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Volume 28 - No. 39 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
O C T O BE R 5 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 7
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Las Vegas gunman’s Filipina girlfriend said she had no knowledge of plan by RAE
Marilou Danley
Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
DATELINE
ANN VARONA AJPress
deadliest shooting attack in modern U.S. history. “I knew Stephen Paddock as MARILOU Danley, the Filipino girlfriend of Las Vegas shooter a kind, caring, quiet man,” said Stephen Paddock, said she had Danley in a statement read by no knowledge of Paddock’s plan her attorney on Wednesday. “He when meeting with the FBI at the never said anything to me or took Los Angeles Federal Building on any action that I was aware of that I understood in any way to be a Wednesday, October 4. Investigators are hoping she warning that something horrible can provide key information on like this was going to happen.” Danley — a 62-year-old Filipina what led to Paddock’s shooting rampage that left at least 59 who holds an Australian passport There is still tight security and police presence along Las Vegas Boulevard where Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is located. On Sunday night, October 1, Stephen Paddock sent bullets and terror down on thousands attending a country music concert from his 32nd-floor hotel room at people dead and over 500 injured — met with FBI at the Los Angeles the Mandalay Bay. Paddock killed at least 59 people and injured 527 more in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. in what is being considered the u PAGE A2 AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Senate committee holds hearing for DACA, future for DREAMers Panelists encourage Congress to pass a permanent, long-term plan for undocumented youth THE Senate Judiciary Committee held a congressional hearing for Trump administration’s ending of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) on Tuesday, October 3, just two days before the deadline for many DACA recipients to renew their permits. The hearing was the first of step of finding a solution for DREAMers, who are set to lose benefits once the program expires in March 2018. In September, the Trump administration made an astonishing announcement that it
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Congress fails to renew Children’s Health Insurance Program by budget deadline
Cayetano: PH open to UN probe but asks for someone ‘without bias’ by AJPRESS THE Philippine government is ready to welcome experts from the United Nations (UN) who would conduct an objective assessment of human rights situation in the country, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said. Cayetano relayed this PH Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano Agnes Callamard, UN Special Rapporteur on message from UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres Inquirer.net photos extrajudicial killings
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ever, requested the international body to send representatives who have “no bias against the Philippines.” He specifically ruled out UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard, saying she had already “prejudged the human rights situation in the country” and even referred to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as a “mur-
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Senate holds hearing on ‘fake news’ Ombudsman: I will not be baited into by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE Philippine Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media on Wednesday, October 4, held its first hearing on the proliferation of ‘fake news’ or false information in the country. In her opening speech, Senator Grace Poe, the committee chair, emphasized the need to restrict the spread of fake news as it “cultivates a culture of lying.” “If purveyors are allowed to get away with the lies, they embolden government officials to also lie in order to escape accountability, crush dissent, and commit illegal
acts with immunity,” Poe said. “If fake news is not challenged, it will create lynch mobs out of certain people turning them into an army of character assassins that can be unleashed with one meme to destroy an idea, a person or an institution,” the senator added. Senators Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, meanwhile, commented how they became victim of “fake news” as they hit a blog that accused them of refusing to sign a bill that urges the government to stop the supposed spate of kill-
abandoning my constitutional duties by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio-Morales refused to bend to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s dare for them to resign together, saying she “will not be baited into abandoning” her constitutional duties. In a statement, Morales said she is ready to answer all the president’s allegations against her. “I will not be baited into abandoning my constitutional duties,” the Ombudsman said. “If the president has charges against me, I will answer them in accordance with the law. I expect him to answer the charges against him in the same manner,”
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Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ManilaTimes.net photo
Palace welcomes confirmation of Environment Chief Cimatu
Congressional committee introduces new replacement childcare bill AS Washington continues the battle over the future of American health care, the United States Congress over the weekend failed to renew federal funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), allowing the program to expire by the end of the year. CHIP is a program created under Medicaid that has funded affordable healthcare for nearly 9 million children of low-income families. Through the program, states receive federal funding to establish low-cost health insurance for children. Congress was set to re-establish the $15 billion allocation towards CHIP, which had been backed by Democrats and Republicans since it was passed in 1997. The deadline to take action in CHIP’s renewal was Sept. 30. A delay in renewing the program may have
during their first meeting in New York on Friday, September 30, according to a statement from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). “We will fully cooperate and work with you on a rationale, open, fair dialogue on our campaign against crime and illegal drugs,” Cayetano told the SecretaryGeneral. The top diplomat, how-
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
SIXTH VISIT. President Rodrigo Duterte made his sixth visit to Marawi City on Monday, October 2, where he led the inauguration of the Bahay Pag-asa Project at Barangay Bito Buadi Itowa that is intended for the residents of Marawi who were internally displaced due to the conflict in the area. Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal
MALACAÑANG on Wednesday, October 4, welcomed the Commission on Appointments’ (CA) confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Roy Cimatu as the Philippines’ environment secretary. In a statement, Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella expressed confidence that Cimatu would keep a “delicate balance” between the country’s economic development and environmental protection. “We welcome the confirmation of the nomination of Department of Environment and Natural Re-
sources (DENR) Secretary Roy A. Cimatu by the Commission on Appointments,” Abella said. He went on to say, “The Palace is confident that Secretary Cimatu would be able to implement the president’s marching orders on natural resources development and environmental policies of keeping a delicate balance between economic development and environmental sustainability.” Earlier this year, Cimatu was appointed by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to replace Gina Lopez, who was rejected by the CA in May. The president said he had chose
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From The FronT Page
Las Vegas gunman’s Filipina... PAGE A1 Federal Building on Wednesday after arriving at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from the Philippines Tuesday night. “I am devastated by the deaths and injuries that have occurred and my prayers go out to the victims and their families and all those who have been hurt by these awful events,” said Danley.
Her lawyer said Wednesday, that she intends to fully cooperate with the investigation on Paddock. Defense attorney Matthew Lombard said Danley was not expecting the $100,000 Paddock sent to her in the Philippines a few days before the shooting, and was worried he was breaking up with her. A source close to Danley’s
family claimed the money was to help the family build a home. According to NBC News, law enforcement were unsure of why the money was sent, but a source close to Danley’s family claimed the money was to help the family build a home. “I was grateful, but honestly, I was worried, that first, the unexpected trip home, and then the money, was a way of breaking up with me,” she added. “It never occurred to me in any way whatsoever that he was planning violence against anyone.” The shooting from Paddock’s 32nd floor Mandalay Bay Resorts and Casino room began Sunday night at around 10:08 p.m. over the Route 91 Harvest Festival, a country music festival which was just ending its third and last day of weekend festivities. Over 22,000 people were in attendance. The festival’s headliner, country singer Jason Aldean, was rushed off stage mid-song, while witnesses initially thought the gun sounds were fireworks. Sheriff Joseph Lombardo of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said Tuesday afternoon that Danley was still a “person of interest” due to her close relationship to Paddock. “She has probably the best insight into the mind of Paddock prior to him killing all these people,” Steve Gomez, a former FBI agent, told ABC News on Tuesday. “So they definitely want to hear from her what was going on in his life.” Police were first prompted to suspect Danley’s involvement in the shooting after Paddock had used her ID documents to check into the 32nd-floor hotel room. She was later ruled out as a person of interest, as she was believed to be either in the Philippines or Japan with friends. Antonette Mangroband, a spokeswoman for the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI), confirmed that Danley had been in the Philippines since September 25. The relationship between Paddock and Danley was not immediately known, but new information has since been emerging as people who knew them come forward. Born in the Philippines on December 12, 1954, Danley later moved to Queensland, Australia PAGE A4
Senator Grace Poe (3rd from right), chair of the Senate Committee on Public Information, stresses the need to address the proliferation of misinformation in social media during a committee hearing on Wednesday, October 4. Also in photo are Senators Risa Hontiveros, Senate Minority Franklin Drilon, Senators Francis Pangilinan and Nancy Binay, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, and Senators Manny Pacquiao and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Senate photo by Alexis Nueva España
Senate holds hearing on ‘fake... PAGE A1 ings in the country, especially of minors. Sotto said he already got used to criticisms, but warned that “once you start hitting me, calling me names and charging me with crimes I did not commit, my first move is to hunt you down.” He expressed how he was offended by a blog post that tagged him, Pacquiao, and five others—Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and Senators Richard Gordon, Cynthia Villar, Miguel Zubiri, and Gringo Honasan—as “Malacañang dogs” for failing to sign the Senate Resolution 516. The resolution, which was drafted by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, president of the Liberal Party (LP), was filed on Monday, September 25. It was signed by by 16 out of 23 senators. In its September 26 post, the “#Silent No More PH” blog urged Filipinos to expressed their outrage against the seven senators whose signatures were not seen on the document, saying their “loyalty is to the Palace, not to Filipino people.” “These senators’ votes are reflective of their stance: They don’t care about lives. They don’t want to hold this government accountable. They only care about their alliance with Malacanang,” the blog noted. “These are the senators who will block any action that would
investigate the sins of the government. These are the senators whose silence lead to continuous murder of poor and innocent children,” it further added. The seven senators, however, said a copy of the resolution calling on the government to stop killing minors did not even reached their offices. Sotto said it was obvious that the resolution was being used to “destroy” them. Pacquiao, meanwhile how he was enraged by the “fake news,” as further noted that the incident is “not merely an attack to an individual,” but “an attack to the Senate as an institution.” “Ni anino nga ng resolution di ko nakita eh… Hindi ito nagkataon lang, ito’y sinadya. (I didn’t even see the shadow of the resolution... This is not a coincidence, it’s intentional.)” the senator claimed. Pacquiao also reiterated that he “condemns the killings of the innocent.” Trillanes meets Uson In a highly anticipated encounter, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV engaged in some banter with Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson. At one point, Trillanes said he initially did not plan to attend the hearing but later changed his mind upon hearing that Uson “missed” him. “Actually wala na sana akong planong umattend dito kaso namiss daw ako ni Ms. Mocha (Ac-
tually I don’t have plans to attend here but I heard that Ms. Mocha misses me),” the senator said. Uson teased Trillanes in response, saying “Ang guwapo niyo pala, senator, sa personal. Hindi po fake news yun sir (You’re handsome in person, senator. And that’s not fake news.)” Trillanes then replied, “Konti na lang at baka i-atras ko na ‘yung kaso. Konti na lang bola. (Just a bit more flattery and I might withdraw the case.)” The two also gamely posed for a photograph after the Senate hearing. Last month, the senator filed charges of libel, graft and ethics violations against Uson for accusing him of having ill-gotten wealth in several offshore bank accounts—including the DBS bank in Singapore, which turned out to be non-existent. Despite a light moment they shared, Trillanes that he will still pursue the cases he filed against her. “While I appreciate the friendly gesture of Ms. Mocha Uson to have a photo taken with me, it doesn’t change the fact that, as a senior public official, she committed criminal offenses that warranted the filing of multiple cases,” Trillanes said in a statement after the hearing. “Sa madaling salita, tuloy-tuloy lang ang mga kaso (In other words, the cases will continue),” he added.
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DATELINE USA
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 5-11, 2017
Cayetano: PH open to UN probe but...
PAGE A1 derer.” “How can someone who is in league with our political opposition conduct a fair and objective assessment of our human rights situation?” Cayetano said. He added, “All we want is an impartial assessment and not outright condemnation to help us understand the extent of the problems that we are confronted with.” Callamard has been a vocal critic of Duterte’s so-called drug war and of the alleged thousands of summary executions and human rights abuses linked to his anti-narcotics campaign. At one point, she described campaign against illegal drugs “cruel.” Last August, she reiterated her call that “all unlawful
deaths must be investigated.” But Cayetano clarified that the Philippine government values human rights. “We’re not turning our back on human rights,” he maintained. “Our campaign against crime and illegal drugs is not intended to violate human rights; it is intended protect the human rights of our people.” He also blamed the western media for supposedly exaggerating the human rights situation in the country. “There are real problems but perceptions have overtaken us in western media that make it appear the situation is worse than it actually is,” Cayetano said. CHR defends Callamard Defending Callamard, Philippine Commission on Human
Rights Chair (CHR) Chito Gascon said the UN rapporteur is known globally for her “truthful” work. “Special Rapporteur Callamard has longtime experience in human rights work that she is globally recognized for her competence and professionalism,” Gascon told Inquirer. “She conducts her work around the world purposively… dealing with facts as she sees them. She is just being truthful,” he added. The CHR chair also expressed that it is Cayetano who should be “first to understand and appreciate that the UN system takes the process of vetting persons [who are] given particular responsibility to conduct human rights investigations under the Special An ambulance leaves the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue after a mass shooting at a country music festival nearby Rapporteur Mandate System.” on Oct. 2 in Las Vegas. Photo by Ethan Miller for Kaiser Health News
Ombudsman: I will not be baited into... PAGE A1 she added. Stressing that she and Duterte are public officials who have “sworn to uphold the rule of law,” Morales added that they should try to do their jobs with “honor, honesty, and decency.” Earlier this week, Duterte said he will not to recognize the investigation being conducted by the anti-graft body in connection with the corruption complaint filed by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV against him. Duterte repeated denied allegations that he has billions of illegally amassed wealth, as he claimed that never committed any corrupt practices and that his total assets would not reach even P40 million. Claiming that Morales herself was corrupt, the president said on Monday, October 2, said he “will not submit jurisdiction to the ombudsman because it’s a
lousy thing.” He challenged the Ombudsman, as well as Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, to “resign” with him. He also dared them to open their bank accounts with him before Congress to show the Filipino people who was really corrupt. Duterte likewise slammed overall Deputy Ombudsman Arthur Carandang for saying that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) provided his family’s bank records. The president claimed that the supposed report of the AMLC on his bank transactions were “fabricated” and “illegally obtained.” The AMLC, however, denied that it gave records to the Ombudsman, clarifying that the latter’s request was still being evaluated. Carandang, for his part, clarified that he does not have in his possession the bank transactions but was merely “reading through
the documents shown to him by the media during the ambush interview, in response to media’s inquiry on the status of the complaint after more than a year since its filing and in stating that a request was made to AMLC as part of the regular investigative process.” He also maintained that his office “has observed confidentiality in the Ombudsman investigation on the complaint against then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, which complaint was filed, in fact, even before the 2016 elections.” Carandang has been authorized by Morales to investigate the bank transactions of the Duterte family based on Trillanes’ complaint. Morales previously said she has inhibited herself from acting on any case filed against the Duterte family as her nephew, lawyer Manases Carpio, is married to Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Senate committee holds hearing for DACA... PAGE A1 would phase-out DACA, which has provided nearly 800,000 undocumented youth with renewable two-year permits for valid work authorization and protection from deportation. In his opening statements, committee chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) denounced DACA, which he said “never operated in the way it was supposed to,” referencing one case where a DACA recipient was arrested for child exploitation.
