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Volume 10 – Issue 38 • 16 Pages
june 30-july 6, 2017
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Palace launches #Change365 to Pew Survey: Most mark Duterte’s first year in office Filipinos trust Trump DATELINE
USA
FROM THe AJPReSS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
mark the Filipino leader’s accomplishments during his first year in the office. According to Presidential A MONTH before Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s Communications Operations second State of the Nation Ad- Office (PCOO) Secretary Mardress (SONA), Malacañang on tin Andanar, #Change365 is Wednesday, June 28, unveiled a “plain narrative of accom#Change365 campaign to plishments” of the Duterte by Dana
SioSon AJPress
in world affairs
WHile there is not a lot of support from other countries for United States President Donald Trump, more than half of filipinos, however, expressed confidence that the American leader would make the correct decisions concerning global affairs. A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 37 countries showed that the Philippines is Trump’s greatest supporter. Results show that 69 percent of Filipinos are confident that Trump would do the right thing when it comes to world affairs. Trump also received high confidence ratings in other countries including Vietnam at 58 percent, Nigeria at 58 percent, israel at 56 percent, and Russia at 53 percent. in contrast, 23 percent of Filpinos showed distrust towards the U.S. president. Trump also received the lowest scores in Mexico and Spain, with trust ratings of only 5 percent and 7 percent respectively. Overall, Trump received a median trust rate of 22 percent, which “stands in contrast to the final years of Barack Obama’s presidency,
administration in its first year of leadership. “We want to know if they accomplished the promised outputs based on the first SONA of the President last year,” Andanar said in a forum in Manila. “We want to check and we
want to present their current projects and future projects vis-a-vis the Build, Build, Build program of the president,” he added. The contents, he noted, would be released through the different government-run media outlets such as the PTV-4
Nearly 1 in 5 Filipina women experienced delays of one year or more
THRee years ago, Thu Hong Tran’s mammogram showed dense and discolored areas that worried her doctor, who suggested doing a second test. “My family said, ‘to be safe, let’s go to the hospital and get it checked one more time,”’ said Tran, 72, speaking in Vietnamese. A biopsy revealed that Tran had breast cancer. Doctors detected it early, and it was still a small tumor, Tran recounted. Throughout her treatment, Tran said, her children helped translate medical forms and made sure she ate well. And they helped her keep on top of all her medical appointments, taking time off work to drive her to chemotherapy.
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Pres. Donald Trump
White House photo
Supreme Court allows parts of Trump’s travel ban to proceed
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Asian American women often face delays in treatment after worrisome mammograms
television channel, dzRB radio station, the PCOO website, and Radio-TV Malacañang, among others. #Change365 will also be posted on the Philippine News Agency (PNA) website. The PCOO secretary said
by ChriStina
M. oriel
AJPress
PRESIDENTIAL SECURITY GUARD. President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, June 28, led the 120th founding anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) reassuring the troops of his commitment to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). In his speech, President Duterte vowed to provide soldiers with proper services through the modernization of their medical and defense equipment. “I assure you of my loyalty to you and the best of the service that I can give you,” he said. Malacañang photo
THiS week brought forth a slight victory for the Trump administration as the U.S. Supreme Court said that parts of the controversial travel ban can take effect. in a 9-0 decision, the high court on Monday, June 26 said that President Donald Trump’s order can continue to bar entry to foreign nationals “who lack any bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the
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Duterte on VP Robredo: Pacquiao vows to come home as champion ‘She’s the constitutional ‘Battle of the Brisbane is going to be ‘short and sweet’ successor to presidency’ by Dana
SioSon AJPress
by Dana
SioSon AJPress
SeNATOR Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao may have PHiliPPiNe President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednes- been keeping his lips day, June 27, stressed that Vice President leni Robredo tight when asked about is the only legitimate successor to his post in case his his opinion regarding the term ends prematurely, as provided by the Constitu- possibilities of knocking tion. Jeff Horn out—but this Speaking before the 120th founding anniversary of the doesn’t stop his long-time Presidential Security Group (PSG), Duterte said that the trainer, Freddie Roach, Philippines is facing another problem as there are “two from making bold declarau PAGE A2 tions.
Pacquiao and Horn will meet inside the ring on Sunday, July 2 at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. While rivaling camps both acknowledged that the two fighters spent months of rigorous training for this match, Roach just can’t help but comment that this upcoming World Boxing Organiza-
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Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn engage in a traditional staredown. Philstar.com photo by Wendell Rupert Alinea
Resorts World Manila back in business Resumes gaming operations as PAGCOR lifts suspension
DEP ED SEC IN NYC. Department of Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones had a meeting with members of the Fil-Am community in New York on Tuesday, June 27, where she discussed the department’s achievements for the past year. With her in photo are (from left) DepEd Undersecretary Victoria Catibog, Deputy Consul General Felipe Carino, and DepEd Assistant Secretary Nepomuceno Malaluan. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
ReSORTS World Manila (RWM) on Thursday, June 29 resumed its gaming operations after the state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) lifted its suspension order on the company’s provisional license to operate casinos and gaming facilities. in a statement, PAGCOR said it lifted its suspension order “after careful scrutiny and deliberations” of the Travellers international Hotel Group, inc. (TiHGi) compliance with the government’s “required security and safety improvements.” RWM is owned and operated by TiHGi. PAGCOR said among the se-
curity improvements include the hiring of a new security agency and experts to assess and improve safety and security systems; increasing of x-ray machines and metal detectors; and doubling up of deployment of guards with firearms. it also include ongoing review and improvement of safety and security protocols for various emergency scenarios; conducting of additional safety and security seminars for employees; having professional structural engineers assess building to ensure structural integrity; and obtaining a Fire Safety inspection Resorts World Manila (RWM) resumed Thursday, June 29 its gaming operations after the Certificate. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) lifted the June 9 suspension order
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of the company’s provisional license to operate casinos.
Philstar.com photo
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From the Front Page
Palace launches #Change365... PAGE A1 t that “before [the Duterte administration] came in, the PNA website, which started in 1993, has no social media.” “Form a mere 3,000 followers during the past administration, now we have 1.3 million viewers,” he emphasized. Andanar, a former radio broadcaster, also vowed that all the government-run news agencies would remain free from “fake news.” #Change365, likewise, was formed to prevent false facts from spreading in social medias and other websites by issuing correct information, he added. Asked about the difference between #Change365 and the SONA, Andanar explained that the former will only highlight the
Duterte administration’s accomplishments. The SONA, on the other hand, will encompass both the accomplishments and future projects of the president. “#Change365 is (a) plain narrative of accomplishments of the administration while (the) SONA is still being crafted because we are still collecting data from government agencies,” Andanar further said. Duterte, who assumed presidency in June last year, is scheduled to deliver his second SONA this July. Citing an example, Andanar said among the contents of the #Change365 would include that achievements of Duterte’s controversial war against illegal drugs.
Supreme Court allows parts...
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ing on Monday as “a clear vicUnited States.” tory for our national security.” Examples of the relationships “As President, I cannot alinclude “a close familial” one, low people into our country students accepted to U.S. uni- who want to do us harm. I want versities, or an individual who people who can love the United accepted an employment offer States and all of its citizens, and from an American company, ac- who will be hardworking and cording to the court. productive,” he said in a stateThe decision added that it ment. leaves “the injunctions entered The Trump administration by the lower courts in place said it will begin enforcing the with respect to respondents and ban on Thursday, June 29, 8 those similar situated.” p.m. (ET). The court said it will hear oral The executive order, which arguments for the order, which was signed a week after Trump blocks travelers from six pre- took office in January, initially dominantly Muslim nations and called for denying individuals refugees, during its next term in from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, October. Sudan, Syria and Yemen from The president hailed the rul- entering the U.S. for 90 days.
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The campaign, he said, resulted in the surrender of millions of users, the confiscation of billions of pesos worth of drugs, and the discovery of drug laboratories. “In fact, the price of shabu went up, a proof that the supply has decreased tremendously,” he pointed out. Andanar also mentioned the at least $35 billion worth of investments from Japan, Middle East, China, and other countries; as well as the peace negotiations with Moro and communist rebels headed by Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. He also cited the Freedom of Information (FOI) executive order which mandates full public disclosure of government dealings. n Meanwhile, the restriction was 120 days for refugees. It took effect immediately, causing hundreds of individuals to be detained at airports around the country, as well as deportations. After being blocked by the courts, the Trump administration revised the order in March that included the same countries except Iraq and did not apply to visa and green card holders. This version has seen its own set of legal challenges as well, including being blocked by federal judges in Hawaii and Maryland. On Monday, June 12, the San Francisco-based United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit had ruled that the president was overstepping his
eight world titles in different weight classes. But despite his experience, Pacquiao is on the less favorable side when it comes to age and height, being nine years older and almost two inches smaller. Undefeated, the 29-year-old Horn has a record of 16 wins and one draw, making a total number of matches to 17 since his professional debut in 2013. With this match-up, Roach warned that “someone will get knocked out.”
Duterte on Robredo: ‘She’s the constitutional... PAGE A1 t
claimants to the presidency.” While pointing out that Robredo is his lawful successor, Duterte added that there is another “pretender to the throne.” “Kaya sasabihin ko sa inyo na may problema rin tayong isa (I tell you we have another problem) because there is a pretender to the throne, assuming that I die within maybe tomorrow, next year, or next month,” Duterte said in his speech. He then cited habitual nuisance bet and suspended lawyer, Elly Pamatong, who earlier proclaimed himself as the new president of the Philippines amid u PAGE A3 Duterte’s recent long hiatus from the public eye. “There are two claimants to the presidency. Ang isa, nagHowever, for Roach, it’s not organize na at he (One of them) has claimed that he has deposed going to be Pacquiao. “I think it’s going to be short me, presidential candidate… si and sweet,” Roach reckoned. Pamatong,” Duterte said. “If our opponent comes out just like he says he’s going to, then having fun and doing what he Manny will fire back. I think it’s does best,” the legendary traingoing to be a great fight, but it er adder. Despite his bold claims, won’t last too long.” Explaining what made him Roach maintained that Pacthink that way, Roach said, quiao’s camp is “not taking “The thing is, in sparring, we anybody lightly.” For his part, Pacquiao said: haven’t had knockdowns and knockouts in a long time. This “I’m fighting a guy from Australia, and he’s undefeated. This is time we did,” “Manny has been his old self, going to be an exciting match.”
Pacquiao vows to come home...
