New York & New Jersey -- June 10 -- 16, 2016

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Volume 10 – Issue 24 • 16 Pages

JUNE 10-16, 2016 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858 • 449 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858

Clinton makes history, clinches Democratic Party nomination by MoMAr

G. VisAyA

AJPress

BrooKLYN, NY—former state Department secretary hillary rodham Clinton made history tuesday, June 7, when she clinched the Democratic presidential nomination after posting decisive victories in the California, New Jersey and New mexico primaries, becoming the first woman to lead a major presidential party

DATELINE

ticket in the United states. “tonight caps an amazing journey – a long, long journey. We all owe so much to those who came before, and tonight belongs to all of you,” she said, addressing her supporters who trooped to the Brooklyn Navy Yard to witness history happen. “thanks to you, we’ve reached a milestone, the first time in our nation’s history that a woman will be a major party’s nominee,” Clin-

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Senate Democrats announce implementation of program to reunite Filipino WWII veterans with families

ton told the audience. “tonight’s victory is not about one person. It belongs to generations of women and men who struggled and sacrificed and made this moment possible.” the jubilant audience, composed of thousands of Clinton supporters waved American flags and chanted “hillary!” as the former first lady made her way to the podium.

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US, China officials discuss sea disputes oBAmA administration officials voiced concerns over territorial disputes between China and five other countries, restrictions to foreign investment in Chinese industries and overproduction from that country’s industrial sector at the Us-China strategic and economic Dialogue in Beijing. on monday, June 6, Us treasury secretary Jacob Lew called on leaders in the People’s republic of China (PrC) to reduce its output of steel and other industrial goods. he said Chinese overcapacity is having a “distorting and damaging effect on global markets.” A glut of supply has weakened the market value of steel, according to CNBC. the Us Department of Commerce has instituted tariffs on steel in response to excess global supply. Chinese finance minister, Lou Jiwei, referred to concerns regarding China’s overcapacity as “hype” and said his country was “confronting the issue squarely,” the Wall street Journal reported. Lew also pushed for progress on a poten-

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Photo from Hillaryclinton.com

Bongbong Marcos camp alleges Comelec used of secret server by AJPress

the camp of senator ferdinand “Bongbong” r. marcos, Jr. on tuesday, June 7 bared that it will file an election protest, alleging that the Commission on elections (Comelec) used a fourth server to manipulate the national elections held last may. Atty. Jose Amor Amorado, head of the BBm le- President-elect Rodrigo Duterte gal team and Abakada rep. Jonathan Dela Cruz, political adviser of marcos, told reporters that there was a “fourth server,” kept secret from the public by smartmatic and Comelec. “this was never disclosed. this is the fourth server and therefore it should have been subjected to source code review also and everything else. But this was not disclosed to the public. this is in by ChristinA M. oriel violation of the law,” de la Cruz said. AJPress earlier on tuesday, there was a preliminary inu PAGE A2 PhILIPPINe President-elect rodrigo Duterte — who has been under fire for the past week for seemingly justifying the killing of journalists — has since backtracked from his comments, according to a statement released on Wednesday, June 8. since uttering the controversial remarks, the 71-year-old incoming president has been criticized by local and international groups, including United Nations (UN) experts earlier this week. UN special rapporteur on summary executions Cristof heyns

Inquirer.net photo

Duterte: I do not condone killing of journalists

DHS will finally allow certain veteran family members to come to the US expeditiously, ahead of visa seNAtors mazie K. hirono (D-hI), harry reid (D-NV), and tim Kaine (D-VA) joined filipino World War II veterans and community advocates to announce the implementation of a long-awaited program to reunite the aging veterans with their children and families. U.s. Citizenship and Immigration service (UsCIs) Chief of staff Juliet Choi provided more details on how the veterans can apply for parole under the new policy. UsCIs began to accept applications on Wednesday, June 8. senator Charles e. schumer said thursday, June 9 that the Department of homeland security (Dhs) U.s. Citizenship and

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Hillary Clinton claimed the Democratic presidential nomination on Tuesday, June 7 after decisive victories in the California, New Jersey and New Mexico primaries. The former first lady has become the first woman to capture a major party nomination for president.

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.

Panel urges victims to report scams and frauds to authorities Most common scams targeting immigrant communities bared by MoMAr

G. VisAyA

AJPress

sCAmmers defraud members of the ethnic communities across the United states every day by selling worthless products and fake services for everything from immigration, housing and health, debt collection, jobs and education. During the recent tax season, scams involving impostor Irs and Us Department of treasury officials experienced a spike. Consumers and potential victims are told that they owe back taxes, and are then threatened with the prospect of being arrested or Sandy Close (right), New America Media executive director, welcomes the being charged with a felony panelists and guests who attended an ethnic media briefing on spotting and AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya unless they pay-up immedi- avoiding scams in our communities. ately. account number and passwords. A lot of these scams now happen online New America media (NAm) and the and through mobile phones via calls from federal trade Commission (ftC) arranged weird and unknown area codes to unsolic- a briefing with members of the community ited text messages. from a legitimate look- media and invited law enforcement officials, ing but fake email from your primary bank community advocates and consumers to disasking you to change your password to yet cuss the types of fraud that are on the rise, another email sent by the company you use what people can do to protect themselves to send money to relatives back in the Phil- and the importance of reporting these scams ippines. A quick and cursory click later and to the authorities. you have given these con artists your bank u PAGE A3

called the remarks “irresponsible in the extreme, and unbecoming of any leader.” “A message of this nature amounts to incitement to violence and killing, in a nation already ranked as the second-deadliest country for journalists,” he added. estimates show that 174 journalists have been murdered in the Philippines since President ferdinand marcos stepped down three decades ago; seventy seven of those murders have been committed since 1992. one of the deadliest incidents was in 2009 when 58 individuals, including 32 journalists, were

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US may order Joma Sison’s arrest while on his way to PH, NDFP negotiator says by Alexis

roMero Philstar.com

DAVAo CItY—Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose ma. sison’s homecoming remains a “ticklish” issue as he may be arrested while on his way because he has been labeled as a terrorist by the United states (Us), a negotiator of the National Democratic front of the Philippines (NDfP) said. NDfP negotiator and spokesman fidel Agcaoili said sison’s arrest can spoil the peace talks between the incoming Duterte administration and the communists. “You know, Joma’s (sison’s

nickname) coming home is a very ticklish issue. the Us has again come up with statement putting the CPP and the NPA (New People’s Army) in the terrorist list,” Agcaoili said in a press conference at the Ateneo de Davao Wednesday night. “the Us can become a spoiler through its control of the Interpol,” he added. Agcaoili said there is no direct flight from the Netherlands to the Philippines so sison would have a stopover in taiwan if he flies via the royal Dutch Airlines. “they might present a warrant against him in taipei and every-

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A JUNE 10-16, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Clinton makes history…

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

From the Front Page

Obama endorses Hillary Clinton for president

PAGE A1 t In her victory speech, the presumptive nominee talked about her mother, Dorothy Rodham who had an auspicious date of birth almost a hundred years ago. That date was June 4, 1919, the exact day that the United States Senate then passed the 19th constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote. Call for unity “We all know this has been a tough fight, but the Democratic Party is a family. And now, it’s time to restore the ties that bind us together,” Clinton said. Clinton’s win was also eight years to the day after she conceded the 2008 Democratic presidential primary to Barack Obama, with a speech in which Clinton famously declared that her supporters helped put “18 million cracks” in the “glass ceiling.” She recalled that concession speech Tuesday evening. “It may be hard to see tonight, but we are all standing under a glass ceiling right now. But don’t worry, we’re not smashing this one,” she said. Filipino-American support Filipino-American leaders led by Loida Nicolas Lewis were present that evening, along with Dr. Angie Cruz, Joe Ramos, Marilyn Abalos, Jerry Sibal and Edwin Josue. Filipino-American Democratic Club of New York president Aries de la Cruz also attended with his mother Tess and Juliet Payabyab. “Hillary has been with us from

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

Aries de la Cruz, president of the FilipinoAmerican Democratic Club of New York. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

way back, since 1998. She is the only one who came to a Filipino gathering, a NaFFAA conference in New York. She knows us, she knows our problems. Anytime we need her endorsement, she’s there for us,” community leader Loida Lewis said. “My mom told Hillary that her son helped start the FilipinoAmerican Democratic Club and Hillary looked me into my eyes, shook my hand and thanked me,” said the younger Dela Cruz. They were near the front of the stage when Bill and Hillary went around to greet their supporters. He also described the feeling as incredible and phenomenal, specially for someone like him who moved to the United States when he was only seven years old. For his mother, Tess, the message that resonated was exempli-

Hillary Clinton with former Pres. Bill Clinton

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

fied by the short video that the Clinton campaign showed on the widescreen before the presumptive nominee delivered her speech. “This means that girls can run for president, and they can become president of the United States in the future,” Dela Cruz said. Sanders campaign “I would like to congratulate Sen. Sanders for an extraordinary campaign,” Clinton said, acknowledging the Vermont senator’s career in public service fighting for progressive causes. “Let there be no mistake, Sen. Sanders, his campaign and the vigorous debate that we had about how to

raise incomes, reduce inequality, increase upward mobility has been very good for the Democratic Party and America.” Three hours later, Sanders himself delivered a speech in Santa Monica, California. He said that despite the struggles, he and his team will bring the fight to Washington, D.C. for the last primary next week and on to Philadelphia, where the Democratic Party will be holding its convention. “Sanders is a fighter. He has to say that. In a way, because his socialist stance has hit full national attention, for him, that is already a win. But he’s not going to win, it will be Hillary,” Lewis said. n

IT’S official: President Barack Obama has formally endorsed Hillary Clinton as the most qualified candidate to be his successor. In a video released online on Thursday, June 9, the president threw his support behind the presumptive Democratic nominee, saying “I don’t think there’s ever been someone so qualified to hold this office.” Clinton, who ran against Obama in 2008 and later served as secretary of state, made history as the first woman to capture a major party nomination for president, following her victory in four out of six primary contests on Tuesday, June 7. “I want those of you who have been with me since the beginning of this incredible journey to be the first to know that I’m with her,” Obama said. “I am fired up. And I can’t wait to get out there and campaign with Hillary.” Obama is scheduled to campaign with Clinton in Green Bay, Wisconsin next week, the Clinton campaign announced. In an interview with Bloomberg Politics, which was timed with the release of the president’s video, Clinton welcomed

Obama’s endorsement. “I want to be out there with him and have a chance to campaign with him,” she said. “It just means so much to have a strong, substantive endorsement from the president. Obviously I value his opinion a great deal personally.” In response to the support, presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump tweeted: “Obama just endorsed Crooked Hillary. He wants four more years of Obama — but nobody else does!” Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement that Clinton “has telegraphed this entire campaign,” arguing that “she is running to give President Obama’s failed policies a third term.” Clinton’s opponent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders met with Obama on Thursday morning and said he would continue his bid for the presidency through the District of Columbia primary this coming Tuesday, June 14. “I look forward to meeting with [Clinton] in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Donald Trump,” Sanders told reporters after the meeting with Obama.

Bongbong Marcos camp alleges… US may order Sison’s arrest while on…

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vestigation into the Marcos camp’s complaint alleging that Comelec and Smartmatic personnel violated the Cyber Crime Law. The Marcos camp now seeks to file the electoral protest just a few days before incoming President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo officially take office. “The target date for the filing of the electoral protest is June 28—a day before the June 29 deadline. Yes, definitely we will file an election protest. The truth has to come out – one way or another,” Amorado said. Amorado explained that the protest will seek a recount of the votes in some areas including the

setting aside of the election results in areas where there are clear indications of election fraud and manipulation. Dela Cruz asserted that they are filing the election protest because they owe it to those who voted for Marcos and to the entire Filipino people to find out what really happened in the May 2016 elections. “We believe that we have enough evidence to show that there was massive rigging and manipulation of votes,” he said. Amorado and Dela Cruz cited that the results of their initial findings indicated that between 9:00 p.m. to 10:10 p.m. on May 9, the transmitted election results showed that Marcos lost in 1,689 precincts, many of which are con-

sidered bailiwicks of the senator, mostly in the provinces of Leyte, Samar, Pangasinan and other areas in Region II. Amorado pointed out that instead of being transmitted directly to the Municipal Board of Canvassing servers, the Comelec server and the Transparency server, the results were instead coursed through a “4th Server or the socalled “Queue Server.” This “4th server” was not divulged to the public and was never subjected to a source code review as what transpired with the other servers used in the elections, according to Dela Cruz. Amorado added that there were no watchers allowed in the

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thing’s kaput that is an issue that has to be discussed seriously,” Agcaoili said. “There has to be some guarantees from the Dutch government and Norwegian government including the US government to respect the sovereignty of the Filipino people in their desire to pursue just and lasting peace and allow professor Sison to come home without interference,” he added. Agcaoili said he is not sure whether US would agree to such request because “it has always been a bullying agent.” Resumption of peace talks Sison, a former social science and English professor, founded the CPP on Dec. 26, 1968. He was

ile in the Netherlands since 1987, has said he is open to returning to the Philippines after Presidentelect Rodrigo Duterte, his former student, assumes office. “There is a far greater chance than ever before for producing the comprehensive agreements at a faster rate to the mutual satisfaction of both parties and most importantly to the satisfaction of the people who need and demand the reforms,” he said in a video message played in an academic forum at the Ateneo de Davao last Jose Maria Sison Wednesday. jailed during the dictatorship of Duterte has promised to provide Ferdinand Marcos but was freed Sison a safe conduct pass once he by then President Corazon Aquino assumes the presidency. in 1986. Representatives of the incomSison, who has been on self-exu PAGE A4

