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Volume 10 – Issue 43 • 16 Pages

AUGUST 4-10, 2017

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Asian American voter potential eyed in 2018 and beyond Rep. Judy Chu, Fil-Am actor/ activist Lou Diamond Phillips discuss importance of mobilizing the AAPI electorate BY now, many are seeing the significance of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) electorate following the 2016 general election. Particularly, the AAPI community won big during the Senate races and AAPI voter turnout was the largest in American history. As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the Asian American electorate is the fastest-growing voter group in the United States — and political organizations are taking notice. At this year’s Politicon, the annual nonpartisan political convention held in LA, Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) acknowledged the shift in the overall American electorate. “Asian Pacific Islanders are on the rise in this nation and I see it with my own eyes,”

Duterte ﬁres back at Aquino over comments on drug war by AUDREY

MORALLO Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, Aug. 2 blasted his predecessor Benigno Aquino III over remarks on the government’s brutal campaign against illegal drugs and threatened to behead the former president if he gets involved in narcotics. Duterte’s latest tirade, in which he accused some of the former president’s aides of being connected to narcotics, came after Aquino questioned the ef-

mer Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas of being connected to illicit drugs. Duterte said at the anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue: “Mga generals mo noon, yang aide mo, aide ni [Manuel] Roxas puro nasa droga konektado.” The president particularly zeroed in on Vicente Loot, a former police official and now mayor of Daanbantayan in Cebu, whom he accused of threatening him. “Number 1 diyan yung bata niyo si General Loot. Isa pa yang ulol na yan. I

don’t know kung nandito si Loot. P****g ina mo, huwag mo ako takutin general ka,” he said. In a report by The Freeman on Tuesday, Aug. 1, Loot said that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group regional office in the Central Visayas had “cleared him of alleged involvement in drugs and criminal activities, his alleged failure to implement the anti-drug and criminality programs of the Department of Interior and Local Government, as well as his alleged unexplained wealth.”

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by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

US conducting talks with PH gov’t to address ISIS threats

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fectiveness of the government’s war on drugs. “Sabi ni PNoy [Aquino] parang walang nangyari. Sige, pumasok ka sa droga, PNoy, kung hindi kita pinutulan ng ulo buwang ka. Anong walang nangyari. Gago ka,” said the president who regularly uses colorful language when he or his policies are criticized. Duterte said that some of Aquino’s aides and generals were involved in the trade of illegal drugs in the country during his administration. He also accused a former aide to for-

US says South China Sea remains a core issue in ASEAN meet

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THE United States has been collaborating with the government of the Philippines and other countries within Asia-Pacific to address threats posed by the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in the region. In a press briefing, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson noted that the terror group has gained a foothold in the Philippines, referring to the IS-linked rebels’ attack in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur in Mindanao. “We already see elements of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) in the Philippines, as you’re aware, gaining a foothold. Some of these fighters have gone to the Philippines from Syria and Iraq,” Tillerson told reporters on Tuesday, August 1. Apart from the Philippines, Tillerson said the U.S. is also conducting talks for cooperation with the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia to address the threats. He pointed out that the next step to defeat the terrorist group is to recognize it as a global issue. “We are in conversations with the Philippine government, with Indonesia, with Malaysia, with Singapore, with Australia, as partners to recognize this threat, try to get ahead

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Susan Thornton, Acting Secretary for the U.S. Department of State Bureau of East Asian and Paciﬁc Affair

THE United States said that the conflict in South China Sea remains among the major issues to be discussed in Washington’s upcoming meetings with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other countries. For the first time, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit the Philippines next week to participate in the ASEAN Regional Forum, the East Asian Summit, the USASEAN ministerial meeting, and the Lower Mekong Initiative meeting.

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BIR CELEBRATES 113 YEARS. President Rodrigo Duterte does his signature pose in a photo opportunity with ofﬁcers of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) during the agency’s 113th Founding Anniversary celebration on Wednesday, Aug. 2. Joining the President are Education Secretary Leonor Briones, Executive Secretary Salvdador Medialdea, BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez. Malacañang photo

Aquino hits threats to abolish PCGG, CHR by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday, August 1, warned that more operations against personalities involved in illegal drugs will be conducted “without fear or favor.” In a press conference, PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said the police is building more cases against those tagged in illegal drugs nationwide, following the raid in Ozamiz City that led to the death of 15 people, including its mayor, Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. He remarked that the operation in Oza-

miz City should serve as a warning to others who remain in the illegal drug trade. “We are now conducting a case buildup against them, and when there is a case already, we will operate,” Dela Rosa said. According to him, the PNP will base its case buildup on a list of alleged drug lords and narco politicians earlier announced by President Rodrigo Duterte. The PNP chief, however, assured that those who were erroneously tagged in the list have nothing to fear, as the results of police investigations would surely show whether they are involved in narcotics or Former Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III at the tomb of his parents, former Pres. Corazon C. Aquino not. and Sen. Ninoy Aquino, on the 8th death anniversary of his mother on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

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Inquirer.net photo by Lyn Rillon

PNP vows more operations Sen. Angara wants revision of tax rules on balikbayan box against drug personalities by WINONA

SADIA Inquirer.net

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa ManilaTimes.net photo

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Senator Sonny Angara

Inquirer.net photo

THE Department of Finance (DOF) should revise its implementing rules on duty- and tax-free balikbayan boxes to give due benefits to millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Senator Sonny Angara said on Tuesday, Aug. 2. Under the Customs Administrative Order No. 5-2016, which contains the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Customs Modernization Tariff Act (CMTA) as signed by

the DOF and Bureau of Customs (BOC) in December last year, “all balikbayan boxes per sender in any calendar year shall not exceed P150,000.” This rule, Angara said, was contrary to the intent of the CMTA, which allows OFWs to send up to three P150,000worth of duty- and tax-free balikbayan boxes, or not exceeding the amount of P450,000 in a year, given that the goods are not in commercial quantities. “Ang intensyon ng CMTA ay gawing tax-free ang balik-

bayan boxes na may halagang P150,000 times three kada taon, at hindi P150,000 divided by three (The intention of CMTA is to make tax-free the balikbayan boxes amounting to P150,000 times three per year, and not P150,000 divided by three),” Angara said during an oversight committee hearing on the review of CMTA’s implementation. “Ang bawat balikbayan box ay karaniwang naglalaman ng P80,000 worth of items. Talagang pinag-iipunan po ito

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A august 4-10, 2017 • NEW YORK aND NEW JERsEY asIaN JOuRNaL

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

From the Front Page

Duterte fires back at Aquino... PAGE A1 t

“It’s also very clear during (the) Senate investigation that I am a victim of influence peddling by subordinates who want to take advantage of my name,” Loot said. “Anyway, I’m willing to submit myself again to any investigation if so required to clear my name.” ‘Cynicism borne of a history of

political opportunism’ Ernesto Abella, presidential spokesperson, touted the government’s achievements in its drug campaign, saying that it resulted in the surrender of more than 1.3 million drug suspects. “With all due respect to former President Aquino, the results of PRRD’s anti-illegal drug campaign

US says South China Sea remains... PAGE A1 t Tillerson is expected to meet with his ASEAN counterparts and discuss a range of issues, including the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maritime security, and counterterrorism. In a press briefing on Wednesday, August 2, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs dismissed concerns that the South China Sea dispute has dropped off as a major issue in ASEAN meetings. “I definitely would not agree that the South China Sea has in any way dropped off. It’ll certainly be a focus of the discussion also in Manila… it certainly hasn’t been knocked out of the front of our minds and it will be a focus at the upcoming meetings,” the department’s Acting Assistant Secretary Susan Thornton said. According to her, the U.S. government will “continue to press for language” that makes Washington’s “dedication to protect and defend the freedom of navigation and overflight” in the South China Sea “clear.”

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She cited that Washington also made a “number of conversations with allies and partners in the region about their concerns over latent tensions and continued concerns” over the disputes in the area. “We’ll press for due regard for legal processes, dispute resolution mechanisms, and upholding, certainly, international law and the UN (United Nations) Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Thornton added. While the U.S. government welcomes the framework on the code of conduct in South China Sea, which has been discussed and agreed among the ASEAN states and China, Washington said will also continue “to call for the rapid adoption of an effective [COC].” The ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to adopt the COC framework during the ASEANChina Ministerial Meeting on Sunday, August 6. “The framework is really just the outline of what would be the content of the agreement and the agreement still needs to be negotiated, and we would like to see it

speak for themselves,” Abella said in a statement. “Comments like the above from past leaders imply a jaded cynicism borne of a history of political opportunism.” For Salvador Panelo, the chief presidential legal counsel, Aquino’s comments were “shamelessly cocky and an outrageous chutzpah.” n negotiated expeditiously and we would also like to see the eventual code of conduct contain effective measures to – for restraint and for dispute resolution, and also that the – whatever the agreement eventually contains, that the content be considered by all parties to be legally binding,” Thornton said. In what appeared to be a “soft” stance in the maritime issue, the ASEAN ministers, in its leaked draft statement, only “took note” of its concerns over the developments in South China Sea. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) did not verify the accuracy of the leaked joint communique but said “there is every likelihood that it could still evolve.” “The views, the concerns of all ASEAN member states will be expressed in the joint communique and it will be adopted by consensus as different from the chairman statement where the chairman is free to reflect whatever he or she believes is an accurate representation of the discussions on the floor of that meeting,” DFA Spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar told reporters on Thursday, August 3. n

US conducting talks with PH gov’t...

of this threat, and help them with training — training their own law enforcement capabilities, sharing of intelligence, and provide them wherewithal to anticipate what may be coming their direction,” Tillerson said. For its part, the Philippine government is also eyeing a “closer regional cooperation” with its neighboring countries. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte spoke of “new” and “serious” terrorism threats in the Mindanao provinces during the latter’s meeting

with Senate and House leaders on Tuesday. “He briefed us on intelligence information of new threats posed by the ISIS in the south and he is looking for a closer regional cooperation in the neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia,” Drilon disclosed to reporters the following day. According to the senator, the threat discussed by Duterte is not just the threat posed by Maute rebels that attacked Marawi City. He said the president “was referring to the ISIS.” Asked how serious it was, Drilon responded, “in the president’s

briefing, it appears to be serious. That’s what he said.” “He informed us of that renewed threat because the secretary of national defense has requested for additional manpower, and, therefore, that would require budgetary allocation,” he added. The attack in Marawi City on May 23 prompted Duterte to impose martial law in the entire Mindanao. With the local government’s fight to quell the extremists in the area still ongoing, the strict security measure has been extended until December 31 of this year. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

ASEAN BREASTFEEDING FORUM. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial (6th from left), poses with other ASEAN delegates at the ASEAN Breastfeeding Forum with theme “ASEAN Ugnayan: One Community Protecting, Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding.” The Forum bats the importance of breastfeeding and life around the world, advocating the global goal of “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together”, on Thursday, Aug. 3 held at Blue Leaf Filipinas in Parañaque City. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Aquino hits threats to abolish... PAGE A1 t “But if we are able to validate that their involvement in illegal drugs is continuing, then they have to prepare themselves. As I said, the PNP operates without fear or favor,” Dela Rosa added. The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) previously filed drug trafficking charges against businessman Peter Lim, Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa, convicted drug lord Peter Co, and five others. The suspected drug personalities are all facing a complaint

— which was filed on July 5 — regarding the alleged violation of Section 26 (b) of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Section 26 (b) is an attempt or conspiracy for the sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical. Earlier this week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the eight suspects to submit their respective counter-affidavits. The preliminary investiga-

tion of the case is set on August 14. Justice Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II also issued an immigration lookout bulletin order (Ilbo)against the accused. Aside from Lim, Espinosa, and Co, also charged were Lovely Adam Impal, Jun Pepito, Rupel Malindangan, Max Miro, and Marcelo Adorco. Co is currently detained at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, while Espinosa is under the government witness protection for testifying against Sen. Leila de Lima. Impal, on the other hand, was named by Espinosa as his supplier of illegal drugs. n

Sen. Angara wants revision of tax rules...

