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w w w. a s i a n Volume 28 - no. 21 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
.com T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r
June 1-7, 2017
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House, Senate pass resolution supporting Mindanao martial law by Dana
SioSon AJPress
exPressing its “full support,” both the house of representatives and the senate said it found “no reason” to revoke Philippine President rodrigo’s recent implementation of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in mindanao. on Wednesday, may 31, the house adopted resolution no. PARADE OF TANKS. A column of tanks transported by the Philippine Navy gunship BRP Tarlac 1050, which supports the Philiparrives in Iligan City to support troops in Marawi City. Government security forces have pine president’s move. “resolved by the house of killed 89 terrorists during more than a week of fighting in Marawi City but the gunmen are still offering strong resistance with stolen weapons and ammunition, the military said on representatives, to express its Wednesday, May 31.
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Inquirer.net photo by Richel Umel
PEACE PANEL. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte engages in a discussion with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and other MILF officials including Implementing Panel Chairman Mohair Iqbal, Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Ghazali Jaafar, Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces Chief of Staff Sammy Al-Mansoor, and Bangsamoro Supreme Court Chief Khalifa Nando during a meeting in Davao City on Monday, May 29. Joining the President, meanwhile, are Presidential Adviser on Peace Process USec. Nabil Tan, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Año, BGen. Earl Baliao of the AFP, Capt. Nichols Driz of the Philippine Navy, GPH Implementing Panel Chairperson Irene Santiago, and OPAPP ASec. Ma. Cecilia Papa. The MILF has agreed to work with the government in establishing safe zones for residents fleeing fighting in Marawi City. Malacañang photo
DFA assures int’l community: No martial law abuses by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com
USA
DATELINE Members of Congress continue efforts in reuniting families of DOJ: Napoles tags Filipino veterans Trillanes, De Lima, Drilon in pork scam from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Janet Lim Napoles
ContinUing the effort to honor filipinos’ efforts during World War ii, members of Congress have introduced new legislation to expand immigration for families of filipino veterans. the filipino Veterans family reunification Act — introduced by senator mazie hirono (D-hawaii) and representative Colleen hanabusa (D-hawaii) — sets out to speed up the visa process for children of filipino WWii veterans. similar to the filipino WWii Veterans Parole program, this bill seeks to bring family members of these veterans to the U.s. after decades of separation. But rather than just
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Fil-Am nabs Hawaii GOP chairmanship fiLiPino-AmeriCAn shirlene De La Cruz ostrov, who recently retired as a colonel in the U.s. Air force, was elected chairwoman of the hawaii republican Party (goP) at a convention on the island of Kauai on may 13. ostrov’s election is significant in a number of ways. she is the first filipino to lead a state organization of one of the major political parties in America. she was fighting the entrenched establishment of the republican Party in hawaii who had put up an incumbent state legislator, Andria tupola, as their candidate. As ostrov was told, “if this were a beauty contest, you would win hands down.” she won 265 to 111 because of good strategists, like miriam hellreich, republican national Committeewoman for hawaii. they conducted a grassroots operation among the delegates. the majority of the goP in hawaii also wanted
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Inquirer.net photo
by Dana
SioSon AJPress
DetAineD businesswoman Janet Lim napoles is preparing to file a case against three opposition senators in connection with the multibillion-peso Priority Development Assistance fund (PDAf) anomaly, according to Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre ii. in an interview with ABs-CBn’s “Umagang Kay ganda,” Aguirre disclosed that napoles’ lawyer stephen David told him that her camp would soon file a complaint before the Department of Justice (DoJ) against “prominent personalities” who allegedly benefitted from the so-called pork barrel scam. Among the senators napoles implicated in the scam were Antonio trillanes iV and Leila de Lima,
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mAniLA - Protection of human rights is guaranteed under martial law proclaimed by President Duterte in mindanao, foreign Affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano told the diplomatic corps. “may i assure you that the President and the government remain steadfast in the commitment to uphold the Philippine Constitution and ensure that efforts to enforce peace and order are done with due regard to the laws and preservation of our people’s constitutional rights,”
Cayetano said in his opening remarks at the briefing. “in other words no abuses,” he said. Cayetano also explained the legal basis for and the objectives of martial law in mindanao, which Duterte imposed hours after the maute group took over parts of marawi City. the terrorists killed several civilians, took hostages and burned buildings. Duterte himself announced shortly after returning from moscow that he would not tolerate abuses as security forces began their operation to retake marawi, Cayetano stressed.
he also emphasized that despite the martial law, democratic institutions like the courts and Congress remain open. “however due to actual rebellion, terrorism and the presence of isis on Philippine soil the declaration of martial law in mindanao became a necessity,” he added. Questions raised by representatives of embassies and international organizations during the diplomatic briefing, Cayetano said, were focused on the duration of martial law, its scope, and on the capabilities of the maute
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Duterte hits back at Chelsea Clinton: Did you slam your father’s affair? by Dana
SioSon AJPress
PhiLiPPine President rodrigo Duterte hit back hard at former United states’ first daughter Chelsea Clinton over her criticisms against his recent rape remark. in a speech during the Philippine navy’s anniversary on Wednesday, may 31, Duterte made reference to former U.s. President Bill Clinton, Chelsea’s father, who had an affair with monica Lewinsky, a White house intern, in 1998. “i will tell her (Chelsea), when your father, the president of the
United states then, was screwing Lewinsky and the girls there in the White house, how did you feel? Did you slam your father?” Duterte quizzed. “i repeat. When President Clinton was f*cking Lewinsky, what was your statement or your reaction?” the Philippine president asked again. earlier, Chelsea criticized Duterte in her social media account when he said that he would take responsibility for crimes committed by soldiers, even rape, during the
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Chelsea Clinton
US embassy notifies citizens of stricter security measures by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com
mAniLA - the U.s. embassy in manila has informed American citizens of increased security measures in metro manila, including possible checkpoints, following attacks by the maute group in marawi City. in a message to its citizens, the embassy said it received information that the Philippine government had placed the Philippine national Police (PnP) on full alert throughout the metropolis. TIGHT SCREENING. A police officer checks the identity of a resident against a chart with it stated that a unit of the Armed forces images of “local terrorists” at a checkpoint in Iligan City. The city was placed placed under of the Philippines (AfP) has been deployed a temporary lockdown amid fears that members of the Maute Group may enter the city to Quezon City to assist the PnP with sedisguised as civilians.
ManilaTimes.net photo
curity operations such as random checkpoints, security patrols and police visibility operations. “the PnP advises that this is a precautionary measure in light of the declaration of martial law in mindanao and not related to any specified terror threat information directed toward metro manila,” the embassy said. the embassy reminded American nationals of the most recent Worldwide Caution, dated march 6, 2017, which indicates there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.s. citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines. extremists have targeted sporting
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JUNE 1-7, 2017 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
From The FronT Page
House, Senate pass resolution... PAGE A1 full support to President Rodrigo Duterte as it finds no reason to revoke Proclamation Number 216, entitled ‘Declaring a State of Martial Law and Suspending the Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the whole of Mindanao� the House resolution read. The House also said it has “determined the sufficiency of the factual basis for the issuance of Proclamation Number 216.� Earlier on Tuesday, May 30, the Senate likewise adopted its amended Resolution No. 388 which says it has “no compelling reason� to revoke Duterte’s Proclamation Number 216. Fifteen senators filed the first version of resolution on Monday, May 29. They were Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Senators Ralph Recto, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Emmanuel Pacquiao, Vicente “Tito� Castelo Sotto III, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Senators Francis Escudero and Grace Poe later signed the amended resolution “expressing the sense of the Senate not to revoke, at this time, Proclamation No. 216, series of 2017, entitled ‘Declaring a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao.’� All five minority bloc sena-
tors, meanwhile, voted against the resolution: Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Paolo Benigno “Bamâ€? Aquino, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Francis “Kikoâ€? Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros. The vote was 17-5. MalacaĂąang, for its part, welcomed the Senate majority’s move. “The President has acted swiftly and decisively to suppress the ongoing rebellion in Marawi and to prevent its spread in the provinces of Mindanao,â€? Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement. Earlier on May 23, a clash sparked between government forces and an Islamic States (IS)-linked militant group in Marawi City, prompting Duterte to impose martial law and suspend the writ of habeas corpus in the whole Mindanao later on the same day. Since last week’s atrocities, the death toll has reached over 100, wherein more than half were from the militant’s side, according to the military. Government officials said clearing operations are still ongoing in the area. With the approval of House Resolution No. 1050, the separate resolution filed by Makabayan bloc calling for a joint congressional session to revoke Duterte’s declaration was effectively dismissed. The Makabayan bloc’s resolution, which was filed on Tuesday, May 30, said the declaration of
martial law throughout Mindanao “is entirely bereft of factual basis.� “It is unwarranted, unjustifiable, and wholly out of proportion to the threat posed by the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups,� the bloc added. Among the signatories of the resolution were Antonio Tinio and France Castro of Alliance of Concerned Teachers; Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela; Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna; Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis; and Sarah Jane Elago of Kabataan. They bloc warned that the imposition of a state of martial law in Mindanao “could just be a prelude to similar declarations of military rule in other parts of, or the entire country, in the immediate future� if left unchallenged. Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states that the president of the Philippines may place the country under martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in case of invasion or rebellion for not exceeding than 60 days. The law, however, also gives the Congress the power to revoke or extend such proclamation or suspension for a period. The Supreme Court may also review the “sufficiency of the factual basis� of the proclamation or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus following an “appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen.�
DOJ: Napoles tags Trillanes, De Lima, Drilon... PAGE A1 and Franklin Drilon. Former budget secretary Butch Abad was also included. “Ang mga nabanggit niya ay prominent personalities sa nakaraang administrasyon— sina Abad, parang kasama rin si Senator Trillanes, Senator De Lima, at Senate [Minority Leader] Drilon (Napoles mentioned prominent personalities from the previous administration—former budget Abad, and also Senator Trillanes, Senator De Lima, and [former] Senate President Drilon),� Aguirre said. Trillanes and De Lima were notably among Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s staunchest critics while Drilon is currently the minority president. During the previous administration of former president Benigno “Noynoy� Aquino III, both Abad and De Lima headed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and DOJ respectively. “Yun pong kay Janet Napoles ay nakausap ko na po, actually ‘yung kanyang lawyer, at sabi niya in a few days magsasampa sila ng kaukulang habla at ifafile ata nila ‘yun sa DOJ (I talked with Napoles’ lawyer, and he said that they will file a complaint before the DOJ in a few
days),� Aguirre said. Aguirre also denied accusations that the Duterte is taking “revenge� against his critics through the case. “Ang tingin ko po diyan ay pagpapatupad ng katarungan, sapagkat kapag ikaw po ay nagkasala at alam naman natin na kung ikaw ay namuno sa napakalaking pag-rape sa ating kabang-bayan, wala pong, walang dapat ipaghiganti ang ating Pangulo (I see this as an implementation of justice because if you committed a crime and you plundered our nation’s coffers, there is no need for the President to seek revenge),� he said. In a what seemed to be a turn of events, Napoles, who has been accused as the mastermind of the scam, is being eyed as a state witness in the DOJ’s planned reinvestigation. For their part, the three accused senators denied claims of their involvement in the scam. In a statement, Drilon tagged the allegations against him as an “outright black propaganda� and political harassment intended to silence the members of the opposition.� “The intention is obvious from the personalities being linked. If this is not revenge, I don’t know what it is,� Drilon said, stressing any claims of
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him misusing public funds is “a blatant lie.� Trillanes, meanwhile, accused Aguirre of “using his office to persecute and harass members of the opposition by fabricating testimonies from dubious convicts or detainees.� “I categorically deny any involvement in any irregularity regarding PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund), DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program), or any government funds, for that matter. I was never even mentioned in any of the so-called Napoles lists provided during the height of the investigations in 2013,� Trillanes said. De Lima, for her part remarked that “only fools will believe� Aguirre and Napoles. “The woman who stole billions in the PDAF Scam is now being glorified to turn state witness against targeted opposition personalities,� she added. De Lima further said, “Expect a complaint substantiated with nothing but Napoles’s worthless words, and Aguirre’s reputation for fake accusations. Justice in the Philippines now is a joke, the biggest joke since Aguirre was appointed Secretary of Justice. Unfortunately, it’s a joke that imprisons and punishes the innocent and rewards criminals.�
APPEAL. A screenshot from a video posted on social media shows Catholic priest Fr. Chito Suganob appealing to President Rodrigo Duterte to pull out security forces in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur province. Suganob said he and 240 others, including mostly Christian civilians and children, are being held by local ISIS fighters.
