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Volume 9 – Issue 40 • 16 Pages
JULY 1-7, 2016 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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Rodrigo Duterte sworn in as 16th Philippine President Change ‘must start within us’ by Alexis
RomeRo Philstar.com
New Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte takes his oath of office administered by Supreme Court Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes. His youngest child, Kitty, holds the Bible copy handed down by his late mother. Photo courtesy of PPD/rtvm.gov.ph
DATELINE
USA
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Census: Asian Americans still fastest-growing racial group in US AsIAN Americans comprise America’s fastest-growing racial group, according to data released by the United states Census Bureau. the Asian American population grew by 19 percent between 2010 and 2015. meanwhile, Native hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NhPIs) are the second fastest-growing group, rising at 13 percent during the same period. In comparison, the nation’s overall population grew by 4 percent. today, there are an estimated 21 million Asian Americans and 1.5 million NhPIs living in the country. In 2015, the Census Bureau reported that for the first time in history, more than half of the children born in the Us were minorities. In California, New mexico, texas, hawaii, and the District of Columbia, more
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CA increases education funding, underrepresented students benefitted
sACrAmeNto — Gov. Jerry Brown approved the 2016-2017 state budget on monday, June 27, which includes historic education legislation that would improve educational opportunity and make college more accessible for all students. the bill’s signing includes a minimum guarantee of $71.9 billion allocated to K12 schools and the CCC this year, which is the highest level in state history, according to a statement from Brown’s office. the two budget trailer bills, sB 828 and AB 1602, would allocate more of the state’s budget for improving college readiness for K-12 students, increasing enrollment into University of California (UC) schools for the 2017-2018 year and increase graduation rates by expanding student services
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mANILA — President rodrigo Duterte assumed thursday his post as the country’s 16th chief executive with an appeal for filipinos to be part of the change the country needs and a vow to fortify the people’s faith in their government. Duterte said “real change” and “malasakit” or concern — campaign slogans that catapulted him to the presidency — were not
only conceptualized to secure votes. “these were battle cries articulated by me in behalf of the people hungry for genuine and meaningful change. But the change, if it is to be permanent and significant, must start with us and in us,” Duterte said in his profanity-free inaugural address that lasted for 15 minutes. “to borrow the language of (National Artist for Literature) f. sionil Jose, we have become our own worst enemies. And we must
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Leni outlines agenda as vice president Don’t ‘taunt or by levi
A. so
Philstar.com
mANILA — Vice President Leni robredo thursday outlined her priorities in her six-year term: addressing hunger and food security, universal health care, rural development, education and people empowerment. Consistent with her campaign theme, robredo said her vice presidency is an opportunity to include those in the periphery in the journey towards development. “Nagpapasalamat akong kasama ko kayo sa oras na ito. Kayong nagbigay ng inyong tiwala at umako ng ating laban bilang laban niyo rin. samahan ninyo ulit ako sa aking bagong paglalakbay,” she said. robredo said she embraces the responsibility with humility, gratitude and perseverance. “sa isang katulad nating nakikipagpulong sa riles ng tren, natutulog sa bangka at sumasakay sa habal-habal para maabot ang ating mga pinaglilingkuran, ito ay isang malaking biyaya para lalo pang Vice President Leni Robredo is sworn in during inauguration ceremonies in Quezon makapaglingkod,” she said. city on Thursday June 30, 2016. Robredo won over Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Prior to becoming vice president, robredo was Marcos Jr., the son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, in a closely-contested
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race on May 9.
AP Photo/Aaron Favila
P-Noy sure Ninoy, Cory will give him thumbs up done as the 15th President of the republic of the Philippines. BeNIGNo “Noynoy” A smile, he said, was the Aquino III knows that when “highest compliment” his steps down from office to- parents gave to him and his day (thursday), his parents, siblings. democracy icons Ninoy and “Yes, I think both of them Cory, will be smiling. are smiling right now,” said mr. Aquino told the IN- mr. Aquino, their only son. QUIrer he is certain to get mr. Aquino has always After 6 years, Aquino dreamed the impossible dream, reached the one today, as their stamp of worn the yellow ribbon on approval for the job he has unreachable star for PH u PAGE A2 by Nikko
DizoN Inquirer.net
flaunt’ if PH wins in sea row case by NestoR
CoRRAles Inquirer.net
PresIDeNt rodrigo Duterte on thursday said the government would “study progressively” the decision of the hague Court in case the decision favors the Philippines. While it may be a moral boost if the country wins the case, Duterte said that the government should still exercise prudence. the Permanent Court of Arbitration said on Wednesday it will deliver an eagerly awaited ruling on July 12 in a case filed by the Philippines contesting Beijing’s sweeping claims to most of the south China sea. Beijing has rejected international arbitration and says it will ignore the panel’s decision. In an unusual move, the court announced the date of the ruling ahead of time, saying it will be sent to the countries involved July 12 and published the same day. “Dito, it’s a cliffhanger kasi if we decide right. We may also find alleviation of some of the problems here. eh kung sinobrahan natin it should be a soft-landing from everybody na kung meron man. We don’t really taunt or flaunt it,” Duterte told his Cabinet members in their first official meeting in malacañang. “We will study progressively kung paano natin magagamit yun. of course, it would be a moral victory but we can’t put the country in an awkward position,” he added. six governments have overlapping territorial claims in the south China sea – China, Vietnam, the Philippines, taiwan, malaysia and Brunei. In addition, China’s broadly drawn nine-dash line, which demarcates its ambitions for maritime boundaries, overlaps
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Bongbong, Imee enter Palace after 30 years by JAime
PilAPil ManilaTimes.net
At the inauguration of President rodrigo Duterte on thursday, former senator ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. and his elder sister, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee marcos set foot again at malacañan Palace, which used to be their home for 20 years during the reign of their father ferdinand. the two appeared very happy, with Bongbong, a defeated vice
presidential candidate, flashing a V sign when a camera of government television PtV 4 passed him. he was seated in front of the rizal hall beside incoming senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel 3rd and sen. Joseph Victor “JV” ejercito while Imee was seated at the next row right at his back and beside newly elected sen. richard Gordon. malacanang was the home of the marcoses since 1965 when the patriarch was first elected.
the family continued to occupy the Palace until early 1986 when they were forced to vacate it at the height of a popular “people power” uprising in february. Last April 28, two years ago, Bongbong was at the same venue during the visit of United states President Barack obama. “But he was there because all senators were invited to meet obama,” a staff of marcos told Sen. Bongbong Marcos and Imee Marcos inside the Rizal Hall in Malacañang
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for Duterte inauguration
A JULY 1-7, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
From the Front Page
Rodrigo Duterte sworn in as… PAGE A1 t
have the courage and the will to change ourselves,” he added. Duterte said no leader, however strong, can succeed at anything unless he has the support and cooperation of the people he is tasked to lead and has sworn to serve. “Love of country, subordination of personal interests to the common good, concern and care for the helpless and the impoverished — these are among the lost and faded values that we seek to recover and revitalize as we commence our journey towards a better Philippines,” the president said. “The ride will be rough. But come and join me just the same. Together, shoulder to shoulder, let us take the first wobbly steps in this quest,” he added. Duterte, who won by a landslide during the May 9 polls with 16.6 million votes, also asked fellow public servants to help him strengthen the Filipinos’ trust in the government. “It is the people from whom democratic governments draw strength and this administration is no exception. That is why we have to listen to the murmurings of the people, feel their pulse, supply
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
their needs and fortify their faith and trust in us whom they elected to public office,” he said. Helpless, hopeless, defenseless Duterte, who previously vowed a government for the helpless, hopeless and the defenseless, said the foundations of his administration would be built upon the ideas of American presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Quoting Roosevelt, Duterte said the test of government is “not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide for those who have little.” He also recited Lincoln’s famous lines about social classes.
“You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong; You cannot help the poor by discouraging the rich; You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer; You cannot further the brotherhood by inciting class hatred among men,” the president said. Duterte assured Filipinos that he would not protect anybody’s interest but that of the nation. “Let me remind in the end of this talk, that I was elected to the presidency to serve the entire country. I was not elected to serve the interests of any one person or any group or any one class. I serve everyone and not only one,” Duterte said. “That is why I have adopted as an article of faith, the following lines written by someone whose name I could no longer recall. He said: ‘I have no friends to serve, I have no enemies to harm.” Duterte, who earlier revealed that he would not have run for HERE COMES THE RAIN. Children walking along Luzon Avenue in Quezon City frolic in the rain brought about by Typhoon Ambo, the first president if he could turn back tropical depression to enter the country in 2016. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez time, said he is now ready to serve his countrymen. “I am here because I love my country and I love the people of the Philippines. I am here, why? PAGE A1 t father and son were getting ready people turned out to be a rough Because I am ready to start my his barongs – some actually have to ride the car to the Logan Air- road. work for the nation,” he said. n the ribbon embroidered on them port for the elder Aquino’s final But in all, he brought stability – a symbol of his parents’ legacy, trip back to the Philippines. to the country, in great contrast which he has strove hard to pre“The extent of all his habilin to the tumultuous nine years of serve. was just a nod of his head. With Gloria Arroyo and the truncated It is not easy to be the son in that one nod, (he seemed to say) term of Joseph Estrada. katayuan sa buhay, paniniwala, o a brood of five, where your fam- ‘Alam mo na lahat ng inaasaCome to think of it, it was an partido.” Duterte did not give a Cabinet ily struggled to survive much like han ko sa ’yo, lahat ng mga ob- entire generation between the position to Robredo saying that the hundreds of other families ligasyon sa pamilya…’ Parang presidencies of Fidel Ramos and it might hurt his alliance with who defied the dictator Ferdi- napaka-pregnant (with mean- Noynoy Aquino – the only times, ing) with that one nod. I am not post martial law, where there Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who was nand Marcos. Mr. Aquino’s tendency to steel sure if naki-nod ako or sinabi ko had been no military intervention her rival in the vice presidential race and who has formally al- himself was something he had ‘Oo, dad.’ Yung ‘Oh’ (the sound amid a political crisis. While his administration was leged that he was cheated in the learned early on in life – not by a Filipino makes when he nods May elections. The Constitution choice, but more by circum- his head)… andun na lahat,” Mr. far from perfect and critics insisted he had a lackluster perstates that the vice president may stance – to allow himself to make Aquino said. Noynoy Aquino, 56, never formance, President Aquino had be appointed to the Cabinet but sound decisions. But while he was President, people interpret- planned or aspired for the presi- the most consistently high trust does not require that. dency. But he was prepared for it, ratings, ending his term with a “Anumang pagbabago sa ed it as lack of empathy. When you listen to Mr. Aquino even if many insist he was not. 49 percent rating in March 2016, ating bayan ay nagsisimula sa He may have had a less than according to Pulse Asia. pagpupursigi ng bawat Pilipino. tell his life story, you will realize Mr. Aquino will leave office At kapag nagkaisa tayo, walang that his father had twice given stellar career as a legislator, but imposible. Sabi nga ni Jesse nu- him – 10 years apart – the monu- his personal journey as the son with the highest net satisfaction ong siya ay nabubuhay pa: ‘What mental task of taking care of his of Ninoy and Cory, the child who rating compared to his predecesbrings us together as a nation is mother and sisters, and by exten- preferred to stay in the back- sors, including his own mother, ground, yet absorbed every bit Corazon Aquino. far more powerful than what pulls sion, the country. The first time was when he was of the country’s struggles, honed SWS figures showed that Mrs. us apart,’” she said referring to Aquino had a +7 net satisfaction her late husband former Interior a 13-year-old boy and his father him for the presidency. was in jail. This, President AquiHe was ready to become Presi- rating in April 1992; Ramos with Secretary Jesse Robredo. dent in 2010 when he won with +19; Estrada, +9; and Arroyo, Two barangay captains, one no had narrated many times. The second time was a story the biggest percentage vote in 17. of whom heads the poorest baMr. Aquino has a +27 net satisrangay in Robredo’s home dis- Mr. Aquino had not spoken much history. The straight path President faction rating in April 2016. trict, administered the oath at the about, at least publicly. It was in Boston, the moment Aquino promised the Filipino u PAGE A3 Quezon City Reception House. n
