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Volume 27 - No. 34 • 2 sections – 16 pages
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Duterte, Obama expected to talk Paynor named PH ambassador to US drugs and China at ASEAN summit DATELINE
USA
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
PresIDeNt rodrigo Duterte announced on monday, August 29, that he has appointed malacañang Palace chief protocol officer marciano Paynor as the Philippines’ new ambassador to the United states. Duterte said Paynor has already accepted the posiMarciano Paynor tion. “he is a seasoned foreign career envoy,” the president said of Paynor. Paynor previously served as protocol chief to former presidents fidel ramos and Gloria macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno s. Aquino, III. he also served as Arroyo’s presidential assistant for state and foreign visits. Born and raised in Baguio, Paynor was the director general of the Asia-Pacific economic Cooperation (APeC) 2015 National organizing Council and has served Philippine diplomatic posts in countries, including Israel and Cyprus. PAGE A2
by eriC
anthOny liCas AJPress
hUmAN rights concerns, the south China sea and headline-making comments from Philippine President rodrigo Duterte will dominate his upcoming conversation with U.s. President Barack obama during the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN)
summit next week. the two presidents plan to speak face-to-face for the first time on the sidelines of the summit in Vientiane, Laos on september 6. the meeting will give them a chance to discuss a number of developments impacting relations between the two nations. “the discussion [between obama and Duterte] will encompass both concerns
about statements that have been made by the President of the Philippines... our commitment to supporting human rights and...the regional picture particularly...maritime issues,” said White house Deputy National security Adviser Ben rhodes during a media briefing on monday, August 29. obama previously spoke to Duterte on may 18, congratulating him on win-
Rep. Joe Heck receives key AAPI endorsement by Christina
PAGE A2
M. Oriel
AJPress
US, India urge countries to respect South China Sea ruling more than a month after the international tribunal ruling on the south China sea, the United states and India have called parties concerned to have the “utmost respect” for the international law. In a joint statement released on Wednesday, August 31, the two nations “stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, and unimpeded lawful commerce throughout the region, including in the south China sea.” “they [India and the Us[ urged the utmost respect for international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the sea (UNCLos),” the statement said. “they reiterated that states should resolve disputes through peaceful means, and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes affecting peace and stability.” the two nations released the statement during Us secretary of state John Kerry’s visit in India as part of their annual strategic and Commercial Dialogue. Kerry also said that “there is no military so-
ning the presidency. the U.s. president praised the Philippines’ “vibrant democracy,” but also emphasized the importance of protecting human rights. Extrajudicial killings alarming Notably, the rhetoric and methods employed by the Duterte administration in its aggressive war on drugs have drawn concern from U.s. officials and PAGE A2
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, Aug. 31 said he was ready to defend his take-no-prisoners war on drugs in a discussion of the human rights situation in the Philippines with US President Barack Obama in Laos next week. Mr. Duterte said he was willing to meet with Obama, but he would demand that he be allowed to first explain the context of his merciless crackdown on the illegal drug trade before engaging the US leader in a discussion of the human rights situation in the Philippines. Malacañang photo by Ace Morandan
LAs VeGAs — As the race for the open senate seat in Nevada intensifies, rep. Joe heck (r-Nev.) received a major endorsement from Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) business leaders this week. for the first LVAACC Pres. Sonny Vinuya and Rep. Jose Heck time, the Las AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal Ve g a s Asia n American Chamber of Commerce (LVAACC) anPAGE A2
Palace dares int’l media to come to PH by JOseph
alMer B. peDraJas AJPress
mANILA — As the Philippines’ war on drugs continuously draws criticisms and earns attention from the international media, Presidential Communications secretary martin Andanar has dared foreign journalists to “come to the Philippines” and experience firsthand the threat of drugs in the country. In an interview during the JapanAseAN media forum on monday, August 29, Andanar stressed that the members of the international press should personally witness the lives of “those who are affected by [illegal] drugs” because it is a real “responsible journalism.” the communications secretary said that
the journalists must write stories not just about extrajudicial killings, but also about the human rights violations committed by illegal drug suspects. “It’s not fair for just anybody to conclude about extrajudicial killings, that there’s so much dead without even qualifying which one is dead because of authorized police operation, which ones were killed because of a gang war or regular murders,” he said. Within two months of President rodrigo Duterte’s war against drugs, international media organizations, such as the New York times, Washington Post, tIme magazine, and BBC, have continually re- FINAL FAREWELL. Relatives and friends of Eric Sison weep before his interment on Wednesday at the ported on the loss of lives in this anti-drug Pasay public cemetery. Sison was shot dead last week by patrolling policemen. Witnesses claimed a hail campaign. of bullets felled Sison even when he offered to surrender. Police officials are investigating the incident. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina PAGE A2
Donaire to fight on DOJ to revisit pork barrel probe, says Pacquiao-Vargas card Aquino admin suppressed evidence by Dana
siOsOn AJPress
by Dana
siOsOn AJPress
to rid the government of corruption and to address the previous foLLoWING President ro- administration’s alleged selective tWo internationally-renowned filipino boxing champions will be fighting on the same event on No- drigo Duterte’s previous order, justice, according to Justice secthe Department of Justice (DoJ) retary Vitaliano Aguirre II. vember 5 in Las Vegas. In an ABs-CBN report, boxing promoter Bob Arum is set to review cases related to Aguirre told reporters on monannounced that Nonito “the filipino flash” Donaire Jr. the misuse of the Priority Devel- day, August 29, that there was will fight against Jessie magdaleno at the co-main event opment Assistance fund (PDAf), something “fishy” about the way also referred to as the pork barrel DoJ, under his predecessor senaof manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s comeback fight. “We are looking to do something really spectacular scam. tor Leila De Lima, handled the the re-opening of the probe is case. for all filipino people,” Arum said. Nonito Donaire Jr. “What I know is that the DoJ PAGE A4 part of the president’s platform AJPress file photo by RObert Macabagdal
then suppressed evidence against other politicians,” he told reporters. he, however, refused to name the politicians. the justice secretary also said he will talk to Janet Napoles, the businesswoman alleged to be the brains behind the multi-billion peso fund scam. “When Napoles first surfaced, PAGE A4
A
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September 1-7, 2016 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL
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Duterte, Obama expected to... PAGE A1 condemnation from international human rights groups. Police have killed over 700 alleged drug dealers and users, and more than 1,000 suspects have been murdered in apparent acts of vigilantism since Duterte was sworn in on June 30, Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa revealed during a Senate hearing last week. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), and other organizations have publicly denounced the president for apparently encouraging extrajudicial killings. UN special rapporteurs Agnes Callamard and Dainius Puras said the president’s repeated declarations of a “shoot-to-kill� order against criminals were an incitement of violence and a violation of international law, according to a previous report from the Asian Journal. Duterte had threatened to pull the Philippines out of the UN over the rapporteurs’ comments on Sunday, August 20. However, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay backtracked on the president’s suggestion and said the country remained committed to its allies on Monday, August 21. Duterte has countered international criticisms of his hardline stance on crime by citing the se-
verity of the drug problem in the Philippines. He said 3.7 million Filipinos were addicted to methamphetamine (called shabu in the Philippines) during a National Hero’s Day speech on Monday, August 29. “Human rights cannot be used as a shield or an excuse to destroy the country,â€? said Duterte during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July. Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella did concede that some of those alleged criminals killed without due process may have been the victims of vigilantism, police error or even rival drug dealers in a statement released on Friday, August 12. He said the PNP will look into those cases. Meanwhile, the president challenged the UN’s authority to investigate alleged police killings of drug suspects on Monday by contrasting the Philippine drug war with other humanitarian crises. “I did not drop barrel (bombs) like Assad ‌ I do not burn women because they refuse to have sex,â€? said Duterte on Monday in reference to the Syrian Civil War and the Islamic State, respectively. “UN, you can only investigate genocide when you kill without giving a hoot, if you are killing children, whole community.â€? Despite mounting scrutiny, the government’s anti-drug efforts have widespread local sup-
port, according to PBS and other sources. On Sunday, July 31, Duterte cited $32 million in planned U.S. security aid as show of support for his efforts against the illegal drug trade, according to a previous report by the Asian Journal. However, U.S. State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau clarified that American money was not funding extrajudicial killings. She said all security assistance coming from the U.S. is intended to “promote human rights ‌ professionalism, due process and the rule of law,â€? during a press briefing on Monday, August 8. Trudeau went on to “strongly urge the Philippines to ensure GOODWILL VISIT. Two Japanese Navy destroyers—J/S Yuugiri and J/S Yuudachi—dock at the Manila South Harbor for a goodwill visit. The its law enforcement efforts com- visit aims to strengthen the ties between the Philippine Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. ply with its human rights obligaManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan tions.â€? South China Sea negotiations Duterte’s tough rhetoric in support of the country’s war on crime contrasts sharply with his conciliatory tone in reference to PAGE A1 member chamber should endorse, voters — considered the fastestterritorial disputes with Beijing. nounced support for a candidate in Vinuya told the Asian Journal. growing group that could swing Chinese leaders have declared a federal race, its Filipino-AmeriHe added that Heck’s experi- upcoming elections, including sovereignty over the majority of can president, Sonny Vinuya, said ence as a former small business this race. the South China Sea based on on Tuesday, August 30. owner resonates with many of the A voter survey released in May centuries-old maps and fishing According to Vinuya, Heck members. by APIAVote, Asian Americans guides. Despite U.S. support — who has represented Nevada’s “If we don’t empower our small Advancing Justice and APIA Data for an international ruling back- 3rd district since 2011 — “has the business owners, our state and our found that 26 percent of AAPIs in ing the Philippines’ complaints, honor, integrity and work ethic to nation will never get back on track Nevada identified with the RepubPresident Duterte and his admin- best serveâ€? and be a “real partnerâ€? and fully recover from this reces- lican Party, while 41 percent with istration have avoided provoking to the AAPI community. sion,â€? Heck said. the Democratic Party. the Philippines’ much larger and “In Dr. Heck, we have someone Over 50 percent of Nevadans Most recently, Cortez Masto wealthier neighbor. who does not take our support are employed by small businesses, gave the keynote speech at an Asian Pacific American Labor AlPAGE A4 for granted, but engages with he noted. his constituents, really listens Heck promised that should he liance (APALA) reception in this and cares about the needs of the win in November, he would stay city earlier in August, condemning [AAPI] community,â€? the chamber’s engaged with the LVAACC to help Republican presidential nominee president told attendees at Lee’s “create an environment that would Donald Trump’s comments regardKorean BBQ. truly allow Nevada to flourish.â€? ing immigration from the PhilipHeck — a physician and brigaIn addition to jobs and the pines, which he called a “terrorist dier general in the Army Reserve economy, Heck said other issues nation.â€? — told the Asian Journal that he that the AAPI community cares She went on to say that the AAPI was “humbledâ€? to have received about are: education and access community “here in Las Vegas and the chamber’s first-ever endorse- to health care. across the country would sufferâ€? ment, as it is a testament to the “I firmly believe that you’ve got under Trump and Heck. time he has invested in meeting to return more responsibility to Following the chamber’s enwith AAPIs in the greater Las the states in how they run their dorsement, Cortez Masto’s camVegas area. education systems [and] that you paign brushed it off as a “photo The Republican congressman can’t hold every school district in op.â€? has made quarterly appearances the state and in the country acâ€œâ€Ś[I]t will not change the fact at LVAACC events, including one countable by the same standard [Heck] voted to tear immigrant last October where he spoke about because they’re all different,â€? he families apart and supports Donald foreign policy and trade agree- told the Asian Journal. Trump for president,â€? Sarah Zuments in the Asia-Pacific region. He added that the Affordable kowski, a campaign spokesperson He has also attended other AAPI Care Act “has not lived up to its said in a statement. community events, including those expectations as the costs continue A recent Suffolk University poll organized by Fil-Ams. (About 14 to escalate and people still don’t showed Cortez Masto and Heck percent of his district’s voting age have access to health care.â€? both tied at 37 percent for the population is of Asian descent.) Heck’s Democratic opponent, seat that will be vacated by Senate That level of participation and former Nevada Attorney General Minority Leader Harry Reid. (With accessibility was a major factor in Catherine Cortez Masto, has also reports from Robert Macabagdal / deciding which candidate the 600- been doing her part to court AAPI AJPress)
Rep. Joe Heck receives key AAPI...
