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Volume 10 – Issue 44 • 16 Pages
AUGUST 11-17, 2017
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USA
Pentagon: ‘US may expand role in Marawi’ PH military confident to end Marawi conflict without US airstrikes
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Washington warns N. Korea: US could unleash ‘fire and fury’
Secretaries Mattis, Tillerson clarify comments, emphasize importance of diplomacy
AS a way to make a point to the Democratic People’s Republic Of Korea (DPRK), President Donald Trump on Tuesday, August 8 warned North Korea that if the country continues provoking the United States, it will not get away with it. During a photo op at his Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the president escalated the long-standing hostility between the two nations when he declared, “North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States.” He added: “They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen... he has been very threatening beyond a normal state. They will be met with fire, fury and frankly power the likes of which this world has never seen before.”
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President Rodrigo Duterte welcomes United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at Malacañang on Monday, Aug. 7. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
Tillerson: No conflict between US anti-terrorism aid, rights concerns in PH
THE United States does not see any contradiction between its anti-terrorism assistance to the Philippine government and its human rights concerns in connection with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson pointed out that helping the Philippines to combat terrorism, particularly against the Islamic State (IS)-affiliate that attacked Marawi City in Mindanao, is part of Washington’s “national security interest.” This, he said, is not at odds with Washington’s concern about the alleged human
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Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is confident that Filipino troopers are capable of liberating Marawi City from local terrorists even without the airstrikes reportedly offered by the United States. Joint Task Force Marawi Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner on Wednesday, August 9, maintained that the AFP does not need additional troops from other countries to defeat the Islamic State (IS)-linked Maute group. “[The] AFP is capable, we have enough ammunition and troops. Kay-
ang kaya po ng tropa natin to (Our own troops can) finish the mission,” Brawner told reporters. He stressed that foreign militaries’ role in Marawi operations are limited to technical, educational, and training support, as stated in the Constitution. He also noted that the Mutual Defense treaty between Manila and Washington only allows U.S. soldiers to help Philippine forces in combat operations on cases of external aggression. “In the mutual defense treaty, U.S. comes to our aid if there is an external aggression. In the case of Marawi, hindi ito (this is not an) external aggression. In fact, we call them local terror
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Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said eight soldiers have been killed since Aug. 2 as the final phase of military operations to flush out Maute militants began. Philstar.com photo
Palace dismisses AFP-CIA plot to kill Joma, oust Duterte by NESTOR
CORRALES Inquirer.net
MALACAÑANG on Thursday, Aug. 10 dismissed as “pathetic rumor” the alleged collaboration of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to overthrow President Rodrigo Duterte. “Yun pong mga rumor of attempts to overthrow the President has been around from day one, okay,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a Palace briefing. The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Tuesday, Aug. 8 disclosed an alleged plot by the US CIA and the AFP to kill communist leader Jose Maria Sison and oust Duterte. “This latest twist where they include themselves is an insertion of themselves into the plot. It’s rather pathetic, okay,”
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ASEAN 50: UNDER ONE LIGHT, WE ARE ONE ASEAN. President Rodrigo Duterte, who sits as this year’s ASEAN Chairman, (6th from right) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano (7th from right) pose with other ASEAN Foreign Minsters at the Grand Celebration of the 50th ASEAN Anniversary and closing ceremony of the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) and related meetings held at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
NBI to probe Comelec chief’s alleged unexplained wealth by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) will conduct an investigation into the alleged unexplained wealth of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista, according to the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ). Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Wednesday, August 9, said he ordered the NBI Comelec chair Andres Bautista shows the first ballot printed for the Barangay “to conduct an investigation and and Sangguniang Kabataan polls at the National Printing Office on Wednesday, case build-up” over the claims of Aug. 9.
Philstar.com photo by Shiela Crisostomo
Bautista’s estranged wife that the Comelec chief has undeclared assets worth P1-billion. “I made a DO (Department Order) for them (NBI) to investigate matters of unexplained wealth, the matter of possible violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act and possible anomalies at the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG),” Aguirre told reporters. Bautista served as PCGG head from 2010 to 2015, prior to his appointment as the Comelec chair.
Aguirre, however, clarified that the result of the NBI investigation, if proven that the allegations against Bautista are true, will only serve as evidence in a possible impeach complaint against the Comelec chief. “One is to wait for the expiration of his term (or removal from office via impeachment) before any appropriate criminal cases are filed against him,” the justice secretary said. He then added, “I do not want to make a speculation. I’d rather
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Palace: Contingency plans in ASEAN, China adopt framework for South China Sea code Beijing sets precondition place for Filipinos in Guam before talks by ROSETTE
ADEL
Philstar.com
MANILA — The Malacañang on Thursday, Aug. 10 assured the Filipinos in U.S. Pacific territory of Guam that there are contingency plans in place for the anticipated North Korea’s missile attack in the island. “The embassies and consulates in general, including the one in Agana, Guam, have contingency plans that are regularly updated to enable them to respond to emergencies,”
Presidential Spokesperson Abella said at a televised press briefing. “It’s pretty automatic that if there are any threats especially for those that are in affected areas, they have contingency plans for those things,” he added. Abella’s statement came after North Korea announced a detailed plan to launch a salvo of ballistic missiles toward Guam, a major military hub and home UNITY. Ministers attending the 7th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting show their unity in the group photo at the Philippine to US bombers, a move that if International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday, Aug. 7. The ministers reviewed the progress and future direction of the ASEAN
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community-building efforts and exchanged views on pressing regional and international developments.
PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
by AJPRESS MANILA - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have agreed to adopt a “framework” for further negotiations on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the disputed South China Sea. In a news conference on Sunday, August 6, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that he and his 10 ASEAN counterparts have “agreed upon and ad-
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From the Front Page
Pentagon: ‘US may expand role in... PAGE A1 t group,” Brawner explained. He further emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Philippine government to protect its territory and people. Earlier this week, reports from NBC news says that Pentagon is considering a plan that allows the U.S. military to conduct airstrikes on IS militants in the Philippines as part of collective selfdefense, citing two U.S. officials as its source. Another report from Agence France-Presse quoting a U.S. defense official says discussions are “pretty advanced” and would see the U.S. provide increased surveillance drone capabilities
and training for local forces. Pentagon spokesperson Lt. Col. Christopher B. Logan clarified that Washington “respect[s] the sovereignty of the Philippines, and [is] not pursuing unilateral action in the Philippines.” In separate statements, both Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Año said that they have not yet received any formal notice about the reported offer. Both officials also expressed appreciation over Washington’s desire to help Manila in ending the ongoing fight against terrorists in the southern Philippines. “We appreciate Pentagon’s re-
ported desire to help the Philippines in the fight against Daeshinspired Maute group because terrorism is a global menace that the community of nations must unite to fight against,” Lorenzana said. The Defense secretary, however, stressed that such proposition “has to undergo a process” and “a covenant must be had between the commanders in chief of both nations.” Nearly 700 people have been killed in the ongoing operations to liberate the city. According to the official count, 528 militants and 122 government troopers were killed since the attack on May 23, while civilian casualties remained at 45. n
NBI to probe Comelec chief’s alleged unexplained... PAGE A1 t have the evidence to be gathered by the NBI and then we will submit it to the proper government body assuming there will be (an) impeachment proceeding.” Last week, Patricia Bautista submitted an affidavit before the NBI, claiming that her husband has nearly one billion pesos of ‘unexplained’ wealth that were
Patricia Paz “Tish” Bautista
he accused his wife of stealing financial documents, “many of which her lawyers embellished, doctored or fabricated” and used it to “extort and blackmail” him. “It has been 10 months since she stole cash, GCs (gift certificates), ATM cards, and other financial documents belonging to myself and my family, many of which her lawyers embellished, doctored or fabricated,” Bautista said in a statement. He further claimed that she tried to “extort” from him some P620 million as a settlement for their divorce. He also alleged that her wife is having an extramarital affair. Bautista confirmed that he had also filed criminal complaints against Patricia over her corruption allegations. Patricia, however, clarified that she only asked for P260 million, not P620 million, as a “trust fund” for their four children. She also denied having an affair with former commercial model Alvin Lim, insisting that the two of them are only “very good friends” Inquirer.net photo who work together. n
not included in his 2016 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN). According to an Inquirer report, Patricia said in her affidavit that her husband “might have had, or currently has, misdealing and corrupt practices while in government service.” For his part, Bautista denied the allegations. In turn,
Palace dismisses AFP-CIA plot to... PAGE A1 t
port, saying it was a mere communist propaganda. Abella said. “Not true at all. This is once “There’s no basis for that,” he again a propaganda line of the added. The military has denied the re- left to gain sympathy and toe the
anti-U.S. line that they usually take. Again, this is such a preposterous statement,” said AFP Spokesperson Brig. Gen Restituto Padilla. n
CREATION OF A SEPARATE DEPARTMENT FOR OFWs. The Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development chaired by Senator Joel Villanueva tackled on Wednesday proposed measures seeking for the establishment of a separate department for overseas Filipino workers. Villanueva stressed the importance of creating a department for our modern-day heroes to address: 1) the need to enhance coordination of all offices working for OFWs by putting them together under one roof and to put an end to the practice of finger-pointing among agencies concerned with OFW affairs; 2) the need to extend adequate legal assistance for OFWs in distress; and 3) the need to provide a full migration cycle approach in promoting migrant’s rights from pre-employment, onsite and reintegration services. Senate photo
Washington warns N. Korea: US could unleash... PAGE A1 t Trump’s jarring statements are likely a response to recent findings from U.S. intelligence that concluded that North Korea has produced a nuclear warhead that can fit on long-range missiles. Not long after Trump’s comments, Pyongyang warned the international community that it will strike “an enveloping fire” around Guam, where the U.S. holds a crucial Air Force base. Previously, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho said at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum in Manila that North Korea has no intention to attack other countries “except the U.S.”, as the Asian Journal previously reported. Earlier this week, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a resolution that imposed strict new sanctions, which will cut North Korea’s annual export revenue of $3 billion by more than a third. Just a day after Trump’s comments, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson clarified the president’s statements, arguing that North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un’s hostile language prompted Trump’s words. “North Korea’s rhetoric has just ratcheted up louder and louder and more threatening. So I think
the President - what the President is doing is sending a strong message to North Korea in language that Kim Jong-un can understand because he doesn’t seem to understand diplomatic language,” Tillerson told reporters. Tillerson, who has emphasized the importance of diplomacy when dealing with North Korea, added, “I think the President just wanted to be clear to the North Korean regime on the U.S.’s unquestionable ability to defend itself, will defend itself and its allies, and I think it was important that he deliver the message to avoid miscalculation on their part.” Mirroring Tillerson’s sentiments, Defense Secretary Gen. James Mattis also issued an ultimatum to North Korea to “cease any consideration of actions that would lead to the end of its regime and destruction of its people.” In the past, Mattis has routinely said that he prefers to resolve tensions with North Korea through diplomacy, emphasizing that military action could lead to disastrous consequences. “Kim Jong Un should take heed of the United Nations Security Council’s unified voice, and statements from governments the world over, who agree the DPRK poses a threat to global security and stability,” Mattis said in a statement.