Leni outlines agenda as vice…
improve the lives of Filipinos, especially the poor. In her first 100 days, Robredo said she would go to far-flung barangays to find out what issues they want addressed. The first barangays she would visit are those located in her district in Camarines Sur, where she was born, and studied and was enlightened about social realities. “Umaasa tayo na sa pagdala natin sa Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Pangulo sa inyong mga barangay, mas mararamdaman PAGE A1 t waters nearly 2,000 kilometers ninyo na totoong nariyan ang (1,240 miles) from the Chinese pamahalaan para sa inyo,” she mainland that are part of Indone- said. Robredo also highlighted the sia’s internationally recognized importance of unity to serve the exclusive economic zone. Washington takes no sides people, highlighting that through in the competing claims in the it a lot could be accomplished in South China Sea, a crucial water- six years. “Ang tanging paraan para maway for trade, but has declared it is in the U.S. national interest for tupad ang hangaring ito para sa the disputes to be peacefully re- ating bansa ay ang sama-samang solved and that freedom of navi- pagkilos... Bukas ang pintuan gation and overflight should not ng Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Pangulo sa lahat – anuman ang be impeded. n
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the representative of the third district of Camarines Sur. She also lawyered for marginalized sectors as a member of an alternative lawyering organization. First 100 days Robredo said President Rodrigo Duterte’s dreams for the country is aligned with hers — to
Don’t ‘taunt…
P-Noy sure Ninoy, Cory will give him…
From the Front Page
(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 1-7, 2016
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Census: Asian Americans still fastest…
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PASIG REHABILITATION. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) Monday opened a 75-meter long linear park along the Pasig River on Barangay Poblacion in Makati City. The PRRC officials led by Executive Director Ramil Tan, also unveiled solar powered street lamps which would light up the park at night. After opening the linear park for the use of the barangay’s residents and other visitors, the PRRC officials also threw “mudballs” on the river. “Mudballs” are made of dried mud into which effective microorganisms were activated and kneaded with molasses and rice hull. Philstar.com file photo
than half of the general population come from a minority background. California and Hawaii house the largest Asian American and NHPI populations. Some of the fastest growing NHAPI communities are in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Montana and Indiana. In the past five years, Arkansas saw a 30 percent increase in its AANHPI population. Much of the growth from the Asian American and NHPI communities is the result of immigration, according to the Census Bureau. Asian Americans are more likely to become American citizens than other racial groups. Fifty-nine percent of Asian immigrants complete the naturalization process, versus 47 percent of the immigrant population at large. China and India are the leading countries of origin for recently sworn citizens. Vietnam and Taiwan have the high-
est naturalization rates at 76 and 74 percent, respectively. For the Filipino population, 68 percent of immigrants end up becoming American citizens. There were 1.26 million naturalized Filipinos in the country in 2013. “Asian Americans are a disproportionately immigrant community,” said Joanna Lee, senior research analyst for Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA). “Understanding the incredible social and economic diversity of these growing population groups is critical in understanding how best to address their needs.” Despite their expanding presence in America, neither of the major political parties have done enough to engage the Asian American and NHAPI community, according to Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC (AAAJ | AAJC) Executive Director Mee Moua. During a panel discussion on Monday, June 20, she said polling performed by the advo-
cacy group suggested that 62 percent of Asian Americans had not been contacted by representatives of the Democratic Party during this election cycle, while 74 percent said they were yet to hear from the Republican Party. “That’s not building democracy,” said Moua, challenging elected officials to keep up with the nation’s “changing demographic realities.” With their growing numbers, Asian Americans will have an influential role in shaping the country’s future political landscape, according to a 2015 study released by UCLA and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. The Asian American electorate is expected to double by 2040, reaching 12.2 million. “Asian Americans have the potential to be the margin of victory in critical swing votes during the next six presidential election cycles,” according to the authors of the study. (By Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)
come students, English learners and foster children, according to the state’s budget summary for 2016-2017. These schools lack in A-G courses, advanced placement (AP) classes and are scarce in resources for college advising and counseling. The College for All Coalition, which is comprised of over 50 community organizations including Advancing Justice-California, hailed the state’s legislative efforts to provide a “pipeline of educational opportunity and suc-
cess” according to a statement released by Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles after Brown signed the bill. “We’re investing in the most vulnerable and underserved kids who, like their peers from more affluent families, should have an equal chance to go to college,” Chris Punongbayan, executive director for Advancing JusticeAsian Law Caucus, said in the statement. “This is an investment worth making because we are supporting the potential of every
Bongbong, Imee enter Palace after 30… CA increases education funding, underrepresented…
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The Manila Times on condition of anonymity because she was not authorized to speak on behalf of the former lawmaker. The staff said the Marcos siblings arrived at the Palace in separate private cars since they were issued car passes both to the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City (Metro Manila) and Malacañang in Manila. Meanwhile, news circulating in the Marcos circle after the May 9 elections again surfaced when Bongbong was asked if he is willing to serve under the Duterte administration. “If you are offered any position by any President, that is tantamount to an order from the President. So, of course, I would happily take on any responsibility that the President would give me,” he told reporters at a news conference that he called right after he filed his electoral protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal at the Supreme Court last Wednesday afternoon. Camarines Sur Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo won over Marcos by more than 200,000 votes.
A law prohibits any defeated candidate to be appointed to any government post within one year right after the elections. Duterte had said Marcos is his special friend and that he owes him some gratitude. The father of Duterte served under Ferdinand Marcos’ administration. The new President had said he would allow the burial of Bongbong’s father at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City (Metro Manila). While the younger Marcos attended Duterte’s inauguration, Robredo held hers at the Boracay Mansion in New Manila, Quezon City. According to the camp of Duterte, they did not hold a common inauguration because a venue for the purpose inside the Palace is too small and they did not want to restrict the number of supporters of the former Camarines Sur lawmaker. The Marcoses earned the respect of Duterte after they gave him a resounding victory in their province–Ilocos Norte. In Bicol Region, the bailiwick of Robredo, Duterte got very few votes.
Ninoy & Cory Aquino
P-Noy sure Ninoy, Cory… PAGE A2 t
Except for the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) debacle and the pork barrel scam where some of his allies were implicated, there was hardly any corruption issue against the President himself. But Mr. Aquino had a penchant for taking the bullet for his men, which earned him the ire of the people who wished he just fired incompetent government officials, especially those responsible for the lousy metro train system and horrendous traffic. That the President was largely untainted by graft, and with such high credibility, the economy surged at a 6.2 percent growth rate, the fastest since the late 1970s. Even as his administration was hit for its underspending that led to a slower growth rate, the Philippines was christened Asia’s Rising Star. If Filipinos were difficult to please, it was a different story on the global stage. Mr. Aquino’s high esteem can largely be credited to the reputation of his revered parents. But he stepped out of their shadows and made the world take the Philippines seriously. He received standing ovations abroad; the country took center stage at the biggest global environment summit in Paris last year. President Aquino will certainly be remembered at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), where he fought for the Philippines’ national interests amid China’s aggression in the South China Sea. He led the campaign for the adoption of a legally binding Code of Conduct among claimant parties, despite it being an uphill battle. The Philippines stood up to China quite a number of times – whether at sea with a brilliantly executed Ayungin shoal mission or bringing China to court for arbitration. Mr. Aquino does not like trav-
elling, but chief diplomat, he made a total of 46 foreign trips in six years, which included 11 state visits, 10 official visits, four working visits, and 21 summits. The United States was his most visited country, going there seven times. As commander-in-chief, President Aquino led the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as it pivoted back to its original mandate of external defense. The Defense Department spent P65.89 billion for the modernization program that at least gave the military a minimum defense capability after decades of neglect. For the Philippine National Police (PNP), government in 2015 released a P2.83 billion fund for the facilities and equipment of the police force. If there was one thing he learned about himself as a leader, President Aquino said he was now “more cognizant” of his limits. But he held on to the “Filipino belief that God would not give you a burden that you cannot handle.” The year 2013 might as well be the annus horribilis of the Aquino administration for all the natural and man-made calamities that it saw – from the Atimonan massacre to the revival of the Sabah claim by the Sultanate of Sulu; the severe weather disturbances that lashed at the country one after the other. In September that year was the Zamboanga siege, and the next month, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Bohol. In November, supertyphoon “Yolanda,” the strongest typhoon ever to make landfall, killed over 6,000 people. Mr. Aquino said that he felt many of the challenges his administration faced was to prepare them for Yolanda, which he considers his biggest test because of the sheer devastation it brought. With less than two years left in office, Mamasapano happened
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Duterte, in an interview after the May 9 elections said he does not want to hurt the feelings of the younger Marcos by giving Robredo a position in his Cabinet. Robredo’s camp also on Thursday said they are arranging a meeting between the Vice President and the President. Marcos on Wednesday said he is confident that his protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal will be decided in one year because of convincing pieces of evidence that they will present before the Supreme Court. n
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and outreach programs for lowincome and underrepresented students. The legislation would allocate $200 million to the College Readiness Block Grant which would grant school districts and charter schools to provide services for high school students to establish a transition to college for the next three years. The grant pays particular attention to underfunded school districts, charter schools and schools with a majority population of low-in-
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A JULY 1-7, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Filipino bishops say Church doctrine on homosexuality remains by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
A Filipino Catholic priest said on Monday, June 27 that Pope Francis’ comments of compassion toward the LGBT community was not a call to change the Church’s doctrine on homosexuality. The comment comes from Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs, who responded to Pope Francis’ comments made on Sunday, June 26. The pontiff said that Christians and the Roman Catholic Church should apologize to the LGBT community and ask for their forgiveness for the Church’s maltreatment throughout history. “I believe that the church not only should apologize to the person who is gay whom it has offended,” the pope said, “but has to apologize to the poor, to exploited women, to children exploited for labor; it has to ask forgiveness for having blessed many weapons.”
