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Volume 10 – Issue 1 • 16 Pages

S E P T E MBE R 3 0 - O C T O BE R 6 , 2 0 1 6 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

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Asia’s Iron Lady Miriam Defensor-Santiago passes away at 71 by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago

After battling lung cancer, senator miriam-Defensor santiago passed away at the age of 71 on thursday morning, september 29. the senator passed away while being confined at the st. Luke’s medical Center in Bonifacio Global City. “she died this morning in her sleep. she was unconscious when she passed

away,” her husband, Atty. Narciso “Jun” santiago, told Inquirer. In 2014, miriam was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer but later declared that she had “conquered” her illness a year after. her remains were brought to the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral in Cubao. In a statement, President rodrigo Duterte expressed his sympathies to the families of the late senator.

“she is best remembered as a graft buster ‘eating death threats for breakfast’ earning her the title ‘Iron Lady of Asia,’” Duterte said, who is presently in Vietnam for a two-day official visit. “rest in peace, madam senator. may your legacy continue to guide this nation for many years to come,” the president added. Born in Iloilo City on June 15, 1945, miriam was one of the most notable figure in Philippine politics. she was

dubbed as the “Iron Lady of Asia” for her strong campaign against corruption. recently, she ran for presidency in the may 2016 elections despite the doubts cast regarding her health. the 2016 elections was won by current president Duterte. she also sought the presidency in 1992 and lost to fidel ramos, and in 1998 which was won by Joseph estrada. miriam served as senator for three

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Philippines to US: Let us chart our own course by Patricia LourDeS Philstar.com

Viray

mANILA — the Philippines respects the opinion of other nations but called on long-time ally the United states to let it chart its own course, a Palace official said on thursday, sept. 29. An American senator earlier warned that the Us may take action if extrajudicial killings and state-sanctioned violence continue in the Philippines. “We respect the opinion of others but we also give ourselves the permission to chart our own

DATELINE

course and fulfill our destiny on our own terms,” Presidential spokesperson ernesto Abella said in a press briefing. Abella stressed that the relationship between the Philippines and the Us remains unchanged despite differences in political perspectives and opinions. “We’d also like to stress that extrajudicial killings is not statesanctioned and that the Philippines remains committed to human rights, the rule of law, and to democracy,” Abella said. Us sen. Patrick Leahy said that the Us state Department is

set to discuss with the Us senate its current assistance for the Philippines. this will affect the national budget of the Us for next year. the American senator authored the Leahy Law, which prohibits the Us Department of state and Department of Defense from providing assistance to foreign military units that violate human rights. ‘Philippines committed to human rights’ the Palace official said that the Philippines has not veered away

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President Rodrigo Duterte is inside an official state car with Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go following a meeting at the State Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam on Thursday, Sept. 29. Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

DENR Secretary Lopez aims to achieve social justice, erase poverty

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Clinton, Trump square off in first debate

Fiery discussion included jobs, race, nat’l security and scandals NeIther Donald trump nor hillary Clinton held back in their much-anticipated first presidential debate on monday, sept. 28. moderated by “NBC Nightly News” anchor Lester holt, the debate explored topics like the economy, job creation, race relations amid police brutality and national security in the wake of attacks from the Islamic state (Is). however, a great portion of the evening was spent discussing scandals which have

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by MoMar Steve Austria

Ron Falconi

Sean Reyes

Ron Villanueva

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Herman Martir

5 Fil-Ams named to Trump’s APA advisory committee by chriStina

M. orieL

AJPress

As the November election approaches, the campaign of republican presidential nominee Donald trump formally announced its Asian Pacific American (APA) Advisory Committee in an effort to reach out to the fast-growing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) electorate. the formation of the committee was first introduced during an APA

National forum at the sidelines of the republican National Convention last July, the Asian Journal previously reported. “the committee members will support and strengthen ties to each community and provide recommendations on how best to ensure AAPI voices are heard and included in the campaign,” said a release by the trump campaign on sunday, sept. 25, a day ahead of the first presidential debate against Democratic nominee hill-

ary Clinton. the 31-member committee — comprised of a mix of male and female elected, appointed and grassroots leaders who believe in the republican nominee’s message to “make America Great Again” — includes co-chairs Guam Gov. eddie Calvo and Northern mariana Islands Gov. ralph torres, former Labor secretary elaine Chao and Korean Americans for trump founder Lisa shin.

Filipino Veterans of ASEAN @ 50 IN 2017 WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act gets PH officials look forward to ASEAN’s 50th anniversary, PH hosting summits and meetings closer to passage fILIPINo veterans who fought in World War II are closer to receiving the Congressional Gold medal (CGm), one of the highest civilians awards in the United states. After the senate unanimously approved the filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold medal Act of 2015, the bill received enough co-sponsors in the house of representatives. on July 13, the bill passed in the senate and was sponsored by the likes

G. ViSaya

AJPress

by MoMar

G. ViSaya

AJPress

NeW YorK — Department of foreign Affairs Undersecretary enrique manalo led visiting DfA-AseAN officials in a filipino community townhall meeting Wednesday, sept. 28 to promote the Phiippines’ chairmanship next year of AseAN in its golden year. the delegation was in New York to attend the UN General Assembly, along with

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NeW YorK — Department of environment and Natural resources (DeNr) secretary regina Paz Lopez participated in a town hall meeting last week with community leaders during her visit to New York on the occasion of her participation at the Global Leadership forum at the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. the Consulate General represented by Consul General mario L. de Leon, Jr. along with community members composed of fil-muslim community, the Lumads, fil-Am press and National federation for filipino Concerns engaged Lopez in a dialogue about the DeNr. “I am shifting from a predominantly regulatory arm into a proactive, dynamic development one. With the money and the power the DeNr has, we can maximize that and utilize it in a way that it has social and economic impact,” Lopez said. In his welcome remarks, Consul General De Leon thanked secretary Lopez for her participation in the forum and recognized the Global

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AseAN meetings and conferences on the sidelines. they also delivered talks at the seton hall University and fordham University in order to raise awareness of the AseAN and the work that they do among the Asian American faculty and students. Joining the undersecretary were elizabeth Buensuceso, permanent representative of the Philippines to AseAN; DfA As- Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo (center) with his colleagues from the sistant secretary hellen de la Vega; office DFA (from left) Edgar Badajos, Office of ASEAN Affairs director; Elizabeth Buensuceso, permanent of AseAN Affairs executive director Zaldy representative of the Philippines to ASEAN; Hellen De La Vega, DFA assistant secretary and Zaldy

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Patron, Office of ASEAN Affairs executive director.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

A SEPTEMBER 30- OCTOBER 6, 2016 â€˘ NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com â€˘ (212) 655-5426

From the Front Page

Philippines to US: Let us chart our ownâ€Ś PAGE A1 t

from its commitment to human rights despite the strong stance of President Rodrigo Duterte against illegal drugs. â€œThe drug problem in the Philippines itself is so pervasive that it undermines the human rights of the people and the rule of law,â€? the presidential spokesperson said. Abella maintained that the Philippines is committed to international agreements on human rights and that Filipinos continue to enjoy civil and political rights despite the new administrationâ€™s

war on drugs. The alliance between the Philippines and the US dates back to the 1950s, during which the two countries signed a Mutual Defense Treat, although ties can be traced back further to when the country was a US colony. Duterte, however, has announced that he wants an end to the joint military exercises between Filipino and American troops. The president noted that China is not in favor of Philippine soldiers holding war games with the US. n

Sen. Patrick Leahy

5 Fil-Ams named to Trumpâ€™s APAâ€Ś

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GUN GALORE. President Rodrigo Duterte looks at firearms seized by the police which were displayed by the Police Regional Office 12 when he visited General Santos City. ManilaTImes.net photo

PH officials look forward to ASEANâ€™s 50thâ€Ś

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Patron and Office of ASEAN Affairs director Edgar Badajos. â€œWe are also here in New York to reach out to the various student groups and the Filipino community here to raise awareness of the ASEAN and the fact that the Philippines will be the chair of ASEAN for 2017,â€? Manalo said. President Rodrigo R. Duterte received the chairmanship of the association during the recently concluded ASEAN summit held in Vientiane, Laos earlier this month. The Philippines is one of the five founding members of the ASEAN, through the Bangkok Declaration of August 8, 1967 signed by the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam complete the ten-country roster of the association. As a group, ASEAN is the third largest economy in the world and one of the largest markets in the world, according to Manalo. The officials are all looking forward to the hosting of the Philippines of next yearâ€™s major ASEAN events such as the summits and meetings on the sidelines. ASEAN at 50 will have the theme â€œPartnering for Change, Engaging the Worldâ€?. â€œWeâ€™re talking about change, change for the many and not just for the few, change that will help those who are marginalized, victims of calamities, among others,â€? said assistant secretary De La Vega. â€œThat means ASEAN

for the farmers, the teachers, fishermen and change that they will truly feel.â€? â€œWe are all going to be very busy next year and we enjoin you to become part of the celebrations. Weâ€™re also celebrating 40 years of ASEAN-US partnership and ASEAN-Canada, ASEAN-EU relations next year,â€? Buensuceso said. Next yearâ€™s summit will be the third time for the Philippines to host. The last time the Philippines hosted it was in 2007 under President Gloria Arroyo and prior to that, in 1987 under President Corazon Aquino. â€œThere will be two major events next year, the 30th summit around April and the 31st summit around November,â€? shared Patron. n

DENR Secretary Lopez aims to achieve socialâ€Ś

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Action Platform (GAP) and the Global Platform for Sustainable Solutions (GPSS), represented by Mr. Bryan Thomas who also attended the Town Hall. In her presentation, Lopez said that social justice is a component of DENR projects in provinces and believes that resources of the country should benefit the local communities and its residents.

She also talked about development projects, working with the civic sector and pursuing social entrepreneurship. The DENR has chosen 17 areas to test out these projects, including various convergence areas in Mindanao, focusing on the towns of Rajah Buayan and South Upi in Maguindanao, and the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur and Sarangani.

She laid out plans that included performance indicators by prioritizing happiness (Gross National Happiness, similar to Bhutan), health, environment, economy and peace and order. â€œThis is my conviction, my aspiration, that we can have a country without poverty. I have no doubt about it,â€? Lopez said, adding that she has done it in

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Of that number, five are Filipino-Americans: former U.S. Congressman Steve Austria (R-Ohio); Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes; Brunswick, Ohio Mayor Ron Falconi; Ron Villanueva, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates; and Pastor Herman Martir of Texas. Reyes, who is Filipino on his fatherâ€™s side, spoke on behalf of the Trump campaign during the Presidential Election Forum hosted by Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) and the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) in August. He highlighted the real estate billionaireâ€™s views on issues like business regulations and immigration and even clarified the controversial Philippines as a

â€œterrorist nationâ€? remarks. â€œI think Filipinos need to educate themselves that Donald Trump can truly make America great again,â€? Reyes told the Asian Journal at the partyâ€™s convention in July. Noting how the AAPI vote is crucial and could swing races, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has been trying to court the population, most notably with the launch of the Republican Leadership Initiative (RLI) in 2015 to train AAPI millennials to engage their communities on a grassroots level. â€œThe diversity of Mr. Trumpâ€™s AAPI advisory council represents his commitment to the interests of our entire AAPI community,â€? Fil-Am Ninio Fetalvo, a spokesman for the RNC, told the Asian

Journal in an email. â€œCoupled with the RNCâ€™s historic ground game efforts that have had a presence in AAPI communities across the country for the past three years, we are confident that Asian Americans will turn out for Mr. Trump and the Republican Party ticket on Election Day.â€? He added that the strength of the RNCâ€™s outreach showed when AAPIs leaned more to the right during the 2014 midterm elections. Additional members of the committee will be added in the future, the Trump campaign said. The Clinton campaign shrugged off Trumpâ€™s attempt to convince AAPI voters to vote for him, noting that it has been engaging with the population since

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Asiaâ€™s Iron Lady Miriam Defensorâ€Ś

