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Volume10 – Issue 14 • 16 Pages

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US senators slam Duterte’s drug war, question aid to PH by DAnA

sioson AJPress

THrEE American senators have expressed their “grave concern” over the alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights violations associated with the Philippine government’s war against illegal drugs. In a letter dated December 22, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Marco rubio (rFla.), and christopher A. coons (D-Del.) wrote to U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary William r. Brownfield, describing President rodrigo Duterte’s

DATELINE

fight as a “campaign of mass atrocities.” The senators also cited Duterte’s recent admission that he personally killed drug personalities when he was still the mayor of Davao city. “If substantiated, these actions constitute a gross violation of human rights. rather than address the systematic problems related to the country’s drug crisis, invest in treatment programs, or approach the epidemic with an emphasis on the health and wellbeing of the Philippine people, President Duterte has instead pledged to kill another 20,000 to

USA

FroM THE AJPrESS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Report: Wealth gap widens among Asian Americans

THE common myth surrounding the economic status of Asian Americans is that they generally fare better than most ethnic groups, and very basic statistics support that notion. According to a 2016 report from Pew research center, Asian American men and women earn more than white, black and Hispanic American men and women, respectively, in hourly jobs. The average household wealth of Asian Americans is also on the rise, and will soon be comparable to white households. However, what isn’t considered in the model minority myth — the notion that all Asian Americans represent success — is that the Asian American experience varies greatly. A new report from the center for American Progress (cAP) focused on this phenomenon and found that the wealth inequality among Asians is greater than the wealth disparity among white American households. Using government data, the researchers explored the increasing wealth gap between

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People of color, the poor will be hardest hit by ACA repeal PrESIDEnT-elect Donald Trump’s threat to repeal and replace obamacare is bad news for millions of Americans, but the poor and people of color are going to be hit hardest, say health care advocates. “The winners and losers from repealing obamacare will depend crucially on the details of whatever replacement plan materializes,” said Larry Levitt, senior vice president for special initiatives at the Kaiser Family Foundation during a webinar Dec. 19. “ Based on what those replacement plans look like so far, it seems that the poor and people with pre-existing medical conditions could end up worse off.” Approximately 20 million people have gotten coverage since the launch of obamacare. Trump has yet to reveal details of what he plans to do to the 2010 Affordable care Act, aka obamacare, other than to say that he intends to dismantle it soon after he takes office. It’s likely that some parts of it will be left

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30,000 people, many simply because they suffer from a drug use disorder,” the letter read. They also referred the Philippine anti-drug movement, Project Tokhang, as a “campaign of mass atrocities” that is “thinly disguised as a response to public health emergency.” The senators then stressed that drug addiction is “not a moral failing but rather a chronic disease.” At the same time, they also questioned the “legalities and appropriateness of the $32 million” funds from U.S. dedicated

GOODBYE DE LIMA. PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa holds a banned firecracker in Bulacan on Thursday, Dec. 29. The firecracker was named after Sen. Leila de Lima, a staunch critic of President Duterte and his war on illegal drugs. The Philippine National Police chief was showing off some of the banned firecrackers that the Bulacan police had seized in several operations when the one he was holding suddenly released white fumes. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

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Duterte sorry for innocent killed in war on drugs US officials deny Goldberg-led plot to oust Duterte by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

President Duterte admitted that some children ended up being “collateral damage” of his anti-drug campaign. The president has drawn flak for the spate of killings linked to war on drugs. Philstar.com photo by Ace Morandante

PrESIDEnT rodrigo Duterte apologized Thursday, Dec. 29 for the innocent people who were killed in his brutal war on narcotics as he stressed that the crackdown would only stop until the last drug personality is killed or placed behind bars. Duterte, who has drawn flak for the spate of killings linked to his war on drugs, admitted that some children ended up being “collateral damage” of his anti-narcotics campaign. “I would admit there were killings that were really unintended, like the children who were caught in a crossfire. collateral damage, and I’m sorry,” the president told ABS-cBn news in an interview. “There has to be a casualty and there has to be some drawbacks there,” he added.

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Critics berate Robredo for US trip amid typhoon in PH by DAnA

sioson AJPress

SoME critics have condemned Vice President Leni robredo for taking a holiday break in the United States while Typhoon “nina” (international name: nock-Ten) wreaked havoc in the Philippines over the weekend. Blogger “Thinking Pinoy,” a staunch supporter of President rodrigo Duterte, criticized the vice president for leaving the country before the upcoming calamity, accusing her of abandoning her fel-

low Filipinos. “In 2015, Leni robredo herself said, ‘It is very important for local folks to see their government officials during and right after a disaster.’ And where was she while nina was pummeling her hometown in Bicol? In the United States,” the post read. Thinking Pinoy hit the vice president for still deciding to leave the country for her U.S. vacation “despite all that’s happening.” “Millions of poor Filipinos’ lives are at risk, while the country’s vice

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by eRic

Anthony licAs AJPress

AMErIcAn officials deny reports published on Tuesday, December 27, claiming that former envoy to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg, submitted a blueprint to the U.S. State Department for the ouster of Philippine President rodrigo Duterte. The Manila Times cited a docuFormer US Amb. Philip Goldberg ment provided by a “highly placed”unnamed source that attributed Goldberg calling for a regime change in Malacanang. “These allegations of a blueprint are false,” wrote Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel russel in a statement issued on Tuesday. “no such blueprint exists.” The American diplomat’s alleged statements note the challenge associated with unseating a democratically-elected president with strong approval ratings in his own country. However, according to the source, Goldberg outlined a number of steps that he said might bring Duterte “to his knees and eventually remove him from office,” within a year and a half. These feature proposals to place political and economic pressure on Japan, Vietnam, cambodia and Laos to reduce trade with the Philippines.

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Vice Pres. Leni Robredo

Season of fear: No silent nights in war on drugs by KRistine

Angeli Inquirer.net

sAbillo

THE stench of decaying food and human waste jolts us as we search for our first crime scene in the back alleys of Quiapo in Manila. It is 10:25 p.m. on Dec. 21. From Palanca bridge, we make our way down a narrow street called Muelle de la Quinta along the putrid Estero de San Miguel. The place reeks of urine, but we ignore it and continue Michael Desvarro, a cigarette vendor, is also killed by four men on motorcycles along A. Bonifacio Ave., Brgy. to walk, keeping an eye out for blood Hagdan Bato Libis, Mandaluyong. Inquirer.net photo on the road.

The bodies have already been picked up by the undertaker, sources say, but we want to get video footage of where the supposed gunfight happened. It’s on the other side of the estero, a man tells us. We go back up the bridge and then down again on the other side, into a dimly lit alley. We turn our camera lights on and we see the blood immediately—puddles of dark red beside dried yellow leaves. Two men were killed here earlier in

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A DECEMBER 30, 2016-januaRy 5, 2017 • nEW yORK anD nEW jERSEy aSIan jOuRnaL

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

From the Front Page

US senators slam Duterte’s drug... PAGE A1 t to the “training and other law enforcement assistance” for security forces in the Philippines. Citing the Leahy Law, they asked the State Department to ensure that “none of our foreign assistance money dedicated to law enforcement activities is being used to support extrajudicial killings or other human rights violations of Duterte’s campaign.” The letter’s authors said “the recipients of our financial assis-

tance must align with our values and ideals, including respect for human rights and the rule of law.” In response, Duterte on Tuesday, December 27, lashed at the U.S. once again, claiming that the U.S. is only good in criticizing. Duterte said the US never really extended their help in addressing drug problems, adding that it has only been focusing on the supposed extrajudicial Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) killings. n

Duterte sorry for innocent killed in war... PAGE A1 t RIZAL DAY. Visitors pose beside the sculpture of Dr. Jose Rizal being led to his execution in Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila. Rizal Day is observed every December 30. Inquirer.net photo by Lyn Rillon

US officials deny Goldberg-led plot to... PAGE A1 t He allegedly also suggested isolating Manila from its partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by offering future military assistance to all the organization’s members except the Philippines. Other recommendations include stirring dissatisfaction over the president’s largely unfulfilled campaign promises to end poverty while highlighting the contributions of U.S. foreign aid and empowering Duterte’s political opposition in the Philippines. “The United States respects the sovereignty of the Philippines and the democratic choices made by the Philippine people,” Russel said in Tuesday’s statement. He went on to shrug off accusations that American officials and institutions might attempt to ostracize the Philippines from its neighbors in the South Pacific. Russel also referenced ongoing U.S. humanitarian and military support as evidence of his country’s commitment to its historic ally’s success. In recent months, Duterte has sought to diminish the Philippines’ involvement with the U.S. military with the intention of im-

proving ties with China and Russia, according to prior reports from the Asian Journal and other sources. On December 12, Malacañang representatives announced they would prohibit the launch of American air and naval patrols from the Philippines meant to challenge Chinese claims to sovereignty over the South China Sea. A few days later, Duterte promised the eventual repeal or abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) while speaking to reporters shortly after landing in Davao on December 17. The Philippines’ diplomatic shift away from the U.S. came partly in light of repeated criticism voiced by President Barack Obama and White House representatives, including Goldberg. “[Duterte’s] views are shaped not by ideology or personal ambitions, but by old-fashioned nationalism where he holds the United States accountable for the Philippines’ current state of poverty and dependency,” Goldberg is quoted to have said according to the document referenced by the Manila Times on Tuesday. Before Duterte won the presidency — largely on a promise to eradicate the trade illicit drugs in

the Philippines — U.S. officials and human rights watchdogs had raised alarm over the former Davao mayor’s alleged connection to vigilante death squads. Goldberg, on Tuesday, also denied formulating a plot to eject Duterte from power. “No. Those kinds of statements are not correct, not true,” Goldberg told the Inquirer at the the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Health Forum in Pasay City. He went on to say that “we respect democracy in the Philippines.” An exchange involving Duterte and Goldberg became the subject of controversy when the Philippine president called the American diplomat a “gay son of a bitch” during a speech in August. “I was annoyed at [Goldberg], for interfering in the elections, giving statements here and there,” said Duterte, referring to the Philippines’ presidential race earlier this year. “He wasn’t supposed to do that.” Officials in Malacañang say they are unable to confirm or deny the existence of Goldberg’s alleged blueprint of recommendations.

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In an interview with CNN Philippines also Thursday, Duterte said security forces have no criminal liability if some innocent people are harmed in a crossfire. “You want the killings to stop in the Philippines, foreigners and natives should stop drugs. You stop this and everything will be okay. We can concentrate on other things of government,” he said. More than 6,000 people believed to have links with illegal drugs have been killed since Duterte assumed the presidency on June 30. Critics claimed that Duterte’s war on drugs has emboldened security forces and vigilante groups to carry out extrajudicial killings. The United Nations, the United States, the European Union and human rights advocates have

raised concerns over the killings and have asked Duterte to ensure that the rule of law is respected in all law enforcement operations. The president maintained that he does not endorse or condone summary executions. “There are vigilantes out to kill drug pushers without mercy,” he said. Despite the rising number of fatalities linked to his war on drugs, Duterte said he is not yet satisfied with the gains of the campaign. “Until the last pusher is out of the street, I’ll be very frank with you, until the last drug lord is killed, this campaign will continue until the very last day of my term,” he said. During the campaign period, Duterte vowed to put an end to the drug problem within the first six months of his term. The

president, admitted though last September that he cannot fulfill the promise because of the large number of drug addicts and officials involved in narcotics. He said he needs another six months to address the drug problem, which he said has contaminated four million people. The president previously said that the drug list submitted to him by security forces contains the names of about 2,000 barangay captains, municipal mayors, a few governors and congressmen. Duterte has linked about 160 incumbent and former government officials to the narcotics trade. The president has given the House of Representatives, Senate and the Supreme Court copies of the drug list, admitting that he cannot solve the drug menace by himself. n

Critics berate Robredo for US trip amid... PAGE A1 t

president is too busy having White Christmas,” it added. At the same time, blogger Mocha Uson, another staunch Duterte supporter, lambasted the vice president for her absence during the calamity. “Sabi naman ng iba hindi naman daw siya [Robredo] kailangan personal na pumunta sa Bicol para tumulong sa nasalanta ng bagyo. Kung ganun naman po pala madam Leni, wag na lang po kayong bumalik. Diyan na lang kayo sa Amerika at mag chat na lang kayo ng mga tao mo para sa mga trabahong gagawin niyo (Others

said that she doesn’t need to be personally in Bicol to help the typhoon victims. If that’s the case, madam Leni, just don’t go back. Just stay in America and chat your staff regarding your works),” her post read. Over the weekend, Typhoon Nina battered the Philippines, particularly the Bicol region, forcing 380,000 people to spend their Christmas at evacuation centers and other safety shelters. Following the criticisms, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said on Monday, December 26, that Robredo has been helping with the relief operations for ty-

phoon victims of while she was in the U.S. “Vice President Leni Robredo has been monitoring and directing the Office of the Vice President to work with regional officials and agencies in setting up local relief centers for immediate emergency response on the ground,” Robredo’s spokesperson, Georgina Hernandez, said in a statement. According to Hernandez, a team from the OVP has been dispatched to the affected areas to assist in the relief operations, which was tagged as “Task Force Tindong Bicol.”