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ng ating mga magigiting na OFW. Kung kaya, para dagdag pakunswelo sa kanila, ginawa nating P150,000 ang tax-free kada kahon (Each balikbayan box usually contains around P80,000 worth of items. This is our OFWs’ heard-earned money. That is why to provide additional comfort to them, we made it P150,000 the amount of each box that is tax free),” the lawmaker added. But DOF Assistant Secretary Mark Joven explained during the hearing that there was an “ambiguity” in the language of the law which led to the

Finance Department misinterpreting the said provision. Ang Asosasyon sang Mangunguma nga Bisaya-Owa (AAMBIS-OWA) party-list Representative Sharon Garin, a member of the oversight committee and who was part of the CMTA bicameral committee, said the DOF should have reviewed the records of the bicameral hearing which could help them determine the intent of the law. Angara then urged the BOC and the DOF to immediately resolve the issues on the IRR of the balikbayan box law as Christmas season is nearing

and this is the period when OFWs send their gifts to their loved ones in the country. “Magbe-Ber months na naman po at sigurado akong nagsisimula nang mamili ng mga ipapadala ang ating mga kababayan abroad. Noong nakaraang taon pa namin naipasa ito. Sana ay mapakinabangan na ngayon ng ating mga OFW ang mga benepisyong hatid ng batas na ito (‘Ber’ months are coming and I’m sure our fellow Filipinos abroad are already buying stuff they intend to send here. We passed this since last year. I’m hoping our OFWs can benefit from this law),” he said. n n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 4-10, 2017

Philippine team wins silver at Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

THE Philippines Dragon Boat Alliance Team (Alliance) took silver in both the Men’s and Women’s 500-meter events and placed 6th overall in the Toyota Super Dragon Final during the annual 2017 Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival. The 2017 Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival took place on July 29-30 at Marine Stadium in Long Beach, California, where local and international dragon boat teams from various age groups came together to compete in the annual dragon boat races. “Over 200 teams from different countries competed in 18 different divisions,” Dr. Howard Chen, the festival’s founder and organizer, told the Asian Journal. Included in the international lineup were teams from Taiwan, Canada, and Singapore, among others, added Chen. Representing the Philippines for the first time in the festival was Alliance. Established in 2016, the team consists of Filipino paddlers from different parts of the world including the U.S., Qatar, Dubai, Singapore, Canada, and the Philippines. All were former members of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) teams, the governing body for dragon boating in the Philippines as recognized by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). Although it was Alliance’s first time competing at the festival, which started in 2003, the team

was welcomed with a lot of support from the Filipino-American community, including Filipino paddlers from other teams. “Racing with Alliance is like you are part of [the] Justice League,” Benj Rodrigo, one of the team’s rowers, shared with the Asian Journal. “We support each other and fight together.” With members from all over the world, Alliance only trained together as a boat for a couple of days before the festival, but have been communicating regularly via group chat. “We were competing with teams who trained together the whole year round,” Alliance Team Captain John Panuelos told theAsian Journal. Because Alliance consists of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the team was only able to squeeze in around two hours of practice together total. Rodrigo is based in Singapore, Panuelos in Abu Dhabi, their co-captain from Qatar, and their coach from the Philippines. Nevertheless, they were able to pull through, bagging two silver medals and placing 6th overall in the Toyota Super Dragon. Among their competitors were national teams from the U.S. and Taiwan. Rodrigo, who started rowing in 2014 back in the Philippines, was glad to be representing the country at the festival. “It was my first time pacing in a big event while representing our country,” he shared. “I kept reminding myself that every stroke of

Asian American voter potential... PAGE A1 t said Chu, who became the first Chinese American woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 2009. Chu was one of the panelists at the convention’s panel called “Asian American and PAcific Islanders: Crucial Vote in Swing States” which explored the potential impact of AAPIs in the American political system. Chu, who also chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), sung the many achievements of Asian Americans in the last election alone: the number of AAPIs in Congress jumped from 13 to 18 (the most in U.S. history), the “unexpected” election of three Asian American women in the U.S. Senate and the highest voter turnout for AAPIs in U.S. history (35 percent, nationwide). Notably, she discussed the impact of AAPI voters in swing states. For example, 9 percent of Nevada’s population are AAPIs, but 69 percent of them voted for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for the 2016 presidential election; Clinton ended up winning the state. In Virginia, another swing state, AAPIs are 5 percent of the population and 81 percent of AAPIs voted for Clinton; Clinton also ended up winning Virginia. “The potential for the AAPIs to be the swing vote is enormous, and that’s what I mean when I say we can go from being marginalized to the margin of victory,” Chu said to massive applause. The congresswoman emphasized the importance of the AAPI role in the 2018 midterm elections, which are “critical” and can give the Democratic Party (the party preference for a majority of AAPIs) a chance to win back the House. During midterm elections, the opposing party of the current president historically wins more seats. But Chu discussed going further and tackling historically

Republican districts that voted for Clinton, many of which are in California. California’s 45th congressional district — which comprises of a heavy Republican votership from Orange to Mission Viejo — voted for Clinton and has an open congressional seat in 2018. The state’s 48th district (centered in Huntington Beach) also has an open seat next year. Both these districts have a strong AAPI votership that have the power to shift the midterms. “Can you imagine, if you mobilize those voters and get them to turn out and get them to be the swing vote, how we could turn those seats and win back the House? It would make a huge difference,” Chu said. Also on the panel was FilipinoAmerican actor and activist Lou Diamond Phillips, who discussed the shift happening among younger AAPIs. “We’re seeing a generation that is starting to embrace their own and perhaps even break away from the more stained traditions of their immigrant parents. They’re becoming more vocal which is exactly what we need,” the actor said. Phillips is no stranger to social activism. Since the early 2000s, he has been an outspoken advocate for the Filipino Equity Act, which called for stronger recognition and benefits for Filipino World War II Veterans. He has also actively fought for rights of Native Americans One thing all the panelists agreed on was that prospective representatives — on local, statewide and national platforms — must address the issues of individual communities and avoid treating the AAPI community as a monolith. “What I don’t want to see is a homogenization of Asian American experience. You cannot necessarily segment or subdivide

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PNP vows more operations... PAGE A1 t tionwide, following the raid in Ozamiz City that led to the death of 15 people, including its mayor, Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. He remarked that the operation in Ozamiz City should serve as a warning to others who remain in the illegal drug trade. “We are now conducting a case buildup against them, and when there is a case already, we will operate,” Dela Rosa said. According to him, the PNP will base its case buildup on a list of alleged drug lords and narco politicians earlier announced by President Rodrigo Duterte. The PNP chief, however, assured that those who were erroneously tagged in the list have nothing to fear, as the results of police investigations would surely show whether they are involved in narcotics or not. “But if we are able to validate that their involvement in illegal drugs is continuing, then they have to prepare themselves. As I said, the PNP operates without fear or favor,” Dela Rosa added. The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) previously filed drug trafficking charges against businessman Peter Lim, Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa, convicted drug lord Peter

Co, and five others. The suspected drug personalities are all facing a complaint — which was filed on July 5 — regarding the alleged violation of Section 26 (b) of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Section 26 (b) is an attempt or conspiracy for the sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical. Earlier this week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the eight suspects to submit their respective counter-affidavits. The preliminary investigation of the case is set on August 14. Justice Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II also issued an immigration lookout bulletin order (Ilbo)against the accused. Aside from Lim, Espinosa, and Co, also charged were Lovely Adam Impal, Jun Pepito, Rupel Malindangan, Max Miro, and Marcelo Adorco. Co is currently detained at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, while Espinosa is under the government witness protection for testifying against Sen. Leila de Lima. Impal, on the other hand, was named by Espinosa as his supplier of illegal drugs. n

my paddle was for my country.” Dragon boat festivals, or Duanwu Jie, have many origin stories. One, which the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival refers to, goes back to Qu Yuan, an ancient poet who served as a top advisor to the Chu state’s king during the Warring States period of China. Slandered by jealous officials upon advice he gave to the king, he was sent into exile where he wrote poems. In 278 BC, the capital of Chu was conquered by the Qin state. This lead Qu Yuan to commit suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. Saddened by his death, locals began to row out searching for his body. This eventually became a festival commemorating his death spanning over 2,000 years throughout southern China. The water sport gradually gained popularity abroad including in the Philippines. “Dragon boat racing has been popular in the Philippines for some time,” said Panuelos. The country holds many dragon boat festivals and regattas with the biggest being the Cherifer Premium-PDBF Dragon Boat Regatta in Manila Bay. Rodrigo’s Philippine home team, Triton Dragon Boat Racing Team, just recently held its firstever Triton PCL Dragonboat Cup in July, which he said was a success. According to the PDBF, more than 30 teams have been organized in the Philippines, comprising of students, profession-

als, businessmen, and military personnel. Aside from the country’s National Team, which holds many world records, club teams have been active in dragon boat races across Asia, Australia, Europe, the U.S., and Canada. At the recent 2017 Taiwan International Dragon Boat Championships held in July, the Philippines set a new world record, taking gold in the 20-seater men’s 200m along with three other gold

medals, according to the Manila Bulletin. The feeling of reaching the finish line together as a team is one of Rodrigo’s favorite things about racing. “It’s a team sport,” he said, adding that Alliance felt like being with family. “You are not doing it for yourself, but you’re doing it for everybody and for the team.” For Panuelos, the whole process is what he enjoys most. “From

Contributed photos by Jhay Oh Otamias

prep to the actual race, to getting results and seeing what we have accomplished...Every race is different,” he added. Prior to the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival, Alliance participated in the 21st Annual Kaiser Permanente Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Merritt in Oakland, California last year, where they won four gold medals and one bronze. n

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It’s official: Los Angeles will host 2028 Olympics City promises economic upturn leading up to the games AFTeR weeks of negotiations, the City of Los Angeles has finally locked in a deal with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, a move that officials are confident will be financially advantageous. The deal brings the Summer Games back to LA for the third time after the city hosted in 1984 and 1932. “This is a big win for Los Angeles,” Casey Wasserman, chairman of the LA Olympic bid committee, told reporters at a news conference on Monday, July 31 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, which is slated to be one of the venues for the 2028 Games. For the last few weeks, the city has been in talks with both the IOC and officials from Paris, a rival bid city about which city shall host the 2024 and 2028 games. Last month, the IOC complicated the competition for the 2024 Games when it named two winners in LA and Paris. The latter city is slated to host the 2024 Games. “There is no other metaphor. It was a marathon,” LA Mayor eric Garcetti said at the press conference. “A couple times, we were counted out altogether. But we never hit a wall. We never lost our focus, and today we are at the finish line.” “We are here today to make history,” Garcetti said. “I’m proud to say the Olympics are coming back to the United States of America.”

According to Wasserman, the predicted contribution from the IOC to Paris in 2024 will be $1.7 billion. Significantly, the IOC contribution to LA in 2028 would be at least $2 billion because of the sponsorship money the city is predicted to receive. Additionally, LA would also generate more savings and supplementary revenue in domestic sponsorship deals that would be unclaimed by international corporate partners of the IOC. Usually, the bulk of contributions from the IOC isn’t sent to the host cities until a couple years before the games, but the IOC has agreed to give LA an advance of $180 million that will cover the organizing committee’s costs for the additional four years. Notably, as much as $160 million of the advanced contribution will be funneled into public youth sports programs, which Garcetti promised could see increased funding as soon as within the next year. Moreover, LA’s bid estimate includes a $487.6 million contingency, money set aside for cost overruns to avoid huge financial blows that have plagued host cities in the past. If the 2028 games finish at or are under budget, that contingency would be converted into a surplus; and, city officials have made a deal to keep most of that money. “I can look people in the eye and say this is a much stronger

deal financially,” Garcetti said. “I want something for the people of LA now. I want the excitement to build.” Garcetti, who led the city’s campaign to bring the Olympics back, is positive that the terms of the agreement should “outweigh” any perceived uncertainties in hosting a massive global event 11 years in advance. Addressing the costs of infrastructure and transportation projects the city has lined up, Garcetti assured that upcoming city projects were not dependent on the bid, adding that the city is “modeling the Olympics around the city, and not modeling the city around the Olympics.” experts have said that rather than constructing new stadiums and arenas, LA could save billions by relying on existing venues such as the Staples Center, the Coliseum, and the StubHub Center. Additionally, rather than constructing a new Olympic Village, athletes and members of the media could be housed at the UCLA and USC campuses. When asked whether he was upset the city lost the heavily-campaigned-for 2024 Olympic Games, Garcetti said that hosting 2028 is more beneficial to Angelenos. “What we were able to negotiate — this deal was too good to pass up,” Garcetti said. “This legacy can inspire a whole new generation.” (Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)

Fil-Am actor and activist Lou Diamond Philips (left) speaks at an AAPI voter panel at Politicon on Saturday, July 29. Photos courtesy of Getty on behalf of Politicon

Asian American voter potential...

