed the ExxonMobil CEO about the human rights violations committed in the violent drug crackdown in the Philippines. Since Duterte’s fi rst day in office, more than 6,200 people have been killed by the police and vigilante shootings. Moreover, Duterte has encouraged the killings as a way to cleanse the nation from illegal drugs. Rubio asked Tillerson: “In your view is this the right way to conduct an anti-drug campaign?” Rather than giving a yes or no answer, Tillerson evaded the question to acknowledge the longstanding Philippine/U.S. alliance. “The U.S. [and] the people of the Philippines have had a long-standing friendship,” Tillerson replied. “And I think it’s important we keep that in perspective in engaging with the government of the Philippines, that longstanding friendship. And they have been an ally and
Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson
we need to ensure they stay an ally.” But Rubio persisted the issue, referencing statistics from the Los Angeles Times and asking Tillerson whether the Duterte administration’s handling of the illegal drug problem “is an appropriate way to conduct that operation? Or do you believe that it is something that’s conducive to human rights violations that we should be concerned about and condemning?” Tillerson, again, skipped around the question, saying he’d rather be sure of “credible information available from various government agencies” than make a judgment from “something I read in the newspapers.” The senator then followed up by saying that Duterte “openly brags about the people who are being shot and killed on the streets” without granting them a trial in court. He added that the issue “is not an intelligence issue” and that it’s constantly reported in the media. Tillerson, still skeptical about the facts and statistics, said, “If the facts are in fact supported of those numbers and those actions, then I don’t think any of us would accept that as a proper way to deal with offenders, no matter how egregious offenders may be.” He also did not criticize the gender and political repression in Saudi Arabia and refused to acknowledge any atrocity occurred in Syria, where Russian-
led forces have committed war crimes like bombing civilians. After Tillerson’s testimony, several Republican and Democrat senators reported being disturbed by his answers. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) said he would not be voting for Tillerson, stating that “there was no moral clarity” in any of his answers and was unqualified to serve as secretary of state. International human rights organization Amnesty International called Tillerson’s answers to the human rights questions “extremely concerning,” citing the secretary of state’s pivotal role in upholding “human rights in the U.S. and abroad.” “Tillerson’s claims that he cannot pass judgment on these countries’ abuses until he has access to U.S. intelligence briefings ignores the U.S. government’s own previous fi ndings,” Sarah Margon, Washington director of Human Rights Watch, told the Los Angeles Times. “It is extremely concerning that a nominee for Secretary of State would claim that governments in countries like Syria and the Philippines with clear patterns of documented violations are not considered human rights abusers,” Amnesty International said in a statement. “His rhetoric suggests that under his leadership the State Department would not pressure human rights violators even in the face of overwhelming evidence.”
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PH seeks explanation from China... PAGE A1
sued. He, however, affirmed that the Philippine government is taking necessary steps to protect the country’s interests. “When there are reports about the build-up of weapon systems in the area, during our watch we made sure that the interests and rights of the Philippines are properly protected,” Yasay stressed. China, for its part, said that it “has the right to deploy necessary and proper national defense
facilities on its own territory.” “The South China Sea issue is cooling down and returning to the right track thanks to joint efforts by China and relevant parties including the Philippines, and this meets the common interests of China and the Philippines and the aspiration of all, and does good for peace and stability of the South China Sea,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a press briefing. China also expressed its will-
ingness to pursue peace and stability in the disputed region. On Tuesday, January 18, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin visited President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañang. The details of the meeting, however, were not disclosed. “His request for an audience with the President is simply a courtesy call and exchange of pleasantries. It cannot involve discussions of substantive issues that will undermine the purpose and process of our political consultations,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said. In an earlier statement, Philippines Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana described China’s reported weapon installations as ‘very troubling.’ “The actions of China in militarizing those disputed features are very troubling. They do not square with the Chinese government’s rhetoric that its purpose is peaceful and friendly,” Lorenzana said.
PAG-ASA TURNS 25. Pag-asa, the first Philippine Eagle successfully hatched and bred in captivity, turned 25 on Sunday, Jan. 15. Pag-asa is the first to be produced under the captive breeding program of the non-profit Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) through the combined artificial and natural incubation technique taught by the World Center for Birds of Prey. The Philippine Eagle was declared the country’s national bird, replacing the maya, in 1995 by then president Fidel Ramos.
Fil-Ams greet potential Trump pick for solicitor general with surprise, skepticism by ANTHONY
ADVINCULA New America Media
NEW YORK — Few Filipino Americans know the name George T. Conway III. The husband of Kellyanne Conway, senior adviser to Presidentelect Donald Trump, he has never been active in the Filipino American community and it was only recently that his Filipino heritage had even been made public. So when it was reported last week that Conway is on the shortlist of nominees for U.S. solicitor general, Filipino Americans greeted the news with a mix of surprise and skepticism. “I didn’t realize that he is Filipino American,” said Rudy Asercion, chairman of the National Organization of FilipinoAmerican Republicans and an elected member of the San Francisco Republican Party Central Committee. “My wife says that his mother is Filipino, but we are still not sure about that.” Yet, as a devoted Republican, Asercion was brimming with pride at the news. “This is very telling that a Filipino should be raised up
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George T. Conway III (right), husband of Trump Senior Advisor Kellyanne Conway, was named a candidate for solicitor general.
[under a Republican administration],” he said. Whenever the nation’s leader is a Democrat, he added, “it doesn’t do anything” for the community. Conway, if appointed and approved by the Senate, would achieve the highest public office that a Filipino American holds and would be the fi rst AsianAmerican solicitor general. While a majority of Filipino Americans vote Democrat, a survey last October found that among registered Asian American voters, Filipino Americans showed the most support for Trump. Conway’s name was little mentioned during the presidential campaign, though it was reported that he did make donations to the Trump campaign, as well as to previous GOP presidential candidates. A long-time partner at the New York-based law fi rm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, according to his biography on the fi rm’s website, Conway graduated from Yale Law School in 1987, after attending Harvard College. Throughout his career, Conway has represented highprofi le clients, including the National Football League and tobacco maker Philip Morris. He also played a minor role in the 1998 impeachment of Pres-
ident Bill Clinton. For other Filipino Americans, however, Conway’s potential nomination does little to curb their mistrust of the president elect. “During the campaign, Trump supporters made [some] disparaging remarks about Hillary Clinton’s Filipino housekeeper,” said Mary Villena, of Jacksonville, Fla. “I’m just surprised that I didn’t hear a peep from Kellyanne Conway about defending the housekeeper since she is married to a Filipino American.” Villena believes Conway’s potential nomination will do little to benefit ordinary Filipino Americans. “Looking at his biography and his clients—they don’t scream social justice to me,” she added. “I really don’t think his Filipino heritage would be influential or of benefit to us.” Some Filipino Americans also say that Conway would be an unusual choice for solicitor general, because of his lack of experience arguing cases before the Supreme Court. So far, his law fi rm biography lists only one Supreme Court case that he has argued— a 2010 dispute involving the overseas reach of federal securities law. His appointment, according
to other Filipino Americans, would also raise questions about confl ict of interest, considering his wife’s position in the Trump administration. Although a solicitor general reports to the attorney general and answers to the president, decisions should be made independently of the White House. “There’s defi nitely going to be a major bias in the decision-making process,” said N. Macasaet, a single parent from Jersey City, NJ. “I don’t know him [Conway], but I’m not sure if it [his appointment] is a good idea.” Eric Lachica, a Filipino American advocate and chairman of the Washington, D.C.based Filipino American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, wanted to give Conway a chance. He said Conway may fi nd solutions to some critical issues that Filipino Americans face. “I really don’t know anything about his background, but I would like to see his community participation and fi nd out whether it is going to be an asset or liability,” Lachica said. “I hope he’d join us in what we are fighting for, especially equal rights for Filipino veterans and the growing confl ict between the Philippines and China.”
AAPIs urged to enroll in healthcare as... PAGE A3 He said that those who lack coverage oftentimes struggled to recover from the fi nancial burdens brought on by unforeseen or chronic medical concerns. According to Chiang, affordable medical insurance extended stability and peace of mind to multitudes of working class families. Chiang went on to applaud Covered California for effectively negotiating with insurers to bring the costs of plans below what had previously been available through private health care market. Those who switch plans after shopping for insurance through Covered California saved an average of $450 a year, Lee reported. “While there’s some confusion in Washington, there’s no confusion that the reason people want health care is that they know they need it,” Lee told reporters on Thursday. “The thing they don’t all know is that now they can afford it.” In California, the number of the people who lack coverage has fallen faster than it has in any other state, Lee said. The rate of uninsured Californians has fallen from 17 percent to 7.4 percent since the ACA’s implementation, lower than it has ever been in history. Speakers at Thursday’s
Covered California Executive Director Paul Lee speaks to reporters about the benefits of health insurance. AJPress photos by Eric Anthony Licas
press conference urged California’s remaining uninsured population to explore their options and reach out to representatives of Covered California. The health care exchange network offers information and support in 13 languages, including Tagalog through their website and several phone hotlines. More than 800,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the state have registered for health care through Medi-Cal and Covered California. Nationwide, the number of uninsured AAPIs has fallen by 59 percent since
the ACA’s implementation, according to Kwoh. Approximately 20 million previously uncovered Americans have enrolled in plans through Obamacare. Despite federal efforts to repeal the law, Kwoh and other advocates of the ACA say the increasing number of people who have taken advantage of it demonstrates its value and demand. “The future of the ACA is going to depend on the people,” said Kwoh “Yes, politicians can say what they want, but the American people will have to speak up.”
