New york:new jersey march 24 30, 2017

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Volume10 – Issue 26 • 16 Pages

MA R C H 2 4 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 7

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DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Fil-Am tapped to head civil division of Justice Dept. PresIDent Donald trump is eyeing a filipino-American attorney to lead the civil division of the Department of Justice (DoJ), according to various reports. If confirmed by the senate, george conway — who is the husband of senior White house counselor Kellyanne conway — would be tasked with defending the administration in its legal battles, including the controversial travel ban, as first reported by the Wall Street Journal. the president’s revised travel ban against six predominantly muslim nations has been blocked by federal judges in hawaii and maryland earlier this month. on friday, march 17, the DoJ filed papers in federal court in maryland in an effort to reinstate the freeze on immigrant and visitor arrivals from the countries in question. the trump administration has argued that the executive order would help national security, while opponents say it is anti-muslim. A partner in the litigation department of

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

Palace chides NY Times report for ‘well-paid hack job’ report on Duterte his more than two-decade term as Davao city’s mayor, and later as the country’s president. “President rodrigo Duterte relishes mAlAcAñAng on Wednesday, march 22 criticized the New York Times (NYT) the image of killer-savior. he boasts of for what it described a “cynical and un- killing criminals with his own hand. on fair” report about Philippine President occasion, he calls for mass murder,” read the NYT report, authored by richrodrigo Duterte. In its article entitled “Becom- ard Paddock. In his piece, Paddock described ing Duterte: the making of a Philippine strongman,” the NYT recounted Duterte as a “child of privilege turned Duterte’s life from his early childhood to populist politician” and “an anti-drug by Dana

SioSon AJPress

crusader who has struggled with drug abuse.” “obsessed with death, he has turned his violent vision into national policy,” Paddock wrote. “first as a mayor, now as president of the Philippines, he has encouraged the police and vigilantes to kill thousands of people with impunity.” commenting on the article, Philippine Presidential spokesperson ernesto Abella said in a statement that the NYT’s

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Speaker calls Robredo ‘shameless,’ to pursue impeachment

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Jollibee opens store in Florida

JollIBee foods corp. (Jfc), one of the largest quick service restaurant (Qsr) operators in the Philippines, opened its first store in Jacksonville, florida on saturday, march 18. the branch is Jfc’s 36th store in the Us. Jacksonville is the most populous city in the sunshine state and home to the largest filipino-American community in florida. “As Jollibee debuts in florida, we anticipate seeing not only a multitude of excited Jollibee patrons waiting to get their hands on their Jollibee favorites, but also first-timers waiting to have their own Jollibee experience,” Jose miñana, Jfc President for north America, said in a statement. “At Jollibee, we aim to bring families together for happy moments over great tasting food with superior value, served with warm and friendly service — our own brand of joy,” he added. Jfc is also set to open stores in the United Kingdom; manhattan in new York; Italy; Australia and Japan this year. In 2016, Jfc opened its first stores in canada (Winnipeg) and Illinois (skokie). “ever since our early beginnings as an ice

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by Marc JaySon

DUTERTE IN THAILAND. President Rodrigo Duterte bows before cultural performers during a state dinner in his honor, hosted by Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha (right) at the Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday, March 21. Malacañang photo

Duterte ready to ‘give all’ to Trump except military alliance PH assures the US of friendship, cooperation

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PhIlIPPIne President rodrigo Duterte expressed his openness to enhance the country’s relationship with the United states amid the seemingly tense ties caused by human rights concerns in connection with his controversial war against drugs. Duterte, who has been highly crit-

ical of former U.s. President Barack obama, said that he is “okay” with his new counterpart, President Donald trump. “President trump and I are okay and I can assure him also of our friendship and cooperation. We have no problem there,” Duterte told the filipino community in naypyidaw during his state visit to myanmar on sunday, march 19. the Philippine leader, who took

by Maila

ager Inquirer.net

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cayabyab

Inquirer.net

For last time, Senate pays tribute to Leticia Ramos-Shahani PromInent personalities in politics showed up at the senate on thursday, march 23 to pay their last respects to former senator leticia ramos-shahani, who passed away last monday at age 87. shahani’s brother, former President fidel V. ramos (fVr), led the necrological service for her at the senate session hall at 2:30 p.m. Among those who came to condole with the bereft family were former President and manila mayor Joseph estrada, former Vice President teofisto

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella

office in July last year, constantly lambasted obama and his administration for condemning the government’s campaign against illegal drugs and the alleged human rights violations. since Duterte took office, the Philippine national Police (PnP) has recorded nearly 8,000 deaths, which were committed by legitimate police operations and vigilante killings.

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sPeAKer Pantaleon Alvarez on thursday, march 23 said he would still push through with the impeachment of Vice President leni robredo even without President rodrigo Duterte’s support. In a text message to reporters, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez Alvarez said the lower house, dominated by a supermajority of administration allies, should also do its mandate under the constitution. “We respect the President, but we have to do our duty as mandated by the constitution.” Alvarez said. this even though Duterte thumbed down the impeachment of his vice president and said robredo’s criticisms of his administration’s drug war were part of freedom of expression. In a separate television interview, Alvarez slammed robredo for her alleged impeachable offense of taking to the United nations

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Forbes: Henry Sy richest Filipino, Bill Gates world’s top billionaire by AJPress

SENATE PAYS TRIBUTE TO FORMER SEN. SHAHANI. Senate President Koko Pimentel III (4th from left) presents adopted Senate Resolution No. 44, expressing the Senate’s sympathy and condolences to the family of former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani, led by her brother, former President Fidel Ramos (2nd from left), at the Senate Plenary Hall in Pasay City, Thursday, March 23. Incumbent and past senators recalled Shahani’s achievements and contributions to the country and the world as a Filipina lawmaker, diplomat and educator. Also in photo are (right to left) Senators Sonny Angara, Richard Gordon, Senate Minority Leader Frank Drilon, Senate Majority Leader Tito Sotto III, along with Shahani’s daughter, Lila, and son, Chanda. Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

sm Investments corporation founder henry sy topped the 2017 ranking of American business magazine forbes’ list of the wealthiest individuals in the Philippines. sy and his family had a net worth of $12.7 billion, ranking 94th worldwide in the magazine’s 2017 Billionaires list published on monday, march 20. coming second in the Philippine ranking is Jg summit holdings’ John gokongwei Jr. with a net worth of $5.8 bil- There were three more Filipinos on Forbes’ billionaire’s list this year than last year.

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Philstar.com photo by RP Ocampo

A MARCH 24-30, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Palace chides NY Times report for ‘well-paid… PAGE A1 t article seems like a “well-paid hack job for well-heeled clients with shady motives.” “NYT cynically and unfairly narrates the president’s rise to power in the context of violence,” Abella claimed. He also stressed that Duterte “does not engage in western liberal niceties to promote his agenda, to rebuild a nation with compromised internal structures.”

“[Duterte] is a rough-hewn outsider who vowed to ‘reduce poverty; restore trust in the government by addressing crime, corruption and illegal drugs; and reinforce peace agreements,” Abella said. Taking note that Davao City is “hailed as one of the safest cities in the world,” Abella likewise accused the NYT of deliberately failing to mention the many initiatives the president made when he was mayor.

Abella then cited Duterte’s achievements while leading the city, such as his anti-smoking and midnight alcohol ban, the establishment of an emergency response center, and health and education assistance, among others. “One gets the feeling NYT is not interested in presenting the whole truth, only that with which they can bully those who attempt an independent foreign policy,” the spokesperson added. n

Forbes: Henry Sy richest Filipino…

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DUTERTE MEETS SUU KYI. President Rodrigo Duterte meets Myanmar’s de facto leader, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, on Monday, March 20. Speaking before the Filipino community in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, Duterte said he was “okay” with Trump and was eyeing a better working relationship with his US counterpart. Malacañang photo

Duterte ready to ‘give all’ to…

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Washington, under the leadership of Obama, repeatedly urged the Philippine president to stop the killings. In response, Duterte hit Washington for being a “hypocrite,” citing the supposed human rights violations in the United States. Malacañang, likewise, repeatedly stressed that the extrajudicial killings are not state-sanctioned but rather, conducted by vigilante suspects trying to ride the drug war. However, unlike Obama, Duterte noted that Trump, who took office in January this year,

supports his anti-illegal drugs campaign. “For the previous president, I was evil. The crazy man was planning to jail me. This other one, he says, ‘You’re right,’” Duterte said, referring to Obama and Trump, respectively. The Philippine president also said that he is ready to “give all, whatever it is” under the Trump administration, with the exemption of military alliances. “Short of, I said, the military alliances, I don’t like that. We can’t handle those,” Duterte remarked. During a media interview in

Burma, Duterte described Trump as a “realist.” “He (Trump) is a guy who knows what is real, what is not, and he does not engage in theories. And even in the matter of human rights, he takes into account everything,” Duterte said. He added, “I think we’re headed for something that is very... an understanding platform for both countries.” Hitting his international critics anew, Duterte lambasted the United States and the European Union (EU) for “trying to be dictator(s)” by “imposing their

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For last time, Senate pays tribute…

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Guingona Jr., former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr, former senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Rene Saguisag, Ramon Magsaysay Jr., Wigberto Tañada, Heherson Alvarez, Nikki Coseteng, Orlando Mercado, Rodolfo Biazon and Alfredo Lim. Incumbent senators led by Senate President Aqulino “Koko” Pimentel III, Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Loren Legarda, Bam Aquino, and

Alan Cayetano also attended the necrological service. Also in attendance were former Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and former Quezon Representative Erin Tañada. Among those who gave eulogies for the late senator were Nene Pimentel, Saguisag, Magsayay, and Aquino. Senator Sonny Angara, in a statement, called Shahani a “woman of substance.” “A woman of substance; a brilliant lawmaker; a nationalist diplomat; a fighter for women’s

rights. As a public servant, Senator Shahani displayed an exemplary and unselfish duty to the Filipino people and the country,” Angara said. “RIP (rest in peace) former Senator Letty Ramos Shahani. Condolences to the family she left behind including former President FVR and former Vice Governor Shahani,” he added. Shahani served the Senate from 1987 to 1998. She was the first female senator elected as Senate President Pro-Tempore in the 9th and 10thCongresses. n

lion, followed by Philippine Airlines and Asia Brewery’s taipan Lucio Tan ($3.7 billion), George Ty ($3.5 billion), and Enrique Razon Jr. ($3.4 billion). Worldwide, Gokongwei ranked 250th, Tan 501st, Ty 544th, and Razon 564th.

Completing the list of Filipino billionaires were Tony Tan Caktiong ($3.4 billion), David Consunji ($3.1 billion), Andrew Tan ($2.5 billion), Robert Coyiuto Jr. ($1.5 billion), former Sen. Manny Villar ($1.5 billion), Ramon Ang ($1.4 billion), Eduardo Cojuangco ($1.2 billion), Roberto Ongpin ($1.1 bil-

lion) and Edgar Sia ($1 billion). On the other hand, Microsoft’s Bill Gates remained the world’s richest man for four consecutive years, dominating the list 18 times over the past 23 years. According to Forbes, his fortune increased to $86 billion from $75

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Speaker calls Robredo ‘shameless,’ to…

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her criticisms of the administration’s bloody war on drugs. He said although it was part of Robredo’s freedom of speech to make criticisms, it was “irresponsible” for her to paint a dire picture of the country before the international community. “Freedom of speech does not exempt an official from an irresponsible act,” Alvarez said. He said it may be the first time in the country’s history for a vice president to do such an act. “First time sa kasaysayan na may opisiyal na makapal ang mukha. Nagpadala ng video sa UN para siraan ang ating bansa. Nasaan ang kaniyang patriotism, love of country?” Alvarez said. (It may be the first time in our country’s history for us to have an official that shameless. She even sent a video to the UN to destroy our country’s image. Where is her patriotism, her love of country?). The Speaker said he has yet to hear from a group of lawyers and professors who are mulling an impeachment complaint against Robredo for betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution and other high crimes. Impeachment moves against Robredo gained traction since

A group of lawyers and professors on Thursday said they are mulling to file an impeachment complaint against Vice President Leni Robredo, but they denied they were doing so as “blind followers” or “minions” of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano filed an impeachment complaint against President Duterte for the latter’s alleged hand in the vigilante killings by the Davao Death Squad and the spate of extrajudicial killings at the height of his administration’s war on drugs, as well as his alleged P2.2 billion hidden wealth. Alvarez led criticisms that Robredo was behind the impeachment, noting that the filing of Magdalo’s impeachment complaint coincided with her message to the United Nations Com-

mission on Narcotic Drugs blasting the administration’s narcotics war. In her video, Robredo exposed the alleged “palit ulo” scheme where poor families were rounded up by the police who would then demand that relatives be taken in exchange for the accused drug personalities if the latter were missing. The first impeachment complaint was endorsed for the Speaker’s support by Marcos loyalists Oliver Lozano and Melchor Chavez. n

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Dateline USa

EYES ON PIA. Miss Universe 2016 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach walks past Binibining Pilipinas 2017 candidates who were presented to the media at Novotel in Quezon City on Wednesday, March 22. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada

Fil-Ams in New Jersey hold forum on involvement in the US political process

FIL-AM community members in Jersey City, New Jersey held the “Filipino Americans in Politics”, a forum on how to be involved in the political process in the United States, on March 16. The Fil-Am speakers who shared their views and experiences in the political field are Councilman Salvador Deauna of Bergenfield; Cheryl Quinio-Blogett, President of Keenyo Consultants, LLC; and Arvind Swamy, Managing partner of City Strategy. The event was moderated by FilipinoAmerican press members Lenn Almadin-Thornhill and Cristina Pastor.

