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Volume 10 – Issue 25 • 16 Pages
JUNE 17-23, 2016 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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Duterte to Robredo: I want a separate inauguration by DJ
Yap Inquirer.net
IN yet another break from tradition, President-elect rodrigo Duterte has told incoming Vice President Leni robredo he wants to have separate oath-taking ceremonies on June 30, her aide said on thursday, June 16. signaling the lack of warmth in relations between the two incoming officials, Duterte, who has shown no interest in appointing robredo to a Cabinet post, has told her team he does not want
her in malacañang for the presidential inauguration. “We were informed by the team of President-elect rody Duterte about their preference to hold the inauguration separately,” the head of robredo’s transition team, Boyet Dy, said in a statement. “While we have been preparing for a joint inauguration, we respect the decision and will begin our own preparations for a simple and modest ceremony,” Dy said. the outgoing Camarines sur
representative will take her oath in a still unspecified location in metro manila before ronaldo Coner, chair of Barangay Punta tarawal, Calabanga, the “smallest, farthest and poorest” village in her province, her aides said. No force, effect? But Agapito rosales, a retired provincial prosecutor, said a barangay official had jurisdiction only within his village and the oath that Coner would administer in manila would have “no force and effect.” If robredo wants to take her
oath before Coner, the ceremony must be done at Punta tarawal, rosales said. By tradition, the Vice President-elect takes his/her oath of office moments before the President-elect does. the 1987 Constitution mandates that the President be sworn into office at noon of June 30 but is silent on where this is to take place. Duterte has opted for a quick and frugal ceremony at malacañang, dispensing with elaborate rites at Quirino Grandstand,
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President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and incoming Vice President Leni Robredo.
PH condemns execution of Canadian hostage
USA
DATELINE Filipino bakery workers win $15.2-M case against employers, awarded T visas from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
fILIPINo workers, who prevailed in a yearlong legal battle against the owners of a french bakery in southern California, now have temporary authorization to live and work in the Us. After winning a $15.2 million case against the owners of the now shuttered L’Amande Bakery (which had locations in torrance and Beverly hills), the 11 plaintiffs have been awarded t visas, which allow victims of human trafficking to temporarily live and work in the United states.
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NAFCON: Fil-Ams welcome peace efforts of incoming Duterte administration
tWo weeks before his inauguration, Philippine President-elect rodrigo Duterte follows through with his campaign promise to continue the peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPh) and the National Democratic front of the Philippines (NDfP), which were stalled for four years under the Aquino administration. A 3-day exploratory meeting is currently
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Abu Sayyaf says killing was for Duterte by Christina
M. Oriel
AJPress
CABINET MEETING. Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte had a three-hour meeting with his Cabinet at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay on Wednesday night, June 15. Duterte has reminded his incoming Cabinet members to ensure that his administration would not be tainted with corruption or they would be answerable to him for their misdeeds. Philstar.com photo
Senators, military official: ‘Martial law is the answer’ by Fernan
anD
Marasigan JeFFersOn antipOrDa ManilaTimes.net
some senators are open to a proposal to declare martial law in certain areas in mindanao to stop the Abu sayyaf Group (AsG) from sowing terror and taking hostages for ransom. A military official also said declaring martial law in Abu sayyaf lairs will enable the military to go after the bandits and their supporters in full force. senator Vicente sotto III told the manila times on Wednesday, June 15, he is willing to support the proposal to impose
martial law in areas in mindanao if that will help resolve the Abu sayyaf problem. “I have no objections. I will agree,” sotto said. Incoming sen. Panfilo Lacson, who once served as head of the Philippine National Police, also said he is open to the idea. he said he is willing to join a move granting additional powers to incoming President rodrigo Duterte for him to solve the problem posed by the jihadists from the Abu sayyaf group who beheaded another Canadian hostage–robert hall–early this week.
the group executed hall after their demand for a P600-million ransom was not met. A senior military official said declaring martial law in areas where the terror group holds sway will enable the Armed forces of the Philippines to crush the rebel group. “Declare martial law. Tama yun, di ba ang sinasabi ko sa inyo kung gusto ninyong malutas kaagad, total control ng military at gawin lahat ng solutions [Declare martial law. that is the right thing to do. If you want the problem solved, there should be total military control],”
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IsLAmIst militant group Abu sayyaf beheaded a Canadian national after the ransom payment deadline passed, the Philippine government said on tuesday, June 14. A man’s severed head was found in a plastic bag near a Catholic cathedral in the southern island of Jolo on monday night, June 13. the Philippine military’s Western mindanao Command confirmed that it belonged to robert hall, a 50-year-old Canadian who had been under the captivity of the Abu sayyaf since last september. the beheading was reportedly captured in a one-minute, 35-second video, the New York Times said. the militant group demanded a P600 million payment by the 3 p.m. deadline on monday, which both the Philippine and Canadian governments refused to meet. In a statement, Presidential Communications secretary herminio Coloma, Jr. said the Phil-
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UN rights chief warns Duterte vs Clint Ramos wins Tony Award for Costume Design encouraging violence, bounty offers by MOMar
by CaMille
DiOla Philstar.com
mANILA—Incitement to violence and offer of bounties for the killing of suspected criminals are outdated steps and are prohibited under conventions the Philippines has signed, the United Nations’ human rights body reminded incoming President rodrigo Duterte. high Commissioner for human rights Zeid ra’ad Al hussein said in a global update released tuesday, June 14 that Duterte can reconsider initiatives that tend to violence and violate international law. “I remind the incoming President of the Philippines that international law, which is “I remind the incoming President of the binding on his administration, requires him to Philippines that international law, which is protect the rights of all his people, including binding on his administration, requires him to journalists, civil society activists and human protect the rights of all his people, including rights defenders who expose malfeasance,” journalists, civil society activists and human rights defenders who expose malfeasance,” Zeid said. Duterte’s camp last week, responding to said High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.
g. VisaYa
AJPress
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NeW YorK—Clint ramos made history on sunday, June 12 when he won the tony Award for Best Costume Design in a Play, becoming the fourth filipino to win the coveted award and the first person of color to win in his category. this year marks a milestone, the 70thyear of the Antoinette Perry Awards, more famously known as tony Awards. ramos won for his work in eclipsed, penned by the Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira and starring Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o. he was nominated along with Jane Greenwood (Long Day’s Journey Into Night), michael Krass (Noises off) and tom scutt (King Charles III). “from one to Pia Wurtzbach, I would say I was a six,” a playful Clint told us when asked about his confidence level
on sunday evening. “I did not expect to win. I thought the British guy was going to win. my mother mentioned a survey that he was the one favored to win but I didn’t want to pay attention. Nakaka-nerbiyos na eh.” that feeling of uncertainty made the victory sweeter for Clint, who wished he was more prepared when he went onstage to receive his award. his category was among the first awards to be given last sunday and he was chatting with David Zinn who won the tony for Best set Design for a Play (the humans) when his name was called. “It caught me by surprise. I got up there, managed to say a couple of thank yous and as I looked at the crowd, I saw oprah who was smiling and I went blank,” Clint said. “I was really overwhelmed. I don’t think I ever considered in my own reality that I’d see myself up on that stage receiv-
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Clint Ramos
AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
A JUNE 17-23, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
From the Front Page
Duterte to Robredo: I want a separate…
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where some of the previous Presidents have taken their oaths, including outgoing President Aquino. Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, a close friend handpicked by Duterte to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, said it was up to Duterte whether to have the Vice President-elect with him at his inauguration. Alvarez, speaking at the Meet Inquirer Multimedia forum on Tuesday, said Robredo’s role in the incoming Duterte administration would not go beyond what was stated in the Constitution. COURTESY CALL. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Monday met with Ambassadors Philip Goldberg of the United States, Asif Ahmad of Limited role the United Kingdom, and Thomas Ossowski of Germany at the so-called Malacañang of the south. Goldberg, Ahmad, and Ossowski paid “Well, her role is specifically their courtesy calls on Duterte separately at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) compound in Davao City. The details provided for in the Constitution of the closed-door talks have yet to be disclosed. as the Vice President. We will not go far from that. It’s not proper that the Vice President would not have any role at all,” he said. ment units and the Department of solutions,” he pointed out. His remark implies, however, PAGE A1 t the official who requested ano- Interior and Local Government. According to him, it is easy for that Robredo’s role will be limnymity, said. The official said his idea is the Abu Sayyaf rebels to hide be- ited to being Duterte’s succesHe added that a state of martial similar to what former President cause they only have to conceal sor, as the Constitution does not law should be limited to known Gloria Arroyo did in 2009 when their firearms and blend with the specify the Vice President’s funclairs of the ASG. she declared martial law in Ma- community. tions except that he or she “may The jihadists have strongholds guindanao province after the He explained that the martial be appointed as a member of the in Sulu and Basilan provinces in massacre of 57 people in Am- law he is proposing is different southern Mindanao. patuan town. from what former President FerIf martial law is put in place, The declaration suspended the dinand Marcos declared in 1972. the official said, the military writ of habeas corpus in the prov“It’s not like that. Napaka-pro- PAGE A1 t would also be able to go after lo- ince except “for certain areas.” fessional na ng Armed Forces, ippine government condemned cal government officials conspirThe writ suspension autho- pagdudahan nyo pa [Your Armed “the brutal and senseless muring with the rebel group. rized the military to make arrests Forces are so professional, do der” of Hall. “Kasi ang local government even without court orders. not doubt us],” the official said. “We truly regret that our ang tumutulong sa mga kalaban, But the official said strong po“Pagtiwalaan ninyong gawin people’s cherished tradition of alam nyo naman yun [The local litical will is needed to put an end [namin], hindi naman yan [mar- extending gracious hospitalgovernment is helping the en- to the Abu Sayyaf problem. tial law] aabot ng Maynila [Trust ity toward foreign nationals has emy]. The local government is “We can only make recom- us. It will not reach Manila],” he been marred by a small band of the one making this issue grow mendations but we are not the added. criminals,” Coloma added. in perpetuity, sino nagne-negoti- government, we are just part of Incoming PNP chief Ronald Hall was abducted by the miliate? Di ba sila [They are the ones the government. So do not always Dela Rosa has also said he would tant group from a resort in Samal negotiating, aren’t they]? Who is look at the military as the provid- support the declaration of martial Island last year along with three in charge of the LGUs? DILG,” er of solutions. The military is not law if it would lead to the neutral- other individuals, John Ridsdel, a he said, referring to local govern- being capacitated to provide the ization of the terrorist group. n Canadian former mining executive, Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad and a Filipina named Marites Flor. “Criticism of people in power is could lead to widespread vioPAGE A1 t Ridsdel was executed last April a statement of UN Secretary- not a crime. However, incitement lence and chaos,” Zeid said. 25, five hours after the deadline General Ban Ki Moon against to violence, and extrajudicial asThe human rights official, who for to pay the P300 million ranthe president-elect’s apparent sassination, are crimes and are was appointed president of the som passed. Two unidentified endorsement of extrajudicial prohibited under multiple con- UN Security Council in 2014, men riding a motorcycle dropped killings, insisted that the leader ventions to which the Philippines also expressed disapproval of his severed head in the streets of was misunderstood. Duterte’s has acceeded,” he said. plans to reinstate capital punish- Barangay Walled City, Jolo, acspokesperson, Salvador Panelo, Zeid also took a shot at ment in the Philippines. cording to reports. said Ban’s statement was based Duterte’s proposal to offer boun“I urge the Government to The Abu Sayyaf said that the on misleading reports. ties for vigilantes to murder reconsider such initiatives, and group beheaded Hall to prove a Still, Zeid echoed Ban’s stance suspected crooks and Duterte’s to refrain from its plans to rein- point to incoming President Roand defended the journalism “encouragement of extrajudicial troduce the death penalty, in a drigo Duterte, who has vowed to profession, noting which crimes killings by security forces.” country which has been a lead- curb militant activity in the Philare defined under international “[These are] massive and dam- ing force in the campaign to end ippines. convention. aging steps backwards which the practise,” Zeid said. n “Para kay Duterte, ang bagong
Senators, military official: ‘Martial law…
Cabinet.” “It’s optional on the part of the President,” Alvarez said. Alvarez seemed stumped when asked if Robredo’s membership in the Liberal Party (LP), the erstwhile ruling party, had something to do with Duterte’s apparent reluctance to give her an important role in his administration. “I don’t know. I think that question is best addressed to the President,” he said. Robredo was the running mate of LP standardbearer Mar Roxas, who frequently tussled with Duterte during the campaign. In a previous interview, Duterte cited his friendship with Robredo’s defeated rival, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as one of his reasons for not giving her a place in his Cabinet. A first This is the first time the two top officials of the land will be sworn into office separately. The late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, after declaring the country under martial law in 1972, did not have a Vice President for 13 years, until he called for snap elections in February 1986.