PAGE A3 t the Asian vote,” Phillips asserted. “There are so many of us classified as Asian, and each of these individual communities must be addressed and not just washed over the same big brush. So it’s going to be incumbent upon representatives to address our community’s needs, individually.” Also on the panel were MSNBC journalist and anchor Richard Lui, political strategist Bill Wong and founder and president of the Millennial Action Project Steven Olikara. Fil-Ams weigh in on representation, urge AAPIs to become politically active Asian Americans in the public eye are not the only ones noticing the impact of AAPI participation in the political system. Helen Ronaldo of Buena Park, California became “more politically minded” during a high school class government class where she learned about the importance of Asian American representation in governing roles. “I realized that up until re-

cently, the people governing our country were basically all white, straight men who were ignorant of the issues facing many demographics. I’m happy to be alive at this time when we’re seeing a shift in our government in term of diversity, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” Ronaldo, 18, told the Asian Journal after the panel on Saturday. The future political science major at Cal Poly Pomona added that although she advocates a more diverse pool of lawmakers, she notes that “it’s not about filling a quota”, but rather “it’s all about who is best fit for the job.” “Historically, a lot of people weren’t elected because of their race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation,” Ronaldo remarked. “There are a lot of qualified folks from the Asian community who can serve all Americans and shed a light on people who were once ignored by senators, Congressmen and other political leaders. Representation is really important in all spheres, but especially in our government

because our government is supposed to be a representation of all of America.” Jun Uy also believes in the importance of representation to mobilize the AAPI community and praised Asian Americans currently serving in the government, notably CA Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Alameda) — who is the first and only Filipino American in the state Legislature — and Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois). “I rally behind them, not just because of their ethnicity though, but because now I can rest easy and know that there’s someone who has my interests in mind and understands the Asian American experience,” Uy, a social worker living in Burbank, told the Asian Journal. “It’s like when you see videos of little girls who are excited about Wonder Woman: there’s finally a mainstream female superhero on the forefront. They’re excited that there’s someone who looks like them making waves, and that’s how I feel about seeing Asian faces in government, as well as entertainment and other places.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

US Navy lists 3 major threats to Asia-Pacific community by Dana

SioSon AJPress

which is also its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) THe North Korea’s missile test in less than a month. The PACOM chief said that the tests, China’s aggressiveness in the South China Sea, and the regime of North Korea’s leader, Islamic State (IS) threat in the Kim Jong-Un, is not only a threat Philippines are among the three to South Korea, Japan, and the major regional concerns the Unit- U.S., but also “to the entire world ed States Pacific Command (PA- because North Korea’s missiles point in every direction.” COM) is facing. “It’s the reason why we call for PACOM Chief Navy Adm. Harry Harris Jr. discussed these three all nations to implement far stronissues during the Japan-U.S. Mili- ger economic sanctions against tary Statesmen Forum in Wash- Pyongyang,” he added. According to him, China plays ington, D.C., on Friday, July 28. During the forum, Harris de- a vital role in the issue, and scribed North Korea as “a clear should exert influence and help and present danger” to global promote denuclearization in the region. peace and stability. Harris, however, noted that Last week, Pyongyang launched its 12th missile test this year, China must also tone down its

aggressive activities in the South China Sea, citing Beijing’s reported militarization and construction of artificial islands in the disputed area. “Some might find it odd for me to advocate cooperation with China on one hand while criticizing Beijing on the other, but as I like to say, great powers can walk and chew gum at the same time,” he said. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, with neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, as its rival claimants. Regarding IS, Harris said the terror group is a clear threat that must be brought down.

An official of the Joint United States Military Assistance Group turns over crates of rockets and munitions to the Philippine Air Force. Photo courtesy of AFP

While its main operating areas are in the Middle east and North Africa, the PACOM chief noted that the terror group is trying to expand its influence in Southeast Asia, particularly in Marawi City, Philippines.

An IS-linked terror group laid siege of Marawi City on May 23, and the Philippine government’s operation to reclaim the area has since been ongoing. Harris pointed out that the incident in Marawi should serve as

a wake-up call for the Indo-AsiaPacific nations. “Only through multinational collaboration can we eradicate ISIS and other violent extremist organizations before they spread,” he stressed. n

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Dateline PDuterte hiliPPines calls ‘chubby-faced’ Kim Jong Un ‘crazy, fool’ over nuclear tests by Dana

SioSon AJPress

SAVING SMILES. Dentists from Department of Health-MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) check the teeth of preschool children of Tapuyan Elementary School, Barangay Tapuyan, Gasan, Marinduque, who are among the 175 beneficiaries of the “Save my Smile” Project of the DOH-MIMAROPA. Among the services rendered during the activities were fluoride varnish application, atrocimatic restorative treatment, pit and fissure sealant application, oral prophylaxis and permanent restorative treatment on Wednesday, Aug. 2. PNA photo by Roland Nablo

Binay camp: Ombudsman pursuing witch hunt vs ex-VP’s family by RoSette

aDel

Philstar.com

MANIlA — The camp of former Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay is not surprised at the recent indictment of him and his son, dismissed Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr., on graft charges. Joey Salgado, spokesperson for the former vice president, said the allegations against the Binays have already been answered but that was “apparently disregarded by the Ombudsman.” “The Ombudsman has time and again disregarded her agency’s internal rules, due process,

and Constitutional rights to pursue her witch hunt against former VP Binay and his family,” Salgado said in a statement. “It once again underscores the selective prosecution of the Binays and the Ombudsman’s tendency to look the other way when other political personalities are involved,” he added. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered filing of multiple counts of graft and falsification against the Binays in two separate resolutions approved last Tuesday, Aug. 1. The charges are in connection with the P1.3 billion Makati Science

High School building project. Aside from the Makati Science building deal, the Binays were also accused of graft and plunder in over the alleged overpriced construction of Makati City Hall Building II. Salgado said he is positive that the Binays are not guilty of the charges they are facing. “Former VP Jojo Binay and former [Mayor] Junjun are confident that in a fair and impartial trial, they will be able to clear their names and dispute the baseless charges of patently biased Ombudsman,” Salgado said. n

PHIlIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, August 2, slammed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over Pyongyang’s nuclear activities that may endanger the region, calling him a “fool” and “crazy.” In a speech peppered with expletives, Duterte further described Kim as a “chubby-faced” man and “son of a b****” who must be stopped for “playing with dangerous toys.” “Itong si Kim Jong Un, itong tarantado (this fool), you know if that guy — I do not think he is ready, but he is playing with dangerous toys, iyang buang na iyan (this crazy man),” Duterte said in his speech at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) anniversary in Quezon City. Duterte’s remarks came days ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF) hosted by the Philippines. North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Su-yong is expected to attend the ARF on Monday, August 7, which is considered as among the region’s largest security forums. “That chubby face that looks kind. That son of a b****. If he commits a mistake, the Far East will become an arid land. It must be stopped, this nuclear war,” Duterte remarked. He further said, “A limited confrontation and it blows up here, I will tell you, the fallout can deplete the soil, the resources and I don’t know what will happen to us.” This is not the first time Duterte spoke against the North Korean

leader. In April, the Philippine president questioned Kim’s sanity, calling him a “madman.” Following his colorful remarks, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that the chief executive’s comments only meant to express the country’s “very serious concern” over the dangers that may caused by Pyongyang’s nuclear activities. In a press conference, DFA Spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar said the president is particularly concerned at the welfare of Filipinos that may be affected by the rising tension in Korean Peninsula. He pointed out that the Philippines is geographically near North Korea, and is likely within reach of a missile. He added that Duterte is also concerned regarding the safety of overflights in the Philippine area of responsibility. “It is an expression of concern on the part of the Philippines over the developments on the Korean Peninsula. We have 50,000 plus Filipinos in the Republic of Korea. We are very close to the Korean Peninsula in terms of geography,” Bolivar said. Earlier this week, a delegation from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), headed by its by Vice Foreign Minister Choe Hui Chol, visited Manila and met with Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano. North Koreans were reportedly worried that the ASEAN may issue a strongly-worded statement against them in the upcoming ARF in connection with the tense situation in the Korean Peninsula, and pressure North Korea to abandon its planned missile tests.

The regional bloc previously expressed “grave concern” over the rising tension in Korean Peninsula. It also expressed support for denuclearization in the area. A leaked draft communique reveals that ASEAN maintains its stance over the escalating tensions in the area. “We continue to express grave concerns over the developments in the Korean peninsula, including the most recent test by the [DPRK] of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on 4 July 2017 on top of its previous nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches,” the draft read. The United States reportedly called for the suspension of North Korea from participating in the ARF as part of broad efforts to diplomatically isolate Pyongyang and force it to abandon its nuclear ambitions. The Philippine government, however, dismissed Washington’s call, saying that the ARF serves as the only venue where ASEAN and other international communities could discuss its concerns with the the government of North Korea. “It is the only venue thus far that we have to promote candid and faithful dialog and to actually express our concerns to the DPRK side in a face-to-face manner shying away from what Secretary Cayetano calls megaphone diplomacy through press releases,” Bolivar said. He also took note that ARF, as a forum “do not have expulsion provisions.” He added that it is up to North Korea if it would leave the forum, as it does not have “hard and fast rules” on members’ exits. n

‘Shabu importer’ admits bribing Customs execs P27,000 paid per container; P17-M in just 3 months

by JeSS

Diaz Philstar.com

MANIlA - A witness in the House of Representatives’ inquiry into drug smuggling has admitted giving unnamed Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials up to P17 million in bribes in just three months. In the course of a 10-hour marathon hearing by the committee on ways and means that started at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2 and lasted up to 11:30 p.m., two congressmen also expressed fears that at least 2,000 kilos of shabu “may be potentially missing.” Broker-importer Mark Taguba made the admission about the bribes upon questioning by deputy speaker and Marikina Rep. Romero Quimbo. Taguba said his clients pay him P170,000 for every container of goods he handles. Of that amount, he said P40,000 goes to BOC as “all-in tariff” that is issued a receipt. “Do you give an additional amount to the BOC on the side and how much?” asked Quimbo. Taguba at first hesitated, but Quimbo told him that he has to save himself by telling the truth since so far, based on records, the broker had a big role in the shipment and release on May 23 of 605 kilos of shabu worth P6.4 billion. Quimbo recommended that Taguba be given legislative immunity from prosecution so he would be free to talk. Taguba then admitted giving BOC officials P27,000 for every container released. He said he handled at least “500 shipments” or containers from March to May this year. He said he did not know that the May 23 shipment contained a huge amount of shabu that BOC processed through its green or express lane and which Customs agents seized two days later in a Valenzuela City warehouse upon a tip from Chinese Customs authorities. Asked again by Quimbo if

there were Customs officers in the hearing room who received bribes from him, Taguba gave an affirmative answer. He also said his shipments were processed by the Manila International Container Port. At P27,000 per container and based on 500 containers, bribes Taguba has given BOC officers could reach P13.5 million. However, according to the testimonies of Customs officials, Taguba handled at least 630 shipments during the threemonth period. Computed on 630, the bribes totaled P17 million. Bribes at P270M daily In a statement issued later, Quimbo said that if the P27,000 bribe is for 10,000 shipments processed daily by Customs, money changing hands “is equivalent to P270 million per day.” Before President Duterte appointed former Marine officer Nicanor Faeldon as Customs commissioner, it had long been rumored in Customs that importers and brokers routinely pay a certain amount to get their cargoes promptly released. Apparently, this practice has not stopped. Taguba, 26, said he learned the ropes in Customs from his father, who was a Customs broker. The young Tabuga, “consignee for hire” Eirene Tatad and Teejay Marcellana, also a broker, jointly handled the more than 600 containers in March-May. They admitted that they are relatively new players at the port area. Tatad said her brother-in-law referred her to Taguba, who paid her EMT Trading P1,500 per container. Marcellana, on the other hand, received P500 per container from Taguba. The 40-foot van containing P6.4 billion worth of drugs found in five crates had a total of 23 packages, based on a BOC document. It was Rep. Jericho Nograles

of party-list Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta who noticed the discrepancy between the numbers 23 and five. “What happened to the 18 packages or boxes? Did you inspect them?” he asked Customs intelligence chief Neil Estrella, In the course of a 10-hour marathon hearing by the committee on ways and means that started at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2 and lasted who led the team that raided the up to 11:30 p.m., two congressmen also expressed fears that at least 2,000 kilos of shabu “may be potentially missing.” Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban Valenzuela warehouse. Estrella said they did not mind the 18 and were focused on the five crates that contained the huge shabu shipment. He said they assumed that the 18 contained “kitchenware” and other household items as declared by the importer-broker. “Or what was hidden there might also have been shabu that is now circulating in the market,” Nograles countered. On questioning by Quirino Rep. Dakila Cua, ways and means committee chairman, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents who were part of the raiding team said they too did not notice the 18 other packages. Cua suggested that the agents of the NBI and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency take the testimonies of personnel of the warehouse where the drugs were seized, the owner of the TU warehouse identified as a certain Richard Chen alias Richard Tan, and Kenneth Dong, Taguba’s client who brought in most of the 600 shipments Taguba, Tatad and Marcellana handled. When: Saturday, October 7, 2017 Since five crates contained 605 Where: Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, 400 West Flamingo Road, kilos, Cua said more than 2,000 kilos of shabu worth at least P22 Las Vegas, Nevada 89103 billion might have been hidden Prepaid Dinner Buffet ticket only: $65 per person in the 18 other packages. “That is shabu that may be potentially missing and at large,” Please make check payable to: he said. Aludiya Lagmay-Ganzon Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento said he accessed 8119 Mary E Ellen Avenue, North Hollywood, California 91605 Dong’s Facebook page and - or found out that the latter “operated a high-end bar in Cebu Priscilla Castaneto-Ruedas City.” 6851 Dale Street Apartment # 16, Buena Park, California 90621 “However, when I checked again this afternoon, the Facebook account has been mysteriously deactivated,” he said. n

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PCGG exceeds target, remits P375-M to government by Janvic

Mateo Philstar.com

MANIlA - Amid calls for its abolition, the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) reported remitting P375 million to the government this year, exceeding its annual target in just seven months. The PCGG said it has again established itself as one of the most efficient government agencies by breaching its remittance target of P336 million with still five months before the end of the year. It said it expects the recovery of another P100 million by December. “The PCGG is very pleased to

be able to contribute money that will be used for the programs of the Duterte administration, especially those intended for the farmers since P260 million of the funds collected this year will go directly to the agrarian reform programs,” the commission said in a statement. “This exemplary performance is not just an offshoot of the calls to abolish the PCGG but a significant testament to PCGG’s unwavering commitment towards excellence in public service,” it added. last week, the issue of the possible abolition of the PCGG was raised after Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno questioned

the relevance of the agency. The PCGG responded by noting its recovery of over P73 billion in the past five years, significantly lower than the budget it received from the government. “With still more than 200 pending cases in the Philippines and in other countries, the PCGG continues to seek the recovery of billions of pesos in ill-gotten wealth while at the same time managing billions of pesos worth of assets of the sequestered companies,” said the commission. It said it expects to recover P100 billion worth of ill-gotten wealth in the next three years. n

