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Volume 10 – Issue 34 • 16 Pages
JUNE 2-8, 2017
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Police eyes robbery behind Fil-Am nabs Hawaii GOP chairmanship Resorts World Manila attack DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
heard in the background footage of local media and locals who were within the viAJPress cinity of the resort. As of press time, no one was reportedly A MASKED gunman stormed into Resorts World Manila in Pasay, Philippines shot or taken as a hostage by the perpetraon Friday midnight, June 2, with dozens tor. Authorities said majority of the injured reportedly injured while trying to flee from were hurt due to stampede while trying to escape the area in panic, while more serithe area. Resorts World Manila was immediate- ous injuries were caused by jumping off ly put on lockdown, and gunshots were from higher floors. by DANA
FILIPINO-AMERICAN Shirlene De La Cruz Ostrov, who recently retired as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, was elected chairwoman of the Hawaii Republican Party (GOP) at a convention on the island of Kauai on May 13. Ostrov’s election is significant in a number of ways. She is the first Filipino to lead a state organization of one of the major political parties in America. She was fighting the entrenched establishment of the Republican Party in Hawaii who had put up an incumbent state legislator, Andria Tupola, as their candidate. As Ostrov was told, “If this were a beauty contest, you would win hands down.” She won 265 to 111 because of good strategists, like Miriam Hellreich, Republican National Committeewoman for Hawaii. They conducted a grassroots operation among the delegates. The majority of the GOP in Hawaii also wanted a person with proven leadership qualities and a vision for the party. More significantly, the GOP sought a leader who could attract non-Caucasians to join, especially Filipinos who are the biggest non-white voting bloc in Hawaii. Ostrov’s only political experience was being a U.S. congressional candidate for the first district of Hawaii. She said that she ran against overwhelming odds because she did not want
SIOSON
The police said they are looking at robbery as the possible motive behind the attack, citing that there were no casualties or incidents of hostage taking. Philippine National Police (PNP) General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said there was no indication that the attack was related to terrorism. According to dela Rosa, the lone gun-
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House, Senate pass resolution supporting Mindanao martial law by DANA
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Duterte hits back at Chelsea Clinton: Did you slam your father’s affair? PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte hit back hard at former United States’ first daughter Chelsea Clinton over her criticisms against his recent rape remark. In a speech during the Philippine Navy’s anniversary on Chelsea Clinton Wednesday, May 31, Duterte made reference to former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Chelsea’s father, who had an affair with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern, in 1998. “I will tell her (Chelsea), when your father,
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NOT ISIS-RELATED. Resorts World Manila on Friday, June 2 said it was working closely with authorities to ensure the safety of its guests and employees after unidentified gunmen stormed the resorts complex. The police said they are looking at robbery as the possible motive behind the attack, citing that there were no casualties or incidents of hostage taking. Inquirer.net photo by Rem Zamora
EXPRESSING its “full support,” both the House of Representatives and the Senate said it found “no reason” to revoke Philippine President Rodrigo’s recent implementation of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao. On Wednesday, May 31, the House adopted Resolution No. 1050, which supports the Philippine president’s move. “Resolved by the House of Representatives, to express its full support to President Rodrigo Duterte as it finds no reason to revoke Proclamation Number 216, entitled ‘Declaring a State of Martial Law and Suspending the Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the whole of Mindanao” the House resolution read. The House also said it has “determined the sufficiency of the factual basis for the issuance of Proclamation Number 216.” Earlier on Tuesday, May 30, the Senate likewise adopted its amended Resolution No. 388 which says it has “no compelling reason” to revoke Duterte’s Proclamation Number 216. Fifteen senators filed the first version of resolution on Monday, May 29.
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Enrile wants Sandiganbayan chief to inhibit from his PDAF case by ELIZABETH
MARCELO Philstar.com
MANILA — Former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile has asked Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang to recuse herself from handling his plunder case in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel fund scam. In his 15-page motion filed before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, Enrile, through his lawyers led by former Solicitor-General Estelito Mendoza, said Tang should “consider
recusing herself from further participation in the case” as her appointment by former President Benigno Aquino III supposedly “subconsciously” affects the verdicts she renders. Tang chairs the Third Division, which is handling the plunder case against Enrile, his former chief of staff Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes and the alleged pork barrel scam masTourism Secretary Wanda Teo termind Janet Lim-Napoles. “There can hardly be any doubt that the Honorable Amparo Cabotaje-Tang has the qualifications of an associate justice or of the
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Defense chief:11 soldiers killed by ‘own airstrike’ in Marawi ELEVEN soldiers were killed and eight others were injured in a military airstrike meant to restrain the pro-Islamic State (IS) Maute group in Marawi City, according to Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. “A group of our own military army men were hit by our own airstrike,” Lorenzana told the press on Thursday, May 1. The accident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, May 31, when one of two the military aircrafts missed its target and instead hit the government troopers. With the announcement of the so-called “friendly fire” incident, the combined death toll has reached 139
PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa
as of Wednesday—89 of which were militants, 19 civilians, and 31 from the security forces. “We are trying to ascertain how it happened that the first hit the target, the second was far off. There must be some mistake there, either the men directing from the ground or the pilot,” Lorenzana said. Due to the tragedy, Lorenzana said the government might suspend air strikes and “let ground troops do their thing.” “Probably, we have to limit air strikes to aircraft that can deliver accurately their ordnance,” he added. President Rodrigo Duterte views a presentation by Gen. Eduardo Año, Armed Forces of In a contradicting facts, however, the Philippines chief of staff, on developments on the terror crisis in Marawi City during a
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meeting in Davao City on Monday, May 29. With them is Special Assistant to the President Bong Go. Malacañang photo
AJPress file photo by Wanda Teo
Tourism chief: Nickelodeon park in Coron to push through DOT confident in resiliency of PH tourism by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
DESPITE heavy opposition from environmental advocates and concerned citizens, the planned construction of Nickelodeon theme park in Coron, Palawan will still push through, according to Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo. Teo made the confirmation in a television interview on Thursday, June 1, almost six months after the project was announced. “Yes, they’re pushing through,” Teo told CNN Philippines. Last January, Nickelodeon’s parent company Viacom, in part-
nership with Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc., announced its plan to develop a 400-hectare theme park in Coron. The report about the planned construction has alarmed the conservation community over possible damage to the marine ecosytem. Teo, however, allayed concerns, saying the park developers assured her that they would “preserve the environment.” “They told us, ‘We are not going to destroy the corals. The restaurant will be floating... Of course we know that we will preserve the place.’” the tourism
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From the Front Page
Defense chief: 11 PH soldiers... PAGE A1 t
PARADE OF TANKS. A column of tanks transported by the Philippine Navy gunship BRP Tarlac arrives in Iligan City to support troops in Marawi City. Government security forces have killed 89 terrorists during more than a week of fighting in Marawi City but the gunmen are still offering strong resistance with stolen weapons and ammunition, the military said on Wednesday, May 31. Inquirer.net photo by Richel Umel
Enrile wants Sandiganbayan chief...
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presiding justice of the Sandiganbayan,” Enrile’s motion read. “But her appointment by then President Benigno S. Aquino III as presiding justice on October 7, 2013 notwithstanding being the most junior among the associate justices of the Sandiganbayan at the time, forms part of what Justice Benjamin Cardozo describes as the ‘subconscious forces’ which affect the verdicts she renders in momentous cases she decides,” Enrile said. Enrile then went on quoting a passage from the book of former US Supreme Court Associate Justice Benjamin Cardozo about the “subconscious forces” affecting the decision of a judge. Enrile recalled that Aquino even mentioned in his sixth and last State of the Nation Address the prosecution and detention of three senators as proof of his administration’s commitment to fight corruption and that the justice system works under his administration. Aquino was apparently referring to Senators Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., who ar all facing plunder cases over the pork scam. Enrile further cited an instance on July 11, 2014 when the Third Division denied his motion for a bill of particulars, which sought additional details from the prosecution regarding his plunder case.
Enrile said the Third Division ruled to deny his motion in just a span of 10 minutes. Enrile further pointed out that after his counsel Mendoza orally argued on the decision, Tang declared a five-minute recess and when the hearing resumed, the latter declared that the court is affirming its decision. Enrile recounted that after the said hearing, his camp considered filing a motion for Tang and the other division members’ recusal. But instead, their camp decided to just contest the ruling before the Supreme Court. In August 2015, the SC granted Enrile’s motion and directed the prosecution to supply additional details in the charge sheet of his plunder case. Enrile also cited the Third Division’s January 31, 2017 ruling denying his motion to dismiss the case. The ruling was affirmed by the court on April 27. Enrile maintained that the Third Division erred in its two rulings as the information of the cases allegedly does not identify the “combination or series of overt criminal acts” he and his co-accused committed which led to the supposed amassing of ill-gotten wealth. Under the rules of procedure, the inhibition of a division chairman is tantamount to the re-raffling of the case to another court division.
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reported 11 soldiers died while 7 others were wounded during bombing error. “We are deeply saddened by what transpired. We mourn the loss of 11 of our brave harbingers of peace and the wounding of 7 others,” AFP spokesman Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla said in a separate press briefing. Padilla explained, “One of our SF-260 aircraft conducting airstrike that day was successfully hitting its assigned target in its earlier sorties. However, it was unfortunate that the last ordinance round it delivered went wayward for an unknown reason and accidentally hit and caused the lives of our ground forces.” The Maute group laid siege of Marawi City last week on May 23 amid a government operation to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the supposed leader of IS in Southeast Asia. Houses and facilities were
seized and burned down, civilians were held as hostages, and IS banners were reportedly spotted in the area. The crisis has prompted Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the entire Mindanao. Authorities said about 90 percent of Marawi has been retaken by security forces as of Wednesday. While Padilla said it is up to the the ground commander if air strikes would still be conducted, he noted that the military “will add appropriate measures to ensure that such an incident is avoided.” 50,000 children affected The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday expressed concern on the safety of around 50,000 children affected in the clash between the government forces and militants in Marawi city. UNICEF Philippines representa-
House, Senate pass resolution... PAGE A1 t
Former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile Philstar.com photo
In a short hearing Thursday, the Third Division gave the prosecution 10 days to comment on Enrile’s motion and the defense seven days to reply, after which, the motion is deemed submitted for resolution. Enrile, through Reyes, is accused of amassing P172.834 million worth of kickbacks by allegedly allocating his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel to the fake foundations allegedly owned by Napoles. Reyes and Napoiles are currently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Female Dormitory in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig. Enrile, on the other hand, was released from hospital arrest at the Philippine National Police General Hospital in August 2015 after the SC granted his petition for bail. n
They were Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Senators Ralph Recto, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Emmanuel Pacquiao, Vicente “Tito” Castelo Sotto III, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Senators Francis Escudero and Grace Poe later signed the amended resolution “expressing the sense of the Senate not to revoke, at this time, Proclamation No. 216, series of 2017, entitled ‘Declaring a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao.’” All five minority bloc senators, meanwhile, voted against the resolution: Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros. The vote was 17-5. Malacañang, for its part, welcomed the Senate majority’s move. “The President has acted swiftly and decisively to suppress the
ongoing rebellion in Marawi and to prevent its spread in the provinces of Mindanao,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement. Earlier on May 23, a clash sparked between government forces and an Islamic States (IS)-linked militant group in Marawi City, prompting Duterte to impose martial law and suspend the writ of habeas corpus in the whole Mindanao later on the same day. Since last week’s atrocities, the death toll has reached over 100, wherein more than half were from the militant’s side, according to the military. Government officials said clearing operations are still ongoing in the area. With the approval of House Resolution No. 1050, the separate resolution filed by Makabayan bloc calling for a joint congressional session to revoke Duterte’s declaration was effectively dismissed. The Makabayan bloc’s resolution, which was filed on Tuesday, May 30, said the declaration of martial law throughout Mindanao “is entirely bereft of factual basis.” “It is unwarranted, unjustifiable, and wholly out of proportion to the
tive Lotta Sylwander said ongoing fighting might severely affect the children’s psychosocial and physical health. She said some of them were even used as combatants or human shields by the militants against the military. “We are deeply concerned about any action that may put children’s life and safety at risk and disrupt their overall development or access to basic social services such as education and healthcare,” Sylwander was quoted saying in a Philstar report. Sylwander also urged the local governments and law enforcement agencies to ensure that schools in Marawi City and surrounding areas would be safe and open on time as the national school calendar begins next week. “It is important to keep children away from harm and injuries as they return to their communities or schools,” Sylwander added. (Dana Sioson/AJPress) threat posed by the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups,” the bloc added. Among the signatories of the resolution were Antonio Tinio and France Castro of Alliance of Concerned Teachers; Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela; Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna; Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis; and Sarah Jane Elago of Kabataan. They bloc warned that the imposition of a state of martial law in Mindanao “could just be a prelude to similar declarations of military rule in other parts of, or the entire country, in the immediate future” if left unchallenged. Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states that the president of the Philippines may place the country under martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in case of invasion or rebellion for not exceeding than 60 days. The law, however, also gives the Congress the power to revoke or extend such proclamation or suspension for a period. The Supreme Court may also review the “sufficiency of the factual basis” of the proclamation or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus following an “appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen.”