The speakers discussed the importance of participating in the US political arena, starting with the local councils and institutions. The speakers and the audience, both those at the venue and online, exchanged ideas on the different approaches to encourage members of the Fil-Am community to actively and constructively participate in different political activities and have their voices heard. Philippine Consul General in New York Ma. Theresa Dizon-de Vega shared the need to “incubate” and mentor upcoming FilAm leaders who are inclined in governance to train and prepare

The speakers and moderators of the forum with Philippine Consulate officials. (from right) Ms. Lenn Almadin-Thornhill, Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-de Vega, Councilman Salvador Deauna, Ms. Cheryl Quinio-Blogett, Mr. Arvind Swamy, Ms. Cristina Pastor, and Consul Arman R. Talbo.

Jollibee opens store in… PAGE A1 t

cream parlor back in 1975, it has always been our mission to bring joy to families and friends over good food. More than 40 years and 1,000 stores later, we continue to fulfill this by expanding our horizons to a global market. We still get a thrill each and every time we open a new store and introduce our brand of happiness to different parts of the world,” Ernesto Tanmantiong, JFC chief executive officer, said. JFC was the 10th largest QSR in the world as of 2015, according to a Bloomberg data cited by the company. The group set a spending budget of P14 billion this year for store expansion and renovation and for reorganizing and expanding its commissaries. Excluding joint venture stores, JFC opened 340 outlets last year, 243 of them in the Philippines and 97 abroad. As of end-2016,

the company’s store network stood at 3,254 stores with 2,643 outlets in the Philippines and 611 abroad. The group’s brand network is composed of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, and Burger King in the Philippines and in other parts of the world; as well as Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, and Dunkin’ Donuts in China; as well as Smashburger in the US. (Krystyn Nika M. Lazo / ManilaTimes.net)

Duterte ready to ‘give…

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culture and their beliefs.” “You know, you are trying to be a dictator. You dictate upon nations what, how, and what you believe in,” Duterte said. “That is why they worry about the human rights even if it is not a citizen of their country and dito, what is very sad is they believe in the propaganda.” In a joint resolution adopted last week, the EU Parliament said it “strongly condemns” the

alleged summary killings in connection to Duterte’s drug war. It also expressed “grave concern over credible reports to the effect that the Philippine police force is falsifying evidence to justify extrajudicial killings.” It called on the Philippine government to “immediately carry out impartial and meaningful investigations into these extrajudicial killings and to prosecute and bring all perpetrators to justice.” n

Forbes: Henry Sy richest… PAGE A2 t

billion last year. Claiming the second slot for the world’s top billionaire list is Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett ($75.6 billion). He was followed by Jeff Bezos ($72.8 billion) of Amazon.com. Adding $27.6 billion to his fortune, Forbes said Bezos had “the best year of any person on the planet.” Bezos was included top three world ranking for the first time, moving up from number five last year. Amancio Ortega of fashion chain Zara came in fourth $71.3 billion. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg ($56 billion) climbed to number five. “It was a record year for the richest people on earth, as the number of billionaires jumped 13 percent to 2,043 from 1,810 last year, the first time ever that

Forbes has pinned down more than 2,000 ten-figure-fortunes,” the article read. According to Forbes, the collective net worth of billionaires around the globe rose by 18 percent, amounting to $7.67 trillion, which it said is also a record. “The change in the number of billionaires — up 233 since the 2016 list — was the biggest in the 31 years that Forbes has been tracking billionaires globally. Gainers since last year’s list outnumbered losers by more than three to one,” it further read. Forbes said that Southeast Asia was home to the most billionaires, amounting to 720. The United States, meanwhile, had the most number of billionaires compared to other nations, totaling 565. Next are China (319 billionaires), Germany (114), and India (101). n

them for their future roles and maximize their potential. She also emphasized the importance of getting involved in local organizations and institutions like the school and zoning boards. The Consulate, in coordination with Filipino-Americans politicians and community leaders, is slated to conduct this year a follow-up Seminar on mentoring the emerging generation of Filipino-Americans with an interest in and potential for political advocacy and governance work. The seminar likewise aims to educate the community on civic and political systems and processes. n

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 24-30, 2017

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PH loses millions in US, EU grants, trade agreements over human rights issues THE accusations of human rights violations may have cost the Philippines to lose millionsworth of grants from the United States and trade agreements with the European Union, the Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Tuesday, March 21. In December last year, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. poverty reduction agency, said that it has “deferred a vote on the re-selection of the Philippines for compact development, subject to a further review of concerns around rule of law and civil liberties.” After a $434 million package in 2011, MCC said it withheld its second aid due to “significant concerns around rule of law and civil liberties.” “The United States has not renewed its Millennium Challenge Corporation grant to the

Philippines expiring in May this year because of alleged human rights violations,” Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno told reporters in a sideline interview during the 15th meeting of the Senior Officials Responsible for Information (SOMR) of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). After the completion of the first grant, the MCC’s new program was supposed to also run for five years and be implemented until 2022 under Duterte’s term. But over the past few months, the U.S. has criticized Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody crackdown on illegal drugs. The corporation’s website states that countries can only qualify if they “demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, investments in its people, and economic free-

dom.” Additionally, Sueno warned that the 27 trade agreements with the European Union might be hurt as well, mentioning that some European countries threatened to impose taxes on Philippine products. “This will make our farmers suffer because this will be charged to them by European countries as a sanction to the Philippines. Many countries in Europe are importing products from the country,” Sueno pointed out. In a joint resolution adopted last week, the EU Parliament said it “strongly condemns” the alleged summary killings in connection to Duterte’s drug war. It also expressed “grave concern over credible reports to the effect that the Philippine police force is falsifying evidence to justify ex-

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Fil-Am tapped to head civil division…

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law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz since 1994, Conway has worked on numerous high-profile cases in federal and state courts across the United States. In the 1990s, he was part of the team representing Paula Jones, an Arkansas state employee who filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against then-President Bill Clinton, ABC News reported. Conway helped write the Supreme Court brief that established a legal precedent for a sitting president to be sued in civil court.

The Republican lawyer has also represented a handful of corporate clients, including Philip Morris and the National Football League. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School, where he was an editor of the Yale Law Journal. In 1987 and 1988, he served as a law clerk to Circuit Judge Ralph K. Winter, Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Conway was previously rumored to be the president’s choice for solicitor general of the

DOJ, however, Noel J. Francisco — who is also of Filipino descent — was picked instead. Should Conway and Francisco be confirmed for their respective posts, they join several Fil-Ams serving in the Trump administration, including Joyce Yamat Meyer (deputy assistant to the president and House Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs), Kelly Ilagan (deputy associate director for presidential personnel), and Ninio Fetalvo (White House assistant press secretary), as the Asian Journal reported. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)

A MARCH 24-30, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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

New York Consulate, PH labor officials create awareness for national reintegration program for Filipino workers

IN a presentation on the Philippine Reintegration Program for Filipino overseas workers Filipino domestic workers’ associations, Damayan and Maharlika and other Community members joined Labor Assistant Secretary Gloria Tango, Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Director Chona Mantilla of the National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO), and Welfare Officer Petrona Bergado in a Town Hall Forum at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center last March 17. Dr. Rhodora M. Bucoy, ChairOCCUPY ‘BORACAY.’ A group of protesters led by actress Vivian Velez (third from left) storm the official residence of Vice President Maria person of the Philippine ComLeonor ‘Leni’ Robredo in New Manila, Quezon City on Saturday, March 18 to demand her impeachment or resignation. The residence now mission on Women and Head occupies the site of the infamous ‘Boracay’ mansion linked to ex-president Joseph Estrada. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan of the Philippine delegation for the 61stSession of the Commission on the Status of Women and Commission on Audit Assistant Commissioner Lourdes Castillo, acts in exchange for a certain Homeland Security Investigaby Kenneth hernAndez Commission were also present fee. tions (HSI) Manila, and HSI in ManilaTimes.net This operation was also sup- during the Forum. Portland, Maine. Consul General De Vega welOPERATIVES of the National The anti-trafficking operation ported by the Philippine DeBureau of Investigation-Anti-Hu- against the sisters Arlene and partment of Social Welfare and comed the visiting officials and man Trafficking Division (NBI- Emelinda Aringo was carried out Development Region 4-A and stressed the importance of keepAHTRAD) conducted an entrap- after a formal referral from the the International Justice Misment in Dasmariñas, Cavite on United States Homeland Inves- sion, a non-governmental orgaThursday, March 17 to arrest two tigations, Immigration and Cus- nization. individuals for offering children toms Enforcement (HSIICE) was A US Embassy official said that for cybersex. the Philippines ranks high in the sent to the NBI-AHTRAD. The anti-cybersex operation The information stated that list of countries that offer chilwas successfully conducted a person was offering online dren for cybersex. through close coordination be- shows of under-aged Filipino Rescued were 13 minors, five tween NBI-AHTRAD and the girls doing sexually-explicit u PAGE A5

PH-US cooperation leads to arrest of 2 in cybersex ops

ing the Filipino overseas community updated on the latest developments in the Philippine Government’s Reintegration Program. Assistant Secretary Tango gave the outline and general policies in the enabling laws Republic Act 8042 and Republic Act 10022 - that were adopted in support of the creation of NRCO. Director Mantilla explained the mandate as well as different projects of NRCO available to Filipino workers and family members during unexpected crisis situations or upon their return to the country. Welfare Officer Petrona Bergado gave a presentation emphasizing the benefits of being an OWWA member to encourage qualified overseas Filipino workers to enroll as OWWA members. During the Q&A, Maharlika and Damayan members clarified a number of items that include OWWA/ NRCO eligibil-

ity requirements, benefits, and manner of enrolment, revival of OWWA membership for domestic workers, the extent of benefits of NRCO, and programs that are beneficial to family members and Overseas Filipino workers upon their return to the country. The National Reintegration Program promotes the delivery of responsive, productive and sustainable reintegration services to OFW returnees that will enable them to maximize the gains of overseas employment, mitigate the social costs of migration and cushion the impact of forced repatriation due to unexpected events The Consulate General seeks deeper engagement and collaboration with the Filipino community in matters relating to promotion of workers’ welfare and labor rights as well as actively pursuing partnerships with Philippine government agencies and private sector groups to assist underserved sectors in the diaspora. n

REPEAL & REPLACE WATCH

GOP scraps individual mandate but sets up new penalty for those skipping coverage