But Secillano assured that the Pope’s remarks were “not in any way related to the doctrine of the Church on homosexuality,” but rather referenced civilian treatment of the LGBT community. “What the apology implies is that homosexuals should also be treated with respect, compassion and with high regard for their dignity as human beings,” Secillano told reporters. The Pope’s comment on Sunday mirrors similar remarks he made earlier in his papacy in which he asked, “Who am I to judge?” when it comes to the judgment of LGBT individuals. “The question is: If a person who has that condition, who has good will and who looks for God, who are we to judge?” said Pope Francis, whose papacy is considered one of the most socially progressive. Secillano’s comment comes after the CBCP’s statement following the Orlando gay nightclub shooting on June 12 in which the bishops urged Filipinos to treat the LGBT community with respect and tolerance, denouncing acts of violence toward LGBT
Dateline USa
individuals. Although the CBCP calls for respect for the LGBT community, the organization has generally denounced homosexuality, staying in line with traditional Catholic indoctrination on homosexuality. In February, the CBCP defended Manny Pacquiao’s controversial comments in which he referred to homosexuals as “worse than animals.” Secillano told Philstar that Pacquiao was merely quoting a line from the Bible and said it was “unfair” to condemn the boxing icon for the comment and his views on samesex marriage. In August, CBCP President Socrates Villegas, who is also the archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, stated that homosexual acts are “contrary to the natural” and are to be considered “sins gravely contrary to chastity.” The statement came at a time when LGBT activists were pushing for the legalization of samesex unions in the Philippines, a country whose religious identity is deeply engrained in its legislation. n
Meet with Duterte, US State chief Kerry urged by Patricia lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
UNITED States (US) Secretary of State John Kerry should visit President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to secure the Philippines-US relationship, an analyst said. Center for Strategic and International Studies fellow John Schaus said that Kerry should be the first cabinet official to meet with Duterte when he assumes office and directly hear his objectives. “The first step in securing the US-Philippine relationship in the next administration is to meet with Duterte, listen to his views, and start that conversation. This is something only Secretary Kerry can do, and he should,” Schaus said in his article published by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. Schaus added that Kerry should hear what Duterte sees for cooperating with the US and reassure him of the US commitment to the mutual defense treaty between the two countries. “The secretary can reinforce the message the United States has delivered to the Philippines
Secretary of State John Kerry
throughout the Obama administration, emphasizing the importance of partnership and cooperation to enhance the security of both the Philippines and the region as a whole,” Schaus said. Only US President Barack Obama and Ambassador Philip Goldberg were able to interact with Duterte upon being proclaimed as the incoming Philippine president. Obama spoke with Duterte by phone while Goldberg traveled to Davao City earlier this month for
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
a courtesy call. Duterte said he asked US Ambassador Philip Goldberg in a recent meeting, “Are you with us or are you not with us?” adding that Goldberg responded, “Only if you are attacked.” Goldberg was referring to the two countries’ Mutual Defense Treaty providing that they will “act to meet common dangers” when one is attacked. Schaus noted that Duterte is not well-known to US foreign policy establishment and might be a difficult leader for Washington to work with. “Duterte is not reflexively proAmerican and has expressed serious concerns about both the history of US involvement in the Philippines and the credibility of the US treaty commitment to defend his country,” Schaus said. However, Duterte had expressed willingness to engage directly with China to resolve the South China Sea dispute. The Philippines earlier filed an arbitration case against China before a United Nations tribunal. The international tribunal is expected to issue a ruling on the case soon. n
PH TOURISM DESTINATIONS ON T-SHIRTS IN RUSSIA. The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has partnered with Russia’s largest apparel retailer, SELA, on retail fashion advertising of Philippine tourism destinations in Russia. A t-shirt collection called “Inspired by the Philippines,” features six designs features showing Manila, Cebu, Bohol, and Siargao, and is presently being sold in 400 SELA stores in 200 cities in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine and Belarus, and on the SELA online shopping website. Photo from Facebook / Department of Tourism
Fil-Am historians, activists gather in New York by Florante
Peter ibanez Inquirer.net
NEW YORK CITY — Opening in true Broadway style with stage actress Jaygee Macapugay (“School of Rock”) singing “Empire State of Mind” by Alicia Keys, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) 16th Biennial Conference welcomed more than 700 history buffs from across the nation, including Texas, Alaska and Hawaii. With the theme “A Pinoy State of Mind – Building with Our Roots” the conference held June 22-25 on the John Jay College of Criminal Law campus featured plenary sessions that included Jose Antonio Vargas (Pulitzer Prize winner and founder of EmergingUS), Broadway stars, recent Fil-Am authors, LGBTQ
Special Courtroom Drama presentation “Justice Denied: A Reenactment of Ward’s Cove Packing Co. vs. Atonio (1989)” by Concepcion Montoya and Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York Photo by Florante Ibanez
activists as well as community leaders, teachers and historians. Dorothy Cordova, founder and executive director of FANHS, said, “I feel really
blessed right now because all these young people are coming up to me and are saying ‘Thank You!’ Who would have thought FANHS would grow so big?” n
Kobe Paras withdraws from UCLA by MarK
GionGco Inquirer.net
FILIPINO rising star Kobe Paras has withdrawn from University of California, Los Angeles after failing to meet the school’s “academic conditions of his admission,” a statement from the university said. NBC Sports and other international sports websites reported UCLA’s statement late Wednesday (Manila time). “Incoming freshman guard Kobe Paras, admitted upon condition to UCLA, has withdrawn from the university due to academic conditions of his admission not being met,” the full statement read. The 6-foot-6 incoming freshman, son of PBA legend Benjie Paras, made waves as a promis-
Kobe Paras
ing high school player out of Cathedral High School in LA. Paras’ sheer athleticism, length and potential got him an offer at UCLA as he signed a National
Inquirer.net file photo
Letter of Intent to be part of the team in October of last year. Before taking his talents to the United States, Paras played for La Salle-Greenhills. n
CA increases education funding, underrepresented…
PAGE A3 t
California student.” According to the Public Policy Institute of California, the state is threatened with a workforce shortage of 1.1 million college graduates by 2030 if the state doesn’t further invest in public education. “California’s future depends on reinvesting in public education so that every California student has an equal opportunity to attend and graduate from the state’s world-class public universities,” said Stewart Kwoh, presi-
dent and executive director of Advancing Justice-LA. The increase to the state’s education budget is a part of a requirement from Proposition 98, the overarching legislation that ensures funding for preschool, K-12 education, the California Community Colleges (CCC) and adult education. Proposition 98 requires that K-12 education receive a minimum percentage of the state’s budget and an overall guaranteed increase in educational funding every year. This year’s spending decisions
P-Noy sure Ninoy, Cory…
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and it was a tragedy that Mr. Aquino himself said he would carry to his grave. It cost him the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), envisioned to finally bring peace and development in Central Mindanao. In the legislative front, Mr. Aquino will be best remembered for signing the Reproductive Health Bill despite strong opposition from the Catholic Church and the Sin Tax, which levied higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol products, despite the strong lobby against it. He vetoed a number of populist bills despite the backlash. But he will also be remembered for his failure to push the Freedom of Information Act, a promise he made in 2010. Mr. Aquino’s testy relationship with the judiciary brought some of the most exciting episodes in
his term. Despite all the challenges, the President said the six years were worth it. “I can shower you with statistics,” he said. Perhaps a little known fact is that the number of negotiators for many trade agreements actually “quintupled” because, the President said government “received requests from our foreign trade partners to expedite the process.” There were also low-key but successful programs that directly helped the people in the countryside, such as the sitio electrification projects meant to energize the countryside and the Trade Department’s Shared Service Facilities program to help microentrepreneurs. The figures also include: – 6.1 percent unemployment rate as of April 2016 compared to the 6.8 percent of the same period in 2010; – 93.9 percent employment
made on behalf of Proposition 98 were a part of a $171 billion spending plan that also looks to reduce homelessness, increase funding for affordable housing, remove limits on welfare payments, strengthening the state’s infrastructure and reducing the state’s debt. “The solid budget makes responsible investments in California and sets aside billions of dollars to prepare for the next recession,” Brown said in a statement. (By Klarize Medenilla / AJPress) compared to the 92 percent in April 2010; – 26.3 percent poverty incidence in the first semester of 2015, down from the 28.6 percent in the same period of 2009; – six million foreign tourists; – 55 million domestic tourists; – an expected $6.3 billion foreign direct investment this year; – a prediction to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030, bringing the country to First World status; – nine million TESDA course graduates; – 1.51 million of the 4.2 million households enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) improved their status to “non-poor; – 18,000 kilometers of national tourism roads and farm-to-market roads completed. Ask him what government departments such as Health, Science and Technology, and Environment have done, President Aquino can bring out a list of accomplishments and discuss them in detail. n
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A
Ambassador Cuisia Honored with 2016 Carlos P. Romulo Award IN recognition of his pivotal role in the establishment of the US-Philippines Society and strengthening US-Philippines relations, outgoing Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. was honored on June 22 as the 2016 Carlos P. Romulo Awardee. The award was presented to Ambassador Cuisia in Manila by Society Co-chair Manuel V. Pangilinan during the Welcome Dinner for the Society Directors who are holding their annual meeting in the Philippines this week. Also present at the ceremony were Co-Chair John BIKES FOR HEALTH WORKERS. The Department of Health (DOH) – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Negroponte, Society President provided additional twenty more bicycles to Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in the provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Marinduque. John Maisto, Honorary Chair A total of 45 bicycles were already provided for BHWs in MIMAROPA to be used in their delivery of basic health services in far flung Washington Sycip, and other communities where transportation is limited and roads are narrow. “These are the only means of transportation that is fast and efficient Directors of the US-Philippines which can convey our BHWs to reach distant areas timely,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated. Photo from DOH.gov.ph Society from both the Philippines and the United States. Through all the shifts of policy and politics over the years, the A FILIPINO-american fugitive 15, 2015, according to the NBI murder that carries a maximum strong bonds between the peowanted in New York was arrest- press information office chief, penalty of 25 years in prison, Su- ples of the Philippines and the ed by the National Bureau of In- Nick Suarez. arez said. United States have been a lastvestigation in Guadalupe, Makati Earlier efforts to locate in him ing foundation for Philippine-US Abarentos was arrested on City, where he was found work- June 21 based on a warrant is- in the United States proved futile relations. The Carlos P. Romulo ing in a construction site. sued by Judge Janice Yulo-An- until American authorities, with Award was, therefore, created Miguel Abarentos faces ex- tero of Manila Regional Trial the help of the NBI, found him tradition to the United States Court Branch 16. hiding in Makati and employed as a suspect in the killing of He had been charged in the as a construction worker. (Aie Thawerdas Sadhwani on Dec. United States with second degree Balagtas See)
Wanted in New York, toiling in Makati
in order to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the Society and to efforts strengthening US–Philippine ties. Past recipients of the award were former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario, Washington Sycip, and C.V. Starr Co. Inc Chairman/CEO & US-Philippines Society Honorary Chair Maurice R. (Hank) Greenberg. The Society’s President, Ambassador Maisto, said, “Ambassador Joey Cuisia’s leadership since the Society’s launch in 2012 was critical to our success in reaching American opinion-makers with information on many of the exciting developments taking place in today’s Philippines. The award also recognizes his contribution to the strengthening of Philippine-American ties during his tenure in Washington.” Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Society was launched in 2012 with the mission of raising the profile of today’s Philippines through programs on business, governance, culture, shared history, education, health care,
immigration, strategic issues, and conflict resolution. The binational Board of Directors includes some 30 private sector and community leaders who are this week gathered in Manila to chart the Society’s course during the 2016 year of political transitions in both countries, compare views on regional and bilateral issues with senior Philippine officials including President Benigno S. Aquino III and President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, and explore business opportunities with private sector leaders. “I am truly thankful for the decision of the US-Philippines Society to present me the Carlos P. Romulo Award. It is a tremendous honor that caps my tenure as Philippine Ambassador to the United States, and on the 70th year anniversary of our diplomatic relations at that. I share this award with the men and women of the Philippine Embassy and the Consulates General who served with me from April 2011 to June 2016. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat,” Ambassador Cuisia said in a statement. n
Comelec rift widens; Bautista belies charges
Bongbong files poll protest vs Robredo by Edu
Punay
Philstar.com
MANILA — Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. filed an election protest before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, June 29, at the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), questioning his loss in the vice presidential race to Leni Robredo. In a 1,000-page petition, Marcos asked the PET to set aside the oath-taking of Robredo scheduled this noon and to declare him as the duly elected and rightful vice president. Marcos questioned the election results in 39,221 clustered precincts in 25 provinces and five cities involving some nine million votes. He lost to Robredo by a slim margin of 263,473 votes in the final and official tally. He garnered 14,155,344 votes while Robredo got 14,418,817. Claiming massive cheating, Marcos sought the nullification of about a million votes cast in three provinces – Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao. “There were many witnesses and affidavits that came out. We have complete documentary and testimonial evidence,” he said in a press conference after filing the protest. “The cheating was so blatant. We’re doing this for the millions whose votes were not counted,” he stressed. Marcos believes his protest would be resolved by the PET faster than previous election protests regarding the vice presidential elections. “I believe the PET will not take long to resolve this case because we have plenty of evidence and we have taken a different approach,” he stressed. The camp of Robredo welcomed yesterday the filing of an election protest against her by Marcos. “We welcome it. At least, it was filed in the proper forum, instead of being ventilated in the media,” Robredo’s spokesperson Georgina Hernandez said in a television interview. She said Marcos should present new and strong evidence to support his allegations of cheating. The Commission on Elections
mEndEz
Philstar.com
MANILA — Ahead of the highly anticipated ruling of the United Nations High Tribunal on the arbitration case filed by the Philippines against China over maritime rows, President Duterte on Thursday, June 30, vowed to respect international treaties and obligations entered into by the Philippines. “On the international front and community of nations, let me reiterate that the Republic of the Philippines will honor treaties and international obligations,” Duterte said in his inaugural speech. He made the statement even as Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua was among the dignitaries who attended his inauguration at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang. On Wednesday, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague announced that it would issue its ruling on July 12, or two weeks af-
CriSoStomo Philstar.com
authority,” she pointed out. Last Thursday, Bautista took his “privilege leave” to accompany his son to Tokyo from June 23 to 26. In a June 21 memorandum, Bautista assured acting Commission secretary Consuelo Diola that his was “a personal trip that will entail no cost to the commission.” According to Guanzon, Commissioner Christian Robert Lim – being the most senior commissioner – used to sign Bautista’s travel authority but he sought to be relieved of this task in May. With such responsibility no longer Lim’s, all commissioners should be signing Bautista’s travel authority as was the practice during the term of former Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr., Guanzon said. She also accused Bautista of leaving without appointing any acting chairman. “So what’s the implication of that? No one is signing important transactions like the salary.”