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Fil-Am nabs Hawaii GOP... PAGE A1 t the election to be uncontested. As it turned out, she could not prevail against a well known, well-funded, and union backed Democrat who had previously served in the House of Representatives – Colleen Hanabusa. Ostrov’s goal for the GOP The Hawaii Republican Party is the minority party in Hawaii. Ostrov said that she sought the chairmanship because she wants to help build the GOP to become the true opposition party in the state. It is a steep hill to climb, with only five Republicans in the State House of Representatives and none in the Senate, the party struggles to get their voices heard. The GOP in Hawaii is not represented in the U.S. House or Senate. In an op-ed in the Honolulu Star Advertiser on May 4, Ostrov was quoted as saying, “The Hawaii Republican Party is not just the party of no, nor are we simply the party of tax cuts. I believe we’re the party of aloha and ohana. We are the party that wants to see every resident thrive so they can build their business, family and community without excessive government interference. That’s the future we see for Hawaii.” Ostrov, who, since her retirement, has become a business executive, and a co-founder of a nonprofit Hawaiian Cultural School in the National Capitol Region said, “I think Hawaii’s Republicans have an excellent opportunity to rebuild and offer voters a real choice. My intent is pure and simple. I don’t have a private agenda. I am not seeking fame or fortune, I am not pursuing other positions at this time. I simply want to serve the party in a full-time manner to help the Republicans take their rightful place in Hawaii.” She also pointed out that the most critical aspect of building a solid foundation is to get the party on a firm financial footing. “We are supposed to be a sharp contrast to the Democrats, offering viable, workable alternatives that energize the state’s residents to want our solutions and not continue with what we already know doesn’t work. Our financial underpinning helps us speak our message broadly, and I know we are at a critical financial crossroads today. In fact, I believe that this is one of the main reasons why the Hawaii Republican Party has been in decline for the last few years and it will be a primary area of focus for me as chairman.” Immediately after her election as chairwoman, Ostrov went to Washington, D.C. to meet with GOP leaders and communicated with them her plans for the party in Hawaii. She said that they expressed their optimism and committed to providing support and
Shirlene Ostrov
resources to rebuild the local party. Attracting Filipinos to the GOP Ostrov stressed that, “Education and outreach in the community is key to our success as a party. Not only will we increase transparency and accountability within party leadership, but sharing our points of view will attract more members from the growing ranks of disillusioned or disengaged Independents and Democrats looking for a conservative home. We need those numbers in our party and their votes in the next election, votes that will come from the conservative cultures and people the Democrats have taken for granted. “Two districts out of 51 are Districts 28 and 29, the Kalihi and Palama areas. Those areas are 78 percent Filipino, and not only are they the largest voting bloc in Hawaii, they are also very, very conservative. They are Democrats now, but they are starting to understand that their voting habits are clashing with their conservative culture. Education in the community will attract people whose family values and cultural background align more naturally with the Republican Party, if they hear us talk with them regularly as we share our message. With a diverse staff that starts with a broad range of ideas, we will articulate a message that covers the values and issues most people in our state care about and that the opposition isn’t even paying attention to.” Filipino roots Ostrov’s father is from Batangas and her mother is from Bulacan. Her father joined the U.S. Navy in the Philippines, became a U.S. citizen in 1962 and settled in Hawaii. She was the fifth of eight children (6 girls and 2 boys), and was born and raised in Mililani, among the pineapple fields of Central Oahu, Hawaii. She said that her parents raised a “very tight-knit Catholic, conservative and patriotic family” who taught their children “to defend the institutions and the virtues of character that make the pursuit of
Tourism chief: Nickelodeon park... PAGE A1 t secretary said. She went on to say, “In fact, they said: ‘You’re lucky because, actually, we were thinking of a place somewhere in Indonesia.’ But they bid and it’s in Coron.” From a “tourism perspective,” Teo said her department is “excited” about the attraction that would draw more tourists. “But with regards to the approval of such a concept, the DOT would properly refer the matter to the appropriate agencies that can evaluate and decide on it,” Teo added. Coron Counselor and Tourism Committee Chairman Michael Sadhwani, however, said that “no formal communication” has been given to the local government regarding the project. “As of today, we can’t say if we’re pro or against it because we haven’t received any documentation,” Sadhwani said. Earlier, a Viacom press release dated January 9 said it was planning to build an “undersea development showcasing the area’s marine life that would give fans a chance to ‘interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love.’” The developers, however,
clarified that the project is not an underwater theme park but a land-based “resort and attraction” designed as “an undersea attraction with an ocean conservation focus.” Resiliency amid crisis In a separate statement, the DOT expressed confidence in the resiliency of the Philippines’ tourism industry amid the imposition of martial law in Mindanao due to the ongoing confrontation between the government forces and local militants in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. “This is just a temporary setback. We express full confidence with our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP),” Teo was quoted saying in a press release. While cancellations of trips have been reported, Teo said there are still “wide selection of alternative destinations in Mindanao and elsewhere in the country.” The tourism chief also expressed confidence that Mindanao would recover from the crisis and win more visitors. Likewise, the DOT assured that it would continue monitoring the ground to ensure the safety of both local and foreign tourists. n
Police eyes robbery behind... PAGE A1 t man stole gambling chips, shot and LED monitor, and set gambling tables on fire but “did not hurt anyone,” leading the police rule out terrorism. The police chief also confirmed that the gunman was killed and a foreigner, supposedly Caucasian, about six feet tall. Shortly after the incident, the United States Embassy in Manila cautioned its citizens. “Exercise caution and review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Heed any instructions given by local authorities,” the Embassy’s message read. U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile said the their government is “closely monitoring the situation,” expressing sym-
pathies to the victims of the attack. “We’re closely monitoring the situation ... but it is really very sad as to what’s going on in the world with terror,” Trump said in a White House ceremony. “Our thoughts and our prayers are with all of those affected,” the U.S. president added. While the local police said the attack is likely not a work of terrorism, U.S. terrorism monitor said an operative claimed links between the Islamic State (IS) militant group and the attack. “An Islamic State (IS) Filipino operative who provides daily updates on the ongoing clashes in Marawi stated that the group is responsible for the attack at Resorts World Manila in Pasay, Philippines,” the SITE Intelligence Group reported.
From the Front Page happiness possible.” She served for 23 years and retired as a colonel. As a seasoned Logistics Readiness Officer, she held command and staff positions at the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense. She served as the commander of an Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and as the Commander of an Air Mobility Squadron unit in the Pacific. She commanded the 376th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, providing air combat power projection throughout the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility, and also served as a hub for strategic airlift operations and as an intermediate staging base for transiting personnel and equipment in support of operations in Afghanistan. Ostrov served the U.S. State Department in support of the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan and also served as the Legislative and Interagency Liaison for USTRANSCOM in Washington DC. She likewise served as the Chief of the Global Combat Support Division at Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces. Among Ostrov’s military awards are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Florida, an MBA in Management from Troy State University and a Masters of Arts in Organizational Management from George Washington University. She married her husband Mark Jacob Ostrov in 1990 and they have twin daughters, Jessica and Julia who are 16 years old. (Emmanuel Samonte Tipon)
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2-8, 2017
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MEMORIAL. Coinciding with the commemoration of the 34th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, with the theme “Ending AIDS Together,” the 2nd AIDS Hour in the Philippines was observed at the Quezon City Hall lobby with the Quezon City HIV-AIDS Council and various organizations on Sunday, May 28. Lighted candles were arranged to form a red ribbon to pay tribute to Filipinos who have lost their battle against HIV-AIDS. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
Duterte hits back at Chelsea Clinton... PAGE A1 t the president of the United States then, was screwing Lewinsky and the girls there in the White House, how did you feel? Did you slam your father?” Duterte quizzed. “I repeat. When President Clinton was f*cking Lewinsky, what was your statement or your reaction?” the Philippine president asked again. Earlier, Chelsea criticized Duterte in her social media account when he said that he would take responsibility for crimes committed by soldiers, even rape, during the recently imposed martial law in Mindanao.
“Not funny,” Chelsea commented on Twitter. Responding to another user, Chelsea went on to say, “Duterte is a murderous thug with no regard for human rights. It’s important to keep pointing that out & that rape is never a joke.” But Duterte said he was “not joking” in his remarks. “She slammed me for the rape joke. I was not joking. I was being sarcastic, you listen to the speech,” Duterte stressed. Rallying the government troopers, Duterte said last week that he would shoulder alone all the con-
sequences for their actions during his recently imposed martial law in Mindanao. The Philippine president declared the imposition of military rule in the area amid clashes between the military and Islamic State-Maute Group in Marawi City on Tuesday, May 23. “Sasamahan ko kayo (I’ll be with you all the way). If you go down, I go down. But for this martial law and the consequences of martial law, and the ramifications of martial law, I and I alone would be responsible. Trabaho lang [kayo]. Ako na bahala
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Lavarro urges Fil-Ams to vote on June 6 primaries
Endorses Democratic Team of Murphy for Governor, McKnight-Chiaravalloti for Assembly in NJ-31st District
FOR THE RAINY DAYS. A buyer checks an umbrella being sold at the Commonwealth Market in Quezon City days after the weather bureau declared the start of the rainy season in the Philippines. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan
Members of Congress continue efforts in reuniting families of Filipino veterans by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
CONtiNUiNG the effort to honor Filipinos’ efforts during World War ii, members of Congress have introduced new legislation to expand immigration for families of Filipino veterans. the Filipino Veterans Family reunification Act — introduced by senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and representative Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) — sets out to speed up the visa process for children of Filipino WWii veterans. similar to the Filipino WWii Veterans Parole program, this bill seeks to bring family members of these veterans to the U.s. after decades of separation. But rather than just provide temporarily relief as the parole program does, the Filipino Veterans Family reunification Act “codifies our nation’s promise to reunite these families,” said Hirono. “When called to serve, Filipino World War ii veterans fought and sacrificed alongside American servicemen,” said Hirono, who also led the effort to reward these veterans the Congressional Gold Medal last year. “However, as a result of our country’s antiquated immigration system, these brave soldiers have been waiting more than a half century to be reunited with
their loved ones,” Hirono added. “While the Filipino World War ii Veterans Parole program provides temporarily relief for Filipino World War ii veterans and their children, this bill codifies our nation’s promise to reunite these families.” in the 1990s, about 50 years after the war, the U.s. granted Filipino veterans of WWii citizenship as recognition for their services. However, this didn’t include the children or families of the veterans. if the families of the veterans want to reunite, they have to apply for a family visa, but U.s. Citizenship and immigration services (UsCis) limits the amount of family visas granted each year. Consequently, many families must wait years for UsCis to review their application. the Filipino Veterans Family reunification Act places an exemption on veterans’ children from the quota and allows them to bypass the limitation. senator tim Kaine (D-Va.), who has been a long-time advocate for honoring Filipinos’ efforts in WWii, co-sponsored the bill and praised Hirono and Hanabusa for expanding the benefits for the families of these veterans. “i’m honored to represent the
vibrant Filipino-American communities of Virginia, including those who fought bravely alongside Americans during World War ii,” the 2016 vice presidential candidate said in a statement. “An outdated immigration system has kept these veterans separated from their families, who remain overseas. their reunion is even more important because of the veterans’ advanced age and health care needs. this bill builds on the progress we made last year by expediting the visa process for children of Filipino World War ii veterans. i’m proud to stand alongside senator Hirono once again in this just cause. the bill has been co-sponsored by more than 20 members of Congress including sens Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Brian schatz (D-Hawaii), and representatives Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Adam schiff (DCalif.) and Mark takano (D-Calif.). More than 250,000 Filipinos lent their efforts in the war and there are about 15,000 veterans — all of whom are in their 80s and 90s — that are still alive today. n
Jersey City, NJ – On tuesday, June 6, New Jersey voters will cast their ballot for their political party’s representatives for state, county, and local positions – from Governor, state senate and Assembly, County Freeholders, and all the way down to local committee person to represent your neighborhood. While primary elections tend to get less turnout than general elections, Jersey City Council President rolando Lavarro stresses the importance of voting for representatives of your party of affiliation. “every election is important,” said Lavarro. “Our vote speaks to our priorities, values, and our desire to be part of the political process. if our community wants a strong voice and representation in government affairs, the basic measure is to vote.” in the Democratic primaries in Hudson County, Councilman Lavarro endorses the entire “Column e,” Hudson County Democratic Organization team under Phil Murphy for Governor. in the hotly contested NJ-31st District, Lavarro endorses the Assembly team of Nicholas Chiaravalloti and Angela McKnight, who are seeking a second term. NJ District 31 represents Bayonne and parts of Jersey City, including Country Village, Greenville, society Hill and West side Avenue where a predominance of Filipino voters are concentrated. “the Democratic team of Murphy-Chiaravalloti-McKnight, and the entire Column e democrats, have committed to work with local officials such as myself, to continue the progress we created with communities in Jersey City,” said Lavarro. “these candidates will represent and fight for a diverse constituency, at a time when Hudson County and Jersey City’s voice and resources are under attack from both the White House and trenton.” At a recent community meeting held at Fiesta Grill on West side Avenue, Lavarro was joined by Chiaravalloti, McKnight, and Mayor steve Fulop to appeal to Filipinos for support. Members of team Fulop’s council slate came out in support, including Councilwoman At-Large Joyce Watterman, Ward F Councilman Jermaine robinson, and Ward A candidate Denise ridley. “Angela McKnight and Nicholas Chiaravalloti have been working hard in trenton to fight for the most pressing issues facing Bayonne and Jer-
Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro
sey City – from school funding to pensions, health care to jobs,” said Lavarro. “Angela and Nick have been great partners, legislators, and public servants. they are equally hard working, accountable, and accessible to their constituents.” “Please remember to vote on tuesday, June 6,” said Lavarro. “if you are a Democrat living in Hudson County, vote for the entire Democratic ticket on Column e, from Governor all the way to Committee Persons.” Unaffiliated or undeclared voters can declare a party affiliation on tuesday, November 6, and be able to vote for that party’s representatives. Polls are open 6am – 8pm. n
Duterte hits back at Chelsea Clinton...
