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Volume10 – Issue 21 • 16 Pages
F E BR U A R Y 1 7 - 2 3 , 2 0 1 7
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Senate won’t allow arrest of De Lima by Christine anD
CHAIN OF LOVE. Women leaders led by Karina David, former chief of the Civil Service Commission (left) and Imelda Nicolas, former chairperson of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, trooped to the Senate to express support for Senator Leila De Lima even as they condemned the alleged move to arrest Senate photo by Joseph Vidal her on trumped-up illegal drugs charges.
DATELINE
USA
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
USAID programs in PH continue despite anti-US tirades
the United states Agency for International Development (UsAID) is continuing with its assistance programs with the Philippine government this year. this is despite President rodrigo Duterte’s previous pronouncements that the Philippines could survive without any assistance from the U.s. “We continue to have programs with them and no one has asked us to leave or to discontinue. We continue to work together,” Gloria steele, acting assistant administrator for UsAID’s Bureau for Asia, said, as quoted by inquirer. steele noted that the UsAID projects in the Philippines were “not aid per se” but rather, “a partnership.” “We have talked about continuing the partnership for growth but I believe they now call it, ‘Partnership for Growth with equity,’” steele remarked. According to her, the Duterte administration sought to pursue UsAID programs re-
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Duterte should invite Trump to EAS – US exec
WAshINGtoN – President Duterte needs to invite Us President Donald trump to the east Asia summit (eAs) in November to enable both leaders to reboot the relationship between their countries, according to a senior adviser and deputy director of the American think tank Center for strategic and International studies (CsIs). “It’ll be really good if President trump will come for the eAs,” murray hiebert, senior adviser and deputy director for southeast Asia Program at the CsIs, told filipino journalists in a briefing on Philippines-Us relations. secretary of state rex tillerson, he said, should encourage trump to attend the two big summits – the eAs to be held in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam. “President Duterte and President trump have to meet. I don’t know if it’s possible to meet before November just because the new
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avenDañO Gil CabaCunGan Inquirer.net
the senate will not allow sen. Leila de Lima to be arrested inside the session hall and will insist that the rule of law be followed, senate President Pro tempore franklin Drilon said. But Drilon, who is acting senate President in the absence of senate President Aquilino Pimentel III who is abroad, conceded that the senate cannot stop the arrest of De Lima, who is facing possible drug trafficking charges before the Department of Justice (DoJ). “By tradition, we will oppose service of
the warrant of arrest inside the session hall. the sanctity of the session hall must be respected,” Drilon told reporters. he acknowledged that the senate cannot stop the arrest of De Lima outside the session hall as the alleged offense to be filed against his Liberal Party mate had a penalty of beyond six years’ imprisonment. “that is a legal process and the general statement that I can make is that we will see to it the process is followed strictly in accordance with the rule of law,” Drilon said. Asked whether the senate can take custody of De Lima, he said that was up to the court to decide “because at that point, theoretically, she is under the custody of
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If ICE knocks ‘Don’t open the door; SolGen recommends know your rights’– immigrant advocates acquittal of Napoles by anthOny
aDvinCula Inquirer.net
NeW YorK — When ICe officials knock on your door, you don’t have to let them into your home. And in case a law enforcement officer stops you on the road and asks about your immigration status, do not provide any information without your immigration lawyer.
those were the rights that undocumented filipinos and all other immigrants in the United states can exercise to protect themselves, according to immigration and community advocates on Wednesday,february 8, in the wake of executive orders on immigration issued by Pres. Donald trump that have sparked massive raids in recent days across the country.
“Don’t open the door to anyone you don’t know,” sally Kinoshita, deputy director of Immigrant Legal resource Center (ILrC), told the ethnic press. “Don’t sign any document that you don’t understand [because] that may give up some of your rights to a hearing [with an immigration judge] and other benefits.” every immigrant can deny ICe
by Dana
siOsOn AJPress
soLICItor General Jose Calida has recommended the acquittal of alleged multi-billion priority development assistance funds (PDAf) scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles, claiming that the regional trial Court wrongly convicted her guilty in her serious illegal detention case. “In the case of Napoles, it is my well-considered opinion, as well as the opinion of my assistant solicitor generals, that the court, the regional trial Court, erred in con- Janet Lim Napoles victing the accused, Janet Napoles, for the crime of serious illegal detention,” Calida said in a press conference on Wednesday, february 15. In 2014, Napoles was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or an imprisonment term of 21 up to 40 years. Judge elmo Alameda of the makati regional trial Court convicted Napoles guilty of detaining her cousin and principal scam whistleblower, Benhur Luy, from De-
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Hontiveros to Pacquiao: Stop victim-blaming Solons exchange Bible verses over cross-dressing by Dana
siOsOn AJPress
seNAtor risa hontiveros on monday, february 13, called for a stop to the culture of victim-blaming and gender discrimination against the members of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBt) community. hontiveros authored senate Bill No. 1271, also referred to as the Anti-Discrimination Act, which seeks to penalize and stop discrimination and harm against any person based on his or her sexual ori-
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Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Sen Risa Hontiveros.
PH Supreme Court affirms forfeiture of Marcos’ jewelry set by AJPress the Philippine supreme Court (sC) has affirmed an earlier sandiganbayan ruling which orders the forfeiture of the third jewelry collection owned by former first Lady Imelda marcos. Also known as the “malacañang Collection,” the set is assessed to be worth between $110,055 to $153,089, based on the evaluation of auction house Christie, manson and Woods Intl., Inc. in 1991. the high court rejected the petition for certiorari filed by Imelda and her daughter, Irene marcos-Araneta, the 21-page decision authored by Chief Justice ma. Lourdes sereno said. the petition sought to reverse the anti-graft court’s 2014 finding that the jewelry collection was part of the marcos family’s ill-gotten wealth. the sC said that the petitioners “failed to satisfactorily show that the properties were lawfully acquired.” the high court also denied the marcoses’ claim that they were deprived of due process and were not given the opportunity to prove that they acquired the
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Inquirer.net photos
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Filipino designer on ‘Make America Great Again’ Grammys gown: We have to support the president by Christina
M. Oriel
AJPress
WhILe most headlines about the 59th annual Grammy Awards are focusing on Adele’s “Album of the Year” win over Beyoncé, a relatively unknown singer was catapulted into the limelight for her bold red carpet look made by a filipino designer bearing a political message to support rather than resist President Donald trump. on sunday night, february 12, Joy Villa arrived in a white coat and subsequently took it off to reveal her navy blue gown with “make America Great Again” emblazoned on it, while “trUmP” in silver glitter was spelled out on the backside. Behind the statement piece is Andre soriano, a designer based in san
Diego, who appeared on rihanna’s Bravo fashion reality show, “styled to rock” back in 2013. “the gown was more a message of love and moving this country forward,” soriano said during an interview with the Asian Journal on monday, february 13. “I design for all types of human. I don’t really care — there are no races or barriers with creativity when it comes to dressing up women.” soriano, who has been working with Villa for three years, said he had a few outfit sketches prepared for her based their conversations about “static, the sun, peace, and love.” however, the designs ultimately changed after watching coverage of the Women’s march in Washington, D.C. following President Donald trump’s inauguration in January. “someone said they were going to bomb the White house,” he said. “I called Joy immediately and said, ‘I
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A february 17-23, 2017 • NeW yOrK aND NeW JerSey aSIaN JOurNaL
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From the Front Page
Senate won’t allow arrest of…
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the court.” On Monday, De Lima dared the House to investigate a Bureau of Corrections confidential memo stating that Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II restored special privileges to high profile New Bilibid Prison (NBP) inmates who testified against her in the House inquiry and who were transferred to a military custodial center in September last year. De Lima said she had already replied to the ethics complaint filed against her in the Senate by the House and a lawyer regarding her move to stop her former bodyguard and boyfriend
VALENTINE WEDDING. PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa and other top police officials pose for picture with 21 policemen and their spouses who got married in a mass wedding in Camp Crame on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14. Inquirer.net photo by Julliane Love De Jesus
Jurists warn: Death penalty violates PH’s int’l obligations imposes the death penalty, it will be in direct violation of its international obligations,” the ICJ memoMANILA, Philippines — The In- randum read. ternational Commission of Jurists “It (Philippines) is obliged under (ICJ) warned the Philippines that this international instrument not to it will violate international obliga- execute anyone within its jurisdictions once it revives death penalty. tion,” it added. In a memorandum, the ICJ said The protocol effectively prohibthe Philippines is a state party to its states from bringing back death the Second Optional Protocol to penalty once it has been abolished the International Covenant on Civil in domestic laws. and Political Rights aiming to abolEmerlynne Gil, the ICJ’s senior ish death penalty. The group also international legal adviser for cited the 1987 Constitution’s bill of Southeast Asia, said the Philiprights. pines cannot withdraw from Sec“The ICJ believes that if the ond Optional Protocol, which has Philippines adopts a law that re- no denunciation or withdrawal by Rosette
Adel
Philstar.com
clause. The UN Human Rights Committee has explained that a denunciation clause was deliberately omitted because once the people are accorded the protection of the rights under the Second Optional Protocol, they shall not be deprived of such protection. The protocol was also cited by senators opposing the proposed measure at the February 7 Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights’ hearing on the revival of death penalty. The Constitution’s Article III, Section 19, meanwhile, states
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SolGen recommends acquittal of…
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would read the Bible, he would jot notes, he participated in the cember 2012 to March 2013. But according to Calida, Luy’s Mass and other things that somebehavior during his supposed body who undergoes retreats three months detention “belies should do,” Calida said. The solicitor general took note the fact that he was actually detained or deprived of his lib- that Luy, during his supposed detention, had an access to cellerty.” “Benhur was not actually re- phone but never called anyone to strained inside the retreat house. tell that he was being restrained. He added that Luy was able According to witnesses, he acted like any other normal person to see his family three times and who would undergo a retreat. He was also able to slip a letter to
relative on February 21, 2013, but “in none of these instances did he (Luy) intimate to anyone that he was being kidnapped or detained by the appellant.” “When we look at the evidence, the transcript of records, there are many glaring instances which will support the acquittal of the accused,” Calida pointed out. The solicitor general then
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Ronnie Dayan from attending the House inquiry investigating her alleged involvement in the proliferation of the illegal drug trade at the NBP. She said she only provided guidance to Dayan “because he was asking my advice or opinion if he should attend.” As she anticipates to be charged and even arrested anytime this week, De Lima is preparing to slap charges against Aguirre before the Ombudsman. De Lima said that among the charges she will file against Aguirre included subordination of perjury and tampering with witnesses for pressuring them against her as well as for recent
controversies that she said made him unfit as justice secretary. For his part, Aguirre took exception to De Lima’s claim that the DOJ was moving heaven and earth to send her to jail. In a statement, Aguirre called De Lima’s charges “erroneous,” a “blatant lie” and “total misinformation.” “As a lawyer and as a former Secretary of Justice, she should know that the DOJ does not issue warrants of arrest. Consequently, it is totally irresponsible of her to announce that the DOJ is expediting the issuance of such warrants. Senator De Lima’s motivation for saying such is beyond us,” Aguirre said. n
Filipino designer on ‘Make America Great…
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have a new proposition for you. There is so much hatred happening right now in our country and we have a responsibility of making a statement.’” Compelled by this, Soriano decided to transform a Trump flag into a gown and “blinged it out” on both sides. “We have one president right now and we have to move this country forward. That’s why when she revealed the gown, that was her message: we have to support our president and we have to promote love, unity, family and camaraderie,” he said. In an Instagram post, Villa wrote: “Sometimes you just gotta be free to express yourself. Thank you to all of my supporters and fellow believers. Life is about living free and loving it. Be your beautiful selves tonight!” By Monday afternoon, various reports indicated that digital sales for the 25-year-old singer’s album, “I Make the Static,” jumped to the top spot on Amazon’s list of top 100 digital albums and the No. 7 spot on the iTunes top albums list. “After I spoke to [Joy] last night, it was loud and clear that we delivered our message because there are so many not-so-good things happening here in America. President Trump said it was ‘America First,’ so why don’t we just give him four or eight years to really prove what he can do?” Soriano added. Despite the controversial immigration orders rolled out within the president’s first two weeks in office, Soriano — who migrated from the Philippines years ago — said that he believes the United States will continue to be a welcoming place for immigrants. “It’s an immigrant country where people from countries all over the globe can come here legally, and I think that was the president’s message,” he said. “With what’s happening, he wants to protect all kinds of people here in America. He wants to screen people if they are legitimate. It’s for the safety of the people who live here and that’s true for all types of immigrants, including me, considering I’m gay too.”