tion (WBO) welterweight world championship fight will be nothing more but something “short and sweet.” “You know, Manny is in great shape, he’s looking really good,” Roach said when asked for his prediction for the fight. “He doesn’t like to predict knockouts, but I do.” Pacquiao, who is 38 years old, has a ring record of 59 wins, six losses, two draws — setting a historical record of becoming the only boxer who earned
EID’L FITR. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte shows a gesture of respect to one of the attendees of the Eid’L Fitr Celebration at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, June 27. Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante
In a viral video posted June 17, Pamatong announced that he “assumed full-fledged powers of the presidency,” saying that the presidential post has been vacant. The video description also read that Pamatong received “reliable information that Duterte is either dead or dying.” Earlier this month, Duterte did not make any public appearances from June 12 to 16. This was followed by another prolonged absence from June 21 to 26. The turn of events led to speculations that Duterte is suffering from grave illness, which Malacañang repeatedly denied. “Nandiyan si Leni. Baka magkamali kayo ng kampo ha. Dito tayo sa Constitution (Leni is here. You might join the wrong camp. Let us side with the Constitution). There is a successor there,” Duterte said. For her part, Robredo affirmed that she and Duterte are main-
taining a good working relationship despite being unable to talk for almost three months. In a radio interview, Robredo said the last time she had a conversation with Duterte was during the graduation ceremony of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 2017 earlier in March, when he invited her for dinner. Robredo said the dinner has yet to happen, citing Duterte’s successive foreign trips and the conflict in Marawi. The country’s two top officials have notable clashing stances over some political policies — among which includes Robredo’s dissent over Duterte’s war against illegal drugs. In December last year, Robredo also retired from her cabinet post as the chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council after Duterte barred her from attending cabinet meetings. n
But for Horn’s trainer, Glenn Rushton, it seems that Horn is not getting enough respect he deserves, contrary to the other camp’s remarks. “Jeff is a very, very competitive guy,” Rushton quipped. “He’s perfectly prepared. He literally has a heart as big as the Suncorp Stadium, and he’s got the toughest chin I’ve ever seen
on anybody. He’s technically, incredibly good.” He also belied Roach’s prediction. “I think Freddie, as much as I respect him, I just think he’s wrong,” Rushton said. “He was talking about an early stoppage, and I don’t see that at all.” He then warned, “This will become Manny’s toughest fight.” n
ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
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Pew Survey: Most Filipinos... PAGE A1 t when a median of 64 percent expressed confidence in Trump’s predecessor to direct America’s role in the world.” Trump’s global rating is also the lowest compared to the three other major powers in the survey: German Chancellor Angela Merkel at 42 percent confidence rate, Chinese President Xi Jinping at 28 percent, and Russian President Vladimir Putin at 27 percent. Likewise, Pew Research Center said that Trump’s ratings are “at some of the lowest levels” it measured “over the past decade and a half.” It explained that confidence
in Trump is “influenced by reactions to both his policies and his character.” “With regard to the former, some of his signature policy initiatives are widely opposed around the globe,” it said. “His plan to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, for example, is opposed by a median of 76 percent across the 37 countries surveyed.” “Trump’s character is also a factor in how he is viewed abroad. In the eyes of most people surveyed around the world, the White House’s new occupant is arrogant, intolerant and even dangerous,” it added. Results show that 75 percent of the respondents viewed Trump as
From the Front Page
For Tran, who is now in remission, family played a vital role in ensuring she received timely care. But a new study by researchers at the University of California-San Francisco shows that many Asian women in the U.S. don’t have the same level of support. The UCSF researchers analyzed 10 years of data on women living in Northern California and found that a higher percentage of Asians experienced delays in follow-up treatment after an abnormal mammogram than white women. Over 40 percent of Asian American women had follow-up appointments a month or more after an abnormal test, compared to about a quarter of white women, according to the study. And that disparity with whites persisted at 60 and 90 days for most Asian women. On the extreme end of the spectrum, 15 percent of Asian women had delays of a year or more in getting follow-up care, compared with 10 percent of white women, the study showed. Among Filipina women, nearly 1 in 5 experienced delays of one year or more. “If there is a suspicious finding, an abnormal mammogram, it’s very important to get immediate follow-up,” said Kim Hanh Nguyen, a researcher at UCSF’s Institute for Health Policy Studies and the study’s lead author. There is no medically specified time frame for receiving followup care, but research shows delays can be deadly, she said. “Anything beyond three months, you have a lower survival rate, and not following up for a year — that’s cause for concern.” California’s Every Woman Counts program, which provides breast and cervical cancer screening for uninsured and underinsured women, requires that at least three-fourths of its patients get a definitive diagnosis from a doctor in its network
within 60 days of an abnormal mammogram. That requirement is based on clinical standards established by the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every Woman Counts, run by the California Department of Health Care Services, spent $21 million on breast cancer screening and other diagnostic services for nearly 156,000 women in fiscal year 2014-2015, the most recent period for which complete data are available. Several factors explain the delayed post-mammogram care for many Asian women, including language barriers, health care access and financial resources, Nguyen said. The UCSF study did not address the women’s health insurance status. The analysis revealed disparities among different Asian national groups. Vietnamese and Filipina women had the longest average delays before following up — 32 days and 28 days, respectively — while Japanese women had the shortest, at 19 days. For white women, the average follow-up time was 15 days. The findings are consistent with previous studies showing similar delays for Latino and African American women, compared to their white counterparts. Nguyen also cited cultural and social factors, noting that some studies show “Asians report a lack of trust with their health care provider, low satisfaction in their health care, and perceived discrimination or disrespect by providers.” Because of that, it’s important for doctors to think about communication with their patients, including translation, Nguyen said. At Zuckerberg San Francisco General, the city’s public hospital, a breast cancer clinic offers support services to boost the follow-up rate among women with
Resorts World Manila back...
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Apart from the RWM’s compliance with security and safety improvements, PAGCOR added that it lifted the suspension order “in consideration of TIHGI’s 6,000 gaming operations workforce, whose livelihood are now affected.” It noted that the government also “loses an average of P14 million per day or P434 million a month as a result of the suspension order.” PAGCOR, however, clarified that the lifting of suspension order “does not disregard TIHGI’s officers and personnel of any criminal liability, which is to be determined by government investigating bodies.” Earlier on June 9, PAGCOR suspended the gaming license of RWM after a lone gunman, identified as heavily indebted Jessie Carlos, stormed the casino and set fire to the premises, causing the deaths of 38 individuals, in-
cluding the assailant himself. “With the lifting of the suspension order, PAGCOR enjoins TIHGI as well as all gaming operators to continuously improve their safety procedures and protocols to ensure that this tragic incident will not happen again,” it said. For its part, the TIHGI welcomed the PAGCOR’s decision. “With PAGCOR’s assistance and guidance, we can now start the difficult task of rebuilding as it is also our responsibility to take care of our 6,000 staff and personnel,” Travellers International President and CEO Kingson Sian said. He added, “We are bringing back the gaming operations on the ground and third floors of our integrated resort. The second floor will no longer be used for casino operations and will be utilized for other non-gaming purposes instead.” (Dana Sioson/AJPress)
MORAL SUPPORT. “Huwag po kayo mawalan ng pag-asa, babangon muli ang Marawi.” This was stressed by Senator Sonny Angara as he talked to the men and women evacuees in Iligan who were forced to leave their homes in the war-torn Marawi City. Angara, who is the chairman of the Senate committee on local government and a vice chair of the Senate finance committee, assured the people he will do his best to help in the rehabilitation and rebuilding of the city. The senator, who met with Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra during his visit, distributed several relief goods to the provincial gov’t as well as to various evacuation centers in Iligan City. Senate photo
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arrogant, 65 percent as intolerant, and 62 percent as dangerous. Positively, 55 percent viewed him as a strong leader. The survey also revealed that slightly more than half of the Filipino respondents have confidence in the Russian and Chinese leaders. According to the survey, 54 percent of Filipinos trust Putin in world affairs while 53 percent trust Xi. The study surveyed around 40,000 people in 37 countries from February 16 to May 8. Pew Research Center is “a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world.” (Dana Sioson/AJPress)
Asian American women often face delays... PAGE A1 t
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2017
abnormal mammograms. Most of the clinic’s patients are covered by Medi-Cal and a third are Chinese, said Barbara Cicerelli, director of cancer navigation services. The clinic’s services help ensure that the women who go there do not face delays, Cicerelli said. The breast clinic partners with community organizations to further support patients. Cecile Ascalon, executive director of the Pilipino Senior Resource Center in San Francisco, said staff escort Filipina patients to follow-up appointments, help them talk to their doctor, and ease their fears about the process. “Cancer is very difficult.
FOR MARAWI KIDS. Teachers hold classes inside one of the ‘tent schools’ in Lanao put up for more than 900 pupils and students displaced by the fighting in Marawi City. The Department of Education is seeking donations for the tent schools as well as to rebuild school buildings destroyed by the fighting. ManilaTimes.net photo
There’s a kind of stigma when you’re diagnosed with it,” Ascalon said. “Sometimes clients are scared.” The UCSF study included nearly 50,000 white and AsianAmerican women whose medical histories were in the San Francisco Mammography Registry, which contains records from participating radiology centers in the area. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. (Ngoc Nguyen / California Healthline)
Supreme Court allows parts... PAGE A2 t authority with this ban. Previously, the 4th Circuit upheld injunctions opposing the ban on the grounds that the travel ban was driven by religious intolerance and discrimination toward Muslims. Civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice expressed that it was “disappointed” in the court’s ruling. “Today we are deeply disappointed that the Supreme Court sided with fear while blindly ig-
noring the hardships faced by refugees and visa seekers. Many Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian communities have suffered greatly since the first Muslim ban was issued,” the organization said in a statement. “The administration’s Muslim ban foments disturbing trends of anti-Muslim sentiments within the U.S. and abroad. The Supreme Court should not have allowed any part of the Muslim ban to move forward while this executive order is under review.” n
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Robredo addresses LA Fil-Ams at gala fundraiser
Dateline USa
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Protesters, critics rally outside venue
Though she did not get into via La Torre and soprano Maria the political situation in the Phil- Christina Navarro for excellence ippines, she vaguely touched in Music, and musician and upon “global and local chal- teacher Cecilia A. Coo-Cruz and lenges, many of which we can- accountant and former FASO board member Titus Verzosa not control.” “But the extraordinariness of for excellence in Service. Robredo’s overseas trip was ordinary people are giving us hope,” she said, citing exam- not without controversy, howples she’s seen through Angat ever. Nearly a dozen protestors Buhay, which focuses on nutri- held signs outside the gated tion and food security, univer- community where the event was sal healthcare, education, rural being held. On the internet, vardevelopment and women em- ious bloggers questioned where powerment. She noted that the the proceeds of the gala would program is now in 127 areas of go to, alleging that they would benefit the vice president. the country. However, throughout the gala With the current situation in the Philippines — including the program, several of FASO’s MONEY FROM COCONUT HUSKS. Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chair of the Senate Agriculture committee, checks on residents engaged in Marawi crisis which is now in board members reiterated that coconet weaving following the inauguration of the Coconet Weaving Center at Golden Acres, Talon 2, Las Pinas City. Coconet weaving is its fifth week — Robredo denied the funds would be put toward one of the livelihood projects being offered by the senator to give residents of poor communities a chance to earn money. requests to be interviewed by the orchestra and its music eduSenate photo cation programs. local media. As of this writing, the total Since May 23, Philippine troops have been fighting the amount raised on Saturday had Islamic State(IS)-linked Maute not yet been disclosed. While in LA, Robredo met group, prompting President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial with members of the United Bilaw in the Mindanao region. colandia Los Angeles, an association of individuals who immiPhilippine Vice President Leni Robredo This week, the government has delivers a speech at the Filipino American recorded 375 deaths associated grated to the U.S. from the Bicol In addition to the term extenA HIGH ranking human rights and launched his war on drugs. Symphony Orchestra’s gala on Saturday, June with the clash. region, where the vice president official at the United Nations “The president of the Philip- sion of Callamard, the resolution 17 in Los Angeles. “There are many ways each is also from. (UN) has condemned controver- pines has spoken openly about also acknowledged the imporContributed photo by Rick Gavino Afterward, she made her way sial world leaders for “undermin- extra-judicial killings. And the tance of relevant procedures of us can give our nation a push PHILIPPINe Vice President towards a brighter future,” the to Boston, where her eldest ing the (UN Convention against president of the United States and mechanism in addressing Leni Robredo made a visit to Los vice president concluded in her daughter, Aika, will be attend- Torture) with their words.” of America has said that torture extrajudicial killings around the ing a master’s program at HarAngeles over the weekend to at- speech. Speaking before an audience could be necessary in certain cir- world. Also during the event, four vard University. The vice presi- in London on Monday, June 26, cumstances. There is no longer tend an invite-only fundraising The Philippine government event organized by a local Fili- awardees were recognized: dent returned to the Philippines UN High Commissioner for Hu- any pretense. They are breaking earlier slammed Callamard for pino-American non-profit orga- Filipina singer and actress Syl- on Thursday, June 22. n man Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hus- long-held taboos,” Zeid said. criticizing Duterte’s bloody war nization. PH votes to extend Calla- against illegal drugs. sein pointed out U.S. President The Filipino American SymDonald Trump’s “persistent flir- mard The special rapporteur was phony Orchestra (FASO) held its Meanwhile, the Philippines, given an invitation to the countation” with torture and said that inaugural awards gala on Saturthe American public has become along with other countries, sup- try to conduct an investigation, day, June 17 at the Mary Pickfar more accepting of torture ported the move to extend the but the Philippine government ford estate and invited Robredo term of Agnes Callamard for an- imposed pre-conditions, such as over the last 10 years. as its guest of honor. In January, Trump admitted other three years as the UN spe- engaging Duterte in a public deearlier in the afternoon, select that he believes waterboarding cial rapporteur on extrajudicial bate and to disclose her whereattendees participated in a meet is an effective way of interroga- executions. abouts during her investigation and greet with the vice presiThe Human Rights Council to help ensure her safety. tion. Waterboarding is a form of dent. During the dinner, she torture that simulates the sensa- adopted the four-page resoluCallamard said she could not addressed the crowd for nearly tion to extend Callamard’s term agree to the conditions as these tion of drowning. 