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FEATURES

OPINION

Law enforcement

DURING the early morning of Sunday, July 30, members of the Philippine National Police and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), armed with search warrants, raided homes of alleged illegal drug personalities in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. Mayor Reynaldo “Aldong” Parojinog Sr. and his wife died during the raid on their house, while 13 other people were left dead after the police operation. Authorities claimed that the shootout ensued when the Parajinogs and their supporters fired at police officers. Ironically, close circuit television (CCTV) cameras are installed in and around the Parojinog residence. However, the CCTV cameras were “paralyzed” during the time of the incident. Citing irregularities on how law enforcers conducted the raid, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is awaiting the official police report and is already initiating its own investigation on the incident. “No conclusions yet at this time, but the purpose of the investigation is to determine if protocols were followed in the implementation of the search warrant and use of deadly force,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia. CHR commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana reminded the PNP to comply with the existing rules of engagement covering arrest and search warrants. “There are set procedures on how to legally and validly serve warrants of arrest or search warrants,” Gana said. Several lawmakers have assailed the credibility of

the police operations and expressed doubt that due process was followed in the raid. The slain mayor’s daughter, Nova, accused the policemen of planting drugs at the scene. Meanwhile, Malacañang vowed that it would not meddle in the CHR’s investigation. United Nations human rights experts urged the government to immediately act on the increasing reports of human rights violations, including murder, threats against indigenous peoples and the summary execution of children. There are unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines that have become emblematic of persistent dangers that threaten everyone. Unless the PNP clarifies what really transpired during that fateful morning, the Parojinogs’ case will just be added to the string of criminal incidents wherein police officers have instantly shot suspected drug peddlers and pushers upon encounter. We live in a civilized society that is bound by laws, which required all people to live based on respect for the sanctity of life, democracy and human rights. It is unpleasant to see officers you expect to uphold the law and apprehend criminals, as the same people the citizenry should be afraid of. It is a betrayal of trust and a degradation of peace and streets. security. They are, after all, in charge of ensuring Without proper enforcement, stringent national the public’s safety and purging misfits from the and international laws do little in promoting and

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

protecting the right of every citizen. When this happens, the world succumbs to senseless violence. (AJPress)

Could the new chief of staff General John Kelly reign in on Trump?

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THE White House is in chaos, but let us look at the glimmer of hope in President Donald Trump’s appointment of General John Kelly as chief of staff, replacing Reince Priebus, who reportedly served for the shortest time in White House history — January 20 to July 27, 2017. Kelly previously served as the secretary of Homeland Security until Priebus stepped down amid the controversies, legislative failures, and internal turmoil that continue to hound the Trump administration. Priebus was the chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) since 2011 until Trump appointed him in January this year. Kelly was a decorated retired Marine general whose service to

the country includes three tours in Iraq. He has earned the respect of people he has worked with, with a kind of leadership that can withstand pressure, instill order and structure in the system. As a person, Kelly has been admired for his adherence to the truth, respect for people and the rule of law. In the seven month-old Trump presidency, many Americans hope Kelly as chief-of-staff can reign in on what is wrong in how the Trump administration is being ran, be able to help weed out all the drama in the White House and help the president be on the right track in fulfilling his promises to the American people. His first few days give us reasons to be optimistic — he fired the potty-mouth Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci. He has started to implement the military discipline and chain-of-command,

ganizations whose policies go against his own agenda; to announce policy changes like the banning of transgenders in the U.S. military which has blindsided even his own Defense Department secretary and Pentagon officials; and to use twitter aggrandize himself without regard for the truth? WHICH brings me to the next point — could Kelly reign in on Trump to be honest, transparent and faithful to the truth? Could he convince him to cooperate with the Mueller investigation instead of demonizing the investigators and the investigations themselves and help get to the bottom of the allegations against him? Could he convince Trump that doing this would actually help remove the cloud of doubt hovering over his presidency if indeed he is not hiding anything? Just last Monday, another expose came out from the Wash-

initially by making people in the White House like Steve Bannon, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Kellyanne Conaway, etc. report to him instead of going directly to Trump, as was the case during Priebus’ term. BUT the big test here is how he can be effective in his job with the 71-year-old Donald Trump as the “boss”. Questions we need to follow up on: Will Kelly be able to reign in on Trump’s Twitter problem which has proven to be the source of many of the Trump’s presidency problems — his reckless, impulsive use of twitter to accuse President Obama and the British spies of wiretapping and surveilling him; to lambast government officials in co-equal branches of government like judges, legislators who disagree with him; to pick a fight against leaders of other countries (except Russia’s Putin) as well as international or-

ington Post which alleged that Trump “dictated” the misleading statement Donald Jr. gave regarding his meeting with the Russian lawyers and other Russian players in the Trump Tower in June of 2016, during the U.S. presidential campaign season. This, after their repeated denials about Trump’s having no knowledge about the meeting and denials about having anything to do with Donald Jr.’s statement, which also came from no less than his personal lawyer. Could Kelly make Trump stop all the lies and be transparent and forthcoming from this day forward? Could Kelly rub off on Trump the RESPECT he needs to accord to people he work with, people he does not agree with, people critical of him, and make him realize he is now representing the Office of the President of the United States of America? Could he make Trump under-

stand that the three branches of government are co-equal and he, as president, should therefore respect their authority and treat them as partners in making America great again? Could he make him comprehend that he, as president, is not above the law, and should be leading with example on how to respect and follow the rule of law? I sincerely hope Kelly succeeds, because if he does, Trump has a better chance of succeeding in fulfilling his promise of making America great again. Otherwise, one of two things may happen: either Kelly resigns or Trump tells him, “YOU’RE FIRED!” *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column 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

Trillanes’ Magdalo co-mutineers in control of PH Customs

Commentary

RIGOBERTO D. TIGLAO SEN. Antonio Trillanes IV may be the most vociferous critic of President Duterte, but his comrades-in-arms in the mutineer group “Magdalo”* control the government’s key revenue-generating agency, the Bureau of Customs, holding its top posts. The head itself of the bureau is former Marine captain Nicanor Faeldon, who was really at the same level in the Magdalo leadership as Trillanes, their spokesman. Faeldon had been the most defiant of the Magdalo leaders, having escaped twice from detention and refusing an offer of pardon. A day after he was appointed Customs chief, Faeldon himself said that 20 officers that had been with the Magdalo would join Customs, and that “they will be embedded in the different collection districts.” The bureau has come under intense Senate scrutiny when it was discovered last month that a shipment it had cleared through its “express lane” had contained shabu worth P6.4 billion. The bureau had to scramble to raid the warehouse where the shipment was unloaded, after Chinese au-

thorities in Xiamen tipped the bureau about it. The Magdalo mutineers’ joining the Bureau of Customs, a notoriously corrupt agency, is in marked contrast to its older version, the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), that had played a crucial role in the EDSA uprising. Not a single RAM veteran went into government, except for Gringo Honasan, who was elected into office. The Magdalo mutineers of about 200 tried to overthrow government by occupying by force first, the Oakwood Hotel (now Ascott Makati) in 2003 and then, The Manila Peninsula in 2007, expecting that others in the military and in the opposition would join them in the fashion of the EDSA 1986 uprising. Nobody did, and they surrendered to the police after about 18 hours, after hearing its armored personnel carriers approaching. The coup attempts dented the country’s image of stability, frightening off a significant amount of investments, what with terrified investors finding themselves trapped in the high-end Ascott and Peninsula hotels. Key posts Other than Trillanes and Faeldon, the other Magdalo leaders—classmates in the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1995—who now all occupy key

posts at Customs are the following. • Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala, who is Faeldon and Trillanes’ peer at Magdalo, is deputy commissioner, in charge both of the management information systems and technology group, and head of the bureau’s “Command Center”. The office that approved the shipment that was found later to contain P6.4 billion worth of shabu is under the Command Center. • Army Capt. Milo Maestrecampo, who became a oneday sensation when he ranted like a mad dog, spewing expletives against government in a Magdalo press conference during the Oakwood mutiny, is director of the Import Assessment Services Office. • Navy Lt. James Layug, who ran for Kalinga governor but lost in 2010, is director of the crucial Port Operations Services. • Col. Alvin Ebreo is chief of the bureau’s legal services. There’s more. Faeldon brought into the bureau several military men not publicly known to be Magdalo mutineers: Col. Neil Estrella, director of the CIIS; Col. Henry Torres, acting deputy commissioner in charge of the internal administration group; and Gen. Natalio Ecarma, deputy commissioner heading the revenue collection and monitoring

group. My sources at Customs claim that Faeldon had brought into the bureau nearly 200 other Magdalo officers and soldiers, employing them as “consultants”. While the Senate committee on dangerous drugs is investigating how the P6.4 billion worth of shabu was cleared by Customs, it might as well seek to find out how many Magdalos there are at Customs now. In appointing Faeldon as Customs head, Duterte—it is not clear if he is aware that the Magdalo mutineer had brought his other comrades into the bureau—more likely thought that his leading coup attempts against government indicated he had the character of someone committed to reforming the country. A Magdalo customs official boasted at a Senate hearing yesterday that under them, the bureau had apprehended so and so worth of illegal drugs being smuggled into the country and had banned over 65 brokers suspected of evading taxes due on their shipment. Haven’t increased However, customs revenues under the Magdalo-led bureau haven’t increased at all, with its tax effort (percentage of its revenues to GDP) remaining at 2.6 percent where it has been since the past decade. It would have

risen to as high as 3.4 percent (the figure for 2008) if the Magdalos had really cracked down, as they claim, on smuggling and graft in the bureau. This isn’t surprising. After all, how could a group of men whose expertise is war—and coup plotting—know how to run our Customs Bureau, which essentially requires, other than honesty, management skills as well as expertise in law and accounting? Worse, brokers say that corruption in the bureau hasn’t changed, that there are only “new faces.” There are rumors in the bureau that a high-ranking official was getting P28 million monthly in grease money from unscrupulous brokers. There is even one rumor circulating wildly that it was Duterte himself who jested at how expensive a Customs official’s Rolex was. Whether they are incompetent for the job or corrupt, the Magdalo’s control of the bureau poses a danger to Duterte. They could do what the New People’s Army did during the administration of Corazon Aquino, when she appointed a communist sympathizer to the bureau, who let communist cadres control the graft there, consequently raising hundreds of millions of pesos for their revolution. Never has a government agency, and a money-making one at

that, been under the control of a single gang. As they demonstrated in their coups against President Arroyo’s administration, the Magdalos are such power-seeking megalomaniacs that they would go against Duterte at the drop of a hat, if ever he encounters a strong political storm. It is still their dream, inspired by the successful 2014 Thai coup, to establish authoritarian rule in the country under them. Duterte should realize that Trillanes has demonstrated what a Magdalo mutineer really is. Trillanes, Faeldon, Gambala, Maestrecampo, and Layug are birds of the same feather. And it is certainly suspicious why the Magdalos in Customs — except Faeldon and only once during the elections — have never criticized Trillanes, nor he, them. *The mutineers presumptuously called themselves “Bagong Katipuneros” (“New Katipuneros”), referring to the revolutionary organization “Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan” that led the revolution against Spanish rule in 1896. They were instead dubbed “Magdalo” by the media, as the armbands they wore during their coup attempts was that of the Cavite-based Magdalo faction of the Katipunan. (ManilaTimes.net)

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 4-10, 2017

Sereno skips en banc approval for bulletproof car by Jomar

Canlas ManilaTimes.net

CHIEF Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno sought bulletproofing for her brand-new, high-end Toyota sport utility vehicle (SUV) without authority from the full Supreme Court. An investigation by The Manila Times investigation found that only the purchase of the P5.1million Toyota Land Cruiser had clearance from the full court, or the Supreme Court en banc. “Mukhang pinalusot sa amin iyang bulletproof car na iyan, hindi ko matandaan (It looks like the purchase of that bulletproof car was sneaked past us, I don’t remember it0,” one Supreme Court justice told The Times. Another magistrate thought the procurement was for a regular or ordinary SUV just like those of other justices, but not the “high-end” model like the Land Cruiser. “Ang alam ko ordinary SUV lang, mga P1.5 million, `yun kasi ang regular na binibili para sa mga justices. Hindi high-end SUV. Tapos bulletproof pa pala. Walang authority iyang bulletproofing sa en banc (What I know is that only an ordinary SUV would be bought, costing about P1.5 million. That’s the regular purchase of vehicles for justices. Not a high-end SUV. And it turns out it’s bulletproof. That bulletproofing has no authority from the en banc),” the justice said. The bulletproofing of Sereno’s SUV, which industry experts have said could cost taxpayers up to P4 million, was included in the impeachment complaints filed against the Chief Justice at the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te declined to comment on this story. Pearl white A court en banc resolution dated March 28, 2017 approved only the procurement of the pearl-white Toyota Land Cruiser for Sereno. “The Court Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Goods and Services, to AWARD to Toyota Makati, Inc. the contract for the supply and delivery of a motor vehicle for the Supreme Court (1 Unit of SUV 4×4 — Toyota Land Cruiser 200) in the amount of Five Million One Hundred Ten Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P5,110,500.00),” stated the resolution drafted by Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo. The purchase was also contained in “AM (Administrative Matter) No. 17-03-06-SC (Re: Award of the Contract for the Supply and Delivery of Motor Vehicles for the Supreme Court (1 Unit of SUV 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser 200).”