Washington lawmakers outside of Trump’s cabinet blasted the president for his comments which may incite further nuclear action from North Korea. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), a top ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, denounced the president’s aggressive comments, saying that, more than ever, the Trump administration must demonstrate “steady leadership” in crisis situations. “The president’s ‘fire and fury’ ad-lib was not helpful. Defusing the North Korean threat will take smart, steady leadership and stronger diplomatic ties with our key allies,” Reed said in a statement, adding that the U.S. can utilize diplomatic, financial or other means of negotiating rather than just resorting to military options. For years, North Korea has been constructing and testing missiles, putting the international community on edge. Last month, it tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that is reportedly capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, U.S., experts said. Officials also said that it is believed that North Korea also already possesses medium-range missiles that could deliver a nuclear warhead to South Korea and Japan. (Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress) n
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‘RAISE Act’ to eliminate most family petitions and create point system for employment green cards ON August 2, 2017, Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and David Perdue (R-GA) introduced the Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy (RAISE) Act, which would create a skills-based immigration points system, reduce the number of family-based immigrants, and void many existing family-based petitions. Pres. Trump has wholeheartedly endorsed and supported this proposal, but we have to hope and pray it will never pass Congress, as its effects on bringing and uniting family members in the U.S. could be devastating. Some key points of the Raise Act include: • Changes the definition of “child” from an unmarried person under age 21 to an unmarried person under age 18. Therefore, once your child reaches his or her 18th birthday, you could not petition them as a “child.” • Eliminates parents as “immediate relatives,” meaning a U.S. citizen would no longer be able to petition his or her parents for a green card. Only spouses and minor children (under age 18) of U.S. citizens would be considered immediate relatives. • Parents of U.S. citizen children (who are at least 21 years of age) would need to apply for a “W” non-immigrant/temporary visa, valid in five-year increments. The parents would not be given work authorization, nor could they accept any federal, state, or local public benefits. The child would also have to provide proof of health insurance coverage “at no cost to the alien” during the parents’ entire time in the U.S. • Only spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens (immediate
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ relatives) or green card holders would be eligible for family-based petitions. • Eliminates petitions for unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (F-1) unmarried adult sons and daughters of green card holders (F-2B), married sons and daughters of brothers and US citizens (F-3), and sisters of U.S. citizens (F-4). • Invalidates/voids any petition being eliminated by the RAISE Act filed after August 2, 2017. This means any petitions filed in the F-1, F-2B, F-3, or F-4 categories after August 2, 2017 would be invalidated, should this measure become law. • Creates a points–based system for immigration through employment. Points would be awarded (sort of like a game show) based on such factors as age (the younger you are the more points), educational level (with doctorate degree scoring the highest points), English proficiency (the better you speak English, the more points you score), and whether the person is receiving a job offer at a high salary. • Prohibits naturalization of a person, if they ever received certain public benefits while they were a green card holder and the sponsor on their affidavit of support has not reimbursed the federal government. I want to emphasize this is merely a proposal, and is not yet law. However, this proposal aims to shift the focus of immigration from
bringing families together to a game show point system, focusing on employment-based petitions. I would suggest people should FILE petitions for their family members as soon as possible, especially in those categories being targeted for elimination. I know this proposal talks about voiding petitions filed after August 2017, but that may never happen, because the petition would have been accepted for filing, the check for the filing fee would have been cashed, and a person would have already been holding an approved petition by the time the RAISE Act becomes a law. They cannot take the approved petition away from you. And I know some of these petitions can take many, many years before the visas are available. However, if you keep delaying filing a family based petition, and the category is eliminated, then your family member may no longer be eligible to immigrate based on your petition. ***
the case was denied. In between consultations with the other lawyers, Pina consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel three other times, taking Atty. Gurfinkel’s strategies to the other lawyers. The reason Pina was reluctant to retain Atty. Gurfinkel was because she was under the impression that he was too “expensive.” However, Pina’s long journey to acquiring her green card, made her realize with her husband John, that one gets what they pay for. For in the end, even if they took Atty. Gurfinkel’s “recipe” to an-
AFTER ENTERING THE US IN THE BACKSEAT OF A MINIVAN, PINA’S NEXT HURDLE WAS HOW TO LEGALIZE HER STATUS. Pina (center) entered the U.S. in 2001 through the Canadian border, while seated in the back seat of a minivan. Border patrol asked the driver a few questions, but never spoke with Pina, and let them pass through. Pina was petitioned by an employer, and eventually married her U.S. citizen husband, John (left), who also petitioned her. Both cases were denied based on the way she entered the U.S. Although she consulted with Attorney Gurfinkel several times, she retained other attorneys, and her case was denied. She finally retained Attorney Michael Gurfinkel, who was able to obtain her green card through “provisional waiver.” Watch how Attorney Gurfinkel came to the rescue, and help Pina achieve her American dream, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
16 years later, she still had to ‘wade through’ 4 lawyers to get her green card