On Feb. 16, 1986, Marcos’ running mate, Arturo Tolentino, took his oath as Vice President in Malacañang before Chief Justice Ramon Aquino. After the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, Corazon Aquino and Salvador Laurel took their oaths of office on Feb. 25, 1986, at Club Filipino in San Juan. Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph Estrada were sworn into office together at Rizal Park, while Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took their oaths at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan. Estrada’s presidency was cut short by another people power uprising. On Jan. 20, 2001, Arroyo was alone when she took her oath as President before Chief Justice Hilario Davide. She later nominated Teofisto Guingona Jr. as the Vice President, and he was sworn into office on Feb. 9, 2001. Upon her reelection, Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro took their oaths of office in Cebu City on June 30, 2004. President Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay also took their oaths of office at Quirino Grandstand on June 30, 2010. n
PH condemns execution of Canadian…
UN rights chief warns Duterte vs encouraging…
A still image captured from video footage of the kidnappers and their victims is shown in this SITE Intelligence Group video made available to Reuters. On Monday, June 13, intelligence reports said the Abu Sayyaf has beheaded Canadian Robert Hall (second from left).
presidente, ito ay alamin mo kung ano gagawin namin sa Canadian (This is for Duterte, the new president. This is for you to know what we will do to the Canadian),” Abu Raami, a spokesperson for the group told Inquirer on Monday. Last month, SITE Intelligence, a jihadist monitoring group, reported that Hall, Sekkingstad and Flor appeared in a video addressed to Duterte. The incoming president previ-
ously told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that he would curb militant activity in the Philippines. “You can rest assured that when the time comes, we will be able to apprehend the criminals and exact justice,” Duterte told Trudeau, according to CNN. As of press time, Duterte has not released a formal statement in response to the execution. Incoming presidential spokes-
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(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com
From the Front Page
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 17-23, 2016
A
Clint Ramos wins Tony Award for…
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25 YEARS AFTER THE BLAST. Drivers and crews of 4×4 all-terrain vehicles revisit a lahar watch point in the hinterlands of Porac, Pampanga province, to mark the 25th anniversary of Mt. Pinatubo’s massive eruption in 1991. Inquirer.net photo by Tonette Orejas
Filipino bakery workers win $15.2-M case…
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The arrangement was made possible through the collaboration between the advocacy group Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles and the office of House Rep. Ted Lieu, who represents California’s 33rd congressional district. “They used to call us trafficked workers, but now you can also call us survivors,” said Romar Cunanan, a former employee of L’Amande, at a press event hosted by Advancing Justice - Los Angeles on Thursday, June 9. The victims said they were lured to work in the US by Analiza Moitinho de Almeida, who had owned the L’Amande bakeries along with her husband, Goncalo. The Filipino nationals
entered the US legally with E-2 guest worker visas, then were subjected to harsh conditions shortly after they arrived. According to court documents, the bakery employees were paid as little as $3 per hour, endured 12-hour or more workdays for extended periods without days off, were made to sleep on floors, and were regularly demeaned and intimidated by the Almeidas. “I once asked Ana, ‘Ma’am, could you please treat us like human beings?,’” said former L’Amande employee, Gina Pablo. “She said ‘who are you to say that? You are just a maid.’” Workers who wanted to stop working for the Almeidas were told they would be deported and
PH condemns execution…
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person Salvador Panelo said the beheading was to “taunt to the present administration.” “If they do that during the administration of Duterte, then that could be a challenge to him [Duterte], but not now,” he said, adding that the new president “will not tolerate or condone the illegality in this country.” Calling it “another difficult day for Canada,” Trudeau said the country is committed to working with the Philippines to make sure these “heinous acts” are stopped and that those responsible are brought to justice. The prime minister added that Canada will continue its policy to
not pay ransom for hostages because doing so “would endanger the lives of more Canadians.” “Canada will not give into their fear mongering tactics and despicable attitude toward the suffering of others,” he said. The Abu Sayyaf — which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) — reportedly still has seven hostages, including Sekkingstad and Flor. Flor’s family is hopeful that Duterte can help save her life. “There is still hope for my daughter and the other victims. I am pleading Duterte to please do everything to save them,” Flor’s mother, Flordelisa, told Inquirer. n
President-elect Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte’s chosen peace panel on Tuesday began its informal meeting with Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) headed by Jose Ma. Sison in Oslo, Norway. Photo from Jesus Dureza / Facebook
NAFCON: Fil-Ams welcome…
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taking place in Oslo, Norway between the NDFP representatives and Duterte’s incoming peace advisers. The two parties are discussing draft documents on the release of political prisoners, an interim ceasefire, and a plan to accelerate the peace negotiations that are anticipated to be signed as official agreements as early as next month after Duterte assumes office. Filipino-Americans fervently welcome and support these initiatives in tackling the Filipino people’s urgent issues. Poverty, landlessness, and joblessness have long plagued the Philippines. Yet the Philippine government has historically made no genuine effort to address the root causes of these issues. It has merely instituted band-aid solutions such as the Labor Export Policy, which forces Filipinos to migrate and look for work abroad due to the lack of jobs and opportunities in their home country. Without the political will to resist international trade agreements and policies benefiting only the multinational corporations that exploit the natural resources of the country, the Philippine government cannot enact real change. Without nationalist and pro-people values informing the work of legislators and government officials, politicians will continue to treat government as a cash cow instead of a vehicle to provide services to the Filipino people. Filipinos have unceasingly been forced to seek accountability from the Philippine government. We saw this in Kidapawan last April, where thousands of farmers and indigenous Lumad
starving from drought protested for the release of calamity relief only to be met by bullets by government forces. The outpouring of support and donations of sacks of rice from Filipinos around the world, including celebrities like Robin Padilla, Nora Aunor, Monique Wilson, and Aiza Seguerra, highlight the strong collective spirit of the Filipino people on the one hand and the detestable lack of services they receive from their own government on the other. It is in this context that Fil-Ams view the resumption of the peace talks — to truly address the causes of the Filipino people’s suffering. NAFCON strongly supports and advocates for the resumption of peace talks and release of political prisoners as first steps in fulfilling the people’s clamor for a just and equitable Philippines. We welcome Duterte’s actions to seriously follow through with his pronouncements, and we urge him to honor the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and other previously signed agreements with the NDFP, and to ultimately reach a comprehensive and detailed agreement with the NDFP that would resolve the root causes of societal ills in the Philippines. NAFCON calls upon all peaceloving Filipinos, Fil-Ams, and allies to launch public forums on the people’s priorities for the next presidential administration and to engage in actions in support of genuine peace talks and the release of political prisoners as an act of goodwill. To learn more about the peace talks, please email info@nafconusa.org. (NAFCON)
would each have to pay back $1,000 in immigration fees. None of the guest workers acknowledge ever making that kind of agreement. Cunanan said that he had been in the US for seven months before ever hearing of his supposed debts. The workers also alleged that the Almeidas also threatened to use their political connections in the Philippines to harm the former L’Amande workers’ families living there. “I’m still afraid for my other daughter [still in the Philippines],” former L’Amande employee Ermita Alabado told the Asian Journal. “It’s safer here. In the Philippines, P20,000 [approximately. $434] would be
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ing a Tony Award.” Only three Filipinos have won the Tony – Lea Salonga for her Miss Saigon performance in 2001, Robert Lopez for Avenue Q in 2004 and Book of Mormon in 2011 and Jhett Tolentino (with his partner Joann Raffe) in 2014 for being co-producers of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” (Best Musical), “A Raisin in the Sun” (Best Revival of a Play, which starred Denzel Washington) and in 2013, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” (Best Play). The Tony statuette will stay in their apartment for now, he said, on the top shelf along with the other awards that he has amassed through the years. “I love, adore and respect you! So excited for this win for you!! You are a consummate artist to me,” Eclipsed creator Gurira tweeted when Clint’s name was announced as the winner. Team Ramos We bumped into Clint a few hours after the awards telecast at the Tony Gala held at The Plaza Hotel. He said he was still floating from the euphoria of the win. At that point, he was just letting it sink in. “It’s unbelievable that it happened,” he said, in between bites of sliders. A few moments later, we passed through where his team was camped out. Team Ramos had his mom, Atty. Linda Boiser-Ramos, his sister Regina, his husband Jason and his husband’s parents, David and Bunny Moff.
A practicing lawyer in Cebu, Atty. Ramos is ecstatic about this incredible and historic win. “Masayang masaya ako tonight. Bihirang mangyari ito sa atin,” Clint’s mom Linda told us. The Tony winner, whose full name is Clint Edward was named after his father Eduardo. He is the eldest among the Ramos children. “I have two lawyers, and accountant, and now a Tony Award winner, how’s that?” she said proudly. As for the history of Clint, his mom quipped before breaking into a hearty laugh, “Gusto ko si Clint Eastwood nung araw eh.” “I’m just so glad that my mom came. My dad passed away three years ago and he would have been really, really happy to have seen this. When I decided to pursue a life in theater, my mom and dad expressed their concern for me because I was choosing a life of uncertainty, but they still gave their blessings,” Clint shared. “It’s slowly starting to sink in,” Clint told us Tuesday morning, a full day after the awards show. “I’m diving into other work now, and trying to meditate on what it all means.” He went to work on Monday and spent time giving a few interviews. He then started working on his next projects, responded to emails and congratulatory messages posted on his various social media accounts. Historic Tony night Hamilton was the evening’s biggest winner, bagging 11 out of the record 16 nominations spread across 13 categories. It was one win shy of tying the
record 12 wins achieved by The Producers in 2001. Hamilton lost in two categories – scenic design and lead actress in a musical, and three other acting nominations, for Jonathan Groff, Christopher Jackson and Lin Manuel himself. Lin Manuel Miranda won for Best Score and delivered an emotional sonnet that reflected the evening’s restrained sentiments about the mass shooting in Orlando. He ended it with a powerful message that resonated to the viewers and the social media, “And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside. Fill the world with music, love and pride.” Tony host James Corden set the tone of the evening and talked about the industry’s message to the Orlando victims. “Your tragedy is our tragedy. Theater is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, embraced, and loved. Hate will never win,” he said. “There was no way that the theater community could ignore what happened in Orlando. That particular part of the community that was affected is almost an extended part of the theater world. I think it was appropriate as it was a little somber,” Clint added. “The theater has always been about inclusion, acceptance and tolerance.” Actors of color also made Tony Awards history by winning all four musical acting categories. Three cast members from Hamilton – Leslie Odom, Jr., Renee Elise Goldsberry and Daveed
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A JUNE 17-23, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Companies that neglect APA advancement risk losing out, says news survey NEW YORK—A significant number of Asian Pacific American (APA) and Asian employees believe that they are not part of strategic conversations at their company and that APAs are not rewarded for their individual talents, according to a survey of more than 3,300 employees at Fortune 500 and other large employers published today by Asia Society. Ninety-seven percent of APA employees care about their company’s success and 94% would recommend their company to other APAs as a good place to work, according to the 2016 Asian Pacific Americans Corporate Survey. A significant number of respondents, however, feel that APAs are not rewarded for their individual talents. Roughly one in ten APA employees believe recognition is based on stereotypes and the same number do not believe promotions are awarded based on performance and merit, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. The survey also finds that APAs are not fully brought into strategic conversations. Sixteen percent of respondents indicate their employer does not encourage the participation of APA employees in market and business development activities, and the same number say their employer
does not provide opportunities for high-performing APA employees to gain profit and loss (P&L) experience. Lack of engagement of APA leaders also manifests itself in the executive leadership ranks. Thirty-seven percent of companies report no representation of APA or Asian individuals at the C-Suite level. When asked which drivers influence their overall satisfaction at work, the most frequent factors cited by APA employees are: 1) work-life balance; 2) company commitment to diversity; and 3) professional growth opportunities. There is room for companies to better engage APA employees in that last category, the survey finds. Forty-one percent of respondents say that sponsorship—formal or informal programs in which a more senior or experienced professional takes an active role in the growth and development of a more junior employee—is not available at their company. There also seems to be a disconnect between existing career development programs and what APA employees are looking for. Forty-five percent of respondents do not participate in mentorship. Additionally, of those respondents who said sponsorship is available at their company, 80% do not participate in those activi-
Dateline USa
ties. The survey also provides a snapshot of today’s APA workforce. It finds that among APA employees at Fortune 500-level companies: 39% identify as East Asian; 38% South Asian; 17% Southeast Asian; 5% as being from Multiple Regions; 1% as Pacific Islanders 17% are aged 18-29; 32% are aged 30-39; 32% are aged 4049; 17% are aged 50-69 59% have been with their current employer 5 or more years 72% were born abroad; 20% were the first generation in their family born in the U.S. 61% of those born abroad arrived in the U.S. at age 21 or older The Asian Pacific Americans Corporate Survey is developed in close consultation with Asia Society’s Global Talent and Diversity Council, which is comprised of more than 20 diversity leaders from Fortune 500 companies. It includes direct responses from Diversity & Inclusion/HR departments as well as perceptions and opinions from APA employees. For more findings, including a “roadmap” with actionable recommendations for corporate executive leaders, managers, and APA employees, read the full executive summary n
ASEAN, China hold emergency meeting by Michael Joe
T. delizo
ManilaTimes.net
FOREIGN ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China on Monday started holding a twoday “emergency meeting” in China’s Kunming province to intensify high-level dialogues on the tensions in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). In a press briefing, DFA Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said Aseanmembers initiated the assembly to address pressing challenges related to the situation on the ground. Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Rene Almendras flew to Kunming early Monday, June 13 for the meeting. “ASEAN members are really concerned with the developments [in the West Philippine Sea],” Jose said. “There is an erosion in the trust and confi-
dence so we need to work to address this issue.” Youth members of Kalayaan Atin Ito movement who went to Panatag or Scarborough Shoal to plant a Philippine flag during Independence Day on Sunday, June 12 were allegedly harassed by Chinese navy men. Jose said he has yet to receive details about the incident, but admitted that he did not object to the group’s trip to the disputed shoal. “We have the sovereign rights and jurisdictions over those features. But our concern is their safety. They don’t have to necessary risk their lives,” he said. In a separate statement, the DFA reiterated the government’s commitment to work within the Asean-China process to pursue the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the early conclu-
sion of the Code of Conduct. “Within this framework, the Philippines continues to advocate for the exercise of self-restraint necessary to reduce the level of tensions and calls on parties to take actions which enhance peace and stability,” the department said. It stressed that the Philippines “upholds Asean centrality on regional issues” but its track of filing an arbitration case is consistent with the Declaration of Code (DOC) signed by Asean and China. “[The] Philippine foreign policy on the South China Sea is guided by its commitment to a principled foreign policy and on its firm belief in the rule of law,” it said. The DFA said arbitration is among the legal and diplomatic processes promoting the rule of law in the region, and is fully consistent with the DOC and the region’s efforts to peacefully manage and resolve the disputes. n
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OPLAN LINAW. Some 30,000 senior residents of Taguig City have benefited from free examinations and prescription glasses given by the city government. Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said the free eye check-ups and glasses are part of an intervention program by the city government under “Oplan Linaw 2016.”