15 minutes, in which she talked As for the Philippine president, extension as initiated by the Per- were against the terms of referabout the importance of the arts Zeid cited the 9,000 people who manent Mission of Sweden to ence governing special rapporand progress on her office’s have allegedly been killed since the U.N. in Geneva, Switzerland teurs. (AJPress with reports from anti-poverty program. Pres. Rodrigo Duterte took office on June 22. Reuters and Philstar.com) “I consider it a great honor to be given the chance to help, even in a very small way, in raising funds to sustain the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines,” she said in her speech. “Bringing music to every man, woman and Detailing the Medicaid ing reductions that would ocSeNATe Republicans’ legiscur as a result of this bill.” child, especially for those who lation to overhaul the Afford- numbers long the sounds of home, is a VP Leni Robredo (center) with FASO gala awardees Titus Verzosa, Maria Christina Navarro, able Care Act would leave an Under the GOP measure, Other organizations, such as very important advocacy.” additional 22 million people federal spending on Medic- Families USA and the AmeriSylvia La Torre and Cecilia A. Coo-Cruz. Contributed photo by Rick Gavino without health care coverage aid would drop by 26 percent can Public Health Association, over the next decade and cut over current spending projec- said the CBO’s findings show the federal deficit by $321 bil- tions, or $772 billion, over the the Senate proposal did “devlion, according to a Congres- next decade, according to the astating harm” and would “sesional Budget Office analysis analysis. riously jeopardize the health The drop in spending would of America.” released late Monday. By 2026, an estimated occur mainly because the SenCost and coverage 49 million people would be ate plan phases out federal The budget scorekeepers uninsured, compared with funds for states to expand Med- also concluded that, for the about 28 million who would icaid and it puts annual caps individual insurance market, lack coverage under current on federal Medicaid dollars to premium costs would go down states. Currently, federal Med- under the Senate plan, but so law. The Senate’s bill — the Bet- icaid matching payments to would the amount of coverage ter Health Care Act, which states are open-ended. provided. By 2026, the budget office GOP leaders hope to put to a Because these plans “would vote later this week — comes predicted, 15 million fewer pay for a smaller average share nearly two months after the people would be enrolled in of benefits under this legislaHouse passed its plan to over- Medicaid than projected un- tion, most people purchasing haul the Affordable Care Act. der the ACA. Currently, more it would have higher out-ofThat measure would cut about than 74 million low-income pocket spending on health $834 billion from Medicaid and disabled people are Med- care than under current law,” and leave an additional 23 mil- icaid beneficiaries. CBO said. How Medicaid beneficiaries lion people without coverage In 2017, an estimated 12 in 2026, according to CBO. It are affected by these caps de- million people bought health would reduce the federal defi- pends on how states respond coverage through the ACA’s to them, the CBO notes. cit by $119 billion. marketplaces. Most bought “With less federal reim- silver-level plans, which covearlier in the day, before the nonpartisan budget office’s bursement for Medicaid, states ered 70 percent of health care score was released, Senate would need to decide whether costs. Majority Leader Mitch McCon- to commit more of their own Under the Senate’s plan, the nell (R-Ky.) described the GOP resources to finance the pro- average premiums for an indiplan as preserving “access to gram at current-law levels or vidual in 2020 would be about care for patients with preexist- to reduce spending by cut- 30 percent lower. But these ing conditions.” He also said ting payments to health care policies would cover about 58 it would “strengthen Medic- providers and health plans, percent of costs on average. aid,” give “Americans more eliminating optional services, According to the CBO, “a power to control and reduce restricting eligibility for enroll- combination of factors would their medical costs and out- ment through work require- lead to that decrease – most of-pocket expenses” and give ments and other changes,” ac- important, the smaller share of “states significant new tools to cording to the analysis. benefits paid for by the benchThe Medicaid funding provi- mark plans and federal funds drive down premiums.” Yet it was unclear if Repub- sions are a key reason several provided to directly reduce licans, who have a razor-thin influential health groups say premiums.” Senate majority, could garner they cannot support the bill. The CBO also analyzed the “Access to care for some of Senate bill provision that would the 50 votes necessary for the measure to pass. The budget the most vulnerable members allow states to use waivers to office’s findings added to this of our society — including modify the health law’s essenthose who require treatment tial health benefits that include uncertainly. Sen. Susan Collins (R- for opioid-use disorder — items like prescription drugs, Maine), a moderate who has would be endangered by the maternity coverage, mental been on the fence about the Senate proposal’s arbitrary, health and substance abuse. bill, tweeted late this after- unsustainable, and shortsight- In states where such waivnoon that she could not sup- ed formula for funding Medic- ers were granted, consumers port the current bill based on aid,” David Barbe, president could experience substantial the CBO score. “I want to work of the American Medical As- cost increases for supplemenwith my GOP and Democratic sociation, said in a statement tal premiums or out-of-pocket colleagues to fix the flaws in posted on the organization’s spending, or choose to forgo ACA. CBO analysis shows Sen- website. services. Nearly half the popAnd even before the CBO ulation, the CBO estimates, ate bill won’t do it. I will vote no” on bringing the bill to the report was issued, the Na- would reside in states that tional Association of Medicaid seek these waivers. Senate floor, she announced. Senate Democrats were also Directors was on record with In addition, the ACA’s ban its concerns. “The Senate bill on lifetime and annual limits swift to react. “The CBO report should be does formalize several critical on covered benefits would no the end of the road for Trump- administrative and regulatory longer apply to health benefits care,” tweeted Senate Minor- improvements, such as giving not defined as essential in a ity Leader Chuck Schumer Medicaid Directors a seat at state (Mary Agnes Carey and (D-N.Y.). And, in a statement, the table in the development Phil Galewitz/Kaiser Health Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said of regulations that impact News) it was “abundantly clear [Re- how the program is run, and *** publicans] are going in the the pathway to permanency This story was produced by for certain waiver programs,” Kaiser Health News, which wrong direction.” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) the group said. “However, no publishes California Healthpointed to the analysis and amount of administrative or line, an editorially indepensaid the GOP plan was “a cyni- regulatory flexibility can com- dent service of the California pensate for the federal spend- Health Care Foundation. cal and immoral proposal.”
by AJPress
UN official criticizes Duterte, Trump for ‘breaking taboos’
CBO deals blow to Senate health bill with estimate of 22M more uninsured
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PH, China eye joint military drills to combat terrorism TO support the Philippine government’s efforts in flushing out Islamic State (IS) militants in Marawi City, China has donated around 3,000 rifles and 6 million pieces of ammunition to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Speaking before the turnover ceremony of approximately P590-million worth of military assistance to the Philippines on Wednesday, June 28, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua announced that Beijing is also exploring joint military exercises with the AFP. “Terrorism is the enemy both China and the Philippines are facing. It requires our two militaries to further enhance their cooperation in this area. The Chinese side would like to explore the possibility of joint training, intelligence sharing and joint military exercises in the area of fighting terrorism,” the Chinese envoy said.
On Tuesday, June 27, Zhao presented a P15-million check to President Rodrigo Duterte for support relief operations and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City. Duterte expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government. He was joined by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano, and Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo in receiving the check. “We are almost on bended knees sometimes because of lack of equipment. It is a good thing we have a good friend like China who is very understanding,” Duterte said. Zhao added that there will be a second batch of guns and ammunition being prepared by the Chinese side and will be delivered in several months. On top of the P15 million rehabilitation assistance, China also donated another P5 million to the families of soldiers who died or
were wounded in battle. “We will help not only the fight against terrorism but also to rehabilitate and reconstruct the conflict-affected areas in Marawi. I hope the China participation in the rehabilitation of Mindanao will help the comprehensive settlement of the issue of terrorism,” Zhao said. “China is your good neighbor, good partner and your good relatives and China will remain so in the many years to come,” he added. Duterte said that the military assistance is one of the defense cooperation matters he discussed with Chinese President Xi Jin Ping in his visit to China in October last year. “This is not only to strengthen our country’s commitment to support each other during times of need, but also highlights the dawn of a new era in PhilippineChinese relations,” Duterte said. (AJPress)
ON THEIR TOES. Members of the anti-terrorism unit of the Philippine National Police make their presence felt at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The police have been making random checks of vital installations as part of its campaign to prevent terror attacks. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada
House approves bill on ‘correct’ rendition Peso falls to 10-year low, stocks fall anew of Lupang Hinirang, stiffer penalties House Bill No. 5224 dictates the right way to sing Lupang Hinirang, raises penalties and sets fines of P50k to P100K by Vince
F. nonato Inquirer.net
MANILA — The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the measure updating the rules on the correct rendition of the national anthem Lupang Hinirang, and requiring everyone to sing along when it is played in public. House Bill No. 5224 also seeks to impose stiff penalties of P50,000 to P100,000 on “any person who, or entity which violates any provision” of the proposed law—much heftier than the P5,000 to P20,000 fine provided for by the current Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines. Under the proposed measure, singing along when the anthem is played at public gatherings “shall be mandatory and must be done with fervor.” It may be noted the current flag code, enacted in 1998, did not use the word “man-
datory” when it directed public attendees to sing along during gatherings. As a sign of respect, all persons must stand at attention facing the Philippine flag, if displayed, or the band or conductor; civilians salute the flag with their right palm over the left chest. But, the House bill also seeks to provide leeway for people whose religious beliefs prohibit them from singing. The current flag code did not contain any provision, while the House measure states these people “must, nonetheless, show full respect… by standing at attention.” The House bill also seeks to standardize the proper rendition of Lupang Hinirang in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe: in 2/4 beat when played, and within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, in 4/4 beat when sang. The National Historical Com-
mission of the Philippines will also be mandated to disseminate an official musical score sheet to reflect the correct way of singing the anthem. The proposed flag code will also oblige the Department of education, the Commission on Higher education, and the Technical education and Skills Development Authority to “ensure that the national anthem… shall be committed to memory by all students” of public and private schools. The House bill also strikes out the current flag code’s prohibition on the display of the Philippine flag in front of “buildings and offices occupied by aliens.” Under the proposed law, failure to observe the rules on the proper rendition of the anthem and display of national symbols will also lead to administrative discipline for the employees of all government offices and pri-
In this file photo, World War II veteran Porfirio G. Laguitan, 91, salutes during the singing of the national anthem during a flag-raising ceremony in Taguig City Hall. Inquirer.net photo by Lyn Rillon
vately-owned entities displaying the flag. The House announced the development in a Monday statement. With the approval of the law on third and final reading via a unanimous vote of 212-0, the measure now moves to the Senate for consideration. n
THe peso hit a 10-year low, while the stock market bled again on Thursday, June 29. This was after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) withdrew their positive outlook to the U.S. economy, despite the increased demand for the dollar before second quarter ends. The Philippine Stock exchange closed at 7,788.06, slipping below the 7,800 mark, with an index lost of 69.12 points or 0.88 percent. The peso is now trading at the bottom level since 2006 due to a “gloomy prospect” on the country’s current account. The local currency lost three centavos at 50.53 per dollar from 50.50 against the US dollar last Wednesday, June 28. “Basically if there is some downgrading of the U.S. economic prospects, that’s a negative to emerging markets because the U.S. continues to be an important trading partner,” Diwa Guinigundo, Bangko Sentral
Deputy Governor told reporters at the sidelines of an event in Pasay City. “[The US continues to be a major] source of investments – whether portfolio or foreign direct. So that could be a negative,” Guinigundo added. The IMF revised its 2017 GDP growth forecast for the US. From the previous 2.3 percent, it decreased to 2.1 percent accordingly, due to the administration of President Donald Trump’s “inability to implement its economic policies.” Meanwhile, stocks experts reveal the downturn of investors as the peso weakens. “The peso is weak and it looks like some investors are closing their positions for the second quarter,” said veteran stock broker Joseph Roxas, president of eagle equities Inc. told the Inquirer. Losers outnumbered gainers Market losers swell at 135,
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OpiniOn
Features
Numbers that matter PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has maintained excellent trust and approval ratings among top government officials in his first year in office. This is a feat considering how negatively he was portrayed by media around the world for his unrelenting initiatives to rid the country of illegal drugs, crime and corruption. Despite his critics, 80 percent of Filipinos had “much trust” for the president, while 10 percent expressed “little trust” and 11 percent were “undecided,” according to the latest poll conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS). By being the most traveled Philippine president in his first year, Duterte fostered strong relationships with various world leaders, which also resulted in people-to-people relationships. Not to mention, he was named the chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). While he almost severed ties with the U.S. and the European Union (EU) — by initiating an independent foreign policy — the president still managed to make unlikely allies in China and Russia. More than the improved ties with other nations, Duterte has also brought home P35 billion in his sojourns. These are not just investments pledges because the actual signings of purchase orders are already taking place. Preparations are already underway for his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) next month, where he is expected to list all of his administration’s achievements after just one year in office. In past administrations, Filipinos were gener-
ally disappointed when most promises comprised in the past leaders’ SONA, never saw the light. However, in this current government, Filipinos are witnessing a growing economy that is benefiting from reforms in governance and transparency. The nation also achieved gains in terms of reducing prospects for corruption, improved public service, decreasing crime rate, among others. Because of these changes, Senate Pres. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III believes that the president has fulfilled his campaign promise that “change is coming,” particularly in the areas of foreign relations and peace and order. “We’ve felt so many changes... The world believes that we have an independent foreign policy. We are no longer being dictated by other countries. We determine our own course in international affairs,” he said. Pimentel gave the president a grade of 8.5 to nine for his performance in his first year. “To our President, keep on doing what you have been doing. Surveys have been saying that the people appreciate what you have been doing. There are also negative statements, but this is a democracy,” he said. Duterte is expected by every Filipino — and even foreign observers — to give a more coher-
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
ent and appropriate address befitting the current socio-economic and political situation in the country. And because ordinary citizens offer limited interest in statistics, the president must also draw a clear outline of how he wants to achieve
the nation’s goals, while working with his constituents to move forward. With still five years left in office, more tangible and reliable results of what his leadership is all about are yet to be seen. (AJPress)
Bill that aims to repeal and replace Obamacare hangs in the balance (again) for lack of support IT’S DÉJÁ VU all over again as the The Fil-Am much-anticipated vote for another ver- Perspective sion of the health care bill—which President Donald Trump and the Republicans wish Gel SantoS-ReloS to pass to repeal and replace Obamacare —has been delayed once again because of lack of support even among GOPs in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been pushing for a vote before the Fourth of July break but Republicans won’t all get on board to pass the bill that has been a revision of the first bill that the House of Representatives could not pass the first time around.