DFA assures int’l community: No martial... PAGE A1 group. He said many of the inquiries came from representatives of countries with serious problems with terrorism. “So the ISIS group is failing in trying to attract bigger groups
that have been fighting for justice or against historical injustice in Mindanao,� Cayetano said but declined to discuss other details on the briefing. The DFA chief said the President’s declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao for
60 days is necessary to suppress lawless violence and rebellion and ensure public safety. The Philippines also assured the international community that the government is in full control of the situation. n
Fil-Am nabs Hawaii GOP... PAGE A1 a person with proven leadership qualities and a vision for the party. More significantly, the GOP sought a leader who could attract non-Caucasians to join, especially Filipinos who are the biggest nonwhite voting bloc in Hawaii. Ostrov’s only political experience was being a U.S. congressional candidate for the first district of Hawaii. She said that she ran against overwhelming odds because she did not want the election to be uncontested. As it turned out, she could not prevail against a well known, well-funded, and union backed Democrat who had previously served in the House of Representatives – Colleen Hanabusa. Ostrov’s goal for the GOP The Hawaii Republican Party is the minority party in Hawaii. Ostrov said that she sought the chairmanship because she wants to help build the GOP to become the true opposition party in the state. It is a steep hill to climb, with only five Republicans in the State House of Representatives and none in the Senate, the party struggles to get their voices heard. The GOP in Hawaii is not represented in the U.S. House or Senate. In an op-ed in the Honolulu Star Advertiser on May 4, Ostrov was quoted as saying, “The Hawaii Republican Party is not just the party of no, nor are we simply the party of tax cuts. I believe we’re the party of aloha and ohana. We are the party that wants to see every resident thrive so they can build their business, family and community without excessive government interference. That’s the future we
Shirlene Ostrov
see for Hawaii.� Ostrov, who, since her retirement, has become a business executive, and a co-founder of a nonprofit Hawaiian Cultural School in the National Capitol Region said, “I think Hawaii’s Republicans have an excellent opportunity to rebuild and offer voters a real choice. My intent is pure and simple. I don’t have a private agenda. I am not seeking fame or fortune, I am not pursuing other positions at this time. I simply want to serve the party in a full-time manner to help the Republicans take their rightful place in Hawaii.� She also pointed out that the most critical aspect of building a solid foundation is to get the party on a firm financial footing. “We are supposed to be a sharp contrast to the Democrats, offering viable, workable alternatives that energize the state’s residents to want our solutions and not continue with what we already know doesn’t work. Our financial underpinning helps us speak our message broadly, and I know we are at a critical financial crossroads today. In fact, I believe that this is one of the main reasons why the Hawaii Republican Party has been in decline for the last few years and it will be a primary area of focus for me as chairman.� Immediately after her election as chairwoman, Ostrov went to Washington, D.C. to meet with GOP leaders and communicated with them her plans for the party in Hawaii. She said that they expressed their optimism and committed to providing support and resources to rebuild the local party. Attracting Filipinos to the GOP Ostrov stressed that, “Education and outreach in the community is key to our success as a party. Not only will we increase transparency and accountability within party leadership, but sharing our points of view will attract more members from the growing ranks of disillusioned or disengaged Independents and Democrats looking for a conservative home. We need those numbers in our party and their votes in the next election, votes that will come from the conservative cultures and people the Democrats have taken for granted. “Two districts out of 51 are Districts 28 and 29, the Kalihi and Palama areas. Those areas are 78 percent Filipino, and not only are they the largest voting bloc in Hawaii, they are also very, very conservative. They are Democrats now, but they are starting to understand that their voting habits are clashing with their conservative culture. Education in the community will attract people whose family val-
ues and cultural background align more naturally with the Republican Party, if they hear us talk with them regularly as we share our message. With a diverse staff that starts with a broad range of ideas, we will articulate a message that covers the values and issues most people in our state care about and that the opposition isn’t even paying attention to.� Filipino roots Ostrov’s father is from Batangas and her mother is from Bulacan. Her father joined the U.S. Navy in the Philippines, became a U.S. citizen in 1962 and settled in Hawaii. She was the fifth of eight children (6 girls and 2 boys), and was born and raised in Mililani, among the pineapple fields of Central Oahu, Hawaii. She said that her parents raised a “very tight-knit Catholic, conservative and patriotic family� who taught their children “to defend the institutions and the virtues of character that make the pursuit of happiness possible.� She served for 23 years and retired as a colonel. As a seasoned Logistics Readiness Officer, she held command and staff positions at the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense. She served as the commander of an Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and as the Commander of an Air Mobility Squadron unit in the Pacific. She commanded the 376th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, providing air combat power projection throughout the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility, and also served as a hub for strategic airlift operations and as an intermediate staging base for transiting personnel and equipment in support of operations in Afghanistan. Ostrov served the U.S. State Department in support of the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan and also served as the Legislative and Interagency Liaison for USTRANSCOM in Washington DC. She likewise served as the Chief of the Global Combat Support Division at Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces. Among Ostrov’s military awards are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Florida, an MBA in Management from Troy State University and a Masters of Arts in Organizational Management from George Washington University. She married her husband Mark Jacob Ostrov in 1990 and they have twin daughters, Jessica and Julia who are 16 years old. (Emmanuel Samonte Tipon)
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 1-7, 2017
Trump asks world leaders to call him on his cellphone by Dana
SioSon AJPress
United States President donald trump asks world leaders to call him directly on his cellphone, according to an Associated Press report. According to U.S. officials, who requested anonymity, trump gave Canadian Prime Minister Justin trudeau and Mexican President enrique Peña nieto his personal number, inviting them to just call him directly. AP reported that only trudeau has utilized the direct communication line so far. the U.S. leader also reportedly exchanged numbers with
newly-elected French President emmanuel Macron when the two spoke after the latter’s election victory in May, according to a French official. the official, who also requested anonymity, refused to comment if Macron would communicate with trump through his personal line. Both the White House and trudeau’s office refused to comment on the issue, which raised concerns about communications security and possible break of diplomacy, “if you are speaking on an open line, then it’s an open line, meaning those who have the ability to monitor those conversations are doing so,” derek Chollet, a
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former Pentagon adviser and national Security Council official told the AP. the report came weeks after the supposed “confidential” transcript of the phone conversation between trump and Philippine President Rodrigo duterte was publicized. the full transcript, apparently revealed the conversation between duterte and trump that occurred during the closing of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASeAn) summit in Manila in April 29. Both the Philippine and U.S. governments refused to verify the transcript but none disputed its content either.
Sen. McCain calls for multilateral exercises to challenge ‘bully’ China Members of Congress continue efforts...
ABU SAYYAF VICTIM. President Rodrigo Duterte checks on Corporal Sancho Antipolo who is being treated at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Sulu. Antipolo was among those injured in an ambush by the Abu Sayyaf Group on May 25. Malacañang photo
by Patricia LourDeS Philstar.com
Viray
An American senator suggested that United States-led multilateral exercises could be a good way to push back against Beijing’s excessive claims in the disputed South China Sea. “if the Chinese are able to prevent us from exercising freedom of navigation then i think that has a profound consequences for the entire region,” Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) said in a speech in Sydney. McCain, chair of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, stressed that China’s vast territorial claims have no basis in international law. “the challenge is that as China has grown wealthier and stronger, it seems to be acting more and more like a bully,” McCain said. McCain’s remarks in Australia comes days before delegates from the US and China are scheduled to attend the Shangri-La dialogue or the 16th Asia Security Summit in Singapore. the US senator noted that Australia has become entangled in a strategic competition between America and China. the senator, however, did not directly urge Sydney to take part in freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea. “i would not try to tell the Australians what they need to do, but there are exercises where a num-
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U.S. Sen. John McCain delivers a speech at the invitation of the United States Studies Centre in Sydney, Tuesday, May 30.
ber of nations join together — we call it RiMPAC [Rim of the Pacific exercise]— that the Australians participate in. they’re broad naval exercises,” McCain said. Hosted by the US navy’s Pacific Fleet, the RiMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise. Countries that participated in maritime exercises last year were Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, denmark, France, Germany, india, indonesia, italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the netherlands, new Zealand, norway, China, Peru, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, thailand, tonga, the United Kingdom and the US. McCain added that the joint naval exercises would be an opportunity to exercise freedom of navigation. “But i also wanna emphasize
i understand the importance of trade with China and Australia. i understand the importance of their relationship,” the American senator said. Washington recently launched its first freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea under the trump administration. irking Beijing, a US navy warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef, one of China’s artificial islands in the Spratly islands. Mischief or Panganiban Reef, also being claimed by the Philippines, is included in the ruling of a United nations-backed tribunal based in the Hague, netherlands. the tribunal considered Mischief Reef as a low-tide elevation, which gives no entitlement to any exclusive maritime zone under international law.
provide temporarily relief as the parole program does, the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act “codifies our nation’s promise to reunite these families,” said Hirono. “When called to serve, Filipino World War ii veterans fought and sacrificed alongside American servicemen,” said Hirono, who also led the effort to reward these veterans the Congressional Gold Medal last year. “However, as a result of our country’s antiquated immigration system, these brave soldiers have been waiting more than a half century to be reunited with their loved ones,” Hirono added. “While the Filipino World War ii Veterans Parole program provides temporarily relief for Filipino World War ii veterans and their children, this bill codifies our nation’s promise to reunite these families.” in the 1990s, about 50 years after the war, the U.S. granted Filipino veterans of WWii citizenship as recognition for their services. However, this didn’t
include the children or families of the veterans. if the families of the veterans want to reunite, they have to apply for a family visa, but U.S. Citizenship and immigration services (USCiS) limits the amount of family visas granted each year. Consequently, many families must wait years for USCiS to review their application. the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act places an exemption on veterans’ children from the quota and allows them to bypass the limitation. Senator tim Kaine (d-Va.), who has been a long-time advocate for honoring Filipinos’ efforts in WWii, co-sponsored the bill and praised Hirono and Hanabusa for expanding the benefits for the families of these veterans. “i’m honored to represent the vibrant Filipino-American communities of Virginia, including those who fought bravely alongside Americans during World War ii,” the 2016 vice presidential candidate said in a statement. “An outdated immi-
gration system has kept these veterans separated from their families, who remain overseas. their reunion is even more important because of the veterans’ advanced age and health care needs. this bill builds on the progress we made last year by expediting the visa process for children of Filipino World War ii veterans. i’m proud to stand alongside Senator Hirono once again in this just cause. the bill has been co-sponsored by more than 20 members of Congress including Sens dianne Feinstein (d-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (d-nev.), and Brian Schatz (d-Hawaii), and Representatives Madeleine Bordallo (d-Guam), Judy Chu (d-Calif.), tulsi Gabbard (dHawaii), Barbara Lee (d-Calif.), ted Lieu (d-Calif.), Adam Schiff (d-Calif.) and Mark takano (dCalif.). More than 250,000 Filipinos lent their efforts in the war and there are about 15,000 veterans — all of whom are in their 80s and 90s — that are still alive today. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
US embassy notifies citizens of stricter... PAGE A1 Crowded nightclubs, shopevents, theaters, markets, mass ping malls, buses and popular transportation systems like air- restaurants have also been tarlines and other public venues gets. where large crowds gather. U.S. citizens are advised to
be mindful of the importance of taking measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines, said the embassy.
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JUNE 1-7, 2017 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
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Roach: Manny only for boxing, not MMA, amid possibility of McGregor fight by Dino
Maragay Philstar.com
is different and I don’t think the matchup is very different and the FREDDIe Roach is in favor of pit- rules will decide the winner. If it’s ting Manny Pacquiao against UFC a boxing match, yes we’ll fight him (McGregor) but I haven’t talked to star Conor McGregor. But only if it is a boxing match Manny about it,” the multi-awarded trainer said during an appearance and nothing more. Roach on Tuesday, May 30, said at the weekly PSA Forum at the he doesn’t see Pacquiao competing Phoenix hotel in Pasay City. Roach made the comment amid as a mixed martial artist. “I’m not sure about that [Pac- a recent statement by Bob Arum quiao in MMA]. I mean the sport saying he’s open to a fight between
Pacquiao and McGregor, the reigning UFC lightweight champion who’s currently pursuing a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Arum said McGregor can go for Pacquiao if he can’t strike a deal with the retired Mayweather. But if McGregor hopes he can lure Pacquiao into a fight inside the octagon, it won’t happen, according to Roach. “No I don’t (think Pacquiao’s for MMA). he’s not very trained in wrestling. he likes to imitate Bruce Lee but he’s not a UFC fighter, he’s a pure boxer,” Pacquiao’s longtime trainer added. “It’s a boxing match, boxing ring, boxing gloves and boxing rules. Manny is a trained boxer, the guy’s (McGregor) a UFC fighter if he wants to cross over, I have no problem with that,” he also said. Roach is in town to train Pacquiao for the latter’s July 2 WBO welterweight title defense against Jeff horn of Australia. Manny Pacquiao work the mitts with trainer Freddie Roach.
US senators urge Trump to delay Duterte invitation over drug war by Dana
SioSon AJPress
TWELVE United States senators from the Democratic Party urged U.S. President Donald Trump to delay his invitation to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to visit the White house over the alleged human rights abuses in connection Philippine leader’s bloody campaign against illegal drugs. In a letter dated Wednesday, May 24, 2017, the senators said that inviting the firebrand Duterte to the White house while his “murderous campaign continues” could be interpreted as “an endorsement of his government’s gross human rights abuses.” “Such a perception would undermine efforts to restrain Duterte’s violent campaign, which would further call into question the legality and appropriateness of continued U.S. assistance to the Philippines’ law enforcement agencies and security forces,” they added. Duterte’s drug war has been in international news and gained continuous criticisms from rights group for its alleged spate of summary killings and human rights violations since he took presidency and launched the campaign in June last year.
The decades-long relationship between the Philippines and the United States also appeared to be strained due to drug war criticisms—with Duterte’s constantly bursting profanities against Washington for its supposed interference in the government’s crackdown on illegal drugs. In the letter, senators cited the supposed 8,000 death toll in connection with the drug war. The Duterte administration, however, repeatedly refuted claims that the killings are statesanctioned. It argued that there are only about 2,500 deaths from “presumed legitimate law enforcement operations,” usually when suspects tried to fight back against the police. Among those who signed the letter were Senators Edward Markey, Tim Kane, Sherrod Brown Ron Wyden, Benjamin Cardin, Jeffrey Merkley, Cory Booker, Richard Durbin, Chris Van hollen, Al Franken, Amy Klobuchar, and Kirsten Gillibrand. “We urge you to delay your invitation to the White house to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte until there are major improvements in his government’s human rights records,” the letter read. While maintaining that the Philippines remains a vital U.S. ally, the senators expressed concern that hosting Duterte at the White house while his cam-
paign of “mass atrocities” continue would send the “wrong message” that the U.S. is supporting human rights violations in the Philippines. They accused that Duterte, under the guise of drug war, “has presided over a brutal campaign of extrajudicial murders that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of drug users and low level drug dealers.” Stressing that “extrajudicial killings are not a form of justice,” they insisted that Duterte “must stop” his “campaign of murder” and instead “adopt a comprehensive public health approach to drug addiction that centers on treatment.” “The United States, for its part, should stand ready to provide assistance and partnership for the development and implementation of these programs,” they said. The senators’ letter came a day after a “leaked” transcript revealed the conversation between Duterte and Trump that occurred during the closing of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila in April 29. The transcript apparently showed that Trump repeatedly invited Duterte in his office. “If you want to come to the Oval office, I will love to have you in Oval Office. Anytime you want to come,” the U.S. leader told Duterte. Trump further added, “I will
be in the Philippines in November, but anytime if you are in [Washington] DC or anywhere, come see me in the Oval office… Work it out with your staff. Seriously, if you want to come over, just let us know.” Trump also complemented Duterte for doing an “unbelievable” and “great” job on his campaign against illegal drugs, which is notably a complete opposite stance from his predecessor, former U.S. president Barack Obama. “I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug problem,” Trump told Duterte during their conversation. “Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that.” In response, Duterte thanked Trump for his comment, adding, “This is the scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation.” Most of what the two presidents discussed, however, were already openly disclosed by the Philippine leader in his previous interviews and speeches. While there’s is no confirmation yet about Duterte’s visit to the White house, the two leaders are expected to meet at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in November 2017, hosted by the Philippines.
Continuing the fight against efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act by
Sen. Catherine Cortez MaSto (D-nev.)
