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Volume 28 - No. 19 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Arum sees Pacquiao vs Horn fight as a blockbuster in Australia BOB ARUM loves how Australia is welcoming Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming title defense against local fighter Jeff Horn. In fact, the Top Rank Inc. boss is expecting the fight to pack the 55,000-seat Suncorp Stadium in Horn’s hometown of Brisbane on July 2. “Tremendous, absolutely tremendous, never seen anything like it, really,” Arum recently told Steve Kim of boxingscene.com, referring to the bout’s reception Down Under. Pacquiao will put his WBO welterweight championship on the line against Horn, who is unknown outside Australia. That’s why for Arum, staging the fight in the country is a sound business decision. “The whole country is engaged in it. The ticket sales have been absolutely enormous. It’s trending towards a sellout which will be around 55,000 and I’m sure that we’ll be up around past 40,000 by next week and on our way to a com-
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Duterte: PH’s future is with ASEAN, Asia President lauds China for increasing investments in PH
by FRINSTON LIM Inquirer.net
DAVAO CITY — President Duterte on Tuesday, May 16 emphasized the importance of forging economic ties with the country’s regional neighbors and highlighted his belief that “indeed the future of the Philippines is in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and in Asia.” Upon his return from a six-
day trip to two economic gatherings in the region, Duterte also underscored the growing importance of China as a source of huge investments for the Philippines even as the government embarks on an ambitious infrastructure development program. The “growing economies of Southeast Asia stands at the center of the Asia-Pacific…Responsible economic
partners are our new allies in nation-building and regional integration,” he said. Duterte said working with fellow member-states of the regional bloc could help “narrow the development gap.” “I spoke of opportunities of mutually beneficial partnership especially in the Philippines’ infrastructure development goal. With ‘Build, build and build,’ I invited the stakehold-
ers to take part in what is the largest effort to date to modernize and integrate the Philippines’ infrastructure,” the President said. In Phnom Penh, Duterte attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) before flying to Beijing for the two-day Belt and Road Initiative. He said his message in Phnom Penh “resonated, particularly our commitment to
by AJPRESS
Fil-Am teen killed in car crash after prom Mother sustains non-life threatening injuries
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Ombudsman to block moves to make Napoles state witness
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A FILIPINO-American teenage girl was killed in a car crash in the Bay Area on Sunday morning, May 14, as she and her mother were on their way home from senior prom. At around 2:30 a.m., 18year-old Shane Alexis Marcelino of Fremont, California was riding in the Filipino-American Shane Alexis Marcelino, p a s s e n g e r ’ s 18, of Fremont, California was killed in a car seat of black crash on Sunday morning, May 14, on her Toyota Yaris way home from senior prom. Photo from Marcelino’s GoFundMe driven by her page created by Noah Dela Rosa mother, Maria. Just a few blocks from the Marcelinos’ home, the Yaris attempted to make a left-hand turn, when it collided with a blue Chevy Malibu traveling in the opposite direction, according to various reports.
provide the enabling environment of business to thrive, with criminality addressed, corruption curbed and contractual obligations complied (with).” The President also met with China’s leaders, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, during the two-day event in Beijing, with leaders from both countries renewing their resolve to “strengthen
BEIJING’S BELT AND ROAD. More than two dozen world leaders pose for a ‘family photo’ with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the ‘Belt and Road’ forum in Beijing that ended Monday, May 15. (In the front row, from left) Vietnam’s President Tran Dai Quang, Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Xi, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Kyrgyzstan’s President Almazbek Sharshenovich Atambayev (top row, from left) Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
THE Office of the Ombudsman will block any moves to turn Janet Lim Napoles into a state witness in the planned reinvestigation of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), according to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. “As far as the prosecution is concerned, [Napoles] is one of the principal alleged malefactors. Certainly the OSP (Office of the Special Prosecutor) will block any attempt to make her state witness,” Morales told reporters on Tuesday, May 16. Last week, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II revealed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will conduct a new investigation into the PDAF, also referred to as the pork barrel scam. Napoles, the supposed mastermind of the operation, is being considered as a state witness. While the DOJ has discretion to conduct a new probe into the PDAF case, Morales maintained that it is her office, not the DOJ, which has the final say on whether or not to
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CA approves Cayetano appointment as new Dept. of Foreign Affairs chief by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE Commission on Appointments (CA) has approved the nomination of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as the new chief of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Cayetano’s appointment met no opposition from the members of the CA committee on foreign affairs led by Senator Panfilo Lacson. His nomination was approved
in less than five minutes before he could even deliver his opening statement on Wednesday morning, May 17 — which, according to Lacson, is likely the “shortest confirmation hearing of a Cabinet Secretary.” The CA committee referred Cayetano’s confirmation to the plenary in the afternoon. It also approved the motion to confirm his nomination without objection. Cayetano’s approval came a week after President Rodrigo
Duterte announced his nomination on May 10, after the one-year appointment ban on losing candidates in the May 2016 elections ended. Thanking the CA for the “swift and painless” confirmation, Cayetano reiterated that he will do his best as the new DFA chief. “I will make a commitment to you today that I will do my best Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (right) is congratulated by Acting Foreign na hindi po kayo mapahiya (to not Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo after a Commission on Appointments embarrass you),” Cayetano said, panel approved his nomination as DFA secretary on Wednesday, May 17.
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Inquirer.net photo by Maila Ager
Marcos asks Supreme Court to designate hearing House kills Duterte impeachment rap officers for poll protest, hasten proceedings by
DELON PORCALLA Philstar.com
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
FORMER Senator and defeated vice presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged anew the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), to speed up the proceedings in his election protest against Vice President Leni Robredo. In a seven-page urgent motion dated May 12, Marcos asked the Former Senator and defeated vice presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos
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MANILA - Deemed lacking in substance, the impeachment complaint against President Duterte met an early end at the House committee on justice on Monday, May 15. All 42 of the 50 committee members present at the hearing voted to declare the complaint lacking in substance, effectively consigning it to the trash bin. Forty-one voted that it was sufficient in form. “We will convene again so
that the committee will make its report and submit this to the plenary,” committee chairman Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali said after banging the gavel to signal the adjournment of the nearly five-hour hearing on the matter. House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas made it clear to complainant-endorser Rep. Gary Alejano of party-list Magdalo that it was only “for the sake of liberality” that the committee had acknowledged the complaint as having complied with requisites,
as per their agreement in an executive session. Alejano’s complaint was based on allegations Duterte had amassed ill-gotten wealth and ordered the killing of thousands in the course of his war on drugs. In a supplemental complaint, Alejano also accused Duterte of failing to defend the country’s sovereign rights and territorial claims when he reportedly allowed Chinese presence in Benham Rise in the Philippine Sea. Fariñas said lawmakers can-
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From The FronT Page
Duterte: PH’s future is with... PAGE A1 friendship and mutually beneficial partnership.� China’s initiative to extend economic cooperation aims to revive and expand the ancient Silk Road from Central Asia down to the Asean, and countries in Africa and Europe. “With One Belt and One Road, we had the opportunities to synergize our efforts to bring progress and prosperity and the peace and stability that our people and our region deserve,� Duterte said, adding Beijing had the money it wanted to share. “China is very liberal and generous,� Duterte added. Started by Xi in 2013, China’s ambitious infrastructure aid to developing countries carries an $890-billion price tag. Duterte said Beijing has pledged “hundreds of millions of pesos�
President Duterte and China President Xi Jinping meet in Beijing.
worth of infrastructure projects that included two bridges over Pasig River, and a major railway. While portions of the infrastructure package could be financed by private debt institutions, Duterte said part of the pledge would come in grants or for free. The President expressed hope
MalacaĂąang photo
the projects could start within the year. Duterte also announced that Beijing has opened its doors to Filipino professionals, such as engineers and English teachers, to work there. “They need many teachers,� he said.
Ombudsman to block moves to make... PAGE A1 recommend Napoles as a state witness. “It is the OSP which will consider whether or not [Napoles] will be a state witness and it’s going to be the court who will finally approve whether or not she is going to be state witness,� Morales clarified. “We don’t find her (Napoles) to be a candidate for being state witness,� she added. Last week, Napoles’s lawyer, Stephen David, said he has met with Aguirre to discuss the possibility of turning her into a state witness. David said they requested the DOJ to give Napoles “proper security� if the proposition passes, adding that she is ready to name “higher� officials involved in the multi-billion peso scam. Sought for comments on the reported “exploratory talks� between the DOJ and Napoles’s camp, Morales responded: “I’m not bothered at all. We are confident of our position.� In 2014, Morales indicted Napoles of plunder, malversation, graft and direct bribery charges in connection with the scam. Her office denied Napoles’s request to become a state witness, saying that the latter is the
HOLY GRAIL OF PHILIPPINE MAPS. Senator Nancy Binay observes the 1734 Murillo Verlarde Map, regarded by historians as the first scientific map of the Philippines as it shows the inclusion of the Spratly islands and the Scarborough Shoal to the country’s territory. It serves as the historical basis for the Philippines claim over the islands in the South China Sea. In 2014, the map was auctioned at Sotheby’s and was acquired by Filipino entrepreneur Mel Velasco Velarde. Mr. Velarde has already donated the map to the Filipino people and will be displayed at the National Museum. It will be officially turned over to President Rodrigo R. Duterte on the celebration of Independence Day 2017.
CA approves Cayetano appointment as... PAGE A1 who is now deemed resigned as Janet Lim-Napoles Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales a senator. Even as the chief diplomat, filed in court or reinvestigate cases “most guilty.â€? Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., already investigated by us. It’s up Cayetano, who was also Duterte’s Jinggoy Estrada, and Juan Ponce to them if they wish to reinvesti- vice-presidential running mate in the previous elections, maintained Enrile were also charged alongside gate,â€? Morales said. She went on to say, “But as I that he would defend the chief Napoles in connection with the anomaly. Enrile is currently out on said, we are not bound by any executive from critics. Cayetano, however, noted that bail, while the other two remain findings over cases over which the Ombudsman has the final authority he would take into consideration incarcerated. “We are not bothered, we’re to determine whether or not there his new position by using “more diplomatic languageâ€? when speaknot concerned at all by whatever is probable cause.â€? Also on Tuesday, Napoles ing, especially before the internathey say about whether or not there is a pending agreement or was transferred to the Bureau of tional community. “I will continue to speak for what is modus vivendi between Jail Management and Penology Napoles and the DOJ,â€? Morales (BMJP) at Camp Bagong Diwa in the President, I will continue to Taguig City after the Court of Ap- speak pag inutusan ng (if ordered told reporters. The Ombudsman also main- peals acquitted her serious illegal tained that her office is not bound detention case filed by whistleblower Benhur Luy. by the DOJ’s findings. She was previously detained “I don’t know what the DOJ wants to reinvestigate, whether at the Correctional Institute for PAGE A1 not just entertain impeachment they want to reinvestigate cases Women in Mandaluyong. complaints, especially if complainants do not have “personal knowledgeâ€? or authentic documentation of the impeachable acts being alleged against officials. “I am warning you that you may be subjected to an ethics case here because you are stating under oath but as it turned out, your verification is not true at all,â€? FariĂąas told Alejano. The Ilocos Norte congressman cautioned Alejano he could be haled to court for perjury. “Clearly, it is not of his (Alejano’s) personal knowledge, that’s the defect here,â€? FariĂąas pointed Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn out. court advantage, Pacquiao won’t be Pacquiao. And remember there “If we follow you and take the without his loyal following there. [are] 250,000 Filipinos who live complaint to the Senate, we will “I just think it’s the perfect storm in Australia,â€? said Arum. (Dino appear stupid because all we as far as the opponent for Manny Maragay/Philstar.cmom) have is evidence based on hear-
by the) President, I will continue to speak kung sa tingin ko necessary (if I think it is necessary) but not in the political manner that was available to me when I was in the Senate,� he told reporters in a chance interview. Cayetano replaces Undersecretary Enrique Manalo, who was assigned as the acting foreign secretary after the CA rejected the ad interim appointment of Perfecto Yasay Jr. over citizenship issues. Revealing his plan as the new Foreign Affairs secretary, Cayetano earlier said the department would prioritize the welfare, protection and comfort of overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs). He assured that all the DFA officials would “not have their own agenda or their own foreign policy,� adding that they would “all work hard together to implement the foreign policy of the Philippines.� He also promised to “keep building bridges� with other countries while maintaining good relationships with allies. Likewise, Cayetano vowed to refrain from using “microphone diplomacy� and instead leave the public communications to the spokesperson.
House kills Duterte impeachment...