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terms. She was elected in 1995, and again in 2004 and in 2010. She first became a regional trial court judge in Quezon City Immigration commissioner and then an Agrarian Reform Secretary during President Corazon Aquinoâ€™s administration, prior to her senatorial career. Aside from politics, Miriam was also renowned for her academic achievements. She graduated magna cum laude and cum laude in Political Science and Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines respectively. She then pursued further studies both in the Philippines and abroad. The senator is also known for her jokes, one-liners, pick up

Miriam Defensor-Santiago

lines, comebacks, and feisty speeches. The late senator even released a compilation of her humor entitled â€œStupid Is For-

ever,â€? which is 2014â€™s fastestselling and best-selling book, according to the National Book Store. n

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

From the Front Page

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 30- OCTOBER 6, 2016

Clinton, Trump square off in first…

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dominated news coverage for this election cycle like the birther conspiracy, Trump’s tax returns and Clinton’s emails. The debate acted as a microcosm of the overall election race as both candidates were in full attack mode, each questioning the other’s qualifications for the presidency. The debate got particularly heated when the subject of physical fitness and endurance to maintain the presidency came up. “She doesn’t have the look. She doesn’t have the stamina,” Trump confidently declared. “I said she doesn’t have the stamina. And I don’t believe she does have the stamina. To be president of this country, you need tremendous stamina.” Clinton fired back, referencing her opponent’s lack of political experience. “As soon as he travels to 112 countries, negotiates a peace CENTENARIAN. President Rodrigo Duterte (right) kisses the forehead of 108-year-old Lourdes Marquez in ceremonies for the signing deal, a cease-fire, a release of of rules implementing the Centenarians Act of 2016 at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall. The law grants a cash gift of P100,000 to persons who dissidents and opening of new reach the century mark. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan opportunities in nations around the world, or even spends 11 hours testifying in front of a Congressional committee — he can talk to me about stamina,” ClinIf passed, the Filipino WWII information about Filipinos’ roles ton retorted. PAGE A1 t Mixed feelings of Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), veterans join other ethnic military in the war in Grade 11 U.S. HisPost-debate polls failed to Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Harry Reid groups that have been awarded tory lesson plans. (D-Nev.) and Brian Schatz (D- the CGM like the Tuskegee airEarlier this year, the United come up with a clear consensus men, the Navajo Code Talkers, States Citizenship and Immigra- of a winner following the debate, HI). As of Monday, September 26, Women Air Service Pilots and tion Services (USCIS) rolled out and it was largely due to medithe House version of the bill re- more, according to Cecilia Gaer- a new family-based immigration um. Online-based polls show that ceived 299 co-sponsors including lan, executive director of Bataan program for Filipino WWII veter- Trump won, including Drudge Representatives Tulsi Gabbard Legacy Historical Society, an or- ans and their families called the Report which declared him the (D-HI), Joseph Heck (R-Nev.), ganization that seeks to preserve Filipino World War II Veterans victor by 83 percent. He also Juan Vargas (D-Calif.), Mike the historical significance of Fili- Parole Program. (Klarize Mede- won in online surveys conducted by CNBC (67 percent) and TIME Thompson (D-Calif.), Mark Takai pinos’ role in WWII. nilla / AJPress) The Filipino Veterans of WWII (D-HI) Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) and vice presidential candidate Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 was introduced on June 11, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.). The award would collectively 2015 and was supported by the honor the more than 260,000 National Federation of Filipino Filipinos who lent their efforts American Associations (NaFon behalf of the United States FAA) and the Filipino Veterans during the second world war. As Recognition and Education Projpreviously reported by the Asian ect (FilVetREP). FilVetREP was formed last Journal, less than 16,000 of those year to obtain national recognisoldiers are alive today. “This is a significant step for- tion and awareness of the Filipiward in the long battle for due nos’ efforts in WWII. They plan to recognition of our veterans who conduct research on the Filipino courageously fought side by American experience during the side with the Americans in the war and seek to bring the Filipino defense of freedom and democ- side of the war to light. The California State Board racy,” Minister Patrick Chuasoto, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of of Education recently approved the Philippine Embassy said in a curriculum changes of the state’s high schools to incorporate more statement.

Filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional…

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez addresses members of the Fil-Am community at a townhall meeting in New York where she reported about the direction her department is headed in order to attain social justice for Filipinos in the homeland. AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

DENR Secretary Lopez aims…

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various areas during her days at the ABS-CBN Foundation, which had multiple development, educational and environmental projects. She maintained that Filipino Americans can contribute to prosperity and national progress in the country. The Natural Resources Development Corporation (NRDC) can help in case Overseas Filipinos wish to invest capital, she added. During the question and answer that ensued after her presentation, Secretary Lopez addressed matters concerning the environment such as open pit mining in Davao and Caraga region, and protection of local farmers and fishermen. Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Abella was also on hand to convey the government’s official position on criminality, peace and order and the government’s on-

going war on illicit drugs. Earlier in the day, Secretary Lopez was in the UN headquarters to speak at the Global Leadership Forum upon the invitation of the GAP led by Dr. Scott Massey and Bryan Thomas, in support of the proposed Caraga region development project GPSS in Mindanao. Sultan Julius Mabandos, leader of 21 Lumad Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) attended the UN forum representing his people and also joined the town hall forum as a guest. Since 2015, the Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC have been in conversation with Dr. Scott Massey, the Department of Agriculture in Washington DC, and Sultan Mabandos on the proposed Caraga development project in the Lumads ancestral land involving sustainable practices that preserve the environment. n

5 Fil-Ams named to…

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the former secretary of state launched her presidential bid. Earlier this year, her campaign released an AAPI fact sheet that outlined her plans to address various matters, ranging from reducing the visa backlog for Filipinos and fighting for comprehensive immigration reform. “Donald Trump’s last-ditch effort to gain the AAPI vote by launching an Asian Pacific American Advisory Council with less than 50 days before the election is too little, too late. Hillary Clinton has had a career-long record of fighting for the best interests of the AAPI community, and has shown her commitment since the start of her campaign. Hillary Clinton has specifically laid out a comprehensive plan to tackle the issues that AAPIs care about.

This November, we are confident that the AAPI vote will reflect the community’s overwhelming support for her,” Jason Tengco, AAPI outreach director of Clinton’s campaign, told the Asian Journal in an email. In May, nonpartisan groups APIAVote, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC and AAPI Data released “Inclusion, Not Exclusion,” a voter survey examining the trends within the Asian American population. According to the findings, 31 percent of Filipinos reported a favorable view of the Republican Party, compared to 64 percent of Filipinos for the Democratic Party. Thirty-six percent of Filipinos responded that they are planning to vote for Clinton, while 11 percent for Trump. n

(55 percent). However, in polls conducted by more traditional means, Clinton came out on top. For example, one poll conducted by CNN indicated that Clinton won the debate with 62 percent of viewers, while only 27 percent believed Trump performed better. Moreover, Public Policy Polling prescreened participants who were willing to vote on a winner after the debate, and 51 percent declared Clinton the winner over Trump’s 41 percent. Additionally, it seems that each candidate won among members in their respective parties. The Republican National Committee (RNC) believed that its nominee held his own as a nonEstablishment candidate. “Donald Trump showed he is the only candidate in this race with the ideas to stimulate our economy, defeat radical Islamic terrorism, and keep our streets safe in every community,” RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement. “The American people deserve better than a dishonest career Washington politician defending a failed status quo, and Donald Trump showed tonight he is the only candidate with the big picture leadership our country needs.” However, Democrats everywhere think that Clinton won the debate, including Melissa Ramoso, national coordinator for Filipino Americans for Hillary, who said that the debate “reaffirmed” Clinton’s qualifications as president. “I think Secretary Clinton made all her supporters very proud,”

Ramoso told the Asian Journal after a debate watch party at Far Bar in Los Angeles. “It was clear that she dominated the debate and held her ground. She was factual, prepared and executed her answers well. She was not afraid to counter Mr. Trump’s claims without warrants.” Ramoso added: “She knew she was on the world’s stage, and it was her moment to show that she was prepared for the debate despite Mr. Trump criticizing her. She even stated, ‘I prepared to be President, and I think that’s a good thing.’” Grace Barrios, vice president of outreach for Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD) and a Clinton delegate during the Democratic National Committee, also attended the watch party and agreed that Clinton’s performance underscored her “clear plan” for the presidency, especially in terms of economic growth, education, national security among other issues. Barrios said that the former secretary of state’s performance also highlighted Trump’s shortcomings. “It was very clear that [Clinton] is in complete command of policy and the political will to implement it,” Barrios told the Asian Journal. “Having Donald Trump debate her showed us his lies, innuendoes including birtherism and his plans whenever he had one are not beneficial to many of average Americans. Last night strengthened, even more, my commitment to ensure we will have Secretary Hillary Clinton as

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A SEPTEMBER 30- OCTOBER 6, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

US to remain close PH friend, partner WASHInGTOn – The United States has said it will remain a friend of the Philippines even as it seeks to pursue alliances or partnerships with China and Russia, two superpowers Washington sees as potential adversaries. “They’re a sovereign nation and we’re certainly not going to hold them back from pursuing closer relations with either of those countries,” State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said at a briefing on Monday. The United States can remain a close friend and partner of the Philippines despite President Duterte’s declaration of his intention to seek alliances or partnerships with China and Russia, Toner said. Toner said US ties with the Philippines are one of the most enduring bilateral relationships within the Asia-Pacific region and a cornerstone of stability for 70 years. Washington continues to

ther of those countries. And it’s not a zero-sum game,” he said. Asked if Duterte’s barbed remarks against President Barack Obama and the US government was what one would expect from an ally, Toner said: “We’re not deaf; we do hear what he says. And yet, I would just say that our cooperation with the Philippine government remains strong and unabated so we continue to engage in close cooperation on a number of areas of interest. “We’re going to keep up that cooperation until we hear otherMark Toner wise,” he added. Despite Duterte’s public prowork closely with and focus on its relationship with the Philip- nouncements “we’ve not, though, pines in many areas of mutual seen anything with regard to our interest including counterter- relations with the Philippines, rorism and economic develop- that would indicate a shift, if you will, or a turning away. ment, he said. “And so US cooperation con“With regard to them pursuing alliances or partnerships with tinues. I don’t know what to call China and Russia, they’re a sov- it – a disconnect or what – but we ereign nation and we’re certainly continue to work with the Filinot going to hold them back from pino government,” he said. (Jose pursuing closer relations with ei- Katigbak / Philstar.com)

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NOW OPEN. The first segment of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway is now open. It will link Terminals 1 and 2 in Paranaque City to Macapagal Boulevard and the Entertainment City. For the first month, motorists will not pay toll for using the expressway. Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes

National, state lawmakers hope Filipino boxer Nietes wins 12 rounds and to maximize impact of AAPI vote unanimous decision in flyweight debut by Eric

Anthony LicAs

Anthony LicAs AJPress

In celebration of national Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 27, elected officials encouraged Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) to secure their right to be heard by registering to vote. The nonpartisan organization, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAvote), invited national and state legislators from across the country to discuss the importance of raising voter turnout amongst AAPIs during a web conference on Tuesday. They are the fastest-growing demographic and electorate in America, and represent critical votes in hotly contested political contests throughout the nation, according to Democratic Rep. Judy Chu of California’s 27th district. “We have gone from being marginalized to being the margin of victory,” said Chu during the conference. “Regardless of what party you belong to, or which

AJPress

CARSOn, Calif. — Filipino boxer Donnie “Ahas” nietes dispelled any doubts about his viability as a flyweight by defeating former WBC champion Edgar Sosa to claim the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) title at the StubHub Center on Saturday, September 24. nietes, who now holds a professional record of 39-1-4 (winloss-draw), earned the judges’ nod in all 12 rounds of the fight to win a unanimous 120-108 decision. His opponent seemed to play the aggressor in order to make up for lost rounds, especially later in the fight when nietes managed to land devastating counterattacks. An overhand right from the first-time flyweight late in the tenth round visibly rattled Sosa. The more experienced fighter managed to avoid an extended trip to the canvas, but drops to a professional record of 52-10 after Saturday night. “Hindi ako nagmamadali na i-knockout si Sosa (I wasn’t in a hurry to knockout Sosa),” nietes told reporters and fight fans after the match. His decisive win was preceded by strong performances from Filipino boxers throughout the

by Eric

Boxing history’s longest reigning Filipino champ, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, adds the Wolrd Boxing Organization’s (WBO) inernational flyweight title to his impressive list of accomplishments with the help of head trainer, Edmond Villamor (left) and other ALA boxing staff on Saturday, September 4 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. Contributed photo by Jhay Oh Otamias / Philboxing.com

event’s main card. After earning a controversial victory from what turned out to be an accidental bumping of heads in his first fight against Juan “El Penita” Jimenez, ”King” Arthur