WhEN it comes to the Affordable Care Act, the facts speak for themselves. here in Nevada, 263,956 people have gained health insurance since the law was passed. Nevada’s healthcare industry—a sector that accounts for 12% of the state’s employment—has expanded. 1.1 million Nevadans are no longer at risk of being denied coverage for having a pre-existing condition. A few weeks ago, house Republicans voted to eliminate this progress. Specifically, they voted for a measure that would cost 22,000 Nevadans their jobs, roll back the expansion of Medicaid, end protections for people with pre-existing conditions, and cause 24 million Americans to lose their health insurance. healthcare is an issue that affects everyone, regardless of background. however, immigrant and minority communities are often hit hardest by cuts to Medicaid. A few months ago, Asma, an immigrant, shared her story with me. In 1994, Asma and her family moved from Pakistan to Las Vegas to pursue a better
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.)
life. Shortly after they arrived, Asma’s son was diagnosed with a degenerative neuromuscular disorder. Now 22, Asma’s son is immobile. he is fed through a G-tube and suffers from frequent seizures. Asma said she feels extremely lucky to live in the United States because her son would have died without the healthcare he re-
ceived here. But now, she worries that if the Affordable Care Act is repealed, she will not be able to afford her son’s treatments. In my travels throughout Nevada, I have heard countless stories like this one. Asma and her husband came here in pursuit of happiness, and for many years, they found it. But now they live with the fear that their son’s medical bills will spiral out of control and they will be forced to choose between bankruptcy, on the one hand, and their son’s life, on the other. This is a choice that no one should ever have to face. I will never stop fighting to ensure that all Americans get a shot at the American dream. This means that I will fight every effort to pass legislation that would take away healthcare from people like Asma and her son. We must continue working to lower the price of prescription drugs, expand Medicaid, and build on the progress we made during the Obama administration. This is the only way to support working families and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve a better life for themselves and their children.
Duterte hits back at Chelsea Clinton... PAGE A1 recently imposed martial law in Mindanao. “Not funny,” Chelsea commented on Twitter. Responding to another user, Chelsea went on to say, “Duterte is a murderous thug with no regard for human rights. It’s important to keep pointing that out & that rape is never a joke.” But Duterte said he was “not joking” in his remarks. “She slammed me for the rape joke. I was not joking. I was being sarcastic, you listen to the speech,” Duterte stressed. Rallying the government troopers, Duterte said last week that he would shoulder alone all the consequences for their actions during his recently imposed martial law in Mindanao. The Philippine president declared the imposition of military
rule in the area amid clashes between the military and Islamic State-Maute Group in Marawi City on Tuesday, May 23. “Sasamahan ko kayo (I’ll be with you all the way). If you go down, I go down. But for this martial law and the consequences of martial law, and the ramifications of martial law, I and I alone would be responsible. Trabaho lang [kayo]. Ako na bahala (Just do your job. I have your back),” he told the military. “Ako na magpakulong sa inyo. ‘Pag naka-rape ka ng 3, aminin ko na akin ‘yun (I’ll take your place in prison. If you rape 3, I’ll take the blame),” Duterte added. But amid criticisms, Malacañang downplayed the issue. In defense, Malacañang claimed that the president is just expressing his full support to the military while “taking complete responsibility for their actions, even exaggerat-
edly describing crimes like taking a fourth wife.” “As Commander-in-Chief he would stand by his personnel and that no one will be abandoned, including the fallen,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said. Abella added that Duterte “is decisively acting, speaking with heightened bravado, that law and order would be brought back in these areas of rebellion in the soonest time possible and that normalcy would likewise be restored with minimal loss of lives.” This, however, Duterte figured a “rape joke” controversy. In April last year, Duterte mentioned the rape of an Australian missionary in 1989 when he was the Davao City mayor, gaining criticisms after commenting that “the mayor should have been first.”
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 1-7, 2017
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com
D ateline PhiliPPines Palace clarifies: Duterte will
A
respect SC decision on martial law AFP in Marawi crisis: ‘End is almost there’
by Dana
SioSon
AJPress
PhiliPPine President Rodrigo Duterte will respect any Supreme Court (SC) ruling on his proclamation in Mindanao, MalacaĂąang affirmed on Monday, May 29. Presidential Spokesperson ernesto Abella gave the assurance days after Duterte remarked in a speech that “martial law will continueâ€? until the military and the police say the Philippines is safe. in a press conference, Abella clarified that Duterte is only saying that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine national Police (PnP) have the accurate information on ground. “The president meant that those who are truly aware of the situation are the military and the police. This is not meant to bypass the Supreme Court (SC) of the legislative,â€? Abella said. “it simply means to say that those who have true and accurate
report on which he will depend on will be the military and the Philippine national Police,� he added. On Tuesday, May 23, Duterte placed the entire Mindanao region under martial law in the wake of the confrontation between the government troops and islamic State (iS)-linked local militants identified as the Maute Group in Marawi City, lanao del Sur. The 1987 Constitution states that the president of the Philippines may place the country under martial law or suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus “in case of invasion or rebellion.� it also states that the SC may review the “sufficiency of the factual basis� of the proclamation or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus following an “appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen.� Under Proclamation no. 216, Duterte ordered both the implementation of martial law and the suspension of privilege of the writ
of habeas corpus in Mindanao. But in a speech on Saturday, May 27, Duterte said he “will not listen to others,� insisting that would only end martial law if the military and police say so. “Until the police and the Armed Forces say the Philippines is already safe, this martial law will continue. i won’t listen to others,� Duterte told troopers of Joint Task Force Sulu at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu. Pointing out that the soldiers are the ones risking their lives, he remarking that justices and the lawmakers “don’t know what’s happening on the ground.� Duterte went on to say, “The Supreme Court, the congressmen, they’re not here. Why, are they the ones risking their lives? Are they the ones suffering here? Are they – have they suffered the wounds of war? Are they the ones enduring this battle?� ‘End is almost there’ PAGE A7
PCOO scraps Strategic Communications Office MAnilA — The Presidential Communications Operations Office has abolished the Strategic Communications Office as part of its streamlining efforts. The abolition of the office was contained in Office Order no. 26 issued by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar on May 30. The order also placed 13 employees of the office under Andanar’s supervision and seven others under PCOO Assistant Secretary Kissinger Reyes. “All other personnel under the Strategic Communications whose name is not included is deemed to have resigned and / or the contract of service expired,� the order read. Andanar denied reports that 40 people were fired because of the streamlining. “The news that 40 people were fired is very inaccurate. i did not fire anyone,� Andanar, whose office has been under fire for issues on accuracy, said. ‘Historical revisionism’ The Strategic Communications Office used to be led by PCOO
Assistant Secretary Ramon Cualoping iii. The office drew flak last year after the Official Gazette published an infographic about ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos that did not mention human rights violations during his watch. The Official Gazette is the repository of government documents. The infographic, which was released in time for Marcos’ 99th birth anniversary, stated that the former president declared martial law “to suppress a communist insurgency and secessionism in Mindanao.� it said that “in 1986, Marcos stepped down from the presidency to avoid bloodshed during the uprising that came to be known as ‘People Power’.� Critics claimed that the infographic was an attempt to revise history in favor of Marcos, who was given a hero’s burial last novemnber as Duterte ordered despite protests from martial law victims. Cualoping denied that his office was revising history and
maintained that it was only conveying what is documented in the official records. he claimed that the Official Gazette is “devoid of any political color and affiliations.â€? Andanar also clarified that the Strategic Communications Office is different from the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO). he said the Strategic Communications Office is a division of PCOO while the PCDSPO ceased to exist after President Benigno Aquino iii stepped down from office. PCDSPO was created by executive Order no. 4 signed by Aquino in 2010. it was tasked to craft, develop and enhance the messaging system of the Office of the President and ensure consistency in the messages of the executive department. MalacaĂąang is said to be eyeing a reorganization of Duterte’s communication team but the executive order is still being drafted. (Alexis Romero/Philstar.com)
LUNGSOD NG LAS VEGAS ABISO PARA SA MAAGANG PAGBOBOTO 2017-PANGKALAHATANG HALALAN PANG-MUNISIPAL Ang abiso’ng ito ay nag-bibigay kaalaman na ang maagang pagboto para sa Pangkalahatang Halalan Pang-munisipal sa Lungsod ng Las Vegas ay gaganapin sa Ika-13 ng Hunyo 2017.
MINORITY BLOC CALLS FOR JOINT SESSION. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and his fellow minority bloc members hold a copy of a resolution calling for a joint Congressional session on President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao during a press conference, Tuesday afternoon. Senate Resolution 390, which was filed by Drilon together with (from left) Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Kiko Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, and Leila De Lima (not in photo), states that it is “incumbent upon both the Senate and the House of Representatives to conduct a joint session for the purpose of determining the constitutional and factual validity of the proclamation, of preventing abuses in its implementation, and ensuring the safety of the people of Marawi and the whole of Mindanao.� Senate photo by Joseph Vidal
House formally drops Duterte impeachment bid by Dana
M. SioSon
AJPress
The house of Representatives on Tuesday, May 30, officially junked the impeachment complaint filed against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. With 217 affirmative votes, the house has adopted the Justice Committee’s Resolution 1015 which recommends the dismissal of the impeachment bid filed by Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano against the president. Apart from Alejano, only three other lawmakers voted against the resolution. They were Albay Rep. edcel lagman, ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, and Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin. no lawmaker abstained from voting. in March 16, Alejano filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte over the president’s alleged links to the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS), the massive killings in his war against illegal drugs, and his alleged undeclared wealth worth nearly P2.2 million. A supplementary complaint against the president was also filed in March 30 for his alleged inaction over territorial issues concerning Benham Rise and the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). Article 11, Sec. 2 of the 1987 Constitution states that the president “may be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft
and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.� On Monday, May 29, the Justice Committee unanimously voted for the dismissal of the impeachment case against the president due to Alejano’s lack of “personal knowledge� in his allegations. lawmakers said that Alejano failed to procure “authentic records� and only based his supporting claims on “hearsay.� “now, be it resolved by the house of Representatives to dismiss the verified complaint and
the supplemental complaint for the impeachment of President Duterte filed by Rep. Gary Alejano for the reason that the complaints, while defective yet sufficient in form, are not sufficient in substance,� the resolution read. The Committee also recommended that “the Rules of Procedure in impeachment Proceedings of the house of Representatives be amended to explicitly allow the dismissal of the impeachment complaint based on insufficiency PAGE A7
BOULDER CITY 2017 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE May 31 (Wednesday) through June 3 (Saturday) VOTING IS EASY! Boulder City voters may vote early at City Hall CITY OF BOULDER CITY CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 401 California Avenue, Boulder City, Nevada
Friday & Saturday
June 2 & 3, 2017
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Publish LVRJ June 2, 2017 Publish Boulder City Review June 1, 2017 Publish Asian Journal June 1, 2017
Karagdagang impormasyon sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng North Las Vegas www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/departments/city_clerk/elections.php
PAMANTAYAN NANG PANINIRAHAN Ang lahat ng mga rehistrado’ng botante sa Lungsod ng Las Vegas ay maaari’ng bumoto sa halala’ng ito. Hindi ka maaaring bumoto sa munisipal na halalan kung ikaw ay isang rehistrado’ng botante sa lugar na hindi sakop ng korporasyon sa Lalawigan ng Clark. PAGBOTO SA PAMAMAGITAN NG KOREO Sino ma’ng karapat-dapat na botante sa halala’ng ito ay maaari’ng piliin ang bumoto sa pamamagitan ng koreo. Ang mga nakasulat na kahilingan ay dapat matanggap sa ika-5 ng hapon sa Hunyo 6, 2017. Maaari’ng hilingin ang balota sa koreo mula sa Kagawaran ng Halalan ng Lalawigan ng Clark sa 702-455-8683 o online sa www.clarkcountynv.gov/election. Kung nakatanggap ka ng balota sa pamamagitan ng koreo, maaari mo’ng isauli ang iyong balota sa saan ma’ng lugar nang Maagang Botohan o maaari ka’ng bumoto nang personal. MADALI ANG BUMOTO! Ang mga botante sa Las Vegas ay maaari’ng bumoto sa isa sa kahit saa’ng maginhawa’ng lugar nang maaga’ng botohan na nakalista sa ibaba o sa Araw ng Halalan sa isa sa mga bago’ng Sentro nang Botohan, na pumalit sa mga kinaugalia’ng lugar nang botohan para sa Munisipal na Halalan. LUNGSOD NG LAS VEGAS 2017 PANGKALAHATANG HALALAN MAAGA’NG PAGBOTO MGA KAPITBAHAYA’NG LUGAR PARA SA LAHAT NG MGA BOTANTE SA DISTRITO
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9107 Del Web Boulevard 10111 W. Skye Canyon Park Drive
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Ika-5 ng HUNYO, LUNES Doolittle Community Center Albertsons
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Aliante Library 2400 W. Deer Springs Way (@ North Aliante Parkway)
Silver Mesa Recreation Center 4025 Allen Lane $OOHQ /Q $OH[DQGHU 5G
CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS NEIGHBORHOOD EARLY VOTING SITES Date
Time
Location
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9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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VOTING BY MAIL: Any registered voter residing in the City of North Las Vegas may choose to vote by mail. A written request for a mail ballot must be received by 5:00 S P RQ -XQH LQ WKH RIÂżFH RI WKH &ODUN &RXQW\ 5HJLVWUDU RI 9RWHUV DW WKH IROORZLQJ DGGUHVV WR YRWH E\ PDLO IRU WKLV *HQHUDO (OHFWLRQ &ODUN &RXQW\ (OHFWLRQ &HQWHU 965 Trade Drive, Suite A North Las Vegas, NV 89030
10:00 n.u. to 6:00 n.g. 9:00 n.u. to 5:00 n.h.
Location
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Ika-31 ng MAYO, MIYERKULES Albertsons Veterans Memorial
Saturday, May 27
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Farm/Durango 101 South Pavilion
Time th
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Date
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Craig/Decatur Bonanza/Lamb
CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS EARLY VOTING SITES OPEN THROUGHOUT THE 2-WEEK PERIOD
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Ika-29 ng MAYO, LUNES Albertsons Cardenas
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that early voting for the June 13, 2017 City of North Las Vegas, Nevada General will begin at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 27, 2017 and will close on Friday, June 9, 2017 at 5:00 PM as noted in time tables below and at the following locations. Any registered voter residing in the City of North Las Vegas wanting to vote early must do so at an Early Voting Site located within the City’s boundaries.
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NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING FOR THE 2017 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION WARD 3 VOTERS ONLY
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Publish LV Asian Journal: May 18, 25, and June 1, 2017
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JUNE 1-7, 2017 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
OpiniOn
Features
ISIS not a figment of the President’s imagination IT is easy to misread, misinterpret and misunderstand a leader like President Rodrigo Duterte whose public pronouncements are a mix of jokes and serious allegations regarding the extent of corruption in government, the illegal drugs scourge and the spread of terrorist organizations in the country, especially when his speeches are punctuated by a barrage of crisp profanities. One thing’s for sure, he is not joking about the deepening infiltration of the southern Philippines by Islamist militants, particularly by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the global terrorist network that goes by the acronym ISIS or IS. ISIS has big plans for Mindanao, foremost of which is to turn the porous island into an IS nucleus. But more than that, Mindanao will serve as base of operations for an IS East Asia Division. It is no fantasy, and definitely not a figment of President Duterte’s imagination, when juxtaposed with images and footages of the raging battle between government troops and Abu Sayyaf and Maute militants in Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur. The militants have taken over government buildings, took civilian hostages and probably killed scores of innocent civilians. They are carrying and raising the monochromatic flag of ISIS that has come to symbolize the brutality of jihad in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and southern Philippines. The situation now in Marawi City was the very topic of a gathering of security experts last month in
Singapore, the Milipol conference on homeland security. According to a report by Agence France-Presse, a security expert discussed extensively the creation of a militant base in Mindanao. “Currently, IS is moving towards creating a territory in southern Philippines. The most recent communication issued by IS has announced that they have formally declared an East Asia division of IS in the southern Philippines,” counter-terrorism analyst Rohan Gunaratna said. “The instability in the southern Philippines and the availability of weapons, internal displacement, refugee flows … create the ripe conditions for foreign terrorists to come,” he told AFP after his speech. The siege in Marawi prompted Duterte—on May 23—to issue Proclamation No. 216, Declaring a State of Martial Law and Suspending the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the Whole of Mindanao. His critiques were quick to point out the folly of what the President has done. Human Rights Watch has raised the prospect of abuse of authority by the implementors on the ground. Martial law is not a free pass for abuse, according to HRW.