MANILA—The trip to Japan of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista may have been unauthorized and should be investigated, one of the poll body’s commissioners said. In an interview over the weekend, Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said she has asked the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista investigate how Bautista was able to leave for Japan last week Not true without travel authority from the For his part, Bautista belied Comelec. Guanzon’s accusation in text Guanzon said civil servants messages from Japan. traveling overseas are required “I have travel authority issued to present a travel authority to pursuant to Executive Orders BID personnel at the airport. “I (EOs) 459 and 477. (The) Comhave been wondering how the mission on Audit chair and the chairman was able to leave the ombudsman, as head of agency, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stands next to his 1,000-page petition questioning the victory of country. also issue their own travel auvice president-elect Leni Robredo in the May polls as he filed a protest at the Supreme Court “I think this should be investhorities,” he said. last Wednesday, June 29, which sits at the Presidential Electoral Tribunal. The poll chief took note of this in Photo by Miguel de Guzman / Philstar.com tigated. In case he used his personal passport, still the immigrahis Jan. 21 memorandum to Diola. (Comelec) was unfazed over the that the Liberal Party bet would tion should have not allowed him The memorandum read: “I, electoral protest filed by Marcos win. to leave if he did not have a travel u PAGE A7 before the PET. “The votes presumptively obComelec Commissioner Luie tained by protestee Robredo durTito Guia said this would resolve ing the last elections are products Marcos’ allegation that he was of electoral frauds, anomalies cheated of victory by Robredo. and irregularities. Meanwhile, “The filing of the case will give the votes obtained by protestant an opportunity for all parties to Marcos were significantly rereally prove or disprove the al- duced, manipulated and altered legation. The filing of the protest to make it appear that he only is part of the electoral process, placed second during the last questioning the results is part of elections,” read the petition. the electoral process,” he added. Garcia said the alleged poll Marcos also asked the PET to fraud involved three parts – the order the reopening of ballots flawed system; the traditional and manual recount of about modes of cheating like vote buyeight million votes in 23 prov- ing, pre-shading, intimidation inces and five cities. and failure of elections, among Marcos also sought annulment others; and the unauthorized inof the proclamation of Robredo troduction by Smartmatic’s Maras vice president and his decla- lon Garcia of a new hash code or ration as duly elected vice presi- script program into the transpardent. ency server as well as the effects Atty. Rio Guerrero Atty. Tsui Yee Accompanied by his son San- brought about by the unauthordro, lawyers led by George Gar- ized change. cia and hundreds of supporters, Marcos alleged that based on Marcos personally filed the pro- numerous testimonial and docu“PUBLIC “CONTRIBUTIONS “BEST LAWYERS test and submitted before the mentary evidence, they were able SERVICE AND TO EXCELLENCE NATIONAL AWARD” SC about 20,000 pages of docu- to establish several violations POLITICS AWARD” AWARD” ments and evidence to bolster his committed by both the Comelec NAPABA TOFANY FANHS protest. and Smartmatic, service provider Marcos said he would attend of the vote counting machines. the inauguration of presidentMarcos also pointed out that elect Rodrigo Duterte today and during the election period the Trust Our Award-Winning Attorneys to Win that he is also willing to accept voting public was made to beappointment to a Cabinet posi- lieve that all electoral data were Your Immigration Case — We Are New York’s Premier tion. received by three servers from Immigration Law Firm Helping Our Kababayans. Garcia explained that they the vote counting machines and have gathered evidence to prove this was secured by digital signathat allies of Robredo resorted to tures and coded ‘end riptide’. a series of electoral fraud, anomRoberdo’s spokesperson said alies and irregularities to reduce Marcos should desist from convotes for Marcos and make sure u PAGE A7
Duterte vows to respect all treaties, international obligations by ChriStina
by ShEila
ter Duterte assumed his post. Speaking before Davao City Hall employees last Monday, Duterte said he would like to keep mum on the maritime conflict with China. “We will wait for the decision before we make any public statement,” he said. Both the Philippines and China are signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. But China has repeatedly said that the court has no jurisdiction over the Philippines’ complaint and the body should not even issue a ruling on the matter. Best wishes Meanwhile, Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto, dean of the diplomatic corps, wished for the success of Duterte’s administration. “The first word of a book is always the most important. It satisfies the curiosity of imagining its content and invites one to read it. But some books have empty
pages and wait for words to be written, to be read with the unfolding of the events,” Pinto said before proposing a toast. Pinto said that starting yesterday, Filipinos are called to “write on the blank pages of this book, engrave their aspirations and dreams, their convictions and ideas.” Pinto said they were hoping that this will be the start of an even stronger friendship and collaboration between the Philippines and the government of the countries and international organizations they represent. Duterte had said the inauguration was not about him but was meant to honor the Filipino people for their victory in making their thoughts known in the recent elections. “To our friends and partners in the region and the world over, we look forward to your support as we continue to work together for peace, security and progress,” he said. n
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A JULY 1-7, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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OpiniOn
Features
Due process
A FAVORABLE decision is expected soon from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to strengthen the Philippines’ maritime case against China over its expansive claim in the disputed water of the South China Sea. The international court is expected to rule over the decades-long conflict soon. Citing peaceful resolution on the jurisdiction over the disputed waters, the Philippines has pleaded its case to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). It is now awaiting results of the preliminary hearings over the Philippine claim. The ITLOS is an intergovernmental organization created through the directive of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed at Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Dec. 10, 1982. China and the Philippines have competing claims to some parts of the South China Sea. China claims the largest swathe of the strategic water, which is believed to have significant oil and gas deposits. It has continuously rejected other nations’ claim (including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei) on the South China Sea. China has also been busy militarizing the strategic water in the last two years through the creation of new outposts by piling sand atop reefs and atolls, and then adding buildings, ports and airstrips big enough to handle bombers and fighter jets. Despite continuous calls from the international community to halt the construction, China remained adamant over its assertion to the South
West Philippine (South China) Sea. It maintained that its military activities are consistent with its position that the construction of artificial islands was designed to provide public service to the region by helping ships and fishermen and disaster relief efforts. In a Note Verbale, China rejected the Notification and Statement of Claim made by the Philippines and refused to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal over the case. It has insisted on resolving the dispute through bilateral negotiations. Ironically, China is a signatory of the UN charter, which is governed by the rules and principles of general international law. Under the UNCLOS, all parties have agreed to “due regard for the sovereignty of all States, a legal order for the seas and oceans which will facilitate international communication, and will promote the peaceful uses of the seas and oceans, the equitable and efficient utilization of their resources, the conservation of their living resources, and the study, protection and preservation of the marine environment.” While the international community is waiting for the landmark ruling, the US called on both parties and other claimants of the South China Sea to exercise restraint to avoid further confrontations.
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
After years of tension-filled relations and regardless of an incoming court order, the Philippines and China must learn to settle their differences, and let diplomacy prevail. Diplomacy is an old art. But today’s challenges give an opening to
effective means of resolving crises. It can never happen over night, but through a pragmatic approach, the adverse effects of international conflict can be reduced. When a conflict is defused, peace and progress will ensue. (AJPress)
Supreme Court affirms the right of women to have an abortion IF there is a singular issue that makes many kababayans gravitate toward the Republican Party, it’s the issue of the right of women to have an abortion — a right traditionally fought for by Democrats and opposed by Republicans. On Monday, June 27, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld such right of women by striking down Texas’ controversial abortion restriction bill. With a 5-3 vote, the justices of the highest court in the nation ruled that Texas lawmakers went too far by imposing unnecessary regulations that had forced most of the state’s abortion clinics to go out of business. This vote would effectively limit the power not only of Texas, but of other states as well, to restrict or shut down abortion clinics.
This is the first major decision on abortion by the Supreme The Fil-Am Court, after passing the landmark Perspective decision on Roe v. Wade in 1973, which found that a state law that banned abortions except to save the life of the mother was unconstitutional. Gel SantoS-ReloS As Balitang America reported, President Barack Obama shared on the social networking site Twitter his reaction to the SC’s decision, saying that “every woman has a constitutional right to make her own reproductive choices,” adding that he is pleased that the Supreme Court affirmed that fact.