With the Democrats totally against any effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act that has helped cover millions of uninsured Americans, the Trump’s party could only afford to lose two votes among Republicans. But as of Tuesday, about five Republican senators have signified their stances to NOT support the bill, either because it was not too conservative enough in fighting against entitlements, or that it would cause their constituents who are already being helped by Obamacare to lose the health care benefits they are now enjoying. The recently released report by the
nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) did not help the Republicans’ cause as much as they thought it would in selling their health care bill to their constituents. The CBO estimates that by the year 2026, 46 million Americans would be uninsured compared to 28 million who are uninsured under Obamacare. Those who would be most vulnerable under the Republican Senate health care bill would be adults under 65, the elderly, the working poor on Medicaid, the middle class, women, those who use mental health services, and those with disabilities and pre-existing conditions. Those who would benefit most are wealthy Americans who would enjoy about $563 billion in tax cuts over 10 years.
The CBO report further reveals that the Senate plan would lead to an estimated $321 billion in deficit reduction from 2017-2026. However, the savings would be coming mostly from Medicaid, which the CBO estimates to fall by 26 percent by 2026 as compared to Obamacare. While Obamacare may have features that would have to be improved or modified, why throw away the Affordable Care Act if it has been helping so many? Why rush the Republican health care bill to a vote when it does not have the support of most Americans? According to the latest Quinnipiac University poll, only 17 percent of Americans approve of the bill, which includes less than half of Republicans. To repeal Obamacare has been the
obsession and the campaign promise of Republicans since the day it was signed into law. Yet, up to now, the party of Trump has not offered a viable solution to the health care problem that can and will benefit most Americans. Shouldn’t the Republicans just keep Obamacare and work with Democrats to address the problems of the current health care law? Or are they just motivated by the goal to erase the landmark legacy of the first African American president? *** 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
To defeat IS, Mindanao Muslims must reject it
Opinion
RicaRdo Saludo THE battle is just about over. The war is just beginning. As the Armed Forces clear Marawi of remaining terrorists, and government agencies, private firms, and foreign aid groups help 200,000 displaced residents rebuild and recover, the anti-terror war shifts to the vastness of Mindanao. Having shown that Islamic State-driven guerrillas can take and hold sizable city districts against a full-scale military assault, IS and its cohorts will now use the Marawi conflict to raise funds and recruit fighters. Funds will come mainly from abroad, with IS and its backers keen to show the flag and flex their might outside the Iraqi and Syrian redoubts where the terrorist group is losing ground to the armies of two regimes, backed by Western and Russian air power. Warm bodies too are flocking to Mindanao: the Southeast Asian extremists who joined IS in the Middle East and are coming back to the region. So warned experts at a major international security conference in Singapore in April. Why IS targeted Mindanao The Marawi conflict shows that Mindanao offers a prime area for IS expansion. The region has millions of impoverished, poorly educated Muslim youth, who can be lured with IS cash and propaganda. Plus: indigent parents
willing to let jihadists take boys supposedly for madrasah instruction, plus board and lodging. IS-driven groups, which include Abu Sayyaf, Maute, and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, have carved out secure enclaves beyond military or police control. They can also find shelter in rebel-held areas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which has extremist elements in its fold. Not to mention the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), despite its 1996 peace accord with the government, and the communist New People’s Army (NPA), which continues to attack security forces and business establishments despite on-and-off peace talks. Also helping fuel extremism in Mindanao are centuries-old grievances of the Muslim minority, who feel robbed of their freedoms and ancestral lands by the Spanish and American colonial regimes in centuries past, and by the Christian-dominated Philippine government and rich, powerful and well-connected Christian settlers and big businesses, including multinationals Dole and Del Monte, taking over vast lands. Peace negotiations are supposed to blunt jihadist appeal, but the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, born of the MNLF pact, remains the most impoverished region in the country, where kidnappings, killings, and bombings are still facts of death. Besides Mindanao’s rich recruiting grounds with guerrillaheld areas, there are the inter-
minable and largely unsecured coastline, among the world’s longest, and corrupt or lax border controls with hardly any maritime patrols to watch for IS infiltrators on boats. As if all that weren’t enough to get IS cells mushrooming in Mindanao, drug lords are joining forces and wallets with jihadists, as President Rodrigo Duterte tells it. And local politicians, too, like those whose signatures appear on checks found in a terrorist lair in Marawi, part of the P79 million in plastic-wrapped wads of cash and bank checks captured by Marines. Can the jihadists be stopped? With all that going for the terrorists, can they be stopped? It’s a terrible thought, but given what terrorists and rebels have done for decades, and the IS support local extremists now get, jihadists will unfortunately still wage violence and build forces, at least in the immediate future. Think about it: After many months of sustained military offensives, the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups were still able to build forces, plan, coordinate and mount the Marawi attack, taking over much of the city, and holding out for more than a month. And don’t for a moment think that jihadists and the young, impressionable minds they sway would see Marawi as anything but a great triumph stalemating a vastly superior enemy, helped by Western military advisers and surveillance aircraft. Nor are they scared of the joint air and sea patrols mounted by
Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The waters and beaches of Mindanao are just so vast, and the modes of concealed transport so difficult to interdict, that many extremists and weaponry can get through. Islam can stop Islamic State This is not to say that security initiatives can do nothing against IS-driven groups in Mindanao. Indeed, under martial law, key Maute family members, including the matriarch thought to handles finances, have been arrested. Ditto other operatives like the man who allegedly smuggled arms and ammunition into Marawi, and spirited out wounded fighters via Lake Lanao. The fighting men and the weaponry, material and money expended by the terrorists are gone, and building up forces of the same size and power is probably no longer possible, at least for some years. But zeroing IS recruits, funding, and arms is highly unlikely, too, just as the AFP could never wipe out the MNLF, MILF, NPA, or even the 400-strong Abu Sayyaf. IS is here to stay, at least for some years, and its cohorts will mount more attacks, though probably not another Marawi. But for all their potency, it is not security counter-measures that will decide how far jihadists go along their bloodstained roadmap of terrorism and caliphate ambition. As we are seeing in the Middle East, what will decide how far and wide IS and other extremists reach is Islam itself. On the sands of Arabia and now in the fields and streets of
EXODUS. Photos show residents fleeing Marawi City in Mindanao by road and sea, and strict security checkpoints on the highway going to Iligan City. President Rodrigo Duterte imposed military rule in mindanao on Tuesday, May 23 and said on Wednesday, May 24 he might expand it to Luzon and the Visayas if terrorist attacks spill over. Contributed photos
Southeast Asia, Muslims high and low are having to choose between the tenets of peace and spirituality which true Islam has espoused for centuries, and the brutal, insane perversion of Mohammed’s teachings which IS foists. In Mindanao, Muslims are being lured by a foreign ideology that beheads innocents, trains kids to shoot and bomb, uses hostages as human shields and
conscripted fighters, and forces women into sex slavery, as recounted by rescued Marawi residents. Our Muslim compatriots must decide if that is really what Islam is. If IS ideology wins, Mindanao could descend into civil war, as President Duterte warned. If Muslim Filipinos reject it, both their religion and our republic triumph. In sha Allah. So help us God. (ManilaTimes.net)
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Dateline PhiliPPines
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2017
Human Rights Watch asked to prove claims vs. Duterte
SENATOR Richard Gordon on Wednesday, June 28, urged an international human rights group to show evidence that would support their claims that President Rodrigo Duterte unleashed a “human rights calamity” in his first year as president. Gordon, chairman of the Senate justice and human rights committee, challenged the credibility of the New-York based Human Rights Watch (HRW) claiming that it is an “advocacy group that has to sustain its momentum so that resources can be provided to them, and I’m not accusing them of taking advantage, they just have to earn their pay, earn their way.” “A killing is a killing — homicides and murders. I don’t tolerate it, but all I want is for these groups to come out and get the evidence because right now, if you come down and look at the Duterte administration — and I’m not going to say that that’s the justification—people seem to be agreeing with the peace and order campaign,” Gordon ABSCBN in an interview.. HRW claimed Duterte as an “instigator” of extrajudicial kill-
ings. A Philippine National Police (PNP) official data reveals the total number of homicide cases at 9,432 from July 2016 to March 2017. 1,847 were said to be drugrelated killings, while 1,894 were not. The remaining 5,691 cases, or approximately 60 percent of the total figure, remain under investigation. Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign drive has also resulted in a 26.45 percent drop in the estimated total drug market and 28.57 percent reduction in index crime, according to PNP records. “In several such cases, the police dismissed allegations of involvement when only hours before the suspects had been in police custody. Such cases call into question government assertions that the majority of killings were carried out by vigilantes or rival drug gangs,” the HRW alleged. HRW stated that the Duterte administration has brushed off all local and international calls for accountability for the killings. In light of the controversies, police authorities and the allies of Duterte have constantly denied
claims that alleged drug-related killings are government-induced and that the policemen has been carrying out their jobs “within the bounds of law.” “President Duterte took office promising to protect human rights, but has instead spent his first year in office as a boisterous instigator for an unlawful killing campaign,” Phelim Kine, deputy Asia director of HRW said. The government’s murderous ‘war on drugs,’ drug-related overcrowding of jails, and the harassment and prosecution of drug war critics has caused a steep decline in respect for basic rights since Duterte’s inauguration on June 30, 2016,” the HRW further claimed. HRW also said that a United Nations (U.N.)-led international investigation on the killings is “desperately needed.” Gordon, however, believes there is no need for a U.N. inquiry. Last year, Gordon led a legislative investigation which ruled out that there was “no sufficient evidence” to prove the summary killings are government-sponsored. (AJPress)
De Lima to face drug case as private citizen THE Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) ) issued another arrest warrant for Senator Leila De Lima on drug trafficking charges, alleging that she committed the offense after she resigned as justice secretary in 2015. Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Alexander Ramos said De Lima will be treated as a private citizen for her involvement in the illegal drug operations at the New Bilibid Prison. The latest arrest warrant issued on June 21 stemmed from the sworn statement submitted by convicted drug offender Peter Co who claimed De Lima and Jose Adrian Dera had “demanded, solicited and extorted” money from him in exchange for the release of his niece Sally under the threat of being charged for illegal drugs. Co said that Dera acted on the senator’s behalf in receiving the initial P2 million from the P5 million. Dera then seized his four vehicles and used them for De Lima’s senatorial campaign. Co also accused Dera of obtaining the additional P3 million he demanded from Sally to finance De Lima’s
election bid. Judge Amelia Fabros-Corpuz, through the RTC Branch 25, issued the latest arrest warrant for De Lima and Dera on June 21 over allegations that the senator, during her stint as the justice secretary, conspired with Dera in demanding, soliciting and extorting money and vehicles from Co, a drug lord and high-profile inmate at the national penitentiary. The DOJ alleged that Dera is the nephew and aide of de Lima. Both De Lima and Dera denied the recent allegations. “I do not know him at all. Dera himself already denied any relationship or connection to me whatsoever,” said De Lima, is currently detained at the Philippine National Police custodial center at Camp Crame, Quezon City. De Lima said that her faith in the country’s judiciary remains and that she is “optimistic that the handling judges will more and more realize the unreliability of the witnesses against me, as well as the [incredulity] of their stories.” “In the end, all of these so-called witnesses will be proven to have
Sen. Leila De Lima
Senate photo
been lying all along, or have simply been threatened to falsely testify against me. The truth will still come out in the end. In the meantime, I will continue to exhaust legal remedies to fight my illegal arrest and detention,” she added. The senator is facing separate illegal drug trading cases before Judge Patria Manalastas-de Leon of Branch 206 and Judge Juanita Guerrero of Branch 204, commencing the senator’s arrest and detention on February 23. (AJPress)
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RELIEF DISTRIBUTION. A child looks on as members of the International Committee of the Red Cross-Philippine Red Cross distribute relief items in Ditsaan-Ramain in Lanao del Sur, east of Marawi City where fighting has been going on for more than a month. ICRC Photo
Trillanes to BBC: News about planning to sue untrue by Jennifer
Soriano
AJPress
SENATOR Antonio Trillanes IV, a staunch critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, clarified in a letter dated June 23 to British Broadcasting Corp’s (BBC) Director-General Tony Hall that he is not going to sue the network, contrary to recent “fake news” reports circulating. This happened a week after Trillanes was interviewed via satellite by “Hardtalk,” BBC’s interview program known for throwing hardhitting questions at its guests. The interview drew flak as supporters of Duterte were quick to lash out at the senator for his replies when the host tried to pose questions and comments that seemed to be in favor of the controversial president. Used to being the target of his political foe, Trillanes, however, brushed off the dissenting remarks thrown at him. “It is what it is. People who watched the full interview (not the spliced one) are entitled to their
own opinions. The haters will hate; the believers will believe,” the senator said in a statement. He added, “This propaganda machine is also being used to swarm various media organizations and personalities to create an impression that there is an overwhelming support for President Duterte’s deadly war on drugs.” Along with the letter, Trillanes attached a transcript of the said interview and a list of fake news websites proliferating his alleged plan to sue BBC. The websites that published the fake story include Our Daily Revelations PH and The Adobo Chronicles. The senator also expressed that having a BBC interview was a privilege. “Let me just say that it was an honour to be invited as a resource person on BBC World’s ‘Hardtalk’ program,” Trillanes wrote. “So, please be assured that I have no plans of suing your company. On the contrary, I am very satisfied
Peso falls to 10-year low...