From the Front Page

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 10-16, 2016

US, China officials discuss sea…

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tial bilateral investment treaty between China and America, something which both countries have recognized as a goal, according to WSJ. The deal is currently stalled on a “negative list,” which names Chinese industries that would remain barred to foreign investors. There are currently 40 sectors identified on that list; American officials would like to see that number reduced. US Secretary of State John Kerry restated the administration’s preference for a peaceful resolution of tensions in the South China Sea. The PRC has asserted sovereignty in the region and built artificial islands and military bases in areas claimed by the Philippines and four other southeast asian WET AND WILD. Thousands of supporters of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte brave the downpour during the thanksgiving party at Crocodile Park in Davao City’s Ma-a District last Saturday, June 4. Duterte repeated his program to push hard against crime, particularly drug trafficking, and corruption in government agencies. Inquirer.net photo by Edwin Bacasmas

Panel urges victims to report scams… PAGE A1 t “It is an epidemic and the perpetrators are targeting the most vulnerable in our communities,” said NAM executive director Sandy Close. “Information is the best defense for people not to be victimized. We’re all vulnerable to being scammed.” Terrell McSweeny, FTC commissioner, said that a lot of scams and fraudulent activities are underreported, sometimes undetected. These scams range from impostor scams, debt collection, debt relief, mortgage modifications and student loans. Due to a variety of reasons – ranging from fear or shame, or even their immigration status, people are reluctant to report these scams when they get victimized. McSweeny encourages people who have been victimized by scammers to come out. “You should tell your story, come out and report it. It is very challenging and very hard to talk about being defrauded but your story might help other people to avoid being defrauded and victimized as well,” she said. Jane Azia, chief of the Bureau of Consumer Fraud and Protection under the New York Attorney General’s office, echoed this sentiment. “People should not be embarrassed about being victimized as we’re all vulnerable. File a complaint if you believe you have been victimized,” she said. She also warned people to be

wary and always be on the lookout. “Do not trust someone just because they are part of your community or they speak the same language,” Azia said. “Do not blindly trust, learn how to say no and don’t sign any contract easily.” And for people who owe the Internal Revenue Service? “If you owe the government money, they will send you a letter but they will not call you or threaten you with deportation,” she said. The US Department of Treasury and IRS have posted warnings on their websites about phone sams by operators using their agencies’ names. Neither of them will contact consumers by phone to demand money or threaten legal action. Next time you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from one of these agencies, demanding money or threatening legal action, do not engage in a conversation with the caller and hang up the phone. Top Scams According to the FTC, 10.8% of US adults are victimized by scams. William Efron, FTC’s director for its Northeast Regional office, explained that FTC maintains a national database which includes all these fraud complaints. In 2015, FTC received 1.2 million complaints about fraud and where victims lost an estimated $765 million. For scams in New York region,

Senate Democrats announce... PAGE A1 t Immigration Services (USCIS) will allow certain Filipino World War II veteran family members who are beneficiaries of approved familybased immigrant visa petitions an opportunity to seek a discretionary grant of parole, on a case-by-case basis. According to DHS, this measure would allow approved family members to come to the United States while they wait for their visa to become available. “This effort to ease family reunification is long overdue, but it is the right thing to do for the heroic Filipino WWII veterans who aided America in our hour of need. Our Filipino WWII veterans fought selflessly and valiantly for America and for that, we owe them a debt of gratitude,” said Schumer. “This measure reunites Filipino veterans and their family members with their loved ones abroad by expeditiously allowing them to come to the United States.” In 1941, Filipinos in the United States began to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces, and formed the First and Second Filipino Infantry Regiments. Today, nearly 18,000 of the 300,000 Filipino soldiers who fought in World War II are living in the United States and the Philippines. Their courageous contribution attests to the Allied victory in the Pacific. Filipino veterans were granted citizenship in recognition of their service to the United States during World War II. Many of their children, however, were not. Due to backlogs in the U.S. immigration system, it can take more than 20 years for immigration applications to be reviewed. The brave Filipinos who supported the U.S. during World War II consisted of soldiers, scouts and guerrillas whose persistence and commitment to the country made

them invaluable members of the Armed Forces. Filipino soldiers participated in a myriad of military operations, including infantry combat, intelligence, sabotage, demolition, and reconnaissance. “The Filipino American Democratic Club of New York is proud to support our Senator, Charles E. Schumer as he announces this landmark and historic policy for Filipino WWII Veterans, finally allowing them to be reunited with their loved ones from abroad,” said Aries Dela Cruz, president of the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York. Under the USCIS Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) Policy, Filipino veterans whose service has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense, or their surviving spouses, may apply to bring their children to the United States. The policy will allow families, some of whom have been waiting decades, to be together in the United States while their applications are processed. “This is an example of what happens when our community comes together to demand action for our Filipino WWII veterans,” Dela Cruz added. “Our club is proud to have endorsed Senator Schumer for the New York Congressional Primary on June 28 because he understands the needs and concerns of our community, and we call on all Filipino Americans to support our efforts to re-elect him to the United States Senate.” The policy will go into effect for applications submitted beginning June 8th. Schumer says that prospective applicants should contact his office with any questions or concerns throughout the application process. Eligible individuals are encouraged to request parole under the program within the next five years. Details can be found at http://www.uscis.gov/fwvp. (Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

Duterte: I do not condone... PAGE A1 t

killed in Maguindanao during a politically-motivated attack against Esmael Mangudadatu, who was a mayoral candidate for the town of Buluan. Several members of the Ampatuan family have been accused of the mass murder plot. Meanwhile, Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression David Kaye argued that the incoming president’s statement “can be understood as a permis-

sive signal to potential killers that the murder of journalists is acceptable in certain circumstances and would not be punished.” These statements come after a press conference on Tuesday, May 31, where a reporter asked Duterte how he would handle the problem of journalists being murdered in the country. He responded by saying, “Just because you are a journalist, you

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top on the list is debt collection, with more than 25,000 New Yorkers filing complaints, which has led to the cracking down on these unlawful debt collectors who use abusive tactics. Among the other scams New Yorkers reported are impostor scams, telephone and mobile services, banks and lenders, shop-athome and catalog sales. Camille Mackler, director of legal initiatives at New York Immigration Coalition, cited numerous reasons why members of the immigrant communities do not

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countries. Kerry urged officials in Beijing to avoid unilateral actions and submit to diplomacy and the rule of law on Monday at the S&ED, according to USA today. Chinese military development and naval patrols at Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands have pushed Filipinos off of fishing grounds, trade routes and untapped oil deposits. In 2013, the administration of Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III filed complaint against China to the United Nations’ Permanent Court of Arbitration. The Philippine government cited the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in its arguments to the Hague. The UNCLOS states that nations retain jurisdiction over open waters extending 12 nauti-

cal miles from their borders. Chinese officials deny the Philippines’ legal standing to make a complaint, and did not submit arguments to the UN. They say the issue of territorial sovereignty is beyond the scope of the UNCLOS, and say the Philippines’ petition violates international law, according to China Daily. Chinese leaders say they will not honor a verdict issued by the Hague that does not honor their claims, RT news reported. In May, two Chinese fighter jets provided unrequested escort of a US patrol plane flying in the region. According to USA Today, that incident suggests that China might consider imposing an air defense zone over the South Chi-

national and head of the technical support team; Elie Moreno, an Israeli national and project director; Neil Banigued and Mauricio Herrera both members of the Technical Support Team and Comelec IT experts led by Rouie Peñalba, Nelson Herrera and Frances Mae Gonzalez who are all assigned at the Information Technology Department (ITD). “Our main allegation is that in the night of May 9, 2016 during the time when the transmission was already in progress, they opened the system and introduced the new script without permission from the owner of the system, which is Comelec,” said Amorado. Earlier, the camp of Marcos said that shortly after the suspicious introduction of the new script the

senator’s lead over his closest rival, Leni Robredo, in the vice presidential race began dropping until he was eventually overtaken. The Church-based election watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) also urged the Comelec to look into the allegations of poll fraud. “For the credibility of the elections, all protests and claims accompanied by evidence should be looked into seriously,” PPCRV Chairperson Henrietta de Villa said in a statement. “So Comelec must investigate. Claimants of cheating must have hard and strong evidence to back their claims. If proven guilty, cheaters must be punished heavily and swiftly. [The] PPCRV stands on the side of the truth and the law.” n

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Bongbong Marcos camp alleges…

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so-called “4th Servers.” Amorado said they have already asked the Comelec to preserve and secure any and all servers, as well as other related IT equipment used in the elections. Meanwhile, during the preliminary investigation, Smartmatic asked for ten more days to file their answer to the complaint filed. Amorado explained that respondents charged for the violation of the Cybercrime Law now pending before the Manila Prosecutors’ Office face possible jail sentences of six to 12 years if found guilty. Charged for the violation of Section 4(a) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 or R.A. 10175 were Smartmatic personnel Marlon Garcia, a Venezuelan

A JUNE 10-16, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Kalusugan Coalition Board Members at the Philippine Independence Day Parade in NY last Sunday, June 5.

Kalusugan Coalition Year partners with NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health in fighting high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease Program aims to improve health and reduce health disparities NEW YORK, NY — The Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH), located at NYU Langone Medical Center, is now entering the second year grant awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent cardiovascular disease in Asian Americans living in the New York/ New Jersey metropolitan area by increasing access to healthy foods and culturally tailored health coaching efforts to improve high blood pressure management. CSAAH, funded as a comprehensive site, have launched the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health for Asian Americans (REACH FAR) program in March 2015. Key partners include: UNITED SIKHS, Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc.; Kalusugan Coalition, the Diabetes Research, Education, and Action for Minorities (DREAM) Coalition; the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum; APartnership; and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. As part of the REACH FAR Grant, Kalusugan Coalition have sub-partnered with well established multi-sector including the Philippine Nurses Association of New York, Inc, a Filipino-American professional nursing organization, faith-based organizations (Bayanihan Seventh Day Adventist, Elmhurst Baptist Church, Yeshua Worldwide Ministries), local

restaurants (Payag Restaurant, Tito Rad’s Grill Restaurant and Kabayan Restaurant) and local and state governmental agencies. Through the REACH FAR Grant Project, Kalusugan Coalition together with its sub-partners will implement several key strategies to fight high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in Filipino-American communities. These strategies include working closely with: 1. Faith-based organizations to improve nutrition of its members by serving healthier foods during communal meals; 2. Filipino-American restaurants to offer healthy menu options to its customers; 3.Promoting million hearts initiative in partnership with community organization; and 4. The NYC Department of Health to offer health coaching efforts in faith-based organizations to improve high blood pressure management among its Filipino-American congregants. The scope of this particular project will be in the Filipino American Community in the Borough of Queens in New York City, New York. “This REACH FAR project will advance the Million Hearts® initiative in Asian American communities particularly in the Filipino-American community by promoting culturally and linguistically meaningful ways of increasing access to healthy foods and beverages and healthcare services” said Dr. Nadia Islam, Principal Investigator of the

REACH FAR Project. “Working with a diverse range of stakeholders - community partners, governmental agencies, faithbased organizations, and local businesses - will be crucial to ensuring the changes we implement are relevant and sustainable.” The Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) award is part of a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiative to support public health efforts to reduce chronic diseases to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce health disparities, and control health care spending. Overall, HHS awarded $35 million in new grant awards to 49 local agencies and organizations. REACH, a CDC program that began in 1999, focuses on racial and ethnic communities experiencing health disparities. Seventeen organizations are receiving funds for basic implementation activities; 32 additional organizations are receiving funds as comprehensive sites to immediately expand their scope of work to improve health and reduce health disparities. REACH is financed in part by the Prevention and Public Health Fund of the Affordable Care Act. To learn more about the Center for the Study of Asian American Health’s prevention and wellness projects, visit http://asian-health. med.nyu.edu/, and interact with us on Facebook, and Twitter. n

First Lady Michelle Obama hugs two students as they get ready to eat a meal they prepared following the spring harvest of the White House Kitchen Garden on Monday, June 6, 2016. White House photo by Amanda Lucidon

US ENVOY’S COMMENT ON DUTERTE ‘KILL’ ORDER

US backs anti-crime drive, but ‘within law’ by Michael Joe

T. Delizo

ManilaTimes.net

THE United States cooperates with efforts by the Philippine government to fight crime and protect its citizens against such threats but the measures have to be carried out within the bounds of law, a US Embassy official in Manila said. The official made the statement when asked for comments on incoming President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-crime drive, including his call on the public to make citizen’s arrests when faced particularly with drug traffickers caught in the act and to shoot them if they fight back and resist arrest. Earlier, the former crime-crushing mayor of Davao City said in a nationally televised speech: “If he fights, and he fights to the death, you can kill him… Do it yourself if you have the gun…you have my support.” In a text message to The Manila Times on Wednesday, Emma Nagy, press attaché of the US Embassy in Manila, said, “The rule of law is fundamental to the peace and prosperity of any country.”