Filipino designer Andre Soriano shared a photo of his “Make America Great Again” inspired creation for singer Joy Villa at the 59th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night, February 12. On his Instagram account, Soriano wrote that the gown was “A Tribute [to] OUR President of The United States Of America.” Courtesy of Andre Soriano’s Instagram account
With the added publicity, Soriano said he’s motivated to keep on designing daring looks. “I would love to dress our First Lady Melania Trump, and also to go back to the Philippines and showcase my collection,” he said, adding that he is still keen on helping and raising funds for victims
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From the Front Page
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARY 17-23, 2017
SolGen recommends acquittal of…
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claimed that “injustice was done” to Napoles. Calida, however, clarified that Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) did not file manifestation for the purpose of acquitting Napoles. He said the the OSG only wanted the Court of Appeals “to know what is our opinion on the matter.” “We will not do justice if we will not make right what is wrong,” Calida said. “Justice will not send an innocent person to the gallows. It is my bound duty to state the facts.” Calida also denied the rumors that the present administration wants to make a deal with Napoles. He insisted that President Rodrigo Duterte “has nothing to do with this decision.” “What deal are you talking about? We are talking about the rule of law here. There’s no CLIMATE-SMART. Bicolano farmers in Malinao, Albay plant rice to ensure food sufficiency. The Department of Agriculture in Bicol has cited the local farmers for easily adapting to extreme climate changes. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rhaydz Barcia
Hontiveros to Pacquiao: Stop victim... PAGE A1 t entation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE). During the bill’s second round of interpellations on Monday, Senator Manny Pacquiao questioned the bill by pointing out that cross-dressing can be used to “commit fraud.” Pacquiao then cited the controversial death of Jennifer Laude, a transgender woman who was killed by American Joseph Scott Pemberton in Subic in 2014. “Ano ba gagawin natin diyan na nagdamit babae yung lalaki tapos nabigla yung lalaki na lalaki ka pala, eh pinatay (What should we do then when a guy dresses as a girl, then the other guy was shocked of the crossdresser’s real identity and killed then crossdresser),” Pacquiao said. “Doon pa lang, makikita natin yung deception na naloko si Pemberton at sumama siya doon (Just by that we can see that Pemberton was being deceived).” Pacquiao then took note that “there are only two types of persons—a man and a woman,” citing the Bible. “We can do everything but not everything is beneficial, especially doing wrong or sinning against God.” “Even in the Bible, we can read na ang babae, dapat magsuot na pambabae; at ang lalaki,
magsuot ng panlalaki (that the female, should dress like a woman; and the male should dress like a man). That’s what I believe,” Pacquiao said. But Hontiveros hit back at Pacquiao, saying that the victims should not be blamed for the crime. “Siya na nga ang pinatay, siya pa ang may sala (The one who was killed was also blamed to be at fault). This is unacceptable. Let us not resort to victim-blaming in an attempt to excuse crimes on the grounds of someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity,” Hontiveros remarked. Quoting a passage from the Bible, Hontiveros said that “there is only one lawgiver and judge, the one who is able to save and destroy but who are you to judge your neighbor.” “Si Jennifer ay nanamit kasunod ng kanyang (Jennifer wore clothes based on her) sexual orientation at (and) gender identity at gender expression. Siya ay naging totoo sa kanyang pagkatao. Ang nagka-krimen diyan ay si Pemberton (She was true to herself. The one who committed the crime is Pemberton),” Hontiveros said. Hontiveros also took note that the Bible tells people to “Love your neighbor as yourself,”
UP FOR AUCTION. An official from the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) shows a tiara, seized from a a set of jewellery collection of former first lady Imelda Marcos (inset), at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The third jewelry collection known as the “Malacañang Collection,” which based on the Sandiganbayan decision is assessed to be worth from $110,055 to $153,089, is composed of smaller and less expensive pieces that the Marcoses left behind when they fled during the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez
PH Supreme Court affirms…
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jewelry legally. “This allegation cannot be given credence for being utterly baseless,” it said. The high court added that it has also found “no reversible error in the ruling of the Sandiganbayan” over the seized jewelry collection. “The Sandiganbayan correctly held that the forfeiture was justified and that the Malacanang Collection was subject to forfeiture,” it said. The “Malacañang Collection” was left behind by the family of late and former President Ferdinand Marcos at the presidential palace when they fled outside the country after the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986. The said collection is presently kept inside vaults of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, together with the Roumeliotes and Hawaii collections, which were both seized back in 1986. Diamondstudded tiaras, a golden belt with a diamond buckle, necklaces,
brooches, earrings, belts and other gems including a pink diamond are reportedly in the set, according to Japan Times. “We reiterate what we have already stated initially in Republic v. Sandiganbayan, and subsequently in Marcos v. Republic: that ‘Whenever any public officer or employee has acquired during his incumbency an amount of property which is manifestly out of proportion to his salary as such public officer or employee and to his other lawful income and the income from legitimately acquired property, said property shall be presumed prima facie to have been unlawfully acquired,’” the court said. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte will respect the high court’s ruling. “I don’t know if we’re going to selling it but we will abide by the decision that it belongs to the government,” Abella told reporters. n
Filipino designer on ‘Make…
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of Typhoon Haiyan years later. “I am a proud Filipino American,” he declared. “It’s the American dream for me just to be noticed.” Villa’s dress wasn’t the only political statement made on Sunday night. Katy Perry donned a white pantsuit and an armband with “PERSIST” written on it, alluding to Senator Elizabeth
Warren being silenced in Congress the week before. In her acceptance speech, Beyoncé spoke about beauty and racial identity. During a performance with A Tribe Called Quest and Anderson .Paak, Busta Rhymes slammed the president — calling him “President Agent Orange” — for “all of that evil that you‘ve been perpetuating throughout the United States.” n
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deal as far as I’m concerned because my interest is to see to it that justice is done,” the solicitor general replied when sought for comments. He added that the OSG’s move in Napoles’ serious illegal detention case will have no implications to her PDAF, or also referred to as pork barrel, scam cases. But Senator Leila De Lima, who was then the Justice Secretary when Napoles was charged of plunder over the multi-billion PDAF scam, said that the solicitor general’s move was “questionable and suspicious.” “It’s [a] different case pero doon nga nabuo ang usapin ng (but that was how the whole talk about) PDAF scam. Kaya nalaman dahil nga na-detain si (It was found out because) Benhur Luy…It is questionable. I find it suspicious,” De Lima told reporters on Wednesday. She then added, “Pambihira
USAID programs in PH… PAGE A1 t
lated to health, education, and promotion of resiliency amid which should also include those both man-made and natural diwho have different sexual orien- sasters. tation. “I think on the implementation “We need to pass this law in level, they have asked us to conorder for people to be more gen- tinue because there is unfinished der sensitive and better under- business. There is work to be stand the different dimensions of done and, like I said, our whole gender identity and sexual orien- goal was to make this a sustaintation,” she added. able program so that Filipinos Senator Leila De Lima, mean- could carry this on by themwhile, later corrected that the selves,” she added. Pemberton case was not downSteele also said that the USAID graded because of deception on will continue its assistance in Laude’s side but rather, because Mindanao this year, which will of the absence of aggravating cir- address resilience issues and cumstances. n growth.
Drug rehabilitation has yet to be added to the agency’s list of projects in the Philippines. However, Washington remains open to such programs. “That was an area that was brought up. Right now we don’t have resources for that. It’s just a discussion,” Steele explained. She went on to say, “They (Philippine government) just said that’s an area they want to talk to us about but we don’t have resources. I didn’t say we’re not supporting. I said we have discussions going on.” Last year, Duterte dared Washington to pull out its assistance from the country, fol-
yan mangyari na yung estado (It’s unusual that the state) through SolGen would now move to acquit, would now share the position of the convicted accused?” Luy, meanwhile, expressed dismay over the solicitor general’s move. “Ang sabi niya, nadidismaya siya, na bumabaligtad na yung gobyerno. Nag-aalala na sila sa kalagayan nila (Luy said he is disappointed that the government is reversing. Luy is now worried about their condition),” a source told Inquirer, referring to other scam witnesses. In a statement, Luy’s camp claimed they were not aware of the solicitor general’s “mysterious” recommendation. “We are just as surprised as everybody but we have yet to officially receive a copy of the OSG’s mysterious comment,” Luy’s lawyer, Raji Mendoza, said. n lowing the criticisms from the United States — under former President Barack Obama — against the Philippines’ intensified campaign against illegal drugs. Duterte then insisted that the Philippines could survive on its own without receiving any aid from the U.S. government. “I do not expect the human rights (advocates), I do not expect (former U.S. President Barack) Obama, I do not expect the EU to understand me. Do not understand me and if you think it’s high time for you guys to withdraw your assistance, go ahead. We will not beg for it,” Duterte said during a speech sometime in October. (Dana Sioson / AJPress)
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If ICE knocks ‘Don’t open the door... PAGE A1 t
officials entry, especially if they don’t have a warrant issued by an immigration judge, advocates say. In most cases, because judges issue order of removals and not warrants, ICE officials do not have warrants with them. Know your rights “Immigrant communities,” Konishita added, “should know that these rights have not been changed.” Giselle Ruiz, a staff attorney at ILRC, noted that these rights are rooted in the U.S. Constitution and that every individual in the country, regardless of immigration status, is protected. “These are parts of the Fourth Amendment—the right of the people to be secure in their homes against unreasonable searches—and the Fifth Amendment, which is basically your AFTERSHOCKS. Residents run to a main road while rescuers (in orange) give instructions, as strong aftershocks struck prior to the arrival right to remain silent,” Ruiz said. of President Rodrigo Duterte in Surigao City on Sunday. Duterte flew to the region to inspect the response effort, which officials said “Trump cannot take away these has shifted to relief and rehabilitation after the last of the dead and injured were pulled from the rubble. ManilaTimes.net photo rights [from you].” Trump’s executive orders have broadened the definition of “criminal alien,” in which it potentially makes almost every undocumented immigrant a priority for deportation. Under the Obama adminisThe report said that Bernhardt and the victim revealed that he tration, though he deported 2.7 by Ed MargarEth Barahan induced and enticed a 14-year- was trying to arrange a meeting million immigrants from 2009 to Inquirer.net old Filipina to engage in and pro- with the minor in a hotel in the 2016, the priority for deportation A MAN from Tuttle, North Da- duce images of sexually explicit Philippines with the intent of en- was focused on immigrants who gaging in sexual acts with her. kota has been sentenced to 50 conduct via Internet. were deemed a threat to public In May 2016, authorities in the or national security, or had comHe has also made the minor years in prison on Monday, February 6, after being convicted for send him sexually explicit or sa- Philippines launched an opera- mitted serious felony offenses. tion resulting in the arrest of the exploiting a Filipino child, Valley distic and masochistic images. After the suspect became victim’s mother for pimping her News Live reported. Calvin Bernhardt, 54, was aware that the police were con- daughter to the suspect. The case was investigated by found guilty of attempted sexual ducting an investigation against exploitation of a minor, attempted him, he contacted the victim’s the Department of Homeland Se- PAGE A1 t receipt of materials depicting the mother in the Philippines and in- curity-Homeland Security Inves- President has got a lot to do,” he sexual exploitation of a minor, structed her to delete all photos tigations in Bismarck, together said, noting Trump’s focus is on counterfeit currency, tampering of himself and the minor on the with Homeland Security Inves- domestic matters. tigations-Manila, Philippines with witness or evidence and at- victim’s phone. The EAS is a forum held anAccording to the report, com- and the North Dakota Bureau of nually by leaders of, initially, tempted travel with intent to engage in sexual acts with a minor. munications between Bernhardt Criminal Investigation. n 16 countries in the East Asian, Southeast Asian and South Asian regions. Membership expanded to 18 countries including the United States and Russia at the sixth EAS in 2011. EAS meetings are held after the annual ASEAN “Someone’s come out when ernment. leaders’ meetings. by dino Maragay But confusion arose after Konthey shouldn’t have and has A visit to the Philippines and Philstar.com announced 100 percent that cz’s declaration that he is “100 other Southeast Asian nations by WHILE Jeff Horn still prefers to the fight is somewhere else,” percent sure” that the fight will Tillerson, he said, will be useful for the US “to get relations back fight Manny Pacquiao in his home- Horn recently told Fox Sports take place in the UAE. Pacquiao himself confirmed it on track.” town in Australia, the 28-year-old News 500. Horn’s representatives have on his Twitter account. “Like the EDCA, which we fighter doesn’t mind taking on the Nevertheless, as far as Horn is were not sure about initially, been moving heaven and earth Filipino icon elsewhere. Despite Pacquiao’s adviser Mi- the past few weeks to bring the concerned, Australia is still in the seems to be back on track with chael Koncz announcing the other fight to the boxer’s hometown running to host the fight, which Secretary (Delfin) Lorenzana saying that construction will day that Pacquiao will fight Horn in Brisbane, Australia, talking to is slated this April. “It’s a bit of a shock for all of continue but it’s going to need in the United Arab Emirates, the both Top Rank chief Bob Arum and the Queensland state govu PAGE A5 continued engagement,” Hiebert Australian isn’t buying it.