Balitang America also reported on the reaction of the major prolife group — Susan B. Anthony’s List — which argues that “the abortion industry cannot be trusted to regulate itself”, and that “America should elect a pro-life President to safeguard today’s pro-life majorities in the House
and Senate”. Many conservative Kababayans share the views of Americans who believe abortion is morally wrong. A recent Gallup Poll reveals that 47 percent of respondents think abortion is morally wrong, while
43 percent say it is morally acceptable. Nine percent contend that it depends on the situation, while two percent expressed no opinion on the issue. The same poll further reveals that more Democrats — 62 percent — are okay with abortion morally, while only 24 percent of Republicans share that opinion. Do you agree with the Supreme Court decision? *** 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
Preventing unnecessary Duterte and the CPP-NPA protection racket risky financial practices Street Talk Commentary
SenatoR HaRRy Reid In 2008, Wall Street recklessness causes the financial crisis that left eight million Americans unemployed and millions more with mortgages and retirement savings run into the ground. Businesses shut their doors and new graduates faced uneasy, unrelenting unemployment. In 2010, we passed reforms to make sure that Wall Street could never crash our economy again. This fall, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act by upholding and protecting this landmark legislation. For far too long, Wall Street was allowed to game the system for themselves while putting millions of Americans’ savings at risk. Their actions endangered our entire economy and the livelihoods of many Americans. We recognized the need to implement necessary safeguards to prevent these unnecessary risky financial practices. That’s why I am proud to have worked with my Democratic colleagues to help shepherd Wall Street Reform into law, overhauling our financial regulations and reining in Wall Street. The passage of Wall Street Reform restored accountability in our financial system, and shined a light on fraudulent and abusive practices within our nation’s housing and banking sectors. Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau pro-
tects Americans from predatory lenders and provides consumers with the necessary information they need to make good decisions about credit, mortgages, and financial products. Wall Street Reform has streamlined transparency and oversight within our regulatory agencies. By effectively implementing these key reforms we passed into law in 2010, we will ensure that taxpayers never again have to foot the bill for Wall Street recklessness. Wall Street Reform is our armor against unscrupulous lenders and toobig-to-fail banks. As we celebrate the sixth anniversary of Wall Street Reform, we must also remember that a healthy well-regulated financial system is a key part of our nation’s economic progress. It helps grow Americans’ retirement savings and ensures our businesses have the resources they need to grow. Wall Street Reform benefits our nation’s economy, it does not hamper it. The law makes sure that there are a set of rules that apply to everyone in a fair manner. Wall Street Reform is good for consumers and our entire economy. We must work together to prevent special interests and legislative attempts from reversing or eliminating provisions and regulations within this historic law. Every American has a stake in our economy. It is stronger when we work together to build on the progress we’ve made. Wall Street Reform is crucial to ensuring that our economy works for everyone, from Main Street to Wall Street. Because of Wall Street Reform, we are stronger and more prosperous than we were six years ago. n
GReG B. MacaBenta IF taxes are to be collected only by the government, then Rodrigo Duterte, incoming president of the Republic of the Philippines, actually acknowledges the existence of another government within the country: the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army. You see, the CPP-NPA also collects “taxes” from businesses and Duterte has publicly urged companies operating in Davao province and the rest of Mindanao to pay this additional imposition on them, on top of what they pay the Bureau of Internal Revenue. It may be assumed that this Duterte Doctrine will be applied nationally when he assumes the presidency. We know that if we don’t pay taxes to the government, we’ll find ourselves in trouble, pay a hefty fine, see our earnings garnished or even go to jail. What about the “taxes” – referred to as “revolutionary taxes” - imposed by the CPP-NPA? How much is collected and what are the consequences if a business doesn’t come across? The following is a report on CPP-NPA “taxation” in Davao province from a 2011 Asia Report by the International Crisis Group entitled, “The Communist Insurgency in the Philippines, Tactics and Talks”: “The NPA obtains significant amounts of money from the Davao region. The military estimates that the NPA collected 39.5 million pesos ($890,000) there in 2010, nearly half of the 95.5 million pesos ($2.15 million) it raised from revolutionary taxes
throughout the country during the year. Most of the funds are collected in the Compostela Valley, where there are many mines. “In 2009, the military estimated that the province could provide the group with as much as 20 million pesos ($460,000) per month. This is sufficient for guerrillas to allocate surplus funds for their dependents, a luxury units elsewhere cannot afford. The NPA can raise large amounts from the Compostela Valley because of its relationship with small-scale miners. These men resist government efforts to establish larger mines, instead turning to the NPA, which approves the opening of small-scale operations. NPA regulars may even be mining themselves. The CPP, while officially opposing destruction of the environment, considers such limited extraction acceptable as it is not used for export. The NPA targets small businesses as well. The owner of a fleet of trucks transporting gravel and sand from a quarry in the Davao area pays 5,000 pesos ($115) per year for each truck. The NPA also levied a tax of four pesos (ten cents) per kilogram on banana vendors in New Bataan in the Compostela Valley, until the military increased its presence. Other businesses may be taxed a percentage of their total profits. “In December 2010 seven large mining companies in Caraga threatened to pull out of the region over NPA ‘taxes’, underscoring how control over resources is at stake in the conflict. According to the 4th infantry division, the NPA has increased tax levied on mining companies from 15 million pesos ($340,000) to 20 million pesos ($450,000) a month. The group has also demanded the firms supply computers, radios and guns… “Dole Food Company’s ba-
nana plantations in Surigao del Sur were regularly attacked in 2010. On 26 November, the NPA destroyed around 22,000 plants, with an estimated value of $250,000 in Tago town. Further south in the same province, the NPA cut down around 1,600 plants in Barobo town on 13 December. Both areas had been attacked earlier in the year as well. The NPA argues that because firms such as Dole exploit the region’s resources and people, its attacks are justified.” Of course the CPP-NPA will always find a way to “justify” the “taxation” and the “penalties.” In fact, as reported by the media, only recently, Fidel Agacoili , spokesman of the National Democratic Front (NDF) declared in a forum at the Ateneo de Davao University, “You have to understand [that] revolutionary movements, meron silang political power operating in the countryside and elsewhere. And they have the right, [as] any state… they have the right to impose tax on any form of business that operates within its own territory.” To support his rationale, Agcaoili added: “Di ba sabi ni President Duterte, ‘Bayaran na lang ninyo!’ Siya nagsabi noon, hindi ako (Wasn’t it President Duterte who said, ‘Just pay it!’ He said that, not me).” Agcaoili was referring to a statement Duterte made at a trade expo in Davao City in 2013. In that speech, Duterte attempted to rationalize his being “cooperative” with the CPP-NPA: “Crimes I can deal with it. But with the revolutionary (groups), I give it to the (national) government.” Duterte made that statement as mayor of Davao City. In effect, he admitted that the problem was much bigger than his capabilities as a local executive. But what happens now that Duterte is about to take over the reins of
the national government? How will he deal with the situation? Or is it possible that the muchfeared crime fighter – the one who has vowed to get rid of criminality in six months from his assumption of the presidency – does not consider “revolutionary” taxation a crime? How different is the CPP-NPA “revolutionary tax” from the operations of the Mafia in the US and in Sicily, where 80 percent of businesses reportedly pay “pizzo” or protection money to the gangsters? And how different is the CPP-NPA from the drug cartels in Ciudad Juarez in Mexico which, according to Wikipedia, collect protection money from businesses with the threat of “burning down the business, kidnapping the owners or killing everyone inside with assault rifles” To quote a comic paraphrasing Juliet’s line in “Romeo and Juliet:” “Utot by any other name would smell bantot.” (Fart by any other name would still stink). You can say that about the CPP-NPA “revolutionary tax.” The name is simply an attempt to deodorize what, in fact, is a bigtime protection racket. Wikipedia adds: “Protection rackets tend to appear in markets where the police and judiciary cannot be counted on to provide legal protection, either because of incompetence (as in weak or failed states) or illegality (black markets).” In a media report, Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, the outgoing chief of the Southern Luzon Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and reportedly a “strong contender” for the post of Chief of Staff, was said to have told his troops to “continue their military pressure on the NPA.” According to Visaya, “Until no official and clear-cut guidelines have been issued, until no formal talks have PAGE A7
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Dateline PhiliPPines
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 1-7, 2016
A
Duterte seeks balance between US and China, experts say by Charmaine
DeograCias Philstar.com
BOUND TOGETHER. Couples from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community take part in a ‘Rite of Holy Union’ ceremony in Manila on Monday, June 27. Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman
Aquino signs 4 new laws before exit by Delon
PorCalla Philstar.com
MANILA—Two days before he steps down from office, President Aquino signed four new laws, including a measure that gives P100,000 to centenarians. The Centenarians Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10868) recognizes the centenarians’ rare gift of longevity and their contributions to the country’s communities. The measure provides that Filipinos who reach the age of 100 years old, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, shall be honored with a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity. But the law “does not carry the provision about 75 percent VAT exemption which was the objectionable feature of the enrolled bill when it was first submitted to the President and vetoed in the 15th Congress,” according to Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. All Filipinos who have turned centenarian in the current fiscal
year shall be awarded a plaque of recognition and a cash incentive by their respective city or municipal governments in appropriate ceremonies. The LgU concerned shall determine the amount of the cash incentive. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local government, Department of Health and the Commission of Filipinos Overseas will promulgate the necessary guidelines for the new law. The law also declared Sept. 25 as “National Day of Respect for Centenarians” as part of the annual Family Week celebration from Sept. 19 to 28. Aquino also signed the National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act (RA 10867) which, according to Coloma is “a SONA-enunciated initiative” and a “product of interagency consensus building.” He also signed the Batanes Responsible Tourism Act (RA 10866) and the Mayor Hilarion Ramiro Sr. Medical Center Act (RA10865).
Comelec rift widens; Bautista…
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as head of agency, will be issuing my travel authority pursuant to Sec. 3 of EO No. 447 series of 1991 which, among others, states that ‘the members, officials and employees of aforementioned constitutional bodies shall henceforth submit their requests for permission to travel abroad to the heads of the commissions/office concerned.’” The same memorandum said “this authority is further confirmed by Section 2 of Executive Order No. 459 series of 2005 which states ‘all other government officials and employees seeking authority to travel abroad shall seek approval from their respective heads of agency.’” Bautista also denied that there was no acting Comelec chairman while he was in Japan. “I referred to existing memos so senior
commissioner is acting chair in my absence.” He added, “for matters that demand immediate and urgent action, relevant commission resolutions authorize certain officials to sign for and on behalf of the commission.” Drug addiction As the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) officially closed its command center last Friday, its national chair Henrietta de Villa decried what she called rampant vote buying and selling in some areas during the last elections, an anomaly she likened to drug addiction. She said the buying and selling of votes “form of electoral corruption – the father of all corruption which eats up the Filipino soul and blackens Philippine election.” (With Evelyn Macairan)
Bongbong files poll protest…
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ditioning the minds of the people that Robredo cheated him. Hernandez said Robredo won the vice presidency fair and square. “The counting of votes by the National Board of Canvassers went through the proper process. The votes were validated. Our own numbers, reflected in our copies of the certificates of canvass and election returns, jibe with the results of the official count by Congress,” she stressed. The running mate of administration standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II beat Marcos by a narrow margin. Marcos claims that he was robbed of three million votes. “These were the under-votes, null votes and voided votes,” he
told a recent news conference. He said the fact that his one million-vote lead over Robredo in the early hours of the unofficial count on May 9 was wiped out in the morning of the next day was proof that he was cheated. Robredo’s camp retorted that “under-voting” means that a voter votes for a presidential candidate and does not choose a vice president, and vice versa. In other words, there is no vote, and Marcos has therefore no basis to claim the under-votes as his, it said. As for the disappearance of Marcos’ early unofficial tabulation lead, it said this happened when votes from Robredo’s bailiwicks were transmitted and included in the tally. (With Perseus Echeminada, Jess Diaz, Helen Flores,and Sheila Crisostomo)
Duterte and the CPP-NPA…
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been made, we continue with our current operations in Bicol.” In this regard, what can Visaya say about the CPP-NPA claiming parts of the country as their “territory” for which reason it has the ”right” to collect taxes? Before Visaya attempts to answer that question, he should perhaps read this excerpt from the 2011 “Asia Report.” It had this to about Visaya’s prospective commander-in-chief: “In Davao, the Duterte family is a powerful third force in the conflict between the military and the NPA. Rodrigo Duterte, the current vice-mayor, was first elected mayor in 1988, at a time when the ‘sparrow’ units were carrying out killings on the streets of Davao, and the military-backed anti-communist vigilante squads known as the Alsa Masa meted out punishment in return. He subsequently served six terms, and when he could no longer
stand for office, his daughter Sara Duterte stepped in and was elected mayor in 2010… Although violence has dramatically declined under Duterte, and the numerous urban squatter communities that served as the communists’ support base no longer exist, the CPP-NPA continues to operate within Davao City… Duterte, who used to employ a former member of the NDF as his chief of staff, in effect grants the guerrillas permission to operate in certain areas of the city. He also ensures leftist activists are safe from extrajudicial killings; in exchange, they do not protest against the ‘Davao death squad.’” In other words, Rodrigo Duterte, incoming president of the Philippines, has been and could continue to be the biggest protector of the CPP-NPA as it continues to operate its highly profitable protection racket. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)
Sen. Loren Legarda hailed the enactment of the NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act and the Batanes Responsible Tourism Act. Legarda is a co-author of RA 10867, which mandates the modernization of the NBI through acquisition of state-of-the-art intelligence and forensic equipment, and maintaining an elite and competent personnel through the provision of competitive compensation packages, including training, insurance benefits and scholarship grants for NBI agents and employees. n
INCOMINg Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is not expected to swing to China’s side opposite of the United States but will instead place the country in between the two big powers, foreign policy and defense experts said in an Asia Pacific Foreign Policy and Defense Seminar at the East West Center last week. Dr. Evelyn goh, Shedden professor of Strategic Policy Studies, Australian National University said,“The Philippines right now is very much on the side of the US but it will come back closer to the midpoint. It doesn’t mean Duterte is going to move the Philippines from the US’s to China’s side. It will just bring the Philippines back to where it was kind of before, more along the mainstream where some Southeast Asian countries have thrived to keep the relations close to both US and China.” goh believes that the positioning by Duterte will make China back off a little and lower the tension in Philippine-China relations. She said the commonly expressed regional concern had been “how the Philippines has stuck its neck quite far from the regional mainstream to the extent of endangering everyone else.” During his campaign for the presidency, Duterte said he would engage in bilateral talks with China, a departure from the pro-US policy undertaken by his predecessor President Benigno Aquino III,, that the Philippines will only negotiate with China on the conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea with other claimants namely Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan. Duterte has also said he will set aside the issue of sovereignty over the disputed islands if China would build trains around the country. The Philippines has filed a case against China over maritime claims in the South China Sea before the United National Arbitral Court. A decision is expected in the first week of July. On the other hand, Duterte slammed US Ambas-
In this photo released by the Office of the City Mayor of Davao City, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, right, receives a copy of the book on Chinese President Xi Jinping from Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua during a courtesy call in Davao City in the southern Philippines, Monday, May 16, 2016. Photo from the Office of the City Mayor Davao City
sador Philip goldberg for agreeing with the Australian ambassador who expressed dismay over the vulgar remarks of the Davao City mayor about an Australian missionary who was raped and killed by prisoners in a Davao jail. Dr. Evan Medeiros, managing director for Asia, Eurasia group, said that the US would not see a better Philippine-China relationship “in a zero-sum framework.” Zero-sum is a situation in game theory in which one person’s gain is equivalent to another’s loss, so the net change in wealth or benefit is zero. He said, the more tensions are reduced in the region, the more flexibility the Philippines or the United States has, the more space there is in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), within the ASEAN Regional Forum or the East Asia Summit (EAS) to work on other issues. “I would be encouraging Duterte to find a way to strike the right balance among these multiple and competing interests but not in a way that would cost him to compromise what he believes are Philippine security interests,” Medeiros said. n
A JULY 1-7, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
July 1-7, 2016
people events arts culture entertainment
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Contemporary Filipino Design showCaseD at iCFF 2016 in nyC by MoMar G. Visaya/AJPress Five of the Philippines’ top furnishings and accessories manufacturers presented their newest collections at the recently-concluded international Contemporary Furniture Fair (iCFF), North America’s premier platform for “what’s new and what’s next” in global design and creativity. Two of these companies are returning exhibitors – Kenneth Cobonpue and Schema – and the rest are first-timers: Lija by That One
Kenneth Cobonpue’s Savant Easy Armchair is handmade from polyethylene, steel & beech wood. Savant creates an intimate area for work or play in a public space; its swivel base and folding table are fully adjustable.