Global remittances to exceed $25 billion by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
INTERNATIONAL money transfers, including those conducted through mobile devices, are slated to exceed $25 billion by 2018, according to a new study. Juniper Research, UK-based digital commerce analyst group, forecasted that remittances all over the world will increase 67 percent from the estimated $15 million of 2015. The study noted that the increase of cross-border mobile remittance services, like WorldRemit and Paypal’s newly launched Xoom. Additionally, there has been an increase of more informal, “pure play” remittance resources whose services are lower in cost in comparison to traditional remittance services like Western Union and MoneyGram. Handling of financial services by way of new age digital services is growing popular among Filipinos all over the world. Popular digital payment network Bitcoin has been launching start-
up remittance services in parts of Asia, like Rebit and coins.ph, which convert currencies into Bitcoin. As Filipinos become more Internet-savvy, digital commerce is no longer going to be the trend, but the standard, according to GSM Association, an organization that serves the interest of the mobile industry. The organization penned a case study that highlighted the country’s role in helping facilitate the digital commerce phenomenon. “[The Philippines] is the texting capital of the world and Filipino mobile users are highly SMS literate, which made the proposition of conducting financial transactions on a handset somewhat more intuitive,” the case study said. Remittances are a crucial asset to sustaining the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP); as of 2015, personal money transfers account for about onetenth of the country’s GDP, according to the World Bank. The estimated 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are also an important adjunct to the rev-
enue gathered from international money transfers. Money transfers in the Philippines have fluctuated in 2016, but the country is currently experiencing an increase. From Jan. to March 2016, money transfers in Asia have increased 20 percent in comparison to Jan. to March 2015, according to a recent survey from Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas. Globally, Filipinos’ overseas remittances are slated to experience a growth rate of 4.4 percent by the end of this year if the current trends persist, according to the survey. Likewise, the Philippines was the third largest remittance-receiving country at $30 billion in 2015 behind China ($64 billion) and India ($72 billion), according to the World Bank. The BSP survey also noted that remittances from the United States have slowed down, which could be explained by the upsurge of OFWs in the Middle East and Asia. Since the country’s GDP is so dependent on remittances, a depreciation in money transfers would affect the market significantly. n
Clint Ramos wins Tony Award for…
PAGE A3 t
Diggs won as lead actor, featured actress and featured actor, respectively. Cynthia Erivo won lead actress for The Color Purple. The talk on diversity on and off stage is something that Clint is passionate about. In our first interview with him a month ago, he lamented the fact that what happens backstage does not fully reflect what’s happening onstage. And this is why he is happy that this year’s batch of Tony Award nominees – and eventual winners – is diverse. “The diversity means a lot. This means that even children or young artists of color who are considering a career in theater can see themselves up there. It’s pretty major and I wish there were more people of color in the design categories as well,” Clint said. “I was just told that I am the first person of color to win in my category, it is important that people see that. When I was growing up, I couldn’t see myself up there, I had to seek examples out like Eduardo Sicangco and Loy Arcenas.” The newly-minted Tony Award winner also expressed his profound thanks to his supporters
Clint Ramos and his mom, Atty. Linda Ramos
AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
and everyone in the diaspora who prayed for him. “I would like to thank all my family and friends and kababayans in the Philippines and here in the U.S. who have extended their
prayers and support. I feel the love and I just want to say that I am not taking that for granted,” Clint said. “I know what responsibilities this kind of recognition comes with.” n
Filipino bakery workers win $15.2-M case…
PAGE A3 t
enough to send someone out to hurt her.” The Almeidas declined to comment on the default judgment when the Asian Journal reached out. “The default judgment is a miscarriage of justice, brought about by the abuse of both the justice and immigration systems by the plaintiffs and their lawyers,” Analiza Almeida had told NBC News in an e-mail back in May. In addition to providing work authorization and a pathway to citizenship, T visas allow recipients to petition their spouses as well as their unmarried children under the age of 21 for entry into the United States. John Trang, the lead attorney in the L’Amande employees’ immigration proceedings, called the T visa program an important “incentive to testify,” in cases of migrant and guest worker abuse. Rather than succumb to blackmail and despair, the employees sought help. They got in touch with Advancing Justice - Los Angeles, who enlisted the aid of Latham and Watkins for filing complaints against the Almeidas. A Filipino American who works for Rep. Lieu shared the workers’ stories with the congressman, who then met face-to-face with
House Rep. Ted Lieu shakes hands with Filipino worker Ronaldo Suratos. Lieu helped Suratos and 10 other former employess of L’Amande Bakery petition United States Customs and Immigration Services for T visas, which are meant to protect victims of human trafficking. AJPress photo by Eric Anthony Licas
the former bakery employees. Lieu helped advance the workers’ immigration proceedings so they could finally reunite with their families and earn decent wages. “I haven’t seen my son since 2013,” said former L’Amande employee, Armelinda dela Cerna. “Now I am planning to have him come here.” Dela Cerna says she has known Ana Almeida for 13 years. She was told she would serve as purchasing manager for their bakeries, but instead found herself performing a variety of menial tasks in addition to her duties as a manager. Now she works as a food and beverage manager in
the hospitality industry. She, as well as many of the other Filipino workers, have found jobs in their respective fields since leaving the employment of the Almeidas. Most of them live in the vicinity of Lomita, California, and still keep in touch with one another, according to former L’Amande employee, Recky Puzon. Some are entertaining the possibility of becoming naturalized citizens. “The Filipino workers’ story ultimately ends with a victory in justice’s name,” said Rep. Lieu in a statement announcing Thursday’s press event. “Sadly, their story is just one of many.” (Eric Anthony Licas/AJPress)
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Dateline PhiliPPines
A
Aquino congratulates Duterte, opens communication lines by Nikko aND
MISS EARTH 2016. Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism Melanie Mader of Vienna, Austria; Miss Philippines Water Loren Mar Artajos of Laoag City; Miss Philippines Earth Imelda Schweighart of Puerto Princesa City; Miss Philippines Air Kiara Giel Gregorio of London; and Miss Philippines Fire Shannon Bridgman of Rosales, Pangasinan, are crowned on the Coronation Night of Miss Philippines Earth 2016 held at the U.P. Diliman Theater in Quezon City. ManilaTimes.net photo by Nazzi Castro
VP Binay congratulates successor Leni Robredo by PaTricia LourDes Philstar.com
Viray
MANILA—Outgoing Vice President Jejomar Binay personally congratulated Vice President-elect Leni Robredo in a letter he sent to his successor. Robredo’s daughter Aika posted a photo of Binay’s letter to the incoming vice president on her Twitter account. “Please accept my sincerest congratulations on your proclamation as Vice President of the Republic,” Binay told Robredo. In the letter dated May 31, Binay said that he had instructed his chief of staff Benjamin Martinez Jr. to coordinate with Robredo’s staff to discuss the transition. Binay said that he is looking forward to personally meeting Robredo. “For the past six years, and despite its modest budget, the (Office of the Vice President) has extended assistance to thousands of poor and marginalized Filipinos, including our brothers
Outgoing Vice President Jejomar said that he is looking forward to personally meeting Vice President-elect Leni Robredo. Philstar.com photos by AJ Bolando and Efigenio Toledo IV
and sisters working abroad. I am confident that with you as the next Vice President, the OVP will continue to be an instrument for social justice,” Binay said. The outgoing vice president served as chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and as presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers under the Cabinet of President Benigno Aquino III.
Binay resigned from his post in Aquino’s Cabinet in June 2015 prior to launching the United Nationalist Alliance as the major opposition party for the 2016 elections. Meanwhile, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said that it is unlikely for Robredo to join his Cabinet as it might hurt defeated vice presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. n
PH echoes retracted ASEAN statement on South China Sea by PaTricia LourDes Philstar.com
Viray
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday issued the retracted Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) statement on tensions in the South China Sea. The DFA said that the ASEAN foreign ministers expressed serious concerns over the developments in the disputed waters during their meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The foreign ministers issued a statement Tuesday night following a special ASEAN-China meeting in Kunming, Yunnan province in China. The tough statement on the South China Sea was retracted as it may have offended the meeting host, a Malaysian official said in previous reports. The region’s foreign ministers stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight above the disputed sea. The ministers also reiterated their commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Foreign Secretary Jose Almendras issued the ASEAN foreign ministers’ concerns on the contested waters: • Had a candid exchange with the Chinese Foreign Minister in view of the recent developments on the ground; • Expressed their serious concerns over recent and ongoing developments, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and which may have the potential to undermine peace, security and stability in the South China Sea; • Stressed the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the
Philstar.com
Viray
MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman ordered former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima and former Special Action Force (SAF) commander Getulio Napeñas perpetually disqualified from public office. Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales on Thursday affirmed the filing of graft and usurpation of authority charges over the Mamasapano incident which led to the death of 44 SAF commandos in January 2015. “They were also meted the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the government service,
Inquirer.net
MANILA—Outgoing President Benigno Aquino III congratulated on Thursday, June 16 his successor, incoming President Rodrigo Duterte, assuring the latter of an open communication line even after the end of his term on June 30. It was the first time that Mr. Aquino and Duterte spoke on the phone since the outspoken and at times irascible Davao City mayor won by a landslide in the May 9 national elections. A Philippine Daily Inquirer source said this meant that President Aquino has essentially opened the communication line between him and Duterte during the latter’s presidency. The source said that incoming Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Duterte’s executive assistant Christopher “Bong” Go went to Malacañang for a meeting with Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa when the latter decided to introduce them to President Aquino. In an official statement released Thursday night, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said that Medialdea and Go, also the designated head of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), were with other members of the transition committee. “Executive Secretary Ochoa brought them to the President’s office and introduced them. Then the President invited them to a tour in the main Palace build-
Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte and President Benigno Aquino III
ing,” Coloma said. Go later shared with Malacañang reporters that Aquino and Duterte talked over the phone, although he did not reveal details of the conversation. Go made the confirmation as he, along with Medialdea and incoming Secretary to the Cabinet Leoncio Evasco Jr. visited Malacañang Palace to meet with Ochoa. Mr. Aquino and Duterte have yet to personally meet since the elections. Go said Mr. Aquino and Duterte spoke while his group was visiting the Palace. It was unclear who called who, how long the two spoke, and what other matters were discussed. The conversation happened a day after Duterte met with his Cabinet appointees in Manila for the first time since his proclamation. His camp would not say whether the President-elect returned to Davao City after dismissing his meeting past 11 p.m. Wednesday, or if he stayed in
Manila for the night. Without the Mayor, the Duterte group visited Malacañang for a largely undisclosed agenda, but Go is part of the committee making arrangements for Duterte’s inauguration at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall on June 30. It would be the first presidential inauguration in the Palace since the late President Carlos P. Garcia’s 1957 oath-taking. Garcia was vice president to President Ramon Magsaysay and took over as President when Magsaysay died in a plane crash. Presidents usually take their oath at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Go said Mr. Aquino brought the group around the Palace after their meeting with Ochoa and his staff. “PNoy graciously toured us inside Malacañang Palace. He showed us around Rizal Hall where the inauguration will take place, after a short meeting with E.S Ochoa and staff,” Go told reporters. n
Duterte tells Cabinet: I will give you a free hand but you’ll be answerable by aLexis
romero Philstar.com
DAVAO CITY—President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has reminded his incoming Cabinet members to ensure that his administration would not be tainted with corruption or they would be answerable to him for their misdeeds. Duterte made the reminder during the three-hour meet-
ing with his designated officials at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay on Wednesday night, June 15, incoming Agriculture secretary Emmanuel Piñol said. “We were told by the president that there should be no corruption, make sure there is no corruption. (He said) nobody from my family will interfere with your work, I’m giving you a free hand
on the people you choose,” Piñol told reporters Thursday here. “But you (incoming Cabinet members) are answerable to me for your misdeeds and for the people you have chosen,” he added. “We are accountable for every misstep we make. It was a very clear statement.” It remains unclear what
u PAGE A7
The Philippines participated in the Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China on Tuesday, June 14.