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 19-25, 2017
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Poll watcher: ‘Election machines tampered with’ by JAime
PilAPil ManilaTimes
Sen. Miguel Zubiri points a finger at Sen. Antonio Trillanes as they are restrained by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and colleagues following an exchange of insults at the Senate floor on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo
Senate main event: ‘Cheater’ vs ‘mutineer’ by PAolo
RomeRo Philstar.com
MANILA - A discussion over a bribery scandal deteriorated into an exchange of insults on the Senate floor on Wednesday, Jan. 18 with two lawmakers nearly coming to blows before colleagues pacified them. Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri called his colleague Antonio Trillanes IV a “mutineer,� prompting the latter to shoot back with his own description of Zubiri as a “cheater� in elections. The senators were discussing a P50-million bribery scandal at the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Trillanes had accused pro-adminis-
tration senators including Zubiri of trying to whitewash a probe sought by Senators Franklin Drilon and Leila de Lima. “Never in my nine years in the House of Representatives and four years in the Senate have I been accused (of whitewashing any investigation)‌ I take offense on that. I don’t know what should be done, maybe this will be taken in the ethics committee or the gentleman (Trillanes) should apologize,â€? Zubiri said. Trillanes countered that he was expected to react in such a way before the media after the senators voted to pull out the previous referral of Drilon’s resolution from his committee so that it would
eventually be handled by the Senate justice committee chaired by Sen. Richard Gordon, a perceived pro-administration senator. “I’m glad that the gentleman (Zubiri) took offense because the statement was meant to be offensive. So at least he feels something,� Trillanes said, adding that Zubiri resigned from the Senate after being accused of cheating in the 2007 elections. The comment made Zubiri retort by accusing Trillanes of rebellion and treason in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, adding that the senator was pardoned by president Benigno Aquino III in 2010 and became the “rabid defender of the faith� of the PAGE A7
Robredo camp to Marcos: Don’t feed Pinoys wrong, self-serving info by AJ
BolAndo
Philstar.com
MANILA – The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday, Jan. 17 said that former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos should not give out “wrong and self-serving information for political reasons� like claiming that data in unused secure digital (SD) cards is evidence of “massive electoral fraud� in the May 2016 elections. Lawyer Romulo Macalintal, lead counsel for Robredo, said the Marcos camp obviously doesn’t understand the process for election protests involving automated elections. “The data from some of these 13 SD cards have not yet been decrypted, meaning they are still in encrypted form and have not yet been converted to its original form for an ordinary layman to understand their full contents,� Macalintal explained in a statement released to reporters. “The camp of Marcos must have a bionic mind or bionic eyes to be able to read these encrypted data and immediately claim that there were electoral frauds committed in the said election,� he added. Marcos’ legal team, headed by lawyer Victor Rodriguez, claimed Monday that there had been fraud in the recent elections because the supposedly unused SD cards contained folders and data. Rodriguez questioned the folders and data in the SD cards saying the cards should be empty since they came from vote counting machine kits that were not used. Macalintal, speaking for Robredo, pointed out that the unused VCMs were not even part of Mar-
Lawyer Romulo Macalintal, lead counsel for Vice President Leni Robredo. Philstar.com photo by Jonathan Asuncion
cos’ protest and that could not be used as evidence. The vice president’s camp asserted that the votes that they received were legitimate and no electoral fraud was committed. “We stand by our position that all the votes cast for and received by Robredo were valid votes and we are confident that the results of the verification and examination of the ballots will confirm her victory and the defeat of Marcos in the last election,� Macalintal said. Macalintal also schooled the Marcos camp on how the election protest would be handled by the Supreme Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal. “They should remember that an election protest is not decided on the basis of SD cards but the ballots actually cast in the VCMs with the results compared with the election returns, statement of votes, and other election documents,� the lawyer said. “An election protest is not won on mere press statements or me-
dia releases but based on solid and hard evidence presented before the courts or electoral tribunal,� Macalintal added. He also hit the Marcos camp for indirectly influencing Filipinos and the court of “non-existing, speculative and scattershot evidence of alleged massive fraud� even if the PET has not been presented a single ballot. “If they cannot respect the court, they should at least respect the electorate and the entire Filipino people by not feeding them with wrong and self-serving information for political reason. It is indeed ridiculous if not total frivolous for Marcos camp to make such a wide and speculative claim of massive fraud. The Marcos camp earlier contested the stripping of the unused VCMs, however, the PET sided with Comelec when the poll body explained that they do not contain election results since they only served as contingency machines during the elections.
LUNGSOD NG LAS VEGAS 2017 MUNISIPAL NA HALALAN
Alinsunod sa NAC 293C.060 at sa Karta ng Lungsod 5.010, ang mga sumusunod ay hinirang na mga tanggapan para ang mga Kandidato ay imumungkahi o ihahalal sa Lungsod ng Las Vegas 2017 Pangunahing Halalan sa Ika-4ng Abril, 2017 o ihahalal sa Ika-13 ng Hunyo, 2017 Pangkalahatang Halalan. Konseho ng Lungsod, Distrito 2 – 4 na taong termino Konseho ng Lungsod, Distrito 4 – 4 na taong termino Konseho ng Lungsod, Distrito 6 – 4 na taong termino Hukom sa Munisipal na Hukuman, Kagawaran 2 - 6 na taong termino Hukom sa Munisipal na Hukuman, Kagawaran 3 - 6 na taong termino Hukom sa Munisipal na Hukuman, Kagawaran 5 - 6 na taong termino Pagsalansan nang mga Kandidato mga Petsa: Ika-24ng Enero, 2017 hanggang Ika-3ng Pebrero, 2017 Hindi kasama ang Sabado at Linggo 8 n.u. hanggang 5 n.h. Ang mga Kandidato ay maaaring isaayos ang kanilang Pagpapahayag bilang isang Kandidato sa Tanggapan ng Kawani ng Lungsod, 495 South Main Street, 2nd Floor, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
AN election watcher on Tuesday, Jan. 17 accused the Commission on Elections of lying when it said that 1,356 extra vote-counting machines (VCMs) kept in a Santa Rosa, Laguna warehouse were not used in the May 2016 polls, following the discovery that some secure digital (SD) cards in the machines contained data. Lawyer Glenn Chong, a former Biliran congressman, said at least one SD card was tampered with, which he said was evidence the election system provided by Comelec contractor Smartmatic was “very much open to hijacking or sabotage.� In a statement, Chong pointed out that at an average of 500 votes per SD card, 5,000 extra SD cards could have produced 2.5 million votes for favored candidates by switching machines. “With 5,000 unnecessary extra SD cards accompanying 5,000 extra VCMs, switching bogus results contained in these extra SD cards with the genuine results under the guise of replacing malfunctioning VCMs is a feat that is all too easy to accomplish. All it requires is for the cheats to feign a malfunction in order to get a replacement machine with an SD card bearing bogus results in it,� he said. Chong backed the statement Monday of the camp of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos Jr., who is protesting the election victory of Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni� Robredo. Marcos lawyer Vic Rodriguez said the discovery of data in the SD cards was proof of fraud. Stripped To recall, 127 SD cards in the same number of VCMs that were “stripped� last October ahead of their return to Smartmatic were found to contain either intact or corrupted data. On Monday, the Comelec scheduled the decryption of the 127 suspect SD cards. But the Senate Electoral Tribunal, which is hearing the election protest of former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chief Francis Tolentino against Sen. Leila de Lima, ordered that 93 of these SD cards be preserved, so only 26 suspect SD cards were decrypted. “Of these 26, 13 were found
to be blank while the remaining 13 indeed contained data. The question arises as to how come an initial determination having been made three months ago that these 13 suspect SD cards contained data, they have suddenly become blank three months later. Definitely, someone is pulling dirty magic tricks right before our eyes,� Chong said. Chong revealed that of the 13 suspect SD cards that contained data, at least one, with Serial No. BUF0631C, was tampered with. Smartmatic’s representative, he noted, confirmed that they used only the Linux operating system in formatting SD cards. “Yet, this one showed evidence that it was accessed using a Windows operating system (OS). The Windows OS left its visible telltale marks on this SD card for everybody to see,� Chong said. Yet the poll body, he noted, assured all parties that the chain of custody of all SD cards from Laguna to Intramuros was never broken. “BUF0631C clearly exposed this lie of the Comelec,� Chong said. ‘Bionic mind’ The Robredo camp on Tuesday dismissed the allegations. “The camp of Marcos must have a bionic mind or bionic eyes to be
able to read these encrypted data and immediately claim that there were electoral frauds committed in the said election. For sure, no electoral fraud was committed by Vice President Robredo,� said Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s lawyer. “We stand by our position that all the votes cast for and received by Robredo were valid votes and we are confident that the results of the verification and examination of the ballots will confirm her victory and the defeat of Marcos in the last election,� Macalintal added. An election protest, he argued, is not decided on the basis of SD cards, but the ballots cast in the VCMs with the results compared with election returns, statement of votes and other election documents. Robredo beat Marcos by 263,473 votes in the May 2016 polls. Rodriguez, however, countered: “The Filipino people should not be faulted if they conclude that these tampered SD cards are truly Robredo’s so called ‘silent majority,’� he said. “The unused and undeployed VCMs with unused SD cards should not contain data at all since they are supposedly ‘virgins PAGE A7
Karagdagang impormasyon sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng North Las Vegas www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/departments/city_clerk/elections.php
LEGAL NOTICE 2017 CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS NOTICE DESIGNATING OFFICES FOR WHICH CANDIDATES ARE TO BE NOMINATED AND ELECTED in compliance with and pursuant to Nevada Administrative Code 293C.060 the City &OHUN IRU WKH &LW\ RI 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV 1HYDGD KHUHE\ GHFODUHV WKH RIÂżFHV IRU ZKLFK candidates are to be nominated for the April 4, 2017 Primary Election are as follows: MAYOR - FOUR YEAR TERM COUNCIL MEMBER, WARD 1 -
FOUR YEAR TERM
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january 19-25, 2017 • LaS VEGaS aSIan jOurnaL
OpiniOn
ASEAN at 50
Features
THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is turning 50 years old this year. The 10-member organization will celebrate a milestone, from starting as a loosely constructed regional association at the height of the Cold War to becoming a stable organization that has overcome a myriad of challenges that have come its way. Perhaps the biggest prize for ASEAN has been the preservation of peace, stability, prosperity and close relations among its members, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This stable bond has propelled ASEAN’s economic growth and has boosted its international profile. President Rogrido Duterte on Sunday, Jan. 15 called for a stronger ASEAN free of external interference, dependence and ignorance as he launched the Philippine chairmanship of the bloc’s 50th founding anniversary. “For an ASEAN citizen, the ASEAN community must provide opportunities for a truly better life. This is a life that has broken the bonds of dependence and ignorance. This is a life that has given opportunities for self-improvement. This is a life that is provided by a society transformed and reformed,” Duterte said. With the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World,” the Philippine hosting of the 2017 ASEAN meetings aims to have “inclusive and innovation-led growth,” and turn ASEAN into a “model of regionalism. “We express our shared determination to ensure stability and security from external interference in
any form of negotiation in order to preserve our national identity,” the president added. The Philippines will be hosting 118 ASEAN meetings this year— including two summits with the heads of states of the 10 member-nations and dialogue partners—which will take place in various locations nationwide, including Metro Manila, Laoag, Pampanga, Legazpi, Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. “Fifty years, hence, we see ourselves much changed for the better. Lives have been improved. The march towards sustainable development and inclusive growth continues to take place. And we have established amongst ourselves good neighborliness that allows for secure and stable relations. But we also see in ourselves the very same burning desire to move forward together based on shared values,” Duterte said in his speech. Despite these achievements, some political pundits have challenged the organization to grow economically and politically, to have a more dynamic ASEAN Code of Conduct, and a facilitation of a deeper and more meaningful dialogue and consultation. ASEAN must also address the brewing tension in
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
the contested waters of the South China Sea. China asserts sovereignty on almost the entire South China Sea. China has been aggressive when it comes to territorial disputes. It has continuously rejected other nations’ claim (including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei) on the oil- and gasrich waters. Despite obstacles set by conflicts among nations,
ASEAN is moving forward to pursue higher goals. The ASEAN community is sure to meet its vision of becoming an alliance that has withstood the test of time, assuring regional peace and stability for its people. Allies not only by common interests, but also by shared values and aspirations among its people, the ASEAN will set precedents for creating a solution to global challenges. (AJPress)