Piece, venzon Lighting and Zarate Manila by Jim Torres. Design Philippines, a design movement that nurtures and celebrates the creativity and originality of Filipino designers and craftsmen, curated the list of the participating companies that showcased their collections for the global market. Through the country’s
“The Philippines was colonized by both the USA and Spain, and this remarkable blend of three different cultures in one place is incredibly unique, and allows us a truly global perspective. Increasingly, designers from across Southeast Asia are creating truly original designs from local natural fibers, making use of the abundance of skilled craftsman. Such consummate artisanal skills, passed through generations from master to apprentice and drawn from hundreds of years of tradition, not only embraces our rich culture, but uses it to create our future.” –Kenneth Cobonpue
Schema produces decorative pieces that give character and life to every home or space, like the Espalda chairs and the urban pendant lamps shown on this photo. The company’s dedicated team of artisans weave each carefully conceptualized design by hand and the result each time is a unique, hand-woven product that brings the artisan’s personal touch into any living space.
On the foreground is Kenneth Cobonpue’s now iconic Bloom Easy Armchair. It is Inspired by a delicate blossom and is composed of hundreds of fine running stitches that radiate from the center of the seat. Handmade in microfiber stitched over a fiberglass reinforced top, Bloom sprouts from a base made of steel. Photos by Momar G. Visaya
Lija’s Pamana collection is inspired by the traditional loom used by various (Philippine) indigenous peoples to create their textile. The lamp concentrates on simple, clean lines, the uniformity of the spaces in between the material and evenness of form. Traditional handwoven fabric is used to create lighting pieces that are refreshingly contemporary and versatile.
Luis de Jesus of Lija By That One Piece, a company that specializes in creating one-of-a-kind lighting pieces, furniture and home accessories. The company is a proud recipient of the Katha Award, the highest merit award of the Manila F.A.M.E. Show held in the Philippines and is considered as one of the pioneers in the use of indigenous materials and fabrics in non-traditional designs.
participation and presence in the world’s leading design shows such as Salone internazionale del Mobile, MAiSON&OBJeT Paris, and New York’s own, the international Contemporary Furniture Fair, Design Philippines has built its reputation
and has positioned the Philippines as a sourcing destination for finely crafted products for the world market. embodying the perfect balance between global sophistication and rich cultural tradition, these companies remain responsive to change while mindful of honoring the past. “We try to express through our work the tremendous creative talent that comes from the Philippines not only in design but also in craftsmanship,” Christopher Reiter, Managing Partner of Kenneth Cobonpue told the Asian Journal. “A lot of our pieces are made using a craft which is handed from generation to generation and no longer taught in school as much as it used to be. We’re trying to preserve that handcraft and show to the world what is possible with the amazing talents we find in the Philippines.” Multi-awarded designer Kenneth Cobonpue is known for fusing traditional Filipino techniques with a global esthetic and for the iCFF this year, launched brand new designs alongside a few reimagined classics. For Schema, a company that specializes in weaving metal wire into various patterns, joining this year’s fair was a necessary step in order for them to introduce their products to the rest of the world. Schema showcased their inimitable use of metal wires and exquisite weaving techniques in a series of outdoor/indoor chairs by Philippine icon, Budji Layug. They brought around 13 different
This art installation is a light fixture inspired by a lush, exotic garden, according to its designer Jim Torres. He calls this collection from Zarate Manila ‘Escapade’.
Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. and Mrs. Eleanor de Leon with Rhea Matute, Deputy Executive Director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) (left) Photo courtesy of PCGNY and Katrina Banzon, Commercial Attache (right).
Consul General and Mrs. de Leon with Kenneth Cobonpue (second from right), Ms. Banzon Photo courtesy of PCGNY (right) and Cobonpue’s Managing Partner Christopher Reiter.
Consul General and Mrs. de Leon with Cris and Jackie Venzon of Venzon Lighting. Photo courtesy of PCGNY
products, including their bestselling chairs and the lamps. Their price range is competitive, ranging from $250 to $1,000. Schema has a U.S. distributor based in Miami and they working to have more major retailers carry their products. “The show has been very good so far. We plan to continue joining the iCFF every year,” Jiao said, adding that they hope to introduce two to three new products every year. For Luis de Jesus of Lija, it is all about showcasing uniquely Filipino craftsmanship. “We try to make everything as perfect as possible,” De Jesus said, showing the company’s paper twine Continued on Page 5
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ OrDINArIly, there is no appeal process for visa refusals. Under the doctrine of “consular non- reviewability”, a person cannot even sue or appeal their visa refusals in US federal courts. The US Supreme Court ruled last year that the Embassy is not even required to provide a “detailed explanation” of the reason for the visa refusal. So what can a person do if their visa was refused, and they believe the consul’s decision was wrong? There could be hope. It is possible, in some limited situations, to “appeal” a visa refusal to the US State Department in Washington DC. The limited situations deal with whether the consul’s “interpretation or application of immigration law” was correct. The State Department will only entertain requests for reconsideration involving legal issues, not factual determinations.
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA THE demands on the new immigrant will be overwhelming. Whether you are a nurse, an engineer, a teacher, a salesperson or a worker in any profession in any capacity for that matter, as long as you are thrust into a totally new and strange environment, there will be times when you might be tempted to think and feel that you are less than equal to the task, particularly in the beginning years. One of the things that will take a back seat will be the time, energy and attention he will give to his own health. Trying to make sense of his new social climate, straddling two cultures with different values and ways of doing things, the load can be a bit too much at times. Caring for oneself can easily be put in the back
Appealing a visa denial Immigration law can be complex, and subject to several possible interpretations concerning eligibility. If a visa refusal was based on an incorrect application or interpretation of immigration law, the State Department has the ability to clarify the legal issue with the Embassy, possibly clearing the way for visa issuance. Not all visa refusals involve legal issues. For example, decisions made by a consular officer about a person’s eligibility for a visitor visa is NOT a legal issue; it is a factual determination, and not subject to review by the State Department. However, interpretation and a child’s eligibility under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), or other types of situations, could involve “legal questions”, and if a child’s visa is refused because a consul determined the child is not CSPA eligible, the case could be “appealed” to Washington’s DC if the refusal involves legal issues or legal interpretations of the law. Again, most visa refusals are final, and cannot be appealed,
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especially if based on factual determinations. However, if you, or someone you know, had their visa refused, and it involved a legal issue, you may want to seek the advice of an attorney, who can evaluate if your case can be submitted to Washington DC for reconsideration. *** michael J. gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the state bar of california and new York. all immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the state bar of california. each case is different. the information contained herein including testimonials, “success stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. no attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. website: www.gurfinkel.com call toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the us: (866)—gurfinkeL four offices to serve you: Los angeLes · san francisco · new York · PHiLiPPines
You asked for it. so we are bringing You once more—citiZen PinoY – LiVe on JuLY 17! kapamilya, we heard you. we read all your positive and wonderful messages and feedback on www.facebook.com/gurfinkelLaw. most of you considered the show very informative and are looking forward to more live telecasts. that is why, on JuLY 17 — citiZen PinoY goes LiVe once again. Leading us immigration attorney micHaeL J. gurfinkeL found it “really rewarding to be able to answer viewers’ questions live.” this early, audiences are already encouraged to send in your questions at www.facebook.com/gurfinkelLaw the LiVe telecast of citiZen PinoY – will be seen on JuLY 17, sunday at 6:15 Pm (est/Pst) on tfc.
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Prioritize or perish “Get your priorities straight. No one ever said on his deathbed, “Gee, if only I’d spent more time at the office.” — H. Jackson Brown, Jr. burner particularly for those who are still young. The human body is remarkably resilient but try not to cross its limits. The immigrant, if he is to enjoy true success for a long time must put his physical well-being on top of his priorities. He must acquire the discipline and chutzpah to do most, if not all of the important things, that will help him live a full and rewarding immigrant life. Time is equated with the value of money. Americans have found that to get the most out of time, one can have several “pots simmering all at the same time.” Multitasking is expected
An Asian Journal Magazine
both at work and at home to maximize results and to cover as much ground as possible in the shortest possible time to be able to save enough time to allow us to do other things—purportedly to get more out of life. Thus, you do the laundry while you pay the bills while something simmers in the stove or is broiling in the oven. And even with modern conveniences, the most common excuse we use in not being able to take care of our health is that we simply do not have the time, the energy, or the motivation. Which gives rise to the question: What happened
‘Immigration 101’ happens live on Citizen Pinoy this July 17! DUE to the wonderful reception and hundreds of positive feedback on the first ever lIVE telecast of CITIZEN PINOy last June 5, 2016, your favorite immigration program will go lIVE once more on JUly 17, Sunday, on TFC. Many of you shared similar reactions and feedback: “This is a blessing. Please continue doing this.” – Teodocia M. “looking forward to another live show. Very informative.” – Gag M. “Wow, this
is exciting! love you!” – Suzanne M. Host and leading US immigration attorney MICHAEl J. GUrFINKEl, revealed that “It was really rewarding to be able to answer viewers’ questions live! The instant feedback from viewers is the ultimate interactive show. And the time flew by. I hope viewers enjoyed TFC’s first lIVE show as much as I did.” This early, viewers are already encouraged to send in their
questions via Facebook at www. facebook.com/Gurfinkellaw. Once more, Atty. Gurfinkel invites everyone to join in with this message – “We hope the audience will find this more exciting, as the whole purpose is to provide not only the best public service, but a more interactive one.” Save the date, and be sure to catch us when CITIZEN PINOy goes lIVE on JUly 17, Sunday at 6:15 PM (Eastern/Pacific) on TFC.