Villanueva came back to settle the score in spectacular fashion. Moments after escaping from the corner of the ring during the second round, Villanueva caught

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candidate you back, there’s one thing I know: we, the AAPI population make a difference in this election.” The november election will set the course for emergent policy debates on issues affecting the AAPI community like immigration, education and the economy, said Democratic Virginia House Delegate Mark Keam on Tuesday. However, Rep. Grace Meng (D-new York) of the state’s 6th district pointed out during the conference that only about 60 percent of eligible AAPI voters typically registers to vote. In comparison, the registration rate is 78 percent amongst all eligible Americans. “If we don’t secure a seat at the table, we’re going to be on the menu,” said new Jersey Assemblyman Raj Mukherji on Tuesday. He went on to say that voter turnout drops dramatically, particularly amongst first generation Americans, in off-year elections. Mukherji called upon voters to cast their ballots during these

less publicized contests, where their voices would have a greater effect on the outcome. He hopes the wave of political engagement that comes with a presidential race will not dissipate in the years that follow. “2016 is going to be the largest mobilization effort of AAPI voters we’ve ever seen in history,” said APIAVote Executive Director Christine Chen. However, time is running out. Registration forms must be postmarked or submitted online by Friday, October 14 in new York, Tuesday, October 18 in nevada, and Monday, October 24 in California. APIAVote partners will continue to conduct outreach and signup events throughout the registration period in 25 states at grocery stores, cultural centers, temples, boba shops, and a wide variety of other locations. These gatherings also allow people to check the status of their registration, learn what’s on their ballots, and develop a plan for november 8. n

Clinton, Trump square off in first…

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our first woman president.” The watch party was hosted by AAPI for Hillary, California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, API Caucus - California Young Democrats, Filipino Americans for Hillary - Southern Califor-

nia, Korean Americans for Hillary - Los Angeles and Korean American Democratic Committee. The groups will hold another debate watch party for the upcoming vice presidential debate on Tuesday, October 4, at Far Bar. The party will also honor Joe

Montano, a Filipino-American senior staffer to Sen. Tim Kaine, who passed away in July. Another debate party for the second presidential debate on Sunday, October 19 will also take place at Far Bar. (Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

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PH competitiveness drops in WEF survey by RiChmOnd

S. meRCuRiO

Philstar.com

Sponsors (L-R) Gail Alvarez, Angelica Berrie, Loida Nicolas Lewis, Angie Cruz, Carla Villacorta and Edwin Josue

DNC Delegate Joshua Ang Price who flew from Arkansas (center) with Chelsea Clinton and Edwin Josue at Fil Ams for Hillary Reception in NYC. Reception with Chelsea Clinton

Fil-Am supporters cheer for Hillary at first presidential debate

WHILE Fil-Ams for Hillary cheered Hillary Clinton all over the country, Fil-Ams and friends gathered in Woodside, Queens at a Debate Watch Party and in Hempstead, Long Island for Hillary Debate Visibility. East Coast Co-Chair Angie Cruz, Aida Bartolome along with East Coast Chair Loida Nicolas Lewis, Juliet Payabyab and Edwin Josue met with Fil Ams at Krystal’s, a popular Filipino restaurant in Queens, to root for Hillary in the first Presidential Debate. Meanwhile East Coast Coordinator Marilyn Abalos and Tess Dela Cruz were at Hofstra University with Fil-Ams, AAPI and volunteers and students to show their support for Hillary. “Hillary pulverized the Donald!” exclaimed Mrs. Lewis. “She is prepared to be President! She has been fighting for us – now show her that you’re fighting for her too!” She pointed out that Hillary spent her life fighting for children and families. “Donald Trump has used his campaign to pit us against each other. Donald Trump is only in it for himself, and is pushing for policies

that will help billionaires like himself, at the expense of the middle class,” she continued. “Hillary has a plan to build an economy that works for everyone – not just those at the top – with good jobs and a good education.” Lewis is encouraging Fil-Ams to register to vote on November 8th. Angie Cruz reported that about 25 Fil-Ams from various parts of the Tri-Boro attended the Fil-Ams For Hillary Debate Watch Party. She was delighted to note that the group also raised a few hundred dollars to support the Hillary Victory Fund. “We saw Trump’s terrible performance under pressure, and how qualified and prepared Hillary is to become president,” said Aries Dela Cruz, President of the Fil Am Democratic Club in NY. “Now, it’s our turn to show her we have her back, starting with checking our voter record, updating our records or registering to vote at IWillVote.com.” Meanwhile in Long Island, Marilyn Abalos and Tess Dela Cruz spent their “Malakas Mon-

day” with the Hillary Debate Visibility Group promoting support at Hofstra University where the first presidential debate was held. They joined the Hillary Clinton “after debate rally” of volunteers and NY democratic committee officials where Hillary Clinton thanked the crowd for their support and asked everyone to continue phone banks and canvassing and more. “Panalo siya!” said Tess Dela Cruz. “Trump lacks the knowledge, stability and values to be President.” She cited that Hillary is a proven leader with not only the experience and steadiness to be Commander in Chief but also someone who has laid out real plans to keep our country safe. Marilyn Abalos pointed out that the debate would prompt undecided voters to see who would be the best choice. Fil-Ams for Hillary has scheduled phone banks, trips to Philadelphia and key swing states, grassroots fundraisers and special events in support of Hillary Clinton. For more info, contact nyfilams4hillary@gmail. com. n

THE Philippines ended nearly a decade of gains in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index, slipping 10 notches in this year’s report that ranks the most competitive economies. The country ranked 57th among 138 economies this year, a drop from its 47th position among 140 economies last year, the WEF Global Competitiveness Index 2016-2017 report showed. WEF said the Philippines’ 10point decline in this year’s rankings marks the first time in the 10 years under its current methodology the country has gone down in the standings. “The country appears to be going backwards vis-a-vis its peers in some of the more complex areas of competitiveness,” the WEF said. The Philippines’ technological readiness ranking fell 15 places

to 83rd, while business sophistication dropped 10 spots to 52nd. Its innovation standing also slipped 14 notches to 62nd and goods market efficiency ranking went down 19 places to 99th. “Entrepreneurs will note that Philippines is the second lowest ranking country in the world when it comes to number of procedures to start a business,” the WEF added. Meanwhile, minor improvements have been made in the country’s basic requirements sub-index, where it moved up one spot to 65th. The basic requirements subindex includes institutions, infrastructure, macroeconomic environment, and health and primary education. The country’s macroeconomic environment improved four places to the 20th spot worldwide, while health and primary education inched up five spots to 81st. In the Executive Opinion Survey which was part of the report,

business leaders cited inefficient government bureaucracy, inadequate supply of infrastructure, corruption, tax rates, and tax regulations as the top five most problematic factors for doing business in the Philippines. Overall, Switzerland ranked as the most competitive economy in the world for the eighth consecutive year. Singapore came at second, followed by the US, Netherlands and Germany. Among East and Asia Pacific economies, Singapore posted the highest standing followed by Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei. “The competitiveness gap in East Asia and Pacific is widening. Although 13 of the 15 economies covered consecutively since 2007 have been able to improve their GCI score over the past decade, this year sees reversals for some of the larger emerging markets in the region,” the WEF said. n

Why Donaire won’t vote for Pacquiao as president by dinO

maRagay Philstar.com

THEY may share the same trade and distinction as world-class Filipino boxers, but Nonito Donaire Jr. isn’t a fan of Manny Pacquiao the politician. And if Pacquiao, currently a senator, decides to go for the highest public office in the land someday, he won’t have Donaire’s vote for now. “Honestly, I probably wouldn’t [vote for Pacquiao as president],” the Filipino-American boxer said in a video posted by Luis Sandoval of fighthype.com. Donaire is in Los Angeles to promote his WBO super bantamweight title defense against Magdaleno, which, interestingly, will be held in the undercard of Pacquiao’s fight with Jessie Vargas in November 5. After taking the dais and talking about his upcoming fight, Donaire spent some time talking to reporters, even about things other than boxing. He was then asked about his thoughts on Pacquiao running for Philippine president in the future. Donaire pointed out that Pacquiao lacks the commitment at this point. “In order for you to become the president, you have to take the words of the people, you have to be there, you have to have the time,” he said. Pacquiao is known to wear different hats, and in fact, has chosen to hold his training for Vargas at a gym near the Senate office in Pasay City after sessions. Some observers believe Pacquiao has set his sights on the presidency, with the senate as his springboard. He had been congressman representing Sarangani province, and was noted for his absences, which Donaire also singled out. “He’s not presented himself well as a politician. He’s presented himself as a celebrity,” said Donaire. “For once, he is the most absentee in the congress.”

Nonito Donaire

AJPress file photo by RObert Macabagdal

“But in terms of becoming the president, you have to put your effort, your mind,” he added. Pacquiao’s commitment to his duties as a public servant has again been put in question when he decided to resume fighting just five months after announcing his retirement. After defeating Bradley last April, Pacquiao said he is hanging up his gloves to focus on politics. The Filipino then quickly changed his mind, announcing his fight with Vargas. And Donaire has called him out for it. “Sometimes you gotta be true to your word. I love Manny, he’s a great friend of mine, but I’m looking at it as a man who wants the country to become better,” said Donaire. “In order for him to get my vote, he has to commit. If he says ‘I’m retired’, then you stay that way.” n

Fil-Am TV reporter tries to spotlight Asian-American issues survived and risen to a full-time reportorial position in a major news outfit in this city, NBC7. An Emmy-nominated reporter, SAN DIEGO, California — Her father named her “Liberty” be- Zabala previously worked as one cause she was born one day be- of four reporter trainees selected fore Independence Day and her from across the country for the immigrant parents loved this NBC Reporter Development Procountry. Her middle name is gram. Under the program, she went “Angel” because she survived as through intensive multimedia a three pound premature baby. Liberty Zabala, daughter of the training alongside NBCUniverlate expatriate Philippines jour- sal’s top media executives, talnalist and foreign-service dip- ents and coaches at NBC5 Dallas, lomat Larry de Venecia Zabala, NBC10 Philadelphia, and NBC4 is now in her 20s, has indeed New York under the direction of by CeCile

C. OChOa

Inquirer.net

The Poynter Institute’s Al Tompkins. All-around journalist She writes, shoots, edits and reports enterprise stories for three live newscasts a day on NBC7. San Diego County, according to the Filipino American Center of San Francisco Public Library, has the second largest Filipino American population of any county in the nation, growing to 182,248 in 2010. Los Angeles County has the largest with more than 374,000 in the last census. n

Filipino boxer Nietes wins 12 rounds…

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Jimenez with a fierce right cross as the challenger stepped around “King” in an attempt to deliver a blow of his own. That punch sent “El Penita” sprawling face first into the canvas and drew a collective gasp from fight fans in the arena. Referee Jimmy Cantu stopped the fight as Jimenez, who now holds a record of 22-11-0, struggled to find his legs, resulting in Villanueva’s successful defense of his WBO Asia-Pacific Bantamweight title. The victor improved his record to 30-1-0. Meanwhile, Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo handily defeated Ramiro Robles, who was a late replacement on the fight lineup with a current professional record of 13-6-1. Magsayo scored knockdowns in the second and seventh rounds, but both fighters managed to go the distance. After earning a unanimous decision, “Magnifico” retained his recently won WBO featherweight title and his undefeated (15-0) professional record. Saturday’s matches showcased the formidability of fighters coming out of the Philippines, and signaled promise for the future of Filipino boxing. Nietes had told members of the media that he wanted to explore heavier weight classes in pursuit of more illustrious matchups. “Mate-test ko kung hanggang saan ang lakas ko dito sa 112 (pounds) (I’m testing my strength at 112 (pounds)),” Nietes said after his victory. “Ahas,” who hasn’t lost a fight in 12 years, proved on Saturday night that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division. n