Thank you for your service, President Barack Obama IT was President Barack Obama who welcomed me and my family when we took our oaths as new citizens of the United States of America in 2012. It was during his presidency when I first exercised my sacred right and duty as an adopted daughter of America. I have followed President Obama’s rise to the highest post in the land — watched him evolve from being a candidate up until he was catapulted to be the most powerful leader in the world. I have also watched his family — First Lady Michelle Obama and their two daughters Sasha and Malia during the eight years that they were in the White House. You may not believe in his policy and ideology. You may not agree with all his decisions, initiatives and actions. But looking past the prism of contentious and dirty tactics of politics, I hope you also find in you the respect and even admiration for the man. THANK YOU, President Barack Obama, for being the leader who my children can emulate in the way you carried your self with decency, integrity,
governed the counhumility, dignity, and try, amid all the critirespect for all human The Fil-Am cisms and obstrucbeings. tionism from your THANK YOU for liv- Perspective political distractors. ing a life that exempliYou ran your race fies that thirst for the in the best way you truth, for learning, and can with grace, faith the pursuit of excelGel SantoS-ReloS in God and in the lence. goodness and value THANK YOU for walking the talk when you teach my fam- of every person. You fought hard so that ily about how America is a nation that those who have been blessed may be is strengthened by immigrants like us, inspired and motivated to reach out and welcoming us to this exceptional coun- help those who are in need, marginaltry with your policies that affirm the very ized, and neglected by society because principle held scared by the Constitution you believe we are all on this journey — equal opportunities and equal rights together. THANK YOU, President Barack for all regardless of the color of our skin, where we came from, our age, edu- Obama for your service to the country. cational attainment, economic status, I know you will continue fighting for us. religion, our gender, whom we choose I know you will continue to inspire us. to love — for as long as we do our part Your legacy will live on in all of us as we in respecting and obeying the law, and do our part in giving back to this nation, giving our fair share for the good of the to the world, to this planet as you have shown us in the past eight years. nation. May God bless you and your beautiful THANK YOU for showing us what the audacity of hope really is in the way you family as you start a new chapter in your
Pres. Barack Obama
life as a private citizen.. *** 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
Tillerson’s threat to keep China from its artificial islands hollow without PH support Commentary
FRank ChinG REX Tillerson, US Presidentelect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, stirred up a hornet’s nest when he condemned Chinese actions in the South China Sea, comparing the construction of artificial islands in disputed waters with Russia’s seizure of Crimea and saying that China’s access to the islands “is not going to be allowed.” As to how this is to be done, he said: “The way we’ve got to deal with this is we’ve got to show backup in the region with our traditional allies in Southeast Asia.” Just who are these traditional allies? Why, the Philippines and Thailand, of course. Thailand was condemned by the US when a coup in 2014 installed a military junta. Thailand enjoys close relations with China and is unlikely to join any embargo against Beijing. As for the Philippines, its President, Rodrigo Duterte, has taken a hostile stance towards the United States since his inauguration last June. In October, while visiting China, he declared his “separation” from the US.
Surprisingly, this came after the Philippines scored a sweeping victory in its arbitration case with China, brought in 2013 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. After three years of costly efforts, Manila won on most points but China refused to recognize the tribunal’s jurisdiction. So, all Manila got was a moral victory. Duterte then had to decide his future course. The US, while backing the Philippines in its arbitration bid, had also been careful not to be sucked into a war with China. In 1995, Mischief Reef, claimed by the Philippines, was taken over by China. Manila was furious but ultimately accepted that there was not much that it could do about it. Now, China has built an artificial island on the reef. Hillary Clinton, as Secretary of State, adopted a strong pro-Philippine stance and even referred to the body of water in which disputed reefs lie as not the South China Sea but the West Philippine Sea. But rhetoric only goes so far. In 2012, during a China-Philippines standoff lasting several weeks at Scarborough Shoal, claimed by both countries, Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario pointedly recalled that Clinton had said that the US “will honor its treaty obligations to the Philippines.”
However, the next day, the State Department urged that “diplomatic efforts be used to resolve the current situation.” An unnamed American official was quoted in the Washington Post as saying, “I don’t think we’d allow the US to get dragged into a conflict over fish or over a rock.” That was a wake-up call for the Philippines. America’s commitment to the country’s security wasn’t what Manila had thought it was. It was after China took control of the shoal that the Philippines decided to take its case to the arbitral tribunal, citing UNCLOS. Before Duterte assumed the presidency on June 30, the American ambassador, Philip Goldberg, paid him a courtesy call. Quite naturally, they talked about China and, according to the Philippine leader, he asked the ambassador: “Are you with us? Or are you not with us?” According to Duterte, the REX Tillerson, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State ambassador replied that the US would help if the Philippines was that, from a practical standpoint, US access to five military bases. its alliance with the US didn’t Without such facilities, any US “attacked.” Shortly afterward, Duterte as- mean what Manila hoped it military activity would be severesumed the presidency and The meant that Duterte decided that ly hobbled. So far, China’s reaction to Hague-based tribunal issued its the wiser course was to make Tillerson has been mild. Asked judgment. The Philippines had peace with China. Now, without the Philippines, whether American use of force “won” but had little to show for the victory. China was still next the US has little room for ma- would be legal, a foreign minisdoor and the US was far away neuver in the South China Sea. try spokesman said that “we do and, clearly, unwilling to take on Duterte has threatened to nul- not take hypothetical questions.” The mild Chinese reaction has lify the agreement that his prethe bully. Perhaps it was the realization decessor had signed to give the been attributed to a desire for
good relations with the Trump administration. But perhaps there is another reason as well: knowledge that even if Tillerson is confirmed as Secretary of State, there is little the US can do about the artificial islands. Without strong allies, the US cannot possibly implement Tillerson’s policy of keeping China off these manmade Chinese islands. (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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Dateline PhiliPPines
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 19-25, 2017
Japan to join PH-US Balikatan by chrisTina
Mendez
Philstar.com
MANILA - Japanese forces will join this year’s joint Balikatan military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, a Tokyo official said. Japanese Foreign Press Secretary Tasuhisa Kawamura made the announcement at a press briefing in Malacañang, echoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s commitment to further promote defense and maritime security cooperation between his country and the Philippines. The annual military exercise will push through this year despite an earlier rant by President Duterte against allowing US forces to take part in joint drills with Filipino soldiers. His anger stemmed from the US calling his attention to human rights abuses in the conduct of his so-called war on drugs. He had called for the scrapping
of the annual exercises and asked the Americans to pack their bags and leave. Japan normally sends military personnel to Balikatan only as observers. “For this year’s Balikatan, the Japanese Self-Defense Force is going to attend,” Kawamura said. There is no date yet for this year’s Balikatan. “Japan will continue to cooperate – promote the cooperation in the defense area, including capacity building and equipment, and training and exercises and so on,” he added. Abe concluded his two-day official visit after spending the night in Davao City, home province of Duterte, who received the Prime Minister in his home. “On the issue of security and terrorism, anti-terrorism measures, Japan welcomes today the conclusion of the exchange of notes between our two countries
Japanese forces will join this year’s joint Balikatan military exercises between the Philippines and the United States.
concerning the high-speed boats,” Kawamura revealed. “Japan would accelerate its decision to support, in fact to make a further support providing the security-related equipment to the Philippines,” he added. In the area of maritime security, the official reiterated that Japan would provide the Philippines with new patrol boats. He said Japan is pursuing a loan agreement with the Philippines for the latter’s acquisition of TC-90, a training aircraft of the Japanese Self-Defense Force. He added Filipino pilots are being trained to fly the aircraft. Earlier reports showed Japan was keen on participating regularly and actively in joint drills with the US and the Philippines. Kawamura also emphasized ASEAN AT 50. President Rodrigo Duterte (left) and Postmaster General Joel Otarra (right) unveil a new set of stamps commemorating the Philippines’ Japan’s alliance with the US is chairmanship of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations this year as well as the bloc’s 50th founding anniversary. Malacañang photo the “cornerstone” of his country’s foreign and security policies. “And this question will see no change whoever becomes the next president, although Mr. Trump is by LLanesca T. PanTi be pressured to not attend the “Super Majority” coalition that ManilaTimes going to be soon the president session anymore [when it is time includes the Nacionalista Party, of the United States,” Kawamura THE absence of a solid stance to cast the vote],” Lagman told Nationalist People’s Coalition, added. on the death penalty bill among reporters. National Unity Party, LP and “So we’ll maintain this position majority bloc lawmakers will Lagman is familiar with such Lakas-CMD. and we’ll continue to look closely kill its chances of passage, op- maneuver, which led to the pasAlso part of the Super Majority to the next US administration. So position congressmen declared sage of his pet Reproductive coalition is the anti-death-penthat the region, the Asia-Pacific Tuesday, Jan. 17. Health (RH) bill in 2012 after alty Makabayan bloc of party-list region, will be secure and prosperRepresentatives Edcel Lagman some members of the then ruling groups Bayan Muna, Gabriela, ous,” he maintained. of Albay and Teodoro Baguilat of Liberal Party (LP) did not show Kabataan, Alliance of Concerned “If the question is about the Ifugao claimed that about 50 up during voting on the divisive Teachers and Anakpawis. Filipino-China relationship… ba- lawmakers would line up to de- birth-control measure. In a news conference, Alvarez sically, we should refrain from bate the bill’s proponents, even At that time, the LP was over- admitted he had yet to talk with comment,” he stressed. as Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez whelmingly for the RH bill, PDP-Laban’s coalition partners of Davao del Norte said he was which became Republic Act but said he was confident the confident the bill would hurdle 10354. President’s allies would toe the Congress in just 30 days. In the current 17th Congress, line. “If there will be a conscience the ruling party is President “I am very confident that we vote, then definitely, it will not Rodrigo Duterte’s PDP-Laban, can pass it because we have a seen saying something to Zubiri, pass. But the Speaker wants a of which Alvarez is a member. coalition, the Super Majority. If who turned back to him and was party vote, which is a pressure There are at least 62 PDP-Laban ever there will be people who seen reaching out to his colleague vote. So members of the House members in the House of Repre- will deviate from that, their numin a threatening manner but was [from the majority]who are sentatives, but the PDP-Laban is ber would just reach to as much blocked by other senators. against the death penalty may just one of the parties under the as 10,” Alvarez said. The senators later retreated to the lounge. They emerged after half an hour and returned to the session hall. The people in the gallery clapped PAGE A5 “In plain language, the comMarcos lawyers had opposed after Trillanes and Zubiri shook and sealed’ as certified by both puter said it cannot decrypt the stripping of the unused hands. Comelec and Smartmatic. The what is not encrypted in the VCMs as it was supposedly The chamber voted to delete discovery of programs and/or first place. There may be several conducted in violation of the from the records some parts of the files in them suggest only one reasons for these to happen but protective precautionary order exchange. thing, there was tampering,” said two possibilities stand out. One, issued by the Supreme Court It was agreed that the resolutions Rodriguez said. the decryption script or tool was sitting as the Presidential Elecwould be heard jointly by Trillanes’ Decryption reset poorly made resulting in this kind toral Tribunal, to preserve the panel and the Senate justice comChong said the decryption of problem. Two, the decryption integrity of the ballot boxes and mittee chaired by Sen. Richard process was reset to another day script or tool refused to recognize other equipment used in the last Gordon. because the decryption script or an already tampered SD card. elections. However, Gordon later told re- tool did not work. Decryption is BUF0631C strongly makes a Despite the objections of the porters that the Blue Ribbon com- the process of converting encoded case for the second possibility to Marcos camp, the Comelec promittee, which he chairs, would or encrypted text or data into text explain why the decryption tool ceeded with the stripping and conduct its own inquiry into the that a person or a computer can or script did not work at all,” he turnover of the VCMs last October bribery scandal next week. read and understand. explained. 26.