President Barack Obama puts his arm on Vice President Joe Biden’s shoulder during a meeting with senior advisors in the Chief of Staff’s West Wing Office of the White House on Monday, Aug. 29. White House photo by Pete Souza
US, India urge countries to respect... PAGE A1
lution� to the dispute, urging China and the Philippines to abide by the arbitration tribunal’s decision. “The United States continues to call on China and the Philippines to abide by the tribunal’s recent decision which is final and legally binding on both par-
ties,� Kerry told a gathering of students in New Delhi. He added the United States supports diplomatic efforts to resolve these territorial disputes. “We are also interested in not fanning the flames of conflict but rather trying to encourage the parties to resolve their disputes
and claims through the legal process and through diplomacy,� Kerry said. Last July 12, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague sided in favor of the Philippines, ruling that China has no legal basis over its territorial claims in the disputed water. China, however, refused to recognize the ruling, stating it would take measures needed to protect its sovereignty over South China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea, with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam rivaling its claims. Last August 23, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said bilateral talks with China may start within the year. When asked by the date, he replied “Nearer than you think. Within the year, maybe,� as reported by Rappler. Duterte previously said he won’t bring up the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute in the upcoming Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit unless another country would mention it. Both U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will also attend the summit, which will be held next week in Laos.
Rep. Joe Heck (R-Nev.), who is running for U.S. Senate, meets with members of the Las Vegas Asian American Chamber of Commerce (LVAACC), which he received the endorsement of. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
Paynor named PH ambassador... PAGE A1 Although it is the president who appoints ambassadors, Duterte said Paynor’s new post still needs to be approved by the congressional Commission on Appointments. Paynor, whose previous appointments included Consul General in Los Angeles (2002-2006) and San Francisco (2007-2014), will replace former ambassador to the US Jose
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Cuisia, Jr. Before his foreign service career, Paynor was a military officer. He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1971 and retired in 1983 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. According to a news report from Inquirer, Duterte earlier offered the position to current Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. However, Lorenzana declined, asking the president to reconsider his age. The president also offered the same post to former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo� Teodoro who turned down the offer
as well. Meanwhile, the president said he is eyeing Robert Borje to take over Paynor’s post as the new protocol officer. Borje was previously the second secretary at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations (UN). “I have one nominee, I don’t know if he’s qualified, Borje,� Duterte said, as reported by Rappler. Borje, a former newscaster in Davao, is the son of retired Commodore Adolf Borje of the Philippine Navy. (By Dana Sioson / AJPress)
Palace dares int’l media to... PAGE A1 Thai journalist Nopporn Wong-Anan compared Duterte’s anti-drug campaign to Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s leadership. Shinawatra’s governance recorded 2,8000 extrajudicial killings in just three months. But the investigation showed that more than half of the recorded victims had no connection with illegal drugs. “It’s like, the only place for drug dealers was hell. They did not deserve to live on Earth,� Wong-Anan said. “It was a license to kill to a police soldier,� he added.
Japanese journalist Naoji Shibata also advised that Duterte’s government should issue a clearer statement because “the rest of the world does not know him.� Andanar went on to say that he can’t change Duterte’s style because the president is committed to eradicating the illegal drug problem in the country. Despite all the negative coverage in the press, the president said he is not bothered. “They said I am the most unpopular among the international press. I don’t care,� Duterte told reporters in Catbalogan, Samar on Monday.
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New Asian Culture Center in Las Vegas celebrates grand opening Las Vegas’ new asian Culture Center celebrated its grand opening ceremony on Monday, august 29. The festivities began at 3pm, with honorable mayor of the City of Las Vegas, Carolyn Goodman, cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Hosted by Emmy-award winner steve schorr, more than 300 business, political, and community leaders graced the special occasion, including the asianamerican community of Las Vegas.
among the event’s special guests were Mayor Carolyn Goodman, state senator scott hammond, representatives of Rep. Dina Titus and Rep. Joe heck, a representative from Las Vegas Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian, and Judges Janiece Marshall, suzan Baucum, Eric Johnson and susan Johnson. after its opening few weeks ago, more 40 free classes are being held with about 3 dozen volunteer teachers. From sushi making to Mandarin; and Body
points (acupressure) to Martial arts, the center has been bursting with activities. The asian Culture Center represents people and countries that aim to share the colorful asian culture and history around the world. The 5,000-square foot facility is operated and owned asian Culture alliance, a nonprofit organization founded by Cavin Fung. It is located at 928 s. Valley View Blvd. aJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 1-7, 2016
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September 1-7, 2016 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL
Dateline USa
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Duterte, Obama expected to... PAGE A2 On July 12, a ruling from the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) overwhelmingly favored the Philippines against China in a complaint filed by the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. The court’s decision found that Chinese activity within and near the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) illegally interfered with the island nation’s pe-
troleum exploration and fishing operations. Sovereign rights over Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and Recto (Reed) Bank were awarded to the Philippines. The PCA ruling also declared the contested Scarborough Shoal a common fishing ground over which no country could assert exclusive ownership. The court’s award is legally
binding, however the PCA lacks any method to enforce its ruling. Chinese officials dismissed the court’s authority, and had refused to participate in the UN’s hearings. They also blamed the Philippines for stirring up trouble by filing for international arbitration rather than pursuing resolution via direct bilateral negotiations. Chinese vessels continued to bar Filipino fisherman from sailing into the shoal for over two months after the PCA released it’s announcement. The Duterte administration has shied away from bringing up the UN tribunal’s ruling in diplomatic interactions with China in order to prevent violent confrontation. On Monday, Duterte reiterated his intention to repair ties and avoid war with China. ““I’ll keep silent now, and the ambassador is there. But I will state my case before you,” said the president on Monday. “I will never bring the matter, because it might lead only to the suspension of the talks with China.” On Tuesday, August 30, Abella told CNN China had agreed to begin allowing Filipino fisherman into Scarborough Shoal. In addition to the Philippines, other ASEAN countries Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei have competing territorial claims over the South China Sea. Unfiltered comments Duterte has refused to apologize to U.S. officials for deriding US Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg, for being a “son of a b*tch” and “a gay.” “Why would I apologize? Siya mismo nag-una (He started it first),” said the president. The president accuses Goldberg of having meddled in the Philippine general election last May when he condemned comments Duterte had made regarding the rape of an Australian missionary during a 1989 prison break, when Duterte was mayor of Davao. On Monday, August 8, the US State Department summoned Philippine Embassy Charge d’Affaires Patrick Chuasoto to clarify comments that American officials called “inappropriate and unacceptable.” Duterte has downplayed the significance of his off-color statements, focusing instead on the whirlwind of internal and global developments shaping the early days of his presidency.
INSTANT BRIDGE. Pedestrians use a plank of wood to cross a flooded portion of Quirino Ave. in Manila. The southwest monsoon spawned heavy rains that drenched Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon on Friday and Saturday. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
White House proposes new immigration rule to attract international entrepreneurs by Christina
M. Oriel
AJPress
THE Obama administration on Friday, August 26 announced a new proposed rule that would allow certain international entrepreneurs to come to the United States to start their businesses. Under the International Entrepreneur Rule, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would grant parole—temporary permission to be in the United States—to entrepreneurs if their startups show significant potential to grow and create jobs. “America’s economy has long benefitted from the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs, from Main Street to Silicon Valley,” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director León Rodríguez said in a statement. “This proposed rule, when finalized, will help our economy grow by expanding immigration options for foreign entrepreneurs who meet certain criteria for creating jobs, attracting investment and generating revenue in the U.S.” Under this proposed rule, DHS may parole, on a case-bycase basis, eligible entrepreneurs of startup enterprises who have at least 15 percent ownership in the startup and have “an active and central role to its op-
erations.” The startup must have been formed in the U.S. within the past three years and demonstrate potential for rapid business growth and job creation. The basis for that, the USCIS said, is that the startup must have received at least $345,000 from reputable U.S. investors or awards and grants of at least $100,000 from federal, state or local government entities. In a Medium post, Tom Kalil, deputy director for Technology and Innovation at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and Doug Rand, assistant director for entrepreneurship at OSTP, noted the contributions that immigrant entrepreneurs have made to the U.S. economy. Immigrants have co-founded one of every four small businesses and high-tech startups across the country, and over half the high-tech startups in Silicon Valley. Further, more than 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal, Affirm, Glow, and Slide, also praised the proposed rule. “I believe that the most promising entrepreneurs from around the world should have the same opportunity I had—the chance
to deliver on their potential, here in America,” Levchin said in a statement released by the White House. The rule would also allow entrepreneurs to be granted an initial stay of up to two years to oversee and grow their startup entity in the country. A subsequent request for re-parole (for up to three additional years) would be considered only if the entrepreneur and the startup entity continue to provide a significant public benefit as evidenced by substantial increases in capital investment, revenue or job creation. After five years, there are other immigration paths for the entrepreneurs, such as the EB-2 visa, Rodriguez said on Friday. The DHS will also publish guidance to clarify when entrepreneurs can self-petition for a green card. The notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register invites public comment for 45 days, after which USCIS will address the comments received. The proposed rule does not take effect with the publication of the notice of proposed rulemaking. It will take effect on the date indicated in the final rule when a final rule is published in the Federal Register.
Bullying of Asian Pacific Americans on the rise SAN FRANCISCO — A new report from a White House task force says cases of bullying targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are on the rise. The new report from the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders indicated that students have been told to “go back to their country” and others have been mocked for their facial features, physical stature, skin color, hair and style of dress. Recently arrived immigrants not fluent in English bullied for “being too Asian.” The perpetrators include peers and even some teachers. The report released this month is based on surveys with 30 organizations, including student
and youth groups, domestic violence shelters and mental health advocacy groups, according to Civil Beat. Listening sessions were also held in 29 cities big and small, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa. Although Hawaii was not included, the findings dovetail with local data compiled by the Hawaii Department of Education: percent of Native Hawaiians and 17 percent of Filipinos in Hawaii high schools in 2015 said they had been bullied. The numbers for those same groups more than doubled in middle schools. “Every day, kids of all ages experience bullying in schools across the country,” stated Doua
Thor, the executive director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. “In the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, this problem is often compounded by cultural, religious and linguistic barriers that can make it harder for AAPI youth to seek and receive help.” Thor added, “Anecdotal evidence has shown that certain AAPI groups – including South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Micronesian, LGBT, immigrant, and limited English proficient youth – are more likely to be the targets of bullying. And in some areas, bullying of AAPI students can be shockingly common.” (Inquirer.net)
Donaire to fight on Pacquiao-Vargas... PAGE A1
Donaire will defend the crown against Magdaleno after reclaiming his WBO super bantamweight title last December, following a unanimous verdict over Cesar Juarez. Earlier this April, he defended his belt after coming off a TKO win Hungarian Olympian Zsolt Bedak in the third round. On the other hand, Magdaleno
has a 23-0 professional record with 17 of his wins coming by way of knockout. His fight with Donaire will be his first shot at a world title. In his latest match, Magdaleno knocked out Pinoy boxer Rey Perez in the seventh round. “When we made the fight, one of the reasons why we are in Thomas and Mack, it sets up
so that we can have more than 6000 seats that we are charging 50 dollars from, so that the Filipinos who come here who usually watch it on closed circuit can watch it for as low as 50 dollars,” Arum said. “It’s gonna be packed with Filipino fans,” he added. The Pacquiao-Vargas fight will take place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
DOJ to revisit pork barrel probe... PAGE A1
she was brought to Malacañang and Mar (Roxas) accompanied her in Camp Crame. The question is why? They were obviously hiding something,” he pointed out. In 2014, Napoles identified senators and congressmen who allegedly benefitted in the pork scam. Among the officials Napoles tagged were Ramon Revilla Jr., Jinggoy Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile, Vicente Sotto III, Loren Legarda, Aquilino Pimentel III, Alan Peter Cayetano, Gringo Honasan, Manny Villar, Florencio Abad, Joel Villanueva and Francis Escudero. However, only Revilla, Estrada, and Enrile have been charged with plunder. Aguirre said he also believes Napoles was fooled by the previous administration into cooperating, adding she could stand as a witness. “Why did she cover up for others when she knew they were all guilty? She won’t be able to get away with it anyway, unless the
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II
president grants her pardon,” he said. “She could be a witness again, even not necessarily a state witness. Anyway, she will be in jail due to her conviction in another serious illegal detention case. The only benefit she could get is to just tell the truth.” Aguirre also assured that whistleblower Benhur Luy and other witnesses would remain under
the witness protection program of DOJ. Earlier in a news conference on Sunday, August 21, Duterte said revisiting the pork barrel scam probe would prove De Lima’s alleged involvement in crime and corruption. “The Napoles case should deserve a second look,” Duterte said. “It involves corruption and De Lima.”