Arum sees Pacquiaovs Horn fight as a... PAGE A1 plete sellout,� the veteran promoter added. Pacquiao has done his part promoting the bout by flying to Australia late last month, where he was welcomed with open arms. Arum stressed that the Filipino icon’s strong appeal in the country is unquestionable. “Horn has resonated with the public in Australia. I think Pacquiao is an icon. The reception that they gave Pacquiao was unbelievable and Pacquiao appeals to the Australians because of his humble nature and they fell in love with him,� he explained. And while Horn will enjoy home
LEGAL NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING CITY OF HENDERSON 2017 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that registered voters may vote early in the City of Henderson Municipal General Election scheduled for June 13, 2017, on the following dates and times listed below:
EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS Open May 27-June 9 with various hours: GALLERIA AT SUNSET Lower Level, Kohl’s Court 1300 W. Sunset Road Monday*-Saturday: 10:00 a.m-7:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. *Memorial Day: 10:00 a.m-6:00 p.m. HENDERSON CITY HALL 2I¿FH RI WKH &LW\ &OHUN 240 S. Water Street, 1st Floor Monday*-Thursday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Friday-Sunday: CLOSED *CLOSED Memorial Day OPEN DAILY 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at various locations Saturday, May 27 Albertsons, 190 N. Boulder Highway Sunday, May 28 9RQV ( +RUL]RQ 5LGJH 3DUNZD\ Monday, May 29 6XQ &LW\ 0DF'RQDOG 5DQFK : +RUL]RQ 5LGJH 3DUNZD\ Tuesday, May 30 Albertsons, 201 S. Stephanie Street Wednesday, May 31 6LOYHU 6SULQJV 5HFUHDWLRQ &HQWHU 6LOYHU 6SULQJV 3DUNZD\ Thursday, June 1 & Friday, June 2 Solera at Anthem Community Center, 2401 Somersworth Drive Saturday, June 3 9RQV ( :LQGPLOO 3DUNZD\ Sunday, June 4 Albertsons, 575 College Drive Monday, June 5 3DVHR 9HUGH /LEUDU\ 6 *UHHQ 9DOOH\ 3DUNZD\ Tuesday, June 6 *UHHQ 9DOOH\ /LEUDU\ 1 *UHHQ 9DOOH\ 3DUNZD\ Wednesday, June 7 & Thursday, June 8 Sun City Anthem Center, 2450 Hampton Road Friday, June 9 +HULWDJH 3DUN 6HQLRU )DFLOLW\ 6 5DFHWUDFN 5RDG For additional information or questions, please visit www.VoteHendersonNV.com RU FRQWDFW WKH 2I¿FH RI +HQGHUVRQ &LW\ &OHUN DW RU WKH &ODUN &RXQW\ Election Department at 702-455-VOTE (8683). Dated this 8th day of May, 2017 _______________________________________________ SABRINA MERCADANTE, MMC, CITY CLERK sabrina.mercadante@cityofhenderson.com 702-267-1414
House Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo FariĂąas stresses a point during the meeting of the House justice committee that junked the impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte. Beside him is the committee chairman, Rep. Reynaldo Umali of Oriental Mindoro. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
say,â€? he said in Filipino. “He didn’t have any personal knowledge, and if you look at the documents, these have not been duly authenticated. These were in effect all hearsay,â€? Umali said. Alejano and his colleague in the so-called Magnificent 7, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, were allowed to speak and manifest their objections to the junking of the complaint even if they were not committee members. Lagman accused FariĂąas of consistently blocking his request to be a committee member. House Deputy Majority Leader Juan Pablo Bondoc, chairman of the rules rewriting committee, told his colleagues in the super majority coalition “we are all within our rights to dismiss this impeachment complaint and submit this to the plenary for (final) approval.â€? House Deputy Speakers Fredenil Castro and Gwendolyn Garcia agreed, with the former saying Alejano’s fatal mistake was his “categorical, clear admissionâ€? of having no personal knowledge of his accusations against the President. Garcia said the impeachment exercise “holds us back from our
main job of legislation.� Foolhardy Other administration lawmakers expressed belief it would be foolhardy to attempt to expel a sitting Chief Executive who enjoys overwhelming public support. “It is an exercise in futility, given his overwhelming support not only in the Congress but from the Filipino people as well. My peers are politically astute enough to realize that no impeachment complaint will gain traction among the people,� Rep. LRay Villafuerte said. “We need this impeachment like a hole in the head. I believe that we could better spend our time crafting reform laws that would help President Duterte achieve his government’s ambitious goal of sustaining the growth momentum,� the Camarines Sur lawmaker added. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, said an impeachment complaint will “not prosper in a forum where accepted legal procedures are observed, respected.� PAGE A3
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DATELINE USA
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 18-24, 2017
Outside Washington, a more powerful immigrant rights movement emerges SAN FRANCISCO – Immigrant rights advocates say that despite the cloud of fear hanging over communities in the first 100 days of the Trump administration, there is also a growing and increasingly organized resistance. “We are seeing an increase in the number of people apprehended for removal,” Melissa Chua, immigration director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), told reporters on a national press call organized by New America Media and Ready California. “It’s not just growing infrastructure [for future deportations]…we’re seeing it in reality.” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made 21,362 arrests from January 20 to March 13 of this year, a third more than during the same period in 2016, according to numbers requested by The Washington Post. The figures include 5,441 non-citizens with no criminal record, double the number during the same time last year. The statistics reflect a shift in priorities from the Obama administration, which sought to prioritize certain criminals and recent arrivals for deportation. Under Trump, the deportation priorities have expanded so much that they can be used to target almost any undocumented immigrant. Immigrant and refugee rights advocates say the effect on immigrant communities is palpable. Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), described it as “one of the
most horrendous periods in American history for immigrant families.” “What we’re seeing,” explained Salas, “is just a harsher way by which DHS [the Department of Homeland Security] is dealing with all matters of immigration, especially when it comes to stays of removal or requests for relief.” Over 38 percent of the individuals detained in the Feb. 9 ICE raids in Southern California, for example, had only minor infractions, many of them from years ago, according to Salas. “The other thing that we’re seeing,” she said, “is that they’re being harsher when it comes to individuals who had … stays of removal. “ICE enforcement is going back and making decisions about those cases,” Salas explained. “Instead of continuing their stays of removal, they’re challenging their stays of removal, their administrative closure.” Since taking office, Trump has signed executive orders that call for “sweeping changes on immigration,” said Chua of IRC, adding, however, that “many of these proposed changes face some real, significant hurdles.” Some, like the construction of a border wall, can’t be implemented without funding. Others have been blocked by the courts, including the administration’s attempt to withhold federal funds from so-called sanctuary cities; and both versions of Trump’s “travel ban,” which aimed to curtail travel from certain predomi-
nantly Muslim countries and lower the number of refugees allowed admission into the United States. “While many of the changes proposed by the administration may threaten refugees, immigrants and their families,” said Chua, “there still exist some real barriers to implementation, offering some real avenues of hope for immigrant communities.” Advocates say many of these signs of hope lie outside of Washington. “The immigrant rights movement is getting more organized, more powerful,” said Salas, pointing to local and state efforts that seek to protect the rights of immigrants across the country. “What is incredible is the many cities and schools defending immigrants,” she said. On May 1, she noted, about 30,000 people marched in the streets of Los Angeles to defend the rights of immigrants. “California is moving forward a different vision, a different agenda,” said Salas. The state legislature has proposed various bills that seek to defend immigrants’ rights, from Senate Bill 54 (the California Values Act), introduced by Senate President pro Tem Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), which would prevent state and local resources from being used to cooperate with deportations, to Senate Bill 6, by Sen. Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, which would provide funding for legal services for immigrants facing deportation.
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SHE FOR SHE. Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros speaks during the She for She: A Women’s Forum, which was held at the Century City Mall Tuesday, May 16. The forum, which was hosted by the French Embassy, highlights the different efforts and initiatives of women supporting other women in various fields to symbolize women’s solidarity. Senate photo by Joseph Vidal
House kills Duterte impeachment... PAGE A2
“Let’s not be distracted by this divisive political exercise. Instead, let us allow our President to move on with the business of government to serve and protect the people,” the Mindanao lawmaker stressed. Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles, chairman of the committee on appropriations, said the impeachment complaint is more than just an issue on sufficiency in form and substance. “I’m just happy that this is over and the House can finally attend to other more important issues. There is no wisdom in this impeachment complaint which was obviously a haphazard effort to malign and discredit the President,” he said. Nograles’ brother and fellow lawmaker Jericho Jonas of partylist Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta also welcomed the decision of Umali’s panel. “Why would we allow the impeachment of the President when we are fully supportive of his programs, especially so that some of the issues raised in the impeachment complaint were based on hearsay?” he said. Reacting to the House committee on justice’s decision, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said the upper chamber has “no other choice but to respect it because in the first place, they were the ones who examined thoroughly and in detail the impeachment complaint.” “The senators sit as judges, hence we should really be passive,” Pimentel pointed out. Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a
colleague of Alejano in the Magdalo group, said while the rejection was totally expected, it was still a source of dismay. “We were expecting that Congress will be an instrument to find out the truth,” Trillanes said. “Now that there’s a cover-up, we’ll go through other modes of how to expose these truths… but we can’t control the outcome,” he said without elaborating. He, however, stressed the other modes he was referring to were not extra-constitutional. Not surprising For the President’s chief legal counsel, the junking of the impeachment complaint was expected. “The impeachment complaint will not reach first base because the allegations are based on hearsay. Others are outright false,” Salvador Panelo said in a statement. He said Alejano was just after free publicity. “The complaint is intended to besmirch the reputation of (President Duterte) and to get the three minutes of fame of the complainant,” he said. Asked to react to Alejano’s plan to take his complaint against Duterte to the International Criminal Court, Panelo said: “Tell him to plant trees in his province to protect our environment instead of creating a forest of lies against the President.” Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the junked impeachment complaint “was from rehashed, trumped up charges aimed at undermining the duly constituted government.”
“The President respects a coequal branch of government and does not interfere in the political exercise. Neither is he beholden to any group and he remains focused on governance,” Abella said. He said improving the welfare of the Filipino people would continue to be the President’s “paramount consideration.” Even Vice President Leni Robredo expressed belief an impeachment complaint against President Duterte would not prosper. “I think it will not prosper in the sense that impeachment is a political process, and our President is very popular,” Robredo said in an interview in Mintal, Davao City. The Vice President made the statement a few hours before the House justice committee voted to declare the impeachment rap as having no substance. “If we base on the statements of the members of the House, it appears that it will only get a little support,” she said. The Vice President, however, cited the importance of the House deliberating on the sufficiency in form of the impeachment complaint as part of democratic process. Robredo is also facing threats of impeachment for allegedly betraying the public trust when she revealed alleged police abuses in the government’s war on drugs in a video message sent to the United Nations. (With reports from Alexis Romero, Paolo Romero, Helen Flores, Edith Regalado, Edu Punay)
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Filipina who helped Snowden faces deportation in Hong Kong THe Department of Foreign Affairs has reached out to a Filipina who sheltered former National Security Agency contractor edward Snowden in 2013 and is now facing deportation in Hong Kong. Foreign Affairs Spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said all concerned offices of the department were mobilized to reach out to Vanessa Mae Rodel, 46, whose life remains in limbo following her unexpected meeting with
Snowden. In 2010, Rodel sought asylum in Hong Kong allegedly because she was a victim of rape and abduction. Rodel and other Sri Lankan refugees who fed and gave shelter to Snowden are now seeking asylum in Canada. They are being represented by Robert Tibbo, who also provided legal advice to Snowden when he was hiding in Hong Kong.
Snowden, 33, is wanted by American authorities for leaking classified information on global surveillance programs. Snowden is in an undisclosed safe house in Moscow. Rodel and the other refugees are facing deportation after the city’s authorities rejected their bid for protection. “The decisions are completely unreasonable,” Tibbo told reporters, saying the procedures had been “manifestly unfair” towards his clients. Tibbo said their cases had been rejected because their home countries were deemed safe. The refugees have said previously they were specifically asked about their links to Snowden by Hong Kong authorities. “We now have less than two weeks to submit appeals before the families are deported,” said Tibbo alongside the refugees, who were visibly distressed. He said there was a risk his clients could be detained and their children placed in government custody. After leaving his initial Hong Kong hotel for fear of being discovered, Snowden went underground, fed and looked after by the refugees for around two weeks. Their stories only emerged late last year. The group includes a Sri Lankan couple with two young children and Rodel and her five-year-old daughter. Hong Kong is not a signatory to the UN’s refugee convention and does not grant asylum. However, it is bound by the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) and considers claims for protection based on those grounds. Hong Kong’s 11,000 marginalized refugees spend years in limbo, hoping the government will eventually support their claims. Lawyers for the Snowden refugees separately lodged an asylum petition with the Canadian government in March and called for that process to be expedited Monday. Human Rights Watch also urged the Canadian government to “intervene swiftly and protect them” following the rejection of their petitions in Hong Kong. (With reports from Jaime R. Pilapil/ManilaTimes.net, AFP)
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DISASTER RESPONDERS. A V-22 Osprey helicopter carrying American troops land on a port in Casiguran, Aurora province, prior to a simulated typhoon relief operations with their Filipino counterparts under the annual Balikatan exercises, dubbed Civil MIlitary Activities from the Sea on Monday, May 15. Inquirer.net photo by Nino Jesus Orbeta
Mongolia, Turkey want to join ASEAN PReSIDeNT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, May 16 said Turkey and Mongolia had expressed interest in joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASeAN), which the Philippines is leading this year. In a news conference upon his arrival in Davao City from Beijing, Duterte said he spoke with Turkish President Tayyip erdogan and Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulgyn erdenebat. “By the way, I had a talk with the President erdogan and the Prime Minister erdenebat [of] Mongolia. Gusto nila na mag-sali sa ASeAN [They want to join ASeAN],” Duterte told reporters. “Since I am now the chair, ang
Pilipinas ngayon [it’s the Philippines as chairman now], they wanted me to sponsor their entry and I said, ‘Yes, why not?’” he added. Apparently, however, the plan was politely questioned by Aung San Suu Kyi, state counsellor of Myanmar, who was also in China for the Beijing-led “Belt and Road” forum. “[The woman], Aung San Suu Kyi, [she said], ‘Have you considered the physical – the geography whether they are part of the Asean or not?’ They are. I would say that they are,” Duterte said. “Turkey, it seems to be ambivalent [on]whether to be a bridge to europe and Asia or [be]an Asian
[country]. [They are not clear on that]. There has always been an ambivalent view,” he added. To date, there are 10 Asean member-states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. But non-Asean parties can join the meetings of the 10-member regional bloc as dialogue partners, sectoral dialogue partners, development partners, special observers, or guests. Asean has dialogue partnerships with 10 parties: Australia, Canada, China, the european Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States. (ManilaTimes.net)
Fil-Am teen killed in car crash... PAGE A1 Marcelino was pronounced dead at the scene, while Maria, 39, was rushed to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver and passenger of the Malibu, who are in their 20s, also suffered minor injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals. The Fil-Am teen was an honor student at James Logan High School and would have graduated in June. She played the flute in the school band and was involved with the youth ministry program at her church, CBS said. According to the school’s newspaper, she was “beloved by her classmates and was always a source of happiness and support for the people around her.” “She was a wonderful young lady,” John Mattos, a spokesman for the New Haven Unified School District, told NBC Bay Area. “She was in band and got great grades taking AP and college prep classes, and students
Marcelino’s mother, Maria, who was driving the vehicle, suffered injuries but is expected to survive. Photo shows Maria and Shane during a senior night celebration for the marching band, wherein the latter played the flute. Photo from Marcelino’s GoFundMe page created by Noah Dela Rosa
really liked her.” No arrests have been made, local police said. Investigators are looking into whether alcohol or speeding played a role in the fatal collision. “It looks like they were traveling at a pretty good rate of speed,” Fremont Fire Department Battalion Chief Richard Dickinson said,
adding that “it was heavy impact. Major damage.” A GoFundMe page has been made to raise funds for Marcelino’s funeral costs, as well as her mother’s medical bills: https:// www.gofundme.com/dk4vmfuneral-expenses-and-medical-bills. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)
Marcos asks Supreme Court to designate hearing... PAGE A1 SC to designate at least three hearing commissioners who will assist the Tribunal during the upcoming preliminary conference. According to Marcos, the designating of three commissioners will help in attaining “an orderly, simplified and expeditious disposition of this electoral contest, considering that there are three causes of action raised in this election protest.” Among the causes of actions Marcos raised in his protest include the alleged flawed automated election system (AeS), and the failure of elections in several provinces in Mindanao. He also raised the unauthorized introduction by Smartmatic’s Marlon Garcia of a new hash code into the Transparency Server on the day of the elections. Insisting that PeT should take Marcos’ allegations, his camp underscored that the protest is “not only for the benefit of the winner, but for the sake of public interest.” “In a long line of decided cases,
this honorable tribunal has consistently ruled that an election case, unlike an ordinary action, is imbued with public interest,” Marcos said. Marcos argued that his protest “involves not only the adjudication of the private interests of rival candidates, but also the paramount need of dispelling the uncertainty which beclouds the real choice of the electorate.” “Public interest demands that this electoral controversy be resolved with dispatch to determine once and for all the genuine choice of the electorate for the contested position,” he added. In the May 2016 vice presidential election, Robredo won the position with only around 263,000 votes more than Marcos. Marcos stressed that it is “neither fair nor just to keep in office for an uncertain period one whose right to it is under suspicion.” He also accused Robredo of intentionally delaying the election protest. Robredo’s camp, for its part,
claimed that Marcos’ recent motion is “premature and impractical.” “This is very premature. We have not yet even held our preliminary conference where the issues to be resolved by the Presidential electoral Tribunal (PeT) will be defined,” Robredo’s election lawyer, Romulo Macalintal, said in a statement on Wednesday, May 17. “And now, Marcos is again preempting the action of the PeT on this matter,” he added. The preliminary conference is slated on June 21, 2017. Last month, Marcos paid the initial P36 million of the P66.2 million required for the proceedings of his election protest. He questioned 39,221 clustered precincts which are composed of total 132,446 established precincts. Robredo, meanwhile, has paid P8 million as first installment of the total P15.5-million fee for her counterprotest. She contested 8,042 clustered precincts equivalent to 31,278 established precincts.