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From the Front Page

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 30, 2016-JANUARY 5, 2017

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Season of fear: No silent nights in war...

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SCENE OF DESTRUCTION. A woman shares a cup of hot coffee with her husband amid the ruins of their house a day after Typhoon “Nina” struck their village in Bato, Catanduanes province. Authorities reported at least seven deaths in the strongest typhoon to hit Bicol in 10 years. Inquirer.net photo by Fernan Gianan

Report: Wealth gap widens among Asian... PAGE A1 t poor and rich Asian Americans, comparing the results to those of white Americans. Asian households at the bottom one-fifth have an average net worth of $9,319 from 2010 to 2013. In comparison, median Asian households averaged a $132,653 net worth, and the net worth of the highest-earning households — the 90th percentile Asians — was at about $1.4 million in the same four-year period. “Moreover, the gap between wealthy and non-wealthy Asian Americans has widened,” the report read. “Asian Americans also have fewer retirement benefits than whites and are more indebted than whites, creating a potentially precarious situation when stock and housing prices fall. The bottom line is that wealth inequality across American families deserves policy attention. This is especially true for Asian Americans in the bottom half of the income distribution.” Factors that contribute to wealth inequality — and why many Asian American households are facing drawbacks in financial succession — increasing home mortgages, lower home ownership and student and car loan hikes. “Wealth inequality among Asian Americans has also grown faster for the past two decades than it has for whites. In part, this rise in wealth inequality can be traced back to greater indebtedness and faster rising debt, especially installment loans for student debt and car purchases,” the report read. “The faster rise in inequality among Asian Americans

than among whites in particular suggests that Asian American inequality results from factors other than just age and education” CAP pointed out that the mean net worth of white households and Asian households is about the same ($680,000, according to CAP’s findings) which creates the illusion that Asian Americans are doing just as well as whites. But what that statistic fails to recognize is that there are stark differences among cultures within the Asian American community. Folks that hail from Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia — who make up about 45 percent of the Asian population in the U.S. — aren’t doing as well as other Asian ethnic groups. “The problem is that ‘Asian American’ doesn’t hold together as a category,” Philip Cohen, a sociology professor at the University of Maryland, told the Washington Post. “The group is too diverse. It doesn’t really make sense to compare recent Chinese, Korean or Pakistani immigrants who are working in tech and engineering jobs to people who came as refugees in the 1980s and their working-class descendants.” Although Asian Americans are the fastest-growing demographic in the United States, they are still a relatively small group. According to the Census Bureau, Asian Americans only comprise about 56 percent of the American population so the researcher’s findings may not be wholly accurate. The researchers acknowledge that the data is “statistically significant” enough to make conclusions about the 10 percent level.

People of color, the poor will... PAGE A1 t untouched – like the pre-existing condition provision – and replacement could be delayed by a couple of years. The webinar was organized by the non-profit California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), to give journalists an overview of what California, the state that took the lead in implementing some of the key provisions of Obamacare, could face if Trump makes good on his threat. Among those provisions were expanding Medi-Cal (California’s name for Medicaid) and setting up a health insurance marketplace for people to purchase federally subsidized coverage best suited to their budget, said Amy Adams, CHCF’s senior program officer. Additionally, even before the ACA became law, the state banned the prevalent

practice of gender-based premium cost variations – younger women were paying more than men. As a result of its robust implementation, the state’s uninsured rate for residents under 65 fell by nearly half, from 22 percent in 2009 to 9.5 percent in 2015, according to a California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). More low-income people who historically were shut out of health insurance were able to gain coverage, as were people in minority communities. The survey showed that uninsured rates fell by nearly 7 percent among Asian Americans and African Americans, and 6.5 percent among Latinos. More than 10 percent of the populations in the counties of Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tu-

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US officials deny Goldberg... PAGE A2 t So long as the source of the document referenced by Tuesday’s report remains anonymous, the statement credited to Goldberg “remains part and parcel of a larger conspiracy theory,” according to Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. He went on to note that the current Ambassador to the Philippines’ assignment is coming to a close. Andanar said he expected the Goldberg’s successor, former special U.S. Envoy to North Korea, Sung Kim, to be a more “empathetic” liaison between Mala-

canang and the White House. Philippine House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has called for an official probe into Goldberg’s alleged statements. However, other members of the Duterte administration dismissed the likelihood of the president’s ouster. “The president continues to enjoy the trust of the people, and the people on the ground apparently appreciate what he’s doing,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters during a press briefing. He added that “whoever attempts [the ouster] will find it difficult.”

Critics berate Robredo for... PAGE A2 t

“While we have faith in the resilience of our people, we still call on the Filipino public to help out in the on going relief efforts of all agencies and private sector partners to alleviate suffering in typhoon-hit areas during this very special time of the year,” Hernandez added. The spokesperson also pointed out that vice president’s vacation has been planned more than a year ago. “She will be going home to Naga as soon as she arrives,” Hernandez added.

On the other hand, Robredo, who hails from Naga City — which is located at the heart of the Bicol region — said that her office is “willing to assist in the preparation of requests for assistance from national government agencies.” “We hope to shift from relief to rehabilitation soon as more and more families are returning to their houses. Been receiving a lot of reports of damaged school buildings and houses. Damage to agricultural crops has also been extensive,” Robredo said through her social media accounts.

A significant takeaway from the report seems to be the increasing financial success of the richest Asian Americans; although the report finds the wealth gap increasing, there isn’t sufficient evidence to say that poorer Asian Americans are significantly getting poorer. The report utilized the data and findings from triennial surveys from the Federal Reserve, which gather samples of several thousand Americans nationwide, including a few hundred Asian Americans. (Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)

the evening after an “encounter” with policemen who had just finished conducting antidrug visits in the neighborhood. It has been more than an hour since we began our graveyard shift and left the busy streets of Makati City, where shoppers and office workers bask under the bright lights and glitter of Christmas decorations, seemingly oblivious to the spate of killings that has hit poor neighborhoods in the metropolis. It’s the winter solstice and this night is the longest of the year, just a few days before Christmas. Since President Duterte assumed office on June 30, more than 6,000 people have been killed—more than 2,000 shot dead in police operations and the rest murdered by unknown assailants. Critics of the drug war believe these assailants either work for the police or are policemen themselves, taking the law into their own hands to help Mr. Duterte deliver on his campaign promise of stamping out illegal drugs in six months, which he has since extended by another six. A number of those killed are innocent, some as young as 5 years old. Many come from poor communities. 11 p.m. Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City Unlike the avenues of Makati, the streets in the inner city are quiet and devoid of Christmas cheer. Aboard our vehicle, we wait for new reports of shootings, hoping to arrive before crime scene investigators process the spot and the undertaker takes the body away. Jong Manlapaz, veteran reporter of Radyo Inquirer, receives

word that there are two bodies in Mandaluyong City. Tope, his driver and cameraman, revs the engine and speeds through the late-night traffic to bring us to Block 34, Barangay Addition Hills. We are the first reporters on the scene. The neighborhood is awake. People stand outside their houses, observing the police. Bobot Sarvida was killed inside his house by unidentified gunmen. His body is wedged between the jamb and the door, which opens out to an alley. We cannot see his head, but we see his white, long-sleeve shirt stained with blood. Neighbors say Sarvida was a Jehovah’s Witness minister and had just come home from service. A small, black, long-haired dog stands beside Sarvida’s body, barking at us. It stays with its owner even as we leave. Another man, Jepoy Pinasbo, was killed in the area around the same time by four unknown gunmen, but his body had already been taken to the hospital. We ask how the two victims are related, but no one can say for sure. According to a radio report, Sarvida was shot by the same men who killed Pinasbo after the minister witnessed the murder. Newspaper reports the next day said Pinasbo was on the local drug watch list as a courier for Sarvida. Midnight, Barangay Hagdan Bato Libis, Mandaluyong City With no time to lose, we head for a neighboring village where another man was shot dead. Barangay Hagdan Bato Libis is a three-minute ride away and we immediately see a crowd gather

around the body lying in the middle of the road, just several steps away from a 7-Eleven store. Michael Desvarro, a 39-year-old cigarette vendor, was killed on A. Bonifacio Avenue. His head is covered by newspaper. From there, my eyes move to the small pool of blood beside him and the stream of red that has flowed down the road past the police line. Like Sarvida’s body, Desvarro’s has yet to be taken away more than an hour after he was shot dead. Witnesses say Desvarro was gunned down at 9:45 p.m. by four motorcycle-riding men. Another report said the gunman was holding a picture when he approached Desvarro, who police claimed had been selling drugs besides cigarettes. Desvarro’s wife, May Anne, insists that he was not a drug addict and was instead the target of harassment by his stepfather, a Mandaluyong policeman who has gone Awol (absent without leave). 1:30 a.m. Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City There is no rest for the weary and soon we are alerted to another shooting in a place just 10 minutes away from our third crime scene. Press vehicles choke narrow Santo Rosario Street, where a certain Annabelle de la Cruz was shot dead by a group of assassins. Witnesses said 10 motorcycleriding men who wore balaclavas and black jackets came after De la Cruz. Two of the men fired at her. A stray bullet hit a 15-year-old girl walking along the same alley. De la Cruz, who earlier surrendered to police in response to the

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A DECEMBER 30, 2016-januaRy 5, 2017 • nEW yORK anD nEW jERSEy aSIan jOuRnaL

Dateline USa

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Former AAPI outreach director of Clinton campaign named NaFFAA’s national executive director THe National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) has announced that Jason Tengco will be its new executive director. Tengco will be responsible for co-managing NaFFAA’s National Chairman’s Council with a strong emphasis on national programs, strategic partnerships, legislation, government affairs and national development. He will report directly to Brendan Flores, current national chair of the organization, and work in close collaboration with Kelly Ilagan, current national operat-

ing officer and members of the board. Over the past decade, Jason has worked for a presidential campaign, the White House, Obama administration, Congress, and numerous non-profit and campus organizations. In 2016, Jason served as the National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Outreach Director for Hillary for America. Previously, Jason worked for the White House Initiative on AAPIs from 2012 to 2016, where he was appointed as deputy director in 2015. During his tenure, Jason

PLAYING SANTA. President Rodrigo Duterte visits young cancer patients at the Southern Philippines Medical Center’s House of Hope in Davao City on Saturday, Dec. 23. Duterte gave 300 gift packs that contained biscuits, candies, juices, toys and canned goods to the cancer-afflicted children and their caretakers. Malacañang photo

People of color, the poor will... PAGE A3 t lare got coverage, according to a just-released UC Berkeley Labor Center study. A repeal would mean that California would lose around $20 billion in annual federal funding for Medi-Cal expansion and Covered California subsidies, making it virtually impossible for it to continue offering those programs. “It is a very large amount of money and would be difficult for the state to generate a comparable amount of revenue,” to go it alone, pointed out Adams. “It would be difficult for any individual state to try to raise the money required and provide ben-

efits comparable to the ACA,” Levitt said. “That would put the state significantly at odds with other states in terms of tax rates and public benefits.” But critics of the ACA say that one of the least popular provisions of the law – forcing individuals to have health insurance and companies to cover their employees or face a penalty – would be eliminated with a repeal. An estimated $1.3 billion would be lost in eliminated penalties. One idea Trump’s advisory team has been floating is to allow insurance carriers to sell insurance across state borders, something some insurers already do. That could come with its own set

of problems, Levitt said, because it could drive people to states where the insurance industry is less regulated. He said California has been able to rein in its providers to some degree because of “its stringent regulations.” Levitt pointed out that the safety net provided by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), clinics that provide health care to underserved communities, would weaken if the ACA were repealed. Those unable to retain their insurance coverage would likely flock to FQHCs, putting an extra burden on them. “There are a lot of moving pieces,” at this time, Levitt said. “No doubt that people are split on the ACA,” he said. “But ACA is status quo.” (Viji Sundaram/New Ameri- Jason Tengco ca Media)

organized the first-ever White House Celebration of Filipino American History Month, managed the White House summit on AAPIs, and led the Initiative’s national AAPI community engagement. Throughout his career, Jason has participated in fellowships with the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional studies in the office of Congressman Mike Honda, New Leaders Council, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Center for Progressive Leadership, and Public Policy and International Affairs Program. In 2014, Jason was selected as one of ten delegates to the Philippine embassy’s Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro), a weeklong immersion in the Philippines. Born and raised in the san Francisco Bay Area, Jason graduated from UCLA with Honors with a B.A. in political sscience. At UCLA, Jason was heavily involved with samahang Pilipino and received the Outstanding Pinoy Leadership Award. “Jason is an incredibly wellbalanced leader with a can-do attitude and a dedication to public service. He has come highly recommended by many. I am ecstatic to have him as a part of the executive board and look forward to partnering with him. I know that Kelly and Jason will be extremely effective within their own roles as well as in their partnership together,” added Brendan Flores, current National Chair of NaFFAA.