50 congressmen raring to block death penalty bill
Senate main event: ‘Cheater’ vs ‘mutineer’
PAGE A5 previous administration. “I’m glad he declared war. If you want to pick a fight, I’ll fight you. I didn’t become world champion of arnis for nothing. Tell me how you want to fight, don’t say it in front of the media, come out and say it to me!” a furious Zubiri shouted. Zubiri maintained he never cheated in the elections and was never charged, and all those caught in the fraud are now in jail. He resigned in 2011 and was replaced by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, his principal accuser then, and now the Senate President. In Monday’s session, Trillanes branded the senators, who blocked De Lima’s proposal for the committee on civil service and government reorganization, which he heads, as “defenders of the faith.” De Lima wanted to probe the BI in light of
the alleged bribery involving two bureau officials who are also fraternity brothers of President Duterte. Trillanes said that, “If the senator declared war, (then) he must prepare to have (one) because this representation will not back down.” He added that he was proud of what he did in 2003 and considered it a “badge of honor.” Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III then intervened and reminded the two of proper parliamentary conduct and of possible violations to parliamentary rules. Pimentel then suspended the session and as the senators were about the huddle on the floor, Zubiri was seen angrily approaching Trillanes and pointing at him but Senators Cynthia Villar, Manny Pacquiao and Pimentel were pulling him away. A stern-looking Trillanes was
A
Poll watcher: ‘Election machines tampered...
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Journal
BROADWAY’S FUNNY MAN
Don Darryl Rivera soars as Iago in Aladdin By MoMar
G. Visaya
AJPress
There is a bounty of FilipinoAmerican talents on Broadway these days – two of them even playing lead roles: Ali ewoldt as Christine Daae on “The Phantom of the Opera� and Adam Jacobs as the title role on “Aladdin�. When Filipinos from other parts of the globe visit New York and have a few days (and some Benjamins) to spare, we proudly recommend watching musicals where there are Fil-Ams on the cast. There’s Karla Garcia on “hamilton�; Pia hamilton on “Lion King�; Gabby Gutierrez and Jaygee
Macapugay on “School of rock.� This March, we’ll add more as Broadway welcomes back “Miss Saigon� with eva Noblezada, Jonjon Briones, rachelle Anne Go and about a dozen more Fil-Ams. On the musical “Aladdin� alone, there are five Fil-Ams in the cast. Aside from Adam, there’s Joshua dela Cruz, Angelo Soriano and Bobby Pestka as part of the company. Then there’s Don Darryl rivera, a principal cast member who plays the role of Iago, which he originated in Seattle. Before opening on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre
in 2014, “Aladdin� premiered at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle in 2011. It went through several regional and international productions a year later, including one in the Philippines where Tom rodriguez played Aladdin and Aiza Seguerra took on the role of Genie. Don Darryl considers himself blessed and lucky that the people behind Disney liked his performance and brought him along to Broadway where he is now living his dream. “This is the dream. I majored in theater and to be on Broadway is the pinnacle. It’s where you want to
Maxine Medina, an ‘empowered’ beauty 26-year-old Binibining Pilipinas is all set to win the Miss Universe crown by arlo
Custodio ManilaTimes.net
pageant as early as 2012, but an existing advertising contract BINIBINING Pilipinas talent prevented her from entering the scouts invited Maria Mika Max- contest. Apparently, her endorseine PeĂąaranda Medina to join ment brand was a direct competithe country’s foremost beauty tor of one of the pageant’s major sponsors, making it impossible for then 22-year-old beauty to vie for the prestigious title. She finally relented to the constant prodding of friends from the modelling industry and threw in her hat into the Binibining Pilipinas ring in 2016, winning no less than the Miss Universe-Philippines crown. And in just two weeks’ time, Medina will compete anew for the ultimate title of Miss Universe, now proudly held by her predecessor, Miss Universe Philippines 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. With such big stilettos to fill at January 30’s grand coronation night, right here in Manila to boot, the press naturally had a field day at Medina’s “good luck send-offâ€? this past week at Novotel Manila
Don Darryl as Iago, Jafar’s scene-stealing, wise-cracking Don Darryl showing the Asian Journal his costume for Aladdin, his big Broadway debut. “I’m so thankful I am living the dream,� he told us. sidekick in the Broadway musical Aladdin. AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya Photo by Deen van Meer
be,� he told the Asian Journal. long discussion about this topic. and was watching Ben Vereen on Prior to this, he and his wife If Broadway comes, they will take a DVD of Pippen when he realized he wanted to be an actor. It helped Kate (who also works in the the- the opportunity. ater as a stage manager) had a he was a junior in high school PAGE B3
6 ĂŠ*1
1 / "
Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach crowns successor Maxine Medina on April 17, 2016 as the Philippines’ representative to the 65th Miss Universe pageant—will she pull off a back-to-back win?
Araneta Center. The foremost question on everyone’s mind was how the Philippine bet was feeling amid all the pressure. Surrounded by those closest to her —her mom Marife, sister Ferica, boyfriend Marx Topacio, her fellow beauty queens, and PAGE B3
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Fil-Am artist Rea Lynn de Guzman: Reconnecting with her roots, heritage and history By Malou liwanag-Bledsoe AJPress
ONE way to reconnect with one’s roots is by creating artistic pieces, whether in writing, sculpting, painting and more. In mixedmedia installations, some people would think it is just a mish-mash of junk, but in reality, it is a collection of materials that has a deeper connection to the artist. Minus words, artist Rea Lynn de Guzman conveys a message of how it is to be a Filipina. “I draw inspiration from personal experiences and memories of growing up in the Philippines, attending an all-girl Catholic school as a child, revisiting my native country, reconnecting with family yet recognizing the discon-
After Maria Clara Sleeve
nect, and reflecting on how all of these converge with my everyday life as an immigrant in the U.S...” she said. “As a Filipina-American artist, I am passionate about questioning inequality, power dynamics, stereotypical views and expectations on Filipinas and investigating their historical ties with colonialism and patriarchy.” Born in Manila, Philippines in 1985, de Guzman’s parents separated when she was only six years old. Her father then immigrated to Italy to work. She and her mother moved to the United States in 1999 when her late grandmother’s petition was approved. Unfortunately, de Guzman’s two other siblings were left behind because they had exceeded the age limit (21) to emigrate with a parent. They initially lived with relatives in San Diego then moved to the Bay Area, eventually settling in the Tenderloin, where she spent most of her formative years. She shared that although she loved art when she was a child, she didn’t have the privilege of being exposed to it. “I was initially a business major at the University of California Riverside. It wasn’t until I attended the City College of San Francisco, where I took art classes on a whim to fulfill some requirements, when I rediscovered my passion for art. “My painting instructor saw
some potential in my early work and encouraged me to pursue art. The CCSF art department nominated me for a scholarship, which enabled me to transfer to the San Francisco Art Institute. That’s where I gained further foundational skills, and found catharsis and more meaning in art; it helped me deal with the displacement and familial disconnect I experienced from my immigration to the United States from the Philippines at age 14. A few years later, I received my MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.” De Guzman’s “Retaso” series reflects on how we view “the ideal Filipina” through the iconography of “Maria Clara,” specifically symbolizing the longstanding stereotype.” “I am drawn by the materiality of the synthetic organza (organza as an ingredient in the ‘Maria Clara’ dresses, woven with piña fiber) and its subtle, sheer beauty, amidst its haunting/ghostly, and mysterious qualities. I focus on the synthetic to emphasize its fake-ness, echoing the expectations of the ‘Maria Clara’ embodiment in Filipinas. “In addition, I select colors that evoke skin tone variations to highlight the spectrum of brownness to ‘Maria Clara’’s preferred whiteness as a mestiza, which has been equated to the ideal female beauty and status in the Philippines. Essentially, I want the viewer to question these imposed stereotypes, to think about
unbalanced power structures and hegemony in colonized cultures. I want my work to empower Filipinas and inspire them to stop bleaching their skin and injecting glutathione. Shades of brown skin are beautiful and in no way shape or form inferior to whiteness,” she said. At present, de Guzman is the first Filipina Teaching Artist Fellow at Root Division. Root Division is a visual arts non-profit that connects creativity and community through a dynamic ecosystem of arts education, exhibitions, and studios. “Through this fellowship, I will be teaching art to underserved children in the Galing Bata program at the Filipino Education Center in Bessie Carmichael Elementary School,” she excitedly shared. Her advice to other struggling Filipino artists trying to make it in the mainstream? “As an artist, I believe it’s important to be honest with yourself and to not force anything in the work. Engage with your interests and passion, obsess, create, research, experiment, play, fail, and try again.” De Guzman will be in a group show called “Burnt Rice” with fellow Epekto Art Projects artists and select local Hawaii artists, at the Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center in Hilo, Hawaii. For more information, visit: www.epektoartprojects.com. Visit her website at www. readeguzman.com.
Piña offerings
Imahe (Image)
Miss U tidbits from Vigan
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Maxine Medina at Vigan Calle Crisologo fashion show.