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(Just do your job. i have your back),” he told the military. “Ako na magpakulong sa inyo. ‘Pag naka-rape ka ng 3, aminin ko na akin ‘yun (I’ll take your place in prison. If you rape 3, I’ll take the blame),” Duterte added. But amid criticisms, Malacañang downplayed the issue. in defense, Malacañang claimed that the president is just expressing his full support to the military while
“taking complete responsibility for their actions, even exaggeratedly describing crimes like taking a fourth wife.” “As Commander-in-Chief he would stand by his personnel and that no one will be abandoned, including the fallen,” Presidential spokesperson ernesto Abella said. Abella added that Duterte “is decisively acting, speaking with heightened bravado, that law and order would be brought back in
these areas of rebellion in the soonest time possible and that normalcy would likewise be restored with minimal loss of lives.” this, however, Duterte figured a “rape joke” controversy. in April last year, Duterte mentioned the rape of an Australian missionary in 1989 when he was the Davao City mayor, gaining criticisms after commenting that “the mayor should have been first.” (Dana Sioson/AJPress)
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DOJ: Napoles tags Trillanes, De Lima, Drilon in pork scam by Dana
SioSon AJPress
DetaineD businesswoman Janet Lim napoles is preparing to file a case against three opposition senators in connection with the multibillion-peso Priority Development assistance Fund (PDaF) anomaly, according to Justice Secretary Vitaliano aguirre ii. in an interview with aBSCBn’s “Umagang Kay Ganda,” aguirre disclosed that napoles’ lawyer Stephen David told him that her camp would soon file a complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against “prominent personalities” who allegedly benefitted from the so-called pork barrel scam. among the senators napoles implicated in the scam were antonio trillanes iV and Leila de Lima, and Franklin Drilon. Former budget secretary Butch abad was also included. “ang mga nabanggit niya ay prominent personalities sa nakaraang administrasyon—sina abad, parang kasama rin si Senator trillanes, Senator De Lima, at Senate [Minority Leader] Drilon (Napoles mentioned prominent personalities from the previous administration— former budget Abad, and also Senator Trillanes, Senator De Lima, and [former] Senate Pres-
Janet Lim Napoles
ident Drilon),” aguirre said. trillanes and De Lima were notably among Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s staunchest critics while Drilon is currently the minority president. During the previous administration of former president Benigno “noynoy” aquino iii, both abad and De Lima headed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and DOJ respectively. “Yun pong kay Janet napoles ay nakausap ko na po, actually ‘yung kanyang lawyer, at sabi niya in a few days magsasampa sila ng kaukulang habla at ifafile ata nila ‘yun sa DOJ (I talked with Napoles’ lawyer, and he said that they will file a complaint before the DOJ in a few days),” aguirre said. aguirre also denied accusations that the Duterte is taking “revenge” against his critics through the case. “ang tingin ko po diyan ay pagpapatupad ng katarungan, sapagkat kapag ikaw po ay nagkasala at alam naman natin na kung ikaw ay namuno sa napakalaking pag-rape sa ating kabang-bayan, wala pong, walang dapat ipaghiganti ang ating Pangulo (I see this as an implementation of justice because if you committed a crime and you plundered our nation’s coffers, there is no need for the
Inquirer.net photo
President to seek revenge),” he said. in a what seemed to be a turn of events, napoles, who has been accused as the mastermind of the scam, is being eyed as a state witness in the DOJ’s planned reinvestigation. For their part, the three accused senators denied claims of their involvement in the scam. in a statement, Drilon tagged the allegations against him as an “outright black propaganda” and political harassment intended to silence the members of the opposition.” “the intention is obvious from the personalities being linked. if this is not revenge, i don’t know what it is,” Drilon said, stressing any claims of him misusing public funds is “a blatant lie.” trillanes, meanwhile, accused aguirre of “using his office to persecute and harass members of the opposition by fabricating testimonies from dubious convicts or detainees.” “i categorically deny any involvement in any irregularity regarding PDaF (Priority Development assistance Fund), DaP (Disbursement acceleration Program), or any government funds, for that matter. i was never even mentioned in any of the so-called napoles lists provided during the height of the investigations in 2013,” trillanes said. De Lima, for her part remarked that “only fools will believe” aguirre and napoles. “the woman who stole billions in the PDaF Scam is now being glorified to turn state witness against targeted opposition personalities,” she added. De Lima further said, “expect a complaint substantiated with nothing but napoles’s worthless words, and aguirre’s reputation for fake accusations. Justice in the Philippines now is a joke, the biggest joke since aguirre was appointed Secretary of Justice. Unfortunately, it’s a joke that imprisons and punishes the innocent and rewards criminals.” n
TEMPORARY HOME. A city employee processes new evacuees at the municipal gymnasium in Balo-I in Lanao del Norte. As violent clashes continue to grip Marawi City, the Catholic Church has tapped all dioceses nationwide to provide support to the growing number of displaced families. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through its social action arm the National Secretariat for Social Action/Caritas Philippines (NASSA/CP) on Monday launched a solidarity appeal to all the 85 dioceses nationwide to provide help to the victims of the clashes between the military and the Maute group. ManilaTimes.net photo by Moh Saaduddin
House formally drops Duterte impeachment bid by Dana
SioSon AJPress
tHe House of Representatives on tuesday, May 30, officially junked the impeachment complaint filed against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. With 217 affirmative votes, the House has adopted the Justice Committee’s Resolution 1015 which recommends the dismissal of the impeachment bid filed by Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary alejano against the president. apart from alejano, only three other lawmakers voted against the resolution. they were albay Rep. edcel Lagman, ifugao Rep. teddy Baguilat, and akbayan Rep. tom Villarin. no lawmaker abstained from voting. in March 16, alejano filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte over the president’s alleged links to the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS), the massive killings in his war against illegal drugs, and his alleged undeclared wealth worth nearly P2.2 million. a supplementary complaint against the president was also filed in March 30 for his alleged inaction over territorial issues
concerning Benham Rise and the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). article 11, Sec. 2 of the 1987 Constitution states that the president “may be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.” On Monday, May 29, the Justice Committee unanimously voted for the dismissal of the impeachment case against the president due to alejano’s lack of “personal knowledge” in his allegations. Lawmakers said that alejano failed to procure “authentic records” and only based his supporting claims on “hearsay.” “now, be it resolved by the House of Representatives to dismiss the verified complaint and the supplemental complaint for the impeachment of President Duterte filed by Rep. Gary alejano for the reason that the complaints, while defective yet sufficient in form, are not sufficient in substance,” the resolution read. the Committee also rec-
ommended that “the Rules of Procedure in impeachment Proceedings of the House of Representatives be amended to explicitly allow the dismissal of the impeachment complaint based on insufficiency in form.” alejano, for his part, expressed great dismay over the House panel’s decision to junk the bid. “the members of this chamber have effectively provided a year of immunity to the President to hold him accountable to his actions,” he said. Section 3, article Xi of the 1987 Constitution states that “no impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year.” alejano pointed out that the dropping of the impeachment case also showed the whole nation “how the rules were bent” and “how this institution became an accessory to the countless deaths in our streets.” He went on to say, “By voting to dismiss, this institution effectively shied away from showing that it is independent, and is a trustworthy venue for its people to hold the President accountable to his actions and policies.”
A6 JUNE 2-8, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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FEATURES
OPINION
ISIS not a figment of the President’s imagination IT is easy to misread, misinterpret and misunderstand a leader like President Rodrigo Duterte whose public pronouncements are a mix of jokes and serious allegations regarding the extent of corruption in government, the illegal drugs scourge and the spread of terrorist organizations in the country, especially when his speeches are punctuated by a barrage of crisp profanities. One thing’s for sure, he is not joking about the deepening infiltration of the southern Philippines by Islamist militants, particularly by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the global terrorist network that goes by the acronym ISIS or IS. ISIS has big plans for Mindanao, foremost of which is to turn the porous island into an IS nucleus. But more than that, Mindanao will serve as base of operations for an IS East Asia Division. It is no fantasy, and definitely not a figment of President Duterte’s imagination, when juxtaposed with images and footages of the raging battle between government troops and Abu Sayyaf and Maute militants in Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur. The militants have taken over government buildings, took civilian hostages and probably killed scores of innocent civilians. They are carrying and raising the monochromatic flag of ISIS that has come to symbolize the brutality of jihad in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and southern Philippines. The situation now in Marawi City was the very topic of a gathering of security experts last month in
Singapore, the Milipol conference on homeland security. According to a report by Agence France-Presse, a security expert discussed extensively the creation of a militant base in Mindanao. “Currently, IS is moving towards creating a territory in southern Philippines. The most recent communication issued by IS has announced that they have formally declared an East Asia division of IS in the southern Philippines,” counter-terrorism analyst Rohan Gunaratna said. “The instability in the southern Philippines and the availability of weapons, internal displacement, refugee flows … create the ripe conditions for foreign terrorists to come,” he told AFP after his speech. The siege in Marawi prompted Duterte—on May 23—to issue Proclamation No. 216, Declaring a State of Martial Law and Suspending the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the Whole of Mindanao. His critiques were quick to point out the folly of what the President has done. Human Rights Watch has raised the prospect of abuse of authority by the implementors on the ground. Martial law is not a free pass for abuse, according to HRW.
Guest Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
Former President Fidel Ramos, a veteran of the Marcos regime martial law, noted that Proclamation 216 was ill-timed and “unbecoming” of the Duterte administration. “Those in the Cabinet, in Congress, who are very vocal about martial law being good for Mindanao, may not have experienced being shot by someone. Or being forced to evacuate in a safe place, or to lose a job, livelihood, or a loved member of a family,” Ramos said on Friday. He urged Duterte not to expand the coverage of martial law beyond Mindanao. Sen. Francis Pangilinan, the president of the op-
position Liberal Party, made it clear he would block any move by Duterte to place Visayas and Luzon under military rule, especially in the absence of circumstances similar to Mindanao. The criticisms are a healthy expression of the people’s constitutional rights and must not be suppressed even if the ISIS threat is as real as the cracks of gunfire ringing out of Marawi City. The body count tallied so far is 11 government soldiers, 31 militants. The response must not only be real, but focused and equal to the exigencies of the situation without harming the innocent and truth. (ManilaTimes.net)
Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao: The pros and cons sides among Filipinos in America AFTER the escalating conflict and attack The Fil-Am by the terror group Maute in Marawi City, Perspective President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the much dreaded martial law in the whole of GEL SANTOS-RELOS Mindanao to stop the “contamination” of the ISIS-linked terror group in Mindanao, in the whole nation, and in the Southeast Asia region. Duterte said the terror group has already infiltrated 75 percent of Marawi with the plan of targeting Christian communities while trying to recruit Muslim youth. He feared ISIS would push through with the plan of establishing a caliphate in the Philippines’ Mindanao area, Indonesia and Malaysia and that this must be stopped. Philippine authorities have warned the Maute group militants to surrender or die. According to ABS-CBN News, more than 100 people have been killed in the conflict which began last week. Twentyone soldiers have reportedly died and the Marines have confirmed they have killed eight terrorists in one day. Filipinos in America have protested in the streets to demand that Duterte lift martial law, concerned about the president steering the Philippines back
to human rights abuses of the Marcos dictatorship’s martial law era. Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno warned in a speech that impunity is on the rise and that fundamental rights are once again under threat. The motive of Duterte in declaring martial law was all the more questioned because of the reported inaccurate statements he made claiming that the chief if police of Malabang was killed but the police chief himself debunked this saying he is still alive. On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana along with other security officials reportedly told senators in a private briefing that the military could neutralize the Maute Group even without martial law, and that the recommendation to declare it did not come from them. Many kababayans from back home defended Duterte’s declaration of martial law, arguing that Filipinos in America are not in the position to criticize the president’s decision, especially when all he wanted was to protect the country from being attacked and conquered by ISIS. This defiance has been especially per-
sonal for Filipinos from Mindanao who contend that their lives are the ones under threat and that the Fil-Ams’ opposition is just making the situation worse. However, there are also Filipinos in America who support Duterte’s decisive action to declare martial law in Mindanao. Here is the statement of Atty. Arnedo S. Valera, Chairperson of the US Pinoys For Real Change in the Philippines (USPRCP), to express their full support for Duterte’s May 23 declaration of martial law in Mindanao for 60 days, noting the extreme urgency of the crisis in the region. Valera said: “President Duterte’s bold and decisive action is imperative in quelling the rebellion in the region, halting the escalating inhumane atrocities by the extremists, as well as insuring our national security and the safety of Filipinos, and demonstrating the government’s resolve in combating international terrorism.” USPRCP, a nonpartisan organization composed of dual citizens based in this U.S. capital, advocates for a better life for Filipinos everywhere. Here is the full statement: 1. We support President Rodrigo Duterte’s May 23 declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao for 60 days to quell the existing rebellion, insure the national se-
Joint exploration in South China Sea: Proposal for third silk route
PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. IN Beijing, we said we were honoured to be asked to speak before the great Beijing Forum, for we subscribe to the founding principle of President Xi Jin Ping’s historic revival and expansion of China’s legendary Silk Road—which links today’s Europe, the Middle East, and Asia much as its history and legend had linked them during the classical period. From their beginnings—in the glory days of the Han Dynasty in the East and the Roman Empire in the West—the linkages between our countries and even those of parts of Africa had ranged beyond the exchange of material goods. Commerce, culture, civilization From the beginning, East-West trade transcended the limits of commerce. From the beginning, it was also East-West cultural exchange; and the two-way technology transfer stimulated by that trade has been substantial enough to influence the course of either civilization. Even long-distance travel on the ‘Silk Road’ had its beneficial effects. Notably, the Venetian Marco Polo’s account of his Silk Road travels inspired the Geno-
ese Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the Americas’ ‘New World.’ Marco Polo started out overland, crossing the Central Asian desert to the court of Kublai Khan, stayed a dozen years, and returned to Venice by sea on the maritime route of the Silk Road. Marco Polo’s voyage took him down the South China coast to Sumatra, southeast India and today’s Sri Lanka. From there, he crossed the Indian Ocean to the Black Sea, reaching Constantinople and finally, Venice after two years at sea. China’s rebuilding of the Silk Road The value of China’s rebuilding of the Silk Road—in both its overland and maritime linkages—is obvious; and indeed it would redound to all those nations which gathered in Beijing. Consider how already the Central Asian states are awakening to the possibilities of modernization—as Silk Road arteries begin to link them, westward, all the way to London and eastward to Beijing, encompassing Budapest, Hamburg, Moscow and Warsaw, yes, freight to 28 European cities, moving them by sea, and by air. We were privileged to be invited to speak at the “High-Level Dialogue in China’s Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation” in Beijing last May 15, 2017 together with more than 40
curity of our nation and the safety of our people, especially the civilian population, as well as combating international terrorism. 2. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous terrorist acts and unconscionable atrocities perpetrated by the extremist Maute terrorist groups and their cohorts, which resulted in the willful killing of three government troops, one from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and two from the Army. In wanton disregard of human lives, these extremists also attacked civilian facilities, including St. Mary’s Church, Dansalan College and Ninoy Aquino School. 3. We call on all Filipinos and the international community to support the Philippine Government’s war against terrorism and extremist groups which target even non-combatants, the civilian population and cultural property, including places of worship in direct violation of the International Humanitarian Laws on armed conflicts. 4. We urge the Mindanaoans to be vigilant and to extend their assistance to the Philippine troops through relaying vital information, taking into consideration their safety and that of their families as first priority in abiding by their patriotic duty. The civilian population is an important part of the government’s fight against terrorism.