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Features

Cantankerous

THE word on the street is that for the next six years, the Philippines will “cross the Rubicon” with the United States, an idiom which means to pass a point of no return. This was stated by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte to reporters on Monday, Sept. 26, wherein he recalled his previous meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev at the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Laos earlier this month. He also revealed that the Philippines could enter possible economic alliances with Russia and China, countries he called that are on the “other side of the ideological barrier.” “We had a one-on-one meeting and I said, ‘I think I’m about to cross the Rubicon with the United States, at least for the six years [of my term]. I will need your help in everything – trade, commerce – and I will open up,” Duterte said. However, Duterte clarified that the Philippines has no plans to cuts its ties with the U.S. Asked to explain what he meant with his “cross the Rubicon” remark, Duterte pointed out an apparent loophole in the defense agreement by the two countries. “There is an RP-U.S. Pact that was in the ‘50s. It says that an attack on the Philippines would be an attack of the United States. But in the United

States Constitution, it says that before a President can declare war, with anybody in defense of an ally, he has to go to Congress for permission to go to war. That’s the problem. So if Congress will not give him that authority, what will happen to us?” Duterte said. For his part, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. who just came back from his visit to the U.S., said that the president was just expressing his desire to pursue an independent foreign policy. “He was saying that to dramatize what he feels are the areas that would need further strengthening insofar as our relationship with the U.S. is concerned,” Yasay said. For decades, the Philippines and the U.S. have maintained strong bilateral relations based on support for international security, joint strategic goals in the Asia Pacific, a mutual commitment to democratic values, and historical ties. Such immutable partnership has been strengthened for years by vibrant democracies that are committed to each other in strength and prosperity. The U.S. has always recognized the Philippines as an indispensable partner for upholding vital

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

American interests in the region. The people between the two countries have also shared a tradition of working together from countering extremism, to strengthening economic ties and international security, and to fighting poverty and

creating opportunities for prosperity and growth. Unless both countries commit to the same goals, this enduring partnership will jeopardize the mutual political, economic and strategic benefits they have for their people. (AJPress)

An overwhelming majority of Filipinos in America do not support Duterte’s efforts to become more independent from the US SUPPORTERS may have praised Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for standing up against America in declaration that he is not a puppet of Uncle Sam and that his administration’s foreign policy is veering away from the United States. But as far as Fil-Ams are concerned, this is not a good idea. In the online viewer poll of The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America,” an overwhelming 92 percent of viewers who voted said they do not support Duterte’s efforts for the Philippines to become more independent from America. Only 8 percent believe Duterte is on the right track when he thinks the Philippines can do things on its own. They are encouraged by the belief that he is the first president who can truly assert the Philippines’ sovereignty as an independent nation This finding is understandable and even expected, considering the fact that these same viewers are kababayans who live and work in the United States, remitting their hard earned dollars to their family back in the Philippines, helping keep the Philippine economy afloat. Those who do not support Duterte’s policy believe the Philippines still needs the United States, especially in the light of the territorial dispute

against China’s “bullying” in the West Philippine Sea. The Fil-Am They also value all the help the Filipinos get from our long time Perspective ally especially during times of natural disaster, as well as the trade, investment and employment opportunities that kababay- Gel santos-Relos ans back home enjoy as a result of the Philippines’ diplomatic and economic relations with America. As ABS-CBN News reported, if Duterte loosens the Philippines’ ties with the U.S., the Philippines could stand to lose about $1.3 billion in foreign direct investments, more than $150 million in development aid, and about $8.3 billion in goods that the Philippines exports to America every year. Recent headlines, however, make more kababayans in the U.S. worry. As Duterte strengthens his stand to distance the Philippines from the U.S., he has been “warming up” to China and Russia. Duterte has clarified that while he is “not yet ready to really break ties with the U.S., he said he “will open up alliances with China.” ABS-CBN News further reported that Duterte

also said that the country may need Russia’s help if the Philippines distances itself from the United States. “I’ve been talking with PM Medvedev. One-on-one kami. Walang nakaalam noon. I said, ‘I think I am about to cross the Rubicon between me and the U.S., at least for the six years. I would need your help and everything — trade, commerce. I will open up,” the president said. On top of these concerns is the fear of some kababayans of how Duterte’s belief, or non-belief of God, may affect how he stirs the Philippines from democratic to communist principles. “What if there is no God?” was the question Duterte posed during the oath-taking ceremony of Malacañang Press Corps officials on Monday, Sept. 26, with reference to his bid to revive capital punishment in the Philippines. “Ang mga tao sa Pilipinas hindi na naniniwala sa batas because fear is not there,” Duterte said in a report by ABS-CBN News and other media. “Hindi tumalab yung death penalty noon kasi hindi in-impose. One, because of the Catholic

church. Second, the bleeding hearts, because only God can kill. Ang problema niyan, I ask you, what if there is no God?” Duterte said. ABS-CBN News also quoted the president questioning God’s presence when women and children are raped and killed. “So, where is now God when a one-year-old baby, an 18-month-old baby is taken from the mother’s arms, brought under a jeep and raped and killed. So where is God?” Duterte said. I can hear Duterte’s supporters contend that this should not be an issue because there should be separation of powers between the State and Church, and that Duterte’s philosophical question and position should be respected and not taken against him. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you support Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s policy of distancing the Philippines from the United States and building stronger ties with China and Russia? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

No Fil-Am plot to oust Duterte IT all started with a radio interview on Commentary Manila radio station DZRH on September 19, 2016 when Pres. Duterte’s C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Rodel Rodis Secretary Martin Andanar announced the news that Filipino Americans in New York were planning a coup against Pres. Duterte in January of 2017. This is how Andanar said he learned the news: “I was just talking to somebody in New York now who is also a member of the Cabinet – I won’t mention his name. But he also heard of the Fil-Ams in New York who are planning. They are hatching a plan to oust the President by January 2017. There is this kind of report. “ Andanar added that he even asked this unnamed official if he has evidence to prove it or if this is another hearsay. “It’s really about the evidence that you have, isn’t it? (If there is) you let me know (because) it is the concern for the government and it should be a concern for the nation because it’s a destabilization talk,” Andanar said he told the official. Although Andanar never identified the source of his news, there were only two cabinet officials who were in New York in that time period - Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. and Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella. Two days after Andanar’s news, Secretary Yasay addressed the issue when he spoke at a Town Hall meeting with the Filipino-American community at the Philippine Consulate in New York. “I do not know whether those reports are true, I deny having said those things and I am sure Sec. Ernie Abella would

not say those things,” he said. So it appears the question is not whether Yasay or Abella can provide any evidence of the plot to Andanar but whether Andanar has any evidence that “a member of the cabinet” actually provided him with information about such a plot. Or did Andanar just make it up as a joke? According to Wikipedia, Andanar is “a former Filipino television news anchor, radio commentator, podcaster, audio blogger, voice-over artist and comedian.” Unless reading a teleprompter as a former television anchor qualifies one as a journalist, it does not appear that Andanar has the credentials to even understand what hearsay means. The lack of any evidence of this “FilAm plot” did not stop Andanar from further inflaming the issue in subsequent press conferences. Two days after the DZRH radio interview, Andanar announced from Malacanang Palace that the administration has already identified the people behind the supposed plot of Filipino Americans. “We have names. We know who you are,” he said. “We are aware of this and we have names, I’ve received names but I’m not going to mention it because, you know, I was also a journalist and we might be charged with libel,” Andanar said in a press briefing. According to the news reports, Andanar declined to provide any clue on the identities of the people who are allegedly plotting Duterte’s ouster because he said he did not want to be sued for libel. He insisted, however, that the information was provided by “credible

sources.” The difference between Duterte’s Secretary of Communications Martin Andanar and Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda Josef Goebbels is that the latter never claimed to be a “former journalist.” Goebbels famously said “It is the absolute right of the State to supervise the formation of public opinion.” It was Goebbels’ boss who famously said: “If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.” Andanar was undeterred by Yasay’s denial and persisted in his quest. “We have to confirm, we have to vet, but whatever they’re planning, just think twice because it is not lawful when you bring down a government. And rest assured that we will protect our president,” he said. Andanar has used unconfirmed hearsay reports about an imagined conspiracy to launch a witch hunt against Filipino Americans who are critical of the Duterte administration. He wants them to “think twice” about participating in any anti-Duterte demonstrations. It was intended to intimidate Duterte’s critics in the U.S. Perhaps Andanar did not imagine everything. I can confirm that there really were conversations by Filipino Americans in New York and in other parts of the U.S. about asking Pres. Duterte to resign. I know I am on Andanar’s black list because I participated in that teleconference. On September 8, 2016, Balitang America aired an interview with “Filipino American human rights lawyer” Ted Laguatan where he criticized Pres. Duterte for damaging the good relations of the Philippines with the US. “I’m sorry for him that he cannot con-

trol his mouth and his brain because it gives us a bad image as a nation. It is unfitting because he is seen speaking like that against the world, against the leader of the United States, against Filipino interest. There’s only one solution. He should resign,” he said. The following week, on September 13, the U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance (USP4GG) led by Loida NicolasLewis from New York held a national teleconference to discuss Laguatan’s call for Duterte to resign. While there was support for the sentiment, there was also concern that it was not yet time for it and such a call would only be used by Duterte supporters to attack his critics. There was also a suggestion for US Pinoys to write a letter to Pres. Duterte to ask him to tone down his language and his attacks on the US, an ally supporting the Philippines claim to the West Philippine Sea. In the end, US Pinoys for Good Governance voted unanimously to support a resolution to buy a jet ski and donate it to Pres. Duterte to help him fulfil his campaign pledge to jet ski to the Scarborough Shoal to plant a Philippine flag on it in defiance of China’s efforts to transform it to an island fortress. So it is quite possible that someone heard about this US Pinoys’ teleconference and about discussions calling for Duterte to resign and word of it reached this unnamed cabinet official in New York who may have passed it on to Andanar. As anyone familiar with the perils of how a “broken telephone” works, the retelling of the conversion misstated the original call for Duterte to resign, to a call to impeach him, all the way down to a call to supporting a coup to oust him. The remaining mystery is the date.

According to Andanar, the Fil Am conspirators are planning to stage their coup in January of 2017. As one who participated in that September 13 teleconference, I can confirm that no one suggested a specific date for Pres. Duterte to resign. But I think I know the source of the date Andanar is referring to. We should remember that in his campaign speeches, candidate Duterte repeatedly promised to resign if he is not able to solve the problems of crime and drugs in his first six months in office. Duterte said on January 20, 2016: “I will not ask for a (full) term…I ask for three to six months and I will finish them,” said Duterte, referring to criminals, drug lords, and corrupt public officials, during a symposium in Manila at the De La Salle University. Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, on September 19, 2016, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said of Duterte’s promise:“In the campaign, he categorically said that the drug problem would be solved in six months or he would step down. But of course he is not a man of one word. His words cannot be trusted and he gives a lot of excuses. He made the people believe.” Duterte assumed the presidency on June 30, 2016. Duterte’s self-imposed six month term will expire on December 30, 2016. So on January 1, 2017, Duterte will resign. This is not according to the Fil-Am conspirators, as Andanar alleges. This is according to Pres. Duterte himself. Mystery solved. (Send comments to Rodel50@gmail. com or mail them to the Law Offices of Rodel Rodis at 2429 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127 or call 415.334.7800).