PH loses millions in US, EU grants…

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trajudicial killings.” Likewise, the parliament called on the Philippine government to “immediately carry out impartial and meaningful investigations into these extrajudicial killings and to prosecute and bring all perpetrators to justice.” “Our government is now accused of violating human rights,” Sueno said. “So we stand to lose in this 27 trade agreements.” More than 8,000 individuals have been reportedly killed since Duterte launched the campaign when he took office last July. His administration has repeatedly denied that the killings were state-sanctioned. Suenos said: “We stand to lose many things. This is the consequence of what they are doing to the president.” “This is being propagated by

many sectors in the government and recently by VP,” he added, referring to Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo. Last week, Robredo decried the killings and human rights abuses associated with the Philippine government’s brutal war against illegal drugs in recorded message to the United Nations (UN). In a video uploaded on March 13, the vice president emphasized that the thousands of killings and human rights abuses allegedly tied to the drug war have left Filipinos feeling “hopeless” and “helpless.” According to her, Filipinos were beaten up for requesting search warrants, and poor people were “rounded up in places like basketball courts, women separated from men, those with tattoos asked to stand in the cor-

ner, their belongings searched.” Robredo also mentioned the supposed “exchange of head” or “palit-ulo” scheme, in which she said, “the wife, husband or relative in a so-called drug list will be taken if the person himself could not be found.” However, Malacañang and the Philippine National Police (PNP) were quick to dismiss Robredo’s definition of the “exchange of head” scheme, clarifying that it actually refers to a practice wherein arrested drug pushers can reveal their supplier or higher drug lords in exchange for being charged with a lighter offense. For his part, Sueno said that “it would help if Vice President Robredo presents to us solid proof about this so-called ‘Palit Ulo’ scheme so we can act on it immediately.” (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

by AnnA

GormAn And JordAn rAu Kaiser Health News

THE Affordable Care Act’s tax penalty for people who opt out of health insurance is one of the most loathed parts of the law, so it is no surprise that Republicans are keen to abolish it. But the penalty, called the individual mandate, plays a vital function: nudging healthy people into the insurance markets where their premiums help pay for the cost of care for the sick. That has required Republican lawmakers to come up with an alternative. The GOP approach is called a “continuous coverage” penalty. It increases premiums for people who buy insurance if they have gone 63 consecutive days without a policy during the past 12 months. Their premiums would rise by 30 percent and that surcharge would last for a year. While the ACA assesses a fine for each year people don’t buy insur-

ance, the GOP plan would punish those who decide to purchase it after not being in the market. Much is at stake. If this approach fails to prod enough healthy people into buying insurance, rates for everyone else in the insurance pool will rise, destabilizing promises by President Donald Trump and GOP leaders to make their Obamacare replacement more affordable. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects that millions fewer people will buy insurance if the individual mandate is repealed and replaced with a continuous coverage surcharge. Why do people allow their insurance to lapse? Some simply can’t afford the premiums, like Sheila Swartz. She and her husband, Don, who has a heart condition, dropped their policy in December after learning monthly premiums were going to increase by about $140 to $530. “You can’t get blood out of a turnip,” said Swartz, who

lives outside Nashville, Tenn., and works as a house cleaner. “If you can’t afford that premium, you can’t afford that premium.” Others stop paying premiums when they lose a job or are hit with unexpected costs in other areas, such as major home or car repairs. “If you have to pay rent or health insurance, you are probably not going to choose health insurance,” said Bruce Jugan, a health insurance broker in Montebello, Calif. Some people try to game the system, taking the calculated risk of going without insurance until they get sick or know they need expensive medical care, such as for maternity or an elective surgery. Both the Affordable Care Act and the GOP proposal include a deterrent by limiting people from enrolling anytime they want. People must wait for annual enrollment periods, usually in the final weeks of the year, meaning

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PNP chief admits ‘palit ulo’ scheme but denies Robredo’s definition by Dana

SioSon AJPress

DUTERTE’S ENTOURAGE. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses with members of the Philippine delegation to Myanmar and Thailand while on-board PAL Flight PR001 on Sunday, March 19, 2017. In the photo are (from left) Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Senate Majority Leader Vicente C. Sotto III, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panel and Foreign Affairs Acting Secretary Enrique Manalo. Malacañang photo

Demand for PH office spaces remain strong amid Trump’s protectionist policies Property consulting firm JLL reports BPO industry drive market by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE demand for office spaces in the Philippines will continue to grow despite uncertainties in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector likely caused by United States President Donald Trump’s protectionist stance, according to property consulting firm Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). During the Asia CEO Executive Forum on Tuesday, March 21, JLL’s Asia-Pacific CEO Anthony Couse said that the BPO industry were still the main drivers of office rentals in the Philip-

pines, notwithstanding Trump’s pronouncements to restrict the outsourcing of products and services to generate more jobs for Americans. “Demand side for office remains very strong. Particularly here in Manila, the BPO industry continues to drive the office market,” Manila Times quoted Couse in its report. Couse projected that the Philippines will continue to experience strong demand for its office inventory for the next three years, citing the country’s ability to weather global headwinds. Taking note that the Philip-

pines is the second fastest growing economy in Asia, Couse said that the Philippines also offers a “cost advantage.” “Foreign investors that are already here in the Philippines or in Asia Pacific are already comfortable. They are not concerned about [Trump’s protectionist policies],” he added. Despite the positive projection, Couse advised real estate investors to “diversify risks.” “You cannot rely on one sector. We maintain the BPO industry will continue to grow but we need to diversify,” Couse noted,

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Overseas voter registration sets new record OVERSEAS voter registration that started on December 1 last year and will end on September 30, 2018, has set a new record for first quarter performance, the Overseas Voting Secretariat announced March 15. The drive has garnered a total of 67,497 new overseas voter registrants for purposes of the 2019 elections. It has surpassed the numbers of the first three months of 201415 registration (64,074) and the previous record of 64,917 that was set in 2009. The attainable target for this registration period is 1.1 million OV registrants, which would net a cumulative total of 2,130,000 active registered voters for the coming national elections. The overseas voter registra-

tion in preparation for the 2016 elections netted a cumulative total of 1,376,067 active registered overseas voters. The 826,881 new registrants for the 2016 elections, was more than a 100% increase over the 398,554 new registrants for the 2013

elections. Of the almost 1.4 million registered overseas voters, 590,440 were in the Middle East and Africa, 334,215 in the Asia Pacific, 263,316 in the Americas, 138,757 in Europe, and 49,339 were Seabased. (Inquirer.net)

GOP scraps individual mandate but sets…

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that some people might have to wait months before getting coverage. (People still can get insurance during special enrollment periods if they lose a job, get divorced or have another specified major life change.) How tough is the GOP penalty compared with the individual mandate? Under the ACA, the average individual mandate penalty in 2015 was $442, according to the Internal Revenue Service. The GOP penalty would vary based on cost of premiums but generally would be more expensive than paying the mandate’s penalty. A 40-year-old with annual premiums of $4,328 would pay an extra $1,298 because of the GOP surcharge. “It’s got teeth,” said Cheryl Damberg, a Rand Corp. economist. “In some ways, it’s a more punishing penalty, and it’s going to hit people who are least capable of financially affording it.” Seth Chandler, a law professor at the University of Houston Law Center who has been critical of the Affordable Care Act’s insurance markets, said he is skeptical the GOP surcharge is high enough to make people enroll. “I am concerned that the Republicans are succumbing to the same softness of heart as the Democrats succumbed too when they set the individual mandate [fine],” he said. “If you start to see insurance companies object or drop out of the markets, that’s a sign this thing is miscalculated.”

you approach that age.” What about people who can’t afford premiums? The GOP surcharge contains no hardship exemptions, unlike the individual mandate, which allowed people to escape paying a penalty if premiums would have eaten up too much of their income (8.16 percent in 2017). In 2015, 5.6 million people paid the individual mandate penalty, but another 11 million claimed a hardship exemption, according to the IRS. Lower-income people are going to have even more trouble buying — and keeping — coverage under the GOP plan, experts said. The ACA’s premium subsidies are based on income, and millions of people on the poorer end of the spectrum do not have to pay anything for premiums if they choose the cheapest plan. The GOP plan would offer a flat tax credit that adjusts only for age. The penalties would make some even more reluctant to buy insurance — especially if they are relatively healthy. “I think we would just end up with a lot more uninsured people, and they would clearly be the type of people who are less able to navigate and less able to afford insurance,” said Geoffrey Joyce, director of health policy for the University of Southern California Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics. Republican lawmakers say their plan rightly places the responsibility on individuals. It is a view shared by some health insurance brokers like Helena Ruffin, a broker in Playa Vista, Calif. She said that a continuous coverage requirement would “limit those people who are not playing They will be charged with viola- by the rules.” “I am favor of the penalties,” tion of the Trafficking in Persons Act, a non-bailable offense and she said. “Whether or not people Cybercrime Prevention Act of are going to pay attention is an2012, in relation to Child Por- other story.” KHN’s coverage in California nography. The cases were filed before the Department of Justice is funded in part by Blue Shield of California Foundation. on Friday. n

Two conservative economists at the American Enterprise Institute, Joseph Antos and James Capretta, argue the penalty is “far too small” to be effective. “Healthy consumers are likely to take their chances,” they wrote. “With the repeal of the individual mandate, and the retention of the ACA’s insurance rules, the overall effect would be significant market turbulence, starting immediately in 2017.” The CBO predicts that there would be a brief increase in the number of people holding insurance in 2018, as roughly 1 million people buy coverage to avoid the surcharge. In most years afterward, however, about 2 million fewer people would buy policies, either because of the surcharge or because of the requirement they provide documentation proving they had been insured. The CBO said healthy people in particular would be more likely to avoid buying policies. The plan has some parallels to Medicare’s late enrollment penalty, which is applied to premiums for people who did not sign up upon turning 65. But Christopher Koller, a former Rhode Island health insurance commissioner, doubts the GOP penalty would be as effective. “Medicare is an entitlement with the force of government behind it,” said Koller, now president of the Milbank Memorial Fund, a foundation in New York that focuses on healthy populations. “You get lots of notices about what your obligations are as

WHILE the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed the existence of the so-called “palit-ulo” (exchange of head) scheme in the government’s war against illegal drugs, Police Chief General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa insisted that it was far different from Vice President Leni Robredo’s definition. During a press briefing on Monday, March 20, Dela Rosa clarified that PNP’s “exchange of head” refers to a practice wherein arrested drug pushers can reveal their supplier or higher drug lords in exchange of being charged with a lighter offense. “Instead of Section 5, the suspect’s violation would be of Section 11, which is a lighter offense. But you have to name your source,” Dela Rosa explained, referring to the Republic Act no. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. R.A. 9165 Section 5 refers to the “Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and Transportation of Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals.” Section 11, meanwhile, refers to “Possession of Dangerous Drugs,” which is a lighter offense. Last week, Robredo decried the killings and human rights abuses in the Philippine government’s brutal war against illegal drugs in recorded message to the United Nations (UN). In the video uploaded on March 13, Robredo defined the alleged “exchange of head” as a police scheme in which “the wife, husband or relative in a socalled drug list will be taken if the person himself could not be found.” But Dela Rosa, for his part, vehemently denied the vice president’s version. He then challenged the vice president: “Show me that cop and I’ll punch his face in front of you. I will beat that cop. Show him to me if that scheme really happened. I won’t let them get

PNP Chief General Ronald De La Rosa.

away with such practices.” Malacañang previously said in a statement that Robredo “gravely misunderstood” the PNP’s “exchange of head” scheme. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella took note that while the vice president has the right to speak freely on matters of public concern, she also “has the responsibility to be careful with her statements especially avoiding unfounded allegations from questionable sources.” Echoing Abella, Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo described Robredo’s online video message as “misleading and consists of bare assertions that are not based on evidence.” But Robredo insisted that her statement is “very factual” and came from stories sent to the Office of the Vice President. “In fact, we tried to ask data from the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) and the PNP. But we didn’t get any response. So we didn’t know where to go and the people were asking our office for help and protection. We can’t stand by and not act on it,” she said. In response, Dela Rosa claimed that he didn’t receive any letters from the vice president. Robredo recently released a

Edwin Bacasma / Inquirer.net file photo

video message in which she emphasized how the government’s brutal war against illegal drugs had left Filipinos feeling “hopeless” and “helpless.” Since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte launched the campaign when he took office in July of last year, more than 8,000 people have reportedly been killed. “You cannot kill addicts and declare the problem solved… We must all demand greater transparency in the government’s war on drugs because this is a major, publicly-funded campaign,” the vice president remarked. Robredo pointed out that people have been beaten up for requesting search warrants, while poor people were likewise “rounded up in places like basketball courts, women separated from men, those with tattoos asked to stand in the corner, their belongings searched.” House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez recently warned that Robredo’s video, which allegedly undermines the Duterte’s administration before the international community, may amount to the “betrayal of public trust” that could be used as grounds for filing an impeachment case against her. n

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of whom admitted that they were abused online and offline. The Aringo sisters were also found to be positive for yellow fluorescent smudges, an indication that they received the marked money from the agents.