to all that time we saved by multitasking? If you are turning night into day by taking on part time jobs apart from your full time occupation to make more money, it stands to reason that you will neither have the time nor the energy to take care of your health. Those who attempt to do the
extraordinary by taking on double jobs in 16 hour stretches in the beginning years, day in and day out, will be able to jumpstart and achieve their financial goals faster than most. you may be able to acquire real estate properties easier than the average American. And while it is not apparent in the beginning, the trade-off for
having more money in exchange for a bigger chunk of our time can come at a very steep price. More money will come at the expense of sleep, well-being and in many cases, the welfare of his own family. The question that must be answered by those who choose a harried lifestyle is Continued on Page 5
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On the PEP Front
People, Events, Places
Matthias Rhoads defies perilous paths rummaging for his true destiny
BoBBy T. yalong “For destiny is untold… unmeasured…uncertain… and even the sun in its tireless wander might find a way to caress the moon…yet your fate is nobody’s and your own destiny will always find a way since it was meant to be…there are no coincidences in life…everything was born with you…” - From Echoes of Frustration. Whether or not destiny is a predetermined thing, the advent of modern knowledge brought about by constant global evolution and scientific innovations could indubitably alter the course of one’s fate. The future has been consistently in opposition to predictability and assurance that’s why people have a propensity to execute their best as a grounding for the unseen years. Though things inevitably happen especially during times when one least expect them yet every episode in life is part of what has already been premeditated and assigned in one’s lifetime. Take the exceptional case of swarthy Filipino-Scandinavian Matthias Rhoads during his serendipitous encounter with unknown admirers when he joined the recently celebrated PIDCI’s 118th Philippine Independence Day street parade along Madison Avenue in New York City. Having been totally soaked and dripping wet from the heavy downpour that almost blighted the high spirits of parade enthusiasts, Matthias was compelled to take off his shirt
Indoor stretching becomes a daily regimen.
EMPLOYMENT
Matthias enjoying a drink at Jeepney, a famous Filipino gastropub in the East Village.
“I’ve been a dream chaser. I never give up with what I pursue until my goal is achieved. I never settle for anything less,” he said with conviction. His being under a Leo sign (he was born August Irresistibly masculine Casually donned or formally garbed Matthias The physique that drew a thousand and one 12) only justifies his ambitious and persuasive nature. The burning remains one of the most sought-after admirers. with only a sash aimlessly draped mannequins. influence of his sun element and over his bare chest that twisted an driven focus can be perceived accommodating.” obliged. I really never expected inadvertent attraction. through his imposing passion and That side incident within a such incident to happen but no “Actually, that was one empowering enthusiasm in life. regrets. I enjoyed the excitement… hugely celebrated event instantly unexpected scenario…I mean, Eloquent and a prolific rekindled his artistic passion and it was fun, ” he zestfully narrated the when I was deluged with selfie conversationalist, Matthias sounds evitable happening with fondness. ignited the dormant ember long proposals and requested to pose consistently motivated and embedded within him…a passion The annual Philippine with total strangers,” Matthias to be in the movies but just waiting driven when queried about any Independence Day parade had vividly recalled the June 5th subject…be it uncomplicated or to get tapped and strappingly yet to fully unfold but photos of incident still filled with mixed multifarious in nature. He prefers motivated. Matthias with different instant incredulity and thrill. “I was merely to work and deal with concrete If there’s but one strong “fans” already flooded social media, invited to join the contingency facts in either black or white… creative aspiration this ambitious particularly Facebook. Admittedly of Las Islas Filipinas headed by and never grey or anything in unknown but his posted snapshots soul has since childhood that Myrna Santos when the sudden would be being under the limelight between. His is plain and simple: it were eye-catching enough to cloudburst left me all wet sans should be direct and concise…no and enjoying the adoration of provoke curiosity and reasonably any extra shirt to change into. beating around the bush. fanatic followers. Even if he has deserved a second look. Unknowingly, my heedless upper Despite the fact that he has entertained diverse prospects that “He’s a naturally charismatic body exposure had created a proven his worth in many fields of came along and had his hands guy!” was the initial reaction of stir… and just realized it when a knowledge, with the voluminously packed with equally interesting an esteemed Fil-Am community few people broke loose from the accumulated ideas stocked in his and rewarding opportunities, figure that was among the early side street crowd and stanchly already crowded mind, Matthias the magnetizing beckon of avid shutterbugs who posed approached me for a photo has but one special talent he has showbusiness was never thrown with Matthias. “I mistook him opportunity. It was unbelievable! skillfully mastered --- his innate to oblivion. The intense desire to for a celebrity… and he’s very What could I do but graciously versatility in doing impersonation act and react before the cameras of familiar personalities and is constantly and incessantly in his heart…just waiting for the perfect celebrities. “My inclination towards time and the right break. acting has effortlessly provided An aspiration appears strong me with ample ability to keenly enough to identify Matthias. With scrutinize and imitate vocal condescending thoughts and sounds and distinct nuances magnificent obsessions neatly that make my act even more tucked under his sleeves, he effective and convincing,” was his certainly knows that dreaming knows no boundaries and limitless. strong pronouncement sounding credibly firm. “I just wish to be Pursuing it will unquestionably given the chance to perform give him that exceptional magical and show my other “hidden” experience once realized. After skill,” he added while supporting all, dreaming is free and to loftily his rejoinder with a quote-anddream is to hold the world in the unquote finger gesture. The profile of a dream chaser. palm of your hand.
EMPLOYMENT
SCHOOL
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Despite being ably armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design (in Georgia) and another degree in Communication Arts while currently employed as an Insurance Broker in one of the better-established insurance companies in Manhattan, Matthias still opts to lean towards entering the fascinating world of cinema. With fundamental training in acting and Broadway musicals while in high school at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, he feels ready to resume what he had started. The physically fit (he works out daily) 5’10” showbiz hopeful was actually all set for a brief visit to Manila last Saturday, June 25…a couple of days away from our interview. “Just to visit some relatives and purposely, to test the waters if there’s a spot available or intended for me in local showbusiness. I really want to try my luck in acting,” were his pertinent reasons for going back to his mother’s homeland. To accomplish great things one must not only dream but also act…not only plan but also believe that he can do it. Incidentally, how long did it take him to achieve a body that toned? “Well, in high school, I was already into cross country sports, a competitive team sport like skiing, running, biking, rowing, and the like. Then I started weightlifting in college,” was Matthias’ seemingly enlightening reply. A health buff, he strictly observes his diet and follows a rigid physical regimen. He was about to shift to a Continued on Page 6
Fatherhood becomes Dingdong Dantes By Angel JAvier Philstar.com
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J u lY 1 , 20 1 6
Cruz
FATHer’S Day may have come and gone but for first-time dad Dingdong Dantes, the happy times have only just begun. When his wife, actress and Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian rivera gave birth to their daughter Letizia last November, he knew his world would change in the most profound and wondrous way. “Fatherhood, for me, is like a rebirth of my own journey. When my baby was born so did a new chapter that would redefine an improved direction of my life,” Dingdong said. “Totoo ang tsismis, if life before having children was dedicated to just ourselves as a couple, this time everything revolves around our Letizia. She is that binding force that makes us realize all the more how beautiful life is.” Being a father has definitely added to Dingdong’s appeal making one of local tinseltown’s hunks even more desirable. In fact, he now has more reason to maintain good health and work even harder. “If before, I would dread waking up at 5 a.m. to do healthy routines and try to be at my tiptop physiological shape, now I find myself waking up before my alarm goes off, eager to give a peck (or a hundred) on both their (Marian and Letizia’s) cheeks.” He wakes up, ready to start the day, and is even considering joining a triathlon. At day’s end, Dingdong is also excited to head home for some family bonding. “The word ‘early’ has been redefined. If going home early for me before meant a little after midnight, nowadays, you’d see me doing quick feet and high knees towards the door of my
Kiray Celis gets her moment By TessA
MAuriCio-ArriolA
ManilaTimes.net
IN show business, very few comics end up as stars. The large majority through history, no matter their gender, are relegated to supporting roles, generally as sidekicks to the movie’s
protagonist. Among male comedians, the late Comedy King Dolphy heads the very exclusive huddle of stars, among them Tito, Vic and Joey, Ogie Alacasid, Michael V. and Vice Ganda. Funny women considered as major stars on the other hand are even less, with Ai-Ai delas Alas
and Pokwang getting top billing. Happily, a new name can be added to the list of top comediennes in Philippine showbiz as 20-year-old Kiray Celis gets her second starring role in regal Film’s upcoming horrorcomedy “I Love You To Death.” Continued on Page 6
Contemporary Filipino Design... From Page 2 With the abundance of love, time and affection he gives his daughter, Dingdong ‘Daddy Dong’ Dantes will truly be Letizia’s first love and forever hero.
workplace, wanting to reach home before her favorite baby show on television would air at 8,” he said. Beyond the cooing and kisses he showers on Letizia, however, Dingdong admitted Marian does most of the work. What he does provide, however, is support for her and their daughter. “I try my best to share tasks with my wife as much as possible. I know that being a father at this stage is really just secondary to the immediate sacrifices and dedication that mothers give their babies. Bath time and playtime could be my turf. When she reaches three, it will surely be my turn,” he said. He’s probably downplaying his role in rearing Letizia but there’s no doubt that he dotes on her as much as — or maybe even more than — any new father. “I certainly have thousands of photos of her already. I want to be there in her every milestone if possible.” “Marian and I love to travel and we can’t imagine traveling
Prioritize or perish From Page 3
An Asian Journal Magazine
in a state of grace where doing and this: Is it all worth it? At one point, being have become inseparable. When that happens, work ceases the younger, more energetic, to be work but becomes a joyful ambitious immigrant will equate part of life itself, along with all the work with his sense of self worth. The truth — lest we forget — is elements that make life worth this. Work, while an important part living. As in all things essential, balance is the key. of life, is not the total essence of *** life itself. The key, as the fortunate few have discovered early enough, Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Read her is to find work that gives inner joy
without her. Our first trip was during Holy Week when we visited Busuanga, Palawan. I think I was able to take her best photograph, by far, during that trip. Our first out-of-the country adventure would be something to look forward to. That may happen pretty soon.” This early, Dingdong is already conceptualizing Letizia’s first birthday celebration. “I plan to hold an intimate celebration featuring our 12 most favorite photos of Letizia, one from each month since November, in the form of an amateur exhibit. It will be something that’s entirely homemade.” Fatherhood, indeed, has revealed a new dimension on the already beautiful heart and soul of Dingdong Dantes. With the abundance of love, time and affection he bestows upon his daughter, Daddy Dong will truly be Letizia’s first love and forever hero.
book, “The Complete Success Guide for the Immigrant Life: How to Survive, How to Thrive, How to be Fully Alive.” She also edited its companion book of quotations. Your local public library might have these books available or you can request your librarian to purchase copies. These are also available at amazon. com or immigrantsuccess.com Past articles are on the internet at www.asianjournal.com To ask questions, send feedback and requests, e-mail monettemaglaya@sbcglobal.net or monette@asianjournal.com
collection. “We also have some items made of inabel, the fabric woven from the Ilocos region. We’re trying to push for the Ilocano weavers so they can upscale their skill.” A first-timer at ICFF, De Jesus said they want to try the U.S. market so when CITeM invited them, they obliged, especially since they have been doing shows in europe and in Asia. Lija, the San rafael, Bulacanbased company is focused on lighting fixtures. The company brought a capsule collection called Pamana, a Filipino term that means heritage, and also inheritance. Pamana is a poignant tribute to the humble loom, which is composed of a small series of lighting fixtures that reveal abstractions of the loom’s uniform spacing, clean lines and even form. Jim Torres is the 22-year old creative director of Zarate Manila. Torres has been designing for four years now and he loves to work with anything with metal. This is his first international exhibit. “I developed a machine to scrape the stainless steel to achieve this kind of look,” he said, explaining the art installation at the ICFF, which he said is “inspired by a lush, exotic garden”. He has a metal workshop in Manila and that is where he got the inspiration. He saw a piece of scrap metal and he thought, why not use this material for a lamp. “I’m very happy with the response so far and it is so overwhelming that they appreciate it. They say it is crazy and eyecatching. This is New York and I’m loving all these feedback,”Torres told
Cris and Jackie Venzon and their latest collection of lighting fixtures - the Cherry Blossom Linear Pendant Light made out of natural capiz shell petals on steel branch frame finish on soft gold and their Savannah Pendant Lights from steel twigs with black silver finish. AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya
Consul General and Mrs. de Leon with Ms. Banzon and Zarate Manila designer Jim Torres (left). Photo courtesy of PCGNY
the Asian Journal. For its exhibition at the ICFF, Venzon chose to draw from nature with an intriguing imagination of corals and seagrass using aluminum. The Seagrass series is made entirely of aluminum, but the coral lights will be infused with delicate capiz. “These are great for coastal
areas. It is lightweight,” shared Jackie Venzon, the company’s business development manager. “We can create smaller configurations and these items can be customized into a client’s specifications. We have received fantastic responses so far; our pieces are perfect for a Manhattan loft or a resthouse in the Hamptons.”