“The United States cooperates with all Philippine law enforcement agencies to protect Philippine citizens against criminal threats, including drug smuggling, trafficking in persons, financial crimes and trademark violations,” she added. Other embassies sought for comment gave no response. The United Nations earlier slammed the tough-talking politician for supposedly instigating deadly violence, especially against journalists, when he justified the killing of media men who did “anything wrong.” UN Special Rapporteur on summary executions Christof Heyns said Duterte’s recent remarks are “irresponsible in the extreme, and unbecoming of any leader.” UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression David Kaye said, “Justifying the killing of journalists on the basis of how they conduct their professional activities can be understood as a permissive signal to potential killers that the murder of journalists is acceptable in certain circumstances and would not be punished.” A report from US-based Com-

mittee to Protect Journalists stated that the Philippines, where at least 75 journalists have been killed since 1992, is the second-deadliest country for journalists. In a separate statement, Kurt Hoyer, spokesman for the US Embassy in Manila, said Washington will defend press freedom. “The United States values an open and free press and we will continue to speak out regularly to defend the rights of the press. Our position on the protection of journalists and the rule of law is very clear,” he added. British Ambassador to Manila Asif Ahmad said the United Kingdom is “totally committed to the elimination and condemnation” of the killing of journalists. “There is a huge responsibility for any office holder to show respect for the office that they hold and respect for the people that they have the privilege to govern for,” he added in an interview. “As President Duterte, we expect (of him) a different tone because everything he says will be on behalf of the nation. This is not an issue where he is speaking personally,” Ahmad said. n

US, China officials discuss territorial…

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na Sea, a move John Kerry said would be a “provocative and destabilizing act.” The two countries are currently “developing rules of behavior,” with respect to ship to ship encounters in the sea, according to a statement from the US State Department. At the close of the meeting Chinese and American officials had agreed to intensify dialogue on Asia-Pacific concerns and work to enhance cooperation at multilateral talks. Both sides said they would “promote international law, including the UN Charter,” according to the state department’s statement. However, military leaders from the PRC have struck a defiant tone on the matter in the past.

““We do not make trouble, but we have no fear of trouble,” said PRC Admiral Sun Jianguo at a major security summit held in Singapore on Sunday. He added “China will not … allow any infringement on its sovereignty and security interest,” and accused other countries of causing “chaos” in the South China Sea, according to CNBC. Both the American and Chinese governments condemned nuclear weapons testing conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), according to a statement issued by the US Department of State. The two major powers reaffirmed their cooperative commitments to combat the proliferation of nuclear testing, terrorism and

cybercrime. With only a few months remaining in the current administration’s tenure, members of the president’s cabinet are expected to focus on foreign investment, the glut of industrial goods, climate change and other matters in which compromises will be easier to negotiate, according to CNBC. The thornier topics of Chinese currency volatility and territorial claims in the South China Sea will likely be inherited by the next presidential administration. US officials were in Beijing from June 5 until June 7 before traveling to a similar event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on June 8, and Jeddah Saudi Arabia on June 9. (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

US may order Sison’s arrest while on…

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ing Duterte administration and NDFP will meet in Oslo, Norway to tackle the agenda for the resumption of the peace negotiations next month. The Duterte administration would be represented by incoming peace adviser Jesus Dureza, incoming labor secretary Silvestre Bello and former Pangasinan Rep. Hernani Braganza. The NDFP,

meanwhile, will be represented by Sison, Agcaoili, chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni, Julie de LimaSison, Connie Ledesma and two lawyers. Formal negotiations between the Philippine government and the NDFP collapsed in 2013 after negotiators failed to reach an agreement on jailed rebel leaders. NDFP said the rebels should be

Duterte: I do not condone... PAGE A3 t

are not exempted from assassination if you are a son of a b*tch. Freedom of expression cannot help you if you have done something wrong.” He went on to say that freedom of expression does not protect a journalist if he or she criticizes a person’s character. Responding to the special rapporteurs on Wednesday, June 8, Duterte said “go home and get some sleep,” alleging that they were “anchored on the wrong premise.” “I never said that killing journalists is justified because they are involved in corruption,” he said. “What I said is that you don’t have to be a journalist to be the subject of an assassination.” As president, Duterte noted that it is his duty to “uphold and enforce the law” and be “protective of the rights of journalists, and for that matter of any citizen, of the Republic.” UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon also weighed in on the controversy. In a statement released on the UN’s website on Wednesday, Ban

reiterated his commitment to “defend the rights of journalists and to do everything possible, publicly and privately, to ensure that journalists have the freedom to work.” Ban said he was “extremely disturbed” by the former Davao mayor’s remarks. “I unequivocally condemn his apparent endorsement of extrajudicial killing, which is illegal and a breach of fundamental rights and freedoms. Such comments are of particular concern in light of ongoing impunity for serious cases of violence against journalists in the Philippines,” the secretarygeneral said. “I will also continue to stand up for the rights of journalists and their defenders to be represented here at the United Nations.” Despite calls to apologize last week, Duterte instead dared the media to boycott him. “Don’t threaten me, boycott, boycott!” he said, adding “I do not care if no one is covering me. Do not threaten me, I said I’m ready to lose the presidency, my honor or my life. Just do not f— with me.” He described three kinds of journalists — those who do not ac-

freed because the government is a signatory of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), which prohibits the arrest and detention of peace consultants. Government negotiators, however, rejected the demand, saying the identities of rebels who are supposedly performing duties for the NDFP peace panel cannot be validated. n cept bribes, those who serve as a “mouthpiece of vested interests” and those who accept “money from illegal sources…whose greed is unlimited.” He also criticized the UN for not solving “the Middle East carnage” and its supposed inability to “lift a finger in Africa.” ‘No ambush interviews’ Known for his unfiltered speak, Duterte said he would no longer grant interviews until his term ends to avoid criticism and “wrong statements.” “If there are interviews, there will be many mistakes, there will be many criticisms. So no interview, no criticism, no wrong statements, no nothing,” he said when interviewed in Davao on Monday, June 6. The incoming president later clarified his comments, saying he meant no more “ambush interviews. “It was not an interview. An ambush to which I replied that I will not allow interviews anymore now or in the future. That will be the drill until the last day of my term of office,” he said. Duterte, who led Davao as mayor for over two decades, will be sworn into the presidency on June 30.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Palace defends news bureau’s ‘excessive’ phone, Internet bills by delon

PorCalla Philstar.com

MANILA—The alleged excessive phone and Internet bills of members of President Aquino’s communications group as declared by the Commission on Audit (COA) are justifiable under the circumstances, a Palace official said. Outgoing Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. defended the expenses incurred by the News and Information Bureau (NIB), which is under his direct control and supervision. “The NIB responded to the audit observation. It needed everything that could be used to connect to the Internet in order to perform its mandate of disseminating correct and timely information to the public and concerned government officials,” Coloma said in Filipino. State auditors discovered in 2015 nearly a million expenses attributable to the NIB – which handles the administration’s news coverage and media relations concerns. The COA warned that such unchecked spending might violate auditing rules and regulations. State auditors said the NIB spent too much on mobile phone and Internet subscriptions last year. Although they admitted there was no written policy on the issuance and utilization of postpaid plans and prepaid mo-

bile allowances, this indicated lapses on internal control. “Analysis of all paid disbursement vouchers related to these transactions amounting to P939,350.45 in 2015 showed that NIB had 34 postpaid plans granted to its officials and employees and allowed reimbursement of prepaid mobile allowances to its field employees assigned in the Philippine News Agency,” the COA report said. It said the postpaid plans varied from P1,000 to P3,500 per month, with one plan worth P5,000 per month. Scrutiny of the statement of accounts showed the actual utilization of several postpaid plans exceeded the approved plan per month. “These were still allowed and paid by NIB despite the absence of required justification by the end-users,” state auditors said. The audit team said there was no ceiling for the reimbursements made for the mobile allowances of employees and only official receipts, regardless of the amount, were required to support the reimbursements. “Since the NIB does not have written policy on the issuance and utilization of postpaid plans and prepaid mobile allowances, this privilege is subject to abuse and might result in the incurrence of unnecessary expenses,” the COA report said. State auditors said the agency should strengthen its control over postpaid plans and prepaid

mobile allowances by establishing written policies to be disseminated to all end-users for guidance and compliance. As for last year’s Internet expenses, “the COA report said the NIB spent P1.79 million by subscribing to numerous Internet connections that may result to incurrence of unnecessary expenses prohibited in COA Circular No. 2012-003 dated Oct. 29, 2012.” Records showed the agency actually subscribed to three Internet service providers (ISPs), holding 49 different accounts with monthly plans ranging from P999 to P25,000. The NIB told the audit team that the Internet subscriptions were allowed because of the necessity for uninterrupted and faster connections for its operations. State auditors opined that while the acquisition of separate accounts might have been the immediate solution at the time of necessity, proper planning and consultation with ISPs would likely result in finding a service package that is sufficient for the agency’s needs at a fraction of the cost. “We recommended that management evaluate the cost-effectiveness of all Internet subscriptions to optimize the limited resources of NIB and ensure that no unnecessary expenses will be incurred,” the audit team said. n

Pacquiao plummets to No. 63 in Forbes’ list of top paid athletes by dino

Maragay Philstar.com

FROM his lofty status at second place in 2015, Manny Pacquiao plunged to No. 63 in Forbes’ list of highest paid athletes for this year. Pacquiao owed his high ranking last year to his megabuck showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in May last year, which ended up as boxing’s richest fight ever. The Filipino lost that fight, and an injured shoulder forced him to sit out the rest of 2015. “Pacquiao’s fight with Floyd Mayweather in May 2015 set every financial record in the history of boxing, including PPV buys (4.6 million), gate ($73 million) and total revenue ($600 million), and rewarded him with a $125 million payday,” Forbes wrote in its entry on Pacquiao. For this year, however, Pacquiao fought only once – defeating Timothy Bradley in April – before announcing his retirement.

No Senate resolution of $81-M Bangladesh bank heist by Christina

Mendez

Philstar.com

MANILA—The Senate failed to resolve the controversy surrounding the $81 million stolen by hackers from the Bangladesh Bank account at the New York Federal Reserve Bank. Citing time constraints, Senate President Franklin Drilon said the plenary failed to discuss the committee report made by Blue Ribbon chairman Sen. Teofisto Guingona III on the money laundering activity involving the amount stolen from the foreign banks. Guingona filed a committee report but this was not presented during plenary session before Congress adjourned last Monday. The report was accepted by the Senate Bills and Index section, which means it would likely end up at the Senate archives. “The problem is these were filed after we adjourned and ended the 16th Congress. So that’s the technical problem. There is no more session to which these could be referred, but we received the reports,” Drilon said in a weekly media forum in Manila. Drilon said the incoming 17th Congress can choose to reopen the probe. Drilon, however, explained the contents of the Senate Blue Ribbon report are not binding on the new batch of lawmakers who will comprise the 17th Congress which opens on July 25. “No, they can not pull it out. It has to go through another hearing. In other words the 17th Congress cannot adopt that report. It has to be re-filed, a new resolution would have to be filed, we

Citing time constraints, Senate President Franklin Drilon said the plenary failed to discuss the committee report made by Blue Ribbon chairman Sen. Teofisto Guingona III on the money laundering activity involving the amount stolen from the foreign banks. Senate photo

have to go through hearings,” Drilon said. “Of course, in the hearings, you can adopt the testimonies of the resource persons and call for additional resource persons if the committee wishes to do it. But the technical problem is that there was no more Senate when it was filed,” he added. Drilon said the money-laundering issue is considered “unresolved” at the Senate “because of lack of time.” In the same forum, Drilon said the proposals to amend or review the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) are among the priorities he wants to push in the next Congress. “We will also review and amend the Anti-Money Laundering Act. There were bills on the last days of our session on the amendment of the AMLA, particularly on the inclusion of casinos. We will take that up when we come back. That is an item that will be on our

front burner,” Drilon said. Drilon added he is also open to look into the calls to reimpose the death penalty due to loopholes in the justice system. But he maintained his stand against the death penalty. “I am against the re-imposition of the death penalty, but I am willing to listen. We are willing to listen to both sides of the spectrum,” he said. “Personally I am against it because basically, I see an imperfect justice system where errors can be committed. When you send an innocent man into the death chamber that is a mistake that cannot be corrected. That is my position,” he added. He also vowed to push for the amendments to the Juvenile Delinquency Act, the possible shift to federal form of government and the institutionalization of the Pantawid Pampamilya Program, as well as the adjustment of the income tax brackets for workers. n

Miriam Santiago discharged from hospital MANILA—After over a week of confinement due to pneumonia, Sen. Miriam DefensorSantiago was discharged from the Makati Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon, a statement released by the senator’s office said. Santiago contracted pneu-

monia due to complications brought by her stage 4 lung cancer. While under confinement, she thanked her supporters for praying for her speedy recovery. She said she is rethinking her political life. “I was buoyed by the Face-

book messages. I fully intend to recover, and I am rethinking the political life. It is very soul-devastating,” the senator said. Santiago is on her last term as senator. She ran but lost to president-elect Rodrigo Duterte in the May presidential elections. (Christina Mendez/Philstar.com)

Manny Pacquiao

Forbes noted that Pacquiao took home a total of $25 million for this year, including $24 million in salary and $2.5 million in endorsements. The boxer is now a member of the Philippine senate after a successful run in the May elections. “Manny Pacquiao says he is retired ‘as of now’ after his April bout with Timothy Bradley where

he banked a $20 million purse plus his cut of Filipino TV money,” Forbes continued. “He’s earned $500 million during this career from purses, payper-view and endorsements. Pacquiao was elected to the Filipino Senate in May after first being elected to the House of Representatives,” it added.