other lawyer, the outcome did not work. The whole process still requires thorough research, analysis and attention to detail in the final presentation — something the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel was able to accomplish, enabling her to obtain her green card. Watch and learn the differences between Provisional Waiver, Wave-Through, and Inspection, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” –– on Sunday 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 p.m. EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers). (Advertising Supplement)
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY AU G U ST 1 1 , 20 1 7
Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding Monette the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney- AdevA MAGlAyA client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. IF you’ve been given the chance WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com to restart a new life after you’ve Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for gone through some life-changing, anywhere in the US: miraculous experience, such as (866)—GURFINKEL surviving a horrific accident when Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN everyone else perished, or finding FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement) yourself inexplicably healed from
Pina’s US entry via Canada after a ‘wave through’ PINA entered the U.S. in January 2001 after she was “waved through” as a passenger in a minivan at the Canadian Border in Buffalo, New York. It was an easy entry. Shortly after, she found a job, and then she met the man of her dreams. Next step was to get her green card. But that was not easy. It was difficult to apply for “adjustment of status” because Pina was “not inspected” at the border. The three lawyers that Pina consulted with were not able to do anything about her case, saying it was difficult or they tried and
An Asian Journal Magazine
a deadly disease, then you’ll know what it feels to be given a reprieve. It is a fresh slate, a clean paper, what the Greeks call a tabula rasa, on which you can begin writing your new story. Or if you use a computer, click on a new blank document and chase the cursor. How does one use this new lease on life? Most people lucky enough to be given a second chance, will quickly realize that this new lease can just be an extra few months or years, and in the most blessed scenarios, a decade or two. Each day beyond that critical turning point is a bonus, every single moment, a gift. Sometimes, God mercifully knocks some sense into us through
Rewriting your own story “A useless life is an early death.” – Goethe drastic means by throwing us a curve ball to bring us down on our knees so that we have no choice but to look above and beyond our own petty, selfish concerns and total selfinvolvement in order to grasp the concept of our own mortality and to know that we are here for a purpose. We’re not here to merely consume resources or take up space. We were not meant to spend the greater part of our lives posting or browsing through our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts. Consider the fearsome dinosaurs. Grazing the earth for millions of years, that is essentially what they did — consumed resources and took up space. Not by intelligence but by sheer size and numbers, they had dominion over all other species for millions of years, until one day, as scientists try to explain their extinction, a rogue asteroid about 7 miles long, possibly got unhinged off its orbit in the asteroid belt, hit the earth
with such impact, setting off a series of volcanic eruptions that covered the atmosphere with ash far above the stratosphere, so that sunlight could not penetrate through the haze for years, killing off the plant life, upsetting and destroying the food chain balance and effectively starving and wiping the dinosaurs off the face of the earth 65 million years ago. Here is earth’s tabula rasa story — starting on a clean slate, a new lease on life. When the reptiles died, mammals, of which we are classified under, began their ascent. Human beings with purpose came to be. Yet each man’s purpose is nebulous and not always obvious. Purpose does not come as clear as the light of day. We have to seek it out. Either by choice or circumstance, some exceptional ones find their purpose early enough and proceed to fulfill it. But the great majority of people Continued on Page 6
An Asian Journal Magazine
Bianca Gonzalez on balancing her life as wife, mom and career woman
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St. Pius X Church hosts Philippine Madrigal Singers SCaRSdaLe, nY—The Philippine Madrigal Singers, an international acclaimed choir from the University of the Philippine, will appear in concert at the Church of St. Pius X in Scarsdale, new York on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 5pm. The Philippine Madrigal Singers or the “Madz” is an internationally-acclaimed and award-winning group that has won 1st place in many international choral competitions, including in Germany, austria, italy, Spain and France. They are the first choir in the world to win the european Grand Prix for Choral Singing twice and have qualified for the european Grand Prix in Tolasa in 2017. if they are successful in Tolosa, they will be the only choir in the world to win the Grand Prix three times! The Madz has performed in many prestigious venues, including the United nations educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UneSCO) as artists for Peace because of their efforts to promote cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace. as inspiration for their unique singing, the Madz use the
“madrigal”—polyphonic style of Renaissance where singers and guests would gather around a table during a banquet to sing. as they sit in a semi-circle, the choir observes the conductor, who uses subtle facial expressions to conduct. The Philippine Madrigal Singers U.S. Concert will have an entourage of 22 singers under the direction of Mark anthony Carpio as choirmaster, and will include: 5 sopranos, 4 altos, 5 tenors, and 5 basses. The Madz bring a wide repertoire of various styles and
forms including renaissance and classical music, international folksongs, as well as contemporary and popular music. They have a diverse repertoire—something for everyone to enjoy! The Church of St. Pius X located at 91 Secor Road, Scarsdale, nY, was renovated in 2012-2013 under the direction of its pastor, Fr. Sebastias Bacatan. The concert will raise money for the installation of a new Pipe Organ at the Church. General admission is $35. For other ticket options, please call 914-725-2755.