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PAGE A3 By contrast, Texas’ state legislature is moving further to the right on immigration. Texas Republicans just passed Senate Bill 4, a new law signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, which threatens law enforcement with jail time if they don’t cooperate with federal immigration authorities. “In the mid-90s, California looked a lot like Texas does today,” said Salas, when California voters passed Prop 187. That ballot measure helped get its supporter, Republican Gov. Pete Wilson, elected. But it led to an even bigger backlash against the GOP in the state, and is largely credited with the mobilization of Latino voters who have changed the face of California politics. “Our community [in California] became engaged,” Salas said. Texas, which has the nation’s second-largest Latino population
after California, could see a similar backlash. “What we’re seeing in Texas is the same kind of mobilization,” she said. Meanwhile, immigrant rights advocates are helping their communities stay informed. “There are many families that are afraid,” said Adriana Guzman, immigrant outreach coordinator with Faith in Action Bay Area. “Our message to them is that there are steps they can take right now.” Guzman said she is encouraging individuals to talk to a trusted legal services provider to see if they qualify for immigration relief, to make a family preparedness plan, including who will take care of children if something happens to their parents, and to carry the number of a trusted immigration attorney they can call in case of an emergency. Most importantly, Guzman
said, individuals should know that they have certain rights under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of their immigration status. These include the right to remain silent, the right to not open the door to agents without a warrant signed by a judge, the right to speak to a lawyer and make a phone call, and to not sign anything they don’t understand or that isn’t true. “Thousands of community outreach workers are spanning their communities, delivering Know Your Rights presentations,” said Salas of CHIRLA. From helping eligible immigrants become citizens and register to vote, to protesting in the streets and supporting legal challenges in the courts, she said, immigrant rights advocates have been able to “make a statement in these very difficult days.” (Elena Shore/ New America Media)
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D ateline PhiliPPines Alvarez: Alejano case belongs
A
in mental hopsital, not ICC by Audrey
MorAllo Philstar.com
MANILA — House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said on Tuesday, May 16 that the International Criminal Court would be an extension of an asylum if it would give credence to a complaint a representative critical of the administration plans to file there. Alvarez, who is no stranger to controversy because of his statements and his reported extramarital affair, told reporters at the House of Representatives that, since the Justice committee found the impeachment complaint filed by Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano against President Rodrigo Duterte “baseless,� the ICC should just ignore the case the opposition congressman plans to file at the Hague. The speaker said that the ICC would look like an “extension of a mental hospital� if it would give accept Alejano’s charge against the president. “Hindi kasi, para sa akin baseless eh. Baseless, so I don’t know if ICC is extension na ng mental hospital. Puwede nilang dinggin iyon,� Alvarez said. Alvarez also maintained that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over a communication that lawyer Jude Sabio filed at the ICC against him, Duterte and 10 other senior government officials. Alvarez mockingly said the information from
Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez
Sabio should have been filed in a mental institution. “No, because in the first place walang jurisdiction ang ICC doon. Dapat sa mental hospital finile iyon, merong jurisdiction ang mental hospital dun,� Alvarez said when asked if the House leader is worried about the case. Incidentally, the House of Representatives has yet to pass a proposed Mental Health bill that will make access to mental health services available at government health centers. A counterpart bill that has already been approved by the Senate upholds the “freedom from social, economic, and political discrimination and stigmatization� of those in need of mental health care. ‘Junking of Alejano complaint not proof of inability to probe president’ Alvarez also declared that the
junking of the Alejano impeachment complaint was not evidence that local institutions were unable or unwilling to investigate the rising cases of deaths connected to the government’s drug war. The speaker said that the House had rules to follow, adding that filing the complaint did not automatically mean that Alejano was correct and could just go to the ICC. “Alam niyo, ah... hindi naman ibig sabihin na kapag finile niya e tama siya, di ba? E sinasabi nila na unwilling... alam mo meron tayong rules to follow. Ngayon kung hindi naman siya nagko-comply dun hindi ibig sabihin na siya yung nag file e tama na siya. E di kailangan i-observe din niya yung ano... proseso no? Sang-ayon sa ating rules at sang-ayon sa ating batas. Hindi ibig sabihin na pagka hindi sila... ah‌ yung kanilang reklamo e hindi na-adress ay pwede na sila pumunta dun sa ICC,â€? he said. Alvarez added: “Pagkatapos dun pag hindi pa din sila dininig e baka sa langit na yung kanilang appeal sa susunod, dun na sila magreklamo.â€? On Monday, May 15, the House Justice committee trashed the complaint filed by Alejano. Although they found it sufficient in form, the 42 present members of the committee deemed it insufficient in substance primarily because Alejano did not have personal knowledge of the allegations in his charge.
Duterte names Ed Angara special envoy to EU by Alexis
roMero Philstar.com
MANILA — Former Sen. Edgardo Angara has been named special envoy of the president to the European Union, appointment papers released by Malacaùang showed. Angara was appointed last May 3 and will handle the post until Sept. 30. His appointment came as Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is criticizing the EU for supposedly meddling in his war on illegal drugs. Angara is the second former lawmaker to be appointed special envoy. Early this month, Duterte
designated former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. as special envoy to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. MalacaĂąang had erroneously announced that de Venecia would serve as special envoy for intercultural dialogue. Angara and de Venecia were among the 46 new Duterte appointees. Also appointed were Brian Patrick Gordon, who has been named board member of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. He is the son of Sen. Richard Gordon, a former chairman of SBMA. Ranjit Shahani, son of the late
Sen. Leticia Shahani and a former lawmaker, has been named board member of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office. Former Davao City police chief Vicente Danao Jr. has been appointed commander of the National Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force. Danao became controversial in 2014 after a video showing him beating his wife circulated online. The police official claimed that he was just a victim of a set-up. Duterte, then the mayor of Davao City, defended Danao, saying the video had nothing to do with his work as police officer.
Karagdagang impormasyon sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Clark County Election Department sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote.
PAHIYAS FESTIVAL. An assortment of multicolored “abaniko� (native hand-held fan), “kiping� (rice wafers) and palay stalks adorn one of the houses in Lucban, Quezon province, during the Pahiyas Festival, an annual thanksgiving for the town’s bountiful harvest. Inquirer.net photo by Delfin T. Mallari Jr.
PH enters ‘new chapter’ in handling sea row with China by PAtriciA lourdes
VirAy
sible approaches to manage the cy but through frank and friendly dispute and increase cooperation dialogue,� Sta. Romana said. MANILA — The forthcom- on maritime issues. The ambassador refused to ing revived talks between the “The essence of bilateral talks is reveal the talking points of the Philippines and China can be that you’re able to raise issues of Philippines in the upcoming considered as a “new chapter� concerns to you to the other side meeting. in handling the South China Sea not through megaphone diplomaPAGE A7 dispute, Ambassador Chito Sta. Romana said. Romana will lead the Philippine delegation for the inaugural bilateral consultation meeting on the sea dispute on Friday, May 19 in Guiyang, China. At a televised press conference on Wednesday, Sta. Romana said that the basic approach in settling the dispute is to create a vision BOULDER CITY that would lead to the final settle2017 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION ment of the sea row. “We will focus on issues of conEARLY VOTING SCHEDULE cern to each side and as well as try May 31 (Wednesday) through June 3 (Saturday) to use this mechanism to increase mutual trust and confidence and VOTING IS EASY! Boulder City voters may vote early at City Hall to find possible areas of cooperation,� Sta. Romana said. CITY OF BOULDER CITY Both parties have agreed to CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS meet at least twice a year to man401 California Avenue, Boulder City, Nevada age the dispute and to discuss in a frank and friendly way the Wednesday & Thursday May 31 & June 1, 2017 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. developments in the South China Friday & Saturday June 2 & 3, 2017 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sea, the ambassador said. Sta. Romana noted that the inaugural meeting would be Publish LVRJ May 19 and 26, 2017 spent to review the situation, Publish Boulder City Review May 18 and 25, 2017 Publish Asian Journal May 18 and 25, 2017 exchange views, discuss posPhilstar.com
Karagdagang impormasyon sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng North Las Vegas www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/departments/city_clerk/elections.php
NOTICE TO ELECTORS OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 IN BOULDER CITY, HENDERSON, LAS VEGAS, AND NORTH LAS VEGAS
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REGISTRATION CLOSES TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that voter registration for the Municipal General Elections to be held on June 13, 2017, will close on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 9:00 p.m., except Boulder City at 7:00 p.m. $Q\ TXDOLÂżHG HOHFWRU ZKRVH QDPH GRHV QRW DSSHDU RQ WKH RIÂżFLDO UHJLVWU\ OLVW PD\ DSSO\ WR UHJLVWHU E\ DSSHDULQJ at the Clark County Election Department, 500 South Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas; Clark County Election &HQWHU 7UDGH 'ULYH 6XLWH $ 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV WKH DSSURSULDWH &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH DQ\ EUDQFK RI WKH Department of Motor Vehicles; or by appearing before a Field Registrar in the manner provided by law. The Clark County Election Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Voter registration applications will be accepted by mail or in person up until 31 days before the election. 7KHUHDIWHU XQWLO GD\V EHIRUH WKH HOHFWLRQ YRWHU UHJLVWUDWLRQ DSSOLFDWLRQV PXVW EH ÂżOHG LQ SHUVRQ DW WKH DSSURSULDWH &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH RQO\ Online Registration $Q\ HOLJLEOH &ODUN &RXQW\ UHVLGHQW ZKR KDV D 1HYDGD GULYHUÂśV OLFHQVH RU DQ LGHQWLÂżFDWLRQ FDUG LVVXHG E\ WKH Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles can now register or update his/her registration information online. To register or update your information online, go to the Clark County Election Department website at www. clarkcountynv.gov/vote, and in the “Online Registration Servicesâ€? box click on the “Click Hereâ€? button. This service is available 24 hours a day. To be eligible to vote in the June 13th General Election, online registration must be completed on or before May 23, 2017. 0DLO LQ YRWHU UHJLVWUDWLRQ DSSOLFDWLRQV DUH DYDLODEOH DW YDULRXV SRVW RIÂżFHV DQG OLEUDULHV WKURXJKRXW &ODUN &RXQW\ 7KH VFKHGXOH IRU WKH ÂżQDO WHQ GD\V RI LQ SHUVRQ UHJLVWUDWLRQ DW HDFK &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH LV DV IROORZV City of Boulder City &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 401 California Avenue Boulder City, Nevada Sunday, May 14 Closed Monday, May 15 - Thursday, May 18 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 19 - Sunday, May 21 Closed Monday, May 22 - Tuesday, May 23 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. City of Henderson &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 240 S. Water Street, Henderson, Nevada Sunday, May 14 Closed Monday, May 15 - Thursday, May 18 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 19 Closed Saturday, May 20 - Sunday, May 21 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 22 - Tuesday, May 23 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. City of Las Vegas &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 495 S. Main Street, 2nd Floor Las Vegas, Nevada Sunday, May 14 Closed Monday, May 15 - Friday, May 19 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20 - Sunday, May 21 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 22 - Tuesday, May 23 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. City of North Las Vegas &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North Suite 800 North Las Vegas, Nevada Sunday, May 14 Monday, May 15 - Thursday, May 18 Friday, May 19 Saturday, May 20 - Sunday, May 21 Monday, May 22 - Tuesday, May 23
Closed 8:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. Closed 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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.
CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS EARLY VOTING SITES OPEN THROUGHOUT THE 2-WEEK PERIOD Date Saturday, May 27
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Friday and Saturday, June 2nd – June 3rd
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Sunday, June 4th
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Silver Mesa Recreation Center 4025 Allen Lane $OOHQ /Q $OH[DQGHU 5G
CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS NEIGHBORHOOD EARLY VOTING SITES Date
Time
Location
Monday – Tuesday, May 29th – May 30th
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun City Aliante Community Center 7390 Aliante Parkway $OLDQWH 3NZ\ (ONKRUQ 5G
Friday – Sunday, June 2nd – June 4th
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Wednesday – Friday, June 7th – June 9th
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Grace Point Church : $QQ 5G $QQ 5G $OOHQ /Q
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
For more information, call the Clark County Election Department at (702) 455-8683 or in Filipino (Tagalog) at (702) 455-7871. DATED: April 27, 2017 Joseph P. Gloria Registrar of Voters
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MAY 18-24, 2017 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
Determined
FEATURES
“SUFFICIENT in form but insufficient in substance,” the House of Representatives’ justice committee declared on Monday, May 15, as it formally dismissed the impeachment complaint filed against Pres. Rodrigo Duterte. A Philippine president is immune from lawsuits while in office, but he can be removed from office through impeachment. According to the Supreme Court, “form” refers to an impeachment complaint’s technical details following established methods, while “substance” refers to material allegations, of whether or not there is a cause for impeachment. A substance is sufficient if there is a detailed statement of facts constituting the offense charged. The impeachment complaint, filed by Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, accused the president of violating the Constitution by having a hand in the killings linked to the war on drugs and treason in his conferral with China on matters of maritime domain. Alejano accused the members of the panel of ceding their independence, neglecting their responsibility as duly-elected representatives of the people and railroading the process to jettison his complaint. He is now considering going to an international court to hold Duterte accountable for his impeachment complaints. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Alejano called on his colleagues in Congress and
the Filipino people to stand up against the rising number of deaths brought upon by the government’s war on the drugs. He warned that if the president is not stopped he will someday turn into a dictator. Back from his recent business trips to Cambodia, Hong Kong and China, Duterte dared Alejano and his other critics to “go ahead” with bringing a case against him to the ICC. “They are free to do it. This is a democracy,” Duterte said. A complaint against Duterte and 11 others was already filed by self-confessed Davao Death Squad (DDS) hitman Edgar Matobato before the ICC last April 24. In his 77-page complaint, lawyer Jude Josue Sabio cited the “continuing mass murder” in the country as shown by the thousands of Filipinos killed in the government’s anti-criminality and anti-drug campaigns that began when Duterte was still mayor of Davao City and continues now that he is the country’s chief executive. However, filing a case against the president before the ICC will only be a futile attempt. “The ICC, or any other court or tribunal here or elsewhere, has no business or jurisdiction in the removal in office of President Duterte or any impeachable officer as such is the sole power of the Congress
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS “HE is a good guy. I hope you can let this go,” was what President Donald Trump told his sacked FBI Director James Comey. This was documented by Comey in a contemporaneous memo he wrote on February 14, 2017, to document the details of their one-on-one meeting after Trump asked VP Mike Pence and Attorney General Jeff Ses-
EXPLAINING the flurry of Cabinet appointments, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said his boss wanted to end uncertainty and speculation. Whatever the reasons, President Rodrigo Duterte did squelch further guesswork with the naming of his defeated running mate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as foreign affairs secretary, Armed Forces chief Eduardo Año as interior secretary, and former AFP chief Roy Cimatu as environment secretary. Now, the tongue-wagging starts on what these new helmsmen mean for the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. And that won’t be so easy to squelch. Into the deep end at the DFA Let’s start with the DFA, the agency most closely watched from abroad. Duterte promised Cayetano either the DFA or the Department of Justice once the one-year ban on appointing election losers ends. But even after the previous secretary, Perfecto Yasay Jr., was rejected over nationality issues, the talk was that Cayetano may be needed in the Senate as advocate of the President’s agenda and defender of the administration. But his defense of the Philippines at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva aced the foreign affairs post for him. He faced more than a hun-
of the Philippines,” House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas explained to ABS-CBN News. There are far more ills in the country that warrant much more attention and resources. Duterte bears these problems as he inherits the shortcomings and wrongdoings of his predecessors.
The dilemma comes with the title, the people voted for him to have. The distinction as the country’s “president” does not compensate for the responsibilities his job entails, and the incorrigible stigma of not meeting the Filipinos’ expectations—administration after administration. (AJPress)
Did Trump commit an impeachable offense when he asked FBI Director Comey to drop the Flynn investigation? sions following their meeting on national security issues. Comey wrote memoranda after meetings with Trump that made him feel appalled, which he shared in confidence with select colleagues in the FBI. This was characteristic of Comey even during the Bush years. It’s a bombshell that may be deemed as obstruction of justice: to be asked by the president of the United States to drop the investigation into his own campaign which involved
his friend Michael Flynn’s conversation with Russia to ease sanctions Pres. Obama imposed on the country for interfering in the 2016 presidential election. This was reported by the New York Times on Tuesday, May 16, a week after Comey was fired by Trump, the details of which were corroborated by CNN’s reporting through interviews with officials in the FBI who were privy to this turn of events. Zooming out to look at the
big picture, Trump explained that Comey was fired because he has lost in his leadership of the FBI. Despite Trump’s “request”, Comey proceeded with the investigation of the president’s campaign alleged collusion with Russia in interfering with the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The Trump administration has denied the story -- on the same day that news broke about Trump divulging classified information to Russia during his
meeting with the Russian Prime Minister and Envoy in the Oval Office. Trump threatened Comey with a “tape” before he fired him, which lawmakers said Trump should turn over to Congress. What Trump did not know was that Comey had been writing those contemporaneous memos that could be material evidence if a case against Trump moves forward. Would Trump bring out the “tape” he tweeted about to support his
side of the story? Expect testimony under oath as this will surely be the subject of investigation. Did Trump abuse his executive power? Is he guilty of “obstruction of justice”? ” *** 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
What the new Cabinet men must do for Duterte
Opinion
RICARDO SALUDO
ManilaTimes.net photo
dred nations, and many would not change their assessment, whatever he said. That’s because for most nations, only their ambassadors may change their positions, and quite a number sent lower-level officials to the rights council meeting. Moreover, the review actually covered the past five years, not just the eight months of the Duterte administration. So, Senator Cayetano had to defend the previous regime as well, when homicides hit between 11,000 and 16,000 a year, far above the level in the current administration. Still, Cayetano and other officials in the Philippine delegation managed to keep the expressions of concern about the antidrug killings to a minority of 45 states—surely a creditable performance on the international stage worthy of the foreign affairs portfolio. Now, there are even bigger challenges ahead for the incoming DFA head. Bilateral talks with China on territorial and maritime issues begin this month, and Cayetano must balance our positions to assert our sovereign rights while keeping everything friendly, as President Duterte wants it. Luckily, Beijing too wants to avoid frictions, so the talks will probably stay cordial. Ideally, there could be something substantive that Cayetano can push for, though probably later. On the side, former speaker and China advocate Jose de Venecia has urged joint oil exploration in the Spratlys. Cayetano would be wise to thank him for the suggestion, but let the legal experts, including Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio and
Law of the Sea signatory Estelito Mendoza, study the idea first. A different kind of all-out war Turning to the DILG, the priority here is internal security. General Año retires only in October, but President Duterte evidently wants him to begin giving his future agency guidance on the comprehensive counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency campaign Año is mandated to prosecute. “Whole-of-nation” and “whole-of-government” are the phrases he used to describe his coming internal security thrust. That means harnessing all levels of both government and community in the war on lawless violence. This very approach proved its effectiveness in the interdiction of Abu Sayaff terrorists in Bohol. In beefing up internal security through Año’s appointment, President Duterte may be getting ready for both jihadist infiltration from the Middle East, and the possible failure of peace talks. Recently, a Singapore security conference warned that Southeast Asian extremists returning to the region after fighting for the brutal Islamic State, may seek haven in Mindanao. At the same time, Duterte has expressed concern over peace talks with Muslim rebels due to disagreement between factions. And negotiations with leftist insurgents were recently cast in doubt by the admission of communist leader Jose Maria Sison that he could not control the New People’s Army fighters on the ground. Año at the DILG will certainly give the internal security campaign a tougher hand, which is
An SWS poll found 50 percent satisfied, 17 percent dissatisfied and 31 percent undecided with President Duterte’s Cabinet, resulting in a net satisfaction rating of “good” +32, unchanged from the last quarter of 2016.
exactly why leftists in Congress and perhaps even in the Cabinet may try to block his confirmation. The rebel National Democratic Front and the opposition will almost surely portray his appointment as part of Duterte’s creep toward autocracy. That won’t get many nods among the people, however. Four out of five Filipinos trust the President, the same proportion who feel safer. They will certainly not lose trust or sleep over a new interior secretary who will fight more vigorously the threats to peace and security. The shadow of Gina Lopez If the future Secretary Año can win kudos for taking a hard line against violent groups, many may also want Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to show
toughness, especially against the mining industry blamed by environmental groups for the ouster of his predecessor Gina Lopez. That pressure to maintain her uncompromising stance toward mining, even instituting regulations not explicitly covered by law, may get particularly strong, if not overbearing, if rumors that Lopez may be appointed DENR undersecretary come true. Then Secretary Cimatu would feel the agitation from both environmentalists on the street and one of his top deputies who used to run the agency. Even without Lopez in the DENR, her sweeping and unprecedented initiatives in protecting the environment from irresponsible mining, unauthorized Laguna fishpens, and
other blights, set a high bar for Cimatu even before he took office. On the other hand, the exgeneral with decades of experience on the ground in his military career, knows that stopping environmental destruction takes far more than just issuing orders and talking tough. In the end, the DENR mission has to be a balancing act of safeguarding the environment while harnessing natural resources for economic growth and grassroots development. And in this mandate, there must be paramount adherence to the law. So, those are the challenges that incoming Secretaries Cayetano, Año and Cimatu must face for President Duterte. Good luck. You’ll need it. (ManilaTimes.net)
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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Dateline PhiliPPines
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 18-24, 2017
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Remittances hit record-high in March, says BSP by Julian
OcampO Philstar.com
The Commission on Appointments postponed the confirmation hearing of Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo for the third time.
Taguiwalo: 3rd postponement of confirmation hearing a kind of torture MANILA — Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy Taguiwalo on Wednesday, May 17 expressed dismay over the postponement of her confirmation hearing for the third time. The congressional Commission on Appointments was supposed to hold deliberations on her appointment at 11 a.m. at the Senate. “This is a form of torture that I am being subjected to by the CA and its members. I am very willing to submit to their questioning and answer all of them,� Taguiwalo said in a statement. Taguiwalo noted that it is not clear as to why the appointments body continues to delay the pro-
cess of her confirmation. The DSWD secretary added that delaying her postponement has a negative impact on the agency. “I hope the esteemed members of the CA also realize that postponing or delaying my confirmation hearing has a negative impact in one way or another on the DSWD and how it delivers its programs and services to the public,� the secretary said. Taguiwalo stressed that she is in office to serve the Filipino people, especially the poor and those in need. “We are all placed in limbo -- not just myself. It is for all these reasons that I feel such deep dismay and disappointment,� Taguiwalo
MANILA - Money sent by Filipinos living and working abroad reached a new monthly record-high in March, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Monday, May 15. Cash remittances coursed through banks hit $2.615 billion that month, up year-on-year 10.7 percent, which was also the fastest growth rate in four months. The total amount surpassed the record $2.559 billion sent in December last year, central bank data showed. It brought the first-quarter tally to $6.953 billion, up 7.7 percent. “The increase...during the first quarter of the year was driven by the 10.5-percent growth in transfers from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more...,� BSP said in a statement. “(This made) up for the 2-percent decrease in remittances from sea-based and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year,� it added. Another gauge called personal remittances, which include hand-carry transfers, rose at a
said. Last week, the CA bypassed the appointment of Taguiwalo along with former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano and Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial. Some members of the House of Representatives have resented Taguiwalo’s labeling as pork barrel some funds that they have allocated to her agency. The certain funds were for financial assistance for their poor constituents. During one of her past hearings, she told lawmakers that they PAGE A5 should not have a “sense of entitle“The talking points are being ment� to such funds as the money does not belong to them. (Patricia finalized. It’s never a wise move to announce ahead of time... All Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com) of these are part of South China Sea issues,� the envoy said. Sta. Romana added that there will be several sessions where equipment that will be procured both parties can raise issues of concern to the other side. from the Chinese manufacturer. Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary “We are not going to choose for them. They are going to choose for Enrique Manalo earlier said that themselves, what they need from the Philippines will not raise the the Chinese defense industry,� ruling of an international tribunal on the South China in the upcomLorenzana said. Lorenzana noted that arms from ing talks with China. “China has disassociated itself the Chinese manufacturer passed specifications of the North Atlantic from the arbitral ruling and the president has been quite clear Treaty Organization. Chinese President Xi Jinping that he will not be raising the on Sunday launched the Belt and arbitral ruling. He’s not setting Road Initiative, pledging $124 bil- it aside but he won’t be raising lion for his new Silk Road plan to it until an appropriate time durexpand links among Asia, Africa ing his administration,� Manalo said in a television interview last and Europe. Duterte, however, skipped the month. The Philippines, however, is opening ceremony of the two-day summit after arriving past 11 p.m. expected to raise China’s conon Saturday after a working visit in struction of military facilities in Hong Kong. (Philstar.com) the contested waters.
PH enters ‘new chapter’ in...
faster pace of 11.8 percent in March and 8.1 percent in the first three months. The BSP has forecast remittances, one of the economy’s key drivers, to increase 4 percent this year. Last year, cash remittances rose 5 percent to a record $26.9 billion. For March, the central bank said the U.S. remains the top source of remittances, growing 10.7 percent year-on-year. It contributed 3.9 percentagepoints to the aggregate growth.
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China offers $500-M arms loan to Philippines MANILA — The Chinese government has offered a $500-million loan to the Philippines, which can be used to procure defense equipment, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana revealed. On the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, Lorenzana said that the Philippines might procure defense equipment from China. This announcement comes after representatives of Chinese arms manufacturer Poly Technologies Inc. paid a courtesy call to President Rodrigo Duterte in Beijing. “We are not saying that we will buy from them or we will not buy from them but if we need anything from the Chinese defense industry, we are going to procure using the loan that they are going to offer to
us,� Lorenzana said. Lorenzana noted that the loan from the Chinese government will be on standby as the Philippines will only use it once the military’s modernization fund has been used up. On Monday, May 15, the Philippine government signed a letter of intent to deal with the Chinese arms company. “What we discussed was we will be signing tomorrow a document on intent, intent only... It’s just a letter of intent to deal with them because they are offering us a wide array of defense equipment,� the Defense secretary said. The defense chief noted that the army, the Navy and the Air Force will be involved in selecting the
The U.S. was followed by Canada and the United Arab Emirates (contributing 2.1 percentage points), Japan (1 percentage point) and Hong Kong (0.8 percentage-point). So far this year, cash remittances came mainly from landbased workers, contributing $5.6 billion to the first-quarter tally. This was up 10.4 percent from last year. Their sea-based counterparts, data showed, funneled $1.4 billion, down 2 percent.