South China Sea, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); • Emphasized the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would further complicate the situation or escalate tensions, and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law; • Articulated their commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the UNCLOS and the UN Charter; • Emphasized the importance of non-militarization and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities, including land reclamation, which may raise tensions in the South China Sea; • Reiterated their firm commitment to the full and effective implementation of the • Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in its entirety, and while noting
the momentum and new phase of consultations, urged the early adoption of an effective Code of Conduct; • Pursuant to the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in its entirety, and pending the early adoption of an effective Code of Conduct, stressed the importance of undertaking confidence building and preventive measures that would enhance, among others, trust and confidence amongst parties. Almendras noted that the Philippines’s arbitration case against China was raised during the meeting. The Philippines stressed that arbitration is among the legal and diplomatic processes in resolving the disputes in the region that is fully consistent with the DOC and in accordance with international law. The Permanent Court of Arbitration under the United Nations is expected to issue a ruling on the Philippines’s case against China’s nine-dash line claim over the disputed sea soon. China, however, insisted that it will not accept the international tribunal’s decision. n
Ombudsman bars Purisima, Napeñas from public office by PaTricia LourDes
DizoN Tarra QuismuNDo
forfeiture of retirement benefits and cancellation of eligibility,” the Office of the Ombudsman said in a statement. Purisima and Napeñas face charges for supposed violation of Section 3(a) of the Anti-Graft Law and for Usurpation of usurpation of official functions under the Revised Penal Code. Morales said the participation of Purisima in Oplan Exodus despite being under preventive suspension violated the PNP chain of command. Napeñas was liable as a cohort due to his constant reporting to and official dealings with Purisima even as former Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina was his immediate superior, Morales said. The Ombudsman denied the
motions filed by Purisima and Napeñas and said they deserve “scant reconsideration.” “Napeñas’ plea of leniency on account of his 37 years of meritorious service in government cannot be countenanced by this Office considering that the penalty of dismissal from the service is an indivisible penalty,” Morales said. Purisima and Napeñas were also found guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, according to the Ombudsman. On April 5, the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to file usurpation of authority and graft charges against the two former PNP officials. n
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Features
Terror attack
GRIM news of insurgency and terror attacks are thrust onto international headlines every day. Although modernization demolishes geographical barriers and moves the world toward an amalgamated economy, clashes among cultures continue to have a damaging impact on world peace and security. Because of cross-cultural ignorance, the essence of civilization is compromised. In one senseless act of violence, 49 people were shot to death and 53 more were injured after a gunman went on a shooting rampage inside a popular gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida last Sunday, June 12. Details about the worst mass shooting in American history revealed that the gunman, 29-year-old Omar Marteen, had claimed allegiance to the Islamic State and that the bloodbath was fueled by his hatred of gays. The Associated Press reported that the gunman was wielding an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle and a handgun as he opened fire at the club in a three-hour shooting rampage and hostage siege that ended with a SWAT team killing him. Pres. Barack Obama has condemned the apparent terror attack and vowed to counter extremist ideology. “Our hearts go out to the families of those who have been killed. Our prayers go to those who have been wounded. This is a devastating attack on all Americans. It is one that is particularly painful for the people of Orlando, but I think we all recognize that this could have happened anywhere in this country,” Obama said. “And we feel enormous solidarity and grief on behalf of the families that have been affected.” “It’s a reminder that regardless of race, religion, faith or sexual orientation, we’re all Americans, and
we need to be looking after each other and protecting each other at all times in the face of this kind of terrible act.” While the suspect has no direct link to the Islamic State, Obama pointed out “ this kind of propaganda and perversions of Islam that you see generated on the Internet, and the capacity for that to seep into the minds of troubled individuals or weak individuals, and seeing them motivated then to take actions against people here in the United States and elsewhere in the world that are tragic.” To counter terrorism, he vowed to after known terrorist organizations and “hit them hard.” The Philippines is no stranger to this kind of conflict. Since the 1960s, armed conflicts have persisted in the Mindanao. Major fronts such as the New Peoples Army (NPA), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Abu Sayyaf have long fought for communist insurgency in the region, leaving national reconciliation as still an ultimate goal for its government. The prevailing discord in Mindanao stems from what Moros believe as historical and continuing injustice committed against them, resulting in a majority-minority relationship that manifests itself in underdevelopment and dispossession in Muslim areas. Just recently, the Abu Sayyaf has been involved in an alarming atrocity after it was confirmed that it has beheaded a Canadian hostage after a ransom
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
was not met. The Philippines and Canada have condemned the killing of Canadian Robert Hall, whose head was recovered in front of the Jolo Cathedral in Sulu on Monday, June 13. Hall is among four people who were abducted at a resort on Samal island late last year. Hall was the second victim beheaded by the bandits. Canadian John Ridsdel was killed in April after a P300-million ransom was not met. “The vicious and brutal actions of the hostage-takers have led to a needless death. Canada holds the terrorist group who took him hostage fully responsible for this cold-blooded and senseless murder,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said as he
expressed outrage over the incident. People behind such terror attacks must be reminded that it took millions of lives, thousands of years and hundreds of wars to achieve some sense of international order. While there is a lack of a comprehensive data on the total number of people affected and resources lost or destroyed as a result of these conflicts, reported estimates have been disturbing. In this turbulent times, It is easy to aggregate power and instigate war. To foster peace and security remains the world’s formidable challenge and greatest hope for its citizens. This goal must be initiated through mutual respect and humanitarian resolve. (AJPress)
The sizzle’s nice, now let’s taste the steak
JESS Matubis, who has worked under more Philippine presidents at close quarters than most broadcast journalists, recently posted the following blog by president-elect Duterte’s Agriculture Secretary- designate, Manny Piñol: “NO MORE JUNKETS, NO MORE FIRST CLASS TICKETS, NO MORE EXPENSIVE SUVS, NO MORE EXPENSIVE LUNCHES FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION “1. All officials taking air planes must fly economy. 2. Cabinet secretaries are discouraged from using the No. 6 car plate which is designated for cabinet officials. 3. Except for the Justice Secretary who faces imminent danger from drug lords, other cabinet secretaries will have to use non-luxury vehicles like a pick up. 4. There will be no more junkets and ‘Lakbay Aral’ for government officials and employees. “For the Department of Agriculture (as announced by incoming DA Secretary Manny Pinol): 1.There should be no lavish preparations when the secretary visits the regional offices or local government units. 2. There should be no garlands or formal speaking engagements for the Secretary, only working meetings. 3. There should be no expensive activities during the celebrations during the anniversary celebrations of the department. 4. There will be no unnecessary trainings and seminars.
“This is how the Duterte Presidency will run the country for Street the next six years. It is a simple governance style but it will ef- Talk fectively address the core issues concerning the ordinary Filipino. Change is coming.” This is certainly an impresGreG B. MacaBenta sive set of principles or policies and must resonate very positively with the 16 million who voted for Duterte – in fact, even with those who voted for the other presidential candidates. But my relatives in San Miguel, Leyte, a farming community about 40plus kilometers from Tacloban City, are asking a more substantive question: How do all of these help poor farmers like them improve their miserable lives? Many of them have never flown in an airplane and can’t tell the difference between business class and economy. And they must think that an SUV is a breed of carabao, which is the official transportation in the farms. As a lifelong advertising man, I’m keenly aware of the importance of symbolisms, expressed in the saying, “Sell the sizzle, not just the steak.” But when all is said and done, what counts most is the steak. The sizzle is just for first impressions. Piñol’s declaration that Duterte’s administration will be frugal and no-frills is impressive, but we would have wanted the incoming Secretary of Agriculture to write a blog about how he plans to resuscitate our barely surviving agricultural economy, a sector on which over half of the population depends for their livelihood and on which the rest of the country depends for food.
The current buzz in Manila media is Duterte’s allegation that most Philippine journalists are corrupt and deserve to be killed. This statement – or rant – was typical of Duterte’s imprecise verbiage, subject to many misinterpretations. By casting such a wide net in his characterization of journalists, he dishonored those who lost their lives while simply trying to do their job. I was immediately reminded of my friend, Ermin Garcia, Jr., publisher and editor of The Sunday Punch, the hard-hitting community paper in Dagupan. His father, Ermin, Sr., founder and original editor of the paper, was killed by political assassins for exposing anomalies in the local government. Ermin, Jr. was an ardent supporter of Duterte during the presidential campaign (and may have been part of the communications group – I’m just guessing). Surely, Duterte owes Ermin Jr. an apology. But that’s not this president-elect’s style. His style is brash, bombastic and unapologetic. That’s all part of the sizzle. But where’s the steak? Wouldn’t it be nice if, amidst the furor over the hurt feelings of Philippine media, Duterte were to tell us what he proposes to do about the slaughter of 34 media persons in that infamous Maguindanao massacre attributed to the Ampatuans? The Ampatuans happen to be legal clients of Duterte’s official spokesman, lawyer Salvador Panelo. Sadly, Manila media have been so taken by the Duterte sizzle that they may be overlooking the substantive issues that need to be confronted by
Advancing the cause of education Prof. eMeritus Dr. Leonor MaGtoLis-Briones (Publisher/Editor’s/OpEd Editor’s note: The following is part of the statement released by the author about her acceptance of the offer from President-elect Rody Duterte to make her Secretary of Education. She is the lead convenor of Social Watch Philippines.)