MISS Universe in the Philippines is in full throttle as the weekend saw the beginning of the beauties jam-packed pre-pageant activities in different parts of the country. A total of 16 candidates jetted off to the world-famous party island of Boracay on Saturday, Jan. 14, while 20 other candidates— comprised of Misses Belgium, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Cayman Islands, Czech Republic, Great Britain, Guatemala, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Thailand, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela and Vietnam—experienced the singular culture of Vigan, Ilocos Sur amid the breathtaking sites of this UNESCO Heritage City. To keep readers up to speed with the earliest Miss Universe events thus far, below is a roundup of the highlights. Beauties and the “beasts” came together at the famed Baluarte Zoo where they also tried their hands on jar making. At the Baluarte press conference, the Philippines’ own Maxine Medina had her first chance at
the international spotlight when asked what she wanted to teach fellow candidates about the Filipino culture. Speaking in Tagalog, The Manila Times Entertainment columnist MJ Marfori reported Medina performed very well as she cited the polite nature of Filipinos, especially for the elderly, and their use of “po and opo.” Come nightfall, the ladies traveled back in time as they experienced Calle Crisologo—a former Spanish neighborhood where the ilustrados used to live—dressed in the Philippine terno no less for a fashion show featuring the designs of top Filipino couturiers. Former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson and proponent of the Philippine staging of Miss Universe announced that he will take 40 candidates on his “Happy Life” luxury yacht for a night of fellowship and revelry. Miss British Virgin Islands, one of the participants of the Vigan tour, found herself trending on January 14 when she mistook Singson as President Rodrigo Duterte on her Instagram post. The candid candidate immediately corrected herself. (ManilaTimes.net)
Pia Wurtzbach admits relationship with Marlon Stockinger by
Rosette adel Philstar.com
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
JUST three months after car racing champion Marlon Stockinger confessed to seeing Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, the beauty queen has just admitted she and Marlon are officially together. “He makes me laugh,” Pia said in a live interview with Dyan Castillejo on ANC. “I’m glad that I finally met somebody who’s very secure with himself and who understands my job and who’s not afraid to let me have my moment such as now that the competition is happening here.” She said she and Marlon get along really well because he is very understanding. She also said she is happy that Marlon is also a Filipino and Catholic. Both Pia and Marlon hail from mixed European and Asian roots. Pia is Filipino-German while Marlon is half Swiss. When asked what she likes the most about Marlon, she said, her boyfriend is funny and always
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and boyfriend Marlon Stockinger on a date in Singapore.
makes her genuinely laugh. She also shared that Marlon knows a lot of things about her, including her secrets, and he is always cool about it. Pia assured that the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) approves of her relationship with Marlon. She said both MUO president Paola Shugart and Esther Swan of MUO public relations
like Marlon. Marlon, 25, and Pia, 27, were rumored to be dating after the beauty queen posted a photo of him on her Instagram last September. Marlon admitted to seeing Pia late October. The couple spent the holidays together in Hawaii and the beach photos they shared during the New Year went viral.
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B
Don Darryl Rivera Soars as Iago... PAGE B1 a lot that he was also playing the lead role in that musical for their high school production. “This is it, this is exactly what I wanted to do,” he shared, reminiscing that momentous event. Now that he’s part of the industry, he realized the importance of support and self-confidence because the powers that be can be ruthless sometimes. “I have the right amount of support and perseverance – here, you hear the word ‘No’ a lot when you go to auditions and see agents. my parents made their way here, how can you not have courage after
realizing what they have done for us,” he added. His parents Danny and Dora moved to the United States in the 70s. His dad is from Pasay City, mom is from San Carlos City in Pangasinan. “They wanted to come here because they wanted to have a family and they wanted us to have a great life. I can’t thank them enough for providing for the family and giving us the courage to be who we wanted to be,” he said. Don Darryl’s dad was one of the founders of Kultura, a Filipino folk dance group back in Seattle. His parents wanted him to have that exposure on Filipino culture. They
would make him learn Tagalog and make him sing Tagalog songs and they would teach him the dances. “We would perform at events and community gatherings. I learned how to do tinikling and itik itik. It was invaluable. I am so proud to be a Filipino-American, I really am,” he shared. “I am the son of immigrant parents and I am not an engineer, a doctor or a nurse. I’m an actor on Broadway. There were times when my mom would go ‘When are you going to get a job?’ and I tell her ‘I’m already working as an actor.’ Now that I’m on Broadway, she never asked that again,” Don Darryl added laughing.
Maxine Medina, an ‘empowered’... PAGE B1 the Binibinining Pilipinas organizers, led by chairman Stella marquez-Araneta—medina was far from nervous nor anxious as expected. on the contrary, she radiated with confidence and shared she is excited at the possibility of a backto-back win with Wurtzbach in the presence of President rodrigo Duterte and the Filipino people. Beautiful host After almost a year of rigorous training under the guidance of Aces and Queens mentors, and personality development experts Dale Carnegie and John robert Powers, medina described herself as “empowered,” ready not only to do the flag proud at the pageant, but also to become a gracious host to the 80-plus strong delegation of candidates from all over the world. Beautifully fulfilling her responsibilities so far—both literally and figuratively—medina was asked if she sees a downside to being the host country to the pageant. There are those who say that playing host automatically earns a candidate plus points, thus making a less credible finish, impression-wise. “I still think it’s fulfilling to have the competition here in the Philippines,” she replied, choosing to brush aside the suggestion. “everyone knows I’m fond of the outdoors, and happily, we’re going around the Philippines. This has actually been my goal that before I travel the world, I’ll go around the Philippines first.” one thing the model-cum-interior designer especially wants to let her fellow candidates experience—besides the warm hospitality of the Filipinos, the unique culture and traditional values—is the boodle fight. “The best thing is, I will get to share with them the best food choices in our cuisine as well as the boodle fight. I’d like for them to try it! eating without utensils—that’s going to be very challenging!” medina enthused. meanwhile, asked how she feels over the President’s mandate for all government agencies to support the staging of the miss Universe pageant but without spending a single centavo, she replied, “The fact that the President has said he will personally watch the coronation is the best indication of the government’s support. Will I be nervous he is there? oh no, I’m very honored that the President will be there and he will be witnessing a back-to-back,” she confidently added. Improvements A Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) staffer told The Sunday Times magazine that medina has shown exceptional improvements
Former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz on Monday, Jan. 16 weighed in on Maxine Medina’s chance to give Philippines back-to-back Miss Universe victories. Philstar.com photos
Will Maxine be Miss Universe? Gloria Diaz weighs in by Rosette
Adel
Philstar.com
Former miss Universe Gloria Diaz on monday evening believes it’s a long shot for candidate maxine medina to give the Philippines a back-to-back miss Universe Not only is Medina representing the country on January 30’s coronation night but she is also victory. “I think she has a chance playing host to her fellow candidates from around the world; this batch visited in December and chance is one in a million,” for a week of promotions. Diaz said in an interview with since she was crowned miss opportunity and I will devote my- PTV at the Governor’s Ball at Universe-Philippines in April, self to the title, for the country, the SmX Convention Center in and that her confidence level has for people everywhere as this is Pasay City. “doubled” through her training. something that can really inspire As the country’s first-ever winHer fellow Binibining Pilipinas others to dream big.” ning miss Universe candidate, queens agree. miss Grand International 2016 First runner-Up Nicole Cordoves [who feels vindicated for her choice of Donald Trump during the US election campaign during her Q&A in october now that the business mogul has been elected the 45th President of the US]further noted that medina’s facial transformation is amazing with a new signature makeup that is perfect for her. “our makeup artists, our trainers can’t find the one look for her because she knows how to project [from her modelling experience], as she fits all styles. Also, in terms of communication skills, she’s [really]much more confident now. She speaks with lot of conviction, even about politics,” Cordoves told The Sunday Times magazine. miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa on the other hand related, “everyone can see her improvements overall, and I know she knows it herself.” Acknowledging the fruits of her hard work, medina said, “I never thought of myself being a beauty queen, and now that I have embraced it to prepare for miss Universe, I feel very empowered. Besides competing, I really want to inspire the youth through my own experiences, and I believe I can do a better job of that if I become miss Universe.” She further revealed that she has chosen the same advocacy as miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, that of AIDS/HIV awareness and prevention, but one that is more focused on the youth. “my advocacy is about the youth who has HIV to be able to give them hope and help them live the life they should have despite their disease, especially in terms of education.” she said. Should she win the crown, medina also said she is very much willing to leave her life in the Philippines to fulfil her obligations in New York and around the world. “It will be a once in a lifetime
Maxine Medina (4th from left) and her court of Binibining Pilipinas queens blow kisses of thanks to supporters during her send-off press conference on January 10 at Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Quezon City
Diaz previously gave an advice to medina. “You just have to enjoy. You must not be pressured by anybody that you have to win because I find that contestants nowadays are very very pressured,” Diaz said at a press conference last December. Some netizens picked apart the Philippines’ bet this year for her supposedly challenged speaking skills, saying they are worried this might lead to her defeat at the prestigious pageant. Diaz said candidates should feel free to answer in the Filipino
language and should not be pressured to secure victory. margarita “margie” moran, country’s second miss Universe, also urged medina and other miss Universe candidates to be well informed as she said this will get them through the question and answer portion. “You’ll be able to answer if you are a good reader… if you know what’s happening in the world,” moran said at the same news briefing. Diaz was named miss World 1969 while moran was crowned miss Universe in 1973.