American sentenced to 50 yrs in prison for exploiting Filipina minor
Not threats to public security Most immigrants did not fall under any of these categories — and this is the reason why many undocumented immigrants, even the ones with a deportation order, were allowed to stay in the United States. But among the first executive orders that Trump has issued since he took office on Jan. 20, undocumented immigrants with any criminal offense —including those who have been convicted and those who have not been charged but are believed to have committed “acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense”— have become a priority for deportation. This means that any undocumented person in the country (including those who overstayed their visas) is a priority, advocates say, and that it encourages “local law enforcement,” such as a police officer, to “cooperate with federal immigration authorities to enforce some of these priorities.” Advocates believe that this move by the present administration is part of the campaignpromise that Trump gave to his supporters. Sweeping raids According to reports, sweeping raids by U.S. immigration officials in recent days apprehended hundreds of undocumented immigrants. As of Friday, Feb. 10, nearly 200 individuals from California,
Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina were arrested in a weeklong immigration operation. In Los Angeles alone, more than 150 arrests were reportedly made last week. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa issued a statement: “The recent reports of ICE raids in our region have created great anxiety and are justifiably disturbing. Particularly given Pres. Trump’s rhetoric targeting immigrants, it is critically important that we stand together to protect each other.” The U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials described to the media the operations as “routine.” Leaked memos While no one could verify its authenticity, advocates noted that there have been some leaked documents showing that Trump may issue more executive orders on immigration. These leaked memos include ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Removals, or DACA, a program that Obama issued in 2012. To date, more than 740,000 undocumented immigrants— including Filipinos— who came to the United States when they were younger than 16 years old, have been recipients of the DACA program. According to a report by the Migration Policy Institute, Filipinos were among the five highest
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Duterte should invite Trump to EAS…
Horn to take on Pacquiao anywhere: ‘I’ll fight him on the moon’
Rodrigo Duterte and Donald Trump
said, referring to the Philippine defense secretary’s position on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. “One of the things the Obama administration did really well is former president Obama showed
up and his secretaries showed up in a lot of meetings even though it was long way to go. They did show up and that’s what’s important for the Trump administration,” he added. (Pia Lee-Brago / Philstar.com)
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Sueno open to being replaced by Bongbong Marcos as DILG chief by Dana
SioSon AJPress
DOGS WILL BE DOGS. A beagle balloon seems to be chasing a race car balloon at the Hot Air Balloon Festival at Clark Freeport in Pampanga. The balloon festival started in 1994. Inquirer.net photo by Lyn Rillon
First transgender solon in PH to join the army by Dana
SioSon AJPress
BATAAN Rep. Geraldine Roman, the first transgender member of the Philippine House of Representatives, expressed her interest in joining the military as a reserve officer. In a statement on Wednesday, February 15, Roman commended the policy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which allows members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community to join the military. “I will be applying to become a military officer in the AFP Reserve Force to become the first transgender military officer of the Philippine Republic,” the lawmaker said. “This will complement their appreciation for the LGBT community for they will see that we can exemplify the same sense of discipline, the same military professionalism, and the same love of country that the current men and women in uniform embody,” she added. Roman remarked that as a transgender, she would wear a military woman’s uniform and haircut. At the same time, Roman showed her support for the proposed revival of the mandatory Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) for Grades 11 and 12 in both public and private schools nationwide.
Rep. Geraldine Roman
She added that she would also encourage the youth “to join and promote our nation’s ROTC because this will prepare them for our country’s defense and for earthquake/typhoon rescue operations.” The military, meanwhile, welcomed Roman’s intention to join the army. “We highly value the patriotism of our citizens and will work to cultivate this. She will be a welcome addition to the Reservists Force,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said. AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo, however,
AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
reminded that anyone who wishes to train within the AFP must “maintain the dignity of the uniform; observe discipline, propriety and decorum; and measure up to the steep standards of the service.” “In the process of training prospective members, the AFP inculcates on them that that they are entering an institution placed in high esteem,” Arevalo said. Addressing the standards in wearing a military uniform, Arevalo said that the AFP must “have to go by the gender of the applicant as reflected in the certificate of live birth.” n
Horn to take on Pacquiao anywhere… PAGE A4 t
us to go, ‘Hold on a second. We had the fight planned for here.’ As far as I know the fight is still in Brisbane and hopefully we’ll find out in the next few days what’s happening,” he added. Meanwhile, Horn’s manager Glenn Rushton is doubtful about the fight being staged in the UAE, saying they’re awaiting the final word from Arum. “Anything else is just purely speculation and we’ve all heard talk about big fights coming out of Dubai for years and I’ve never seen one yet, so I have to simply say it like you that it’s simply speculation. Let’s wait until Bob Arum Philstar.com photos speaks,” Rushton said in the same Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn Fox Sports News 500 report. would be beyond a dream come where. Horn, for his part, is ready to “I’ll fight him on the moon if I true if I do get it in Brisbane or slug it out with Pacquiao any- have to. I doesn’t bother me but it Australia,” he said. n
If ICE knocks ‘Don’t open the door; know…
PAGE A4 t
DACA-eligible populations in the country. Last year alone, about 22,000 Filipinos were eligible for DACA and 28 percent of them filed their applications. “If this [leaked memo] happens, they [DACA recipients] will lose their protection from deportation and their ability to work legally in the country,” said Kinoshita. In addition, part of the leaked memos say that the Trump administration will conduct a report on how much money the government spends for refugee assistance program, how many foreign workers affect job opportunities for U.S.- born citizens, and how many undocumented immigrants committed crimes. Pitting others against immigrants “They [Trump administration] is really trying to pit people of the United States against immigrants
— that immigrants [pose] danger to communities or drain the resources,” said Kinoshita. In the Filipino-American community, many are alarmed by unverified reports that the Philippines, because of the Muslim presence in the south, will be soon added to the seven countries facing Trump’s travel ban. “Anecdotally, we’ve heard about people who are not part of the seven countries were detained at the airport or were not being able allowed to board their flight,” said Esther Sung, a staff attorney of National Immigration Law Center. “But it is difficult to know because we don’t have the specifics of the case.” But a federal appeals panel on Thursday, February 9, unanimously rejected Trump’s effort to reinstate his travel ban in the United States from seven largely Muslim nations — Somalia, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria and Ye-
men. Necessary check Sung added: “The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals acted, as the courts are supposed to, as a necessary check to the blatant constitutional overreach emblazoned by Pres. Trump’s unlawful and un-American executive order. This decision means that, for now, people seeking refuge from horrific conditions will not be turned away, that families separated by this discriminatory policy can reunite. This is a reminder to everyone: our constitution protects us all, and no one—not even the President—is above it.” Still, for Ruiz, knowing and defending your rights would be critical in these times of harsh immigration policies. “Immigrants themselves should be at the forefront of protecting their own rights,” she said. n
Jurists warn: Death penalty… PAGE A2 t
that: “Excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel, degrading or inhuman punishment inflicted. Neither shall death penalty be imposed, unless, for compelling reasons involving heinous crimes, the Congress hereafter provides for it.” “There really is no inconsistency between the Second Optional Protocol and the Philippine Constitution,” Gil said.
“As a general rule, the Philippine Constitution prohibits the death penalty except for compelling reasons involving heinous crimes. But in no way does it mandate that the death penalty be put into effect,” she added. Senate panel chair Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon thereafter called for the indefinite suspension of the hearing citing the need for clarity on the ramifications on the Philippines if it reneges on its obligations.
The ICJ, which opposes the death penalty “in all cases without exception” along with human rights groups, welcomed the Senate’s indefinite suspension of the hearings into the death penalty bills. The Senate has yet to announce when it will resume its inquiry into the revival of the death penalty as it is still waiting for the Department of Justice’s submission of its opinion on the protocol. n
PHILIPPINE Interior Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno said that he is not offended by the rumors suggesting that he might soon be replaced as the head of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). In a statement on Wednesday, February 15, Sueno said that it is within President Rodrigo Duterte’s “power, wisdom and discretion to appoint members of his Cabinet.” “We serve at the pleasure of the president,” he said. The interior secretary made the remarks amid rumors suggesting that Duterte was preparing to appoint former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as the new chief of the DILG. “With the information being floated about the change at the helm of the DILG, I take no of-
DILG Sec. Ismael Sueno and former Senator Bongbong Marcos
fense whatsoever. It is business as usual for me as I dispense my duties and functions with the blessings of President Duterte,” Sueno added. Sought for comments, Malacañang said that it does not have any knowledge on the matter. “May narinig ka na ganyan (Did you hear something like that)? Ako wala (I don’t),” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a briefing on Tues-
Inquirer.net photos
day, February 14. Abella then added, “Frankly, I don’t have knowledge of that. As far as I’m concerned, I have not received anything.” On the other hand, should Marcos get appointed as the new DILG chief, Albay Representative Edcal Lagman said that the former senator has to withdraw the poll protest he has filed against former Camarines Sur
u PAGE A7
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OpiniOn
Features
Justified
POLITICAL reform in the Philippines is hounded by high public expectation because of untold amounts of corruption and lawbreaking by public officials for years. It is like a mirage that never truly materializes; it recedes the closer we try to get to it. There are those who maintain a level of cynicism toward the political system and apathy toward political participation because of a negative perception of people who are elected to office. This negative connotation exists because of the few public officials who have abused their power to accomplish personal and selfish pursuits. The penalization of plunder in the Philippines is only two decades old. Republic Act 7080 or the Anti-Plunder Law was enacted in the wake of former President Ferdinand Marcos’s dictatorship—when he and his cronies allegedly amassed ill-gotten wealth. The law was passed in 1991 to be used as a deterrant to prevent public officials from stealing money from the government. The law states that plunder is committed by any public officer who, by himself or herself, or in connivance with members of his or her family, relatives by affinity or consanguinity, business associates, subordinates or other persons, amasses, accumulates or acquires ill-gotten wealth through a combination or series of overt or criminals acts as described in Section 1(d) hereof in the aggregate amount or total value of at least Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00) shall be guilty of the crime of plunder and shall be punished by reclusion perpetua to death. A proposed measure to reinstate the death penalty in the country is currently set for plenary debates. Under the proposed measure, three methods may be used in executing the death
penalty — hanging, firing squad or lethal injection. Heinous crimes including plunder will be punishable by proposed death penalty. But during a caucus of the majority coalition members in the House of Representatives, an agreement was reached to exclude plunder from crimes that warrant capital punishment. It was the majority’s agreement to relegate plunder to a serious capital offense only punishable with life imprisonment. Plunder remains on the list unless removed when the death penalty bill is tackled during the period of amendments in the plenary. Speaker of the House of Representatives Pantaleon Alvarez maintained that there’s more reason to include plunder among heinous crimes punishable by death following alleged irregularities in contracts involving government officials. Meanwhile, the Senate has suspended public hearings of the death penalty bill over concerns of violations of an international treaty. As a signatory of the Treaty of International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the Philippines is prevented from carrying out execution as a form of punishment. There are already existing stringent anti-corruption laws that are meant to stem the tide of ManilaTimes.net photo graft and corrupt officials who brazenly plunder the public treasury. damaged political existence, but it will ignite ability for people in public office and may pave The cruel penalization of erring public of- zero-tolerance to any form of corruption within the way for political stability and sustainable ficials may not effectively revive the country’s the government. This will hold more account- development. (AJPress)
Editorial
FLYNNGATE: What the Trump administration needs to explain to the American people DONALD TRUMP has bigger problems to worry about than his historic 40 percent approval/55 percent disapproval ratings in the most recent Gallup Poll. His less than a month-old presidency has already been saddled with lawsuits one after another, and then this: the issue about the “resignation” of his senior National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. NO, Mr. President, Flynn’s scandal is NOT less important than who leaked it. Journalists surely will not “move on” despite the resignation of Flynn. This Flynn scandal, has in fact, just opened a can of worms, and more questions beg to be answered. Did you know that Flynn had not been truthful when he denied having talked to the Russian envoy about easing sanctions imposed by the Obama administration for hacking the U.S. Presidential Elections in December 2016 — when
sian envoy, Putin did not fight Donald Trump was presidentback against the U.S. sancelect and had not been sworn The Fil-Am tions as he had always done into office? so in the past, and then you You reportedly denied prior Perspective tweeted gushing over Putin’s knowledge of this but your ofsmartness for his response? fice had been warned by the Would this Flynn scandal be Department of Justice about this related to the Russian hacking 18 days ago. Why did you lose Gel SantoS-ReloS which could have undermined “trust” in Flynn just now, after the integrity of the election? the Washington Post exposed the scandal? Had the Washington Post not bro- Would this be the reason why you had been ken the news, would it still be business as usual such a big fan of Putin to the point of speakbetween you and Flynn despite your knowledge ing against the United States just to defend him that Flynn had been dishonest in his disclosures during your interview on Fox News? What hold about his talk with the Russian diplomat about does the former KGB official and now president of Russia have over you and your independence sanctions? What gave Flynn the boldness to talk with the as the commander-in-chief and president of the Russian diplomat about Putin not having to wor- United States? These are just some of the questions that ry about the sanctions? Was it coincidental that after the phone calls between Flynn and the Rus- needed to be answered, Mr. President, because