Guest Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
Former President Fidel Ramos, a veteran of the Marcos regime martial law, noted that Proclamation 216 was ill-timed and “unbecoming” of the Duterte administration. “Those in the Cabinet, in Congress, who are very vocal about martial law being good for Mindanao, may not have experienced being shot by someone. Or being forced to evacuate in a safe place, or to lose a job, livelihood, or a loved member of a family,” Ramos said on Friday. He urged Duterte not to expand the coverage of martial law beyond Mindanao. Sen. Francis Pangilinan, the president of the op-
position Liberal Party, made it clear he would block any move by Duterte to place Visayas and Luzon under military rule, especially in the absence of circumstances similar to Mindanao. The criticisms are a healthy expression of the people’s constitutional rights and must not be suppressed even if the ISIS threat is as real as the cracks of gunfire ringing out of Marawi City. The body count tallied so far is 11 government soldiers, 31 militants. The response must not only be real, but focused and equal to the exigencies of the situation without harming the innocent and truth. (ManilaTimes.net)
Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao: The pros and cons sides among Filipinos in America AFTER the escalating conflict and attack The Fil-Am by the terror group Maute in Marawi City, Perspective President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the much dreaded martial law in the whole of Mindanao to stop the Gel SantoS-ReloS “contamination” of the ISIS-linked terror group in Mindanao, in the whole nation, and in the Southeast Asia region. Duterte said the terror group has already infiltrated 75 percent of Marawi with the plan of targeting Christian communities while trying to recruit Muslim youth. He feared ISIS would push through with the plan of establishing a caliphate in the Philippines’ Mindanao area, Indonesia and Malaysia and that this must be stopped. Philippine authorities have warned the Maute group militants to surrender or die. According to ABS-CBN News, more than 100 people have been killed in the conflict which began last week. Twentyone soldiers have reportedly died and the Marines have confirmed they have killed eight terrorists in one day. Filipinos in America have protested in the streets to demand that Duterte lift martial law, concerned about the president steering the Philippines back
PeaceMaker FoRmeR SpeakeR JoSe C. de VeneCia, JR. IN Beijing, we said we were honoured to be asked to speak before the great Beijing Forum, for we subscribe to the founding principle of President Xi Jin Ping’s historic revival and expansion of China’s legendary Silk Road—which links today’s Europe, the Middle East, and Asia much as its history and legend had linked them during the classical period. From their beginnings—in the glory days of the Han Dynasty in the East and the Roman Empire in the West—the linkages between our countries and even those of parts of Africa had ranged beyond the exchange of material goods. Commerce, culture, civilization From the beginning, East-West trade transcended the limits of commerce. From the beginning, it was also East-West cultural exchange; and the two-way technology transfer stimulated by that trade has been substantial enough to influence the course of either civilization. Even long-distance travel on the ‘Silk Road’ had its beneficial effects. Notably, the Venetian Marco Polo’s account of his Silk Road travels inspired the Genoese Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the Americas’ ‘New World.’ Marco
to human rights abuses of the Marcos dictatorship’s martial law era. Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno warned in a speech that impunity is on the rise and that fundamental rights are once again under threat. The motive of Duterte in declaring martial law was all the more questioned because of the reported inaccurate statements he made claiming that the chief if police of Malabang was killed but the police chief himself debunked this saying he is still alive. On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana along with other security officials reportedly told senators in a private briefing that the military could neutralize the Maute Group even without martial law, and that the recommendation to declare it did not come from them. Many kababayans from back home defended Duterte’s declaration of martial law, arguing that Filipinos in America are not in the position to criticize the president’s decision, especially when all he wanted was to protect the country from being attacked and conquered by ISIS. This defiance has been especially per-
sonal for Filipinos from Mindanao who contend that their lives are the ones under threat and that the Fil-Ams’ opposition is just making the situation worse. However, there are also Filipinos in America who support Duterte’s decisive action to declare martial law in Mindanao. Here is the statement of Atty. Arnedo S. Valera, Chairperson of the US Pinoys For Real Change in the Philippines (USPRCP), to express their full support for Duterte’s May 23 declaration of martial law in Mindanao for 60 days, noting the extreme urgency of the crisis in the region. Valera said: “President Duterte’s bold and decisive action is imperative in quelling the rebellion in the region, halting the escalating inhumane atrocities by the extremists, as well as insuring our national security and the safety of Filipinos, and demonstrating the government’s resolve in combating international terrorism.” USPRCP, a nonpartisan organization composed of dual citizens based in this U.S. capital, advocates for a better life for Filipinos everywhere. Here is the full statement: 1. We support President Rodrigo Duterte’s May 23 declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao for 60 days to quell the existing rebellion, insure the national se-
Joint exploration in South China Sea: Proposal for third silk route Polo started out overland, crossing the Central Asian desert to the court of Kublai Khan, stayed a dozen years, and returned to Venice by sea on the maritime route of the Silk Road. Marco Polo’s voyage took him down the South China coast to Sumatra, southeast India and today’s Sri Lanka. From there, he crossed the Indian Ocean to the Black Sea, reaching Constantinople and finally, Venice after two years at sea. China’s rebuilding of the Silk Road The value of China’s rebuilding of the Silk Road—in both its overland and maritime linkages—is obvious; and indeed it would redound to all those nations which gathered in Beijing. Consider how already the Central Asian states are awakening to the possibilities of modernization—as Silk Road arteries begin to link them, westward, all the way to London and eastward to Beijing, encompassing Budapest, Hamburg, Moscow and Warsaw, yes, freight to 28 European cities, moving them by sea, and by air. We were privileged to be invited to speak at the “High-Level Dialogue in China’s Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation” in Beijing last May 15, 2017 together with more than 40 heads of state and government and former presidents, former premiers and heads of international congre-
gations, indeed a great achievement for President Xi Jin Ping and the Chinese people. China’s leader launched since 2013 revival of the centuries-old silk route and its 21st Century Maritime Route by sea. Today modern infrastructure is bringing together Kunming in Yunnan with Phnom Penh and Singapore in the beginnings of a Southeast Asian “Growth Triangle.” And the long-distance trains are moving great cargoes between Asia and Europe, back and forth. We said that in 2005, the Philippines, China and Vietnam went so far as to venture on a three-way joint seismic survey, which we helped initiate, of disputed areas in the Spratlys chain—to assess the area’s potential for hydrocarbons exploration and development. Scientists of the three nations pronounced the prospects “promising”, and it is obvious as members of the ASEAN family that today, with China, we must now find ways and means to jointly develop the area’s hydrocarbons potential to help lessen our common dependence on distant petroleum sources in the Middle East. And look at the potential for peace, for economic development in the heartland of the South China Sea, once rid of conflict, a landscape and seascape of small seaports, airports, oil pipelines, small tourism townships, and fishing vil-
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curity of our nation and the safety of our people, especially the civilian population, as well as combating international terrorism. 2. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous terrorist acts and unconscionable atrocities perpetrated by the extremist Maute terrorist groups and their cohorts, which resulted in the willful killing of three government troops, one from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and two from the Army. In wanton disregard of human lives, these extremists also attacked civilian facilities, including St. Mary’s Church, Dansalan College and Ninoy Aquino School. 3. We call on all Filipinos and the international community to support the Philippine Government’s war against terrorism and extremist groups which target even non-combatants, the civilian population and cultural property, including places of worship in direct violation of the International Humanitarian Laws on armed conflicts. 4. We urge the Mindanaoans to be vigilant and to extend their assistance to the Philippine troops through relaying vital information, taking into consideration their safety and that of their families as first priority in abiding by their patriotic duty. The civilian population is an important part of the government’s fight against terrorism.
Street Talk GReG B. maCaBenta TAGALOGS have a term for approaching or solving a problem: santong dasalan or the soft, diplomatic way (dasal meaning prayer) and santong paspasan or the direct, tough way. We now know what approach President Rodrigo Duterte prefers. But wasn’t that why he was voted into office by a citizenry that had gotten exasperated with the way the administration of President Benigno Aquino III handled problems of governance? According to critics, the way Aquino and his government tackled problems (or even opportunities) ranged from passive-tentative to outright incompetent. They even coined a pejorative based on his nickname, Noynoying, which was supposed to mean taking it easy or not feeling a sense of urgency. Well, Duterte’s supporters have gotten what they wished for. He has acted promptly, directly and harshly in his anti-drug campaign, and this tough style of governance has extended to other aspects of his administration. In only his first year in office, his war on drugs has been bloody. Media and assorted kibitzers, as well as the PNP, have estimated the deaths to be in the thousands. Duterte has certainly served notice
We pray for the families and children of our troops killed in defense and security of our country. Further, that they may find divine strength and spiritual blessings in these trying times. We call on the government and our community to extend all kinds of support to the families of our heroes, especially their children. 5. We salute and express our full support for our troops in their heroic role to fight and eradicate terrorism in Mindanao and elsewhere. This is the time to support our troops and our government to secure the national and territorial integrity of our nation and the safety and security of all Filipinos, as well as to demonstrate our resolve that international terrorism does not flourish. US Pinoys for Real Change in the Philippines (USPRCP) Chairperson of USPRCP : Rev. Atty. Arnedo S. Valera , Esquire Dan Jimenez Mike Ocampo Conrad Martinez Elizabeth E. Babiera *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column 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
Now is the time for all good men that he meant it when he vowed that bodies would fill up Manila Bay. Duterte has also fired a cabinet secretary and lower level officials for a variety of reported transgressions, thereby serving notice to those afflicted with the easy-going bureaucratic habit that their noynoying days are over. Duterte’s style—reminiscent of the movie character, Dirty Harry— has also called to mind another Tagalog phrase, Sala sa init, sala sa lamig, which means going to extremes (too hot or too cold) and not striking an ideal balance. The international notoriety that Duterte has gained because of his anti-drug war is not without basis. His bullheadedness is also turning off leaders of foreign countries whose help the Philippines needs. His defiant declaration that he would rather starve than ask for help from those who frown on his bloodbath is pure bluster. In the first place, Duterte and his family will never starve, but there are millions of poor Pinoys who could. And yet, we should not be too hasty in condemning his declaration of martial law to address the crisis in Marawi. It was a crisis that he, as a leader, had to confront and he had to make a prompt decision. Santong paspasan. On the other hand, while objective observers appreciate the tough approach that he has taken, they are concerned that extending martial law across the whole of Mindanao is an extreme and un-
necessary move. Worse yet, they worry that members of the military, who are carrying out the presidential fiat, will abuse their power and authority. The concerns are not without basis. Shortly after President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972, euphoria accompanied the move. Gun-toting Manilans, forced to leave their weapons at home, became uncharacteristically good-natured towards their fellowmen. But the euphoria did not last long. Word eventually came out that perceived enemies of the Marcos government – mainly from media and the political opposition – had been rounded up and thrown behind bars without charges. Then followed reports of disappearances of student and rural activists, as well as the takeover by cronies of businesses and property owned by hapless victims. The joke at the time was that the Marcoses were in the mining business, as in, “That’s mine, that’s mine, this is mine and those are mine.” That experience has been replicated, as a result of Duterte’s war on drugs. With the commander-inchief urging the troops to go for the kill, much like a warlord whipping his men into a murderous frenzy, some members of the PNP have tended to take no prisoners and to act as judge and executioner in
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Palace clarifies: Duterte will respect... PAGE A5 In the same press briefing, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla confirmed that the security forces have regained “complete control� over Marawi City. “We have complete control of the city, by the way, contrary to what is coming out in social media and other information, perhaps some fake news,� Padilla told re-
porters. He also dismissed reports claiming that half of Marawi City is still under the control of militants. “It is not true that half of the city is controlled by the rebels. Totally untrue. The Armed Forces and the police... — our forces are in complete control of the city, except for certain areas of the city where they continue to hold,� Padilla said,
Dateline PhiliPPines
adding that clearing operations are still ongoing in the remaining Maute-controlled areas. Asked if the military would recommend the extension of martial law, Padilla responded: “We’re just starting martial law. We’re just on the second week so I cannot, as of this moment, give you an assessment on the need for its extension.�
House formally drops Duterte impeachment bid
PAGE A5 in form.� Alejano, for his part, expressed great dismay over the House panel’s decision to junk the bid. “The members of this chamber have effectively provided a year of immunity to the President to hold him accountable to his actions,� he said.