‘BETRAYAL OF PUBLIC TRUST’ Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption Chairman Dante Jimenez (second from left), Eligio Mallari of the Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution (left), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Martin Diño (third from left) and lawyer Larry Gadon (right) show their impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to the media on Wednesday, Aug. 2. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

The court’s BAC proceeded with the procurement of the vehicle after the passage of the resolution, which was signed by Felipa Anama, clerk of court. Only Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe was on official leave when the resolution was passed. Alternate vehicle Sereno asked the court’s Procurement Planning Committee and BAC to provide her a bulletproof SUV on December 2, 2016. The first indorsement letter, addressed to Deputy Court Administrator Thelma Bahia, chairman of the BAC, was signed by Ma. Carina Cunanan, assistant chief of the Office of Administrative Services and chairman of the Procurement Planning Committee. The SUV is already being used by Sereno, alternately with her old Starex van. A Certificate of Availability of Funds, dated November 25, 2016, stated that the amount of P5,263,815.00 was available for the purchase of the Toyota Land Cruiser, “exclusive of vehicle bullet proofing.” Palace hands off On Thursday, Malacañang said President Rodrigo Duterte won’t meddle with the impeachment complaints against the chief justice. The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) and Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution on Wednesday filed impeachment complaints against Sereno for supposed culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, corruption, and other high crimes. They accused Sereno of releasing administrative orders without the approval of the Supreme Court en banc. The complaints against Sereno however will not be considered verified without the endorsement of a congressman. Sereno’s predecessor, Renato Corona, was impeached and

ousted in 2012 on allegations he misdeclared his wealth. When Marcos loyalists and bloggers filed impeachment complaints against Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo in May, Duterte spoke up, telling his allies in Congress to “lay off.” Fariñas won’t endorse, yet House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas won’t endorse the impeachment complaint against Sereno, at least for now. Larry Gadon, one of the complainants, disclosed that he had asked at least five lawmakers to endorse his complaint, which has 27 articles of impeachment, against Sereno. Fariñas said Gadon should secure certified true copies of Supreme Court orders or circulars. Gadon’s complaints were based on newspaper reports, he noted. n

LET THERE BE LIGHT. Energy officials push the button, signifying the energization of the National Electrification Administration’s (NEA) 12 millionth consumer in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, Aug. 2. In photo are NEA board members Rene Gonzales and Agustin Maddatu, Department of Energy Undersecretary Petronilo Ilagan, NEA chief Edgardo Masongsong, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, and Assistant Secretary Jonas Soriano led the lighting ceremony during NEA’s celebration of its 48th founding anniversary and the launch of the 8th National Electrification Awareness Month. PNA photo by Abs A. Abando

Duterte defends cops involved in Parajinog slay by PatriCia lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte justified the bloody police raid in Ozamiz City which resulted in the death of Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, his wife and 13 others. Last Sunday, July 30. members of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group raided homes of alleged illegal drug personalities in Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental. Duterte said it was part of his order to the police and the military to kill alleged illegal drug personalities. “(To) the police and the mili-

tary (I) said: ‘Make sure that their enemies are dead.’ Otherwise, the other guy can still pull the trigger, you would end up with a dead police or a dead military soldier,” Duterte told reporters in a media briefing on Wednesday, Aug. 2. He added that his order to the police and the military was to destroy organizations, both suppliers and users, involved in the illegal drug trade. Malacañang said that the raids in Ozamiz City were part of the government’s intensified war on drugs. Abella added that the Parojinogs were included on the president’s list of personalities allegedly in-

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is seen hours before President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives last July 24 . Philstar.com photo by AJ Bolando

Alvarez: No apology needed for Customs official’s ‘imbecile’ remark by rosette

adel

Philstar.com

MANILA —House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Tuesday, Aug. 1, said there is no need for a Bureau of Customs official to say sorry for referring to him as an imbecile in a private social media post. Alvarez he said he does not mind the criticism against him posted in social media comment by lawyer Mandy Anderson, Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon’s chief of staff. “Ah, hindi naman po kailangan e,” Alvarez said when asked if Anderson has reached out to him and apologized. “Kasi lalabas at lalabas din yun kung sino talaga yung imbecile, lalabas yun. At saka bale wala sa akin yun. Alam mo, this is a free country, you can call anybody kung anong pangalan. Kung anong tawag, kung yun ang gusto mong itawag sa kanya. Go ahead, this is a free country,” he said in a transcription of an interview released by his office. On June 16, Anderson called Alvarez an “imbecile” online as she posted an article regarding Alvarez’s call to abolish the Court of Appeals. “I’m hoping and praying he tries so he realizes what an imbecile he is when is he fails,” Anderson wrote on her Facebook post, which she

has pointed out was private. “Isn’t there any one else in the House composed of 200+ representatives who can actually be speaker? Nakakahiya na!,” she added. Anderson was called out by House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas last week, saying she disrespected the whole House of Representatives. The BOC official apologized before the House panel but not to the speaker. She claimed she did not mean to insult anybody but was just “angry at that time over several issues,” citing Alvarez’s endorsement to promote an official, whom Anderson considers unqualified for the post. For Alvarez, however, it is better to focus on more legitimate issues. He cited the country’s drug issues as he referred to an issue involving the BOC and P6.4 billion worth of drugs that passed through Customs and was later seized in a BOC-led raid. “‘Yung sa akin lamang ay mas concerned ako dito sa mga legitimate issues na kung saan kailangan talagang tutukan natin, dahil yung ating Pangulo ay hirap na hirap na para i-address itong problema natin sa droga,” Alvarez said. “At eto tayo ngayon tons of shabu ay pinalusot ng Bureau of Customs. At kung hindi pa tayo nag-iimbistiga ay maaaling isailalim na lang ito sa rug,” he added.

)ROORZ XV RQ

volved in the illegal drug trade. Meanwhile, Ozamiz City Vice Mayor Nova Princess ParojinogEchavez urged Duterte to look into the raids in her family’s residences, leading to the death of her parents and 13 others. She claimed that the illegal drugs and firearms reportedly found at their residences were planted and that the raiding team removed hard drives of the closedcircuit television cameras installed in their homes. Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa admitted that it was wrong for the CIDG to remove the hard drive of the cameras installed in the Parojinog residences. n

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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 4 , 20 1 7

ASIAN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL & SINEHAN SA SUMMER 2017

FOCUSING ON FILIPINO SHORT FILMS IN NYC FESTS by MOMAR

G. VISAYA/AJPress

A NUMBER of Filipino short films have made it to the lineup of the 40th Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF40), presented by Asian CineVision in association with Asia Society. The annual fest, held from July 26 to August 5 at Asia Society and Village East Cinema in Manhattan, is the nation’s first and longest running Asian interest film festival. This year, AAIFF40 is proud to present 20 feature films and 63 short films representing 18 countries. A couple of these short films also made their way to the Sinehan sa Summer 2017, an annual month-long event sponsored by the Philippine Consulate General New York. We chatted with the two directors whose films are being shown in both festivals. At AAIFF, both shorts were under the “Made in NYC: Love Letters to New York” program, which explains that with almost 8.5 million people spread across five boroughs, compelling New York City stories are being told every day. This program highlighted the diverse aspirations, failures, and energy of Asians in the Big Apple. “Distance” (directed by Craig Nisperos) Craig Nisperos is a Seattleborn and raised storyteller based in NYC. As a first generation FilipinoAmerican, he said he wanted to give a fresh perspective on modern day immigration. “Distance” is the story of Craig, a modern day immigrant who struggles with being away from his home and his family. “Even in a city of millions, loneliness is inescapable,” the film’s short description explains. “There are similarities with my parents’ immigration story and my story from leaving Seattle to move to NYC. The intent was to focus on the mental health aspect of moving away from home and the importance of family in many decisions,” Craig shared. “The term Distance refers to the physical and emotional separation from family.” Craig was inspired to do the film “Distance” based on his own experience as a Seattle transplant in NYC for about a decade, including the people he has met along the way, some of whom also moved away from what they consider “home.” There, Craig realized that despite the “great and exciting” feeling to start fresh outside of one’s comfort zones, there was an underlying emotion that everyone has experienced - whether it’s for a fleeting moment or for a month. “The problem I noticed was that many weren’t willing to openly talk about it. Some friends kept it internal, some when to therapy. After creating Distance, it was interesting to see how many people did open up about the

“Buang-Bulawan (Fool’s Gold)”

dark side of their experiences,” he shared. Have you always been interested in film-making? As a filmmaker, Craig got his start with cameras like most people, which he used to document life as he saw it, especially during his travels. After moving to NYC, he developed more interest in photography. When he started to dwell and focus on the story-telling part, he realized he wanted to learn more about the craft of filmmaking. He gained more experience as he did commercials, music videos, and wedding films where he had to tell stories from 30 seconds, three minutes or 5 minutes. “Distance” is Craig’s first short film. “The goal of the film was to tell my story of moving away from home. I wanted to say the words I have always wanted to tell my family every time I wanted to move home and also write the words I’ve heard to keep me moving on in NYC. As mentioned in the Q&A, the hardest part of the film was getting the story right for my parents,” he shared. “Without them immigrating from the Philippines, raising me in an atypical Filipino household, and always encouraging me to pursue my passions, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I have done, including Distance. Although not every word is autobiographical, I wanted to create something that any viewer who has ever felt the pains of loneliness could relate to.” “The Pleasure of Being Served” (directed by Michael Manese) Born in the Philippines and raised in Passaic, New Jersey, Michael Manese studied filmmaking at Rutgers University. He is a Web Project Manager by trade and an Advanced Brown Belt Karate student. “The Pleasure of Being Served” tells the story of Rosa, an undocumented immigrant from the Philippines (played by Maan Cruz) who works for a wealthy family in Manhattan and struggles to make ends up as she desperately works to bring her son to America. Her job as a domestic worker proves more difficult as she is tasked with juggling the logistics of her boss’s girlfriends. After befriending

“Distance” (directed by Craig Nisperson)

both of them, she’s cornered into making a decision — either be quiet and accept his money or tell the women she cares about of his manipulative lies. “I’m hoping this project will not only highlight Filipinos and their culture to a wider, mainstream audience but also provide a glimpse of what it’s like to be an undocumented worker working in America,” Michael said. “It’s just something you don’t see on a regular basis on TV or the movies. My long term is to eventually produce a feature length version of this short film that’s set against the background of the 2016 US Presidential Election.” Michael’s inspiration to do the film comes from two of his favorite movies ever - “Hud” (the name of the male lead character) and “The Remains of the Day,” which coincidentally, feature a cleaning woman, and a butler. “I like the themes of how some characters, some people deal with getting or not getting emotionally attached to their work. I’ve been an aspiring filmmaker for years. I’m still making films but I need to have a day job and I try to keep my focus on the two separate. Also, I’ve always wanted to do a movie with subtitles. Here was my chance,” he shared. His interest in filmmaking was piqued way back in the 80s after watching the Woody Allen film “Annie Hall” when he was in high school. He was amazed that Allen wrote, directed, and starred in it, a true auteur. He couldn’t make films back then so for a while he got into cartooning. At Rutgers, Michael studied film production. He remembers that back then, they were shooting in 16mm and it just became too expensive. Years later, starting in 2012, he returned to filmmaking, or what he calls “videomaking” thanks to digital technology. His short film “When bart6874 met lulu5547,” a silent film about senior citizens doing online dating made it to 13 film festivals. “Maxine” (2014) an experimental short about a couple breaking up went to six festivals. “The Pleasure of Being Served” (2016), so far this year, has made it to six film festivals as well. Michael found the screening at the 40th Asian American International Film Festival at the Asia Society Museum great. “It was a packed house and the reactions, from laughter to gasps, were lively,” he shared. Buang-Bulawan & Flip the Record Two other Filipino shorts made it to the lineup at AAIFF40. “Buang-Bulawan (Fool’s Gold)” was screened under “Mad Mad World” while Flip the Record was under “Nevertheless, She Persisted: Stories of Women”. “Flip the Record” is a1980s coming-of-age story set to pulsing hip-hop music where Ness, a

“Flip the Record”

Filipino-American teen discovers her identity through a budding talent for turntablism and her place in the local music scene of the era. The film showcases a littleknown but lasting explosion of hip-hop culture that grew out of the Filipino-American community of 1980s San Francisco. This film takes the viewers into the beat of an aspiring mobile DJ crew in ’84, as 14-year-old Vanessa, sick of the constraints and boring piano lessons in her conservative FilipinoAmerican household, starts teaching herself on the sly how to scratch on her older brother’s turntables. We follow Ness as she discovers her talents and Marie Jamora, an awardwinning filmmaker from Manila wore different hats for this film, acting as its Writer/Director/ Producer/Editor/Music Supervisor. Her feature debut, “Ang Nawalala” (What Isn’t There), premiered internationally at the Slamdance Film Festival and was nominated for five Gawad Urian Philippine Critics Awards. Marie began her career as music video and commercial director, directing over 45 music videos and many commercials for some of the world’s biggest brands including Coca-Cola, Colgate, and Gillette. She received an MFA in Film from Columbia University. She is currently working on her first documentary, Legions of Boom, which is fiscally sponsored by the San Francisco Film Society. “Having grown up in the Philippines during the golden age of Manila’s indie rock scene, I was fascinated by the revelation that second-generation FilipinoAmericans in the San Francisco Bay Area helped shape American hip-hop through Turntablism, and yet hardly anyone knows about it,” Marie said. With “Flip the Record,” she wanted to change that narrative. “I wanted to recreate this undiscovered music scene through a young Filipino girl’s experience: how dance music’s high energy connects with her more than her

Photos courtest of Asian American International Film Festival (AIFF)

piano lessons, and how — bullied by an older brother who heads his own mobile DJ unit — she finds the courage to stand out and stand up to him through music,” she shared. “The title has three meanings. First, it’s about a teenage girl who “ flips” her older brother’s runty view of her, using his own turntable and mashing up original Filipino music as her means of expression. Second, it tries to reclaim the derogatory term “Flip” (an acronym for “F*cking Little Island People” used by

American troops stationed in the Philippines) and give it a more positive, empowering spin. Lastly, we want to highlight and immortalize the contribution of Fil-Ams to American music history,” Marie said. Buang-Bulawan is a 15-minute short film directed by Terimar Malones. It tells the story of Romel, a seafarer from Iloilo, who faces a dilemma after discovering what’s inside the bag left by Makay, a street vendor he accidentally bumped into.