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Trading barbs

DESPITE a recent cordial encounter during the commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy Salaknib Class of 2017 in Baguio City last March 12, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and Vice Pres. Leni Robredo find themselves at odds once again over the interests of the country. On one side is the president who remains unshaken despite receiving a constant barrage of censure over his aggressive campaign against drugs and criminality. While he continues to vehemently fight the drug crisis and criminality in the country, many still refuse to see its success. Duterte knows it—that waging a punitive war on drugs has consequences. He even warned that his war on drugs will be bloody. For his critics, the staggering numbers of people who have been killed during police operations and through extrajudicial killings cannot hide the growing level of violence and impunity in the country. It generates human rights abuses such as abusive and inhumane punishments. And as the number grows, so does the fear of the populace for their own lives. On the other side is the vice president, a former volunteer labor and human rights lawyer, who believes that the current war on drugs compromises human rights in the country. Robredo insists that the bigger war the government must face is against

poverty. During the annual meeting of the 60th United Nations (UN) Commission on Narcotic Drugs last March 16, a controversial six-minute video message by Robredo was aired. Through the video, Robredo brought the world’s attention to the troubles in Duterte’s drug war, which she alleged has resulted in 7,000 people who died in summary executions, and flagrant human rights violations. “We are heartened that the issue of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines today is being discussed in an event such as this. To know that the international community’s eyes are on us and to feel that human rights advocates are watching over our country gives us comfort, courage and hope,” she said. Coincidentally, an impeachment complaint against the president was filed on the same day that Robredo’s video message to the UN was released. Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano filed the complaint about Duterte’s alleged betrayal of public trust and corruption. Duterte has ruled out the Robredo is involved

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

in any destabilization attempt against his government. However, his allies believe that the vice president is being used as a “political animal.” “The release of her (Robredo’s) UN video message lambasting the administration’s war on drugs before an international audience and the filing of an impeachment complaint at the House of Representatives which happened on the same day, seems too neat to be written off as mere coincidence,” Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said. Robredo might soon be facing impeachment of her own. House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he is planning an impeachment complaint against

Robredo for allegedly betraying the public’s trust. He accused the vice president that Robredo’s “inaccurate” video message to the UN has put the Philippines in a bad light and may result in serious economic consequences. While political mudslinging may seem typical in a democratic setting, the constant bickering attracts scaremongers, ones who are pushing into this emotionally polarized atmosphere to convince people on their side rather than ignite political aspirations and ideals. If this narrative continues, the ones who will lose are the Filipinos. (AJPress)

Pres. Trump lied to the American people and to the world Faces investigation on possible collusion with Russia

PRESIDENT Donald J. Trump lied. He lied to the American people. He lied to the world. And he is not owning up to it. He is not apologizing about it. In four rants on Twitter in the early morning of March 4, Trump accused President Barack Obama of a grave impeachable offense, claiming his predecessor wiretapped him in Trump Towers during the 2016 presidential election. Trump offered no evidence, pretty much like how he lied about his other “conspiracy theories” that Pres. Obama was not born in Hawaii but in Kenya and was therefore not eligible to be president of the United States. He lied about the 3 million “illegal” voters whom he said made him lose the popular vote to his political opponent, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. He lied about President Obama and his people being the ones orchestrating all the protest rallies against him and his policies, as well as leaks about his administration. And the list of lies and conspiracy theories went on and on, with Trump labeling people, institutions, media organizations that do not support his narrative and are critical of him and his policies as “fake news.” Pressed for evidence from the bipartisan intelligence committees in Congress, Trump then fabricated more lies on a global level, implicating one major ally. Trump alleged that the British spies surveilled him on behalf of Obama.

Trump’s administration alleged Pres. Obama bypassed the The Fil-Am U.S. intelligence agencies so that there would be no U.S. footprint Perspective in the scheming act. This was an accusation that the British spy agency denied, saying this is against the law and Gel SantoS-ReloS the agreement among the allies sharing intelligence information. The United States is part of the “Five Eyes,” an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. These are the allies that help us in our fight against terrorism and other threats to our democracy and the security of the Free World. Trump held on to this false narrative until his own Department of Justice exposed his lies when FBI director James Comey, along with the officials of the National Security Agency, told the bipartisan intelligence committee in Congress that they found no evidence that Obama wiretapped and surveilled then President-elect Trump before, during and after the election. It never happened. From the testimony of Comey, we also found out that since July 2016, the FBI has actually been investigating if the Trump campaign had been in collusion with Russia to meddle in the U.S. presidential election last year. There had been numerous reports of Trump’s people’s secret meetings with the Russian envoy

and other officials, even visits to Russia. Trump’s national security adviser Mike Flynn was forced to resign after being exposed to have lied about his meetings with the Russian Ambassador. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who he later appointed to be senior adviser, was reportedly with Flynn. Trump’s surrogate during election who he appointed to be his Justice secretary even lied under oath about his secret meetings with the Russian ambassador. Questions begged to be answered: Did Russia meddle in our sacred U.S. election to help Trump win? Were there talks about Trump easing sanctions that Obama imposed on Russia for hacking into our computers to spread fake news and propaganda to destroy Hillary Clinton and help Trump win? Could there be other tit-for-tat relationships politically and financially between Trump and Putin? Whatever your political color may be, this issue goes beyond partisan politics because Russia, an adversary of the United States and the free world, has been strategically taking all of these illegal acts to hack into the cyber accounts of the United States and European countries to interfere in their elections, cause destabilization in the free world – just as how Russian leader Vladimir Putin reportedly wanted to push his own agenda to re-estab-

lish the Russian Empire. During the House Intelligence Committee hearing, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) expertly connected the dots between Trump’s campaign and Russia. Schiff clearly presented the timeline of events that linked Trump campaign officials, such as former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn and former campaign manager Paul Manafort, to Russian government officials. In his statement, Schiff made the conclusion that these webs of contact between Trump’s camp and Russian officials could be a coincidence — but he said that there’s enough smoke to demand a thorough investigation. “Is it possible that all of these events and reports are completely unrelated, and nothing more than an entirely unhappy coincidence? Yes, it is possible,” Schiff said. “But it is also possible, maybe more than possible, that they are not coincidental, not disconnected and not unrelated, and that the Russians used the same techniques to corrupt U.S. persons that they have employed in Europe and elsewhere. We simply don’t know, not yet, and we owe it to the country to find out.” *** 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

Did Cayetano lose and then reacquire Philippine citizenship? IN a stout rebuttal of assertions made in a Philippine Daily Inquir- Street er column by Filipino- Talk American lawyer, Rodel Rodis, concerning the US citizenship of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and his subsequent re- GReG B. MacaBenta nunciation of it, the following news item came out: “Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday blasted an opinion piece questioning his citizenship, calling it ‘fake news’ and a ‘well disguised malicious article.’ “Cayetano took to Facebook his response to the column published by The Philippine Daily Inquirer, saying he acquired both Philippine and American citizenship at birth since he was born to a Filipino father, Renato Cayetano and an American mother, Sandra Schramm. “’By law, by both the Philippine Constitution and US Constitution, I was both an American and am a Filipino nung time na pinanganak. At sabi nga po sa ibang court cases, hindi kasalanan ng bata yun,’he said in a Facebook video. “In a separate post, Cayetano said he gave up his American citizenship even before he took the bar exams and ran for Congress.” Indeed, the good senator is right in saying that he had both Filipino and American citizenship at birth. However, Cayetano’s assertion that “by both the Philippine Constitution and US Constitution, (he) was both an American and.. a Filipino” is not entirely accurate. What is accurate is that, under the Philippine Constitution, Cayetano was a natural-born Filipino citizen because of his Fili-

pino father. And under the US Constitution he was entitled to US citizenship because of his American mother. But, at the time of his birth on October 28, 1970, dual citizenship was not yet recognized in the Philippines, as applied to Filipino citizens. Cayetano had to subsequently elect one citizenship over the other. Apparently Cayetano chose US citizenship. About this, Rodis wrote: “In his Comelec protest action against Cayetano, former Pateros Mayor Jose Capco, Jr, produced documentation from official government records showing that on January 23, 1985, Alan Peter Cayetano personally applied for and obtained an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) asserting that he was an American citizen. As Atty. Capco pointed out, the law required Cayetano to personally apply for this ACR and he dutifully complied.” There is no denying that Cayetano elected to become a US citizen. There is also no denying that he renounced his US citizenship. The issue that Rodis has raised is whether or not Cayetano was still a US citizen when he ran for public office. With due respect to Cayetano’s noble desire to be of service to the country of his birth, there’s another crucial issue: Was Cayetano a Filipino citizen when he ran for public office? In a paper entitled “Philippine citizenship, dual citizenship, and dual allegiance: An evaluation of RA 9225, the Dual Citizenship Law,” lawyer James

Benedict Panopio wrote: “The Dual Citizenship Law also amended the old citizenship law, Commonwealth Act No. 63, which provides that acquisition of foreign citizenship is a ground for the loss of Philippine citizenship.” Did Cayetano lose his Philippine citizenship when he elected US citizenship? He apparently did. CA 63 enumerated the following, among the reasons for such a loss: 1. By naturalization in a foreign country 2. By express renunciation of citizenship 3. By subscribing to an oath of allegiance to support the constitution of a foreign country upon attaining twentyone years of age or more. Note that Cayetano could have retained his Philippine citizenship, even after electing US citizenship, with the passage of RA 9225, The Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003 – also known as the Dual Citizenship Law. This law, approved on August 29, 2003, states: “Section 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared the policy of the State that all Philippine citizens of another country shall be deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship under the conditions of this Act. Now, having lost his Philippine citizenship, Cayetano would have had to undergo a formal process if he wanted to reacquire Philippine citizenship. This, interestingly, is where his case and that of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. appear to be the same. A February 27, 2017 Philippine Daily Inquirer story by Juliet Labog-Javellana entitled, “Yasay: American, Filipino or

stateless?” stated: “A lawmaker privy to the pertinent documents said that after Yasay lost his Filipino citizenship in 1986, he has apparently not reacquired it as mandated by Philippine laws…The dual citizenship law requires filing a petition for retention/reacquisition of Philippine citizenship in the Bureau of Immigration and taking an oath of allegiance to the Philippines.” In the case of Labo, Jr. vs Comelec, the Supreme Court held: “Philippine citizenship is not a cheap commodity that can be easily recovered after its renunciation. It may be restored only after the returning renegade makes a formal act of re-dedication to the country he has abjured and he solemnly affirms once again his total and exclusive loyalty to the Republic of the Philippines.” In other words, to reacquire his Philippine citizenship, after renouncing his US citizenship, Cayetano would have had to comply with the provisions of RA 9225: “Section 3. Retention of Philippine Citizenship - Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, natural-born citizens by reason of their naturalization as citizens of a foreign country are hereby deemed to have re-acquired Philippine citizenship upon taking the following oath of allegiance to the Republic: “I _____________________, solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and obey the laws and legal orders promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Philippines; and I hereby declare that I recognize and accept the supreme authority of the Philippines and will maintain true

faith and allegiance thereto; and that I imposed this obligation upon myself voluntarily without mental reservation or purpose of evasion.” If Cayetano did not comply with the above requirements, then he and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfect Yasay may have the same problem. In sum, I think the following questions are relevant: 1. Did Cayetano lose his Philippine citizenship upon electing to become a US citizen? The provisions of CA 93 indicate that he did. 2. Did Cayetano formally reacquire his Philippine citizenship as required by law? That is a question that Cayetano should answer – or something that can be determined by simply going through the records of the Bureau of Immigration. We do not want to speculate on what the BI records will reveal or what Cayetano’s response will be (hopefully not another complaint about “fake news” and “a well disguised malicious article). But the implications could raise questions about the legitimacy of his election to the Senate, not to mention his candidacy for vice-president and his election to the House of Representatives, years back. It is said that when you open a Pandora’s Box, you never know what unwelcome things will emerge from it. For instance, if Alan Peter Cayetano, born to an American mother, subsequently elected to become a US citizen and then renounced that citizenship, what about former Senator and now Taguig Congresswoman Pia Cayetano and other Cayetano siblings who may have occupied elected office? (gregmacabenta@ hotmail.com).