Street Talk
heads of state and government and former presidents, former premiers and heads of international congregations, indeed a great achievement for President Xi Jin Ping and the Chinese people. China’s leader launched since 2013 revival of the centuries-old silk route and its 21st Century Maritime Route by sea. Today modern infrastructure is bringing together Kunming in Yunnan with Phnom Penh and Singapore in the beginnings of a Southeast Asian “Growth Triangle.” And the long-distance trains are moving great cargoes between Asia and Europe, back and forth. We said that in 2005, the Philippines, China and Vietnam went so far as to venture on a threeway joint seismic survey, which we helped initiate, of disputed areas in the Spratlys chain—to assess the area’s potential for hydrocarbons exploration and development. Scientists of the three nations pronounced the prospects “promising”, and it is obvious as members of the ASEAN family that today, with China, we must now find ways and means to jointly develop the area’s hydrocarbons potential to help lessen our common dependence on distant petroleum sources in the Middle East. And look at the potential for
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GREG B. MACABENTA TAGALOGS have a term for approaching or solving a problem:santong dasalan or the soft, diplomatic way (dasal meaning prayer) and santong paspasan or the direct, tough way. We now know what approach President Rodrigo Duterte prefers. But wasn’t that why he was voted into office by a citizenry that had gotten exasperated with the way the administration of President Benigno Aquino III handled problems of governance? According to critics, the way Aquino and his government tackled problems (or even opportunities) ranged from passive-tentative to outright incompetent. They even coined a pejorative based on his nickname, Noynoying, which was supposed to mean taking it easy or not feeling a sense of urgency. Well, Duterte’s supporters have gotten what they wished for. He has acted promptly, directly and harshly in his anti-drug campaign, and this tough style of governance has extended to other aspects of his administration. In only his first year in office, his war on drugs has been bloody. Media and assorted kibitzers, as well as the PNP, have estimated the deaths to be in the thousands.
We pray for the families and children of our troops killed in defense and security of our country. Further, that they may find divine strength and spiritual blessings in these trying times. We call on the government and our community to extend all kinds of support to the families of our heroes, especially their children. 5. We salute and express our full support for our troops in their heroic role to fight and eradicate terrorism in Mindanao and elsewhere. This is the time to support our troops and our government to secure the national and territorial integrity of our nation and the safety and security of all Filipinos, as well as to demonstrate our resolve that international terrorism does not flourish. US Pinoys for Real Change in the Philippines (USPRCP) Chairperson of USPRCP : Rev. Atty. Arnedo S. Valera , Esquire Dan Jimenez Mike Ocampo Conrad Martinez Elizabeth E. Babiera *** 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
Now is the time for all good men Duterte has certainly served notice that he meant it when he vowed that bodies would fill up Manila Bay. Duterte has also fired a cabinet secretary and lower level officials for a variety of reported transgressions, thereby serving notice to those afflicted with the easy-going bureaucratic habit that their noynoying days are over. Duterte’s style—reminiscent of the movie character, Dirty Harry—has also called to mind another Tagalog phrase, Sala sa init, sala sa lamig, which means going to extremes (too hot or too cold) and not striking an ideal balance. The international notoriety that Duterte has gained because of his anti-drug war is not without basis. His bullheadedness is also turning off leaders of foreign countries whose help the Philippines needs. His defiant declaration that he would rather starve than ask for help from those who frown on his bloodbath is pure bluster. In the first place, Duterte and his family will never starve, but there are millions of poor Pinoys who could. And yet, we should not be too hasty in condemning his declaration of martial law to address the crisis in Marawi. It was a crisis that he, as a leader, had to confront and he had to make a prompt decision. Santong paspasan. On the other hand, while objective observers appreciate
the tough approach that he has taken, they are concerned that extending martial law across the whole of Mindanao is an extreme and unnecessary move. Worse yet, they worry that members of the military, who are carrying out the presidential fiat, will abuse their power and authority. The concerns are not without basis. Shortly after President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972, euphoria accompanied the move. Gun-toting Manilans, forced to leave their weapons at home, became uncharacteristically good-natured towards their fellowmen. But the euphoria did not last long. Word eventually came out that perceived enemies of the Marcos government – mainly from media and the political opposition – had been rounded up and thrown behind bars without charges. Then followed reports of disappearances of student and rural activists, as well as the takeover by cronies of businesses and property owned by hapless victims. The joke at the time was that the Marcoses were in the mining business, as in, “That’s mine, that’s mine, this is mine and those are mine.” That experience has been replicated, as a result of Duterte’s war on drugs. With the commanderin-chief urging the troops to go
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Dateline PhiliPPines
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2-8, 2017
US embassy notifies citizens of stricter security measures pines (AFP) has been deployed to Quezon City to assist the PNP with security operations such as MANILA - The U.S. embassy random checkpoints, security in Manila has informed Ameri- patrols and police visibility opcan citizens of increased secu- erations. “The PNP advises that this is rity measures in Metro Manila, including possible checkpoints, a precautionary measure in light following attacks by the Maute of the declaration of martial law in Mindanao and not related to group in Marawi City. In a message to its citizens, the any specified terror threat inforembassy said it received informa- mation directed toward Metro tion that the Philippine govern- Manila,” the embassy said. The embassy reminded Amerment had placed the Philippine National Police (PNP) on full alert ican nationals of the most recent Worldwide Caution, dated March throughout the metropolis. It stated that a unit of the 6, 2017, which indicates there is Armed Forces of the Philip- an ongoing threat of terrorist acby Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com
tions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines. Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems like airlines and other public venues where large crowds gather. Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses and popular restaurants have also been targets. U.S. citizens are advised to be mindful of the importance of taking measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines, said the embassy. n
Joint exploration in South China Sea... PAGE A6 t peace, for economic development in the heartland of the South China Sea, once rid of conflict, a landscape and seascape of small seaports, airports, oil pipelines, small tourism townships, and fishing villages, can rapidly rise in the contested areas once converted into a Zone of Friendship, Commerce, Navigation and Development, and become the passage way, untrammeld, for all global shipping, carrying more than 50% of the sea freight of the world. We in the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) representing more than 340 ruling, opposition, and independent political parties in Asia, have held yearly conferences in various capitals in Asia, in Beijing and in other cities of China, to help bring our peoples in Asia closer together in fraternal understanding. Our newly organized sister organization, the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), representing individual members of parliaments, from all the continents of the world are one with ICAPP in supporting China’s Belt and Road initiative, a historic and inspiring force for peace, friendship and development, encouraging simple, practical people-to-people understanding. The people-to-people bonds in the Belt-and-Road Initiative are the first and principal keys to achieving good relations among nations, trade facilitation, jointventures, networking, and policy coordination, as we endeavour to
connect highways, railways, electricity grids, rivers and lakes to the great arteries of the world. Indeed, the people-to-people bonds are the first prime catalysts in the forging of trade, tourism, economic and social development and in the framing of peace and unity among nations. We said that, inspite of difficulties a durable peace today is not impossible even in some of Asia’s troubled areas. For indeed it is most desirable if we, among ourselves, discard occasional enmity and exaggerated pride, and if we respond to the Sermon on the Mount and the hallowed spirit of China’s storied Silk Road, we could all together embark on a journey that today could lead towards the dream of a thousand years of peace and prosperity for all our nations and for all our peoples. For the revival of the Silk Road is a vision that reflects the shift of the center of gravity from West to East, a global rebalancing whose time has come. It should help bind peoples and countries to a common future and rekindle the grandeur and glory of the old and new Asian civilization and serve as harbinger of real and expanding growth in the 21st Century. Global potential of new expanded route And in Beijing, we said that: in order to expand, deepen and strengthen the cultural, geo-political, geo-economic, trade, and people-to-people linkages of the historic Silk Road, we now propose consideration of the development of a “third route,” to complement and extend China’s
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great “Belt and Road” Initiative. For from Hainan island off Guangdong province in southern China, the route could also pass first through the Philippines, then Malaysia, Indonesia and the small island nation of Timor Leste onwards. Already in Northwestern Philippines, as part of an extended Belt and Maritime Road plan, on the banks of the South China Sea, an agri-tourism belt and large petrochemical and industrial complex, much needed in the region, is being planned for implementation by pioneering Chinese and Philippine groups. And from Timor Leste to Australia’s Gold Coast to Sydney, and New Zealand, the extended route could move across the south Pacific, and enter Latin America: Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and the tourism-rich Caribbean islands, then Mexico, all the way to the U.S. as in the old days of the Galleon Trade from Manila to Acapulco, Mexico, which sailed for 250 years. It is not far fetch: for there are already multiple large Chinese investments in South America. And at some point, we said the Latinos should also bring their trade to the south Pacific and into Asia. Yes, our proposal in Beijing for the 21st Century “third route”, hopefully an enlargement of the Silk Route would make China’s celebrated ‘Belt and Road initiative” almost globally inclusive and create a linkage with two more continents—Australia and Latin America—in a new circumnavigation, in a revivable of the Age of Exploration, and new spirit in the Age of Globalization.