“The Pleasure of Being Served” (directed by Michael Manese)

Graham Powell, Michael Manese, Maan Cruz, Mara Lee Gilbert, PJ Valentini

Green card holders and other non-citizens: What to do when you receive a jury summons

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ Dear atty. Gurfinkel: I just received a jury summon from the County Courthouse, but I am in illegal status (TNT). How did they get my name and address? Do I have to serve on a jury? Will Immigration be able to track me down? Will I be reported to Immigration? How can I get out of serving on a jury? Should I just ignore or throw away the jury summons? I am really worried about this and have not been able to sleep since I received the jury summons in the mail. Very truly yours, a.S. Dear A.S.: County Courthouses (or the County Office of Jury Commissioner) typically select potential jurors from voter registration lists or DMV records. Since you have not registered to vote (and cannot vote since you are not a US Citizen, and this includes green card holders), it is likely that your name was selected from DMV records. Therefore, as long as a person has driver’s license, his name will be listed on DMV records, and his name could come up for jury selection. In order to be eligible to serve as a juror, a person must be at least 18 years of age or older, and a US citizen. Non-citizens (including green card holders, non-immigrants, and TNTs) would therefore not be eligible to serve

as a juror. Typically, the jury summons has a number of questions about a person’s eligibility to serve as a juror. One of the questions is, “Are you a US citizen?” Obviously, you would have to answer that question as “No.” Once the Jury Commissioner’s office sees that response, they typically would not pursue the matter further. Some of the questionnaires also ask that if the person is not a US citizen, that the person provide his “alien number.” If the person is a non-immigrant or is in illegal status, that person may not have an alien number. So, you should probably write “not applicable” or “none.” I have seen some situations where the Jury Commissioner’s Office wants even more “proof” that a person truly is not a citizen (i.e. they want to make sure that a citizen is not trying to get out of jury duty, by claiming that he is not a citizen). So, even if the “No” box is checked (that the person is not a citizen), the clerk still wants more proof. In that situation, you may want to include the picturepage of your Philippine passport, which would indicate that you are still a Philippine citizen. Furthermore, the Office of Jury Commissioner does not report anyone to the Department of Homeland Security. The Office of Jury Commissioner is a county office, not a “federal” agency, and all they’re interested in is getting

Philstar.com

Marian Rivera

FAMOUS couples have taken to social media to share photos and videos of their babies and kiddos, filling their fans’ news feeds of their #OOTDs and adorable antics. Several celebrity offsprings even have their own Instagram accounts managed, of course, by the proud parents. Marian Rivera is not about to hitch on the bandwagon though. She prefers to have

Philstar.com photo

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY AU G U ST 4 , 20 1 7

enough US citizens to sit on juries. They are not in the business of enforcing immigration laws. Under no circumstance should you ignore a jury summons, because if you do, you could face possible fines and penalties through the county court system. But, the bottom line is if you are in illegal status, you should really think about doing something so that you could get in legal status, get a green card, eventually become a US citizen, and then you could possibly serve on a jury. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars 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 Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES

FAKE TOURIST VISA RESULTED IN BEING SENT BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES “A TO A”, AND LATER JEOPARDIZED HIS IMMIGRANT VISA DUE TO FRAUD -- ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF CITIZEN PINOY! Johnnatan (second from left) got a tourist visa through a newspaper ad that advertised “Non-Appearance” Visas for $2500. He entered the US in 2002 without any problems, but when he returned in 2003, he was held at the airport and sent back to the Philippines, after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accused him of using a fake or counterfeit tourist visa. That meant a possible lifetime ban. Years later, his mother’s petition became current, and he was afraid how his fake tourist visa would affect his and his daughter’s chances of immigrating to the US. Watch how a family was able to overcome a fraud charge and be reunited, on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – this Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA

DURING the 2010 Super Bowl, a 30-second pro-life ad featuring Tim Tebow and his mother, Pam, (Advertising Supplement) got some precious air time before a captive audience of over a hundred million. It’s theme: Celebrate Life. It was a simple ad in a white backdrop that has Tim’s mother telling a short narrative that when she was pregnant with Tim while glimpses of her life with firstborn Zia she and her husband were doing missionary work in the Philippines posted on either husband Dingdong more than 20 years ago, she Dantes’ Instagram or hers. contracted a life-threatening disease, For the Kapuso star, not setting which had her doctor advising her to up a separate soc-med account for abort her baby. She decided against their one-year-old toddler is their aborting her baby. way of letting her grow up with The ad closes with the result of that decision, the young Heisman some privacy. Trophy winner — Tim Tebow, her “ay ayoko. Kung gusto niya football playing son who takes time (Zia) mag-Instagram paglaki niya, to do Christian missionary work gawin niya. Pero parang kami ang in the Philippines and elsewhere, hahawak? (No). Gusto naming ibigay playfully tackling her mother and yung privacy na para sa anak namin,” asking, “Are you still worried about Marian told The Star. me, Mom?” Nevertheless, mother and Pro-abortion groups, NOW and Continued on Page 5 NARAL, worked hard to prevent CBS

Bashers won’t make Marian Rivera quit social media by Nathalie tomada

An Asian Journal Magazine

The fight for dear life “America your very future as a nation depends on your willingness to protect the right to life of the most defenseless in your soceity.” —Pope John Paul II from airing this ad. As it turns out, the ad was so benign that many, on both sides of the issue, had their heads scratching about why there was so much banshee-wailing and offensive counter-positioning from women pro-abortion groups whose intolerance of viewpoints other than their own, has become more and more strident and desperate. Edmund Burke, once said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” The issue of ABORTION stares us in the face. That is why true blue dyed-in-the-wool Christians and Catholics who voted for Clinton in the last election despite knowing full well she stood for abortion even at near full term must deal with cognitive dissonance so strong and unrelenting, their conscience should make it difficult to sleep most nights.

All God-fearing and /or Godloving citizens everywhere across the nation should fully engage in this issue. As a dyed-in-thewool Catholic conservative in agreement with millions of Christian evangelicals in many parts of the county, I staunchly believe that the gift of life is from God and that life begins at the moment of conception. There can be no equivocation on this issue. Abortion is nothing less than the murder of innocents — a most grievous offense against the Holy Spirit from whom all life emanates. It is the duty of all who hold human life sacred to fight for it and uphold moral laws that guarantee the life of future generations. It’s not easy to stick your neck out these days particularly with Continued on Page 5

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places

2017 People’s Ball Honorary Chairs and production dancers

BoBBy T. yalong THE tense situation plus the Herculean task and responsibilities bestowed upon the shoulders of anybody dispensed with the task of organizing and managing an event left him fidgety, uptight, edgy, illtempered, and petulant…and even sleepless at the worst case scenario. The success of the occasion depends not solely on him but on a collective effort, clever brainstorming, skillful planning and implementation with a common foresight aimed at attaining a solid goal. A proven option in achieving such objective is to seek the support of reliable and influential personalities in the community… and that was precisely what the moving forces behind the 2017 People’s Ball did. After a series of nomination and a long process of elimination, Fiesta in America’s People’s Ball committee finally came up with three of the most capable and esteemed personalities and, in all probability, will be efficient front man and women of the prestigious annual event. Meet the this year’s three People’s Ball Honorary Chairs: Maria Pilar Monje Eminently distinguished in the Fil-Am Community as a Dance Enthusiast and an exceptionally knowledgeable accountant, Pilar currently works as the Financial Accounting Manager of the David webb Group at Madison Avenue in New York City after having been affiliated with TCBA watson Rice llP, the Kalaw Group of Companies, Igedo Fashions, Inc., and Ernst & Young. Aptly armed with an innate charm and a persuasive personality, she indefatigably offers free tax preparation services to senior citizens while providing continuing Professional Education for accountants. Pilar, by nature, is gregariously companionable while being reserved in her own innate ways. “Being affiliated and closely drawn in with Fiesta in America’s People’s Ball has given me much more opportune time to be connected with the members of

Singer-actor Sam Milby sees a future with present girlfriend, TV host Mari Jasmine. Photo from his Instagram account

Sam Milby to younger celebs: Invest your money

FIA-People’s Ball Production Dancers

by Maridol

ranoa-BisMark ManilaTimes.net

Atty. Nick Caraquel

the community aside from the fact that I could personally offer them my own perspective of the 60s era’s significant episodes,” Pilar earnestly uttered with eyes glistening and while beaming with a toothy smile. “Actually I couldn’t conceal my excitement after learning about this year’s theme… very nostalgic, indeed!” Jocelyn “Joyce” Aligarbes A very visible and dynamic figure in almost every FilipinoAmerican event, Joyce is an effectual fundraiser and community leader having recently chaired PIDCI’s 2017 Mrs. Kalayaan while being a ravishing beauty with queenly demeanor, herself. She has been crowned and honored by different Filipino-American organizations. A Registered Nurse, her dedication to her profession exceeds the boundaries of her calling. Currently Joyce is affiliated with Jacobi Medical Center as Supervisor of Nursing while simultaneously working as a Medical Biller in a physician’s office. And here’s what she has to say about being one of this year’s People’s Ball Honorary Chairs: “Overwhelmed, of course!” She instantaneously responded upon queried. “It is a rare opportunity to be involved with such prestigious event… an event much-awaited and well-attended among the various Filipino-American organizational social occurrences. I just hope I’ll be able to meet their expectation and deliver the very essence of the responsibilities that my being an Honorary Chair entails.”

Jocelyn (Joyce) Aligarbes

Ma. Pilar Monje

Atty. Nicolas “Nick” Caraquel After having incessantly defied every single life’s impediment and disheartening encumbrances, Atty. Nick is incessantly armed with a munificent heart and an unflinching determination to further succeed in his advocacy. Challenging immigration cases all the more emboldened his stand to competently be of assistance to the many underprivileged that seek his services. If poverty has stolen the freedom of his childhood easily, now his thriving achievements are effectually structuring his dignity and distinction while simultaneously establishing his moniker (and boldly stamping his mark) as one of the most sought-after immigration lawyers this side of the east coast. “I was having second thoughts when the position was first offered to me…I wasn’t really used to this or any similar social gathering. Not that I am an introvert or what but after giving it some thought and having analyzed it with thorough scrutiny, I said, why not? After all this is an essential faction that I need to be engaged with as an advocate

and advisor for society…while getting exposed and intermingling with people of diverse color, creed, and ethnicity could unmistakably be an enriching experience worth my involvement with the Fiesta in America’s People’s Ball as an Honorary Chair.” These Honorary Chairs gamely threw their caution to the air and readily participated in the production number which more than proved their wholehearted willingness and voluntarism with good grace. Incidentally, the 2017 People’s Ball adapted the Psychedelic Decade of the 60s…another nostalgically quixotic era that is equally significant, if not totally more noteworthy, like last year’s Roaring 20s Authentically donned and genuinely garbed in bell bottom pants, palazzos, multi-hued moomoo long dresses, tiss and coiffure hairdos, and exotically shaded eyes that are reminiscent of the 1960s period, the regular fixtures of the People’s Ball’s choreographed Continued on Page 6

TwElvE years is a long time to be in an industry that banks on fresh talents and new faces to survive. So Sam Milby, who started out as a “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate, cannot believe he is not just around. He even has a comeback album, “Sam: 12” under Star Music. The Fil-Am thinks it is amazing to see how times have changed. Back in the day when he was starting out in the biz, he politely called his elders Kuya, Tito or Tita. Now, it is his turn to answer to the name Kuya Sam when newbies address him in the ABS-CBN variety show “ASAP.” Back in the day, social media was not even a glint in anyone’s world. Today, younger celebs get millions of Twitter or Instagram followers and feel that they are rulers of the universe. That is why he has words of advice for them. “Enjoy the journey. But don’t base your self-worth on social media. Don’t measure your value as a person on (social media) comments,” Sam says. The bottom line, he adds, is self- love. look within — not somewhere else — for selfvalidation. Be your own source of strength. Sam’s other advice centers on making hay while the sun shines. He admits it is easy to go sky’s the limit when you experience a money surge. But do not get carried away, he warns. Be practical. Invest. Sam walks the talk. He invested in a recording studio in his own condo unit. He admits recording gear is expensive. But the

passionate singer looks at it as an investment, not an expense. “I enjoy recording for my friends when they have a mall show. They can do it in my place. They can even video edit,” he says with pride. Sam even bought his own drone because “I want take nice drone shots.” He also co-produces “Sam:12,” his comeback album after six years. “I don’t want to get music out of my system,” he explains. So the album marks Sam’s return to his first love. Someone who cares this much for his craft is bound to stay in showbiz, even in the uh, “advanced” age of 33. He knows how to look back and thank those who made his success possible. “Give back to the fans; thank them,” he gives more words of wisdom. This is why Sam thinks even his US-based fans whom he does not see so often feel he has not changed through the years. They even support his relationship with Tv host Mari Jasmine. Fans feel happy for him when he posts a photo of their sweet moments on his Instagram account. “She’s my inspiration. I dedicate my songs to her,” the enamored Sam relates. Yes, he sees her in his future. That is why he can sing about love with more feelings. Does this mean he will tie the knot anytime soon? Sam answers by way of a wish. “I hope I’ve found the one. I’m in my 30s. I’m at an age when I can get married.” Sam is bound to make many people happy when that big day comes.