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Know your people, Know your roots: Celebrating Asian pacific American Heritage Month by Klarize Medenilla/aJPress To honor the extensive and often overlooked achievements of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, the United States designated the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM). Just as the U.S. celebrates Black History Month in February, members of Congress in 1977 decided to introduce resolutions to designate a period in which to celebrate the rich history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. It started off in 1979 when Asian/ Pacific American Heritage Week was celebrated during the first ten days in May. Presidents in the 1980s then continued that tradition until 1990, when then-President George H.W. Bush signed a new law which expanded the observance to the entire month; then in 1992, the U.S. officially began observing Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in May. Soon after Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month was established, Congressman Norman Y. Mineta (D-California) in 1994 founded the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), a caucus made up of Congress members who were of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to advocate for the APA community. According to the official legislation that established the caucus, CAPAC is designed “to ensure that legislation passed by the United States Congress, to the greatest extent possible, provides for the full participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and reflects the concerns and needs of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.” It was important to designate the month of May because it coincides with the first wave of Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843; the month also commemorates the construction of the first transcontinental railroad— which was built largely on the labor of Chinese immigrants—on May 10, 1869. Designating a month honoring the APA community was a huge step in recognizing the historic achievements and celebrating the cultures within the community. The APA community—as detailed in the resolution—encompasses
all nationalities, cultures and ethnic populations in the Asia continent as well as the Pacific Islands; altogether, that includes hundreds of unique cultures. “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to our nation,” Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-California) said in a statement released earlier this month. “From the Chinese railroad workers who helped to build our first transcontinental railroad, to trailblazers like Dalip Singh Saund, the first Asian American ever elected to the U.S. Congress, to visionaries like Patsy Mink, a fierce champion for women’s rights who helped to pass Title IX legislation – AAPIs have played an integral role in contributing to the vibrancy of our country.” APAs who have made great strides in entertainment and pop culture have also been commemorated in various ways this month. Earlier in May, IDENTITY LA, a concert commemorating the community, returned to Los Angeles to celebrate the work of APA artists and creatives, to inspire young artists in the community to chase their dreams and to share the Asian American identity with folks of all heritages. “It’s to show [our] pride as being Asian American because we’re not guests in this country,” LA Councilmember David Ryu told the Asian Journal earlier this month. “This is our country and we’ve helped build this country. It’s to empower the younger generations. It’s also not to only celebrate amongst ourselves but Illustration by Kendrick Tan/AJPress share our culture with our neighbors who are not Asian American because we draw strength from diversity, and it’s only when we learn about each other’s differences that we grow stronger together.” Throughout the month of May, all branches of the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) are hosting special events for Asian/Pacific American Heritage month like film screenings, calligraphy lessons, Japanese tea ceremonies, Bollywood nights and professional panels. For a calendar list of events, visit http://www.lapl.org./
Arnel Pineda with Neal Schon (lead guitar)
AJPress photos by RObert Maabagdal
Journey concludes Las Vegas residency at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s The Joint by AJPress
THIS month, Journey had a nine-show residency in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s The Joint. The famed rock band is comprised of co-founders Neal Schon (lead guitarist) and Ross Valory (bass), longtime members Jonathan Cain (keyboardist) and Arnel Pineda (lead singer), and virtuoso drummer Steve Smith. This series of performances is the first time Journey played its seventh studio album, “Escape,” and the eighth album, “Frontiers,” in their entirety, featuring hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “open Arms,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and “Girl Can’t Help It.” Through persistence and raw talent, the band has reached rare heights by selling more than 15 million copies of its Greatest Hits album, earning a total of 19 Top 40 singles, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, producing 25 Gold and Platinum albums and headlinPAGE B2
Jonathan Cain (keyboard), Steve Smith (drums) and Ross Valory (bass)
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Back-to-back win for District of Columbia in Miss USA LAS VEGAS — Miss District of Columbia, Kára McCullough, has won the 2017 edition of Miss USA contest. She succeeded Miss USA 2016 Deshauna Barber, who also represented Washington D.C. Kára earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with
a concentration in Radiochemistry from South Carolina State University. Her major provided her the opportunity to intern at many universities, which paved the way to her current career at the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Kára also has a personal community outreach program entitled, Science Exploration for Kids (SE4K). SE4K features interactive science activities, and math and science tutoring for children scholars grades 6 to 11. Kára was born in Naples, Italy, but raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. As the daughter of a now retired United States Navy Chief Petty Officer, she has traveled and lived in many beautiful places including Sicily, Japan, South Korea and Hawaii. The new Miss USA Kára McCullough will face new Miss Philippines Rachel Peters at the 2017 Miss Universe pageant to be held in an unconfirmed venue and date. Reigning Miss Universe 2016 Iris Philippine-born Raquel Wellentin represented North Dakota in this year’s Miss USA Mittenaere from France, crowned in the Philippines, will pass on the crown to her successor during the contest. (With reports from Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo, Miss Universe Organization, and Associated Press)
Miss USA’s Miss North Dakota is proudly Philippine-born
Miss District of Columbia, Kára McCullough
Journey concludes Las Vegas residency... PAGE B1 ing its first- and now second-ever residencies at The Joint. The remaining shows are Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20. In an interview with the Asian Journal, the members of Journey share what the band has in store for their residency in Vegas, while Filipino frontman Arnel Pineda talks about how his journey as part of a legendary rock band has changed his life. Asian Journal: How is it integrating new songs with the classic songs? Jonathan Cain: It’s kinda tricky. We’ve been sort of late to new stuff and we’ve been taking back to the old. We have to make tough choices every night. And we know that people want to hear the hits. And we want to play the hits but we also want to play some deep cuts, some different materials. We always have to make those tough choices. We always have to discuss before each show and we come to a consensus that feels right for each particular evening. Steve Smith: We have unlimited time… and it’s hardly new songs in there…just couple of them, 10 minutes or so. AJ: When will people get a taste of newer songs?
SS: On Wednesday nights, we are going to play “Escape” and “Frontiers” in their entirety. So we’re digging deep back into those most popular albums exactly as they appear. We’ll start with those stuff. JC: Fridays and Saturdays are basically greatest hits nights. AJ: How was the reception to the band during your tour in Asia? JC: Amazing. They were like imprints. Like the Beatles came. We were astounded like in Korea and Seoul...Korea and Taipei… Really amazing audiences treated you just like where have you been? We always do well in Japan…We added a few dates, including Kuala Lumpur for the first time, Hong Kong, and Singapore. AJ: Did you guys go back to the Philippines? JC: We did in the Philippines as well, Mall of Asia. AJ: How has this journey been for you, Arnel, in the past few years? Arnel Pineda: It definitely changed my life. It changed my kid’s life, my family. It will never be the same. AJ: Is your family based here in the U.S. now? AP: Six months here, six months in the Philippines—
that’s what I do. But they’re still pretty much rooted in the Philippines. AJ: How do you guys choose what was played during the Wednesday night shows? AP: We always think about fans. What would they want to listen to, what would they want to see. AJ: Has it really sank in yet, the reality that you’re in one of the greatest bands ever? AP: No, it will never sink in. To be a part of this legacy, for a Filipino like me, to be part of that, is just amazing. The gratitude I feel is you cannot measure. It will be with me forever. AJ: What was it like performing during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony? A: It was great. But then, ___ invite me over and represent their song and get to perform there is just very very generous of them. I cannot think of any other way to thank them but you know, this way, to serve the legacy the best way I can. AJ: Any messages to our readers? AP: I just want to thank everybody for helping us keeping the music alive, for following us, for listening to the songs every time they had a chance of listening to it.
BORN in the Philippines, Raquel Wellentin immigrated to the United States with her family when she was young. She recently visited the Philippines for the first time since she was born to help renovate a family member’s home. Wellentin is currently pursuing her dream at North Dakota State University to become a Health and Physical Education teacher. As a fitness coach, she is an advocate for women’s health and empowerment as well as children’s education and eliminating racism. Wellentin enjoys giving back to her community through the “Study Buddies” program at her local YWCA. She represented the state of North Dakota in this year’s Miss USA 2017 pageant. Early in the pageant, the top five finalists have been named. The finalists for the Miss USA contest in Las Vegas include women representing Minnesota, Illinois, South Carolina, the District of Columbia and New Jersey. The winner of Sunday’s 2017 Miss USA competition held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on the Las Vegas Strip will go on to compete in the Miss Universe contest. The beauty pageant this year includes five women who immigrated to the U.S. at a young age and now as citizens hope to repre-
sent the nation on a global stage. The women from Florida, North Dakota, Hawaii, Connecticut and New Jersey told The Associated Press this week they have faced challenges and opportunities as immigrants. “As Miss USA, I would love to be able to be that inspiration for our immigrant community,” Linnette De Los Santos, who emigrated with her family from the Dominican Republic when she was 5, told The Associated Press days ahead of the competition. “If I would have stopped following my dreams and working hard towards what I wanted, I wouldn’t be sitting here as Miss Florida USA or in law school ready to become an
immigration attorney.” The contestants’ remarks stand in stark contrast to the scandal that enveloped the pageant in 2015, when then-part owner and now U.S. President Donald Trump offended Hispanics when he made anti-immigrant remarks in announcing his bid for the White House. Trump co-owned The Miss Universe Organization with NBCUniversal, but the network and the Spanish-language broadcaster Univision quickly cut ties with him, refusing to air the show. Trump sued both networks, eventually settling and selling the pageant to talent management company WME/IMG. The show kicked off with a performance from a Cirque du Soleil show — a Las Vegas staple — based on Michael Jackson songs. The contestants took the stage as Jackson’s “Black or White” played and acrobats performed. The broadcast also aired a Mother’s Day clip with messages from the contestants to their moms. The show was hosted by Julianne Hough, Ashley Graham and performances from Terrence J., Grammy winner Pitbull and CMA Award winner Brett Eldredge. Last year, District of Columbia resident Deshauna Barber became the first-ever military member to win Miss USA.
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Jodi Sta. Maria: Dream Girl
by Gabbie
TaTad
Philstar.com
FOR years, anyone who followed Jodi Sta. Maria saw her as the good girl. She had the smile and charm of the girl next door, the Filipina pre-Netflix Betty Cooper: equal parts feminine, but also one of the boys; had a good head on her shoulders and said her nightly prayers. She was that girl who would end up in prom court, and who would probably be voted “Most Likely To Succeed.” Today, she enters our shoot location looking like an equally determined but entirely different woman. She is fierce, with her piercing eyes, her cool girl bob falling in beachy waves, her skin tanned to the highest heavens, and her cheekbones ready to cut glass. What a difference 15 years make, it seems, as Sta. Maria has managed to clock in exponentially different characters over the years. She is the woman who originated the role of Catholic devotee and caring daughter Lia Buenavista in 2000’s “Pangako Sayo,” only to come back in 2015 and absolutely slay as the iconic, tortured, wealthy and sexy Amor Powers. Before that, she played the fanfavored Maya dela Rosa in 2012’s “Be Careful With My Heart,” a series culminating in a wedding episode that sincerely felt so real, some people truly wondered if Sta. Maria had accidentally married co-star Richard Yap. Favorite roles Sta. Maria was also a key figure in Vincent Sandoval’s Aparisyon, an independently produced film that casts her as a nun who, in a single act of violence, meets an incredible challenge. The film was quiet, with her role exceptionally complex and masterfully portrayed, so much so that it has been included in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition called “A New Golden Age: Contemporary Philippine Cinema.” Aparisyon will be screening in New York this June, alongside masterpieces by Lav Diaz, Brillante Mendoza, Raya Martin, Erik Matti, Adolfo Alix Jr., as well as Supreme’s own Pepe Diokno. Sta. Maria herself recounts one of her favorite roles as the bipolar wife of Piolo Pascual in the TV series “Walang Kapalit.” “It was so challenging, but it was super sarap playing her character. Parang sa isang sequence or isang scene, ang daming units, ang daming levels of emotion, na each and every time matatapos yung taping, I’d feel so tired, but I’d also feel so fulfilled. It’s always good that you’re being challenged, na parang hindi ka nagpa-plateau.” To do so, one presumes that an actress must be entirely ambitious or at least quite a shrewd planner. But Sta. Maria insists that she doesn’t keep her acting goals in very specific, narrow categories; instead, she remains open and alert to opportunities, and submerges in them so committedly that they take her to new heights. “I don’t have a dream project or a project that I’m looking for. But what I do is when projects are being pitched, of course I study. (My) number one (consideration) is, ‘What can I do, what can I offer that I have not
HOLLYWOOD — Celebrated Filipino actress Kris Aquino might have not yet confirmed being an official cast member of the upcoming Warner Brothers adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s bestselling novel, “Crazy Rich Asians,” but Filipinos need not fret because they now have a sure representative in the upcoming Hollywood film. Nico Santos, a Filipino-American comedian born and raised in the Philippines according to Superstore-nbc.wikia.com, has been officially declared a part of the “Crazy Rich Asians” cast headlined by Henry Golding, Constance Wu, Gemma Chan, Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina and Ken Jeong. Living in California “by way of
this year, and she promises with an adorably enthusiastic squeal, that this role is unlike anything she’s ever done. It’s hard to imagine what a character like that might be, given her extensive filmography. She insists, however, that her favorite role so far is as a mother. Sta. Maria talks about pursuing her lifelong dream to be a doctor, apart from being an actor, and how it affects her relationship with her son. “We cannot serve two masters at the same time. Being an artista means having less time to pursue becoming a doctor, but I didn’t let go of that dream right away. I held onto it and waited for the right time. I still have two and a half years of pre-med,” Sta. Maria explains, before adding that her son is incredibly excited for her. “He said, ‘Mama, I’m so excited! We’re going to study together!’ So me pursuing a degree in college is also my way of setting an example for him. I really want to put a premium on education, that just because I’m working now doesn’t mean I have to let go of other important things.” With such a balanced view of her current profession, her responsibilities, and the prospects that lay ahead, it’s no wonder that Jodi Sta. Maria is the kind of success that we all hope to be. The kind of success that isn’t just about being fawned over or recognized widely, but one that has a place for everything of value, from professional fulfillment to financial stability to time with loved ones, to looking like you’ve slept for 12 hours when it’s actually more like three. And as Sta. Maria looks introspectively at her character Becky in Dear Other Self, she dispenses sound advice for dreamers everywhere. “The choices we make now will determine the quality of our future. I think that if we ever have dreams, sometimes hindi lahat agad-agad nangyayari. (But we’re also taught) to be grateful for where we are and where we’re planted in this season of our lives… and even if you’re the only one believing in your dream or passion, don’t let go of it right away. Wait and see.”