u PAGE A7

Senate to remain independent, Koko vows MANILA—Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III vowed that the Senate would still be independent although the majority had agreed to support the legislative agenda of the new administration. “We want president (Rodrigo) Duterte to succeed in his agenda,” Pimentel said, adding that he will also lead the chamber in pursuing efforts to shift the form of government and help the incoming president in the campaign against crime. Except for senator-elect Joel Villanueva who is abroad, reelected Sen. Vicente Sotto III said the members of the emerging majority have signed a resolution signifying support for Pimentel. Pimentel said the agreement contained the reasons they have banded for a common goal for the country. Pimentel said he is “now excited to be the orchestra conductor” at the Senate. If Pimentel becomes Senate president, it will be the first time that a father and son have been elected to the post. The senator is the son of former senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., who was Senate president from 2000 to 2001 during the 11th

Congress. Although Senate President Franklin Drilon said the agreement is virtually cast in stone, Pimentel hopes that his colleagues will keep their support until the 17th Congress starts on July 25. Speaking at the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay hosted by The STAR associate editor Marichu Villanueva, Drilon revealed Pimentel now has the support of 17 senators, excluding Sens. Alan Cayetano, Cynthia Villar and Joseph Victor Ejercito, and senators-elect Richard Gordon and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Senator-elect and boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, who had early signified support for Cayetano, had jumped to Pimentel’s camp. According to Pimentel, Pacquiao had explained to his colleagues his change of heart. Drilon announced the unprecedented alliance after the senators reached an agreement to support Pimentel, leaving another Duterte ally –Cayetano – out in the cold. As part of the agreement, Drilon will not contest the Senate presidency. Drilon will slide down to Senate president protempore, replacing Sen. Ralph

Recto, while Sotto will regain his post as majority leader. Drilon is bringing with him the entire LP bloc and some allies, including Sens. Recto, Bam Aquino, Leila de Lima, Villanueva, Francis Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros of Akbayan. Asked why they chose to support Pimentel, the lone member of PDP-Laban that fielded Duterte as president, Drilon said they were united in supporting the legislative agenda of the new administration. “We did not bow. Those are provocative adjectives. We decided on Koko. He is very qualified. We want to show support, in general, for the legislative agenda of the Duterte administration, as we recognized that they have the mandate of the people,” he said. Extending hand of cooperation Pimentel said he is ready to extend his hand of friendship and cooperation to Cayetano and his team, including Zubiri with whom he figured in an election protest in the past. In separate interviews, Pimentel and Drilon noted that Cayetano could be chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon com-

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Panel urges victims to report scams… PAGE A3 t report their cases. “For some, there is shame and fear in coming forward and for others, even if they want to, they don’t know where to go and they don’t see a benefit in reporting,” Mackler said. “One’s immigration status is not relevant in these cases, we just want to catch the perpetrators.” For those who are harassed by debt collection agencies, Nancy Schindler, associate commissioner of Legal and Regulatory Compliance Division at the New York City Department of Consumer Af-

A

fairs, offers the following tip. “Check (through DCA) if they are licensed. Debt collection agencies should be licensed by the DCA, along with second-hand auto dealers, employment agencies, immigration service providers, tax preparers,” Schindler said. If they are not listed as licensed, you can report it directly to the DCA. And even if they are listed and you feel that they have gone out of bounds in harassing you, then report the case to the FTC. Claire Rosenzweig, President and CEO, Better Business Bureau Serving Metropolitan New York,

issued a warning to job-seekers to be wary of employment scams, where scam artist attempts to convince the victim that he must pay money as a requirement of employment. “So far in 2016, nearly 10 percent of submissions to BBB’s online Scam Tracker tool filed by metro New Yorkers, claim t have been targeted by fake offers of employment,” said Rosenzweig. “Never pay money to an “employer” to get a job. Legitimate offers of employment do not require that you pay money for training classes, or anything else.” n

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A JUNE 10-16, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Minor hiccup

SEVERAL emerging markets in the world have experienced exceptional economic strides. These nations are mostly highly export-driven with strong inflows of capital and investment and well-capitalized banking institutions. Many emerging markets have already “emerged.” Now that it is no longer the “Sick Man of Asia,” it is high time for the Philippines to experience this and become an integral player in the world economy as well. The country is a good option for its low start-up costs for new businesses, desirable workforce, and geographical proximity to other Asian markets. Foreign investments are more than welcome in the country. The Philippines’ standing in the International Institute for Management Development’s (IMD) World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) for 2016 has seen a minor setback after falling to 42nd place from 41st last year. This drop comes despite being hailed as the one of the fastestgrowing economies in the world. The annual report measures four broad factors in measuring competitiveness—economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure. It uses economic data from various international and national sources, as well as an opinion survey in generating over 300 criteria to assess and rank the competitiveness of nations. The WCY also suggested that the incoming administration under President-elect Rodrigo Duterte address these challenges to improve the country’s competitiveness landscape: Secure businesses and communities from conflicts and calamities; Sustain governance reforms at all levels and across administrations; Enhance infrastructure, human capital, and cooperation to re-

duce transaction costs; Develop a competitive business environment to benefit from ASEAN integration and Foster shared prosperity through entrepreneurship and decent employment. Under a new management, with Pres.-elect Duterte at the helm, the Philippine economy is poised to emerge as an economic prospect and attractive business destination. His economic team is set to meet this month to assess current government forecasts. Incoming Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said that the incoming government is considering lowering the economic growth targets for the country in the next three years. “Public spending, especially for public infrastructure, does not affect economic growth instantaneously. There is usually a lag. “Second half growth rate will be slower...as the impact of election spending fades. Agricultural sector and exports would continue to be weak,” Diokno revealed. To avoid an economic regression, the incoming government should address issues such as weak institutions, poverty and corruption continue to dissuade investors and make exporting in the country challenging. Breaking through to the next level is all about meeting and exceeding expectations. As auspicious as it is. The Philippine economy should no longer settle for minor improvements and find ways to being consistently good rather than great just once in a while. (AJPress)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

The Church is now haunted by its many failings DONE mocking his opponents in the presidential race, The Digong is now using almost every forum to vent his ire on the Church. He has accused the Church of basically two things, hypocrisy and irrelevance, and, the Church, shocked by the audacity of The Digong, has come out with nothing but guarded, timid responses. Never in the history of the Church, dating back to the early years of the Spanish reign, has the institution found itself bombarded and helpless. The minor reason is this. For the first time in the country’s modern history, the elected President is not someone the Church and its hierarchy knows. The populist choice in 1998 was Erap Estrada. But despite Erap’s acting background and tough guy image, he was trained by the Jesuits, and the men he named to the Cabinet and important government posts were insiders webbed to the centers of political and economic power. And webbed to the power centers of the Church. The Digong is a real tough guy whose rise to power was based on narratives he was unapologetic about—killing criminals, the summary execution of drug dealers and his zero tolerance (whatever means of containing them was OK) toward people involved in the business of crime. All Old Testament narratives of rage, death and fury. His favorite verb is “ kill.” His favorite expression is “galit ako.” The men he named to important posts, who will soon as-

sume frontline and Cabinetrank positions, have very tan- Opinion gential if not zero links to the Church. His campaign manager and longtime aide was a former priest-turned-rebel, who, disgusted by the irrelevance of Marlen ronquillo the official Church in addressing the plight of those identified in The Sermon on the Mount, dropped his homilies, went underground and carried a gun. There is nothing, virtually nothing, in the institutional memory of The Digong in which he collaborated with the official Church to tame the excesses of Davao City and govern it according to his dictum. His colorful personal life and his openness with his many affairs were, in a sense, an open challenge on the basic teachings of the Church. But, as I said, that is just the minor reason. There is a bigger one. The Church and its intellectuals and theoreticians cannot counter the message of The Digong. Which is to basically serve the constituencies specified in The Sermon on the Mount: the weak, the humble, the afraid and the persecuted, though through methods decried in the Ten Commandments. The people (like my neighbors and I) who have nowhere to go and turn to during times of trouble, perse-

cution and scarcity. The Church cannot even invoke that there is another way forward, a Christian way, a civil one and a Godly one. Because there is none. When, really, was the last time the Church stood for the downtrodden? Reviewing the Church’s high-profile involvement in the public affairs, the most prominent image that comes to mind is this—Cardinal Tagle tearing up after reading the sordid affairs of the Napoles scam. The accompanying article said that Cardinal Tagle was shocked to see a scandal of that magnitude, at least P10 billion in a SARO-for-cash exchange. The pork scam was pure and unalloyed evil. It was also unprecedented in the history of a historically compromised Congress. From the part of the cardinal, condemning the pork scam was a moral imperative. After that, many hoped that Cardinal Tagle would use his great and awesome moral authority to indict and condemn the greatest evil of our time—the control of 40 or so families of the nation’s wealth and our vastly unequal society. Even Pope Francis has said that inequality “is the defining issue of our time.” In the Philippine context, it skews everything to favor the economic elite. It sucks up GDP gains to further fatten the already immense wealth of these 40 or so families. It is at the root of all things that

cripple the mobility of the sectors below. By refusing to take on the greatest evil of our time, Cardinal Tagle just collaborated with the efforts of the Aquino administration to paint “corruption” as the only and true evil, the root of the national malaise. With the Church and the so-called “civil society” behind Mr. Aquino, his administration used “corruption” as a wagthe-dog narrative to divert national attention from what Mr. Aquino was really doing—serving the top 1 percent and leaving the 99 percent to fend for themselves. Mr. Aquino raised GDP growth, got credit upgrades and created a class of dollar billionaires that are now classified as “those-who-can-buya-small-country-rich.” The understated poverty level of 20-plus percent never moved. In some dying areas of Mindanao, the poverty level was 84 percent, and the ARMM had worse literacy and poverty rates than Idi Amin-wrecked Uganda. Through all these and the unapologetic service of Mr. Aquino to his true masters—the top 1 percent—the Church was a mute spectator, and, in a sense, an abettor. So now, as The Digong mocks and taunts the Church for its hypocrisy and irrelevance, he finds no public rebuke and sanction. The Church failed to follow a timeless Church dictum—you reap what you sow—and its failings are now haunting the institution. (ManiaTimes. net)

Yasay must avoid mistakes of Aquino, Trillanes ‘treason’ CHINA reneged on leaving Scarborough Gotcha Shoal. That’s Noynoy Aquino’s alibi for losing the traditional Filipino fishing ground to the militarist neighbor in June 2012. SupposJarius Bondoc edly the United States had brokered a simultaneous withdrawal of Chinese and Philippine armed vessels. But after the Philippines dutifully departed, China stayed, and that’s that. Five accusers think otherwise. In a treason rap they implead PNoy for sending Sen. Antonio Trillanes as backchannel to Beijing. Evidence indicates that Trillanes gave vital information that emboldened China to grab the shoal. Too, that the senator belittled the US-inspired deal, overruled knowledgeable Philippine diplomats, and did things on his own without telling PNoy. (See Gotcha, 25 May 2016,http://www.philstar.com/ opinion/2016/05/25/1586768/treasonraps-filed-vs...) “What should we have done there?” PNoy now says about the standoff between one Philippine vessel accosting and six Chinese ships defending

Hainanese poachers inside the horseshoeshaped shoal. “If we engage in hostilities, can we win? Obviously not. But even in that aspect, are we endangering lives unnecessarily?” PNoy makes no mention of Trillanes’ backchanneling. Why? Answers may lie in the document. Cited in the treason charge is “Brady Notes: Aug. 17, 2012,” named after then-Philippine Ambassador to Beijing, Sonia Brady. The document implies that PNoy amateurishly had sidelined his own foreign secretary, thus letting a megalomaniac with a sinister agenda give away Scarborough. The “Brady Notes” state that Trillanes believed “there was never any negotiation between the Chinese and the Americans, just a meeting with Kurt Campbell.” For him, Campbell, the US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, “was not a negotiator.” Trillanes believed he was the sole negotiator. The document states: “The arrangement being looked at by the

senator was one side would leave first then the other side then the next, etc. They were talking about the manner of evacuating the Scarborough. He then received a call from PNoy, saying why are the Chinese still there when there was an agreement for simultaneous withdrawal.” It so happened that the Chinese ships stayed to claim Scarborough as theirs. Occupation, as they say, is 90 percent of any territorial claim. (See full text inhttp://www.rappler.com/nation/12700-enrile,-trillanes-fight-overchina) *** In the aftermath of China’s invasion, Manila filed an arbitration case before the United Nations. The Philippines is seeking a ruling that the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea gives it rights over Scarborough. The shoal is 123 miles from Luzon, within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone, but 900 miles from China’s southernmost Hainan island-province. China claims the shoal by “historic right,” which the UNCLOS forbids. The arbitral tribunal in The Hague is expected to decide in a few weeks in favor of the Philippines. Incoming foreign secretary Perfecto