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D ateline PhiliPPines De Lima on Duterte’s resignation call: I won’t quit by Dana
M. SioSon
AJPress
RESPONDING to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for her resignation, Senator Leila De Lima has refused to back down, stressing that the action would be the same as admitting her guilt. The senator’s statement on Monday, August 29 comes after the president’s string of tirades against her — including the accusations that she allegedly took money from drug lords and allowed the trade of drugs to continue inside the New Bilibid Prison while she was justice security during the previous administration. “Now the call for resignation, you know, I’ve already told you before, it crossed my mind. I thought about resigning so they would shut up, so they would stop attacking me, so my life would be peaceful. I thought I could just resign,” De Lima admitted. But after reflecting, she said she later changed her mind because she is not guilty. “Besides, resignation at this point will be an admission of guilt and a sign of weakness. And I’m neither weak nor guilty,” the senator said. De Lima, commenting on Duterte’s remarks, added there’s no need for her to take the advice
of her persecutor. “Is there any reason why I should be taking advice from the person who is persecuting and maligning me? I don’t think so,” she said. “It is only natural to self-preservation that one does not rely on the suggestions of those who want to see you extinguished and who wish your destruction.” Earlier in the day, Duterte called De Lima to resign from her post. “Dapat mag-resign ka (You need to resign). You resign,” the president said, addressing De Lima in his speech while visiting a cop who was injured during a drug operation in Tacloban City. “If I were De Lima, ladies and gentlemen, I’ll hang myself. The innermost of your [De Lima’s] core as a female is being serialized every day,” he added, referring to the senator’s alleged illicit affairs that, according to the president, make her a bad example for women. Last week, the president accused the senator of having an affair with Ronnie Dayan, her former driver who would reportedly collect the drug money. De Lima further said she would not attend the House of Representatives’ planned inquiry into her alleged involvement in illegal drugs because she has already been
Cardinal Tagle asks Filipinos to condemn all forms of murder by JoSeph
Senator Leila De Lima
“judged guilty” by the president. “I’m already judged guilty, I’m finished in so far as the President is concerned kaya nga ako pinapa-resign (that’s why he’s asking me to resign). Tapos haharap ako dun (and then I will show my face there)? Wala na kong kahihiyan sa sarili ko nun ah (I have no shame then),” she said. “I’m judged guilty already by the president. And then you think that House Speaker will be anything near fair to me?” the senator added, referring to Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. Alvarez belongs to Duterte’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino– Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party list.
5-year-old girl youngest victim in PH drug war by Klarize
MeDenilla AJPress
A FIVE-year-old girl has become the youngest fatality in the ongoing drug killings in the Philippines, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported on Friday, August 27. Local police said that kindergartener Danica May Garcia was having lunch with her family in the Dagupan, Pangasinan when two unidentified gunmen on motorcycles opened fire. HRW said the likely target was her grandfather, Maximo Garcia, who had turned himself into the police three days prior to clear his name; he was later returned to his family. “We are still investigating the real motive, but since Maximo Garcia surrendered last Friday for drug use, we have reason to believe the attack was related
to his drug activities,” Dagupan police chief Neil Miro told CNN. Maximo Garcia was shot three times and is currently in the hospital under police watch. Danica May was shot the same day that Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision for ridding the country of illegal drugs. “Desperate times call for desperate measures,” Aguirre said. “So this is what the president is doing and we support it.” HRW has repeatedly denounced the violence ensuing in the war on drugs. “Aguirre’s perverse endorsement of extrajudicial violence as crime control suggests that Danica May is unlikely to be the last child victim,” Phelim Kine, deputy director of HRW’s Asia
Henry Sy Sr., John Gokongwei Jr., Jon Ramon Aboitiz, Ramon Ang, Edgar Sia II
Division, said in a statement. “Each day, the death toll from the government’s ‘war on drugs’ climbs higher and higher.” According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), there have been a total of 1,916 drugrelated killings since Duterte’s inauguration on June 30. Approximately 756 of those killings were suspects pursued by the police while 1,160 of them were “unsolved killings.” Duterte has encouraged the public to do anything to stop the illegal drug cartels. In June, he announced, “Please feel free to call us, the police or do it yourself if you have the gun... you have my support.” The rising number of killings has raised concerns from human rights groups around the world as well as the United Nations, which has planned to investigate the killings.
Philstar.com photos
Forbes: Records number of Filipino billionaires in 2016 by Dana
M. SioSon
AJPress
FOR the year 2016, American business magazine Forbes released its new list of the 50 richest Filipinos on Thursday, August 25. “Several tycoons with interests in development and construction enjoyed a particularly robust year, and the new administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, with its plan to invest in a ‘golden age of infrastructure,’ could boost them even higher,” it said. Ninety one-year-old shopping mogul Henry Sy still topped the annual ranking of Forbes for nine years consecutively, despite his net worth declining from $14.4 billion in 2015 to $13.7 billion in 2016. Sy was followed by JG Summit Holdings’ John Gokongwei Jr. with a net worth of $6.8 billion, and the Aboitiz family with a net worth of $5 billion. Percentage-wise, the magazine said this year’s biggest win-
ner was new billionaire Edgar Sia II who ranked No. 17 with a net worth of $1.2 billion. He was also named as the youngest richest Filipino. The 39-year-old tycoon’s wealth increased by 200 percent due to the fast-growing mall and residence developer, DoubleDragon Properties, which he co-owns with Tony Tan Caktiong who ranked no. 6 on the list with a net worth of $4.3 billion. Caktiong is also the founder, chairman and CEO of Jollibee Foods, the biggest fast food restaurant chain in the Philippines. Also occupying the top 10 spots on the list are: Lucio Tan (no. 4 with $4.9 billion), George Ty (no. 5 with $4.6 billion), Jaime Zobel de Ayala (no. 7 with $4.1 billion), Enrique Razon Jr. (no. 8 with $3.5 billion), David Consunji (no. 9 with $3.1 billion) and Andrew Tan (no. 10 with $3 billion). Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., the 95-year-old co-founder of Rustan’s Group, was the oldest
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businessman on the list with a net worth of $165 million, ranking 46th. “At least five of the 50 richest are invested in San Miguel, one of the nation’s oldest conglomerates. They have benefited nicely from the company’s growth strategy in energy and other infrastructure, which propelled its stock’s value up 50 percent,” according to Forbes. Ramon Ang, the leader of San Miguel Corporation, ranked 16th with a net worth of $1.21 billion. While Forbes’s record consisted mostly of males, five businesswomen made it to the list. Filipina tycoons include Ayala Corporation and San Miguel Corporation stakeholder Mercedes Zobel who ranked 14th, Mercury Drug’s Vivian Que Azcona who ranked 24th, Monde Nissin’s Betty Ang who ranked 26th, Unilab’s Beatrice Campos who ranked 27th, and Banco De Oro’s Juliette Romualdez who ranked 48th.
CELEBRATING THE COCONUT. Colorful in their coconut-inspired costumes, contingents from different towns of Quezon province join a dance competition along Gomez St. in Lucena City on Sunday, August 27 to celebrate the Niyogyugan Festival. Named after the coconut (niyog) and dancing (yugyugan), the festival pays tribute to the tree of life that sustained the province in its early years. Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes
alMer B. peDraJaS AJPress
MANILA Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle has finally broken his silence on the recent spate of killings in the Philippines as he asked Filipinos to condemn all forms of murder happening in the country. In an interview on Sunday, August 28, by Church-run Radio Veritas, Tagle called for his countrymen to denounce not just the issue of extrajudicial killings, but also other kinds of killings including abortion, unfair labor practices and wasting food. “As long as one is alive, whoever he or she is, that life is sacred. I know that the spate of killings is becoming a big issue nowadays — they say, it affects even those who are not guilty, those who are innocent — but whether be a person guilty or not, we should give importance to life. And if a person is already proven guilty, give another chance to live — give chance to rise from old life,” Tagle stressed in Filipino. The Manila archbishop released his statement against the issue after the deaths of more than 1,800 illegal drug-related people have been recorded since the end of June. Tagle believes that there are also other forms of killings that the people need to condemn. “I hope that we’re also worried about abortion. Why are only a few people speaking against abortion? It’s also a form of murder.” he said. “Let’s guard against abortion. Those who are not yet born can’t do anything.” The cardinal also emphasized that “unfair labor practices” also “kill the reputation of the workers.” He went on to add that wasting food and pushing children to go into vices are also forms of killing. “Whenever we waste food, why does it have to be put in the garbage first before someone would pick it up and eat, it is also a kind of murder, it kills children who have nothing to eat,” he explained. “Selling illegal drugs, pushing the youth to go into vices — that’s also a form of murder
against their dreams, their minds, their good relationships with their families.” The archbishop ended his plea as he said that everyone should PAGE A7 Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.
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Features
ARTICLE III Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution states that “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.” This is recognized to give people a conducive environment for participation and to allow them to contribute to development, democracy and dialogue. On July 25, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the executive order on the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill before he delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA). The measure aims to promote transparency in the government and let people have access to information regarding the government’s transactions and processes by making federal documents more available to the public. If enacted, the FOI bill would grant Filipino citizens the access to any information held by a government agency on matters of public concern, such as documents on government expenditures and the bidding of government projects. However, this progressive measure has its limits. Based on the recommendation of the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General, Malacañang’s draft of the Freedom of Information (FOI) act manual lists 166 exceptions, including those involving national security, executive privilege and invasion of personal privacy. Gone are the days of secrecy and authoritarian-
ism. Filipinos deserve the truth, and they now have the power to sway the future of this country to the right direction—through a transparent and accountable government leadership. What’s left is a law to protect it. According to Inquirer, the list of exceptions include “matters that may put at risk national security and the state’s external and internal defense, as well as information on foreign affairs which may jeopardize diplomatic relations or weaken the government’s position in ongoing negotiations. “Also on the list is executive privilege involving information on the President’s appointing, pardoning and diplomatic powers. Minutes of decision-making and policy formulation meetings, which the President considers privileged, are also included. Data that may compromise military or police operations and immigration controls and border security, or put witnesses in danger, are also excepted.” As contentious as it is, the passage of the FOI bill is covered with greater enthusiasm, both from its representatives in the government and Filipino citizens. It will be subjected to healthy (if not heated) debate for sure. But if the Philippines is to continue its positive streak on good governance, this is a welcome development in fostering public awareness and par-
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
ticipation in nation building. Filipinos people are not denied the chance to witness the progression or regression of what the current administration. Thanks to this measure, civic participation is encouraged now more than ever. A transparent government allows information
about its policies and its implementations to be accessible to the public. In turn, an informed public allows for a more dynamic participation in policy discussions and elections. More than that, it allows people to keep the government in check. (AJPress)
Kababayans comment on Duterte’s controversial and bloody war on drugs
EVEN U.S. President Barack Obama has raised concern about the recent statements of Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and his war on drugs, which has already claimed the lives of more than 1,800 people since Duterte took office. Obama is set to meet with Duterte in Laos next week to talk about the alleged issue of human rights violations with the Philippine president who has blatantly said “No one can stop me!”, when confronted with criticisms and questions on his controversial fight against the drug menace in the Philippines. Many kababayans in the Philippines — who are opposed to Duterte’s means to achieve his end of eradicating drugs and criminality in the country — have been criticizing Filipinos in America who support Duterte’s policy and action. Duterte won by a big margin in North America in the May 2016 Presidential Elections. In a recent viewer poll of The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America,” a big majority (75 percent) of those who voted agree with Duterte’s “shoot-to-kill order,” which grants the right for police officers to kill drug dealers, pushers and traders who resist arrest and fight back violently. Here are some of the comments of kababayans shared about this contentious issue, which have been presented and edited for clarity: “It’s a question of tipping point of the Filipinos before they resist the killings. Maybe the 1,900 is still too small. And maybe the respondents are too far [from] or are not connected [to] the people liv-
ing in the slums who got hit by vigilantes and police.” — Ago The Fil-Am Pedalizo Perspective “Well what did you expect? Of course, there will be casualties on both sides. It’s war. on drugs. casualties of war. for the greater good.” — JP Pat GeL SantoS-reLoS “The problem is not that good cops kill the drug users or drug dealers, but the corrupt cops that need to silence their distributors, their users, the pushers they protected or else they will be reported on. Also, the problem with the law is when there are corrupt lawyers and judges in the system that dismiss the criminals cases. Where were the human rights advocates when there were innocent people getting robbed or killed by users or dealers... if the dealers or users were innocent, they would not put up a fight let alone start shooting at cops, but comply like those that volunteered to surrender. By fighting with cops, it shows an admission of guilt and places good cops lives in danger. What about the human rights of the good cops or good politicians that have been killed by the bad people.You must realize there are people that don’t want to make the Philippines a better country. Look at Japan, Korea, and some other countries that are now thriving. Wouldn’t you want to be proud [of the] Philippines to get out of third world country status? And as Duterte said why doesn’t Human rights talk about the war in Syria or Iraq or even the innocent African Americans that