the national security of the U.S. is at stake here. It is mind boggling how you now worry about “leaks” when you would praise WikiLeaks before you became president. Could it be that the leaks are coming from within your administration as a “cry for help” as many analysts say? Democrats and some Republican senators are now calling for an investigation into this scandal. The truth based on real facts would have to come out, Mr. President — NOT alternative facts. You owe that to the American people. Welcome to the real world. This ain’t a reality show that you can direct and write a script for high ratings. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Peter Favila: The next BSP governor? WITH the July 2 retirement of Bangko SPYBITS Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando “Say” Tetangco drawing near, the rumor mill is going into overdrive BaBe G. Romualdez that his likely successor is Peter Favila. The former Philippine Stock Exchange chairman comes highly qualified, having made a name in local banking as former head of several banks that include Security Bank, Allied Bank and the Philippine National Bank. A number of banks have endorsed him for the position of BSP governor, expressing confidence that he will do well. Several businessmen also approve of him, pointing to his experience in local banking, plus the fact that he is currently a consultant of the BSP where he is known as a main “troubleshooter” especially for complicated and delicate problems. Of course, one of those who believes in Peter — who finished banking and finance from the University of Sto. Tomas and also took an advanced management program at Wharton – is Pampanga Rep. and Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who appointed him as secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry during her term as president. In November 2015 during the Autumn Imperial Decorations ceremony, the government of Japan conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star on Peter Favila in recognition of his contributions in strengthening the economic relations between Japan
and the Philippines. It was during his term as DTI secretary that the bilateral Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) was finally ratified in 2008. Yasay to stay on as DFA secretary Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto “Jun” Yasay was also rumored to be in the running as the next BSP chief following the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte that Senator Alan Peter Cayetano would be the next DFA secretary. But apparently — based on the information we received — the President wants Jun to stay on as DFA secretary, at least until the end of this year because of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that the Philippines is hosting this year. The 2017 ASEAN summit also marks the 50thfounding anniversary of the regional organization, with the Philippines among the five founding members that also include Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Preparations are already underway with Jun at the forefront – a no mean feat considering the numerous events that will be staged to commemorate the organization’s golden anniversary. Aside from the Leaders’ Summit and ministerial meetings, more than 100 meetings will be held in Metro Manila, Cebu, Pampanga, Laoag, Palawan, Legazpi, Boracay, Iloilo, Bacolod, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro and of course, Davao. If Senator Cayetano is to take over
the DFA, it could be next year – or maybe not, since the president was supposed to have said that he needs Alan Peter in the Senate. You can lose your money in the bank Banking has been made easy and convenient through online banking with account holders able to conduct transactions practically anywhere. However, this can also be risky because somebody can tamper with your account and conduct unauthorized withdrawals. This is what happened to our friend Roberto “Tito” de Venecia and his wife who had small ac- Peter Favila counts at the Bank of America branch in California as emergency funds whenever they visit the US. Tito said all transactions were conducted over the counter at the bank branch and received statements up until 2010, after which he did not receive any further statements or notices. He wrote several letters to BoA inquiring about their accounts’ status, but these went unanswered. Imagine his surprise, therefore, when during a visit to the bank branch in California the other year, he was referred to a “personal banker” who
told him that the accounts no longer exist — with the balance cleaned out through repeated online withdrawals from the Philippines. The bank said they may have been victims of identity fraud and their accounts had been tampered — despite the fact that Tito never registered for online services. Bank of America has been very unresponsive and seems to be doing nothing about the theft. Calls to the bank on the number given by the “personal banker” are either unanswered or just give a recorded message. Reports indicate that the Bank of
America’s online system went haywire sometime in 2011 with other users able to see the account details of other customers when they log in. Worse, the bank did not even notify its depositors about what was happening. Tito de Venecia says his experience should serve as a warning — and lesson — to other depositors that they should not leave their accounts inactive for long periods because other people — perhaps even insiders — could gain access and take all their money from the bank. (Philstar.com)
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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A
State of calamity declared in Surigao del Norte after 6.7 magnitude earthquake by Dana
SioSon AJPress
THE province of Surigao del Norte was placed under a state of calamity, following a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the region over the weekend. The resolution, dated Monday, February 13, was signed by Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. Under the declaration, the governor is allowed to disburse funds from the 5 percent reserved calamity fund, including the 30 percent Quick Response Fund for relief operations and rehabilitation. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake hit Mindanao at 10:03 pm on Friday, February 10, with its epicenter, located 14 kilometers northwest of Surigao City. Several aftershocks were recorded after the earthquake but
the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said on its website that there is no tsunami threat caused by the tremor. Disaster officials have confirmed eight deaths and at least 200 people injured during the quake. “This was the first time Surigao had suffered a quake this strong. The previous one occurred in the 1800s,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, who is also a native of the region, said. The government initially estimated about a total of P687 million worth of damage to houses and infrastructures caused by the tremor, including the Surigao City Airport, which will be closed for one month for repairs. On Sunday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte visited Surigao del Norte to inspect the damage caused by the earthquake and the authorities’ re-
sponse effort. During his speech before the residents, Duterte vowed to extend financial assistance to victims of the tremor. “I will release money for you, so prioritize those who lost their lives and source of living,” Duterte said in Visayan, as quoted by CNN. According to Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, relief goods were delivered to Surigao on Sunday. “Distribution was initially hampered by an inadequate distribution system. The victims were already expecting the relief goods as early as 5 a.m., but the local government made a judgment call to wait for the President who arrived by 1 p.m.,” Abella said in a statement. The New People’s Army (NPA) also reportedly declared a “localized ceasefire” to pave the way for relief operations. n
Palace says Duterte’s break not health-related by alexiS
RomeRo Philstar.com
MANILA — Why is President Rodrigo Duterte not seen in public lately? His spokesman, Ernesto Abella could not provide specifics about his recent activities but claimed that the week-long break was not health-related. “You have to understand that his schedules are really brutal and anybody would need to rest,” Abella said in a press briefing Thursday, Feb. 16. “I’m not saying that he is resting right now. But in the past quiet days, probably was. But he also had a number of activities in Davao,” he added. Abella said the president had meetings in his hometown but did not elaborate. “I am not saying that he took
a health-related break. I said he is in Davao. And if he is resting there, then that’s also part of his – why he’s there. But it’s not a health-related break,” he added. “The president…has all the usual afflictions. But, however, you know, he doesn’t have anything extraordinary. He’s in pink of health considering his age,” Abella said. Duterte, who usually has two to three engagements per day, also went on a week-long hiatus last month. In a newspaper column, former Sen. Francisco Tatad claimed to have received reports that the president had traveled to China to meet with doctors of the Fuda Cancer Hospital in Guangzhou. The president denied that he has cancer and called Tatad a
“monster” and an “idiot.” In jest, Duterte admitted going to a hospital in China to undergo circumcision. Duterte has not been visible lately, his latest public appearance being his visit to earthquake victims in Surigao City last Sunday. The president had one engagement in Davao City Thursday but it was not open to the media. He was scheduled to meet with Nikolay Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, in Panacan. Details of their discussion were not available as of press time. “I think it’s a closed meeting. I think basically it’s a courtesy call,” Abella said. Duterte previously admitted that he has spinal problems, migraine and Buerger’s disease, an ailment caused by smoking. n
Sueno open to being replaced by… PAGE A5 t Representative and now Vice President Leni Robredo. During the May 2016 vice presidential election, Robredo won the position with only around 263,000 votes more than Marcos. Marcos accused Robredo of committing a massive electoral fraud. “He can accept but (if) he accepts, he is constrained to with-
draw his petition. The court has several rulings on that. Tumanggap ka ng posisyon (You accepted a position) why are you still pursuing a case?” Lagman explained. Last December, Duterte revealed that Marcos initially wanted to head the Department of Tourism (DOT). “I do not want to make prom-
ises and I will not even say an assumption for the public until I have the wherewithals in my hands,” Duterte told CNN Philippines. Marcos, however, cannot assume a new government position until mid-2017 as the law forbids appointing losing candidates for any Cabinet posts one year after the election. n
LOVE TRAIN. Commuters ride an LRT Line 1 coach with Valentine’s decorations. LRT coaches will carry the flower theme for the whole month of February as a treat to the often harried train riders of Metro Manila. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan
Lowering age of criminality to 9 against human rights, Unicef says by Dana
SioSon AJPress
LOWERING the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to nine is a “great child violation,” the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) agency in the Philippines warned. In an interview with The Guardian, UNICEF Philippine Representative Lotta Sylwander said that the bid to jail children as young as nine years old is “wrong from every angle.” “If they grow up, spending their teenage years in a prison, they most probably will be damaged for life,” Sylwander said. She argued that children that age are unable to fully comprehend the consequences of a crime. “Apart from the fact that it’s against human rights, it’s very unfair to a child, to punish them in such a harsh way as the criminal system would be, for something that they never understood was that serious,” Sylwander said. Sylwander also claimed that such law will not lower criminality and might, instead, have an opposite result. “It doesn’t fix the problem, it’s a great child violation and it will be a great burden on the
criminal system, an unnecessarily burden,” she pointed out. “By incarcerating children at such a young age, they in fact become well-trained criminals by being brought up in prisons with other criminals.” Among the bills that sought to revert the criminal liability back to 9 years old include the “Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility Act” filed by House Speaker Bebot Alvarez and Representative Fredenil Castro. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who backs the proposal on lowering the age of criminal liability, originally wanted it to go down to 12 years old. Several senators, however, proposed lowering it to 9 years old. Although Alvarez and Castro acknowledged that the intent of Pangilinan’s bill to protect the youth was “laudable,” they argued that R.A. 9344 or the Juvenile Delinquency Act of 2006 “pampers” the young offenders. “Its effects have had the opposite effects: The pampering of youthful offenders knowing they can get away with it. Worse, adult criminals individually, or in organized cabals knowingly and purposely make use of youth
below 15 years of age to commit crimes,” Alvarez and Castro’s bill read. In an earlier statement, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) said a minimum age of criminal responsibility below the age of 12 years is considered ‘internationally unacceptable.’ Sylwander also criticized Duterte for ignoring the statistics of the national police which show that less than 2 percent of the total crimes in the country are committed by children below 15. “It seems he rarely listens to facts, or doesn’t find out the facts before he talks,” she said. Sylwander also condemned Duterte’s war on drugs that has reportedly led to the casualties of several children. “Yes, children are used as petty sellers...but why go after the children who do not understand what they are doing instead of going for the big syndicates?” Sylwander said. She went on to say, “It seems there is less effort to get the big guys. You shoot the small gangsters or the small drug traders in the slum areas and the poor areas. But there seems to be no real, concerted efforts to get the big drug lords in the country. And there are quite a few.” n
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Jordan Clarkson gets up Close with nYC fans by MoMar
G. Visaya/AJPress
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jordan Clarkson officially launched his fan club during a meet and greet with Filipino-American fans at the Philippine Center in New York on February 5 and took the opportunity to thank his growing legion of followers. Almost 200 fans from across the tri-state attended the event, dubbed by the organizers as a first in the history of the National Basketball Association. Even senator Alan Peter Cayetano, an avid LA Lakers fan, and his wife, Taguig City Jordan Clarkson with members of Team Clarkson, his dad Mike (left) and college coach Tim Mayor Maria Laarni Lopez Cayetano Fuller. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya attended the event. The senator also congratulated Clarkson on his success in the NBA. Consul Felipe F. Carino III welcomed Team Clarkson to the Philippine Center and introduced Jordan Clarkson to the community while recognizing his contribution in basketball and for inspiring people, including many Filipinos and Filipino Americans, to reach their full potential. Clarkson belongs to a crop of Filipino Americans who have broken the glass ceiling in the U.s. Photos from Jordan Clarkson’s Twitter account in fields such as arts, sports, fashion, year-old rookie back in August technology and business, he added. Clarkson. 2014. He was drafted in the second The hoopster’s management In the NBA, he is considered as the round by the Washington Wizards team saw the impact that the third one with Filipino blood - Nate and eventually he was traded to player had on Filipino fans during Robinson — who is one-eighth the Lakers. that day that they asked its event Filipino, and Raymond Townsend, “Playing with the Lakers is a organizer, community leader Mark who played his last game in 1982. blessing and I feel very honored for Anthony Agbuya if a similar event senator Cayetano, who was the support [I’ve been receiving]. It can be done. attending several meetings in the shows how much love and support Agbuya built a team and U.s., said that the sport of basketball there is and I will do my best to coordinated with the Philippine and the LA Lakers in the NBA have represent,” he said. Consulate General’s office to come a huge following among Filipinos one of his goals is to join the up with the meet and greet that and referred to Jordan Clarkson Philippine national team. Asked if it eventually coincided with the as a Fil-American ambassador will ever become a reality, Clarkson launching of Clarkson’s fan club. of basketball among younger said that they have been talking At the press briefing before the Filipinos and Filipino Americans. community event, Clarkson, his dad with the proper authorities. He also recognized Jordan’s father, “It is really good if everything Mike and college coach Tim Fuller Mike Clarkson, for his effort to works out with FIBA. My team is responded to questions from the bring Jordan closer to the Filipino working with them as well,” he Fil-Am media. community. shared. “I have been involved Jordan revealed a few fun “Thank you for the support. I’m with the team, practicing with facts about his personal life, his just gonna say thank you because them. There’s an opportunity to favorite food (chicken adobo and I don’t know what else to say. do that and I want to do it. It’s just sisig), his love of the game, how salamat po,” Clarkson said in front everything has to be worked out.” of the crowd. The fans rewarded his much hard work it is to be an NBA To say that basketball is a player, his love for the Philippines, short speech with a loud applause. popular sport in the Philippines his appreciation to his fans and his Late last year, Brooklyn Nets would be an understatement. deep passion for the sport. hosted its first Filipino Heritage That is why Clarkson has become The soft-spoken point guard Night at the Barclays Center. The the embodiment of pride in the Nets had a game versus the visiting said he feels very honored for all community. the support his Filipino fans have Los Angeles Lakers. Fans came And as sen. Cayetano said, been giving him since he joined in droves to see not just the Nets back in the Philippines, specially the Lakers organization as a 22but the Lakers as well, particularly
PIDCI officers were among the community leaders who participated in the Filipino Heritage Night.