Despite his criticisms of DACA, Grassley expressed the administration’s “empathy” for DREAMers “who came to this country through no fault of their own.” “The wind-down is simple: to get Congress to adopt a longerterm solution — a legislative one,” Grassley said at the hearing. “So here we are, almost a month after the administration’s announcement, and now’s the time to start considering a path forward with earnest.” DACA recipient and UC Berke-
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ley graduate Denisse Marquez, who arrived in the U.S. from Mexico in 1990, calls DACA “the answer that lifted the ceiling to my educational and career ambitions.” Marquez is currently a medical student at Mount Sinai in New York, and with the termination of DACA, she said her goals will be once again “unreachable.” Although she spoke highly of DACA, she proposed Congress to come up with legislation to
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Las Vegas faced a massacre. Did it have enough trauma centers? by JULIE APPLEBY AND PHIL GALEWITZ Kaiser Health News
LAS VEGAS is not only a glittering strip of casinos and hotels but a fast-growing region with more than 2 million residents — and one hospital designated as a highest-level trauma center. The deadly shooting Sunday that killed at least 59 and sent more than 500 people to area hospitals raised questions about whether that’s enough. Las Vegas is not the only big city with just one such trauma center. Seattle and Nashville, among others, also are in this category, according to the American Trauma Society, a professional and advocacy organization focused on improving trauma care. Casey Nolan, a hospital consultant and managing director of Navigant Consulting in Washington, D.C., said what matters most is not the number of highlevel centers, but the degrees of coordination across the area’s medical network, including the first responders. “It’s how well integrated the care is and whether there is a triage system to get patients to the right place in the right time,” he said. What Makes Up The Network The highest-level trauma centers are equipped and staffed around-the-clock to provide care for patients who suffer from traumatic injuries such as gunshot
wounds, falls and car accidents. The designation “trauma center” is the result of a validation process at the state or local level. Centers are categorized by Level I, II or III, for instance, in keeping with nationally accepted standards. Centers can also seek additional approval from the American College of Surgeons. Across the country, there are 217 Level I trauma centers, up from 198 in 2012, according to the trauma society. These centers must see at least 1,200 trauma patients a year and have general surgeons and other specialists immediately available at the facility. There are another 310 Level II centers that face similar staffing rules, but with fewer education and training requirements. Level III centers have emergency medical staff, but will stabilize severely injured patients and often transport them to higher-level trauma centers. For decades, the hospital industry viewed trauma care as a money-losing proposition because of the high costs of keeping doctors and nurses on standby 24 hours a day. Trauma centers, particularly those in inner cities, tended to attract more patients without health insurance. But in recent years, hospitals have been competing to get the designation as a way to increase profits, in part because trauma centers enhance demand for surgery and ancillary services like
CT scans. In addition, a trauma designation can boost a facility’s overall reputation, Nolan added. “Trauma had gotten a bad rap,” explained Nolan. “But in suburban locations, where more people have insurance, you can do pretty well on trauma.” Some hospitals also began charging a fee — known as a “trauma activation” fee — to help pay for the extra staffing and equipment trauma units require. Those fees could range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars on patients’ bills, Nolan said. Trauma Care In Las Vegas Despite the burgeoning population of Las Vegas and surrounding Clark County, which more than doubled to 2.2 million in the past 25 years, University Medical Center has been Las Vegas’ only Level I trauma center since 1992. The metro area includes two other lower-level trauma centers. Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center in Las Vegas is a Level II facility and St. Rose Dominican Hospital in nearby Henderson, Nev., is a Level III. Even the idea of expanding Las Vegas’ trauma network has stirred controversy. Last year, a state agency rejected applications by three hospitals in the Las Vegas area to be designated as Level III trauma centers. HCA, the national, for-profit chain that owned two of these
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White House confirms Trump’s Cayetano, US-Philippine Society travel to Manila in November highlight strong bond between PH, US by AJPress UNITED States President Donald Trump will visit the Philippines during his upcoming 11day trip to Asia in November, White House announced on Friday, September 29. The president, joined by his wife Melania, will travel through the region from November 3 to 14 that will also include stops in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Hawaii. According to the White House, Trump will participate in a number of meetings that will demonstrate his “continued commitment to the alliances and partnerships of the United States in the region.” The U.S. leader is set to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in the Philippines, among other events. During his trip, Trump plans to discuss the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region to
America’s prosperity and security. He is also expected to highlight the importance of fair and reciprocal economic ties with America’s trade partners. White House added that the U.S. leader’s engagements will further “strengthen the international resolve to confront the North Korean threat and ensure the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.” Last April, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced that Trump would visit the Philippines in November, but the president’s participation at the Manila summit had been uncertain until recently. “[Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte] invited us, so we’re going to see,” Trump told reporters when asked two weeks ago about the ASEAN summit. Last May, Trump also invited Duterte to visit the White House—a move criticized by some U.S. officials due to the alleged killings and human rights abuses under the latter adminis-
tration’s campaign against illegal drugs. Duterte, who has been criticizing Washington for allegedly interfering with the domestic affairs of the Philippines, said he has no plans to ever set foot in U.S. But in a recent speech, the Philippine president said he’s now on friendlier terms with the U.S. During the 116th commemoration of the Balangiga Encounter Day in Eastern Samar on Thursday, September 28, Duterte said the U.S. government has “redeemed themselves a lot.” “There are so many factors involved but I’d rather be friendly to them now because aside from these episodes of, I said, sad incidents, overall I think the Americans also redeemed themselves a lot,” the president remarked on Thursday, September 28. Known for his expletive-peppered speeches, Duterte added that he was also advised by the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to “temper [his] language.”
Palace welcomes CA confirmation of DENR... PAGE A1 Cimatu because he believes in the retired general’s “honest” and “hardworking” character. Senator Manny Pacquiao, who chairs the CA committee on environment and natural resources, recommended the approval of Cimatu to the plenary as he remarked that the retired general is “perhaps the most fit and best qualified for the DENR highest post.” “It is with great pleasure and honor to report to the commission, to the president, to the men and women of the DENR, and to the whole nation the overwhelming yes, votes, of the members of this commission confirming and affirming the ad interim appointment of our DENR Secretary in the person of Roy A. Cimatu,” Pacquiao said. For his part, Cimatu said that the “challenge” for him now is to prove to Duterte that the CA made the “right decision in placing their trust and confidence” in him. “I am pleased, honored and humbled by the vote of the Commission on Appointments confirming my nomination. I am excited about this opportunity to continue serving the public as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” Cimatu said.
where she married a local and became an Australian citizen. She later moved to the U.S. with her daughter in the late 1980s, according to Australia’s ABC. There, she married a FedEx auditor, Geary Danley from Arkansas in 1990. “She’s probably one of the most happy, outgoing, full-of-life people I’ve ever known,” said Geary’s daughter, Diane Waltrip, of her former stepmother to the New York Times. “Everyone who has ever met her likes her.” Paddock’s younger brother Eric Paddock, said Danley met Stephen while she was working as a highlimit hostess for Club Paradise at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno, Nevada. According to a deleted LinkedIn account, Danley had worked as a “gambling and casino professional” in Reno from 2010 to 2013. It was in 2013 that Paddock and Danley were said to have started dating after Danley left Geary, whom she later divorced in 2015. “They were adorable — big man, tiny woman. He loved her. He doted on her,” said Eric, adding that the Paddock and Danley often gambled together. “She was probably one of the only I’ve ever seen that he’d go out of his way to do a little thing for. He went out of this way to be nice to her. This is not something Steve does — go out of his way.” Workers at the Starbucks in the Virgin River Casino in Mesquite, Nevada — where Paddock and Danley reportedly lived — shared a different perspective on the couple and said Paddock had a “nasty habit of berating Danley in public.” The Starbuck’s supervisor Esperanza Mendoza told the Los Angeles Times that Paddock would often get mad at Danley when she would ask to use his casino card for purchases. “He would glare down at her and say — with a mean attitude — ‘You don’t need my casino card for this. I’m paying for your drink, just like I’m paying for you.’ Then she would softly say, ‘OK’ and step back behind him. He was so rude to her in front of us,” said Mendoza. Two women identified to be Danley’s sisters shared with Australia’s 7 News Sydney that Dan-
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter S. Cayetano with the leadership and executive officers of the US-Philippines Society on Wednesday, September 27 in Washington, D.C.
lunch hosted by the US-Philippines Society because it is in such occasions that we get to learn about and discuss opportunities where we can work together to enhance our mutual interests, shared values, and common aspirations,” the Secretary said after the lunch. For his part, Ambassador Negroponte said, “Society members were deeply impressed with Secretary Cayetano. Our discussion covered the full range of current issues, emphasizing areas of bilateral cooperation, including enhanced business and investment opportunities.” Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the US-Philippines Society was launched in 2012 with the mission of raising the profile of
today’s Philippines through programs on business, governance, culture, shared history, education, health care, immigration, strategic issues, and conflict resolution. The bi-national Board of Directors includes some 30 private sector and community leaders, and is cochaired by Manuel V. Pangilinan (PH) and Ambassador Negroponte (US). The honorary chairs are Washington Sycip (PH) and Maurice “Hank” Greenberg (US). The Secretary had earlier hosted a lunch for the Society at his residence in Taguig following their 23 February 2017 visit to a drug rehabilitation center at Camp Bagong Diwa during their Annual Board Meeting in the Philippines.
Las Vegas faced a massacre. Did it have... PAGE A3 facilities, said adding trauma centers would help ensure quicker care to patients in the growing region. The company has made adding trauma centers a strategy across the country and has met resistance from existing centers. But opponents argued HCA was motivated by the opportunity to boost profits. TheTampa Bay Times reported last year that the hospital chain charged sigSenate President and Commission on Appointments (CA) chair Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel nificantly higher “activation fees” III pose for a photo with Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy than other hospitals. Cimatu (left) and Civil Service Commissioner Leopoldo Valderosa, Jr. (right), whose ad interim Opponents also countered that appointments as were confirmed during the CA’s plenary session, Wednesday, October 4. adding trauma centers would afSenate photo by Ariel Cagadas fect University Medical Center’s He said that his confirmation natural wealth of the nation,” he ability to provide quality care and train doctors. Some experts say would allow him to “continue added. The Environment Secretary it could diminish the number of to institute reforms, and pursue programs and projects that would likewise reassured that the agency patients seen at each center. truly protect the environment and would push for “people-centered agenda.” improve people’s lives.” Prior to his current post, Cimatu “This gives me enough inspiration to carry out the seemingly served as the Armed Forces chief gargantuan tasks of protecting in 2002. He also served as the PAGE A3 the environment and ensuring special envoy to the Middle East provide a long-term solution and sustainable use of the country’s during the administration of for- suggested reviving the Developrich natural resources in the face mer President Gloria Macapagal ment, Relief, and Education for of climate change and dwindling Arroyo. Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. A revived version of the DREAM Act was first introduced in 2001 but hasn’t been passed despite several bipartisan efforts. In response to Trump’s rescission ley was sent away to the Philip- ton Post that Paddock was an avid of DACA, a bipartisan effort led gambler, often gambling in tens by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and pines by Paddock. “I know that she don’t know and thousands of dollars — Eric Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) called anything as well like us,” said sent the FBI three years of text for the Senate to promptly pass the DREAM Act before DACA exDanley’s sister. “She was sent messages from his brother. “My brother is not like you and pires. away. She was away so that she “I understand that it can be difwill not be there to interfere with me. He plays high-stakes video poker,” he said. “He sends me a ficult to relate to this situation,” what he’s planning.” Eric Paddock had a similar com- text that says he won $250,000 at Marquez told the committee. “However, you do know what ment and told the Washington Post the casino.” Their father, Benjamin Pad- it’s like to make investments in that his brother had “manipulated her to be as far away from here and dock, was reportedly on the FBI’s your future; you have invested in Top Ten Most Wanted list in the your education, pursued your casafe when he committed this.” Danley’s sister added that Dan- 1970s, and had a criminal record reer aspirations, applied for jobs, ley did not even know of her trip to of bank robberies and prison and made a living to provide for escape. He was also diagnosed a yourselves and your families. I the Philippines beforehand. ask that you and your colleagues “She didn’t even know that she psychopath. The Islamic State (IS) group restore these opportunities for us was going to the Philippines, until Steve said, ‘Marilou, I found you claimed responsibility for the as well.” According to a Politico/Morna cheap ticket to the Philippines’,” shootings, stating that Paddock had converted to Islam a few ing Consult poll from last month, said Danley’s sister. “In that sense, I thank him for months ago, but FBI special agent 76 percent of Americans — from sparing my sister’s life. But that Aaron Rouse said Monday that no both parties — support granting won’t be to compensate the 59 connection to an international ter- DREAMers citizenship or legal rorist group has been determined permanent residency. people’s lives,” she added. “Marilou Danley is my as of yet. Law enforcement officials said sister. She is a good person and gentle soul. A mother, a grand- 12 of the rifles found in Paddock’s Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino mother, a sister, a friend.” Motive still under investiga- suite were outfitted with a “bump PAGE A1 stock”, an apparatus that enables been the result of Congress’ ontion As Danley submits to ques- a gun to function like a machine going saga of the Obama-era Aftioning, the motive behind the gun. A total of 47 firearms were fordable Healthcare Act (ACA). attack remains unclear as of this found by police in Paddock’s two Agreement on renewing the prowriting. Paddock — who has houses and at the hotel. gram was reached as recently Paddock had apparently been as mid-September, according to been reported to have been an accountant, and a licensed pilot who purchasing weapons since 1982, Bruce Lesley, president of chilowned two planes among other including 33 in the past year, said dren’s advocacy group First Foproperties — had no major run- San Francisco Field Division for cus told the Los Angeles Times. the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, ins with police prior. “Momentum was building,” “We have no investigative in- Firearms and Explosive, Special Lesley said of the plan to renew formation of background associ- Agent in Charge Jill A. Snyder, to CHIP but as soon as Graham-Casated with this individual that is CBS News on Wednesday. sidy, the GOP health bill looking According to the Gun Control to repeal and replace the ACA, derogatory,” said Lombardo on Monday. “The only thing we can Act of 1968, sellers are only re- was introduced “we couldn’t tell is he received a citation sev- quired to report sales of two or even get a meeting. No one was eral years ago; that citation was more handguns of the same buyer even taking our calls.” handled as a matter of normal if the purchases were made at the If Congress doesn’t take acsame time, or within five business tion to reinstate CHIP, states’ practice in the court system.” Lombardo initially described days of each other. children health programs that Gun shops who have sold to are under CHIP may be forced to Paddock as a “lone wolf”, saying that he was believed to have acted Paddock in the past say he cleared deplete their resources or even background checks. Snyder said shut down. alone in the shooting. Upon raiding his suite, the Paddock made his purchases in The Children’s Partnership, a SWAT team found Paddock dead Nevada, Utah, California, and children’s non-profit advocacy from a self-inflicted shot to the Texas. group in California, warns of dire “No one can put the puzzles consequences with the end of head. Investigators also found cameras both inside and outside together. No one. Except Mar- funding for CHIP. Mayra Alvarez, the suite — cameras were found ilou,” said Danley’s sister. president of the organization, “She probably was even [more] said that CHIP was essential in in the door’s peephole, in the hallshocked than us because she was providing access to health care ways, and on a service cart. “It was pre-planned, exten- more closer to him than us,” she for children and their families sively, and I’m pretty sure that he added. “To be able to find out that and urges Congress for the proevaluated everything that he did the person you live with, that you gram’s reauthorization. in his actions, which is trouble- love and live with can do such a “The consequences of not thing, and you thought you know passing a clean CHIP reauthorisome,” said Lombardo. Eric revealed to the Washing- the person yourself.” zation bill could have serious im-
Las Vegas gunman’s Filipina... PAGE A2
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The US-Philippines Society tendered a lunch in honor of visiting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter S. Cayetano on Wednesday, September 27 in Washington, D.C. The lunch was hosted by Co-Chair Ambassador John Negroponte (ret.), and attended by a number of Society Directors based in the United States, led by Society President Ambassador John Maisto (ret.). In a wide-ranging discussion of bilateral and regional issues, Secretary Cayetano provided an overview of the Duterte Administration’s foreign policy priorities and outlined how the Society can work with the Philippine Government in further strengthening Philippines-US relations. The Secretary, on the other hand, was assured of the Society’s assistance in ensuring that the administration’s ambitious governance agenda is more fully understood and appreciated among the thought leaders in the United States, particularly in the US capital. “Through all the shifts of policy and politics over the years, the strong bonds between the peoples of the Philippines and the United States have been a lasting foundation for Philippines-US relations. I am honored and pleased by the
That’s because the more trauma patients a center deals with annually, the better the results, studies show. “If you can bring all the patients to one place, then those surgeons become really good at dealing with trauma, instead of spreading it out [around a number of facilities],” said Bill Bullard, senior vice president with the Abaris Group, a California-based consulting firm that advises hospitals on emergency care. Ian Weston, executive director of the American Trauma Society, said the trauma system worked well in Las Vegas, which is a credit to ambulances and other first responders and their ability to triage patients to hospitals across the city.