1. All my life I have been exposed to the challenges of education in the Philippines. I come from a family of teachers. My parents, aunts and uncles, brother and sisters, nephews, nieces and even grandchildren are teachers. During the war years my mother taught me how to write, using banana leaves as paper and sharpened bamboo sticks as pencils. I have lived through the travails of teachers—low pay, long hours, huge debts and physical difficulties. As an elementary school pupil, I have experienced walking long distances to and from school, sat in stifling, overcrowded classrooms, and en-
dured hunger and thirst even as I struggled to learn. 2. I have been involved in decades-long campaigns to advance the cause of education. As president of Freedom from Debt Coalition, I led in the campaign to reduce the crushing debt burden of the country to free more resources for education and social development. Since its creation in 2006, the Alternative Budget Initiative led by Social Watch Philippines has always advocated for higher budget allocations for education. Every year, SWP has successfully convinced the legislature to increase budget allocations for education. “Education For All” is a major Millennium Development Goal. It is an equally urgent goal among our 17 Social Development Goals, of which our government is one of the signatories. SWP has always insisted that education is severely underfunded even as it has the largest budget allocation. International standards require at least 6 percent of GDP to be allocated for
education. Present calculations are at 3 percent. I, therefore, accepted the nomination not for my own sake, because I don’t need another Cabinet position, but because it is an opportunity and a tremendous challenge for all who believe in education to contribute to reforms and put into practice our lifetime advocacies. Concerns about K-to-12 The position of SWP on education, specifically on K-to-12, are all a matter of record. There are two major concerns: the desperate need for more funding for Senior High School and the displacement of students from poor families and remote rural areas. In addition, teachers of First Year and Second Year in universities will be displaced because there will be no college students for the next two years. Many schools have been preparing for these challenges for four years. We are aware that contingency measures are being adopted by both the CHED and DepEd. These have to be closely moni-
tored to ensure that identified challenges are met. K-to-12 and the incoming administration It must be emphasized that implementation of the laws on K-to-12 started four years ago. The curriculum contents of Grades 1-5 and 7-10 are already changed. The opening of the current school year on June 13 was under the aegis of the present Secretary of Education. The new curriculum for Grade 5 will be implemented and Grade 11 will be launched. Institutional and curricular changes are already being implemented in response to the requirements of the two laws mandating K-to-12. The new administration will come in on July 1; by then, Grade 11 of K-to-12 will be in place. What has been done by the incoming administration at this time is to monitor closely the implementation of Grade 11 starting June 13. We have been receiving feedback on K-to-12, PAGE A7
the incoming administration. Severe unemployment and underemployment (the latter requiring more than the sizzle of a vow to ban contractualization – okay so that’s banned, then what?). Over one quarter of the population “officially” living below the poverty threshold (the “unofficial” figure is much higher because many of those defined as “non-poor” are just managing to survive). A growing economy that has made more billionaires out of Philippine businessmen but has hardly benefited the masses in the six years of the outgoing Aquino administration. Crumbling and inadequate infrastructure that routinely robs Metro Manilans of valuable manhours due to severe traffic, limits tourism development and discourages foreign direct investments. An uncertain foreign policy that teeters between cheerfully accepting the military mantle of the United States or meekly accepting Chinese hegemony, between making friends with Western allies and the United Nations or choosing to be a virtual persona non grata, and between amending the Constitution to allow more foreign participation in the Philippine economy or toeing the line of the National Democratic Front and the CPP-NPA that foreign economic imperialism, represented by the US, must be banished from our shores. The focus on corruption and criminality is great. This is where Piñol’s litany of frugality and simplicity in governance focuses on the steak. The lure of an opulent lifestyle, exacerbated by the short-term window of opportunity to make big bucks (just six years) is irresistible for the average public official. But in combating crime, imposing a curfew on PAGE A7
An eminent choice for DepEd Secretary PRESIDENT-elect Rody Duterte made a perfect decision in choosing to appoint Professor Emeritus Leonor Magtolis-Briones Secretary of Education once he becomes our President. That important day, which will mark the beginning of an administration that, we pray, will succeed in fulfilling its promise to make government more efficient, effective, honest and responsive to the urgent and true needs of our people than what we have now, is only 14 days away. Dr. Magtolis-Briones is professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration and Governance, Lead Convenor of Social Watch Philippines (the most incisive observer of public governance in our country which, often under her byline, publishes its findings). She has been a columnist of The Manila Times. She is also the chair of the Board of Trustees of Silliman University and the chairman designate of the Board of Regents of the Universidad de Manila. She is a person who takes her
belief in God seriously, a rare trait among government officials. She has held important national government positions. She has been secretary to the Commission on Audit, vice president for Finance and Administration at the University of the Philippines, treasurer of the Republic of the Philippines and concurrently presidential adviser on social development. She never applied for these positions. She was invited on the basis of her track record and her sterling reputation. Even in becoming president of the Freedom from Debt Coalition (which includes some of the most patriotic Filipinos who know in-depth the financial condition of our country and of the government) and lead convenor of Social Watch Philippines, she was invited by the founders and movers of these authoritative and vigilant civil society organizations. The same is true of her forthcoming appointment as Secretary of Education. Though a native Bisayan speaker like Presidentelect Duterte, Dr. Leonor MagtoPAGE A7
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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A
Duterte tells Cabinet: I will give you…
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Duterte would do in the event that his officials get involved in corruption. Piñol, however, believes that Duterte would not hesitate to remove those who are guilty of wrongdoings. “The president would relieve the entire department and city hall if one commits a wrongdoing. I think that’s still the same mindset,” the incoming Agriculture chief said. “Nobody is indispensable. There are no (sacred) cows,” he added. Piñol said Duterte was serious but in a light mood when he presided over the meeting. “We are upbeat. We are happy. The president was very happy,” he said. Last month, Duterte vowed to be harsh when it comes to corruption and has outlined bold measures to address the problem. He is planning to reshuffle personnel at the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs and Land Transportation Office, agencies that he described as “most corrupt.” The tough-talking Duterte will also prohibit military and police officers from tagging along with them their staff in their next assignments to prevent payoffs. He has also warned judges against issuing temporary restraining orders for a fee, a practice that he said had delayed important government projects. While he was criticized for his plan to put his classmates in key posts and for supposedly “recycling” officials from previous administrations, Duterte said his administration would be filled with “men of integrity and honesty.”
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Incoming Presdient Rody Duterte
Other issues Piñol said other matters tackled during the meeting were the K to 12 program, traffic problem, budget and food security. He said incoming Education Secretary Leonor Briones informed the president that it is too late to shift gears with regard to K to 12 because of a law that institutionalized the program. “She (Briones) is open to improvement and modification but is steadfast in her position that there is no way we can amend that because of the law,” Piñol said. Piñol reported to Duterte his consultations with farmers who are affected by the El Niño phenomenon. He said he is eyeing a cash for work program for farmers and fishermen so they can earn additional income. Under his proposal, farmers and fishermen would be asked to prepare roads, clean bodies of water and plant mangroves, among other tasks. Piñol said he is also working closely with seed growers to increase rice production in preparation for La Nina, which
is expected to hit the country in November. “We are talking to seed growers. We want to know how many seeds are available. By October, we have to harvest them. The planting should be done in July so we can have enough rice,” he said. Piñol said incoming Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade reported about the traffic problem in Metro Manila and proposed cracking down on unregistered or “colorum” vehicles. With regard to the proposal to grant Duterte emergency powers to address traffic woes, Piñol said the matter “was referred to the legal minds.” Incoming Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, meanwhile, informed Duterte that about P1.7 trillion remains unspent in this year’s budget. Incoming Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez discussed his proposed meeting with the business sector from June 20 to 21 here. Duterte is expected to attend the second day of the meeting. n
Advancing the cause of…
which we will pass on to the present leadership of the Department of Education. In the meantime, a transition team is being organized to ensure orderly and seamless transfer of duties. The DepEd, under the leadership of Sec. Armin Luistro, is giving full cooperation and support to the incoming team. Special interests of the incoming Secretary The SWP has always maintained that the funding allocation for Alternative Learning Systems is inadequate. Without doubt, not all pupils will be absorbed into the K-to-12 program. Provision has to be made for alternative learning systems, which will ensure that “no one will be left behind.” As incoming Secretary, I have a special interest in Philippine culture and the arts. These should spring from our historical experiences as a people.
The media and reforms in DepEd There is heightened expectation for change, not only in education but in all aspects of our national life. To achieve these changes, particularly in DepEd, the support of media is crucial and indispensable. In all my years as a social activist, media has supported our campaigns. With its help and consistent coverage, the problem of our foreign debt became a national issue. The campaigns of SWP on the national budget, the economy, lump sums, pork barrel and the infamous development acceleration program would not have caught the attention of the public without massive media coverage. I look forward to working once more with media on basic education reforms. No person can achieve these difficult goals without everyone’s support, particularly media. Education is not only for educators; it is for all. (ManilaTimes.net)
VISITING THE PAST. President Benigno Aquino III visits the room where his father, Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., was detained in Fort Bonifacio. The President recalled his family’s happy and sad moments when they visited his father in this four-by-five meter room. Malacañang photo
An eminent choice for DepEd…
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lis-Briones and Mayor Duterte had not even met each other when the offer was made. Some critics of Sec. Armin Luistro, and the government’s resolve to continue the implementation of the K-to-12 system of basic education, have objected to the appointment of Professor Emeritus Briones. They do so because she does not share their position against K-to-12. In fact, she has repeatedly suggested that Bro. Armin Luistro should be retained by the Duterte government as Secretary of Education, “so he can shepherd the ongoing implementation of K-to-12
to its successful conclusion.” Indeed, that “process has been going on for the past four years.” This fact—that K-to-12 has been in place for four years—those opposed to K-to-12 seem not to know, or purposely ignore, when they speak and write against “the introduction” of K-to-12 because it lays more burdens on poor parents. In another part of today’s OpEd Section, we publish part of Prof. Magtolis-Briones’ statement about her incoming appointment to DepEd. That essay also offers an illumination on the whole matter of K-to-12. (ManilaTImes.net)
The sizzle’s nice, now let’s taste…
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young people and banning the sale of alcoholic beverages after midnight is just the sizzle. So is the plan to reintroduce the death penalty. The threatened massive campaign against drug lords and pushers is also great. But even that is mostly sizzle. The substantive question is, how can Filipinos be motivated away from a life of crime and towards productive citizenship? The answer is jobs. In the US ghettoes, the same question has been asked and the same answer given. The lure of the drug lords is irresistible to young men who have lost hope of landing a job. And speaking of the drug problem, Duterte should learn a lesson from several presidents of the United States, from Richard Nixon to Obama. They still haven’t figured out how to arrest the flow of drugs into the country. It’s the law of supply and demand, something that the late President Ramon Magsaysay reportedly wanted to repeal but was told he could not. It will take more than killing droves of drug lords, pushers and users to address the drug problem. It’s more basic. It starts at home. My wife and I had four growing kids in a neighborhood in Parañaque where pushers had begun to proliferate. I realized that lecturing the children on the horrors of drug use and threatening the neighborhood pushers (some of them lived in the squatters’ area across the creek from our house) was not enough. Our
three boys and one girl had to be provided with a positive alternative. I had written a pro bono public service ad campaign for a group called, Parents’ Organization of the Philippines, and had come up with two headlines that hit the parents in the gut: “Is a pusher paying more attention to your child than you are?” and “One dope deserves another. If you want your kid to stop doing his thing, you can begin by stopping yours.” Those headlines hit me in the gut, too. I resolved to take full responsibility for my children, set up a gym in the garage, took up physical fitness and began a thrice-a-week jogging regimen in the hope that the kids would follow suit. They did. And so did their friends. Soon, the house became the unofficial sports center of the neighborhood. And the young people established their own rules. No cigarettes and, very definitely, no drugs. One interesting side story is the fact that I was a three-pack-a-day smoker at the time. My eldest child, Ringo, made a telling remark: “Papa, it doesn’t make sense. You are exercising and yet you are smoking. Do you know that it’s bad for you?” I quit smoking the very next day and haven’t picked up a stick ever since. At any rate – back to Duterte and the media. It’s okay to write about the sizzle, but shouldn’t we pay more attention to the steak? (gregmacabenta@ hotmail.com)
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Celebrating Father’s Day: History and facts about fatherhood The idea to create a day for children to honor their fathers has a very interesting history embedded in it. A holiday to celebrate fathers and fatherhood in general -- including father figures such as guardians and grandfathers -- came to the mind of Sonora Smart Dodd while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909 in Spokane, Washington. After the death of her mother, Sonora and her sibling were raised by her father, William Jackson Smart. Though her father fought in the Civil
War, Jackson was still able to raise Sonora and her six siblings. She wanted to tell her father how special he was and what role he played in her life and wanted to honor her father’s parental sacrifices he made them. Lastly, she wanted him to know what a courageous, selfless and loving man he was. Since Sonora’s father was born in June, she chose to hold the first Father’s Day celebration at the YMCA Center in Spokane, Washington on the June 19, 1910. The tradition stopped when
In 2015, it was estimated that there were 199,000 stay-at-home dads.
Dodd left for school in Chicago, although several celebrations were held to honor fathers. When she returned, she took up holiday promotion, but this time nationally. her strategic efforts included working with business groups that would profit from such a holiday, such as men’s clothing companies and tobacco companies. Unfortunately, Dodd’s efforts only made the day “too commercialized” that many saw as too shallow and unimportant. Though President Woodrow Wilson wanted to make the holiday official in 1916, its commercial nature stopped Congress from passing the
bill. It wasn’t until Margaret Chase Smith, a senator from Maine, stated that it was unfair to honor mothers and not fathers in 1957. In 1966, President Johnson issued a proclamation. Then finally in 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. Thus, Father’s Day was born in memory and appreciation by a daughter who believed that her father and all other fathers should be honored with a special day just like mothers are honored on Mother’s Day. Facts about Father’s Day you should know • Roses are the official flower for Father’s Day. A red rose is worn in the lapel if your father is alive, while a white rose represents a father who is deceased. • Most places celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June, but not everywhere. Spain and Portugal for instance, honor their fathers on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19. In Australia, it’s the first Sunday of September. • Sons and daughters send 50 percent of the Father’s Day card Sons and daughters send 50 percent of the to their dads. Nearly 20 percent of Father’s Day cards to their dads.
Sonora Smart Dodd started the tradition of celebrating Father’s Day to honor her own father, William Jackson Smart.
President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day in 1972.
Father’s Day cards are purchased by wives for their husbands. That leaves 30 percent of the cards that go to grandfathers, sons, brothers, uncles and “someone special.” • It was estimated that there were about 199,000 stay-at-home dads in 2015. These married fathers with children younger than 15 have remained out of the labor force for at least one year so they can care for the family while their wives work
outside the home. • The number of single fathers last year was 1.9 million. About 45 percent were divorced, 33 percent were never married, 17 percent were separated, and 6 percent were widowed. • 70.1 million: estimated number of fathers in the US in 2008 (The most recent year for which data is available). (AJPress) Source: www.census.gov
These Filipino celebrity dads make fatherhood so adorable By Monet
Lu
TheY say, “Anyone can be a father but it takes a real man to be a dad.” As Father’s Day approaches, I would like to pay tribute to all the amazing fathers of the world. And what better way to do that but to talk about how great fathers are in spite of all the challenges that come along. And where else is a more challenging place to be a father but in show business, right? These Filipino celebrity dads are so adorable; they could be your hashtag #fatherhoodgoals. Richard Gomez In an article Richard Gomez told his daughter, “Don’t have a boyfriend like Dad. But if you have to marry, marry someone like Dad.”