are shot and are already having hands up or have done nothing wrong and get killed for no reason? Double standards?” — Gerald Cabildo “Everyone wants drug pushers and other criminals off the street. But, we are a society of laws. I believe due process should be observed. However, if the suspects resist arrest and fight back that could endanger the lives, not only of the police officers, but the innocent bystanders, then yes, I agree with it. Sadly, that is not what I see happening right now. Suspects are killed even when they are not fighting. Most of the extra-judicial killings recently were done execution style. Extra-judicial killings create opportunities for corruption, abuse of power, and brutality because cover ups happen, no clear evidence is presented, and there simply is no check and balance.” — Roselle Alejandro Enriquez “Yung mga nahuhuling Chinese at mga ibang mayayaman na drug lords buhay pa...pero yung mga mahihirap at tunay na mga biktima ng droga yun ang mga shoot to kill...bulok na sistema!” — Renz Epilef “How do you know kung nanlaban ang mga tao’ng pinatay? Bitayin ang ang lahat na drug lords at mga kriminal, wala akong paki doon. Pero bakit si Peter Lim buhay na buhay pa? Selective due process ba? Wow! Point ko lang...Addiction is an illness na dapat gamutin, to make it fair and square. Dapat isali na rin d’yan ang mga adik sa sugal, adik sa alcohol, adik sa pain medication, at adik sa sex (mga tao’ng
mahilig manghalik,mambabae at maraming kalaguyo)...kung sa palagay ninyong makatwiran ang nangyayari ngayon. At isa pa...ang rapist,nakadrugs man o hindi...kung may pagkakataon,mangre-rape pa rin!” — Lawrence Enriquez “Economic consequence [of Duterte’s war on drugs]? Peace and order if achieved will invite more investors, incite OFWs to go home. More new hires for BPO industry...as Filipinos now can trust the police and feel safer than ever.” — Percy Flores “My thought is that: none of us have the right to even comment as we all see what is going on as by standers...not unless of course, if we put ourselves into the shoes of parents and families that have been victims for over 3 decades at least in living and accepting graft, corruption, drugs, mass killings by private armies, etc. Sad to say, since most of us Filipinos grew up with this hopeless society, it is now embedded in our mind and heart -- accepting that it is now a culture of the Filipinos living this way. Either another big cathostrophic [event] happens or this BIG change is now happening for a BIG change. There is something deeper going on is this plan for change in our beloved country, the Philippines.” — Erich Joseph Alcedo *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos
Working together for A voice to be heard: Why Why am I a Filipinoour nation’s economy the AAPI vote matters American Republican? Commentary
Senator Harry reid NOT only did August’s jobs report reveal that the American economy added 255,000 jobs in July, it marked an even more important milestone for our country’s economy. Our job growth in July means that over the past 77 months, the private sector has added 15 million jobs to the economy. This marks the longest streak of private-sector job growth on record. This also marks an unemployment rate cut in half, and a deficit shrunk by nearly two-thirds over the same period of time. President Obama’s leadership and Democratic policies in Congress were able to bring our economy back from one of the worst economic crisis in history. Despite obstruction and gridlock, we have seen successful and historic growth in our economy. In Nevada, we have one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation. In June, it was announced that the Las Vegas metro area added more 26,000 jobs since
last summer. The unemployment rate in the Las Vegas metro area has been cut exactly in half from June of 2011 to June of this year. Small business employment has grown, and we’ve seen entrepreneurs across the state benefit from our strengthening economy. Despite great growth across the country and here in Nevada, there is still far more work to be done. It is time for both parties to come together in Congress to build on this important progress. This jobs report should be a wakeup call to everyone. We should do even more . Every American should benefit from our nation’s economic growth, and far too many have not. We should be working together to continue to boost our nation’s economy. We should focus on middle class priorities. Democrats will continue to fight wealthy special interests who try to rig the system in favor of big corporations. We will continue to fight for fair wages and equal pay for women. We will continue to do everything we possibly can to strengthen our middle class. Everyone in this country deserves a fair shot at the American Dream. Our economy should work for everybody, and I will continue fighting in Washington to ensure that is the case.
Commentary
evan Louie WITH less than 100 days until Election Day, Nevada voters will soon be asked to make an incredibly important decision: determining who will be our nation’s next president. That decision will be between someone who wants to use fear to unravel our progress, and a proven leader who values diversity and will continue knitting our vibrant communities together. That person is Hillary Clinton. The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is the fastest-growing minority group in America—one that has helped build and strengthen the society in which we live. Hillary recognizes that despite the enormous gains AAPIs have made in America, our community continues to face challenges—such as enduring racism, language barriers, and gender pay discrimination. She will fight to break down these barriers so that all of us, regardless of our background, have a chance to live up to our full potential.
AAPI voters are in a position to dramatically alter the outcome of the presidential race in 2016. In Nevada, the AAPI population has doubled its voting power over the past decade, recently bypassing 170,000 eligible voters. We also represent a growing portion of the U.S. economy. Nationwide, our community contributes nearly $1.1 trillion to the economy and AAPI businesses employ 3.6 million Americans across the country. It is time for AAPI voters throughout society to exercise this influence at the ballot box. As the next president of the U.S., Hillary Clinton will work tirelessly for the rights of AAPI constituents. She will fight to level the playing field for AAPI small business owners by cutting red tape, expanding access to capital, providing tax relief, and fighting discrimination in the lending market. Under Hillary Clinton’s plan, Nevada could see a gain of 94,000 jobs. By contrast, Donald Trump’s economic proposals could cost our state almost 31,000 jobs and millions of dollars in potential investments. Hillary values the contributions from our immigrant communities, and she plans to implement comprehensive immigration reform that will reunite families and cut down visa wait times. This PAGE A7
Commentary
LiSa MeLanie noetH AS the 2016 U.S. presidential election draws closer, I believe that my political ideology as a Republican resonates with the Filipino culture, which includes family, faith, self-determination through entrepreneurship and my desire to serve the Nevada community. My parents passed down to me the importance of countless Filipino traditions while I was growing up. Family and faith are the two most important fundamentals deeply embedded in me. Like many of my fellow peers growing up as first-generation Filipino Americans, we always had family gatherings filled with trays of lumpia and singing karaoke throughout the Christmas season. Both my mom and papa are overseas Filipino immigrants. This is what makes America unique—my parents and numerous immigrants built their own foundations and sought opportunities to make their lives better for
themselves and their families in the United States and back home in the Philippines. My mom came to New York City as a registered nurse and worked tirelessly for many long hours to provide for me and her family. My papa would also tell me that when he arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport, he felt proud to finally be able to live in the land of endless opportunity without the fear of political oppression. I am thankful that my mom and papa became my role models by teaching me the true Republican values of perseverance, self-determination, faith and education, which are the pillars toward living a comfortable and purpose driven life here in America. I recently just graduated with my master’s degree in global affairs with a concentration in international relations at New York University with the desire to serve and empower Filipinos in the Philippines to overcome poverty. As a Fil-Am, I have a deep devotion to God and the Catholic faith, which were instilled in me throughout my upbringing. Now as an adult, I understand why faith and family are important for the Filipino community: hope for the future. From witnessing the devastating effects of Super Typhoon Yolanda, the world PAGE A7
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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Ombudsman eyes to end PDAF scam probe by 2017 by Dana
SioSon AJPress
OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio-Morales on Thursday, August 25, said her office eyes to end all investigation of cases related to the misuse of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), or also referred to as the pork barrel scam, by the end of 2017. After the deliberation of her office’s budget for 2017, the Ombudsman said her office is still investigating 240 officials tagged by the Commission on Audit allegedly involved in the scam. “Some are undergoing factfinding, some are undergoing preliminary investigation, some have been filed in court,” Morales told Inquirer in an interview at the House of Representatives. Cases that have been filed in court include one against Janet Lim Napoles, who was accused as the brains behind the multibillion peso fund scam. “About 240 congressmen ang namention ng (were mentioned
in the PDAF.” Earlier this week, President Rodrigo Duterte called to revisit the multi-billion peso pork barrel scam case. “Wait until we revisit the Napoles case, Secretary or Senator De Lima, and I assure you, you will be horrified… It involves corruption and De Lima.” the president said. When asked to comment about it, Morales said the president’s statement is ‘vague.’ “I don’t know what he means, what revisiting the Napoles case. Hindi natin alam (We don’t Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales know). That’s vague to us. No in) audit report. So ang dami comment.” dami (There are many of them) The Ombudsman also denied but we target to finish all of our the allegations that her office investigations by the end of next sanitized the original list of lawyear,” she added. makers involved in the scam, SHOOTOUT. A crime investigator examines the dead body of one of two motorcycle-riding individuals killed following a shootout with police ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina Morales said her office is pri- stating that she is not alarmed on C-3 Road in Caloocan on Sunday, August 28. oritizing the probe of officials al- about Duterte’s call to revisit the legedly misused heftier amount case. of funds. “No, we’re not worried, be“We decide which cases cause what we did is what we should first be investigated. We think is in accordance with the PAGE A6 ment and less regulation for small volunteers and also advocates do it in accordance with the law,” she said.” witnessed Filipinos remaining business owners as a gateway for standing behind Mr. Trump and amount. The higher the amount, The Office of the Ombudsman the higher the priority to investi- sought an office budget of P2.29 resilient and hopeful in the wake to grow the economy by providing the Republican Party. As a volof a natural disaster. The Catholic jobs. Being self-employed, I also unteer, it is crucial to reach out gate these big amounts involved billion for 2017. faith essentially became the very value the importance of sacrifices and persuade undecided and unessence of my morals and values. and personal responsibilities of registered Fil-Am voters, why the The teachings of upholding the running a business, in order to Republican core values correlate sanctity of life from conception to succeed in the future. to the Filipino way of living: famnatural death and protecting reliAs the reader, I ask that you ily and faith. We need to take the population approaches 150,000 for the AAPI community to be gious freedom act as the central be proud of the rich array of time to attend events and social and this offensive rhetoric can- proactive and mobilize in prepara- reasons why I politically identify Filipino heritage living in the gatherings and get Fil-Ams to not be overlooked. When Donald tion for Election Day 2016. There myself as a Republican. land of opportunity. I have always register to vote. As the Filipino Trump says we are a threat, he is has never been a greater call to The Republican Party also surrounded myself with my fam- population continues to increase talking about the everyday people action, and we must take every embraces the freedom bestowed ily and Filipino friends growing in areas such as Nevada, Califorwho are the backbone of Ameri- precaution by educating ourselves by our Founding Fathers and the up in New Jersey and New York nia, and New Jersey, the Filipino can society: the men and women and each other so that we can Creator within the U.S. Constitu- City. However, my experience voice must be represented with an who teach in our schools, protect break down the barriers that our tion. When I was younger, my thus far living in Las Vegas this individual’s vote in the upcoming our communities, and fight for community faces. The answer to papa would always take me with past month opened my eyes to election. rejecting divisiveness, racism, and him to vote for the best candidates the vibrant and thriving Fil-Am our freedom. As a Fil-Am Republican, I am What Trump doesn’t know is xenophobia is simple. Vote and let suited to represent our interests community. It is refreshing to calling you to register to vote and that our community has heard your voice be heard. in government. My papa empha- see Fil-Ams actively participating put your trust in Mr. Trump as *** him loud and clear. He fails to sized to me our civic American as volunteers for the Republican our next president of the United recognize that our voice matters Evan Louie, a Las Vegas resident is an duty to vote and to be proud of the Party. I also the attended the APIA States. He displayed humility durand that we are stronger together. advocate for the Asian American, Native American flag. Voting sparked my Presidential Election Forum at ing his nomination speech at the As the fastest growing minority Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community. interest to pursue elected office in Caesars Palace on August 12. It Republican National Convention group in the country, the AAPI He was appointed to the Commissioner the near future as an opportunity was a truly inspiring experience and the willingness to bring back community holds the key to of Minority Affairs, chairing the Economic to serve my people. I hope to en- for me to witness the influence of opportunities to Americans. Let determining the outcome of this Development Subcommittee under the gage political dialogue with the Asian Americans, including the us help him win back America election. It is especially important Department of Business and Industry. Fil-Am community in Las Vegas Fil-Am community, involved in because he is willing to preserve and beyond to be the voice of our social and political discussions by our American values of personal needs in American politics as a voicing their concerns and asking freedom, self-determination, and future elected official. questions with those representing faith. Let’s make America great Lastly, I pride myself as a small the presidential candidates. They again for future generations to the Philippines (CBCP), issued a From a generation of drug addicts business owner and entrepreneur, are concerned Fil-Ams, like me, grow and become prosperous. statement expressing that he is in shall we become a generation of who proudly creates my own op- who care deeply about the direc*** street murderers? Will the do-it- portunity to earn a living. I looked tion of our beloved country under “utter disbelief.” Lisa Melanie Noeth is a businesswoman “If drugs indeed kill, will killing yourself justice system assure us up to my lola (grandma in Taga- the threat of extending President and social entrepreneur behind LPN Trading the suspects remove the menace? of a safer and better future?” Vil- log), who owns a small storefront Barack Obama’s third term under LLC, an e-commerce business partnered with in Palawan and other family mem- Mrs. Clinton’s potential presi- supplying inventory ranging from toys, books, Are we providing our children a legas said. Meanwhile, Fr. Amado Picar- bers that are also business own- dency. safe haven, by teaching them by and accessories to Amazon.com. Lisa now our tolerance of murders, that dal, head of the CBCP’s Com- ers. I own LPN Trading LLC, an Fil-Ams have the ability to affect resides in Las Vegas with her husband Phil killing suspected criminals with- mission for Basic Ecclesial Com- e-commerce company, partnered the outcome of this presidential and looks forward to serving the community’s out fair hearing is a morally ac- munities, said that “the Church is with Amazon.com. As a Republi- election by increasing their pres- needs. Her interests include American can, I believe in smaller govern- ence in political participation as politics, traveling and reading. ceptable way to eradicate crime? powerless to stop the killings.”