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PH expands cooperation with Myanmar, Thailand by AJPress

EARLIER this week, President Rodrigo Duterte flew to Myanmar and Thailand in an effort to enhance the Philippines’ relationships with the two Southeast Asian nations. Philippine Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Charles said that Duterte’s official visits to Myanmar and Thailand were part of his ‘introductory’ trips to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. On Monday, March 20, Myanmar President Htin Kyaw welcomed Duterte at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw, where they had a bilateral discussion together with their respective officials. After the meeting, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which aims to strengthen both countries’ food security and agriculture cooperation. The MOU was signed by Philippine Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol and his counterpart Myanmar Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Dr. Aung Thu, with Duterte and Htin Kyaw as witnesses. In his toast remarks at the official dinner, Duterte said that the Philippines and Myanmar should use its “friendship as a solid base for our fulcrum of collaboration that transformed challenges into opportunities.” “As developing countries, we face similar and complex problems. We must not be afraid to confront them head on,” he added. He noted that Philippine companies will “remain keenly interested in the development potentials of Myanmar.” Likewise, in terms of defense and security, Duterte said that both countries “must work closer to address the threats of terrorism and violent extremism that undermine the economic progress we have so far achieved.” He then thanked Myanmar for

President Rodrigo Duterte

its timely assistance when the Philippines was hit by natural disasters, citing typhoon “Pablo,” super typhoon “Yolanda,” and the earthquake in Bohol. On the other hand, Htin Kyaw said that Myanmar “has always attached great importance” to its relations with the Philippines. Htin Kyaw also affirmed that Myanmar will “support and fully cooperate with the Philippines’ efforts towards the successful stewardship of ASEAN this year.” “Myanmar looks forward to working closely with the Philippines and other member states to accelerate our efforts in the ASEAN community building process and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN in 2017 with innovative and forward-looking initiatives,” he added. On the same day, Duterte also met with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and presented her a symbolic check of $300,000 (P15 million) for humanitarian assistance to the marginalized Rohingya Muslim people along Burma’s Rakhine region. For her part, Suu Kyi thanked the Philippines for its donation. “The thoughtful gesture of the government of the Republic

of the Philippines reflects the ASEAN solidarity and family spirit as well as the traditional bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries,” she said through a letter of appreciation. PH, Thailand forge three deals After his visit to Myanmar, Duterte flew to Thailand and arrived in Bangkok on Monday evening. On Tuesday, March 21, Philippine and Thai officials signed three agreements in the fields of science and technology, tourism, and agriculture – with Duterte and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as witnesses. Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo and Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Wattanannavrangkul signed a deal wherein the the two countries agreed “to explore ways to further enhance tourism cooperation, including identifying specific activities to pursue this such as the promotion of joint tourist destinations.” Secretary of Science and Technology Fortunato de la Peña and Thailand’s Science and Technology Minister Atchaka Sibunruang also signed a document which aims to “promote exchanges of joint academic research and development, scientists and specialists, technical documentation and information, and the arrangement of bilateral conferences among other activities.” Another agreement was signed by Philippine Carabao Center Executive Director Arnel Del Barrio and Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Dir. Gen. Apai Suttisunk. Through the deal, both the Philippines and Thailand “agreed to further promote cooperation and exchange of best practices in irrigation, artificial rain, livestock and fisheries and the application of technology for sustainable soil and water conservation.” n

Demand for PH office spaces remain… PAGE A5 t

citing unconventional asset classes such as different infrastructure projects. Last month, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said that Trump’s protectionist stance will unlikely cause American companies to change its business operations in the Philippines.

Kim took note that the Philippines offers “very very capable, smart employees, English fluency (and) reasonable labor costs.” “We will not see any dramatic changes to U.S. companies’ BPO operations in the Philippines,” he affirmed. According to economists, the BPO sector will likely provide

more foreign revenue than remittances this year despite uncertainties caused by Trump’s policies. IT-Business Processing Association of the Philippines (iBPAP) also projected that the BPO sector will generate $40 billion in revenues, and 7.6 million jobs in the country by 2022. n

WIND POWER. A couple looks at a wind energy farm in the town of Pililla in Rizal. The Philippines is the largest producer of wind energy in Southeast Asia, with at least 400 megawatts of capacity. Wind capacity expected to quadruple in two to three years. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina

Alvarez to still push civil union bill amid Duterte’s opposition to same-sex marriage by AJPress

HOUSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez reaffirmed on Tuesday, March 21, that he would still push for the legalization of same-sex unions despite Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s rejection of same sex marriage. Alvarez, however, clarified that the bill will only tackle “civil unions,” and not union through “marriage.” While the date has yet been specified, Alvarez told Inquirer that the bill will be filed “as soon as we finish the draft.” Earlier this week, Duterte said that Philippines — which is predominantly Catholic — cannot legalize same-sex marriage, unlike other Western countries. “There’s no gender, because you can be or she... that’s their culture. That’s only for them. That can’t be applied to us, we’re Catholics,” Duterte told the Filipino community in Naypyidaw during his state visit to Myanmar on Sunday, March 19. Duterte then added, “And there is the Civil Code, which is you can only marry a woman for men, and for woman to marry a man. That’s the law in the Philippines.” While he stressed that a person has “to stick to where God placed you,” Duterte, however, claimed that he has nothing against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community. He then took note that his cousin and two other brothers-in-law are gay. Duterte made the comment after lambasting the international critics of his administration’s war against illegal drugs, as well as the proposals to reinstate the death penalty and lowering criminal liability in the Philippines. In his speech, he also slammed the United States and the European Union (EU) for “trying to

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez

be dictator(s)” by “imposing their culture and their beliefs” onto the Philippines. Following Duterte’s remarks, international watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) said that such pronouncement “jeopardizes the fundamental rights of LGBT partners and families.” In a statement on Tuesday, March 21, HRW’s Carlos Conde said allowing same-sex marriage would enable gays and lesbians in the Philippines “to marry the person they love and would strengthen everyone’s rights.” “From a human rights perspective, broadening civil marriage to couples of the same sex demonstrates respect for the fundamental rights of equality and nondiscrimination. It should be enshrined in Philippine law,” Conde added. He then urged the Philippine government to consider to legalizing same-sex marriage, and join the United States, South Africa, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay, New Zealand, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, and Ireland in enshrining marriage equality. n

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An Evening with Distinguished Filipino Women by MoMar

I

n commemoration of International Women’s Month, the Philippine Consulate General in new York gathered the community to observe, commemorate and celebrate four distinguished Filipina-American achievers who have carved a name in their respective fields of endeavor. Consul General Tess Dizon-De Vega praised these inspirational women leaders – Analisa Leonor Balares, Ali Ewoldt, Elaine Quijano and Maria TorresSpringer – and thanked them for sharing their personal narratives as they talked about the struggles and challenges they had to face in their own careers. “We are privileged to hear some of their stories and aspirations this evening. These are the narratives that help to define women, the direction through which women’s advocacy must traverse,” the consul general said. “[I hope they] inspire future generation of women and girls to stake a claim and to have a foothold in the world.” “To be in the presence of so many Filipino women leaders in different sectors and industries, everyone blazing their own trail, and I think that really exemplifies what is best in the FilipinoAmerican community,” said Maria Torres-Springer, one of the honorees. Analisa Balares is CEO and founder of Womensphere, an organization that seeks

The Distinguished Women 2017 sharing their stories with the audience at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.

G. Visaya/AJPress

to empower a billion women and girls between now and 2030. She started making a mark when she was still in high school back in the Philippines, becoming active in her community at a young age and joining youth development programs in school. She is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, UBS Global Visionary, a nASA Datanaut, and a former financial analyst before she delved into nonprofit work with Womensphere. Ali Ewoldt made history last year when she got her dream role of playing Christine Daae in the longest-running show on Broadway today, Phantom of the Opera. By doing so, she became the first woman of color to portray the role. A psychology degree holder from Yale, Ali helps elevate the presence of Asian Americans and Filipino Americans in theater here in new York. CBSn anchor and correspondent Elaine Quijano also made history last year, when she broke the glass ceiling in broadcast news when she was tapped to moderate the nationally televised 2016 US Vice Presidential debate between Mike Pence and Tim Kaine, becoming the first AsianAmerican and the youngest media personality to do so. new York CIty Housing Commissioner Maria Torres Springer is currently the highest-

Broadway star Ali Ewoldt sings Somewhere from the musical West Side Story.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

The evening’s honorees receiving their plaques and tokens of appreciation from Consul General Tess Dizon-De Vega

ranking Filipino-American in new York City government. Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed her in 2014 as commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services and became the president and CEO of the new York Economic Development Corporation before getting appointed to the Housing and Preservation and Development. “Maria does everyone proud not only by bringing her expertise and her experience to various portfolios in the new York City government but more importantly, she does so with a strong sense of empathy for the many underserved communities and sectors here in the city,” Consul General De Vega said. Common Thread “I draw strength and power from my own roots and from the stories of my grandmothers and my mother, who quit school when

AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

she was 14 to become a domestic helper in Metro Manila to be able to send her younger sisters to school,” Balares shared as she talked about many untold stories of Filipinos and the sacrifices they make in order to make the lives of their families better. She added that when faced with a challenge, she pauses and thinks of the sacrifices that her own parents made along with the things they had to give up so that she and her brother could have the privileges they had. Quijano, on her part talked about being the daughter of immigrants and echoed Analisa’s story. “It was interesting to listen to Analisa because there’s so many parallels. When I think about the things that motivate me, things that inspire me, I think about my mother,” she said. Her mother is the daughter of a seamstress and at a young age, she was told not to pursue school because she would end up as a seamstress anyway. Her brothers sacrificed their own education so she could pursue her dream. At the age of 26, her mother earned her accounting degree, which became her key to immigrate to the United States. “That decision by her changed the course of my family’s life and because of her stubborn, Batanguena streak that didn’t allow her to see herself as limited. This is something that I think about a lot,” Quijano said. Ali Ewoldt talked about her Filipina mother, who came to the United States when she was 18 years old and how they supported her dream to perform at a young age, driving her to singing and dancing classes while

Consul General De Vega with Elaine Quijano and Ali Ewoldt

working full-time jobs. Aside from talking about the challenges for FilipinoAmericans and Asian-Americans to breakthrough in theater, Ewoldt narrated how one should never give up even after successive disappointments and that it took her almost a decade of auditioning for the role of Christine. Women’s History Month Women’s History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society, and for the past few years, the Philippine Consulate General has been honoring distinguished women in their various fields with a simple event at the Philippine Center. This year, other highlights of the program included the presentation of a Proclamation for Women’s History Month to Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega by Ms. nika Milburn, Assistant Director for Constituencies, Women, and African-American Affairs of the Office of new York Governor

Andrew Cuomo. Other special guests included the Honorable Patricia Cox, former Premier of Bermuda and Honorable Patrice Minors, former Minister of the Economy, Trade and Industry of Bermuda. In her remarks, Consul General Dizon-De Vega thanked all the honorees for sharing their narratives, for giving voice to the struggles, challenges, and the ways women have faced all these squarely and positively. She also called on Filipina-American women to play a more active role in various platforms and organizations to enable women shape their own history. The audience had the opportunity to have an interactive session with the honorees with discussion questions ranging from professional challenges, growing up Filipino in the US, future goals, and urgent issues such as violence against women. The 2017 Evening with Distinguished Women is part of the Philippine Consulate’s month-long commemoration of International Women’s Month.

Who’s your bet to be the next Darna? Gerald Anderson finishes LA Marathon by Deni rose M. afiniDaD-BernarDo Philstar.com

WITH Angel Locsin no longer be able to play Darna in the movie remake of the iconic Filipino superhero due to a spine injury, the race is on for the next Darna. nadine Lustre is being pushed by her fans to do the role. Likewise, Jessy Mendiola is interested to audition as Darna. Liza Soberano, movie director Erik Matti’s personal choice, said in a previous interview that she will be grateful to be offered the part. Her skin-tight superhero suit in a recent commercial made her fans grow even more anxious to see her in Darna’s Wonder Woman-like bikini. There are

also reports of merchandise sold showing her in Darna costume. The latest actress to have her eyes on the role is Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. “Pia is ready to save not only the world, but the entire universe!” Wurtzbach’s fans said on social media. They even concocted a hashtag for it, #PiaforDarna. In a Twitter post, Pia admits that she is a big fan of Liza. ABS-CBn’s Sunday variety show “ASAP” also released photos of its stars, including Shaina Magdayao, Kim Chiu and Sarah Geronimo, in Darna costume.

Who will replace Angel Locsin as the next Darna? From left: Liza Soberano, Nadine Lustre (bottom, center), Jessy Mendiola (top, center), and Pia Wurtzbach.

“All these ladies have the body for it; it all boils down into acting,” one of the comments on social media said. “Why choose if it can be all of them?” another social media remark added. Darna is a fictional Filipino comic book heroine created by writer Mars ravelo and artist nestor redondo. Apart from Locsin, Darna has been played by actresses Marian rivera, Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, Lorna Tolentino, nanette Medved and regine Velasquez, to name a few, in both movie and TV.

CELEBrITY athlete Gerald Anderson, the Philippines’ delegate to the recently concluded Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon, was among the thousands who finished the race. Gerald finished strong with a time of four hours, 25 minutes, and two seconds, placing at 4,277 among the 18,867 finishers. Gerald, also the face of Skechers Performance’s Go Like never Before campaign, has been training since late last year for his very first marathon. On his 42k finish, Gerald says: “This is a goal that I really wanted to accomplish. My Skechers Go run was incredibly responsive and comfortable to use. It propelled me to the finish line.” Crossing the finish line was a shining moment for Gerald, who says: “Proud ako sa sarili ko na natapos ko, and nakarating ako sa finish line. Ang layo pa ng tinakbo namin. It’s really amazing.” On running with different people from all over the world, he adds: “Ibang klase iyong community, talagang nagtutulungan. Kahit naguunahan yung mga tao, nagtutulungan kami”. Skechers Performance is the title sponsor of the 2017 Los Angeles Marathon which took place last March 19.