Derek Ramsay, John Estrada to represent PH in international golf tournament
IN an unprecedented turn of events, long-time buddies and celebrity colleagues Derek Ramsay and John Estrada won in the National Finals of the Jack Nicklaus International Invitational (JNII) golf tournament. After qualifying into the finals at Sta. Elena Golf Club, John and Derek have had no inkling that they would win the National Finals at all. In fact, Estrada was not sure of playing in the finals because of his prior commitments. But as fate set in, Estrada managed to fix his schedule, played true to form with his partner and finished with a 69 in the Peoria format and beat 33 other two-man teams vying to compete in the International Championship in Ohio this May. “I was dreaming of winning here at least once because it’s an open secret that all of the best amateur golfers are here. We were kind of happy when we were told that there’s a new scoring system, which I think suited our games,” Estrada noted. Ramsay added: “When we got through the first qualifying day, we were excited because we really had a fun day at the Sta. Elena golf course.” “We had a little game strategy before the first hole, but later on we decided to just play our game. And we played decent golf as we only had one bogey. Honestly, we played good, we played better really, today,” he also said. “You know it’s a good thing Derek told me, let’s just play our game then bahala na!” Estrada chimed in. Their strategy worked to perfection. But more than the victory, the thrill will become even more exciting since part of the winnings
deni Rose beRnaRdo Philstar.com
given my audience before? How will this project challenge me as an actor?’” These days, Sta. Maria’s latest role is as Becky or Rebecca in the Veronica Velasco feature, Dear Other Self. She’s a kind, loving, responsible daughter, torn between a life of obligation to the family she loves dearly and a life of adventure that quenches her wanderlust. The film explores two possible realities: What would happen if she remains sensible, or if she follows her heart? Sta. Maria plays opposite Xian Lim and Joseph Marco, each of them representing a love interest in each reality. But as these realities never once coincide, never the twain shall meet. Sta. Maria discusses that it’s neither a love triangle nor is it about having to choose between two men; rather that the promise of love is a byproduct of Becky’s journey. The reason the angle of attraction exists is because it’s a natural part of life, but it is certainly not the main focal point of the story. Breaking the formula And for an actor like Sta. Maria, who is every inch a true artist, that difference in storytelling is what excites her. We discuss the difference in filmmaking between when she began and how it is now, and Sta. Maria’s face lights up. She begins talking faster, and with a certain amount of passion she says, “Mas medyo bume-break na tayo sa formula. Before kasi, it was all about mga love teams, and don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against it, It’s just that yun nga lang, isa sa mga nabago is na hindi na siya kahon. Hindi na siya formula. Mas matapang na tayo ngayon mag- explore ng iba’tibang kwento at realidad ng buhay na dati nagagawa lang natin sa independent film. Yun yung place na puwedeng pag-usapan dati yung mga bagay na hindi masyadong tinatanggap sa mainstream, pero naniniwala ako na ngayon mas bukas na ang manonood.” Sta. Maria adds that her next role is in a telenovela, the details of which are still so hush-hush that very little about it can be revealed at this time. The target pilot is within
Long-time buddies and celebrity colleagues Derek Ramsay and John Estrada won in the National Finals of the Jack Nicklaus International Invitational golf tournament.
are the chance to watch live the Memorial Tournament in the US as well as meet and greet, mingle and jingle with golf’s living legend, the “Golden Bear” Jack Nicklaus. “Most definitely, number one is to meet Jack Nicklaus, shake his hand and have a picture,” Ramsay enthusiastically stated. “I saw Jack Nicklaus as a teenager, from afar and a long time ago and I always looked up to him.” “I’m really, really excited to meet him, I have to make so many adjustments in my schedule but since this a once in a lifetime chance to meet the best golfer who ever lived, then we gotta move things around.” Ramsay added. This winning pair will represent the country in the JNII culminating event, where they will battle other winners from other countries worldwide. “With any sport, luck is part of it, and we’re very lucky to have this opportunity to represent the Philippines and to meet the best golfer in the world,” Estrada added. The pair of Ruel Cabral and Renie Floro placed second with a 70
while tandems of Tony Pancho and Steve Gerona came in third with 70.2 final score. Former winners Theody Pascual and Joseph Tambunting were fourth with 71.4. Other celebrities who qualified for the finals are Anthony Suntay, Tonton Gutierrez, Glydel Mercado, Monsour del Rosario, Chad Borja, Coach Tim Cone, and Vince Hizon. Since 2006, the Jack Nicklaus International Invitational has been giving recreational golfers a chance to play tournament golf on worldclass courses. Open to all who love the game, men and women of any skill levels are invited to enter this social event that promotes camaraderie as much as it lights the competitive fire. Winners of qualifying tournaments advance to the international final Tournament of Champions held annually in Ohio, USA concurrently with the PGA Tour’s Memorial Tournament hosted by Nicklaus. Teams get a chance of a lifetime to play for their country while being Jack’s guests at The Memorial where they watch the world’s best. (Philstar.com)
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Filipino-American actor officially joins ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ cast by
Jodi Sta. Maria
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 18-24, 2017
Police” and appeared on Showtime’s “Pride Comedy Jam,” as well as in TV series like “2 Broke Girls,” “Mulaney” and “Ground Floor.” He was also in the regular panel of “Chelsea Lately.” Currently, Nico stars as Mateo on NBC’s “Superstore” comedy series. He has also made flicks such as “The Clapper” with Ed Helms and Amanda Seyfried and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2.” “Crazy Rich Asians” has started filming and will be shot in MaFilipino-American comedian Nico Santos. laysia and Singapore. The Jon Twitter/Nico Santos M. Chu-directed movie is based Portland, Oregon,” Santos began on Kwan’s romantic comedy redoing stand-up comedy in San volving around the lives of New Francisco. Due to his quirky im- Yorker Rachel Chu, played by personations and sarcastic wit, he Wu, and her longtime boyfriend immediately became a fixture in Nick Young, portrayed by Golding, as they attend the wedding the local comedy scene. Since then, he has written of Young’s best friend in Singascripts for E! Network’s “Fashion pore.
Village People celebrates 40th anniversary in Manila THE undisputed “Kings of Disco,” Village People, had a concert in Manila last Saturday, May 13 to celebrate their 40th Anniversary Tour at the KIA Theater. Joining them as special guest was none other than the World’s #1 ABBA Experience - Björn Again. In true Village People style, this one-of-a-kind group, that still comprises two of the original band members, promise to deliver a smorgasbord of smash hits and get everyone up on their feet. Having sold more than 100 million recordings, Village People were an unstoppable force in the 70’s and 80’s. Their characters and classic hits will forever be ingrained in the fabric of pop culture. Originally formed in 1977 by French Music composer Jacques Morali, the Village People quickly became an instant phenomenon, with chart-topping hits such as “San Francisco,” “Macho Man,” “Y.M.C.A,” “In the Navy,” “Go West,” “Can’t Stop the Music,” and more. Their impact and influence on music have earned them the title of “Kings of Disco” as well as a prestigious star on the coveted Hollywood Walk of Fame. The group has won many international awards, including the American Music Award for Favorite Musical Group in 1979, AGVA’s Georgie Award, West Germany’s Gold Lion Award for music excellence and
The undisputed “Kings of Disco,” Village People, had a concert in Manila yesterday to celebrate their 40th Anniversary Tour at the KIA Theater.
Brazil’s 1981 Award for Best Act. Over the past few years, Village People have performed a full schedule of performances throughout the United States as well as Canada, Brazil, France, South Africa, England, Finland, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Romania, Japan, Mexico, Australia, Poland and much more. The Guinness World Records book certified their Sun Bowl appearance on December 31, 2008 as the world’s largest Y.M.C.A dance with over 40,000 fans doing the “YMCA moves” while the group performed. Adding to this action packed night of disco fun and supporting Village People across all shows is
the world-famous tribute band, Björn Again - the only ABBA show endorsed by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. The group is regarded as the most successful tribute band of all time, having performed in more than 100 countries worldwide and in concert venues from Sydney Opera House to Wembley Stadium. Björn Again will bring ABBA’s timeless hits back to the stage, combined with glitzy 70’s stage costumes, Swenglish banter and hilarious stage antics to create “one of the most entertaining rock shows in the world today” (Philstar.com with reports from Time Out, New York).
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EntErtainmEnt
Billy Crawford excited for his wedding but mum on details by Jan
Milo Severo
Philstar.com
Billy Crawford
June, the wedding month, is fast approaching, and Billy Crawford was in his usual self, playing around with the media when asked about his upcoming wedding with his fiancée, Coleen Garcia. “We are both super excited. Mas excited ako. ‘Di pa ata pumapalo sa kanya na ikakasal na kami. Sa akin, ‘yung realization dun na lumalabas eh. It’s starting na,” the singer and TV host told Philstar.com in an interview. Crawford, however, remains quiet about the details of the wedding. “Right now, I’d rather keep my mouth shut.” The “It’s Showtime” host also refuses to name some of the wedding’s entourage, but gave a hint that some of his best buddies in showbiz will be a part of it. “We like to keep it close to
us and have it more intimate because my family are far, far away, kalat sa buong mundo and her family naman are here and in Spain, so it’s really hard to deal with everything that’s why we’re taking our time to do the proper procedure,” Crawford said. Speculating a summer wedd i n g n e x t y e a r, C ra w f o rd , who is now the new “King” of Burger King, said that he and Coleen are not only planning the expenses for the wedding but for their future as well. “We’re trying our best to budget the wedding but hindi mo talaga maiiwasan ang extra gastos simply because it is for the wedding.” When asked if the wedding is to be held here in the Philippines, the celebrated host just only said, “Maybe,” adding a mystery that there is a possibility that the wedding will be happening outside the country.
Sportsman Ivan Carapiet gets to be a ‘good boy’ in new soap A SeMI-neW and interesting face in the person of Ivan Carapiet is an added attraction to midmorning ABS-CBn slot, via the sports-themed soap “Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin.” Already in the business for almost three years, the race car driver-turned-actor couldn’t be any more grateful that he finally landed a “good guy” role in a show with a theme that is close to his heart. “I feel very lucky and blessed kasi first of all, perfect role ito for me. As you know, I’ve been doing triathlon for quite a while so parang hulog ng langit ito kasi I play a triathlete [in this soap],” he said. Carapiet plays Derek, one of the triathletes set to become close to Gerald Anderson’s character, Gabriel. “Ito na yung pinakamalaking teleserye na nakuha ko. My acting will be challenged kasi sanay na akong maging kontrabida. To be a good guy is different. Iba talaga. It’s really a big challenge for me,” he said, Carapiet has had acting experience as antagonist Omar in the action film “Across The Crescent
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Ivan Carapiet
Moon,” Slart in the primetime superhero soap “Juan Dela Cruz,” and Samson Baldemor in the prime time fantasy drama series “nathaniel,” among others. After retiring his wheels as a professional race car driver with the help of good buddy Matteo Guidicelli, he embarked on one of the biggest challenges of his life—triathlon.
He admits that he initially had difficulty braving the famous multi-stage competition comprised of swimming, running and biking as he was not leading a very healthy lifestyle before. His first official triathlon tournament came four months into taking up the sport and to date has successfully completed five Ironman 70.3 tournaments–two of which he finished with a trophy and 10 Olympic distance races, and the last where he finished first for his age group in Asia Pacific. With more and more people getting into fitness and sports these days, Carapiet hopes their show and his own story can inspire more people to embrace an active lifestyle. “How I see the show is that it’s all about never giving up and always facing your problems. Ang problema hindi tinatakbuhan. Ang triathlon parang buhay lang yan. nung natuto akong mag-triathlon natuto akong harapin lahat kasi dati quitter ako,” he ended. Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin airs before “It’s Showtime,” and reunites Anderson with Kim Chiu and also stars Jake Cuenca and Coleen Garcia. (ManilaTimes.net)
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Cesar Montano gung-ho on film tourism plans by arlo
CuStodio ManilaTimes.net
DeSPITe the issues, which hounded his government post as chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) not too long ago, actor-turnedappointee Cesar Montano remains unfazed by the anonymous complaints about his leadership. Instead, he says he is all the more focused in bringing reforms to the sub-agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT) with his vision of making the country the “Film Capital” of the Asean region, and eventually the rest of the continent. In a small huddle at his TPB office, Montano said it made sense to use his influence and expertise in the entertainment industry to open up this new opportunity in tourism. “By bringing together all segments of the entertainment industry—networks, film outfits, post-production—we may just come up with the strongest force to promote tourism in this country,” he stated. ‘Film it in One Minute’ Montano related how he and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman Liza Diño are collaborating to launch a regional film festival, focused on building up the Philippines as a film tourism capital, with the theme “Film it in One Minute.” They will first bring the challenge to universities and colleges all around the country to enjoin student filmmakers to submit oneminute masterpieces. “There will be prizes that are inviting enough for students to participate, and they will be asked to focus on what makes them proud of their localities—whether it’s a thing, event, place, person or delicacies,” he said. The winning films, he said, may be developed into full-length movies with financial support from the agency. Besides the regional festival, Montano also vowed that TPB will support all Filipino filmmakers and artists participating in international film festivals as unofficial ambassadors of Philippine film tourism. However, he will also move to encourage these indie filmmakers to entice foreign tourists to come to the Philippines through their movies by showing the more enticing locations in the country, instead of solely using poverty as a backdrop of their work. “We want to empower independent filmmakers to do this
with financial support because we are aware of their limited budget, so they can instead highlight places that are worthy to visit,” he elaborated, adding that slums or depressed places are not the monopoly of the Philippines. even first world countries have their own share of poor neighborhoods too. “Since marketing falls under my jurisdiction, we can allocate a budget and ask them to create stories that use the places we want to promote. We have so many beautiful tourism spots in our 7,107 islands and that’s the thrust of our assistance to our talented filmmakers.” Moreover, Montano said he and Diño are scheduled to attend the 70th Cannes Film Festival, which culminates on May 28, where they plan to invite producers, directors, actors and other film industry luminaries to dinner and present them the idea of doing movies in the country. Film fund Montano stated that the ultimate goal of the TPB and FDCP partnership is to develop a film fund to give Filipino filmmakers the ability to co-produce with Hollywood entities for films to be shot in the country. “not only that, we can also offer post-production here as we have so many excellent post-production facilities and very talented people, including animators,” he added, noting that the best animators abroad, especially in Hollywood, are Filipinos. “We will turn the table around. So when there’s work here for Filipino animators and post-production personnel, dito na lang sila, dito na sila magtatrabaho [they’ll stay here, they’ll work here] and the whole country benefits.” Tax-free incentive Montano has also been working for tax-free incentives for foreign outfits who shoot movies in the country. So far, the provinces of Bataan and Bohol have already given a go-signal for a tax holiday should a foreign film be shot in their localities. “A province will have the opportunity to earn from such a set up through hotel accommodation, transportation, and food establishments, among others. What will be part of the deal too is that half of the production crew should be hired among the locals. Think how much income filmmaking could generate if the production runs up to five months.”