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Jake and Angeline set inhibitions aside for sexy rom-com
99 Ranch Market Las Vegas welcomes Panasonic reps 99 Ranch Market welcomed representatives from Panasonic Corporation at the Las Vegas store on Maryland Parkway on January 7. Last year, Panasonic acquired U.S. display equipment and refrigeration system brand Hussmann. The two pioneers in each specialty area have developed a great synergy in the supermarket, food distribution, food service, cold chain products industries and more. As one of the largest Asian American supermarket chains, 99 Ranch Market has been using the two brands’ products and services for years on various levels. As a client truly benefitting from the B2B solutions provided by Panasonic, 99 Ranch Market congratulates Panasonic on this important strategic move to the Northern American market. With Hussmann as the latest business division addition of the company, 99 Ranch Market is looking forward to an even broader collaboration with Panasonic. With over 100 years of prestigious history, Hussmann has been producing professional showcases, freezers and refrigerators. These products have served important roles throughout the operational chain of 99 Ranch Market stores, warehouses and distribution channels. In addition, by choosing the brand, 99 Ranch Market is able to reduce the energy costs by
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HUNky Jake Cuenca and sweet singer-turned-movie actress Angeline Quinto rekindle the flame of an aborted romance in Regal Entertainment Inc’s initial offering for 2017, “Foolish Love.” And for this unique pairing’s first big screen project this new year, director Joel Lamangan reveals, “They went all out in their kissing scenes and love scenes.” A sexy romantic comedy, “Foolish Love” required the actors to set their inhibitions aside—Quinto especially—so they can convincingly portray a woman obsessed to meet the man of her dreams, and an actual personification of Mr. Perfect whom she suddenly meets. Falling madly in love with Cuenca’s character, the public will definitely see a different Angeline Quinto in the movie—a singer-actress who has matured from wide-eyed simpleton characters to a daring performer to fulfill the demands of her character. Cuenca, meanwhile, shows his ever-present passion for his craft and was very much willing to help Quinto fall at ease into the sexy genre in which he has made a name, both for TV and the movies. Besides these two popular showbiz celebrities, “Foolish Love” also stars real-life couple Miho Nishida and Tommy Esguerra. It opens in cinemas nationwide on January 25. (ManilaTimes.net) Angeline Quinto and Jake Cuenca
How Steve Harvey survived his Miss Universe moment by Millet
40 percent and reduce pollution through the CFC-free cooling technology. The collaboration between 99 Ranch Market and Hussmann spans beyond just the products level. Given Hussmann’s network of hubs and distribution channel, 99 Ranch Market counts on the company’s post-sales service to their stores from San Diego, California to Jersey City on the
Martinez Manaquil Philstar.com
house in SUVs, threatening to hurt my family. I could not let my children go anywhere. I had to have armed security guards at my gates. I got cursed out so many ways in Spanish that I thought I knew Spanish. I am certain I can’t vacation in Colombia anytime soon! I probably can’t even drink Colombian coffee,” he said then. The most hated man of 2015 soon became, for me, a most lovable man as I spent sleepless nights over the past year watching Steve Harvey on very-late-night cable TV, hosting shows like “Family Feud” and “Little Big Shots.” Boy, this man is really funny. His facial expressions are capable of showing a whole universe of emotions. And it seems like he has a big heart. I
felt this heart jump at me between the pages of his latest book, “Jump,” which I got from National Book Store. The struggles Harvey has gone through aren’t funny. But they’re what made him strong and successful. Today, Harvey is no longer just a comedian. He has also become a TV host, radio personality, producer, actor, singer and, yes: No. 1 New york Times bestselling author. In his latest book, Harvey recounts his infamous Miss Universe moment. He was excited when his agent told him he would host the Miss Universe pageant, and he thought it would be the “pinnacle achievePAGE B5
IN December 2015, Steve Harvey was the most hated man in Colombia, the Philippines and the whole Universe. As host of the Miss Universe pageant, he slipped up big-time while reading the names of the runner-up and winner of the beauty pageant. He reversed their order, momentarily selecting Miss Colombia as the winner when the actual winner was Miss Philippines. Confusion and anger ensued. “The world was eating me alive... In just 48 hours, I had nearly four AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal billion impressions on social media... For five days till Christmas East Coast. day, it was just horrible. Death To their own customers, 99 threats came. People rode by my Ranch Market strives to become a one-stop shop for all grocery needs. 99 Ranch Market evaluates each of their products to provide the highest quality and freshness. By collaborating with vendors like Panasonic, 99 Ranch Market is able to remotely monitor and control the products during the transportation and storage stages; as well as cut the energy waste and reduce pollution. For more information, you can call 99 Ranch Market through its hotline (800)-600-8292 or email its customer service at customerservice@tawa.com. 99 Ranch Market is located at 3768 S. Maryland Parkway Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 Tel: (702) 866-8899 Hours of operation: MondaySunday 8am – 10pm “Everybody has a Miss Universe moment,” said Steve Harvey. His came when he named Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as the winner when (Advertising Supplement) the actual winner was Miss Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015. Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega had to crown — and uncrown — Ariadna.
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When ‘permanent’ doesn’t necessarily mean permanent
Your Immigration Solution Atty. NANcy Miller & lorellA t. Hess YOUR green card identifies you as a “lawful permanent resident” (LPR) of the United States, but that does not guarantee you a lifetime right to live in this country. There are several ways a person can lose LPR status. Once LPR status is lost, your green card will be cancelled (even if the card itself has not yet expired) and you can be deported from the United States or refused re-entry after a trip abroad. Even if you are permitted to reenter the country in order to fight for your status, you may be taken into custody and remain there until the question of your status is resolved. Unlike those with LPR status, United States citizenship cannot be involuntarily taken unless it
is found that either the green card or citizenship was obtained through fraud. The main ways LPR status can be lost are: fraud, abandonment, and criminal activity. LPR status can be lost if you obtained it originally through fraud or misrepresentation. Some examples of fraud include submitting false documents with your application (like a fake birth certificate) or lying about a material fact (criminal history, marital status, educational background or employment history are just some examples). Lawful permanent residence means just that. It means that the holder of that status resides (lives) in the United States. One who has LPR status but does not live in the U.S. is considered to have abandoned that status. In seeking to determine whether one has abandoned LPR status,
the government looks to how much time the LPR spends in the United States verses how much time is spent outside. There is a rebuttable presumption that one who spends a year or more outside the U.S. has abandoned their LPR status; however, rebuttable means the presumption is not conclusive. It can be contested by showing that the intent at the time of leaving was to maintain LPR status. One who is not gone for a year at a time but spends more time out of the U.S. than in it may also be found to have abandoned their LPR status. Here again, the government looks at the whole picture. Is the green card holder returning to the U.S. for a few weeks every year but lives and works elsewhere? Such people are likely to be found to have abandoned their LPR status. If one knows they will have to
Superbug killS lady
alarming news, warning to all Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS “PUbLIC health officials from Nevada are reporting on a case of a woman who died in Reno in September from an incurable infection. Testing showed the superbug that had spread throughout her system could fend off 26 different antibiotics.” “It was tested against everything that’s available in the United States … and was not effective,” said Dr. Alexander Kallen, a medical officer in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s division of health care quality promotion. We have written about superbugs in this column before, and this recent scary news from last week highlights the utter helplessness of all living creatures on earth if drug resistant microorganisms (superbugs) are not eradicated from this world. Or, at least countered by the discovery of a cure against them. Medically, superbugs could wipe out our civilization if they become widespread and remain incurable, like what happened to the
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya
lady in Reno. Let me take you back in time and space. Since Sir Alexander Fleming, a Scottish biologist, pharmacologist, and botanist (a 1945 Nobel laureate), first discovered penicillin in 1923, hundreds of more potent wider spectrum antibiotics have been added to the medical armamentarium. These life-saving drugs have been a boon to medical care and benefited billions of patients around the globe. However, like many good things, antibiotics have been abused by society as a whole, including the medical community. In many cases, they are prescribed without strict medical justification or used for a protracted period, longer than necessary. Individuals who are able to buy them over the counter without prescription use them ignorantly and unnecessarily, without medical rationale. besides wasting money, they are endangering their health and well-being, and those of others, and encouraging the development of mutation of today’s microbes into superbugs. The “Transformer” bugs Since bacteria have the ability to adapt to substances being repeatedly used against them and mutate (transform itself) overtime to a resistant variety in order to survive, medically resistant strains
angels among us “I think we all do have a guardian angel. I believe they work through us all the time, and kind to each other.”
— Roma Downey
(Continued from last week)
TRUST your own instincts. Your own personal experience will color the lens with which you view and relate with your personal guardian angel. God so loved the world, He sent His only son to redeem us from sin and death so we may gain eternal life — not unlike His angels. Then He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us and enlighten us. but on the micro, day-by-day level, God sent us our personal guardian angels from conception, birth, throughout our life and our passage from death to eternal life as a constant presence. Come to think of it, every time an unborn life is cut down, the murder deprives an angel of his purpose. There is must be some cosmic angst and turmoil in the heavens. There must be anguish and pain, a disturbance, not only
of the micro-organisms soon develop. They are called superbugs, potential killers which would not respond to any antibiotics at all. When this happens, humans and other animals would be under the mercy of these superbugs. Medically, we would be transported back to the pre-antibiotic era, where simple wound infections of the hand, arm, or leg could lead to amputation or death, where easy-to-treat bacterial pneumonia or gastrointestinal infections of today could be a frequent killer once more. Indeed, it is scary to imagine a world with a pandemic of superbugs, without effective antibiotics. People will be dying like flies, especially today when bacteria appear to be more virulent and more adaptive. Superbugs are here but this is not science fiction. Today, we already have some superbugs, as the death of the woman from Reno has proven. One of them is the medically resistant tubercle bacilli, where the standard anti-Tb regimen is no longer effective and where survival is more of an exception. The more popular one is MRSA a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which used to respond to methicillin, a simpler and much less expensive antibiotic. Today, MRSA is resistant to
on earth but also in the celestial realm. Some say God created so many angels, one cannot count the number of angels that can stand on the head of a pin. but there is a caveat to this gift from the Almighty. One must accept the gift and use the gift of the presence of angels in one’s life for good and only good. One must be humble of heart to know that by ourselves we can do nothing of real value to ourselves or our loved ones and ultimately find God in our lives without asking in earnest for help from the spiritual, unseen realm of angels. Yes, the key is to ask for help for one to receive it. Also, one must never take the gift of a personal guardian angel for granted.