A voice to be heard: Why the AAPI... PAGE A6 has the potential to dramatically benefit AAPI families, who make up roughly 40 percent of the visa backlog. Donald Trump on the other hand, has a very different plan for our country – one that endangers the very principles of equality and opportunity upon which America was built. His campaign has proposed oppressive restrictions on immigration and has targeted the AAPI community with hateful rhetoric. Recently, Trump labeled immigrants from the Philippines a dangerous threat and listed legal Philippine immigrants who live in the U.S. among those engaged in a plot to kill Americans. In Nevada alone, the Filipino
Cardinal Tagle asks Filipinos to condemn...
PAGE A5 “be consistent to promote whole or integral life” and “not be selective.” Tagle has now joined other religious groups and pro-life individuals who have criticized the recent killings in the country. Earlier in August, Archbishop Socrates Villegas, head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
Why am I a Filipino-American...
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Journal Georgina Wilson will be a mom soon by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
Georgina Wilson is pregnant with her and husband Arthur Burnand’s first baby
So soon? When word leaked out that Georgina Wilson is pregnant with her and husband Arthur Burnand’s first baby, celebritywatchers started doing arithmetic. The couple was married last April 30 in Winchester, Hampshire, England (where Arthur also proposed to Georgina), so was Georgina already having morning sickness when she and Arthur swapped “I do’s” (in Catholic ceremony since both of them are Catholic)? “Yes,” Georgina confirmed in an exclusive interview with The Star, “I am four months and a few weeks pregnant and
I just learned last month that I got pregnant soon after but not before the wedding.” The baby’s gender is being kept confidential until oct. 24 when the new show “It Girls!” starts airing on the E! Channel, with Georgina as host with her cousin Isabelle Daza (who is getting married to her French boyfriend Adrien Semblat next week in Italy), and their good friends Liz Uy and Solenn Heussaff (who got married to Argentinian Nico Bolzico last May 22 in France). Georgina used to host “Asia’s Next Top Model” on the same channel. “The whole initial episode will be devoted to my baby,” said Georgina whose mom, Aurora, is
the sister of Isabelle’s mom, Gloria Diaz. “It will be some kind of a baby shower. The show will be aired in 27 Asian countries.” Because she thought that she couldn’t have a baby, Georgina recalled that when she learned that she was, indeed, pregnant, she couldn’t believe it. “I was shocked!” she confessed. “When I attended Solenn’s wedding, everybody noticed that I was having a tummy. I thought that I was just eating too much because I was craving for food all the time. It’s natural for me to be like that but I was surprised when I began craving for pasta which I didn’t usually like.” Besides, she added, “I had no plans of having a baby yet. Funny
because when my friends would ask me when Arthur and I were having a baby, I would say, ‘oh no, not me, not me!’ I didn’t tell anybody that I had this secret fear of not being able to bear a child. I had zero idea that I was pregnant because there were no signs at all. My period is irregular, so if I missed it, I wouldn’t suspect that I was getting pregnant.” Still, even as she kept on working out, Georgina said that she was not losing weight. “I did not just one but two pregnancy tests and they turned out negative. or maybe I messed them up.” In July, Georgina flew to Hong Kong for a general check-up and PAGE B3
Enrique Gil, Jake Cuenca, lead Star Gabby Concepcion’s daughter Magic artists in voluntary drug testing wins Miss Earth Sweden 2016 title By Joseph
And what of John Lloyd Cruz and Daniel Padilla? by Tessa
MauRicioa-aRRioLa ManilaTimes.net
SHorTLY after President rodrigo Duterte confirmed that he also has in his possession a list of celebrities involved in both drug use and/or drug peddling, speculations as to which famous names figure on the list quickly spread like—well—illegal substances. While most hunches have generally been made via day-to-day whisperings among tinsletown insiders, and as blind items in several tabloids, top ABS-CBN actor Enrique Gil was explicitly named in a certain column as part of Duterte’s list. Gil has recently been seen in the prime time drama Dolce Amore, across leading lady Liza Soberano. The pair forms the widely popular “LizQuen” tandem both in television and film. Alarmed over such damaging accusations, The Manila Times
Enrique Gil and Jake Cuenca were among 40 Star Magic artists whose drug test results were ‘100-percent negative.’
learned that ABS-CBN’s talent management arm, Star Magic, who sees to the careers of Gil and most of the network’s prized and upcoming artists, quickly mounted a supervised drug testing effort over the weekend to belay rumors of illegal substance abuse in its community. In a statement sent via text message, Star Magic reported, “results were 100-percent nega-
tive for Jake Cuenca, Enrique Gil, Diego Loyzaga and the rest of the Star Magic artists [who took the drug test].” A total of 40 talents volunteered to test for drug use, but the official list of names is still unavailable to media as of press time. The statement ended with the company’s pledge to support the administration’s unwavering PAGE B3
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SWEDISH-Filipino-American model Cloie Syquia Skarne — the daughter of Gabby Concepcion and half-sister of KC Concepcion — won the Miss Earth Sweden 2016 title at the Miss Universe Sweden pageant on Sunday, August 28. The pageant was held at the Café opera in Stockholm. on her Instagram account, Cloie expressed gratitude towards people who had been with her before she was held as Miss Earth Sweden. “I’m MISS EArTH SWEDEN 2016! Thank you to those who have supported me and believed in me. I would not have been who I am today without you. Thank you @aumauricio for my hair and makeup and @gakuyabykimgan for my gorgeous gown,” the beauty queen said in an Instagram post on Monday, August 29. Meanwhile, KC Concepcion
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Miss Earth Sweden is KC Concepcion’s sister, Cloie Syquia Skarne. Photos posted on her Instagram account
congratulated her half-sister on her Twitter account by saying, “Her childhood dream has finally come true! Congratulations to my sister @CloieSyquiaS = MISS EArTH Sweden!” The reigning Miss Earth Sweden is set to compete at Miss Earth 2016 in the Philippines this october, and will be up against
other candidates, including Filipina Imelda Schweighart of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Cloie’s competitor Ida ovmar, who is from the city of Luleå, won the coveted Miss Universe Sweden title and will compete for the Miss Universe 2016 crown, which will be held in the Philippines in January 2017.
B September 1-7, 2016 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL
The Global Kababayan
Features
Post-Olympics Filipino pride with Larnie Boquiren
G. TönGi IF you haven’t heard already, Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz represented the Philippines in her third straight Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, taking home the silver medal in the women’s 53-kg division. Her podium finish is the Philippines’ first medal since 1996 when boxer Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco bagged the silver medal in the Atlanta Olympic Games. But she isn’t the only Filipina out there who brought us Olympic pride! Meet Larnie Boquiren, the head athletic trainer for the USA Women’s Water Polo team. The USA Women’s Water Polo team is currently ranked number 1 in the world after they dominated against Italy in the recent Olympic Games. The US is the first women’s water polo team to win two gold medals, defeating Italy, 12-5, for their second straight gold. Gold medal finish at the Rio Olympic Games with the US Women’s Water Polo team and Filipina The many achievements of the Larnie Boquiren. Photos courtesy of Larnie Boquiren
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US Women’s Water Polo team include: - Gold medal at the 2014 FINA World Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia - Gold medal at the 2014 FINA World League Super Final in Kunshan, China - Gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England - Gold medal at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico - Gold medal at the 2010 FINA World Cup in Christchurch, New Zealand - Gold medal at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final in La Jolla, CA - Only women’s water polo nation to win three World Championships - Gold medal at the 2009 FINA World Championships in Rome, Italy - Gold medal at the 2009 FINA World League Super Final in Kirishi, Russia - Silver medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China - Silver medal at the 2008 FINA World League Super Final in Tenerife, Spain - Only team in women’s water polo worldwide to win medals at the 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympic Games - In 2005, became the country with the most overall medals in women’s water polo (FINA Junior and Senior events) - Gold medal at the 2007 Pan
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678 American Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - Gold medal at the 2007 World League Super Final in Montreal, Canada - Gold medal at the 2007 World Championships in Melbourne, Australia - Gold medal at the 2006 Holiday Cup in Los Alamitos, CA, sixth consecutive year - Gold medal at the 2006 World League in Cosenza, Italy - Silver medal at the 2005 World Championships in Montreal, Canada - Gold medal at the 2005 Junior World Championships in Perth, Australia - Bronze medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece - Gold medal at the 2004 World League in Long Beach, CA - Silver medal at the 2003 Junior World Championships in Calgary, Canada - Gold medal at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic - Gold medal at the 2003 World Championships in Barcelona, Spain - Silver medal at 2002 World Cup in Perth, Australia - Gold medal at the 2001 Junior World Championships in Perth, Australia - Silver medal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, the first Olympics to feature women’s water polo as an official sport
Larnie in the pool, shoes and all.
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Larnie in Rio
Larnie at work
The Madz wave Philippine flag after winning the Grand Prize in Italy
- Gold medal at the first-ever World Cup in 1979 As the sports medicine manager and head athletic trainer for USA Water Polo, Larnie Boquiren is in charge of evaluating and assessing injuries, designing and implementing treatment and rehabilitation plans, and providing injury prevention and recovery methods. She recently returned from the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil. I am excited to have her on “Kababayan Today” soon to talk about her recent Olympic trip to Rio. Before that, she was kind enough to answer some questions for the Asian Journal. G: How did you start getting into water polo? Larnie: I started my service with USA Women’s Water Polo on October 2015 after serving five seasons as an athletic trainer with USA Volleyball teams. My colleagues at the USA Volleyball had approached me about my possible interest and I applied. G: What was it about water polo that you enjoyed? Larnie: What I’ve come to enjoy and respect about water polo is that it’s one of the hardest sports to ever be played. The level of fitness, physicality, aggressiveness, and blue-collar team approach [that] USA Women’s Water Polo plays is what drives me in my role as an athletic trainer. G: What hard work went into the training for the Rio games? Larnie: The team trained six days a week: on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays at Los Alamitos Joint Training Base from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and then 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, we train from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Morning training involves a lot of swimming and leg sets, while the afternoon involves a lot more tactics. I’m present at all trainings and lifts and start my day at 6:30am and leave at 6:30pm. I provide treatments before, between and after training sessions, and am supported by our massage therapists, acupuncturists, our sports dieting, and sports performance coach. Our travel was extensive, and required a lot of preparation in bringing our athletic training room on the road. During travel, I serve as an extension of those the other providers that support the team. G: What was the highlight of your trip to Rio? Larnie: My highlight of my trip to Rio was jumping in to the Olympic Pool after the last secPAGE B6
Choirmaster Mark Carpio receives the Grand Prize Photos by Alfred John De Veyra
UP Madrigal Singers win Grand Prize in Italy Famed choir sweeps awards in prestigious Europe competition
AREZZO, Italy— U.P Philippine Madrigal Singers swept the award categories and emerged the Citta D’Arezzo Grand Prize Winner, which qualifies the choir to compete next year for the muchcoveted European Grand Prix for Choral Singing (EGP). Waiting with bated breath were 10 choirs who had been competing in grueling rounds in the UP Madrigal Singers in a competition round in Arezzo, Italy Photo by Aurelia Sailer previous days. The U.P Philippine Madrigal Singers (aka Philippine Madrigal Singers) emerges as the Grand Prize winner of the 64th Polyphonic International Competition Guido d’Arezzo. The “Madz”, as the choir is referred to by its fans, bested choirs from France, Slovenia, Iceland, Italy, Sweden, Bulgaria and the Ukraine, Aside from winning the Grand Prize, the Madz garned the following awards: 1st Prize in Compulsory Program (required competition pieces), 1st Prize in Musica Sacra, 1st Prize in Monographic Music (where the group performed original choral works by Madz resident Photo by Alfred John De Veyra composer and current member The Madz in a victory group hug Matthew Ily Maniano), 2nd Prize the choir at the first EGP win live feed from Madrigal Alumni in Secular Music and Special in 1997. Current choirmaster based in Europe. Candy Cauilan, Listening Committee Awards in Mark Anthony Carpio took the Madz alumna and impresario in Folk Song, Pop, and Renaissance helm in 2001 and continued the the choral world of Italy provided Madz legacy of choral excel- the live video. Up to the minute Performances. Touted as the group whose lence and ushered the choir’s announcements were reported supreme artistry allows them to way to its 2nd EGP in 2007. by Alfred John De Veyra, Madz sing anything and everything Carpio is a respected faculty alumnus and author of the comwith equal aplomb, the Madz is member of the University of memorative book “The Madz.” Los Angeles will be host to now eligible to compete for its the Philippines and a highly3rd European Grand Prix (EGP)in recognized choral adjudicator the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers on December Tolosa, Spain in 2017. They are for his achievements. Since its inception in 1963, the 11, which is part of the American the only Philippine Choir to have won this prestigious award, and 53-year old choir has spawned leg of its Europe-USA Tour. For the only choir in the world to have hundreds of alumni choristers, Early Bird reservations and tour who rallied via online chat as inquiries, please email info@ won twice. Founder Andrea Veneracion the announcement in Arezzo musicartsevents.com, text or call (National Artist for Music) led was being made, delivered via (818) 587-6123.