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D ateline PhiliPPines Duterte wants end to PH-US war games by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, Sept. 28 declared his intention to end the joint military exercise between the Philippines and the United States, saying this will be its last year. The president noted that he wants to establish new alliances with China for trade and commerce. Duterte said that Beijing is not in favor of the war games with the US. “I would serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise. Jointly, PhilippinesUS, the last one,” Duterte said in his meeting with the Filipino community in Hanoi, Vietnam. Duterte, however, assured that the military alliance between the Philippines and the US will be maintained. “So I’m serving notice now to the Americans and to those who are allies: I will maintain the military alliance because there is an RP-US Pact which our countries signed in the early ‘50s. But I will establish new alliances for trade and commerce and you are scheduled to hold war games again, which China does not want,” the president said. Duterte, however, is known to make broadsides against the US and other international bodies

President Rodrigo Duterte waves as he disembarks from the plane at the Noi Bai International Airport in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Wednesday, Sept. 28. Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

such as the European Union, after which his officials would issue clarifications to. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. insisted that Duterte did not mention the last joint military exercise between Filipino and American troops. “He did not say that at all. What he said is that as he said before, there would be no joint patrols with a gray ship of any nation in the South China because that would be a provocative act,” Yasay told members of the press in an ambush interview. Yasay stressed that Duterte will continue to respect the country’s

existing treaties and commitments. In his speech in Vietnam, Duterte also said that he will not send gray ships or war ships in the South China Sea because the Philippines cannot go to war. “I am not ready to commit the soldiers of this country just to be massacred and besides—besides t***** ina, ang battleground, ang Palawan? Naloko na,” Duterte said. The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty dictates that both nations would support each other if either one of the Philippines or the US were to be attacked by an external party. n

the extent of the drug problem in the country, has asked for six more months to put an end to the drug menace and criminality in the country. “Just give me little extension of maybe another six months. I did not have any idea that there were hundreds of thousands already in the drug business,” Duterte said in a press conference in Davao City on Sept. 18. According to Dela Rosa, it will be the Local Government Units concerned who are in charge of helping the surrenderers and providing rehabilitation centers. He also added that LGUs that have not yet established their own rehabilitation centers, barangay chairpersons can monitor the surrenderers in their barangays twice a day to make sure they are no longer using illegal drugs. However, several provincial, city and municipal governments

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

Chinese Zhao: Sun rises ‘beautifully’ on China-PH ties

Zhao said Manila and Beijing had been engaging in “friendly interactions” since Duterte took RELATIONS between China office nearly three months ago. and the Philippines are improving This was in stark contrast to “beautifully” under President Ro- fraught ties under Duterte’s predrigo Duterte, Beijing’s envoy said decessor Benigno Aquino 3rd, have already taken the initiative as Duterte warms to China and whose government lodged a case of establishing their own rehabil- Russia following US criticism of at an international tribunal in his bloody war on illegal drugs. 2013 seeking to nullify Beijing’s itation centers, Dela Rosa said. Ambassador Zhao Jianhua of- territorial claims over most of the “Hindi na sila naghihintay sa national government na mag- fered effusive praise for Duterte South China Sea. In July, the tribunal rejected provide pa ng malakihang rehab in a speech at the embassy reception for the 67th anniversary most of China’s claims as well as centers,” he said. “All over the Philippines, of the founding of the People’s its extensive island-building in marami na tayong nakita na mga Republic of China late Tuesday, disputed waters. Duterte has however stressed probinsya at munisipyo at siyu- September 27, saying Beijing dad na nag-sariling inisyatibo “firmly supports” his anti-drugs he would not risk war by enforcnila, gumawa ng sariling rehab campaign that has prompted ing the ruling, preferring quiet Western condemnation of alleged diplomacy to persuade China to centers,” he added. abide by the verdict. According to the Department extrajudicial killings. Duterte has rejected the critiDuterte has responded with of Health, P3 billion has been set aside for drug rehabilitation cism, including by long-time trea- abusive comments against critics in the proposed national budget ty ally the United States, and said of his war on crime. he would seek closer economic In his latest remarks late Tuesfor 2017. day, he accused the US of “maThe government’s drive against ties with China and Russia. “The clouds are fading away. nipulating” the peso, which hit drugs has resulted in 720,000 surrenderers and 15,000 arrests. The sun is rising over the hori- a seven-year low to the dollar The PNP’s target is to reach 1.8 zon and will shine beautifully on on Monday, and dared investors million, which includes those the new chapter of bilateral rela- concerned about his crime war who surrender, are arrested, tions,” Zhao said according to a to leave the Philippines. Many market analysts said or are otherwise “neutralized.” copy of the speech released by the Chinese embassy Wednesday. the market was spooked by the (Kristian Javier / Philstar)

PNP chief: Extension of drug war due to lack of rehab centers

MANILA — The shortage of rehabilitation centers has led to President Rodrigo Duterte to seek a six-month extension to his self-imposed deadline to end the country’s drug problem, Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa said. “Dahil nga sa pagkukulang natin dito sa rehabilitation facilities, diyan yung handicap natin ngayon, “ Dela Rosa said at a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday, September 29. According to Department of Health Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan, each province should ideally have at least one rehabilitation center but there are only four regional rehabilitation centers across the country. Punzalan also said that the cost of rehabilitating drug users is around P10,000 per patient per month. President Duterte, shocked by

ESTABLISHING A MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CARE PROGRAM. Senator Risa Hontiveros (right) leads a Senate hearing looking into a proposal seeking to provide a more comprehensive, sustainable and multi-sectoral approach to address malnutrition. “Poor nutrition harms our children, our mothers, our nation. We need to scale up nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life. Under-nutrition during the first 1,000 days is critical to the future health, wellbeing, and success of a child. It affects the child’s ability to grow, learn and become productive adults,” Hontiveros said. Also in photo are (from left) Senators Sonny Angara and Nancy Binay.

by MichaeL Joe

t. deLizo

ManilaTimes.net

breakdown in the rule of law after Duterte’s anti-drug crackdown left more than 3,700 people dead. Rights groups claim some of them had been summarily executed. Zhao said Beijing would provide assistance to Manila and cooperate with the Duterte administration to jointly implement a “bilateral plan of action” to crack down on illegal drugs. Duterte had urged Beijing “to control their people and increase their focus on criminals” because the bulk of illegal drugs in the Philippines were allegedly sourced from China. “Illegal drugs are the enemy of all mankind,” Zhao said. “The Chinese side fully understands and firmly supports the Duterte administration’s policy that prioritizes the fight against drug crimes.” He did not elaborate on the bilateral plan against drugs. Zhao said China was “a staunch force in the international campaign against drug crimes” and was of the belief that “it is the shared responsibility of all countries to fight against drugrelated crimes.” n

A SEPTEMBER 30- OCTOBER 6, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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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 S E p T E m b E R 3 0, 20 1 6

Zachary Espiritu, Math Battle app creator & Isabel Sieh, founder, Girls Will Code PH

Two Fil-Am Teens Already Making a Big Difference by MoMar

G. Visaya/AJPress

SOME people start building their empires after college. Others do it after spending decades of working and gaining enough experience. A few start their own companies way after their prime years. And then there are those who start young. Really young. While their peers are busy dressing up and crushing on Justin Bieber, One Direction or Taylor Swift (or whoever it is that this generation fancies), or spending their time chatting with friends online about the most mundane of things, these two Filipino- American teens have found their passion and have both begun building their future. Zachary Espiritu is 16 old and he was just awarded one of “10 Under 20: Young Innovators to Watch” for creating his iOS app called “Math Battle”. Isabel Sieh, now 13 years old, started coding when she was 10. She is the founder of Girls Will Code PH. Zachary and Isabel are just two of the young FilipinoAmericans who are excelling in this field at such a young age, proving that age is just a state of mind when it comes to brilliance, creativity and selflessness. Math Battle New York City’s largest consumer electronics (CE) and technology event a few months ago announced the winners of the 2nd annual “10 Under 20: Young Innovators to Watch” award competition. This year, there is a whole new line-up of amazing projects all created by NYC high school and college students, all under the age of 20. These 10 students (and student groups) not only significantly represent the future of NYC, but also the future of this country. The 10 Under 20 award recipients will be honored for their outstanding achievements at a special awards presentation at CE Week on June 23, 2016. The 10 Under 20 competition recognizes students who are already changing the technological landscape with projects that undoubtedly demonstrate exceptional creativity, user design, scalability and civicmindedness. At the forefront of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) innovation, the winners’ projects include everything from a robotic maid to a new way to study visual processing, from a fun educational app to an automatic pill dispenser. These students are also tackling real issues in today’s society, such as police brutality, care for our aging population and gender equality in the hacking space. Zachary Espiritu, a student at Regis High School won for his app “Math Battle”, an iOS game where two players go head-tohead in a battle to solve mathbased puzzles faster than the

other player. Users can either play in person on the same device or in an online multiplayer mode. In each battle, players compete to solve five generated puzzles and whoever solves the most wins. The game generates new puzzles every time, resulting in endless battles. “I want to encourage young people to practice and improve their math and thinking skills by using this app, and through competition, they become better at it,” Espiritu told the Asian Journal. The young innovator shared that he created the app in twelve hours and he has been working on it on and off for about six months. He started coding a year ago, and prior to this, he admits he didn’t really know much about coding. Zachary joined a summer program at school that taught students how to create their iOS apps. “Before I went into the program, I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to do computer science but after that, I just got hooked, and I have just been doing coding stuff since then,” he added. Now, he is also set on taking computer science in college. Espiritu and his family live in East Hanover, New Jersey. He goes to school at Regis High School in Manhattan, commuting back and forth every day. He usually wakes up at 5:30 am and takes a 90-minute commute going to school. He leaves school around 5:00 pm and gets home at 7:00, depending on the traffic. He doesn’t mind the long commute since he uses it to study his lessons and learn more about coding and apps. Zachary’s parents, Robert and Cristina Espiritu, are from Manila and they immigrated to the United States more than 20 years ago. The couple has four kids, and Zachary is the second. The eldest Abby goes to Brown University, the third kid is a performer who was last seen as one of the kids at The King and I and the youngest is eight years old. “I was impressed with all the winners. Timeless app by Emma Yang, a 12-year old girl, is really incredible. I admire her for thinking about this. It just shows you that the next Einstein is going to be a girl of color,” said Minerva Tantoco, then NYC’s Chief Technology Officer. Timeless is aimed at patients with Alzheimer’s disease and it is a first-of-its-kind, easy-touse and accessible app that helps patients remember and recognize their friends and family to stay updated on their activities. Thanks to AIbased facial recognition software, uploaded photos and names of friends and family allows the app to recognize who the patient is interacting with.

Zachary Espiritu, Math Battle app creator

Isabel Sieh, Girls Will Code PH

Minerva Tantoco, then New York City’s Chief Technology Officer.

Former NYC Chief Technology Officer Minerva Tantoco praised Espiritu for being one of the ‘10 Under 20 Young Innovators to Watch”. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

“Another great product of this competition is the Fil-Am young man who did a math game that would make young kids learn math. I thought that was incredible as well and we need more great students like them to build future. This makes me proud to be a New Yorker,” Tantoco said, describing Zachary and the app he created. “It’s amazing to see these young men and women,” Tantoco said, then while looking at Espiritu, she said, “Let me know when you’re ready to come work for me. We need people like you, we will modernize this town. Pinoy Power!” Espiritu, Yang and the other award recipients each received a $1,000 scholarship provided by Asurion and Lenovo, a Yoga Tab 3 8 provided by Lenovo, a pair of ClarityHD On-Ear Headphones provided by Monster, a HotShot Portable Bluetooth Speaker provided by Monster, a $100 B&H Photo gift card, a MP robot provided by WowWee, a high style bag from STM, and a 10 Under 20 engraved trophy. Girls Will Code Isabel Sieh is a 13-year-old Filipino-American who is now based in Manila. She was born and raised in New York and moved to

Isabel Sieh and her friends after a coding outreach where they teach their peers the basics of coding.