Seriously ill patients have the best outcomes when treated at a Level I trauma center, said David Callaway, a professor of emergency medicine at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. But “when you have 500-plus casualties and 58 dead … if all the patients went to a Level I, mortality would not be improved, because they would be completely overwhelmed,” Callaway added. Bullard agreed. “In theory, the more centers you have the more people you have to deal with injuries. However, no trauma system is able to handle a tragedy of this magnitude.” This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Senate committee holds hearing for DACA... DACA recipients whose permits expire by March 5, 2018 must turn in their renewal applications by Thursday, October 5. Attorneys encourage those to complete renewal by Tuesday and send their applications overnight via FedEx to be received by USCIS by Wednesday morning. A group of 37 senators — led by Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) — have been urging the administration to extend the Oct. 5 deadline, referencing the destruction brought by Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria that have stifled many DREAMers’ applications. “These major hurricanes significantly disrupted day to day living and operations in these states and territories,” the lawmakers wrote. “It would be appropriate for the government to extend the October 5, 2017 deadline nationwide to allow individuals adequate time to meet the government’s recent request.” DACA provided a profound impact on all undocumented youth, especially Asian DREAMers. Since its inception in 2012, more than 16,000 Asian immigrant youth — including between 4,000 and 6,000 Filipinos — were granted benefits and protection
under DACA. David Palau, a recent graduate of Cal State LA, was brought to the U.S. from the Philippines when he was two years old. He told the Asian Journal that DACA has been “instrumental” in his academic success. “DACA opened doors for me that I never thought I would get to open,” Palau, 25, told the Asian Journal at a DACA press conference in September. “Ending it means that people like me, people who just want to work and be a part of the American Dream, have to struggle again. After years of being able to do everything other American kids can do — even something as simple as driving — this feels like a hard blow to the stomach.” “It would be great to have a path to citizenship like the DREAM Act, but what do we do until then, you know? It just feels like we’re in limbo right now, and there are so many of us just waiting to find out what will happen with our lives,” Palau said, adding that “it’s scary to think that the lives of hundreds of thousands of kids are in the hands of a few people in Washington.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
Congress fails to renew Children’s Health Insurance... plications for the 1.4 million children in California who depend on CHIP for coverage,” Alvarez said in a statement sent to the Asian Journal. “Without federal support, California will have to make difficult decisions that will undoubtedly impact the health and well-being of millions of children across the State. The successful CHIP program has long had bipartisan support in Congress, so vague promises of action later in the year are not enough. We urge Congress to move forward with a clean CHIP reauthorization bill immediately and make sure they put our children, our future first.” However, the Senate Finance and House Energy Commerce committees submitted a bipartisan bill on Monday evening that would extend CHIP funding for the next five years with a gradual decrease of the 23 percentage point funding increase guaranteed under the ACA by 2020. The new reauthorization bill, called the Helping Ensure Access for Little Ones, Toddlers and Hopeful Youth by Keeping Insurance Delivery Stable Act of 2017 (HEALTHY KIDS Act), was introduced by Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Ron Wyden (DOre.) and didn’t specify how the government would pay for the
funding extension. Former President Bill Clinton signed CHIP into law in 1997 and has had overwhelming bipartisan support. CHIP was pivotal in reducing the amount of uninsured children from 14 percent in 1997 to 4.5 percent in 2015. Approximately 1.3 million children in California are enrolled in public health programs through CHIP, the highest enrollment rate of any state that runs out of funding this year. About 3 out of 4 of those children are children of color. The program provided a whole host of medical services for underprivileged children: routine check-ups, immunizations, emergency services, prescriptions and inpatient and outpatient hospital care to name a few. In addition to providing coverage for children, CHIP also provides for more than 370,000 pregnant women a year. Though current authorization has expired the program’s funding, states may use any unspent money to continue their children’s health programs under CHIP. Many states, including California and Arizona, are slated to run out of money before the year ends, but most have enough to last until next summer. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
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D ateline PhiliPPines Aguirre files wiretapping case against Hontiveros Duterte assures parents of hazing victim ‘justice will be served’ sioson AJPress
MANILA - Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday, October 2, filed a wiretapping complaint against Senator Risa Hontiveros in connection with the controversial capture of his phone message. In his complaint before the Pasay City prosecutor’s office, Aguirre said Hontiveros violated Republic Act 4200 or the Anti-Wiretapping Act when she publicized his exchange of text messages with a former congressman last month. The justice secretary said he would also file a separate ethics complaint against the senator over the same leaked messages. Last month, Hontiveros released a photo of Aguirre which was “inadvertently” taken by a photojournalist during a Senate probe on September 5. In the photo, the justice secretary can be seen texting a certain “Cong Jing,” who, according to Hontiveros, is Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) member and former Negros Oriental Representative Jacinto “Jing” Paras. “Naturuan na ni Hontiveros yung testigo (Hontiveros already coached the witnesses). Her questions are leading questions,” Paras’ message to Aguirre read. Aguirre was seen typing a reply on his phone: “’Yon nga
MPD (Manila Police District). He assured us that justice will be served,” Carmina Castillo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte told reporters after meeting the assured the parents of hazing vic- President. “The case will be handled by tim Horacio Castillo III that there would be no whitewash in the the MPD under Coronel and suinvestigation of their son’s death pervision of PNP Chief [Ronald] and that justice would be served. dela Rosa. In my opinion, the At the same time, Duterte MPD is credible, and they have tasked the Manila Police District (MPD) to take the lead in finding and prosecuting the killers of Castillo III, who died in hazing rites of the Aegis Juris Fraternity in September. Aside from Castillo’s parents, also present was Uncle Gerardo in Malacañang on Wednesday. During the meeting, the family articulated to the President that they preferred the MPD to take charge of their son’s case, prompting the President to call on PNP Chief Ronald de la Rosa and Ps/Supt Joel Napoleon Coronel to shed light on the mtter. “MPD takes lead because the [Castillo] family trusts them. NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) will just be there for validation,” Duterte said during his meeting with the Castillo family. “There will be no whitewash. He (Atio) was helpless. I would say this is murder because the victim was helpless,” Duterte, a lawyer, added. This was later confirmed by the Castillo family in a separate news conference. “The president promised that he will help us, that the police will really look into it…it’s the by LLanesca
by Dana
Panti
ManilaTimes
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday, Oct. 2 filed a wiretapping case against Sen. Risa Hontiveros at Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office—an office under his jurisdiction as justice chief. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban
sinasabi ko kanina dito. Very obvious. Kaya expedite natin ang cases ninyo vs her. (That’s what I’m saying. Very obvious. So let’s expedite your cases against her.)” But contrary to the senator’s claim, Aguirre insisted that the messages were captured “intentionally, maliciously and unlawfully.” “It was never an inadvertent act, contrary to the claim of Sen. Risa Hontiveros in her privilege speech. I was targeted, I was singled out and it was premeditated,” he said. He added, “The precise timing of the taking or shooting of
the photograph, the accuracy of the detail of the image taken and the strategically chosen vantage point all indicate that the media person being referred to intentionally focused his camera or her camera and used the same with the intention to intercept and capture my private text message.” Aguirre likewise challenged Hontiveros to present the journalist who supposedly took the photo. He condemned the incident, calling it a “shameless violation of a citizen’s right to the privacy of communication.” PAGE A7
Trillanes names Duterte’s ‘source’ of fake bank accounts by Dana
sioson AJPress
raw ay isang well-connected sa [United States] embassy, dati raw siyang federal agent (The MANILA - Senator Antonio one who invented this is a certain Trillanes IV on Tuesday, October Daniel “Snooky” Cruz. This man 3, has identified the person who pretends that he is well-connectprovided Philippine President ed with the U.S. embassy, that he Rodrigo Duterte the information is a former federal agent),” the on the lawmaker’s alleged off- senator said. shore bank accounts. Showing photos of Cruz with In a privilege speech before Philippine National Police (PNP) the Senate, Trillanes claimed chief Ronald dela Rosa and in a privilege speech that a cer- Duterte himself, Trillanes insinutain Daniel “Snooky” Cruz is the ated that Cruz is well-connected source of the “fake” bank docu- with officials from Malacañang. ments. According to the senator, Cruz “Ang nag-imbento ay isang sold the bank details to MalacaDaniel ‘Snooky’ Cruz. Ito pong ñang on August 31 for P10 miltaong ‘to nagpapanggap na siya lion—of which P3 million went to
Cruz, while the remaining amount went to their middlemen. Trillanes said he got the information about the transaction from graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) working in Malacañang. “Binigay noong August 31, and true enough, may picture si Mr. Cruz and Mr. Duterte sa Malacañang on August 31, so talagang nahuli natin. Buti na lang may nagmamalasakit na PMAers na nagbisto kay Mr. Cruz at sinabi sa akin (He gave it on August 31 and true enough, there is a photo of Mr. Cruz and Mr. Duterte taken in Malacañang on August 31, so we really caught them. It’s
good that there are PMAers who support us and exposed Mr. Cruz to us),” the senator said. “Again, si Mr. Daniel Cruz ay meron siyang mga connection sa Malacañang. Nakaakbay siya kay PNP [chief], well-connected siya (Now, Mr. Daniel Cruz has connections in Malacañang. Here he is seen with his arm around the PNP chief, he’s well-connected),” he added. Trillanes earlier flew to Singapore to personally disprove the chief executive’s allegations that the senator has millions of undeclared wealth in several foreign accounts. PAGE A7
really been of help to us since this started,” Gerardo Castillo added. Carmina, however, did not go into details as to why the family preferred the MPD to take the lead. “We don’t have apprehension [on anybody]. We just have full trust and confidence on the MPD,” Carmina added.
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OpiniOn
One for Las Vegas
Features
“IN moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one — and it always has. We call upon the bonds that unite us — our faith, our family, and our shared values. We call upon the bonds of citizenship, the ties of community, and the comfort of our common humanity. Our unity cannot be shattered by evil. Our bonds cannot be broken by violence. And though we feel such great anger at the senseless murder of our fellow citizens, it is our love that defines us today — and always will, forever.” This was the statement made by Pres. Donald Trump on Tuesday, Oct. 2, in light of the deadly mass shooting incident in Las Vegas, Nevada which claimed the lives of at least 59 victims and injured more than 500 people. It was a fun night on Sunday, Oct. 1, as a crowd of about 22,000 revealers gathered at an outdoor country music concert for the Route 91 Harvest Festival on Las Vegas Boulevard. Across the street, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock was settled in his hotel room 32 floors up at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. As country music singer Jason Aldean was performing, a rain of gunshots began pouring toward the celebrating crowd. “The gunshots lasted for 10 to 15 minutes. It didn’t stop,” a witness told CNN. It was Paddock. The lone wolf attacker was several feet southwest of the concert grounds and equipped with at least 23 weapons and two tripods when fired rifles—clip after clip—out of two different windows
in his hotel room. Paddock killed himself as authorities stormed his hideout. Authorities believe that Paddock acted alone, but they have yet to determine his motives. As more details begin to unravel in this gruesome incident, the world joins Americans as they pray for the victims and extend their condolences to the families they left behind. The Philippines extends its “deepest condolences to the families of the more than 50 victims who died because of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. We likewise pray for the speedy recovery of the more than 500 people who were reported injured,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said during a Palace briefing. “We join the peaceloving people of the international community in denouncing this latest act of violence.” In this time of distraught, let us express our compassion and pay our respects to the victims of this senseless violence that disrupted what should bered not for giving a reason of mourning, but for have been a joyous occasion. They will be remem- uniting the whole world amidst disorder, and mak-
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
ing such occasion more meaningful, today and for years to come. (AJPress)
The Bernie Sanders plan to cover all Americans with universal health care HEALTH CARE is a right and not just a The Fil-Am privilege. This is the philosophy behind the Perspective plan proposed by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders — a policy he has been advocating for years, and espe- Gel SantoS-ReloS cially during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Because it is a fundamental right, Sanders proposes a plan that would create a federally administered single-payer health care program. Sanders’ universal single-payer health care plan hopes to accord a comprehensive coverage for all Americans that will cover the entire continuum of health care, from inpatient to outpatient care; preventive to emergency care; primary care to specialty care, including long-term and palliative care; vision, hearing and oral health care; mental health and substance abuse services; as well as prescription medications, medical equipment, supplies, diagnostics and treatments. Under the Sanders proposal, patients will be able to choose a health care provider without worrying about whether that provider is in-network and will be able to get the care they need without having to read any fine print or trying to figure out how they can afford the out-ofpocket costs. Sanders said with this system, all you need to do is go to the doctor and show your insurance card. The plan means no more copays, no more deductibles and no more fighting with insurance companies
trol We outspend all other countries on the planet and our medical spending continues to grow faster than the rate of inflation. Creating a single, public insurance system will go a long way towards getting health care spending under control. The United States has thousands of different health insurance plans, all of which set different reimbursement rates across different networks for providers and procedures resulting in high administrative costs. Two patients with the same condition may get very different care depending on where they live, the health insurance they have and what their insurance covers. A patient may pay different amounts for the same prescription depending solely on where the prescription is filled. Health care providers and patients must navigate this complex and bewildering system wasting precious time and resources. By moving to an integrated system, the government will finally have the ability to stand up to drug companies and negotiate fair prices for the American people collectively. It will also ensure the federal government can track access to various providers and make smart investments
ONE way the corrupt try to look clean is to launch a crusade against corruption. The impressionable then think that someone waging war on graft would not engage in it. That’s how then President Benigno Aquino 3rd could unleash immense sleaze on the nation, and yet still be seen as “corruptfree,” as his handpicked Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales lauded him last December. In fact, anomalies under Aquino were huge, even unprecedented in some respects, and are still burdening our people today. Take the mammoth anomalies in the transport department under Liberal Party stalwarts Mar Roxas and Jose Emilio Abaya. Due to an illegal license plate contract bid out and awarded with no budget allocation, hundreds of thousands of vehicles have no license plates, even if owners already paid P400 each for the illegally contracted