Section 3, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution states that “no impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year.� Alejano pointed out that the dropping of the impeachment case also showed the whole nation “how the rules were bent� and
“how this institution became an accessory to the countless deaths in our streets.� He went on to say, “By voting to dismiss, this institution effectively shied away from showing that it is independent, and is a trustworthy venue for its people to hold the President accountable to his actions and policies.�
Joint exploration in South China Sea... PAGE A6
lages, can rapidly rise in the contested areas once converted into a Zone of Friendship, Commerce, Navigation and Development, and become the passage way, untrammeld, for all global shipping, carrying more than 50% of the sea freight of the world. We in the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) representing more than 340 ruling, opposition, and independent political parties in Asia, have held yearly conferences in various capitals in Asia, in Beijing and in other cities of China, to help bring our peoples in Asia closer together in fraternal understanding. Our newly organized sister organization, the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), representing individual members of parliaments, from all the continents of the world are one with ICAPP in supporting China’s Belt and Road initiative, a historic and inspiring force for peace, friendship and development, encouraging simple, practical people-to-people understanding. The people-to-people bonds in the Belt-and-Road Initiative are the first and principal keys to achieving good relations among nations, trade facilitation, jointventures, networking, and policy coordination, as we endeavour to connect highways, railways, electricity grids, rivers and lakes to the great arteries of the world. Indeed, the people-to-people bonds are the first prime catalysts in the forg-
ing of trade, tourism, economic and social development and in the framing of peace and unity among nations. We said that, inspite of difficulties a durable peace today is not impossible even in some of Asia’s troubled areas. For indeed it is most desirable if we, among ourselves, discard occasional enmity and exaggerated pride, and if we respond to the Sermon on the Mount and the hallowed spirit of China’s storied Silk Road, we could all together embark on a journey that today could lead towards the dream of a thousand years of peace and prosperity for all our nations and for all our peoples. For the revival of the Silk Road is a vision that reflects the shift of the center of gravity from West to East, a global rebalancing whose time has come. It should help bind peoples and countries to a common future and rekindle the grandeur and glory of the old and new Asian civilization and serve as harbinger of real and expanding growth in the 21st Century. Global potential of new expanded route And in Beijing, we said that: in order to expand, deepen and strengthen the cultural, geo-political, geo-economic, trade, and people-to-people linkages of the historic Silk Road, we now propose consideration of the development of a “third route,� to complement and extend China’s great “Belt and Road� Initiative. For from Hainan island off Guangdong province in southern
China, the route could also pass first through the Philippines, then Malaysia, Indonesia and the small island nation of Timor Leste onwards. Already in Northwestern Philippines, as part of an extended Belt and Maritime Road plan, on the banks of the South China Sea, an agri-tourism belt and large petrochemical and industrial complex, much needed in the region, is being planned for implementation by pioneering Chinese and Philippine groups. And from Timor Leste to Australia’s Gold Coast to Sydney, and New Zealand, the extended route could move across the south Pacific, and enter Latin America: Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and the tourism-rich Caribbean islands, then Mexico, all the way to the U.S. as in the old days of the Galleon Trade from Manila to Acapulco, Mexico, which sailed for 250 years. It is not far fetch: for there are already multiple large Chinese investments in South America. And at some point, we said the Latinos should also bring their trade to the south Pacific and into Asia. Yes, our proposal in Beijing for the 21st Century “third route�, hopefully an enlargement of the Silk Route would make China’s celebrated ‘Belt and Road initiative� almost globally inclusive and create a linkage with two more continents—Australia and Latin America—in a new circumnavigation, in a revivable of the Age of Exploration, and new spirit in the Age of Globalization.
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 1-7, 2017
Now is the time for all good...
PAGE A6 dealing with suspects. Worse yet, innocent lives have been wasted, including young children, and dismissed as “collateral damage.â€? More bad news: critics doubt that the bigtime drug lords have stopped their lucrative operations, pointing out that the fatalities have been mostly slipper-shod residents of squatters’ areas. But what is most disturbing is that certain elements of the PNP have seen an opportunity to make a profit from Duterte’s kill orders, epitomized by the kidnap-killing of a Korean businessman, right within the grounds of PNP headquarters. However, whatever the critics, the political opposition and the human rights activists say, the country is facing a serious problem, not just in Marawi but in Mindanao. As I write this, CNN has just reported that “ISIS has planted its flag in the Philippines.â€? The report stated that the presence of ISIS in Marawi is “the first outside the Middle East.â€? Whether accurate or not (it is said that ISIS has been recruiting and indoctrinating disgruntled Mindanaoans for some years now), that news which was broadcast worldwide will have an impact on tourism and the economy. It will also attract adventurers, mercenaries and ideologues to the new battleground in Mindanao. Clearly, the Marawi crisis is not the time for noynoying or halfway measures. To say that Duterte’s move should have been limited to Marawi may be naĂŻve. Would these critics prefer to fight the ISIS cancer when it has already metastasized across Mindanao? And those who think that the cancer will be limited to Mindanao and will not spread across the country, particularly Metro Manila, may be equally naĂŻve. Indeed, it is so easy to be a kibitzer and to point out all the bad things that can result from the declaration of martial law, especially when one does not have access to in-depth information on the seriousness of the threat. On the other hand, a citizenry that has already had a painful experience with the suspension of civil liberties cannot be blamed for being skeptical. Like the cat who sat on a hot stove, avoiding even an unlighted stove, it is understandable when people declare, “Never again!â€? about martial law. This is where our national leaders, whatever their political stripes may be, should close ranks for the sake of the country. They should rally behind the president, giving
him the benefit of the doubt as the commander-in-chief and the person who must carry the burden of leadership. These national leaders should consider it a solemn responsibility to contribute their wisdom to help ensure that the powers unleashed by martial law are not abused, while the terrorist threat is effectively turned back. Frankly, it pains me to read the statements on social media posted by those for and those against the actions being taken by the president and the military. It’s bad
A
enough that our people are being menaced by terrorist quarters, it’s unfortunate that the same people are at each other’s throat. While watching former President Fidel V. Ramos criticize the man whose shoes he used to fit into, I could not help wondering if it had occurred to Ramos to give Duterte a call to offer his help. I am reminded of that classic typing test on my trusty Underwood: Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 1-7, 2017
VEGAS&STYLE
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Journal
A journey to diversity in AmericA
Jason Bayani’s ‘Locus of Control’ navigates life as a Pinoy immigrant
By Malou liwanag-Bledsoe AJPress
WITH the continuing passion to tell the story of his Filipino heritage, touring poet and published author Jason Bayani is proud to share his debut solo show, “Locus of Control” at the San Francisco’s 20th annual United States of Asian America Festival on June 1-3 at 8:30 p.m. at Bindlestiff Studio in San Francisco. Directed by award-winning performing artist, Kat Evasco (“Mommy Queerest”), the show explores the lives of Filipino immigrants in America. “I originally wanted to see how I could extend my 30-40 minute poetry feature sets into a fulllength show. I was envisioning how stand-up comics practice sets at the comedy clubs and then get to the point where they do a onehour special,” Bayani said in an interview with the Asian Journal. Starting with about 13 new poems he had lying around, Bayani was able to form a more coherent thematic structure that he realized could exist as a show, and hopefully as his next book. “Page and stage, all at the same
time, which is something that has been the focus of my artistic career,” he added. “Locus of Control” utilizes poetry, storytelling and multimedia; mediums that Bayani has used throughout his career. Sharing that the show explores the lives of Filipino immigrants in America, it will also take you through Bayani’s hip-hop inspired youth, club-going college days and turbulent childhood. “I was reading Oliver Wang’s book, Legions of Boom about Filipino mobile DJ crews, which is a great book, and I saw my cousin’s crew was mentioned in it and it just brought me back to growing up in the 80s chilling out in my cousin’s garage listening to them practice. And it trips me out how these things I grew up with are now our history and things that have helped to define us culturally,” he shared and then continued, “I’ve written mostly personal narrative work and I felt this was the time to take a deeper look into how my story helps to tell the greater Filipino American story, specifically those of us whose families arrived after the 1965 Immigration Act. “In the show I talk a lot about the influence of hip-hop on so many of us in my generation and how this access to the story of Black America helped us see America as it is and not just how we wished it to be. These intersections are important to acknowledge and understand and for me I’m past those days where I’m looking to art for visibility and representation, I’m looking for interrogation of experience. “ “Locus of Control” also navigates his experience dealing with race, mental health, addiction, and Bayani’s status as the first American-born child his family. Bayani is a graduate of Saint
“I’m very happy and thankful to be in ABS-CBN,” Richard Gutierrez said in this afternoon’s press conference. Philstar.com photo by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Richard Gutierrez on being a Kapamilya by deni
Rose BeRnaRdo Philstar.com
Jason Bayani
Mary’s MFA program in Creative Writing. He is a Kundiman fellow and a veteran of the National Poetry Slam scene whose work has been published in Fourteen Hills, Muzzle Magazine, Mascara Review and other publications. He is also one of the founding members of the Filipino American Spoken Word troupe, Proletariat Bronze. His first book, Amulet, published in 2013, has garnered acclaim in publications such as Zyzzyva, Pank and Hyphen Magazine. He is currently the program manager for Kearny Street Workshop, the oldest multi-disciplinary Asian Pacific American arts organization in the U.S. “I think in my story you’ll see some of your own,” shared Bayani. “I think our stories are fascinating and beautiful and heartbreaking and triumphant. I think it’s important that we give ourselves the agency to tell it, because someone will always try
IN a contract signing Wednesday, May 31, Richard Gutierrez confirmed that he is now a Kapamilya. After years of hiatus, Richard returns to television as he joins the cast of ABS-CBN’s new action romance series, “La Luna Sangre.” “I’m very happy and thankful to be in ABS-CBN,” the actor said in the press conference. “I’ve been away from the limelight for a while now. I really needed that to grow as a person, as a man, to spend time with my kid and my family. I needed that time away. Now, I’m back. Now, I’m ready. I’m reenergized and focused and I know myself better now.” He said he really chose to get away from it all. “I chose to rest, to really step back, to look myself, to look at people around me, what really matters to me, to my family, and I needed that just to re-energize to tell it for us.” “Locus of Control” is presented myself.” He, however, did not deny that by the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center of San Francisco as for a moment during his hiatus, he part of the United States of Asian felt like showbiz was not for him. “During those times of being America Festival.
away from the limelight, you also can’t help but to think about if it’s really the path for me. May mga times na pumapasok sa isip ko, ‘Maybe I could do something else in my life. Maybe I could go somewhere else.’ Hindi mo maiiwasang maisip ‘yun eh while you’re away. But I guess, God has plans and I didn’t expect this. When this offer landed, I’d be stupid to refuse. So, I’m happy to be here now. I guess, this is the path for me now.” “La Luna Sangre” is the third installment of the hit fantasy franchise, after “Lobo” and “Imortal.” In the series, Richard plays Sandrino, the supreme vampire and long-lost son of Magnus (Jake Roxas). “Perfect timing ‘yung nangyari. I was on a vacation with my family when I heard the news, so from the moment I got back from that vacation, I had to hit the gym right away. But the timing was perfect. Everything fell into place perfectly. I believe that it’s a blessing. I believe that God won’t give me this blessing if He knew I’m not ready.” According to him, being away PAGE B2
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Beauty queen Katarina Rodriguez Gary V performs at M Resort Spa Casino uses crown to advocate peace by
Rosette Adel Philstar.com
Newly crowned Miss Intercontinental-Philippines Katarina Rodriguez arrived in the Netherlands on Tuesday, May 30, to attend the peace negotiation between the government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front. After being crowned Binibining Pilipinas-Intercontinental, the NDF has invited the model turned beauty queen, Katarina, to deliver a message of peace in the fifth round of peace talks between the government and the communists. In a Facebook post, pageant enthusiast The Philippine Pageantry said it has been hiding the information on Katarina’s invitation to the public for weeks now. “we would like you to deliver a message of peace during the opening ceremonies (May 27) or Closing Ceremonies (June 1),” the letter of invitation signed by NDF negotiating panel chairperson Fidel Agcaoili read. Katarina was supposedly scheduled to deliver an opening and closing message for the parties’ negotiation. However, the fifth round of formal peace talks was deferred after Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza announced that the Philippines would not participate in the talks.
ON Saturday, May 27, international phenomenon Gary Valenciano took over M Pavilion for a dynamic performance as part of M Resort Spa Casino’s summer concert series. Fans went wild as Valenciano began his set with “eto Na Naman,” followed by popular hits including “How Did you Know,” “Take Me Out of the Dark” and “Babalik Ka Rin.” eager to interact with his fans, Valenciano jumped off stage to pose for photos with concert-goers during his set. Additionally, Valenciano was joined by special guest Katrina Velarde who sang alongside him. The concert series will continue Binibining Pilipinas-Intercontinental Katarina Rodriguez is in the Netherlands to deliver a throughout the summer with admessage of peace in the peace negotiation between the government of the Philippines and ditional dates and talent to be anthe National Democratic Front. nounced at a later time. Upcoming Katarina still delivered a mes- shows include: Government peace panel chairBig Bad Voodoo Daddy at M person Silvestre Bello III said the sage as she also added peace as Pavilion on Saturday, June 24, 8 NDF requested time for a directive one of her advocacy. “Peace doesn’t happen just from chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison for the Com- by signing the dotted lines. munist Party of the Philippines to That’s only beginning. And from withdraw their call for intensified there, we should all be tenacious attacks against the government in achieving peace, because to reach their people on the that’s what Filipino deserves,” Katarina said of achieving lastground. This was after President Ro- ing peace, as quoted by Tudla drigo Duterte’s declaration of Productions. Apart from Katarina, his grandmartial law in Mindanao due to government clashes in Marawi father industrialist Jackie RodriCity with a separatist group, the guez is also in the Netherlands. Islamic State-inspired Maute He will share his knowledge on group. The NDF said despite the national industrialization for socanceled formal talks, negotiation cial and economic reforms with the NDF delegation. is still ongoing.
Gary Valenciano takes over M Pavilion as part of M Resort’s summer concert series on Saturday, May 27.
p.m. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will bring their celebration of swing and jazz music to the M Pavilion on Saturday, June 24. Famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins, the band has been
Katrina Velarde with Gary V. Photos by Tom Donoghue
together for 24 years and produced 10 records featuring their signature sound of classic jazz, swing and Dixieland mixed with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture. Tickets begin at $35 and doors open at 7p.m.
Is Ellen Adarna pregnant? Richard Gutierrez on being...
Gary V performs for a packed audience during M Resort Spa Casino’s summer concert series at M Pavilion.
by Ricky lo Philstar.com
Ellen Adarna
IF ellen Adarna suddenly disappeared from the showbiz scene in the near future, her friends would call it a (forced?) “maternity leave.” you see, ellen’s friend confirmed unapologetically to Funfare that ellen “could be possibly pregnant.” “I’m happy for ellen,” swore the friend. “If ever, a baby would help keep ellen grounded.” However, the friend didn’t mention who the equally happy would-be father might be. ellen confirmed that she and First Son Baste Duterte had split up a few months ago after a controversial romance. Unconfirmed reports have linked ellen to John lloyd Cruz whom she has known before she got into showbiz and they became closer on the set of the Kapamilya soap Home Sweetie Home. But both of them kept mum on the matter, neither denying nor confirming any rumor. Of course, ellen has also been linked to non-showbiz rich guys. would anybody come forward to be recognized and claim that he is “it”? “ellen would be a good mom,” said her friend. “I’m sure of that.”
PAGE B1 from showbiz helped him to be ready and to prepare for his character well. “An opportunity, an offer like this doesn’t come very often. I’m not going to take it for granted. I’m going to embrace it and enjoy it and work hard for it!” His mom and manager, Annabelle Rama, is also very happy and “teary-eyed” of him jumping ship. His mom is a staunch supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte, who is not in good terms with ABS-CBN. Richard and Annabelle declined to comment on how his transfer to ABS-CBN would affect his mom’s relations with the president. “My whole family is very happy. Actually, napanood nila ‘yung live stream. They’re very supportive and very happy. I’m so blessed
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Pictured with Dylan Dreyer (left) and Al Roker (right), Mendiola filled in for Roker on the TODAY Show during the Christmas holiday in 2016. Photo courtesy of Mendiola’s instagram page
to have my family with me all the time.” He is very thankful for the trust the network has given him. “At ‘yung pag-welcome nila sa’kin, ang sarap ng feeling. Pati sa set, napakabait nila sa’kin...I couldn’t ask for anything better. I’m very happy for who I am and I’m going to do my best now that I’m here in ABS-CBN.” It is also a plus that his partner, actress Sarah lahbati, is also with ABS-CBN. “Right now, we all know how great ABS-CBN is as a network and how well they produce their shows and how well they market their artists and how well they produce their films. I know their capabilities, so it’s time for me to show them what I got and to be part of the team that will help them with their goals.”
what does he feel about competing with GMA and its revival of “Mulawin,” which he and Angel locsin started? “I knew this question would somehow come along. I’m thankful for what GMA has done for me through the years. They shaped who I am. But as an individual, as an actor, I’m happy where I am today. I’m thankful, but I’m also looking ahead.” For him, no matter what home network one serves, the important thing is to always do your best. “I’m the position wherein I can entertain the audience. Sa dami ng problema ng Pilipinas, they can escape for 30 minutes to an hour watching. That’s my goal, that’s my purpose. Kung anuman ang pagtanggap, kung sino man ang competitors, I’m just going to give my best!”