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outnumbering the 78 gainers, while the other 40 remained unchanged. The heavier index, which represent all shares, also declined 34 points, or 0.7 percent marking at 4,662.65, on a value turnover of P7.8 billion. PLDT tumbled by 3.59 percent, prompting the investors to sell down their shares, while
Ayala Land and ICTSI both fell by more than 2 percent. Megaworld, Meralco, DMCI and SM Prime all declined by over 1 percent while Ayala Corp., BPI, BDO , Security Bank, Metro Pacific and Semirara, also tumbled. Outside the PSEi, another decliner was Pilipinas Shell, who lost 2.17 percent of its market
with how the interview was conducted by Mr. Stephen Sackur, as I was given a chance to give my insights about the real situation in our country.” He went on to say that the appearance was “one of the proudest moments in my public life.” Stephen Sackur, “Hardtalk’s” host, laid down the idea that Duterte is “well-liked” by most of the Filipinos, citing the president’s “high satisfaction ratings” amidst various allegations against him. “The bulk of the Filipino people are not really aware on the ground. The propaganda machine is very, very effective. The bulk of the Filipino public are busy with their day-to-day living. They don’t really get to know the magnitude of the damage Duterte has done,” Trillanes said during the interview. After Trillanes gave his explanation, Sackur said that the senator’s remarks were “out of tune” and inharmonious” with the sentiments of many Filipinos. value. On the other hand, SM Investments, URC, Metrobank and JG Summit are the day’s biggest prevailers. SSI also continued to rebound, gaining 0.97 percent for the day due to the “investors anticipated a recovery” after the retailer company implemented their rationalization program. (With reports from Jennifer Soriano/AJPress)
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Aladdin photos by Deen van Meer Other photos from the Instagram accounts of Adam (@adamjacobsnyc) and Arielle (@ariellejacobs).
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SIBLING REVELRY: How Adam and Arielle Jacobs Achieved Their Broadway Dream by MoMar
G. Visaya/AJPress
In 2015, the stars aligned for Adam and Arielle Jacobs — he was playing the lead role in “Aladdin” and she was cast as nessarose on “Wicked” — and for the first time, both siblings were on big Broadway hits at the same time. Arielle made her Broadway debut as nina Rosario in “In The Heights” in 2010, opposite Lin-Manuel Miranda while Adam made his debut four years earlier as Marius in the 2006 revival of “Les Miserables.” The siblings’ journey to Broadway began when they both got their first taste of professional theatre and performed in one musical called “Honor Song for Crazy Horse” at the Mountain View Center for Performing Arts in California, where they were cast as native Americans – Adam, then 14, was Little Hawk and Arielle was Blue Swan. It was Arielle who got into performing first, taking violin and dance lessons and studying ballet, tap and jazz, and eventually moving to singing. She influenced Adam and told him to try singing lessons because they were enjoyable. “Adam started piano when he was four, I wanted to be a pop singer like Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston and so I started taking lessons and fell
in love with it. I said to Adam — you should take lessons, too. It’s fun. So he did,” Arielle shared. The Jacobs family lived in Half Moon Bay, California until both kids were old enough to spread their wings. Both went to college in nYU, Adam finishing with a BFA in Theater at Tisch School of the Arts while Arielle graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and concentration on musical theater. After graduating from nYU, Adam worked the regional theaters, performed on cruise ships, and toured the country as Cinderella’s Prince before landing his first Equity (Actor’s Union) production as nanki-poo in Marriott Theater’s Hot Mikado. His star shone brighter when he was given the opportunity to play Marius in the national tour of “Les Miserables.” This job led to him being cast in the Broadway revival and his subsequent Broadway debut. Since “Les Miserables,” his journey brought him to the islands of “Mamma Mia!” and to the African pridelands of “The Lion King” where he was cast as Simba. He’s also gone from the tropics of “Once On This Island” to the Arabian city of Agrabah in “Aladdin.” Adam met his future wife
Photos from the Instagram accounts of Adam (@adamjacobsnyc) and Arielle (@ariellejacobs).
Adam Jacobs as Aladdin Photo by Deen van Meer
Arielle Jacobs as Nessarose on ‘Wicked’
Kelly while doing a Christmas show in Hershey, PA. She was a rag-doll/ballerina and he was a well-padded, whitebearded Santa Claus (with black eyebrows). Sparks flew, and led to them getting married, their union blessed with the arrival of their twin sons Jack and Alex in 2014. After college, Arielle on the other hand moved to Los Angeles and lived there for eight years, returning to new York in 2013 and eventually booking “Wicked,” which she did for a year. Last year, she was cast as Jasmine in the Australian production of “Aladdin.“ Asked if performing is in their genes, Arielle replied, “My mom’s parents have beautiful voices but they don’t sing professionally. My mom sings and plays piano; my dad’s mother was a cabaret singer in the 40s. She sang with the Tommy Dorsey Band when she was 15. She never had it as a career, really.” Both siblings were on major Broadway top-earners. Did they ever think it would happen? “no, never. I dreamed of it for myself, he might have. But it never really occurred to me that we would be on Broadway at the same time. I don’t know why, I just didn’t,” she said. Arielle then lavished her brother with praise. “I saw him in his high school performances in San Francisco and he was leagues beyond everyone else onstage and it was obvious that he had the potential and the talent to be on Broadway and I knew at the back of my brain that I was going to be on Broadway. But I never put it together,” she said laughing. Upside and downside In a previous interview with the Asian Journal, Adam mentioned about not going after
shows that have already cast Arielle as the female romantic lead. Arielle chipped in with her thoughts. “That happened to us! He did Zorro in Atlanta and I would have loved to play the Catherine Zeta Zones part, but he was already cast as Zorro. The casting director called my agent and said they would love to see me and my agent told the casting director, ‘You know that Adam and Arielle are brother and sister, right?’ and they said, ‘Ohhhh, yeah. That won’t work.’ So they just cancelled my audition,” she recalled. She also had an audition for Jasmine for “Aladdin,” and this was before they made the cast announcement because Arielle thought that at that time, they weren’t sure if he got the part. Outside the musical realm, Adam and Arielle worked together last year on a cabaret concert at 54 Below, calling the show Sibling Disobedience. They did a powerful combination of pop and musical theater, both their interests. “I was the one who wanted to perform. You know how it is. I would put on shows in my living room, Adam wouldn’t do it. When we went to family gatherings, my mom would always want us to sing songs for the family and I would love it. I would sing a lot, and my brother would begrudgingly sing one. He hated
Arielle posted this photo collage on her Instagram account to celebrate National Siblings Day.
it. I was the one who craved for the audience,” Arielle said. Adam and Arielle’s mom Abby (short for Avelene) was 14 when her entire family moved to the United States, eventually spreading out across the country. She and her husband now live in new Jersey. Asked about the roles she wanted to do, Arielle rattled off her list. “I had dream roles. I wanted to be Maria in West Side Story, Kim in “Miss Saigon,” although maybe I am getting too old for both. I was obsessed with Sunset Boulevard, I used to listen to the soundtrack over and over. Maybe one day, when I’m 60,” she said. “I have my eye on Hamilton. I’d love to be in that. Or Aladdin. When my brother leaves,” she said back then, breaking into laughter. That was months before it was announced that Adam would be leaving the Broadway production to lead Aladdin’s national tour.
This was the poster for the Jacobs siblings’ concert at 54 Below last year which was called #SiblingDisobedience.
Being bi-racial has been a little tricky for Arielle. “It’s a double-edged sword. It has definitely cost me some roles. If I didn’t have dark hair and dark skin, I would have been offered the part. Recently, there was a part I didn’t get because they wanted someone with red hair and blue eyes. I can play Hispanic or Middle Eastern or native American or Latina, it’s theater,” she said. Off-Broadway, she has starred in two world-premiere plays by Pulitzer-winning playwright and director nilo Cruz; entitled Sotto Voce (as Lucila Pulpo, a Colombian) and Farhad or the Secret of Being (as Farhad, a young Afghan girl who was raised as a boy to avoid social exile but then reaches puberty and struggles with the limitations of becoming a woman in the Middle East.) Earlier in her career, she was also seen in the original national Touring companies of In The Heights (as nina) and Disney’s High School Musical (Gabriella), and in Dreamcatcher Theatre’s production of Into The Woods (as the Baker’s Wife), opposite Broadway legend Tituss Burgess as the Witch. These days, Adam is on the road leading the national touring production of Aladdin while Arielle is working on her debut album called “A Leap in the Dark”. The Jacobs siblings credit their Filipino mother and Jewish father not just for their mixed ethnicity, which has allowed both of them to play such varied roles so far, but more importantly for their whole-hearted encouragement to pursue a life in the arts.
Maureen Wroblewitz: Filipina who topped them all by Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net
Maureen Wrobletwitz: The first Filipina Asia’s Next Top Model.
IT was a night filled with cheers, tears, and resounding pride as 19-year-old Filipino Maureen Wroblewitz beat the towering contenders of “Asia’s next Top Model,” bringing home the elusive title for the first time in five years. Wroblewitz finally took home Asia’s next Top Model (AsnTM) title. It was the country’s first since the Asian version of Tyra Banks’ popular reality modeling competition premiered in 2012. Surrounded by friends and well-wishers on the finale viewing party at The Palace Pool Club on Wednesday, June 28, Wroblewitz had tears welling in her eyes as the winner of the regional version of
Tyra Bank’s popular production was about to be called. And when host and judge Cindy Bishop finally announced Wroblewitz’s name, pandemonium erupted at the venue as the Asia’s next Top Model let go of her emotions and cried with joy. The 5’5” stunner impressively won over much taller and more experienced co-finalists in Vietnam’s Minh Tu nguyen and Malaysia’s Shikin Gomez. “I feel really happy because a Filipina has never won [the modeling competition]so I’m really proud of myself. I am so happy that I was finally able to make the fans’ dreams come true,”Wroblewitz declared during the after-show interview.