Gerald Anderson being interviewed after finishing the race.

Established in 1986, the LA Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the United States with over 18,000 participants. This year, The Skechers Performance Los Angeles

Marathon’s Stadium to the Sea course saw runners race from Dodger Stadium across Los Angeles to a scenic finish just steps from the Santa Monica Pier. (Philstar.com)

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

Trump would favor provisional waiver

would always be available.) • They demonstrate that a parent or spouse who is a US citizen or lawful permanent A PROVISIONAL waiver can resident would suffer “extreme benefit certain people who are not hardship” if the provisional waiver is eligible to adjust status in the US. not granted. These people include: • The only immigration violation • Crewmen without the benefit they have is overstaying. If they of section 245(i), which was a law have any fraud, misrepresentation, that expired on April 30, 2001, allowing crewmen and others to still crimes, etc., they may not be eligible for the provisional waiver. adjust status in the US if they were Despite the availability of this petitioned before that date. • People who entered on fiancée remedy, many people are still reluctant to avail of provisional visas (K-1) but did not marry the waiver because of President American who petitioned them. Trump’s election and his promise to • People who are out of status, deport undocumented immigrants. and do not have the benefit of However, I believe Pres. Trump Section 245(i). would be in favor of, and endorse, • People who entered the US without inspection and do not have the provisional waiver. If you recall, when Trump the benefit of Section 245(i). was first running for president, Since these people are not he stated that “We have at least eligible to adjust status in the US, they would be required to return to 11 million people that came in illegally. They will go out. Some their home country and apply for an immigrant visa abroad. However, will come back, the best, through there is a different immigration law a process. They have to come back legally.” What Trump was which provides that if a person is out of status for more than one year describing was effectively the provisional waiver! So why would and departs the US, even to obtain he oppose something that he had their immigrant visa abroad, they been endorsing from the outset: could be subject to a 10 year bar. people will go out (to apply for The provisional waiver forgives immigrant visa processing), and or “waives” the 10 year bar, and can then they will come back as lawful be applied for while the person permanent residents. Moreover, is still in the US, and before they they will be “the best” or “the good depart, provided that: ones,” because eligibility for the • They have an immigrant visa provisional waiver is based on a immediately available to them, person having no crimes or fraud. whether through a family petition The sole violation is overstaying. or employer sponsorship. That Moreover, they must go through means the priority date on their a background check in the US, case must be current. (Of course, including fingerprints, as part of the if they are being petitioned by a approval process for the provisional US citizen spouse or child, the visa

ManilaTimes.net

COMEDY Concert Queen Ai Ai delas Alas was named Best Female Actor at the conclusion of 7th Queens World Film Festival in Astor, Queens, New York on Sunday, March 19 for the independent film “Area.” Delas Alas bested three other nominees, including the daughter of legendary actor Robert Redford. The 52-year-old actress won

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waiver. Moreover, the provisional waiver regulations provide for “confidentiality” even if the provisional waiver is withdrawn or denied (provided the person is not an enforcement priority, such as a terrorist, gang member, or criminal.) This means, the government has stated it will not come after people even if the provisional waiver is denied. If you are eligible for a provisional waiver, and were reluctant to apply out of fear that Trump was against the provisional waiver, you can see that Trump, in his own words, favors or endorses the provisional waiver. If you think you may be eligible, you should seek the advice of an attorney who can fully evaluate your situation and perhaps help you apply for a provisional waiver. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and 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

FAKE TOURIST VISA RESULTED IN BEING SENT BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES “A TO A”, AND LATER JEOPARDIZED HIS IMMIGRANT VISA DUE TO FRAUD - ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Johnnatan (second from left) got a tourist visa through a newspaper ad that advertised “Non-Appearance” Visas for $2500. He entered the U.S. in 2002 without any problems, but when he returned in 2003, he was held at the airport and sent back to the Philippines, after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accused him of using a fake or counterfeit tourist visa. That meant a possible lifetime ban. Years later, his mother’s petition became current, and he was afraid how his fake tourist visa would affect his and his daughter’s chances of immigrating to the U.S. Watch how a family was able to overcome a fraud charge and be reunited, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – this Sunday, March 26 at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA (2nd of 3 parts)

… I AM certain there are countless other pointers hundreds of thousands can add to the growing pool of knowledge that hopefully, translates to wisdom in this continuing saga of human life. In the interest of brevity I’ll cull out only 15 bite-size pointers. The first for her dramatic portrayal of 5 tips came out in last week’s issue. aging prostitute in Angeles City, Here’s the second installment of 5 Pampanga. more tips. Other nominees for the Best 6. Simplify. Simplify. Simplify. Know the difference between Female Actor Narrative Feature needs and wants. Use the Pareto category were Germany’s Karin principle in pinpointing the vital Hanczewsk in Lotte, Dorothea Hagena in Mann Im Spagat: Pace, few (20%) and trivial many (80%). When you let your wants overrule Cowboy, Pace and American your life, you will end up trading actress Amy Redford—daughter your time and therefore, your life of the popular actor and founder away to get those material things of the equally famous Sundance you thought will make you happy. International Film Festival—in the For those of us with big egos who Continued on Page 4 cannot resist the urge to impress (Advertising Supplement)

Ai Ai delas Alas wins international best actress for role as aging prostitue by Iza IglesIas

An Asian Journal

How to build a house of bricks

others with the latest gizmos, this can be a serious problem. Stuff is just stuff. If we don’t watch it, we can clutter up our lives with junk. Browsing leads to buying. There is a back end to each item we acquire as personal property. After its use, we MUST CHOOSE ANY OF THESE OPTIONS: THROW, DONATE, SELL, DESTROY or KEEP them. Keeping a great chunk of stuff we acquire over a lifetime can make pack rats out of us and deprive us of breathing space. Empty space can be beautiful because it presents possibilities. The truth is, life’s journey is easier when we travel light. 7. GO LEGIT. Refuse to live in the shadows. Now more than ever before, take heed of this tip. If you’re illegal, exhaust every available avenue open to you to go legit. The gates have cracked open and were kept open to serve the liberal agenda of flooding the country with potential voters. Life is tough enough without you having to look over your shoulders and feeling edgy all the time fearing you’ll be put on the next

plane back to the home country. Surely you didn’t go through all that trouble just to live a short, harried, hapless life. After 9/11 and the dangers of soulless terrorism, whether we accept it or not, a new world order patently intolerant of immigration as a concept and way of life, is now firmly in place and “the times” — to quote Bob Dylan — “they are a-changin.” The political axis has shifted and the times call for affluent countries to build walls and constrain the movement of people in the face of perceived real or conjured imminent threat. Economic migrants will be hit the hardest. Terrorism has reared its ugly head and the first casualty is the fluidity and movement of people. Get legal and go the whole nine yards towards American citizenship. Shop, ask around and get the best legal representation you can get if you have to. Not all immigration lawyers are cut from the same cloth. Choose wisely. Inspect track records. 8. Get physical. Make diet and exercise a regular part of your life. Continued on Page 6

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong THE Pan American Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) pompously commemorated Women’s History Month by honoring 12 Women Achievers and 3 Influential Women with the recognition of 2 of the organization’s most loyal and hardworking members last Saturday, March 18, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, a distinct gesture of tracing back the first International Women’s Day in 1911in America. Although it was only on August 26, 1920 when American women were guaranteed to vote by virtue of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, the female populace had already shown tremendous contributions to society, education, economics, and most especially in media and

PACCAL’s 2017 International Women’s History Month commemoration through the lens cinema. The vital role of women and their empowering presence had indubitably challenged their male counterparts to the edge whereby giving the latter a teethto-teeth race in almost every field of endeavor. The arresting potency of women power has long been proven to be at par with men and in some cases even exceeded to such extent. Last Saturday’s event was further fueled not only by the various achievements exhibited by the prominent women in the tri-state area but furthermore sustained by men’s electrifying boost that fully established women’s competence and selfdetermination. Ably chaired by wellloved community leader and indefatigable event organizer Ria Serrano with Susan Liguori

PACCAL new recruits taking membership oath

as co-chair, this year’s PACCAL’s celebration of Women’s History Month was highlighted by an excitement-packed awarding ceremonies and frenziedly well thought-out program amid a bevy of attendees in multi-hues of green. The Women’s Achiever Awards were handed out by the affair’s Honorary Chair Menchu De PACCAL Officers and members with this year’s awardees Luna Sanchez (herself, a former PACCAL awardee) to: Jocelyn Aligarbes (Nursing Profession), Fe Arenasa (Teaching Profession), Rowena Cayetano (Physical Fitness), Elsa Mole Lambert (Community Service), Dr. Nerissa Malabanan (Pediatrics), Loren Martinez (Private Enterprise), Paula Morandarte (Photography), Maria Pilar Monje (Accountancy), Michelle Semana (Vocal Excellence), Sheena Zamora (Terpsichorean Competency), PACCAL Women’s History Month Awardees

Hon. Chair Menchu Sanchez (Center) with (L-R) Susan Liguori, Pres. Ramona S. Gapasin, PACCAL Founder Linda Mayo and event chair Ria Serrano.

Dashing men in the crowd

EMPLOYMENT

Virginia Cu (Honorary Retired Pedagogue), and Bella Estasnislao (Senior Citizen of the Year). The most illustrious Influential Women category was composed of: Jersey City

Councilwoman-at-Large Joyce Watterman, PAFCOM’s Helen Castillo, and PIDCI’s Ollie C. David while Special Citations were handed to Mae Legaspi and Marilou Songco for their altruistic

servitude to the organization. Incidentally, Vice-Consul Khrys Corpuz of the Philippine Consular Office in New York, aside from being the evening’s Continued on Page 7

PACCAL WHM Honorary Chair Menchu De Luna Sanchez with hubby Judith

Event hosts Fiorello Salvo and Allah Ferrer

Awardee Sheena Zamora with partner Dr. Dalmacio Francisco

Belter awardee Mitch Semana

2017 WHM supporters

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Welcoming the spring season — the Filipino way By Monet

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS MY column in this paper in 1998 was about Viagra, a headliner around the world then when it was first introduced that year. Two decades next year, Viagra and its competitors, Cialis and Levitra, still arouse interest globally. Sildenafil (Viagra), the wonder pill for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in March 27, 1998, and sold like hot cakes that same year. More than $400 million worth was sold in the first quarter, 10,000 prescriptions a day. This blue pill was found to be very effective and safe. It boosts marriages and relationships. The surgical procedures for ED dropped dramatically since this pill was introduced. Then came the competitors! Vardenafil (Levitra) was approved in September 2003, and on November 21, 2003, Tadalafil (Cialis) was launched. To this day, these 3 pills for ED are the most popular, dominant, and effective regimen in the management of erectile dysfunction and they have been found to also be very useful in enhancing erection even among those without ED. More than 20 percent of failed marriages and broken relationships are due to erectile dysfunction. While their mode of action are basically the same: they are a class of drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors. They block an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5, boosting a chemical in our body called nitric oxide, which relaxes muscles in the penis and open up veins, allowing more blood to enter and fill-up the veins of the penis, causing engorgement and maintaining erection. Original research: Serendipity The original laboratory studies on these PE-5 inhibitors centered on their vasodilator effects as potential drug in the management of coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. However, the researchers noted that the experimental male mice given the PDE-5 inhibitor developed erection and were chasing the female mice. This serendipity discovery that the side-effect of the PDE-5 inhibitor was even a greater and more welcome discovery than the original intention of developing a new vasodilator for cardiovascular diseases. The side-effect (erection)

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UPAAA to hold 19th Grand Reunion & Convention

Lu

HAVING four seasons in a year is an idea that is quite foreign to Filipinos who grew up in the Philippines. Back there, we only have the dry (summer) and wet (rainy) seasons. Then there are those, like me, who migrated outside the Philippines to a place that has more than two seasons. This change also requires a change of wardrobe, food, scenery, and pastimes. So how does the typical “Pinoy” deal with the changing of the season? Food Filipinos love to eat and foreigners know that about us. One of the running jokes about Filipinos is: “Wherever there’s food, that is where the Filipinos are.” Now that is good if they meant that we cook great food; otherwise, it could mean that we’re known as gluttons. Either way, food is a just at the core of every Filipino. And a food-loving Filipino has adapted the ability to adjust his or her palate according to the season. Spring season calls for a parade of spring rolls. And by that, I meant spring rolls of different varieties such as Lumpiang Shanghai (pork spring rolls), Lumpiang Sariwa or Lumpiang Ubod (bamboo shoots spring rolls) and Lumpiang Gulay or Lumpiang Toge (bean sprouts spring rolls) are the best sellers in a company potluck or spring banquet. And because we just love to dip everything in sauce, we even have the appropriate sauce for each of spring rolls. Sweet and sour chili sauce, peanut sauce, and of course, lumpiang toge’s faithful partner: sukang puti (white vinegar). Spring is also a great time to check out the newest Filipino restaurants or Asian fusion cafes that invaded Southern California. You can also venture further south to San Diego and I bet you will the aroma of inihaw na liempo (grilled pork belly) would lead you to a Filipino restaurant or a park filled with Filipinos with picnic baskets filled with Filipino delicacies.