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Montano with President Rodrigo Duterte
Very optimistic of their plans, Montano is looking for the concept to be implemented within the year. soon. ‘Blood Brothers’ A movie project already in development is one that was pitched to Montano by a Commission on Higher education (CHeD) commissioner. Titled “Blood Brothers,” the production espouses education, culture, history plus tourism. Set in the 1300, the movie revolves around two indigenous brothers, one of whom is converted to Islam. When the Spaniards come, they join forces to fight the conquerors. With a projected budget of P30 million, the project is still considered a Hollywood indie production, but Montano, who also has experience in directing movies, nonetheless wants to cast Hollywood actors for the film, hoping that a foreign company will help beef up the fund. Ribbed that he should star in the movie since he experienced acting for a Hollywood project (“The Great Raid” shot in Australia), the TPB COO said he is open to a cameo role since his job in the government agency is full-time. “What’s important here is to show the pristine parts of the Philippines—like Palawan, the Gigantes Island in Iloilo or Siargao. On the marketing side, we want to show places that already have ready infrastructure for tourists, like hotels, transportation and amenities enticing a visitor to stay longer.” He said that he is using new Zealand and Australia as his models, which have become popular choices as movie settings for Hollywood productions. He has set his sight on the countries that bring in the most tourists – China, Korea, Taiwan, uSA and Japan – to make their own movies here.
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Your Immigration Solution Atty. NANcy Miller & lorellA t. Hess Most aliens in the United states are entitled to a hearing before an Immigration Judge if the government seeks to remove them. However, those who entered the country illegally and have been here for a short time are subject to a process called expedited removal. As its name indicates, the expedited removal process is designed to move quickly. Usually the alien is not even able to consult an attorney and the final decision is made by an immigration officer during one interview. Last month, the U.s. supreme Court decided not to review a case which raised questions about whether aliens caught up in the expedited removal process have certain constitutional rights. In that case, Castro v. D.H.s., the U.s. Court of Appeals for the third Circuit ruled that families in expedited removal proceedings, who had applied for asylum, could not seek habeus corpus petitions to challenge their detentions in court. A writ of habeas corpus (Latin for “you have the body”) requires the government to bring a prisoner into court and justify the legal basis for his or her detention. Immigration law scholars and human rights organizations filing amicus (“friend of the court”) briefs argued that the supreme Court should take up this case because the third Circuit’s decision threatens the rights of many people already inside the United states. there are two main reasons for concern. First, serious flaws have been documented in how the expedited removal system actually operates. Also, the scope of that system is being expanded by the trump administration, which plans to apply expedited removal over a much wider geographic area and to include aliens who have been present in
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya
Features
Supreme Court tacitly allows Calendar of Events across new limits on aliens’ rights the United states for up to two years. For well over a century the supreme Court has held that “even aliens shall not be . . . deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.” Constitutional due process protections—which include the right to a hearing—apply to “all persons” within the United states. the only exception is that aliens arriving at a port of entry, even though they are in fact geographically inside this country, are subject to the legal fiction that they were stopped before the border and have not yet entered the U.s. the third Circuit’s Castro ruling classified women and children apprehended several miles inside the United states (who had avoided a port of entry) under the legal fiction that they had not yet entered, and then also held that they did not have the right to challenge their detention with habeas corpus petitions. Habeas corpus scholars submitted another amicus brief urging the supreme Court to take up this case, arguing that the right to file a habeas corpus petition “turns on the extent to which the government exercises control of the petitioner’s person and not on [the petitioner’s] status as a citizen, noncitizen, or alien seeking asylum.” Indeed, the very same supreme Court decision which established the legal fiction that, for due process purposes, an alien at a port of entry has not yet arrived in the United states, also acknowledged that such an alien “may by habeas corpus challenge the validity of his exclusion.” However, because the supreme Court did not agree to hear the Castro case, the third Circuit’s holding stands and is binding throughout that circuit, which includes Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. other U.s. Courts of Appeals
have ruled differently in the past, and their rulings remain binding within their circuits. California is in the Ninth Circuit. the most recent rulings from the Ninth Circuit on this issue affirm the entry fiction as traditionally understood, and safeguard constitutional protections for people who have crossed the border into the United states, even if they have done so illegally. the third Circuit’s ruling could affect those in other Circuits. Recent arrivals apprehended in the Ninth Circuit could be moved to the third Circuit and held in detention there, where they would be subject to third Circuit law and thus unable to file habeas corpus petitions to challenge their detentions. the asylum seekers in the Castro case were taken into custody in texas (in the Fifth Circuit) before being moved to detention centers in Pennsylvania (in the third Circuit). For this reason, it is important to try to prevent DHs from moving recent arrivals from the Ninth Circuit to a Circuit where the law is more harsh. Legal motions need to be filed to prevent such moves. those subject to expedited removal due to their recent arrival in the United states, or their loved ones, should immediately consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer to determine what help is available for them. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 795-8009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
Making time for the things that matter
Carpe diem! Seize the day! - Horace tend to overcompensate and stretch themselves to give their children the advantage they themselves did not have. some push their children onto too many activities to give them an edge for the outside world at some future date. As promising as these activities may seem, one needs to achieve a sense of balance and understand if the tendency to do so is a personal response to a sense of insecurity. It could be that parents are merely sublimating their inadequacies and imposing these on the lives of their own children. It is not necessary to enlist children in each and every activity that promises to give them an edge. spending real time with children and kicking back can yield even more tangible results in improved relationships and a better quality of family life.
FoR a steadily increasing number of people who are intent on finding meaning in life—time has eclipsed money in importance. In America as in anywhere else on earth where time is equated with money, there is a tendency to trade each hour for the relentless pursuit of the trappings of an economically successful life. What we do has become what we are. And yet, the truth of the matter is that not all our hours are billable. For immigrant parents with younger children, one of the best things to give of yourself is having more free, unscheduled, unencumbered time with them so that you can make yourself available to them, without having to put them on schedule as though accommodating them in your already crowded appointment book. In the eighties and nineties of the past century, the idea of “quality time” meant that since there was only a limited amount of time to spend with children,
a busy parent “squeezed” as much as could be squeezed out of spending an hour or two or an afternoon with his children once in a great while. While spending limited quality time was definitely better than being an absentee parent altogether, there is still no substitute for spending real“quantity time” with children, even if it means merely hanging out with them. there is a vast array of things that children are offered to learn outside of school—activities that by themselves are intended to prime and prepare them for success in their adult lives, to make them more intelligent, more artistic, more poised with greater self-esteem, more athletic and basically more well-rounded supposedly to be able to compete in the real world. the focus of these activities is on the future rather than the present moment. try not to rob them of the joy of the moment in the name of the future. Well-meaning but basically misguided immigrant parents
Health@Heart
National smoking ban
PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS HeALtHJUstICe Philippines, a vigilant think tank and advocacy group with legal expertise in tobacco control and health promotion and a Bloomberg Awardee for Global tobacco Control, sent out a press release on May 12, 2017 praising “Davao City Vices Regulation Unit for its strict enforcement of smoking ban and apprehension of 4,487 violators since its formation last month.” “We commend the local government of Davao City and its Vices Regulation Unit for strictly enforcing the provisions of its pertinent local ordinances and national and international laws banning smoking in public spaces. Davao City has been recognized by no less than the World Health organization for its landmark tobacco control ordinance, and since then it has continued setting a sterling example in crafting and implementing tobacco control measures for cities across the country and the whole world to emulate,” said Mary Ann Fernandez-Mendoza, president and trustee of HealthJustice. “We hope that President Duterte will soon sign the ‘smokefree’ executive order that will not only strengthen the enforcement of existing smoking bans, but also direct local governments to pattern their anti-smoking ordi-
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 18-24, 2017
*** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Providing a smoking area within the same building with one ventilation system is like designating a urinating area in a swimming pool. nances after that of Davao, which includes a ‘no smoking indoors’ policy,” she added. *** Cebu in the 1990s, expanding on its existing ban on smoking in public establishments then, proposed its laudable goal to make Cebu city a smoke-free city by year 2006. I was among its staunchest supporter and stated then that achieving this would earn Cebu the enviable distinction of being one of the healthiest cities and tourist spots in the world. Unfortunately, wisdom, health, and medical science were no match to the power of money and political correctness. I remember that there were some brainless city legislators who wanted to amend the ordinance to allow smoking after 9:00 P.M. and for the creation of smoking areas in shopping malls, restaurants, etc. Did these obviously ignorant officials think that active and passive smoking would only cause cancers, cardiovascular illnesses, and lung diseases before 9:00 P.M., and that smoking after 9 PM would be safe? Did they honestly think that the smoking areas (within a building) will prevent the 4000 harmful (200 of
them cancer-causing) chemicals in tobacco smoke from getting into the ventilation system and expose and hurt everyone in the premises, including non-smokers and children? What in this issue was Not clear? I bet even the kids in the kindergarten can see how ludicrous these proposed amendments are. Unless the designated room is air-tight and totally excluded from the main building (of shopping malls, restaurants, stores, hospitals, public libraries, theaters, the workplace, etc.), and has a ventilation system of its own, it would be ineffective and useless. Providing a smoking area within the same building with one ventilation system is like designating a urinating area in a swimming pool. this is the same scientific and medical principle why the smoking ban in commercial airplanes also includes the toilets, besides all the cabins and the cockpit. A simple common sense. the issue is crystal clear. smoking and second hand-smoking or passive smoking maim and kill millions in countries around the world, the Philippines included. PAGE B6
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AMBOY presents ULAM dinner in LA AMBOY presents a special night on Friday, May 19 with a six course dinner presented by Filipino chefs who will each make one course using their culinary technique and cultural background. Guests in attendance will also receive a VIP ticket to the preview of ULAM – a Filipino food documentary, showing at the Million Dollar Theatre on Saturday May 20th. It will be held at the second floor of Far East Plaza (727 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012) at 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m. It is $75 per guest (includes a ticket to ULAM screening). To book online, please visit www.universe.com/amboydinnernight or email eatatamboy@ gmail.com for any inquiries.
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Carlos Bulosan book club in LA The Echo Park Branch Library* of the LA Public Library system will host the launching of the Carlos Bulosan Book Club (CBBC) organized by Friends of the Echo Park Library (friendsechopark.org) on Saturday, May 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The first book will be “America is in the Heart” by Carlos Bulosan. The moderators will be James Castillo, Dr. Enrique dela Cruz, Vicky Perez & Jaime Geaga. The CBBC’s mission is to provide a forum to explore and learn about the Filipino-American immigrant experience as reflected through Fil-Am literature. It will be held at the Echo Park Library Community Room (1410 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026). To RSVP or for more info, please contact James Castillo at (626) 241-7010 or admin@friendsechopark.org.
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Filipino Medical Program hosts mini health fair in Bergenfield, NJ Holy Name Medical Center’s Filipino Medical Program will take part in a mini health fair on Sunday, May 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church - Conlon Hall at 19 North William Street, Bergenfield, NJ. For more information, please call the FMP at (201) 833-3355 or email lavarro@holyname.org.
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AMBOY presents lechon festival in LA AMBOY presents a Lechon festival on Friday, May 26 where six different chefs will compete and be given the chance to show their version of our beloved lechon. All attendees and judges will get the chance to taste each chef’s representation and get to vote for the best version of lechon in Los Angeles based on flavor, originality, plating and crunchiness. VIP guests and judges will have additional courses made by each chef competing for the grand prizes. It is $75 for VIP (entrance at 6 p.m.) and $50 for GA (entrance at 7 p.m.). It will be held at the second floor of Far East Plaza (727 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012). To book online, please visit www.universe.com/amboylechonfestival or email eatatamboy@ gmail.com for any inquiries.
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Global gathering of Bulacan High School and Marcelo H. del Pilar High School in Rosemead, CA Graduates of Bulacan High School and Marcelo H. del Pilar High School of Malolos, Bulacan will hold their first ever global gathering on Sunday, May 28 at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Rosemead, California. Please call up any of the following for more details: Rosario “Charito” Aldaba Gabriel (Class ‘66), Tel. No. (818)-982-1165; Lourdes Ople Smith (Class ’64) Tel. No. (310)-662-1948; Gerry “German” Torres, Jr. (Class ’66) Tel. No. (818)-646-3286. You can also visit the website at www.mhpnhs-maa.com.
Filipino Medical Program hosts community health screening in Jersey City Holy Name Medical Center’s Filipino Medical Program will have a health screening from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 28 at the Santacruzan Festival at St. Mary’s Church on 254 2nd St, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302. For more information, please call the FMP at (201) 833-3355 or email lavarro@holyname.org.
JUNE 3
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/.
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.
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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 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.