Jake Cuenca not after profit as indie producer From Page 2
extended viewing time. “and one more thing, unlike other indies na pag-iisipin kang masyado instead of you enjoying the film, ito madaling sakyan; it is easy to understand.” despite several challenges during the shoot, “Requited” was completed without flaws. One challenge was the need to finish shooting the scenes before dusk rapidly falls. Scenes were mostly shot at Mt. Pinatubo“kaya may oras (na sinusunod) kasi pag-kagat ng dilim, kailangan na namin umalis,” recounted Jake. The filmmaker also expressed admiration for the kind of attitude Jake displayed towards his work. He’s already in character even before the cameras started to grind. But his character didn’t require him to show an intense level of acting. direk nerissa had instructed him to portray the character as natural
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as natural can be. “Ako kasi ‘yung hiniwalayan at iniwan dito at ako yung kawawa,” said Jake. “Requited” revolves around three themes: Unrequited love, health struggles and the process of moving on. Jake also admitted that his attachment to the film is on a more personal level. is it because he invested so much particularly in the financial aspect? “i am not looking at the numbers; ‘di ko tinitignan ‘yung returns pero sasabihin ko rin naman na may potential ‘yung movie na maging commercially-released kasi ang ganda nung story. When direk and i were talking, we’re really wishing for a commercial release after Cinemalaya. From there, maybe we’ll think about the numbers and returns. But when it comes to doing the film, gusto ko lang makabuo ng magandang pelikula,” answered Jake.
are they, at this point, wishing to bag an award? direk nerissa replied, “in the beginning, of course, those thoughts came into my mind but the process of making the film and how hard it was, just finishing it was the biggest achievement. There were financial problems that came along so nung natapos nakakatuwa talaga. everything is just icing on the cake. indie film is such a hard thing to put together sobrang saludo ako sa gumagawa ng indie. With an award, we can only hope but i feel good about the project and i’m really proud of it.” asked if Jake has plans to produce more films in the future, the actor said he sees himself leading towards film directing. “One day, i want to study (film directing) and then be a director also, parang mas doon ako papunta.”
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by Bot Glorioso Philstar.com
ReadinG from the press handout about the things Bianca Gonzalez does already makes it obvious that downtime is pretty rare on her schedule. True enough, the now mom of the one-yearand-nine-month-old Baby Lucia admits setting a timetable in order to accomplish her duties as a mom, a wife and as a career woman. “every day is different. every day is a struggle. every day you try to find time to do everything you want but we sort of have figured it out already,” Bianca tells The STAR. “Ako kasi i have to stay with my baby for the daytime usually, because of the nature of the work, kaya pang i-schedule ang mga bagay-bagay. i schedule my work from afternoon to evening so during mornings i’m able to be with the baby and it works out since my husband is training for basketball in the morning and by the time he comes home, it’s time for me to be out for work.” She notes, “as much as possible, one of us has to be at home with the baby.” Bianca never denies that she was surprised at how life had drastically turned 180 degrees when she and husband-cager JC intal jumped from being a twosome to a family. “Yeah, downtime is hard because when i wake up, baby time agad until she goes to take a nap and that’s my time to go to the bathroom, answer e-mails, arrange things and when she wakes up, baby time again until i leave for work.” in her assessment, she has made a trip to the salon only five times since she gave birth to Lucia unlike before when she was still single, that it was a monthly routine. it was her choice to put aside her “me” time so as not to feel that “mom guilt” whenever she is away from home. “That’s what i find hard, ’yung managing the mom guilt which i know i should not feel because moms deserve to have time alone but i really can’t help it probably because i’m still in the adjustment period. “When i was single and i only
relates Bianca. if husband and wife are too busy, Bianca says her in-laws, who live five minutes away from their home, will gladly look after Lucia. Bianca’s mom is based abroad but she flew back home when Bianca gave birth and stayed with them to assist her until she fully regained her strength. no wonder, Bianca appreciates the kind of support her mom and JC’s parents are giving them. equally showing support for Bianca are her followers on her social media accounts that already ballooned in numbers. She has Bianca Gonzalez (with husband JC Intal and 6.3 million followers on Twitter; 1.8 million, instagram; and 2.7 their daughter Lucia Photo from Bianca’s Instagram account million, Facebook. Her feed shows thought about my career, i was a mix of her family life, home already out of the house at 10 in and travel, thoughts for the day the morning then i would return and observations on issues big by 8 or 10 p.m. My schedule then or small. Small wonder, she is was like work then meet up with considered as an influencer. But friends or shopping. and now that Bianca is not one to brag. instead, i am a mom, i always find ways she humbly says, “Parang it’s to be home early and spend time such a big word as in literal na with my child.” big word but Tito Boy (abunda, it can also be recalled that her manager) insists i am one six months into her being a new probably because of the nature of mom, Bianca shared through my work. i think it all started with her column 10 Things, in this my first show, Y Speak, where i was newspaper’sLifestyle section, giving my opinions then i had a some things she wished she had morning show. now i also write for been told about motherhood. a newspaper. i also wrote a book among them were, “Motherhood (Paano Ba To!? How to Survive isn’t like what you see on your Growing Up) at parang lahat ’yun instagram feed” and “it’s easy to put together, naging ganun ang lose your sense of self when you’re tingin ng tao and then with social a new mom.” media, it just evolved into that. So far, Bianca is happily “and i’m flattered, of course. embracing the change. “i guess, Who wouldn’t feel that way when you surprise yourself with a lot of people think what you have to things when you become a mom. say matters.Nakakatuwa but i also Me, i never thought i was the type look at other people’s opinions.” who (will) breastfeed at all but With her hands full with work, because i saw how good it is for Bianca is thankful that a lot of the baby to have a strong immune what she had wished for in her system, i’m still breastfeeding career came true. She continues her akala ko kasi hanggang few to host Cinema news on Cinema months lang ako.” One, which has been airing for How about going out on date nine years now, and Modern nights with JC? Bianca shares Living on anC that is set to air its that they prefer to stay home and Season 8 in September. catch up on sleep. “But we watch “Siguro dati wish ko i wanted a few movies sometimes or if we to do shows abroad mga ganun, want some sort of a date night, ngayon hindi na kasi ang hirap na we’ll just call for a delivery service may maiiwan kang anak at asawa. of our favorite Japanese food now i’m happy to have a stable so we will eat while watching job that can help provide for my movies at home at ’yun ang family,” concludes the asian artists compromise date namin (laughs),” agency, inc. talent.