Yasay expects China to ignore the ruling. He says there would be no other option but bilateral talks. If that’s his view, then he had better beware. The Philippines has tried bilateral talks with China many times before, to no avail. Beijing’s communist leaders use bilateral talks only to divert attention from militarist designs. Yasay humbly says he has yet to study the history of the South China Sea dispute. That is the best approach, instead of naiveté or power trip. He would find out that China as far back as 1989 had planned to grab the entire South China Sea. The then-vice chief of the People’s Liberation ArmyNavy unveiled a defense strategy of building a virtual Great Wall along the Pacific Ocean. That defense perimeter consists of two “island chains.” The first extends west of Japan in the East China Sea down to western Philippines in the South China Sea. The second is from the southern tip of Japan down to Papua New Guinea, east of the Philippines. Based on that plan China in 1995 grabbed Mischief Reef, off Palawan, also within the Philippine EEZ and far away from Hainan. Manila tried bilat-

eral talks to make Beijing stop building supposed “fishermen’s shelters against typhoons.” Beijing protracted the talks over the monsoon season, when Philippine Navy ships couldn’t patrol the reef. When the weather cleared, what emerged on Mischief were concrete fortifications, artillery pieces, military communications facilities, a heliport, and a naval base. From there China has since been attempting to grab Sabina Shoal, closer to Palawan. Yasay also must understand the nuances of China’s system. The Communist Party is above the state. It first installs a secretary general, then makes him President of the People’s Republic, and ultimately the chairman of the mighty Central Military Commission. That way the communists control the People’s Liberation Army directly as well as through the government. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is a communist apparatchik from the elite Politburo. But unlike high military commissars, he is not a member of the Standing Committee, much more the seven-man Executive Committee. In effect, Chinese diplomacy is subordinate to the military. For China bilateral talks can serve as military tactics. (Philstar.com)

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 10-16, 2016

A

US to strictly monitor Duterte administration

AN expert from US-based think tank has stated that the United States government will be closely watching every move by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, especially during his first 100 days in office. Furthermore, Duterte’s response to the upcoming ruling of a United Nations tribunal court on the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China over South China Sea will be monitored as well. Ernest Bower, a nonresident senior adviser for the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies said that the relationship beDANGER ZONE. Soldiers patrol the village of Anoling in Camalig town, Albay province, one of the communities inside the 6-km radius tween the United States and Philpermanent danger zone of Mayon Volcano. A party-list lawmaker pushed for schools within the danger zone to be relocated to ensure ippines were strengthened during the safety of students. Inquirer.net photo by Mark Alvic Esplana Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s administration. “It is ironic that we are watching because if you ask leaders THE Commission on Elecin Washington right now, they tions (Comelec) has extended would say the US-Philippine relathe deadline for the submission tionship is at a high point,” Bower of the campaign expenses and said. funding sources of local and na Observation period tional candidates until WednesBower noted that it is a waitday, June 8. and-see period for the country Among the presidential canuntil Duterte assumes his position didates, only Mar Roxas failed to on June 30. submit his Statement of ContriBower was a speaker at a butions and Expenditure (SOCE), symposium on “Asia-Pacific Perwhich could cost him a fine of spectives on Implementing the P10,000 or P30,000. Liberal Party Enhanced Defense Cooperation (LP) Spokesperson Barry GutierAgreement (EDCA),” which was rez said that Roxas has asked the held at National Defense College poll body for a 14-day extension to Grace Poe of the Philippines at Camp AguiLeni Robredo file his SOCE. naldo in Quezon City on Tuesday, Comelec Chairman Andres contributed amount as well. It June 7. Grace Poe, who placed third in the presidential race, was the Bautista pointed out that the accu- also sets spending limits for candiEDCA’s importance on the biggest spender among the candi- racy and truthfulness of the infor- dates and political parties — with US-Philippines ties remains high, dates with P510,845,262.56, with mation is more important than de- the President and Vice President especially to address China’s campaign contributions reach- claring what the candidates spent allowed to spend P10 per regis- pursuit of nearly all reefs and artered voter. (AJPress) ing at P511,950,000. Poe is fol- for their campaigns. tificial islands in the South China “The mere filing of SOCE does lowed by Jejomar Binay, Rodrigo Duterte, and Miriam Santiago, not mean that the information is who spent the least with only correct. It’s a formal requirement and if it’s already posted then we P74,652,689.87. For the vice presidential will give you that certificate of forbets, Vice Pres.-elect Leni Ro- mal compliance. But the numbers bredo has the most spend- can still be altered.” Bautista said. The SOCE not only includes the ing with P418,664,130.60; with P423,163,737.34 in declaration of campaign spending, contributions. She was fol- but mandates candidates to file lowed by Chiz Escudero, with sources of contributions involving the donor’s personal details and P321,014,827.64.

Poe, Robredo among top campaign spenders, Comelec says

Enrile: Old politicians fade away by Jeff

AntipordA ManilaTimes.net

Saying that “old politicians never die, they will just fade away,” Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile thanks his colleagues during his valedictory speech, Monday, June 6. Senate photo by Joe Arazas

THE last session day at the Senate saw nine senators bowing out, including minority leader Juan Ponce Enrile who served as a legislator for 27 years. Enrile, the oldest senator, served four terms in the Senate. He was also a congressman for three years. “I would like to thank all of my colleagues and all those people that worked with me and beg their forbearance and understanding if in the heat of debate, I somehow helped them unwittingly or displeased them,” the veteran lawmaker said. Enrile, 92, noted that he tried his best to serve

the people. “Like what McArthur said, old soldiers never die, they just fade away. I would say today, my last appearance in this chamber, old politicians never die, they will just fade away. My head was bloodied but never bowed,” he said. Enrile was among the nine outgoing senators who were commended by the chamber during its last session. The others were Senators Pia Cayetano, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Teofisto Guingona III, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Sergio Osmeña III, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Lito Lapid.

Pacquiao plummets to…

PAGE A5 t

Forbes also stressed how Pacquiao’s recent controversial stance on same-sex relations affected his endorsements, with Nike among the biggest backers to sever ties with him. “He was once a marketing darling with companies like Nike, Foot Locker, Hewlett-Packard and Nestle, but companies avoided the eight division world champ after his 2016 comments comparing gay people to animals,” the financial media firm said. For his part, Mayweather, who topped the list last year, dropped to No. 16 with $44 million in earnings. He retired after fighting Andre Berto in September last year.

Football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi finished at first and second place with total earnings of $88 million and $81.4 million, respectively. Rounding up the top 10 are NBA superstar LeBron James (No. 3, $77.2 million), tennis star Roger Federer (No. 4, $67.8 million), NBA’s Kevin Durant (No. 5, $56.2 million), Serbian World No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic (No. 6, $55.8 million), NFL star Cam Newton (No. 7, $53.1 million), golfers Phil Mickelson (No. 8, $52.9 million) and Jordan Spieth (No. 9, $52.8 million), and recently retired NBA star Kobe Bryant (No. 10 $50 million). n

Senate to remain independent... PAGE A5 t mittee since no senator has expressed interest. Pimentel was quick to defend the possibility of an ally of Duterte heading the Blue Ribbon, which conducts inquiries into abuses in government. “Why, did you ask that same question when Sen. Teofisto Guingona III was appointed to the Blue Ribbon? He was a member of the Liberal Party,” he asked, adding that being a Duterte ally would not be a hindrance for a senator to do his job as head of the Blue Ribbon committee. Guingona failed in his re-election bid. Pimentel added that there was no compromise on prin-

ciples following the coalition with other political parties in order for him to bag the Senate presidency. “There might be compromises in terms of first preferences of senators (on committee chairmanships)… just to come up with this super coalition,” Pimentel said. “In terms of principles, there were no compromises.” Initially, Pimentel said the Senate finance committee will likely be retained by Sen. Loren Legarda, while returning senator Panfilo Lacson would be heading the committee on public order and dangerous drugs. (Christina Mendez, Alexis Romero/Philstar.com)

Ernest Bower

Sea. EDCA allows US troops to build facilities for equipment storage and intensify humanitarian security and disaster response operations, in addition to giving broad access to Philippine military bases. Not afraid of US intervention Meanwhile, China remains remained unabated despite the apparent intervention of the United States. A day after US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter issued a warning over a Chinese construction on Scarborough Shoal, China said it is not afraid of “trouble” over its claim in the waters of South China Sea. “The South China Sea issue has become overheated because of the provocations of certain countries for their own selfish interests,” China’s Adm. Sun Jianguo said in a security summit in Singapore. Carter, on the other hand, presented a stronger bilateral security cooperation with China to prevent collateral damage but declined to elaborate over what “actions” Washington might take

if China proceeds in the construction of an artificial island on Scarborough Shoal. Sun insisted that the patrols in the South China Sea were a display of “military muscles” while stressing that China was being forced to accept and honor the tribunal’s ruling. “China firmly opposes such behavior. We do not make trouble, but we have no fear of trouble,” Sun said. China has claimed almost every reef and artificial islands in the South China Sea, despite protests from neighboring countries like thePhilippines and Vietnam. The Scarborough Shoal is one of the contested territories, wherein China was reported to construct an outpost,230 kilometers off the coast of Zambales province, and is part of the Philippines’’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). During his visit to Mongolia, US Secretary of State John Kerry issued a warning against Beijing on setting up an air defense identification zone over the disputed waters, stating it would be a “provocative and destabilizing act.” Admiral Sun however, reiterated that China wants to solve the dispute with the Philippines bilaterally and said that the country is open to communication with incoming President Duterte. “China has the patience and wisdom to settle any disputes through dialogue. We also believe the related countries have the wisdom and patience to make peace. I’ve always believed that shaking hands is better than clenching fists.” Sun said. (Ian Jamotillo/ AJPress)

A JUNE 10-16, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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PhiliPPine indePendence as history tells it On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the Philippines’ independence from Spanish colonial rule and established a provincial government that he eventually headed. However, prior to his proclamation, Aguinaldo was in exile and only made arrangements with United States authorities to return to his country and assist them with their fight against Spain. Spain colonized the Philippines in the 16th century and was opposed by Filipino priests, as Spaniards dominated the Roman Catholic churches in the islands. By the late 19th century, many Filipinos — not just the plain folk but middle-class citizens as well — began calling for independence. The Katipunan and Aguinaldo’s exile A secret revolutionary society was formed in Manila in 1892 called “Katipunan.” Many immediately joined in, and when the Spanish discovered the group’s plans for rebellion in 1896, the Katipunan was forced to fight them prematurely. In 1897, Aguinaldo became leader of the rebellion. Many Filipinos see Aguinaldo as an important figure in Philippine history. However, some see him as a sell out when he went into exile in Hong Kong. With the Katipunan rebels unprepared for its battle against the Spanish, Aguinaldo negotiated an agreement with the colonizers in exchange for financial

A painting depicting the Battle of Manila Bay.

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo led the fight against the Spanish.

compensation and a promise of reform in the Philippines. When he and his generals departed, the Philippine Revolution temporarily ended. The Spanish-American War Spain was also trying to take over Cuba that time and in April 1898, the Spanish-American War started. The US won a series of victories against Spain, including when Commodore George Dewey led the annihilation of the Spanish Pacific fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898. When Aguinaldo came out of exile, he rallied his revolutionaries and began liberating towns. Thinking that the country has achieved its complete freedom from colonizers, he proclaimed Philippine independence on June 12.

Photo from the Library of Congress

Manuel L. Quezon became the Philippines’ first President in 1935.

Commodore George Dewey led the annihilation of the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay.

Also, the Spanish commander who was surrounded in Manila by both the Filipino rebels and Dewey’s squadron, demanded two conditions for his surrender: First, the US will advance into the capital and make it look like a battle, and second, under no conditions were the Filipino rebels be allowed into the city. So, the mock Battle of Manila was stage, and the Americans kept their promise to keep the rebels out of the city. From one colonizer to another So while the Americans occupied Manila and discussed peace negotiations with Spain, Aguinaldo organized the Malolos revolutionary assembly in

Infographics by:

September. In January 1899, The first democratic constitution in Asia was drew up and a government was formed wherein Aguinaldo was President. The Philippine Insurrection began in February 4, when Filipino rebels and US troops fought inside American lines in Manila. Two days later, after 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, the Philippines became a US territory — in exchange for $20 million as compensation to the Spanish. The war against the US There was a new war afoot — this time with the US. Aguinaldo formally launched a new revolt, but Americans proved to be a strong opponent that the rebels were consistently defeated.

Flags of the Philippine Revolution PRIOR to the making of the official Filipino flag in Hong Kong by Mrs. Marcela de Agoncillo, there were other flags used by the Katipunan secret society and its various factions. After the Katipunan was dissolved, the Philippine army and its civil government also had their own flags to represent their groups -some of which were for personal use. During the Philippine Centennial celebration in 1998, a list of official flags was released. These should not be confused as the “evolution of the Philippine flag,” but instead are properly called as the “Flags of the Revolution.” Lastly, though many of the flags have symbols and layouts that may seem to inspire the official Philippine flag today, history states that there is no direct relationship between them whatsoever. Katipunan flags Andres Bonifacio asked his

wife, Gregoria de Jesus, to create a flag for the Katipunan. What came out was a simple red flag bearing the society’s acronym, KKK, and became the group’s first flag. The “K” in the middle of the sun stood for “Kalayaan” or “Freedom.” Member of the group also used other variations of the flag. As the revolution heated up, the Magdiwang faction of the Katipunan under Mariano Alvarez adopted a red flag with a white sun with the baybayin (the ancient Tagalog script) letter “ka” (for K) at the center. Another faction, Magdalo, under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, used a similar flag to what the Magdiwang faction had. It featured a white sun with the same baybayin letter “ka.“ The final standard design was a sun with eight rays, representing the eight provinces place under martial law by the Spaniards (Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan and

Andres Bonifacio’s personal flag.