Espiritu posed with the other winners of the 10 Under 20 Young Innovators to Watch” at the CE Week New York celebration in June. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

the homeland a few years ago with her two sisters and parents Steve and Ronna. At the recently concluded Social Good Summit 2016 in Manila, Isabel took the limelight and talked about technology and her passion for coding, and the organization she founded, Girls Will Code PH. “It is never too early to start. The future is on stage,” Rappler CEO Maria Ressa said as she introduced Isabel at the summit as someone, who at a young age is already doing something, not just for technology but for gender equality as well. Since starting at age 10, Isabel has learned HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and she is now learning Python, an advanced, dynamic programming language. “I love coding because coding is really creative. It helped me win a Star Wars costume contest,” she shared. She created an app where an R2D2 sound is made whenever one presses a button. Isabel learned coding using the resources and tutorials she found online. Her mom, Ronna found out that she was interested in coding so she got a tutor for her and this was when she realized it was easier to learn it with a group, a community. “I’m happy. Its important that when kids find their passion, their goals have to be bigger than themselves, it will be more One of Isabel’s dreams for Girls Will Code PH is to bring the organization to all schools so she can encourage more girls her age to learn fulfilling for them that way,” and understand coding. She and her group has done numerous outreach programs in schools where they teach the students the basics of coding. Photos courtesy of Ronna Sieh Ronna shared. “I don’t think I did

Zachary and his family pose with NYC CTO Minerva Tantoco after the awarding ceremonies in New York. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

anything special, I just listen, counsel and support. Early on, I was aware that I had to separate my dreams for them and let it be their own dreams, which means none of them will be doctors.” Steve and Ronna have three daughters – Isabel has a twin, Mia and they have a younger sister, Stella. “When we sit around at the dinner table as a family, everyone’s opinion matters and counts. I make sure they are heard and know how to demand to be heard,” she added. Ronna also introduced Isabel to Girls Will Code, but since they are already based in the Philippines, Isabel couldn’t join. Isabel asked the group if she could start the organization in the Philippines and they agreed. “My big aim for Girls Will

Code is to have it in all schools and for all girls to encourage each other and for them to be in a community,” Isabel said in her talk. “Ever since I started coding, it has changed the way I think. Now, I look at technology and the internet a lot differently. I would like to continue working at outreach projects in public schools to teach them how to code. Cameras caught Ronna, Isabel’s mom, taking a video of her daughter’s speech. “What motivates her to code is that she can be creative in solving problems she sees by just being in her room with her computer,” Ronna told the Asian Journal. “She doesn’t need capital and doesn’t need to be an adult to do it.”

An Asian Journal Magazine

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Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ I ha ve previously written articles about the logistics and legality of Donald Trump’s plan to deport the approximate 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US. I would now like to offer him a humane, money – generating alternative: bring back Section 245(i)! Section 245(i) was a law that expired on April 30, 2001. It allowed certain people to adjust status (obtain a green card in the US) even if they were out of status, worked without authorization, overstayed their visa, entered the U.S. without inspection, etc., provided the person had a visa available (through employment or family petition) and: Is fingerprinted, has a background check performed, is otherwise law – abiding and is “admissible” Paid a fine/penalty to the US government of $1000. Under current law, many of these people are now unable to adjust status or obtain their green card in the US. Instead, they are required to depart the US and apply for their immigrant visa abroad. In many cases, they would be also be required to apply for and be granted a provisional waiver or an expanded provisional, if eligible. If Section 245(i) is brought back, and let’s say the fine/penalty is raised even to $5000, that could generate tens of billions of dollars for the US government, which

Maybe Trump should bring back Section 245(i)? these prospective immigrants would gladly pay vs having to depart the US. There have been studies where it is estimated it would cost upwards of $400 billion to deport the approximate 11 million undocumented immigrants. Why spend all of those billions of dollars when the US government could, instead, generate billions of dollars? Trump’s plan that “everyone has to leave, and the good ones can come back” merely enriches the airlines, travel agents, hotels, etc., who would gain by having all of these people travel outside the US. In addition, having these otherwise law – abiding people leave the US could cause tremendous amounts of anxiety and pain, especially for their US born children if they must depart the US. Or what if they have a special needs US citizen child or a wheel – chair bound US citizen spouse (or parent) who they are caring for? What if they are currently working as a caregiver and have to depart the US? Who takes care of their elderly patients or parents? Section 245(i) effectively accomplishes Trump’s goals: applicants are thoroughly vetted, with fingerprints and background checks, to ensure they are among “the good ones”. Why, with such a background check, would they still be required to leave the US? The fine/penalty of $5000 should be punishment enough for them having overstayed. Why add to the misery by still making them depart the US, when Section

245(i) could generate billions of dollars for the US government? It would also enable these people to remain with their families and avoid the tremendous amount of anxiety, disruption, and separation that they and their family will suffer. Trump says he is a smart business man, and can offer sensible solutions to our nation’s problems. While I don’t have all the answers to the complex issue of immigration reform, an updated or revived Section 245(i) offers a humane alternative to Trump’s mass deportation plan, while at the same time addressing his concerns about either being tough on immigration and/or screening people. Mr. Trump: it would be a smart move. *** 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 attorney-client 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)

Heart Evangelista takes her time by Tessa

Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

AS multi-hyphenate Heart Evangelista renewed her contract with GMA Network at the beginning of the week, she was unable to avoid questions as to when she and husband Senator Chiz Escudero plan to have a baby. Since marrying the 46-yearold

legislator in February 2015, Evangelista, 35, has gone full throttle in establishing a second career as Love Marie Ongpauco, the painter, with three sold-out one-woman shows to date, and a number of highly successful artistic collaborations in fashion and makeup. Through all these,

Heart Evangelista with husband Sen. Chiz

Continued on Page 5 Escudero

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Why my heart breaks over Brangelina’s split

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (ParT 2 of 2 ParTS)

LEt’S do a reality check. So okay, your partner is the consummate slob and you have to pick up after him. he thinks he has a maid living with him for free. he has this maddening habit of not putting the toothpaste cap back on. that’s easy. Get one with a cap that snaps back on. the point is to find a way to work around an annoyance or when all else fails, accept the tiny irritations. With time and patience, things get easier. as you get older and hopefully, wiser, your eyes dim and your hearing goes for a reason. You become less critical as you see the bigger picture more clearly and the end game is within sight. You become aware of your own mortality. the point is that you can choose to look through the lens of kindness and forgiveness and instead see if he still has those itty bitty, wonderful things about him that attracted you to him in the first place. his sense of humor maybe or the way he still makes you laugh… Love is a two-way street. Note how you behave towards him. how do you look to him? Do you take the time and the effort to look va-va-voom and give him that look that can make his heartbeat race just a tad? Or did you let yourself go, letting gravity and the ravages of time run rough shod over your physical appearance? Put up a fight. there’s help out there. Or do you nag him to death for every little thing? Do you make him feel small with your smartass barbs? Or does he feel he can soar like an eagle when you are around him? Don’t buy into the modern concept of the throwaway or trade-up society that seems to imply you can change partners

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two magical words By Monet

“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.”

— Jean Baptiste Massieu

every five years or so. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. It may work for cars and appliances but falls flat for human relationships. Fix what can yet be fixed. Nurture what can grow into something beautiful. Eat humble pie, if you have to. there is no shame if you truly love. ask a higher Power to help you keep things whole. When you value your partner and are mindful of him or her, it shows that you are grateful for his part in your life and that you are interested in going the distance and making the relationship work maybe even till life beyond death. taking your husband, wife or partner for granted is the biggest cause of so many divorces these days. If alarming numbers are to be believed, half the population already live in Splitsville. there is a disproportionate number of single moms and single dads worldwide struggling with severely diminished finances and dealing with court-appointed visits. they juggle schedules, shuttling children in two locations and in cases of bitter, acrimonious divorces, compete for their children’s affections while complicating things further by starting up new relationships. all these are piled on top of broken, disappointed, cynical lives. they are left to deal with what I call the BIG D’s – the doldrums of doubt, darkness, disease, depression, desperation, dejection, disappointment, discouragement and disillusionment. You just wish you can DELEtE all these ugly D’s from your life. Some go to the deep end. Sadly, tragically some of these cases end in death. Love has died. Nothing matters. Yet love, according to the “Desiderata” is as perennial as the grass. While there is life,

hope springs eternal. those who are not put off by a disastrous relationship think that the “right one” is just around the corner. Perhaps. But if they do not learn from their previous mistakes, they are doomed to repeat them. there’s that D again. they will cycle in and out of one disastrous relationship after the other. Single parenthood is no cakewalk in most cases. ask around. Do not believe the distortion of truth in movies spun by hollywood or this trend of celebrities adopting babies and the media glamorizing the lives of single parents. that is one tall tale of an ego on overdrive. there is no romantic or comedic element in going it alone. Single parenthood is more like the theater of the absurd. the honest truth: there is little glamour or fun in single parenthood – in far too many cases, just an endless, harrowing tale of one struggle after the next. there are exceptions of course. Unless you made a foolish or tragic fatal choice or fate played a dirty trick on you and you ended up meeting and marrying the partner from hell. he or she could be a sociopath, a psychopath, a criminal, a user, a liar, a pervert, a druggie, a murderer, a serial philanderer or just unfit to live in this planet with another human being. Perhaps, the best way to happiness would be to love, appreciate and say “thank you” to the one you’re with every single day of your life together. and while you’re at it, blow a kiss to the heavens for making you a winner in the love lottery stakes sending you someone you love or can learn to love aND (thE BLESSING of all blessings) who loves you back! Continued on Page 6

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What could have been a wonderful day to welcome the fall season became a day of mourning. It was indeed the start of the “fall”– only, I wasn’t talking about crisp leaves and beautiful autumn colors. It’s the fall of my all-time favorite power couple. the end of an era: It’s “Brangelina” no more. I speak for most people when I say it was shocking to learn about angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt calling it quits. after 12 years and six kids together, and after their two-year wedding anniversary, Jolie filed for divorce. the news left so many fans (including me) heartbroken while we remember the oncehappy-you-and-me-against-theworld romance that the couple shared. the divorce document was filed in Los angeles on Monday, Sept. 19, which cites “irreconcilable differences,” the usual boilerplate language in divorce proceedings, with no details about what the differences entailed. It says the two separated last thursday, Sept. 15. It indicates Jolie is not seeking spousal support. She lists “miscellaneous jewelry and other personal effects,” and earnings from and after the separation as “separate” property, and indicates community and quasi-community property are to be determined. It lists their six kids (Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 8). In addition, she wants Pitt to have joint legal custody of the kids but she wants their sole physical custody. Divorce attorneys say that’s rare, even in celebrity divorces. Celebrity divorce lawyer Neena tankha, a partner at the New York firm Warshaw Burstein says, “they’ve been co-parenting for so many years, it’s unusual and surprising to see one parent asking for sole custody at this late stage. It

suggests there was some incident or series of incidents that made angelina think to question his parenting. It’s a very aggressive move for someone who has coparented in the way this family has been accustomed.” When asked what makes this divorce different, tankha says, “they have six children and that’s not typical for celebrity couples at all — in fact, I can’t think of another celebrity couple with six children. But in the end, even a celebrity divorce is still a divorce.” true enough, just like any celebrity divorce, speculations and gossip are going around. Some say an affair has caused the split (not that it’s unusual in hollywood); some say it’s substance abuse. a report confirmed that Pitt is under investigation for child abuse by the L.a. County Department of Children and Family Services following an incident on a private plane in which he allegedly got “verbally abusive” and “physical” with one of the couple’s kids in front of Jolie and at least some of their other children. Later, Pitt, 52, issued a statement to People, saying, “I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the wellbeing of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time.” Whatever the reason for their divorce, it doesn’t matter anymore. None of it will change what has been decided. I just hope it will not be a messy one and they’d still end up civil towards each other. What saddens me most is that Jolie and Pitt had gone through a lot together. they are like the ultimate hashtag #marriagegoals. they are both multi-millionaire movie stars, both famous human-rights activists,