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Santacruzan to cap Fiesta In America 2017 TO aptly mark Fiesta In America’s 19th Anniversary edition, a full Mass will be celebrated on the indoor expo and cultural show’s concluding day, Sunday, August 13 starting at 10 am in the concert area of New Jersey’s Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus. A full-ceremony and costumed Santacruzan, led by this year’s Hermano and Hermana Mayor- Drs. Emilio and Felicisima Quines, will wind through Fiesta In America’s marquee Trade Pavilion right after the Mass. Past and current finalists as well as winners of the expo’s talent and beauty pageant will take part as reynas (queens), accompanied by escorts in barongs and constantinos ritually standing in for young Emperor Constantine. Fiesta In America attendees are urged to arrive early to celebrate Sunday Mass, and to witness the colorful procession before immersing themselves in the whole-day event that will be highlighted by a full concert by the Drifters (the R&B legends will also perform a concert the previous day, August 12). According to Nanding Mendez, Fiesta In America’s President and CEO, “The santacruzan is only one of the myriad aspects of Filipinos’ heritage that will make the event a total cultural and entertainment package for everyone, consumers and businesses alike. None other than the legendary Drifters will highlight the cultural show on both days of Fiesta In America. The Drifters were twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, have sold over 200 million albums, and have given the music world romantic classic such as Save the Last Dance for Me, There Goes My
Baby, Under the Boardwalk, and many other Billboard Hot 100 hits. The entertainment on August 12 and 13 will be just as sensational, Mendez added. “Hit after musical hit will flood the Meadowlands Expo Center as the Drifters’ curtain-raisers will include American Idol season 11 standout Jessica Sanchez, singer-composer Rey Valera, Tawag Ng Tanghalan champion Noven Belleza, Fe de los Reyes, Eva Caparas, and Jet Montelibano of Music and Magic, OPM pioneers Spanky and Roger Rigor of VST & Company, plus a host of New York-area performing artists.” The full concert of these mainstream luminaries will not just be a first for Fiesta In America; it will be a first for the east coast Fil-Am community.” Fiesta In America’s Total Wellness theme will be fully conveyed in related exhibits at the marquee Trade Pavilion and free workshops. A well-stocked native Food Court as well as artistic and engaging activities for all age groups will round-up the event’s festive components. And as a special thank-you gesture to the event’s avid followers, seniors will receive limited-time free tickets, but only if they arrive between 12 noon and 1 pm on either days of the event. Major supporters include TFC/ABS-CBN International, Asian Journal Publications, Tourism Promotions Board, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Philippine Airlines, AARP, Tancinco Law Office, HSBC, Hudson Toyota, Filipino Reporter, Hackensack Meridian Health, Holy Name Medical Center, Belmont Hotel, One Ayala, Goya Foods, Hudson Kia,
Nanding Mendez, President of Fiesta in America and Laura Garcia, President of Silliman University Alumni NY-NJ
Drs. Emilio and Felicisima Quines, this year’s Hermano and Hermana Mayors.