HELPING DISTRESSED OFWs. Senator Cynthia A. Villar, a known advocate of the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), gives start up kit for a sari-sari store and a financial assistance under Villar’s program to the returning OFWs who were maltreated or victimized by illegal recruitment. Some of these OFWs have also sought the assistance of Blas Ople Policy Center for their repatriation. In the photo are (L-R) returning OFWs Lory Rose Beniegla of Las Pinas City, Nonalie Hosanilla of Talipapa, Quezon City, Ms. Susan Ople of Blas Ople Policy Center, Merlita Dignadice of Pasil, Iloilo, Senator Cynthia Villar, Reynaldo Batuigas of Marilao Bulacan and Marife Pagtalunan of Calumpit Bulacan. Senate photo
Now is the time for all good... PAGE A6 t for the kill, much like a warlord whipping his men into a murderous frenzy, some members of the PNP have tended to take no prisoners and to act as judge and executioner in dealing with suspects. Worse yet, innocent lives have been wasted, including young children, and dismissed as “collateral damage.” More bad news: critics doubt that the bigtime drug lords have stopped their lucrative operations, pointing out that the fatalities have been mostly slipper-shod residents of squatters’ areas. But what is most disturbing is that certain elements of the PNP have seen an opportunity to make a profit from Duterte’s kill orders, epitomized by the kidnap-killing of a Korean businessman, right within the grounds of PNP headquarters. However, whatever the critics, the political opposition and the human rights activists say, the country is facing a serious problem, not just in Marawi but in Mindanao. As I write this, CNN has just reported that “ISIS has planted its flag in the Philippines.” The report stated that the presence of ISIS in Marawi is “the first outside the Middle East.” Whether accurate or not (it is said that ISIS
has been recruiting and indoctrinating disgruntled Mindanaoans for some years now), that news which was broadcast worldwide will have an impact on tourism and the economy. It will also attract adventurers, mercenaries and ideologues to the new battleground in Mindanao. Clearly, the Marawi crisis is not the time for noynoying or halfway measures. To say that Duterte’s move should have been limited to Marawi may be naïve. Would these critics prefer to fight the ISIS cancer when it has already metastasized across Mindanao? And those who think that the cancer will be limited to Mindanao and will not spread across the country, particularly Metro Manila, may be equally naïve. Indeed, it is so easy to be a kibitzer and to point out all the bad things that can result from the declaration of martial law, especially when one does not have access to in-depth information on the seriousness of the threat. On the other hand, a citizenry that has already had a painful experience with the suspension of civil liberties cannot be blamed for being skeptical. Like the cat who sat on a hot stove, avoiding even an unlighted stove, it is understandable when people
declare, “Never again!” about martial law. This is where our national leaders, whatever their political stripes may be, should close ranks for the sake of the country. They should rally behind the president, giving him the benefit of the doubt as the commander-in-chief and the person who must carry the burden of leadership. These national leaders should consider it a solemn responsibility to contribute their wisdom to help ensure that the powers unleashed by martial law are not abused, while the terrorist threat is effectively turned back. Frankly, it pains me to read the statements on social media posted by those for and those against the actions being taken by the president and the military. It’s bad enough that our people are being menaced by terrorist quarters, it’s unfortunate that the same people are at each other’s throat. While watching former President Fidel V. Ramos criticize the man whose shoes he used to fit into, I could not help wondering if it had occurred to Ramos to give Duterte a call to offer his help. I am reminded of that classic typing test on my trusty Underwood: Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)
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CONSUL GENERAL THERESA DIZON-DE VEGA (CENTER) HOLDS UP THE 2017 GUIDE TO FILIPINO RESTAURANT WEEK WITH FOOD AUTHOR CLANG GARCIA (SEATED 3RD FROM RIGHT) AND THE PARTICIPATING CHEFS AND RESTAURANT OWNERS FOR RESTAURANT WEEK PHOTO BY NYPCG
CHEF FRANCES TARIGA EXECUTIVE CHEF, MEGU
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CheF FranCes TariGa Talks abouT Filipino resTauranT Week, Top CheF and her ulTimaTe dream by MoMar
G. Visaya/AJPress
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ILIPINOS in New York and New Jersey just had a generous helping of Filipino cuisine as the third year of Filipino Restaurant Week came to a close on Monday, May 29, Memorial Day. It was initially conceived as a one-week event but due to public clamor, it was extended for one more week. “This is the most number of restaurants we’ve had participating in this project,” remarked Consul General Tess Dizon-De Vega at the press conference announcing the project. “We have a good mix of first-time participants and returnees, along with our liquor partner this year, Tanduay Asian Rum.” A booklet, available online and at the Philippine Consulate General, listed the 18 restaurants and their special offerings for restaurant week. Among the New York restaurants that participated were Grill 21, Jeepney, Kuma Inn, Lumpia Shack Snack Bar, Maharlika, Maison Hugo, Megu, Payag, Phil-Am Kusina, Purple Yam, Sisig City Food Truck, Swell Dive, Tito Rad’s Grill and Ugly Kitchen. New Jersey is represented by Calesa Restaurant, Max’s Restaurant, Noodle Fan and Pinoy Filipino Restaurant. A flagship project of the consulate, Filipino Restaurant Week is meant to showcase Filipino cuisine further. “We love Filipino food and we are excited about what is happening in the Philippine cuisine scene, how it is coming out there in various forms and platforms,” the consul general said. Whether it is street food that we are all familiar with, comfort food, culinary heritage recipes and how different chefs who are all artists in their own right are striving to put their personal stamp on the cuisine as we know it and making it reach a larger, more diverse audience. “It promotes our heritage, history, people. A lot of writers in the mainstream media, along with the bloggers, have been writing about the advent of Philippine cuisine as early as 2012,” De Vega added. First-timers Among the first-time participants in New York, there are a couple of restaurants,
which are not necessarily Filipino cuisine restaurants, but they have endeavored to create new dishes incorporating Filipino ingredients and techniques in preparing these dishes. One of them is Maison Hugo, a French restaurant in the Upper East Side owned by Florian and Michelle Hugo, a French-Filipino couple. The restaurant offered a prix-fixe, three-course meal starting with camaron rebosado for appetizer, a choice of chicken adobo or sinanglay na tilapia for the main course and for dessert, turon and leche flan. “It is a good challenge for me. I eat Filipino dishes at home when my wife cooks. We will be using Filipino ingredients to cook these dishes through French techniques,” said Florian, the restaurant’s chef. “I feel proud to be invited to join and we are happy to support. It is good to represent us as a couple, we’re Filipino and we’re French, and they will see that on the plate,” he added. There are no Filipino dishes on the main menu of the restaurant yet but Chef Florian said he has been using Filipino ingredients in the dishes they serve. Among his favorites are Filipino vinegar for dressing, marinating, and cooking; coconut and calamansi. Getting to know Chef Frances Tariga The other first-timer restaurant was Megu, which just reopened in August 2016. Executive chef Frances Tariga, a proud Filipino, now leads the kitchen at Megu. She started her culinary career in Manila where she studied culinary arts. She moved to the Middle East to work with the royal family of Dubai and moved with them to New York, at the United Nations, where she worked for three years. Tariga then worked at Buddakan as a sous chef, then moved to Catch, also a
Darin Friedman of Outbreak Media Group and Tanduay Rhum with a representative from Filipino-American beverage company Mansi, producer of calamansi juice, providde cocktail Photo by NYPCG mixes for guests.
Sampling of the dishes to be offered during Restaurant Week
Photo by NYPCG
Meatpacking restaurant, after two years. Restaurateur Jon Bakhshi approached and asked her if she wanted to join him in reopening Megu. Not a few people were shocked to learn that the new chef is not Japanese, but a Filipino. The old Megu closed in 2013 and Bakhshi bought the brand’s global rights, and they are planning to open in Dubai, Miami and Los Angeles in the near future. Born and raised in the Philippines, Frances said that she is a true-blooded proud Pinoy, and thinks that the reason why she got into the reality cooking show she has appeared in because of her thick Filipino accent, and her skills in the kitchen, of course. Frances joined Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen twice and her biggest break happened when she was cast in Top Chef. After her stint in the show, chef Frances’s got offers and more doors were opened for her. She said the producers of Chopped thought that she was perfect for Top Chef: Asian lesbian with tattoos and a thick accent. Frances was initially intimidated. Who wouldn’t? She was the only sous chef in the batch and most of them were James Beard nominees and awardees already. Her confidence wavered and she began to question herself. “Why am I here?” she asked. The self-doubt showed big time and led to her downfall - she was eliminated early in the competition. “I couldn’t focus well, I was just so intimidated,” she admitted. Now, with all she learned after her stint in the show, she can tell the show’s producers, “Pabalikin niyo ako diyan, and ako ang mananalo.” “We Filipinos are so hard on ourselves. We are always on survival mode. Parang laging kulang. That’s our mentality,” she explained. “I didn’t make it that far but my character stood out, that’s what people tell me,” she added. In the show, she showcased her Filipino upbringing by cooking Filipino dishes and ingredients such as bitter melon and monggo. She learned a few lessons from Top Chef, among them, keeping it simple. “It’s not about putting a lot of components because the more you put in more ingredients, the more complicated the dish becomes,” she shared. “I’m hard on myself, it was like self-sabotage. It was never enough.” That has become her mantra,
Maison Hugo’s Florian and Michelle Hugo
and at the same time, her advice to upstarts: Treat the ingredients well, if it tastes nice, stop. Don’t complicate things. She has also hired Filipinos to be a part of their kitchen staff, including her brother who is now her sous chef. She admires how fellow Filipinos work hard and do their work to the best of their abilities. “Kapag pinagalitan mo, walang resentment, walang personalan. They’re also so easy to talk with and madaling turuan,” she said. Her journey has led her to a point where she is now the mentor to her line cooks and sous chefs. “Masuwerte ako, but I also worked really hard. I always said yes to my chefs and my bosses,” she said. For Restaurant Week, Chef Frances envisioned farm to table using Filipino dishes, like using artichoke as part of a dinengdeng dish or soup dumpling using caldereta as a filling. She convinced the management to join Filipino Restaurant Week so that they can tap another market and for Filipinos to know that in one of the most recognizable restaurant brands in New York City, a Filipino chef calls the shots. “Filipino cuisine has a lot of techniques yet it is quite underrated. My chef friends have been telling me that Filipino cuisine is up and coming, if it is not there yet. Now is the perfect time to open a Filipino restaurant,” Frances said. And if she were to open her own Filipino restaurant, the chef said she is thinking about showcasing some unheard of Filipino techniques in cooking and creating dishes using fresh ingredients available in the market. In long-term mode, Chef Frances is dreaming big. Just how big?
“My dream is to bring Michelin to the Philippines and I tell that to everyone who is willing to listen. How can I do that? Hopefully I’d be loaded by then, and I’d have James Beard awards already. In New York, I am hoping to open the first refined Filipino restaurant here,” she shared. She looks back at her past and gather inspiration from there. Her mom used to work in Australia so Frances and her siblings were left under the care of their grandmother in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija. She says dinengdeng is her comfort food, the humble Ilocano vegetable dish, with the fresh produce coming from the farm nearby. After a hard day at work, she goes home, fries liempo and egg and eat it with a heaping bowl of rice. What’s in her ref and pantry
Chef Frances Tariga with Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi
these days? Century tuna, Lucky Me pancit canton, dried kamias, tuyo, galunggong, pork belly. Comfort food galore. “I go to Queens a lot to buy my supplies to quench my cravings and I look forward to travelling back home soon to get more inspiration. I want to rediscover the Philippines. I know it is so rich in culture and I want to explore it more to see what else it can offer,” she said. Working with the royal family in Dubai exposed Frances to various global cuisines and influences and her experience with NYC top-tier restaurants along with her appearance in cooking shows have made Chef Frances into what she is today. Add a few more inspirations somewhere and she’d be ready to conquer the rest of the culinary world.
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ MarrYIng a U.S. citizen is one of the fastest and most commonly known ways to obtain a green card. It is also subject to much fraud and abuse, where people will enter into a marriage of convenience with a U.S. citizen solely for immigration benefits. The U.S. citizen might be a friend willing to do the person a “favor,” or demands the payment of money to go through with the marriage and marital interview. There may be cases where a couple is truly in love, but because of miscommunications, misunderstandings, confusion, anxiety, nervousness, answers that don’t match, age or cultural difference, or not providing sufficient documentation, the immigration officer becomes suspicious it is a fixed marriage. The couple may be asked to come back for a second or third interview. Their case could also be referred to USCIS’s Fraud Detection and national Security (FDnS) unit to make a site visit to the couple’s home. If you are called back for a second or third interview, or USCIS visits your home, there can be no clearer sign that USCIS suspects you are in a fixed marriage, even if yours is a bona fide, love marriage. If that is your case, rather than trying to “repair” your marriage case on your own, have an attorney evaluate and salvage your case. If FDnS comes to your house, it is typically an unannounced visit, usually early in the morning. During the visit, they want to
Your marriage petition could be in trouble if USCIS visits your home observe and confirm both spouses are living in the same house. If you put down in your papers that both of you are living at the same address, but in reality one of the spouses is living elsewhere, this will only increase USCIS’s suspicions it’s a fixed marriage. (In fact, there may be a legitimate reason for not living together, such as work or school. But still, it creates the suspicion of a fixed marriage). They will also be checking sleeping arrangements. are both spouses sleeping in the same room and/or bed? Or, is one spouse sleeping in the bedroom, while the other sleeps on the living room couch? Does the couple have roommates living under the same roof, such as the U.S. citizen’s ex-boyfriend or girlfriend? are there pictures on the wall of the US citizen’s ex-boyfriend or girlfriend or exspouse? Or are their pictures of the married couple together? FDnS could also check your closets and medicine cabinets, to see if both your clothes are in the closet and if the medicine cabinet contains men’s and women’s care products, such as cologne for men and perfume for woman, shaver, etc. If the closets contain only one spouse’s articles of clothing, and the medicine cabinet contains only that spouse’s medications as well, it looks like you’re not living together. FDnS could also knock on neighbors’ doors, and ask your neighbors if they are aware you are husband and wife. They may
Anti-cervical cancer Health@ Heart PhiliP S. chuA, MD, fAcS, fPcS What is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is malignant tumor of the cervix (mouth of the womb). It is the second most cancer in women and the third most common gynecologic cancer, the second being cancer of the ovary. The most common gynecologic malignancy is endometrial (inner wall of womb) cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in women. The first being cancer of the breasts, followed by colorectal cancer and lung cancer. Cervical cancer develops in women at the mean age of 50 years old, although it can occur in women as young as 20. In the Philippines it is the number 2 most common form of cancer among women. In the United States it accounts for least 3000 mortality, and globally, about 300,000, annually. How prevalent is cervical cancer? In the Philippines, there are about 5,000 new cases of cervical cancer each year. However, more alarming than that is the fact that there are between 10,000 to 25,000 women walking around (not seen by physician) who have undiagnosed pre-invasive lesions in their cervix. If diagnosed early, these women could be saved. For every four survivors of breasts cancer, there are less than 3 women who survive cervical cancer, which shows how virulent cervical cancer is. What causes cervical cancer? Human Papilloma Virus (HPV, also known as genital herpes virus) accounts for most, if not all, cervical cancers. at least 50% of sexually active men and women are infected with genital HPV, especially those with multiple partners. There are about 20 million american men and women infected with HPV, many linked with abnormal pap tests, genital warts and cervical cancer. It is estimated that 10,370 new cases of cervical cancers will be discovered in 2005. Between half a million to a million americans have genital warts, transmitted thru sexual contacts. Is there cure for cervical cancer? Better than the cure! a vaccine that prevents cervical cancer has just been discovered, and was found to be “effective 100%, in the short term, at blocking the cancer and lesions likely to turn to cancer” (like the pre-invasive lesions), according to drug manufacturer, Merck & Co. What is this “new” wonder
drug? The vaccine, which is genetically engineered, is gardasil, which blocks infection caused by two of the more than 100 types of human papilloma virus (HPV), strains 16 and 18. These two sexually transmitted viruses are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers. HPV, in one form or the other, afflicts about 20 million americans. The other strains of the virus cause painful genital warts, and sometimes, cervical cancers too. Part III clinical trials in 225,000 women worldwide are underway How good is the study? Excellent. The final stage investigation on gardasil involved 10,559 sexually active women (ages 16 to 26 in the United States and in 12 other countries) who did nOT have HPV 16 or 18 infection. One half of the subjects were given 3 vaccine shots over 6 months, while the other half (control group) received the placebo (dummy) shots. among those who got gardasil were still virus-free after 6 months and none of them developed cervical cancer or precancerous lesions over the 2 year follow-up. Twenty one in the control group had precancerous lesions and cervical cancers.” To have 100 percent efficacy is something that you have very rarely,” Dr. Eliav Barr, Merck’s head of clinical development for gardasil, told The associated Press. How early should the vaccine be given? Students in grammar school, middle school and high school should be vaccinated before they become sexually active, because once they catch HPV infection, there is no cure; herpes is for life. This was the recommendation of Dr. gloria Bachmann, director of The Women’s Health Institute at robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Brunswick, nJ., who said this vaccine is a “phenomenal breakthrough.” Prophylaxis gardasil vaccination comprehensively eliminates HPV 16 and 18 associated non-invasive and invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also cuts down infection with HPV 6 and 11, the causes of 90% of genital warts. Is Gardasil limited to cervical cancer prevention? no. The US Food and Drug administration approved Merck’s application for the distribution and sale of gardasil on June 8, 2006 for ages 9 to 26 for the prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV related diseases. On September 15, 2008, the US FDa approved the expanded use of gardasil for the prevention of certain vulvar and vaginal cancers. This vaccine is in head-to-head competition with a rival (Cervarix) from glaxoSmithKline, a UK-based Continued on Page 7
even be shown a picture of the couple. If the neighbors say they saw only one person living there alone, and they never saw the other person, it could also be a sign of a fixed marriage, and that you’re not really living together. I want to emphasize that people should never enter into a fixed marriage. I know that there are stories of people who “got away with it,” but USCIS has become more sophisticated and their databases provide far more information than in the past. If you’re found in a fixed marriage, you are blacklisted for life, and no future petition can be approved on your behalf. However, if you are truly in a bona fide, love marriage, and USCIS suspects it’s fixed, you should definitely seek the assistance of an attorney. Multiple interviews and site visits are clear signs of USCIS’s concerns over a fixed marriage. Having an attorney handle your case from the outset could greatly reduce the chances of suspicion, because the attorney could help you properly gather and package the relevant documentation, and clear up any confusion or miscommunication that may arise at your interview or in the processing of your case or
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A MOTHER’S AND HER ATTORNEY’S PERSISTENCE RESULT IN HER DAUGHTERS FINALLY BEING ISSUED CSPA VISAS BASED ON “EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES” — ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Lolita left her two daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the U.S., with the dream that she would eventually have them join her. However, her previous attorney missed the one year “sought to acquire” filing deadline for CSPA eligibility, resulting in the Embassy refusing to issue their immigrant visas. Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was her beacon of hope, as he did not give up in trying to convince the Embassy that the daughters should be entitled to visas, despite missing the one-year deadline. Find out how Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to prove extraordinary circumstances, have the two “aged-out” daughters be issued visas, and reunite this family on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday, June 4 at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.