An angel is an invisible presence that must be acknowledged to become ever stronger. God sends angels to keep watch over human beings and help them in every human challenge. There is, however, the element of free will in humans. You can acknowledge the presence of angels or deny it. It is your choice ultimately. The more angels are acknowledged and become a conduit to heaven, they become a hovering, guiding reality in one’s life growing ever stronger in their influence to shape every thought, word and deed in one’s life. (To be continued) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
How Steve Harvey survived his Miss Universe... PAGE B4
ment of my career.” Harvey knew how important it was for these women to bring home the crown. “It was about bringing home an honor to their families and countries.” Harvey said that at the moment everyone had been waiting for, there were three women positioned in front. “I held the card close to my chest with my thumb covering the words ‘second runner-up.’ I announced Miss USA as the first runner-up. “Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines were holding hands, saying a prayer: Miss Philippines in her royal blue gown, and Miss Colombia in a bronze sparkly number. Miss Colombia’s name was on the next card. “I read the teleprompter the same as I had over the past three days: ‘And the new Miss Universe 2015 is’ — in my ear I heard, ‘Hold... hold... hold... NOW READ — ‘Miss Colombia!’ I exited the stage as the audience was screaming with delirium. Miss Colombia put her hands over her eyes in disbelief before reaching for Miss Philippines and hugging her. The Miss Universe sash was put around
Miss Colombia. Tears rolled down her face... Her cousin, a former Miss Universe, entered the stage with the crown in her hand. Paulina Vega crowned Ariadna Gutierrez Miss Universe. The audience was jumping and waving flags... there were kisses and tears. “backstage there was chaos. I heard in the earpiece: ‘We have to fix this.’” Suddenly, Harvey could hear his father’s voice saying: “be a man... Stick out your chest and handle it.” He heard his mother echoing: “You have to do the right thing by people, even if it hurts you.” Harvey decided at that moment, he was going to be his mother and father’s son. “My parents taught me how to be a man in the face of adversity.” There was no time for finger-pointing or passing the blame. “God had brought me to this moment, and I had to trust that He’d bring me through it. I forced my feet to take me back onstage. And believe me, it was hard. It took a full two minutes for the cheers and the music to die down. I started with: ‘I have to apologize.’ The contestants were laughing. They were thinking I was telling some kind of joke, as
I’d done in rehearsals. Finally, I said slowly and clearly: ‘The first runner-up is Miss Colombia.... Miss Universe is Miss Philippines.’ At the end of his book, Harvey writes: “The Miss Universe experience reminded me to stay true to my core beliefs. I may be seen by many as successful. but the incident was a reminder from God that He can take it away at a moment’s notice. Everybody has a Miss Universe moment... and when you are bold enough to step off in faith, to jump, that is when you’ll soar.” And yes, Steve Harvey told Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show” — another very-late-night cable tv show that I regularly watch — that he is ready to jump again, to host the Miss Universe here in Manila this January. To give his apologies once more. And to make us forgive and laugh with him once again. Oops! Harvey has to make another apology though, this time to Asian men, and that includes Filipino males. For saying that white women would not find Asian men attractive. Harvey has to know that the Filipino male is the captain of his so-very-macho soul.
outside the U.S. for an extended period of time but does not intend to abandon their status, they should apply for a re-entry permit before they leave the U.S. If they have any irregularities in their immigration history, they should consult an immigration attorney before leaving in order to determine whether those irregularities could result in refusal of admission or deportation. Another common way to lose LPR status is through criminal activity. Many people assume that only very serious crimes like murder or armed robbery put a green card at risk, but the true picture is much more complicated and in some cases even depends on the timing of the offense. If you have ever pled guilty to a felony or misdemeanor in this country, you probably received a warning that your conviction would carry immigration
consequences including removal from the United States. Take that warning seriously. Crimes committed abroad could also jeopardize your LPR status. For this reason, it is extremely important for a non-citizen to consult with an immigration attorney and to have that attorney consult with the criminal defense attorney before deciding to accept a plea deal or take the case to trial. He or she should also consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney before either traveling abroad or applying for citizenship. Fraud, abandonment or a criminal conviction can result in being placed into removal proceedings. That means being issued a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court because the government is seeking to remove you from the United States. However, even if the immigration judge finds that the LPR has com-
mitted fraud or abandoned their status or been convicted of a crime, all is not necessarily lost. Waivers and other forms of relief may be possible. That determination should be made by an immigration attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in the area of deportation defense and who will work diligently to help their clients retain their status. ***
many antibiotics. In public, most MRSA infections are skin infections, but in medical centers, this dangerous bug causes potentially fatal blood poisoning, pneumonia, and infection of the surgical incisions. MRSA is expected to have a death toll of 19,000 annually in the United States alone. Luckily for patients with MRSA, bactrim and Vancomycin, clindamycin, minocycline have been found to be still effective against it. However, resistance is now being seen developing even to some of these more potent and more expensive drugs. The emergence, multiplication, and spread of superbugs are a threat to the achievements of modern medicine. They would negate and render useless the great advances in pharmacologic science and clinical medicine we have gained so far in our war against bacterial infections. Warning from WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) has published and released its first worldwide review of antimicrobial resistance with data from 114 countries and warning the global community of this serious threat to public health. WHO assistant director-general for Health Security, Dr. Keiji Fukuda, declared “Without urgent, coordinated action by many stakeholders, the world is headed for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries which have been treatable for decades can once again kill….the implications will be devastating.” The report also pointed out that
there is a resistance to last resort treatments, like carbapenem antibiotic against the common intestinal bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae, which has now spread around the globe. This is now ineffective for more than 50 percent of severe infections it used to cure. E. coli infection of the urinary tract, which used to respond to fluoroquinolones, is now resistant to the drug around the world. When these drugs first came out in the 1980s, there was zero resistance. The UK, Canada, Australia, France, Japan, Austria, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, and Slovenia have reported treatment failures with third generation cephalosporins, the last resort treatment for the more than one million gonorrhea patients around the world. WHO also laments the fact that many nations lack basic systems to track and monitor antibiotic use and resistance, and not many have seriously addressed this issue. Our abuse is haunting us While bacterial resistance is a natural and expected tendency to a degree, the rapid speed of its development and the number of superbug transformations have been the results of our carelessness and abuse in the use of antimicrobial drugs as a society. For one thing, viral infections in general (colds, Flu, etc) do not respond to antibiotics, which are actually indicated only for bacterial infections. A person taking antibiotic frequently and without
medical supervision is more prone to develop superbugs in his/her body. That would be tragic. Our abuse, which includes feeding antibiotics to our farm animal sources of meat, could bring back some old enemies in a drug-resistant and deadly form: tuberculosis, typhoid, syphilis, gonorrhea, klebsiella, diphtheria, etc., which could wipe out countless millions more. Unless people take this warning seriously and act wisely and responsibly, and unless nations around the world work together to reassess and change how these drugs are manufactured, prescribed, and used, and come up with potent new drugs against these superbugs, we, humans, are doomed to lose our war against these deadly bugs. And this could be worse than the plague, known as the black Death, that killed more than 25 million people (almost half of the population) in Europe in the 14th century. This is not fiction. It is a very scary reality that is brewing. It’s really up to us.
Calendar of Events across
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)
*** 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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Free women’s self-defense class in Echo Park Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez invites you to a free women’s self-defense class with Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois on Saturday, January 21st. In partnership with MOTHER Movement and El Centro Del Pueblo, this workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at El Centro Pueblo at 1157 Lemoyne St., Los Angeles, CA 90026. Space is limited, participants must RSVP no later than Jan. 18 by calling (213)483-5151.
JA N UA Ry 24
Workshop - Dementia: Up close & personal in Sherman Oaks, CA The American Geriatric Care Management and Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA are hosting a workshop on Tuesday, January 24 called Dementia: Up close & personal, preserving family relationships at the onset of dementia. Learn how to handle the stress and challenges of family caregiving when alzheimer’s or dementia are too close to home. Manage the care of your family member by using the right language and approach. The event will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Valley Economic Alliance (VEA) building, BFG conference room at 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91204. To RSVP, please call Lou at (310) 938-9393 or Mary Ann Omega at (818) 430-3972. Seating is limited. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
JA N UA Ry 28
Historic Filipinotown Scavenger Hunt Explore the cultural gems of HiFi (Historic Filipinotown) by joining the 2nd HiFi Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser on Saturday, January 28 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m! Meet Filipino-specific challenges (from a Balut eating contest to dancing Tinikling to a hip hop beat!). You may find yourself meeting a little-known community hero, tasting a Filipino food challenge or receiving your very own Filipino nickname! You will be having a blast while building your bayanihan spirit by asking your friends and family and even your Facebook fans to donate money to sponsor your Team to take this challenge. You and your team choose your own fundraising goal! Funds raised by this event will go to the programs and services of 2 HiFi community organizations, Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI) to provide vital services to families, workers and seniors in our community. Services include free or low-cost citizenship application assistance, human trafficking survivor support, civic engagement, wage theft claims assistance, cultural programs and more! Have fun, Discover Historic Filipinotown win prizes and support your community while doing it! Go to www.pwcsc.org/HiddenHiFi to sign up now. PWC is located at 153 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026.
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AREAA 2017 Red Event
Installation of the board & awarding ceremony The Asian Real estate Association of America (AReAA) Las Vegas Chapter recently held its Red event Installation of the Board & Awarding Ceremony on Friday, Jan. 13 at the DragonRidge Country Club. AReAA Las Vegas Triple 7 Awards winners include: Randy Char and Zar Zanganeh (Volume), Jim Fong and Randy hatada (Units), Iryna Sysenko, Nancy Li, Michele Sullivan, Valentina herzog, and Avi Dan Goor (Volume/Units).