to avoid provider shortages and ensure communities can access the providers they need. Major savings for families and businesses Bernie’s plan will cost over $6 trillion less than the current health care system over the next ten years. The United States currently spends $3 trillion on health care each year—nearly $10,000 per person. Reforming our health care system, simplifying our payment structure and incentivizing new ways to make sure patients are actually getting better health care will generate massive savings. This plan has been estimated to save the American people and businesses over $6 trillion over the next decade. The typical middle-class family would save over $5,000 under this plan. Last year, the average working family paid $4,955 in premiums and $1,318 in deductibles to private health insurance companies. Under this plan, a family of four earning $50,000 would pay just $466 per year to the single-payer program, amounting to a savings of over $5,800 for that family each year. Businesses would save over $9,400 a year in health care costs for the average employee. The average annual cost to the employer for a worker with a family who makes $50,000 a year would go from $12,591 to just $3,100. How much will it cost? This plan has been estimated to cost $1.38 trillion per year. The plan would be fully paid for by: A 6.2 percent income-based health
care premium paid by employers — Revenue raised: $630 billion per year. A 2.2 percent income-based premium paid by households — Revenue raised: $210 billion per year.This year, a family of four taking the standard deduction can have income up to $28,800 and not pay this tax under this plan. A family of four making $50,000 a year taking the standard deduction would only pay $466 this year. Progressive income tax rates — Revenue raised: $110 billion a year. Under this plan, the marginal income tax rate would be: 37 percent on income between $250,000 and $500,000; 43 percent on income between $500,000 and $2 million; 48 percent on income between $2 million and $10 million. (In 2013, only 113,000 households, the top 0.08 percent of taxpayers, had income between $2 million and $10 million.); 52 percent on income above $10 million. (In 2013, only 13,000 households, just 0.01 percent of taxpayers, had income exceeding $10 million.) Taxing capital gains and dividends the same as income from work — Revenue raised: $92 billion per year. Warren Buffett, the second wealthiest American in the country, has said that he pays a lower effective tax rate than his secretary. The reason is that he receives most of his income from capital gains and dividends, which are taxed at a much lower rate than income from work. This plan will end the special tax break for capital gains and dividends on household income above $250,000. Limit tax deductions for rich — Rev-
enue raised: $15 billion per year. Under Bernie’s plan, households making over $250,000 would no longer be able to save more than 28 cents in taxes from every dollar in tax deductions. This limit would replace more complicated and less effective limits on tax breaks for the rich including the AMT, the personal exemption phase-out and the limit on itemized deductions. The Responsible Estate Tax — Revenue raised: $21 billion per year.This provision would tax the estates of the wealthiest 0.3 percent (three-tenths of 1 percent) of Americans who inherit over $3.5 million at progressive rates and close loopholes in the estate tax. Savings from health tax expenditures — Revenue raised: $310 billion per year. Several tax breaks that subsidize health care (health-related “tax expenditures”) would become obsolete and disappear under a single-payer health care system, saving $310 billion per year. Most importantly, health care provided by employers is compensation that is not subject to payroll taxes or income taxes under current law. This is a significant tax break that would effectively disappear under this plan because all Americans would receive health care through the new single-payer program instead of employerbased health care. *** 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
Yellow is the color of hypocrisy
Opinion
RicaRdo Saludo
when they fail to pay for charges. Let me share with you the details of his plan as detailed on his website and what this proposal means for us Americans: Getting health care spending under con-
plates. Also bedeviled by incompetence or sleaze are driver’s license cards, also unissued by the millions because the Land Transportation Office under Aquino’s shooting buddy Virginia Torres (God rest her soul) delayed payments on the computerized licensing contractor. But the real bonanza was at the Bureau of Customs, where smuggling trebled to $26.6 billion in 2014, from less than $8 billion five years before. No wonder the system Aquino left “swallowed” Duterte appointee Col. Nicanor Faeldon, as Sen. Panfilo Lacson put it. When more than 2,000 cargo containers disappeared in 2011—the biggest spate of smuggling in Philippine history—Aquino never had it investigated. Imagine the racket the yellow camp would have made if that happened under Gloria Arroyo or Rodrigo Duterte. Still, the most pernicious and anti-democratic sleaze was the use of pork barrel and the illegal Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) to induce legislators to pass Aquino’s pet bills
and oust impeachable officials he didn’t like. The Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), the pork barrel scheme created by Aquino’s mother Corazon, more than doubled under him, from about P8 billion during the Arroyo years, to more than P20 billion from 2011 until the Supreme Court declared PDAF unconstitutional in 2013, and DAP too the following year. Plus: No less than the Supreme Court in its unanimous decision said that DAP funds were allocated to programs and projects not found in any budgetary appropriations enacted by Congress. Spending public funds in ways not authorized by budget laws constitutes malversation. So, the high court ordered Ombudsman Morales to probe and charge the “authors” of the P157-billion DAP. The hypocrisy continues Today, the yellow hypocrisy continues, now decrying moves to hold its stalwarts and appointees accountable for gross anomalies. It has balked at impeachment petitions against Aquino appointees Chief Justice
Maria Lourdes Sereno, Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista, and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. Is the Liberal Party and its allies in business, legal, and civil society groups saying that the issuance of Supreme Court resolutions without the constitutionally required en banc approval is not serious enough to warrant congressional investigation and prosecution? Plus, the alleged manipulation of the Judicial and Bar Council shortlists of nominees to court vacancies, including the post of Associate Justice, prompting the Supreme Court en banc to overrule the JBC? Is it now no longer right to impeach officials for not declaring tens or hundreds of millions of pesos in assets, like Sereno’s earnings from the NAIA Terminal 3 case, and most of Comelec Chair Bautista’s nearly P1 billion in bank deposits, as alleged by his estranged wife with passbooks and account statements? The yellows cheered when the LP-dominated Senate convicted Chief Justice Renato Corona for failing to declare dollar
deposits covered by absolute secrecy—an offense that could have been corrected without penalty under the law. So, why are they changing their tune now that their appointees are accused of hiding mountains of cash? As for Ombudsman Morales, whose predecessor was impeached for allegedly favoring former President Gloria Arroyo, is it now wrong to hold Moales to the same standard of impartiality in dealing with the past administration which appointed her? Consider what this wrongly awarded paragon of partiality has done. Despite a unanimous Supreme Court ruling that programs and projects not appearing in any pertinent budgetary laws were allocated DAP funds—a textbook case of malversation—she has found no reason to charge Aquino, who signed every DAP disbursement, and merely slapped the wrist of the other DAP author, former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad. In the disappearance of more than 2,000 cargo containers in
2011, she has exerted zero effort in probing the mammoth smuggling, even if it is so easy to simply grill all those who kept releasing boxes after dozens or hundreds had vanished, so they will point fingers at higher-ups who masterminded the scam. Are all the foregoing gross and blatant anomalies worthy of the same congressional reckoning which then-President Aquino demanded for CJ Corona and then-Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez? Or does being named or favored by him exempt officials from accountability, like the LP stalwarts spared from pork barrel cases targeting opposition senators, prompting Catholic bishops to decry “selective prosecution”? Decrying Duterte ‘despotism’ A further argument raised against impeachment is the power it could give President Duterte over the judiciary, the Comelec, and the Office of the Ombudsman if all their heads were removed. Rights lawyer and former De La Salle UniPAGE A7
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Duterte moves barangay, SK polls to May 2018 by Gaea
Katreena Philstar.com
CabiCo
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte signed the law postponing the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to the second Monday of May next year. The village polls were initially scheduled on October 23 this year. Duterte signed Republic Act 10952 on October 2 but the signed copy of the law was released by the Palace on October 4. The law states that the incumbent barangay and SK officials
shall stay in office in holdover capacity until the new set of officers have been elected. The term of elected barangay and SK officials will start on June 30. The Commission on Elections welcomed the president’s decision to postpone the polls. “The Commission en Banc will be issuing the necessary Resolutions to effectuate this new law. In the meantime, we advise all deputized agencies and election partners to immediately begin ramping down their election related activities and await more detailed instructions and guidelines from
Yellow is the color of... TRAINING STARTS. A police officer addresses the more than a thousand Caloocan policemen who were relieved last month. The policemen started their retraining and reorientation on Monday, Oct. 2. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan
Cop recants testimony of PNP-sponsored killings by Dana
SioSon AJPress
MANILA - A police officer has recanted his earlier testimony that his superiors supposedly ordered him to kill drug suspects, according to Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday, October 2. Lacson, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, said Police Officer 1 Vicent Tacorda withdrew his affidavit on June 29. “I have done some serious soul searching and I have come to realize that I love my organization,” Tacorda said in his July 3 letter read by Lacson. “I continue to hold it and its ranks in the highest respect despite some sad experiences I went through, which changed my heart; [that] I had expounded in an affidavit of recantation on
29 June 2017,” the police officer added. In his May 10 affidavit, Tacorda claimed that he and another cop were ordered to shoot drug suspects so that the Catanduanes police force would have contribution to President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs. He said they will be relieved from their post if they failed to deliver an “accomplishment of 5-10 deaths of drug suspects.” According to Tacorda, his superiors had prepared his needs to kill an alleged suspect—including a budget for his food and lodging, a picture of his target, and a handwritten note that read “Pusher ako, huwag tularan (I’m a pusher, don’t be like me), Bicol vigilante.” He also claimed that the operation was “well-coordinated with the chief of police.”
Tacorda resigned earlier in April, saying he could no longer stomach the supposed corruption and illegal practices within the Philippine National Police (PNP). Lacson said Tacorda was in- PAGE A5 vited this Monday but did not For her part, the senator reitattend the Senate hearing into erated that there was no intent the death of teenagers who were to tap or intercept the justice supposedly killed during police secretary’s messages. operations. Hontiveros also pointed out Despite his recantation, the that his complaint “confirms senator directed the PNP to pres- the conspiracy hatched by Secent Tacoda in the next committee retary Aguirre and his VACC hearing. to ‘expedite’ the filing of cases “Be that as it may, I’m instruct- against [her].” ing the PNP to produce Mr. TaShe added that the case likecorda, PO1 Tacorda to appear wise confirmed that the “Cong. in the next hearing para we can Jing” whom Secretary Aguirre hear from him directly kung ano was texting was former Repreyung totoo sa kanyang testimony sentative Jacinto Paras. (so we could directly hear from “Caught red handed and still him which of his testimony is making excuses. He wants to true),” said Lacson. hide behind baseless allegations,” the senator said, calling Aguirre’s move “a desperate attempt to deflect public attention.” and sold [information on] fake Last week, Paras also lodged bank accounts of Senator Leila a wiretapping complaint against de Lima),” Trillanes said. Hontiveros. The senator, however, did not ‘Yellows’ intensifying ouster identify the cabinet official. plot “Hindi nilabas kasi peke. Buti In a statement on Tuesday, naman ‘di siya nasunog pero October 3, Aguirre claimed that ‘di pa nadala dito si Mr. Snooky the “yellows” — likely referring Cruz, pinalitan lang ibang detto the supporters of the opposialye at binenta ulit sa Malacation — have intensified its camñang this time. (It was not repaign to oust Philippine Presileased because it was fake. Good dent Rodrigo Duterte. for him but Mr. Snooky Cruz did “They, the yellows, are intenit again. He just changed a few sifying the actions against the details and sold it to Malacañang president,” the justice secretary this time),” he added.
Trillanes names Duterte’s ‘source’ of... PAGE A5 Duterte then admitted that he just “invented” the details of the bank accounts to “trick” Trillanes. The president later claimed that Trillanes closed his DBS account “online” before flying to Singapore—which was refuted by a spokesman for the bank, who said closing an account should be done in the client’s home branch in person. De Lima accounts Trillanes also insinuated that Cruz offered a cabinet official
fake details of Senator Leila De Lima’s supposed bank accounts last year. But after validating the documents, the senator said the government figure did not release it after finding out that they were “fake.” “Ibinenta itong impormasyon na ‘to. Ginawa niya ito dati pa or last year for that matter, nagalok siya at nagbenta siya ng fake bank accounts ni Senator Leila de Lima. (This information was sold. He did it before or last year, for that matter. He offered
PAGE A6 versity law dean Chel Diokno warned of Duterte despotism. Well, where were these lemon-tinted objectors when their idol Aquino named his election lawyer Sixto Brillantes as Comelec chairman, his Ateneo classmate Sereno as Chief Justice,
the Commission on how to move forward,” Comelec Chairperson Andres Bautista said in a message to reporters. Duterte pushed for the postponement of barangay elections as he alleged that 40 percent of barangay officials are involved in the operation of illegal drugs. He added that the postponement of barangay elections would keep errant officials in office. It was the second time that barangay and SK elections were postponed amid concerns that drug lords will fund candidates. The polls were initially set in October last year.
and the justice who swore him in as Ombudsman? Didn’t those three appointments also give the yellow gang immense influence over these independent constitutional bodies? And more to the point, are they now fighting tooth and
nail to keep that clout in the Supreme Court, the Comelec, and the OMB? Plainly, if Chief Justice Sereno, Comelec Chair Bautista, and Ombudsman Morales, along with their yellow backers, were keen to keep their offices from falling under the sway of Duterte appointees, they should have kept their noses clean. But they didn’t. (ManilaTimes.net)
told reporters. The color “yellow,” and similar terms like “dilawan” and “yellowtards,” have been associated with the allies and members of the Liberal Party (LP), the political party of Duterte’s predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, which took the current role of opposition. Aguirre claimed that the corruption allegations against Duterte and his family are supposedly part of the opposition’s black propaganda. The justice secretary made the claim days after the Office of the Ombudsman announced that they are investigating the accusations of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV that the president and his family had billionsworth of ill-gotten wealth. Aguirre also disclosed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is looking into local and foreign bank accounts of “yellow” personalities. “We have dug these bank accounts of opposition personalities, mostly ‘dilaw,’” Aguirre told reporters, without providing specifics. The LP, in response, decried Aguirre’s move as a “threat of persecution.” “We consider the threat of persecution – especially from a
Secretary whose resignation we have openly called for – a sorry, hardly unbiased attempt to divert the public’s attention away from these issues,” the LP said in a statement. The LP had repeatedly denied allegations of any ouster plot against Duterte. It further maintained that its members and allies had always adhered to its core values of integrity and people-centeredness. “These values compel us to speak up on issues such as the drug smuggling and corruption allegations against those close to the president and the murder of minors and innocents by instruments of the state, among others,” it added. Last month, the Senate minority bloc, dominated by LP members, reiterated its call for Aguirre to resign from his post over his supposed “unethical actions as a public official” and “propensity for spreading fake information on those he tagged as ‘dilawan,’” among others. Senate minority bloc members include Trillanes of the Nacionalista Party (NP); and Senators Franklin Drilon, Francis Pangilinan, Benigno Paulo “Bam” Aquino IV, Leila De Lima, and Hontiveros—all of whom are members of the LP.
Aguirre files wiretapping case against...