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ŉ æĲįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíßßĽæÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽĲĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

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Janice De Belen on parenting: ‘Allow your kids to do what they want’ By ELIJAH

RODEROS AJPRESS

MULTI-AWARD winning actress and a mother of five, Janice De Belen, is a proud mom of her two recent graduates, Yuan Estrada, 18, and Kaila, 21. Kaila finished Arts Management, while Yuan graduated from high school. In a recent episode, Malia was Her other children, Luigi caught in the middle of the jungle as she was confronted by a group of Muhlach, with Aga Muhlach, vampires. She had no choice but to has his own family, Inah, 25, and fight these blood-sucking creatures Moira, 24, with his ex-husband using her instincts and speed. John Estrada are also done with Following her face-off with the their studies. vampires, she decided to change When it comes to the her appearance by cutting her courses her children want to hair short to deceive Supremo, take, Janice says that they are the leader of the vampires played free to choose whatever they by Richard Gutierrez. Malia is on a want. mission to penetrate the vampire camp to avenge her family. “I mean it’s not my The show is heaping praises for accomplishment. It’s their the story and how the characters accomplishment. Kasi kahit fit their roles so seamlessly. As naman ipilit ko sa kanila na one of the biggest Filipino series magtapos, kung hindi sila to air this 2017, “La Luna Sangre” makakatapos, wala akong did not disappoint in bringing us magagawa. (Eventhough, I push entertainment at its finest. Everything in this series screams them to finish their studies, if world-class and the Twitterworld stands by it. I wouldn’t be surprised if the show gains praises internationally just like its successor. But until then, I’ll be on standby for the upcoming episodes that are getting more exciting by the minute. . ***

‘La Luna Sangre’ saga soars high on national TV BY MONET

WE all know that aside from cheesy and a la Cinderella-turnedprincess movie plots, Filipinos love horror, fantasy and folklores. It doesn’t come as a surprise then when a TV series with such themes drive us crazy to the point of drooling in front of the television. However, it takes a certain mastery in direction and casting the perfect characters to achieve a rating of 33.9 percent in its first week, a feat that “La Luna Sangre” — ABS-CBN’s newest serye — has gained without a doubt. According to data from Kantar Media, “La Luna Sangre” hit a national TV rating of 33.9 percent from combined urban and rural homes, more than double the rating of its rival program — a local adaptation of a Korean series — which only got 13.8 percent. “La Luna Sangre” revolves around the prophecy that happened during the ‘blood moon,’ which predicted that the offspring of the most powerful vampire and the chosen wolf will end the wickedness of the vampire imprinted with the cursed ink. This child is believed to be Malia (Kathryn Bernardo). Malia survived an attack and was orphaned, which caused her to be raised under the care of other vampires and werewolves. They took them under their wing with hopes of her being the chosen one who is to save them from the

impending doom. But then they begin to doubt Malia when she fails to show her powers upon turning 21 years old. Out of shame, Malia chooses to leave her responsibility and bravely faces the world of mortals. There, she meets Tristan (Daniel Padilla), a young man who is hunting the vampire who killed his father. As their bond grows closer, it would seem like Malia could be the key to the justice that Tristan been searching for all these years. The plot thickens as the dilemma of Malia’s decision of whether to return to her world (which she left behind) and re-embrace her destiny or continue her quest to be on her own and with the company of someone she might be starting to have feelings for. “La Luna Sangre” is the third installation to the Internationallyacclaimed “She Wolf: The Last Sentinel” (“Lobo”) and its sequel “Imortal.” This epic saga about werewolves and vampires premiered last June 19 and instantly soared high on national TV ratings and topped the trending topics on Twitter worldwide. Top-billed by the Philippines’ premiere actors John Lloyd Cruz, Richard Gutierrez, Angel Locsin (who was nominated for Best Actress in the International Emmy Awards), and sought-after young actors Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, the show is an amalgamation of folklore, love story, suspense featuring modern special effects and wellcoordinated action scenes.

The fight for dear...

From Page 3 the so-called intellectual pundits of the liberal media spewing ridicule, bile and sarcasm over those who believe differently, relying on their Ivy League credentials for their authoritative take on social mores. It takes courage that comes from deep down to confront the issue of immorality that is becoming so pervasive and ingrained in popular culture, we can drown in it just by switching on the television or watching the movies. The scripts of sitcoms and the stories on TV are skewed towards political correctness, rather than what is true, good and moral, while most pander to the least common denominator in order to serve the largest demographics and the biggest markets. Our scandal-plagued churches and political figures seem to have lost the moral high ground and the voice that once seemed so sure and resonant in matters affecting life, is lost in the din and cacophony of so much chatter. That is why the family which was once a strong unit of society has to be revived and energized to take charge of a child’s upbringing — not society, not government, and certainly not the treacherous, lying media. A moral grounding that starts

from childhood, nurtured in the teen years and blossoming in adult life is basic in order to see through the twisted logic of political correctness and immorality and confront it head on. The moral issue of abortion far transcends any earthly concerns. The battered economy, the war on terror, national security, taxes, energy independence — all these are important issues of our time but as history will attest, all these will be overcome in due time and will eventually come to pass. But the crux of all these problems hinge on how we handle the critical issue of abortion. Western Europe is taking what looks like a dangerous turn. Once the bastion of Christianity and of Western civilization, it seems headed towards nihilism with its ultra liberal, globalist policies. This is the third time in a hundred years that Germany, as head of the EU, is undermining Europe. World War I, World War II and now via the EU and its suicidal policies, Germany might just succeed without firing a single shot. Just consider for instance, that most of its leaders are childless and seems incapable of thinking ahead for the benefit of future generations. If Western Europe doesn not wake up from its self-induced stupor, the

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daughter’s bonding moments have brought in more likes, follows and engagement to Marian’s well-curated Instagram, which recently reached the four-million mark in terms of number of followers. She also has a Facebook account with over 18 million likes, but her IG appears to be more personalized. In an age where celebs have opened up their worlds a little — or, a little too much — through social media, one thing perhaps you can’t accuse Marian of is using these platforms to engage haters, stir controversy and further foment negativity online. The delete button is definitely her friend. “Let’s say, yung mga nag-kocomment ng hindi maganda sa Instagram ko, nag-de-delete ako. Siempre hindi naman papayag yung totoong nagmamahal sa akin na maynamba-bash and… ang negative! So, I simply delete them. Dini-delete ko kasi nagaaway-away na,” she said, adding that she will never give them the chance to exchange tirades on her Instagram. Marian said there’s no reason for her to give bashers or trolls even an iota of her time. Instead of

responding to them, she’d rather “take care of my daughter and arrange flowers,” referring to her new floral arrangement business Flora Vida. “I’m not affected by the negative comments. My god, every time I see my daughter, whatever they say, my reaction is, OK. Kung anong buhay ngayon, trabaho lang walang personalan. Especially now that I’m working for my daughter.” Even as one of the most active and followed personalities, ergo, one of the most exposed to the good, the bad and the ugly online, Marian swore that she never thought of quitting social media. “No, because I want to post and share the happiness that I have, especially when it comes to my child, with other people. Like yesterday, I came home from work, we got finished at 2 a.m., then I woke up early because I had a shoot, then when I arrived home, I saw my daughter, hay, ang sarap! Whenever I see my child, wala na!” Marian related. “So, bahala ka diyan! Ano ako? Panget ako? OK lang, sige, push mo yan ‘Te (laughs)! ” Meanwhile, Marian and Dingdong who fell in love as costars in the 2008 teleserye “Dyesebel” are marking their birth month by working together again. (Marian

GMA photo

they can’t, I can do nothing about it),” an interview with Janice by PEP stated. “Ako, (For me) [the] most important [thing] is to allow your

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AU G U ST 5 time will come it will be beyond help, even from above. Its churches are empty and its populations seem bereft of the passions that a solid belief in the defense of the Christian faith requires in fighting the inroads of an antithetical faith that seek to overpower it. Alas and alack, political correctness may have already killed Europe’s soul. With God’s blessings through a change of leadership brought on by what seems like the silent majority making its voice heard so resoundingly in November last year, America still has one chance to correct the moral depravity it has fallen into in the last 50 years. It is fundamental to our humanity and our connection to divinity to fight the evil that abortion brings to our world. Our decision to take abortion down or uphold it, will reverberate for centuries beyond our time. Abortion strikes at the root of our essence as human beings. This is a call to fight for the unborn — the most defenseless of all creatures, a call to preserve the life of thinking, feeling, spiritual beings in human form. Estimates of the number of abortions in this country alone have reached the 48 million mark, the population of a country. Worldwide, the figures could be staggering. Continued on Page 6

Bashers won’t make Marian Rivera... From Page 3

Janice De Belen

children to do what they want... to study the course that they want. “Hindi mo puwedeng pangunahan kasi hindi naman ikaw yung nag-aaral eh kundi sila (You should not rush them to it, because you’re not the one studying but them). “Plus if you keep on forcing the course you want on your children, hindi sila mag-e-enjoy. Kailangan ‘yung gusto nila. (They will not enjoy it. It should be what they really love.)” When her children were younger, Janice used to impose her daughters a 1 a.m. curfew. “Kunwari lalabas kami, night out. Kailangan sa ganitong oras naka-uwi na kami, kapag lumagpas kami kahit kaunti, hindi na kami p’wedeng lumabas (For an instance, we’re going on a night out. We need to go home at exactly this time, if we exceed even in a slightest minute, we are not allowed to go out anymore),” Kaila said in an interview on “Magandang Buhay.”

turns 32 on Aug. 12. Dingdong is 37 today.) Dingdong has directed Marian in an episode of her OFW-themed weekly anthology “Tadhana” airing soon. She remembered telling Dingdong that she felt nervous to have him as her director and that she initially didn’t want to do it. When asked for her B-day wish for her hubby, she shared, “I wish for our relationship to be stronger, especially because we want many more kids to come.” GMA’s “primetime queen” will topbill another primetime soap soon titled “The Good Teacher,” portraying a role that seemingly befits her current priorities in life. According to Marian, she’s done with “pa-sweet or pa-sexy roles” because “I’ve really embraced my role as a mother now…. It has always been my dream to become a mother. “I want to be a good example for those who are afraid to become mothers or have children, that it’s not true (there’s nothing to be afraid of). Sayang ang pagkakataon. I want them to know that just in case God gives them the opportunity (to give birth and raise a child), it will really give them a different kind of happiness.”

2017 St. Joseph College of Olongapo City “grand alumni reunion gala night” in Alpine, CA The St. Joseph College of Olongapo City Class of 1987 is hosting a grand alumni reunion gala night on Saturday, August 5. The fundraiser will benefit the high school library project. It will be held at Viejas Casino and Resort at 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, CA 91901 from 5 to 11 p.m. It is $87 / person and the attire is formal. Please contact Gemma Gutierrez Hornilla at (949)861-1732 or Maridy Salle Curry at (818)730-4490. For registration and for further details about the upcoming event, you may also visit http://sjs2017grandreunion. com.

17th Annual St. Francis Children’s Fund fundraising dinner dance silent auction in Burbank, CA Join us for a night of great food, dancing, fellowship, and answering to God’s call of helping our poor children in the Philippines. This special fundraising dinner dance and silent auction will take place on Saturday, August 5 at Burbank Legion Hall Post 150 (940 W. Olive Avenue Burbank, CA 91506) from 6 to 11 p.m. For reservations, please call Emie at (818) 748-7361 or Ramon (818) 297-6618.

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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.

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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.