The nation immediately celebrated her triumph as social media exploded with congratulatory messages for Wroblewitz, in turn catapulting her name to the top trending spot on Twitter. Fans of the reality competition on Fox Philippines had indeed waited a long time for a winner, after Filipina contestants emerged only as runners-up in the past: Cycle 1’s Stephanie Retuya finished third in 2012; Cyle 2’s Jodilly Pendre was first runner-up in 2013; Cyle 3’s Monika Sta. Maria also first in 2014; and Cycle 4’s Julian Flores finished a semi-finalist. Road to victory Dubbed as the most “inexperienced and shortest girl”
in the competition, having no modeling background before joining the reality show and standing inches below the usual height of moving mannequins, Wroblewitz was hardly a strong contender at the beginning of Cycle 5 in April. In fact, by the third episode of AsnTM, Wroblewitz was pegged in the bottom two of 14 contestants from around the region, along with fellow Filipina Jennica Sanchez. The latter was eventually eliminated. Acknowledging her weaknesses Wroblewitz said she had no confidence going into the competition. “At first, I was doubting myself—I didn’t know what I was Continued on Page 6
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ Dear attorney Gurfinkel: I am a green card holder, and petitioned my wife and children. I know it will take a few years until the priority date on their petition becomes “current,” enabling them to be processed for their immigrant visas. Would there be a problem if I move back to the Philippines to live, while waiting for the priority date to become current? Very truly yours, K.M. Dear K.M: If an immigrant (green card holder) stays outside the U.S for over one year, it could be considered that the green card holder “abandoned” his or her green card. This means he could lose his status as a green card holder. If that happens, any petition he filed that are still pending could also be abandoned. I had one case where a father petitioned his adult single son (F-2B), but the father liked to stay in the Philippines. Although he got a “re-entry permit” (a document allowing an immigrant to stay outside the U.S for just under 2 years), he overstayed the re-entry permit by a few days. When he tried to return to the U.S, he was not
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA A FRIEND emailed me the prayer below. I had to do some fact-checking with some websites that do the digging about the veracity of email content that does the rounds in Cyberville. The internet is rife with rumors and it is always good policy to verify and dig deeper. This prayer of repentance has gone viral and despite its longevity in cyberspace, refuses to die a natural death. My guess is that the prayer resonates with many in the country. The truth, as they said, will make us free. This prayer
If you abandon your green card, you will abandon your family’s petition allowed to board the plane. The problem was the priority date on his son’s petition was almost current, but if the father abandoned his green card (by staying outside the U.S. too long) then the son’s petition would no longer be valid as well. I had to fight the case all the way to Washington D.C to enable the father to return to the U.S, to keep his green card alive, so we could process the son for his green card. But imagine the stress and trauma the son was going through, thinking after he had waited so many years for his green card, because his father had almost abandoned his green card, the son’s petition may have also been abandoned. Another problem with a petitioner living outside the U.S for too long (whether the petitioner is a U.S citizen or a green card holder) is the petitioner must be “domiciled” in the U.S., meaning they are living permanently in the U.S. If the petitioner is living in the Philippines (and thus not domiciled in the U.S), the petitioner cannot issue an affidavit of support, which the petitioner must do in every single case, even if there is a cosponsor.
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As you can see, it is very important for a green card holder to maintain his green card status to protect any family petitions he may have filed. If you must travel, at least get a re-entry permit, and make sure you come back before it expires. I strongly advise, however, that you seek the advice of a reputable attorney, who can analyze your situation, and advise you on the best course of action. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client 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)
Calling a spade a spade “Speak the truth, but leave immediately after.”
- Slovenian Proverb
is probably worth amplifying and passing to others during a time when political correctness marginalizes the truth. American society has been conditioned by popular culture to play nice to the extent that we are afraid to confront what must be addressed. Calling a spade a spade is risky in a time when we have strayed as far away as we could from the core values that held this country for more than 2 centuries. Fifteen years ago on January
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23, 1s996, in Topeka, Kansas, Pastor Joe Wright of the Central Christian Church in Wichita led a prayer in the Kansas House that stirred controversy and continues to stir a hornet’s nest to this day. It’s a prayer that made legislators, particularly those of the liberal persuasion, very uncomfortable. Pastor Wright said a prayer written by Bob Russell, a Pastor of another Christian church in Kentucky. A member of the Continued on Page 6
ABANDONED BY HER BIRTH PARENTS, WILL NIKKA BE LEFT BEHIND AGAIN WHEN USCIS CHALLENGED HER ADOPTIVE PARENT’S ELIGIBILITY TO PETITION HER? Lilia (right) and her husband Peter filed a petition to adopt Nikka (left) when the child was 12 years old. The adoption decree was issued six (6) days before Nikka turned 16 years old, and the certificate of finality came out two (2) months after Nikka’s 16th birthday. When Lilia and Peter filed an Immediate Relative Petition for Nikka, the USCIS served a Request for Evidence (RFE), challenging them eligibility to adopt Nikka. Lilia and Peter were devastated, depressed, and in despair. Would this mean losing the chance to be reunited with their adopted child - whom they loved and considered their own? Watch how leading US immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL came to the rescue and secured approval of their petition in a mere two months, on a brand-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.
Adopted child receives visa on Citizen Pinoy!
AT two years old, Nikka already captured the hearts of Lilia and Peter, who took care of her and treated her like their own. The couple decided to make the love legal and official by filing a petition for adoption when Nikka was 12 years old. The adoption decree came out before Nikka turned 16, but the certificate of finality was issued almost two months after Nikka’s 16th birthday. When Lilia and Peter filed for an immediate relative petition for Nikka on their own, the USCIS served them a Request for Evidence (RFE), challenging Nikka’s eligibility for adoption. Eligibility for adoption requires the child be adopted before their 16th birthday; two years of legal custody (measured from the date of the final adoption decree); and two years of physical custody, meaning the adoptive parents must live under the same roof with the child for at least two (2) years.
The couple was given 87 days to reply to the RFE. This development crushed the dreams of Lilia and Peter. They were so devastated, and scared that they would never be able to get Nikka. They intensified their prayers, telling themselves that if Nikka was abandoned by her birth parents, they would not let Nikka feel abandoned again. Lilia and Peter retained the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel to help them bring their adopted child to the US. After thorough research and a compelling and persuasive response to the USCIS’s RFE, leading US immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL and his team secured the approval of Nikka’s petition. See how this family’s dream (of being united in the US) came true on a brand-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).
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Iñigo Pascual
Is Iñigo Pascual the next Gary V? by Maridol
ranoa-BisMark
ManilaTimes.net
yOU do not tell Iñigo Pascual to do things just because he has an image to keep. He will balk and break free. That is exactly what he did three years ago in the U.S., as a member of a band whose handlers wanted him to be what he is not. “They wanted me to cut my hair, Mohawk style (both sides of the head are shaven, with only a strip of hair in the middle). It’s a weird cut,” he recalls. Iñigo was then 16, excited to find himself. Then someone comes along to tell him this is what he should look like? He just had to put his foot down and say no. He adds that he is not alone. Other artists in the U.S. — like Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus — he says, have rebelled because people want to turn them into something they are not. That is why Piolo Pascual’s 19-year-old son is overjoyed he can dye his hair blonde because he feels like it. Iñigo knows others frown on his experimental look. But that would not rob him of the happiness he feels by expressing himself. They say it looks bad. But I’ll do it because I’m confident in what I do.” With music being an extension of himself, Iñigo applies the same principle when he writes songs and performs them. He takes his guitar,
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plays the chord progression, and puts lyrics to them. Then, he brings his work to the recording studio, and asks Gabriel ‘Gab’ Tagadtad to add rap elements. The result is “Dahil Sa‘yo,” a bouncy song that zoomed to number one in the Billboard Philippines charts. Foreigners lip sync the song, and dance challenges have been created around it. The “The Voice Teens Philippines” bet Mikko Estrada surprised Iñigo by performing the song during his blind auditions. True, “Dahil Sa ‘yo” speaks of love that moves mountains, the kind teens like Iñigo and Mikko can relate to. But Iñigo meant it to be something else — a tribute to God. Take a look at the chorus: “Dahil sa ‘yo ako’y matapang / dahil sa ‘yo ako’y lalaban/ para sa’yo pagmamahal na walang katapusan.” Iñigo adopts the spirit of Gary Valenciano’s praise songs by dedicating his chart topper to a Higher Power responsible for everything good in his world. “The song has a special meaning to me. I’m thankful to Him because He’s always by my side. He gave me the ability to sing. What else can I do but thank Him?” Iñigo’s godly side keeps him from letting success get the better of him. In fact, his models in this Continued on Page 6
Hall of Famers to lead fiesta of nostalgia Only 19 musical acts have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame more than once as a group, and individual members who went solo. The short list includes the Beatles and each of the “Fab Four,” the Jackson Five and Michael Jackson, Cream and Eric Clapton. But the most uncommon of honors belongs to a band that has been enshrined in the Hall twice as a group although the band evolved with different lead singers and back-ups. That rarity is the legendary Drifters, who will bring their 13 Billboard Hot 100 Hits at Fiesta In America Expo and Cultural Show on August 12, [starting at 12noon] and August 13 , [starting at 10am with Mass and Santacruzan] at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, new Jersey. In their “500 Greatest Rock and Roll Performers” issue, Rolling Stone gushed about the Drifters, “no group has done it this well
for this long; no one, not even the Rolling Stones.” Their musical journey began in the mid-‘50s and, through the decades, the Drifters have been fronted by no less than five celebrated lead singers: Clyde McPhatter, Ben E. King, Charley Thomas, Bill Pinkney and Johnny Moore. Their current line-up features the group’s star for the last 25 years, Jerome Jackson, who also gained fame as the lead singer of the seventies’ Main Ingredients. On both days of Fiesta In America, the Drifters will usher their Filipino fans into a wondrous night of memory-lane hits that have become the theme songs of countless romances in the Philippines, the U.S. and the world over. These oldies-but-goldies include “Save the last Dance for Me” (which was recently covered by Michael Bublé to great acclaim), “There Goes My Baby” (the first rock-and-roll record to
feature a string orchestra), “This Magic Moment,”“Up on the Roof,”“On Broadway,”“Sweets for My Sweet,” and “Under the Boardwalk,” the most-played R&B tune of all time. Some of the current Drifters’ concert playlist includes blockbusters recorded by former front-man Ben E. King, most notably “Stand By Me” and “Spanish Harlem.” Across the decades, the Drifters have sold more than 200 million records throughout the globe. According to Ogie Afable, the cultural show’s Producer, “the Drifters are Fiesta In America’s concert headliners this year, but the opening acts are either Pinoy legends in their own right, or up-and-coming stars. Imagine this starting line-up from 2 pm to 6 pm: super-composer and singer Rey Valera, American Idol standout Jessica Sanchez, Tawag
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ng Tanghalan Grand Champion noven Belleza, Fe delos Reyes, Eva Caparas and Jet Montelibano of Music & Magic, Spanky Rigor and Roger Rigor of VST and Company, and more. Of course, there can be no Fiesta In America without the Trade Pavilion that overflows with exotic products and immigranttailored services, free workshops, delectable native food, and exciting activities for all ages.” To attend the Drifters’ concert and their sensational opening acts, as well as to sponsor or exhibit, call 212-682-6610 or email info@fiestainamerica.com. General Admission tickets are only $22 before the event, and $25 at the door. limited VIP tickets $65. Purchase at www.fiestainamerica. com, or call 212-682-6610 or from select Filipino stores. like FiestaInAmerica in Facebook. (Advertising Supplement)
David Tupaz: Making waves in Las Vegas By Monet
what made him leave for Vegas is what kept many designers in fashionable cities such LA or New York: competition. Not that he would shy away from that, but because as much as there’s a lucrative business (not to mention, fame) in such cities, there’s also complacency to tap potential market in some cities. And that’s what David saw potential in the city that never sleeps. He saw potential and he just made a move for it. Now he has his own design studio, was hailed as 2015 International Designer of the Year, and has a holiday named after his name, called “David Tupaz Day.” Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman proclaimed June 3rd as David’s day to recognize his great contribution to the city’s fashion industry. In 2011, David established a non-profit organization called the Las Vegas Design Council to help the creative growth of the local designers to build an industry in the city. “I came to Vegas. I realized that Las Vegas is a city by itself. It has so many districts and so many places. It is not only where the casinos are or where the hotels are. There are so many people living in this city that there’s a lot of potential. I found out they don’t have a fashion industry which I said well, why can’t I pioneer that. So that’s the reason why I moved,” he said. As a magazine editor-in-chief, he recently launched the fashion industry in Las Vegas through
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Health@Heart
Lu