Season of fear: No silent nights in war... Obama on election: I could’ve won again

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2 a.m. Barangay Addition Hills, government’s antidrug campaign, Mandaluyong City Back at Block 34, our video redied in hospital. The teenager suffered a gunshot porter Cathy Miranda searches wound in the leg and was treated for the house where Pinasbo was killed. in hospital. A couple lets her and Tope inOn the drive back to Addition Hills, fellow reporter Julliane de side the rented house where the Jesus points out that multiple kill- young man had staggered into in ings in a city in one night would his haste to shake off the assashave merited the setting up of sins. Video footage brought back by checkpoints. But there are no checkpoints Cathy show blood splattered on a tonight, only several bodies and a colorful children’s mat and a spent bullet casing inside one of the howounded innocent girl. There are also no answers to our meowner’s shoes. The bathroom where Pinasbo questions on whether the gunmen in the three shootings in Manda- was gunned down is spattered with blood. In the middle of the luyong are from the same group.

floor is a small candle lit by the owners of the house. President Duterte, in a recent speech, said fewer people were being killed. “There are only a few left,” he said, referring to drug suspects. But the killings go on. Residents fear becoming collateral damage in Mr. Duterte’s war on drugs, and even for those who have surrendered, there seems to be no salvation. In the inner cities of Metro Manila, there is no Christmas this year. And for the families and friends of the victims, the longest night of the year has just gotten longer. n

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

PResIDeNT Barack Obama said that given his progressive platform and eagerness to bring his promised change to the nation, he could have “won again” if he ran for a third term. “I am confident in this vision because I’m confident that if I had run again and articulated it, I think I could’ve mobilized a majority of the American people to rally behind it,” the president told his former senior adviser David Axelrod in an interview for his podcast “The Axe Files” on Monday, December 26. For Obama to run again, howev-

er, violates the 22nd Amendment of the U.s. Constitution, which states that “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” But Obama asserted that he believes that his eight-year legacy brought change to the nation and that many Americans would have re-elected him on that platform, if given the chance. “I know that in conversations that I’ve had with people around the country, even some people who disagreed with me, they would say the vision, the direction that you point towards is the right one,” Obama said. In response, President-elect Donald Trump — a long time at-

tacker of Obama and his policies — once again took to Twitter to express his dissent to the president’s hypothetical statements. “President Obama said he thinks he would have won against me. He should say that but I say NO WAY! — jobs leaving, IsIs, OCare, etc,” the president-elect tweeted on Monday. In the interview, Obama also shared his analysis of the election in regards to Trump’s historic upset. He defended the efforts of the Democratic Party to garner support for its candidate, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, but acknowledged that it could have expanded its ground game.

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27 hurt in Leyte town plaza blast

Leyte governor said a boxing event was in progress as part of the town’s fiesta celebration TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — when something exploded. Twenty-seven people were hurt The report received by Leyte in an explosion in the town plaza Gov. Dominico Petilla showed of Hilongos, Leyte, past 9 p.m. on that at least 27 were injured Wednesday, Dec. 28. — two were in critical condition Initial reports received by the — during the bombing at Rizal by Joey

a. Gabieta Inquirer.net

Plaza in the town proper. Petilla’s office is still trying to verify reports that at least 10 people were killed. The police have started their crime scene investigation and are now determining the perpetrators of the bombing and their motives.

Sotto: Congress to deliberate ethics case against De Lima in January by dana

sioson AJPress

AETAS DESCEND. Aetas from the Pampanga side of Mt. Pinatubo camp out along MacArthur Highway in Malolos, Bulacan to ask for Christmas alms from motorists and passers-by. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

Palace claims victory in war on drugs by MarLon

raMos Inquirer.net

THE country’s drug problem has now become a “public health issue,” Malacañang announced on Tuesday, Dec. 27 as it claimed victory in its war on drugs despite President Duterte’s failure to make good on his promise to eradicate the drug menace in six months. Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said critics of the administration’s merciless drug war, which has claimed the lives of more than 6,000 suspected drug personalities, should look at it “with the right perspective.” “Exposing the drug menace has now led the government to look at it not only as a national security [threat], but also now as a public health issue. Hence, the building of [rehabilitation facilities] all over the nation,” Abella told a news conference in Malacañang. He said authorities had made a headway in the fight against the narcotics trade with the surrender of about 900,000 drug dependents

across the archipelago. The success of the campaign, he added, was also evident in the sharp decline in index crimes, or crimes against property, as reported by the Philippine National Police. Told that the PNP also disclosed that murder cases had surged by more than 50 percent in the past six months, Abella said this figure should be “put in context.” “It says also that index crime rates have lowered significantly, telling us that majority of those crimes have been related to drugs,” Abella stressed. “So in a sense, it is a question of being able to see it with the right perspective,” he said. “If you hear anecdotal reports of people, they actually say how much they deeply appreciate the fact that they can go home safer.” In a recent survey of the Social Weather Stations, an overwhelming number of Filipinos expressed satisfaction with the government’s handling of the antidrug campaign, which many local and in-

ternational groups had described as prone to abuses with the unabated killings of drug suspects. However, close to four out of five citizens fear that they may fall victim to extrajudicial killings perpetrated by masked assassins. Abella maintained that the President was not happy with the deaths of thousands of drug personalities, saying it was not something to cheer about. “Nobody celebrates that. Nobody appreciates that,” he said. “However, we do appreciate the fact that the situation on the ground is so much more safer. That is what we celebrate.” Abella said Mr. Duterte’s efforts had also helped unmask about 5,000 government officials allegedly involved in the sale and manufacture of illegal drugs. “In one way or another, that is already significant. Identifying the enemy is about 50 percent of the battle, right?” he said. “So it tells you that prior to him, prior to this situation, this was not something that was being done.” n

Duterte admits being indebted to Imee Marcos by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

ang actuation ni Senator De Lima baka hindi rin namin finile ito pero parang ang nangyari hinamon nya talaga ang House e (If it had not been Senator De Lima’s actuation, we would not file this but it seems like she is really challenging the House). So this is ultimately the decision of the House leadership to pursue the matter including the filing of an ethics complaint,” Umali previously told reporters. According to the respondents, De Lima also committed an “unparliamentary act” after calling the committee a “kangaroo court.” “Wherefore, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed of this honorable committee that after due hearing, respondent Senator Leila De Lima be disciplined in accordance with the rules of the Senate of the Philippines. Other reliefs, just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for,” the complaint further read.

Senators Leila De Lima and Vicente Sotto III during a Senate session.

Viray

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, Dec. 29 admitted that he is indebted to Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos. In his first live interview on Philippine television after assuming the presidency, Duterte said that he has a debt of gratitude to at least three persons including the Ilocos Norte governor. “One of them is Imee, I promised in the debates I would bury her father in the Libingan ng mga Bayani,” Duterte said in an interview with CNN Philippines. The president earlier claimed that the eldest child of ousted In this Dec. 12, 2016 file photo, President Rodrigo Duterte speaks with Ilocos Norte Governor dictator Ferdinand Marcos was Imee Marcos on the sidelines of The Outstanding Filipino 2016 awarding ceremony at the among the politicians who funded Heroes Hall of Malacañan Palace. Malacañang photo by King rodriguez his presidential campaign. However, he did not declare the donasyon and there’s no sinister been met by protests from differyounger Marcos as a campaign x-deal behind the curtain some- ent sectors. The Supreme Court recently donor in his Statement of Contri- where. It’s absolutely untrue and I’d like to disabuse that,” ruled that the president did not butions and Expenditures. The Ilocos Norte governor has the younger Marcos said in an commit grave abuse of discretion claimed that the president was interview with ANC last Novem- in ordering a hero’s burial for Marcos Sr. The long-dead president only joking when he said that she ber. Duterte has ordered the burial was buried in the national cemwas among the financiers of his of the late strongman at the Lib- etery on November 18 in a move campaign. “Ang totoo wala naman ingan ng mga Bayani which has met with nationwide protests.

IS-linked Filipina imprisoned in Kuwait by dana

SENATE Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said on Wednesday, December 28, that he is planning to draft a resolution on the ethics complaint filed against Senator Leila De Lima, adding that the Senate Committee on Ethics will conduct its deliberation on the case in January. “I plan to draft a resolution and have the members review it and agree if we will call for a full blown inquiry right away,” Sotto told Inquirer. Sotto, who also acts as the committee’s chair, said he wanted the committee to act immediately on the complaint to be “fair to all sides.” Early this month, complaint was submitted against De Lima for her “unethical conduct” when she told her former driver Ronnie Dayan to skip the House of Representatives’ hearings on the

alleged drug proliferation at the National Bilibid Prison (NBP). The 12-page complaint, which was filed by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, and Oriental Mindoro Representative Reynaldo Umali, said that De Lima violated Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code or the disobedience for summons. “As an incumbent Senator, former Secretary of Justice and a lawyer, advising and inducing Mr. Dayan to hide and not to attend and/or appear in the House inquiry for which she was duly summoned, is tantamount to restraining or inducing disobedience to a summon issued by Congress, of which she is a sitting member, in violation of Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code,” the complaint read. De Lima earlier argued that her advice to Dayan was not an obstruction of justice, but rather, an “obstruction of persecution.” “Kung hindi rin naging ganun

M. sioson

AJPress

A FILIPINO woman was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment on Monday, December 26 after a Kuwaiti court convicted her for joining the Islamic State (IS) group and plotting attacks in the country. The court, whose ruling is not yet final, also ordered that she would be deported back in the Philippines after serving her term.

According to reports, the woman was arrested last August after being accused of joining the jihadist group through its affiliate in Libya. The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry earlier disclosed that the authorities monitoring her email accounts found messages of her pledging allegiance to the group. “She confessed she was ready to carry out any terrorist attack once circumstances and means were ripe in order to undermine

security and stability in Kuwait, as well as ignite sedition,” Kuwait News Agency previously reported, citing the ministry. The ministry also said that the woman told her interrogators that she was a member of IS and that her husband was also an active fighter for the group in Libya. Born in 1984, the woman— whose identity has not been revealed—arrived in Kuwait from the Philippines last June to work as a domestic helper.

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Obama on election: I could’ve won... PAGE A4 t

“See, I think the issue was less that Democrats have somehow abandoned the white working class. I think that’s nonsense. Look, the Affordable Care Act benefits a huge number of Trump voters,” Obama said. “The problem is, is that we’re not there on the ground communicating not only the dry policy aspects of this, but that we care about these communities, that we’re bleeding for these communities.” “It means caring about local races, state boards or school boards and city councils and state legislative races and not thinking that somehow, just a great set of

progressive policies that we present to the New York Times editorial board will win the day,” the president added. Obama also gave insight into his post-presidential plans which includes a massive effort to mobilize the Democratic Party. He said he plans to develop young, emerging Democratic leaders — including politicians, communication practitioners and campaign organizers — who can rally behind the party and garner more support. Moreover, he said that he will carry out his “duties and obligations” as a private citizen and continue to voice his opinions and weigh in on crucial issues during

the Trump administration as he did while campaigning for Clinton. But before he does any of that, Obama said that he plans to adopt a lower profile and spend quiet time with his family and writing a book about his historic era in office. After eight years, Obama admitted sentiment when thinking about his run as president, expressing that leaving the White House felt “like the band is breaking up.” “I have to be quiet for a while,” Obama said. “And I don’t mean politically, I mean internally. I have to still myself. You have to get back in tune with your center and process what’s happened before you make a bunch of good decisions.”