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Filipino food is just everywhere and I credit that to the talented cooks and chefs who make Los Angeles such a delicious place to live. Fashion Spring is the second season of the year. And second to adjusting this season’s menu is switching clothes. This is the time where thermal jackets and winter boots are stored away. Unless you have a perfectly good reason for wearing that fur coat, it should be in the closet. The “petite” pinays like to don flowery sundresses, spring colored jumpsuits, or some cute separates like a good statement skirt with comfortable and flattering cotton top. Pair this look with an accent pump and minimal accessories, and they swing their way to spring! For the men, skinny jeans are not as cool as they were before but still is a known staple in any man’s wardrobe. It’s the season to loosen up a bit, so straight cut cool print chino pants is a great alternative to tight and dark jeans. Pair these up with a lightweight cardigan and a statement eyewear and you’re off to great spring. Places One of the best things about this season is the blooming of flowers and fruit trees. This is also one of the things about spring that we, Filipinos, can relate to. And it’s not because we have the spring season but because planting and harvesting is a way of life to us. We harvest vegetables and fruits, and plant more tropical plants that our gardens could handle.

THE University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America (UPAAA), a duly registered 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization of graduates from the highest institution of learning in the Philippines, will hold its 19th Grand Reunion and Convention on October 26-28, 2017, at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, Iselin, New Jersey, with the theme, “Renew, This season means a picnic at Reflect, Rejoice”. the park, checking out a botanical UPAAA President, Nelsie garden and Knott’s Berry Farm, Tabudlong Parrado, a successful you know, the stuff that you do financial advisor and community while you bond over food and leader in New York and New wear your flowery and light cotton Jersey, has mobilized members of shirts. her Executive Board to prepare a Forget about hibernating in three-day program that will renew your pajamas or walking around and strengthen the alumni’s your house wearing thermal relationship with their Alma socks -- that is so last winter! Go Mater. This will be a very good out there and watch the cherry opportunity to meet old friends, blossoms and tulips, open the classmates and acquaintances, windows and enjoy the warm sun. share stories, and reminisce UP As this new season unfolds, experiences. we should make the most of it by Dr. Danilo Concepcion, newly welcoming spring in all its glory. elected President of the University I do that by thinking of spring as of the Philippines System, will the snow finally melting, trees deliver the Keynote Address. Dr. blooming, and the streets looking Concepcion graduated summa lively and green again! For most cum laude with a degree of people, spring is a time of change. Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Thoughts of rebirth, Engineering from the De La rejuvenation, renewal, Salle University-Araneta in 1979, resurrection and hope come to obtained Bachelor of Laws from us when we wake up from a cold UP Diliman in 1983 and topped winter night to a warm spring the bar that year. He finished morning. Master of Laws as a scholar at the Oh, Spring, you bring so many University of London, Queen Mary beautiful things. And as Filipinos College in 1986. He previously fondly say – and let me say it with served as president of De La cheers to a spring season full of hope: “Mabuhay!” *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

The three sex pills

in this case far outweighed the “original intent” for the use of the drug. This is one incident where the side-effect is more useful and beneficial. Other uses These pills for ED (PDE-5 inhibitors) are also prescribed for other medical conditions, like heart attack, pulmonary hypertension (even among children), preeclampsia, Crohn’s disease, and infertility. Aphrodisiac? Some think Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are aphrodisiacs. No, they are not, because none of them increases libido (sexual desire). These 3 only enhance erection and sustain it for a successful sex. When taken, the man develops a sense of certainty, security, and confidence, which could incidentally increase the desire in both partners. Indications for use Those who could benefit from any of these 3 PDE-5 inhibitors are those who are unable to initiate and maintain erection for a successful intercourse, regardless of age, including those in their 20s, where stress and psychological condition negatively impact their sex life. One does not have to have a full-blown erectile dysfunction to benefit from these pills, since they have been found effective and save since they were introduced almost 20 years ago. ED Stats Cleveland Clinic reports that 52 percent of men have erectile dysfunction, “affecting 40 percent of men age 40, and 70 percent of men age 70.” Men who are on high blood pressure pills, betablockers, etc., have an increased risk of developing ED. Urology Care Foundation says 30 million of American males have occasional (mild to moderate) problem getting or keeping an erection. Similarities These three drugs for ED belong to one class of medication and have similar pharmacologic action: PDE-5 inhibitors. All three react with nitrates (heart medications that opens up arteries), which could cause drop in blood pressure and shock, even death. Those on nitrates MUST not take any of these drug for ED. These three are in oral form and there is no generic version of this ED drug yet, and is taken about 30 before anticipated sex. Any of these 3 needs medical consultation prior to use to rule out any contraindication and danger, since each individual reacts differently to medications. A prescription is needed to purchase

pills for ED. They all cost about the same. Their safety records are also similar. Differences While their action, use, and efficacy are basically the same, there are difference among these three pills for ED. Viagra and Levitra stay in the blood stream for about 4-6 hours; Cialis, 17-18 hours, longer lasting. Other differences are in their side-effects. Side-effects The following side-effects are common among all three: stuffy nose, headache, upset stomach, priapism (erection, painful, that persists), sudden cardiac arrest, death (which are very rare). The differences: temporary change in vision and flushing are more in Viagra and Levitra. Backpain and muscle aches are more with Cialis. Alcoholic beverage reacts more with Cialis, leading to dizziness, less with Viagra and Levitra. But, as Shakespeare wrote: “Alcohol increases the desire but diminishes the performance.” Warning Any of these three drugs for ED dangerously reacts with nitrates, medications that dilate (open up) coronary arteries used in the management of coronary heart disease. A person on a nitrate medication (like nitroglycerin, isordil, imdur, peritrate, nitrostat, nitroderm, nitrolingual, nitrobid, etc.) must NEVER take any of these three pills for ED, because the combination will lead to severe drop in blood pressure, shock, and possibly death. Consult your physician if erection does not subside in 4 hours, a condition called priapism, where the penis is so engorged causing pain, one that needs urgent medical care. Deaths The reported deaths associated with the use of any of these three pills for ED were suspected to be due to the inadvertent concomitant use of nitrates. New studies have shown that these PDE-5 inhibitors could also increase platelet clumping in diseased coronary arteries causing blood clots, and heart attack in some individuals. “It’s reassuring that ... in general, for most patients, even those with existing coronary [heart] disease ... resuming sexual activity is very unlikely to trigger a [coronary] event,” according to Murray A. Mittleman, MD, researcher and cardiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. All evidence-based clinical Continued on Page 6

Salle University-Araneta (2002), head of the UP Law Center (2002 to 2006), and associate commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission (1996 to 2000).He was the Dean of the UP College of Law prior to his election as UP President. Working with passion and commitment to ensure the success of the event are the following Committee Chairs: Dr, Mary Anne Akers and Nelsie Parrado (Program Committee) Zenaida Mendoza Sarmiento (Registration Committee); Daisy M. Rodriguez, (Fellowship Night); Ruby Agnir (Gala Night); Dr. Francis Sy (Awards); Joe Santos (Logistics and Communications); Federico I. Agnir (COMELEC Chair); Dina Barros Ellorin (Souvenir Program); Cristy Colmenar (Finance Committee); and Leonarda Zafra Santos (Jubilarian Committee), Raquel “Kelly” Lalo-Sabas (Social Media) and Luz Micabalo (Historian). The host chapter, the UP

Calendar of Events across

Alumni Association of New Jersey, led by its president, Juan C. Ferrer, have thrown its full support to make this biennial event meaningful and fun for all the guests and participants. The Sponsorship Committee co-chaired by UPAAA Nelsie T. Parrado and Dr. Aurora S. CudalRivera have sent out sponsorship solicitation letters to national and regional business and funding organizations. The Philippine Airlines (PAL) was the first to respond with a round trip ticket from New York to the Philippines and back, to be raffled off during the Fellowship Night. For more information about the 19th UPAAA Alumni Grand Reunion and Convention login to their website, www. upaaainamerica.org or e-mail: Nelsie Parrado at nelsiep@yahoo. com. Zenaida M. Sarmiento at zenaida.m.sarmiento@gmail. com; Cristy Colmenar at mcc858@ yahoo.com and Nardz Santos at nardzzsantos@yahoo.com.

America

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Gathering of Fil-Am women authors in San Pedro, CA Philippine Expressions Bookshop cordially invites the public to “Pinay Gathering 2017,” a celebration of Women’s History Month honoring Filipino-American women authors of Southern California. It will be from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. From 2 to 3 p.m., there will be networking and a Filipino merienda / high tea buffet. Afterward, there will be book talks and book signings with the various Filipina authors. The Pinay authors present will be: Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko — author, “Forty Years of Writing in America”; Myrna J. de la Paz — author, “Abadeha: The Philippine Cinderella”; Cecilia Manguerra Brainard — author, “Magdalena: A Novel”; Carina Monica Montoya — author, “Los Angeles Historic Filipinotown”; Carlene Sobrino Bonnivier — author, “Filipinotown: Voices from Los Angeles”; Carmen F. Davino — author, “Of Love and Virtue. A Young Adult Novel”; Roselyn Estepa Ibáñez — author, “Filipinos in Carson and the South Bay”; Herminia Meñez-Coben — author, “Explorations in Philippine Folklore”; Leslie V. Ryan — author, “I am Flippish: A Juvenile Book”; and Lucy Urgello Miller — author, “Glimpses of Old Cebu”. To purchase tickets, please call (310) 514-9139 or email linda@philbooks.us. There will be limited seating and the deadline for ticket purchase is March 20. This literary soirée is also open to male guests. Philippine Expressions Bookshop is located at 479 West Sixth Street, Suite 105, San Pedro, CA 90731. Street parking or public parking on 7th street are available.

National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Region 10 Empowerment Conference in San Diego, CA You are cordially invited to the “RISE UP” Regional Empowerment Conference of National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), sponsored by AARP Real Possibilities on Saturday, March 25. Registration is $40 per person, which can be done online or at the door. The conference will be held at Clarion Hotel National City, 700 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950. To register online, please visit http://www.NaFFAASDEmpowermentconference.eventbrite.com.

MARCH 30

Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce Tri-County ‘General Assembly and Mixer’ in Covina, CA The Officers and Board Directors of the newly-established Chamber of Commerce, interacting with Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, invite the community to a ‘General Assembly and Mixer’ on Thursday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m., at RE/MAX MASTERS REALTY office at 475 E. Badillo, Covina, CA 91723. Meet Merwynn Montenegro, President, and the Officers and Board Directors, along with their advisers Noel S.V. Omega, guest speaker, and Mary Ann Omega, both officers of the FilAm Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles. You will have the opportunity to make business connections and build relationships. Special guest is West Covina Councilmember and former Mayor James Toma. Atty. Abraham Lim will deliver the opening remarks and PNB Remittance Center Inc. President and CEO Ricky Villacisneros will close the Assembly, but not before guests have scored winsome door prizes. For information, contact Secretary Ed Cansino (909) 263-7297 or Email edcansino53@gmail.com; Asst. Sec. Grace Vaughn (951) 261-0601; or 1st VP Elen Yuhico (909) 636-6271.

ApRIl 7

Fashion Arts Autism Benefits The Philippine COnsulate General New York and the Autism Heart foundation present Fashion Arts Autism Benefits Foundation Fashion For Hope at 7pm on Friday, april 7 at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center (located at 556 Fifth Avenue, New york City, NY 10036). Fashion For Hope marks the first anniversary of a joint collaboration that promotes an innovative art therapy program and fashion project that make a difference in the live of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. The FAAB Project empowers these individuals to courageously overcome such challenges by promoting healthy self-expression, building essential life skills and providing inclusive opportunities in the creative arts. The entire FAAB Project also includes an educational art therapy program and a series of fashion shows and workshops where students produce original works of arts on canvases made of piña (pineapple) cloth. This event features the incredible artworks created by FAAB Projhect artists rendered into unique fashion designs by famous Filipino designers Anthony Cruz Legarda and Patis Tesoro. For more information, please visit www.eventbrite.com.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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Shawn Mendes tours PH ahead of concert

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R c h 24 , 20 1 7

CANADIAN singer Shawn Mendes shared that he visited tourist destinations in the Philippines ahead of his concert. Shawn, who was in the country for the first time, said that he visited Tagaytay City, Taal Volcano and Balete Falls in Amadeo, Cavite, among others. Shawn shared that he enjoyed the falls, which he described as “beautiful.” He also shared some of his travel photos in his Instagram account. In some of his photos, he was seen smiling with Filipino children. “It was a beautiful spot. We’re literally really driving through the bay and we drove into the woods and then it opened up to a beautiful waterfall,” Shawn told the members of the press. “There’s a bunch of kids up there and we jumped off the waterfall and [went] swimming. It Undersecretary Gloria Mercado of the Office of the President, Consul was really nice,” he said.