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Atom Araullo clarifies resignation as Arci Muñoz reveals what makes her rock reporter nothing to do with political views by Mylene
MendozA-dAyRit Philstar.com
by Rosette
Adel
Philstar.com
News reporter Alfonso Tomas “Atom” Araullo has denied that his resignation from reportorial duties in ABs-CBN was because of his expression of political views. “I quietly resigned as news reporter of ABs-CBN a few weeks ago to explore other areas of media and to grow as a journalist. However, I continue to work with the network and our programs. My political views were not a factor in making this decision,” Araullo said in a statement which he also posted on his Facebook and Twitter accounts. Araullo made the clarification after some reports said he resigned to prevent damaging the integrity of ABs-CBN News Department and being labeled “biased” after he openly expressed his opinion on issues, such as the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. He clarified that as a journalist the media must stand up for the truth and be open to criticisms. “As we face tougher scrutiny from the public, we in media also strive to be more transparent
and open to criticism,” he said. Araullo’s resignation was confirmed by ABsCBN News and Current Affairs head Ging Reyes. she clarified that while Araullo resigned, he would remain an oncamera talent ABs-CBN News and Current Affairs. “Atom Araullo had filed his resignation from his reportorial duties but will remain an on-camera talent of ABs-CBN News and Current Affairs as an anchor in ‘Umagang Kay Ganda’ and ‘Red Alert.’ He said he arrived at this decision to be able to pursue other endeavors Despite his resignation, Alfonso “Atom” Araullo will that would also help him still be seen on screen as he is still an ABS-CBN News grow as a journalist and and Current Affairs on-camera talent. as a host,” Reyes’ statemedia and mentioned that he ment read. “He is aware that the news looks forward to playing his role in organization has included him in debates and issues to come. He started his career in media its future plans and will continue to assign him stories, coverage at a young age as part of “5 and and events, befitting his position Up” and eventually became a segment producer that led to as a journalist,” it added. Araullo, meanwhile, thanked his field reporter career at ABsthe public’s support on social CBN.
BeAUTIFUL, sexy, and talented — Arci Muñoz is one to watch. The 27-year-old singer-actress is the lead singer of rock band Philia and has made a lasting impression on primetime TV’s Pasion de Amor and the rom-com flick “Always Be My Maybe.” In her latest endeavor, Arci stuns in her new movie “Camp sawi,” alongside Bela Padilla, Andi eigenmann, Yassi Pressman, Kim Molina, and sam Milby. This girl is a go-getter both in her career and when it
Georgina Wilson will be a mom... PAGE B1 later to meet up with Arthur who is based in shanghai. Arthur is connected with the swire Group of Companies. “I was having breathing difficulty, so at the clinic I requested for a chest x-ray. I was asked to fill up a form. The nurse asked me when I had my last period and I said in March pa kasi nga irregular ako. Before the chest x-ray, they did pregnancy test on me.” Nurse (a Filipino): You’re pregnant. Congratulations! Georgina (shocked): Ha!?! Nurse (voice turning from joyful to somewhat sad): I’m sorry. were you not expecting? Are you on birth control? Georgina (still incredulous): No, I’m not! “I couldn’t believe it because I had convinced myself that I couldn’t have a baby. That’s how strong your mind is. That was in July, and I was four months
pregnant at that time. Now, I’m four months and a few weeks pregnant na.” Then Georgina called Arthur and Arthur couldn’t stop crying. “I freaked out! I told Arthur, ‘stop crying! I should be the one crying!’ You know, Arthur loves kids. Last year, we were on a holiday with Paula (Taylor, a Thai-British TV host based on Thailand) and her husband. I saw how Arthur enjoyed playing with the couple’s baby. Right then and there, I told Arthur, ‘Oh my God, you’re the man I want to marry!’ Arthur has three (older) siblings and I have two (younger) siblings. we hope to have three children of our own.” The Star was with Georgina Monday afternoon at Bizu Patisseries in Rockwell, near where she lives. she ordered Kouign Amann (topped with ice cream) and four pieces of small naked caramel pastries topped with salted caramel ice cream and vanilla sauce,
with a side order of Macaron de Paris downed with Orange Juice, finishing all of them before we finished the interview. Laughed Georgina, “Arthur will scold me when he learns what I have just eaten. He doesn’t want me to be taking too much sweets.” The “honeymoon baby” (as Georgina called it), who will be delivered in January 2017, shares the same zodiac sign with Georgina, an Aquarian born in February 1986. “It turned out that Arthur and I started having a baby during our honeymoon in spain. we were supposed to simply relax after our wedding. we planned to have a real honeymoon in December. Instead, I will be having a baby, my belated Christmas gift to Arthur. Our baby will have two homes…shanghai where Arthur works and Manila where I work,” said Georgina, who is half-Brit and half-Filipina.
Fit for TV: “I’ll have to be more serious about my workouts. I want to be lean and fit,” says Arci Muñoz.
comes to her fitness. we visited her during the cover shoot of shape Philippines. we cornered her for some quick questions about her latest project, workout, and nutrition secrets. Philstar.com: Why do you value health and fitness? Arci Munoz: exercise makes us healthier and, especially for a career in both acting and singing where we are practically on call 24/7, it’s very important to work out once a week at the very least for health. I’m asked to do some roles, many of which I can only pull off if I’m fit. I’m not pressured to be in top shape by anyone else but myself. What is your current fitness goal? My current fitness goal is to gain a little weight but to stay lean and toned. I’ll have to be stricter and a lot more serious about my workouts. I was never that serious but I plan to be now. I want to be lean and fit. How do you maintain your body nowadays? I used to be at the gym every day when I wasn’t so busy with showbiz. I would be there after lunch until the gym closed. Now, I just work out at my condo, run around the condominium and swim twice a week for 30 minutes to one hour. I easily get bored at the gym so I really need to have a trainer or else I’ll just play. I prefer activities like boxing and badminton. even if I’m not that good, I make the effort to go out and sweat. Do you follow any special diet? I follow a proper diet, but I still
eat whatever I want with proper moderation. I eat homecooked meals most of the time and only eat take-out once in a while. I eat a lot of salads and grilled chicken. I don’t really like the taste of many kinds of food. when I’m trying to lose weight, I don’t eat anything fried. I can really eat anything, just in small portions. I never, ever starve myself. I hate depriving myself because it puts me in a bad mood and I take it out on other people. Dieting makes me sad. I only eat salads when I have to prepare for shoots or a project. when I see or feel I am gaining weight though, I double my efforts in sweating it out which means I force myself to go to the gym and get a trainer. Do you have any favorite cheat food? My favorite cheat food is fried chicken. Also, I drink a glass of red wine, or sometimes beer, every night to unwind. They say that a glass of red wine is an hour in the gym, but I make sure never to take more than one. Just earlier, I had two burgers and fries (laughs). when we are too busy to cook, we just take out food. spicy chicken is my favorite. Tell us about your film ‘Camp Sawi.’ The movie is about brokenhearted girls and this place where all broken-hearted people go to learn how to move on. My role as Gwen is a very submissive girlfriend who follows everything the boyfriend wants. Rico Blanco plays the role. He was so good. From this role, I learned that I should also value myself and my partner should accept everything about me.
Enrique Gil, Jake Cuenca, lead Star... PAGE B1 war against drugs: “star Magic believes in the efforts of the current campaign to keep our homes and working environments drug free.” JL and DJ In an effort to give two other major celebrities whose names have also emerged in this controversy the opportunity to clear their reputation, The Manila Times asked a reliable source within star Magic if John Lloyd Cruz and Daniel Padilla had submitted themselves for testing. Cruz—a multi-awarded movie actor who is often considered
the best in his generation—while known to keep a very private life has long been written about for drinking escapades, some of which have ended in notorious squabbles. More recently, several blind items have heavily suggested he is also into drugs. On the other hand, there are rumors that Duterte supporter and action star Robin Padilla requested the President to hold off on releasing the list of celebrity drug users because his nephew Daniel is allegedly on the list. without confirming or denying any knowledge that the two celebrities are involved in any way with
illegal substances, The Manila Times source simply said that JL and DJ—Cruz and Padilla’s respective monikers in the biz—had been busy over the weekend. “They are both star Magic artists,” the source categorically stated. “But JL had previous commitments out of town when the testing took place; as well as DJ who had shooting schedules for [his upcoming movie] Barcelona.” The source quickly added, “For the record, the 40 artists who volunteered to be tested for drugs just comprise the first batch; star Magic is committed to hold further drug testing for its artists.”
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B September 1-7, 2016 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL
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Iya Villania, Drew Arellano welcome their first-born Jaclyn Jose: Family comes first by AlixAndrA
CAole Philstar.com
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Iya Villania-arellano has successfully given birth to her first child with husband Drew arellano. Drew shared a photo of their first born on Instagram after her wife gave birth on august 30. The couple named the baby antonio Primo, after Drew’s father who passed away three years ago. They decided to have their first child after being married for two years. The former “Chika Minute” host previously mentioned in interviews that she hopes to get back to work two weeks after giving birth.
Drew Arellano and Iya Villania
Alden prays for Italy quake victims In behalf of his screen sweetheart Maine Mendoza (who returned last Friday, aug. 26 from l.a. where she watched the Coldplay concert), alden Richards sent a message through his Twitter account their sympathies for the victims of the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Italy. Quote-unquote: our deepest sympathies to the people of Italy who were affected by the earthquake. our prayers go out to all of you. Italy will forever have a special spot in the hearts of alden and Maine because it was there where Imagine you & Me, their first megahit solo starrer, was shot (photo shows them in Verona, Italy, from Maine’s Instagram). (Philstar.com)
Alden Richards
Heart Evangelista eager to get pregnant
by Angel JAVier Philstar.com
Cruz
FIlIPInos all around the world celebrated the momentous victory of veteran Kapuso actress Jaclyn Jose when she was named as 2016 Cannes Film Festival Best actress for her role in the Brillante Mendoza directed film Ma’Rosa. one could just see the genuine shock on her face when her name was announced. after all, Jaclyn not only brought honor to the country, but she also became the first southeast asian actress to win the award. To recall, as she made her way to the stage to receive the award, Jaclyn was trailed by director Mendoza and her daughter andi Eigenmann who also played as her daughter in the movie. she could have seen the award as her chance to shine solo on the world stage but she shared it with those whom she considered instrumental in her win. That could have been just an immediate and natural reaction on her part, but that moment alone showed how important family is to the veteran actress. after all, Jaclyn considers her children, andi and Gwen Garimond Ilagan Guck, and her grandchild Ellie (andi’s daughter) as the people she treasures the most. Her most treasured possessions, meanwhile, are the pictures of her children from the time they were born until the present.