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OpiniOn

Features

The innocents

JOKES traditionally abound when Filipinos mark Niños Inocentes or Holy Innocents Day. But because of events in the past months, the grim story behind this special day will be emphasized in this year’s observance.

Editorial

Jokes traditionally abound when Filipinos mark Niños Inocentes or Holy Innocents Day. But because of events in the past months, the grim story behind this special day will be emphasized in this year’s observance. Christians are familiar with the story: Mary and Joseph could find no decent accommodations and had to settle for a humble shelter where the Baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The visiting Magi who traveled many miles to pay tribute to the infant inadvertently told King Herod about the birth and the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy on the arrival of the King of the Jews. Seeing a threat to his power, Herod ordered the slaughter of all infant sons of the Jews born around Bethlehem, but the Baby Jesus survived. Like most biblical accounts, the accuracy of the story has been challenged.

And like most stories whose acceptance is a matter of faith, the Massacre of the Innocents continues to inspire concern for the young as well as the needy and those who cannot find room at any inn. This story deserves retelling in these days when thousands of children have lost a parent or been orphaned by a bloody war against the drug menace, and where children have been killed in the crossfire. The Christmas season offers no joy for the children of those killed either by police or by masked vigilantes. In many households, relatives of those slain live in fear that the killing isn’t over and the gunmen will come back for them. No gift to children can restore a lost parent or sibling; the trauma may never disappear. These innocents deserve assistance and special prayers today. (Philstar.com)

Philstar.com photo

Goodbye, 2016. Welcome, 2017! I HAvE read a lot of posts on social media bidding 2016 goodbye in the context of “good riddance” to all the challenges, losses, disappointments the year that is about to end has brought on both the personal and collective levels Indeed, it is hard to fathom how our loving God would subject us to hardship and heartaches when he promises us that “All things work together for the good (Romans 8:28)” to those who love and have faith in Him. But when the dust settles and our eyes are not blinded by tears, we realize how God shows us His love and mercy even during moments when we feel lost, abandoned, and forgotten. Going back to the verse I quoted above unlocks the answer to the question many people in pain or mourning ask — “Why did God allow this to happen?” Romans 8:28 says EvERYTHING works TOGETHER for the good, and as my favorite pastor Joel Osteen pointed out in one of his messages: having faith in God’s promise requires us to look at everything that happens in our life — both the good and the bad — together, because they all work in concert so we may end in “All is well.” Truly, if we only focus on a mistake, heartache, disappointment, or a loss, it is hard to fathom what good will come out of it. But know in faith that ev-

erything happens for a reason, and that someday we will real- The Fil-Am ize how this “set back” is actually being used by God to set us Perspective up for something bigger and brighter as we fulfill our mission in life. The good news is as we feel geL SantoS-ReLoS like we are walking in the valley of despair, our Lord gives us all the the grace and strength we need to get us through the valley, with the help of friends and family who become our angels; through blessings and circumstances that remind us that He is still in control and working behind the scenes to help us do things we cannot do on our own. As He helps us walk through the valley, God is preparing us by flexing our spiritual muscles so we may be ready to fulfill what He has tasked us to do with our lives. At the core of what God is asking from us is FAITH. We have to believe before we see, instead of wanting to see before we believe. It is in working hard within us to keep our peace knowing that God will never forsake us, and what could be a better way to show our FAITH than by being at peace, praising God and not letting anything steal our joy

away even and especially during the toughest most challenging moments of our life? To me, this is the hardest part of being a Christian, but I realize this is what true faith is all about. As we say goodbye to 2016, let us count not only the losses, heartaches, and disappointments but also those blessings we have received from God in the past year. Let us see through the lens of our teary eyes, the times He has spared us and our loved ones from sickness, accident, or a heavier cross to carry. Let us remember the lessons the year has brought us, blow a kiss to the pain, and look forward to a better brighter year in 2017. Whatever happened in 2016 will lead us to “All is well” in 2017 and the many years to come. We just have to believe it in our hearts. We just have to plant that seed of faith in our hearts, nurture it with positive thoughts focusing on the good things we pray to God about, and believe that the answer is on the way — in God’s perfect timing. Proverbs 16:3 says, ”Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Osteen wrote:

When you commit something to the Lord, it means you place everything about it in His hands. It means you trust Him with the process and with the end result. It also means that you are willing to lay it down and let it go if you sense Him speaking to your heart, “This isn’t the right thing for you right now.” Maybe you don’t have any specific goals or plans for the new year yet. Maybe you’ve had some circumstances that have thrown you off course or you’ve felt overwhelmed by life. Your part is to commit each day to Him and let Him lead you moment by moment. Let me end with this message my late Daddy would always remind me: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.And the peace of God, surpassing all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phillippians 4:6,7) HAPPY NEW YEAR! *** 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 the Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.

Justice—Philippine style Business Matters DaviD L. BaLangue ExTRAJuDICIAL killings (EJKs) in the Philippines have raised concerns among Filipinos—the latest Social Weather Stations survey showed 8 of every 10 Filipinos are concerned that they or someone they know could be the next EJK victim. And with President Duterte repeatedly proclaiming that the war on drugs will continue, these killings will certainly go unabated. And except for a very few, the victims come from the poor sector. While the majority of Filipinos still support the President in his drug war, a growing number is becoming more loud in insisting that due process be observed. It may be noted though that the President himself has admitted that during his stint as state prosecutor in Davao City, due process did not work because of corruption in the police and the judiciary. The logical move then is to first fix the broken judicial system. This avenue is, however, not being pursued by the President. The present attempts to restore capital punishment, coupled with the President’s pledge to have five to six executions every day will make the situation of the poor even worse. While the poor face harsh

consequences, including death (extrajudicial or otherwise), for running afoul with the law, it is totally different with the rich and the politically well-connected. Take the bizarre high-profile corruption cases (to which congressional hearings kept us glued via Tv) that filled us with so much disgust and anger after revelations of the blatant corrupt activities in high places. Those hearings clearly established that crimes were committed; they also showed strong evidence of guilt on the part of the “suspects.” We had hoped there would be prompt prosecutions and just decisions. Boy, were we so dead wrong! Not only were cases not filed yet; where they have been filed, the trial is taking so long; and where they have been resolved, most of the accused, except for some “small fry,” have been freed or acquitted! This again shows clearly that the judicial process does not work: Perpetrators are acquitted as if no crime were committed? Is it because of the brilliance of defense lawyers; or is it the fault (intentional or otherwise) of prosecutors, because the judges are compromised; or is it a combination of any of the above? Look at the long list of these corruption cases: Among them, those filed against former president Ferdinand Marcos and his cronies; the Industrias Metalúrgicas Pescarmona (Impsa) bribery scandal; the “Hello Garci” tapes; the NBN-ZTE contract; the fertil-

izer fund scam; the PDAF kickbacks; and so on. After years of court proceedings, the accused principals were acquitted. But did the acquittals come because the accused were found innocent of the charges, or the evidence presented was not enough to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt? What about the poor who cannot afford an expensive and brilliant lawyer who has the ability to exploit strict rules of evidence to defend them and get them acquitted? As if these were not enough, the Supreme Court affirmed that Marcos may be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, notwithstanding previous decisions it and the uS courts rendered, finding the dictator guilty of human rights violations and of amassing unexplained wealth. Clearly, our judicial system needs to be fixed—or perhaps our values are gravely misplaced. President Duterte has repeatedly said he will stop the drug menace and eradicate corruption. While his war on drugs is very “obvious,” the same cannot be said of his anticorruption drive. In the recent Jack Lam P50-million bribery scandal, the President sacked the two Bureau of Immigration officials involved; they happen to be his frat brods—to show the country that he is sincere in fighting corruption. But shouldn’t criminal cases be filed against all those involved? Hopefully, they will be pros-

Inquirer.net photos

ecuted immediately and within six months, if found guilty, imprisoned. The country awaits.

*** David L. Balangue (davidlbalangue@ yahoo.com.ph) is chair of the Coalition

Against Corruption, the Philippine Center for Population and Development, and the National Movement for Free Elections.

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Pacquiao included in Forbes’ MVPs in 2016 boxing list by Dana

SioSon AJPress

SWEPT ASHORE. The MV Shuttle Roro 5 rests by the shore after being swept by Typhoon Nina off Mabini in Batangas on Monday, Dec. 26. After forcing thousands to have Noche Buena in cramped evacuation centers on Christmas, Typhoon Nina (international name Nock-Ten) continued to pummel southern Luzon and eastern Visayas, making eight landfalls within 24 hours before leaving landmass at mid-afternoon and a trail of destruction in its wake. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

PNP chief vows to cleanse police force in 2017 by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

PhiliPPine national Police (PnP) Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa vowed for an internal cleansing in 2017, warning scalawag officers within the police organization. “Marami pa kaming dapat linisin. iyan ang i-expect n’yo sa 2017 (We still have a lot of things to clean. That’s what you have to expect in 2017). More heads will roll sa mga scalawag na pulis (po-

lice),” Dela Rosa said in a press conference in Camp Crame on Tuesday, December 27. According to Dela Rosa, a former PnP chief even pointed out the matter to him. “May pumupuna pa nga sa akin na dating chief PnP na nagsabi na ‘Diyan ka nag-kukulang. Masyado ka nakatutok sa labas, dun sa mga kriminal sa labas. nakalimutan mo yung mga kriminal sa loob ng organisasyon (Actually a former PNP chief pointed out that matter and told me that ‘that’s where you

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa

lack. You focus too much on the criminals outside. You forgot that there were also criminals within the organization),” Dela Rosa said, later revealing the former PnP chief’s identity as Senator Panfillo lacson. According to Dela Rosa, lacson urged him to “give attention or equal importance, if not more importance” to policemen linked to illegal drug trade, who could also be possibly involved in the rising extrajudicial killings in the country. “Dito sa loob, marami pa. Meron pa kaming dapat lilinisin. Meron pa ring na-involve talaga sa krimen na mga pulis (Internally, there’s still a lot to clean. There were still police who get involved in crimes),” he admitted. Dela Rosa said that lacson is his number one adviser, adding that he didn’t felt disrespected at the former PnP chief’s comment. “i consider him as my number one adviser. That (advice) was very constructive on my part. Forte niya yung discipline, takot nga yung mga pulis noong time niya (Lacson’s forte is discipline, the police were scared of him during his time as the PNP chief),” he said, adding that all former PnP chiefs were his advisers.

FiliPino boxing champion and Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has been ranked fourth on Forbes’ list of boxing’s “Most Valuable Players” in 2016. “When Pacquiao is in an active participant in the sport, it’s a good thing for boxing. he’s a senator in the Philippines but he made time to fight Jessie Vargas in november, made at least $4 million and looked quite good while winning,” Josh Katzowitz, the author of the article, wrote. last April, after winning a 12-round unanimous decision against Timothy Bradley Jr., Pacquiao announced that he would be retiring from boxing to focus on his political career. The following month, he was elected as one of the Philippines’ senators. Pacquiao’s long-time boxing promoter, Bob Arum, later announced in August that Pacquiao would be matched against Vargas for his comeback fight. During their match at Thomas & Mack Center in las Vegas last october 5, Pacquiao dominated the Mexican-American boxer, reclaiming his World Boxing organization (WBo) welter-

weight title. “it’s unclear what his next move will be, but a fight vs. Terence Crawford would be one of the boxing’s most exciting matchups of 2017,” Katzowitz said. Before his match against Vargas, Arum said that if Pacquiao succeeds in his return fight in november, he’ll most likely have two more major matches in 2017. According to Arum, Pacquiao could be pitted against WBC junior welterweight titleholder Terence Crawford, and even have a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr., but so far, no final decision has been made. early this week, Arum told boxingscene.com’s Steve Kim that he needs to receive Pacquiao’s Senate schedule before finalizing the senator-boxer’s first boxing match in 2017.“ The truth is it (Pacquiao’s next bout) would be sometime before the end of June. now exactly when that will be, i can’t rely on anybody except going over there and meeting with the president of the senate and determine what the schedule is for the Senate,” Arum explained. “his first job is as a senator and i can’t influence when they have

Sen. Manny Pacquiao AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

recesses,” he added. Topping the Forbes’ MVPs list were both Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev, followed by Canelo Alvarez (2nd) and Gennady Golovkin (3rd). next to Pacquiao in the rankings were Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (5th), Keith Thurman (6th), Anthony Joshua (7th), Vasyl lomachenko (8th), Joe Smith (9th), and Terence Crawford (10th). Katzowitz, author of the article said he based the rankings on his “own unscientific calculation of those who ‘helped grow the sport’ while also ‘helping his own bank account.’”