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Journal
Tracing history: When and how
Filipino-American History Month started by Rain
Mendiola AJPress
FILIPINO-American History Month is celebrated in the United States every October. The significance of the month is attached to the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the United States. It was on October 18, 1587 when the “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Manila-built Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza under the command of Spanish Captain Pedro de Unamuno and set foot in what is now Morro Bay, California. The late Dr. Fred Cordova, along with his wife, Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) Founder Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova, first introduced October as Filipino-American History Month in 1992 with a resolution from the FANHS National Board of Trustees. The Filipino American History Month was first recognized statewide in California in 2006 when the California Department of Education placed it on its calendar. California State Senator Leland Yee introduced a resolution, which passed the California State Assembly and was submitted to the California Secretary of State, that
Filipinos’ contributions to US history and society
signed the First Surplus Rescission Act in February, 1946, which deemed the service of the Filipino BOTH Americans and Filipinos soldiers as not full-time, thereby acknowledge their countries’ disqualifying them from receiving relationship is a “special one,” their rightful benefits. Today, advocates have fought said Frank H. Golay in the book “The United States and the Philip- the inclusion of their stories in pines,” published by the American Assembly. Tracing back the pieces of history until the most recent issues emanating between the two countries, it is likely true. From the issues such as colonization and military agreement, today’s love-hate relationship of the two countries is hard to uproot. By eliJah RodeRoS By a way of example is when AJPress Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s threatened to cut ties FILIPINO-American History with the U.S. government in the Month is celebrated annually every past. Latest headlines now say October owing to the fact that it Duterte has changed his mind and was on October 15, 1857 that the now chooses to be friends with presence of Filipinos in the United the American government. This States was first recorded. otherwise complex relationship The first Filipinos who came between the two countries has ashore were called “Luzones Indeeper roots. It has stood the test dios.” They the boarded Spanish of time and numerous storms, and galleon Nuestra Senora de Eskeeps on growing. Here are some paranza and landed on what is now distinct contributions by Filipinos Morro Bay, California, according that helped shaped U.S. history to the Filipino American National and society: History Society (FANHS). 1) 250,000 Filipinos served In in 2009, the 111th U.S. Conunder the U.S flag during the gress passed a resolution officially World War II. recognizing October as Filipino Approximately 250,000 Filipino American History month. Since soldiers signed up to U.S. Presi- their arrival in 1857, Filipinos dent Franklin Roosevelt’s call-to have made their mark in U.S. hisarms in 1941. These Filipinos sol- tory and society, raising both the diers fought under the American American and Philippine flags. flag during World War II, serving Here are some notable Fil-Ams, under both the U.S. Army Forces in no particular order: in Asia and as guerilla fighters 1. Rob Bonta, California Asagainst Imperial Japan’s occupa- semblymember tion of the Philippines. These, all Born in Quezon City, Bonta to the U.S. government’s promise made history when he was elected of a possibility to be granted to the California State Assembly in U.S. citizenship and full veteran 2012, making him the first Filipinobenefits. American state legislator. Since Although some Filipino sol- then, he has been representing the diers were later granted the much- Filipino community in an effort put coveted U.S. citizenship, their role their issues forward and advocate during WWII and the suffering of for the rights of his fellow. the entire Filipino nation are not In 2013, he proposed legislamentioned in U.S. history books. tion that would require California Furthermore, five months after public schools to teach students the war ended, President Truman by JennifeR
SoRiano
AJPress
public schools starting in California. The Filipino veterans of WWII are also finally receiving the Congressional Gold Medal on October 25. presentation of the gold medal to recognize that “the PAGE B6
Some notable Filipino-Americans
Photos courtesy of National Archives and FANHS.org
recognizes October as FilipinoAmerican History Month. In November 2009, both the United States House of Representatives and Senate passed resolutions — House Resolution 780 and Senate Resolution 298, respectively — officially recognizing the month of October as Filipino-American History Month in the United States. Filipino-American History Month is widely celebrated in
various states, counties and cities in the United States especially in California and Hawaii, where a large number of Fil-Ams currently reside. Commemorating 70 years of PH-US military bases agreement This year, the FANHS is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1947 Military Bases Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. Along with it is acknowledging the monumental effect it had on U.S.-Philippine relations and the Filipino community The history of the alliance between the two countries indicated an opposition toward the first attempts at establishing U.S. military bases in the Philippines. The Filipino opposition to the bases started when the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, overriding a veto by President Herbert Hoover, on January 17, 1933. The law promised Philippine independence after 10 years but reserved several military and naval bases for the United States, as well as imposing tariffs and quotas on PAGE B6
Rob Bonta, California’s first Fil-Am Assembly member
the contributions of Fil-Am farm workers’ in the farm labor movement. It was later signed the same year by Gov. Jerry Brown. 2. Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong, farmers and activists Founders of the United Farm Workers (UFW) Union. They were both leaders for farm worker rights. Cruz was one of the founders of of the Agriculture Worker Organizing Committee (AWOC), which later merged with Cesar Chavez’s National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) and gave birth to the UFW. Itliong was a labor leader that founded the Filipino Farm Labor Union (FFLU) and was the President of AWOC. He was a self-taught labor leader who PAGE B6
EntErtainmEnt
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Star Magic Ball becomes a family affair by Deni
rose BernarDo
Philstar.com
Star Magic Ball, in the past, was notorious for its drunken stars, brawls and cat fights. But this year was different. the ball has become more wholesome this year as more and more celebrities are walking down the red carpet with their family members as dates. Even aBS-CBN Publishing Inc. President Ernie Lopez came with his son. as event host Bianca Gonzalez-Intal observed, the ball that celebrated Star Magic’s 25th anniversary has become “a family affair.” Denise and Alejandro Laurel actress Denise Laurel celebrated her birthday at the ball last Saturday, Sept. 30 in Makati Shangri-La. “I’m celebrating my birthday, so I thought it would be cool to spend this day with my son,” the single mom told reporters. according to Denise, she wants alejandro to be part of everything she does. Clad in a rajo Laurel suit, alejandro was host tim Yap’s bet for “best dressed.” Meanwhile, Denise donned a Michael Cinco ball gown. “He’s so fabulous!” she said of Cinco. “He flew this in all the way from Dubai. On another day, he flew in somebody else for Maja (Salvador’s) gown. So, that’s two different flights for two different gowns, which I think is pretty awesome!” Denise shared that Cinco was supposed to make her wedding gown in 2014, so this year, she gave the designer full freedom to dress her up anyway he wants. “Maybe because I’m not getting married anymore and I just told
Leila and Ogie Alcasid
Denise and Alejandro Laurel
Philstar.com photos by Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV
him it’s my birthday, I just told him, ‘Whatever you think would look good.’ Because he has impeccable taste.” Since kids were not allowed inside the ballroom, alejandro joined Denise’s parents after the red carpet. Would Denise also make alejandro join Star Magic? “Maybe, summer workshops. He’s an honor student. I want to maintain that. He loves school. He’s so good at math and science without even trying. ‘Yung lagpak lang n’ya Filipino. So, I’m working on that!” shared the actress. as a birthday wish, alejandro told his mom: “I wish you could stay with me forever!” Ogie and Leila Alcasid “Nagulat ako! Bonggang bongga pala ‘to!” Ogie told the press when asked about his first time at the ball. “I think it’s a great experience. Now I know why everybody’s talking about it. But I’m more excited for her (Leila) than I am for me.” the award-winning singercomposer is proud of his daughter for taking control of her own life and making big decisions like going back to the Philippines to pursue a career in music and acting as a Star Magic talent. “Of course, music will always be my first love. But I’ve been told from her acting workshops that there’s something in there as an actor and I have to make sure that she really has good chops and she has a story to tell in her heart.” according to Leila, she has always known in her heart that she would return to the Philippines. “I always feel like a part of me is always here even though when I was in australia, so it’s a very nice transition. Lucky that I have part
of my family here, especially my dad…I don’t think there’s much of an adjustment at all, actually. I really blended in easily.” She said she is taking her showbiz career slowly. “I’m making sure that I’m ready for every step that I want to take. But I’m enjoying it. I’m enjoying the experience of meeting with people, discovering new things about myself as well. I’m very excited.” as a “dadager,” she finds Ogie “protective but not strict.” “He guides me and makes sure that I would make the right decisions. We are very alike, so we think the same way.” as she turns 20, Leila will be having a homecoming party soon together with her mom, Michelle Van Eimeren. Her stepmom, regine Velasquez, and stepdad, Mark, are also very supportive of her career. “there’s a tendency for us to feel like we’re old when we’re 20 but the truth is we’re not but at the same time, I want to give her a freehand on a lot of things in her
Aiko and Andre Melendez
Town mates and Friends:
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life, ‘cause that’s what my parents did to me also,” Ogie advised his daughter. aiko and andre Melendez Sixteen years after their separation, actress aiko Melendez and estranged husband Jomari Yllana have reconciled. “Ayun, we’re okay na. and God is just so great that after 16 years everything is just you know, okay na. Wala nang tensyon,” aiko told the press during a red carpet interview at the Star Magic Ball Saturday evening. aiko and Jomari even had a “selfie” or a photo together after burying the hatchet. according to aiko, the key to their peace pact is proper timing. “Everything kasi is about timing,” she enthused. “at that time, a lot of people have been convincing us, ‘Magbati kayo, magbati kayo,’ but I think we were both not ready. But this time around, I can say with all my heart, that it was a great time. God’s time.” Likewise, aiko has made peace with Jomari’s current girlfriend. “I saw her in a wake. It’s a sad way to meet. But a life might have ended but a new friendship, who knows, baka maging mas okay,” said aiko. aiko and Jomari has a son together, andre, who is now a Star Magic talent and was aiko’s date at the ball. according to aiko, she enjoyed the ball as much as she does with acting. relationships might come and go, but for aiko, one love endures, and that is her passion for her craft. “I still enjoy my work and until this time, I’m still enjoying what I’m doing,” aiko said. PAGE B7
From left: Rhian Ramos, Lovi Poe and Max Collins star in the upcoming GMA rom-com titled “#KuwentuhangEx.” They play as friends, who have the same ex named Liam.
A rom-com about ex-girlfriends by Jerry
Donato Philstar.com
GIrLS, relationships and (a bit of) fashion. these are the “operative words” of Lovi Poe, Max Collins and rhian ramos to frame the narrative of their upcoming romantic-comedy series, titled #KuwentuhangEx. the Kapuso primetime show is an escape from their usual tearjerkers. “this isn’t my comfort zone,” said Lovi, in an interview with The Star, whose last drama was Someone to “Watch Over Me,” opposite tom rodriguez and with Max. the former’s character Joanna was the wife, while Max’s Irene the former girlfriend. the alzheimer’s disease of tom’s tJ challenged the ladies’ love to him. “this is something new to me. My comfort zone is drama. For sure, they’ll (Max and rhian) help me feel relaxed.” “We’ve been praying for the show for a long time,” shared rhian. “When we saw each other at Solenn’s (Heussaff) wedding, we wished we could do comedy. at that time, we had just done two heavy dramas. We were kind of a little worn out from (playing and getting) depressed... I just wanted a character who would force me to be in a happier frame of mind.” Wish granted. rhian is Zoe, the happy-go-lucky swimwear designer. Lovi plays the workaholic tV host alex. Max is Darcy, the gym instructor, personal trainer. they are all friends like the women of Sex and the City and have the same ex like aida, Lorna and Fe in the popular Original Pilipino Music (OPM) tune. the guy’s name is Liam. “Darcy and Liam’s relationship didn’t work out because my character had to move abroad to support her family,” shared Max. “Her parents died. as the eldest, she has taken all the responsibilities. they
were in a long-distance relationship. I think a lot of Pinays and OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) can relate to her (story).” as for alex’s affair with Liam, Lovi said her character puts her career first before anything else and that, if I may add, love has to take a backseat. rhian’s Zoe has a juicy reason to tell. “(It) was a little more embarrassing... masyado siyang nasakal sa (character ko),” said rhian on how Zoe and Liam split up. “But I think it’s still relatable because we’re kinda in a country where philandering is a big thing. Nakakapraning naman to lose your guy to another girl.” It is common for men and women to fall in and out of love until they find the right one. But what’s uncommon with the women of #KuwentuhangEx is “to meet someone (who is) the ex of the love of my life,” as Lovi put it. asked if viewers can expect riotous confrontations and hairpulling scenes between Zoe, alex and Darcy, Lovi replied, “there’s riot for sure, but we’re not sure about hair-pulling. It’s gonna be a riot because some women can be feisty, especially kapag territorial na. I think based on our characters, it’s gonna be somewhat like that.” aside from the close-to-home love issues, #KuwentuhangEx will give Kapuso a glimpse of must-try styles. “It shows people how to play with their outfits and to look expensive but the look doesn’t have to bemahal (costly),” said Max. “Sana ma-inspire sila to experiment (mix and match pieces or try new styles).” although the fashion tips are not embedded in the story, they can be seen from the characters. to give one that visual feast, Lovi said, “We have our own stylists.” PAGE B3
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.
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 5-11, 2017
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Ai-Ai’s return to comedy… with Zsa Zsa, Carmi and Beauty Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia call each other ‘babe’ by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net
Ai Ai de las Alas, who briefly headlined two independentlyproduced dramas via “Area” and “Ronda,” has polished off the dust from her Comedy Queen crown as she returns to the genre that made her a star. Opening in cinemas on October 18 is “Bes and the Beshies” from Cineko Productions, which should delight de las Alas’ fans who have been waiting to roll with laughter again. The comedienne, however, was quick to point out that Bes and the Beshies is not just her film alone. On the grand media conference, she proudly declared that she headlines the comedy with three very talented actresses in Carmi Martin, Beauty Gonzales and Zsa Zsa Padilla. And “laugh out loud” as the movie promises to be, the four leading ladies agreed their characters and the story that brings them together show real life struggles of women too. De las Alas’ role as Charla hits pretty close to home. She plays a single mother from experience having raised her children on her own for many years. But unlike ina, de las Alas’ most famous role in the “Ang Tanging ina” movie franchise, her portrayal of Charla focuses more on relationship issues rather than maternal concerns. “i can relate to my role because i have worked many jobs before i became an actress. i did so many things so i can send my children to a good school, same as Charla does here in the movie,” the Comedy Queen shared. “At the same time, the role touches on women empowerment because we fight for the love of our family, and our roles are not submissive to men. We fight for our rights as a woman,” she added. Visayan Zsa Zsa While Zsa Zsa Padilla is more identified in doing dramas, the singer-actress is not exactly new to comedies. it will be recalled that she essayed the title role of “Zsa Zsa Zaturnah” and her famous Filipino-Chinese character in “Mano Po 4: Ako Legal Wife,” which won her the grand slam for Best Actress. in “Bes and the Beshies,” Padilla’s performance as a martyr wife Mabel is something to watch out for. “i cannot personally relate to my role as a martyr wife because
WHEN Joshua Garcia proposed to Julia Barretto for Star Magic Ball, did Julia agree not just to be his date for one night but also for good? Judging by their closeness and endless cuddles, JoshLia were inseparable and were arguably the sweetest couple to have walked on the red carpet last Saturday, Sept. 30 in Makati Shangri-La. Members of the press, including Philstar.com, heard the two whisper and call each other “babe.” They seem to be trying to be discreet about it in their attempt to make their alleged relationship a mystery. (From left) Beauty Gonzales, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ai Ai de las Alas and Carmi Martin When Joshua was asked what he thinks about Julia’s look, he of course there should always be critically acclaimed outings. Lamangan directed “Zsa Zsa declared: “Perfect!” a give and take in every relation“Sexy! Pinaghirapan n’ya talaga ship,” Padilla expressed. “All the Zaturnah,” “Mano Po 4: Ako Legal same the only challenging part Wife” and more recently, roman- ‘yan!” he added in an interview of my role here is talking in the tic-comedies in “Your Place or with event hosts Tim Yap and Visayan language. During the first Mine,” “That Thing Called Tanga Bianca Gonzalez-intal. few days [of shooting], our direc- Na” and “Foolish Love.” Lee, arguably the most celtor Joel Lamangan was always getting angry with me because ebrated screenwriter in Philippine i found it hard to pull of the ac- cinema, also served as script PAGE B2 cent. it was a struggle for me to consultant for de las Alas’ blockAnd that visual aspect will not be consistent, but eventually i was buster movies “Ang Tanging ina” able to get it and i think the result and “Ang Tanging ina N’yong divert the viewer’s attention from the Zoe-Alex-and-Darcy interLahat.” is believable.” Letting their creative team connected personal narratives. Comedy Carmi, versatile speak for their work in Bes and Making sure that everything is in Beauty No stranger to comedies her- the Beshies, Alpha Habon who the right perspective is Maryo J. self, Martin—who was unable is one of three scriptwriters said, delos Reyes, who helms the series, to make it to the media confer- “What is more important for us is which, according to the informaence—has also made a career out the message of the film other than tion furnished to this writer, is of making people laugh since star- the medium. Our goal is to make replete with intriguing characters, ring in the ishmael Bernal classic people laugh while also touching funny dialogues and interesting “Working Girls.” in Bes and the their hearts. We just want to make plotlines. “it’s my first for a soap,” said Beshies, Martin plays Tisay, a role sure there is truth in the story Rhian on working with the vetthat is a throwback to the mostly even if it’s a comedy.” “The message of the movie is eran director. “i’m excited to get ditzy and sexy characters she has no matter how many lows you started and i’m the kind of actor mastered for the camera. Finally, Gonzales, who became experience in life, so long as you that eats up directions. i love being a household name as a favorite fight, you will be happy. The title given a really detailed picture of housemate in “Pinoy Big Brother” of the film as you might see is what’s gonna happen and he (direk proves she is a versatile actress by from the Filipino expression ‘Bes, Maryo) is like that daw. Of course, seamlessly switching from dramas may nanalo na’ so what we want i also appreciate those directors is to let everyone know that all who give you all the freedom to comedies. Though the youngest among of us can be a winner in the end but you know i love getting into the four leads, she holds her own as long as we try hard enough specifics.” Max and Lovi worked with direk in Bes and the Beshies as Sophie, to push ourselves to better our a beauty contest regular, or in gay lives,” another young writer, Rod Maryo in Someone To Watch Over Me. What also excites them is to Marmol, added. lingo, a “beaucontesera.” That said, Lamangan and Lee see him play, so to speak, within Fab collab Finally, what makes Bes and guarantee the audiences can ex- the bounds of comedy. “This is the Beshies a cut above your pect Bes and the Beshies to be a the first time i will see him direct average comedy flick, besides its comedy that goes beyond offering something funny. So i’m excited,” power women cast, is the fact that more than just escapist entertain- said Max. “Every time he would it is a collaboration between two ment, presenting a piece of reality do drama, yung pag-direct niya is award-winning movie bigwigs in like every good movie should, comedy. He was funny when he would ask us to do some scenes,” regardless of genre. Joel Lamangan and Ricky Lee. Completing the cast of Bes recalled Lovi. “i-no-OA (overactThe two respected showbiz personalities may have made a and the Beshies are Emilio Gar- ing) niya. He’s naturally funny.” Everybody knows that Lovi, Rhiname for themselves in dramatic cia, Sancho Vito delas Alas, Alan movies and politically themed Paule, Nikko Natividad, Jon Lucas, an and Max have had relationships films, but they have also succeed- Wilbert Ross, Mark Joseph Tam (well, Max is engaged to fellow GMA artist Pancho Magno) and ed in comedies in between their and Heaven Peralejo.