Jordan poses with Filipino American fans who attended the first Filipino Heritage Night of the Brooklyn Nets held at the Barclays Center last December 2016.
Community leaders led by Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro (extreme right) attended the meet and greet with the NBA star.
Among the community leaders who also attended were Fernando Mendez of Fiesta in America and Philippine American Friendship Commitee president Rose Javier and other PAFCOM officials and members.
in the 80s, Filipino fans were either one or the other. “Either Boston Celtics ka or Los Angeles Lakers. Toyota or Crispa. Marcos o Aquino,” he said, the audience applauding in agreement. since joining the Lakers organization, Clarkson has been working extra hard to prove his worth and the team’s fans from across the globe have seen how prepared he is in every game, physically and mentally. Despite the adulations, there would always be criticisms and putdowns but Clarkson is not someone who would be bothered by those. He is focused on his game. “Just work hard, you’re always going to be doubted,” he shared. “Just do what they say you can’t do and prove everybody wrong.” And when asked what playing with legends has contributed to his well-being, he said that more than the advice given to him, it is the work ethic that he hopes to emulate from the sport’s legends, like teammate Kobe Bryant. “Be professional, no matter what is going on in your life or no matter what is it you are doing,” he said. “Wake up, go to work, put your heart in it. Even during practice, put everything on the line.” Looking back, Jordan said he realized he could be an inspiration to young Filipinos when he was able to visit the country for the first time. “After my rookie year in the league when we first went to the Philippines and to see the impact I had in the country, I didn’t really know how much impact I had over there. seeing that was my turning point in getting me want to come back,” he shared.
Clarkson meeting Mark Anthony Agbuya who spearheaded the holding of the Filipino . Heritage. Photos courtesy of Mark Anthony Agbuya
With Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano Photos courtesy of Boyet Loverita
He has not been back recently but he looks forward to making another trip when his schedule permits him to do so. From Manila to Pampanga to the shores of Boracay, Jordan could very well be a tourism ambassador as well. “We were there for a while so we went to a lot of places. I’ve been to Boracay. It’s beautiful out there. Although I’m not a big vacation guy, I’d definitely go out there for vacation,” he said. Filipino heritage Jordan proudly declared that he got his work ethic from his mom and his lola, strong women both who faced adversity and succeeded. “My grandma, my mom, they work hard, and that’s what I got, I work hard. I feel like I’m always the underdog, and so as Filipinos, we fight, that’s what it is,” he said. Jordan’s mom Annette Davis and dad Mike met in the military. “We were in the Air Force together at technical training school and we were friends and
family ever since then,” Jordan’s dad said, responding to questions on how they met. The couple divorced when Jordan was small. Like his son, Mike is thankful that Filipinos have embraced Jordan and that an entire country is supporting him. “Jordan has an entire country that supports him, that in itself is humbling,” he said. “In turn he understands the responsibility that goes along with it and that’s important… he’s gonna excel at whatever he does, but he’s gonna make sure the Filipino community is proud of what he does.” As we wrapped up the press briefing, Jordan fielded one of the last few questions, another one that was Filipino-related. “I’m not the happiest guy all the time but seeing the Filipinos, everybody is always happy and smiling,” he said, initially with a serious face but trying to stifle a smile. “It’s probably the best thing I could take in all of that, probably the only time you see me with a big smile on my face.”
A young fan poses with Jordan during the meet and greet community event.
Filipino producer Jhett Tolentino wins first Grammy award By MoMar
G. Visaya
AJPress
FILIPINo producer Jhett Tolentino took home the Grammy Award on sunday, February 12 for Best Musical Theater Album for “The Color Purple,” the musical based off of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. This is Tolentino’s first Grammy, which he said was unexpected and an “impossible dream.” “I still can’t believe it. Nobody thought this could happen. When ‘The Color Purple’ was called, my mind went on a rewind and I remembered everything that I had to go through. I take pride in the award and it is an honor. I’m inspired to deliver more great work,” Tolentino told the Asian
Journal on Tuesday, February 14. Tolentino co-produced the album alongside producers Van Dean, stephen Bray, Roy Furman, scott sanders, and Frank Filipetti. Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson, and Danielle Brooks are the principal soloists of the album, while stephen Bray, Brenda Russell, and Allee Willis are the composers/lyricists. “It was such a big category. We were up against Cyndi Lauper, steve Martin, sara Bareilles and ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ was a great production as well,” he said. “This is my fifth time attending the Grammys and two of my previous shows were nominated too before. ours was the first category and it feels like it happened too fast, it was too fast.”
He shared that he raised funds to become a producer for the musical’s original cast recording, which happened over the span of two days. Last year, “The Color Purple” received the Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Cynthia Erivo). “Cynthia Erivo is a darling. she’s a great talent,” Tolentino commented. The Iloilo native is a threetime Tony Award winner for “Vanya and sonia and Masha and spike,” (Best Musical) “A Raisin in the sun,” (Best Revival) and “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” (Best Play). He is the second Philippine-born Tony Award winner, and the first and
only Filipino Tony Awards voter. He earned a bachelor of science in accountancy from the University of Iloilo in 1997, and made his Broadway debut in 2013 with “Vanya and sonia and Masha and spike.” As for what’s next for him, he is looking to start producing Broadway shows in the Philippines and is wrapping up his documentary, “Life is What You Make It.” “I am hoping to find Filipino editors who can work with me to finish the film. And hopefully we can bring it to international film festivals. If not, then we can screen it in the Philippines and I wish that young children there will be inspired and think that poverty is not a death sentence. Just look at me, I’m a living
Broadway producer Jhett Tolentino
example. Just be resourceful and stick with it, you don’t have to rely on your parents,” he said. It is also his dream to have a Filipino show on Broadway.
AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
“It is going to be my crusade to make it happen, to bring something about the Philippines to the Broadway stage,” he added.
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have taken into custody a 23-year-old man brought to the US as a young child, but had applied for, and was GRANTED, Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA), with his work permit valid until 2018! This was one of the first times a DACA applicant has been taken into custody, and it is creating anxiety among the over 700,000 young people who had applied for DACA and their families. This is especially true after other reports of ICE raids throughout the country. According to ICE, they went to this young man’s home to arrest his father. While there, ICE agents questioned this young man, whom ICE described as a “self – admitted gang member.” As a result of being a gang member, he was an enforcement priority, and should not have the protection of DACA. According to this young man’s lawyers, he “unequivocally denies” he has been in a gang. Instead, he was repeatedly pressured by ICE agents to falsely admit he was a gang member. He has no criminal record and had twice filed for and was approved
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA The 44th Annual March for Life was held in Washington DC on January 27, 2017, a week after Donald J. Trump and Michael R. Pence were sworn into office as President and Vice President on January 20, 2017. It was a historical turn of events and bodes well for the defense of the unborn. Hundreds of thousands marched in the event and were visibly moved by the fact that Vice President Mike Pence at the suggestion of President Trump graced the occasion with a wonderful, prayerful speech. Vice President Mike Pence, a
DACA recipient taken into ICE custody for DACA It is unclear if the Trump administration will now target DACA recipients as enforcement priorities. President Trump has stated that, “They [DACA applicants] are here illegally. They shouldn’t be very worried. I do have a big heart. We’re going to take care of everybody. We’re going to have a very strong border.” However, there are no details yet of how the Trump administration is going to “take care” of DACA recipients. Let’s hope Congress will pass the DREAM Act, which would be a law providing a pathway to legalization. DACA was merely a program or executive action brought by Pres. Obama when Congress failed to pass the Dream Act. Still, it is worrisome that ICE agents are targeting DACA applicants, because when this program was rolled out (or introduced), the federal government more or less promised DACA recipients would not be targeted for deportation, nor would they be considered an enforcement priority. After all, to be eligible for DACA, you have to be fingerprinted and be crime – free. Moreover, a person would be an enforcement priority
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for gang activity only if they were convicted of an offense in connection with gang related activities, not for merely being affiliated with a gang. Let’s just hope this is merely a fluke, and this DACA recipient will soon be released, and allowed to remain in the US under his grant of deferred action until 2018. Let’s further hope President Trump and Congress will finally address the issue of young people by passing the DREAM Act. *** 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 (Advertising Supplement)
Abortion and our throwaway society “All that is necessary for the triumph
of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
— Edmund Burke
Christian with a deep abiding faith, and Kelly Anne Conway, a Catholic and Senior Counselor to President Trump both spoke at the event. President Trump gave his full support and challenged the liberal media to give the annual event full coverage. As may be expected,only Fox gave the event the coverage it warranted. It was the first time that the highest office holders in the land stood with those who had
An Asian Journal
been fighting the evil of abortion for years. There is light coming out to defeat the darkness. One of the first executive orders President Trump signed was to defund international abortion efforts by Planned Parenthood. Pope Francis has spoken on the issue of abortion. He has broken what many Catholic conservatives quietly observed to be his “silence” on the matter in
LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL WILL DISCUSS U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S CONTROVERSIAL EXECUTIVE ORDERS. With the election of Donald Trump as President, millions of people now live in uncertain times. President Trump declared to deport all 11 million illegal aliens during his campaign. Atty. Gurfinkel will discuss and explain some of the recent executive orders, leaked memos, and proposals being circulated, and what people may come to expect (and fear) in the upcoming months. Watch this enlightening encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.