Arroyo acquitted of Malampaya scam charges by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

FoRMeR Philippine president and now Pampanga representative and house Deputy Speaker, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, has been cleared from plunder and graft charges filed against her in connection with the P900-million Malampaya Fund scam. on Tuesday, December 27, the office of the ombudsman said that it has dismissed the charges against Arroyo due to insufficient evidence. The criminal charges against former executive Secretary eduardo R. ermita, former Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) chief administrative officer Dominador Sison Jr., and cashier nilda Baui were also junked. “There was no nexus to the alleged commission of the crime of plunder, malversation of public funds through falsification of documents, and violation of the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act,” ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said. Also cleared were hector Ang, Delfin Agcaoili Jr., Jesus Castillo, erwin Dangwa, Cecilia Caballero,

Corazon Dizon, Cynthia Dequiña, lilian español, Flordeliz Galido, Roselle King, William lim, Mark oliveros, liza Maclang ong, Francis Palmones Jr., lorna Ramirez, Genevieve Uy, editha Talaboc, edgar Valdez, Rodolfo Plaza, and Rene Villa. “Complainants failed to prove that they conspired with their corespondents in the illegal diversion of the P900-million Malampaya Fund or that they deviated from the regular procedure,” the joint resolution read, dated December 19. on the other hand, the ombudsman approved the filing of two counts of plunder, 97 counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and 97 counts of Malversation Through Falsification of Public Documents against alleged “pork barrel mastermind” Janet lim-napoles and 24 other individuals. According to the resolution, the P900-million Malampaya Fund allocated by the Department of Budget & Management (DBM) to the DAR in 2009 was “malversed through a complex and well-orchestrated scheme, which di-

verted the funds to the possession and control of napoles and her cohorts via bogus [nongovernment organizations (nGo)] selected to implement ghost or inexistent projects.” Also indicted for their supposed participation in the scam were former DBM Secretary Rolando Aureo G. Andaya, Jr.; former DBM Undersecretary Mario l. Relampagos; former DAR Secretary nasser C. Pangandaman; former DAR Undersecretary narciso B. nieto; former DAR Directors Teresita l. Panlilio; DAR Chief Administrative officer Ronald J. Venancio; former Chief Accountant Angelita V. Cacananta; and Ruby C. Tuason. According to the result of the ombudsman’s investigation, Andaya made a request to the office of the President to use the Malampaya fund in assisting the areas devastated by typhoons ondoy and Pepeng in 2009. in the same year, Arroyo signed the executive order (eo) no. 848 that allowed the use of the Malampaya fund outside the energy sector, creating chances for the allocation of sources to ghost projects and ghost beneficiaries.

A DECEMBER 30, 2016-januaRy 5, 2017 • nEW yORK anD nEW jERSEy aSIan jOuRnaL

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Financial goals for the New Year Among the top resolutions people make when the new year comes around is getting their finances on the right track. The promise of new beginnings and the burden of self-improvement help people look back to a year’s worth of regrets. Aside from spending more time with family or trying to be healthy, we all certainly have our fair share of vices especially when it comes to money. However, like most resolutions, financially-themed promises for improvement hardly get achieved. About 45 percent of people make new Year’s resolutions and only 8 percent get to achieve their goals. This means that this does not bode well for hopes of improved money management. Still, these low odds should not deter one from improving financial habits. Here are some tips to make 2017 a great year for your wallet:

1. Pay bills immediately. Everyone has monthly obligations such as insurance, utilities, retirement fund, credit cards, etc. Take care of these obligations immediately after receiving your paycheck, before allowing yourself to spend on any indulgence or luxury. This strategy will help you get a better sense of what you can really afford — and what you can’t. 2. Repay your credit card debt (at least 20 percent). According to WalletHub, an average household with credit card debt will owe approximately $8,400 by the end of 2016. So getting a zero percent balance transfer credit card plus a well-crafted payment plan will help a person save hundreds on finance charges. It understandable that a bigger amount will be difficult to pay off in one swoop, so it is recommended that you start smaller, by making a plan to transfer and pay

off 20 percent of what you owe over the course of 2017. 3. Review your credit report and sign up for credit monitoring. It is easy to get free credit scores today, thanks to websites and banks that provide the service. However, knowing your score is just a start. According to a survey by the Federal Trade Commission, one in four people have a credit report containing an error that could affect their credit score. Reviewing your credit report thoroughly can help you spot signs of fraud before they get out of hand. Aside from checking your credit report, you can also keep tabs by signing up for a 24/7 credit monitoring. This service will enable you to receive notifications if there is an important change to your credit report. 4. Plan for a realistic budget — and stick to it. According to the national Foundation for Credit Counseling,

Americans are going to end 2016 with an $80 billion credit card debt. That’s not a surprise considering that only 40 percent of adults have a budget. This is why there is a need to look over what we make and how to spend it. The first step is to look at past bills and make a list of all recurring expenses. Rank them according to importance, putting real necessities, such as housing, food and health care on top. Then, see what you need to cut out from the bottom list to make sure that your pay exceeds what you plan to spend. Finally, keep track of this list and how you spend every month to make sure you’re abiding by your budget. 5. The possibility of looking for a better job. We want to spend less and save more that sometimes we overlook what could be wrong: How much we actually earn. Finding a better-paying job may not

seem to be the better answer as trading up a longtime career for a new one isn’t easy. However, considering a new job with higher wages and/or moving to an area with a lower cost of living can outweigh

all other financial maneuverings. Another suggestion is going back to school to acquire skills that can add to your earning potential. As expected, this needs a little more thinking and planning. The thought of changing jobs and/or moving to a new area may be a little daunting, but change is good — and changing for a better year financially is better. (AJPress)

Fitness and health advice from health & wellness coaches by LesLey Camara and Thea Fernandez

Source: Statisticbrain.com

Infographics by AJPress

AS the popular holiday song goes “So this is Christmas, and what have you done? Another year over; a new one just begun.” The start of the year is an exciting time where self-introspection of the previous year reveals selfrenovation in the upcoming year. We ask ourselves: what can we do better this year than last year? A recent poll in the United States shows that the top three New Years resolution themes revolve around improving health, increasing wealth, and jumping at the opportunity to try something new. Though many people set New Year goals, a 2015 study shows that only 8 percent of the U.S. population who made resolutions, met them. Though there are TONS of valuable tips out there to help individuals get a jumpstart on their goals, here are a few to apply immediately: Get fit and STAY fit in the New Year! There are DIETS, and then there are LIFESTYLES. Diets are temporary, but lifestyles, are pretty permanent. If what you want in 2017 is an OPTIMALLY healthy body, the numbers on your scale – while they are important – aren’t enough to give you a comprehensive report. Set specific goals with a clear purpose and have an accountability partner. “Lose weight and eat healthier foods” is NOT enough. But “I want to lose 30 pounds in four months so that I can lower my blood pressure and my doctor can taper off my medications” is GREAT. When you figure out WHY you are doing something, share it with an “accountability partner,” a friend that you trust and will push you in the moments you want to quit. We suggest picking someone who is in the position you want to be in (more fit, more active, etc.) because you will feel the need to keep up. Remember, we will always give up on our own goals but when someone knows about it and is doing it WITH you, it’s a bit harder to quit. Additionally, choose a physical activity you love to do and enjoy doing it on a regular basis. It does not have to be the same activity, but what gives you joy should motivate you to act on it. As an added bonus, research shows that physical activity and weight-loss programs are more fun and effective if done with a partner or in a group. With that said, grab a friend, relative or significant other and enjoy getting fit together! Plan ahead for obstacles… also known as a social life and family gatherings! As Filipinos, our culture revolves around family and social gatherings where, often times, there is WAY too much food to eat for the amount of people invited. But did you know, studies show cravings typically only last

Lesley Camara

Thea Fernandez

five to 10 minutes? So if you know ahead of time you will be at a social gathering where your “forbidden fruit” will be, try doing these things: - Fill up on healthy, lean proteins and high fiber foods before even leaving home! Greek yogurt, fish, deli meats, leafy greens and grilled vegetables are all great choices! - To control portions, grab a small plate. This will force you to automatically portion control your food choices so as not to “over eat” on your first round at the Filipino party buffet. - Sit far away from the food and desserts. Once you grab a plate, you can easily avoid getting up for another round by simply positioning your seat a fair walking distance from the food selection. Though this requires much self-control – in Thea’s experience, it has worked in that she’d rather stay at her seat catching up with a relative than walking another 10, 20, 50 feet back to the buffet table for more food. - Limit those Filipino desserts – although it’s hard! Added sugar is one of the leading causes of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. A rule of thumb: everything in moderation and just eat your favorite. Give yourself a limit on how many sweets you’ll consume at a Filipino party and your starting point can be less than your average amount of sweets consumed. For example, if there are seven different dessert options, start by trying three small portions of the desserts or even better, just stick to your favorite dessert – promise, it won’t hurt you! These small yet simple changes will allow you to become conscious of what you are eating and how much. With this increased awareness of food consumption, those “after holiday pounds” will be kept off. About the authors: Lesley Camara is a Manila born, young entrepreneur and UCLA graduate. After her father passed away before her freshman year of high school, she made it her life’s purpose to help families stay healthy and whole. It would not be under her watch that a friend loses a loved one because of something preventable.

Through her unique network of connections, she has had the opportunity to study several leaders in their field, including health. For years she has studied and tried holistic approaches to mind-body health, and loved it. Through her current profession, she has impacted and transformed thousands of lives. She has gone through her own transformation, losing 47 pounds (still counting) and has kept it off. While she is still a work in progress, she takes every opportunity to celebrate every success. Most especially the success of those around her! Thea Fernandez, MPH, CHES is a Certified Health Education Specialist and health entrepreneur who has a passion for helping people improve their health through lifestyle changes after losing her father to a preventable disease at the age of 16. As a first generation Filipina-American who grew up on the island of O’ahu, she made it her mission to study, practice and teach Healthy living by later moving to Los Angeles to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies and later a Master’s Degree in Public Health, both from the University of Southern California (USC). Thea enthusiastically practices her public health work full-time serving as the Education Lead for UCLA’s Outpatient Comprehensive Care Coordinator Team by day; and part-time, as a licensed Zumba instructor, teaching 6 full classes per week at the Anderson Munger Family YMCA in Koreatown as well as the Ketchum YMCA in Downtown LA by night. She also had the opportunity to showcase health and fitness tips on LA-18’s show, Kababayan Today hosted by Giselle Tongi. Despite her busy schedule, her most fulfilling work as a health coach has allowed her to promote health and wellness by combining the importance of physical activity, proper nutrition, and mind-body balance. With these wellness principles, she has helped many in Los Angeles and Hawaii achieve optimal health and is looking forward to motivate and inspire more people to do the same in the new year and beyond!