Gomez admitted to being a hands-on dad to Juliana. And I don’t blame him one bit. Reason being is first, he knows exactly how “players” think (considering he was one during his younger years), secondly; his daughter is growing up to be a beautiful and fine young lady – I am sure a lot of guys are trying to get her attention. While Gomez admits that he is worried about boys taking an interest in his daughter, he also says that he trusts her. he and his wife, TV host/Congresswoman Lucy Marie Torres-Gomez, say that they support whatever dreams and aspirations Juliana has for her future. A man known to have very active lifestyle; aside from acting, he is an athlete, a model, a director, and is now the mayor of Ormoc
city. Gomez plays a lot of different roles outside the home but to his precious daughter, Juliana, he will always be her dad – a great one at that. Albert Martinez Being a dad to three gorgeous children is tough. But being a dad – and a mom – to them is even tougher. After his wife, actress Liezl Martinez lost her battle to cancer last year, he has been adjusting to doing everything by himself. he says he misses his late wife so much but has to stay strong for Alfonso, Alissa, and Alyanna, who are all adults now. To help him ease his longing for Liezl, Martinez said he enjoys spending time with his children. he and Liezl seem to have raised their children well. It shows on how the
three carry themselves and how they try to maintain a peaceful and private life. Martinez said in an interview, “Gusto ko lang to take [care] of them, make sure na makapag-asawa sila nang maayos at mabigyan sana ako ng apo soon, kung sino man sa kanila.” Zoren Legaspi Who can forget the fairytale proposal–turned–wedding that he made to his longtime partner, actress Carmina Villaroel in 2012? It made women wish they one day find someone like Zoren Legaspi. It was a perfect plan, not only because of how romantic it came out, but because of how their children were part of it all. Lately, the twins are more visible Continued on Page 5
Academic regalia: Origin of the graduation gown A COMPLeTe account of the origin and background history of the graduation gown would fill a book. But to make a very long story short, the early academic dress in colleges and universities came from Medieval europe. Sometimes also known as academical dress, academic regalia, and graduation cap and gown, it has its origins in the everyday dress of the medieval clergy. The dress which secular clergy wore was no different from that worn by all classes of the community. everyone from highest to lowest wore, as did the clergy, a hood to protect the head in bad weather. The distinction between dress and various academic levels was seen to have originated in the 13th century. Prior to that, no academical dress was accorded to the undergraduate level, as it was originally a distinction accorded only to masters, unless the founder of a college prescribed a special livery for members. By 1500 the academical dress became more simple and comfortable, with the result that the heavy outer, closed dress being left off, the sleeved or sleeveless tabard, or some form of sleeved tunica, or other such dress, now the outer garment, assumed a new significance. Throughout the years, lay fashion was changing rapidly and the academical dress was later on influenced by the three forms of association that grew up in universities. The first of these was the Faculty, less strong in the english universities than elsewhere, the second the College, strong at first at all universities, but later only really so in France, england, Spain, and the Austrian Netherlands, and the
third the Nation, strong at first in France and Italy, and in due course in Germany. This association was a result of the gathering together of those who taught the same subject and who found that only by a united effort could their common aims be made known to their university at large. It also to secure them against the unqualified, who might try to set up for themselves at the university. The second was a corporate body, which enjoyed the benefits of an endowment; and the third was an association based on nationality to defend the rights of an alien in foreign land. Some examples of faculty colors will show that no exact code of colors, but there were certain tendencies. Thus black at Paris, Oxford, and Cambridge, and white at Salamanca, Coimbra, and Perpignan were the colors of the Faculty of Theology. Green, yellow, or sanguine were at various universities the colors of the Faculty of Medicine, while blue of various shades very often denoted the Faculty of Philosophy. The most constant was scarlet for Canon Law, but even this by no means always held good. In some countries, in england and Spain especially, founders of colleges ordered certain kinds of dress to be worn by members of their foundations. Today, it’s useful to know where we are now with graduation robes. The modern graduation gown employs a different robe, gown, hood, tam, mortarboard, cap, and cowl for different individuals and groups within the school or religious institution. Robe or gown The three types of degrees each have a different style gown.
Bachelor’s gowns have pointed sleeves, and are worn closed. Master’s gowns have oblong sleeve, open at the wrist, with the base hanging down, and rear part of the oblong cut square while the front arc cuts away. These robes have fasteners so they can be worn open or closed. Doctoral gowns have bell-shaped sleeves, also designed with fasteners so it is worn closed or opened. For the doctor’s robes also have trimmings including velvet panels down the front and three bars of velvet on the sleeves. All three gowns are usually black, though some colleges and universities use the color of the school. Hood Academic hoods are black, made from the same fabric as the gown. They vary in length depending on the degree from three feet to four feet, and the doctoral hood is wider. Lined with college or university colors, they typically have one field color and one chevron color, though sometimes there are school specific variations. The edge of hoods is velvet in the color of the degree subject. Cowl Cowls are typically made from velveteen rather than velvet, and are used for Associate Degrees. They do not display a degree or discipline color, just the institutional colors on the lining. The outside is generally black. Tam Tams are typically used for Doctoral degrees, though some Master’s programs do use them. Tams are made from velvet, and usually have a ribbon over the fabric, and in black. Color variations do occur with some colleges. The number of sides vary, and can be four, six, or eight-sided, eight, six, or four sides. Four-sided is usually only used for Master’s degrees, while six and eight sided are used for Doctor’s degrees depending on which the University prefers. Tams are “poofed” at the top instead of flat, and come with a tassel usually in gold, with one Continued on Page 5
Infographic by AJPress. Sources: Pew Research Center, Economic Policy Institute, Mic.com, National Association of Colleges and Employers and “U.S. Job Growth Expected to Hold
Steady in the New Year, CareerBuilder’s Annual Job Forecast Finds.”
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Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ FAMILY based petitions and some employment-based petitions (where a relative owns a 5% interest in the petitioning company) require the petitioner to submit an affidavit of support (Form I – 864) in order for the beneficiary to adjust status or obtain an immigrant visa. The petitioner must be domiciled (or living) in the US to submit the affidavit of support. If the petitioner is living outside the US (such as an elderly US citizen parent now retired to the Philippines), he cannot submit an affidavit of support, and the beneficiary will not be able to obtain a green card. In some cases, the petitioner may have passed away after the
Avoiding an affidavit of support (Form I – 864) by working 40 quarters (10 years) petition was approved. In those cases, the beneficiary must seek humanitarian reinstatement. If the beneficiary was in the US when the petitioner passed away, he can rely on the “Survivor Law” (Section 204(l)) in lieu of the more difficult and burdensome humanitarian reinstatement. However, the beneficiary would still be required to submit an affidavit of support by a “substitute sponsor”, who are certain US citizens or lawful permanent resident relatives, at least 18 years of age, and domiciled in the US. The substitute sponsors include spouse, parent, motherin-law, father-in-law, brother or sister, child, son-in-law, daughterin-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-
law, grandparent, grandchild, or legal guardian. (A legal guardian is a court-appointed representative, where the beneficiary is a minor or mentally incompetent). But what happens if a petitioner dies, and the beneficiary has none of the above relatives who can act as a substitute sponsor? In that case, the beneficiary may not be able to seek humanitarian reinstatement or benefit from the Survivor Law, since there is no qualified substitute sponsor who can submit an affidavit of support. There is another provision of the affidavit of support law that provides that an affidavit of support is not required if, at the Continued on Page 5
PROVISIONAL WAIVER FOR CREWMEN DISPELS FEAR IN GOING BACK TO MANILA FOR VISA PROCESSING – ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY”! Cindy was a crewman who jumped ship and had been a TNT for more than 10 years. After seeing a “Citizen Pinoy” episode about another crewman who also jumped ship, Cindy and US citizen husband, Tom decided to consult with leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel about her chances of legalizing. Through Atty. Gurfinkel’s help, Cindy’s Provisional Waiver was approved. She went back to the Philippines, was processed for her immigrant visa at the US Embassy in Manila, and returned to the US less than a month later as a legal permanent resident. Watch an encore episode on Provisional Waivers, which could benefit: (a) crewmen without 245(i): (b) those who entered the US without inspection(EWI) without 245(i); or (c) K-1 fiancees who did not marry their US petitioner, on “Citizen Pinoy” – this Sunday, June 19 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.
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On the PEP Front
People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong AftEr being cleverly introduced, she elegantly sashayed her way on to the stage as the spotlights fully revealed her anonymity from behind the velvet curtain. Simple but tastefully garbed in a body-hugging silk taffeta floor-length evening gown that revealed her fleshy limbs courtesy of a generous slit, she repositioned herself after breathing gently upon the sound of the instrumental intro. thunderous applause in deafening magnitude filled the venue the moment she started to sing. Her vocal tone seemed to haunt every inch of her audience’s soul that was once void of such melodic resonance… as if it was the only lullaby they have ever heard… for she delivered it poignantly with her heart…with her whole heart! Certain that she was approaching her final lines, her conscientious spectators readily instituted an appreciative gesture via a roaring round of applause that literally drowned her closing notes. the persisting collective ovation hardly died down to quietude as soon as the sultry singer gracefully took her exit while a dominant voiceover identified the songstress as rasmin Diaz. A fresh name in the local entertainment scene with barely a year of residency (she migrated to the US in June of 2015), rasmin Diaz has lucratively established her singing career in the east coast, particularly in almost every watering hole and eatery in the Queens area, with a growing fan base. Popularly known for her amazingly powerful vocal range and innately distinctive technique in singing jazz, or even interpreting familiar contemporary styles and genre, rasmin assiduously tries to explore blues music and related influences while injecting her own technical ingenuity and stylish creativity. A first-born among a brood of two girls and a boy to Myra (a tupperware networking agent) and ronnie Diaz (an employee of the
EMPLOYMENT
Rasmin Diaz: ‘Singing is a therapeutic passion... An antidote for loneliness...’ Department of Public Works and Highways) of Cagayan De Oro City, rasmin optimistically believes that she was born to sing…that she is a quintessential proponent of a true Gemini baby (born June 9): creative, sociable, instinctive, articulate, easy to get along with and could adjust to any given situation. She tries to find opinion or seek advice but completely disregards everything in favor of her own decision. rasmin already knew what she wanted to be even at a young age: “I loved to be a recording artist like my idol Sharon Cuneta. I mastered her every song and watched all her movies…that’s how fanatic I was,” she enthused giggling like an avid teener. “I became also an ardent follower of Lea Salonga… and loved her Broadway songs.” rasmin, at 13, performed solo during high school and experienced her initial taste of “stardom” via Sharon Cuneta’s “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas.” that vigorously kindled the main wick of her torch towards a promising singing career. A rare chance of a lifetime came to her when she was chosen to be among the top 3 out of the 150 applicants that auditioned for a Warner Brothers musical project in Mindanao. Her song entry, “I’d Give My Life for You” from the Broadway hit Miss Saigon, gave her that much-needed boost to seriously concentrate on a career she won’t regret and lament later. Later, prominent singers inevitably influenced rasmin. there were Whitney Houston, Angela Bofill, Diane reeves, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Patti Austin, and many more. She just couldn’t afford not to embrace and include current prominent artists’ songs in her repertoire. “Competition in this business is tough. You cannot just rely on your own preference. It’s got to be what is in and who is on top…and that makes your repertoire broadly diverse and spiced with excitement,” she elucidates with brevity. Like some famous personalities born on the same day such as
The jazz singer during her birthday last June 9
Rasmin Diaz, the singer-performer on the rise
composer-songwriter Cole Porter, actress-producer Natalie Portman, and actors Michael J. fox and Johnny Depp, rasmin is charismatic and determined. Innately sensitive with a prolific imagination, she could easily stir her senses to ably absorb and comprehend new ideas and drive her creative juices to full capability. With lot of concrete schemes crowding her mind, rasmin values communicating with friends with whom she could share thoughts. Profoundly gifted with the virtue of patience and perseverance, the singer-on-the-rise is impressively strong-willed and undeniably resolute. Despite being academically armed with an AB in International Studies, rasmin abandoned her course sans regrets as she intensely empowered her endurance in waiting for her star to shine in the entertainment firmament. rasmin was a regular fixture in almost every amateur singing competition during fiestas way back in her hometown. It was her passion in singing that really mattered, unmindful of the attractive prize at stake. there was always some sort of fulfillment every time she perfectly delivered a well-applauded performance no amount of monetary reward could match. Her
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being a perennial second placer only challenged her more to strive for the better and get into the toughest encounter to reach the top. the current toast of the local entertainment arena has actually gone a long way from the time she started as a singer-performer in hotels, bars, and cocktail lounges in Cagayan De Oro City. A former soloist of Switch Band, rasmin, just like any other, dreamed of the big time…of performing before a huge crowd…of seeing her name in giant billboards and theater marquees… and of being highly paid while enjoying the fruits of what she has painstakingly toiled for. In September of 2006, she found Canada to be a better place to improve her quality of life and an assuring destination for the future of her family. Already married with two children (now ages 12 & 14), rasmin resigned from her well-paying job as a newly promoted traffic Operator Supervisor of Philcom Center where she initially landed as a Call Center Agent. In Canada, she regularly sang in casinos, bands, and filipino restaurants. “It wasn’t easy to leave your family behind and struggle on your own in an unfamiliar ground,” rasmin vividly recalled the lingering pain that pinned her down to misery. “I missed my children every single day but it was work and keeping myself busy that momentarily eased the agony of longing. Singing was really something that gave me a fleeting
The profile of a true-blooded entertainer
escape from the harsh reality of being separated from them.” But permanence was never enduring…never at all! After almost nine years in Canada, rasmin felt a need for change…for a new environment and since her mom has been a baby nurse in the US for more than 21 years, her option was obvious. With a healthcare-related job and a newly embarked singing engagement to beat rasmin easily finds Queens, New York a home away from home. Her talent was instantly ascertained, promoted, and supported…and in just a matter of months, her name became a foremost byword among entertainment and concert aficionados. there is never a weekend that rasmin is without a gig. Consistently in demand and always a feature singer in almost every concert, she was a curtain raiser in Aiza Seguerra’s show at Sheraton flushing, in Ai-Ai Delas Alas’“Ai’m Back” show at Sheraton La Guardia Hotel, at regine Velasquez’s “timeless” concert in Bergen PAC, NJ, and soon at Jay-r & Kris Lawrence’s “Original Music Only” concert at Sheraton La Guardia Hotel in flushing, Queens. rasmin considers her loyal followers as part of her biggest achievements with a handful of setbacks that frustrate her as a singer. “Not for anything else, but I feel we are modestly compensated as tantamount to what we deliver. Although sometimes there wasn’t enough number of guests where our talent fees are principally generated…but I don’t complain,
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as long as I have fully booked shows in my calendar.” If there’s but one magnificent obsession she has, that would be as a well-known lounge singer in a reputable hostelry or bar. “With the advent of fresh and talented singers, competition becomes even keener. I have to admit, at my age, I feel like losing my bid for stardom. It’s not only enough to have a great talent but the right connection and timing, as well.” But isn’t it that misery invites `company? Common promiscuity could be categorically survival traits of lonely and lost souls. Oftentimes the feeling of being alone and lonely seemed unbearable that tend to throw one into an abysmal depth that could lead to depression. How does the jazz singer deal with such emotional state? “I have my own technique to parry such licentious attack. Although others get over from it by being alone or writing down what they feel… me, I find solace in the company of my friends… and my strongest dose of antidote to scrap it off is singing. Yes, singing and performing for me is therapeutic…. it kills my pain of longing and tames down every nostalgic craving. for loneliness could be an evil that weakens one’s spirit until you succumb to temptation. thank, God, I was a born singer and singing is an effectual defense mechanism,” rasmin lengthily divulges in all candidness. for comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@ yahoo.com.