“Fashion is the extension of our personalities. it dignifies our humanity just like art and music. i believe in capturing elegance; Fashion is the extension of our personalities. it dignifies our humanity just like art and music. i believe in capturing elegance; an allure of romantic feminism with a tailored twist. it speaks of a modern dignified grace.” – David Tupaz If you have not heard of this hotshot Filipino designer causing ooohs and aaahs amongst A-listers on the red carpet, you are either living under the rock or you need to go to Vegas because that’s where he’s making waves now! David Tupaz moved to Las Vegas in 2010 but before that, he lived in New York for a long time, then moved to California to design for different TV shows like “Malcolm in the Middle” and “Boston Legal.” Among those he dressed in Hollywood include Lucy Liu, Natalie Cole, Kris KardashianJenner, Bruce Jenner, Lisa Rinna, William and Elizabeth Shatner, Allan and Tonya Thicke, David Foster, Tracie Kristin Chenoweth, Mariel Hemingway, Martin Sheen, Sofia Milos of “CSI Miami” and Mitzi Kapture of “Baywatch,” Bai Ling, Billy Zane, David Foster, Tracie and Scott Hamilton. Seems like the fashionistas of Los Angeles have David on speed dial when they are in need couturier. In an online write-up, David was asked how he gets inspiration for his work and he replied: ”You get inspired from events, occasions, music, movie, TV show, friends… all of us can get inspiration because the universe by itself is one big art. I think the universe, as we see the stars and the planets and the comets… I mean that’s art right there. And I think being artists, a lot of us are sometimes not understood, a lot of artists are denied being understood… why, because most of us are kinda weird. Being artists and creative people, we see things differently than the ordinary person.” Vegas, make way for David! You would think that with all the frills that come with rubbing elbows with famous celebrities, leaving California was not an option for David. Wrong! In fact,
An Asian Journal Magazine
Debunking diet myths
the diet mainly consists of fish and bean curd, beans, grains and nuts (as the main source of protein PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS and oil) and a lot of green leafy and other vegetables, and fruits. IN today’s health-oriented Among diabetics, fruits should be world, the four major players included in the calculation of the – diet, exercise, smoking and total daily restricted calorie intake. alcohol abuse – are in the Enemas aids in dieting. spotlight. Diet weighs heavily on False! This is a myth that is this equation and has also been a unhealthy. Enemas for cleansing subject of a lot of pervasive myths “to get rid of toxins in our body,” and misinformation. Today, we is not medically accepted as shall review some of the most a means of detoxification and popular misconception about diet. weight control. To detoxify Fasting is the best way to start. our body, the best way is to Fasting is the wrong way abstain from smoking, minimize to start, or even “punctuate,” alcohol intake and exposure to your dieting schedule. Fasting other toxic agents, eat a lot of has no place at all in controlling vegetables, nuts, some fruits, and weight or quality of nutrition for to exercise daily. There have been its first fashion magazine called our body. The temporary weight reports of deaths with frequent L’VEGUE, a quarterly magazine loss resulting from fasting is thru self-prescribed enemas. They highlighting all the talented water loss (dehydration). The could lead to diarrhea, nausea, creative people who live in the best way to maintain your weight vomiting, electrolyte imbalance, city. He was on the front page is to burn the calories your take heartbeat irregularity, and of the Review Journal’s Business in daily (example: if you take in bowel perforation. The so-called section (their version of the L.A. 2000 calories, you should exercise designer coffee enema for colon Times), then again in the Las off 2000 calories that day). It is a cleansing is not only expensive Vegas Business magazine, and matter of intake and output, an but also useless and very was interviewed on Channel 13 obvious common sense approach. dangerous. TV News, as well as the TV show ‘Morning Blend’ and Channel 5 If one is overweight and wants Eating late at night leads to Morning News. As for his future to lose weight, then the calories more weight gain and fats projects, David has an upcoming burned should be higher than the This is no more true than the fashion show in New York and calories ingested, until the goal is myth that Elvis Presley is alive. Portland, Oregon. reached…and at that point, the Of course, it is best not to have David is unstoppable and maintenance intake and output a full stomach close to bedtime. there’s plenty more we haven’t formula should prevail. Those who Going to bed 3 to 4 hours after seen. Because, just like he said, want to gain weight to reach the a meal is fine. The calories taken “The future Calvin Klein can ideal weight, obviously, should at night have the same effect as come from here knowing how those taken during the daytime. glamorous the city is.” And frankly, have more intake than output of my friends, he is well on his way calories. While you burn less calories while of making that happen very very Low carb - hi protein diet is sleeping, you lose these when you soon. best. get up in the morning and start Good luck to you David and Not true. Those on low your daily routine, especially if may you continue to make a name carbohydrate diet alone, but on you exercise every day. in Vegas! Your kababayans are high protein (meats, egss, etc) “Slimming tea” works proud of you. had good initial weight loss, but This is a myth. “Slimming Tea,” *** regained the weight after six to or other drinks that are advertised Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning as effective for weight reduction, celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of 12 months, as shown by some are per se, useless and a waste of Monet Salon salons across Southern California studies. They faired better than and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is those on low fat diet, which money. Any beverage, so long as known as an all-around artiste who produces is actually more healthy as far they are zero calorie drinks, can sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as as cardiovascular diseases, help in weight reduction, if taken unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet metabolic illnesses and cancers in lieu of a ton of calories. And I is also the founder of the revolutionary all- are concerned. However, low carb repeat, in lieu of. Not together natural beauty products such as Enlighten, diet, combined with low fat diet with thousands of calories. If you your solution to discoloration . To contact and exercise, has been found to drink them and still eat more Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or be the best regimen. This means calories than you burn, then you email him at monetsalon@aol.com
will gain weight, regardless of what fluid you drink. There is absolutely NO beverage on the market that will lead to weight reduction, per se. There is no easy solution to overweight; it takes education, discipline, determination and hard work. But the dividends are worth the sacrifices. Drinking a lot of water leads to weight gain Only if you heart or kidney is not healthy. Heart or kidney failure patients tend to retain water, so water restriction is part of the treatment among many of them. However, for someone who is otherwise healthy except for excess body weight, drinking two glasses of water before each meal is a great strategy in appetite and calorie control (it “fools” the brain into thinking the stomach is already full), which reduces the food intake, and, subsequently, the weight. The recommended fluid intake is at least 8 glasses of water a day. However, if the beverage ingested is loaded with a lot of calories (like regular cola drinks, fruit drinks, smoothies, etc.), then rapid weight gain results. Fruits juices (fresh fruits are better than the juice) should be limited to 4 oz a day since it has a high concentration of added sugar. Sugar-loaded pop beverages are among the top culprits in the calorie explosion of today, and should be avoided. Purified water is the healthier and cheaper universal beverage for all seasons. Eating grapefruit will help burn body fats A caveat to remember: there is no food known to man today that can burn or “melt” body fats, or that can reduce weight without proper dieting. Eating grapefruit is good, if done (again) in lieu of eating tons of calories. Grapefruits, like many fruits and multi-colored and green leafy vegetables, are loaded with good anti-oxidants that protect our body from the ravages caused Continued on Page 7
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Nadine Lustre feels honored to be named sexiest Pinay 19th Paaralan sa Konsulado Opens in New York The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J u N E 3 0, 20 1 7
AFTA Volunteer Teachers led by its President Roxanne Cajigas, PhD (2nd from right) with Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega (middle).
NEW YORK – The pioneering “Paaralan sa Konsulado:” (PSK) program of the Philippine Consulate General in New York undertaken in cooperation with the Association of FilipinoAmerican Teachers in America (AFTA) kicked off its 19th year 24 June 24 at the Philippine CenterNew York.
For nearly two decades the PSK has been offering introductory courses on Philippine history, geography, culture, performing arts, language, games, civics, basic social graces, and other informative sessions for young Filipinos and Filipino-Americans ages 6-16 years old.
For 5 Saturdays every summer, volunteer teachers from the AFTA along with special resource persons such as Filipino scholars, artists, and chefs conduct sessions for the next generation of Filipinos and Fil-Ams on Philippine heritage. The PSK ends with a culminating program participated in by all the program enrollees. As a flagship program of the Consulate General, this program aims to keep young overseas Filipinos connected to their Philippine heritage. Many previous PSK graduates have gone on to be active members of the Fil-Am Community in the US Northeast. The AFTA Team is led by its current President Roxanne Cajigas, PhD. This year the PSK will include a bi-lingual story-telling session conducted by Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega.
Iftar event held in New York
an opportunity for Filipino Community members to learn more about the significance of Iftar and Ramadan. The event featured a breaking of the fast (Iftar), Interfaith prayers, and a sharing session on the cultural and religious significance of Iftar. The event was attended by members of the Filipino-Muslim community in the Tri-state area, resource persons, community members from Mindanao, and other Filipino Community organizations. The attendees expressed appreciation for this opportunity to learn more about the heritage and beliefs of the Filipino Muslim Community thus contributing Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega (center) with members Kinding Sindaw led by founder to better understanding and and head Potri Ranka Manis (4th from right), resources persons, and members of the Mindanao inclusiveness. and Filipino-Muslim Community in the Tri-State Area.
NEW YORK – A few days before the end of Ramadan, the Philippine Consulate General in New York with the support of Kinding Sindaw MelayuHeritage Group held a simple Iftar
(breaking of fast) event at the Philippine Center. The first of its kind in New York and similar to Iftar activities held in other Philippine Foreign Service posts, the event provided
Calendar of Events across
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Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in concert in Las Vegas Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS) will hold a concert at the Flamingo Theatre of the Clark County Library at 7 p.m., with touring guest Annie Nepomuceno and special guest tenor Edward Granadosin. Front acts are Michael Perez and Esmeralda Padilla. Please call Dr. Mike Santa Juana at (516) 669-5834, Art Jerus (702) 738-8029 or Randolph Umali (702) 985-5724 for inquiries.
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United Batanguenos of Southern California Induction in Los Angeles The United Batanguenos of Southern California will hold its induction of officers on Saturday, July 8 at Casa Italiana in Los Angeles. Millie Moncada will be inducted as new governor. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For other related questions please call Millie at (818) 322-9429; Cely Anuran (805) 630-3377 or Willie Manacsa at (818) 400-7391. Casa Italiana is located at 1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
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11th Ambassadors’ Tour to Manila & Davao The 11th Ambassadors’ Tour will take place in the Philippines from July 11 to 16. Led by the Department of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Promotions Board and Rajah Tours, the itinerary for the 11th Ambassadors’ Tour combines the best of Metropolitan Manila up North and the sprawling city of Davao in the South into one adventure-packed and enriching vacation experience. The four-day stay in Davao, the King City of the South and current seat of power in the Philippines, is a special highlight of this year’s event. Participants in this year’s tour will be presented with an opportunity to experience Davao up-close. It is a chance for the participants to revel in Davao’s picturesque landscapes through its nature parks, agricultural farms, and resorts, experience the diversity of its people through a series of courtesy calls with Philippine government officials, and feel the harmony of its culture through its heritage and cultural museums. Tailor-fit to tell the narrative of a new, safer, more beautiful Philippines, the tour will provide its participants with enough experience to engage their respective communities and leverage goodwill towards Filipinos and generate interest in the Philippines. Delegates who will be part of the program become “Filipino ambassadors” in their own right, carrying a fresh perspective and the message of a new and improved Philippines when they go back to the United States. As “Filipino Ambassadors,” this year’s delegates will be well-capable of showcasing the strides made in tourism, economic development, and public safety in the Philippines to the larger international community. For more information and to register, please visit http://www. acgtdt.com.
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Money Smart for Small Business in El Monte, CA Come to an introductory two-day business course designed for newer business owners, self-employed individuals, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Course topics include: startup planning, organizational types, risk management, credit reporting, business insurance, time & financial management, selling & succession planning, banking services for small businesses, recordkeeping, and tax & business planning. The curriculum is developed jointly by the FDIC and the SBA. It will be held on Saturday, July 15 and July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cathay Bank (9650 Flair Dr., El Monte, CA 91731). The fee is $20 payable to Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program (API SBP). Breakfast, lunch and course materials will be provided by Cathay Bank. There will be limited seating so advance registration is required. To register, please contact Colleen Seto at (213) 373-1605 or cseto@ltsc.org. Participants will be eligible for free business counseling by API SBP.
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
by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net
ABS-CBN talent and Viva contract artist Nadine Lustre has emerged as this year’s sexiest woman in the Philippines. On Thursday, June 29, FHM announced that the 23-yearold actress led the online poll of the men’s magazine’s annual “100 Sexiest Women” list after garnering 491,039 votes online within a two-and-a-half month polling period. “Nadine’s ascension to the ‘Throne of Sexy’ comes as no surprise—not only does she have the most loyal fans, she also has the glowing assets to show for it. FHM Nation had a glimpse of a sexier Nadine in a series of summer photos she posted on social media, where she flaunted her body in the best swimsuits. From then on, it was apparent who would emerge as No. 1,” the magazine said on their website. Lustre, who landed the third spot in 2016, thanked the magazine and hundreds of thousands who voted for her on social media on the same day. “Really didn’t expect this to happen. Maraming salamat
Nadine Lustre
everyone for voting! Thank you @FHMPhil. It’s an honor,” the multimedia princess posted on her Twitter account. Rounding out the Top 10 are Kim Domingo in second place, garnering 459,192 votes, followed by Rhian Ramos (359,405 votes), last year’s winner Jessy Mendiola (350,182 votes), Ellen Adarna
(320,391 votes), Jennylyn Mercado (318,273 votes), Angel Locsin (248,192 votes), Liza Soberano (201,925 votes ), Maine Mendoza (200,182 votes), and Solenn Heussaff (180,294 votes). The complete list of “100 Sexiest Women” will be included in the July 2017 issue of FHM Philippines.