Gen. Gregorio del Pilar’s personal flag, which was patterned after that of Cuba’s, which was also in revolt against Spain.

The first Katipunan flag used by Andres Bonifacio, done by his wife, Gregoria de Jesus. Other Katipunan members used other variations of this flag.

during the Cry of Pugadlawin. It was then later used during the Battle of San Juan del Monte on August 30, 1896, the first major battle of the Philippine Revolution. General Mariano Llanera, who fought in the provinces of Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga and nueva Ecija; stepped away from the color red for his personal flag. He instead used a black flag with a white K and skull. Bonifacio called that flag as “Bungo ni Llanera” or “Llanera’s Skull. General Pio del Pilar also has personal flag called “Bandila ng Matagumpay,” or “Flag of the Triumphants,” was also red with a white triangle. and mountain with a rising sun behind it. The flag was first used on July 11, 1895. Gen. Mariano Llanera’s personal flag, which Bonifacio referred to Another general who used a as “Bungo ni Llanera” or “Llanera’s Skull.” flag was Gregorio del Pilar. His flag was patterned after Cuba, which was also in revolt against Spain. The first official Filipino flag was adopted by Katipunan military leaders on March 17, 1897 at the naic Assembly. It was a red banner, with an eighth-rayed sun and a face. It was only used for less than a year because there was truce signed between Filipino The first official Philippine flag in 1897 but was only used less than year because of the truce between Filipino leaders and Spanish leaders and Spanish authorities on December 14-15, 1897. (AJPress) authorities. nueva Ecija), which was later used in the national flag of the Philippines Personal flags Among those who had personal flags during the revolution was Bonifacio, who was the Katipunan’s Supremo. Similar to the Katipunan’s, this flag was first unveiled on August 23, 1896

Many of the rebels turned into guerillas, and in spite of many anti-imperialists in US like William Jennings, who was opposed to the annexation of the Philippines, the war continued. In 1901, Aguinaldo was captured by Gen. Frederick Funston and his group. The Filipino rebel leader took an oath of allegiance to the US and called for an end to the rebellion, but many still fought on. In 1902, the Philippines was taken over by an American civil government, ending the Philippine Insurrection. At the end, there were more Americans who died trying to suppress the Philippines, more than that the number killed in the

Spanish-American War. This is incomparable of course to the Filipinos who died in both wars — over 20,000 rebels and an unknown number of civilians. The most striking fact about the Philippines’ fight for complete independence was it was never fully achieved until 1946. In 1935, Manuel L. Quezon was elected the country’s first president and the Commonwealth of the Philippines was established (with US approval, of course). Full independence was granted to the Republic of the Philippines by the US on July 4, 1946 — which is also known in the country as Philippine-American Friendship Day. (AJPress)

Celebrating our freedom: PH Independence Day In the United States, Philippine Independence Day has acquired cultural awareness after the dawn of the 21st century. This holiday is celebrated among Filipinos in America and is now a huge event for many FilipinoAmericans to rekindle their origin and heritage. Filipinos around the world come together to celebrate Philippine Independence Day and to create awareness of the Philippine culture. Several main objectives are to raise funds for charity projects in the Philippines and the United States. In Los Angeles, hundreds of Fil-Ams paraded through the Historic Filipinotown district last Saturday, June 4 to kick off Philippine Independence Day festivities happening

throughout the entire month of June. Last Sunday, June 5 was the Philippine Independence Council, Inc.’s (PIDCI) celebration in new York. In spite of the rain, thousands of people — both participants and spectators — walked through Madison Ave. from 36th Street to Madison Park. This new York event is the oldest and biggest community parade and celebration of the Philippine independence outside Manila, which is now in its 34th year. The Philippine American Communities of the East Coast initiated the parade in 1972 on Madison Avenue. Today, that community celebration has become a tradition with the growing generations of Filipinos in the east coast. (AJPress)

Miss Universe is Guest of Honor at Independence Ball nEW YORK – The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) announced that dalagang Filipina (single Filipino) beauty Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the reigning Miss Universe, will

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach

be the Guest of Honor at the Philippine Independence Ball, Friday, June 10 at 7pm at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe Hotel in Teaneck, new Jersey. Continued on Page 7

Immigration Corner

The July 2016 priority dates

An Asian Journal

Magazine

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

September 1, 2005

February 1, 2005

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

FAMILY CATEGORY:

eACH month, the Visa office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the US), you would have to wait until it becomes current again. Beginning last october 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for

First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

Second Preference

(2A) Spouse and minor children (below October 15, 21 years old) of green 2015 card holder

November 15, 2014

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

January 1, 2006

July 1, 2005

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

August 1, 1995

March 1, 1994

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

April 1, 1993

January 1, 1993

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

a green card. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and

Visa Issuance Date

January 1, 2010

February 15, 2009

January 1, 2010

February 15, 2009

does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

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CITIZEN PINOY “LIVE”: “The instant feedback from viewers is the ultimate interactive show” – Atty. Gurfinkel Kapamilya will get to experience once more the special telecast of “Citizen Pinoy” when it went LIVE last Sunday, June 5. The encore presentation will be seen this Sunday, and viewers will see how leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel went all-out in providing answers to those who sent in their questions via phone, skype and Facebook, on the very first live telecast from TFC. It was truly an ultimate expression public service, and because of the overwhelming viewer response, we can expect more innovations for the show in the future, including more opportunities for similar LIVE telecasts. “Follow and like” us on www.Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw for more updates. Atty. Gurfinkel hopes “viewers enjoyed TFC’s first LIVE show as much as I did.” The encore presentation of “Citizen Pinoy Live” – will be seen this Sunday, JUNE 12, at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Citizen Pinoy ‘Live’ was such a huge success, so we’re bringing you an encore telecast this Sunday! “IT was really rewarding to be able to answer viewers’ questions live!” This summarizes how leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel felt after doing two back-to-back live shows for ‘Citizen Pinoy’ on Sunday, June 5, 2016. The

first live telecast was at 3:15pm (seen live at 6:15pm in the east Coast). The second live telecast was at 6:15 PM for the west Coast audiences. The studios at the TFC headquarters in redwood City, CA was abuzz with activity, as viewer questions

came in via phone, Skype and through Facebook messages and comments. This was the first time TFC has ever broadcast a “live” show, and was in keeping with Citizen Pinoy’s goal of public service, Continued on Page 5

‘Town & Country US’ features Fil-Am family in their annual Philanthropy issue Loida Nicolas Lewis and daughters recognized among top US families supporting the arts, education, communities and other charities New York, NY—In their June / July 2016 Family Philanthropy Issue, “Town & Country,” the oldest continually published lifestyle and general interest magazine in the United States – recently featured men and women who grew up and continue to share wealth and influence to make the world a better place. Alongside other American

families who have been giving for generations like the rockefellers, the kennedys and the Lauders, the Lewis family was recognized for continuing reginald F. Lewis’ legacy of generosity. Loida Nicolas Lewis, Leslie Lewis and Christina Lewis Halpern are shown in their Fifth Avenue New York apartment, together with an article that mentioned reginald’s rise

to become the first AfricanAmerican to own a billion-dollar business, when he took over TLC Beatrice International in 1994, and sold it in 2000 for a 35 percent return on investment (Irr). The article also cited his record multi-million dollar donations to Harvard Law and Virginia State, his alma mater. Christina, who calls her father Continued on Page 5

Loida Nicolas Lewis with daughters Leslie Lewis and Christina Lewis Halpern during a dinner with US President Barack Obama at their Manhattan home in May 2015. Photo by Beatrice Moritz Photography

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong As beauty authorities often say: “A beautiful woman has the most probability to explore every possibility but failure sets in the absence of an excellent head on her shoulders.” Realistically, beauty isn’t all that a woman needs to be able to confront what challenges her, or strive on her own when relying mainly on her dazzling physicality. It cannot constantly be an asset either if she lacks the proper intellectual tool….for beauty could be both subjective and a depreciating asset since it fades. It only settles down to one thing: that beauty and brains are relatively indispensable. The Filipinas have been consistently dominating the international beauty pageant scenes whereby firmly establishing their strong hold and capable supremacy in these multi-ethnic beauty competitions. Although the said pageants are more than just physical appearance laced with a purpose-sort-of-ensnaring-slogan, still, self confidence and smartness

Julee Ann Marie Bourgoin: ‘Beauty could be a blessing, an asset, and a curse…’

Julee Ann Marie N. Bourgoin

play the winning keys to grabbing the crown… and Philippine delegates to the field have justifiably played it in an equal footing. Cagayan de Oro City, a first class highly urbanized metropolis in southern Philippines and capital of Misamis Oriental, has consistently contributed its own homegrown beauties to local and international beauty pageants foremost of which are: Miss Global 2nd Runner-up Catherine Almirante, 2015 Miss

Modeling is second nature to Julee

Universe Pia Wurztbach, Miss Earth 2015 semi-finalist Beatrice Alvarez, and lately, its Mutya ng Pilipinas bet last year, Julee Ann Marie Bourgoin. The only child to Cebuana Judith Nemenzo and CanadianAmerican Alan John Bourgoin (French: Bu-gwa), Julee was born in Bantayan Island in Cebu Continued on Page 6

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Vina Morales on Cedric Lee: I had to fight back for my daughter’s sake

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Photo by Kiko Cabuena

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra to stage a one-night only concert at Carnegie Hall By momar

G. Visaya

Saraza recently graduated from the prestigious Juilliard THE Philippine Philharmonic School in New York, and is Orchestra, the leading professional currently pursuing further studies orchestra in the Philippines, will at Yale University make history on June 18 when in Cambridge. they perform at the worldLicad said she started renowned Carnegie Hall in New performing with the PPO when York City. she was an 11-year-old prodigy Presented by the Cultural in the Philippines. She added that Center of the Philippines, this is the she will be performing a favorite, first time a Filipino orchestra will Rachmaninoff #2. perform in the United States. “The piece reminds me of the The project is spearheaded by struggles, it’s like a roller coaster of Music Director/Principal Conductor emotions. I also associate it with Olivier Ochanine, who laid the typhoons, and call it a typhoon groundwork for bringing the material,” Licad said. “It’s about orchestra to Carnegie Hall more what people go through in a than three years ago. typhoon, and then the rainbow “This is the culmination of a comes out, there’s victory and joy long period of work and we’re in the end. It’s a happy ending thrilled that we’re in the last piece.” few days into the performance,” Previous international Ochanine told us earlier this week performances by the Philippine via a Skype interview. “It means a Philharmonic Orchestra have been lot for us to bridge people together in Tokyo (2002), Bangkok (2004), through our music.” Shanghai (2010), Beijing (2011) Community and business as well as various European cities leader Loida Nicolas Lewis, (2001). The Carnegie Hall concert renowned pianist Cecile Licad aims to celebrate the Filipino spirit and Butch Meily (via Skype from through music and bring pride to Manila) also joined the briefing and the multitudes of Filipinos living in they encouraged Filipinos in the both coasts of the country. tri-state to come out and support The concert will also be a the PPO on June 18. fundraiser for victims of typhoon “Consider it as your Father’s Haiyan. Philippine Disaster Relief Day gifts. Bring your dads, Corporation (PDRC) plans to grandfathers, husbands to see this distribute butterfly homes in once in a lifetime show,” Lewis said. Leyte to about 240 to 300 families “Filipinos can expect to listen displaced by the typhoon and to and watch the best of the who are still living in bunkhouses best. This is a once in a lifetime to this day, according to Meily. chance for everyone,” Ochanine “Let us all enjoy the said. “This is also our chance to Philharmonic and Cecile for this expose Filipino talent to the world. world-class event. It’s not often I promise you will be leaving after that we have Cecile here in New the concert feeling special!” York so I am calling on everyone, Licad and violinist Diomedes let us experience her magic,” Lewis Saraza, both first class Filipino added. musicians, are the featured soloists. Ochanine said it took a few Cecile Licad has performed years for this dream project to with the world’s best orchestras, happen because it is tough to including the Chicago Symphony, bring a total of 90 people and all Boston Symphony, Philadelphia their musical instruments from Orchestra, and London Symphony, Manila to New York. They had among many others. Diomedes a hard time gathering enough AJPress

sponsors to shoulder the required expenses. He also lamented the fact that a lot of people still consider classical music as elitist. “People are so quick to spend money on pop music nowadays, which is fine. They think that classical music is elitist, but what they don’t often understand is that classical music is for everybody and ticket prices are among the cheapest,” Ochanine said. “Today, people are so caught up in the five-minute pace society where people can’t focus on a 30-minute symphony or a Rachmaninoff concerto.” The Carnegie Hall concert is made possible in cooperation with Philippine Airlines (the official carrier of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra), Smart Infinity, Rustan Commercial Corporation, One Meralco Foundation, with the support of PLDT Smart Foundation, Federal Land, Inc., Metrobank Card Corporation, Ayala Corporation and Ayala Land, Inc. Coordinated by Event4Good and with the help of non-profit and local organizations namely Filipino American Human Services Inc., JCI Philippine-New York, Foundation for Filipino Artists Inc., Freedom Ladder, Encore Community Services, San Lorenzo Chapel, Parktivity, UN Philippine Cultural Society, Ateneo Alumni Northeast Inc., Siliman University Alumni Association New York– New Jersey, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce New York, Alpha Phi Omega, Children’s Orchestra Society and USPhilippines Society, proceeds from the concert will go to the housing project of the PDRC. Tickets to the Carnegie Hall concert are available through www.carnegiehall.org, CarnegieCharge 212-2477800 and Box Office at 57th and Seventh. Ticket prices are from $22.50 to $130.00