as many months of his assuming the papacy. Personally, I think the Holy Spirit is strong with this Pope and his timing is flawless. In his “State of the World” address directed to diplomats accredited to the Vatican, he said, “It is horrific even to think that there are children, victims of abortion, who will never see the light of day.” It was the pope’s toughest and most forceful stand on this issue. He continued, “Unfortunately, what is thrown away is not only food and dispensable objects, but often human beings themselves, who are discarded as unnecessary.” Pope Francis has voiced what many Christians believe. The gift of life is from God and that LIFE begins at the moment of conception. For many, there can be no equivocation on this
matter. There is no wiggle room, no hemming and hawing. You are either for it or against it. Abortion is nothing less than the murder of innocents — a most grievous offense against the Holy Spirit from whom all life emanates. It is the duty of all who hold human life sacred to fight for it and uphold moral laws that guarantee the life of future generations. Do not be fooled by the demagoguery of evil when abortion is framed and termed as the dishonest “war on women” or given the disingenuous term “pro choice.” Do not be fooled by snake oil salesmen and think that Planned Parenthood is a benign organization when it actually promotes abortion in the guise of “good, responsible” parenting. These labels deceive. Let’s call a spade a spade. Pro-
choice is pro-abortion. Period. No ifs and buts about it. Your choice ends when another defenseless human life is part of the equation. If you didn’t know it yet, there was a war being insidiously waged against all Judaeo-Christian faiths by all means possible in the last 8 years, via legislation, government policies and a leftist, liberal American society and its tools. Thank God the tide is turning when the highest leadership of the land puts his weight behind the case for life, especially that of the unborn. The erosion of our religious liberties has been on full throttle since past leaders, because of political correctness and lack of moral courage, could not give a full throated defense of this basic liberty. Ordinary Christians have been on their knees for a Continued on Page 6
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On the PEP Front
People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong SHOW business, with all of its fascinating celluloid and compelling temptation, had constantly enticed numerous latent screen and movie hopefuls to its irresistible allure optimistically embarking on a successful and thriving career coupled with the grandiosity of fame and the luxuriousness of fortune. Enumerable white collar job potentials and promising possibilities had been abandoned only to powerlessly succumb to the lure of show business and merely consented to be clutched by its influence, carried away by its flow, manipulated by its authoritative honchos, and be helplessly “eaten” by its ultra-repulsive system faultlessly concealed behind a glamorous and glittery façade. For nothing remains longlasting as permanence is constantly something we all strive for… and so is one’s status in the celluloid world. Like stars in the firmament, screen celebrities also fade and lose their luster after having failed to maintain that electrifying magnetism throughout their career. Just like the world’s major production and prominent entertainment source that is Hollywood, its Philippine counterpart had enormously created big name celebrities in the field of cinema, theater, media, and recording. Their supremacy could either span for decades or dismally short-lived. In a blink of an eye, a celebrity’s reigning career could either instantly fade or gradually disappear. Aside from old age, death, and self-imposed hiatus or retirement, a celebrity could inevitably fade into obscurity due to weakened popularity brought about by unsuccessful box-office returns, diminishing mass adoration, escalating public scandal or bad personal reputation, unprofessionalism, negative feedbacks regarding attitude towards work and co-workers, and a lot more that directly or indirectly affect his or her status.
EMPLOYMENT
Where have all these stars gone? Philippine movie stars of the 50s and 60s who have kept their luster consistently dazzling and had unrelentingly shown supremacy in the business after more than 6 decades of film and television appearances are Eddie Garcia, Gloria Romero, Perla Bautista, Gloria Sevilla, Caridad Sanchez, Divina Valencia, Susan Roces, Marissa Delgado, and Gina Pareno, just to name a few. Among the most endeared singer-performers, only Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales, remains visibly active and has impressively maintained her curvaceous figure that catapulted her, with her unparalleled singing style, to stardom. The toasts of the Philippine entertainment arena during the last few decades could just be around whiling their time and taking that much-needed breather. Others couldn’t resist the itch from showbiz bite that made them come out from hiatus and occasionally hog the spotlight. Although majority have migrated across the globe and have chosen to live privately away from the madding crowd and public’s prying eyes. This writer couldn’t have been luckier having personally encountered some of the most sought-after celebrities of yesteryears. These are just former luminaries that I came across this side of the earth. Carina Afable A popular television, radio, and movie personality during the 60s, Carina (who happens to be Ryan Agoncillo’s aunt, he is the son of Carina’s brother, Chito), is still actively performing in shows and private parties across the US. I personally met her last October 26, 2016 in an event I directed in Las Vegas where she was a special performer. Still aptly endowed with her toothy smile, youthful mannerism, and remarkable voice, Carina never fails to impress her audience…as if it was only yesterday when I saw her perform last in the popular TV show, Seeing Stars with Joe Quirino, where she was a regular guest. Having married young and divorced
TV director Raul Silos where she had four children, Carina married American Leonard Bell who bore her a son…and remarried with Samuel Grey after Bell’s death. Edna Diaz One of the most sought-after actresses in the mid-70s was dark-eyed Edna Diaz who could brag having made about 30 movies in her brief 5-year showbiz stint. A former Miss Philippines Pageant alumna, she entered show business after being convinced by Director Celso Ad Castillo. A regular leading lady to then hunk actor Orestes Ojeda (who were both my celebrity guests together with Rez Cortez in my hometown’s 1976 annual Santacruzan), the curvilinear Bicolana chose to live in Jackson, New Jersey after being married to a Eucharistic Minister, Deacon Rene Perez, with whom she has two children, now both professionals. Marianne Dela Riva – Another Bicolana lured to try showbusiness was frail and demure-looking after being discovered by Fashion Guru Pitoy Moreno at 16. Marianne effortlessly gained fame via her 1977 daily classic drama television series, “Gulong Ng Palad.” Her angelic face instrumentally landed bigger breaks… as favorite leading lady of Action King Ronnie Poe, Jr. and other major action stars of the 80s that rewardingly paid off with a 1975 FAMAS Best Supporting Actress trophy for “Krimen: Kayo Ang Humatol.” Currently married to Dr. Oscar Ortiz (after a failed initial marriage to her reel-andreal partner Ronald Corveau) the couple lives in their posh residence along the shores of Toms River, New Jersey. Beth Tamayo Innately gifted with a refreshing face perfectly laced with her innately beguiling smile, Beth was once one of Philippine show business’s busiest leading ladies to both action and dramatic actors. In the midst of her thriving career Beth hastily left the country due to an aggravating issue threatening her life. She opted to migrate in NYC and tried to cope up with the asphalt jungle’s fast-phased lifestyle. After having had settled
EMPLOYMENT
Beth Tamayo
Carina Afable
Danny Ramos
Leonardo Litton
Marianne Dela Riva
Roel Gueco aka Philip Henson
Toffee Calma
Edna Diaz
Laurence Mendres aka Anton Bernardo
comfortably in the Big Apple surrounded with newfound friends Beth decided to move to San Francisco last year and found herself more accustomed to the Bay Area’s mode of life. Incidentally, there was a time when the so-called blue film or sexy movies were the paramount box-office winners that left critically acclaimed counterparts by miles behind. Movie authorities believe that actors in this genre are short-lived… and there could be some truth to it after having seen a great number of them retired earlier than predicted. Others successfully defied the “curse” and prolonged their careers after shifting to drama,
comedy, or action. Gardo Verzosa (Mennen Peter Torres in real life) is a concrete exponent of such actors in the league. Leandro Baldemor (born Jeffrie Baldemor) is another but although he was considered “Heir” to the throne vacated by Gardo, Leandro was simultaneously doing drama and comedy on TV, and singing outside of his mother studio… that simply freed him from the stigma of sexy movies. I came into face-to-face contact with a handful of them that brought me to high spirits with the way things are going for these former skin-flick players. Here are just a few that I have personally known.
EMPLOYMENT
SERVICES
Leonardo Litton Born Joel Villar Werner in Nueva Ecija, Joel was discovered by famous celebrity hairdresser Tony Galvez and was tied down by Seiko Films into a four-year contract with “Burlesk King” as his launching movie. The succeeding bold-themed projects gave him the sudden rise to unprecedented recognition that made him one of Seiko’s most prized jewels. A Japan sojourn change his life when he met a returning overseas worker on his flight back home that made him decide to abandon showbiz and settled down. Now NY-based, (in Queens, specifically), with two kids, Joel lives contentedly with his Continued on Page 5
McDonald’s creates re-engineered straws for Shamrock season Limited-edition and utterly frivolous reinvention lets guests enjoy both flavors of the new Chocolate Shamrock Shake (and yes, we truly had engineers design these)
OAK BROOK, IL-– McDonald’s USA changed the world (of shakedrinking) with a limited-edition straw designed by a team of aerospace and robotic engineers. The Chocolate Shamrock Shake, one of four new seasonal McCafé beverages, has dual layers of delicious chocolate shake below Shamrock Shake. The new recipe presented McDonald’s a unique challenge to reinvent the shake experience. To deliver the ideal flavor ratio of 50% chocolate and 50% mint in each sip, versus enjoying each flavor separately with a traditional straw, McDonald’s turned to highlyqualified engineering firms. JACE and NK Labs created the probablymore-revolutionary-than-actuallyneeded Suction Tube for Reverse Axial Withdrawal (the STRAW). The STRAW’s j-shape provides optimal flavor flow dynamics. “It was a puzzling assignment but one with an ambitious goal,” said Seth Newburg, principal engineer and managing partner at NK Labs. “From a physics perspective, it’s actually quite difficult to deliver a proportional amount of both chocolate and mint flavors with each sip. But that’s exactly what we did. It’s a marvel of fluid dynamics. Thanks Fibonacci sequence.” McDonald’s has been raising the bar in a number of ways, from how it operates (now serving All Day Breakfast), what it serves (updated Chicken McNuggets® free of artificial preservatives, flavors and colors) and what it offers (changing the Big Mac by offering new Mac sandwich sizes). The release of the Chocolate Shamrock Shake and the STRAW marks the latest example of how McDonald’s is putting its guests at the center of all that it does. “We’re always listening to what our customers want and reinventing our menu in response,” said Darci Forrest, senior director of menu innovation at McDonald’s. “And though it might sound silly to some, putting our guests first sometimes means re-thinking even the humble straw. We reached out to some of the brightest engineers in the country and asked for their help to create
the ultimate shake-drinking experience. Due to the STRAW’s unique design, only 2,000 were produced in time for Shamrock season. The STRAW will be available in select participating restaurants with the purchase of a Chocolate Shamrock Shake. Visit McDonald’s Trending Now to learn where and when the lucky few will be distributed. And, like the seasonal offering of the McCafé Shamrock Chocolate offerings, the STRAW is also available for a limited time. The Chocolate Shamrock Shake is one of four new mint and chocolate flavored McCafé beverages now available at McDonald’s locations nationwide for a limited time. Those beverages include: • Chocolate Shamrock Shake: Vanilla soft serve and chocolate flavored syrup under the original mint flavored Shamrock Shake. Top it off with green sprinkles, whipped topping, and a cherry and it’s a match made in Shamrock heaven. • Shamrock Chocolate Chip Frappé: Made with an indulgent blend of chocolate chips and a hint of coffee, topped with green sprinkles, whipped topping, and tantalizing chocolaty drizzle. • Shamrock Mocha: Our classic Hot Mocha just got minty. Made with sustainably sourced espresso beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, steamed whole or nonfat milk, mint and mocha flavored syrup, and topped with whipped topping and delicious chocolaty drizzle. • Shamrock Hot Chocolate: Our delicious Hot Chocolate now with cool mint flavor. Made with steamed whole or nonfat milk, mint and mocha flavored
syrup, and topped with whipped topping and chocolaty drizzle. As part of Shamrock season, McDonald’s will donate $.25 from each McCafé Shamrock Chocolate beverage purchased to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) during the week of March 11-17.The iconic Shamrock Shake has been a key part of fundraising for RMHC since 1974 when the first Ronald McDonald House was opened. McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www. mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/ mcdonalds.