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owners of luxury properties in the USa and abroad, and the parents of six children. they’ve shown the world that a celebrity marriage can work if you are willing to make it work. that gave people hope. It gave me hope that love can truly conquer all despite the odds. But that’s just how life is: relationships end, marriages fail. It doesn’t matter if you have all the money in the world, have a gorgeous spouse and talented children. I realized now that these hollywood stars are just like us. When things get tough, they deal with it the way most of us, regular people, do. and just like tankha says, at the end of the day, a celebrity divorce is still a divorce. Now that it is in the hands of their lawyers, the harrowing events will inevitably follow. and just like any other divorce, it will be painful and unsettling. the only difference between their divorce and regular people’s is that everybody will be watching. People will talk and they will be brutal. and this, I believe, is what the couple should be prepared for. My heart breaks over this news, and I know I am not alone. But like any heartbreak, it will mend. I sincerely hope that after all of this, ‘Brangelina’ fans will find another couple to root for and maybe, make them believe again that “forever” can (still) be found in hollywood. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

No special someone for Pia Wurtzbach as she turns 27 by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

MISS Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach took a little time off from her queenly duties in New York City to celebrate her birthday with family and friends here in the Philippines. Wurtzbach returned to Manila on September 24 and was feted in several gatherings for her 27th birthday. The first was a welcome and surprise party at the Le Jardin in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig organized by her closest friends, led by “Eat Bulaga” host Pauleen LunaSotto, Niña Almoro, Harley Tan, Franchesca Que, Anne Margaret Luna, and Mara Isabel Sotto. Wearing a stunning red gown and elegant bun hairdo, she posted a picture of her lovely face when she stepped into the restaurant with the caption, “That moment your friends surprise you and they catch your reaction on camera! I have the best friends in the world! Thank you.” Besides this mini-reunioncumbirthday party with friends, Wurtzbach also spent time with her fan club, called the “Pianatics,” who had supported her since her Binibining Pilipinas days. “Spent the birthday with the best and most loyal supporters in the world! They’ve been cheering me on since the first day I stepped on the Binibini stage! And just like how I celebrated my birthday last year, were reunited again! Thank you, Pianatics! I love you sooo much!” she said online for this one. The most beautiful woman in the world ended her special night with a with a grand dinner party at the Naxional South American restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, which saw her fellow Bb. Pilipinas queens. Love life Earlier this year, Wurtzbach confirmed that she was indeed dating New York’s “Hottest Doctor Alive” Mikhail Varshavski. However, the romance seemed to fizzle out a few months later with lesser sightings of the pair in the Big Apple as before. Rumors that they had indeed called it quits surfaced in May after the beauty queen posted curiously posted a photo with the caption, “Boy, I’m a prize not a catch.” She deleted it shortly after she realized the stir the post caused,

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Xian Lim supports Kimerald’s return by MJ

MarforI ManilaTimes.net

immediately tweeting, “Kalma lang po. Okay naman ang lahat. Magandang umaga!” (Please calm down. Everything is okay. Good morning!) Nevertheless, Wurtzbach’s last reported date with Varshavski was in late April when they spent a romantic evening around New York aboard a helicopter. With hardly any talk about Varshavski, the beauty queen’s love life suddenly became a hot topic again, two days before she flew home for her birthday. This was after Wurtzbach posted a photo with handsome Swiss-Filipino F1 racer Marlon Stockinger. She wrote “Marloner” to accompany their photo. Stockinger is currently based in Zurich, Switzerland. Focused on work On September 28, the birthday girl posted two successive tweets expressing her sentiments over all the buzz regarding her love life. She felt saddened by the fact that it was gaining more attention than the advocacy to which she has dedicated her reign as Miss Universe. She posted, “I wonder why the media won’t feature our recent trip to UNICEF instea;” followed by a second tweet that said, “Which is sad because I’ve done a lot but it doesn’t seem to get more media coverage.” On Tuesday, Wurtzbach— together with the country’s bet to 2016’s Miss Universe pageant, Bb. Pilipinas Maxine Medina—spent the day with a team from UNICEF to talk about how they can work together in furthering her chosen advocacy in HIV/AIDS awareness. The day, September 27 marked the celebration of National Gay Men’s

MANILATIMES.NET caught up with Xiam Lim last week and found out a couple of new developments in the actorsinger’s career and personal life. First off, he proudly shared that he is now a vlogger—that is a video blogger—as he arrived at an event for a grocery chain at the World Trade center with his own HD camera and a selfie stick ready for action. For Xian, video blogging is his way of updating his fans on his off camera finding his YouTube channel XianLim8, especially since he is frequently misinterpreted and hounded by bashers over his work and personal life. “I feel like what they see on TV is not enough. There are so many things I want to share. I want to have this platform so I could showcase to them what’s going on in my life… not just show business but the different side.” Xian also confirmed rumors that his tandem with Kim Chiu, Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina and known as “KimXi,” is taking a Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach Xian Lim confirms that his team up with Kim Chiu is taking a break. break. Apparently, Kim is now HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which the preparing for her reunion movie Xian stated for the record sure they’re going to produce beauty queen also pointed out in the “Kimerald” return has his full a very wonderful material. I am with her first hit love team with her post. support. “I support Kim and I’m happy for them.” Gerald Anderson. Choosing to focus on her work, Wurtzbach fulfilled the rest of her commitments during her quick allows her to devote her time to trip to Manila, which also included painting for therest of the year a surprise appearance at a PLDT financially. From Page 3 event in Shangri-La at The Fort. Secondly, acting gives her “a That morning, however, Led by the telco’s top executives break from being me.” according to Evangelista, she she also managed to keep up her Wurtzbach was reintroduced as Gathering her thoughts she asked her husband as it hit her, showbiz career as “Philippine TV’s the face of PLDT Home’s integrated Sweetheart” and completed two said of her diverse commitments, “I “What if suite of innovative, reliable and just love everything that I’m doing, GMA gives me a new soap prime time series in the past year family-friendly internet products and one project inspires me to do and a half via “Beautiful Strangers,” after I renew my contract today?” and services, collectively known as the next—whether it’s a new show Thankfully, the “very mature” co-starring Lovi Poe), and the Smart Home. for GMA or another exhibit. And senator apparently took the recently concluded “Juan Happy A very quick appearance, the really, even if it seems I hardly get possibility calmly, and simply said, Love Story,” with Dennis Trillo. media had not opportunity to ask any rest, I don’t feel tired at all. Like “Then you work on your soap.” “We want to have a baby,” Wurtzbach after her heart’s affairs, Evangelista went on to say that I said, I’m just super inspired.” she said, “but Chiz knows I’m nor did she have the chance to give a workaholic!” the ever candid Busyness indeed becomes much as she seems more focused updates on her advocacy. Putting Heart Evangelista, as she grows on her painting these days, she celebrity laughed. two and two together, it seems that more beautiful with each new has come to value her showbiz “We’re moving into a new Miss Universe 2015 simply wants to home by December—a house surprise she pulls from her career all the more for a couple of put the message across that there talented sleeve. But what more if reasons. I’ve been building as my dream is no special someone for her as she house—and there is a special room The first is based on practicality her next baby is neither for TV nor turns 27 and that she is completely the canvas? No pressure, but what there that will be for our baby,” she since working on a prime time focused on work. series for a full television season confirmed. a sight that would probably be.

Heart Evangelista takes...

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Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS O C TO B E R 1

Artisan Made Philippines’ pop-up event in Los Angeles Celebrate the start of Filipino-American Heritage Month with Artisan Made Philippines on Saturday, October 1, a pop-up event showcasing some of the best social enterprises emerging from the Philippines. The event will kick-off at 1 p.m. with an Eco Fashion Show featuring the beautiful pieces from each of the various collaborators such as Filip+Inna, Rags2Riches, and ANTHILL that are part of the Artisan Made Philippines Capsule Collection. After the fashion show, at 2 p.m., meet some of the founders at the Founders Fireside Chat and learn about the wonderful work that these organizations are doing in the Philippines to make a difference in the lives of artisans, indigenous tribes & women’s collectives. There will also be some surprise performances from various international artists during the event. Culminating the festivities is a VIP Kamayan Style Dinner with New York Timesfeatured Chef Yana Gilbuena, who will be creating a five-course meal using ingredients influenced by artisan-made and Indigenous Filipino tribes. The address of the venue in West Los Angeles (Marina Del Rey / Culver City / Venice area) will be provided to those who RSVP & revealed before the event. For general admission and VIP tickets, please visit: www.artisanmadeph.eventbrite.com.

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2nd Annual Kultura Food & Arts Festival in Chicago Filipino Kitchen is proud to announce the chef roster and menu for Kultura Festival, a contemporary Filipino-American food and arts festival on Sunday, October 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, at Logan Square’s Emporium Arcade Bar and Surf Bar, 2363 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago.The festival features a roster of local culinary mainstays and out-of-town heavy hitters: Chef Kristine Subido of Pecking Order Catering; Top Chef season 10 alumna Chef Chrissy Camba of Maddy’s Dumpling House; night market favorite Hapa Chicago; Melissa Yen of JoSnow Syrups; Chef Bjorn DelaCruz of Manila Social Club (NYC); Dorothy Hernandez, co-owner and creative director of Sarap Detroit (Detroit); Chef AC Boral of RICE & SHINE and Naks Tacos (Long Beach, CA); and Chef Sharwin Tee of Curiosity Got The Chef on Lifestyle TV (Manila, Philippines). Carefully curated to appeal to those who personally identify with Filipino culture and the merely curious or uninitiated, Kultura Festival aims to highlight the best in Filipino-American food and arts. Kultura Festival tickets are available at https://ti.to/filipino-kitchen /kultura-2016.

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Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in New Jersey

Ofﬁcers, members and supporters of Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc.

5K Run at the Park

HANDANG Tumulong Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) charity organization in NJ encourages the public to support and participate in their 7th Annual 5K / 1mi Walk race to be held at Liberty State Park, North Cove Field, in Jersey City, NJ on Sunday, Oct. 9. Not only it is good for everyone’s health but every dollar spent supporting the fund-raising project will be set aside towards a fund dedicated for victims of natural disasters around the world, particularly in the Philippines. Registration starts at 8:30 AM and requires a $35 fee per participant. Children under 18 is $15. Discounted rate of $30 is offered to people registering on-line (htfi2010@ gmail.com). The 1st 250 Registrants will receive T-shirts and a bronze medal. Top Male and Female finishers will be

awarded trophies. Families are encouraged to participate. There will be raffles and refreshments at the hospitality booth. The 5K Run / 1 mile walk on Oct. 9 thus far, has generated enthusiasm from sponsors and friends such as: Ladies for Rizal (Long Island Chapter), Western Union, University of the Philippines Medical Society in America, Philippine Pediatric Society in America, Miss Republic of the Philippines Beauty Pageant, Oconer Family, Naven Jornadal, Jonson Family, Philippine Chamber Rondalla of NJ, ARC Beauty Salon, Hudson Rehab Spa, Holy Name Medical Center. HTFI would like to invite more companies and organizations to join the bandwagon. HTFI has been a leader among charity organizations in Eastern Seaboard, USA comprising of

about 15 dedicated volunteers whose job is to raise awareness to the plight of less fortunate people who fall victims to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. To raise funds, two major events are held annually. The first is a cultural event usually held the first quarter of the year. The second one is the 5K Run which started in 2009 as a leisure walkathon and thus, has become the signature event of HTFI for the last 7 years. Todate, approximately, $200,000 were raised and donated to philanthropic projects with the bulk going to victims of super Typhoon Haiyan in Leyte. To know more about HTFI and its 5K Run event, please contact HTFI President, Nelsie Parrado, 201 960-7965 or visit our website: www. handangtumulong.org.

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘100 years of song’ at St. Peter’s University, St Aedan’s Church at 7 p.m. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Admission is free, donations for the benefit of the church choir are appreciated. St. Aedan’s is at 800 Bergen Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306.

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25th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) The Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is proud to announce the date & venue for the anticipated Silver Anniversary edition of its annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture. FPAC 25, the 25th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC), will take place Saturday, October 8 at the beautiful Echo Park Lake. Admission is FREE. The popular festival, the City of Los Angeles’ Filipino American Event, is the longest-running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern California. Audiences can expect to enjoy traditional and contemporary Filipino food, music, dance, crafts and culture. This year’s theme, “Samu’t Sari: Showcasing the Diverse Creative Tapestry of the FilAm Community,” lends its meaning to the Tagalog phrase which loosely translates to “diversity.” While certainly a hot topic in today’s society, FilAm Arts focuses on the vast contributions of Filipino American artists to the creative tapestry of the City. For more information, please visit www.filamarts.org or call 2133803722. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, please email info@filamarts.org.