Jaclyn: Every time I look at the pictures, they bring me back to the time they were taken — when I was with them at that age.
“Every time I look at the pictures, they bring me back to the time they were taken — when I was with them at that age,” she shares. “I know them by heart. I know when each of these photos were taken and I enjoy looking back at the good times with my children.” Her two children may already be young adults — now with their own lives and even concerns — but Jaclyn continues to want the best for them. she has this advice for andi: Enjoy your moments, enjoy your child who is growing up. Kasi
HEaRT Evangelista reveals she and husband sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero are finally working to have their first-born. During the press launch of her Carry your HeaRT exhibit, Heart reveals her calendar. according to her, being an actress, artist and entrepreneur at the same time is hectic. However, she always makes it to a point that her career does not get in the way of her personal life. “I am pretty harassed cause I am doing so much...I am pretty hectic...so everything is scheduled, even getting pregnant is scheduled,” Heart quips. Heart, who is turning 32 this February said her pregnancy is an immediate task on her checklist so she always makes sure that she has time for his husband and for a doctor’s consultation. If her plan goes smooth, Heart says she would get pregnant January next year. “yan talaga ang schedule! so now I am on a strict diet so my body gets into certain shape and then I get pregnant,” Heart says in between laughs. The actress-turned-artist said if ever given a chance to choose, she would want to have a boy. Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero and actress Heart “I want a boy, but kung ano man ang ibigay sa akin okay Evangelista have been married since February 2015. lang, pero boy talaga gusto ko kasi ang cute kasi nila bihisan, Jaclyn Jose considers her children, Andi Eigenmann and Gwen Garimond Ilagan Guck, and her Photo from Heart Evangelista’s Instagram account ang gwapo ganyan,” she said. (Philstar.com) grandchild Ellie (Andi’s daughter) as the people she treasures the most.
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hindi mo na maibabalik yan and it is gonna be fast. ang bilis ng panahon e. For her son Gwen, who is 15 and still in school: Finish your studies, live a regular life, have a career. When the time comes, have children, have a family and be faithful to your wife. Talking about the many movie and TV roles that she has portrayed throughout the years, Jaclyn shares that she was already a Kapuso when she realized that one can also find humor in playing villain roles. “Dito ko nakita na ang kontrabida ay hindi palaging black. Minsan pa nga nakakatawa sila kasi napakasama nila. yung kasamaan nila yung beyond compare na, ‘yung nakakaloka na. and being given the opportunity to do these kinds of roles is what I particularly treasure in my stay here in GMa.” The Kapuso actress currently stars in the late-night sitcom “a1 Ko sa’yo” that pokes fun at stereotypes and which she describes as an “experimental” sexy comedy series. But whether it’s the role of a sensual, middle-aged woman in “a1 Ko sa’yo” or a mother who deals drugs to make ends meet in “Ma’Rosa,” viewers can always expect Jaclyn to give it her all. “Every role is a treasure... I always see to it that I give it justice, I give my best,” she says. “I’ve always believed that every individual is important no matter what role you have in life.”
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Your Immigration Solution atty. GreGory J. Boult & NaNCy Miller Committing a crime can get you into a lot of trouble. But entering into a plea agreement in criminal court may get you into even more trouble. if you don’t know the immigration consequences of the guilty or no-contest plea you enter, your troubles may just be beginning. that great deal that kept you out of jail may also get you removed from the United States. that is why the United States Supreme Court has held that criminal defense attorneys must inform their non-citizen clients of whether the plea they are considering entering into carries a risk of deportation. the Court recognized that deportation is sometimes the most important part of the penalty that may be imposed on noncitizen
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MoNette aDeva MaGlaya (Part 2 of 2)
WHiLE we may think we can choose to play god and decimate our own humanity in the name of a woman’s right to choose or in the name of scientific research, god alone gives the gift of life and He chooses when and how to take it away. that must have been the deal from the beginning of time. How special is man in the scheme of creation? Consider the big picture. Some wise person once said that if the beginning of time till now can be thought of as a 24 -hour day, the spark of life that is human life today only came to be in the last 2 seconds before the stroke of midnight. As best as our most brilliant scientific minds through the centuries can figure out, the universe is about 15 billion years old and our sun which was born in the last 4.5 billion years with yet another 5 billion years or so left before it dies, is a common yellow star that makes it possible for man, the highest form of life as we know it, in the solar system, to live on planet earth.
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 1-7, 2016
Why you need an imigration attorney when you have been charged with a crime defendants who plead guilty to specific crimes. For that reason, a defendant is entitled to the effective assistance of competent counsel before deciding to enter into a plea agreement. Criminal defense attorneys are not required to become experts in the area of immigration law. Courts have acknowledged that immigration law can be complex and that there will be numerous situations in which the deportation consequences of a particular plea may be unclear or uncertain. in those circumstances, the criminal defense attorney’s obligation is to advise the noncitizen that the pending criminal charges may carry a risk of adverse immigration consequences. this limited obligation may, however, raise more problems than it solves. As Justice Alito said in his concurring decision in Padilla v. Kentucky, “nothing is ever simple with immigration law”. terms such as “conviction”, “moral turpitude”, “single
scheme of criminal misconduct” are terms of art and have different meanings in immigration law than in state law. other concepts in the immigration & nationality Act are ambiguous or confusing to attorneys not versed in the intricacies of immigration law. is someone an alien (or are they a citizen without knowing it)? What is the difference between being inadmissible, removable or ineligible for naturalization? the criminal defense attorney does not need to know the answers to these questions. But the alien trying to avoid deportation does. the question then for the noncitizen accused of a crime is, how can he best protect himself from a “good” plea bargain that results in his deportation? the immigrant quite plainly must consult an immigration attorney experienced and knowledgeable in the immigration consequences of criminal offenses and convictions and he must do so before he enters into any plea agreement.
ideally, his criminal defense attorney and his immigration attorney should work together to obtain a “deal” that is beneficial from both a criminal defense and an immigration standpoint. this “good deal” can take several forms. it may involve convincing the prosecutor to agree to an amended charge that does not render the alien either inadmissible or removable. A non-citizen who is removable may be in the United States in lawful status but be subject to removal because of the conviction. A noncitizen who is not in lawful status may be inadmissible as a result of a criminal conviction, even if they are the beneficiary of an approved, immediately available petition. And a non-citizen who is in lawful status (and whose specific conviction does not render him removable) who leaves the United States for a temporary purpose may be charged with being inadmissible upon their return. Each of these instances
can end the non-citizen’s ability to remain in the United States. So it is best if the charge to which the non-citizen pleads does not result in his being either inadmissible or removable. Unfortunately, many prosecutors take the position that the immigration ramification of the plea is not their concern and will not agree to a charge amendment that will keep the alien safe from all negative immigration consequences. However, the criminal conviction with immigration consequences may be subject to a waiver that would allow the alien to either obtain status, if she is otherwise eligible, or keep her green card and, potentially, apply for U.S. citizenship at a later time. And “crimmigration” (the interaction of criminal and immigration law) changes all the time. Last year, governor Brown signed a bill that lowered all sentences for misdemeanors to no more than 364 days. A recent court rul-
ing held that a green-card-holder who adjusted status may still be eligible for a waiver of an aggravated felony conviction. other court rulings have addressed immigration consequences of burglary and crime of violence convictions. to the alien who says “why do i need two attorneys to deal with one criminal problem?” the answer is “because you have two problems and you want to be able to legally stay in the United States.” *** 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)
Take a stand, you all! Fight for dear life
ferent about the attacks on the what the Lord expects of you and unchallenged, are dire. CHooSE LiFE. Along with me as the horror of “legalized” institution of marriage. the time has come for Ameri- abortion continues to erode the free will, nothing in our physical cans to get on their knees and honor of our nation. Look, and do world can be greater. beg our Father for mercy for our not absolve yourself if you refuse if god himself in His infinite to act.” nation.” love, so valued human life that he The Lord told us in 2nd sent His only Son in human form, the cardinal released a photo of a 20-week old unborn child Chronicles: for the ultimate sacrifice to save “if my people, upon whom man for eternal life, where do we together with his letter. He then asked all to look at the photo- my name has been pronounced, get the gall and the temerity to graph and ask themselves if there humble themselves and pray, think any less of it? Who do we is any doubt that the picture is a and seek my presence and turn think we are to even think that human being. He closed his let- from their evil ways, i will hear we can choose to take it? ter with these powerful words them from heaven and pardon *** their sins and revive their land.” Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is asking: the consequences of doing SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To “Do me a favor. Look at the Sometimes, we feel that by ourselves alone, we are power- photograph again. Look and de- nothing and allowing the hor- send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ less to stop this horror from be- cide with honesty and decency rible evil of abortion to continue asianjournalinc.com ing indelibly imprinted into the fabric of our lives. But together as one voice, countless silent prayers by steadfast, faithful prayer warriors are sent heavenward by millions, maybe even billions, among us who believe in the power of prayer. our prayers are heard and ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT miracles rain down upon us in GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. our time of need. When we asCALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 sault heaven with our prayer arrows, the Spirit comes and DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS moves the chosen ones to action, those special human beings, a bit larger than life, who SEptEmbER 1 can lead and make the world Startup Business Expo Tour (with Tagalog translation) turn on its axis for humanity to do god’s will. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Office in partnership with the U.S. Small Business in 2008, new York’s Cardinal Administration invites you to the 2016 Startup Business Expo Tour. The series of events Egan wrote, “…We are rightly is intended to help startups, small businesses, entertainment and production companies, worried about a country that is food services, event planners, home-based businesses, entrepreneurs, fashion & beauty so casual about the destruction businesses, e-commerce, accounting services, cleaning services, consultants, childcare and of innocent human life and indifmore! Topics include: starting a business in LA, predicting your financial future, choosing a legal entity & access to capital. This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6313 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Ste. 2140, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. The event is FREE & open to the public. There will also be free food & refreshments for participants. To RSVP, please visit www.startuptourla.com. check-up at least twice a year. SEptEmbER 3 How about diet? numerous studies have reFilipino Association of Leisure World Annual “Luau” ported the association of diet high The Filipino Association of Leisure World will hold its Annual Hawaiian Luau at the in meat, pork, processed meats LW Hall (1232 Golden Rain Rd. Seal Beach, California) on Saturday, Sept. 3. Music will be (sausage, bacon, etc.) with inprovided by Willie Manacsa & The Midnight Motion Band. Please call the president of the creased risk of pancreatic cancer. the charred portion of barbecued association, Ren Villanueva at (323) 854-6209 for other related questions. meats has also been mentioned, S E p t E m b E R 9 -1 7 pointing to the burning saturated fat drippings on the charcoal emit42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia ting vapors of toxic (carcinoUnited Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends genic) chemical upwards back to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, to the meat. it is best not to burn Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion grilled foods and to remove the at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA black burnt portion of the meat, 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, fish, seafood, etc. others have stated that diet high in vegetables, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept. spices, fruits may reduce the risk 17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebratfor pancreatic cancer and other ed Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant cancers. inactivity, lack of physical will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berexercise, might also increase the rei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896. risk for cancer formation and not SEptEmbER 10 only cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Studies are ongoing on 17th annual Asian Small Business Expo these issues. The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the What is the treatment for cancer of the pancreas? Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to Depending on the stage, which connect and utilize your company and its services. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect is usually advanced by the time with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, it is detected, the treatment is service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative individualized, according to the representatives. Admission to the expo is FREE! It will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 from patient’s age, overall health, other 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Almansor Court Banquet & Conference Center, 700 S. Almansor St., attendant health issues, and the Alhambra, CA 91801. To register, please visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-asianpatient’s decision. it may include small-business-expo-tickets-23824155691. Walk-ins are also welcome on the day of the surgery, chemotherapy, radiation expo. For more information, please visit www.apisbp.org. treatment, mental health care and palliative care for end-stage SEptEmbER 16 cancer. Is pancreatic cancer preventCAC to celebrate Town Fiesta able? The Cabatuan Association of California will celebrate their Annual Town Fiesta in honor in view of the aggressive nature of their Patron Saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10, 2016 with a mass at 11:00 of adenocarcinoma of the panam at Nati Matitu-Mercado’s residence - 15255 Knapp St. North Hills, CA, 91343. Please creas, the absence of a screening invite four friends and relatives. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa. For other inquirtest for pancreatic cancer, and ies, please call Esoy Tavarro, president, (714) 797-0073; Sally Bilbao, adviser (951) 878the deep-seated location of the 5589; Boboy Mosqueda, adviser (714) 519-8973; or Nati Matitu-Mercado, adviser at (818) pancreas, there is no effective way of totally preventing cancer 894-5142. of the pancreas. However, we SEptEmbER 17 can lower our risk for this deadly cancer by living a healthy lifestyle, Lorenzo Ruiz: A musical play behavioral modification as recOn Saturday, September 17, the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Parish Community will ommended above, and a regular present a musical play entitled Lorenzo Ruiz: the First Filipino Saint. This play will star Mat medical tune-up. Ranillo III, a Filipino TV, film and stage actor. Purchase your tickets today, for a donation of Visit philipSchua.com Email: $20 for one event or $25 for both events. Seats are limited so get your tickets early. For scalpelpen@gmail.com. ticket sales, please contact St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish office at (909) 595-9545. St. Lorenzo Ruiz *** Catholic Parish Community is located at 747 Meadowpass Rd., Walnut, California 91789. Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac
“… We seem to take it for granted that it took a really long time, before man, in his present form, became the crowning glory of creation in this neck of the woods of the physical universe.” We seem to take it for granted that it took a really long time, before man, in his present form, became the crowning glory of creation in this neck of the woods of the physical universe. Although this can sometimes be debatable when we come to realize our individual and collective stupidities throughout history. man is a thinking, feeling, spiritual being in physical form, capable of so much good or of so much evil. in between these two extremes are the obscure multitudes, who in their lifetimes, come to learn, appreciate, enjoy and fight for that gift of life to continue for generations yet to come. of course, along with that gift of life comes the gift of free will and therefore, the opposite can also be true. We can choose to do nothing and allow the terrifying prospect of abortion, death and decay to overcome and overwhelm us.