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA IT’S been said time and again that if you want anything done, give it to a busy person. That may very well be true, but only up to a point. One’s carrying capacity can be maxed out. The truth is that anyone who is both efficient and effective has mastered many times by trial and error over some length of time that fine blend of mixing the art and science of planning his work and working his plan. How? By thinking things through, prioritizing, sequencing and when necessary, improvising to stay within timetables and resources and keeping a laser-like focus on the goal, anyone can get things done. Nowhere is this life skill more put to the test than here in America where a person’s worth, whether you like it or not, is measured by his productivity, his creativity, and his results. It is a skill needed to navigate a person’s day-to-day life. The major strides in technology have enhanced man’s capability to multi-task. Picture the modern version of Everyman running on a treadmill fulfilling multiple roles. No matter how much you want to buck the system, there is no way you can get around the fact that in order to thrive, let alone survive at this time and in this place, the life skills one needs to acquire and develop some level of competence in, are in the areas of planning and working the plan. You know what a delight it is to work on a project that has been well conceived and well planned. And when a plan comes together in seamless fashion, everything is as smooth as silk. On the flip
The secret of getting things done “O Lord, Thou givest us everything, At the price of an effort.”
— Leonardo da Vinci
side of the coin, you know how aggravating it is to be involved in one that is a mess from the beginning conceived by one who seems to be running around like a headless chicken. History bears out that most of the great leaders of all time, whether in politics, in industry and in business are supreme planners. And contrary to common belief, these planners see the big picture but do not feel that it is beneath them to roll up their sleeves and work on the nitty-gritty themselves. Planning helps you to see the goal very clearly. Planning makes it possible to signal your intentions to others so adjustments can be made in the early stages of the project. In freeway driving, it is not only courteous to signal your intention when changing lanes to let other drivers either speed up or slow down to make room for your move, it is the safe and prudent thing to do. Planning, like your left and right turn signals on your car, is a communication tool that gets feedback from within the team. Henry Ford once said, “Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.” As you flesh out the details of a project, the number of sub-tasks and the sequence with which these smaller tasks need to be done becomes clearer. Assigning who does what further breaks down the job to smaller and manageable bite sizes. Of course as the overseer, your task is to monitor progress of each component of the project and see
Avoiding an affidavit of support... From Page 3 time the beneficiary seeks permanent residence, the beneficiary can show he or she has already worked, or can be credited with, 40 qualifying quarters of earnings, based on certified earnings records from the Social Security Administration. In other words, if a person has worked for at least 40 quarters (10 years), he or she may not be required to submit an affidavit of support by a substitute sponsor. (A person could also get credited with quarters earned by his/her parent when he/she is under 18, and by his/her spouse during the marriage (but only if still married to the same spouse or if the spouse is deceased). If you are under petition, and you have issues/problems relating to the affidavit of support (i.e. your petitioner is not earning enough, the petitioner has died, you cannot locate a substitute sponsor, etc.), but you already have 40 qualifying quarters of earnings/coverage, you may not
need an affidavit of support. If this applies to you, consult with an attorney, who can evaluate your situation, especially if the lack of an affidavit of support is the last hurdle to your obtaining 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 re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and 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)
Academic regalia... From Page 2 or two buttons and sometimes in a gold bullion color. Mortarboard or cap Mortarboards are flat rather than “poufy” at the top, are not made from velvet, and are also usually black but come in a variety of colors and variations are more frequent than with tams. Mortarboards have only four sides, and typically have a tassel with a single button at the top, usually in the color of the degree-
granting institution. Tassel is worn on left after graduation (on right before the big moment). Usually black for undergraduates, but Masters have the option of wearing discipline color while Doctors usually wear gold. (AJPress) Source: “The History of Academical Dress in Europe Until the End of the Eighteenth Century,” by Hargreaves-Mawdsley, WN, Oxford University Press 1963
These Filipino celebrity dads... From Page 2 on TV. With parents who are both in showbiz, they have big shoes to fill. But their dad had never put that kind of pressure on them. In fact, Legaspi makes it a point to spend time with them doing normal activities instead of shaping them to act as “celebrity kids” Legaspi and Mavy are very much alike. In an article written about Legaspi and his son Mavi, it reads: “They run together, pull pranks against each other, play basketball and tennis together, and even to this day, also sleep together. He is also always on top of things when it comes to his studies.” Yet despite his closeness to his children, Legaspi makes sure their children know their place and respect him, saying that “he is a father first and a friend second.” Martin Nievera He has always been very open about how his experiences as a father. Despite his annulment with estranged wife Pops Fernandez, he never stopped being a great dad to their children and a friend to their mom. His two sons, Ram and Robin, always loved this about their mom and dad. Nievera is also glad to have his son Santino (his child with Katrina Ojeda) meet Robin and Ram and Pops Fernandez. “It’s a happy moment,” he said, describing the meeting of Pops, Santino and their two kids Robin and Ram. “I don’t
know how everyone will accept it, what matters is my kids were together, which is what I want for Christmas and I got my wish.” Aga Muhlach “When I look at the kids, I can’t wait for the day when Andres asks me for a car, or when Atasha shares her heartaches. Sure, it’s going to be hard, but it’s something to look forward to because you know they’re growing up and they’re growing up with me. It’s such a wonderful thing to be a father.” This is what Aga Muhlach said when asked about being a father. Aga Muhlach is a doting father to twins Atasha and Andres, who are perfect replicas of their parents. When Muhlach married beauty queen Charlene Gonzales, he vowed to always be present in the lives of their children and to put his family above all. I must say, he made the right decision. *** 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 all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
An Asian Journal Magazine
Fil-Am Paul Abadilla brings Pixar movie to life By Patricia
P. EstEvEs Philstar.com
ONE of the riveting scenes in “Finding Dory, “the sequel to the Oscar-winning 2003 movie “Finding Nemo,” is the part when Dory and her sidekick Hank, a cranky sevenlegged octopus, end up in the Kid Zone touch pool. Kids poke their hands and grab the fishes, much to the horror of Dory and Hank who must go past the pool and jump to another tank to survive. That scene kept both adults and children, who attended the SM Megamall premiere, at the edge of their seats as they rooted for Hank and Dory to pull through the challenge. Unknown to many, the Kid Zone Touch pool design was drawn by Filipino sketch artist Paulo Abadilla, who is one of the talented artists at Pixar and who has to his credits, designed the sets of the animated features like Monster University, and the Academy Award-winning movies Brave and Inside Out. Paul breezed into Manila to promote “Finding Dory.” In an interview with entertainment journalists and bloggers, Paul said he feels honored and happy to be a part of “Finding Dory.” “We did a lot of work on the Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP Kid Zone touch pool scene and I’m of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send just glad that it was included in the comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ movie. I was very involved in the design and I was able to oversee asianjournalinc.com
that each one contributes to the overall goal. Ultimately, the value of planning brings you full circle as it helps you stay focused on the goal and get the job done on time and within budget. Here’s a caveat. Lest we think that planning is foolproof, remember that “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Even with all the seemingly perfect planning that scientists at NASA do and even with the use of cutting edge technology, the agency still experiences monumental failures - sometimes. Things may not work out as planned. There are absolutely no guarantees that something will work out because of a great plan. When things don’t work out as planned, accept it. Perhaps, there is a much better plan. However, it has been proven that unless mighty cosmic forces are conspiring against something from happening, chances are stacked heavily towards transforming an idea to reality because of the simple act of planning and tenaciously working the plan. ***
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Sunny Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), a bright blue Tang afflicted with short-term memory loss with sidekick Hank (Ed O’Neill), a cranky seven-legged octopus.
its production, from designing to carrying it over the technical department where they model it or digitally sculpt it. And I also applied the shading design that I specked for them and also the lighting design that I had painted. So we did a lot of work on that scene,” Paul said. Paul, who joined the Pixar Animation Studios as an intern in June 2008, had also worked on the short films The Blue Umbrella, Pixar’s first television special Toy Story of TERROR!, LAVA and the Academy Award-nominated Sanjay’s Super Team. Aside from Paul, other noted Filipinos working at Pixar include Gini Cruz Santos and Ronnie del Carmen. (Pinoys at Pixar are collectively called Pixnoys.) “I think Filipinos are wellrepresented in the industry and we are a growing number. I think at Pixar, there are Filipinos from the
Certified ‘Pixnoy’ Paulo Abadilla: ‘Just like Dory, I’m making my way back home.’
different departments and even at the café, our chef is a Filipino so it is not unusual to see sisig or laing on the menu,” Paul said. If “Finding Dory” is special to Paul, it’s because like Dory, he has always felt the desire to return to his roots and come home to the Philippines. Born in Manila, Paul moved to California at the age of seven, and was raised in Milpitas and San Jose, California. Even though he practically grew up in the US, he never really forgot his place of birth and his home cities, Alabang and Pandacan, Manila. “I do want to know where I came from. That’s why I can relate to Dory because the Philippines seems familiar. Just like Dory, I’m making my way back home. It’s Continued on Page 6
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An Asian Journal Magazine
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J u N E 1 7, 20 1 6
Top of their class: Pinoy celebrities who graduated with honors
Upscale luncheon, ball cap 118th Independence anniversary fests
NeW YOrK—”Ohhs” and “ahhs” punctuated what many later considered was the social event of the year at the Luncheon reception at the upscale Cipriani on 42nd Street ending the year’s CeLeBrITIeS have a busy life — area activities commemorating shooting schedules, appearances, the 118th anniversary of the concerts, red carpet premieres declaration of Philippine — that people assume they have Independence. no time to go to a regular school. The $200-a-plate late lunch But there are some who managed was hosted by the Philippine to continue their education and Consulate General in New York even finish with honors. Here are and the Foundation for Filipino some artists who shuffled their Artists, Inc. (FFAI). Consul General time between work and school and Benjamin Alves Agot Isidro of the Philippines in New York managed to come out on top: 1. Carla Abellana, Cum Laude, English Literature, University of Communication, University of the Ambassador Mario L. de Leon, Jr. and Ms. Aida Bartolome, FFAI Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, De Guam Philippines founder, were the main persons 3. Agot Isidro - Magna Cum La Salle University, Manila 6. Paula Peralejo - Magna of the day with keynote speaker As the daughter of 80s matinee Laude, Fashion Buying and Cum Laude, Bachelor of Arts Ambassador to the United States Merchandising, New York Fashion in Philosophy with a minor idol rey “PJ” Abellana, it was Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. Institute of Technology expected that Carla was to follow in Tourism, University of the As the ohhs and ahhs 4. Giselle Sanchez, Magna suit. However, she made sure Philippines (2008) continued late into the late lunch, Cum Laude, Broadcast that she finished school first, then Maria elena Paula Peralejo the event elicited other superlative Communication, University of the in real life and the sister of rica entered show business right after comments as “this luncheon sets Philippines she graduated. She was given a Peralejo was a famous teen star even with her mindless and major project right away by GMA during the late 90’s and early 2000’s. the highest standard in Philippine Network, portraying the lead role in sometimes very foolish stand up She quit showbiz right after the final social events!”“Class!”“You have to acts, comedienne and actress Giselle episode of “Tabing-ilog”, the popular give it to ConGen Mario to host a the Filipino remake of the Mexican party like this…wow!” Many more is nevertheless a very smart lady. telenovela, “rosalinda.” youth-oriented show during the praises. 5. Cristine Bersola2. Benjamin Alves, Summa early 2000’s. The show ran for 3 These reactions resulted Babao - Cum Laude, Mass Cum Laude, Bachelor of Arts in years, and one of the top-rated from the attendance by the who’s shows during those times. She left who of the Filipino and Filipinoshow business for her to focus on American community of the her studies. New York region. The luncheon’s 7. Lea Salonga program was opened by a Valedictorian, Elementary and welcome by Consul General de High School, OB Montessori Leon. He followed his welcome by even at a very young age Lea introducing the keynote speaker was already performing on the Ambassador Cuisia. In speaking to theater stage, TV and film. She his audience who were all dressed also started her recording career to the nines, Ambassador Cuisia and was a teen star via “That’s heaped praises on them and the entertainment.” However, in Greater New York area’s Filipino and spite of her busy schedule, the Filipino-American community for international Broadway star and their accomplishments and their Tony awardee still managed to finish grade school and high school achievements not only in support Lea Salonga Cristine Bersola-Babao of the home country but also with high honors.