An Evening with Martin Nievera at the Ford Theatres Filipino-American History Month kicks off with the much anticipated concert debut of Martin Nievera at Hollywood’s newly renovated Ford Theatres. Presented by PAE Live!, “An Evening with Martin Nievera” brings the Philippine entertainer center stage on Saturday, October 8th, 2016 at 7:30pm as he performs his greatest hits, traditional Filipino love songs and an eclectic, upbeat mix of Broadway and standard pop tunes. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Apl.de.ap Foundation, a project of the Asian Pacific Community Fund established by Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas. “An Evening with Martin Nievera” is proudly sponsored by Leelin Bakeries, Island Pacific Supermarkets and Kalayaan Incorporated of Southern California with LA18 and The Asian Journal as official television and print media sponsors. Ticket prices for “An Evening with Martin Nievera,” start at $48; Reserved Seating.Tickets are available at FordTheatres.org or via phone at (323) 461-3673.

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“Fiesta Atenista II” at the 12th all-Ateneo Alumni Convention in Las Vegas The festivities will be held at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. For complete event activities and registration, visit the convention’s website at www.aaana-atenista.org. For more information, contact Liz Carpenter at (702) 862-9212 / ecarpenterh@ aol.com or Dr. Rodrigo ‘Jun’ Farrales at (702) 373-4326 / jun_farrales@yahoo.com.

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Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in San Francisco Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab perform ‘100 years of song’ at Herbst Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Tickets are at www.cityboxoffice.com, Herbst Theatre is at 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102.

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Screenwriting seminar with Ricky Lee at the International Film Festival Manhattan Filipino scriptwriter Ricky Lee is coming to NYC! Join him as he imparts his talent and shares his 50 years of experience. Mr. Lee’s legacy started way back 1966 as an aspiring high school student who has pushed on with hard work and determination to become the Ricky Lee we know now; recipient of numerous awards, including the CNN Asian Viewers’ Choice Award for his film “Himala” and this year’s honorable guest at the International Film Festival Manhattan as the Lifetime Achievement Awardee; with hundreds of produced scripts to his name; novelist, journalist, playwright and mentor of the most notable writers and directors of Philippine Cinema. Be part of his workshop series entitled, “Writing Your Story,” on Oct 17-19. Laugh with him, cry with him, reminisce with him, feel with him and most importantly, write with him by your side. Who knows you might even be watching the movie “Himala” with him during those nights. Please email LuisPedron@gmail.com (Ricky Lee Seminar on the subject line) to get more information.

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Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Los Angeles Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘100 years of song’ at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center at 6pm. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Tickets are at www.ticketmaster.com, Venue is at CSU-Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

Dave Brunelli and Molly Schulyer display their checks after winning last weekend’s Dumpling Eating Contest at the Sara D. Roosevelt Park in downtown New York.

For the love of food, and dumplings

FOODIES and dumpling lovers all over New York marked last Saturday, Sept. 24 as a red-letter day. It was The 13th Annual Chef One Dumpling Festival and the main feature aside from the different kinds of dumplings? The Dumpling Eating Contest at the Sara D. Roosevelt Park in New York City where competitive eaters devoured copious amounts of dumpling for the title and bragging rights, along with a $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the day, Molly Schulyer and Dave Brunelli both defended their titles and emerged victorious by eating the most number of dumplings in two minutes. Molly ate a total of 115 (she ate 93 last year) while Dave devoured 89 dumplings (up from 78 last year). More than 2,100 tickets were sold, with 100% of the day’s proceeds donated to the Food Bank of New York, an amount that reached over $40,000. In addition to the dumpling eating contest, the event also highlighted dumpling making classes, along with musical and dance performances by Yut & The Hot Four and Apartment 33 and visual flow artists Hoopsies Daisies. The event was sponsored by Chef One, a company founded in 1999 in a former brewery located in Bushwick, Brooklyn. They currently produce 44,000 dumplings per hour in their Bushwick factory, using only the freshest ingredients with no

artificial flavors. Guests and attendees tasted and experienced various kinds of dumplings – from the classic xiao long bao to the traditional favorite pork & shrimp shumai and chicken wonton to the more modernized BBQ pork bao and pork & kimchi dumpling

Two magical...

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Love is not a 50-50 proposition. It’s not even giving 110% of yourself to the other. It sounds sentimental, sappy and old fashioned but whether you like it or not, it is giving of yourself without counting the cost. It is the pure, intrinsic nature of life’s greatest mystery - LOVE. Those couples buried six feet

deep, side by side at Forest Lawn probably understood what love and devotion meant. Their souls may have fused. Their hearts in the life beyond beat as one. That is one story you can believe in. (Or if you’re in for a laugh and have a sly, dry, wicked sense of humor, you might say those savvy couples probably got a twofer from the cemetery plot sales rep!

to vegetarian delights such as the kale & vegetable dumpling, edamame dumpling and spinach dumpling to vegetable curry samosa, buffalo chicken and Thai chicken dumpling to the sweet ones – custard bun, red bean bun and pumpkin pie dumpling. (AJPress/Momar G. Visaya) LOL ;) How to find THE ONE if you’re on the hunt? Or how can you make THE ONE realize that you’re THE ONE for him or her without beating him or her over the head? That is one story for yet another day. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc. com

Taiwan Excellence Product Showcase 2016 displayed at Time Warner Center Event featured over 50 products from Taiwan’s leading innovation brands

NEW YORK – The Taiwan Excellence Product Showcase – featuring over 50 award-winning products from Taiwan’s leading innovation companies – were displayed at the Time Warner Center from September 22-25, 2016. The exhibition allowed visitors to experience some of the latest technological breakthroughs across a range of different categories including gaming computers, smart accessories, alternative transportation and sustainability. Many of the products made their exclusive U.S. debut through the exhibition. The event also included cultural performances, product demonstrations and more. Prior to the opening of the showcase, we had an opportunity to get up close with the products along with their creators, as well as the officials from the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) was founded in 1970 to promote Taiwan’s foreign trade and competitiveness in world markets. “We are very proud of the products that we have brought here to New York and I think that many people will find these products interesting,” said Francis Kuo-Hsin Liang, Chairman of TAITRA, the foremost non-profit trade promotion organization in Taiwan. His organization assists Taiwan businesses and manufacturers reinforcing their international competitiveness in all major foreign markets. We learned that “Taiwan Excellence” is the highest accolade awarded to a Taiwanese product, an idea started by the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan in 1992. There are three categories in the “Taiwan Excellence Awards”: The Taiwan Excellence Gold Award (“Gold Award”), the Taiwan Excellence Silver Award (“Silver Award”) and Taiwan Excellence Award.” The Gold and Silver awards are selected from among “Taiwan Excellence Award” winners and are based on five key indicators: R&D, Design, Quality, Marketing, and Made in Taiwan. Products that receive the “Taiwan Excellence Award” are authorized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOE A) to use the “Taiwan Excellence” mark. Selected annually, the winners represent the most modern and high quality products made by Taiwan. The Taiwan Excellence

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Susie Ibarra to perform at Asia Society in New York on Oct. 1 Filipino-American musician will perform alongside fellow Asian American women Samita Sinha and Jen Shyu

ENCOUNT ERS: A Musical Exploration Asia Society New York (725 Park Avenue at 70th Street) October 1 at 8:00pm Mr. Francis Kuo-Hsin Liang, chairman of Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) $20 nonmembers; $17 seniors/ looks at the products that garnered the “Taiwan Excellence” accolade which were on display at the Time Warner Center from September 22-25. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya students; $15 members “… expansive soundscapes, funky/ jazz rhythms and exquisite melodies for the new millennium …. affirm why [Ibarra] is regarded as a top drummer and artist.”—All About Jazz “… sound comes out of [Sinha’s] throat like it has been trapped somewhere in her diaphragm for a very long time—it has its own history, its own reasons for being, its own grievances to voice…. channeling something very wild Showcase tours the world each from the deep.”—Culturebot year to promote Taiwan’s culture “Shyu is a remarkable of technological innovation and phenomenon, shifting registers leading-edge design. The exhibition with startling ease and tonal is supported by the Ministry of resourcefulness, moving from Economic Affairs, organized by the conventional pitching to a yodelBureau of Foreign Trade, MOE A like ambiguity without fuss. and implemented by the Taiwan She blends fragile, light sounds External Trade Development Council. with dark, low notes, ruminative “In the past decade, Taiwan hummings and improve in a has emerged as a leading personal language that fuses center of innovation on the English, Taiwanese, Mandarin and world stage thanks to visionary several others.” —The Guardian companies dedicated to creating (UK) groundbreaking new products,” Filipino-American composer, said Cherng-Chuan Su, Director, also stir excitement for some of improviser, and percussionist Taiwan Trade Center in New the amazing things to come from Susie Ibarra will perform alongside York. “Our showcase provides Taiwan.” fellow Asian American musicians a unique opportunity for New Among the featured products Yorkers to experience Taiwan’s Samita Sinha and Jen Shyu at were the world’s thinnest gaming forwardthinking technology notebook, smart accessories the Asia Society in New York on and research while also offering that transform a smart phone Saturday, October 1. a glimpse into our culture and into a portable microscope, and The three women transcend traditions.” alternative transportation such as musical and cultural boundaries, “Taiwan’s commitment to lightweight and foldable bicycles. blending traditional forms with research and development, coupled There is also a product that jazz and other contemporary with homegrown creative talent promoted sustainability – the elements. At “Encounters: A Music and international resources, have O’right Recoffee Tree in the Bottle Exploration,” each performer will yielded some truly breathtaking Shampoo, which is formulated present a twenty-minute musical products that are among the best with 100% coffee oil extracted in class,” said David J. Reibstein, performance, then participate from recycled coffee grounds. The Professor of Marketing, The biodegradable bottles are also in a conversation about how Wharton School, University of made from coffee grounds and explorations—of identity, Pennsylvania and Marketing Judge. contain coffee seeds at the bottom gender, and the Asian American “This exhibition will not only that can be planted and grown into experience—can lead to new showcase the ‘best of the best’ but a tree. (AJPress/Momar G. Visaya)

Susie Ibarra

aesthetics. Each of these artists has a background in several music forms: from jazz and new music to deep roots in traditional Asian forms such as Korean pansori, Hindustani vocal and Filipino kulingtan. All three artists work in deeply personal ways, exploring issues and ideas which are central to their own interpretation of the world around them. In a percussion piece, Ibarra will explore the ideas, rhythmic equations, and expressions of fragility. This word, increasingly used to describe the current social climate, also refers to an equation in glass physics to measure time and temperature from its transitionof liquid and solid states. Using an hourglass harp created by artist David Horwitz as well as trap drum set, cymbals and gongs, will incorporate specific rhythms to equations to create melody, harmony and polyrhythms for percussion influenced by the concept of fragility. Sinha, in turn, will present an excerpt of a new work she is currently creating, joined by composer and electronic musician Cenk Ergun who will perform realtime modifications of pitch, speed, and time on selected

vocalizations to create a dynamic, cinematic soundscape. Through both narrative and abstract, integrative musicmovement methodologies via the voice, Taiwanese moon lute, gayageum, piano, and electronics, Shyu will offer an excerpt from her new work Nine, in which she portrays four characters (from Taiwan, Korea, Java, and Timor). The characters interact as a microcosm of the parallels that exist in the universe and the great necessity for empathy among cultures and genders, thereby defying certain assumptions that currently divide humanity. The performance is held in conjunction with the exhibition “No Limits: Zao Wou-Ki,” the first U.S. retrospective of the work of Chinese-French painter Zao Wou Ki, whose experiences encountering other artists and cultures shaped his unique aesthetic sensibilities. In Zao’s hands, abstraction reflected the encounter between two worlds and embraced both European modernism and Chinese metaphysical principles. The exhibition is on view at Asia Society Museum through January 8, 2017.

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