it can be recalled that Joshua proposed to Julia by sending an entire choir to her garden. Julia woke up to that “indescribable” scene. “it’s so hard to describe a feeling. i was very overwhelmed. it felt like a dream! i guess, it’s every girl’s dream to experience something like that.” Joshua said he prepared for the proposal for a week. “Kasi MWF ‘di kaya kasi may taping ako, kaya ‘di ko maasikaso. Pero may mga tinatawagan ako. Even if he has a soap opera, “The Good Son,” he makes sure to make time for his lady love. “Oo naman, kailangan ‘yun. ‘Pag gusto mo, hahanap ka talaga ng paraan.” Whenever Julia slipped in her long Mark Bumgarner dress during the ball, Joshua helped her through and through like a true gentleman should be.
A rom-com about...
has seen them in their happiest. They can attest that loving is not a bed of roses. Their experiences will give them a better vantage point where Zoe, Alex and Darcy are coming from. “i guess so. i think makakatulong in whatever project you are doing,” said Lovi. You just find something you can relate to based on experience.” What are their lessons learned about love? “For me, you have to share the
JoshLia on the red carpet: Sweet and inseparable. Philstar.com photo
“i’m lucky that he’s so romantic and he’s an old soul. Chivalry isn’t dead after all!” (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/Philstar.com) same values and the same faith,” Max answered. “i think that’s a big thing. That’s what’s going to keep you together for a long time… You really have to want the same things in life and have the same beliefs.” With every relationship that has passed, Rhian shared she learned how to love herself a little more. “it gave me like a different perspective on, you know, what i felt like i deserved.” With Lovi, she said, “i think you should never feel bad or feel sorry for realizing that i think i deserve more than this.”
B october 5-11, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL
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AAG holds annual Asian American Group Community Awards
On Saturday, September 30, 2017, the Asian American Group (AAG) presented Community Achievement Awards to 12 outstanding Las Vegas citizens and organizations, who have worked diligently to make a positive difference in Southern nevada. This is the thirteenth anniversary of the Gala Awards night. The event was held at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino Grand Ballroom. Attendees were in either traditional dress for their countries of origin or evening wear. There were cocktails and a silent auction prior to the program, which included entertainment from Korea and China, the awards and dinner. The event was graced by Congresswoman Dina Titus, Congressman Ruben Kihuen, Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak, Sheriff Joeseph Lombardo, City Of Henderson Councilwoman Gerri Schroder, among others. Individuals who were honored
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are as follows in the order of presentation: Len Jessup, President, University of nevada Las Vegas; Dr. Qiong Liu, City Manager of north Las Vegas; Phyllis A. James, EVP & Chief Corporation Responsibility Officer for MGM Resorts International; Cox Charities Las Vegas (nileen Knoke, Senior Manager Human Resources); Shane nguyen, Owner/Broker 1st Realty Realty; Dr. John nassar, DDS Smiles Design Center; James Dean Leavitt, L.L.M. Gaming & Criminal Attorney; Dr. Arnold Stalk, President/CEO Veterans Village, Jan-Le Low, Owner SATAY Thai Bistro & Founder Golden Catalyst, LLC; Peter Guzman, President, Latin Chamber of Commerce; Lucy Stewart, Principal LAS Consultants/Permit Solutions Plus; 702Shifters non-Profit Multi Sport Group. The AAG is an organization with a mission of unifying and strengthening the community. It has united
Asian leaders in the community to work with law enforcement, other charities and elected officials, recognizing the outstanding contributors to the community each year and to identify and help areas of the community in need. Marion E. Cahlan-Edison Elementary School has been “adopted” by the AAG and is helped yearly with books, toys and meals for the students. The last several years, AAG has developed and distributed college scholarships to students in need. In 2016, AAG distributed over 1,500 turkeys in collaboration with the Las Vegas Metro Police in various areas. Over 1,500 toys were also distributed to kids at Matt Kelly School & Cahlan Elementary Schools. For 2017, AAG has set higher expectations and believe it can distribute 2,000 turkeys this year.
AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
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Your Immigration Solution Atty. Devin Connolly & nAnCy Miller There are recent reports that the Department of homeland Security will start reviewing the social media accounts of immigrants. This data collection can apply in countless scenarios, but is especially applicable when investigating requests for permanent resident status (green card) based on a marriage to a U.S. citizen. There is a common American saying that “desperate times call for desperate measures.” That may be true in some instances, but when thinking about the desperate act of marrying someone solely for a green card, the truth is that these desperate measures are likely to produce disastrous results. The U.S. Citizenship and Im-
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette ADevA MAglAyA MANY years ago, on a visit to my father’s grave site on a quiet, lush, manicured patch of Forest Lawn Glendale, my husband, daughter and I trudged along several tombstones of husbands and wives who lived in the 1850’s and died just before the mid1900’s buried side by side. My daughter noted the pattern in the weathered bronze tablets of several generations ago. I commented that it is getting harder to find such longevity of devotion these days among younger married couples of the current generation. Call this the Age of Distraction for the “Selfies” generation. It seems we love ourselves far too much to the exclusion of others. Perhaps it is because society as a whole, is engaged in far too many distractions and mired in too much self-absorption. Social media enables and encourages a popular culture that fosters selflove to the worrisome point of extreme narcissism. It has become a struggle for many couples just to stay together. One might argue that the generations before us didn’t have the same challenges that we are
Health@Heart PhiliP S. ChuA, MD, FACS, FPCS FOr thousands of years, China has been known to be the capital of herbal medicine. Other countries like the Philippines have their own local regional version of treating diseases and health conditions using herbal products. Today, we still hear an abundance of anecdotal testimonials about the efficacy of these natural “medications” from indigenous foods, plants, minerals, some of them from regular food we eat everyday. Efficacy and safety Folk remedies are our earthly natural gifts and traditional plant and herbs are still man’s sources. About 85 percent of the world’s developing nations studied and refined for years in scientific laboratories until governmental agency’s (the Food and Drug Administration or in case of the U.S.) strict efficacy and safety standards are met. Some of the problems with herbals drugs include lack of stringent product testing and quality control, contamination with adulterants and bacteria, and resultant serious complications, acute (instant) or chronic (long term, years) and in some cases, deaths. There is no question that many plants, fungi, flowers, roots, leaves, fruits have chemical substances in them that are beneficial to the human body, not only as a source of nutrition but as herbal items with medicinal values. Modern science has harnessed some of them, reconfigured their molecular structures and properties, and transformed them into medicine. Penicillin is one of the multitudes of drugs that have their origin from these natural elements. Tainted reputation The quest for alternative medicine — driven by culture, tradition, or economics — has been tainted by the incursion of some pharmaceutical or manufacturing companies which have flooded the market with a hundreds of “herbal medications and juices.” each has the preposterous claim or insinuation that their products are useful or good for all diseases, from acne to athlete’s foot, from high blood pressure to diabetes, from impotence to aging, from arthritis to cancer, etc. They obviously aim to deceive the unsuspecting public into believing their product is a cure for any and all diseases known to man. And since
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 5-11, 2017
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Green card marriages and social media accounts
migration Service (“USCIS”) refers to marriages entered into solely for immigration benefits as a “sham marriage.” however, people casually refer to it as a “green card marriage.” regardless of the exact name though, we are all referring to the same thing – a foreign national marrying a U.S. citizen because they want a green card. Some people view this as a win-win scenario – the foreign national receives their green card and the U.S. citizen also receives a desired benefit, which is usually money. But you know who does not view this as a win-win scenario? The USCIS! Many people mistakenly believe that marrying a U.S. citizen is an easy way to obtain a green card. They pretend they are a couple, submit staged fake photographs, and even memorize personal information about their “spouse” so that they can pass the required interview. however,
the USCIS is well aware of these tricks, and they therefore dedicate a substantial amount of resources towards detecting these “sham marriages.” Because of the USCIS’ efforts, it is crucial that a person applying for a green card on the basis of their marriage understand what the USCIS considers to be a valid marriage for immigration purposes. The intending immigrant and their U.S. citizen spouse must prove that their marriage is “bonafide.” It is not the USCIS’ responsibility to prove the marriage is a sham, but rather the immigrant and their U.S. citizen spouse’s burden to show that they “intended to establish a life together” at the time they entered into their marriage. This is not an easy task because the USCIS officers are highly trained to detect sham marriages. Oral statements of the immigrant and their U.S. citizen spouse
Two magical words “…And I think about those people who mean so much to me and for so many years have made me so very happy and I count the times I have forgotten to say “thank you” and just how much I love them.” — “Sometimes”, Richard & Karen Carpenter having. True, it may have been a far simpler time compared to the complexities we are all faced with. And yet they leave behind lessons of love that result in devotion and fidelity. Surely, we can learn a lot about nurturing human relations from those who have gone before us. This I have learned from an older generation at an early age. Of all the powerful words in the english language, the words “Thank you” are like magic wands in helping transform human relationships, marriage in particular, happier. Not perfect … just happier. You don’t even have to say the words. You can acknowledge anything good done for you by your partner by a sweet gesture, a nod, a smile, a touch or anything else that works for you that says “thank you.” In short, don’t take your partner for granted. Whether you’ve been together 50 days or 50
years, those words never get old. If you want that most powerful emotion called love to live on, treat your partner like a gardener takes care of a plant. Most plants cannot survive without water, light, soil and other optimum conditions kept at a consistent basis. The human heart is like that. It grows strong and beautiful with constant, devoted care. Saying “thank you” to your partner in life as often as you can, simply means you appreciate him. You are validating his worth as a person. Perhaps, being appreciated and shown respect, is next on the list of the most basic needs of a human being after the needs of food, clothing and shelter are met. The words may not come naturally to you and your partner may be stunned at first but go ahead. Give it a try and say “thank you.” Say it like you mean it. Look for the small gestures such as giving you a cup of coffee, opening
Herbal warning this particular business is today a multi-billion dollars industry, it goes without saying that there are millions upon millions of ignorant consumers that are being victimized daily by these unscrupulous entrepreneurs. While these companies are spending millions of dollars in marketing and promotion, they are raking in billions of dollars a year, by peddling their products, under the guise of the label “food supplement,” in order to escape the strict scrutiny and investigation by the U.S. FDA or similar governmental agencies in other countries, for safety, efficacy, proper dosage, contraindication, side effects, etc. Reckless, profit-driven ventures Most herbal products today have not been scientifically investigated the same way all western drugs on the market have been studied and tested. So, we do not really know which are safe and efficacious, and what side effects they may have. Not all herbal medicines are dangerous but a few have been shown to cause kidney failure, liver failure, cancer, clot blockages in the kidney veins, seizures, etc. Some of them have caused deaths. Sometime ago, a Chinese herb known as Aristolochia fangchi or A. fangchi was linked to kidney failure and urinary cancer. This herb is used in Chinese medicine to treat asthma. A. fangchi is also an ingredient in a Belgian weightloss formulation, where the linkage was discovered. This was not the first time where herbal medicines have caused severe, if not fatal, complications. Other herbals to stay away from, to mention a few, are pokeroot, comfrey, and liferoot, which have been reported to cause liver damage. Ginseng can affect hormonal balance and Gingko Biloba, excessive bleeding during surgery, among some people. A warning has been sounded by the United Nations health agency regarding the use/misuse/overuse of herbal medications. Late discovery of toxicity Most of the herbals and socalled food supplement sold over the counter have not undergone proper and adequate testing like what are required by the FDA for proprietary medications. It is most unfortunate for the public that these substances do not need FDA approval prior to marketing. As such, manufacturing and marketing firms are able to make the usual attractive but false claims that the product is effective for
various illnesses. The gullible and ill-informed people fall victims to these fraudulent claims in their search for the “fountain of health and longevity.” This unregulated business is a trillion-dollar industry around the globe. It is one thing to take a substance and discover after days or months that it is not effective; it is another to find out months or years later that the substance is toxic, or causes cancer. By then, it is too late. Alternative medicine could be a wonderful natural option, but with today’s sophisticated medical science, it is most prudent for all of us to use only those herbal products and drugs that have been investigated by the FDA, studied, tested, and proven safe, effective, with minimal side effects and potential complications. There are many fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, spices, and herbs that we eat daily, which have medicinal values in them. These are the “herbals” that are good, safe and much less expensive too. For example: drinking water, for system cleansing and detoxifying; apple, anti-viral and lowers cholesterol; mustard, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial; salt, anti-bacterial and preservative; corn, induces urination; garlic, circulatory stimulant and lowers blood pressure; wheat, anti-aging; cucumber, anti-inflammatory; onion, lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; watercress is a tonic that detoxifies; potato, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory; lemonade to minimize kidney stone formation; honey, antiseptic and expectorant; pepper, decongestant and immune-system enhancer; and, green leafy vegetables, antioxidant like most of the above, and also anti-cancer, etc. One caveat: There is no one single drug on earth that is a cure-all for every illness known to man, and taking an untested drug or substance with unknown side-effects and complications is downright dangerous in the long term, and potentially fatal. *** Reeves, Miller, Zhang & Diza Law Corporation’s offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
are not sufficient, and neither are written statements of friends and family members. On the contrary, the USCIS will also want to closely examine the conduct of the parties, e.g., is the couple residing together, how long have they known each other, are they conducting themselves as husband and wife, etc. The USCIS will also consider whether the parties have a sufficient amount of documentation proving the bonafides of their marriage. The USCIS will also commonly want to ask the immigrant and their U.S. citizen spouse personal questions about their relationship. The potential questions a person may be asked are nearly limitless, as the USCIS may ask just about anything they believe a person should know about their spouse. While you can try and learn as much as possible about your spouse, it is virtually impossible to learn enough about another
person if you are not really married to them. Sure you can learn your spouse’s date-of-birth or name of their employer, but how do you expect to know about your spouse’s daily routine unless you are married? That is just one the many types of questions the USCIS may ask to determine if the marriage is valid for immigration purposes. At the conclusion of your personal interview, the USCIS officer has the discretion to determine that the marriage is legitimate. But they also have the authority to determine that a further investigation is necessary. This may involve the officer reviewing social media accounts, visits to the couple’s places of work, attempts to speak with the couple’s neighbors, etc. In these instances, the personal interview is really just the beginning of the investigation. The risks of entering into a “sham marriage” are substantial.