Maureen Wroblewitz: Filipina who... From Page 2 doing in front of the camera. I always felt shy to show the few poses I had because I knew everyone else had so much experience. I felt they were all watching me and judging me,” Wreblowitz confessed. She got back into the game when the other contestants admitted Wroblewitz had a “pretty face.” But behind her back, they whispered it was the only reason why she was surviving eliminations. In fact, by the eighth episode, the group confronted the Filipina rookie and told her she did not deserve to stay in the show. And that was all Wroblewitz needed to give the fight of her life, pushing her to give the best performances of the season from then on. “I’d say AsNTM was a crazy, roller-coaster ride. I had a lot of ups and downs, I was at the bottom but I eventually gave the best performance. I’d say I finally saw myself as a strong competitor after ignoring the comments. I told myself, ‘Just forget about them—do your own thing. You’re doing this for yourself and not for them or anyone else.’ So for the rest of the episodes, I started getting better and feeling more confident,”Wroblewitz recalled. Indeed, Wroblewitz was on fire on the day of judgment with the panel comprised Bishop; Yu Tsai, AsNTM creative director; Ruby Adler, Storm Management’s model agent; Adele Chan, Nylon Singapore editorin-chief; and special guest judge and Philippine pride, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. “I never cared that you were the pretty one, or the youngest and the shortest one among the bunch because truthfully in modeling today, none of those labels matters to me. Somehow I knew you would
be here and you deserved to be here,”Tsai—who also served as a creative director for America’s Next Top Model—told Wroblewitz at the final deliberation. Lack of experience Asked what she felt was her biggest advantage in the competition, Wroblewitz quickly credited her very lack of modeling experience. “I really feel like being inexperienced is not a bad thing because it just gives you more room to learn. You become a sponge— you hear everything and learn everything and then you use them,” Wroblewitz affirmed. She talked about how experienced models come to the competition set in their ways already. “As an experienced model, you’ve already had many photo shoots so when someone comes up and tells you that you have to change this and that, you may say, ‘Why should I when I’ve been modeling for so long and it was never a problem?’ So it’s kind of harder to change your ways compared to someone like me who was learning everything for the first time and doing everything for the first time,”Wroblewitz analyzed. The new top model of the region said she believes the judges saw “an overall package in her.” Elaborating, she said, “It’s not just about the look—the whole package also includes how you will fare outside the competition.” Thoughts on bullying As the show’s new winner, Wroblewitz finally came to terms with the bullying she experienced in the competition. For the levelheaded young woman, it’s just all part of the game. “We really felt the competition all through the show because that’s
Calling a spade... From Page 3 legislative body walked out and others were vocal in their criticism of the prayer. Later that year, a lawmaker in Colorado repeated the prayer and some of his colleagues became angry and walked out in protest. A radio personality, Paul Harvey, picked it up and aired the story and the prayer with some frequency. The response to the prayer is so overwhelmingly in favor of it, his phone system could not handle it. Are you curious as to why a simple prayer can rile some lawmakers and make them uncomfortable? Are you curious as to why a simple prayer can be so controversial? Here it is in its entirety. Judge for yourself. A PRAYER FOR OUR NATION Heavenly Father, We come before You today to ask Your Forgiveness and seek Your
direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ‘’Woe to those who call evil good,’’ but that’s exactly what we have done. We have lost our Spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values. We confess that; we have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it pluralism. We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism. We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem.
Iñigo Pascual: The next...
From Page 4
area are international artists who remain humble despite the many hits to their name. “We have no right to act in a certain way because you see how humble they are even if they’re bigger than us.” The thought that he is not there yet makes Iñigo strive for greater growth. He watches K-pop videos and saw South Korean-Chinese boy
group Exo‘s concert in Korea to get fresh ideas. He also wants to learn Spanish songs, since they are getting bigger these days. Yes, music is Iñigo’s playground, a place where he can do what his heart desires. That is why “Inigo’s Playground,” the title of his digital concert on Sunday, July 2, 6 p.m. on Onemusic.ph (live in the ABS-CBN studio) is most apt. “I wanna show my playful side. I want to show who I am
really how it is. But in the end, we can all just forget about it and be ourselves now,”Wreblowitz told The Manila Times. She also defended fellow Filipina Sanchez who was among her vocal critics in the roster. “I know Filipinos should support each other so at first, I didn’t really understand why that was happening. But on the other hand, if you forget about being Filipinas and really get into the competition, it makes more sense. Maybe she was threatened by me so maybe she thought she had to bring me down and make me feel like giving up,” Wroblewitz surmised. But in the end, all’s well that ends triumphantly and Wreblowitz is grateful she proved her critics wrong. “I’m really happy that I proved them wrong—that I’m not just a pretty face. I am so much more that.” Asked for her message to those who experience bullying in their lives, she said, “You shouldn’t really mind them. Just focus on yourself, focus on the people you love and who love you, and get positive vibes all the time.” Where next? Asia’s new top model is now ready to conquer the international scene as part of her prize. Besides driving home a new car and landing the cover of Nylon Singapore, she also has the chance to be represented by Storm Model Management of London based on her output from here on. As she spent her night of victory though, the FilipinaGerman was happy to kick her heels off and express the happiness in her heart. “I want thank you all so much for accepting me and for supporting me—the last Filipina standing,” she ended.
We have abused power and called it political savvy. We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the timehonored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of this state and who have been ordained by You, to govern this great state of Kansas. Grant them your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of Your Will. I ask in in the name of your Son, The Living Savior, Jesus Christ. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
as musician, as a person and performer. I’ll be doing covers and original songs from my album.” He is excited for the K-pop medley and promises a lot of dancing along the way. And like the diamond symbol he chose as part of his digital conference’s logo, he vows to promote only what is strong and positive – like love and hope, among others. This should be an interesting way to usher in a new week, and welcome the challenges another new month brings.
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Diverse group of graduates honored in 5th PGRAD in New York NEW YORK – Filipino and Filipino-American graduates of bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees marched together as one community last June 20 during the 5th Philippine Graduation (PGRAD) ceremony held at the Philippine Center New York’s Kalayaan Hall. The PGRAD Class of 2017 is comprised of 27 newly-minted degree-holders from diverse fields such as Law and Social Sciences, Business Management, Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Education. The event was hosted by the Philippine Consulate General New York in cooperation with secondgeneration Filipino-American organization UniPro. Consul General Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, in her welcome remarks, recalled the very first PGRAD which she inaugurated back in 2013. She stated her pleasure in seeing the growth of PGRAD, and her hope that the rise in numbers also translate to the increase and quality of involvement of the Filipino community youth sector. She noted that the PGRAD is an entryway to community engagement and collaboration among the young FilipinoAmericans. Tony and Grammy awardwinning Broadway producer Jhett Tolentino delivered the keynote address, referencing to his humble roots in the slums of Iloilo and his perseverance that helped him achieve his lofty dreams. He credited his early realization of the value of education and desire to
give back to his family and the community that made him strive for scholarships which funded his high school and college education. This year, the Office of New York State Assemblyman Brian Barnwell issued Certificates to all the PGRAD honorees and also gave Long Citations to three exemplary PGRAD participants – Councilman Jonathan Wong, Ms. Venessa Manzano, and Ms. Laura Garcia. Mahwah, New Jersey Councilman Jonathan Wong, the youngest elected Fil-Am in public office who finished his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School expressed his gratitude to his Filipino mother for instilling in him the values of respect for elders, focus on education, and pride in his familial and patriotic heritage. Venessa Manzano, Founder of the Filipino School of New York and New Jersey who also completed her Master of Nonprofit Management in Columbia University, honored her father for the sacrifices he made as the head of an immigrant family in America. She looked back on her father’s humble roots in the Philippines and shared she draws inspiration from them to strive to bring pride and esteem to her family and the motherland. Laura Garcia, recent graduate of Doctor of Nursing Practice at the Farleigh Dickinson University, who also serves as President of the Siliman University Alumni Association and Vice Chairman of the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations
Debunking diet...
From Page 5
by free radicals. So, eating them daily is healthy for us, but for fat and weight reduction, the only guaranteed formula is our basic common sense principle: output must be equal to intake (calories taken in = calories burned) in order to maintain a certain weight. And you can extrapolate
from there to suit your personal goal. Are sodas/soft drinks safe? Soft drinks, regular or diet, cola or uncola, caffeinated or not, are not only unhealthy but toxic to the body, especially for children. They increase the risk for the development of metabolic syndrome, number one killer
(NaFFAA) New York chapter, imparted lessons she has learned as a community leader, a professional, and a FilipinoAmerican. She commended her fellow graduates for the success they have attained in their academic pursuits, at the same time urged them to give back to those in need. Ms Meredith Wittman, Director of Community Relations, spoke on behalf of Assemblyman Barnwell and recognized the contributions of the FilipinoAmerican community to the diversity of New York. She noted that their District in Queens is bustling with active Filipino constituents, culture, and businesses that uplift the greatness of New York State. The Northern Star Award, reserved for the graduate who demonstrated dedication in community values was given by the Organizing Committee to PGRAD Founding Partner Kristina Kalaw Joyas, who also earned her Master in Nonprofit Management in Columbia University. Kristina, who founded Legacy NY, which promotes mentoring college students on community engagement and advocacy, recalled her pride in seeing the youth sector’s enthusiasm in asserting their Filipino roots and connecting to the Philippines. During the intermission, FUSION, the Filipino student organization of the City University of New York – Baruch College performed their Battle of the Barrios-winning Modern Dance routine to the delight of the audience.
among diseases. For those on a diet, drinking soft drinks is like pouring water on someone who is already drowning. Taxes for soft drinks, like taxes for cigarettes, are being increased through legislation to discourage people from using these toxic agents. Diet without exercise While dieting or watching our diet, pushing ourselves away from the dining table less than full to
Philippine Consulate officials, Regional and Area KOR officers, Chapter Commanders, and other officers and members of the Knights of Rizal in New York and New Jersey are joined by members of the Ladies for Rizal during the commemoration of the 156th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal in New York.
PH Consulate, The Knights of Rizal commemorate Rizal’s birthday anniversary NEW YORK – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and various chapters of the Knights of Rizal (KOR) led the commemoration of the 156th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on June 19 at the Philippine Center in New York. The regional and area officers of the KOR in the East Coast and chapter commanders from New York and New Jersey were joined by the Ladies for Rizal and members of the Fil-Am community in the celebration. This year’s event drew one of the largest participation from the different KOR Chapters in and around New York City with 9 chapters represented, namely: Bergenfield, Jersey City, Long Island, Metropolitan, Morris County, New York, Passaic, Square and Compass, and Union. Other
honored guests included Ms. Rose Torres Javier and Ms.Mia Bantug Locsin great, great grandnieces of Dr. Rizal through his sister Narcisa. The commemoration opened with an excerpt featuring a recitation of Rizal’s poem Mi Ultimo Adios from the criticallyacclaimed movie “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis” (A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery), written and directed by Lav Diaz. It was followed by a knighting ceremony of 13 new members of the KOR New York Chapter, the 2017 commemoration host chapter, officiated by Sir Engr. Roger Alama KGCR, Sir Dr. Emilio Quines KGOR, Sir Dr. Prospero Lim KGOR, Sir Jose L. Ramos, Jr. KGOR, and Sir Atty. Ferdinand G. Suba KGOR. In her remarks, Consul
General Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-de Vega, herself a member of the Ladies for Rizal, gave a reflection on her favorite Rizal character, the enigmatic Elias of Noli Me Tangere and Rizal’s views of reform and revolution. Dr Quines also gave his reflection on the life and ideas of the National Hero, focusing on history and slavery, while Atty. Manuel Quintal KCR reflected on Rizal’s ideas about the freedom of religious belief. The other chapter commanders recited different immortal quotes by Dr. Rizal. The participants and guests were serenaded by the KOR New York choir which performed a rendition of the “Ikaw ang Mahal Ko” and led the community singing of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” at the end of the program.
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*** 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
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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 30, 2017