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Features
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 1-7, 2017
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Pintô Manhattan Manila: a 24-hour art Exhibit
Showcasing the work of 30 Filipino artists in New York By MoMar
G. Visaya
AJPress
It was an extraordinary and historic day for contemporary Philippine art in New York City as the 24-hour pop up art show called “the Pintô Manhattan Manila” exhibition, a one-day celebration of contemporary art Filipino made its way to downtown Manhattan. From 8:00 pm on Monday, May 22 to 8:00 pm on tuesday, May 23, Urban Zen, designer Donna Karan’s industrial and lifestyle space in the Greenwich Village was open for anyone who wanted to see the art works of more than 30 of some of the most accomplished contemporary Filipino artists representing various styles and aesthetics unique to the Philippines. Curated by New York-based designer Federico de Vera, along with Dr. Joven Cuanang of Pintô Art Museum, Dr. Luca Parolari of Pintô International and art historian Patrick Flores, the oneof-a-kind exhibition gathered a veritable intersection of the who’s who in the Filipino-American community and New York art scene. Honorary chairs of the event, Josie Natori, along with David and Susan Rockefeller, welcomed the evening’s guests, including Ambassador teodoro Locsin, Jr., Fer-
nando Zobel de Ayala, Mercedes Zobel, among others. Proceeds of the exhibit will benefit the Asian Cultural Council, a foundation supporting Asian contemporary artists with fellowships to live and work in New York for six months, and the Foundation supporting the Pintô Art Museum, to continue nurturing young Filipino visual artists. “It’s a really vibrant show and there’s an enthusiastic response and apparently, that’s New York. they really appreciate art. this is a great venue for these Filipino artists,” said Ambassador teodoro Locsin, Jr., the new Philippine representative to the United Nations. the ambassador said he met Dr. Cuanang through his wife Lourdes Locsin who has worked with Cuanang and the artists before through the Asian Cultural Council. “the sophistication of the work is something. I’m hoping that later on, they bring this kind of exhibit to the Philippine Center,” he added. David Rockefeller delivered a short speech during the exhibit opening. “How wonderful it is for ACC to have this fantastic relationship with the Philippines and Pintô Museum. My uncle John Rockefeller was the founder, his daughter Valerie is here tonight,”
Rockefeller said. “My wife Susan and I are so happy to go frequently to the Philippines and to see what extraordinary people and art are there. thank you for bringing some of it here. It is easier to come downtown.” World-renowned fashion designer Donna Karan who owns Urban Zen attended the exhibition as well and mingled with guests. “this is just amazing, truly amazing. It is an honor to have this quality of art in this studio,” said Karan, who admitted that she Josie Natori was surprised by the diversity of Ambassador Teddy Locsin, Jr. exhibition. “So many people have asked me to work with the people on health care there (in the Philippines), to work mostly with artisans, because that’s what I do in Haiti,” she said. “It is amazing [to be here] in my husband’s studio, his passion was in the arts.” Because of the success of the New York exhibition, there are now plans for other Pintô International exhibits in cities such as Milan, Paris and tokyo. Designer Rafe Totengco (middle) also attended the opening party. Roots of Pintô Dr. Joven Cuanang, a renowned neurologist by profession, is the man behind Pintô Art Museum. Despite his extraordinary achievements in his field and in the arts, he remains humble and deeply rooted in his community. He is also an avid collector and one of the country’s top patrons of
Mercedez Zobel and Dr. Joven R. Cuanang
Jorge Ortoll, Edwin Josue, Elizabeth and Robert Dobrish
Fil-Am community leaders, among them Erno Hormillosa, Loida Nicolas Lewis and Jerry Sibal.
the arts. A self confessed GI—Genuine Ilocano, that is—Dr. Cuanang’s patronage and support as early as three decades ago changed the landscape and history of contemporary Philippine art. Cuanang developed a friendship with the local artists to the point of even offering his place in Manila as their exhibition space. He created extensive collections and brought his art-loving friends to see them. In the early 1970s, there were only about a dozen neurologists in the country serving 60 million Filipinos then. Dr. Cuanang went to Harvard and opted to return to the country to start a career of medical PAGE B7
Florian and Michelle Hugo
Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, David Rockefeller, Josie Natori, Korina Sanchez-Roxas and Dr. Luca Parolari Photos by Troi Santos
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Jennylyn Mercado spends loneliest Mother’s Day of her life
Getting Gil Cuerva by Tessa
Mauricioa-arriola ManilaTimes.net
IT took quite a while before showbiz newcomer Gil Cuerva was finally introduced to the showbiz press. This, even as it was announced as early as December 2016 that he had been chosen as Jennylyn Mercado’s leading man in the Filipino adaptation of the phenomenal Korean hit “My Love From The Star.” In fact, Gil only sat down for an interview a couple of weeks short of his primetime series’ debut tonight, with another appearance at the show’s grand launch on Friday, May 26. In the T-Zone’s Q&A with the 21-year-old Spanish-Filipino we finally got why Gil took his sweet time. With a quiet mystery about him, the long-haired 5’11” hombre said, “I’ve had to transition to being an actor from modeling. I slowly had to let go of [my former craft]until I finally decided to leave it behind and pursue acting full time.” In coming to terms with his career shift, Gil said he also wanted to make sure he was ready to conduct interviews “showbiz style” before finding the confidence to face the press.
“I have a very private family and of course I want keep it that way, including the most important people in my life,” he explained, practically giving away he has girlfriend. He only smiled when asked for confirmation. To be clear, Gil said he is ready for everything that comes with showbiz—controversies included—but in the same way that he prepared and continues to learn for his role as the Filipino Matteo Do, he simply wants to present himself in the best way possible as he strives to carve his name in the industry. “There’s an immense amount of pressure in proving my worth,” he said of being giving a lead role on his very first television project. “I understand this thing isn’t overnight. I won’t be a good actor on the get go, or a smooth interviewee from the very start, but I am very eager and willing to embrace the process.” Gil is more familiar to the fashion set and fans of glossy magazines as he has been a print model ever since he was in college at the Ateneo de Manila University. Learning to find his edge in the modeling industry, he grew his hair just as the androgynous trend emerged—where male models dressed up in women’s clothes for
by ricky lo Philstar.com
Gil Cuerva
print ads, look books, magazine editorials and vice versa—and landed extended gigs in Hong Kong and Thailand. He was about to begin another months-long modeling placement in Thailand when he found out he got the part of Matteo Domingo across TV star and box-office actress Jennylyn Mercado for the soap. Obviously, he went for it and the rest makes up the early history of new career. “I’d say my entry into showbiz had a lot to do with luck, but like I said, now that I’m here, I’m going to work hard to prove my worth.”
Paolo Ballesteros transforms into Wonder Woman FOr a few years now, Paolo Ballesteros has steadily built a wide fanbase, thanks to his amazing and jawdropping makeup transformations. Paolo just pulled another incredible makeup project, this time, copying the iconic female superhero, Wonder Woman on the eve of the global premiere of the film dedicated to the DC Comics character. More accurately, he copied Israeli-born actress Gal Gadot who plays Wonder Woman, complete with a tiara and a metallic-looking top. Paolo also posted a picture of his finished product via his Instagram account, which has about 2 million followers. Within the first hour of posting, his Instagram entry has already received 16,000 likes and nearly 200 comments. The Filipino actor, who also starred in the award-winning movie “Die Beautiful,” has been staging near-perfect makeup imitations of famous stars for several years now, all posted on Instagram. It is only very recently that he has started doing makeup transformation via live FB streaming. Among the famous celebrities he has copied are Beyonce, Angelina Jolie, Julia roberts. Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, ellen Degeneres, Lady Gaga and former First Lady Michelle Obama. His imitation of Game of Thrones characters Cersei Lannister and Daenarys also created an Internet frenzy. Most recently, he did a live makeup transformation of Kylie Jenner for Asus Zenfone Live, drawing nearly 100,000 Facebook views in less than an hour. (Philstar.com) Paolo Ballesteros as Wonder Woman
EMPLOYMENT
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THree Sundays ago, Jennylyn Mercado spent the loneliest Mother’s Day of her 30 years. “It was the first Mother’s Day without my Mama Lydia,” Jennylyn told Funfare, referring to her adoptive mother who passed away in October last year, who took good care of her, perhaps much more than her estranged biological mother ever could or ever did. “We were shocked by her death. She was confined for one month in the hospital and she grew weaker and weaker by the day, hanggang dere-derecho na.” Mama Lydia Mercado, a Waray, was well-loved not just by Jennylyn and her son Jazz but also by showbiz folks. She was friendly, charming and always wearing a smile. “Masayahin ang Mama Lydia ko,” added Jennylyn, “and that’s what I missed most about her. Besides Jazz, she was the only one I had. I don’t have any siblings, I don’t know of any relatives, kaya feeling ko nawalan ako ng backbone when she died.” But for sure, Jennylyn has her boyfriend Dennis Trillo (himself has a love child, Calix, with former Bb. Pilipinas-World Carlene Aguilar) to lean on, the new “backbone” of her life. As part of the grieving process, Jennylyn and Dennis traveled the world, including Seoul where they convinced Jennylyn’s biological father, Noli Pineda, to come home for good. “He wasn’t doing anything
anymore,” said Jennylyn, “and now, Jazz and I have a companion at home.” While going out of a mall in Seoul, Jennylyn and Dennis chanced upon a passing bus with a picture of Jun Ji-hyun, the actress who plays Steffi in the hit Koreanovela “My Love From The Star” which is being remade by GMA, premiering tonight after Mulawin vs. ravena. Paired with Jennylyn (also named Steffi in the localized version) is newcomer Fil-Spaniard model Gil Cuerva as Matteo Do, the character played by recent visitor Kim Soo-hyun in the original. (Trivia: Gil is the first cousin of Loyzaga sisters Bing and Teresa. Gil’s father is the brother of the sisters’ mother.) “Aside from traveling,” shared Jennylyn, “work is the most effective therapy.” She nipped in the bud any attempt to link her and Gil. No way. The whole world knows that Jennylyn is enjoying her secondtime-around with Dennis while Gil has admitted going steady with a blogger from Ateneo where he’s also studying. “There’s a 10-year gap between us,” added Jennylyn. “I’m 30 and Gil is 20.” Because they did workshops together and had ample time to bond before the shooting started, Jennylyn and Gil were comfortable with each other on the set. She plays a superstar and he, an alien who finds himself on earth after 100 years. The soap promises to be interesting because it’s directed by
Jennylyn Mercado
Bb. Joyce Bernal who has her own unique comedy touch. “Our first shooting day was fun,” noted Jennylyn. “In the scene, I told Gil’s character, ‘Hindi ka puede mag-walk out dito, ako ang superstar!’ Good take.” All praises for Jennylyn’s having no “star complex” and being down-to-earth, Gil said in an earlier interview that he’s all the more eager to learn more, not hesitating to ask around when necessary. “He’s very open, very easy to work with,” Jennylyn returned the compliment. “He’s not shy about asking questions. Madali siyang mag-adjust, magaan ka-trabaho at marunong makisama.”
Arci Muñoz on being friends with her ex by
Deni rose BernarDo Philstar.com
CAN you still be friends with your ex? Such is the premise of Arci Muñoz and Gerald Anderson’s new romantic comedy, “Can We Still Be Friends?” “When they told me that it’s going to be with him again, sobra akong happy kasi the first movie (“Always Be My Maybe”) was a success,” Arci told Philstar.com in a recent interview. Arci is happy that though not a permanent love team, she and Gerald have been tagged “Team relate” and she assured that their second Star Cinema movie together is something the audi-
ence can affirm with. She, for one, can greatly relate to the movie since in real life, she is also friends with her ex, Badi del rosario, a Brunei prince’s son who is also a rock star like her. “With the (movie’s) title alone, you can tell it’s my life’s story,” Arci gushed. The actress shared that she and Badi are “still friends and still talking to each other,” after four years of being together. She described their current relationship as “casual and civil.” “Ang daming naging factors ng breakup, but mostly, it’s time,” she revealed. Her doors are still open just in case Badi decides to come back.
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“S’ya nga ang nag-friend zone sa’kin!” Arci said, stressing that the breakup was not her idea. There was a time when Badi, who is younger than her, asked for her hand in marriage. She regretted not accepting the proposal as she was still enjoying her showbiz career. She admitted that she is still up to it if the proposal still stands. But if the actress and rock star would have her way, she would like to do the proposal than the traditional other way around. “Lagi po akong ganon! Ako nga ang lalaki sa relasyon e,” she said. “Ayoko lang ng double standard. Isipin nila lalaki lang. Si Tessa Prieto nga, s’ya nag-propose sa
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Your Immigration Solution atty. Devin Connolly & nanCy Miller WHEN the term “illegal immigrant” is used, some assume that the discussion is about someone who entered the United States without presenting themselves for inspection at the air, sea or land border. However, “illegal immigrant” can also apply to one who entered legally but whose status has expired. In fact, more people become “illegal immigrants” by overstaying visas than by entering without documentation. Overstay means that a noncitizen violated the terms of the visa issued by remaining in the United States beyond the time permitted. One who overstays her visa is out of status, meaning, she is now here illegally. While overstaying a single day past the expiration of the visa is unlawful, overstaying becomes even more problematic when the noncitizen stays past 180 days but under one year because she then triggers a bar from returning to the United States for three years when she exits the country. This unlawful presence penalty increases to a ten-year bar when she leaves after overstaying by more than one year. Some immigration benefits require the alien to leave the United States to complete processing through the U.S. Consulate in their home country but because they have been here illegally, they invoke the bar as soon as they depart in order to pursue the benefit they seek. A waiver of the bar is possible if one can prove that their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent or spouse - NOT child - would suffer extreme hardship if they are not able to return.