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An Asian Journal Magazine
Aljur Abrenica comes to terms with showbiz reality
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J u N E 24 , 20 1 6
by Boy
Villasanta
ManilaTimes.net
Honoring World War II Veterans. The Philippine American Friendship Committee held their annual parade and festival last weekend at Lincoln Park, Jersey City, headed by president Ledy Almadin. Among the parade participants was Capt. Pablo Barros, one of the oldest living World War II Filipino veterans. He was proudly escorted by Nanding Mendez president of Fiesta in America Expo and Cultural Show and Laura Garcia, president of Silliman University Alumni Association-NY&NJ. Parade vehicle courtesy of Bert Aguilera of Fil-Aid. The Fiesta In America event will mark its 18th Anniversary on August 13-14 at the Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus, New Jersey. Photo by Ness Bantog
Neri Naig takes precaution due to sensitive pregnancy By Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com
NERI Naig took a break from social media as an extra precaution for her sensitive pregnancy. This is her second pregnancy after her miscarriage in 2015. “Hindi talaga ako nag-social media ng a month ‘ata kase nagpapahinga lang ako at ayaw ko rin ng may mga kausap. Gusto ko tahimik lang,” she said in her post on Instagram on Monday. She also didn’t talk to her friends for a time, and only spoke with her mother, siblings and husband Chito Miranda. Neri said keeping a small circle of people around her is her way of avoiding stress, and would rather focus on doing things that make her happy, such as painting, completing a puzzle or singing. She admitted that she’s having difficulty with her pregnancy, but added: “Hindi
Neri Naig takes extra precaution due to her sensitive pregnancy by temporarily quitting social media.
ako nagrereklamo dahil ang dream ko talaga maliban sa magka-farm, ay maging housewife at maging mommy. ‘Di bale na ako ‘yung mahirapan basta okay at safe si baby.” She then thanked her husband Chito, who has always taken good care of her. “Kahit nahihirapan ako,
Calendar of Events across
‘andyan siya lagi at napapagaan n’ya kahit papaano ang pakiramdam ko. Kaya saludo ako sa lahat ng mga mister na ‘andyan para sa mga misis nila lalo na’t nahihirapan magbuntis,” she said. Chito made the announcement about Neri’s pregnancy on Father’s Day through his Instagram account.
America
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FEU Sword Fraternity Alumni International Assn. also known as SANDUGO with a Facebook page of “feusfi (Abroad) is holding their 30th Anniversary of its founding. Its members are graduates of the FEU ROTC/WATC Advance course in Manila. Phil. . This group is based in Los Angeles, CA. The celebration/Reunion will be attended by other Frat Members from the Philippines, other States of the US, Canada, Australia and Tokyo. It will be held in the residence of one of the Founders at 1341 Montezuma Way, West Covina, CA, 91791 on July 9, 2016 starting at 1600H. After the 9th, Tour of Los Angeles, trip to San Diego and Las Vegas are being arranged. We are enjoining Frat members who are “Abroad” that we have no (or have changed) contact info to please get in touch to “reconnect”, or at least let us know you are still OK and/or update your data. Contact person and for more information - Frat Cmdr Romy Calderon 626 826 2745, e-mail “feusfi@gmail.com” and Brod Ted Bautista, Tel no.626 392 5024, e-mail -”samba1341@gmail.com”
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UBSCI to celebrate 28th Anniversary The United Batanguenos of Southern California Inc. (UBSCI) will celebrate their 28th Anniversary & Coronation Night on July 16, 2016 at The Odyssey Restaurant - 15600 Odyssey Dr., Granada Hills. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa & The Midnight Motion Band. For other related questions, please call Romy Elepano, Governor ( 323) 498-9333; Carmel Gonzales, Vice-Gov. (818) 785-2078 or Tony Lina, Vice-Gov. (323) 474-5877.
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42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept. 17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrated Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.
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
WhO says youth is wasted on Aljur Abrenica? Although there was a time his career hit a lull, it’s never too late for him to make up for lost time. After clinching an important spot in GMA Network’s reality talent search “StarStruck,” his home studio’s management arm GMA Artist Center finally signed him up, opening up many opportunities. Back when his career was unproductive, I simply saw Aljur as someone who was in no hurry but would nonetheless grab any golden moment thrown his way. he was no rebel even if he was misguided to challenge his mother studio that he was always made second fiddle to fellow artists and forced to go sexy against his will. he was labeled unprofessional and irresponsible during this time. Indeed, he seemed to forget the Filipino value of “utang na loob,” and took in upon himself to go on hiatus and search his
soul. Eventually, he met life coach couple Benjamin and Gloria Cuaresma from Davao City through his talent scout Nelia Muñoz. There was trust at first sight.
The Cuaresmas advocate Ikepono, a Japanese concept on self-discovery, enlightenment and self-empowerment toward a search for inner peace and happiness. Ikepono helped Aljur a lot, said the Cuaresmas. This new wave oriental philosophy, according to Benjie, guided Aljur in charting his own destiny. Soon enough, GMA Network and its prodigal talent slowly patched up and renewed their ties even with pending court cases. Today, besides getting his career back on track, Aljur went to join social organizations like the Rotary Club International District 3830 and World Vision. he has since actively participated in feeding and outreach programs for the less fortunate. he is also affiliated with Lyoness Foundation, which espouses the holy alliance of child and family and the preservation of environment. All in all, Aljur Abrenica has gotten his groove back, and for him we are truly happy.
JaDine, Antoinette Jadaone reunite in another TV series ThE title and co-star of a new James Reid and Nadine Lustre series have been revealed. After the success of ABS-CBN’s “On the Wings of Love,” the JaDine love team is about to work again with director Antoinette Jadaone for a new project “Til I Met You.” The title was was announced at ABS-CBN’s trade launch on Monday. After Albie Casino, the love team will be in triangle with theater actor JC Santos. The teaser of the upcoming show was posted online by ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe on his Facebook account, as seen in the trade launch. (Joyce Jimenez/ Philstar.com)
After the success of “On the Wings of Love,” James Reid and Nadine Lustre will do another TV series under the direction of Antoinette Jadaone.
Matthias Rhoads defies perilous...
From Page 4
recline position when I noticed a mark on his left arm from an apparent wound after a surgical procedure. Matthias lifted his arm closer to me and applied a gentle rub over it while replying, “Oh, that was a reminder from my formative years. I was biking with just one hand and got injured when I crashed and fell. This serves as a tangible testimony of my basic growth from being a carefree teenager to a maturing adult.” Adventurous and never fainthearted with an insatiable impulse to travel, this wanderlust knows exactly which track to tread so as not to end up on devious paths. During one of his family’s visits to the Big Apple five years ago, he begged to stay behind after their brief stay. “I cancelled my return flight to Texas in lieu of New York City. I felt this was where I belong. I loved the cultural diversity, the fastpaced lifestyle, the vibrant energy of the metropolis, and the way every moment induces action. The exciting breath of city life has more than enticed me to stay and be a New Yorker. New York City is the perfect destination for someone as hyper and active like me,” the
half-Pinoy adventurer profoundly expounded. Living by one’s self, especially in a metro like NYC, has its peril that defies freedom…and boredom, at times. Compelling statistics and mounting updated analysis about the hazard and quandary of city survival have diverted former dwellers to nearby suburban areas, but how does such situation affect Matthias? “I have been accustomed to being independent and tackle challenges on my own. When I decided to embrace NYC life, I already prepared myself for the worst. With a good-paying job and a comfortable place to retire after working the whole day, how can you complain? It’s just a matter of choice…and I don’t regret it when I chose to stay behind,” Matthias said, sounding indisputably contented with his five-year stint in the city that doesn’t sleep…and the way he presented his rationale, he surely is enjoying it. For a better up-close encounter with Matthias, here’s a fact-file that can paint a more vivid picture of the persistent dreamer, aspiring actor, model, food and travel journalist, DJ, and entrepreneur who continually
struggles to reach the star destined for him: Nickname: Thias or Tai-Tai Birthplace: Chapel hill, North Carolina Parents: Delia & Mark Childhood dream: To be an artist What interest him the most: Self-expression & designing What could possibly piss him off: Being disrespected and insulted Weakest point: Poor time management Strongest point: Perfectionist and driven Place of interest: Japan…I love the food and the culture Personal Picks: Scent - Kilian hennessy Song / Singer – Drake’s new album Movies- James Bond series Watering hole - 9th Ward (New Orleans-themed bar) Broadway musical – Allegiance (“great actors!”) “Dream as if you will live forever…Live as if you will die today!” - A fitting quote from a short-lived aspirer James Dean. For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com
Kiray Celis gets her... From Page 5 Proving her worth in hit Valentine movie “Love is Blind” with Derek Ramsay and Solenn heussaff (also from Regal Films), Celis was quickly given a follow-up movie, this time with dream boy Enchong Dee as her leading man. “For me, she is the day’s most beautiful actress,” Regal matriarch and showbiz pillar Mother Lily Monteverde said of her new box office star. Asked by The Manila Times whether she consciously planned her career to land her major roles the 4-feet-nine-inches spitfire honestly replied: “Hindi ko po ito pinlano. Actually, nakakagulat nga po na pag shooting [in these last two films], ako yung huling nakakauwi from the set kasi ako yung bida!” she added laughing.“Dati kasi support lang ako lagi kaya konti lang ang scenes ko. Masarap pala ang feeling pag hindi mo inexpect.” Celis’ first TV exposure was when she joined the ‘Munting Miss U’ contest of ABS-CBN’s former noontime show MTB at the age of 4. Blessed with a knack for comedy even as a little girl, she was quickly asked to join the program as the youngest cast member, and soon
Kiray Celis gets her second major movie starrer.
The lucky and talented lass is paired with dream boy Enchong Dee in ‘I Love You To Death.’
after became part of the long running children’s comedy gag show “Goin’ Bulilit.” As she got better in the very difficult and challenging craft of making people laugh, she hopped from one supporting role to another until her big break came in “Love is Blind.” “Besides being a natural in comedy, what makes Kiray a true star is her professionalism,” shared her co-star Dee. “Never siyang nalate, alam niya lagi ang gagawin niya sa eksena, and natutulungan pa niya ang mga co-stars niya.”
In “I Love You To Death,” Celis and Dee play Gwen and Tonton, childhood sweethearts who promise each other to be together “until death.” Fate separates them as Gwen pursues her studies in Manila. having forgotten Tonton as she starts a new life, time comes when all her friends get married and she is left as the only singleton in the group. On her birthday, she wishes to meet a man who would “die for her,” and again comes Tonton but in very eerie circumstances.
An Asian Journal Magazine
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JulY 1, 2016
An Asian Journal Magazine
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JulY 1, 2016