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, T-Mobile, LBC, Park Avenue Acura, and the Filipino Express. The Santacruzan coordinators are – Mely Garcia and Jean Zaragoza, the Mass – Rhodora Santos and Virgie Wilcox and the Pageant – Tet Palencia and Lilian Vita. To attend, sponsor or exhibit, call 212-682-6610 or email info@ fiestainamerica.com. Visit www. fiestainamerica.com (Advertising Supplement)
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Rewriting your own story From Page 3 on the bell curve don’t have the nose to sense their true north. Most of us of the garden variety meander about our lives trying different things until we finally stumble upon it by trial and error. The annals of history are rife with such stories. St. Paul, almost single handedly nourished the beginnings of the early Christian church through his numerous travels. But he didn’t start out that way. He was just as passionate about persecuting Christians before he was tapped from above to do a complete conversion. Edwin Hubble, the great astronomer who lived in the nineteen twenties and for whom the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is named for his outstanding achievements in expanding our view of the universe, tried different things before finding out what he was meant to do. In college, he played championship basketball and even tried boxing. After fighting in World War I,
he studied law, tried lawyering for a year and obviously didn’t like it. Something must have happened because he went back to college to study astronomy and finally found his footing and his purpose in life. That’s what most of us do. We try different lives, different hats, until we find the one that matches heaven’s purpose. Just don’t run out of time. No one wants to leave with unfinished business. If our stations in life allow us the luxury of choice, then more than likely, we will be meandering too and trying different things before coming on board to the ship that will likely bring us to the port of our purpose. Try reading all or portions of Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life” written a few years back. Warren is the pastor of Saddleback Church in Orange County, California. His book continues to be received widely for its clear, well-structured and succinct explanation of what living with purpose means. True, its skewed towards his ministry but there are valuable truths
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about purpose and meaning to be gleaned by both the secular and spiritual, particularly in the early parts of the book. We don’t really have to wait for something dramatic, traumatic or tragic to happen to get us on track to finding that purpose. But do go to the right source. Nix the harebrained ideas coming from most of the media about what that purpose might be. When it comes to things that matter, most of the mainstream media has proven itself to be unworthy of trust. It pushes its own agenda of power that comes from profit. Tune out of the external world and go deep within. If you pray hard enough and long enough and live in the silence for a little while, chances are, you’ll find it. You can then begin rewriting your own story on a new document page. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
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Silliman University Alumni Association of Southern California’s annual picnic in El Monte, CA The Silliman University Alumni Association of Southern California invites alumni, their family and friends, to its annual picnic and membership meeting on Saturday, August 12, at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, Picnic Area D #9 ((near Legg Lake area with free parking for the early birds). The address: 750 S. Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733, 10 a.m. to sundown. For more information call: Jessie Mario Duran 626.715.2525, Joji Amparo 909.991.8919, and Zeny Duran Bennett 626.824.3595.
No Forks Given: A Chef’s Quest to Spread Kamayan in America map artwork for the project “THIS book is not just a (his art will be on the tote cookbook, not just a memoir bag). An exploded view of and not just a travelogue -the map of each state will be it’s a compilation of stories of illustrated in each chapter in my journey and the people the book, castro-style. Malaka I’ve met during my 50-state Gharib is Filipina-Egyptian tour project to bring Filipino editor and illustrator based food to America in a span of in Washington, DC. Her a 52 weeks.” work features exploring her So said Yana Gilbuena, multi-cultural heritage with who embarked on an illustrations. Each recipe in ambitious project, a 50-state, each chapter will showcase 52-week tour across the her illustrations. United States to promote • The photographer is Filipino cuisine using each Celeste Noche, who’s based state’s local ingredients in Portland Oregon. Celeste is available at that time. not only a photographer but The tour, Yana shared, as writer as well. Her scope taught her a lot about letting Chef Yana Gilbuena of The SALO Project. Photo by Quit Nguyen of work will focus on the go, resilience, faith and trust. dinners, the people and the “It restored my faith in • Paper Tongue Productions behind-the-scenes shots, whether the goodness in people. I know by two sisters: Irene and Lisa it was prepping for the dinner or without their support and the leap Yadao and Michelle Sampior (and going to the market. of faith they took in me as well, the rounded out by Krystle Cansino • Lastly, the book will be project wouldn’t get done,” she and Diana Park), who are creatives printed in the US, supporting a said. at heart and have poured a lot of small and local printing press. And now, she is embarking on time and energy in helping me “Why a book? Why now? It’s all yet another project, a book. create the video of the what’s and for love and passion. It’s about love This book is all about the why’s of this project. for my Filipino culture, heritage community who supported her • My book designer is Nicole and its preservation through food, and have contributed their own Bonsol who is based in Oakland, about passion to share it with new thread into this tapestry. It’s an CA and is an overall creative from people,” she said. homage to the good samaritans graphic and web design to songYana is raising funds to help who have been kind and generous writing. her make this project a reality. Click to her through the years and now • My featured Illustrator/ on the Kickstarter link to help or considers her family in America. artists are Anthony Manal Castro The book has become and Malaka Gharib. Anthony Castro visit https://www.kickstarter.com/ projects/1056987524/no-forkscommunity-driven and book is New York based artist known given-a-chefs-quest-to-spreadteam’s majority is of Filipino for mixed media and line work kamayan-in heritage: and has designed the American
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University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) Induction Ball in Whittier, CA The Univeristy of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) will hold its Induction Ball on August 13, 2017 Sunday at the Double Tree by Hilton - Whittier on 7320 Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602. Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz will swear in Mutch Carino as President of UPAAGLA for 2017-2019, together with the newly elected officers composed of Ethel Rubio (President-Elect), Nati Matitu Mercado (1st VP), Evelyn Andamo (2nd VP), Joy Angeles (Recording Secretary), Yvee Tadeo-Guevara (Corresponding Secretary), Gil Guinto (Treasurer), Melette Lampino (Assistant Treasurer), Dick Cu (Auditor), Benny Uy (PRO) and Bobby Canseco (IT Officer). The 2017-2019 UPAAGLA Board of Directors are Ivy Manalang, Atty. Mary Lyn Sanga, Ellery Atienza, Mary Trinidad, Sonny Gancayco, Annie Nepomuceno, Mary Drees, Jess Espanola, Bob Shroder, Carina Slepian, Ivy Cosio-Bautista, Ellen Gomez, Relson Banas, and Angie Alvarez. The advisers of UPAAGLA are Dr. Arnel Joaquin, Vicky Gancayco, Jazmin Gaite, Alma Onrubia, Frank Mamaril, Doris Maligalig, and Sonja Menor. Red carpet arrivals and No Host Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. Program and dinner start at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, sponsorships and souvenir program advertisements, please call Dick Cu (562) 547-0560.