Immigration Corner

Non-crewman C-1 transits can adjust status in the US

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

possibly be eligible to adjust status in the U.S. (For crewmen to adjust status in the U.S., they would need the benefit of Section DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: I entered the U.S. on a C–1 transit 245(i), by having been previously petitioned before April 30, 2001. visa, but I am not a crewman, nor However, non-crewman transits was I joining any ship. I was simply would not necessarily need passing through the U.S. to another Section 245(i) to adjust status in country. However, I remained in the the U.S.) U.S. and am out of status. I just got In fact, my office has handled married to a U.S. citizen, and was several cases involving nontold I would not be able to adjust crewmen C-1 transits, and status (get a green card) in the U.S. we successfully secured their because I entered on a C-1 transit green card in the U.S. through visa. Is there any hope for me to adjustment of status. In one case, adjust status in the U.S. through a marriage petition, without having to the person entered on a C-1 visa, going to Guantánamo Bay to go back to the Philippines? work. In another case, the person Very truly yours, was transiting through the U.S. M.B. to work on an oil platform off the coast of Louisiana. Since they were Dear M.B.: not crewman, we succeeded in A C-1 visa is issued to aliens having them adjust status in the in “immediate and continuous transit through the U.S.” Such visas U.S. versus having to go back to the Philippines via provisional are typically issued to crewmen waiver. seeking to join a ship. However, If you entered the U.S. on a C-1 a C-1 visa can also be issued to visa and were not a crewman, you other people transiting through should consult with an attorney, the U.S. to another country. These who can evaluate your case and non-crewman C-1 entrants could

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA (WE are coming full circle once again. The pendulum has swung. We are turning a new page. We truly hope we are not here just to mark time but to truly live the full measure of the life we were meant to have from one season to the next. Here’s my prayer for all: May the next chapter of our individual life stories in the coming year include the grace of discernment to finally figure out our life’s purpose and the courage to fulfill it.) A circle is perhaps the perfect geometric structure there is. Although some would claim the triangle or a square to be better structures because of their stable nature, the circle and all its derivatives — the orb, the sphere, the globe and every structure

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determine your eligibility for adjustment of status (assuming you have been petitioned and your priority date is current). If you are a C-1 crewman, you would either need the benefit of Section 245(i) or consider a provisional waiver. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

The May elections topped Twitter Philippines’ biggest moment, which garnered a total of 35 million tweets, with four million of them recorded on the day of the polls.

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” - Albert Eistein

AlDub fans gradually took to Twitter their admiration for the love team and since then accumulated a massive following that made the TV couple a global hit.

The top Twitter trends in PH for 2016 by Christian imperio Philstar.com

AS a modern-day bookkeeper in the age of millennials, microblogging site Twitter fittingly capped the year by paying tribute (Advertising Supplement) to the biggest moments that sent shockwaves across Twitterverse. Twitter Philippines ranked the most used hashtags, running into millions, that almost broke the internet: 1. Philippine elections The May elections topped Twitter Philippines’ biggest moment, which garnered a total of 35 million tweets with four million of them recorded on the day of the polls. patterns of our lives, from sunrise to In a bid to promote the polls, sunset. Note nature’s seasons and the Commission on Elections cycles of birth and death, of sleep launched #PiliPinas2016 in and wakefulness, of ebb and flow, partnership with Twitter. The of the waxing and waning of the partnership enabled users to gain moon and of the quarter million live access to information about year rotation of the solar system politics and to freely express their around the core of our home sentiments about the ongoing galaxy, the Milky Way and in the elections. grandest of levels, the movement During the election period, of a nearly infinite number of the hashtags #PiliPinas2016 and galaxies in the universe, the edge of #PiliPinas were tapped by users which only the Creator knows. to express their views regarding On the minutest level, the election process. They also the astounding movement of encouraged the people to use electrons around a nucleus and #PHVoteBinay, #PHVoteDuterte, the wondrous flow of the human #PHVotePoe, #PHVoteRoxas and bloodstream to and from the heart #PHVoteSantiago when talking are cyclical. about the presidential elections. Between Oct. 12 and May 9, Continued on Page 6

Like riding a bicycle: Circles, cycles and movement on earth and in the universe with a core, circumference and radii emanating from the core — can teach and even help us to understand much about nature, about ourselves and human life and its cycles and seasons, from the most profound to the most mundane levels. From the micro to the macro levels, every creative urge on every level, in the intellectual and the physical realms, begins as a thought and if tenaciously pursued and fleshed out by one’s strength of will, proceeds from concept to completion as a circle. Even in the mundane reality of living an ordinary life from day to day, circles and cycles mark the

An Asian Journal

then Davao City mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte was the most discussed presidential candidate with 40 percent – bigger than Binay’s (23.4 percent) and Roxas’ (18.9 percent) combined mentions. Meanwhile, the #PilipinasDebates was among the most talked about topics during the election period, garnering five million tweets. On May 9, electionrelated tweets peaked at 5,600 per minute. 2. Kids’ Choice Awards This year’s Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards landed in second spot when teen heartthrobs Kathryn Bernardo, James Reid, Enrique Gil and Maine Mendoza were all nominated for the Favorite Pinoy Personality Award. Mendoza, famously known as “Yaya Dub” or half of the phenomenal love team AlDub (with actor and television host Alden Richards), beat her local teen stars and was proclaimed as the Favorite Pinoy Personality. It was a battle between two love teams – with solid AlDub fans amassing tweets for #VoteMaineFPP against Kathniels’ (Bernardo and actor-singer Daniel Padilla) #VoteKathrynFPP. Green Archer cager Jeron Teng also took home the orange blimp for being the Favorite Asian Sports Star, edging out Kim Kurniawan of

Indonesia, Pandelela of Malaysia and Irfan Fandi of Singapore. 3. AlDub Everyone loves their daily romance – that’s mainly the reason why the phenomenal love team AlDub has stolen millions of hearts and made everyone tune in on their daily misadventures on noontime TV show Eat Bulaga’s Kalyeserye. The AlDub love team has been considered an accidental hit, when Mendoza and Richards exhibited an inexplicable chemistry that caught the attention of viewers. AlDub fans gradually took to Twitter their admiration for the love team and since then, accumulated a massive following that made the TV couple a global hit. Their fans generated a swarm of tweets that conquered every impossible milestone laid before them, with their unwavering support for the love team, the show’s daily hashtags interminably topping the daily charts. The #AlDub1stAnniversary celebration was considered their first milestone, after their solid fans accumulated 6.6 million tweets followed by another 4.1 million tweets on their Valentine’s Day special #AldubIsLove. Continued on Page 7

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong In life, the greatest welltaught experiences come packaged in seemingly very ordinary encounters but surreptitiously tagged with lessons learned the hard way…through mistakes, failures, oversights, and disappointments. As the year 2016 draws to an end, I couldn’t help but reminisce and gather those not-

A personal perspective and retrospection of the year that was so-distant events that have had major impact on me. Looking back at the twelve months only generated a sentimental journey to a time that involved all sorts of emotions, excitement, surprises, anticipation, and disgust. One cannot help but get sentimental each time old memories come flashing back. For sentimental people living in their past incredibly sustains their quixotic association with the days to come. Every day in the past year has a story during times we lived it through…

My family Christmas photo

major events that impacted us and the people we shared it with…times that spawned emotions that made us either enjoy or regret. We often say: “The good old days…” but we often overlook and fail to consider that we, too, have gone old together with the passing time. We could forget what hurt us in the past but never the lessons it had taught us. According to a prolific writer: “The future is Stardust because you can dream it…the present is Clay that you can

One of the most memorable places we visited in Israel...the Sea of Galilee

A souvenir pose of our pilgrimage group in Jordan last September

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

mold… but the past is Stone that you can’t change or reshape.” It is without saying that no man is rich enough to buy back his past…therefore, life should be lived with virtue and uprightness so not to look back with regret. Living life is like driving a car. One cannot drive safely forward on the road of life when he constantly looks at the rear view mirror. And that in every crossroad on the path that leads to the future is a warning sign that stops us, makes us look around, and listen conscientiously …before we resume and arrive soundly at our destination. We can never get away from where we’ve been. Yesterday will always be a part of our life tomorrow. nobody escapes the past. Accomplishments will only cover up the ugliness of what we’ve been through… facing reality with restitution and compassion will expunge the negativity and bitterness of bygone years…for life is not to be lived with just intention (genuinely or otherwise) but with optimistic actions. Looking back and living in the past could be as relaxing as lolling in a rocking chair but never going nowhere. We cannot

A collage of some of the 2016 shows I directed

compare the present with the past even in similar situations for each day is different and we live each day differently…depending on what influences and induces us. We should always remember that the past is like a baggage securely strapped at our back… we could feel its weight though we don’t see it. But one should never stop in taking strides and lay down the baggage for the trepidation of exhaustion…for fear is merely a product of negative energy called doubt. Instead of taking a lull and contemplate one has to carry on with the journey and adeptly face the future with hope and certainty. For me, nothing is wrong with dwelling in the past but just don’t let the past to be a basis for the future. We might be wrong or had wronged others

SERVICES

Revisited the Sin City with Elton Lugay, Rasmin Diaz and my wife, Venny.

in some ways or had committed mistakes in our pursuit of success but these should not hinder our decreed choice to struggle. According to Irish playwright and poet Oscar Wilde: “Even every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.” I am, by nature, schmaltzy… an avid nostalgic believer. I may be labeled too sentimental but I never care. nostalgia (etymology: Continued on Page 7

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Dingdong, Megan & Andrea make good chemistry By Ver

Paulino Philstar.com

A lOT of good things are happening to Dingdong Dantes these days. Aside from doing successful movies like “The Aswang chronicles” and “The Unmarried Wife,” he’s enjoying a happy family life with marian Rivera and their beautiful Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz ended the country’s 20-year Olympic medal drought. Klie Verzosa is the sixth Filipina to be crowned Miss International. daughter Baby Zia, and topbilling Philstar.com photos one of GmA 7’s top-rating primetime shows for 2016, “Alyas Robin Hood.” “Sa panahon ngayon maraming mga options ang mga viewers, may drama, comedy, madalas maraming attempts sa action, isa sa pinaka in People Asia’s People of the with People Asia. OlYmPic medalist Hidilyn mahirap gawin with regards sa Year are Asia’s songbird Regine Verzosa also brought honor Diaz and miss international 2016 productions. So we are definitely Velasquez-Alcasid, Emperador to the country when she won the Kylie Verzosa are listed among doing something right with Alyas chairman Andrew Tan, awardmiss international 2016 pageant People Asia’s People of the Year Robin Hood, there’s action, there’s winning actor John lloyd cruz, in Tokyo, Japan last October. for this year. humor, there’s a loveteam. Nabuo former UNEScO-Philippines Besting 65 other Diaz, a three-time Olympian, pa nga ang Team Sarri and Team Secretary-General Preciosa representatives of various was the first Filipino athlete to Venus. i’m just overwhelmed. i’m Soliven, construction magnate countries, Verzosa is the bag an Olympic medal since very lucky to be working with Alice Eduardo, business tycoon sixth Filipina to become miss 2016. She won the silver medal of Henry lim Bon liong, mang inasal international. the women’s 54 kg weightlifting founder Edgar Sia ii, broadcast “i took what life offered me with a total of 200 kg at the journalist ces Oreña Drilon, celia and then i started taking control... Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Diaz-laurel, Aivee Group cEO Z And (God) guided me along the Brazil last August. Teo, actor christopher De leon, way. it just didn’t prayers. it took “if you’re not willing to put in Quezon city Vice mayor Joy a lot of hard work and dedication the hard work, to endure and fail, Belmonte and TAPE inc. President to get to where i am,” Verzosa there’s no point. You win only if and cEO Antonio Tuviera. (Patricia said. you’re willing to do whatever it Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com) Other Filipinos included takes,” Diaz said in an interview

Hidilyn Diaz, Kylie Verzosa among ‘People of the Year’ awardees

them dahil nag swak talaga kami (because we clicked),” shared Dingdong during a press visit to the “Alyas Robin Hood” set in San mateo, Rizal. it was in last week’s episode when televiewers saw megan and Andrea get naughty and a bit daring. megan said that she enjoyed working with Dingdong and Andrea. “it’s our first time (working) with each other. There’s pressure but we’re happy on the set. Everything is just free-flowing with everyone during tapings. Take, for example, my swimsuit showdown with Andrea, bigla lang sinabi. in fairness (to us), we pulled it off.” meanwhile, the 26-year-old beauty queen-actress seems to have become more mature with regards to her decisions in life and in her career. megan shared about setting certain limitations. “Ever since i started in the business, i think the limitation would be with myself, na parang i just

don’t wanna show anything lang (for the sake of it). Whatever the script requires of me and what my director requires of me, i think we all have to meet in the middle man lang kasi hindi pwedeng sobrahan ang isang bagay. As long as it improves the scene, why not?” meanwhile, Andrea clarified her true relationship with Kapuso comedian Sef cadayona. “i’m single. Hindi naman naging kami. Wala akong dapat aminin.” Andrea also maintained that there’s no friction between her and fellow Kapuso star marian Rivera. “Not true. We are fine ni ate marian at nag-uusap kami because we are under the same management. Nagpapadala pa nga ako ng pagkain sa kanya.” Also seen during the set visit were Dennis Padilla, Rey PJ Abellana, michael Flores, Sid lucero and cherie Gil. “Alyas Robin Hood” is directed by Dominic Zapata and airs after Encantadia.