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

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Joshua Garcia assures he and Julia remain humble By Joanna

EstorquE AJPress

ACTOR Joshua Garcia refuted the allegation hurled by netizens that he and rumored girlfriend Julia Barretto are “feeling famous” after a picture of them wearing masks while malling went viral. “The people know how downto-earth we are,” the young actor said in an interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph) and Cinema News last July 26, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. Garcia joined the Sunday noontime show “ASAP” tour in Toronto, Canada. The actor said they wore masks because they do not want to lose their endorsements while shopping. “When we went to the mall, we buy at stores that we should not visit because we endorse products,” the

Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto

actor stressed. Garcia assured that they were not hiding and they just wanted peace. “We work too much and we just both want to watch ‘Spider Man,’” he said. He also added that he and Julia do not want to reject people who want to take pictures with them

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

THE United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning on the use of tanning beds at home and at tanning salons: tanning increases the risk for melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, up to 59 percent! More than 2.5 million teens, mostly girls, use tanning booths each year in the U.S. Just like with poison, the more exposure, the more sessions, the higher the risk. The data are from the National ABS-CBN photo Health Interview Survey’s Cancer Control Supplement, published in while they were malling. the Center for Disease Control’s Netizens bashed them for (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality wearing masks and said they were Weekly Report. The World Health assuming that people would crowd Organization has also determined over them in a public place. that ultraviolet (UV) rays from The rumored couple would tanning beds cause cancer. soon finish their next movie The second most common together. Joshua said they are cancer, melanoma has the halfway done and the teaser is following 5-year survival rates: already out. About 95 percent for Stage IA, when diagnosed early, and between 5 to 20 percent for stage IV, when it has already spread to other organs. Amazingly UV rays emitted from tanning beds are up to 15 times greater (deadlier) than the rays from the sun. Melanoma kills one person every 50 minutes, or about 28 every day. And these are useless and preventable deaths! Let us review some facts about sunlight and its harmful UV rays. What is in sunlight that is beneficial and harmful to us? The sun and its light are not only beautiful, but vital to our life and survival on this planet. Without the sun, we will be frozen to death, Andre Paras Photo from his Instagram account and life forms on earth will cease to things,” he said as the AMA Education exist as we know it today. About 75 percent of our body’s supply Online’s win left far off from its first of Vitamin D is generated by our game on 2017 Foundation Cup on skin’s exposure to sunlight (UV-B Thursday, July 27. rays in particular). Abnormally low The 21-year-old said that he’s blood level of Vitamin D increases willing to take the long route to step up his game while trying to help the the risk of colon and breast cancers and may also speed up .the growth Titans on a better bet next season. of an existing or early melanoma. “I’m not hiding anything. We Of course, Vitamin D can be need to work on a lot of things taken by mouth. The harmful especially on offense and defense,” effects of sunlight come from he said. “For those out there who its UV radiation, which could be understands basketball, we’ve had dangerous to our health in more so many lapses, and as a player and as someone who loves the game, we ways than one, depending on the really lack execution and defense. We amount of exposure and dose that a person gets. need to develop our individual skills What are the sun-related too, so that when you combine all of diseases of the eye? those, it will look fluid in the game,” he Cataracts (cloudiness of the said in an article by Inquirer. lens), which, in severe forms, could cause blindness, especially exposure to UV-B radiation; macular degeneration, the major cause of impaired vision in the USA for people older than 55; photokeratitis, a reversible sunburn of the cornea, also from excessive exposure to UV-B; pterygium, growth of pinkish tissues on the while of the eye, which may

Andre Paras on balancing basketball and showbiz By EliJah

rodEros AJPress

“Pero feeling ko rin naman two years na rin ako dito, of course sa SON of the Philippine basketball pagwe-welcome nila, pagiging close namin,” (But I felt like I’ve been here legend, Benjie Paras and actress for two years already, of course [it is Jackie Forster, Andre Paras is making because of] their welcoming presence, names both inside the court and in our closeness…) Andre told PEP in an the showbiz industry. interview. It can be told that Andre’s first Andre believed that “SPS” will go love is basketball. He debuted as a on a long way. part of La Salle Greenhills in high “Talagang confident po ako, kahit school and continued to play in nung hindi pa ako kasama. college for the University of the (I am really confident, long before I Philippines (UP) and San Beda joined [SPS]) College. “Yung cast pa lang, yung mga On the other side, the 6’4 original—sila Kuya Wally, sila Kuya basketball rookie has also pursued acting when he starred in hit Wattpad Jose—sobrang... you know, natutuwa films “Diary Ng Panget” and “Girlfriend ako kapag pinapanood ko sila every Sunday pag wala po akong For Hire.” ginagawa. Andre was last seen in (With only the cast, the originals— “Encantadia.” Kuya Wally, Kuya Jose, is so—you know, Currently, he is on the cast of I am very happy when I watch them “Sunday Pinasaya” (SPS), which [the cast of SPS] every Sunday when recently celebrated its 2nd have nothing else to do.) anniversary last July 9. “Then just to be part of it, “Of course, super-happy po ako of course… of course I want to kasi nakasali po ako dito kasama yung ibang mga bagong ipinasok last contribute din, di ba?” Basketball comeback year lang. He took a break from basketball (I am happy because I’m in [SPS] after his hectic schedule in showbiz and I got to join other people who are until his recent debut on the first already here [in this show] just last season of PBA-D League. year.) After two-year hiatus from “So, kumbaga ako one year pa basketball, Andre admits that he still lang. (As for me, I just joined [SPS] a year has a lot to learn before going to pros. “I still need to work on a lot of ago.)

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Tanning salons and skin cancer spread on the clear cornea and block vision. This results when one has prolonged sun exposure on the beach or snow without eye protection, and can be very painful for 1-2 days, with temporary blindness. Even with eye cover, the high dose of UV rays from a tanning bed is still most harmful to vision. A nice tan is too high a price to pay for blindness, much less cancer. How about adverse effects on the skin? Excessive exposure to UV rays predisposes to skin cancer, which includes the face and the eyelids, besides skin in other parts of the body. There are three major types of cancers of the skin: Basal Cell Carcinoma, the most common one, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, second most common, and Malignant Melanoma, the most deadly, but fortunately, the rarest. Malignant Melanoma spreads easily and often deadly if not caught early. How prevalent are skin cancers? This is an epidemic and is a global phenomenon. In 1978, in the United States alone, there were 480,000 cases of nonmelanoma skin cancers, rising to over one million in 1994, with a growth rate of seven percent per year. In Canada, from 1970-1986, melanoma frequency rose six percent per year for men and 4.6% per year for women. Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world. It is said that by age 75, two out of three Australians will have been treated for some typed of skin cancer. In the United States, the estimated 30,000 cancer deaths each year could be prevented if Americans, who love sunbathing, do not over-expose themselves to the sun. How do we protect ourselves from UV radiation? First and foremost, let us not intentionally expose ourselves to UV rays, thru tanning salons (a costly way) or via the sun (for free). Just like anything in life, moderation is the key when it comes to the sun. Tanning beds must be avoided at all cost. While Americans laugh at Asian women when the latter stay under the shade or umbrella on the beach, they also recognize that Asian women’s complexion looks more youthful, with less wrinkles, and that Asian women look younger in general, compared to Caucasian females. Asian women also have lower incidence of sun-related diseases. Since UV radiation comes not only from the sun but is reflected from the ground, snow, sand, water, and other reflective surfaces, the use of wide-brimmed hat or cap will reduce the UV radiation to the eyes by 50 percent. Wrap around UV absorbing eyewear provides the greatest protection, because it also limits radiation from the peripheral rays. Polarized

sunglasses or transition lenses reduce glare but do not, by themselves, provide protection from UV radiation. Which are the best glasses? Sunglasses, and or prescription lenses, that absorb 99-100 percent of the full UV spectrum to 400 nm are the best for babies, children and adults. Labels on sunglasses should be closely scrutinized to make sure that they say the lenses absorb 99-100 percent of both the UV-B and UV-A. If they do not have labels, do not buy them. Consumers must be cautious when the label claims the lenses “block harmful UV” but does not specify how much. Are skin lotions effective for cancer protection? For skin cancer protection, do not rely on sunscreen skin lotion. The best is not to sunbathe for more than 15 to 20 minutes, and apply “physical” sunscreen lotion. Wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hat when you go outside during sunny days. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. if possible. Also, it has been shown that taking vitamin C, D, and E and selenium protects against the damages of UV rays by lessening the adverse effects of the UV rays on the immune system. If one must absolutely be out in the sun, he/she must wear a “physical” sunscreen with a SPF of 15, which contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or talc. “Physical” sunscreen works by reflecting the UV radiation rather than absorbing the sunscreen into the skin. Doubling the amount of the lotion, or re-applying it later in the day, does not confer added protection. The best is to minimize sun exposure to a safe degree. Tanning beds are dangerous and must be avoided. Lastly, if you develop any skin spots or notice any mole in your body to be growing larger or darker, or feel any lumps in your body, consult your physician without delay. If treated early and caught in time, most skin cancers are curable. To our legislators and civic leaders: Tanning beds and tanning salons must be banned to protect the public from the unconscionable, greedy, and reckless entrepreneurs out to rob the ignorant people of their hardearned money while exposing them to cancer and death. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

The fight for dear...

even billions, among us who believe in the power of prayer, are heard and miracles rain down upon us in From Page 5 life as we know it, in the solar system, our time of need. When we assault heaven with our prayer arrows, the China is beginning to pay the price to live on planet earth. Spirit comes and moves the chosen for its draconian one-child policy We seem to take it for granted ones to action, those special human that has brought on a serious and that it took a really long time, about beings, a bit larger than life, who can detrimental societal imbalance in its 100,000 years or so before man, lead and make the world turn on its male-to-female ratio, in a culture that in his present form, became the puts a higher stock on sons. crowning glory of creation, although axis for humanity to do God’s will. And indeed on the issue of While we may think we can this can sometimes be debatable abortion in America, the miracle choose to play God and decimate when we come to realize our came to pass on November 08, our own humanity in the name of a collective stupidities throughout 2016. Still, no one should become woman’s right to choose, God alone history. complacent. For a nation can only be gives the gift of life and He chooses Man is a thinking, feeling, as good as the people who live in it. when and how to take it away. That spiritual being in physical form, Pray without ceasing. must have been the deal from the capable of so much good or of so The consequences of doing beginning of time. much evil. In between these two nothing and allowing the horrible How special is man in the extremes are the multitudes, who evil of abortion to continue scheme of creation? Consider the in their lifetimes, come to learn, unchallenged, are dire. Choose life. big picture. Some wise person once appreciate, enjoy and fight for that said that if the beginning of time gift of life to continue for generations Along with free will, nothing in the physical world of the entire universe till now can be thought of as a 24 yet to come. Of course, along with can be greater. -hour day, civilization came to exist that gift of life comes the gift of free If God himself in His infinite love, about 11:55 PM and the spark of life will and therefore, the opposite can so valued human life that he sent that is man only came to be in the also be true. We can choose to do His only Son in human form, for the last 2 seconds before the stroke of nothing and allow the terrifying ultimate sacrifice to save us, where midnight. prospect of abortion, death and do we get the gall and the temerity As best as our most brilliant decay to overcome and overwhelm to think any less of it? Who do we scientific minds through the us. think we are to even think that we centuries can figure out, the universe Sometimes, we feel that by can choose to take it? is about 15 billion years old and ourselves alone, we are powerless *** our sun which was born in the last to stop this horror from being Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is 4.5 billion years with yet another 5 indelibly imprinted into the fabric SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To billion years or so left before it dies, is of modern life. But together as one send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ a common yellow star that makes it voice, countless silent prayers sent asianjournalinc.com possible for man, the highest form of heavenward by millions, maybe

2017 People’s Ball Honorary Chairs... From Page 4

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production number are all set to entertain the audience with a snippet of the era’s Jam Session, a dance get-together among teens. The well-rehearsed situation and the reflective music will indubitably bring smiles, stimulate bittersweet memories, create puns and clever remarks, and transform the entire venue into an atmosphere predominantly nostalgic of that idiosyncratic decade. The Psychedelic Jam Session production number, conceptualized and choreographed by this writer, is composed of Virgie Alvarez, Ramona S. Gapasin, Marieta Lamar. Rebecca “Becky” Samanyaphon, Juvie Casquejo, Hermie Garcia, Ma. Pilar Monje, Jocelyn “Joyce” Aligarbes, Sabrina Ramos, Linda Auleta, Atty.

Nick Caraquel, Vince Gesmundo, John Alberto, Ed Manalo, Suriya Samanyaphon, and Cecil Casquejo. While the People’s Ball is appropriately loaded with talented world-class performers and production numbers, the moving forces behind the event had fittingly hand-picked the most excellent emcees in the NY-NJ area: ravishing lady host Allah Arcanghel, singerperformer Jerome Gentolia, and veteran radio announcer Fiorello Salvo. Official People’s Ball lights and sound guy Ernie Bugarin guarantees this 60s-themed affair will be worth attending…what with his newly systematized gadgets and techno pieces intentionally assembled just for the said occasion. Come and join us celebrate

and relive the grandeur of the 60s era on Friday, August 11, 2017 at the aristocratic ballroom of Hilton Meadowlands Hotel at #2 Meadowlands Plaza, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 and experience the fun, excitement, and the high spirited ambience. For reservations or more information please call 212-6826610 or 201-300-5234 or visit us at www.fiestainamerica.com. You can also contact the People’s Ball Honorary Chairs: Jocelyn Aligarbes @ 646-515-5234 (aligarbes@aol. com); Maria Pilar Monje @ 017-3783030 (mapilarmonje@yahoo.com); & Atty. Nick Caraquel @ 859-398-8999 (nick_caraquel@yahoo.com). For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@ yahoo.com.

An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY AUGUST 4, 2017

An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY AUGUST 4, 2017