AReAA Las Vegas Community Awards winners were Steve Sisolak (Chairman,Clark County Commissioner), Mike Vaswani (President, Asian American Group), Ulyanna Chung, Pam Puckett, Valerie Grijalva, Kathy Chu, and Darius Toston. The 2017 AReAA Las Vegas Board are: Steve Lee (President), Shane Nguyen (Vice President), Ulyanna Chung (Secretary), Annie Yan-Case (Treasurer), Randy Char (Advisor), Sherwin escanuela
(Advisor), Zar Zanganeh (Membership Chair), Jillian Batchelor (events Chair), Yared Rivera (Membership Committee), Tamica evans (Social Media), Valerie Grijalva (Social Media/Marketing), Bernard Barbilla (events Committee), Kelly Wells (Community Outreach), Chantel Tilley (events Committee), Christina Cova-Simmons (events Committee), & Rita Vaswani(Policy Chair). AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
The ‘immortality’ of Filipino matinee idol Ian Veneracion
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GUYS, seriously. Is Ian Veneracion a vampire? I was looking at his pictures from the time he started showbiz and pictures from his newest teleserye, “A Love to Last,” and I swear, this guy has not aged a day! Talk about the ultimate hashtag #foreveryoung, #ngitipalangulamna, #hotdad. It’s impressive to how well he’s kept his still relatively youthful looks. Now that he’s being “rediscovered” in a big way, his career in showbiz seem to be soaring high as he is paired with actresses who are 20 years his junior! Currently, Veneracion is teamed up with Bea Alonzo in their new primetime series with ABS-CBN. But for a long time since he came back to showbiz, he was paired with Jodi Sta. Maria and their tandem was such a hit! They starred in pivotal projects “All You Need Is Pag-Ibig” (2015), “The Achy Breaky hearts” (2016) and the remake of the classic series, “Pangako Sa Yo” (2015). he was also nominated Best Actor in the 41stMetro Manila Festival for his performance in “All You Need is Pag-ibig.” No wonder Veneracion is one of the most bankable leading men. he’s like wine – gets better with time, sophisticated and his charm captivates both young and older audiences. Like, I said – a vampire! But seriously, Veneracion’s appeal is just timeless. And there’s nothing more relaxing than seeing his pretty face on TV as he plays Anton Noble IV in “A Love to Last.” In the series, he is the high-flying CeO, president and husband of Grace (Iza Calzado). When Grace decides to seek an annulment, Anton finds love in newly-single Andrea (Bea Alonzo). Born on February 7, 1975, Stephen Ian Veneracion started acting at five years old. his parents are Roy Veneracion, a famous painter, and Susan Lopez. he was first casted by Leo Rialp in a Christmas TV show and has taken up many roles from being child actor to matinee idol to action star to villain and finally a father. Among the remarkable movies under his belt are “Anak ng Demonyo” and “el Presidente.” Veneracion is also notable for
his involvement in the current defunct youth variety show called That’s entertainment where he was in for a decade. But wait, there’s more to this man than being a talented actor. Veneracion paints and plays the guitar and piano like a pro. he is a licensed private pilot and has licenses in skydiving and paragliding. he loves cooking and baking such that he took up a course in culinary arts. With all these amazing abilities, who do you think he loves doing all these things with and for? None other than his lovely wife, Pam Gallardo. Yes, my friends. This fish is hooked and is very much spoken for. Veneracion’s choice of woman as his wife was indeed surprising for a rising celebrity like him as Pam is neither an actress, singer nor painter. She is an industrial engineer. It is said that she graduated from UP Diliman, and she has also taken her masters in education at Ateneo. At 22 years old, Veneracion married his long time girlfriend, Pam in 1997. Veneracion said in an interview that Pam is very understanding of his job, including the romantic scenes he has with his onscreen partners. he also mentioned that she is an ideal partner who is able to balance between her job and family well. Pam is even supportive of Ian’s expensive hobbies. he and his wife have planned to set up a preschool. The power couple has three children, Draco (17), Deirdre (15)
and Buccio (8). Being a family man, Veneracion usually spends his time painting, swimming, fishing and visiting museums with his children. According to an interview with Inquirer, Veneracion stated that he is quite proud to be a father, saying “But the role I’m the proudest of is being a dad. Fatherhood has allowed me to teach my kids what my dad (visual artist Roy Veneracion) has taught me: explore your options.” Such an amazing family and I cannot get over the fact that he is just human. Yep, not a vampire, a Greek god nor an immortal. Still, not any mortal man – an incredibly handsome one, if I may add – would have the same successes as this one if not for his character, will, determination and love for his family. For that, I applaud him. Ian Veneracion may not be immortal but the values he passed on to his children and the contributions he’s made to the entertainment industry will last in perpetuity just as his youthfulness has through the years. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
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EntErtainmEnt
A Pinoy who can sing in Japanese
ing of the song in order to deliver it well to the Japanese audience,” Philstar.com he shared. “I like to sing ballads and I know OVerSeAS Filipino worker a lot of popular Japanese ballads. Michael David Bodin said he didn’t I fell in love with Japanese songs really expect to win in the singing because the lyrics are really pocontest “I Can Sing in Japanese.” etic,” he added. Michael, an english teacher The one he found most chalwho has been living in Japan for lenging on the contest was choos10 years now, said he was one of ing the right song that would make the wild cards and he thought he’d the most impact on the audience never make it to the Top 5. and the judges. “I was one of the two wild “I had so many songs in my cards and was really lucky to be mind that I like but I had to choose on the Top 5 and from there I was two songs and the one I picked declared champion. It was really was really popular so I felt a bit overwhelming. I did not expect to pressured. I really had to give my win but I think I really gave my best best and wanted to make sure that in the final round,” Michael said. I would give justice to the song. My He has joined singing tilts in goal was to sing from the heart and Manila before. “Star in a Million” make the Japanese people feel that was his first major singing contest I know the message of the song,” when he was only 19. He was only he said, adding this was a factor in one of the final 30 contestants. his winning. Still, it did not dampen his spirits, Michael said he would never he loved singing and that was forget the congeniality and support enough. of the staff of the program. Joining “I Can Sing in Japanese” “They were all amazing and is a dream come true. He was very very helpful. They made the whole happy that he emerged as the experience really fun and memogrand winner. rable for us. Also, I had the chance He credits his victory to the to meet so many talented singers heartfelt ballad he sang titled Utauaround the world and it was a tai. “It was such an emotional song wonderful experience because we to sing,” Michael said. all share the same thing — our love “I Can Sing in Japanese” is a for Japan.” singing competition that has atFor Filipino singers who want to tracted applicants from all over join and aim to win in the contest, the world, including Denmark, Michael shares these tips: “Always Spain and Jamaica, among other sing from the heart and make sure countries. The show is a platform you know what you are singing. for aspiring non-Japanese singers Take time to understand the mesto showcase their talents on the sage of the song, in this way, the national stage. judges as well as the audience The show is popular because will feel that you really know the of the contestants who, aside from song. Also, always play with your strength.” If given a chance, Michael said he would like to take up singing as professional career. “Of course, I have always wanted to be a singer and it would be great if it happens here in Japan. I am currently in an acoustic duo, and this program has opened more doors for me to pursue this dream,” he said. “I Can Sing Japanese” recently opened the competition to applications from aspiring singers living in Asia, regardless of nationality and age. Shortlisted applicant will attend an on-ground audition in February next year, from which one winner will be selected by a panel of professional judges to participate in the upcoming season of “I Can Sing in Japanese!” in Tokyo. Viewers can look forward I Can Sing in Japanese grand winner Michael David Bodin is an OFW working in Japan for 10 to the unique singing program on years now as an English teacher. GeM this year. by Patricia
EstEvEs
their naturally beautiful voices, also impress the viewers by singing in flawless, fluent Japanese songs. Some past winners from Asia include Singapore’s Jeremy Teng, Indonesia’s Fatimah Zahratunnisa and Michael from the Philippines. Michael confessed that he has been a big fan of the show ever since he first started watching it in 2008. enthralled by the beautiful voices of the contestants who sing Japanese songs like they’re real natives, Michael also hoped to join the contest one day. “A lot of my Japanese friends would always encourage me to join the show, so I did,” he said. Gifted with a mellifluous voice, he finally auditioned and luckily passed. “It was a good chance/opportunity for me to share to the Japanese people how much I appreciate Japanese songs. The whole experience itself was rewarding,” he enthused. Michael shared that he prepared two months for the show and always practiced singing in Japanese. He really did not have a difficult time, he enthused, because he likes Japanese songs and in fact, has learned how to speak good Japanese through singing. “I know quite a lot of Japanese songs because I learned kanji (Japanese characters) through songs. It was a little hard to sing in Japanese at first but once you get to know the language, everything will come in handy. It is really important to understand the mean-
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 19-25, 2017
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Donna Villa passes away at 57 On Tuesday evening, Jan. 17, news broke on social media that movie producer Donna Villa, better known as the spouse of comics novelist and director Carlo J. Caparas, had died. Although the family is yet to issue official statement on Villa’s demise, posts and comments from entertainment reporters said that the executive producer of Golden Lions Films passed away due to cancer at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Hospital. For being amiable and generous, Villa has been called the real and true Darling of the Press by showbiz writers. She was 57. (Arlo Donna Villa with husband Carlo J. Caparas Custodio/ManilaTimes.net)
The unsinkable Karla Estrada by Bot
Glorioso Philstar.com
Her fluffy eyes clearly tell that Karla estrada has had a power nap before The Star and other select members of the press arrive at the set of “Funny Ka, Pare Ko!” inside one of the ABS-CBn studios. Karla admits her schedule is hectic and the short naps in-between takes help her wade through with neckdeep work. “All I need is sleep, even if it’s just a catnap, for me to handle all my work,” begins Karla. “Because you know, I also have four children to take care of. ngayon, medyo pinagsisisihan ko na yung pinirmahan ko na kontrata, hahaha, joke lang.” Apart from being the lead star of “Funny Ka, Pare Ko” that airs Sundays at 5 p.m. on TVplus’ CineMo, Karla is also seen on weekday mornings as host of “Magandang Buhay” and as one of the judges in the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” segment of “It’s Showtime! “Also included in her timetable is her preparation to do the front act for Patty Austin’s concert in February. Karla initially couldn’t believe when she learned that the American r&B and jazz singer’s camp was asking if she can front act for the show. “’Di talaga ako makapaniwala kasi s’yempre lumaki ako sa musika n’ya. It was great news that greeted my 2017.” As if that’s not enough, Karla is also busy with her soon-to-be released album and a collaboration project with Tutti Caringal of 6Cyclemind. “Once we’re through with the song, we wish to present it as theme song for La Luna Sangre or for Varna, if and when the movie pushes through.”
Karla continues, “You can see that my work is one on top of the other. Like now, I headed straight here from the house. Come to think of it, I should not be doing this (all work) anymore because I’ve been doing this since I was 16.” That’s why her son Daniel Padilla keeps on teasing her. “Sabi n’ya, ‘O, ayan pinirmahan mo yan Ma, ha.’ Medyo busy talaga ako kaya s’ya lang ang nakapag-bakasyon, ako wala eh. But this is not forever so it’s okay (laughs).” Before anyone raises an eyebrow, Karla is not complaining but thankful for all the projects that have landed on her lap. “I know, this is not forever so it’s okay with me. It’s just that sometimes, it cannot be avoided that work drains your energy.” Thankfully, she is able to catch some sleep during taping breaks bringing her back to her jolly self. Being in the cast of “Funny Ka, Pare Ko” allows her to laugh out loud while at work. everyone is funny and ready to pull somebody’s leg. “Dito ‘pag alaskador ka, dapat game ka rin maalaska,” Karla says. Meanwhile, Karla’s co-star Bayani Agbayani says one of the reasons behind the show’s success is the camaraderie they have on the set. All are professionals when it comes to work. each shows a different style in making people laugh. Although, Bayani says, not everybody can stay in the show. now on its third season, “Funny Ka, Pare Ko” is set seven years after the second season. Bayani’s character Bigboy and Karla’s Carla are husband and wife who have moved up in life and now spearhead business seminars to help budding entrepreneurs after the success of
Karla Estrada
their eatery. “The first and second seasons were a combination of a sitcom and stand-up comedy,” says Bayani. “now, we have an advocacy. We introduce to televiewers some small businesses that we can bring to the community.” In the press release, ABS-CBn TVplus’ CineMo head Mark Awiten said, “All characters in the show this season are involved in business. In fact, entrepreneurship is a main element in the story because “Funny Ka, Pare Ko” aims to encourage ordinary Filipinos that they can advance their livelihood by starting their own business.” Two weeks ago, the sitcom anchored its story on Bigboy and Carla inviting their neighbors to learn about fish deboning and haircutting that the televiewers can also learn by watching the show. every episode will share different topics that are interesting to the viewers. Karla reveals that the coming episode is about healthy living. “We will do Zumba sessions aside, of course, from providing comic relief.”
B january 19-25, 2017 • LaS VEGaS aSIan jOurnaL
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