kababayan in the home country, and in serving to hasten their assimilation into the mainstream American populace. In the same vein, he cited that in the recent Philippine elections, the New jurisdiction of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans turned in the highest vote – 39 per cent of the 26,000 registered voters, among all Philippine diplomatic posts in the United States. He also lauded the person he called “not only a colleague but also a friend” – Ambassador de Leon, citing his outstanding performance as a Consul General and his major, major accomplishments initiating community-bonding endeavors. Messages from New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio were read by leading officials of Filipino heritage from their respective offices during the program. New York City’s Chief Technology Officer Minerva Tantoco read Mayor de Blasio’s speech while Gil Quiniones, President and Chief executive Officer of the New York Power Authority (NYPA), represented Gov. Cuomo. One other event, just days before this, also concluded the New York region’s 118th anniversary commemoration of the declaration of Philippine Independence –the Philippine Independence Ball hosted by the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI). The Independence Ball culminated PIDCI’s many-months, multievent commemoration climaxed almost a week before on the first Sunday in June with a trio of major events on tap for the day: the all-day Philippine
Independence Day Street Fair – a virtual Filipino Food Festival and Mini-expo, the Philippine Independence Day Parade – a grandiose 11-block-long march of Filipino contingents, marching bands, floats, open cars, beauties and other celebrators, and the afternoon Cultural Festival highlighting on an open stage at the 25th Street end of Madison Avenue both local and imported (from the Philippines and elsewhere) performers, artists, celebrities, and other talents. Highlight of the sold-out Independence Ball was the presence of reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, who was the Guest of Honor for the evening. Another highlight of the Ball was the performance of the worldfamous, multi-awarded Dinagyang Festival Street Dancers who are actually the Tribu Salognon of Jaro High School in Iloilo, Philippines. During the night, the Grand Prize winner in the Marchers Category of the Philippine Independence Day Parade was also featured – the Bacolod City Masskara NY edition dancers. Immensely contributing to the “social of the year” reference by many of those that attended the Cipriani luncheon was the program of musical performances by a wellchosen line-up of renowned artists: soprano Katrina Saporsantos, tenor rogelio Peñaverde, Kirby Asunto, Jared Martin, the Iskwelahang Pilipino rondalla, Broadway Barkada, Isabelle Van Vleet, Loresca Lanceta, and Sacha Iskra. Masters of Ceremonies for the program were Vice Consul Khrystina Corpuz and Mahwah, New Jersey councilman Jonathan Wong. (Tambi Wycoco)
Fil-Am Paul Abadilla brings Pixar... From Page 5 about rediscovering things about my hometown and the things which I really miss like food and just being with the family,” he said. Finding Dory, directed by Andrew Stanton, picks up after “Finding Nemo” where Dory, a blue Tang fish, is living with her clownfish
pals Nemo and Marlin in Australia. Dory, who is afflicted with shortterm memory loss, is nagged by flickers of memory of her family. She gets flashbacks as a young fish who is trained by her parents to muster skills for dealing with her memory troubles. Then one day, while talking with them, she is suddenly whisked out
Institute to look for Dory’s parents. Paul liked the theme of persistence in the movie, specifically to the ocean open by an undertow. the mindset of Dory who “lives in the Once in the sea, Dory quickly forgets moment” and does not let the past hurts in her life dampen her spirit. why she’s out alone and just keeps “Dory’s motto is, ‘just keep on on swimming until she meets new swimming.’ It is inspiring on how friends. She has a lucid memory of she lives in the moment. It reminds where her parents are and where us not to be bogged down by the they used to live. She tells Nemo challenges in life, and appreciate and Marlin to accompany her in already what’s in front of us. I think California. They then set out into that is very valuable,” Paul said. an adventure at the Marine Life He shared that he’s become both of a go-with-the flow person and a planner. During the interview, he was asked if he had incorporated something Filipino in his set design for the film just like what previous Filipino animators did in Finding Nemo where there was a bahaykubo and a Mt. Mayon-inspired miniature volcano in the aquarium scene. Unfortunately, he was pressed for time as they had a hectic schedule. “But I would have loved to. You see part of the designing is dressing the set, so maybe in the Touch pool scene, I would have put some tsinelas on the ground,” he said. Working at Pixar has been a big learning experience for him, Paul said. “It’s great being surrounded by all these talented people. It’s so awesome to just being able to pick their brain and learn from them. I feel like I’m always learning overtime I go to work, so it’s been great, it’s like school for me,” he shared. Paul also said it’s a great privilege to work with Stanton. “I work directly with him. I pitch my designs to him, seek his notes and feedback and if it’s appropriate to his vision. If he’s happy, we forge ahead with my design,” Paul said. For him, the success of Pixar lies in the story and characters they built. He also shared that he likes Piper, Alan Barillaro’s six-minute short film
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Another scene from “Finding Dory.”
that precedes Finding Dory, about a young sandpiper who learns the ropes of feeding, darting in and out of the surf by himself. The imagery is simply sublime. Paul credits his family for instilling the values of hard work and persistence, and for also supporting his dreams. “My Dad is the artist in the family. I was largely inspired by him while I was growing up, I would copy his drawings. I’m just lucky to have parents who enable me, supported me to draw and become an artist,” said Paul. It wasn’t until he reached high school that he realized that he wanted to carve a career in sketching. “I was watching those cartoons and I told myself, surely there’s a team of artists doing these stuff, so I said, it’s a possible career to happen and I’d like to do it,” Paul shared. Paul graduated from San Jose State University, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Illustration. Prior to joining Pixar nearly a decade ago,
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he interned with the Walt Disney Animation Studios as part of the Visual Development department. For young, aspiring artists who would like to break out as animators in prestigious companies like Pixar, Paul has these pieces of advice. “Get the training that you need, whether in animation or any other career, that’s one thing. Keep on practicing and get feedback from the people. It’s a huge thing when you apply for the position, and you get a feedback. Feedback is important. I also keep a sketchbook because it helps you hone your observational skills. Likewise, networking is also important. You’ll never know who you’re going to run into who could help you one day in your career. So you keep your contacts on social media and Linkedin,” Paul said. He knows that he still has a long way to go, but for now, he just feels lucky to be in a job that allows him to do what he has always been passionate about — drawing. Someday, he would like to be an art director, but until then, he will just “keep on sketching.”
America
J U N E 26
Cabiao USA annual picnic Join Cabiao USA for its annual picnic on Sunday, June 26 at Wilderness Park in Downey, California from 11 am to 5 pm. There will be food, games, prizes and karoke! Meet kababayans, relatives and new friends and help plan for our 25th anniversary next year. For more information, call Allan Ocampo (323) 684-1820, Irma Ocampo Alcaraz (323) 861-6101, Gardy Parungao (562) 754-7511 or Andy Tecson (323) 467-5096.
Fax résumé to:
S E P T E M B E R 8 -1 7
42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept. 17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrated Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.
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An Asian Journal Magazine
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J u N E 1 7, 20 1 6
Elmo Magalona & Janella Salvador put their chemistry to the test By BiBsy
M. CarBallo Philstar.com
P GRAD CLASS OF 2016. The Philippine Consulate General New York in cooperation with Legacy Mentorship Inc., the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations and Pilipino American Unity for Progress held its fourth annual New York Metropolitan Area Philippine Graduation Ceremony at the Philippine Center Thursday, June 16, 2016. The graduates are joined in the photo by Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. and keynote speakers Michael Vea, co-founder of the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) Infinity Charter School and Karla Garcia, the first Filipina cast member of the Broadway hit musical Hamilton. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
Liza Soberano on Enrique Gil: We’re getting there Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil don’t want to label their relationship, despite seeing each other as special. “We’re getting there,” replied Liza when asked about her relationship status with Enrique, in an interview aired in “TV Patrol” on Wednesday, June 15. The Kapamilya actor added, “Totoo lang po ang nararamdaman namin, ‘yon lang.” Many of their fans got giddy after they both posted a sweet photo together, with a caption pertaining to “forever.” Liza, Enrique and the other cast of the primetime series “Dolce amore” are in a world tour this month. (Joyce Jimenez/Philstar.com)
Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona topbill “Born For You.”
Joshua Garcia, Katya Santos, Smokey Manaloto, Ogie Diaz, Neil Coleta, Young JV and Joj Martin. it is obvious that the bigbudgeted “Born For You” is the first team-up of Elmo and Janella. and the first teleserye of Elmo
since he transferred to aBS-CBN. Elmo and Janella were together in Japan where many scenes were shot. David Pomeranz was the original singer of “Born For You,” used as the theme song.
Alden, Maine record theme song for upcoming film By JoyCe JiMenez Philstar.com
Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano said they’re just being real about their feelings for each other.
Kristine Hermosa: No drama projects for now KRiSTiNE Hermosa explained why her comeback project is a comedy show. She will star with husband Oyo and father-in-law Vic Sotto in GMa’s sitcom “Hay Bahay!” “Ma-drama na sa buhay, bawasan na natin. Pati ba sa trabaho, kailangan ba iyakan pa rin?” she said about doing a comedy project, Philippine Entertainment Portal reported. Kristine was first known for her drama shows in aBS-CBN like “Pangako Sa’Yo,”“Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas” and “Dahil May isang ikaw.” She also added that doing drama projects “drained” her, which
WE first saw Janella Salvador in “Be Careful With My Heart” playing Nikki Lim. it was followed by her first main lead role in the daytime teleserye “Oh My G!” as Sophie Cepeda. Both were produced by aBS-CBN. Janella proved her skills in acting, winning her first acting award in the 27th PMPC Star awards for Television. We will be seeing her again with Elmo Magalona in the new series “Born For You,” which is directed by Dan Villegas and Onat Diaz. it is slated to premiere this month under Dreamscape Productions, the same unit behind the shows FPJ’s “ang Probinsyano,” “On the Wings of Love,” “Doble Kara,” “Wansapanatym,” Love You So” and “Written in our Stars.” The story revolves around two teenagers, whose red strings are connected to one another, binding them together. Supporting cast members include Vina Morales, ariel Rivera, Gina Pareño, Freddie Webb,
she doesn’t want now especially she has three children with Oyo Sotto and will be having one more in November. “alam ko rin kasi sa sarili ko na if i do drama again, pag-uwi ko sa bahay, ano pa yung lakas na maibibigay ko sa mga anak ko, wala na,” she explained. “Kumbaga, draining siya, e. Kung dati nga wala pa akong pamilya, wala pa akong asawa, nade-drain na ako.” as for working with GMa, Kristine said she doesn’t have an existing contract with aBS-CBN which made her freely accept the project with the Kapuso network. (Philstar.com)
Kristine Hermosa
aLDEN Richards and Maine Mendoza record the song for their upcoming film. On Wednesday, June 15, the GMa corporate communication team posted on their instagram account a photo of the two while recording the song. according to reports, Maine was the one who wrote the lyrics of the song, while Vic Sotto worked on the melody. it was this week also when they both posted a teaser of their film, which reports said will be in cinemas on July 16, the anniversary of their “accidental” love team. Their film was shot in italy, Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza join forces not only for their film, but also for its theme under the helming of Mike song! Tuviera.
An Asian Journal Magazine
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JuNE 17, 2016