AT&T also ranked among world’s Top 50 Most Admired Companies
AT&T Inc. helps millions around the globe connect with leading entertainment, mobile, high speed internet and voice services. We offer entertainment your way on the nation’s best data network.* We’re one of the world’s largest providers of pay TV. We have TV customers in the U.S. and 11 Latin American countries. And we offer the best global coverage of any U.S. wireless provider.** We also help businesses worldwide serve their customers better with our mobility and highly secure cloud solutions. Additional information about AT&T products and services is available at http://about.att.com. Follow our news on Twitter at @ ATT, on Facebook at http://www. facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att. © 2017 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective
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‘FVR XYZ Files’ launched in time for 31st EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary On February 15, 2017, a week before the 31st anniversary of the first day of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV)and Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. (MTVi) launched a book on former President Fidel V. Ramos at the Hexagon Lounge, 4th floor, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. The book, “FVR XYZ Files: An Anthology of Controversies & Issues, Anecdotes & Trivia about Fidel Valdez Ramos,” is a companion book of “A Continuing Voyage for Enduring Peace and Sustainable Development,” which will be launched in March to coincide with RPDEV’s 16th anniversary. Consisting of 372 pages, “FVR XYZ” is divided into three chapters: Trivia, Issues and Controversies, and Anecdotes. The chapter on Trivia contains sections on the different stages in the life of the 12th president of the Philippines — from his childhood, his life in the uniformed service, his Presidency and on to his role as senior statesman and kuya to over 100 million Filipinos. The chapter gathers bits of interesting information to make Filipinos understand the person who led the country from 1992-1998 to become one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. This enlightening chapter reveals a leader imbued with wit and a sense of humor despite his rigid military training from the U.S. Military Academy. The chapter Issues and Controversies presents the real narrative and account behind
every issue and controversy thrown at the former president. Issues, long answered during his incumbency but which again came around as critics try to connect him to the failure of those who succeeded him to lead the country, are responded straightforwardly. These include the alleged role of the United States in the 1986 EDSA People Revolution, the AFP Modernization Program, the Flor Contemplacion case, and the inefficient MRT system, among other issues that impinged upon good governance, peace and order, economic development and social welfare. A collection of anecdotes comprises the last chapter of the book. Former members of the Ramos cabinet, journalists and those who have come in close contact with the former president relate their unique experiences with the man who established and steers the Ramos Peace and Development
Foundation after turning over the presidency to his successor. The book is authored by Melandrew T. Velasco, biographer of the Ramos family and president of MTVi. He has authored several books for the Ramos family and FVR’s RPDEV Foundation including Teamwork for Enduring Peace and Sustainable Development, the 10th year commemorative book of RPDEV. According to Velasco, while other former Chiefs of State write their memoirs and then fade into the sunset, not so with FVR. “Even in his octogenarian years, FVR has never failed to carry on what he has started, alwaysa good soldier who likes to say that he would rather die serving his country with his boots on rather thansit idly to enjoy his retirement.He continues to inspire and stimulate, stir and enthuse, define and redefine, challenge and defy,” says Velasco.
Creating a memorable experience on your wedding day
(Advertising Supplement)
AT&T ranks #1 in telecom globally in Fortune’s Most Admired Companies for third year in a row DALLAS—AT&T* was recognized by Fortune magazine as the Most Admired Telecommunications Company in the world in 2017 for the third year in a row. “Our industry has never been more dynamic than it is right now. And that makes this recognition particularly meaningful,” said AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson. “It’s really a tribute to the hard work and customer commitment of each and every employee in the AT&T family.” The publication also placed AT&T at #37 among the Top 50 Most Admired companies in the world. This is our fourth year on the Global Top 50 list. AT&T is also the only communications company on the list. We ranked first in all 9 attributes again, including innovation, financial soundness and quality of products/services. Fortune’s Most Admired Companies lists are among the most highly respected indicators of corporate performance and reputation. Fortune and its partner, the Hay Group, survey top executives and directors from Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies and financial analysts to identify the Most Admired Companies. They seek companies with the strongest reputations, both in their own industry and overall. Then, they rate companies on various attributes. This includes ability to attract and retain talented people, quality of products and services, quality of management, innovation, social responsibility, and use of corporate assets and long-term investment value. *AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
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owners. *Claim based on the Nielsen Certified Data Network Score. Score includes data reported by wireless consumers in the Nielsen Mobile Insights survey, network measurements from Nielsen Mobile Performance and Nielsen Drive Test Benchmarks for Q2+Q3 2016 across 121 markets. **Global coverage claim based on offering discounted voice and data roaming; LTE roaming; and voice roaming in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier. International service required. Coverage not available in all areas. Coverage may vary per country and be limited/restricted in some countries. From Fortune Magazine, March 1, 2017. ©2017 Time Inc. Fortune and The World’s Most Admired Companies® are registered trademarks of Time Inc. and are used under License. Fortune and Time Inc. are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, AT&T. (Advertising Supplement)
By Monet
Lu
ONE of the biggest milestones in a woman’s life is her wedding day. Even at a young age, many girls dream of their “perfect wedding.” They dream of that pivotal moment of seeing themselves walking down the aisle and seeing their groom at the end. They can only imagine the joy and excitement that they will experience until it is actually their wedding day. Whether it is a royal wedding, a celebrity wedding, or a simple wedding, every bride has one thing in common: that indescribable and overwhelming feeling of bliss. In all my years in the beauty industry, I can say that nothing is more beautiful than seeing a woman transform into a radiant bride. Sharing my God given ability and being given the chance to be a part of a grand journey — such as that of Fil-Am celebrity Joyce Jimenez and Paul Egbalic, Donita Rose and Eric Villlarama and a number of others — gives me inner joy and satisfaction. Love is a very splendorous thing — it “makes the world go round.” The tradition of two people engaging in marriage, a symbol of unity and love, is a tradition that has lasted for many years. Today we combine the rituals of the past with the trends of the present to create a memorable experience. Each couple has a different idea of what characterizes a “perfect wedding,” but often times we run into a number of similarities. The veil and white wedding dress are symbols of the bride’s purity, innocence, and modesty.
Joanne and Ace David’s wedding day
The bouquet and flower décor represent happiness, growth, fertility, and the preparation for starting a new life together. Wedding rings are the love and bond between husband and wife, to be worn on the ring finger because of the “vein of love” that leads directly to the heart. The wedding candle symbolizes unity as the two flames merge into one, unable to be separated. A bride-to-be also has her respective ideal look. I have encountered a number of different brides whose uniqueness brings out their beauty. One bride may prefer a trendy look that is sharp and smart with an edgy vibe. Another may prefer the glamorous and dramatic redcarpet fashion that is sexy, yet mysterious. There is also the natural bride, with minimal makeup and a radiant smile that says it all. The preppy bride is calm, cool, and collected, remaining prim and proper with her polished look. My personal favorite is the classic bride, whose simplistic
Where have all these...
From Page 4 family. Philip Henson (christened Roel Gueco ) Philip created a stir in the entertainment arena when he daringly posed all-bare with only a giant python for cover… reminiscent of Nastassja Kinski. And if his intention was to get noticed and gain publicity mileage…well, he productively achieved it. A former That’s Entertainment alumnus who was discovered by no less than Superstar Nora Aunor when she spotted him as an extra in a television sitcom, Philip is at present Baltimore, Maryland
(USA)-based and has progressively ventured into his own business providing transportation service to airports, hotels, and tourists. Anton Bernardo Tagged as the most daring among the sexy actors in the Seiko stable, Anton was no neophyte to public scrutiny since he already worked as a club bar tender in Japan before he signed on Seiko paper’s dotted line. Born Laurence Mendres, Anton made several hit movies that paired him with Seiko’s biggest sexy actresses. After his Seiko contract expired, the Bacolod boy went back to Japan to save. At press time, Laurence,
and sophisticated look is timeless, drawing out her elegance and beauty. Whichever look is decided upon, the bride and groom usually choose to honor their heritage. Attire differs by culture, whether it is the Indian sari, Japanese kimono, or the Indonesian kebaya and batik. As part of Filipino culture, brides may wear a variation of the baro’t saya, such as the Maria Clara, while grooms wear the Barong Tagalog. Regardless of what anyone’s wedding day consists of, this fantasy coming to life is definitely a day to remember. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
adopting back his real name for skilled business transactions, is an established Car Sales and Marketing Professional and a resident of Quezon City. Toffee Calma This smooth-skinned former ramp and print ad model from Pampanga has incredibly gone a long way from merely being an actor in films and television to being a film producer and currently, a part time realtor. Aptly armed with a degree in Marketing from Colegio de San Juan de Letran, he travels far and wide to Canada, the USA, and other countries selling investment properties like condos and residential units. Hardworking with passion for acting, Toffee’s Continued on Page 6
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Filipino cuisine highlighted at Society of Foreign Consuls New York International Food Festival
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NYPCG holds first consulate Saturday of the year
Vice Consul Khrystina Corpuz swears in four new Dual Citizens during the Consulate Saturday Photo by Mayet Omar on February 4 in NYPCG.
NEW YORK – The Philippine Consulate General New York opened its office doors on February 4 during the first Consulate Saturday of 2017. A skeletal consular team provided passport, civil registry, dual citizenship and notarial/ authentication services to about 30 applicants who came from as far as Connecticut, and did not have to miss work to avail of consular services. Consulate Saturdays are part of the Consular Outreach program of the Consulate and are scheduled every quarter - February 4, May 6, August 5, and November 4. For more information, applicants may go to http://newyorkpcg.org/theconsulate/our-services/consularoutreach.
Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza to star in their first teleserye By Ricky Lo Philstar.com
BECAUSE they have been keeping a punishing schedule involving daily shoots for “Destined To Be Yours (DTBY),” their first soap starrer set to premiere two Mondays from now (Feb. 27), taking over the timeslot to be vacated by Dingdong Dantes’ action-adventure “Robin Hood,” Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards have been feeling under the weather these days. Between shoots in sometimes as far away as Quezon, they also have to show up on “Eat, Bulaga!” every now and then, limited to twice or thrice a week. Directed by Irene Villamor, “DTBY” tells a love story quite different from the one in Imagine You & Me, the loveteam’s first solo starrer (after appearing with Vic Sotto and Ai-Ai de las Alas in “My Bebe Love”) that raked in millions at the tills. The all-star cast includes Boots Anson-Roa, Gardo Versoza, Tommy Abuel, Ronnie Henares, Ina Feleo, Sheena Halili, Dominic Roco, Juancho Trivino, RJ Padilla, Koreen Medina and Lotlot de Leon. When Maine and Alden showed
After starring in the smash-hit movie “Imagine You and Me,” Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza are all set for “Destined To Be Yours,” their first soap starrer set to premiere on Feb. 27 replacing Dingdong Dantes’action-adventure series Robin Hood. The soap is calculated to make AlDub fans love Alden and Maine all the more. Philstar.com photo by ver Paulino
up for this interview before the presscon the other day, they had tarried a bit. Obviously, a few days rest would do them good. But still, they were game during the Q&A that kicked off on love and loving, the day being Valentine’s Day. It seemed that neither of them had any date that night. Define love? Maine: Love is when you care about someone….when you give someone importance and you take good care not just him but also
those who are important to him. Kapag pinahahalagahan mo ang isang tao, pag inaalagaan mo siya it means you love him. Ganoon din ang gawin mo sa mga taong mahal at mahalaga sa kanya. Alden: Love is being selfless. Sabi nga ni Miss Yayo Aguila when she guested on “Eat, Bulaga!,” it’s putting others first before you. Sila muna bago ikaw. How many times have you been in love…not necessarily Continued on Page 7
NEW York City - In an event featuring authentic national food and cultural performances from 24 Consulates General in New York, Consul Felipe Carino III and Cultural Officer Olive Magpile led the Consulate General and Filipino cultural performers who participated in the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SOFC) International Food Festival. The event was held at the Consulate General of India on Thursday, February 9. Each participating Consulate General brought their country’s famous hors d’oeuvres and beverages or offered cultural performances to the delight of the attendees. Participation was high at the event despite a snow storm that hit New York City and the US Northeast on the same day. The Consulate General shared home-cooked “kutsinta” and “empanada” as well as calamansi juice, which were enjoyed by guests from various Consulates General particularly the Consuls General of Columbia, Thailand, India, Kosovo and Estonia. The calamansi juice was a crowd favorite during the Festival. The Philippines was among five Consulates General including Algeria, India, Kosoco, and Paraguay which rendered cultural/ traditional dance performances. The Foundation of the Filipino Artists Dance Ensemble, a group based in Staten Island, performed the “Kuratsa”, an indigenized form of “La Curacha, a courtship dance introduced by Mexican traders to Filipinos during the Galleon Trade period, which evolved in different versions among the Warays in Eastern Visayas region. Consul General Theresa DizonDe Vega underscored that the Consulate General’s participation this year would highlight the taste and traditional folk dance of the Philippines. The International Food Festival is a flagship project of the SOFC that counts 113 New York-based Consulates General as members with an Executive Committee representing different regional groups. The Philippines represents the East Asia and Western Pacific Region in the SOFC Executive Committee.