petition. *** 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)
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On the PEP Front
People, Events, Places
The joys and pains of reminiscence
BoBBy T. yalong IN one’s life, reminiscing the past is something inescapably imperative while profoundly inevitable since every current life’s episode has a past to recollect and reckon with. There will always be people, events, places, things, and even mere thoughts that will persistently attach us to the years of yore and frenziedly lead us to stride down along memory lane. Fond memories profusely surge and vividly resurface that either rekindle the dying ember on our thoughts or refresh the (almost) healing wounds that once pained and broke our hearts. They say the young have aspirations that never come to pass and tirelessly chase but the elders have capacious issues of the past that relentlessly haunt them. Being innately schmaltzy and idyllically quixotic, I treasur every single occurrence in my life… be it hurting, pleasant, heartbreaking, or maudlin… for I believe in their potent impact in the formative years of my life and in shaping the person who I am now. At all times these experiences effectually built and developed my mortal being while reinforcing my faith and spirituality. At this point I cannot steer clear of the fond reminiscence of my inexhaustible past especially since I’m turning seven decades and a year next week. My thoughts keep spinning and twirling each time I come to terms with my senses… only to finally realize that I’ve vociferously spent the prime of my youth and the remaining years seem insufficient to fully accomplish the many more goals I need to achieve. Join me, then my dear readers, to journey back in time and together, let’s fondly trace back significant chapters in my life. I first saw the light of day on a Friday evening, the 7th day of June, 1946 as the first born
EMPLOYMENT
One of my winning paintings...”Into The Woods” 24” x 36” oil on canvas commissioned by Dr. Leo A. Deal Cruz
of Cecilio Salvador Yalong from Bigaa, Bulacan (now Balagtas) and Mamerta Castaneda Tambongco from Baras, Rizal. Growing up as the eldest among 9 children was pretty tough since I played as the “substitute” parent to my siblings but pleasurable since we grew up as a team doing assigned household chores while being playfellows. According to a Horoscope and Zodiac site, Gemini-born (May 21 to June 21) are probably the chattiest sign in the Zodiac and the easiest to deal with because they can do all the talking. Just open a topic and watch the Gemini roll with it. Generally Gemini people are high spirited, grasp ideas easily, quick in comprehension, adjustable, smart, and not to forget witty with a high sense of humor. They’re ably gifted with communication skill and imposing charisma that magnetically influenced others. Honestly, I felt I was literally patterned after those distinctive Gemini traits and even much more elated having been born on the same day with famous celebrities like singer Dean Martin, recording artist Tom Jones, Libyan politician Muammar Qaddafi, tennis star Anna Kournikova, singer-musician Prince, film-TV actress Jessica
Tandy, basketball player Jordan Clarkson, actor Liam Neeson, boxer James Braddock, guitarist Dave Navarro, and Physicist Phillip Lenard. My childhood memories never fail to bring tears to my eyes. They are too profound and humongous to cast to oblivion. Being born to a big family with a stay-at-home mom and a father who was a public transportation driver entailed a lot of responsibilities plus having to consider how to augment the family income. I was born in an era when the Philippine peso was at its highest monetary value and strong purchasing power. Imagine the exchange rate of a dollar to two pesos. The minimum wage then was four pesos a day (equivalent to one hundred twenty pesos a month) but commodities and food stuff were priced reasonably enough that a peso could feed a family of four. A five-kilometer ride would cost 10 cents and students’ fare was half. A bottle of soda was only 10 cents, a slice of egg pie was 15 cents, sarsi was pegged at 5 cents, a kilo of pork was 75 cents and a ganta of rice at 35 cents. I was used to waking up as early as 3:00 a.m. during school days to peddle bitso (sugar-coated fried dough) around town to earn at least 50 cents for my siblings’ baon (recess money of 5 cents
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My latest fashion creation specially designed and executed for Maria Florendo when she recently reigned as Emperatriz in her hometown Baliuag, Bulacan.
each) and during weekends I would either vend icedrop or gather firewoods in the mountains. While most of my classmates owned leather or plastic bags, my books and notebooks were stuck in a bayong (woven sack) or tightly tied with a rope or a worn out belt. There were times when I had to retrace my path to retrieve the crayolas or pencil that dropped from the corner holes of my bayong. I knew I was deprived of the many ameneties a student was due of but fate had it to be born to a struggling family and that didn’t bother me as long as I survived the daily demands of school and home. “They may be with luxury but lacking academically…” were the consoling words to myself. Despite the harshness of life during my youth, there were equally worth-recalling funny anecdotes that made my continued existence laudable. I could still vividly bring to mind an incident
Continued on Page 6 The author and his family during a recent out of town trip to celebrate Mother’s Day.
while I was selling bitso in the nearby town of Morong where a movie shoot was set in Ugong Falls that starred top Sampaguita Pictures hottest reel and real love team, Rita Gomez and Ric Rodrigo. Starstruck that I was, I buried the box of bitso under a pile of hay and totally got engrossed watching how the movie was made. Unmindful of the passing time, it was almost 8:00 p.m. when I discovered that my wares
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couldn’t be sold anymore after being severely “feasted upon” by ants. During a Foundation Day’s Literary-Musical Night I was my sophomore class representative to the declamation contest but got no costume to wear that would effectually fit my piece, “The Inevitable Day” by Christopher Marlowe. My outfit came from an assemblage of borrowed pair Continued on Page 6
SAN FRANCISCO BY MONET
Martin Nievera: The man who would be ‘king’
LU
HE followed the footsteps of his father who sang for the group S.O.S. (A Society of Seven) in Hawaii. He went back to his birthplace in 1982 to pursue his musical career and released his first album that went platinum in a span of five months. Thus, began the journey of the man who would be called ‘The Concert King.’ Martin Nievera (Ramon Razon Nievera) was born on February 5, 1962, in Manila, Philippines to Bert Nievera and Conchita Razon. The Nievera family took up residence in the Bay Area in California in the late ’70s. Martin graduated from Clayton Valley High School in Concord, California in 1980. Martin and I met almost 30 years ago at his first concert with then wife Pops Fernandez. We’ve been friends since then but that did not keep me get from getting star stricken each time. The guy is my all time favorite performer! I would forever be a fan. Until now, he still amazes me with his performance. And like his music, so timeless: it never gets old – if possible, it gets better with time. He is both an amazing songwriter and singer – a combo that solidified the trappings of a legendary performer that he is to become. His first album, “Take One,” achieved such a feat that is not common for a neophyte in the industry. And his talent opened another door to his impending stardom; it started his career in TV hosting. Martin co-hosted the TV variety show “Penthouse Live!” with (then) future wife Pops Fernandez, the Philippines’ “Concert Queen.” His second live performance in 1984’s “The Best Gift” was also certified platinum. In 1987, “Penthouse Live!” was changed to “Martin and Pops Twogether,” reflecting the duo’s marriage. While he is an exceptional singer in his own right, it is mostly his jovial on-stage personality that makes him a hit across generations. His mass appeal spread throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s as his albums and live performances were fanatically devoured. Martin’s 1997 album Journey was a hit in Hawaii, most especially in the Philippines. The track “You Are My Song” earned him Awit and Katha Awards for Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist.