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS What is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is malignant tumor of the cervix (mouth of the womb). It is the second most cancer in women and the third most common gynecologic cancer, the second being cancer of the ovary. The most common gynecologic malignancy is endometrial (inner wall of womb) cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in women. The first being cancer of the breasts, followed by colorectal cancer and lung cancer. Cervical cancer develops in women at the mean age of 50 years old, although it can occur in women as young as 20. In the Philippines it is the number 2 most common form of cancer among women. In the United States it accounts for least 3000 mortality, and globally, about 300,000, annually. How prevalent is cervical cancer? In the Philippines, there are about 5,000 new cases of cervical cancer each year. However, more alarming than that is the fact that there are between 10,000 to 25,000 women walking around (not seen by physician) who have
Community Journal
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 1-7, 2017
Help! I overstayed my visa! Calendar of Events across With the administration’s expressed intent to step up enforcement to cut down on the violation, there will be a greater focus on those who have overstayed their visas. While fear of being arrested and deported is a reasonable and understandable response, noncitizens should remember that they do have due process rights. And even once one has been taken into custody, he may apply for immigration benefits if he is eligible for them. A noncitizen who is taken into custody by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can expect to be placed in removal proceedings by means of a Notice to Appear (NTA). The notice will set out the reasons why DHS believes the immigrant is ineligible to remain in the United States. Either it or a second document called a Notice of Hearing will set forth when and where the immigrant’s hearing is to be held. Failure to appear at a hearing in removal court can result in an in-absentia removal order. That means that the alien is ordered removed without ever having appeared in court. Exceptional circumstances beyond the alien’s control are the only acceptable reason for failure to appear. And, unless the immigration court judge knows of those circumstances in advance, she will issue the in-absentia removal order. In order to then have her day in court, the immigrant will have to timely file a motion to reopen the proceedings. There is no guarantee that the motion will be granted. It is up to the immigrant to prove that her reason for not appearing meets the legal requirements. In court, the United States government (DHS) is represented by an attorney from the Office of the Chief Counsel (OCC). The
noncitizen has the right to be represented by an attorney at no cost to the government. If he decides to represent himself, he is expected to comply with the appropriate legal and procedural requirements. In court, the immigrant will be required to plead to the facts and charges contained in the NTA that assert why the alien should be removed. Pleading means either admitting that they are true and legally appropriate or denying because they are factually inaccurate or legally wrong. If the judge sustains the charges (finds they are factually true and legally accurate), the alien will have the opportunity to apply for any relief for which he may be eligible. He must file the appropriate applications and supporting evidence and present oral testimony to support the applications. It is the alien’s burden to prove eligibility. As is clear, this is a complicated and complex process. One should exercise his or her due process rights. One should also apply for all benefits for which they are eligible. But in order to do so, one must know what they are. Therefore, anyone who is not in status should consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer to discuss their options. *** 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)
Anti-cervical cancer undiagnosed pre-invasive lesions in their cervix. If diagnosed early, these women could be saved. For every four survivors of breasts cancer, there are less than 3 women who survive cervical cancer, which shows how virulent cervical cancer is. What causes cervical cancer? Human Papilloma Virus (HPV, also known as genital herpes virus) accounts for most, if not all, cervical cancers. At least 50% of sexually active men and women are infected with genital HPV, especially those with multiple partners. There are about 20 million American men and women infected with HPV, many linked with abnormal pap tests, genital warts and cervical cancer. It is estimated that 10,370 new cases of cervical cancers will be discovered in 2005. Between half a million to a million Americans have genital warts, transmitted thru sexual contacts. Is there cure for cervical cancer? Better than the cure! A vaccine that prevents cervical cancer has just been discovered, and was found to be “effective 100%, in the short term, at blocking the cancer and lesions likely to turn to cancer” (like the pre-invasive lesions), according to drug manufacturer, Merck & Co.
What is this “new” wonder drug? The vaccine, which is genetically engineered, is Gardasil, which blocks infection caused by two of the more than 100 types of human papilloma virus (HPV), strains 16 and 18. These two sexually transmitted viruses are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers. HPV, in one form or the other, afflicts about 20 million Americans. The other strains of the virus cause painful genital warts, and sometimes, cervical cancers too. Part III clinical trials in 225,000 women worldwide are underway How good is the study? Excellent. The final stage investigation on Gardasil involved 10,559 sexually active women (ages 16 to 26 in the United States and in 12 other countries) who did NOT have HPV 16 or 18 infection. One half of the subjects were given 3 vaccine shots over 6 months, while the other half (control group) received the placebo (dummy) shots. Among those who got Gardasil were still virusfree after 6 months and none of them developed cervical cancer or precancerous lesions over the 2 year follow-up. Twenty one in the control group had precancerous lesions and cervical cancers.” PAGE B6
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America
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5th annual Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown The 5th Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown will be held on Saturday, June 3, beginning at 9 a.m. to celebrate the 119th Philippine Independence Day. LA Councilmember Mitch O’ Farrell of District 13 will be the guest speaker of the program. The assembly area is in front of the Silverlake Medical Center (SLMC) at Temple Street at 8:00 a.m. The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. and will end at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) compound. For more information please call Art at (213) 318-9065 or visit www.jfavusa.org.
Kalayaan Incorporated’s Philippine Independence Gala Night in Garden Grove, CA Kalayaan Incorporated Southern California, with the cooperation of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, invites you to its Gala Night in commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 3. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (11999 Harbor Blvd. Garden Grove, California 92840). Doors open at 5 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. It is $75 / per ticket (pre-paid). Attire is formal/barong/Filipinana. For more information, please visit https://www.kalayaanincorporatedsocal.com/.
Pista sa Nayon in Vallejo, CA Come and experience the celebration of Philippine Independence Day in Vallejo, California on Saturday, June 3. It will be held at the Vallejo Waterfront from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festivities will kick-off with a grand parade beginning at the corner of Marin Street and Capitol Street in Vallejo. Then they will continue with non-stop entertainment and ending on two stages at the renowned Vallejo Waterfront. This annual event is one of Vallejo’s largest FREE outdoor festivals that draws crowds wanting to sample Philippine cuisine, soak up Filipino hospitality and enjoy entertainment that crosses all ages, cultures and ethnicities. This year’s entertainment — presented by GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV — will be Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera and Kuh Ledesma, among others. Come and experience the Philippine culture firsthand & bring the whole family! Pista sa Nayon is the highlight of the City of Vallejo’s Philippine Cultural Month celebrated throughout the month of June. Vallejo Pista Sa Nayon will be held at 301 Mare Island Way, Vallejo, California 94590. For more information, please visit http://www.vallejopistasanayon.com/.
Walk for Mom in Teaneck, NJ The Filipino Medical Program invites members of the Filipino-American community to Holy Name Medical Center’s Walk for Mom, a breast cancer awareness walkathon on Saturday, June 3. Participate in a fun-filled celebration including music, snacks, prizes, FREE T-shirts and other exciting events. It will be held at 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ (south parking lot), with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. and is 1.5 miles. Suggested donation is $10. Proceeds fund free mammogram screenings for up to 100 women. For more information, please call (201) 833-3336 or email walkformom@ holyname.org.
JUNE 10
119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day in Carson, CA The Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc. (PIDF), in conjunction with the City of Carson, GMA Life TV, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA News TV, and Tesoro, will celebrate the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day at the Carson Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Street, Carson, CA 90745) on Saturday, June 10. Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the non-stop, day-long event that will be jam-packed with entertainment and activities featuring the rich, beautiful, and spirited Filipino heritage. The eventful day kicks off with a flag raising ceremony at 7:30 a.m., followed by an ecumenical service and a community mass. The parade — to be headed by 119th Philippine Independence Grand Marshal, Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz of the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles, and to be participated in by a multitude of community organizations and associations from all across Southern California — will be at about 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by the daylong program featuring talented performers from across the South Bay, Southern California, and beyond! The program will be headlined by none other than GMA Network Kapuso’s Primetime Queen Marian Rivera and Primetime King Dingdong Dantes! In addition to the live entertainment, cultural center, food booths, exhibits, vendors, PWC’s Jeepney, chess tournament, and children’s area, there will also be a bone marrow drive for Fil-Am LAPD Officer Matthew Medina. This event would not possible without the leadership of Councilmember Elito M. Santarina, the hard work of our dedicated PIDF Trustees and volunteers, and of course the generosity of our sponsors; Tesoro Refining and Marketing LLC, Waste Management, Carson Companies, KL Fenix, Watson Land, Community Dynamics, IBEW Local 11 &NECA Los Angeles, Nationwide Environmental Services, Brea Canon Oil Co., Inc., Leelin Bakery & Cafe, and Kellogg Garden Products. For more information or any questions, please email pidf.info@gmail.com.
JUNE 11
Filipino Medical Program hosts community health screening in Passaic, NJ Holy Name Medical Center’s Filipino Medical Program will have a health screening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 11 at the Philippine Independence Day Festival in Passaic, New Jersey. It will be held at 3rd Ward Park, 350 Passaic Ave (cor. Van Houten), Passaic, NJ 07055. For more information, please call the FMP at (201) 833-3355 or email lavarro@ holyname.org.
JUNE 16
Philippine Independence Day Concert & Gala in San Francisco
Cortez Masto tours Veterans Village
LAS VEGAS, NV – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) recently spoke with veterans at Veterans Village during a tour of the facility, which provides transitional housing and services for Las Vegas veterans. Veterans Village serves local veterans with support in housing, medical and mental health services, crisis intervention, transportation to VA Hospitals and primary care clinics, job training, referrals, and placements, and food pantry and nutrition programs. “Veterans have dedicated their lives to serving our country and it is essential that we provide them with the best support and assistance upon their return home,” said Cortez Masto. “Veterans Village provides vital services to Southern Nevada veterans, helping them make the transition to civilian life – a step that has become increasingly challenging. I was thrilled to learn that Veterans Village will
be opening two more locations in the Las Vegas Valley in an effort to expand their assistance capabilities and better serve Nevada’s veteran community.” “Unfortunately, the current administration’s newly released budget makes drastic cuts to the programs that our veterans and their loved ones depend on. Millions of veterans and their families depend on Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance, and nutritional assistance – vital programs that would face hundreds of billions in cuts under the Trump Administration’s budget. Facilities and organizations like Veterans Village are more important now than ever, and I thank them for their commitment to ensuring our veterans have the care and support they deserve.” “We are honored to have Senator Cortez Masto visit Veterans Village today in advance of Memorial Day,” said Dr. Arnold Stalk, Veterans Village co-
founder. “Senator Cortez Masto is clearly committed to supporting our veterans and preserving the programs and resources they depend on.” Millions of veterans would be impacted by funding cuts proposed in President Trump’s budget, specifically: • Over $800 billion cut from Medicaid funding. A new report identified that 1.75 million veterans – or 1 out of every 10 veterans – is on Medicaid. • Over $192 billion cut from nutritional assistance programs, which are relied on by nearly 2 million veterans and their families. •Over $72 billion cut from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Last year, a report identified that nearly half of all veterans receiving Disability Insurance rely on Social Security of 75% of their income. Without SSDI, 2 out of every 5 veterans would fall below the poverty line.
A concert and gala reception will be held at the beautiful and historic Marines’ Memorial Theater in San Francisco on Friday, June 16. The annual Philippine Independence Day Concert & Gala has been a favorite event for Fil-Am political, business, arts, academic and non-profit circles, foreign dignitaries, state and city officials, and a wide cross-section of the Bay Area community. This year’s event will kick-off with a full-length concert at the Marines’ Memorial Theater featuring renowned Filipino music maestro, Ryan Cayabyab with seven of his highly-acclaimed and award-winning vocalists at 7 p.m. The gala reception will follow immediately after the concert at 8 p.m. at the adjacent Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel hall where guests will be welcomed by a beautiful Rigodon de Honor, a Filipino-Spanish quadrille folk dance, to be performed by consular officials and community leaders. Three beautiful ballrooms and reception areas will be open for guests to either sit with friends or mingle with the community. A sumptuous buffet dinner and bar will be served while guests are treated to exciting performances by featured artists. Finally, a top DJ will be on hand to keep everyone dancing till midnight! Tickets are $125 / person. Marines’ Memorial Theater is located at 609 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94102. For more information, please visit www.kalayaansf.com/gala or email gala@kalayaansf.com.