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Photo by Farlet Vale

Citizen Pinoy ‘Live’ was such a huge success... From Page 3 by providing instantaneous, or “real time” responses to viewer questions. Atty. Gurfinkel had a great time, seeing the outpouring of appreciation from the viewers. He was able to see their comments and receive their feedback in

real time via Facebook. And he was randomly picking questions to answer on the live telecast. According to him, “The instant feedback from viewers is the ultimate interactive show.” We look forward to bring more live telecasts in the future. Atty. Gurfinkel’s parting words are “I hope viewers enjoyed

TFC’s first live show as much as I did.” You may follow and like their page on Facebook for more updates. www.facebook.com/ GurfinkelLaw Be sure to catch us the encore presentation of ‘Citizen Pinoy’ Live this Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) — on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

‘Town & Country US’ features... From Page 3 “the greatest entrepreneur of all time,” is certain that if her father were alive today, he would be invested in the fastest-growing tech industry. In honor of her father’s legacy, she started All Star Code – a non-profit initiative to help young, intelligent, and driven men of color gain access to this exciting and dynamic field. An excerpt from the article describes how the Lewis women continue in Reginald’s steps:

“Inspired by his example, his family foundation, led by his wife Loida Lewis and his daughters Leslie Lewis and Christina Lewis Halpern, continues to provide support for those schools and other leading organizations such as the Smithsonian, Teach for America in Baltimore, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, as well as other groups that promote economic and social justice.” “For the past three years a

particular focus has been All Star Code, which provides young men of color an introduction to coding and the subtler tools required to navigate tech culture. “In 1965 my father got into a summer program that led him to Harvard Law School,” says Christina, founder and CEO of All Star Code. “So we tried to see where he’d be heading today, areas of opportunity where young black and brown boys were underrepresented.”

VINA Morales has filed for a motion to suspend the visitation rights of her ex-partner Cedric Lee to their daughter. Vina went to the San Juan Regional Trial Court to file the motion to Judge Cesar Sulit of Branch 162, MJ Felipe reported in the ABS-CBN news program “TV Patrol” on Wednesday, June 8. This was after Cedric allegedly detained their seven-year-old child for nine days, when she was on vacation in France. She recalled her conversation with her daughter that time, and she narrated: “I called the yaya, I spoke to [my daughter] I said, ‘anak, uwi ka na, anak,’ [she said] ‘yes, mommy, I want to go home na but daddy doesn’t want me to go.’” “Then bigla naputol ang usapan namin, ‘yon pala kinuha

niya ang cellphone, pinatay niya,” she added. Vina’s family was able to get back the child last May 23, with the help of their legal counsel Atty. Anna Santiago. “I had to fight for the sake of my daughter,” said Vina about filing the motion. “Alam mo ‘yong taong ayaw mang-away, hindi mahilig mang-away. Matapang ako, pero ayoko ng away.” However, after seeing her daughter emotionally affected about what happened, the Kapamilya singer-actress said, “matututo ka lumaban.” Meanwhile, in a statement sent by Atty. Ricardo Moreno, the legal counsel of Cedric, he said that his client would rather not comment on the motion filed against him. Moreno noted that his client

Vina Morales

will answer all the allegations against him “in the proper forum.” For now, Cedric’s visitation rights were temporarily suspended, and they were given five days to respond to the motion filed against him. (Joyce Jimenez/ Philstar.com)

Elmo Magalona on girlfriend Janine Gutierrez: No conflicts at all By Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

ELMO Magalona denied that there’s conflict between him and girlfriend Janine Gutierrez after they were paired with different love teams of rival networks. Janine is paired with Aljur Abrenica, while Elmo is paired with Janella Salvador. “No conflicts at all. We support each other,” he said in an interview with a group of press on Tuesday. He added that it’s all work for them, and their respective love teams shouldn’t feel awkward in doing romantic scenes for their separate projects. He even immediately informed Janella about his relationship when they first met. Continued on Page 7 Elmo Magalona with Janine Gutierrez

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Part 2 of 2) haLF a lifetime later and half a world away, I have forgotten much about the murdered american soldier. Buried in the mists of time, his story would have remained shelved, tucked away in my memory banks and promptly forgotten until I came across an account of that incident long ago on the internet. Written by Virgilio Lacaba, I read a long, detailed article, perhaps a reprint, on “Strange Occurrences at the UP” and like a flood, everything came rushing back as though it happened yesterday. Weeks after the session, I remember being interviewed for an article in a then popular weekly magazine, Mr. & Ms., by Neni Santa Romana Cruz, a well-known Filipino writer who also happened to be the elder sister of a good friend from St. Scholastica’s College, the kind and gentle Chona Santa Romana, who incidentally and sadly, I learned much later, was herself a tragic victim of murder and domestic foul play, sometime in the late eighties. I had left the country for america by then and lost touch. I do remember that during the interview for the article I have had to be careful in how the story is presented because I was living, working and studying in an academic environment, which by default should place reason and scientific explanation on everything that happens in the world. Paranormal phenomenon is an entirely different ball of wax that supposedly rational beings do not normally subscribe to, something that would raise skeptical brows. Yet I have found that life is not entirely rational, a lot of things don’t make sense and we have only begun to chip away at the great mysteries of life that lay before us. I am thus convinced that quite possibly, I am just one of the multitudes the world over who believe that there are things in the universe that are far beyond the scope of reason and known science to explain and things that are far beyond human intelligence to comprehend fully. Quite plainly, there are things in this world that cannot be defined, completely understood and pegged in a nice, neat box. The curious case of this murdered american soldier reaching out from the grave is

The curious case of Stephen C. davis: a ghost story “…he was no more than a lonely soul whose young life was cut down so suddenly and so tragically one dark moonless night. …” probably one of them. as a postcript decades later, Lacaba updated the account by verifying the information about Stephen davies with the american Battle Monuments Commission (http: //www.abmc.gov/search/ detailwwnew.php). Something may have been lost in the spelling and translation during the sessions, for there were two entries for Stephen davis (there was no e though in the davis) — one was Stephen E. davis, a US air Force officer who was killed in hawaii and whose remains were never recovered and a Stephen C. davis. The latter was listed as Seaman, First Class, U.S. Navy, with Service # 3759920 and that he had entered the service in California. The approximate date of death was december 15, 1945 in Manila, Philippines. davis earned a Purple heart award posthumously. Just like the other davis in hawaii, there were no remains recovered. The name of Stephen C. davis is inscribed in one of the hemicycles on the west side in the american Cemetery near Forbes Park and what used to be Fort Bonifacio, a military camp sold to private real estate developers during the nineteen nineties and now known as The Fort in Global City. There is absolutely no way to verify every minute detail of this cold murder case unless one is a tenacious private investigator with the mixed pedigree of a bloodhound and a bulldog. One thing that comes across clearly, at least to me, is that the ghost of Stephen C. davis, whether real or conjured by hypnotic suggestion, didn’t seem to be obsessed with vengeance or justice although he did seem knowledgeable about his killer’s whereabouts. Underneath the bone-chilling poltergeist tactics his restless soul employed to reach out from beyond the grave, he was no more than a lonely soul whose young life was cut down so suddenly and so tragically one dark moonless night. Stuck in a nebulous, nether world between the living and the world beyond,

Julee Ann Marie Bourgoin...

nothing seemed to be as important to this murdered american soldier as being remembered. It didn’t matter even if the remembrance is by a motley crew of curious, total strangers. With a sigh of relief over the realization that the spirit was neither malevolent nor malicious, Stephen C. davis would probably have to deal with an incensed group of total strangers who would gladly take turns putting their hands around his poltergeist neck and choking him, if they could, for scaring them half to death while using the rest rooms. The ghost simply wanted to call attention to his plight, to being stuck in limbo or trapped in a dimension that defies time and space. Scaring mortals was one heck of a way to do it. If you remember the movie “Ghost” there was one such paranormal being who was practically forced into mentoring Patrick Swayze’s character in the ways of poltergeists. The movie character is a disembodied soul trapped in one dimension. he inhabited a New York subway because he was pushed on the path of a train and died. he was stuck and could not cross over to the other side because his time had not yet come. So he spends his time morosely bent on mischief scaring the living daylights out of subway commuters. Because his approximate death anniversary is supposedly december 15, Stephen C. davis is again reaching out from the grave one more time from another century, so that he may be remembered and included in prayers just once more until he reaches final closure and eternal rest. do pray for him if you can. If Stephen davis’s story holds up, it is clear that to be forgotten as though one’s life didn’t matter is indeed tragic. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

indubitably a justifiable victory,” she said. Normally, once being a From Page 4 Ng Pilipinas. although primarily, the member of the Royal Court of (under the zodiac sign aquarius) tourism executives from Cagayan de Beauties, the prestige that goes supremely endowed with the best Oro City urged her parents’ approval with the title becomes a sufficient passport to effortlessly invest in genes from both parents. already of her candidacy to the Miss CdO a profitable career or snatch a demonstrating indications of being contest but Miss Jean P. Ceasar, an promotion but it was different in a potential beauty queen even influential pageant coordinator, Julee’s case. Innately independent during her young age, Julee had became instrumental in her and adventurous, she anxiously her initial taste of pageantry when joining the national search. It was craved for a more challenging her parents entered her in a baby dennis almazan who polished her contest but profoundly within deportment and related pageantry setting…something that is challenging while capably bringing her, all she dreamt was to be a details before embracing her first out the best in her. at that time, Marine Biologist…after repeatedly ever major competition. she found Camiguin quiet and watching The Little Mermaid and Confidently armed with easy… Manila, rather arrestingly being acclimatized to swimming dedicated focus and unyielding and playing along the beaches of fortitude, Julee, together with thirty different but not enough to pin her down…and the lure of New York her hometown. equally gorgeous girls (nine as But fate had it that she was to overseas delegates) enthusiastically became an ultimate option. Notwithstanding her parents’ tread the path which would lead engaged in a neck-to-neck battle of persuasive appeal to stay, Julee her where crowns and scepters beauty and brains within the fiveleft the Philippines with an are worn. In 2006 when she was week duration of the 47th edition imperturbable heart strappingly barely Grade 1, she bagged the of the contest that culminated on most coveted title of Little Miss august 2, 2015 at the Resorts World armed with a magnificent obsession and a firm decision to succeed in Mambajao (her town in Camiguin) Manila. an alien land with a Bachelor of followed by Miss Teen Summer an early standout, it wasn’t during the town fiesta when she startling when Julee was included in arts in Communication degree she earned from the Liceo de Cagayan was 14. Beauty pageants became the Top 10 and after the grueling Q second nature after her studies: & a (Question and answer) portion, University (2014) neatly stashed under her sleeves. when she was 17 and in second year she remained standing with the Through her mom’s friend college, Julee was crowned Miss rest of the best during the Top Five whose sister lives in Queens, New Mambajao and in the same year she selection…only to feel a bit (yes, a York, Julee easily got a roof over her was honored as Miss Intramurals bit…that was she said) when she head with a new surrounding that First-Runner-up. ended up First Runner-up. her 17th summer gave her “Where did you think you fail or looked already familiar. In a matter of just two more opportunities to broaden her where were you short of?” I curiously months coupled with occasional horizon in beauty competitions. queried, and she replied with an homesickness and day-to-day In 2002, she reigned as Mutya ng instantaneously all set answer. undemanding adjustments, Julee Buahanan (Lanzones / Lansium “I guess, despite my brief but feels like a true-blooded New Yorker. domesticum), a prestigious title that substantial response, the judges Strangely enough, she feels like entails the obligatory promotion of weren’t satisfied or completely having lived here during her past the island’s world renowned sweet convinced with how I answered life as every nook and cranny invite tropical fruit that Camiguin has the question: What is the one word familiarity. been widely identified with. that you can give to describe the Currently employed waiting In april of 2003, the already Philippines?” Julee replied in a voice tables in the Upper Eastside in developed beauty with a lofty devoid of any tone of regret. Manhattan with another similar job height and spindleshank frame “amazing!” She blurted out. waiting to start with anytime this became Cagayan de Oro’s delegate “That was the word that first came week, Julee has only eyes keenly to the annual Miss PRISaa (Private to my mind. But after having given focused on working, saving, and Schools athletic association) in my rationale, I thought of ‘Family’ broadening her knowledge through Tagum City, davao where she but it was rather late. The latter taking another course with the most brought home the First Runner-up could have had a much stronger title. bearing since I was about to say that in-demand employment. “I might also consider my Julee’s unswerving visibility the Philippines is home to me and friends’ prodding of exploring the on the ramp and pageant stage my family is my home.” modeling scene although I feel I’m plus her developed skills in public “But in all fairness to the major a bit heavy at the moment. after relations, composite projection, and winner, Leren Mae Magnaye shedding off a few pounds and a self-confidence easily earned the Bautista, she came home from little more training why not? after nod of local pageant organizers to the international competition all, it was this field that actually make her the region’s representative with the title, Miss Tourism Queen made who I am… after having to the national selection of Mutya International 2015…it was