Star magic artists dominate the year’s local, digital concert scene GRAND or intimate, Star magic artists dominated the concert stage with their successful shows in 2016. Kim chiu marked her 10th anniversary in the business through “chinita Princess The FUNtasy concert” in April at the Kia Theater. Two months later, her screen partner Xian lim staged his aptly titled first solo show “A Date With Xian” also at the Kia Theater on July 9. Jona marked her entrance at the Kapamilya Network with “Queen Of The Night: Jona,” which had her performing alongside Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Jed madela at same venue on November 25. moreover, hunky Fil-italian actor matteo Guidicelli staged his first-ever concert in his hometown cebu touted as “#matteomadeincebu” to mark his 10th year in the business. Hashtags member Ronnie Alonte ended the year with a bang, not only because of his metro manila Film Festival entry “Vince & Kath & James” but because he staged his first solo concert titled “Kilig King” at the Kia Theater on December 17. Apart from the solo concerts, first-time group performances also shone in 2016. There’s the Valentine concert “Royals” at the mall of Asia Arena on February 13 headlined by martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid along with teleserye theme songs king and queen Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto. Earlier this month, Quinto came back to the concert stage, this time with her other co-singers KZ Tandingan, Yeng constantino and Kyla for the sold out “Divas: live in manila” at the Araneta coliseum.

Dingdong Dantes on Alyas Robin Hood leading ladies Megan Young (right) and Andrea Torres: I’m very lucky to be working with them.

Jona

“it’s Showtime’s” kilig ambassadors Hashtags composed of Zeus colins, Ronnie Alonte, mccoy de leon, Tom Doromal, Jon lucas, luke conde, Paulo Angeles, Nikko Natividad, Jameson Blake, Jimboy martin and Ryle Tan took the stage by storm with “Hashtags: The Roadtrip concert” at the jampacked Kia Theater on September 24. Experienced Star magic concert performers also took the stage this year. There’s “The Voice Kids Season 1” first runner-up Darren Espanto who filled the Kia Theater to the brim back in June for his major concert “D Total Experience” together with guests maja Salvador, iñigo Pascual, Ylona Garcia, Jed madela and the G-Force. Dance Princess maja Salvador, on the other hand, staged her third major concert titled “Only maja” on November 12 at the music museum. Her friends Enchong Dee, Piolo Pascual, Paulo Avelino, Kakai Bautista and the Hashtags were among her guests. Star magic artists didn’t only dominate the traditional concert scene, they have also participated pioneering digital concert arena

Erik Santos, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez and Angeline Quinto

Matteo Guidicelli

spearheaded by the ABS-cBN online music portal One music PH. Pop-rock princess Yeng constantino served as the digital concert scene’s opening performer, who marked her 10 years in the business with “Yeng constantino: Salamat Sa 10 Taon,” followed by former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Ylona Garcia with my Name is Ylona Garcia. Darren Espanto followed suit with “The Other Side Of Darren,” which marked his second show for the year. Finally, there came the best friends loisa Andalio, maris Racal, Sue Ramirez and Kristel Fulgar, who formed part of the digital concert titled Double Hearts. (ManilaTimes.net)

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A tribute to Benjamin G. Maynigo: An idealist and dreamer till the very end The Metamorphosis

ErniE D. DElFin (PART 1 of 2)

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” - Forest E. Witcraft This kind of a column is very rare and unique as it is written to pay respects to somebody who will never read it. However, who knows that in the spiritual world where he is now, there might be that mysterious chance or miraculous e-mail, where this article is transmitted from earth to high heavens. Nevertheless, I am writing this personal tribute to my dear Compadre, Benjamin “Ben” G. Maynigo, to express my deep love and respect for him and his family that he left behind. Last Friday, Dec. 23, my compadre would have been 70 years exactly, but in God’s timetable, he passed away 20 days short. But short as it was, I believe he lived a full life with no regrets, as he always did his best to improve the world that he found it. Ben’s growing up years was quite parallel with this writer — in a rural town in Pangasinan. I was born in Manaoag, Pangasinan while Ben was born in Rosales, Pangasinan, a town made famous in the literary world by another Ilocano writer-novelist, F. Sionil Jose, who authored the “Rosales Saga” novels. Coincidentally, Ben D EC E M B E r 2 1 passed away on Dec. 3 while his kailian, Manong Frank Sionil Jose was celebrating his 92nd birthday on the same day! I first met Pareng Ben in one

of the early conferences of Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC) which he founded in the mid-80s, and he invited me to serve as a director from Los Angeles region. I found him to be a dreamer and a visionary who lived outside the box often. Through APACC, I meet many non-Filipinos, especially some minority groups that I still vividly remember like Fred Lane, descendant of a Native American Lummi chief from the Seattle area, Tom Holmes, an African-American leader in Los Angeles, and also pioneers in Filipino-American politics like David M. Valderrama who was the first Fil-Am delegate to the State Legislature of Maryland (his “seat” was also occupied by one of his daughters, Kris, decades later). In the summer of 1987, as president of the PICPA-Southern California, I invited Ben as one of the speakers to our National Council of Filipino American CPAs convention which I chaired at the Disneyland Hotel, and he instantly had many friends and fans from our CPA organization. As the founder of APACC and a successful lawyer, Ben wowed the non-legal audience of predominantly CPAs and their friends expounding about the many benefits of going outside the Fil-Am community as he did in APACC. I still cannot forget that this convention was one of the more successful ones, as our speakers were not just from the accounting profession, but also interesting and inspiring speakers like Ben and my long-time friend, Tritia Toyota, one of the pioneers of Asian American TV personalities in Los Angeles, who also co-founded our Asian American Journalist Association. Because of our nonCPA speakers, I still remember very well that the session after lunch was “cancelled” because of Ben speaking before lunch and

Calendar of Events across

Tritia delivering the luncheon keynote speech, and most of the delegates “refused” to go back to the seminar workshop to have more time for dialogue with these two VIP speakers and pictures with them (there were no iPhones and selfies then!). Looking back, that was my “fault” for inviting non-CPA speakers but at the same time, I was also happy about it. In the political arena, he was also quite involved and also indirectly affected by the Martial Law regime of Marcos, as he was married to Tina Manglapus, the only daughter of the late Senator and Foreign Affairs Secretary Raul Manglapus. As the former Senator Manglapus was already in the U.S. as an exile, Pareng Ben and his family were forced to escape the Philippines through the backdoor from Mindanao to Sabah, Malaysia and eventually to the United States. Thereafter, the Movement for Free Philippines (MFP — could also mean Manglapus For President) was organized and had national following from many Fil-Ams. This political factor gave another reason for Ben and me to have more discussions as I also attended MFP meetings in Southern California when Senator Manglapus and/or Ben were visiting from the Washington D.C. area. When Marcos fled the Philippines and was brought to Hawaii, and Cory Aquino became president, Raul Manglapus was again appointed as Secretary of Foreign Affairs while Ben refocused his AI-centered business and other interests that forced him to have an office in Manila where he stayed half of the time as his family did not leave their Virginia residence as they did not desire to settle down in the Philippines. (To be continued next week) *** Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com Website: www.gkerc.org

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Grand Park + The Music Center in Los Angeles host New Year’s Eve celebration Los Angeles will put its mark on New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world as Angelenos join together with friends and family to share their hopes, dreams and resolutions for 2017 at the fourth annual Grand Park + The Music Center’s N.Y.E.L.A. The West Coast’s flagship New Year’s celebration will feature three stages with live music, DJs and dancing throughout the night; large scale inflatable art; and 3D digital video mapping on City Hall along with an integrated light show to count down to the new year in true L.A. style. The free family-friendly event, which attracts thousands from all over Southern California and beyond, reinforces Downtown Los Angeles as a destination for a grand-scale New Year’s Eve experience. Grand Park + The Music Center’s N.Y.E.L.A. takes place from 8:00 p.m. on December 31, 2016 to 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day, and will cover 90 acres from The Music Center Plaza to City Hall (Hope Street to Spring Street) and from Temple Street to 2nd Street. More than 50,000 people are expected to attend. For more information about Grand Park + The Music Center’s N.Y.E.L.A., visit grandparkla.org/nyela or musiccenter. org/nyela.

ja n ua ry 28 , 2 0 1 7

Historic Filipinotown Scavenger Hunt Explore the cultural gems of HiFi (Historic Filipinotown) by joining the 2nd HiFi Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser on Saturday, January 28 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m! Meet Filipino-specific challenges (from a Balut eating contest to dancing Tinikling to a hip hop beat!). You may find yourself meeting a little-known community hero, tasting a Filipino food challenge or receiving your very own Filipino nickname! You will be having a blast while building your bayanihan spirit by asking your friends and family and even your Facebook fans to donate money to sponsor your Team to take this challenge. You and your team choose your own fundraising goal! Funds raised by this event will go to the programs and services of 2 HiFi community organizations, Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI) to provide vital services to families, workers and seniors in our community. Services include free or low-cost citizenship application assistance, human trafficking survivor support, civic engagement, wage theft claims assistance, cultural programs and more! Have fun, Discover Historic Filipinotown win prizes and support your community while doing it! Go to www.pwcsc.org/HiddenHiFi to sign up now. PWC is located at 153 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026.

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

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS MEN’S sweat is good for women Don’t laugh. This is true. Biologists at the University of Pennsylvania found that men’s perspiration has beneficial effects on women’s mood, reduces stress and induces relaxation. It even has an soothing effect on a woman’s menstruation. Blood test revealed a rise in the level of reproductive luteinizing hormone, which normally surges before ovulation. The study was done on men who were asked not to use deodorant during the research, and extracts of their sweat collected. The women subjects thought the substance they were testing (smelling) was a type of perfume. It is true then that when women say they love the scent of their man, it is genuine and scientifically founded. Guys, this, however, does not mean we have to stop taking showers! Violence of television Children, boys and girls alike, who watch violence on television have increased risk of aggression, including spousal abuse and criminal offenses as adults, reported psychologist L. Rowell Huesmann and his cohorts at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, in the March 2003 issue of the Journal for Developmental Psychology. The study was conducted in the late 1970s on 329 children 6 to 9 years of age and again in their early 20s, to discern the long term effects of televised violence. The study included interviews with these subjects in the 1990s together with their spouses and children. This significant study confirmed the hypothesis that violence on the television adversely affects children’s lives by eroding into their inborn and natural aversion to violence, making aggression, violence, and in many cases, crime as acceptable social behaviors for them when dealing with their family and the public. Programs like “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “Starsky and Hutch”, and even “Road Runner” were considered very violent, among the many of the 80 popular programs included in the study. Obviously, parents have to be vigilant and caring enough to protect their children from violence, sex and obscenity (verbal or physical). Filtered water xcam?