Fines, jail time, but no green card. In fact, the person being petitioned will be barred from ever being petitioned again as an immigrant, even if the subsequent relationship is bonafide. We all understand that sometimes you may think a “green card marriage” is the only option, but an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney will advise you against following this illegal, and almost sure-to-fail path. ***
your car door, doing housework, cleaning your car or filling up your gas tank. Just don’t take what he does for you as a given. Or how about taking the initiative yourself? If you do it long enough and often enough, he just might mirror your behavior. What goes around comes around. If he brings home the paycheck that pays for your family life, then treat him like a king. Often, the goodhearted partner will treat you like his queen. There are exceptions, of course. It is only the jerks and the jackasses who abuse their positions of strength. That holds true for both sexes. If there is constant, sincere appreciation shifting back and forth between partners, you are, in effect, cementing a foundation for a relationship that would be tough to crack even if a threat to your marriage, like a pretty, young vixen with mile-long legs comes along making a play for your partner. Likewise, a smooth talking, slick Pepe Le Pew character. with washboard abs would smell more like Brad’s sweaty armpit and would have no chance with a woman who already has a man at home she can canoodle with. The same is true for men. Paul Newman simply explained why he remained faithful to Joanne Woodward, “Why fool around with hamburger when you have steak at home?” What is good for the gander is good for the goose. There may
be scores of women out there right now who feel neglected by their spouses. Maybe there’s another woman or man waiting in the wings. But more often than not during this Age of Distraction, the disaffection is rooted in self-absorption. And there lies the problem. Women need, want and crave appreciation just as much as men, if not more. Self-love takes many forms — whether it is playing video games or social networking on FB, Twitter or Instagram or some such platform on the internet for hours on end; binge drinking; gambling; watching or playing golf or any other sport; vain, self-obsession as a health nut or on becoming an Adonis body-building hunk or going to the deep end of things, deviant sex and pornography. With few exceptions, obsession is unhealthy not only for the obsessed but also for those who live within his or her immediate orbit. excessive time spent on these obsessions is time stolen from nurturing the love relationship. Watch out for these modern-day distractions and addictions that are just too many to list. Admit them if you have them and break the bonds with firm resolve. If you want true love and happiness, strive for balance and moderation. In all cases of neglect, love is left to wither and die. Women who feel neglected, if driven to their limits, may throw all caution
to the wind and look for love from the first opportunistic guy that comes along ready to engage in mild flirtation, an occasional dalliance or a full blown affair and gives them the attention and validation they crave. Such women can make disastrous, life-changing decisions that cause not only personal damage but also leave behind in the wake of a messy split, massive psychological, irreversible damage to children and other people involved in the couple’s life. Say “thank you” and mean it. Don’t just do it out of habit. Cut off the cellphone “umbilical cord” and make eye contact. Open your eyes and see the good in your partner. Wisdom, as they say, is knowing what to overlook. rein in that critical sharp tongue. The tongue is a small yet powerful muscle that can lash out capable of slashing and burning a relationship forever. The effect is amplified a million times when you write it down or use the web to vent your fury. When you document your anger on paper and more frequently these days online, you have entered “scorched earth” territory. There is little chance of ever going back. (To be continued …) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
Reeves, Miller, Zhang & Diza Law Corporation’s offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
Las Vegas Philharmonic alters October 14 concert program to honor grieving community LAS VeGAS – The Las Vegas Philharmonic has altered the music selections for their October 14 performance at The Smith Center in light of the city’s October 1 tragedy. The organization invites all first responders from the city’s police, fire and eMS services and hospitals as well as the victims and their families, or anyone who seeks the refuge and solace of music, to attend the concert at no charge. Our greatest musical citizen of the world, Leonard Bernstein, once said, ‘This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before.’ “Music heals, and in response
to the tragic events of October 1, we are changing the program for our upcoming concert to honor and reflect upon what makes us stronger when we face the future together,” shares Donato Cabrera, Music Director. “We will now perform a program of works by Barber, Beethoven & Mozart that pays tribute to our citizens and their resilience.” The evening’s musical selections now include Barber’s Adagio for Strings, Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and will conclude with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. The Adagio for Strings has been performed on many public occasions around
Calendar of Events across
the world, especially during times of mourning. Beethoven’s Fifth, and the four-note opening in particular, are known worldwide, appearing often in music, film and television. Since the Second World War, the piece has sometimes been referred to as the “Victory Symphony” and during WWII the BBC prefaced its broadcasts to europe with those four notes. These tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and supplies are limited. Tickets can be reserved at the Box Office,online or by calling 702-749-2000 and using the redemption code LVPhPM. Limit 4 tickets per person.
America
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4th Filipino American International Book Festival in San Francisco Join a weekend of fun literary events, performances and activities for book lovers of all ages! The opening gala will be held on Friday, Oct. 6, while the festival will begin on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 8, it will be from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will take place at the San Francisco Main Library at 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco. Admission to the festival is FREE and open to the public. For more information, please visit http://www.filbookfestival.org/.
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A3M Starnight 2017 annual gala in Long Beach, CA In the past 25 years, A3M has given hope and a second chance of life to many patients. Their journeys have inspired and motivated the organization to continue its mission of increasing and diversifying the Be the Match Registry. A3M is committed to supporting patients from the communities that are underrepresented in the Be the Match Registry. To continue its life-saving work, you are invited to support A3M at its Annual Gala Dinner held on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach (200 South Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802) from 5 to 9 p.m. To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.flipcause. com/secure/event_step2/MTk3NjI=/13381.
City of Carson’s Filipino-American History Month Kick-Off The City of Carson will kick off this year’s Filipino-American History Month on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the CJMM Community Center at Carson (801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 980745). From 8 to 9 a.m., there will be refreshments at the Community Center East Parking Lot. It will be followed by a wreath laying at Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s monument from 9 to 9:15 a.m. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. there will be a program at the Carson Dominguez Room. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743.
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Adobo Festival in Los Angeles The 12th Annual Adobo Festival is coming up on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 & 8 at the Silver Lake Medical Center at 1711 W. Temple St. in Los Angeles. The festival starts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is FREE! For details regarding how to join the Adobo Cook-Off Contest, Kiddie Popstar and for booth vendors, call (650) 2900542 or (650) 290-4457 or log on to www.adobofestivalusa.com.
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B october 5-11, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL
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Filipino-American NaFFAA celebrates Filipino American History Month History Month 2017 Events and Celebration
OctOber 5 Bindlestiff Studio presents “Welga,” set in San Francisco’s SoMA neighborhood. Community preview on October 5, at 8 p.m. but will run from October 6-21, from Thursday-Saturday. For tickets: http://welga.bpt.me.
OctOber 6 State of Illinois FAHM Celebration, Concourse Level at James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601. Contact Mr. Thomas Choi Thomas.Choi@illinois.gov, co-hosted by the Consulate General of the Philippines.
OctOber 7 Filipino American National Historical Society (FAHNS) 35th anniversary at the Immaculate Conception Auditorium, 820 18th Avenue, Seattle, WA from 5:pm. to 9 p.m. Reception and silent auction at 5 pm., dinner and historical program at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45. For reservations: e-mail fanhsnational@ gmail.com or call (206) 322-0204. City of Carson 2017 Filipino-American History Month Kick-Off at the CJMM Community Center, 801 E. Carson Street. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743. 3rd Annual Barrio Fiesta at Shaffer’s Farm, 8915 E. 31st Street S, Wichita, KS 67210. Contact: Ms. Rose Axman (316) 648-1364/ roseaxman06@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Filipino American Association of Greater Wichita (FAAGW). FAHM Celebration dinner and dance at Penna’s of Sterling, 38400 Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. Sponsored by NaFFAA-Michigan, Contact Tony Kho (248) 755-6122 or Becky Tungol (248) 755-6119.
Washington, DC — the national Federation of Filipino american associations (naFFaa) is proud to celebrate Filipino american history Month (FahM). this and every october, the observance of FahM is a time to honor the remarkable history, proud heritage, and innumerable contributions of the nearly four million Filipino americans in the United states. as we enter this year’s Filipino american history Month, we reflect on the indelible impact Filipinos have had on the american experience. We are an integral piece of american history, tracing our roots to the 16th Century California shores. We are part and parcel of the american identity: honorable World War ii veterans, brave and outspoken farm workers, passionate educators, and much more. our presence dots the american landscape; stretching from hawaii to California to Virginia, we traverse every corner of this beautiful nation. Collectively, we have helped weave together patches of the american quilt, imbuing it with markers of our Filipino heritage
26th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) at Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more info: www. filamarts.org. Fil-Am of American Canyon and AmCan Arts Foundation celebrate Fil-Am History Month at the Community Gym, 100 Benton Way, American Canyon, CA from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more info: http://filamcyn.org. The Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School at 31604 Alvarado Blvd., Union City will celebrate Filipino American History Month from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with keynote speaker Fil-Am NBA player Raymond Townsend. FAHM Exhibits in Skokie, sponsored by FANHS-Midwest and NaFFAA. Contact Jelly Carandang at (847) 679-7058 or msjellybeans@aol.com.
OctOber 15 FAHM Luncheon Honoring the Most Outstanding Fil-Am Seniors at Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O’Hare Airport 10249 West Irving Park Road Schiller Park, IL Sponsor – PACF, contact Adeline Fajardo at adeline.pacf96@gmail.com or Evelyn Natividad, Ph.D. (773) 426-5459 or e-mail ivynatividad9@gmail.com.
OctOber 21 8th Pamana Heritage Awards The Filipino American Historical Society Rio Grande (FANHS RG) in cooperation with the Filipino American Community council (FACC) will have their annual Pamana Heritage Awards in conjunction with Filipino-American History Month. Event will be at Wyndham Hotel, 2500 NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico from 2 - 4 p.m. Regional Food Fare* at Filipino Cultural Center, 9810 We 79th St. Overland Park, KS 66204. Sponsored by the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City, contact Lucila Rider, rider1215@yahoo.com or call (816) 522-3854 FAHNS Los Angeles Chapter’s film screening of “Fall of the I Hotel,” a documentary by Curtis Choy at the LA Public Library, Echo Park Branch, 1410 West Temple Street at 1 p.m. Contact (424) 488-3846. City of Carson 8th Annual Larry Itliong Celebration at Veterans Park, 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free admission, for more info call (310) 952-1743.
OctOber 22 Brooklyn Nets 2nd Annual Filipino Heritage Night vs the Atlanta Braves at the Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, New York at 3:30 p.m.
OctOber 28 Larry Itliong Day 3rd annual Parade & Festival “Weaving our Communities.” Join the Larry Itliong Day Committee (LIDC) in honoring the legacy of Fil-Am labor leader Larry Itliong at the Unidad Park (parade) and St. Colombian Church (festival program). Admission is free. For information: LarryItliongDayLA@ gmail.com.
Philippines for 99 years. it also gave the United states the right to recruit citizens of the Philippines for voluntary enlistment into the Us armed forces, according to article 27. From the Bases agreement to 1992, when the Philippine Congress voted to end the bases agreement. the country closed the bases, with more than 35,000 Filipinos having served in the U.s. navy. thousands of Filipino men enlisted to sangley Point naval Base, the naval headquarters in the Philippines, due to the declining economic and political environment. the navy offered higher pay than any other occupation in the Philippines, and additional incentives included traveling the world and the potential opportunity to obtain U.s. citizenship. During their service and upon retirement, these servicemen be-
came american citizens, created families in the U.s. and petitioned for the immigration of their other family members. Because of this, they and their families created large Fil-am communities in different states such as Chicago, illinois; Providence and newport, Rhode island; Long Beach, san Diego, oakland and Vallejo, California;
Jacksonville, Pensacola and Key West, Florida; Kitsap and seattle, Washington; Charleston, south Carolina; honolulu, hawaii. as a result of Military Bases agreement, thousands of Fil-ames trace their roots back to the Filipinos who served in the military and chose to settle in the United states upon retirement.
Cesar Chavez and Mexican farmworkers are often credited for. the strike which lasted for more than five years lead to the signing of union contracts, which finally paved the way for granting the workers better pay and necessary benefit. Fil-am leaders Larry itliong and Philip Vera Cruz reached out to Chavez to help organize the union. historians credit Dolores huerta, one of the many activists for being the first to start the strike. 3) Fil-Ams have been a part of many advocacy movements throughout U.S. history. in the late ’60s, Filipinos were at the forefront against corporate interest in the U.s. during what they call the “Radical 60s”. take for example the campaign against the eviction of elderly tenants of the international hotel in Manilatown area in san Francisco, which housed asian laborers — with Filipinos being the majority of them. inspired by Mao Zedong’s political slogan, “serve the People,” asian
americans invited students to participate the movement. Most of the Fil-ams who joined the movement were children of farmworkers and WW ii veterans who also participated in the Equal opportunity Program (EoP) or went to college through special admissions for disadvantaged students. according to Estrella habal‘s book, “san Francisco international hotel: Mobilizing the Filipino american Community in the anti-Eviction Movement,“ the Fil-am community’s involvement in the anti-eviction movement gave way to the rise of a workingclass consciousness, betraying the middle class dreams of their immigrant parents. in 2015, alvarado Middle school was renamed the itliongVeracruz Middle school after the Fil-am labor leaders, thanks to the efforts of Filipino-americans. the school was the first ever school in the U.s. to be named after a Filipino-american. in 2016, Fil-ams made a successful attempt to rename the
south of Market (soMa) district of san Francisco to soMa Pilipinas, yet another historical recognition that manifests the Filipinos and U.s. relations. 4) Fil-Ams have a significant presence in the arts and in hiphop culture. You name it — theater, rap and entertainment — Filipinos are there! there’s Lea salonga who is the first Filipina to win a tony award, popular musicians like “high school Musical” alum Vanessa hudgens, singer-composer Bruno Mars and apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas. Fil-am disk jockeys and beatmakers, including DJ neil armstrong, DJ Q-Bert, DJ icy ice, as well as b-boys and dance crews also rise to popularity. add to this list the more recent ones — members of groups featured on “america’s Best Dance Crew” like the Jabbawockeez, super CR3W, and Quest Crew. this has all helped shaped america’s pop culture.