Meeting world- renowned fashion designer, Francis Libiran

By Monet

Lu

I had the pleasure of meeting this fashion guru at the Golden Globe awards two years ago. he and Business Manager arsi Baltazar were there. and I-being-me, I wouldn’t pass up the rare chance of meeting them. Thanks to my friends, Janet and Ruben Nepales who invited me to the event that such an opportunity was made possible. It was a brief but memorable chat. arsi and Francis were both very nice and casual. Francis is as jovial and accommodating as I perceived him to be. It would have been great to hang out much longer and bond with them, but we all didn’t have the luxury of time to talk all night. It’s been two years but I will not forget meeting this very talented person. I hear a lot of wonderful things about Francis. he is truly one of Philippine’s pride glory—and guess what, he’s just getting started. Francis Libiran after his ascension to play of electronic and projected prominence from becoming a lights added even more panache featured designer on “america’s to the fashion creations, which Next Top Model British Invasion,” were presented with an incredible Francis continues to awe the both symphony of music and light local and international followers. and water fountain show that his fabulous hello Kitty Couture matched the models’ runway Collection was featured in the april 2012 episode of “aNTM” and caught choreography.” In an article written about him the eyes of Tyra Banks herself, by Rachelle Cruz, she wrote: “This bringing the latter to wear Francis’ architect-turned-fashion designer creations. presented his 50-piece collection Because of his international at the CPFW Fashion Ball at the success, clients from high society Fairmont Royal York in Toronto on and even the biggest stars of June 14, during a beautiful charity showbiz are a fan of his creations. gala dinner for The Kol hope he designed Megan Young’s gown Foundation for Children.” when he competed for Miss World Francis also stunned the fashion in 2013, as well as Pauline Luna’s world when he made use of purely wedding gown. his latest project Filipino fibers such as pineapple, I heard is with GMa Fantaserye, banana and embellishments “Encantadia” where he designed the “fairy-tale-worthy” gowns of the such as mother of pearl when he launched his ‘100 Collection’ he was female lead characters. also the highlight in the very first a fusion of classic fabrics, Canada Philippine Fashion Week in dazzling beads, and textured Toronto, Canada in June 2013 held accents are Francis’ trademark. he at the Roy Thomson hall. infuses a distinct and exceptional There is no stopping this character to every garment he creative genius in bringing pride to creates – whether for couture our country. gowns, weddings, suits, or In his online bio, a number of corporate wear – making “Francis accomplishments were listed as Libiran” brand a top choice among well, such as: being voted by Metro a-listers. Magazine, as their ’Metrowear a futuristic-themed fashion show was also held at the Century Icon’ for 2013, he was also the lone representative of the Philippines in Mall in 2014 which featured a the annual fashion show in Tokyo, visual spectacle of models in Japan, the Sakura Collection held at geometric pieces that are almost the Tokyo Tower where he perfectly architectural in structure. The executed his own rendition of show was titled, “Fashion of the Century,” which showcased Francis Japan’s National dress, the Kimono, infused with the Philippines’ Maria Libiran’s captivating designs. Clara which became the mostThe writer wrote and I quote, “a

applauded collection during the festival. The online profile also stated that a TV Special dedicated to him was aired on national television via the Lifestyle Network. Francis Libiran drew inspiration from his trip to Bangalore, India where he was captivated by the design details of the famous Bangalore Palace and the vibrant colors of its interior design. I could go on and on about how amazing Francis Libiran is and still the adjectives would be an understatement of his fashion authority, as well as his dedication. I wish I could still get another chance to know him and learn from him, most of all. For now, I am just as honored to have met him. I was also happy to learn that he is in a very happy relationship with a lucky man named, Christian Mark. I sincerely wish for their happiness. and in behalf of the Beauty & Fashion industry in this side of the world, I thank you, Francis Libiran for sharing your talent, making us proud to be Filipinos. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning 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 allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Sharon Cuneta loses 50 lbs.

ShaRON Cuneta shows off her smaller figure. On Monday, June 6, Sharon posted a photo of her on Facebook after losing 50 lbs. “I feel I’ve lost about 50 lbs. now but am still not satisfied,” she said on the caption. “a little bit more to lose and I’ll be back to my pre-Miel shape!” When the Megstar was introduced as the new “The Voice Kids” coach in april, she announced that she’s working on her weight as preparation for her upcoming film which will be shot in august. (Joyce Jimenez/Philstar.com)

Photo from Karlie Kloss’s Twitter account

Elmo Magalona on girlfriend... From Page 5 “That’s the first thing na sinabi ko ‘to her,” he recalled his first meeting with his new love team. “Sinabi ko sa kanya na there’s nothing to be worried about because on my part, ako na mismo nag-open and I did what I had to do na.”

Elmo will star in the upcoming primetime TV series “Born for You” together with Janella. Since the Kapamilya actress was first paired with Marlo Mortel, Elmo understands that they have fans who find it hard to welcome their team up. despite this, he chose to

remain positive and just focus on their goal which is “to serve them this very lovely story and sana ma-in love ang mga tao kila Kevin at Sam.” “Born for You” will start airing on June 20, replacing “The Story of Us” in the aBS-CBN primetime block.

modeled in print and ramp back home,” she said. Unbeknownst to many, even among her co-candidates, the reluctant beauty queen suffered from aIS (adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis) and had undergone a corrective surgery of her spine in 2012 (three years before Mutya Ng Pilipinas) that normalized her posture and free from possible serious medical condition. The cause was unknown since there wasn’t from any side of her family that suffered from such case and it was ruled out to be due to her wrong postural habit brought about by her height and strenuous activities.

Incidentally, what has she to say about being beautiful. “Beauty, per se, is actually something that pleases the eyes and excites the soul. It brings an ethereal kind of feeling that brightens and enlightens everything. But not everything beautiful could be a blessing…yes, oftentimes, beauty could be an asset but there were cases when that same blessing could turn into a curse. hopefully, the beauty that I was blessed with will be an asset and far from being a curse,” the gorgeous-looking beauty elucidates in well-chosen words in a graceful attempt to prove her point.

Young, beautiful, intellectually capacitated, and gutsy, Julee ann Marie Bourgoin isn’t in a rush to get into a serious commitment. “Not in the near future… no, not yet,” she instantly reacted when queried about her lovelife. “I want to enjoy my life as a free soul. I want to travel and explore the world. I have huge dreams I wanted to realize and take pleasure in due time. I’ve just started to establish my life…that will come even sans concentration. I have a wide open world with limitless possibilities and options,” she concluded. For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com.

An Asian Journal

Joy and nostalgia await UP Reunion The 2016 U.P. General Alumni homecoming promises to be an affair filled with delightful entertainment and wistful memories. Graduates of the University of the Philippines, especially the Jubilarians – Diamond (Class of 1956), Golden (Class of 1966), Ruby (Class of 1976), and Silver (Class of 1991) – will converge at 3:00 p.m. on June 25, 2016, at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman campus, Quezon City, for the milestone event. The reunion is held yearly under the auspices of the UP Alumni Association (UPAA). In line with tradition, the

homecoming will likewise honor the UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awardees, UP graduates who have made outstanding achievements in their careers while serving their communities and society in general. heading the list are Dr. David M. Consunji and Ms. Amina Rasul-Bernardo. The Jubilarian classes will go onstage with their respective cultural presentations for the entertainment of the homecoming participants – to demonstrate that they, especially the more elderly alumni, still have “what it takes.” Other entertainers will be in the person of highly talented

UP alumni, topbilled by Gerphil Flores, 2013 “Asia’s Got Talent” first runner-up, and the UP Street Dance, UAAP Street Dance Competition Season 78 champions. A ticket to the 2016 UP Alumni homecoming is priced at PhP1,500.00 and entitles the holder to dinner, a complimentary copy of the 2016 UP General Alumni homecoming Yearbook, and raffle prizes. Tickets are available at the UPAA Secretariat, 2nd Floor, Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman, Quezon City; telephones 920-6868 and 9206871; mobile 0917-8372098.

Reality-magazine TV show for Fil-Ams to air on June 11 eAST Coast Fil-Ams are a forgotten demographics as far as media is concerned. The concentration of TV content is mostly on the West Coast where many early FilipinoAmericans had migrated. With this in mind, a group of professionals is set to launch a reality-magazine format TV show to premiere in The Filipino Channel (TFC) on June 11 on 12:30 p.m. eST. iAmFiLAm, produced by IQ Creative Media, will be hosted by three fresh new faces, led by Jessy Daing. Daing, one of the executive producers, is the brains behind the program. hardworking and fiercely entrepreneurial, she has an online store Jessy Couture on Facebook where she sells authentic luxury handbags and jewelries. She currently works as an Assistant Project Manager in a NYC public benefit corporation. Maita Lockhart is a FilArab-American who grew up in Pasay City. She came to the U.S. in 1995, went to school in London in 2007, back to the Philippines in 2011, and made New York City home in 2014 when she began to work in a top accounting firm as a tax manager. Alain echem, a singer and former member of the OPM band Frio, is the male co-host.

This Queens resident works full-time in a bank. “The population of Filipinos on the east Coast has exponentially risen and we feel that it is the perfect time to launch this project,” said Daing in a statement. “It is important for North American Filipinos to realize that the east Coast Filipino community is as strong as the West Coast. The east (specifically New York) can be rough and tough but it is where dreams are made of and dreams can be conquered if you fight for it.” head writer Angelito “JV” Valino Jr. said Filipinos are known for their ‘can-do’ fighting spirit and have the potential to grow and be successful anywhere in the world. “They just need to keep their focus and motivation,” he said. “One of the main reasons we created this show is to keep them motivated and positive throughout their journey.” The show’s director, known only as ACN, shared how the show got its start. “It began with a phone call and a crazy idea. Jessy and I were talking a couple of months ago and we started to dream that we can start a Filipino television show on the east Coast. Luckily, when the opportunity rose and east Coast was still untouched

by TFC, we immediately grabbed the opportunity. “We formed a group of seven inexperienced people to form our crew. They were all newbies but they had talent. I knew this will be tough but I never expected it to be very hard.” The team’s initial meetings were done digitally through Google hangout and Viber. “I was in Manila back then, me and the team had to adjust to the time difference in every video conference we held. There were a lot of sacrifice from all of us, including the hosts, but we knew if we kept pushing we would ultimately succeed,” the director said. executive Producers Marcos Sicat and Gerda Pelayo-Sicat helped the dream become reality. The couple and Jessy are combining their resources as they created IQ Creative Media production company. Said Daing, “They believed in us and in our project. They knew the idea was crazy but still laid down all of their cards to help us. It was really heartwarming. They were the sail on our boat that kept us from crashing and helped us reach our intended destination.” iAmFiLAm airs Saturdays on TFC at 12:30 p.m. eST / 9:30 a.m. PST

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PAL clears up incident with supermodel Karlie Kloss INTeRNATIONAL supermodel and former Victoria’s Secret angel Karlie Kloss lashed out at Philippine Airlines (PAL) through social media on Monday, June 6 after missing her flight. The 23-year-old didn’t go into details about her complaint, but the incident did warrant a social media tirade that went viral. The supermodel posted on her snapchat saying, “No one flys Philippines Airlines… and now I know why.” Posting the same photo on twitter with the caption, “@flyPAL has the WORST CUSTOMeR SeRVICe OF ALL TIMe. Most BUDGeT AIRLINe. Rude & disrespectful. Shame on You @flyPAL” Kloss posted other several videos on Snapchat where in she talked about missing her flight and approaching PAL’s customer service – which is where the problem started. The supermodel was not happy with the assistance given to her. “I travel international on a weekly basis and I have never had a worse customer experience than I have tonight. Thanks Philippine Airlines,” she said in a Snapchat video. PAL took notice of her complaint and reached out to the supermodel through twitter saying, “@karliekloss hi, Karlie. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and the disappointment you felt. Please send us your ticket details.” PAL then released a statement on Wednesday, June 8, saying the supermodel was actually late for her flight. “Flight departure time was at 12:15 am and counters closed at 11:15 pm. Ms. Kloss arrived at 11:40

pm, We are sorry to hear that Ms. Karlie Kloss was unable to board our PAL flight from New York to Vancouver (PR127),” PAL shared on Tuesday, June 7. “As a matter of policy, the PAL check-in counters at JFK (John F. Kennedy) International Airport close one hour before estimated time of departure,” it added. PAL also stated that it has already explained their protocol to supermodel Karlie Kloss and is handling the situation accordingly. “We are happy to note that

Photo from Karlie Kloss’s Twitter account

Ms. Kloss has gracefully responded to PAL’s initial communication. The airline has likewise sent her a formal letter stating that there was no deliberate intention to cause her any disservice,” PAL said in a statement sent to GMA News Online. “To show the heart of the Filipino, we are extending her assistance to facilitate the refund of her unused ticket or to facilitate the rebooking of her flight. PAL will be pleased to serve Ms. Kloss’ travel needs in the future,” PAL also stated. (AJPress)

Miss Universe is Guest of Honor... From Page 2 Pia won the Miss Universe title this year to the joy of her kababayan, both in her native Philippines and the everburgeoning Filipino diaspora. The annual Philippine Independence Ball is the

culminating event of this year’s 118th anniversary commemoration of the declaration of Philippine Independence. Climax of this year’s commemoration took place the whole day last Sunday in

the center of New York City, highlighted by three major events of the many-months, multi-event celebration – the all-day Independence Day Street Fair, the Independence Day Parade and the afternoon Cultural Festival.

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JuNE 10, 2016