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LBC continues to move love to children through Project Pearls LBC Express, the country’s leading courier and cargo, logistics, and remittance company, continues to move communities and help underprivileged Filipino children. This endeavor is in partnership with Project Pearls, a California-based foundation. Starting this month until June 16, 2017, LBC will be setting up boxes in all their California branches which will serve as drop-off points for school supplies that will be solicited by Project Pearls. These donations will be shipped by LBC to Project Pearls Philippines for distribution to beneficiary students. Project Pearls has advocated to help the financially-challenged Filipino children to have a better life through education, empowerment, nutrition and health services. Patricia Garcia, LBC’s VicePresident for Sales and Operations in North America states, “We are happy to be part of Project Pearl’s noble cause. Through this, we hope to be able to encourage the Filipino community in California and other civic-minded citizens to donate what they can so that less fortunate children would be well-equipped with the materials they need when they go back to school this year.” This is the second time that LBC and Project Pearls have worked together to move assistance to those in need. Two years ago, LBC kicked off Box a Smile, where customers can donate a portion of their shipping fees to give a Christmas gift to a sponsored child in the Philippines.
The Philippine Medical Association (PMAN) of Nevada presented on Thursday, May 11 “The Board of Medical Examiners Your Practice and You”. The event was well attended by PMAN members and local practicing doctors.
The drive was culminated with a gift-giving event. Through their various platforms and facilities, LBC hopes to make a difference by bridging lives and communities of Filipinos from all across the globe. 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 & 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-to-door 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)
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to break ground for St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway in Las Vegas ST. JudE Children’s Research Hospital, Element Building Company and KSNV News Channel 3 began the building of the 2017 St. Jude dream Home Giveaway in Las Vegas at a groundbreaking ceremony with words from Bret Roy, Allison Hospital Loftus and Teresa Buscemi (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital), Sue Baker (Liaison, Commissioner Larry Brown’s office), Josh Anderson (Element Building Company), and Jenica Haug (St. Jude Patient Family).
Organized by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, attendees learned how they can enter to win the dream home, valued at $425,000, and other prizes by purchasing a $100 raffle ticket. A proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit St. Jude and its mission to treat and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. This year’s program is made possible by KSNV News Channel 3, Element Building Company, iHeart Radio and national spon-
sors Bosch, Brizo, Shaw Floors and Trane, among others. The St. Jude dream Home Giveaway is one of the largest single-event fundraisers for St. Jude nationwide and has raised more than $325 million. All funds raised through the program will help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. For more information visit dreamhome.org.
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.
(First row) Dr. Camilo Tabora, Dr. Ben Calderon (former PMAN president), Dr. Pat Jurani and Dr. Manuel Taguba (former PMAN president). (Second row) Dr. Stella Delgado Almenerio, Dr. Susan Fernandez, Dr. Rose Jurani (PMAN Treasurer), Dr. Teresita Lu Melocoton (current PMAN President), Todd C.Rich (Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners Deputy Executive Director), Edward O. Cousineau J.D (Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners Executive Director), Robert Kilroy J.D. (Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners General Counsel) and Belen Gabato RN. (PMAN Executive Director)
Shamcey Supsup: An inspiring woman “beauty and brains” concept, Shamcey Supsup is one of the few. Today, she juggles her multiple roles as mother and television host, all while holding her own architectural practice in a society that expects women to only be one or the other—beautiful or smart, and never both. Shattering the stereotype women everywhere, just like Supsup, are now realizing that they can be both beautiful and intelligent at the same time. Says the former Binibining Pilipinas-universe, the power of beauty and brains starts with making informed decisions and developing better habits, especially in matters of personal care. “Practically speaking, it means carefully searching and committing to products that are intelligently formulated, while producing evident results,” Supsup said as she announced her collaboration with skincare brand Céleteque dermoScience in its #ThinkPlusBeautiful campaign. “I trust this range of products because it is clinically-tested, recommended by dermatologists, and more than that, it’s a brand that celebrates women—not just beautiful women but women of substance, women who are smart and talented. I am very honored to be part of this campaign and show women that you don’t have to either be just beautiful or just smart. You can be both.” (ManiFormer Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Shamcey Supsup juggles her multiple roles as mother, laTimes.net) TV host and architect. WE are what our mothers teach us, both mothers and daughters can take great inspiration from beauty queen and architect-turned-mom, Shamcey Supsup. In 2010, the BS Architecture magna cum laude aced the Philippine Architecture Licensure Examinations, besting thousands of
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her fellow graduates as the year’s board topnotcher. Two years later, most people did not immediately reconcile the fact that the same lady achiever would win the most coveted beauty pageant tilt in the country as Binibining Pilipinas-universe. Indeed, if there is anyone who can gives credence to the elusive
National smoking ban
Spraying poison in the air, as in passive smoking, adversely affect everyone in the area. The simplest, totally cost-free, and medically effective solution is to allow smoking ONLY outside of, and a distance from, public buildings. What could be more obvious? A national smoking ban, while unpopular and controversial, would provide an immeasurable boost to people’s and the nation’s health. While I abhor smoking and inhaling secondhand tobacco smoke for health reasons, I defend the right of smokers to smoke. That is their constitutional right…so long as the exercise of that right does not offend or hurt the people around them and infringe upon the rights of others. After all, non-smokers have rights too: not to be exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke. Where there is a conflict, the right of the non-smoker prevails. This is an accepted legal tenet. What is secondhand smoke? Secondhand smoke is the fume that one involuntarily inhales after someone who smokes exhales it (called mainstream smokes), or the fume that goes directly to the atmosphere from the burning tobacco (cigarette, pipe or cigar) called side stream smoke. When non-smokers breathe in these smokes or fumes from other peo-
ple’s cigarettes, cigars or pipes, this is involuntarily inhalation called passive smoking. As stated earlier, tobacco smoke contains about 4000 chemicals, 200 of them known poisons and carcinogens. Smoking around people is similar to spraying known poison gases into the atmosphere, victimizing and posing even greater health hazards to non-smokers. Does passive smoking cause cancer? Yes, active and passive smoking cause cancers, besides bronchitis, premature births, smaller babies with higher risk for impaired mental development, respiratory illnesses among children, emphysema, heart attack, and stroke. In the united States, cancer victims of smoking, and family members of smokers who died from cigarette-related illness, have sued cigarette manufacturing companies, and have won millions in awards. While they vehemently denied it before, cigarette companies today have admitted in public that tobacco causes cancers and other lung illnesses. The courts have likewise ruled in a similar fashion in favor of victims of passive smoking (as in the airline stewardess’ case). In 1986, the Surgeon General of the united States reported that involuntary (passive) smoking can cause lung cancer in healthy non-smokers. In fact, the u.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) has now classified secondhand smoke as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). If we, as a people and as a nation, are really serious in eliminating all the smoking-related killer diseases that snuff out more than 240 lives a day, yes, a day, not a month, causing the loss of loved ones and family devastation, promulgating a national smoking ban truly makes sense. But don’t hold your breath. History shows that majority of our elected politicians, leaders we voted for to protect us, do not have balls and the wisdom and the will to eliminate this vicious serial killer amidst us. The illnesses and deaths from tobacco far exceed the morbidity and mortality from illegal drugs. Let’s see if President Rodrigo R. duterte can extinguish this political insanity that is holding the people’s health hostage. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 18-24, 2017
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Daniel Matsunaga on Erich Gonzales: ‘A beautiful heart’
THe last time former lovers Daniel Matsunaga and erich Gonzales, then fondly called “Danrich,” talked was during their U.S. tour, Daniel told reporters in an interview last week. Nowadays, Daniel said he does not talk to his ex anymore. His movie with erich is also no longer pushing through. “if it didn’t work, unfortunately, s’yempre it’s sad, ‘di ba? Sad because a lot of our fans, they’re expecting a lot of things from us. i have to apologize to them because you know, everything that we do, it’s really for them. it didn’t work unfortunately, so just move on. i think friendship is really important,” he explained in a group interview following his launch as first male celebrity ambassador for Avon Philippines’ intimate apparel. He vowed, however, not to walk away when he sees erich one of these days. He said he will even greet her with a smile because he has moved on. “i have a huge respect for erich. She’s a beautiful woman and a beautiful heart. i have nothing wrong to say about her. i have a huge respect for her family. if i see her, i’m going to be the same Daniel since i left Brazil when i was 15 years old until i die.” What is his advice for those who also want to move on from a breakup? “To move on, really, the best way is to spend time with your loved ones. especially your family. i’m really close to my family. They were there for me the whole time… You need your real friends and you need to find stuff to do.” (Deni Rose Daniel Matsunaga Bernardo/Philstar.com)
Filipina tattoo artist featured in New York Times waiting for Coco Martin by
Deni rose BernarDo Philstar.com
NeW YORk — Coco Martin’s on-screen girlfriend, Yassi Pressman, and rumored reallife lady love, Julia Montes, now have another challenger vying for the actor’s heart. A Filipina tribal tattoo artist featured in The New York Times (NYT) on Monday, May 15 revealed that she is still waiting for a visit from her biggest celebrity crush, Coco Martin. in a lengthy article written by Aurora Almendral, Maria Fang-od Oggay, a ritual tattoo artist from the Butbut tribe of the kalinga ethnic group of northern Philippines, confessed that she is fond of the “Ang Probinsyano” leading man and yearns to meet him soon. For now, according to the article, the centenarian “contents herself with a life-size cardboard cutout” of the soap opera action star. Titled “At 100 or So, She keeps a Philippine Tattoo Tradition Alive,” the article expounds on Oggay’s lifestyle and heritage
‘Ang Probinsyana’ and ‘Ang Probinsyano’ Kalinga ritual tattoo artist Maria Fang-od Oggay (left, photo from Looloo Insights) wishes to meet Filipino action star Coco Martin (right, file photo).
as a tattoo artist sought after by tourists from as far as Mexico and Slovenia. in the article, Fang-od, as she was called, has been repeatedly referred to as a “Ms.” The NYT story says Ms. Fangod belongs to the last generation bearing a full set of traditional tattoos and is one of the few who remember how they were done.
As such, she was also featured in the 2009 documentary series, “Tattoo Hunter,” by American anthropologist, Dr. Lars krutak. For Fang-od’s contribution to cultural preservation, maybe Martin, who is also single, could squeeze in some time to visit her in her mountain village of Buscalan, with the hope that Julia and Yassi would not mind.
Husband and wife Drew Arellano and Iya Villania (third and fourth from left, respectively) get to work together again as hosts of GMA 7’s Home Foodie Season 3 with San Miguel celebrity chefs Rene Ruz, Llena Tan-Arenas and RJ Garcia.
Drew & Iya: No problem with multitasking by Bot
Glorioso Philstar.com
Like ordinary parents who try to do different things at once, husband and wife Drew Arellano and iya Villania are no exception. No one says that multitasking is easy but iya and Drew never see it as a hassle. in fact, they consider doing household chores or running errands — before or after their respective TV hosting duties — as bonding moments. Of course, they, too, take turns looking after their firstborn Antonio Primo. “it’s funny because we designed the house with a kitchen that has a really open space so when we are both home and Primo who sits in his walker at pakalat kalat, most of our activities are close to the kitchen,” said Drew during the media gathering for the third season of Home Foodie. “The kitchen is close to the living room and we are there most of the time so i think each and every time we spend together in that area is bonding time already. And if i’ll be coming from my travels, i always try to be at home by 5 p.m. or before 6 p.m. para gising pa si Primo at hinahabol ko talaga. So when i get home, we can be there in the kitchen before iya reports for 24 Oras (as host of Chika Minute).” “i’m still preparing my baon (when he comes home),” added iya. “With the open space, Drew and i can multitask like if someone’s in the kitchen, the other is on the computer or in the dining area and Primo is in his playpen. We are all still together dahil open ‘yung space namin so madali lang din makapag-bond even if we’re doing something.”
While iya and Drew agreed that their love for each other has grown stronger after the coming of their son, they cannot deny that married life also took a 180 degree-turn because as iya put it, “Life has become more demanding in terms of needs because i’m being needed as a mother to my kid. i’m also being needed as a wife and myself needs me, i mean, i need to be able to work on myself also. So a lot had changed but i have to say that life has become more worthy and more enjoyable because of Primo.” No wonder, Drew has nothing but praises for his wife for being a very hands-on mom. He admires how iya is able to manage to start her day very early without hearing her complain. “You know her day with Primo starts very early because she wakes up every three or four hours as she’ll be feeding Primo and then changing his diaper,” shared Drew. “My only assignment is every 6 a.m. when she has to go to the restroom and i’m gonna try to change Primo’s diaper but then again after nun s’ya ulit. Then, she’ll be preparing breakfast for Primo, preparing to go to the gym or preparing for work. it’s very demanding and it’s not very easy for mothers and i’m sure all moms know what i’m talking about. And for the dads out there, the moms truly deserve a salute. kaya din gusto ko i-highlight ang pag-hihirap ng aking wife day in and day out. Now, when we see Primo smiling all the time at ‘yung mga milestonesng buhay n’ya, we feel happy and proud.” These days, iya feels it’s much easier for her to accomplish many
things since her son’s feeding schedule has become every three to four hours. She, too, finds preparing meals easy even while taking care of Primo. iya said, “Well, my specialty is still omelet (laughs) but aside from that, dessert really is my turf because i love dessert. i can do without the main meal but it’s a must for me to have a dessert, specifically the chocolate s’mores.” Drew added, “Preparing food became part of the fun in our life, especially when iya’s mom visits us and she does the cooking. i get to learn a style (in cooking), particularly with her kare-kare.” That’s why, it is beneficial for iya and Drew to host Home Foodie Season 3 because they will also get to learn new recipes that are delicious, affordable and easy to prepare from their co-hostscum-San Miguel celebrity chefs Rene Ruz, Llena Tan-Arenas and RJ Garcia. Based on the teaser, they will share more “Madalicious Meals” that can be cooked at home. Twenty-six recipes will be presented in thematic combos to give viewers quick tips and ideas on meal pairings. Most of the recipes only require five main ingredients that are pantry-friendly and can be done in four-step procedures using San Miguel Purefoods products. The new season will also launch the Home Foodie Madalicious Meals mobile app where televiewers can download the app on their smartphones and watch the 60-second cooking demos as well as meal planning and preparation tips of the recipes featured on Home Foodie episodes.
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