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J U N E 2 , 20 1 7
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA
The author with Martin Nivera
“I was actually discovered while singing at the shower in our locker room. I was part of the basketball team, but not a very good one at that, and I intentionally take a shower after everybody else has so it would seem like I had a tough game when I was actually a bench warmer… As I was singing, the wrestling coach passed by and heard me, called out loud and said he should see me at the choir auditions the next day. So I joined the choir and next thing I know I am singing back up (in a choir) for Barry Manilow for his three-day concert, and that’s where I realized that this is what I want to do.” Martin recalls in an interview. Even in the darkest moments of his life, specifically the dissolution of his marriage, the ‘concert king’ turned to music. He wrote and recorded a song, entitled “Forever” to win back his wife. Though the song didn’t achieve its main goal, it effortlessly achieved double platinum, moved up to triple platinum in a few months, and later soared to quadruple status. Martin and his music were warmly embraced by his adoring public, and “Forever” has become an all-time bestseller. The two sequels, “Forever Forever” (platinum to double platinum to triple platinum within the same year) and “Return to Forever,” both alluded to the couple’s heartbreaking split. They however, decided to be civil (and be good friends) throughout the years. Martin’s success in the field of music carried over to his acting career. He has appeared in eleven movies and seven television series and specials. His television show, “Martin after Dark” lasted for almost a decade (1988-1998)
and won Best Celebrity Talk Show. It garnered him his Star Awards’ Best Celebrity Talk Show Host award consecutively from 1989 to 1991 and then again in 1993, 1994, and 1996. In 2006, the Aliw Awards Foundation Hall of Fame distinguished Martin as Entertainer of the Year and Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Honolulu Adviser likewise named him Best Male Singer and Star of the Year in 1988. He also won at the Abu Golden Kite Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as Best Interpreter for a Composition in 1990. Martin’s transfer to the rival network in 1998 to 2002 gave the public “Martin Late@Nite” as well as a television show with Gary Valenciano in July 2010, Twist & Shout. Martin’s film credits include dramas, romance, science fiction, comedy, and action. Right now, Martin is busy with concert tours around the U.S.. His upcoming one will be in Las Vegas. I am pretty sure this is going to be a memorable one. His songs will always have the same force and appeal as it did the first time I saw him on stage. And for someone who is dubbed as ‘Concert King,’ there’s no doubt, the man has set himself for greatness anywhere he goes. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning 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 all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
Richard Gutierrez: It’s a perfect time to be a ‘Kapamilya’ by DENI ROSE A. BERNARDO
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An Asian Journal Magazine
A FARMER in Africa heard glowing stories of other farmers who have become rich by discovering diamond mines in the continent. Filled with excitement and visions of sparkling diamonds, he sold his farm quickly and set out to become a diamond prospector himself. He wandered far and wide for many years crisscrossing the huge continent hoping to strike it rich. Hope and change however proved to be a lame strategy. Alas and alack, the years took their toll and finally, having grown old, tired and despondent over his failures, he ended his life. Meanwhile, the man who bought his farm settled in and one bright day, while fording a stream on the land he now owned, was attracted to a gleam of colored rock at the bottom of the shallow water. He picked it up out of curiosity and displayed it on his mantel as décor. One day a visitor noticed the rock and almost fainted. He asked the farmer what he thought it was and the farmer innocently said, it was a pretty crystal. The visitor told him that it was probably one of the biggest diamonds he had ever seen. It turns out that the stream had many more such diamonds at its bottom. The first farmer never knew he was standing on his own acres of diamonds. He already owned the land free and clear which he had sold practically for a song and a dance. If he only took stock of what he had, surveyed his surroundings and explored and worked on his own acres, his story might have had a happy ending. This story is a staple used by noted motivational speakers and writers to bring home a point. And for good reason… The “Acres of Diamond”
Acres of diamonds “Your diamonds are not in far distant mountians or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig fro them.” - Russell H. Conwell, Acres of Diamonds Story is a powerful metaphor to inspire people to explore and harness their own potential as human beings striving to reach their goal of achieving the riches they seek, whether tangible, intangible or a hybrid of both. In the most obvious terms, riches could mean physical wealth like money in the bank, a comfortable retirement, celebrity status and the perks that come with it. However, there are also those parameters that are harder to achieve and can’t be bought outright by money, like inner peace, contentment, serenity, a healthy mind in a healthy body filled with good spirit and well being or a long, happy, meaningful life. The wisest ones go for a mix of both the tangible and the intangible. You get to choose your very own definition of wealth. Oftentimes, staying the course and having the wisdom and the patience to use the resources found directly right under our noses and the neurons firing in the brain between our ears offer better odds than seeking out those greener pastures. As one smart aleck pointed out, the other pasture is always greener simply because it has a gardener that waters, fertilizes and fusses over it all the time. (And used often as a multilevel marketing ploy to recruit people for get-rich quick-schemes. But I digress.) Staying the course and mining your own acres of diamonds could also apply to married couples going through tough times. There are always critical moments that would require partners to fight for their
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marriage and stay committed no matter the struggle. There is the struggle of the infidelity of one partner attracted to another, maybe a young spring chicken or a hunk with washboard abs waiting in the wings, the struggle to rise above health issues or the struggle to keep their heads above financial waters or the struggle to stay as a family despite the discord brought about by various debilitating addictions. Many seem to think they can hit the reset button by trading up to another partner. They think that if they can only find the right one, find Ms. or Mr. Perfect, life would be better. Oftentimes, that route simply leads to more troubles ahead, more complications, more heartaches and crushing disappointments. If one treasures the intangible acres of diamonds built by years of being together in the form of happy memories and achievements, scrapping the negativity, overlooking irritations or editing out the heartaches through genuine forgiveness brought about by unceasing prayers, perhaps staying the course and loving the one you’re with, might not be too difficult. With faith and determination, you can mine your own acres of diamonds right in your own marriage, right in your own backyard. The question is, are we mining our own acres of diamonds in every area of our lives right now? And if not, why not? *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
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Philstar.com
IN a contract signing today, Richard Gutierrez confirmed that he is now a Kapamilya. After years of hiatus, Richard returns to television as he joins the cast of ABS-CBN’s new action romance series, “La Luna Sangre.” “I’m very happy and thankful to be in ABS-CBN,” the actor said in this afternoon’s press conference. “I’ve been away from the limelight for a while now. I really needed that to grow as a person, as a man, to spend time with my kid and my family. I needed that time away. Now, I’m back. Now, I’m ready. I’m reenergized and focused and I know myself better now.” He said he really chose to get away from it all. “I chose to rest, to really step back, to look myself, to look at people around me, what really matters to me, to my family, and I needed that just to re-energize myself.” He, however, did not deny that for a moment during his hiatus, he felt like showbiz was not for him. “During those times of being away from the limelight, you also can’t help but to think about if it’s really the path for me. May mga times na pumapasok sa isip ko, ‘Maybe I could do something else in my life. Maybe I could go somewhere else.’ Hindi mo maiiwasang maisip ‘yun eh while you’re away. But I guess, God has plans and I didn’t expect this. When this offer landed, I’d be stupid to refuse. So, I’m happy to be here now. I guess, this is the path for me now.” “La Luna Sangre” is the third installment of the hit fantasy franchise, after “Lobo” and “Imortal.” In the series, Richard plays Sandrino, the supreme vampire
JUNE 3
5th annual Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown
“I’m very happy and thankful to be in ABS-CBN,” Richard Gutierrez said in this afternoon’s press conference. Philstar.com photo by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
and long-lost son of Magnus (Jake Roxas). “Perfect timing ‘yung nangyari. I was on a vacation with my family when I heard the news, so from the moment I got back from that vacation, I had to hit the gym right away. But the timing was perfect. Everything fell into place perfectly. I believe that it’s a blessing. I believe that God won’t give me this blessing if He knew I’m not ready.” According to him, being away from showbiz helped him to be ready and to prepare for his character well. “An opportunity, an offer like this doesn’t come very often. I’m not going to take it for granted. I’m going to embrace it and enjoy it and work hard for it!” His mom and manager, Annabelle Rama, is also very happy and “teary-eyed” of him jumping ship. His mom is a staunch supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte, who is not in good terms with ABS-CBN. Richard and Annabelle declined to comment on how his transfer to ABS-CBN would affect his mom’s relations with the president. “My whole family is very happy. Actually, napanood nila ‘yung live stream. They’re very supportive and very happy. I’m so blessed to have my family with me all the time.”
He is very thankful for the trust the network has given him. “At ‘yung pag-welcome nila sa’kin, ang sarap ng feeling. Pati sa set, napakabait nila sa’kin...I couldn’t ask for anything better. I’m very happy for who I am and I’m going to do my best now that I’m here in ABS-CBN.” It is also a plus that his partner, actress Sarah Lahbati, is also with ABS-CBN. “Right now, we all know how great ABS-CBN is as a network and how well they produce their shows and how well they market their artists and how well they produce their films. I know their capabilities, so it’s time for me to show them what I got and to be part of the team that will help them with their goals.” What does he feel about competing with GMA and its revival of “Mulawin,” which he and Angel Locsin started? “I knew this question would somehow come along. I’m thankful for what GMA has done for me through the years. They shaped who I am. But as an individual, as an actor, I’m happy where I am today. I’m thankful, but I’m also looking ahead.” For him, no matter what home network one serves, the important thing is to always do your best.
The 5th Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown will be held on Saturday, June 3, beginning at 9 a.m. to celebrate the 119th Philippine Independence Day. LA Councilmember Mitch O’ Farrell of District 13 will be the guest speaker of the program. The assembly area is in front of the Silverlake Medical Center (SLMC) at Temple Street at 8:00 a.m. The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. and will end at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) compound. For more information please call Art at (213) 318-9065 or visit www.jfavusa.org.
Kalayaan Incorporated’s Philippine Independence Gala Night in Garden Grove, CA Kalayaan Incorporated Southern California, with the cooperation of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, invites you to its Gala Night in commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 3. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (11999 Harbor Blvd. Garden Grove, California 92840). Doors open at 5 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. It is $75 / per ticket (pre-paid). Attire is formal/barong/Filipinana. For more information, please visit https://www.kalayaanincorporatedsocal.com/.
Pista sa Nayon in Vallejo, CA Come and experience the celebration of Philippine Independence Day in Vallejo, California on Saturday, June 3. It will be held at the Vallejo Waterfront from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festivities will kick-off with a grand parade beginning at the corner of Marin Street and Capitol Street in Vallejo. Then they will continue with non-stop entertainment and ending on two stages at the renowned Vallejo Waterfront. This annual event is one of Vallejo’s largest FREE outdoor festivals that draws crowds wanting to sample Philippine cuisine, soak up Filipino hospitality and enjoy entertainment that crosses all ages, cultures and ethnicities. This year’s entertainment — presented by GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV — will be Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera and Kuh Ledesma, among others. Come and experience the Philippine culture firsthand & bring the whole family! Pista sa Nayon is the highlight of the City of Vallejo’s Philippine Cultural Month celebrated throughout the month of June. Vallejo Pista Sa Nayon will be held at 301 Mare Island Way, Vallejo, California 94590. For more information, please visit http://www.vallejopistasanayon.com/.
Walk for Mom in Teaneck, NJ The Filipino Medical Program invites members of the Filipino-American community to Holy Name Medical Center’s Walk for Mom, a breast cancer awareness walkathon on Saturday, June 3. Participate in a fun-filled celebration including music, snacks, prizes, FREE T-shirts and other exciting events. It will be held at 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ (south parking lot), with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. and is 1.5 miles. Suggested donation is $10. Proceeds fund free mammogram screenings for up to 100 women. For more information, please call (201) 833-3336 or email walkformom@ holyname.org.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
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An Asian Journal Magazine
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J u N E 2 , 20 1 7
Philippine Independence Day celebration beams with pride! On Sunday, June 4
wITH this year’s theme, “ReTRACInG OUR ROOTS, weAVInG OUR IDenTITY, CeLeBRATInG FILIPInO GReATneSS”, the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. and hundreds of Filipinos, and FilipinoAmericans and their organizations will beam with pride as they march down Madison Avenue from 38th St. to 27th St. this Sunday, June 4th from 12nn to 2pm; simultaneously, the 3-in-1 event will have the St. Fair on Madison Ave. 25th St. and 26th St. turning to Park Ave; while the Cultural Festival begins early this year at 1pm-6pm. PIDCI held its last community meeting wed. evening at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Consulate in nY where President Dr. Prospero Lim, now on his 2nd term, addressed a full-house with all vendors, marchers, and volunteers, thanking his hard-working Board Of Directors/Chairpersons and committee volunteer members. now on its 27th Anniversary, the PIDCI began as the Philippine Independence Day Committee in 1990 under the auspices of the Philippine Consulate General in nY; Dr. Pros acknowledged the presence and the yearly support of all its past grand marshals (26 of them), its past over-all chairpersons (19902002), and its past presidents (2002/2003-2015) upon incorporation. with him were the 2017 Parade Grand Marshals Drs. Rod and elma Castillo and the various Chairpersons who did their final reports and announcements for this Sunday’s biggest Independence Day Anniversary Celebration outside of the Philippines. Consul Arman Talbo also gave his thank you speech on behalf of Consul General Tess de Vega who is currently in the Philippines but will back in time for the parade. Both Consul Arman and President Pros, asked for a moment of silence to pray for our Muslim brothers and sisters in Marawi City, victims of terrorist act in Mindanao. Potri Rankamanis also lead a prayer in her dialect. neo Colors Productions And Advertising International Inc. Gina Reyes, COO and Dr. Christine May Daguno-Canoy, President and CeO, were also present and gave a few words thanking the PIDCI, the Philippine Consulate and the PH Tourism Promotions Board and its COO Cesar Montano, for embarking on this momentous occasion in having the International Beauty Queens of the Philippines celebrate in nY. Headliners for this Sunday’s parade and Cultural
Mrs. Kalayaan 2017
Festival include Miss world 2013, Megan Young, Miss Universe 2015, Pia wurtzbach, Miss International 2016, Kylie Verzosa; Concert King Martin nievera , Asia’s nightingale Lani Misalucha courtesy of VYnZ-nY entertainment; and American Idol’s 11th Season 1st runner-up winner Jessica Sanchez joined by current Grand Champion Global Pinoy Singing Idol, Shane ericks and Mikey Bustos, our youtube sensation/comedian. Latest addition to the Filipino greatness and beauty are: Miss Pacific world 2017 Beatrice Andrada sponsored by the IPen, the Filipino-Canadian group (based in Toronto) headed by edgar Sulit who have been diligently supporting Phil Independence Day new York Parade for 4 years now. Beatrice is 25 years old and 5’8 tall. She was born and raised in Quezon City but at the age of 12 her family moved to Canada and joined the International Professional entertainment network (IPen), now on its 30 years, led by edgar Sulit who trains and sends beauty queens/kings to international pageants. Being a part of this group it gave her the opportunity to represent Canada in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014. Ms. Republic of the Philippines, Fermira Dianne Ramos is also participating courtesy of Romulo Aromin Jr., MD, FAPA (Chair, Miss RP 2017 Search International Relations Liaison). Taking the stage by storm are a group of accomplished artists from west-end to Broadway! Recently confirmed are: Christine Allado - accomplished stage and film actress who studied music and theater at the University of the Philippines and was very honored and privileged to be accepted at the Royal Academy of London. She appeared in the westend productions of: In the Heights, wuthering Heights, Here Lies Love. She is currently rehearsing as one of the cast leads of Hamilton- London cast. She was the special guest performer of the world renowned tenor, Andrea Boccelli in his 2016 world Tour that included a performance in the Philippines. The Production of Ms. Saigon also just confirmed the participation Lianah Sta. Ana who plays Kim as the alternate, and Kimmie Truong, understudy for the role of Gigi. Lianah Sta. Ana recently made her Broadway debut in the revival of Miss Saigon as Kim, Alternate, at the Broadway Theatre. She’s a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, a YoungArts Theatre
Diwa ng Kalayaan 2017
GM Rod and Elma
Anthony Samonte
Ms. RP - Fermira Dianne Ramos
Christian Montanez
Jonathan Capistrano
Beatrice Andrada Ms Pacific World Sigh Robes Castillo Ramos 2017
winner, and an Amateur night at the Apollo Season Champion. She has performed at major league sporting events at Madison Square Garden, MetLife Stadium, Citi Field, and Barclays Center, as well as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and London’s Hackney empire. She has even performed in front of President Obama & the First Lady at the white House! Lianah’s next scheduled performance this month will be at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the salute to the 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholars. PIDCI annually hosts A-rated local performers and newcomers from the Tri-State and neighboring areas to give them the opportunity to pursue their music careers by performing in front of the largest outdoor audience in the east Coast. Leading them are Angel Ram, Maggie K, Michael G Sounds; Sing Pilipinas winners Mitch week, runners up Christopher Corro, Desiree wisotsky, and excelsia De Jesus; and Rasmin Diaz is one of tri-state new York’s favorite local artists. Originally from Canada, this versatile vocalist moved to the Big Apple in 2015 and slowly becoming a household name in the FilAm community. She has performed at world-famous Carnegie Hall, the BergenPAC and Alex Theatre in Los Angeles and has experienced working with iconic composers Ryan Cayabyab and Cecile Azarcon. Rasmin sings jazz, pop, standards and OPM. Critics call her the “Jazz Princess” of new York. Introducing newcomers Anthony M. Samonte, a high school teacher in the Bronx who has been living and working in new York City since 2007. Despite of his busy schedule in teaching, he still finds time
Christine Allado
to sing and performs on stage. He has been seen at the promotional cast of “nYC noli Me Tangere, The Musical, Oh La La Filipina and performed recently in Jersey City in celebration of Santacruzan Festival 2017. Christian Montanez is a Fil Am from Long Island, new York. At age 20, he decided to go to the Philippines to pursue nursing. He spent 4 years in Tagbilaran City, Bohol studying at Holy name University. Although he was busy with school, he still found time pursuing his passion with music. Christian is a singer and a rapper who can play multiple instruments like the guitar, piano, and drums. He is working at a hospital as a Registered nurse. Christian will be performing with his two brothers, Mike and Matt who often jam along with him. Making their rounds in the Fil-American circuits, the loyal audience and millennials will be entertained by the Arato Brothers Band,Take The Stage Band, Alleyah Kate; MB2nY, Tammy Pattugalan; La Guardia High School of the Performing Arts with Ryan PAqueo and Anne Garana; Hip-hop Dance crews: epitome of Diversity & The wannabees; and the Cultural Groups -Kinding Sindaw, Ligaya Cultural Group & MASSKARA Bacolod nY edition. Last but not the least, Rianne Avendula (past PIDCI’s Ms. Filipino-American) makes a brief guest appearance singing the American national Anthem; emcees for the Cultural Festivals are regulars to PIDCI, Ms. Grace Rustia, Jonathan Capistrano and Sigh Robes Castillo. (Advertising Supplement)
LBC launches Calendar Design contest for Filipinos in US and Canada
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.