JUNE 17
FASO to hold gala benefit in Los Angeles The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, will hold “A Night of Symphony,” its first ever gala benefit dinner on Saturday, June 17 at the majestic estate of Hollywood legend Mary Pickford in Hancock Park, Los Angeles. The special evening will honor FASO’s first Excellence in Music awardees and distinguished contributors to the pioneering orchestra’s mission and objectives. The names of the honorees will be announced soon. Filipino chefs who are part of the movement that’s making Pinoy cuisine a worldwide sensation will prepare the sumptuous dinner. The exciting gala, sponsored by Bank of Hope, Pacific Western Bank and Silver Saddle Ranch & Club, will feature two parts. There will be a meet and greet for a limited number of guests, starting at 4:00 p.m., with a guest of honor, the awardees and other distinguished guests. The second part will be the main event – awards program and dinner – which will begin at 5:30 p.m. For inquiries, contact FASO board members Rocio Nuyda, the gala’s chairperson at 818-602-3214 or rocio@msn.com, or Jose Luis Garcia at 310-936-2988 or jl.garcia@aol.com. More details are also available at www.fasogala.org.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
Features
B June 1-7, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAn JOuRnAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
LBC launches Calendar Design contest Kim Chiu: From asthmatic to athletic for Filipinos in US and Canada by
Deni Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com
A new year ushers in new beginnings. what a better way to symbolize this new beginning but with a calendar that denotes the days we look forward to. That is why LBC USA and Canada have come up with a competition that will preserve their customers’ artistry and vision with the 2018 calendar as their canvass. The LBC Calendar Design competition was launched with the theme, “The way we Move It in the Philippines”. Artwork must be able to clearly depict the unique ways Filipinos move, may it be through cultural activities like traditional or modern dancing or way of life like transportation. According to Patricia Garcia, VP for Sales and Operations in the Region, “we are extremely excited that our customers and their families can now participate in a nationwide contest where their artwork can be appreciated by their kababayans. More than that,
we are happy that these artworks will all be showcased through a calendar, which is what our customers look forward to every turn of the year.” The art tilt is open to all LBC Customers and non-customers and their families. Submission of entries will be from June 1 to July 31, 2017. Other details of the contest can be viewed at www.lbcexpress.com. Twelve winners will be chosen, each to take home $500 with their artwork to be featured in LBC’s 2018 Collectible Calendar. winners will be announced mid-August and calendar will be released by Thanksgiving. Through the contest, LBC hopes to celebrate the winning masterpieces as a means of bridging the love of their Filipino customers in USA and Canada to their families and countrymen back home. LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money
remittance, and logistics services. with a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & amp; warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock exchange through LBC express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-todoor delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1-800-10 8585-999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCexpress (Facebook and Twitter). (Advertising supplement)
MAY this year has been fondly called “martial law month” on social media, but it is also a month dedicated for the awareness of cervical cancer and asthma. Actress Kim Chiu is among those who grew up battling with asthma, a condition described by physician Gio Barangan as “characterized by a loss of breath and cough due to an airflow problem.” Asthma, according to Barangan, can be genetic, but it can inflict anyone at any age. Because of her asthma, Kim has been told by her doctor from years back to limit her physical activities. “It’s hard to have asthma. There are many restrictions,” the actress admitted. But in her ongoing soap opera with Gerald Anderson, “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin,” Kim plays triathlete Bianca Agbayani. As an actress, she could have just opted to fake being an athlete in the series since she has asthma. Instead, she decided to become an athlete for real. “From doing kikay commercials, gusto ko i-embrace ‘yung change,” Kim said in a recent press conference. “A lot of people are telling me, ‘O, anong nangyari sa’yo? Dati lalampa-lampa at payat ka ah!’ Sa katawan lang po ako mukhang lampa!” the recording star giggled. “I imbibe my character to prove to myself that I can do it!” From joining 10k runs, she progressed to 16k, then to 21k. ally-transmitted illnesses. It is “Gusto ko kasi yung medal. Kasi ‘yung 21k may indeed a big waste of billions of medal, may fulfillment!” Kim exclaimed. In her ongoing soap opera with Gerald Anderson, “Ikaw Lang ang dollars and manpower, time, and “Dati pang grabe ang determination n’ya, pero Iibigin,” Kim plays triathlete Bianca Agbayani. As an actress, she could resources spent in the labora- ngayon lang ako nakakita ng walang tulog sa shoothave just opted to fake being an athlete in the series since she has tory experiments and researches ing na dumeretso sa 21k (marathon)!” Kim’s co-star, asthma. Instead, she decided to become an athlete for real. that led to the discovery of this Gerald, said of Kim in the same press con. wonderful life-saving vaccine “Kasi ngayon, gusto ko laging may pinapatunayan Similarly, she encourages those with limitations that has been clinically proven ako sa sarili ko, out of my comfort zone. So habang like asthma to be brave and to go beyond borders. to be very effective (at least 99.9 bata pa, gawin mo lahat. Saka daming opportunities “You shouldn’t let asthma take over your life!” percent) in preventing cervical, ang dumating, bakit di mo na lang i-enjoy?” she urged. “As long as you’re enjoying what vulvar, anal, cancers. This is as How does she keep her asthma at bay? you’re doing, go for it! Live your life to the fullfoolish as the refusal of some “I take precaution or maintenance medi- est!” people in Pakistan, nigeria, and cines if I shoot near rugs or carpets. when I travel, I Kim might have not yet found her Mr. Right, even some in the United States make sure my medicines are in the bag and I bring ex- but she sure did find the right match: running and to allow their children to get tra if I will travel for a long time.” biking. polio vaccine, resulting in the expected outcome. Let us all be proactive and pre-emptive advocates and take advantage of the AFTeR confirming that she is evermore” and “Dolce Amore.” great state-of-the-art advances in officially the newest actress to She and her onscreen partner medical science and technology play the role of the iconic Filipino enrique Gil, whose love team for disease prevention, health, superheroine “Darna,” Liza So- is known as “LizQuen” are also and longevity. berano vowed to give more than among the leading love teams *** 100 percent for the role. today. Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Kapamilya star Liza on TuesAsked what she feels about her Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and day, May 30 confirmed that she is new role, Liza said that she is both chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to accepting the role of “Darna” in a excited and honored. 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, film adaptation to be directed by “Sobrang na-excite po ako and where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus erik Matti. siyempre I’m happy and I feel rein Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Yes, it’s confirmed. Tinatang- ally honored to be able to don the He is a Fellow of the American College of gap ko na po ang role na Darna,” iconic costume and to be able to Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, Liza said after a previous report embody what Darna represents,” and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular of The STAR mentioned she was the actress said. Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the chosen to play Darna. “I feel like it would help me Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) Liza, who admitted that she career wise but as an actor I hope humanitarian foundation in the United States. initially liked the role when she na mas marami pa akong matutuEmail: scalpelpen@gmail.com it was offered to her, said that nan,” she concluded. she is nervous for her upcoming with her acceptance of the project but she vowed to do her Darna role, Liza now joins the best. This is the first time she will roster of actresses who took the play a fictional character. lead role in Mars Ravelo’s iconic “Siyempre ‘yung expectation superheroine. ng mga tao. Ang gagawin ko na Some of the actresses who lang po is I’ll give my more than previously played Darna in a film 100 percent sa project na ‘to,” Liza or television series are Angel said in an exclusive interview with Locsin, Marian Rivera, nanette Kapamilya star Liza on Tuesday, May 30 ABS-CBn news. Medved, Anjanette Abayari, confirmed that she is accepting the role of The 19-year-old actress is Sharon Cuneta, Lorna Tolentino “Darna” in a film adaptation to be directed known for her previous romantic and Vilma Santos, among others. by Erik Matti. teleseryes “Got to Believe,” “For- (Philstar.com)
Anti-cervical cancer
PAGE B5 To have 100 percent efficacy is something that you have very rarely,” Dr. eliav Barr, Merck’s head of clinical development for Gardasil, told The Associated Press. How early should the vaccine be given? Students in grammar school, middle school and high school should be vaccinated before they become sexually active, because once they catch HPV infection, there is no cure; herpes is for life. This was the recommendation of Dr. Gloria Bachmann, director of The women’s Health Institute at Robert wood Johnson Medical School in Brunswick, nJ., who said this vaccine is a “phenomenal breakthrough.” Prophylaxis Gardasil vaccination comprehensively eliminates HPV 16 and 18 associated non-invasive and invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also cuts down infection with HPV 6 and 11, the causes of 90% of genital warts. Is Gardasil limited to cervical cancer prevention? no. The US Food and Drug Administration approved Merck’s application for the distribution and sale of Gardasil on June 8, 2006 for ages 9 to 26 for the prevention of cervical cancer
and other HPV related diseases. On September 15, 2008, the US FDA approved the expanded use of Gardasil for the prevention of certain vulvar and vaginal cancers. This vaccine is in headto-head competition with a rival (Cervarix) from GlaxoSmithKline, a UK-based company. As the good old cliché goes “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” Is Gardasil also used for boys? Yes, since boys are potential spreader of sexually transmitted diseases, the FDA recommendation includes giving the Gardasil 9 vaccine to boys and young men (ages 9-26) since October 16, 2009. On December 22, 2010, the FDA recommended its use to prevent genital warts and anal cancer. There are some parents who objected to having their young sons be vaccinated with this vaccine, fearing its potential complication, in spite of clinical evidence showing the vaccine’s medically accepted standard level of safety. This unfortunate controversy has left many of these boys and young men exposed to the these venereal diseases and their potential role as carriers and spreaders of sexu-
ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. 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.
Liza Soberano to give more than 100% in ‘Darna’ role
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA A FARMeR in Africa heard glowing stories of other farmers who have become rich by discovering diamond mines in the continent. Filled with excitement and visions of sparkling diamonds, he sold his farm quickly and set out to become a diamond prospector himself. He wandered far and wide for many years crisscrossing the huge continent hoping to strike it rich. Hope and change however proved to be a lame strategy. Alas and alack, the years took their toll and finally, having grown old, tired and despondent over his failures, he ended his life. Meanwhile, the man who bought his farm settled in and one bright day, while fording a stream on the land he now owned, was attracted to a gleam of colored rock at the bottom of the shallow water. He picked it up out of curiosity and displayed it on his mantel as décor. One day a visitor noticed the rock and almost fainted. He asked the farmer what he thought it was and the farmer innocently said, it was a pretty crystal. The visitor told him that it was probably one of the biggest diamonds he had ever seen. It turns out that the stream had many more such diamonds at its bottom. The first farmer never knew he was standing on his own acres of diamonds. He already owned the land free and clear which he had sold practically for a song and a dance. If he only took stock of what he had, surveyed his surroundings and explored and worked on his own acres, his story might have had a happy ending. This story is a staple used by noted motivational speakers and writers to bring home a point. And for good reason…
Acres of diamonds “Your diamonds are not in far distant mountians or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig for them.” -Russell H. Conwell, Acres of Diamonds The “Acres of Diamond” Story is a powerful metaphor to inspire people to explore and harness their own potential as human beings striving to reach their goal of achieving the riches they seek, whether tangible, intangible or a hybrid of both. In the most obvious terms, riches could mean physical wealth like money in the bank, a comfortable retirement, celebrity status and the perks that come with it. However, there are also those parameters that are harder to achieve and can’t be bought outright by money, like inner peace, contentment, serenity, a healthy mind in a healthy body filled with good spirit and well being or a long, happy, meaningful life. The wisest ones go for a mix of both the tangible and the intangible. You get to choose your very own definition of wealth. Oftentimes, staying the course and having the wisdom and the patience to use the resources found directly right under our noses and the neurons firing in the brain between our ears offer better odds than seeking out those greener pastures. As one smart aleck pointed out, the other pasture is always greener simply because it has a gardener that waters, fertilizes and fusses over it all the time. (And used often as a multilevel marketing ploy to recruit people for get-rich quick-schemes. But I digress.) Staying the course and mining your own acres of diamonds could also apply to married couples going through tough times. There are always critical moments that would require partners to fight for their marriage
and stay committed no matter the struggle. There is the struggle of the infidelity of one partner attracted to another, maybe a young spring chicken or a hunk with washboard abs waiting in the wings, the struggle to rise above health issues or the struggle to keep their heads above financial waters or the struggle to stay as a family despite the discord brought about by various debilitating addictions. Many seem to think they can hit the reset button by trading up to another partner. They think that if they can only find the right one, find Ms. or Mr. Perfect, life would be better. Oftentimes, that route simply leads to more troubles ahead, more complications, more heartaches and crushing disappointments. If one treasures the intangible acres of diamonds built by years of being together in the form of happy memories and achievements, scrapping the negativity, overlooking irritations or editing out the heartaches through genuine forgiveness brought about by unceasing prayers, perhaps staying the course and loving the one you’re with, might not be too difficult. with faith and determination, you can mine your own acres of diamonds right in your own marriage, right in your own backyard. The question is, are we mining our own acres of diamonds in every area of our lives right now? And if not, why not? *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
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Features
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 1-7, 2017
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Showcasing the work of 30 Filipino...
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education there and eventually training the future generations of neurologists. “I went into art by some kind of an accident,” Cuanang revealed. “It was after the EDSA revolution in 1986 and there was a lot of democratic space after that. Some of the professionals in Antipolo gathered together and we asked ourselves what could we do to help. We decided to help make Antipolo a center for art, culture and ecology.” His collection of more than 200 works of sculpture, painting, and installations has since been do-
nated to the museum he created, Pintô Art Museum in Antipolo, and the gallery continues to run to this day. The private museum is dedicated to the exhibition and study of Philippine contemporary art. Pintô International was born to become a portal or a platform for Filipino artists so that they can be exposed to the rest of the world. “New York is the center of art and we wanted our maiden exhibition to be done here. Pintô, that’s the door to Manhattan from the Philippines,” Cuanang added. It took more than two years for the idea of an NYC exhibition to come to life.
Mercedes Zobel, Donna Karan and Dr. Joven R. Cuanang
Lauren Lawrence, Susan Rockefeller
Edwin Josue, Josie Natori, Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, Susan Beer
Not even a stent in his heart placed less than two weeks ago could prevent Dr. Cuanang from attending the exhibit. “And here we are. I am so happy to have met so many people who helped in one way or the other. Ultimately, I want the Filipinos to be proud and I want the other peoples of the world to understand that we Filipinos can do it,” Cuanang said. Artists’ Perspective The exhibit showcased work from more than 30 contemporary Filipino artists. Leeroy New brought a mixed media sculpture piece called Balete, inspired by the balete tree’s sinewy roots. “I’m appreciative that we get to showcase in a different platform in a different country and I’m also here to support my fellow artists in this endeavor. It feels good,” New remarked moments before the official opening of the exhibit. “I do a lot of set ups that are only required to be there for a day but this is kind of different in terms of scale because there are a lot of artists involved for a 24-hour gallery show. It’s quite daunting when we were starting to see all these art works in one room,” he added. John Paul Duray, at 28 years old, is one of the youngest artists to be part of the exhibit.
Michael Ainslie, Josie Natori, Susan Gutfreund, Joanne De Asis Benitez
Laura Lehmann
Fernando Zobel, Catherine Zobel, Maria Teresa Meloni, Dr. Joven R. Fernando Zobel, Catherine Zobel, Mercedes Zobel, Teresa Colley, and Cuanang, Susan Beer and Louie Locsin Bruce Colley Photos by Annie Wattand
“Sobrang saya ko na isa ako sa mga artists na napili. Kasama ako sa ilang mga artists na nagsimulang magpakahirap para may maabutan pa ako na art scene sa Pilipinas,” he said. He brought with him five of his sculptures, including one he calls Saging Lang ang May Puso, tagged in the exhibition as Banana Man, and a couple of the smaller sculptures that show a person carrying a Herschel backpack filled with bitter melon. “Pinoy humor siya, with values and some culture,” Duray said. “Yung mga millenials kasi ngayon – or even the older ones, actually lahat tayo, we are all bitter in our own way.” “Hindi pa talaga ako makapaniwala na nandito ako with the group,” he said further, explaining that he just launched a couple of his works at the Art in the Park in Manila last April. His collection got sold out in the first hour. Asked about what he wanted the evening’s guests to take away from the exhibit, New replied, “I want the New York audience to see that the Philippines has a thriving creative industry and this is just one aspect. There’s a whole lot happening in film-making, commercial design, architecture and everything else. This is just a sampling, and this is just one particular direction in Filipino art, it’s not the entire Filipino art movement.” “Pintô: Manhattan Manila” showcased the works of Manuel Ocampo, Elmer Borlongan, Gil Batle, Emmanuel Garibay, Mark Justiniani, Antonio Leano, Joy Mallari, Ronald Ventura, José John Santos, Kawayan de Guia, Alfredo Esquillo, Nona Garcia, Gregory Halili, Riel Hilario, Geraldine Javier, Erwin Leano, Ian Quirante, Pam Yan-Santos, Jigger Cruz, Rodel Tapaya, Marina Cruz, Raffy Napay, Leeroy New, Dexter Fernandez, Jana Benitez, Winner Jumalon, Joven Mansit, Martha Atienza, Guerrero Habulan, Ryan Villamael, Jp and Pogs Samson. These artists’ styles include
Dr. Joven Cuanang, Dr. Luca Parolari and Federico de Vera, the men behind Pintô Manhattan Manila pose in front of a Kawayan de Guia mixed media called Burden of the Masters of Mankind. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
surrealism, expressionism, minimalism, social realism and conceptual art, all with an attention to identity and rootedness. Their themes and subjects are both universal and product of the unique historical and cultural experience of being Filipino. Federico De Vera, the New York-based designer and owner
of the eponymous De Vera gallery in Soho, curated the show. De Vera has curated major art shows, including the critically acclaimed “Egon Schiele: Portraits” at the Neue Galerie on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and an all-Filipino show that will take up three floors of the Ayala Museum, opening in October.
B June 1-7, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAn JOuRnAL
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