Consul Felipe Carino III (2nd from right) joins twenty-four Consuls General who attended the Society of Foreign Consuls International Food Festival held at Gandhi Hall, Consulate General of India
Consul Felipe F. Carino III welcomes Consul General Maria Isabel Nieto of Columbia, current President of Society of Foreign Consuls New York, and Consul General Riva Ganguly Das of India at the Philippine table during SOFC event
The Foundation of Filipino Artists Dance Ensemble performed the “Kuratsa” dance during the event Photos by NYPCG
The Philippines’ kutsinta and empanada served with kalamansi juice were provided to guests during the event which attracted about 200 participants.
The Philippine Consulate General New York joins the Asian region food table during the International Food Festival hosted by Society of Foreign Consuls New York held on 9 February 2017 at the Consulate General of India Photo by NYPCG
Abortion and our throwaway...
ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
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long time and have been fighting back and shoring up the first line of defense for human rights and religious freedom. Thank God for the miracle that is happening these days. God is answering our fervent prayers. On our part, we need to pray even more fervently without ceasing. God chooses people to make His will known. If you are one of them, let God’s Spirit suffuse you to move you in many ways — by fervent, unceasing prayers and fasting, by the printed word or the internet and better yet, to engage actively one-on-one in conversation to fire up family and friends within your daily orbit about the importance of this issue. For those who can and have the time and wherewithal to be on the front lines, there are pro-life brigades that actively discourage women from going through abortion and instead talk them into considering adoption right in front of abortion clinics around the country. Are you a CINO? Refuse to be one. CINO is the acronym for Catholic or Christian In Name Only, just like a few of our elected politicians in the highest levels of power who have repeatedly sacrificed their integrity and perhaps, even their souls, for political gain and expediency. There are well-oiled foundations in conjunction with huge pharmaceutical firms that
back Planned Parenthood and abortion globally. Refuse to be intimidated. Our story is still being written. Spoiler alert: in the end, GOD WINS, GOOD WINS. Catholicism is not a cafeteria religion where we can choose only those tenets that are convenient for us. The moral issue of abortion far transcends any earthly concerns. The battered economy, the malingering war on terror, eroded national security, weakened global standing, taxes, energy independence, health care— all these are important issues of our time. But as history will attest, all these trials and tribulations will be overcome in due season. Our problems in the material world will find resolution and eventually come to pass. Consider the dark times a period of testing. God wants to see where His people stand on this crucial matter. God wants to see if we are still His people. Sometimes God gives us seasons of darkness and times of trials and tribulations so that we can see and appreciate the light. Across the country, millions are silently bending their knees in prayer and humble supplication. True Christians know there is no force more powerful on earth than humble prayer. When we choose to stand with God, the darkness lifts and we become thankful for light and life when dawn breaks. We begin to see with clear eyes the abundant
Where have all these... From Page 5 noticeable showbiz image gave him a remarkable edge in dealing with prospective clients. Danny Ramos The name Danny Ramos is unmistakably among the league of sexy actors. His maiden public exposure in G. Pilipinas (a male pageant) provided him the necessary connection to
penetrate showbiz that remarkably associated him with the movies Midnight Dancers, Bulaklak Ng Maynila, and Sabel. Known as Elizabeth Oropeza’s “flavor-of-thehour” Danny ultimately made it on his own: established his name, earned from his keen business acumen, and put up a lucrative investment in Pampanga out of his savings from another business in Japan.
gifts that have been given to us so generously by a loving God. We begin to grow within us grateful, humble hearts. We begin to see and feel God’s love. We begin to live humbly as testaments of that love to our fellow human beings. A crisis of faith of this magnitude knocks us out of our high horse of complacency. We find out who we really are, what we are made of and in humbly seeking God’s help and with the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, we find the courage to take a stand. Times like these are a mirror. They reveal us to ourselves, to our brethren and to God. The issue of abortion is fundamental to our humanity and our connection to divinity. Our decision to take it down or uphold it will reverberate for centuries beyond our time. Abortion strikes at the root of our essence as human beings. It is evil. Without action on our parts to confront this evil, it will prevail. As Edmund Burke once said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Continue to fight for the unborn — the most defenseless of all creatures, a call to preserve the life of thinking, feeling, spiritual being in human form. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
Destiny is truly untold… uncertain…unmeasured. Nobody could tell what tomorrow brings after a failure…a disappointment…a frustration…or a collapse. Never giving up is an all-time dependable technique to regain confidence and rising after a fall gives one the best option to execute the first step towards a better life. For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@ yahoo.com.
Regine Velasquez as a standup comic her lungs of steel as well as take on riotous roles and improvisation in skits. “I’m of course very excited and very thankful that gMA has given me this kind of show kasi medyo na-miss ko na yung variety show. At least dito kumakanta ako ulit, pero hindi lang yun, nagku-comedy rin, at binibigyan din naman ako ng freedom to choose the songs,” the multi-awarded artist gamely shared. “It’s actually harder to make people laugh than to make them cry, so medyo may kaba kaming lahat pero it’s mostly exciting for all of us,” she continued. “But I’m sure the viewers will love it and have fun watching every episode.” Adding star power to the program is another multi-hyphenate artist in Solenn Heussaff, and teen idols Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix, and noted supporting actor Joross gamboa. Directed by Louie Ignacio, “Full House Tonight” airs weekly beginning Saturday, February 18 after Magpakailanman on gMA network.
by Tessa
Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net
RegIne Velasquez is still on a league of her own in the Philippine music scene no matter how many new belters come and go. She remains a standout whether she sings in variety show or any concert stage around the world. Throughout her almost threedecade career in entertainment, however, the singer has also done movies and teleseryes, adding to her popularity, the most successful of which always had her in comedic roles. now 46-years-old and as visible in showbiz as ever, what else has Velasquez not done? The answer is to combine her talent for singing and penchant for comedy. As such, her mother studio, gMA network, has given Asia’s Songbird her very own comedymusical show, titled “Full House Tonight.” Along with a bandwagon of stars from comedy gay bars in Philip Lazaro, Kim Idol, Terry gian, Sarah Brakensiek, Tammy Brown, and nar Cabico, she will showcase
Regine Velasquez
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binibigyan tayo ng patikim. Yes, I have been heart-broken. Are you in love now? Maine: In general? Yes, I’m in love now! I’m in love with life! Alden (Breaking into boyish smile): Yes po. I’m always in love. Do you work better when you’re in love and are therefore inspired? Maine: Yes, of course! Kasi being in love becomes your source of inspiration kahit papano yung mga bagay na nagpapaligaya sa akin. Alden: Yes, love inspires. When you are in love, you are driven even if you are not feeling well. If you put love in everything that you do, it inspires you to do better and to excel in anything that you do. Put love in your work and it will give love back in return. How has your work on “Destined To Be Yours” been so far? Maine: So far, so good. Mayroon lang konting adjustments na dapat gawin. Alden: Tiring but it’s worth it. Aside from “Eat, Bulaga!,” you have worked together in a movie, so you must be close to and
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BoybandPH: Ford Valencia, Niel Murillo, Russell Reyes, Tristan Ramirez and Joao Constantino,
Crowd sourcing: Girlfriends for a new boy band By Deni
rose M. afiniDaD-BernarDo Philstar.com
nO girlfriend since birth – this is how Russell Reyes described his relationship status. In fact, every one of them in BoybandPH, the new allmale group formed by the winners of reality TV show “Pinoy Boyband Superstar,” actually celebrated a literally and figuratively cold comfortable with each other. Valentine’s Day. Maine: Yes, we are. “I’m super torpe,” Russell Alden: Totoo ‘yan. admitted, adding: “I’m either Do you confide in each other? too busy or too scared to have a Maine: Yes, about personal girlfriend. ” problems. He does not actually know what Alden: We are together every he wants in a girlfriend because he day, we work together most of never had one, though he confessed the time, so strengthening our that he has a crush on actress elisse relationship is part of our life. Joson. Do you believe in destiny? Another group member, João Maine: Yes. Constancia, revealed that actress Alden: Yes. and video jockey Yassi Pressman is What if in the long run destiny his celebrity crush. niel Murillo, on will bring you together? the other hand, has got his eyes on Maine: If it’s not destiny, it won’t Pinoy Big Brother housemate Kisses happen. Delavin, while Ford Valencia is into Alden: Hindi naman sa pinangungunahan natin ang buhay, Loisa Andalio. The boys, in turn, shared some it’s the law of attraction. When of their traits prospective girls could deep in your heart you believe in consider. something, universe will make that For one, they have both the happen. Otherwise, it won’t happen. looks and the talent, said one of Wala tayong magagawa. their producers, Jonathan Manalo. (To Maine): If you were Alden, “It’s a first for the Philippines to liligawan mo ba si Maine? have a boy band whose members Maine (Thinks a while): Uhm… are total performers,” ABS-CBn ahhh…puede po! executive Lui Andrada said. While (To Alden) If you were Maine, other local boy bands like gimme sasagutin mo ba si Alden? 5 targets ‘tweens’ or pre-teens, and Alden (Without hesitating): Of while Hashtags is a dance group, course, I would!
Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza... From Page 6 romantic love, could be familial love or love for pets, you know? Maine: Several times already, kasi mapagmahal akong tao. Alden: I’m always in love, especially as far as my family is concerned. If you are referring to people who are important to you and you care about, then I’m always in love. How do you know that you are in love, what are the signs? Maine: As a line from our movie put it, kapag lagi mo siyang iniisip. Actually, there are no signs. Feelingko if you are in love, you don’t ask questions. You will know it deep in your heart, alam mo sa sarili mo kung mahal mo ang isang tao. Alden: You know you are in love when you give the person special attention and you feel good when you are around the person. Parang yung taong yon ang reason for your happiness. Have you ever been broken hearted? Maine: Oo naman! I think all of us have experienced being brokenhearted. It’s a part of life. Alden: Yes po. As we grow older,
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BoybandPH offers both song and dance, Andrada noted. “Since they have the advantage of being in a reality show, they created an instant relationship with the audience,” remarked Manalo. Andrada said they interviewed Korean pop (K-pop) trainers and they learned that while it takes three to four years before a K-pop band gets ready, in BoybandPH’s case, they were easily assembled because the audience took part in forming them. Since they are all single, the boys live together so they learn about discipline, teamwork, extensive vocal training, and showmanship, said Manalo. “These boys are my brothers,” declared João. “We’re all makulit; we’re all close to each other.” Ford added that they bond by eating, talking, and “kulitan.” He assured that they all have a great sense of humor. Apart from their looks and talent, the boys showed that even in their teens, they are already responsible and financially savvy. niel, for instance, looks forward to build his own house out of the Php1 million he won from the reality TV show. Tristan wants to buy a property out of his prize. He also helps send his sister to college. Similarly, João shared his prize with his family, while Russell spends
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AT MONTEMARIA ESTATES, BATANGAS CITY, PHILIPPINES
WINDING ITS WAY SOON
A PROJECT OF
his money on continuous education to develop his singing, dancing, and Tagalog speaking skills. The group’s singles are already plotted to be used for ABS-CBn shows and to collaborate with other artists, said Andrada. Their debut album includes their single, “Unli,” which reportedly has been topping radio charts since its release. The song’s music video features singer-actress Janella Salvador. Other tracks include a cover of Depeche Mode’s “Somebody,” and originals “Boyfriend,”“Magmamahal,” their winning song “We Made It,” and the acoustic version of “Boyfriend.” Manalo said the group just recorded a new song for a new ABSCBn drama, and the song has been rendered in the tradition of Mariah Carey and BoyzIIMen. They are now said to be dealing for a contract with Sony. “Don’t forget to smile despite the challenges that come your way,” Tristan reminded their growing legion of fans, including Cebuanas who tugged the boys’ shirts furiously during the band’s last visit in Cebu. “When I’m down, I just remember the day I won!” Likewise, niel wants to become an inspiration to other guys, especially short ones. At 5’6”, he is the shortest member of the band. Although his height makes him insecure sometimes, he is proof that anyone can follow one’s dreams and emerge standing tall.
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY FEbRuARY 17, 2017