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Oral germs and pancreatic cancer Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS PAnCREAtiC cancer is one of the deadliest and fastest killers in our society today. Because of the deeper anatomical location of the pancreas, cancer of this organ is most often diagnosed after it has already spread, rendering the condition beyond cure and practically hopeless. in view of this “stealth” nature of this cancer, it is essential and fundamental that we find a way to prevent or diagnose this malignancy early on. the interesting link between oral bacteria and pancreatic cancer risk could be of great preventive value. What is pancreatic cancer? the cancer of the pancreas (usually the adenocarcinoma type) involves a malignant tumor on the gland, which produces insulin and regulates blood sugar level and also aids in digestion. it is located behind the stomach, making it hard to examine and often undetected early, the reason why most of the patients are with stage 4 advanced cancer (with distant spread) by the time they are seen by the physician. it is a treacherous form of cancer, and there is no specific screening test for the majority and the symptoms could be very subtle, non-specific (loss of appetite, weight loss, pain in the abdomen and back, etc.) and mimic other lesser serious conditions. How common is this cancer? Around 50,000 persons in the United States will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year alone, and about 49,000 others who already have this malignancy would die. that’s how fatal this cancer, the 4th highest cause of cancer-related deaths, is. While annual death rate from pancreatic cancer among those in the Philippines is listed as about 1,400, i could not find any reliable statistics on this. the number of cases could also be underestimated because of undiagnosed and untreated cases. most patients with pancreatic cancer are dead within six months or sooner after the diagnosis is made because of the aggressive nature of this malignancy.
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What are the risk factors? Anything that increases the chance to get the disease is a risk factor, like genetic, behavior, habits, diet, environmental conditions, etc. For pancreatic cancers, the following are the risk factors: smoking (twice higher than non-smokers), either cigar, pipe, or cigarettes, or even ecigarettes; overweight/obesity, with 20 percent increase in risk; exposure to chemicals, like pesticides, dyes, and metal-refining chemicals. Heavy alcohol intake and diabetes type 2 likewise raise the risk. these factors above are modifiable. the following risk factors can’t be changed: age - the older, the higher the risk, almost all victims are above 45, 2/3 are at least 65, with average age at diagnosis is 71; gender - males are 30% more prone than females; race - African Americans have higher risk than whites; family – pancreatic cancer appears to be common in some families with genetic syndrome (inherited gene mutation) PRSS1. in these cases, genetic testing could help in the vigilance and prevention. What link does it have to oral germs? Recent studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research revealed that certain oral bacteria may be linked to a higher risk for pancreatic cancer. Knowing this is obviously very important in zeroing on individuals with the specific oral bacteria. the clinical studies conducted by the national Cancer institute and the American Cancer Society analyzed oralwashing samples collected over several years as part of two large cancer prevention and screening research. the results showed that “two oral bacteria were elevated among patients with pancreatic cancer: Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.” those with the first oral bacterium (Pg) had at least 59 percent greater risk to develop pancreatic cancer, and those carrying the second bacterium (Aa) in their mouth were at least 50 percent more prone to have pancreatic cancer. this is a very significant finding, especially when confirmed by larger future studies. the discovery could help as an early predictor and therefore help in preventing pancreatic cancer. this also highlights the importance of good dental hygiene, oral care, and regular dental
Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com
S E p t E m b E R 23
AAPA’s leadership symposium Join the Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) for an all-day event from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with exceptional and diverse keynote speakers and panelists, as well as multiple workshops on diversity and leadership topics. The symposium is open to everyone, and will be held at the Pacific Palms Hotel, 1 Industry Hills Parkway, City of Industry, CA 91744. For more information, please visit http://aapamentoring.com/.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
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B September 1-7, 2016 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL
Get the best price for your valuables at Nevada Coin Mart
With tons of places to choose from to bring your old jewelry, there’s only one place in Las Vegas that will pay the best amount for these valuables. At Nevada Coin Mart, customers can rest assured that they will be properly compensated for the precious stones and metals they bring in. Neil Sackmary, the owner of the store, is a graduate gemologist from the Gemological institute of America (GiA) with more than 20 years of experience in buying these items. “When it comes to myself, this is my passion. this is what i went to school for,” Sackmary said. GiA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones and pearls. it was established in 1931 and strives to protect the jewelry and gem buying public by setting quality standards worldwide. As a certified GiA specialist, Sackmary points out that simply because a business that purchases these stones has been around for decades, that does not make it an expert source. this is a particularly important fact for members of the Asian American community to note. “in the Asian community, people don’t buy cheap stones. they always spend really good money and when they do, they want to sell them for good money and they want someone who’s an expert. You don’t want to take it to someone who says they’re in the business for 35 years. that does not make them an expert,” Sackmary said. Nevada Coin Mart purchases
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‘Scripted in Heaven’ screening night
By Monet
Neil Sackmary
a wide variety of items, including coins, bullion, diamonds, jewelry, gold, silver and watches, at premium prices. At the shop, Sackmary has the latest technology, including a $9,000 diamond microscope and $30,000 X-ray spectrometer, which allows him to thoroughly examine how much the metals and stones customers bring in are worth. “Most people want to rip off customers because they don’t care. they look at them and say, ‘Well, if i can, i’ll take advantage. i’m never going to see you again’,” Sackmary said. that’s not what happens at Nevada Coin Mart. in one instance, Sackmary paid a customer $1,510 for two rings that were quoted for $150 at a competitor store. it’s because of its transparency and fairness to those who walk into Nevada Coin Mart that about 70 percent of its clients are repeat customers who come back for the value they receive for their items. the business takes it a step further by providing security guards who are former police of-
ficers and 47 cameras to monitor the entire building. Visitors can also request to have a guard walk them in and out of the building free of charge. Sackmary and his wife have been in the business of buying jewelry and other metals for many years and have been online selling costume jewelry for about 15 years. they are also present every day the shop is open, which is located on the corner of Jones Boulevard and Flamingo Road. in addition to putting their customers’ interests first, the Sackmarys are active community members who have participated in charity event Operation FirehEAt and are founding sponsors for the Anthem Women’s Club. Nevada Coin Mart was established in 1971 and is licensed by Clark County to legally purchase jewelry from the general public. Nevada Coin Mart 4065 S Jones Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89103 Phone: (702) 776-7061 hours: Monday through Sunday, 9am to 5 pm Advertising Supplement
Lu
thE trailer of “Scripted in heaven,” the movie inspired by Lou Baron’s book, premiered during a red carpet screening event at the Wilshire Screening Room in Beverly hills, California on Saturday, August 20. Many investors, media and guests attended the highly-anticipated event during which the team presented the concept and trailer of the movie. it is being produced by timeless Entertainment, inc., which aims to start production next year on sets across the US, italy, France and the Philippines. together with Alkavida, the sponsor of the “Scripted in heaven” screening, the first shots were well-received and acclaimed by the audience that has have been eagerly anticipating the trailer for months. From the mysterious shots of Padre Pio in the wild to the surgery room scenes where the destiny of the main character begins its journey, the trailer opened the door to the imagination. the story is haunted by anger and fears but those will soon lead us beside its characters to love, faith and a fantastic spiritual ascension—a real awakening captured on film. “this film will bring about a spiritual renaissance. it will instill hope and faith among the audience,” Baron said.
Author and actress, Lou Baron posing with her real husband, Dr. Robin Baron (left) and her reel husband, Clint Jung (right).
Starring as Dr. Robin Baron—who has undergone physical and metaphysical healing—is Clint Jung. Playing herself is Lou Baron. Other cast members include holgie Forrester who plays Marie Costado, the bearer of the message from Padre Pio; Jean Kinsella as Padre Pio; Dr. Cabebe, Robin’s best friend and surgeon plays himself; and Michael Walker as Jesus. the movie was written and directed by Jean Kinsella, while casting was done by Jeannine Fisher.
*** 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
Kyra Batara: Aspirations of a Fil-Am fighter
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EVER since she was a young girl, Kyra “Mogwai” Batara has been in constant exposure to different sports and competitions. having tried various sports throughout her life -- including basketball, track, soccer, dance and cheer -- Kyra grew up with supportive parents and siblings. But when her father, Dean Batara, introduced her to martial arts when she was 13, she immediately felt at home. Kyra started to train submission wrestling, wrestling, judo, karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing and Muay thai. But out of all disciplines, she felt gravitated the most toward the ground fighting aspects of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). With her amateur MMA debut amassing a record of 4-1 before turning pro in 2014, she started accumulating numerous titles in wrestling and Jiu Jitsu. through the years, she continued to show great potential in continuing her aspirations to become one of the best women mixed martial artists of her generation. Kyra is an iBJJF No-Gi World Champion, Abu Dhabi trials Champion, Regional and National Wrestling Champion. She is a personal trainer at UFC Gym Anthem and Wrestling Coach at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, Las Vegas as well. Kyra is also an active community volunteer, including serving as a wrestling coach for the Green Valley Youth Wrestling team. At the
same time, she participates in AntiBullying Events, and most recently, in a Zumba-thon fundraising event for the victims in Orlando. Right now, Kyra is signed with Combate Americas, a new organization run by UFC founder Campbell McLaren. She is coached by Jiu Jitsu veteran, Eddie Bravo, and 10th Planet Las Vegas head coach, Casey halstead. Currently, the 21-year old Filipina-American MMA fighter is managed by her mother. Kyra will have a match against
Kanako Murata on September 25 in Saitama, Japan at the upcoming Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix 2016. She won her last three fights in the “Road to the Championships” that qualified her for the Atom Weight title Fight. Kyra is now ranked No. 6 as she strives to become the best Atomweight Fighter in the world. Proud of her Filipino roots, it is her dream to positively impact the next generation of female fighters and athletes. (AJPress)
Post-Olympics Filipino pride with Larnie... PAGE B2
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ond of the Gold Medal Match and meeting in the team in the middle for a huddle. We put our hands in and did our 1-2-3 USA cheer. i jumped in the pool with my clothes on including my shoes. i’ve never done that before, it’s was challenging and felt like i was going to drown at times. But i was surrounded by a group of women who play water polo that have people hanging on their necks trying to drown them. i was going to be okay. At one moment, i just had to float on my back and give thanks. the success of this team involved so much hard work, sacrifice, time of many
people pulling in the same direction to achieve one goal and WE DiD it. G: Can you describe how water polo is played? Larnie: Water polo is a combination of soccer, basketball, and hockey. Soccer because there is a goalie. Basketball because there is an element of passing and shooting, aggressive defense, fast breaks/counter attacks. hockey because it’s aggressive, and there are moments of power plays where a player is ejected and puts a team up with another player in the field. G: How does it feel to be representing the USA even with your Filipino heritage?
Larnie: the feelings and emotions that stir up are one of gratitude. i’m so thankful that God has given me this opportunity go through this process and the journey to serve in my position. the experience is a gift to be shared with the potential to plant seeds and inspire. to represent the USA and my Filipino heritage is a reminder that i’m a part of something that is greater than myself. i’m reminded of my parents and their desire for the American Dream like so many other Filipino families that come to the states. the desire for opportunity, the importance of work ethic, and doing so with graciousness and service.
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B September 1-7, 2016 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL
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