Exhibit of artworks by Filipina artists launched in New York

Viewing the exhibit at the Philippine Center Lobby are Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-de Vega (center), with (from the left) Consul and Manager of the Philippine Center Arman R. Talbo, Cultural Officer Olive Osias-Magpile, Administrative Officer and Asst. Manager of the Philippine Center Reynaldo Cardenas, and Philippine Center Events General Dizon-De Vega and Dr. Rowena S.Navera of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) view the women’s art exhibit. Coodinator Victor Cruz.

NEW YORK CITY –The Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Center in New York launched the art exhibit “Proudly Pinay: An Exhibit of Works by Filipina Artists” on 20 March 2017 at the lobby of the Philippine Center in commemoration of International Women’s Month. The exhibit features paintings

and artworks of Filipina artists from the exclusive collection of the Philippine Center in New York. Among the pieces on display are the Basket Weaver (1974) by Norma Belleza, Purificacion y Saturnina (2015) by Greta Lood, Abstract (1981) by Pacita Abad, and Exodus of Filipinos (2006) by Zny Laygo.

Ai Ai delas Alas wins... From Page 3

movie Hate Crime. Meanwhile, her director Louie Ignacio, was nominated for Best Director Narrative Feature alongside Joseph Matarrese for Searching for Fortune, Julius Schultheiß for Lotte, Pedro Oswald Padilha for Tarde en el Abismo (Afternoon at the Abyss), Adam Green for Adam Green’s Aladdin and Mars Roberge for Scumbag. In her Instagram account,

Delas Alas thanked her director for accepting the award for her. “Good morning to all of you. I just woke up to this news. Thank you very much Queens World International Festival Awards for the award you have given me. When Gerald told me about it I was dazed, I knelt and I cried because of my gratefulness. I am thrilled (good thing I am not in NYC, I might pass out and not

The event is being held in honor of Filipina artists around the world and as recognition of their unique gifts and creativity and their immeasurable contribution in the field of the arts. The exhibit is open to the public and runs until 31 March 2017.

receive the award),” she posted on Monday. “I want to share this award to our producer BG productions, Tita Baby Salamat, Ferdy Lapuz, Dennis Evangelista, and to all the staff and crew of BG Productions. To my kind director Louie Ignacio, thank you direk for the patience during that first scene. If you did not do that, the scene will not be possible,” she said. “I also want to share this to my co-nominated actress in other countries. I want to dedicate this award to my children – Sancho, Shaun, Sophia, Andrei and to Gerald. You are my inspiration,” she continued in her post. The Queens World Film Festival is Delas Alas’ first award in an international film festival and her first for a dramatic role. Area won the Special Jury Prize at Eurasia International Film Festival in Almaty, Kazakhstan in 2016.

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.

Shawn Mendes

The 18-year-old international sensation shared he loved the view of Manila Bay from his hotel room. He said the bay view got him inspired and allowed him to write two to three songs. Asked if he’d love to have a vacation here in the future, Shawn said he is looking forward to it and would love to return to Taal Volcano and nearby tourist spots. “I’d love to vacation here…I’d like to spend more time [in Taal], maybe next time we come by,” he

said. Aside from the tourist places, Shawn complimented the people. He said the fans are hardcore in a good way. He also described Filipinos as “American-sounding,” cited that the locals speak good English. “You guys are actually nice here,” Shawn said. “It’ really s great and the people are amazing and the fans are loud,” the singer said of his stay. (Rosette Adel/Philstar.com)

Ronnie Alonte proud of friendship with Vice Ganda by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

SINCE his Metro Manila Film Festival debut as a lead actor in the horror flick “Seklusyon” in December, budding matinee idol Ronnie Alonte is no longer affected by bashers and finds his trolls envious of his fast-track achievements, especially in his home network ABS-CBN. In the Know caught up with the actor at his latest gig for the clothing brand Penshoppe, and his new cool crew called #ClubPenshoppePH, who exclaimed, “Inggit! Kasi may kanya kanya din silang sinusuportahan na artista at wala akong pakialam sa bashers. Ni-li-like ko ang post nila; in-I-I love you ko sila. Minsan nga nag-seselos na fans ko kung bakit yung bashers pinapansin ko.” Meanwhile, since January, photos have been circulating

Ronnie Alonte

online of the young actor’s closeness to comedian Vice Ganda, particularly those wherein both are sweet and playful to one another. Ronnie is far from denying the posts, and in fact,

is even proud that he is close to Vice Ganda and his co-hosts in Showtime as well. Ronnie looks up to them as his mentors in showbiz and he confides his career woes to the showbiz “seniors.” He reflected and further said it is good he is constantly being noticed by bashers, “Yung mga bashers mema (may masabi) eh, grabe nila i-judge yung mga bakla, yung mga bi-sexual o bading. Once na kasama nila partner nila kaagad may something kagad pero si Vice o makeup artist may malisya agad pero hindi naman natin ma-eexplain sa bashers.” He also denied that he has a relationship with Vice Ganda, “Napaka-bait na tao ni Vice. Sobrang OK kami sa lahat ng nakakasalamuha ko na same ni Vice. Sobrang OK lahat. Mabait ako sa kanya—wala kaming relasyon at magkaibigan kami.”

Our Lady of Victories Church celebrates 100 years JERSEY CITY – Our Lady of Victories (OLV) Catholic Church along 2217 Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City will celebrate the 100th year since its opening to parishioners in 1917 on Sept. 30, 2017. This was announced by Fr. Victor Paloma, current pastor of OLV, in a meeting of passionate parishioners who are organized into a committee that oversees preparations for the forthcoming big and historic celebration. In his announcement, Fr. Paloma said in part, “The historic celebration is not just a day, a month, or even a year. This celebration is a renewal of our faith and love of Christ and even among us. This is a beginning of another 100 years of our faithful.” Fiorello Salvo, long-time OLV parishioner was tapped by Fr. Paloma to chair the Anniversary Organizing Committee. As of this writing, the Committee has met three times under the guidance and direction of Fr. Paloma and Fiorel Salvo. The end-goal of the anniversary observance is to raise funds for the repairs and renovation of OLV church and to invite new and existing parishioners to get involved deeper in parish activities. According to Salvo, the following fund-raising projects had been lined up: • Publication of Souvenir Journal. • Holding of gala night on September 30, 2017 at Ramada Plaza Hotel in Newark, NJ. • Conduct massive parish

Fiorel Salvo

Vic Paloma

membership drive. • Four trips to Atlantic City on different months. • Penny jars • Sale of promotional materials, like hats, T-shirts and the like. • Flea Market • Hiring of professional

fundraising company Members of the OLV Anniversary Organizing Committee are: Lita Pena, Carmen Flores, Alma Redondo, Auring Garcia, Manelle Ybanez, Manny Caballero, Elma Nueva, Nancy Manaois, Tess Santos,Vicky Bogarin, and Weng Yaptangco.

How to build a house...

From Page 3 We maintain our cars and use highgrade fuel to get great performance from a machine to get us from Point A to Point B. Our magnificent bodies, the crowning glory of God’s Creation, deserve no less. If we expect to run the full course set before us and barring unforeseen twists of fate, like being run over by a truck, struck by lightning or hit by a meteorite, we can look forward to a long stretch of happy, productive, relatively healthy years ahead. 9. Admit you’re no superhero. Don’t take on more than you can handle. American life is demanding. We are all required to multitask at work and at home — to do too many things all at once —it’s

enough to drive us to the edge of insanity. One technique to help us maintain our mental health and take off the pressure when we feel overwhelmed is to say NO. Know your strengths and respect your limits and know when you’re spreading yourself too thinly. 10. A fool and his money are soon parted. Have this truism tattooed on the hand that keeps wielding the plastic, aka credit/debit cards, until it hits home — just until you learn fiscal responsibility and mind your financial health. The great financial industry that runs and oils America has your number and gauges the kind of risk you are based on your track record of fiscal responsibility reflected in that all too

The three sex... From Page 5 information around the world today show that these three PDE-5 inhibitors are efficacious and safe, when used according to standard medical recommendation and under the supervision of an

attending physician. *** 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

important number called the FICO score. This is the metric reflective of how you deal with money and your financial obligations. The gold standard is 850 and above. Cash remains king but a good credit history is queen. Mess with this metric and you will pay a painful price that hits your pocketbook even more when you have to buy big ticket items. Take care that in the first few years and for the rest of your life, you guard your credit history with the tenacity of a pit bull. (Next week: The third and final installment of 15 Tips: How to Build a House of Bricks) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

PH Consulate General conducts back-to-back consular outreach in Stratford and Toms River in New Jersey NEW YORK CITY - The Philippine Consulate General in New York sent a team to provide consular services to members of the Filipino-American community in Stratford and Toms River in New Jersey on March 18 and March 19, respectively. The Outreach Team was headed by Consul Arman R. Talbo. Ninety-seven services, including 52 passport and 23 dual citizenship applications, were successfully processed in Stratford during the one-day event which was co-organized by the Philippine Community of Southern New Jersey, Inc. (PCSNJ) headed by Mr. Jonathan Magpantay. In Toms River the following day, 66 services, including 13 passport and 9 dual citizenship applications were filed and processed. The event was held at the Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department Building and was co-organized by the Filipino-American Community Development Center (FCDC) headed by Dr. Ramon Suatengco. The weekend consular outreach also netted 32 new Overseas Absentee Voting registrants. Mr. Michael Azucena, Pag-IBIG representative based in New York, joined the consular team to promote Pag-IBIG’s programs. The next consular outreach of the Consulate will be held in Philadelphia and West Chester in Pennsylvania on April 1 and April 2, respectively. Members of the Fil-Am community in nearby areas are encouraged to avail themselves of the consular services available during these outreach missions.

An Asian Journal

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R c h 24 , 20 1 7

PACCAL’s 2017 International Women’s History Month... From Page 4

inspirational speaker, also inducted PACCAL’s newly recruited members. Where there are women, men won’t be far behind…and how would an all-women occasion be without men’s support? Yes, three potential ramp and print models semi-pro Dominican Cesar Caceres, Fil-Egyptian Noah Khayat, and Peruvian-Cuban Leonardo Subiza skillfully escorted Consul Arman R. Talbo (3rd from the right) administers the Oath of Allegiance to members of each recipient following a wellthe Fil-Am community in Stratford, New Jersey who reacquired Filipino citizenship through applauded brief ramp modeling. RA 9225, with officers of PCSNJ witnessing the ceremony. Aside from Magic DJ Ed O’Donnell’s music, awardees Mitch Semana (who sang the national anthems and provided two vocal renditions) and Sheena Zamora (who performed an Argentine Tango with Dr. Dalmacio Francisco) entertained the crowd to the hilt. An almost two-hour non-stop dancing ensued after PACCAL President Ramona S. Gapasin delivered her closing remarks that enthusiastically capped the affair that was competently hosted by Allah Ferrer and veteran radio Members of the outreach team, including Mr. Michael Azucena of Pag-Ibig, pose with the broadcaster Fiorello Salvo. officers and members of PCSNJ in Stratford, NJ. Lastly, they say a woman is as enigmatic as her own nature and as unfathomable as her wild thoughts…but to better understand and unveil her unplumbed ambiguity, ponder on this: “A woman is like a tea bag, you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” For comments and suggestions, please email to: Consul Arman R. Talbo (center), Dr. Ramon Suatengco, president of FCDC (4th from the gemini0646@yahoo.com. right), and other officers of FCDC pose with Fil-Ams in Toms River, NJ who reacquired Filipino citizenship under RA 9225.

The members of the Consular Outreach team pose with the officers of the FCDC and some applicants after the outreach mission in Toms River, NJ.

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All pretty women in a row

Retired teachers delegation supported awardee Virgie Cu.

WHM escorts Noah Khayat, Ceasar Caceres and Leonardo Subiza with PACCAL Director Bobby T. Yalong.

Male escorts with Hermie Garcia, Ramona S. Gapasin, Rose P. Javier & Marieta Lamar.

An Asian Journal

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY MARch 24, 2017