Medical myths and facts A few years ago, in this column, we cautioned the public against unscrupulous entrepreneurs selling tap (faucet) water as “filtered water.” This fraud is apparently practiced worldwide. Thus, everybody has to be forewarned. Fortune Magazine had reported that the bottled water business “is a $7.6-billion industry in the United States alone”, having more than quintupled the bottled water consumption and revenues from $2.5 billion in 1991. Drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water per day is, in general, good for us. The current US statistics show the following “gallon per person” consumption: carbonated soft drinks, which are unhealthy, 54%; beer, 22.6%; milk, 22.6%; coffee, 21.9%; and, bottled water, 21.1%. So bottled water is in, and for a healthy reason. But be certain the bottled water is produced by a reputable company. And make sure you break the seal-lock on the cap of the bottle yourself, to preclude the possibility of tampering and contamination. It is prudent to instruct the waiters in restaurants NOT to open the bottle, NOT to break the seal, so you could do it yourself. Food warning Some food may increase the risk for the development of colon cancer. New studies among women have shown that diets that favor red meat (especially grilled and burnt) or processed meat, French fries, sweets, refined grains (like white bread, pasta) are associated with higher colon cancer rate. The recommended diet, as we have repeatedly “prescribed” in this column the past several years, should consist of fish, vegetables, fruits, legumes (beans), and whole-grain foods (hi-fiber items like bran, oat meal). This healthy diet reduces the risk of colon and other cancers. To make the equation complete, add: abstinence from tobacco, daily exercise, and if desired, a glass or two of red wine with dinner (with romantic soft music to further calm the nerves). And don’t forget the loved one to do this with. Good “fats” While the saturated fats and cholesterol from red meats and eggs are unhealthy for us, the good polyunsaturated nonhydrogenated fats from olive oil, canola oil and nuts are beneficial to our body. They can even protect us from developing Alzheimer’s Disease. Fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids) from fresh fish has been found to be good for the heart

(cardio-protective) and possible also good for boosting immunity against common illnesses. Sushi (raw fish) is rich in Omega 3. All the studies have shown that a diet of consisting mainly of fish (as source of protein, plus vegetables, fruits and nuts) instead of red meats and eggs is, without any doubt, the healthier alternative, if we are to ward off cardiovascular diseases (like heart attack and stroke) and lower the risk of cancer. The myths about pregnancy The following are myths: A woman is guaranteed 100% not to get pregnant IF: (1) penetration is done only a few times without completion of intercourse; (2) withdrawal is done before ejaculation; (3) coitus is done during the “safe” period; (4) sex is done during menses; (5) the woman did not have orgasm during sex; (6) the lovers drink wine before sex; (7) aspirin is inserted into the vagina as contraceptive; (8) the woman is on top during the act; (9) the man uses any plastic wrap in the absence of, and in lieu of, a condom; (10) the man already had sex with another woman, or had masturbated, an hour or so earlier; (11) oral sex preceded normal intercourse; and (12) the woman douches immediately after sex. These are all myths and cannot be relied upon to prevent pregnancy. Only total abstinence or use of an intact condom, or use of prescribed birth control pills under medical supervision, can prevent pregnancy. Inhalants are deadly Statistics in the United States reveal that about half a million people, between 12-17, die annually from Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. The deadly inhalants included glue, spray paint and markers. The report showed that age 12 is when most children start to experiment on chemicals and drugs. March 16-22 has been declared in the US as National Inhalant and Poison Awareness Week. *** 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. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Like riding a bicycle: Circles, cycles... From Page 3

As science has found out, blockages, either man-made or natural to the flow or movement in the processes existing in nature at all levels, can create anomalies, abnormalities and mutations, resulting in pain and illnesses in the human body and if uncorrected, result in diseases, debilitation and ultimately, death. This presents a strong argument for regular exercise and consistent movement in our daily lives at any age. Movement pumps the blood flow in the neurons of our brain and in the capillaries in our extremities to and from the heart. The action in turn, strengthens the muscles of the heart and maintains blood pressure at healthy levels. Nature moves in cycles. While the earth’s atmospheric cloak adheres to the surface because of the gravitational pull of the earth’s mass, the hydrologic cycle will continue to maintain our seas and give us rain to sustain all planetary life — that is, for the time being —unless something unforeseen and catastrophic, like a rogue asteroid with the earth’s name on it as its target, upsets and upends this delicate and rare homeostatic balance. If and when that happens, as scientists theorized is the reason dinosaurs were wiped out 65 million years ago, it would be a complete cycle. It would be ADIOS to human life as we know it. Fortunately, such occurrences happen in geologic time, in millions of years. The prophets of doom heralding climate change, backed by some pseudo scientists) include themes of global cooling or global warming (take your pick). For a number of years, they have been trying to scare the living daylights of present day earth inhabitants with stark doomsday scenarios. Someone claimed with arrogant certainty a few years back that because of global warming the polar ice caps would be completely gone by now. The seas will rise

and cities along the coast will be plunged in chaos. Guess what? The ice caps are still there and the polar vortex of the past year which brought one of the most severe and bitter winter seasons in memory belie such claims. The fact remains there is no predicting the weather or for that matter, the end of the world with absolute certainty and infallibility. Climate is part of science that is still evolving. There is nothing settled about it. We can track its patterns and draw some educated guesses so we can prepare for catastrophic disturbances to mitigate destruction. The world is a sphere and there is still so much about our planet that needs to be discovered. Who knows when the next Krakatoa or Vesuvius will erupt and spit out so much sulfur to envelop the world for years that temperatures drop significantly because sunlight is blocked. It has happened before with Mount Pinatubo and other volcanoes along the Ring of Fire through the centuries. The only thing certain is that volcanic eruptions will happen again. We just don’t know when. Who knows when the Big One for California will happen? It is not a matter of if but when. That is a given. The last big one in San Francisco was over a hundred years ago and scientists say California is due for the next big one. Who knows when the next Katrina will come and wreak havoc? Who knows the direct path tornadoes will take? All we know is that there are things that humans can predict with some degree of accuracy but on the whole, there are things that are random and beyond the realms of prediction. One thing that is becoming clear is that nature has become part of a global political agenda. I consider such thought manipulations suspect. When nature is being used by groups to advance dubious political motives so that laws can be enacted that will essentially line the pockets of certain economic interests and thus ensure political power, it is

time to tune out of the madness and see it for what it is. We need to maintain equilibrium in the face of untruths. When it comes to nature, what will be, will be. Its cycles are dictated by something much more powerful than any human mind can conjure. Earth’s 23.5 degree tilt which dictates earth’s seasons as it spins like a wobbly top along its orbit around the sun, which in turn orbits the center of the Milky Way readjusts and is tweaked according to some cosmic cycle. In a way, the life of our living, breathing planet is reflective of human life from birth to death. The human story is cyclical. Every civilization goes through periods of beginnings, progress, full flowering, decay, stagnation and ultimately, death. Planet earth will die too along with the sun, one day, the human race and all living carbon-based creatures will be gone by then. As a historical footnote, there are clear indications the American story, as a result of its increasing divisiveness and seismic shifts in its values and national psyche, has has gone through a protracted period of decay and stagnation phase of its cycle. For three decades, America may have lost its way as it drifted away from its core Christian values made manifest through its decadent culture. This may have played out already. By God’s grace and miracle for millions who bent down their knees and prayed fervently and asked for divine intervention, a new beginning is sprouting. The promise of resurgence to new life and an era of hope and worthwhile accomplishments is dawning. HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 2017 TO ALL!!! “Life,” according to Einstein, “is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

The top Twitter trends in PH...

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It was already an unimaginable achievement for the love team, but their success did not stop there, when they released their first ever movie “Imagine You and Me,” which amassed 7.8 million tweets in its first week. Last October, a total of eight million tweets were garnered by the phenomenal love team when they tied the knot, using the #AlDubWedding hashtag that trended worldwide at No. 2. 4. On The Wings Of Love ABS-CBN’s primetime drama “On The Wings Of Love,” more popularly known as OTWOL, had made its viewers, regardless of their age, fall deeply in love – again. It had come as no surprise when their fans started to turn to Twitter and express their sentiments on the couple’s budding romance. It was only a matter of time before the show started to trend on Twitter, garnering millions of tweets each episode. Between Feb. 22 and 27, during OTWOL’s final week, the show accumulated a total of 8.2 million tweets. The romantic comedy OTWOL revolved around Leah (Nadine Lustre) and Clark (James Reid)’s struggle as newlyweds, which seemed to have snatched

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach

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A personal perspective... From Page 4

Nadine Lustre and James Reid, the stars of “On The Wings Of Love”

millennials’ hearts. The show’s final episode, under the #OTWOLTheLastFlight, also garnered thousands of tweets. 5. BTS K-pop group With their massive following on Twitter, the Korean boyband BTS, collectively known as Bangtan Boys, claimed the fifth spot – following their performance in the country last July 30. Their loyal fans took their support and admiration to Twitter when the group upon visiting the country for the second time to perform their #EpilogueinManila concert that took Twitterverse by storm. With BTS’s 3.83 million followers, #EpilogueinManila became one of the most used hashtags in Twitterverse. 6. UAAP The University Athletic Association of the Philippines or UAAP snatched sixth spot, following the recently concluded men’s basketball competition won by the De La Salle Green Archers against their archrival, the Ateneo Blue Eagles. The yearly intercollegiate competition also trended last month following the University of the Philippines Pep Squad’s absence. The beloved group decided to skip this year’s Cheerdance Competition after questioning last year’s result, where the National University Pep Squad was proclaimed as the winner. 7. Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach The controversial blunder of host Steve Harvey during

coronation night aside, reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach landed in seventh place for being the third Filipina to win the prestigious title. The #HomecomingQueen, the day Wurtzbach flew back to the Philippines, garnered 430,000 tweets from Jan. 22 to Feb. 1. Twitter Philippines also released an infographic showing the number of tweets during the Binibining Plipinas 2016 where Wurtzbach had the opportunity to take her final walk. Under the #BbPilipinas2016 hashtag, tweets swarmed for a total of 340,000 and peaked at 2,500 per minute. 8. Manny Pacquiao Ranking eighth, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao became the first if not only professional boxer to get elected as senator. The Pambansang Kamao trended again online after coming out of his brief retirement, defeating Jessie Vargas via unanimous decision last November. Meanwhile, during the course of the fight between Pacquio and Timothy Bradley III, the #PacBradley hashtag generated 380,000 tweets that peaked at 9,600 per minute on the day of the fight. Pacquiao’s photo with his wife Jinkee, posted right after the fight, was also a Twitter hit. 9. Marcos burial One of the most controversial issues that hounded the country – the surprise burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani – generated millions of tweets since the Supreme Court voted

9-5 in favor of the interment. Thousands of people, mostly millennials, took to the streets in protest of the dictator’s surprise internment. From Nov. 2 to Dec. 2, Marcos related tweets under the #MarcosBurial hashtag generated a total of 500,000 tweets and a high of 340 per minute. The #MarcosBurial, #MarcosNotAHero, #NeverForget and #NeverAgain trended online as a form of protest coming from various segments of society. Vice President Leni Robredo’s tweet regarding the dictator’s burial garnered thousands of retweets and likes. 10. Typhoon Lawin One of the strongest typhoons that ever hit the country, Typhoon Lawin left 18 people dead and caused damage to agriculture amounting to P10.2 billion. The typhoon also caused infrastructure damage amounting to P581.9 million. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported a total of 1,327 houses destroyed, with 28,710 families affected and 142,531 people left homeless. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Typhoon Lawin was nearly as powerful as Super Typhoon Yolanda that left 7,300 fatalities in the Visayas region in 2013. Under #LawinPh, users generated 440,000 tweets from Oct. 18 to 21, peaking at 640 tweets per minute.

Greek “nostos” meaning to return home and “algos” meaning pain or suffering), for others, is an illness that makes us forget that today is, in itself, tomorrow’s own nostalgia. But, for some reasons, my nostalgic personality is what actually keeps me capacitating and itinerant. There comes a time in our life when we chose to turn back the pages instead of writing another book or simply closing it totally just to break away from its haunting past. I may sound preachy but I guess it is a personal preference that we have to respect. If it is from doing so that others feel contented and fulfilled, then so be it. The 365 days of 2016 have taught me that the secret of true happiness is the acceptance of reality and being true to myself. And that money, ‘though immensely needed amid its paucity, isn’t the root of all evil but fear is. Admittedly, when enveloped with fear, my judgment becomes unpredictably erratic and nonconclusive. Defying the fear factor offers me an unambiguous and an equivocal opinion. 2016 maybe gone but we could never just heave or discard it away. It will just be one among the strongest elements of my future. There may be some blunders and slip-ups within the past year but having had counted my blessings more than gave me a fulfilled 2016. And why shouldn’t I be thankful? Aside from my main career as a fashion designer, the good old year profoundly gave me the opportunity to extensively travel (from Istanbul to Israel and Jordan, revisited the Sin City (Las Vegas) twice, successfully directed more than twenty entertainment concerts (special mention of Vince Gesmundo of VYNZ-NY for having me as his house director), community events

(PACCAL, PAFCOM & Fiesta in America), and had written 49 articles for my weekly column (On the PEP Front) in Asian Journal (thanks to my publisher Roger Oriel and my editor Momar G. Visaya. I couldn’t overpoweringly thank enough those people and friends who made all these great achievements possible: my family, entertainment producers, Fil-Am Community organizations, the world-class talents that participated in the shows, and those who, in a way or the other, firmly believed in what I could capably deliver. The advent of the New Year (2017) offers a dawning of a new hope. I’m dauntlessly blazing broader trails with brighter horizons that I may be able to meet tomorrow’s promising new frontier. For the rest of my life I will forever be guided by India’s greatest classical Sanskrit writer, poet, and dramatist Kalidasa’s famous poem, “A Salutation To The Dawn.” Look to this day for it is life…the very life of life In its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence The bliss of growth The glory of action The splendor of beauty For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness And every tomorrow a vision of hope Look well, therefore, to this day Such is the salutation to the dawn. With this note, I am wishing everybody a Prosperous New Year… and here’s a grand toast to our good health, wealth, and prosperity! For comments and suggestion, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com.

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