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24th annual Pistahan Parade and Festival in San Francisco, CA The Pistahan Parade and Festival is an international celebration of Filipino community, culture and cuisine. Experience the best of Filipino art, dance, music and cuisine at the Yerba Buena Gardens. On Saturday, August 12, the Pistahan Parade will feature elaborate floats, marching bands and colorful contingents as it marches down Market from Civic Center to 4th St. The festival will include live entertainment, popular balut eating contest, delectable Filipino cuisine, cultural exhibits, hands-on workshops for kids and adults. It will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. Admission is free. For more information, please call 415. 625. 3976 or visit http://www.pistahan.net.
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Philippine Madrigal Singers to perform in Northridge, CA Philippine Madrigal Singers in Concert on Saturday, August 19 is the long-awaited return to Los Angeles of the world-renowned prize-winning choir. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) located at 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330. The theatre is part of CSUN, and tickets are $70, $55, and $40 online anytime at www.ticketmaster.com. Special student pricing is available only in-person at the VPAC box office, call or visit (818) 677-3000 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Tour information at www.musicartsevents.com.
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Philippine Madrigal Singers in Loma Linda, CA An Evening with the MADZ on Sunday, August 20 is an opportunity to hear the awardwinning first-ever two-time European Grand Prix winning choir, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, at Campus Hill Church, 11057 Hill Dr Loma Linda CA 92354. The performance is at 7 p.m. $40 General Admission, $20 Child/Student. For tickets, call Ephraim Dela Cruz at (909) 831-4225, Marjorie Ann Reyno-Huynh at (909) 965-6936 or Nemuel Enriquez at (323) 2290506.
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Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School international reunion in Las Vegas Come and celebrate with RMCHS alumni and guests for the third biannual international homecoming. Sing, dance, party, share precious memories and join the fun from Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Join the golf tournament in the morning of Saturday, Sept. 2 and then wear your best (black and white) for a dinner dance later that evening. Make this event an opportunity to reunite with your own batchmates, watch a show, visit tourist spots, and stroll along the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, visit the RMCHS 2017 INTL REUNION Facebook page.
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NaFFAA to celebrate 20th anniversary in Washington, DC The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) turns 20 years old this year. This October, several events are being planned to celebrate this milestone, which coincides with the national observance of Filipino American History Month. They will culminate with NaFFAA’s 20th Anniversary Gala, to be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 21. With its theme “NaFFAA 2.0: One Voice, Four Million Strong,” NaFFAA will recognize the legacy and accomplishments of the organization over the past 20 years, and highlight its comprehensive vision to unite and amplify the voices of the four million Filipinos living in the United States. “NaFFAA 2.0” represents how NaFFAA is honoring its past while forging a new forward-thinking and balanced approach in uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse Filipino American individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy. To learn more about NaFFAA or to purchase tickets for the 20th Anniversary Gala, please visit www. naffaa.org.
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
Phil Am NJ Jaycees Executive Board with Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro
‘Together we can be the change’: PhilAm NJ Jaycees celebrates 1st year anniversary and Inaugural Induction Ceremonies LYNDHURST, NJ - Philippine American New Jersey Junior Chambers International celebrated its 1st year anniversary last July 15 at the San Carlos Banquet Hall in Lyndhurst, NJ. The event showcased the work of the organization as well as induct its members and officers. The induction was opened by a speech from the chairperson of the Philippine American New Jersey Jaycees Induction event, Wes Estanislao. “It’s an honor to be a part of this amazing organization. Being part of this organization gives me a chance help people,” said Estanislao. The Phil-Am NJ Jaycees also showcased the various causes they have supported in the year from peace, immigrant rights and current issues affecting the Filipino community. Staying in line with the organization’s passion to make impact in the community, the proceeds of the event will be donated to Project PEARLS, a non-profit organization based in Manila that seeks to help the poorest of the poor children in the Philippines have a better life through education, empowerment, nutrition, healthcare services. In her speech, Chapter President Maricar Taino said, “I believe that every person in this gathering have the heart to give for the good of the community. You may be a more visible community leader or simply support a friend or family. But your support, your coming and presence in here shows more. You believe the mission and you believe in serving humanity!” One of the many highlights of the day was the presentation of a state resolution in recognition of the organization. This is a testament to the work that
Assemblywoman Angela McKnight giving her keynote speech.
Phil Am NJ Jaycees with PAFCOM members
Phil-Am NJ Jaycees have done in just a year of existence. “The strength, the vitality of communities and success of the state of New Jersey and the effectiveness our American society depend, in great measure, upon entities exemplified by JCI Phil Am NJ Chapter who unite and act together voluntarily to further a cause,” read by Jujo Conol, one of the organization’s associate member. The senate resolution was introduced by Senator Sandra Cunningham, of the 31st legislative district and signed by senate president, Steve Sweeney. The Phil-Am NJ Jaycees
induction brought together various members of the community. Mylz Tolentino, Diaspora Marketing Manager of Western Union, shared, “we are proud to support Fil Am Organizations that hones in on building the leaders of the future and take serious roles in the betterment of humanity.” The Philippine American New Jersey Jaycees pledged to continue to “provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.” The event ended, like a true Filipino event, with dancing and more food.
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