A group of Filipino U.S. Navy sailors enjoy a light moment during their break while being stationed in Subic Naval Base, Philippines. (circa 1950s, photo courtesy of Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe)
Filipinos’ contributions to US history... PAGE B1 loyal and valiant Filipino Veterans of World War ii fought, suffered, and, in many instances, died in the same manner and under the same commander as other members of the United states armed Forces during World War ii.” the medal collectively honors the more than 260,000 Filipinos who lent their efforts on behalf of the United states during WWii. Fewer than 16,000 of those soldiers are alive today. 2) Filipino-Americans contributed significantly to the American labor movement, particularly with the United Farm Workers movement in the 1960s. Years of poor compensation and mediocre conditions paved the way for the Delano grape strike. Filipino american grape workers and members of the agricultural Workers organizing Committee walked out on strike against Delano-wine grape growers. Fil-am farm workers were actually the brains behind what
Some notable Filipino... PAGE B1
handled protests in California and alaska. along With Cruz, he convinced Cesar Chavez and Dolores huerta’s predominantly Mexican/ Latino national Farm Workers association to join the grape strike and Boycott of 1965 demanding better pay and benefits. Composed of mainly Filipinos, the aWoC initiated the infamous “Delano grape strike” that lasted more than five years since 1965. Most farm workers resided in Delano, California, have voted to strike against the table-grape growers and demand them wages equal to the federal minimum wage. a week after the strike began, the predominantly Mexican american national Farmworkers association (nFWa) led by Cesar Chavez joined the struggle at Delano. aWoC and nFW later banded Filipino and Mexican farm work-
Film showing of the acclaimed writer-director John Sayles’ “Amigo” with Joel Torre, Chris Cooper, Rio Locsin, Bembol Roco and Yul Vasquez. Central United Methodist Church, 8237 N. Kenton, Skokie. Call Mariano Santos (847) 528-4991 for details.
OctOber 29 FAHM display exhibits and film showing of “Amigo” with Joel Torre, Chris Cooper, Rio Locsin, Bembol Roco and Yul Vasquez at Indian Prairie Library at 401 Plainfield Rd, Darien, IL. Sponsored by FAASD, contact Jose Soloria at (630)915-5956 or e-mail jsoloria@comcast.net.
UNtIL OctOber 30 “Filipino History Unveiled Through the Arts,” a display of the collaborative mural by five Fil-Am artists from Chicago and five artists from the Philippines and art work of local Filipino American artists Monica Acosta, Paul Balan, Tita Brady, Fred de Asis, Lea Rivera and Susan Silvano. At Trickster Arts Gallery, 190 S. Roselle St., Schaumburg, Illinois.
veterans, whose selflessness and commitment to duty led them to join american forces in the fight against tyranny. Last year, Congress rightly voted to award these brave patriots the Congressional gold Medal, the highest civilian honor the United states can bestow, for their service and sacrifice in World War ii. it has been a long fight for recognition for these veterans, a fight naFFaa is proud to have helped lead. Fittingly, the Congressional gold Medal Ceremony will take place on october 25, 2017, adding significance to this year’s FahM celebrations. naFFaa national Chairman, Brendan Flores, states: “For 20
Tracing history: When and how Filipino-American...
PAGE B1 Philippine imports. Filipiniana 2017 Gala - A Colorado benefit dinner by NaFFAA the Philippine Commonwealth Region V at the Radisson Hotel Denver, Aurora Colorado from 6-11 Legislature and the Filipinos opp.m. For tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filipiniana-2017posed the act at the insistence of gala-a-colorado-benefit-dinner-tickets-35953391562?aff=es2. then Philippine Commonwealth Filipino Children’s Story Hour program launch at the Bergenfield senate President Manuel L. QuePublic Library, Bergenfield, New Jersey from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. For zon, who advocated for the passage of the tydings-Mcduffie more information call (774) 257 4669 or e-mail info@filschool-nynj. act instead. this act eliminated org. objectionable provisions of the OctOber 8 hare-hawes-Cutting act and provided authority for naval reserva“Michigan Filipinxs: Our Spaces in History,” at the Philippine tions in the Philippines, giving the American Cultural Center of Michigan (PACCM) located at 17356 U.s. president only the authority Northland Park, Court, Southfield, MI. Contact Aurora Harris to negotiate within the Philippine aurora.fanhsmi@gmail.com. government for that purpose. it OctOber 9 was passed on March 24, 1934 and the Philippines was finally granted FAHM Celebration in Iowa, a feature display of Philippine arts independence on July 4, 1946. and crafts, souvenirs and power point presentation. At the Urban When World War ii broke out, Dale Public Library, 3520 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322. Contact Mr. Roel Campos at rfcampos@gmail.com. Sponsored by NaFFAA Iowa. the U.s. sought to maintain its military presence in the Philippines. the Military Bases agreeOctOber 13 ment, signed in 1947, provided FilAm Creative sponsors “Asian AF Presents: Filipino AF” at basing rights of U.s. forces in the UCB Sunset’s Inner Sanctum Stage, 5419 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 9:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Free admission.
OctOber 14
and american identity. instrumental in establishing Filipino american history Month was the Filipino american national historical society. Fanhs has been observing october as Filipino american history Month since 1991, and was the body to lobby Congress to recognize it on the national level. naFFaa joins Fanhs in commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1947 Military Bases agreement between the U.s. and the Philippines, and celebrating Fanhs’ 35th anniversary since being founded in 1982. one legacy naFFaa is particularly proud of is that of our Filipino american World War ii
years, naFFaa has proudly been at the forefront of Filipino american advocacy and civic engagement. the honoring of our proud WWii veterans with the Congressional gold Medal this month is a watershed moment for our veterans—as well as our greater Filipino american community. it shows that our commitment to honoring the past can change the trajectory of our future.” naFFaa is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. on october 21, 2017, supporters, friends, and family will converge in Washington, DC, the city of our first national Empowerment Conference in 1997. We will recognize the legacy and accomplishments of the organization over the past 20 years, and highlight our comprehensive vision to unite and amplify the voices of the four million Filipinos and Filipino americans living in the United states. “naFFaa 2.0” represents how naFFaa is honoring its past while forging a new forward-thinking and balanced approach in uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse Filipino american individuals and community organizations.
Philip Vera Cruz
ers and became known as United Farm Workers Union (UFW). the success of the grape boycott has made the growers sign their first union contracts, granting workers better salary and protection. 3. Monique Lhuillier, fashion designer Cebu-hailed Monique Lhuillier has already etched her name on the bridal fashion industry as she’s been designing numerous bridal gowns and dresses for hollywood Monique Lhuillier Jose Antonio Vargas AJPress file photo a-listers and celebrities. Daughter of real estate investors published a groundbreaking es- first player of Filipino ancestry to and jeweler, Michel and amparito say he wrote which revealed appear in a major league game. he Lhuillier, Monique started her and chronicled about his life in had a long distinguished triple-a career with Melivier in 1996 as america as an undocumented career with the seattle Rainiers as a center fielder in the 1950s, and a designer. By 2001, she opened immigrant. he then produced and directed in seattle is fondly remembered her first store in Beverly hills and expanded her business to home “Documented,” a documentary to this day. • Peter aquino aduja - the first decors and handbags six years film about his experience as an undocumented immigrant. it was Fil-am elected to public office in later. Monique got her big break in theatrically and broadcasted on the United states. he was elected 2005 when Martha stewart Wed- Cnn in 2004 and received a as a representative in the hawaii dings featured her bridal gown. 2015 national association for the Legislature in 1954. • Benjamin Cayetano - First now, she’s been the favorite de- advancement of Colored People signer of celebrities such as Eva (naaCP) image award nomination Fil-am governor in the U.s. • Mona Pasquil - First Filipino, Longoria, Kate Bosworth, Drew for outstanding Documentary. a year later, he appeared on the female and asian lieutenant goverBarrymore and Zoe saldana when it comes to the red carpet outfits. tiME magazine cover with his fel- nor for the state of California. low undocumented immigrants, as *Editor’s note: It is a fact that 4. Jose Antonio Vargas many Filipinos (and not just Fila former Washington Post a follow-up story to his essay. he since has been contributing Ams) have made their mark in journalist, Jose antonio Vargas won a Pulitzer Prize in 2008 for editor to huffington Post on tech- different industries and societies all over the world. May it be in covering the Virginia tech shoot- nology and College sections. other worth mentioning are: politics, sports, entertainment, ing. Jose has also been in the • Vicki Manalo-Draves, the first technology, military, journalism, scene of filmmaking and media woman to win two gold medals in culinary and others; it is no doubt entrepreneurship. he founded Define american, springboard diving at the 1948 that Filipinos are regarded as hardworking, intelligent and pera non-profit media advocacy that olympics in London. • geno Espineli - Retired severing people. Unfortunately, aims to humanize conversation on immigration, citizenship, and baseball pitcher for the sF giants. we do not have enough space to identity through storytelling in the he was born in houston, texas to mention all of them in this piece, Filipino parents. but we acknowledge their contriever-changing america. • Bobby Balcena - Became the butions. in 2011, the new York times
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 5-11, 2017
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Dr. Cristina D. Lopez: Always aspiring for excellence
Join Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month! DiD you know that even in the United States, hunger exists in every state, every city, and every county: according to Feeding America’s estimation there are over 42 million people (that’s 1 in 8 Americans), including 13 million children suffering from food shortage and struggling with hunger! Try imagining, if your plates, bento boxes no longer have enough food, how would you have energy to complete daily tasks on an empty stomach? On an empty stomach: - Kids cannot play happily and freely in the parks - Grownups cannot support the daily demanding workload - Seniors’ health condition continues to decline in this bullet-less battle with Hunger, Feeding America, the largest hunger relief organization is taking the lead to help end hunger in America. September is the month of “Hunger Action Month” also known as “HAM”. This nationwide awareness campaign is designed to mobilize the public to take action on the issue of hunger: But I can ______________ to help end hunger To fill in this blank, 99 Ranch Market takes on its corporate social responsibilities and follows Feeding America’s initiative with practicality: More than half of 99 Ranch Market stores in Southern California and Nevada have activated the partnership with Feeding America by making Food/Grocery donations regularly help those in need. The donation items include, but not limited to: Meat & Seafood, Vegetables, Dairy Products, Grocery Products, and Bakery Products, with average monthly donating weight well over 10,000 pounds. After the donations are picked up, Feeding America’s partner food banks will distribute the
food to the hands in need in a timely manner. As individuals, our strength may be limited, but still we can make an impact: - To help end Hunger, i can: type down this article, and raise awareness of “HAM” - To help end Hunger, i can: bring family and friends to the local food bank and serve as volunteers when we have time - To help end Hunger, i can: visit Feeding America’s website to learn more about the issue and find more ways to help www. FeedingAmerica.org/HuangerActionMonth. What’s your answer? Let’s all take actions to help end hunger, and tomorrow will be even better! 99 Ranch Market is committed in its corporate social responsibilities and community outreach. For further information, please contact our service hotline 1-800600-8292
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Star Magic Ball becomes...
PAGE B2 As a Star Magic talent, it was Andre’s second time in the ball and accompanying him for the first time was his mom, Aiko. “i’ve been asking her since the start – Are you okay? How’s everything? She’s enjoying naman so far,” said Andre. “He’s a good date!” she said of her son. “Considering that it’s my first time, it’s really fun to be here to be dressy and to be out of my emilia character. i’m nice tonight!” Aiko plays the villain, emilia, on the ABS-CBN soap, “Wildflower.” Donny and Hannah Pangilinan “it’s my first time on the red carpet so i’m so nervous,” confided Hannah, daughter of TV hosts Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and Anthony Pangilinan. Her older brother, Donny, teased her: “Ang ganda nga n’ya ngayon eh! Tapos daring pa ‘yung suot n’ya, pak!” Donny said that now Hannah has come of age, “She can now do a lot of things she can’t do before. it takes a lot of responsibility, but i’m really proud of her. S’yempre, she has a long way to go pa.” Hannah said of her brother: “He’s very caring and always transparent. He loves to share about his day to his family…He’s always running!” Donny’s advice to young people who want to be an awardwinning athlete like him is to “do what excites you and keeps you motivated.” Other celebrities who went with their family as dates: Jolina Magdangal-escueta and son Pele, sibling Daniel and Vanessa Matsunaga, Sen. Chiz and Heart evangelista-escuero, siblings Tom and Antoinette Taus, and Drs. Hayden and Vicki Belo-Kho.
Donny and Hannah Pangilinan
Jolina Magdangal-Escueta and son Pele
Drs. Hayden and Vicki Belo Kho Philstar.com photos by Efigenio Toledo IV
By Monet
Lu
THey say, “experience is the best teacher.” Through it, we learn what makes us strong and what breaks us. it teaches us what to do and what to avoid. it makes us want to dream, live, laugh, fail, and try again. We live and get the most out of every experience so that when we look back, we have stories to tell, wisdom to impart and words to live by. i had the pleasure of hearing some beautiful words from a beloved friend. She is one whose intelligence and beauty radiate so naturally. We’ve been friends for three years but i’ve admired her forever. She is half Spanish, half Chinese yet her warm and friendly personality makes her a full-blooded “Pinay.” Her name is Cristina D. Lopez. Colleagues call her Dr. Lopez. She is also known as Dr. TeeLo (a moniker they coined by combining the syllables of her first and last name – like JLo). i know her as my dear friend, “Tina.” And the words you read below tell of Tina’s incredibly inspiring story. By the way, if you happen to see her shaping young minds at the UCLA School of Dentistry (Section of Restorative Dentistry), speak to her — you might learn a thing or two. i did. “i never wished to become a teacher,” was Tina’s exact line when i asked her what she wanted
Dr. Cristina D. Lopez
to be when she was young. She initially responded with what she did not want to become. Well, as with the famous line, “Be careful what you wish for ‘coz you might get it,” her case was quite the irony because she actually got what she did NOT wish for. Growing up, she wanted to be a dentist. Being a middle child and the only girl, she was determined — and it paid off — when she graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) at the University of the east (UeRM) in the Philippines. She migrated to Virginia in 1997 and worked in Washington DC as a Dental Assistant for almost 10 years. After eighteen years, Tina now works at the UCLA School of Dentistry as a Lecturer/Clinical instructor. Not only did she turn out to be a great teacher, she is actually the only Filipina instructor in the UCLA School of Dentistry.
“Do not settle for mediocrity.” you might be wondering how Tina switched from being a Dental Assistant to a Clinical instructor. She did it by living up to her motto, “never settle for mediocrity.” Back when she was working in Washington DC, she had her eyes on getting her Dental Residency. However, things didn’t go as she hoped so she shifted to a slightly different direction – which meant moving to Los Angeles to start as an Administrative Assistant in UCLA’s Continuing Dental education office. in April 2007, she passed her board exam. Circumstantial changes did not let Tina settle for anything less. instead she pushed forward and continued to pursue her dreams, which led her to discover her love for teaching. She can sum up her experience in two words: “Never Settle.” “Always aspire for excellence.” At work, no two days are the same for Tina. everyday is different; there are days when she has to stay late to supervise dental students, days when she sees patients, and days when she facilitates skills course for foreign post-graduate students. There are also weekends throughout the year where she teaches Continuing Dental education courses. She has been doing all these for more than a decade. And has
been in the same industry for the last 23 years. When i asked her what makes her love her job, she said the sweetest thing: “Teaching is my calling and my passion. i love what i do because i care for the people i train. One of the most rewarding moments i had was when i heard some of them say to themselves while working under my supervision, ‘i want to be like her’.” Tina always advises her students to strive for excellence in whatever they do. She also added that aside from her self-determination, she gets support and encouragement from her family and from her faith in God. “Teach others by showing.” This is what Tina considers as an effective way to teach. She says that she herself learns by watching. And there’s no better way to emulate that but to “show and tell.” To my friend Tina: Thank you for being a great teacher and friend. May you continue to inspire more people by living and teaching these philosophies. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
B october 5-11, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL
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