A new year ushers in new beginnings. what a better way to symbolize this new beginning but with a calendar that denotes the days we look forward to. That is why LBC USA and Canada have come up with a competition that will preserve their customers’ artistry and vision with the 2018 calendar as their canvass. The LBC Calendar Design competition was launched with the theme, “The way we Move It in the Philippines”. Artwork must be able to clearly depict the unique ways Filipinos move, may it be through cultural activities like traditional or modern dancing or way of life like transportation. According to Patricia Garcia, VP for Sales and Operations in the Region, “we are extremely excited that our customers and their families can now participate in a nationwide contest where their artwork can be appreciated by their
kababayans. More than that, we are happy that these artworks will all be showcased through a calendar, which is what our customers look forward to every turn of the year.” The art tilt is open to all LBC Customers and non-customers and their families. Submission of entries will be from June 1 to July 31, 2017. Other details of the contest can be viewed at www.lbcexpress.com. Twelve winners will be chosen, each to take home $500 with their artwork to be featured in LBC’s 2018 Collectible Calendar. winners will be announced mid-August and calendar will be released by Thanksgiving. Through the contest, LBC hopes to celebrate the winning masterpieces as a means of bridging the love of their Filipino customers in USA and Canada to their families and countrymen back home. LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate
courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. with a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & amp; warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock exchange through LBC express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to- door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress. com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1-800-10 8585999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCexpress (Facebook and Twitter). (Advertising supplement)
Free tuberculosis testing on June 4 DID you know? In 2016, the Philippines was fourth most common country of birth among people with tuberculosis (TB) in new York City. TB is curable, testing is simple and treatment is free. Get screened for TB at the Philippine Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, June 4 from 12pm - 4pm at the Philippine nurses Association (PnA) table at the street fair. For more information on TB, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health/ tb.
The joys and pains...
From Page 4 of boots from Teteng (a Visayan grocery owner), a black jacket from Fredo (a policeman), black pants used the previous graduation night by a neighbor, and my grandmother’s black tapis (over skirt) for my cape which I grabbed from her closet. After all the trying times, Lady Luck smiled at my adversity and made me win First Place with a treasured Thesaurus (a dictionary totally unknown to
me that time for I was only familiar with webster) for my prize. I was a dreamer and dreamt of a lot of things. I thought I would be an artist but my parents were poor and couldn’t afford to send me to an art school. Then I wanted to be an actor but I was dark, lanky, and short of height while movie stars then were all mestizos. Then, I segued to being a singer after having won several amateur contests but my voice
lost its range and pitch after I taught for years. everything went kaput and accidentally ended up being a fashion designer…which fortunately catapulted me to where I am. Being in the fashion world for more than half of my life (39 years in Manila and 9 years in the US), I was given the opportunity to rub elbows with the elite, to mingle and be acquainted with celebrities, meet influential figures, visit distant places, earn a reputable status, build an accomplished Continued on Page 7
Sharon Cuneta returns from hiatus
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J u N E 2 , 20 1 7
by ricky lo Philstar.com
After Megastar Sharon Cuneta left so suddenly for a trip to the US early this month for an undisclosed reason, the public was left guessing and second guessing whether or not she would return in time for her guesting stint in the repeat of Basil Valdez’s concert at the theatre at Solaire. Sharon was the stellar guest in the first concert staged last April 29. Naturally, she was also expected to join the repeat. But when Sharon showed up last friday night (May 26), the crowd didn’t stop speculating. Did she go to the US to scout for a new house, since she already sold her mansion there last year? Did she undergo liposuction to shed extra pounds (although she already lost 65 pounds to date)? Or did she leave simply for a much-needed respite? Whatever the reasons were, Sharon left more questions than answers. She kept mum and like the true professional, when she joined Basil onstage she was in high spirits. “I’m cold, excited and happy, but very hungry,” she amused the audience, according to the funfare source who was there. Sharon gave not the slightest sign whether or not she was hurting inside. She regaled the audience with her long spiels and solo numbers. She shared anecdotes about how she quietly sang in one corner of the studio when she was a young girl, while Basil was recording. In the concert, Sharon rendered Magbalik Ka Lang, a Kuh Ledesma original which she dedicated to the pop diva, one of her female singing idols. “Our generation of singers is still the best,” Sharon beamed. from the balcony, her fans screamed loudly, prompting Sharon to exclaim, “My Sharonians have
Gil Cuerva: Kapuso’s newest heartthrob by Tessa
Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net
It took quite a while before showbiz newcomer Gil Cuerva was finally introduced to the showbiz press. this, even as it was announced as early as December 2016 that he had been chosen as Jennylyn Mercado’s leading man in the filipino adaptation of the phenomenal Korean hit “My Love from the Star.” In fact, Gil only sat down for an interview a couple of weeks short of his primetime series’ debut tonight, with another appearance at the show’s grand launch on friday last week. In the t-Zone’s Q&A with the 21Sharon Cuneta performing with Basil Valdez (above, left and right) on the latter’s Solaire show with Ryan Cayabyab (left) as musical director. Sharon is leaving soon for a series of shows in year-old Spanish-filipino we finally the US. Photos by Gian Carlo Vizcara got why Gil took his sweet time. With a quiet mystery about him, the audience was as starbeen here longer than both my the long-haired 5’11” hombre said, studded. Kuh, Music Museum marriages combined.” Again, that “I’ve had to transition to being an owner Precy florentino and Pops left the audience speculating anew actor from modeling. I slowly had fernandez shared a row with about the real status of her marriage to let go of [my former craft]until roderick Paulate. Gretchen Barretto I finally decided to leave it behind (to Sen Kiko Pangilinan). However, a came with her partner, tony source close to the couple insisted and pursue acting full time.” Boy Cojuangco, who was Basil’s there was nothing wrong with In coming to terms with his batchmate at the Ateneo since Sharon and Kiko’s marriage and that career shift, Gil said he also wanted prep school. Also in the crowd were to make sure he was ready to the two are still very much together. Mitch Valdes, erik Santos, director Sharon sang a few strains of conduct interviews “showbiz style” rowell Santiago, Jaya, Jinky Vidal, Basil’s Kahit Ika’y Panaginip Lang, before finding the confidence to Noel Cabangon, Mel tiangco, Panjee face the press. written by the show’s musical Gonzales, roselle Nava, Gerard director, ryan Cayabyab, and she Salonga and wife DJ, and ryan’s was giddy that she reached the wife emy and their daughter Krina. high notes. She later rendered Kahit Mr. C (ryan Cayabyab), together Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko, the single that came after Mr. DJ.Both hits were with Audie Gemora (entertainment From Page 3 composed by rey Valera. But it was director of the theatre at Solaire), Basil who ruled the stage with his and producers Susan Lim and company. As the good old cliché well-loved and memorable ballads. Nancy Yang. goes “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” my career here in America and to Is Gardasil also used for Asian Journal for the realization of boys? a most cherished passion -- writing. Yes, since boys are Lastly, be moved by poet when I was young. friends often potential spreader of sexually renata Suzuki’s romantic quote reprimand me from accumulating transmitted diseases, the fDA about being nostalgic: “Your numerous pairs of shoes and bags recommendation includes giving but those are the things that make memory feels like home to me. the Gardasil 9 vaccine to boys So wherever my mind wonders it me feel good after being denied and young men (ages 9-26) since always finds its way back to you… October 16, 2009. On December for years. and if you cannot hold me in your there are indubitably some 22, 2010, the fDA recommended arms, then hold my memory in “wind beneath my wings” that its use to prevent genital warts high regard… and if I cannot be and anal cancer. I will forever be indebted to for there are some parents who in your life, at least let me live your without their support I won’t be objected to having their young heart!” able to reach the “unreachable sons be vaccinated with this Wish me luck as I turn 71 on star” I merely used to watch and vaccine, fearing its potential dream about. I’d say “thank You” to June 7! complication, in spite of clinical for comments and my family, friends, and colleagues, evidence showing the vaccine’s suggestions, please email to: with special mention of Dr. Leo A. medically accepted standard gemini0646@yahoo.com. Dela Cruz for “breathing life into”
The joys and pains... From Page 6 name, and above all, sustain the needs of a few unprivileged as my way of giving back. I feel fulfilled having utilized every facet I was gifted with: a two-time award-winning artist, a flourishing fashion career, a writercolumnist of a widely publicized paper, occupied entertainment director, actively affiliated with community organizations, and living life with contentment and peace of mind. God has granted me everything I was deprived of
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An Asian Journal Magazine
Gil Cuerva
“I have a very private family and of course I want keep it that way, including the most important people in my life,” he explained, practically giving away he has girlfriend. He only smiled when asked for confirmation. to be clear, Gil said he is ready for everything that comes with showbiz—controversies included— but in the same way that he prepared and continues to learn for his role as the filipino Matteo Do, he simply wants to present himself in the best way possible as he strives to carve his name in the industry. “there’s an immense amount of pressure in proving my worth,”
he said of being giving a lead role on his very first television project. “I understand this thing isn’t overnight. I won’t be a good actor on the get go, or a smooth interviewee from the very start, but I am very eager and willing to embrace the process.” Gil is more familiar to the fashion set and fans of glossy magazines as he has been a print model ever since he was in college at the Ateneo de Manila University. Learning to find his edge in the modeling industry, he grew his hair just as the androgynous trend emerged—where male models dressed up in women’s clothes for print ads, look books, magazine editorials and vice versa—and landed extended gigs in Hong Kong and thailand. He was about to begin another months-long modeling placement in thailand when he found out he got the part of Matteo Domingo across tV star and box-office actress Jennylyn Mercado for the soap. Obviously, he went for it and the rest makes up the early history of new career. “I’d say my entry into showbiz had a lot to do with luck, but like I said, now that I’m here, I’m going to work hard to prove my worth.”
Anti-cervical cancer level of safety. this unfortunate controversy has left many of these boys and young men exposed to the these venereal diseases and their potential role as carriers and spreaders of sexually-transmitted illnesses. It is indeed a big waste of billions of dollars and manpower, time, and resources spent in the laboratory experiments and researches that led to the discovery of this wonderful life-saving vaccine that has been clinically proven to be very effective (at least 99.9 percent) in preventing cervical, vulvar, anal, cancers. this is as foolish as the refusal of some people in Pakistan, Nigeria, and even some in the United States to allow their children to get polio vaccine, resulting in the expected outcome. Let us all be proactive
and pre-emptive advocates and take advantage of the great state-of-the-art advances in medical science and technology for disease prevention, health, and longevity. Visit philipSchua.com email: scalpelpen@gmail.com *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail. com
An Asian Journal Magazine
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JuNE 2, 2017